In all honesty I never expected to be enjoying it so much, then again almost everything has been catching me off guard as of late.
"And another space for me, score!" Mercury cheered as Emerald shook her head.
"You always get way too into this, I swear you're like a child."
"You're just jealous because you're losing." Mercury waved as she grit her teeth.
I never knew a simple board game could have two people so on edge. 'Remnant: The Game' it was called; all about conquering the most land for your respective kingdom. A simple prospect in game form: just gather as many forces as you could, and defeat the other players, last one standing wins.
Yet it was a lot harder in practice than I believed, I was just only just barely above Emerald, and nowhere near as well off as Mercury.
"Your roll." He said as he passed me the dice.
I gave a quick shake and let them fly across the board, giving me... less than desirable results.
"Ouch, tough luck pal. Looks like lower Vale belongs to me now." Mercury stated as he moved his own pieces in, subsequently removing mine from the board.
I felt a fuzzy look spread across my face, and Mercury's growing smirk didn't help in the matter. Never thought I'd get worked up over a simple game, if anything I thought I'd be able to take it in stride. But no, the irritation was building up faster than ever, and I couldn't help but get in the competitive mood everyone else seemed to share.
His counter put me at a disadvantage, and I needed to find at least some way to return the favor. When I first learned the rules I though it was simple: each player rolls the dice, after which they are allowed to make a move. That move wasn't exclusive to the dice roller, all players were allowed a single action after the dice was cast; something about immediate action I think, at least that's what the other two said. The turn ended when all players had made their moves.
However there was a catch, the player who rolled was the only one allowed to draw an event card, or a unit card. Event's changed certain aspects of the playing field and can be kept for later use. Unit cards allowed the player to replace a set of units or add more to the board if they had the available spaces to spare.
Seeing as none of my current layout allowed for any immediate attacks against anyone I drew an event card. A dark smile creeped it's way across my lips as I put it into action.
"Hurricane pulse: unit's around all player's main bases are forced to move across the board; dice dependent." I stated as Mercury held a look of horror.
It was probably the worst card to play, destroying the strategies of every player; but for the one's losing it was a chance to start anew. Even Emerald looked a bit relieved as she reached for the dice. With a roll she looked over the result: three and five. With hurricane pulse in effect she needed to move five unit's three spaces, or three units five spaces. She did so, spreading her pieces farther from her base as she handed the dice to Mercury.
The man gave a solid salute to his lost strategy, spreading his pieces away from each other and handed the dice to me. I made my roll and did the same, distancing myself from upper Vale and nearer to vacuo.
"You will suffer for this betrayal." He stated lowly, no doubt thinking of a way to make me pay.
I let out a silent chuckle as I took to the board, readying myself to counter whatever he had planned.
Yet that idea was broken from the planning stage as a loud knock penetrated the room. Both Mercury and Emerald sent me looks. I shrugged as I stood and headed to the door. I opened it up with a hint of curiosity, wondering what Qrow could need.
"See Blake, told you to check his room." Yang said as she looked over to me, her smile dying down slightly as my curiosity peaked. I wondered why they came to my door, although I didn't get to wonder very long as Blake broke the silence.
"Shut it Yang, it was just a lucky guess. Where else could he be if he's not out around campus?"
"Yeah yeah, just make with the asking already." The woman waved as Blake sent a glare her way.
"Is there something I can help you with?" I questioned, returning their attention back to me. Blake let out a sigh.
"Right, well... I've come to... to ask if you wanted to be my partner for the dance later tonight."
I took a second to think, eventually mustering out the only thing on my mind.
"What?"
Blake grumbled a bit. "I'm asking if you'll go to the dance with me."
I stared at her, then looked over to Yang who held a flat look and waved to her partner. So I returned my look to the Faunus girl, feeling my confusion grow.
"Sure then." I stated, silently jumping into a slight panic as I realized what I said.
"Alright then, I'll be waiting outside of the main entrance, don't make me wait too long." She said, nearly running down the halls as she scampered off.
Yang gave me a shrug, peaking past me and into the room.
"You and your buddies having a good time?" She asked as I looked back, seeing Mercury visibly weeping over his lost planning, all the while Emerald held a devious smirk.
"I... guess you could say that." I stated as I turned and faced her. "So what was that thing with Blake just now?" I asked as she shook her head.
"Most of us have been busy setting up the dance, so she never got the chance to find a date." Yang told as I sent a nod, only to question her once more.
"Why me then? Doesn't she... you know... hate me?" I commented as Yang rolled her eyes.
