I'm really on fire lately, with how fast I'm writing chapters. Of course, that's nothing compared to Coeur Al'Aran's five chapters a week, but I'm pretty sure he sold his soul for the ability to write that fast. :P
Credit to TwistedView for the title idea. He suggested 'Dating Sim: Island Getaway', which I made a slight addition to make 'Dating Sim: Island Getaway from Weiss', because Gemini's back on Patch and doesn't have to deal with Weiss anymore. Sort of.
Anyway, Ilia, mic's yours.
Ilia: ''We start with TwistedView. They are most concerned with Qrow finding Onyx, although they note it might be the thing keeping them alive if Augur is more of a threat than Gemini, and guesses that being grimmified must have some sort of effect.''
You are 100% right to be worried about the threat Augur is. The last scene of this chapter happens to be related to your concerns.
Ilia: ''Reader 451 says that Weiss in the show was annoying, but here she was worthy of being shoved out of a plane. I don't know what he's on about, I'd be happy with canon Weiss being threw down from the sky. They also express sympathy for Whitley, saying that the kid needs a hug. Hugging a Schnee, eww.''
*Ignoring Ilia's usual anti-Schnee prejudice* Well, this is pre-character arc Weiss, so it's normal that she acts closer to how she was before her talk with Port. If she comes accross as worse, it's because the current situation draws the worst out of her, and Gemini isn't helping by being antagonistic instead of trying to calm her down.
Just like in the show, Weiss will start getting better once at Beacon. Hopefully.
She's gotta get off the 'Hate Gemini' bandwagon at some point, right? Right now, that club contains her and Blake. A bit ironic to have the Schnee heiress and the WF's founder's daughter feel the same way about Gemini without even knowing. XD
Ilia: ''Rebornandloss ask if Augur is the Grimm with Gemini's soul implanted in it. They're not sure they're remembering right. Then they say, in regard to the happy huntresses' related world building, that people on Remnant must be stupid, and that it isn't surprising considering how real world people are.''
Yes, Augur is the human-like Grimm with a pece of Gemini's soul. Can't blame you for not being sure, since it's been like 10 chapters since he was last mentionned.
And yeah, people on Remnant are just as idioticas real life people. It's for the sake of realism.
Ilia: ''Personally, I think you're exaggerating how dumb people can be. I doubt you could give me a single exemple of people on Earth being as dumb as what you're portraying us, people of Remnant, to be.''
Antifa is an organisation that claims to be fighting capitalism. What they actually do is parrot every big corporation talking points, beat up the elderly in the streets, burn normal people's buildings to the ground and throw bricks through windows of small businesses and working class people's homes. They're also literally funded by the big corporation they claim to fight against and when they are arrested for their crimes, said big corpos literally pay their bail to have them released.
Despite this, the majority of Antifa still believe they are fighting against the big corpos and not one of them stop to think about why it is why said big corpos are backing them at every occasion.
Ilia: ''…''
If that's not enough, there's the US government, who funded a group called the 'Syrian rebels' against the Syrian government. Later, when those syrian rebels became ISIS, the US reacted by funding and sending its army to fight against ISIS. The problem is that the US didn't update its bureaucracy, which continued to send weapons, food, and training to the 'Syrian rebels'.
The US basically sent its soldiers to die because the government was too dumb to notice it was fighting itself. Or too evil to care. It's up to debate.
Ilia: ''…''
*Open my mouth to continue.*
Ilia: ''Alright! Alright! I get it! People are stupid! I won't complain about that again.''
I sure hope you won't, because last chapter was trivial compared to real life. I don't think I could write people in my fic as reaching the same level of stupidity as people in real life. Not for a lack of trying, but I just can't make this stuff up.
Ilia: ''A-anyway, Rotten Sarcophagus liked the piece of wisdom about dakka, and is hoping Gemini will put it into pratice.''
Isn't he already is? He just multiplied Remnant's ammunition production.
Well, he's busy with other things for now, but culling the Grimm in large number might still be in the cards for the future.
Ilia: ''Lambda38 says that it was funny, how easily Neo slipped in to help Gemini mock Weiss. Best sister ever who wouldn't ever do anything bad.''
Yep, Neo is best big sis and never did anything wrong.
Ilia: ''Didn't she try to kill Yang in the show?''
Hearsay.
Ilia: ''She regularly help Roman commits crimes.''
Hearsay.
Ilia: ''She murdered a baby a few chapters earlier.''
Hearsay.
Ilia: ''You can't just say hearsay to everything!''
Hearsay.
Ilia: ''… I hate you.''
Hearsay.
Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to RT. Yu-Gi-Oh belongs to Shueisha.
''Whitley needs to chill.'' -Miles Luna, in V8 commentary.
Miles, have you watched the same Volume 8 as everybody else? Weiss' the one who needed to chill.
Pointing a weapon at her own brother's face, a civilian who literally can't do anything to them. Sequestering him in his room when he offers to help them.
What the fuck is Miles on about with his ''WhItLeY nEeDs To ChIlL''? Kid literally didn't do anything but being mistreated.
No wonder he doesn't like Weiss. Can anyone blame him?
Anyway, thanks Kolomte'49 for giving me the idea for the first scene. Consider it a funny bonus scene that wouldn't exist without him.
''CAW!'' The black bird in her arms yelled, seemingly angry. But Ruby knew better, her uncle wouldn't be angry for something as silly as her catching him when he was in his secret bird form.
''Eh, gotcha, uncle Qrow.'' Ruby said. She had spotted him spying on her and Yang again. Silly uncle, did he think that now that she knew his secret, she wouldn't notice the same black crow often hanging around?
She had managed to get close enough without him suspecting her of foul play, then she activated her semblance to catch him before he could fly away. Mission success.
''You know, uncle Qrow, you make for a pretty cute birdie.'' Ruby said to her uncle.
''CAW!''
''Eh eh, sorry, I just felt the need to talk a little.''
''CAW!''
''I know, thanks for listening, you're the best uncle ever.''
''CAW!''
''My problem? Well, Gem's coming back soon, and I don't know how to face him.'' Ruby admitted. ''The last time I saw him, I kissed him on the lips. This is going to be so awkward if he doesn't return my feelings.''
''CAW!''
''It'd be great if he returned them, yeah, but there's this whole problem with his arranged marriage too.'' Ruby said, before starting to shake the bird as she panicked. ''What if he finds he has a lot more in common with that Weiss girl? Her family own a big company, which is pretty much his thing. Oh gods, what should I do?''
''CA-AW…''
''Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.'' Ruby apologised, before going back to hugging the birdie. ''It's just… I'm scared of messing up. I'm scared I already messed up our friendship. Do you have any advice?''
''CAW!''
''… You're right, I can't let myself stay down like that.'' Ruby said, a new fire burning in her eyes. ''I already kissed him, so I might as well just take my courage with both hands and go for it.''
''CAW?''
''I'm going to try my luck with Gem. And I'm going to get a kiss from him. A real one, not just the quick peck I gave him before running away.'' Ruby decided. ''Thanks uncle Qrow. You always know what to say to make me feel better.''
After that, she let the bird go and went on her way.
Once it was alone, the bird turned back into its true form.
