Chapter 18: Jiyu Game
Last Time our heroes encountered scouts from the army of Cooler believing them to be part of the Frieza Force, then Damian and Alex challenge Diana and Asher to a Jiyu Game were if they win, they will end the mission to bring them home. Still, Asher is planning on using a poisoned edge in the game. Elsewhere Team JNPR has cleared an area of Grimm, but one showed signs of evolution due to the addition of the blood of Jason and Silas, and once it dissolves, they leave unknowingly leaving a small piece behind. What happens next now!
Outside Saiyatown...
"Mission accomplished, guys!" Ruby exclaimed as she regrouped with her teammates. They had finished off the last of the Grimm in the forest, clearing any danger to Saiyatown.
"I have to say this assignment is pretty easy. The Grimm here aren't too strong." Weiss commented.
"Yeah, and no sign of any of those special Grimm Jason warned us about, too," Yang added.
"We should still be cautious just in case," Blake advised. They began to return to Saiyatown to report their success to the mayor, this was their third day after they arrived, and since then, they were met with one to two missions a day to eliminate Grimm.
"I wonder if Team JADE is going to visit us anytime soon while we're here?" Ruby pondered.
"I'm sure they will. I mean, it's not like we're in their part of Anima every day." Yang pointed out. Soon they reached back to Jason's house, where he invited them to stay during their time there.
"I desperately need a shower. We've been killing Grimm since five in the morning." Weiss stated as they opened the door.
"Hey, guys, how's it going!" Jason greeted them as they entered the house. It seemed that while Team RWBY was out, Jason, as well as the rest of Team JADE, had entered the house.
"Wha…what are you guys doing here?" Weiss questioned as they saw them.
"I live here, well I do when I am in town," Jason answered.
"Besides, we thought we could give you guys a visit," Evan added.
"Well, it's good to see you guys!" Ruby exclaimed.
"So did all of you guys come?" Blake asked.
"Not everyone, Amber and Elias, decided to stay at the mountain," Alex answered.
"Too bad, I would've liked the chance to get to know them better," Yang commented.
"Speaking of getting to know people better, there is someone we brought that we'd like you to talk to just don't freak out," Jason replied, getting up.
"Why would we freak out?" Weiss questioned.
"Well, because this is why," Jason answered as he walked over into an adjacent room and returned with Neo. The entirety of Team RWBY was shocked at the sight of Roman Torchwick's henchmen with Yang about to attack. Before Yang could attack, however, she was stopped by Evan getting in front of her.
"Why is she here?" Yang questioned as the rest of Team RWBY got their weapons out.
"First off, can you please put your weapons away? I'd rather not have a fight occur inside my house, and second, the reason she is here is because she's a friend now." Jason explained.
"A friend! Don't you know who she is?" Yang asked.
"Well yeah, duh, but still we looked past it. I mean, I did the same with Elias." Jason answered. Then Jason looked over at Neo, who gave him a mental message.
"That's not helping the situation, Neo!" Jason stated as Neo gave a small smirk.
"Okay, what was that?" Weiss asked.
"Mura taught Jason how to read minds so he can talk with Neo, and don't worry, he'll only use that with her," Evan explained.
"Okay, full explanation now!" Yang demanded.
"Okay, so remember when I told you about that person I saved from Ursa a week ago. Well, that was Neo, and while I was tending to her wounds, we got a better understanding of one another and became friends." Jason explained. Team RWBY looked astonished at the whole story, and every one of them still on edge from Neo's presence.
"I still don't think you should trust her. She works for Torchwick!" Blake argued though Jason motioned not to say that.
"Actually, it's used to work with him because he's…dead," Jason replied, shocking the team. Neo was getting annoyed at the glares from Team RWBY and the talk about Roman, so she locked arms with Jason and dragged him out of the house.
"Hey, wait, where are we going?" Jason asked as she dragged him out.
"Wait, should we stop her?" Ruby asked.
"Nah, it's fine. He did promise to show her around anyway." Evan answered.
"How are you guys okay with this, with her?" Yang questioned.
