Hello everyone, I'd like to announce we'll be holding a poll through which you can impact the future development of our story.
Winter and I have been discussing the possibility of adding Pyrrha to the relationship we have developed. We feel that Pyrrha would mesh well with this Ruby, and think it could add interesting new dynamics for us to explore. However, this would be a drastic change to our current direction, one our readers may not appreciate, so we'd like your input.
Please comment below whether or not you're in favor of the addition of Pyrrha. however Pyrrha would be the very last one to join them and whether she joins or not NO one else will be joining the relationship.
You have one month to make your voices heard, so I ask you once again, please leave a comment below. Now, without further ado, please enjoy chapter 15.
By the time both vehicles and the combat robot arrive back at the Garibaldi home, to Velvet's surprise, there is already a large crowd gathered in and around both it as well as the neighbor's yards. "Da, is this normal?" She asks the giant wolf faunus, who chuckles.
"Sure is. Old Mrs. Zimmerman is gonna have my damned head again, but it's worth it." He replies as he honks the horn to his truck, people quickly moving aside to allow them to pass. "Let's get ya unloaded, then we can make the rounds."
"There's not a big rush, and alot of my stuff is kinda delicate."
"Nah, it's gonna rain soon. I can feel it now in my damned knee." He admits gruffly as he slows to a stop near the backdoor. Waving to Virginia, who is sitting in a nearby chair and chatting quietly with Weiss, he grins. "That's a damned good sign. Bun's still talking with her."
"I wonder where Blake went?" The rabbit muses aloud as she opens her door.
"Ain't no telling. Probably hiding under my bed, considering Ruby's is set into the floor." He replies with a grin.
"In the floor?!"
"Yup. Solved the problem of her breaking beds by jumping on them or wrestling around with Diane when they was younger." He shakes his head with a wider grin on his features. "Damned girl took after Summer there. She could never sit still for long, unless Pete was over and telling her another one of his damned stories. Then she could sit still for hours before using one of Salem's bras to pretend to catch Grimm with 'em with Diane and Aqua."
Velvet giggles at the thought of her younger sister doing so. "They must be close."
"Diane's been her best friend since before Kindergarten. And when Aqua came along in fifth grade, they took to her quick too. They've been the terrible trio ever since." He explains as they both move towards the back of the truck to begin to unload, many of the guests already coming forward to assist. "Hey there Ed!"
"Alex." Velvet can't help but to stare at the massively muscular bear faunus moving to stand beside her own father. Of almost equal height, the other man is definitely distinguishable by the large chainsaw sword on his back, as well as the open front vest he is wearing that is showing off his musculature to full effect. "Need some help?"
"Not gonna say no." Alex replies with a grin. One that fades when he takes note of the look of seriousness on the bear's face. "What did Aguila do now?"
"Don't worry about it for now." He replies quietly as he offers the wolf a prybar. "Tonight is about that Schnee, and the fact that Virginia is talking to one."
"Be careful there, Ed." Alex rumbles. "Ruby's fond of her, and to be honest, so am I."
"She… I've been listening, old friend. Very carefully." The other man admits quietly. "She is not Jacques Schnee or Aguila Winchester. She admits to her faults, her guilt. And she has sworn to fight against them both."
Alexander smiles as he clasps the other man on his shoulder. "See? Not all of 'em are bad. Just gotta get Falco divorced from that harpy he's married to, and we can run her outta Vale along with the rest of 'em like her."
"Now that I can agree to." He replies as the two men get to work on opening and unloading the shipping crate in the back of the truck while chatting about the local blitzball team and other subjects.
Velvet however can't help but to smile at the fact that Weiss has won over yet another supporter here in Vale. And by the sounds of it, Edward Bruenius is a major piece of the puzzle that is the support of the faunus population of Vale.
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Salem Arc considers herself the luckiest woman alive. She is a highly successful huntress whose career has led her to her dream position as Professor of Dust Studies at Beacon Academy as well as the head Librarian. She is about to be married to a wonderful man who loves her and cares for her deeply, and she is even pregnant with her first child by him.
They've agreed on Dusk as her name.
She has even been blessed with an amazing stepdaughter all these years that she adores, and is proud of the woman she is growing into. A young woman who is finally moving past a tragedy of her own and is exploring what could be an amazing relationship with two fine young women.
She has no regrets in taking on the challenge of raising the Mountain's Rose, and is proud of her role in her life as her mother figure.
But her new challenge is getting to know Ruby's older sister better than the Professor/student dynamic they have had until now. The shy, beautiful young woman does in fact resemble her younger sibling greatly, and she is already impressed with her as a student. But even she can see that Coco Adel, who has just arrived in her own loud, attention grabbing style, has a huge crush on her.
She shakes her head when Velvet steals the other woman's beret and dons it with a smirk, not realizing that the look on the human woman's face is not of irritation, but longing.