''Ugh, that brat is just as much a pain in the ass as Summer was.'' Raven complained. She looked up into the sky. ''I hope you're proud of your daughter, because I hate everything about her, just like I hated everything about you.''
Also, her actual advice to Ruby was to challenge the Schnee girl to a death match. Gemini couldn't be stuck in an arranged marriage with a dead girl. Plus, winning the fight against this Weiss would prove Ruby to be the superior mate, making sure she'd get the boy.
Really, Raven didn't get why most people were having trouble with this relationship thing, it was so simple.
/-/
Ruby looked at the descending Schnee bullhead, Zwei panting adorably at her side.
Gem was finally back, after being gone for three whole weeks. She hoped he was truthful when he said that he and Weiss didn't like each other.
After the bullhead landed, its door opened at the side, and she heard them before she saw them.
''How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not happy about this either, princess!'' She heard Gemini yell.
''I'm an heiress, not a princess!'' That one must have been that Weiss girl. She sounded screechy.
''Yeah? Well, you're snobbish enough to pass for one!'' Gemini said, seeming to have not realised she was here.
''I beg your pardon!?'' The girl in white said.
''Then beg.''
''What?''
''You said you begged for my pardon? Then get on your knees and start begging.'' Gem said.
''That's not what I meant, and you know it, you insane brat!'' Weiss yelled, her face red in anger.
''Oh, I'm insane? Not the harpy who hasn't shut up for a single second of this trip?'' The ginger boy scowled.
''Uh… Gem?'' Ruby called out, with her hand raised to catch their attention. He could leave the bullhead now.
Gemini's head whipped toward her voice, his scowl receding as soon as he saw.
''And who is this?'' The mean girl sneered at her.
''Oh, right. Err…'' Gemini wasn't too sure how to do the presentation. ''Ruby, this is Weiss, the girl I've been fighting with for the last three weeks.-''
''Don't say that like I'm the problem when you are!'' Weiss complained, holding her snooty nose high.
Gemini ignored her. ''-Weiss, this is Ruby, my best friend.''
Weiss looked Ruby over, her face making it obvious that she didn't think much of the girl standing in front of her.
''It's bad enough that filth like you made it into my family, but now you make me suffer the presence of someone degenerate enough to be 'friend' with the scum you are? You truly are the worse.'' Ice queen junior said.
''Hey, I didn't even do anything to you, so what's your problem!?'' Ruby snapped. First, this snob yelled at her friend for weeks on end, and now she was insulting her for no reason? Who was the scum here?
''My problem is that I'm smart enough to know that no good person would affiliate themselves with someone like this guy. It's obvious that you are nothing but criminal trash like he-''
''Shut up.'' Ruby cut her off with a growl. ''Shut up shut up shut up. Gods, how did Gem manages to put up with three weeks of you. You're the meanest, bitchiest jerk I've ever seen.''
Weiss stared at the younger girl for a moment, almost leading her and Gem to think she'd calm down and start getting her act together. ''Hmpf! I don't remember asking.''
Unfortunately, reality was often disappointing.
Gemini sighed. ''Look, Weiss, I know we started on the wrong foot,'' more like the wrong feet, ''but Ruby is nothing like me. If there's one, and only one thing, you can trust me on, it's that one day you'll be looking at Ruby and be like; 'This girl is so cool, and I want to be her friend.' and you'll feel super bad about the way you're acting right now. So make this easier on the you of the future and start acting a little nicer, okay?''
Weiss gave a snort of disgust. ''Why would I ever want to degrade myself by being friend with her?''
Ruby huffed in irritation. ''Oh, look at me,'' Ruby started in a fake voice. Gemini grinned, having immediately caught on on what she was about to do. ''I'm Weiss, I'm rich, I'm perfect, I'd have to lower myself to interact with normal people.''
Weiss glared at the silver-eyed girl. ''I can see why you two are friends. You're both two halves of the same idiot.''
''Thanks.'' Gemini said with a smile. Neither girl could tell whether he was honest or not.
''Uh, Gem, I don't think that was a compliment.'' Ruby hesitantly told him.
He looked at her with wide eyes. ''It wasn't?'' He could have sworn Weiss had just said Ruby and him were similar. He'd call the comparison flattering.
''It wasn't.'' Weiss confirmed.
''Oh… Well, anyway. Ruby, operation Cute Puppy, please.'' Gemini said.
Ruby picked up Zwei and held him in her arms. ''Oh, right. Err… To finish the presentations, this is Zwei. Say hi, Zwei.''
''Woof!''
Weiss glared at us. ''What are you two playing at?''
''Trying to mellow you out with a small doggo?'' Gemini said.
Weiss stared. ''You can't really think you can trick me into lowering my guard with this mangy…'' Zwei looked straight at her. ''… drooling…'' Zwei tilted his head. ''… adorable little dog.'' Weiss melted. ''Yes, you're adorable, you know you are. Yes, you do.''
''Woof!'' Zwei barked, before jumping from Ruby's arms to Weiss'. The girl in white fell on her butt, but that didn't stop her from cooing at the canine pet.
''Wow. Talk about a change in attitude.'' Ruby whispered.
''I know, right?'' Gemini whispered back. ''Great job Zwei.'' He said a bit louder, giving the corgi a thumb up.
Unfortunately, Zwei didn't like that, and decided to stop pretending the human with the scary aura wasn't here. He growled at Gemini.
Weiss let out a cute gasp. ''Not only is he adorable, but he's a good judge of character, too? Oh, you truly are the goodest of good boys.''
No, if Zwei didn't like Gem, but liked that mean girl, then Ruby was pretty sure Zwei was crap at judging people.
''How much?'' Weiss suddenly said.
Huh? ''How much what?'' Ruby asked, confused.
''How much for the dog?''
Ruby blinked, before realising what this crazy girl meant. ''You can't buy Zwei!''
''Of course I can, I have more than enough Lien for that.'' Weiss said, completely missing the point. ''How about 300 000 Liens?'' The priciest breeds of corgis usually cost only a little above 200 000, while most only cost between 60 000 and 150 000.
''No!'' Ruby exclaimed, getting upset at Weiss' offer. ''He's not just a normal corgi, he has his aura unlocked and his trained to fight Grimm.''
The rich girl looked back at Zwei with sparkles in her eyes. ''Really? You're just full of surprises, aren't you?'' Then she looked back at Ruby. ''I offer 2 million then.''
''I wasn't negotiating for a higher price!'' Ruby said. ''Look, princess, Zwei isn't for sale.''
''I am not a princess!'' Weiss protested. ''And don't be silly, everything is for sale with enough Lien. How about 10 million?''
Yeah, you were kinda proving the 'princess' label here, princess.
''Again, no! Even if I was willing to sell him, which I'm not, I wouldn't be able. That's my father's dog, not mine.'' Ruby huffed angrily, she hoped Miss Rich would just drop it.
''Oh, my apologies. I will give my offer to him, then.'' Weiss said, before Gemini reminded her of his presence by coughing.
''Weiss, I think you may be forgetting an important detail here. Would your father even allow a dog in his manor?'' Gemini asked her. A miracle happened, and he actually got the girl in white to freeze and think about it.