"She's not that bad when you get to know her, she's been alone all her life after being abandoned, and Jason connected with that," Evan explained.
"Plus, I think they like each other," Evan added.
"Well, I don't trust her," Yang said.
"Neither do I." Weiss agreed as she left to take a shower.
"Wait, their dating?" Ruby asked, confused.
"No, he just thinks they will in the future." Damian clarified.
"We even placed bets on it, though Neo found out and got angry," Alex added.
"I don't want to remember that." Damian deadpanned.
"But how can you guys trust her she tried to kill us?!" Yang questioned.
"Well, she seems like she's changed plus she hasn't tried or done anything like that around us," Evan replied.
"Look, we just wanted you guys to know, so I suggest to just take the time to process it," Evan suggested.
"So besides the whole thing with her, what else brings you guys here?" Ruby asked.
"Well, just to give you guys a visit since it's our day off, and Damian and Alex have a big fight in a couple days," Evan answered.
"What kind of fight?" Blake asked.
"It's a fight with our family members that was sent to bring us home if we win, they leave us alone forever, and if we lose, then we have to go back home," Damian explained.
"So, if you lose, you'll have to go home?" Blake questioned.
"Yeah, and we won't be able to leave again." Alex clarified.
"That's awful!" Ruby commented.
"Yeah, but we have faith they'll win, so it's no matter though, just in case we wanted to at least see some other friends in case they…you know loose," Evan explained.
"Well, we'll be there to support you two and cheer you on!" Ruby declared.
"Thanks," Damian said.
"Yang, what are you doing?" Blake asked, noticing Yang looking out the front window.
"I'm worried about Jason being alone with her," Yang answered.
"I mean, what if she attacks him since they're alone?" Yang proposed.
"You're overreacting they've been alone together plenty of times before. Trust me, if she wanted to attack him or try to escape, she would have done so already." Alex stated.
"Hell Jason offered her to stay with us gave her an option she could either leave and never have to interact with us again or stay and be friends, and she chose to stay," Evan added.
"Well, I still don't trust her," Yang affirmed. With Jason and Neo, they were walking around the small village, having Neo get to know the area.
"You know when I first approached this village and was attacked by those Ursa, I didn't think it would be so small," Neo commented.
"Yeah, I hear stuff like that a lot, though this place is small. It's a great place to live in." Jason replied.
"So, your friends reacted just as expected." Neo thought to Jason.
"Yeah but give them time, and they should calm down, once you get to know them, you'll like them," Jason assured.
"I doubt they'll accept me," Neo replied.
"Trust me, they will, though that comment you made earlier didn't help," Jason said.
"It's not like they heard it. You didn't translate." Neo noted.
"Still, though." Jason sighed as they continued walking.
"Why hello, Jason it's nice seeing you twice in one week." The Mayor greeted.
"Hi, Mr. Mayor, it's good to be back since some of my friends are here. I decided to give them a visit." Jason said.
"Well, that's nice seeing you enjoy time with friends, well I won't keep you and your girlfriend busy." The Mayor replied.
"Oh, we're not dating, sir. We're just friends." Jason explained.
"If you say so, son." The Mayor laughed, giving Jason a wink before walking away.
"That was weird, oh well, shall we continue?" Jason asked, turning back to Neo, who was blushing.
"Neo, you okay, your face is red?" Jason questioned. Neo turned away from Jason so he couldn't see her face red from embarrassment from the Mayor's comment.
"I'm fine, let's keep going." Neo insisted.
"Okay, if you say so," Jason said as they continued onward.
Ironwoods Office...
"Gods above." Ironwood sighed as he sat back in his chair.
"Are you sure that it's true?" Ironwood asked.
"It's what Team JNPR reported a Grimm that shot a laser at them just before it died." Ozpin reiterated over the call.
"While I can't say for sure that it's true, we should keep an eye out for any other Grimm such as the one they described," Ozpin added.
"What has Salem been doing to cause such a creation?" Ironwood wondered.
"I can't even fathom what Salem has done to accomplish this kind of result, but if she is able to create an army of Grimm like that then there would be almost nothing we can do," Ozpin said.
