Blue
In the depth of Mistrallian wilderness, a figure walks by her lonesome. Every step she took ones could feel her frustration oozing in the air. Her name is Blake Belladonna, an Ex-member of the infamous Terrorist Organization; The White Fang. Still don in the Extremist uniform, she trudges the forest with no purpose or direction
In her turmoil, she lets her feet guides her. Wherever it took her, as long she could stay far away from Adam Taurus and his cronies.
Blake grits her teeth. She's done with the organization as a whole. The thing Adam said in the train earlier still stuck in her mind. She's all in on sabotaging the SDC's Dust cargo, but when she realized that it was a part of public train. That's where she drew the line. She demanded that Adam think it through, but he cannot be reasoned with.
How someone could became so cold and callous? No matter, she already made her mind. She turned her back towards Adam and White Fang as a whole. She won't be involved in this mess; not anymore.
She reaches into her back pocket and pulls out her scroll, the dim light of her scroll lighten up her face. She opened the map app to check where she's. It shows that she's in the north end of the region; the nearest settlement will be five or six hour walk from here. She puts away her scroll and continues her walk.
She looks around her. Red and orange is the dominant colors of her surrounding, such colors of the fall. Crimson leaves dances around in the air, accompanied by cold breeze of evening air. Any other days, Blake could see herself enjoying her surroundings. Not today.
Seeing leaves fell down, her mind wanders. She heard of rumors from White Fangs' defect, how all of them has been dealt with. It made her think about her decision to join the 'New' White Fang. Did she regret it? No, because that day she saw what the 'Old' Fang refuse to see; the reality.
She remembered how their peace protest was answered by violence, it made her realize that you can't deal with 'Beasts' by being a pacifist, so she took action. She did exactly what they do to them, violence answered with violence. She recalled how she burned down a mansion because the owner burned down a house of her kind, how she murdered an Old man in the name of revenge and how she kidnapped to ask demand. Eye for an eye; that was her belief
Countless order she obeyed blindly, in the name of 'Justice'. Only recently she rethinks her decisions. Equality she seeks, the rules she demands, and peace she seeks to create. She did create change, but it wasn't out of goodness of their heart, nor out of respect. It was fear. And just now that she realizes that.
Her walks came to a stop when she saw a large body of water. She's now in a glade with large lake sits in the middle of it. From the looks of it nobody has been here in forever; Tall grass, the lack of small pier and the cleanliness of the lake. She lets out a sigh and sits down not far from the Lake's shore.
Now she could feel the fatigue sets in; her feet sore, and her calves' cramp. She looks unto the lake's surface. The orange sky reflected clearly, the lack of light pollution made the dimmest stars glow as bright. She tries to see what beneath the lake's surface, but she can barely see the bottom of it.
She pulls out something that has been hanging on her hip, a mask. It's a steel mask that All White Fang's members wore. With a frown she threw it to the deep end. She saw the mask sunk and her mind once again wanders.
She recalls every action she did, every choice she pick... every life she took. Sure most of them deserve it, but she can't help but wonder; how many innocent lives she snuffed out unknowingly in her pursue of 'Justice'? There's a sudden sting in her chest and she stopped thinking. She always has this feeling every time she's in distress, ever since she escaped the frozen hell that is Atlas. She doesn't know what they did to her and to be perfectly honest, she never wanted to know.
Sounds of shuffling in the bushes behind her alarmed her, she grabs her weapon and stands up. From the forest emerge two people; a young girl in blue and a kid with... bronze helmet and Kevlar? Blake's eyebrow rose at the strangeness before her eyes
The young girl don in blue coat with white uniform and a short, she has pink kerchief on her neck, white long boots covered her feet, Metal gauntlet covering her left arm and lastly a black katana sheathed on her left hip. The girl has medium length black hair that reaches her shoulder, a hair pin with flower on it clipped on her bang. She's currently fiddling with her gauntlet's holographic projection
The kid that jogs beside her is unique to say the least; they wore a weird big helmet that has big grin painted on it, there's small blue dots right on top of it; probably it's the helmet's visor. They wore dark green jump suit underneath their Kevlar, with gloves and boots with the same color. Black sleek gun held in their arm, its nozzle rested on their shoulder.
The young girl mumbling something under her breath, Blake's Faunus hearing picked up few things like "lost" and "mapper didn't work". Her eyes then finally wander towards Blake, her eyebrows rose up. Blake tightens her grip on her Gambol shroud slightly
The young girl lowers her gauntlet, the holographic screen fades out. She puts her left hand on her chest and smiles "Ah! My apologies, I didn't mean to alarm you" she apologized, she then exchange look with her companion and nod slightly. The small guy lowers their weapon and waves their hand happily "Hee-Ho!" they said in a high pitched voice. Blake was confused but she still waved back, hesitantly.
"Good Evening, my name is Ruby. I'm sorry, but it seems that I've lost. May I ask where I am?" the young girl asked
Is she serious? Did she not recognize her uniform? "You're kidding right?" Blake can't help but said
"I'm afraid not, miss. My mapper app is unable to scan nearby surrounding at the moment"
Scan? Map app that scans its surrounding? Blake decides to inquire "And why is that?"
