"Stop that!" Yang whisper yelled at her younger sister, who was currently chewing very loudly. The Rose-Xiao Long sisters were joined by the rest of the Hunters, making a pretty good attempt at spying on the private meeting between the goddess and Catalaya. Weiss simply shook her head at their antics, raising a pale brow at the fact that they'd dragged Blake and Ren into the mess.
They were supposed to be the sane ones She thought to herself and continued to watch her friends make fools of themselves. All though she could share their worry, the two women had been in there for hours, beginning in the early morning. There were two reasons those two would willinglylock themselves in a room together; collaboration on some threat or they were fighting each other. Velvet had her ear to the dorr translating the muffled voices as best she could.
"Slaughter. Game-no gain. Gain. Group. Protect. Child. Coco! Get off my foot!" Her girlfriend sheepishly smiled backing up a bit.
Nora shook her head, "Those words make no sense."
Velvet sighed,"I'm trying okay? Hold on!" She swore and jumped back, "They're coming out!" The group dispersed faster than cockroaches under a light bulb. Weiss chuckled to herself as Catalaya rolled her eyes at the group who did their best to act natural. Selene stepped out behind her holding a bloody cloth on her face, smirking as Catalaya held a casual palm over her side, stopping her own bleeding wound. Weiss quickly stepped up to her lover, lifting her shirt and letting out a relieved sigh at the small wound, it wasn't as bad as she thought. "Sorry about the wound, Cat." Selene said in a voice that let her know she was nowhere near sorry. "Where's my daughter?" They pointed to the library and she nodded and traveled there. Chuckling as she heard Weiss scold the shifter for being so reckless. Selene came upon the library, stopping to watch her daughter sit on the windowsill staring longingly out into the distance.
_Line Break_
"Penny, sweetheart?" The princess jumped, "Mother?! I'm sorry." She shook her head at the girls antics. "It's alright. I came to talk to you about your request." Penny stiffened, she knew what she was talking about.
After Catalaya had killed the Alpha, she'd follwed after her mother in attempt to speak with her. It was underneath the red sky she asked if she would allow her to travel with the Hunters. To let her see more than just the castle walls, her home. Her mother said nothing, she simply looked at her in pain, in fear. Penny gulped and looked at her mother who was wringing her hands together in nervousness. The goddess took a deep breath.
"I will a-allow you to travel with the warriors on one condition." Penny leaned forward as her mother continued. "Come back in one piece." Penny smiled tears in her eyes as she jumped into her mother's arms. "You've grown into a magnificent woman, Penny. I don't want you to leave but I know you'd find a way." Penny could feel the tears but her shoulder, her own staining her mother's dress. "When I first found you, I didn't expect this to be my future. I didn't think I'd found a beacon to bring me from the light. Looking at you, so small and helpless, something broke out. I had to keep you safe, keep the fire going. With it, I got the greatest daughter anyone could have." She looked down at her, green eyes filled with love.
"I only want the best for you."
Penny smiled at her, "I know, Mom. But I can't stay here forever, locked up in the castle." Selene nodded, smiling in sadness before letting her daughter go. Perking up when she jumps up to kiss her mother's cheek, smiling and running off to gather her things.
An Hour Later
"Make sure she gets a full 8 hours of sleep each night." Selene said while piling another bag into Ruby's arms. Penny stood beside Yang, blushing up a storm. "Are all parents like this?" She asked in a small voice. Yang patted her on the back and laughed heartily. "Definitely, especially when they're overprotective. I remember the first time I went to a sleepover, my dad called every two minutes to make sure I was breathing!" Nora laughed loudly at Penny's increasing despair when her mother continued speaking with her crush, "Also, she needs to feed every five hours. Make sure she does so, yeah?"
Ruby nodded with determination and put the items away. Penny quickly hugged her tearful parent, wiping her own away and smiling up at the goddess. "I promise to be safe, mom. I will be back, don't know when, but I will." Selene smiled sadly, nodding through the tears as Penny jogged to catch up with the Hunters. Catalaya was going over a list in her hand, Weiss beside her checking things off. They smiled and nodded at Penny, tucking the list away. "Everyone got everything?" She asked, pleased that they didn't need to go back for anything. "Alright, let's get moving."
The group nodded in sync, subconsciously moving in formation, with the addition of Penny. "Catalaya!" Selene shouted before the left the city gates, the shifter looked up at her expectantly, catching a small brown box she tossed. "Remember the deal."
