Night has begun to set in. Aurora's citizens were beginning to turn in for the night for the most part, aside from those that are more likely or suited to working during the night. In any case, a majority of the citizens would be going inside their homes and sleeping the night away, preparing for the next day and hoping for it to be better than the last, even if they feel uneasy from their outer defenses currently in need of repairs. Hence why some decided to turn in, and others continue where the day shift left off, so the progress wouldn't stall.
It's much harder to fend off Grimm in the night than during the day. They blend in with the darkness terrifyingly easily, to the point that the lights of their eyes and their noises they make is the only hope to guess where they are. That sounded like an absolute nightmare in the making.
That's where the assigned team comes in, for the most part.
Velvet was currently looking outwards, eyes narrowed and rabbit ears up and twitching, listening out for any Grimm that might be lurking around within the darkness. There didn't seem to be any Grimm around for quite a distance, but she's well aware that that can definitely change within a matter of minutes, which is why it was important to stay on guard and be as prepared as possible. She needed to stay alert for any Grimm that might come while repairs were being made, so she could have them intercepted quickly.
Besides, she had other things she was listening out for as well. Anything suspicious within the town itself. She hasn't forgotten those whispers or those looks they held towards her in particular. There was a reason for this, an origin point she wasn't yet aware of. She was slowly getting a creeping feeling that there was something off about this town, and that she and the Junior Huntresses under her care would be in danger. Or perhaps they already were in danger, and she was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Either way, they all had to be prepared for anything that might go down. Speaking of which.
She turned her head to get a brief look at Ruby, who seemed to be contemplating something as she was gazing outwards alongside her. Though she was squinting a bit more to try and spot any Grimm that might be hiding. Velvet was more likely to hear them than Ruby would see them, though she appreciates the effort nonetheless.
But that definitely wasn't the only thing eating at the young rose. Velvet could already tell more things were on her mind.
"Ruby, you're deep in thought. Is there anything you'd like to talk about?"
Ruby blinked and realized Velvet saw her pondering. She briefly shook her head. "Oh no! Nothing's wrong, Velvet! I'm fine, really!"
"Well that's good to know, but it's not what I asked." Ruby sighed a bit at that, seeing her point.
"Okay, maybe I'm just a tiny bit worried about how this mission might go. I thought I had a good idea, but now I dunno what's gonna happen!"
"In this line of work, you kind of learn to expect the unexpected no matter how well prepared you are. There's almost always going to be some unexpected variable that no one can really predict." Velvet lightly tapped her foot against the ground while stretching her arm. "In cases like those, what gets tested is our ability to adapt to situations like that, even on the fly."
"So it helps for a Huntress to be flexible and have a bit of adaptability to them?"
"It definitely does help to be adaptable to many situations. Of course it can't always be perfect, which is why most of the time we have teams, so that each member to cover each other's backs. There's only so much one can do alone."
"That sounds about right. I know I wouldn't be able to do a lot of things on my own even if I tried. And Yang wouldn't be able to, either. We've always had each other's backs in several things." Ruby pumped her fists. "Yang is about as strong as I'm fast. Slashes from me, smashes from her. We're an awesome sisterly duo!"
"I see. Quite a formidable duo, as I've heard you're plenty tough yourself, and Yang isn't exactly a slowpoke."
"Our Dad and Uncle trained us well, I'd like to believe."
"I'm sure they have." Velvet hummed while her ears twitched, still listening out for trouble. "Now then, what else is bothering you?"
Ruby almost pouted. "Even more?"
"Even more. You know you can tell me everything that's currently bothering you, Ruby. Not only because getting it out will leave you more focused on the mission, but I want you to know that you can trust me."
Ruby sighed for a moment. It would help to get whatever she's feeling out for someone to hear. And she wanted to trust Velvet. She did indeed trust Velvet. She was pretty much the first friendly face she's met in Beacon, and she's also the one leading this mission. Why not confide in her?
"Well, there is one more thing. I really want this mission to go well. Or a the very least, I don't want it to result in failure." Ruby lightly pulled her hood over her head. "Miss Goodwitch gave me and Yang a chance, when practically no one back home except for our Dad and Uncle even bothered. They outright tried to fail us without looking back, even when we gave it our all. They didn't believe we had what it took, and were certain we never would."
"Why would they do something like that?" Velvet questioned. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time she's heard cases like this before, and wondered what scale Ruby's situation was on.
"It's just, well, a lot of people hated us for something we couldn't control. There are several things to that, but it's what it all amounts to. And because of that, they don't think we can succeed because they don't want us to." Ruby shifted her hood further over her head. "If we fail this mission, people could get hurt. Or worse, die. That's a super bad thing, and it would prove all of those people right. That we didn't have what it takes, and never would. That Miss Goodwitch and Miss Amber were wrong to accept us because of this failure."
"Hm. So this is a twofold worry of yours. You'll be proving your detractors and those who've looked down on you right, while also making a mockery of those who reached out to you. And given how failing a mission has very risky chances of innocents dying, that would only make such things even worse."
Ruby numbly nodded. "I don't want the chance I was given to be in vain. I don't want to disappoint Miss Goodwitch or Amber. And I don't want to disappoint my Dad or Uncle back home either, because it would feel like them training us was a waste of time, too. And then they would get treated badly too, and, and..." Ruby briefly sits down and hugs her knees. "I don't want to mess this up. In many ways, failing this mission will end up hurting people."
Velvet sighed softly at this, her ears still twitching slightly. "You might find this a bit hard to believe, Ruby. Or maybe it's easier to believe. But a lot of Juniors have this kind of feeling when they're starting out. It's completely understandable to be afraid of failing, given what failure can mean for others when you're a Huntress. You're not wrong for feeling afraid." Velvet lightly placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Though that's precisely why I'm here. Or, it's one significant reason. As an S-Rank Intermediate Huntress, I'm able to help you on your first mission so you can find your feet. I should know. Most of the feelings you have right now are the same as mine when I started."