"Unfortunately, I don't know" she answered "my understanding in... mechanics leaves much to be desired" she smiled apologetically
Blake could feel that this Ruby girl is being honest with her, she finally answered "Kaguya, we're in Kaguya forest" Ruby looks confused by her answer, the girl then asks again "Where in Tokyo is that?"
Tokyo? Where is that? Blake shook her head "Tokyo? No, we're in northern Mistral"
Ruby looks even more confused, her eyes then wander upwards. It widens for a moment then closes it, she then nods slowly as her smile slowly vanish "...I see" she murmured, she closed her left palm. Blake glances behind her, her hand still on her weapon. All she saw was the shattered moon that hung on the night sky, lighting them with its cold light.
Smile slowly returns to her face, she looks up towards Blake "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment" she said, she then looks down towards her small friend "It seems that we'll be here for a while" the small guy nodded with a "Hee-ho" she then walks towards the shore of the lake, a little bit away from Blake's position and gestured to her companion to sit.
She then grab something from inside her coat, Blake's eyes narrowed a bit. She pulls out a collapsible fishing rod, complete with the hook and gave it to the little guy. She later walks towards the forest again without saying any word.
Blake kept her eyes on Ruby's retreating form until she was completely out of her sight. Her cat ears didn't pick up anymore sounds, other than slowly fading footsteps. She let out a breath and turns towards the armored child
The child ignored her for a while, then turn to Blake. They waved their hand again, while the other holding already casted fishing pole. "Hey-Ho!" the child greeted "Demonee-Ho!" they spoke in a vibrating high pitched voice.
Blake just nodded, was that an introduction? Demonee-ho, what a strange name "Blake" she replied. Demonee-ho nodded and turns back to towards the lake, continuing their fishing. Blake still feeling a bit apprehensive towards the gun wielding kid, yet her instinct says that this person isn't a threat.
She trusted her instinct, it what kept her alive during her time in White Fang after all. She eases her stance and sits down. She glance at Demonee-Ho once in a while, they completely ignore her and more engrossed in fishing. 40 minutes passed, Ruby came back with sticks in hands. She dropped the sticks behind Demonee-Ho and stacked it into a triangular shape.
Ruby pulls out an orange colored stone from her coat; it has a vivid flame shape inside it, she crushes the stone between her thumb and fire was sparked into life. She puts the stone under the assortment of sticks and started a campfire.
"Hee-Ho" Demonee-Ho said while offering Ruby fishes they gotten, Ruby smile warmly and started to shove the remaining sticks into the fishes mouth. They later stick the fishes on the ground, circling the fire. Ruby sprinkle something – probably salt—on the fishes. She then sits down by the fire and Demonee-ho lean on her, stick of fish in hand.
It didn't take too long for the delicious smell of roasting fishes to bombard Blake's nose. She glances at the strange duo; Ruby was eating her fish slowly, while Demonee-Ho turns their back to Blake and chow down their food. Blake gulped down, she hasn't eaten for hours. When she goes with Adam to raid earlier she skipped dinner, now she regrets that choice. Her stomach let out a small rumble.
She felt tapping on her shoulder. She turns and saw Demonee-Ho with fishes on their hands, and then they offer one to her. Blake's eyes widen slightly, wasn't expecting the gesture. She glances at Demonee-Ho and Ruby, the young girl smile warmly at them and nodded. Blake hesitantly took the offer. Demonee-Ho nods and returns to his spot happily.
Blake sniffed the fish, but she couldn't pick any other smell than the delicious smell of roasted fish. It only made her mouth water. She took a nibble, it's not terrible but it's not that good either, it's just a bit salty. But that's to be expected since Ruby only sprinkle salts on them. even though the taste is left much to be desired, Blake still grateful that she got to fill her stomach—and the fact that Ruby wasn't trying to poison her.
"I'm sorry if it doesn't taste really well" Ruby said while smile apologetically "I wasn't expecting to be lost in the forest, so I don't pack any seasoning on my person" Blake shook her head
"It's okay... and thank you, for the food" the cat Faunus said and continues to nibble on her fish
"We still have more. Please, help yourself!" Ruby invited, Blake politely nods
Later, Blake decides to scoot closer towards the campfire. Comfortable silence filled the air, sleepiness dawn over the trio not long after. Blake was grateful that she could distract herself from her dark thoughts, if she was normal girl; she won't mind to made friend with Ruby. But unfortunately her past wouldn't allow that. If Ruby has a slightest of connection with her, her life would be in danger... it's something that Blake wouldn't wish on her, or anyone on that matter.
Her eyelids start to feel heavy. She glance towards Ruby and Demonee-Ho; they sleeping while leaning on each other's back, with bubble came out of the smaller guy nose—even though they has helmet on.
Yawn escapes Blake's lips, her eyes getting heavier. Finally she lets the sleepiness won and closes her eyes.