''No… He wouldn't.'' She said, dejected, before throwing an angry look at Gem. ''And it is the Schnee's manor, not my father's. Get it right!''
Gemini rolled his eyes. Jacques was the one who made the Lien for that manor and was the one who hired the construction crew to have it built, but suuuure, it wasn't his.
''Don't roll your eyes! Why Can't you have any respect!?'' Weiss started yelling at him again.
Ruby wasn't going to have it, though. ''Zwei, lickies!''
Weiss' rising anger was replaced by panicked giggles as Zwei started to lick her in the face.
Eventually, Ruby and Gem managed to remind Weiss that she had a flight back to Atlas to take, and the annoying girl finally went away. Though not without waving at Zwei and promising to see him again in the future.
''… I don't like that girl.'' Ruby said, as they looked at the aircraft bringing Weiss away.
''Yeah, me neither.'' Gemini said.
Neo, suddenly visible at their side, nodded. She totally agreed, especially after a whole three weeks of watching that girl yell at her little brother.
''Oh, hi Neo. Yang's been waiting to fight you again.'' Ruby said.
Well, then, let's not make her wait longer. She could go with some exercise to vent.
/-/
''Hey, uh… Gem.'' Ruby spoke up once we were back in front of her home. ''About… y-you know?''
Given that he cheeks were flushed pink, I could take a guess as to what she was thinking about.
''Is this about the kiss?'' I asked, and she nodded timidly. This called for a hug, so I took her in my arms. ''I love you too, Ruby.''
''Really?''
''Yep. There's no other girl I'd ever want to be with.'' I felt her relax as I said that.
Ruby stared at me with a resolute look in her eyes, and slowly moved her face toward mine. I reciprocated, and we both were going for a kiss…
Until the door opened and made us jump in fright as her father caught us.
''Ah, Gemini. Precisely the kid I wanted to see.'' The man said, putting his hand on my shoulder. ''We need to talk.''
''Yes sir.'' I nodded as his hand pressed on my shoulder. I might be feeling a little intimidated.
/-/
Mr Xiao-Long sat Ruby and I around his dining table (it was great to be back around a normal-sized table. Jacques' table was longer than Mr Xiao-Long's whole house.) He told Yang and Neo that he wanted to talk to Ruby and I alone, so our big sisters were talking together in the living room.
I didn't know what the two girls were talking about, but I could hear them giggle from there.
''So…'' Mr Xiao-Long started, giving me a static smile. ''Insert generic angry father speech about not hurting my daughter. Now that that is out of the way, let's focus on what, specifically, I'm not too happy about.''
''The Schnee problem?'' I ventured as a guess.
''The Schnee problem.'' Mr Xiao-Long nodded. ''Look, I get that my girls are teenagers. They're at the age where they start developing an interest in boys, romance, and all that comes with those, but I'm very much not pleased about one of them being the 'other girl' in an affair. Even less so that it is my youngest, she's supposed to be the good girl.''
''Screw you too, dad!'' Yang called out from the living room, saying it in a playful tone.
''Yang, you know what I meant!''
The interaction drew a small laugh from Ruby and I, despite how nervous we were with the current discussion.
''I can assure you, Ruby is by no means the 'other girl'. She's the only girl I care for.'' I said, only to hear Neo blowing a raspberry from the living room. ''Neo, you're my sister! You don't count in this context!''
''The 'only girl', you were saying?'' Mr Xiao-Long raised an eyebrow. ''What about the situation with that Weiss girl?''
''An irritating annoyance forced on me by Jacques Schnee. Give me around a year, and that stupid contract will be gone.'' I answered. ''I do not care about Weiss Schnee, nor is there any relationship between her and I. Beyond mutual hatred, that is.''
The man blinked. ''That bad?''
''That bad.'' Ruby answered in my place. ''You should have seen them at the landing pad, Weiss was super mean. Even uncle Qrow and Weiss' sister get along better than Gem and Weiss.''
Mr Xiao-Long winced at the thought. ''Okay, yeah, that is pretty bad.'' He said, before rubbing his eyes. ''I know I don't really have a leg to stand on when it comes to criticizing other people's romantic life, but I don't want my daughter to become known as 'the girl Weiss Schnee's fiancé cheated on her with'. That's a black mark on her reputation that'd follow her and make her life more difficult for decades. I don't know how you're planning to deal with this, but can you promise that you can protect Ruby from the fallout?''
''I'm fine with risking the fallout, dad.'' Ruby pouted.
''Great. I'm not.'' He told his daughter, before looking back at me. ''Is there any guarantee that Ruby's name will be spared if the worse happens?''
I thought about it for a moment. ''I think I pissed off the people in charge of Vale enough that if any scandal concerning me happens, they'll be out for my blood. I can probably keep the heat off of Ruby if I play my cards right?''
''… I guess that's the best I can hope for.'' Mr Xiao-Long sighed. ''Fine, I'll just let Ruby make her own decisions on the matter, as anxious as I feel about it.''
''Thanks dad. I swear me and Gem will be careful.'' Ruby said, relieved.
I nodded. ''We'll make sure we won't get into trouble. Now, Ruby, I believe you invited me to a movie before this whole thing started? If the offer is still open, I'd like to take you up on that date.''
Ruby blinked. ''Uh? But I thought we couldn't be seen? Won't that cause trouble?''
''You forgot what my sister's semblance is.'' I smirked. ''If you don't mind the chaperone, then we can still go on dates by having her semblance give us perfect disguises.''
''Sure, I don't mind!'' Ruby exclaimed, with excited sparkles in her eyes and a bright smile as she got up from her chair, both of her hands on the table. ''Can I, dad? Please, can I?''
He looked a bit unsure, but nodded after a few seconds of thinking. ''I did say I'd let you make your own decision.'' He said, before addressing me. ''As long as you bring my daughter back before 9 p.m. so she's not late to school the morning after. Oh, and of course, don't pressure her into doing anything that she's not comfortable with. Not that I expect this to be a problem with you.''
''I can assure you that it won't, Mr Xiao-Long, as I'll be staying a virgin until marriage anyway.'' I said.
''Eh?'' Mr Xiao-Long did a double-take at my words, while Ruby just giggled at the 'joke'. ''Uh, you're serious? I mean, I'm not complaining, just surprised, since that's a bit old-fashioned.''
I shrugged. ''Everyone has their boundaries, that's mine.'' Sure, most people nowadays ditched the 'no sex before marriage' rule, but most people nowadays also had screwed up families too. My own father having become a teenage dad as a result of doing the deed with a prostitute kinda proved my point.
Mr Xiao-Long too, due to Raven. Although that one was probably more an example of why you didn't stick it in crazy.
''Uh… I mean, I don't feel ready to take that step anyway, or to talk about it, so that's fine?'' Ruby said, fidgeting a little. ''A-anyway, about that date, when would it be?''
''I don't know. Will you be free tomorrow?'' I asked.
She nodded. ''Tomorrow is fine. Err… Will you be wearing... that?''
I glanced down at the white Schnee suit I was garbed in. ''Good God, no. I'm getting rid of that as soon as I get home. White just doesn't suit me.'' I said, before thinking of something else. ''So, um, are we going in our usual outfit, or should I wear something for the occasion?''