The swordwoman nodded, putting the box in her bag, smiling mockingly at the Vampire Queen. "Cat! Come on!" Weiss shouted from atop a small hill. The shifter rolled her eyes and ran to catch up, smiling at her lover when they met and joined hands. Walking with their ever growing, group of friends.
10 Miles Outside the Luna Kingdom
Penny watched as Catalaya stepped over a fallen tree without looking up from the old journal she was reading. So far the group was only traveling, on foot, to some location she has said nothing about. It was worrying. Although she did enjoy hearing all of the stories Ruby had to share about their journey so far. From the Draugr to giant roaches, they were so fascinating. The way her silver eyes lit up would always amuse her. When the group stopped walking without warning, however, all amusement left. She watched as the group scanned the area, Ruby running off for half a second, coming back in a whirlwind of rose petals. Nodding at Catalaya who nodded back and spoke once more.
"Alright. Ladies, gentleman. Jaune."
He screeched, "Hey!"
She smiled, "The next peice of armor is located in a place that's a personal favorite of mine." The way her smile was the perfect balance of a smirk and a grin, made Penny a bit nervous. Ruby tilted her head and asked, "Where?" Cat a pulled a gem from her satchel and looked at the rose with a smile. "The Gate of Babylon." Penny's eyebrows reached her forehead at that moment.
"You mean Gilgamesh's vault? The King of Heroes?" Catalaya smiled and tossed the gem into the ground, a golden portal forming. Penny looked at her like she was crazy, the shifter was unfazed and seemed to smile wider, "Don't worry, Penny. It's completely safe." The Vampire Princess didn't trust her overly calm smile but sighed in resignation when Ruby nudged her shoulder and winked at her.
"Don't worry, I'll keep you safe." Penny blushed and looked away, ignoring Catalaya's teasing look. The rest of the group loaded their weapons, just in case, and jumped right into the passageway with enthusiasm. Coco with fear in her eyes, What's with her and portals? Penny thought to herself as Ruby grabbed her hand and led her into the blinding light. They both jumped in with bright smiles, matched by most of their friends. Catalaya shook her head with a smirk, "What's so funny, Cat?"
Weiss asked from her side. The wolf looked at her in amusement, "Nothing."
She gestured to the portal, "After you, Princess." Speaking in a sultry voice enjoying Weiss's blush as she spoke in response. "Such a gentleman, aren't you, Wolfie." She kissed her nose and jumped in. Cat shook her head growling, Jakal chuckled at the mages confidence. They jumped through the portal with a laugh. There was a soft thud when she landed, a pile of golden sand softening her landing. She glanced around herb the Hunters were staring at the sky, a brilliant mix of gold and blue hues, in complete awe.
Weiss grasped her hand, looking at her in confusion, "Where's the vault?" Cat simply pointed northeast, "That way. About 3 clicks in that direction." Weiss nodded, wrapping her jacket around her waist and gathering the group who were mesmerized by the sights. Penny was dusting the sand from Ruby's cloak when she noticed movement to the west, when she turned however, nothing. Putting it out of her mind, she hurried Ruby to catch up to the group.
"How come you didn't take us into it? Directly?" Nora questioned from her position, smiling as she manipulated the sand beneath her feet. "I couldn't, its impossible to do so. The vault is protected by spell made to kill the ones who portal inside directly." The Valkerie nodded and continued on. Penny looked around in awe as they traveled farther, watching beautiful shrubbery and flora spring up as they closed in. She took a quick mental note to come back and sketch them. She stopped when she ran into Ruby's back, looking over her to see a pair of large wood doors, decorated in a variety of gems. It was fifty feet tall, there were no handles, nothing behind it either. "So, Catalaya? What now?" She asked as she stared at a door that could bring enough food for her people for their century. The shifter smiled and walked right up to the massive double doors. "Might want to cover your ears, both pairs if need be." Blake and Velvet did as she said with confusion on their faces.
Penny cocked a brow at the woman, covering her own at the insistence of Ruby. She watched as the shifter took in a deep breath, her eyes twinkling with blue sparks before she howled into the air.
Aaaarrrrroooooooo!
