Author's Headnote: Reminder: There's still enough time for you guys to pitch in, remember. You are allowed to vote for two things. But the tensions will only rise from here until the big Kaboom. REMINDER: THE POLL IS ON MY PROFILE! You can pick one or two.
Bonus points to anyone can figure out why I picked this chapter name.
RWBY: Festival of Blood: The Devil
April 22nd, 8 days until Haven Academy is Attacked.
Ruby Rose:
- Aura Status: 66%
- Thirst: Slightly Thirsty
- Semblance: Parasitic Petal Burst
- Weapons: Crescent Rose, Slice of Life, Penny
- Licensing: Legally Dead
- Party Relations:
- Raven Branwen: Off doing her own thing
- Ilia Amolita: Letting her stay at Blake's room for now
End of Main Character Status Report
City of Mistral, April 22, Friday, 12:00 AM, Lower-Mid City Hotel Room
Ruby's staying at where Blake stayed where she tried to kill Ruby. When she first came here last night, she was a bit nervous... she wasn't quite so sure if she was worthy or not to be near Blake's possessions. In fact, she's still conflicted on that. Thankfully... Ilia was more than grateful to let Ruby stay here... though, she has to once again conceal who she is, and what she is. However, when giving a name: she came up with 'Lindsay'. Hopefully that name doesn't stick to her, she really doesn't like that name.
Ruby was also wearing some of Ilia's clothes, they fit better than Raven's, but they're rather tight. But she'll have to make do to wearing them until she gets some new looks. She's also working to conceal her lower face and eyes. So... she's wearing some sunglasses and a bandana. She was sitting on the bed, she was rather nervous considering Blake slept on this one... Blake wanted her dead, but she's not dead.
In a sense, Ruby is dead to Blake. But perhaps saving her... would be enough for Blake to not think of Ruby like the monster she's become.
Ilia had approached Ruby and sat down next to her...
"So... uh... Lindsay... how did you say you know Blake? She never mentioned you..." Ilia asked.
"I know her from the Vytal tournament fights... just feel bad for her, that's why I want to help." Ruby said, coming up with an excuse.
"Despite that she killed your sister in arms?"
"Yes..."
"I don't know much about Moon Dragon, but nobody's broken into their headquarters and lived."
"That's because nobody has broken into their headquarters. Anyone who plans to do so would get killed pre-emptively. That's how they work, they got eyes and ears everywhere."
"That's just... scary."
"Yep, welcome to Mistral."
"So... why do you cover your face?"
"Oh, I'm just ugly."
"No... don't say that."
"Seriously, my own mother called me that." Ruby lied... her eye was twitching saying that.
"Well... if your mother called you ugly, it's true. No offense." Ilia said... with hesitation.
"None taken." Ruby said, eye twitching.
"You okay...?" Ilia asked.
"Ya... it's just my mother's a touchy subject."
"Okay, don't mention anything about your mother, got it." Ilia said. "Anyways, I'll hit the hay. G'night." she added, preparing to sleep.
Ruby made it clear to Ilia that Ruby sleeps during the day and not to wake her as long as the sun is up. And now that she's preparing to sleep. Ruby's gonna head out and find some more petty criminals to feed off from. It's Mistral, she's not gonna run out of them.
City of Mistral, April 22, Friday, 12:33 AM, Lower City
Ruby was in an alleyway, around some nearby unconscious criminals. She figured it's better to leave them alive, so she can feed on them later. After all, there's not much use in killing off one's source of nourishment.
The taste of the blood of the wicked, it courses through her veins, it's a sating taste. The savory, yet sweet iron tasting nectar that sustains her... with... wait, stop. She's starting to enjoy this, isn't she?
Ruby snapped out of her mini fantasy before she became consumed by it. She's getting disgusted by herself. Seeing what she's becoming... she knows it's inevitable. But she still fights it, trying to cling to any sense of herself she can before she becomes a heartless monster. The fact that she is starting to see other people as source of nourishment is frightening. She's trying to restrain herself. Seeing Blake again kind of snapped something back at her. Help her realize what she's becoming.
