Here we are at Chapter 54. Let's switch things up a bit. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 54. Enjoy.
Chapter 54: Return
In a vast white expanse, small sparks of fire circle through the air around Velvet Crowe, who sits in a meditative stance with her eyes closed. Taking slow, steady breaths, the small flames circle her head before she breathes out and they stop. The flames stop and then move to fuse into a bigger flame in front of her. As she opens her eyes, a small flame coming from her right eye, the flames in front of her dissipates as she deactivates her Maiden powers. She stands up and looks back to see Summer Rose approach her.
"Well done, Velvet. You have full control of your piece of the Maiden's power," Summer says, hands clasped in front of her.
Velvet raises her right hand and stares at it, "It still feels a little weird, but not as much as before. I guess I should thank you for helping me learn more about it," she says as she turns to fully face her.
"Think nothing of it. I was the one that brought you into all of this. It's the least I can do…I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you by having you come here, Velvet. I truly am," Summer apologizes as she looks down in sorrow.
"Don't be. I'm glad you brought me here," Velvet says, making Summer look up at her to see her smiling. "If you didn't bring me here, I wouldn't have met Ruby. I still don't know if I deserve a second chance, or if I even deserve to be with her, but…I live my life according to my own will. And my will is telling me to go to Ruby," Velvet says.
Summer smiles back, "I'm glad to hear it. I've kept you here long enough, now it is time for you to return to Remnant," she says.
"Do you know where Ruby is exactly?" Velvet asks.
"Not quite, no. I know she is on the continent of Anima, heading for Haven Academy in Mistral. I can get you onto the continent, but you'll have to search for Ruby from that point on. I told you before, I'm not omnipotent," Summer shakes her head.
Velvet sighs, "Well, things have never been easy for me before. Why start now?" she mutters.
"Well, before you go, let's try a little something new," Summer notes.
"What are you talking about?" Velvet asks.
Summer just raises her left hand as a bright light engulfs it and Velvet. Velvet closes her eyes from the light and a moment later, the light dissipates, and Velvet opens her eyes to find herself in some new clothes. She still has on her old choker, gauntlet, and metal boots, as well as her bandages, though now the bandages look newer and properly tied around her arm. A second shin guard has been added on her left leg to match the one on her right leg. Instead of shorts, she is now wearing tight black pants that are still very flexible for her. Over the pants are a pair of black belts wrapped around each of her thighs, and her old chains around her waist, which go with the dark red belt around her waist, with a silver belt buckle. Instead of what she used to wear on her torso, she now has on a strapless red shirt that goes up to cover her chest. Over that, is a black cloak similar to her old one, but for one, it's not torn up. The cloak has red edging, and has strings on the front that crisscross over her shirt. She has a detached sleeve on her right arm that ends up going under her gauntlet. On the back of her waist is a pouch filled with Dust crystals for her claw, and on the sides of her belt are extra clips of rounds for her gauntlet.
"So, what do you think? How does it feel?" Summer asks.
Velvet flexes her limbs and moves around a bit, "Hm, it feels good. I don't feel constricted in any way. I was worried for a second about that," she notes.
"Good. I know how you like to have a full range of motion when you're fighting. I also have one more thing for you, to help you find Ruby," Summer says before raising her left hand, emitting another small bright light.
A moment later, the light dissipates, and in her hand is a red pendant, one that is familiar to Velvet.
"Wait, isn't that-," Velvet begins.
"Yes, I believe this was the first treasure you found when mapping out the world with Eizen's crew. Apparently, this pendant had one secret no one from your world realized, until recently that is. You see, when you wear this, if you focus your heart outward, it will help guide you to what you truly seek. It will begin to glow as you move in the right direction, and it will glow brighter as you get closer," Summer explains.
Velvet takes the pendant and inspects it, "You mean, this thing could help me find Ruby?" she asks.
"Yes, it should be able to," Summer replies.
Though she never did care for jewelry, if it will help her find Ruby, then Velvet was all for it as she puts the pendant on.
"Thanks, but how did you get this?" Velvet asks.
"Why don't you just ask him?" Summer says, nodding her head past Velvet.
