Chapter 4
Family Reunions
pt. 2
Ruby's eyes darted around the camp. Taking in her surroundings as she listened to the music from others nearby enjoying the mid afternoon. She didn't know what to make of her new uncle. He seemed friendly enough, if a bit weird. He had a big sword on his waist that had a bunch of gears. It was odd to say the least.
She was pulled out of her thoughts as she heard footsteps running up behind her. Then the tell tale sign of.
"DODGE!"
As a kick came at her feet she turned just in time to see and hear the attack, from Ki this time. Sadly, Ruby couldn't avoid the ginger haired woman's kick and lost her footing. Ruby did have enough time to however catch herself into a roll backwards when her back hit the dirt. She got to her feet and stanced up.
"Ohohoho! You want to have a go with me?" The ginger haired woman asked towered over Ruby. She would be intimidating if it wasn't for the goofy smile she always had on her face.
Ruby took in her surroundings once more. They were in a tight path in the camp that was close to the training yard. She then looked back at Ki who hadn't even so much as positioned herself. Ruby eyed her behind the red lenses of her mask then nodded. Ki smiled in return as Ruby ran at her.
A few punches were thrown at Ki who just blocked each one with her arm. Then Ruby went for a kick to Ki's waist that the ginger grabbed with her other hand then held Ruby upside down with a smile plastered on the older woman's face. Ruby just scoffed and went to punch Ki on her nose but Ruby found herself tossed into the air.
Ruby took in the sights around the camp and was in awe of the height she had reached. Till she realized she was now falling and let out a panicked sound. Not so much a scream but definitely one of being frightened. Before she hit the ground she felt arms wrap around her then a poke to her nose.
"Boop. Hehe." It wasn't the ginger that caught Ruby but rather Amatsu. The pink haired Lizard girl had a smirk on her face. "You ok there Little Bird?"
"aah. Your Master is bullying me." Ruby squeaked out a bit upset. It eventually was landed on that the proper title for the teachers of teams were called Masters. As they weren't there to lead but rather instruct and provide experience. Ruby crossed her arms with a pout.
"Want to team up against her?" Amatsu spoke with a teasing voice as she set down Ruby. Ki was walking forward with a grin on her face.
"Ya! Let's kick her butt!" Ruby shouted out with excitement. She just heard Ki laugh with confidence.
"Follow my lead then Little Bird." Amatsu smirked then sprinted at Ki. With a swift kick to Ki that she blocked but was still sent launching back towards an open area. Ruby chased not too far behind as she jumped in before Ki got her bearings and hit her square in the face with a punch.
Ki's face turned to the side and a small giggle came from the ginger. "Niiice punch!" the woman's sweet voice cooed out as Ruby's face went bleak before she kicked off of Ki's body and landed on her feet in the snow skidding backwards. Amatsu rushed in throwing a flurry of punches that Ki was blocking. Amatsu not letting up which had Ruby rushing in with her own attack at Ki who grabbed Amatsu arm and flung her at Ruby. Their bodies collided.
"Ohoho! You two are two hundred years too early to fight me." Ki mocked with a hand over her face and a smile that could not be wiped off. A crowd of the many tribe members were forming a circle around the trio. Lots of cheering and hollering.
"Kick their asses!"
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
"DODGE!"
Everyone paused at that last one as a snowball came flunging out from the crowd and Ruby jumped to the side just in time. A yelp as she was focused and didn't dare stop paying attention to her surroundings. She even noticed as Ki's smile got wider.
"Attack high. I'll go low. If you can smash your knees in her face." Amatsu spoke in a hushed tone that the cheers of the crowd drowned out, so only Ruby could hear it.
"Ri- Right". Ruby nodded and eyed the gleeful Ginger as she then bolted with all of her speed at. Amatsu ran just as fast beside her before Ruby Jumped up and Amatsu slid across the ground towards Ki.
Ki had the realization of their plan at the last second and went to move only to feel something wrap around her. "EH!?" Was the shocked sound she made as she looked down and saw multiple purple tentacles wrapped around her. "No fair!"
Ruby saw what caught the ginger off guard. Nino had snuck up on Ki and wrapped her tentacles around the ginger. A smile crested Ruby's face as she nailed Ki in the face with her knees. Amatsu sliding right into Ki's shins. From the collision was a pile of bodies from the four girls. Lots of giggles and laughter as the crowd around them dispersed.
