Not the most stunning castle Ruby had ever seen mind you, but it was still beautifully stylized. Lord Vice sure knew what he wanted, whether it was his own choice of décor or simply the choice of the designers was unknown. Still, it had been a rather peaceful ride in.
The lift had been the least wonderous part of the trip, a simply pully system controlled by alternating guards. It seemed as though they didn't want to waste any gravity dust where they didn't have to. But despite the simplicity of the lift, it was heavily guarded.
Each of the opposing directions had it's own troop of soldiers watching diligently for any and all who wished to get close. Even if somebody did manage to evade the watch it was still a hassle getting up the lift. The pully system required no less than seven operators to handle it, at least that was the amount she'd seen through her blindfold on the way up. Why this specific amount was lost on her, but it made traversing the lift all the more difficult as the potential thief or crook would need to scale it by hand.
In a way Ruby was glad she had a different means of reaching the castle, even if it was much less dignified. The trip up consisted of her remaining in the carriage and waiting the two hours it took for the lift to reach the top, where she guessed it was locked in as the gate was opened and the ride continued on.
Afterwards the door was opened and one of the guards helped her down. She was the innocent blind girl as far as they knew, and she made sure to play the role well. Ruby kept close with the guards as they led her through the halls and passages of the castle, all the while she committed it all to memory.
Servants scurried about, performing their various duties even in the early hours of night. Other soldiers fashioned in both plate and mail armor stalked the halls, patrolling the ways even with the knowledge of how impossible invasion seemed. Yet they remained ever watchful incase the day came.
Some of the passing guard gave her looks, a mix of pity and revulsion as they carried on. For whatever reason they viewed her that way was unknown, but there was one view they all looked to share. The poor blind plaything - perhaps even diseased - was ultimately harmless.
It was easy to make that mistake, she did have to leave her weapon behind. Mrs. Blossom currently held onto it, and was probably gone with Pebble by now. She would meet with them after to pick it up once again, but for now she was stuck with only her well manicured nails and limbs to defend herself. This was fine - as any attacker would come to see - she was perfectly capable without her weapon.
They halted outside a rather decorative looking door, elegantly carved and polished.
"You will be joined shortly, please wait inside." One of the guards ordered, opening the door as she gave a small curtsy before heading in.
The door shut behind her as she admired the room, lifting the cloth over her eyes just a tad to get a clear view. It was quite spacious, plenty of room to move around in. A few tables and chairs were scattered about, with a small fireplace against the wall. Along the back were two massive windows, curtains shut and sporting a more floral pattern, with the bed situated between them. The massive cushion wore a royal purple covering, accented in gold and silver with a dash of red still adhering to the flower motif.
There were also two statues against the opposite wall of the fireplace, standing within what looked to be a garden. They took on the form of a man and a woman, both nude and in excellent shape. The statues were detailed with slight amounts of muscle in all the right places, designed to look both appealing and natural.
It was like walking into an art museum and seeing all the old findings from the ruins of fallen kingdoms dug up over the years. Yet everything was so clean and pristine, it temporarily took her mind off things. However Ruby was shaken from her viewing by the sounds of the door creaking, she slid the blindfold back down and linked her hands atop her lap.
She kept her body facing straight ahead as she remained still on the edge of the bed, waiting for her targets to make their entrance.
"Oh, we've quite the cute one this time!" Came a woman's voice, footsteps trailing her way.
"Yes, a rather delectable little meal." A man's voice this time, his steps joined in as they approached.
Remaining still Ruby let her eyes trail underneath the cloth as she glanced at them. Unlike most she had met in her life Ruby was never known for having the best taste in what was considered physically attractive, she was always more caught up in the heart of the people rather than their looks. She had some preferences sure, but so long as she liked the personality she could deal with just about anyone. However Aether as a whole had it's law built around slavery, so kindness and tolerance clearly weren't traits it's rulers possessed; it would seem that physical fitness wasn't either.
In a way Ruby felt disgusted at what she saw, and that was saying something. Lord Vice and his queen weren't the most obese people she'd ever seen - not by a long shot - but it wasn't their rotund shape that set her senses off. No, it was the lack of personal hygiene that had her reeling in her mind.
