Chapter 25: An Eventful Day
Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum, I only own my OCs.
Team RXDY
The weekend comes for Vale City.
Inside their guest dorm room, Team RXDY sleeps with Yumi sharing a bed with Rena. She slowly opens her eyes seeing the sun rise, the wolf faunus turns away from the early morning glare wanting to sleep more when she feels herself being pulled closer to something soft. Curious on what it is Yumi touches it hearing a moan, she gropes it again earning another moan. Her eyes snap open realizing what she's touching, following her arm Yumi discovers her hand groping one of Rena's breasts turning the wolf faunus' cheeks deep red. Looking up Yumi sees Rena still asleep even after having her breast touched. Her cheeks turn deeper red if that's possible when she notices her team leader doesn't have her bra on, so her breasts are exposed to Yumi. Feeling embarrassed, but wanting to feel more, Yumi continues caressing Rena's 36D cup breast. The one-eyed faunus pulls Yumi closer, almost burying Yumi's face in her cleavage, Rena's natural scent flooding her nose. It smells like lavender after a heavy rain. Freeing her hand from Rena's breast Yumi runs it along her team leader's curves feeling the soft flesh.
'This is wrong. I shouldn't do this, I shouldn't, but... a part of me wants to see more of her, I want to know more.' Yumi thought.
She heard Rena mumble, "Keep touching me, Yumi. Feels so good." Yumi's heart races. Rena is saying her name, the way she spoke it with passion and... lust?
The wolf faunus continues exploring the older faunus' body running her hand along Rena's thigh making the one-eyed faunus' toes curl in pleasure. Yumi then places her hand on Rena's stomach feeling the prominent ridges of her abdominal muscles, feeling daring Yumi wanders to her leader's butt admiring how strong and firm her bubble-shaped posterior is. Looking at the older faunus' face she notices Rena still sleeping making her wonder how she can still be asleep after that. Reigning in her desire to do more, Yumi returns her hand to Rena's waist holding the faunus to her and just enjoys Rena's embrace.
'I can't believe I just did that.' Yumi mentally chastised herself but a small part of her disagreed saying it was bold of her to do that.
Soon Rena's eyelid starts fluttering then slowly opens, still groggy from sleep.
Yumi said, "M-Morning, Rena."
Rena slowly blinked, "Morning." She notices their position.
Yumi blushed, "I'm sorry for touching you, Rena. You're just so beautiful I couldn't stop myself! Please don't-"
Rena placed a finger on Yumi's lips silencing her, "It's okay, Yumi. It wasn't perverted in nature. You were just curious, that's all." The small part of Yumi thrusts an imaginary arm into the air, shouting she scored.
The older faunus breaks the hold and pulls back the covers, sitting up to stretch before looking for her bra.
Rena remembered, "Ah, I left it in the bathroom." She climbs out of bed and walks over to the bathroom, feeling Yumi's eyes tracing her frame.
Stepping into the bathroom Rena spots her black bra on the floor. After securing the straps on her shoulders Rena reaches for the clasp behind her back and moves to lock it hearing a click. Once that is finished Rena straightens the undergarment out. Exiting the bathroom, she returns to the bedroom walking over to her clothing, slipping them on.
Yumi said, "I'm gonna go shower." A barely audible chuckle escapes Rena as she watches the wolf faunus head for the bathroom.
Laying on her back Rena stares at the ceiling wondering why she didn't react violently like she normally does when someone gropes her.
Inside the shower Yumi stares at the tiled wall as the water drenches her, lost in thought. Images of what happened moments earlier flash through her mind.
'Her skin was soft, and her breasts were so full and beautiful. Sin once called her a goddess. Why am I craving for more?' Yumi thought.
Without knowing it her hands start wandering over her body, one hand cupping her breast while the other ventures south reaching her entrance. A small whimper escapes her feeling the index finger gently rubs her outer lips.
'Oh, Rena.' She thought in her mind, inserting her finger into her vagina.
Rena and Yumi lay in a bed with Rena on top of her, both as naked as the day they were born. Rena places one hand on Yumi's cheek while they engage in a searing kiss. Breaking the torrid lip-lock the two breathe gazing into each other's eyes, red meeting amber while Rena sits up straight before moving her eye over Yumi's body. The wolf faunus blushes under her team leader's gaze like she is using her piercing stare to bore deep into Yumi's soul until Rena runs her hands over the younger faunus' body gently causing goosebumps to form on Yumi's skin. Leaning down again Rena places kisses on Yumi, the wolf faunus gasps in pleasure while Rena leaves a trail of kisses starting at Yumi's neck, then her collarbone, down to her flat stomach and finally down to her folds. Yumi's head snaps back at the feeling of Rena's tongue licking her privates, eyes wide and loud moans escaping while keeping her team leader's head in place silently begging her for more.
Yumi commented, "Y-Yes! That feels so good! Oh, Rena!" A louder gasp escapes when Rena gently rubs her clitoris between her thumb and index finger.
She grips the bed sheets as the pleasurable assault continues unabated Yumi places one hand over her mouth trying to muffle the sound of her moans. Her hips buck instinctively. She bites the knuckle of her finger to keep herself from crying out as her body writhes in pleasure, unable to resist Rena's movements. Her bucking hips only serve to intensify what's happening to her.
