You guys ready for WW3? This time the Germans wouldn't have started it.
So, there is literally a mud clock for any Russian invasion into Ukraine. Russia's got a few weeks until the mud is so thawed out that you can't drive over it. Unfortunately, any offences have to be planned around that, so by March, you have to move soldiers across the two roads leading out from the Russian Ukrainian border.
It's cool to learn about these things now, but terrifying given the context of the seemingly more worrying timeline we have all wandered into.
However, I'm putting up a list of names on a poll for Jaune's riding lizard. I have a few in mind that were given up by some readers. The two I remember right now are Dodogama or Invincible because I forgot to write down the one other name I saw in the reviews. So, if you want to get in on the naming, suggest a name and I'll have a poll featuring everything I have on Sunday.
"Try this," Weiss said, pushing a book into Jaune's hands. "I found it in the library; hopefully, it might be able to fix the letter."
Jaune examined the tome Weiss gave him. It was an alteration school spell, Clean Object. A simple book of only a dozen pages. The Paladin stared at the manual with a curious look, trying to figure out the odd reason for its existence. This spell really was a strange sight. Nothing meant for destruction or the healing of wounds.
"You don't want to try it," Jaune asked, looking up at Weiss.
She looked around at the others in the room. Everyone wasn't paying attention to the pair. All their eyes were on Ruby, talking amongst themselves as they waited for her.
The notion of the vampire attacking Jaune and Yang didn't come up anymore. Only a few worried questions from their friends when Jaune came up to Ruby's room. The knowledge the two came out with just cuts and bruises was enough for them to be satisfied.
"I can't," Weiss whispered, shaking her head. "I only learned a few spells from the other schools before I was stuck with destruction magic." She finished, taking a deep breath.
"Why?"
I don't think I've heard of that before.
"If a mage practices a single school for too long, it becomes their speciality," she explained, looking at Jaune with a blank expression. "So, I can't learn some of the spells you know because of that."
Oh.
"I see..."
It made sense. Weiss only read the spell books Jaune had found. If she was able to make use of them, she would have. Reading them was just to satisfy her curiosity about magic. Jaune couldn't imagine what weapons or armour the two could conjure if she was allowed to use Infusion.
That sucks, but I guess we can make up for each other's weaknesses.
Cracking open the book, Jaune studied the spell for a few minutes. It was a simple method involving using magic to apply a small amount of soap to clean off whatever you desired. For delicate pieces, you would not use water for the risk of accidentally destroying them. So, this spell got around that by acting as a solvent, leaving paper or sensitive materials intact.
Using a chunk of soap he'd stolen from a nurse's cart, Jaune crushed it within his hand. Then he funnelled magic into the soap just as the spell detailed. Guiding the miasma to the bloodied paper, sparkling lights danced around the sheet, emerging before diving back into the paper. What was left behind was a much more legible note when the magic dissipated. The blood had not been thoroughly washed away, but the centre of the message could be read.
Please don't be mad at me...
Cracking open his eyes, Jaune scanned the note.
Dear Jaune,
This is your mother writing to you. We received your letter from the courier and are glad to have heard something from you. Rouge, Blanche, and Noire were afraid their older brother wouldn't write to them. They were ecstatic to know you wanted to send them to school in Vale. I am currently making preparations to have them enrolled for the next semester.
When you left, your father was angry for some time, but I 'persuaded' him to understand that it was your decision. Like Saphron, you needed to find your own way. While I support you, I would have liked some warning before you disappeared. Your poor mother at least wanted to say goodbye in person.
However, Cereza and Joan are doing fine. Joan has taken up helping your father around the smithy, working steel like you did. She's actually becoming quite proficient at making blades now. On the other hand, your hotheaded little sister, Cereza, has not taken you leaving very well. Hearing that you are now delving into ruins has stirred up a fire in that girl's heart. I'm sure when she enrols at Beacon next year, she'll try to go looking for you. So, try not to kill each other, please.
Also, I noticed you forgot your grandmother's ring, so I sent that along with this letter. I know it may be safer at home, but Vale is a big place with lots of girls. You may have some use for it in the future.
Your Mother.
Jaune felt a warmth grow in his chest upon finishing the letter. He was happy to hear there was no judgement for his choice. It might not be that way for long if they learned he joined Beacon or was involved in grand larceny with Blake. But for the time, it was good to hear.
I need to send them another letter...
"Was it good news," Weiss asked, looking at him from behind the letter.
From the smile stretched across his lips, he was sure that's what Weiss picked up on.
"Yeah-Yeah, it was from my mom," Jaune answered, folding the letter and sliding into his satchel. "I just haven't heard from them in a while. They sent me some stuff too."
Opening the parcel attached to the letter revealed his grandmother's ring box. The small oaken container was simple. Something his grandfather had made back on Anima from two hand-carved pieces of wood with iron hinges and a clip to hold the band onto. The ring itself matched the simplicity of the box. It was nothing more than a golden band polished to a lustre, weighing barely four grams.
"A ring?"
"It was my grandmother's," Jaune explained, holding it up into the light. "Kinda the only heirloom we have in my family." He placed it back in its box and offered it to Weiss. "Wanna look at it?"