Even the peasantry down in the poor sections of the city was better washed than these blobs. The first thing to assault her was the heavy mix of perfume that wafted around them. If that was their way of covering up the stench then she felt sorry for whoever had to clean their clothing. The perfume seemed to mix with their overwhelming odor, creating a sickening cloud of invisible poison that felt like it physically burned her lungs.
Ruby fought back the urge to cough as they drew closer, both settling beside her as they placed their hands on her body. The two proceeded to push her back on the bed, cuddling up as they rubbed their filthy paws across the dress she wore, picking at the loose ends.
"Such a sweet young thing, so soft and slim." The queen drabbled as her hand slipped across Ruby's stomach, making it's way up to her chest.
"A fine lass no? Clearly in need of some education." Lord Vice whispered against her ear, making her hair stand on end as his hands found their way underneath her dress.
That's where I draw the line!
Ruby rolled over, on top of Vice and catching him by surprise. Waving her hand she patted the place where she had recently lay, a sign for the queen. The woman looked like she understood, pulling herself close and wearing a smirk.
"My, such a lively girl." She droned out as Vice chuckled in his rough scratchy voice.
"You can say that again, little thing wants to play." He let out, both him and the queen now side by side with Ruby sitting atop them.
Ever gentle Ruby trailed her hands along them, slowly climbing up and stopping just above their chests. She softly rubbed at the spot, all the while they wore demeaning looks of amusement. Ruby herself decided to give them a soft smile, watching as their looks turned from pleasure to shock. She stared as their eyes seemed to jitter before losing all motion, leaving both to stare blankly at the ceiling above.
She pulled back her bloodstained hands, rubbing the excess - probably disease ridden - fluids on the blankets underneath. Ruby stepped back, watching as the gaping holes in their throats welled and spilled down the sides of their necks. She let out a scoff as she made her way to the door, placing her ear against it and listening for any signs of movement. Met with silence she stepped back and let the darkness within coat her hands.
With the easy part out of the way she could set herself to the more difficult task, starting with the next shadow seed. They were just as vital to the plan as her second goal, and would serve to aid the future when found. The placement of the castle and Aether as a whole were the perfect place for the little seed.
Once again surrounded in darkness Ruby felt the small tinge against her skin as the smoke dispersed and the light died. In her hand lay the next seed, pulsing with even more corruption then the last. The bedroom was located at the top of the castle, providing the most extensive view of the land below. Ironically this allowed the seed to remain at the top of everything when all was said and done.
Ruby walked over to the window, creaking it open and climbing the outer side of the castle with the aid of her semblance. Atop the highest spire she slammed her aura covered fist into a tile, breaking it apart and leaving a small hole in it's place. Carefully she stuck the seed in, pressing it deep against the corner before smiling to herself.
Bursting apart once more she made for the window again, finding her place back into the room and before the door.
And now, the second part of the plan.
Ruby confirmed the silence beyond the door one last time before opening it up and stepping out.
.
.
The tension was thick in the air as we passed along the sidewalk. A complete lack of any other people only made it worse in my opinion.
Back at the library I had given them most of the general information I knew of the White Fang. Considering the fact that I hadn't been with them for very long I was only able to give what I'd pieced together myself at the time. However I chose to leave out the part about the Grimm island, deciding it was ultimately irrelevant to what we were dealing with.
Instead I had focused on the locations and contacts I knew about, one of which being Tukson. As tired as the man seemed from my first mission in the city, he was still involved with the Fang and the others needed to watch out for him. And to my own surprise Blake revealed she knew about him the whole time, apparently he was her contact to the group.
And so it was decided we would split apart to gather more intel from other sources. Ruby and Weiss went to check the SDC records, Weiss told of how she was the next in line to run the company and how it would be a simple matter of requesting the necessary files. Blake and Sun had decided to check in with what was supposed to be a local rally, designed to boost numbers.
That just left Neptune and I to tag along with Yang as she checked with some of the more... flexible sources in the city. The woman didn't seem too happy about that, which led to our current situation now; if you can even call it a situation.
"So, how's Beacon been?" Neptune asked as we followed some distance behind the tense blond. He was trying to clear the air somewhat, key word being 'trying'.
