(Early Authors Note: ...Yep... it's me, your humble TaleBearer42Day. I'm back, and this time for good. I had to take some time off for specific reasons, but now I'm back from the Body Matter (which is my own little pocket-realm I made which looks like the waiting screen in AC Valhalla when you travel, but has rows on rows of bookshelves, waiting to be filled with tales such as this one). Anyways, I am here and I hope this specially-long chapter can make up for how long I've been gone.
To Colossus Bridger: Indeed. Though the Greenskins are a force of utter destruction and don't give a Squig for humies, they still use them sometimes. And Merlot's genius is no exception.
To Merendinoemiliano: Thank you, and I apologize for my far-too-long extended absence. I also don't exactly know what to do with the Ace Ops. I haven't thought that far ahead, but as I always say, suggestions and ideas are truly welcome.
Now, with a new chapter at last released, sit back ad enjoy as we pick up from after Lupio and Ruby had parted ways from that strange rumbling underground...)
Balthasar was sleeping soundly and dreaming of a way to open a portal back home.
In his dream, he was actually putting out the ingredients needed for such an undertaking. First was Gravity Dust, next was Hard-Light Dust, then top-tier Atlesian tech along with his translocation spell, then-
"Pssssst. Gelt, you up?"
*sigh*. It appears he'll have to regain the answer next time he sleeps (if he can). Anyways, he looks tiredly at Lupio and says "What is it, Lupio? You do realize there are some people who are trying to sleep and contemplate what to do next, right?"
Lupio, rather than make a witty reply, just shuffles his feet and looks nervous and uncomfortable. More than enough signs for Balthasar to know something is up. After waiting for a few moments, Lupio says "W-well, you see… I've been spending a fair bit of time with Ruby Rose recently and I was just wondering what that makes us? I-i mean, do friends usually get in close proximity to each other's faces or is that something closer people do?"
Okay, this was not what Balthasar was thinking he would ask. He also doesn't exactly know how to answer matters of love. He's the Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic. Not the Supreme Patriarch of Love. So, he gave an honest answer and said "Uhh, no. No they don't. Why do you ask? Do you have feelings for someone? For her? Hmmm?"
At this, the Expeditionary Army leader just stuttered and said "What? N-no, not at all! You know we can't grow too attached to people here in Remnant. At least, not until a connection back to the Empire is made. So, uh, that was all I needed you for, see ya!"
But before Lupio made his exit, Balthasar called out and said "If you love that Ruby girl, then just say so already and be done with it!"
"I told you, I'm not going to get too attached to anything here. Besides, I don't even know if she would accept me. Not only that, but her sister scares me a little."
Gelt just sighed and went back to sleep.
When the morning came, the 'randomizer' chose Emerald and Mercury against Gorlasg and Rotgutt. Just another reminder for Cinder of how she failed her mission back during the dance.
Down in the arena, the two teams were sizing each other up. "You're gonna wish you'd never been born, hummies." Gorlasg said, itching to start fighting. "We'll see, Greenskins. And if so, I'll try to not have blood staining me." Emerald replied. When Port counted down and the battle began, Mercury and Emerald walked back into the tall grass behind them while Gorlasg and Rotgutt just watched. Rotgutt, not wanting to waste any time, pulled out his fancy new weapon he calls 'Chomper' and went to work.
Chomper is like a giant yoyo but with a rapidly chomping maw of razor-sharp teeth and eyes that shoot multiple rounds of bullets. With that, the tall-grass-biome quarter of the arena was laid to waste, but neither of the two opponents were there. Then, from the trees, a hook-blade wrapped around Gorlasg and pulled him into the forest biome, leaving Rotgutt alone and suddenly attacked by Mercury. The two battled and many of Mercury's kicks were easily hitting Rotgutt, but his armor was (just barely) keeping him from death.
Mercury then charged up his greatest attack by spinning and making a whole swarm of bullets which he then sent colliding into Rotgutt. But when the smoke cleared, Rotgutt was still standing, a tan Aura shimmering around him. "So, this is that Aura you lot talk about so much, eh? I sure like it." Rotgutt said, tightening his grip on Chomper. He then slung it towards Mercury with all his force and it chomped down hard on Mercury's legs.
