Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Dragon's Crown they are the rightful property of Rooster Teeth, Atlus and Vanillaware.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

Chapter 7 Wallace's Underground Labyrinth

(Location: ruins outskirts of the capital city Kingdom of Hydeland)

The party had their gear ready ad well as supplies. The ladies were waiting for their leader near the magical gate. They were more than ready for their next quest. After taking a few days off. Their next destination was a structure created by a powerful magician known as Wallace. The guild didn't had that much information regarding the underground labyrinth due that they have never entered. But they were able to confirmed monsters near the entrance. So they assumed the area will be infested with creatures. That was enough to pumped Amazon as she was always ready for a good brawl. The other didn't minded showing off their skills and calling the experience as training to do better. It wasn't that long until their leader arrived. Jaune was being accompanied by Tiki. The fairy kept insisting to go with them since they were going to search for her master.

Their mission is to find the magician Lucain who went to the labyrinth as the result of a social meeting with Wallace. And he hasn't returned ever since. It's been years judging from how his study was so dusty. Jaune kept his hopes high, wanting to find the magician in good health and unharmed. Tiki was worried sick that she hasn't heard from him for so long. Assuming the magician was that powerful he should have been back a while back. But if he hasn't, the blond knight came up with some possible outcomes. Either the meeting with Wallace turned back and both magicians were ambushed by monsters and neither made it. Or Lucain was hiding, taking shelter from the creatures due that he was heavily wounded during the attack. It still lead to the same result. Neither of them didn't made it. And the only thing they'll be looking is a corpse. Better not to say anything to the fairy. But if he was right then, it will heartbreaking for her to see.

The Arc gazed at his party and they nodded ready to begin the quest. Without a word they entered through the magic gate. They reappeared in a whole new place they've never been before. They saw some ruins ahead. Looks like there was no way to enter. Except for going down. Jaune spotted a stair case, ordering his party into their original battle formation with Tiki in the front. Climbing the staircase it was so dark. But thanks to the glowing light emitting from the fairy they were able to see. It was leading further down. It was to be expected since it's supposed underground. No monsters so far, they must be deeper inside of the labyrinth. The worse was yet to come. The party could see some light ahead. The Arc warned everyone to be ready for anything thinking it could be a trap. As they arrived there were torches giving light to the area. It was big, hard to believe a magician was able to create all of this.

Elf and Beastmaster immediately warned everyone sensing the new presences. From the front and the back appeared people wearing red cloaks with a hood, holding a staff with a blue gemstone. Jaune was shocked to see humans here. Honestly he was expecting monsters but not actual people. They wizards started casting a magic spell. The elven archer took out the ones on the front while the dark elf defeated the ones on the back before they could fire any magic at them. The Arc saw the dead bodies as the blood was spilled. This will take some getting used to. Going to quests and facing enemies that aren't monsters. The blond leader will have to eventually take the life of someone. Even when he was in Remnant he has never done such thing. Though he thought of killing Cinder because he hated her so much. She was truly evil and deserves to die. He took a soft breath as his party went forward.

More enemies arrived as four wooden creatures stood before them. Jaune recognized them from the guild's monster book. Wood Golems, they're strong but they're extremely weak to fire due that they were made of wood. Amazon acted as she threw her axe spinning at the creatures knocking them down. Sorceress followed released fire from her staff. The Wood Golems were burned to ashes thanks to the witch. Once it was cleared the party checked their surroundings. There was a chest with a closed double door ahead. There was another set of doors in the corner. The female warrior destroyed the chest, as everyone took the loot. The group went to the first double doors. The buffed woman has destroyed, entering the new room. It was a dead end but there were torches unlit and another chest in the middle. The Arc had a bad feeling about this. It was too good to be true. Like it was a trap.

He wasn't the only one, Tiki was nervous. This would be the perfect place for a trap. Amazon went to break the lock of the chest before she was warned by her leader and the fairy. The sound of a click caught the party's attention. A new door materialized locking them. Jaune immediately went to the door, it was locked. Sorceress noted that it was created by magic. Amazon won't be breaking this one door. Unless they find the key to open it. Elf and Beastmaster went on a fighting stance sensing more company. It came from above them. A blue goo, slime. So many was falling and it was acting as it was alive. Unfortunately this thing wasn't in the guild's enemy book so the Arc didn't know how to fight them. But Sorceress did, as she told everyone slime creatures are weak by fire. She released more fire from her staff with Elf aiding her using salamander oil on her arrows.