Velvet raises an eyebrow in confusion, but then suddenly feels a large presence behind her and turns around to see a giant silver dragon. While normally when she sees a dragon, Velvet would prepare for a fight. However, for some reason, she feels no animosity from it, quite the opposite. She feels at ease being near this creature, almost as if she knew it, even though she has never seen it before.
"It has been a while, Velvet," the dragon speaks, with a very familiar voice.
Velvet's eyes widen and she gasps, "That voice…is that you, Laphicet? She asks.
The dragon nods, "Yes, it is me, though I go by Maotelus now. That was the name Eleanor gave me when we formed a pact. But, I don't mind if you still call me Laphicet. That was the name you gave me after all. Do I frighten you, Velvet?" Laphicet says.
Velvet stays silent for a moment but shakes her head and smiles, "No, you've grown into a strong man, Laphicet. I can see it, but how?" she asks.
Laphicet uses a small amount of his power to create a blue, transparent version of his old form to stand in front of Velvet.
"Shortly after you died, I became a new Empyrean, and mastered my powers of the Silver Flames. I used it to give mankind a second chance at life. It turned demons back into humans, but it can't change their hearts. It only gives them a second chance. I watch over them now, helping them when I can," Laphicet says.
Velvet kneels down to stare him in the eye, "You always were the gallant soul in the group," she says.
Laphicet nods, "Yeah, and I'm keeping my promise to you. I'll help everyone…and I'll LIVE as well," he says, making Velvet smile affectionately at him.
Summer Rose steps forth, "I'm sorry, but we must get going. You still have things to do, Velvet," she says.
Velvet nods her head, but frowns a bit as she looks back to Laphicet, "I got to go. Like you, there's people I need to help too," she says.
"It's okay. I'm just glad I got to see you again, Velvet," he says.
Velvet smiles again and wraps her arms around Laphicet, who returns the embrace, "I'm glad I got to see you as well, Laphicet," she says.
"Take care of yourself, Velvet. I still love you," he says.
"I love you too, Laphicet, but I…" she trails off as she leans back from the embrace.
"It's okay. I'm actually glad you found someone. Now go on, she's waiting for you," Laphicet replies. Velvet nods and stands up, and a moment later, she is engulfed in a white light before she disappears, to return to Remnant. Laphicet then sighs, "Well, we still have work to do as well. So, are you ready?" he asks as he looks behind him.
A second later, footsteps are heard and Laphicet and Summer look to see none other than Pyrrha Nikos approach them.
"I'm sorry that you died, and deserve to rest, but we could use your help. Specifically, Maotelus needs your help," Summer says.
Pyrrhs shakes her head and smiles, "While I would've loved to stay with my friends for a while longer, there's nothing that can be done about it. Besides, I believe in Jaune and the others. I know they'll succeed. So, what do you need my help with?" Pyrrha asks.
"Dark times await mankind in my world, and they'll need people like you to help them. However, if you are to help, you will have to become reincarnated…as a seraphim. Do you wish to continue?' Maotelus asks.
Pyrrha nods, "I wanted to help people as a huntress back in my world. Even I can't help them, I can still help people in your world. Yes, I will become a seraphim," she says.
"Very well," Maotelus says.
The old form of Laphicet merges with his new form, and then Maotelus raises his left hand at Pyrrha. His silver flames spring forth and engulf Pyrrha. However, they don't cause her any pain, but rather they feel like a warm blanket being wrapped around her as her form changes. The flames then change color from silver into the normal colors of flames. A moment later, the flames dissipate, and Pyrrha is no longer a human, but now a seraphim. She now has long silver hair with hints of green and red that is tied back in a high ponytail behind a red and gold headband. She has green eyes and wears a long-sleeved, red, white, black, and lavender dress. She wears red and white heels with ribbons that wrap around her legs. Her shoes and dress are decorated with green gems.
"It is done. With this new form, and new powers, your path to helping the world as a seraphim will now begin. You will meet hardship along the way, and encounter many difficult trials. Do you still wish to continue?" Maotelus asks.
Pyrrha nods, "Yes, I want to help the people. This is my choice, my path, and I will see it through," she says.
"Very well. Thank you for your help, Pyrrha Nikos," Maotelus says.
