Authors Note: Hello my Dark Readers and welcome to the tenth chapter of "Derelicts in Black".
First, I would like to say I HAVE RETURNED! I am so sorry for the late update; I was busy with last minute preparations for my return to college in one week exactly -_- I can honestly say it was a tad bit stressful but now I am ready for the semester.
Second, thank you to all the readers who have given their free time to give this story a read and a special thanks to all who reviewed, followed, and favorite. Please be sure to review and comment what you think. I'd appreciate the feedback. Whether you like or dislike, it's all welcomed. I hope you favorite and follow. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Now then, I hope you enjoy because it's time to continue the story.
P.S.: A special thanks to Darzknex for becoming the 200th person to favorite this story
P.S.: I apologize if this chapter seemed a little less than the others! I promise the next chapter will provide much more.
Answering Questions: (If you want your question answered just leave it in the reviews)
To Littlest1: Yes, there is inclusions of several teams in this story. While they are not going to be receiving as much screen time as the four protagonists, they will be presented for a good amount of story arc.
To LadyLucina28: While Neo is separated from Roman in this story, he will definitely be back soon enough once we progress further in the story, and with a few changes as well.
Lacronton: To be more specific, yes, Weiss is somewhat of a masochist for verbal abuse. I figured her, Nora, and Yang would entertain the plot with comedic relief alongside the more dramatic changes that will come. As for Neo's personality I have already set it up and you will see how it is soon enough.
Mossblomma: All your questions regarding Neo will be answered within the story soon enough. Believe me I would like to tell you but where is the fun in that? And if you can think about it, Neo and Nora seemed like a pair that would work. Just as how Ren and Nora worked with their contrary personalities.
To FireDusk: Yes, now you see why I requested some new villains. As I have mentioned before there will be significant changes to the canon and these will help fill in, and replace, the gaps.
To Qrow's Talon: Because of my curiosity to the canon's villain, I felt a need to see how two of Yang's, personal, enemies would be if they never strayed towards a dark path.
To Arkakuroforever: My thoughts on betrayal in this story… well… that classified ;)
To Tusbasa0129: I am glad to see you enjoyed my little surprise partnership with Nora. Yes, the cliff fight is coming and with it, new changes so hope you are ready.
To SkyDD: The topic of betrayal and deception are classified at the moment but I really loved your reaction. It actually made me chuckle.
To EndlessChains: I am glad you enjoy having Ruby's thoughts and past revealed little by little. Also thank you, the fight scene was the one that took the longest to write but it went smoothly because I did not stop as I watched the actual Taijitu fight scene while writing. Nora is very amusing with her reactions. Actually I had to try and understand her character a bit more to make her as accurate to her canon self as possible. I'm glad you enjoyed the surprise partnership with Nora and Neo, I knew it would be the biggest thing to surprise people.
End of Questions: (I answered as best I could, thank you for asking!)
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY; all rights go to the Legendary Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth. I do not also own any of the music that will be shown in the story
Opening Theme: The Brilliant Green: Ash Like Snow, English version
Chapter 10: Grouping Together.
The sun had finally reached it's highest peak several minutes after the battle with the King Taijitu. Within that time, Ruby couldn't help but ponder at all the activity she was involved with since arriving in the forest. First her landing, then the Beowolves, and even rendezvousing with Ren, Blake and Adam, while simultaneously becoming Ren's partner. And now here she was, standing in the middle of a small group meeting two new comers, one of which being Ren's old friend.
While on the topic, Ruby studied the said friend. The orange haired girl, Nora as Ren constantly called her, was certainly a hyperactive one. Never had she seen someone containing as much energy as she did. The closest second she could think of was her older sister, Yang. The two shared many traits; bubbly personality, wild minds, and even showed to be similar with their aggressive strength. The thought if those two met –let alone become partners– caused a shiver to crawl down Ruby's spine.
