Finally, Sun and Blake arrived at their destination, with Sun almost leaping out of the car and running around to the passenger side to open it for Blake, who casually stepped out and followed him to the entrance of a store with two red doors which had a large sign that read 'Rose's Guns' hanging above.
As Sun pushed open the door for Blake to walk through, a small shrill came from a silver bell that sat above the door frame. She thought it slightly unusual to have such a beautiful sound in a place that sold armaments.
And after the door shut behind her, she scanned the entire store .
Not really an expert in naming weapons, Blake could see a vast array of guns, large, small, shotguns, rifles, Blake guessed that if you could name it, the owner would have it.
"Hiya Sun."
"Sup."
Blake blinked for a second or two, then approached the counter next to Sun after the initial shock had worn off after seeing who had greeted him.
The owner of the shop appeared to be a girl slightly shorter than her, had black hair with red tips and the energy and gung-ho enthusiasm about her that she herself would have never expected for the atmosphere of the shop.
"And you must be Blake, Sun's told me all about you whenever he comes to my shop."
"Really." Blake replied, raising an eyebrow and looking up at Sun with a blank expression about her.
"Yeah. He says you're funny and smart and cute and-"
"Ruby!"
"Oh sorry… by the way I'm Ruby, Ruby Rose, hence the name of the shop." She said with a slightly embarrassed tone from the resultant rambling before Sun cut her off.
"Though I'm not a big fan of guns, the name is actually quite welcoming. And the rose logo is vert beautiful." Blake answered, giving honest credit where credit is due.
"Thank you." After a second or two, Blake could see a look of excitement in Ruby's eye's before she asked.
"Well, how do you like your pistol?"
"Like I said, I'm not really into owning my own personal firearm. However, for the purpose of today, I am willing to give it a shot...uh I mean try."
"Oooh okay, well if I remember correctly your weapon takes nine millimeter rounds.
And Sun, Ruyi and Jingu are fully loaded?"
"Never leave the Bangs unloaded when I'm out."
"Wait, Ruyi and Jingu? Is Ruby referring to your shotguns?"
"Yeah obviously, that's the mark of a true weapons professional, right Ruby?"
"Yep, see my sniper on the wall, her name is Crescent Rose."
Blake said nothing as she looked up to where Ruby had pointed to 'Crescent Rose' and indeed there, sat behind a glass case was a very large sniper rifle, something about it seemed off. If she remembered from a video Sun had shown her, this rifle had a lot of kick back to it, and the only reason why it didn't blow your arm off was because it housed several springs inside in order to dampen the push-back… a Beret- no Barret if she recalled correctly.
Ruby's own elongated death machine was painted primarily red, with a few black accents along the barrel and some parts of the body; there was also a silver rose insignia similar to the store logo just above the trigger.
She then blinked as her focus shifted from the gun to Ruby as she spoke.
"I mean you can name yours later, right now, it's your birthday, I don't think you should waste it talking to me here when you could be at the back of the range having fun."
Ruby then proceeded to duck under the counter and produced two pairs of earmuffs, goggles and a small red box, which Blake presumed was the ammunition needed for her pistol.
"Luckily you guys are the first customers I've seen today and so you can have the range all to yourselves so just follow me and we'll go over a few things."
Ruby then stepped out from around the counter to guide the pair through another set of doors which lead to a fairly spacious indoor shooting range, which itself was separated into several lanes; she judged this distance to the opposing end where the targets stood to be roughly twenty meters.
"Alright, Blake since this is the first time you've been to my range, and though I trust you and Sun to do the right thing, I still need to establish some house rules when you are here.
Number one, never point a loaded gun at anything or anyone other than the targets down range.
Two, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire your weapon at your target, do not lightly rest your finger on the trigger, do not hover your finger over the trigger inside the trigger guard… just rest your finger on the side of the weapon above the trigger.
Though your gun can fire several rounds a second, no rapid firing, only single slow shots around here.
If you are not at all ready to fire your gun, keep your safety on until you are ready to line up your shot.
When you need to reload, point the barrel of your gun down range and finger off the trigger.
If you are not actively using your weapon, make sure it is fully unloaded, the magazine is removed and the ejection port is facing up and open and the barrel is facing downrange.
If I or anyone else on the range call a ceasefire, you are to immediately stop what you are doing, remove your magazine from your weapon and place your gun so that the barrel is facing down range and wait for me to sort the situation out, whether it is someone breaking any steps mentioned above or for any other reason.
Lastly, while you are here with your weapons, treat them as if they are always loaded.
If for any reason you have forgotten any of what I have said, you can refer to this information poster just behind you."
