Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! This chapter we'll see some of Neo's life with her family, though be warned there are plenty of timeskips in this chapter, but I felt they were used correctly, I hope. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
"And the winner of the Mistral Regional Tournament, Pyrrha Nikos!" The tournament announcer said as the crowd cheered loudly
Pyrrha panted in exhaustion, it hadn't been an easy match but with proper use of Semblance she was able to secure her victory. Looking at the crowd Pyrrha offered a smile and waved politely, though searching through the crowd Pyrrha spotted someone that made her smile widen. Her best friend of five years, Pyrrha doubted she'd have come as far as she has without Neo to train and spar with her.
Neo clapped loudly for Pyrrha, as she couldn't cheer for her, even creating a large sign of Pyrrha using her Semblance, much to her friends embarrassment who ducked her head down and left the arena.
"Okay Neo calm down, you can see your girlfriend later." Terra said watching Neo's face turn bright red to both her and her wife's amusement
"She's not my girlfriend!" Neo typed furiously
"Yet~" Saphron said in a singsong voice, Neo's blush only intensifying as she lowered her head trying to ignore both her mother's teasing
The reason was rather simple given the conversation Neo and Saphron had a few months ago.
*Flashback*
Neo went downstairs fiddling with her hands nervously. Reaching the bottom step Neo saw her mom watching TV, her mother having already left for work.
"Neo, hey! What's the matter?" Saphron said smiling before noticing the expression on her daughter
"Can we talk?" Typed Neo
"Yeah, you know you can tell me anything sweetheart." Said Saphron turning the television off and patting the spot next to her
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Saphron asked, Neo biting her lip
"Well there's someone I like, but I've also known for a really long time and don't want to risk losing them as a friend in case they don't feel the same." Neo said
"Oh you have a crush! Tell me who is it, anyone I've might, what're they like, when can Terra and I meet them?!" Saphron asked rapidly
"MOM!" Typed Neo blushing brightly
"Right sorry, got a little excited. It's just my little girl has her first crush! Alright first tell who is it?" Saphron asked
"I don't really feel comfortable telling since they're younger than me." Replied Neo
"How much younger?" Questioned Saphron, Neo hesitating for a moment before typing her response
"Two years." Neo answered not looking at her mom
"Really that's it?" Saphron said with an unladylike snort
"That's nothing." Said Saphron
"Mom, please focus." Neo pleaded
"Right sorry again. Well the best advice I can give is be honest and tell this person how you feel, maybe after something like a date to give them a better idea you want to be more than friends." Saphron said before putting a hand on her daughters shoulder and giving an encouraging smile
"But Neo trust me when I say don't wait to long as you never know when someone else will come along and snatch them away, and you don't want to live with that regret. Even if they don't feel the same about you, rejection is always better than living with a 'what if'." Said Saphron, Neo nodding before hugging her mom
"Thanks mom." Typed Neo
"No problem sweetie. Now come on who is it?" Saphron asked wanting to know who her daughters crushing on
Sighing quietly Neo knew she had to options, either not say anything which will need to her mom just guessing or pestering her until she answered or tell her and then deal with teasing from both her and her mother.
"It's Pyrrha."
*End Flashback*
Neo deeply regretted telling her mom who her crush was, as the first chance she got she told Terra and Neo has had to deal with both teasing her relentlessly whenever she was with Pyrrha.
Speaking of Pyrrha, Neo had planned to ask to the redhead out on several occasions but always ended up chickening out, to afraid of both rejection and losing her friend. When Neo had finally worked the courage to ask Pyrrha out the younger girl had told her about her plan to enter the Mistral Regional Tournament. This stopped Neo from asking her out, not wanting to distract her friend from training for the tournament.
But now that the tournament was over, Neo was not going to back down now and finally ask Pyrrha out, just as soon as they were out of Mistral.
