I don't own RWBY. Rooster Teeth does.
"Oooh! Oooh! My favorite fairy tale is called the Girl in the Tower!" Nora raised her hand and waved it. "And there's also the Tale of Two Brothers!"
Pyrrha stopped when Nora said the second one. How did she…? No, Nora didn't know. She's just blurting out stories. She composed herself and coughed into her hand.
"Well, the tale I'm going to tell you is a variation of that tale. But it's still the same story, just different," Pyrrha said.
"A variation of which one?" Alice asked.
"The tale of two brothers."
Pyrrha readied her voice as she settled into a persona. Might as well play the part if I'm going to go through all that trouble, she said. Pyrrha opened her eyes and began to weave the tale.
"In the beginning, there was light and there was darkness. Two siblings who existed on a formless and vast Remnant, filling it with Creation and Destruction. When the Light came, there was Day and during the Day, Light created water, plants, and wildlife during the day. Her actions gave rise to the Gods of Water, Earth, and Life. When Light left the World, her brother, Darkness, brought with him the night. Disgusted by what his sister created, Darkness sowed fire, famine, and drought in order to wipe out all life on Remnant. From Darkness's actions came the Gods of Fire and Wind.
"Yet, life had a funny way of enduring. No matter what Darkness threw at the land, be it a cataclysm or a plague, life always found a way. And so, Darkness created another solution. From Darkness were born beings who shared his desire to destroy anything and everything his sister had created…"
"The Grimm," Jaune said, stroking Nyx's fur.
Pyrrha smiled sadly as she looked at her boyfriend.
"But the other Gods would not have it. And so, the Gods of Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, and Life all battled the God of Darkness in an attempt to banish him from Remnant. Yet, the God was too powerful for them to take on.
"And so when Light awakened, she was horrified at the state of the world. Life suffered from the wrath of the Gods. And so, she stopped the battle and confronted Darkness herself. What could be described next was nothing sort of an apocalypse. However, in the end, Light managed to overcome her Brother.
"Darkness expressed his hatred for his Sister's creations and so Light proposed that they create something together. Something they could both be proud of. And so, from the ashes of the world, Light and Darkness united together and created something. A creation so great that both adored it and cherished it.
"This creation was Man. Man was unique amongst the beings that roamed Remnant. It had the power to choose Light or Darkness. The power to create wondrous things. Tools, Cities, Society. Yet it also had the power to destroy everything it had ever sought to create. Man was gifted Wisdom and Knowledge by the Gods so that it may come to know itself and the world around it. And most importantly, Man was gifted with the power of Free Will. The power to choose what they want. Whether they lead a life within the Light, or sink into the Darkness," she said.
"This just sounds like the Creation Story of the Church of the Brothers," Alice said.
"I'm not done yet. There's more," Pyrrha said. She knew more than they did. There was a history that no one on Remnant knew. A history that Israfil had told her.
"There is more. Humanity as it is now was not as it once was. For humankind has walked this world twice," Israfil said.
"T- Twice?" Pyrrha asked.
"Mmm. And man paid dearly for its sins the first time…"
Pyrrha looked up at Alice and Jaune before continuing. "Man prospered and spread throughout Remnant. The Grimm were there yet they didn't worry about them. For Man was gifted something else. The God of Darkness, seeing their struggles against the beings he wrought, granted Mankind magic.
"Magic? Wait, the God of Darkness gave us magic?" Ren asked.
"He did," Pyrrha replied.
"Wait, so why can't the rest of us use it? What happened to it if the God of Darkness gave us this? Is this what our Semblances are? What aura is?" Ren asked.
"No, no, that's not it at all. It's more complicated than it seems," Pyrrha said. "Anyway, amongst the humans, the Gods chose Seven to represent them and to maintain the balance amongst the nations. The Ruler of Fire ruled the West, maintaining his iron fist over the nations there. He represented the God of Fire. To the East, the Ruler of Wind was known for his benevolence and guided the people to prosperity. To the North, the Ruler of Water's frigid heart helped protect and harden the people who resided there. Like her, they too bore a cold, rational outlook on the world.
