Date: 4/18 Monday
Location: Shujin Academy, Aoyama-Itchome
The Monday morning at school was a weird one, as after saying good morning to Taurus (who was standing next to the gate to the school) and getting a snide comment back from him, I made my way inside and I didn't make it that far into the building before I started to hear people talk about me.
"She's still here. I'm surprised that she bothers to show up."
"Yeah, especially after they are meant to be expelled."
"When did she become religious?"
I did get a lot of funny looks and whispers due to having my family cross pinned to my school blazer but I paid no attention to them as I made my way to my homeroom hoping that my cross would finally bring me some good luck, which I would soon find out that Lady Luck was not with me.
After meeting up with Sun and Blake at the courtyard for lunch, I was about halfway through eating a Yon-Germain's Sandwich when a dark-skinned, red-headed guy of about Suns' height walks around the corner.
"She said I might you here Rose-san." He said as he came to a stop in front of the table with his white eyes landing on me.
Swallowing the bite of the sandwich I had, I met his gaze before speaking up. "So who are you then?"
I watch him bow slightly and standing straight. "My name is Fox Alistair and I'm a member of the Student Council and the Student Council President wants to speak to you, Rose-san."
"What does the Prez want her for?" Sun said standing up.
He looks at Sun with what I could only assume was distaste given his white eyes. "What the President wants with Rose-san is up to her and is none of your business, Wukong-san."
"Sit down Sun!" Blake and I said at the time and when he does, I look Fox square in the eyes. "So when does Schnee- senpai want to meet, Alistair-senpai?"
"The President would like to speak to you in the Student Council Room as soon as possible, Rose-san." Fox said in a more formal tone than I'd liked.
"Thank you, Alistair-senpai; I'll head there as soon as I've eaten my lunch, if that's okay?" I asked picking up the last half of my sandwich and taking a bite out of it.
"That's fine by me, Rose-san." He turns to leave but stops and turns to look at me when he reaches the corner of the entrance to this outcrop. "I wouldn't be too long, Rose-san; the President doesn't like it when people waste her time."
I watch him disappear as I take another bite. 'What would Weiss want to talk to me about? It's not like I've done anything that would warrant her attention, hell I would like more of her attention in other ways than this... But apart from the fact that me and Sun are getting expelled, I've got nothing.'
"So, what does She want then?" There was clear distaste in Blake's voice when she spoke.
"I don't know," I said after I swallowed the bite I had. "It could be due to the fact that Sun and I are getting expelled."
"Well if it's to do with that, then I best come with ya." Sun said before downing his can of Dr. Salt Neo. "Plus, I just can't leave you alone with Miss Prez know can I."
I heard Blake spurt her drink out as I fumble and drop the last of my sandwich. "Dude, I was enjoying that!" I shout as I look at my ruined lunch and then at Sun.
"Sorry, bro." Sun manages to get before Blake stands up and looks at me with fire in her eyes and anger in her voice.
"WAIT...! You like Weiss Schnee?" I nod my head as I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. "How can you like someone as useless Her?"
"Hey," I said standing up to face her. "Weiss is not useless, Blake, she's been helping catch up with some of the lessons that I've missed and she has treated me like a normal student."
"She is the Student Council President remember? She was probably asked to keep an eye on you by the Principal to make sure you don't tarnish this school's questionable reputation." She said cocking her hip out and crossing her arms.
'Well she did say that she spoke to Toyoguchi-sensei about helping me study, but nothing about if the Principal said anything.'
I avert my eye away from her as she speaks up. "See, even you are thinking about it now. There were rumours about Her and the Student Council before you arrived Ruby, ones that suggest that she knows about what Taurus is doing."
I looked at Sun in shock before looking back at Blake. "Well if she knew about it then she would have told the Principal."
"Well, apparently the Principal has her under his thumb because of a letter of recommendation." Blake said as she starts to play with the end of one of her pigtails.
"Well, they are just rumours, so there's no way of knowing if that's true or not." I said looking at her sceptically. "And I'm surprised about you Blake, especially with what we talked about the other day."
"Whatever, I will never trust her." She said as she moved to sit away from me. "Best not to keep your girlfriend waiting."
"You're right," I said in a cold tone. "If you want to come with me Sun, you can, I don't care." Grabbing my backpack, I turn towards the exit and start to make my way to the Student Council Room alone.
I was glad that I let Zwei scout around the school area, as I didn't think that I could have put up with his strange fixation on Blake and after what just happened, I would have left him there with them. I didn't care if I looked like I was on a warpath, I was more annoy at Blake that she would be somewhat invested in rumours after she'd told me that she didn't believe that the ones about me were true.
As I made it to the third floor, I didn't realise that I was so lost inside my head that I didn't hear Sun shout for me to wait. "Sorry Sun, I was lost inside here." I tap the side of my head.
"Yeah, I could see that, just… don't be too hard on Blake, okay, those rumours start shortly after Taurus become a teacher here and he has been making her life hell as you know." He said as we stopped short of the Council Room.
"But we don't know about the ones about Weiss are true." I said in a small tone.
