Here we are at Chapter 72. Time for a little training, and a little surprise at the end of the chapter. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 72. Enjoy.
Chapter 72: A Step Further
It is the afternoon in Mistral, and the sounds of fighting are heard near the house that Ruby and her friends are staying at. In the courtyard of said home, Nora is seen standing a short distance away from Magilou, the former wielding her mighty hammer, and the latter with a few cards in her left hand. Nora roars and charges at her opponent, only for Magilou to conjure up and arte and create a wall of water to block her path. Nora hits the wall with her hammer, but because it took her by surprise, her swing is off and she gets pushed back. Magilou drosp the wall while sending off a glowing green ball of energy at Nora, nailing her hard. Nora grits her teeth and runs at Magilou again. Magilou jumps around her swings and finds an opening to throw her cards at her opponent, knocking her off balance. Creating a larger card, she swings it around, smacking it into Nora and sending the pancake queen into a tree behind her. Magilou then has her card grow to an enormous length as Nora stagger to her feet.
"Ascending Angel!" Magilou calls out her mystic arte and smashes it down on Nora hard.
The other members of Team RNJR cringe back a bit as the sparring match ends. A moment later, Ren and Jaune go to check on their teammate.
"Alright, I think that's enough of a beating for now, Miss Magilou. It's clear where Nora needs to work on in her training now," Ozpin says, having taken control of Oscar's body earlier. "Alright, time for our next training session. Oscar will join in on this one. We'll have Velvet spar with Ruby and Oscar," he says.
"Wait, what?!" Oscar says mentally before he gets control of his body back.
"Come on, the faster we get started, the faster we get done," Velvet says offhandedly as she walks forth.
Ruby and Oscar walk to one side while Velvet stands at the other.
"So, how good is she at this stuff?" Oscar whispers to Ruby.
Ruby leans in, "She never lost a fight at Beacon," she whispers back.
"So basically, we're in trouble," Oscar mutters.
"Yep," Ruby replies, popping the 'p'.
"Ready when you two are. Let's get going," Velvet says, beckoning them with her right hand to come at her.
Ruby and Oscar hold up their fists and slowly start walking around Velvet, who makes no motion at all except for putting a hand on her left hip. After a few tense moments, the two race towards their opponent. Ruby throws a punch aimed at Velvet's head while Oscar aims low with a kick aimed at her legs. However, Velvet, simply steps back and grabs Ruby's thrown fist, pulling her along and causing her to fall onto Oscar, making them both fall to the ground. The two quickly get back up and continue their attack. Ruby jumps into the air to throw a kick, but Velvet deflects it with her right hand, spinning Ruby around and kicking her butt (literally), sending her tripping back. Oscar comes in, throwing a few hooks, but Velvet easily blocks them all with her hands. She throws a punch of her own, which Oscar manages to block, but leaves his lower waist open and she sweeps him off his feet with her left leg.
"Come on, you can do better than that," Velvet notes, looking like she's getting bored.
Ruby and Oscar get back on their feet, stepping back a bit to regain their bearings and think of a different plan. The two then run around Velvet before closing in in a pincer attack. Ruby ducks low to throw a few uppercuts, which Velvet leans back to avoid, but then Oscar comes in from behind to throw a right cross at her back. Velvet backflips over Oscar, landing behind him and causing Ruby and Oscar to nearly hit each other. Luckily, they manage to stop just in time and breathe a sigh of relief. Unluckily, this gives Velvet and opening and she roundhouse kicks both of them away and onto the ground. The two slowly get back up, rubbing their heads.
"This isn't going well," Oscar groans.
"You're telling me," Ruby agrees.
"Come on guys, it shouldn't be that hard to land a hit on me," Velvet notes.
"Well, excuse us for not being good at fighting without our weapons," Ruby pouts.
"Or having no formal training or experience in this kind of thing to begin with," Oscar adds.
"Alright, how about we sweeten the deal. Ruby, if you can land ONE hit on me, I'll give you a special kiss as a reward," Velvet says, giving a slight wink to her girlfriend.
"Really?! Okay, now I'm getting motivated!" Ruby cheers.
"Um, what about me?" Oscar asks.