"Not exactly," Ironwood interjected.
"What do you mean, James?" Ozpin questioned.
"Thanks to Elias, the Tuffle who came to our side. We've come to understand the technology of his creator's remains, so now Atlas can make our forces much stronger so that something such as the events of the Vytal Festival could never happen again." Ironwood explained.
"That's very impressive, James, but do you think having such technology is wise what if it ended up in the wrong hands such as back in Vale with the White Fang?" Ozpin asked.
"I understand your concerns Oz but trust me when I say I won't let these new models fall into the wrong hands," Ironwood assured.
"I hope your right James," Ozpin said as they ended the call.
Saiyatown...
Dinner that night was an odd experience. From the beginning, it was quiet as everyone ate around the campfire. Team RWBY, save Blake, who was happily eating the fish Jason caught, was still wary of Neo's presence, especially Yang, who never let her out of her sight. Neo sat next to Jason as they ate, ignoring the stares from the other team.
"So, are we just not going to talk or…?" Ruby began to ask.
"What's there to talk about we know everyone's doing well and making friends with criminals." Yang interrupted.
"Okay, yes, she did try to kill you all, but she's changed and won't do it again," Jason argued.
"Right Neo?" Jason asked. Neo nodded but couldn't make eye contact with Yang or the others feeling the tense air around them.
"Well, it's going to take time for any of us to trust her at all." Weiss debated.
"Well, I guess that is fair," Jason said. Neo gave him a quick glare talking with him mentally as Jason raised his hands in defense.
"It is weird seeing him talk with her without her saying a thing, though," Ruby whispered.
"It is a tad unsettling." Weiss agreed.
"So, what else have you guys been up to?" Ruby asked.
"Nothing much just what we've told you," Evan answered.
"Though we did fight some aliens yesterday." Jason pointed out.
"Wait, you did what now!" Yang yelled.
"We found some scouts roaming around Anima, and when we approached them, Elias identified them as part of the Frieza Force. They're some intergalactic planet invaders, but don't worry, we took care of it, and Elias said there was little chance that they came here on orders." Jason explained.
"I feel like you're underplaying that," Yang commented.
"I mean, those guys we beat were a lot weaker than us, so what's the worst that can happen," Jason stated.
"Sounds like you are tempting fate," Weiss replied.
"Maybe, but still, it's all we can go on. They exploded when we defeated them." Jason clarified.
"They blew up!" Yang yelled.
"First off you don't have to yell, second yeah they blew up something in their armor caused them to explode when they lost. Elias theorized it was a prevention of letting their equipment getting into the wrong hands." Evan answered.
"That seems overkill. I mean, did they have to kill themselves?" Yang asked.
"I know right, but still, if more do come, then we are prepared to fight," Jason responded.
"Wow, it seems like you guys always have something exciting going on while we still go to classes," Ruby complained.
"Oh, come on. I'm sure you guys have plenty of interesting things going on," Jason argued.
"I mean yeah, we do, but nothing actiony like back at Beacon, the worst we have to deal with is keeping Weiss's dad from taking her back to Atlas," Ruby replied.
"Why is your dad trying to take you back to Atlas?" Damian asked.
"Because he never wanted me to go to Beacon in the first place, and since the Vytal Festival incident, he wants me back in Atlas to focus on inheriting the company," Weiss answered.
"Does that mean you don't want to inherit the company, or you just want to inherit it in your own way?" Evan asked.
"My own way, obviously, when I inherit the Schnee Dust Company, I'm going to make serious changes to undo the damages my father has done to our family business and name," Weiss explained.
"Other than that, there is always looking out for the White Fang, but they've been quiet lately," Blake said after finishing her fish.
"Well, these things for us just started popping up, so who knows, maybe something exciting will happen with you guys as well," Jason suggested as they all finished up their meals.
White Fang Camp...
"So, you want our cooperation again after failing so spectacularly at Vale?!" Adam asked angrily.
"We understand you are hesitant to work with us once more, but know that we have learned from our mistakes. What happened with Cinder shall not repeat itself, especially since those who stopped our plans in Vale are now dead," Hazel explained.
