XenoBlaze:I'm baaaaaaack!
Emerald:Did you really have to do that?
XenoBlaze:No, I wanted to.
Emerald:Ugh.
Mercury:I thought it was funny.
Emerald:You would.
XenoBlaze:Hey, be glad I let you guys in here.
Mercury:You mean Cinder bribed you.
XenoBlaze:Hey, what can I say? Woman is hot.
Evil. But hot.
Cinder:Aw. I'll take that as a compliment Blaze.
XenoBlaze:Anyway, welcome to RWBY Extella Volume 2.
Titled:Escalation Arc.(Thank you Yogwind.)
This chapter, you'll see two new characters. One that made an appearance in chapter 12. And a new character making their debut.
Mercury:Don't forget the new opening.
XenoBlaze:Thank you Merc.
Emerald:Kiss ass.
Mercury:What was that?!
XenoBlaze:Ugh. I don't know what's worse. Dealing with Nora. Or dealing with you two- Oooooh.
Cinder:Your so tense Blaze. Let me loosen you up.
XenoBlaze:Oooooh yeaaaaah. Best massage ever.
Emerald:Lucky.
Mercury:Shouldn't we get on with the story?
XenoBlaze:Huh? Oh yeah. Um, Cinder?
Cinder:XenoBlaze does not own RWBY, Asterisk War or the Fate series. All rights go to their rightful owners.
And I'll burn whoever says otherwise. Enjoy.
XenoBlaze:One more thing. I've decided to get rid of the Last Time segment.
Escalation Arc Extella 1-Best Day Ever
-Vale-
Things have calmed down since the events at Vale's docks. Though Roman Torchwick got away, he was thwarted. All by three faunus. A girl who seemed like she had dual personality disorder with a glowing black sword. And a girl that can bring down Bullheads with swords, wires, and green energy blast.
Which was all in a days work for the students of Beacon Academy. Who where overdue for a break. Unfortunately, everyone had their own thing to do, so they couldn't spend time together. However, for the saviors of the Moon Cell, they took it as a way to improve their techniques.
After the events at the docks, professor Ozpin had a chat with Hakuno. Hakuno had admitted to Ozpin that while fighting Torchwick, using her Semblance and Ser Veresta, she was pretty much exhausted. Hakuno also admitted that if she didn't have the element of surprise, she might not have lasted long against him. Knowing that Ser Veresta was a magical weapon, Hakuno asked Ozpin for advice. Ozpin then revealed to Hakuno that Ser Veresta's current form wasn't the original. It was modified by its original owners mana. Hakuno knew that Ozpin knew more than he cared to admit, but didn't press on. Thanks to Ozpins information, team HANT was able to make adjustments to Ser Veresta. Even though they almost blew themselves up due to Ser Veresta's raw power. Now, Hakuno was free to use Ser Veresta in combat class without threatening to cut something important. Ozpin had it right. It was an interesting semester.
But, while Beacon was easing themselves into the next semester, people have begun to move from the shadows. Case in point the Roman's bosses. Emerald Sustrai, Mercury Black and their leader Cinder Fall. The gray and green duo currently walking the streets of Vale.
Mercury:So, how much farther?
Emerald:A few blocks.
Mercury:Ugh... this place is so dull.
Emerald:Eh, I kinda like it. Tall buildings, diverse culture...
Mercury:And nice dopey people who are easy to pickpocket.
Emerald stops.
Emerald:That's every city.
Mercury play acts as a victim.
Mercury:Ooh, Emerald! Master thief! Please don't take my money! I barely have enough to get by!
Emerald glares at him, groaning angrily. She then walks away from him.
Mercury:Ugh... you're no fun today.
Mercury follows behind Emerald. Emerald and Mercury enter a shop full of books. The shop owner can be heard humming a tune. Mercury stops near the door to look at books while Emerald approaches the counter and rings a service bell.
?: Be right there!
Emerald looks back at Mercury. The shop owner -Tukson- is seen through a set of double doors carrying stacks of books as he walks backwards and out toward the counter. He sits them down and addresses his potential new customers.
Tukson:Welcome to "Tukson's Book Trade", home to every book under the sun! How may I...
Tukson turns around and gasps. He then hesitates upon recognizing Emerald and Mercury.
Tukson:How may I help you?
Although the book is open, Mercury is looking at Tukson.
Mercury:Just browsing.
Mercury shuts the book.
