Here we are at Chapter 70. We have now reached 400 followers! Thank you to all who have come this far with me in the story. A little flashback in this one while going along in the story. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 70. Enjoy.
Chapter 70: Unexpected Request
...Flashback, before the start of volume 4...
In the white void of Summer Rose's domain, five figures (and Bienfu) suddenly appear out of nowhere.
"Whoa, what's going on here?! Where am I?" Eleanor mutters.
"Eleanor?" she hears and looks over to see Eizen walking over to her.
"Eizen, what are you doing here? And for that matter, where is HERE exactly?" she asks.
"Beats me. I was just lounging about aboard the Van Eltia and then the next moment, I'm here. What about-," Eizen begins.
"If this is some kind of joke, I'm not laughing," they hear Zaveid next to them say.
Before they can acknowledge him, another voice rings out.
"Someone want to explain to me what's going on here?" they hear and look over to see Magilou, along with Bienfu and Rokurou walking towards them. "If this is some kind of magic trick, or an illusion; one, magic is my thing, and two, I've had enough of illusions for one life, thank you very much," Magilou whines.
"Anyone got any sake on them? I could use a drink to to clear this all up," Rokurou asks.
"Bien, I don't like this at all," Bienfu adds.
"What is going on? Why were we all brought here?" Eleanor asks.
No one has an answer, and they all start looking around, seeing nothing but white space around them... Except for one black spot a short distance away.
"Hey, what's that?" Eizen says, pointing at the black spot.
The others look in the same direction and start walking closer to the object. However, as they get closer, the form suddenly gets more detailed... and becomes very familiar.
"Wait, isn't that..." Eleanor begins until her eyes widen in shock. "...Velvet?!" she gasps and starts running towards her along with the others. They get close and see the demon girl floating in mid-air, eyes closed and looking like she's asleep. "Velvet! Velvet!" Eleanor yells, but just as she's about to touch her, a white field blocks her path and stops her advance. "What the- what is this?" she wonders as the others gather around Velvet.
"What's going on with Velvet? She's supposed to be dead, so what's she doing here?" Rokurou asks.
"This is getting weirder and weirder. I don't like it," Zaveid notes.
"Perhaps I can answer your questions," they hear and turn around to see Summer Rose standing behind them.
The sudden appearance of her makes everyone get defensive and draw their weapons.
"Who are you, and what did you do to Velvet?" Eleanor demands, aiming her spear at her.
However, Summer Rose remains calm, "My name is Summer Rose, and I haven't done anything to Velvet Crowe except give her a second chance at life," Summer says.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Magilou asks.
Summer walks past them to stand in front of Velvet, "When Velvet died in your world, I pulled her here and gave her the chance to live again, in my world. I wanted her to live a happy life after all the suffering she's been through, but I also needed her help to protect my daughter because of the trials that await her in the future," Summer begins to explain.
"Wait, what do you mean 'your world'?" Rokurou asks.
"It would be better if I showed you," Summer says as she turns around and raises her right hand.
A second later, white energy pours from her hand and connects to everyone's skulls, causing them intense pain. At the same time, images and knowledge are sent into their minds. A moment later, the force slows down until it stops and everyone feels relief from the experience as they hold their heads.
"My god... That was... those creatures...," Eleanor mutters.
"So many villages lost...I thought we did some damage back home. That was nothing," Magilou notes.
"Creatures attracted to negativity, growing stronger with each passing day. And the people losing hope," Eizen adds.
"That... was nuts," Zaveid mutters.
"What the Hell happened?" Rokurou asks.
"One of the huntsmen academies had fallen, and many lives were lost. Velvet Crowe was there, fighting alongside her new friends, trying to save Beacon Academy, but they were too late. Many lives were lost, and now Velvet's teammates have been separated, lost and in need of your aid," Summer explains.
"Wait, what about Velvet? How did she end up like this?" Eleanor asks, hand raised to her old friend.
"Velvet used her power and unknowingly absorbed a new power into her, that and other things occurred. I brought her here to rest, and to prepare her for the next stage of trails that await her. However, there is nothing you all can do for her here. But there is something you can do for her in my world, in her new home," Summer explains.
"What do you mean?" Eizen asks.
"As I said before, her teammates, her friends, are separated and need your help. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long. Ruby and Yang are my daughters, allow Yang and I aren't related, she's still my daughter to me. These four girls need help in order to get back together, because only together can they brave through the challenges that await them. That's why I need your help. They may be Remnant's last hope and if even one of them is lost, then all hope is lost. Ruby especially, and I am not saying that just because she is my daughter. Or because she's Velvet's girlfriend," Summer explains.
The last bit really gets everyone's attention, "Wait, Velvet and Ruby are together?" Eleanor asks, a tinge of pink on her cheeks.
