Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and the Tales of series they are the rightful property of RoosterTeeth and Bandai Namco.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Bold are artes being performed
**Communications through scrolls and other devices
Chapter 10 Journey through the woods
(Time skip: three months after the heroes were sent to Remnant)
(Location: Village Patch Island west of the capital city of Vale)
The light shone through the window followed by the singing of birds. Another beautiful day on the small village has come while a certain teen was sleeping soundly on his bed. The sun light hit his face waking him up a yawn followed as he slowly got up. Lloyd smiled happily he had slept well and the morning was so beautiful as always. The twin swordsman was wearing his brown pajamas immediately heading for the bathroom.
After taking a warm shower he changed into his regular red attire with his two swords sheathed. Time for some breakfast good thing that he still had left overs all he needed to do was heat it up. Taking the scramble eggs with ham from the fridge he turned on the small stove. His kitchen was small but he was okay with it. Once that was over and he was done eating, he climbed down the stairs and prepared everything for the day. The store needed to be ready.
This is how it's been for Lloyd during his stay on the island. With the winning money he got from the underground matches in Vacuo, he was able to buy the necessary material to build his own shop and home. It took him weeks but he finally built a two floor building. The second floor was his house with only one room, bathroom and kitchen and the first will be his shop. Luckily he had help from some of the villagers including, Taiyang.
They were kind enough to give him the extra hands and they didn't asked for money in return. But still the red swordsman needed to pay them somehow so he offered them food and even some of his new crafts. He was loving his stay on Patch it was so much better than Vacuo. No extreme heat, no sand it was the perfect place for him. Still he does missed Sun, he was the only friend he had. But he made more here asides from Taiyang who is a very nice guy, there was his one of his daughters Ruby.
The teen smiled thinking of the silver eyed petite. The girl has become a very good friend of him. He found out she was a combat school student and she was currently attending Signal Academy. The girl showed him the weapon she made, her baby as she calls it giving the name Crescent Rose. A scythe with the ability to turn into a high impact sniper rifle pretty handy, in his own opinion. But Lloyd wasn't into those kinds of weapons they were cool but not enough to get his attention.
Though Ruby was only in her first year of school she has proven to be well prepared and trained for the job of a huntress. The twin swordsman hasn't forgotten that she took training from her uncle Qrow. He has never met the man but from the way the silver eyed girl talked about him, he must be an awesome guy. The man was a professional huntsman and a master of the scythe. Pretty sure his scythe must turn into a gun too.
Lloyd started cleaning his shop starting with sweeping the floor. He will always clean it every day, his shop needed to be clean it was mandatory. The state of the shop will reflect on the owner's personality he always thought" a clean shop is a happy shop". After sweeping the floor he mopped it until the wooden tiles were shining. A satisfactory smile spread the swordsman lips as he followed with the rest of the cleaning. The counter and racks were the next thing on his list.
Picking a clean piece of cloth he will passed it through all of the counter top where the small register box stood. Then came the tough part of the cleaning which it was the racks. It wasn't easy because all of his wooden crafts had to be taken in order to clean them. The teen had quite the collection since he build his shop. They were available in all kind of sizes so they can be light easy to lift, or heavy hard to do. It wasn't an easy job but someone had to do it and Lloyd wasn't one to complain when it comes to his own shop.
The shop consisted of two things which the swordsman was good at. Wood craft and accessory making. Even if he doesn't remember how he knows how to do all of this he kept himself entertained. Lloyd has done some exploring until he was able to find the inspiration for the creation of his art. He had to thanked the Grimm for that. Because of the dark creatures he was able to create all kinds of wooden statues based on them.
He had mainly of the species of Beowulf and Ursai, he still hasn't seen other species asides these two. But sometimes his customers will described him the characteristics of other Grimm. They were obviously huntsman so he did his best to make them looked exactly as they described them. The results were he got compliments from them for doing a nice job. The second thing, the accessories was also another impressive art the swordsman was good at.
Lloyd will make from bracelets, necklaces and earrings. It was another feature that has become popular on the island. The villagers as well as visitors from all over the kingdoms will come to his shop just to see his amazing skills. The outcome of it the swordsman was able to gained quite the money to be able to keep his shop and home. He could get used to this and he would love to stay here for the rest of his life. No way he would want to return to the desert of Vacuo.
This could very well be his true home. The twin swordsman smiled wiping some sweat from his forehead, he was finally done with the cleaning. Checking the time on his scroll he still had twenty minutes before he officially opens his shop. So he went with cleaning his products, making sure all the wooden crafts are shining as well as his accessories. Dust can easily get into anything and he wanted his place of business to looked a hundred percent perfect for customers to visit.
The red swordsman unlocked the front door going outside of his shop. He stood staring at the sing of his work place titled" Lloyd's crafts and arts". Okay, he admit it wasn't a very original name but it was all he could think of around the time. It will still bring in customers getting their attention and the curiosity will get the best of them. That's how one will do advertising along with the front windows showing his goods it will either make them buy his merchandise or pleased their window shopping.
When the twenty minutes were up the teen grabbed the small sing hanging by the front door and flipped it the other side saying that he was opened for business. He went back inside and waited for the customers to arrived. It didn't took long as the villagers started entering the shop. Patch may not have a lot of inhabitants but it was enough for Lloyd. They were already browsing wooden Grimm and accessories. The red swordsman could tell it was going to be another great day for his business.
From men to women and children they were all interested in his goods. Many of the children were taken back by the wooden Grimm because they looked very real, as if they were about to come to life. They were available from all sizes, small, medium and large of course the bigger they are the more it will cost. It takes a lot of time for Lloyd to make the big ones it was fair they will cost more lien than the others. Smaller ones comes with a cheap prize and medium size have a regular prize.
As for his accessories, the teen was selling them for a fair prize. He actually didn't like in taking too much time on his customers so there will be times when he will give them a discount. Especially if it was Ruby, her sister Yang or even their father. Lloyd owes them a lot for welcoming him to the island so it was obvious he will give them discount on his shop. Although he hasn't seen Yang the older sister in a while not, since she graduated from Signal.
After attending another satisfying customer the red swordsman realized there were no more people. Looks like he attended the limit number for the day until later. More will come in the afternoon along with visitors from the kingdoms. It will do since he make the usual amount of lien so the teen went to the back and resume in works he hasn't finished yet. Currently in progress was a king size Ursai way bigger than his previous large crafts.
This one will definitely take him around two weeks and maybe even more. One couldn't rush art, Lloyd knew better. A couple of bracelets that will only take him around a day, so no biggie. The same with some necklaces but for now, he was focusing on the giant wooden Grimm. The twin swordsman heard the front door opened followed by the chiming of the bell on top of the door. A new customer that will always bring him a smile.
