Gearing Up
Ozpin and Ruby took the steps leading from the castle two at a time, in their haste they forgot to ask about correct directions or short cuts but that was quickly forgotten as they made their way to Gibbets smithie. The brownie seeing them jog over huffed out a breath and called over a couple of his workers. By the time he sent them away again to retrieve the orders the two Huntsmen were already under the roof of the open entrance.
Oz was the first to address the brownie. "I apologise for the rush but are the weapons and armour ready? Things have changed and we need to leave immediately."
Gibbet waddled over to the back and returned with two parcels. Both were almost as tall as he was and were wrapped in a soft worn cloth. Once he placed them on the tables he gestured the two over. "If I'd had more time they would appear better but I had a notion that your stay here would be short so they are pretty basic."
Ruby smiled. "That's fine with us." The smile on her face widened from ear to ear. Although she missed her beloved Crescent Rose, her sweet baby the idea of new weapons excited her, Ruby tried to keep herself still as Gibbet unraveled the cloth. She understood that here in Wonderland their weapons would be pretty limited and she was expecting something like Jaunes family sword and shield. Instead the shining metal of the blade gleamed back at her, its design was simple enough, the blade thin and straight. The guard of the blade branched out with two dagger like points. The end was a little blunter then she was expecting but with the thick White leather hilt it gave off an elegant softness about it. Something like 'Come and touch me but be careful for I bite'.
The sword seemed to be a little on the small side and as she went to pick it up the brownie frowned. "Oh no love that one is Lord Ozpin's." For the first time since meeting him, Gibbet gave her a wan smile and pointed at the other parcel. "That one is yours."
If it was possible for Ruby's eyes to pop out they would have rolled miles away by now as she gazed on the beauty laying on the table in front of her. Edged in some sort of black material the blade jutted out at the tip. Almost a third longer then Ozpin's sword it was broader through the blade and the steel a dark grey. The hilt on this sword was black as night and thin so when Ruby picked it up it only took one of her smaller hands to fit comfortably around the hilt.
After so many years of using two hands with Crescent the one handed stance felt a bit off. Yet when she held the Great sword with both hands the sword was much lighter then she was expecting and her sense of balance was off. She would need to try and find some time to practice the new weapon but as she stroked a hand over the length she could see herself using it. To protect the weak and destroy the Grimm, it was certainly a tool she would enjoy putting to good use.
Ozpin couldn't tear his gaze from the crimsonette as she gave the larger sword a few test strokes, getting a feel for the foreign blade. Gibbet had made good work and he was pleased for her. He remembered that Ruby was a bit of a weapon fanatic, one could tell from the design of her scythe that weapons were her forte. His own sword, a bastard sword he smirked with the ironicness was exactly what he wanted. Yes the blade was shorter than Ruby's monster but from the weight and shape he knew it would be simple to use. The blade itself was thin enough that it would probably pierce between the armoured plates of the Grimm and his much taller frame would make quick work and reach further then Ruby.
Ruby so engrossed in meeting her new weapon was already thinking of ways she could flourish it in battle. She was only broken from her trance-like state when Gibbet cleared his throat loudly. "I have some outfits for the two of you, just wait here a moment."
Once the brownie had disappeared into the back Ruby looked back at Ozpin, noticing that he had his eyes glue to her form and smirked. "These weapons are so cool."
"Has anyone ever told you, you're a bit of a dork about weapons." Oz raised a brow at her.
She pretended to pout but instead her grin only got bigger. "Your just mad because mine is bigger."
Oz scowled at the young woman "That's not tru-"
"~Mine is bigger than yours~" Ruby danced around the room with her new sword, grinning at the ashen haired man. Oz watched her, hands on hips and regretted only for a moment his choice of weaponry and sighed, no it wasn't the weapons fault he just didn't like to lose.
Ruby dug the tip of the sword into the ground and leaned slightly on the hilt as she grinned. "Remind me to ask Gibbet for some polish for this beauty." Ruby's eyes drifted down for a second remembering the morning.
Two could play at that game Oz thought and smiled. "Well you're welcome to polish 'my' sword anytime."
Ruby was about to agree as she did love maintaining her weapons, almost as much as using them when she caught onto what Ozpin actually meant. Polish his sw- . Ruby's face glowed bright red thinking of Oz's other 'Sword' and how she had 'Polished' it that morning.
