Notes/stats at the end.
Chapter 5: Moral Dilemma
Hours earlier, Vale
Ozpin was walking through the halls of beacon, as per usual, sipping from his mug of chocolatey goodness. On occasion, he would take a visit to a classroom. Typically students thought he was just messing around with them, seeing if they were paying attention, and to hand out detention if they weren't. This however, was a great misconception.
In all honesty, he didn't care whether or not they paid attention in class, did well in combat class, were bullied or WERE the bullies.
It all came down to one thing; the Grimm. Or more specifically, the Queen of the Grimm. If they couldn't pass their tests, they'd be kicked out, they would just be another casualty to their war. If they were bullied, they could still pass, but probably couldn't survive long out in the wilds with the Grimm. If they were bullies, they would underestimate everything they fight, and be subsequently eaten. Someone could be bad at combat, but an excellent leader, which is a rarity among people.
What Ozpin was looking for in his right now was a distraction. A distraction from the odd energy he felt earlier that day. It was small, sure, but it was there. The last time he felt it was ages ago, in his first body. It was indescribable for him, like being next to somebody with magic, who had no idea what to do with it. Like his children.
His initial reaction, was doubt. There was no way such magic could be in the world again, it was destroyed thousands of years ago. He knew it. The distinct feeling that He could sense from her was different than what he felt now.
For instance, if it was magic, there was no way he would be able to know that it was coming from Mistral, the southern region, to be specific. He couldn't tell where her magic was coming from.
That was exactly what was bothering him. This was a similar energy. Similar to magic, but different in every way. How could he sense it if it wasn't magic, but it inherently felt like something that was magic?
Shaking his head and taking a sip, Ozpin walks into the combat room, watching some students go at it. Glynda spotted him and saw to the end of the fight.
"Miss Adel is the winner of this round. Good job, both of you, there is little to say, except Miss Adel, please refrain from firing all willy-nilly in the general area of your opponent. That is all for today, you are excused." The students begin a collective murmur, walking out of the combat room. Barely giving the Headmaster a glance, they empty out in less than a minute.
"What would you like, Ozpin?" Glynda asks, taking a look at some papers she was holding.
"It's nothing I want, Glynda. Can't I just check in on some of my students?" Ozpin replies almost mischievously. Glynda Deadpans and says:
"The last time you 'checked in on students', you gave them a twenty page essay due by that night."
Ozpin Shrugs and takes another sip.
"Some of them got it done. The others couldn't keep up, so they probably couldn't work that well in the field." Glynda rolls her eyes and asks:
"What is it that you need to me for?" Ozpin shrugs and replies with:
"Well, more of a question than anything. Glynda, what would you do in the face of something you knew nothing of, but had a feeling it could be no good." Glynda blinks a few times before shaking her head.
"Where did you come up with this? I would study it until I prove my instincts right."
"But what if it was a person? Like you had this enerring feeling about them." At this, Glynda pauses, even neglecting to look at her papers.
"I would likely question them, and see if my intuition was correct. If it was, then " Ozpin Stays silent for a moment, taking another sip of Hot Chocolate.
"I see. Thank you Glynda." He turns around and exits the room. Once the door was closed, he took out his scroll and Contacted someone.
"Yes, Qrow. I need you to head to Southern Mistral. I have a feeling there that someone or something of great importance to us is there… I know. I doubt it'll be much Trouble for you. We'll talk Later, Qrow." He hangs up at this and puts his scroll back in his pocket, walking back to his office.
'I suppose we should hurry. If I sensed it, only in Mistral, who knows what she already knows about it.'
Somewhere in Mistral, Present Time.
Raven was less than pleased at the moment. Not angry or upset even. Just displeased. Sitting in her tent, she drank some tea, alone while she listened to the rustle outside.
Something was happening. Rather, someone was making a ruckus without much concern for what everybody else was doing. It was just mumbling from what she could hear, unintelligible words that didn't matter to her at the moment. They were probably fighting amongst each other again, seeing who could beat whom.
It was their custom, what they existed to do. See who climbed the ranks to dethrone even her.
As far as she saw, that wasn't happening anytime soon.
As she was drinking her tea, she turned to see Vernal walk in, a bored look on her face.
"What is it, Vernal? What are they barking about this time?" Vernal does a short bow, before walking closer.