Emerald:Actually, I was wondering, do you have any copies of "The Thief and The Butcher"?
Tukson:Yes we do.
Emerald:That's great.
Tukson:Would you... like a copy?
Emerald:No, just wondering.
Mercury closes another book.
Emerald:Oh, oh! What about "Violet's Garden"? In paperback?
Mercury:He's got it. Hardback too.
Emerald:Ooh, options are nice.
Mercury:Eh, no pictures.
Hey! Do you have any comics?
Tukson:Near the front.
Emerald:Oh, no, wait! What... about... "Third Crusade"?
Tukson hesitates, visibly unnerved.
Tukson:Um... I...don't believe we carry that one.
Mercury slams another book shut.
Mercury:Oh.
Emerald:What was this place called again?
Tukson:Tukson's Book Trade.
Emerald:And you're Tukson?
Tukson:That's right.
Emerald:So then I take it that you're the one that came up with the catchphrase?
Tukson:Yes.
Mercury:And, what was it again?
Tukson:"Tukson's Book Trade, home to every book under the sun."
Mercury:Except the Third Crusade.
Tukson:It's just a catchphrase.
Mercury:It's false advertising!
Mercury goes to activate a switch near the entrance causing a front window to darken. He activates more switches to darken the store. After witch, he make his way to the counter with a sinister smile.
Emerald:You shouldn't make a promise you can't keep, Tukson. I hear that you're planning on leaving. Moving all the way to Vacuo. Your brothers in the White Fang won't be happy to hear that. And neither are we...
You know who we are, don't you?
Tukson:Yes.
Emerald:And you know why we're here?
Tukson:Yes.
Emerald:So... are you going to fight back?
Tukson produces claws from his fingers. Revealing that he is a faunus.
Tukson:Yes!
Tukson leaps atop his counter in a threatening manner. Mercury and Emerald back up slightly and he leaps at Emerald and slashes at her, but she dodges. He looks forward and is surprised at Mercury as he raises one leg for a kick with his shotgun-greaves.
Mercury and Emerald exit "Tukson's Book Trade". Emerald stretches her arms overhead. Mercury is carrying a comic.
Emerald:What's with that?
Mercury:I like the pictures.
As Emerald and Mercury round the corner, Hakuno makes her way to the store from the opposite corner. Just missing the crime duo.
Hkauno:Let's see. According to Altera, it should be right here.
Apparently, this bookstore is suppose to have "every book under the sun". Catchy slogan.
Hakuno approaches the store and stops to see the store completely dark.
Hakuno:Huh? Did the owner close early?
Hakuno notices the door is slightly open. She then narrows her eyes and places her hand on Ser Veresta's hilt as she carefully makes her way inside. Upon entering the shop, she quickly notices Tukson's lifeless body in a pool of blood. Hakuno suppresses the urge the vomit and makes her way to the body.
Hakuno(Solemnly):You must be Tukson.
Hakuno glances the books on the counter and notices a book marked with Altera's name. She picks up the book.
Hakuno:"Third Crusade" huh?
Hakuno digs her Scroll out of her pocket.
Hakuno:*Sigh* What am I suppose to tell Altera?
-Beacon Academy/Cafeteria-
Meanwhile back at Beacon. Teams RWBY and (H)ANT are eating lunch together. Blake looks at a bunch of notes and sketches while the rest of her friends talk amongst themselves. Yang then slides up next to her partner.
Yang:Whatcha doing?
Blake closes her book.
Blake:Nothing. Just going over notes from last semester.
Yang catches a grape in her mouth.
Nero applauds.
Yang:Lame.
Nora giggles as she continues to toss grapes at yang with her spoon. Yang catches the fruit with ease, giving Nora the thumbs up. Nero is impressed while Tamamo tries to ignore them. Altera is reading a book titled "Violet's Garden". Ruby gives an enormous heave as she slams a binder onto the table, catching everyone off guard. On the cover of the binder is written "Vytal Festival Activities, Property of Weiss Schnee". This has been hastily crossed out with a red marker pen, and with the same pen, a new title, "Best Day Ever Activities", has been written underneath. Ruby clears her throat as she gestures to everyone at the table.
Ruby:Sisters... friends... Weiss.
Weiss:Hey!
Ruby:Four score and seven minutes ago, I had a dream.
Tamamo:(Why does that sound familiar?)
Yang:This ought to be good.
Yang catches another berry in her mouth.