"Um, perhaps I should go by a different name now. Pyrrha Nikos is my old self. I think it would be more fitting if I have a new name now as well," Pyrrha says.
"…As you wish. What do you wish to call yourself?" Maotelus asks.
Pyrrha thinks for a moment, "How about…Lailah? Yeah, Lailah sounds just right," the newly named Lailah says.
Maotelus and Summer smile at this, "Very well, from this point on you will be Lailah. You will also need a name in the ancient language. Your true name will be…Fethmus Mioma. It means "Lailah the Pure". I think that will go just nicely," Maotelus says.
"Oh, I would be honored to have such a name. Thank you," Lailah bows to them.
"Very well," Maotelus says and looks at Summer. "Thank you for your help thus far, Summer Rose. We will be going now, but I will return when the time comes to bring my former companions back to our world," he says.
Summer nods, "Of course. Thanks again for your help," she says.
Maotelus nods to her and looks back to Lailah, "Now then, let us go, back to OUR world," he says as they are engulfed in a bright light.
Lailah closes her eyes, "Farewell…Jaune…" she thinks before she disappears in the light.
…
Back on Remnant, a bright light appears in a forest, and a moment later that light is replaced by Velvet Crowe in her new attire. Velvet takes a deep breath and looks around, seeing that it is late in the afternoon, seeing a few birds flying by.
"Summer says that Ruby is heading for Mistral, on the continent of Anima, and that she could get me onto the continent, but not close to Ruby. Only this pendant would help with that," Velvet thinks before she holds up the pendant in front of her face. "Alright, let's see if this works," she says and moves the pendant, pointing it in different directions. The only problem is…it's not doing anything. "Okay, so maybe it won't go as easily as I thought. Well, no use just standing around here. Better get moving," she says and starts walking off in one random direction.
…
Back at the Xiao Long household, Yang sits on her couch, with Zwei sitting beside her feet, while Eizen leans against the wall on her right, arms crossed.
"So, you're one of Velvet's friends? The one she said was known as the 'Reaper' and fought alongside her back in her world," Yang asks.
"Yeah, I guess she did mention us after all. We go way back," Eizen replies.
"So, if you're here, then that means that Summer Rose sent you here, huh?" Yang says.
"Right again. I'm just here to help out, for a while at least. Specifically, I'm here to help you out, while Velvet is…occupied," Eizen says.
"Wait, you mean you saw Velvet? Is she okay?" Yang asks.
"She's alive, I know that much. Don't worry, if there's one thing I know about Velvet, it's that she doesn't let anything stop her. She'll be back soon enough, and off to find your sister, Ruby. From what Summer Rose told me, they seem to be in a relationship. Heh, even I didn't see that coming," Eizen chuckles.
Yang looks down in melancholy, "Well, I guess that's good at least. But if you're here to help, then you'd be better off helping Ruby or Velvet. I'll be fine," she says with sorrow.
Eizen frowns a bit at her behavior, "Summer Rose also told me a bit about you. About how you always went head-on into battle, letting nothing stop you. An admirable quality, though it can be a double-edged sword when you don't use restraint. As I'm sure you've learned by now," he says as he look at her missing right arm.
Yang turns away from him a bit, "Look, if you came to help me get back in the fight, then you may as well just leave…My fighting days are over," she says sadly.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that," Eizen replies.
Yang's about to reply until she hears a knock at the door and in walks her father, carrying a few boxes and bags in his arms.
"I'm home," he says, not noticing Eizen because of the boxes blocking his vision.
"Um, Dad-," Yang begins.
"Guess what came in today," he says, looking excited as he walks in and the door closes on its own.
"What?" she asks while he heads into the kitchen to put the bags away.
"I can't wait for you to try this," he replies. He then walks back in, carrying one bag, and then finally notices Eizen, and gets a little suspicious. "Yang, who's this?" he asks, keeping his eyes on Eizen.
"Dad, this is Eizen. Remember my old teammate, Velvet, well he's an old friend of hers before she came to Beacon," Yang introduces him.
"A pleasure," Eizen nods to him.
Though Taiyang is still a little suspicious of him, seeing that Yang is still calm about him eases his worries.
"Well, Velvet is a friend of my daughters. If you're a friend of hers, then you're welcome here, as long as you don't do anything that'll make me think otherwise," he warns him.
