Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
Butterflies fluttered in Weiss's stomach as she saw the floating city of Atlas from the plane window, but along with the well-known nervousness of returning home, there was also a large dose of worry when she saw the huge fleet surrounding the city.
- The Atlas fleet… - Weiss was speechless at the sight of dozens of cruisers, carriers and thousands of fighter jets patrolling the air. She looked at Qrow in the cage who, though he was in bird form, was clearly thinking the same thing she was. - It's like they're preparing for war.
- Wonderful, isn't it? - Right approached her and he rather admired the huge fleet. - The largest and most powerful fleet in all of Remnant. It has no pair in the world.
- I knew they recalled all the ships… - Weiss just couldn't feel the joy that Right felt. - but this…
- Breathtaking? - Right pulled himself out proudly. - Amazing? Wonderful?
- Worrying. - Weiss corrected. - I mean… are they preparing to war?
- Obviously! Since the fall of Beacon, the other countries have only been watching our weaknesses and waiting for an opportunity to launch an attack, but General Ironwood presciently ordered the entire army back to prepare for an attack from any country! Atlas will prevail!
- Atlas will prevail! – Left, who was driving the plane, now turned back and repeated his partner's last sentence, while Weiss and Qrow just rolled their eyes.
The plane was getting closer and closer to the floating city of Atlas so that they could land on the airfield of the military base.
- We live in uncertain times, - Weiss saw out of the corner of her eye a large projector in the city on which Ironwood was giving a speech. – and I know what the rest of the world thinks of us, but I can tell you one thing for sure. Atlas' kingdom will remain strong and secure. That's my promise.
- General Ironwood! - Right, even if it's only for a monitor, but he saluted, even Left he let go of the wheel so he could salute.
- It's so... - While the two soldiers stared at their superior with admiration, Weiss was more worried about him.
- Charismatic? - Guessed Right.
- Respectable? - Bal continued.
- Strong?
- Tired. - That was the first thing that came to Weiss's mind when she saw the general on the monitor.
He had changed since the last time she had seen him in Beacon, then he seemed kind, relaxed and a little amused, now, apart from his growing beard, under his eyes were circles, his face was tormented and his posture was different. In the past, he always pulled himself out and often clasped his hands behind his back, but now more than ever, as if someone was holding a gun to his back. Even Qrow gave a worried croak when he saw what had become of his friend.
- Clearly, - Right didn't share these concerns at all. – defending a kingdom can be exhausting, but the general is strong! General Ironwood will be victorious!
- General Ironwood will be victorious! – Left repeated, Weiss was already rolling her eyes and Qrow would have liked to break out of this floating turtle, just get rid of these two clowns.
The plane slowly approached the military base and then landed after giving permission. Weiss took Qrow's cage with her, Myrtenaster hanging on her belt, but Right carried her suitcase behind her and Right opened the plane's door to let her out.
There was a whole platoon of Atlas soldiers lined up outside, just waiting for them.
- Weiss Schnee, - The white uniformed officer waited with arms folded behind him. – it's a great honor for me to be able to accompany you back to your father. – He pointed towards a limousine, with which they clearly wanted to transport her, in front of it and behind it were two military jeeps, which were meant to be the escort.
Weiss's heart started pounding in fear, she knew very well that if she got into that car, there would be no going back and she would be taken to her father immediately. The thought made her sick, but Qrow croaked in the cage, bringing her back to the present.
- Ms. Schnee, - Left looked at her worriedly. - are you feeling well?
- You're quite pale. - Right joined.
- Yes! - Weiss pulled out quickly. - It's just... - She said the first excuse she could think of. - I have to go to the bathroom.
- Of course. - The officer nodded to give permission and wait for Weiss to go to the restroom.
- We'll escort you there immediately! - Left and Right were the first to follow behind her, jogging slowly.
Weiss found it disturbing and annoying at the same time that the two men wouldn't let her out of their sight for even a minute, and their behavior just an extra annoyance.
- We have arrived! - Left and Right stood guard in front of the women's bathroom.
- With your permission, Ms. Schnee, - Right took Qrow's cage from her. - feel free to do your business.
