The Kengan Reaper Chapter 1: A New Representative Competitor?!
The fighter took another hit to his ribs, and dropped his guard. His form was crumpling.
Jaque Schnee watched impassively as his company's representative competitor starts to give ground to his opponent. The prize for today's match was a hundred-million yen dock that Jaque could've used to export his company's product out off. His loss here wouldn't mean anything substantial for his company-Profits were still flying through the roof, after all-but this is still the fifth loss in a row my company has suffered in a Kengan match, one after another no less. Jaque was a businessman-and a damn fine one at that-so it shouldn't have been much of a surprise he didn't have the keenest eye when it came to fighting, but these repeated losses were still definitely a problem. Well, I technically haven't lost this one yet, perhaps he could turn it around.
Of course, just as he thinks this their fighter-a 36 year old karate practitioner-is hit with a rather heavy looking kick to the head and falls to the ground. "Match over! Winner… Shoya Wakimoto!" the referee announced as Jaque sighs. His secretary and daughter, Winter, makes a similar sound of displeasure. Weiss-his youngest daughter-on the other hand, seems a lot more troubled.
"Father… what does this loss mean for the Schnee spice company?" she asks, concerned.
Jaque places a hand on her shoulder. "Less than you would think, Weiss. This is another thing you'll need to learn about business. This fight only ever amounted to a new potential source of income. The loss is discouraging, but considering we already have so many others, it's nothing to be too concerned about."
Weiss nodded dutifully. For the briefest of moments, Jaque feels a warm pride well up in his stomach, and almost smiles. But… a Schnee does not show such emotions in public. Winter speaks up, "While your words are far from incorrect, father. I would remind you that this is our fifth loss in a row in the Kengan matches. Our strength in the Kengan association is emblematic of our strength as a company. As such, these losses are not to be taken lightly."
Jaque eyes his eldest daughter. "I'm aware, Winter," he tells her. He turns back to the crowd of Kengan association employees-cheering and socializing with the winning corporation-before looking back to his children. "There's nothing left for us here, let's return to our car," he demands.
Winter inclines her head, "Of course, father." Jaque escorts his daughters out of the rundown warehouse which had been chosen as the destination for the match. In his head, he's already making plans to find a new representative competitor. Winter words echo in his head as he does. I need to find someone truly strong to represent my company, someone who can equal my power in their fighting ability.
"Hey there!" a voice cuts through the silence like a knife, interrupting Jaque's thoughts. His head whips to the side, where a figure emerges from a shadowed alleyway between two buildings. Once they step into the light, he's met with a young girl. She couldn't have been any older than Weiss, but the way she carried herself made her feel much older. She had short black hair-dyed red at the ends-and wore a black and tan corset with red trim. Oddly enough, she also wore a crimson red cloak on her shoulders. If he were being frank, he'd say she looked like a punk. The thing is… no average street punk would approach him with such casual disregard. Jaque knew people pretty well, and he was pretty sure this woman had approached him with an offer.
"Sorry if I startled you! I know it's a bit odd, me coming up to you out of the blue like this." she said with a sheepish grin, scratching the back of her head.
Weiss took a step forward. "Excuse you, miss," his daughter intoned with a certain level of haughty superiority. "I'm not sure why you took it upon yourself to try and harass my family, but I'll have security deal with you if you don't clarify why it is you approached us right now," she demanded.
The silver-eyed girl smiled at him brightly. "Well… I was hoping you guys would make me your new representative competitor."
…
Jaque immediately brings the girl-Ruby Rose, as she introduced herself-to his office. Winter stands to the side of him while Weiss stood at the back, next to the door. Jaque Schnee was not normally the type of man to invite random street ravel into his office, but two years in the Kengan association had made him more open to these types of experiences. He could still think back to when he'd first been informed of its existence. He'd been at a complete loss of words back then, when the bloodsport that was the Kengan matches were explained.