Blake blinked once or twice before coming to and looked up at Sun, who surprisingly to her, looked as though he was absorbed in everything Ruby had just said, as if it was his first time at the range rather than her.
Usually when it came to safety rules such as fire drills or the quick run down before a ride at a funfair or carnaval, Sun would tend to roll his eyes and half listen, though he never actively went against what was being said or act stupid in such a way that he would hurt himself because he didn't follow advice.
"Wow, that was… thorough." She finally said.
"You've got to be when dealing with firearms, as fun and harmless as they may seem thanks to games and movies, someone ill-prepared to handle one can be as dangerous as an experienced weapons handler.
Now do you have any questions?"
"Just one, you said we were to have our weapons unloaded, and to treat them as if they were at all times, yet when we came in, you knew very well that Sun had his pair already loaded-"
"And you're wondering why I can allow that?"
"Yes."
"Well that's because Sun has earned my trust for one, when he first came here, he was like everyone else, kept the guns in a bag, unloaded and facing down range. As time went on he still did everything by the rules, and even when he walked in, he wasn't brandishing them like a moron and he won't pull them out until he is fully in his lane and is aware there is no one behind him."
"Okay… that makes sense, but still…"
"Blake, as worried as you are, I am one of the most responsible gun dealers in the city, my mother used to be in the force and I have been around weapons for most of my life and I know how to spot an irresponsible person as they walk through that door.
All guns that I have sold to my customers have had rigorous background checks before I sold it to them and have ensured they follow the law… if any of my weapons were ever used illegally or they were traced back to me, I would take full responsibility for the actions that lead to it. "
Blake continued to look at the younger looking girl, and as much as she felt strongly against what Ruby did as a job, she could not fault her for her genuine passion,heart and the honesty behind what she did.
This was someone who knew what they were talking about, she was disciplined in the rules, Blake imagined that had Ruby taken up a job in say a nuclear plant or a clean room in a sophisticated lab, she would be just as diligent as she was now.
"I trust what you've said thus far.
So what are we waiting for, let's give Gambol Shroud a shot." She said with a lot more enthusiasm than what she expected to say aloud.
"Then let's get started."
Ruby replied with a bright and wide smile, overjoyed by Blake's name for her new pistol.
She then grabbed Blake's hand and pulled her over to the table just before the firing line of one of the lanes.
All the while Sun stood with crossed arms and a smirk on his face as he watched the pair before he himself walked over to the lane next to them, drawing Ruyi and Jingu, though not firing until Blake had been shown how to load and reload Gambol Shroud.
"Alright, now that I've shown you how to reload, I think it's time for me to step back and let you take aim."
Blake nodded before turning to Sun who gestured to the range.
With the all clear from the pair, she then looked down range at the target on the other end, slowly, she brought Gambol Shroud up to eye level and lined up the ironsight with the bullseye and clicked the safety off.
"Firing in 3… 2… 1…"
She yelled until she squeezed the trigger.
Bang
Even with the ear protection, the shot still sounded somewhat terrifying, and the recoil nearly caused her to drop the gun, had it not been her left hand bracing the underside of the weapon as Ruby had shown her how to properly compensate for the resulting fire.
She gently placed the weapon down as she could still feel her muscles in her arms still trembling from the adrenaline.
Looking over to Sun, who looked content, and Ruby even more so, she walked back next to Blake and raised a hand to press a button just over her head.
The target was attached to a rail system, which brought it to them so as to inspect her 'handy work'.
"I judge that to be about nine centimetres off from bullseye, not bad for your first shot, you did everything right, and you maintained a firm grip on Gambol Shroud as you fired." Ruby noted with pride in her voice.
"Can we keep going?"
Blake asked.
"Of course we can, did you want to use a fresh target, or did you want to keep using this one?" Ruby asked, though half of the girl's attention was still fixated on how close she managed to get a bullseye on her first try.
"I think I'll keep using this, so I can see if I can get a bullseye and how my other shots will compare to my initial shot."
Blake then turned to Sun, who still kept his focus on her lane rather than his own.
"Are you going to have a go on your side, or would you just be happy with still staring at me?"
She sarcastically asked, only for him to smirk yet again.
"Hey I've got no problem in watching you.
I'll go when I'm ready and that's when I'm certain you're having fun." He said as he went to pick up both shotguns, lined them up with his own target and squeezed their triggers.
Earlier that morning.
9AM on the dot.
Weiss awoke to the dim sound of the morning rush, but as she stirred from her bed the warm rays of the sun enticed her to overlook the rest of the city, and despite it being a bustling plethora of people and cars, it somehow had a feeling of order to it.