"Sure," Weiss said, hesitantly picking the box up and inspecting the ring. Every move she made told Jaune she was being as careful as possible with it. The girl didn't even want to risk dropping the ring. "It's beautiful... I can tell it was made with a great deal of care."
Yeah...
It wasn't a status symbol. Only a gift from one to another. Such an item was simple but meant a lot to Jaune and his family. It was a sign of trust between them and anyone they welcomed into their clan. Valean tradition often suggested a boy give a ring to any girl they wished to marry. Since Jaune was the only boy, it fell upon him to carry the token.
"Hey, guys," the voice of Sun broke Jaune and Weiss' conversation. "Ruby's waking up!"
Weiss closed the box and set it to the side, and she leapt to her feet. Jaune followed, disregarding the ring for the moment. The two nearly knocked each other over in their rush to join their friends.
Standing over Ruby, Jaune and the group watched her stir. The Reaper shuffled in her bedsheets, grunting weakly as her consciousness grew. A nearly inaudible breath escaped her lips when an eye opened. Within a few minutes, Ruby's half-lidded eyes now gazed upon those sitting next to her bed. Yet, she did not speak, seemingly attempting to register her surroundings or blinded by the bright light.
"Ruby, can you hear us," Yang whispered, leaning down at eye level with her sister.
"Owwwwww," Ruby groaned, grabbing at her chest. "It's really sore..."
Jaune had to suppress the urge to laugh. Nearly being stabbed to death, and Ruby's first words were that. The rest of his friends couldn't help but show their ear to ear smiles.
She remembered what happened, at least.
"Dad, she's awake," Yang said, not looking away from her little sister. The girl's vampiric senses told her he was standing nearby.
Looking at the door, Tai stood at the entrance, appearing like he'd seen a ghost. Jaune didn't know whether it was from the shock or his brain having not caught up to it. Without a word, the man crossed the room and stood at his daughter's side, wrapping her in a massive hug. The Paladin could tell the man was doing everything he could not to cry.
"I brought Zwei," Tai whispered, pulling away from his daughter.
Weiss moved as if by cue, hefting the corgi onto the bed. The short little dog waddled his way over to the girl, trying to lick at her face. When Tai pulled him back a little, he contented himself with plopping down at her side, laying his head on her shoulder. Ruby scratched his head, feeling the old corgi's soft fur run between her fingers.
"Ruby, we got you some stuff too," Sun said as he and Blake took hold of her new weapons and armour. "Your gear was kinda ruined, so we made you a new set!"
The moment Ruby laid eyes on the armour and scythe, tears began to creep from her eyes. It wasn't her mourning over her old gear but tears of happiness. Sheer joy at seeing the exquisite pieces forged personally by her friends. She tried to wipe her eyes dry, but the tears wouldn't stop.
Everyone was beaming now. Jaune loved seeing her reaction to the armour and weapons he and his friends painstakingly put together. What he wanted more than ever with this set was for it to be cherished by their friend.
"C-Can, I try them on," Ruby asked, sniffling as she attempted to compose herself.
"Are you sure you want to get up?"
"She can move around," the Priestess said from behind the group. "In fact, I would encourage she get as much exercise as possible. It will help Ms Rose get back into shape, so she may do whatever at her own pace. Her blood vessels should be mending themselves within a few weeks."
Okay...
"Let's try it slowly," Weiss insisted, moving to grab Ruby's right hand.
Jaune moved to hold the other. With a gentle motion, Jaune and Weiss helped Ruby climb out of her bed. As she put one foot on the ground, followed by the other, Ruby was able to stand up. Her legs were wobbly due to her condition, but Ruby could support herself for the most part. However, everyone else was prepared to catch her on the off chance she fell.
Taking her first step, Ruby's knees buckled and lost any strength they previously possessed. Ren was luckily able to step in and catch her before she collapsed to the ground. Nora helped by picking her up and setting her back down on the bed.
"Sorry, I just felt weak," Ruby windedly apologised. She tried to suck down as much air as physically possible, only seemingly unable to get enough.
"You lost a lot of blood, so that's probably why," Jaune pointed out, noting her still sheet white skin. "We can try again tomorrow."
"Okay, I need to take a break," Ruby agreed, falling back onto her pillow.
It really took a lot out of her...
"Try to get some rest," Tai insisted, pulling the covers back over her. He then looked at the remainder of her friends. "You guys can take a break too; you've been here all night. I can watch her."
"Are you sure," Ren asked, looking at the man with a puzzled expression.
"We'll stay here with her," Pyrrha said, sitting back in her chair. "I'm still not in any shape to go anywhere. I'll help Ruby get caught up with everything that happened."
Okay, as long as one of our friends is here, Ruby will be fine. I'll take her to the vault to show her what we found when she's in shape.
With a nod, most of the group left the room quietly. Ruby waved them goodbye, and they returned the gesture. Shutting the door behind them, everyone gathered in the hallway. Only a nurse passing through disturbed their meeting.
"So, what're we doing," Nora asked, stretching her arms with a big yawn. "I don't want to do any quests right now..."
"Yeah, I feel you..." Sun agreed, scratching the side of his head.
"What about going to class," Weiss suggested. "We only have a few left for today. I think Combat Class is up next."
"Really?"