The Kengan matches are, essentially, a proxy war where corporations send in representative competitors to fight each other. In all of these fights there is something both companies are vying for, like the rights to the dock I just lost. Like Winter said before, the proxy fighters we use in the Kengan matches are emblematic of the strength we possess as a company. So choosing Ruby Rose to be my representative competitor isn't something I can decide on a whim.
Jacque had made sure to double the usual security detail in his company for that day, both as a means of protection if Ruby turned out to be dangerous and to test the girl in question. Someone who is cowed by the sight of a few stuffed shirts doesn't have the courage or presence required to represent someone as powerful as him. However, Ruby hadn't reacted to his men in the slightest. Well, that wasn't quite true, she'd clearly noticed their presence, but her composure made it clear she hadn't considered them a threat. He hadn't said a word to her since they entered, but Ruby's attention remained focused solely on him. That showed Jacque just how serious she was about her request. As if approaching me in broad daylight after my loss wasn't enough.
"I'm sure you understand, Ruby Rose, that I'll need some confirmation of your strength before I consider having you as my competitor," he intones.
Ruby tilts her head to the side in confusion. "Wouldn't a Kengan match be the best way to show my strength? Just put me in one and then you'll know how strong I am," she tells him.
Jacque's eye twitches and he has to physically stop himself from shouting in anger. Th-the complete arrogance of this brat! Even the most lowbrow Kengan matches can have many millions on the line! She's asking me to throw all of that away just so she can prove herself to me! Is she just that confident? Or is it plain stupidity?
Jacque rests his chin in his hands and leans forward. "I'm sorry, miss Rose, but you don't seem to understand-"
"Father, I think we should acquiesce to Ruby Rose's request," Winter declares, interrupting him.
"...Pardon?" Jacque says slowly, as if testing the word on his tongue. Winter had spoken against some of his decisions in the past-the loss that day being a prime example-but she had never done so in front of another person, let alone with such conviction.
"Jacque Schnee could not comprehend his daughters actions at that time, but the reason for Winter Schnee's inexplicable behavior is rather simple. She… is a fighter! Having studied many different types of self defense when she was younger, Winter had become an adept martial artist by the type she was thirty! At one point, she had even been the Schnee Spice company's representative competitor in the Kengan matches. However, that same woman-Winter Schnee-was being completely overwhelmed by the aura of Ruby Rose! A woman who she had just met, and never seen fight in her life!"
Winter walked around the desk to stand beside Ruby. Jacque eyes her suspiciously, but even he couldn't stop the shocked expression that came across his face when his own daughter bowed to him. "Forgive me father, I was not trying to be disrespectful. But… I can already tell, even without having seen her in action, that this woman has more than enough strength to represent our company, and make us a feared and powerful force in the Kengan association."
Ruby shuffles awkwardly in her seat. "Um, I appreciate the sentiment, I really do, but don't you think it's kinda early to be dumping that kinda pressure on me?" she suggests with an awkward laugh.
She goes ignored by Jacque. In all of his life, he has never seen Winter say anything with as much certainty as she had this, just now. In the face of that, all logical business sense slowly leaves him like air leaving a balloon. So, for possibly the first life in his entire fifty-seven years of life, he sets aside all of his knowledge and pride, and listens to his daughter. "Do you believe she can beat some of the associations upper echelon?" he has to ask. Even though he may be listening, he's far from agreeing to this outrageous proposal.
Winter stands to her full height and looks him in the eye. "Yes. I do."
Jacque leans back into his chair. "And Metsudo Katahara?"
This makes Winter hesitate-as Jacque expected it would-but eventually, she responds. "Perhaps…"
What else was there to say?
His daughter-who had been one of the only competitors in the Schnee Spice Company's history to claim a victory in the Kengan matches-had assured him that this nineteen year old girl had the strength to give Metsudo Katahara a run for his money. He'd have to be a complete idiot to not put someone as powerful as that as his representative competitor.
Even with his daughters assurances, however, he still wanted to see the kind of power miss Rose was apparently packing.
"...I'll see what I can do," Jacque assures.
Ruby-who had more or less been ignored this entire exchange-lights up with excitement. "Wait, so you mean-!"