It was working, the slime was dying vanishing. But there was too many of it. Jaune went to the unlit torches as he handed one to the buffed woman and the dark elf. The elven archer lit them with one of her fire arrows. Now the remaining members had fire to attack the slime. Together they were able to take out so many of them. But they kept on coming. It's like there was no end. They couldn't stay in here forever. Their goal should be to find the key to open the magic door. That is, if it was here. Tiki stood doing nothing and she hated it. These people were willing to help her and here she was just watching. Her eyes noticed something shinning in the ground. While the party was busy fighting off the slime creature the fairy smiled seeing the key. She flew and took it and quickly used it to open the door. She told everyone it was opened as they all left the room.

They left in a hurry thinking the slime will be following them. They were wrong. When they were all out of the room the magic door closed again. Looks like it won't be leaving any time soon. The blond leader smiled thanking Tiki for a job well done. That was a relief for the party. This prove as a lesson not to take any chest they see. This labyrinth was created by a magician so it's to be expected to have magical traps as well as evil magic users. They went to the other door only to be met by more wizards. Everyone fought them off before they had the chance to cast their spell. When the coast was cleared Jaune told Amazon to break down the door. They were all ready just in case it will be another trap. It revealed to be a staircase leading up. Nothing suspicious yet. They still needed to be careful, anything can happen in this place. This quest was already more dangerous than their previous ones.

"Elf, Beastmaster anything?"

"Nothing so far" replied the hooded girl.

"We're safe, for now" followed the dark elf.

"I'm surprised you were able to spot the key Tiki" Sorceress smiled at the fairy.

"I have to do my part too" she blushed slightly.

"There are people here. And they managed to get through the evil sorceress and wood golems."

"Huh? Who's there?!" said Jaune

Everyone kept their guard up. The elves were shocked. They didn't heard anyone being present.

"I don't see any evil in any of you. Maybe you're exactly what I need."

"Where are you? Show yourself!"

"Down here."

The group gazed down to see a rat wearing a blue pointy hat with yellow stars and holding a small wand with a light blue jewel on top.

"Hello" said the rat.

Jaune sweat dropped, a talking rat. Well what else would surprise him about this world. If fairies exist why not talking rodents. The hat and the wand, was her a magic user too. The blond Huntsman knelt as he lowered his hand and the rat went on it. He raised his hand, getting up as everyone else was taking a better look at him.

"Who are you?"

"I am Rickey the apprentice of the magician Wallace."

"You know Wallace?" this caught everyone's attention.

"I was assigned by my master to look after the laboratory while he's away. But it is being beset by malevolent magic users."

So Wallace was missing meaning, he wasn't here. Was there a chance that Lucain wasn't here either.

"Do you know the magician Lucain?" asked the Arc while Tiki got closer, worried about her master.

"I do. He went into the depths of the labyrinth and hasn't returned."

The fairy lowered her gaze. Knowing it's been so long since he has returned to his place. It could be the worse case scenario.

"What shall we do?" asked Elf.

"It seems we will have to fight the evil that has taken over the laboratory if we want to find Lucain" said Beastmaster.

"We might be able to find him along the way if we venture further into the labyrinth" replied Sorceress.

"Right. This doesn't changes anything with the quest. We will find Lucain and get rid of whatever has taken over the laboratory" said the blond leader.

"I'm always ready to fight" said Amazon.

"Tiki?" the Arc turned to the fairy who still had her gaze down.

"Master…."

"Don't get discourage. We know he's here. We only have to search this place all the way."

"But...If Wallace isn't here why did he come?"

That was exactly what Jaune was thinking. Did someone fooled the magician to come here so he could get ambushed. Was it all a trap. He wasn't going to get the answer staying here. They knew what to do, they needed keep going forward.

"We'll do it. We'll stop this evil."

"I'll come along. I know the way to the laboratory" said Rickey.