"If we were to join with you again, what's changing this time?" Adam asked.
"We plan on taking Haven two months from now, and this time we're skipping the theatrics that was part of the Vale plan. Instead, we are going on a full-frontal assault to obliterate the academy along with the CCT tower. I'm sure that will send a message to everyone if you all were to be at the front of the attack." Watts answered.
"While that is tempting, what about the people who defeated those Tuffle freaks or whatever the hell they were. I've seen how powerful those Tuffles were firsthand, and if they were defeated by them, then you know that they'll try and stop this attack, so what then?" Adam questioned.
"Our mistress is currently making something that will even the playing field against them," Watts explained.
"Sorry if I don't fully believe that notion but tell you what you help me become the High Leader of the White Fang, then I'll do it and lead the White Fang in this attack of yours." Adam requested.
"That can be arranged," Hazel replied.
"Then we have a deal." Adam finished shaking their hands.
Saiyatown...
"So when is this fight with your family members?" Yang asked.
"No idea it should be soon, but I can't say for sure. Usually, it is the people who are challenged who chooses when the fight shall be." Alex answered.
"It shall be in two days at noon." Diana clarified. Everyone except Team JADE and Neo, who all could now sense energy, turned to see the new person who stood next to the fire appearing almost out of nowhere.
"Who're you?" Weiss questioned as Team RWBY pulled out their weapons.
"Calm down, this is our cousin Diana," Damian explained.
"I knew you'd be coming to tell us soon," Damian stated.
"You did make it hard to track you here, but I managed," Diana replied, tossing Damian and Alex a scroll.
"This contains the location of where the Jiyu Game will take place I expect you both to be there but not to win." Diana finished as she left.
"Wow talk about putting people down is everyone in your family like that?" Yang asked.
"Pretty much, yeah," Alex answered.
"Though she was putting it lightly if anyone else was here, especially her brother Asher I think that they would have been more aggressive," Damian added.
"Well, we'll come and cheer you on!" Ruby declared once again.
"Ruby, while it would be nice to do that, we have a mission to do here, and we can't just abandon it," Weiss argued.
"Actually, there are probably going to be a lot of negative emotions, so it would be nice to have some extra people to help." Damian mused.
"Yeah, plus, they actually close a place near here, so whatever Grimm that would come here may be drawn there so you guys may actually be able to come and watch," Alex added.
"Yes!" Ruby exclaimed.
"Wait, how close is close?" Blake asked.
"The mountain ranges behind us," Damian answered.
"Really, that's where most of the Grimm around here reside it almost as if they want Grimm to attack," Jason commented.
"It would keep everyone on their toes and prevent anyone from interfering, for they would risk attack from Grimm." Evan mused.
"Well, since it's so close and in a Grimm hot spot guess we have no choice but to go." Yang smiled.
"Wow, there's the first smile I've seen on you since I brought out Neo." Jason laughed.
"Don't remind me," Yang said, a frown forming on her face.
"Yeah, don't remind her." Neo agreed, smacking Jason in the back of the head.
"Sorry." Jason deadpanned.
"Wow, talk about a mood killer," Kai commented as he appeared behind them.
"Ahh, why do people keep appearing!" Ruby shouted as she hid behind Yang.
"Hey, Kai, what brings you here?" Jason asked.
"You asked him to pick you guys up around this time, remember," Elias answered as he walked out from behind Kai with Amber.
"Oh, right, well, we have business near here in two days, so we'll be staying here for the next couple of nights," Jason explained.
"Wait I don't think there's room in your house for all of us what are you going to do?" Ruby asked, coming out from behind Yang.
"We'll just camp out here," Jason answered.
"Camping sounds fun. We should do that!" Ruby smiled.
"Absolutely not. We don't have the proper camping equipment." Weiss replied.
"Besides, why would you want to sleep on the ground when you can on a bed?" Weiss questioned.
"Because it's fun," Ruby answered.
"Yeah, I'd rather sleep inside." Yang chimed in.
"Same." Blake agreed.
"Aw party poopers." Ruby cried.
