Huntsmen were the pinnacle of guardians against the Grimm. They trained endlessly and without pause. Fighting the forces of evil and saving those in danger. Academy's and statues were built for them, to honor them. Not only that they had the strength to do what was needed and save those that were threatened.
Semblances give a boost or even the hunters strength to overcome the waves of darkness that come to harm their way of life. Many huntsmen stepped forward, many have passed as the years of this constant stalemate. Then suddenly, an enigma was born.
The world shook with news of a meteor striking the planet of Remnant. Many theorized it was a piece of the moon, others thought an alien crash landed, but few noticed the small pieces of debris. Atlas had quickly secured the area, almost immediately searching for any information since it had crashed near its borders. A crater, double the size of a Goliath, pushed the trees mimicking a meteor.
However, scientists discovered pieces of debris that were similar to that of an airship. No vessel was discovered, except for the amount of energy that was in the surrounding area. Soon enough, Atlas had openly announced it to be a piece of the moon, to steer the audience away from the event. It didn't take long for mysteries to begin forming. In the first decade since the crash, a certain part of Mantle began to experience less grimm.
Sightings were made, folklore created, even theories were created. Mantle travelers have stated seeing a being that floated across the floor every time someone was in danger. All stories sightings however shared different details such as the noise being made when it appeared. Others have heard a low hum that seemed so dense that you could cut it with a blade. Others have heard flames, as if the sun had arrived. Cracks of electricity made hair stand on end while only a few felt the air begin to grow colder.
Then an image appeared on the internet under the title, 'Manifest Aura'. The image detailed a figure, blurred by movement as if the person who snapped the photo was running. The figure wore a coat, colors distorted mixing from brown to black. A helmet or a hat on top of its head. Its apparel was not of interest, but what it was doing that appealed to the masses. Electricity seemed to protrude from it, covering the entity's body. It was attacking, but not toward the photographer. The image however did not capture the result.
Many began to question its existence, even to the point where few dared to see if they could encounter it. Then it was confirmed that this being could use several elements. Mantle started to grow due to the grimm not being the main threat. Even its territories grew, which caught the attention of Atlas. In disguise, Atlas revealed that they would see if this being turned out to be real, if it were a threat. Several ships were sent towards the location of the sightings. Only one didn't return. When investigating, they discovered an entire bullhead had disappeared, yet the pilots and soldiers were frozen in an unknown variety of ice.
Footage was leaked revealing that the guards had found the being, taken from the camera of the cockpit. The anomaly, hidden away in the darkness of the forest, was attacked first by guards. One attempted to negotiate, then the others fired. The battle ended quickly, waves of ice crashing into the bullhead. The pilots could be seen panicking, one trying to break away from the ice and get the bullhead airborne, while the other attempted to delay the creature.
"Keep that thing at bay!" The pilot could be seen pulling the levers. "Copy, this is Mana 3! Contact was made-"
The bullhead shook as the pilot stumbled. Gunfire could be heard as the second pilot appeared, lifting his companion.
"Take us out of here!" The voice cracked as he shakily reloaded. "Please, just do it!"
The main pilot was seen attempting to take flight. The cockpit suddenly darkened as the bullhead shook, suggesting another attack was made. The pilots froze, neither attempting to make a noise. The two faced each other, neither spoke a word as the silence grew denser. The camera could make out audible footsteps, crunching on the snow as it grew closer. Whatever thoughts the pilots had disappeared as the radio respondent had responded.
"Mana 3, this is Frost 1, do you copy?" The respondent continued. "You said you made contact, over?"
The crunching stopped as frost slowly began to enter into the cockpit. The main pilot quickly darted toward the radio much to the protest of his companion.
"No, stop you-" The pilot turned, pistol raised as he fired. Ice encased the shooter, the bullet frozen in air.
The pilot wasted no time. "Frost 1-Just get over here, please!"
The pilot turned as the cockpit was encased in the ice, destroying the camera.
This release of leaked classified footage caused an uproar with the citizens of Mantle. Many accused Atlas of attempting to harm the creature and bring harm to Mantle. Atlas denied the claims, publicly naming the creature as a threat.
Suddenly, appearances have stopped. A year later, sightings of the being were seen in Menagerie. Mantle flew into an uproar to Atlas, suggesting that Atlas had driven it away or successfully destroyed it. Another appearance was made in Vale, then in Mistral. From the direction of all the appearances, it seems that it began to go wherever it was needed.
Either way, it became a folklore and reference to new huntsmen. Since it seemed to use all sports of abilities it was compared to Aura. Many called it by other names, such as Protector, Guardian, even The Huntsmen. Parents would tell stories of The Huntsmen, that they should be good so that The Huntsmen can reward them or don't be bad or The Huntsmen would come.