"Shay came back just now, yelling about some guy who wrecked his squad. Nothing Major." Raven raises an eyebrow, before saying:
"It's not a big deal, why is he making such a racket. He'll Just attract Grimm."
Vernal nods and stands in silence before saying:
"Should I shut him up?"
"No. Bring him in here. I'd like to talk to him." Vernal opens her mouth, as if to protest, but just nods and exits the tent.
She's left alone for a moment, before Vernal comes back with Shay, who looks frantic.
"Ma'am! We were holding some people up a-"
"Shut up for a moment, will you?" Raven interrupts, taking another sip of her tea.
"You'll just attract Grimm. What seems to be the problem?" Almost Glaring at the man, Shay gulps and says much quieter:
"We were holding some people up yesterday when this guy came about, he beat Cree, Sket and-"
"I understand he beat all of you. Where are the other three? I'd like to speak to them."
"They're dead! He killed all of them!" At this, Raven freezes, not in fear, or out of shock. It was something… else.
"I see. This man was just a traveler?"
"Yeah! I've never seen him before, he was heading out of Hajimari with nothing but a sword and he killed us when we jumped him! He cut off Sket's arm without hesitation, and then stabbed Cree a bunch of times!" Raven nods, standing up.
"Interesting. Tell me Shay, Why is it that you are still here if he killed the rest of your Team?" Shay froze and gulped.
"I tried to help them, but I shot my entire clip at him and he blocked them all with his sword! It didn't look like he even had aura!" Few things took Raven by surprise. One, was when Qrow refused to come back to the tribe. Two, was when she learned Magic, Salem, and Gods actually existed. Three, was when she happened to come across a Maiden, and was able to have her powers. This was the fourth time. People have done amazing things before, obviously. But People without aura were… Limited in their abilities. If someone were to kill someone with aura, and being ganged up on by four people… That was a force to be reckoned with.
"Interesting. Where was this again? Hajimari?" Raven asks, grabbing her Grimm Mask.
"Uh, yeah? Ma'am, you aren'-"
"Vernal, Look after the Tribe while I'm gone. I'm going to look for this man."
"He's a psychopath! He killed-"
"He killed to survive, Shay. As I see it, he's much stronger than you right now." Raven says, putting on the mask and walking out the back of the tent.
"Ma'am, He's just a kid. Like, six or seventeen. I doubt he even knew what he did! He'll just reject your offer." Raven stopped, and turned around.
"I beg to differ. I guarantee you that he knew exactly what he was doing. If he's really sixteen, then he know exactly what he's done. Either way, its not like he'll have much of a choice. I'll deal with him personally if he refuses." With that, Raven walked out of her tent, leaving Vernal and Shay inside.
It wasn't fear, or shock that Raven felt about this man, if he really existed. She knew Shay wouldn't dare lie to her about something like this, so he must be a person. Transforming into a raven, she takes off, flying for Hajimari.
'It's a day's fly from here to Hajimari. I'll start there.'
It wasn't Fear or Shock, not even Intrigue that Raven Felt. It was Opportunity.
Location: Unknown
Standing in front of a Grimm Pool, Salem looks at the bubbling mess of literal evil and sighs.
'So that's how we're playing this game, is it?' Turning around, she raises her hand, and from the bubbling Grimm pool, a Seer emerges, still wet, and limp, floating up to head height. It glows a sickly green and its tentacles come to life. They lash out at Salem, but almost lazily, she moves her arm and it freezes, completely stuck. Faster than the poor Grimm could process, her hand jets towards the top of the Seer's "Head." It almost cracks, with the sheer pressure from her grip, as it goes limp again. She releases it, and it floats a few feet away, but stays at the same height.
"You will collect Hazel for me, and tell him to meet me in the council chamber. I need to speak with him." The Seer bobs, and floats towards the castle, steering out of the way of any passing Grimm. She takes a deep breath and exhales, gritting her teeth so hard, she almost worried they would crack.
What she released next, wasn't a scream, or a shockwave of magical energy, nor was it years of frustration and anger being released.
It was a roar of pure hatred.
Hazel's spine tingled at the sound, and his hair stood on end. He'd been working under Salem for years, and he never heard her make a noise like that. It was a few seconds later when the Seer floated next to him, bobbing in the air. On it, its "Head" area it showed an angry looking Salem and said:
"Meet me in the Council Chamber." Hazel just nodded and followed the horrifying and somewhat sentient crystal ball into the chamber, and sat in his usual seat, waiting for Salem to arrive.