Ame walked up with a smile but still being reserved not to join in. Raw however was bolting towards the four girls and jumping up into the air. "BAAANZZAAAIII!" The shark Faunus landed into the pile with more laughter and giggles that followed.
[X]
Qrow's eyes narrowed on Raven's both not giving an inch as their hands gripped their weapons tightly. Qrow wasn't eager for a fight but he was not in a mood after seeing what his sister had. When he thought tensions had reached their climax he saw his sister's shoulders relax and her eyes close as she let out a sigh. "Damn it Summer…" he heard her whisper. Then her eyes opened and she looked at Qrow with a more softened expression he hadn't seen her give in years.
That caught Qrow off guard and he relaxed as well. Still no words would leave his mouth. Their hands stopped gripping their weapons and his eyes went back to Rose Family Crest pinned to the aged white cloth.
"Sit." His sister finally spoke, gesturing to the table in the middle of the tent as she turned and went to the corner and grabbed the cloth and crest. It looked like it was wrapped around something.
Qrow didn't dare to assume what but he felt himself relax a bit more as he walked to the table and sat down one hand propped up on his knee. Raven set the wrapped cloth on the table and as he reached for it Raven smacked his hand away.
"Before we talk about personal affairs like this…" her voice trailed off as her eyes lingered on the crest then snapped back to him. "...why are you here?"
Qrow's eyes blinked. "Shit…" He mumbled as he realized he completely forgot for a moment the whole reason he was here. "We both know. Oz wants your help finding Summer's daughter. Our- no my niece. Ruby."
Raven snorted then shook her head. "That old fool just doesn't know how to take no for an answer. My answer hasn't changed. I will not help him. That girl wherever she may be is better off away from him."
Qrow took note of the tone Raven spoke; it was a lot more lax than the last time this topic was brought up. He wasn't expecting that. There was also a strain on each time she referenced Ozpin.
"So if it wasn't for Ozpin.. you'd help?" Qrow asked her curiously.
"Perhaps, although…" her eyes stared into his and he felt instantly a murderous intent come from them as her next words rolled out. "... I doubt I could trust you not to go to him even if I had found something."
"She does know something." Qrow thought as he looked at her. "tsk." He scoffed then sighed. "What do I need to do…" Qrow's voice was desperate. This caught Raven off guard and she pondered.
"How about a wager. Although what is said now you cannot even go back to Ozpin about or you not only betray my trust but Tai's, and most importantly Summer's." Raven's words were chosen precisely. Qrow noted that as he wondered why information on Ruby would betray the parent's trust. Though now that Qrow pondered it he wondered why Tai wasn't as desperate as even Ozpin on finding Ruby. He always thought it was because the blonde man gave up.
"You're telling me the rest of Team STRQ know about what's going on with Ruby." He stated his eyes never leaving his sister's stone wall expression.
"Perhaps if you promise not to go back to Ozpin." She eyed him before her eyes fell down to the rose crest.
Qrow scoffed internally. Promises between Team STRQ were ones you couldn't break. It was something Summer had made a rule for them as she wanted the team to never falter no matter what. Promises to and from Raven always felt weak. Although Qrow felt like this was something Raven was taking seriously.
"Tsk. Fine, I promise from this moment forward that any information told to me today will not reach Oz." Qrow promised. He didn't like it.
"Hmmm. Tai know's where and who, has Ruby. Or at least he has an idea on who has her. He's known since he first noticed her disappearance." Raven strummed her fingers across to the table and Qrow felt his blood run cold.
"BULLSHIT!" Qrow shouted out in anger.
"Is it? Have you ever wondered why he didn't press the matter more?" She spoke like she had plenty of insight in the matter.
"How would you know?" His eyes narrowed onto his sister.
"Do you think I never took time to check on my daughter? That I was so cruel not to check up every year or so? That I didn't see Tai's state?" Her questions came off as rhetorical. Typically the answer he would've usually assumed to be she never did. Now he was unsure.
"I'm not so cruel that I wouldn't occasionally see how she is doing. Although I've not checked in the past half year or so. Been a bit busy." She stated.
"Ok fine let's say I believe you. Why would Tai not come after his daughter?" Qrow asked, not sure he'd like the answer.
"Would you believe me if I told you Summer probably asked him not to chase her?" Raven asked and Qrow's eyes went wide.