Each move, each twist, each flick, every single touch brings her closer and closer and her whimpering cries that she tries to contain finally escape, unable to be contained any longer. She plants her hands behind her holding herself up as her back arches, her hips raised and throwing her head back, frozen as her body trembles from the release that she had waited for. Her arms still holding her she gasps and pants as her body trembles and her elbows shake, unable to support her any longer before giving in and she falls onto her back.
Her eyes tremble as much as the rest of her as she looks into Rena's unable to think let alone speak, she could only weakly raise her arm in a silent begging gesture for Rena to come closer, to stay with, to keep their physical contact.
Rena grants Yumi her wish, crawling up the wolf faunus until she's face-to-face with her blushing face. They kiss passionately not minding the fact they feel Yumi's juices on her lips. In fact, it only excites them more.
Back in the real world Yumi's head snaps back facing the ceiling, eyes tightly shut when the climax hits. She clenches her teeth to hold back the scream of pleasure and her body shivers in perfect sync. The wolf faunus leans against the shower wall behind her while the climax continues then slumps to the floor when it stops. She takes in gulps of steamy air following the mind-shattering orgasm. Recovering enough strength Yumi gets to her feet, legs still shaky and forces them to stop. Realizing the others are waiting for their turn, Yumi washes. She finishes with a cold rinse, the sudden swing in temperature is enough to calm her still hazy mind but, on the downside, makes her nipples hard. Shutting the shower off Yumi opens the glass door to step out. Grabbing a towel from the rack Yumi dries herself then gets dressed. Exiting the bathroom, she tells her teammates it's free.
After the remaining members of RXDY shower they head out to eat breakfast. While they venture through the streets Yumi stares at Rena's back lost in thought.
Ever since they first met Yumi saw her team leader as the strongest person she knows. Yumi admired Rena's ability to stay calm all the time even in the heat of battle, helping Yumi if need be, guiding her and rewarding her along with her teammates following a job well done. After Rena told them of her past, they still accepted her and deepened Yumi's admiration of her and remembered Kim's description of their auras with Rena's having black spirals that represented a deep-seeded sadness. What kind of sadness is it? Besides what Rena told them?
Every time she talks with Rena, she wants to wrap her arms around the one-eyed faunus, hug her. Tell Rena everything will be alright. She wants to see the team leader smile and not be sad, she wants to see Rena smile more often. The wolf faunus believes she is more attractive that way. But can she help heal Rena of years of manipulation and pain she keeps locked away? Mend her broken heart?
'Wait. Does this mean I'm in love with Rena? She's my team leader. But this aching in my chest. Can it be…' She thought.
Draco's voice rang out, "You okay, Yumi? You've been quiet."
Yumi waved her hands, "It's nothing. Don't worry." The team settles for a popular cafe to have breakfast.
They settle for eggs, an apple, toast and milk. The meals are picked clean and Xavier pays the check. With nothing else to do the team walks around Vale City.
Rena reflects on what Ashton told her last night.
Flashback
Rena said, "You are either brave or insanely foolish to challenge Sin to a fight, Ashton."
Ashton replied, "It was to confirm how good he really is."
Rena told him, "And you and Klawdia got your asses kicked with you losing the mask."
Ashton said, "The mask is a minor loss, I can get it rebuilt. Anyway, our loss confirmed my suspicions." The one-eyed faunus could hear spite in the young man's voice leading her to believe Ashton's pride was wounded in addition to getting his ass handed to him.
Rena asked, "And that would be?"
Ashton informed, "Sin's had fighting experience prior to attending classes in the Desert Mast so now I'm certain he was part of some crime syndicate in the past. It's also possible Sin could be working with Cinder in secret."
Rena said, "You need proof to back that up otherwise you're making assumptions." Although the faunus had been piecing together the puzzle of why Sin was infatuated with her after remembering what he said during their encounter in Shade Academy's workout room, Rena reminded him of the woman who trained him. That woman was Cinder.
Ashton asked, "Suppose Sin does end up working with Cinder behind everyone's back, then what? What will you do?"
Rena told her informant, "I'll handle it if it comes to that. Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"
Ashton said, "Not for the time being. If anything new comes up I'll contact you."
The one-eyed faunus nodded, "Be sure you do. Good-bye." She ends the call, laying on her bed to stare at the ceiling.
End of flashback
The group spots Team RUST ahead of them.
Sin commented, "I like Doctor Ooblock. He's…energetic."
Rhia rubbed her neck, "I'm surprised I haven't pinched a nerve in my neck from moving it so many times that fast."
Alena added, "Ooblock's lucky his heart hasn't exploded yet from all that caffeine." Team RXDY sneaks up behind them without being noticed.
Rena greeted, "Hello there." RUST turns as one.
Sin smiled, "Rena. So nice to be greeted by a goddess such as yourself."
Draco asked, "What have you four been up to?"
Rhia said, "Not much. Just talking about Doctor Oobleck, Beacon Academy's history teacher."
Alena told them, "I honestly take him over Professor Port any day. The latter spends half of the session reminiscing about his days as a Hunter. Now I get why students get bored in that class."
Xavier said, "Well...I think I'd make a great substitute teacher for Grimm Studies class. With the encounters of so many variations of Grimm, that is."
Rhia queried, "How many have you encountered so far?"
Xavier scratched his head, "Hm, let's see. There's the spider Grimm my team encountered in a cave following our battle with a Death Stalker, the Phoneutria, Ishtar, Lupine and Feral, the Gloom Widow we fought together and escaped with our lives, the Minotaur, Onryo, Ruugon, Wraith, Devil Jaws and Blade Jaws, both of which are shark Grimm, dinosaur Grimm and Ursa Armis. So quite a lot. Here, I'll show you." He pulls out his sketchbook flipping through the pages that have drawings of all the Grimm and secretly True Grimm along with their names.