Nora seemed friendly, and was very much energetic, but what interested Ruby was how she talked to her partner, Neo. Compared to Nora, she was perhaps the exact opposite of her in terms of vocalization and personality wise. Even her posture: head up, shoulders back, hands folded together in front of her waist, radiated elegance and maintained a mature demeanor. However, there was something odd about her. Ruby couldn't put her finger on it but her instincts were kicking in when she first saw the multi-colored girl. It was not alerting her of danger, but indeed something about Neo seemed strange. She would hide this from the others until she made sense of it but for now, she continued observing them.
While Nora flailed her arms excitedly talking about a "Kingdom full of sweets", Neo was silently giggling as she patted Nora's head. In some odd way, the two seemed to get along rather well. It almost represented a mother and child relationship. Ruby watched the scene with a glimpse of sadness. She wasn't even aware of the frown on her face as she thought about her mother.
Pushing the thoughts away, Ruby realized something she didn't notice before when observing the two. There was a lack of communication from Neo's part when Nora was talking.
Thinking about it now, Nora's partner never uttering a word when they met her. It was strange but then again Ruby was no different in being often silent. She shrugged, perhaps Neo was just a silent type, at least that trait was something they both shared in common.
While, again, Nora did not seem so bad, Ruby just didn't know how she felt with the orange haired girl's high spirit. Ruby herself wasn't a brooding person by all means, but still, she couldn't help feeling surreal by Nora's optimistic personality.
A belief Ruby grew to accept was that the world is a scary place, full of danger and illusions lurking in the shadows. It may have its typical sunny days and stormy clouds; but in some areas light never shines, and weather never changes. 'Things are not always black and white, so it's important to accept and adapt', as Ruby's uncle would say. And even she couldn't deny how right it sounded in her ears.
Still, there were many people on Remnant who treated life as a fairy tale and Ruby despised that. She was even disgusted with herself for even believing in that once upon a time. But that was years ago.
Unlike people, she could tolerate the creatures of Grimm because of their simplistic nature when functioning. Kill and devour, simple methods for creatures that solemnly act on instinct.
However, when it came to the bubbliness of people, or just people in general, the complexity of understanding them was the hardest thing to deal with for Ruby, especially when it came to socialization. Among all of them, they felt no desire to see past all the simplicity and ignorance of what could be potentially hiding among them. People like these were one of the reasons she preferred solitude over company.
Despite all she thought, it was still a wonder to merely observe Nora. Both her and Neo were still heavily invested in their, one way, conversation. It was interesting how seemingly easy it was for their talk to flow with Nora doing all the talking while Neo only nodded or shook her head.
Ruby then turned towards Adam and Blake. They were standing next to each other a few steps away from her left. They were silently watching the new comers talking with unreadable expressions, no surprise for Ruby. However, Ruby did notice Adam's eyebrows narrowed lower than usual. In a way, it looked as if he was almost staring at them, or more specifically, at one of them. It seemed strange for her to think he was, but perhaps he was just being cautious. She wouldn't be able to know exactly anyways. It was hard to tell with his sunglasses on.
A few feet behind them, Ruby noticed Ren standing, slightly bent over, and rubbing his sides.
She stared at her partner more intently. Judging from the minor pained expression she could make out on his face and the way he held his sides, he must have taken some heavy injuries around his waist. Ren didn't appear to be a guy who was physically weak, not even after his battle. But Ruby did witness a King Taijitu ramming it's head into his stomach, and then later receiving a hug from that Nora girl, which in truth, did look painful.
Without thinking, she casually walked towards him. He did not even notice her presence standing in front of him when she arrived and lowered her head. She could see only sections of his face underneath his disheveled hair and leaned in a bit closer. His eyebrows were slightly narrowed with closed eyes and hints of sweat gleaming around his forehead.
"Ren," She whispered, trying to get his attention.
Slowly opening his eyes, the pained expression on Ren's face was gone and replaced with his usual stoic expression. He rose his head slightly and turned to Ruby.
"Yes?" He asked. He did not appear to be too injured and that internally relieved Ruby.
