Chapter Six: Neptune's Tri-Hard

"So, what are we doing on a boat?" Weiss asked as they headed toward the docks.

"It's safer than a plane," Maria pointed out.

"What did you crash a plane?" Weiss asked. "My memories when I was under Cinder's control are a little fuzzy, becoming clearer, but I do remember her mentioning that."

"How the hell did she even know about that?!" Maria exclaimed. "She was at the bottom of the ocean!"

"You know she has a Semblance, right?" Ruby rolled her eyes.

"Oh yeah," Maria nodded.

"So, you're absolutely confident you can stop Cinder?" Weiss asked the group.

"We'll try," Pyrrha nodded.

"We're gonna kick her ass," Ruby put her hands in her pockets, shifting her cigarette to the other side of her mouth. "Alone, we probably couldn't, but together, we're strong enough."

"Aww, and I thought you didn't watch stuff with the power of friendship," Maria teased, pulling on Ruby's cheek.

"Agh, get off me, shitty old lady!" Ruby pushed her as Maria grinned.

"Oh, you love it when gramma pinches your cheek, don't you, Ruby?"

"About as much as I'd love to be stabbed with dozens of knives at once."

"You know, looking at this group, I'm not entirely sure what Cinder's afraid of," Weiss muttered to Blake.

"While Mrs. Calavera is a jokester, she is very capable," Blake shrugged. "Ruby has also inherited a very powerful Semblance, which will only get more powerful as she continues to train it. Even if we're not a match for Cinder alone, together, we may stand a chance."

"I'm not sure it will be so easy," Weiss sighed. "I'm not sure what her Semblance is. I haven't even seen it. She may have some dangerous ability that we're not aware of."

"Those with such wicked hearts always manage to corrupt themselves a powerful danger, but they cannot hold that power forever. Even on the chance we don't beat her, someone will come to oppose her and finish what we started. Justice will always prevail, even if it's not in the immediate."

"I guess that makes sense," Weiss shrugged.

"That's the spirit," Blake gave a small smile, putting a hand on Weiss' shoulder. "But, I have one question: why haven't you summoned your armor? Surely having a good defense is beneficial to your battle."

"When my armor is broken, I cannot summon it again for twenty four hours," Weiss looked at her. "But, I have the full range of my Semblance despite that, so I'm not at a complete disadvantage."

"I see," Blake nodded. "I suppose it makes sense. It must take a considerable amount of concentration to summon it."

"Yes," Weiss nodded.

"Well, I'm glad you're helping us." Blake gave a small smile.

"Speaking of us," Weiss glanced at Blake. "I didn't think you'd turn out to be a beast woman."

"I prefer the term Faunus," Blake said.

"Is that a Menagerie term?" The Atlesian asked.

"It's pretty common in Vale and I think it sounds cool."

"I see. I'm from Atlas and we don't take in too many of those terms. So, you're not going to put the bow back on."

"Nah. I decided that since everyone here knows, I can be freer with it. Besides, it's not like I can hide if a member of the White Fang shows up. They all know what I look like."

"You were a member of the White Fang? Which branch?"

"The Red Branch," Blake looked away from Weiss, golden eyes flicking to the ground. "They're the group solely responsible for the revival of Cinder. It's a long story."

"I'm sure we've got time."

"Let's wait until we get onto the boat. But, I suppose a better explanation of their events in history is in order. There are several branches dedicated to different things, while all focused on serving their demonic mistress."

They reached the boat, Ruby flicking her extinguished cigarette into the trash, Sundragon having mashed it out midair. The group boarded the boat, looking at the captain. There were small tufts of blue hair peeking out from his captain's hat, which had a picture of waves on it. He had goggles on his face, looking at them. They were orange and obscured his face. He was well-built, wearing a blue uniform and white gloves. A telescope hung from his waist and he looked at the group with appraisal.

"Ah, Mrs. Rose," He extended his hand, Maria taking it. "A pleasure to meet you. We've been told much about you. The Branwen Foundation was very loose with how highly they think of you."

"Captain," Maria nodded. "Glad you were up to the task of piloting us to Menagerie."

"Always wanted to take a trip there myself," He chuckled. Blake looked at him, taking in his features.