"Rather pleasant all things considered. It's well organized from what I saw, the staff are passionate about their work, and the headmaster cares for the student body. All in all I'd say it's the peak of what a school should be, minus some small hiccups along the way." I gave as we continued along.
"That's nice..." He gave, struggling to continue the conversation.
The awkward air settled in again, clearly an unpleasant feeling for the boy. He let out a small breath as he returned his attention front and center, looking to give up on what was essentially a losing battle.
At the moment Yang was cruising along on what looked like a one of the cars that sat empty along the streets. However the vehicle itself only had two wheels, and was moving at a slower speed as to allow us to keep pace via a brisk walk. At first we were riding the thing, however the speed seemed too much for Neptune - who felt that three people holding on for life was a little much - and so both him and I took to walking the last few blocks to our destination.
'Bumblebee' as she called it was a few feet ahead of us and on the larger road, letting out low growls as it periodically sped up and slowed down. A bright yellow streak against the dull buildings that surrounded us.
"There, just up ahead." The woman let out as I turned my attention to what she was facing.
Glowing words sat above what looked to be the door, written in a type of cursive that I was still unable to read. I'd have to ask the headmaster to teach me the written language when we got back, this would turn into a larger problem otherwise. For the moment though it was only a small issue.
Yang brought Bumblebee over to the side, dismounting the thing as it quieted. She gave Neptune and I each a look, one that essentially said to let her do the talking. I responded with a nod as Neptune presumably did the same. The subtlety was thrown out the window as she kicked open the door, stepping in with a bold sway I'd not seen from her before, as if daring anyone to challenge her.
The room looked to be empty save for two men, who promptly ran off. Ignoring them she carried along at a brisk pace as we strode up to what looked like two massive sliding doors that were shut only seconds ago, just as the men entered. Now she could have just opened them normally, but it would seem normality was beyond her. She thrust her fist forward, something shooting from the ends of her gauntlet and causing an explosion that knocked the doors open as she strode inside with us just behind.
We were met with a face-full of weaponry, most of which being the same type I'd seen the White Fang use, 'firearms' I believe. They were oddly shaped, but all sported the same style between them. Yang didn't seem to be bothered by the threat however, her stance holding a sort of carefree feel to it. Neptune looked to be slightly startled, having jumped a bit before taking a stance of caution as we were surrounded.
"Junior, guess who's back!" She called with a playful voice, a loud groan responded from deeper in.
"Nobody shoot." Came a voice as I saw a man step forward, his hand covering his upper eyes in a gesture of irritation as he spoke.
"I already told you I don't have anything. Can't you leave us alone, we're still cleaning up from last ti-" He stopped as he looked over us, his attention zeroing in on me.
"You! It's you! What are you doing with her!?" He yelled out, looking at a loss for words as all attention was set on me.
"Do you... know each other?" Yang questioned, sounding suspicious as she looked to Junior. The older man sighed as he gave a tired look.
"I take it you're both with Beacon then?" He asked as I chose to nod, Yang still wasn't done though
"Hold up! What do you know about Vermillion here?" She returned as the man threw his head back, massaging the sides as if dealing with a headache.
"We spent I don't know how long looking for info on the kid, supposedly the headmaster wanted to find him. With that out of the way: what can I do to get you to leave faster? Trying to clean up here you know."
The man was clearly annoyed. I didn't know what Yang did to him, but it must have been bad to upset him this much. I had a feeling he wouldn't be too keen on helping us, but then again he looked like he just wanted us gone.
"Right, back to the point. We need some info on Roman Torchwick, he's working with the White Fang and we want to know why." Yang asked as the man slapped his forehead, letting his posture seem to droop as he sighed.
"Can't anyone ask something simple for once? Look, I don't know anything about either of them. I tried checking earlier but they moved locations, and my guess is that it's because of your friend there. After all, can't work in a compromised base." Junior spoke, taking a seat on a nearby stool.
"Torchwick had some of your goons with him a while ago, you must know something." Yang pressured as Junior snapped his fingers.
A man similarly dressed as the others nearby came out from a curtain in the back of the bar, handing a bottle of what I assumed alcohol to Junior. The tired man popped the top and started downing the drink, lowering it afterwards as he faced us again.