When she did, she appeared calm and collected, walking in with her usual grace. She sits at the head of the table, and sighs.
"I have been using this Chess analogy for a very long time, but I do believe It is time for a change, with the recent developments." She waves her hand, and a piece of the table starts floating, spinning and glowing, until a deck of cards presented itself.
"What do you mean, your Grace?" Salem glanced at Hazel and spoke.
"It is… Interesting, how the cards play out." As she does, the cards fan themselves out, separating them by color and suit.
"We think we have it all figured out, that we have all the cards in the deck, that we know each and every combination in the Deck. And it Thrills us, every time that we're right, when the hand comes down in a familiar pattern, the familiar story." She laid out the King, Queen, Jack and Ace, Depicting Cinder, herself, and Tyrian on each of the cards.
"The one who desires power above all else." She points to Cinder.
"The one whose intentions are left in the open." Herself.
"And the one who seeks nothing but Chaos." Tyrian.
"It's now that I realize that I do not have the pattern anymore. The Story is no longer Familiar. Of course, these still do exist, albeit, all in the wrong places now, nearly futile, at the moment. Now there's nothing more terrifying for me when all the cards are laid out just right, and we're nearly at the end of this game-" As she says this, she takes out another card, spinning it in between her fingers. "-But now another card has entered the game, changing the meaning of the entire hand." She tosses the card on top of the others, even her own, depicting a man with purple eyes, reddish hair and a sword on his shoulder. On it, is a large "J" on the corner.
"And now there's no way to know what's going to happen next. The Gods have thrown us a wildcard, Hazel. Changing the game entirely. I want you to find us this wildcard." She flicks the card at him, who catches it as it slides beside him.
"He's in Southern Mistral. Near that Town of Hajimari. He's heading out, though. Be quick. I want him alive, however. I trust you can do that." Hazel looks at the card for a moment and nods.
"I will not disappoint." He stands up, and bows, before leaving the room. She watches him and squints, looking at the rest of the cards on the table.
"It's not a game of Strategy anymore, Ozpin. I suppose We're relying on Luck now. I guess yours will have to run out."
For sleeping on a semi-comfortable surface, your HP and SP have been fully restored! Your AP and MP have been restored by 50%
Groggily opening my eyes, I look out the window of my room to find that the sun has started rising.
'Good god. I don't think I've woken up this early naturally in my life.' Squinting and looking around, I find myself in the same room. Stretching and getting up, I think to myself:
'Good to know that the whole gamer thing wasn't just a dream or something. That'dve sucked.' Standing up, I finish stretching and take one more look around the room. I shrug, just grabbing my small bag and heading out. Walking into the Dojo, I don't find Albus anywhere, in the small living area, the Kitchen, or even what I would assume to be his room, where there weren't any swords, but there were a ton of… What do you even call these? Tapestries? Yeah, that's the word. Woven-in paintings.
Biting my cheek, I walk outside, looking around the courtyard, I see him standing on the edge of the mountain we're rested on. I look both left and right, finding nothing else of interest and Sigh.
'Well, I guess it should be obvious.' Approaching him, I clear my throat and tell him:
"I'll be leaving today. To go to… Uh." I completely blank. 'Shit. I don't actually have a plan on what I'm going to do if I'm actually in RWBY. I mean, I got here yesterday. Should I try and stop Cinder before she gets the Maiden's powers? Actually, no. I don't actually know when or where Cinder and her gang attack Amber. That was her name, right? I can't remember. That and Cinder without Maiden powers will still dunk on me right now, even if I get stronger along the way. Either way, I guess Going to beacon will be the best option as of now.'
"I don't believe you need to know what you want to do right now." Turning around, Albus is holding a set of clothes, along with a very flat hat on top of it. Looking down at myself, I find that I'm still wearing my civilian clothes from yesterday.
"I think I do know what I am going to do. Thank you, Mas-"
"Albus. Just call me Albus." I nod and continue.
"Thank you Albus. For everything." 'Despite the fact that I've known you for less than a day.'
He smiles and hands me the clothes, and gestures back towards the house. I nod and run back in, just changing in the dojo.
