Authors Notes
So, I've gone and rewrote the first three chapters of my story and I have also replaced the older chapters with them and I'm now happy with how they have turned out (granted, I was two weeks into a three week illness, so…).
I've also gone through the other chapters and polished them as best as a dyslexic person can, so if there are mistakes, just know that I tried my best, plus this story has no beta reader… unless you count spell checker on Word.
If any of you do go and reread the three rewritten chapters, please, tell me you what you think of them compared to the original.
Date: Unknown
Location: Unknown
"That next week was a strange one." I said looking at Prosecutor Schnee through one eye.
"How more strange can it get? You're just told me that Shujin Academy turned into a castle and that said castle is connected to the heart of one Adam Taurus and furthermore, you have shown me that you have been "branded" by another version of yourself." She pinches the bridge of her nose and closes her eyes. "And don't get me started about "Personas." So please tell, how it was a "Strange one," Ruby." I watch her lean back into the chair after releasing the bridge of her nose.
"Well, that's easy, Prosecutor Schnee. We were just normal students."
Date: 4/24 – Sunday
Location: Attic/Bedroom, LeBlanc.
After returning home the previous night, I had sent a message to Blake to see if she was free the next day and I was surprised to find out that she was and had prepared beforehand for this.
I had awoken earlier that Sunday morning for no reason other than that this would be the first-time using make-up and for some reason, that was making me nervous, something that Zwei had picked up on shortly after he woke up and then by James when I went to get breakfast for me and Zwei.
It was coming up towards lunchtime when Blake showed up. I had set myself up in the last booth closes to the stairs and with a notebook out as I wanted to start drawing the map of the Castle out, with only a couple of patrons in the café, anyone would think that I'm just drawing and with the first map we got as a base, I started.
"Good afternoon Miss," I heard James say when the bell chimed above the door. "Ah, we don't get a lot of new faces around here, so what can I get you, Miss…"
"Belladonna, Blake Belladonna… is Ruby here?" I look up from my notebook when I heard my name being called and what I wasn't expecting to see was a sizeable makeup case in Blakes' hand. When she notices me, she gives a small bright smile to James before walking over to the end booth.
"Hello Ruby," She said, place the case upon the table, my eyes didn't leave it.
'How much makeup is needed to cover a scar up?'
"Don't worry Ruby, this is only a small part of what I've got." She said looking at the case.
"WHAT!?" I shouted which garnered the look of the other people in the café and the disgruntled look from James. "Sorry," I said before lowering my voice to a reasonable volume. "how do you have so much makeup?"
"I am a part-time model, remember." I notice her look at my open notebook. "What you drawing?"
Spinning the book around, I prop it up slightly to show her. "It's the map of that place."
An irritated look was thrown at me mentioning that place after I spun my notebook back around and tucked the first map into it before closing it. "Why are you doing that? You know what could happen if someone found at right?"
"Relax okay, if anyone did find this then they will see only a map that looks more like a map from a video game, that's all." I said spinning my pencil around my fingers. "Shall we head upstairs to start then?"
"Fine," She crosses her arms under her breasts as a small pout appears. "I trust you enough to hope that you know what you are doing."
I flick my pencil in the air and catch it. "Great, let's go." With my notebook, pencil and makeup case in hand, we move to stand and head upstairs.
When we got up there, Zwei was lying upside down on my bed staring towards the stairs, his face lit up when he saw Blake appear which made him flip right way up in an instance. "Good afternoon Lady Blake," I move to the side as he hops off my bed and bounds over to her. "I'm glad you're here, Ruby's been nervous about this all morning."
"Hay-" I managed to get out before Blake looked at me with mirth. "Really know?"
"What? It's my first time using this sort of stuff." I said moving to sit at the booth seat.
"Aww, don't be like that, if you've never used it before it can be nerve-racking." She said walking over to the wooden chair that I had left by the workbench and placed it in front of me and setting her case down on the bench. "Sit."
"Already am." I couldn't help but be playful in my speech.
"I need ease of access to my case so, move!" With the stamp of her foot, I moved. "Look, I know that you're scared about doing this but you did ask me to help you."
Taking the seat opposite me, she began to unpack a few things before turning back to me and removing my glasses. "Now, because we are working close to your eye, this will probably take a bit longer than normal." I watch her pick a LED touch up before adjusting something on it before turning it on. "Zwei, can you hold this for me and shine it at Ruby."
We heard a groan from him as with her free hand, Blake grabs my chin and pulls me closer to her after Zwei had grabbed to touch with his teeth and shone the light on me. The light itself was just a white light set to a dim setting, just enough to help Blake see more clearly and not enough to blind me.
With my head in her hand, she brought up several tubes of makeup close to my face trying to match the right colour. She ended up going with one that almost matched my tone, even to this day I wouldn't be able to tell you what she did after that, even though she left me a detailed list of instructions, I couldn't make heads or tails of it.
I had to have been sitting there for about thirty minutes when I realized that I should mention to both of them about what happened at the end of the date with Weiss. "So… A weird thing happened before I got home yesterday." I said moving my head to relieve some of the stiffness, Blake, on the other hand, was having none of it.
"I told you not to move your head." She said with a makeup pen in-between her teeth and stopping my head movement with a hand. As it turned out, she wanted to do more than help cover my scar. "And I really don't want to hear what you and Schnee get up to."
I bat her hand away and rub my jaw a bit. "We didn't do any of that stuff yet, Blake." She rolls her eyes as she gestures for me to close my eyes. "But I've somehow formed a bond with her, like I have done with you guys."