The party went with his wishes climbing the stairs that lead to a hallway and a door. The magician's apprentice pointed to the door. Amazon was about the break it like she has done with all of them. Until, the rat went over below it and opened it from the other side. It was a nice trick and it made the female warrior unhappy. She was used to destroying doors by now. As Rickey returned to the party he warned them that the next room was filled with danger. They were ready As Jaune nodded and opened the doubled doors. Eyes widened seeing a large structure of giant mushrooms releasing spores. Sorceress told everyone to stand back. The spores would act like a poison if inhale, she needed to get rid of it all. It got worse as small creatures emerged from the mushrooms. They were small at first, but then, they started growing mutating. The party was shocked seeing mushrooms coming to life as if they were half human.

Yet another enemy the Arc didn't know. These things looked so creepy. They released a purple cloud. Eyes widened, poison. Sorceress immediately went ahead breaking formation as she unleashed a lot of fire burning the creatures and the stash of mushrooms. Elf, Beastmaster and Amazon went ahead to kill the rest. Rickey aiding them too casting a couple of fire balls. The mutant mushrooms are very weak to fire. After the fight there were two doors to take. The magician's apprentice pointed to the second one to the right. That was the way to the laboratory. Jaune was taken back his party acted immediately to take out these new enemy before it could get worse. Though he bought antidotes that will cure all kinds of poison thanks to Morgan's shop. It will be better to avoid getting it than wasting time curing it. So wizards and Wood Golems were just the beginning.

Mutant mushrooms, what else could they be facing in this labyrinth. He won't scold Sorceress for breaking their formation because she made the right call in using fire. But he was the leader of the party, going against his orders wasn't correct. The blond will have a talk with her and everyone later. Realizing the witch's magic was vital in this place he decided to change the battle formation for the time being. The magic user will now be on the front with Rickey. Just in case they encounter more creatures that are weak against fire. Elf will be in the middle, since she can also use fire thanks to her salamander oil. The Huntsman, Amazon and Beastmaster will be in the back supporting the rear with Tiki being next to the blond knight. The female warrior went for the door destroying it. Making sure the talking rat didn't got the chance to opened it. The leader only shook his head as they went through.

The party stood shocked, noticing they were in a complete different area. It was filled with grass and so many mushrooms, everywhere. The creatures have obviously made the labyrinth their nest. As if things could get any worse. Unfortunately for the group, they did. More enemies ahead looking like worms. Even more disgusting than the mutant mushrooms. Sorceress and Rickey attacked them with fire, proving to be their elemental weakness too. More appeared from behind, Jaune, Elf, Amazon and Beastmaster took them out before they could sink their sharp teeth into them. Worm with fangs, that was a new one for the Arc. The tentacle part didn't seemed weird though. He assumed getting bitten by them will give them poison. Seems like this place has a tendency for the status. New enemies went at the group giant insects with wings. Flies the size of a boar. They were easy to kill but more were getting in their way.

That's when they saw a large white thing hanging from the ceiling. The flies' nest, that was the source where they were all coming from. Destroy it and there will be no more annoying insects. Jaune charged with Amazon and Beastmaster as the others were taking care of the flies that were out already. A few quick attacks and the nest was destroyed releasing quite the amount of dead flies. Two worms arrived as they attacked the blond knight but he blocked it with his shield, countering with a swift strike that slashed the creature in half. Amazon cut the other one down. This whole place was a nightmare. With the most creepy and disgusting monsters they have ever seen. The Arc was really hoping they find Lucain before they get into bigger trouble. Rickey pointed to the entrance where there should be a door. They remained in the new formation as they went through.

If they thought the last place was horrible, this one was worse. The entire area was surrounded with even bigger mushrooms. It made the party looked like ants from where they were standing. From above came more little mushrooms. Elf and Beastmaster killed them off before they could grow and mutate into adults. Crossing the path from the top of more mushrooms it made Jaune think how long has this place being under the rule of these creatures. From the looks of things it's probably been years. The blond hated to admit that the chances of finding Lucain were very slim. Or to be precise, find him alive. That's why Tiki wasn't looking good during the journey. The fairy didn't wanted to think her master was gone. It angered him there was nothing he could to make her feel better. If they don't find the magician then the it will be a failure. Not like he was planning in giving up.