"Ruby Rose," Jacque intoned, silencing her immediately. "From now on, you will be our company's representative competitor. I hope you don't disappoint."
Ruby smiles brightly at him. "Don't worry! I'll definitely win whatever fight you have planned for me!"
…
I can't believe it actually worked out…
The thought buzzes around Ruby's head like a bee while she lies on her bed. The apartment she's currently living in is-in her mind-the most middle class home anyone could own. Her room was rather spartan, but this was only meant to be a temporary dwelling, so it didn't bother her. Jacque Schnee had placed her in a Kengan match set three days from now, and that left her more than a little nervous.
Not because she expected to lose, of course. Ruby was as sure of her own strength as Winter Schnee seemed to be(hah, rhyme!). She was uneasy because she didn't know what level the Kengan matches were at. From the way Jacque had described them, it seemed like they're the most competitive fighting circuit in all of Japan. That was pretty intense, to say the least. Well, if that's true anyway.
The problem with not knowing the level of the Kengan matches came with not knowing how much force she needed to use. If Ruby overestimated her opponents power and went all out, she would kill them. On the other hand, if she underestimated their power she might lose, and then she'd never be able to find-
Her doorbell rings.
Ruby shoots up instantly, and her eyes narrow. She hadn't been expecting any visitors today, so the sudden arrival left her on edge. Regardless, she dragged herself out of bed and to her living room, where the door leading out of her apartment was. After a little deliberation, Ruby turns the knob and opens the door.
Well, this certainly wasn't what she was expecting.
"Hey, aren't you that crabby girl who was with Jacque?" she asks.
White hair done up in a side tail, crystal blue eyes and a perpetual frown that she only seemed to direct at her. If this wasn't Weiss Schnee, then she hired a damn good lookalike. Unfortunately, the 'crabby girl' didn't seem very pleased with her new moniker. "I'd ask you to refrain from using such childish insults in my presence, Ruby Rose," she demands.
Ruby scratches the back of her head sheepishly. "Whoops, hehe… it just sorta slipped out, sorry," she amends. Weiss doesn't look placated in the slightest. Cringing, Ruby opens the door fully for her and says, "Well, uh, would you like to come in?"
Weiss sighs heavily but relents, stepping into the apartment. Ruby closes the door behind her and follows Weiss to the kitchenette. "Your home is about as pedestrian as I expected," she remarks.
"Well that tends to happen when you're, uh… y'know, a pedestrian," she says, unsure how to respond to such a bizarre statement. "Hey, uh, Weiss. I don't mean to pry when you guys are the ones who sponsored me, but what are you doing here?"
Weiss finally stops inspecting her home and turns to face her. "It might come as a surprise to you, Ruby Rose, but my father saw fit to make me your manager, in the Kengan matches," she informs her. She's right, that does come as a surprise to Ruby, but only because of how young this girl is. She's only a year older than her at twenty.
"Huh… alright then. Did you need me for something, manager?" Ruby asks after a few seconds of silence.
Weiss' eyes narrow, and the atmosphere feels like it drops several degrees. Ruby has felt this type of pressure before, but is surprised to see it coming from someone who, to her knowledge, isn't a fighter. "I want to make something perfectly clear, miss Rose. I don't trust you." The declaration hardly comes as a surprise for Ruby, but she has a feeling this girl has more to say.
"You're inexplicable timing and abrupt winning of my sister's favour are simply… too unnatural. I'll admit, I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to this bloodsport, but I do know business. And in the business world, if something seems too good to be true, it definitely is." Weiss takes a breath, and the rooms temperature seems to lift a bit. Damn, did she write this out on a piece of paper beforehand? Ruby can't help but wonder.
"Why do you want to fight in the Kengan matches?" she asks, and this question genuinely surprises Ruby. "There's no reason that a normal person would want to participate in a fight with the possibility of death, so you must have some sort of reason for fighting, and for asking to be our company's representative competitor. If you tell me why that is, then I might have more of a reason to trust you."
Ruby had to admit, she was pretty impressed. She hadn't met a lot of people with this girl's kind of insight. And to have that kind of insight at so young… well, it was pretty damn incredible. Still… it's not like I can tell her the actual reason.
