Here is the next chapter of the Grimm Rider story.
Songs:
Rest of Forever by Jason Cassidy
Cowboys and Angels by Dustin Lynch
Wade couldn't believe his eyes. Entering the classroom were Ruby Rose and Voltaria Eclipse. It was a total shock. Usually, Voltaria would be first in class alone. But now, she comes in with Ruby. This was a shocker for him and everyone in the classroom. Before anyone could speak further, Professor Oobleck zooms in.
"Good Morning class! Ms. Rose! Ms. Eclipse! Take your seats! Class will be starting now!" Oobleck said quickly.
Ruby and Voltaria went to their respectful teammates and took their seats. As Oobleck started explaining the history of Vacuo, Ruby's teammates were wondering where Ruby had been. They were worried after she didn't show up into their dorm after she went off to get something to eat. But they didn't expect her to be with Voltaria.
"Hey, Sis?" Yang whispers to Ruby.
"Yes?" Ruby asked, looking at her sister.
"Why were you with Voltaria?" Yang asked.
Ruby tense as she thinks of an excuse. "Uh…well, we kind of bumped into each other by accident! Yeah, accident ehehehe…" Ruby laughs weakly and nervously.
"Ruby? Is there something wrong?" Blake asked Ruby.
"Wha? No! Nothing's wrong! Me and Volty were just…hanging out."
"Hanging out? Last time I checked, Voltaria didn't like spending time with other people, including her own teammates." Yang pointed out.
Ruby taps her fingers together, sweating a little. "Well…"
"Ms. Rose!" Oobleck exclaims.
Ruby stood up and faced the professor. "Yes!"
"Can you explain the reason why Vacuo has no formal government?!" Oobleck exclaims, sipping a cup of coffee.
"Uhh…" Ruby tries to think, figuring a way to answer his question.
Suddenly, she felt something in her mind, it was Regina's voice. "Ruby…"
"Regina?" Ruby thought in surprise, almost forgot she and others can do telepathy.
"Follow my words carefully." Regina instructed.
"Um, okay?" Ruby thought softly. Regina gave Ruby the information she needed to answer Oobleck's question. "Well…when the Great War ended, the first formal government was finally made in Vacuo, but the people didn't care about the laws. And then Shade Academy was made and became the only real source of order in the Kingdom." Ruby answered.
"Correct!" Oobleck exclaims as he zooms away.
Ruby sighs and sits back down, feeling relief that she was able to answer. "Thanks, Regina." She thought with a smile.
"You are very welcome, Ruby." Regina said to her as she returned back to Volatria, who was paying attention to Oobleck.
Ruby smiles as they return back to the lessons. Hours later, they went to Professor Port's class. He was telling his tale about facing Grimms that lurks through the deep ocean. Ruby taps her hands impatiently as she waits for the class to be over, so she and Voltaria can check on Amaryllis and Ripper, she was worried about people finding them. Bit she was assured by Regina, who sensed her distress, as she told her that Hannibal is keeping them safe from danger and no human or Faunus can enter deep within Emerald Forest. This helped Ruby relax but still thinks about Amaryllis and Ruby.
After class was over, everyone either returned to their dorms or headed to the courtyard to be with friends, or go to the library to catch up on some studies. Ruby was lucky that her teammates have somewhere to be as she quickly searches for Voltaria. Luckily, she didn't have to search too far as she found Voltaria at the courtyard, hidden beneath the undergrowth. Volatria glanced at Ruby, the girl in red happily made her way to her.
"Okay, class is done, let's go!" Ruby said happily.
Wraith grumbled in Voltaria's mind. "Can we just erase her memories?"
"No/No." Voltaria and the two other entities said to him unison in a private message.
Wraith grumbled in annoyance before they teleported Ruby and Voltaria back to the secret hideout, where Amaryllis and Ripper were playing with Hannibal. They saw how Hannibal was trying to teach them how to pin down prey. He used himself as a training prey for them as the two hybrids try to pin down their caretaker. Though they were still young, they were using all their strength to pin him down.
Ruby cooed at the sight, finding it adorable. Upon hearing Ruby, the two hybrids turned and saw their mothers and happily raced over to them. Amaryllis was faster than her younger brother and reached to their mothers first as she happily nuzzled Voltaria's leg. Ripper huffs in annoyance that he lost but he was happy that their mothers are back as he nuzzled Ruby's leg happily.
"Aawww! I miss you too, Rippy." Ruby said as she gave Ripper a nickname. She gently picks him up with her hands and hugs him close to her face, earning happy nuzzles from the black hybrid.
"Okay, now let's get down to business." Voltaria said, causing Ruby and Ripper to look at her.
"Um...what business?" Ruby asked, putting Ripper down.
"We're going to teach them how to defend themselves and hunt." Voltaria said sternly with her arms crossed.
Ruby looks at her surprised. "Are you sure? We don't know much about them or if we can teach them." She said with concern.
"Ruby, they're wild prehistoric beings, they can learn how to hunt with their instincts. And besides, we can teach them." Regina explains to her.
"Really?" Ruby asked.
"Yes, and judging how intelligent they are, teaching them won't be difficult." Regina explains to her and the others.
"And I know the perfect candidates!" Wraith butts it with an evil grin.
Regina gave him a blank look. "We're not using Team CRDL as training dummies." She said to him sternly.
"Nyeeeeehhh!" Wraith stuck his tongue at her.
Regina rolled her eyes at him, finding his attitude childish. Ruby looked at the two in confusion, wondering if they were always like this. Voltaria shook her head at them. Of all her four entities, Wraith is the only one with a bad and mean personality. Though his skill in combat is quite extraordinary, yet he is very rude in many ways.
"So…" Ruby suddenly spoke, getting everyone's attention. "How are we going to teach them?"
Voltaria touches her choker necklace. "We bring out a professional. Gladstone, come out." Voltaria ordered.
Suddenly, her choker started to glow brightly, releasing the Grimm inside of the gem. Ruby shielded her eyes before gasping when the light died down. Standing tall and mighty was a Indominus Grimm Rex. Ruby heard about it from stories from her dad, Taiyan, that the Indominus Grimm Rex was so mighty. Not even an army of skilled huntsmen or huntresses could take it down. Ruby always thought it was just stories. But it turns out, it was real.
The Indominus Grimm Rex known as Gladstone looks at her master, Voltaria, and bowed at her. Voltaria bows back to Gladstone and then looks over to Amaryllis and Ripper, who were eyeing on Gladstone with awe.
"This is Gladstone. She will be their mentor in their hunting lessons and combat." Voltaria said to Ruby.
Ruby was still looking at Gladstone before turning towards Voltaria. "But Gladstone is a Grimm, right? She's not really a dinosaur...is she?"
"True to your words, Ruby." Regina said, coming over to her. "But Gladstone has instincts and resemblance like Amaryllis and possibly Ripper's. We believe-"
"Not me!" Wraith butts in from the background.
Regina made a blank look and continued. "WE, besides Wraith, believe that Gladstone can help them in their training. While we teach them how to understand the rules of our world."
"Ohh…" Ruby said in understanding before looking at Gladstone. "So...what lesson is she going to teach them?"
"The first lesson is to learn how to hunt." Voltaria said, walking away with Gladstone following along with the hatchlings. Ruby quickly follows after them as they walk far from the den.
They reach to clearing as they hide on top of a small cliff. They peered through the edge and saw a herd of deers, grazing on the field. Ripper licked his jaw at the sight of the delicious deers. They were right for the picking. Before he could come down and go after the deers, Gladstone stopped him, preventing him from going further. Ripper whines at Gladstone, disappointed that he didn't get to hunt.
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked Voltaria, wondering why Gladstone prevented Ripper from hunting.
"If the first rule of the hunt, don't attack prey head on." Voltaria explains to Ruby. "Gladstone is teaching them how to hunt with strategy and stealth."
