So here's chapter 2, enjoy. To those who still don't know what they will react to. It will be Fate Grand Order's Fifth Main Singularity Camelot wherein the RWBY characters will replace some crucial characters in the singularity. Heavily inspired by both the story in the game and GhostXavier's story "Their Guiding Light." I hope you all enjoy.
Let me answer the reviews.
Guest: I don't know you're full comment because it was so long there were 94, I will not do that many. I am not JC of the Corn. But most of your suggestions I could think about honestly wouldn't jive with what I have in mind because of the aspect of them going back to the real world. But the ones I am thinking of are probably Bleach but in a different way, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Jaune and his family will be tackled if I do Professor Arc. Of course gotta do Adorable Classmates by Mallobaude. Fanfics like that or Couer al Aran require more follows and favorites. Please give me I'm desperate for positive feedback and a beta.
Stratos263: Thanks I try. I used to do it with Naruto but Boruto killed my love for the goddamn series.
NinjaFang1331: Thanks you're great too.
King-of-Gods: Depends… in terms of video games maybe the ones I played from start to finish. Unfortunately never got to play FF 15, only one I played is FF 7 when I was 5 years old. If you want video game plans, probably Mass Effect, one is in the next chapter, Persona 3 or 4 or 5, and Bloodborne.
Adilst: I know… that's why I decided to change it. Full reasoning is down below on why I decided to go against canon. Also D&D taught me that consistency can go right out the door.
Baron Bolt: I will do one on Raven or Glynda with Jaune maybe in a romantic or parental way. It depends honestly.
GabuTheDragon: I hope this one does as well.
FearMeHorror: I should probably do this to anyone asking for a request. Please place the actual name of the media in question and what scene so that I may see it and try to incorporate RWBY into it.
Guest: That probably goes into the whole dynamic of Jaune to Team RWBY. He goes against the agenda of the need for lesbian relationships because truthfully he could be with either Ruby or Weiss during the first 3 seasons. And we can't have Jaune interact with others? Jesus, why does he even fight with Blake? He barely knows anything about her, they never had a real conversation in the goddamn show.
Guest: For everyone asking about Aura and Jaune refer to the notes below.
Siegnir and Ultimate Kuuga: You're the only ones who got that it was Fate! I'm happy there's men of culture in the RWBY fandom.
Kentucky fan: No! No Game of Thrones, not after what I endured in Season 8. I was happy I was right but it killed any creativity for me.
Guest: Hmmm….. maybe but I haven't seen anything after GX. After that I quit with Yu Gi Oh! Maybe I'll do Pokemon.
Guest: Spectacles is on my radar but I felt it was alright so it will be in the back of what I would actually make a reaction chapter to.
Adragonoid75: No Death Battle! Not after they massacred Goku's power in order for base Superman to win.
BenitoMussolini: Ah shit, the fascists like me… better than SJW's.
Guest: Jaune x Blake is an underrated and underdeveloped pairing just like Lancaster, Dragon Slayer and White Knight. Arkos is too boring actually unless someone makes something that actually delves deep into the relationship along with Pyrrha's character because RoosterTeeth only made her until season 3. That's why I like PaulXion because his take on Pyrrha after Cinder in Beacon is what I could honestly see. Jaune and Pyrrha would argue on what Jaune would do because she 'loves' him?
Billykeo95: I love Adam fics as a villain because he was meant to be like that not a soft emo ex-boyfriend who can't get over a failed relationship.
Guest: I have to do Relic of the Future, White Sheep, Professor Arc, Forged Destiny, and The Beacon Civil War because those are my favorites out of what he made. Need more favorites and follows for that because I have a lot of things to say to the God of RWBY fanfics.
Shadic: Will do Broly movie.
Guest: No Naruto unless someone really convinces me. Or Boruto just ends but that's not happening.
Disclaimer: I don't own both RWBY and Fate Stay Night. One is the intellectual property of the late Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth. The other is the intellectual property of Type-Moon while the story in question is the intellectual property of GhostXavier, please check him out.
"What kind of world are we going to see this time?" Cinder asked the Creator who was still levitating behind everyone. The new arrivals had been brought up to speed of what was going on and had little to say about changing this Creator's goal.
The Creator looked at Cinder. "Well it is of a world wherein heroes are summoned by masters to accomplish a task. Usually it is to win a war for a wish granting device, but in this case it is to save humanity from forces that have warped the actual events."
"Therefore it creates a paradox." Ozpin answered to which the Creator nodded.
"For this world, the two masters of the organization of Chaldea are getting ready to head into Jaune's timeline and fix an error." Taiyang immediately asked, "What the hell does this Jaune dude have to do with my sweet innocent daughter?!"
"Jaune in this world is a king of the land called Camelot, he was chosen for removing an immovable sword from a stone. The sword he currently uses is one given to him in exchange for a curse that removed his emotions. Back then he thought it would be the perfect way to become a king, to stay the course and stick to justice and order instead of handling affairs with emotions."
"Why is that bad? The Jaune of this world clearly is making the right decisions for his people isn't he?" Weiss asked to which the Creator shook his head.
"That may be but it caused a rift between Jaune and his subjects ultimately leading up to his kingdom's downfall and his eventual death at the hands of one of his knights. His relation to Ruby is that he was summoned to fight her in a war. Both of them reached Chaldea and have amended any problems and have come to understand one another."
Qrow downed another drink, "So what's the munchkin's deal with the gravestones?"
The figure replied, "That will simply be answered in the feature."
Save.
"I could have saved you Weiss." An image of the white haired heiress with a hole in her stomach as her empty eyes gave no solace to the red reaper even if she was smiling.
Save. Save.
Blake was not moving as her body was propped next to the wall of a ruined building with her throat cut. "I failed you Blake. I didn't save you."
Save. Save Them. Save Them All!
"Why couldn't I have saved you Dad?" An image of her father on a bed with a peaceful expression on his face did not tell the whole story of his condition.
Save. Save. Save. Save Them. Save. Save. Save All!
"I'm sorry Yang." Her sister who had fallen with a large sword piercing through her heart as Ruby cried at her side unable to change what had happened.
Save. Save. Save. Save Them. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save Them. Save. Save. Save. Save All! Save. Save. Save Them. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save Them. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save ALL. Save Them. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save. Save Them. Save. Save Them All. Save…
Ruby was looking at the noose that hung on the ceiling as she stepped on a chair… You could not save them.
"Gah!" Ruby immediately sat upright from her bed as her bad dream gave her a fright. Even if she wasn't holding the sheets, her modesty was protected by a simple black tank top.
"See Ruby, you do grow in that area when you get older." Yang saw her little sister's light up with happiness. She had to make her feel something other than sadness because of what was shown earlier. She looked at her mother to see if there was any reaction but there was none. She was also scared of Ruby's hero complex that could cost her life.
Her father glared at any guy who looked at a much more adult-looking Ruby since she was more filled out than present Ruby.
"I knew drinking milk would get me big!"
"It was just a dream." She should feel safer now that she was in Chaldea… but those nightmares would never go away. She could never forgive herself for not being able to save-
"Ruby, what's wrong?" She looked at the source of that kind and warm voice. Jaune was next to her, they've been together for a while now. But she would never forget that magical first night-
"I'll kill him!" The overprotective bunch immediately yelled out as they saw Jaune's half-naked body next to Ruby and filled out the blanks to what was happening on the bed.
"Taiyang, Qrow, and Ms. Xiao Long I will not allow you to kill a student because his other version is sleeping with another version of Ms. Rose." Ozpin instructed but it fell on deaf ears although Blake and Pyrrha where muttering along the lines of 'Lucky.'
"I'm sorry Jaune it's just-"
"Those dreams again." Jaune interrupted as Ruby quickly nodded. Upon seeing this reaction from her, he moved to be behind the reaper and hugged her from behind.