She was thankful for that... though, it's still happening. Wait, she's hearing someone. So... Ruby had gone to flee the scene only for a bunch of grimm tendrils to catch her mid-escape.
"Isn't it rude to run from someone?" a voice asked.
Wait... Ruby recognizes that voice.
"Beulleodeu? I'm not helping you again." Ruby retorted.
"Still haven't forgiven me for the actions of my former employees. Rest assured, the actions at Patch were not approved by me."
"So... why didn't you stop them?"
"There is always an act of publicity. I could not punish them in public, it would make things in my organization look... disorganized. But I have went there to retrieve them. I would have left anyway. Your father just made things... a bit complicated. Like he always has..."
"What do you mean?"
"We will not discuss it here among the rats and filth, not sure why you're fond of feeding off of them." Beulledou said.
He snapped his finger, and two bombshell grim have materialized from the tendrils holding Ruby. She watched as she was being dragged toward an unknown destination.
Moon Dragon Headquarters, April 22, Friday, 2:00 AM, Small Conference Room
The Yakuza headquarters seem more well... traditionally designed with a modern take, the exterior looks like a traditional Mistrallian building. It's also the nicest building in the lower-mid city. And the interior has marble flooring, white marble flooring. With pattern pillars in an even spread. But that was just the front entrance. The halls were also well designed. At first glance, it may seem like a corporate lobby.
They were in a conference room. The walls were wooden, with green, traditional wallpaper. The tables and chairs were office grade, high quality. There were 8 chairs and it was a long table, too.
Ruby was forced to sit in one of them, with Beulleodeu sitting across. The chairs in question were wooden office chairs, with green cushions. The table was hard wood. This pretty weird regarding the design of the rest of the building.
"Forgive the room, we're in the middle of remodeling." Beuleodeu stated. "This room is on the bottom of our list, too. So, half of the building is modern, half of it is not."
"Why are you remodeling?" Ruby asked.
"I change the interior to match the generational span. And I'm changing it to appeal to younger members. The executives of the Yakuza may be all vampire, but we need mortal employees as well."
"Why not turn them all into vampires?"
"Because that would mean we would have to cater blood for a lot more vampires. Something you rats at Vale don't understand, always have to turn every asset. I actually planned on smoking out the rat nests across Vale, but you managed to put a stop to it."
"So... that's what those things in the nightclub were for?" Ruby asked.
"Yes..." Beuleodeu stated. "I only did so because the vampire population in Vale was too large, they'd eventually leak out to Mistral, which is something I do not want."
"So... you actually care for Mistral?"
"Everything I do is to ensure the kingdom's survival. Even if it's by illegal means."
"So... what were they doing in Patch?"
"That was unauthorized action. The troublemakers were punished and left as an example to the rest."
"Do they know about the whole vampire thing?"
"No. And they know snooping around is bad for their health."
Ruby stayed silent.
A seer grimm had opened the door nearby, holding two wine glasses and a bottle of wine. The seer had set down the two glasses toward Ruby and Beuleodeu. The wine was poured from each of them. After the wine was poured, the seer had then left.
"Make sure you re-seal and de-oxidize the wine. Need to keep it fresh." Beuleodeu stated.
"Can I even drink this?" Ruby asked.
"Worry not. It's non-alcoholic. It's a special kind of wine made from the blood of Remnant's elites. This one is a Ghira Belladonna. I never settle for commoner blood. Only the wealthy and noble will suffice."
"Belladonna?"
"The Belladonnas are the Faunas nobility. They were from Mistral initially. But they've moved to a Valean protectorate and Faunas only island in the middle of nowhere. Mostly due to the head of the Belladonna family, Ghira started a faunas rights movement. Known as the White Fang. After he left, he moved to Menagerie to settle to be an island chief. Before this, he was living as a major noble in southern Mistral. The White Fang in Mistral operates in former Belladonna lands. Though, history has treated the faunas cruelly. The Belladonnas were quite the exception."
"So... you're saying that the family used to be part of the elite?"
