Well, I woke up this morning feeling happy with my first chapter and a dozen notifications on my phone about the fic.
Might as well write another chapter.
Thanks to the guests, Your Other Uncle, MASTER T-REX and Evernesx for the reviews, appreciate the feedback!
Well, here we go...
The yellow, giant mech watched them with baleful, red 'eye's' that resembled helmet lens.
It was a strange, otherworldly thing, now that Jaune had a second to see the thing stand still as a dreadful silence went between their party of hunters, and the mech. It was clearly about nine feet tall, clad in yellow metal resembling armour save for it's shoulders and it's head, which too was a rustic red in colour. Despite this, it was covered in scratches and scrapped paint revealing a dull steel. On each massive shoulder pauldron were unique symbols that Jaune had never seen or heard of in his life, to which he could confidently suspect no one else present had either given their own shocked expression.
Not even Miss Goodwitch was immune to the thing's aura of a strange feeling of dread that even now seemed to be lessening.
Regardless, Jaune's eye was drawn to the two emblems on the giant.
On it's right was a white and black checkered field surrounding a red heart, that now it was still, also had a red tear next the heart, as if it was bleeding. On the left pauldron, however, was a much more confusing symbol. It was a split skull shape, one half a clear skull, the other was also a skull but it seemed to have some kind of cybernetic eye over it, as if it was implanted. Around this morbid skull was a cogwheel, and the remaining pad was coating in the same red as it's helmet.
Curiously, a small black emblem in the shape of an intrict =][= shape could be seen on it's yellow right forearm, the same arm holding the similar giant axe which, Jaune realised, the head was shaped like the symbol on his left shoulder, with the cyber skull design and cog teeth in the place of an actual cutting edge.
Not that it had stop it cutting clean through an Ursa Major, Jaune couldn't help but sarcastically think. Speaking of which, hadn't it been crackling with lightning? Was it some kind of Cog Electric Axe?
Before anyone could think to speak to the giant, it raised it's massively oversized handcannon at them and fired once.
Jaune felt his aura spike, shining white as whatever that thing shoot rocketed past his face and impacted against something a few metres behind him, dying with a howl of pain. Turning in shock, Jaune watched with wide, surprised eyes as a Beowolf disappeared into black smoke, not that much had been left save it's head, arms and legs.
Further away, a tree as thick as about three Jaunes fell over. It's base blown apart from the overpenetration of the giant's shot.
Jaune slowly turned back to face the mech that saved his life, even if even he could have killed such a weak Grimm, it was the thought that counted.
Only to watch in surprise as the handcannon was levelled just above his head, encased in a familiar purple aura that seemed to struggle to keep it there.
Dully, he realised that everyone else had their weapons aimed at the mech, while Miss Goodwitch visibly struggled to keep the giant still with her semblence.
"W-Wait, we are here to h-help" Miss Goodwitch explained in a strained voice, arms outstretched and her purple aura fully surrounding her crop as she strained her semblence. Whatever that thing was, to be so powerful to cause such visible effort from one of the best Huntresses in Vale was more then enough to send fear running down Jaune's spine.
He doubted he was alone this time.
Ruby edged overed quickly to him, her scythe never once wavering as it was aimed at the thing's red head.
"Jaune, Miss Goodwitch, what do we do?" The younger girl asked, her voice staying steady but the hint of fear clearly heard by everyone present. Their professor refused to take her eyes off the yellow giant, even as she tilted her head back.
"Stay back! G-Get behind me!" Miss Goodwitch ordered, clear direction at least, RWBY and JNPR immediately formed up behind the huntress, Jaune, Pyrrha and Yang ready at the front while the rest formed a firing line behind them. With a strained hiss, Miss Goodwitch flicked her crop upwards, before stepping into a defensive stance as a series of Weiss' and her own dust shields appeared around the senior hunter. Meanwhile, the yellow giant's aim was forced further up, pointed towards the sky even as the rest of his body was released.