"Really?"
"Oh, absolutely! It took me quite a bit to find my feet, but when I finally managed to adjust, I was able to do quite well for myself as a Huntress. I got stronger in body, mind, heart, and soul. And I'll keep doing so, in order to perform my duties to the best of my abilities." Velvet nodded. "You're just starting out, Ruby. Your anxiety is very understandable, but you have to relax. It will do you no good to have this on your shoulders while performing your duties, then you really will mess up due to it during a crucial moment. You'll end up falling into the exact thing you fear because you allowed the sheer possibility of the scenario to impede you."
Ruby had a feeling Velvet was speaking from experience, given how she noticed the knowing going in her eyes while speaking to her as she is. And besides that, there were eyes full of support for her possibly because of that, alongside her genuine desire to help a newcomer. Ruby slowly slid her hood back so she could look at Velvet a bit more clearly.
"So, what do I do?"
"It's simple. You're not doing this alone, and neither is your sister. You have an extra pair of hands you can work with to make sure this mission is a success."
"Weiss?"
"Yes, Weiss."
"But she and Yang, well, uh. They don't exactly get along all that well, And that's because Weiss was trying to just proclaim herself our leader without our input. Yang isn't going to really let that slide." Ruby sighed. "Not to mention they keep getting at each other's throats over several things already. It's like they're intent on butting heads no matter what happens or what the reasons are."
"Hm. That is true." Velvet rubbed her chin, ears twitching once again. "Though I've noticed something. So far, you've been the one to break them up before things go overboard. I sometimes helped out a little, at least once, but you're usually the first one to try and get them to stop fighting so they can focus on the mission being a success. You could say that your fear of failure of this mission keeps driving you to keep those two from fighting each other as much as possible."
"Really?"
"They want to succeed as much as you do, but are currently opposing on how to go about it. Don't give up on providing them a middle ground they can both agree on. I'm sure you can find it. Or if not, make one yourself." The rabbit Faunus nods as she briefly taps her head. "You managed to make conversation with Weiss by talking about her weapon and about your respective Maiden Festivals. You've found ways to interact with her on an even level, and Yang was able to follow suit when you talked about Aurora Springs and how beautiful it looked, and how you both wish for more people to see and appreciate them."
Ruby blinked, then lightly scratched her cheek. "When you put it like that, I guess I can see your point."
"That's right. Nurture these things. The stronger and tighter these connections are the better you'll all understand one another, and the better you'll work together. Of course, that would require more than one encounter and talk with them. It takes work, dedicated work. And just as much time. But the fruits born from that effort will very much be worth it, Ruby."
After some further consideration, Ruby found herself agreeing. She can't see Yang and Weiss fully seeing eye to eye for a while, but if she can keep finding places and subjects where they can peacefully meet in the middle on friendly terms, then that might be a great start to building a better bind between them all.
So by the time they find an official fourth member, she'd have a gist of what to do in these situations. Of course, a fourth member will affect the dynamic on impact due to them technically being a trio at the moment, but it was better than starting off with absolutely nothing.
"You're right, Velvet. There's definitely something here, I just have to keep working on it. I'll try my best to make, well, the best of all this, so we can complete this first mission of ours!"
"There we go, you're doing better already." Velvet smiled as she scooted closer to Ruby, before wrapping her arms around her and pulling her into a hug. "Thank you for confiding in me, Ruby. You can keep trusting me."
"Thanks, Velvet." Ruby smiled as she turned and pushed into the hug, returning it with a pleasant sigh. Velvet soon pulled back and stood up, ears twitching.
"I'll keep a lookout, and ears out, for any Grimm that might approach the walls. Until then, you can have a little talk with the others so you three can come to a better, concrete understanding of one another. Isn't that right, Weiss?"
Ruby blinked and turned her head to see that Weiss was indeed present, her eyes wide with surprise as she stopped mid-step, causing Yang to nearly run into her. "Hey! A bit of a warning before ya hit the breaks, Weiss Cream Princess!"
"It's your own fault for walking directly behind me!"
"Best of luck. I'll let you know if I hear or find anything." Velvet lightly patted Ruby's shoulder, before turning around and jumping high enough to clear the wall, going over to land on the top where she could have a better view of things.
"Woah. Velvet can really jump good." Yang whistled as she looked where the Faunus jumped, hand over her face.
"'Jump good'? What kind of stupid phrase is that for describing jumping?" Weiss scoffed.
"The best one, obviously."
"Um, guys?" Ruby cleared her throat in order to get their attention. "I've been thinking over some things, and, well, I think this mission will progress a lot better if we gained a better understanding of each other."
"Understand each other? What is there to understand?" Weiss questioned with narrowed eyes.
"If we gain a better understanding of each other, we'll be able to work together better. So far nothing has happened yet, but, um, I'd rather get this outta the way and have us be under better terms than to be on bad terms and get blindsided by trouble." Ruby poked her fingers together. "Basically, let's get along?"
Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Like you've been saying this entire time?"
"Hold up, Weiss Cream Princess. I'm picking up what she's putting down. I'm gonna start us all off." Yang held up a hand, before pointing. "I've got one. How did you train?"
"How did I train?" Weiss blinked at the sudden question.
"Ya heard me. How and who trained you? C'mon! You're gonna give us a demonstration of your skills and strength soon to prove yourself, right? At least give us a hint, a teaser, a teeny tiny spoiler."
"I'm kind of curious, too." Ruby wondered with a tilted head.
Weiss looked at both sisters and their inquisitive expressions, before she sighed and shook her head. Why not? Surely it wouldn't hurt to give that much. "Well, if you must know, I was trained by both my older sister and my mother, who in turn was trained by Grandfather. In that sense, he trained all three of us."
"Wait a sec. Didn't Amber say that some dude named Nicholas Schnee was a Grand Huntmaster? And they're at the absolute top within the Huntsmen gig." Yang recalled Ruby asking Amber about it and overbearing the answer, which then pulls to the both of them looking at Weiss in surprise. "Woah, hold up! Your Grandpa's seriously at the top of tops!"