"To the south, the Ruler of Earth inspired the people who lived there, building one unified nation in which all peoples were treated equally. His power and courage were admired by all. And to the forests of the world, the Ruler of Life traveled and healed those who were ailing and sick.
"Yet amongst the Seven, there were two that stood out. A warrior who was courageous and pure of heart. He fought for all that was beautiful in the world, protecting the innocent where the Ruler of Earth and Water could not and maintained order where the Ruler of Fire could not see. He helped those who ailed and brought peace like the Rulers of Wind and Life. This man was the Ruler of Light, the chosen representative of the Goddess of Light.
"And his opposite. She did not seek fame nor did she receive it even if she wanted to. Amongst the Seven, humans were wary of her for what she was. Yet, she still did her best. She helped those in need and protected all that she loved. And amongst the Seven, she was greatly favored by her God. And the other Gods and Rulers could see that the two were madly in love. This woman was the Ruler of Darkness, whose powers extended over all things that could destroy even the Grimm." Pyrrha took a minute to take a sip of water from her bottle before continuing.
"And all was right with the world, yet one day, the Ruler of Light came across a girl. This girl was imprisoned in a tower by her vile father. She could not leave nor could she fight her way out. Rumors of her spread through the land and many heroes came to save her yet all failed. The Ruler of Light, whose heart could not ignore someone in need, fought his way through the tower and saved her."
"Wait, isn't this the Girl in the Tower?" Nora asked.
"This is. There's something you have to know that I learned not too long ago. Every story on Remnant is connected to each other. No story exists independently by itself. It's all Remnant's secret history told as bedtime stories to kids," Pyrrha answered.
"I see," Ren said, placing his hand on his chin. Pyrrha smiled. Ren was beginning to connect the dots yet there was one piece of the puzzle that Pyrrha had that he needed to complete it.
"The two fell deeply in love. The girl loved him and so did he. And they made a promise under the stars that they would travel and see all that was beautiful in the world. However, fate was not kind. Rulers, for all their power, were still mortal and like all mortals. And so the Ruler of Light fell ill and died.
"The Princess was heartbroken and angry. She spent days cursing the world until she hatched an idea. And so, she made the arduous journey to the Domain of Light beyond the East. Once arriving, the Princess pleaded with the Goddess of Light to return her love to her. Yet the Goddess of Light refused for his resurrection would upset the balance of the world.
"But the Princess would not be deterred. If the Goddess of Light refused her, then she would turn to her Brother. And so, she traveled to a land that the Sun did not touch. A land that the Light refused to enter. The Domain of Darkness, home of the God of Darkness. When the Princess arrived, she begged the God of Darkness to bring her lover back to which he agreed, happy that others began to finally worship him.
"However, the Goddess of Light intervened. The two bickered over the Ruler of Light's fate until Light revealed that the woman had only come to him after she denied her her lover. Darkness apologized and finally sent the late Ruler of Light to the afterlife himself. And so, the Princess, in her rage, lashed out against the Gods. However, before she could, Light cursed her with immortality for her defiance."
"Wait, why would Light curse her with immortality?" Alice asked.
Pyrrha glanced at Alice, who had a mixture of emotions on her face. Guilt, regret, and confusion.
"No one truly knows but it was believed by the other Gods to be a punishment for trying to upset the cosmic cycle of Life and Death," Pyrrha said. "And so, with the punishment of being separated from her love for all eternity, the Princess tried to kill herself yet to no avail. Her resentment grew and she began to gather people to her side. The Princess preached of oppression and how their Gods were tyrants. As she traveled, her feats of immortality turned kingdoms to her side, and soon, she began turning the people against the Rulers.