- Thank you. - Weiss couldn't wait to shake off these two monkeys when she got to the women's bathroom, but she was worried that she couldn't take Qrow with her. - Wait! - She leaned over to the cage and started talking to Qrow as if she really was just an animal. - I'm going to go to the bathroom for a moment, you, - She inadvertently released the lock on the cage. – until then, stay here and don't come after me. - She nudged with her head and signaled him to escape and find her as soon as she entered the bathroom.
- Don't worry, Ms. Schnee, - The two men pulled out. – we will be here and take care of your bird until you come back!
- I'm grateful for it. - Weiss bowed and went into the bathroom.
- Oh, how sensitive, - Left just shook his head. - she can't go anywhere without her little bird.
- I understand, - Right held the cage in front of him to get a better look at Qrow. - since it's so... - As soon as he looked at him, Right froze, because Qrow looked at him like a predator at its prey, but what scared him even more was that the door of the cage was open.
Qrow finally, after several hours of act and humiliation, stormed out of the cage door, straight into Right's face, which he clawed. The man yelped in pain and dropped the cage as Qrow flew towards the exit. He took one last look at Right's scratched face, which is sure to leave a mark, "At least now you can tell them apart.", he thought.
Weiss was getting more and more nervous as she entered the bathroom, but she knew she couldn't stop. She headed straight for the end of the bathroom and as soon as she saw the sunlight filtering through the window, her heart was happy, until she saw the tiny size of the window for a second.
She let out an unpleasant sigh, but did everything she could to get out the window. First, she threw Myrtenaster out, then she climbed up, pulled up and then squeezed herself out of the tiny window, but unfortunately, she got stuck halfway.
Her upper body and two arms were already free, but her lower body and legs were trapped and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't squeeze herself out, "This is my luck!" if someone comes in, not only will she be taken back to her father by force, but she wouldn't be able to bear the shame of being found stuck in a toilet window.
"Am I stuck here for the rest of my life or do I go back to my father?", she thought, which fate would be worse, but she didn't have much time because someone appeared in front of her.
- Have you gained a few pounds, Ice Queen? - To Weiss' relief, it was Qrow, back in human form and of course, once he saw the pitiful situation she was in, he couldn't resist cracking a stupid joke.
- Would you help me! – Weiss angrily shuffled her feet and reached for Qrow. - Why did they have to put such a tiny window in here?
- What do you expect? - Qrow grabbed her hand and pulled her free with a single, strong tug, she fell to the ground, but glad to finally be free, she grabbed her sword and stood up. - They can't put a shop window in the toilet.
- There they are! – Left came around the corner, still chasing Qrow and accompanied by a group of soldiers.
- Time to go! - Qrow took out Harbinger and pointed it at the soldiers to keep them away while Weiss summoned something. - Anytime, Ice Queen. – He tried to urge the girl.
- It worked! – Weiss stabbed Myrtenaster into the ground, a rune appeared around her and summoned an ice Lancer, which they sat on the back and they flew away from the base.
The alarms went off at the base and there was no sign of the two fugitives. Weiss felt truly in her element now that she had escaped the custody of the Atlas soldiers and was free to soar on her own summoned Lancer. And Qrow was relieved that they were finally on a straight path to Ironwood and there was only one step left to meet the general.
- Could you promise, - Weiss wanted to clarify one thing with Qrow - that you won't talk anybody about what happened in the window earlier.
- If you promise, - Qrow smiled confidently. – that you don't tell anyone about your pet Qorbeau.
- Deal. – They shook hand.
Weiss parked the Lancer in an alley in the city, since they couldn't go straight to the Atlas academy as fugitives. They stuck to Roman's plan and preferred to lie low until they started looking for them all over town.
- What should we do until then? - Weiss asked.
- Let's speed up the process, - Qrow took out Harbinger again and cut down a power pole that had fallen onto the road. – with a little disturbance. - He shot out several lights with Harbinger's rifle and also a police robot, with the head of which he broke the window of a store and the alarm went off. The whole street began to flee in panic – Your turn, princess.
- Hm. - Weiss has never caused harm or disorder in her life, so this is a hard challenge for her. She kicked the recently decapitated robot's body and then looked excitedly at Qrow as if she was waiting for the results to be announced. Qrow just slapped his forehead and shook his head in frustration.
- Of course, I got the pedantic princess who can't make a mess.
