RWBY: Chosen King and Queen
Alright do I have been gone for quite some time. Some for a reason but one reason is that I realized how much of a mess the show (RWBY) is and personally I would like it rewritten. With that being said I still love the show and so came my dilemma. What should I fix and what to keep? I now know how I want to handle this series and the series I have started. So it is to say that the full blown AU aspect starts this chapter. It will still follow canon as the sequence of events but it will be done in a different way. Lastly for all intents and purposes this is Ruby's Arc.
Chapter 8: Arvan Village
"Well that concludes all the necessary arrangements of the transportation to Arlyn for the Vytal Festival," and councilmen said.
Ozpin listened to Vale's council as they each came up with a plan in order to be able to have a safe transfer of many people to Arlyn. "Well I believe that is the end of this meeting here," said a council woman.
"Now hold on. There is one last thing we must address." Ozpin's interest peaked as he listened in. The councilmen that addressed them was someone very well known and even liked amongst them and civilians. His name was Azure Sky. He was a charismatic person as he was once also a Huntsman that was quite formidable in his day, labeled as the Storm for his ferociousness in battle. "Ozpin, how is the investigation on that village that was giving us trouble."
"As of right now, we still don't know what they are doing over there, as every time we send a huntsman they become even more reclusive. With that being said it is incredibly hard to be able to get any type of information ever since the red flash."
Azure narrowed his eyes at this. Azure's relationship with Ozpin was a good one, but rocky as well, as Azure has made several attempts at his position. Thankfully they never were successful, but Ozpin always did appreciate the challenge. It was a way for him to always be on his toes even when around people who mean well. However lately Azure has been getting more and more backing at the Headmaster position as of late.
"Hmm I would think you would have something by now."
"As of now I do not have the resources to be able to investigate that area as much as I would like."
"That is not an excuse that should be tolerable. A good amount of us are very worried about Arvan Village and the workings in it so thus, I have a proposition. Since you don't have the resources, why don't you send a team of young huntsmen to your academy."
Glynda was about to protest this but was stopped by Ozpin, "Very well."
Azure smirked at this, "We need results and I just believe that this will help."
"If that is the case do you have a specific team in mind?"
"Actually I do. Team RRZA shall take on this mission."
"So you want the prince to take on this mission. Why not a 2nd year team?"
"Because they also have a reputation of completing their missions in Arlyn so I feel that this is the best option," He said as he thought he had an absolute checkmate on Ozpin.
"Very well," Glynda was once again going to object, "However on one condition."
"And that would be?"
"That they take two other teams," Azure frowned at this but continued to listen, "Even after all of their accomplishments on other missions in Arlyn, they are still a year one team, thus with that said this is MY academy and I do not send first years on missions as this without backup."
There was a silence for a while, "Very well I agree. This meeting is adjourned."
After everyone signed off, Glynda finally let her thoughts be known, "I don't like that man."
"He just wants to make sure that Vale is safe and I can't blame him; however, his efforts are a little extreme." Ozpin turned to Glynda, "Anyway, this is also an opportunity to look into something that I wanted to for a while."
"And that would be?"
"Something that Fenrir told me one day. He believes…"
After the fight between arguably the two strongest individuals in the school and the Prince coming out as the victor, the school has quieted down by a lot. But not just in Beacon. Recently all six countries announced that the Vytal festival will be in the Kingdom of Arlyn which caused Drayce a major headache as it was his country and many questions were asked of him. With that said, the criminal underworld of Vale suspiciously came to a running halt. There were not many robberies and all dust robberies before were damn near extinguished. What disturbed everyone was that Roman and his cronies stopped after the announcement, which led Drayce to believe they are going to do something with the Vytal festival. Blake obviously wanted to investigate but Rainier managed to convince her to wait til they got to Arlyn which was set to be a month and a half from now during their break.
So now what was the band of misfits and a prince doing? Weeeeeelllllll…
"Astral Finish!"
"Damn! How come I can't beat you," Yang yelled at her opponent who was playing a fighting game with her as they were able to use the lounge to play as it would fit RWBY, RRZA, and JNPR. CRDL had extra classes from the stunt in the forest and CFVY were on a mission.
"I'm just that good," Argus said with a smirk.
Yang growled at this, "One more try."
Drayce sighed, "Yang give it a rest," Drayce had his classic beverage, tea, along with reading a manga with Ruby. "You won't be able to beat Argus. Hell, I can't beat him either."
