CHAPTER 2: BLARING SIRENS
"I blame you for this!"
A fresh day had dawned upon the research and development center of OsCorp, yet not all within its walls were filled with contentment. Dr. Adrian Toomes, an attorney elderly man of advanced age in his early sixties, adorned with a smooth, bald cranium and a peculiarly shaped nose reminiscent of a beak, found himself engaged in a spirited discourse. Presently, his impassioned words were directed towards a portly scientist, donning goggles, who bore the name of Dr. Otto Octavius.
"You told me to bring my Magnetic Air Transport System to OsCorp!" Adrian yelled.
"I-I know. I-if you j-just let me explain," Otto muttered.
"You arranged the meeting with Norman Osborn!"
"And I had the best intention."
"He studied my ideas and rejected them! Then announces OsCorp Tech-Flight four months later!"
"I am sorry, Adrian…"
"Don't you dare apologize, doctor." A voice interrupted the scientist. The duo glanced up to see the voice belonged to a man attired in a dark green business suit with brownish red hair. This was Norman Osborn, the CEO of OsCorp Industries. "OsCorp has nothing to apologize for."
That really ticked Adrian off. "Nothing to-? Osborn, you stole my work!"
"That's dangerous talk, Mr. Toomes." Osborn mocked with a smug smirk forming on his lips. "Dangerous and unsupportable. Listen, you old buzzard, you've been at this for decades without one success to your name. If you never accomplished anything as a young man, who'd believe you created Tech-Flight as an old one?"
Adrian frowned at Norman's words but quickly twisted to anger; that really hit a nerve with Toomes, knowing full well that Osborn was lying straight to his face.
Osborn gestured for his security guards to apprehend the old scientist by the arms. "Boys, show Mr. Toomes out."
The security guards grabbed the old man by both of the arms. Before they could drag him away, Adrian turned his gaze towards Otto. His eyes narrowed with sheer contempt.
"Good news, I don't blame you anymore…" Adrian announced.
Otto looked on in worry as Adrian was dragged out of the laboratory. Norman Osborn still retained his smug, triumphant grin.
Ruby Rose started forward through the snowy forest. The moon, in its fullness, illuminated the clear night sky, devoid of any stars. Its radiance cast upon a vast expanse of forest that adorned the plains of the land. Delicate snowflakes gracefully descended from the heavens, twirling amidst the gentle currents of air. These snowflakes gradually descended to the ground, adorning the earth's surface with a soft white carpet, a stark contrast to the previous somber gray that enveloped the landscape.
The lifeless trees of the forest stood out more prominently than usual, their once vibrant leaves now darkened by the frost. They reflected the pale moonlight, resembling mirrors of silver. This illumination permeated the surrounding area, creating an eerie ambiance. The snowy forest remained devoid of life; not a single creature could be observed meandering about. Even the birds abstained from soaring through the branches, as the trees stood tall and dignified.
The trees stood perfectly still for hundreds of feet around, almost frozen in place from where they stood. A faint breeze moved through the trees, brushing against some of the branches. But other than that, it was quite still. Only the wind could be heard. It sang softly through the trees while the snow continued its quiet dance in the night sky.
Though the forest was devoid of life, it only confirmed that she was the only one.
Ruby proceeded striding slowly through the forest until she entered a wide snow-filled field. She looked around in all directions, finding endless snow and unsurprisingly a group of Beowolves about ten feet away. The Beowolves gathered together and stared at her coldly. The young girl stood perfectly still, assessing the situation.
The Alpha Beowolf growled deeply, baring its fangs. Slowly it began moving forwards again. The other pack members began following suit, and soon they were approaching from all sides.
Slowly, the Alpha Beowolf crept closer, its mouth widening into a feral grin. Drips of saliva flecking from its maw. At that point, the other pack members formed a circle around Ruby. With a growl, the Alpha and its pack members shot forth and leaped into the air, adamant to rip her apart.
Only for the creatures to be left bewildered when they grabbed none but air.
The young girl had disappeared from where she stood instantly. All that could be found of her were fluttering rosé petals. The wolves stare dumbfoundedly, twitching their heads left and right, trying to find their prey. Then suddenly one wolf noticed the fallen petals near his foot. It looked up.
Ruby hovered high in the air with her torso twisted around facing the Beowolves below. Her arms spread wide and her red cape fluttered in the wind. The hood of her cloak fell back, exposing strands of highlighted red tips of the hair. Her silver eyes shone brightly and stared down at her attackers with a blank expression.
Using the momentum, Ruby reached down the grip of Crescent Rose and rolled around midair. The hybrid-weapon mechanically transformed by extension before she aimed and fired. Half of the Alpha Beowolf's head exploded as its legs trembled. Its body fell lifelessly to the snow below.