Sin commented, "Impressive. Have you thought of becoming an artist?"
Xavier shrugged, "Eh, crossed my mind a few times."
Rhia nodded, "Sin's right, this is wonderfully detailed work. The only thing missing is color."
Yumi said, "With that aside, we can take up on your offer of facing us in a team battle."
Sin beamed, "Oh yeah, that." He took one of her hands, "Well, I can't say no to an angel such as you, Yumi." The wolf faunus' cheeks turn red at the compliment.
Xavier asked, "Where should we have our battle? I don't think the Amity Colosseum is open yet."
Sin smirked, "Could always sneak in."
A voice interrupted, "If you want, I can ask Ozpin if he can allow you access to it." The two teams direct their gazes at Team TEAL walking up.
Draco greeted, "Hey, girls. How's it going?"
Tira smiled, "Doing well, thank you. Who are these four? Fellow students?"
Rhia said, "Hi, I'm Rhia Teyesa, team leader. These three next to me are my teammates Ulrich Mauer but we call him Brick, Sin Saber and my older sister Alena Teyesa. We make Team RUST. We're representing Shade Academy in Vacuo."
Tira placed a hand on her hip with a teasing smile, "Guess it's my turn. I'm Tira Cage, team leader. The girl next to me is my sister Emmara Ace, I call her Emmy. The one to my right is Alexia Ava Adel her nickname is Triple A and the one next to her Cassandra Lynch. I call her Pretty Cassie or Big Cassie. We make up Team TEAL and are representing Beacon Academy in the Vytal Tournament."
Alexia bowed, "Nice to meet you."
Emmara waved nervously, "H-hi there."
Cassandra said in a blank tone, "Hi."
Rhia commented, "Opposite of our team. Three humans and a faunus. A dog faunus, if I'm not mistaken."
Alexia shook her head, "You're not." Quickly examining Rhia and Alena, Alexia concluded, "And you are a fox."
Tira smirked, "Yeah she is." Her tone carrying the same sultry look as her eyes.
Rhia looked between Tira and Emmara, "You and Emmara look nothing alike, Tira."
Tira explained, "She's my adopted sister, blood related or not I still love her regardless."
Sin studied the group and starting with Tira he pointed, "Hm, let's see. Energetic." He gestured to Emmara, "Shy." Then Alexia, "Mysterious." And lastly Cassandra, "Dangerous."
Draco said, "That was my assessment when we first met Team TEAL at the Death Forest."
Sin looked at the dragon faunus, "Death Forest?"
Draco told him, "It's located at the northern end of Emerald Forest. It hosted some Creatures of Grimm so dangerous they burned down that forest in an attempt to kill them. For some unknown reason that part of the forest never recovered, the plants are still withered and ground still scorched. It's said anyone or anything that enters the Death Forest are never seen again. I hope that area's been blocked off."
Tira studied the fox faunus sisters, "Well I know who my favorites are of this team."
Alena glared at her, "Another flirt?"
Tira held up her hands with a friendly smile, "Relax, I'm just giving you two a compliment on your beauty."
Sin studied Alexia, "Nice outfit, looks great on you. Gives off that lethal temptress and bombshell vibe. I must be dreaming. There are too many divine figures here, a goddess swordswoman, an infinitely adorable angel. A pair of pure beauties and now four newcomers. I must be dreaming, right? Someone pinch me. Ow! Not literally!"
Alena pulled on his cheeks with a dark smirk, "If this is a dream, wouldn't you be feeling this pain?" She makes all kinds of faces with his cheeks.
Sin tapped her arms, "I submit, I submit! Let me go!" Alena releases her hold Sin rubs his cheeks.
Tira laughed, "I like this group."
Sin turned to her bowing, "I aim to entertain."
Tira asked, "So, what are you up to?"
Sin smiled, "Just about to have a team with the Goddess of the Faunus and her team."
Alexia repeated, "Goddess of the Faunus?"
Sin pointed his thumb at Rena, "Have you seen her? I mean, seriously look at her." Rena looks at him with an unreadable expression for a moment.
Yumi asked, "Can we start our team battle?"
Alena said, "Yes, let's. I look forward to seeing Sin get what's coming to him." Team TEAL follows RUST and RXDY to the Amity Colosseum.
After obtaining clearance from the authorities, they take a ship to the Colosseum where RUST and RXDY will have their match tournament style with either team wins by aura depletion or ring-out.
The monitor comes online displaying the combatants' aura gauges set to full.
The teams draw their weapons. Yumi studies RUST.
'Let's see. Alena is a close-range fighter with that weapon of hers, Rhia is a medium to close-range with her weapons, Brick's the powerhouse thanks to his size and shield that can fire various Dust infused cannon balls and then there's Sin who uses a boxer fighting style and uses his aura to enhance his strikes but at the cost of draining his. His semblance slows down the perception of time.' Yumi thought.
The respective teams get into their combat stances.
Yumi holds Hermes in a reverse grip across her body, eyes alternating between the members of Team RUST, choosing her target. She settles with Rhia.
Draco knows they need to get rid of the heavy hitters first.
The buzzer sounds. The teams charge.