"You should really talk to Blake about this Ruby." He said as he scratched the back on his head and wincing slightly. "I really don't want to get hit again." He mumbles.
I let a sigh pass through my lips as I close my eyes and let my mind wander. 'Maybe he's right; I think I might have overacted there. I'll have to talk to about this before the day ends.' Opening my eyes, look at Sun and smile as best as I can. "Let's get this thing over shall we."
Location: Student Council Room, Shujin Academy
Placing my pen down on the desk, I flex my left hand to try and relieve the slight cramp as I grab the next document and start to read it through only to put aside with a sigh. 'Why are you still asking for a budget Zedong-san? I thought I told the Albain brothers to go speak to her, it looks like I can't trust them to do anything nowadays so I'll have to talk to her instead.'
Looking up at the clock that was hanging above the door, I realise that there was about half an hour left of lunch. "Where is she? I thought I told Alistair-san to bring her here." I said out loud to myself.
As I go to stand, I heard a knock on the door. 'This best be her, if not, then so help her.' Sitting back down, I made sure that everything was smoothed down before answering. "Come in."
"Sorry I'm late Senpai," I heard Ruby say as she opens the door and stood in the doorway with a half-smile on her face. "I was finishing my lunch when I got your message, I hope you don't mind."
When she mentioned lunch, it dawned on me that my own lunch sat neglected in my school bag. "It's fine Rose-chan. Please sit." I gestured to the chair opposite me as I watch her move in the room and that's when I notice Sun walking in as well. "What is Wukong-san doing here?" I said with as much coldness as possible.
"Chill out Prez, I here to make sure no funny business happens between the two of you." He said taking a seat before Ruby as I feel a blush creeping up on me.
"W-what are you talking about Sun," Ruby said punching Sun in the arm before sitting next to him. "There's nothing going on between us… yet."
'Yet? What does she mean by that? Are those rumours true?' Steadying my heartbeat as best as I could, I look Sun square in the eyes. "There's no romantic feeling between me and Rose-chan, Wukong-san, but what I have to talk about does involve you as well."
I notice the smile fade and Ruby's eyes dim slightly as Sun pats her back. "Bad luck there, Ruby." He said before pulling his phone out and starts tapping away on it.
As I look at Ruby, I notice a sliver and obsidian cross pinned to her school blazer lapel right above her heart. 'I wonder if that is a family heirloom.' She must have felt my gaze on her as I watch her raise her head to look me square on and when our eyes meet, a smile forms on her face, one that was as bright as the one she gave me when we first met, one that I couldn't help but return as I felt my blush return to tenfold. 'God, why does it feel like my heart is about to bust every time we look at each other.'
"So what do you want to talk about then Prez?" Sun said which pulled me from Ruby's sliver pools.
"R-right, s-sorry," I caught a wink from Ruby in the corner of my eyes as I turned to face Sun. "after having a meeting with the rest of the Student Council today, it has come to my knowledge that both of you are getting expelled after attacking Taurus-sensei."
"I'm surprised that you are just hearing about that Senpai." Ruby said as she scratched her cheek with her index finger.
"If you must know, I was helping out with the aftermath of Amitola-san attempted suicide."
"You still haven't said why you want to talk to Ruby, Prez." Sun said as he propped a foot up on the desk and leans back.
"Sit properly please, Wukong-san and the reason why is because I would like to hear your side of events Rose-chan." I said as sternly as possible. "So begin."
She started to tell me the events of that day, how she followed Blake out of her classroom just before Ilia jumped and how she bumped into Sun after Blake ran for Ilia. How they helped Blake get to Ilia before chasing after Arc-san and cornering him and finding out that Taurus apparently sexually assaulted Ilia and that was the reason why she tried to commit suicide.
'If they are telling me the truth, then those rumours about Taurus-sensei must be true as well.' I thought and before I could voice my opinion, Sun started to tell his side of the story which started with Taurus provoking him so he could disband the track team. He then went on to talk about what happened that day and his story matched up with Ruby's with some minor changes here and there.
"I'm sorry, but I still can't see why you two are getting expelled if what you've said is true." I said as I tapped my chin in thought. 'If what they are telling me the truth, then how is the Principal Lionheart letting someone like him work here?'
"Your guess is as good as mine Senpai; I just wanted to be a normal girl with normal knees." Ruby said crossing arm under her breasts. 'I understand how you feel Ruby.'
I look at her for a second too long before I cough into my hand. "Anyway, thank you for telling me your side of events," I glance at the clock behind them. "you can go now, there is still some time left of lunch, so enjoy it."
I watch them stand and walk towards the door and I raise an eyebrow when I watch Ruby open the door for Sun and then after Sun left, she turned to face before blowing a kiss towards me before closing the door behind her. When I heard the click of the door, I lean back against the chair as I breathe out as my heart throbbed rapidly.
"Why am I reacting like this to her, I've never reacted like this to anyone else before… could this be…?" I clutch at my halter vest with both hands and tilt my head down as my heart continued to beat frantically.
"That dolt will be the death of me." 'I can't let her get expelled.'