"Hate is a strong word, I'd say she's more irritated than anything." She sighed as she sent me a look. "Here's the deal, you tried to kill her and Weiss; heck, you nearly succeeded. I won't forgive something like that so easy, and neither will she. But... the headmaster said that it was more or less a misunderstanding, so I'm willing to give you a chance you hear? I'll give you one chance to prove you're not all bad, just one."
She let out a long breath and sent me a straight look. "You helped us back when we were dealing with Torchwick, and I'm really hoping that it wasn't just for some ulterior motive. I want you to prove you're not going to stab us in the back. Think you can do that, think you've got what it takes?"
"I do."
She sent a small nod. "Well good, you've got the whole festival to prove it. But know this: if you so much as even scratch any of my teammates, not even the headmaster will find your body."
"Understood." I stated as she sent one last wave, making her way down the hall as I shut the door.
"So." Emerald broke the silence. "What was that all about?"
"I think I just got a date."
.
.
"Why do we have to do this?" Ruby whined as Weiss shook her head.
"Because no partner of mine is going to look like a fool. Now as I said: one on the shoulder and one around the waist." Weiss positioned Ruby's hands on her, taking their stance.
"But I don't want to dance."
"Even if you don't you should at least know how to. Now come on, single steps, and make sure you don't trip." Weiss instructed as Ruby followed along in despair.
Luckily for Ruby she was saved from any more practice by the sound of the door as it swung open. In marched a rather disgruntled Blake, followed by a tired Yang.
"And where have you two been?" Weiss questioned, sounding a lot better to Ruby; mostly due to her agitation being directed elsewhere.
"Blake's been hatching another scheme, tell 'em Blake." Yang said as she walked over to her little drawer, grabbed some clothes and a towel, then made for the bathroom as she left Blake to deal with Weiss.
"What scheme?" Weiss asked as the girl fumbled for a bit on the spot.
"I-it's nothing major." Blake gulped; Weiss continued to stare.
"Blake."
"It's just something small."
"Blake, don't make me come over there." Weiss warned as her Faunus teammate closed in on herself.
"I just asked Vermillion to the dance."
"... What?"
"I sai-"
"I know what you said. What I'm trying to understand is why. At what point did you think it was a good idea?" Weiss's eyes widened. "You've got more banking on this, don't you?"
"It's only small." The girl defended as the heiress sent a flat glare.
"And what exactly is it you were planning to do?"
"I wanted to keep an eye on him."
"Pyrrha and the others already have that covered." Weiss stated as Blake shook her head.
"I know I know, what I mean is that I want to keep an eye on him at the dance. I want to make sure he doesn't try anything." She explained as Weiss sighed.
"Of course you would, and considering the fact that you already asked I'm going to assume there's no chance of getting you to back down. Fine, do your little spy work, we'll be having a talk about this afterwards; a long talk." Weiss told as Blake gave a nod.
"Okay."
"But!" Weiss turned back. "Next time tell us before you try anything like that, I thought we made it clear last time that we're all in this together."
"But I told Yang." Blake said as her teammate seemed to think for a moment, her face morphing into a look of irritation as she raised her head.
"Xaio Long I swear to dust if you don't start telling the rest of us these things-"
Blake went to sit on her bed, leaving the girl to steam on her own. It was only then that she realized just how much she had on her plate, and just how much she needed to prepare for the dance.
"At least I already have my dress." She mumbled to herself
It was true, she had one dress picked out the day they were tasked with watching the door; needed to look nice after all. Only now she had a potential killer to babysit. She let out a sigh as she started to relax. After all, it could have been worse.
"Ruby Rose! Do not try to sneak out that door! Get back here, we have lessons to continue!"
"Crud."
Much, much worse.
.
.
"Come on, you don't want to be late!" Ruby called as she knocked on the door.
"Coming!" Replied the young boy, accompanied by the sounds of ruffling and thumping.
She waited a moment before calling again." I'm coming in okay, I'll help you."
Stepping in she was greeted by the sight of the young boy, fumbling with the buttons on his shirt. She shook her head as she stepped over, taking hold and righting the misplaced mess of attire.
"I could have done it myself." He let out with a puff of his cheeks.
"I'm sure you could, but we don't want to be late now do we?" Ruby asked as the boy shook his head. "Then let me handle this."
After adjusting the shirt she checked his pants as well, with only one button it seemed the small boy had managed. She reached over to the bed, taking hold of the small dress coat, and brought it forwards as the boy lent his arms.
With one last button the boy was all ready, and Ruby couldn't be happier. The lady would be very angry if she caused them to be held back. She fixed the collar, stepping back as the boy wiggled on the spot.
"Good, now follow along."
With that she lent her hand, taking hold of the young master's tiny palm and leading him out the door.
