Hey everyone, thank you for staying with me so far. Sorry about that mini cliffhanger. Anyway I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!
DISCLAIMER: Rwby belongs to Roosterteeth and Monty Oum. I only own my OC's.
Silence befell the audience as the dust cleared. Both Adrian and Ruby were both barely standing, their clothes completely shredded and faces weary. Ruby was leaning on Cresent Rose and Adrian his daikatana to keep themselves stable.
"The match has ended in a draw!" the referee announced.
The onlookers erupted cheering at the two contestants, mostly at Ruby for holding her own against someone in the year above her. Gage was unable to say anything, baffled by the turnout. Adrian hadn't been bested, but he drew in a match against a little girl. Someone Gage was sure Adrian could've beaten hands down.
'It's almost as though he didn't use his semblance or if he did she has strong mental will...' Gage concluded.
Back in the Arena both Adrian's and Ruby's strength were failing them, even though they were leaning on their respective weapons. Their bodies were shaking as they willed themselves to stay conscious.
Professor Morn rushed onto the field with with medical supplies, flanked by the school nurse and two of her associates to carry both fighters off the battlefield.
Both Adrian's and Ruby's battered and bruised bodies were lightly treated before being carried away on stretchers.
Adrian lightly groaned as he woke, feeling the combined pain of all his injuries at once. Not to mention the stiffness of all his muscles after his over exertion in the fight with Ruby. It appears as though both he and Ruby were placed in the same room for pure convenience for the medical staff.
'Wait Ruby! Is she okay?' Adrian panicked internally.
Taking in his surroundings he looked to his left and saw Ruby's peaceful form sleeping, wrapped in countless bandages. He couldn't help but admire her, not only had she drawn with him in a fight, she'd done it while under the pressure of his semblance. Wincing he sat up, trying to get more comfortable.
'She truly is something, Ruby is, what an interesting individual' Adrian thought.
He watched as her chest rose and fell ever so slightly, indicating her breathing. Her face had been cleaned up by the nurse removing all the dirt, leaving a few bruises on display for everyone to see.
'God dammit Adrian, why did you lose control in that fight? You need to maintain control and remain calm and composed, not go on some rampage injuring another person' Adrian thought chastising himself.
While in his internal debate on self control, the young red reaper roused from her slumber. She flinched as her nerves shocked her every fibre of her being. Ruby tried to groan or scream in pain waking up to the agony, but it was so overwhelming her mouth was just agape, no sound leaving. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, a testament to her physical pain.
Eventually Ruby half-adjusted to her pain and observed the environment around her and noticed that Adrian was sitting up in his bed in deep in silent thought. Ruby admired his battered and bruised body, taking in his physique. His chiseled face led her eyes to his barely visible abs. A blush crept onto her face as she looked at the heavily bandaged torso.
Adrian broke out of his trance and noticed Ruby had woken up and was staring at him, blushing. Clearing his throat Adrian locked eyes with Ruby. This only served to make her blush harder, breaking eye contact with his emerald spheres.
"You okay Ruby?" Adrian asked concerned.
"I'm doing alright, but my body is sore all over." Ruby replied.
"I'm sorry for injuring you in such a fashion, I lost control of my emotions..." Adrian apologised sincerely.
"Y-yeh..." Ruby replied at a loss for words. Her face scrunched up in pain as she recalled his rage during the fight.
"I-It's okay n-no harm d-done..." Ruby added visibly shaken.
"I don't condone the actions that I undertook during our match. I apologise if it has affected you in any way, what I did was wrong by my own morals." Adrian stated, his face guilt-ridden.
"I'd rather not talk about it right now to be honest, maybe some time in the future." Adrian replied.
Silence followed for a minute or two where neither knew what to really say.
"S-since we are stuck here with not m-much to do but talk, I kinda w-want to know more about you." Ruby stuttered breaking the ice.
"Sure, I guess. Do you want to start or should I?" Adrian replied with his own question.
"I guess I'll start." Ruby began with a warm smile.
"As you already know my name is Ruby Rose. I'm fifteen years old, a huge weapon nerd, I love to create weapons as well which is how I have Cresent Rose. Finally my dream is to be a huntress" Ruby recited, it was as if she had, had this conversation before.
"My name is Adrian Kryta, I'm sixteen years old. I love time alone but won't say no to being around friends. I enjoy reading books, and am currently training to be a huntsman." Adrian stated.
"I didn't take you for a bookworm, that's cool!" Ruby commented smiling brightly.
Their conversation was cut short by the clacking of heels on pristine white tiles. It progressively got louder, stopping when a middle-aged woman enters their room.
