Author's Note: As you can probably tell, I'm trying to challenge myself each time I return to Ruby's story by putting her in new and unique situations. However, I'm also trying to vary the method of writing each piece. Kind of a personal exercise in technique as I write this stuff. Bear that in mind as you read.
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Designation: Remnant-2799 (Dragon World)
Status: Economic, environmental and geopolitical situations nominal. Dust and Aura function with only 14% variation from standard. Grimm present, but widely varied from standard. Huntsman ride atop creatures known as 'dragons.'
Condition: Green
Recommendation: Further detailed study of both 'dragons' and new varieties of Grimm.
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I have two names. Two minds. Two hearts beating in a single chest.
My proper name is Gambol. My human partner is called Blake –she is referred to as a 'Faunus' by other humans. She helped me grow and survive in the first years of my life on this world, and we soon learned to love each other… to a point.
I am a proud Dovah, a 'dragon' as humans call us, and as a Dovah I share in the memories of my race. You see, all Dovah are connected to each other on a deep, spiritual level; this allows us to commune from great distances and share tales of our glorious past. This connection also allows young Dovah to learn our ways, just as I did during my early years as a youngling.
Yet in my heart exists another… a human not of this world…
A human girl called Ruby Rose.
This human came from a world without Dovah, that much is certain… but little else is clear to me. Her memories often mix with those of the Dovah, leaving me confused more often than not. At times I don't know if I'm a human in the body of a Dovah, or a Dovah possessed by a human soul. Or both.
I am Gambol. I am Ruby Rose.
I am old now, but my memories have never been clearer. If you would listen, I would tell you of my journey with Blake the Faunus-human. Our struggles, our triumphs… and our brokenness. I wish I could tell you everything, but time is short – Blake will not last much longer. I would tell you of her courage, that future younglings would not forget her.
This is my story. Our story.
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Chapter 40:
Sojourn – Book 3
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Dragon Rider
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There were four Rider Academies across the world devoted to training Dragon Riders in the fight against the Creatures of Grimm.
Vale's academy was Beacon, the largest of the four and easily the most recognized across Remnant. Not just anyone could enter this prestigious place – a Rider and their dragon must pass a rigorous series of tests before their formal training could begin. These tests included a massive written exam, a complete physical examination of both Rider and their dragon (not fun), and a nerve-wracking interview with the headmaster of the Academy itself.
The final test was simply reaching the school. Beacon Academy sat atop a large mountain that denied access to anyone or anything that could not fly; no roads led up the steep rock anywhere, nor did any systems of caves wind their way to the top, and what caves there were had been devoted to the care and keep of the dragons themselves. All new students had to fly up to the school on their dragons. For most, this was no trouble.
Blake's dragon, Gambol, had a harder time than most… but she still made it.
The pair stood in the courtyard of the school, the Faunus gazing up at the towers of the main campus and the dragon simply trying to catch her breath as the reality of their situation sunk in. They were enrolled now: Members of Beacon Academy, Future Rider and Dragon… soon to take to the skies to defend the world.
Blake swallowed hard at the thought.
She unstrapped her bag from just behind her saddle – an unwieldy thing she hoped wasn't chaffing Gambol too badly – then lightly rubbed the soft spot behind Gambol's horns, earning a low rumble in response.
There were a few other Riders-in-training in the area, but none looked her way. Most newbies were expected to find their way around on their own, according to internet rumors. Blake already knew where to go first, but still took a minute to get her bearings. And to take in the sights.
The main part of the campus resembled an old-timey castle. She could see the dormitory wing, the lecture hall, and even the main assembly hall from where she stood. Other classrooms were scattered about, but none were as large as these. Their weren't any stables around, since the dragons were housed in the caves beneath the school, and Blake had seen those already in an online video back home… they were pretty nice.
Gambol gave a grunt from beside her.
"Yeah, I know," Blake replied. "Just… thinking." To be honest, this whole thing scared her a bit. Blake really didn't like the idea of riding Gambol out to go fight monsters. She'd grown quite fond of the dragon by this point.
"Hey, there! You just get here too?"
Blake turned to find another new student walking towards her, this one a blonde girl. She had pretty lilac-colored eyes. "Yep. Just looking around," Blake answered.
The blonde nodded. "I know; there's a lot to see here, even if it looks like my grandmother designed it." The girl stuck her hand out, "…name's Yang, nice to meetcha.~"
"Blake." She shook the proffered hand absently.
Yang blinked, her eyes drawn towards the ears on Blake's head. "…you're a Faunus…"
Was that supposed to be a question? "Yeah. ...is that a problem?"
Lilac eyes went wide in shock and regret. "No, n-no problem! Sorry, I… I didn't mean anything by that. It's just… well…"
"...you don't see many Faunus Riders, right?" Blake guessed.