"How are your wounds?" Despite holding the usual face with no emotions, Ruby did have a modicum of concern.
Ren took a second to inhale and exhale a deep breath. His throat felt a little dry and cleared it before replying.
"Do not worry, my aura is already healing the bruises on my ribs." Ruby noted his head gesturing downwards. "It seems Nora's hug took a little more out of me than I, originally, thought."
She glanced down where his hand was still holding his side. She could see some speckles of white glowing around his palms and finger tips.
Ruby nodded and straightened herself back up. Ren didn't seem to be in the worst condition, but he did go through a lot. A battle with two King Taijitu and a fierce hug from his friend would not, understandably, leave his body at a hundred percent.
"I'm glad to hear that. But still, it seems that girl holds some intense strength behind her image." Ruby commented.
Ren couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Believe me, she does." He sighed. "Nora was born with an abnormally large amount of strength."
Ruby raise an eyebrow intrigued. The fact that he said she was born with intense strength was just a bewilderment. "Are all the residents of your village born with abnormally large talents?"
Ren shrugged. "I suppose… you could say that…".
He was not entirely sure if it was correct to say yes. Although the people his honorable elder interacted with did mention having great amounts of certain abilities; some would brag while others threatened him with it. But the last part would remain a secret. It was an uncomfortable memory.
Ruby noticed Ren's slight hesitation. Still, she nodded and accepted his answer. "Either way, I commend you for being able to put up with all that energy and strength."
Ren was silently relieved for the topic change and chuckled lightly. "It was not easy in the beginning." he said. Just remembering Nora's antics in the past were enough to make him feel exhausted. "Although eventually, I have grown used to it… or rather I did."
Ruby corked an eyebrow. "Did?"
Ren straightened himself up with his hand still maintained on his side. "I was mainly talking about her strength. Since we were children, I have always received intense hugs from Nora. I, eventually, grew used to them. However, until recently, I haven't seen her in months and thus I can assume my body has lost it's familiarity with them."
Ruby pondered that thought for a minute as she folded her arms. "That makes sense." She muttered.
Ren nodded and glanced away. "I warn you Ruby." His tone sounded serious, which made Ruby pay closer attention and slightly narrowed her eyes. "Given time, Nora will most likely give you a hug as well. She is a very social person, and very open."
Ruby glanced away as a shiver crawled down her spine. She greatly disliked forceful hugs, or any hugs in general, if they were not under her consent.
"So it's safe to assume you two are childhood friends?" she asked, quickly changing the topic again. Ren was slightly humored by this but let the topic drop.
"Yes. For a very long time." He glanced towards the orange haired girl. She was currently performing a little dance for Neo. The sight even made him smile a little. "Nora became my very first friend… actually… my only friend growing up." Ruby now glanced back at him. "As children, we were inseparable, mostly because she wouldn't leave me alone."
Ruby smirked as she resisted the urge to laugh.
"But eventually," Ren continued. "I grew to tolerate her and enjoyed her company overtime. Despite being a little reckless and loud, Nora is a kind hearted girl who has taught me a lot about compassion and friendship."
Ren's talk of Nora was fond despite admitting her being irritable in the beginning. This intrigued Ruby to see how the orange haired girl went from annoying him, to befriending him.
However, the thought could be discussed at another time. There were more important things to think about right now. "I still don't think that its healthy to be "used" to strong hugs." Ruby commented.
Ren could not help but sigh again.
"Neither do I," he replied. He then smiled softly as he rubbed the back of his head. "However, despite her not knowing the extent of her strength, I can confidently say Nora is a good person. I'm sure with time, she will grow on you as well."
Ruby understood, taking note of everything Ren said and nodded to herself. With a sudden pat on Ren's back, Ruby turned from him.
"We're moving soon. Be ready." she said and silently walked away. Ren could only nod and continued healing his wounds, watching Ruby walk.