''Usual outfit.'' Ruby answered without a shred of hesitation.
''Eh? Are you sure? I mean, this is going to be our first date.'' I'd have figured she would have wanted the occasion to be special.
Instead, she just looked at me like I was an idiot. ''Gem, think. If I have to find a special outfit for our date, Yang's gonna pass the whole day dressing me up again and again. That'd be a nightmare.''
Oh… ''Good point. Now that you mention her, I'm surprised she hasn't interrupted us.''
''That's because Neo and I are busy exchanging baby pictures!'' We heard Yang yell from the living room.
That did explain why they've both remained silent after the start of the conversation. Outside of a few giggles I only now realised I had heard.
Ruby and I froze as we paled.
''''Yang/Neo, Stop that!'''' We both yelled as we ran toward the living room.
''Ah! Make us!''
Tai sighed as the kids fought over the pictures in the next room over.
His girls really were growing too fast.
He couldn't be prouder of them, and he knew he couldn't protect them forever. But soon… Soon, it'd be their turn to find themselves thrown into the fray. Thrown against her forces.
The thought kept him up at night.
/-/
''Have you cheated on me yet?''
I stared at the text Weiss sent me.
''Weiss… It's literally been less than a day.''
''So?''
''So how do you expect me to have cheated on you that quickly?''
''So you're saying you haven't?''
''No, I haven't.''
Weiss didn't send another message for a while after that, so I thought that would be the end of it. But then she sent another text after only 5 minutes of peace. Good things never lasted long.
''And now?''
''It's been 5 minutes!''
''Well, you're obviously not trying hard enough. What are you waiting for?''
… Was that ring on her finger too tight? Because it seemed to be blocking blood circulation to her brain.
''That Ruby girl and you seemed pretty close. Are you sure there's nothing between the two of you?'' Weiss continued to text.
''I wish there was something between you and me. Like an entire ocean. You'd think that'd be enough for you to leave me alone.'' I replied, starting to get annoyed.
''Make sure to not use protection. It'd make for the perfect proof.''
Alright, blocking her now.
/-/
I knocked on Ruby's home's door, my sister standing next to me.
Unfortunately, after Weiss bothered me last evening, I realised that going in our usual outfit wouldn't work, as they were too distinctive (especially Ruby's.) So I had to text Ruby and tell her we had no choice but to wear something else.
As such, I was here today wearing a forest green cotton waistcoat over a white dress shirt, forest green cotton trousers, and brown leather boots.
''Oh gods, he's here! Yang, I can't go out looking like this!'' I heard Ruby from the other side of the door.
''Relax, you look perfectly fine.'' Yang told her.
''Fine!? My midriff shows! What if he doesn't like a girl with abs?''
Ruby, why wouldn't I like a girl with abs? Abs were great.
And I already expected her to have abs, given the core strength needed to be able to use Crescent Rose. She was training to become a huntress, that she would have muscles was a given, even if her usual clothes didn't show them.
''You'll be okay. Do you really think he'd have asked a huntress-in-training if he minded a bit of muscles on his girl?'' Yang said.
''I can confirm that the girl I like is a kickass warrior, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Also, you two know your front door isn't soundproof, right?'' I said, raising my voice just a little to make sure they heard me clearly.
''Gah!'' Ruby exclaimed in surprised. ''You heard nothing!''
''C'mon Rubes, just open the door already.'' Yang insisted.
There were a few seconds of silence, before the door opened slowly, Ruby's face peeking from the opening. Only for her to freeze as she looked at me.
''Why are you dressed like that!?'' Ruby said in a whisper of horror. What? What was wrong with how I was dressed? ''I thought we agreed to dress casual?''
''But… This is casual?'' I said, a bit uncertain what the problem was.
''Casual!? You're wearing a waistcoat. How is that casual?'' Ruby complained.
''Formal waistcoats are made of slick and smooth materials, this is cotton. Plus, a formal waistcoat is never worn without a jacket.'' I explained.
She gave me a skeptical look, before sighing. ''Alright, if you say so, Mr fancy clothes.'' Then she opened the door fully, allowing me to see her. ''S-so, what do you think?'' She asked, her face red.
Ruby was wearing red and white shoes, blue jean shorts, a white crop shirt that exposed her stomach and showed off her abs, and a black jacket with a red hood.
''You look great, Ruby.'' I was a teenage boy going on a date with a girl he liked. She could be wearing trash bags as clothes and I'd still be happy to see her.
''Thanks, I blame Yang.'' Ruby joked, her lips forming a hesitant smile. ''I… I feel a bit naked without my cape, and it's even worse with my stomach exposed…''
I put my hand on her shoulder. ''Hey, this is supposed to be a fun day. If you don't feel comfortable with what you're wearing, I don't mind waiting a few more minutes while you change.''
''Ah, no. I- I'll be fine. I can always just zip the jacket close if I start feeling too embarrassed.'' Ruby said.
''Alright then. Neo, work your magic.'' I said.
My sister nodded, and then both Ruby and I were wearing new faces.
Ruby's hair was now blonde, and a few inches longer, while her eyes had been changed to pure azure.
Hey, she actually looked like she was related to Yang, now. Of course, I wasn't dumb enough to put my foot in my mouth by saying that out loud.
I, meanwhile, now had black hair, green eyes and tanned skin.
Of course, Neo hadn't just changed our color scheme. There were also slight differences between our temporary face, and our real one.
''… I like how you usually look better.'' Ruby said.
''Same.'' I agreed. ''But we'll have to tolerate this for the time being.''
Suddenly, Yang come out from behind the door and wrapped her arm around her little sister's neck. ''Aww, c'mon, it's not so bad. Look, Ruby, we actually look like we're sisters.''
I felt my eye tick as I resisted the urge to facepalm.
Ruby took Yang's arm off of her, grumbling under her breath.
''Gem, you better take good care of Ruby.'' Yang continued with a grin. ''If she come back home hurt or with a broken heart, I'm ripping your leg off.''
''So violent. Don't you mean 'breaking my leg'?'' I said dryly.
''I know what I said, and I meant what I said.'' Yang said, before waving us away with her hand. ''Now shoo, you two go be adorable elsewhere.''
As she looked at them walk away, Yang felt a pang of melancholy in her heart.
''They do grow up way too fast.'' She mumbled.
''I believe that's my line.'' Tai said. He had been discreetly looking at the kids, seeing how things would go. He so didn't feel ready to see his girls spread their wings so soon, especially his youngest. ''C'mon, Yang, why don't we crack open a few board games to spend the time?''
''Sounds good. Fair warning though, I might interrupt the games quite a bit to look at my scroll. I asked Neo to send pictures.''
/-/
In the end, as soon as we got to the city and there were other people around, Ruby quickly zipped her jacket back up.
Then we went to take our tickets for the movie, along with the popcorn. When we came to sit in our seat, I got an idea.
I hugged Ruby around the waist and sat down, bringing her to sit on my lap.
''G-Gem?'' Ruby whispered, flustered.
''Sorry, I just thought it wouldn't be much of a date if we just looked at a screen instead of each other. Thought it'd be nice to cuddle a little while watching.'' I said, low enough that others wouldn't hear us.