"Wait, Velvet is gay? When did that happen?" Rokurou asks.
"Woo, who knew our resident demon girl had it in her? I certainly didn't see this coming," Magilou says, smirking.
"Yes, I know it must sound strange to hear, but it's the truth. Anyway, Velvet's teammates need your help. They need to get to Mistral, to Haven Academy, and reunite to stop those that seek to destroy mankind. Only with your help, will they be ready to make the journey and meet the challenge," Summer asks.
The others look back to stare at Velvet's floating form, wondering what exactly she has gotten herself into this time. And yet, they can feel the honesty coming from this Summer Rose before them.
"You're serious about this? About everything?" Eizen asks.
"Every word," Summer replies.
"And what about our world? Can we go back there?" Eleanor asks.
"Once you have completed your objective, you'll be able to return to your world," Summer says.
"One more question: in your world, is Velvet... happy?" Eleanor asks.
Summer offers a soft smile, "Yes, very much so, but not because of me. It was thanks to Ruby and her teammates. Even after her teammates learned the truth about her past, about what she is and what she did, they still accepted her as one of their own, Ruby most of all. Since then, she has learned to smile again, to enjoy life once more," she explains.
Eleanor turns back to Velvet one last time and gets a determined look in her eyes.
"Alright, I'll help you. I have a duty to protect the people as the new Sheperd. And to help Velvet in her new life," Eleanor decides.
"I'll help out too. I can't exactly let these Creatures of Grimm run around destroying everything in sight. The thought of it makes me sick," Eizen joins in.
"Hey, getting the chance to fight other people and check out their blades. Count me in," Rokurou adds.
"Same here, I've always loved a good brawl," Zaveid says.
"Well, it sounds like this will be one wild party. Sounds like fun, I'm in," Magilou says.
Summer breathes a slight sigh of relief, "Thank you, all of you. I am truly grateful. It seems Maotelus was right about you after all," she notes.
"Wait, Laph- I mean Maotelus told you about us?" Eleanor asks.
"Yes, he was the one that helped me bring Velvet here and then to my world. He said you would help when things got bad in Remnant," Summer explains.
Eizen grunts in amusement, "Heh, even now, that kid is doing crazy stuff and making one Hell of an impact," he notes.
"So, what do you want us to do, exactly?" Magilou asks.
"Each of you will be transported to a part of Remnant, near the location of one of the members of Velvet's team. But you must understand, aside from Ruby, the rest of the team are in dark places, unsure of what to do, and losing hope for the future. You must guide them back onto the right path, and then help them get back together. And it must be soon, for time is not on our side right now," Summer explains.
"So, they're down in the dumps after one bad loss, and we have to get them back into fighting shape, both physically and mentally. We can do that. So, who gets who?" Rokurou asks.
"Eleanor Hume, you will go to Atlas to help Weiss Schnee. Right now, her father is keeping her locked inside their manor and under his thumb. You must help her break free. As a side note, she and my other daughter Yang are in a relationship. Helping Weiss remember her love for Yang may help get Weiss' drive back," Summer begins.
"Understood. I won't let you down," Eleanor replies with a nod.
"Zaveid, you will accompany her as her malak. She will need your power while on her mission," Summer says.
Zaveid shrugs his shoulders with a smirk, "Fine by me. Ladies can never stay away from me," he jokes.
Eleanor rolls her eyes, "Wonderful," she mutters, a little displeased.
"Rokurou, you must reach Blake Belladonna. Her fear and her guilt are consuming her. If it is allowed to persist, she will never recover, and will fall into darkness... alone. Help her find her strength, and remind her of the ones she cares about and why she must fight," Summer explains.
"You got it. I'll whip her back into fighting shape. This should be fun," Rokurou smirks.
"Eizen, your charge will be Yang Xiao Long. She is still at my old home in Patch, but is living in despair after losing her arm and everyone else. Help get her fire back, and help her help Ruby. As someone who has a younger sister that he loves, I believe you can help her more than the others can," Summer states.
Eizen takes out his coin and flips it, "Yeah, I love my sister, but I stay away to protect her. But Yang needs Ruby, and vice versa. While I've got no place to say it, family should stick together, especially through the hard times. I'll help her out," he says.
"And finally, Magilou and Bienfu. Your task will be to help my daughter, Ruby. She is already on her way to Mistral with some of her friends from Beacon. But the journey will be treacherous and they may not make it. You must help them get to Haven Academy and wait for the others to join you," Summer asks.
"Sure thing. I'm actually a little excited to meet Velvet's significant other. Sounds juicy," Magilou says.
"Bien!" Bienfu adds.
"Again, thank you, all of you," Summer says.
"Of course, but what about Velvet?" Eleanor asks.
"Don't worry, she will wake up soon enough, and when she does, I'll help her with some training to learn how to use her new power. After that, I will send her back to find and reunite with Ruby. You'll all see her again soon enough," Summer answers.
