Here we are at Chapter 104. Time for the gang to begin their new careers as official huntsmen and huntresses, along with something else in store. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 104. Enjoy.
Chapter 104. One Maiden to Another
Everyone is sleeping peacefully in their beds at Atlas Academy, especially after having a grueling mission to complete. However, that peace and quiet doesn't last long when Penny suddenly bursts into their room.
"SAL-U-TATIONS!" Penny shouts, waking everyone up with a jolt.
Velvet groans, "Ugh, Penny, do you have any idea what time it is?" she asks, rubbing her eyes.
"It's time to be huntresses of course," Penny says.
Everyone except for Ruby groan at the early wake-up call, while Ruby cheers at the idea. They all get changed and head to the briefing room. They meet up with Team JNR along the way and find the rest of the Ace Ops already there when they arrive.
"Glad you guys could join us. Alright, listen up huntsmen and huntresses. Time to get used to the new normal here in Atlas," Clover says as he stands in front of a screen showing a variety of missions. "Now remember, your priority is protecting the Amity project. That means guarding supply runs to the site from Grimm and bandits. But, that also means protecting the site itself. We've dealt with the Geist back on our last mission, but Grimm still roam all over the area. We can't let them get close to the tower. We're diverting resources from Mantle to the project. However, that means that there will be gaps in Mantle's defenses. They'll need some support in keeping the Grimm out. Also, while the Amity project will be your main priority, there are other missions that you can participate in for Mantle and Atlas. The people have been on edge lately since the recent Grimm attacks. Having a huntsman nearby should put them more at ease, which means less Grimm to deal with. You'll have periods of time off from missions, and you're free to spend that time off as you see fit. It doesn't hurt to have the huntsmen around you help out with training. The Ace Ops and myself are more than willing to help you improve your skills further if you feel you need it. The time has come for you all to decide what kind of huntsmen or huntresses you want to be. So, good luck out there everyone. We're all counting on you," Clover says.
With the briefing over, the gang choose their missions and head out to get them done. Velvet takes on a mission to guard the main entrance to the Dust mine with Marrow going with her. Team JNR take missions in Mantle, while the rest of Team RVWBY take missions to guard the outer perimeter of the launch site. As they're making their way to the airships, Velvet bumps into Oscar.
"Hey Oscar," Velvet greets him.
"Velvet, what's up?" Oscar asks.
"You'll be here in Atlas Academy with Ironwood, correct?" Velvet asks.
"Yeah, he wants to try and find a way to... bring Ozpin back. Plus, this'll be a good chance to get some more training in for me. I still have a long way to go, especially compared to you guys," Oscar says.
"Well, while you're here, could you do me a small favor?" Velvet asks.
"Sure, what is it?" Oscar replies.
"I want you to tell Ironwood that I want to speak with him after I get back about the Winter Maiden. Tell him it's important," Velvet explains.
"Um, sure, that's no problem. Why do you want to ask about her?" Oscar asks.
"Well, I wish to see if she has any advice on my powers. I need a lot more training to master them, but I have no one to teach me in depth. Perhaps another Maiden could," Velvet says.
"Okay, I get ya. I'll see what I can do," Oscar says and walks off.
Velvet rejoins the rest of the group and they head out on their first official missions. It takes a while until they reach the launch site and land.
"Okay Velvet, we'll see you a little later. Call us if something happens," Ruby says.
"Okay. The same for you, Ruby. Be safe," Velvet says, offering Ruby a quick peck on the lips before they leave.
The rest of the team head out to the outer perimeter while Velvet and Marrow head into the main mine entrance.
"You know, we're on a mission right, not date night," Marrow notes.
"She's my girlfriend, Marrow. What you do in whatever relationships is your business, but leave my business alone. I know we're here on a mission, so let's get to it," Velvet retorts.
Just then, several Centinels pop out from the rubble and move towards them.
"I thought this place was secured," Marrow notes.
"They must've been hiding deep underground when we were here last. No matter, time for some pest control," Velvet says, engaging her arm blade.
Velvet runs at them while Marrow fires his rifle in support. Velvet twirls in the air to slice off one Centinel's head, followed by activating her foot blades to cut a second one into ribbons. Marrow switches his rifle into its boomerang form and throws it; the weapon flying by Velvet as it shreds through two more Centinels before returning to its owner. Velvet activates her demon claw to grasp the head of one Centinel and slam it into a second before crushing its skull. She conjures up a fire arte and blasts a few more away. Deactivating her claw, Velvet flips around as her foot blades start spinning. She spins around on her hands as the blades dance, slicing through two Centinels that try to attack from her flanks. Another Centinel pops out from the ceiling, but Marrow fires his rifle to get a head shot on it. When Velvet finishes, she makes a final slash of her arm blade to take out the last Centinel. With the battle over, the pair holster their weapons.
"These things sure are annoying," Marrow notes.
"The recent activity at this place must've stirred them up. From what I read, a lot of people died at this mine when it collapsed, so there's a lot of residual negativity here. But, since we took out that Geist from before, Grimm activity shouldn't be as bad as before. I hope the others are doing okay," Velvet notes.