[X]
Ruby winced and grabbed her shoulder that the stitches had been put in as she untangled herself from the dogpile. She was a little too rough and didn't notice the pain until she had calmed down. Even if the young girl didn't realize it was all the adrenaline that kept her from noticing it.
"Ah, you ok Little Bird?" Raw asked, apparently she noticed and Ruby turned away.
"I uh maybe got attacked earlier." Ruby spoke and immediately noticed everyone scowling at that. She was worried that she made them upset. "so- sorry!" She mumbled out and turned her head to the ground.
"Eh? Why you apologizing? we're just worried about your injury, Little Bird." Ki spoke walking over. "Care if I take a look? Would hate myself if I made it worse with our little spar." She spoke with concern as she knelt down to Ruby.
Ruby started sputtering waving her arms around "aha it's ok! Mom stitched it up…" She was getting embarrassed from the attention. "... she was even sending me to find you all for some sparring."
Ki eyed the girl but sighed. "Fine, fine. Well let's go to the training field." The ginger woman spoke standing up to her full height. Then picked Ruby up and pulled her up to her shoulders.
"Let's gooo!" Raw shouted out pointing her finger out towards the direction of the training area. It was mostly empty during the winter season. Most didn't care to train in the cold but Ruby herself could resist with all the cool weapons. Not to mention her mom wouldn't let her slack off.
When they finally got settled in, Ki flipped Ruby off of her shoulders and the girl landed on her feet as she ran over to the weapon's wall. Looking over the various practice implements.
Ruby felt something poke her back and she squirmed a little at the squishy feeling on her back. "Soooo" It was Nino instantly Ruby recognized from the voice and knew it was one of the octopus girl's tentacles poking Ruby's back. "Any idea on what you want to train today?"
Ruby was a bit startled and started sputtering as she looked back to the wall as she regained her balance and looked at the purple haired teen. "I- I don't know. Earlier when I was attacked I was training with an adult bo staff." She explained as she looked over the wall. Ruby heard more footsteps.
"Oh? Trying to be like Raw?" It was Amatsu's voice that spoke up as she approached, with Ame not far behind the reptile faunus.
"I- I mean the staff gives me more reach." Ruby reasoned as she spoke.
"Wha- What about guns even- Eventually?" Ame spoke out, stuttering her words. Nervousness radiated off the blonde girl.
"Wel- Well I mean.. I would like to yeah." Ruby responded with her own shy voice.
"Eh you're too young for guns. Maybe when you're older." Nino spoke out with concern.
"Yaaaa, might be a bit too early for that." Ki spoke up as she walked forward.
"ah sorry. I forgot she can't use them yet." Ame chastised herself. Which earned a pat on her legs from Raw.
"So so, you want something with reach? Hmm" Raw spoke up putting a hand under chin like a sage. "Perhaps a spear?"
"I- I don't know…" Ruby muttered there was a lot here for her brain to process as her eyes went over the many different weapons. "I- I think I should practice with the wakizashi bokken today…"
The group of girls all hummed as they thought then nodded. Ki speaking up "Sure thing Little Bird. Today we'll have you spar with Ame." Ame let out a meep as she ran over to grab one of the bokken.
"Ri- Right."
[X]
Raven's eyes scanned Qrow's response as she sighed. "I don't know the full details on what Summer told Tai. I just know that he's not chasing after his daughter so it must have been important enough for him to realize Summer was serious." She spoke. Qrow's brow was furrowing as she looked at him carefully gauging his reactions.
"So why do you have this?" Qrow gestured to the remnants of the cloak with the crest holding it shut.
"The night Summer was attacked… I got to her too late." Raven sighed as she remembered that night. She made it back to the camp with Ruby and walked to her tent with a crying baby in her arms. Many of the tribesmen were confused that night. Especially when Raven had handed the baby to one of her trusted members to hold for that moment before she rounded on through another portal to Summer.
She remembered the blood and being able to stop the group from delivering the final blow. Masked men with gears tattooed onto their skin. She knew who they worked for. Summer was still alive but no medical care would save her. Raven knew this and they had shared a few final words. Only the pair could hear. Ones of regret, love, and sorrow. Raven did cry that night before returning to the camp with only a few item's of Summer's personal belongings to one day pass down to Ruby.
"Di- Did you see who?" Qrow's words choked out, snapping her out of the memory.
"No, I didn't get a clear look at them. I kept them from finishing Summer off but she only had moments to live with no chance of rescue. So I spoke with her in her final moments…" She explained. "... Then I took what little I could from her then burned her body."