Eizen chuckles, "Heh, noted. So, that for Yang, right?" Eizen asks, gesturing to the box in Taiyang's hands.
"Oh yeah, this came in for you Yang. I can't wait for you to try it," he says, and places it on the table in front of her. "Well?" he asks, getting excited.
"It's…for me?" she asks.
"For you and you only," he says. Yang opens the box and inside is a white and silver prosthetic arm that goes up to its mid-forearm. "Brand new, state of the art, Atlas tech. You know, I thought I was going to have to pull some strings, call in a few favors, but you earned this one all on your own kiddo," he says.
"Huh?" she asks, confused.
"Before I could even talk to him, General Ironwood already had one of his top scientists working on this, for you. He wanted me to tell you that you fought admirably. You should be proud of yourself," he praises her. "Well, you gonna try it on?" he asks.
However, Yang's sad demeanor remains the same, "Um, I…" she begins.
"Velvet would want you to get back in the fight. I know she hasn't given up yet, and I'll bet she hasn't given up on you either," Eizen says as he pulls out his coin and flicks it into the air before he catches it. "You shouldn't let anything stop you from walking down the path you choose to go down. Velvet and I are the exact same way," he says.
Yang only looks away, "I'm sorry, but I just don't really feel good right now. Maybe later, Dad?" Yang asks.
Taiyang loses his cheery demeanor a bit, but relent, "Uh, sure. No problem," he says.
Yang gets up and starts walking back up the stairs, "Hey Yang," she hears Eizen call out to her and she looks back. "I've met some people back home that lost the ability to choose their future, and that lost the ability to follow their own creed. You still have that choice. Are you really gonna give up on what you want to do, on following your own creed?" he asks.
Yang thinks on his words, but sighs, "It's…it's not as easy as you think," she says and walks back to her room.
Taiyang slouches in defeat while Eizen narrows his eyes at the stairs Yang walks up on. Taiyang then looks at Eizen.
"So, um, can I get you something to drink? I have a feeling you're gonna be sticking around for a while," Taiyang offers.
"Yes, thank you. I shouldn't be here for too long. I'm just here because Yang is a friend of Velvet's, who's a friend of mine, which makes Yang a friend of mine. And I don't like seeing friends like this," Eizen replies.
Taiyang actually smiles a little at this, "Well, right now, she could use all the help she can get," he says.
…
Meanwhile, back in Anima, Velvet continues walking through the forest, having found a dirt road leading east earlier on. As she walks through the forest, she can feel several pairs of eyes focused on her from the shadows, and rolls her eyes.
"You know, if you want to tail someone, you should really work on making your presence better. Makes it easier. Now come on out!" Velvet calls out.
Just then, several bandits appear from behind some trees and bushes and move to surround her, all wearing ominous smiles on their faces and rifles and swords in their hands. Velvet remains unfazed.
One bandit, a shady man with dirty blonde hair walks up, "Well, well, what's a pretty little thing like you doing out here all by yourself? You know, the forest gets pretty dangerous after dark," he says, chuckling.
"My business. You wouldn't happen to know the way to Mistral would you?" Velvet asks, already knowing she isn't going to get the answer she's looking for.
"Well, I might know where to go, but my memory is a little foggy. Maybe if you…'help' us out, I'll remember exactly where to go," the shady man says as he approaches her.
"Really, and how can I 'help' you?" Velvet asks, knowing what he meant.
The shady man gets in front of her, looking her up and down, "Well, I have one idea-," he says as he reaches for her chest…only for Velvet to suddenly punch him in the face, sending him flying.
The rest of the bandits tense up and aim their weapons at her, but Velvet remains unfazed.
"How about this? How about you tell me where to go…after I kick the crap out of all of you worthless insects," she says, and then activates her arm blade.
And that's the chapter. What, you expecting the last member of Velvet's crew to show up in this chapter? No, that's be the next chapter. Anyway, what do you guys think about Velvet's new outfit? Not much thought into it, but I thought it would work. Velvet is back, and Eizen is getting to know Yang. Will Yang put on the arm? How bad will Velvet beat the bandits? Until then, please Read and Review.