"To her, the Rulers were the biggest threats to her plans of overthrowing the Gods and reclaiming her love. The Ruler of Fire fell first, burned at the stake by his own people. The Ruler of Water fell next, killed by the people she trusted and her heart taken as a trophy by the King of the North. The Ruler of Earth was dismembered by his own people and hung outside the temple of the God of Earth. The Ruler of Wind was decapitated and offered to the God of Wind in an act of rebellion. The Ruler of Life was poisoned and his body fed to the animals as a way to spit in the Goddess of Life's face.
"And one by one they all fell until the Ruler of Darkness remained. She stood guard outside the Domain of Light when the Gods heard of the fates of the other Rulers. When the Princess and her army came, the Ruler of Darkness fought back, sending the Grimm and all the forces of destruction against them. The battle lasted for days on end, until she too fell. Unlike the others, her fate was far worse. She was mutilated and tortured before finally crucified and left for her lover to find.
"When Man finally came upon the Gods of Light and Darkness, the Princess led a charge against them. And it was Darkness who retaliated. Disgusted and infuriated by mankind, Darkness took their gift and effortlessly wiped out all life on Earth except for the Princess. Light wept for the death of her children and deemed this world a failure before leaving. Darkness relished in his work before telling the Princess that all she had known was gone. Retribution for the love that he lost. And so, the Gods departed this world, never to be seen again," Pyrrha said.
"Wow, that's…" Alice looked at Pyrrha with some shock.
"That's some fairy tale. Where'd you hear it, Pyr?" Jaune asked.
"From someone named Isla," Pyrrha said, looking Jaune in the eye.
Jaune froze. Does Pyrrha know Isla? Wait, does that mean that she's in the school right now? Jaune's eyes wandered across the room until he saw it. A butterfly with rainbow-colored wings sitting on the lamp behind Pyrrha.
"No way…" Jaune was in disbelief. The Goddess of Life was here. Does that mean that she knew that Pyrrha was a Ruler?
"No way what Jaune?" Alice asked, looking at her brother.
"That was a nice rendition of the story, don't you think you two?" a voice came from all around.
"What? Who's…" Alice's words died in her mouth when she noticed that the world was greyed out. Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren were all frozen as if someone had pressed pause on time itself.
"Alice, don't freak out," Jaune said, standing up. "How long have you been here, Lady Israfil?"
"Isra- what!?" Alice got up.
"Hmm? Long enough for the Ruler of Darkness to tell that story." A butterfly hovered in front of them before transforming into a woman.
"Y- You… what?" Alice pointed at her.
"It's rude to point it out, you know but I guess it is a shock to see a butterfly turn into a person." Isla giggled into the palm of her hand. How long has it been since I've been able to see you with such an expression, Big Sister? She thought as waves of nostalgia washed over her.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't know that you were here, Lady Israfil. If I had, I would've put out the proper offerings and prayed more!" Alice bowed before her, earning her an amused look.
Jaune looked guarded, wondering why she was here.
"Are you here because of Pyrrha?" he asked.
"Jaune! Speak more politely! She's a God!" Alice hissed.
"Partly yes. But I'm here for the two of you," she said.
"Huh?" Alice stopped bowing and gave her a confused look.
"Oh, I am going to love this," Isla said, delighted to see Alice's confused face. "I'm going to milk this all before you go back to being a regal uppity bitch, Elder Sister."
"E- Elder Sister?" the two said.
"I'm loving this already." Israfil clapped her hands and smiled.
"What do you wish of us, Lady Israfil?" Alice asked.
"Nothing, I just wanted to sit here and talk. It's been a while since you and I have last talked, isn't it Jaune?" Isla said.
"The last time was when you told me about what was coming," he said.
"And have you prepared for it?" she asked.
"I still don't know what to make of it. You said that Fall was coming and that I had to make a choice that would alter the face of the world forever. Not just me but Alice too," he said.
"I did say that and you freaked out because you thought it meant that you and your sister had to save the planet by autumn," Israfil said.
"Wait… so back up, you and Jaune met?" Alice asked.
"During his training trip, Jaune ran into me and visited my cabin. I gave him enough provisions for a few days," she said.
"And that's why Jaune is being so calm about this?" Alice asked.