"Hello Adrian, Ruby. How are you both feeling?" the woman addressed them.
"Sore..." they replied simultaneously. Ruby blushed and averted her eyes. A small smile found its way to Adrian's face at her reaction.
"Understandable, I believe you two will be stuck here until tomorrow to recover before we can let you leave" the nurse stated.
"Okay, thank you miss, we will be sure to rest up to leave for tomorrow" Adrian replied.
"No worries, if you guys need anything just let one of the assistants know when they come by" the nurse explained as she moved to leave their room.
Adrian and Ruby sighed collectively, knowing it was going to be a day in the infirmary.
Meanwhile at Beacon
Professor Ozpin was sitting at his vintage wooden desk, viewing the footage from the tournament held at Signal. Taking his particular interest were four young individuals. Adrian Kryta, Gage Vitale, Rin Osaka and Ruby Rose. The students had proven themselves capable as fighters. Specifically Adrian and Ruby, the two of them seemed to have a flair for battle, thriving in it. He was currently watching Gage fight, the last student of the lot.
Gage as usual wore no armor, just his unbuttoned t-shirt displaying his abs for the world to see and cargo shorts with canvas shoes. His adversary was Rin. Gage stood in a wide stance proud, holding his halberd. Rin stood opposing him with her two daggers, sharp and curved. The referee called the match to begin, and Rin launched herself at Gage, her small form a blur as it crossed the arena.
Gage activated his semblance stomping the ground. A pillar of earth rose between him and Rin causing her to slam head first into the obstacle, caught unaware. Rin fell to the ground, face red and raw from the collision. Collecting herself she stood up. She readied herself into a tight stance. Only to find that Gage had disappeared from view. She began to turn around, a moment too late as Gage was already on top of her and slammed into her with his halberd, slashing her stomach and sending her careening across the arena.
Disoriented from the impact between her backside and the wall, Rin's vision was blurred and the dust particles acted like a haze. Only able to see the outlines of everything in front of her Rin needed to buy herself some time to recuperate. Activating her semblance she disappeared into the shadows in the outer area of the arena. Losing sight of his opponent Gage became paranoid as was unable to predict or telegraph her next move.
Rin skulked around in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to present itself where his guard would be noticed he was already on edge due to not being able to see her in the first place. The pain that was elicited from her wounds had finally calm down and become bearable. She pulled out her scroll to check their auras, Rin was at 55% and Gage was sitting at 90% only losing some due to activating his semblance.
'I need to find a way to even the playing field, he wins in outright combat' Rin deduced.
'It'll burn through my aura but I'm going to have to play by use of my semblance to win' Rin thought, set on her course of action.
She slipped out of the shadows behind Gage, daggers ready. Slashing his back and shoulders with furious strikes. Gage cried out in agony, unprepared for the sudden pain. Rin initiated her onslaught, disappearing and reappearing around Gage from all angles as he twisted and turned his shadows following him, allowing for multiple points of attack. Gage's body was soon covered in scars and gashes, a testament to Rin's combat tactics.
Her attacks seized as Gage collapse to his knees. His mouth agape in disbelief and pain. Rin checked their auras again panting from the use of her semblance, noticing that their auras were dangerously low. Hers was 20% and Gage's was 17%. She watched as his body fell to the ground, unconscious from the shock of the onslaught.
"The winner is Rin by knockout!" the referee announced.
Rin sheathed her daggers in response, watching as Professor Morn ran out onto the field to carry Gage back to the infirmary. She walked off the arena to cool down after the fight and treat her wounds.
The recording stopped, Ozpin satisfied at the fight.
'Gage was unable to show how capable he truly was in that fight.' Ozpin thought. 'I can imagine these two being quite the tag team with their semblances.'
"Glynda, can you get me on the phone to Headmaster Luke please!" Ozpin called. "I've decided on the candidates we can take in this year!"
1 Day later at the Medical Centre - Midday
Ruby and Adrian were discharged from the medical centre, Adrian barely walking and Ruby was using crutches due to her left leg still being marginally injured, her right mostly recovered. Both were dressed in plain clothes in their respective sizes canvas shoes that the infirmary issued. Adrian recovered quicker than Ruby as she came out with more physical injuries. As a result Adrian was helping Ruby along.
Rin and Gage agreed to meet up with them after they were let out of the hospital. As the pair exited the medical centre, Adrian was greeted by two familiar faces that Ruby was not yet acquainted with.
"Soooo, did anything spicy happen while you two were in the infirmary alone?" Gage asked teasingly.
Ruby blushed rose red averting her eyes and Adrian just stared coldly at Gage for the unnecessary question.