Afterall, only a few were able to witness the spectacle, less were able to properly thank them.
At the fork of the road, wagons were stopped as faunus could be seen arguing with a group of humans. The humans have blocked the road, bearing weapons while the faunus grew more and more afraid.
"What do you gain from this?" Shouted one of the faunus. "Please just let us go!"
"Shut it, beast!" One of the humans returned the gesture. "You're lucky we're 'asking' instead of killing the whole lot of you!"
One of the humans sneered. "Maybe we should make an example out of them."
A faunus, a woman, glanced back toward the wagon revealing a pistol. She looked toward another, her spouse, as he gave a small shake of his head. She turned the group, her hand brushing against it. Just as she grabbed the grip, one of the humans' voices spoke out.
"What the hell?" He said, glancing out the hair on his arms rising.
"You good?"
He glanced around, seeing the same with the others. The faunus, however, noticed. Their senses alarmed them, before they could react lightning suddenly struck the group of humans. A dust cloud spread across the road as shouts and yells from both sides sounded. The woman ducked into the wagon as her spouse went to help the other members. Even with the enhanced sight, the dust was too thick. All she could hear were the chaos, the sounds of gunfire and electricity. She held her firearm close to her chest, hand on her stomach.
The bright flashes and yells began to make her breathe quicken.
"Ghira!" Her voice fell in line with the other noise. "Ghira!"
Just as the chaos spread, it became silent. She couldn't shout, fearing whatever attacked them would take notice. She slowly began to rise out of the wagon, weapon raised. As she stepped down she began to notice the dust settle. The humans who were harassing them now laid on the ground, dead or unconscious she couldn't tell. She looked around again, hoping to see a familiar face. Then she saw it. The frame and silhouette in the dust. Irrationally, she aimed and fired as her eyes widened at her own mistake. The bullet hit as the thing was pushed back. As the dust settled, her expression faltered, seeing it still standing as it slowly turned toward her, the wound smoking as it suddenly healed.
It began toward her, coat unscathed, a mask or helmet watching her. Fear took over as she began to fire again, her own words betraying her.
"Please stop!" Panic rising in her voice. "Don't do this. Please…"
It raised an arm, bullets disintegrating as sparks appeared. Soon the gun went empty as it stopped in front of her. Tears brimmed as she thought of the worst.
"I'm sorry." It spoke.
Her eyes widened, the voice sounded so humane yet distorted. The faceless mask looked back at her. It suddenly grabbed her shoulders, sparks began to appear and before she could even show the horror on her face they disappeared from the spot they were at.
She let off a scream as it stepped away. Suddenly arms wrapped around her, comforting as the voice soothed her.
"Kali!" Her spouse caressed her hair. "It's okay! It's okay, I'm here. You're safe."
Her fear slowly began to dissipate. Her eyes landed on her husband as she threw herself in his arms. She squeezed as she let off a shaky breath. Slowly she turned toward the being, realizing the familiarities. The Huntsmen. The Guardian. The very thing that was said to be a threat was right there, standing off from the group. Arms crossed it watched the distance.
Someone beat her. "Thank you!"
Many began to share their praise, yet Kali could tell that her Guardian wasn't interested in the praise. Seemed in thought, then it turned.
"I'm sorry that your belongings were left behind." It spoke again, its voice holding much authority. "Grimm would have arrived soon."
She could tell just from the sound of its words, it regretted its reasoning.
"No!" Someone shouted. "You saved us and took us from danger! We're grateful."
Many agreed, some even going as far to offer rewards as thanks. It just watched. No movements, yet the silence spoke for itself. It stepped toward everyone, giving a small bow.
"Thank you for the kind words." As distorted and grainy as it sounded, it was smooth. "I must go. I've brought everyone as close to civilization as I could. Make it to safety and I'll consider that as my reward."
With that, it began to fall apart. Kali and Ghira's eyes widened witnessing it. Everyone watched it begin to break apart like something holy. As if it were a spirit or some Angel. It didn't help that it began to rise from the ground.
Ghira quickly shouted. "You will always be welcome in Menagerie!"
It disappeared, no words came from it. The group shared looks, some even shed tears that they didn't realize escaped. Ghira composed himself, quickly gathering everyone as they noticed they were near the capital. As they made their way to safety, she couldn't help but turn towards the woods. The Guardian looked lost, she doesn't know how long the Guardian was here since she was a child when she first heard the story. Either way, she hopes it stays safe wherever it goes.
A/N: One of my friends told me to write something like this and I thought I might as well. Guardians are strong as hell. Theres no power scaling so technically Guardians have no limit. They just asked me what I thought would happen if a Guardian, kind of like ours, appeared in RWBY and to write it. I got 25 buck from so I'm not complaining lmao. I enjoyed writing this and who knows, it might turn into a story. Let me know what you all think!