"Milady," He turned to Weiss, kissing her hand. "I do hope that I can be of service to you."

"Not interested, creep." Weiss pulled her hand back, rubbing the spot he'd kissed on Maria's arm.

"Hurtful," He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was taught to be cordial, but I suppose I deserved that one. Well, if you do change your mind, you know where to find me."

"I'm sure I won't," Weiss' tone was cold and her hand drifted toward her rapier.

"F-Fair enough," He held his hands out, taking a step back. "I suppose I'll check up on the crew."

"Captain," Maria looked him in the eye. "Are you sure you checked everyone here?"

"Yep," He gestured. "Certified by yours truly. Trust me, these men have been with me since I was afraid of water fifteen years back. They're all true blue."

"Right," Maria nodded.

"Still nervous?" Pyrrha asked her.

"Never can tell," Maria glanced around.

"So, what was with that reaction?" Blake glanced at Weiss.

"I don't appreciate being flirted with," Weiss huffed. "Most people that flirt with me are creeps or after some money."

"How will you know who your soulmate is?" Blake asked.

"I'll know," Weiss shrugged. "Now, seeing as we're on the boat, tell me more about what you know of the White Fang."

"We're interested too," Pyrrha chimed in.

"Very well," Blake nodded as they all took deck chairs. Maria ran off and quickly returned in a swimsuit that looked like it was from at least half a century ago, being more like a short-sleeved pair of footed pajamas with short legs.

"There are three main branches of the White Fang," Blake explained. "There is the White Branch, who was wiped out half a century ago while investigating the properties of Aura. From what I heard, it was a single Aura wielder that did it."

"Oscar," Maria's fist clenched as the memory returned. "My mother had said that he destroyed the branch."

"Correct," Blake continued. "Then, there is the Red Branch, which was dedicated to finding and reviving Cinder. They managed to succeed this mission. From them, we may see fighters chasing us. Then there is the Black Branch. It's regarded as myth to lower ranking members of the white fang, but it's said they are the elite members, those best at the jobs the White Fang is known for. It's likely these are those kept closest to Cinder and we may encounter… if they exist. Truthfully, I don't believe it. There's no way we'd have gone so far without knowing, but Deery certainly believed they were real. Of course, it's possible they were disbanded as well. Who knows? That green haired woman is Emerald."

"The one we both met?" Pyrrha asked.

"Yes," Blake's fist clenched. "She's Cinder's right hand woman. She was in charge of the Red Branch and they succeeded in finding her. I had left before then, but I would have been swayed to Cinder's side if I'd been there. Such is the danger of her charisma."

"Cinder started such a dangerous organization?" Weiss asked.

"No, they were around before Cinder, but they joined her." Blake shook her head. "They were started by a man named Corsac, a psychotic killer in Patch."

"I've heard of him," Pyrrha's eyes widened. "He was a cannibal and led a cannibal cult. But, they never found him. Could it be he's still alive?"

"No," Maria shook her head this time. "Corsac was killed by Summer Rose, my grandmother. My aunt Raven told me that. She was there when Summer went to stop Cinder."

"I see," Pyrrha nodded. "But, his organization lived on."

"Taken over by Cinder. Not all of them were turned into ghasts, but some of them may be either ghasts or Grimm."

"We cannot allow such danger to exist." Blake clenched a fist. "I've seen firsthand what sort of dangers the White Fang is capable of. With Cinder's death, we must also end the White Fang. My mother and father were also members of the White Fang, but they sacrificed themselves for Cinder's foul influence. They allowed themselves to become demons for the sake of their false goddess."

"Then we face them as well," Ruby said. "We will defeat Cinder."

"That we will," Weiss nodded.

The group watched the crew moving back and forth, some waving at Maria. Maria gave winks to some, waving back in a very flirty manor. Ruby smacked her in the back of the head.

"Don't you try that again," Blake sighed. "Mrs. Autumn and your husband freaked out on you the last time."

"Well, I didn't think she'd actually go for it," Maria rolled her eyes. "Lucky me, I couldn't have gotten pregnant from her."

"Just keep your hands to yourself," Ruby said. "You can flirt on your own time."

"I know, I know," Maria rolled her eyes. "Old habits die hard."