Qrow understood the reasons behind it. Summer's blood was unique, they didn't have to like it. Many would rather give her a proper burial but they couldn't leave her there to be used like a science project.
"Tsk, this sucks. I've been searching for Ruby and Summer's killers and thought you had something." Qrow scoffed in annoyance. "So why are you keeping these? Shouldn't these go back to her family?" Qrow's voice was less of annoyance and more of curiosity.
"There are things that I'm not telling you yet brother." She rubbed her hand over the crest on the cloth. "I need to see if I can trust you. The information I gave you today isn't so useful to Ozpin if you betray my trust." She eyed his reaction.
"I'm not gonna go back and tell him this Ray." Qrow spoke as he grabbed his flask off his hip. Raven remembered when Summer gave that to him. She sighed.
"I don't know that and don't feel like pushing it. It's why I'm willing to make a bet with you." She explained to him.
"So what is it? Do I need to fight you?"
She smirked at his question. She could easily defeat him and he knew it. She shook her head at him. "You've been training Yang right?" She asked, knowingly.
"Yeah." His eyes narrowed on her. "Why?"
[X]
Ruby was knocked back. The impact from Ame's attack was pressing and Ruby's guard finally broke. Ame was swinging down at Ruby. She barely had time to block the attack with her own Bokken. It was getting rough. The stinging pain in her shoulder made her wince.
"Woo! Break her knees Little Bird!" Ki shouted out and Ruby went for the knees with a kick. Forcing Ame to break her assault. This gave Ruby time to get to her fight and make some space. She was breathing hard as she eyed Ame.
Ame was the weakest sword fighter on Team Woodpecker. While Amatsu, Raw, Ki, and Nino were the better melee fighters. Ame typically was strapped to the teeth with guns. That didn't mean a novice like Ruby should underestimate her. Ame was still more trained in combat from experience alone.
Ruby rushed in closing the gap as she swung at the blonde and the Bokken connected with a loud crack of wood smacking together. Followed by more clashes as the girls fought. Ruby was trying to press but it was hard to get a leg up on someone twice your height. Ruby scowled, she didn't like making excuses in her head like that.
Ruby tried to kick at Ame's shins as she swung her next attack with her wooden sword. Ame blocked that attack from the wood with her own but the kick to her shins was avoided with a jump from the shy blonde. Ruby tried to follow it up but got a kick to the face as her weapon was pushed aside from Ame's.
Ruby's head whipped back as she was sent flying back skidding across the ground. A shout of pain escaped Ruby's lips as she came to a stop in the snow. She slowly got up but couldn't move. A wooden blade tickling her neck. Ruby knew then she had lost.
"And that's match!" Ki shouted out
Ame offered a hand to Ruby and she gratefully took it. "Ar- Are you ok?" Ame asked as she knelt down and looked her over. Ruby was covered in dirt and her hair was a ruffled mess. She winced and held her shoulder but nodded.
"I- I'm ok." Ruby said softly as she tried thinking past the pain. She was feeling at a loss for that fight. Trying to figure out where she went wrong in the middle of it. Was closing the distance the wrong thing to do? She wasn't sure.
"Let's take a break and go over the fight." Amatsu spoke up while she approached the duo. "We're gonna head over to the nearby fire and warm up."
"Ri- Right." Ruby spoke up and nodded her head walking with Amatsu over to the small fire where the rest of Team Woodpecker was sitting on stumps. Ruby held her hands up to the flames to warm up.
"So Little Bird did you have a plan when you tried to rush Ame at the end there?" Raw spoke up first. Ruby shook her head. She didn't really have a plan, just wanted to close the distance to get in reach of her.
"Aaah." Nino spoke next. "When you go in for an attack you need to have a plan to handle the battle. After all, most of the combatants here are bigger than you."
Ruby's lips turned downward under her mask and her body slumped. She felt a pat on her back. It was Ki looking down at her with a smile. "You did fine though. You know how to press someone so they can't keep an advantage on you. Which is good. You recognize your flaws." Ki patted Ruby's head. "You're only three Little Bird. You're a lot better than others can say at your age and even those older."
That perked Ruby up a bit as she heard a soft noise in the air. Ruby turned her head over and saw Ame with a tube of wood under her lips. A Soft noise came from it. "So pretty…" Ruby spoke up.