"I'm sure they'll be fine. We've had military huntsmen out in the tundra taking care of Grimm from getting too close to this place. Of course, the tundra is a big place so there will be gaps in our defenses. But, then again, that's why we're here," Marrow replies.
Velvet sighs, "Let's just keep going then."
The pair continue for a while, dealing with more Centinels within the mine. Later into the day, their missions gets completed with little to no issue. The team regroup at the landing platform.
"So, everything go well on your end?" Velvet asks.
"Yeah, no real issues. Just some Beowolves and Sabres to deal with mostly. Anything happen with you in the mine?" Yang asks.
"Just some more Centinels. I guess the recent activity here got them all riled up. Nothing we couldn't handle. Hopefully, that'll keep the Grimm away from the Amity project for a while," Velvet replies.
"Alright, welp, sounds like a job well done team," Ruby cheers.
They board the airship to take them back to Atlas. Once they arrive back at Atlas Academy, they find Ironwood and Clover waiting for them.
"I take it the mission went well?" Ironwood asks.
"Yes sir. No problems were encountered, sir," Marrow says with a salute.
"Good. I'll let Clover handle the debrief. Miss Crowe, if I could speak with you," Ironwood asks.
Velvet glances at Ruby, who shrugs her shoulders in confusion, before walking ahead as the general joins her.
"I spoke with Oscar earlier. He said that you wished to speak with the Winter Maiden in regards to learning more about your Maiden powers," Ironwood says.
"Yes, I want to get better at using them. I don't always rely on this power alone, but who knows when Salem's next big move will be. As long as I possess this power, I'm a target and so is everyone else I care about. I need to be as ready as I can for when the time comes. I thought the Winter Maiden, someone who's had far more experience and training with such a power, could help me in mastering mine," Velvet explains.
"I see... Come with me. There's something I think you should see," Ironwood says.
Back inside one wing of the school, they walk by several guards and security cameras down a hallway. After a few more minutes of walking through extensive security, they come into one room with a one-way observation window overlooking a second. Velvet looks inside, seeing some cabinets, a fridge, a couple of pods to the side, and an elderly woman laying on a medical bed with monitors strapped to it. The woman appears to be sleeping at the moment.
"So, that's..." Velvet trails off.
"Yes, the Winter Maiden, Fria. She's been around for a long time. So long... that her time is almost up. We don't know... we don't know when she'll pass on. I've taken measures to ensure that we'll still have the Winter Maiden's power with us when she does," Ironwood explains.
"Measures? What do you... why didn't we go inside her room to speak with her?" Velvet asks.
"Because right now, the only one I'm allowing to enter that room... is Winter," Ironwood admits.
It doesn't take long for Velvet to put the pieces together, "You've chosen Winter to be the next Winter Maiden. When a Maiden dies, the person in their final thoughts, as long as it's a young woman, becomes the next Maiden. You're trying to make sure that happens between Fria and Winter. Does Winter even know about this?" Velvet asks, stunned.
"Not at first, but yes. When I told her and the others the truth about Salem and the relics. Believe me, she wasn't happy about it at first, but I think she's learned to see it as a great honor and has accepted it. She wants to help save Remnant, and she believes that she can do so here," Ironwood says.
Velvet keeps the fact that she doesn't like the notion of that to herself. This is similar to what happened to Pyrrha back at Beacon. Ozpin and the others tried to get her to become the Fall Maiden, and Pyrrha agreed, only for that decision to help lead to her own demise.
"I'm guessing you won't let me speak with her then," Velvet says.
"I'm sorry, but right now we can't take that risk. It's highly unlikely that one meeting will change anything, and I highly doubt that a single person can actually possess the powers of two Maidens at the same time; I can't let you speak with her for right now. I'm sorry Velvet. Your request is a sound one, and makes a lot of sense. I wish I could let you see her, and I would've if she were in better condition, but I can't," Ironwood shoots her down.
Velvet grits her teeth, "Then what am I supposed to do about learning more about my abilities?" she demands.
"Oscar and I are working on bringing Ozpin back. He knows about the Maidens' powers more than anyone. If anyone will have the answers you seek, it'll be him. When we do, I'm sure he'll be able to help. And don't worry, one: I know how skilled you are and that you can take care of yourself, and two: you're safe here in Atlas. Salem won't be able to reach you here," Ironwood says.
"You and Ozpin thought the same about Amber back at Beacon, and look how well that ended up," Velvet mentally notes. Velvet looks back, only to notice the Winter Maiden awake and looking up at the observation glass, looking straight at her. "Um, does she... know that we're here?" Velvet asks.
Ironwood looks back at Fria, "She shouldn't. This glass is a one-way looking glass," Ironwood says.
Velvet decides to screw it and walks out of the room, only to suddenly waltz right into Fria's room. Ironwood is shocked by the act before running inside to stop her.
"Velvet, I told you that you can't be in here!" Ironwood tells her.
"General, it has been a while since I last saw you. I trust that you are well?" Fria politely asks.
Ironwood recomposes himself, "Um, yes, I am fine Fria. Thank you. I apologize for the commotion. We'll be leaving now. Let's go," Ironwood says.
