Chapter 3: the outpost.
Marching peacefully in the mountain, Ruby was struggling to balance between the rock and the harsh terrain, and there was also the fact that she was still injured from yesterday.
-Hey (pant)…can we take a break?...I'm still injured, and it's been like (pant) tree hours that we walk.
Observing the plain, Seiko was almost tempted to say yes but reconsider it at the last moment.
-No, were still moving, and I think we will continue to march until tomorrow.
Widening comically, Ruby felt her jaw drop on the floor.
-What?! But why?!
Threatening Ruby by a menacing look, he made a gesture to move and take the lead, nodding rapidly she painfully right pass Seiko without a second thought.
Before continuing is traveling Seiko with a watchful eyes looked in the horizon on a nearby mountain, a few second of observation allowed him to distinct multiple silhouette hidden by the shadow of the sun, narrowing is eyes in anger and disgust, he saw the shadow disappear behind the mountains into the infinity of the rising sun, frustrated by this discovery, he spat on the ground and pull out from is kimono sleeve an old cactus stick.
-We need to move faster.
bringing the old stick to his mouth, carefully followed Ruby with is instinct now on alert.
After a few hours of walking, both finally descend from the mountain to join the coast and Ruby finally got her resting wish realize, sitting on a nearby rock she slowly untied her combat boots and carefully take them out, seeing that her sock was cover by little puddle of blood at certain area she took out a long painful breath before taking them out too, wincing in pain at the view of her blister feet, she tried to gently rubs the most injured area but reconsider it when she felt that it was too much painful to be even touch, Oum dammit! Their got to be something to ease the pain, looking left and right for anything, the sound of the crashing wave against the sand came too her ear, that's when she got an idea, well the sea is right there sooo, limply marching in the direction of the sea she slowly put her feet in the water, the sensation of salt making contact on her wound made her greet her teeth for a few second before the freshness started to take is effect and ease the pain.
-Haaaa~~~ That's the stuff.
Sitting without a care for her skirt to be wet, she let herself close her eyes and falls for the tranquility of the coast, this is pretty cozy here, right now all I need is a plate of cookie and a glass of milk, and Zwei would be playing with an soccer ball, Yang would be chilling in the sun, Blake would try to do some fishing here and Weiss…well Weiss will do some…Weiss stuff?
Chuckling for just imagining them here on the beach made Ruby very happy but at the same time very sad, I hope they are okay.
Leaving the last thought for another time, she continues to enjoy the water, until she heard some footstep.
-Okay, rest is over we are moving.
Instantly opening her eyes, she clumsily gets herself up.
-What?! But why? We have been there for like a few second.
Charging is backpack, Seiko was about to respond to her, but notice an armed group coming in their direction.
Suddenly letting go his bag, he grabbed the handle of his katana and calmly walked toward them.
-Stay here.
Not understanding what he meant, she followed Seiko gaze and belatedly noticed the group of people who were coming in their way.
Second turn into minutes and minutes turn into hours, and the only thing Ruby could do was observe Seiko talking with the people, watching every movement and every gesture they made she felt herself become nervous that something bad would happen and they would have to fight, Ruby knew that she was a capable fighter just like her mother, but only with her weapon who was right now stuffed in a bag into trillion piece, well I'm sure with my semblance I can take one or two of them, smiling proudly for a moment her smile instantly drop when she remember her last hand to hand combat situation with an white fang goon in the underground city of mountain Glen, it ended…very poorly, well in that case, taking a nearby rock she made a childish karate move, I can throw some rock! Wooooo! Beware potential meanie! I am Ruby Rose! And I'm prepared to fight all of you if I need too! And I am not scared of yo…
-Ruby!
Surprise by the rough voice of Seiko, Ruby yelp in fear and instinctively throw the rock in the direction of Seiko who sidestep to the left.
-Finally, I was trying to get your attention for like…a minute, I guess you were having too much fun in your own world.