The sound shook the sand beneath her feet. She leaned over, grasping her knees in order to catch her breath. Weiss walked over and rubbed her shoulders soothingly, everyone watching as the door opened slowly. A golden light pouring from the cracks blinding the group temporarily as they gathered themselves. Penny stared on in complete shock as before them stood Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes. He was tall, unnaturally so, shining blonde hair and pale skinned. He wore armor that glittered under the sunlight, coming out after him was a tan furred lion with a gorgeous mane who growled at Blake, who snarled back. The armored man did a once over of the group, disdain on his face, quickly washed away when his eyes fell on Cat. "Black Flame!? Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Come, come in! Bring your friends." The shifter took a few more breaths and walked forward tiredly, the Hunters following close behind her. Catalaya leaned on Weiss as they walked, using so much energy for that has tired her out.
Ruby's jaws hit the floor at the sight of so many powerful weapons. From swords to spears and massive guns to the biggest tank, Gilgamesh's collection was vast and impressive. He led them over to a balcony above, asking them to sit on the cushioned chairs while his lion fetched them some refreshments. Cat sat down with a thump, still breathing a bit heavy, though there was slightly more color in her face then. Gilgamesh eyed her over, "What's with the new outfit? And who's the beauty hanging off your arm?"
He smirked at Weiss who was put off, giving a small smile as Cat wrapped an arm around her waist. "A whole lot is different, good friend. I go by Catalaya now." Gilgamesh nodded as she gestured to Weiss, "This is my girlfriend, Weiss. My Snow." Weiss blushed as she gestured to the rest, "That's her team, team RWBY. Then JNPR and CFVY."
Gilgamesh eyed her strangely, "Consorting with one of such beauty, I understand. But associating yourself with these mortals, what has happened to you?" Blake lowly growled, stepping in front of Velvet casually as the lion eyed her hungrily.
"Nothing has happened. I simply met them during the beginnings of my mission." The King glanced at her, sipping his ale, "What is that?"
Cat sighed, "Gathering the Duskshadow armor." He stopped, just as the lion did, "The Rise has begun?"
She nodded sagely, "It's why I've journeyed here. I was told you have the right leg peice." The man shook his head and sighed, "As much as I'd love to help you, I cannot. Follow me." The group followed cautiously, Nora still munching on the cake from the table. He led slowly to a part of his vault that was barren, nothing remained but a few lively torches. "Not long ago I was robbed while speaking with some diplomats. When I came everything was gone, including the peice you need."
Cat looked about franticly, "How-who could've stolen from the King of Heroes? And lived?"
He sneered, "A mortal. A fucking mortal stole from me! I want nothing more than to kill him and retrieve what is mine, the informant who let them in won't speak a word."
Cat turned, "Take us to them." He was almost stomping towards the cell, the anger still in his movements. In the dark cage, chained by his wrists to the ceiling, hung a short man in traditional Babylonian garb a sneer on his face. Cat simply looked at him intently before calling Nora forward. The earth mage grabbed her war hammer, listening as Cat whispered in her ear. The pink haired woman smiled wide and went forward with a nod. She kicked open the cell door and grinned maniacally at the man before her, her aura flaring around her, shaking the ground beneath her. With each step the palace shook harshly.
Shehad raised the hammer over her head when the man cried out, "Stop! It was the pale king of ice! The king of ice!" The group looked at him strangely. Pale king of ice? It didn't click with any of them. "What did he look like?" Nora asked, holding her hammer near his head.
"E-eyes of blue. Skin as w-hite as snow." He glanced around hastily, screaming as he pointed at Weiss, "Like her. L-look like her!" Weiss froze as Gilgamesh glared at her, "You helped steal from me?! King of Heroes!?" He slammed her up against the wall. Weiss struggled as he held her throat tightly, she flared her magic freezing his armored hand.
There was a deep growl from behind the King, the next moment, his back erupted into flames. He screamed and dropped her to the ground, desperately patting out the flames. The back of his golden armor had been burned off reaching to scar his white skin. He looked up and was struck with fear as he looked into the blood red eyes that sparked with faint wisps of white electricity.
Catalaya growled low and harshly, in a voice drowning in anger. Never touch her! You may be king here, but I am Alpha! I will kill you if you try something like this again! Friend. Or. Foe. She stepped forward slowly on the last few words, grabbing the man by his throat and slamming his head into the stone floors, ready to kill him in a moments notice. Gilgamesh nodded slowly, not willing to bet his own life for a pointless battle.
Catalaya released him and stalked over to Weiss who was surrounded by her team, being frantically looked over. She crouched down and snarled at the distinct hand print on her neck. Cat pulled her into a soft yet strong hug, rubbing her face against her hair. Gilgamesh watched the seen and thought to himself By the Gods. She almost killed me. To protect a mortal woman.