"Quite so, and the only faunas elite at that. But Ghira had given it all up to ensure equality for his fellow faunas. And they would have continued to live in luxury and have power across Mistral, too. But he gave the noble's land to the White Fang to act as headquarters." Beulleodeu said, sipping his wine. "Have some wine."
Ruby sipped some wine... it tasted like Blake's... well, given that this 'Ghira Belladonna' is related to Blake.
"Unfortunately, the former Belladonna lands have been in ruin since Ghira left the White Fang. Though, the three Yakuzas... now two since we had to absorb Steel Hawk into our ranks to ensure no chaos ensures have authority over most of the land. The White Fang has been a pain at both Mistral's government and the Yakuza." Beulleodeu stated.
"So... what's the point?" Ruby asked.
"I've heard what you've done at Vale. You single handed not only resisted a fully powered Maiden's grimm purge, but managed to kill her, too. A feat that's only possible for far older vampires, such as myself. And yet, you're a fledgling and abled to pull that off. I've only had my grimm attack you to test you. And dare say I'm impressed."
"Uh... thanks? I guess. But why did you kidnap Blake?"
"Oh... that... on paper it was because I believed she may have killed you. But I would have planned to kidnap her anyway. A princess is always a bargaining tool. Just as it is, now."
"Wait... you're seriously using Blake as a means to get me to do what you want?"
"Exactly. And don't try to attack me, you will lose. You do not have the benefit of a Maiden's power, and your power is quite weak compared to my own. In addition, you'd be outnumbered in a small room."
"So... what do I have to do to get Blake back?"
"The task is simple. You must wipe out the White Fang. They are currently infighting, thanks to Adam's efforts. However, you need not kill Adam. But you must purge the entire faction from Mistral."
"Wha?"
"Worry not, the White Fang only make up a minority of faunas in Mistral. And most of their operations are in a specific part of the kingdom. There are some camps. And if you just kill the leader, you're only going to leave a power-vacuum. Any White Fang member wearing a purple insignia will be exempt. For they are to join the Moon Dragon Yakuza."
"So... you're telling me to wipe out the entire faction?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. And I'd prefer if you start sooner rather than later. Once it's confirmed that the White fang membership in Mistral is zero, I will hand Blake over to you." Beulleodeu answered.
"So... I don't have to kill all of them?"
"Only the ones who refuse to leave the White Fang."
"I'll have to think on this..."
"I see... if you try to rescue Blake from my grasp, know that you will feel the full wrath of the Yakuza. I'll have my men escort you outside. Remember, the White Fang has to be dealt with, should you want to see Blake again." Beulleodeu said, leaving the room.
Ruby chugged down the rest of the wine. And watched as two men had entered the room.
"We're here to escort you outside. Don't try anything funny." the man said, getting Ruby up off of the chair and escorting her out of the Moon Dragon headquarters.
Character Change: Ruby Rose - Jaune Arc
City of Mistral, April 22, Friday, 12:00 PM, Middle City
Exploring the middle city... mostly to come up with a plan. The thing is... they need to get the spring Maiden from the Branwen Bandit Tribe... and even... Odin's strong enough to overwhelm powerful huntsmen.
So... he has a theory... if Odin's a vampire, that means the best time to attack him is during the day. While the sun is out... though, Ruby herself could manage daylight activities, being that she was able to attend classes. So as long as she's indoors. She was rather hesitant in going outside. Which, in hindsight, makes sense given she was a vampire.
He was only with Oscar. Not sure why... but everyone else was busy trying to figure stuff out. Yang and Sun were busy trying to prepare for the next 9 months of Yang's life. The rest of team SSSN was training. Ren and Nora were hanging out by themselves. Violet went off to do his own thing. Raven was busy helping Mr. Branwen recover.
Which just leaves Jaune and Oscar. The two of them discussed plans... but came up with nothing that wouldn't guarantee everyone's survival at minimum. So... the two of them had gathered some fresh air to help think.
It was silent... however, a young boy had shown up in front of him.
"Excuse me, sir. Have you seen Qrow Branwen? I've got a message for him." the young boy said, handing a letter to Jaune.
"Why did you hand me the letter?" Jaune asked.
