Chapter 80
Many of the people had been sent away, with some Huntsmen here and there guarding them. Granted, it wasn't exactly needed, but the 'Bullhead' that was coming would set people off. Stepping outside, Ozpin looked above as he saw a certain ship shown online. A ship that supposedly caused immense damage to the entire city of Argus with statements that they would kill those in their way. Obviously, having a crowd would be bad news. Yet even with the civilians and most of the students gone, Ozpin still felt tense.
"So…This is them?" A quick turn of his head reveals EMIYA nearby with others such as Glynda with him. All looking above to see a vessel that made everyone feel a bit of worry. Even when told they weren't monsters like the video depicted, that didn't mean there wasn't some nervousness.
"No need to panic." Something EMIYA tried to calm, speaking with none of his usual snark. "There won't be any nasty explosions coming from them."
"If anything, it's them that'll probably worry." Blackbeard, who joined, chuckled. "Cause we got the power to take them down." A few people chuckled at Blackbeard's words. While EMIYA rolled his eyes, he supposed Blackbeard did calm the Huntsmen around here and students.
Speaking of students, EMIYA glanced to see Ruby Rose and Jaune Arc, who are part of the group here to greet Chaldea. A small smirk seen on his normally stoic face. Having been training them with those two having done wonderfully for themselves. Their weapons next to them which they now knew how to use to the best of their ability.
Not just them either. Those like Qrow, Sanzang and others are also around but nearby just in case the meeting with Chaldea devolves into panic. The Servants stationed at Beacon knew their Masters are innocent, but are here just in case things get bad. Hopefully it didn't come to that, as the Servants didn't wish to fight their former Masters.
In the meantime, the vessel above everyone slowly descended. Everyone got a good look at the ship, and while still wary, there were those who liked the ship's design. Finding the craftsmanship being quite impressive, with others finding the colors to be nice or cool. The ship is reminiscent of something you'd see out of a comic or show. Something Jaune himself really enjoyed and took pictures of the ship while Ruby, next to him, did the same.
After a few minutes, the ship soon came to a full halt as it finally landed and touched the ground. Landing smoothly where the engines could be heard powering down and the noise emitted growing soft. The few Huntsmen and students with Ozpin and the Servants stationed at Beacon slowly went for their weapons. Though as ordered, they'll only pull them out if a fight would occur. Hopefully that won't happen.
As for EMIYA and Blackbeard, both gave each other a glance.
It's been a long while since they've seen Chaldea. While certain Chaldea would never resort to such barbaric and horrific methods like the video supposedly said, they weren't certain how Chaldea might react to many people having weapons ready and aimed at them. But if the Masters are in command still, then no fight will happen like everyone fears. Still, best to be prepared just in case.
A full three minutes passed, then, a whirring sound could be heard. From the side of the ship, a part of the hull clicked and a rectangular outline came out, the opening of the vessel itself. Going downward and revealing simple steps so whatever occupants that are inside can exit out just like an airplane. Then, after a bit a head poked out.
"Eeep." Then quickly went back in. While most missed it, it had been a person with blonde hair, EMIYA and Blackbeard, thanks to their Servant hearing, then heard some talking inside.
"It's like I thought. They have weapons!"
"Don't be so scared, Director, honey. I bet that's their way of greeting." A voice EMIYA never heard before said, same with the first voice.
"If so, then we're dead." A rather negative tone spoke up. Sounding depressed.
"Come on now." A female voice that sounded like Da Vinci but younger then answered. "Don't be scared. We have to talk to them anyway." While EMIYA was confused if this was Da Vinci or not, Blackbeard began giggling madly. Like he knew something that EMIYA didn't. The females near Blackbeard stepped back with apprehension towards the Rider.
EMIYA then heard a voice he recognized utterly. "Alright, alright. So they have weapons out and the same guy who blew up a dragon."
Followed by another recognizable voice. "But instead of being worried, we should step out and show some trust. Otherwise, how else will we expect them to believe in us?"