- Oh yeah?! - Weiss raised Myrtenaster, summoned and fired a huge firebomb into the sky, which hit a cruiser flying above them, causing many fighters to pour out like a disturbed beehive. - Whoops.
- That might be a bit much. - It was funny for Qrow to see the Atlas elites' everyday life being thrown up with a bit of vandalism but after the Atlas soldiers showed up and surrounded them with loaded guns, it wasn't so funny anymore.
-Throw the weapons and hands in the air immediately! – One of the officers shouted with a dictaphone.
- Do what they say! - Qrow dropped Harbinger and raised his hands, Weiss did the same.
It didn't take long for Qrow and Weiss to find themselves handcuffed, loaded into a transporter and taken away for questioning.
- What do you think, - Weiss felt a little tense after they took off. - where are they taking us?
- If Roman was telling the truth, - Qrow, if he couldn't stand Roman, he had to admit that his plan had worked perfectly so far. - to prison.
- And then? - Weiss was worried about what would happen next.
- Then comes the most critical part of the plan. When they interrogate us, we will tell them who we are and that we have an urgent message for General Ironwood.
- Maybe, - Weiss hoped for something. – we can also ask my sister. She's also on good terms with the general.
- Then we hope we can reach one of them. - Qrow sat back and waited for them to arrive at the prison.
- Look! - Weiss noticed something unusual from the window.
- That's not the prison. - Qrow looked out too.
- It's the Atlas Academy!
The transport landed on the academy's runway, the door opened and the soldiers ordered the two prisoners out of the plane. The Atlas academy was an amazing structure, a tall, awe-inspiring, dark blue structure with perhaps the most massive CCT-tower in all of Remnant. A dark gray flight of stairs led to the academy, with several soldiers patrolling up and down it.
Once they were brought into the academy, they were led to an elevator that took them up to the highest floor.
As soon as the elevator arrived, the soldiers wordlessly led the two prisoners down a long, downward corridor that led to a larger hall whose blue marble plinth bore the coat of arms of the kingdom of Atlas, inlaid in white marble.
- ...seriously, if one more councilor... - Arriving in the hall, they both heard a familiar voice.
- It's you?! – Somebody Weiss thought was dead and never seen again. At first, she thought it was just her eyes that were deceiving her or mistaking her with someone, but Penny was standing in front of her looking at her with her kind but shocked green eyes. - Weiss?
- Penny?! – Weiss, if she was happy to see her friend again, whom she and her team had thought dead for so long, the most important thing is to be able to talk to the general.
The joyous meeting of the two girls caught the attention of some who were too busy. General Ironwood and his right hand, Winter Schnee could hardly believe that Weiss and Qrow were standing before them.
- Winter? – Weiss didn't know what to say when she saw her sister and the feeling was mutual.
- Could you help us, Ice Queen? - Qrow raised both of his arms, showing that they were both handcuffed. Winter just looked sternly at the accompanying soldiers and issued the order.
- You have 10 seconds to remove the handcuffs from them before I seriously hurt you. - The soldiers, a little confused, but immediately obeyed and removed the handcuffs from Weiss and Qrow as quickly as possible, regretting as much as they could.
- Please, - General Ironwood smiled at Qrow. - come. - He invited them into his office, which was a dome-like room with large glass windows and a perfect view of the city of Atlas. - It's so good to see friendly faces, even if it's just yours.
- The reception wasn't very warm. - Qrow was still rubbing his wrist.
- I'm sorry you were treated so rudely, - Ironwood sat down at his desk. – but when my people reported riots in the upper town, we thought the worst.
- I had to get your attention somehow, James. – Qrow just smiled and put his hand on Weiss' shoulder. - The princess is responsible for the fireball.
- You opened fire on an Atlas cruiser?! – Winter was much stricter than the general and scolded her sister, who cowered in shame. – You're lucky that you weren't shot down or get injured! – She walked over to her so she could yell at her thoroughly. - This is incredibly irresponsible... - Weiss just hugged her sister, who immediately fell silent.
- I'm sorry I scared you. – Weiss was happy to see him again and Winter also softened. - But we did what we had to do.
- I… - Winter couldn't say anything, she just returned the hug. - I think I understand. - He turned sternly to Qrow this time. - But I just can't believe you let this happen, Qrow!