It glanced at it's arm, before quickly levelling it's axe at them and turning it's hateful red lens towards the deputy, but otherwise did not move.
A tense moment passed, the mech looked at it's arm once more, as if in surprise nothing had happened to it even Jaune watched his professor seemed to visibly strain less, a given since she was no longer forced to contain the whole machine.
Suddenly, a voice came from the yellow giant. It was heavy and scrambled, as if speaking through a microphone, but sounded...noble, for the lack of better description, but it also sounded weary and as if there was a certain pain to it, one that reminded Jaune of his own father, when he returned home after a mission gone wrong.
"Am I to assume that, giving the fact I still possess the flesh of my arm, you, a psyker, do not wish me harm?" The thing asked in it's frankly scarily powerful voice that left Jaune's sword point shaking slightly. Miss Goodwitch on the other hand, other then a visible twitch, remained focused and ready even as she went to reply.
"That is correct. I am Glynda Goodwitch, Professor of Beacon Academy and Huntress of the Kingdom of Vale." The teacher announced formally, her voice more level if still somewhat strained. She continued, "I was sent to investigate the crash with these students and assist any survivors." Her tone took on a more confused edge as she added, "Also, I am unaware of what you mean by a 'psyker', but as a Huntress I am trained in the use of Aura, as are my students here."
The giant's axe lowered slightly, as if uncertain. Jaune had to assume that the 'mech' was in fact some kind of armoured suit, with a man inside. It didn't quite explain his frankly insane weapons and the strange subconsious feeling of fear that Jaune could still feel weakening, even if it was still there.
"Tell me, what is this world's designation, and is there an adminastratum offical or plantary governor present on the planet." The strange warrior ordered in a tone that suggested long expected obediance to such a quest. Miss Goodwitch stiffened at his tone.
"We've called our planet Remnant, it's always been our home as dangerous as it is. As for an...'adminastratum' offical and 'plantery govenor', I am afraid I have no idea what you are referring to." The professor answered. Just what was the armoured giant asking, Jaune questioned to himself. The stranger too, seemed to question such a response, as his axe was lowered even more, now resting at his side, perpendicular to the ground.
Silence overcame the two sides once more, the man within the armour likely trying to come to some kind of conclusion to Miss Goodwitch's response. Jaune took the time to observe the four strange, cybernetic protrusions around the giant. Three were like tentacles, with strange devices on the ends. One had a number of tools that seemed to resemble drills, a small welding torch and at least half a dozen more things Jaune couldn't name. The second was equally perplexing, though it seemed to be medical equipment rather then tools were attached to it, each as equally indescribable to the young huntsmen. The third merely ended in the vague shape of a more regular sized gun, though how it worked or what it shot was unknown.
The last, however, was a large, utlitarian claw arm, attached to the massive pack on the man's back. Maybe a power source?
Further speculation was abandoned as the giant finally spoke again.
"I see then. Tell me, this, 'aura', when was the last time it's use went catastrophically wrong?" The growling voice grated out with an unmistakably edge in it. Jaune and Pyrrha shared a confused look. Using Aura and it going wrong? Did he mean like pushing a semblence to it's limits? Miss Goodwitch seemed to be as confused as them if her own confusedly tilted head was any suggestion.
"I can't say I've ever heard of the use of aura causing harm to the user. Unless you mean by overuse of a semblence?" The experienced combat profession admitted honestly, the giant's own head tilted slightly to the side in response as his mechanical limbs seemed to freeze.
"Suppose I did mean this, 'semblence." He retorted.
"It's not uncommon, though usually it's a matter of it being newly discovered and lacking in training. Many semblences can be particularly dangerous but even novices tend to be able avoid outright catasptrohe." She responded without skipping a beat, the confusion still evident in her voice.
