AN: Hey everyone, I have the next chapter here. This one is an interesting one, as it has a lot of character focus and personal revelation. It also clarifies exactly what Ruby's reality marble does for those wondering. Also, if you want, tell me when is the best time of to post a new chapter? I will try to keep it consistent from now on based on the feedback. Hope you enjoy this chapter, let me know what you thought or if you have any suggestions, and have a nice day.
Chapter 51 – Heartbreaker
Pyrrha.
Pyrrha walked down the halls with a smile on her face. She made it back to her room and opened the door. As she did, Fou was there to greet her, "Fou!" The little animal said as the red-haired warrior picked her up.
As she walked in, she noticed Mash on her scroll, a smile on her face as well, "Hey Mash." Pyrrha said, slightly alarming the female shielder.
"Oh, hey Pyrrha." Mash said as she quickly put her scroll away, "How did your training go?"
"Pretty good," Pyrrha said as she sat on her bed across from Mash. She petted Fou in her lap as she talked, "I am learning a lot of new application for my polarity. If this keeps up, Vlad said he would recommend me for Grand Order."
"That's amazing!" Mash responded, "It's coming up pretty soon. They should announce the fighters for each round at the gathering." She said with Pyrrha having a look of confusion, "Oh, I guess no one told you that part. The academy has a gathering of students and faculty the day before Grand Order. It is to announce the combatants for each round, but also is a formal gathering for a lot of people to dress nice."
"Oh, like a dance." Pyrrha interpreted, "Beacon does one of those each year for its students to relax. But, some use it just to ask people out on dates." She said with Mash blushing a bit as she broke eye-contact "Is everything okay?"
"Pyrrha…I…" Mash said before she looked back to her roommate, "I…went on a date with Jaune."
"Oh," Pyrrha said in slight shock, "How did it go?"
"It was…really nice." Mash said as she started to smile, "We found a nice place to eat and spent a lot of time just talking about stuff: family, friends, past missions. It was just easy talking with him, and it really felt like he listened to me," She then looked up at the ceiling, "I learned a lot about him, and his sisters: Jeanne, Jordy, Jasmine, June, Jazz, Jasper, and Jonquil. He said they all like to travel but tries to catch up with each one at least once a year." She then had a look of worry before turning to Pyrrha, "You're not upset, are you?"
She then discovered Pyrrha smiling, "Why would I be?" She asked, "I'm happy for both you of you. You two seem like a cute couple." She said with Mash blushing, "You don't need to ask my permission to date, and neither does Jaune."
"I was just worried," Mash said, "I mean, he's your teammate."
"He is," Pyrrha responded, "But he is old enough to date whoever he wants. So are you." She had a slight giggle, "I just don't know how well your father is going to take this."
"Oh, that…" Mash said as her memory went to a few hours ago. She watched through the doorway of her father's room. Lancelot sat across from the male Ark, who sweated profusely as the black armor knight radiated a purple aura, the red of his helmet glaring into this soul, "…Yeah, that was a little tense. But, went better than I expected." She then looked back to Pyrrha, "I was going to talk with Jeanne about this, but she still hasn't come back to her room yet. I mean, with what happened with my parents and Mordred's …Arturia, relationships are something I'm not too confident with. I just…wanted to make sure I'm doing the right thing."
"You don't need to talk with Jaune's sister or me to know that," Pyrrha responded, "If you really are happy with him, then you are doing the right thing." She said with Mash smiling, "And from the look on your face, this is the happiest I have seen you."
"Thank you, Pyrrha," Mash responded, but her smile slightly faded, "But, can I ask you something personal." She said with Pyrrha nodding, a slight look of confusion on her face, "Do you… have feelings for Jaune?"
"What? I-" Pyrrha responded, but she then looked to see Mash's smile off her face. The red-harried warrior then sighed before continuing, "I…did have feelings start to form for him…but they're gone now." Mash then had a look of confusion and Pyrrha continued to pet Fou, "Back in Vale, back when we first met, he was the first boy to look at me as a friend. As we trained, I got more comfortable being around him, and started to feel something more between us than teammates." She then looked at Mash with a slight smile, "At least, that was my point of view. I don't know if he ever felt that way about me."
