"Well, here."

Perplexed, Blake looked up at the item in her Master's hand. It was a book.

The Faunus was caught off guard at the gesture as a rare look of confusion was clearly written on Blake's face, "W-What- I mean, what is this for?" Blake stammered out as she stood up from her task of folding the clean linen.

Weiss kept her composure as she wanted to keep the air as friendly and open as possible, "Klein mentioned that you read through most of books we had on hand. He also mentioned that you were keen to novels about adventures…"

Amber eyes blinked as she was still shell shocked at the gesture before her, she had never heard of a slave master buying something for their slave. "I… thank you." Blake took the book from Weiss and watched the merchant walk off into her office.

"If you're in need of something, please." The Schnee looked back at the slave, "Let Klein or even myself know." A genuine smile was seen on the lips of Weiss Schnee.

Blake nodded her head as she watched Weiss retreat into her office to tend to the paperwork that was a part of her craft.

'I was always told Schnee's hated the Faunus.' Blake thought to herself as she thumbed through the pages of the book, 'She has so far proved everything I've heard about them wrong…'

She shook her head as she closed the book, 'No, this could be a farce… and I have to stay focused.'

Amber eyes looked to the sky as she felt the autumn breeze blow, it was getting colder which signaled the coming arrival of a string of Mistrali holidays that were celebrated in the winter months.

After all, she was biding her time until she and her brethren could walk free from the collar around her neck.

"Neptune, left!" Sun commanded as the two broke apart to avoid getting skewered by the trident their opponent carried.

He was built like a tower and each thrust they parried was like a cannonball. Neptune had a hard time believing that this guy spent most of his life fishing before ultimately finding his fate here in the Arena.

"C'mon sonny, you gotta show some gall if you wanna win!" A bystander in the crowd shouted out as a few high-pitched whistles could be heard all around.

Sun was quick to retaliate and he certainly lived up to his namesake of the Monkey King as he swiftly danced around his opponent. Neptune watched in awe as the giant was being decorated in sword wounds, Sun made it look so easy.

"Don't forget about me now." A net went flying right towards Neptune, but the rough training he received as a prospect automatically kicked in as he deftly rolled forward and narrowly missed getting entangled in the trap that usually meant one's life.

The crowd roared and Neptune could hear spurts of "Go, blue, go!" for his hair. His opponent was at a slight disadvantage, he carried no shield since he opted for the sword and net. The net was now useless to Neptune's opponent so long as he ensured he didn't pick it back up.

The green gladiator stood his ground as he exchanged blows with the smaller opponent. It was becoming clear that Neptune's swordplay was superior since the enemy was quickly wearing out. Hastily – his opponent put some space between them to help catch his breath and rethink his strategy.

But the smaller man simply smirked as his eyes darted behind Neptune.

"Run!" Sun roared as he attempted to catch up from where he was previously thrown by the giant. Neptune noticed he was going to be in a compromising position with the big oaf charging at him.

"Shit." He decided it was time to do something a bit bold, but it's not like he had a choice unless he wanted to become worm food at the end of the day. 'Come on shorty, I know you wanna…' Sweat poured down the blue gladiator's face as his heart pounded within his ears.

And just like he hoped for, the shorter opponent made a lunge towards Neptune in an attempt to complete the pincer attack. What he did next was something he had seen Nadir do a few times during training. He threw his round shield like a discus at the short opponent and felt a wave a relief as he saw that despite his wild aim, the shield hit it's mark.

Now that Neptune was lighter without the shield he was able to jump out of the way before the spear impaled him from behind.

"I can't believe that worked." Neptune muttered to himself as he scrambled to his feet.

"I'm right here!" Sun came jumping high over with both of his swords raised overhead, the attack effectively dismembered the giant's arm and a river of blood began to flow. The slice was done so precisely that it seemed the giant barely noticed as he lifted his one good arm to counter-attack. However, Sun didn't let up as he continued the combination against the one-handed giant.

Neptune felt sick at the sight, but quickly he was brought to his senses due to the impeding danger he felt. The shorter opponent had managed to recover his lost net and had already thrown the trap at Neptune. He didn't have time to evade it, so instead he raised her sword to try to get it caught on there instead – once again he thanked this technique to the training he had as a prospect.

It worked, but now Neptune was without his weapon since it was tangled up in a useless heap. His enemy didn't miss the cue as he came charging at the unarmed slave.

Only a couple yards off to the side Neptune caught sight of the giant himself falling on to the unforgiving sands, he was stone still as a rush of red came out from underneath him. The light in his eyes wavered every so slightly before becoming a distant and cold gaze.

Sun was sweating heavily from the bout, but quickly assessed the situation in front of him. With a practiced hand he threw one of his gladius aimed at the last opponent, but the enemy saw the attack coming and immediately backed off – effectively dodging the sword throw.

"Catch!" Sun called out as he kicked up the trident towards his partner. He could have tried to go for another throw with his last sword, but something within him wanted to see if the newbie had what it takes to truly last in here.

Neptune kept one eye on his opponent who was getting ready to charge at him once more, he caught the spear mid-air and brought the pole up just in time to avoid getting his face slice in half.

He didn't have as much training with a spear like he did with the sword, but he knew the basics from what he learned as a prospect. The steps were textbook and he knew someone like Ruby would easily dismantle him, but it was enough to overwhelm his opponent and that was all he cared about.

With a final thrust he felt the tip of the trident make contact with his opponents lower abdomen.

