Chapter 5
"Hey Guys! Did any of you see Blake around?" Yang asked the members of team JNPR as they met at the intersection leading to the airbus station.
"Nope!" Nora replied with a cheery pop, "Actually we were going to ask you if you've seen our glorious leader but I personally don't mind waiting since I got this!"
Nora was cuddling with a large fuzzy pink unicorn stuffed toy almost about the same size as her. Squealing with delight about how fluffy it is. Ren stood to her side obviously exhausted but was grinning at how happy his childhood friend is, and Pyrrha was exhausted too and had distant look on her face.
Apparently it was the grand prize for one of the festival events, THE GAUNTLET, where they had to get the best time while navigating a obstacle course. This would be easy for a group of hunters in training… NOT. The course had so many annoying booby traps, designed to annoy arrogant hunters, that finishing it unscathed would be an accomplishment.
Pendulums, pop-out gag fists, unstable footing and the dreaded maple syrup area. But oddly enough NPR, was able to get the best time, but Ren and Pyrrha would definitely avoid Maple Syrup for about a month because of it.
Ruby joined Nora in hugging the large stuff toy and both were making very girly noises, whilst Weiss simply scoffed calling them children, But both new she wanted to join in too so they sandwiched her within their embrace.
They arrived at the Airbus station and there they saw that Blake and Jaune had arrived there together. They were talking amiably and had seemed to have gotten closer… much closer.
Ren and Weiss simply dismissed what they saw, Ruby was confused about how she felt, Nora was Nora, Pyrrha was obviously disturbed but tried to hide it with a smile as stiff as concrete, and Yang thought this was a delicious turn of events.
"Hey you two! Looks like you guys had a great time", Yang mentioned with a mischievous grin.
"Yeah we did. Walking around the festival, and enjoying each other's company over a cup of tea, right Jaune?", Blake mentioned casual with a smile on her face.
"Yeah sure…" Jaune answered as he scratched the back of his head still trying to hide the blush from earlier.
Yang definitely knew she was on to something and would plan appropriately. Oh the next coming days would be fun if she had anything to say about it.
"Guys look, the bus is here. It's time to get on" ,Ren chimed in, he obviously wanted to get some well deserved rest.
The two teams boarded the bus and were on their way back to their dorms, letting sleep take them.
The next few days went without incident, everything was business as usual. He had been making progress with his studies and combat lessons. Every time he would drop by the sanctuary to do some gardening and napping, he would dream of his ancestor and his friends as they went around having fun and causing some trouble.
Until one night, the voice from a few days ago had urged him to go to the sanctuary. He snuck out of the dorms and made his way to there.
When he got there, he was honestly surprised as there were small dimly glowing white wisps slowly floating around the sanctuary and they seem to be directing him to the elder tree. So he sat in his usual spot and let sleep take him. This time he found himself in a vast empty white space.
"Welcome to the heart of the Elder Tree, where the memories of The Three rest." The voice spoke, seemingly coming from everywhere.
"What is this place and why did you call me here?"Jaune asked curiously
"I wanted to speak to you in a more comfortable setting where we would be undisturbed, and have appropriate time to disseminate information here since time is relatively longer here than when you are awake in reality. This is the Elder Tree, which contains the memories of a certain group of individuals. One of which belongs to you ancestor, Elias Christopher Arc, and I called you here because I wanted to congratulate you on your remarkable progress but it is far from enough."
"Not enough for what? And I still have no idea who or what you are."
"You will learn who I am in due time. Now what do you know of the Arc Legacy?"
"What don't I know…*sigh*… The Arcs are a prestigious warrior clan of Vale, known for their strength, will and heroism… also a high death rate. I'll also let you know that it made my life difficult as well, since I never could meet the expectations of that name."
"So I've seen but do you know more?"
"Is there more?"
"Jaune, I believe it is high time you knew the weight of the Arc name, it more so than you can imagine. So I will be directing you to one of Elias' memories and you will learn a deeply guarded secret so I ask that what you learn here be kept to yourself and revealed only to your closest friends if necessary."