More little mushrooms fell on them. This time, they weren't alone. Mutated ones were accompanying them. There were twice of the ones they have killed so far. The strategy was to take out the strongest ones. The smaller ones are easy to defeat. Jaune and Amazon were striking the bigger ones with everything they've got. The female warrior's berserk skill was getting stronger as all of her attacks were faster than the Arc. Beastmaster and Elf teamed up killing the rest. The remains easily fell by the magic from Sorceress and Rickey, releasing so much fire. Having Wallace's apprentice with them has really made the party stronger. The group looked up making sure there weren't anymore surprises. Once it was clear they kept on walking. They were now in places similar to the last one they were. With grass and lots of mushrooms. More worms and flies were probably waiting for them.

"How far are we from the laboratory?" asked the blond leader.

"It's just straight ahead, pass this point" replied Rickey.

"Maybe Lucain is there" said Sroceress.

"Yeah, maybe…." muttered Tiki still feeling down.

"Hold it!" Elf got everyone's attention.

"What's wrong?" asked the Arc.

"Something's coming…." said the elven archer.

"Indeed. Something big. Different in size from the other creatures we have fought" followed Beastmaster.

Jaune shook his head, great more bad news. It wasn't enough after all the things they fought in the labyrinth. Now something else is coming. The group heard a hiss coming from a near by, they readied their weapons. It came from above as it hit the ground causing a small tremor. The thing before them was indeed bigger and uglier than other monsters. It was a giant bettle colored black with bright green eyes. It looked very intimidating as it was staring at them with intent to kill. Maybe those worm things have something to do with it. And speaking of the worms a large group of them have fallen not too far from the big beetle. A fight that wasn't going to be easy. The Doom Beetle hissed charging at the party as they all moved out of the way. It charged again this time, at the blond leader. He dodged as the beetle used it's large pincer but he blocked it with his shield.

"Try focusing on the worms first!"

"They're not worms. They're larvas" said Sorceress.

The Arc blinked when he took a look at some of them. They were changing, transforming into something else. Blue eyes widened in realization. They have changed into cocoons which it wasn't a good sign. He was afraid to know what will emerge from them. The party leader ordered to focus on the cocoons, destroy them all. Sorceress, Rickey, Elf and Beastmaster were on the job. The blond knight and Amazon chose to focus on the large black beetle. Turns out fire is very effective against the cocoons just like the larvas and the mutant mushrooms. But more larvas were falling and turning to cocoon at a fast pace. The Doom Beetle released some strange flying creatures from its mouth. Amazon got behind her leader as he used his shield to block them. It's shell looks hard, he doubted they'll be able to pierce it so easily. Even with the buffed woman backing him up it wasn't going to be an easy fight after all.

Sorceress cast her ice prison spell trapping a few of the larvas freezing them. Ricky cast more fire balls while adding a bigger one. Elf could barely fired her arrows leaving her with no choice but to rely on close range combat. Something she doesn't do quite often. She attacked with her bow and her kicks. Then took one of her daggers killing another larva. The elven archer was surrounded as they were all wiped out. The hooded girl turned to Beastmaster who has saved her, she gave her a nod and she nodded back. This was no time to be thinking about their differences and the past. They were in a fight where their lives are on the line. All quests will be like that so it won't hurt if they start working together for the sake of surviving and getting through this. The witch cast blizzard, followed by thunderhead to apply damage to all the enemies. Still, the Doom Beetle wasn't going down without a fight.

The fight continued as more larvas were being burned and killed. The same as cocoons but more were coming. Their numbers were increasing drastically. Meanwhile the Doom Beetle was having a hard time fending off against Jaune and Amazon. More cocoons were growing at a faster rate. Sorceress and Rickey did well burning them down. But now, only one remain and it was too late. Another Doom Beetle emerged from the cocoon. The Arc glared, so that's what would emerge from them. If they let the cocoons be they'll be surrounded by dozens of giant beetles. This fight has gone for far too long. One beetle was bad but two, will be too much and too many of them will make things complicated. The blond leader ordered Amazon to take care of the other beetle as he will fight the original one. The others were too busy fighting off the larvas and cocoons. It will be up to him.

