As the broken moon reached its highest peak, I look at time through my scroll, then turn my gaze to the police station from the rooftop of a nearby building. From what I'd read and seen, there weren't many jails in Vale, or even Remnant as a whole. Punishments tended to be dealt out by criminals fairly quickly, usually because jails are beacons of negative emotions, and prolonging their sentences is unwise with regards to public safety as a whole.
Usually, when a person commits a crime, they're either sent to do unpaid work or community service for what they did with a severe warning that next time might see them thrown out of the kingdom, actually thrown out of the kingdom, sent to a place where, and I quote, "the sun never rises", or even just executed. It all depends on the individual and the crime really. A regular offender will slowly work their way up through the "Judicial shitlist" as it were, and said law will be far less lenient on them.
For example, let's say a man regularly steals from a place like a bakery. Their first punishment would be to work for the bakery for a period with no pay. The second time, he'll be fined. Third time will get him thrown in a jail cell for maybe a day without food. Fourth would immediately see him thrown out of the city itself.
Another, worse crime like murder would immediately get him thrown out of the city or even executed. Again, this depends on how high he is on the shitlist. It might sound really unfair, but from what I've heard execution is considered mercy.
The place they were talking about is apparently seen as a fate worse than death. Rumors have it that the Vale Council has the worst criminals work in dust mines – in essence they're made into slaves. Said dust mine is supposedly on an island far off west of the city that has little to no protection aside from that afforded to the unlucky guards who man the place. Basically, they're thrown there to work until they die.
Harsh, but I suppose whatever works, works.
In any case; Roman is seen as one of the worst criminals in Vale, with 241 heists from the start of his "career" along with a litany of other charges including; manslaughter, homicide, assassination, petty theft, etcetera etcetera. He's done a lot of bad shit, and as such… he's probably gonna be sent off to that penal colony.
And I can't have that.
Roman is kinda important for me, especially with his experience and reputation in the Valean underworld. If I'm going to be King, then I need to know everything happening in my kingdom. I need a firm grip over everything happening in Vale to really control it.
I need to cut a deal with Roman, but before that… I need to break him out, which is gonna be really fucking easy. I mean really, I'm an alchemist! I know how to make useful shit for situations like these.
Honestly, I'm surprised he hasn't been shipped off yet. Oh well, I guess I'm just lucky.
Also, there are a lot of hunters patrolling the area. I mean, I get why, but it makes this annoying. How do I know they're hunters? Observe… and because they dress weird. Someone is only wearing pink pants for fucks sake...
Before I get down from the rooftop, I take out a potion and two syringes from my inventory, injecting myself with two. I notice two status windows appear, Featherfall and Invisibility, making me smirk slightly.
My new project and ingenious idea, potions in syringe form. Why? How would that exactly help? Well, short answer is, it's a lot easier and faster to - essentially – stab yourself with syringes than actually drink a potion. Let's say that one of your friends is knocked out cold and bleeding heavily from their everywhere. Would you rather force them to drink it mouth-to-mouth, or just use a syringe?
Hunters would have a far easier time using these than normal potions. Of course, I'm still going to sell the normal ones, seeing that I made them taste good, but syringes are more of a hunter and paramedic specialty item anyway. Civilians can be happy with the drinks.
I jump off my perch and begin to glide down to the top of the police station as I flick on my Haki Sense. A few seconds later, I spot two high level Aura signatures, even if there's something fucking with them. I'm guessing they're using some form of an Aura blocking device...
Two big - okay, maybe not big, but definitely higher than average – Aura signatures most likely belong to Roman and Neo. I haven't exactly learned how they... feel yet, seeing as I didn't activate my Haki Sense when I beat them the first time… but this has gotta be them.
As I land on the roof of the station, I take out a vial filled with deep blue liquid with golden particles around it. I take out the cork and drink it, then sink through the roof beneath me.
Phantom Body – 1:59
You can phase through anything, but you are unable to inflict damage. You can only physically interact with other ethereal bodies
This is why Alchemy is overpowered~
And this potion tastes especially good...
I silently land on the floor (which feels weird), my invisibility playing its part as none of the officers notice me.
