Here we are at Chapter 106. Let's continue with Velvet's mission with her friends in Atlas, while once again working on her Maiden powers. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 106. Enjoy.


Chapter 106: Season's Woes

It's the middle of the day. The day before was a mess with the riots occurring down in Mantle after Jacques Schnee's latest stunt before the election. It took some time, but the Atlas military was able to get control of the situation. However, due to this unfortunate event, Ironwood has increased his military presence in Mantle, which has only added to the people's animosity. Of course, Velvet and the rest of her friends weren't exactly fond of the idea, but there was little they could do at the moment. Velvet decided to cool down by doing some training on her Maiden powers in the training room alone, wanting some time to think on things. She stands in the middle of the training room, her eyes closed, as she focuses on her Maiden powers. She creates a small vortex of ice in her right hand and a small twister of fire in her left. She has the two vortexes slowly get faster and get bigger in her hands. She brings the two powers closer together, hoping to try and combine the two elements together. However, it doesn't exactly go well as they seem to combust on each other the second they touch.

Velvet groans and tries again. This time she focuses currents of air beneath her feet, causing her to float in the air. She brings her hands together and creates a ball of lightning in her hands, slowly spreading them out to make the ball grow bigger. Velvet closes her hands together, causing the ball of lightning to dissipate. She flies around in the air for a few moments and then lands on one of the pillars. She activates her demon claw, trying another idea. She focuses her Maiden powers into her demon claw, sparks of fire, ice, wind, and lightning forming around it. However, it doesn't last long as she can feel the two powers pushing against each other, like they're fighting one another. Before things get really bad, Velvet lets off on the Maiden powers and then deactivates her demon claw. She jumps and lands on her feet, sighing at what progress she's made, and what progress she hasn't.

"Working hard at it, I see," she hears and glances back to see Winter enter the room.

"Considering how quickly everything is going to crap these days, I can't let my guard down," Velvet notes.

"If you're concerned, you should know that you're safe here in Atlas, Velvet," Winter says.

"That's what Ozpin thought about Beacon. And look how that turned out. Besides, I never liked it here in Atlas. And I liked it even less when I was down in Mantle. The riots were bad, but Ironwood's recent actions are only going to make them worse. Tell me, how many more Grimm attacks can Mantle take before it's destroyed?" Velvet retorts.

"Mantle has suffered, yes, but the General won't let that happen. He's trying to unite all of Remnant," Winter says.

"Yeah, with him at the helm. He reminds me too much of Artorius," Velvet notes.

"Who?" Winter inquires.

"My older brother-in-law. He believed that only HE had the right answers. To sacrifice all emotions and live only for reason. Many flocked to him back home, but they never realized what he was scheming behind the scenes. His plan would've brought peace, but it would've eventually destroyed everything. Everyone back home would've had a role that was chosen for them, without their consent, and they would have to fulfill that role without any choice in the matter. People would lose their free will, their sense of self. There would be no joy, no love, no choice... He... he killed my younger brother. His role was a sacrifice! So Artorius could achieve more power. And I was kept in a cell for three years; that was my 'role' in his plan. I broke out, found allies, and then I..." Velvet trails off as she looks away.

Even now, the memories can be painful for her. Despite everything she's been through.

Winter remains silent, letting Velvet get this all off of her chest. It was also a bit of shock to learn more of Velvet's past, and how horrifying it was.

"You... you killed him, didn't you," Winter asks, already knowing the answer.

Velvet looks her in the eye, "Yes. Guess that makes me a monster then, huh," she says spitefully.

Winter steps forth, "No, it means you had the strength to do what was necessary for the good of all. Despite the pain you went through, the pain you would put yourself through, you persevered in order to help others. That doesn't make you a monster, Velvet. It makes you a good person. It makes you human. Better than people like Salem, or my father, who only work to satisfy their own ambitions. It's just like what the General is doing. He is working hard, making tough decisions, to save everyone, not just a few," Winter says.

"Please. I like you, Winter, but don't even think of comparing me to Ironwood. I'd rather be called a monster instead," Velvet retorts.

Winter sighs, thinking she should change the subject, "May I ask you something?" she asks.

"What is it?" Velvet replies.

"I'm sure you're already aware of my situation with the Winter Maiden. As someone who has already had experience with the power of a Maiden, I'd like to ask: how does it feel. I mean, what is it like? I'd like to have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into," Winter asks.

Velvet thinks on her answer carefully, "...It feels... strange at first. There's so much flowing through you, and I don't mean all the power itself. I mean, the emotions, the feelings; like I can feel the past Maidens's souls coursing through me. It's like the power is alive in a way, and maybe it is. I still don't fully understand it, and it's likely I never will. There's so much to learn, and so many possibilities within this power," Velvet begins.

"I see. That sounds... enlightening to be sure," Winter says.

"But, let me make this clear to you. This power; it is NOT a gift. I never chose this. I took it so Cinder Fall, and more importantly, so Salem couldn't use it. And it's the same with all of the previous Maidens. The way in how this power chooses its hosts. It's a load of bullshit! They don't any say in this. Their lives were taken away the second they got these powers, and they became targets for the rest of their lives. Some accepted it, but others couldn't, and it destroyed them in the end. Let me tell you, right here and now Winter; this power is not a gift. It is a burden. I'm trying to master it... because I have no choice," Velvet says and quickly takes her leave.