Ruby sighed and closed her eyes. "I get it, you know. Your company is putting a lot on the line in each of these matches, so they need to be sure of their competitors strength. But, the reason I fight… well, I don't think it should really matter to you."
Weiss sputters in shock. "E-excuse me-?!"
"All your company really needs to know… is my strength," Ruby interrupts. Then, she smiles brightly. "So don't worry about the small stuff so much! I'll show you how strong I am during the match in a few days, and then you'll know you can trust me as your competitor for sure!" she cheered, never once dropping her smile.
Unfortunately, Weiss' temper doesn't seem assuaged by Ruby's words in the slightest. She looks ready to explode at any second, and Ruby prepares herself for a barrage of heated insults. Instead, the woman named Weiss Schnee turns on her heel, and storms out of her apartment without another word shared. The door slams behind her, and Ruby winces at the sound. Now alone in the safety of her apartment, Ruby lets out a heavy sigh.
"Way to go, Ruby. You just pissed off the daughter of your boss."
…
Soon enough, it was time for the Kengan match.
Weiss stood behind her father and sister as they conversed with the opposing company. Roman Torchwick of Torchwick removals was a rather shrewd looking man. His bright orange hair, bowler hat and gaudy white business suit combined with the cigar in his mouth gave off the impression of someone who desperately wanted everyone's attention. He was rather young compared to most of the employees of the Kengan association, who averaged around fifty. She supposed he was rather charming, but the arrogant smirk that seemed a constant fixture on him made him less than appealing to Weiss.
"Well color me impressed, Frosty. It looks like you actually managed to find yourself a halfway decent competitor," he drawled, taking a puff of his cigar. His observations drew Weiss' eyes to said fighter. Ruby Rose… she found the woman completely insufferable. Demanding the Schnee Spice company's complete faith in her, and yet providing nothing in return. But… Winter seemed to believe she was worth the effort, and her father supported that decision, so she held her tongue for now.
"Of course, I know for a fact she can't measure up to my Neo," he continues, placing his hand on top of the short girl's head. Neopolitan was… strange. Her hair and eyes were both two different colors, and the small smile she constantly wore seemed unbefitting of a competitor. She was also Torchwick's adopted daughter, apparently, as Weiss had discovered after a bit of research.
Her father sighed and closed his eyes. "As entertaining as your bards are, I'm afraid that, for today, I'll be claiming the victory," he announced.
Torchwick looked surprised by Jacques announcement. "Well I'll be damned. You must be pretty confident in your fighter, especially considering your reputation around here," he claimed with another smug grin. "Either way, I guess we'll find out in the match." He turns to leave, and Neo takes a second to look at Ruby before mimicking his motion. "See you soon enough, frosty!" Torchwick called with a wave. Weiss knows it's improper for a Schnee to show anger in public, but she can't help glaring at the back of Torchwick as he walks away.
"That girl's pretty strong," Ruby observes, speaking for the first time since they arrived at the venue. The 'venue' being a dilapidated speakeasy which had closed down close to forty years ago.
"Indeed," Winter responds, turning to their representative competitor. "She's been Torchwick Removal's premiere competitor for two years now, and has a Kengan match record of thirty-one wins, zero losses. Her power as a fighter can't be questioned," she informed her.
Ruby whistles lowly. "A thirty-one win streak, huh? This is gonna be rough," she comments.
Jacque turns to her with a critical eye. "Do you mean to say you don't think you can win?" All of Weiss' fears come crashing to the surface. Had she been right all along? Had Ruby been wasting their time? She should've spoken up earlier. Should've told her father that-
"What? No. I meant it'll be pretty rough on her employer when I break it," she tells them with a grin. This one is different to the previous smiles she had shown them, however. Something behind her expression seemed much more… primal. It takes a second for Weiss to place it, but when she does she feels more at ease than a moment ago.
She's ready to fight.