Ruby nodded in understanding, taking notes that might be useful for her teammates. Suddenly, Gladstone moved away and headed towards the undergrowth, her body camouflage with the shadows of the trees, making her unseeable. As the deers ate, one went far from the herd, unaware of the danger it would face. Then, as fast as lightning, Gladstone exploded out of the undergrowth, scaring the herd, before clapping her mighty jaws on the unfortunate deer. It died instantly by the crashing jaws of the Grimm while the rest of the herd ran away with their lives. Amaryllis and Ripper watched in awe at Gladstone's hunting skills, they wanted to try that when they grew up. Soon, they came down from the small cliff and to the clearing. The two hybrids ran up towards Gladstone as she placed the carcass down. And immediately, the two hybrids started wolfing down the meat, enjoying the taste of deer. Gladstone licks her jaw, cleaning the blood off her. Ruby has her eyes widen in pure shock and amazement, never seeing such hunting skills like that before.
"Wow...just...wow." Ruby said.
"Indeed, now once they've succeeded in their hunting lesson. We'll teach them about civilization." Regina said.
And with that, they spend the while afternoon training Amaryllis and Ripper about hunting. So far, Amaryllis was a good student while Ripper...yeah, he barely pays attention and sometimes messes up, but soon was able to follow Gladstone's hunting lesson. Amaryllis and Ripper were able to hunt smaller prey like rabbits, ducks, and some quails. They may be small, but they are fast learners. Ruby would praise their hunting skills while Voltaria nodded in approval at their improvement. Then it was Ruby and Voltaria's turn, telling the little hybrids about civilizations. Telling them that there are no other dinosaurs like them here or any dinosaurs since they were extinct many years ago. But Voltaria explains to them that there might be a chance for them to meet other dinosaurs since there could be a hidden content, far and unknown from Remnant's contents.
Amaryllis payed attention to this lesson, she may be young, but she wasn't stupid. She wants to learn more about her kind and where she came from, she wants to find the hidden continent with her mothers and her brother.
Ripper, on the other hand, barely pays attention. He gets that they shouldn't be spotted by other humans or Faunus because their kind shouldn't exist in this world since they died out years ago. But it wasn't fair for him and his sister to stay hidden. Their mothers have to leave to finish some tasks on this academy thing. He wanted their pack to be together instead of being separated. But nooo, the humans and Faunus people won't let them because they'll be endangered and their mothers were trying to protect them. It wasn't fair for him or his sisters. And yet he has to listen to their mothers because it was for their own good.
After their lesson, it was getting late, Ruby and Voltaria had to head back to their dorms. Voltaria brings Gladstone back in her Grimm Holder while telling their hybrids to stay put while Hannibal watches them for the night. Ruby and Voltaria teleported back to the school and went to their dorms.
Ruby said her goodnight to Voltaria while she simply waves. But when Ruby was about to enter, a hand grabbed her, and pulled her in quickly. Ruby yelps in surprise by this as she is brought into the room. She was soon set down on a chair and a lamp shined down on her. Holding the lamp was her sister, Yang, while Blake and Weiss were giving Ruby suspicious looks.
"Where have you been Ruby?" Yang asked her sister suspiciously with narrow eyes.
"Uh...ah...what?" Ruby was confused on what's going on and why her teammates were doing this.
Weiss was the one who spoke up. "You've been with Voltaria for hours."
"What's wrong with that?" Ruby asked, scared of what's happening.
"On what Wade told us, Voltaria never spends much time with people unless she's tutoring with Jaune." Blake added.
Yang points her finger close to Ruby's nose. "Is Voltaria tutoring you?" She asked her sister.
Panic filled Ruby's mind, she wasn't allowed to tell anyone about Amaryllis and Ripper or Voltaria's entities, she'll be in huge trouble.
"Yes! I mean, no! I mean, maybe? I don't know, she's being very nice to me!" Ruby answered quickly and yet with a hint of fear.
"Why?" Yang asked further, her eyes narrowed further.
"I don't know! Maybe she has a change of heart! So please let me go!" Ruby pleaded in fear.
"There is no way that girl can-" Yang was cut off when they heard their door knock. Yang turns off the lamp and then the lights of the room turn on.
Weiss went to the door and opened it and to her surprise, it was Voltaria, standing in front of the door with her arms crossed. Team RWBY stared at Voltaria with wide eyes as the girl started at them blankly under her mask.
"..."
"..."
"...Hi…" Voltaria greeted blankly.
"...Hey?" Team RWBY awkwardly greeted back.
Suddenly, Voltaria brought out a book from under her sleeves and said. "You forgot your history book, Ruby."
"My history book?" Ruby thought in confusion.
"Play along." Regina said into Ruby's mind. "We're going to help you out of this."
"Okay." Ruby agreed and played along. "Oh, yeah! My book!" Ruby got up from the chair and went to Voltaria, who gave Ruby's book back. "Thanks, Volty!"
Voltaria, ignoring the nickname, nodded and noticed the three girls looking at them.
"Was I interrupting something?" She asked blankly.
"Kind of, we want to know why you were with Ruby?" Yang asked suspiciously, shining the lamp's light at Voltaria's face when she came in front of the Grimm Girl.
Voltaria frowned at this, not fazed by their suspicion. "First off, Ruby was trying to be...nice. Second, she has trouble understanding the history of Remnant, so I helped her." She answered plainly as she narrowed her eyes under her mask. "Do you have a problem with that?"
Yang turns off the lamp's light. "Nope! Just checking!" Yang said as she moved away from Voltaria.
Voltaria nodded and looked at Ruby. "I'll see you tomorrow after class for your next lesson." She said as she was about to leave but Blake stopped her with a question.
"Aren't you supposed to be helping Jaune?" She asked.
Voltaria stopped briefly and turned her head at her. "Don't worry, I told Nikos to tutor Jaune because I'm busy." She answered Blake's question.
With that, Voltaria leaves the scene, leaving shocked and surprised girls behind. Yang, Blake, and Weiss were suspicious by this but soon believed that maybe Voltaria was trying to change. And Ruby does need someone to be close to her age, even though that girl could scare many students in seconds because of her gift of talking to Grimms. Ruby, on the other hand, sighs in relief, knowing that she was safe. But she was sure that her teammates would get more suspicious.
But luck was on their side, as her teammates didn't suspect how Ruby and Voltaria would sneak off together and train Amaryllis and Ripper in secret. They teached them basic commands, like follow, stay, listen, sit, and so on. Amaryllis and Ripper listened to those basic commands with ease. Well, Amaryllis listened, her younger brother would get distracted easily when a butterfly or a squirrel came by and he would chase them, leading their mothers and other caretakers to chase after him. Once they were able to get him, they continued new lessons. Ruby, being the cheerful one, decided to play games with them after lessons. She would teach them hide and seek, tag, peek-a-boo, and fetch. Amaryllis and Ripper enjoyed the games with their Mom (That's what they call Ruby), she was the fun one. Voltaria, on the other hand, taught them strict rules and obedience, and never angered their Mother (That's what they call Voltaria).
They visit them every day when they have time since they were busy with classes and their teammates. Speaking of the teammates, during the time when they have sparring lessons with Professor Goodwitch. Voltaria watched from the shadows, making sure that no one can see her, not even the visiting students of the other academies. She made sure to tell Glynda that she was staying hidden because she didn't want to frighten the visiting students, which is mostly true. And the fact that she doesn't trust them. Though she would communicate with Ruby through telepathy, making sure the leader of team RWBY was paying attention.
The battle was between Pyrrha Nikos and the members of Team CRDL. Unfortunately, all the four males lost to a single girl, considering Pyrrha is skilled in both combat and weaponry. Wraith would comment about Cardin and his team being nothing but a bunch of weaklings. Soon, Pyrrha faces off a student that supposedly comes from Haven Academy named Mercury Black. Voltaria narrowed her eyes at him under her mask. She may be hidden in the shadows, but she could tell that Mercury wasn't good. She sends a mental reminder to Ruby to keep her guard up when she sees him. Ruby asked the reason but Voltaria informs her that he isn't good news and shouldn't be trusted along with his teammates.