'Okay, not too tight Its actually kinda loose. I like that. The scarf is nice. Alright. I'm good.' Walking out of the house, I put on the hat, and inspect myself. Observe.
Outfit: [Swordsman] Acquired! Unique, Worn
Despite its new look, its actually over sixty years old. Passed down form Albus to you, its a gift. Has [?] sewn into it. Comes with Three [Shurikens].
Looking at my belt, I nod and take out each of the Shurikens. Identical, they're jet-black with six edges, without any curves and small holes in the center. Observe.
Shurikens: Ranged weapon Rare, Excellent
Stuffing them back in the belt, I look at the hat, taking it off my head, I observe it.
Albus' Jingasa: Unique, Worn
This Jingasa has been worn through more battles than the [Swordsman] Outfit, and will be worn through many more. Albus' Gift to you.
Would you like to view your new look?
Y/N
'Uhh, hell yeah!' I see a new window open, except its a full size mirror, looking me up and down.
The Swordsman outfit, is a Dark Gray Gi, with the chest parted open to see a black Kevlar under armor, which is designed to look like pectoral muscles. The edges of the Gi are green, and have a slight dark orange color sewn inside it. The pants are rather baggy, and dark gray as well. They only go to the knees, however, as what I could only describe as dark gray socks with a rough exterior. My shoes, for whatever reason, are black flats, with a wider sole and rough ridges along the bottom. On my neck, is a purple scarf, about four feet long, wrapped around twice, leaving the rest as slack to hang at my back. My right arm, has a sleeve that runs from my shoulder to my bicep, leaving my forearm exposed until my glove, which is thin and purple. My right arm, however, is completely covered in some sort of thick gray bandage, and a black and purple glove, that's thick enough to stop a sword slice on its own. The Jingasa, is gray, with a purple circle around the tip of the hat. The very brim, however, is a bright green color, and barely noticeable.
Looking Snazzy! While wearing the [Swordsman] outfit, your AP will take less damage!
My eyes widen upon this message as the windows close. 'I'm never unequiping this then.'
"You look Good, Bryzan." I hear from behind me.
Have you ever spazzed the fuck out? Like when you blow an air horn behind a cat, or when you're looking at some questionable anime when your parents tap your shoulder. Its not just spazzing out, Its Spazzing the fuck out. Your arms flail around, your legs turn to jelly, and you just fall flat on the floor.
Yeah, I did that. There is absolutely no way that a man of that age and who's a good head and a half taller than me should move that quietly. Quickly picking myself up off the ground, I look up to Albus, who has an amused look on his face.
"That outfit is what I wore when I first became a huntsman. Channel your aura through it, all of it." I nod and freeze up.
'Oh. I don't know how to use Aura. If its getting in touch with your soul…'
Using skill: [Meditate] +10 Ap/Min
I close my eyes and take deep breaths, attempting to clear my mind. I'm not sure what I imagined, but its similar to how that old guy in Avatar the last airbender explained it. Your soul is like a river, running freely through you. But your body is also the dam. You have to release little bit by little bit, or else… I'm not sure, actually. I guess my aura will just be drained. But either way, focusing on letting out a little bit in order to not let the dam break. Yeah, that's probably a good way of putting it.
Opening my eyes, I look down and find that my clothing has stiffened quite a bit, with slight brown and purple specks being scattered about.
'Oh, what the fuck?'
"Dust was woven into the threads. When you use your aura on it, it hardens. Its an age-old technique, but its quite effective." Albus states, a kind smile on his face. Moving my arms, a little, I find that its a little heavier and harder to move, but nonetheless, its now reinforced clothing in the blink of an eye. Deactivating my aura, the dust stops glowing, and I can move normally again.
"Huh. Nice." Albus takes a roll of paper out of his sleeve and hands it to me.
"I do believe you'll need this, though." I take it and uncurl it, taking in the map of remnant.
Your Map has expanded! You now have a general Idea of the land formations, and where you're going! You do still have to explore, however.
I nod and say:
"Thank you, Albus. I'll make good use of this." I put it in my bag on my hip. Putting it in, it almost disintegrates, as it places itself in my inventory. 'Huh. Useful.'
"Now, Bryzan, What is the name of your Blade?" I open my mouth, and close it again, unsheathing it. Observe.
[Unnamed Blade] Unique, Excellent
A blade created by you and Albus, Crafted specifically for you.