"No Gage, nothing happened." Adrian replied harshly, his annoyance clear in his tone.
"Alright lets calm down before this escalates yeah everyone?" Rin says intervening, wishing to not see Adrian and Gage fight.
"OW!" Gage cried in response to Rin slapping him across the back of his head.
"That, is for being a smart ass." Rin explained, reprimanding Gage for his unnecessary behaviour.
"Right well, i believe introductions are in order." Adrian started.
"Gage, Rin this is Ruby Rose, my opponent from the tournament." Adrian said introducing his companions to Ruby.
"Ruby meet Gage and Rin, my long time friends and companions." Adrian continued introducing Ruby to his friends.
"H-hi nice t-to meet you both..." Ruby stuttered, still affected by Gage's comment.
"Hi, name's Gage, best man to grace the earth, nice to meet you." Gage said confidently, his ego inflating by the second.
Rin promptly smacked him over the head again before introducing herself.
"Hi, I'm Rin, ignore the egotist beside me." Rin introducing herself.
After the introductions were through, Adrian and Ruby decided they needed to take it easy considering they were just discharged from the infirmary. They parted ways with Gage and Rin, deciding on a slow stroll through Vale's coast to admire the scenery.
Adrian and Ruby arrived at Vale's coast and continued to traverse the coastline, albeit slowly. They observed the waves, crashing and rolling over each other as if it was a contest of dominance. Despite barely knowing each other, they enjoyed their time alone together both considered it refreshing. Seagulls chirped in their flocks, the wind blew Adrian's hair, the turquoise mess mimicking the scene before them. Ruby's shorter hair ruffled in response.
The pair sat down on the sandy shores, Adrian assisting Ruby as her left leg was causing her trouble. Ruby and Adrian were both stuck in awkward silence, neither of them sure of how to start a conversation. The silence brewed for a few minutes longer, until Ruby broke the silence.
"H-hey, uh, sooo..." Ruby stuttered.
"Why do you want to be a huntsman?" She asked.
"Good question, I haven't really thought about it at this point in time. I've just been training in the line of work that leads me down that path." Adrian replied.
"My parents enrolled me in Signal to kick-start my career and I've been preparing to be one ever since." Adrian continued.
"What about you Ruby? Why do you want to be a huntress?" Adrian inquired.
"O-oh, uh, well... I-I think being a huntress is cool and I-I've always wanted to help people..." Ruby replied, slightly apprehensive.
"That's nice, at least you have a clear goal." Adrian commented, with a small smile.
The sun lowered itself onto the horizon, setting. The waves shimmered a bright red and the sky a vivid orange. It was a true spectacle for the pair to witness. Neither knew what to say, the scenery was indescribable in all its beauty.
Adrian and Ruby silently watched the sunset for a few minutes longer before realising they both had to get home soon.
"Crap! I missed the last bullhead home!" Ruby exclaimed, worried.
"Don't stress about it, my house has a spare bedroom and I'm sure my parents won't mind having a guest for one night" Adrian said reassuringly, helping Ruby to her feet, easing the crutches into place.
"Thank you" Ruby said thankful for receiving the support of the crutches.
"I'll call my dad and let him know about the predicament." She continued.
"Alright, I'll call my parents and let them know I'm bringing a guest home." Adrian stated.
The pair separated for a few minutes to talk to their parents. Ruby's dad wasn't too pleased at the situation, but was at least happy she had a roof to sleep under and Adrian's parents were happy to meet a new face.
Adrian and Ruby started their walk to the Kryta household, the sky darkened. The sun's reign had ended and its successor the moon.
The moon was rather high in the sky by the time the pair arrived at the Kryta household. Windows glowed as the lights illuminated the house, bringing it to life. Adrian and Ruby trudged to the front door. Slam! Was the resulting sound from Adrian using the door knocker. The door opened to reveal a middle-aged man and woman, looking decent for their age.
"Hello, you must be Ruby!" the woman said elated.
"Oh where are my manners, my name is Donna. I'm Adrian's mum." Donna continued introducing herself to Ruby.
"My name is Jack, nice to meet you Ruby. I'm Adrian's dad." Jack stated.
Adrian's parents moved aside allowing Ruby to move inside, Adrian closed the door behind him shutting out the cold. Ruby gawked at the house, noticing how spacious the inside was. The bottom floor was mostly open, the kitchen, living and dining areas interconnected with no walls separating them. She also noted all the expensive furniture and appliances that outfitted the rooms.
'Adrian's parents must be well off, must be easy for him.' Ruby thought.