The Ogre then slung him around like a ragdoll, slamming him into rocks and boulders, crushing him onto erupting geysers, in short, he beat the mess out of his opponent.
As for Gorlasg, he was still getting pulled by that chain until he cut it with his weapon and looked around. "Come out, ya cowardly git!" he yelled. From somewhere in the trees, Emerald's voice said "Now look what you did, you ruined one of my weapons. You Greenskins really do nothing but wreck stuff, you know?" Gorlasg just growled at this and waited for Emerald to make her move.
Suddenly, Mercury came charging at him from the front, but when he went to attack him, he disappeared and was replaced with a kick to the gut by Emerald. The Orc staggered back and swore, before charging back at the smirking hummie. Emerald easily jumped back to avoid the heavy slam, but didn't expect Gorlasg to swiftly pull it up and swing in a wide arc. Emerald was hit square in the head and slammed into a tree. Her Aura flickering and nearly breaking. Emerald, knowing she can't beat him alone, flees to find Mercury hoping that together (she suddenly felt sick saying that) they can beat these two.
She runs out of the forest only to see Rotgutt slam Mercury down onto a geyser which then erupts. Port then calls out "Oh! And it looks like Mercury Black is down for the count on this one!"
As Emerald backs away from the wildly grinning Ogre, she feels a large, armored hand grab her ankle and say "C'mere, Emerald. We ain't done scrapin' yet." Emerald was then tripped up and dragged, screaming, back into the forest. Rotgutt just sat on a rock and waited while looking up at the screen that showed the team's Auras.
Mercury's was in the red, Rotgutt in the green, Gorlasg also in the green, but Emerald's was rapidly going down, down, down and down. When her Aura meter reached zero, the match was over and Oobleck called out Gorlasg and Rotgutt as the winners.
As the crowd was mixed between those who cheered and booed, the duo walked off the arena. The audience emptied as well and went about their business, waiting for the next fight. Cinder still silently sat, fuming at this turn of events. Lupio, meanwhile, was doing his best to avoid team GRYN and instead decided to check up on Balthasar and see if he found a way home yet.
"Heya, Gel-"
"No. No. No. NO!"
"M'kay, see ya."
Well, that was a bust. Lupio then decided to see how Vale's very own church of Sigmar was doing. He wandered around the city until he finally spotted the smooth stone and stained-glass windows of his objective. He even saw people go in and out, a sign of progress for sure. He entered, kneeled at the small statue and said a silent prayer, then went over to Gillie who was also there.
"Ah, Lupio. I'm so glad you could join us. You just so happen to be in time for my sermon. Would you also like to say some words?"
Gillie would have said more, but he noticed teams RWBY, JNPR, and CFVY entered. Lupio smiled and said "Welcome, friends! Here all can better learn the truth that is Sigmar. Please, come and take a seat, Gillie was just about to do a sermon." Before anyone could answer, a person stood up and pointed at both Blake and Velvet and said "Beastmen!"
Lupio swiftly calmed the situation before people started panicking, though they did draw small weapons. "Enough! All of you!" Lupio yelled. "I despise both Beastmen and... don't exactly tolerate Faunus just as much as you, but these two… well… huh, now that I think about it, I don't believe I know them all that well to vouch for them. Oh well, we'll just kick 'em out! That solves both them leaving, and them not getting hurt." At this, the people cheered and agreed and proceeded to grab Blake and Velvet. Their teammates couldn't do anything not just because they were being blocked off, but also because they didn't want to hurt anyone here.
"Ow! That hurts!" Velvet said as a particularly cruel lad grabbed both of her rabbit ears and pulled her out by them. Blake was simply roughly handled (mainly because her cat ears were too small for anyone to get a firm hold on, and she didn't have a tail) but when she saw Velvet in such pain and distress, she fought back. She kicked the person holding her, then ran over to Velvet and beat back the people around her, she even gave the person who pulled her ears a rather bad black-eye.