While she left her partner alone, Ruby decided it was best to get things underway and walked in the direction of Nora and Neo. Many thoughts filled her mind on the haired girl. With her being Ren's friend, the respectable thing to do, as his partner, was to at least introduce herself to Nora. And secretly, Ruby wanted to see exactly how Nora functioned.
As she moved closer to them, Adam and Blake were watching Ruby the entire time. 'This should be interesting.' Thought Blake, and turned to her brother.
She was surprised and confused when seeing Adam's expression. The look on his face was an all too familiar one. One she had seen quite often in the past whenever he was cautious or alert for potential danger. Upon further notice, Blake realized that he was making this expression at Nora and Neo which confused her even more.
By first appearance, the two didn't seem all that threatening; aside from that bone crushing hug Ren received from Nora. Blake mentally shuddered; but overall, the two seemed relatively normal, to a degree. However, she wondered on her brother's reasons. she did trust his decisions before, perhaps not to the fullest in the past, but since now she would. Adam would never give that look to just anyone. She made a mental note to talk with him later. Right now, Ruby approached the two girls and Blake wanted to observed the scene play out in silence. She too, would watch their actions closely to decide whether Adam's caution is correct.
When Ruby approached she stopped two steps from Nora's right. It went totally unnoticed to the orange haired girl as she merely continued laughing along with Neo's silent giggling. She waited there for a good minute but neither two noticed her at all. Feeling a twitch on her right eyebrow, Ruby cleared her throat loud enough for the two in front of her to hear, which they did, and turned.
"Excuse me… Nora was it?" She slowly asked.
Hearing her name, the orange haired girl gave Ruby her full attention and closed the gap in between them with a giant leap that had Nora literally face to face with Ruby. "That's what they call me!"
Nora's eyes went wide as she cupped her hands together with a huge grin on her face. Her breathing was practically tickling the tip of Ruby's nose as the proximity was too close for comfort.
The red hooded girl quickly took a step back, feeling slightly better now in her own personal space. "Right… I believe introductions are in order. On the count of us officially meeting now."
"What do you mean?! We already met silly!" Giggled Nora.
Ruby looked away awkwardly. "On the contrary… you only introduced your partner." She nodded over to Neo who merely watched the two with a smile. "Then you two started talking amongst yourselves right after, completely forgetting everything else."
Nora let out an exaggerated gasp as she smacked her cheeks in shock. Ruby raised an eyebrow but then jumped when the orange haired girl started exclaiming. "OH MY GOSH YOU'RE RIGHT! I DIDN'T EVEN TELL YOU MY NAME, BUT THEN YOU CAME UP AND ALREADY KNEW IT! HOW DID YOU DO THAT? ARE YOU PSYCHIC? ARE YOU AN ALIEN? OR-"
"No!" Ruby blurted out, slightly annoyed. "I am neither." She regained her composure and proceeded. "Ren simply called you by that. So I believed it was safe to assume that that was your name. Also I would greatly appreciate you not yelling in my ear." She gently rubbed one of them to get the ringing out.
Nora rubbed the back of her head with a toothy grin plastered on her lips. "Sorry about that! I get so carried away with excitement that my mind is just everywhere!" she said slightly embarrassed.
Ruby rolled her eyes with an awkward smile. "I'm sure it is." She muttered. "Now… may I continue?" she quietly asked.
"You may!" Nora replied.
Ruby nodded and proceeded to do a quick and respectful bow to Nora, who tilted her head to the side watching her curiously. "My name is Ruby Rose. I am the one who is partnered with your friend, Lie Ren. It is with the deepest respect that I am honored to meet you."
Surprisingly enough to the red hooded girl, she was met with silence right after her introduction. She looked up and saw that Nora was in fact smiling softly with her hands on her hips. Her smile then widened into a grin as she extended one of her hands out. "Put it there girl, any friend of Renny's is a friend of mine!"
