Another update!? This is insanity! Anyway, glad you guys are enjoying the story so far! Also I may be trying out new writing styles as an experiment here and there so feel free to point stuff out on whether you like it or not so I can gauge how you guys feel about it. The story wont revolve 100% around Revan as I do plan on giving many other main (and side) characters focus in their own rights, just now since it's in the early stages and he's still in the introduction/adjustment phase things tend to center around him more.
Beacon Academy, Ozpin's office
The trip back had been a quiet one, none daring to end the pregnant silence that loomed over them. The rain had only grown in intensity turning into a torrential downpour, thankfully this kept almost everyone indoors or in their rooms allowing the newcomer to reach the headmaster's room without issue. Revan had begun mentally preparing himself for the inevitable interrogation that would ensue when they were behind closed doors, not in the best mood to deal with it but putting it off was far more hazardous. As the group reached the office Ozpin ensured the door was locked and hoped that students would remain in their dorms since none really had a reason to be wandering around at this hour as night had slowly overtaken day.
Ozpin took his usual seat behind his desk, Glynda stood beside him while Port and Oobleck stood at each side of the door entrance. Revan took his place in front of the headmaster, placing his elbows on the desk and joining his hands together, obviously deep in thought. Deciding they had already seen him so anonymity wasn't important, Revan removed his hood to once again reveal his face. The tension in the room was thick enough to be tasted as the headmaster and the outsider simply gazed into each other's eyes, analyzing their opponent for a perceived weakness.
"Let's begin shall we? No point in putting it off any longer" Revan initiated the conversation embracing his uncaring and calculative appearance, he knew he needed to extract as much information as he could while revealing as little as possible.
To Ozpin's credit, he remained impassive in his looks and body language "Of course, I believe both of us have questions for one another but seeing as you're the guest in our school I suppose you should begin."
Revan internally was surprised being allowed the first questions, until he thought it over in his head. It was obviously a ruse to make him ask questions that would inadvertently give up small hints or clues about himself, he heavily underestimated the headmaster and needed to be cautious in the future.
"Very well, you say this is a school? A school of what exactly?" A simple introductory query, very vague and easy enough to make him seem normal.
"This is Beacon academy, the most prestigious combat school in the kingdom of Vale. We train future hunters and huntresses so that they can protect the kingdoms from the ever present threat of the Grimm." Ozpin remained impassive in his tone. Revan was surprised at the amount of information given, his opponent simply could've dragged it on by giving only basic facts to elicit more responses from him but didn't. He also gave him a Segway into another question which seemed far too easy.
"So those things are called Grimm? I've never seen beasts such as those in my travels before. They seem highly coordinated and possibly intelligent for mere wild animals." He was very intrigued at the biology of the creatures as they somehow dissipated once defeated, making them quite unique in the galactic scale of animal life.
"Surely you must know of them? As long as humanity has existed the Grimm have been hunting us, every kingdom in the land deals with them on a daily basis as they cover most of our world." A tiny smirk revealed itself on the headmasters face, causing the dark lord to internally scold himself.
Damnation, I should've stuck with more elusive questions without making any specific remarks. Curse this thirst for knowledge, he's very good I'll give him that. Giving elaborate explanations to back me into a corner so I couldn't simply masquerade as a foreigner or a nomad. Wait, they speak as if humanity was confined to this one tiny world. Technically I don't have to respond to that but dancing in circles will get me nowhere at this rate, might as well get the tough questions over with.
"Enough with the formalities, tell me what the current technological state of your kingdom is?" He wished to elaborate further but was still content on holding back. He could feel confused and cautious glances being exchanged around him, he suspected such a question would be a strange one if this world was as tightly knit as he believed.
"A strange query, the four kingdoms each share technology with one another but we consider ourselves as modern as our neighbors. Maybe if you could elaborate I could give a more precise answer?" Ozpin responded, his curiosity rising.
"I see, I noticed your cities seemed developed enough and even some droids here and there. Yet I could spot no fleets in orbit yet there seems to be satellite communications or some sort of network allowing long range communication as I spotted many devices using such framework." As the words left his mouth, he could tell even the normally unreadable assistant was confused and shocked at the question.
"Fleets you say? Yes we have satellites in orbit, but I'm not sure you would've seen any airships flying in such hazardous weather." The headmaster was curious what the man had meant by fleets in orbit.
Revan simply leaned back in his chair, taking this new information into account "So it seems although you have global communication and automated soldiery, you have yet to reach a space age era of technology, interesting."
"Space age? Are you saying?" even Ozpin couldn't disguise his growing surprise at what his mind began to contemplate.
"Yes, I am not from this world, in fact I have no idea how I got here. I was in a space battle aboard an enemy capital ship one moment, and the next I am in a forest surrounded by ferocious wild animals." The nonchalance in his speech belayed the magnitude of information he'd bestowed upon his colleagues.
"That…that's quite the claim to make Mr.…" Ozpin was trying to regain his composure while realizing he still had no idea who he was even talking to.