She was also angry at Lupio for allowing this, so she charged him, but Lupio (having been in many situations like this) instantly dodged but watched in shock as Blake ran into the Sigmar statue and, worst of all, it fell and shattered! Even worse, a piece flew and knocked down a candle holder which then caught a tapestry on fire. At the noise of shattering stone and the smell and sight of burning cloth, everyone stopped what they were doing and gasped (well, the worshippers gasped) before scrambling to put out the fires. They spread surprisingly quickly and nearly burned the whole church down. But they were soon under control (at the expense of the inside looking blackened and burnt, along with a few people being put into a slight coughing fit). When all was said and done, Lupio, ever so calm, suddenly said "Out." to Blake and Velvet. Gillie chimed in and said "They have both disturbed and nearly destroyed the peace in-and-of this holy place! They must die!"
Before anyone could move, Lupio said again "NO! They will leave. And leave now. Their human teammates will stay. It's time we extended our reach to the students of Beacon, rather than just the citizens of Vale."
"Excuse me?!" Yang yelled, enraged. "How could you treat your friends like this? They didn't mean for any of this to happen! They even helped you guys!"
Lupio just stared at her and said "I don't recall ever calling those two my friends. Nor will I ever, if they continue such behavior as they have shown today. Because of them, Sigmar's conduit is shattered, the church nearly burned to the ground, and worst of all, they have disturbed the peace. Such a series of offenses cannot and will not be tolerated. They were let off easy when all I did was let them leave instead of having them killed."
Coco, just as angry, then said "But that shouldn't give you the right to do this! They didn't mean it! It's just a stupid statue that you think some fake-"
"YOU WILL BE QUIET!" Lupio suddenly yelled with great force. He then got up in her face and said "Dare to say such slander again, and you will be dealt with befitting a heretic or Chaos worshiper. That being death."
He then quickly calmed down and turned to the rest of the congregation and said "Uh… I apologize to everyone for the peace being disturbed in such a manner. But, rest assured it won't happen again." he then faced the teams and said "Will it?"
None of the Beacon teams wanted to cause a bigger problem than the one that was already settled, so they nodded, then said farewell to their Faunus companions. But neither Blake nor Velvet had time to say goodbye back before the great doors slammed shut, right in their faces. Everyone was told to sit down once again and then Gillie stepped up holding a book with an unknown symbol. "This…" Gillie said, holding up the book "is the book in which the tales and holiness that is Sigmar is written. Since many of you are new, we will do only a short reading. Hear now these words: 'And so it was that with Ghal Maraz, that most greatest of weapons, the warrior Sigmar beat back the ravening hordes of Daemons that came from the cruel and cold north. It was then that all men took it as a sign. A sign that his right to rule was divine. That he was divine. And so on that very day the Empire of Man was born. With Sigmar its first and greatest of Emperors. Since then, the Empire has thrives and survived to become a symbol of hope and strength. And though Sigmar himself may be gone, he still watches over us, waiting to return when the End Times shall come.' Now, any questions?"
A boy sitting in front of team JNPR raised his hand and asked "So he became a god then and there? Or did he need to die first?"
"Boy, not all questions have answers, for there are many conflicting parts of this. Some say he did become a god then. Others say that it was when he died. But I say it is best to ask him yourself when you pass. For all who believe shall be welcomed into his embrace and see him in his glory." Gillie replied, with many of the Empire's men smiling and lowering their heads in reverence.
Another person (sitting next to team CFVY) asked that if Sigmar is real, is he here in Remnant?
To this Gillie said "Why, of course. He is a god. He can go where he pleases and do what he pleases."
Then, Jaune raised his hand and said "If we believe in him… can anything be possible? Can we become as great a warrior… as great a leader… as him?"
Before Gillie could answer, Lupio said "Of course, Jaune. But I myself have learned that belief alone can only take you so far. You must put your own effort into it as well. Only then can your greatness be achieved. Well, I'd say that's all for today. We'll see you all tomorrow!"