The boy's smile grew bigger when the customer was none other than Ruby. The red cloak girl was doing some browsing around the shop. Her silver eyes were all over the wooden Grimms. Those were the ones that will bring her attention the most. The petite was holding her red and black back pack from school as well as a familiar bracelet. It was one of his accessories, Lloyd remembered giving one to the girl during his first days on Patch.
It was colored black with her name on it and next to it was the symbol of a red rose. It perfectly suited her since it was also her emblem that fits with her last name too. So far, Ruby hasn't noticed him she was too focused checking the wooden statues. That is until the red swordsman decided to get attention by clearing his throat. In an instant the silver eyed girl turned to him and almost tripping. But she regained her balance giving the boy swordsman a nervous smile.
"Sorry! I thought you were busy. I know you're always busy and I didn't wanted to bother you but I wanted to come and see your shop because it's look sooo cool, I mean wooden Grimm and hand made accessories, your shop is the best in Patch everyone knows it and-"
"Okay okay, I get it. I am busy but you and your family are always welcome here. So no need for apologies" the red swordsman had to laughed at the petite running her mouth like a motor.
"Thanks. I've been wanting to buy one of your Grimm but lately I've been spending my allowance on custom parts for Crescent Rose. I need to keep my baby all fixed and tuned up for my classes. It's mandatory that everyone in Signal had their weapons in perfect shape."
"I understand that school is a big deal for you no worries" he stood in thought" but maybe I can give you one on the house. It will be my way of saying thanks for helping me get settled here."
"What?" Ruby stood shocked" for free? But...Lloyd you don't have to do that. I know I can have enough lien for a few weeks. No biggie I can buy one of your figurines."
"I want to. You, Yang and Taiyang earned it. It's because of you guys I had a place to stay while building my shop. I owe you guys a lot. That's why I don't mind giving you one. So which one will it be small, medium or large?"
The red cloak girl still couldn't believe it. He was willing to give her one free of charge even when she knew he was running a business and not a charity. It made her feel bad, she really wanted to give him money for it. Lloyd felt he was in debt with her family. True her dad didn't minded if he was staying in their house for a few days. It bothered the silver eyed petite she remembered he was sleeping in the couch of their living room.
There was no way Taiyang was going to let him sleep near his daughters. Thinking about it made her feel strange, not having a clue why her heart was acting up. It was beating a little faster than usual. She wasn't feeling sick, not that she was aware of. But this behavior usually happens whenever she was near the twin swordsman. Lloyd was her friend, probably the closest one she has had in like forever. She didn't had that much friends in Signal and her older sister has been telling her to make them.
"Guess...I'll take a small Beowulf. That one over there looks very cool."
The red swordsman gazed at the one she was pointing. The wooden Grimm was in a full attack position. It sure looked great and it was perfect but he felt like she deserves more. A small figurine wasn't going to do, so he went with medium size. Ruby was still feeling unsure about letting him give her one for free. So she will be modest enough to go with something of small size. The teen remembered all the wooden figurines he made and he knew there was another one doing the same position.
Only difference, it was in medium size. And he found it, checking the stalls grabbing it he showed it to the petite. It shocked her this one, was way cooler than the small one. But she couldn't accept it, she wasn't used in getting things without paying. Her dad has taught her to always pay for everything she buys and this, sort of felt like she was stealing. It wasn't right she wanted to pay for something it took her friend time and effort to make.
"I don't know if I can accept this Lloyd. I don't have lien to buy it from you."
"I know, that's why I'm giving it to you. I said it's on the house."
"But, it doesn't feel right I should take it free of charge. Why don't you give me a few days until I have earned enough lien to buy it?"
"Ruby I said this is a gift as repayment for letting me stay in your house. You don't buy it because I'm giving it to you. Just accept it."
"But still…."
"If you don't take it...I might be sad. This is my way of saying thanks for giving me a temporary home. The right thing to do will be to accept the gift. We are friends right?"
"I don't want to steal it."
"You're not stealing it me I'm giving it to you" he sweat dropped.
"Okay fine I'll take it. But only because you keep insisting I should take it. But anyway...Thanks Lloyd it's really cool, I'm putting this in my room asap."
"Glad that you like it" the swordsman smiled.
"Say Lloyd?" Ruby didn't know why she was feeling nervous all of the sudden" I was wondering if you have some free time today in the afternoon, after I'm done with school."
"The afternoon…?"
"Right now I have a free period but I won't be completely free until classes are over for the day. Would you like to meet me at the park?"
"Hm...I don't have a problem with closing the shop during the afternoon. Just say the hour and I'll be at the park."
"Yes! After three I'll see you there Lloyd bye!" she left in a hurry.
"Hey! Aren't you forgetting something?" he shook his head at the petite's mistake.
"Sorry" she smiled as she took the Beowulf wooden figurine" see you later!"
"She can be so hyper sometimes" the swordsman smiled.
(Time skip)
Just like Ruby said Lloyd closed his shop after three o' clock and went to the park in the village. It wasn't that big considering how small was the village. But it was still a pretty park where children can have fun. Looks like he was early since the red cloak girl hasn't arrived yet. She probably went to her home before heading here. Still the red swordsman decided to wait getting seated on a slide. Ever since he left Vacuo he has never been bothered about his missing memories.
There was no need to think about it because here, in Patch he was happy. This was the home he's been searching for that's why it didn't mattered about who he is or where does he come from. Here, he was happy and his existence was complete but it didn't meant he didn't wanted to remember. Of course he wanted to remember it's just that now, it wasn't that important. He met friends like Ruby and Yang but the silver eyed girl was more of a best friend than her blond older sister.
"Lloyd!"
The swordsman smiled seeing the petite running to him. She didn't had her back pack on but she had her weapon sheathed behind her. Ruby looked very happy and anxious, as usual. Lloyd would never get tired of seeing how cheery she is, she was a bouncing ball of energy. She will always make things positive and right. With her around he knew everything will be fine.
And just like that, the silver eyed petite used her semblance. She was already before him with a trail of rose petals behind her. The twin swordsman will never get used to that no matter how many times she will do it. She was really fast and now that he think about it, she must be quite a tough opponent with such ability. Good thing he will never have to fight her or he could be in trouble.
"Sorry if I'm late but dad was giving me one of his lectures. You know how it is, Ruby you can't do this and you can't do that either, guess dad's will be dad's" she smiled.
"I wouldn't know" he scratched the back of his head.
"Huh?" the red cloak girl gasped realizing her mistake" oh my gosh I'm sorry, I forgot you have amnesia. I'm so sorry I can't believe I forgot. I'm so stupid, how can I be asking you about dad's when you don't even remember your own, I'm sorry Lloyd."
"It's okay Ruby I'm not angry, don't feel bad."
"But I should" she lowered her head while kicking some dirt.