Now then, whom do I go for first...
(Roman)
Laying on the cot, he gazed at the ceiling of his cell with pursed lips. Here he was, Roman Torchwick, the White Ghost, the Escapist, and his personal favorite, the Smooth Criminal. He didn't know who came up with that last name, but they had a special place in his heart.
But now wasn't the time to thunk well of random morons, it's time to lament his life choices and why the goddamn hell he's in a cell.
All he did was simply carry out one of his famous heists, only this time, the employee was apparently a huntress. Okay, fine, he'd dealt with hunters before, so he wasn't all that bothered, but then again, it's a Faunus- A Bunny Faunus, who were reputed to have amongst the strongest sense of hearing between Faunus, who already had even stronger hearing than humans. Alright, cool, he can still take care of her, after all, Neo was with him, so it shouldn't be difficult, right?
Turns out he was right! Unsurprisingly, of course.
He had to commend her, however. The little rabbit did put up a good fight, but ultimately, she stood no chance against the Smooth Criminal and his partner, the Smug Assassin.
Neo really loved that one…
But then some jackass had to intervene and knock the two of them out. Where had the bastard even come from? He suddenly got in the way of the blast about to take out the bunny, his leather armor already half ruined for whatever reason, then proceeded to kick their asses.
His hand idly trailed over the Aura-blocking collar around his neck and he scowled.
By the gods, all Roman wanted to do was steal some of those mysterious potions! How was that a bad thing?! Now Neo and his men were detained, his reputation is – probably - in shambles, and now, he's waiting for his probable death sentence because his men are utterly incompetent without a leader. Great. Fantastic.
But wait! That wasn't even the worst of it!
Turns out; the guy who beat them up is an honest-to-gods Titan Slayer. Wow, isn't that just amazing? He's honored to have had the privilege to get his ass kicked by an official hero!
Roman was thankful for the small, stationary scroll in wall of his cell. As boring as the news might be at times, he could at least keep in touch with what was happening in the outside world.
...You know, maybe his reputation won't be as damaged. Being beaten by a Titan Slayer is far more reasonable than any normal civilian or hunter.
He sighed deeply, turning around over to his right side as he shut his eyes.
Maybe he shouldn't have gone and tried to steal from the very clearlyweird guy who sells 'magical' drinks, but hey, if he didn't try then could he even really call himself a criminal?
...He's getting too old for this...
Really shoulda skipped that one. He thought.
"Psst!"
Coulda just taken a day off or some shit. He sighed again.
"Hey! Psst!"
Roman frowned. Was that Jacob again? What does he- no, just ignore him and he'll go away. Fucker probably just wants to annoy him.
When- er, if he gets out, he's definitely letting Neo turn that rat into a pincushion.
Officer prick...
"Psst! Listen! Roman!"
"Go away, Jacob." Roman drawled, his eyes closed. "I'm not in the mood for your shit."
"Jacob? Oi, dumbass!" The voice continued. "I'm here to break you out!"
Roman froze, then slowly pulled himself off the cot to see a man dressed in a red hooded cloak covering his entire frame. A red cloth covered his jaw and mouth, only revealing the deep blue eyes as he stared at him inside-
"How did you get in here?" Roman whispered. "What happened to the guard? Who even are you?"
"Guard is knocked out, but listen, I just want you to trust me on this, okay?" The man said. "I'll give you two things. Use them and run as far away as you can, yeah?"
"...Oh…." Roman began to chuckle quietly as he started to realize who this fellow was. "Well, well, well… if it isn't the Reid Astera. Such an honor to be graced by your presence, hero."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. You don't like me." His gaze became to a glare.Ah, that annoyed him~"But now is really not the time."
"'Don't like you' is an understatement." Roman shrugged. "I wonder what would happen to you should the public learn about this. 'The new Hero of Vale; caught breaking an infamous criminal out of his jail cell'…"
"...We're really gonna do this, aren't we?" Reid whispered to himself as he glanced behind him.
"Now, I can simply raise my voice, and every single hunter around would swarm this place, and I honestly doubt even you could beat a rough dozen hunters without revealing yourself." Roman smirked. "But I suppose I'm… curious. Why are you here? What're you looking to get out of getting me out?"