As everyone made to leave, Lupio held back to carefully put the statue back together. Ruby, the kind soul that she is, told her friends that she would stay back and help him. Yang offered to help too (if only to keep an eye on Lupio). The others saw Blake and Velvet waiting outside for them, but noticed how everyone was steering clear of them and giving them dirty looks. "Unbelievable. I can't stand the fact that these people are treating Faunus worse than before now with this 'Sigmar' as their god." Pyrrha said, watching two guys from the EA (Expeditionary Army) and a Vale human beat up a deer Faunus in an alleyway.
Lots of negativity is sprouting up all around Vale and even Beacon, but not one Grimm has been seen anywhere. Mostly because of the Greenskins' rampages across Sanus.
"Yeah, I know. If you don't particularly care for the Faunus, then fine. But don't go around violently showing it. Something should be done about this." Weiss said, looking around her. Ren, however, wasn't so sure and replied "But I don't think anything can be done. With Lupio, Gillie, Balthasar and the whole EA against us, not to mention the most zealous Vale followers, I doubt we could beat them at this. They take their worship of their god very seriously, as we have just seen. Perhaps the best action to take is no action at all."
Everyone sighed heavily at this and went their separate ways.
Meanwhile...
Back in the Old World, Ulha'up and his followers have stopped somewhere in the north, constructing something. They were dangerously close to the Northern Polar Warp Gate, but that is exactly why Ulha'up had it built. To be in defiance of the Dark Gods and their filth.
"Lord, it is ready." a Skink artesian says to the waiting Slann. Ulha'up nods his head and says "It is time. Tell the Skink mages to gather, and we shall prepare the Rite of Traveling."
When all was made ready, the Slann and his Skink mages chanted the ancient words from the Sacred Plaques and the gate they had built became active with their magical power. The Gate of Worlds was complete, and now the Voyager in the Rain Drops of Eternity was ready to spread the word of the Old Ones in the world in which many others have gone to. He was the first to enter the swirling magic that soon 'solidified', one might say, and showed a desert on the other side. Then all the rest followed, leaving a strong guard capable of protecting this monument.
On the island of Menagerie, there is a great desert that dominates most of the island. None live there, until now. In the center of the desert, a ball of pure magic power swirled and convulsed until it exploded and from it came the Gate of Worlds. A Lizardmen Temple-City formed up around it, along with lush jungle life.
A wandering camel Faunus saw this spectacular phenomenon and saw the emerging Lizardmen. Terrified and confused, he ran all the way back to Kuo Kuana, unaware he was being shadowed by a Gutter Runner. When he finally got back, he went straight to the chieftains house, yelling "Something in the desert! T-theres a city and jungle growing in the desert! Giant lizards were walking out of a portal! I saw it all!"
Many Faunus were confused at why he was so panicked and why he was saying such silly things, but when Ghira came out and heard the story, he called for any willing to come with him and see what if any of these claims are true. The Albain Brothers (who were among the crowd) volunteered and brought along some of their White Fang members. Others also chose to go (if only to later laugh at the camel Faunus and say they saw nothing).
Of course, when they reached the desert, they started to sing a different tune. They saw, even from the edge of the desert, a tall tower standing amidst the hot sandy waste. Wary of what this might be, they made their way out to what they soon saw was a glorious city of well-carved stone and gold. But soon they saw the Lizardmen spoken of, and they were riding on what looked to be small dinosaurs!
Knowing they couldn't outrun them, Ghira told everyone to remain still and see what they would do. The Lizardmen circled them before parting for a giant crocodile to lumber forward.
"I am Goxotl. You will follow." the giant kroxigor spoke before walking back towards the great city. Not being in any position to argue, the group of Faunus followed after and soon entered the gates of the ancient temple-city. What they saw was truly breathtaking. Lining up and down the main road they saw stalls and markets and other such buildings while down the other roads that branch off are much grander buildings and pyramids while other structures are floating above the ground or actual pools from which Lizardmen are spawning from. Soon they reached the foot of what looked to be the largest of the pyramids, and at the foot was a large niche in the middle of the large flight of steps in which the Gate of Worlds stood. After a few moments of wonder, they were led up the steps to the very top where they met their 'host'.
