CH4: First Contact
AN: Greetings, readers! KG here! I've read the recent reviews and most of them are about they're afraid that Jaune will forgive them without earning it. That will not happen I'm proud to say.
Hints!Major CHAL development chapter! You'll be witnessing how PARN, RWBY, and CHAL will finally interact with one another! You will also witness glimpses of the other knights and MOEdred. Also on bringing in NDGO and CVFY they are in the middle of Vytal Festival planning! On other Fate characters I'm not to sure I wanna add them in, maybe a couple because the Knights of the Round are already a friggin huge cast and I'm afraid I'm not quite at the level to balance that large of a cast if I add in more of the Fate characters. On the Holy Grail, it's a relic is it not *wink wink nudge nudge*. Also expect more Ozpin/Jaune interactions he's our wonderful stand in for Merlin, just less douchey. Anywho enjoy yourselves!
(Memory Sequence)
The group had been cutting a swathe through the forest in search of the voice Arthur heard. They noticed as they went deeper and deeper into the forest that there were less and less grimm. "Okay, does anyone notice that there is a distinct lack of grimm to kill?" Gawain stated the rather obvious occurrence.
"No, Gawain I haven't been noticing the lack of things trying to kill us, of course we do you blockhead. What I'm wondering is why are there no things trying to kill us," Hector snarked out.
"Knock it off you two, just be glad we aren't having to struggle for our lives right now. We all know the deeper you go into the forest the stronger the grimm. I'm more worried about the captain, he hasn't said a word for the past few hours." Lancelot worriedly stated, watching as his leader kept on striding in an unknown direction.
"I'm fine Lancelot, it's just her voice is getting stronger. I know we're close by," Arthur absent-mindedly stated.
"Wait, her? It's a girl?" Gawain muttered inquiringly, looking towards Hector who simply shrugged.
"Yes, she's a girl. I can't find any other way to describe her voice other than female. I've yet, to meet a male that sounds so feminine," Arthur answered yet again looking rather absent minded. The rest of the team just looked at one another, shrugged and moved onwards following their intrepid leader.
"Do you think she'll-" Gawain started
"The voice is just ahead," Arthur declared, looking their captain they noticed his face gain a tinge of nostalgia. As if he was remembering fonder days of his past, as they took one step forward they were hit with a that exact feeling as well.
(Gawain's Memory)
Gawain recalled the warmth of a fire, the sound of a woman singing, the laughter of children. He found himself in the home of his youth. He looked about in shock, as he hadn't been in this place in years. Not since he joined the knight corp at the age of twelve. He heard the sound of laughter and turned around. He saw a younger him running in with two other boys giggling and laughing as they ran in. "Beware evildoer! For I, Gawain is here to defeat you!" causing the other, much younger children to giggle and cheer.
"You're so cool big bro!" One cheered.
"Yeah, you're our hero!" the other clapped his hands as he watched Gawain move about.
"Kids, go get washed! Dinner's just about ready!" His mother called out smiling as she pat her hands on her apron.
"Yes mom!" the three quickly rushed up the staircase out of his sight. Gawain began to tear up as he saw the scene. He saw a fond smile form on his mother's face as his brothers and he sprinted up the stairs giggling. The time suddenly fast forwarded to night time as they all lied in bed.
"Mom, can you sing us a song?" the eldest of the three asked.
"Of course dear," She gave a soft smile and began singing.A sad smile gracing his face as he listened to his mother sing, he quickly promised to himself to take his team back to his hometown to introduce them to his family.
(Hector's Memory)
Hector recalled boisterous laughter, the feeling of being in the air, and warmth of a father's hug. He found himself, much like Gawain back into his childhood home. When he was just a child he lived in the forest with just his father, he looked out the window and saw the oh so familiar scenery of evergreen trees. He was about to take a look around until he heard the squeak of a door opening.
"Hector! I'm home!" A powerful voice called out.
"Papa!" He heard a young voice call out. He looked to entry way of the bedrooms, watching as a child Hector came running out, as fast as his little legs could carry him, a wide smile on his face, and his arms outstretched. He then leapt, giggling all the way, into his father's awaiting arms.
"C'mere lad!" The man gave a booming laugh as he held his son close throwing him into the air with a large smile on his bearded face. The man was rewarded with the sound of tinkling bells as the child giggled and laughed hugging closer into his father's body.
"What'd you do today father?" The boy questioned as he pulled back bright amber eyes looking into his father's face.