Unfortunately before she could respond Gibbet chose that moment to return from the back. If he noticed the furious blush coating the silver eyes cheeks he ignored it and added the two newly made outfits to the table.
Ozpin was the first to remove the clothes obviously made for him. Most of it was made out of a thick leather hide in dark charcoal colour, when he tested one of the straps he was satisfied with the strength. It was probably like paper compared to Aura but with Aura's absence in Wonderland it would hopefully be enough to guard against the Grimm. Oz grabbed the gauntlets, and tested them. They were fingerless and reached up to cover his elbows, there was a little tie for tightening the leather over his bicep and he flexed his arm. It had been a long time since he wore any sort of protection but the leather hide was flexible and sturdy enough to be comfortable.
Gibbet tossed Oz a clean set of beeches and a long sleeved grey shirt. "It will fit better with these on, there's a sectioned off room for you to change. Go on." Gibbet pointed a side panelled room and Oz took the newly acquired clothed through to change. While Oz was changing Gibbet pointed Ruby across the street. "I suggest you get any supplies you need from that place. There aren't many places on the road once you leave and while the Queen has authorized 'any' supplies to be provided I would make full use of it while you can."
"I understand, we will go there next." Ruby stood where she was, she and Oz were a team for now and she knew that he wouldn't like it if she just wandered off on her own.
Gibbet gave another huff and piled the other outfit in Ruby's arms. "Go try them on then girl."
Oz, finaly dressed came out of the room barefoot, Ruby stood mouth agape as she took in how well the dark leather suited him. The chest plate seemed to stretch over his torso, fitting him like a glove. There was an extra plate of hide over the left side of his chest, a piece that protected his heart she mused. The buckles and studs stood out stark grey metal over the dark leather and as Oz reached for the greeves that sat on the floor she was treated to a view of his taut backside. The leather straps attaching his knee pads and protecting his groin area pulled the beeches tight over his covered posterior and she fantasised at how he would look like without the light colored cloth covering him.
Before Oz could turn around Ruby was racing for the side room and shutting the panel over, her heart racing and her cheeks burning she couldn't get that sight out of her mind. Ruby tried implementing some of Weiss's advice about calming down by taking long slow breaths. It took several minutes before Ruby was finally able to open her eyes again and she went straight to changing.
Thankfully Gibbet either had someone who understood her style or he was just really observant about what she had been wearing the other day. Her new clothes were really similar to what she would wear in Remnant. The black skirt had less petticoats underneath so the material fell closer to the skin instead of flaring out. The heavy thick leather fell short of her knees but thankfully didn't obstruct movement in her legs. Ruby pulled the boots closer and ran a hand over the near knee high boots in shiny black leather and black buckles.
The blouse was a deep wine red with the short sleeves and an adjustable neck tie which she left loose. While most women of wonderland seemed to wear their corsets under their clothes Ruby's was made for going on last. She could feel the thick hide padding the corset for protection and started to pull the strings tight. The corset came up and covered her chest leaving a triangle shape gap above her breasts but dipped just low enough for an observer to see the tantalising view of her curvy breasts. At least the dark materials would help her blend into the darkness she thought as she pulled her own gauntlets on and fastened the thick buckles.
Outside Oz tested the weight of his new sword, giving it a few slow swings a little aways from other people while Gibbet gave the greatsword one last clean with his polishing rag. The blacksmith brownie was pleased with his work and it showed in his gentle smile as he checked the blade over with keen dark eyes for imperfections.
Ozpin frowned again at the insigma that graced the swords hilt, the green gemstone was the same as the one on William's sword. "It's not Vorpal." Gibbet called over without looking at the ashen haired man.
Said man pointed the tip of the blade to the ground. "What do you mean?"
"That sword you'll find is very different to the one the Count uses. Although his sword is 'The' Vorpal blade and there is only one I could have made you one in a similar fashion but." Gibbets black eyes locked on to Oz. "I am been working with swordsmen a long time, even longer with the metal. I can see you are not your father's son, at least not in the fighting sense." That smile returned revealing a tiny dimple hidden in the folds around his lips. "You are more your mother's son."