"What happened you're feeling about him?" Mash responded, but she then knew the answer, "His Alter." She said with Pyrrha's smile fading.
"I know he is not the same person, Jaune is nothing like him." Pyrrha responded, "But, his Alter almost killed me, he enjoyed hurting people, and every time I see Jaune, I have to take a second look to make sure I am not looking at his alter. Because of that, all my 'feelings' for him went away." She then had her smile return as she looked at Mash, "I can still look at him as a good leader and a great friend of mine, but I can't say we will ever be anything more than that now. But the way you look at him, the way you talk about him, you don't have the same problem I have."
"Pyrrha…" Mash responded with a look of sadness in her eyes, "Do you think he feels that way for me? I mean, if he didn't for you-"
"Mash, do you remember when he changed classes to shielder." Pyrrha said with Mash nodding, "The first thing he wanted to do was spend time with you. He ignored his old crush Weiss, and he ignored me." Pyrrha smiled as looked at Mash, "Jaune only has eyes on you, I'm just surprised it took him this long to ask you out."
"Pyrrha," Mash said as her smile returned, "Thank you." She said with Pyrrha smiling in response, "But, I feel a little bad now. I mean, aren't you alone here?"
"No, I felt more alone in Vale than I do here," Pyrrha responded, then she started to slightly blush, "Besides, I found someone else." She said with Mash about to ask whom.
Suddenly, the door started knocking, "Pyrrha, are you ready?" A male voice politely asked, with Mash recognizing it as the pale-skinned lancer she met before, "The bakery will only be open another hour."
"I'll be right there Karna," Pyrrha responded as Fou jumped off her lap. She then turned to Mash, who had a look of confusion, "Sometimes, you meet someone new and realizes just how much you two have in common."
"You and Karna?" Mash responded, "When did that happen?"
"Oh, I guess about a week or so." Pyrrha responded, "Our first meeting was a bit awkward, but we then started hanging out more in training and things just got easier." She then made her way to the door, as Mash still had a look of confusion, "I didn't want to distract my friends with it, so I just keep it to myself for a while. Karna was cool about it, and we get along pretty well." She said before opening the door, seeing Karna on the other end in a black jacket, black pants and dark red scarf, "Sorry for the wait, I can't wait to see what new flavors they have today." She said to Karna.
"I think the owner is trying out a new recipe for sweet cornbread," Karna said as Pyrrha had a look of interest, "If you like it, I can ask him for that recipe." She then slight giggle before the door closed behind her. Mash still had a slightly dumbfounded expression on her face as Fou jumped on her bed, falling asleep on her pillow.
Ruby.
Out in the plains in front of the Academy, Archer walked over to see Ruby combing Lobo's fur. The massive Greywolf had a slight smile as he rested his head on the grass, "It's been a while." The silver-haired man said to gain Ruby's attention.
"Oh, hey Archer," Ruby said as she turned to him. She ceased her combing, casing Lobo to have a slight look of annoyance, "Thanks again for offering to help us."
"Of course," Archer said as he scanned the area, trying to find someone, "But, where is-"
"Right here!" Iskandar said as he was behind Archer. The King of Conquerors placed his right hand on Archer's head, tussling his hair, "I appreciate your aid in our endures to unlock Ruby's potential." He said before Archer pushed his hand off him, leaving his hair matted as disheveled. Iskandar grinned as Archer pulled back his hair, "We have had some trouble recreating her reality marble. However, you were there when she created it the first time?"
"That's right," Archer said as he finished fixing his hair, "But if your suggesting we recreate the circumstances, I don't think that would be a good idea."
"Yeah," Ruby said as she placed her left hand on the side of her head, "I kind of doesn't want another headache like the last one." She then lowered her hand as she looked back to Lobo, "I made it once before when I got Lobo, but even then…" Ruby's mind then imaged herself in Iskandar's chariot high in the sky, with him and Archer then kicking her out to fall and hit the ground, "…I should probably find a better way." She then turned back to Archer, "Can you tell us more about when I activated my reality marble for the first time. Or maybe tell me how yours works."