It was the day of the ceremony, the day the queen rewarded the courageous knights for protecting a merchant convoy from the likes of bandits. All the noble families were to be present, including the Rose clan. It also just happened to be the first time young Vermillion was allowed to go, as usually she was tasked with watching the child while his parents were away.
She felt the boy's grip tighten as they neared the door to the outer yards. He was nervous, and she didn't blame him. Vermillion was told of how he would be attending along with the other noblemen, and he was also told of his duty in the ceremony.
The ceremony would have the queen personally raise the rank of the captain and their soldiers, a reward for their outstanding work. This ceremony only occurred if the queen felt that the ones who completed the goal did so exceptionally well. Accompanied alongside the queen was a young child, a son or daughter of a noble family. The child would hold the sword alongside the queen; a symbol of innocence and maturity in union.
He didn't need to say anything, only hold the sword with the queen's hand over his, guiding him all the way. Of course that didn't exactly help to calm the boy's nerves, and he hugged closer to her as they approached the carriage.
"Ah, caretaker Gem, how nice of you to join us. Cutting it a little close, don't you think?" The man stated, his armor giving a slight clink as he moved and took a look over the boy. He looked up with an approving nod. "But I must say, he does cut a dashing figure in that suit. Given some time I'm sure my son will be quite the champion in the eyes of many."
"Of course lord Thorn. And I do apologize, the master was having some trouble with his buttons again." Ruby replied as the boy held a tiny pout. The boy's father let out a laugh.
"Yes well, I'm sure he'll get it sooner or later."
"Are you two ready yet?" Came the voice of their lady.
Both the boy and father held looks of shock, each with a sheepish smile as the mother shook her head.
"Come now, we haven't much time. The ceremony starts soon and Vermillion has quite the job." She scolded as the two stepped into the carriage. She cast a look over to Ruby with a slight smile.
"Thank you for ensuring he was properly dressed, I know just what type of trouble he has with everything."
"It is of no issue lady Veronica. The master must look his best for such a big day." Ruby replied with a bow.
"Quite. Are you sure you can't come along? My son would be very happy if you did, and as you know servants of the house are allowed with permission from the heads." Veronica tried as Ruby shook her head.
"I apologize, but this I cannot. I've so much to do already, so much to clean and polish. But do tell Vermillion I am cheering for him."
Veronica sighed. "I see, I suppose that will have to do. Take your time, and be ready for later tonight. I'm sure Vermillion will have plenty to say on the matter. Farewell." She waved as she stepped into the carriage.
And so Ruby was left behind as the family were led out of the estate. She sighed and turned, deciding to get started on those chores she had backed up. She knew the young boy would be fine, he was a silver eyes after all, and the queen had chosen him for the ceremony because of that.
There were other eligible children, but the queen believed Vermillion had inherited the eyes from his mother, and had chosen him specifically because of that. The boy showed promise, and it seemed the queen was intent on keeping track of his progress.
It was strange really, how the lord and the lady had found each other. Most would scoff at the story of the knight saving the damsel in destress; but what of the damsel saving the knight in distress? An odd tale that the lord would occasionally laugh about while addressing the servants, his way of raising morale amongst the staff.
He spoke of how he took on a job to protect a village in his younger days. He was known as the steel champion: Thorn Rose; always garbed in his signature steel armor adorned with the family emblem. Unfortunately for him the village was besieged by a wave of Grimm.
Oh he fought valiantly, but he was no match for the waves and waves of darkness. He would have died that day had he not been set upon by a bright light, one so blinding he'd swear that the sky itself had awoken. Yet when his vision returned he was greeted by the sight of a woman; clothed in a simple grey dress and looking over his battered self.
His savior had introduced herself as Veronica Steel, a wandering adventurer seeking knowledge. She supposedly found him curious with how he was willing to die for a small village, and even laughed at his idea of honor.
"Where is the honor in death? You'd save no one else if lost yourself." Were her words. It had been a blow to his morale, until the woman took his face in hand and spoke.
"I shall accompany you to ensure you are not lost, and you shall join me in my pursuit of knowledge." She suggested, and the two had traveled for some years; seeking adventure in the world.
Lord Thorn would often end his tale telling of how they came to Mobius, on the rumors of the living divines. They spoke of how they settled, under the idea of protecting the outer villages, and learning all they can from the rulers of the kingdom.
Ruby felt herself giggle at the thought. Lady Veronica thought herself tough and difficult, yet she showed a level of care towards her son that put other noblewomen to shame. Even though hard on the child it was all out of love, and the desire to make him strong.
Ruby sighed, looking back to the empty road from the main door.