Roman wasn't lying; he was curious. Why would he, the same prick who threw him in here, possibly jeopardize his reputation by trying to spring him? What could be so worth that risk? The treasures he'd hid? No, not possible. Roman never told anybody, not even Neo, about where he'd stored the treasures he accumulated over his career.
Maybe… break him out to kill him later on, thus boosting his popularity? He wouldn't be surprised. This 'Hero' was young, allegedly only sixteen years old. It'd be very predictable that the power simply went straight to his head, and now he wants more. But even that was stretch, killing him after killing a Titan would make the former feel like small potatoes, as much as it hurt to admit it.
Or… maybe….
"I need your services." He grounded out. "With the Underworld."
Roman's smirk widened. Called it~
"Oh? And what could a law-abiding Hero possibly want from the criminal underbelly of society?" Roman queried. "The place is populated, pretty much exclusively, with my kind of people. Oh! Could it be that you want to… arrest them all? Destroy the underworld? You're real a role model, you know that?"
Roman knew that's what what he was angling for, but the further narrowing of his eyes was worth it.
"I'm not stupid, Roman. Destroying the Underworld is counterproductiveon top of beingnigh-impossible." Then, Roman could see the movement of his jaw behind the mask, as if he smirked. "Ruling it, however…"
Now that's a surprise. He could understand if the kid wanted access to the Black Market or something of a similar vein, but he definitely hadn't expect this response.
Roman raised an amused brow. "You want to rule the underworld?"
"I want to rule Vale." He said. "All of it. Every single nook and cranny of this kingdom will belong to me. Every building, every plot of land, every person will be mine."
The criminal paused for a few seconds before chuckling slightly. "Well well well, aren't you ambitious? I can respect that, but you're in way over your head."
"...Why's that?" He questioned, but it was obvious that he was struggling to keep his voice civil.A prideful one he is..."I'm already ten steps in the right direction, aren't I?"
Roman shifted to a more relaxed pose against the bars, "Buddy, you need at least three council seats for yourself. I get that you're a big Titan Slayer and all, but you won't even get one seat in the next five years." He shrugged. "You oughta go back to playing Hero and let the big boys deal with the complicated stuff. It'll be better for you in the long run."
"I'm not any normal individual." He said coldly.
"That's what they always say." He chuckled. "But then they end up dead. You will too if you don't drop the high and mighty act."
"Roman." He growled, his fists clenching tightly. "I'm trying to make something work here. Don't try and goad me into doing something we'll both regret."
"Ah, touched a nerve, have I?" Roman let out a low, condescending laugh. "And really, what could you actually do? Kill me? I'm already only living on borrowed time. Might as well be quick about it~"
Just then, as soon as he finished, a suffocating presence smashed down on him. The very ground underneath Reid cracked as Roman began to struggle to even breathe. With eyes wide, he stared at Reid's own baleful slitted pair. He felt the rage in them even as the clenched hands were an obvious indicator. The Smooth Criminal felt like Death was glaring at his soul.
Reid grabbed Roman by his collared neck and lifted him up, his voice coming out as a low growl.
"Watch your tongue, Torchwick." He warned. "I don't care who you are or what you think. If you dare insult me or my goals again, death will be the least of your worries… got it?"
The criminal nodded frantically, and as the Hero's grip tightened, his eyes widened as the collar was crushed.
That… was made of steel…
"ALERT! COLLAR-145 WAS DESTROYED!"
"Ah, Shit…!" Reid cursed under his breath as the alarms went off. "Damned… fuck!"
He let go of Roman, the presence disappearing as well as the criminal gasped for air. Reid took out two objects from his cloak – a potion and a syringe, then threw them over. Roman barely managed to avoid fumbling the catch, collecting his thoughts as he gave Reid a focused look.
The Titan Slayer already had another potion and syringe in his hands. "Inject yourself and drink the potion, one will make you go through walls. Behind my place, there's a patch of ground that's cracked. Tap it lightly with your foot three times and it'll open for you."