I heard the touch and the pen hit the floor. "What? How?"
"I don't know how, I said good night to her and that's when it happened."
There was some shuffling as Zwei righted himself. "She didn't see it did she?"
"What? Me receiving some of the pain that I would have gotten? Nah, she went inside her apartment complex before it happened." I opened my right eye to be able to look at Blake. "Can we have a break please; I need to stretch."
"Sure."
The small break we head, Zwei wanted to know more about what happened and after telling them about it and how Ozpin was able to reduce the pain that I would receive each time and I thought it would help to tell them what Ozpin told me about these bonds and what each of them where. The only ones I couldn't pinpoint where The Chariot and The Hierophant.
It didn't take Blake long to finish doing my makeover and I have to say that I looked completely different, the scar was nearly invisible to the naked eye, the only giveaway was my eyebrow. Something which Blake wanted to hide as well. With a bit of eyeliner and shadow really did make my eyes stand out more than I wanted, so I did stay clear of using them.
Blake was very pleased with her work and Zwei was more or less indifferent about it. As she was packing everything away, she stated that she was going to leave the case here for me to use at my leisure, something that I was very verbal about not doing so. That much must-have coat fair bit, even if she said she got it through contracts and whatnot. In the end, she left the makeup case on the shelving unit near my bed.
Date: 4/24 – Sunday
Location: LeBlanc, Yongen
After Blake left, I sat downstairs for most of the evening up until I was the only person left in the café and continued to draw more of the map up until I heard James call me. "Hey kid, your free tonight, aren't you?"
"I am." I said glancing up briefly to see him gesturing to come over.
"Care to have a little chat with me then?"
"I haven't done anything!"
I notice a small smile tug at his lips before it disappears. "You're fine, it's just some small talk." Folding everything up and tucking the pencil behind my ear, I move over and sit at the bar.
"Well, let's talk." 'Who knows, this might help with finding out who's The Chariot and The Hierophant and it will be nice to get to know him more seeing as he already knows me.'
"Good. There're a lot of things I want to ask you." I heard the clink of cups and saucers from behind the counter being put away.
"So, how's school going? You're not causing any trouble?" He asked afterwards.
"No, I'm not, I promised Mom that I would be good." I somewhat lied… how could I explain something like "that" place to him?
"Good, I've got to report to your probation officer twice a month." He stands straight before slouching slightly. "It's already a pain in the ass as is, so please don't make me have to write even more crap-"
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"-This society is kept in check by laws and authority figures-"
"Yeah and just look where it got me by doing the right thing."
"-and get yourself killed if you want, but don't go dragging other people into your mess. The last thing I need is you bring trouble around here."
"I don't plan on it." I said clutching my notebook tighter.
Before James could say anything else, his phone starts ringing. I watch him move towards the kitchen before answering. "Hello?... Yes, it's me… You've brought them, good, can you bring them by?... Good, I'll meet you outside soon then."
I notice him pulling a box of cigarettes and a lighter out before walking around the bar and towards the entrance. "I need some fresh air; we can continue this conversation after."
When the door closes I rest my head on the counter. "What was that all about?"
"I couldn't get a look at his phone."
"You're a great help."
"I try."
About five or so minutes went by before James came back inside followed the old guy from the second-hand store and a large object under a sheet on a dolly cart. "So where do you them, Boss?"
"Upstairs, please." James said to which the old man just nods and pushes the cart past me and starts to ascend the stairs with ease.
"What's all that about and why is taking that up there?" I asked as James stops just short of me.
"It's that wardrobe you asked for." He said in that same gruff tone as normal and at the mention of having a wardrobe to live out of instead of a box, I was over the moon. Standing up, I cover what distance there was between us and hug him.
"Thank you, James." I said overly giddy and then realizing what I've just done, so I moved away just as fast.
I watch him rub the back of his head and it's clear that I had made things more awkward. "Summer would have killed me if she ever found out, so count yourself lucky and don't think you keep getting everything you want."
"That should be fine, thank you again." I said bowing.
I straighten when I heard the old man come down the stairs. "I don't know why you need a new set of them for Boss, I'm sure the last one I got you is still holding up." He said walking past me and James and towards the entrance. "Anyway, I need to get going or the wife is going to think I've been gambling again."
"Thanks again, Patrick, the next cup of coffee is on me the next time you're in here." James said following him to the door. "Give my regards to your wife."
"Will do." James closed the door behind the old man and with the ring of the bell, James turns to face me.
"Right, where were we-" He started before his phone starts to ring again. I watch him pull his phone out and notice a smile appear before he answers. "Hm? What's wrong?... Yeah, I'm just about to head out now. Sorry about that… I know. The usual, right?... Ok. I'll see you later."
"As you can see," He slips his phone back into his pocket. "I'm pretty damn busy both at work and in my private life. If you could lend a hand, it'd really be a great help…"
"Sure, I don't see why not."
"Now we're talking. Either way, I won't ask you to work for free. If you agree to help me, then I'll teach you how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Not a bad trade, eh?"
"Weiss liked the last coffee, so, sure." I said a little too enthusiastically.
"Alright. Looks like we've got ourselves a deal."
'It looks like the distance between me and James seems to be closing… even after that.' My back started to heat up with a bit of pain as white noise hits me briefly and it left just as quickly as it came. 'So… James is The Hierophant then… so who the fuck is The Chariot then?'