"Velvet..." Winter mutters with worry as she watches her leave.

Velvet walks through the halls of Atlas Academy, her mind racing with emotions that her conversation with Winter sturred up.

"I shouldn't have lost it like that. Winter is as much of a victim in this as the rest of us. If the blame should go to anyone, it should be Ozpin and Salem. Salem for her mad quest which put targets on the backs of the Maidens, and Ozpin for creating the way these powers choose their hosts. I'm just... I'm sick of all of it. I should go see Ruby. She always helps me calm down," Velvet thinks.

Velvet walks back to her dorm room, hoping to find Ruby there. Unfortunately, she doesn't find Ruby, but she does find Blake reading a book in their room.

"Hey Velvet... are you okay?" Blake asks when she notices Velvet's grumpy mood.

"Where's Ruby?" Velvet asks.

"I believe she went out on a mission down in Mantle with Team JNR. She should be back soon. Is something wrong?" Blake asks.

"No, it's just... *sigh* I just need something to calm me down. I have a lot on my mind; that's all. Ruby always knows how to calm me down," Velvet says.

"Is it about your Maiden powers?" Blake asks, closing her book.

"How did you know?" Velvet asks.

"I know you went to train with your powers more. It wasn't exactly hard to figure out, especially when I see you coming back with a sour look on your face," Blake says.

Velvet sighs again and walks inside, plopping down on her and Ruby's bed (they only have four to a room and they already sleep together anyway).

"Is there any way I can help? Tell me what's bothering you," Blake asks.

"I just... Fria told me to view the Maiden power as a means of protecting the people I care about, to try and see it in a positive way, but I can only ever see it as a curse. How many women were killed because of this power? How many had the responsibility forced onto them without any choice in the matter? It makes me sick. It was like they had a role placed on them, and they just had to follow it, no questions asked. Some may have been able to handle it, and some may have accepted it, but I know there were those that couldn't. And were killed for it," Velvet says.

"Velvet, you took that power from Cinder because you knew it would be better off in your hands than in hers. She would've used it only for herself. You use that power for others. I've seen it. You used it to help us, and to protect Ruby, as we were making our way through Anima to get to Atlas. You've always thought about others before yourself. You may not have been exactly like before, back in your world, but here, that is not the case. You're strong, but also kind. You're vicious, but also gentle. I think the only person who can care about life more than you is Ruby, but only by a little bit. You think about the past Maidens and what they went through. That shows another part of your kindness. I don't understand what you're going through; having the powers of a Maiden. The responsibility that comes with it. But, I do know that if I had to choose between you and the other option, I'd choose you in a heartbeat," Blake explains.

Velvet grunts in amusement, "Did you read that in a book somewhere?" she jokes.

"No... Well, not all of it," Blake retorts, blushing a little bit.

Velvet chuckles, "Thanks, Blake. I mean it. That did help a bit," she says.

Blake smiles, "Anytime, Velvet. We're family after all," she says.

Velvet sits up, "Well, I still want a dose of Ruby. I think I'll go wait for her at the landing platforms," she says and exits the room.

Blake sighs, "Now I feel like I'm the one exhausted," she notes.

Meanwhile, Yang and Weiss are out at the launch site, patrolling the perimeter to make sure that no Grimm tear up the place. They had already dealt with a pack of Beowolves getting a little too close to the area, but they weren't that big of a problem. However, now they see a small flock of Manticores flying in towards them.

"Don't these guys ever take a day off?" Weiss groans.

"Oh well, more fun for us then!" Yang cheers, eager for another brawl.

Yang fires off the first shot, hitting a Manticore in the face and causing it to fall out of the sky. The rest of the Manticores fly in, firing their fire balls at the pair. Yang and Weiss move around the attacks. Weiss conjures some glyphs and launches some ice shards back at them. The shards fly by them, skewering one Manticore to death. One Manticore lands in front of her, but Yang flies in with a right cross to its face. She gets low and punches a bunch of timer rounds on the Grimm. Weiss conjures a black glyph behind it and Yang punches it through, sending it flying back before it dies in a fiery explosion. Weiss creates a few more glyphs, and Yang uses them as stepping stones, hopping up into the air to punch another Manticore in the face. The Manticore crashes onto the ground. Just as it tries to get up, Weiss stabs her rapier through its skull, killing it. Yang lands and fires off a few shots at another Manticore, taking it out. The last Manticore flies in at them, but Weiss conjures a summoning glyph, creating the right arm and the great-sword of her Armas Gigas. The arm swings wide, slicing the Manticore in half in one stroke. With the threat taken care of, the pair holster their weapons.

"Well, that's another job well done," Weiss notes.

"Yeah, I think I deserve a reward for my hard work. Don't you agree, Weiss?" Yang jokes, puckering up her lips in front of Weiss. Weiss just rolls her eyes and walks past her. "Too much?" Yang asks.

