Author's Headnote: Oooh. Hey. 10,000 Views! Wonderful! I'd comment on the visitor count, but I think the traffic graph butchered those statistics.

And to answer the question. Theoretically, yes... she could... but doing so may risk Ruby ending up losing control of her own body in favor of the other vampire... which is why Ruby will not be doing such a thing. And especially for her to do something to that as powerful as someone as the Duke of Bloodshire, who wields power that's let's just say didn't initially belong to him.

But now let's get back to the chapter now, shall we?

RWBY: Festival of Blood: The Outsider

Ruby Rose:

Aura Status: 71%

Thirst: Very Thirsty

Semblance: Wilted Petal Burst

Grades:

- Grimm Studies: B +

- History: B -

- Dust Studies: B

- Combat Practice: A -

- Mathematics: C -

- Weapon's Smithing: A -

- Tactics: B -

- Training Missions: C -

Team Activity: Done.

Team Relations:

-Weiss Schnee: Wonder how the date with her and Jaune went. Is planning for Ruby's birthday.

-Blake Belladonna: They're dating, and planning for Ruby's birthday with the rest of the team.

-Yang Xiao Long: Although a bit distant sometimes, they still care for each other. Even though Ruby can sense Yang's tiny fear. Is planning for Ruby's birthday.

End of main character status report.

Beacon Academy, 7:20 PM, Friday, RWBY Dormitory

Ruby was making her team dinner... which is something she needs to get in the habit of making food for her team without relying on a nulled sense from her withered stomach. Because her team would be hungry and she doesn't want her team eating fast-food. Thankfully she knows how to cook when needing substance herself, problem is she really can't taste the food... she could, but she doesn't want to waste anything. She's sticking with something that would be appropriate for after-workout. And after-shower.

That, and she wants to get a bite of Blake's blood. For some reason, she prefers Blake's blood over others, must be the relationship. But no matter, after Blake takes her shower and before she eats, Ruby is going to ask to bite her. They're dating yes, but consent is important, especially for something like that. That, and she doesn't want to bite a sweaty neck, that's disgusting. And pretty sure it's not healthy for Blake to have her blood drained AFTER she eats. So, she's going to have to bite on Blake before she eats.

And speak of the time... her team have just come back from exercise. She'd greet them, but she's manning the kitchen right now. Which would be awkward since they're going to the shower right now. Besides... she wouldn't want to smell sweat. This is also why she showers, because they likely don't want to smell dead body. She just has to imagine the dentist appointment on November though. Just imagine how awkward that would be.

Thankfully this dinner is going to be done after they're done with the shower, because Ruby had planned for that.

Blake had gone to the kitchen first... wearing some lazy clothes. Although she doesn't look like she wants to lounge on the couch.

"So... what have you been doing?" Blake asked.

"Reading, sparred Mercury and replaced one of his prosthetic legs." Ruby said bluntly and straight to the point.

"Wait, what?"

"Yep. Long story, turns out Mercury has prosthetic legs... from knees downward."

"Did he tell you?"

"Nope, I found out the hard way... shot a bullet in where all those weird wind bullets came from."

"What happened to his leg?"

"It blew up..."

"Ouch, that's got to hurt."

"Ya... I had to build him a new leg... let's just say if you see Mercury walking funny..."

"Walking funny?"

"Blake, do you think I'm the kind of person to chop of their own leg to test a prosthetic?"

"No?"

"So... I just winged it and gave them my attempt at a prosthetic."

"Well, I hope he forgives you for blowing up that leg of his."

"Me too."

"So... you're making dinner, right?"

"Yep."

"When's it ready?"

"When it's done, Blake. Besides, I got to have my dinner too."

"Oh. But after you're done serving, I don't want to interrupt your cooking."

"It's alright. I'm almost about done anyway." Ruby said... beginning to get the cooked food out of the stove onto plates whilst putting the cold food onto it (food that's not supposed to be cold). It was placed on the table.

She stopped Blake from sitting down. "Can't give blood after eating." she said in a seductive tone, followed by lowering her bandana and putting her hand on her chin, stroking it. "Could you lower neck please?" she asked.

Blake said nothing and lowered it. The sudden romance added to it surprises Blake. Ruby can see it in her eyes.

