RWBY/Swords of Fate: Arc Kingdom
Chapter 2: The Beowolf Hunt
Team JNPR gathered together inside the basement to meet up with General Ironwood, Dr. Roman and Dr. Merlin.
Dr. Merlin: So then, it seems that you've decided to accept this mission of great importance.
Jaune: We have. If Remnant's at risk of destruction, then we're here to save it, regardless of whether it's our Remnant or someone else's.
Dr. Merlin: *smiles*I'm glad to hear that. It seems we've made the right decision in chossing you. James will explain how this is all going to work.
James: Once you step inside these coffins, you will be put to sleep. Through the control room upstairs, we will begin the process. Once the co-ordinates of the alternate Remnant are set, we will begin the transferring of the conciousness.
Dr. Merlin: You will also be able to see, hear, touch, taste and smell whatever your counterpart does. This world is not like yours, so you will need to adapt in order to survive.
Dr. Roman: I will be monitoring your vital signs throughout this mission. If I feel as though there might be any risk of you all dying, then we'll send you back here
Jaune: *gulps* G-Good to know, *nervous chuckle*
Nora: *raises hand* Can I ask you something, Dr. Merlin? What is with these suits you've given us?
Before they had accepted, Team JNPR were told to changes from their Combat Gear into white tunics and black trousers. Nora grimaced at this.
Dr. Merlin: These are called Mystic Codes. They allow for mana to flow through your body in order to make the transfer work more efficiently. This way, your body won't fall apart when the transfer occurs.
Nora: Ah, I see. Neat... but do they have to look so boring?
Dr. Roman: Boring? I find them to be quite stylish!
James: Ugh, can we please get down to the business at hand? Team JNPR, get inside the Coffins. We will begin the transfer now.
Team JNPR followed the General's orders and they each entered the Coffins. Jaune immidiately began to feel claustrophobic as soon as the lid closed. He could feel his breath start to weaken. But he clenched his fist as tried to bear with it. The General, Doctors, his Team and the alternate Remnant were counting on him. He had to stay strong. Trying to relax his muscles, Jaune closed his eyes as the Coffin put him to sleep.
James monitored the Doctors as they made the preparations on the machines.
Dr. Roman: Vital signs look good. Body temperature is consistent with each other, no signs of any lacerations or internal bleeding.
James: Good. Merlin, have you set the co-ordinates yet?
Dr. Merlin: Doing so as we speak. *inputs the co-ordinates*
The co-ordinates were as followed, Remnant: Universe 531, Desination: Kingdom of Vale, Year: 6th January 212. Beginning Universe Transfer now! *types furiously*
Once the code was typed in, Merlin pushed the green button on his left. Suddenly, the Coffins began to glow in different colours; gold for Jaune, red for Pyrrha and bright pink for Ren and Nora. The lights began to rise up and dance around the room before they finally hit the hologram of Remnant 531. It was complete. However, James was far from happy.
Dr. Merlin: *stretches* Well I'd say that was a resounding success.
James: Indeed. Good job, gentleman.
Dr. Roman: Do you think sending them two years early was the best idea?
James: If we had sent them during the event of the Holy Grail, they'd struggle. We're sending them into an unfamiliar world. If they're going to accomplish the mission, they need to adapt to their surroundings. *sighs* May the gods guide them well.
—6th January 212 Second Age, Fateverse Remnant - Kingdom of Vale, Charlemagne—
Jaune: Gah! *pants furiously*
Jaune felt like his lungs were on fire and fell to his knees. He could see that something had changed since he entered the Coffin. His hands were cold from the sensation of snow. In his right hand, he was holding a wooden sword. Looking around, he found himself outside of a medium-sized, stone bricked house. The roof was blanketed over a thick layer of snow. Standing next to him were 3 older girls. One had bright blonde hair, just like his, but with golden-amber eyes and wore a red, long sleeved tunic and brown trousers. One had dark blonde hair and blue eyes like his, wearing a yellow short sleeved dress and another had a streak of green in her dark orange hair and also had blue eyes, wearing a dark green, short-sleeved tunic and white trousers. Jaune blinked twice in disbelief. They were his sisters; Rouge, Saphron and Verte.
Rouge: Jaune?! What happened??? *runs to him*
Jaune: *grunts* Um... I guess? *
Verté: *sighs* We told you that practicing out in the cold was a ridiculous idea. Come on inside. Noir and Blanc are cooking dinner.
Jaune: Wait, what? Since when were those two able to cook anything?
Verté: ...they've been cooking our meals since 3 years ago. You and Rouge were the ones who taught them. Are you sure you didn't hit your head?