"I have many titles and many names, yet Revan will suffice. I do realize that such a claim is quite massive to you but I must insist I am not lying. Surely you have already asked yourself about my strange weaponry and the armor and clothes I wear. From what I've seen your world has nothing to even compare it with am I correct?" He allowed the statement to set in, telling from the headmasters gaze he was intrigued but not currently convinced.
"While words are often fickle and easy to manipulate allow me to further prove my point." Revan reached into one of the inner pockets of his cloak, pulling out a small circular device he'd used to catalogue near infinite amounts of information during his travels. He laid it on the table, all in the room turning their gaze to it as he reached down and simply tapped it. Within seconds a bright blue light erupted from the small circular device, showing a holographic map of the known galaxy.
The room filled with gasps, and even Glynda jerking back in surprise. Oobleck was transfixed on the massive galactic map while Port was still shell-shocked. Ozpin gazed in awe at the sheer scale of the map he was being shown. His suspension of disbelief slowly disintegrating.
"Humanity has long since walked amongst the stars, joined by hundreds of alien species upon thousands of worlds. Yet strangely enough this planet doesn't show up on any of my star charts, nor does its surface structure or local wildlife match any system in the known galaxy." Revan continued, ignoring the shock of those around him.
"I see… you say you were engaged in battle before you arrived?" Ozpin pulled himself together, continuing the questioning.
"Yes, where intelligent life goes war always follows" he tapped the device again showing himself on other battlefields such as Yavin IV and the moon of Dxun. The screen then switched to multiple space battles he'd been engaged in, presenting the colossal vessels of the republic and empire slamming each other with their massive guns.
No one besides the Sith lord could hide their awe at the sights being shown, the revelation slamming into them like a truck that they were not alone in the galaxy. Space development had been scrapped years ago as the Grimm threat grew larger and more prominent.
"How did you arrive here exactly? And what were those weapons you used?" Glynda decided to join the discussion, not one to be a simple bystander forever.
"I was currently aboard an enemy vessel, dueling the commander on the bridge in hopes of disorienting the enemy fleet. While I did indeed win the battle, in a final act of defiance the crew had overloaded the ships primary core reactors, causing the vessel to implode with me inside." Revan could feel the eyes of those around him grow to insane sizes as well as their gazes burrowing into him.
"My armaments are what are known as lightsabers, a more elegant weapon for a more civilized age." He spoke as he removed them from his hip and laid them on the table, the staff unable to tear their gazes from them.
"Able to carve through almost everything, they are the preferred weapons of Sith and Jedi alike." He knew they would immediately begin to ask about the conflicting ideologies he so utterly despised and immediately snuffed out the question before it was asked.
"And don't bother asking about what those are for they rely on concepts far beyond your comprehending." He could see them slowly coming to accept the reality of the situation, and decided to press onward.
"With that out of the way it seems we are in a precarious situation, it seems I am alone here without currency to survive off of or a place to reside in. I have no knowledge of the customs or ways of life here, you can see how this creates issues." He left the statement hanging, addressing one of his primary concerns as the conversation went on.
"Ah…I see. Well I assume for the time being you could be a guest of sorts here on campus" the offer caused the teachers to look at the headmaster as if he were insane. "Of course we do expect you to respect the rules here for our hospitality, I believe that should suffice as a fair exchange?"
Revan mulled the idea over in his head, he truly had nowhere to go although in time he resolved he could fix that issue. "Very well, for now this arrangement suits my needs so I shall accept. I believe I must ask why you offer me refuge here? Would it not be easier to simply throw me in prison or send me off to survive in the city?" Revan took nothing at face value, something he'd learned after ruling an empire for years is that people always want something from you.
"Cautious I see? Very well I must admit my reasoning is twofold. You are a guest here alien or not, and as such I feel hospitality is in order since you have done nothing to antagonize me or my staff. Secondly, you are well trained, well equipped, and a highly dangerous person that could cause havoc if simply thrown out and left to your own devices." Ozpin readjusted his glasses as he spoke. "And I don't believe someone of your capabilities would be held in any prison for very long."
Feeling satisfied with the answer, the Sith merely answered with a nod yet he wasn't finished just yet "Before I go I require access to any and all historical and cultural resources at your disposal. Seeing as I shall be here for quite some time, I may as well get acquainted with my surroundings."
He was answered with a knowing nod, from the headmaster as the man gestured to the woman next to him. "I believe we have a spare room in one of the first year wings, although…" the apprehension in his voice was evident.
"I may be no stranger to war and death, but I'm not going to randomly go on a rampage across your school." Revan was quite annoyed at their reasoning even though he would've done the same in their situation.
The answer seemed enough to placate Ozpin as he gave a nod of approval "Very well, Ms. Goodwitch will escort you to your new room here. I do believe you won't be interrupted as you settle in, most students are thankfully taking time to get acquainted with their new teams and are most likely staying within their dorms currently."