"Just pay attention," Ruby leaned back on the chair. "We're not here to relax."

"I know that," Maria huffed. "But, you two could at least put on some swimsuits."

"I don't plan on swimming," Ruby pulled her hat down over her eyes.

"I didn't pack any," Pyrrha said.

"You guys are such bums," Maria groaned. "Jeez, live a little."

"I didn't think we'd have the time anyway," Ruby said. "Now, let's just relax some. How long till we get to Menagerie?"

"Not sure," Maria shrugged. "Depends on the ship."

Ruby nodded in acknowledgement, pulling out a magazine about guns that had a scythe of sorts on the cover. There was a sudden cry from the ship's cabin as several crew members ran out, chasing a kid who looked to be not too much younger than the teens, no more than twelve at the oldest.

"Stowaway!" The crew members shouted. "Stop him!"

The Crusaders got a good look at the kid. He was wearing a pair of maroon overalls with a black shirt underneath. A hat covered his hair and even obscured his eyes a bit. His complexion was tan with what looked like spots. His eyes were grey, definitely not silver like Ruby's, but a bit devoid of color.

Ruby made no movement, but Sundragon grabbed the kid by the back of his overalls.

"Hey, let me go!" He thrashed, but had no way to break Sundragon's grip. He pulled out a blade from his overalls that was as long as his leg and began swinging it. It was a flat blade, but it almost resembled a rapier in design. Of course, he couldn't hit Sundragon, even if the blade was able to affect a Semblance.

"What are you doing on this boat?" Ruby asked. "We're out in the middle of the ocean."

"Yeah, what's it to you?" He continued slashing behind him. "And, who's got me?!"

"How about we put the knife down before someone, likely you, gets hurt?" Pyrrha stood up, walking over with her hands held in a placating gesture. "That's a bit too dangerous of a weapon for a kid to have."

"Says you!" The kid flicked his wrist, the blade lengthening into a whip and nearly striking Pyrrha, had Milo Akoúo not intercepted it by catching the whip and yanking it toward her. The kid was flung toward her as Sundragon let go. Milo Akoúo let go of the strange blade as Pyrrha grabbed the kid's wrist.

"Where did you get that blade?" Weiss stood up.

"What's it to you?" The kid demanded.

"There is only one person I've ever known to have a blade like that," Weiss stepped over. "It belonged to my brother."

"Yeah right," The kid taunted, struggling in Pyrrha's grip. "I got that blade from a flea market and it was supposed to be from some weirdo who could see ghosts or something."

Weiss paused at that; could he have had a Semblance? Or, was he manifesting the ability? Or, was that in reference to the one who had killed him?

"Does that blade have the initials WS on it?" Weiss asked.

"How'd you know about that?" The kid asked.

"As I suspected," Weiss crossed her arms. "It was his blade. You may keep it. I've no need of it. I have my own weapon with me."

"Ha, that's not much of a weapon," The kid taunted. "It's too chunky to do anything."

"So, you have a Semblance," Weiss said.

"What the hell's a Semblance?" The kid asked. "I got no idea what you fools are talking about."

"Your weapon is invisible to normal people?" Maria asked.

"It is invisible to normal people," Weiss said. "Perhaps it's when my armor is summoned, but people don't seem to notice it. If this child doesn't have a Semblance, he may have the potential for it, like Ruby's mother."

"It's very possible," Maria looked at the child, debating whether or not to treat him as the enemy. The boat had stopped at this point for a system's check, leaving them sitting in open water.

"So, how's Cinder?" Pyrrha asked.

"You guys are freakin' weirdos," The kid jumped back as Pyrrha let go. "What the hell's a cinder got to do with anything? You freaks pyromaniacs or something?"

"Mouthy little runt," Maria muttered.

"What's this about a stowaway?" The kid froze at the sound of the captain's voice, the blue haired man grabbing him by the arms and wrenching his arms back. "And, with a weapon too. Looks like I'm fully allowed to use lethal force on you."

"Woah, hold on, captain," Maria held up a hand. "I don't think that's necessary. This is just a child."

"If a child kills someone, they should be tried as an adult," The captain grunted, wrenching the kid's arms further behind his back. "But, I suppose that I have a more fitting punishment as we're out at sea on my boat."