When Mercury faces Pyrrha, he seems to have the upper hand. But the truth was, Mercury was actually studying about Pyrrha's battle tactics and moves. Voltaria could feel the maliciousness in Mercury's aura along with his teammates. She knew that they would cause trouble that could harm everyone. Then Mercury forfeited, just as Voltaria predicted, knowing he just wanted to learn Pyrrha's weakness.
"Next time, you may want to think a little harder before choosing an opponent." Glynda said to Mercury sternly.
Mercury simply smirked and pretended to understand as he casually walked away. "I'll be sure to do that."
Soon, the bell rang, which startled a distracted Blake. Voltaria could see the bangs under her eye and how she could feel Blake's tired aura, as if she was distracted by something. Before anyone could leave, Glynda made an announcement.
"That is all for today. And remember, the dance is this weekend. But you all have your first mission on Monday. I will not accept any excuses."
All the students understand as they all leave the room, Mercury stops beside his fellow teammate named Emerald Sustrai, who was standing close by. Mercury gave her his signature smirk and casually said.
"Learning is so much 'fun'."
Emerald shook her head as they both left the room but failed to notice that Voltaria came out of the shadows, looking at them with suspicion. Soon, Ruby- who stayed behind- went over to Voltaria. Her face shows concern.
"What do you know of them?" Ruby asked almost quietly, making sure that no one could hear her, considering that there is no one here but them.
Voltaria, still staring at the spot where Mercury and Emerald were, turns to Ruby with a serious expression under her mask. "Those two are hiding something along with their teammates."
"Do you know why?" Ruby asked, having a bad feeling about something.
"I know one thing, they will cause trouble, not just the school, but the whole kingdom." Voltaria said to her seriously.
"Should we tell Professor Ozpin?" Ruby asked.
"Not yet, not until we have all the info we need." Voltaria said before she and Ruby went out to the courtyard.
As they headed out, they went back to their teammates. Blake was off again, feeling distracted as ever. Team SSSN (team members: Sun Wukong, Scarlet David, Sage Ayana, and Neptune Vasilias) was standing at the entrance, talking to one another. Other teams walk past them until Sun spots Blake in the crowd and grins as he runs after her before she could leave.
Sun quickly calls out to Blake as Sun grabs Blake by her shoulder, stopping her from moving. "Hey, Blake!" He stops when he notices the tiredness and annoyance in her eyes before he quickly lets go. "You…uh…doing okay?" He asked almost awkwardly.
Blake gave him an annoyed look as she closed her book shut, answering Sun rudely. "I'm fine."
Sun backs off a but and rubs the back of his neck. "So I hear there's this dance going on this weekend…: ah, sounds pretty lame, but you and me, I'm thinking, not as lame, huh?"
Voltaria, who moved away from her team, listened to their conversation through the shadows. She knows that Sun has a crush on Blake, even though Belladonna wasn't interested at all...yet.
Blake was confused and angry by this. "What?"
"The dance! This weekend! You wanna go, or what?" Sun asked hopefully.
Blake shook her head at him as she turned away from him. "I don't have time for a stupid dance. I thought you of all people would get that." Blake said to him in a rude tone.
She soon walks away, past her team, and towards who knows where. Ruby felt sorry for Sun, being rejected by that. Voltaria, on the other hand, was not. She knew that Sun would be rejected by Blake. Wraith commented that the boy has no chance of getting women with those pathetic pick up lines.
"And I suppose YOU know how to deal with women, Wraith?"Regina questioned him, as if she was challenging Wraith.
Wraith scoffed. "Hell yeah! Be badass huntsman!"
Regina mentally sighs. "Oh, God."
Sun sank from Blake's rejection and walked away. Ruby wanted to apologize but spotted Voltaria from the corner of her eye. The Girmm Girl gestured Ruby to follow, and she did. They went to the dark corner of the school and teleported to the Emerald Forest. There, they saw Amaryllis and Ripper, playing with Hannibal. It has been three weeks since they have them. And now, they were growing up fast, literally. Amaryllis was twice the size of a wolf while Ripper was half his sister's size. Regina has theories that due to them being hybrids, they apparently have faster growth rate than regular dinosaurs or animals. It was a fascinating discovery, even for Regina.
But they decided to skip the lessons and were allowed to relax with their hybrids, much to the entities' surprise since Voltaria isn't much of a laid back person. Wraith doesn't care, as long as they didn't have to do any boring lectures, he doesn't complain. They sat on a small clearing, watching the clouds while Amaryllis and Ripper played with Hannibal or Tabitha. Wraith was sleeping on the grass while Regina was with Ruby and Voltaria, who were watching the clouds.
"So…" Ruby began, glancing at Voltaria. "Are you going to the dance?"
Voltaria sighs a bit. "I don't have a choice, Professor Goodwitch already got me a dress. I don't know why, but I have to. Otherwise, I'll earn a lecture from her." She explains in annoyance.
"Oh, Yang did the same to me too. She got me a dress and refused to let me wear my hood at the dance." Ruby explains as fake tears stream down her eyes. "And it's embarrassing!"
"Don't be, at least you have a family to go to the dance." Voltaria mutters out to Ruby.
Ruby stops and looks at her. "What do you mean?" She asked in confusion.
"I mean, that Yang will be there at the dance, giving you support and so on. The role of a big sister." Voltaria explains to her.
"Well...at least you have your entities to go to the dance." Ruby said, wanting to be nice and supportive.
Suddenly, Wraith came in front of Ruby's face, scaring the red cloaked girl in the process. "Hell no! I ain't goin' to the pancy and sissy dance!" Wraith exclaims in anger.
"Wraith, we told you that we have to go there in order to watch over Mistress." Regina pointed out to him in annoyance.
"Hey! I already have to deal with school! There is no way, on this planet, that I'm going to that dance!" Wraith said to them in anger.
"Wraith, we're just gonna watch from the shadows, it's not like we're going to mingle with them." Regina pointed out.
"It's still be boring as fuck!" Wraith exclaims.
Voltaria sighs in annoyance. "Yeah, most of them." She mutters out sarcastically, earning a nervous laugh from Ruby. "By the way, what's wrong with Belladonna, I mean..Blake?"
Ruby heard this and became saddened. "She's been stressing herself about ever since she found out that Torchwick is helping the White Fang to rob Dusts in Dust Stores or the Schnee Company." She explains worriedly.
Voltaria raises a brow under her mask. She could predict what would happen. She knows that Torchwick is part of a bigger cost. He's a pawn on this huge game of chess. There were other players in this game. Those players were not yet shown. But Voltaria will find out and exploit their weaknesses. And yet, seeing Ruby worried about Blake overstressing herself. She decided to trust Ruby to know her gift. Though she could feel Wraith telling her no, not wanting her to trust Ruby. But Voltaria ignored him and spoke to Ruby.
"Ruby...Torchwick is one of the pawns of a bigger threat." Voltaria answered to her.
Ruby looks at her in surprise. "Pawn? As in...a chess piece?" She asked.
"Yes, he is working with someone else that works for someone...powerful." Voltaria explains to her.
"Wait, how do you know?" Ruby asked Voltaria almost suspiciously.
Sighing, Voltaria knew that it was time. She looks up and calls out to someone. "Vision, come."
Suddenly, appearing out of thin air was a crystal ball. Ruby yelps in surprise. Shock to see a floating orb right in front of them. The orb known as Vision made his way to Voltaria. She offers her open palm as Vision floats above the hand, shining by the light of the sun.
"You see Ruby." Voltaria began, causing Ruby to look at her in shock. "When I was young, I had a strange gift."