"Urgh…" Neptune watched as his opponent fell to his knees with the spear still impaling him. The new gladiator noticed how his hands had refused to let go of the spear, his body just didn't seem like it was his own anymore. He had done it, he had finally inflicted a mortal wound on someone. Neptune had finally met his fate of murdering a living human being. The feeling was further cemented by the look of disbelief of his skewered opponent.

And he felt absolutely nauseous.

"I got it." Sun muttered as he approached the two, Roman had already passed judgment (which was death) but Neptune hadn't moved an inch since he stabbed the last opponent. He could guess what the newbie was going through since it was his first time in the Arena.

His first time attempting to kill another person.

With a swagger of his sword, the head came rolling off – Sun made it look so easy before his partner. By the time Neptune could react, Sun quickly grabbed the slave by his arm and the Faunus watched as the spear came out of the body – the newbie's hands were still glued to the pole arm by the tell tale signs of his white knuckles.

"Don't puke here. Hold it in. Raise your weapon and act like you had sex for the first time." Sun advised to his partner.

Neptune nodded as he did his best to swallow what already came up.

Shakily, he held up the spear in hand as he cheered the best he could, doing his best to keep the bile from bubbling up once more.

"That's a good look on Neptune there, why didn't I think of that in the first place?" Roman commented, "Don't you think so too?" He asked his companion, another noble who owned the two gladiators that Sun and Neptune just killed off.

"Hm, it really does suit his namesake of Neptune. I think you should roll with it." He waved his hand, "Keep the spear, I don't want it back after that disaster." A roll of his eyes as he spat at the now two useless bodies he once owned. "Good fight, as always your gladiators are top notch, nothing less from the famed House Torchwick."

"It's hard work to get them to where they need to be." Roman sighed, "And your two gladiators were no slouch either, I thought for sure I was going to be one body short on gladiators at one point."

"Ah, they were just two fishermen who couldn't pay back a loan for their boat a while back. " The fellow gladiator owner waved his hand, "I'm sure I can find more for next time. Until then, see you around Roman."

"See you." Roman called back as he turned his attention back to the Arena. The slave master was debating on staying for the last fight of the day or heading back to his Villa. Red had done an excellent job of dismembering the opponent before Neptune's debut match, he smirked to himself as he recalled what was left of the man before Roman had passed judgement and granted the merciful death. His precious Reaper was probably in the best form he had ever seen.

Meanwhile, one of the said slaves was hunched over and his stomach emptied itself at the side of the passageway back to the cells.

Sun rubbed his back while the newly christened gladiator dry heaved.

"You'll get used to it after today." The Faunus reassured as he looked away from the vomit, if he stared too long his stomach would be doing the same thing.

"Thanks." Neptune heaved, he realized that he was still holding on to spear he had taken from their opponents, "Should I give this back?"

Sun motioned for his partner to walk, "Just keep it, Master Torchwick had a pleased look on his face while you were holding it. This might become your thing."

"What do you mean 'thing'?" Neptune asked as they approached their cell, the guards were lax around them, but it was mostly due to the fact that Sun was Neptune's partner, if it were just Neptune he would be getting a much stricter treatment. The two were locked into their cage and they sat on the cool floor of the cell.

Ruby was taking a nap when they came back, Neptune wasn't sure how the seasoned fighter did it - she hadn't bothered to wash off the blood that was now caked on her face and hands. What more, she didn't even have a scratch on her from her fight.

"Like how Nadir has the Wilding thing, Rubes has that Reaper motif, and I'm known as the Monkey King… albeit I secretly hate the name, but it's my thing… whether I like it or not." He sighed, his blues eyes flicked towards his sleeping friend - he smiled to himself because Ruby looked so much younger in her sleep than she did while she was awake.

"You don't like being called Monkey King?" Neptune was surprised, he thought the name was kind of cool.

Sun sighed, "No, I don't. I think it's racist and it hurts my pride in being a Faunus."

"What do you mean?"

"It's like me calling you Blue Hair or Human Boy. It's kinda degrading and it's annoying after a while." Sun looked up, "Growing up, humans always felt the need to call us by the animal traits we have, rather than our true names."

"I… I think I get what you mean, kind of like when we're referred to as slaves."

Sun smiled at the analogy, "I think I'm gonna use that one more often when people ask why I hate being called Monkey King."

"So do you tell people not to call you that often then?"

"No, I can't." Another sigh, "It's my thing, remember? Torchwick wouldn't be happy if I went against it. But I do tell people like you and Nadir and stuff."

"I'll keep that in mind then, Sun." A quick smile.

Sun returned the gesture in full, "Thanks, Neptune."

"You guys done flirting yet?" Ruby's sleepy voice pierced through the cell, the Faunus rolled his eyes and playfully pushed her shoulder as she sat up. She scrunched up her nose, "At least learn to puke without getting it on yourself."

Neptune smiled sheepishly for the smell, "S-Sorry."

Later that night the Gladiators under the Torchwick name gathered around in the slave compound to celebrate the birth of a new Gladiator and to welcome him into the ranks.

Neptune beamed proudly as he knew what this meant, no longer would he have to yield in line to the seniors for food, no longer would he wait idly by in the bath for someone else to finish. He had earned the respect and place amongst the gladiators now.

Roman usually let the slaves have their little fun during these events since it wasn't often that they successfully welcomed prospects into the ranks of full-fledged gladiators. Despite the hellish training that the prospects endured before their first battle, the odds were still 50/50 when it came to surviving the first match.