Date: 4/18 Monday
Location: Outside of Taurus' Palace
The rest of the day went smoothly after Sun and I told Weiss about why we were getting expelled and I was glad that Sun didn't say anything about Palace's or Personas. I didn't get round to talking to Blake but I planned to try and speak after we made some progress into the Palace.
After messaging them both that will be heading into the Palace after school and that I needed to head home to grab our gear, Sun of course was couldn't stop talking about finally beating up some shadows, but Blake, on the other hand, was indifferent about going there and I couldn't blame her with that outfit hers. It's one thing to be sexualized by the ruler of that place but to go there dressed like that mustn't fill her with confidence. After speaking to her later on, apparently she didn't like the look of her outfit but she was more focused on beating the shit out Taurus.
It wasn't hard to find Zwei after walking by the front gate, he pounced on me as soon as I walked into the alleyway and after telling him of our plans, I wasn't surprised that he was overjoyed about finally going there and I couldn't blame him, even I was looking forward to stretching my legs after the last couple of days.
It didn't take long to get home and grab our gear and get back to school and as I was transferred to the Ginza Line, I skimmed through the messages from Sun saying that we should have the School roof as our Hideout (which wasn't bad idea according to Zwei) and I told them to meet us in the alleyway as we were going in as soon as we got there.
As I rounded the corner in the alleyway, I felt the blue flames wash over me and my surroundings change into the dull colours that contrasted against the Castle. Walking past them into the once busy street, I didn't realize that I was no longer carrying the carrier bag which had our new gear. 'I've got to talk to Ozpin about where my stuff goes when we come here.'
With the airsoft guns in mind, I reach into my coat and pull the SMG and the Shotgun out and turn around with a gleam in my eyes and a smirk before throwing them towards them. "Here you go guys, one Škorpion and one Model 31."
"What is a Škorpion?" Blake asked catching the SMG with ease.
"It's a Sub Machine Gun or SMG for short; I thought it would suit that Whip you've got." I said pulling the M9 pistol out and checking it briefly before holstering it.
I watch Skull attach a strap to his Shotgun before slinging it over his shoulder. "Everythin' is good on my end Red." He reaches into his jacket and pulls a Slingshot out and hands it to Zee. "Here you go; I never used it so…"
"Why do I have to have a children's toy?" Zwei said flapping his little arms and legs about.
"Hay! That's not a child's toy; it cost a fortune when I brought it!" Skull said stomping his foot.
"Skull! Zee! Shut up will you, we have a job to do." I said only just realizing that I had my sliver dagger out and was flipping it around.
"I've got a question," We all look at Blake as I sheath my dagger. "What's with those names just now? Are you trying to start a band or something?"
I let a chuckle pass my lips before answering. "There are code names; Zwei said that he's not sure what would happen if we used our normal names, so he suggested code names. Sun choose Skull because of his Mask and Zee is just a shortened version of Zwei."
"So how come you don't have a fancy code name then Ruby?" She said as I notice Skull looking at her up and down with a blush forming on his face.
"Well… we couldn't come up with one for her." Zee said averting his gaze.
A look of realization appears on Blake's face as I catch a pervy grin from Skull and before he could say anything, I reach over slap the back of his head. "Hey, what was that for?"
"You were looking at her like it was your first time seeing a pair of boobs." I said pocketing my hands.
"It was nothin' like that. I was just thinkin' about a code name for her." Skull said rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh! Sorry, Skull."
"Judging by your costume…" Zee said before Skull interrupts him.
"Well, she's got that tail…" Skull began before looking at me. "Whadda you think, Red?"
'A code name for her..? She's a cat faunus and she is wearing a latex-like catsuit and her mask does have that cat look to it so…' "Sexy Cat?" I said and the wide-eyed shocked expression I got from Blake meant that I was wrong.
"Wait! Is that what you want to call me!? I'm SO not down with that!"
'Why do I even bother?' I run a hand through my hair before looking at Skull and Zee.
"What do you wanna be called, then?" Skull said as he leaned back.
"Anything better than that…" She brings a hand up to her chin in thought. "Maybe… "Panther"? That sounds pretty cool, right?"
"Huh? Why?" Skull said with slight confusion.
"Cause it sounds more… ferocious?"
"She's a cougar." Zee said with a dreamy look.
"Don't call me that!" Blake shouted and stomped her foot.
"Right, Panther, Skull, Zee, let's get going shall we?" I said with power as I moved past them and up the drawbridge.
When we crossed the drawbridge, I stopped when I noticed a blue shimmer out of the corner of my eye. As the others walk by me and didn't look back, I turn to my right face the blue haze to see a blue cell door open to a blue void. 'What the…? That looks like the cell door in the Velvet Room.'
"My master would like a world with you, Inmate." One of the twins said as she walked out from behind the door with her baton in hand.
'I know that baton.' I rub my hand at the memory as I look back at the others and noticed that they had stopped moving. "Time powers… cool, so what do you want Melanie?" I said looking back at her and noticing that she was gone.