*Later-Argus Limited*
"You really impressive Pyrrha, the way you moved around your opponents and being able to avoid all there attacks like it was nothing." Saphron said smiling at the redhead
"It was really nothing, I just got lucky a couple times." Said Pyrrha modestly knowing a lot of her opponents and the other competitors could have beaten her as for avoiding all the attacks she just got lucky with her Semblance being able to control metal and most weapons have at least some metal in them
"Don't sell yourself short, you trained long and hard, and more than earned the win." Said Terra, Pyrrha smiling and nodding her thanks
Saphron then noticed Neo shifting in her seat and stealing glances at Pyrrha sitting next to her. Looking at her wife, Saphron saw she noticed their daughters behavior as well. Trading looks both women nodded before standing up.
"Well me and Terra are gonna go to the dining cart to get something to eat. Do you girls want anything?" Saphron asked
"No thank you Saphron." Pyrrha declined not feeling very hungry
"Okay. Neo?" Said Saphron, Neo shaking her head
"I'm good, thank you."
"Alright come on Saphron lets give them some alone time." Terra said, Saphron nodding while sending a wink to Neo
"Go get her." Saphron mouthed
Nodding Neo looked at Pyrrha, who was looking out the window, and took a few calming breaths.
'Okay, you can do this Neo. Just get her attention and ask her out, no big deal.' Neo thought
Pulling out her scroll Neo typed out exactly what she wanted to say, before immediately erasing it and typing it out again, with her repeating this for several moments.
"Neo." Pyrrha said getting the tri-colored haired girls attention
"Are you alright, you've been typing on your scroll for a few minutes." Said Pyrrha concern lacing her words
Mentally cursing herself for getting caught. Taking a breath Neo typed out a message.
"I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out once we get back to Argus, just the two of us." Neo typed
"Oh. Sure, I'd really like that. I'd just have to tell my parents I'll be home a bit later than usually." Said Pyrrha
"Great! Can't wait." Typed Neo
For the rest of the train ride Neo couldn't keep the wide grin off her face.
*Later-Argus*
When the four had arrived Pyrrha had gone to call her parents to tell them she'd be depending some time with Neo before coming home. Unfortunately leaving Neo with her mothers who kept sending her knowing looks and mischievous eyes.
"Please stop." Neo said
"Stop what sweetie?" Asked Terra innocently
"You both know what!" Typed Neo
"No, I'm afraid we don't. Do you know Terra?" Saphron said looking to her wife feigning ignorance
"I'm afraid I don't." Replied Terra, Neo feeling her beginning to twitch
"Remind me again, who are the adults here? Because it feels like just me right now." Neo stated, both women finally stopping with their looks but still smiling
"Alright, alright we'll stop. We're just happy for you Neo." Saphron said, Terra nodding in agreement
Just then Pyrrha came back over.
"I just talk with my mother, she said it was fine if Neo and I spend some time together as long as I'm not out to late." Said Pyrrha smiling glad she gets to spend some time with her friend
"That's great Pyrrha. Well we'll leave you two to it. Be safe and don't stay out to late Neo." Terra said
"And have fun, but not too much fun!" Said Saphron smirking at Neo's blush before she and her wife left to head home
"What did she mean by that?" Pyrrha asked looking at Neo
"Nothing! She meant nothing, now let's go I planned out what we can do." Said Neo grabbing Pyrrha's hand and leaving the train terminal
*Later*
Neo couldn't stop smiling as she walked next to Pyrrha.
Once they had left the terminal, the girls had gone to see a movie, afterwards they went to nice diner to get some dinner. Now they were enjoying a nice stroll through the park simply enjoying each other's company. While it might be the most luxurious of dates, but for Neo it was perfect.
"This was fun Neo. I'm glad we did this." Said Pyrrha when they reached the center of the park, the same spot where they first met
"Me too. I like spending time with you Pyrrha." Neo replied
"Well I should be getting home before my parents start worrying. See you tomorrow Neo." Said Pyrrha preparing to leave
Neo however froze up at her words, she's leaving now. But she couldn't, not yet! She still had to tell her how she felt while she still had the courage. Seeing Pyrrha turning to leave Neo didn't even think before she grabbed Pyrrha's arm stopping her from leaving.