Blushing in embarrassment, Ruby tried to hide her face with her dusted red hood.
-I'm Sorry.
She shyly responded.
-Well now that you are in the real world, I can tell you everything.
Sitting on a nearby rock, he offers to Ruby a piece of bread and is water canteen before explaining the discussion he has with the people he met.
-Alright, first they are not bandit, they are just cannibal hunter.
Letting out a stressful breath she was holding, Ruby was glad that this were not a bunch of meanie.
-Okay that's cool…hold on those people are what!?
Making a stop sign with is hand, he continued his monologue and pull out his map who was now marked by some indication.
-And I tell them that we where been followed by a group of cannibal, so they are going to track them down for us, they also tell me an safer path for us too use, this path will bring us to the fisherman village where my friend live, I'm sure she can host us for a few week, she will also…..
Hearing something hit the ground, Seiko lifted is head from his map too see a dumbfounded Ruby and the bread he has offer on the ground.
-We where being followed by cannibal….and you didn't tell me….
The only reaction she gets from him was a shrug, normally Ruby was a very calm person, but now the only thing she wanted was to beat the crap out of Seiko, feeling a vein twitch on her forehead she (voluntary this time) takes a rock on the ground and throw hit on Seiko head who barely hit him by a few inches.
-You completely dolt! All this time we could have been eaten and you didn't have the bright idea to tell me!Grrrr I'm going to…
Taking another rock, she was instantly stopped when Seiko grab her by the wrist, he didn't grab her with threat, but he put enough strength to make Ruby reconsider her last action.
-I didn't tell you, because I suspected that you would panic, and I was right, now if your done moaning…
Raising an eyebrow to make himself clear, she sadly nodded and drop the rock, now I understand how Weiss felt every time I made a mess.
-Good now.
Refocusing is attention on the map, he points out a location nearby the road that has been mark by the hunter.
-They settle a temporary outpost here, so we are going to make a stop and rest for the night.
Thank Oum for that, they are not going to walk all day and night, rolling is map and putting it back into is bag, he retrieves the piece of bread from the ground and forces it into Ruby mouth.
-MMMPPPHHHH!
Leaving Ruby completely shock, Seiko started to lie down on a mound of sand.
-I'll take a little nap, when you are done eating, we move.
Making an okay gesture, she takes out the first bite of the bread and instantly regret it, the bread was in a better description, a horrible, dry, dry bread.
-By the way, food is pretty rare here, so no waste.
Crying at that sentence and at each bite she takes, Ruby felt that the worst of this traveling didn't even begging.
. Desert excursion, fantasy exploration music by Bardify:
The sun was almost down when Ruby and Seiko reached the outpost, and the first things that greeted them was the warm light of the torches and the menacing tips of the harpoon turrets installed on the makeshift walls.
-Who goes there?!
Ask the sentinels, finger on the trigger ready to shoot at any sign of hostility, coming in is view was two figure an old man armed with a katana and dressed in an old tainted blue kimono, as for the second one, it was an young girl dressed in one of the most strangest attire he has ever seen, both of them were raising their hand as a sign of surrender.
-We do not wish any arm, one of your men told us to come here if we want a good night sleep, without the fear of being devoured.
Unsure of what to think of this, he kept is finger gently press on the trigger.
-The man who told you this…. what's its name?
Lowering is hand, Seiko responded surely and calmly.
-Is name is Gobo.
Sweating nervously at the tension between them, Ruby felt a pic of panic when the man suddenly raise is left hand, please, please, pleasepleasepleaseplease…, letting is hand clumsily fall, Ruby closes her eyes and prepared for the worst.
-Let them come, he spoke truth.
Opening one eyes, she didn't even notice that her hand where still in the air.
-Come on Ruby….you know, you can put your hands down.
Putting her hands down, she closely followed Seiko fearing she might lose sight of him, passing the gate and the turret, ruby could finally have a clear vision of the interior, tent cover as far the eyes can see, the outpost seemed capable of accommodating an army, and that's a provisional outpost?!