"I said, my Master, would like a world with you Inmate." She said as I felt a shoe press against my back and pushed.
"You bitch!" I manage to say before disappearing into the blue void.
Date: 4/18 Monday
Location: Outside of Taurus' Palace
Noticing that Ruby had stopped just after the drawbridge, I look at Zwei and Blake before speaking up. "I'm so pumped that we are finally doing this again."
"You bi…" We heard Ruby say and as I turn around to where I last her, but I saw no one.
"Where the hell she go?" I shout as I walked to where I saw her last.
"You don't think she ran off so she could hang out Her do you?" Blake said waking up beside me.
"Hell no, look she might like the Prez a lot, but even she wouldn't bail out on this, Blake." I said with anger.
"Even I agree with him, Lady Blake; I could tell that she was looking forward to this on the way here." Zwei said looking around. "I don't sense her anywhere near."
"Great, what the fuck are we meant to do now?" I said moving away from the spot as Blake and Zwei looked towards the castle when all of a sudden I heard Ruby behind me.
"Sup guys."
Date: 4/18 Monday
Location: The Velvet Room
I was expecting to free fall after Melanie kicked me in, but what happened was me stumbling into the cell, smacking my right foot into the ball and then falling sideways into the cell door, shoulder and head first. Slumping to the floor, I didn't know what hurt the most, my foot, my shoulder or my head. 'If this pain doesn't go soon, I might have to try and kill her.'
Twisting to look to me left at Melanie, I said. "I hope you find this funny Melanie." I thought I saw a smile appear before they turn around.
"The prisoner has returned" Miltia smooth and calm voice relieved me of some pain as I pull myself up to stand.
"Well done," Ozpin said in that off-key deep tone as he rested his head in his left hand. "It seems you have remembered my words. You truly make it worth rehabilitating you."
"I didn't ask for this hand that I've been dealt." I said leaning against the bars and feeling the cold metal against my face before feeling the vibrations and hearing the clang of metal hitting metal from Melanie baton.
"Shut your mouth and listen, Inmate!" She said before Ozpin chuckles.
"I'm not attempting to withhold information for you Trickster. The essence of the rehabilitation that you must complete will be explained in due time. Once you encounter friends who share your aesthetics and discover your place in reality… only then, will I explain it all."
'This is starting to feel like the main plot to a video game. If so then I hope there are no fetch quests. But if there are more people that are in a similar situation that I'm in… well fuck.'
"Such a day should not be far off. This time, I wish to introduce you to the aid we are providing, a couple of abilities, one to help you see that which are normally invisible to the naked eye."
"Wait! I think I've used that before." I said and the room goes quiet apart from a piano playing and a woman singing. 'How come I've never heard this music before?'
"How… interesting, you seem to surprise me, Trickster." A strange grin forms on his face before he snaps his fingers.
And that was when the burning started.
Falling to my knees, I grit my teeth till I couldn't take the pain anymore and let a bloodcurdling scream tear through me as my grip the cell door bars harder. When the pain subsided, I let go of the bars and rest my head at the foot of the cell door. After gathering what strength I could, I raise myself to a kneeling position and look at Ozpin.
"…You knew that would happen… didn't you?" I asked with a raspy voice. 'Fuck… that hurt more than the other times.'
"I know what that Shadow has done to you Trickster, she is there to help you on this rehabilitation." He said pushing his glasses up his nose a bit and as the silence returns and as the music fills the Room. I stand up on shaky legs.
"You Fucker! You knew that She was there and didn't bother to tell me until after that?" I said gripping the bars tighter.
Feeling the baton hit the cell door right above my hand; Melanie moved to stand in front of me. "How dare you speak to our Master like that, Inmate!"
"Piss off short stack!" I said with as much anger as I could as I looked down at her gold eyes and watch her step back to the side. "I've had to put up with a sadistic pervert who has tortured me more times in the last few weeks than I've had sex. So you'll have to forgive if I'm pissed off."
"I'm sorry Inmate, we have been trying to summon you here to tell you, but She has been blocking our attempts." Miltia said as I felt some of the pain disappear.
"Oh… still… it fucking hurt." I said letting go of the cell bars and stretching my back to see how much pain there was. Surprisingly, there wasn't a lot.
"I believe you can handle it now." Ozpin said gesturing with his free hand.
"Wait! You're saying that I should be able to bear the pain know?" He nods. "Well… at least you're good for something."
"May you continue devoting yourself to further rehabilitation, Trickster." He said before blue flames licked at the table legs and then engulfing the centre of the room and leaving me with the twins.
"Now then, if you have any requests, we shall heed them." Miltia said turning to face me.
"Well, I do have some question. Where are my other clothes?" I asked pulling at my prison shirt a bit.
"Your clothes represent you when you enter; you are a "prisoner" of fate after all." Miltia said as she looked at her clipboard.
"And we are your Wardens, so don't you forget that, Inmate!" Melanie shouts and hitting the door again.
"Look… I'm sorry, Melanie, but you've got to realize that it really does fucking hurt when that happens." I said and I notice a look of forgiveness on her before the scowl comes back. "So what happens to my stuff when I enter Palaces?"