With one fluid motion, the captain moved to the side of the boat, tossing the child off. The child landed with a splash in the water, coughing and gasping for air. The captain threw his weapon over the side of the ship as well. Without care for his own safety, the child swam for it, clutching onto it.

"You bastard," Ruby clenched her fist as she glared at the captain. "That's just a kid."

"The rules are the rules," The captain crossed his arms, matching her stare. "If you don't like it, the side of the boat's right there."

Ruby growled, Maria stepping up, ready to intervene, but Ruby jumped onto the railing, diving in after the kid.

"There's sharks in that water," A crewman said. "She'll be shark food."

Ruby made it over to the child, grabbing him by the front of his overalls.

"Come on, kid," She said, looking at the boat. "We're getting back on the boat."

"H-Hey, watch where you're grabbing!" The kid shouted, swatting at Ruby. In the process, he knocked his hat away. As a result, a cascade of brown hair with the slightest of red tinge rolled down, landing in the water.

"Wait a second, you're a girl?" Ruby asked, looking at him—er, her.

"So, what's it to you? You're a girl too!" The kid said, pointing the knife she had retrieved at Ruby.

"Just come on," Ruby rolled her eyes, swimming back toward the boat with the kid in tow.

"Uh, hey, sharks are in this water, right?" The girl asked her.

"Why do you ask?" Ruby looked at her.

"Th-That!" The girl pointed at a shape moving toward them, a single grey triangle emerging from the water. Before it got any closer, Sundragon uppercutted the fish, slamming it back down with one punch. The shark impacted the water, unmoving, then began to sank. The girl was stunned, watching the shark be pummeled.

"What's your name?" Ruby grabbed the side of the boat, Pyrrha tossing the life preserver down to her.

"Ilia," The girl mumbled quietly. "Now, hurry up and let go of me, you creep."

"Just shut up and hold tight," Ruby climbed up the ship. She grabbed the railing, hauling herself up. She set Ilia down, pulling her box of cigarettes out of her pocket. Surprisingly, they were fairly dry, and Ruby lit one and took a long drag.

"Excuse me," The captain stormed over to her, reaching for it. "No smoking on my ship."

"Sorry, I like to have the taste of tobacco on my tongue when I'm about to beat the shit out of someone," Ruby grabbed his hand. "And, it seems like I've got a candidate for a beatdown right here."

"Well, is this a mutiny attempt," The captain laughed, wrenching his hand free. "I'd love to see that. I was advised by the Branwen Foundation that you were a bit of a rebel. But, to openly challenge me on my own ship is pretty ballsy. But, my rule is that there's no smoking on my ship."

"Even if you weren't gonna get your ass kicked for that little stunt you pulled with this kid, you shouldn't be such a prick," Ruby breathed a puff of smoke into his face. "But, I suppose it doesn't matter anyway."

"Ruby, please don't start a fight," Maria said. "What he did to that child is unforgiveable, but we need to make it to our destination before we pummel him."

"I said it doesn't matter because I've found our Semblance wielder," Ruby said, still staring the captain down.

"How do you figure?" Maria asked, Life and Death appearing subtly in her hand as Gambol Shroud and Milo Akoúo also manifested at the masters' command.

"What is this talk of a Semblance?" The captain asked. "I mean, you're starting to sound really insane here. Perhaps the information we were given about you was false."

"No, I'm saying you're the Semblance user because when someone with a Semblance gets a whiff of smoke, a thin vein appears on their forehead in the shape of an 'M'." Ruby said.

Weiss, Maria, Blake, and the captain put their hands on their foreheads. Ilia looked confused, watching the Crusaders closely.

"I-Is that true?" Maria whined a little. "Do I look like a Majin if I smell all that tobacco you keep breathing?"

"Nah, I'm just fucking with you," Ruby smirked, putting her hands in her pockets. "But, I managed to get the captain, didn't I?"

"Oh, it seems I fell for it," The captain chuckled. "Thank god, too, because that would surely look ugly on my forehead. Well, since the game's up, I suppose I don't need this shitty disguise anymore."

The captain removed his hat and goggles, revealing a mop of watery blue hair and cerulean eyes.