Ruby glanced at the hand, slightly hesitant and unsure for a brief second on whether she should shake it. But since Ren was her partner, she would respect his friend's request and slowly extended her own hand forward. The second she did, Nora grabbed it with sheer force, causing Ruby's body to jerk forward as Nora wrapped an arm around her waist, and embraced her.
'Damn… this... is painful.' Ruby thought. She tried her best to mask the pain on her face. But the embrace was intense and she thought she heard some cracks from her spine as she was picked up from the ground. 'Ren was not kidding about her strength.'
Unfortunately for Ruby, it did not stop there as Nora then proceeded to spin the red hooded girl's body around as she giggled in joy. Ruby couldn't hide the pained expression any longer.
"I'M SO GLAD TO MEET YOU RUBY! WE'RE GONNA BE THE GREATEST FRIENDS AND DO FUN THINGS TOGETHER, LIKE PAINT OUR NAILS, GO SHOPPING, TALK ABOUT BOYS, OH, AND I CAN LET YOU IN ON SOME JUICY STORIES ABOUT RENNY! I'VE GOT TONS OF EMBARRASSING AND SEXY ONES! I EVEN TOLD NEO SOME REALLY GOOD ONES ALREADY, ISNT THAT RIGHT NEO?!"
Neo looked away and shook her head slowly. Her cheeks were noticeable deep red and, before she quickly covered her face with her hands, Ruby could have sworn that the girl was even drooling a bit. Despite Nora still screaming many more activities, all of it went in through one ear and out the other.
She didn't know how much more of the spinning she can take. It came to a point where a part of her actually started to hate all bubbly girls if they were just going to spin her around every time she met one.
"AND ANOTHER THING YOU ARE JUST SO ADORABLE WITH YOUR PUDGY CHEEKS AND SMALL SIZE! I MEAN I'M NOT THAT TALLER THAN YOU BUT YOUR JUST SO CUTE IT HURTS! AND YOUR SO LIGHT! IT'S LIKE I'M HOLDING A PUPPY! AW MAN YOU'RE JUST SO-"
"Nora, put Ruby down this instant!"
As if on command, Nora instantly stopped, causing Ruby to slightly groan from the abrupt halt. "Sorry Ren! Don't worry, I didn't break her!" Nora then lowered Ruby onto the ground where the red hooded girl had to close her eyes for a bit to stop her world from spinning. "At least I don't think so..." she muttered.
Ruby's legs felt shaky and almost caused her to fall until Neo moved in and supported her. After a few seconds Ruby regained her awareness and glanced back at Nora. Neo let Ruby go as she then dusted herself off. "You... are strong." was the only thing Ruby could say.
Nora giggled as she rested her hands on her waist. "I get that a lot! And sorry for spinning you by the way. Like I said, I get overly excited sometimes!"
"It's... alright." Replied Ruby, and turned to the one who helped her. "And thank you... Neo, was it?"
The multi-color haired girl smiled and winked at her while giving a two finger salute.
Ruby nodded, a bit awkwardly, and cleared her throat. "Right..." She then turned back to Nora. "If I may ask, I would rather not be picked up or hugged anymore… please." She gently rubbed her side while her back ached a bit."
"No promises!" giggled Nora.
Ruby could only sigh and mentally noted to never be around Nora when she's excited. "Anyways, now that our introductions are out of the way, I wish for you to meet our last two comrades.
Ruby turned and waved for Adam and Blake to approach. There was something odd with how the two acted though. Blake showed a second's hesitation that didn't go unnoticed to Ruby while Adam had a serious look plastered on his face. After a brief glance at each other, the two started towards them slowly.
It was odd but Ruby decided to keep silent about it for now and would ask them about it later. She glanced back at Nora and Neo. The two didn't notice how Adam and Blake acted and Ruby felt it was better like that. Either way, there was something odd in the air and it seemed that Ruby wasn't the only one in noticing it.
When they approached, the red hooded girl took a step back to allow the four to acquaint properly.