"You're more emotional than before." Ruby remarked as Jaune laughed, "Comes with the territory of falling in love I guess. Don't try to derail what is happening. Ruby, I'm sure they would understand what you did."
"But they won't." Ruby muttered but Jaune gave her cheek a kiss and the girl immediately flushed with red.
"Maybe so but I will. You don't need to be Counter-Guardian Ruby Rose, you don't need to be Savior of Everyone. You just need to be Protector of One's Loved Ones Ruby Rose." Ruby smiled and kissed Jaune on the lips.
"You always manage to give these simple yet effective speeches."
"What can I say? It must be my high charisma." Jaune smirked but Ruby responded with a playful slap to the cheek.
"Are you ready for Camelot?" Jaune nodded but Ruby could see some uncertainty in his eyes. It was after all his home that was being threatened by the dark forces.
"It isn't my Camelot yet I feel like I have this duty of redemption and to protect Camelot and its people. I am more concerned of the other Knights of the Round Table because Oscar has told me that they will be heavily involved in the fights to come."
Ruby grimaced, 'That group certainly has the most problems to deal with each other. They only remain civil because Jaune would be upset if anything happened.'
Jaune shrugged his shoulders, "I just hope that I may be able to talk to her."
Ruby instantly knew what he was talking about, "You mean your daughter."
Jaune sighed, "It's time for me to face my problems. I have to talk to Yang or her actual name 'Mordred' either before or during the journey to fix the singularity starts."
The theater was silent as all eyes were on the blonde brawler who was also speechless to what was just announced. Yang in this world was the daughter of King Jaune meaning she was a princess but from what was said it seemed that she caused Jaune a lot of problems.
"What the f-"
Yang was wearing her silver mass of armor approaching the meeting room where the masters would send those who were called into the Camelot Singularity. On her back is the famed Clarent that had served her well throughout all her life. 'This is a shitty situation.'
The masters had posted the line-up of servants that were to fight in the upcoming singularity, her face glared at the names of her fellow Knights of the Round Table along with her father, 'I need to talk to him. To tell him that I-'
Her thought process was interrupted thanks to the heated stare of one of her former allies, Taiyang was wearing his patented silver armor with a floral design accompanied with a large blue cape of intricate designs. The Knight of the Sun held Excalibur Galatine in his hand as Yang also drew out Clarent.
"This is hilarious!" Qrow yelled as Taiyang decided to let himself sink into the couch to hide his embarrassment.
Pyrrha wondered aloud, "I wonder what the story between Jaune, Yang and her father is?"
The rest of the servants simply watched this tense situation unfold, some were probably calling the masters to hurry up before any violence could begin.
"Knight of Treachery." Taiyang venomously spat to which Yang's eyes grew red at the mention of that accursed nickname.
"Hello failure, come to see another fight. I'm sure it will end like the last time." Taiyang scowled at the mention of his failure to defeat Yang at the Battle of Camlann.
Yang continued. "As for the treachery, I haven't done anything in the time-"
"Lies!" Taiyang interrupted. "Such words filled with lies! And how do we know you're not scheming it? How long have you patiently waited before seizing the throne? Don't think for a second your word means anything to me!" Taiyang chastised with subdued force.
Yang simply scoffed. "What happened to the virtuous knight and his honor? I have done nothing to warrant your aggression."
Taiyang scoffed back. "Camelot was enough, Mordred, and don't you dare think a traitorous girl like you has the right to talk of chivalry after your heinous acts!"
"Don't you dare call me that again!" Her roar caused several servants to step in closer in order to stop the eventual clash.
"That is enough from you two!" A strong shout came from Ren who was brandishing Arondlight while wearing his own purple armor that clad his entire body. His blue cape with golden trims flew in the direction of the wind.
"Remy is a knight! Take it to evil Yang and evil Yang's dad." Nora yelled as Ren decided to let himself sink into the couch to hide his embarasmment. Both people in question were still confused as to what was going on.
Taiyang scoffed and turned his attention to Ren. "Speaking of traitors, you came at the very mention Knight of the Lake."
Ren sighed. "I do not want to fight Tai, our business is to simply withhold any hostilities until the singularity is fixed. Did you really forget our mission?"
Taiyang chuckled darkly. "Knights do have a tendency to forget one's mission, one's code, and one's honor. Tell me did you forget about your loyalty to our King after you slept with his wife, Lady Nora."
Everyone looked at Ren who then muttered weakly. "This isn't the real version of our world."
Nora on the other hand looked shocked. "I cheated on fearless leader for Ren… oh what did you do other me?"
Blake then asked. "So why is Jaune currently with Ruby?"
Ren glared at Taiyang. "I regret that action every single day but do not dare tell me that you are angry about that Tai. I already know it's because I killed your brother Qrow when he tried to stop Lady Nora from escaping with me."
Taiyang scoffed. "That is one of the many reasons, another is not even helping our King at the Battle of Camlann."
Ren spoke with a hardened expression. "I was not the one who slaughtered her own father in cold blood. That would be Yang over here. Especially since she's the one who also killed Adam and Hazel along with destroying Camelot."
Yang's rage flared as she bared her teeth and clenched her fists while glaring at Ren with pure malice, he simply looked back with a blank expression which infuriated her further. A throat clearing behind her drew all of their attention. Standing behind them was Jaune in his body clad armor with the tunic parts being colored blue. Excalibur was by his side and so was Ruby who summoned Crescent Rose.
"Mordred, Gawain, Lancelot. This is very disappointing. We have a mission to accomplish and save humanity yet you waste your energies urging the other to blows. What do you have to say for yourself?" Jaune's stare was probably amplified by his strong, refined and regal presence.
"Who knew Jaune could do that?" Weiss stated as the other ones affected by his charms i.e. Blake, Ruby and Pyrrha were simply awe-struck at this version of Jaune.
"If I can have everyone's attention!" Oscar yelled as he was accompanied with a blonde woman and with Penny who was carrying a large shield.
"The masters are here, behave. We will talk about this later." Jaune simply ordered which caused all three to follow but Yang's eyes did not give him up glaring red for not only what had happened but her father's reaction.
'Why can you not believe or accept me father?'
Oscar then motioned for the blonde woman to open up the floor. "Hello everyone, for those who do not yet know me. My name is Juniper and I am here to help Oscar in the singularity. Chaldea has deemed the situation to need two masters instead of the usual one. I will give out the line up. For Oscar he will be accompanied by: Penny/Mashu, Jaune/Arthur, Taiyang/Gawain, Jeanne, Blake/Medusa, and Ruby/Emiya. I will handle: Cinder/Scathach, Glynda/Medea, Yang/Mordred, Ren/Lancelot, Mercury/Jekyll, and Winter/Nobunaga."
Emerald was salivating at Cinder's suit which revealed a lot while Qrow asked, "Hey most of us are there except for that Jeanne. Who's she?"
The Creator shrugged his shoulders. "She's actually the female version of Jaune. A saint who heard the voice of God and fought for her country and stopped a war that would have lasted for more than a hundred years. She fought even though she knew by the end she would be burnt at the stake for witchcraft. Penny's character is one named Mashu who was an experiment between a human and a servant, she is dying yet she wants to protect her friends despite her condition."
Ruby felt like her heart fell into pieces, 'Penny would do something like that.'
The Creator continued. "Blake is known as Medusa, a monster who was cursed by the gods to turn anyone she looked at into stone or poison them. Yet she protected her family till her dying breath. Cinder is a warrior whose duty to kill every known threat to her gods gave her immortality which she wishes to finish in a fight. Mercury is a famed assassin with a split personality who loves to kill people while Winter is a tactical warlord who unified her lands under her banner but was betrayed by her loved ones in the end."
"So what's the deal with all these knights?" Raven asked out of nowhere to which the Creator simply stated.
"The Knights of Camelot were a group formed by King Jaune to serve and protect the land aptly named Camelot. It endured many years of war against foreign nations but managed to retain peace and prosperity for a short time. Things changed when the mage who helped Jaune named Ozma drugged the king one night and caused the birth of that version's Yang."