"Not much else to do," Jaune mentioned. "We got Ruby's armour put together. I don't know if we're finding buyers for all the stuff we got out of the ruins."
It wasn't really a break. It was something productive to do instead of sleeping or finding a bite to eat. A chance to sit down and not do too much for a few hours. With Roman's dealings in Vale and the vampire on the loose, it wasn't safe to go into the city right now either.
Jaune had slipped a letter explaining what happened that night into the secretary's office. He left out the vampire stuff but mentioned everything he saw at Roman's meeting. Jaune only hoped it wouldn't come back to him, but if he could keep his friends out of the city, it wouldn't hurt.
At the very least, it was a welcome distraction.
"At least I can fight something if we do Combat Class," Sun expressed, shrugging his shoulders.
"I guess I'll come too," Blake agreed, following Sun.
...
Slipping inside the coliseum, the group took a position at the farthest row possible. This spot was nearly out of sight for the instructors. A place where everyone could sit back and decompress for a time. Sun and Ren almost fell asleep as the boys reclined onto the row behind them. The rest were focused on anything aside from whatever Goodwitch or Cinder were saying.
"Did anyone see anything odd with Ruby," Blake asked in a whisper.
"Exhausted," Sun pointed out. "But she looked fine..."
"Maybe the heart worked," Ren wondered. "I still don't like it, but I have to admit Ruby's doing better than I thought."
"Weiss and I were pretty bad when our Aura got knocked to zero," Jaune said, glancing over at his friends. "I could barely get out of bed."
"Yes, I think it's Aura exhaustion, mostly," Weiss agreed, kneading her brow. "Until her blood regenerates, she'll be anaemic. That poison did a lot of damage to her body, so we'll have to wait and see what happens."
It would be odd if Ruby were doing clap pushups when she awoke. However, it was just like when Jaune or Weiss were injured. Pyrrha was in better condition despite being stabbed, but she had that healing crystal to assist her. Everything with Ruby was going as it should. There were no signs of taint due to the necromancy.
"Good, now I think it's time for a match," Cinder said, looking around the crowd. "I believe Mr Winchester and Mr Arc would be a good fit?"
In the centre of the arena, Cinder stood with Professor Goodwitch. The girl seemed confident. She was a fish out of water, but she took to being an instructor like it was instinct. Most of the students here wouldn't have guessed otherwise. Their guest instructor was perfect.
Rising from the bench, Jaune didn't even acknowledge Cardin. The boy hurried into the locker rooms, leaving his friends behind. Coming to his locker, Jaune opened it, examining the contents for what he would be using for this fight. His breastplate was broken, so he only had one set of armour on hand.
The Eagle's Armour.
Pulling the set from his locker, it felt lighter than he'd remembered. Slipping the suit on, he moved as though it were his second skin. It was nothing on him, like wearing a heavy coat across his entire body. Jaune wondered what alterations he could make to this armour. With more plate or enchantments, he could push this set past its limit when he reforged it.
Grabbing the helmet and leaving the cape, Jaune threw his black cloak over his shoulders. Leaving the locker room for the arena, Jaune passed by those in the hall. They all watched him with sideways looks, marvelling at the set and Jaune's aura. He felt powerful, commanding that kind of attention. Moreso with each step as his plate rattled against itself.
Crossing back into the arena, Jaune entered through the doors leading onto the sandpit. Cardin looked on the other side, still wearing his signature grey and gold-trimmed plate armour. He didn't seem to have changed in the least; only his armour had some additional reinforcement added to it since Jaune had last seen him. There did not appear to be any enchantments or magical alterations either.
Cardin whistled as he gazed upon the Eagle's Armour. "Well-Well-Well looks like you finally got some good shit," he complimented, leaning onto the pommel of his mace. "Let's get this show started... Ladies need some entertainment."
Jaune ignored him, strapping his helmet on and closing the visor. His vision became narrowed by the slits on the faceplate, limiting him to two squares from where he could see Cardin. It threw the boy off, but this practice was going to be worth his time. He needed to learn how to fight with a helmet on.
Unsheathing his sword, Jaune twirled the blade in his fingers before entering the ox guard stance. Crouching lowly, he was prepared to parry any attack from the larger boy. The Paladin couldn't be sure of his opponent's strength, so he needed to approach this conservatively.
Cardin confidently followed Jaune's movements, entering the plough guard with the mace cocked behind him. Slowly, he and Jaune began moving in tandem, circling the arena and looking for an opening. The crowd watched these two dance around the other with bated breath, excited to see how this match would go.
Jaune made the first move, casting White Hawk; he threw the massive bird in Cardin's direction. The aetherial raptor rocketed towards Cardin's face, opening its wings wide and extending out his razor-sharp talons. Cardin, surprised by this, raised an arm to protect his open face from being sheared by those claws.
The Paladin took advantage of the opening, dashing underneath the hawk and into Cardin's space. As he batted away the bird, Jaune was already thrusting his longsword up and at his face. Cardin had barely any time to react, stepping back before taking the blow. Jaune followed up by pressing forward, throwing a shoulder into his chest.
