RWBY : New Beginning
Deaths-Head : The obligatory disclaimer...
I do not own RWBY or the characters, locations etc... they are all owned by RoosterTeeth. Only things I own are my OC's.
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Chapter Three :
Four weeks before Initiation
The Kingdom of Atlas is well known for a variety of things. Primarily for being the headquarters of the Schnee Dust Company, the creation of the Cross Continental Transmit System, One of (if not THE) primary Dust producer in the world as well as numerous technological and innovative feats.
It also houses the Atlas Military Academy, the Huntsman Academy of the North. There is also the combat school of Dione. Like it's Vale, Vacuo and Mistral counterparts, teaching students the basics of combat, teamwork and weapon forging. Students at Dione were already aware of the militaristic presence and theme of the school and were expected to handle themselves accordingly.
One such student is Ullysses Emmelin. With his seventeenth birthday a week away, the young man wore a serious demeanor and carried himself with the same discipline his family had always done. The Emmelin's were a major supporter of the Schnee Dust Company and it's subsidiaries as well as General Ironwood, the Headmaster of Atlas Military Academy, General in the Atlesian Military as well as a member of the Atlesian Council.
His father was also a member of the Atlesian Council and his older siblings serve directly under the General. The Emmelin family could trace their lineage even back to when the Kingdom of Atlas was the Kingdom of Mantle, before the the development and growth of the then Alsius Combat School into the Military Academy.
Ullysses sighed as he sat up on his bed, scratching his chin. Today was the last day of his training and the day he'd finally finish the last touches to his weapon, one he had painstakingly designed and built. Standing, he walked past the bed his roommate was still sound asleep in, snoring loudly and opened a chest of drawers. Taking the toiletries and a towel, he then turned and left the room, heading towards the male bathroom and shower block.
As he walked, he briefly took note of how quiet the area was. He nodded to two other students who walked past, even this early in the morning and among students as young as they are, the military mindset had been driven in to them all during their first week at Dione. For himself, Ullysses was already aware of that mindset, thanks to his life before Dione. He paused outside the door to the shower block as the door swung open due to someone being thrown into it.
Stepping back, he looked at his fellow student, who had hit the wall and slumped down to the floor, a grimace of pain on his face. Ullysses's eyes narrowed as he saw the canine ears on the boy's head, as well as the brown tail. Lavi Zaff, one of only a handful of Faunus students at Dione, groaned and rubbed the back of his head. He was a below average student, always struggling to get ahead in his studies... but he was also stubborn and determined. Sadly, he and Ullysses did not get along at all, as he glanced up at the Human, a look of worry appearing on his face.
"Oh... Ullysses... I, err... I just slipped... is all..."
Ullysses frowned, then offered his hand to the Faunus. Tentatively, Lavi reached up and grasped Ullysses's hand, who pulled him to his feet. With a sigh he looked at Lavi.
"One of these days, I won't be around to help you back up." he paused, then spoke softly "Lavi, you knew things would be difficult here... I've got your back but just... be careful."
Lavi's ears folded down and he wore a saddened look on his face.
"I... I know Ullysses... I guess, I hoped things would be different." The Faunus looked back in the room and sighed "I'll do my best not to be a nuisance to you anymore..."
As Lavi turned to walk away, the human's hand landed on his shoulder.
"Lavi... I trust you. Remember that."
With a sad smile, Lavi nodded and walked down the corridor. Ullysses frowned as he watched his friend walk away, sighed and walked inside the room, noting the other boys all laughing at what had just happened. Ignoring the laugher and such inside, he proceeded to do his morning regime and in ten minutes, left the shower block, freshly showered and clean.
He entered his room, putting his gear away as he looked at the clock. It was just before seven o'clock, causing him to frown. He usually woke up at six in the morning... he briefly thought of what caused him to sleep in, before banishing the thought. With military precision, he turned on his heel and left the room, his roommate's snores still echoing.