Her eyes shots open when she heard howling. She stood up and whipped her head around, her gambol shroud unsheathed. The sounds of her weapon pulled out wakes Ruby and Demonee-Ho up. They were alarmed when saw Blake looking around with alertness in her eyes.
"Miss Blake, what's the matter?" Ruby asked as she stands up, Demonee-Ho pulls out their gun and pointing it towards the forest. The young girl looks at Demonee-Ho and asks "What's the situation?"
"Horde-Ho" Demonee-Ho replied "9, 12, and 3 o'clock-Ho" they then cocked their gun and aimed it forward. Ruby nodded and raises her Gauntlet, She then spoke "Burroughs, Demon Analyze" Demon?
Holographic screen then projected by her gauntlet and Blake could see an image of a woman in white, it didn't show her face; only from her upper chest to right under the eyes. "Horde; Beowolves, Level 23, Resistance and weakness; unknown" The gauntlet spoke "Be careful" Ruby nodded
She unsheathed her Katana, revealing its pristine black blade that covered in purple runes. She then turns to her right "Demonee-Ho, cover us" she ordered and prepared a stance. Blake turns to her left and did the same.
When Blake heard the furious stampede on the ground, she tightens her grip. A trio of small Beowolves jumps out of the forest. Blake narrows her eyes and swung her blade
2 Beowolves charge towards Ruby, flanking her. She slashed one in half and dodges the other one by jumping away. More Beowolves joins the fray, Ruby dashes forward and eliminated each one that closing on her.
A Beowolf brought down its sharp claws on her, Ruby parried them using the flat side of her katana; Muramasa. She then cuts the hostile down with a swift diagonal slash. The Samurai prentice felt an oncoming attack from behind, she quickly turn around and swing her cursed Katana; 2 Beowolves were cut down in an instant.
Shadows fell upon her; Ruby looks up and saw 3 Beowolves high in the air, ready to pounce on her. She switches into defensive stance, preparing for the attack. But the enemies' head suddenly popped, accompanied by sounds of gunshots. Ruby swiftly diced the headless bodies into myriad of pieces. She glances at the source, there standing Demonee-Ho with his Assault rifle tilted upward; faint smoke came out from the gun nozzle.
She flashes him a quick smile and the Fairy gave a thumb up in response. Ruby turns and saw 4 Beowolves slowly approaching her, the samurai prentice took a defensive stance when she realized that these demons are circling her. She glances at her opponents while her other hand slipped under her blue coat, Waiting the right moment to counter.
When the living shadows pounce on her, she jumps high in the air and throw the item she had on hand; Mabufu stone. When the stone hits the ground, pillars of ice erupted from the ground which then exploded. It releases thick cold haze that shrouding the Beowolves, and when the haze dissipated it left behind a group of frozen solid Beowolves. Ruby fell down and broke them into pieces with single hit
More demons appeared out of the forest, this time in a large group. Ruby sheath her sword and raise his hand above her head, with palm open, Ruby then started chanting. Soft white light starts to gather on her raised palm as moment passes on until the light got so bright it lit up the entire glade. "Judgment Light!" Ruby cried as she crushed a ball of light that formed in her palm.
The lights shots up in a flash and then rained down upon the remaining enemies. The abominations were bathed in holy light and dissipated into nothing. Every enemy in the glade was cleared and Ruby relaxes her stance. Suddenly there's huge splash sound from the lake. Ruby whipped her head and saw Blake fending off against a much bigger Beowolf.
"Burroughs, Scan" Ruby commanded, she draw Muramasa and run towards Blake. Sound of whirring heard from her gauntlet, it then stopped with a small beep. "Undead; Beowolf Alpha, Level 40, Resistance and Weakness; Unknown" Burroughs reported "Be careful, Master"
Ruby raised her hand and chants, it now glow pale blue with mist starts to envelope her palm. An ice crystal formed on her palm, until it was as big as her fist. She then points her hand at the Undead "Bufudyne" she cried. The crystal then shots forward, it hit the target on its shoulder. Ruby clicked her tongue when the Beowolf still ignoring her
The monster still keeping its eyes on Blake, it keeps swinging its claws on Blake. The girl switched into defensive, while the Alpha Beowolf kept pressuring her towards a tree. It then grabs Blake by the face and threw her to a tree, Blake's aura shattered when her back hits the tree.
She hit the ground with a thud. the girl tried to lift herself up, but the stinging pain on her back prevented her from doing so. Blake eyes wander towards her empty palm, for she lost her weapon when she was flung. She turns to her side, there she saw the Alpha Beowolf slowly prowling towards her; ignoring any projectiles that bombard it. Blake swore she saw a small tug on the monster's lips akin to a smirk.
Blake lowers her head, she resigned to her fate. So, this is it then? She won't able to redeem herself. She lets out a bitter chuckle, ironic; when she thought of changing her life and repent for her sins, life won't allow it. Instead she would be executed here, by humanity's own predator. No matter, if that's how her story ends, then it is what it is... at least she won't hurting anyone anymore.