Cardin remained unmoved by this hit, catching himself on his heel. He put a boot into Jaune's side, throwing the smaller boy away from him. Just as Jaune fell back a few feet, Cardin pressed with an overhead strike from his mace. Jaune rolled to the side, letting the mace crash into the sand with a loud thud. Cardin immediately tore the mace from the floor and swung it horizontally at Jaune's centre.
Jaune reacted in time, striking the mace with his sword. The flange skittered across the enchanted blade and away from the boy. Using the opening, Jaune cast Arclight at Cardin's face. The bright flash disoriented the boy, letting Jaune move with more leeway. He dashed to the right, sinking his heel into the sand before springing off the step at Cardin. Drawing back his sword, Jaune stabbed the tip of his weapon deep into Cardin's side.
The Knight howled, feeling blood drawn and the freezing enchantment cut through his body. He gritted his teeth and fought through the pain, activating an ability that caused his Aura to flare brightly. Before Jaune could move to a safe area, Cardin cocked back his arm and delivered a mighty blow with his mace. Just as he struck Jaune with the flange, he set off a charge hidden in the weapon. The bright crystal buried in the weapon's head detonated with enough force to throw Jaune across the room.
Jaune felt his entire body get sent flying. The explosion didn't seem to harm him as much as it should have, only being deflected across the plate armour. However, Jaune had little control over his trajectory, flipping around several times before he slammed into the ground.
"Ugghhh," Jaune groaned as he pushed himself off the ground. He looked up to see Cardin charging at him, leaving him with no time to rest.
Get up!
Throwing himself back to his feet, Jaune summoned Morningstar. The chained whip extended out from his hand as a length of white-hot metal, solidifying into the magical weapon from the grip as Jaune took hold of it. Cardin didn't seem to care about the weapon, solely focusing on getting the second hit in on Jaune.
The Knight's body appeared much like that of the Alpha's. His veins became dilated, allowing blood to surge through his body. While he did not possess that dark miasma clouding him, an orange smoke poured off his body. They were similar abilities. Something which pushed their bodies to peak performance. He'd seen the same thing with Pyrrha during their battle with the wyvern.
Jaune whipped Morningstar's steel head directly at Cardin's chest. The Paladin activated the explosive enchantment before crashing into the Knight's chest. With a greater magnitude than Cardin's weapon, it exploded not an inch from his body. The fireball grew large enough to swallow Cardin in flames, disappearing him from view for that fraction of a second.
When the smoke cleared, Cardin blitzed his way out, only stopped for a moment to regain his footing. The boy's armour had been torn to pieces by the explosion, missing the right pauldron and breastplate to protect his chest. He didn't even feel anything from the hit, likely suppressing his pain receptors through the ability like the Alpha.
Jaune whipped Cardin once more with Morningstar, detonating the head next to the boy's leg. The explosion knocked him over, but he pushed forth despite now limping on his left leg. Jaune followed up, pulling Morningstar back to him then striking at Cardin with it for a final attack.
Realising what was happening, the Knight grabbed ahold of the chain and yanked Jaune towards him. This tug played into the Paladin's favour, letting him clear the distance between the two. Just as they were about to collide, Cardin moved to slam Jaune into the ground with his mace. In turn, Jaune summoned the Dragonslayer.
Each boy raised their weapons simultaneously, moving in sync with the other. As Cardin brought the mace down, Jaune swung upwards with Dragonslayer. The weapons met with such force that the sand beneath their feet was thrown into the air. When the dust storm cleared, the crowd could witness what transpired.
Cardin's made was nearly sheared in half by the Dragonslayer's blade. The simple steel weapon could not handle the magically forged sword in this test. Dragonslayer became buried halfway into the mace's flanges, lodged there by its sheer mass. The pieces of Cardin's mace scattered around sent flying in a shower of sparks.
Cardin pulled his weapon out of the snarl and looked at it with a dazed expression. The mace crumbled beyond repair, now a mere stick where his weapon once was. Stunned at the piece's condition, the boy dropped it to the ground as the rest of his body seemed to outright fail.
"Uncle," Cardin said as he collapsed to the ground, landing on his butt before falling onto his back.
Shit...
Jaune looked over his opponent. The boy was still alive, but he was not in the best condition. Whatever exhaustion that ability caused, combined with Jaune detonating a bomb right in his face, seemed to be catching up with him. The Alpha could shrug that damage off due to his level and constitution. Cardin was nowhere near matching that man.
I didn't even win that fight... Pyrrha and I just got him to a stalemate.
Reaching down, Jaune grabbed a piece of Cardin's armour. He felt the metal in his hands, determining it to be just ordinary steel. It was the same stuff used for higher tier soldiers or middling adventurers. Compared to enchanted steel, it was like smashing a tin can.
I guess Cardin's only been upgrading his stuff bit by bit.
"Excellent match, gentleman," Professor Goodwitch complimented.
"Indeed it was, Professor," the voice of Ozpin came from the stands. "Fascinating use of such a weapon Mr Arc."
Jaune looked to the origin of the voice. Ozpin was now stepping down from the raised stands, using invisible steps to carry him to their level. As he reached the sandpit, the man observed the battlefield; glancing over it was a half-interested expression. Using a spell, he summoned Jaune's sword to his hand, grabbing the blade without a look.
"I think we're done here for today, Professor," Ozpin said to Goodwitch.