While they have fun, Klawdia wanders the streets of Vale City thinking about her partner Ashton. The young man has a great work ethic and is determined to see his assignment is complete. At times she feels repressed emotional pain. She also feels animosity whenever he thinks of Cinder making the True Grimm wonder what kind of history the two have. Was it hostile? Or did it start off friendly but devolved into hostility? Maybe Ashton will tell her one day.
Reflecting on her relationship with him so far, the disguised theropod enjoys Ashton's company. She feels happy when she's with him, the first human she befriended. Whether he hides it or not Klawdia can see in Ashton's eyes he enjoyed her company.
Sitting on a bench she looks at the morning sky as she continues her thoughts on the young man.
'I wonder if he'll make a great mate. Venus gave her blessings. I wonder how he'd kiss. Would it be gentle? Passionate? Or shy? Oh my, I'm getting tingles thinking about it.' She thought.
She won't force a kiss out of him, that will hurt the friendship she formed with Ashton. Maybe after the planned attack on Vale is thwarted she can think of a way to show her appreciation for everything Ashton has done for her up to this point.
Directing her gaze from the sky, Klawdia spots a jewelry store opening up. With nothing else to do at the moment she enters the store looking at the sorted jewelry in a range of colors. Red, blue, yellow, blue and even green.
An employee came over, "Greetings, ma'am. Can I help you with anything?"
Klawdia shook her head, "Not at the moment, sir. Just looking."
The employee nodded with a friendly smile, "If you need help with anything, let me know."
Klawdia returned it, "Will do." The T-Rex True Grimm returns her gaze at the glass containing the jewelry.
Back with the battle between Team RUST and RXDY, the former witnesses the teamwork of the latter with them watching each other's backs.
Rena evades Sin's attacks, making sure his flash bang gloves don't touch her and only countering when necessary. Dodging an open palm strike Rena pulls the flash bang gloves from Sin's hands and jumps to the edge of her team's side of the biomes which selected a forest, savanna, urban and geyser and tosses them out of the ring.
Sin asked, "Really? Those are expensive!" Rena bolts toward the young human cocking her fist thrusting it forward, Sin catches it as a shockwave radiates in all directions.
The one-eyed faunus blocks counterattacks from Sin's boxer fighting style, grabbing an outstretched arm and pulls him forward to drive his face into her knee making Sin recoil from the impact. Not wasting a heartbeat Rena unleashes a sequence of punches and jabs to exposed parts of Sin's body despite the former's efforts to cover up. Rena's aggression is too much. Shaking the cobwebs loose Sin launches his counterattack with a battle roar landing a good amount of hits on Rena who tanks them. She drives her elbow into Sin's left temple stunning the human and trips him, Sin catches himself and jumps away seconds before Rena's fist connects with the spot he stood at. Leveling her glare at Sin Rena forms a fist, her knuckles pop.
Xavier dodges swings from Brick's shield then sidesteps a fire Dust infused cannon ball from the shield's center. A battle roar escapes the bear faunus as he executes a swing, Xavier crosses his arms into an X blocking the swing, using his size and momentum Brick does another swing this one stronger than the previous, sending Xavier skidding back with his arms still in an X. His gauntlets glowing orange. Brick closes the distance and fires another fire Dust infused cannon ball point-blank at Xavier, the force of the explosion the ox faunus back and takes a chunk of his aura despite his effort to block the attack. Out of the corner of Brick's eye he sees Alena blocking swipes from Draco's claws and shoots Perses at her chest point-blank. A surprised grunt escapes the fox faunus thanking her aura to take the brunt of the hit as she lands on her back some distance away. She gets to her feet and swings Silent Empress.
Rhia blocks hit and run attacks from Yumi. She feels Hermes connect with her side taking out some of her aura. She next feels the dagger hit her back, then the small of her back up to her hip, a slash across her chest, down to her stomach and ending with her leg. Rhia combines her dual short-barrel rifle tonfas Etching Tears with Emerald Orchard to form Final Trinity. The wolf faunus jumps away from a round. Rhia watches Yumi run around her in a circle looking for an opening. Or that's what the wolf faunus leads her to believe. Throughout their fight Yumi discovered Rhia is nimble and agile but can't contend with physically stronger opponents thus relies on her speed to strike at her opponent's blind spots before they can react.
'That means her fighting style is like mine.' Yumi thought.
Nodding to herself, she rushes Rhia. She cartwheels over a shot from Final Trinity, corkscrews a second and rolls to the right and jumps into the air landing a kick to Rhia's face. Recovering from the kick she counters with a shotgun blast to Yumi, the latter's aura flickers as it absorbs the shot. Briefly looking at the monitor displaying the teams' respective auras, Yumi sees hers and Rhia's aura approaching the red zone. Returning her gaze to the fox faunus Yumi charges, ducking a shot from Final Trinity and grabs the dominant hand long enough for Yumi to land a roundhouse kick to the side of Rhia's face before retreating rubbing the place she'd been kicked at, Rhia grits her teeth.
Alena fires the trident end of Silent Empress at Draco who grabs the chain and with a strong pull of his arm reels the fox faunus toward him. He nails a clawed uppercut then follows it with a side sweep from the bladed ends of Perses. Strapping the shotgun to his back Draco runs at her swiping his claws as fast as he can then finishes with an uppercut
Rena locks hands with Sin, the young human struggling against the faunus' superior strength. He goes for an open palm strike to her face when Rena swats it aside and counters with a punch to Sin's stomach making spit fly out of his mouth, chaining it with a backhand that sends her opponent rolling on the ground. Looking at the monitor Rena sees Alena and Draco's aura nearing yellow while Brick and Xavier's remain fairly in the green range. This distraction allows Sin to get up hissing in pain from the punch to his stomach and closes the distance, leaps over a right hook as Sin lands behind her and kicks her square in the back. Rena stumbles forward then halts the momentum standing straight. Turning around she locks eyes with Sin finding herself enjoying the match with this human.