- Huh, - Qrow just chuckled. – it was a hundred times safer way to get to Atlas than what the other kids had come up with. It's a bit strange that I'm the most responsible in the team. – He turned to Ironwood so that he could finally fulfill his mission. - That reminds me, the others are at the Argus border and it's very important that you let them through, James. Until they get here, we have to talk about important things that... - Qrow, if he trusted Winter and according to Weiss, Penny is also their friend, but he thought it very important that Salem and the relics should only be discussed with the principals, in private.
- You mean the relics? – Penny asked excitedly.
- Or maybe about Winter Maiden? - Winter joined in.
- Did you tell them?! – Qrow could hardly believe his ears that Ironwood shared the world's biggest secrets with his people like this.
- Hm, - Ironwood just smiled. – did you think you were the only one who had a plan after the fall of Beacon? With Ozpin gone, I absolutely needed people I could trust. - He looked over at Penny and Winter, whom he trusted. - So, yeah, I told them. Also, to the Ace Ops. That's why I'm so happy you're here. Until now, I thought it was impossible to beat Salem. Ozpin has done everything he could to hold her back, to keep the ultimate victory away from her, but she keeps coming back. Stronger than before, continuously. - He sighed tiredly. - Until we destroy her. Now, - He looked over Qrow and Weiss. – who are at the border and why is it so important that they get here?
- The students who participated in the Battle of Beacon, LLMM, JNPR, and the rest of Team RWBY. They have the Lantern of Knowledge, but the border is guarded by some crazy old woman who turns out to be a real bloodhound. - Qrow explained.
- Cordovin? - Ironwood just rubbed his forehead. - Yes, she can be a little fanatical. – He pressed a few buttons and already gave Cordo permission to let the others cross the border and escort them straight to him. - They'll be here in a day.
- Excellent. - Qrow and Weiss sighed as their plan finally worked. – It's important that they come here, because Ozpin has already been reborn and is with them. - Ironwood's eyes lit up with hope.
- Oz came back? This is amazing news!
- Yes. - Qrow didn't know if it was a good idea to reveal that he wasn't available at the moment, but he kept quiet about it and changed the subject. - What about your relics?
- You mean, - Penny rocked her feet excitedly. – the Staff of Creation? Safe and locked away in Winter Maiden's Vault.
- And the Winter Maiden?
- She's safe, - Winter replied. – and for now, her condition is stable.
- What does it mean, - Weiss worried. - stable?
- She's not a spring chicken. - Qrow gave the answer. - Now, James, - He turned to the general. - what's all about this? Why did you call back the whole army and close the border? I doubt you just want to hide?
- Indeed. - Ironwood stood up from his chair. - "I sealed the border to prevent Salem's people from infiltrating and I need the army here to protect the people. As soon as the rest of your team gets here, I will include you in my further plans. Until then, you'd better get some rest.
Penny immediately jumped forward and couldn't wait to talk to Weiss.
- Come, I'll show you where you'll sleep! – Penny has already dragged the girl away. - Weiss, I have at least a million questions and a lot of things to explain to you, but luckily, we have a lot of time now! But most importantly, how is Ruby?!
- She's okay, - Weiss tried to free her arm, which Penny hugged with such force that she almost tore it off. - she misses you a lot and thinks you're dead!
- Seriously?! - Penny suddenly stopped in shock and turned seriously to Weiss.
- I'm sure everything will be fine as soon as…
- Not that! - Penny stopped her. - Did she really miss me?
- Um... yes. As for me and the others too. They will be happy to see you again.
Qrow just laughed as the two girls excitedly left so Penny could show him the room she would be sleeping in.
- Qrow. - Ironwood addressed the Hunter.
- Hm? - He turned around curiously, but the general didn't say anything, he just approached him and his face softened.
- I meant it when I said it's good to see you again.
- Well… - Qrow had never seen this side of the general before and didn't know how to react to it, he just rubbed the back of his head. - yeah. You too. – What he couldn't put down for good was when the general hugged him, which he hugged back.
It was only a matter of time before the others arrived.
- I don't really understand how this will make me a better leader? – Ruby just looked confusedly at the papers that Roman pushed into her hand.
- A good leader must make his followers believe that he knows exactly what he is doing. – Roman sat down in the armchair and crossed his legs. - In short, you have to act.
- What? - Ruby just laughed and shook her head and laughed in embarrassment.