"Gift of what?" Ruby asked curiously.
Voltaria paused briefly as she turned to Ruby. "To see people's past and future." She answered seriously.
Ruby covers her mouth to prevent her gasp from escaping and silently squales at this information. "You can do that?" She whispers excitingly.
Voltaria, already knowing the consequences, simply nodded. "Yes."
And as she predicted, Ruby started many questions at an amazing speed like`Can you see my future?', 'Can you see my sister's future?', 'How can you see the past or the future?', and so on and so forth. Voltaria covers Ruby's mouth, shutting her from her questions. Ruby blinks her silver eyes at Voltaria's frowned face.
"For starters, yes I can see anyone's future. And most importantly, I'm trusting you that you will not tell a single soul, understand?" Voltaria said seriously.
Ruby nodded in understanding, wanting Voltaria to trust her. So, the Grimm Girl removes her hand off Ruby's mouth, allowing the girl to gasp a bit before smiling happily.
"That is so cool that you can see the future!" Ruby said excitingly.
Wraith came behind Voltaria and stared at Ruby blankly. "Yeah, yeah. Kid can see the future, just don't tell anyone about it. None of them are trustworthy."
Ruby made a zipping motion on her lips, indicating that she'll keep it a secret like Amaryllis and Ripper along with Voltaria's entities. But there was on question that played in Ruby's mind.
"Is Blake going to the dance?" Ruby suddenly asked almost hopefully.
"Why?" Voltaria questions her.
Ruby sighs a bit and explains the reason. "I told you, Blake's been stressing herself all day. We're worried about her. And taking her to the dance can help her relax a bit...can you see her in the dance?" Ruby dared to ask.
"Hmmm…" Voltaria hums a bit before she turns to Vision. She closed her eyes under her mask and hovered her right hand in front of Vision. Vision glows slightly and Voltaria focuses her mind to see the possible future. It didn't take that long as Voltaria suddenly drew out a card from her sleeve, revealing two dancers (a male and a female) dancing together, under the moonlight. Ruby was surprised by this, she didn't not see that coming.
"Blake Belladonna will go to the dance." Voltaria spoke gently as the card suddenly turned into mist.
Ruby watched in awe as the mist disappeared through the wind. "Wh-"
"Whenever I see through the future, cards would appear, showing me signs of the future that might come." Voltaria said before taking out a card that revealed three black silhouette figures. The middle figure was the leader as it held a fire in its hand.
"And this card will predict a great threat that will come." Voltaria said to Ruby seriously.
Ruby stared at the card almost in fear, not wanting bad things to happen in their future. Suddenly, Ripper runs by and jumps on Ruby's lap, chirping at her happily while cuddling at her. Ruby coos at Ripper and rubs his belly, which makes him purr happily. Ripper loves his Mom. Ruby would sneak him and Amaryllis some treats called cookies whenever they did a good job, and make sure Mother (Voltaria) doesn't know -even though she did- and she makes fun games. Amaryllis loves Mom too, but she prefers their strict mother, Voltaria. She was always serious and reminds them the danger of humans and Faunus would do if they ever discover them. She idolized Mother, she was prepared and focused on tasks, like a true alpha. Amaryllis dreamed one day she'll become a great alpha when she grows up. Amaryllis purrs when Voltaria scratches her under her chin. Soon, Voltaria and Ruby headed back to school, getting ready for the dance. Tabitha was the one who will watch Amaryllis and Ripper while they're gone.
They have to check on their teammates first, making sure that they won't lead to any suspicion.
Speaking of which…
Wade was at the library, searching through the computer, he was researching about Voltaria Eclipse's history and recent post. There were news articles about her destroying an illegal corporation that was selling illegal weapons. Or how she burned down a criminal camp with no survivors. And hunting any bandits that was in her way. It was strange and yet terrifying to find such dark articles of her. I mean, there were thousands of articles about her, being a nightmare in everyone's mind. Heck, she was even on the top bounty and has a high price in her head.
"What are you hiding, V?" Wade whispers, searching further.
Soon, he found an article of Mineral Town again. There were rumors about Grimms being close to the town, but didn't attack. Wade became suspicious of this and searched further. The town was surrounded by thick layers of trees with a big farming field. It was known to be the biggest town with a twenty mile radius. There were no signs of attacks for the past six years. This amazed Wade so much that he researched further. He knew that Ren and Nora used to live in Mineral Town. Their caretaker, Pandora Twilight, took them in as her own and took care of them before she was able to contact Ren's uncle. They haven't been there a while and they didn't know what changed. But there was one thing that changed. The image of Mineral Town shows a black crystal on the center of the town square. It was decorated on a flowerbed and was shining through the village. Wade narrowed his eyes at the crystal. Even though it was pretty, Wade couldn't help but feel suspicious about it since there was no way that crystal that big should be in the center of town.
"Doing some research, Mr. Cross?" Glynda's voice said from behind.
Wade was startled by this and quickly turned to see Professor Goodwitch, standing a few feet from him. Wade sighs in relief by this. For a minute there, he thought Glynda was Voltaria.
"Sorry, Professor Goodwitch." Wade apologized.
Glynda adjusted her glasses. "No need to apologize, Mr. Cross. Though I'm curious about what you are doing here. The dance will start soon." She said, walking over to him.
"I know...I'm just researching about someone." Wade explains the best way he could.
"And that person would be?"
"Voltaria."
Glynda looked at him in surprise. Why was Wade searching about Ms. Eclipse? Wade explained to her that she was acting strange, always disappearing and not being with their team. But the weirdest part that she spends a lot of time with Ruby and would disappear with her. Glynda became suspicious of this also, wondering what those girls are hiding. Soon, Wade left after Glynda said that she will find out more about Voltaria and would contact him if she finds anything, keyword IF. No one knows about Voltaria, not even Ozpin. But not right now, they have to be ready for the dance tonight.
Soon, Wade went back to his dorm, getting ready for the dance. He readies his suit with Evo. AJ went off to Team RWBY's dorm room, helping the girls get ready for the dance along with Nora and Pyrrah. Evo was assigned to be the DJ of the dance since he's amazing with music. Evo then notices Wade having trouble with his necktie. Evo guesses he isn't much use on ties. The snake Faunus helps his team leader with his tie and Wade was grateful for that.
"Thanks, Evo, I owe ya one." Wade said.
"Anytime, Wade." Evo nodded at him as he straightened his tie. "So did you ask anyone out?"
"No, I didn't ask any girl." Wade said to him honestly.
Evo raised a brow under his shade. "Not even Ammolite Jewel?" He questioned him.
Wade froze when Evo mentioned her. Clearly his expression shows that he likes her. However, she's basically like a princess since her parents are both super rich. Wade clears his throat even though his face was a bit red, and tried to make an excuse.
"N-No, I-I don't think she'll want to be my partner for the dance." He lied.
"Wade, you like her." Evo said to him straight, crossing his arms.
Wade almost blushed and asked. "Who said that I like her?"
"Wade, it's not hard to know. You've been crushing at her since the day you first met and most importantly, you two seem very happy together." Evo explains to him, smirking.
Wade made an annoyed look before sighing in defeat. "Look, let's just say, I do like her but I am not sure that she likes me back. I mean, I'm just a cowboy and she's a rich and pampered girl that almost looks like royalty."
Evo, already having a plan, smirks at him. He wraps around Wade's shoulders and pats his chest. "Don't worry, we'll do this with the power of music."
At the ballroom, everything was decorated. Streamers are hung through glass chandeliers, pink and blue balloons are everywhere. Speakers were ready with the DJ turntable. Buffet tables were ready as well as tables that have vases of flowers on top of them, and chairs. AJ smiles at the ballroom. She was wearing a beautiful lavender cocktail dress with a single strap and silver heels. She was excited about the dance since she always wanted host one. She helped Yang, Ruby, and Weiss prepared it. She even helped them get ready for the dance since they needed to all be pampered and ready. Blake was back to normal after a talk with Yang. Turns out, Yang understands her very well and helped her relax. So, like Voltaria predicted, she will be going to the dance.