"Ah, you always enjoyed listening to music, Little Bird." Nino spoke up. Ruby just nodded as she listened to the noise Ame made. It was always calming and let her relax. Ruby felt oddly at peace as she listened to the sounds that she heard from those in the camp. A lot of the Nidoto Nai played an instrument of some kind.
"It's pretty. Makes me feel good." Ruby stated as she closed her eyes and just enjoyed the tunes.
"Do you know why music is so common in the camp Little Bird?" Ki asked, Ruby looked up at her. The young girl shook her head.
"Well…" It was Amatsu speaking this time as she looked over to Ame who was still playing. "... Music is kind of a spiritual thing for the tribe. It is how we connect ourselves with one another. With the future and the past." The pink haired teen explained.
"It's more than that." Raw raised her voice next. "It's not only just us connecting with everyone around us and the past and future. It's like a way for us to honor and respect one another."
Nino nodded as she spoke next. "It's also a ritual-like thing. It allows us to connect with the spirits of life and death and everywhere in between. Music is like…"
"Life and death. A bond that never breaks." Ki finished. "Does that make sense?"
Ruby tried to take in all their words. Trying to understand every word from the explanation. The music Ame played never stopped the whole time. Ruby's eyes closed. Her young mind tried to process what they explained. She felt a hand pat her head and her eyes opened and looked up to see her mom smiling down at her. Ruby lunged forward and hugged her immediately.
"It's ok if you don't fully understand Little Bird." Ame spoke, setting her flute down. "Just know that music is how we connect with the world and people around us." Ame smiled at her. Ruby nodded then looked back to her mom.
"Music is cool…" Ruby mumbled out. Music wasn't as cool as weapons but it was still something she enjoyed.
"Hmmm perhaps you can learn it eventually." Her mom spoke up before she pulled Ruby up to her feet. "How has your training went?"
"I sparred with Amatsu against Ki in hands and feet… then sparred against Ame with Bokken." Ruby explained her best.
"Did you win any?"
Ruby's eyes brightened up. "Yeah! Against Ki with Amatsu!" She shouted cheerfully.
"Heyyy Nino joined in and trapped me!" Ki complained which got a giggle from the others. Ruby looked at her mom who smiled.
"Just means you let down your guard Taka." Her mom was teasing the ginger woman who was pouting. "I need to take Little Bird back to my tent. Training is done for the night."
"Sure thing, we were pretty much done anyways. So what was the deal with your brother?" Ki asked with a frown on her face. Ruby looked at her mom wondering the same about her uncle.
"Oh we just had a friendly bet. His student, against Little bird here." Her mom paused and smiled. "In about three years. In November."
Ruby's eyes went wide.
[X]
Ruby jumped through the air throwing her wooden sword at Annabelle who jumped back skidding across the dirt. Leaves flying through the air as Ruby landed and bolted pulling out a wooden shuriken and threw it at Gary who was approaching from behind. Ruby leaned back as chakram flew through the air at her. It nicked her hair.
She rolled towards her wooden sword that was stabbed into the dirt and pulled it free as Evan's puppet lunged at her. Ruby scoffed, swatting it away before she dodged an attack from Anabelle's ball and chain. She got a good distance away as each member of Team Vegas eyed her.
Three years had gone by since her training started. She was now put to face multiple foes at once. She became proficient with a sword as her best weapon. She preferred one with a crossguard but today she was using a simple Bokken of a wakizashi.
She looked over her opponents. All of them fanning out and around her. She knew Team Woodpecker and her mother was watching her. This fight was a test today. To see if she was ready for her next step in the Nidoto Nai. She was six and would be given a purpose.
Annabelle was the closest with her ball and chain. The blonde haired mouse faunus. Vernal wasn't too far away dual chakrams in hand and her grey eyes pierced the air as she stared Ruby down. Gary the short round brunette boy was next to her with his giant claymore. Then there was Evan the furthest away but still ever so close with his marionette weapon. Thing gave her the creeps made out of glass but with hidden blades in the limbs and sharp teeth in the mouth of it.
Ruby reached inside her yukata sleeve and unraveled what was around her arm. She needed to disarm Annabelle first. A whip came from Ruby's hand and cracked out at Vernal who dodged. As this happened Ruby rushed Annabelle cracking the whip towards the chain of her weapon. It wrapped cleanly around it. Ruby yanked on it which pulled the blonde haired girl at her. Ruby slammed the pommel of the grip into the girl's face. The girl stumbled back.