The giant seemed as confused as they were. He slowly raised his axe in a non-threatening manner, though it still set all the hunters on edge, and pointed it's tip at the Beacon professor and declared, "You claimed you came to aid potential survivors." Miss Goodwitch nodded in confirmation. "So I presume that whatever profession you hold as a Huntress, and these children as your neophytes, that your kind seek to aid and protect humanity?" Miss Goodwitch nodded again, her expression hidden from Jaune's position behind her even as his own twisted once more in confusion at his words. The giant's body visibly relaxed as he planted his axe into the ground, even if he never lost a certain alertness in his posture.
"In that case, I am the sole pilot of this loyal, fallen craft. And I am willing to journey with you to meet with your leaders to discuss my circumstance."
It was a rare day indeed that Glynda Goodwitch feared to tread the halls of her own school. Between her duties as deputy of Beacon, combat instructor to four years worth of students, while also part-timing to combat the great enemy of their very world, it could be justifibly said that very little would phase a huntress like Glynda.
The nine foot tall soldier encased in a musty yellow suit with such strange and technologically arcane tools at his command had certainly filled her with the kind of dread Glynda had only thought she would feel upon seeing Salem for the first time. And she could tell from both his equipment and his bearing this man had to be some kind of elite soldier. Where he was from, where he had been going, and why? All mysteries to the professor.
And said soldier was current thudding his way into the tower to Ozpin's office, heedless of the mechanical whining and heavy footfalls he left in his passing.
Glynda sighed heavily as she ushered the large man, as well as Miss Rose and Mr Arc into the elevator, before fixing a stern glare on the remaining students to remain where they were as the doors shut in front of her. Despite the situation, the senior professor doubted her students would even consider leaving yet until they got the details the team leaders would inevitably tell them.
Lights littered the elevator, a refreshing return to form, having had to wait until the end of classes and nightfall to ensure minimal exposure of their new...'guest'... could spread to the general public. His appearence alone would have many awkward questions asked, let alone when they asked about his equipment.
Speaking of, knowing the old man, Ozpin would no doubt try and keep this completely unknown force within Beacon, and he'd no doubt want his brick and whatever he had within brought to the academy.
Another sigh escaped Glynda, but this time she felt the distinct feeling, like her aura was trying to warn her of a danger it could not see but knew was there, that the quiet soldier was watching her. A quick glance at him revealed her instinct was correct but she could have sworn she had seen the massive man's frame shake slightly. As if silently laughing in response.
Perhaps this was a situation he was familiar with?
The elevator soon opened, revealing the headmaster standing, looking out the window with his cane by his side and a mug of hot coffee in his hand, as always. The ancient man turned to face them as Miss Rose and Mr Arc quickly vacated the elevator to make room for their unusual companion who slowly stepped his way into the office, armoured greaves lifting and landing in loud but steady thunks.
Even Ozpin seemed taken aback by this stranger, a fact that set even Glynda a little on edge, let alone the now tense students.
With how much Ozpin knew, the fact he was as shocked as she had been left no shadow of a doubt this was a completely new development.
"You must be the one this, huntress, answers to." The soldier announced suddenly, in contridiction to his up until now near silence or limited answers to whatever questions he deemed valid. Ozpin quickly regained his composure before carefully and openly walked towards the giant.
"That is correct. I am Headmaster Ozpin of Beacon. I serve Remnant, and the four kingdoms, in defence of the Grimm that threat us across the globe." Ozpin replied before taking a sip from his mug without even seeming to shake. As he finished his drink, Ozpin went on, "This is my school, where I and the other professors here seek to educate and train young and inspirational minds into the finest huntsmen and huntresses I possibly can."
The giant nodded once, before he gestured politely towards the desk, as if pro-offering Ozpin to take a seat due to age or potential infirmary what with his cane. Ozpin, ever the diplomat, politely inclinded his head and sat behind his office desk, despite the fact it was his own office would seem insulting to another. As he did, the giant raised his massive, steel hand to his red helmet, before removing it with the sound of released seals.
Revealed was a rather charming face, with short, military styled black hair, confirming her suspecions regarding his occupation. His skill was extremely pale, and he had a curious number of small and minor implants at closer inspection on his face. He had a duo of studs above his left eye, both eyes of which appeared to be cybernetic. Across the right side of his head, was a thin, golden plate, embossed with strange and arcane symbols and scripture. Despite his appearence, the strangely cybernetic man gave Ozpin a polite, if guarded smile.