"I agree," Goodwitch replied, turning to the rest of the crowd. "That's the end of class for now! Anyone who is in my following lecture will be instructed by Ms Fall. And can Mr Winchester's friends help him to the infirmary?"
What's going on?
"Mr Arc, please come with us," Ozpin instructed, walking past him to the arena's door.
As a group, Ozpin led the trio out of the room. Behind Jaune, Professor Goodwitch followed, keeping the Paladin firmly in between the two magi. The boy felt disturbed by the implication of these circumstances, but he had few options in the way of escaping. He had no choice but to follow.
Weiss was right outside of the arena in the hallway. She seemed to share Jaune's concern, having come to intercept him before he disappeared. Ozpin and Goodwitch ignored her, but Jaune flashed her a pleading look. The girl appeared to understand and joined their group.
"Professors, what's this about," Weiss demanded in a firm tone as she inserted herself into the line.
"I'm sorry, I understand Ms Rose finally woke up, but this could not wait any longer," Ozpin began, glancing back at the two. "It has to do with that weapon you found."
Great...
"It's cursed," Jaune wondered as the group made their way outside.
"No," Goodwitch denied. "That's not precisely accurate. Bonded to you spiritually, yes. But there is more to it than that."
Jaune felt some relief hearing that. He hoped it wasn't cursed or going to turn him into some monster. Having some information to the contrary was enough to put him at ease.
"Then what's going on," Jaune asked.
"There is someone who would like to meet with you," Ozpin admitted in a frank tone. "He's the foremost expert on the nature of these artefacts."
At that, Jaune and Weiss were led away from the Academy. While the group wandered through the front gates of Beacon, they spotted Tai and Willow walking together, carrying small baskets likely containing food towards the infirmary. Between the adults, they were sharing a pleasant conversation. The topic of which was inaudible to Jaune or Weiss.
"Any idea who we're meeting," Jaune whispered to Weiss.
"I have no clue," Weiss replied with a shrug.
Worth a shot...
Leaving Beacon, the four walked towards the marketplace. Instead of heading further into Vale, they turned towards the King's Palace. Jaune marvelled at how massive the compound was as they approached the structure. It was nearly equal in size to the Academy and put the school to shame in appearance.
The wrought iron gates were handcrafted by artisans, featuring intricately designed patterns throughout the entire length of the perimeter. The gardens and lawn were wide open and constantly maintained, with rows of hedges and colourful flowerbeds. The main structure was a flamboyant gothic style with looming stone towers and massive stained glass windows.
A relic of Pre-War Vale, the Rose Garden Palace was still being repaired all these years later. Workers were shuttling supplies in and out of the palace's front gates like ants in a colony. The crumbled sections of the castle were being cleared of debris or reassembled from whatever stone was left behind. However, those were merely the outskirts of the structure. The main body was polished and clean. Fit for the royal family of Vale.
We're really going inside?
Jaune was nervous about who he was going to meet. He never thought in a million years that he was going inside the King's Palace. Jaune was barely a blip on the radar for those in power. The only thing of note that he did was keep some mercenaries out of Beacon.
Weiss, on the other hand, didn't seem fazed by this. She was used to this setting. A lifetime of meeting the lords and ladies of Atlas hardened her to the pressure of upper society. In fact, the girl appeared more irritated about going inside.
Crossing the extensive gardens, Ozpin brought the pair into the castle's front door. In the halls of this structure, Jaune noted the hundreds of tapestries, paintings, and trophies lining the grey stone walls. Heads of monsters, broken shields, or trinkets were everywhere. This castle was more of a trophy room than a royal home.
Notably, there were dozens of wyvern or dragon skulls. At the base of a grand staircase, an assembled skeleton of a wyvern was put on display. The massive creature was positioned in a looming pose as if it were about to breathe fire. Its target being a group of staff tasked with cleaning the floor at the base of this statue.
"Ruby needs to see this," Jaune expressed aloud, twirling as he walked. Every piece on the walls needed to be examined in detail before he was escorted further into the castle.
She'd lose her mind!
"It's quite the impressive collection, no," Ozpin replied, bearing a faint smile on his lips. "Old King Reinhard wasn't fond of it. He was more focused on assembling a military and getting the country back together. However, his first son, King Isaac, was always an avid collector. I'd wager his library is one of the few troves able to compete with the Mage's College. Many of the monster skulls and trophies you see here were gathered when he was a young adventurer."
Interesting...
Jaune hadn't heard that before. If it weren't for Weiss, he couldn't imagine a royal letting their children go on these adventures. Judging by the number of high-level monsters, he'd done quite a bit of work too. This collection was a decades-long endeavour.
"Could we see the library," Weiss asked, drooling at the thought of examining the tomes contained within that vault of knowledge.
"Maybe," Goodwitch consented. "It depends on how this meeting goes..."
Coming to a room leading off from the grand staircase, a man stood at its entrance. Dressed in a light-coloured doublet, he appeared to be a staff member. His old eyes and face bore a shrewd expression, examining each of those who approached him.
"Hmmm," the man hummed in a posh tone, looking the two teens up and down. "I'd guess you were a member of the Schnee Family? Lady Weiss?"
"Yes," she answered, bowing slightly.