He projected his aura to his eyes, shocked at the connection between the two. He smirked as the peices clicked together,Well, I'll be damned. Finally found your other half, have you?" Enkidu, nuzzled against him and spoke, "Are you alright, Gil?"
He nodded at his oldest friend and got to his feet. Upon doing so, Blake, Yang and Ruby stood in front of Weiss protectively. "No need to defend her. I wish to apologize for my unruly behavior, I attacked you out of misplaced malice."
Weiss inched closer to Catalaya, "Just. Stay over there."
Gilgamesh nodded, he could the fear in her eyes. He had hurt her deeply, an act he knew the wolf would never forgive. Enkidu shifted into their female form and spoke carefully, "What will you do now, wolf?" Cat looked at them with barely concealed anger.
"We will journey to get the peice." They nodded and continued, "Say I join your efforts. I can get the treasures and you the armor." Cat nodded slow, llifting the still trembling Weiss into her arms and walking to the nearby guest quarters. The Hunters following close behind, wary of the violent king.
A Month After
After days of planning and recovery and Catalaya not letting Weiss out of her sight the group ventured onward, Enkidu following close behind always at Gilgamesh's side. The King and warrior had been avoiding each other for a while now, Gilgamesh doing so in fear of her ending him, even as a demigod.
"So, where are we going?" He asked Cat who eyed him and spoke reluctantly, "Atlas. A place located in the Nexus." He nodded, glancing at Weiss when she shuddered at the thought of going back.
"Then why not use a portal? I have plenty."
She shook her head, "We need one less flashy than yours. Its why we're heading to the druids. I'm out of portal gems." He scrunched his face, him and the local druid group don't get along well. What with him killing their previous leader in a battle a century ago.
After a grueling four hour walk in the desert. Then another two hour discussion with the current druid leader, they were granted age as to a portal. One that would take them right to the Schnee manor. Gilgamesh was hesitant. He didn't trust Cat's mate, she was the child of the one who stole from him, she could be planning something. But he had no time to think in it when he was pushed into the portal by the Vampire Princess, Penny. In a quick flash, they all appeared in an alleyway, four blocks from the manor. The king shivered, he'd never been to a place so cold.
Cat placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "You don't have to come, you know? I can go by myself." Weiss shook her head, "I can't let you." The shifter sighed and made a few hand gestures, the Hunters getting into formation behind her.
Penny coming to the front, chugging a vial of blood, her green eyes glowing for a moment. They journeyed quickly and quietly into the building. Nora manipulating the dirt into a stairway to the window on the third floor. Catalaya took point, trying to find the armors magical essence. She lifted her hand, a closed fist, the group came to a halt and readied their weapons, double checking fir magazines and jams before heading into the empty corridor.
Even inside the manor it was freezing they could see the air in front of their faces, and ice on the ceilings. "Where are my treasures?" Gilgamesh asked impatiently, getting a glare from Velvet as she did her best to pick the locks on the door. His voice bellowed too much and too loudly. It was only a matter of time before it drew attention.
He was growing agitated quickly, he wanted his stuff back right then and there. Before anyone could stop him he kicked in the vault door, triggering every alarm in the home. Enkidu facepalmed and Catalaya growled out, "You idiot!"
Just as men in white suits descended upon them, snipers took positions on the stair and men with sub machine guns aimed at their chests. "Your primitive machines cannot stop the King of Heroes." He said arrogantly just before a bullet chipped his armor, knocking of the shoulder head. They all looked up and lo and behold Jacques Schnee stood with a smug smile. "Finally come home, daughter?" Weiss trembled, her grip on the rapier tight. "Grab her."
The men came closer, guns aimed enough for headshots, the leader yanking Weiss's wrist, she fell to her knees at the force. The leader's head was quickly removed from his shoulders. Jacques sneered at the shifter who stood protectively in front of his child, covered in the gaurds blood. They stared each other down, a battle of who would move first. Ruby heloed her partner to her feet and said plainly, "Hey, Weiss?"
She looked at her, "What?"
Ruby looked around before saying, "Your father's an asshole." Weiss nodded in agreement as her father glared harder. Cat was in the crossfire, the gun he held could kill her. But she had to be strong, he wouldn't see her cry. But cry she did when Cat growled and a gunshot perforated the air.