''Ah, err, I guess that's fine. Cuddling is nice.'' She said, blushing like crazy.
God, what did I do to deserve a girlfriend so adorable? Between Ruby and the recent events with the oligarchs and Jacques, I couldn't tell whether the universe loved me, or hated me.
I picked up a popped kernel and fed it to her, which caused her blushing to worsen.
''Look at you, you're all red.'' I teased her, flashing a grin.
Ruby huffed. ''Like you can talk, you're blushing too.''
I was? I knew I was feeling pretty giddy and that I was embarrassed too, but… A quick look at my face, using my scroll, showing that my own cheeks were indeed a bit red.
Anyway, that was how Ruby and I watched the movie, with her sitting on my lap and me hugging her as her back rested on my chest, he both of us occasionally feeding each other popcorn. Best theater experience ever.
The only problem was the click of a scroll that made itself heard a few times. Who took pictures while watching a movie?
The movie itself… it was fine, I guess. Not the greatest, due to the lackluster plot, but Spruce Willis movies weren't known for having detailed plots, just pure martial art spectacle. I liked the movie well enough, even if the company was what really made the day great.
The giant robots' scene was cool, too. Watching people fighting each other with karate moves was one thing, but two giant robots doing karate? Pretty awesome, even if it made no sense whatsoever for the protagonist to keep a skyscraper-sized robot hidden in his normal-sized garage.
I just wish Ruby had been a little less excited when she saw the giant robots. Teenage hormones could take a pretty girl sitting on my lap, but they couldn't take said pretty girl bouncing on my lap.
Thank God I managed to keep it down, things would have become way too awkward otherwise. I imagined Professor Port wearing a bikini. The mental image was eww, but it did the trick.
/-/
After the movie, we walked around a bit. Then we found a small café that sold strawberry cakes, which was just great, so we stopped there for a bit.
The cake was good, and I enjoyed listening to Ruby babbles about guns and weapons parts. I was starting to recognise some of the words she used and understand what they meant. I supposed I could only hear her talk about guns so many times before I started learning more about them.
She also made me promise to get her some of those dustless bullets once I could get some. She wanted to go to the shooting range and see how well they actually worked. Cheaper bullets meant being able to go to the shooting range more often, a prospect she was absolutely ecstatic about. Ruby understood the value of more dakka, that was why she was best girl.
I had to feed her spoonfuls of her cake to make her stop talking, so that the forced break allowed her to breath. Poor girl was talking so fast without taking a break that she was turning blue.
Chill, Ruby, chill.
Ping.
I froze when I heard my scroll alert me of a received text, holding my spoon in Ruby's mouth. Ruby gave me a questioning look, tilting her head as she munched on the cake I fed to her.
'''ho i' 'his?'' Ruby asked, almost incomprehensible.
''Don't talk with your mouth full if you want to be understood clearly.'' I scolded her. ''But I think I have an idea who this is.''
I had blocked Weiss yesterday, but this morning Jacques warned me to unblock his daughter if I didn't want trouble. Weiss usually had her studies from her tutors during the day, after that would be her training. At this hour, she likely had just finished her training session, and now had the time to harass me via text again.
I checked the message I had received.
''And now, have you finally cheated on me?''
I felt my eye tick in annoyance.
Ruby swallowed her food down. ''… Please, tell me this isn't Weiss.''
''I don't like lying to you.'' I said, causing her to groan.
''What does she want?'' Ruby said, not happy that the harpy was ruining the date.
''She wants to know if I've cheated on her yet.''
''… I mean, you are.''
''Yeah, but I'm not about to tell her that.'' I didn't get why Weiss seemingly expected me to just admit to it. Was she just trying to bother me for the sake of it?
Ruby said nothing, visibly upset at having to deal with this whole thing.
I took her fingers and raised her hand to my lips, and she blushed as I laid a light kiss on her hand.
''Hey, if this… If the current situation makes you unhappy, just say the word and I'll take the debt to negate the contract.'' I said.
''But… that'd put you in trouble…'' Ruby said, her voice low. She seemed torn between which choice to pick.
''Yes. But in my eyes, you are worth that trouble.'' I said, causing her blush to intensify. I was starting to worry about her blood pressure.
''… Don't tell her.'' Ruby said, ''You said you only needed a year?''
I nodded.
''Then I can endure a year of this. A-and we'll be busy training and dealing with the you-know-what problem for the next year anyway, so it's going to pass pretty quick.'' Ruby continued. Her eyes looked around, not meeting mine as she seemed to consider something. ''And… If it turns out we can't get rid of the contract and have to live with it, t-then I don't mind if I have to share you.''
My face became devoid of emotion.
Did I hear that right?
''Ah! I don't mean- I'm not talking about cheating on Weiss for the rest of our lives, I'm talking about convincing her to expand the relationship. Y'now, polygamy?'' Ruby explained, waving her hands in front of her as she misunderstood the reason for my reaction.
''I got that. Are you saying you'd want to share me with another girl?'' I said, my voice stone-cold to the point of making her flinch. Although she didn't seem to get why I got like that.
''I… Of course I'd prefer have you all to myself, but I want to lose you even less.'' Ruby said. ''I-I'm willing to accept this if it's the only way I can be with you.''
I took a deep breath.
''Ruby, I will not become polygamous.'' I said, forcing my voice to return to normal.
''Eh? I mean, not that I'm not glad to hear that, but why?'' She asked, confused as to why I was so against it.
I sighed. ''I understand that back before the kingdom was well established and secure, polygamy was a necessity to avoid extinction, but today? There's no need for that anymore, and given that polygamous households are less stable and happy than monogamous ones, it would be foolish to not choose monogamy.''
Ruby blinked. ''There's really a difference in the households?''
''Studies have shown that the prevalence of depression, low self-esteem and loneliness amongst women in polygamous marriages is 2.2, 7.7 and 12.8 times higher, respectively, than amongst women in monogamous marriage. And let's not forget the negative impact such mental illnesses in the parents have on the development of children.'' I said. ''There's a reason why monogamous unions have slowly overtaken polygamy over the centuries, without living conditions so terrible that high recovery of numbers is the only way to not go extinct, polygamy simply can't compete against monogamy.''
As a teenage boy, of course I've fantasized about having a harem, both in this life and in the last. But knowing the numbers, there was no way I was going to make Ruby go through that. Plus, I wanted a happy family, and that included well-adjusted children, so monogamy was definitely the way to go.
''Oh.'' Ruby said, her mouth gaping open. ''Wow… you really did research this…''
''Of course I did. When it comes to important life decisions, it is better to be well-informed.'' And I'd rather make those decisions with my brain, rather than my libido.
Also, it helped that my first contact with the concept of polygamy in my past life was with the Bible. While God never forbade polygamy, every polygamous relationship in the holy book turned into a mess. I took notes.
''Anyway,'' I continued, ''now that you know why I'm opposed to polygamy, I hope you won't suggest it again.''
''I won't.'' Ruby shook her head. ''I… I'm sorry I even brought up the idea.''
''You're forgiven. I'm the one who should apologise for the current situation.''