"No way!" Ruby gasped, eyes wide and mouth open with awe.
"Way." Weiss smirked with her fists on her hips, chest out. "Grandfather is among the most renowned Huntsmen in the world. It is through him that Atlas was able-close your mouth you'll catch flies." Weiss interrupted herself as she lightly leaned over and pushed Ruby's lower jaw up to close it, before going back to her original pose like nothing happened. "-able to pave a new future for Atlas through hard work and merit. He's the one who built the SDC-Schnee Dust Company-from the ground up. He helped lead Atlas into a new era. Many in Atlas who truly looked up to him try to follow his example. Especially my family."
"Is that so? All that, and he still found the time to train you, your older sister, and your Mom?"
"That's right. Though my father and little brother wanted nothing to do with it. They abhor fighting." Weiss shook her head. "And as expected, even if we didn't always agree with some of his choices, we all looked up to him. Mother deeply adored him, Winter and I idolized him, Whitley found great comfort and safety in his presence. And Father, well." Weiss lightly rubbed her shoulder. "How do they say it? A tough nut to crack. He wasn't always the best person when he and mother first got together, but Grandfather's influence slowly changed him for the better. He was much more business-savvy than Grandfather, so they definitely managed to help each other. Although he could still try and build a better idea how to express how he feels about us."
Yang tilted her head. "How's that?"
"Many moods he has, he tends to express pride or disappointment by spending money on us."
"The exact same reaction? That sounds like it sends mixed signals."
"Immensely." Weiss nodded. "But back to Grandfather, he was a major influence on all of us, and Atlas as a whole." Weiss placed a hand over her heart. "In terms of being a Huntsmen, I would like to become greater than even he."
"Woah, for real?" Ruby blinked in astonishment.
"To become a greater Huntress than my Grandfather, is my own way of maintaining my family's good name, and spreading that good name by protecting people all across Remnant." Weiss declared strongly. "That is my way. Meanwhile, Mother and Father are currently managing the SDC together, Winter works to become a worthy protector of Atlas itself, and Whitley aspires to lead the SDC himself one day."
"Ah, I get the deal. Same goal, different methods and paths." Yang nodded. "So, Weiss? What's goin' on with your gramps now?" Yang almost immediately regretted asking that, considering most of the brightness Weiss displayed vanished in nearly an instant. She looked away with a solemn expression, a hand on her cheek. Yang backed off with raised hands. "On second thought, forget I asked. You don't have to answer."
It seemed to be the right call, as Weiss silently nodded. "While we're on the topic of training, who trained the two of you?"
Ruby quietly nodded. "That would be our Dad and Uncle. When it comes to fighting and a bit of Huntsmen knowledge, they taught us everything they felt we needed to know. Weapons, Aura Control, general Huntsmen knowledge, that kind of stuff!"
"Yeah, they're pretty amazing. Uncle Qrow handled our weapons and Huntsmen knowledge training, while Dad gave us a hand with unarmed combat and Aura Control." Yang stretched her arm, clenching and unclenching her fist. "Didja know that the idea of Aura Break is subject to misconception with some civilian bodies?"
"Indeed. Aura itself does not break, for it is energy that flows from our souls. Aura Barriers are simply one application of that energy, it is not the end all be all, and we're certainly not helpless if it happens to break." Weiss huffed. "Aura will still flow through our bodies, but maintaining a shield around ourselves takes focus, and putting it back up after breaking? Even more so. Difficult when in the midst of battle."
"Hoo boy, am I glad I've found someone else who agrees with this!"
Ruby looked between Yang and Weiss, seeing that they were having a decent conversation without yelling at each other or trying to provoke each other. This was good, great even. It was progress.
"Speaking of Aura. I recall we were talking about the Maidens much earlier, weren't we?" Weiss turned to ask Ruby, who hurriedly nodded at the question. "Do you happen to recall the 'Maiden's Miracles'? According to the stories about them, one of those miracles was awakening the power of Aura within every living being."
"For real?!"
"Indeed. Before that point, it seemed to need unlocking in order to fully use. But one of the Maiden Miracles was the Awakening of Aura within all living things on Remnant."
"Now that I think about it, I may have heard about that." Yang hummed while rubbing her chin.
"From what I've learned, there was a chant heard around the world. They spoke it one after another, before chanting the last line together." Weiss closed her eyes as she attempted to recall the words.
'Before us all, lies an unforgiving world. Endless conflicts are born on it, yet many a hero and legend is made from overcoming them for love and glory. A world of untold wonder that drives us to achieve the impossible and shape our own fates. Through this blessing, we awaken within all the power to protect and defend this world and what is deemed precious. We release your souls, and from a close yet faraway distance, forever love thee.'
Weiss opened her eyes and sees Ruby and Yang briefly staring at her with surprised faces. "What? What is it?"
"Your voice is kinda pretty." Ruby admitted. "It's like you were telling a short poem or story."
"Yeah, you have that storytelling voice when you're cool and collected. Almost like you were singing it." Yang hummed while scratching her head.
"Really? Never really considered my voice in storytelling format." Weiss then shook her head, raising it. "In any case, it's said that chant was heard throughout the world. And all of a sudden, a wave of color could be seen in the skies, coating the entire world. Before long, Aura was unlocked within every living thing. Humans, Faunus, plants, animals, everything that lives and breathes. It was with this power born from our souls that everything was able to survive within and past the Grimm Calamity. Ever since then, Aura flowed easier through us all, rather than needing to unlock it, we simply have it from birth onwards."
Yang folded her arms with a huff. "A lotta people say that if they didn't do that, everything would have been wiped out. That's why it's sometimes a bit annoying when people boil it down to mostly a shield around you when that's pretty much one of the most basic Aura Techniques. It's so much more than that."