"Why don't you tell me the reason for wanting me here?" the swordsman decided to change the topic, he didn't like seeing her sad and he also wanted to avoid the subject about father's.
"Oh right!" she completely changed her behavior as she got a little nervous" I wanted to spend time with you...You know I've been studying and training hard to become a huntress. Truth is, I don't know my limit of how strong I have become since I finished my training with my uncle. So maybe you can help me with that...Lloyd, I want to fight you."
"Fight me?" that came out of nowhere" you really want to fight me?"
"I don't know how strong you are but you have to be. I have a feeling you are. Plus I've been wanting to fight you for a while. So what do you say? Want to have a sparring match with me?"
"If that's what you want then you already know my answer" Lloyd has unsheathed his Material Blade" but just because you're my friend I can't risk going easy on you."
"That's okay, don't hold back because I won't" the silver eyed girl has unsheathed her scythe Crescent Rose.
"Whenever you're ready Ruby."
(Music: "Here comes a new challenger" from the Tales of Symphonia original soundtrack)
Ruby meant what she said, she wasn't going to hold back. This match will prove the limits of her strength as a future huntress. Lloyd was her friend, he was strong. He was truly the only one who can show her if she was ready even if she was still a first year. She knew Yang will never fight her because she was her sister. The blond was too soft when it came to her little sister and even if she manages to accept she will definitely hold back.
Keeping in mind this was Lloyd she quickly fired the rifle feature while using her semblance. The swordsman in red gasped trying to blocked but she was too fast. He did his best to dodged as the petite was already before him with scythe in hand. With both of his swords he blocked the quick attacks from the red cloak girl. Just as he thought, Ruby was tough. Due she was short and small, she was able to move a lot fast added her semblance and, she was a true quick attacker.
Thanks to his exsphere Lloyd was able to act faster to her attacks and move in the same speed to dodged her assault. If it wasn't for the jewel on the top of his hand, he would be in big trouble. After successfully blocking all of Ruby's attacks the petite kept the offensive, she fired a couple of shots. The swordsman blocked it and countered with Demon Fang which caught the petite by surprise. But she used her semblance to avoid the ground arte and went straight at him.
That was it, both were clashing with their weapons. The swordsman saw the look in her silver eyes, she was so focused. Somehow it terrified him at the same time, it was so intimidating. It was clear when she graduates from Signal, Ruby will be one heck of a huntress in training. She did told him she wanted to attend Beacon Academy after she graduates. She wasn't going to have trouble applying to the school. There was something else in the petite's eyes, he couldn't figure it out yet.
Ruby saw an opening through her friend stabbing Crescent Rose on the ground, she performed a flying still holding the scythe. It was a direct hit as the swordsman was about to hit the ground. Firing the rifle feature to get a boost, she kept on firing while preparing to attack again. This time Lloyd won't be able to avoid such rapid fire so he went with his defensive arte Guardian. He was surrounded by a green energy taking the shape of a circle protecting him from all the fire.
The silver eyed girl was surprised by the technique that she actually lowered her guard. Perfect timing for the twin swordsman as he launched another Demon Fang and followed it up with Fierce Demon Fang. All she could do as used her own weapon to blocked both attacks but it sent her flying from the sheer force. It also made the petite released her grip on the scythe. Gasping at her mistake, Ruby used her semblance grabbing the weapon. But she stopped as she facing the sharp blade of Lloyd's flame looking sword. It signaled the end of the match.
(Music end)
"Guess you got me, huh" she wasn't happy even if he was tougher than she thought he would be.
The red swordsman sheathed his blades offering his hand to the red cloak girl" you were great. I knew you were stronger than you looked."
"Thanks Lloyd…."
"What's wrong?"
"Hm..What?"
"During the fight, I was able to tell something was bothering you. Something that wasn't right I could see it in your eyes. I don't think you weren't focusing completely. Maybe you would have been able to beat me."
"I don't think I'll be able to beat you. Maybe with more training I just might but not now" she ignored the first thing.
"Ruby, I thought we are friends."
"We are friends silly-"
"Then why don't you tell me what's wrong? I want to help you but I can't make you tell me. If it's too personal I understand."
"Fine...You're right there is something bugging me I've been trying to forget it, but it's still there. No matter how much I don't want to think about it. It's annoying I can't focus at all" she fumed sheathing her scythe back.
"What is it? If you want to tell me. Maybe I can help."
"You know Yang just graduated from Signal?"
"Yeah, you told me not that long ago. Is that the problem?"
"Kind of. Now that she graduated, she recently got a letter that she got accepted into Beacon Academy. It's awesome but…."
"I get it now" Lloyd smiled" you still have two years to graduate from Signal and you want to go to Beacon with your sister, right?"
Ruby only nodded" with her gone, It's just little ol' me in the school...Alone."
"I should have known that's what's been bugging you. No one wants to be alone in a school" he understood her especially when he knew she wasn't the best at making friends.
However he remembered one day when Yang went to his shop. It the same day when she graduated. The blond looked worried but she has shown him that she trusts him when it comes to the safety of her little sister.
"Listen Lloyd. Now that I'm done with Signal, Ruby is going to need you more than ever. She's going to be alone and her social skills aren't getting any better. I would do anything if she tries to make more friends but that's too much to asked for. That's why I'm asking you to be there for her when she needs a friend. You're the only close friend she has made since she started Signal. Don't let her face this alone, okay? Let me remind you...If you hurt her feelings in any way...There will be hell to pay."
The twin swordsman avoided trembling in fear remembering the menacing look she gave him, along with those bloody red eyes. If he plays the wrong move that might end up getting Ruby hurt, Yang will kill him. He got the message loud and clear and if she doesn't kill him, he knew her father will. Taiyang was over protective of the silver eyed petite just like her older sister.
Like father like daughter, that's how the saying goes. Lloyd didn't needed to be told twice he wasn't going to let her face this alone. She needed a friend so he will be that friend. Sure her sister might be leaving to another school but that doesn't mean the red cloak girl will be alone forever. He will never abandon friends in need especially, if it was Ruby. Not because Yang warned him but it was the right thing to do. A friend in need was enough to make him help.
"I guess…." he put his hand on her shoulder" but you're not really alone Ruby. You can't forget you still have your dad, Zwei and me. I might not go to Signal but I will always be your friend and whenever you feel lonely you can come to me, you know where to find me. Also just because Yang is leaving for another school it doesn't mean you won't see her again. Goodbye isn't forever, I'm sure you'll sister will do anything to see you again."
"You're right but it still feel awkward being all alone in school" Ruby's silver eyes suddenly lit up" I got it! Lloyd why don't you enroll at Signal?"
"What? You want me to enroll there?" again she caught him, that came out of nowhere" I don't know…."