This caught his attention. "You knew my mother?" Copper eyes widened, had anyone mentioned his mother being a fighter or huntress?
The brownie nodded. "No one could forget Lily, she was a force to be reckoned with that one. She also favored the bastards sword, she was rather tall so she didn't need a long blade, that and her teleporting gave her more reach than she needed. Very slender, almost painfully so but it gave her less to protect I suppose.
Ozpin tried to put a face to the woman he never knew but it was impossible, if only there had been some sort of picture. "She's dead you know."
Gibbet sighed. "Yeh, the whole of Wonderland knows lad. The day Lily left was the day Dragonstone Castle finally fell into despair." Seeing Ozpin's confused expression he continued. "You may not believe it but William Vorpal wasn't always the man he is now. There was a time when that castle was filled with laughter and joy. You could hear it echo all over Wonderland.
"And now?" Ruby pulled back the panel, having heard the end of their conversation she didn't want to eavesdrop so she walked over to Oz and leaned her head on his forearm.
"If not for the roars of the Jabberwocky, Dragonstone Castle would be silent." The brownie sighed again.
The two hunters looked at one another. Word about the Jabberwocky was everywhere and Ruby wondered just 'how' bad the creature could be, surly not anything like the Grimm? Another loud huff distracted her and Gibbet held the greatsword out to the crimsonette. "I hope these blades will do you justice on the battlefield. No one here really understands how to destroy the monsters that have come from Remnant but I have spared no time getting these weapons as powerful as I can make them."
Ozpin shifted his sword onto his hip and gave a slight bow at the smithy. "Thank you, Gibbet, I am confident we can fight off the Grimm now."
"Take care you two." Gibbet turned and walked away behind a dark curtain leaving the couple to themselves.
While Ruby stared after the smithy thinking, Oz took her sword from her hands and fixed it to the sheath that rested high on her hip. Ruby mumbled a short "Thank you," before the two left the blacksmiths.
While Oz went to collect their belonging from the Inn Ruby strolled around to the garden behind the building. She was having issues with her new weapon, mostly trying to decide whether it was easier and more balance with one hand or two. The huntress-in-training was so use to a two handed weapon she wasn't sure what to do with her spare hand. Having no sniper rifle and disorienting as well but that wasn't a huge factor. When she shifted to a two handed stance, her weapon felt too light and she had already over swung the blade twice.
Oz watched from the doorway as Ruby changed her stance again. This wouldn't do, she wasn't going to be able to fight with that weapon unless she fought with someone. He could step in and spar with her easy enough but where he could control his swings and not injure her, Ruby might get overzealous. The last thing they needed was for him to re-injure himself. Using his magic he whispered the command " riflettum!" creating a light blue shield that would hold off her attacks.
Just as she was gearing up for another swing her blade was intercepted by Ozpin. He knelt down slightly and raised his blade above his head to ward off her attack. "What the hell Oz, I could have seriously hurt you!" Ruby stepped back bringing the blade down to her side.
"I thought you might need a little practice and a sparing partner is much more efficient." Have said that he wasted no time in running towards the younger woman and going for a sweeping blow.
Ruby countered his blade, using her larger blade to stop his and shifting to the side, delivering a kick towards his shoulder. Oz jumped out of the way and twirled his sword until it was level with his hip, the tip pointing at Ruby. "You should try to use your legs more, keep both hands on the hilt to start off with and when you're not using just the sword to attack use the rest of your body as well. You rely too much on the recoil of your rifle to get around or your semblance. That's why you're off balance."
"Right, okay." Ruby charged towards him both hands holding the sword straight up in a high guard, Oz stood waiting. When Ruby was close enough he started to move his weapon to block hers but was surprised when she tilted the blade down looking very much like Qrow in that moment.
She took a deep breath and wracked her brain to remember as much of Qrow's fighting style as she could. Aside from training with him she hadn't used a sword very much. Setting her lips in a firm line she launched forward sprinting at the tall man. Her blade cleaved down cleanly across him, as Oz stepped backward out of under it.
Ruby reversed her grip like she had seen Qrow do and whipped it back up in the reverse. Their blades clashed as Ruby pushed the offensive, falling back into very old lessons from Qrow.