"You get a pat on the back, and a 'good job'. That's all I'm giving you," Velvet replies.
"Uh huh, I see," Oscar mutters, not as enthusiastic as Ruby.
"Come on, let's get to it!" Ruby yells.
The two ready their fists once more and slowly make their way towards Velvet. Ruby makes the first move, running towards Velvet and jumping into the air to throw a side kick. Velvet bats it away and has Ruby land behind her. Oscar gets to Velvet's left side and throws a few punches while Ruby turns around to join him. Velvet dodges the attacks and then sidesteps Ruby as she tries to tackle her, grabbing the end of her cloak and pulling her back off her feet. She then catches one of Oscar's thrown fists and lands a hard right hook to his face. Oscar staggers back, his aura having been deactivated by Ozpin earlier. Ruby gets back on her feet and goes after Velvet again, only for the older girl to grab her right wrist, swing her around while grabbing her left and pulling her arms high while having their faces close.
Velvet smirks while looking into Ruby's eyes, "I'm starting to believe that you don't want that kiss," she notes.
Ruby grits her teeth and tries to kick Velvet, only for her girlfriend to sweep her of her feet and throw her into Oscar who comes in from behind. Velvet wipes her hands while the two get back up one last time. Ruby runs ahead of Oscar, and then slides across the ground at Velvet's feet. Velvet jumps over her, only to see Oscar run at her. She throws a punch of her own, only for Oscar to duck low and then try to nail her chin with his head. However, Velvet leans back to avoid it and then makes a backflip kick that knocks him back into a tree. Velvet notices Ruby coming in from behind, jumping high into the air for one more punch. Velvet easily sidesteps the attack and pushes Ruby forward, making the cloak wearing girl lose her balance as she trips over the downed Oscar and faceplant into the tree herself before falling to the ground in defeat.
"Ouch, they're gonna feel that in the morning," Nora notes.
"Okay, I think that's enough punishment for today. Be sure to move with the right foot forward, try not to make your movements so obvious, and watch for any openings in your stance. Your opponents will definitely exploit those things, understand," Velvet instructs them.
"Got it," Ruby groans in pain on the ground.
"Ugh, I don't feel so good," Oscar groans with her.
"As for you, we'll have to work a lot more with you. But then again, you've never done this sort of thing so that's expected," Velvet says to the farm boy.
"Understood," Oscar mutters, but then Ozpin takes control again.
"Very well said, Miss Crowe. Don't worry, with more practice, Miss Rose and Oscar will surely improve on their skills," Ozpin says as he slowly rises to his feet.
"Before or after I taste the ground a few more times?" Oscar mentally asks.
Velvet helps Ruby onto her feet and then gives her a kiss on the cheek.
"Was that the 'special' kiss you were talking about?" Ruby asks, blushing a bit.
"No, that was a concilation prize. As for the actual kiss, you can try again next time," Velvet says before she walks ahead of Ruby.
"I'll get that kiss, one way or another," Ruby mutters.
After a few more training sessions, the group decide to head in for something to eat after a hard day's work. The group sit around the dinner table, with only Qrow missing as he's still on his search for more huntsmen to aid them.
"Well, anyone else feeling the pain from our training sessions?" Nora asks while rubbing her head.
"Like they say, no pain no gain," Jaune notes.
"If it was that simple, then you would've surpassed me in skill by now," Velvet says, making Jaune groan a bit, and making Ruby snicker a bit.
"We all have something that needs improvement. We never did complete our training at Beacon. There is always room for improvement," Ren says, sipping his tea.
"Well, aside from me anyway. I am always perfect no matter what stands in my way," Magilou says.
"Yeah, except when it comes to cooking, sailing, or a lot of other things," Velvet deadpans.
"Hey, I resent that. That's no way to talk to a maiden," Magilou retorts.
…
Meanwhile, in Menagerie, Rokurou is outside Ghira's study, having a few cups of Sake as he enjoys the quiet night under the stars. A moment later, someone walks up to him.
"If it's not working on your blades, it's having some sake. Don't you have anything else you could be doing?" he hears and looks over to see Blake standing near him.
"Hey, politics and rousing speeches are your father's thing. I'm really only good with blades and slashing things... oh, and drinking sake. We all have our roles to play," Rokurou jokes.