She closes her eyes when she saw the Beowolf pounce on her, she prepares for the worst. She expected sound of her flesh being torn open when the Alpha Beowolf lets out a roar, not the clank of steel against steel.
"Miss Blake, are you okay?" a concerned Ruby asked. Blake opens her eyes and turns her head. She was met with the view of Ruby's back, who's now locking her blade with the claws of the Alpha. She then push the blade, created a brief opening and she kicked the monster away. Creating a distance between the human and the Undead
Blake was confused, why? Why this human being so kind towards her; a Faunus. Every human she encountered in the past are nothing but racist and hateful people, so why? Why does she act so differently? "Why?" Blake whispered
Ruby was taken aback, she glance at Blake; confusion on her eyes "Come again?" she asked
"Why did you save me?" Blake asked again, she too was confused "you can save yourself and run away from it, why do you protecting me?"
"I can assure you, Miss Blake. I don't have any ulterior motive" Ruby reassured with a smile "just carrying out my duty as a Samurai, that's all"
"Samurai..." Blake parroted, her eyes then widen "are you a Huntress?" she's looks far too young to be one, even as one in training. Her uniform too, Blake never saw any huntsman school using Ruby's attire.
Ruby became more confused "Huntress?" did she mean Hunters like the ones in Tokyo? She shook her head, it can wait. Now there's a demon she need to take care of "we'll continue this conversation later, Miss Blake. this demon need to be taken down!" she said and then charge at the Beowolf. Blake was confused by the choice of word "Demon?"
Ruby raised her blade, she then brought it down. The Beowolf jumps back and evaded her attack, it then pounce on her. Ruby sidestepped out of the way, narrowly avoiding it. She then chant a prayer under her breath and raised her gauntlet hand afterward, pointing towards the Beowolf's hunched form "Debilitate!" she shouted
Dark green, purple and red color briefly washes down the Alpha's body, the beast rush towards ruby but its movement became slower than before. Demonee-Ho let out a shot towards it and the bullets finally penetrated the wolf's black shadowy skin. The armored fairy then jumps around in joy, for he finally able to significantly do more damage.
Ruby smile at her demon's antic, she then ran towards her enemy and thrust her Muramasa. The wolf tried to jumps away but due to its slower speed, it didn't able to fully dodge the attack. The blade pierces through its chest, seeing this Ruby can't help but Smirk. she turns her blade and push it, the sharp blade tore open the Alpha's flesh and left a quite big gash.
The alpha lets out a pained roar and then brought down its claw on ruby, the samurai prentice jumps away from the attack. She then points the tip of her blade pointing towards the Beowolf, her other hand place its palm under the blade's hilt. She closes her eyes and chants a prayer. Demonee-Ho placed himself in front of his master and later starts to pelt the Alpha Beowolf with lead.
The Beowolf went down on all four and quickly dash towards the duo, its bone mask was starts to crack when one of Demonee-Ho's bullets hit it. It then leaps high in the air, with its razor sharp claws swung downward.
Demonee-Ho panicked, he then desperately imbued a huge amount of magic into his Assault rifle. He cocked the gun and pulled the trigger. A hail of bullets shots out from its nozzle, it pierces through the Alpha's flesh and tore one of its arm off.
The attack decreases the Beowolf's momentum, instead of landing on the duo; it landed in front of them. It snarls and lunge its clawed hand on Demonee-Ho. The attack connected, his armor absorbed most of the damage but the Alpha could feel that its claw able to dug on Demonee-Ho's flesh. The Alpha smirk, it pulled the claw off, grabs Demonee-Ho by the helmet and throws him away.
With a loud roar, the monster brought down its claws down on the defenseless Ruby. But before the attack could hit, Ruby's opens her eyes "Tetrakarn" she whispers; her skin glowed briefly and the claws hit her. Instead of tearing her skin open, it did the opposite. The Beowolf's only remaining arm suddenly ripped off from its shoulder, deep claw-like gash can be seen on the connecting joint.
The arm fell on the ground and dissipated into smoke, the wolf was staggered. Ruby lowers her posture and grips her Katana's handle with her hands, her eyes narrowed "Akasha Arts" in a flash she dashes forward, and thrust her blade with great strength
The blade pierces through the Beowolf's lower abdomen, the momentum Ruby build dragged it couple meters away. She twisted her blade and then rips it. The force and the blade's sharpness shred through the bones and tear the Alpha's gut open, she then finished it off with another slash; cleaving the Beowolf in Half.
Ruby swing her blade in an arc, and then sheaths it. The corpse hits the ground with a thud which then it starts to dissipated, the samurai prentice turns to see the phenomenon. She was intrigued. Usually when a demon has been slain they crumbled into dust, not dissipated into smoke. She raised an eyebrow when she saw something on the ground, she picked it up and dusted it off; it was a Macca, a currency used to scout demons or buy things.
She then turns to the still dissipating corpse "so it was a Demon" she murmured. The Samurai Prentice then lifts her gauntlet after she pocketed the coin. "Burroughs" she said and a screen projected from her gauntlet. She tapped the rather solid screen and opens up 'Challenge' Tab, a list appeared and she clicked the top one.