Ruby moved her hand from on Blake's chin to her shoulder, and her other hand on Blake's head. She than bit down her neck and started drinking her red fluids... She made sure to drink slowly, so she can savor the taste of Blake's blood whilst not drinking over. Something that is objectively better... after she filled herself up with Blake's tasty circular nectar... Ruby needs to stop thinking of blood like that. She let go of Blake's neck, and started kissing her lips, with tongue. Followed by moving the hand on Blake's shoulders to her back. Said tongue still having Blake's blood in it. Her tongue going through and tasting Blake's tongue. After Blake had time to react, she put her tongue in Ruby's... the tongue kissing is a bit well, awkward... and Ruby's fangs get in the way from time to time, but they manage to work with it.

They manage to let go of each other after one whole minute.

"Thank you, Blake." Ruby said flirtishly.

"That was flirty." Blake commented.

"Hey, what can I say, I want to kiss my girlfriend after my drink. Now go eat up." Ruby said.

Ruby than went away from the kitchen aaaand... they see Weiss and Yang looking at Ruby and Blake in a disgusted manner.

"What?" Ruby said.

"Must you do that in front of us?" Weiss asked.

"I didn't see you when I started!" Ruby objected.

"Still... it's not very appetizing to see my sister biting the neck down of a friend of mine, with said sister being the one who made my dinner." Yang retorted.

"You know I'm a vampire, it's what I have to do to keep my sanity!" Ruby shouted.

"But can't you do it somewhere private?" Weiss asked.

"Does it matter? Go eat the food I made you." Ruby said.

"How about you sit with us? It's been a while since you've done that... other than to keep up a charade." Yang offered.

"I suppose, since I rarely get anytime to see you guys outside of class." Ruby stated, sitting down with no food with the rest of her team. She already had her dinner, and it was satisfying. Meanwhile, her team was eating their dinner. "Also, it's not just a charade, it's a matter of keeping people from seeing me as a monster." she added.

"True." Yang said.

"Speaking of Ruby's biting... how do you put up with it, Blake? Doesn't it hurt?" Weiss asked Blake.

"It does, considering that I am literally getting bitten in the neck. But the pain is less severe now than with her first couple of bites." Blake answered.

"D'aww, thanks." Ruby commented.

"Also, why are you willing to do this?" Weiss asked.

"You saw for yourselves what Ruby is capable of if she isn't fed. If she doesn't feed often, she becomes that mindless grim in a human body you saw." Blake said. "Although I think that case was an outlier, given that she was exposed to sun lamps... which would mean the grimm took control to save itself and Ruby."

"So... if she doesn't drink blood, she becomes... that?" Yang asked.

"Correct." Blake stated.

"Sadly, I wish I didn't have to." Ruby commented.

"Well, that's a relief. Do you think there's a cure to your... condition Ruby?" Weiss asked.

"Sadly no... and even then, I'd have to go through rehabilitation before resuming my duties as a huntress. There's a lot of things I have to re-adjust if I lose my vampirism." Ruby stated in a sad tone.

"Rehabilitation?" Yang objected.

"Vampires don't need to do certain things you guys do. I'd have to re-learn the habits of doing such things. Not to mention going back to excersizing, balancing my body to avoid getting tired, all that stuff." Ruby stated.

"So... you wouldn't cure yourself if you could?" Weiss asked.

"Not instantly." Ruby said.

"Right, the rehabilitation thing."

"Yep. And half of me says it's not going to be worth it."

"In the end, we're still your team and we'd stick by you... living or dead..." Yang said to reassure... although Ruby senses the minor fear in Yang.

"So... what are you afraid of then?" Ruby asked.

"Afraid... I'm not afraid." Yang clearly lied.

"I can sense negative emotions, Yang. I thought we'd be over this."

"Oh... it's just that... me and Weiss think you'd see us as inferior... and that your morals would dissipate and become like those vampires that we apparently fought a couple of Thursdays ago."

"Yang."

"Yes, Ruby?"

"I'm not going to be like that. And you three promise me to make sure that I don't. No matter what."

"So aslong as you don't break the promise you made to me." Blake commented.

"Alright. Yang, Weiss?" Ruby asked.

"Ruby, you're my sister. I'd be horrified if I see you become something like that, of course I'd do my best to prevent that." Yang stated.

"Well... I suppose I could try." Weiss said.