"Are we all going to be camping out here?" Neo asked, not really looking forward to sleeping on the ground.
"If you want, I'm sure there is room for you in my house Neo," Jason answered, causing Neo to smile.
"Wait, I'm not going to sleep in the same house as her!" Yang declared.
"Okay, now you're just being childish. She's not going to try to kill you if that's what you think." Jason sighed.
"Still, though," Yang replied.
"Fine, if you feel that paranoid, I'll sleep in the same room as her to make sure she behaves," Jason suggested. Everyone present, save Ruby and Kai, looked at Jason surprised, especially Neo, who had a faint blush at the suggestion.
"What? Why are you guys looking at me like that?" Jason asked, confused.
"You do realize what you just said, right?" Blake questioned.
"That I would sleep in the same room as Neo, it's not I'm sleeping in the same bed as her," Jason answered.
"Yeah, it doesn't sound any different than back at Beacon with some teams," Ruby commented.
"Exactly." Jason agreed.
"Wow, I wish I came here in the first place. This is pretty funny to watch." Elias said.
"Is it always like this?" Amber asked.
"Sometimes," Evan answered.
"So why did you guys come?" Alex asked.
"We were out helping a local village that had Grimm attacking them, so Kai picked us up first and brought us here to pick up you guys," Elias answered.
"Well, want to stay and watch the fight in two days, plus you can get to know Team RWBY?" Damian asked.
"Sure, why not," Elias answered.
"I would like to join you all as well. I have experience camping from my time traveling around Remnant," Amber said.
"Sure, the more, the merrier," Evan replied.
"You're really willing to sleep in the same room as her just because Yang feels uncomfortable with her being inside the same house?" Weiss asked.
"Yeah, is there a problem with that?" Jason asked, confused, still at the problem.
"It's odd for a man and a woman to sleep alone together in the same room when they are not together!" Neo explained, pulling on Jason's ear.
"Ow sorry, how was I supposed to know that it would be weird, to me that's not a bad thing!" Jason cried.
"Huh, they kinda do act like a couple," Ruby commented.
"How did you not know that sleeping alone with a woman is an odd situation?" Yang questioned.
"His mom never gave him the talk," Evan answered.
"What the hell is the talk?" Jason asked, getting even more confused shocks from everyone save Kai and Evan.
"I…you…do you really not know what the talk is?" Yang asked.
"Uh…no," Jason answered.
"How? Even Ruby knows what the talk is, well, at least when Dad finally told her before we left for Haven?" Yang questioned.
"Well, my mom did die when I was twelve, and I don't have a dad, so I don't think there was anyone to give me this talk," Jason explained.
"Well, my friend, I can give you a crash course on the talk whenever you want." Evan offered.
"I think the last person that should give him the talk is you," Weiss commented.
"If not me then who?" Evan asked.
"Anyone else." Everyone answered simultaneously.
"Fine, be that way," Evan muttered.
"Well, since you maggots are staying the next couple of nights here, I'm going to head back, bye," Kai said as he disappeared.
"I wish I knew that technique," Jason complained.
"Why not learn it? Can't you learn techniques fast?" Ruby suggested.
"Yeah, but Kai refuses to teach it," Jason explained.
"Well, we should turn in. It's getting late." Blake suggested.
"That's a good idea, which rooms have you guys taken up?" Jason asked.
"We took up to two spare rooms since the other two were your room and your mother's," Yang answered.
"Alright, that sounds like the guest rooms, so that leaves my old room, and my mom's so Neo and I will take my mother's room since it's bigger." Jason decided. Jason took Neo's hand as he guided her to the room they will be staying in for the time being as everyone watched them.
"See told you, they totally like each other," Evan stated.
"I say you're looking into something that's not there," Yang commented.
"Hey, if you want to join the betting pool, you're welcome to," Evan replied.
"Didn't Neo get angry at you guys for that?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, she did, but she won't know right," Evan pointed out.
"I think we'll pass on making bets on that," Yang replied as they entered the house.
"Alright, let's get camping, what should we do first?" Evan asked.