They charge again, fists pulled back and collide in the middle. They exchange fists. Rena slams her knee into Sin's gut, Sin lands a punch on her cheek, the one-eyed faunus blocks a kick with her forearm and counters with a left hook. Upping the aggression in her attacks Rena kicks Sin in the stomach.
Sin said, "Gah!" Rena wraps her hand around his throat, lifting him into the air and slams Sin back to the ground in a chokeslam but Rena isn't done. While Sin gets up, he sees Rena's multi-colored aura appear and brighten then she releases a burst of it at Sin, launching the young human halfway toward RUST's side of the ring. Running to his location, Rena unleashes a second burst inching him closing to the edge. Sin stands on wobbly legs when the one-eyed faunus unleashes one more burst, this one being the strongest. The aura burst sends Sin out of the ring, knocking him out of the fight.
Rena's aura flickers before fading, looking up at the monitor she sees the gauge showing her aura in the orange.
'That's the first time I ever used the aura burst in an offensive manner. Better not use it that way again.' Rena thought.
Sin sat against the wall he crashed into courtesy of Rena asking himself, "I blinked, what happened?" Despite his stomach hurting, he lets out a small laugh.
Rena witnesses Xavier struggling against Brick who must have just activated his semblance. His aura began regenerating making him stronger, allowing him to take more damage. Xavier's attacks seemed to do nothing to him. His new fortified aura taking only chip damage, however, that doesn't make Brick invincible.
Brick slams his shield Bunker against Xavier's face, stunning him enabling Brick to throw the ox faunus close to the edge of the ring. Xavier gets to one knee when he spots a lightning Dust infused cannonball closing fast. He rolls out of the flight path and the ball impacts the wall. Moving away from the edge Xavier knows he needs to block a few more hits for him to use his semblance. Brick loads another cannon ball when his ears pick up a cracking noise. Looking to his right a fissure making its way toward him, his fortified aura takes the hit, his aura dropping only a little as if it were a mere bug bite. Rena draws Scarlet holding the blade in front of her with both hands and Brick lets out a bestial roar to answer the challenge.
Alena dodges a shot from Perses breathing heavily, Draco isn't that far off.
The fox faunus commented, "Your tenacity is admirable, Draco. I can see why your leader picked you for the team."
Draco chuckled, "Rena has a great judge of character. Besides, you're tenacious as well." They rush each other swinging their weapons in unison taking out the last of each other's aura, rendering them unable to continue the fight.
Yumi dodges shots from Etching Tears, well aware that one more shot and she'll be out of the match. Yumi activates her semblance, day turns to night and the shattered moon shines brightly, Yumi runs so fast she vanishes from sight. Rhia looks in every direction trying to pinpoint the wolf faunus' location, she wanted to keep her semblance a secret, but not wanting to lose she activates it. Rhia closes her eyes, a deep inhale followed by a slow exhale and a clone of her appears followed by another to the other side of her. Rhia and her clones shimmered like illusions under the desert sun and when Yumi's first attack missed, Rhia struck.
Twisting her tonfa, Rhia landed a sharp uppercut with her weapon and quickly followed with a double barrel shot to Yumi's side. Pivoting behind the wolf faunus Rhia quickly fired another double barrel shot at Yumi's back and her single shot into her knee causing the wolf faunus to drop to her knees. Her opponent vulnerable Rhia continued her assault bringing Yumi's aura to the edge of elimination, but the wolf faunus blocks her final strike and counters. Yumi runs in circles around her like a tornado inflicting dozens of slashes from Hermes, taking the last remains of Rhia's aura. Yumi ends her assault feeling dizzy from the exertion, ultimately landing on her butt catching her breath.
Despite her depleted aura, Rhia got up, "So close." A roar from Brick gains Yumi's attention, looking to her right she sees the bear faunus holding his own against the combined might of Rena and Xavier. Running over she attacks Brick's blind spot, the bear faunus barely feels it thanks to his semblance.
Due to her battle with Rhia, Yumi's attacks don't have as much force and one backhand swipe from Brick depletes the last of Yumi's aura.
Her ears lowered, "Sorry I wasn't much help, guys."
Xavier told her, "It's okay, Yumi. Totally understandable." The wolf faunus walks out of the ring joining the others.
Yumi asked Rhia, "Are you doing all right?"
Rhia nodded, "I'll live." She leans toward Yumi resting her head on the wolf's shoulder and with a light pink tint to her cheeks Yumi does the same.
Draco complimented, "Brick really is a powerhouse, Sin. Able to hold his own against Xavier and Rena."
Sin grinned, "I call him a mountain and living tank for a reason. Brick is tough to take down."
Up in the stands Team TEAL watches the fight with great interest.
Tira grinned with excitement, "It's a shame this isn't a three-way team battle. This is making me want to join in."
Alexia allowed a small smile to form, "With your seeming endless energy, you'd outlast them save for maybe Rena and Brick."
Emmara hugged her tome close, "I hope they're okay."
Tira looked at her sister, "They'll be fine, Emmy." Cassandra watches the fight without a word, deducing Team RUST's fighting patterns should her team do battle with them in the Vytal Tournament.