"And what's your role, as a squatter?" Blake asks.
"Hey, it's not like I'm going to be here forever. Just a little while. If it helps, I did pay for this sake with my own money," Rokurou says.
"You're not even from Remnant. How'd you get your hands on some lien to by sake?" Blake asks, crossing her arms.
"I have my ways. Best not to think too much on it," Rokurou replies, taking another cup.
Blake sighs and walks over to the railing to look out into the night.
"Do you think this will work, really?" Blake asks.
"Who knows? Like I said, I'm not good with fancy speeches. What I do know is that there's no use in trying to predict the future. We just have to make the best move we can possibly make, see where the chips fall, and react accordingly. No use in overthinking things," Rokurou explains.
Blake glances back at him, "Seems like pretty simple thinking. If only the world was that simple, then maybe things aren't as bad as they are now," she notes sadly.
"No use crying over spilled milk, or maybe spilled sake in this case. Just have to go with your gut and do what you gotta do. That's pretty much how I've lived my life. According to my own creed... Tell me Blake, have you found your creed yet?" Rokurou asks.
"I'm... still thinking about that. I don't want to run anymore. I see that now. But, after running away so many times, from so many people that care about me, people that I care about, do I even have the right to stop running and make up for my mistakes?" she laments.
"Don't ask me. That's a question that only you can answer. What I can say is that the most important questions in life aren't always the easiest to answer," Rokurou tells her.
Blake sighs, "If I wasn't underage, I'd probably ask for some of that sake right about now," she notes.
"Hey, if you want some, just ask," Rokurou smiles.
"I just said I'm underage. If my Dad found out that I tried some sake when I'm not old enough, he'd ground me, and then he'd try to kill you. Sun's already on enough thin ice with him as it is. I don't need you on his hit list too," Blake reminds him.
"Hey, I've been on the hit list for a lot of people. One more is no sweat off my back. Sounds like it could be fun even," Rokurou says, then laughs a bit.
Blake sighs again, "And you're supposed to be older than me. Guess only in body anyway, but not in spirit," she deadpans as she looks back out into the night.
…
Back in Mistral, Ruby's group have just finished their dinner and are now sitting around the table, having some tea with some mild conversation with Tales of Velvet's journey in her old home.
"So, sounds like you got to travel to a lot of different places," Jaune notes.
"Yeah, luckily Eizen's ship, the Van Eltia, was an impressive vessel. We were able to get around rather easily for the most part. When we were on land, taking care of business, the ship would sometimes head out to chart the world, search for unexplored lands, and see if they could find any treasure lurking around. We actually found a few interesting items. This pendant is not only one of those items; it's also the first thing we found," Velvet says, gesturing to the red pendant around her neck. "Truth be told, I wasn't interested in it, nor any kind of jewelry, even before I became a demon. I guess I was more of a tomboy back then," she notes.
"Huh, I wonder what you would be like if..." Jaune mutters as he starts to picture Velvet as more of a girly-girl, only to shudder a bit.
Velvet glares at him, "You just thought of something involving me, didn't you?" she accuses him.
"Who, me? Nah, oh wow this tea is really good," Jaune tries to play it off, sipping his tea with a smile while avoiding Velvet's gaze.
"So, what other kind of things did you find?" Ren asks, curious.
"Well, some clothes, a few sculptures and art pieces, a few odd objects. I never really focused much on that stuff. The crew on that ship certainly knew how to find things though. However..." Velvet trails off.
"However... What?" Ruby asks.
"Well, the crew as always happy to take orders from me, and when I berated them on something, it only seemed to drive them further to do their jobs. Almost like they enjoyed being scolded by me for some reason. It was a little weird," Velvet notes.
"They probably got a kick out of being ordered around by a pretty girl whose clothes didn't leave much to the imagination. Bow-chicka-bow-wow," Nora jokes.
"You wanna get sent flying again like during the food fight from Beacon?" Velvet threatens her.
"I'm good," Nora quickly says before drinking her tea again.
Ruby giggles a bit, "Oh, don't worry Velvet, she's just playing. I'm sure they were just happy to have a pretty girl like you on their ship," she says, giving Velvet a peck on the cheek to cheer her up, which does the trick as it makes her smile.