"Y-Yeah, that's it! Just…a bit unusual is all…" Yang was starting to sweat, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly; she was clearly not used to such an awkward encounter.
"It's okay," Blake tried to reassure her, "I'm used to comments like that." It seemed to work, as Yang then let loose a sigh of relief. The blonde brightened up after that.
Then a dragon approached them from behind her. "Oh, and this is my girl: Weiss! It means 'white' in the old tongue… at least that's what Dad said."
Blake found herself staring at a beautiful Southern Snowscale, one of the rarest breeds in the world…and a purebred, no less! Her scales glittered, just like freshly fallen snow, even prettier than the pictures Blake had seen online. And those eyes, like two icebergs glaring at her, as though looking right through her very being.
Wow…!
Just before Blake could say anything, Gambol suddenly gave a surprised grunt and darted forward, getting just a bit too close to the Snowscale. She chortled and grunted…it almost sounded like she was trying to talk with her growls.
But that was nothing new with Gambol. For the entire five years Blake had known her, the dragon almost seemed to think she was human at times. Blake often found the silly creature trying to sit in chairs like a human and even staring at herself in the mirror…though that was likely due to her more…unusual appearance.
In short, she was a mix of several breeds. Gambol had shorter versions of the Mistralian Blackhorn's…well, horns…with the spiny plates along her back and tail of the Atlesian Spinetail. She also had a few splotches of color along her body that countered her overall reddish scales, as well as a totally unique silver eye color. Blake had no idea which breed was responsible for that part.
As Gambol continued sniffing around the Snowscale, Yang couldn't help but stare. "Wow, looks like Weiss has a fan. ...what kind of breed is that, anyway?"
"She's a mixed breed," Blake said, "though we're not really sure just what. Her name's Gambol."
"Hmm…," Yang nodded, clearly trying not to mention the one obvious feature of the smaller dragon. The one detail that was bound to get Blake in trouble these first few months of training.
Aside from her mixed heritage, Gambol was a runt. Even the Snowscale, a breed not known for hauling great loads, was almost twice the size of Gambol. Just reaching the school was almost too much for Gambol to handle since she had to haul both Blake and her luggage, so who knew how their training would go?
Eventually, Weiss the Snowscale finally had enough of having her personal space invaded and snapped her jaws, forcing Gambol to back off.
Yang was right there with outstretched hands, "Hey, hey; she's just being friendly! Take it easy, would ya, Ice Queen?"
The Snowscale barked angrily at the nickname.
Yang gave Blake a cheeky grin, "She hates it when I call her by other names, especially that one.~"
"Be careful she doesn't throw you off mid-flight someday," Blake chuckled lightly.
"Pfft, nah!" Yang scoffed, scratching Weiss just between those gorgeous eyes and earning a rumble in response. …Must be a dragon thing, "She loves me too much.~"
Without moving any other part of her body, Weiss deftly whipped her tail around and used the tip to smack Yang in the back of the head.
Blake had to struggle to hold back her laughter as Yang rubbed the back of her head and cursed. Both Weiss and Gambol also laughed, a deep rumbling sort of noise that reminded Blake of how her father laughed.
Standing there, with a new friend and her dragon by her side, Blake no longer felt her stomach trying to tie itself into knots anymore, the fear and unease beginning to fade.
…Maybe they'd be alright.
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The next day, Blake's unease returned full-force.
All new students had to undergo an initiation ritual – a race. Flying.
…This would be where the problems started, she just knew it.
Besides being a runt, Gambol was also a wyvern-type dragon, meaning her front limbs doubled as her wings. The western-types were far more common, with wings separate from the four limbs, and they were excellent fliers because of it. Only about 15% of all dragons that make the cut in these academies were wyvern-type, and those that passed were usually much larger than average, certainly larger than Gambol was.
So what chance did little Gambol have?
"Hey, don't worry too much!" Yang tried to be optimistic as they sat at the starting line, waiting for the race to start. "It's not like they'll kick you out if you finish last, right?"
"I guess not," Blake replied glumly. She didn't want to finish last, regardless of the outcome…she just wanted to finish.
Oddly, in contrast to Blake's pessimism, Gambol seemed determined. Almost confident, even. Like she knew something Blake did not.
Yang and Weiss stood next to them on the cliff face, along with the other 8 new students beginning this term, and all of them nearly towering over little Gambol. Weiss and Yang likely had the best chance of finishing first – according to what Blake knew, Snowscales were best known for their speed and agility in flight. They were among the fastest western-types in the world, though not very strong in combat.
A holographic projection suddenly lit up the sky just in front of the trainees, showing the silver-haired headmaster of the school – Ozpin. " I'm sure you all know," he said in a flat voice, "but for those of you who may not, this is not an entry test. All of you have performed exceptionally well to get this far, and will not be tested further; this is simply a means for us to view how well you and your dragon can work together. How you train from there will be determined after we observe your progress here today.