Yang, who is wearing a short white cocktail dress with black heels, stands at a podium to greet the guests. Soon doors in front of her opened to reveal someone that she dears. And she soon flips out upon seeing who walks in.
"Ooohh, you look beautiful!" Yang happily said.
Ruby was the one who came, groaning as she looked distressed in her red dress with black lace, belt, and pumps. Ruby has trouble walking because she never wears heels before. She stumbles over to her sister, who was laughing at her little sister's walk.
"Can we have a serious talk about how Weiss fights in these?" Ruby tries to maintain her balance as she walks to the podium, much to her laughing sister's amusement.
"But Ruby, you look great! After all, I made it~" AJ sang happily.
Ruby groans a bit before someone comes in after her. They turned to the doors and this caused Yang and AJ to have their jaws dropped. The one that came in was Voltaria. She wears a simple red/black, long sleeves, cocktail dress with white shoes. She can wear her Grimm mask and her hair is still tied into pigtails. Her Grimm Holder was still on as she used it as an accessory. Her four entities were with her while Vision stayed and watched over Amaryllis and Ripper. Ruby, already knows that Voltaria will come to dance, smiles at her.
"Hi, Volty." She greeted her with a wave.
Voltaria nodded at Ruby before she looked at two older girls, they were still staring at her in shock. She has a bad feeling about this. She could sense their auras are in shock and amazement.
"What?" Voltaria asked plainly.
"You. Look. AMAZING!" AJ squealed and went over to Voltaria happily. "You didn't tell me you have that kind of dress before?"
"I didn't." Voltaria said blankly. "Professor Goodwitch bought it for me."
"She did?" AJ asked in shock.
"That's...offly nice of her." Yang said, still shocked and amazed that Glynda bought a dress for Voltaria.
"Yeah, well. I didn't have a choice, don't I?" Voltaria said to them before looking at Ruby, who was struggling with her heels. "Nice dress."
"Thanks, hope I don't trip and fall." Ruby said with a nervous smile before she realized something. "Soooo, where's the boys?"
"They'll be here soon. They're just getting ready." AJ said happily.
"And Blake?" Ruby asked, hoping that she would come.
"I saw her leaving the building and searching for someone that will go to the dance with her." Voltaria answered to Ruby.
"Who?" Ruby suddenly asked, wondering who she meant.
Meanwhile
Sun was at the courtyard, heading towards the ballroom. He was wearing a new black, short sleeves, jacket that is now closed up with a white tie hanging around his neck. He still wears his blue cargo pants and white bandages on his legs along with his black/yellow sneakers. It wasn't classy looking, but at least he tried. Though he stops and he proceeds fighting the necktie.
"Stupid...dumb...neck trap!" Sun said in anger, fighting the tie.
Suddenly, he stopped when he heard Blake from behind. "I knew you'd look better in a tie."
Sun turned around and stared at the scene before him in shock. Standing elegantly and wearing a dark purple dress and bright blue bow worn was Blake Belladonna. She no longer looks tired or cranky, she now looks healthier and happy. She steps forward and takes a surprised Sun by the arm.
"Sooo...does this mean we're going...together?" Sun asked hopefully.
Blake smiles and says to him. "Technically, though my first dance is spoken for."
The two Faunuses entered the ballroom. Every student is wearing dark suits or bright dresses and are dancing with each other to the music between the white-clothed tables. Evo, wearing a green suit with his shades on, was playing the turntable. He picked the best songs for the dance. Blake was soon dancing with Yang, the two enjoyed their little dance before they curtsey to one another. And Sun comes up and takes Blake's hands while Yang gestures for him to do so. The golden hair teen goes to hang with AJ, Voltaria, Ruby, and Weiss- in a similar white dress as Yang's- in the back of the room, watching Blake laugh and enjoying herself before smiling at her team.
Yang smiles proudly at her success as she looks at the girls. "I told you she would come."
"Agreed!" AJ smiles happily at Blake.
Weiss nodded in agreement. "Mission accomplished."
Ruby turns to her friends. "Soooo...what do we do now?"
Yang smiles happily at her little sister. "Just have fun!"
With that she and the others walked away in the opposite directions, leaving Ruby and Voltaria behind. Ruby shouts after Yang when she leaves. "Does that mean I can change out of these stupid things and into my hood now?"
Sadly, the three older girls were already gone, leaving Ruby with no answer. She waddles around in her painful footwear, muttering out: "Stupid lady stilts!"
"This is gonna be an interesting night." Regina said into Voltaria's mind.
Ruby sighs and looks at Voltaria almost awkwardly. "Do you want to dance?" She suddenly asked.
"No thanks, I'm good." Voltaria answered blankly.
Ruby sighs again, knowing that this will be a long night, but soon stops when Ozpin comes over to them. "Not enjoying yourselves?" He asked the two girls.
Ruby was surprised to see the headmaster and the professor step up by her side, but shakes her head and laughs. "Oh, no, everything's fine! I'm just not much of a fancy pantsy...dancey girl."
"I was dragged into this." Voltaria stated the facts.
Ozpin smiles at them softly. "Well, you can't spend your whole life on the battlefield, even if you may want to."
Ruby then crosses her arms, looking annoyed. "Yeah, that lesson's been floating around a lot lately."
Ozpin stares out at the dancing students. "If you think about it, fighting and dancing aren't so different. Two partners interlocked, although one wrong move on the ballroom merely leads to a swollen foot."
Ruby looks down at her own feet, "Or a twisted ankle."
"It's not every day that friends are able to come together like this. Time has a way of testing our bonds, but it's nights like these that can help keep them stronger than ever. Nights like these are ones we'll never forget." Ozpin explained to Ruby the reason why they have this dance.
Ruby smiles at the words of wisdom, but turns her head at the sound of the doors opening. Voltaria quickly sank within the shadows to avoid being seen as she held back a growl on the ones who entered. Yang was back behind the podium and smiled at the new arrivals.
"You guys are just in time!"
Mercury and Emerald step in with their ballroom best on. They were 'smiling' as they went into the ballroom to dance.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Mercury said as he and Emerald went to the dance floor.
Suddenly, Evo changed the music, which caught everyone's attention as he spoke through the microphone, "Alright! Get your dance partner ready, we're gonna have a slow dance, my friends."
The music started playing as everyone got their partners and danced together through the music. Wraith groans in Ruby and Voltaria's mind, hating the song that was beig played.
I've never been a believer in love at first sight
But you changed my mind with just one look in your eyes
Cause everyone talks about time standing still
But I've never been there when it happened until
You walked in the room
Tell me…
Where have you been all my life?
AJ was at the table with a smile as she listened to the song. She then felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, AJ saw Wade wearing a black suit and a black cowboy hat.
"Wow, Wade." AJ spoke in surprise as she smiled at him. "You look great." She complimented.
Wade nodded with a smile. "Ya look great too." Wade said before clearing his throat as he offered a hand to her. "Do ya…wanna dance or somethin'?"
AJ was surprised by this but smiled and nodded as she accepted his hand. "Yes." She accepted his hand as the two went to the dance floor and slowly danced together.
What are you doing for the rest of forever
Please tell me that you've got the time
Cause if you're not busy for the rest of forever, I'd sure like to make you mine
I'm promising you with all of my heart that I'll show you how good it could be
If you'll fall in love for the rest of forever with me
Wade spins AJ as she smiles happily. The two dance together happily, feeling strange emotions coming from their chests. Watching them from the sidelines were Voltaria and Ruby. They were standing near the punch-bowl, drinking punch and watching the students dance.
"Wow, those two look happy." Ruby said, referring to Wade and AJ.