Ullysses had just left the boys dormitories and started to make his way to the cafeteria, when he saw a young woman with white hair, stylishly fashioned into a ponytail on the side of her head, walking in the same direction. He knew immediately who she was... as did everyone in the school. Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company and was finishing her mandatory time at Dione, before heading to Atlas Military Academy. At least that what everyone thought, but Ullysses knew different.
When he was younger, his father had taken him to visit the SDC and he had met Weiss in person. Both coming from a privileged background, they were often in the same social circles before he enrolled at Dione. They also had confided in each other, their intention of becoming Huntsmen. With a slight smile on his face, Ullysses continued on his way to the cafeteria, knowing that he'd eventually run into his old friend.
Upon entering the cafeteria, he made his way over to get a tray and some food and seeing nothing he liked, took a cup of coffee, before heading over to a nearby table. As he sat down, he saw Weiss enter, a look of disdain on her face at having to eat the same food. However, her look changed when she saw Ullysses and, with a glimmer of a smile on her face, she made her way over to him. As she approached, Ullysses stood and gave her a quick bow.
"Milady Schnee. It has been a while since we last dined together." he paused "I regret that the dining experience will not be up to our... regular... standard."
Weiss Schnee smiled to Ullysses and sat down, nodding to him to do the same.
"Unfortunately one must make do with what is available." she turned and nodded to a smart dressed man off to the side, who turned and headed into the kitchen "Unless you happen to have your own chef available to attend to your culinary needs."
Ulysses smiled at her.
"Indeed milady, indeed. I regret that we have been unable to converse together for some time. I won't bore you with the details, but alas, my studies have kept myself busy."
Weiss nodded again, as the man from before stepped up to the table pushing a cart in front of him. On top of the cart were four covered domes, which the man took one and placed one directly in front of Weiss and another smaller covered dome to the side. He repeated the process in front of Ullysses, who raised an eyebrow at Weiss, who responded with a slight smile.
They waited patiently for the man to remove the covers. In front of Weiss was a delicate breakfast of pan fried lobster, poached eggs, sautéed potatoes and a small serve of diced strawberries. The same dish was in front of Ullysses, who waited patiently for Weiss to take the first bite. With a tip of his head to the man standing at attention next to the cart, he realised that the man was a servant of the Schnee household, one he had seen before when he had visited with his father. He glanced from the corner of his eye at the second dish, again, the same as the one Weiss had been served as well.
Dusted with icing sugar, rested a slice of chocolate hazelnut french toast, again served with a side of strawberries. He couldn't help the smile on his face. The head of the Schnee family would have assigned a servant to assist Weiss at the school, more than likely more than one. The two had a pleasant conversation and once finished, the servant next to the table immediately collected their plates and cups, quickly taking them away, while Ullysses and Weiss stood and left the cafeteria. They pointedly ignored the looks of the other students, who were either glaring at them with jealousy or wearing looks of envy.
As they took a simple walk, still half an hour before their final day started, Weiss asked her companion about how his work on his weapon was proceeding.
"Normally I would inquire as to how you came across that information, but I imagine you have your own... methods, milady."
Weiss smiled at him and for a second, Ullysses's heart skipped a beat.
"But of course, I have many... methods... of acquiring the information I need. I have to admit, from what I have seen of your blueprints, this weapon you are currently building is indeed impressive."
Ullysses nodded.
"I felt that a weapon of that nature would work well with my semblence. Indeed using a training weapon of a similar stature, did indeed compliment my abilities rather adequately." he glanced at Weiss "I see that Myrtenaster is still in pristine condition."
With a smile, she nodded, her hand lightly tapping the pommel of her weapon.
"She is all that I require. I think you may recall the incident from a year ago."
Ullysses smiled as he did, indeed remember the event.
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A year ago :
Ullysses sighed as he watched Lavi sent outside the arena, his aura level at eight percent and his sword broken at the feet of his opponent. Standing at nearly seven feet tall, Emeric Forrest lowered the large training zweihander and stared at the Faunus with undisguised disgust.
