We have come a long way since Ruby met Roman in that Dust Shop. We're now at the Vytal Festival Singles rounds!
So, as promised, Velvet vs Cardin is coming up!
But before then... time for dialogue.
Disclaimer: RDF1 doesn't own RWBY, WATCH THE SHOW!
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
Sun and Neptune stood across from Coco and Velvet as the field turned into a ruined city, a forest area, an ice area and a magma area. Neptune took a look at their surrounds before shaking his head and sighing.
"You two realize how one-sided this is, right?" asked Neptune.
"Oh?" quipped Coco with a smirk, causing Velvet to snicker a bit, "How so?"
"Three Agile Fighters and one above averaged trained student. Pretty sure I can't keep up with either of you, and that tote bag is an OHKO waiting to happen," explained Neptune, something they all didn't disagree with, "Plus, the most flashy we'll get in this fight is Velvet and Sun, and that's because you wouldn't have to actively move as much to counter Sun's style. We saw what you did to those Grimm at the Breach."
"To be fair, we should give the fans a show, right?" proposed Sun.
"Oh... can we, Coco?" asked Velvet, a winning smile on her face as the bell rung to begin the fight.
"No weapons, other than that... have fun, Velvet," shrugged Coco.
Velvet and Sun instantly jumped away from their teammates to show off their acrobatics while Coco and Neptune stayed put.
"Agree to no weapons will at least make it more balanced Neptune?" asked Coco grabbing her purse-minigun by the handle.
"Sure. It's not like my semblance would help much anyways," shrugged Neptune as they both set their weapons aside, something the crowd noticed.
"It would appear that both teams have agreed to forgo their weapons in this bout and rely on pure skill," commented Doctor Oobleck.
"Indeed, though I'm not sure how much the crowd will appreciate such a decision," added Professor Port.
"Not sure to respect or degrade that decision," said Weiss, seeing all four of them explicitly not using their weapons.
"To be fair, Sun and Neptune are a bit outclassed and they know it," said Ruby.
"And being good sports, Coco and Velvet would likely agree to a compromise to put on a better show for the crowd," added Yang.
"They better not overdo it," said Blake with a hint of concern, following Sun and Velvet's fight as they moved around the ruined cityscape.
"Give the Monkey boy a little credit, Blake," jibbed Weiss, showing a small smirk to remove the sting of the 'insult', "He grew up in Vacuo. He knows how to control himself."
The fight didn't last but about ten minutes, but given the circumstances and mutual friends, both teams did show off before finally Sun and Neptune both declared forfeit as their Aura got close to Red, while Coco and Velvet were still Yellow and above half. Winner: Team CFVY.
After gathering Coco and Neptune's weapons, the four of them walked off to mixed applause from the crowd. The biggest cheers were from Teams RWBY and the remaining members of Team CFVY and SSSN. The finals were coming up soon, and Ruby and Velvet were looking forward to the finals, and everyone that remained.
(Recap End)
That evening, Qrow stopped by to pick Ruby up to meet with Ozpin, though under protest given how much he didn't want his niece involved this deep. Ruby reminded him that because of her unique status, she was involved more so than him regarding the ultimate goal. Qrow grumbled silently, wishing things were different.
"Even if things were different, Uncle, I'm pretty sure she would involve me at some point anyways, if only because of my eyes," sighed Ruby, as they rose the elevator up to Ozpin's office.
Once there, they noticed Pyrrha was there already, and Ruby joined Pyrrha in sitting in front of Oz, while Qrow pouted next to a pillar near one of the Elevators.
"Welcome Ruby," greeted Ozpin, as Pyrrha smiled and waved at her. Ruby returned the greetings and sat next to Pyrrha, "We were just discussing the finals."
"I look forward to facing you, should both of us make it that far," said Ruby, shaking hands with Pyrrha, "But I'm sure that's not all we're here for."
"Indeed," said Ozpin, "I'm curious to know what your favorite Fairy Tale is, Pyrrha?"
"Excuse me?"
"Childhood stories," said Ruby, "Like the Girl in the Tower, the Warrior in the Woods..."
(AN1)
"What about the Four Seasons?" prompted Ozpin.
"Yes, I remember my mother telling me that one," replied Pyrrha, before explaining the basics of the story about an Old Man who was convinced to trust in Humanity again thanks to Four Sisters and in his gratitude gave them Magical Powers, not Dust or Semblance related, but real, ancient Magic.
"What if I told you THAT one's been around since I was child?" asked Ozpin.