"I see. Teaching the young is a respectable endeveour as one ages on." The large man said with a measured tone, as if gauging his words carefully. "While I would normally provide my own out of respect, I have reason to suspect that would be unwise." He continued before levelling a finger at Mr Arc, who blanched at being singled out. "That one, whom the Huntress claims to be your student, used a power beyond the power of a mortal man to shield his face. How is this done and what power is used?"
Ozpin's eyes narrowed in confusion, before levelling his gaze on Jaune Arc.
"I presume he is referring to your aura?" The headmaster asked Mr Arc, who quickly nodded.
"Y-Yes, sir. He shot a Beowolf sneaking up behind us and...whatever it shot, caused my aura to spike as it flew right by my head." Mr Arc explained at a rapid pace, careful to not sound too panicked. Despite that, his hand did start to drift up, before the young man quickly lowered his hand back down. Ozpin nodded before looking back at the as of yet unnamed man.
"Aura is the power of the soul, all humans and faunus are capable of wielding it." He explained, demonstrating as a green aura suffused the elderly man. The strange man's face remain in a polite smile, but even he couldn't hide the slight tightening in his face at the demonstration. "It protects and heals us, and has the power to grant each individual a unique power of their own when unlocked, which can happen in nurmerous situations, though most commonly either through great struggle or by being unlocked by another with their own aura."
The man's robotic eyes narrowed at that particular piece of information.
"That is to say, each person on this planet has the capacity for this, aura, which grants them immunity to damage and a singluar power of their own?" He asked confusedly, as if such a concept was impossible to him before adding, "And that there is no ill effects? No corruption or madness?"
Both teachers and students faces tooked on a puzzled look at the man's own perplexed tone. Aura that caused madness? And what did he mean exactly by corruption?
The headmaster leaned forwards.
"No, such things do not occur, no more than it being the fault of the individual themselves rather then the power of Aura or a semblence alone could." He answered calming, measuredly, baiting.
The giant raised an armoured hand to his chin, as if going to stroke his chin with an oversized hand. The thought was so random for a woman like Glynda it honestly brought her back to reality for a second.
"This is no warpcraft I have ever seen or heard of..." The man muttered. Glynda, in all her years, had seen and heard a lot of things that sounded like mystical nonsense proven true, yet she, nor Ozpin by the look in his eyes, had ever heard the term 'Warpcraft'. The man shook his head. "I know not what this power is, but according to personal recollection accounts and mechanicus databanks, such power does not exist but hypothetically could. Therefore, I will have to ask you merely refer to myself as Techmarine in accordence with chapter protocol with unknown human contact." He declared formally, as if it was a tedious hassle but logic dictated he acted as such.
Everyone present merely looked at him with completely lost expressions. The 'Techmarine' sighed.
Honestly, formal procedure was always troublesome and terribly ineffective when surrounded by strange psykers that were also friendly and human.
Not for the first time in his time as a Lamenter, Santus wondered what great sin the chapter had committed to earn such terrible fortunes.
A newer brother might say the Badab War, but this had been going on for as long as chapter records shown.
With a rather human sigh, Santus looked down at the confounded elderly proctor. The psyker was hiding something, of that Santus had no doubt. One did not serve within the Deathwatch and Inquisition without quickly gaining an eye for detail. He had to admit, this Ozpin was experienced in the ways of conversation, much like Inquisitor Forthax or Chapter Master Phoros, but clearly Santus' presence had rattled the man unlikely anything he had seen before quickly regaining his composure, if still weakened.
He knew something more, though Santus suspected he had been speaking truthfully that Chaos did not have a powerful hold here. Or at least as he was aware.
"Techmarine is my position amongst my brothers, therefore it is the most efficient terminology to refer myself as for the time." Santus explained simply. "There have been many reports and events where individuals with power similar to your own were capable of utterly controlling another's being by knowing their true name."