'The Masters.' EMIYA smiled. 'It seems things are going to be great now.' Soon after that very thought, a figure came out of the ship. Followed by another, and another. To everyone else, they had no idea who these individuals even are. To those of Remnant, just people they might have to be wary of and no more than that. But to those known as Servants, they recognized them easily enough.
Er, well most of them.
'Since when was Da Vinci a…child?' EMIYA thought as he saw the two Masters, the Fujimaru siblings, come out with smiles on their faces followed by a childish Da Vinci and some individuals he's never seen before. Like a rather porty man like Port himself with blonde hair, a moody looking teenager, and even-...oh damn.
"You've gotta be s%&$ing me?" EMIYA's face then formed a massive grimace. An exact expression made by a certain young man who exited the ship followed by…Rin!
"...what?' With the magus herself clearly feeling the exact same as her boyfriend. As two familiar faces came into Archer's view and saw him. And just seeing that stupid face next to Rin made EMIYA ponder one thing.
"Ozpin."
"Yes."
"If that idiot with the orange hair makes a move," EMIYA already pulled out a bow with a sword ready to be launched. "Aim for him first."
"I can hear you bastard!" Then called out the idiot known as Shirou Emiya, with the Masters and the others aside from Rin surprised by him throwing an insult already. "And screw you." Shirou called out to Archer.
"Wait, they know each other?" Having overheard, Jaune looked at Ruby who shrugged.
"T-That's a good thing, right?" That meant they could talk it out without any problems. Right?
"Aw, Masters." Blackbeard then suddenly shouted to everyones surprise. "Are you here to invite me to the next event?" Event? Nobody had any idea what Blackbeard was saying. "Oh! Did you bring any of the cute loli Servants with you?"
"...Loli?" Up in a tree, Qrow Branwen gained a puzzled look along with many others. Having little clue to what Blackbeard is even saying. Though a few started giving gross looks at Chaldea wondering if they had little girls or something up in their ship. Looks that made the humans flinch at getting such a poor reception.
"Blackbeard!" Ritsuke then shouted with Rider listening. "Shut up." Rider then looked down.
"That jerk." Someone on Beacon's side then said. "He just scorned one of our own." Who did they think they were?
"I say we beat em up." A female student then declared. "Here they are coming down and already insulting us." A lot of agreements came around. Hands already slowly reaching and touching their weapons.
"Aw man." Gudako took a step back. "Do you think we're going to fight?"
"I knew it. I knew it!" Goredolf then spoke while fidgeting at the sight of many teenagers and a few adults grabbing their gun-swords and what-not. "They're going to strike. Attack us with their chainsaws and missiles." Not wanting to be defenseless, Goredolf got into a boxing position and held his fists tight. "I won't go down without a fight." His battle stance only caused many people to grab their weapons faster.
"Aw man. This is not how I wanna die." Having little combat experience, Kadoc negatively assumed he'd be killed if a fight broke out between them and a bunch of kung-fu hybrid weapon wielding people. That'd be embarrassing.
"Nobody is dying." Da Vinci tried to comfort Kadoc before facing the crowd of weapon wielders. "But yeah, better to calm the situation down before it gets worse."
"Really?" Ritsuka said. "I mean, how much worse can it be than now?" Gudako slapped her forehead while Shirou shook his head. Words that shouldn't be spoken have been spoken.
"Master!" With the universe deciding to punish such words already. As Sanzang came out and held Sun close by her, the young man long since used to it by now. Yelling, "I found my partner from another world!" Laughing, she then shouted, "The great Buddha has clearly rewarded me."
While her lines weren't exactly bad, it did cause some discussion among the people. Where one Cardin Winchester then realized something. "Hey…She called that average looking nobody Master." Ignoring Ritsuka's hurt look at being called an average nobody with Gudako giggling, Cardin then said, "That means…she's in league with Chaldea!"
"Oh damn!" Russel cried out with many people now looking worried. Now pondering if they had the enemy within them all this time. Some are now pulling out their weapons in their alarm.
"Now, now." Ozpin then turned around, to calm everyone. "There is no need for dread. Put down the weapons." There will not be a fight here in Beacon.
"Yeah." Gudako then turned to Goredolf. Hissing out, "So put the fists down!"