"I concur." Weiss rubbed her chin. "Of course we're all unsure as to what really happened, as many wave it off as just a legend, a myth. But Grandfather sometimes told me that nearly every myth is born from truth, no matter how small or mundane the origin."
Ruby thought over it for a while, then smiled. "If it's true, then it's a pretty good reason to have festivals in their honor, isn't it? They awakened within everyone the power to protect our world. That's a pretty kind thing to do, if you ask me."
"Perhaps. But it comes with consequences as well. There are plenty around the world who are willing to use this 'gift' for their own nefarious purposes."
"That's why it falls to us to stomp those jerks into the ground and stop em' from hurting decent folks!" Yang punched her fists together with a shout.
"Yeah!"
"You two are rather simple-minded at the end of the day, aren't you?" Weiss couldn't help but sigh. "Why did the two of you become Huntresses anyway?"
Ruby nodded. "I became a Huntress so I could do my part to protect people, and the things that enrich their lives. A strong and capable Huntress that can not only protecting people's, lives, but the things that make those lives worth living. Like the Grimm Reaper."
"The Grimm Reaper? Was she not a Grand Huntress as well?" Weiss lightly rubbed her chin, gauging Ruby closely. "It would seem that our aspirations have a bit of similarity in that aspect. What about you, Yang?"
"Gonna be the strongest Huntress there is." Yang grinned while flexing a bicep. "It'll be pretty sweet, since it means I'll be able to go on a lot of exciting adventures and be able to handle them all."
"Really now?"
Yang soon looked up. "Yeah, I know how it sounds. But I'm not trying to be the strongest simply for the sake of it. The world's far too big and vast and awesome to not go out there and get a really good look at it. It just so happens that Grimm keep getting in the way, so I gotta smash them everywhere I go. If I keep on doing that, maybe people will gain the courage to do the same with their own stuff." Yang nodded. "And if I'm gonna do this stuff, I have to get stronger in mind, body, soul, and heart. That's why I'm gonna keep building myself up as a Huntress."
Weiss blinked. "So it is a journey of self-improvement that will allow you to explore the world?"
"That's about the gist of it, in a sense." Yang pointed a thumb to herself. "I'll be cooler than Qrow, better than Dad, and stronger than...a certain someone. It'll be my way of proving to myself that I can handle anything the world tries to throw at me."
"And I'll be cooler, stronger, and better than the Grimm Reaper." Ruby declared. "Not simply for the sake of it, but because if I'm that capable as a Huntress and then some, I'll be able to do my part to protect our world and the people on it, and everything that makes our lives worth living. Out there is a world of wonders. I want to go out and see a whole bunch of them, and I want everyone to be able to reach them, find something they love about them, and allow them to further enrich their lives."
Weiss briefly took a good look at the duo, rubbing her chin and humming curiously.
"I see. You two actually have some ambition and aspirations of your own." Weiss smirked. "I like that. You have a drive to succeed at something as well."
"That's right! In a way." Yang nodded while rolling her arm.
"Very good. In that case, follow my lead, then. With my help and resources, you'll certainly fulfill those aspirations and ambitions of yours!"
Ruby and Yang both looked at her with blank expressions, which confused Weiss, who couldn't tell what was going on. She blinked owlishly.
"What?"
"Seriously?" Ruby deadpanned, as Yang shook her head with a sigh.
"Nice try, Weiss Cream Princess."
"Oh come on! I'm being perfectly reasonable this time!" Weiss argued while throwing her hands up. "Such a stubborn pair of sisters you are!"
Velvet, from atop her perch, sighed as she lightly rested her chin in her hand. "Well, they're getting better, I guess. I'm sure they'll get align with a bit more time." Velvet looked out towards the plains, her ears listening out for any potential Grimm. So far, not so much as a rustle from them. This was good in a way, it means the town wasn't in any immediate danger. But still, that could change in as little as several seconds, which is why she didn't want to take her eyes or ears too far off the area unless it was necessary.
"Is everything alright, Velvet?"
Velvet already knew who it was, the mayor from before, Melanthia. She heard her coming, though was a bit put off by her presence this time around, if only because she was trying to remain focused.
"Everything is fine for the moment." Velvet murmured while not taking her eyes off the area.
"You look exhausted, dear. Having to look after three young Junior Huntresses all by yourself." Melanthia lightly patted her shoulder. "A young, strong Faunus like yourself shouldn't overdo it. You ought to find time to rest and sleep. Everything should be ready soon, so don't push yourself."
"I appreciate the concern, but I'm alright. You don't have to worry about me." Velvet assured, still keeping her eyes on the area, though she kept close attention on the insistence going through the woman's voice and tone, and something subtly attached to it. She wondered what the origins of such a thing was, but kept her suspicions to herself for the time being.
"Well, alright. If you're truly sure about it. I don't wish to bother you too much."
Velvet noticed something at the corner of her eye. She saw what appeared to be a group of humans, that seem to be surrounding several Faunus, and leading them right into what appeared to be a more secluded building than most around them. Velvet very subtly narrowed her eyes, before they returned to normal looking towards Melanthia.
"I truly do appreciate your concern." Velvet declared. Her ears twitched again, and she turned towards a sound she heard in the distance. She sighed, their timing was always one of the worst. "You might want to get to safety, along with the people. I hear Grimm coming."
Melanthia blinked, then smiled. "You heard the Grimm before our alarms could detect and sound off? That's impressive."
"Nothing much, really. Please, get going." Velvet hopped down from the wall in a single bound, landing right next to the arguing trio of Juniors, briefly startling them. "Alright. it's best we get ready. Grimm are on their way."
"Is that so? Heh, woulda thought we would have an easy mission and they'd just not show up at all. Might even be the best outcome. Though I guess that would have been far too easy an ending to a mission." Yang said while stretching her arms outwards, knuckles cracking. "So, how about we get out there and kick some ass?"
"Maybe now will be the risk I can demonstrate my skill." Weiss huffed, pushing her hair to the side.
"We gotta keep them from getting inside!" Ruby exclaimed with clenched raised fists.