"Well lad, I went hunting today got us a big ole buck sitting in the meat shed," his father told him as he smiled at the ruby haired boy, "But, I also got you a gift" he told his son.
"Really papa? What is it?" The boy questioned with stars in his eyes. Setting the boy down he told his son to wait just a moment as he strode out the door. Child Hector couldn't help but bounce in excitement as his father came back in holding something behind his back. The man kneeled down to be roughly a similar height to his son.
"I know you're getting of age lad, so here." Hector looked down gasped in elation, as he saw a shortbow in his father's hands. It was a simple one, but made of good wood. "You're about at that age when my father taught me to use a bow, so I wanted you to do the same as my father did with me, and his father did with him and so on," The boy quickly grabbed the bow and tried his best to wrap around his father with his tiny little arms.
"Thankyou thankyou thankyou! I love it papa! I'll take good care of it, I promise!" The man just gave another laugh as he wrapped his arm around his boy.
"I know you will lad," He then held pulled back slightly "Now, how bout we show you how to use it?" The man smiled as the boy cheered and followed his father out. The red haired archer's usually cold eyes softened as he looked at the beloved memory. If one looked closer you'd see a small smile on his face.
(With Lancelot)
Lancelot remembered the smell of wild flowers, a large lake with deep blue waters, and the image of a pair of hands with interlocked pinkies. He much like his teammates was transported to a time just before his knighthood. He watched as a pair of children ran past him. One with light brown hair in a sundress, and a rather familiar lavenderette in black pants and white shirt. It was close to sundown, so he followed them until they reached an oak tree by the edge of the water. He the boy say "Elaine! Slow down I can't keep up!" as he panted and fell on his rear gasping for breath.
"It's not my fault you're a slowpoke!" The girl jabbed at him giggling.
"Hey! I'm not slow! I'm just more comfortable going at a slower pace than you," The boy defended himself. The two then just sat there watching the lake and sunset with one another, simply enjoying one another's company.
"Hey Lance?"
"Yes Elaine?"
"Can you promise me something before you go?"
"Of course,"
"When you become a big and strong knight. Will you come back and marry me?"
"I'll do you one better Elaine, I'll become the very best. I'll graduate from the academy with top marks. And after I do I'll marry you, that way I can always protect you. How does that sound?"
"Do you pinky promise?" The girl held her pinky out towards him.
"I do," He wrapped his pinky around her own. Their witnesses were the stars in the now night sky. The elder version had a soft smile on his face recalling what drove him to be the very best other than his captain. He idly wondered if she ever recalled that promise, making a note after this year's Vytal Festival that he would come back and finally propose.
(Arthur's Memory)
Arthur recalled the night sky, flowing red hair, a warm smile, and emerald eyes. He found himself above the beacon dorm once again seeing the younger him standing atop looking out upon the skyline. He heard footsteps come up to him both versions looked over and saw Pyrrha Nikos coming up to his younger self.
"No Cardin tonight? I thought you were best buds," The amazon inquired.
"Pyrrha, I'm sorry. I was a jerk, you were only trying to be nice and ugh," he sighed as he looked away " I had all this stupid macho stuff in my head-"
"Jaune, it's okay," she interrupted him making him look at her. When he looked over she had an understanding smile on her face, causing to smile back ever so slightly. She continued on "Your team really misses their leader you know?" her smile widened slightly as she turned around and made her way back calling out to him "You should come down, Ren made pancakes! No syrup though, you can thank Nora for that,"
"Wait!" he called out, as she turned around he started again, "I know I don't deserve it after all that happened, would you still be willing to help me," He trailed off mustering up his courage and started once more "To help me become a better fighter!" Both males then felt the dread and fear as she turned her back to him. Both waited anxiously as she seeming pondered the question. She suddenly turned around strode up and pushed him on his rear. "Hey!" he called out.
"Your stance is all wrong," She then gave a smile "You need to be wider and lower to the ground," She gestured toward him. Offering a hand up the younger of the two grabbed it with a smile. "Let's try that again," Before the she got ready to begin training him. Arthur couldn't help, but allow a tinge of nostalgia grace his face. He knew she hurt him. Hurt him in ways he never thought possible, but even so. She was the first one to offer him training. The first to believe in him, even though that belief would eventually disappear. Even if the trust in her might never be mended. She was still the first, and this was still a beloved memory to him. He then idly wondered what they were doing at this moment, before being drawn out of the memory.
(Reality)
The four shook their heads to clear up whatever thing was still going on the mind, and looked at each other.