"Stupid animal. Next time I won't hold back."
The instructor stepped forward, announcing Emeric as the victor, before turning a withering gaze on the downed Faunus.
"It would seem you require a less... stressful... opponent Mr Zaff. I'm sure we could find a challenger for you amongst children who play outside without a care, while their carer's watch."
Amidst stiffled laughter and giggling, Lavi slowly pulled himself to his feet. As he approached his seat, Ullysses wore a sympathic look on his face.
"Don't worry Lavi. Just means you and I have to spend more time training."
The dog faunus frowned and looked at his feet.
"I don't know... maybe... maybe I'm not cut out for this..." he looked over at his friend "My father was a huntsman... but he was from Mistral... that's a lot different than here..."
Ullsses studied his friend's face and was about to respond, when the instructor called him. Standing he stepped into the aisle leading to the combat arena, glancing back at Lavi.
"We'll figure it out. Trust me, I've got your back."
As Ullysses made his way forward, he noticed a white haired girl sitting in the front row, with a regal bearing to her. As he walked past her, she glanced at him, her eyes meeting his and a slight smile appeared on her face. He tore his gaze from her, as the instructor cleared his throat, loudly.
"Mr Emmelin, if you could refrain from making 'puppy dog' looks at any person in this class, I would consider that a personal favor."
Amidst chuckling and stifled laughter from other students, Ullysses nodded and stepped up onto the dueling platform. The instructor wore a look of perpetual disgust on his face. Every student thought they were the 'best'... but in his eyes, they were all pathetic. The Emmelin whelp had slight potential, as did a certain 'princess' in the class. He turned and faced her, pointing her out.
"You. Come forth. You'll be challenging Mr Emmelin." he waited until the girl stepped up on the platform, opposite Ullysses "Now... we all know in combat, use of one's semblence can tip the scales in your favor. This, the final fight of the day, will be different."
He faced the two students before him, before pressing a button on the pad he held. The entire platform lit up from underneath their feet, suppressing their semblences. The instructor smiled as he noticed the looks on their faces.
"Yes, you feel... naked... without your semblences, don't you?" He took note of how they both wore nervous looks on their faces "Good. Now you will only be able to use your own martial prowess to defeat your opponent. The bout will end when one of you has been disarmed or knocked off this platform. Do you both understand?"
When both students nodded in the affirmative, he turned and stepped off the platform, walking over to where his table was situated. Turning he looked at them both, fixing a stern gaze on them.
"Now... show us what you've got..."
Ullysses drew the training warhammer and hefted it in both hands, nodding to his opponent. She dipped her head in acknowledgment, drawing her rapier. Both saluted each other with their weapons, then got into a battle ready posture. Ullysses knew that by the type of weapon, his opponent would likely be fast and agile, while his own style was strong, he wasn't as fast as some others.
His opponent watched him, before making a quick lunge, causing him to swing his warhammer into it's path. The rapier's blade met the head of the warhammer, the momentum of the larger weapon causing the rapier's wielder to stumble to the side, giving Ullysses room to use the momentum and swing the weapon around in a full circle. Again the head of the warhammer struck the rapier, sending the girl closer to the edge of the platform.
She watched as Ullysses tried the swing a second time and when she saw the warhammer come back on it's return swing, she stepped back and to the side, dodging the weapon. She thrust forward with her weapon, forcing Ullysses to duck low to the ground, yet with the momentum from his swing, he was offbalance and stumbled to the edge of the platform. Capitalizing on her foe's mistake, the girl continued her advance, with a myriad of thrusts and swipes, forcing him to the defensive.
With a growl, Ullysses gripped the handle of his weapon with both hands and rose up, the long handle of his weapon and the thin blade of his opponents weapon glancing off each other, bringing them into a weapon deadlock. Staring in to the eyes of the girl, Ullysses returned her glare. Then with a smirk, the girl decided to end the deadlock.