"Please...You can fight and you're strong you will be perfect in you join Signal. It will be even better if you get assigned in the same class as me!"
"Didn't you tell me that you're obligated to create your own weapon in that school? I already have one" he pointed to his Material Blade though it was still a mystery if he's the one who created the two swords.
"True but maybe you can have another one. Hey two weapons are better than one, it's a big win."
Honestly the swordsman in red wanted to decline her offer. He had no interest in joining a combat school thought, he wouldn't mind helping people. But he loved his job more, crafting wooden sculptures and making accessories it's the only life for him. Now he didn't understood why it felt wrong like there was something missing. Was he supposed to help people, was he supposed to do some kind of calling? The answer was unknown, he had a feeling there was something he should be doing and, it wasn't running his shop.
Turning to the red cloak petite, Ruby was giving him the sad puppy eyes. Anything but that, it was too strong, it was too cute. It was impossible to resist if this keeps up he will fall victim to them. She was so cute, he couldn't say no, he was failing any second now, he will succumb. Lloyd prefers to get beat up by Yang than suffered this torture or even get beat up by Taiyang. The swordsman then saw somebody running maybe this is what he needed to avoid the girl's deadly cute gaze.
The woman was in her late thirties with light brown hair tied on a bun with dark brown eyes. She was wearing a green dress with a long skirt that reaches her ankles with gray boots. Lloyd knew her after giving himself the tour around the village of Patch. The people were kind and sociable so he had plenty of time to get to know them better. Ruby also knows the villagers for a while, ever since she was younger. She got along well with them just like the swordsman.
"Um...Hey isn't that Mrs. Muffin?" it was true that was the woman running not too far from them.
The red cloak girl turned to the direction he was pointing at" you're right, it is her."
Looks like Lloyd was able to change the topic successfully. He didn't wanted to hurt Ruby telling her he had no interest in enrolling to Signal. It was more successful than he thought because now the silver eyed girl was running towards the woman curious to why she looked so worried. The twin swordsman has also followed her wanting to know too. Both ran to the woman with the bun she seemed to be exhausted like she was running for a while.
"Mrs. Muffin wait!" the young reaper was able to stopped her.
"Ruby…." Mrs. Muffin panted.
"What's wrong? Where are you going?"
"I'm sorry dear but I can't waste time. I'm heading to your father's house, I need his help!"
"What's going on? Why do you need Taiyang's help?" asked Lloyd.
"It's an emergency it's my daughter, she ran off! I saw her heading to the White Forest."
"Lily went to the White Forest!" Ruby gasped apparently she knows the daughter of the woman.
The swordsman in red got worried, that wasn't good. Of all the places on the island the White Forest was the most dangerous. First the forest was so big anyone can easily get lost and second, it was the only place in Patch where it was filled with Grimm. The amount of the creatures was very high at least that's what those who have visited said. Only experienced huntsman have actually gone there and returned alive.
Among them, Taiyang and Ruby's uncle Qrow. Finding out Lily went there was truly concerning. The girl was only eight years old there was no way she'll be able to make it on her own. Turning to the red cloak girl, she was also worried. It was clear that either of them weren't letting this go. The life of an innocent girl was at stake here and they were ready to jump at the chance to go and rescue her.
"That's why I have to find your father. He's the only one who can save my Lily" Mrs. Muffin was in tears.
"But dad isn't home yet he's still finishing his work at Signal. The same with uncle Qrow" said the silver eyed petite.
"Oh by Oum what am I going to do?" she was sobbing.
"There's no time to waste" the swordsman in red realized it turning to the woman" it's okay Mrs. Muffin I will go and search for Lily."
"You will go alone Lloyd?!" gasped the woman" it's too dangerous, the White Forest is no place for kids."
"I'm not a kid I can take care of myself" the teen showed her his sheathed swords" I'll be fine.
"I'm coming too!" said Ruby" Lily is my friend. I'm not abandoning her."
"I'm not going alone Mrs. Muffin. The toughest first year in Signal is coming with me" he smiled turning to the red reaper who smiled at him in return.
"I can't risk you two going to that horrible place. Have any of you ever being there before?"
"Nope, never" said the silver eyed girl.
"Same" followed the twin swordsman" I know what you can do Mrs. Muffin. Ruby and I will go ahead to the White Forest while you go to Signal and tell Taiyang about us and your daughter. I'm sure he will act immediately."
"That's not good...Dad will be so mad at me" Ruby was panicking on the inside of course she knew her father will be upset if he finds out she went to the White Forest WITHOUT his permission.
"All right. I'm sorry for getting you two involved."
"You're not to blame we volunteered to save Lily" smiled the red cloak girl.
"That's right, we want to save her" followed the red swordsman.
"Thank you both. Please be careful."
"We will!"
True Lloyd and Ruby have never being to the White Forest before. But that didn't meant they didn't know where it was located. In fact every resident of Patch knew the location of the dangerous forest. That's why they knew better than to entered unless, they have a death wish. You can get lost and you can get killed by the Grimm in it those reasons were enough for not entering. Now Lily, Mrs. Muffin's daughter have entered and they didn't had a choice but to entered and rescue her before it was too late. For Ruby this will be a test to finally show if her training has finally paid off.
If she was truly ready to follow the path of a huntress. Not to mention this will be the first time she will be fighting real life Grimm. Back at Signal they only had dummy versions of the dark creatures during combat practice and target practice. It was a good thing she always prepared herself during school. She already gave maintenance to Crescent Rose as well as getting plenty of dust rounds. For Lloyd it was about doing the right thing. Sitting back and do nothing while the life of a young girl was hanging in the balance wasn't his thing.
"You scared?"
"No I'm worried about Lily."
"Me too. Let's find her and bring her back to Mrs. Muffin" said Lloyd.
"I hope we can find her before dad gets here. He's going to be so angry because I went to the White Forest" the red cloak petite sighed.
"He will have to get used to it. He knows you're going to become a huntress. Huntsmen and huntresses are always risking their lives so it can't be helped. Sure he can get worried because you're his daughter but he can't get angry because you were trying to do the job of a huntress."
"That's it!" she smiled" that's exactly what I'm going to tell him...And he will probably yell at me" now Ruby was scared.
"I can always tell him I made you come. That way he will get angry at me instead."
"You can't do that Lloyd! Dad will never forgive you and he might even forbid me from hanging out with you. I don't want that...I will never forgive myself if I cause the end of our friendship…." she whispered the last part.
"I'm not letting you take the blame."
"Let's get going" she pouted she wasn't happy with his answer.
Both teens entered the forest while drawing their weapons. From here on it was going to be a dangerous journey. Lloyd offered to go on the front honestly it was for the best. If any Grimm attacked he will be the first to react. The last thing he wanted was for Ruby to get hurt. If that happens he could kiss his life goodbye knowing he will have to answer to Taiyang and Yang. Both who are very over protective of the silver eyed petite. He kept his eyes on his surroundings it was dark even if it was still the afternoon.