"Torchwick never came back after he hired my men, and considering I had to bail them out I assumed he wasn't all too pleased with their performance. As for the White Fang, I'm guessing they'll be splitting the dust. Torchwick gets half, and the Fang gets half. I have nothing on either of them, so please leave me alone."
Yang gave a once over of everything, before turning and heading out. Neptune and I trailed along as we left the building, finding ourselves back on the streets no closer to our goal. Neptune let out a sigh as he seemed to relax.
"Back to square one." Yang spoke as she stepped over to Bumblebee.
However just as she got on the vehicle her scroll rang. She popped it out and held it closer to her. Neptune leaned in as a frantic voice came through, but at my position I was too far away to make out what was said.
"Where are you at?" Neptune asked aloud, at which point a massive armored... thing ran by just down the street. "Never mind."
"Let's go!" Yang called as she looked to me, Neptune patted the space behind him.
"You two can use Bumblebee, I can keep pace on foot." I called as the shadows started to seep from me again, my armor making itself known as Neptune recoiled slightly.
"You better." Yang told, raising an eyebrow as I gave a nod.
And so we were off, Yang and Neptune speeding ahead and myself running alongside them.
.
.
This was not the result she was looking for, but at least it was something. Blake ran along, jumping from roof to roof, followed by Sun as they kept ahead of the massive mech. The fact that Torchwick was at the rally seemed like a good thing for them info wise, the fact that he was showing off an Atlesian Paladin - a massive single piloted mech suit - to them was a little less so.
To say nothing of the way it was tearing up the city streets, it painted the perfect picture as to why they needed backup. She called the others already, now it was only the matter of playing keep-away until they arrived.
The duo took to the highway, leaping from car to car in a desperate bid to hopefully outpace the thing. Unfortunately that wasn't happening, as Torchwick seemed to care little for property damage as he threw cars aside in his attempt to catch them.
The two stopped atop a couple vehicles as they watched the mech get ever closer to them. They needed to get it off the highway, to somewhere more open if they were going to stand a chance. Low and behold the sight of what appeared to be Neptune soaring through the air and stabbing a... spear, into the thing? It looked like a spear... she'd ask later.
Yet even the stab did nothing; well, nothing other than making Torchwick swing the upper half of the mech around in an effort to shake the boy off.
"Hold on Neptune!" Called Sun as he linked his hands together.
Instantly two glowing clones of himself burst from his sides, heading after the coming mech. Both threw themselves into the machine, breaking apart and looking to do at least some damage to the armor. Sun leaped across the moving traffic, jumping high in the air as he brought his staff down.
It was at that moment Neptune was dislodged and flew straight into Sun, knocking both over the rails and down to the streets below.
"No! We need to end this!" Blake let out as she focused on the coming threat. The two boys would be fine, their aura would break the fall... despite being a bit painful.
"I'm here!" Came the voices of both Weiss and Ruby through the scroll in her pocket.
Blake chose earlier to keep the call open, and to provide the info she gained on the mech for when the others arrived. So far it only ran for her, not even choosing to use any of the weapons she was sure it had. Whether intentional or not, this left her in the dark, she had no clue of what it's true capabilities were. The only plan she had for the thing was to - as dumb as it sounded - hit it till it died.
Easier said than done.
Making another leap Blake landed down on one of the lower highways below as Torchwick made to follow. She took a glance around from atop the bus she landed on, looking for anything she could use to her advantage. Just as she passed under another road she noticed Weiss drop down to her current area. Torchwick saw this too, and the mech instantly made for her.
Yet a moment later ice coated the road, causing the mech to lose traction and go tumbling off the highway to the depths below. Using her chance she followed after it, leaping down and landing next to Ruby who had been watching from below. Just behind she heard another landing, this one being Yang who cracked her knuckles as she took a stance next to them.
Two more landings were heard, Weiss and Vermillion respectively, with the latter of the two sporting the armor he wore during their fight. Weiss held a wary look as they walked over to the group.
"Glad you could join us." Yang let out as a rumbling brought their attention back to the mech, it was on it's feet again.
"Ready to try out the team moves girls?" Ruby asked as they prepared themselves.