Jaune watched Elias and Illiana as their friends and family celebrated their 13th birthdays together, apparently they were only born a day apart, it was a time of joy and festivities between the Arc, Ironheart, and Yuki families. Elias and Illiana were now officially old enough to join the Hunter Corps.
Raziel had waited for them since he was born a couple of months earlier and they wanted to go together. Raziel's parents didn't mind so long as he continued his training.
The Hunter Corps was a inter-kingdom military unit that was formed under the treaty of peace 50 years ago between the kingdoms when the creatures of Grimm became too big a threat to ignore as they continued to ravage the outskirts of each kingdom. So each Kingdom sent their best Grimm slayer and had them form a cohesive military unit and there they shared their knowledge and experience with each other.
The Hunter Corps loyalty belongs to the kingdoms and work to protect them from the creatures of Grimm. It was considered one of the highest forms of honor and prestige to have served in the Hunter Corps, The training was brutal as it was necessary, with a high drop rate and death rate. All the same, many still wish to join the Hunter Corps, regardless of their own personal motives. Their parents used to be part of the Hunter Corps too, retiring as well-decorated senior officers.
Jurgen Arc and Zafkiel Ironheart were distinguished veterans when they left. Jurgen was now working as one of the finest blacksmiths in all of Remnant while his best friend Zafkiel, was the captain of the guard, No sane bandit would ever dare cross the town, after hearing that these two well decorated veterans decided to live there.
After the festivities, Elias' Father, Jurgen Arc, had called him to the family study.
"Dad, what is it?"
"You are now of age, and it is time for you to know the mission of the Arcs"
"Mission? Isn't it to destroy the Grimm?"
"Yes, Elias" Jurgen fondly caressing Elias' hair, "But there is more to it than that. This is a deeply guarded family secret so you must not reveal it unless it is the appointed time. Do you understand Elias?"
Elias could feel the gravity of what he would learn and resolutely nodded.
"That's my boy! So listen well…"
So Jurgen had passed down the tale of the Arc name like his father did and why they were here in Vale.
A long time ago, somewhere to the far north east of Vale, past the arid badlands and mountain ranges was the Kingdom of Theiwin.
It was a strong and prosperous kingdom,
Ruled by the wise and mighty King Gabriel whose blood line carried within it a special semblance: The Heart Seer which allowed the King to know exactly what lies within the hearts of his subject and to transmit these feelings so that all could come to an understanding.
The kingdom enjoyed an era of peace and prosperity after the years of internal struggle and with his 4 Generals; General Rupert the Invincible with the Steel Legion, Lady Alexandra the Cunning with the Night Blades, Lord Octavius the Wise with the Siege arms, and Grand Cleric Michael the Indomitable with the Order of the Moonlight, all of which were his closest friends, and with their undying loyalty had chosen to be stationed at the borders of the kingdom to protect it.
But like all mortals, the King had passed away and the whole kingdom was in mourning for months.
When it came to the topic of succession, the King only had one daughter, Princess Victoria. She was truly a sight to behold, she had inherited her enchanting looks from her mother and her personality was every bit like her father was, head strong and kind but she had trouble summoning her aura and at the time there were no know rituals for unlocking aura, so this was a closely guarded secret, known only to Queen Anastasia and her closest friend, Sir Logan, the son of General Rupert.
Weeks had gone on and on, the nobility bickering as to who should take up the mantle of king as the 4 Generals had no intention of taking the throne. So Queen Anastasia had decided that the next King will be chosen by Princess Victoria and whomever she chooses will be the next King. No one would voice their displeasure as after all, believing that the Princess could very well use her semblance.
As a formality, the Princess had gone on multiple meetings with the sons of the noble houses but to the Princess there was only one person that had claimed her heart. Princess Victoria was in love with Sir Logan, and he with her, this was plain as day. So once the formalities were over she had presented her choice to her mother and the two confess their love to each other. The Queen naturally approves. And later that evening the two had consummated their love.
The other nobles knew from the very beginning that this would be the outcome and so they had made preparations and conspired with one another.