…
Before long, the match is ready to begin, and the hundred or so Kengan association employees have formed a sizable circle in the middle of the speakeasy. Inside the circle, Ruby and Neo stand opposite each other. They are dressed differently, of course, donning clothes better suited to the bloodsport they were about to engage in. Ruby now wears a loose black tank top and a pair of crimson red athletic shorts. Oddly enough, she still wore the bright red cloak that had been a part of her casual attire.
Stood opposite her, Neo wore a white sports bra and athletic shorts of the same color. A pair of black fingerless gloves adorned her hands. As the competitors stretched and prepared to battle, the Kengan employees loudly conversed between themselves. Father had explained their purpose before to her. They were to record and report the results of the matches, but they also simply enjoyed the spectacle of it all, and liked to place bets on the could hear them exchanging money between hands even now.
"I placed twenty-thousand on Neo. I have a lot to spare and it's a safe bet."
"No kidding. I don't know who the new Schnee competitor is, but considering their record I doubt it'll matter. They really dropped the ball when they removed Winter as a competitor, I would've put some money on her."
"Yeah, but this new girl's kinda cute, isn't she?"
Similar remarks and conversations were being held throughout the venue, but they quickly died down when the referee entered the arena. The referee-a short, fat, bald man-gestured toward Neo. "Fighting for Torchwick Removals, Neopolitan Torchwick! And fighting for the Schnee Spice company, we have, Ruby Rose!" the crowd cheered their approval as the referee continued. "Fighters, take your stance!" he cried, and they did so. Neo crossed one arm over her chest and extended the other forward while shifting her left foot in front.
Ruby, meanwhile, extended her left hand forward by about forty-five degrees while keeping her right close to her face. Her left foot was facing forward as well, but was much less extended than Neo's. "It's a rather compact stance… I imagine miss Rose intends to be on the defensive till she has a better grasp of her opponents skills," Winter commented.
Weiss turns to her. "Winter, do you know what martial art Ruby uses?" she couldn't help but ask.
Winter was noticeably silent. "I'm unsure… but that stance is emblematic of kickboxing."
Jacque takes that opportunity to speak up. "I suppose… we will discover that during the match," he states. Winter nods and Weiss turns her attention back to the match. The referee now stands between the two fighters.
"Ready… and begin!" he shouts, swinging his arm down to signify the start of the match.
Ruby immediately bolts forward, her form becoming an indistinguishable mass of red and black as she closes on Neo. So fast! Weiss thinks, startled. Ruby lunges forward with a right straight which Neo barely catches on her forearm. She too seems surprised by her opponents insane speed, but quickly regains her composure and shifts to the side, turning Ruby's blow askance. This doesn't stop her from continuing her assault, lashing out with her heel. Neo catches Ruby's side kick and turns it to the left, mitigating the damage to herself.
Realizing that she can't keep up with Ruby's blistering speed, Neo takes up the offensive. Her jab is swatted aside by Ruby's offhand, and she dances out of the way of the low kick which Neo had been trying to hide with her punch. She doesn't let up in her rush, throwing out a barrage of punches, kicks and elbows that Ruby evades with a surprising amount of ease. "Neo is a mixed martial artist, meaning her strikes are meant to change at a moment's notice in order to throw off her opponent. The fact that Ruby is able to dodge her blows so easily is a testament to her skill." Winter mentions.
Weiss is inclined to agree, despite her lack of knowledge when it comes to fighting. However, something still seems off to her about Ruby's fighting style. Neo throws a high kick, and Ruby quickly ducks under the blow before countering with a punch to Neo's ribcage. That's when it clicks for her. "Winter," she says, unable to keep quiet. "Why is it that Ruby choses to evade all of Neo's blows instead of blocking? I remember you telling me one time that it's better to block because it uses less energy, so why is she expending all the energy dodging?" she can't help but ask.
Winter seems surprised, but is quick to respond. "You're right… that is curious. Perhaps it's a way of inflicting mental damage? I know many fighters would find it discouraging to see all their blows evaded. Still, doing so will only fatigue her in the long run, it's not a smart tactic…"
"I'm not sure what the two of you are getting at," Jacque interrupts, speaking up. "Ruby Rose doesn't look tired in the slightest to me," he comments, and this single statement shifts Weiss' perspective of the match. He's totally right, Ruby hasn't even broken a sweat. Is her stamina that incredible? She wonders.