- A professional leader must also be a professional actor if you want people to follow you. - Roman concluded.
- But I don't want to trick or lie anyone. - Ruby put down the papers a little uncertainly.
- I guess you also don't want Salem to destroy the world and for there to be no crime, but the world isn't about what we want. We've discussed it a thousand times that it doesn't matter what you think you are, but in the eyes of others, you are the leader.
- You think? - Ruby asked uncertainly.
- "I think"?! - Roman repeated a little indignantly. - I know! You have the talent that makes you a born leader, but you let others oppress you! Qrow, Ozpin, your teachers, they taught you to obey them and believe their truth, they didn't want you to find your own.
- Fine, - Ruby was starting to believe in herself a little. – but I still don't understand how acting helps me become a better leader. - She held up the papers. - I mean… what is this?
- A funny story about a case of Dust smuggling, which, if performed correctly, will help build your confidence.
- But, - Ruby just looked worriedly at the many texts. – do I have to learn it all, word to word? At least 4 pages of nonsense!
- Just imagine you're telling a long joke. You don't need to tell it word by word, learn the essence and present it in your own words. Can you tell a joke?
- Dad jokes taught by Yang and Dad. – Ruby, as soon as she said that, Roman just shook his head wearily at how far behind she was.
- My goodness. Look, it's not too complicated. You can do it at your performance soon.
- My performance?! - Ruby's eyes widened in horror.
- Yes, I signed you up for a performance in which you have to present this story and if you don't want to be humiliated, you better learn it properly. Just figure or imagine a character that you like very much and try to act out the story imitating her.
- Is that why you behave like this? – Ruby, as Roman explained, thought that on a certain level, Roman behaves like such a character.
- Me? – Roman was a little surprised by the question. - Partly, but it has already become the part who I am.
- Who do you imagine? - Ruby was curious.
- Hm, - Roman didn't think about his old life for a long time, he only shared its details with Neo. - I don't remember the character's name anymore, but it was my favorite from the book The Shadow Prince that I read to the younger children at the orphanage.
- Really?
- Yes, I loved the fact that it wasn't a standard story and the main character wasn't the hypocritical propaganda hero that every Hunter wants to become.
- Maybe he was a criminal?
- Well... - Roman scratched the back of his head. - sometimes he was, but sometimes he helped others, of course for a reward, but mostly his personality captured me. Confident, he never lost his cool, even in the most difficult situations he only joked and pretended to be on top of the situation, and the women were in live with him. It can be understood that such a character for a penniless orphan is quite inspiring.
- He sounds a bit like you. – Ruby immediately fell for the analogy.
- Neo said the same. – Roman got lost in his memories and lowered his mask for a moment when he thought of the girl.
- Do you miss her, don't you? – Ruby noticed this and immediately realized that Roman was much more affected by Neo's betrayal than he showed. - Did this Shadow Prince… also had a girlfriend or a partner?
- No. - Roman just rubbed his face. – He always worked alone and solved everything alone.
- Roman, you are now our friend and if you want to share something, feel free to talk to us. - Ruby claimed, but it was a foreign feeling for Roman to have someone just be so nice to him, unconditionally.
- It's just... - It's weird, but Roman's words are stuck now. - Learn! – He just instructed Ruby. - One last piece of advice, - He pointed to the papers. – it's important to present all of this in such a way that it's about you and what you are telling happened to you. – Suddenly, the front door opened and Mike came in with several bags of food, from which they are preparing to cook dinner for the team, but Roman had other plans for him. – Fat one! – As soon as he addressed Mike, he was terrified, dropped the bags and pulled himself out. - Help Ruby to learn!
- Yes! - With that, Roman went outside to light a cigar, leaving the two young people to study. - Hey Ruby, - Mike was excited because this is the first time he and Ruby have done anything together. – I don't even remember when we did something together!
- Yeah. - Ruby just nodded boredly.
- Tell me, - Mike tried desperately to interact with the girl. - do you know the TV series "Happy together"?! My mom and I used to watch this all the time. It's so good! Mother Maggie is my favorite character in it!