Blake decided to input as well, "He's right Yang," she said without taking her eyes off her book
"But, but…" Yang tried to plead.
Ren, who was at a table, said, "As much as I believe in perseverance, I am very afraid that you may break a table."
Yang sighed, "Fine whatever."
Pyrrha put her hand on Yang's shoulder, "Don't worry. You'll beat him someday."
"Don't give her false hope Pyrrha," Weiss said, not even looking up from her own book which she was using to look over some material.
Pyrrha looked to Jaune who just shrugged, thus Pyrrha just shrugged to Yang and went back to sitting on the couch.
Before any other commotion started a knock came to the door and in came Glynda Goodwitch.
"Ms. Goodwitch, is there something we can help you with?" Weiss asked.
"Actually yes," she then began to address everyone which caused Ren to wake up Nora.
"PANCAKES!" She blurted out as she woke up. She then looked around and saw that everyone's eyes were on her as she blushed slightly from embarrassment, "Sorry."
Glynda looked her way but said nothing about it, "All of you will report to Headmaster Ozpin's office. There is something that we need of you." She was about to head out when she paused and addressed everyone again, "All of you."
After a while of walking they made it to the elevator to which they waited until they were brought up to Ozpin's office.
Drayce saw how Ruby was getting anxious from the uncomfortable silence so he decided to make conversation, "Professor Glynda do you know anything about what's going on?"
Glynda decided to address the question, "Yes unfortunately," she answered with slight distaste.
Rainier took a mental note of that, "Is there anything that we need to know before we get up to Professor Ozpin's office?"
Glynda sighed, "Quite frankly yes I can; however I believe that it would be better if Professor Ozpin told you." She paused for a second, "But what I can say is that it is a mission and when you are on this mission be sure to be careful."
This statement alerted everyone and made them realize how serious this situation could be.
Drayce sighed, 'I see.' Drayce then in almost an instant changed from his normal lax self to a serious expression. Glynda saw how quick he was at changing his expression, 'He is really good at that. Even for his age.'
The elevator rang and opened its doors to the office of the headmaster. "RWBY, JNPR, RRZA please come in."
"Um Professor Ozpin," Ruby started, "What's this about?"
Ozpin approached them with a hot cup of coffee, "Unfortunately the council has tasked you all with a mission of sorts."
"And this mission would be?" Zyaire asked.
"We want you to investigate a village, Arvan village to be exact, and report any findings there."
"Isn't that the village in the north East of Vale?" Ren asked.
"That is correct."
"But why?" Blake asked.
"Well to tell you why I have to tell you the significance of this village. About 15 years after The Great War the village of Arvan was fully established; however with a world infested with Grimm, and a world a couple years after the Great War with a chance of having another Great War many people were on edge. With that as you know negative emotions bring Grimm, which leads me to believe that they had a significant fighter to hold off the Grimm."
"I'm here a 'but' in this." Nora said.
Ozpin nodded, "Correct Ms. Valkyrie and the thing was that there were no Grimm attacks reported in that village since its inception."
Ren was confused at this, "That's odd, as villages in their life span usually at least have a Grimm attack at least 10 times a year."
"Also correct Mr. Ren."
"So that leaves…"Yang started.
"How?" Weiss finished.
Ozpin nodded, "There is also more information about that," he paused for a second before continuing, "Approximately 10 years ago, a red light shined from the village illuminating it and in a minute it was gone just as quickly."
"Well that's bizarre," Jaune said.
"Indeed," he said as he began to give them the final layout of the report, "Lastly reports say that there have been a rogue faction from the Kingdom of Linux taking refuge there making a base for themselves in that area."
"So in a nutshell, you want us to investigate what is truly going on in that village," Drayce asked.
"Correct," Ozpin answered.
"But why us? Wouldn't second years or third years be more qualified than us?" Pyrrha asked.
"While that may be true, there is nothing I can do as the council has asked for you specifically," Ozpin said.
The students looked to each other with the leaders nodding, "Very well Professor Ozpin, we will take on this mission. When do we leave." Drayce said.
"Tomorrow morning. 5am sharp. You also have 3 days to report something or the mission will be called off and you will be brought back."
"Very well, we shall get ready if you don't mind." Ozpin nodded to this and let them go.
As they left Glynda decided to address her feelings towards the situation, "I hope you know what you are doing."
"As do I."
After spending the majority of the day packing for things for the mission, everyone was huddled in front of the statue at the school where Professor Ozpin and Professor Glynda were waiting, "So what is our method of transportation?" Argus asked?