"Hmph." Goredolf reluctantly did so. Once he did that, the rest of the students and Huntsmen did the same. Things look a bit more amicable now, especially with no harm befalling everyone here. Still, to ensure nothing bad happened or fate being tempted, quickly Ozpin called out for the main individuals he wished to talk to come with him. The rest stayed by their ship and looked after by those who volunteered to stay. Those who followed Ozpin back to his office being Glynda, Oobleck, the two Masters as the Servants called them, a girl called Mash and Da Vinci. All going back to the office.
"Why are the windows broken?" Which happened to be a mess still with the broken glass. Something Gudako noticed and felt the cold air, shivering.
"Apologies. But some…rough housing happened that caused this." Or, truthfully, some students were training and shot a bullet at the windows a few days ago. Breaking them apart once again in another series of broken glass. Ozpin has given up on repairing them.
"Uh-hu." Ritsuka then just shrugged, having experienced weirder stuff. "So then, we should start talking I guess."
"Of course, take a seat." Ozpin said with the four guests grabbing some of the nearby chairs and sitting down while Ozpin sat behind his desk while Oobleck and Glynda were comfortable just standing. Once the seating arrangements were done, everyone stayed silent for a bit as they pondered what to say.
Eventually, it was Glynda that started, asking, "So then. You are all from…Chaldea, correct?"
"Not from. Are." Da Vinci winked while giggling.
"Really?" Oobleck narrowed his eyes at Da Vinci, then at the two Masters and Mash. "They let in…children and teenagers in your organization."
"Phh." Ritsuka snickered at the child comment, knowing it referenced Da Vinci who frowned. Mash gave him a stare to not make fun of Da Vinci while the Gudako also giggled. Even Fou, who had come with them, seemed to smile.
"Uh, no." Da Vinci, not wanting to be treated as a kid, decided to get specific. "While I might look this way, I am in fact a grown-up."
"So then, a Servant?" Oobleck asked, with Da Vinci nodding.
"Exactly. I am a…?" It was then Da Vinci realized exactly what Oobleck just said. "Wait, Servant? You guys know…"
"Sir EMIYA and Blackbeard have been very helpful in telling us the information they had along with the other Servants that we met." Glynda answered them.
"They were also the ones that convinced us that you weren't the cause of Argus's disaster." Oobleck adjusted his glasses, giving them a sinister gleam. "Otherwise, we would have likely just shot you down."
"...right." Coughing a little, Ritsuka decided to just go along with this. While surprising these guys knew about the Servants, it wasn't that big of a deal either. "So then, you know we're innocent?"
"The Servants helping us were very adamant about it, yes." Ozpin still remembered how EMIYA, Blackbeard and Ana all proclaimed Chaldea innocent. While they were surprised by the video and the attack, they quickly believed it to be a lie or made up.
"Nice to see we still have trust with them." Gudako smiled, glad to see the relationship between Chaldea and the Servants here are still holding strong.
"Ah." Mash then came to a realization while petting Fou. Remembering how Chaldea, during their trip to Beacon, recalled the many photos they saw of Servants they tried searching up. "Um, excuse me. But, how many Servants are at Beacon right now?"
"About six." Glynda answered professionally. Referring to EMIYA, Blackbeard, Sanzang, Nezha, Ana and Voyager. "Granted, there were more but each group left a while back." The Argonauts have left for Mistral while the Gorgon Sisters, with the exception of Ana who stayed here, are on Merlots island with Port. Negotiating on how the island will be renovated and what supplies can be given to Beacon. "Of course we are aware of the other Servants, though they're located elsewhere."
"Ah, right. Atlas if I recall alongside in Vacuo." Da Vinci said with Ozpin looking confused now.
"How did you know that?" He didn't recall any of them giving their location.
"We did some research on the Storm Border." Ritsuka answered respectfully. "Though it was slow, seeing as we had to get used to your internet which has some slight differences from our internet." Nothing to major though. But some functions and settings had slight differences and Remnant's version of Google wasn't like there's at all. So it was tough getting used to that.