- Mike! – Ruby stopped her angrily, he could feel her frustration, since Yang and Blake are having fun together in the city, Oscar, Ren and Nora are keeping the Grimm away at the city border, Lance is practicing swordsmanship with Jaune to distract him from Weiss' absence. - The others must be having fun in Argus, my uncle and Weiss went over the border alone to talk to General Ironwood and I don't know what happened to them since then, Roman gave me a stupid 4 pages text to learn and you… you're annoying me with the series Together with my mother!
Roman took a pleasant smoke on his cigar after going outside, looking around the peaceful streets of Argus, which reminded him of his time in the Vale. Now it was calm, they had to wait patiently and pass the time. He also thought about robbing a store, but somehow he didn't feel like it, "It's not the same without Neo and now I have no reason to."
He missed the crime, finding the right target, devising a master plans, which he and Neo carry out together, increasing his fame and fortune. Unfortunately, those days are over and the most important goal is to get to Atlas with the team and the lantern.
Another possibility occurred to him, he could easily steal the lantern from Ruby, get on the first train to leave Argus, contact Salem and offer the lantern and return to her to spend what little time he had left with Neo, even if one day Salem decides to sacrifice or cast them aside.
- Did you give it to her to distract her from her troubles? – Maria stumbled quietly next to him, Roman didn't even hear her until she called him.
- She has too many things on her mind, - They walked down the street together. - this helps her relax and increases her self-confidence.
- Pleasant with the useful. - They both stopped at an intersection and Roman held out his arm, offering to walk Maria across the road.
- What a gentleman. - Maria jokingly grabbed onto it. - You'll seduce me in the end.
- I don't want to offend you, but there are at least 40 years between us.
- Oh, Roman, - Maria just waved. – you wouldn't be the first young man to wake up in the same bed as me.
- I'm trying to get this out of my head.
Meanwhile, Ruby, with Mike's help, began to learn the story that Roman had given her.
- Let's see the first attempt. – Mike assured, and Ruby just started to read her text.
- As you know, among the 4 kingdoms, Vacuo is where Dust is the most difficult to obtain, during the great Dust shortage, - Ruby started just reading the text. – I had a connection, which was considered a miracle because at that time it was impossible to get Dust at a good price in Vacuo. I had a group of smuggler friends in the desert who sold to me at a friendly price and my friends. They called me on Scroll saying "hey Ruby, could you give me some?". Since they knew I was buying it for myself, I should buy it for them too. So, when I bought Dust for myself, I also bought it for 4-5 other friends. One day I had enough, those smugglers get rich on me, because they had nothing to do, I bought it, I delivered it and I met the buyers.
Ruby practiced the text for hours and didn't even notice that the sun had already started to set, but Roman returned, made her and himself a coffee and this time urged Ruby to concentrate on the performance now, since she had already learned the text.
- Then I realized that I am doing very badly. - Ruby just smiled and spread her arms as if she were on a stage. - They kept calling me! I couldn't get through a damned comic without at least 6 people calling me saying, "Hey, when will you buy another shipment of Dust?!", to which I was like, "Damn it, I want to read the latest edition of my comic! I'll let you know when it's available!". – She took a deep breath to control her temper a bit. - Then it got so bad that these idiots started knocking on my door! - He raised one hand. - Don't get me wrong, they're my friends who really needed Dust on a daily basis, but please, respect the boundaries. What made it even more unpleasant was that my smuggler friend only gave me Dust for 500 Lien packs, but my friends only wanted 100 Lien packs. - She took it and shook her head. - I had enough of this distribution, I had no idea how much 100 Lien Dust was!
By the next morning, it had gone so well that the rest of the team looked in awe at the normally uncertain Ruby as she explained so confidently.
- A very stupid situation has arisen. - Ruby laughed and ate a sandwich. – Vacuo had the biggest Dust shortage, people tried to use sand instead. A friend of mine managed to get a huge container from the Schnee Dust Company and asked me to sell some of it. To that I said, "I won't play Dust Fairy anymore, but if you really want, maybe a little, for very close friends." My friend thanked me and we stayed with the old business, 10 percent of the income, plus my ration. One weekend, he had a big order, but he didn't want to go to the customer alone, so he asked me to go with him. He used to ask his brother to go with him but he was arrested for some reason. At first, I didn't want to, because I had a bad feeling about it, but he begged me until I gave up. At the evening, we got to the caravan and waited. I had the Dust in a bag and I had to pee. I told my friend that I would be back in a minute.