She also has Weiss and her potential impact she may have upon the faunus here in Vale. And all while making sure Blake doesn't run and go back into hiding from the growing crowd gathering in the long, narrow backyard or wide back porch of the home she has shared with Alex and Ruby since it was built and the two adults entered into a formal relationship. She worked right beside the two of them as they built the ranch style home with the large basement and her dream kitchen any chef would be jealous of.
She had been surprised that her input had not only been accepted, but implemented in the overall design of the house, and she had even been given full reign on the overall decor under the agreement that the basement and shop were off limits. Those are his places to hide during her weekly poker games with Glynda, Saffron, Ara, and Celestia.
Of course, Ruby is being the perfect young hostess, rushing around while wearing an overly large red hoodie that covers her to right past her shorts (how that became the style she may never know) while dragging Weiss and Blake around alongside her. Weiss of course is being a charming young lady, greeting everyone she meets warmly, while Blake looks ready to run the moment her hand is released from Ruby's firm grip.
Weiss is more like her mother than she realizes, the two of them being natural social butterflies, while she has to wonder who Blake took after, Kali being an open and friendly person, and Ghira a natural at speaking in public.
Now that she is home, she herself is supervising the setting up of tables and chairs on the porch, the lawn, as well as in front of the shop that takes up most of the backyard, with the exception of the small pool tucked into a small corner, and under the supervision of a young shark faunus woman and dolphin faunus girl who are watching over several children who are already splashing and playing. Otherwise, music is already playing on the sound system, food is cooking on the grill and in the kitchen, and more food is being brought by the neighbors and guests by the plate, pot, and container full.
No one ever goes hungry at one of their neighborhood parties, no matter how late they may arrive. It's a point of pride that she and Alex both have for years now.
But she does watch with some concern as the rest of Virginia's family, except for her eldest and her own niece, arrive next. She watches as Ruby rushes over with Weiss and Blake, making hand gestures as she obviously introduces them to Sasha, the twins, and Chrysaphenios. She calms down as Sasha returns the enthusiastic introductions with her own, and soon the four teenagers begin to talk excitedly, while Chrys and the Brumbies get roped into what is no doubt a spirited discussion of the local Blitzball team's chances heading into the playoffs by Alex and Edward.
"Sasha's talking to them. That's a good sign." Virginia admits as she moves to stand next to Salem, a smile on her face.
"It is." She agrees as she smiles proudly. "Rosella would be thrilled for them both."
"Yeah, just got off my scroll with Dom. He and Vina are gonna stay home, but they're happy for them both too." The rabbit admits as she shakes her head. "They don't want to ruin any good moods, and Leo's being a pest again."
"Leo's a good boy, just energetic and curious."
"He got caught taking apart the microwave." Virginia informs her with a grin. "Again."
"...If a bit destructive." Salem admits, conceding the point. "So, have you come to any decisions?"
"Yeah, I have." She admits as she turns her gaze to her own husband, who is speaking to Alex while waving his arms around in the air animatedly in his excitement. "Mind giving me a whistle?"
Salem nods as she raises her fingers to her mouth and does so, nodding in satisfaction that everyone begins to turn in their direction. "There you go."
"Thanks." Taking a moment, Salem knows the rabbit woman and leader of the largest faunus clan outside Menagerie is gathering her thoughts, and takes the time to look around to see who else is present. She smiles as she spots Ryker Khan along with Ara Ebony and their son Jacen, the little boy riding on his shoulders, along with so many other faunus/human couples present. To her surprise, she even spots Lisa Lavender, the human TV anchorwoman, as well, along with her own Ox faunus husband Gren and their own two children near the pool. There are so many more humans than she expected, many of them beside a faunus of some kind that she is personally surprised.
So many humans have joined the faunus in their old district. Living, laughing, and loving one another in peace and harmony. Just like her, Sarah, and perhaps Weiss.
"So!" Virginia's sudden declaration startles her out of her musings, while getting the attention of everyone present. "First, I want to welcome my niece to her new home. Velvet, your father and soon to be stepmother are two of the best people I know, and I know you'll be happy here with them."
Velvet, who is standing with Coco near the pool blushes at the sudden attention, all but hiding behind the fashionista.
"Second, today I had the pleasure of meeting Blake Belladonna, the daughter of the chief of Menagerie." Virginia continues as she smiles brightly. "She is of course welcomed here, as her parents would be as well, and I am grateful that she is one of the reasons why Ruby has a smile on her face again."
Now it is Blake's turn to blush and try to hide behind Ruby, who grins as she takes a selfie of herself and the panther faunus, who is blushing a bright red.
"Which brings me to the other person who has brought a smile back to Ruby's face. A smile many of us have sorely missed since last year's tragedy." Virginia continues as she slowly makes her way down the stairs of the back porch. "And that reason is a Schnee who is among us. A Schnee I as well as Ed Bruenius have talked to at length today."