Ruby:A dream that one day, the four of us will come together, as a team, and have the most fun anyone has ever had... ever!
Weiss:Did you steal my binder?
Ruby makes "peace" signs with both hands.
Ruby:I am not a crook.
Tamamo:(That sounds familiar too.)
Blake:What are you talking about?
Ruby:I'm talking about kicking off the semester with a bang.
Yang: I always kick my semesters off with a Yang! Eh? Guys? Am I right?
An apple is tossed at yang and hits her in the face. She glares at Nora.
Nora:Boooooooooooooooo!
Nero:I thought it was clever.
Tamamo glances at Nero.
Tamamo:You would.
Ruby:Look guys, it's been a good two weeks and between more exchange students arriving and the tournament at the end of the year, our second semester is going to be great! But, classes start back up tomorrow! Which is why I've taken the time to schedule a series of wonderful events for us today.
Ruby glances around the table noticing the absence of a brown eyed friend.
Ruby:Hey, where's Hakuno?
Altera:She went to my favorite bookstore to pick up a book for me.
Weiss:I don't know whether to be proud or scared of what you have in store.
Yang, still glaring, picks up an apple and tosses it across the room. Offscreen, an unfamiliar voice shouts "Hey!" and Nora can be heard giggling.
Blake:I don't know. I think I might sit this one out.
Weiss:Sit out or not, I think that however we spend this last day, we should do it as a team!
I for one think that...
Weiss is interrupted by a pie landing on her face.
Nora is shown to be the one who threw the pie, she sits down and points at Ren who has his head in his palm. Pyrrha's hand is over her mouth and Jaune simply sits staring wide-eyed while covering his ear with his palm.
Tamamo notices the tension and face palms with a groan.
Tamamo:(This won't end well.)
Outside the cafeteria, Sun Wukong and Neptune Vasilias are walking together as Sun relates the events which took place at the docks.
Neptune:Man, that's harsh.
Sun: I know. She was super fast and I threw a banana at the guy, which sounds gross, but it was awesome. And Tamamo blew all these guys away with a piece of paper!
Neptune:Nice!
Sun:Right? And the best part is, there both Faunus. But that's a secret for Blake, okay? Tamamo can't hide her traits even if she wanted to.
Neptune:Got it.
Sun leans in close in order to stress the importance of this secret.
Sun:And not a, "I'm gonna go tell Scarlet the second Sun turns his back secret". I'm talking secret secret.
Neptune:Whoa, chill out, man, okay? I got it.
Sun and Neptune make their way to the cafeteria. Neither of them noticing that the windows into the cafeteria have food splatters. Students are also running around. At one point, Jaune is the one splattered into the window.
Sun:You better. I just don't want to screw this up, you know? The people here are the coolest! No offense to you guys.
Neptune:None taken.
Sun:They're just in here. I'm really excited for you to meet them. So be cool, okay? You're gonna be cool, right?
Neptune strikes a pose basically saying "I AM cool".
Neptune:Dude.
Neptune's teeth gleam as he smiles.
Sun:Good point.
?:There you are!
Sun and Neptune turn to see a pink haired girl with armor.
Sun:Astolfo?
Astolfo matches up to Sun with a glare on her face.
Sun:What have you been up-
Sun is interrupted by Astolfo kicking him in the shin. He yelps and bounces around on one foot.
Sun:Ow! What was that for?!
Astolfo puts her hands on her hips while keeping her glare.
Astolfo:Don't give me that!
I don't hear from you for days and when I finally DO hear from you, you tell me you took on the White Fang?
Sun stops bouncing and rubs the back of his head sheepishly.
Sun:Heh heh. Sorry.
Look, I'll make it up to you. How bout I buy you...two cream puffs?
Astolfo:Eight.
Sun:Huh?! Eight?!
Astoflo glares intensely at Sun. So much that some would say it matches Ruby on the adorable scale. Sun slumps with a sigh.
Sun:Okay. Okay, eight cream puffs.
Astolfo latches on to Sun's arm. Her bad mood completely pulling a 180.
Astolfo(Chipper):All is forgiven~.
Astolfo finally notices Neptune.
Astolfo:Oh. Hey Nep-Nep.
Neptune:Flo.
?:Ah! There you are!
The group turns to see a black haired boy dressed in fancy clothing walking towards them.
?:You really shouldn't wander off like that Astolfo. Leader's already mad at you for ditching us back in Mistral. You don't wanna keep adding on to your punishment, do ya?