"Your items and those of your Confidants are safe." She said in that calming tone. "You still have access to them, as you know."
'Well... I did pull the guns out for Skull and Panther, so she does have a point.' "So how do I get out of here then?"
I watch Melanie and Miltia share a look between them before Melanie steps in front of me and raises her baton back but pointed at me. 'What the hell is she doing?'
"Go back and enjoy your break!" She said before thrusting her baton towards me and driving the point straight into my chest, which sent me flying through the wall behind me and into the blue void.
Date: 4/18 Monday
Location: Outside of Taurus' Palace
I was expecting to fall out of that Room, not stepping out of the Cell door and back outside of the castle. I noticed that Skull was standing a couple of feet away from me with Panther and Zee standing off to the right, near the Castle.
"Sup guys." I said and I watch as the three of them turn around to face me.
"Where the hell hav' you been?" Skull said moving the few feet between us and slapping my shoulder.
"I told you she wouldn't leave us." I heard Zee say to Panther and she just shrugs her shoulders in response.
"I've been in The Velvet Room; the door is right behind me." I said looking behind at the cell door and noticing that Melanie was leaning against the door.
"There's nothing there Ruby?" Skull said with confusion.
"They can see the Door or me, Inmate." Melanie said with a smirk.
"That's unfair, now they're going to think I'm talking to myself." I said before realising that that was what I was doing.
"There is something there, a slight distortion." I heard Zee say before he landed on my shoulder.
"Thank you, Zee." I said reaching up and patting him on the head. 'At least I'm going crazy.'
Turning around with enough force to billow my tail-coat out, I walk past Skull and towards the air-vent. "I'll tell you guy about that some other time, let's get going guys."
Feeling my phone vibrate, I pulled it out with that fact that I know that we couldn't receive any messages. Finding the Nav app open, I was greeted by the female voice. "The map and fast travel feature have been unlocked."
"Map and fast travel? What the hell is this, a video game?" Skull said as both him and Panther stand next to me, looking at their phones with the MetaNav open as well.
"If it was Skull, I would love to enable cheats to make this go smoother." I said pressing the "Map" tab and watching it open up to show me what little we covered the other day.
'Cool, I wonder if this would be better on a tablet then a phone.' After figuring out how to use the map, I found the Safe Room (labelled as the West Building 1F Safe Room) from last time and pressed on it to see if that was how to activate the Fast Travel. I was correct, seeing as, as soon as I pressed the 'S' icon nothing happened for several seconds before my vision swam in black and red.
Location: West Building 1F Safe Room
When my vision cleared, I looked around and noticed that Skull, Panther and Zee had travelled with me. "So that's how it works then."
"Dude," Skull said moving over to lean against the table. "warn me next time you do that… I wish I didn't eat so much now." He mumbled the last part.
"Sorry, but at least we know how it works." I said turning to look at Panther and Zee, both of them looking just fine. Apparently being a model and being attuned to the Metaverse helps when travelling in the Metaverse.
After explaining what a "Safe Room" was and how the Palaces worked (thanks to Zee) to Panther, we left to explore more of the Palace. It was shocking to see how well Blake took to this, faster than Sun at that.
I could see that we getting stronger as we progressed further into the Palace. It was after the second Shadow that I noticed that they dropped some Yen after being taken down and apparently, according to Zee, that Shadows (or Lesser Personas) could drop more than just money, which was legal tender.
Running and jumping around the Palace just… felt natural, the ease of movement, calling out Arsene, just felt right and as we progressed through the Palace and I couldn't help but show off as we went, jumping off of the wall to rip the helmets/masks of the Knights patrolling around. It was all fun and games mostly but when we were about halfway in, of the second floor, I could tell that Skull, Panther and Zee were feeling the strain of using there Personas. I made the suggestion that we should call it there for the day when we found the next "Safe Room" and I glad that everyone was on-board with it as I doubted that even I could have carried on that much longer.
After crawling through a hole in a wall that was situated on top of a bookcase of all thing, that led to a smaller room with a single Knight and chest and a couple of bookcases (one of which we were standing on) and some chairs. Crouched on top of the bookcase and behind the Knight, I couldn't help but think of what could be inside that chest.
"I'll give you a thousand yen if you can't jump onto that Knight and "Show me your true form!" them." Skull said in a whisper as he crouched next to me.
"You're on!" I said looking back at Skull with a smirk before leaping off.
"Show off." I heard Panther say as I activate that ability that I used to find them the other day to make sure that I had enough time to rip the helmet off.
Landing on the shoulders of the Knight, I reach down and grab the helmet and pulled. "I'll reveal your turn form!"
When the helmet gave way, I leapt backwards and landed just in front of the bookcase and watched as the pile of black and red bile fall to the ground. As it started to form, I pulled my dagger out as the others dropped down next to me. "Pay up Skull." I said with my free hand out.
"Fuck, I didn't think you'd do it." He said handing me the yen.
"Get ready you lot." Zee said moving to the right of the bile as Panther nodded and moved left, leaving me and Skull to take point.