A window appeared, in them there's usually written details of 'Challenge' or 'Quest' she would undertook. She was confused by the content inside the window that popped up, or lack thereof.
'Remnant of what it was' was the Challenge name, the client showed 'Hunters Association' since she took it inside one of their bar in Ueno, but what's surprise her was the 'Null' written on the detail. She then turns her gaze towards the shattered Moon "Just what in ancestor's name happened in here"
She turns around and walk towards Blake who was leaning on a tree, she then crouch down next to her "Are you okay?" she asked the Faunus. The girl gave a small nod
"I'm okay, just exhausted" came the girl's reply. Blake tried to stands up but the aching on her back made her rethink that choice "looks like that throw bruised my back, I'm going to sit here for a while"
Ruby shook her head "we need to find shelter, do you know where the nearest village is?" the samurai asked, Blake nod again
"The nearest settlement is south west from here, it'll took 3 to 4 hours walk to get there; might as well we rest here and wait for the sun to rise" she answered "you should go, before any other of those Grimm found their way here"
"And abandon you?" Ruby shook her head "I'm sorry, but I can't do that"
"Why? Didn't you hear what I said earlier? My back is bruised, I'm won't be able to walk for at least 2 days" Blake place a hand on Ruby's wrist "Just go, please. I can take care of myself"
"I'm curious, why would you so adamant on the subject?" Ruby said, surprise on her face
"Because, I'll just slow you down if we travel together" Blake half lied "we'll stop often and attract Grimm easily, with my injury I'll become deadweight to you"
"No, I can carry you until we arrived at the settlement" Ruby denied "small I may be, but don't underestimate my strength"
Why this girl so persistent, didn't she see her uniform? She's still wearing her White Fang uniform for brother's sake! "I told you, I'm okay. You go on ahead" Blake insisted
Ruby shook her head. She opens her mouth to say something but was cut when she noticed Demonee-Ho came out of the bushes "Ah! Are you alright, Demonee-Ho?" she got a happy 'Hee-Ho' as answer, the Samurai prentice nod her head gratefully "I'm glad"
An Idea then struck her, she turns to Demonee-Ho again "Do you still have recovery items on you?" she asked, Demonee-Ho gave a nod and opens up one of his pocket. From it he pulls out a small pale green stone, she then passed it on to Ruby "Thank you" her Demon gave an affirmative 'Hee-Ho'
She then gave the stone to Blake "Use this" she said. Blake raised an eyebrow and took the offered stone "what I'm supposed to do with this?" the cat Faunus asked as she eyed the stone "swallow it?" she joked
"Yes" came Ruby swift reply, Blake's eyes widen
"W-w-whoa, hold the moment there" she yelped "Are you suggesting that I need to swallow this lump of rock? Are you insane? Forget about bruising, I will die from choking if I do that!"
"Then grind it with your teeth" Ruby suggested
"That wasn't the point!" Blake sweat dropped, she sighed "look, I appreciate you're trying to help me. But I'll pass. i-"she was cut off when Demonee-Ho shoves took the stone from her hand and shove it down her throat. Blake made choking sound as she grips her throat, unable to breathe. "Demonee-Ho!" Ruby screamed in horror
Blake repeatedly punches her midsection, trying to puke out the rock. Her effort was fruitless when she swallowed the rock instead. She turns silent, when she heard gulping sound came from her throat. A pair of hands suddenly grabs Demonee-Ho by the helmet
"You Asshole!"Blake screamed in rage, as she threw Demonee-Ho into the lake.
"Did you trying to kill me, you midget!?" the cat Faunus screamed "you could warn me, or something but No, you shove a lump of rock down into my throat. Are you out of your mind!? You fucking psychopath!"
"Miss Blake, Please calm down" Ruby tried to calm her down
"Oh yes, let me calm down after that mongrel shoved stone down my throat and nearly suffocate me!" Blake said snapped
"But at least you can stand now, yes?" Ruby points out, and then it hit Blake.
She looks down and true she was standing on her feet, she didn't feel any pain on her back. She raised her uniform slightly and glance at her back, there's no bruise, and it was pristine clean as if she wasn't thrown unto a tree earlier. "w-what?" she sputtered
"I sincerely apologize on behalf of my Demon; he may be rude and impolite, but I assure you he mean no harm" Ruby said
"W-w-what was that?" Blake demanded, Ruby confused by the question "I beg your Pardon?" the Samurai prentice asked
"What was the thing that he shoved down my throat?" Blake clarified, Ruby hummed in understanding "it was Life Stone" she answered
"Life...stone?"
"Yes, Life stone" Ruby nodded, it was her turn now to be confused "you never heard of life stone?"
"Which part of my reaction that said I'm familiar of it?" Blake deadpanned "the screaming murder one?"