"How odd... you two are always so harsh on yourselves, yet you show such care and love for your son."
"Even though his blood is not of your own."
.
.
Ruby felt her eyes crack open, the moonlight peeked through her window and sent a ray of blue across her blankets.
Another dream. Another memory.
Yet it had been calm, happy even; nothing like the nightmares that haunted her over her travels. A sweet reminder of her more relaxed missions in the past, her job as Vermillion's caretaker.
In a way she missed the simple life it brought, looking after the boy, doing ordinary chores, and even taking him out every now and then. It had been one of her better memories, a reminder of what she was ultimately fighting for.
A happy ending.
Ruby was snapped from her thoughts by a strange feeling at her side. She cast a look down and saw a weird bulge at her side. Lifting her blanket she caught sight of what made the small lump.
Pebble was cuddled right up against her side, breathing softly as he clung to her in his sleep. When had he gotten in with her? She clearly remembered heading to bed alone. She debated moving for a few moments, only to let the thought leave her. The boy was sound asleep, and it would be mean to risk waking him up.
With one last sigh Ruby brought the blankets over them.
I'll allow it for tonight.
.
.
It's now or never.
I thought to myself as I strolled down the halls, taking notice of the students similarly dressed. However most of them were walking in pairs whereas I was alone.
Unlike the rest of them my date was waiting for me at the front of the event, and my nerves were spiked. It had been a while since I had attended a formal event such as the dance, and I wondered if I still knew how to act.
Immediately the lessons I had learned as a child sprung up to my mind, yet times had changed and I was left clueless as to whether they were any good in the current day.
Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
I strode out across the pathways, on my way to where the dance had been set up. I ended up deciding to just follow after the other students, as they surely knew the way. My decision had been proven right as in the distance I was able to make out a well lit building. Any awe I may have held left me as my attention was drawn by another sight just out front.
There stood Blake, alone and gathering looks as others gazed her way before passing inside. She shied away from each, and set her focus on anything but the main entrance.
It was incredibly rude to treat her like she was some sort of show, even if it was only through passing glance. Although it seemed some of the students thought the same, as they looked to ignore her and head inside. Not a perfect solution, but much better than gawking at her.
Making my move I walked her way. She took notice quickly, giving me a slight nod as she took my open arm. With that we entered to the sight of what had to be almost the entire student body.
Keeping watch and greeting the various guests at the front was Yang, who took notice of us and motioned us forward.
"Took you long enough, although I suppose it's more your fault than it was Blake's." She spoke with a smirk as I sent a slight nod.
"Apologies, I didn't exactly know the way. I ended up following everyone else before I found Blake here." I answered as she waved it off.
"No worries, tonight's only just started. You two head on in, I'll come steal her when it's her shift." We were about to head deeper in when she called out one last time "Oh and Blake, try not to cause too much trouble okay."
The blond left with a smirk as Blake sent a glare to her back. She took hold of my arm and led me over to what looked like the concession stand. Silently she poured up two cups and handed one to me. I took it with curiosity.
There was an awkward quiet between the two of us, all the while we just stood there. I could tell she was uncomfortable, and to be fair so was I.
"Would you care to dance?" I tried as I held out my hand.
"I could do that." She replied as we made for an empty space.
Luckily for us the music had a more peaceful melody about it, which was good as I doubt I'd be able to dance like any of the other students from moments before. We took our positions, and eased into a slow rhythm.
"Not too bad." She spoke as I let a small smile slip.
"Years of practice knocked into my head must have paid off. You're doing rather well too."
"My mother taught me." Blake spoke as we carried on, letting the music ease any fears and worries away.
There wasn't much talking to be had for the rest of our dance, as we were mostly just focused on keeping the rhythm, or at least I was anyway. Her face looked calm, yet slightly off. I couldn't tell what was on her mind, but I felt like it wasn't something I had any business in knowing.
The music came to a stop, and so too did our movements. We left the dance floor, back off to the side as a more... upbeat song started to play.
"Let's rest for a bit." Blake suggested as I let out a hum.
I followed after as she took us over to a smaller area off to the side and against the walls. There were several chairs lined along the wall; Blake and I each took one.
"Hi you guys." Came a chipper voice from the side.
Blake and I turned to see Ruby make her way across, nearly tripping a few times before she took a seat next to Blake.
"Hello Ruby, how is it going?" Blake asked as the smaller girl gave a slight pout.
"It's going, not too well, but it's going." She commented as Blake raised an eyebrow.
"What's the problem?" Blake asked as Ruby sent a flat stare.
"Well first of all there are a lot of people here, and I mean a lot. Secondly I'm stuck with these stupid stilts. And finally I'm stuck here alone."