"You all will be traveling by train as traveling by any airship will likely alert everyone in the area of your arrival. You will arrive in one day and your tickets have already been supplied by us. Just show your student IDs and you should have no problems. Also your classes will be excused for however long this mission will be. Lastly, please make sure that all of you make it back safely."
Ruby smiled and saluted Ozpin, "Don't worry we'll be done in no time. Come on team, let's do this." Everyone nodded and began to walk to the station.
Once at the station they immediately grabbed their tickets and boarded the transit. Every team on the train had their own room with four beds in a bunk bed style. "Well that makes this easier," Drayce said, "Now if you guys want me I'm going to sleep it's too early for me." Everyone chuckled at Drayce's attitude and they all decided to do things that would pass the day until finally going to sleep when night hit; however Rainier kept note that as they were closer to their destination the less Grimm they saw from the wilderness. 'It's like they are trying to stay clear of the area.'
Everyone woke up early to enjoy the rest of the train ride before arriving at the village which was more of a very small town if they were being honest. As they began to exit the station they began to look for an inn which took them to the village's center. However as they were walking many people were talking and whispering while pointing at Drayce and Ruby. This confused the group greatly. "Is anyone finding this weird?" Ruby asked.
"I agree," Drayce said, sharing the same sentiments.
"Welcome huntsmen and huntresses." Everyone was shocked to hear this and immediately turned to voice while reaching for their weapons. "It's okay we mean you no harm," the group relaxed slightly but was still on guard, "Welcome to Arvan Village. We've been expecting your arrival."
This confused everyone, "How? Who-"
"I am this little town's chief or Mayor if you would." The man had black hair with red eyes along with black blazers and a white shirt underneath, along with black trousers and dress shoes. The man, who looked about 50 years of age, then bowed, "It is so great to finally meet you. Royal crowned prince of Arlyn."
This put everyone on edge, "How do you know me?"
"Just because we are technically still a rather new village doesn't mean that we don't get information on the happenings of the kingdoms." The chief then widened his eyes slightly but then it returned to normal quickly as if to conceal the surprise of something but was caught by both Drayce, Rainier, and Ren. "Where are my manners? My name is Onyx Odyssey, named after the black flower. May I know your names?"
The teams looked at each other and nodded, "Rainier Cendrillion."
"Argus Aegeus."
"Zyaire Azure."
"Lie Ren."
"Nora Valkyrie."
"Pyrrha Nikos."
"Jaune Arc."
"Yang Xiao Long."
"Blake Belladonna."
"Weiss Schnee."
"And I'm Ruby Rose."
At the last name the chief smiled slightly and was caught again by Drayce and Rainier. "Well then I assume that you are all here to investigate some things around here so, for your stay here I would like to provide you a home so you can also relax."
Rainier nodded, "Thank you for your hospitality. We are truly grateful."
"Not a problem at all."
They walked around the village as they all took in the scenery. The village was more akin to a town in their opinion as many built homes, markets, and different businesses littered the streets. On many occasions they had seen children out playing without a care in the world.
"You have a nice town here," Zyaire said.
"Yes, I do believe that we do. It's always wonderful here. We rarely have Grimm attacks here, so with that everyone is usually positive. Everyone is more upbeat than usual and I think it's because of you all coming. It also seems as though the children are really happy to see other people they can hopefully play with."
Just then a ball hit Ruby's leg with a kid a little ways away. Ruby decided to grab the ball and hand straight to the boy, "Here you go little guy," and for some reason Ruby instinctively rubbed the kids hair as a mother would a child.
"Thank you so much ma'am," He said with a smile as he ran off back to his friends.
Everyone smiled but none more than Yang as she saw almost a splitting image of Summer in Ruby, 'She is really becoming more and more like you mom.'
They continued to walk around until they stopped at a two story house that was black and red, on a three way street. "And here are the keys to the house. If there is anything you need from me, my office will be at the central plaza."
"Thank you very much. We are truly grateful," Weiss said with a bow.
With the chief gone everyone walked inside. The interior was quite great, with the bottom floor having the kitchen, dining room, and living room right next to each other, with the kitchen next to the door, with the small dining area right across from it, and the living room connected to the dining area to its right. The Living room had two couches in a L shaped that could fit two people each and a chair on the side of it. In the center was a hung tv and to the right of it was a fireplace. Lastly for the bottom was spiral stairs to the right of the kitchen leading upstairs.