"I see; welcome to Rose Garden, my Lady," the man replied, bowing back to her. He then looked to Jaune. "I'd also take it you are her Second?"
"Yeah," Jaune answered in an unsure tone.
I don't know what he's looking for?
"Then I would ask you both leave your weapons here," the man continued, gesturing with an arm to a table next to him. "It's my duty as chamberlain to see that no one brings a weapon into the Court. Only the members of the Royal Guard and the King are given that privilege."
Both students conceded, unstrapping the various sheaths or loops from their persons. Any knives or objects that could kill a person were left behind on this table. Jaune went so far as to leave his satchel if something was explosive inside it.
"Now, before we go inside, I would give you this advice, Mr Arc, Ozpin began, taking hold of the door handle. "If the King speaks to you, address him as Your Grace unless told otherwise. And do not accept any deal from a member of the Court. No matter how generous the terms might be. Trust only those you know personally or the King himself."
Wait, we're meeting the King?!
Jaune felt his blood run cold. He was led to believe he would be meeting some scholar or wizard. Not the King of Vale! He was in no way prepared for this.
Following Ozpin through another hallway, the anticipation of this meeting grew even worse for Jaune. His hands were shaking enough to rattle his armour. He had no idea what to say or do in the presence of the King. Jaune was afraid he'd trip or fuck this up somehow.
Always wanted to get the attention of the Royals, but not this soon!
"Try not to be so nervous," Weiss spoke to him in a reserved tone. "Nobles can smell fear."
That's not helping!
"When we go inside, just walk up to the throne and kneel when I do," Weiss continued, brushing out her clothes and ensuring she looked as nice as she possibly could. "Follow my lead, and you'll be fine."
"Got it..."
A pair of guards opened the last door. The large double door creaked open, revealing an assembled crowd of about a hundred people. Many spoke amongst themselves and only glanced in Jaune and Weiss' direction out of passing interest. The presence of Weiss Schnee didn't seem to elicit much of a reaction as he thought it would.
At the end of the crowd, the King sat on a wooden throne with a sheathed sword leaning against his hand. Behind him was a large window, casting a bright light into the room and darkening his features. Next to the man were the Three Valkyries and a large metallic humanoid. Jaune recognised the nine-foot-tall colossus as a working iron golem.
Walking along a red carpet, Jaune and Weiss approached the royal throne. Five feet from the end, Weiss dropped to a knee. Jaune did the same, mirroring her and lowering his head as he bowed to the King. For nearly a full thirty seconds, nothing happened. Jaune became concerned that he missed some cue to rise.
"WEAPON DETECTED," a booming mechanical voice growled.
A series of heavy steps grew loud as the hulking robot charged towards the pair. Reacting swiftly, Jaune grabbed Weiss and leapt back nearly ten feet. The golem's fist crashed into the ground where they formerly stood, crumbling the stone in a blow that may have killed either of them.
Jaune didn't stop there. As he landed, the boy dropped Weiss and threw the Longinuslanze directly at the golem. The holy spear sailed through the air, cutting into the golem's metal hull on its left pectoral. The tip of the lance pierced through to the other side, embedded into the chest but did not kill it. The attack didn't even slow it down.
The golem marched towards the boy, intent on attacking him regardless of the nearby people. Jaune moved, charging at the beast and using his chain whip to unleash a single attack directed at its face. Whipping the flanged head at him, the Paladin detonated it just as it crashed into the steel faceplate.
The fireball blinded the golem momentarily, letting Jaune slide through its legs and onto the other side. Now, a few feet from the King, Jaune reached back and wrenched the sword from his sheath. Holding the bone sword in front of him, he was prepared to charge back at the golem.
When the golem spun around to continue its rampage, Jaune charged in tandem. The massive iron monstrosity raised its fist, intending to pound Jaune flat. The Paladin cocked back his sword to slice through the iron gauntlet in a single blow.
"That's enough!"
The voice came from behind Jaune. At that command, the iron golem paused its attack and returned to a resting position, standing upright like a statue. The sword in Jaune's hand was pulled away.
Turning around, Jaune watched as the sword flew back into its sheath. The King, unmoving from his throne, sat there with a smile. He found this entire thing entertaining.
"Everyone out," he commanded. "Only those in Lord Ozpin's entourage may remain."
Quickly, everyone but Jaune, Weiss, Ozpin, and Goodwitch filed out. The Valkyries and the golem remained standing silently. The King reclined back into his chair with a deep breath when they were alone.
The man was a little younger than Jaune's father. By five or six years, it looked like. His handsome features hadn't dulled in the slightest. There was some wrinkling along his brow, but one could have mistaken him for someone younger. Only his greying brown hair and salt and pepper beard betrayed his age.
"You brought a weapon past my chamberlain," the King asked, resting a cheek on his fist.
"What, no," Jaune shouted in protest. "I-I don't have anything on me!"
"Then remove your gauntlets," he requested, gesturing to the bandages on Jaune's hands. "If you didn't bring a weapon, there would be nothing marking your hands."
Jaune did as instructed. About now, he was getting ready to charge through that window if this entire thing went south. He hadn't run only because of how calm the Valkyries and other guards were. They weren't preparing to attack him yet.