"Well, I usually find a safe place to sleep and proceed to sleep there, and since this place is the safest, we should just sleep here. Though we should see if there are sleeping bags inside." Amber answered.
"Yay sleeping on the ground, I guess it could be worse." Damian sighed as he headed inside to find some sleeping bags.
"At least we have a great view," Alex muttered as he joined his brother.
Jason opened the door to what used to be his mother's room and entered with Neo taking a look around. The room had a single king-sized bed with a couple of chairs, and a desk on the desk held several pictures of Jason and his mother upon it.
"Man, when was the last time I slept in this room? I think it had to be the last time I had a nightmare as a kid, and Mom told me to sleep in here with her." Jason thought. Soon he felt a tug on his Gi and turned to look at Neo, who wished to tell him something.
"If you're done spacing out what are you going to do about sleeping in here, there is only one bed?" Neo asked.
"Wait, you're not going to be sleeping in there with me, are you?" Neo questioned, embarrassed.
"No, don't worry, there should be a sleeping bad in here, so I will sleep on the floor," Jason explained as the two got ready for bed.
Mountain Ranges Near Saiyatown...
Asher watched as the airship touched down on the makeshift landing pad, they made in the arena they had prepared for the Jiyu Game. As it landed and the occupants exited, Asher kneeled in the presence of the middle-aged man in front of him. This man was Dax Shade, an "elder" of the family and father to Damian and Alex and uncle of Asher and Diana.
"Welcome, Sir Dax I hope the flight was enjoyable for you." Asher greeted.
"You may stand up Nephew, the flight was nice, but I hope the preparations for the Jiyu Game here have been better," Dax replied.
"It is Sir you are the last component we needed to complete our preparations, as an elder of the family you can oversee the Jiyu Game and declare the winner," Asher explained as he and Dax walked over to the arena made for the fights.
"So who shall be fighting my insubordinate sons?" Dax asked.
"That would be me and my sister, Sir," Asher answered.
"Truly, I didn't think you would step in yourself," Dax commented.
"Well, I thought might as well teach these fools a lesson on why you never betray the traditions of our family myself rather than leave it to someone else," Asher explained.
"Fair enough," Dax replied.
"But answer me this, is it true that they mastered the techniques of the opposite faction?" Dax asked.
"From what Diana reported, yes, though I have yet to witness it with my own eyes, she has stated seeing Alex use the Dragon Arrow as well as being able to perform the rebound arrow variant," Asher answered.
"I see and Damian?" Dax questioned.
"We have not confirmed if he is able to do so, but Diana theorized that he could," Asher explained.
"Well, either way, I can rest assured that you and Diana will be victorious in the Jiyu Game in two days," Dax said.
"Of course, Sir, now if you come with me, I shall escort you to your tent," Asher responded as he led Dax to his tent.
Jason's Home...
Two days past and the day of the Jiyu Game has arrived, the previous day was spent training and killing some Grimm in preparation. Everyone woke up around the same time to eat breakfast and get ready for the day. Then all eyes were on Jason when he exited the room where he and Neo had slept alone two nights in a row to join his friends.
"Good morning, everyone." Jason greeted as he sat down at one of the tables set up for everyone to eat.
"So, how was it like?" Evan asked.
"How was what?" Jason questioned.
"Sleeping in the same room with Neo for the past two nights." Evan clarified.
"It was fine. I guess I just slept on the floor in a sleeping bag while she slept on the bed." Jason answered.
"Man, you're no fun." Evan sighed.
"Where is Neo?" Yang asked, still not trusting the girl.
"Still asleep, and I didn't want to wake her up," Jason answered. Yang looked over towards Jason's mother's room, eyeing the door still very cautious of Neo's presence around them.
"She's not doing anything suspicious if that's what you're thinking," Jason said.
"Yeah, that's not going to stop her," Ruby commented. Soon everyone was ready, and once Neo woke up and did the same, they made a game plan for the Jiyu Game.
"So during this game, we ask that none of you try to interfere with the fights. Otherwise, it will be judged as unfair, and we'll be immediately disqualified." Damian explained.