When the bile shot up, a beguiling looking fairy was left hovering there. 'I wasn't expecting that to pop out seeing as what we have fought before.' With a giggle, the fairy held up her hand toward us before a bolt of electricity shot out. I took one look at Skull – and noticing a grin on his face – before diving to the right as fire and wind fly towards the fairy.
Coming to a crouching stop, I looked back at Skull to see him standing there just fine. 'He must be resistant to electricity because of his Persona.'
"Why won't you die you brat?" The fairy shouted as she casted more electricity at Skull.
Sheathing my dagger, I draw my pistol and took aim. "Skull, be the lightning rod for us." He nods. "Zee, Panther, she will dodge that all day long, switch to your weapons and aim for her wings."
As soon as I pull the trigger, a hail of bullets flew out of Panther's Škorpion that flew past me and into the wall behind me as Skull and Zee opened fired after the fairy shrieked and turned to face Panther. Hearing a loud thud, I look over to where the fairy was only to see it sitting on the floor with tattered wings and a dishevelled look.
"Hold up!" I said standing up and moving closer to the fairy. 'Why am I getting this feeling that I could get something from her?'
"What are you doing Red? We should kill it and get out of here." Panther said keeping her SMG trained on the fairy.
"Just keep an eye on her for me guys, I've got an idea." I said as I stopped in front of her. 'I hope this works.'
"So you're the intruders that King Taurus was talking about?"
"Yeah, that's us." I told her as I stood a couple of feet away from her.
"It can't get worse than this…" She sighed. "What're you going to do with me!?"
"How about you give me some money?" I asked before squatting down.
"Huh? You'll let me live if I just give you something?" She sounded surprised when she spoke.
"Well, yeah… be it money or an item will suffice."
"But… but… this is happening so suddenly… I actually don't have anything on me. I-I usually do though, you know!?"
I sigh as I stand up and draw my gun. "Well… I'm sorry then." I said with little emotion as I raised the gun level to her head.
"W-W-Wait…! Can't we work something out? Don't kill me, please! Won't you let me go?" She coward as much as possible.
"I'm sorry sweet-thing; I can't let you go telling the King where we are." I said as I placed my finger on the trigger.
"Whoa! I feel different!" The fairy said before hovering up in front of me. "Something's happening!"
'What the hell is going on?'
"Oh yeah, I remember now! I don't belong to just King Taurus… I'm an existence that drifts in the sea of humanity's souls… My real name is Pixie! And from now on, I'll live on inside your heart!" Pixie said and in a flash of blue light, she turned into my black and white, birdlike domino mask, before shooting off towards me.
'What the hell was that?' Opening my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of the ceiling and Zee looking over me. "What just happened?" I said sitting up and gripping my head. 'God my head is killing me.'
"Mm, she is a tasty Persona you've acquired there Babe, you should get more now that you know how to."
'Wait, what do you mean acquired? Are you saying that I have another Persona? And I can get more?'
"Ooh yes; think of it as a gift from me to you seeing as Ozpin has given you a couple. You should be able to use her skills as well now."
'Wait? You're saying that I have more skills other Eiha?'
"The more you get stronger, they get stronger as well and the more skills you can unlock and every Persona has different skills."
'This is really starting to sound like an RPG.'
"I-I have no idea, Red." Zee said rubbing the back head.
"I… I think… I've got a new Persona." I said as I stand up with the help of Zee and I look over to where Skull was to see Panther helping him up. 'Shit! I forgot that he took the brunt of it.'
Stumbling a bit towards them, I help in picking him up. "You okay Skull, sorry for letting you take all that."
"Na, don't worry about me bro, its good job that the Captain is resistant. But still, did I hear you right?" He said with little energy as me and Panther finally get his arms around our neck.
"Yeah, I think I've got a new Persona." I said as I grabbed the edge of my mask with my free hand and with thought of my new Persona, I feel the lick of flames and throw my mask forward and call forth Pixie and we all watch as a bolt of Lightning strike one of the chairs in the room.
"What? Didn't Zee said that only one Persona per person?" Panther said as she moved her mask out of the way to rub at her eyes.
"That's true, so you can't be able to wield multiple Personas. But if you can… then you truly are our trump card then, Joker." Zee said hopping up and sitting against the chest.
'Joker, like the card, I get it.' "So you're suggesting that as my code name Zee?" I said as he nods as Panther and I moved over to one of the other chairs and put Skull down.
"It fits you, dude."
"Yeah, it's loads better than Red."
"Well then. Joker it is then." I said moving over to the Zee and the chest.
After making sure that everyone was okay and ready to go, we made our way to the next Safe Room, which turned out to be at the top of the stairs when we go to the next floor. When we got there, Skull and Panther collapsed into one of the couches, Zee took a spot on the table and as I was the last one into the room, I sat on the floor with my back up against the door.
It took some time before we gathered enough strength to even leave.