"So how many does this make now?" One of the gladiators asked as they all indulged in the casks of wine and extra plates of food from Torchwick's personal cooking staff. It was part of the fun that Roman let his gladiators indulge in during these rare events. Neptune recognized the gladiator as Sage, he had been christened as a new gladiator when Neptune first arrived at the Villa nearly 9 months ago.

"We're about 13 strong now in numbers." Nadir did the math, "It's been a good year for us, this is probably the least amount of Torchwick gladiators that I've seen die in the Arena." With Bolin gone, Nadir held the mantle of most senior gladiator in terms of time.

"Do you guys count the prospects too?" Neptune questioned, he remembered a couple other faces that were picked up around the same time as him.

They were either dead or still prospects.

Sun shook his head, "We don't, it'd be a bit much… We generally keep track of those who make it past their first match." The Faunus omitted the fact that an average gladiator didn't last more than a year in the Arena. Which is part of the reason why Ruby, Bolin, Nadir, and himself became so famous as they made it well past their expiration date.

"Was everyone's first match like mine?" Neptune recalled how sick he felt when he saw all the blood.

"You mean to ask if we puked our guts out? Because that's a no for me." Nadir joked.

"I was queasy, but I didn't blow chunks." Sun chimed in.

The other gladiators began to recount their first time experiences in the Arena, Neptune nodded and took in all the information before it finally made way to the most quiet of them all.

"What about you Ruby?" Neptune asked jovially, "What was it like going from prospect to gladiator?"

It turned strangely quiet after the question was hung in the air, Neptune was confused because he wasn't sure what had just happened.

"Neptune… don't worry-"

"It's fine." Ruby sighed as she cut off Sun, "I was never a prospect to begin with, so I guess you can say I'm not really supposed to be a Gladiator." Ruby drank her wine slowly, "I was supposed to be a house slave, but I didn't conform well enough. Torchwick finally had enough of me and decided to throw me into the Arena against a pack of Beowolves during a Taming of the Beast event. He had the event talked up as some sort of comedy, 'Little Red Riding Hooding Takes on the Big Bad Wolves'. The crowd loved the idea of it."

She thought back to her first fight, alone and cornered with just a sword in one hand and a shield in another. The armor she wore was piss-poor quality and the blood stained burlap sack was supposed to be her 'cape'.

"What Torchwick didn't expect was for Little Red to turn out to be a wolf herself."

Another gladiator with red hair chipped in what he remembered of it, "I was a prospect at the time and Torchwick had a party to celebrate the feat a few days later. She slayed five of those Grimm by herself. It was unheard of, they said such a thing rivaled Lady Nikos herself." Neptune knew his name was Scarlet, he had been christened an official Gladiator for almost a year now. The only ones who out ranked his seniority were Sun and the remainder of Torchwick's precious Core.

"That was almost two and a half years ago now, huh?" Nadir recalled.

Neptune was in awe, but something didn't make sense. "But how did you get your training to do that if you were never a prospect to begin with?"

Silence fell on the group once more, two of the older gladiators shot glances at Ruby, Sun, and Nadir while a majority didn't know what to say.

"Sage, Scarlet… not a word." Nadir commanded the two gladiators; they nodded their heads as the rest of the group was confused. Neptune noticed that the confused ones were those who were Gladiators for less than half a year it seems.

He noticed a trend – the average lifespan of a Gladiator was less than a year (excluding the obvious ones). Neptune clenched his jaw as he drowned the fact out with the wine in his hand.

"That's something you shouldn't be asking." Ruby's tone was low, the atmosphere was cold once more.

Sun nudged Ruby, who rolled her eyes but quickly broke into a smile, "So Neptune, congrats on surviving so far." The mood lightened up once more, "We may be damned slaves, but those of us in this group right now - we're the unluckiest of the bunch to bear this horrible fate of being a Gladiator. So fight, struggle, and do what you must to continue surviving from now on. And hopefully be as lucky as Bolin."

Sun chuckled at the little speech, "Do what you must to survive, that goes for everyone here."

The circle of gladiators toasted one more time before concluding Neptune's induction into their ranks.

"Interesting." Silver hair flashed in the dim lighting of the underground tunnels, "I can't believe you manage to produce such a thing."

In his hand he held a peculiar piece of earth Dust.

"It wasn't easy, we ran out of collars and Dust crystals before we got it to work just right." The blood red locks were barely visible in the fire Dust crystals glow.

Mercury Black snapped his fingers, "I remember hearing about a slew of curious robberies, most common items stolen were unused slave collars from the nobles homes." He narrowed his gaze at the Faunus before him, "One tried to get into my master's home once, but obviously that didn't turn out well for him."

"He was foolish to think that he could break into the Fall Villa, I warned them of who to steer clear of but that idiot…" The figure in the white Grimm mask trailed off, "He wasn't the only one we lost, a few others were captured during the attempt to secure more resources for our experiment." He left it at that.

"Their sacrifices weren't in vain," Mercury ran a hand around his neck.

It felt so damn good to be rid of that slave collar.

"So… are you in?" Adam Taurus proposed once more.

Mercury Black smiled, "Of course I'm in." He sighed heavily, "But you know, I have to get back home soon – it'll be a problem if I just suddenly disappear." He grabbed the wretched collar and proceeded to put it back on.