''Don't.'' She said firmly. ''What you're trying to do is going to save more lives than anyone can imagine. You shouldn't apologise just because bad guys tried to hurt you for it.''
''So… We good?''
Ruby grinned, before taking a bit of cake and feeding it to me. ''We good.''
/-/
''Hey, Gem… Do you mind if I ask what you like about me?'' Ruby asked me on our way back to her home. Since we were back in the woods of Patch, my sister dropped her illusions.
What I liked about her, uh? It was a bit of a difficult question, as I hadn't really stopped to think about that. I knew I did love her, but getting into the specifics was a bit hard for me, as I was more the type to reflect on my mind than on my heart.
Of the top of my head… ''First, there's trust.''
''Trust?'' She repeated.
''It's impossible to genuinely love someone you don't trust. I trust you more than anyone else in the world.'' I explained. I did entrust me knowing the future to Ruby, while I didn't with my sister and father, after all.
At our side, my sister kicked a pebble.
''Neo, you know I didn't-'' The tricolored girl huffed and turned her head away, pouting.
Oh good, she was just messing around. If she was actually angry, she'd be staring me down with both of her eyes pink.
''Anyway, where was I?'' I mumbled, before raising my voice to resume the talk. ''I love how dedicated you are to follow your ideals, working so hard to become a huntress.'' A lot of people were all talk when it came to what they claimed to believe in. Not Ruby.
If my father and my sister were refreshing because they assumed being driven by self-interest, where most people pretended to be more selfless than they were, then Ruby was refreshing because she was actually selfless like she appeared to be.
''I love how passionate you are about weapons, how much energy and enthusiasm you put in that passion. Even if I only understand half of what you say when you start talking about weapons parts and their specs.'' Seriously, she was even cuter than usual when she rambled about weapons. I didn't need to understand the subject to be entertained by what she was saying.
Now, that was about all I could think of the top of my head. Unless I went on the more… physical things that I liked about her.
Ping. We ignored Weiss' text, pretending as if my scroll hadn't made any sound.
''I like your hair, too.'' I said.
''Eh? My hair?'' Ruby's hand reached to her red-tipped locks.
''Yes. You have black hair, but it fades into red at the tips. I think it looks really cool.'' I said. And now she was blushing again. ''I like your eyes too.''
''Because they shot eye beams?''
''I mean, the eye beams are neat, but that's not what I'm talking about.'' Granted, now that she had mastered her eyes, Ruby was able to beat a dragon all on her own, and any girl that could beat a dragon by herself was definitely a keeper. ''With the right angle, light sometimes reflect in your eyes as if it was reflected on actual silver.''
''Eh, wait, really? That's the first time I've heard of this.'' Ruby said.
''Yes, really.'' I grabbed her chin and slowly moved her head around, until the light around hit the angle I was talking about and the reflection in question could be seen. ''Like this.''
''Uh… I don't notice a difference.'' Ruby said.
''Hmm, so it doesn't change anything from your point of view. That explain why you didn't notice it.'' I thought aloud. ''And I only noticed that they were doing that after you used your eyes for the first time, which, along with the fact that it's subtle, might explain why your family hasn't noticed it either.''
''And you like that my eyes do that?''
''Yep. It's a little unique thing that only your eyes do.''
''I mean, shooting lasers is pretty unique too.'' Ruby pointed out.
Well, yeah, but being in love with her because she had a useful power would make me an asshole. ''I mean, I'd love you regardless of the eyes' lasers. Though I do have to admit-''
Suddenly, a big Ursa came out from behind the trees, charging at us.
Ruby's eyes flashed and the area surrounding us was engulfed in light, disintegrating the Grimm in an instant.
''-that it makes dealing with Grimm easy.'' I finished. ''Wow! Talk about perfect timing.''
Ruby giggled. ''It sure does. Is there anything else you like about me?''
Her butt. Hey, I was an ass man, and a red-blooded teenager.
All that running and acrobatics as part of her training did wonders for the Rubooty. I hoped she would go back to wearing her usual combat skirt soon, because it hid how great her butt was, and the longer she stayed in those shorts, the harder sticking to the 'no sex before marriage' rule was going to be. Especially as we grew older.
''… Nothing I can think of at the top of my head right now.'' I lied, unable to quite look her in the eyes.
Ruby raised an eyebrow. ''Okay? Why are you blushing?''
''I'm not.''
''You totally are.''
''Am not.''
''Are so.''
''Am not.''
''Are so.'' Ruby cracked a smile, finding the mock argument funny.
We continued like that until we reached her house, having a hard time holding back from laughing.
Ping.
Oh, and we ignored Weiss too.
/-/
Once we were in front of her home's front door, Ruby hugged me.
''Did you have fun today?'' I asked her, hugging her back.
''Yep!'' She said, before her demeanor changed and she looked at me shyly. ''C-can I, hum, have a kiss?''
''Anytime you want one.'' I said, before slowly leaning down.
Our lips were about to touch, and our eyes half-closed, when we suddenly jumped in fright as the door suddenly opened.
''So! How did it go!?'' Yang almost yelled as she almost gave Ruby and I a heart attack. ''Did you two kiss yet!?''
Dammit, Yang.
''Dammit, Yang.'' Ruby said, her eye ticking as she echoed my thoughts.
''… Oh. Crap, sorry Ruby.'' Yang winced as she realised she ruined the moment we were having. ''Uh, anyway. Neo, you got some good pictures?''
Pictu- Oh no.
My sister nodded, and showed Yang her scroll. Ruby and I caught a picture of her sitting on my knees at the cinema.
''Awesome! That's a great one.'' Yang said.
Dammit, Yang.
Ping.
Dammit Ya- err, I meant, Weiss.
/-/
''Well? I'm waiting for an answer.''
''What are you waiting for? Give me a response already.''
''Hey! Don't you dare ignore me!''
''I can't believe you're leaving me on read!''
''Why do I have to deal with some mannerless ruffian like you.''
I stared at the angry texts Weiss sent me, about done with her bullshit. The worse part is that this was just a small part of the messages I had ignored. This went on for over 12 more texts.
Was it me, or was she worse than in the show? Either way, I didn't feel like engaging with her right now. So I continued to ignore her.
Jacques could force me to keep Weiss unblocked, but if he wanted me to actually answer her, then he could start by forcing her to stay civil.
/-/
Weiss entered her father's office. The girl was in a pretty bad mood, not happy at being summoned by the man, especially after failing to force a confession from Gemini. All she needed was for him to say he cheated on her, and she could get rid of that stupid marriage contract without leaving him a single Lien from her family.
''You called for me, father?'' Weiss said, waiting for whatever he had decided to impose on her.
''Yes. I have taken my decision concerning your future.'' Jacques said. Weiss gritted her teeth, expecting another argument where he would insist she would never become a huntress. ''I have decided to allow you to join Atlas Academy.''
The girl blinked, having not expected that. So she could become a huntress? Still… ''I have chosen to attend Beacon Academy for a reason, father. I will not give up on that.''
Jacques sighed. Truth be told, he had half expected his daughter to say something like that. She truly inherited his own hardheadedness. For all that she hated him, she was the one, out of his three children, who took the most after himself in terms of personality traits.