The one called Glynda, who was stood by the elevator with her hand on her strange leather crop, made a shocked noise. The older man before him merely narrowed his eyes.
"I have heard of similar semblences existing, but only ever with conditions that make such power inconvieniant at best." Ozpin replied in response.
Ozpin had claimed that for whatever reason, psykers here shared and could naturally come to their universal power of Aura, while later being able to develop a single unqiue form of warpcraft. Perhaps that had something to do with those shadow daemons? He logged the thought away for further analysis.
"Then I am sure, if you are truly human and wish no harm upon me, you can understand my reasons." Santus said with a challanging tone, daring the psyker into attempting some act of sorcery. When the man merely nodded in understanding, Santus gave him a polite smile in return. "I'm glad you understand."
Taking a sip from his mug, Ozpin then looked over Santus' armour and mechanical limbs, before meeting his gaze once more with an inquiring expression. It was a novelty for mortals to look at an Astartes with something other then awe and dread respect.
"I suppose with introductions out of the way, we should discuss what lead to your airship crashing within the Emerald Forest." Ozpin asked with a professional tone, one that Santus could appreciate the efficient segue into more productive conversation. "If you like, I can see to it your allies are made aware of your location?"
Ah, that was an awkward question for the Lamenter to answer. Where was a brother-sargeant or captain to answer all the questions from a plantery offical? He was meant to commune with the Mechanicus for the Omnissiah's sake!
"I presume that such a thing is...difficult?" Asked Ozpin, who was looking up at him with a curiously sympathetic grimace. Santus nodded.
"My...situation, if the mathematics are correct, is something you have have never had to contend with." The Astartes admitted honestly. Ozpin raised his eyebrows in response, but merely gestured for him to continue. "I will have to ask, for the safety of all involved, that such a thing remained between ourselves at the moment." Santus added, evaluating the proctor's response.
His eye's took on a interesting edge for later analysis that suggested such a thing would not be troublesome. Which, in of itself, could speak of troublesome things.
"I've been known to keep a few secrets from time to time." Ozpin easily said with a voice that spoke of a personal joke likely between himself and some other.
An experienced lier was not someone Santus would wish to confess his situation to, but, given his proclaimed position that the Techmarine could quickly validate, it was unlikely that the man would seek to try to harm the Marine.
Though manipulation was certainly on the cards for the Lamenter. It wouldn't be the first time, for both man and chapter.
But Santus merely inclined his head, accepting the man's word.
"In truth, I am not of this world." He began simply. Bringing surprised gasps from the two children seated before him, as well as the huntress Goodwitch behind him. Meanwhile, the leader of this academy's eyes had narrowed to pinpricks. Santus gestured with one hand out the nearby window as he gazed out to the stars above that he had once called home.
"In truth, there are many worlds that bear the proud species called Humanity, throughout which we call our domain, The Imperium of Man. I am part of a chapter of Adeptus Astartes, the Angels of Death, who's mission it is to defend mankind from the alien, the mutant, and the heretic." Santus explained, a familiar sense of righteousness filling the Lamenter's two hearts as he openly reminded himself of his life's directive. To defend the innocent from those that sort to destroy them. "My ship, the Mournful Passage, experienced a...technical issues while on-route to regroup with my chapter, The Lamenters. I am the sole survivor and I crashed on this world seeking refuge." Santused ended finally.
He was met by a pair of familiarly awed gazes from the two neophyte, and he could feel the shock from the woman behind him.
In front of him, however, Ozpin merely continued to stare.
"So...you are saying you are now trapped here?" Ozpin asked in a quiet, even tone that betrayed nothing of how he felt to Santus. The Techmarine nodded in confirmation as Ozpin continued to say, "How likely is it your...imperium...could locate Remnant?"
At this, Santus could merely shrug.