Adrian's family already had dinner set up to be served and eaten. Adrian helped Ruby into her chair, taking her crutches and placing them leaning against the couch. After half an hour Ruby and Adrian's family had finished dinner. Everyone was getting ready to relax an hour or so before bed.
"Ruby dear, why don't you take a bath first? Adrian be a dear and help her up the stairs." Donna said.
"S-sure I guess" Ruby replied, hesitant.
Adrian assisted didn't respond to his mum, wordlessly helping Ruby in making it up the flight of stairs entering the bathroom. He turned on the bath making sure it wasn't too hot nor cold, also grabbing a towel and some of his older clothes for her to wear when she finished.
"You gonna be okay now?" Adrian asked.
"I'll be fine, thank you Adrian." Ruby replied. Adrian exited the bathroom closing the door behind him, leaving Ruby to wash herself.
She stripped bare, sinking into the bathtub. The water soothing her sore muscles and cuts. Ruby recalled everything that happened in the last couple of days and meeting Adrian. She wasn't sure how to feel about him, he was nice but his behaviour was peculiar. Ruby was apprehensive to straight up accepting him, something seemed off, what it was, was completely lost on her.
After a few more minutes in the bath Ruby climbed out struggling to stand up without her crutches which were lying on the white tiled floor. She sat on the bathmat and began to slowly dress herself, the clothes were a size or two too big, sagging as Ruby wore them. Leaning on the side of the bathtub she stood up, picking up her crutches and made her way out of the bathroom, albeit at a slow pace.
She silently made it to the top of the stairs when she heard voices below.
"So Adrian, how was the tournament?" Donna asked.
"It was good Mum, I tied first." Adrian replied.
"How can you tie first?! What could've possibly happened that would result in a tie?!" She shouted in reply.
"Well my opponent was too good, my semblance appeared to be ineffective." Adrian replied in a monotonous tone, almost as if his voice was lifeless.
"That's pathetic, if you were using it properly you would've won hands down, no resistance!" Jack retorted, continuing his wife's endeavour.
'I-is this what they're really like?' Ruby questioned inwardly.
'Adrian is just getting bombarded for not winning a tournament, one in which he made the finals and drew with his opponent. Is that not enough?' Ruby continued.
"This discussion is over, Adrian go and keep Ruby comfortable. I'm sure you can at least do that." Donna finished concluding the discussion.
Adrian rose from the table and began to walk to the stairs. Ruby waiting at the top for him a warm smile on her face lined with guilt. He proceeded to the top of the stairs meeting Ruby and greeting her.
"Hey, did you enjoy your bath?" Adrian asked, trying to mask the pain in his voice.
"It was really nice thank you." Ruby answered.
"That's good to hear, let me show you to the spare bedroom." Adrian said, trying to sound dignified.
"Adrian, are you okay?" Ruby asked, detecting him straining his voice.
"I'm fine, come let's go." Adrian continued his voice not doing his reply any justice. Ignoring her concern he continued down the corridor. He stopped at the end of the hallway, opening the door in the way. Which gave way to a small but relatively spacious room with a chest of drawers and a queen-sized bed.
"Wow..." Ruby said at a loss for words.
"My parents have prepared everything for you and have some clothes ready for tomorrow." Adrian explained.
"Okay, that's nice. Thank you." Ruby replied.
"Well, I think I'm going to go to bed now..." Adrian said stretching.
"Oh, okay. Goodnight." Ruby returned.
Adrian left Ruby in the spare bedroom to contemplate what to do, he was clearly hurting but wasn't seeking help for it.
'Taking it up with his parents won't end well' Ruby thought.
'It'd be for the best if he was leaning on someone, I wonder if Gage and Rin know?' Ruby questioned silently.
'He was a scary person on the battle field, almost as if he needed to release an inner demon to remain composed afterward...' Ruby shivered thinking.
Ruby turned off the light and progressed to the bed, she sat down leaving her crutches to lean on the bedside table. Pulling the bed sheets back, she slipped into the bed trying to get comfortable, but couldn't with the thoughts and feelings swarming her mind.
At the same time Adrian was also doing the same after he arrived at his sparsely decorated room. He only had his bed, a wardrobe and mostly basic necessities apart from some books he bought a while back. He changed from his plain clothes from the infirmary into his night clothes and got into bed, getting comfy.
The pair would both experience a less than fulfilling sleep that night...
And that's all for this chapter everyone! Thank you for reading this once again! :) A huge thanks to Weissmann and my friends who have helped me along so far, largely assisting in the development of the fourth character of the team and the plot as a whole. Hope you all enjoyed it, please leave a review!
Adios, Jamsieboy