"The course is lit by numerous green beacons, and you will complete up to three laps. Finishing is not required – those who are forced to or wish to stop early will not be penalized; I would not have you push yourselves past your limits this early in your career. And, while there is no prize for finishing in first place, do not allow yourselves to grow complacent, since this region is still home to the Creatures of Grimm. Be sure to stay on your guard."
Blake was now on the edge of panic. Grimm? Out here? No one said anything about that!
Gambol gave a pleased rumble from beneath her. Yang also seemed excited at the prospect of fighting, and Blake could hear Weiss huff with impatience.
"Now…begin," Ozpin said just before winking out.
One by one the dragons and their Riders dove off the edge of the cliff. One by one the great leathery wings of the beasts opened like parachutes, slowing their descent and sending them sailing off into the skies.
Blake had only flown on Gambol a few times, but never for very long. She tried once as a practice run last year, and then once to get them to Beacon, but Gambol never seemed to enjoy it. And Blake would never get used to the initial rush…
WHOOSH! They dove off last, Blake clutching the harness for dear life. She watched in terror as the forest floor came rushing up to meet them…only for Gambol to finally open her wings and launch them back up and away.
Blake's stomach fell into her shoes as they pulled up. Would she ever get used to this?
The young dragon gave a delighted roar as they reached the right altitude. She always did love flying.
Blake couldn't help but remember the day she woke up to find little Gambol happily flying around their property a full year before she was supposed to be capable of it. Dragon wings usually took a long time to fully unfurl after hatching, but for whatever reason Gambol forced them open early. She seemed…eager to fly, hungry for it. Thinking back, the mixed-breed had taken to the skies with an unusual level of skill.
And shortly after they began the race, Gambol decided to show off.
Before Blake even knew what was happening, they were darting right past the closest three students. Gambol followed the course markers with no trouble as she easily passed two more.
Where the hell did this speed come from?
In no time at all, Blake and Gambol had caught up to Weiss and Yang at the front of the pack…and they were only half done with the first lap! Yang tried to shout something over to her, but the heavy wind drowned it out, so she settled for a thumbs-up instead.
After the halfway point, the course began to violently change direction – rather than left and right at an even elevation, now the dragons had to duck and weave over small hills, under thick trees, and low over a wide river. Gambol kept up with Weiss easily, but Blake was starting to feel airsick.
And that was odd; Riders were not supposed to get queasy when flying with their dragons.
Gambol and Weiss passed the checkpoint almost at the same time, neither one acting the least bit tired. The smaller dragon gave a quick roar to Weiss, which the Snowscale gave back a moment later. It was almost like they were talking to each other.
Partway into the second lap, Weiss suddenly darted ahead – Yang likely egged her on with another nickname, but it was hard to tell over the wind.
And Blake was getting sicker by the minute, especially because Gambol seemed to take this as a challenge; the smaller dragon suddenly put on a massive boost of speed that nearly sent Blake flying off, but the Faunus managed to wrap the straps of her saddle around her wrists just in time.
Seriously, how was she flying so fast all of a sudden?
And…why was Blake about to throw up?
As Gambol eagerly darted into the up-and-down portion of the course, Blake's vision began to fade to black around the edges, and she could clearly feel her hands and feet losing strength. Alarm bells were going off in her head, but they were as foggy as the rest of the noise hitting her ears. She could taste her stomach wedged up inside her throat.
Blake just managed to feel herself slipping out of the saddle – followed by a distressed roar from Gambol – before blacking out.
Then nothing else.
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Blake eventually awoke in the medical wing of the school, laying on a bed next to a window that showed an evening sky. Both Yang and Headmaster Ozpin were there to greet her.
"Ugh…gods I feel like shit," Blake moaned as she rubbed her head. "…Where's Gambol?"
"In the caves, pacing and growling," Ozpin replied with a half-grin, "She's been like that ever since we got you back here."
"What happened?"
"You forgot to buckle your seat belt," Yang quickly said with her own smile. "But seriously though, you passed out and fell off your dragon; lucky for you she was over the river when it happened."
"…Wait, I passed out? I thought that wasn't supposed to be a problem for Riders?" Blake's brow furrowed.
Ozpin cleared his throat before saying "Normally it is not a problem. Riders are normally attuned to their dragons so that such flight patterns are easily handled. Your performance today made it clear that you have no such attunement with Gambol."
This caused Blake to sit up in her bed. "No… attunement? What does that mean?"
"Rest assured, I am not kicking you out," the older man said quickly, "It simply means you and Gambol will need additional training to solve this problem as quickly as possible. Students with this issue are rare, but not completely new, so don't worry about it for the time being."