Two days prior to public announcement of Princess Victoria's chosen King. The noble houses with their private garrisons had started a coup and the castle was raided. The Royal guards were outnumbered and taken by surprise but were able to signal to the Generals that the castle had been taken.
In the throne room the conspirators had bound and gathered the Queen, Princess Victoria and Sir Logan. The Queen was murdered in front of the two. As they approached the Princess, with their malice and intent apparent, Sir Logan rushes in to fights them off, but with his binds still on and no weapon, they were too many, and was stabbed repeatedly but they did not kill him outright, they wanted him to watch. The trauma forced the princess' aura to awaken and her semblance became active, and she was assailed by the thoughts of malice, greed, lust, and violence. Her mind was flooded and she was paralyzed in fear. The conspirators took advantage of this as she was in no state to resist.
She was violated time and time again as Sir Logan screamed swearing vengeance. The corrupt thoughts and feelings poisoned her mind and it shattered. Their true motives laid bare, the plans for this kingdom would not only stop at this, they would destroy everything her father had strived to achieve.
As the conspirators were celebrating their conquest and the fact that that they were safe so long as they kept the Princess hostage, they should fear no swift retaliation from the 4 Generals.
Suddenly a darkness had exploded from the broken princess her twisted black aura had engulfed the room, Sir Logan was engulfed by the darkness and the conspirators were assailed by so much pain that some died outright while the others were still suffering and foaming in the mouth. The semblance of her aura had overloaded their minds with pain and suffering and she was engulfed with a sense of satisfaction having gained swift vengeance, her aura now engulfing the rest of the castle.
After seeing the signal flare from the capital, The Generals had swiftly marched their armies back to the capital, Rupert, Alexandria, and Octavius had arrived at the same time. They engaged the traitors and battled their way to the castle. Grand Cleric Michael and his Order of the Moonlight, who was positioned far to the west was still a couple of miles away.
The 3 Generals had ordered their respective armies to secure the perimeter as the 3 would personally go into the castle with their elite units.
Once inside they felt the darkness and saw it as it twisted everything inside the castle. They quickly navigated the corridors fearing for the worst and the 3 Generals charged into the throne room and there they saw they saw the Princess as she sat there in tatters, and everyone else there were dead. The 3 Generals knew exactly what happened. They walked into the room, and the princess started speaking, each word brought feelings of pain to those who heard it. Filled with hatred about the darkness that could be born from the heart of man could bring and the lengths they would go to achieve their selfish ambitions without a care, like parasites, she swore to destroy humanity, for supposed well bred and educated men, supposed models for society, not fearing hunger or threat of death had been willing to go so far for their greed, to deny her small wish of happiness, and the solution to prevent such a tragedy again from befalling anyone would be to end humanity, and they would all bend to her wish. The 3 Generals had tried to reason with her but the princess was too far gone and the guilt of failure only made their efforts half hearted and empty.
A cry so painful could be heard across the kingdom as the capital had already almost been engulfed by the darkness and nothing would be spared.
The 3 Generals reeling from the guilt in their failure to keep the promise asked by their dearest departed friend, their hearts too were overcome but this time…they would not fail to protect her, no matter what. Their thoughts became a collective and the rest of the kingdom had come to know the tragedy that had fallen, others empathized and allowed themselves to be twisted, others tried to resist but were assimilated in the end. The armies of the 3 generals within and outside the castle were fiercely loyal to their generals, and would follow them through death and beyond. Their minds melding together to follow the wishes of their Princess…their Queen, the eradication of Humanity and they will obey.
The darkness continued to spread as the Grand Cleric had almost reached the Main gate of the capital and the Order was greeted with the once pristine city engulfed within a foul darkness, slowly being changed and twisted into something else and there was a deathly and unnerving silence within the capital.
The Grand Cleric had instructed the order to set up camp away from the spreading darkness, telling to be on standby. Between the 4 Generals, Grand Cleric Michael was the second strongest aura warrior in the kingdom, His best friend the dearly departed King was the strongest. He meditated trying to get a grasp on the situation and had felt the intent within the darkness and understood the source. As the raw emotions and feelings seeped into him, the fate of those he held dear, their forms now twisted into blackened flesh and metal, their faces covered by their helmets now twisted into a deathly visage which all of remnant will come to fear, all forming and coming together ready to march out and annihilate everything in following their single purpose. Michael cried tears of blood, having felt the pain and anguish, this course of events may even be completely justified but his heart did not waver. He could not allow this force of darkness to plunge the world into darkness.