"Wait, what is your name, my dear?" Fria asks.
"...Velvet. My name is Velvet Crowe," Velvet replies and activates her Maiden powers to show to Fria. "And I'm the current Fall Maiden," she says before deactivating it.
"I thought I sensed something... familiar nearby. At first, I thought it was Winter coming to pay me another visit. You must not have had that power long, considering how young you look. Heh, I envy you," Fria notes.
Velvet glances away, "You shouldn't envy me. How long have you had this power?" Velvet asks.
Fria looks to Ironwood, "It's alright, James. I'll be fine. You may go now," she says. Ironwood appears unsure at first, but eventually concedes and leaves them. "As for your question, I've had this power for a vey long time. I admit, I was scared at first too. Unsure of whether or not I was worthy of this power. Of if I'd be able to master it or use it properly. But, I learned, I grew, and I maintained the belief that I could use this power to help people," Fria says.
Velvet takes the seat next to Fria, "That's the thing. I'm not like you. I didn't want this power. My... semblance allows me to absorb all forms of energy, including the power of a Maiden. I used my semblance to take this power from someone who would've used it only for themselves. I did it so no one could get hurt by it," Velvet says.
"Then you are already on your way to becoming a proper Maiden," Fria says.
"No, I'm not. I've... killed people. Innocent people just to get what I wanted. I'm no Maiden. I'm no hero," Velvet says.
"And yet, I can see that you regret your past actions, and are working to protect rather than to destroy. That makes you worthy of being a Maiden in my eyes. Now then, how can I help you?" Fria asks.
"I... I want to get better at using my power. I don't want to misuse it, or end up hurting someone with it that I care about. I need a teacher," Velvet says.
"I see. I'm afraid I'm not in no condition to be a proper teacher. I can't even stand on my own now, let alone use my own power. However, I can at least offer some advice. What you do with it is up to you," Fria says.
"At this point, I'll take whatever I can get," Velvet replies.
"The key to being able to master the power of a Maiden is the desire to use it for good, for others. You can't be afraid of it, nor can you see it as a curse. The determination necessary for any goal is what's needed. More importantly, think about those you care about. You wish to protect your loved ones. Think of the power not as a burden, or even as a gift. If it helps, think of it as a means to an end. Don't get me wrong, it is an enormous responsibility, but it doesn't have to be seen that way. I can see that deep down, you are a caring person that loves others, even if you don't admit it. I've lived long enough to know," Fria says.
"But, what if I fail?" Velvet asks.
"Then learn from it and keep moving forward. It's all any of us can do, my dear. Say, if you don't mind, could you make me a cup of tea. All this talking is making my throat dry," Fria asks.
Velvet actually smiles a little bit, "Sure thing," she says and walks to the cabinets to brew up some tea. She finishes the tea and hands a cup to Fria. "But, what am I supposed to do now?" she asks.
"How about you tell me about yourself? And I don't mean your powers. I mean you as a person," Fria asks.
"I'm... not sure that's a good idea. My story isn't exactly a pleasant one," Velvet laments.
"That only means that you had a harsh life and you survived it. What's more, if you went through whatever it is you went through and you still have the heart to care about others, then I think I'd like to hear it even more," Fria says.
With that said, Velvet decides to tell Fria her story. She withheld some details, especially the other world parts and the fact that she's a demon. By the time Velvet is done, Fria had fallen asleep, and so Velvet decides to let her rest and leaves the room. Of course, General Ironwood is not too far behind as she leaves to return to the others and catches up to her.
"I told you that you weren't allowed to enter that room," Ironwood tells her.
"One meeting won't change your little plan, Ironwood. Even if I don't exactly agree with it. Just like Ozpin, and Salem, you are trying to play God and decide who gets to be the next Maiden. I wasn't chosen, I don't want this power, and I didn't have a choice. Honestly, that's the one thing I hate most about these powers. When they go to someone, that person never had a say in the matter. It was a burden that was thrust upon them. They never had a say in the matter, just like me. You may continue your little game, General, but don't think for a second that I'll let you go unpunished if that game puts Ruby in unnecessary danger," Velvet warns him and walks away, leaving Ironwood with a heavy sigh.
…
Velvet returns to her dorm, feeling tired after a long day. No one is inside and she plops right onto her bed, wanting to just sleep the rest of the day away, or two, or three. A few minutes later though, someone enters the room. Velvet is too tired to care though until she realizes it's Ruby when she climbs onto the bed with her and snuggles up behind her.
"Hey Ruby," Velvet greets her.
"I guess you've had a long day," Ruby asks.
"Yeah. I'm just... tired is all," Velvet replies.
"Then I've got just the cure. How about I comb your hair with your comb, and then we can spend the rest of the evening snuggled under the covers?" Ruby says.
"That... sounds like a wonderful idea," Velvet says, making Ruby giggle.
And that's the chapter. Velvet finally gets to meet the Winter Maiden, Fria, and the two hit it off pretty well. The gang begin working as official huntsmen and huntresses and work to get the Amity tower up and running, but will it go as planned? What dangers await them up ahead? Until then, please Read and Review.