"We're lucky to have you on our side, you're a strong one indeed." The Faunus nodded his head, "If only we could recruit more gladiators as strong as you."

"Roman Torchwick's crop is what you're after." Mercury raised a brow, Adam nodded his head in confirmation.

"It's near impossible to try and get in touch with them, Torchwick keeps his slaves on the shortest leash I've ever seen. The two moles we tried to send in died during his training, and even while they were in the Villa we couldn't get in touch with them."

Mercury hummed, "Roman's got a reputation to uphold, not to mention his family has been doing this for generations. My master mentioned that Roman runs a tight ship with his gladiators. Probably has the best security detail in all of Mistral."

"But you understand though, right? If we had the strength of one or two Torchwick gladiators we would be more than successful." A fist was tightly clenched at the thought.

"Tell you what." Mercury ran a hand on his collar, the familiar weight back in place, "Tell me a little bit more about your operation and I'll stick my neck out for you and try to recruit one of them."

"And why should I let you in on that?" The Faunus narrowed his eyes.

The Fall gladiator shrugged, "The scholars say knowledge is power, and I'm going to want as much of that as possible if you expect to be a part of this scheme you got going on." He leaned in closer to the White Fang leader, "What else you got to lose? Unless you want to send in another mole and try to get in touch with those gladiators. From the sounds of it, you're going to need all the able bodies you can get."

Adam Taurus eyed the slave up and down before letting out a deep breathe.

"Fine, here's what we got so far."

Sea blue eyes looked out at the crowd before him, then to his left and right. He was envious of the armor the others wore, even if it had never seen a day in the Arena.

Sun's white scales that danced up his right arm glowed in the ample lighting while his abs were rubbed down with lavender oil to give it the extra shine and the blue scarf was a nice touch too. The Monkey King's dual gladius were both ornate in design, the metal itself was even white too.

Ruby's wolf head on the intricate chest piece and long red cape made perfect sense to Neptune after learning the story behind her slaying a pack of Beowolves, his eyes lingered on the beautiful rose patterns that made up her shoulder pieces. Her sword was of a dark metal, the ornate pattern barely visible, but Neptune would never forget that sword. Not since that fight he had with Ruby when he was a fresh prospect – he understood now the gravity of the situation back then and was deeply in her debt for her mercy.

Then there was Nadir, his armor the most simple of the two. He wore an all black metal chest piece and around his waist was a thick leather sword belt, even his sword was a simple gladius that they often used for practice. The eye-catching piece was supposed to be his cloak. A fierce lion head was perched a top of Nadir's head as the rest of the pelt fell down his back like a cape. The Wilding looked stoic in his garb and once more Neptune yearned for something like it.

From what he heard from Scarlet, Roman arranged for the Core Four (when Bolin was still around) to have their armor specially made once they cemented their fame into the Arena.

Neptune paled in comparison to the well polished display around him, all he had was the trident in hand while the rest was just the plain armor he wore during his fight in the Arena.

"Stop looking around." Nadir muttered, "You remember what we said."

Neptune gulped and then looked straight ahead.

They were to stand like marble statues, moving only when addressed or commanded other wise.

The newest Gladiator's legs were already tired, but he was to stand here all night like this unless other wise commanded. Neptune remembered what Sun said, after a few hours (and once the drink settled in) there would usually be requests for a show or other wise. If he was lucky, Torchwick may allow Neptune to be requested for special services.

'But it probably won't happen because I haven't… performed…. In front of Master Torchwick yet.' Neptune remembered when he asked the question out of curiosity.

"How come not all the gladiators have to do the things Sun do, like sleeping with the Nobles?" Now that Neptune was indoctrinated, he was able to speak freely amongst the Torchwick Gladiators.

"That's right, no one's probably told you yet." Sage rubbed his chin as he sighed, "You have to sex with one of the house slaves while Master Torchwick watches so that he can appraise you on it. It wouldn't do if Master Torchwick sold a bad quality product." He decided to be straightforward with it.

"A-Appraises?" Neptune was in disbelief, "B-But that's just so… so…"

Sage shook his head, "I know, it's weird, but you get used to it after a while – at least that's what Sun and Nadir told me."

"Wait…" Neptune shook his head, "So how many Gladiators have been requested for a sex service?"

Sage chuckled, "Honestly, just the Core Four. Nobles love to brag that they slept with a 'Champion'. Us 'common gladiators' are looked down upon as dogs when in comparison to them."

"So Ruby also-"

"Ruby isn't really up for grabs, Master Torchwick doesn't want to risk getting her pregnant. But I know for a fact that a few female nobles fancy her, one of the most prominent being Lady Fall."

Neptune's eyes went wide, he knew of Cinder Fall – daughter to the King's Councilman Salem Fall. "H-Holy Dust."

"By Oum, I swear it's true. Master Torchwick holds quiet a bit of influence on the outside because of his Gladiators."

"Monkey King and my dear Wilding." Roman had a tell tale smile on his face as a group of noble women followed behind them, "It appears someone is celebrating their birthday today…" A woman stepped up to the side of Torchwick.

"She's in her 23rd year starting today." The slave master explained, his white robes flowed with his extravagant gestures.

'She's got to be lying.' Neptune thought to himself as he kept a straight face. If we were being honest to Oum, then the woman looked easily in her late thirties and she did not age like fine wine at all.