Brick swings his weapon arm Bunker collides with Xavier's crossed arms knocking the ox faunus back. He punches the ground to halt the momentum. Looking down at his gauntlets Xavier witnesses them glowing white-hot. Slamming his fists together, he charges Brick full speed. The bear faunus sees him coming and brings his shield in front of him. The weapon takes the blow. Rena jumps over her teammate, Scarlet raised over her head in both hands and brings it down Brick lifts Bunker to thwart her attack. Xavier uses this moment to throw a punch into Brick's gut, the bear faunus' semblance reducing the damage. Realizing he needs to put the big man down Xavier targets Brick's knees, trying to get the bear faunus off his feet. Brick feels the assault and pushes Rena back then directs his attention toward Xavier. He swings Bunker at his opponent who catches the shield with a grunt, veins protruding from Xavier's arms. Rena leaps into the air and lands the hardest kick to the face she can deliver on Brick.
Sin, Rhia and Alena join Team TEAL, Draco and Yumi at the stands.
Yumi commented, "Brick is holding up well."
Sin shrugged with a little smug smile, "I wasn't joking when I said he's tough to take down. He is the one who dealt the killing blow to the Gloom Widow we faced with MAYA, LAVA, Professor Ritter and Eden."
Rhia shivered, "Facing that monster once was terrifying enough, but facing it a second time and coming out victorious was just as terrifying. No wonder the Gloom Widow was hunted to extinction. Or at least we thought."
Alena placed a hand on her sister's shoulder, "It's over. That thing is dead. There's not another Gloom Widow out there."
'At least I hope there isn't.' She mentally added.
A roar by Brick returns their attention back to the fight as the bear faunus grabs Xavier and throws him into Rena, the two roll on the ground before coming to a stop with Xavier on top of his team leader. He quickly gets up pulling Rena to her feet.
He saw Brick fire a lightning Dust cannon ball, "Split!" They do so second before the cannonball impacts the wall.
Rena and Xavier look at each other and nod, a plan already in mind.
The one-eyed faunus charges first to attack Brick head-on, the giant bear faunus blocks it with Bunker. He launches a series of counterattacks that Rena dodges. He's unaware that the faunus woman is distracting him long enough for Xavier to get behind Brick and deliver a low chop to the back of Brick's knee making it buckle. The bear faunus drops to one knee and Xavier jumps onto Brick, wrapping his massive arms around Brick's neck in a sleeper hold looking to choke the giant out. Brick twists and sways slowly feeling the ox faunus tighten the hold each time. Soon Brick's face starts changing color going from pale to purple indicating the blood supply to his brain being cut off. He leans forward but stays on his feet, Brick suddenly places his hands on Xavier's arms and in a display of pure strength breaks the hold and slams Xavier over him down to the ground with a loud thud. The ox faunus rolls away and Brick coughs while taking in gulps of life-giving oxygen. The color to his face slowly returns to its normal pale.
'His semblance can't stay up forever.' Xavier thought.
Rena dashes forward swinging her claymore so fast it makes it look like the swings are coming from every angle finishing with a leaping downward slash. That puts a sizable dent in Brick's aura.
She told her teammate, "We need to be more aggressive if we wish to overpower him, Xavier. He may be big but he's not invincible." Rena leads the charge semblance activated, flames covering her blade. Brick catches the weapon in his hands, hissing at the burning sensation. Rena struggles to push Scarlet further down against Brick's strong grip when Xavier punches him in the side of his ribs this forces Brick to let go of his hold on Scarlet. Bringing the claymore to her left, Rena swings with all her might causing the bigger faunus to fall onto his side. Brick quickly gets up halting a team attack from Xavier and Rena and throws them back, Rena stabs Scarlet into the ground to catch herself while using her free hand to catch Xavier, this allows Brick to retrieve Bunker loading a fire Dust infused cannon ball and fires it at his opponents. Rena and Xavier split to evade the projectile and do so again when Brick shoots another cannon ball.
'Looks like I have to use it.' Rena thought.
She activates her maiden powers, eye aflame.
Condensed, electrical wrapped arc of fire covers Scarlet as Rena places her left foot behind her and turns her torso to that direction with the claymore held at waist height and facing the ground. With a narrowing of her eye Rena unleashes the condensed arc, the energy projectile screams toward Brick who sees the attack coming and places Bunker in front of him to protect himself. The attack connects with enough force to recoil the shield away. Rena unleashes three more consecutive waves; Xavier follows the last one. Each of the arcs take down more of Brick's fortified aura. After the third arc hits Brick spots Xavier approaching and swings Bunker. Xavier catches the shield with one hand and cocks his free fist back gathering the energy Gemini absorbed with a roar he thrusts his fist into Brick's stomach with his full strength as a beam of magical energy strikes Brick in the chest simultaneously courtesy of Rena. The combined attacks push Brick to the edge of the ring.
Feeling the bear faunus' hand on his wrist Xavier looks up seeing the feral and primal rage in Brick's eyes. With a roar and raw strength unmatched Brick tugs Xaiver's arm tossing him out of the ring before turning his eyes to Rena, curling his arms inward and throwing them out with another booming roar his aura once again recharging. Seeing the massive faunus charge her again Rena readies Scarlet and swings with all her might when he comes in range.