"Interesting." Ozpin gave a humorous smile. "So you all really do come from another world."
"They told you, didn't they?" Da Vinci concluded with Ozpin nodding. "Figures. Though I bet you saw them do unusual things that convinced you."
"One of the Servants with Ironwood turned into a dragon." Oobleck says while chuckling. "We've been seeing many unusual things as of late." From the Servants themselves to these strange creatures that go from fearsome all the way to ridiculous like the magical girl wands. "Quite frankly though, I'm just amazed by whatever history your world has. Why, it must be very incredible."
"Troublesome too. But yeah, it's awesome." Ritsuka and Gudako then look at Mash with all three grinning. Having traveled across the countless Singularities and experiencing history itself in some ways. Both the good and the bad, making the journey epic. All three being with one another all the way through.
"That's very intriguing. Must be quite a story." Having also gone through history, Ozpin also pondered what it'd be like to experience living through another world's history. "However, I believe we're getting off topic."
"That we are." Da Vinci then looked at the lovebirds who sat straighter. All now paying closer attention. Once done, Da Vinci then said, "I believe we should be speaking about the woman who framed us, among other matters like the Demonic Beasts entering your world."
"Demonic Beasts? So that's what they are called." Now Glynda and the others knew the official name of those nasty creatures that roamed among the world. Much better name than the 'Colored Grimm'.
"Yep. And we'd like to apologize for that." Da Vinci told them as she felt sorry for Remnant. "Honestly, we have no idea how those things came to your world. Though it's similar to our situation with the Grimm."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Ozpin.
"What Da Vinci means is that just like how your world is being invaded, so is ours." Mash then took out a tablet and passed it to Ozpin. It was on and in gallery mode, which showed none other than images of the Grimm attacking places with different cities. Ozpin's eyes widening at seeing this.
"Yep." Da Vinci crossed her arms. "I don't know how, but just like the Demonic Beasts, these little vermin are attacking our world as well." Thank goodness they had the military to hold them back while some magus in secret also dealt with them. "Still, their invading more or less caused us to come here and deal with them at their source." All it took was using the brightest minds to bust through another dimension. Just another day at work for them.
"Then I apologize for your losses." Ozpin gave an apologetic bow with Da Vinci shaking her head.
"Woah there, not your fault." She told him.
"Yeah. If anything, we should be the ones apologizing." Gudako then blushed while grunting a little. "Especially since technically, the Servants coming here is, well, I wouldn't say our fault exactly. But…"
"One of our Servants threw a tantrum and blew up a console that apparently sent them, or some split fragment, to this world." Honestly, the situation in which this all began was so weird and unusual that Ritsuka didn't even get it at all. But that's what life is. Full of strange things that can't be understood at times. I mean, even now he didn't get how Rayshifting entirely worked despite using it for countless years alongside his sister and Mash. Just like how a person may use their phone all the time, didn't mean they knew how it worked.
"Huh. And here I thought it was some unintentional space-time disruption." Great. Now Oobleck had to pay Port who believed the Servants came here because of their own mistake. Damn it all!
"We already told off the Servant that did it." Gudako told them while stretching a little. "Anyway, after the Grimm came and we discovered many of our Servants apparently ended up here, we worked on a device to get us here."
"We did notice many more individuals in your ship than just you four." The blonde man called the Director, the depressed teen and many more. Glynda wondered what they're roles were. "Just how many of you even came?"
"Not too many." Da Vinci answered. "While we brought quite a few with us, not enough to be considered an army." Heck, and after learning about the mana drainage thing, they couldn't risk summoning any Servants aside from the three already brought. Holmes, the Captain and Da Vinci herself. Though even with their small number, they could still fight pretty well with the magecraft spells they knew and combat ability some of them possessed.
"Well, at least we know you're here not to fight, but to help I assume." Ozpin said with Da Vinci grinning.
"Oh yeah." The other three and Fou all rolled their eyes. While well meaning, Da Vinci loved to show off her intelligence- and ego -when it came to showing she was of great use. "We're here to ensure both sides come out alright. Especially since the guys back home wanted us to blow your home apart."