Confused by this Pyrrha turned to ask what's wrong, only to be met by Neo pressing her lips against her own. This, of course, shocked Pyrrha that her best friend was kissing her, however before Pyrrha could really register the kiss Neo pulled back.
"I'm really sorry! It's just you were about to leave and I didn't want you to yet, because I wanted to tell you I really, really like you and I have for a long time, and I really hope you like me to!" Neo typed with look that was equal parts nervous of her response, mortified at her own action, and hopeful
Pyrrha looked between the message and Neo processing this.
"Neo, I'm flattered really. But I'm not sure if I feel the same or if I like girls that way. It's just really sudden and everything, I think it best if we just stay friends." Pyrrha said apologetically
She was flattered, but it was still sudden for Pyrrha and she'd need to sort out her own feelings, and maybe yet a few years, before she decided if she liked Neo that way. She only hoped Neo could understand that.
Neo though felt both her world and heart shatter like one of her illusions. She had been prepared for a rejection, even expected it, but that didn't mean it hurt any less.
"O-oh, I see. Yeah that's, that's fine we can stay friends. I'll just… go now, sorry for the kiss." Said Neo
"Wait Neo-" Pyrrha said reaching out to touch her but Neo's form immediately shattered like glass showing it was just an illusion
Pyrrha watched in sadness as the remnant of the illusion faded away. With no other choice Pyrrha began walking home, while hoping she didn't just lose her only friend.
The real Neo meanwhile had immediately run home, leaving behind an illusion in her place. Reaching the front door Neo went inside, locking the door behind her, seeing her mother's still up having waited for her return.
"Hey you're back! Tell us how did it go?" Saphron asked eagerly
Ignoring both of them Neo slowly went up the steps, her parents only catching a glimpse of her downtrodden expression and tears glistening in her eyes. This obviously worried them both as they instantly went upstairs to check on their daughter but when they reached her door Neo had already gone in and locked the door.
"Neo. Is everything alright?" Terra asked knocking on the door lightly
"Did the date not go well, did something happen? Neo please talk to us." Said Saphron
Neo ignored what they were saying from her spot curled up on her bed, while she finally let her tears fall freely. Closing her eyes Neo went to sleep, wanting to forget today every happened.
However even when asleep Neo was plagued by images of herself being chased, attacked, and insulted. When it was over Neo desperately tried to call out for help, but no one ever came.
She was alone.
*Timeskip-Three Months*
Neo had solemn look on her face as she packed her bag.
Three months have passed since her failed confession to Pyrrha and things have just gone downhill from there.
Now whenever they hung out, which was less and less now a days, it was awkward and tense, neither of them knowing what to say or talk about, mostly just sparring or working on their weapons then parting ways. It got worse as nearly two weeks ago Pyrrha stopped showing up to their meeting spot, this saddened Neo as she believed the redhead no longer wanted to be friends with her.
Her mothers didn't help the matter, both trying to get her to talk about it. But Neo didn't want to talk about it and simply ignored their attempts to get her to open up. Neo didn't want to brush her mother's off like that, but Pyrrha's rejection combined with her no longer wanting to see Neo, was making the ice cream girl more than a little irritable.
It didn't help everytime Neo closed her eyes she was assaulted by those same images of herself being chased, attacked, insulted, and left alone. She wasn't sure if it was some long forgotten memories or just her mind playing tricks on her, and honestly Neo didn't care.
This lead to Neo making a difficult decision.
She was leaving.
It wasn't an easy decision to make, mostly because she didn't want to worry her moms or hurt them, but Neo couldn't stay in Argus not while everywhere she goes she's reminded of her.
Plus she hoped some time away would help the nightmares go away.
Finishing packing Neo grabbed her bag and the one thing she wouldn't put away, her weapon. It wasn't the most intimidating weapon, given it was an umbrella with pink, white, and brown lace used to make the canopy. But that's exactly why Neo picked an umbrella as her weapon, as it made opponents more likely to underestimate her.
She could use it as a melee weapon, a shield when opened as when she made it she infused Dust into it to increase its strength and resistance, and there was a thin sword hidden in the handle that could also emerge from the top.