"I'll be counting on your help." James said removing the black striped apron and moving to hang it up. "I'm going to lock up early so goodnight Ruby."
"Goodnight James." I said walking over the stairs and claiming them, after all, I had a wardrobe to move and fill.
Bros on the Road
Date: 4/25 – Monday
Location: Shujin Academy
That Monday I awoke earlier to give myself enough time to apply the makeup that Blake give me, which in my defence, didn't go as neatly as Blake did yesterday, but I did manage to hide my scar. And as I made it to Shujin, I was hearing a lot of whispers about me and the fact I was hiding my scar with makeup. I did get a couple of guys come up to ask me out, which is weird, to say the least. I rejected them as nicely as I could.
During lunch, Sun was surprised and very confused about why I had done what I did, but saw reason after me and Blake told him why and Blake was happy to see that I had used some of the makeup and she told me that I missed a couple of small areas just under my eye, but my glasses covered it enough for it not to be noticed.
I was glad when the school day ended as I was getting tired of people coming up to me and either asking me out or wanting to know if a rumour was true or not, all I wanted to do was head home and take a nice long bath. So, when I left my homeroom, I spotted Sun leaning against the wall near the stairs. I was not surprised to see him on his phone probably playing some sort of game.
"You best not be doing what I think you're doing Sun." I said after moving past some students, to which he nearly drops his phone.
"What! No, I'm not, not like…" He said turning his phone around to show that he was playing a tower defence game that had monkeys and balloons in it. "I was waiting for you actually."
I cock an eyebrow.
"Well, I realized when we were runnin' through that Palace that I can't really move I like used to... Maybe it's 'cause I haven't been moving around as much since then, but I feel like I'm getting weak." He said with a downtrodden look as he pocketed his phone.
"After what you did during that fight, I wouldn't call you weak at all." I said in hope that it would cheer him up.
I notice that grin he always had reappeared before he looks to the right and out of the window. "It looks like it clearing up, perfect for some training!" He looks back at me with a glint in his eyes. "So, you wanna get your blood pumpin'?"
'Hmm… it'll give me a chance to get to know him and I would like to tell him about my brand, my bath can wait.' "Sure, why not, I've got nothing planned today."
"Sweet. Let's go work up a sweat behind the gym." He said as he moves past me and down the stairs.
"…Behind the gym? What?"
Date: 4/25 – Monday
Location: Shujin Academy Gymnasium
After changing into my PE clothes, I manage to find Sun doing some stretches, behind the gym. I must have made some noise as Sun looks over to where I stood. "Finally, I started to think that you went home."
"I wouldn't do that, I said I would train with you." I said moving to stand near him. The sound of students in the gym could just be heard out here.
"Man, this place brings back memories… this is my secret training' sport. Er… was."
"Back when you were on the track team?" I ask and he nods.
"I've been thinkin' about tryin' to run again, actually." He looks at me with a serious look. "Fightin' in that other world was a total shock. I couldn't move like I used to. It just felt… lame. So, I started thinkin', maybe I need to build up my muscles again. Anything's gotta be better than this flimsy body, right?"
I look him up and down. "You say that, but I'm pretty sure that you could give everyone in Yasogami a run for their money."
He laughs briefly as he starches the back of his head. "I'm totally gonna wreck your expectation! U-Uh, I mean in a good way! Anyway, you act like it's only me who's gonna be doin' this, you're getting' on this too."
"I wouldn't have changed if I didn't plan on to."
"It'd be pointless if I was the only one getting' superfast, right?"
"Maybe we should Blake in on this?" I said but it fell on deaf ears.
"All right, I'm gonna do some knee lift sprints, you're stuck with the normal ones!" Sun said with the same energy as he did after he got his Persona.
"What do you mea- and your gone, great." I watch him sprint off before following.
I'll tell you now, that Monkey was fast, even with his knee. But I did manage to catch up to and keep up with him, but even just doing a lap of the school had nearly killed me. How the hell he did this regularly and not feel like shit afterwards was beyond me.
As soon as we got back to where we started, I collapsed backwards onto the grass while Sun was still standing but was hunched over slightly. 'That bath is sounding ever so nice now.'
"Damn, my legs're all tight.."
I turn my head towards him. "How the hell are you still standing?"
"Before Taurus came along, the track team was the biggest thing this school had goin' for it." He said standing as straight as possible. "But it all changed after he got our coach fired and took over as the sub."
"That bastard must have been planning on getting rid of you from the beginning." I said closing my eye as I felt the sun hit me.
"He'd give us crazy workouts, then when we couldn't do 'em, he'd add even more on top of that…" I could feel the anger radiate from him. "Day after day was nothing but that bullshit."
"So how did you become the traitor then?"
"He went after me 'cause he knew… he knew I was the kinda guy who'd fight back." I could hear the tapping of his foot on the grass. "If my time dropped even a little, he's cuss me out. Then on top of that, he brought up my parents."
'This is this first time I think that he's mentioned them, I know he has a bother.' "What about them?" I asked hesitantly.
There was a moment of silences before I hear him sit next to me. "Apart from my brother and sister, it's just my mom. All my dad did when he was still around was drink. Sometimes he'd even beat us, or my mom."
"I'm sorry to hear that dude, and I thought that my dad was terrible."
"It's not your fault, Ruby… I just dunno how that bastard Taurus found out, but he told the whole goddamn team…"
"And with that, you hit him." I look over to him just in time to see him nod.
"It was like he wanted me to do it though. He called it an "act of violence," and shut the team down and thanks to that, the other guys on the team treat me like some kinda traitor."