"I'm charmed that you would think of me as an appropriate gift for one as delightful as you." Sun was light on his feet as he stepped off the pedestal, with an elegant air about him, he bowed before the noble woman.

"Well not just you, I thought it appropriate to celebrate with him too." She gestured towards Nadir who sauntered off the podium, every step he took exuded with his power and hardiness.

'Definition of a bad ass.' The new Gladiator with held a smirk, he knew that Nadir was doing this for show as he never sauntered like that in his every day mannerisms.

"I am at your disposal tonight." Nadir bowed his head, his voice a tad bit deeper than usual.

"Eager Champions we have here." One of the better-looking ones of the birthday girl's entourage spoke out.

"I swear by the stars that they're like young bulls." Roman's snake like grin was plastered on his face.

"And you say that there's enough for all of us to get our fill." Another woman (also probably in her late thirties) couldn't contain the naughty blush.

"I swear it by the good Torchwick name." The slave master raised his hand as if he were giving an unbreakable vow, he casted a side eyed glance to Sun and Nadir. Both of them silently understood what that look meant.

You fuck them senseless, or else.

Neptune counted the women – a total of nine, 'Oum's speed for the both of you.' He said the silent prayer.

"And you King of the Seas." Roman turned his attention to him, "You will go back to your quarters after Melanie takes back your garb."

Neptune nodded his head, he knew where the underground dressing chamber for the slaves was and immediately turned heel to go.

Ruby envied the new gladiator as he was dismissed for the night, she was hoping none of the usual lady nobles were feeling all that frisky.

"You've been requested as well, but my friend wished to keep a low profile unlike the fine ladies who walked off with Sun and Nadir." She loathed the man's sickly sweet tone, "She'll be waiting for you upstairs in the room Octavia is standing in front of." With a wave of his hand, Ruby was dismissed to go attend her task.

Every step up the marble stair made the armor feel even heavier, the cloak more stifling as Ruby mentally prepared herself for the night. She had to make sure she did this right and see things through properly.

Octavia was a breathe of fresh air, she held a cask full of water and offered it to Ruby. The two were upstairs and out of sight from the nobles, but most importantly their Master.

"Thank you." Ruby whispered as she took deep gulps of cask, a bit of water came dripping down the side of her mouth and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. "Do you know who it is?" Her voice still low as she fixed her outfit to look as presentable as possible.

Octavia shook her head no, "I've brought a cask of water and wine for the Lady inside." She announced in a normal voice.

"The water cask is a bit light, would you please refill it so that the Lady is well attended to?" Ruby questioned back, also in her normal tone.

"Observant you are, I did not notice, I will be back shortly."

"Just place it by the door and I will see to it." The Gladiator instructed, she smiled once more to Octavia for the small treat. She carried the cask of wine in her arm as she placed a palm on the oak door.

With a deep breath, she pushed it open to see what challenge lay before her.

Ruby Rose stopped dead in her tracks as the door creaked to a close.

"You look like you've spotted a Grimm." Weiss Schnee mused as she sat at the edge of the fine bedding.

"I- Forgive me, I just never thought that you were the type to-" Silver eyes went wide as the comment easily slipped through her lips. If Roman were to find out she said that….

"Are you insinuating that you think I'm a loose-"

"Master Schnee, I humbly apologize for any negative implication I have given. Please allow me to-"

A soft hand caressed her cheek, Ruby blinked as she had her head bowed for the apology.

"Relax, I just wanted to see you." Weiss' tone was gentle towards the slave. "It's been so long since… Since summer."

"It has." Silver eyes softened as she looked into those ice blue pools.

A smile broke and a long sigh exhaled from the Merchant, "By Oum, I thought that look was gone."

"L-Look?" Ruby was perplexed.

"Your look." Weiss motioned for the slave to sit, "Lately you look like a wild Grimm during your matches, before I thought you fought so brutally elegant… now it's just brutal." She recalled the match she saw the day before, Weiss Schnee was learning to hate this new side of the Gladiator was starting to come out while she fought.

"I see." The Gladiator took in the information, she could feel how genuine the Merchant's concerns were towards Ruby.

It made her feel so alive to know that.

Weiss sighed as she moved her hand from Ruby's cheeks down towards the skin on her neck, she could tell the fighter was lost in thought as she processed what the Merchant had voiced earlier. - but the slave suddenly shot her hand up and quickly grabbed at her wrist once Weiss dared to dip her fingers towards where Ruby's collar bone was. A frantic look flashed across those silver eyes - she looked like a kicked dog for a moment there.

Weiss narrowed her eyes, Ruby wasn't like this the last time they were together.

"Did something happen?" Weiss questioned, something was amiss and it only further fueled her concerns over the past few months of the Gladiator.

"I was just off guard." Ruby swallowed hard as she was quick to dismiss Weiss' concern.

"Did Roman do something to you?" She tested once more, Ruby paled at the mention of Roman's name and the look of freight on the fighter's face was something so foreign.

Ruby breathed in deep as she remembered where they were.

At Torchwick's Villa, in one of Torchwick's room, during one of his parties.

This was not the place and it especially was not the time for any kind of discrete discussion. It was well known among the slaves that Roman got all kinds of useful information during his extravagant parties, information that he more often than not abused to fit to his needs.

Silently, Ruby placed a finger on her lips. Weiss was perplexed, but complied with gesture. Lightly she padded towards the window, there was one of Junior's men directly below.

He was also within earshot of anything said in the room. Ruby knew that he would be listening in more carefully now that Roman's name was mentioned.