Roman stared at him for a few seconds then nodded. It didn't matter if he was lying and this was poison. The moment the hunters caught him, he'd be dead anyway…
"I'm going to go grab your partner and then make a break for it." He continued, injecting himself and downing the potion. He suddenly went invisible, but before he was gone, he whispered "Don't fuck this up..."
Roman glanced at what the boy had given him, then with a deep sigh, as he heard the approaching hunters, he injected himself with the syringe, wincing slightly, before drinking the deep blue potion. His eyes widened at the unexpectedly sweet taste, but his surprise didn't stop there as he felt and saw his body become ethereal, then completely invisible. He froze in place for a moment before he shook himself aware. He tested the effects of the potion as his arm went through the wall of his cell, and with a smirk, Roman then sprinted through any obstacles in his way.
Now then… He thought. I believe my cane and hat are that way...
He could simply escape on his own, but that would mean leaving Neo alone with that guy. Now he wasn't exactly sure what to think of him other than the kid was an asshole, but he knew he wasn't all talk. That presence… it promised death and pain if he didn't comply. His instincts were warning him to obey the Monster in front of him.
The thought of leaving Neo with that guy left him sick. What would he do with her? Kill her, torture her? Or possibly… rape her? Neo… she was the only person he'd really consider a friend, or even a something as gross as family. Leaving her on her own with him just didn't sit right.
With a heaved sigh, Roman went after them.
He's really getting too old for this shit…
(Reid)
"Okay, look, I know this looks bad, but we really don't have time!" I say, the alarms blaring as speakers warn everyone of Roman's escape. "Come on, I promise I'll explain everything once we're safe."
Neo glares at the potions I handed her then narrows her eyes at me in suspicion. Distrust, hesitance, dislike.
"Fucking-"
"There she is-!"
Turning around, I use my conqueror's at full force, instantly knocking out the couple of officers who were outside the cell.
"Now, you're gonna do as you're told, or I'll force you to." I growl at her, then draw my sword to break her collar. "You have five seconds."
She shivers noticeably before nodding and hurriedly using the potion and the syringe.
5 Reputation with Neopolitan [10/100]
...Why was her REP in the positives before I- you know what, no. I'm not gonna ask.
I drink my next Phantom potion, and as her body turns ethereal as well, I dash and grab her tiny body under my arm. With the hunters and officers still not knowing where we are it was quite easy to lose them. I made sure to stretch my senses as far as I can, avoiding any nearby hunter patrolling the area.
This is why any magic in a magicless world is OP as hell. Vale, supposedly with the most competent hunters, didn't even realize what happened.
With my absurd speed, it didn't take long at all for me to reach my place, specifically the secret entrance behind it. The cracks in the ground actually being a Golem I made. Building-based Golem, and it only listens to three light taps in quick succession as a sign of 'open'.
Golems are so convenient…
Neo then taps on my shoulder.
Annoyance.
"Yes, yes." I sigh, putting her down. "Wait here and don't try to run. Not like you'd be able to get away from me anyway..."
I glance around me, stretching my senses to feel if anyone is nearby. I can sense Roman's Aura approaching, which makes me sigh in relief. And we're finally done with this… well, almost.
"Ah, you got here before me it seems." Roman says, his bowler hat, cane, and Neo's parasol with him. "Looks like the info about the place was… useless."
He throws Neo her weapon, and the girl grins as she easily catches it and twirls it around
...Alright, I'll admit it, this guy really knowshow to get under my skin. I really hate his condescending tone.
I try to ignore him and tap the Golem three times which makes it start to shake before collapsing into a stairway which reveals and a long hallway lit by blue Arcane Torches, basically small magic orbs that light the place. A sideways glance at Roman's shocked face made me smirk slightly, then my hearing picks up the sound of footsteps and barking of orders.
"Get down there, quick!" I usher them to descend the small stairway. I go after them and snap my fingers and the Golem closes behind us.
"What… what is this?" Roman whispers in awe.
"Now you see what I meant?" I ask. "I told you before; I'm not any normal individual."
5 Reputation with Roman Torchwick [-10/100]
"...I guess you're not." He nods.