"What's wrong with that? How the hell did I cause a kingdom to fall?" Yang exclaimed as she was fed up with being told she was a traitor.
The Creator sighed. "It was a number of reasons that led to the downfall of Jaune's kingdom. The first was his curse that sealed his emotions, he became the lonely king who had not even shared a smile to his closest of comrades. This led to the people being dissatisfied with how the king treated his subjects. Second was Ren's betrayal, he had betrayed Jaune's trust by sleeping with Jaune's wife, Lady Nora, and escaped by killing Tai's brother. Third was the revolution led by Yang who hated that her father did not acknowledge her and even admit to her being his child. The Battle of Camlann happened with Yang killing Tai along with several other of the Knights. It came to a final battle between Yang and Jaune that ended with Yang's death at the hands of Jaune but not without suffering a mortal wound. Jaune died alone on top of a hill crying as he looked around and saw all of his subjects and fellow knights dead by his feet. All he thought was 'I failed.'"
The audience became silent as they tried to soak in that large amount of background story. Ozpin eyes became hazy upon seeing the figure of Juniper and held back his tears from recollecting those old days.
Tai still asked, "Then why is this King Jaune and Ruby so familiar?"
"The film will show you soon enough Mr. Xiao Long."
"Do you understand?" Juniper's instruction carried no objections to which she smiled. "Well then I guess we are ready. All teams please follow your assigned master. May Chaldea help us!"
The room started to fill with a bright white light as the knights were still glaring at each other with the occasional glance towards Jaune. Ruby then whispered. "Remember we are here to protect not save."
Jaune then raised a quizzical eyebrow but smiled. "I know but I can't help it. It's a good thing you're here to slap me when I become silly."
"Penny, please initiate Grand Order." Oscar ordered to which the demi-human-cyborg-servant nodded and pressed the control pad with the big red button.
- Authorization Codes Confirmed. Target Singularity, 13th Century Jerusalem –
-Leyshift Commencing in 3, 2, 1…-
-Grand Order-
-Commence-
A incinerated wasteland was all that remained as a figure with a hood that covered most of his face stood up from the wreckage and looked at the sky. His silver armor with a bright green tunic shone in the darkness. His legs seemed to clank but the figure chuckled. "Finally my journey has come to an end at last. My king, I will fulfill your wish… and kill you."
"Ooh, a mysterious figure, is he a ninja Renny?" Ren could only shake his head at Nora's guesses to the identity of this figure.
Cinder's eyes narrowed, 'He looks very familiar.'
Meanwhile our heroes from Chaldea have arrived in the middle of the desert in a heavy sandstorm and were currently dealing with sphinxes that looked as big as the ones found in Egypt.
Oscar grit his teeth "This is not good Juniper."
Juniper only smirked. "Well Oscar, we have to believe in our servants to handle whatever obstacles lay in front of us. I don't like it but we have no choice, the root this time is stronger than the last one in America. I think we need more servants to deal with Camelot."
Oscar only nodded and covered his eyes from the amount of sand that hit his face after Yang had ferociously roared rocketed across the sands. The sphinx noticed her approach and tried to swipe at her but she swung her blade as it violently collided with the beast's talons.
As it retracted its paw, Yang took the window. She threw her sword near the base of its neck and impaled it just under the golden neckpiece. With a burst of prana, she swiftly dove for the blade and kicked it further in. As she spun with her momentum, she tore it out viciously while swinging wildly into another blind strike. With a grunt, she fell to the ground, then charged under its torso to leave a vicious gash as she passed.
It growled in pain before the wounds quickly knitted themselves shut with unbelievable speed. The beast tried to turn and find the offending servant. Yang's frantic fighting style did wonders for keeping most of its attention, but she needed to coordinate with the others better. Tai's eyes narrowed and he shook his head. 'As brutish and reckless as ever…'
He looked to his king to see if he had disproved of this attempt but he had said nothing. Tai then made the decision to simply watch as Yang dove into the fight again. Her golden sword sliced into its front left paw, and it momentarily lost balance. She wasn't fast enough with a follow up swing, and it righted itself quickly. It glared towards the blue clad king as she danced around the offending leg and redoubled her efforts. Strike for strike, she carved into the limb like a lumberjack against a redwood. The wounds were healing themselves, but Jaune remained focused. It raised the offending limb, and he dove backwards as Tai leapt in with a carefully timed-
The beast jumped backwards to dodge an incoming strike from Arondight as Ren swung for its neck. Tai's blade sailed harshly through empty air. He glared at the berserker as he swiftly repositioned, but the beast charged forward. The blonde was forced to dodge the monster's swift punches-
Clang! He deflected a third with Excalibur Galantine before it could connect. He growled, "If you're going to throw off someone else, at least land your strike!"
"As if that was my entire intention, Tai," Ren spat back as they dodged a rageful paw that threw a wave of sand across the field. The blonde man jumped back to evade the beast's fury, but kept his glare dancing between it, the dark-haired knight, and the reckless traitor.
"They do not work together." Glynda remarked to which everyone nodded, it seemed that this bad blood ran deep.
"Why is Jauney not doing anything?" Nora asked.
Weiss replied. "If he did, he would make it worse."
Taking advantage of the opening, Yang's sword cracked with red lightning and she swung at its exposed torso. She dashed through, and nearly slammed into Jaune as she passed. The King of Knights passed a displeased look at the reckless knight, then leapt back before he was struck by the monster's blow.
Bang! A shot from a matchlock rifle rang out amid the howling winds, followed by the flash and report from another round that bounced off the beast's head. When the beast reared its head back, an arrow plunged into the mane and pierced the skin beneath. It was instantly trailed by a bullet that took advantage of the drilled opening.
Surprisingly, Winter stuck near Ruby and timed her volleys in cadence with the red archer's. They remained silent and focused as they waited for the next window. As Yang and Tai's near-collision created another opening, he loosed another arrow. It clanged off the angry beast's headpiece and staggered its attempt to strike at the two sabers. Ruby shook her head as they shifted their glares back to the enemy, rather than each other.
Blake and Cinder dashed by, running about the outskirts of vision while scanning for an opening. The calculating, wise eyes of the lancers remained locked with the beast. Her fingers twitched, and she leaked with barely contained disappointment and disbelief as Yang yelled something at Ren. Suddenly, she shook her head, narrowed her eyes, and halted her orbit. Cinder shot towards the beast, followed swiftly by Blake as she spun her chained dagger in preparation.
Cinder closed in at blinding speed, summoned several Gae Bolg prototypes, and hurled them at the weakened leg Jaune had newly slashed. Several drove through the long, open cut and pinned the bone stiffly to the bleeding joint. One lance that missed was quickly seized by Blake's weapon. With a flick of her wrist, it was redirected back towards a closing wound on the opposing leg caused by Yang.
While the others pulled away briefly, Tai glanced to the beautiful lancer. Cinder chose her strike as he saw her eyes and tiny smirk practically radiate with the famous Celtic warlust. With precise ease, she thrust her main lance through the side of the creature's neck. Like an acrobat, she flipped over its head as it roared in pain before she reached out with one hand.
With a whisper on her lips, she beckoned to her crimson weapon; It answered its mistress. The glowing spear carved a bloody tunnel through the creature's neck and violently erupted from the other side. Almost immediately, the large wound tried to heal as sand clustered to the gory fringes. Tai could see she was not going to allow that to happen as she gazed into the sandstorm towards the red archer. Her telepathic message sailed out to him.
With eagle eyes, Ruby focused on the opening and swiftly prepared a special arrow. She shot the projectile instantly: a quickly traced, spiraled ebony sword that soared through the air like a missile.
"Ooooohhhhh! I wanna try that Yang! Can I?! Can I?!" The red reaper had used her puppy dog eyes to convince her elder sister along with her father to create a weapon that could shoot long swords from a sniper's distance.