Ruby smile sheepishly "O-oh sorry, I thought at least you knew something similar. And you declining the stone were because it has different shape and uses" she then has a curious look on her face "I'm curious, Demons exist in this world and yet you never saw a life stone?" Blake shook her head "No"
"Curious" Ruby muses, she then took out something from her coat. It was a small translucent smooth stone, there's a green swirl inside it. "How about this one?" she asked.
Blake took the stone, she inspect it closer. It reminds her of dust crystal. If she remembers correctly; Ruby uses stone like this to light up a campfire, that one was orange. This one is green, if she had to guess it's... wind? "Is this the same stone you used on the campfire?" she asked. Ruby nodded
"Correct, it's the same but this one is a different element" Ruby tilted her head "do you ever saw anything like this?"
Blake nodded "yeah, Dust" she said simply, she then gave the stone back to Ruby "if I had to guess, that one was wind, right?" Ruby smile at her and say "close, it was Force actually" force?
The Samurai then presented 5 more stone with different colors; orange, green, pale blue, yellow, black, and pale yellow. "These are Elemental Stones, inside it them are crystalized energies." Ruby Explain, she then points at the orange stone "this is Agi stone, or fire stone" she continues to the stone beside it "Zan stone, force. Bufu, Ice. Zio, Electricity. Mudo, Death. And lastly Hama, expel"
"Hold on, what was the last two? Death and Expel?" Blake inquired "How does that work? I'm sure death isn't a form of Energy"
"I don't think it was 'Death' in literal sense, Miss Blake" Ruby answered "I think it's more of a crystalized damaging dark energy. Expel on the other hand I think it was a crystalized cleansing holy energy"
Blake's eyes widen in surprise "so you got a literal crystalized Dark and Light?" Ruby nodded "in a sense, yes"
"Where did you get them?" Blake can't help but ask "obviously wasn't mining, if that's the case; everyone will hear about the discovery"
"They were gifts"
Blake was stupefied "Gift?" Ruby nodded
"My demons gave them"
"Demons, You mean Grimm!?" Blake yelped "you're saying that Grimm gave you those stone!?"
Ruby was confused "Grimm?" is that how demons were called in this world? "I'm afraid i don't know what you're referring to"
Blake furrowed her eyebrows "you meant to tell me, that you don't know anything about Grimm?", Ruby shook her head "I'm afraid so"
Blake has blank expression on her face, she then sigh "you know, if you're lying about being Amnesiac; I'd buy it. More than you're said just now" she scratches her head "you're implying that you don't know a single thing about Grimm? Even though you just slayed like dozen of them and an alpha"
It clicked on Ruby's mind "Ah! That was you referring to, that Undead; Beowolf Alpha"
Undead? "Yes, that one"
"I'm afraid that I'm not familiar with the term, I've encountered hundreds of Demons before. But that was the first 'Grimm' that I encountered." Ruby cupped her chin "they're interesting though, maybe one day I'll scout one"
Scout, just how far this girl going to lie "Har-har, you're so funny" Blake scoffed. She then pinched the bridge of her nose "Look, Ruby. You're a good girl; the fact that you're terrible at lying proves that. So please, please drops this charade" the Faunus pleaded
Ruby frown a bit "sorry, but it wasn't a jest. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable regardless"
Blake sigh "No worries, just... know when to stop in the future." Ruby nodded
Smile then reappeared on the young Samurai's lips "Now, then. Since you're recovered, I think it's best that we begin our journey" she said and starts to heading south west, she noticed the lack of footstep following her. She turns to face Blake "what's the matter, Miss Blake?"
Why did this girl waiting for her, she already made it clear that she doesn't want to go with her. yet she's so persistent, it remind her a bit of her own past; how despite her parents reluctance, she kept joining white fang's rally. She knows this type of person, as polite as she was, she won't take no as an answer. She sighs "coming" she said and walks beside Ruby
2 hours has passed. The sun has risen; its warm light penetrated the thick forest canopy, illuminating the way of the Trio. They talked once in a while and spent most of the time in silence. They came upon a concrete bridge, under it there's a rather wide and deep chasm. But there's problem waiting for them, or at least for Blake.
Blake grabs Ruby by her collar and pulls her into hiding. She ducked behind tree, while Ruby and Demonee-Ho hid behind a huge rock next to it. Blake takes a peek from her position.
She saw white fang, dozen of them. Camping right in front of the Bridge, she even saw few of them has weapon in hand. This is what she afraid of, she know she's toast the moment she cut ties with Adam, and she's okay with that; she spent her early white fang days being hunted down. The problem now was the girl that accompanies her.
"Why are we hiding?" said girl asked, she then took a peek "who are they?" seriously?
"Not the time for joke, Ruby" Blake groans "they're White Fang, an organization of Faunus...Extremist" terrorist, but it's hard for her to admit that. Ruby nodded, and then ducked back behind the rock.
"So what do we do now?" the younger girl asked, Blake has one plan in mind
"You go on ahead, the settlement are not too far from here. I'll distract them" it's her that they wanted, no need to bring bystander into this. Ruby fully turns towards her.