Velvet waited until Melanthia was out of sight, then turned towards the trio. "Weiss, you wanted a chance to prove yourself? Now's the time. I need you and Yang to hold the line here for a bit and work with the others to keep the Grimm out for as long as possible."
"Consider it-wait a minute, what about you and Ruby?"
"Yeah, what about us?" Ruby looked towards Velvet with a bit of a frown. She was actually looking forward to slaying more Grimm with Yang. That is, until she saw how serious Velvet's expression looked when she turned towards Ruby.
"There's something that requires investigating. I'd like to devote some energy into looking into this, though that doesn't mean I want to take focus off of the mission. Which is why I'm temporarily splitting us into two duos to handle our separate tasks." Velvet narrowed her eyes. "If I don't take this chance now, I might not get another one. I can't shake the feeling that there's something wrong, and I'll have to pursue it to get to the bottom of it."
"But why does Ruby have to go?" Yang asked not so subtly.
"If anything happens, the two of us will be able to get back to you the fastest. If it gets too overwhelming, signal for us immediately. We'll be back here in no time." Velvet promised. "I need you to trust in me. I don't do things like this for no reason."
Yang looked a bit troubled by this, though she turned to Ruby for her brief thoughts on the matter. The younger sister nodded readily to her, and she sighed. "Alright. Okay. You're the boss." Weiss nearly scoffed at this, though Yang ignored it. "Ruby, stick close to her, alright?"
"Okay!"
"Thanks for this. Please be careful. Remember to signal for me if it becomes too much." Velvet voiced her concerns yet also her faith, before she took Ruby along and the both of them set out deeper into the town.
Yang sighed as she turned around towards the outskirts, cracking her knuckles, Ember Celica clicking into place. She could now indeed the Grimm coming up, just as Velvet heard that they would. "Hey, Weiss. If there was ever a chance for you to prove how badass you are in a fight, now would be the time."
"Hmph. Not exactly the word I would use, but if it'll get your attention on my prowess, then I guess I'll allow it." Weiss huffed, lifting up Myrtenaster towards the approaching horde.
"Cute of you to believe you have any control over what I say."
"It would be better if someone did. It would reduce the vulgarity that you casually emit."
"You mean have someone police my vocabulary?" Yang blinked, rolling her shoulders. "No thanks, that sounds like a pain in the ass."
Weiss shook her head with a sigh, as a Glyph manifested beneath her feet. "That is a perfect example."
Yang was surprised as it seemed like Weiss dashed quickly forward, with Myrtenaster pulled back, and thrusters forth, piercing the incoming juvenile Beowolf through the head. Quickly swiping back, the heads of three more Beowolves were pierced in rapid succession, before she twirled and kicked one trying to pounce her from behind. Mid-twirl, Myrtenaster briefly clicked, and she pointed it towards the ground as another Beowolf tried to pounce her from the front.
An ice pillar ended up impaling it right through the middle, never managing to reach her.
Yang blinked as Weiss pulled back with both her blade and hand up, prepared to strike again. "You'd better do your part and keep up with me, Xiao Long. We can't afford to do this any less than perfectly. This is merely the opening act. More are sure to come soon, much stronger than this scouting wave. So prepare yourself accordingly, or stay out of the way and keep guard back there."
Now having a taste of the proof that Weiss wasn't all talk, Yang soon smirked and swiped her nose with a thumb.
"Well I'll be damned. Seems there's a powerhouse in this pretty princess, after all." Yang chuckled, before Ember Celica clicked and fired a shot towards the oncoming Grimm, briefly dispersing a few of them. She huffed and moved forward. "Hey, Weiss. Ever read some bedtime stories about princesses and dragons?"
"I remember Grandfather reading me one of two. Princess is in danger, the knight slays the dragon, saves the Princess."
"Heh. Classic story, but let's mix it up a bit." Yang stepped up next to Weiss and cracked her knuckles. "How about the Princess and Dragon form a powerhouse duo that kicks major ass? No knights necessary."
Weiss chuckled to herself, before standing side by side with Yang, Myrtenaster held up as they prepared to engage the oncoming Grimm.
"Interesting change of pace. Very well, I suppose I'll indulge you for a bit."
Ruby didn't know why she was being called away with Velvet, but she didn't want to argue against the decision. The rabbit Faunus looked quite serious when she requested Ruby to come with her, and she didn't want to trouble her by disobeying.
If it was serious enough to leave Yang and Weiss to deal with incoming Grimm on their own for a bit, then Ruby wanted to know what it was. She was already dearly worried about them and how they'll do without immediate backup.
Though she didn't let it distract her too much. She had faith in them. Her sister was super strong, and Weiss might be quite capable herself. She always went on about it, and seemed more than willing to prove it with actions. If she was by Yang's side, then there would be less for Ruby to worry about. But she could still worry.
She decided to direct this feeling towards something productive. If she had time to worry for them, then she had time to do whatever she could to support Velvet. And besides, the sooner they take care of whatever was troubling her, the sooner they could get back and complete the assigned team again. There, that wasn't so hard. Compromise!
"I'm sorry about this, Ruby. I wouldn't have done something like this if I didn't think it was important." Velvet voiced aloud, managing to get the younger girl's attention. "I swear, we'll get back to them as soon as we can."
"I know we will, Velvet."
The rabbit Faunus looked forward, eyes narrowed. "I have a strange feeling about this Grimm attack, as well as how nonchalant some people are to the potential danger of Grimm attacking their town. Not to mention the whispers."
So she did hear them. Ruby didn't think she didn't, but now she knew for sure. She wondered how she actually felt about that, and wondered if they were driving Velvet to make this choice. She hoped she was okay.
Her thoughts broke up as soon as they approached the structure that Velvet had set her eyes on. It didn't seem to be particularly out of place or any different than any of the other buildings around-
Ruby blinked.
Something was wrong. She could feel it.
She didn't know exactly what she was feeling, but it was very wrong and it was coming from this structure. She needed to form a better picture of what was possibly going on.