Both of them follow me through the hallway, and I can see Neo's mesmerized look as she tried to poke one of the Arcane Torches. It flickers, but doesn't go out. They're very cheap in the Store, 5 Credits for 20, so I think I buying them was a fine decision. And I also really like how they look aesthetically.
If I'm going for the Wizard Mastermind look then I'm perfecting the Wizard Mastermind look.
...I need to learn how to make them.
Then, after a solid minute of walking in silence, we reach a wooden gate adorned with metal locks – look, I really want to have that Wizard-y aura, okay?
I creak the door open, revealing a large room with many (unfortunately) empty shelves and bookcases and a very big table in the farthest section of the room surrounded by many chairs and adorned with a variety of papers, pens, dust crystals, vials of powdered dust, books, and even Nahkriin to top it all off, all of them spread out over different areas of the table. What really caught their attention, however, were the 30 Steel Golems all kneeling before me. I smirk as I pick up on the slight fear radiating from Roman. Neo, however… she only feels amazement, which I honestly applaud her for. She's not stupid, I can still sense cautiousness and wariness from her, but she isn't properly afraid like Roman is.
I respect that.
Of course, I telepathically ordered the Golems to greet me beforehand. I need to make a good impression, after all.
"...What are those?" Roman asks after a second, following me towards the research table.
"Golems." I answer.
"...Golems?"
"Yes, Golems." I nod, taking off my cloak and mask, leaving me in a black shirt and jeans.
"Right…"
I throw my cloak at a Steel Golem as I gesture at the table.
"Take a seat." I tell them, sitting on the wooden chair. "We have a lot to discuss."
The two glance at each other before the older nods, taking the seat opposite me as Neo grabs the one next to him.
"Now that we're here…" Roman gestured to me. "You mentioned you wanted my services?"
"I did." I nod. "As I told you before, I want to rule Vale. All of it, under and over. Simply ruling one side doesn't suit me, and to rule them both I need connections and competent subordinates."
"First of all, though." I continue. "I want you to tell me how it is the place works."
"Oh?" He raises a brow.
"Let's start with the biggest stuff." I say. "Who are the big factions? The top dogs? Who are the ones people know not to mess with?"
"Ah…" He smirked. "A real green-horn, then… well, I can't say I'm particularly enthused to teach you all about it, but I reckon I don't have much of a choice in that matter now, do I?"
"That's right." I narrow my eyes, letting a small amount of my aura leak. "You don't."
I notice him barely restrain a shiver, but he keeps up his confident facade. "Sure, it's common knowledge amongst proper criminals anyway."
I gesture for him to continue.
"There are currently five… 'top dogs', as you put it." He says, pulling out a cigar "War Bull, Pig Emperor, Blood Hound, Gray Hawk, and yours truly… White Ghost.
"Each of us run our own nooks of the underworld. None are equal, of course, but if a war broke out between any two, then let's just say the results aren't gonna be pretty." He continues. "War Bull is the guy who has with a stranglehold over the supply of weapons sold on the Black Market. Blood Hound's specialty is drugs, bot dealing and cooking. Gray Hawk's mostly about selling and acquiring information interesting things happening around the world, including other kingdom's underworlds. I, on the other hand, specialize in Dust, money, gold, and other odd, unusual and expensive trinkets."
"Which is why you tried to steal from me?" I tilt my head.
"Hahaha, nope~" He shakes his head with a laugh. "I wanted to rob you just to stick it to Blood Hound. Fucking prick…"
"Right, my potions are seen as drugs." I nod. "And the Pig Emperor?"
"Slavery, Child Trafficking, Kidnapping…" Roman frowns, waving at the air. "That kind of stuff."
I unconsciously feel my hand clench into fists as my thoughts drift to the Faunus slaves. I calm myself with a subtle deep breath as Roman continues.
"Though, the guy's rep got took a bit of a dent of a dent recently." He said with a satisfied grin. "Some masked weirdo killed a bunch of his customers and even one of his dumbass envoys. You probably heard that news."
Oh hey, that's me!
"Uh, yeah, I did." I say. "What can you tell me about this Emperor?"