"To be fair, you're being calmer now than you were earlier," Israfil said.
"E- Eh! That's not the point! Jaune! Why didn't you tell me that you met a God!?" Alice said, grabbing his collar.
"H- How was I supposed to word it!? Hey sis, I met a God. Wanna me to tell you about it despite knowing that I would sound like a lunatic?" Jaune replied.
"S- Still! Even if it wasn't real! You should've told me!" she said.
"Ahahahaha! Eons later and this still happens! At least your arguments don't blow up a planet or star now! Ahaha!" Israfil laughed, clutching her sides as she rolled around in mid-air in front of them.
Eons? They both thought.
"Anyway, there was another meaning to that which I decided not to tell you. It's better for you to realize this yourself rather than have me do all the intel collecting for you. But my hint stays the same. Fall has arrived. The Ruler will awaken and the thunder shall split the skies," Israfil said.
"By 'The Ruler', I assume you mean Pyrrha right?" Alice asked.
"The Ruler of Darkness, yes. She will fully awaken. She has very little choice in that matter. It's either die or fully harness her powers," Israfil said.
"What about us? What do me and Alice have to do with all this?" Jaune asked.
"Oh, lots of things. Both of you have taken one of the main roles on this stage. The grand would-be Fall of Beacon. Well, it might fall depending on your choices," Israfil said.
"..." the two remained silent.
Isla stood there, looking at them. She sighed and continued prattling on. "Do you remember that story the Ruler of Darkness told you just now? About the beginning of the World, the humans, the Princess, and the Gods?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Did you know that the story she told you isn't over? I just told her that version which is incomplete but there is more to it. More specifically, its epilogue," the Goddess said.
"Epilogue?" the two asked at the same time.
"Precisely, an epilogue. Let me continue. It's better if you hear this from me rather than her. After Man was destroyed, the Princess wandered the world. Amidst the ruins of the Old World, grimm ran amok and began the task of dismantling the Previous Era. The ashes of the humans of the Old World settled and crystallized into what you now call Dust," Israfil said.
"I'm sorry but what? Dust is… dead person ashes!" Jaune said.
"Not ashes per se. Their bodies crumbled to dust but still had magical power inside them which then condensed into crystals that you humans use today," Israfil said.
"Anyway, moving on. That Princess wandered the lands until she had an insane idea. An idea that was destined to fail as the sun was destined to rise the next morning. Since the Goddess of Light, Mikhaela, granted her eternal life, then it stands to reason that the God of Darkness, Samael, was capable of doing the same. So she went to Samael's domain where the pools that birthed Grimm were located." Israfil's face became grim. "And jumped in. She became something between human and Grimm with a desire for destruction."
"What… that has to be a joke. There's no way something like her even exists," Alice said.
Israfil sighed and held her palm out. An image of a woman with deathly pale skin and a black dress appeared above her hand. Her red eyes stared into the souls of the twins, sending waves of anxiety down their spines. She closed her hand and dispelled the image.
"Humanity and now, the Faunus, were in disarray. Magic was lost to them and they fought constantly. And so, in order to restore unity, Mikhaela summoned her Ruler from death and sent him to Remnant to restore order. To aid him, she granted him four artifacts of immense power. Each artifact represents an ideal that went into creating this world. Creation, Destruction, Knowledge, and Choice. Each relic when brought together would allow us to manifest our full powers back into this world," she said.
"And then…? Is there a happy ending?" Alice asked.
"No. There is no happy ending. This story has yet to end. A story that started with these two lovers has gone on for eons and continues to this day. And the end of this story has yet to be made. But it will not end with the ones who wrote it," Isla said.
"..." Alice looked down. "What happened? Why are you telling us this?"
"Because you two have a bigger role in this than you realize. The Girl with the Silver Eyes and the Ruler of Darkness are believed by the Ruler of Light and his Inner Circle to be the greatest assets to his cause. And as such, the Princess believes that the Girl with the Silver Eyes and the Ruler of Darkness sees them as her greatest opponents. However, you two… you two are wild cards that neither of them have even considered," Israfil said.