"Nora, Neo, allow me to introduce the last two of our group." Ruby announced. "The girl with the bow is Blake Belladonna, and beside her is her brother, Adam Taurus."
On cue, the siblings both bowed respectively as Neo took a step back, crossing one arm over her chest and did the same. Nora looked around at all the formality going on and tried her best to mimic Neo.
When all four rose, Blake was the first to speak. "It is a pleasure to meet the both of you." She gave them both a small smile.
"Yeah... charmed." Muttered Adam as he crossed his arms.
Ruby noticed his tone sounded lower than usual. It was not as relaxed or nonchalant when he spoke to herself, Blake or Ren.
At least it went totally oblivious to Nora and Neo who both smiled at the siblings. Nora grinned wickedly as she extended her hand out for either one to shake.
"Nice to meet you both! I go by many names, the queen of the castle, the leg breaker, and at one point I was called the lovable hugger! Although every time someone said lovable, they always made bunny ears with their fingers and bent them twice. Never knew why they did that but who cares! You can both just call me Nora Valkyrie!"
Both Adam and Blake stared at the orange haired girl's hand. "If you even try to hug me, I will not hesitate in cutting your arm off." said Adam, and gripped her hand. He even showed the tip of his sword to prove he was not kidding.
Nora chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of her head with her free hand. "Hehe... message delivered..."
"The same goes for me." Blake said and shook Nora's hand right after her brother.
Nora stopped chuckling and smiled nervously. She made a mental note to watch her excitement around those two from now on. "Yeah... I do get overly excited sometimes." She did not want a robotic hand anytime soon, even if the idea sounded so cool in her mind.
Nora then regained her giddy self and wrapped an arm around Neo's shoulder, almost completely forgetting the threats she received.
"Anyways, this adorable girl here is the one and only Neo! Well actually, Neo is short for... Neo...poli...tan? Yeah, Neopolitan! But I had sooo much trouble saying that at first that she said to just call her Neo!"
Ruby, Blake, and Adam all stared at Neo which made her look around nervously. She began to get flustered and looked away while trying to cover her face. That was when Nora jumped in front of her.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention she has a really bad problem with public speaking! Whenever people stare at her she gets all, "Ah, please don't look at me!" and goes into what I call, a turtle mode!" Nora laughed as Neo glared at her while clenching her umbrella. Her cheeks were puffed out slightly as red also tinted them.
The others could only watch in bewilderment at how they acted. And while glossaphobia was something she could relate to, Ruby recovered her thoughts and spoke up.
"So Neo can talk?" she asked.
Both girls stopped and glanced at the red hooded girl. When Neo looked into Ruby's emotionless eyes, she shifted around awkwardly and looked away.
"Well actually... I don't really know." Nora said while thinking about it.
"But you said she told you her name." Blake said and raised an eyebrow, growing a bit suspicious.
"She did!" exclaimed Nora. "Well... more like... she wrote it. Here, show them Neo!"
Hesitant for a second, Neo nodded and reached around her back to pull what looked like a little white notebook. Within a second, Nora grabbed the little book out of her partner's hand and held it in the air smiling. "This is how she communicates with people."
Ruby, Blake, and Adam, all stared at the little notebook and then simultaneously turned to Neo.
"You communicate through writing?" Adam asked.
Neo nodded and gave him a small smile while still flustered. Adam did not look away and his serious expression did not change either as he continued to stare at her. "Besides yes or no questions, can you talk?" he asked with a small growl of impatience and took a step closer.
This caused Neo to flinch slightly as she quickly snatched her notebook back from Nora and released the small black pen attached to the ringed spine. She immediately turned to a new page and began scribbling a few words down before turning it abruptly and extending the notebook towards Adam. He quickly backed away as the book nearly hit his face and read the only sentence on the page.
To Adam: It is very complicated! I'm sorry please don't kill me!"
Adam raised an eyebrow and looked down at the multi-color haired girl. She had her eyes closed as her head was slightly lowered. "I'm... not going to hurt you." he said, and Neo looked up. "I was... just curious."