"Of course Ruby, I'll force- I mean I'll work on it in Qrow." Tai may have stumbled for a bit but Qrow just simply groaned at the fact that they would have to appease Ruby or suffer the consequences.
As the beast tried to rear its head back to dodge, Blake swiftly vaulted onto its back. Her chained weapon wrapped around its head piece and tightened. Using her weight and momentum, the head shifted back into the arrow's path as she fell.
The chain loosened, and the rider dashed away as the projectile kissed the beast. The second they touched, the half-baked sword detonated in a contained blast. The explosion tore the head off the mythical beast and into the air as it faded away with a shower of golden light. Amongst the heat and rapidly dissipating smoke, the body collapsed into the grainy sea. The corpse soon began vanishing, but the servants observed in case it held a terrible, last minute surprise.
'What flawless teamwork from the others…' Tai looked directly at Yang and Ren who were glaring at one another. 'We have no teamwork, we cannot even do simple team maneuvers like the olden days… I must overcome these shortcomings soon. For the king.'
"What a fool to see that he can't even see his faults." Raven growled as her ex looked at her quizzically but she immediately challenged it with a smirk. "Do you have anything to say?"
Tai sighed but Yang simply glared while Qrow was already thinking of how to separate the three without destroying the room or incurring the wrath of the Creator. Ruby however was trying to bring Yang back to focusing on something else than her estranged mother.
Emerald sighed, "When am I going to appear in this show?"
"Oscar up ahead I think I see Hassans." A group of eight tanned skinned, green haired and red-eyed assassins appeared in front of the group. One of them was carrying a large bag with a set of purple ears peeking out from inside.
Mercury laughed, "You were saying?" But it was a nightmare for the assassin to see one let alone eight Emeralds with an array of different weapons. It would be most troublesome if they had the same semblance.
"Shall we engage?" This Emerald looked unique than the others due to her being shorter than the rest of them. Her hair was a mix of green and violet but that was all that was unique from all of them since the others had the same green hair and the same skull mask.
One of the taller Emeralds shook her head. "It seems Chaldea has answered our prayers but we must protect our village. Drop the girl and carry the food."
"Wait-" Tai was interrupted by the earth shaking as more and more sphinxes were converging on their location. He looked once more to where the Hassans should be but they had vanished leaving only the large bag with a person inside it.
"Focus on the sphinxes, attack if they charge." All the servants nodded at Oscar's instruction as the master went towards the bag.
"Why are you so important that they had to let go?" He unraveled the person out of the bag. A scantily clad, olive-skinned woman remained in blissful slumber. Her long, purple hair remained sprayed out inelegantly and flickered with the winds along with her brown bunny ears. Even without the golden jewelry and pristine white clothes, her presence radiated like divine royalty.
"From my guesses, she is Egyptian royalty… No it couldn't be-" Juniper was about to reveal the woman's identity but stopped as said servant sat up.
"Mmm… you mustn't, Great Pharaoh… pulling my hair like that… though they might look like ears, they are magical catalysts representing Horus… most definitely not a bedhead…" The woman sleep talked but then opened her eyes. She immediately saw the group and was appalled at the people surrounding her.
"You… you impudent fools! You dare kidnap me knowing I was the Pharaoh Nitocris/Velvet?!" The bunny eared servant roared.
As more whispers erupted from the other servants at the revealed name, the Egyptian Queen narrowed her eyes and growled loudly. "Whispering amongst yourselves like that! Do you all intend to make a laughing stock of me?!"
Oscar tried to pacify the female pharaoh. "No, Pharaoh Nitocris/Velvet! We don't mean any harm! I'm afraid you misunderstand the situation! We saved you from Hassans/Emerald who were trying to kidnap you!"
Before the words could register, her eyes widened upon staring at several servants. Mordred's eyes narrowed as her disbelieving, and even worried, gaze landed on her too. The catalysts on her head twitched as she stared at Mashu. "You all lie! Do not think you can fool a Pharaoh! I know that symbol marking that shield! You dare attempt to deceive me further, you vile heathens!?"
"Please… You have… to believe us!" Juniper asked as the desert was making her weaker, they have been spending four hours under the glaring sun.
"I shall do no such thing!" Velvet commanded the sphinxes through her heritage to protect her and attack her supposed assailants.
Ruby grit her teeth and summoned his bow as the group surged towards them with the speed of a bullet. Several servants took defensive positions around the masters as they were swiftly surrounded by dozens of the large, divine beasts who closed two kilometers with obscene speed. Instead of attacking, they held their ground as Velvet smirked at the arrival of reinforcements.
A particularly large one approached the pharaoh's side as a huge surge of prana erupted into existence behind her. The bluish sphere formed into a perfect portal as it seethed with purple, chilling energies. Glynda's eyes widened at the sight of powerful magic, but she held back, well aware any potential counter measure would be perceived as further antagonization. Yang even felt her instincts flare; whatever that was, her magic resistance was utterly useless against it.
"That must be her mirror to the underworld! Her noble phantasm!" Penny gasped as she rammed her shield down in front of Oscar and Juniper.
"What kind of person would use a mirror as a special ability?" Nora asked. For her it could definitely hurt someone by smashing one with it but for a group of people.
"Nora maybe it's one that can summon a lot of dead people. I mean it's for the underworld." Pyrrha thought aloud as Nora's eyes began to sparkle with excitement.
"Oh, it can summon zombies! Change of plans Renny, we need a weapon like that." Ren just sighed at the absurdity of his together but not together-together friend's idea. 'I don't think there is a weapon out there that can summon the dead.'
"Tell me when it's all over." Ruby curled up in a ball to avoid seeing the dead come out of the mirror like a horror movie. She hated horror movies and she hated how her sister would just say 'aww' in response. She didn't understand, they would come for her in their dreams.
The groans and crackles from the portal behind her made the sandstorm's raging winds a soft purr. "Harm or not, truth or not, you have seen my disgrace! I will judge you here and no-"
"Be my sword, silver leg! Airgetlám!"
Yang tensed as she heard rampant release of something that boomed over the winds and portal combined. A few sphinxes turned upon visual of a bright, ethereal beacon within the whirling sands. The group of besieged Chaldeans turned to the source, as did Velvet. They were in time to watch the golden blaze bolt to one of the sphinxes instantly slice in half down its length. The beast gave a pitiful roar before disappearing in golden dust, a stark contrast to the previous sphinx that simply faded in existence.
Velvet's jaw nearly dropped to the floor and her eyes widened into saucers when a second sphinx was cut down just as swiftly by the newly appeared, white-clothed figure. The small clinks of armor barely sounded past the large cloak that concealed most of the individual. It was hard for Yang to discern anything of the masked individual, save for the glowing, golden right leg that appeared to be a blade. All she knew was that this newly arrived servant just made one hell of an entrance.
One sphinx appeared behind the silver figure and swiped its sharp talon at him. The new servant simply jumped to dodge, his left leg started to be surrounded by fire. "Be my will, red leg! Cas Don Diabhal!"
The sphinx was instantly sliced in half down its length and incinerated just like the rest but this one did not give a sound before disappearing in golden dust. The sense of the magical energy signature was soothing and righteous. Mordred barely batted an eyelash at the signature, rather she was far more interested in the swift end he just gave to three divine beasts that required more servants to deal with. That act alone made the rest of the servants wary of the newcomer and its unknown motivations.
The figure, landing gracefully between the Chaldean group and Nitocris, turned towards the pharaoh as the glow on his leg faded to reveal the silver limb and the red limb.
"Who the hell was that?" Yang exclaimed as the others were puzzled by this new character's appearance.
"I don't know but he's awesome!" Ruby yelled in admiration. 'That man is definitely a good guy and a hero in one.'