Upon landing another Beowolf crawled towards her and pounce. Ruby casually jumped over said wolf and pumped a round onto the Beowolf's back then straighten herself to cock the chamber back. Another rounds shoots through the barrel of Crescent Rose, piercing through a Beowolf's hip. Ripping chunks off of said hip, the beat fell to the ground as life withered away.
Ruby landed on her back, rolled up on one knee, turned to her right and fired. The shot powerfully kicked her back, sending her flying five feet away from the Beowolves. She rolled back onto her feet and began spinning her Crescent Rose. The hybrid-weapon once again shifted and extended. Transforming into a giant war-scythe.
One of the Beowolves gathered the courage to charge at Ruby. Ruby spun the scythe around and brought it down. The curved blade hung over the wolf's back. The Beowolf slowly turns its gaze at Ruby. For a brief second Ruby smirked at the beast, before narrowing her eyes with determination, flexing her finger on the trigger and bringing the blade down hard. Slicing through half of its body in two.
At this moment Ruby spent the next few minutes displaying her skills. The Beowolves that had been so terrifying when she was a kid, now seemed like ants before an unstoppable red reaper. The booms and slice of Crescent Rose filled the air, each blast from her Caliber Sniper marking the destruction of another foe. All of it done by her display of strength, and speed, married together in a beautiful dance of annihilation.
All the Grimm were slayed by the time she was finished.
Ruby exhaled sharply, wiping sweat from her brow after she had finally exhausted the energy she gained fighting. Her eyes glazed with fatigue as she leaned against a tree trunk to catch her breath. After a ten minute break she got up and began walking out of the snowy field. Keeping it at a leisurely pace, she eventually reached the edge of the forest, approaching the meandering path..
She continued onwards until she finally reached the town's entrance.
The natural splendor of Vale was truly a sight to behold. The city itself was divided into several sectors, each with its own distinct character. There was an upper-class district, a bustling commercial district, a thriving industrial district, a flourishing agricultural district, and a peaceful residential district. Throughout the city, apartments gracefully lined the streets, adding to the charm of each section. Additionally, numerous shops, restaurants, coffeehouses, cafés, bars, and even bookstores were elegantly arranged along the streets, creating a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of a row of dominoes.
Both humans and Faunus could be seen gracefully navigating the busy sidewalks. The adults moved with purposeful steps, their determination evident as they went about their day. Some were on their way to attend various events, while others were returning home to savor the tranquility that awaited them. Meanwhile, trucks rumbled along the roads, diligently transporting goods to their respective destinations. Cars gracefully traversed Vale's main streets, as well as the numerous side streets that branched out from them. It was an ordinary night for everyone, filled with the harmonious rhythm of life.
Ruby proceeded further along Vale's sidewalk. She ventured into a previously unseen establishment, positioned on the right side of the sidewalk that Ruby was traversing. The shop's frontage showcased an assortment of crystals, exhibiting a remarkable diversity in terms of size, shape, and color. Amidst these shelves, numerous stacks of paperbacks spanned across various genres.
An elderly shopkeeper glanced at Ruby upon noticing them entering. A knowing smile played across the man's lips as he approached.
"Hello ma'am," the shopkeeper greeted. "Do you have anything in particular you want? We just got a new shipment of Dust, so I'm sure we can provide you with whatever you need."
Ruby looked around the store before shifting her sights back at the shopkeeper.
"Um, do you sell the latest gun magazines?" Ruby asked.
"Just a few shelves down and you'll see our weapons catalog. Hoping you might find something you like?" The shopkeeper replied.
The elderly man noticed that the question seemed to make her a little more social as she pulled down her hood and spoke to him in a less nervous manner.
"Just checking to see what new weapons are out," she expressed, her enthusiasm noticeably heightened as the topic shifted to armaments.
"Ah, does that imply that you are a huntress?" Inquired the Shopkeeper. Ruby found the question quite amusing, as evidenced by her giggles and the subsequent blush that graced her cheeks.
"No, I am but a trainee. I'm currently on my way to Beacon," Ruby responded. The words seemed to instill a sense of confidence in her voice, as she gradually grew more at ease conversing with the shopkeeper stationed behind the counter.
"So, is there anything else you need, little lady?" The old man smiled warmly at Ruby.
"No, just needed to check some weapon magazines. That's all."
"Ok, if you have any more questions just let me know."
"Thank you." Ruby made a quick turn and went to the magazines section.
