Here we are at Chapter 107. Time for the gang to continue their mission in Atlas, while the elections for the council get closer and closer. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 107. Enjoy.
Chapter 107: Night Off
In Atlas Academy, the gang are all in the training room, working on improving their skills and abilities. Yang and Blake are seen hopping from pillar to pillar, while below them, Jaune blocks shots from Nora as she swings her hammer around and knocks a training ball against his shield. Ren sits against one pillar, meditating while Oscar keeps watch on Jaune's aura, watching on his scroll as his aura regenerates more quickly and efficiently now. Weiss continues training against her sister with her summoning. Winter sends a Beowolf at her, but Weiss pins it against a wall with a black glyph, followed by dealing a sneak attack on Winter's leg with a smaller version of her Armas Gigas. Off to the side, Velvet swings her arm blade around in its chain form as she blocks shots from Ruby's sniper scythe. She twirls in the air as she spins her weapon around, blocking a few more shots from her girlfriend. Ruby then uses her semblance to charge at Velvet. Velvet remains motionless and when she gets close, Ruby's petal burst separates into three parts that fly around her and then reform behind her into one as Ruby lands on her feet.
"You're getting better at that," Velvet notes, making Ruby smile.
The training gets cut short when Ironwood and Clover enter the training room.
"Clover wasn't kidding when he said that you guys were working hard in your training and when you're out on missions. I'm impressed," Ironwood says as the group gather around him.
"Well, with things down in Mantle so screwed up, it's only a matter of time before something happens again. We have to be ready for it," Velvet says, hand on her hip.
Ironwood pulls out his scroll, showing the current polls between Robyn and Jacques, with Robyn in the lead.
"I suppose things could be better. Things have been tense lately," Ironwood notes.
"Well, if you ask me, I think it would be better if Robyn won the election and not Jacques Schnee," Blake says.
"I second that opinion," Weiss adds.
"Well, I won't argue with you on that note. I think it's safe to say that Jacques isn't in this election for the people," Ironwood notes as he puts the scroll away.
"Maybe you could use this election as a chance to work with Robyn; get her to see that you're both on the same side. If the people could see you two working together, it might get Mantle on your side," Ruby suggests.
"That would be a big help, but I don't think it's going to be that simple," Ironwood replies.
"Why not? You want to reunite the world. Isn't that what you said before? Then the first step to doing that should be getting Atlas and Mantle to work together. Far too long, Mantle has had to do most of the dirty work for Atlas, while Atlas gets to keep its hands clean. That's partially why the rest of the world doesn't have a high opinion of your kingdom, or your military, General. We know that you're being framed for those murders down there, but unless you take the chance and make the effort to talk with Robyn, then they'll always think it's your fault. You have to open up to her. The people in Mantle trust her. If you can get her to trust you, then Mantle will support you then," Velvet states.
Ironwood sighs, "That would be a great help. But I'm afraid the only way that would work is if Robyn is open to us as well," he says.
Before Velvet can say anything else, Ren interrupts her, "I take it you're here to give us new mission assignments," he says.
"Something like that. The General and I want you all to take the rest of the evening to recuperate," Clover says.
The news is a little surprising to the group, "You're... giving us the night off?" Blake questions.
"Ordering it in fact. After tonight's election, we're all going to be waking up to a very different Atlas. I want you all to be rested and ready for whatever that might bring. Besides, you've all been working hard for the Amity project among others things. I think you've earned a little break," Ironwood says.
However, while this news should sound like a relief to her, it only makes Velvet worry more about the election and the state of things between Atlas and Mantle.
…
Back in their room, Team RVWBY are figuring out exactly how they're going to spend their night off. Ruby notices Blake doing her eye shadow a bit.
"Are you going somewhere Blake?" Ruby asks.
"Team FNKI invited me, Jaune, and Oscar out dancing. I thought it would be a good way of getting my mind off of the election for a while," Blake says.
"Aren't you going with her, Yang? I thought dance clubs were your thing," Velvet asks.
"Normally, they are, but one: I find Team FNKI to be VERY annoying. And two-," Yang begins.
"Yang is taking me to the movies. It's been a while since we had a chance to do something together," Weiss says. "And if we don't do something soon, Yang's personality will begin to get antsy, which will drive me insane."