"He looks really Oumdamn familiar." Emerald knew this person was very familiar to her while Ozpin just simply smiled to himself. 'A fine use for the loss of limbs.'
"Now listen, Pharaoh who has just awoken… Lady Velvet, Avatar of Horus," the figure began with a resolute yet calming voice. "It is true that they had rescued you. I had seen them do this. They saw you about to be taken away by the servant Elder of the Mountain and her men, and freed you from the goodness of their hearts… If you cannot believe that, then I will have no choice but to use this arm again to slay more of your beasts."
Velvet stared at his legs then glared back into his concealed eyes. "You…"
"Two have fallen before a minute spent… I can make short work of the rest as well," he threatened. "Can you risk losing the trust of the Sun King even more?"
The pharaoh gripped her staff and flushed with anger. Yang always liked the look of acknowledged defeat on her enemies; Too bad she didn't do it this time. Nonetheless, Velvet looked skeptical. "They bare the mark of-"
"But they are not affiliated… Should you still doubt, perhaps, the Sun King himself should judge them directly."
She narrowed her eyes. "As if I would allow our enemies anywhere near the Sun King."
The figure chuckled. "And what purpose does the enemy have to capture you as opposed to vanquishing outright? They're servants, but they aren't who they appear to be."
"…They do lack their usual escorts…" she murmured indignantly. He seemed to have her there. Whoever her enemy was, it didn't seem like they would ever take captives. Yang watched her stare between the Chaldeans uncertainly. Many Chaldeans shared a look of confusion as Velvet's gaze passed over many of them. "With who they have… they could have…"
The pharaoh mumbled something about not thinking at her best when just waking up, then sighed. "…You have made your point."
The portal behind the pharaoh quickly dissipated, much to the relief of the Chaldean party. The sphinxes, interestingly enough, also visually stood down by sitting on their hind legs like obedient dogs. The pharaoh paused and soon sighed dejectedly. She hesitated at first, but her glare remained.
"I-I am thankful to you, travelers…" She began without bowing, but a slight flush on her cheeks. Was it really this hard to say sorry? "I was... mistaken... My temper got the better of me again, and I thank you for my rescue… but I still have my doubts! As this individual suggested… I shall take you to the Sun King's temple, our ideal nation. There you will be judged by the Sun King himself. Should he bless you, amends will be made and we shall provide ample… reparations for my error…"
The servants looked towards Oscar expectantly as he took a small glance at Juniper. Oscar swallowed and met the pharaoh's eyes. "We will accept those terms. You have our gratitude, Pharaoh Velvet."
"A wise decision. The sphinxes and I shall accompany you to the temple." With one slam of her staff into the silky sands beneath, Velvet opened her arms wide and closed her eyes. "O' wind, release yourself from your duty for the moment! In the name of Pharaoh Velvet, Avatar of Horus, bring forth the blessed light of the sun upon our domain!"
The cloaked man walked away from the group but Oscar stopped him. "Sir, please! Before you go" Oscar yelled out. The unknown servant paused and glanced towards him slowly. Oscar had walked out of the group of Chaldean servants to approach the cloaked man. "May we at least have a name? If nothing else, a thank you is the least we can gift to you."
"You helped us with our misunderstanding. We may have been sphinx food," Penny added as she stepped to Oscar instinctively.
"Have more faith, my lady. None of these beasts could have hoped to tear that shield asunder," the man began with a small nod, but Penny felt confused. It made Yang more suspicious. The man hesitated, looked towards the ground, then met Oscar's eyes once more. "You may call me Lucius. Our meeting was but coincidence, though I know who you are, Master Oscar of Chaldea... Should our paths not cross again, then may fortune smile upon all of you on this journey."
"We will skip a bit to when the Chaldea group meets the Sun King in his land. I would love us to just stick with the main story and I think you will enjoy who is the Sun King here."
O' Great Sun King! I have betrayed your trust and lead your enemies into this temple! People whose names reside among our list!" Velvet declared while on her hands and knees before the throne. "I will happily accept any punishment the Pharaoh wishes to place upon my head. But these kni-"
Her eyes widened as she was interrupted by the hearty laugh of the Sun King who had previously been drowsy until their entrance. She dared to lift her head as he stared back down at her with a gri- No, he was staring at the black-haired Chaldean.
You must be Master Oscar of Chaldea, and these must be your servants," Peter/Ozymandias asked with a loud and proud voice; There was no doubt in his tone. The master's eyes widened in shock. "I understand you are here in this singularity to retrieve the grail and repair the anomaly."
"…" Was the simple reaction of Beacon, this couldn't be possible that the proud teacher of Grimm Studies would be called the Sun King.
"He has abs…" Ruby drawled.
"He's handsome…" Glynda slurred.
"Just how? How is he like that?!" Blake exclaimed.
"I've always told Peter, he should hit the gym. This just proves my point." Ozpin calmly stated while sipping on his coffee but not before chuckling at Qrow's jaw having hit the floor earlier.
You are correct, Sun King Ozymandias. We do not mean any harm or inconvenience to your rule," Oscar replied quickly with a small bow, earning a curious but delighted raise of an eyebrow from the Sun King. He was more than well aware that they would arrive, and was not surprised when he caught the first glance of the distinctive uniform that the visions granted him for possessing the cup. The courteous gestures were also welcome.
"Grail? Anomaly?" Velvet breathed out in curiosity as she looked up at the pharaoh. Upon meeting eyes with him, she quickly bowed her head at having forgotten her place.
Peter chuckled. "It is my failing to not have properly informed you of such circumstances, Nitocris. I shall remedy this as soon as we cater to our esteemed guests properly."
"I shall happily accept the punishmen-"
"Worry not, Velvet… Punishment is unnecessary for bringing such a surprising form of entertainment…" He stated as he casually looked among Chaldea's many servants, but took particular interest in the summoned Knights of the Round Table and their young King. "Yes… This is a promising sight from Chaldea! Velvet! Have the sprites set up the table for a proper banquet! Let us show our guests how the wonderous people of the sand deliver proper hospitality!"
"Y-Yes, O' wise Pharaoh!"
"Who knew Velvet would like that guy?" Yang whispered to Weiss who only glared on having her focus interrupted.
"She should definitely choose better, in my opinion." Blake suggested drawing nods from the rest of the Beacon Staff and students.
Oscar had taken the banquet as a time to speak with the Sun King and hopefully entertain him. Peter definitely enjoyed the stories he gave about his self in Chaldea. "As much as I would like to hear more tales of my interactions with a young King of Heroes, I must change our topic back to recent matters... You have saved Pharaoh Velvet, ridden me of my drowsiness, and have pleased me greatly, therefore I shall grant you a blessing of my choosing."
He casually reaching into a small hieroglyphic chest adjacent to his throne. The Sun King casually searched the space with his free hand, evidently careful not to damage whatever delicate item he searc-
Oscar audibly gasped, and Ren's eyes widened upon seeing a sparkling golden grail so casually pulled from the chest. Ozymandias held the grail before him with a smirk and accompanying raise of an eyebrow. "You are looking for these, yes, Master Gudao of Chaldea?"
"What's so special about that golden cup?" Roman asked, he didn't really see the value in it as a regular shiny golden cup. You could steal that off of everyone in the rich districts of Vale.
The figure chuckled, "That grail is the wish granting device I told you these servants fought for. To see it in the hands of one like Ozymandias indicates his strength. Normally one gets it after a tough war against several other servants and masters."
"You have a grail!?" Oscar nearly exclaimed with lost composure. Behind him, the table had grown silent at the sudden outburst and collectively stared at the golden chalice in the hands of the Sun King. Even Fou had frozen while attempting to shove one of Oscar's grapefruits in its mouth. A quick glance to Juniper, who stared with surprise and confusion, proved that it was as genuine as the ones in Chaldea.