Looking over the pantry and its contents, Weiss chose a plain box of corn puffs; compared to every other cereal there, the corn puffs were practically a healthy choice.
She could have made eggs and toast, but still felt like she should ask rather than taking from her sister without replacing them.
Cycling through several channels on the television, she noted that there were many to choose from, the programs ranged from daytime talk shows, infomercials and cartoons, and if she were being honest, the cartoons were the only thing with substance… that and maybe the comedy channel.
By the time things were getting interesting, she had finished her cereal, washed, dried and put away the cutlery. She would make sure she would get to the store on time to meet up with the realtor, and her watch told her she needed to get going.
Entering the study, she saw the oak desk in the corner Winter had mentioned.
Pulling the drawer open, she blinked at the finely engraved revolver staring back up at her, carefully taking it from its resting place, she held it in her hands while scanning all sides of it until opening the chamber and spun the barrel before closing it moments later.
Her vision then looked over to the side of where the gun lay, a neat little red box sat next to the empty space.
Must be the ammunition.
Weiss then placed the gun tenderly back where it was, the name Myrtenaster appearing on the handle as it caught the light while she closed the drawer and turned back to her room to grab her handbag.
With everything she needed she approached the door reaching for the handle, before slowly releasing it and looking back at the archway pondering what her sister said last night, shaking her head, her hand firmly opened the door and stepped out before shutting it behind her, double checking the lock once she took out the key and made her way downstairs and out into the world.
Bang
Bang
Bang
Click
"Well that's it, I'm out."
Blake somewhat shouted as she unloaded Gambol Shroud's empty magazine before placing it on the table.
"I think I want to call it there."
She sighed while taking off her earmuffs.
"You sure?" Sun asked, as he himself reloaded his shotguns before clicking on their safeties and placing them downrange.
"We've been here for nearly half an hour and we should go to the gym."
"Alright, but first let's see that target of yours." Ruby said as she brought the paper target to them, after unhooking it from the rail system then smiled as she tilted it for Blake and Sun to look.
Five shots had managed to find their way to the bullseye while one shot somehow was a thumbs width away from the edge of the paper, the rest were randomly dotted in what she could call reasonable.
After seeing how she did, Blake then proceeded to reload a fresh magazine into Gambol Shroud before realising her mistake.
"It's okay Blake, you've shown respect for your weapon and not to abuse it, you can keep it loaded, but keep that safety on."
"Right." She replied.
Then it dawned on her when she remembered that Sun sometimes walked around while having Ruyi and Jingu holstered on him in public places, he did say he never left home without them being loaded… or was that a simple play on the old phrase? The question she thought of at that moment still was; why did she feel uncomfortable with the idea of carrying the loaded gun even with the safety on, while at the same time she didn't.
The three then walked back to the main entrance and handed back the equipment Ruby had lent them, afterwhich Blake and Sun turned and headed for the exit, only for Ruby to call to them.
"Oh- before you two leave, I almost forgot these."
Before Blake could reply, Ruby ducked under the counter once again and produced several books stacked on top of one another, all wrapped together neatly with a big purple bow.
"Again, happy birthday Blake.
It was nice to meet you.
I know that you're not thrilled at the idea of my business and what I do, but I'd be more than happy if you swung by just to say hi."
"Thank you, I've enjoyed meeting you too, and who knows, maybe we can meet up and have a go on the range, it was indeed quite a lot of fun I'll admit that."
"You really mean that?" The owner asked with joyful surprise.
"Yes I do."
With that Ruby leaned over the counter to embrace Blake, nearly suffocating the older girl before she pulled back and waved to them as they left.
"Bye you guys, and happy birthday."
"Wow, she has quite the personality, doesn't she." Blake said after climbing into the car and shutting the passenger door.
"See, I knew you'd like her." Sun smiled before turning the key in the ignition and pulling out of the parking lot.
"So how much time do we have before you have to start work?"
"Pretty sure only about ten minutes, plus the trip is going to take fifteen."
"Five minutes late aye, what a way to start on the first day."
"C'mon I'm not that bad..."
"Don't you think about speeding in order to make it on time."
"Hey, it was that one time."
"That one time almost got you killed, not to mention totalling your last car."
"Shoddy brakes and oversteer were the reason for that crash."
"Call it what you want, but I want you to not only get to work, but also to come home in one piece, is that understood?"
"Okay, I hear you."
"Thank you.
But if you're going to be running late... then just drop me off here and I'll walk the rest of the way."
With that, Sun checked his rear view mirror, then to his right before pulling over to the curb, allowing her to get out, gym bag in hand.
"So you'll be fine getting home after this?" He asked as he leaned over the passenger seat.