Saurus Warriors lined the stairways all the way to the top, with each one armed to the teeth and completely aware of the climbing Faunus. As a matter of fact, these Saurus trained their reflexes to their limit so that if anything or anyone tries something on (or against) Ulha'up, they'll immediately put a stop to it. When they finally reached the top, they saw a crew of about a dozen small lizardmen (Skinks, if they knew what they were) with stone tablets and some type of pencil, watching them intently. They were to the left of where Goxotl moved to stand. And in between the two, floated a richly-decorated chair with a massive blue-gray toad sitting upon it.
It seemed to make a noise as if in thought before saying "So… the first beings of this world we meet are of the Beastmen. They look like them, and yet I sense no taint of Chaos. Curious. Nevertheless, you have the fortune to look upon the first city of the Old Ones to be here, in your world. What exactly is your world it called, may I ask?"
Ghira, knowing full-well that this toad is the leader, realizes proper respect needs to be given (their lives quite literally depend on it) and says "Well, the world you are in is called Remnant. I and my friends here are what this world calls Faunus. Humans with animal traits, you could say. Now, uh… what is the purpose of your journey here, lord…?"
The great toad, after apparently waking up from a nap (of sorts) said "I am the Voyager in the Rain Drops of Eternity, Ulha'up. And you are now within Nulxataa, the New City. Here now is where my teachings shall stem forth, then spread across this tainted world."
The great Slann then turned towards Goxotl and a crew of Saurus and said "Take them to their quarters, then send them on their way back to their village. Ten'cha shall follow and teach their kind the Truth."
Unsure of what the Slann meant, and still wary of their predicament, they just calmly followed the Lizardmen escort to a low building with many beds. But none of them were soft mattresses, just stone. Lizardmen aren't really all that big on 'comfort'. They do have a world to protect, after all. Goxotl shoved them in and said "Sleep. Ten'cha will join you on journey home. Old Ones' word must reach the rest of this world." with that, he closed the door behind them and left the Faunus to themselves. One nervous Faunus turned to Ghira and said "Chief? W-what exactly do we do now? I get that they're letting us go, but I'm not so sure about this one that they want coming with us." The Albain Brothers on the other hand said that they should take this chance to gain new allies in their fight against humanity. "No doubt many of our cold-blooded brothers and sisters will feel very glad indeed if they see their otherworldly cousins fighting against those who oppress them so." Corsac said. Fennec agreed and said "Indeed. Perhaps we can gain much information from this Lizardman that they chose to send with us. If I may say so, Chieftain, I believe it would be wise to go along with this plan that these mighty lizards have in mind."
Ghira simply said he would sleep on it. So with that, they all laid down for rest. As they slept, Lizardmen throughout the city were setting up many defenses, should the Greenskins or Skaven plan to attack. As this was happening, Ulha'up was communicating with his fellow Slann, and after some talk, Ulha'up asked for more Lizardmen to join him and to bring many provisions. When asked if he was under siege, he just said "No. Not now anyway. But I fear this whole world will soon be engulfed by the churning green tides of war."
Even as the Faunus laid down for sleep and Ulha'up was exchanging words with Mazdamundi himself, a lone rat was spying out the city from within the trees. To say that the lone Night Runner was rather terrified would be an understatement. He was horrified!
First Greenskins, then the Empire, and now the worst of the worst, the Lizardmen!
The rat scurried off as fast as he could through the tree-tops, hoping he wasn't spotted and hoping he wouldn't get zapped into dust when he tells Thanquol. When he finally made it back to their underground lair, he shuffled forward to the Grey Seer and mumbled about the Lizardmen now here in Menagerie. "Hmm. I se-see…" was all Thanquol replied with.
But just as the Night Runner turned around and let out a relieved sigh, Thanquol turned and with a mighty scream of frustration, zapped the rat into nothingness.
"N-no-no! This isn't happening! This is no fair-easy! I-i-i can't beat-kill all of them! No-no! Unless… hmmmm, yes-yes, maybe…"
The Grey Seer soon got into a fit of maniacal laughter before ordering all of his forces to be ready. They're going city-destroying. But, he couldn't just utterly abandon his stronghold here in Menagerie. With it's many connecting tunnels and warrens, it needs someone to look after it.