"Of course, for it is a treasure befitting the Sun King!" Peter declared easily with a laugh before placing the grail casually back into the compartment. "I know what runs through your mind, but that is not the case. I liberated the grail from the clutches of the crusaders and other servants a long time ago, but someone as great as myself has no need to use this device. Ah… but it does make my wine taste like the sun itself when I drink from it."
"I shall be honest. I thought you would have perished by the fourth singularity, but I admire your ability to prove my judgment wrong. Your tenacity and determination are far above commendable," Peter declared as he leaned forward on his throne. His smile faded into a frown. "But this singularity, is far different. Far more dangerous… And you are too late! While your courage is worthy of praise, your pace was slow! The human order of this age has long since collapsed with the eradication of the crusaders!"
Penny quietly stood up from her seat at the table, gaining the attention of the room. "If I may, O' Great Sun King… what do you mean?"
Peter decided to give an answer. "I mean exactly as I say. There should have been a battle over the Holy Land. One side besieging, one side defending… Total war between two irreconcilable religious factions! At the end of that war, the grail would have ended up in one group or the other, and the Holy Land would doubtless have become the breeding grounds for the demon pillars… If you had arrived here sooner, that is…"
The room remained dead silent as he leaned forward once more with a small, growing smirk. "The one who made this an exceptional singularity, and razed this age's human order to the ground is seated in the ruins of the city you seek… Jerusalem! In that Holy City of despair! The Lion King... Yes, the Lion King of the immaculate white!"
"The Lion King?" Oscar asked curiously as Jaune's eyes narrowed. Even with everything the throne had offered as information, the Lion King did not ring a bell.
"You seem confused as to their identity. I will attest I am well aware of her faction and its identity…" Peter started but soon sat back in his throne with a content yet devious smirk. That unsettled the everyones' nerves. "…But I have decided that I have informed you of enough."
Juniper wanted to ask again but Oscar had held her hand with a subtle shake of his head, he then looked at the Sun King. "Thank you for the information, O' Sun King. I can see why you would not give up much information to future enemies. As guests we humbly give you praises but… I will prove you wrong, yes?"
His confident smirk caused Peter to heartily laugh while Velvet gripped her staff at the audacity of such a statement.
Peter said aloud. "You indeed have… so you may certainly try again, Master Gudao of Chaldea," Peterd eclared as amusement danced with his smirk. "My only guidance is for you to head to the gates of the White City and find out for yourselves. My citizens shall provide enough supplies and material to ease your journey, lest you die in the desert and disgrace our generosity… I shall give you another hour to finish your meals since you have delighted me with your stories, then you must leave my chamber. Your stay in my temple shall end when the sun sets, though I look forward to how your journey unfolds from there…"
After a while, Chaldea "Did he really give us all this stuff?" Winter practically ogled at the scene as the last of the servants to arrive at the entrance hall. The warlord was currently swinging her feet atop a few barrels with food supplies. She watched Juniper and Ruby were working the final parts of various strengthened wood and metals into distinct shapes. The endeavor was made easier after Ruby had projected uniquely shaped blades for wood working.
"Yes that is one of your abilities in this world, Ruby." The Creator remarked on the now inspired weapon nut who wished she had two semblances.
"Of course, for the Pharaoh is a generous ruler… the true king of this era!" Velvet exclaimed with a prideful smile as an ear twitched happily. The servants only sweat dropped but were thankful nonetheless of the vehicle that the Sun King gave them.
They left no sooner than that to reach their destination, the beam of light that pierced the sky. Jaune's eyes narrowed at the magical energy where their destination was. 'This aura feels very familiar but what is it?' His thoughts went back to the Sun King. 'To think a tyrant could be this generous.'
Jaune's mind briefly wandered to a distant Grail War, where he had a very different banquet with other rulers, or tyrants as he called them. While they had remained relatively unchanged from what he has seen of them in Chaldea, this meeting with the Sun King had placed some perspective on tyranny into her mind. While he indeed ruled with an iron fist, he did not hallucinate seeing the happy faces of the citizens within his domain. They were genuine, without any doubt.
It made him think about the other fiery, boisterous rider's forces. Iskandar's rule had been conducted in a more militaristic view, yet he also saw his army of prideful warriors beaming with confidence at their king. Tyrant or not, he had earned their respect and admiration, even after the terrible end his nation suffered. With that in mind, there was only one final doubt. Whether Gilgamesh's people felt pride for their king was a mystery, but he now reluctantly acknowledged… it may actually be possible.
It was truly eye opening to witness different rulers and their people, but her view on her own ideal rule did not shift from her discoveries. He had judged her past enough, and was having a hard enough time trying to figure out the best way to get her knights to stop their silent feud.
"It takes a wise ruler to see his mistakes and strive to learn from them." Ironwood noted while Ozpin laughed.
"Maybe you should take your own advice, James." The two then got into a tense staring contest which was only interrupted by Glynda smacking them lightly on the cheeks.
She huffed. "Do not act like children in front of the rest."
It took a day to reach where the light was coming. "Yup. That's definitely the city." Winter remarked at the large pristine castle with lots of people standing outside its gates.
"Thanks, Captain Obvious." Winter glared at Yang who simply shook her head in irritation. Oscar ignored the two and continued looking through his binoculars. He and Gabrielle were currently prone to keep a low profile as they made observations from their stopping point along the steep ridgeline. With its sheer drop and height, there was no way to feasibly climb the ridge's cliffs. The only route down was a steep incline that snaked down the very center; It was the only route to the refugee camp for as far as any of them could see.
Suddenly a pseudo-sun formed up high in the sky that illuminated the land and removed any darkness and fog that the land previously had. "This magic is…" Tai struggled to comprehend as he started to glow gently with a golden hue; Penny guessed his Numeral of the Saint was activating. Jaune looked to his knight in silent acknowledgment as Oscar and Penny noted his growing presence.
"Far beyond standard miracles, I'd say," the master finished before turning towards the source. A lone, mighty beam was basking a figure like a spotlight as he made his way from the gate- Oscar's eyes widened as Penny caught her first glimpse. "… Gawain- I mean Tai, do you often wear armor like that?"
"Like what, Pen…" He too froze upon seeing what she and Oscar did. It was him, albeit in different styled armor, who walked proudly towards the group of encircled refugees. Penny was accustomed to running into servant duplicates on past singularities, but it was clearly a shock for Tai to be staring in a mirror. And yet… Penny quivered. If this was indeed a heroic spirit, his power was on a completely different level from the Chaldean one beside her.
Her gaze turned to Yang, who hadn't even moved upon seeing the magnificent castle. She could only stare forward as nostalgia flooded through her eyes. More blinding than the sun itself, her stare was locked forward onto the unveiling city. Its pristine keeps… the beautiful rooftops and banners… Even the symbol atop the flags that suddenly waved with an ethereal wind. Yang was speechless that she'd get to see this again.
Juniper took in a slow breath and directed her questioning gaze back to Ren. "This is Camelot… isn't it?"
"Wow that looks so pretty, Renny. I want my castle to look like that!" Nora exclaimed, with
From their hidden positions, the Chaldeans stared as the newly arrived servant raised his hand gently.
"Calm yourselves! This is a miracle brought about by the Lion King. 'May the Sun's blessings always be with you…' That is the Gift that my king has bestowed upon me," Sir Gawain proclaimed as he stood between the circle of refugees and the long corridor to the gate. He flashed a genuine smile as the crowd erupted into admiration and delight.
The crowd of refugees started to mutter and talk amongst themselves. "Sir Tai! It's the Knight of the Round, Sir Tai!" "The Holy Selection is beginning!" "We can get into the Holy City!" "It's really him!"
"I thank you… You who have assembled here in the Holy City of your own will! The age of humanity has ended, and this small world too is about to perish," the glowing knight began, and Jaune fell nervous as he glanced their way. Thankfully, he did nothing more than a double take; He hoped that's all it would be. He was his knight, so hopefully they could wind up on the same side to resolve whatever mess happened here.