Neo was rather proud of her weapon, the only thing she hasn't done is name it not having thought of a name for it. She'll think of a name at a later time.
Finishing packing Neo next wrote a letter to her moms explaining why she was leaving, along with asking that they not look for her.
Now finished Neo looked around her room for what would likely be the last time a long while, before exiting it and her home.
Her mother was at work and her mom was out shopping, so Neo will have a good head start and she has plenty of Lien and supplies to last until she gets out of Mistral.
'I love you and I'll see you soon.' Neo thought giving her home one last look before departing to the terminal
She didn't say goodbye, she hated goodbyes.
*Timeskip-City of Mistral*
Neo exited the train with a frown on her face.
'That's still really strange.' Neo thought looking at the train in confusion
Neo could remember everytime she's been on the Argus Limited, whether it was accompanying her mother on a business trip, she and her mom visiting the latter's family, or just a simple vacation. And out of all those times Neo realized something.
Not once was the train attacked by Grimm.
Sure it wouldn't be that odd for the train to travel without incident between Mistral and Argus. But the odds of a person riding the train and not experiencing at least one Grimm attack was highly unlikely, given the train travels through Grimm infested territory.
Not to say Neo wanted Grimm to attack the train, she just found it strange that it was always whenever she was on the train it was never attacked. Maybe Neo was just assuming things and it didn't involve her but given the amount of negative emotions she was likely putting off she should have seen at least a Gryphon fly by or something.
Shaking those thoughts Neo left the station entering the city while wondering how she'll get Vale. She had thought long and hard about which kingdom she wanted to go to.
Vacou was out as Neo, while confident in her current skills, didn't fancy walking through a desert.
Atlas was immediately dismissed, Neo wasn't the biggest fan of authority, plus the Atlas base commander in Argus soured any positive opinion Neo might have had about the kingdom, her and her those twin morons.
Though Neo still snickered remembering the time she broke into the base to steal some parts and Dust she used to make umbrella. Not her fault some of the parts she needed weren't sold in any weapons shop she visited.
It also wasn't her fault if she may or not put itching powder in all the uniforms, glue in the shampoo, and thumb tacks on all the chairs.
Nope, totally not her fault.
Shaking those memories, Neo looked for somewhere she can buy a map to find a port town to catch a ferry to Vale.
*Timeskip-Three Days*
Neo entered a fuel station called "Just Rite" to stock up on supplies having started to run low and still being a few days away from Higanbana, the nearest village she can stop and rest at. And she'd rather not risk running out while on the road.
Looking around she only saw two other occupants, the bar tender and a shady looking man who's appearance just screamed bandit. Dismissing the guy Neo began grabbing some snacks and food for her trip.
Once she had the items she went up to the bar.
"Aren't you a little young to be drinking?" Asked the bartender
Neo felt her eye twitch, she was fifteen Oum damnit, nearly sixteen! Yet people always thought she was younger because she was short.
Just a water. Neo showed one of the many saved messages, she's created a lot of saved messages and texts to any standard questions she might be asked so she didn't have to type everything up.
"Ohhh. Sure. I'll also ring this up for you." Said the bartender ducking behind the counter
"Are you telling me you're too young to drink? You look like a regular Huntress." Said Shady, as Neo now dubbed him
Giving him a blank look, Neo again dismissed him.
"Seriously. Not too bulky. Not too lean. You're..." Shady said undeterred walking towards Neo
In response Neo shoved her hand in his face stopping him in tracks. Unfortunately people just don't know when to learn.
"Though a little short for my taste…" Said Shady reaching to touch Neo, only for Neo to grab his wrist in a vice-like grip
If there was one thing Neo hated, it was someone mentioning her height.
Looking to the idiot Neo was unaware her eyes turned pitch black with a purple glow.
"Huh? What the-"
Shady didn't even finish what he said before Neo, taking advantage of her flexibility, cartwheeled delivering a kick straight to his jaw sending him to the ground. Neo didn't stop there though as she, still holding Shady's wrist, dragged him to the door before throwing him out.
With that done Neo dusted off her hands and went back to the counter where the guy came back with her water.