Rouge: Just help him up, Verte. Come on.
Jaune dropped the wooden sword onto the ground while his sisters helped him back up. He shivered as the snow stuck to his knees.
Saphron: By the way, have any of you seen where Noir and Blanc have gone?
Verte: Oh they came back a while ago. They're in the kitchen cooking dinner.
Rouge: *eyes gleaming* Is it lamb stew again?
The four of them entered inside and Rouge took Jaune to the fireplace. She tossed a red Dust crystal onto a pile of wood and it ignited immediately. Jaune stretched out his hands and felt the warmth touch his skin.
Jaune: Mmmm, this feels nice.
Rouge: Make sure you don't fall asleep before dinner. You don't wanna miss out on the stew. *chuckles*
Jaune looked at the living room and was surprised. It looked pretty good. There were two benches place next to the fireplace opposite each other and a large bookshelf in the corner. Above the fireplace hung the portrait of a man in white armour and bearing the Arc emblem on his chest plate. On his left hand side, he carried a rather unfamiliar sword. It had a blue sheath that matched its handle and a cobalt gem embedded in the pommel. Its crossguard was a pale gold and surrounded by a ring. Upon closer inspection, Jaune noticed that he looked a lot like his father.
After 20 minutes of warming up, he was called by Verte to come into the kitchen. Jaune arrived to see Noir and Blanc carrying the pot over to the table. A large puff of steam escaped as soon as the two of them took off the lid. Everyone's eyes sparkled with hunger. The mouth-watering meat, crunchy carrots, hearty leaks and fluffy potatoes were swimming in a sea of delicious stew. Jaune wasted no time and dashed to the table.
Blanc: *giggles* Well someone's hungry!
Noir: He better be, we worked hard on this.
Jaune: Mmmmm!!! *munching and slurping* Guys, this is incredible!
Noir/Blanc: Thanks! *beams*
Rouge: So Jaune, tomorrow you'll be returning to Beacon. Have you packed everything you needed to?
Jaune nearly dropped his spoon. He just got here, he had no idea whether or not anything was packed. More importantly, he didn't even know which room he slept in. He had to think quickly to try and avoid any suspicion.
Jaune: Ummm, well... yes?
Rouge: Good to hear. *smiles and headpats him*
Jaune: Agh, Rouge, come on! I'm not a kid anymore.
Noir: Awwww, big brother's blushing!
Jaune: I do not! *blushes* Hmph.
For the rest of dinner, Jaune tried his best not to speak, resulting in an awkward atmosphere. Even though they were his brothers and sisters, he was starting realise how different they were back on his Remnant. He also noticed how old fashioned this house really was. There was no sign of a TV, computer, scrollphone, fridge, or any kind of electrial appliance aside from the lights. He knew this was a different universe, but it was becoming clearer that Jaune was in a completely different time period as well. The more he thought about it, the more his head started to spin. After dinner was over, Jaune decided to go to bed early and stumbled his way up the staircase adjacent to the kitchen.
Jaune lay in his bed and stared at the ceiling. As soon as he got here, he had more questions than answers. His siblings didn't appear to be of any help and looked at him like he was crazy. He looked at around at his room and noticed it was much barer compared to the one in his Remnant. On the desk, he saw vials of dark blue Dust, along with some green, yellow and red. Next to them was his sword, Crocea Mors, sheathed in white and laying atop his shield.
Jaune: Well at least some things never change. *chuckles* I bet Ren, Nora and Pyrrha are having a much easier time than I am. *sighs* Agh. Why didn't Merlin tell us that we going back to the Dark Ages? It would've been helpful!
As he contemplated on whether this mission was even worth pursuing, Jaune heard a loud scream.
He walked to the desk and opened the window. The scream became louder, followed by snarls and howls.
Taking his sword and shield, he hurried downstairs and burst open the door to the outside. Bracing the cold, he ran into the direction of the chaos.
Shadowy black wolves growled and snarled at the villagers. Atop their faces were bone-like masks and their eyes were a burning red. Men and women tried their hardest to fight back against the pack, but they were too strong. The beasts fought back and slashed at the people as if they were defenceless lambs. Many tried to run, but they weren't fast enough.
From within a small shrubbery, Jaune could see the attacks unfold. Grabbing his sword, he drew it and ran. With a mighty yell, he slashed at one of the beasts and chopped its arm clean off. It screeched in pain. Taking his sheath, he pushed a small button and it changed into a shield, with the emblem of the Arc Family at the front. The rest of the grimm set their sights on Jaune and surrounded him.
Jaune: Try and get as far away from here as you can. I'll hold them off.
Villager: Are you crazy? There's 7 beowolves there!