The innocent did not deserve it.
He called the whole order to gather around as he gazed into the city, his whole order behind him standing in rapt attention. He turned around to face his comrades with tears of blood still streaming down his face and began speaking. He explained the situation and what needed to be done and the consequences it had. The order remained steadfast despite most crying letting the tears flow as they willing resigned themselves to their fate. The Grand Cleric instructed them to make preparations with haste.
The Grand Cleric spoke with his trusted aide, the 1st Paladin Valerius Arc in private and asked him to listen to more details of the plan and to his final order. The Grand Cleric knocked him out put him on a horse with the necessary supplies going in the direction of Vale, a small budding kingdom at the time. The Grand Cleric knew Valerius would refuse, he was loyal and protective to a fault, but due to the trust, respect and friendship built over the years as his aide, there was no one else. So he entrusted Valerius the hardest and most painful mission of all.
The preparations had taken time but the order had surrounded the perimeter of the capital. They would willingly become the pillars of the Grand Cleric's Plan.
The Order of the Moonlight was 100 of the kingdom's strongest and most potent aura warriors, known for their extraordinary reserves of aura, and the ability to outlast the harshest of battles. 99 of them stayed and 1 was sent away to ensure the world's continued survival.
The 99 members of the order had given their whole life energy and consciousness to the Grand Cleric, and in turn the Grand Cleric had shot the full concentration of Pure Aura up into the sky towards the moon. The force of the collective energy had deflected off the moon's surface, shattering the celestial body, and formed above the kingdom creating a large barrier, the order had sacrificed their life energy and their collective consciousness becoming the barrier itself.
The Grand Cleric needed the barrier to last for centuries so he and the collective consciousness of the order had to compromise so that it would buy time for humanity to become stronger, so the barrier would focus on keeping the once glorious armies of Theiwin now twisted in to a Legion of Death and destruction, now locked within.
Valerius Arc had awoken on his horse already deep within the mountain ranges half way to Vale, he noticed a piece of parchment on his person and read it.
"To my dear friend Valerius,
I ask of you three things, First is for you to survive and keep the knowledge of the Origin of what I now call them, "Creatures of Grimm", Second is to begin the necessary steps for humanity to triumph and third is To disclose the origins of the Grimm to the world when Mankind is truly capable of undoing the mistakes of the past and not a moment sooner. I assure you that we will keep the twisted knights and my friends inside for as long as we can. Beware of the wildlife and ancients in the coming days for I am sure they too will be twisted and corrupted. I have no doubt that they will obey the impulse of death and begin attacking humanity.
I ask of you to burn this parchment when you are done reading it. This may antagonize you in the future if left in the hands of the ignorant.
And if you can find it in your heart, please forgive me… I know the burden of what I placed on you but I still ask of you to complete it. You're the only one left that can. Goodbye and let the moonlight guide your way.
-Michael"
A large pillar of light had caught Valerius' attention and was able to see Grand Cleric Michael's last act and watched with gut wrenching sadness and grief. The burden of his mission laid heavily on his shoulder, the last living son of the kingdom of Theiwin. The light of the now shattered form of the moon, his only comfort as he made his way to Vale to fulfill his last mission.
Elias was in tears after the story, audibly sobbing at what had happened to their original homeland, not sure what to feel. He was inspired by the sacrifice of the Order of the Moonlight and the courage of Valerius Arc, lesser men would have just broken down.
"And that's what we are here for Elias, our family mission. As far as I see it, we still aren't strong enough to complete the mission but humanity is headed in the right direction, the Hunter Corps being one of the biggest steps but we keep getting side tracked by useless politicking and internal conflicts. I hope that it won't be too late. So for now we prepare."
Elias nodded wiping his tears away.