"Didn't go through all these years of training for nothing." Yang let out as they split apart, each going for different positions.
Weiss stabbed at the ground, forming one of her glyphs as Blake herself opened fire. A massive cloud of fog filled the area, and the mech slowed as it tried scan for it's targets. Taking the opportunity the girls went on the attack.
"Checkmate!" Ruby called as Blake took her que.
Working alongside Weiss the two were able to push the machine back somewhat, dealing critical blows along the joints in hopes of weakening them. The thing was tougher than it looked however, sending it's arm out and knocking Weiss away. The girl flipped through the air before tumbling across the cement.
She wasn't done however as she made use of her semblance, forming a glyph underneath Blake. She took notice instantly.
To describe how she felt; well, it was hard even for her. The world looked as though it halted to a crawl, each of her teammates were in slow motion. Even the massive mech looked as though it were walking through tar. Her limbs wanted to move, needed to move, but she held herself back. From her perspective time itself slowed, but she was still able to tell it's movements as if it was normal. She felt as all of her body functions slowed, bound by the original rules of time, yet her mind was on turbo.
But that wasn't true, time was normal, it was just all in her head. She was thinking faster than her body could perceive, and then she got a little idea. Her body moved at normal speed, yet watching her limbs move so slowly was almost maddening. Blake prevailed however, instead using the enhanced perception to ensure not one mistake was made.
She planned it all, each individual reaction and swing. Conceptualized over and over again, all to ensure everything was perfect. Each slash, each swipe of her blade was calculated meticulously as it carved through each of the missiles that shot her way. The end result was a beautiful explosion, one that felt grand as it lit up the area.
As her senses returned she took notice of both Yang and Vermillion working at the arms of the thing, dealing blow after blow as Yang shot at it. Opposite of her blond teammate's approach Vermillion had taken to charging at the mech, using his body like a makeshift cannon ball, denting the sides of the machine.
Blake would have intervened, but it seemed like both of them had the situation under control.
"Ice flower!" Ruby called this time as Weiss formed a glyph under the girl.
Ruby took several shots at the lower half of the mech, each one exploding and coating it's legs in ice. It tried to move, but the ice was too strong. Using the chance Yang and Vermillion took hold of the arms, with the blond girl looking as though she were ablaze. With her seemingly newfound strength she pulled, and Blake watched in awe as both arms were torn off completely.
Using the lack of opposition - as well as keeping in unison - they each pulled back a fist before driving them into the center of the mech. They must have hit something important, as moments later they were knocked back as the thing exploded.
"Yang!" Ruby called as they went to check on the two.
"Ha! He wasn't so tough." Yang said taking a stand as Vermillion stood some distance away, keeping his focus ahead of them even as his armor dissipated.
"Girls." Blake spoke watching in the distance as Torchwick stood from the dirt, looking no worse for wear as some strange woman took her place ahead of him.
He looked to be grumbling to himself as he pulled out a cigar from his jacket, sending a smirk their way.
"It's been fun kids, it really has, but I've got business to attend to. See ya" Both crooks took a bow as Yang gave her own retort.
"Oh no you don't!" Yang let out, charging the man.
Yet her fist met nothing but air as they shattered like glass, leaving Yang to stand there confused for a moment. The sounds of engines filled the air as a bullhead flew past, the most likely source of their getaway.
"Neo." They turned to Vermillion, who focused his attention back to the pile of smoldering rubble.
"So that was Neo?" Yang asked as he gave a slight nod. Back at the library when they made their plans Vermillion mentioned the people he worked with in the White Fang, one of which being Neo.
"The same, if you see her anywhere it's best to assume it's a fake. She can mask herself and others with illusions."
"Oh joy." Weiss grumbled, kicking at the dirt as Vermillion turned back, leveling a look to Blake.
"What was that thing?" He asked as she set her sights to the broken mech.
"It's known as an Atlesian Paladin, a new single pilot machine designed to deal with Grimm. They haven't been released yet, but earlier at the rally Torchwick was talking about his provider getting them for him." Blake explained as Weiss chimed in.
"Impossible! Atlas security is some of the most strict in the world, getting ahold of anything is inconceivable, but to have more!? It has to be a bluff!"