"You're not THAT old, Professor," said Pyrrha.
"I don't know. He's known my parents since they were students, and he was the youngest Headmaster at age 29, so he's older than he looks," countered Ruby, "You aged gracefully, Professor."
Ozpin chuckled at that, taking the compliment at face value even if Ruby's estimation may have been off, given her limited estimations.
(AN2)
"Well, what if I told you that story was true?" pressed Ozpin.
"Then you have a well-connected family history to trace the origins of that story, sir," smirked Ruby, winking at him.
"I'm not sure I can believe that, but..." started Pyrrha.
"Believe it," said Qrow, "It was hard the first time I heard it, but learning the truth about it takes on a whole new context for the other stories as well."
"I'm afraid I never got your name..." responded Pyrrha.
"Meet Qrow Branwen, Yang's and my Uncle," introduced Ruby, "Also my mentor in Scythe Training."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Branwen," said Pyrrha.
"Qrow is just fine. I'm not big on formality," replied Qrow with a shrug, emphasizing his nonchalant attitude.
"Okay, but if the Tale's true, is this ability a Semblance?"
"Something far older," replied Ozpin, "Real and true Magic. No dust required."
"I've seen it in action, though who I saw I wish didn't have that power," shared Ruby, looking away, saddened.
(AN3)
"Wait a moment, it's really true? But then... just who are you?" asked Pyrrha, getting to the real question.
Just then, the Elevator opened, revealing Glynda and Ironwood.
"We are still the same teachers and headmasters you know," answered Glynda.
"We just happen to have a secret part time job. A job that's not easy, nor is it safe," added Qrow.
"But we do it to protect the world," finished Ironwood.
"And you're apart of this group too, Ruby?" asked Pyrrha, turning to her.
"Recent addition," clarified Ruby, "though I kinda forced their hand to allow me to join."
"In more ways than one," grumbled Qrow.
"So why me?" asked Pyrrha.
"Because we believe you are the one to next receive the Fall Maiden Power," informed Ozpin.
Pyrrha had no words, stunned into silence as she was.
"Please, follow us," said Ozpin, standing up and bidding the two of them to join the other three in the Elevator. It was a bit of tight space, but not too uncomfortable.
Seconds passed liked minutes as the long elevator ride took them down below the school, and even further underground. Ruby idly noted that Scroll service didn't work here, meaning they were DEEP underground, or some type of shielding to block the signal. All too soon as the ride begun, the Elevator stopped and opened to reveal a massive room in front of them. Pyrrha was in awe while Ruby, though her emotions dulled, felt impressed at what she was seeing.
As the group traveled to the other end of the room, they noticed a device there, with two chambers. One of them occupied by an unconscious girl. Upon closer inspection, it seemed as though she was unconscious to save her from what must have been horrible pain from the markings they saw.
"I'm sure you have questions," stated Glynda.
"You said I was the next one to receive the power. What does that mean exactly?" queried Pyrrha.
"The seasons change constantly. As such, there are no two summers the same," explained Glynda, briefly glancing over at Ruby when mentioning her mother's name, "When the Maiden's life comes to an end, the power leaves her body and seeks out the next compatible host. This maintains balance and so that no one can hold the power eternally."
"How does it choose?" continued Pyrrha.
"Through a series of ridiculous and convoluted rules," answered Qrow, who despised the method, given its complications at inconvenient times.
"Then what makes you so sure I'm the next one?" pressed Pyrrha, her eyes narrowing, "And why now?"
"I believe this chamber answers that, Pyrrha. I assume this is the previous Fall Maiden?" spoke up Ruby.
"Yes, Amber Autumn, the current Fall Maiden of Remnant," explained Ironwood.
"As to why: we've run out of time," added Qrow, "You remember the Breach you helped Ruby stop? Well that was just one of many events set into motion by those wishing to disrupt the peace we've worked hard to maintain. I wouldn't be surprised if another attack happens before the Tournament is over."
"This chamber is keeping her alive, because she was attacked by someone who not only knew the story was true, but wanted that power for herself," informed Ozpin, referring to Amber's current state.
"But wouldn't the power pass on to a new Maiden if she passes on?" wondered Pyrrha.
"Normally yes," said Ironwood, "But that's under normal circumstances."
Ruby moved forward and placed her hand on the glass, realizing what they were implying, "For the first time since the Wizard split his Magical Power into the Maidens, that Magic has been split further still. Who's to say it wouldn't want to rejoin its other half, regardless of Amber's last thoughts?"