''Then how about a bet? To solve this once and for all.'' He offered, tired of arguing with her on this. ''You will face an opponent of my choosing. Win, and you can attend Beacon. Lose, and you will go to our own nation's academy without further protest.''
Normally, the losing condition would have been for her to stop her ridiculous fantasy of becoming a huntress, but after both Gemini and Whitley (since when did his mild-mannered and meek son argued against his decisions?) had made their reasonable points concerning the matter, he could see the wisdom in letting Weiss get this out of her system.
''I accept.'' Weiss said without hesitation, jumping on the occasion to finally earn her freedom.
/-/
In the end, I ended up liking the outfit I wore during our date, so I made myself a new outfit that would become my usual one. Of course, the point of the outfit for the date was to wear something we usually didn't, so I couldn't wear the exact same thing. I made some changes.
I changed the fabric of the pants and waistcoat from cotton to high quality linen, and I changed the color of both from forest green to gray for the waistcoat and black for the pants. I also added a forest green formal tailcoat, with the pointed tails reaching the back of my knees. Then I switched the boots for waxed black leather shoes.
Yep, this was gonna be my permanent outfit from now on.
Ruby was back to her Volume 1 outfit too.
She asked me out on another date a few days after our first one. This one took place in the forest, since Ruby didn't feel like hiding ourselves with my sister's semblance again. We walked around a bit, talked, laughed, admired the view from Patch's cliff while holding hands, and were now finishing one of her favorite activities; fighting Grimm in the forest.
Beowolves packs had become rather easy now. I could take a whole pack on my own without trouble now, and so was Ruby, who was even better at dispatching them than me. The both of us against a single pack was starting to feel a bit unfair.
I twisted my body to the left to dodge a Beowolf's claw, cutting its leg off by the same occasion. Then I lunged at the weakened beast, driving the point of my blade in its chest and ending it.
Ruby cleaved through two Beowolves with a single blow, before bursting toward me, her rose petals floating around us as we stood back to back.
''These guys are kind of ruining our date, aren't they?'' I said.
''What are you talking about? Killing Grimm together just make the date better.'' Ruby grinned.
A small laugh escaped my lips. Of course, count on Ruby to consider facing the soulless death monster to be a good time.
''Gem, don't move.'' Ruby said, poising herself for the Beowolves left, which had surrounded us.
Then the Beowolves started jumped at us, claws deployed and ready to try and rip us apart.
Ruby sliced through every Beowolves that attacked, her scythe's blade whistling through the air as she moved. Each of her cut was accompanied by her moving her feet, methodically rotating around me with her steps. She was fast, technical, precise, and every Beowolf who jumped at us died swiftly as if they had thrown themselves in a meat grinder.
By the time she was finished, she had killed over a dozen Grimm in as many seconds. The only ones left were the Alpha Beowolf, with two others on his flanks, that had stood back.
''Phew, now that's what I call good exercise.'' Ruby said, panting slightly. We had been fighting for a while, so it was normal for us to be feeling tired by now.
I was starting to sweat myself, and quickly took a tissue to wipe myself. I had noticed that Ruby had more stamina than me. My next level's stat points were going to be spent on Constitution. Not much point being able to fight on the level of the main cast, or at least near their level, if I just tired too quickly to be useful.
But for now, I was busy being in awe of Ruby's little display. ''I just remembered another thing I like about you. You're awesome.''
''Eh eh, I am?'' She said, giving a hesitant giggle as she blushed under the praise. ''Praise me more, eh eh.''
''If I do it too much, it'll lessen the impact.'' I smirked. ''But seriously, I'm amazed that you managed to make a weapon like Crescent Rose, he's the coolest weapon I've ever seen. And you look super cool when you fight with it.''
She scratched her cheek, not knowing how to respond to the compliments.
Meanwhile, the Alpha and the others were slowly creeping into position behind her, the leader of the group about to jump at Ruby.
''Hey! We're having a moment, buzz off.'' Ruby said, turning around and disintegrating them on the spot.
''Your eyes really do make this easy.'' I commented.
Ruby sighed. ''Yeah, that's why I hadn't used it sooner. Fighting Grimm doesn't make for much of a date if there's no actual fighting involved.''
No, Ruby, you're the only one who thought of fighting Grimm as a viable date. ''I mean, is it really a date? We're just doing the same thing we were doing as friends.''
''You're right, something is missing… like a kiss.'' Ruby said.
''You're really dead set on getting a kiss, are you?'' I said, an amused half smile on my face.
''Of course I am. I mean… our first kiss was just a quick peck, before I ran away, and we keep being interrupted every time I try to get a real one.'' She complaining.
''A kiss it is, then.'' I said, before moved to kiss her. I stopped at the last moment, pulling away. ''Wait, I just remembered something important.''
''Gem…'' The little reaper glared at me, deeply annoyed. ''I love you, but I swear I'm going to shoot you.''
''And I swear it's worth taking a minute or two.'' I said, my hand reaching inside my tailcoat to take a small, rectangular metal case. I handed it to Ruby. ''It's a gift I got for you while I was in Atlas.''
Whitley still had a few huntsmen collectible cards left and when I saw he had this particular one, I instantly knew I had to buy it from him. Thankfully, he was kind enough to accept selling it to me. It would have been practically impossible to find otherwise, as the cards of the leaders of teams who won the Vytal Tournament were heavily short-printed.
And with God as my witness, I will never tell Ruby how much Lien this specific card cost. She'd probably faint, because that card alone was worth as much as her entire house.
Ruby's eyes widened when she opened the metal case and saw the card inside. ''Mom…'' She whispered, her eyes moistening as she covered her mouth with her hand. Then she closed the case and jumped in my arms, hugging me as tightly as she could. ''Thank you.'' Her voice was small and weakened by emotion. ''Thank you! You're the best.'' She said louder.
''Anything for you, Ruby, anything for you.'' I put my hand on her head, softly stroking her hair.
The silver-eyed girl looked me in the eyes, the tears of happiness that didn't quite leave her eyes were making the reflection of light in her eyes stronger than usual, like staring into mirrors that reflected the Sun.
The moment after, Ruby's lips were pressing on my own.
We could afford to take our time for once…
/-/
Weiss fell to the ground as the pieces of the defeated Arma Gigas clanked around her. Her aura was down, and she almost died, but she did it! She did it!
She had heard the huntsmen her father had on standby, ready to take over the fight as soon as she gave up, which her father expected to happen toward the beginning of the fight. But she hadn't given up. Even when her father called for the huntsmen to intervene, after she had lost her aura and was about to be killed, she had launched a last desperate attack and managed to pull off a miracle, piercing the Geist controlling the armor, its mask hidden inside the armor, out of sight.
Her hand pressed on the injury on her face, tainted by blood and ocular fluid. The pain was so bad that the sounds of the huntsmen hurrying around her and the shouting felt muffled. She even thought she could hear her father shouting. Not his usual angry yells, though. She'd never heard him sound like that.
No matter. She did it! She was free! It cost her, but she was free!
The last thing Weiss saw before losing consciousness was the sight of her father looking at her, showing concern that seemed foreign on his face…
/-/
''No.'' Blake said, staring at the humans standing on the other side of her tent's table, on which both of her hands were laid.