"Thank you. And see, you don't have to be afraid of me. Even if I am a vampire. I'm still the same person... post-living or not." Ruby stated.

"I suppose, your morals haven't gotten affected as far as I've seen. Although you've been more negative." Yang commented.

"Try feeling the negative emotions of everyone in a single room." Ruby stated.

"True."

"Well, I'm just glad you're fine with me." Ruby stated.

"Well, I'd still like to get to know your relationship with Blake better." Yang stated.

"How about a double date?" Ruby asked.

"Are you sure? That would leave a very limited open of choices, and even if you somehow get there in daytime, it'd have to be indoors... and not somewhere to eat." Blake commented.

"We still have that box, right?" Ruby asked.

"Ya..."

"How about me, and you two, along with Sun go bowling tomorrow?" Ruby offered.

"Bowling? Well, that's something people don't do often." Yang stated.

"So... is that a yes?" Ruby asked.

"Well... I suppose, but you can back it out before I tell Sun about it." Yang said.

"In that case, I'll meet ya as soon as Blake is ready. And that I have to pick out good clothes to bowl in." Ruby stated.

"Also, another thing Rubes. Make sure you keep your bandanna up when we're in public. Costume makeup or no, you get a bit over-expressive when playing something competitive, and I'd prefer it if Sun doesn't find out my sister's a vampire." Yang suggested.

"This sounds like a plot for a sitcom episode." Weiss commented.

"No... we're not getting a live studio audience in our dorm, Weiss." Ruby said in a 'really?' tone.

The rest of the conversation went on about various topics. Eventually her team went to bed and Ruby tucked them in. After that, Ruby figured she'd tune up Crescent Rose a bit before heading out to the nightlife... well... what little nightlife a fifteen-year-old could do.

Beacon Academy, 10:22 PM, Friday, Weapon Forge

Ruby was tuning up Crescent Rose to make sure she's in top condition. She does this as soon as possible, no need to keep her little baby neglected in maintenance. Every battle and fight, she needs to get a check-up. But she already knows that.

So far... Mercury's kicks didn't do any damage to the weapon. Although the weapon itself could use a tune-up. Weapon degradation by usage is a factor not to be taken likely... same with any of her team's weapons. She may as well tune-up her team's weapons as well, since they aren't going to.

No need to go into the details, the tune-ups were done, it was mostly making sure that the weapons are in tip-top shape, which they are now.

Although she needs to tune-up Slice of Life. That Pizza-Cutter for a secondary weapon is part of Ruby's overall arsenal. So, it needs tune ups just like their sister, Crescent Rose. Given the weapon's use... Ruby's thankful for the 'stun' mode. Without it... chances are this weapon would violate some of the various laws put on weapons after the great war. And the last thing Ruby wants is to be locked up for a pizza cutter. Yet again, why did she make that in the first place? Guess it must have been a random stroke of inspiration.

Ruby had put the weapons back where they belong. No need to cause a scene where one of her team members can't find their weapon. So... she puts them back where they belong, like a good leader would. Even if that leader is a member of the undead and is up all night doing all of this.

Now that her weapons are in peak shape. Time to go out for a bit. She has the rest of the night for herself. Sure, it's irresponsible, but Ruby needs to be outside for a night. After all, she can't bear being cooped up indoors at all hours. Perhaps she could use this time to develop her vampiric powers... or train in her fighting. That could always be of use. Perhaps both. Eh... may as well excersize her semblance. She likes to live in the fast lane, and keeping up the ruse has put her in the slow lane.

But she can't use her semblance here... can't leave a trail of wilted rose petals... so she decided to go outside of Beacon. Maybe go to forever fall, race around the forest and look at the views. She could kill some grimm if she feels like it, it's optional for Ruby because her vampirism makes grimm indifferent towards Ruby. So... she jumped off the cliff and transformed into her grimm-bird form and flew north to Forever fall forest.

Vale Outskirts, 10:42 PM, Friday, Forever Fall

Ruby flew to a spot she found familiar. This was the place she asked Blake out to the dance. Well, the red leaves and the forest setting does make the scene much more romantic. But that's not why she's here... she's here to let out some energy. Ruby started running and using her semblance across the forest.