Letting his vambraces and gauntlets hit the ground, Jaune revealed the bloodied bandages to the crowd. A gesture from the King told him to remove the blood-soaked cloth as well. Doing so, Jaune's hands bled from the tattoos, allowing droplets to collect at his feet.
"I see," the King said with a smile. "So, Ozpin was right." Sitting up in his chair, the man leaned on his knee. "You are forgiven for bringing a weapon. I only needed to see it in action to be sure of its origins." A laugh escaped his lips. "So, he wields a copy of the lance too..."
"W-What?"
"You look just like your father, Mr Arc," the King jumped tangents, nodding his finger to Jaune. "I think Eleonore and I met him... When was it? Eighteen years ago?"
"Twenty-two," the red-haired woman answered in a raspy voice.
"Yes, we were hunting a werewolf northeast of Westberg," the King explained with a smile on his face. He seemed to be reliving a pleasant memory. "We happened across him during the fight when we located the beast's lair. Neither of us heard him sneak up on the werewolf when he lopped off its head... The man was hunting something else in the area and just stumbled into that hollow." He looked over Jaune's shoulder to spot Weiss. "And he's here with Lady Schnee." The King beckoned her over. "I don't believe you and I have met, but I know your parents well. I appreciate the assistance from your family with the current foe we're facing. You do your kingdom a great honour defending my academy as well. I will send King Jacques my regards."
"That's not necessary, Your Grace," Weiss replied, waving her hands in protest. "I only happened to be there at the right time with my companions..."
"As you wish," the King said with a nod. "However, we must return to the matter at hand." He looked to Jaune. "I wished to confirm if what Ozpin relayed to me was true with my own eyes. What did the spirit say to you?"
"Uhhh, he only talked about the Rosenkavalier, and he called the whip Morningstar," Jaune answered in a nervous tone.
"I see..."
At once, the King stood, and the Valkyries began removing their gloves or gauntlets. The King pulled off his gloves to reveal his bandaged hands. Underneath were the same brands Jaune had all over his arms. Amber, Beatrice, and Eleonore possessed identical tattoos to Jaune and the King.
They're branded too!
"This is why I was so interested in meeting you," the King said, reaching down to grab his sword. He then stepped down from his throne and walked to a door leading off from the throne room. "Come with me; I have a history lesson for you!"
Pushing open this door, the King and his Valkyries guided Weiss and Jaune through the palace. The staff and gathered courtiers made way for the King, bowing to him as he walked. All the while, the whispers from those assembled began as they were no longer in earshot.
"We were right about there being more than one," Weiss said from behind Jaune.
"Didn't expect the King to have brands, though," Jaune replied, shaking his head. "At least they didn't put a bag over my head and kidnap me..."
It would be par for the course with some stories of clandestine knights. A secret order would kidnap their initiates or those of note before bringing them back to their hideout. With this group, they were a stone's throw from the academy, which made it convenient for a meeting.
"Is this any better?"
Eghhh...
Coming to another door, the King placed his hand on the metallic hatch and spoke a phrase. The tattoos on his hands lit up, and the door opened, sliding away to reveal a staircase. A series of torches burning with a bright blue light flickered to life as he stepped through.
Jaune felt uneasy as he descended the stairs. He couldn't be sure how long they walked, but he knew they were deep underground. Judging from the stonework, this path wasn't that old. Only a decade or two had passed since it was commissioned.
Weiss didn't appear any more apprehensive than Jaune did. He would wager that the Princess was more curious about all of this. If only Jaune had her mindset, he would be able to shake the terror welling up inside him.
Come on, just show me what you wanted me to see! Don't make me wait for it!
Leading the group down into the bowels of this castle, they came to a large cavern at the base of the stairs. The King snapped a finger, and a line of braziers lit up along a path. Their flames revealed a narrow bridge carved into the rock. From where Jaune stood, he could see a large circle on the other side.
At the centre of this circle was a large table. It was a ring about two feet wide from its edge with a centre cut out of eleven feet in diameter. A large brazier glowed with a faint magical light in place of that section. Around this ringed table were thirteen stone chairs of equal size and shape except one. The outlier was taller and more elegantly carved than the others. Everything at this table was carved from a dark black, or grey stone Jaune couldn't determine in the low light.
What did I just stumble in on?
The King moved to sit at one of the chairs, leaving the largest unoccupied. He gestured for Jaune and the others to sit at the remaining chairs. At his seat, the King opened a tome and began flipping through it.
"What is this place," Jaune asked, sitting next to Weiss.
"It's an artefact," Amber answered with a polite tone. "According to our records, it was known as the Black or Obsidian Round Table. We moved it here after Beatrice, and I discovered it in an old fortress north of the White Mountains."
"Then what's so significant about it," Weiss wondered with a puzzled expression.
"The fortress it belonged to was once the headquarters of the Rosenkavalier," the King replied, turning to the passage he sought. "From what little survived the Great War, I was able to piece together the history of their founding." He looked to Jaune and Weiss. "You mentioned to Ozpin that you found Morningstar in some ruins?"
"Yes," they answered simultaneously.