"Sun. I've been walking these streets for nearly three years before we met, I'll be fine. What time do you think you'll be finished?"
"Probably by nine."
"Okay, well let me know when you actually do leave, we'll still have a few hours before my birthday ends, so we can do anything I want."
"Take care then, love you." He replied, before revving his engine as he sped off.
"Give him life saving advice, and what does he do… in one ear, out the other."
She quietly muttered to herself as she walked towards the gym, and given that it was the day she would be working on cardio, she guessed that a little excess walking wouldn't really hurt.
Not to mention she preferred actually walking and going somewhere rather than moving yet covering no distance whatsoever on a treadmill.
Sun was pretty much the one who still kept her motivated to exercise indoors, mainly because the place was quite relaxing, and they did have the most affordable membership in the area.
For Weiss, these city streets were a sight to behold, people of many shapes and sizes passed her by, some smiling back at her while others took no notice as they went about with their own thoughts, she noted one or two somewhat scowled at her friendly nature when passing them by, to each is own she figured.
But eventually, she had finally made it to the location of her new store.
"This is it, building 636."
She waited for another five or so minutes before the realtor arrived with the set of keys so she could be let in to see if the layout had been made to her specifications.
Now when it came to the stores that her parents owned, everyone of those locations bore the company logo while the inside as well as out appeared to be an immaculate white, maybe a hint of pale blue for contrast… to reflect fine goods they offered to their paying customers .
But for Weiss, the first thing she instructed when getting this building was a complete polar opposite style, though it still had the classical emblem to signify the business, the outside had a black marble appearance with gold accents that traced around the pillars that lead inside, the interior was also made with a marbled black finish, with flecks of quartz within the stone.
Though one would think this would make the room dark, well placed lighting allowed for just enough illumination that it never felt you were truly in the dark, nor also blinded by the artificial lights.
And with the arrangements of the display cases, she was sure the stock once placed inside said displays would brighten the room as well as be the main focus.
"So how did we do?" The realtor asked, though not necessarily nervous for the verdict.
"An excellent job."Weiss promptly said, smiling as her eyes kept moving around the room.
"Well I was told from the team, this has been one of their easier projects, clear communication from top to bottom."
"Thank you, I took inspiration from Greek artworks of the classical era and the architecture from the Parthenon."
"Well if everything is fine, all building codes have been met on our end.
Here are your set of keys, and a spare copy will be placed in one of our safety deposit boxes, should you ever need it, don't hesitate to call us."
"Thank you, and once we fully open, you and those who have worked to make this happen are more than welcome to come and purchase any items you fancy at let's say fifty percent off, this store is perfectly laid out as how I wanted."
"That's quite a generous offer, thank you. I will relay the message.
By the way, when are you expected to open?"
"Stock will most likely come during this week, give time to set up… I'd say next week or the week after and the store will fully be up and running."
"Well you have my number, call me when you have a finalized date.
I best be heading off to my next appointment, good luck in your endeavors, and enjoy the rest of your day."
"I will, and again thank you for everything."
"My pleasure."
With that, Weiss was left alone in the store, still admiring the workmanship, she stayed for another five minutes before remembering what else her sister had told her.
'Tomorrow go out and explore the city after you've sorted out the store.'
Well she had finished up with the store thus far, so she guessed that it wouldn't hurt to sight see for a while, though she preferred if Winter was around at least to show her what was worth looking at or things to do.
After triple checking the lock to both the back and the front of the store, she looked both left and right, figuring that since there hadn't been anything of interest on her way here, then she best go in the opposite direction to see if further ahead there was.
By now the streets had quietened down, with most commuters, and pedestrians working in their offices, and most likely the streets wouldn't become busier until around midday.
Weiss saw one or two people, but felt it still too weird to ask them for directions to anything 'fun', so she opted to keep to herself.
Unbeknownst to her, not everyone around was keeping to themselves.
"Hey Tony."
"Yeah?"
"See that pretty lady over there?"
"Yeah, what about her?"
"You ever seen someone like that before…"
"What do you mean, with the way she walks, or the hair?"
"Sure both."
"What's your point…"
"I reckon she's the type of person the boss is looking for."
"Now you mention it, I feel like I've seen her before.
Think she's loaded?"
"That's why I brought it up in the first place numbnuts. With the way she dresses you'd be an idiot not to think that she ain't.
Now let's get going before we lose sight of her."
He said before slapping his partner Tony in the back of the head.
The two well dressed men then began tailing the girl for several meters away.
A/N: Another chapter done, this one with a little more length to it.
I did have to watch a video on gun range safety which hopefully I conveyed well.
Hope you like it, let me know your thoughts and I will see you all next week.