"Did you guys also get a happy memory?" Arthur asked.
"Yes captain,"
"I did as well,"
"Yup!"
They all looked ahead and saw a sword that had been stabbed through a stone. The blade shimmering with gold and lapis scroll work adorned the silverite blade. Their eyes traced downwards and their eyes beheld otherworldly symbols etched onto the blade. Arthur felt the blade calling towards him, beckoning him to come closer. The other three watched as their leader started moving forwards, but they didn't follow him. It felt as though if they did, they would be interrupting something sacred. As Arthur came within reaching distance of the blade he noted that a similarly ornate scabbard sat at the base of where the sword was stabbed into.
"So, you're the one calling to me," He stated he then received confirmation from the voice. The voice then gave him a warning. If he were to draw this blade then he would no longer be truly human, he would forsake the life of a simple man, and that he would have to take the path of a king. If it were Jaune Arc before the blade then he would've drawn the blade without hesitation, but he was no longer Jaune Arc. He was Arthur Pendragon knight captain of the best squad in Vale.
He thought about it and answered. "I forsook the life of a normal man when I ran away to become a huntsman. I will never have a simple life." He grasped the sword in one hand and pulled it out from the stone. His teammates watched in awe as the blade then glew, lighting the forest in a warm and comforting glow.
"Just what is your name?" He asked the blade. His teammates looked at him strangely for a moment before the blade began to shine brighter as if answering him.
"Caliburn, Golden Sword of the Victorious," Arthur said, the others watched in wonder as he flourished the blade, hearing it sing in rapture as it was swung by its wielder, before he sheathed the blade. And said
"Let's go home,"
(Dream/Memory sequence end)
Arthur awoke at almost the exact same time as the others. The four of them looked at one another. "Did that just-"
"Yes,"
"Did you guys also"
"Yes,"
(Combat Class)
"Today class, we are having you fight against members of your own team," Goodwitch announced.
"Since you've all been training with one another for the past 3 years. You will be best suited for spotting one another's mistakes and faults," she continued on. She then gestured to the board "this will be randomizing who you will fight to a certain degree," they all watched as the randomizer showed Arthur and Gawain.
"Alright, Mr. Pendragon and Mr. Campion make grab your gear and head to the arena," The duo looked at eachother. Gawain smirked while Arthur had a small smile on his hooded face. The two walked straight to the the arena much to the confusion of everyone save Lancelot and Hector.
"Mr. Pendragon. Mr. Campion. Do you not need your weapons?" Ms. Goodwitch inquired.
"No Ma'am we always have our weapons," Both males reached outwards. Arthur held his hand in front of him while Gawain held his up in the air. The classroom began snickering until a bright golden light appeared from Arthur's hand and a silver one from Gawain. They all gawked as a the tip of what looked like a scabbard began forming, gradually completing itself in forming a beautiful sword. On Gawain's side a pale blue handle had begun to form completing itself into a pristine white blade, upon taking a closer look they noticed that the sword itself was beautiful. It was a gigantic blade easily as large as some students. They noticed that there was a distinct lack of guard, but where the guard was supposed to be there was what appeared to be blue vents. the blade itself was white with a deep blue line running down the center of it , not an disconcerting white like bone, it was a pure white much like freshly fallen snow. It gave off a soft glow similarly to how the sun shines upon the snow at dawn.
They then looked to Arthur and found themselves enraptured by what he held. It screamed of royalty and majesty. It was a weapon fit for a king. He then drew it, and the classroom lost their collective breath. They stared upon the golden blade that glew softly much like Gawain's sword did, but there was a much heavier weight to that glow. As he flourished the blade, they were entranced by how it sang in his hands. They would later recount to their fellow classmates of how kingly the hooded leader of CHAL looked at that exact moment. He placed the scabbard at his hip, and the two got into their respective stances. Gawain held his in a low guard by his side with the blade pointing behind him. Arthur held his outstretched by his side, his stance was low, and balanced leaving no real openings.
(RWBY and PARN POV)
"Okay. What the fuck was that?" Yang asked
"I actually do not know," Ren answered just as dumbfounded as the others
"Who cares! That so cool! Did you see that! They just held their hands out then their swords appeared. And, their swords look sooo cool! I wonder if they'll let me get a look at them after class,"
"Shh, they're about to start!" Weiss hissed at them
(POV No One)
The two males stood there studying one another looking for one openings on one another. Then on some unspoken signal they rushed at one another. The audience watched in shock as the two males began fighting. They watched as one strike became ten. Ten become seventy became two hundred. Two hundred became a thousand and more. They watched as the two just stood there in the center of the arena striking and clashing. The arena itself began having gouges form into it as the two continued the cut at one another over and over til they all of a sudden stopped. The class watched in shocked awe as the two didn't look like they were even slightly winded.