"That's kinda shitty of them."
"That's the thing, they ain't wrong. 'Cause of me, they all lost their shot at the championship." He said with a dejected look.
"Do you regret doing it?"
"…A little bit yes, and a little bit no… C'mon man, don't ask me tough questions like that. I'm not very smart, y'know!" He crossed his arms.
"Aww, come on, you have more brains than some of the people here." I cross my legs and close my eyes and let the sun hit me.
"Anyways, it doesn't matter now. That's all in the past! I'm only thinkin' about the future now! That's what we're gonna do-build the future! We gotta think positive thoughts, bro!"
"That's a very positive look, Sun." I said raising my hand for a high-five. 'I feel like our friendship has grown deeper.' When I heard the clap of our hands, I felt my back heat up and a bit of pain spread across my back. When it passes, I open my eyes to see Sun looking at me. 'So… he's The Chariot then… that's every one of those blocks accounted for.'
"Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah, thanks Chariot."
"Chariot!? What the hell?"
"Oh, I forgot, I figured who is who on my brand. You're The Chariot, Blake's The Lovers, Zwei's The Magician, Weiss' The Priestess, Ozpin's The Fool, James' The Hierophant and Doctor Fall is Death. Blake and Zwei know there's, so I thought you might as well know yours."
"Oh, cool." I watch him stand and other a hand to me. "C'mon, we're all warmed up, right? How 'bout another run?"
I take his hand. "You might just kill me with this." I said as I was being pulled to stand.
"By the way, you're actually pretty good at runnin', not as good as me though!"
"You have been doing this longer than me." I said as we started another a run.
That bath was heavenly at the end of the day.
Pain racked through me as I looked down at the sword poking out through my chest before being flung off it and landing onto one of the pews. I heard the shouts of Zee, Skull and Panther as I fell. There was more commotion as the others tried to take that winged creature down but I knew that they were running on empty and that we were on short supply of meds… and I'm sure that we had had nothing to bring me back.
I could feel my life fading as I heard Zee land next to me. "Hang in their Joker… Día… what? Come on, I don't of have enough power to cast." I heard the whoosh of a sword go bye and I felt a couple of blood drops hit the back of my head.
"Panther, you're going to have to cast, I can't."
"I'm struggling to even stand, Zee, so I can't." The sass I could hear from her was more than I had heard in a long time. "Does anyone have anything?"
There was a collective "No." from Zee and Skull as I started to lose feeling in my legs. I tried to tell them that I was sorry about this and that I shouldn't have pushed us so far today, but all that came out was a groan.
Skull said something before he lets out a pained noise, before he went silent. 'No, Sku- Sun… I'm… sorry.' The feeling in my arms goes and the taste of blood grew stronger as my vision went.
Date: 4/25 – Monday
Location: Attic/Bedroom, Leblanc
I sat upright in bed feeling my tank top cling to my body as my breathing fell short. "What the hell was that?" I looked around to see if I woke Zwei up and I was glad that he was still asleep at the bottom of my bed.
'That felt more real to be a nightmare…' I traced a hand under my top and up towards where the sword would have come through. A gasp passes through my lips as I feel the scar sitting there in-between my breasts. 'What the fuck! That was there before… Hey? I know you're listening. What the fuck is going on?'
"…" Getting no response from her, I tried again and again till I gave up.
'Fine, be that way.' I lie down and try to get some more sleep. It didn't work.
Date: 4/26 – Tuesday
Location: Shujin Academy
When lunch hit, I wasn't expecting to be swept away by Gwen and her friends after I nabbed some bead to eat. So, when we came to a stop at a picnic table outside in the courtyard of the school, I still couldn't get my head around that these were my friends and not people who were out to spread rumours about me.
Gwen, as it turns out, is a big fan of ballet, which, when I told her that my mother is a dance teacher in Yasogami and that I dance as well, she immediately wanted me to teach her. I said I would but I haven't done any ballet before. She is apparently a descendant of a blacksmith who created some of the best throwing knives.
Nebula had a crazy fixation with swords, which was surprising to hear coming from her seeing as she said that she wanted to do something with hair. And with the amount of hair I had, she told me that she would love to get her hand on it.
Dew, on the other hand, was big into wind energy and was hoping to get into an engineering course after Shujin and was hoping to make wind energy the more dominant source of energy. I had to give her praise for such a high dream.
Octavia was the quiet one out the four, but apparently, she was into fashion and that she had been making most of her clothes for some time and that she was hoping to make it big in the fashion world. I told her that Blake was a part-time model and she could make something for Blake to show off at one of her shoots. Her eyes lit up at that and she immediately pulled out a decent sized notebook and started to sketch out something.
I had to ask how they all became friends, seeing as each one of where completely different from one another. They had been friends since childhood apparently and that they have been with each other ever since, even with their different goals, I could feel their strong bond with one another… and they welcomed me into their circle with open arms (even after I threaten one of them.)
I was, of course, expecting for them to ask some questions, like if I was in the White Fang, or if I carry a knife in my bag and about my conviction. I answered as best I could and I ended up telling them about the night it happened, I wasn't surprised to hear that they would have walked the other way and that what I did was very courageous and commendable and that from now on, they would try to put the rumours to sleep. I could have cried at their kindness to someone they didn't, their kindness couldn't go unpaid, so I offered to pay for a meal out somewhere and I was happy that accepted after trying to refuse.