And who better than the Master of them?
At dawn, Ghira and the others awoke to find one of those small Lizardmen from before waiting for them at the gates of the city. A Skink, if Ghira remembered what Goxotl said correctly. The Skink was surprisingly more chipper and optimistic than all the other Lizardmen and (to many of the Faunus's eyes) the only chipper and optimistic Lizardman. "Greetings! I am Ten'cha, and I will be joining you on your return journey. I have been given the great honor of instructing your kind to embrace the Old Ones. Perhaps you might even gain their gifts if you hold fast to your belief."
While Ghira and many weren't exactly excited about this arrangement, the Albain Brothers knew of an opportunity when they saw one. While they highly doubted that they would gain magic from believing in these Old Ones, they did believe in manipulating Ten'cha. If they can get him on their side, he can convince the rest of his kind. And with a powerful army like that at their backs, the White Fang will prevail over all. At once, Fennec walked over to the Skink and said "Most humble Lizardman, I am Fennec Albain and co-leader of the Menagerie branch of the White Fang. I and my brother Corsac would be delighted if you spoke in detail of these Old Ones you speak of and the magical abilities you can gain through belief."
Ten'cha, glad at gaining one Faunus listener, said "With pleasure." and told all he knew.
Back at Amity...
The next match was coming up, however, it was a match that no one expected. Apparently, after some talk between higher-ups, it was decided that two members of the Empire forces were to show off their skills in the Festival as well. "We would be remiss if we didn't see the skills of our human friends from another world." Ironwood said.
However, after having a quick chat with Balthasar, Lupio knew that the only reason they were let into the Festival now was only so they could be watched.
Specifically, him and Gillie.
Not only that, but their opponents were none other than Blake and Velvet! Lupio was sure that either they or their teammates told someone. Which of course started a series of events leading up to here. Now, Lupio and Gillie must once again face off against these Faunus. "Hmph. I have no doubts this will be easy." Gillie scoffed, sure of his victory.
Lupio wasn't so easily sure of his chances, though. He's both seen and heard of Blake and Velvet's skills. Not to mention the fact they have Auras and Semblances, and he and Gillie don't! Nevertheless, Lupio has a trick up his sleeve he was saving for something along these lines. As he and Gillie walked out, and saw Blake and Velvet waiting for them on the big center platform. Up above, Port and Oobleck provided commentary.
"O ho! It appears this match might be one where a grudge or two will be settled, wouldn't you say, Doctor?"
"Indeed I would. Having heard all the things I heard in Vale, I can see why Miss Belladonna and Scarlatina are itching to fight. I daresay all other Faunus hope they win!"
Lupio just looked up to where they are with a blank face and said "Whatever happened to commentators being unbiased?"
Velvet, rather nervous, said "You know, if you just forfeit we don't have to fight. We know you don't have Auras or Semblances, so please just walk away."
Blake agreed and said "I don't want this either, you know. But I have to teach you we Faunus aren't all bad. I don't know what bad experience you have with these Beastmen, but we aren't them! So please, for… for Rubys sake, Lupio… don't fight."
Lupio paused for a moment, but hardened both his heart and his mind and said "I… no. No! I am a faithful follower of Sigmar, and true patriot of the Empire. Our duties… our lessons we've been told… are to defend our land, and destroy all who would jeopardize it! We have a mission here: to turn the world of Remnant into an extension of the Empire. Faunus have no place here! Nor would they be tolerated! Be ready, for I will show no mercy!"
Gillie nodded, then the two said a silent prayer to Sigmar, then charged.
Lupio charged straight for Blake, while Gillie went after Velvet. Just as Lupio's weapon collided with Blake, she disappeared only for her to appear from behind and kick him down. He forgot about her clones, but quickly pulled himself up and swung his sword in a circular arc, keeping Blake away at a distance. Velvet meanwhile was having a rather tough time. Gillie brought down so much force when he struck the ground it was almost like a mini earthquake. More than once she nearly lost her balance (and had she not been able to dodge the gut punches, her lunch).
While many Faunus were cheering for Blake and Velvet to win, their teams weren't all too happy about them fighting friends. Well, Ruby and team JNPR were, at least.