Neo throws a front kick, and Ruby moves.
Much like the start of the match, the woman known as Ruby Rose disappears in a flash of red and black. When she's visible again, Ruby is standing to the side of Neo while the former still has her leg extended. Ruby springs into action, bringing Neo to one knee with a heavy low kick. Before she can think of standing up, Ruby brings her arm down in a vicious elbow that connects with Neo's head. She crumples to her hands and knees, and Weiss feels an unexplainable burst of excitement in her chest.
Now, finish it! She thinks, a rare grin chancing upon her face. Ruby brings her fist down in what looks like a brutal straight aimed at the back of her opponents head-!
Neo kicks her in the face.
The sudden shift in momentum is enough to give Weiss whiplash. Neo 'stands' supported entirely by one hand, her right leg extended in a powerful kick. She springs back to her feet with a cheeky smile, and reassumes her stance from the start of the match. Ruby had backed away as soon as Neo's kick had connected with her chin, and the smallest stream of blood now dribbles from her mouth.
She takes the time to wipe it away with one hand, before taking a stance again. "That sure as hell wasn't like any MMA strike I've seen before," she comments with a surprising amount of calm. "I'm guessing we're both pretty unorthodox fighters, then."
Neo-being a mute; another thing Weiss had found out through her research-simply smiled. "This is where Neo's true strength lies," Winter comments, observing the match with surgical precision. "She isn't just a skilled MMA fighter, she's also an excellent gymnast. Neo uses her acrobatic prowess to attack her opponents with irregular strikes, which are hard to defend against. From here on out, Ruby's abilities will be put to the test."
Weiss takes in her sisters words, and turns to Ruby. Can she really hope to keep up with something like that? The fight up to this point had been fairly even, with Ruby only taking control of the match at the very end. Now that Neo was taking this seriously, who knew how she would hold up?
No more words were exchanged before the fight continued. Neo took the initiative this time, charging in and throwing a jab-cross combo. Ruby evades both but is left unprepared when Neo abruptly throws herself into a backhand spring, kicking with both legs. Ruby swerves out of the way of both, but it's close. But Neo isn't done yet, from her unnatural position, she pushes off her hands and throws her body forward in an improvised dropkick. Weiss winces as she imagines that connecting with Ruby.
Neo's blow hits nothing but air.
Weiss is left in shock along with much of the crowd when Ruby appears above Neo. With an acrobatic twirl, she unleashes with her heel and slams it into Neo's solar plexus. The mute girl is left in complete disbelief as she comes crashing to the ground. Ruby makes to attack her downed opponent, but she has enough sense to roll out of the way. Ruby's hand strikes the concrete and splinters it, and Weiss is left in awe at the girl's power.
"Unpredictable strikes are the basis for all techniques in the Rose style. I'm more than prepared to defend against them," Ruby declares, returning to her fighting stance. Then, she smiles, that same bright smile Weiss had seen her use multiple times now. "That being said, you're pretty incredible! I don't know a lot of people who would've been able to react as fast as you did after taking a blow like that."
Neo, unable to respond, simply grimaced and rose to her feet. She takes a deep breath before settling into a stance herself. This one is different from the one she'd been using before. Her right foot isn't extended as much and she stands on her toes instead of flatfooted. On top of that, her hand placement is reflective of Ruby's. Ruby herself is still smiling throughout all of this.
"Alright, I'm gonna take it up a notch, though. Can you keep up?" she asks rhetorically. And one more time, Ruby moves. Weiss isn't sure where her incredible speed comes from, but she can somehow instinctively tell that when Ruby becomes a blur of red and black, that this is a technique of her 'Rose style'. She shoots forward like a bullet and looks to be throwing another straight, but just before she reaches Neo, something changes. Ruby abruptly abandons her punch and leaps forward, staying low to the ground. With a spin, she launches a rolling kick in midair. Neo, clearly unprepared for so unorthodox an attack, eats it and staggers back.