She closed her eyes, and let herself focus.
"I'm sensing Auras. A lot of them in here." Ruby pointed to the ground. "There's also a bit more, right below this building. And some of them feel, distressed."
Velvet looked towards Ruby with a nod. "You sensed them too. So you're able to use Aura Sense pretty well."
"My Dad gave me quite a few lessons on it, but I'm still fuzzy in some aspects."
"When we find the time, you can talk to my friend Fox. He excels at Aura Sensing. He'll give you some pointers if you ask him." Velvet turned towards the building with a nod. There doesn't seem to be anyone immediately on the front, nor behind the door. "Alright then, let's see what's in here. Stay on your guard, and let's try to be super quick."
"Right." With the intentions in mind, the both of them took a breath and pushed onward, entering the building.
It was seemingly normal inside, with no one within the immediate area. If it weren't for the Auras they sensed beneath them, they would have thought the entire building was abandoned. They would have to go a bit deeper to get an understanding of things. Velvet's ear twitched a few times, as she heard several noises from a specific area.
"I think it's coming from there." Velvet pointed towards what seemed to be a slightly ajar passage that seemed to lead deeper inside. "Whoever came in here didn't close it behind them. They were most likely rushing." She briefly looked around, noticing that several crates were right in front of it. "Nor was there much effort in hiding the entrance. A bit careless." She narrowed her eyes. "We have to make haste. Follow behind me closely and quietly Ruby."
Ruby nodded silently as she and Velvet began their descent downwards, taking care not to make too much noise on the way down. As they descended, the lights gradually grew dimmer without ever really going out, until they regained their shine and eventually became even lighter. Support beams slowly came into sight, holding things up as they eventually held up the ceiling above them. Ruby looked around, wondering where all for this would actually lead. More to the point, she wondered how quickly they can find this out so they can resolve things and get back to Weiss and Yang.
One for Velvet's rabbit eats twitched again, and she turned towards the direction of the sound. "I can hear cheering."
"Cheering? About what?"
"We're about to find out."
They finally reached the end of the passage way, seeing a bright light at the very end of it. Once they did, Velvet quickly pulled Ruby aside as they hid behind a pillar. Both of them peeked behind from both sides. Ruby blinked at the strange sight.
"Is this, a makeshift arena?"
Before them appeared to be a ring of sorts, with what appeared to be a cage that seemed charged with Lightning Dust, sparking and charging all over. There was a rather large crowd of people, seated or standing around the ring with loud cheers, with several instances of booing and jeering involved as well. It seemed rather intense. She turned to Velvet, who's eyes remained glued on the arena itself, and what was within it. Ruby turned to where she was looking, focusing more on where Velvet was facing.
Two Faunus were seen staring each other down, out of breath, Specifically, a wolf Faunus with wolf ears and a raccoon Faunus with a raccoon tail. The latter seemed to be collapsed on the floor and out of breath, unable to get up. The former looked at him sadly.
"I-I'm sorry. I had to win. I don't want to end up like them..."
"W-Wait, I can still do this! Give me a chance!"
The crowd didn't seem to agree. His eyes slowly grew wide with dread as several men eventually took him away. He was too exhausted and beat to even struggle.
"No, wait! PLEASE!"
Ruby's first instinct was to rush out for him, but Velvet stopped her with an outstretched hand across.
"If we go rushing into the fray without a clearer picture of things, we might make things worse." Velvet voiced sternly. Ruby was briefly surprised by how calm Velvet was being, then she looked at her rabbit ears as they slowly pulled back a bit while twitching violently. Despite this, her expression didn't change much. It was obvious she wasn't happy, but was keeping levelheaded to reduce the chance of doing something to get them caught. Ruby herself nearly jumped in recklessly and exposed them both. They needed more information before proceeding.
It was through a quick double check of the area that Ruby noticed that the cheering crowds were filled completely with humans. Not a single Faunus in sight.
Velvet's ears shot up as she picked up the sound of screaming in the background despite the loud crowd around her slightly drowning it out.
What was that?!
"Looks like the next bout's gonna be about her again."
"Even after all this time she's still fighting? When's the last time she's eaten or slept?"
"Dunno. But whatever the case may be, you have to admit she's gutsy. I really thought she would have given in by now."
"They're coming out! Let this one last a little longer this time!"
Ruby and Velvet watched as one Faunus walked out from one side of the arena, what appeared to be a large and burly bulldog Faunus who looked like he's seen better days, being scuffled up and dirty. And from the other side, another Faunus walked into the fray-
Velvet's eyes widened fully.
Walking into the fray, was a curvy cat Faunus with a mostly aloof expression. She was a beauty, with a pale white complexion, amber eyes with catlike pupils, and messy wild hair as black as the night which matched the cute pair of fuzzy cat ears adorned on her head.
In which the right one was badly torn. Still functional and likely capable of hearing as she could see it twitch and flick slightly, but one wouldn't be able to tell at first glance.
Not only that, but as the observers say, she looked like she's barely eaten or had any sleep, appearing malnourished with bags under her eyes. There appeared to be a collar strapped around her neck that was emitting Lightning Dust, while cuffs glowing purple around her wrists and legs appeared to be powered by Gravity Dust, and were currently off. She was also barely dressed, stuck in pale patches and rags that barely managed to go past her hips or stretch past her shoulders.
Velvet recognized this person. There weren't many Faunus who didn't.
Blake Belladonna?!
The cat Faunus's dull amber eyes stared up towards the large bulldog Faunus, who stared down at her with a rough expression across his face, almost like a snarl.
"You look like you can barely stand up. Still, I'm gonna have to take you down. Sorry."
"Nn." The cat Faunus Velvet recognized as Blake hummed, briefly tilting her head.
There was the sound of a bell being rung, or more a bell sounding off from being played from a Scroll. The large bulldog Faunus roared as he swung his fist towards the weak-seeming cat Faunus, expecting her to fall over in a single blow.