Yang leaned over and gave Blake a hug, saying "Oh thank the gods! I was actually worried for a minute."
Blake was not so convinced. No attunement… did that mean the imprinting failed? But… she did everything right, didn't she? When a dragon is hatched, it's Rider is supposed to be the only person they see for the first month or so. This develops a bond between them – the dragon learns to rely on and trust their Rider and they in turn. This bond is meant to be a permanent joining of their spirits… at least, according to the books she read back then. Did she miss something…?
"There are many reasons a bond might fail, Miss Belladonna," Ozpin said, seemingly reading her mind, "While a few can be attributed to the Rider, others are the fault of the dragon itself. Still others are the fault of outside influences. Do not concern yourself with it right now, just get some rest. We'll figure this out in due time."
"Yeah, and I'll let Gambol know you're okay before she tears the caves apart," Yang added.
"Thanks."
Shortly after that they left the Faunus alone in her room and turned out the lights. Blake sighed, looking out the window at the rapidly fading daylight, her thoughts drifting towards Gambol.
"I wonder if Dad ever had to deal with this kind of stuff…?" she mumbled to herself.
Ghira Belladonna was one of the best-known Riders in Vale, boasting an incredible record of completed missions and slain Grimm. His dragon, Khan, was probably the most recognized dragon in the world – Mistral's Haven Academy actually used her likeness for their school emblem.
But the man and his dragon completely vanished during their last mission, just over a year ago; no bodies were ever found. Mom had nearly died of grief. Every academy in the world recognized one day each year from then on to honor his memory.
Needless to say, Blake had quite the legacy to live up to.
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Just as one Dovah shares a bond with all over Dovah, so too do the human Riders share their own bond with their chosen Dovah. It is a bond formed at the very core of our being, a bond of deepest trust. Of love.
It was a bond I fiercely denied her during those early days.
Do not mistake me, for it was not intentional – I wanted nothing more than to know the love of my kin, whether human or Dovah. I wanted to love and be loved. At the time, my problem lay firmly with my appearance: I was a most hideous creature, the eyesore of all my kin. I felt nothing but shame every time I gazed upon myself in the human's looking-glass. I felt nothing but dishonor every time one of my kin looked upon me and scoffed.
I wanted to know her love… but I could not accept it the way I was then.
Looking back at that first season at the school, I am filled with regret that I made Blake suffer so. It pains me to think how badly she wanted to form a proper bond with me, yet I… I would not have it. Perhaps it was my pride…? Even now, I know not.
That, and that alone, is the one thing I would change about our time there… yet if I did, I would have denied us the joy that came soon after.
And there is no telling how the war would have played out had we bonded any earlier.
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"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is Channel 7 news. I am Lisa Lavender reporting live from the Kingdom of Vacuo.
"One month ago, the Rider Academy at the heart of Vacuo, known as Shade Academy, became the official headquarters of a radical new movement of Riders calling itself the Faunus League. Their leader, former Lieutenant Adam Taurus, declared that 'the days of Faunus prejudice are over and it is time for us to rise up.'
"In an interview with General James Ironwood of Atlas, we learned that Faunus 'prejudice' is nothing new – less than 5% of all Riders across the globe are Faunus – but this Taurus fellow's outcry is far and away an overreaction to a small problem. He stated that if the League took any sort of hostile actions, such as a military demonstration, he would be forced to respond in kind.
"For those of you watching who aren't aware, Atlas Academy is the main military base of the world's most powerful organization of Riders. It is only due to their regular activity that there have been no wars for nearly a hundred years. And General Ironwood is certain that will not change.
"After the declaration of Lieutenant Taurus, Faunus all around the world began holding protests and demonstrations that both support and mock the League. Many believe he is right, and his goals are in the best interests of all Faunus and the world as a whole, while others believe he is a lunatic that will only make the world a more dangerous place for their kind.
"Various human groups have also responded to the outcry, but theirs was a more…tempered reaction. Mistral's Haven Academy has declared that, should the Riders of Atlas be forced to mount up for battle, they would join them in the fight. Thus far Vale's Beacon Academy has made no comment, but attempts to contact Headmaster Ozpin continue.
"Regardless of current feelings on the matter, we here at Channel 7 news are devoted to bringing you all the latest information as it develops.
"This is Lisa Lavender, signing off."
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[Continued in next chapter…]
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A/N: I wanna give a big ol' shout-out to The Layman for giving me a swift kick in the nust to get this thing written. Seriously… without his help, you'd still be waiting for my slow ass to get to writing anything.
So just quickly, this world is meant to be close to the original canon with the main difference being the dragons – there are still faunus, still four kingdoms, and still Grimm (though once I introduce them, you'll see that they're a bit different than normal Grimm). In a way, I'm trying to put Blake in the position of Ruby as far as the narrative goes. I hope you guys enjoy it.
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