The twin swordsman had no idea why it was called the White Forest, it was freaking dark. It must looked like a black bottomless pit during the night. They needed to find Lily before it gets dark. They won't have no sense of direction during the evening. Turning to the red cloak girl he saw her marking the trees they were passing by with a red marker. He blinked a couple of times realizing what she was doing. It never ceases to amaze him what this girl was capable of.
"Ruby you're a genius. You're marking our progress that way, we'll know our way and we won't get lost."
"I knew my red marker was going to help us. So I brought it too."
"You're going to be a great huntress someday, I know."
"Stop it. It was really nothing" she blushed feeling so embarrassed why the compliment" wait a minute...What am I doing? I'm supposed to be upset with him. He's planning to take the blame for me and let dad kill him and here I am smiling at him. Bad Ruby bad!"
"Keep marking the trees Ruby" another smile by Lloyd made the petite unable to stay angry at him.
She couldn't do it. She wasn't that kind of a person but one who is too kind for her own good. No matter the silver eyed petite couldn't hold any anger towards the swordsman in red. He was only looking out for her but if he convinces her dad that he made her come here not only he will be making Taiyang angry at him but he will destroying their friendship too. Lloyd was her true friend, the one she can put her trust in, the one she feels safe being with.
The young reaper only resume marking the trees with her marker thinking of her friendship with the boy in red. So far it was all good, no Grimm in the horizon but still no Lily. The forest was big it could take them hours and by then the sun will set. Luckily she brought a flashlight with some spare batteries just in case it gets dark during their search. A huntress must always be prepared at all cost. A sudden growl caught her attention, it sounded from close by. Ruby immediately prepared her scythe.
"Stay on guard" Lloyd was ready to fight.
"Grimm?"
"Maybe. We know this forest is full of them. Don't hesitate Ruby."
"I know."
They resumed walking while another growl was heard and this time, it sounded closer. More growls followed shortly they were definitely getting closer. Both teens kept a hold of their weapons. Another growl, and it sounded next to Lloyd. Before the swordsman could react to the Beowulf that charged at him, it was cut in half thanks to Ruby. She didn't hesitated this was the reason why she trained and why she was in Signal.
No mercy for these creatures she quickly fired hitting the head of another Beowulf. The silver eyed girl changed the clip loading a new one. The twin swordsman charged at more of Grimm that arrived. Using Sonic Thrust with Beast and Rising Falcon was a killer combination as it killed all three of the Beowulf. By now the red reaper has eliminated another and for now, they were in the clear. Lloyd smiled at her, she was doing better than he thought.
"Good job."
"You too" she smiled but it faded after he turned his back.
"Looks like we will have to go deeper into the forest if we want to find Lily."
"No one said it was going to be easy."
"Right. Let's watch our step."
Ruby nodded taking her red marker resuming marking the trees. Then she accidentally tripped but the swordsman in red caught her just in time. He was holding her hand as he made sure she was safe. The petite didn't know what to say because he was a bit close to her. Again her conscious reminded her that she's supposed to be upset with him. But how could she keep that anger when he will always smiled at her and when he gives her awesome compliments. She wasn't like her sister whose temper is very frightening especially if you mess with her hair.
"I said watch your step."
"I know, I wasn't really watching where I was looking."
Her tone, something was off Lloyd was able to see it" you okay?"
"I'm...No I'm not…."
"Don't worry Ruby, we'll find Lily."
"It's not that. Are you really going to take the blame for me being here?"
"I didn't know that was bothering you."
"Of course it's bothering me. You want to tell my dad it's your fault I'm in the White Forest when I volunteered to come with you. It's not fair you don't deserve to receive his anger just...Let me tell him the truth. It was my choice to accompany you I should get yell at, not you."
"Are you sure?" he got worried.
"I am. You're already in good terms with my dad and my sister I don't want that to get ruined."
"Okay...I'm only looking out for you."
"I know and I appreciate it. That's what friends do looking our for each other. But in this case, it's better to think about yourself."
"I do hope your dad goes easy on you."
Ruby decided to stay quiet and better not to give him an answer. It will only make him more worried if she was lucky Taiyang might ground her for two weeks. No side trips, no television, no video games, no cookies. As soon as she leaves school it's straight home and study. Better all those things than not being allowed to see Lloyd again.
She smiled at him to assure him that everything was going to be all right. Now all they needed to do is find Lily and get out of this place. The forest was starting to creep out the silver eyed petite. The irony that the Grimm didn't cared her in the slightest. She was preparing herself to kill those things. But they were uglier and scarier yet, it was only the forest that was making her nerves go crazy.
And so minutes passed, hours passed, it got dark and the search became complicated. Ruby was now using her flashlight helping Lloyd with the way making sure he doesn't get lost. She was still marking the trees and by now she was really worried. The red cloak petite had no idea it will take them so long to search for Lily. She mentally sighed by now, her dad and even her uncle are probably searching for her. Things got a little bad as they have encountered more Grimm along the way.
But they were eliminated both teens proved to be a very good team. Even in the dark, they fought well. Then Ruby gave a soft gulp, what if Yang also knew of this. No, anything but her sister. The blond must be losing it if she finds out her baby sister went to the most dangerous place in Patch. The brawler left for Vale but she must have gotten back by now. It was only going to spell a disaster. Worst of all neither of them couldn't called out to the little girl because they were only be getting the attention of the Grimm.
"I'm starting to think maybe we should have wait for dad and start the search together."
"I'm starting to think this is boring."
"What?" the silver eyed girl was at a loss of words at the swordsman in red's comment" Lloyd?"
"How long have we've been searching in this forest? It's the same thing. Everywhere we go it's the same thing, there's no end to it and no luck finding Lily. I'm bored already."
"You're bored?" Ruby actually sweat dropped was he one of those people that gets bored so easily" this isn't a fun trip Lloyd, we're here to find Lily and bring her back to Mrs. Muffin. This is a search and rescue mission."
"I know of course I want to help Mrs. Muffin. It's just that this forest has become so boring. Couldn't have Lily picked a more fun place than this?"
"Lloyd!" that was it, Ruby has had about enough of his attitude turning the swordsman towards her" you see this? This is my angry face. Let's focus in finding Lily and I don't want to hear you complaining you're bored, okay?"
"Yes ma'am…."
"I can't hear you."
"Yes ma'am!"
"Good."
"I never knew Ruby can be so scary sometimes."