Just as quietly, she went back to her previous position near the bed. "Master Schnee, I assure you it's because I was lost in thought and you took me by surprise. Master Torchwick has always been amicable and good to me. I have my own quarters in the compound and I have the best entitlements out of his gladiators." The lie burned on Ruby's tongue and the face she made matched her true feelings on the matter.

Weiss was bewildered, "Wha-"

Immediately Ruby captured Weiss' lips into her own. The kiss was feverish and hurried, but despite how brash the execution, Weiss simply melted into those strong arms. What more, the Gladiator refused to let up, that talented tongue of hers going to work once more. The Merchant felt like a virgin in comparison during that kiss.

The Gladiator broke away, but her lips left a trail of kisses and small nips along the Merchant's neck. From memory, she placed them in the exact places that Weiss was sensitive in – eliciting such a lewd noise that was simply music.

"This isn't the best time to be talking." The whisper was faint, but Weiss caught it – right as she felt that damned tongue lick the spot right behind her ear. She felt her back arch as she stifled a low moan. "Especially not now, he has ears everywhere." Another whisper.

Finally it clicked in the Weiss' head, she silently nodded at Ruby's cue.

'So does that mean that something did happen?' Weiss thought to herself, she struggled to steady her breathing from the exchange earlier.

"Would you allow me to undress?" A look of mirth danced in those silver eyes.

Weiss nearly rolled her eyes at the question, "Yes, you may undress."

Ruby stood, but a rustle at the door got her attention. Quickly she creaked the door open and saw that Octavia had returned with a filled water cask.

"Octavia." Ruby whispered low, the house slave stopped and turned heel towards the Gladiator.

"What is it?" Octavia was curious, Ruby had never done this before.

"I need you to distract the guard outside my window for a bit."

"What?" She was bewildered, but kept her voice low still, "Why?"

"I'll tell you later, please. I need this favor." Ruby pushed once more.

The house slave sighed as she nodded her head to agree to the request. Ruby gave a thankful smile as Octavia walked off to the downstairs area.

"Someone brought some water for you, Master Schnee." Ruby set the cask aside next to the wine.

"Do you need help undressing?" Weiss asked as she watched Ruby begin to remove her ornate sword and belt.

Ruby shook her head, "I wouldn't want to subject you to such menial tasks, Master Schnee, please allow me to service your every need." The decorated vambraces followed.

"I really do like the cape, Roman has a nice touch with his décor." Weiss played along for the time being.

The Gladiator gave a coy smile, she was glad Weiss was a sharp one, "Coco Adele and Velvet Scarlatina designed everything."

"Coco did make mention of that once." The Merchant continued on, "I wonder how I would look in it?"

"Would you like to try it on?"

"I would like to try on just the cape."

The metal vambraces made a loud noise as Ruby fumbled it to the floor, the mental image that was carved in her mind obvious to the Merchant before her.

"I-If you so wish." The Gladiator cleared her throat as she removed the chest piece.

As Ruby was bending over to undo the straps of her boots, she heard Octavia's voice outside below.

"Sir, I think I saw something suspicious across the courtyard by the gate." There was a sense of urgency in her tone.

The guard sighed, "It might be another punk trying to sneak into the party." His heavy footsteps could be heard across the gravel, "It won't take long. Go back to attending your duties."

"Thank you, sir." Octavia quickly rushed off back inside the Villa before the Guard could question her on what she thought she saw – because it was absolutely nothing at all.

Ruby quickly peaked out the window to ensure the coast was clear.

"You mustn't show weakness in front of Torchwick, ever." Ruby was quick to the point. Weiss thought back to the first time she was warned about Torchwick, Pyrrha's words came echoing back to her. "You mustn't show that you care for me."

Weiss was about to say something more, but Ruby cut her off.

"I know, you truly care for me, and that makes me happy – so happy. You are genuinely one of the best things that have happened to me in so long. But you can't let them know, Torchwick will swallow you whole if he were to find out, and I think you have much at stake with your company here in Mistral." They were hasty words as nervous eyes darted back outside.

Weiss was taken back in both a good and bad way, "But you slept with another noble and what of last time?"

"We were truly alone last time, he doesn't post as many guards during a regular day. And the other nobles simply fuck. There are few flighty words exchanged here and there, but it's all hot air – do you understand? You paid Roman so that I can give you service." She looked back out, the guard was coming back with an annoyed look on his face as there was nothing there.

Weiss Schnee held a defiant look, she had one more question that burned, "Did... Did he do something to you?"

"Damned house slave probably saw an animal and got spooked." He spat as he took up his post once more. Ruby simply nodded her head - unable to speak further of whatever monstrosities that lay below the surface of Roman Torchwick.

Weiss nodded her head as she heard the guard, "Don't forget your boots, and pour me some wine." She commanded, she would need the wine to calm down. She breathed in deep, upset at the situation before her.

"Yes, Master Schnee." Ruby stood and grabbed a cup to fill with the sweet wine, she handed the cup to Weiss with a gentle smile, her hand lingered over the Merchant's for a few comforting moments. There was a gentle expression on her face - I'll be fine. "Please, take a seat, Master Schnee."

Weiss huffed a bit, but complied as she understood what was at stake. She began to sip her wine as she crossed her legs, her robes shifted as she did so.