"I'm afraid I can't agree with that" Ruby denied "let's try to settle with them peacefully" she rose up, but Blake pushes her down again
"No, you idiot!" she all but shouted "we can't do that! It's out of question for them"
"We won't know if we don't try" Ruby said, but Blake's grips on her shoulder tighten "What part of extremist you didn't understand!?" she harshly whispered
Blake let out a breath. It seems if she doesn't come clean Ruby would insist on talking with them. She owes her anyway, the very least she could do was being honest. She took a deep breath "Listen, I appreciate that you save my life back then. And honestly if things weren't so complicated, I could see we became Friends..." she then sits down next to Ruby
"What do you mean complicated?" Ruby inquired, she then noticed Blake's clothing, it was the same as the people up ahead "does this have anything to do with your outfit?"
"Yes" she took another deep breath; here comes the hard part "you see, I was one of them. I defected literally yesterday, right before we met. I believe you're smart enough to guess why I want you out of my hair" Ruby nodded
"You afraid that being near you will paint a target on my back, correct?"
"Precisely" Blake became quiet for a moment, she then say "I'm sure you don't want to associate with me again, I'm fully understand. Who wants to be a friend to a terrorist anyway" she muttered
"Ex-terrorist" Ruby corrected, Blake confused by her words "people change, Miss Blake. For the better or worse, that's up to them. I know a person, who did exactly that, once. We fought against him. But the last moment, when we fight against the real enemy; he came to help." Ruby's smile turns cheerless "sadly, it was the last battle he fought. People heart can change, Miss Blake. The first battle they must take is to face their mistake. Even a Demon Lord could atone for his sins"
She stands up "you're a good person, Miss Blake. You worried about my safety, even though I'm a stranger. You may dwell in secrecy, but your action speak honesty." She then walks away from their hiding spot, she stopped and addressed the Faunus again "don't worry, if you sure that we can't solve it with diplomacy; I have other way"
Blake scrambled on her feet, she knew what Ruby capable of. They may be terrorists, but like Ruby said; they could change. "Please, don't hurt them!" Blake pleaded, her hand gripped Ruby's wrist "they're misguided, they're people who suffers too much and wanted change. They're just too blinded in their hatred to notice that they didn't bring good changes." Her grip on Ruby's wrist then tighten, so is the pain on her chest "Please spare them, I know they could change. I believe they will change, just like you said; they still can atone for their mistake!"
Ruby turns towards Blake, warm smile on her face "you're a good person Blake" she then put a comforting hand on Blake's grip "don't worry, this won't hurt them. you have my word" she reassure then walks out from their hiding.
Ruby emerges from the forest "Good morning" she greeted. The white fang soldiers readied their weapons and aim it at Ruby. She lifts her hands in placating manner "Please, I mean you no Harm"
"What do you want, Human!" a gruff voice spoke from the convoy. It was belonged to a large individual.
"I wish to cross the bridge" Ruby answered. She puts a hand on her chest "my companions and I were traveling to the nearby settlement, and we need to cross this bridge to do so"
"Not a chance, human" a response from a completely different voice, this time it was quite feminine "we were tasked to guard this bridge, so unless you contact our higher ups; we can't let you cross"
"Is that so?" Ruby said, her expression became thoughtful "I suppose made some sort of agreement, an exchange perhaps"
"Yeah, how about we throw you into the chasm and see if you can climb up" someone jeered "if you can we'll let you pass" the White Fang crowd then laughed
Ruby shook her head "I'm afraid I can't agree with that" the only flying demon she had was too big, it won't fit the chasm. "How about I give you this and in exchange you lot let us pass" she said as she pulls out a golden mask from her coat. She then threw it unto a patch of grass between her and the crowd.
The crowd was mesmerized by the item. One of the soldiers then came to inspect it; it's a mask in the shape of skull, it has myriad of jewel decorating it. "It's legit" the soldier said and brought the mask to the crowd
"Well now, looks like you're has more worth than you look, shorty" the big gruff man mocked, he then trained his gun towards Ruby, a gesture the rest of the Fang followed "but, I'm afraid now we're going to take anything you got" he cocked his shotgun
"I see, so you guys can't be reasoned with" Ruby sigh, she then lifted her gauntlet. "Burroughs" she said, Demon repertoire screen then appeared. She pressed her finger at a particular Demon. "I was afraid that it'll have to come to this. For all it's worth; I'm sorry for what will happen"
"Do your worst, Human" Ruby frowns from the response
"Very well then" she muttered and swipes the Demon's window off the screen" Come, my beautiful Fairy!" as soon as she yelled a ball of green light flew out from the holographic screen, it landed in front of Ruby and then in a flash of green light a figure appeared.
It was a woman wearing a plain dark blue gown. Her long pale green hair flutters softly, on the non-existent wind. Her skin is pale as snow, complementing her beautiful visage. She sat with her legs crossed on a harp, her arms on her lap. The most baffling detail was the fact that's sitting on a harp that floating off the ground. She smiling sweetly towards the White Fang soldier
"A Schnee!" a white fang soldier exclaimed, Ruby has no idea what does that mean. Blake's eyes widen at the summoning
"I am Fairy; Lorelei" The summoned demon introduce herself, she then rests her arm on the harp and relaxes her posture "Nice to meet, you" she smirks and her eyes glows sick yellow.