Rena and her defeated teammates stare as Brick catches her swing in his palm and pulls back on the weapon before grabbing Rena by her arm and lifting her before slamming her into the ground, then turning to do so again. Such force, such power, Rena is slammed into the ground hard enough to recoil off the ground as if it were rubber. Brick suddenly wraps his massive hand around her face and begins running in a full charge, driving the back of her head into the ground shredding the ground and her aura. Knowing Brick intends to drag and throw her from the ring Rena has no remaining options, using her maiden power she calls lightning from the sky landing a direct strike on Brick, but he doesn't flinch and he doesn't slow down. Rena's flame wreathed eye widens in surprise, to be able to take this much and keep going, what is Brick?
The edge of the ring quickly draws closer and Rena resorts to an old tactic, Scarlet still in her hand she angles in and slips in between Brick's legs causing him to trip and he falls from the ring first, leaving Rena in bounds. The fire around Rena's eye dissipates while she falls to one knee using Scarlet to catch herself, sucking some wind. An equally winded Xavier returns to the ring and walks over to help her up.
The two teams meet in the ring again, shaking hands.
Sin smiled, "For the record didn't use my semblance once. We should do this again sometime."
Xavier nodded in agreement, "Yes, we should. Based on what we witnessed I can safely say you four have what it takes to become a strong team one day. Maybe when your four graduates from Shade my team will take you on a mission."
Sin grinned, "Already a strong team alright. Remember that. And yeah, sounds like fun."
Draco warned, "Just to let you know our missions can be dangerous."
Sin reminded him, "Killed a gloom widow."
Rena looked at the human, "You continue to impress me, Sin. All of you do. Xavier speaks the truth you all have the ability to become great Hunters and Huntresses."
Sin bowed theatrically, "Goddess, your praise means so much."
Rena brought her gaze to Team TEAL briefly then back to RUST, "Tira's team will be hard to beat."
Rhia said, "I'll take your word for it, but we're still winning."
Alena let out a small laugh, "You're becoming more outgoing, sister." Rhia immediately blushes.
Yumi said with her ever-present smile, "We'll be cheering you and TEAL on in the tournament. Maybe you'll have a memorable match."
Sin gave her the thumbs-up, "Consider it done." TEAL follows them out of the Colosseum and back into Vale City. Checking the time, they discover it's only 11:00 a.m., so they have an hour left before lunch time. Parting ways Team RXDY splits up with Draco staying in downtown observing the pedestrians enjoy the Vytal Festival. The more he watches the more it makes him wish his parents were here. He closes his eyes, lamenting over the fact they aren't. While his team is the dragon faunus' second family, they can't replace his actual one.
'No, don't cry, Draco. Not yet.' He mentally told himself.
Elsewhere, Klawdia walks out of the jewelry store holding a bag. She decided to purchase a red crystal as a present for Ashton. He'll like it, Klawdia is sure of it.
She bumps into someone knocking the person onto his ass.
Klawdia apologized, "I'm sorry, didn't see you." Seeing who it is she bumped into the True Grimm sees it's the person her and Ashton fought last night, Sin Saber.
The boy recognized her, "You're that pretty lady I fought the other night!"
Klawdia paused for a moment, 'Pretty.' She mentally repeated.
Holding up her hands, she told him, "It was nothing personal. My partner and I wanted to test you to see if you're good at fighting. And you proved it." Sin takes in Klawdia's appearance, appreciating her looks.
Sin said, "I don't think I've ever met a faunus with skin that pale before, not that it's a bad thing. It emphasizes your alluring orange-red eyes."
Klawdia giggled, "Why thank you. My name's Klawdia."
The human grabbed her hand and knelt, "Name's Sin Saber. Nice to meet a lovely lady such as you."
Klawdia grinned, "You say that to any attractive woman, don't you?"
Sin admitted, "Maybe, yeah." He saw the bag, "What's that? Dating someone?"
Klawdia's cheeks turned gray, "No, it's not. It's a thank you present for someone."
Sin said, "If I may ask what kind of faunus you are?"
Klawdia locked her arms behind her back leaning forward slightly with a teasing grin, "Curious, are we?"
Sin titled his head, "Can you blame me?"
The dinosaur True Grimm donned a thinking pose, "How about this, Sin? Treat me to something great and I'll tell you. How about it, hot stuff? You talk the talk when it comes to flirting but can you walk the walk?" Sin blushes. Is this young woman hitting on him after meeting her for a second time?
Sin regained his composure, "How about lunch? There's an hour left before then. I can find a fancy restaurant or cafe to eat at."
Klawdia smiled, "Sounds like fun." Sin's legs feel weak at the sight of the theropod smiling at him. So innocent and beautiful her smile is.
Sin thought, 'Why do I feel like I'm standing before a predator? Huh.' Shaking the thought from his head they look for a place to eat at.
They settle on a highly popular restaurant with an outdoor patio when lunchtime comes. Sin informs his teammates he's making friends with Klawdia. Rhia texted him back advising not to cause trouble.
Sin replied, "I'll have you know I have never caused trouble."
Rhia said, "Just behave yourself, that's an order as your team leader."
Sin texted, "Relax, Rhia. I always behave, well until trouble finds me." Klawdia settles for a 12oz steak cooked medium-rare and Sin chooses a chicken sandwich with a salad and rice as sides and both have glasses of water.
They engage in small chat between bites or sips of water, sharing what hobbies they have and what future dreams they want to fulfill. Nothing too personal. When they eat their fill, Sin and Klawdia wipe their mouths and Sin pays the check.