The Clean Kingdom quest must be connected to this Pig Emperor guy. I remember that Portia dumbass had a some Pig Prince title or something, and from what Roman's implying, he's somewhat of a genius and/or very powerful, and I need to get all the info I can. If he is connected, then maybe I'll finish the B Bonus Objective.
"Sorry friend, but you're out of luck." Roman shrugs. "Nobody knows who he really is, not even me. And I'll keep it real with you… it should probably stay that way. I don't know how he does it, but none of his more important men ever spend more than a couple hours in a jail cell."
Damn it…
"Alright, I think that's enough for a summary." I sigh. "Now, any other important things I need to know about?"
"You already asked your question." He said, a puff of smoke leaving his mouth. "It's my turn to ask you. It's only fair, no?"
...You know, I'd rather keep our relationship at least a little civil instead of me basically forcing him to work for me. That's only gonna get me betrayed in the end I think.
"Very well, but before that." I aim a small light beam from my finger, shooting the cigar of his hand. "No smoking allowed."
-2 Reputation with Roman Torchwick [-12/100]
5 Reputation with Neopolitan [15/100]
Roman scowls at me as Neo laughs silently, her shoulders shaking as she points a finger at her partner. I smirk smugly at the annoyed criminal and gesture for him to continue.
Worth it~
"You little- do you have any idea how hard these are to smuggle… As I was saying." He clears his throat. "I'll just be straight forward and ask; What do you want from me exactly?"
"A lot of things." I shrug. "But in the near future? I simply want you to distribute certain potions to the underworld. The ones you used? The one that made you invisible and shit? Yeah, that stuff won't be sold to the common folk. That's just gonna turn the kingdom upside down."
"And you think selling the stuff to criminals is safer?" The White Ghost questions with narrowed eyes. "Are you well in the head?"
"Need I remind you that it was me who made them?" I raise a brow, ignoring the jab. "I know the weakness and strengths of everything I make, I know how to devise counters for them."
"...Sure, sounds reasonable, I suppose." He leans back on his chair. "But you're the only one who can make them, right? People are gonna be pointing fingers at you before you could crack open a beer."
"Oh, don't worry." I smirk. "I have a way of dealing with that."
"...I guess I just have to take your word for it." He shrugs. "And what do I get out of this? I don't exactly work for free you know."
"Let's see, the backing of a Titan Slayer, politically and individually. The backing of an eventual Councilman. A lifetimes supply of potions…" I can sense their shock and greed as I list off the benefits. "And a dumptruck of lien~"
I stand up, and with a snap, a box appears from my inventory. I open the crate in front of them, revealing fifty million lien in cash all lined up neatly. After a few seconds with his mouth slightly agape Roman chuckles.
"Law-abiding Hero, eh?" He chuckles. "Alright, I take it back. I think we're gonna be great friends, Mr. Astera~"
"Oh we will, trust me." I shut the box and pull it over beside me. "But the question is, can I trust you?"
"First rule in the Underworld, sir." Roman smirks devilishly. "Don't trust anyone, even your own flesh and blood."
"Good answer." I grin, extending my arm. "So we have a deal?"
He stands up from his chair and takes my hand, shaking it. "That we do~"
40 Reputation with Roman Torchwick [28/100]
30 Reputation with Neopolitan [45/100]
"That's what I like to hear." I nod with a satisfied smile. "Now, you two can head back back to your men. Make sure your reputation doesn't take a hit, yeah?"
"Weren't you going to ask me anything else?" He raises a brow. "I barely scratched the surface of how that place works."
"We'll leave it for another day." I shrug. "It's getting late, and I do have work to do. I can count on you to deal with everything on your side, yes?"
"Naturally." He retracts his arm. "I can bring my men under control fairly quickly. If they don't obey… well-"
He gives Neo a sideways glance, who smirks as she twirls her parasol.
"Right…. before you go." I take out a very small, wooden Golem from my jeans pocket. "Take this with you. It'll tell you when I want to meet you again."
The little Golem waves at them as Roman takes it in his arm. "I take it this is another of these Golems?"
"Don't worry, he won't bite." I assure him. "He doesn't even have teeth."
