Outsider Chronicles: A New Arc

Dieing and ending up in another world is one thing. That world being one infested with monsters is quite another. This is gonna be fun...

Hello and welcome back. Nothing to say here, so lets dive right in. Enjoy!

Chapter 6

After my bout with the Beowolf/Shadow, class ended after one more fight between another Boarbatusk and a student who wasn't important. I didn't even pay any attention to the fight as I was too busy wondering what the actual hell was with the Grimm transforming and the fact no one was able to see it. Looks like I had something to ask Igor next time I saw him.

Speaking of Igor, as we left the classroom to head to our next lesson, we had to pass through the courtyard. As we did, I caught sight of a pair of glowing blue doors with gold leaf decorations standing off to one side with a familiar blond stood in front. Well, at least that was easy.

"Hey guys, you go on ahead," I said, "I gotta check something."

I started towards the door to the Velvet Room, but before I could get more than half way across the courtyard, Weiss came storming out of the building with Ruby on her tail. I paused to watch the confrontation. This was pretty important after all.

"Weiss, wait!" called Ruby as she hurried after her teammate.

"What?" snapped the snow princess.

"What's wrong with you all of a sudden?" asked Ruby, "Why are you bei…"

"What's wrong with me?!" snapped Weiss, cutting off her leader, "What's wrong with you?! You're supposed to be a leader, but all you've been so far is a nuisance!"

"What did I do?" asked Ruby, looking a little hurt.

"Thats just it, you've done nothing!" said Weiss, "Back in the forest, you acted like a child and you've only continued to do so!"

"Weiss, wheres this coming from?" asked Ruby in a small voice, "What happened to working together? I thought you believed in acting like a team?"

"Not a team lead by you," said Weiss, "I've studied and trained and frankly, I deserve better. Ozpin made a mistake."

And with that, she marched off, brushing past me as she went.

"Well, that was a little harsh," I said as I walked up to Ruby, making her jump, "Are you OK?"

Ruby sniffed and rubbed her eyes.

"D-do you think shes right?" she asked.

I shrugged.

"Its been all of one day and I've only known you for about three days," I said, "However, I think we can believe in Ozpins decisions. Hes very good at his job and if he thinks your the best choice to lead Team RWBY, we should trust him."

"Well said Mr Arc," said Ozpin, stepping out from behind the nearby door, "Let me tell you something Ruby. I have made more mistakes than every man, woman and child on this planet. However, I do not believe that your appointment as leader was one of them."

The headmaster paused to take a sip of coffee.

"Being a team leader isn't a title you just carry into battle," he said, "Its a badge you wear constantly."

"Hes right," I said, "My sisters also a team leader. She told me once that it is one of the hardest and most rewarding things she has ever done."

"Ah yes, Joan Arc, a truly great Huntress," said Ozpin, "She is a great leader and an even better person, despite her habit of hitting people with her sword."

Both he and I shuddered.

"Being a leader is a daunting task to shoulder," he said, "I suggest you both take some time to think about how you will uphold it."

He walked away, vanishing into the school building. I moved to leave as well, intending to go have a quick chat with Igor before the next lesson started. However, before I could, Ruby grabbed my arm.

"Jaune, thank you," she said.

"What for?" I asked.

"For being a good friend."

She gave me a quick hug around the waist and hurried off, leaving me staring after her in confusion.

"Er, you're welcome?" I said to air, right before I felt another bond snap into place, "Oh come on!"

I am Thou, Thou art I…
You have acquired a new vow.

I shall become the blade of light
That severs the bonds of the Dark Future.

With the Birth of the Lovers Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
will lead to Freedom and new powers.

I lifted an eyebrow.

"The Lovers?" I muttered, "Eh, whatever, who am I to decide which Arcana represents other people."

I turned back to the door and marched over, this time determined to get there without any interruptions. As I approached, Rose looked up and smiled in greeting.

"Ah, hello Master," she said, "I was wondering whether you would be joining us today."

"Apparently I will," I said, "I have some things to ask Igor."

"In that case, enter," she said, pushing the door open and bowing me in.

"Ah, hello Mr Arc," said Igor as I appeared in my armchair, "I believe you have something to ask me?"

"I do," I said, "Why did that Grimm turn into a Pixie?"

"I believe you already know the answer to that," said Igor, "The Grimm are born from the negative emotions of all Humans and Faunus that live on Remnant. However, the form they hold in that world simply hides the true form of that Darkness."

"So basically, Grimm are Shadows?" I asked.

Igor nodded.

"That is correct," he said, "However, only those who possess the power of the Persona can see them as they truly are."

"So thats why no one else could see it," I muttered, "Wait, does that mean that there are other Persona users?"

Igor smiled mysteriously.

"Shit," I muttered, "I don't suppose you'll tell me who?"

"Ah, I am afraid I cannot," said Igor, "You will find the answer to that question in due time. For now, I must congratulate you on creating a new bond."

Rose walked over and place Ruby's card on the table. Her title was the 'Crimson Reaper'. Very nice.

"This makes four Bonds," said Igor, "I must say, you are doing very well. I believe this calls for a reward. Please, accept this power and may it aid you in the future."

I felt a bond snap into place as Rose pulled out another card.

I am Thou, Thou art I…
You have acquired a new vow.

I shall become the blade of light
That severs the bonds of the Dark Future.

With the Birth of the Fool Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
will lead to Freedom and new powers.

This card showed Igor sat behind a desk in his customary pose and announced his title as the 'Velvet Puppetmaster'.

"Hmm, interesting title," he said, "Is that how you see me?"

I raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"These cards are created from you," he said, "The titles are formed from your impressions the individuals you have a bond with."

"Huh, interesting," I muttered, "I guess its subconscious?"

"Indeed."

"I guess that is how I see you then. Sorry."

"No need to apologise, I understand why you think that," said Igor, "For now however, you should return. You are of course welcome to return at any time."

My vision went white and I found myself stood before the door in the courtyard.

"Please return any time," said Rose with a bow.

I nodded to her and turned to leave. Before I could though, the Attendant cleared her throat awkwardly.

"I, er, saw what you did for Miss Rose earlier," she said, "I must commend you for being a good friend."

I shrugged.

"I was just doing what I thought was right," I said.

Rose nodded then frowned.

"I feel like I should be thanking you for something," she said, "But for the life of me I can't remember what…"

"You can't remember?" I asked, "What do you mean?"

"I wasn't always an Attendant of the Velvet Room," said Rose, "But I have no memory of who I was before. The first memory I have is regaining consciousness in the Room with this in my hands."

She brushed the white sash she wore around her waist.

"Its all I have from my old life."

"You won't create another bond if I say I hope you find the answers you're looking for, will you?" I asked, "No offence, but it feels really weird when it happens."

Rose laughed and shook her head.
"No, you'll need to do far more than that to earn my Bond," she said, "I do thank you however. Now, you should hurry to class."

I glanced down at my watch and cursed.

"Crap, I'm gonna be late!"

I ran off towards my next class as quickly as I could.

And I think I'll leave it here. Its a bit shorter than normal, but since the next set of events is the Jaundice arc and thats after a timeskip, its as good a place as any.

So, two new bonds, the Lovers and the Fool. We also get to see where the titles are coming from, although thats mostly just an interesting bit of world building.

We also get to discover the true origin of the Grimm. Their Shadows! That means that Humanity is being chased and killed by their own Darkness. Thats...kinda poetic. Not only that, but there are other Persona users in the world. I wonder who they could be…

A bit of Rose's backstory there. I probably completely shattered any chance of anyone not figuring out her true identity...eh, whatever.

And with that, I'm signing off. Please, please leave a review!