Still living up to his end of the deal he takes them to a cookie shop that makes some of the best tasting cookies Remnant has to offer. Klawdia eats a chocolate cookie topped with hot fudge icing and scoop of vanilla ice cream while Sin has the classic milk chocolate chip. They purchase a separate water bottle for both of them.
Thanking the cashier and paying the total, the duo exits the cookie shop and walk around Vale City. Finishing their desserts, they take a long sip of water.
Sin sighed, "Woo, that cookie was rich. I don't handle sugar well."
Klawdia nodded, "That we can agree on. Still damn good. You lived up to your end of the deal so I must live up to mine. So, I'm a dinosaur faunus. A T-Rex one, exactly." That is half true but she doesn't want to reveal her true nature since that will cause panic.
Sin asked, "Dinosaur faunus? Those exist? Professor Ritter never mentioned them."
Klawdia said, "Not surprised. Long, long ago before any of you humans were born, my kind ruled every corner of Remnant until we got caught in the middle of the Grimm War between your race and the abominations your world fights against."
Sin placed a hand in his jean short pocket, "I am curious to know where the Grimm come from, but I'm also fascinated with how many there are and why they take the forms they do."
Klawdia agreed, "Yeah, some are pure nightmare fuel. I need to head back, Sin. Thanks for lunch, we should get together again some time. Good luck in the tournament. See ya." She gives him a cute smile then departs.
Sin chuckled, "Heh, what an eventful day." Reaching the hotel Ashton and Klawdia are staying at for the tournament, the theropod pulls out the necklace she purchased.
It was sterling silver with a red crystal held in the talons of a Nevermore's foot that was also made out of silver with the talons colored back. The crystal itself was cut into the shape of a small orb. Nodding to herself Klawdia enters the hotel, taking the elevator to the floor they're staying on. Walking up to the assigned room 234, Klawdia inserts her card into the slot to unlock the door. The light flashes green and pulls out, putting it in her pocket then steps inside. Closing the door, she spots Ashton talking with Neo.
Ashton greeted, "Enjoyed your day out?"
Klawdia said, "I did. How long has Neo been here?"
Ashton replied, "Just a few hours. She told me she was bored."
Klawdia tilted her head, "You okay, Ashton? You look as if something's bothering you."
Ashton blinked in confusion, "Huh? Nothing's bothering me. What gave you that idea?"
Klawdia said, "It's your eyes."
The young Fall queried, "My eyes? What about them?"
Klawdia looked into them, "Beneath your confident surface, I see a sad, lost, angry soul. A soul that yearns to be whole again. I can feel your emotions, remember?"
Neo texted to Ashton, "I need to head back now otherwise Cinder will get suspicious. Take care of yourself, Ashton."
Ashton gave the mute a small smile, "You as well, Neo." He hugs her, Neo returns the embrace.
Heading for the door Neo briefly stops to nod at Klawdia before using her semblance to leave, the image before Klawdia breaking into shards of glass.
Ashton spotted the bag in Klawdia's hand, "What's that?"
Klawdia remembered, "Ah yes, I bought you something!" She fetches the small box out of the bag and hands it to her partner.
Ashton opened the box seeing the content inside, "Is this a necklace?"
Klawdia nodded, "Mm-hm, for you. As a thank you for everything you've done for me up to this point." Ashton pulls the necklace out of the box staring at the item.
Ashton said, "Red. Why did you choose red?"
Klawdia explained, "Because it symbolizes your passion, energy and drive. I felt it would look great on you." Tears run down Ashton's cheeks while a smile forms on his face.
She asked, "What's wrong?"
Ashton told her, "Nobody has given me any gifts. Ever."
Klawdia asked, "Not even your parents?"
Ashton's happy expression morphed into sadness, "My parents were abusive. Whenever I did something wrong, they'd inflict punishment on me. I grew to despise them, wanted nothing more than to torture them back. Make them feel the pain they inflicted me with. This is the first time someone has shown me true kindness." Klawdia pulls him into a comforting hug, gently stroking his hair. Perhaps out of instinct Ashton wraps his arms around Klawdia's waist. She whispers soothing words. Soon Ashton calms down, wiping his tears away.
He shook his head, sniffing, "Sorry you had to see that."
Klawdia said, "It's okay to be emotional, Ashton. You don't have to be strong all the time. Keeping it bottled up isn't good for your health. Come on, I'll put the necklace on you."
He replied, "I'll do it." Walking up to the bedroom mirror the young man links the hooks of the necklace together, allowing it to dangle around his neck. The bedroom lighting reflects off the crystal, showing streaks of purple or green.
Klawdia nodded with approval, "Hmm, looks great on you. I knew I made the right choice." Turning around to face the True Grimm he rubs the back of his head feeling awkward.
He said, "Thanks for the gift. It was...uh, really thoughtful of you, Klawdia."
Klawdia smiled with a blush, "You're welcome. I wanted to repay you in some way so this is what came to mind." She lets out a startled yelp when Ashton hugs her. Recovering from the surprise, Klawdia returns the embrace resting her head on his clothed chest, happy to see her friend cheered up. She subconsciously inhales his scent through her nose.
'Is it possible I'm falling for you this fast, Ashton Fall?' She thought.
A/N: Chapter 25 done.
Here Team RUST challenged Team RXDY to a team battle, putting up a strong fight. The latter won with Xavier and Rena as the survivors.
Klawdia had a little run in with Sin and enjoyed her time with him before giving Ashton a necklace.
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Stay tuned for chapter 26.
Vader 23A
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