RATTLE
Ruby rolled to the right as a blade stabbed into the dirt from the glass puppet where Ruby once stood. She kicked it as she pulled the ball and chain of Annabelle's into her hands with the whip. She slammed the ball into the puppet. It didn't shatter but it did cause it to collapse into the dirt unmoving. However Ruby was distracted for too long as a Chakram cut through the air, it whistled before it cut across her left arm. Ruby winced at this as she rolled once more, barely bringing her wooden sword up to block Gary's claymore from slamming down into her.
She smirked and kicked him right in the crotch. The boy's face went sour and wide eyed as he keeled over crying. He was now out like a light.
"One down. Three to go" She noted to herself as she parried away another chakram that flew through the air at her. The circular blade stabbed into the dirt.
"Tsk, damn brat." Vernal scoffed as she rushed Ruby while Annabelle flanked. Ruby had seen them try this attack multiple times in the past. Ruby reached into her hip pouch and pulled out a smoke bomb and threw it at Vernal's feet. A burst of smoke exploded around the tan girl. Ruby turned and cracked her whip at Annabelle causing the girl to shriek in shock before Ruby rushed her. Ruby slammed her foot into Annabelle's gut launching her back into a wall. She slumped forward.
"Two left"
She rushed Evan before Vernal could get out of the smoke. Evan was practically useless in a fight without his doll. Ruby cracked her whip at him multiple times to frighten him. Then slammed her wooden blade into Evan's gut making him keel over.
"One lef-" her thoughts were interrupted as a kick slammed into her, sending her launching across the training field. Ruby's red eyes looked up at her opponent. Vernal, a girl that made Ruby's life hell at times. She was made team leader again of Vegas two years ago after the bullying finally came to an end. Ruby wrapped the whip around her arm again, putting focus on just sword combat.
"Gotta do things myself tch. So useless at times." Vernal scowled out. Ruby knew Vernal's team wasn't useless. They always were a pain to fight, Vernal just hated relying on others. "Now no one to get in my way."
Ruby smirked beneath her beaked mask. Vernal was always so easy to anger. "Ya? Except yourself." She teased as she observed the pixie cut girl's frown grow. Ruby readied herself as Vernal rushed her. The girl hadn't even bothered to recover one of her other chakrams. Ruby knocked the first attack away then the next. With one last parry she kicked Vernal's feet from under her and slammed the hilt of her weapon right into Vernal's stomach. The girl coughed up a bunch of spit from the impact.
"AAAAND! That's match! Winner LITTLE BIRD!" Ki shouted out in glee.
"DODGE!" Ruby jumped up and kicked the fist away that was clearly from Raw. Ruby was now taller than the shark faunus. Ruby smiled at her. Raw just laughed then patted Ruby's back. Ruby still struggled with her surroundings at times so the dodge training never ended. Most of the time they didn't yell 'dodge' anymore. They just did the attack. Raw still shouted it as a form of greeting mostly.
Ruby smiled then walked over and approached her mother. She looked mostly the same that she did years ago. Ruby bowed when she came to a stop.
"You did well Little Bird. I believe that earns you a title that others can address you by. The name of the Cardinal." Her mom stated with a stern look. Ruby knew her real name but it was only really ever used in private settings with her mom. Cardinal was a name she could wear with pride and publically. "Cardinal, do you know what that means?"
Ruby nodded. "It means I have earned the right to a purpose in the Nidoto Nai."
Her mom nodded. "Indeed, typically that would be selected for you, however you are given time to select for yourself due to your outstanding performance." she explained. "For now today is a day of celebration. Do you know why Cardinal?
Ruby gave her a puzzled look behind the red lenses of her contacts. "Cause I get to select my purpose?"
Her mom's features softened. "Because today is your birthday and you have turned six." Ruby's eyes went wide. Days always blurred together and she found it easier to just keep track of seasons. Team Woodpecker all snickered. "So we'll be heading back to the tent in a bit but I have something for you."
Ruby watched as her mother pulled out something wrapped in a deep blue cloth.
[X]
Raven smiled looking down at Cardinal. She was still Ruby and then at that note Summer's daughter but Raven couldn't help but feel happiness as she called her Cardinal. It felt fitting for her as she always wore red and a bird mask. Sure she had wild long black hair that shimmered a deep red in light like Summer's own hair. Raven couldn't help but feel like a mother at times when Ruby did well in her training.