Ruby doesn't let up for a second, slapping her hands down and twirling to her feet. She brings her leg around, aiming to sweep Neo's leg, but by now she's recovered and dodges. Using her signature acrobatic combat, she leaps into an aerial before lashing out with her heel. The kick aimed for Ruby's head is dodged when she throws herself onto one hand and kicks from her upside down position, much like Neo had not too long ago. She catches Ruby's blow on her forearms and jumps back.
This time, Ruby doesn't give her any time to recover and rushes forward. Her fist crashes against Neo's jaw, and a spurt of blood comes with it. Neo, surprising Ruby and much of the audience, takes hold of Ruby's wrist and drags her forward. Neo stares intently into the eyes of her opponent, and…
Doesn't do anything else. Ruby, having recovered quickly, rams an elbow into her sternum. She follows up with a left cross, but… punches to the side of Neo's head. "What…? Did she miss?" Weiss couldn't stop herself asking, totally bewildered. Neo quickly takes back the flow of the match, hitting Ruby with a punishing knee before driving her elbow into her face. Ruby staggers back and falls to one knee, before quickly leaping back and rising to a stand.
"What the hell…?" Ruby exhales, echoing the thoughts of Weiss. Blood drips from her nose like a leaking faucet, and her breathing is labored.
"I don't understand. Ruby was in control of the match just a second ago, what changed? Why did she miss?" Weiss asks, unable to hide her frustrations.
"She didn't miss," Winter cuts in. She turns to her sister, about to voice her objections, but Winter continues before she can. "Or at least, she thinks she didn't. Everything about that punch, from the way it was thrown to her follow through, was done as if she had just made contact with Neo's jaw. In Ruby's mind, there was no question that her attack had hit her. So the question is, what did Neo do to distort Ruby's mind like that?"
Weiss looks back to the fight. Distort her mind? When could Neo have done that, and how? As soon as she thinks to ask the question, the answer comes to her. "It must've been right then," she exclaims, surprising her father and sister. "When Neo pulled Ruby close and stared at her, that's when she distorted her mind." Jacque narrows his eyes after Weiss' realization, turning his gaze towards Neo's employer. Roman Torchwick stands near the back of the arena, leaning against a wall, the biggest grin plastered on his face.
" Heterochromia iridum is a genetic disorder where one's pupils appear to be two different colors. It is an incredibly rare disorder and typically does not have any extranaive effects on the person who suffers from it. The exception to this being Neo herself, of course! By taking advantage of the human brain's subconscious desire to associate colors with emotions, Neo has been able to turn her heterochromia into a weapon! By using the reflective properties of light, Neo makes her opponents mind perceive her in a way that is not consistent with reality. While her enemies are busy attacking this false Neo, she evades and counters them in reality! This is the ability that has made Neo so dangerous, her 'Mirrored Image'!"
Neo smirked before nonchalantly walking toward Ruby. Halfway, she abruptly drops down and goes for a tackle. Ruby throws a high kick, a move that confuses everyone watching. Neo stands back up and-with a movement that looks almost lazy-sweeps Ruby's leg, sending her crashing to the ground. In a deliberate motion, Neo brings her leg up above her head, before striking down at Ruby's head. "Watch out, Ruby!" Weiss cries, and is immediately shocked that the words left her mouth in the first place.
Ruby moves, disappearing in a flash of red and appearing a few feet away in a stand. Neo, completely unconcerned, casually walks toward her opponent. Her guard is completely down, and the wide smirk on her face shows just how certain she is Ruby won't be able to hit her. How arrogant is she?! Weiss growls. Neo steps within Ruby's striking range, still unconcerned for her own safety.
She's kicked in the face.
Ruby drops her foot before launching into a blistering rush. Neo, who is still trying to comprehend the fact that Ruby just hit her, only blocks some of her opponents rapid attacks. "I've figured it out," she tells Neo in between her attacks. "I understand how your little trick works now, so you better change up your strategy."