"Neptune," Blake gasped. "She sent you?"

"Ah, Blake, you were the one I was most worried about recognizing me," Neptune glanced at her, not taking his attention from Ruby. "But, at this point, I think I'll just kill you all. You're no match for me at this rate."

"What's his Semblance?" Maria asked Blake.

"He can control the water," Blake clenched a fist. "I'm not sure how deep his control goes, but it's control over water."

"I wasn't lying when I said I was afraid of water," Neptune stepped away from Ruby. "But, while I was in the White Fang, that fear went away as I developed my Semblance, Tri-Hard, represented by the Naiad card, which symbolizes tranquility and calm. And, now, my Semblance allows me to control my former fear."

"You're not going to get past us," Maria held out her hand, Life and Death reaching for Neptune. The Semblance passed right through him, however, his body rippling as if Maria had thrown a stone in a lake. Neptune laughed, making a slashing motion with his hand. Three heavy drops of water shot toward her, one landing on her head and the others heading toward Blake and Weiss.

Two black snowflakes appeared in front of Weiss and Blake, holding the drops back. Pyrrha rushed for Neptune, Milo Akoúo summoning Rain of Spears. Like a machine gun, they shot toward Neptune. These also passed through Neptune like he was made of water.

"You fools can't touch me!" He laughed. "My body is made of water as well!"

Weiss scoffed, holding her hand out and smirking as ten blue snowflakes appeared, each shooting an icicle at Neptune. He laughed, watching as they passed through him. He threw more water drops at Weiss, throwing one toward Ruby, who smacked it out of the way with Sundragon. More came, keeping her busy.

The drop that was on Maria expanded, covering her whole head, cutting off her air supply. Maria clawed at the water, but was unable to remove it from her face.

"You fools can't possibly hope to hurt me," Neptune laughed.

"Think again," Weiss pointed with her rapier. "My icicles have done more than try to attack you. If you control water, then you could say that I control the cold."

Neptune looked down, gasping in horror as the places where he was struck began to freeze. The ice was spreading quickly, soon coating his whole body. Weiss used her speed to move over to him, kicking the ice sculpture that was Neptune and shattering it.

"What a relief," Maria gasped for air when the drop fell from her face. "It's fortunate for us that Weiss was able to freeze him. Otherwise we would have all been killed."

"Even a powerful Semblance is no match for something that can become like water," Ruby stopped blocking, walking over to the ice sculpture fragments. "He wasn't kidding about being able to take us all on. Sometimes, you need teamwork to solve problems."

"You'll have to work harder than that to beat me," Neptune's voice came from behind them. They all turned to see him, standing unharmed. The ice sculpture had melted, allowing him to reform. "Clever, but not enough. If the ice melts, like it will on a hot day like today, I can reform."

"Who are you guys?" Ilia was hiding behind a chair. "Why do you have weirdos like this guy after you?"

"Now, with you all dead, Cinder will give me a nice reward," Neptune took a flashy pose. "I'm sure it will be wonderful. But, I'll see after you're dead. Just don't disappoint me with the fight."

"What else could beat water other than freezing it?" Maria asked.

"What about electricity?" Ilia asked.

"How would we be able to generate that?" Maria asked. "It's best not to destroy the ship if we can help it."

"Doesn't electricity gather faster in the cold?" Ilia poked her head out.

"You're right," Maria's eyes widened. "Weiss?"

"You've got it!" Weiss spread her arms out wide, a large white snowflake appearing on the floor of the ship. From this snowflake emerged a whipping and harrowing blizzard. The ship began to be coated in icicles, the engines shutting down. Neptune's movements seemed to slow as the water began to freeze slightly.

"Now we just have to hit him with static energy!" Blake shouted over the blizzard.

"My icicles can carry it, but I can't generate one and throw it while I'm maintaining this blizzard." Weiss said.

"I'll do it," Ilia timidly raised a hand. "I-I just wanna get back to dry land. I can help. I also have a Taser!"

"Why do you have that?" Maria asked.

"For protection, duh!" Ilia said. "But, I didn't think to bring a charger, so it may only have one more charge."

"With that blade, of course!" Maria clapped her hands. "The whip is still metal and can conduct the electricity. Perfect!"