(PARN And RWBY)
"No way. . ." Yang stared in awe at the dueling knights.
"They're faster than I am with my semblance assisting me," Ruby managed the state trying to wrap her head around what just occurred in front of her.
"That should be impossible! Not even veteran hunters can move that fast!" Weiss shouted in out, shocked.
"Well, they just did it, and I from what it how they look, it looks as if they just started," Blake pointed out eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Team PARN was just as shocked at the display of raw skill.
"Renny! Did you-"
"Yes Nora, I saw. The problem is comprehending,"
"Damn, I knew that they were strong. But, I had no clue that they were that strong," Alistair commented as he looked to his partner "Pyrrha what do you think?" She just stared intently focusing in on the duo, in a shocked daze. "Pyrrha?" she shook her head to clear the cobwebs.
"Yes?" The amazon answered finally,
"I asked what do you think?"
"Their movements are incredible, no strike is wasted, their stances are perfect, each movement is easily countered by the other. It's incredible," She trailed off as she once the two in the arena began to talk.
(Back at the Arena)
"So, we're done warming up I take it captain?"
"Yes we are Gawain,"
"Yes sir!" Gawain held his blade at the ready an eager grin on his face. The audience began to quiet down at the affirmation that they fight was going to begin once more. They watched with held breaths until the duo in the arena leaned forwards and disappeared leaving only impact craters from where their feet were. They reappeared in front of one another blades already in motion as the two attempted to bisect one another. Gawain's strike came first cutting into Arthur, but the "Arthur" in front of them was simply an after image. He reappeared behind Gawain his sword held up in the air. He then swung downwards fully intent on cleaving through Gawain. The platinum blonde simply held his blade behind his back blocking the strike.
"Damn Captain, not feeling merciful today are ya," Gawain stated as he began to struggle keeping his Captain's blade from cutting into him.
"Why Gawain! I thought that you could handle this, was I wrong?" The Captain teased with a smirk on his face. Gawain simply laughed and in an impressive display of strength. He pushed Arthur of his back. He then turned towards his captain blade already in motion.
"Why captain! I'm just getting started!" He rushed forwards blade at the ready. His leader responding in kind. The class began to notice style differences within the two. Gawain had powerful sweeping strikes, cutting about in graceful arcs. While Arthur was more precise, lashing outwards in impossibly fast cuts that seemed to warp the air around him. The two continued their impossibly fast back and forth. They then noticed that Gawain was not as dextrous as his leader, but his defense was an impenetrable wall. What he couldn't intercept with a strike he blocked. But, Arthur's defense was not found lacking either. If Gawain was an impenetrable wall Arthur was the wind, dancing away from strikes effortlessly and those that he couldn't dodge he parried. Gawain made a horizontal sweep, and Arthur in a shocking display of acrobatics leapt over the strike flipping over sideways as he did so. When he landed he stabbed his sword in the direction of Gawain's head forcing Gawain to take a step back in which Arthur capitalized on by hooking Gawain's foot with his own tripping him up. Arthur then held his sword in Gawain's face before stating.
"Yield," Gawain gave a sigh before breaking out into raucous laughter.
"Alright Captain, I yield" Arthur then helped him up and the two of them began striding to where Goodwitch was located awaiting criticisms and further directions. It took Goodwitch a moment to collect herself before beginning.
"Excellent job Gentleman. That was a rather impressive display of skill,"
"Thank you Ma'am/Thank you very much Professor,"
"I only have one real complaint, when you summoned your swords it took much too long to do it,"
"Ah, actually it's much faster ma'am. Gawain just wanted to make a show of it, and I humored him. I apologize,"
"It's fine, just remember to not make it so slow next time. Now, make your way back to the rest of your team,"
"Yes Ma'am," The two calmly made their way back towards the other members of team CHAL, chatting the entire way.
(After Combat Class)
The team was making their way out when they heard a voice all out to them,
"Hey! Wait up!" They looked as one to see Ruby running up towards them. Neither member of team PARN or RWBY noticed as they tensed up as they made their way to the four knights.
"Hello Ms. Rose, what can I do for you today?" The hooded man inquired.