"Alright before we proceed, let's check the house for anything," Rainier said, as he began removing his glasses.
"Why are you taking off your glasses?" Yang asked.
"For my semblance, eye of the mind, it allows me to see things in great detail to the point of almost microscopic and allows me to process things faster than any regular person, huntsmen or not, could. But that's enough of that, let's start."
"Team RWBY, Nora and Pyrrha will search upstairs," Ruby said.
RRZA, Jaune, and Ren nodded to this and began their check as team RWBY checked the upstairs. The second floor had nothing but bedrooms, with all of which had red and black beds to sleep in with a couple of drawers and a closet. Lastly there were two bathrooms upstairs, 'How did they fit all of these rooms in this house?' Blake wondered.
After the search upstairs, team RWBY along with Pyrrha and Nora went back downstairs to find the team RRZA, Ren and Jaune just finishing up. "Anything up there?" Zyaire asked.
Yang shook her head, "No nothing, we checked everything, even the crevices, and nothing but 6 bedrooms and two baths."
"Hm interesting," Rainier said as he put his glasses back on.
"Well we also found nothing here," Ren said.
"Then I guess let's start with our game plan?" Jaune asked.
"Actually," Rainier started, "I propose that we look around town first then we can report our findings and strategize where to go from there."
"Fair enough," Weiss said.
"All right we'll split in a group of three and start searching," Rainier said. Everyone nodded.
With Ruby, Jaune, and Argus
As they walked the streets of Arvan they looked to see many people just enjoying their life. Many people saw them and even waved at them, being very nice and welcoming. "Huh no wonder it's so hard for anyone to get any information about anything that goes on in this village. It's like nothing is wrong," Argus said.
"Yeah, I just can't seem to think these people are into trouble or anything," Jaune said.
"While the people may be nice, we still have a mission. I hope the others are having any better luck than us," Ruby said.
"Well if you look at that," someone called out. The team of three realized that a man with a hood that covered his face was speaking to them as he sat on a table on a park bench drinking what looked like tea. "You all must be the huntsmen that just arrived in town. Would you care to sit and drink some tea with an old man like myself?" The three looked at each other and decided to take a seat, and when seated they were able to take a look at the man. He indeed seemed old as they could only see from his nose and under leaving the hood still able to conceal his eyes. He also had a grey long beard, and to Ruby he looked like one of those old wise men from her stories. "So what are your names if you don't mind me asking?" The old man began to pour them some tea in cups.
"Jaune Arc."
"Arc huh, I believe I've heard of a man named Arc a while back. You wouldn't be his son by chance?"
Jaune was surprised to hear this, "You knew my father?"
"Not personally, I spoke with him once or twice. Helped him improve on his fighting style a couple times. But it's good to hear his offspring decided to become Huntsmen."
Jaune smiled, "Thanks."
The old man then looked to the biggest person of the group, "And what is your name sir."
"Argus Aegeus."
"Ah 'Watchful Guardian', an excellent name for someone that is in a line of family sworn to protect the crown."
Jaune and Ruby looked to Argus, "Wait what?"
"Yes this young man is in a family sworn to protect the royal family of Arlyn and has done so for many generations. And to see one with so much aura is truly impressive at the age that you are at."
"Wait, you can see my aura?" Argus asked.
"Yes. I am a bit of an old combatant myself. I feel that I was pretty special in my hay day. But yes I can see it clear as day. You have some of the most potent while Jaune over here has the most abundant." The old man shook his head, "But away from that topic, what is your name, young lady?"
"Ruby Rose."
The old man visibly flinched at this, "Wow, I never thought I would see the day where I get to have the honor of seeing another Rose face to face. For that I am honored," the old man bowed slightly.
Ruby looked at the man nervously, "Um."
"What do you mean by that?" Jaune asked.
The old man rose back up, "I see so you don't know do you?" The old man asked, addressing Ruby.
"Um know what?" Ruby asked.
The old man paused for a second, "I see." He then took a sip of his tea, "My Rose there are many things that you do not know. The amount of power that is hidden within you. Do you have a piece of paper and pen?" Jaune gave him both pen and paper and the man continued to write. He then handed the paper directly to Ruby, "Do not show this to anyone but your group of friends and those you trust most. If you want to know more about this village follow what it says on that paper."
Ruby and the others got up and were going to head back to the house but stopped before turning back to the man. "We never were able to get your name sir," she said.