"I'll use the whip," Blake stood next to Ilia. "We may need a lot of electricity and it could hurt you."

"O-Okay," Ilia said. "But, I want it back!"

"You got it," Blake nodded. She took the whip, whipping it into Neptune.

"Blake, is that really the best you can do?" The partially frozen man asked. "You'll have to do better than that!"

"We did," Blake smirked, putting the Taser on the whip and turning it on. Neptune shrieked as his entire body was electrified. With that, he became more solid, dropping to the ground. He stood up, ready to fight again, but Ruby was standing in front of him, Sundragon cracking her knuckles.

"Looks like you're about to put conquering your fear to the test," She said as Sundragon pulled back its fist.

Neptune was too slow, far too slow to dodge the incoming blows. With its powerful fists, Sundragon rocked and socked him and with one final attack, knocked him over the edge. His unconscious and bleeding body floated on the water. The Crusaders looked at it, expecting him to make a move.

"I think you should look away from this," Ruby covered Ilia's eyes as she noticed a few more sharks swimming toward Neptune's body. "Not the greatest way to go."

"What happened out here?!" The first mate came out, looking at, but not seeing, the results of the dying blizzard and the ice everywhere. He immediately began shivering. "The engine is frozen and won't thaw for a while. Where's the captain?"

"Sleeping with the fishes," Ruby looked at the first mate.

"Well, he'll see the real captain in hell then," The first mate clenched his fists. "He killed him and forced us to captain this boat, waiting for people that fit your descriptions."

"We're sorry for your loss," Maria looked down. "I'm sorry your crew had to be caught up in this mess. My family's mess should never have extended to those not involved."

"It's alright," The first mate sighed. "You couldn't have known. But, as you lot don't seem to be criminals, and you did take down that imposter, so we'll try to get you safely to the next destination in your trip. I'm sorry, but we can't go further than that. But, aside from that, we have to wait for the engines to thaw."

"Understood," Maria shook his hand. "So, how long until the engines thaw?"

"Should be a couple of hours in this weather, by our estimate." The first mate said, rubbing his arms. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and check on the processes and make sure nothing was damaged in your battle. Also, you should put on a coat or something. Weather didn't say anything about a cold front. Brr"

"Who are you guys?" Ilia asked them.

"We're just going to help my daughter," Maria said. "So, what's your story? Why are you on this ship?"

"That's not important," Ilia waved it away. "But, I think I'm done with boat travel."

"Well, we'll help you get to the train station when we get onto dry land," Maria smiled. "It's the least we can do after you helped."

"I mean, you guys did most of that," Ilia shook her head. "I don't even know what was going on."

"It's alright," Blake said, handing her the weapon back. "Why don't you go inside? It should be a bit warmer. We're going to clean up a bit."

"O-Okay," Ilia began shivering, realizing how cold it was. "Hopefully no more crazy guys come after you. I hope you can save your daughter."

"You want to keep an eye on her, don't you?" Blake looked at Maria once Ilia had gone inside.

"The fact that she can see Semblances is concerning," Maria spoke quietly. "I'm not sure if she's on Cinder's side, but the fact she can see them is concerning. There's a chance she could end up like Autumn if she isn't capable of handling a Semblance. And, if that's the case, we can't save her since any sickness she gets would have nothing to do with Cinder."

"And, if she's not on Cinder's side, there's a chance Cinder could try to sway her." Weiss interjected. "If not by charisma, by coercion. She's most certainly in danger the longer she stays with us."

"Right," Ruby said. "She's definitely got potential for it. The question is if we'll see it. But, I suppose that's a question for another day. Right now, we should worry about getting back to land. Unless she's faking it, she has no idea what's going on completely."

"Which is even worse for her." Pyrrha said. "Weiss, Blake, and I have had our Semblances since birth and you two are accustomed to battles, so we're prepared, but I fear we'd put her in danger."

"Exactly," Maria nodded. "We keep an eye on her, but we'll still set her on the train. I doubt Cinder would use someone so new to a Semblance. But, there's no telling what she'd do if desperate."

"Well, let's see what happens next," Ruby said.


And so, they have defeated yet another obstacle on their way. What else will Fate toss their way?