Ruby stopped near a selection of magazines. She picked one of them out and began to read whilst listening to music. After a few minutes of humming she felt someone grabbing her shoulder and roughly turning her around. A man wearing red sunglasses and bowler hat stood before her. His gun was aimed at her. Something that Ruby, internally, did not take too kindly.
"Yes?" Ruby gently pulled her headphones off and set them around her neck.
"Hands in the air, now!" The man ordered coldly.
Ruby raised a brow at him.
"Are you robbing me?" Inquired Ruby.
"Yes!" The man replied, his patience wavering.
Ruby grinned.
"Oh…"
Peter Parker stood by Harry's side as he surveyed the surroundings. Soda cans clinked in unison as two young teens sipped their beverages from their respective seats. The atmosphere was convivial and tranquil, with a mixture of lively conversations and laughter. This gathering was a perfect sanctuary for every adolescent to retreat to after a long day of academic pursuits; hours spent scribbling with their pencils, their minds working tirelessly, and some plagued with negative thoughts of potential failure. However, none of those concerns were present here.
This was a place of relaxation, where they could converse with their peers and play their roles as they do at home: as children.
"Wow," Peter breathed. Harry glanced at him.
"I know right." Said Harry with a triumphant grin.
"Your dad owns this place?" Peter asked, glancing at Harry curiously.
"Yup." Harry answered with a nod. "I told you my dad's a billionaire on the way here, didn't I? But get this, I heard from my mom that we're moving to another mansion that is far better than this one; and the best part is that it has a pool—a freaking pool!"
"Wow." Peter was amazed.
"Right." Harry was just as amazed.
Peter turned around to face the party. He observed a cluster of young ladies arranged in a diamond formation around a counter in the kitchen. Their giggles and chatter were barely audible, as the music and other conversations of the adolescents on various subjects drowned out their voices.
Peter blinked and inquired, "So what now?"
Harry placed his hand on Peter's shoulder and replied, "Now, my dear friend, I suggest you enjoy yourself, have a good time, and in the process, make some acquaintances."
Peter turned his gaze towards Harry, his eyebrows raised inquisitively.
"Why should I make friends when I have you?" Peter asked, perplexed.
"Welllll..." Harry started slowly as he was suddenly surrounded by silhouettes of people. "Actuallymyfriendsarehererightnow, gottagohavefun!"
He sprinted past with his mob, leaving Peter spinning in place like a clumsy top.
"Wait! Harry? Harry?! Where are you going? Come on, man..." he groaned, dizzy and stumbling.
He caught himself in time before his eyes spotted a familiar face. Amidst the group of teens, Peter saw Gwen Stacy sitting on the couch next to her friend Liz Allan. Gwen donned the same clothing she wore from today and yesterday's school. Liz wore a simple yet elegant attire, comprising an orange dress with a white undershirt and brown sandals.
But his gaze was solely focused on Gwen.
He once again found himself lost in her electric blue eyes; a familiar warmth washed over his body and his heart skipped a beat. Peter ran his fingers through his hair and exhaled. His heart along with his genius brain confirmed that it was obvious he had a crush on her. The first ever girl he had a crush on. But the thought of starting a conversation with her was easier said than done; he wasn't really good at talking to girls and with how pretty Gwen was, she was no exception.
Thoughts began to appear in overdrive.
Come on Peter, just go over there and say hello. Just say, 'hey, Gwen.' No, no, not like that! How should I approach this? 'Hello~ Gwen, room for one more?' No! No, that's even worse. I don't talk like that—no one talks like that! Or do they? 'Hello Gwen, I'm Peter: Peter Parker, hahaha.' Seriously? That's my approach? Ugh! Okay, no more stalling just go over there and—
A faint prickling at the back of his neck suddenly stirred up. The convivial and tranquil atmosphere shifted upon said prickling that increased by seconds. The lively conversations and laughter tuned out, distancing Peter and situating him in a world of silence.
Spider Sense, Peter thought, here? Now?
Peter twitched his head from the kitchen, to the couch, and the stairs. Searching for the source but to no avail. His eyes crawled up from the floor to the window. Peter started three steps towards the window. He peered out while squinting his eyes for focus. Despite Vale's lights illuminating the night, It was too dark to see anything.
Peter turned to his right and started towards the main door. Exiting the party without anyone noticing. He walked down the stairs, following whatever the weird prickling on his nape was leading him to. Eventually he stops to see a police car speeding past him. The police car was followed by another, and another, then another. They proceeded down the street in pursuit of something unknown to Peter.
Peter's eyes narrowed with determination and he ran towards a dark alley.
A/N: A shame Peter had to leave his friend's party to stop whatever crime is taking place. Ruby's in for a big surprise for what's swinging their way to the scene. See you all in the next chapter!