"I just wanted to talk about how cool you two were earlier on at the beginning of class. It was super cool! You guys made hero poses and then summoned swords! How did you do that by the way?" she spat out at a pace they had trouble keeping up with.
"I'm afraid Miss Rose that will be kept a secret for quite some time, I apologize" answered the Lavenderette of the team.
"What? Aww. Why?"
"Because, it's a very dangerous process that we aren't fully privy of what happens," Hector lied smoothly, fooling the silver eyed girl.
"Aww, ok. . ." She answered deflating as the rest of her group finally caught up with her.
"Oum Rubes, try not to go so fast okay? Not all of us have superspeed semblances," The elder sister said looking slightly irked at the younger girl.
"Indeed, not all of us can keep up with you. You dolt," The white haired girl huffed out.
"Anyway, my name is-"
"Yang Xiao-Long, I know. And you are Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie, Alistair Kurokoro, and Pyrrha Nikos," The hooded leader of team CHAL spoke up calmly, pointing at the respective members the group.
"How did-"
"I know? Simple Miss Xiao-Long, I've seen all of you compete at the Vytal festival," The hooded boy answered, much to the chagrin of the golden haired dragoness.
"Anyway, great fight earlier. You both kicked some major ass out there," The blonde complimented.
"Thank you," Was the short reply of the leader of the group.
Alistair started up, "Well it's nice to meet you. We were wondering if you would like to hang out with us sometime,"
"Some other time perhaps. Now, if you'll excuse me I have some work that needs to be finished," Arthur stated as he strode away. The eight looked at the remaining three questioningly.
"What's his problem?" She asked,
"Our Captain has a rather strong dislike of those who abandon their squadmates," Gawain answered.
"What? No, would never-" Weiss began.
"Jaune Luna Arc," Hector stated freezing the entirety of the group in their tracks.
"Our Captain is rather thorough when something catches his interest. He caught the first Vytal Festival when you were still lead by him, and when the next came you had him in Jaune's place. He then hypothesized that you must've replaced him, because you wouldn't have started doing real missions yet. Beacon doesn't work that way, second year is when they begin to send students out to do real missions, not ones where you have a vet with you. He then dismissed the thought that he was a bad leader or person. Judging from how you reacted to him at the beginning of it, he saw how much synergy you had. Leading to the conclusion that you abandoned him, replaced him, left him. Do you even know if he's still alive?" He awaited an answer before continuing.
"Thought so, we have a tendency to agree with our leader. Because, he's usually right in his judgements. So, good day. Please, try not to talk to us again," The other three strode off catching up to their leader.
"Well, that was a thing," Yang muttered out after a short while.
"Whatever did happen to Jaune?" Ruby wondered feeling a wave of guilt wash over her.
"I don't know Ruby," Pyrrha answered looking sick as she admitted that she never even spared a thought to her former partner.
"Look guys, what's done is done. We might still be able to contact him at some point later in the future, but right now? We're too busy with missions and the Vytal Tournament coming up," Alistair interjected in an attempt at comforting them. But the damage was done, the group of eight made their way to the dorms silently, stewing in their thoughts.
(Bullhead En route to Beacon)
"Lady Mordred please calm down we're on the way to see your father at this very moment," A silver haired male said.
"I don't wanna! I wanna see papa right now!" A young girl around the age of eight stomped her foot petulantly.
"Lady Mordred we'll see the captain soon enough so please calm down" A blonde man then interjected.
"It's no use Kay, when she gets like this there's no getting her out of it," A young male lavender haired male stated.
"My brother's right, Kay it's impossible to get her out of that funk she's in. Only Arthur can knock some sense into her now," the magenta haired girl answered agreeing with her twin.
"I know Mash, but still. She's causing quite the scene," The man now known as Kay answered back.
"Bedivere, when will the others arrive?" The purple haired male inquired.
"Within the next month or so Galahad, the captain must be really worried if he's calling everyone together." Bedivere answered, as the four team members were discussing why the captain would call them all together. The youngest of the group was in her thoughts Don't worry papa I'm coming! She then looked out the window determinedly. Anxiously awaiting the time until she was with her papa once again.
AN: Holey shit! Did you guys enjoy this chapter? Cause A whole bunch of stuff happened this time around. Also, Arthur's memory sequence is not settling this in as an Arkos fic, it's just a fond memory. Suggestions, Questions? I live for your reviews. Also sorry bout the late posting cleaning this up took up a lot more time than expected.