Bumping into Seiko, Ruby was about to ask why he has suddenly stop.
-Greeting.
Said a man whose voice seemed to be young, but it was difficult to determine since his face was cover by an old dirty bandana.
-Greeting.
Reply Seiko, with the same tone of voice the man has use.
-I guess you meet my brother Gobo, good to know…my apologies, my name is Kaiten, I'm the captain of this outpost.
Bowing in respect, Seiko replied to the gesture, followed by Ruby who clumsily did it.
-It is a pleasure to meet you Kaiten, my name is Seiko, and this is Ruby.
Smiling awkwardly, she shyly gave a little hello.
-Do not mind her, she is a little shy.
Nodding in understanding they continued their conversation while walking to the place were both of them will spend the night.
-So…can you tell me why two travelers like you are in the cannibal territory?
Scratching is beard thoughtfully, Seiko gave the man a simple shrug gesture.
-It's a long story.
Raising an eyebrow, Kaiten didn't try to push on the question.
-And you, can you tell me why a cannibal hunter outpost lies so far into the northern red tribe territory.
Taking aback by this, Kaiten disbelief stared at Seiko.
-You know their tribe's name? I thought we were the only one.
Scoffing at is question, he just continued to walk calmly.
-Used to fight them for a time, the pay was good, but the risk where to high, beside that you didn't respond to my question.
Biting is left cheeks, Kaiten didn't know what to respond to him.
-Its…a long story.
Snorting at his response, Seiko gave him a gentle pat on is shoulder and a warm smile to ease him.
-So it is.
Smiling under is mask, both of them looked behind when the sound of broken plate came to their ears, in front them stood a (comically) crying Ruby Rose with multiple broken plate around her and an old woman scolding her with a spoon.
-And her, why is she with you, I can see by the look that she is not your daughter.
Leaving a tired sight escape his lung, Seiko started to rub is eyes.
-It's a long story…
Snorting by his response, they both stated to laugh when Ruby was suddenly bonked by the woman with her wooden spoon.
(End the music at any moment you want)
Stroking the bump on her head, Ruby was now sitting alone on an old mattress, the tent that was provided for her and Seiko was fairly large and was accommodate with one table, two wooden box for the chair use, and two old mattress who were standing on some pallets, ouch, I said I was sorry, Rubbing her bump for a few more minutes, she wondered what she could do in Seiko absence, since her weapon was still broken the training was out of the way, there where no book here, and…not any type of entertainment, letting herself fall on her bed, she sighted in expiration, is there anything I can do here?!
Hearing her stomach rubble, Ruby rolled her eyes and started to get herself up and walked outside the tent, pushing the curtain of the tent she started to walk randomly in the camp to find a place where she could some food, walking for a few more minute the sound of clashing sound and grunting cries came to her ears, turning at a corner she found herself standing in front of a training area composed by a ring draw in the sand and multiple traction bar, body weight, and weapon racks, everyone conducted to their own training and activities, but what caught the eyes of Ruby was the fighters, a women and a men wrestling in the ring and supervised by an old lady in a heavy makeshift armor and two chained scythe strapped on her belt, gleaming with star in her eyes at the sight of her weapon, she wanted to ask her a trillion question about it, goal on her mind she made…
-DON'T GIVE YOUR BACK LIKE THAT! DO YOU WANT TO GET BITE IN THE NECK!
Taked aback by her rough voice, Ruby yelp in fear attiring all the attention on her.
-Hey! Who the fuck are you? And what are you doing here?
Exclaimed one of the men, bell weight still in is hand.
-Hum….i am….im…
Lost for word, Ruby didn't know what to say and started to madly blush in embarrassment.
-Stay on your training men, she is a guest.
Obeying to the women, everyone returned to their training and Ruby felt extremely relief that she wasn't the center of the attention anymore, walking away for another…
-You…come here.