Suddenly a scream caught the teen's attention. They looked at each other, it sounded like a little girl. They knew it could only belong to Mrs. Muffin's daughter. They ran after the scream hearing it coming from straight ahead. Lloyd was no longer bored knowing they have made some progress in finding the girl. Ruby almost tripped because it was hard to use a flashlight to point the way when she was running but Lloyd caught her just in time again.
Saying a soft thank you they resumed their running as there was another scream. This time, it was sounding closer than the first one. Finally the two teens seemed to have left the forest reaching a clearing. Their eyes widened it was a wide field with the perfect view of the half missing Moon. They must have reached the middle part of the White Forest. More of the screams filled their ears and the it followed with beast growls. That didn't sounded good, those were definitely Grimm.
The two teens could finally see a little girl with loose light brown hair with dark brown eyes wearing a pink shirt of a cartoon cat with white shorts and closed brown sandals. It was Lily Muffin she was holding a small white and yellow bird from the looks of it, the bird seemed to had a wounded wing. It was obvious the girl was running from Grimm. They gasped seeing a pack of Beowulves running at her. They charged in with weapons in hand passing Lily.
Lloyd told her to get to safety, they will be handling this. The twin swordsman sliced the head of one while Ruby jumped into the air and staring cutting creature after creature while firing her rifle feature. The silver eyed girl changed clip after clip while her swordsman companion was making works of the Beowulves. Ruby used her semblance while firing Crescent Rose, she proceeded with slicing one in half. The red swordsman used Tempest, he followed it up with Heavy Tiger Blade and ended up with Demonic Chaos.
There were more Beowulves on the pack than they thought. At least six more but a loud roar from the distance has stopped their actions. The Grimm have actually retreated as if they were afraid of the owner of the roar. Lloyd turned to Ruby one glance as if he was telling her" we're not out of trouble yet". The red red cloak girl nodded to him changing the clip of her scythe with a new dust round. Lily stood not too far still looking scared still holding the small bird.
Whatever was that roar it was no Beowulf because it scared the same Grimm species off and hearing another gave them the idea, it was heading this way. The roar was sounding closer and neither of the teens were scared, their eyes were in complete focus. Whatever it was, they were ready. Once the roar was so close they had a look at the creature. It was of course a Grimm, but it was an Ursai. However this type of Ursai was way bigger than the usual and it looked more dangerous.
"This Ursai...I think it's a King type" Ruby was able to recognized it.
"It's stronger and meaner than the regular type. We have to take it out" said Lloyd.
"Lily, stay back!" said the red cloak petite.
(Music: "Fighting the Spirit" from the Tales of Symphonia original soundtrack)
The Ursai King charged and to their teens surprise it moved fast for a creature it's size. It's claws sharper than the usual species hit Lloyd's Material Blade as he was blocking the attack but the force was too strong. It sent him to the ground and the creature didn't looked like it was going to back down. Ruby glared at the large Grimm firing at it's face making it cried out in pain, the petite charged with her semblance slashing at it with her scythe.
The twin swordsman got up aiding the girl using Demon Fang and Rising Falcon. It was hurt but it seemed it was going to take more than that to bring it down. Ruby went with a decapitation move use the blade of Crescent Rose on it's neck but the Ursai King dodged the attack showing it was clever. It charged again at the silver eyed petite but Lloyd went in front of the petite and used Guardian to protect her as well as himself. It was no wonder why those Beowulves retreated. This thing must be the ruler of this forest.
Ruby took the chance attacking it with her semblance firing and slashing at the creature hurting it. The swordsman in red joined her combining their attacks to cause more damage. But still the Ursai King has shown it was very tough. Even with all the attacks it was taking, it didn't looked like it was going to die. The oversize Grimm blocked one of the attacks of the red cloak girl, shocking her. It managed to hit her with one of it's claws while the twin swordsman glared at it.
He used Sword Rain with Heavy Tiger Blade and Tempest Beast. That was plenty enough to knocked the creature to the ground. Lloyd took the chance to check up on the silver eyed girl. Luckily, Ruby was all right a bit dizzy but okay. The swordsman kept a glare at the large Grimm this thing was very stubborn. It gave a roar of anger as it's eyes were glowing red. The young reaper was firing endlessly while loading more clips to Crescent Rose. Lloyd took the chance that it was getting hurt to perform some strong combos on it.
"Sonic Thrust, Sword Rain Alpha, Hunting Beast!"
The Ursai King was in pain getting hit by those attack. The swordsman in red wasn't done as it charged attacking it endlessly with his Material Blade. It was also getting shot by all the fire from the silver eyed girl's weapon.
"Keep firing Ruby!"
The red cloak girl heard him loud and clear as she kept on firing on the large Ursai. Lloyd resumed attacking it relentlessly using different types of combos along with his artes. The creature fall to the ground, it was no longer moving. They might have done it, it looked like it was down for good. Neither of the teens lowered their guard still in attack stance. After a few minutes since it wasn't getting up, they assumed it was over.
They could finally focused in getting Lily out of here and back to her mother. It was probably late, they needed to return to the village. Not to mention Taiyang must be worried sick for his daughter. He smiled at Ruby and she did the same. It might have take them longer than expected but they finally did it. However, the Ursai King was slowly moving it was obviously still alive. It got up and it charged at the two teens without any mercy.
"Watch out!" shouted Lily.
But the two teens knew the Grimm wasn't out yet so it wasn't necessary for the little girl to warned them. With a quick moved both jumped at the Ursai King attacking it's head. Both reached opposite directions as the creature lost it's head, finally getting killed.
(Music end)
"It was smarter than other Grimm. It was playing dead waiting for us to lower our guard."
"Too bad we didn't fell for it's trick" smiled the red cloak petite.
"That was amazing!" Lily stood in awe at the way they fought.
"Lily, what were you thinking coming here?!" Ruby was no scolding the little girl" you know this place is dangerous and your mom is worried sick."
"I'm sorry, I found this little bird hurt. It can't fly with it's right wing hurt."
"What's important you're okay. You should safe the scolding for her mom Ruby" the swordsman's comment made the silver eyed petite giggled while Lily gulped, she knew she was in deep trouble.
"I think we should head back. Don't know about you guys but I am sick of this forest" Lloyd was starting to get bore again.
The trip back was a silent one. Lily was feeling bad for coming here while leaving her mother. She has warned her so many times to never go into the White Forest but she didn't listened. Now she has dragged Ruby and Lloyd risking their lives to find her. She knew her mother was going to be upset with her but all she did was sigh. The small bird in her hands was chirping, it's right wing was still hurt. As for the two teens they were quiet because they were focusing in heading back to the entrance following the trees marked by Ruby's marker.