"I'm sorry, what?" Glynda and the others looked surprised by that.
"Um, the UN thought that wherever the Grimm came from, might have been an inhospitable planet." Mash explained with even Chaldea thinking, and hoping, the Grimm's home world was full of only them and nothing else.
"But that's dumb, stupid really." Da Vinci chuckled. "I mean, the Servants we have with us are strong…but none hold the power to destroy a planet." Except for Gilgamesh, but better not to mention him. Especially since he's still around somewhere; better to deal with him secretly and not cause a panic. "They just want us to wipe out the source of the Grimm though, which I admit, won't be easy."
"Safe to assume you've tried to learn about our world's history including the threats we have." Oobleck questions them with Mash nodding. "Then sorry to say, but the Grimm are widespread."
"Yeah, we kinda learned that when we were reading up." Despite saying that, Gudako then rolled her eyes at Ritsuka who whistled innocently. "Though some of us have been reading the comics here instead of history."
"What?" Ritsuka said innocently, like he did no wrong. "This is a chance to read if this world has cool stories." With Ritsuka liking the comic about some guy facing the Grimm while riding a super mecha.
"Uh." Oobleck turned his head. People, so consumed with fiction instead of learning about history. I mean, what could be more important than history.
"..." As for Ozpin, he stayed silent. Wondering if he should say that the Grimm do have a source. Yes, as Oobleck said, the Grimm are widespread truthfully speaking. However, it wasn't as if they appeared out of nowhere either. They came from a source after all, their genesis. The Pools of Grimm, that spawned them since the beginning of this world. Not helped that the Grimm only became so numerous because they were allowed to spread for a long number of years.
'But would telling them the source even help?' Ozpin wasn't even sure how they're coming to earth. And it was unlikely Salem was the cause of this, as she's more focused on ruining this world than wasting her time on another. Though Ozpin can imagine she wouldn't mind causing chaos in this other world if she had the time.
As Ozpin mused this, the others spoke small talk on a few things.
"So then, you have Voyage here?" Gudako gave a sigh of relief. "We've been wondering where he went. Only knowing he vanished fully away."
"He did arrive a while back. Qrow met him along with Ana." Glynda responded while taking out her scroll and showing the Master an image of the young Servant with a girl. "He's been hanging around with a young girl of…importance." Gudako gasped as she recognized that girl.
"Erice?!" Mash overheard and checked the picture herself.
"What-how…" Once again they saw another friend. Or at the very least, someone who looked very much like the Servant they knew in Chaldea. Now here as well, even if looking a little different.
"Dimension variants." Ritsuka then chuckled, recalling every comic he's read. "It's a thing in manga and anime." Where if one goes to another world, they just might see another version of themselves living in that world. Kinda like the Lostbelts and how they had different versions of the beings they knew. Or even, to a lesser degree, seeing Servants they recognized but were separate versions of the ones in Chaldea.
"Mmm. I guess." Honestly, it made sense. Though Da Vinci didn't like how the answers came in the form of a fictional story instead of actual science. Still, the end results are the same. "We did see images of Sion. Not to mention Sanzang mentioned having her old apprentice with her." Or a version of him anyway.
"I wonder if we might find others that look like old friends we know?" Mash pondered before holding Fou close to her. "What do you think?" Fou just gave a small little shrug and then just scratched behind his ears.
"Well, moving on from that," Da Vinci then tried getting everyone's attention again. "For now, we should probably go back to figuring out how to solve our problems." Mainly, the threats occurring on both worlds. Anything else like dimensional variants can be figured out later.
"Yes. We did go off topic for a bit." Sighing, Ozpin straightened his back and cleared his throat. "For the time being, we have already actually sent a group to see if they can deal with the woman who framed you."
"Wait, really?" That was a surprise for Ritsuka. Though he bet Goredolf would be pleased about that, as it meant they didn't have to do it and get into who knows what kind of danger.
"That's great." Mash smiled with Fou hopping up and down on her shoulder. "That means that woman could be dealt with." Which could clear their good name. Even though nobody attacked them, it was clear those in Beacon are still vigilant and distrustful of them. Only held back from attacking because Ozpin convinced them not to, who himself was convinced by the Servants. Had they gone anywhere else, they'd have been attacked on sight.