"This one's on the house. He's been driving me crazy." The man said setting the bottle down
Nodding in thanks Neo paid for her other things and put them in her bag.
"So, what brings you around these parts?" Asked the bartender
Catching a ferry to Vale.
The bartender chuckled nervously at that.
"That's good, it's not really safe around these parts. Not too many people come out here. Too far from the Kingdoms. Only person worth noting around here is... well, Ra-" The man said hesitating on the last part
Raven Branwen.
Neo was aware of just who occupied this area, Raven Branwen leader of the notorious Branwen Tribe. Neo was scared of her or her group of thugs, if she did encounter them she can always use her Semblance to help fight them.
Once she had everything Neo exited the station, passing by Shady who was picking himself up off the ground.
"Hey, girlie!" Shady said, Neo rolling her eyes
Did this guy just enjoy getting his ass kicked or something?
"You better get the hell out of here while you can. Cause when Raven finds out what you did-"
SHLING
Shady instantly shut up and gasped for air. Looking down he saw Neo's sword sticking out the top of her umbrella and having sliced his inner thigh.
Pulling the blade out Neo flicked the blood off and returned it to its sheathe.
"When Raven finds out, I'll tell her she should keep her dogs on a shorter leash. Also I just cut your femoral artery, you have maybe five minutes to get it patched up before you bleed out." Typed Neo before turning on her heel and continuing on her way, while the guy paled dramatically and quickly went back inside the station to get some bandages
Neo meanwhile took a sip of her water acting like she didn't just give a person an injury that'd kill them slowly and painfully. She always had a sadistic side, it was just usually turned towards more humiliating pranks on those that annoy her, now however she was letting shine through.
*Later*
Raven observed with narrowed eyes the girl one of her tribe members told her about. When Shady had shown up, with blood leaking down his leg from a sloppily dressed wound and told her about how he was beat by a little girl, Raven had considered reopening the wound he got to teach him a lesson.
After that she went to locate this girl and… well Raven hasn't decide if she wanted to kill her, as an attack on a member of her tribe was as bad as an attack on herself, or try and recruit her, as apparently the girl knew who she was and yet still attacked Shady. That took guts or stupidity, given her reputation.
Now seeing the girl sleeping in her makeshift campsite from her perch on a branch, Raven couldn't really see her being all that threatening, she looked barely older than her daughter Yang.
'Then again looks can be deceiving.' Thought Raven
It'd be easy enough to dispose of her right now or knock her out take her back to the tribe. However the decision was taken out of her hands when Raven noticed a pack of Beowolves beginning to surround the girls position. Seeing this Raven prepared to leave, knowing the girl would be torn apart, however before she took flight Raven saw the something that surprised her.
The Beowolves were completely surrounding the girls location, it'd be easy enough for them to jump out and kill her before she even realized what happened. But what surprised, even shocked, Raven was when the Beowolves turned outwards rather than inwards to the girl.
'What are they doing?' Raven wondered
Not once in her life has Raven seen Grimm not attack a defenseless human, unless they were being controlled by Salem. But what would Salem care about one girl, she definitely isn't a maiden otherwise the Grimm would try taking her to Salem or some of her followers would have grabbed her by now. She didn't have Silver Eyes, as from Shady's description her eyes were pink and brown that changed between the two eyes.
'So, they aren't being controlled by Salem, there are none of her followers in the area, why aren't they attacking? Unless they can't attack her or is it they don't want to attack her.' Thought Raven narrowing her eyes at the girl her interest in her slowly rising
Who was she that the Grimm wouldn't attack her when they have the chance.
'Or better yet, why they're protecting her.' Raven realized now seeing the way the Grimm looked around as if watching for potential threats
Now isn't that interesting.
'Just who are you?' Wondered Raven watching the girls tent intently
One things for sure, Raven's going to be keeping a close eye on her. And if possible, get her to join her tribe before Ozpin or Salem discover her.
A human the Grimm protect.
*Timeskip-Vale*
Neo jumped off ship and began sneaking her way out of the docks all while reprimanding herself.