Jaune: I've handled these creatures before. I've got enough Dust with me. Just do what I say and get everyone to safety as quick as you can!
Villager: Alright. Good luck. *runs*
Jaune: *deep breath* Okay Jaune, it's just like back home.
Two beowolves lunged at him, baring their sharp claws and fangs. Immidiately, Jaune blocked them with his shield. His feet dragged against the snow as he was pushed back slightly. Raising his sword, he struck at one of them.
He managed to land a scratch on its chest. The other beowolf tried to attack Jaune, but he dodged just in time.
He thrusted his sword into its chest and yelled out in pain. Suddenly, Jaune noticed 3 of the beowolves running away from the village.
Jaune: Oh no you don't! *pushes beowolf with shield*
Before he could catch up to them, someone dropped down in front of the beowolves, armed with a black and red-bladed scythe. They wore a bright red cloak and their face was obscured with a hood. In a single stroke, they slew the 3 beowolves. Jaune was impressed.
Jaune: *turns around* Woah!
He narrowly avoided being scratched by a stray beowolf, losing his footing and falling to the floor. Instantly, the cloaked warrior dashed towards the grimm at top speed and blocked an incoming attack. Pushing the grimm back, they decapitated it with their scythe. Jaune shook his head and stood up. Gripping his sword as tight as possible, he and the cloaked warrior stood back to back was they were surrounded by the remaining 3 beowolves.
???: When I say 'now', we strike. Got it?
Jaune: Uh... yeah. G-Got it.
The beowolves slowly moved closer, growling. Jaune could feel his spine tingling.
???: Now! Sah!!! *slices beowolf*
Jaune: Hah! *stabs beowolf*
Jaune/???: YAAAAH!!! *chops beowolf in half*
The threat was over and the grimm crumbled into ash. Jaune turned to the cloaked warrior.
Jaune: *smiles* Thanks for the help.
???: *takes off hood* No problem, Jaune.
Jaune felt a wave of happiness as soon as the warrior unhooded herself. She had dark red hair, with bright red highlights and gleaming silver eyes. He felt stupid that he didn't recognise that it was Ruby earlier. He didn't stop to think about it and rushed towards her. He wrapped his arms around Ruby in a loving hug.
Jaune: I'm so glad to see you!
Ruby: Um... *nervous laughter and blushes* I'm glad to see you too. Is everything okay?
Jaune: Oh! *breaks hug*Uh, yeah. I-I'm fine. I-It's just nice to have help, hehe.
Jaune needed to remind himself that he had to be careful. This wasn't his world and his friends and family weren't exactly like they usually were either.
Jaune: Anyway, *ahem* how did you find out about the beowolf attack anyway?
Ruby: Oh, I heard about from a tavern at Malbec. Mom is not gonna be too happy when she finds out I've left. *nervous chuckle*
Jaune was surprised to hear Ruby mention her mom being upset. So she was alive in this universe, it seemed. Jaune shook his head to compose himself.
Jaune: I heard about the attack before I was gonna go to bed. I rushed here as fast as I could.
Ruby: Good thinking. Though you could've thrown on a coat at least, *chuckles* I gotta say, you've gotten much better since you started back at Beacon. I guess all those lessons with Mr Taurus have finally paid off.
Ruby: Mr Taurus You know, the combat instructor?
Jaune: Huh? I thought our combat instructor was Miss Goodwitch.
Ruby: Are you sure you're feeling okay?
Jaune: *groans* Man, everyone's been asking me that today. Don't worry about me, Ruby. I'm fine. How about we check up on the villagers instead? See if they need any medical attention.
Ruby: Hmmm, okay Jaune. We'll talk again later.
Ruby walked near the gate, where the villagers were gathered. Many of them thanked her and tried to give her gifts, much to Ruby's embarrassment. Jaune took one step and immidiately doubled over in searing pain. His head felt like it was being dragged across the ground. Suddenly, several images flashed in his mind. One of them was of a tall, spiky red-haired man with bronze eyes and black horns. Jaune was horrified as he recognised just who he was.
Jaune: *frantic gasping* No... A-Adam?! What the hell?! What the hell is going on?!
Jaune heard footsteps trudge along the snow and slowly looked up. It was Ozpin, dessed in black and green robes, lacking his trademark glasses and held a long, thin staff with an emerald on top of it.
Ozpin: Steady there. It's time you and I had a little chat.
Ozpin: I'll explain to Miss Rose about the situation later. In the meantime, I suggest you come with me. Your journey through the multiverse must've taken a toll on you.
Jaune: ...how did you know?
Ozpin: *smirks* Merlin sent me a little message.