"Okay then... Well, no time like the present. Let's get this show on the road," Zaveid says.
With that, Summer Raises her right hand again and more white energy pours from it, engulfing the group. A moment later, Velvet's friends are gone, leaving just Summer and Velvet once again.
"You must hurry. Save them, save them all," Summer mutters before turning to Velvet. "For now, I must prepare for my part. I can't let them, let HER win," she says.
...Flashback ends...
In the forests of Anima, Yang, Weiss, Eizen, Eleanor, Zaveid, and the shady guy are sitting around a campfire in the middle of the forest as it gets dark out. Well, the others sit around the fire, the shady guy is tied to a tree to make sure he doesn't try anything.
"...Was it really necessary to tie me to a tree. I said I'd help you find Raven Branwen, didn't I?" the shady man whines.
"Yeah, but do you really think that's going to make us trust YOU, especially after you tried hitting on Weiss and Eleanor while you were wasted? We weren't born yesterday," Eizen retorts.
Zaveid smirks, "Yeah, and you definitely weren't born yesterday, old man," he jokes.
"You want to be tied to the tree right next to him?" Eizen threatens him.
"Any time, any place, my friend," Zaveid replies, not the least bit intimidated.
Weiss rolls her eyes, "I swear, you two are five years old," she says.
"You get used to it...eventually," Eleanor adds.
"Well, enough about that. We'd better turn in soon. We got a long day-," Yang begins until they hear some howling in the distance. "...Tomorrow," she mutters.
Everyone turn and stare at Eizen, "Yeah, yeah, I know. I told you, it's not like I can control my Reaper's Curse. Let's just deal with it, and then get some shuteye," he says.
A moment later, a pack of Beowolves and Creeps come stalking through the dark forest, causing everyone to stand and draw their weapons, while the shady guy starts freaking out.
"Hey, untie me and give me my weapon! I can help! Don't leave me like this!" the shady guy screams.
"No can do. You're staying there whether you like it or not. Just sit tight and shut up," Weiss says, preparing her weapon.
The horde of Grimm all charge at the group. Yang makes the first move by calmly walking towards them. When one Beowolf jumps at her, she ducks under its claws and throws an uppercut into its jaw, knocking it into the air before she kicks it into a second one. Eizen stomps on the ground, using an arte to send out a few stone spikes out from the ground, taking out two Creeps. He then throws a hard left punch at a third, punching through its chest. Pulling his arm out, Eizen watches the dead Grimm fall to the ground before turning to face some more. Eleanor and Weiss perform a combo move, with Weiss creating some glyphs in a parallel pattern, and Eleanor zooming between each one, using her spear to strike through several Grimm. After that, Weiss stabs her rapier into the ground, sending out a surge of ice to take out a few more Beowolves, while Eleanor performs several thrusts of her spear at another Beowolf, shredding it. Behind them, Zaveid swings his pendulums around, knocking around a few Creeps. He then conjures up a small tornado arte, sending a few more flying into the trees.
Zaveid grunts, "These guys aren't even worth a bullet from my gun," he mutters.
Yang fires off her guns behind her, propelling herself towards a larger Creep. Just as its about to clamp its jaws down on her, she fires off a shot aimed at the ground, sending her twirling over it and landing behind the monster. She spins around to through a hard right cross at the beast, sending it crashing into another Grimm. She finishes them off with a few shots to their skulls. Yang looks around to see that the others have taken out the rest of the Grimm pack and breathes a sigh of relief as her left hand starts shaking a bit. Weiss walks over and holds Yang's left hand until it stops shaking, helping her to calm down.
"Everyone alright? Eleanor asks as they regroup.
"Yeah, we're good. We should be fine from any Grimm attacks for a while," Eizen notes as he watches the Grimm bodies disintegrate.
"Uh, HELLO!" they hear and look back to the shady guy still tied to the tree. "I'm not okay, I'm still tied to a tree. I could've been killed here," he whines.
Zaveid walks up to him... only to punch him in the face, knocking him out.
"Man, that guy's annoying," Zaveid notes.
"Well, come on. Let's try to get some shut eye. We really need to get some rest now for tomorrow," Yang says, and everyone nods in agreement.
And that's the chapter. A little short, I know, but I hit a little writer's block here and couldn't really think of anything good to finish up the chapter that would mean something. Anyway, now we know how the rest of Velvet's old crew got here and how they came to accept Summer Rose's request to aid the members of Team RVWBY. The next chapter will go back to Ruby and Velvet's group as they get to know Oscar and meet Ozpin again. What awaits Yang's group along their journey? What about Blake and Rokurou? How will Velvet and Ruby's talk with Oscar/Ozpin go? Until then, please Read and Review.