"Indeed. We sent at least eight Servants against his mad woman." Oobleck smiled, full of confidence.
"Then come on, tell." Da Vinci put on her adorable face. "Who did you send?" Maybe someone like Sigurd, oh, or perhaps maybe Ereshkigal. Either way, sending eight Servants is a guarantee this woman is defeated.
"Why, we sent the Argonauts." Oobleck declared.
"..." The second that name left Oobleck's mouth, everyone paused.
The Argonauts. That meant…
"Well, they're all still pretty strong." Gudako then stated with the other three then nodding, which included Fou.
"Y-Yes." Sure Jason wasn't always the most reliable, but when it came down to it he could get the job done. Especially with seven other Servants by his side. "I'm sure the Argonauts will do great." Mash nodded.
"I mean, yeah." Sure it was because of Jason some of this stuff even happened, but eh, not too big of a deal. "Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if the Argonauts called us later and said they won." If anything, Ritsuka bet Jason would brag about it.
"How long ago have they been gone?" Gudako then asked the teachers.
"A while now, but they should have arrived in Mistral a bit ago." Ozpin replied.
"Then maybe the deed is already done." Tough to tell of course, but Gudako bet that damn bitch will be taken care of soon enough. "Heck. I wouldn't be surprised if those guys came back with Salem's head." If only as evidence and a trophy.
Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.
A buzzing sound is then heard, with Ozpin reaching for something below the desk. Where he then took out his own scroll and checked who was calling him. "Oh. What stupendous timing." On the scroll showed the name Jason. "It seems we're getting a call from the man himself." That got everyone's attention where they then listened closely as Ozpin began setting up the scroll to show Jason to everyone through the holographic function.
Once Ozpin set it all up, the holographic image then turned on to show Jason himself.
"Ughrr. Can't you move already!" Who's back of the head is wedged between a woman's chest. With said woman looking rather upset by it.
"Shut it! At least you don't have some asswipe's elbow digging into your butt!" Caenis then tried to move but stopped. Looking a little flushed as behind her and very close is Castor who's grumbling.
"Like I want to be near you!" He shouted while Heracles shifted and ended up having his muscular arm slamming into Castor's face. "Ahhhh!" It broke his nose.
"This is just awkward." Asclepius himself states while looking down. Where one will then see he's sitting on top of Atalanta's back while her head is embarrassingly pressed against Medea (Lily)'s behind who's blushing madly because of it. Where nearby Pollux is being squashed and stuck between a wall and a wall of muscle that was Heracles. Overall, all the Argonauts are pressed and stuck together in a very cramped space. All in horrible positions that looked very much uncomfortable.
"...Should we give you guys a minute." Ritsuka then spoke where Jason turned and saw his two Masters along with others he recognized.
"The hell?" Too bad his surprise caused Jason to move in the cramped space, making everyone inside- wherever they are - to feel themselves shift and turn and yell out. Asclepius falling onto the ground. Atalanta felt her tail being stepped on and shrieking. Medea (Lily)'s staff now entering Caenis's nose. Heracles accidentally tripped and body slammed Jason who screamed while unable to grab the controls of whatever vehicle he and the other Argonauts were in.
"...we'll call you back." Ozpin then hung up and crossed his arms. Deciding to give the Argonauts a few minutes to relax themselves.
I could say why I was gone, but I'm to lazy to bother. If you want an answer though, check out my still un-deleted story Remnant's of the Lostbelt. It has the answer. Just know that I'm FINALLY done with all the chapters of this story, and will update them starting every other day.
Moving on, it seems Chaldea has finally landed, and while their reception is a bit frosty, nothing too bad either. Granted, EMIYA and Shirou still dislike one another. But moving on, our Masters alongside Mash and Da Vinci meet up with Ozpin and his group, talking a little about their own things here and there.
Ending with Jason calling them , no doubt about Salem, but cramped in some place with the Argonauts. How that happened, guess we'll find out next chapter. Until Next Time.