"Hmph." Voltaria's only response as she took another sip of her drink.
So many questions with answers
I may never know
Run through my mind but my heart's saying take it real slow
If I say the wrong thing I could scare you away
If I make the right move, you just might want to stay
I'm taking my chances by letting my true feelings show
AJ and Wade danced over to the balcony and looked at each other's eyes. Lavender meets Chocolate brown, the two stopped and stared at each other's eyes.
What are you doing for the rest of forever
Please tell me that you've got the time
Cause if you're not busy for the rest of forever
I'd sure like to make you mine
I'm promising you with all of my heart that
I'll show you how good it could be
If you'll fall in love for the rest of forever with me
If you'll fall in love for the rest of forever with me
As the song was finished, the two snapped out and looked at each other in the eyes. Evo saw this from a distance and smirks, knowing that the plan is working. He spoke through the mile to get everyone's attention.
"Okay, folks, let's all relax to this next song."
With that, Evo played the next song. As everyone else danced, Wade and AJ decided to go get some air. They went to the balcony, hand to hand, as they stared at the stars above while the music played in the background.
There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like her and guys like me
Cowboys and angels
I've got boots and she's got wings
I'm hell on wheels and she's heavenly
I'd die for her and she lives for me
Cowboys and angels
"Thanks for the dance, Wade. You're really good at it." AJ said with a smile.
Wade chuckles lightly. "Yeah, my Ma taught me how two dance when I was a kid."
"She really loves you." AJ said.
"Yeah, she's the only family I have left since my Pa left us." Wade said,
AJ saw this and gave him an assuring smile. "Hey, you're not alone. You have your mom, you team, your friends...and me." She blushed at the last part as Wade looked at her in surprise.
We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels
Not sure why her path crossed mine
Accident or grand design
Ah maybe God just kinda likes
Cowboys and angels
AJ blushed a little and looked away a bit as she stuttered. "I-I mean, you're a strong hunter. You're skilled, strong, brave and talented. You help people a lot and you care for them and defend them."
Wade was shocked at her words as he looked at AJ's lavender eyes. "AJ…" He spoke softly. AJ looks at him, "I have to tell you something."
"Tell me what?"
"I've been…thinkin' a lot." Wade tries to explain, "Ya see, ya're a rich girl and I'm just a cowboy. A-and you have everything that yar parents buy for ya but…me? I don't."
"Wade, what are you saying?" AJ asked.
Wade looks at her with a blush on his face, "AJ, I've got somethin' to say-I mean, confess."
"What is it?" AJ asked as her eyes sparkled with the moon.
Wade takes a deep breath and sighs as he looks at AJ with hesitation. "I…" Wade tries to find the right words, "I…I'm…"
"You're what?" AJ whispers out.
Wade took a deep breath and spilled. "I love you!"
AJ gasps in shock and surprise. Wade loves her. Wade looks away and blushes like crazy. He then felt a gentle hand on his face. He looks at AJ with a smile on her face.
"I've been having the same feelings with you too." AJ whispers. "I'm in love with you too."
Wade smiles as the two embrace each other happily. As they pulled away, they were still linked together. They looked at each other's eyes and Wade leaned down while AJ tippy toes. Their faces were close as their lips met.
We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels
As they pulled away, Wade and AJ looked at each other with a smile on their faces.
"I love you." Wade whispers.
"I love you too." AJ smiles as they kiss again under the moonlight.
There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like you and guys like me
Cowboys and angels
Cowboys and angels
As the song finished, AJ and Wade stayed at the balcony for a while, looking at the stars while they embraced their love. Unaware that Ruby and Voltaria were watching afar. Wraith made gagging sounds in their minds, finding it repulsive to watch. Hannibal wasn't much of a romantic type and doesn't know the human courtship. Regina and Tabitha find it adorable to see those two together. Ruby and Voltaria, on the other hand, were somewhat disgusted. Sure, they are still young to know romance, but they weren't ready for...this.
"Eww! That's gross!" Ruby whispers to Voltaria.
"Yeeeaaahhh...it'll scar my brain for a while." Voltaria said, sounding almost disgusted. But sighs a bit and walks away. "But those two deserve each other."
Soon, they went back to the punch bowl, getting more drinks and relaxing a bit. Voltaria hides within the shadows with Ruby close by, making sure not to be spotted. They watched as students were schmoozing at the dance or chatting about. They saw Oobleck listening intently at Port's laughter over some unheard anecdote. Ozpin was standing off to the side with Glynda but was cut short when General Ironwood offered his hand for Glynda to dance with him, which she grudgingly accepted. Wade and AJ came back and went back to the dance floor, enjoying their time together. It was peaceful for a while until Jaune came and approached the girls, even though he didn't see Voltaria in the shadows, he stood beside Ruby near the refreshments tables.
"I see you're hiding at the punch bowl too," Jaune said to Ruby, holding a glass in his hand.
"Yep." Ruby said, popping out the P. "But Voltaria is here with me."
Jaune was confused before being startled by Voltaria when she came out of the shadows and stood between Jaune and Ruby. She didn't look at him as she simply greeted while holding her glass.
"Hey, Jaune." Voltaria greeted blankly.
Jaune awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Hey, Voltaria...To the socially awkward."
Jaune raised his glass at them. Ruby giggles while Voltaria rolls her eyes under her mask as they clink their glasses together. As they drank their punch, Jaune made a small sigh, still sad that he didn't ask Weiss out.
"Sorry things didn't work out with Weiss." Ruby apologized to Jaune.
"Meh, it's fine. Neptune's pretty "cool". I get why she went with him." Jaune said almost with jealousy.
Ruby turned to him with confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Well, come on, not many people can pull off blue hair." Jaune explains sadly as he drinks his punch.
Ruby shook her head at him. "No, I mean, Weiss came to the dance alone." She said.
Hearing this, Jaune almost choked on his drink, he was surprised that Weiss didn't with Neptune. He turns to Ruby and Voltaria in shock. "Uh, what?"
Voltaria raises a brow under her mask. "You haven't noticed till now?" She asked.
Ruby nodded as she gestured Weiss was at a table, alone. And was trying desperately to coax life out of a wilting white rose, but fails, and became visibly upset.
"Yeah, she said that she had too much to focus on to worry about boys." Ruby explains to a shock Jaune.
Soon, laughter draws Weiss's attention to Sun, Blake, and Neptune as they entertain one another with impressions and other silly faces. Jaune, shown to be observing as well, becomes visibly angry by this as he hands over his glass to Voltaria- who was staring at the group blankly.
Jaune suddenly said in a small and yet pathetic growl. "Hold my punch."
"No." Voltaria answered blankly as she drank her punch.
Ruby rolled her eyes as she held Jaune's glass as he left. They watched him walk through the crowd before Ruby drank his glass of punch which caused Voltaria to sigh. As Jaune makes his way across the room, shoving other students aside and some of which were not even in his path, he stops shortly when he saw Pyrrha passing by. He noticed how sad she was as she made her way up to the stairs. Upon seeing her made him change of heart and followed her to the balcony. He saw Pyrrha staring at the stars sadly. Concerned for his teammate, Jaune approaches behind her.
"Hey, Pyrrha." Jaune greeted her at the door.
Startled, Pyrrha turns around to face him and soon relaxes. "Hello, Jaune." She greeted him almost sadly.
Jaune stood there awkwardly before he approached her. "You okay? I haven't seen you tonight." He said with concern.
Pyrrha didn't answer as she turned back to the balcony, looking at the ground sadly. "Arrived late, I'm afraid."
"Well, you look really nice." Jaune complimented Pyrrha's long red dress.
Pyrrha raised her hand near her mouth and said. "Thank you."
As she puts her hand down, Jaune nervously tipping on his toes, trying to make a good conversation. "Your...uh...date isn't going to beat me up for saying that, is he?"