However, it was unfortunate things weren't going their way. Even if they were successful in finding the girl they were now facing a dilemma. The red marks has dried up and it was hard to tell which trees were marked. It was hard to see since it couldn't be seen anymore. The red cloak girl wasn't happy realizing her brand of marker wasn't that good she should have taken the one her dad bought her. Hers was nothing but a cheap brand. Basically, they were officially lost in the forest unsure where to go. Ruby bit her lip everything looked the same it was impossible to know which direction to take.
"Let's try to remain calm. I'm sure we can find the right way if we keep going this direction" Lloyd tried to be positive but it was hard to sound sure.
"I'm sorry, this is my fault. I forgot the marker I have on me isn't that good" the silver eyed girl wasn't happy.
"No it's not. Your idea was clever and effective."
"I should have listened to dad and take that marker instead of this one" the petite threw it away" what are we going to do now? It's too dark to see, it's impossible to find the way out now."
"No Ruby it's not your fault" Lily spoke in tears" it's my fault. If I never came here you guys would have never been here I'm sorry for everything…."
"That's not true you were just trying to help this little bird. You're very caring and sweet" the young reaper comfort the little girl cuddling her head.
"But we're lost because of me. How are we going to get back?" she resumed sobbing.
"There there, we'll get out of here you'll see" Ruby looked worried she really wanted to believe her own words.
"Do you guys heard that?" Lloyd brought their attention.
Both girls stood quiet letting their ears take over of the sound the swordsman in red was asking about. It was true, they were hearing a very familiar sound.
"Water" Ruby smiled turning to the swordsman" it sounds like a river could be near by."
"That's what I thought. I was thinking if we can find the river we might know where it will lead us, maybe it might take us out of the forest."
"It will!" the red cloak girl kept her smile" I remember dad telling me the White Forest has a river that leads all the way to the village. It passes the bridge reaching the port."
"That means if we find the river, we find the way back to the village" the twin swordsman smiled at Lily" looks like we're making it out of here after all."
So they started their journey to find the river. All they needed to do was followed their ears to the sound of the water running. The sound was getting louder meaning they were getting closer. Lily kept a hold on Ruby since she was scared because it was dark. Lloyd was on the lead making sure they were following the sound. It didn't took them that long as the sound was really loud, until they saw it. The half missing Moon was able to shined on the river making it look like it was magical as it was shining by it's light.
They followed the trail of the river with the twin swordsman leading the way. For some reason Lloyd was having a bad feeling even if they were almost home free. Guess he shouldn't count his chickens before they hatch. They weren't safe until they leave this forest. A growl stopped them as Lily got close to Ruby, the young reaper has drawn her scythe. The swordsman in red drew his swords that could only mean trouble. And by trouble he knew it has to be Grimm.
The creatures that arrived were obviously Grimm, two Ursai to be exact. Now they didn't had to fight they could continue traveling the river path. Of course they will have to increase their speed. Ruby can take Lily and use her semblance to get the little girl away from harm. Their goal hasn't changed, they needed to get her out of this place and back to her mother. It wasn't important to fight them not when they were so close. One Ursai went after the red cloak petite but Lloyd stopped the creature from advancing crossing his swords as a shield.
"Take Lily out of here!" he commanded" I'll follow shortly."
"But Lloyd-"
"Do it! We came to this forest to get Lily and bring her to safety. The Grimm don't matter."
"Okay, Lily come on."
Unfortunately the second Ursai went for the little girl. Ruby saw it and she protected her using her own body as a shield. The silver eyed girl got hit by the creature's claw and she was sent to the river. Lloyd glared at the Grimm killing it and he went for the other one. Once they were taken care of he ran to the petite she was unconscious and she was being dragged away by the river. That wasn't good, she could drown.
He was running after her while Lily was following him, he was worried. The swordsman wasn't doing anything like this so he jumped to the river in an attempt to save her. Lloyd did his best swim towards her but the current was too strong. What's worst because of this, he had to abandon Lily. What if more Grimm shows up, it will be two people he will have to try and save. He was almost there, he was very close to reach her hand. Lloyd couldn't lose her no matter what.
"Ruby!"
Relief washed over him as he was able to take her hand. Things couldn't possibly get worse. The swordsman in red saw in the distance, a freaking waterfall. Ruby didn't said anything about a waterfall. Her dad didn't said it or maybe Taiyang did mentioned it to her and she forgot to say it. He desperately tried to get him and the petite to safety but it was impossible to fight such a strong current. What's worse he could no longer see Lily, she must have gotten lost or maybe the Grimm.
Lloyd erased the thought feeling bad with himself for choosing to save Ruby over the eight year old girl. This was it, he was heading straight to the waterfall, both were going to fall and they would probably not survive. No, his eyes narrowed they weren't going to die here. Ruby was young, she still has her whole life ahead and he wasn't planning to die by some stupid waterfall. He would never forgive himself if he fails her. She was his friend and he won't fail her.
Determination filled him in as his exshpere was glowing brightly than ever before. The twin swordsman hold the petite close to him as he braced himself for the waterfall. He fell but that never happened as on his back a pair of long crystal rainbow wings have appeared and flew away holding Ruby in his arms bridal style. The swordsman landed near by back on the ground safely. The wings vanished and his exsphere was no longer glowing.
A smiled spread his lips feeling relief that the worst was over. He made sure she was all right and thankfully, Ruby was breathing she didn't swallowed any water. That was one problem out of the way now he needed to find Lily, again. He didn't saw her when he was trying to save the petite, once more he was worried. How was Lily going to get out of there when there was a waterfall. Lloyd tried to calm down over worrying wasn't going to help in this situation.
"L..Lloyd…."
"Ruby" he smiled seeing her awake" I'm glad you're all right."
"What happened?" she slowly got up looking around" did we make it out of the forest? Oh no where's Lily?"
"I...She's-"
"Ruby!"
The red cloak girl recognized that voice anywhere. It was her dad at the same time she was feeling scared and happy. Scared because she knew he was going to be upset with her for coming here and happy, because he was here. Both teens heard more voices so Taiyang wasn't the only one here. They recognized another voice, it was Lily and Mrs. Muffin. They ran towards the voices and soon they found them.
True it was indeed Taiyang along with Mrs. Muffin who was reunited with her daughter along with a couple of villagers. They all had torches to make it better to see in the dark. Ruby smiled running to her father giving him a big hug. Lloyd was feeling so much better looks like it was a job well done. Lily was safe and back with her mother the same with the silver eyed petite and they have come for them. Meaning they were probably not that far from Patch village.
"Ruby honey" Taiyang smiled holding his daughter in his arms" I'm so glad that you're okay."
"You guys are okay" smiled Lily" my mom and everyone found me after you guys were dragged away by the current."
"I was worried sick when I found out" said the blond man" you two managed to survived the waterfall."
"Waterfall, what waterfall?" the young reaper didn't had a clue because she was unconscious around the time.
"We were lucky we survived" Lloyd smiled deciding not to tell them about his special ability.