"Right, right." He rolls his eyes. "Come on, Neo. We have work to do~"
"Knock on-"
"Three times lightly, you told me that already." He waves as he walks away.
"Snap your fingers and it'll close."
The two then leave, the wooden gate shutting behind them as I was left alone with my Golems. I glance around and think on what to do next, before settling on simply experimenting more with my Golems and stuff.
Might as well max the damned skill out already…
(Ruby)
Walking around Vale was one of her favorite pastimes recently. She enjoyed the fresh air emitted from the Wind Dust, the smells of food wafting over from restaurants, the oils and metals from weapon stores, and cookies from bakeries. It calmed her nerves, and she liked the couple hours of peace she had for herself.
Even without counting her own problems at school, she disliked being by herself at home. It was lonely, even if Yang and her Dad called every day to make sure if she was okay. She loved them for it, very much, but you can only manage so well with scroll calls.
Ruby had no idea why she declined her sister's offer to meet her team. They'd sounded like nice people from what Yang told her, but she shouldn't take away from Yang's time with them just so she could enjoy herself. Ruby wasn't selfish, she could find her own fun.
Like asking the new Hero for an autograph! She was sure Reid would be fine with it. He was really nice to her, even if he looked really mean and angry, and she couldn't believe he saw her as a friend! Her, Ruby Rose, a friend to one not unlike the heroes in her fairy tales!
She squealed giddily to herself as she held her favorite book closer to her chest.
Ruby's smile wavered slightly. They're… still friends, right?
What are you thinking, of course you are! She shook her head. People don't just start hating peopleout of nowhere...
Reid did tell her where his place was before he went on to be kill Fenrir, so she didn't have any problems finding it. Even if he hadn't told her, she would've easily found it now that everyone knew about him. She was surprised how nobody was nearby. No (other) fans, no media, nothing.
Oh well, this meant she could meet him without any trouble.
"You there, girl in red!" Someone called. Ruby turned to see a lightly armored man with brown hair and green eyes with a large axe strapped behind his back. He was accompanied by a similarly armored woman with pink hair with two daggers strapped on her belt. "Whatchu doin' here?"
From how they held themselves to their weapons, they looked like Hunters.
"M-me?" Ruby pointed at herself, and they nodded. "O-oh, I was just on my way to meet my friend."
"That so?" He raised a brow. "Sorry, but ya need to go another way. This way's closed."
"...I didn't see anything that says that on my way here?" She took a step back.
The woman sighed. "Girl, the Police Tapes that're supposed to be here got burned by some little shit not long ago."
"The Ice Cream girl again?" The man chuckled. "Ya sure it wasn't some rabid fans?"
"I know what I saw, Birch." She scowled, then turned to her with an apologetic smile. "Sorry love, but you can't go this way."
"But why?" Ruby asked.
"This is where Mr. Astera's shop is." The man answered. "You think people won't try to rob and/or stalk the place?"
"Oh…"
...Well, crap. She wanted to meet him today seeing as it was the weekend, but she doesn't think that's possible anymore. She can understand why, but it still stung that she couldn't spend her free time with Reid. She wished that she could at least get his autograph. That ought to make the rest of her week…
Then, both the Hunters in front of her froze, straightening their backs as they looked nervous so suddenly.
The man saluted. "M-Mr. Astera, sir!"
Mr. Astera?
As if some god out there was listening to her, Reid, who was in jeans, a black shirt and a red jacket stood beside her, bowing slightly to reach her height as he rested an arm around her shoulder, smirking at the two hunters in front of them.
"Thank you for your hard work." He said. "But I'll take it from here."
"Yes, sir!" The woman replied.
Both of them then turned around and left the scene, and as Ruby turned to her left to look at him, she blushed furiously as he his face was merely inches away from hers. She yelped and jumped away, her heart pounding in her chest as Reid laughed.
"Oh that was so worth it." He sighed. "So, what brings you over? You finally wanted to visit?"
...ah, crap.
"You forgot, didn't you?" He crossed his arms, looking unamused. "Really now? This is the second time already."
"I-I-I'm so sorry!" She bowed deeply in shame, mentally kicking herself. "I-I was just so busy with school and training and-"
"Ah, it's fine." He cut her off as he ruffled her hair. "I'm just messing with you, Ruby. I'm not mad."