"Lorelei, Panic voice" Ruby commanded. Lorelei giggles and then lets out an inhuman screech. The White Fang soldiers instantly went to cup their ears, but the damage has been done. Dread filled their system as they scramble away from their camping spot, fearing their life on the non-existent threat. It's a surprise that none of them fell into the chasm, seeing how panic they're.
The spot was cleared of any Fang soldiers, the only thing left was the equipment they forsaken. Blake walks out from her hiding spot and approaches Ruby. She's confused by what happened, Ruby's summon sing out a melodious tone and suddenly the soldiers ran for their life. "What just happen?"
Ruby turns to her "Ah, nothing too injuring. I just made them panic, so they'll run away. Don't worry, it won't damage them in any way; perhaps a scratch here and there from falling over" she then turns to Lorelei "Thank you, Lorelei" the fairy nodded
"It was my pleasure, master" she bowed her head slightly "it's been too long since the last time I sang my song, it was nice to have audience, as fleeting as they may be"
"Good to know" Ruby then gestured towards Blake "Lorelei, this is my traveling companion; Blake. Blake, this is one of my Demon; Lorelei" she introduces
"This again..." Blake groans "it's either you're into role-play or you have some problem"
Before Ruby could responded, Lorelei cuts in "this isn't a charade, Beast-man"
Blake glares at the Demon "what did you say?"
"I said, this wasn't a charade" Lorelei then gestured towards herself "I am a Demon, and Master Ruby is my master. It is not hard to understand a simple fact"
Blake shook her head "No, you called me 'Beast-man'. You racist!" she yelled. Lorelei rolls her eyes
"Your human concept has no meaning to us, Beast-man. We simply say what we desire, race and skin colors has no meaning to us; only strength" Lorelei snidely said
Blake turns to Ruby "cut the shit, Ruby. This is getting out of control!" Ruby was startled by Blake's anger, but she tried to calm them down. unfortunately, it didn't go well
"Are you implying that Master Ruby is a liar?" Lorelei muttered coldly, she then grabs Blake by the throat and lifts her. Blake's feets now dangle in the air "I would gladly entertain your ignorance, but I'm afraid you were stepping out of the line. Master Ruby is not a liar, and you should treat her with respect, Beast-man" the Fairy then raise her other hand, a ball of electricity then formed on its open palm "do you want me to sate your ignorance? I would gladly introduce you to my lovely Ziodyne"
"Lorelei, that's enough!" Ruby commanded, they turns and saw ruby with hardened expression on her face "I order you to let go of Miss Blake. She can believe what she wants. I don't care if she doesn't believe the existence of Demon, she'll come around eventually. So please, Lorelei. Don't harm Miss Blake"
"As you wish" Lorelei said and dropped Blake to the ground "know this Beast-man, Master ruby has spared your life. If she wasn't so forgiving..." she points her magic towards a tree, a huge bolt of lightning then shots out of her palm and struck the tree; destroying it into tiny splinters. It was a threat, there's nothing else to say
The demon then bid her goodbye to her master and returned into the gauntlet. Ruby sighs and helped Blake stands up "I am really sorry, Lorelei is hot headed. But she's the only one who can made those soldiers go away without wounding them"
"Yeah, just...don't summon her again" Blake can't really blame Ruby, from what she saw; the girl was actively trying to defuse the situation.
"I won't, I promise" the samurai prentice then walks away to cross the bridge, an uneasy Blake following behind her. Blake's mind thinking about what she just saw, Ruby was capable of summoning; just like a Schnee. Did this mean Ruby was a Schnee? Blake shook her head, No
Schnee only has 2 daughters; Winter and Weiss Schnee. She never heard of a third daughter, or even a rumor of an illegitimate child. And from what Blake read from Adam's Dossier back then, Schnee only capable of summoning Grimm they defeated. And she's sure that their structures are incapable of speech, because they're just that; a structure.
Ruby's summon on the other hand, are capable of speech. Not just a growl or guttural sound, a full sentence speech; they're quite animate too (that's ignoring, Lorelei's racist comment). Lorelei called herself a Demon, but that's what Ruby called that Alpha Beowolf by. Does that mean there's a sentient humanoid Grimm somewhere in the world?
Blake's thought was stopped when she saw a large wooden gate. "Here it is" Blake said "Yakushima settlement"
"Let's proceed then" Ruby said, Blake nodded. They entered the settlement without too much fuss, Blake decide to not continue her earlier thought, not before she got a change of clothes.
To be continued
A/N: AU where Ruby is a samurai prentice, A.K.A my second attempt at writing a story. Here are her stats;
Ruby | Level: 85
St: 145
Dx: 150
Ma: 160
Ag: 157
Lu: 204
Spell:
-Bufudyne
-Akasha Art
-Judgement Light
-Debilitate
-more to be added
Hope you guys like it, Read and review.