The wilted rose petals would be buried away by the leaves of forever fall anyway so no need to clean up. It's just so great to use this. And maybe exercising her semblance to enhance it's capabilities. Although chances are the vampirism has mutated the semblance so it's development will be altered. But Ruby's glad she could us her semblance here. People have seen red rose petals around Beacon so it'd be weird for them to see red-violet ones. Either Ruby would have to change her color-scheme to match her petals, or she has to keep not using it. Although she's considering the former, but not sure her team would let her buy an entire wardrobe for that reason.

She continues to speed around with her semblance, slashing any grimm in her way. Why don't grimm count in her 'no killing' rule, but vampires do? But that's simple, grimm by itself do not possess souls, therefore they never have aura. Vampires on the other hand, have a soul, albeit it may be one suppressed by grimm, so they can't unlock their aura, but they did have the potential to have aura in the first place. So... if it doesn't have a soul, Ruby has no problem slaying it.

Ruby's enjoying herself with this. No playing double agent or having to do things with bad people. Just her, doing her passion. Helping people by quelling the grimm population down a notch. No need to use vampire powers either.

She's continuing to roam around the forest at high-speeds, chopping down grimm with her scythe. Then she sees one very humanoid looking one... it turns around and catches her.

GAH! How does it react that quick!?

The grimm... looking humanoid... with bestial gargoyle like features, even the wings. It was massive, at 7 feet and 9 inches. Although there is bone-plating on the left side of the grimm, with engravings that look like burn marks. This must be an old grimm. The face of the grimm also looks humanish in shape, but bestial in appearance. And on top of that is... goat horns. Although the left one looked burnt. It's right eye glows red with the left one looking like it was slashed out. Come to think of it... there were cut marks all over the grimm.

Said grimm starting sniffing Ruby... with the fledgling trainee huntress surprised that the grimm isn't attacking her right away.

"You smell... of hunter. Yet... you have... smell of duke..." The grimm... said?

A talking grimm? Am I going crazy?

"You're talking?" Ruby asked the grimm...

"You ask... about my speech..."

"Yes..."

"Curious. You speak to me. Yet you kill beasts. Why?"

"They're mindless monsters that feed on negativity, I'm doing the kingdom a favor..."

"Morality. Quite rare... for vampire."

"How do you know I'm a vampire, one turned by the Duke no less?" Ruby asked.

"hard to speak... in this form..." the grimm answered. The grimm than dropped Ruby... which she landed on her bottom... ending up feeling a bit sore from being held by a large humanoid grimm... the grimm is seen changing its shape... than it reveals that the grimm is a vampire... a faunas vampire no less. A goat faunas. Likewise... he's around 6 feet tall... although he has a slouch... wearing tattered clothing. And burn marks and scars across the body. His sole red eye looks at Ruby.

"You're a vampire?" Ruby asked.

"That I am. Although I am not of the Duke's variaty." the vampire answered.

"What are you doing here?" Ruby asked.

"Communing with the beasts. It's something I can do."

"Could I do it?"

"No. Nor would you be able to."

"Why not?"

"Your strain is not mine. Shapeshifting is a common ability. But the powers of a vampire are different for strains after they stop being a fledging."

"So... what's the difference between mine and yours?"

"Plenty."

"Such as?"

"My strain is more bestial than yours. Focusing more on the primal grimm within."

"And my strain?"

"I do not know, for those powers are not mine."

"Well... guess I have to figure out the hard way."

"Can't you just ask the Duke? He is your parent vampire."

"I am not on good terms with my parent vampire than, not that I'd care."

"You are a rogue vampire than? One who doesn't align with their master."

"The Duke is not my master!"

"Interesting. The Duke and I aren't on the best terms either. Is that why you come here? To hide from the Duke?"

"No... I came here to let out some steam and use my semblance."

"By killing the beasts?"

"That too..."

"Why do you kill them? They do not go after you."

"I'm a Huntress in training. It's kind of like... going to be my job."

"Interesting. Why would a vampire care about mortals?"

"Because I don't see people as cattle. I see them as equals. Besides, I've only been a vampire for like... two weeks and four days."

"I knew you were a fledgling, but even fledgling vampires tend to abandon altruistic needs to keep the beast within sated."

"Thankfully I have my girlfriend for that..."