Silver eyes ran it's course over those dainty legs, the kiss earlier was still fresh on her mind because now she suddenly craved the sweet mint that was the Schnee. Weiss didn't miss that hungry expression, with a small smile she supposed that she should go ahead and get what she paid Roman for.

"Remove my sandals." The next command - Ruby caught the playful smirk on Weiss.

"Yes, Master Schnee." The Gladiator moved elegantly, she didn't just work the straps off – instead her hands travelled down legs, her touch leaving a trail of fire behind before unfastening the straps. The mop of dark hair dipped low and Weiss could feel a gentle kiss being planted first on the inside of her calf and once more at her ankle.

The painstakingly slow process repeated itself on her other leg, Weiss bit her lip as she felt those hands snake up her thigh. A line of kisses were being worked up the inside of her thigh, those lips getting incrementally closer to where her robes parted.

With her foot, she pushed the Gladiator back on to the floor. Ruby was confused before she felt the Merchant's weight straddle her on the floor. Weiss sipped from the cup of wine and then offered some to the Gladiator. Ruby gladly took the cup and gulped down the rest of the contents.

As Ruby set aside the cup, she felt those small hands at the bottom of her tunic – greedily they pulled the material up and over her head. Not a second was wasted and those delicious lips went to work, kissing the nearest scar she found and then moving on to the next one. The infamous Reaper had to bite back a moan, but a bit was still heard as she felt those lips form into a smile. Then they were at the base of her neck, nipping and sucking at the skin there.

The Merchant bit down harder into the supple flesh as she felt Ruby's hands move to her robes, undoing the ties and strings that held her fine clothe in place. Those practiced hands stopped momentarily as their owner had to register the sensation before continuing the task of undoing her Master's wardrobe.

Ruby could feel the silk derrière of Weiss, she smiled as she heard a slight whimper when she ran her hands over the delicate skin. With both hands firm on the tight ass of the Merchant, Ruby stood to her full height with Weiss' legs still around her.

It was ethereal to see those robes fall off of her body like a waterfall as they gave way to the Goddess like form that is Weiss Schnee.

"You better take those off." Her hot breath tickled the Gladiator's ears, the greedy hands were once again at her waist as they pulled at her trousers. Ruby laid down the object of her desires on the silk bedding, she immediately began to work her way out of the one thing that was stopping her. Weiss bit her cheek as she looked into those steel eyes that burned bright as if they were in a forge. She teased the fighter more as she worked her way further up the bed and away from the literal predator. Ruby watched intently as she finally stood in the buff, she watched as the Merchant bit down on her bottom lip as she drank in the sight of the Gladiator.

And Ruby did the same to Weiss – she tried to burn the image of this Altesian elite with skin like fine marble and her eyes that twinkled brighter than any jewel she has seen before while she was wrapped up in the fine silk that surrounded her. She started at those lips, then down her naval, and finally to the tuff of white hair just above her sex.

She crawled on all fours up the bed, only for once again to feel that damn foot stop her in her tracks. Impatient eyes looked up into playful ones, Weiss bit on her finger as she drank in the look on Ruby's face. She narrowed her eyes as she grabbed the delicate foot; experimentally she placed a kiss at the pad of it.

Weiss nearly squeaked because she was extremely ticklish there.

Ruby smiled deviously as she licked the pad of her foot. Weiss squirmed and her cheeks were flush, "St-stop… that's dirty." Her voice was shy and Ruby simply laughed at the matter as she worked her way on top of the Altesian.

The two met once more for a passionate kiss.

Unexpectedly, Ruby felt her self being flipped around – she was a bit confused as those diamond orbs turned into a predator like gaze. "Behave." Her voice was dipped in honey and the Gladiator shivered at the command. Weiss planted one more kiss on Ruby's now swollen lips. She straddled Ruby in a reverse position, placing her sex directly over the fighter's face. Ruby was amazed at how simply wet the Merchant was.

She didn't have much time to look as she felt Weiss' own hot tongue directly on her sex. Ruby squirmed at first; unfamiliar to the sensation as it was always her giving service. Every now and again she would get a lazy finger… unless it was Lady Cinder that was in bed.

But Weiss was different than her in so many ways – it was just better all around.

Ruby gripped those creamy thighs that were on either side of her as she breathed in deep at whatever pattern Weiss had just done. She felt the Merchant twitch above her as she exhaled the deep breath. She noticed the glistening of her partner's sex – it was growing and soon thin lines seem to leak down the inside of her thighs.

She was getting so turned on with Ruby's own pleasure, and now her poor cunt was begging for the same attention.

Which Ruby complied with as she buried herself into the sweet juice that was above her. She felt her Master's legs buckle above her, but gave them a reassuring squeeze that she was there to support her. Feverishly, the fighter lapped at the juices, trying to remember which spot made what sweet sound come out of the Altesian. From the way Weiss' chest heaved, Ruby could tell she was getting close to the edge as she continued her ministrations – not that Ruby wasn't better off herself as that edge was coming closer and closer for her.

That's when she felt those delicate fingers inside of her, the Gladiator moaned and proceeded to do the same to the Merchant who was now being held up at the waist by one of the fighter's hands.

Strangled moans filled the room, before Weiss broke away first as she felt her orgasm dangerously close. But she was determined to show Ruby a good time too as she dutifully saw things through.

Weiss felt that strong hand grip her waist as the body beneath began to convulse violently, her dear Gladiator let out a low moan that sounded like a whimper. With a deep breathe; she finally let her self go as the euphoric wave washed over her. Unlike her partner, Weiss was unable to contain herself and Ruby smiled through her heavy breathing at the sweet sound that pierced through the night.