"Well Ullysses... I see you haven't changed much, except..."
While Ullysses was puzzled, the girl stepped back and spun to the side. With her force removed, Ulysses stumbled forward and tripped to the ground, his weapon flying out of reach. Turning to his side, he felt the rapier tap his chin as he looked along the narrow blade up to the girl's face.
"Heh... been awhile Milady... I... yield."
Smirking, Weiss Schnee stood back and sheathed her weapon as the instructor called the match, announcing her as the winner. As he stepped forward, he turned a withering gaze on Ullysses.
"Shame, expected more from someone of your lineage... guess the apple fell far from the tree in your case." he turned to face the rest of the class "As you can see... you can not rely on your strength or semblence alone. A agile and clear mind is needed in battle. Do not let your emotions cloud your thoughts and react purely on them."
A student raised her hand and when acknowledged, she stood up.
"Student Meral Razma. Sir, does not instinct play into combat? Or studying one's opponent?"
The instructor nodded as he crossed his arms across his chest.
"Indeed they do. Instinct can be, however, a double edged sword. It can help you, but it can also hinder you." he frowned "Studying one's opponent in battle can give you somewhat of a edge, but again, take too long and you will be overwhelmed. IF... you graduate Dione AND Atlas Military Academy... the majority of your foes will have a set pattern to their combat techniques. You will be taught more about them, should you prove successful in your applications."
Ullysses however, frowned as he listened to the instructor. Blind thinking the way he was suggesting... no, dictating... would lead to trouble, no matter how physically able one was on the battlefield. He climbed to his feet and retrieved his weapon, as Weiss glanced at the instructor, with a look of disbelief in her eyes
The girl who had asked the question had sat back down, taking notes as were other students. The instructor turned to face Ullysses and Weiss.
"Apart from a lacklustre performance on your part Mr Emmelin, you performed... adequately Miss Schnee." Just then the bell rang, signalling the end of the class as he turned to face the students "Class, remember my words. In battle, strike hard, strike first, strike true. The only one who wins... is the one left standing. Class dismissed."
With that, he turned on his heel and stalked out of the classroom. The students gathered their belongings and left, as Ullysses placed the training warhammer on the nearby weapon rack. He looked back at Weiss and bowed.
"I thank you for the lesson today Milady. If I may ask, your weapon... does it have a name?"
Weiss smiled as she walked towards the entrance, turning her head to the side.
"Myrtenaster."
As she left, the only other student in the class walked over to Ullysses. Lavi looked at his friend, as he handed over Ullysses notes.
"I take it, you know her?"
Ullysses chuckled as he accepted his gear.
"An old friend..."
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Back in Present day :
"She still looks as deadly as ever Milady."
Weiss smiled then took note of the two servants her father had assigned to assist her, approach. Turning she dipped her head to him.
"Alas, my allocated free time has come to a end. I shall see you later at a more... appropriate time."
Ullysses bowed as Weiss turned and walked towards her servants, a smile on his face.
"Aye, indeed thy shall..."
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Deaths-Head : I had to rewrite this chapter a few times, as I had multiple avenues for how it went. As we don't know the name of the combat school in Atlas yet (Only two that I know of have been announced, Signal Academy in Patch and Sanctum Academy in Mistral), so I made Dione Academy to function in the same role for Atlas. Points to those who get the link between Atlas and Dione. Yes, the two dishes Ullysses and Weiss enjoyed, are actual dishes from a restaurant in Dubai... Only place I could think of with first class fine dining experiences.
The next chapter is one more filler, then chapter five will be the official start to tie in with the beginning of RWBY. This fic will follow along with the anime, with some changes (nothing major) here and there. Next chapter will have at least ONE of the RWBY cast appear. Don't know who yet or in what role...
Any reviews or constructive criticisms are more than welcome.