Freezing in place, she turned around very slowly and meet the piercing gaze of the women who was now fixing her, pointing at herself the women just gave a little nod making Ruby sweat in nervousness, marching like an old, rusted robot she made her way up to her.
-Kaiten told me about you and the ronin, my name is Balal and im the instructor here.
Giving her hand, Ruby grabs it and started to slowly shake it.
-HI I'm Ruby Rose, pleasure to meet you miss.
Hearing a little laugh from her, Ruby felt that she has done something stupid and felt embarrassed (again).
-It's been a long time since someone call me miss, usually people here call me grandma, but it's okay, I can deny what I am now…anyway, what a child is doing here in my training area.
I am not a child! Screamed internally Ruby.
-I was searching something to eat, but then I hear some noise and now…well…I'm here.
Smiling at her behavior, Balal gently chuckles and walked to a nearby bench to sit.
-I see, well the cantina is on your right so if you want something to make your tooth on, it's here.
Looking at her right, she started to salivate at the sight of this buffet, bowl of grilled meat and rice was standing right before her eyes, and multiple baskets of fresh (unknow) fruit and bread were overflowed to the core, after those hours in this mountain, a real meal would be the most welcoming thing, liking her mouth in anticipation, she suddenly stopped by the throat clearing of Balal.
-Sorry kid, dinner is at nighttime.
Looking at the sun who was almost down but not completely, Ruby started to fall on her knee, noooooooooooooooooooo!…why, looking at the sky tragically, Balal appear right near her.
-Well, since dinner is not now, would you like to train with us?
Standing up instantly, Ruby almost forgets the breakdown episode she made and was gleaming in excitement.
-Can I?
Nodding to her, Ruby directly sprinted to the nearby weapon rack and started to choose for her weapon, only to be very disappointed when she saw that most of them were just a bunch of scrap metal glued together.
-Where is the weapon?
She asked innocently.
-They are right in front of you.
Respond Balal, seeing the disappointed look in her eyes, she clearly understands what she meant.
-Most of our weapon are stocked in the armory, for the training we use those one, I know they don't look very….attiring, but like I said it's for training.
Feeling disappointed, Ruby pointed at the weapon who strap in her belt.
-Why do you still have your weapon then.
Giving a side way look at where she was pointing, she responded calmly.
-Because I'm always ready for a fight, anyway, choose your weapon.
Randomly taking a "weapon" she unconsciously takes a rusted katana whose handle was barely maintaining by a few rotten tissues.
-Okay I'm ready, who's going to fight me?
Loud and heavy footstep were echoing on the ground of the training area overwhelming all men and women who now where staring in fear and respect at this gigantic figure.
-I am.
Said a tired and gruff voice, looking behind her Ruby was confronted with a giant of two meter tall and completely cover in scar, is exposed chest was greatly strengthened by muscle and year of field training just like is harm and trapezium, seeing the challenge overhead, Ruby felt a small dose of excitement and fear at the same time, hell yeah! Lest go!
Starting to gamble on the one who will win this fight most of the bet were going in the giant favor.
-She's gonna die mate I'm telling you.
Whisper one of them, worry in is voice.
-Well duh I know, that's why I'm not betting on her.
Whispered is partner in returned.
-Alright! I'm taking the last bet! Who bet for who!
Cried a woman, collecting cats and goods here and there, the ruckus was so intense that it was difficult for her to listen to everyone, until…
-I bet on the red one.
Stopping everyone from there "debate", they were all looking curiously at Balal for betting for Ruby, but what they didn't expected was the fact that she was betting her weapon, after a few minutes the calm as finally came back, and everyone was observing the two fighters.
-Okay, the first one who draw blood or submit is opponent win this duel…are you ready.
Both nodding at the same time they prepare themselves, Ruby taking her original stance as if she as her scythe in hand was surprising a lot of the viewer, even Balal was surprise, well I don't need to be extremely intelligent to know that he is strong, so block would be useless, I could use my semblance, remembering what Seiko said about the use of her semblance, she internally scold herself, welp no semblance and no aura…great…or maybe…that's it! Smiling proudly at her plan, she refocuses on the fight.