Ruby took what was left of her strength and hauled herself over to the bundle of white that was an orgasmic mess.

Those small hands shot out to grab a hold of the fighter's face and the two exchanged a sweet kiss, tasting each other on their tongues. Ruby moaned into the kiss – the euphoria, the high, the freedom she felt when she was with Weiss was unlike anything else she experienced. Once again, the euphoria she felt and used to escape while in the Arena simply paled in comparison.

Ruby Rose was addicted and she wanted more of what ever Weiss Schnee had to give.

"That was simply amazing." Ruby let out breathlessly as she saw a look on her partner's face. "What's wrong?"

Weiss turned away shyly and mumbled something into the sheets. Ruby didn't quiet get it, "What did you say?"

Cautiously, Weiss turned to face the Gladiator, "I… want more." Her already flushed cheeks turned even redder.

A toothy grin grew on Ruby's face, "Yes, Master Schnee."

Cinder Fall smirked into the cup of wine she drank as she looked at the scene before her. The usual slaves that would attend to them were dismissed for the night and kept away in their cells for the night at Mercury's insistence.

Her mother Salem was situated at the head of the table and across from her daughter. Emerald sat on one side of the table as she dug into the perfectly cooked lamb that was the main course for that night.

On the opposite side of Emerald sat Mercury, his collar forgone – which wasn't anything out of the ordinary. He excelled at what he did and he did it better from the perception that he was a 'slave' of the sorts.

And tonight it was paying off in dividends as her mother wore a coy smile while they all listened in on the juicy story the Fall gladiator had dug up.

"And as I mentioned before, be wary of what's said around the slaves... they're everywhere." Mercury Black stressed the last part. "The Faunus hasn't told me yet of who he has infiltrated within the nobility - but from what I gather the Fall Villa is safe. We haven't gotten any new slaves the past yet which is when this plan was set into motion."

Cinder turned her attention to the man, "You sure you're not compromised?"

"I've always been careful of whose around, the only time I ever take this blasted thing off is when there's none of the other slaves around. If anything, I'm just seen as your favorite - which makes sense because I am supposed to be the Fall Champion." Mercury leaned back in his chair, he was considered a formidable force in the Arena, he has trumped man, Grimm, and beast alike. And for the more difficult opponents... well it helped that the Fall family ran the Coliseum, Cinder would see to it that Mercury would always have the advantage - whether it be by way of discretely stabbing a slave in the side before he walked into the sands or throwing poison into the water they drank.

"It would seem an opportunity has presented itself." Salem had an air of authority about her as everyone in the room immediately focused their attention on her. "Wonderful job as always, my dear Mercury. It seems Cinder has fine taste in looking for good help."

"It's always a privilege to serve under the Fall name, Mistress Salem." Mercury bowed his head towards the King's Councilman.

Salem dabbed her lips with the fine clothe in her lap after finishing off her wine, "With that I'll take my leave, I have a meeting with the King in the morning and I would prefer to rest in my chambers at the castle for the night." The Fall matriarch hardly stayed in the Villa now a days, but it wasn't a loss since life in the castle was far more enjoyable than in the Fall Villa.

"Have a good evening then, Mother." Cinder rose from her chair to see Salem off.

"And you as well, my dear." She smiled at her daughter, "And be sure to reward our dear Mercury appropriately for a job well done."

"It would be my pleasure."

Once Salem left the dining room, Mercury grew the biggest smile on his face, he immediately understood the implications behind what his Master had said.

A/N:

So I made more progress than I thought I would this week, all I had to do was procrastinate my 'adult responsibilities'.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am absolutely excited for the next chapter (I'll give you a hint - it's the fight we've all been yearning to see in the actual RWBY series... Well, the fight I've always wanted to see: Pyrrha vs. Ruby). Speaking of the RWBY series, I finally got around to watching the Volume 5 teaser, I think I gave my room mate a freight when I started yelling out of excitement. October needs to hurry up and get here already.

I did toy with the idea of pushing Ruby a little bit further when it comes to the 'caged animal', but I'm a romantic (that loves to write shameless fluff) too and I liked the idea of Weiss coming in to save Ruby. Oh Blake, whatever are you scheming? I will confess that I have been craving to do a proper Bumblebee AU Fic - something with lots of guns, cars, gangsters, and lots of fluff. But I also like the idea of alter-ego super hero by night and just-an-average-girl-with-average-knees and a banging-sister-named-Yang by day with all of my favorite (and probably over-played) cliches and tropes.

You'll have to excuse my ramblings, I had a fifth of rye that needed to be finished by the end of today - I finished it and it was fantastic.

You, the readers, make so much possible with your continued support of not just this story, but all the stories out there on this site. From my perspective, the hard part isn't starting a story - it's finishing it. The longer the story goes on the more daunting each chapter becomes to write it, you become so nit-picky as you look back at the jenga tower that's the plot and hope it some how sticks together well enough to stack next piece at the top. This is where the you guys come in, boisterously chanting and yelling "Jenga, Jenga, Jenga!" in the background while the author keeps meticulously stacking the next couple of blocks on top.

Hopefully my jenga tower doesn't fall before I'm satisfied.

I hope you enjoyed this addition of Gladiator and wish to see a lot of you in the next one.

Cheers,

DevilRed