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D'Arc Souls
Me and Ren made it back to the dorm, to the questioning stares of our teammates and team PRWN. So I smiled brightly, "Heyyy guyyyys. Whaast's uppp?", this was met with silence and my awkward laugh.
Weiss, in her tact and grace, brought it up bluntly, what everyone wanted to ask, "How are you still standing!? That hit would have…should have…killed you!". The others nodded in agreement.
'Come on spooky emotionless voice. Could use a hand here!", my mind screamed. I let out a sigh, "Would you believe me if I said I don't actually know?", I said hoping that would fly. Much as I expected, it didn't.
Pyrrha was the next to speak, "Jaune, if it had been something like a simple concussion or perhaps even a case of being taken down easily, we may have not been so worried. However, the way that hit connected and the damage it did, it was as if you had no aura.", she finished. The others nodded in agreement, and wanted me to explain more.
However my saving grace finally came with Blake's scroll going off. She checked it, a new message. Her face became more stern. Looking up, she announced, "Team BJYR, we are to report to the Headmaster's office. It says to be quick, it's of the utmost importance.".
I nodded and turned to leave out the door as Blake shooed us out so her and Yang could change, Ren by my side, however something told me this wasn't the last I'd be grilled about my ability. Or more, the Darksign's ability. 'Speaking of which…', I turned to Ren who was gazing at me intently. "Hey Ren…".
He responded calmly enough, "Yes Jaune?".
"Is it, possible, for a semblance to tamper with say, one's memory?", I asked cautiously, not trying to be obviously talking about myself. I failed miserably.
"Are your memories being influenced by your semblance Jaune?", Ren inquired. I sighed, rubbing the back of my head, "Well, yes and no. Yes, because I have these odd memories of things I know I have not experienced or encountered. Like the Devourer.", I said. He nodded, gesturing for me to continue, "Yet I feel like I am losing some of my older memories. As horrible as this makes me sound, I can't remember my family, or if I even have a family.", I finished letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
Ren gazed at me, then asked, "And the other part? How is it not affecting your memory?". I looked at him, "I can't remember my family. But I know they exist. I can't remember a few things of my childhood, but know I had one.", I looked up at the sky as we crossed Beacon's campus. "It's like, waking up after binge watching a show the night before. I know that something happened, but I can't remember exactly what or when it did.", I finished.
Ren looked at me still quizzically, then placed a hand on my shoulder and we stopped walking. "Jaune, we'll figure this out, I promise. Can you trust me?", he asked me sincerely. I looked in his eyes, dead serious, "More than you'll ever know.". He smiled at that and at that moment Yang and Blake caught up panting a bit from running. I looked to them, "Why were you running?".
Yang glared at me, "It's rude to walk off on ladies you know?", she said indignantly. Blake added, "And very dishonorable to leave a teammate behind, especially your leader. ", she finished and crossed her arms. Ren and I both apologized, causing Blake and Yang to exchange glances.
They burst into laughter, well, Yang laughed. Blake more or less just chuckled. Yang threw her arms around our necks, "No issues boys, just remember that you have two beautiful ladies on your team to look out for. Then we'll be jussssst peachy.", we sighed in relief before she finished as we all boarded the elevator, "Or if you don't I'll smash your peaches. Capiche?".
We were dead silent on the way up. Upon arrival, Yang and Blake disembarked first. We got off second, I looked pale as a ghost. Ren was calm, like nothing phases him.
It was at this moment though, I looked around in wonder. This room, was like a mechanical marvel. Ozpin seemed to notice my interest and speak up, "Very odd design choice , wouldn't you say Mr. Arc?", he finished that with a sip of coffee. I stopped gawking at the room, and got in line with my team, before answering his question, "Not…entirely sir. Just, reminiscent of something.".
He stood after that, and walked towards us, but stopped in front of me. "Reminiscent you say? Of what exactly Mr. Arc?", he asked genuinely curious. I thought of why it was reminiscent to me, and then remembered. Gears, as platforms. Large iron chains working as bridges. My eyes glazed over as my mind was assaulted by the images of the past…
I ran through this hellish fortress, this old kingdom of iron. I fought the ashen remains of the warriors before, their bodies hardened by the soul of their long gone queen, risen as effigies of sorts. I fought my way down, facing all sorts trials in this mad kingdom. Then I come face to face with him. The Knight Raime, his massive blade upon his shoulder. His sidearm blade drawn, I will fail here definitely. However, he won't break my spirit.
"….Arc! Mr. Arc!", "Jaune!?", I heard voices calling me back to my senses as I shook my head clear. "What just, what was that?", I asked looking to Professor Ozpin and my team. They looked just as, if not more confused than I felt. Except the headmaster, he looked to be thinking of something. He nodded as if confirming a theory, then walked next to his desk.
"Mr. Arc, tell me, do you remember what you said when you defeated Cardin Winchester a few hours ago?", he asked. I thought for a moment, before shaking my head. He nodded, tapping a few things on his scroll, and a recording of my fight was shown.
I cringed as I saw the hit I took, then watched as I got up. Something clicked in my head, and both myself and my recorded self, said the phrase together, "Always come back stronger, never to fall, never to waver.". Now where the me in the recording attacked Cardin, the rest of the room stared at me as I finished the phrase, "For with this cursed flesh. I carry the duty to defend humanity from darkness.". I stopped and looked up confused, "What?".
" Mr. Arc, that phrase. Where did you learn it?", Ozpin asked tentatively. I looked at him, confused, I responded, "I'm not sure. The words just came to mind. Like a motto". Ozpin looked sternly to me and then to the rest of the team, "This conversation does not leave this room, understood?". Me and Ren nodded immediately, Yang and Blake looked to each other before Yang shrugged, and Blake nodded.