"What about you guys? Are you really going to that victory party that Robyn is hosting?" Yang asks.
"Yeah, Penny will be there doing security with some of the Ace Ops. Ren and Nora are coming with us," Ruby says.
"I'm just going to make sure nothing happens to Ruby... and to make sure she doesn't get into trouble," Velvet notes.
"Trouble? You make it sound like I always get into trouble," Ruby retorts, but the rest of the team just give her flat stares.
"Whose idea was it to ride a giant Nevermore during initiation?" Weiss asks rhetorically.
"And to mail ourselves to Mountain Glenn during our first mission?" Blake adds.
"And to jump right into the cannon of a giant robot to blow it up?" Yang says.
"And to stare down a Leviathan in the face?" Velvet finishes.
"Come on! It wasn't all that bad!" Ruby defends herself, but she finds herself heavily outnumbered. Ruby slumps in defeat. "Alright fine, I'll be careful... You guys are no fun," she mutters.
"But seriously, a victory party?" Weiss asks.
"The option to come with us is still on the table if you want to come," Ruby says.
"No offense Ruby, but we're using this time to take our minds OFF of the election. Going to a rally for it doesn't exactly help with that plan," Yang says.
Just then, their door opens up and Team JNR and Oscar pop up, "Hey, you guys ready to party?" Jaune asks.
"Yeah, let's go," Blake says and walks out.
Yang offers her arm to Weiss, who rolls her eyes with a smile as she takes it and they leave, followed by Ruby and Velvet. With that, the gang all head out to their destinations.
…
Down in Mantle, Velvet and Ruby walk with Ren and Nora to the party at a warehouse that Robyn is hosting for the election. However, some people in the group aren't exactly in a celebratory mood.
"I wonder if a victory party seems a bit premature. Considering the election isn't over yet," Ren notes.
"Oh, let them have one sure thing," Nora tries to remain optimistic.
"Nora's right. It may be the last sure thing they have before Amnity tower goes up and everyone finds out about... what we're fighting," Ruby says.
"Then we'll have to deal with the aftermath of that revelation," Velvet notes.
"We spent a lot of time worrying about Ironwood's reaction to the truth about Salem and Ozpin. But what about what we're going to do once we get past that part?" Ren asks.
"Jinn said that Salem can't be killed," Nora notes.
"Just because she can't be killed, doesn't mean she can't be stopped. Besides, Jinn said that Ozpin can't kill her, but maybe... someone else can," Velvet says as she glances at Ruby.
"I... I don't know," Ruby replies, unsure despite her girlfriend's support.
"We should be training right now," Ren says.
"We've trained enough! Take some time to-," Nora begins.
"We don't have time!" Ren stops her.
"Are... are they okay?" Ruby worries about them.
"Looks like they're having a bit of a lover's spat. I'd say let them sort it out themselves. I'm not playing 'parent' for this mess," Velvet says, shaking her head.
A little while later, they arrive at their destination. Heading through the front entrance, they find the warehouse packed with people who support Robyn Hill. Of course, there also a few military drones flying around, keeping an eye on the place. Just then, Penny pops her head out from the crowd and smiles when she notices them.
"Ruby! Velvet! Ren! Nora!" Penny cheers at seeing her friends again.
"Hey Penny," Ruby greets her.
"I'm so glad you could make it. It's just Marrow, Melina, and me tonight, so more friends equals more fun... Where is everyone else?" Penny asks.
"Weiss and Yang are out on a date, and Blake is hanging out with the boys," Velvet says, but notices the distinct tension in the air between Ren and Nora. "Well, let's go," she says. Penny smiles and walks ahead with Ruby in tow. However, before they can go, Velvet stops them. "Ah-ah, you two stay here and work things out. Your little spat is starting to annoy me," Velvet tells them.
"But, there's nothing to-," Ren begins.
"Work. Things. OUT," Velvet practically orders them before leaving.
…
Meanwhile, Yang and Weiss are exiting the movie theater after finishing their movie.
"That movie wasn't too bad. I liked the part where the girl managed to make her escape and find a way to screw with the bad guy's plans before the hero even showed up. She kind of reminded me of you, actually?" Yang notes.