Astolfo quickly untangles herself from Sun with a shudder.
Astolfo(Whining):Don't remind me!
Neptune looks at the boy with a slight glare.
Neptune:Oh. Your here to Charlemagne?
Charlie:Come on Neptune. You know I hate being called that. Call me Charlie.
Anyway, you guys grabbing a bite?
Sun:Actually, I was gonna introduce Neptune to a couple of friends I made here.
But this is perfect, You two can meet them too.
The four teens enter the cafeteria where students are heard screaming. A random student screams "Food Fight" before running out the door. Along with other students as they stamped out the door past the four teens Neptune looks quite worried while Charlie looks in awe.
Nora:Ahahahaha!
Team JNPR are shown to be standing atop a tower of tables stacked in a ramshackle manner.
Nora:(Singing):I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle!
Ruby Stomps her foot on a table while pointing at Team JNPR.
Ruby:Justice will be swift! Justice will be painful!
Ruby crushes a carton of milk in her hand.
Ruby:It will be delicious!
The rest of team RWBY raises their fists simultaneously with a yell.
Nora:Off with their heads!
Nora jumps down from the top of her tower, and the food fight begins.
Ruby:Yang! Turkey!
Yang then picks up two turkeys from the ground and uses them like gloves to punch through the barrage of watermelons thrown off a table by Nora. Upon completion, Blake then leaps in front of Yang and picks up two baguettes. Yang then throws her turkeys at Pyrrha, who dodges out of the way and grabs a single baguette. Leaving Jaune to take the blows.
Pyrrha and Blake duel in a one-on-one fight. Despite Blake's attempt to disorient Pyrrha with her shadows, Pyrrha knocks her back and throws three more baguettes to Yang. Knocking her down as well.
Ruby uses a food tray to slide towards Pyrrha across the table and hits a baguette back at her with the same tray. Pyrrha manages to dodge the shot, but is unable to stop Ruby from knocking her backwards with the same food tray. Ren and Nora then charge at Ruby, but Weiss intercepts them and uses ketchup to cause Ren to slip and crash with a group tables, which are launched because of the impact.
Nora jumps through these tables to grab a metal flag pole and attach a watermelon to it. She attacks Weiss but hits Ruby instead, who manages to stand between them to protect her partner from the assault; however, the force of this impact knocks her down. Weiss grabs a swordfish and engages Nora in a one-on-one, but ends up being defeated after Nora throws her against a pillar. Knocking her down and causing the pillar to break. Before the pieces crush Weiss, Ruby jumps in and saves her partner as the pillar collapses around them.
Ruby:Weiss, Weiss! Don't leave me! Nooo!
On the far end of the cafeteria, team (H)ANT is seen completely spotless watching the events thanks to Tamamo's sheild. Altera however, is too entranced by her book to make comments. Nero then speaks dramatically.
Nero:Alas poor Weiss! I knew her well!
Tamamo(Deadpan):You do know she's not dead, right?
The fighting resumes. Yang grabs two more turkeys and duels Ren, who wields a pair of leeks. Ren is overwhelmed by Yang's reflexes and takes a lot of hits before being sent a few meters into the air by an uppercut. He recovers from the strikes and throws his leeks at Yang, but she manages to dodge them and proceeds to finish Ren by jumping high enough to punch him toward the floor. Knocking him out. Nora intervenes immediately afterwards and sends Yang flying through the roof with her hammer but destroys the weapon in the process.
Blake gets back up to dodge the debris of the roof and grabs a link of sausages. She whips it at a disarmed Nora, throwing her against two soda machines. These leak some soda cans that Nora throws at Blake, who manages to dodge them all. Pyrrha then uses her Semblance on the puddle of soda. Causing all the soda cans on it to rise after Blake, barraging her with soda.
Ruby, the last remaining member of RWBY, then uses her Semblance of speed to dash through the food court. Causing everything to follow her through the tailwind caused by her overwhelming speed. She spins like a torpedo, creating a hurricane of food that come backs at JNPR, knocking all four members out. Nero applauds off screen with a cheer.
Sun:I love these guys.
Sun looks to the right and see's Neptune drenched with soda and is not pleased. Astolfo peeks behind him and Charlie is miraculously spotless.
Charlie:That was awesome!
The doors behind them open and Glynda enters the room growling. She proceeds to use telekinesis to re-organize the room.