Neo breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at him. She then scribbled a few more things and then turned it back around so he can read it.
To Adam: By the way, you're horns are really cute! Can I touch them?"
Adam's left eye twitched behind his sunglasses. He couldn't restrain the growl he released with his sneer. "Alright, now you crossed the line."
Neo dropped her shouldered and her cheeks puffed out a bit as she pouted. She then got an idea and mentally smirked on the count of it never failing. She closed her eyes for a second before looking back up at Adam again, but this time, with gleaming sad eyes, almost imitating a saddened puppy.
Adam merely looked down at her with a raised eyebrow, wondering if she was seriously thinking that would work. "Blake always did that to try and get something when we were young. Do you wish to know what I always said to her?"
Blake clenched her teeth a little which Ruby saw from the corner of her eye. She always hated when Adam brought up old stories about her when they were children. However, what Adam failed to do was tell the truth in some parts. He didn't always say no to her when she pulled the puppy eyes. Hell, when Blake got a better look at her brother, she could see how hard he was fighting not to give in through his facial expression. Even if it looked almost expressionless, she could always tell what her brother was thinking. She was almost tempted to even ask what Neo requested just to get a good laugh. But the sight alone was amusing enough for her.
Neo did not shake or nod her head when he asked. She just kept looking at him with sad eyes. She even trembled her lower lip to reinforce herself. Adam sighed, internally screaming for her to stop the torture, and Neo thought she actually prevailed until she saw his smirk. "No."
The multi-color haired girl let out a faint growl of frustration. She grew desperate and, to the surprise of everyone, including Adam, she pressed her body to his, tightly wrapping her arms around his waist. She couldn't even hide the blush she had when she felt how firm his muscles were beneath his clothing.
Adam looked down at the innocent, blushing face Neo portrayed, he even noticed a small smile on her lips. 'Let me touch your horns!' Neo mentally shouted
He looked visibly annoyed now and gripped the top of her head. "No, now get off." He said, without realizing he answered her mental question. Adam tried pushing her away but was caught off guard by how strong she held on. The harder he pushed, the tighter she held on. "I'm serious, get off!" he growled and tried his hardest to push her away again.
Ruby and Blake didn't know whether to laugh or feel pity for either Adam or Neo. Nora was too busy giggling the whole time as she watched the two in enjoyment.
Despite the amusement Ruby felt by watching the scene, she did grow tired of all the nonsense and cleared her throat, earning everyone's attention. "I believe we have entertained ourselves enough. If none of you mind, I suggest we all move immediately before we lose the relics to others."
"She's right." Ren called out and walked up to the group. His hand was no longer on his side and he was looking much better than before with the sweat and disheveled hair. "We have overstayed here long enough. Our location is just beyond the other end of this tall grass and through the forest. We must make haste if we all want to pass."
Ruby nodded, silently thankful for Ren's return, and turned to the group. "Does everyone understand that?"
Blake nodded, crossing her arms. Nora grinned and gave a salute in confirmation while Adam and Neo have already separated away from each other. Adam nodded with the serious expression never leaving his face as Neo let her umbrella rest on her shoulder. She smiled and nodded to the red hooded girl.
Ruby, satisfied with things getting back on track, nodded and turned in the direction they needed to go. "Let's go." She said and dashed through the rest of the tall grass and into the forest with the others following closely behind. Now was not the time for any mistakes as their careers as future hunters was on the line.
And thus the tenth chapter comes to an end. So what do you think? Let me know in the reviews! My Dark Readers, the main story continues. Please leave a review, good or bad. If there are any constructive criticisms you have, please do not hesitate to tell me, it helps me to grow as a writer. Also if you have any questions or suggestions fill free to leave them in the reviews. Prepares yourselves, for the main story continues.
Until next time my Dark Readers. Forevermore – FT
P.S: Again, I apologize for the shortness of this chapter, I promise the next chapter will be much lengthier.