Date: 4/26 – Tuesday
Location: Doctor Falls Clinic, Yongen
I had gotten a text from Doctor Fall just after school wanting me to come to her clinic and with nothing on my agender for that afternoon, I agreed to head over as soon as possible.
As I entered the clinic, nothing new was of noteworthy as I moved towards the reception desk. "Good afternoon, Rose-san," Doctor Fall greeted me with that same smirk. "please head to the exam room, I'll be there shortly."
With a nod, I headed to exam room one and as I took a seat on the stool near the computer, I waited for Doctor to show. It didn't take long for her to make an appearance, wearing the outfit as before minus the anklet.
"Here you go." She said holding another small glass of blue liquid. "I've made various adjustments to the previous drug, based on your trial results."
Taking the glass from her, I look at the blue liquid with a quizzical look. 'It doesn't have any smell to it again and it's clear.'
"All right, drink it down in one gulp." The Doctor said with a clipboard and pen in hand.
'What's the worst that could happen.' With that thought, I lift the glass to my lips and force it down in one go. There was a powerful sour and bitter taste that overwhelmed me and breathing became a problem until I passed out.
"…Ah, your reaction to it is absolutely perfect, my guinea pig." I heard through clouded vision. "You feel a bit dazed, hm?"
I must have said something as I heard a pen against paper. "Yes, I mixed in some special… components. Ok, so let's take your temperature and blood pressure and I'm also going to draw some blood."
My body felt heavy as she sat me up took my blazer off. Feeling her hands on my arms sent heat to my core. I couldn't help but moan. "Oh my, this is a side-effect that I wasn't expecting. I did have a few motor skills tests that I wanted to perform, but those might be too much for you now."
I felt the bed hit me before I pass out again.
I awoke to the sound of the exam room door opening and the sound of a male voice. "Oh, so you ARE here."
I sat up and looked at the man who has just walked in to find a police officer standing there. 'I'm fucked if he knows who I am.'
"…I'm in the middle of an examination." Doctor Fall said in an unpleasant tone. "I've told you before, Officer. If you want to investigate me, then you'll need to show me a warrant."
The officer lets out a 'hmph' before crossing his arms. "I'm here because we received a report. I'll need to see a detailed statement of medical expenses and full medical records." His eyes never leaving the Doctor. "I bet you didn't have enough time to hid any incriminating documents, huh?"
'This guy seems just as arrogant as the ones that took me in.'
"You must be under the orders of the Medical Chief of Staff." Doctor Falls said in the same tone as she presses and clicks on her computer before turning the screen to the officer. "Here you go."
I watch the officer move over and look at the monitor. Whatever the Doctor had shown had the officer take a step back. "Huh?"
"This kid here is my only patient today." The good Doctor said whilst writing something on the clipboard. "If you're asking for her medical expenses, I'm guessing I'm under suspicion of improper billing? But without a receipt, I'd say you've been sent on a wild goose chase."
I watch the officer take another step back and re-cross his arms. "W-What's going on here?"
"You're being manipulated." Fall said, finally looking at the officer. "That "report" is fictitious. It's nothing but an attempt to harass me.
A bewildered look crosses the officers face. "What!?" He turns to look at me. "Hey, you! What're you doing here!? You don't seem to be sick… Are you up to something illegal!?"
"I've got a bad heart, Officer." I said and I knew Doctor Fall knew I was lying.
"A-A bad heart?"
"She's stressed about taking her entrance exams. I have some drugs that are helping her relax." The Doctor said without batting an eyelid. "So, is there anything else? As you can see, I'm pretty busy here."
"Fine… Your infuriation, you know that? Hmph… but I'd expect nothing less from the "Plague." The officer said before taking his leave.
'That title seems fitting seeing as she is the Death Arcana.'
With the arrogant police office gone, Doctor Fall sighs. "I'm so over this…"
"I agree, I get it a lot when I'm at school." I said as I moved to the edge of the bed.
"I think we're going to get along just fine, but it's nothing for you to worry about. I'm sure it was my former superior who made that false report." Doctor Fall said whilst rubbing her neck. "You eavesdropping on our conversation the other day is why he's trying to put pressure on me… by having the police investigate me and my practice."
"Again, I'm sorry for doing so." I said with earnest.
She looks at me with her amber eyes before standing. "What's done is done, Ruby… anyway, I need to draw some blood. There'll be some mild anaemia, but only temporary… You'll be fine. It's part of our "deal," remember?"
'Shit… I guess I have no choice.' I nod my head.
"Great," She smiles. "I like kids who listen to their superiors."
'Huh, it feels like my bond with Dr Fall has grown… well shit.' I felt my back heat up slightly as a ring noise drowns out everything. Doctor Falls looks at me with a raised eyebrow before I shake my head. "Sorry, it's been a long day."
"Tell me about." She said in a deadpan tone before pulling a syringe out of the draw of her desk and pulling the plastic protector off. "I'm going to draw more blood than usual… since you're healthy and all…"
"Did I tell you that I don't like needles?" I said hoping that she would go easy on me.
"I'm joking, so please lie down. You can go home once I'm done." She said stepping closer to me.
'I don't know if I'm fucked or not.
Date: 4/2 – Wednesday
Location: Shujin Academy, Library
After the past few days, I was glad that I was able to have the afternoon to myself and with that, I had been meaning to look into the names on my brand since I got Sun to take a photo of it before the death march into the Palace.
So, as I opened the door the Library, the same student as last time was behind the desk and she had the nervous look as well. I flash her a warm smile as I made my way to her. "Good afternoon, is there a computer free for us?"