The Bear faunus nods as he looks around him. "Let Virginia finish, then I'll add my own thoughts." He declares firmly.
"Thank you Ed. Now, I admit I was skeptical. Why would a Schnee come to this, the heart of the Faunus district with two faunus women? From what I heard, she even showed up in a vehicle worth more than even Alex, as guild master and a Master ranked huntsman makes in a year. Hell, several years!"
Many of them begin to mutter as they look at each other, while Ruby wraps her arms gently around a nervous looking Weiss's shoulders. Blake meanwhile begins to look around as her tail waves in her aggravation, a frown on her own face, while Ruby simply smiles.
"But then I heard from her own mouth that she paid for Blake's new wardrobe with her own funds without batting an eyelash." She continues as she smiles. "I heard from her own mouth that she opposes her father quietly, while acting as his perfect child to fool him. So that she and her twin can take back the SDC from that bastard Jacques and restore their family's honor."
The murmurs grow louder as everyone looks at Weiss, who now looks exceedingly nervous.
"She showed me the proof. She showed me everything they have gathered. The stories, the reports, the pictures." Pausing, she looks at Edward and frowns sadly. "Ed, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you had told me yourself, because so much would have made so much more sense before now."
"If it brings Jacques down, then finally telling it will be worth it." He admits quietly as Alex reaches over and clasps his shoulder. "Then maybe Lexi will rest in peace, and I can let my own pain go."
"All of you, she needs our help." Virginia admits as she walks towards Weiss and stands before her. "I believe her when she claims that she is not her father. That she wants to see us all free of him." The rabbit woman smiles down at the heiress as she offers her a hand. "The Scarlatina Clan stands with you, Miss Schnee. And we will do all we can to help you in your fight."
"Thank you." The heiress replies as she slowly begins to smile while taking the offered hand in her own. "You don't know how much this truly means to me. To my sister as well!"
Virginia nods as she releases the handshake. "I think I do, Weiss. No, I know I do. Ed?"
Edward Bruenius grunts as he moves to stand before the petite heiress, even Ruby now looking a bit nervously at her best friend's father. "Weiss, I… I wish you were already in power." He finally admits quietly. "I wish Lexi could meet you, and Diane already speaks highly of you."
"She is already a good friend to me, Sir." Weiss admits as Ruby nods in agreement. "And I wish I could turn back the clock. I wish I could stop her death, if only so Diane would still have her mother."
"So do I." He agrees with haunted eyes. "So do I."
"Welp." Alex declares loudly enough to gather everyone's attention. "Now that the serious stuff is outta the way, let's go ahead and enjoy the rest of the evening!"
"Here here!" Salem calls out as she motions to the heavily laden tables set on the expansive porch. "Everyone dig in!"
Salem Arc is happy with how her life has turned out, and as she watches the crowd begin to gather to serve themselves from the myriad plates and bowls, while chatting and joking around with one another. She is proud of her choices in life, and her only wish now is for Ruby's continued happiness, along with her own.
That, and to know where her niece has vanished off to so suddenly that even Mama can't seem to track her on her radar...
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-Afterword: Punishment-
Yang groans as she clutches her ribs with both arms, her eyes tightly closed to keep from looking into the eyes of her attacker. Of course, this doesn't keep her from hearing his wicked chuckle, or those of the woman who's with him.
"Had enough yet, Xiao Long?" The man's voice asks as she feels a pair of rough hands lift her back to her feet. "Or does this little lesson in manners need to continue?"
"Fuck off!" She manages to yell, yelping as she gets hit in the jaw with another one of the older man's escrima sticks.
"Wrong answer." He declares as the hands shove her into a wall. "See, a good friend of mine lives in Blue Dorm, along with one of my girlfriends, and that good friend just happens to be her teammate." He explains as he uses the tip of the metal stick to push her chin up. "Lucky for you, Eve made me promise to not hurt you too badly. Otherwise, even your drunk ass dad wouldn't recognize you in the ICU."
"I still think we should fuck her up some more!" One of the pairs of hands, a second female, chimes in.
"Or even better, see if my little sister isn't too busy. She and blondie here have some bad blood going." The second pair of hands, a third female, declares.
"Nope. This is good enough." The first female declares right before a fist connects with her midsection, knocking the wind out of her. The two sets of hands release her, one cackling and the other chuckling to let her fall heavily to the ground. But she starts screaming as someone grabs her hair and yanks hard on it, pulling her head up and into a painful angle.
"Completely forgot, name's Automne." He introduces himself with a smirk. "The two that were holding you are Tara and Petunia, and the other blonde is Sarah, in case you forgot who she is."