She had miscalculated the amount of Lien she had taken with her. When she had tried booking passage on a ferry she came up short, so she had to resort to stowing away on a ship bound for Vale. It made her thankful that she had an illusion based Semblance, it allowed her to disguise herself as a crewmember and walk freely around the ship and if someone suspicious nor problem, all she had to do was change her appearance again.
Once she got away from the docks Neo began looking around Vale, seeing how different it was from Mistral, along with making a mental list of she had to do.
'Let's first I have to get more Lien, should be easy enough given the amount of people out. Next finding a place to stay, which will be easier once I get more Lien. Then getting a lay of the land and finding out anything of interest.' Neo thought
The young teen then directed her attention to all the people. Blending in with the crowds Neo used her Semblance on herself to make herself look less noticeable. Moving silently between the masses Neo carefully pickpocketed several people, occasionally changing her appearance after ducking out of sight, then resuming the process.
'Like taking candy from a baby.' Neo thought smirking looking at all the Lien at she collected
She had ducked into an alley after she felt she collected enough Lien and began counting all of it.
"I must say that was rather impressive kid. A little sloppy, but given that Semblance I saw, I suppose one can afford to be a little sloppy." Said a male voice
Stiffening at the voice, Neo turned to see who it was, seeing a well dressed guy that look a good couple years older than her, maybe mid twenty. The guy had slanted, dark-green eyes and bright, long, orange hair, with long bangs covering his right eye. Black eyeliner traced his visible left eye. His attire was a red-lined white suit with long black pants and black shoes. His accessories included a small gray scarf, black gloves with buckled sleeves, and a black bowler hat with a small feather tucked into its red band.
Neo also saw the cane he was carrying, not doubting that was his weapon.
"Still you got potential, with the right teacher." Said the guy walking towards Neo and looking her over, though not like Shady did
More like the way Huntsmen look at a weapon, or something like that.
"And let me guess you're that teacher." Said Neo
"Ah a mute, or at least someone who doesn't like to talk much. But yeah, I may not have a degree, but I can say I'm the best there is at what I do. Stick with me kid and you'll be a master thief in no time." The man said spinning his cane by its handle before resting it on his shoulder
Neo contemplated the guys offer, he seemed honest and she couldn't sense any negative intention from him. Plus he seemed like the type of guy who knew his way around the city and its underbelly, and Neo could use an ally in a strange new place.
Holding out her hand the guy smirked before shaking.
"Great, partners it is then. Though I suppose we should know each other's names, Roman Torchwick." Introduced Roman
"Neopolitan, just Neopolitan. My friends call me Neo." Neo typed deciding not to include her last name
"Well Neo, I believe this is the start of a beautiful friendship. We're gonna turn this city on its head." Roman said smirking
Neo couldn't help but smile at that, knowing they'll be causing all sorts of mayhem.
And it'll be a hell of a time.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we start with Pyrrha winning her first tournament at just thirteen, reason for that is Pyrrha has been said to win the Mistral Regional Tournament four years in a row, and as she's seventeen at the start of the series that means she won her first tournament when she was thirteen. Also Neo is two years older than Pyrrha and four years older than Ruby, in case anyone didn't know or didn't figure it out. So, lots happened in this chapter Neo and Pyrrha went on a date, Neo got heartbroken and suffered from nightmares of her old life, has left home, is now on a certain Bandit Maidens radar, and met her new mentor and connoisseur of bowler hats, Roman Torchwick!
Now I'm sure most won't like how I portrayed Neo given she seems to soft and nice, but remember Neo doesn't remember anything about her past and doesn't know if she had any loved ones before her moms and Pyrrha, so she's very sensitive when it comes to their opinion of her. With Pyrrha's rejection and subsequent avoidance might as well being her not wanting to be around Neo anymore, at least to Neo that's what it is. Then there's her going dark and nearly killing Shady, that will be explained later, but feel free to guess.
That's about it then, also next chapter will have another timeskip and maybe including the start of the series. It'll also include the appearance of several other characters, along with meeting between Neo and certain red cloaked reaper. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out