"Thank you very much you two for finding my little girl" Mrs. Muffin gave Lily a hug.
"Dad…." the petite looked nervous at her father" I had to do it and find Lily it's what I'm training for. You know, I'm going to be a huntress."
"Ruby...Let's head back home, we have a lot to talk about."
"I'm doom" she turned pale hearing his warning tone.
"Taiyang sir you shouldn't be so harsh with Ruby. After all-ah!" Lloyd cried out in pain as the red cloak girl has stepped on his foot.
"Oops, clumsy me sorry Lloyd" she was making sure he doesn't tell him about him talking her into coming to the White Forest when it was clearly a lie.
"You should watch where you're stepping at next time" he sweat dropped he was sure she did it on purpose.
"We should all head back, the village isn't too far from here" said Taiyang.
(Time skip: the next day)
Lloyd was attending more customers on his shop, another busy day. The teen swordsman was still pondering over last night's events. It was a crazy adventure and to think it all started with a sparring match with Ruby. He was worried about the red cloak girl hoping her dad went easy on her for going to the White Forest without a word. The important thing Lily was safe and back with her mother and both he and Ruby were okay.
The journey to the deadly forest can be considered experience for training. At least the silver eyed girl was able to show signs that she was ready to become a huntress. Her head was in the game the entire time he was right all along she will become a great huntress someday. Everything went well in the end and he hoped Lily learned her lesson to never go to that place again. He smiled finishing with the customer who bought a bracelet and the rest who were window shopping left.
The twin swordsman was about to head to the back room, to work on his king size Beowulf figurine before his door opened. Turning towards it as the bell above the door rang, another customer was present. It was a man with dark, red eyes with a red cape black pants with a gray and white shirt, black shoes. Lloyd took noticed of the sheathed weapon behind him it looked like a large sword. It was the first time he has seen this man but he was just another customer he will happily attend.
"Welcome, how can I help you?"
"Nice place you got here kid" the man has taken from his pocket a silver flask, taking a sip.
"I don't think you should be drinking in my shop sir."
"Don't see a sing that says" no alcohol allowed" anywhere. So I figure I can drink here, you got a problem?"
"I guess not" he scratched the back of his head" what's with this guy?"
"Grimm made out of wood, not bad. The bracelets and necklaces are no big deal but those statues are worth some praise."
"Thanks sir" Lloyd sweat dropped at the comment of his accessories.
"Let's cut the" sir" thing okay? The name's Qrow."
"Qrow?" he blinked" you're Ruby's uncle."
"The one and only" he took a sip from his flask" gotta admit you did good at the White Forest. Ruby tells me you're very skilled and you have some impressive moves. Honestly I think she's exaggerating but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. She's my niece after all. Though I'm wondering how were you able to survived that waterfall. Ruby's was unconscious at the time so she doesn't know a thing, it was a long drop…."
"I guess I got lucky."
"Yeah...Lucky" the man scoffed as he took another sip.
"You don't believe me?"
"Not in the slightest kid. Even an experienced huntsman or huntress falls from such a height, they will either drown or get seriously hurt. It doesn't matter how much aura one has the results, wouldn't be any pretty. Yet here you are not a single scratch on you neither you or Ruby drowned and no injuries. That is unless...You never fell from the waterfall at all."
"You think that I actually, flew and took Ruby with me?" way to go Lloyd, say the obvious.
"Maybe" the huntsman grinned.
"Sir-I mean Qrow. I think you're over thinking things. What's important that Ruby is safe and so is Lily. No one got hurt everything went well."
"True thought you were planning to take the blame for Ruby coming to the White Forest. Tai told me after he had his long talk with her."
"I didn't wanted her to get in trouble with her dad."
"That's very selfless and sweet. But in all honesty, it was stupid. You're already in good terms with Tai why would you risk the chance to ruin that? Ruby made the decision on her own to go with you, so she's responsible and got what it was coming to her. She's grounded for a week, she's lucky Tai went easy on her and didn't gave her a month."
"Yeah, I'd figured she was going to get grounded" the twin swordsman lowered his head.
"Don't feel bad, she'll get over it soon. It won't be long before she starts disobeying her old man again" he chuckled taking a sip from his flask.
"That definitely sounds like Ruby" he smiled.
"Anyway kid-"
"Let's drop the" kid" thing okay? It's Lloyd" he mimicked him.
"Fair enough" Qrow gave a grin at his attitude" let me get straight to the point of the reason for coming here. Ruby is always telling me how great of a friend you are there isn't a single day she doesn't repeat the same thing."
"That's a good thing?"
"Sure it is and I'm happy for her. I am happy she found someone like you. You already know she's not a pro in the friend making department" he suddenly got serious" you may have Tai's seal of approval, but you don't have mine. Not yet anyway. I'll be keeping my eye on you."
"Is that a threat?"
"It's a warning. Someone has to make sure my niece is" protected". With you around it's hard to tell, she's fifteen and you are-"
"Seventeen. I know it's weird that I remember my age but don't ask me why it's really, complicated."
"Right right, almost forgot you have amnesia sorry to hear that. Point is Lloyd keep your friendship with Ruby just friendship that's all. I find out you plan to take it" beyond" friendship and there's going to be trouble between us."
"Huh?" the swordsman in red stood dumbfounded.
"You know what I'm talking about."
"I really don't know what you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me" a tick appeared on the back of the huntsman's head.
"We're just friends."
"You can't be serious" Qrow couldn't believe what he was hearing taking another sip" this kid is for real?"
"I'm out of here, have a pain in the back side called" paper work" to do over my desk" he sighed remembering the stack of papers filling the desk.
"Are you sure you don't want to have a look around? Maybe I can give you a discount of anything you buy here, it's on me. What do you say?"
"No thanks I'd rather spend my lien on alcohol and women" he left the shop.
"Is he for real?" the twin swordsman sweat dropped.
"The kid is so dense maybe he will be good for Ruby. Maybe I can give him my approval...Someday."
To be continued
-Another chapter done happy to know I'm making progress in this story.
-Just a few more chapters before entering canon.
-If anyone has noticed I did added elements from the red trailer in this chapter. The part when Lloyd and Ruby were fighting the Grimm in the forest clearing. Meaning I won't go into the trailer since this was my way of adding it in this story.
-I think Qrow can be more over protective of Ruby than Taiyang in my opinion. Poor Lloyd has no idea what he was talking about but yeah Lloyd is that dense.
-Mrs. Muffin's character is based on the same Mrs. Muffin from the itsy bitsy spider song just in case anyone is curious to know.
-Coming up is Yuri's turn and find out what he's been up to since we last heard of him. All I can say it will be an interesting chapter how he meets a" certain faunus".
-As always thank you very much for all the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.
Next time: On the same boat