"Because I've got other letters to deliver." the young boy said, running off.
Oscar whacked his head.
"What?" Jaune asked Oscar.
"Oh, it's just Ozpin remarking on the boy." Oscar said.
"So... do we deliver the letter?" Jaune asked.
"I think we need to check if it's safe first."
"Good Idea."
The two of them return to the Villa, to examine the letter. Given it was to Mr. Branwen... well, since he was adultnapped earlier, so it's better to be cautious about these things.
Qrow's Villa, April 22, Friday, 1:11 PM, Living Room
Jaune and Oscar return from the outdoors. And they place the letter on the table. The two of them sit down. And they analyze the letter. They feel it. They continue to feel it. They feel... paper... and the inside of the letter feels like... paper. Though Yang has went downstairs, she saw the two touching a letter.
"What are you doing?" Yang asked.
"We're seeing if it's safe to open." Jaune answered.
"Give me that." Yang said, snatching the letter. "Wait, this is for my uncle. Why do you have this?"
"Some kid gave it to us." Jaune answered.
"I see... well, I'll take this to my mom. Tell her what you said, and then we'll figure out all of that later. For now, I need to tell Sun that I don't need to be a defenseless damsel right now. I can still fight."
"Aren't you-"
"Still early."
Oscar's body glowed.
"Like Mother, like Daughter." Ozpin said.
"Shut up. I'm not like her." Yang retorted.
"Please, please... don't fight. We still need to come up with a plan." Jaune said, trying to diffuse the situation.
Yang sighed and went back upstairs, Oscar's body in addition had ceased to glow. Oscar sighed in relief.
The two of them had sat back down and waited. Time has passed. And Raven has went downstairs.
"Did you two seriously start some strife over an unopened letter?" Raven asked.
"We thought it may be laced with something bad." Jaune said.
Raven placed her palm on her face, then sighed. "Given, it's Mistral, so a spiked letter is more likely to happen than in Vacuo in all places, but you shouldn't be this paranoid. Just open it facing away from the letter. More likely than not, it will make sure you won't get affected by anything affecting it."
"Was it spiked?"
"No. But it did have a letter for Qrow. From the Moon Dragon. Apparently, they have a deal for him."
"So... what do we do?" Jaune asked.
"All three of us are going in his place. You don't decline a meeting with the Moon Dragon. Absence is seen as automatic decline, and they will hunt us down with all they have if we don't show." Raven said. "You, farm kid. Let Ozpin take the wheel for the meeting."
"Couldn't we...?"
"Qrow's in no shape to attend. His wounds were laced with Scorpion venom. Not sure how two brats managed to get their hands on that... given his vampire heritage, he'll survive, but it'll take a week for him to recover. Just before the month ends."
"So... when are we going?" Jaune asked.
"Now." Raven said, grabbing both Jaune and Oscar and dragging them.
Character Change: Jaune Arc - Raven Branwen
Moon Dragon Headquarters, April 22, Friday, 1:30 PM, Front Lobby
White Marble with Dragon-designed columns, also white marble. They're in the middle of remodeling, it seems. No matter, Raven... holding on the two kids... they are being forced to attend with Raven. Especially the one that holds Ozpin.
Raven was looking at the front desk clerk. Young woman, in her 20's. Attractive. Would flirt with her if she wasn't working for Moon Dragon. Mostly because Moon Dragon doesn't like people flirting with their clerks. Last guy who did it got killed. Last girl who did it also got killed. The vampires may be ruthless crime lords, but they do not tolerate sexual harassment. Especially if the offender is not a member of their organization.
"Yes... hello. I'm here for the meeting in place of Qrow Branwen... he can't make it so I'm attending in his place." Raven stated.
The desk clerk looked at Raven... and then the kids.
"Yes... who are you three?" the clerk asked.
"I'm Raven Branwen. Qrow's sister. And these are his wards."
The clerk than pushed a button.
"Uh... we've got a very angry looking woman with two kids expecting you, apparently they're looking to attend the meeting for Mr. Qrow Branwen." the clerk said.
"Black hair, red eyes?" Beulleodeu asked.