"It matters little if I am seen or not, eventually my presence will be known as I refuse to be cooped up in a room until the end of my days. For now I shall retire and I appreciate your hospitality Ozpin." Revan noticed the name on the desk addressing his new host before leaving.
After grabbing his lightsabers and donning the mask once more, he left the room while bringing his hood above his head as he walked the silent halls. The occasional sound could be heard coming from a dorm room here and there, most likely the newly made teams adjusting to their new surroundings and redecorating their rooms. During the silent journey Glynda had given Revan a device named a "Scroll" which acted as a computer, phone, camera, and more all in one compact device. He immediately began figuring out the device and his inner engineer was fixated on deducing how the device worked.
Within several minutes the two had arrived at the room, Glynda had given him a personal locker should he require it as well as access to the entire school. He knew this was merely a gesture of good faith, there would definitely be either cameras or spies watching his every move yet he appreciated it nonetheless. The room was extremely barebones, little more than a bed, a bathroom, and a desk decorated the room as well as the fan upon the ceiling with lighting as well. He appreciated the simplicity of it, his mind had already begun processing how he would customize it to his personal liking.
While he was eager to delve into the online vault of information regarding this new world, exhaustion and sleep deprivation had begun to exact a heavy toll on his body and psyche. Revan knew he was reaching his limits after such an extended period of combat followed by mourning and an impromptu interrogation. Deciding he would pick up where he left off tomorrow, he set his robes aside revealing a Mandalorian chest plate underneath. It took him a while to take the armor off, but eventually with his boots and gloves he could finally rest easily for the first time in quite a while.
As he lay in bed preparing to succumb to unconsciousness a peculiar thought entered his mind. What was he to do now? His war was technically over for him, these people from the sounds of it were far from any kind of space fairing technology. Even if they were to advance fast enough he had no clue where this world was in perspective to the known galaxy, meaning he was most likely in the unknown regions. As he drifted into the realm of sleep, he decided to put long term plans on standby and focus on the present. Every planet had strife and conflict which presented him with the opportunity to get involved and manipulate said battles turning them to his advantage.
He decided whether by crushing his foes beneath his boot, or standing side by side with local allies he would not live the rest of his life as some lowly civilian. He would take the reins of power and morph this world how he saw fit.
'Revan's Mind'
It was hard to tell where he was, he was inside what seemed to be some sort of building. There were crates packed everywhere and he could faintly see what appeared to be corpses littering the ground surrounded by flames. The sounds of battle were still quite fresh, his sight quickly moving to the sounds of flesh being impaled. He could see a woman, clothed in a red dress which appeared to be covered in some sort of runes he couldn't decipher. Blood flowed freely from her newfound hole in her chest, he could hear a distraught scream nearby but he couldn't control where he faced.
Her assailant was a man, but his features were obscure as the vision was out of focus. Her expression was puzzling as a genuine smile marked her bruised face, the man saying something but Revan couldn't distinguish what as the sounds came out as nothing more than gibberish. She simply responded with a single word as her runes glowed brightly and her grip on the man tightened.
"Not die… sacrifice" Was all that she spoke before the room became engulfed in flames.
Revan's Room, Beacon Academy
Revan found himself quite rejuvenated despite his strange vision, he was curious as whom the woman was as she would inevitably play a pivotal role in the future. He knew generally what she looked like, but that would be of little use in his current state. Thankfully he felt no imminence in the foresight meaning he had time to prepare and plan, especially since he never took visions of the future at face value. For now he would accumulate knowledge of this world, learn its inner workings and prepare to assimilate himself within it before initiating his plans.
He quickly dressed himself, not wishing to waste any time especially when he had important matters to attend to. Exiting his room he immediately began to open and attempt to search for information using his scroll, unfortunately as he was extremely unfamiliar with the device it was giving him quite the bit of trouble. What he hadn't noticed is when he turned the corner a red blur immediately slammed into him, strangely enough he swore he saw rose petals in her wake. He looked down to see a young girl, definitely not out of her teenage years rubbing her head due to the collision.
She immediately began to apologize, yet she stopped as she found herself staring at his boots due to her position. Her eyes crawled up to look into what seemed to be an empty abyss of blackness under the dark hood.
"Uh… hi there, sorry about that… I should really look where I'm going… heh…" She was obviously taken aback by his presence, yet it was obvious she wasn't the most sociable of people.
"Um… are you a first year too? My name's Ruby…" She slowly rose up to barely meet his chin, the man standing roughly the same height as Professor Oobleck.
Revan was confused how one so young could've gained entrance here, yet this provided opportunity. She must be special or have very interesting connections to surpass her peers to such an extent that she was allowed here early. It seemed today was going to be a very interesting day.
"Hello Ruby, you may call me Revan."
So I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I realize not much is going on so it's more of a "transition" chapter to bring our protagonist into the lives of our other protagonists. I hope I can keep pumping out these chapters as ideas are constantly bouncing around my head, so feel free to tell me what you think! I'm always glad to hear what the audience thinks of how the story's progressing so far.