+85 ATK
Special Skill: [Endeavor]
[Endeavor]: When the blade is in use, if the Player's AP/HP is damaged, The Blade's ATK increases.
Nodding, I look at the ATK and Special Skill of the blade, thinking for a moment.
"I think I'll call it 'Underdog'. I think it fits well."
Albus Nods and says: "It's your blade. Its name doesn't need to fit just itself, but you as well." I smirk and respond with:
"Yeah. I know." We're silent for a moment, before Albus speaks up.
"Well, Bryzan. I won't tell you where to go, but I'll say to follow your soul, wherever that may take you." Albus looks up at the taller mountain beside us, and says nothing else.
Morality choice!
The next decision you make will decide both your, and the rest of the world's fate. Think wisely.
Become a Huntsman.
Side with the Grimm.
I open my mouth and close it again.
'Well Fuck. One would think this would be a pretty simple answer. Siding with Huntsmen would be pretty good for several reasons, but siding with the Grimm would mean Grimm probably wouldn't attack me all that much. I'm willing to bet this is a quest that will change based on my own actions, so in theory, I should be able to change my mind later on. Come to think of it, why am I given a choice? Shouldn't someone else a bit more responsible make this choice?' I actively ask the System this, but it doesn't respond, firmly giving me my choice. I pace around a little, thinking deeply.
"I'll be leaving now." I tell Albus, to which he nods, saying nothing else. I take a different path, going up the mountain this time. Taking out my Ocarina, I think for a moment, before playing a familiar tune.
Now Playing: Misty Mountains Cold, Ocarina cover.
'Huh. It tells me what I'm playing, too. That's kinda neat.' Continuing my walk up the mountain, I continue thinking, until I reach a cliff, where I can see Hajimari.
'I'm pretty sure that no matter which path I choose, its going to lead to a lot of pain and a high possibility of death. Real Catch 22 right here. Side with Ozpin and I get the Ire of Salem, but I side with Salem and literally everybody else wants to murder me. Its… Ah. This is probably going to get me killed, isn't it? I guess I'll be taking the Nathan Hale route.'
You have Sided with the Grimm.
+1 WIS
+1 INT
Bryzan Jade: LVL 18
Title: Master of Yugai: +50% ATK when using the Yugai sword Style.
Sub-title: None
Class: Swordsman
Career: N/A
XP: 150/3,000
HP: 3,900/3,900
AP: 40,000/40,000
MP: 20,000/20,000
SP: 900/900
STR: 55
AGI: 80
DEX: 85
VIT: 35
END: 30
INT: 40
WIS: 81
CHA: 62
LCK: 5
Skills:
Mind of the Gamer: LVL 4. Allows you to be calm and collected at all times, so long as the level is high enough. (Passive)
Body of the Gamer: LVL 1. Most physical harm on your body can be healed as long as you have AP and HP. The damage that can be healed is equivalent to the damage you take. The higher level of an attack you were hit with, the less likely you are to be able to heal it. (Passive)
Sword Proficency: LVL 12. You are proficient with a sword! You have basic knowledge of how to use swords, and won't accidentally cut yourself! (Applies to any blade over two feet long) (Passive, +20% ATK)
Observe LVL 2: Using this skill allows you to observe a person or Item for level, rarity or quality. By using this ability on people, you can see their information such as level as long as your level is within 30 levels of theirs. (Active) No cost
Sense danger: LVL 2. Without needing to hear or see, you can sense danger around you. If the level of your attacker is too high, you won't be able to sense it. (Works within 40 levels of your current level.) Passive.
Meditate: LVL 1: Recovers AP at a rate faster than simply waiting. Meditating also allows you to control your Aura easier. Current rate: 10AP/Min.
Okay, So a bit of a shorter chapter, page wise, but This was mostly getting a grasp of Ozpin, Raven, and Salem. I want you guys to tell me if my grasp of them is OK so far, since I haven't written them before, and they're going to be prominent in the next few chapters. Feel free to be brutal.
Something else I want to ask of you guys, are some sword styles/moves from media, (It could be Anime, Regular TV, Web series, anything) that Bryzan could use as a part of his fighting style.
So a couple I already have are:
Raven's Style
Three sword style (One piece)
Circle Sword (Fairy Tail)
Wind Scar (Inuyasha)
That's all I have for now, and I reallywant to use some more.
Anyways, thanks for reading!