"Not now, Yang. We still have an important mission to complete... We can do something together later," Weiss says, becoming a little bashful now.

"Yeah, I know that, but..." Yang says as she grabs Weiss by the hand, twirls her around, and then brings her into her arms, their faces close together. "But, don't you see some romantic aspect about this situation. You and me, alone in the tundra. No one to watch us or to care. We could build a big ice castle out here. And I'd make you my queen," Yang says, cupping Weiss' chin in her hand.

"Well... I wouldn't exactly be opposed to all of that, but I really think that we have other things we need to focus on right now," Weiss says.

Yang smirks, "You didn't say 'no'"," she notes.

"You're insufferable," Weiss retorts, but doesn't step away.

"You know you love me," Yang says and gives Weiss a kiss, which she returns before they separate. "But you're right, we can have some fun later," she says.

Weiss pouts at Yang's antics with her, but eventually sighs and walks with her. She's used to Yang's personality by now.

Velvet does as she said she would and waits for Ruby to return at the landing platforms in front of the school. She had been waiting for a little while now.

"I could really use a dose of Ruby right now," Velvet mutters with a sigh.

A few minutes later, she hears some noise and looks up to see an airship fly up from Mantle. It comes around and lands on the platform. The doors open up, revealing Team JNR and Ruby inside. Velvet smiles at the sight of her girlfriend, and Ruby returns the gesture before zipping up to greet her with a big hug.

"Velvet, were you waiting for me? I hope we weren't keeping you," Ruby asks.

"No, you weren't, Ruby," Velvet replies.

"So, what's up? Is everything alright?' Ruby asks.

"It's fine. I just wanted to see you again," Velvet says.

"What about us?" Nora asks, gesturing to the team.

"Not you guys. Beat it," Velvet flatly retorts.

Nora looks a little grumpy from the statement, but Jaune calms her down, "Come on, Nora. Let it go. We have to report to Ironwood anyway. You go rest up, Ruby. I'll take care of it," Jaune offers.

"Thanks, Jaune," Ruby says. They watch the team leave before Ruby wraps her arms around Velvet's right. "So, now that I'm back, what do you want to do now?" she asks.

"I'd just like to relax alone with you if that's alright. It's been a long day for me," Velvet says, feeling a little tired now.

Ruby smiles softly, "Sounds like a good idea to me," she says.

The pair hold hands and return to their dorm room, finding it empty.

"Guess Blake went off somewhere," Velvet thinks.

Ruby hops onto their bed, "How about I comb your hair. That should help you relax a bit," Ruby offers.

Velvet smiles and nods, "Sounds good to me," she replies and sits down, handing Ruby her comb.

Ruby unfurls Velvet's braid and begins slowly combing her hair, taking extra care with it. Velvet closes her eyes, feeling Ruby's motions through her hair. She sighs in relief; she always likes it when Ruby combs her hair. Ruby combs her finger tips through her hair at times, feeling how smooth Velvet's hair is, despite its length or after everything they've been through.

"You must've had a lot on your mind today, huh," Ruby mutters.

"Yeah, you could say that," Velvet replies.

"Well, if you ever want to, you can always talk to me. I'm here for you no matter what, Velvet," Ruby says.

"I know you are, Ruby. Just like I'll always be there for you," Velvet says.

"So, what's on your mind today?" Ruby asks.

"The Maidens. I can't help but get hung up on how they're chosen, and how I'm sure a lot of them never had a choice in the matter. How they became targets and lost their old lives. They never chose this. It was practically forced upon them. The same thing happened to me. I took the powers of the Fall Maiden from Cinder so she couldn't use it. But, I never wanted these powers. I just couldn't let her have them. So... there wasn't a choice to make. And then I think about... I think about Pyrrha..." Velvet says, making Ruby stop for a moment. "Ozpin and the others gave her a choice, but that was a load of crap. They told her the situation, and they knew the kind of person she was. They knew what choice she would make. Because there was never a choice to make. I never blamed Pyrrha for it, though. That was simply the kind of person she was. Someone who wanted to protect others. It's why I respected her," Velvet explains.

"Velvet... look at me," Ruby says. Velvet slowly turns around to face her. Ruby strokes some strands of her hair, smiling gently. "First, personally, I think you'd be a great Maiden. You're a good person. Secondly, you don't have to worry about facing these challenges alone. Like I told you once before; you have your friends, your teammates, and you have me. You may not have had much choice in the matter before. But YOU decide what kind of Maiden you want to be. You choose how to use these powers. And I know in my heart that you'll use them to do the right thing," Ruby comforts her.

Velvet gets a little teary-eyed but smiles. The pair share a loving kiss, which eventually ends up with Velvet on top of Ruby. Velvet leans up, her hair cascading around Ruby like a cloak. The pair smile before they resume their lip-locking. If there's one thing Velvet loves about Ruby; it's that she always knows how to make her feel better.


And that's the chapter. Velvet feels conflicted about the Maiden powers and their origins, but Ruby and their friends help her figure some things out about it. Things should be getting interesting soon for the gang in Atlas. Who knows what will happen next? Until then, please Read and Review.