"Here is my gift to you, Cardinal." Raven leaned forward for Ruby to take the wrapped cloth. When the young girl took it a smile broadened on her face. She pulled at the string holding the cloth wrapped together and when it fell a weapon could be seen.
"A WAKIZASHI!" Ruby exclaimed with excitement as she scanned over the sword, not drawing it out yet. It was the perfect size for the young girl. As Ruby looked it over, so did Raven and the rest of the girls around her.
Its sheath was a deep blue with silver decorations along it. The grip of the sword had a blue wrap with a silver guard. "Go ahead and draw the blade Cardinal but do not swing it yet." Raven explained watching Ruby draw the blade carefully. When the blade was pulled out of its sheath it was glowing a bright blue glow, the blade of the sword itself was a sky blue color.
"I- It's beautiful!" Ruby shouted out, a voice full of joy and wonder.
"It's a Dust blade Cardinal. Do you remember the lessons on dust or would you like me to re-explain how it works?" Raven asked knowing she'd probably forgotten in her excitement.
"I- I wouldn't mind being told again." Ruby stated in a quieter voice, a bit shy. Raven just smiled and put a hand in her hair ruffling it.
"Dust is a crystal that forms in the earth that has properties of nature and life. There are many different kinds of Dust." Raven explained. "There's those for the elements like wind, fire, water, ice." She paused making sure Ruby was listening. "Then there are ones like gravity, nature, and energy or more commonly called today. Hardlight."
Ruby nodded her head. "Ri- Right. The elemental Dust is more common whi- while gravity, nature, and hardlight is rarer." Ruby spoke out.
"Good good, you do pay attention." Raven teased. "Good to know your tutors are also doing a good job." Raven smirked looking at Ki who stuck out her tongue.
"Dust allows us to harness the powers they hold. For example starting fires with Fire dust and moving the earth for fields with Earth Dust. Not to mention large enough Water Dust can make an infinite amount of water that runs forever or until it is spent." Raven explained as she looked at Ruby's new sword. "Your new weapon Moon Shard is an ancient Hard Light blade. When used it releases an arc of energy. Which is why you have to be careful when using it for the first time in a while."
Ruby nodded her head. "Because Dust stores energy in multiple ways."
"Correct"
"Dust… over time builds energy naturally. Then from there builds it up from kinetic, and friction energy or through fueling it with Aura." Ruby spoke with a bit of uncertainty but Raven nodded.
"Good, it seems you remember why it's important to handle dust carefully then." Raven motioned towards a nearby training dummy. "Go ahead and use it on that."
Ruby's eyes lit up with excitement as she sheathed the blade and then walked over standing a few feet back from the dummy. Raven watched as the girl stanced up and then drew the blade in a downward slash. What came from it was a blinding light of pure blue energy that slammed and cut through the training dummy.
Raven smiled.
Ruby's smile was larger.
[X]
The rest of Ruby's birthday went without problems. There was a celebration around Raven's tent with a large bonfire and lots of music from Team Woodpecker up on a stage. Eventually the last song finished and Amatsu would step up to the mic. "Ayo! We all know what today is all about! It's in celebration of the Daimyo's daughter CARDINAL!" Lots of cheers echoed throughout the camp and Ruby gave a bashful look. "With that being said Team Woodpecker has known the girl for a few years now and we got her a gift. So Little Bird why don't you come on up!"
Ruby glanced up to Raven who smiled at her then nodded. Raven watched Ruby run up onto the stage and give a polite bow to the girl's on the stage. Raven couldn't help but feel a familiar warm feeling in her chest as she looked at the girl as she was given a Shamisen from Amatsu, one much like the one Amatsu had. Raven chuckled feeling a bit of relief at Ruby's excitement. Then she saw Raw and Nino give the girl a bunch of weapon magazines. Ame gave the girl a pistol that Raven had approved beforehand. Then Ki gave her a few weapon manuals from different nations over different fighting styles and techniques.
Raven thought over Ruby's training. She was still rough around the edges when it came to awareness but she was getting better. She had messed around with all kinds of weapons. Mostly the ones from Team Woodpecker and a few others that gave her permission. Raven still remembered the time Shay let Ruby shoot his large revolver hand cannon. She fell on her ass. Ruby was proficient with a sword compared to most her age and had practiced a lot with a polearm alongside it. The whip was a more recent addition to her arsenal at the suggestion of Ki to give Ruby a bit of range.