Blake nimbly jumped over the soaring fist and kicked him across the face, sending him spiraling and crashing against the ground, making a stretched out crater out of it. She landed gracefully on her feet, briefly wobbling due to nearly falling over in exhaustion, as she stared idly at her opponent groaning in pain. He didn't appear to be getting up any time soon.
The crowd both cheered and booed at this, mostly booing.
"You're kidding me!"
"She seriously knocked another one out in one blow? In that state? AGAIN?!"
"What's it going to take for her to just lie down and lose already?!"
If it wasn't for the fact that she was probably starving and looked like she's forgotten what sleep was, Ruby would be more surprised by how strong she was in spite of all of that. But right now, she was really trying to hold herself back from jumping in right away, because it didn't look like either of them wanted to fight, even if it could barely be called such.
Someone approached Blake, and she turned towards them tiredly. "What will it be? Same thing as always, or are you finally going to take the more selfish route?"
"My mind has not changed. Leave him be. I will volunteer myself again." Blake declared quietly, but loud enough to be heard. Looking at her in disbelief, the person sighed.
"Your choice."
Blake winced as the Gravity Dust cuffs suddenly activated, forcing her arms and legs together and making her fall to the ground, on her side. She was soon carried off, grunting but otherwise silent to her mistreatment of being dragged across the ground. The Bulldog Faunus, in the meanwhile, was simply instructed to return to where he was. Despite being defeated, he would return unscathed for another day. He exited the arena, shocked that Blake would do this for him, and disgusted at how she was being treated despite the act.
Ruby clenched her fists.
"Velvet, with how they're treating her, she can't even help herself! She's too weakened to really fight back against this!" Ruby muttered, nearly growling through her teeth.
"I think it's time to proceed forward a little. Come on, we have to stay unseen." Velvet lead the way, with Ruby still feeling distressed and mad by how the Faunus in the arena seemed to be treated and how the human crowd saw little issue with it.
Though as they proceeded along, Ruby found something. A Scroll, cracked and abandoned on the ground lies before her feet. She gently picks it up and takes a look at it. "A cracked Scroll? It still seems functional, if barely. What's it doing all the way here away from everything...?"
"Ruby-!" Velvet attempted to stop her, but the Scroll already came to life.
And a recording began to play.
'My my, how unfortunate for you.'
"What is this?" Velvet noticed with a curious flick of her ears.
"That voice sounds familiar..." Ruby blinked, trying to connect the dots.
'You lost the fight. You've been told the rules before going in, so you already know what this entails, don't you?'
'P-Please don't...'
'Come now, you're really just going to beg and cry?'
The duo noticed someone walking into the frame, and Ruby recognized her instantly.
'You really are domesticated Faunus out here in Vale, aren't you?'
"Melanthia?" Ruby blinked in confusion, while Velvet narrowed her eyes. She was currently standing before what appeared to be another male dog Faunus, one with a fluffy tail, which was currently stilled and curled to express terror.
'T-There's no need to do this! I won't say anything more, I won't act up again! I swear!'
'I'm afraid it's too late for that. You've lost. It's simple logic. Those who are victorious, are rewarded. And those who aren't? They are punished.' Melanthia shrugged with a smile. 'Your opponent has won another day of peace and quiet, until next time. Guess what YOU lose?'
'N-No no no no...' There was even more pleading as the frightened Faunus was soon restrained by several other people. "Don't do this!'
Ruby and Velvet froze stunned as agonized screaming ensued, with their eyes almost unable to leave the screen due to what has transpired. The video began to glitch a bit due to the cracked screen, with the sound remaining completely intact.
Once it returned to mostly being visually watchable, they noticed the blood surrounding the Faunus as he laid on the ground crying, as his now severed tail was being held by Melanthia, in which she gently had a feel for it, running her fingers across it despite the blood dripping on the ground. The aforementioned, now tailless Faunus was outside of the town walls, while Melantha and her subordinates remained on the other side.
"Such a pity you have to part ways with something so fluffy. But alas, I can't leave dissidents unpunished. Especially when they don't know when to stop barking. And all the bite in the world is for not if someone smashes those fangs to pieces.' Melanthia smiled. 'But look on the bright side! You won't have to live with this shame for long! After all, the Grimm are the one thing that's sure to treat everyone equally!'
Right on cue, Grimm were soon approaching from the distance. The poor victim tried to stand, but both the agonizing pain from having his tail forcibly amputated, and the Gravity Dust cuffs keeping him from moving well, meant he wasn't going to survive.
'You can't do this!'
'i do believe I already have.' Melanthia responded casually. 'Consider yourself an example for the others. What happens when domesticated beasts believe they can become bold without consequences.'
He was given no chance to speak further for himself, as the Grimm had already pounced upon him, subjecting him to a brutal and bloody mauling. Throughout the agonized screams, Melanthia looked on with slight dispassion.
'Shame. Didn't even put up a fight. That's quite a disappointment.' The guards soon shot the Grimm down, slaying it knce it had completed it's mauling of the now deceased Faunus, before she turned and walked back into Aurora. "The yapping should decrease quite significantly. If it continues, we'll have to stage another example in order to present another example. I understand that they have a hard time learning."
The recording soon ended, and the Scroll completely shut down, dark and empty. Velvet and Ruby stared blankly at it, trying to process everything they've just witnessed from the abandoned Scroll.
They were so preoccupied with the images, that at first, they didn't register someone shouting at them from behind.
"Hey! What are you brats doing down here?! Who let you in?!" They could hear that it was the men from before, one of the ones who were carrying the Faunus that most away.
Velvet now has an idea of what that screaming from before was. And even furthermore, she had an understanding, a better one, for all of those people's whispers about her, particularly about her being next. Were they waiting to try and put her through this, too?
Not to mention, Blake Belladonna. How did she get all the way out here?
One thing at a time. Now? Decision time.