"Well," Archer said as he placed his right hand to his chin, "Your eyes glowed as the focal point of your reality marble. Meaning, that is where the energy build-up happens that sends you, and whoever is near, to the reality marble." He then looked at her Silver eyes, remembering what Cinder told her, "It is possible the nature of your eyes gives you a certain power beyond a normal reality marble, as it is more common for the build-up of energy to happen around the user's body, but from a body part."
"Oh," Ruby said as she nodded, "So…what does that mean for me?"
Archer sighed before continuing, crossing his arms, "Individuals with silver eyes have been noted to have impressive powers beyond convention." He said as he could tell both Ruby and Iskandar about to point out his eye color, causing him to sigh again before continuing, "It varies person to person, so your unique skill is one that allows the reality marble to form the way it does." He then had a somewhat serious look at the silver eyed girl, "But what your reality marble creates is relied on who you are and what you intend to fill it with."
"Oh, I kind of get it now." Ruby responded, "So, how do recreate mine again? Because I kind of doesn't want to go to the infirmary again like our fight."
"You don't need to experience pain to call the reality marble," Archer responded, "Just the idea of the 'need' you had when you create the reality marble your prior times. That need for the power to achieve your goal." He said Ruby nodding in just understand, causing him to sigh in relief. He then began to think to himself, "Now, if only Cinder could separate her definitions of 'needs' and 'wants.' I could take her to the economic professor for a lesson on that, but…" he then heard the echoing phrase 'Gold is Good' in his mind, "…I should probably find a better way."
"Why I need it…" Ruby said to herself before she closed her eyes. She began to recall the two times she had summoned her reality marble, why did it, and what she saw. Archer and Iskandar waited in silences as Lobo looked at her in focus. Suddenly, a light began to peer through her eyelids, growing brighter as she opened her eyes. Once she did, a silver light filled the area.
Archer and Iskandar closed their eyes in the light. When they opened them, they found themselves in the white void that was the silver eyed girl's reality marble, "Impressive, you didn't really need my help after all-" Archer was saying, however, he cut himself off upon seeing Ruby fall to her knees, vomiting downward in to the emptiness of the void, "Ruby!"
"Ahh, I'm good, but my head feels like it is going to split open," Ruby said as she put her right hand over her right eye. Iskandar walked over and patted her on the back, she turned back to him and smiled, "Thanks…I think I stand up." Ruby said as Iskandar nodded, giving her space. She then started to stand up, her knees wobbling. Just as it looked like she was about to fall over, Lobo walked over to him Rider, allowing Ruby to use his body as a crutch, "Thanks Lobo." Ruby said with a weak smile, Lobo slightly nodding.
Lobo then heard a wolf howl. He turned his head to see Blanca in the distance, causing him to howl back. Iskandar looked over to the wolves, placing his right hand on his chin, "Hmmm."
"What are you think?" Archer asked the King of Conquerors.
"I am trying to see how this reality marble works." Iskandar responded, "What exactly it creates or stores within this seemingly endless void. You see, Ruby told me that white wolf is the mate for Lobo that died before the rider process." He then turned to see Ruby looking over the area, "Something amiss?"
"Where's my Mom?" Ruby said as her breathing became sporadic, "I…I…"
"Don't worry Ruby," Archer commented as he examined the area, "She is probably hiding and won't come out unless one of us attacks you." He then began to sigh as he searched, "It's not like she would be easy to spot-" Suddenly, he cut himself off. His eyes widening as he looked directly in front of him. Ruby and Iskandar turned to him, wondering the cause for his silences. The two then noticed a new person standing before him, a teenage girl in what looked like a pure white school uniform, vest, and skirt. Her hair was long and white but had a red ribbon tried on the left side. Her eyes were purple as she smiled at Archer, "…Sakura…" Archer said as he looked at the girl, who gave a slight nod.
"Sakura?" Ruby asked, "Who's that?"
"She looks like Sakura Matou, Archer's old teammate." Iskandar commented, "But she died years ago." Suddenly, Iskandar had a realization as he lowered his hand from his chin, "Ruby, I think I have figured out how your reality marble works. But first, I want to meet someone."