Ozpin smiled as she threw everything she had at him, it was fun side stepping and dodging out from under the massive blade. He also enjoyed how one little comment had cleaned up her fighting style, she wasn't playing anymore. The silver haired man stabbed out in a rapid flourish, Ruby leaped back swinging the claymore around in a circle to ward them off. Like she was fending off bullets instead of a blade. Both their magics started to rise and flex, as the warriors fell into old familiar mindsets.
Neither of them noticed this, or as the crowd collected around them. It wasn't quite the gift of Aura, but their magics did wake up and get with the program. Blows started to rain faster than the eye could follow, they danced around the garden in blurs of red and green.
Ruby was having fun, the claymore was starting to feel natural in her hand. She was limited to large wide swings while Ozpin had a much smaller target point but she loved it. She didn't notice when her eyes started to glow or when her magic started to accelerate herself past Ozpin.
Oz did though, he parried three fast strikes, Ruby jumped up and spun bringing all of her strength down for her strike. Ozpin brought both hands to his blade one of the blade as they collided with a shockwave. The power behind Ruby's strike was almost aura in nature as it cleaved a thin trench into the ground for three meters on either side of them, Oz's spell breaking with a flicker signaling the end of their sparring match.
An roar of cheers drew their attention to the gathering of citizens that had been watching the fight and Ruby grinned, her breathing labored slightly. It seemed like forever since she'd had a decent fight and now that she could feel her form improve and she felt confident in her fighting. Oz, not even out of breath walked over and stood behind a panting Ruby. The crowd started to thin, the people returning to their own business.
Oz took Ruby's hand. "Why don't we take a walk, I think our muscles are nicely loosened, don't you?"
"Hey! Excuse me please madam!" The sound of a familiar voice drew Oz's and Ruby's attention towards a towering White Rabbit as he tried to maneuver through the throng of people towards them. Knowing it could be nothing good the two started to make their way towards him.
"Rabbit, what's the matter?" Ruby was the first to address the six foot rodent.
"Its terrible Miss Ruby, simply terrible!" Rabbit was hopping all around them. None of the other citizens thought his behaviour strange as it was well know that the white rabbit was always in a hurry.
"Rabbit please calm down and tell us what has happened." Ozpin kept his voice neutral but the feeling in the pit of his stomach spoke highly that something bad had happened.
"Yes of course, of course, calmly." Rabbit tried to take a deep breath but instead his eyes bulged out even more and his voice grew erratic. "The Queen sent me, You both need to leave now! The Grimm are moving faster and they will reach Dragonstone castle within only two days!"
Ruby ran for their bags and hefted them. "We need to get to the castle now."
"Our horses are back at the Inn,-" Ozpin tried to turn back but the Rabbit stood in his path.
"Of course horses! the fastest the Queen's court has, are being prepared for you as we speak but you must go now! Please follow me." Rabbit didn't wait to see if they were behind him instead racing off at a speed unheard of for such a huge creature. Ruby and Oz took off after him racing through the crowd of people right on Rabbits tail.
The entrance to the city loomed up and Rabbit pointed out two jet black horses standing side by side. Both were geared up for travel and waiting patiently for their riders. A stable boy handed the reins over to Oz and Ruby, taking the bundle of possessions from the Silver eye and attaching it to one of the horses.
Ruby fastened her hood to her back more firmly and accepted the boost up to the horse. Once she was seated Oz gave the young woman a chaste kiss and smiled at the glowing red that painted her cheeks before jumped onto the back of the other horse. As he turned the horse round Rabbit shoved a piece of parchment into the man's hands "This is a map, it will help you get to the castle and I have marked down where the gates are. Be careful you two, this is not Remnant, we have no idea how the Grimm will affect the Jabberwocky but it can't be good."
Ruby's crimson cloak swayed as the wind picked up cooling her reddened face. "Thank you Rabbit."
Rabbit smiled quickly, pulling his pocket watch from the top pocket of his shirt. Holding it up by its chain he pointed it out. "Go now! Don't be late."
Both huntsmen nodded and spurred the horses on, they quickly grew into a gallop as Ruby and Ozpin heading out of the city gates. The forest was upon them before they knew it, but they didn't slow down. They had to make it to Dragonstone castle before the Grimm.
Thank you too: northwind132