"Asim Warda."
"Thank you so much Asim," Ruby and the others then left.
"Well I guess my job is finally finished. I can finally rest knowing that everything will be fine." The man upright removed his hood to embrace the sun as he opened his eyes to reveal them to be silver and then closed them as he drifted to eternal slumber.
With Drayce, Rainier, and Ren
"So where are we headed, Rainier?" Drayce asked.
"To the chief's office, as you both could tell Ruby Rose was a point of interest to him. We are going to find out why." Rainier said.
"You're right. Not only that but the people really only care about Drayce as well. You are the crown prince, don't get me wrong but for no one to even say anything about Weiss is a little bizarre."
Drayce agreed to this, "I can't help but get the feeling this whole thing is going to end up being a pain in the ass."
They walked as they discussed how the talk and questions would go and what to say until they were at the office to which they proposed an audience with the Chief. Once they were given the okay, they went straight to the chief. "Hello. Didn't think I would get a visit from you all so soon."
"Neither did we; however there are certain things we need to discuss and get to the bottom of this. Even though I rather enjoy the people here and am the prince, I am a huntsmen first and thus we were assigned to investigate. I'm sure you understand."
The chief nodded, "Of course please have a seat." Drayce had taken a seat in front of the chief, while Rainier and Ren decided to stand. Rainier also turned the regular glasses function off so he could use his semblance while making it appear he still had glasses on.
"Alright then first question. Were you in charge of this town as its chief 10 years ago?"
"No, I was not. I was instead the chief's secretary. His second in command if you would."
"Alright. As you know something happened 10 years ago that lit up this village in a red light. Would you be so kind as to tell me what was going on or as to why?"
"With all due respect, Prince Drayce, I can not."
"And why is that?"
"To put it simply, what happened that day was something that was a long time coming. I can tell it was nothing of our own doing, but it was something that can confirm something for us. That is as much as I could tell you."
"Very well. Are you aware that there is a rogue faction of the Linux Kingdom hiding here and or outside this town?"
"Yes I am aware."
"And why haven't you done anything about them?"
"Because frankly they have not caused harm and or strife with my town." The chief said, "Let me ask you something? If there was an unknown group or organization outside or inside your walls operating however have not seen or heard of them causing trouble to you or your people. Do you root them out from the fear of the unknown or do you learn from them and what they are about?"
Drayce thought about it, "I see your point. Very well then last question. Why are you so fixated on Ruby Rose?"
The chief chuckled from that, "Well I don't know how much you have heard but what I am about to tell you should not leave this room unless it is from someone you trust. So I ask... Are these people you have with you trustworthy?"
"I trust them both with my life," Drayce said without hesitation, and for Ren, that meant a lot as even though they were friends, they still barely knew each other. This level of trust touched him but he didn't outwardly show it.
"Very well." The man then grabbed a notebook from under his desk and placed it in front of him. "Whether you guys know it or not Ruby is special. Especially in the confines of this village. I can't give you all the answers as our village founders have told us not to. The secrets of this village lie with her and her mother, Summer Rose. I have no doubt that she has found something to tell you all. So I suggest that you go and find what you are looking for." Drayce nodded, he found it weird that he knew Ruby's mom, but he needed to know more before he questioned him about that. Drayce was about to take the notebook before the chief put his hand over it, "Keep this book safe as this is what the Linux troops are searching for. They asked but I did not trust them with this information, so now I am trusting you."
Drayce nodded and took the book and left to the house with the others. "Let's go. That's all we are going to get."
At the house
Ruby's group was already inside until Weiss, Blake, Pyrrha, Nora, Yang, and Zyaire walked in. Yang sighed, "Man we didn't get anything. Please tell me you guys have something."
"Well we got this note from an old man," Ruby said. This perked up everyone, until Drayce, Rainier, and Ren came in. "Did you guys get anything?"
Drayce held up a notebook, "The chief had a lot to say. We all need to talk."
And there you have it. Now a couple of things, as you can see I have kind of veered off course from canon. Now most of you are probably thinking or the thought crossed your minds. Yes Ruby silver does play a huge part in this arc but that is not all and there is a reason her mother was directly involved with this village. I've built up that Ruby was very special and her character as much as I could in the allotted time. I couldn't push this arc back further because it just wouldn't make sense for what I have planned for later on. If you ever want a hint of what may be going on then there are certain things you just need to look up other than that no more hints.
Well until Ja ne