"We're talking to you!" They walked up and roughly grabbed them both by the shoulders, pulling them back. Both of their heads were down, their eyes hidden by their hair. "You're both in serious trouble, you weren't supposed to be down here!"
"...Velvet. What do you think?"
"Those cries of agony were very real."
"Thought so." Ruby took a deep breath, and sighed. "Is it time to act now?"
Velvet nodded, rapidly thumping her foot with her ears pulling farther back. "Yes, Ruby. Now it's time to act."
"What are you two whispering about?" The men scolded while violently shaking them. Ruby slowly lifted her head, and they flinched slightly. "Hey, what's with the look, pipsqueak?"
Ruby glared at the men with fierce indignation, rose petals beginning to swirl around her...
Blake grunted as she was sitting on her knees, her ears twitching slightly as she tried not to pass out from exhaustion. The Gravity Dust restraints around her wrists and ankles kept her from moving too much. She refused to bow her head if she could currently help it. She wouldn't submit so easily.
She abhorred the casual humming she was hearing as Melanthia suddenly appears before her, as she moved up towards a wall and planted a raccoon tail within a display. She stepped back and rubbed her chin as she took a look at it.
As well as all the other, dozens of amputated Faunus features she's collected over the years.
"You know, a collection like this is pretty challenging to take on." Melanthia hummed to Blake. "Not every Faunus has features that can be removed, after all."
Blake remained silent.
"I have my eye on a rabbit Faunus that recently arrived. She has a nice, adorable pair of rabbit ears. Though there's no way I'm going to be able to have them when she's nice and fresh and ready to fight. She seems stronger than every Faunus here put together. Including you." Melanthia tilted her head. "Might be best to wait until she's exhausted herself holding back the upcoming Grimm horde."
Blake glared daggers at her. "She'll still fight you."
"She's got quite a bit on her plate, watching out for a Grimm attack, guarding the towers, and watching out for three fledgling Huntresses. She must be getting quite exhausted. And that's where my chance will come. The others will probably die in the confusion. That's what happens to upstarts who aim above their weight class." She kneeled in front of Blake and tugged at her damaged ear, making her wince. "It must really burn you up inside to not be able to do a thing about any of this."
"How long do you intend to continue with this?"
"Hmm. It depends, really. Once I think to have collected enough from here, I'll pack my things and move on to the next area of interest. Whether this town gets wiped out after that? No longer my concern. But don't worry, you can come with me!" Melanthia smiled as she got a better feel for Blake's feline ears, roughly tugging again. "I'm a sporting woman, I'd like to think. You tire by the day, so your winning streak will end eventually. And when it does..."
Blake's catlike pupils narrowed fiercely towards her aggressor. "Once my opportunity comes, I'll take you down."
Melanthia smirked. "Say you do that. Then what? I reviewed your history with the ones who sold you to me. Let's list them off and summarize: The White Fang threw you aside when you and your family lost your usefulness, meaning your friends abandoned you. The one you considered your mentor and big brother stabbed your father in the back in both the literal and figurative senses of the word, with your mother and Sienna Khan's status unknown. Most likely dead. And most damning of all, there's no Menagerie, and therefore no home for you to return to."
The fur on Blake's ears raised in infuriation at that one.
"Completely and utterly alone in the world, for five years, being passed from place to place, cause you are such a misbehaving kitty. Fortunately, I have the patience to deal with misbehaving animals as I see fit."
Blake hissed at her, eyes narrowing.
Melanthia chuckled to herself, thinking about it all. "Obviously there's more to the story that I don't know or care about. But honestly, hearing all this upfront? You have nothing to live for anymore, yet you still insist on fighting. I haven't met a Faunus with your amount of spirit in years."
The cat Faunus' glare intensified. "Even if I have nothing to live for, the others do. I'll still save the Faunus here from your clutches. I will bring you down, one way or another. And even if I don't, someone else will, eventually."
Melanthia leaned closer to Blake, gently caressing her cheek. "Oh my goodness, listen to all of that meowing. You're just so cute."
She soon separated from Blake, who began to yelp and spasm in agony as the lightning dust collar around her neck came to life, shocking her all over. It stopped, as she fell over on her front, gasping in pain as electric surges could be seem coating her body. She then felt a foot press itself on her head, now placed under the woman's heel.
"I'm afraid neither of those things will be happening anytime soon." She voiced sternly. "You're placing too much hope in the uncertain. You have no worth to anyone or anything in this world anymore. What sort of naïve fool will want to waste their time and energy to help someone useless like you?"
In spite of her current condition, Blake still managed to open one eye to glare at the woman in defiance.
She'll find her opening. Once she does, she'll cut her down.
"Guys!? We have a problem!"
Several men were turning their heads towards the sound of commotion, as one of their own came rushing through the doors panting heavily with a panicked look in his eyes. They approached him in confusion.
"It's those Huntresses that were called to protect the gates! They stumbled their way across this place, and now they're coming this way!"
Some of their rolled their eyes. "And? Most of them are a bunch of upstarts, they don't have a clue what they're doing. Just take care of them."
The panicking open shook his head. "It's not that simple!"
As he said that, the doors were busted down, flying across the room until they hit the wall. Flowing into the room, were streams of rose petals. Surprised at the suddenness of it all, the others lifted up their weapons. The sound of steps echoed into the room, a pair of boots. A girl in a crimson cloak entered the scene, with rose petals surrounding her being like strong gusts of wind. Her hood was currently pulled over her head. She lifted her head, and two orbs of silver could be seen from under her hood.
"Excuse me. Is Melanthia around here?" Ruby asked politely, with thinly hidden indignation. "I'd like to talk to her, just for a little bit."
Nothing to say here. Except that this chapter is probably going to be very disliked, for obvious reasons.
And I wouldn't even blame you.
But this is one of those moments in which I'd rather stick to my guns and take my lumps as they come.
Also, the next chapter will include probably what might prove to be my favorite kind of moments to write in this story. It's name will give ya a good idea. Simple, yet effective.
Next Chapter Title Pending: Ruby's Angry.