"And how, exactly, did she remind you of me?" Weiss questions her.
"Well, she wasn't really a damsel in distress. She was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Just like you," Yang says.
"Well... I appreciate the compliment," Weiss replies.
"So, what do you want to do now?" Yang asks.
"I'd like to just rest up for the rest of the night. It's been a long day. But, I could also go for a bite to eat," Weiss suggests.
"Sounds like a plan. Know any good places around here?" Yang asks.
"I... I don't... actually," Weiss mutters sadly. Yang notices her change in demeanor. "For so many years, I lived up in Atlas, floating above Mantle. I wanted to make things right, but while there are plenty of things I know about Mantle, there are still plenty of things I don't know about it. I... never took the time to learn more about this place. Guess I was too busy being a spoiled brat because of it," Weiss laments.
Yang holds her hand gently, "You're not that person anymore. You're better now, and you care about everyone's safety and well-being. And you want to learn more so you can help them. That chick from the movie may have been pretty cool, but there's nothing compared to the genuine article," Yang says, taking Weiss' hand and kissing it.
Weiss blushes a deep red, "What are you doing, you buffoon?! People could be watching!" she berates Yang.
"Aw, let them watch. That way, they can be jealous of me because I am with the most beautiful, most amazing girl in the world," Yang says resolutely.
Her kind and honest words touch Weiss' heart, "I... I suppose I'll let you off the hook. Just this once though. Now come on, we really should be looking for a place to eat," Weiss says, walking ahead of Yang.
Yang chuckles, "She's so easy to rile up. But then again, that's just another thing that makes her so cute," she mutters so Weiss won't hear her.
They walk around, looking for a place to eat. There's no fine dining here down in Mantle, but as long as the food is still good and edible, that doesn't really matter. Luckily, they find a place similar to the noodles place they ate at during the Vytal Festival. While Weiss isn't exactly fond of the idea after how her last meal with noodles went, as the saying goes: beggars can't be choosers.
…
Back at the warehouse, Robyn has just finished giving a speech to everyone that showed up. She walks off stage, glancing at the polls, seeing her lead over Jacques becoming smaller and smaller, which makes her worry. However, her attention changes when she notices Velvet standing behind the curtains, watching the festivities.
"I wasn't exactly expecting you to show up. I believe your name was Velvet, right?" Robyn asks.
"Maybe. And I'm only here to watch out for Ruby. I've never cared about politics," Velvet crosses her arms.
"But I can see that you do care about others. Even you must have seen the inequality between Atlas and Mantle. The people deserve to have a better life than what they've been given, wouldn't you agree?" Robyn says.
"...I won't lie and say that I haven't noticed. But, my issue that even if you win, will you be able to play nice with Atlas. You may not believe this, but there are some in Atlas that do care about people, including those here in Mantle. Now, I can't speak for them. I'm not from Atlas or Mantle, but I do know people from there that care. Even if they sometimes make poor decisions," Velvet says.
"The point is that the only way that we'll all get to live peaceful lives is by working together. Mantle has had to shoulder the burden for so long. Atlas needs to start helping too. Otherwise, if we're gone, then how will they survive?" Robyn says and walks away.
Velvet watches her go, but then groans when she looks back and sees Melina standing near her.
"What do you want?" Velvet begrudgingly asks.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing. You looked so sad standing all alone," Melina teases her.
"Will you knock it off. Why won't you leave me alone and realize that I love Ruby?" Velvet demands.
Melina sighs, "Fine. To be honest, I have taken an interest in you. What I don't understand is what you see in that cloak-wearing girl? For one, isn't she a little younger than you?" Melina asks.
"You don't know her, so I wouldn't expect you to understand. Ruby isn't some little girl... She was the first person I met at Beacon who welcomed me with open arms. When most saw me as a monster, she saw me as a normal person. She's full of life and love and wants nothing more than to help others. She's the most beautiful and amazing person I've ever met. She gave me a second chance at life. I will be forever grateful to her. That is why. No one can even come close to her. So back off... And don't try anything with Ruby either. Or else I'll kill you," Velvet explains.
Melina groans a bit, "You really have no interest in me?" she asks.
"Not. One. Bit," Velvet replies, not even glancing at her.