"And I have one more present for you." Jurgen turned around and picked up a sleek silver white sword, its handle wrapped in fine red leather, its blade housed in a simple steel sheath.
"This is going to be your life long companion. I forged her out of a unique metal I found in my travels and using my patented aura forging technique, I was able to create one of the first sentient blades! I forged weapons for Raziel and Illiana too. I call her Crocea Mors and she is very eager to meet you!"
Elias carefully reached out for the sword and once his hands gripped the handle firmly, he felt warmth coming from the sword. He drew it and the sword sang.
"Perfect! You two were made for each other hahahaha"
Elias put Crocea Mors back into its sheath and embraced her.
"Thank you Dad! Think I could get a shield too?"
"Only the best for you son, now off to bed with you! You have preparations to make"
Elias gave his father a big hug and went back to his room.
"…wait… Crocea Mors is sentient!? And what about the sheath I have now?"
"… You mean to tell me you didn't know? You never tried to channel your aura or consciousness into Crocea Mors? *sigh* well now you do. You should talk to her sometime."
"And the sheath that you have now was forged sometime later by someone very dear to the three of us, without her, we would never have gotten through so much…"The voice said with warmth," well I'm sure you have much to think about so I suggest you head back to your dorm before someone notices your disappearance."
Jaune woke up and headed back to his dorm quietly, trying to digest the new found information he learned and what he would do with it. Life sure was complicated for an Arc, then and now.
In the long forgotten ruins of a once great kingdom, the large barrier that surrounds it continues to grow weaker and dimmer as each day passes by
"You resisted valiantly but as I've told you countless times... You are delaying the inevitable. So why not just let your souls rest", the collective voice of the GRIMM spoke to the consciousness within the barrier. "You can't hide it, you've all done well these past hundreds of year but now there are only 14 of you left, it's only a matter of time and you will see that all your efforts have been in vain."
The barrier still continued to valiantly keep them in.
"Fools, You all know as we do that humanity will never change and you will find your faith unrewarded"
The barrier's light intensified, seemingly like an act of defiance, searing any of the Grimm standing close to it
"... So your answer remains the same, that's a shame...because it won't be long now. YOU CANT CONTAIN US! OUR INFLUENCE HAD LONG EXCEEDED THE CONFINES OF THIS PRISON AND WE WILL BURN THIS WORLD! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH"
The Blood curdling roars pierced the silent night sky, a prelude to the end that is long overdue.
Author's Note: Hey guys, Razyangel here. Not quite the mega chapter I thought it would be. At least I finally got the Origins of the Grimm segment complete and yes the barrier is still very much active... but not for long so the REALLY BAD GRIMM, which even the best hunter will have trouble.
GRIMM HEIRARCHY
CURRENTLY INSIDE THE BARRIER- THE TRUE GRIMM
"THE ORIGIN OF THE GRIMM"- Do I even need to explain who this is?
"THE 3 GENERALS"
"THE LEGIONS OF DEATH" The Steel Legion, Night Blades, and The Siege Arms
"THE TWISTED DENIZENS"The peasant commmunity AKA cannon fodder with brains... if that makes sense, comprises a good 60 Percent of the population really...
OUTSIDE THE BARRIER
"THE DESECRATED ANCIENTS"
"THE PRIMALS" The 1st generation twisted creatures of GRIMM
"BEHEMOTHS"
"THE ALPHAS"
"THE COMMON"- Comprises your standard creatures of Grimm yada yada yada
I'm about half way from finishing chapter 6, I'll post it tomorrow or in a few hours. Depends. You know how it is. Cleaning a clogged grease trap PVC drainage pipe in an awkward sitting position with an Augur takes up a lot of time and energy. Stinks too. but all the same I'll post the next chapter later or tomorrow.
I really do appreciate the reviews and constructive criticisms. I've also received some PM's about some technical nuances such as Capitalization and etc. so let me know via PM as I will be revising some of the previous chapters before proceeding, making it a more pleasant read for everyone. So once again I ask, join me as we weave this tale while we can because once the Cannon RWBY gets started, I highly doubt this would still be as attractive! muhahahaha