Looks like the female warrior had other plans. Her body was suddenly covered by red invisible flames. This was her berserk skill but something was off about it. It's like she was stronger than ever. Faster, stronger this was like a boosted version of the skill. In a heartbeat she killed every single larva and Cocoon when the others were having trouble. The second Doom Beetle was ripped to shreds by the buffed woman. Jaune smiled, all that they needed was to take the big fish, or big beetle. The blond knight dodged the attacks of the large insect and it's powerful pincer attack. It released more flying insects from it's mouth but they were all blocked with his shield. The Arc remembered his training, opponents like Roland and Samuel. They weren't pushovers and they showed him to unleash his inner strength and become stronger with practice and hard work. Sheathing Crocea Mors he changed the weapon to great sword mode.

The others were exhausted from so much fighting while Amazon was looking more tired. All they could do was watched as their leader take on the giant beetle. The Huntsman blocked every single attack as he countered with a barrage of slashes. It was Roland who taught him increasing his speed with quick attacks. At the same time, he can unleash stronger attacks. Not to mention he's been practicing a lot with his aura. Making those attacks even stronger than the average fighter. You add the huge amount he has and that equals one hell of an attack. Strong enough to cut through the beetle's large pincers that looked like they were made of steel. It's arms, leaving it's legs. More quick slashes hit the Doom Beetle and just like that, it was cut in too many pieces. The creature has been slayed just like the rest of its colony. There were no more signs of larvas anywhere. They eliminated what remains of them.

Jaune returned his weapon to normal turning to his party. They weren't injured, more like they were tired. Eyes widened when he saw Amazon ready to collapse. The leader ran catching her right on time.

"Amazon! You okay?"

"Don't worry. Just need lots of food and I'll be back to normal."

"What was that you just did?"

"Incite Rage. It's one of my abilities that doubles my strength in the berserk status. But at the cost of my stamina. Haven't used it in a while. I need some time to get used to it again."

"I'm glad to see you're all right. I'll make sure you refuel when we return to town. My treat" he smiled.

"Nice…." she smiled feeling her cheeks reddened, she was so lucky to have such a caring leader.

"It seems there are no more enemies around" said Beastmaster.

"We can finally get to the laboratory" said Sorceress.

"Still no sign of master…." muttered Tiki.

"The laboratory is straight ahead, at the end" followed Rickey.

Before proceeding the party took a short break. They just fought a really tough battle. Specially Amazon who was still trying to catch her breath. It was the first time anyone has seen seen her this tired. That skill really took a lot of her but, it got the job done. When they reached the end there was a door. However, there no door. It was destroyed and burned. Rickey was the first to react as the talking rodent ran to the room. The party followed shortly, their eyes widened. This was Wallace's laboratory but, not anymore. The entire place was completely burned all equipment, books, papers were gone. Somebody set fire and didn't wanted anyone to know what the magician was working on. The rat apprentice was still in shock, never expecting this. However Tiki got a bigger surprise as she was able to see a couple of bones. And a very familiar light blue pointy hat.

"Who did this?" asked the blond knight.

"I don't know. I don't recall my master having any enemies" replied the apprentice.

"If he doesn't have enemies, then who else would do this?" asked Elf.

"Did he burned down his own laboratory?" Sorceress stood in thought.

"I don't think that would be possible. Not unless, he had a good reason" said Rickey.

"No….."

"Tiki what's wrong?" the Arc gazed at the fairy who was staring at the bones.

"Master…It's him."

The blond leader wasn't that shocked to see the bones of her master. If he was missing for years then, this was the only explanation. Lucain must have gotten killed by monsters or by the fire at the laboratory. Wallace must have followed the same fate. But there were no signs of his bones anywhere.

"I'm sorry…I'm really sorry. I should have been there!"

"It's okay Tiki. We still have a chance."

"What?" the fairy turned to the blond shocked.

"He's right. If this is really Lucain's bones we can bring them to the Canaan Temple and he'll be brought back to life" replied the witch.

"Really…?"

"If it works. Some bones cannot be brought back" said Beastmaster.

"Don't be negative" scolded Elf.

"It's still worth the shot. Let's take the bones and head back to town. This quest is done" said Jaune.

"I'm hungry" said Amazon.

"I haven't forgotten about you" smiled the Huntsman.