Neo's eyes widen as Ruby drives her fist into her stomach. Blood leaks from her mouth as she is pushed back. She retaliates with a sidekick, but Ruby flips over it and lashes out. Her kick strikes Neo in the jaw and sends the already shaken fighter reeling back. Instead of continuing her assault, Ruby draws back, standing to her full height.
...Which might've been more intimidating if she wasn't 5'2.
"I can tell from your face that you're pretty confused, so I'll explain it to you," Ruby tells her. "It's actually pretty simple. For your technique to work, you need me to look into your eyes, am I right?" Judging by Neo's horrified expression, she was. Ruby chuckles, "Exactly, so as long as I don't look at your eyes, I can fight you just fine. And your shoulders and hips tell me more than enough to defend against your attacks." Ruby takes a stance again, but this one is lower than her previous ones. "Anyway, I think it's about time I ended this. I'm sorry about this, I don't really wanna hurt you…" she says, and Weiss is surprised by how somber her expression is. D-does she mean what she says? How can a fighter as strong as her not have any taste for violence? It was a bizarre contradiction, but before Weiss could think on it any more Ruby moves.
This next rush of speed is much faster than anything she's demonstrated before. The red and black blur that is Ruby Rose dashes all around the arena and her opponent. On occasion, she'll strike out at Neo. A punch to the gut, a kick to the knee, never in the same place twice and all the while maintaining her blistering speed. "H-how the hell can anyone move that fast? She can't be human…"
"No, it is possible," Winter corrects, watching the match with an intense gaze. "There's a method of running where the person 'rolls' their foot with each stride made. Starting at the heel, then moving through arch and balls before ending with the toes. It allows normal humans to run at speeds of up to forty kilometers per hour with virtually no loss in stamina. However, it's incredibly difficult to maintain for an extended period. Ruby's ability to do so must be a part of her 'Rose style'."
Could that be true? That's completely insane! Weiss thinks. But then again, was it? She was seeing it happen right before her eyes, wasn't she? Ruby appeared in full once again, kicking Neo in the chin before disappearing in a flash of red. Neo staggers back, unable to even bring up her guard. "This is the end!" Ruby shouts. All at once, the flashing stops and Ruby appears in front of her opponent. 'Standing' on her hands, legs wrapped around Neo's throat. In an incredible display of grappling and acrobatics, Ruby throws Neo over her with a back handspring and smashes her limp body into the concrete. Now sitting across the chest of her unconscious opponent, she lets out a breath.
"Take a nice, long rest now. You've earned it," Ruby comments, bringing herself to a shaky stand.
The referee-who remained mostly dormant during the match-now steps forward. "Match, over! Winner… Ruby Rose!" he declares. For a few seconds, the entire venue is silent. As if they have to process the events that had just transpired before them.
Then, everyone explodes.
"Incredible!"
"I've never seen anyone move that fast!"
"She beat Neo?! How strong is this girl!?"
Similar sentiments are passed all throughout the crowd, and Weiss is surprised to find she agrees with most of them. She told me I would trust in her strength after this match, and… I think I do. After that display, I don't think anyone can argue Ruby Rose has the strength to represent the Schnee Spice Company.
As if reading her thoughts, Ruby turns to Weiss, Winter and Jacque, a bright smile on her face. "So, can I be your representative competitor for good now?"
A.N: That wasn't anywhere near the longest chapter I've written, but it certainly felt like it. Anyway, I'm glad to welcome all of you to The Kengan Reaper! If you couldn't tell, it's a crossover between Kengan Ashura and RWBY. I'm pretty excited about this project, even though I admit some of the segments here feel pretty janky. Like, I think they're all good individually, but together… bleh. Anyways I've had this idea rolling around in my head for about two months now so I'd thought I'd just go for it. And if any Kengan fans are reading it I promise I'll get to that side of this story soon enough. I wanted to actually blend both of these worlds and not just make it 'Kengan Ashura but with RWBY characters'. Regardless I think this is a strong start, especially that fight at the end. I think it might just be the best fight scene I've ever written.