Glynda adjusts her glasses.
Glynda:Children, please. Do not play with your food!
Nora burps aloud as both Teams JNPR and RWBY try and fail to compose themselves. Team (H)ANT makes their way back to their friends. A screaming Yang then crashes from the ceiling into one of the tables. Glynda grumbles. Ozpin approaches and places a hand on her shoulder.
Ozpin:Let it go.
Glynda:*Sighs* They're supposed to be the defenders of the world.
Ozpin:And they will be, but right now they're still children. So why not let them play the part?
Ozpin walks away from Glynda.
Ozpin:After all, it isn't a role they'll have forever.
Ozpin walks pass Hakuno who has just entered the cafeteria. She looks at her friends with a questioning look.
Hakuno:Do I even wanna know what happened here?
-Vale/Warehouse-
In an old warehouse, the White Fang are moving crates as Emerald and Mercury enter.
Roman:Oh, look! She sent the kids again!
Roman approaches the two from behind and wraps his arms around them in a group hug.
Roman:This is turning out just like the divorce!
Emerald:*Shudder* Spare us the thought of you procreating.
Emerald and Mercury pull away from Roman.
Roman:That was a joke.
Roman produces a piece of paper.
Roman:And this... just might tell me where you two have been all day.
Emerald:What!? Agh...
Roman:I'm a professional, sweetheart. Pay attention, maybe you'll learn something.
Roman looks at the piece of paper. He then narrows his eyes.
Roman:Why do you have this address?
Emerald:Wouldn't you like to know?
Roman:Yeah, I would. Now where have you been all day?
Mercury:Cleaning up your problems. One of them, at least.
Roman:I had that under control.
Mercury:Two packed bags and a ticket out of Vale said otherwise.
Roman:Listen, you little punk. If it were up to me, then I would take you and your little street rat friend here and...
?:Do what, Roman?
Cinder appears on a platform above them. She steps onto an automated lift, riding it down to their level. Roman laughs nervously.
Roman:I'd, uh... not kill them?
Emerald:Cinder!
Cinder:I thought I made it clear that you would eliminate the would-be runaway.
Roman:I was going to...
Emerald:He was going to escape to Vacuo! Mercury and I decided to take it upon ourselves to kill the rat.
Mercury:I think he was some sort of cat, actually.
Emerald:What? Like a puma?
Mercury:Yeah, there ya go.
Cinder:Quiet. Did I not specifically instruct you two to keep your hands clean while in Vale?
As Cinder speaks, Roman points a finger at the pair while laughing in agreement.
Emerald:I just thought...
Roman uses his fingers to mime having a slit throat.
Cinder:Don't think... obey.
Emerald(Apologetically):Yes ma'am. It won't happen again.
Cinder turns to Roman.
Cinder:And you. Why wasn't this job done sooner?
As Roman speaks, he points to his right, then to his left, then behind him.
Roman:Uh..? Eh..? Eh..? EHHHHH! Sorry if I've been busy stealing every speck of Dust in the Kingdom!
Not to mention getting my cane fixed!
Mercury:You're an inspiration to every punk with a gun and a ski mask.
Emerald laughs at the remark.
Roman:Look around, kid. I've got this town running scared! Police camping out at every corner. Dust prices through the roof and we're sitting pretty on an old warehouse with more Dust crystals, vials and rounds than we know what to do with! Speaking of which, if you guys wouldn't mind filling me in on your grand master plan, it might actually make my next string of robberies go a little smoother!
Cinder approaches Roman and places her hand on his face.
Cinder:Oh, Roman. Have a little faith.
You'll know what you need when you need to know it.
Roman seems entranced, but then looks away with a grunt. Cinder then begins to walk away.
Cinder:Besides, we're done with Dust.
Roman:O-okay, then what now?
Cinder:We're moving. Have the White Fang clear out this building. I'll send you details and coordinates tonight.
Roman:Coordinates?
Cinder:We're proceeding to phase two.
Cinder, Mercury and Emerald begin to walk away. Roman attempts to light a cigar, but realizes Emerald has stolen his lighter. She turns back to face him and sticks her tongue out defiantly.
-To be continued-
{Begin "Imitation" -Fate Unlimited Bladeworks Movie theme by Sachi Tainaka}
The opening begins with a black background that shows Altera turning to the screen from the left side at the first beat. The second beat shows Tamamo turning to the screen from the right side. The third beat shows Nero turning to the screen from the left side. As the music begins, Hakuno appears on the screen opening her eyes. The camera zooms in on Hakuno's right eye. The background changes to a light blue as dozens of magic circuits begin to activate. The title fades in.