Location: Alleyway in front of Shujin Academy
By the time we got out, a couple of hours had gone by and very few students were left walking out of school and after checking the time; I realise that I still had enough time to grab some food on the way home. 'I wonder if Big Bang Burger will be open by the time I get to Shibuya.' With Zwei in my backpack, we made our way to the station to start our journey home.
We didn't talk much on the journey more out of exhaustion than anything else, so by the time we got to Shibuya and Sun parted ways and a heavy silence fell between me and Blake. 'Well… Sun did say that I should talk to her.'
We did speak, about why she doesn't like Weiss and why I like her so much, but in the end, we couldn't really settle on anything, apart from that Blake would go on and continue not to trust Weiss until proven otherwise and I would try to pursue a relationship with Weiss. After that, I decided to treat her to some food before we parted ways.
We were about halfway through eating when my phone starts to vibrate. Pulling it out, I notice that an unknown number was calling me. 'Who would want to speak to me know?'
"Who is it?" Blake asked from my right before sticking a couple of fries in her mouth.
"I don't know, it's an unknown number." I said before swiping the green button to answer. "Hello?"
"Hello? Is this Ruby Rose?" Came the sensual voice which I've heard before.
'Did she get my number from my medical records? Isn't that illegal or something?'
"Yes, this is Ruby Rose, Doctor Fall. How can I help you?" I asked in a vain hope that I could get this over with and continue eating.
"So you recognised my voice Rose-san, I'm flattered. I want you to come to the clinic when you get back to Yongen." Doctor Fall said sternly.
"Can't it wait till tomorrow Doctor? I'm extremely shagged out after a long squawk and I could really do with hitting the hay A.S.A.P." I said in amongst a yawn.
"Sorry, but this can't wait Rose-san, so get here now or I won't prescribe any more medication." She said before hanging up.
With a sigh, I place my phone on the table, grab my drink and sink back into the booth seat before finish my drink off. 'Why of all days did she have to call?'
"So who was that then?" Blake said taking a bite out of her burger.
"Oh, that was Doctor Fall, she runs a clinic near my home and she's the one who I get our medicine from. She wants me to visit her when I get back to Yongen." I said grabbing a bunch of fries and eating them.
"So that's who got them from, Sun did mention something about her; like that she sounds more of a Dom than a Doctor." She said as I close my legs at the memory. "So what does she want then?"
"God knows, she wants to speak with me about something at her clinic, so I should really head off soon, I would like to be able to get more meds from her." I said rapping the last of my burger up and eating some more fries before handing Blake the rest of them.
"They did help today, so yeah, get going, Ruby."
"Yeah, I should." Standing, I give Blake a small wave and wink before leaving.
Location: The Fall Clinic – Examination Room 1
As soon as I stepped foot inside the Clinic, Doctor Fall didn't look up but told me to head straight into the exam room. Without saying a word, I walked in there, placed my backpack near the stool and took a seat and waited… and waited. I must of have dozed off as when I heard the door close, I jolt and sat up straight.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Rose-san." The Doctor said in a weary tone.
Turning around, I saw Doctor Fall leaning up against the door and looking worn out. 'Well… if I wanted to make a run for it, I can't now.'
"Don't worry Doctor; I feel exactly how you sound." I let a week smile show.
"You really know how to annoy a girl by having your phone turned off. Care to explain?" She said as she pocketed her hand and crossing her stupidly long legs.
'I can't tell about where I was and the fact there is no reception there… I wonder if I could lie and say I was studying and I didn't want to be disturbed.'
"I… was studying in the school library and I didn't want to be disturbed." I rubbed the back of my neck slightly as I spoke. 'Please by it.'
"I suppose that is why you would have it turned off." She tilts her head to left slightly. "Anyway, I know you heard everything yesterday, Ruby… WHAT do you think you were doing? I had cover for your stupidity."
"I'm sorry Doctor Fall, that guy gave me a bad vibe, so I eavesdropped to make sure that he didn't do anything." I said as a stood and bowed.
"That's kind of you to say Rose-san, but he will never be able to hurt me." She said with a confident smile.
"So what does that "medicine" do exactly?" I ask sitting back down.
"I got a little too carried away with it; I was going to dispose of that medicine anyway… come to think of it… it would help with some of your symptoms." She said locking the door.
'Why did she do that? Am I going to die here? Well… it wouldn't be a bad way to go.'
"So… if that medicine could help me more than the stuff you give me, could I not just have that then?" I asked cheekily.
"That medicine is very expensive and it's not something a high schooler can get her hands on. It costs almost as much as a car."
'I've got some money, but even I don't think I could afford it and it would take time to grid Shadows for money. I wonder...' "Could I work for it then Doctor?"
"What? Like part-time help?" I nod. "Do you consider yourself someone with a good amount of stamina?" The Doctor said pulling a clipboard and pen out from nowhere and flipped to a page over.
"Well… my ex-girlfriend was very pleased with my stamina that one time." I said with a blush.
"An Amorous one are you?" Her amber eyes bored into me, making me blush more before she wrote something down. "But I admit, I have been looking for a young person around your age to help out. But I haven't been able to find one… Are you up for it?"