The big night came for Ruby, when she had to perform in the cafe, because there is a performance night on the weekend and this is the place where Roman had invited her without her knowledge.
- Break a leg, sis! - Yang reassured her sister.
- It will work. - Blake is also her teammate.
- I'm a little nervous. – When Ruby's self-confidence improved, she didn't become a different person and was nervous that she now had to give a lecture in front of an audience.
- You lie badly, Red. - Roman just smiled confidently, but managed to confuse Ruby.
- I'm… lying?
- Do you seriously want to make me believe that anyone who's fighting Grimm and risking her life every day to be scared by barely 20-30 people who just sat in for a few f*rting jokes?
- I know f*rting jokes too! - Lance stepped forward.
- And you practiced all night. - Jaune was also sure that Ruby would succeed.
Ruby took a deep breath before walking towards the stage where the spotlight shone on her and all eyes were on her. She closed her eyes and began to tell the story.
Ruby went outside for a quick pee break while they waited for the customer, taking the Dust with her in case the customer arrived early and her friend passed it without her and disappear with her share. As soon as she opened the door of the women's bathroom, she stopped for a moment and could hardly believe her eyes.
4 female Atlasian soldiers and a Huntress trying to recover a stolen shipment of Dust. For a moment, Ruby thought it was a trap and had been set, but the women soldiers and the Huntress, after assessing her, didn't place much importance on it. They just stood and chat to each other, one was fixing her hair, the other was cleaning her uniform, the third was doing her make-up, the fourth was smoking a cigarette and the Huntress had just come out of one of the mobile toilets.
Ruby just stared at them for a while, the Huntress being the only one who looked suspiciously at the bag in Ruby's hand. The blood froze in her veins, she felt as if ants were crawling on her and her innermost instinct and even her common sense shouted to her to run, because she knew that damned Huntress had spotted her and the soldiers felt it too.
- The worst toilet paper in all of Remnant. - The Huntress was just complaining.
- You tell me, - One of the female soldiers stared at the tap disdainfully. - only cold water flows from the tap.
- Where was I, - Another female soldier continued the conversation that had been interrupted by Ruby. - I took my stun stick and hit the guy at his balls. - The girls all laughed at this as Ruby, seemingly oblivious to their existence, just went into another cubicle to pee, while she continued her story. - He screamed as he collapsed like a woman! Can you believe they even pay for it?!
- And then?! - Another woman asked as she wiped a tear from her eye.
- I shouted at him that I was from the Atlas research squad and put his hands at the back of his head, but that stupid guy was lying on the ground, hurting his testicles with one hand and trying to reach into his pocket with the other. I pointed my rifle at him and warned him not to move, to which he said "Okay, okay!" but he continued to reach for his pocket. I yelled at him again, "Big boy, I'm going to shut your empty, pumpkin head of yours apart if you don't put your hands behind the back of your head! - . Ruby finished her business, flushed the toilet and went to one of the faucets to wash her hands. - In the meantime, the guy's friend, he had more sense, he put his hands up and shouted at him: "What are you doing, do what she says!". Then the guy immediately put his hands on the back of his head and I handcuffed him.
- And what was in his pocket? - Another female soldier asked.
- His ID card! – The woman telling the story laughed loudly, while her companions joined her.
- You got to be kidding?!
- No! The fool didn't even know, how little it took for me to shoot his head!
Ruby finally wiped her hands and left the bathroom and the 5 women had no idea that she actually had the Dust they were looking for and it was so little that they needed to find it.
Everyone in the cafeteria applauded when Ruby finished her performance, surprising even herself with how well she was able to deliver this story.
- Wow Ruby that was amazing! - Yang was the first to hug her sister.
- It's like you've become a completely different person. - Ren acknowledged how well and artfully she presented the story. - As if you really experienced it.
- Oh, - Ruby waved modestly, blushing. - guys, it was nothing.
- How do you feel? - Roman came to her smoking a cigar.
- Good. - You could see in the girl how much she enjoyed it and how much more confident she became. - It was fun and it helps me to be more confident.
- That was the goal.
The rest of the day was quiet, the group only has to wait until Weiss and Qrow had a success and Atlas send soldiers to their accommodation to escort them to General Ironwood.
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Volume 6 is over.