Raven was pulled from her thoughts over the past few years as she was pulled by Ruby towards the stage. "huh?" Raven was confused in the moment not realizing what was happening as she was pulled onto the stage.
"Come on mom! It's my birthday picture!" Ruby shouted out a smile on her face. A mask no longer needed at all times thanks to her wearing red colored contacts.
"O- Oh ok." Raven knelt down by Ruby as she looked at Ki and the rest of the girls who had their Scrolls out. Taking pictures with them that would surely be sent to her later on. Raven gave a genuine smile to them as she put a hand on Ruby's shoulder pulling her in close.
[X]
A week passed by and it was the end of the first week of November when Ruby was brought into her mother's tent with Team Woodpecker. She had been training all week with Moon Shard as she learned new tricks with the Dust blade. It was beautiful. Ruby looked at her mom.
"Today Cardinal we have people we are going to meet with. Team Woodpecker will be joining us to help keep guard." Her mom's eyes flicked over the team. Their weapons on their back and they stood at attention. Serious expressions on their faces. "Cardinal, you will be fighting my brother's student. You must not speak unless I tell you that you can. There will be the student's father there as well. Remember this is a fight. Not just a spar. There are stakes like the match you had with Team Vegas."
Ruby nodded. She understood completely. This match will matter and Ruby needed to win it.
"With that being said. If you win we'll be making your training harder. Is that understood?" Her mom asked and Ruby nodded once again. "Cardinal you are allowed to use two weapons from Team Woodpecker along with your sword in this fight. You will select them when you get there. Now then are you ready?"
"Yes I am, mother." Ruby stated with confidence. She was nervous about meeting these people but she was ready to fight.
"Very well. Mask on Little Bird" Her mom waved a hand through the air and a swirl of red and black formed and twisted in the air. She gestured for them to all walk on through. When they stepped onto the other side there was a clear difference to where she was used to.
The first thing she noticed was the smell. A distinction of something minty and pine like. The next was the difference in nature. Lastly was three figures standing in front of them. Ruby felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see her mom's eyes of reassurance. Ruby looked back at the figures
The three figures, one was her Uncle Qrow who she had only seen a handful of times since she was three. The next was a taller man that had yellow hair, tired looking eyes and tan skin, he was staring at Ruby and it made her feel uneasy. She then quickly looked to the third figure who was a girl who was holding a dog. She had yellow hair in pigtails, a white and red scarf, a yellow jacket with a black t-shirt underneath and black shorts. She was holding a black and white corgi. The girl scowled at Ruby's mom then looked down to Ruby. She glared at Ruby with lilac eyes. She could feel the hatred radiating off of her at them. Ruby could notice one thing as she looked at the girl.
"She looks like mom."
AN: DUN DUN DUN!
Yup yup! It's a big ol family reunion. I hope this chapter flows well enough and doesn't feel too all over the place. We have one more chapter of the family arc which will be YANG VS RUBY! The first meeting of the Yellow Dragon and the Red Death!
What could go wrong?
Honestly I almost made Yang uber friendly here but then I remembered one key thing… Yang would probably hate a daughter of Raven's because she'd feel like she was her replacement. Yang feeling inadequate. So ya. Be prepared for an all out brawl!
Also yes there is still Zwei! The bestest boi ever!
In the OG story I didn't plan to have Ruby meet Tai for years. But I figured this would be a good starting place to build up the rivalry between the sisters!
So so! Who's weapons do you think she'll pick from Team Woodpecker to face Yang? What do you Yang's Ember Celica will be like in the AU?
What did you think of the chapter over all!?
Let me know with a comment/review and also drop a Kudos/Follow/Favorite!
The majority of next chapter will be filled in with Yang vs Ruby, some dialogue heavy stuff afterwards and then Raven and Ruby speaking about what Ruby wants to do in the tribe. It's gonna probably be a longer chapter than this one and it's gonna really let me practice my writing of action scenes.
Then after the next chapter will be the last two chapters of Ruby's training arc, covering semblances and an old tradition of the Branwen Tribe that Raven will put Ruby through. and then we'll be moving onto
The Origin of the Red Death arc. Where she will be ten years old and doing her first missions in tribe for her job. Which will end with her making her main weapon. I genuinely can't wait to show you all what it's gonna be. So far Ruby leans towards single edged swords, polearms, and whips! Can't wait for you all to see your guesses!
for now I hope you all enjoyed see you in two weeks!
Next Update: November 24th
~ Cawme