Melina sighs, "Well, hopefully one day you'll see the error of your ways. I need to get back before Marrow bites my head off. Talk to you later," Melina says and walks off.
Velvet watches her leave, "How did someone like her become a member of the Ace Ops?" she wonders.
Velvet decides to return to Ruby's side. She spots her in the crowd and she waves back to her. Velvet waves back, but then notices what appears to be a metal tail appear behind one of the civilians. Curious, she walks back to get a better view... only for her eyes to widen when she sees it's none other than Tyrian Callows in the crowd. He smirks at her, and Velvet looks between Ruby and Robyn.
"Look out!" Velvet shouts, but then the lights suddenly go off.
Tyrian makes his move, using the darkness to mask his presence as he starts killing civilians indiscriminately, causing the rest to panic and run all over the place. Velvet has to keep some of the screaming people from running into her as she tries to find Tyrian in the darkness.
"Velvet, where are you?!" Ruby calls out.
"Ruby!" Velvet calls out.
Meanwhile, Penny uses her eyes to spot Tyrian as he kills a few more people.
"Put down your weapons and surrender," She orders him.
Tyrian just glances back before he suddenly disappears when more people run between them. Penny looks around while Robyn and one of her huntresses are still on the stage, looking around with their weapons out.
"Huntresses, to me!" Robyn calls out.
"Come on, we have to get you out of here," one of the huntresses says.
However, she doesn't notice Tyrian running up on stage until it's too late. He gets close and uses his semblance to break through her aura and deal a lethal slash across her torso. The Faunus girl falls to the ground while Tyrian jumps over her and Robyn, landing behind her. Robyn looks around, trying to find him, not realizing that he's standing right behind her. Penny sees this though.
"Robyn!" Penny says and flies towards her.
Penny tackles Robyn to the floor to keep her safe, but Tyrian uses this chance to jump up to the ceiling and makes his getaway. A moment later, the lights come back on. Velvet looks around, finding Ruby unharmed and near the stage. However, she also notices all the dead bodies in the warehouse. However, things go from bad to worse.
"And the winner of the Atlas council election is... Jacques Schnee!" the announcement is made, much to the shock of everyone in the warehouse.
"Oh no," Velvet mutters.
She sees Ruby get onto the stage to help the wounded huntress, while Robyn stares dagers at Penny.
"It's Ironwood's robot!" one civilian calls out.
Velvet gets onto the stage just as Ren and Nora join them.
"What happened?!" Nora asks.
"It's Tyrian. He's here. He was inside the warehouse and killed these people," Velvet explains.
However, they don't have time to talk when they see the survivors of the crowd and the other huntresses all charge the stage.
"STAY!" Marrow engages his semblance to freeze them all. "Get Penny out the back. Now!" Marrow tells them.
Nora and Melina help a shocked and scared Penny out through the back of the warehouse while Ren covers them. Robyn watches them leave before she moves and pushes Ruby out of the way to help her friend. Velvet helps Ruby up as Marrow approaches them.
"I'm sorry! Is she-," He begins before one of the huntresses fires an arrow at him.
Velvet engages her demon claw and uses her semblance to create a claw shield to protect them.
"We have to leave, now!" Velvet tells them.
Ruby moves and pulls Marrow along, "This wasn't us. I swear, it wasn't us!" Marrow says before they all leave, but not before Robyn watches them go with hate in her eyes.
Outside the warehouse, the gang regroup, while Penny just stares off into space. They can also hear chaos and rioting in the distance.
"What the Hell is going on here?" Melina asks.
"Trouble, that's what," Velvet replies.
"Penny, we need to get you back to Atlas. Reinforcements are on the way," Marrow says, but Penny acts like she doesn't hear him. "Penny?" he asks, but then Penny suddenly flies off into the air over the city, followed by a distinct roar in the distance.
"Grimm," Ruby says.
Velvet sighs, "This is going to be a long night," she notes as they all engage their weapons and run off to quell the chaos.
And that's the chapter. Velvet and her friends find themselves in a sticky situation when they realize that Tyrian is in Atlas, and Penny has been framed for the people he killed. What's more, Robyn Hill seems to think so too. Will they clear Penny of the massacre? Will they figure out what's really going on? Until then, please Read and Review.