Still, Tai continued proudly. "The Lord hath delivered promised judgment! There is nowhere left on this planet for people to live safely… Yes... Nowhere, except this Holy City of Camelot! Our Holy City is the completed, perfect, immaculate Kingdom of God! Beyond these gates, an ideal world awaits you!"
Jaune froze upon hearing the familiar name, as did his loyal knight by her side. They passed hesitant glances towards each other as Oscar and Penny looked on in concern. While the crowd continued to praise the knights, all Jaune could think of were the many connections running rampant. Tai's mind had apparently reached a conclusion far sooner, as the shock apparent on his face. He asked quietly, "Tai…?"
"It must have been a long, painful journey here… Our King is gracious and will accept people of all kinds. Even those of a different race, or a different religion, with no exception!" Sir Tai yelled once more over the crowd with a sweeping hand. "However, before that may happen, you must earn the king's acceptance!"
"Acceptance?" Jeanne asked quietly as a knot began to form in Jaune's gut. Their grouping… the surrounding knights… Tai's sudden panic… this was- Jeanne cupped a hand to her mouth as her eyes went wide. Jaune looked towards his friend briefly before a figure appeared above the gate.
"Not all can be led to the world's end," the figure's voice omniscient boomed. It was overwhelming, yet divine. It was a waterfall echoing across a desert. Oscar's team could barely make out any details from the distance and overwhelming brightness, but what they did understand was the enormous power that radiated from this newcomer.
What unnerved them the most however, was that the king's voice felt partially familiar in a way, but it could not be discerned from under the helm and distance. "The nature of humans is something that rots and falls away… And so I shall choose!"
The Lion King began glowing as golden prana formed in the air. Like fireflies on a gentle night, they rose and intertwined in an intricate dance. "Souls that will never become defiled... Souls that will not waver no matter what evil they face… Those who are born unchanging and eternally pure may enter my domain!"
A bright flash enveloped the area. It blinded everyone outside of the circle and forced them to shield their eyes. Yet, the light did not seem to sting, blind, or burn, but felt gentle and serene as it basked the refugees in its glow. As it slowly faded, the team re-consolidated themselves and stared into the cro-
It had faded, but Jaune could see the effect. There was still bright light among the crowd… Three beams illuminated individuals as the refugees began murmuring in excitement and wonder. The three were within the center of the crowd, though scattered amongst the thousands.
"The Holy Selection has concluded… We shall invite in only those three. Retrieve them, Sir Gawain," The Lion King proclaimed before swiftly turning around and disappearing beyond the gate's topmost rim. To the surprise and concern of the team, the individual's enormous power seemed to vanish entirely from the vicinity as quickly as it appeared. It was as if she were just a phantom on the wind.
"Only three?" Oscar asked slowly. Jaune's gut didn't want an answer. "Do they just let the others wait here until chosen?"
"No…" Blake whispered lowly as Jaune felt his stomach churn. "Unfortunately, I don't think it's as honorable as that."
"Ladies and gentlemen… I truly regret this, believe me," Sir Tai declared once more, though the genuine smile was long gone from his face. "But this too is for the sake of the future of the human world… The king has wished for the remainder to be purged!"
"That took a turn for the worse." Qrow yelped as the others except of course Cinder felt sick. To commit such mass genocide in order to quell the amount of people who want to stay in the magnificent city was horrifying.
"Why would someone do that?" Ruby asked.
"Strong and the deserving shall only live, the weak will be crushed." Raven remarked as the Beacon people glared at her. But the bandit leader did not care for that, she was intrigued about this Lion King and his or her strength.
Jaune's breath was a fiery chill as it froze his soul. He felt the seconds pass like hours as hers and Tai's eyes shot across all the knights surrounding the group of refugees... The surrounding knights in their gleaming silvers and blues broke free of unseen binds. Their arms reached and they drew their weapons as one as the blade and halberd alike glittered in the makeshift sun. Before them, the crowd of ragged and dirty refugees began panicking and pleading for their lives, helpless before the tall warriors that took their first steps forward.
Sir Tai's smile was knightly promise, but his voice was unforgiving. "And so… we shall begin the divine punishment."
"The refugees have nowhere to run... They're surrounded! The knights intended to do this from the very start!" Juniper gasped as she stared down as the screams of slaughter crushed the warm air. "…But we can get Oscar out of that mess...! We can manage to escape… but…"
Juniper shook her head, "Like hell we would!" the female master spat out as she glared at the scene below. As she was about to call out orders for her team, the intercom on her device flared to life.
"Juniper! Juniper, do you copy!? Good! We're trying to get as many refugees out as possible!" his voice calm voice sounded over some clashing steel. Down below, Oscar's team was now well within the encircling knights itself. "Remember that idea you had I said we would never do? Do it. Right now."
Juniper smiled. "Gladly!"
Oscar's voice flared in the intercom. "One last note! Do not let them find out we have the knights with us. I have a guess who the Lion King is but I'm not completely positive... There's still some uncertainty."
"Understood… See you soon." The master glared at the enemy knights. "Glynda, Cinder and Mercury. Cover the escape route out! Yang, Ren, Winter… Get in the lorry!" She then looked at Yang and Ren. "Yang, Lancelot … I have important rules of engagement for you two that you must not break in any circumstance."
The circle swiftly devolved into a madhouse. Arrows sang through the air alongside clashing blades and endless screams. The cries of children were deafened among the masses, and many fell silent as time passed on. Both the enforcers and the Chaldeans within the masses fought resolutely; Like helpless cattle anywhere between, the refugees could do nothing but pray it was not their time.
"Call in the report to Sir Agra-" The halberd-wielding enforcer failed to finish his sentence as a traced arrow tore through the gap between its helmet and breastplate. Ruby and Oscar stared in disgust, but soon surprise, as the falling knight began vanishing into a bluish dust. The released od soon began vanishing into the air as the enforcer's remains disintegrated into mist. The growing number of corpses that fertilized the desolate sand with their blood was a different story.
"They're not real?" Winter asked.
Ironwood responded with his observation. "They are probably conjurations just like those with your abilities Winter."
Oscar quickly dove out of the way of a potentially devastating strike from a charging enforce-Shing! The blade was caught by Blake's chain and was swiftly wrenched from its grasp. The enforcer was helpless against the rider's onslaught as she quickly swung her dagger into the exposed joints between the armor pieces.
"I forgot to mention this partner but your outfit is really kinky. Kind of like your porn." Blake glared while muttering that it was erotic literature.
As Blake tore him apart relentlessly, Gudao turned his attention to another one that-
Clang! The blade impacted harmlessly on Penny's shield. She forced the enforcer back, but stayed by Oscar's side. She remained there, even as she glanced to the distant screams and no one threatened him. He glanced to Jaune as he steadily tried to cut a path forward, then yelled. "Penny! Leave me! Please go save others!"
Nearby, a lone child remained in her parent's dying arms. There was a terrible cut on her back that her son couldn't see that spilled a tragic red onto the corpse of another. Even so, she kept a gentle smile and tearfully held her child close. "Mother! You really cry a lot! It hurts if you hold me so tight!"
"Be strong… Rashid…" The dying mother placed a hand to her son's cheek one last time.
"Divine punishment will resume after disposing of the child… over." The enforcer turned to the young brunette with a tan turban as his mother's passed away with him in her arms. His matching tattered clothes spoke of a time when the Saracens prospered here, but that was a far memory thanks to the knights fighting around him. The boy could only look on in horror and confusion as the knight prepared to spear the child with his halb-
Penny slammed into the knight's side while crying and yelling with heartbroken anguish. She quickly took to the air and dove down with unrelenting force to plunge the shield between the helmet and breastplate. The surprised child watched as the knight's severed head began turning to blue dust.