"I don't like where this is going," Jaune said.
"Seventeen years ago, we Gods met for the first time in eighty years on the Moon and had a council since the Great War ended. Mikhaela and Samael decided to finally intervene. The Ruler of Light was going nowhere and we had grown tired of watching from the sidelines," Israfil said.
"And so the two decided to do something none of us ever foresaw, the two incarnated themselves. They sealed their memories and incarnated in human form in the world," Israfil said.
"Seventeen years ago?" Alice asked, her eyes widening as she connected the dots.
"When's your birthday?" Israfil asked.
"February 29…" Jaune's mouth fell open as he finally realized what she meant. He shook his head and backed away. "No. No fucking way. That's impossible. Alice and I are not Gods!"
"This may be too shocking for you to take in all at once but it is the truth." Israfil smiled warmly at them.
"Wait, so who's who?" Alice asked.
"You're being way too calm about this! Do you realize that the fate of the world possibly rests in our hands!?" Jaune said.
"I know! But… seriously, there's nothing we can do about it now! If it's the truth, then what can we do? I'm still having a hard time accepting this, don't get me wrong but… part of me always knew something was wrong. Jaune, tell me the truth. You've been having dreams too, right?" Alice asked.
"... I have. But they're just dreams," Jaune said.
"They're not dreams. They're your memories resurfacing," Israfil said.
"... So which God am I?" Jaune asked, already knowing the answer.
"You are the God of Darkness, Samael," she said. She turned to Alice. "And you are the Goddess of Light, Mikhaela."
The two took a step back and fell onto the bed, processing the information that had just hit them. The fact that they were Gods was barely sinking in.
"Was it all a lie?" Alice asked.
"What?"
"Was it all a lie? Are we even our parents' children? When we get our memories back, are we gonna stop being ourselves!? What will happen to us when we become Gods again!?" Alice asked.
"I… I don't know. We've never been in this situation before. But there is one thing that I am certain. You two are your parents' children. Nothing about that will change, God or not," Israfil said.
"So what now?" Jaune asked.
"Now, we continue. You two are reawakening at an alarming rate. The creation of the Ruler of Darkness is proof of that. The other Gods have anticipated and have begun appearing across the world. And the Princess has begun making moves towards her endgame," she replied.
"So we train? Train to use our powers?" Alice asked.
Israfil nodded.
"Then I guess we have no choice," Jaune said. "Let's do this."
Cinder sat with her eyes closed on one of the balconies of Beacon's dorms. Roman. She needed to get him out of there. This operation requires the logistical expertise that neither she nor Adam possessed. Her eyes opened as flames manifested around them.
"Why… Why of all people did she send you?" Cinder asked, glaring at the shadow that dropped behind her.
"Me? Our Queen sent me because she saw that you were getting nowhere… ahahaha." The man giggled as he stepped into the moonlight. His yellow eyes made Cinder slightly anxious. He had black hair styled in a ponytail and wore a vest with no shirt underneath. Multiple scars could be seen on her chest and white pants. A scorpion's tail swished behind him.
"I don't need your help, Tyrian," Cinder said, hopping off. Flames manifested around her arms.
"Well, you have no choice, Cindy. This is an absolute order from the Queen so we might as well work together. Besides with me here, you'll have an absolute chance of success!" Tyrian got in her face and grinned.
Cinder grimaced and backed off. "Fine then, let's get started. To start, you need to go rescue this man." She handed him her scroll.
Tyrian grinned as he looked at the picture.
A picture of Roman Torchwick.
Hahahaaaa. How'd you like my version of what Jinn told? Did you like what I did to Dust? Anyway, the beginning of the end is almost here. I'll start tying everything in so I can finish volume 3 off and possibly finish the story off here. Possibly. I'm still debating whether or not to drag this out for a couple more chapters or finish this with the fall of Beacon. Maybe the former. Anyway, leave a review and follow!
PS: Yes, the title is an SCP Reference.