She gave me a quizzical before checking something on her computer. "There are a couple free, Rose-san." I watch her grab a small laminated card and holds it out towards me.
As I go to grab it, she pulls it away. "Just a forewarning, delinquent, all internet searches are monitored." She said handing the card to me.
"Noted." I replied, taking the card and walking off towards the bank of computers. I ignored the whisper as I walked there.
I dropped my backpack on the chair to the other free computer and pulled my notebook and phone out and placed the card against the monitor and log in. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the two other students that where on the computers look over to me before turning back to gossip about me.
'Right, so all I know is that they are part of the Arcana, so that means that they belong to Tarot Cards… so I'll begin there.' I grab a pencil from my bag and open my phone and picture and write the names that I've got with some space in between.
During my search, I found that there are twenty-two card in the Major Arcana and fifty-six card in Minor Arcana that are split into four suits. But with my sights on the Major, I didn't bother to write the Minor down.
Le Mat – The Fool
The Fool generally means a beginning of a new journey, one where you will be filled with optimism and freedom from the usual constraints in life. When we meet him, he approaches each day as an adventure, in an almost childish way. He believes that anything can happen in life and there are many opportunities that are lying out there, in the world, waiting to be explored and developed. He leads a simple life, having no worries, and does not seem troubled by the fact that he cannot tell what he will encounter ahead. To meet him in a reading can also be seen as a call to the risk-taking part of your own character. He inspires courage, for he understands that every day is a chance to open up new areas in your life, and with that comes a mixture of anticipation, wonder, awe and curiosity. The Fool is there to show that you can never really tell what lies ahead, and you can only greet it with joy. The Fool card is numbered 0, which is considered to be a number of infinite potentials. Consider him a blank slate, for The Fool, has yet to develop a clear personality. He is the symbol of innocence - his journey to come will shape his character yet.
Le Bateleur – The Magician
The Magician is the representation of pure willpower. With the power of the elements and the suits, he takes the potential innate in The Fool and moulds it into being with the power of desire. He is the connecting force between heaven and earth, for he understands the meaning behind the words "as above so below" - that mind and world are only reflections of one another. Remember that you are powerful, create your inner world, and the outer will follow. When you get the Magician in your reading, it might mean that it's time to tap into your full potential without hesitation. It might be in your new job, a new business venture, a new love or something else. It shows that the time to take action is now and any signs of holding back would mean missing the opportunity of becoming the best version of yourself. Certain choices will have to be made and these can bring great changes to come. Harness some of the Magician's power to make the world that you desire most.
The Priestess
The meaning of the High Priestess is related with inner knowledge. Her appearance in a reading can signify that it is time for you to listen to your intuition rather than prioritizing your intellect and conscious mind. When the High Priestess shows up it can depict an archetype known as the divine feminine - the mysterious female that understands and holds the answers to the deep unknowns; religion, self, nature. She represents someone that is intuitive, and beginning to open to her or his spirituality. Meditation, prayer and new spiritual work is indicated. When she appears in a reading, she is calling to you to listen to her message, and follow her into your own depths. There is searching within yourself to be done for the answers that you seek. The answers to the questions you have are within, not without.
Le Pape – The Hierophant
To see the Hierophant in a reading is to embrace the conventional, for it suggests that you have a certain desire to actually follow a process which has been well established. It also suggests that you want to stay within certain conventional bounds of what could be considered an orthodox approach. So, instead of being innovative, you will be adapting to certain beliefs and systems which are already put in place and are existing. The Hierophant card suggests that it's better for you to follow social structures which are established and have their own traditions. You might be involved in certain ceremonies, rituals or other religious trappings, for instance. When it comes to tarot readings, this particular card is most commonly representative of institutions as well as their core values. This is a sign that shows that you need to conform to the already existing set of rules and situations which are fixed already.
L'amovrevx – The Lovers
The primary meaning within the Lovers is harmony, attractiveness, and perfection in a relationship. The trust and the unity that the lovers have given each of them confidence and strength, empowering the other. The bond that they have created is very strong, and it can indicate that the two are joined in marriage, and other close and intimate relationships. Another meaning behind the lovers' card is the concept of choice - a choice between things that are opposing and mutually exclusive. This could be a dilemma that you need to think about carefully and make the best decision for your situation. A more personal Lovers meaning that can apply to individuals is the development of your own personal belief systems, regardless of what are the societal norms. We see this as a development from the Hierophant, who made decrees and passed on his knowledge through a standardized system. This is one of the times when you figure out what you are going to stand for, and what your philosophy in life will truly be. You must start making up your mind about what you find important and unimportant in your life. You should be as true to yourself as you can be, so you will be genuine and authentic to the people who are around you.
Le Chariot – The Chariot
The Chariot tarot card is all about overcoming challenges and gaining victory through maintaining control of your surroundings. This perfect control and confidence allows the charioteer to emerge victorious in any situation. The use of strength and willpower are critical in ensuring that you overcome the obstacles that lie in your path. The Chariot's message comes to make you stronger as you strive to achieve your goals. The key message that he brings to you is that you must maintain focus, confidence, and determination through a process that will be full of winding turns and detours. If you have a plan or a project that you seem not to be sure about, the Chariot shows that you should pursue the plan with a structured and ordered approach. Your boldness will ensure that you achieve all that you should in this goal. In the Chariot's quest for his goal, he may display some behaviour that he has never seen within himself before - competition and a desire to succeed has perhaps brought out a more aggressive part of his personality. Aggression is a natural part of human nature, and the Chariot reminds you that it can also be used to help you take charge of your situation, but also must be reined in so that it does not hinder your way forward.