"What about Weiss?" Blake questioned as the girl simply pointed in response.
In the distance I was able to see both Weiss and Sun, the first sporting a white dress, and the latter simply wearing a single bowtie over his casual clothing; open shirt and all. The guy looked to be having the time of his life as he swung about. It was clear he didn't care how silly he looked, and Weiss appeared to be dragged into his wild dance as well.
Yet she didn't look even the slightest bit irritated as the man pulled her here and there, leading her along with his outlandish dance moves. I dare say she even looked a bit happy, relaxed even; it was like she had let go of a burden that was weighing her down.
"As you can see Weiss is out there having the time of her life, and I'm stuck here struggling to even stay standing." Ruby spoke as she let out a sigh and dropped her head into her hands.
Blake patted Ruby's back a little. "Cheer up, I'm sure you'll find something to do." She looked to have an idea as her face lit up. "How about we share a dance together?"
"Wh-what?" Ruby stammered as Blake stood, pulling the young girl up with her. "B-but I can't dance in these!"
"It's okay, I'll lead." Blake answered as she pulled her flustered leader out to the floor.
At least she's not nervous anymore.
It was a small relief. The fact that Blake was comfortable around her team put any worries of me ruining her night to rest. Even if she didn't like me, she could still have fun with her friends.
"Vermillion, fancy seeing you again." Came a familiar voice.
I turned and was greeted by the sight of general Ironwood. I gave a small nod as he stepped closer.
"Would you care to take a walk with me. We never got the time to properly meet each other; last time was rather... hectic. Perhaps tonight will be the perfect chance to get to know each other." He offered as I gave a slight nod.
"Very well." I stated as I stood and followed after him.
.
.
"Aaaaaand there he goes." Yang commented to herself as she sighed.
He was with the general now, so there was no real issue of him causing trouble. Either way it was Blake's turn to watch the door now, And she'd be damned if she missed some of her free time because her partner was off causing trouble.
That didn't seem to be the case, as in the distance she was able to see Blake leading her little sister in what she could only describe as a whirlwind. It was a cluster of various dance moves thrown together, and her sister looked like she would drop at any second.
Yang shook her head with a laugh. It looked like Blake did manage to have some fun at least, a welcome change from the doom and gloom they had experienced so far. After a few more seconds of watching she decided that her sister had enough torment and waltzed over to save her.
"I'll be taking that from you." She gave as she plucked her sister right out of Blake's grasp. "Your turn on door watch by the way."
The girl rolled her eyes. "Alright alright, that means you'll be looking after Vermillion now right?"
"Yeah... about that, he's with the general now." Yang spoke as Blake's eyes widened.
"He's what!" She exclaimed as Yang pointed behind her.
"Yup, the two just left about a minute or two ago."
"Then we-"
"Nope." Yang stopped the hyperactive girl as she made to dash off. "You are going to do your job and watch the door.
"Bu-"
"No buts, we agreed to this."
"You agreed to keep watch over him!" Blake blurted as Yang gave a nod.
"And I will. I'm sure the general is just borrowing him for a moment. I'm certain we'll see them back once they're done with... whatever it is they're doing."
"And if they're not!?" Blake questioned as Yang rolled her eyes.
"Then it's the general's issue. Come on Blake, he's the leader of the Atlas military; not to mention the headmaster of Atlas Academy. Have a little faith in the guy, it's not like he'll let anything happen while he's here." Yang reasoned as Blake gave an apprehensive face. After a moment of thinking she sighed.
"Fine, but when they return I still want an eye kept on him." The cat Faunus let out.
"Done, now go do your job; it's time for big sis to teach her little sister how to dance." Yang spoke as her partner walked away with a slight Grumble. Ruby's eyes widened.
"What!?"
Author's note
...
So we're back with another chapter, this time showing off some of the dance. Of course it's mostly just nervousness and fluff here and there; and not to mention Blake pulling a Blake.
First it was being scolded for not telling the rest of the team, next it was her not even doing her part and instead messing with Ruby. Oh well, at least Yang got to put her foot down on the Blake train. (I know what I did.)
Disregarding that we also had another dream sequence with future Ruby; noticeably less violent than usual too. And so Ruby reveals that she's known things about V that he probably doesn't even remember, or even know himself.
I also managed to slip Merc and Em in the beginning too, with Merc dominating at everyone's favorite fictional board game. V also handled being asked out a lot easier than I'm sure most would think; followed by Yang's warning.
Whatever, good enough for now. Not much has happened at the dance yet, but will it last? Guess you'll just have to wait and see.
Let me know your thoughts, and see you next time.