"Yes."
"Send them in. They will have to explain why my expected appointee didn't show himself, though."
The door opened. Two mooks show up.
"Follow us. We don't you guys looking around where you're not supposed to." the mook said.
Raven sighed and followed the mooks. The two kids he brought were following Raven in turn. Beulleodeu loves his privacy. Though, being a vampire, secrecy is good for his health, and for the health of mortals. Though, Raven herself is mortal... just a mortal whose more durable and can drink blood. Much like Qrow.
Moon Dragon Headquarters, April 22, Friday, 1:36 PM, Small Conference Room
Raven and her associates sat down. Across from them is Beulleodeu, the leader of the Moon Dragon Yakuza. Whilst most vampires are asleep at all hours. He insists to be awake at near all hours. He bears a special Atlassian made parasol that shields himself from the sun whenever he's outside during the day. Raven knows this because she's seen him use it. And it looks incredibly ridiculous. Though, from Atlassian technology, they were manufactured in Argus, part of Mistral... well... used to be until Ironwood seized it.
But nevertheless. Beulleodeu stares into the three of them with interest.
"I notice that Hugin isn't with you, why is that?" Beulleodeu asked.
"He's recovering from scorpion venom, he's in no state to talk to you." Raven answered.
"Is this true?" Beulleodeu asked, aiming at the other two.
"Who's Hugin?" the blonde boy asked.
"The brother of the woman you're accompanied with. You seriously think they were born with the names 'Qrow' and 'Raven'. That's their current alias."
"What's their last one?"
"Crow, with a C. and Aviana. Before then it was Hubert and Murielle. And so forth. They age slower than your average mortal, because of their father. So, people raise questions why they still remain young... so they disappear and come up with new names."
"I... could have said that." Raven said.
"You were never one to tell the truth. Besides, I believe you two are quite overdue for an alias change." Beulleodeu said.
"Don't push yourself."
"Be careful... one snap and I'd have you dead."
"Oh ye-." Raven said, before being stopped by the glowing shorter boy, it's obvious Ozpin is in control.
"I believe we should listen to what he has to say." Ozpin stated, trying to stop Raven from accelerating the situation.
"I see... I didn't expect your arrival." Beulleodeu stated.
"And I didn't expect you to want to meet with Qrow."
"It's because I'd want to inform him, and to an extent, you of one thing. And offer a deal for it."
"Alright."
"The White Fang is preparing an attack on Haven Academy on May thirtieth. They intend to destroy the academy. Rumors showed that their leader was intimidated by a witch to do so..."
"Salem..."
"Yes... and I'm willing to extend my aid to you... for a price. I'd like custody of the Spring Maiden. I know Odin possesses her, and I want her in my hands. You may deal with the relic as you please, it does not concern me."
"You want the Spring Maiden for yourself? The Spring Maiden to protect Mistral, not enforce your agenda."
"You may not see it that way, but my agenda is to protect Mistral. I'm not like that rat, Bloodshire. I know the huntsmen are rather useful in protecting assets. And the supply of nourishment for me and my elite. Most of my elite descend from nobility. I would not drink the blood of a commoner unless I was desperate."
"Still, something like the Spring Maiden isn't something we should hand over to someone like you. Even if you help us stop Salem."
"Salem would want me dead. After all, I bear her power. And I use that power to ever to keep Mistral... stable. The crime is all coordinated, and any scum that disrupts it gets snuffed out. Though, there's this one-pint sized girl who keeps escaping our grasp."
"How about a counter-offer?"
"Oh, I'm interested..."
"You will help us deal with the White Fang... in exchange, we will provide you with the blood of Weiss Schnee. Who currently resides in Vale."
"The forbidden nectar... the blood of a Schnee. They came up from the ashes one day in Mantle, helped carve up the kingdom of Atlas. In addition to creating the largest corporate empire in the world. I must say, I'm quite interested. No vampire has tasted the blood of a Schnee. And it would be very so an honor to be the first. However, I would need the blood before I could consider on your offer." Beulleodeu said, with a grim smile on his face.
"We will come back tomorrow with the blood, at 5 PM." Ozpin said.