'…Well if it meant that we could get more and better meds then, I guess…' "I'll do it." I clench my fist in front of me. "But… what will I be doing?
"Ok then, you'll be participating in clinical trials for my medicine." She said in a more cheerier tone before walking past me. "Hang on. I'll be right back."
'So I'm going to be taking experimental medicine… which could kill and/or harm me. This is going to get weird.'
With my head lost inside my thoughts, I didn't hear the heels or the curtain being drawn and closed till Doctor Fall handed me a small glass of red liquid.
"Here you go." She said as I swivelled around to face her only to watch her sit down in her chair.
Raising the glass to eye level, I eyed it thoroughly before looking at the Doctor. "Is this safe to drink?"
"If you're worried about side effects, then you can relax." She said with an honest smile.
"Okay then, cheers." I raised the glass up before downing the contents in one go.
"Nothing really bad should happen to you, but my autopsy is guaranteed to find out exactly what part of it killed you."
"WHAT!?" I stand only in fall to one knee in pain. 'Why does my whole body hurt?' Trying to stand again, I grab hold of the bed before collapsing.
When I regain consciousness, I could hear some typing. 'What the hell happened?' Opening my eyes, I sit up as best as I can. "What happened?"
"Good evening." I heard from my right. "Do you remember anything from the moment you took the medicine until now?"
Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I look at Doctor with a blank look. 'What the fuck did I do when I was out?'
"By that look in your eyes, I'd say you don't. You did briefly wake up but you were completely dazed during the entire examination." She looked at me with a gleam in her eye. "You did say some rather sexual things to me."
I watch her lick her lips as she re-cross her long legs and rests her head on one of her hands with a hungry look in her eyes. 'Oh fuck, what the hell did I say to her?' I look down and grip the edge of the bed tightly.
Upon hearing the Doctor laugh, I look up to see her leaning back in her chair before sitting forward. "Are you out of your mind? Only an idiot would have drunk that."
"It would appear that I am." I said running a hand through my hair. 'So was she joking when she said that I said those things?'
"By the way, the reason you lost consciousness was because of the taste." She said typing something on the computer. "It produces a foul smell when it mixes with gastric juices, similar to surstromming."
'Isn't that, that terrible smelling fish?'
"Oh, well. All that matters is that thanks to you I was able to get some good data." She said turning to face me. "Ok, it's my turn to make good on my part of the deal. That's why I waited until you woke up… I don't want the general public to know about my original medicines."
I watch her scoot her chair over towards me till our knee were almost touching and spoke sternly. "So you are strictly prohibited from disclosing what happens here to anyone… Understood?"
Averting my eye to anywhere away from her legs, the view of her cleavage or her eyes, I could feel my heart beating erratically. 'Shit, why does she have to be so close?' Finding one of the x-rays behind her very interesting, I focused on that. "Yes, Doctor."
"Good, then we have a deal." She moves away from me with a coy smile. "I'm willing to let you buy whenever medicine you need at a good price. I may even add additional selections, in time… I look forward to your continued patronage Ruby."
'So… I've made a deal the Doctor then…' Feeling a warm sensation on my back, I grip the edge of the bed again. 'Only God, please not here.' Feeling it intensify, I scrunch my eyes closed as a ringing noise filled my head and I waited for the pain. "…I am thou, thou art I…" There was no pain that hit me but the ringing got louder. "…the Death…" Shaking my head, the sound returned and when I open my eyes, Doctor Fall was looking at with concern.
"Is everything okay Rose-san?"
'So that's what Ozpin meant about being able to handle it.'
"Yeah, I'm fine," I lied and stretch my back. "I think I've sat here for too long as my back is killing me."
With a raised eyebrow, she looked at me with a studious eye. "Well, you have had a busy day. So get off home and rest, I want you in perfect health the next time, my guinea pig." She mumbled something about perfecting some sort of medicine as I stood and grabbed my backpack.
"Have a nice night, Doctor." I said as I made my way to the door and headed home.
Authors Note
Good Day, Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good Night ladies and gentleman,
I bring you the first planed out chapter of Beneath the Rose-Tinted Mask and yes I did say planed and you might be wondering if the last 17 chapters weren't planned and you would be correct, but don't think I'm being lazy about this story, I thought that the last 17 chapters didn't need to be planned out as much as this and the next few chapters seeing as, in-game, you didn't really gain control of what you wanted to do until Ann joins.
And I know I said that the next couple of chapters are going to different to how I normally write and it still might look that, but I do plan on adding the different POVs from the other Phantom Thieves as we meet them. So I would like feedback on well I portrayed Weiss, Sun and Cinder and how well I did dealing the fight scene and Ruby finally getting the Joker Code Name.
Before I forget, I would like to say thank you to Knowledgeseeker66 for their help in planning and keeping me sane whilst writing. If you haven't checked out their work, please do as their story 'Into the Fog' is one of the reasons why my story exists.
Into the Fog is a Persona 4 story that follows a female protagonist call Rei Narukami as she deals school and the Shadow world.
I do look forward to hearing from you my friends and I hope that you get some of the references that I have made in this Chapter and the rest.