Ozpin sighed and set down his coffee, "Centuries ago when the first kingdoms were being forged and huntsman were coming to existence, warriors of legend rose.", he spoke looking to the ceiling, then to me, "One of these tales, is of the Undead Warriors. Hunters in history said to be of no particular heritage, that were born with an ability. That ability, was to avoid death.", he finished before looking directly into my eyes. "Jaune Arc, the phrase you spoke was uttered by the greatest of these legends. Gwynn, Lord of Cinders, hero of Mistral and I believe you have inherited that ability.", he finished.
I was in shock to say the least, but it made sense. I looked calmly to the headmaster, "How do you know all this, sir?". He just smiled softly at me. "I have my ways young man. You don't reach my age and not learn about the world around you.", he explained. His expression then became serious, "However, that's not why I called you all here. Not entirely anyway.", as he spoke we tensed up, "Jaune, you are the target of dark forces. A chain of events is now in motion that cannot be stopped.", he sighed and finished with a statement that nearly stopped my heart, "Mr. Arc, the Abysswalker is coming.".
Blake finally spoke up, I'm glad someone did, "The Abysswalker, sir? I'm sorry, but I don't think of I've ever heard of that.". Ozpin sighed, taking up his cup once more, "Not to worry Ms. Belladonna, except for myself and your teammate. I don't think anyone would know of him.", he said, taking a sip of coffee. Yang looked confused, "I don't get it.", they turned to her as I stated at the floor processing the information, she continued, "If Jaune can't die, what's there to be worried about?", she tried laughing that off.
What I said next stopped that, "Artorias, the Abysswalker. The warrior who slew the Lord of Cinders in one of history's most famous betrayals.", I looked to the ceiling as I recounted what I knew to them.
It was the middle of the day. The people of Mistral still celebrated the defeat of the Grimm hordes along the borders. Few knew of the men we lost that day. Fewer still cared, to them. Victory, no matter how pyrrhic, was cause for celebration. I walked amongst the happy civilians who thanked me and my men. Offering us food, drink, and praise. On the surface I was happy. However inside, I was dead.
Artorias, my brother in arms. The link I held to this world, had covered our escape and escape we did. Only for us to return with reinforcements to find the valley devoid of Grimm. And my brother. I mourned his loss.
The day went normally enough, however I felt odd. Empty. Emptier than normal. That is when I saw him. Broken, beaten, limping through the crowds. My brother in arms, my second in command. Artorias, came through the crowds, and I rushed to meet him.
I was a fool, for as soon as I came close. His blade had run me through. I gazed upon him, my eyes widened at the betrayal. I fell to the ground, with my final breaths, I asked but one question…. "Why?", the only response, was a dark growl. Before darkness fell upon my vision. Released from my curse, I let the long sleep take me.
As I finished the tale, the others looked to me in surprise. I looked to Yang, "No one knew how, but the Abysswalker had somehow killed the immortal Gwynn. However what I know, is every Darksign bearer after Gwynn, was hunted down and slain by Artorias. A dark power holds him together.", I turn to Ozpin, "I imagine why we were called here has to do with the other part of my semblance, the strengthening part.", he nodded and responded to me, "Yes Mr. Arc, it just so happens that there have been a recent rise in Grimm activity in the Emerald Forest. While I can't protect you from the Abysswalker, I can prepare you for him.".
He turns his attention to Blake, "Ms. Belladonna, your team, accompanied by Ms. Goodwitch, will be setting off in the next two days to the Emerald Forest to clear out the Grimm. Is that understood?", she nodded. "Well, I don't want to keep you all waiting, I'm sure you're hungry and tired from all this. Take care, and I'll see you off in two days.", we all nodded and as we departed the headmaster said one last thing, "And Mr. Arc?". I listened up, "Do try to get something to wear. Being half nude must feel slightly…demeaning". I sighed and Ren patted my back as the elevator descended.
Alone, Ozpin gazed out of the window of his office. 'Let us see if we can break the cycle.', he turns to the elevator as it reaches his office. His scroll goes off, a message from Qrow, 'Queen has Pawns'. He grimaces, and sends his response, 'King's Knights in play'. "This game is starting to become most challenging", be sighed and sat down, drinking his coffee.
Omake: Jaune the Hyena
Jaune was squatting over a pit in Forever Fall. Down below were some shiny trinkets. Cardin of Team CRDL came through, "Whatcha starin at Jauney boy?". Jaune smiled widely at Cardin, "Look man, all that treasure down below. Think we should snag some?", he spoke coyly. Cardin looked over the edge, "You crazy Jau-NNNNEEEEEE", Cardin screamed as he fell and landed hard on the ground. He looked around to discover what was glimmering in the pit, was just rocks, he glared at Jaune who laughed maniacally. "I'll kill you Arc!", Jaune settled down and stood up, "Good luck with that mate! Say hi to the Deathstalkers for me!". Confused, Cardin looked around, then cam face to face with a nest of Deathstalkers…. Angry, angry Deathstalkers.
Cardin's scream caused Jaune to smirk as he walked away. From that day forth, people knew. Don't trust the hyena, if you're a dick.
AN:
I'm back babeh! After helpin Chaos Dragon God get started I got my spark back. So here is the series revival.
Chess references, more backstory, less action, a little comedy…. Don'tDoorry next chapter will be less heavy, not by much, but less.
I'm a shoutout my boys in the Hive Mind; Solvdrage, Dread Knight N7, and Lord Farsight, check them out. Them boys are damn good at what they do.
Last on the list today is a very special friend, author of The D'Arc Game of Life, ThePlayer1Company, check out his work. Dude is a badass.
Well that's all for now, expect a return of this story and my other works soon. Until next time.
Title recommended by my buddy ThePlayer1Company
Ya Boy, Nexus Bladeguard