"Who?" Ruby said as she looked over to see Iskandar unsheathe his sword, raising it over his head. He had a larger grin as he looked down at Ruby, "Eh?" Ruby responded as Lobo began to growl.
Suddenly, Iskandar's grin turned into a smile as he closed his eyes. Slowly, he returned his sword to his side, "You were right Archer." He said as he opened his eyes part way, turning his head to look behind him, "There she is." He then said as he saw the white clocked woman glaring at him. The pale scythe in her handed aimed at the veins in his neck, "A protective Mother indeed."
"Mom!?" Ruby said as she moved to look past Iskandar, seeing the woman in white clearer than before, "It really is you." Ruby said as she smiled, tears forming her eyes.
"Ruby…" Archer said, causing her to turn to him still looking at Sakura, "They aren't real. You and I both know that." He said as he looked at the White Sakura, "…My teammate is dead, your mother is dead, that white dog is dead." He said with Lobo now growling at him, "The dead don't come back."
"Archer…" Ruby responded before she could continue. She noticed a teardrop fall from Archer's face into the white void. A moment of silences fell over the area until Ruby turned back to the White Summer Rose, who lowered her scythe.
Iskandar then sighed before he turned around to face his attacker, slightly bowing his head as he placed one hand on his chest, "I apologize, I was merely hoping to lure you out. I have no intention of hurting your daughter." He said with Ruby and Archer looking to him. The White Summer Rose nodded as she holstered her scythe behind her back. Before she could react, Iskandar picked her up, hugging her, causing both Ruby and Archer's eyes to widen, "Now let me properly introduce myself. I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors, Rider Professor of Chaldea Academy, and Mentor of the Young Rose." He said as The White Summer Rose was being squeezed, "You should be very proud of your daughter."
"Iskandar, were you not listening to me?" Archer angerly responded, "I said-"
"I know what you said, and you are wrong." Iskandar interrupted, "People can always live on, even after death." He said before letting go of the White Summer Rose, turning to Archer and Ruby, "Let me show you." He said before a light-bluish aura radiated and exploded from his body.
"What are you-?" Archer was saying before he realized the King of Conquerors plan, "Are you insane!" he shouted back as his widened in fear.
"What?" Ruby asked Archer, "What is he doing?"
"Taking us to his reality marble!" Archer responded, "While we're still in yours!"
"Oh…what's going to happen to us," Ruby responded back.
"Let's find out!" Iskandar said before his aura radiated around the white void. Ruby shielded her eyes from the light as it passed over her. Once she felt it was over, she opened her eyes. However, she gasped in astonishment as discovered herself in a desert. Upon quickly looking over the area, all she saw was endless sand in every direction under the blue sky, "See!" She then turned to see Iskandar standing proudly next to Archer, who was checking his body for any missing limbs, "We are fine." The King of Conquerors said before laughing.
Ruby then smiled as she saw Lobo walk up to her. She then noticed that they were the only ones to be teleported to this new reality marble, "So…is your reality marble?" Ruby commented as she pets Lobo, "It seems kind of…plain." She said with Archer then looking at her with disapproval, "…Oh, yeah." Ruby said with a giggle as she realized her comment, "I guess I can't be one to judge."
"Do not be so quick to assume, Young Rose." Iskandar said as he crossed his arms, standing tall, and smiling, "I have lived a full life as Heroic Spirit for Apocrypha. In doing so, I have met countless people who have pledged their loyalty to me in the name of conquerors over this region and war on Grimm of all kind." As he spoke, Ruby felt the sand at her feet shake, "And while many have fallen at my side, they still live on in my heart, mind, and very soul." Ruby then looked to see something approaching over the horizon. Her eyes then widened as she realized what it was, an army. Many were soldiers with only a spear and padded armor, but every person looked different than the other as they marched. Each walked over the mound of sand as Iskandar stretched out his arms, "They're bodies may be destroyed, but they have been reborn in my Reality Marble as Heroic Spirits like you and I. The bond I shared with them as my greatest treasure, my path to kingship, the Ultimate Noble Phantasm I possess, Ionian Hetairoi!" The King of Conquerors declared with his army cheering in response.