Death
Death is one of the most feared cards in a Tarot Deck, and it is very misunderstood. Many people avoid mentioning this card because it has that much power. Most times, people take the name of the card literally. However, the real meaning within the Death card is one of the most positive in the whole deck. The Death card signals that one major phase in your life is ending, and a new one is going to start. You just need to close one door, so the new one will open. The past needs to be placed behind you, so you can focus your energy on what is ahead of you. Another meaning is that you are going to go through a major change, transition, or transformation. The old version of you needs to 'die' to allow the new you to be created. This can be a scary time for you because you may be unsure of what will happen in the future. Even if you are scared, you should welcome the change because you are opening the door to new life events. Death can also mean that you need to let go of any unhealthy attachments that you have in your life. This is an important part of life, so learning to keep moving forward is one of the lessons Death teaches us.
I did write down a bit the rest for the rest of the Major Arcana but seeing as I knew who some of them belonged to, I wrote those ones first. With my research complete and with plenty of time till James would have a go at me for staying out late, and with access to the computer still, I wanted to try and find sheet music for Don't Think Twice as I thought it would be nice to play it for Weiss sometime. It didn't take long to find one and print one out. I did get some funny looks when I went over to the printer.
As I made my way back to my backpack, I heard the Library door open and the sound of heels walk in and over towards me. "Good afternoon Rose-chan, I'm glad I've found, I want to schedule our next study session." Weiss said, following me.
"Good afternoon Senpai, you could have messaged me for this." I said sitting back down and folding the sheet music. 'Although I don't mind seeing your beautiful face.'
I notice a red hue appear on her face as she moves my backpack off the chair and sits down. "It would look unprofessional for me not to be interacting with new students, delinquent or not."
"Well, I'm glad you found me then." I wink. "I'm free in a couple of days, so how about then." I closed everything down on the computer before picking my notebook and the music sheets up and putting them into my backpack.
"That sounds perfect, Rose-chan." I watch her reach over and pick the laminated card up and start to bend the corner. "So… I take it you've heard about Taurus-sensei."
"Senpai," I let out the most sarcastic gasp. "I can't believe you're fallen to spreading rumours."
"Believe it or not, but this one is actually true, I was told this by Mr Port earlier and it somehow it got out."
'So there some good news… still doesn't give us any indication of what we did worked.'
"Huh, I did hear the rumours about that, but I prefer facts than fiction." I said logging off the computer. "Do we know why he has not shown up?"
"If the teachers know, then they haven't told me, all I know is that that he hasn't shown for any of his lessons and any contact hasn't gone through." My Princess said standing and tucking the chair in as I did the same.
"How strange." I said hiding my smile as I turned and walked towards the door.
As we left the Library, I turn to Weiss. "As much as I would love to hang out with you my Snowy Princess, but I need to pick up a few things before I get home."
"That is fair, Rose-chan, I've still got council duties to attend too. So, I'll see you tomorrow then." She bows slightly.
"You will do." I bow back before we parted ways.
Red Rose: Guys, Weiss just told me that Taurus hasn't shown up the past few days.
The Monkey King: Really!?
Does that mean he's had a change of heart?
The Black Kat: If so, why hasn't he made a statement?
Red Rose: Who knows, apparently no one can get in contact with him,
so were still going to have to wait.
The Monkey King: Damnit! I hate all this waiting.
Red Rose: Sadly Sun, we're going to have to.
Hey Blake, how's Ilia doing?
The Black Kat: She's doing fine thank you, still hasn't come too yet,
but the doctors said that her body just needs time.
Red Rose: That's good to hear.
The Monkey King: Yeah, I hope she wakes soon as well.
The Black Kat: Thanks, guys. It means a lot.
Bros on the Road
Date: 4/28 – Thursday
Location: Shujin Academy
I had got a message from Sun wanting me to come train with him again just after school had finished and I couldn't help but groan and let my head fall to my desk.
"What's the matter, Ruby?" I heard Blake say as I heard her turn in her chair.
I didn't say anything but turn my phone around so she could see. "Is it really that bad?" She said after a few moments.
"Honestly, no, it's kinda fun… it's just that my body isn't us to it outside of there." I said sitting up slightly.
"Well, how hard can it be?" She said and I sat up straighter.
"Come with me then."
Sun was all up for Blake joining us stating that all of us should really be doing this, but I think it was just to look at Blake and I couldn't blame him as she looked fantastic. We manage to do a couple of laps around the school and when we got back to Suns' secret training area, Blake collapsed, face-first into the fell to the floor, I fell flat on my back again and Sun was hunched over.
"Ugh, dammit! I wanna move better, but I just can't…" He said with the odd bit of sweat dripping off him.
"How… how did… you do… this?" Blake said after propping herself up just enough.
I roll over just enough to face her. "You see what I mean?" She nods before falling face-first again.
"Hey! I was trainin' for nationals back in the day… but now… I totally suck balls." Sun said before an irritated voice sounds up.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I roll back to see three students walk up to use.
The first one had a complete undercut red-hair style that coved his right eye and he had a small tattoo around the corner of his left eye. On his right, the guy was dark-skinned and had green short spiked hair and had what looked to be Roman numerals tattooed around his neck. And the last one out the three had messy, light-blue hair and a pair of yellow-tinted goggles of his forehead.