RWBY Extella
Tadoritsuita yume no hate de
As the lyrics begin, the title fades out and the screen changes back to black as class cards slowly fall from above.
Hito wa nani wo omou no darou
The scene changes to Yang riding bumblebee through Vale at night. A raven watches her before it takes off.
Yagate kuru sono toki boku wa
A close up of the planet Remnant is displayed as the screen zooms out. The academy sigils fade in on their corresponding continents.
Donna kao wo shiteiru no ka
Team JNPR is seen overlooking Beacon from the roof as the sun begins to rise.
Moshimo dareka ni
The scene changes to a background of Forever Fall with Blake looking towards the screen with a serious expression. The wind blowing through her hair.
Uragirarete mo
Blake fades out and is replaced with Weiss mirroring Blakes expression. The wind blowing through her hair as well.
Hitsuyou tosare nakute mo
Tamamo is seen holding a flag of the White Fang with a disgusted expression. She turns around and walks away while throwing the flag aside. The flag floats to the ground before it is quickly slashed by a red blade.
Wasure wa shinai
Sun and Neptune are seen smiling at the screen with Beacon's cafeteria in the background before it quickly changes to Charlemagne . Charlie- and Astolfo smiling with Beacons courtyard in the background.
Jibun jishin ga eranda koto
Team HANT stands in front of a hoard of mutant Grimm with serious expressions. The two sides are at a standstill before the Grimm charge. Team HANT draws their weapons. First Altera. Then Tamamo. Then Nero. And finally Hakuno.
Itsuwari no yume datte kanaete miseru
The scene changes to Blake and Tamamo tag teaming Roman Torchwick for a few seconds before Neopolitan shows up to support Roman. The screen quickly changes to Yang blocking a kick from Mercury.
Ima wa mada wara warete mo ii sa
Weiss and Altera are seen tag teaming Emerald before the scene changes to Ruby and Nero tag teaming Cinder.
Kireigoto da toshite mo mezashitainda
Hakuno is seen cutting down mutant Grimm with a modified version of Ser Verstsa as her Semblance rapidly changes her appearance corresponding with the right fighting style. First Nero, as Hakuno's hair and eyes change to blonde and green respectively. Then Altera's, as Hakuno's hair and eyes change to white and red respectively. An mutant Ura Major appears as Hakuno cuts down a mutant Beowulf. The mutant Ursa attacks Hakuno but she backflips away.
Ima wa mada kanata da keredo kitto
Hakuno lands in a couched position as her hair stays white but her eyes change to a shining silver. A black bow and a oddly shaped arrow appear in her hands. Blue whisp of light gather around Hakuno as she prepares to fire. The scene changes as we close in on Hakuno's face. At "keredo", we see a white outline of someone's hand reaching for the moon. At "kiito", the moon shatters and the hand recoils. The hand then raises into the air as the screen turns white.
Nisemono wa honmono ni kawaru darou
At the last line of the lyrics, we see Hakuno fading in as she flourishes Ser Veresta before sheathing it. She looks at the screen as it zooms out to display her team, team RWBY, team JNPR, Ozpin and Glynda, Ironwood and Penny, Sun and Neptune and Charlemagne and Astolfo as the all look towards the sky with Beacon Academy in the background.
AN:Welcome to volume 2 everybody. First I gotta say the food fight is one of my favorite moments in RWBY. So I had to describe the whole thing.
Congratulations sawtooth44. You were right. Astolfo is here. The Remnant version anyway. Also, this version is a female. Traps...confuse me. So this Astolfo is 100 percent female.
I bet no one saw Charlemagne coming, did you? He too is Remnants version of Fate's Charlemagne. I really liked his character in Extella Link. The thing about Neptune not liking him is because he see's Charlie as a rival in the cool department. Charlie however, is oblivious to the whole thing.
Astolfo and Charlie are two of a team I plan on revealing in volume 3. The only hint I'll give about the last two members is that their both female. As for the leader... Well in the immortal words of a certain monster from The Slayers, "That is a secret." ;-)
Also just to save time, Hakuno's new Ser Veresta looks kinda like Asuna Yuuki's rapier from Sword Art Online II. Only the blade is black.