Tara Scarlatina and Petunia, a muscular orange haired girl smirk at her. Sarah however glares hatefully at the Brawler as she cracks her human knuckles.
"Now, let me make one hundred percent sure we're clear: If you ever blow a dog whistle anywhere near Beacon Academy ever again in your lifetime, not only are we going to beat the shit out of you again, but that whistle's going someplace very, very uncomfortable. Got it?"
"Yeah… got it…" Yang manages to moan out as she tries and fails to break the older man's grip. But to her surprise as well as his, Sarah takes his place and lifts her easily back to her feet by her full head of hair with a mechanical arm.
"Your war needs to end with Ruby, got it?" The blonde snarls angrily as her blue eyes flash dangerously. "Or else I'll sic Mama on you, then beat your ass some more myself!"
"Yeah… Got it…" She repeats as she begins to feel the first tendrils of fear actually start to take root in her heart. The twenty two foot tall combat machine Sarah built with her semblance is one of the most dangerous opponents she ever faced off against, along with her pilot. The Mistrali girl is also one of the few people alive who's faced off with Ruby and fought her to a standstill.
Granted, she still lost to the Reaper, but she held her own longer than most people.
But they all stop at the sound of a gunshot ringing out in the alleyway and Automne is forced to drop his weapon from said shot. "That's enough, let her go now!" Shion cries out as she levels her battle rifle at the four of them, Petunia and Tara dropping Yang heavily to the ground.
"Lesson's over anyway." Petunia declares as she takes Tara's offered arm. "Let's bail, Automne."
"Later losers." He declares with a smirk as he picks up his weapon and they walk off down the alley, Sarah stopping one last time to glare at Yang before vanishing around a corner after the three older students.
Rushing forward, Shion kneels down and begins to check her friend over as she looks at her worriedly. Boss is gonna kill me if she's too badly hurt! She screams inside her own head as the blonde groans.
"I'm fine Shion, jeez." Yang grumbles as her aura flares to life around her once more. "Fucking cheap ass move, negating my semblance."
"Your lucky all they did was rough you up, Yang." Shion deadpans as she helps her back to her feet, grunting from the effort. "Jeez, have you been putting on weight?!"
"More muscle." She admits as she glares down the alleyway, despite the absence of the three older students and one younger one. "Fuck but I forgot how strong that arm makes Sarah." She admits quietly as she dusts herself off. "I'm gonna beat her ass next time I see her."
"Good luck. With you and Ruby gone, she's Signal's new top fighter. Her and Sasha both." Shion informs her as she slings her rifle onto her back. "And she doesn't need Mama or Jenna to fight for her. She does great on her own."
"Yeah." The blonde grudgingly agrees. "Let's go, I need a drink."
"You need a shower and some sleep." Shion counters bluntly. "And some clean clothes."
"Yeah yeah, whatever mom." Yang snarks as she follows her friend out of the alleyway, the two of them heading in a different direction than the others. "I'll get my payback, just you wait, Shion."
"You'll get your ass beat." Shion declares calmly as she shakes her head. "Team TAPES is the toughest fourth year team in Beacon now, and nobody messes with them, not even CFVY. They turned their shit around after being expelled first year, and adding a fifth member made them even better."
Yang Xiao Long of course has already tuned her friend out as her thoughts linger on her recent beating. She resents the fact that Sarah Arc of all people got involved, while also regretting the use of the dog whistle. Even she's heard of the team once called the worst in Beacon, and doesn't ever want to cross them again.
Team TAPES saved the world from a renegade Beacon professor, then spent a full year proving themselves worthy of returning to Beacon Academy. And the team of Tyra Oozuki, Automne Ombre, Petunia Kapelle, Eve Howlette, and Sienna Brandstelle don't tolerate even the slightest insult to any faunus at Beacon. And Yang knows deep down if she screws up like that again, the next whistle will need to be surgically removed from someplace very, very uncomfortable…
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A Mountain of Roses Family Tree, Part One
Summer Rose is the child of Elias and Elizabeth Rose. Elias was once the High Councilor of Vale, and Elizabeth the Guild Master of Vale until their deaths via assassination by pro-human extremists. She married Alexander Garibaldi and had their only child Ruby.
Alexander Garibaldi is the son of Garrett and Alexandria Garibaldi. Garrett was the leader of Vale's Military, and Alexandria the Dust Studies teacher at Beacon. They took Summer in after the deaths of her parents, and lived long enough to see Summer and Alex married. Garrett died of lung cancer, and Alexandria mourned to death.
Velvet Scarlatina-Garibaldi is the oldest of Alex's children, and related by blood to the Scarlatina faunus clan of Vale.
Ruby Rose-Garibaldi is Alex's second born child with Summer, and the last surviving member of the Rose faunus clan of Vacuo and Vale.
Next Chapter: The Arc Family and the Nikos family trees!