"Curious... I'd like to ask more about your lover, but I have to leave for now. I will see you again." The grimm said, changing into a beowulf alpha shape, fleeing the scene. Ruby is now again.

I didn't even get his name.

Ruby was wondering who that was... but his initial grimm form reminds Ruby of a story Blake told her a few days ago.

Well... that was fun. But Ruby has let out her semblance long enough. Sure, there's no actual consequence, but the feeling of not using her semblance feels wrong to her. Afterwords, she changed to her bird shape and flew out of the forest, and back to Beacon. She really doesn't have a place to go after all.

Beacon Academy, 11:42 PM, Friday, Beacon Courtyard

Ruby flew somewhere discreet and changed back to her human shape, followed by walking toward the courtyard and sitting on the bench. She's just looking at the night sky, getting lost in her thoughts.

What happened to the moon? Why is it like that? Why are the shattered pieces of the moon still there? Still, it's pretty to look at. It's pretty, really. Something broken, yet it's still there. Wonder what the tides would be like if the moon wasn't like that, likely calmer. Well, I'd like to think of that beach trip four years ago as an example of the waves.

Flashback, 4 years ago

It was a hot summer. At the weekend. Because school vacation is at spring, instead of summer. So, Beach trips are more so a weekend thing. But the Beach at Patch Island is not very busy because the population isn't that high, and tourists go to the beaches at the mainland.

Yang at the time was wearing a one-piece swimsuit, although given that she's just thirteen at this time, it was a lot more modest. Ruby wearing swim trunks and a shirt, with a bikini top under the shirt. Their father was wearing swim trunks and a top.

This is one of the few times her father had off at the weekends, if he's not teaching at Signal, then he's off doing huntsman jobs. Ruby's just happy she could do some summer fun with her family. Ruby, at the time was age eleven, of course. With her sister being thirteen.

Yang was at the water swimming. She's good at swimming. Meanwhile if Ruby tries to do the same, she can only be like 1 foot from the shallow end. Meanwhile, she sees her sister swimming at like 10 foot deep in the water. However, Yang can't be too deep in the water very long, being that there's supposed to be intense waves on this day. Hence, why her father brought the surfboard. It's for those surfing skills.

Ruby on the other hand was building a sandcastle. She's crafty with her hands, can build a sandcastle without buckets. Although for some reason, Yang chuckles a bit whenever someone says that. Ruby is confused why. Yet again, it could be something nerdy Yang's into. Ruby's not that very fluent in nerd stuff, she just focuses her interests on weapons. But her sandcastle looks delicate. She's currently building the turrets. It's a large, but not Lifesize model Sandcastle, being that it's around five feet tall. It's impressive though. After she was done, her father took a picture of the sandcastle.

Meanwhile Yang is swimming across the beach. Although by the time Ruby finished her sandcastle and the picture of her and the sandcastle was taken, the lifeguard called everyone out of the water. The tides were coming in... and no, there's no such thing as a calm tide... these things are crazy. Seriously... the jump at ridiculous heights that only someone so build or so crazy would dare try to ride one of these.

They were kind of horrifying to look at. The waves were jumping in size and height. Jumping between the simple 2 feet tides, to 15 feet waves, at random intervals. These tend to last for thirty minutes. But the waves, the thought that something this dangerous, that wasn't even a grimm. It's just phased into her mind.

Back to Present

Well, other than the tides. That beach trip was good. Too bad she can't go to one of those again. Not like she'd want to anymore; the sun is kind of annoying to deal with. She could go at night, but chances are, rules forbid swimming after sundown. But it's a bit too late to care about the beach now, is it. Her birthday is coming up, and chances are her friends have something in store for her. And she wants to keep it a surprise. She doesn't want her girlfriend's and sister's efforts to go to waste. Along with Weiss' effort. She sure is excited for it.

But now, she must plan an outfit for the double date. It's bowling so pretty sure pants are recommended for the scenario. Or shorts. Typical bowling outfit. But she's excited to get out for a date. Even though she sucks at bowling.

Author's Footnote: Well... that's the chapter. I've planned the double date, but I needed a justification to start it. So... we'll be getting into the Title Drop eventually, and then an Intermission, and then Volume 3. And yes, I know exactly what happened to the moon, the characters don't. What do you guys think of the chapter or the story so far? If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc. Leave them in the reviews and see you next chapter.