"O-oh…" Still pink-faced, Ruby pouted at his amused grin. "I take it back, then. I'm not sorry."
"Hahaha!" He laughed. "Yeah, you really shouldn't be. You should know I barely mean anything I say.
"So, what are you here for?" He questioned.
"Oh, uhm." She stammered, fidgeting slightly. "I-I just wanna ask…"
"Yes?"
Now's her chance. She just needs to ask him for his autograph, and she can go about her way. It was the sole reason why she came here after all, and even if she couldn't spend time with him, she's fine with only that. She could at least stick it to Yang when she comes back for a visit – tell her she personally knows the Hero.
Come on, don't chicken out now. She opened her mouth to speak. You've got this!
She extended her book towards him as she asked loudly.
"Can I have your Autograph?!"
Ruby closed her eyes, not wanting to meet his gaze in case he refused, or worse, got mad at her for asking. She knows that some celebrities don't like to be seen as such in public, not even accepting handshakes, but she really, really wants the autograph, and he was her friend(?), so surely he wouldn't be mean to her about it, right?
"Sure."
"I-I get that you must hear this very often but-" She paused as she processed his words, then opened her eyes in surprise. "W-wait, really?"
"So sign it on this?" He pointed at the white, leather cover of her book with his pen.
"...A-ah, yes." She nodded.
He hummed and wrote his signature on the book, putting the black pen back inside his pocket.
"This good enough?" He asked.
"Y-yes! Thank you so much!" Ruby bowed in gratitude.
"Don't mention it." He waved it off. "So I'm going to go get supplies and stuff for my potions. Want to come with?"
"Huh?" Ruby looked at him in slight shock. "C-can I?
"Why would I offer if I was going to say no?" He grinned. "Come on now, it's boring to do stuff alone."
...Looks like today is on a good course for Ruby! She smiled back at him and got into pace beside him, her nervousness slowly dissipating as relief washed over her. There was still a little doubt, of course, but with him next to her, and her confidence in their relationship being higher… she could simply ask, right?
"Reid?" He hummed, indicating that he is listening. "Are we… friends?"
"Of course." He nodded. "Why are you asking?"
Ruby sighed deeply, hugging her book tightly as her smile widened. She knew it, he did see her as a friend, he didn't hate her, and the fame never got in the way of that. After his confirmation, Ruby felt any and all doubt vanish completely, and the whispers of that he might have been lying were simply crushed by the happiness she was feeling.
She was sure he wasn't lying, this time for real. No way would he invite her if he never liked her, and Ruby knew her fair share of people with malicious intent, which Reid had none of. He was genuine, in voice and attitude, unlike how she would oh so graciously invite her for lunch.
"Oh, it's nothing." She said. "Just wondering~"
She could finally, truly spend time having fun without worrying about anything. No school or bullies to worry about, no loneliness and misery to feel…
She glanced at Reid, he caught her gaze as he smiled back, which made her own widen.
He truly is a hero, isn't he?
(Reid)
30 Reputation with Ruby Rose [80/100]
Oh wow, almost maxed out, and simply by saying we were friends?
...Is she okay? I'm pretty sure that's not normal. Maybe she doesn't have friends in Signal? And I'm her only friend right now?
Damn, that's kinda sad if that's the case.
Ah well, if you're a friends with a Gamer, then you're probably set for life. I'll make sure she doesn't feel sad anymore.
Aw, that's adorable.
Yes, that does include making her a Harem member. No way am I gonna let someone so cute just be with another person, especially not the main character.
Besides, I'm really into the sweet and innocent type, so that's a plus.
...You were supposed to deny what I said.
I mean it is true.
I pat Rubys head and ruffle her hair some more, making her tilt her head at me. "What is it?"
"Nothing~" I smirk. "I just think you're adorable~"
5 Reputation with Ruby Rose [85/100]
Her face turns as red as her namesake as she stutters a quiet 'thank you', a small smile on her face.
...Yup, she ticks all my preferences. A perfect score. 10/10.
...Maybe this Harem idea ain't so bad after all…
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