"I have no idea." He admitted honestly. "A long time ago, Mankind was once a mighty, sprawlling empire across the entire galaxy." He could not help but smile at the childish but awe-struck looks on the two young ones before him. "And when a great calamity occured that is still not known till this very day, many worlds were lost and forgotten. Mechanicus records do not list a planet called Remnant, nor have my battle-brothers ever come here before, that I know." He crossed his arms thoughtfully for a moment, his current surroundings forgotten as he speculated and ran through numerous hypothetic situations of rescue. "In truth, the likelihold of being found here is slim, if not outright impossible for several lifetimes at least. Unless the same failure that brought me here happen...depending on the ship class and condition it could be fine..." Santus trailed off with a shake of his head, discounting that possibility. It was as likely as a space hulk or splinter fleet just showing up.
Realising he had lost track of reality for a moment, he blinked and watched as Ozpin nodded a few times.
"Well, in that case, perhaps you would be willing to come to some kind of arrangement?" The proctor asked, inviting a suspecious look from Santus while the two neophytes turned their awe-struck gazes from him to their instructor, with eyes praying what Ozpin had said was not some kind of jest.
Santus looked down at Ozpin, arms still crossed.
"An arrangement?" He demanded. Ozpin nodded again.
"Given your own uncertainty of being found, I suppose you'll want a place to live, at least for the moment." Ozpin speculated with a probing but also valid point. Santus did need somewhere to rest and plan. The marine nodded for Ozpin to continue. "I would be willing to offer you safe haven here, and privacy should you desire it, until you can decide your path for yourself."
It was generous offer. Santus immediately suspected such an offer would incur a high price, especially for a psyker.
"And in return, I merely ask you keep your origins to yourself, and should it be required, you aid in the defence of my school and Vale." Ozpin finished his offer with a cordial smile.
Santus didn't realise he was frowning, or that his brow was furrowed, until the mortal had finished speaking.
No demands of servitude? Of loyalty? Of future debts to be repaid? For his soul or to do anything against what the Lamenter stood for but to merely do as the Adeptus Astartes would already have?
"Logic dictates that there is a catch to this." Santus declared openly, ignoring the affronted gasp from huntress Goodwitch while Ozpin continued to smile.
"In truth, there is no catch. Rather, your origins would create all manner of uncertainty, and that potential negativity will draw the Grimm." Ozpin admitted freely, curiously revealing that those shadow daemons, Grimm, were drawn to emotion. Further factor for analysis, as Ozpin continued, "By letting you stay here, I can control that information until such a time I can reveal it in such a way to not potentially draw the attention of the Grimm."
It was logical, and tactically sound if these 'Grimm' were responsible for the four major life sign masses he had seen aboard the Mournful Passage.
It was tempting, the often despised Astartes had to admit. Lodging would save his own attempts to locate a suitable location for a base, and Ozpin clearly had support if he felt he could control information regarding a nine foot tall genetically enhanced protector of the Imperium. Given the fact that Goodwitch had claimed their kind defended humanity, assuming the psykers were not lying, he would likely relate well to these warriors.
And frankly? The looks the neophytes had been giving him, of amazement and intrigue, especially the little one with the red hair who seemed particularly enamoured with his bolt pistol, reminded the Lamenter of the few times his chapter were seen as the protectors and saviours that they did their best to be, without suspecious looks, the open disdain and being used for other's gain.
"Perhaps...that would be the most efficient course of action."
And like that, Santus is trapped.
So, our helpless boy has met the chessmaster of Remnant, Ruby and Jaune meet a space travelling warrior with technological marvels of engineering, and Santus is staying in Beacon for now by the power of melodrama and the fact it's more efficient.
Some might say it's a bit strange for him to be so willing to just accept the offer, but it's important to remember that the Lamenters are on Salamander levels of "We must Protect the Innocent" and the sheer fact these dudes get a lot of flak in the Imperium the idea of people seeing him as the proud and noble warriors he and his brothers try to be is tempting. It's a whole thing with the chapter that they have a real thing with people treating them poorly that they really value those that don't.
Caused the Badab War you know?
Anyway, all reviews and criticism is always appreciated, A.D