After almost an hour the party has left the underground labyrinth. They were so glad to see the bright sun shinning down on them. They've been underground for so long. They have taken the bones of the magician Lucain with them. Hopefully the priest at the Canaan Temple will be able to resurrect him. But just like Beastmaster said. Not all bones can't be bring back from the death. Due that there is a balance between life and death and it must never be disrupted. That is why not the majority of bones can't return back to this side. That's what Samuel told Jaune anyway. The Arc turned to Tiki and now the fairy was looking like her hopes have been lifted. She was so sad finding out what became of her master. Not like there was anything she could do. The Arc wondered if they can find the bones of Wallace thinking that he was dead too. But now there was one thing that was troubling the blond party leader.

"Rickey?" he turned to the rodent apprentice as he stood outside of the labyrinth's entrance" what are you going to do now?"

"I don't know. I haven't thought about it yet. Waiting for my master to return seems to be pointless after seeing what became of his laboratory."

"You don't know if you should continue staying here?" said Elf.

"Why don't you come with us?" said Tiki" if this person at this temple can bring back my master, he might now where is your master."

"She has a point. If we have Lucain back he might know Wallace's whereabouts" followed the Arc.

"That does make sense. And it will be more productive than staying at the labyrinth. Honestly I don't want to stay any more. It might probably get infested with monsters again."

"So, you're coming with us?"

The rat climbed to Jaune's shoulder happy" lead the way."

"Our group has sure become larger" Sorceress smiled.

"A fairy and a talking rat" Beastmaster shook her head it was more in amusement.

"Uh….." Amazon fell on her knees using her weapon to keep her balance" so tired...Jaune can you carry me until we return to town?"

"Sure...You're still tired from using that skill" the blond knight didn't had a problem after how much the female warrior helped during the Doom Beetle fight.

For some reason, Rickey jumped off from his shoulder and went to Elf's shoulder. So the Arc went to grabbed the amazonian only to feel his arms breaking.

"Holy crap, she's freaking heavy!"

"What's wrong?" asked the buffed woman.

"Don't worry, I got this."

The others stood there watching. They had a feeling their leader was going to failed big time. Jaune went for another try only for his hands to slipped. From her hips to her large round butt. Blue eyes widened, face turned crimson red. His hands were getting a good feel of that booty. It was hard, it deserves a nice spanking or maybe a dozen of them. Amazon didn't seemed to have a problem where he was touching her. And he tried carrying her from her rear to lift her only to failed again and hit the ground with the warrior falling on him. Except her butt was now on his face. The rest of the party sweat dropped. As for the Huntsman the fact she was sitting on him and he even smelled her. Best experience in his entire life.

"I can finally die in peace...Again."

To be continued

-I'd say Jaune is a lucky bastard getting to touched that booty and having Amazon sit on his face. Not like I have a fetish for that kind of thing lol.

-I decided to have Rickey joined the group but only temporary Tiki too. I mean she's useless in the game. Her only role is to point out the obvious like runes, secret doors, treasures. But I already know everything because I have played the games a thousand times. Rickey's VA will be Robbie Daymond who has voiced Pronto in FFXV, Sorey in Tales of Zestiria, that bad guy with the evil Persona in Persona 5 forgot his name. His voice will obviously be smaller to match a talking rat lol.

Just found out in order to get to lv100 to 255 the maximum level I have to clear floor 9 of the Labyrinth of Chaos. That won't be happening any time soon.

Replying to reviews:

Guest yes finally saw it and I'm pissed Miles and Kerry will remove such an important scene when it comes to Jaune's character development. He was awesome showing Pyrrha taught him well but noooo let's keep him as the underdog of the group.

Wolfpackersson09 thanks for the info I just don't know how to make Tiki useful to the group. I won't be including her in the party. I found out that a fairy is needed to activate rune magic but I will discarding that because I find it silly.

TheEmeraldMage always happy for your constant support in my stories. Yeah Atelier Ryza's music is great specially those thighs. I'm telling you puberty has been good on her.

Paly111 thank you very much for the kind words I appreciate it. I hope you continue to read and like my stories.

Annihilator225 thanks for the suggestion but I won't be giving any use in this story. I want to focus on the protagonist and story more.

Messiah of authors yeah I don't like it either. Vivian is just a pawn in Gustaf's game to have control over the throne. It's all about power.

Gabriel443 gracias pero no es la monja guerrera. Sabran en el siguiente capitulo.

-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.

Next time: Lucain the magician