At their voices, Sun straightens. "David… Ayana… Vasilias…"
"Running, huh? I saw you from the window." The green-hair guy in the middle said.
"What, you gonna try to come crawling back to the track team?" The one with the goggles said.
I notice Sun take a step back. "Huh? H-hell no…"
"Speaking of which," The green-haired one started. "this was your secret training, wasn't it? Well, it's our spot now."
'Who the fuck do they think they are?'
"You know, us. The former track team."
'Oh.'
"We don't even have a locker room anymore, thanks to someone." The goggle guy said.
"Let's not fight guys." I said standing.
I feel Suns' eyes land on me. "We ain't fightin'…"
The green-haired one looks at me. "Yeah, this isn't anything like a fight. Not even close."
"True, this doesn't look like a fight but the last time there was three on one, well… I ended up with a scar, so…" I said standing.
"Hold on, aren't you that transfer student?" The same guy said and I nod. "You're really gonna hang around with this loser?"
Before I could say anything, the red-haired one spoke up in the most British accent ever. "You better watch out Sage, I've heard that she'll hit you the second she's gets pissed off."
"I heard her dad is the same way. Like father like daughter, right? Now that's some scary shit." Goggle boy said.
"Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Tai is like that, being a boxer and all." I said scratching the back of my head.
"That don't got anything to do with this…" Sun said taking a step forward.
"Calm down, Sun." We heard Blake say and in all fairness, I forgot that she was here.
"You're right." Sun said looking back at Blake before turning back to the ex-track team. "Look, back then, I…"
"I don't need to hear your excuses." The guy now known as Sage said. "Everyone was going through the same bullshit with Taurus. The beating, the impossible exercises… but we put up with all of it for the track team." He moves closer to Sun and I shift my stance slightly just in case. "But no. You had to go and fuck all of that up! Man, I was stupid for ever thinking you were my teammate."
I watch him turn and take a couple of steps away from Sun. "That's all I have to say to you. I'm outta here." I feel Blake lean on me when those guys leave.
"I nearly smacked him when he was talkin' about your dad." He brings a hand up and drags it down his face. "I haven't changed at all…"
"I wouldn't say that." Blake said pushing of me to stand. "I think you've changed."
I notice a small blush form on him. "Thanks… but y'know… you two actually helped me calm down a little. I'm glad you two were here with me." He raises his hands up for a high five, which we do as well.
'I feel like my bond with Sun has deeper.'
After our hands collide, my hearing goes and is replaced with a ringing noise and I feel my back begin to heat up. I let out a groan and then stretch when my hearing returns. It's then that notice that both of them are looking at me.
'So… I can increase the level it up the help of friends… interesting.'
"I'm fine, let's… let's call it a day." I said turning away from them.
"Yes please." We heard Blake say and I couldn't help but laugh.
Authors Notes
Hello, I hope that everyone is staying safe during this time and are catching up with books and or video games. I myself have started playing Greedfall and Stellaris and so there, they are both going well.
Yes, this is part one, when I was planning the chapter out I had originally thought that I could write in just one chapter… Oh I was so wrong about that. As I said at the brining, the first three chapter have been redone and all the others have had a touch up.
I wanted to toy around with the idea of Ruby using make-up as a way to show her insecurities briefly and as you can see, she didn't bother using it after the first day.
With the Hierophant and the Chariot, their confidant ranking will play out slightly differently due to the fact that, game wise, the bond would have just started/had at least one rank. But seeing as I had started the confidant earlier than normal, so, at some point I'm going to have to merge the two levels of the Rank together or remove one. The scene title for Suns' Confident Rank, Bros on the Road, is for Finial Fantasy 15 during the bro moments you get when you camp at certain spots. I thought it fitting as the relationship between Ryuji and the protagonist, to me, is of a bromance.
The dream scar that Ruby gets is based of the one that she receives in the Henceforward AU webcomic by Kumafromtaiwan. If you haven't heard of it, please, go and read it, it's great and it was my first introduction into the White Rose fandom. The idea for this came to me sometime after I wrote the scenes before and after and the reason behind the dreams will get revealed… at some point.
Knowledgeseeker66 (If you don't know who they are, go and look up Into the Fog on ) suggested some time ago that I should bring Team NDGO to show that Ruby's friend are still about. So here they are, what I wrote about them goes off of their characteristics from the show but just modified to sound a bit more realistic. They might show up a few more times before the end of the story.
I used for the Tarot Card Meanings as I had no real understanding on the meanings of the cards. And I wanted to try and give a feeling of like she wrote them down, but it seems like I can't do it, shame.
When I first watched a playthrough of Persona 5, it somewhat bugged me that none of the other Thieves showed up, especially in Ryujis' as you would think that it would benefit the whole group. And I know some other Persona 5 fics have done group confidant events, so here is my take on it. Expect more in future. The scene when some of Ryujis' ex-teammates show up was done kinda poorly as when they show up, Ryuji only calls out two of their names despite the fact that he should know all three of them and when they start talking about the protagonist and his father, Ryuji jumps in like they were talking about his father, and I know we are controlling the silent protagonist, Ryuji outburst is really out of place and show is his line when the ex-teammates leaves. I would like to hear what you guys and gals think of that scene.
And that end the first part of Anxiety Week, If there is anything else you guys or gals want to know about this chapter that I didn't cover please feel free to comment and I'll try to give you the answers you seek without spoiling anything, but in the meantime, Walk Tall and Be Fierce, my Friends.