Pyrrha was quiet at first but responded. "I think you're safe for tonight."
Jaune, feeling relieved, rubs his hands together. "So, where is the guy?" He questioned.
Pyrrha turns back toward Jaune as her head sinks down sadly. "There is no guy."
Jaune chuffed nervously and was surprised by this answer. "What?"
Pyrrha shakes her head glumly and says to him. "Nobody asked me."
"But that's…" Jaune cuts himself off as he gestures Pyrrha. "You're Pyrrha Nikos! H-How could nobody ask you?" He asked.
Pyrrha turns back towards the balcony sadly. "I've been blessed with incredible talents and opportunities. I'm constantly surrounded by love and praise, but when you're placed on a pedestal like that for so long, you become separated from the people that put you there in the first place." She explains sadly as she turns back to Jaune.
"Everyone assumes I'm too good for them. That I'm on a level they simply can't attain. It's become impossible to form any sort of meaningful relationship with people. That's what I like about you. When we met, you didn't even know my name. You treated me just like anyone else. And thanks to you, I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. I guess, you're the kind of guy I wish I was here with. Someone who just saw me for me."
As Pyrrha finishes her speech-like explanation, she looks at Jaune briefly before she walks away, back to the ballroom. Leaving an astonish Jaune as he stared at her. Jaune watches as Pyrrha turns a corner. and was about to call out to her when he heard a sigh behind him.
"You're an idiot, you know that, right?" Voltaria's voice said from behind.
Jaune jumps and yelps as he turns towards the balcony and sees Voltaria, calmly sitting on the stone banister with her legs crossed, as she stares at Jaune blankly under her mask.
"Voltaria?!" Jaune exclaims pointing at her and then to the door. "When did you-How did you-"
Voltaria raised her hand to shut him up. "I have my ways. And most importantly, you should've asked Nikos instead of Weiss." She said to him.
"Wha-"
"Have you ever realized that Weiss is not interested?" Voltaria stated to him. "And if you were able to ask her out, I doubt her 'father' would allow you. After all, he owns a multi-billion Dust Company."
Jaune rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess I never thought about that..."
"Jaune, you're a sweet boy, but you have to know about being a good friend and see people from their perspective." Voltaria explains to him. "Do you even care about the girl you're hitting on? How'd she feel about you? You don't, you were busy fantasizing about it."
"What-What do you mean?" Jaune asked with unsurity.
"Wow, he really is an idiot." Wraith said in Voltaria's mind, which she ignores.
"Pyrrha Nikos LIKES you." Voltaria said to him straight, shocking Jaune. "You haven't noticed it because you're too distracted."
Jaune looks down sadly, feeling like an idiot and jerk at the same time. He looks up but yelps when he sees Voltaria gone. He looks around to find her but stops when he sees Neptune appearing on the balcony, gesturing towards Jaune.
"Hey, uh, Jaune, right?" Neptune asked if he got it right.
Jaune sighs and nods his head. "Yeah."
Neptune gestured towards the party. "This party's pretty lame, huh? I mean, ballroom dancing. Pfft."
"Yeah." Jaune mutters, looking back out over the balcony.
Neptune shrugged and gestured back to the dance. "Cute girls, though, huh?"
Something inside of Jaune made him snap as he let out a small growl. He turns back to Neptune, gesturing to him about the dance and everything. "Is that all you think about?"
Neptun raises his palms to waist level, startled by this. "Huh?"
"Do you even care about the girls you're hitting on? How'd they feel about you?" Jaune questioned him, remembering what Voltaria said to him earlier.
"Whoa! Where's this coming from?" Neptune questioned, throwing his palms up.
Jaune opens his arms wide. "How could you just turn her down like that?"
"Wait, h-who?"
"Weiss!"
Neptune became nervous about this. "I, uh... it, uh... it just didn't work out, you know?" He lied.
Jaune was dumbfounded by this. "What? You think that you're too cool, too many other options? Weiss Schnee asked you to the dance. What in the world could possibly keep you from go-"
Suddenly, Neptune looks shamefully at the ground and confesses. "I can't dance!"
Jaune stops, clearly didn't hear what he had said. "Beg your pardon?"
Neptune turns to him shamefully. "I can't dance, man!"
"But...you're so cool!" Jaune stated to him, gesturing Neptune.
Neptune rubbed the back of his neck. "Thank you. I try really, really hard."
"You would rather break a girl's heart and go to a dance alone than just admit to everyone that you can't move in rhythm to music?" Jaune asked Neptune.
"That about sums it up, yeah." Neptune shrugs a bit.
Jaune then turns back to the balcony. "Well, I certainly feel a lot better about myself." Jaune confessed.
Neptune raises his palms, giving him a begging look. "Please don't tell anybody. Look, if you want Weiss, she's all yours. I don't wanna get in your way." He pleaded.
Jaune turns back towards Neptune as he places his palms on the stone banister. "Do you like her?" Jaune asked Neptune.
"Yeah, I mean I don't know her too well yet, but she seems pretty cool." Neptune admitted.
"Then just go talk to her. No pickup lines, no suave moves, just be yourself. I've heard that's the way to go." Jaune said, crossing his arms, giving the advice he needs like Voltaria did to Jaune.
"Yeah, but then-"
"Hey! You don't have to look cool all the time. In all honesty, if you could be a little less cool, I'd really appreciate it." Jaune advised him.
Neptune considers Jaune's advice. He smiles and Neptune nods at Jaune. "Yeah, okay."
Jaune gestured back to the dance. "Go talk to her. I guarantee it'll make her night." He said.
"Thanks. You're a really cool guy, Jaune." Neptune said, approaching Jaune while holding his fist out for a bump.
"Alright, don't lie to my face." Jaune said to him with a small smile.
The two male teens fists-bump before Neptune walks away, back to the ballroom. Jaune watches him leave with a sigh.
"All right, only one thing left to do." Jaune said to himself.
"Ahem…"
Jaune turns around again, startled to see Voltaria standing behind him, holding up a white dress with a blue ribbon. Jaune stared at the dress in shock as he looked over to Voltaria, who was shown with a stoic look, and was shocked about this. Voltaria tilted her head a bit.
"Just do it." She said in annoyance.
Back to the ballroom, Yang was leaning on a handrail and overlooking the festivities from the second tier or the ballroom. Voltaria and Ruby approach her and her younger sister leans on the rail while Voltaria sits on it calmly as they watch the scene below them.
"You know? I think we really needed this." Yang said to them, smiling at the scene.
They saw Blake and Sun were slow dancing while Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie appeared to be waltzing. Penny, who was surprisingly here, was wearing a lime green cocktail dress, was dancing alone as she was guarded by two Atlas Soldiers. The one with the red streaks was tapping his foot to the beat but quickly stopped when his partner, the one with the blue streaks, turned to him.
"Yeah, and you did a great job planning it too!" Ruby complimented her older-sister.
Yang, who appreciated her sister's words, reached over to Ruby and almost crushed Ruby in a one-arm hug as Ruby flailed her arms frantically. "Aw, thanks! It wasn't all me, though. Weiss did a lot too." Yang said happily.
Ruby stops struggling and looks down at Weiss's direction, along with Voltaria. There, they saw Neptune approaching the Schnee heirest while rubbing his neck nervously. Weiss saw him and invited him to sit with her. He did and the two started a conversation. Ruby smiled at her teammate, happy that she has someone to the dance. Voltaria, on the other hand, simply shrugs at this. Never understanding school crushes.
Yang lets out a sigh of annoyance. "Tomorrow it's back to work." She said.
"I'm sure we can handle whatever gets thrown at us." Ruby assured.
Then suddenly, Voltaria saw someone at the ballroom. She could hear her entities' amusement in her head. Wraith was laughing his mind off with Hannibal while Tabitha and Regina giggled at the sight. They weren't the only ones laughing, there were sudden fits of laughter and giggles that draw the two sisters' attention below.