Yang stared to the pile of smoldering metal, walking over and kicking one of the pieces aside. "Impossible or not, this toy was an absolute nightmare to break apart. I'd rather not play with anymore of them."
Ruby spoke up this time. "We can't let them keep doing this. The White Fang is clearly planning something, and we need to stop it!"
Yang sent her attention to Vermillion. "Know anything about what these might be used for."
He looked to think about it. "Honestly I haven't the slightest idea, I was pulled out before I could get close to any of them. I only recognized Neo because I'd just gotten back from a mission with her before the fight at the docks."
Yang sighed. "Back to nothing again. Fine, can you at least explain the whole 'armor' thing? It looked like the same bone plating that cover the Grimm."
"That? It's part of my semblance. I'm able to enhance my physical attributes while forming those bone plates over my skin." Vermillion answered, Yang seemed content with the explanation.
But Blake was not. The way he spoke, his tone... it felt off. Not to mention the slight twitch he gave the split second Yang asked. He was lying, it was a believable lie mind you, but it was still a lie.
Instantly she was suspicious as to why he felt the need to lie to them. Sure he was entitled to his secrets like all the rest, but his armor seemed more than just for show. Not to mention the fact that he tried to kill them; she still hated him for that. It had her slightly worried in case he set them as his target once more.
The headmaster said he wouldn't harm them, but how would the headmaster be able to stop him if he went rogue. Anyone could rebel, she was a prime example of that. What if he turned on Beacon in favor of the White Fang. What if the hate that some of the more prejudice students held caused him to switch sides, like it almost had her?
Much to her own shame she was very close to leaving Beacon and striking out on her own. It was only through her team that she ultimately decided to stay. Ironically enough it had been Weiss who saved Beacon for her. The Schnee's arrival to her rescue was what sparked the light in her heart and cemented her drive to see Beacon through.
But not all had those same people there for them, not all had favorable circumstances. Blake knew the lengths Vermillion was willing to go, so what if those lengths were tested again?
"Hey! Anybody know where Sun and Neptune went?" Ruby asked, each of them coming to the realization that the duo weren't present.
.
.
"You sure they'll be good on their own?" Neptune asked as Sun looked over.
"Yeah, they'll be fine. I've seen them fight, they can handle themselves." Sun answered as both boys went back to their noodles.
Even in distress the active huntsmen had time for a quick bite. As such it was no surprise when a - clearly drunk - man came stumbling down the sidewalk, taking a seat at one of the many stools.
"Can I get one of whatever they're having?" The man asked as Sun finally recognized him.
"You're that guy who stopped the fight back at the docks." The blond boy let out as the man burped.
"Yep, Qrow's the name, and right now I need a bite." His words were slurred... and slightly rough, catching Sun's attention.
"You okay?" He asked as Qrow handed the shop keeper some lien for the bowl before him.
"A second, I let him out of my sight for only a second and he disappears. It was a library! How the dust did he disappear so quickly!?"
Instantly Sun was quiet, letting the older man stew in his cursing of the stars. He recognized the library part the moment it was said. Qrow was talking about Vermillion, and from the sounds of it he was supposed to watch over him. It made sense, the headmaster was the one who brought Vermillion to Beacon, it was only sensible to have someone keep an eye on him.
It was for that reason Sun kept his mouth shut the whole time eating. After all, he was partially the reason Vermillion was out and about, and he'd rather not get into trouble.
But man, to be tasked with watching a single person and somehow losing sight of them in the quietest place at a school.
That was some rotten luck.
Author's note
...
Ah Qrow, always the one to get the short end of the stick. Nothing has changed in that regard.
Well, the mech fight is over, that's one nightmare out of the way. As you can probably tell most of it was unchanged from the original, instead I decided to focus on Blake's point of view, as well as how she felt using one of Weiss's time glyphs.
Aside from some minor changes in dialogue, most of everything was the same. Vermillion wasn't really much of a factor here at the moment. Oh well, at least I got to write Qrow again, little joys.
As for future Ruby, her task was different than what I'm sure most of you expected. As for what her goal is, best I can say is wait and see.
Anyway, that's all for now. Let me know your thoughts, and see you next time.