"Professor Ozpin? Actually, I have another question."
Headmaster Ozpin – currently occupying the body of a boy named Oscar Pine – turned to his youngest student, as they were both seated in a guest room, in a safe house somewhere in the city of Mistral. Ruby Rose was looking reluctant as she said this – uncharacteristically so, in fact.
"Of course, Miss Rose," he said reassuringly. "Ask and I shall try my best to give an answer."
"It's… about Jaune's sword."
Ozpin inclined his head, gesturing for Ruby to continue.
"Well, I tried to modify it – you know, to give him more options in a fight and all, but, um…" she hesitated again. "I couldn't do it."
"You could not?" he asked. Surprising, given Ruby's skill as a weaponsmith.
"Yes, it was like… like it didn't want me to change it – the sword, I mean," Ruby continued. "I had the materials, the blueprints, everything – but I just couldn't start. So… maybe you know anything about this?"
The girl looked at him, obviously expecting her Headmaster to have an answer.
"Hmm… this certainly sounds curious," Ozpin said slowly. "Why doesn't Mr. Arc bring his sword here – then, perhaps, the reason will become clearer."
"Sure, just a moment!" Ruby said, and off she was in a cloud of petals.
Ruby did bring Jaune, and Professor Ozpin did take a look at Crocea Mors… but she never got an answer that day. Instead, Jaune and Ozpin left for a long discussion, and neither would reveal whatever was discussed between the two of them.
It was only later when she would finally hear the story.
The Relics. Four artifacts of divine power and knowledge, each playing a major role in the history of Remnant – though none, perhaps, as much as this one.
"What is wrong with you?" Jaune demanded, as tears streamed from his eyes. "How can you be so broken inside... to take so many lives, and then come here and rub it in our faces like it's something to be proud of?! All with that damn smile on your face!"
Cinder merely smirked, amused by the boy's impotent rage. She had those children and the old crow cornered, and in just a moment, she was going to deal with all her enemies at once and get the Relic – just like she deserved.
Years ago, I placed three Relics in the Vaults, to keep them safe from Salem. But the thing she is unaware of is that the fourth Relic is impossible to hide away. It is its fate to always find itself in the hands of a worthy warrior.
"Everybody, stay calm!" Qrow ordered, as the rest of the group drew their weapons. Jaune did not – but with his sword still sheathed, he started walking slowly towards Cinder.
"What are you doing, kid?!" the Huntsman demanded.
At this, Jaune turned his head and replied…
Many brave men and women have wielded it throughout the centuries. Finally, it came into possession of an old knightly house from the Kingdom of Vale.
"I shall cut… the witch… in twain!"
Saying this, Jaune, in a single motion, drew his sword from its scabbard.
Until a young man, heading for Beacon Academy, took it from the family armoury.
But this Crocea Mors was nothing like they have seen before. Its guard was different, the blade bore unknown symbols – and it was glowing, a strange golden light that seemed to grow brighter by the moment.
Jaune broke into a run as he went straight for Cinder. Leaving her underlings behind, the Fall Maiden strolled forward to meet him, her single eye glowing with a telltale sign of her power, confident smirk still on her lips.
Like another Relic, it needs to be called by its name in order to use it, but only true courage and loyalty in the wielder's heart will cause it to reply.
Charging towards his enemy, the young man said – no, screamed – his weapon's true name.
I am used to calling it the Relic of Destruction, but the House of Arc has always referred to it as…
"EX…"
The Sword of Promised Victory.
"…CALIBUR!"
The sword's light filled the room, and once it receded, all was over.
A/N: Thank you for reading!
The prompt for this one is as follows: "It turns out that Crocea Mors was the Sword of Destruction all along."