''No? You've heard what-''
''I've heard what you've said, yes.'' Blake cut Cinder off. ''You talk of a conspiracy by people who must be stopped, and that this Amber woman was one of their allies. A dangerous one, you claim. But you've only talked, without offering any proof. I'm not going to go murder some random woman just because you say they're dangerous and evil. Now, unless you have actual proof that she needs to be stopped, I'll have to ask you to get out of my camp.''
The White Fang were many things, not all of it entirely good, Blake would admit privately in her head, but what they weren't were assassin-for-hire. These people could find someone else to help them with their dirty work.
''… Disappointing.'' The woman, flanked by her two minions, a dark-skinned girl with green hair and a bored-looking guy in gray, frowned before raising her hand to her ear. ''Augur, soft negotiation has failed. It's up to you now.'' She said, in a smug, sultry voice.
Her words put Blake on edge, and she brought her hand to the hilt of Gambol Shroud 2 (whose only difference with the first one was that it included a tracker in it, in case this one was ever stolen.) ''I don't know what you think you're doing, but this is the only time I will repeat myself. Leave.''
Cinder's smirk only grew. ''We will see if we will.''
Then, her lieutenant, Edward, suddenly barged into the tent. ''Captain Belladonna, Grimm incoming. They're coming from all directions.''
''What!?'' Of all possible timings. Why now? ''Prepare our men!'' She ordered, then she turned to the three strangers. ''I know I refused your offer, but I hope we can still coordinate for this, to make sure we all make it out alive.''
''Oh, I wouldn't worry. There's no need for anyone to die today.'' Cinder said, somewhat ominously, as the three humans were strangely relaxed despite the approaching threat.
Blake ran outside to see her men closing ranks, their guns pointed toward the Grimm. A few of the monsters had already arrived, mainly Nevermores waiting in the branches of the trees and a few Beowolves who stopped at the limit of the camp. More and more creatures were coming, all stopping at a certain distance from them, fixing them with their eyes, but not doing anything.
It was quite eery, far from how the Grimm were known to act.
Then a man covered by a black hooded cloak walked into view, his appearance concealed by the cloth covering him. Or maybe it was a boy, given the short stature?
''You… who are you? How are the Grimm not attacking you?'' Blake asked, completely lost as to what was happening. Something was deeply wrong here.
The boy slowly brought his hands to the hood and revealed his face, causing her and many of her men to gasp at the sight of his pale skin, white hair, red eyes and the dark veins on his face.
What the hell was that thing?
''There are two paths before you. One of obedience, and one of death.'' The Grimm boy said. ''Which will you choose, Blake Belladonna?''
She couldn't help the cold shiver running down her spine as the monster pronounced her name.
Whatever kind of Grimm this thing was, it was clearly the one leading the rest of the Grimm. If she could take him out, the monsters would lose the leader coordinating them, giving their side a much better chance at surviving the Grimm. Especially with the three strangers amongst them, who looked pretty strong.
Since the human-like Grimm had been careless enough to get too close to her, Blake quickly charged him, drawing her weapon and aimed the blade at his neck.
Unfortunately, the Grimm was much faster than she anticipated, and he knocked her weapon out of her hands and grabbed her face, before smashing her so hard into the ground that she momentarily lost her senses and the ground cracked and yielded beneath her.
H-he was so strong.
''Cease your fire or your leader dies!'' The Grimm holding her yelled, causing her men to stop the shooting they had started against the Grimm surrounding the camp. The Grimm in question remained passive through this, even the one who were shot down.
''Good.'' The monster said, satisfied. She could feel his fingers painfully pressing onto her skull, her aura the only thing stopping the bone of her skull from giving in.
The ability to order the Grimm, combined with the near infinite supply of ancient Grimm loitering on the dragon-shaped continent, made it much easier and faster to level up than fighting them.
''Good work, Augur.'' That Cinder woman said. Blake's eyes widened under this… Augur's hand. The three strangers were with this Grimm!? How!? ''Now, Blake, I have plans, and those plans can either benefit both of us… or one of us.''
''In other words, the same choice as offered before; obedience, or death.'' Augur said. She was far more scared of him than she was of the three humans.
Blake could only offer a terrified whimper in surrender.
/-/
Name: Augur
Title: Exalted Grimm
Level: 100
Exp: -
Age: 14
Sex: Male
Aura: 500 / 500
Stamina: - / -
Strength: 180 (300)
Constitution: 130 (250)
Dexterity: 130 (150)
Agility: 60
Intelligence: 128
Skill Point: 20
Perks:
Aura
Human
Opposable Thumb
Stalker
Gamer's Body
Gamer's Mind
Creature of Grimm:
Soulless beings created by the God of Destruction, the Creatures of Grimm are perfect engines of genocide. Having a Grimm body means aura cannot protect your body from damage, but there are other… boons, that compensate for such a weakness.
Negate Aura Armor Skill.
Negate need for sleep
Negate need for food
Give the Perk: Negative Empath
Give the Perk: Eternal Life
Give +1 per Level to Strength
Give +1 per Level to Constitution
Give Limitless Stamina
Can order non-intelligent Grimm
Modify appearance with dark red veins according to how high the Level is
Negative Empath:
The ability to sense certain emotions, common to all Grimm.
Can sense fear
Can sense sadness
Can sense anger
Can sense hatred
Can sense anxiety
Can sense awkwardness
Can sense guilt
Can sense shame
Can sense envy
Can sense craving
Can sense dismay
Can sense pity
Can sense boredom
Eternal Life:
Your body can grow and mature, but will not suffer the process of aging and the physical degeneration that comes with it.
Will not age beyond 25 year old
I hoped I didn't mess up with the interactions between Gemini and the other characters. I'm not super confidant in my ability to write romance. That's why I was originally planning to leave the romance and the pairing for the epilogue, but then Yang started teasing Ruby and things took a life of their own.
A more relax chapter, at least for Gemini and Ruby. For Weiss and Blake… not so much. Oh, and obviously, Blake and her cell being in the same place than in canon, implies a timeskip, next chapter takes a break from the romantic comedy and jumps straight back into the action. Finally reaching the events of canon, or the canon flashbacks and trailers, at least
It's now revealed that Augur, his soul being Gemini's, has the same semblance, just with an extra Perk due to being a Grimm. And since Augur can just make ancient Grimm let themselves be killed by him… well, farming exp is just so much easier than for Gemini.
Next chapter is named 'Ganking'.
For those who don't know, ganking is an MMORPG term for when several players attacks a single one, leaving the attacked player with no chances of victory. It also applies for when a high level player goes in low level zones and kills the new players. If you ever played WoW, you probably know about the type of assholes who does that.
Guys, I'm not quite sure, but I don't think Onyx is good enough to make up for Augur.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter and that you're worried about the next one. See ya next time.
Also, just randomly adding this here for fun, no relevance to the story and too short to make it a Chibi omake:
Cinder: *Plays Elden Ring*
Varré: ''Unfortunately for you, however, you are Maidenless.''
*Angry Cinder noises.* *Melt the game system with semblance.* ''I'm not going to take this kind of flak from a stupid video game.''