"Wow!" Ruby responded, "That's so cool!" She then had a realization about what she saw in her reality marble, "So…who I make in my reality marble…is not the actual person, but the memory of that person in real form."
"I believe so," Iskandar said as he heard a horse approach them, with Ruby recognizing it as Bucephalus, "However, while mine is limited to those I have met." He said as he petted his horse, "You can see into the hearts of anyone to expand your reality marble. Making them as real as real can be in your own world."
Ruby still had a look of confusion, until she felt Lobo bump against her. He looked up at her with a stoic expression, but with a slight look of happiness in his eyes. Ruby smiled as she looked at him, "Lobo seems happy to have met Blanca in my reality marble." She said as she had a slight tear form in her eyes, "And…I'm really happy I have a way to see my mom again." She wiped away the tear before looking to the silver-haired man, "And Archer, it must have been nice to your friend again, right?"
"…Right." Archer responded before turning to Iskandar, "Can you please return us to Apocrypha?"
"As you wish, and I thank you for your help today," Iskandar said before he glowed in the same light as before. as the process repeated, the four returned to the plains in front of Chaldea, "Do you have any last advice for the Young Rose?"
Archer then turned back to the silver eyed girl, "Ruby…you have a powerful reality marble." He said before closing his eyes, "It seems to create the new person based on someone you pull into it," He then started to walk away, "Be careful who you use it on, because if that is what you can create, there is no telling how some people will react to it."
"Oh…okay," Ruby said as she waved goodbye. As he left, she turned to Iskandar, "What did he mean by that?"
"That we should plan before using that reality marble again." Iskandar said as he walked over to her, "I think it would before the best if we train your mental resistance so that you don't pass out upon creating it ever again." He then looked down to see a look of worry on her face, "Something else the matter?"
"Did Archer…" Ruby responded, "Did Archer seem angry at me?" She said as she looked up at Iskandar, "Like, he wanted to tell me to never use my reality marble again or someone, but didn't say it?"
"Well, he has his reasons." Iskandar commented, "Your reality marble is somewhat an invasion of privacy when you think about it, so I would not use it unless it is absolutely necessary. Not to abuse its ability."
"Oh, I guess that makes sense." Ruby responded before she realized something, "Oh no!" Ruby said in shock, causing both Iskandar and Lobo to look at her in worry, "I forgot to ask Archer if I could see his reality marble."
Iskandar began to laugh as Lobo seemed to sigh, "What, was mine not impressive enough?"
"Nononono, yours was really cool." Ruby frantically defended, "I just…wanted to see all the weapons he has made." She said with a giggle as Iskandar laughing again. However, she thought to herself as she realized something, "Now that I know what mine does, I can tell my friends about my reality marble." She thought but hid the feeling of worry she was now stuck with, "I hope they…they don't look at me like Archer just did."
AN: There you go, a very character focused chapter. You see Mash being a lot more expressive than before now and Pyrrha now showing a lot more independence in her own character arc. Also, you see Karna and Pyrrha being a couple that happened in the background, which is meant to be the final note in why Pyrrha/Jaune won't happen, (It's not that I didn't like that ship like one with Jaune/Wiess, but I wanted each of these characters to discover other people in this story). We also see how Ruby's reality marble works in more detail, acting as a mix of Iskandar and Shakespeare's in that it creates as person that someone has lost in their life. Each time she uses it, a random person she brings in or herself, is the catalyst of who the person is created for. (So, in the three times she has used it now: Summer Rose from Ruby herself, Blanca from Lobo, and Sakura from Archer. This ability also stacks with each time she uses it). Each is a person in white that lives in the void and can move freely in the dimensions. I will remake the servant sheet before the Grand Order happen and I will classify her reality marble as an Anti-Heart one. We all see Iskandar show off the coolest Noble Phantasm in my opinion, and Archer showing a lot of restraint at this situation. That is all for now, thanks for reading, and hope to see you in the next chapter.