-Ready….
Tightening her hand on the grip, she was almost surprised when the giant pulls out from is back a giant sword with an cross guard.
-Fight!
Hearing the starting echo of the fight, the giant immediately swing is sword in an arc way with a formidable speed, dodging under is swing Ruby made her way up to him only to be surprised by another striking attack coming right at her, what! How can he attack so fast!? Rolling to the left she rebalance herself and retake her original stance before analyzing the combat style of the man, she understand why he was able to give another swing this fast and with the same strength, he is using the blade weight to his advantage, understanding is combat style, she replan another tactics to attack him, sprinting at him while he was readied himself, she gave multiple strike and swing which were parried every time, trying another attack she was taken aback to see the men dodge her blow by letting her blade slice against the edge of his sword, using the handle to hit her behind, Ruby made an back flip at the last second making her almost fall out of the rings, sheering and applause were heard all along the fight, but for a few second there was nothing, but then it restart again, Ruby felt like she in an arena, great now I know that he is experience…, hearing footstep she dodge to the left by instinct and avoided another attack, running from the edge, Ruby was for a second time in the middle of the ring, cover in sand and sweat she felt that her strength were abandoning her, since her aura wasn't here anymore she didn't have the extra boost that was along with it, gah at this rate I won't last long, it this how it felt to don't have an aura to help you?, seeing that man wasn't totally exhausted, she gave an heavy sight but then something caught her eyes, wait…he is trembling…that means that he is more tired than me…he was hiding his weakness all along!?, smiling at this discovery, she tried another assault but this time with an solid plan in mind, giving a few blow for baiting him, she avoided every attack and strike he gave to her and waited for the right moment, avoiding another strike she let herself voluntary fall on the ground, seeing is chance the giant gave an piercing war cries and an enormous horizontal attack, smiling at her feint, Ruby rolled on her back letting the blade crash on the ground, rushing instantly at him, her blade was a few inches at his throat.
Widening his eyes at his defeat, the giant started to slowly laugh much to the confusion of the spectators.
-Ruby win! By submission!
Cheering at her victories, most of the people were grumbling at the loss of their bet, retrieving her katana, she gave a hand at her opponent, who gladly accepted.
-It was nice to fight you Ruby, by the way my name is Koni, I hope we could spare again.
Nodding positively, he respectfully gave a bowing gesture before departing, smiling at herself she made her way to a nearby bench and let out an exasperated and exhausted sight.
-It was a nice fight, Ruby.
Turning her head to the right, Ruby was met by Balal who sat down right at her side.
-Well I almost lost so…I guess this was some luck.
Felling a pat on her shoulder, Balal made a gesture in the direction of the cantina, where an overwhelming wave of food were waiting them.
-Luck or not, you still win….come, now it's time to eat.
Smiling gleefully, Ruby gladly followed Balal.
-You serious?
Asked Seiko sitting in the captain tent glass of water in hand and cactus stick in mouth.
-Yeah, that's why we are here…I know it sounds crazy but…the don't want to try anything so…here I am.
Massaging is temple, Seiko didn't to argue with Kaiten since he was not in the mood to do so, and because he wasn't is fight.
-Well whatever happen, I wish you good luck…you'll need it.
Standing up from is chair, he walked toward the exit.
-Usually people would say that I'm crazy to try something like this.
With is back turned to him, he continued on is way and left the tent without saying a word, I have done much worst.
Hello to the few follower that i got, first of all thank you, and second of all merry chrismas in advance, not gonna lie ill nerver taugth that anyone would reed this story, and since today is chrismas on my side of the world i will not write for a few moment, but do not worry i will be back soon.
Anyway i will stop border you and leave you alone, remenber to comments for any advise or ask question, i will gladly respond to it, see ya