"It's a deal, bring the blood. Or any help I'd offer would be null. I'll have my men escort you out of the building." Beulleodeu said, calling his mooks.
Raven knows exactly where this is going. Just exactly how is he going to get some blood from Weiss Schn- oh. Raven knows exactly how; she's going to get it by using Yang Sr.'s portal and draining Weiss. But draining from a comatose woman seems... wrong. Very wrong. She is seriously going to talk to Ozpin about this.
Qrow's Villa, April 22, Friday, 3:04 PM, Living Room
The three of them re-enter the living room. The boy was still glowing.
"What the hell? Do you really expect me to drain blood of a comatose girl?" Raven asked.
"How do you know she's in a comatose, anyhow?" the blonde boy asked.
"Qrow told me before the whole kidnap thing." Raven said.
"Isn't it adultnap? since he's an adult."
"Doesn't work like that."
"Raven, it's been 5 months, pretty sure Weiss is conscious by now, otherwise something really awful happened. Also, Raven is right: 'Kidnap' is the correct term. It's used universally." Ozpin retorted.
"But I can't get the blood now, I'll have to do it tomorrow. He would know if the blood has been refrigerated. And needless to say, he claims refrigerating blood lowers its quality. So, I need to get it while it's fresh. And I have to drain enough blood to get an IV bag." Raven countered.
"There are supplies for that in the refugee camp. Surely Weiss can survive without one bag of blood."
"You better be right. Because you know you're playing with fire when dealing with him. And that fire can play back."
"I am well aware of his schemes. I am no fool."
"Still, a pint of blood is a way better bargain than the literal spring maiden. I'll give you that. But know that I'll have to get the blood at 3 PM, so you can deliver it at 5PM."
"Well, that settles it. Now excuse me, Oscar wants control of his body back." Ozpin said, with his body stopped glowing, and the boy: 'oscar' started getting dizzy.
Well, that settles it. Give the vampire some rare, rich girl blood. And they'll help with their plan. What could go wrong? Well, several things, really. But she needs to get the blood, first.
Character Change: Raven Branwen - Ruby Rose
City of Mistral, April 22, Friday, 10:03 PM, Lower-Mid City Hotel Room
Ruby had re-awakened after her long slumber, helping her think over her decision. She, of course kept the whole thing a secret from Ilia.
And she's come to the conclusion that... no. She won't kill every single member of the White Fang.
Ruby loves Blake, she really does. But she won't kill hundreds or thousands of people just to save one person, no matter how malevolent that may be. If she does so... she may as well be no different from the grimm. And that's not what Blake would want. She needs to prove that the girl she loved is still there... even if Blake still doesn't see it that way.
So... the only way to get Blake out? Well, it's to break her out. Hehe... Ruby giggled there. However, she immediately snapped out of it, she needed to get serious. she'd have to risk doing something incredibly suicidal attacking them.
And that is why, Ruby needs to prepare herself. For starters... she'd have scout and know what their plans are, and have to strike when there's an opening, giving the most likely chance of survival and escape with Blake with her. She'll also have to do at night, because of her vampirism. She's not sure what the Moon Dragon does to their prisoners... but she knows that they're likely keeping her alive as a bargaining tool. Being of nobility, after all... well... former nobility. Noble blood?
Either way... Ruby's gonna need to come up with something that can help her take on a vampire run crime organization. And brute force is waaaaay out of the question. She's gonna need to get something to help her sneak in. And she'll have to do it soon. The more she waits... the less likely Blake will be around for her to rescue.
All this deep thought is making her thirsty. Ruby had gone outside to attack and drain some random thug. Perhaps some blood will help her think better.
Author's Footnote: No action, but I can't forget to include the vampire faction in all of this. You might object to the idea of Ozpin making deals with vampires... however, he's not much of a position to turn down powerful allies when they offer aid. Anyways, a footnote reminder. Poll. Profile. Vote. Due around less than 7 chapters. And yes, I've skipped April 21st. Nothing happened on that day. Well, nothing too important. Anyways, don't be afraid to tell me what you think.