"I'm so sorry…" Yet among the chaos, all Rashid could hear and see was Penny's crying face as she quickly came over and embraced the young child. Even as another enforcer came over to strike down the sobbing shielder, she did not turn. Jaune plunged Excalibur through the back of the approaching knight and tore the golden sword out swiftly through the side impaling it through his heart. He quickly glanced around at any surrounding enforcers who were all currently preoccupied with other servants or the runners.
The King of Knights looked around him at all the fallen bodies of innocents and the knights who trampled over the desecrated corpses. He looked towards Penny, who briefly left the young boy to bring a violent end to another enforcer who dared to approach in that moment of mourning. The boy was finally crying upon realization his mother wasn't going to wake up. Penny returned to his side and held him once more.
As he blocked another attack, Jaune thought he caught a fleeting glimpse of Lucius as he ran past. Out of sight, he took down a knight enforcer down as he attempted to get through. Yet, his mind cared not at the moment. He had to follow his master's order to defend the refugees... If it weren't for orders, she would have… 'I will personally face this Lion King, I will deliver justice for tainting my knights, my people, and my kingdom.'
"You get em' Jauney!" Nora cheered on as Ruby felt really sad for the loss of that child's mother.
A lorry skidded across the ground but maintained its balance since Juniper immediately slammed the brakes and turned hard. This forced the entrance side of the vehicle to face towards the refugees.
"ROCK EM! Ren." The servant in question nodded as his noble phantasm started to form, the six barrels of the red-streaked Gatling cannon took shape as the system quickly began whirling into motion.
Like the howl of a yeti amongst a snowstorm, Ren's Gatling cannon flared to life to terrorize its prey. The deafening stream of infused rounds sundered the already chaotic air. It drew full attention to the vehicle, but that was the plan. He kept up the ferocious bombardment to shred as many enemies as possible. It tore through reforming groups of knight enforcers like a hot knife through butter. However, despite the onslaught, he took care to avoid any place where live refugees were still mixed in.
"Maybe you need the same weapon like Coco?" Pyrrha questioned Ren who was about to answer but noticed Ruby's excited look.
"Maybe it's better in the hands of a weapon aficionado. Probably mix a gattling gun with a scythe and a sniper rifle." Ruby excitedly screamed and immediately went into the schematics of Ren's suggestion.
Team _WBY simply groaned knowing she would be in the forge for several days and then show it off in spars. They were not ready to suffer that many bruises.
Oscar looked around briefly before speaking to his intercom. "Everyone we have to-"
His voice halted as Jaune turned back to face him with shock. An arrow had pierced their young master's side. His white uniform had begun to stain red as Jaune appeared by his side. Jaune had spun him around while swinging Excalibur which had killed five more stray enforcers.
"Juniper we need to go! Oscar's been hit." He then swiftly batted another arrow aimed at their master. The servants then one by one started to get into the lorry while Ren gave covering fire.
"Wait… its Lucius." Oscar pointed out the figure who had stopped the advances of Sir Tai who was supposed to charge at the Chaldea group.
The figure in question yelled out. "Quickly, get out. I shall handle this!" He then slammed his silver leg against the enemies' Excalibur Galatine.
Sir Tai was simply confused as he struggled to hold this mysterious attacker to a stalemate. "… How?"
Clang! "What's your name?" Lucius dodged the precise strike that was aimed for his stomach and managed to kick the outstretched arm of Sir Tai. However Sir Tai had used his mana burst to launch flames of the sun to Lucius.
"You may call me Lucius." Sir Tai smirked as he stared down the cloaked servant. Though this servant had dealt two significant cuts to the gifted knight, the cloaked man's sizzling, accompanied by the smell, told him he was dealing far more damage to himself in the process.
"Tis a shame, really. You put up a good fight, but it seems you're at an end." Excalibur Galatine swing was blocked by Lucius' silver leg. But Sir Tai's strength was pushing him back.
"I… will not fail my duty!" Lucius practically groaned beneath his cloth mask as he swung his arm once more, only to be blocked by Excalibur Galantine.
"I am invincible under the sun. You do well to remember tha-!"
Sir Tai's eyes widened in shock as Lucius suddenly shifted his body to the side, forced his sword away, then thrust a swift stab to his- Shlick! The gifted knight had dodged the attack, but still bled from the shallow cut to his cheek. Lucius chuckled, though it sounded gruesome. "Three… hits…"
As Lucius's legs threatened to give out, Sir Gawain narrowed his eyes and brought his blade up swiftly; If he still had the strength to mock, than he would- No, they would all answer to his noble phantasm! After a swift leap back, he turned his body and prepped his blade in his signature stance as the sun above growing brighter by the second. He had no need to throw his sword up in prep-
Flash! …Lucius was gone. Surprised, Sir Gawain halted his charge and looked around for his opponent. He saw nothing save for the escaping contraption the Chaldeans were usi… Where did this strange device come from? The knight looked down at the strange wooden contraption, complete with prana tank, spinning gyros. 'That looks like a bomb-'
The specialized bomb detonated and blinded the entire area.
"An effective weapon." Ironwood noted, it would be a great weapon to use against the Grimm along with the White Fang since it was inconspicuous.
"Understood, sir. I will have the technicians in Atlas look at the specifications of the contraption." Winter stated as Ironwood simply smiled at her.
Lucius opened his eyes to see the servants and female master of Chaldea looking at him. 'I shouldn't be here… I can't let them find out…' But he was too weak to struggle now. As the vehicle roared up the incline, he dared to look around to get his bearings before he inevitably blacked out.
"It's a bit suspicious why he's so jumpy around us." Ruby noted while Blake was keeping close tabs on their wounded master while on the opposite side Penny calmed the crying child in her arms to sleep. While she soothed the boy, her own eyes were filled with regret and despair as they gazed at the now sleeping Oscar. The tears on the shielder's face continued to stream like waterfalls as Jeanne sat beside them to console the two. Penny's heart felt like it was ready to tear for failing her duty so terribly. All she could do was mutter her apologies repeatedly into the sleeping child's ear.
Yang sat towards the back and stared angrily towards the gates of Camelot without paying attention within; Tai glared back too as Juniper kept her hands on his chest. They were joined by a silent Ren on the roof. Like their gazes, their hearts were united in anger and disbelief.
Their escape was secure.
"That will do for the presentation of that world." The Creator remarked as he moved to get another one of those videos.
"Will we see more from that world?" Ruby asked while the Creator simply nodded.
"So what's next?" Roman lazily asked while his assistant was eating her umpteenth ice cream bowl.
"Well before loading up the next alternate situation of your world. I will show you short versions of yourselves in another world. Probably around two."
"What are their names?" Qrow asked as he drank from his flask again.
"Their names are Awaken and Fighting."
So there you have the two features for the next chapter, after that will be another RWBY fanfic that I think is very underrated compared to the others that are high in the top followed stories. Also guess who is Lucius, maybe I made it too obvious.
The answer to I think the most asked question of 'Jaune opened his aura in Emerald Forest. He'd die if he didn't have it. How could you do that? Why aren't you following canon?' You see I always believed that Rooster Teeth had a plan from Season 1 to 3 that regardless of any event, it would lead to the inevitable of the bad guys winning, Beacon falling, Pyrrha dying, and our heroes being forced to develop knowing there are bigger bad guys. So the minor instance of Jaune not having aura really doesn't change much in my opinion. He doesn't do anything much except get beaten in combat class, try to be a knight, and suck at flirting. He also has the greatest safety blanket or deus ex machina in Pyrrha that will ensure his safety so that they have that romantic/tragic scene before she decides to fight Cinder.
Also a lot, a lot of writers in this fandom have done it and I honestly like those better because Aura is a goddamn easy way to ensure that everyone will be fine. Having Jaune go through the events of Season 1 and 2 ensures that you keep the core element of him trying to be better surrounded by talented hunters. Also Glynda may want to remove him but Ozpin will always have final say to whatever happens in Beacon.
Try to guess what those two features are. Thanks once again for reading.