"Well, the four of us found these artefacts on our adventures when we were young," the King explained, gesturing to the three women sitting next to him. "I picked my ring off a corpse, Eleonore found her armour on an old battlefield, Beatrice's family kept her sword locked away in a dusty armoury, and Amber recovered her staff in an abandoned wizard's tower. What ties these weapons together is the mention of the Rosenkavalier by those who formerly possessed the artefact. They were forged for some purpose..." He looked to Jaune, ensuring he understood the meaning behind his words. "So, allow me to tell you about their history." He took a deep breath. "Three hundred years ago, beings we would consider gods were commonplace on Remnant. If you believe the stories about the Brothers, you would know they supposedly formed Remnant and the life residing here before departing it for good. As a part of their creation, many minor gods were also given life. What happened to them ultimately is a mystery. We understand that a god known as the Sanguinor, the Blood Angel, or the Bloodstained Rose was approached by thirteen individuals looking to bargain for power."
The King turned a book towards the students. Illustrated on an old parchment was a picture of a blonde woman kneeling before a faceless angel. In this woman's hands was a golden lance matching the description of the Longinuslanze. It shined bright with power as runes were emblazoned upon her hands.
"Sanguinor took a sacrifice in blood in exchange for her power," the King continued, setting the book onto the table. "Those thirteen people, who came from all walks of life, were then organised as the Rosenkavalier in honour of their deity's emblem. What their goals or fates were are unknown to me." He took a deep breath and leaned back into his chair. "One of my present goals is to locate the rest of these artefacts. Their power is astronomically more extraordinary than anything we could hope to forge ourselves. So, when you discovered one of these artefacts, I had to meet with you, Mr Arc..."
Why did he want to find the rest of these? Was he going to use them to conquer or to protect his domain? If they were so powerful, what would happen if the wrong people got ahold of them?
"Then, why do I have two abilities just like those weapons," Jaune asked, casting Dragonslayer and setting it on the table. "The runes and style match everything with Morningstar."
"You forge weapons, no," Beatrice questioned in her heavily accented voice. "Perhaps Sanguinor has something in mind for you? A young man she expects to join her disciples may have a divine touch. The goddess granted you the ability to forge her divine weapons?"
"It makes sense as he is a paladin," Eleonore agreed, touching a hand to her throat as she spoke. The woman had to try her hardest to utter any words. The burns on her face likely damaged her far deeper than her skin.
"Doubtful," Ozpin denied, waving a hand to the side. "Many paladins often have a deep-seated ambition that drives them. Few were worshippers, and none showed signs of this divine touch. More likely, it is the result of pure coincidence. Not the machinations of a deity. I would agree with the assertion that he is a smith, allowing him access to a diluted version of these artefacts, but not destiny. An odd amalgamation of several classes, if you will."
Jaune agreed with Ozpin. Some beings had access to magics to feign the powers of a god, but nothing like they were describing. To move destiny was beyond a concrete and tangible creature. He was sceptical of such claims simply due to the lack of evidence.
"Regardless, we know he possesses a facsimile of these artefacts," the King interrupted. "The reason does not matter..." He looked to Jaune and Weiss. "Mr Arc, Lady Schnee, can I trust you to come to me if you hear or see anything mentioning these artefacts? If you acquire one or more of them, I would be satisfied knowing it was in good hands."
"You can, Your Grace," Jaune answered with a nod.
"Good," the King said. "Mr Arc, if you prove yourself at Beacon, in four years, I may have some use for your service. Having a trained paladin wielding an artefact of the Rosenkavalier would be of immense value to me."
Jaune felt his breath get caught in his throat. He could hardly believe what he was being offered to him. It was a straight shot to serving the King after he left Beacon. More than just the royal's attention, but a definite role in the kingdom.
No way!
The boy thought he couldn't be happier than now.
...
"So that's everything," Ruby asked the pair, holding a cookie in her hands.
"Yeah, it seems like it," Jaune replied, leaning back onto a chair. "Didn't have any problems with me keeping Morningstar."
Jaune looked around at everyone gathered in Ruby's room. The seven stunned expressions he was getting matched the way he felt too. It all felt like a dream to the boy, but he'd been there.
"So, there are eight more of these things," Sun said out loud. "Fuck it, you can have 'em. I'm not about to get branded and have to deal with this blood god shit."
Wish I had that option too, Sun.
A more sober Jaune would like to take it back. However, he was still riding the high from being offered a position at the King's side. A part of him thought it was worth it.
How am I going to tell my parents about this?
"We'll have to be careful," Ren expressed, cupping his chin in thought. "We don't know what those other eight artefacts are..."
"But nothing's changed right," Yang posed, appearing immeasurably better than before. Any worry or terror over Ruby's condition seemed to disappear. "Ruby's back up, and we're all swimming in gold. So, what're we doing?"
"Oooo, oooo, the house," Ruby chirped excitedly.
"Yeah~," Nora cheered, high fiving Ruby. "Me and Ren got some more spots to check out! If you guys find buyers for the stuff, we'll have a bunch of money to look for a place!"
That's a plan...
So, Jaune doesn't think a deity can alter destiny. I'm the god of this fic's world, so it's kind of ironic, but we'll run with it.
But, Jaune clapped Cardin's cheeks and then nearly got his cheeks clapped by an iron golem. Because Iron golems are tough as shit to fight. Look up their stat block and you will understand.
Also, Sanguinor is from Wh40k. I am a Blood Angels fanboy.