"Well, of course they were happy. They had a beautiful maiden like me there to bring smiles to their faces," Magilou says a little dramatically.
"Weren't you more of a supporting character for Velvet since it was her journey we were a part of?" Bienfu jokes.
"What was that?" Magilou growled.
"Bien!" Bienfu screams as he runs away with Magilou on his tail.
"Get back here, you ungrateful hat-wearing plush toy!" Magilou yells as he chases him, making the rest of the group laugh.
"Well, anyway, it really sounds like you had some exciting times with your old friends back in your world," Jaune notes.
"Yeah... though, I never really focused on that stuff when I was on my journey. It took me nearly to the end of it to remember what was truly important. To be able to smile again. But..." Velvet trails off before she holds Ruby's hand in hers. "Then I met Ruby. She helped me learn to enjoy life again, and to smile more. I'll always be grateful to her for that," she says, making Ruby blush a bit as she stares right at her.
"Ew, get a room," Magilou says as she walks back, holding Bienfu in his hands and pulling on his cheeks while he cries.
This makes the couple separate, blushing a bit. Just then, the front door opens up and in comes Qrow.
"Hey gang, sorry I'm late. I've been busy," Qrow says.
"Uncle Qrow, how goes the hunt for more huntsmen?" Ruby asks.
"Eh, so far not too good. They've got a lot of huntsmen out on missions already, and we don't exactly have the time to wait for them to come back. Luckily, the list I made is a long one, and there's still plenty left on there to search for. I'll continue my search tomorrow," Qrow explains. Qrow then glances at the couple and then everyone else. "So, how about I take some of you guys out for a night on the town. My treat, and besides, Oscar and Magilou are the least familiar with this place anyway," he offers.
"Sounds like a plan. Let's go," Ruby says.
"Eh, not you kiddo. You and your girlfriend can stay here for the night. I'll take you two out another time. Besides, we need someone to watch the house anyway. Everyone else, let's go," Qrow says and starts walking off.
Ruby pouts a bit at not being able to go, while Velvet rubs her back to make her feel better. Everyone else leaves with Jaune approaching Qrow.
"Why aren't we taking Ruby and Velvet with us?" Jaune asks.
Qrow glances back, "I think those two deserve some time to themselves. It's been too long since they've had this opportunity. Let's give them some space. Come on," he says and leaves along with the rest of the group.
A little later, Ruby and Velvet are in their room, with Ruby reading some comics and Velvet combing her hair with her signature comb. However, Velvet notices the slight sullen look on Ruby's face.
"You still sad that Qrow didn't take you with them?" Velvet asks as she puts her comb away.
"Huh, oh no, I'm fine... Well, mostly," Ruby says.
Velvet feels a little bad for her, but then gets an idea. She walks over to Ruby, and then takes her by surprise by picking her up in her arms bridal-style, making the younger girl squeak a bit. Velvet then carries her to their bed and lays her down before crawling over her to straddle her. Ruby blushes a bit, but smiles before they share a loving kiss. A few seconds later, they separate for air.
"So, feel better now?" Velvet asks, smirking.
"Yeah, I feel a lot better now. Thanks Velvet," Ruby replies.
The two look at each other before engaging in another kiss, only this time with more passion. Ruby wraps her arms around Velvet's neck, whole Velvet rolls her hands across Ruby's sides. They separate again, deep blushes on their faces, and breathing a little heavily. They can both see the love and passion in each other's eyes. However, there's still one thing left to figure out.
"Ruby, are you sure?" Velvet asks slowly. Ruby nods, but that's not enough. "Ruby, I need to hear you say it. Are you sure?" she asks one more time.
"Velvet, it's okay. Please... take me," Ruby whispers.
With the last barrier down, Velvet closes the gap between them. The last thing that's seen is Ruby's cloak falling onto the floor.
And that's the chapter. Another training session, that ends with a night of passion (still, trying to keep it rated T here, so the rest is up to your imagination). The next chapter will focus on some of the other members of Team RVWBY. Sorry about the late update, things have been really hectic with work lately. Anyway, what will happen next? How will Yang react when she finds out what Ruby and Velvet did? Until then, please Read and Review.