Cinder and her team, however, were very interested and wondering who would come out on top. Cinder still planned on using the Greenskins for her goals, but having these men of the Empire would give her influential contacts that could be all throughout Remnant, not to mention their own world. "This will be fun." Mercury said, interested in who would win.
"Use your head, will you? Lupio and that big, armored guy don't have Aura or Semblances. They'll get beaten for sure." Emerald said, annoyed at Mercury's 'idiocy' (as she puts it).
Neo just shrugged and watched.
Cinder however, just said "Oh, please. There have been many surprising things happening since these new players came here. I for one have a feeling we're in for a real treat. Besides, have you forgotten that team GRYN won without Aura or Semblances? Of course, I have no doubts this might be a close match."
Back to the battle, Gillie had struck Velvet in the side, but her Aura held out and she only flew a few feet away. Blake ran towards her friend and teammate, only to be blocked by Lupio who swung in an upwards arc, causing Blake to stumble backwards before jumping nimbly onto the great blade and jumping off and towards Velvet.
Lupio sighed. He knew he should have gone with a regular sword instead of a greatsword.
But, he was quick on his feet and turned around immediately to chase after Blake. He saw that Gillie was overpowering Velvet and had just knocked her down. He had only to deliver the final blow…
But Blake had come in just in time and blocked the attack, kicking Gillie backwards, then helping Velvet up. "I don't think we can beat them unless we can both go after one at once." Velvet said. At first, Blake wondered how they could even get one of them out of the fight, but then had an idea. "Listen, I'll lead Lupio away while you attack Gillie. Once I get him far enough away I'll leave a clone and come running back here to help. Then Lupio will be all alone." she said, getting a nod from Velvet. The two parted ways and enacted their plan, which started off beautifully.
Lupio continued to chase Blake down, but she was leading him deeper and deeper into the forest side of the arena. Meanwhile, Velvet continued doing quick attacks against Gillie, knowing that she can't stay in prolonged combat and that even with all that armor, he can't hold out forever. Back with Blake, she left a clone for Lupio and sped off back to Velvet and with their combined attacks nearly beat Gillie.
Unfortunately, Lupio (though fooled by the clone) never lost his sense of direction within the forest and came back to swing at the back of Velvet, but Blake pushed her out of the way…
…
Only for Lupio's sword to collide with Gillie, knocking him out of the arena. (Luckily, he wasn't dead, just knocked out. His armor took most of the damage.)
Many in the crowd gasped and Port said "Well, well! Lupio has just knocked out his own teammate by accident! How will he prevail all alone?"
Lupio, horrified and shocked at this turn of events, dropped his greatsword and stuttered "I… I… n-no… *shaky breath*..."
Blake came from behind and said "Like I said Lupio. Without Aura or Semblance, you and your guys just can't make it here in Remnant. This world won't ever become part of your empire, no matter what lessons or lies about it you've been taught."
In answer, Lupio just started slowly laughing until it became borderline maniacal and said "Lies? The Empire I know doesn't tell its people lies. And if so, then it's for good reason, I'm sure. But if you really think we can't make your world part of the Empire, then you're wrong. We don't need Aura, we don't need Semblance. All we need is faith, steel, and this…" he then suddenly started levitating and the skies darkened and winds swirled around violently. He then raised one hand (suddenly glowing a sky-blue, if not teal, color) and said "By the Comet of Casandora, The Empire of Sigmar Heldenhammer will claim this world! And I, Lupio Von Schwatz, am the conduit through which that will happen!"
Then, from the skies, a massive comet unlike anything that had ever before been seen within Remnant comes crashing down straight towards Amity Colosseum. As Lupio stands there and many in the audience flee, the comet crashes right through the protective hardlight barrier from above and slams right into Blake and Velvet.
The powerful force of the ensuing explosion is so strong it rattles the entire colosseum and breaks the barrier protecting the audience. However, it isn't enough to harm anyone in the audience. The barrier did that much good, at least.