"And those thoughts could easily be her attacker once she regains consciousness and trying to figure out what happened to her," added Qrow.
Pyrrha moved next to Ruby, looking at Amber with sadness, before turning back to the others, "But why keep this a secret? If the Maidens are so important, shouldn't the world know about them?"
"Think about what that kind of knowledge would do to the power hungry people of the world, Pyrrha," said Ruby, an edge to her voice, "If the world truly knew about these maidens, people would turn Remnant inside out to control such power. Some would want it for themselves, or have people that only answered to them wield it. And that's not even pressing on the actual issue of Magic being real. Even being a quarter of the Wizard's power, a Maiden would be so powerful, she could wipe out hundreds if not thousands of soldiers if she's trained her powers enough. The are secrets the world just isn't ready for."
"Okay," said Pyrrha, resigned, but emboldened, "I'll do it. I'll be your Fall Maiden."
Silence answered her.
"That is what you want, right?" asked Pyrrha.
"It is, but..." started Ozpin.
"You won't inherit the power naturally," continued Glynda.
"The process will be painful, even if everything goes smoothly," added Qrow.
"For some time now, Atlas has been researching Aura from a more... scientific view," explained Ironwood, "Our research has shown us that we can capture it, contain it, and..."
"Put it into something else," finished Ruby, already knowing one example, since she is one of her friends.
"But that's..." replied a startled Pyrrha.
"Classified," answered Ironwood.
"Wrong!" emphasized Pyrrha.
"Not all of us agree with this research," added Glynda, "But desperate times call for desperate measures."
"And are we not entering desperate times?" snarked Ironwood.
"Pyrrha, don't you see," said Ruby, "You can't just get her Maiden Powers naturally. But you can get what they are bonded to."
"Her Aura," realized Pyrrha, the full weight of such a decision she needs to make now known.
"And because her Aura is connected to her Soul," added Qrow, "What will happen to you as a result?"
"You have an important decision to make, Ms. Nikos," informed Ozpin, "And there's no guarantee if this will work. And even if it does, there's no telling if you'll be the same afterwards. Take some time to think it over, but before the end of the Vytal Festival: we will need your final decision."
"One more question," pondered Pyrrha, getting a nod from Ozpin, "Why ask me and not Ruby, who's already part of your group?"
The four adults merely glance over at Ruby to give an answer, since it was her secret to share.
"Let's just say I have a condition that works against Magic. It's something I discovered before attending Signal Academy, when I discovered Magic was real," answered Ruby cautiously, "It's not easy sharing this information. Maybe I can tell you more after the Festival."
(AN4)
As the others turned to head back to the Elevator, Ruby turned back Amber one more time, "I will find a way to help you. I promise."
"Ruby?" called out Qrow.
Ruby rushed off to join the group, leaving Amber behind.
Later that night, Ruby showed up in her office and quickly went to where the Grim Reaper's office was. He wasn't always there, as every day someone dies and he often gathered groups at a time to take to the afterlife, so it was fortunate that he was there.
"Ah, yes, Little Ruby," said Grim, "Welcome. What can I do for you?"
"I have found the Fall Maiden. The REAL Fall Maiden," informed Ruby, "Is there any way I can save her life?"
"That... is not an easy ask," replied Grim.
"But you CAN do so, right?" asked Ruby.
"There will be consequences," informed Grim.
"She deserves to live her life," resolved Ruby.
"Very well, I will make the arrangements," accepted Grim.
With that, Ruby left, hoping her plan would work.
(Chapter End)
Okay, another chapter finished. I left out the ending of the original episode because I'm still working on trying to choose who fights who, outside of Velvet vs Cardin.
Author Notes...
AN1: I was rewatching the video of that fable and thought it would be nice for Ruby to bring it up, since it's such a wholesome moment between her and her father, Taiyang.
AN2: And this is reiterating my theory that Ozpin is actually over 50 years old. But if I'm wrong, then I've left room for Ruby to be wrong depending on other factors.
AN3: Since Ruby knows Cinder has half the Maiden Power at this point, she knows that the fire that isn't dust reliant is indeed magic.
AN4: Not a complete lie. Ruby did learn about Magic from the afterlife. Grim Reaper, the Grimm Reapers, and other people shared more in depth real stories of the past that the Fairy Tales are based from.
Alright, that's all for now. Happy Birthday to Ruby Rose coming up on Halloween!
Thanks for reading.
Until then...
Later,
RDF1