"Except for that." Ruby said, holding her laughter.
Below them, someone was pushing past some students- who were laughing at the figure- and headed towards Pyrrha. Pyrrha turns around to see Jaune wearing the white dress, smiling at Pyrrha almost embarrassingly.
"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked in surprise.
"Eh, a promise is a promise." Jaune said with a shrug, ignoring the laughing students.
Pyrrha made a small smile before giggling and soon, she couldn't hold it, as she burst into a fits of laughter. "Jaune! You didn't have to!" She exclaims, between laughs.
Jaune smiles at her, feeling great that he made her happy. "Hey, an Arc never goes back on his word." He said as he extended his hand to Pyrrha. "Now do you wanna stand there and laugh at me, or do you wanna dance?"
Pyrrha smiles at him, feeling happy that he finally realizes what she meant at the balcony. She accepted his hand and nodded. "I would love to dance."
Jaune pulls her to him and sweeps her away, surprising her in the process. In doing so, Nora and Ren- who was holding his glass of punch- saw this. And Nora, being the energetic part of the group, started flailing her arms excitingly.
"Ren. This...is...happening!" Nora said excitingly.
Ren was looking at the audience, but wasn't sure what Nora meant. "Wait, what "is happening"?" He asked.
Soon, Nora grabs Ren and drags him out onto the dance floor with Pyrrha and Jaune. The Arc boy signals Evo to play a son. The DJ snake Faunus did an okay sign and played a song called 'Shine'. Team JNPR performs a short but elaborately choreographed dance. The students cheered at their excellent dance routine while Voltaria and her entities were surprised by this.
"That boy can barely fight but he knows how to dance?" Wraith questions this. "What is up with this world?"
"Well, you've got to admit." Tabitha said, looking at the dancing team. "Jaune is light on his feet."
"Yes he is." Regina agreed with Tabitha.
Back on the dance floor, Jaune spins a happy Pyrrha as they both dance happily to the beat.
"I had no idea you were a dancer." Pyrrha complimented Jaune's amazing dancing.
Jaune shrugs as he dances. "Yeah, well, these things tend to happen when you grow up with seven sisters." He said casually before he dips Pyrrha and then spins her away.
Watching the dancers were Neptune and Weiss. They were enjoying the scene before them. Weiss turned towards Nepune and asked this simple question.
"So, what made you change your mind?"
Neptune looks at her in confusion. "Huh?"
"You said you were embarrassed at first. What made you come talk to me?" Weiss reminded him.
"You're looking at him." Neptune gestured Jaune, dancing with Pyrrha. "You got some good friends looking out for ya."
Weiss realizes that Jaune somehow was able to make Neptune go with her to the dance. She smiles at Jaune's direction gratefully while he and Pyrrha continue to dance. Voltaria watched the whole scene with her entities, though Wraith was still laughing at Jaune's getup. Though Voltaria looks at Ren and Nora's direction and sees them do a kind of disco dance with Sun and Blake joining the mix. And Penny and an Atlas guard are shown doing the "robot".
Sighing, after having enough with the crowd, Voltaria got off the rail and left the scene. But before she did, she looked at Ruby.
"Want to get some air?" Voltaria asked.
Ruby nodded with a smile as they made their way to the exit for some fresh air. But as they walked out of the ballroom and into the night air. They saw a female figure running along the rooftops and towards a curtain direction. Suspicious, the two girls looked at each other and nodded as they both moved to pursue the stranger. Hannibal tracks down the stranger to the Cross Continental Transmit System Tower, and upon their arrival, they see unconscious guards. And they knew it was the stranger's doing.
Ruby gasps as she quickly pulls out her scroll and dialles the code to bring her weapon's locker. It came and crashed into the courtyard as it opened to reveal her Crescent Rose. She picked it up and was ready to fight but before she could, Voltaria took out a card that showed healing and threw it up. It turns into a white, sparkling mist and rains down at the unconscious guards.
Ruby watched as the mist slowly healed the guards. She looks at Voltaria in wonder. "What did you do?"
"I healed them with a special card. And don't worry, they'll wake up soon. But before we enter, you might need these." Voltaria said as she took out a pair of combat boots. "You're not good at fighting with heels."
Smiling, Ruby puts the boots on and picks up her weapon. They went into the building and towards the elevator. They saw two guards unconscious inside. Wraith and Hannibal dragged them out while Hannibal gave them energy to heal. They enter the elevator and use it to go to the CCT hub room. Once they reach their floor, Ruby steps out of the elevator slowly, brandishing her weapon. Voltaria, who was in Ruby's shadow, decided that the best way to defeat the enemy was to lower his or her guard and then sneak attack. That way, the intruder won't know about Voltaria's existence. Ruby soon calls out to the intruder.
"Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?"
Voltaria felt a strong presence nearby and made Ruby turn towards the computers. "Ruby, there."
Ruby immediately turns and sees a teenage girl, wearing a cat burglar suit, coming out from her hiding place and steps out towards Ruby. Ruby looks at her suspiciously and readies her weapon.
"Excuse me? You know, it's not a masquerade party, so why don't you take off that-" Ruby was cut off when the girl produces a container of ice Dust and sends shards of ice flying at Ruby.
Knowing the danger, Voltaria ordered her entities to protect Ruby. Obeying her orders, her entities took control of Ruby's body. Regina uses her quick thinking to dodge the attack while Wraith uses Ruby's Crescent Rose to shoot fire bullets at the girl. But the intruder's outfit glows as she blocks it with one hand.
Her clothes glowed again as she summoned two swords and charged at Ruby. Soon, Hannibal took control over Ruby. He made her eyes narrowed at the intruder and released a powerful dark, red, lightning energy beam from her mouth. The girl's eyes widened by this as she dodged the energy beam. It passed her and to the window, creating a huge hole in the process. The girl was shocked by Ruby's ability, but didn't have time to recover when Tabitha took control and used Ruby's speed to appear in front of the intruder and kicked rapidly on the female's chest. Air escaped from her lungs, as the intruder was slammed on the ground by Ruby. She was about to stab Ruby with her blades, but Wraith took control and used enough aura to shield Ruby's hand as he made Ruby grab the blade and broke it into thousands of pieces.
The intruder was shocked but was cut off when Ruby, still in Wraith's control, grabbed her legs and tossed her off the floor, crashing to the computers.
Grunting, the thief got up and glared at Ruby, not noticing that her eyes were dark as night as she charged at her with an animalistic roar. The thief summons two swords and blocks Ruby's Crescent Rose. But she failed to notice that Voltaria was hidden in Ruby's shadow as she took out two cards. Those cards were a thief card and a doppelganger card. The thief card glows green as it transforms into a closed scroll that the girl was carrying. The doppelganger card glowed as it replaced the girl's scroll. As Tabitha made Ruby to flip away, the thief was ready to end her. But was soon interrupted by the appearance of Ironwood who came at the elevator. He was shocked to see the battle in the room. The entities retreat out of Ruby's mind, and the girl shook her head in surprise before she saw Ironwood. She was visibly glad to see him until she noticed that the girl had disappeared.
"Where'd she go?!" Ruby thought in shock.
"She got away." Voltaria answered through Ruby's shadow. "But don't worry, I have the information we need."
"R-Right…" Ruby whispers before General Ironwood went to Ruby and questioned her.
As Ruby explains the best way she could, Voltaria looks at the computers from Ruby's shadow. One computer shows a Queen chess piece appearing on the screen when the clock chimes midnight. She knew that the thief did something. And she was planning to find out.
"Regina, find out what the thief put in the computer." Voltaria ordered.
"I'm on it." Regina said as she entered through the computer with the Queen chess piece unnoticed.
And Voltaria knew, the game was set.
I'll work on Voltaria and her teammates' outfits soon. Thanks for reading, the next one will be soon.