When all the smoke cleared and the audience (those that chose to, anyway) came back, they saw a massive crater and the utterly beaten bodies of Blake and Velvet. Lupio and Gillie were both completely fine! A look at the board showed Blake and Velvet's Auras completely gone.
Oobleck, knowing his duty as commentator, said "Uh…! A-and with that, everyone… it… appears that Lupio and Gillie have emerged victorious, claiming victory for their empire!"
As expected, the victory was met with all kinds of mixed results. Just about every single person (especially Faunus) in Remnant booed. Those who were the most devout of the Remnant followers of Sigmar cheered, those who didn't like Faunus cheered, the EA definitely cheered. And cheered the loudest.
But, of course, this stunt caught the eyes of not just regular people.
Already, both Adam and Sienna were gritting their teeth in rage, while Grom and many other Greenskins laughed their faces off. Far away, in some unknown part of the world, an ancient evil and her group were watching with interest at the display of such power. And deep underground (not to mention right beneath the Industrial District of Vale) much chittering was going on about the scary power they just witnessed before being told to keep tunneling upwards.
But for now, we must concern ourselves with the goings-on back in Vale. After carrying Blake and Velvet's (still alive) bodies away, Lupio hefted Gillie up and said "Sorry about that swing there, friend. Those sneaking animals are faster than I thought."
The priest just smiled and said "Don't worry about it. My armor caught most of the force. No cuts on me!"
After having a good laugh, they meet up with the EA spectators and head down towards Vale to see where they can build up their stronghold. One of the troops had mentioned he saw a good island off the coast of the city, and that it would be a good place. It's large enough to build a good empire fort and have enough room to move around.
*Clap clap clap*
"Bravo, Lupio. I must say, you men of this 'Empire' of yours are truly something special if you can do that. An incredibly powerful Semblance if ever I saw one."
Lupio (sighing under his breath) turned around and saw Cinder and her team. The EA started to form protectively around him, but Lupio shoved them aside and walked up to Cinder and said "Thanks. Cinder, was it? Ruby and the others spoke of you a bit. Along with your teammates Mercury and Emerald here. Now, what is it you want? Surprised? Well, in my world, I've faced conversations like this one before. So go ahead and say what you gotta say. I'm hungry, and I need a nap."
Taken aback by his ability to see through her cover, Cinder just went out and said "Very well then. I could use your skills, you and the rest of the EA. I'm willing to help form a permanent link between Remnant and your world, so that your empire comrades can come over here. I know you tire of wasting away here, with nothing. Not being strong enough to assail those barbaric Greenskins. So… what do you say?"
Cinder may not have the Fall Maiden powers, but she still has good persuasion skills. She got Torchwick and the White Fang, so she's sure she can get this little boy from another world.
"Tempting… but no. Why don't you try again when you're strong enough to actually make me think? I don't fully know what you're planning, but I want no part of it. Now, if you'll excuse me."
But as Lupio walked off, Cinder tried to grab his arm and say "I really think you should consider-" but stopped when the EA pulled out hidden weapons and Gillie raised his hammer. Lupio turned back and said "Better luck next time." Then he walked off.
However, he soon saw Ruby and the others running up to him and it was then that he hoped something, anything, would happen so he doesn't have to go through that possibly-awkward conversation. Luckily (or unluckily), something does happen. A loud explosion is heard coming from the city along with wild blasts of a green energy being seen sometimes shooting up into the sky. Lupio and the EA knew what that was.
Warpstone.
And where there's Warpstone, there's Skaven.
(Ending Authors Note: Well, well, well. The Lizardmen are finally here, the Skaven have launched a surprise attack on Vale, and everything just seems to be going crazy. I really hope this chapter brought enjoyment and is good enough to excuse my absence. Oh, and Lupio can actually do magic. Yeah, though he is a mercenary, he still went to the Colleges (how else do you think he met Gelt and is such buddies with him?) to master his power. Of course, that right there will start to really make Remnant wonder about these guys. All eyes are now on Vale, and not all of them have good intentions...
But, that is all for another chapter for another time. I thank you all for tuning in and I am truly, truly grateful to all of those who still stuck by this Tale. I thank you all and will see you next time. Bye, ya great gits!)