"Understood, but we'll still be there for you both," Jason replied.
Damian and Alex nodded as they began to travel to the mountains behind them to start the game. After a couple of hours, it was nearly noon as they were halfway up the mountain nearing their destination.
"Why did it have to be in the middle of some mountains!" Ruby complained.
"Quit complaining Ruby, this isn't so bad think about the time we trained with Kai that was way worse." Yang comforted.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Ruby agreed. Soon they arrived at their destination, a small ring surrounded by several people getting scowls from everyone there.
"Talk about a bad welcoming committee," Yang commented.
"So this is what a Jiyu Game is, it seems more close quarters and difficult than in combat class," Blake noted.
"That's the point there is no aura reading the fight ends if one's aura is broken," Alex explained
"Well, you came with an entourage can't say I'm surprised, but still as long as they don't interfere, they can stay," Asher commented as they arrived.
"Don't worry, they won't be interfering. They have faith," Alex replied.
"Well, they have come to be disappointed as much as I am my sons," Dax stated as he came into view glaring at his two sons.
"Great, they got Dad to be the overseer," Damian complained.
"That's your father?" Weiss asked.
"Unfortunately," Alex answered.
"Hey, at least you get to show off to your dad how good you've guys have gotten," Jason noted.
"The only thing they'll be showing off today is how bad they'll be losing." Asher gibed.
"Enough let us get this underway I'd rather not waste any more time with this than we need to." Dax declared. The group got to the edge of the ring, ready for the game to begin.
"Now may the contestants from both sides enter the ring and announce their names and faction," Dax ordered. Damian and Alex entered the ring as did Asher and Diana meeting in the middle.
"I am Damian Shade of the dragon faction," Damian announced.
"I am Alex Shade of the serpent faction," Alex stated.
"I am Asher Shade of the serpent faction," Asher announced.
"I am Diana Shade of the dragon faction," Diana stated.
"Now present your weapons," Dax ordered. Each brought out their weapons and placed them in front of themselves.
"Two swords, huh was one not enough to flail around?" Asher questioned.
"You'll see what I can do with them." Damian shot back as he sheathed back his swords.
"We are gathered here today on the behest of the challengers who wish to be to be separated from the family, the winner is decided by the first team to get two wins. You can get a win by either pushing your opponent out of the ring or if one's the aura is broken. Furthermore, one can forfeit a match if they so wish, and once the match is decided, you are not allowed to attack your opponent any further." Dax explained.
"So who shall fight first?" Dax inquired.
"I'll go first, Sir." Diana volunteered.
"Then, I'll be her opponent," Alex stated.
"If you wish, will the other two please leave the ring so that Diana and Alex may fight," Dax ordered. Soon Diana and Alex stood alone in the ring with their bows out and ready to fight.
"Let the match begin!" Dax announced. Both fighters went immediately into action, drawing arrows and shooting them at one another. Each matched one another with each arrow not missing a shot keeping a distance between themselves.
"I have to admit when it comes to basic skills with a bow, you are very proficient. However, when it comes to the skills of the dragon faction, you are but a novice." Diana claimed as she prepared a Dragon Arrow.
Once she shot the attack, Alex immediately got out of the way and powered up an attack of his own. Still, instead of countering with his own Dragon Arrow like he had done in their first fight, he shot a charged arrow around Diana's attack and curving back at her. Diana had barely any time to dodge as she caught the sight of the arrow from the corner of her eye, but once she got away, Alex fired another arrow at her, which she was unable to dodge.
The arrow made impact with her taking part of her aura with it as she shot an arrow of her own at Alex, who easily dodged the attack. However, Diana's Dragon Arrow was heading right for Teams JADE, RWBY, and Co, who prepared to avoid the attack until Neo used her semblance to move them out of the way.
"Wait, what?!" Yang questioned as she looked at Neo, who had a smug smile.
"Why isn't Alex using the cool dragon move too, can't he do that?" Ruby asked.
"It's part of our plan. We have the advantage of using techniques and skills unknown to them, meaning we can easily catch them by surprise while we know most of their moves." Damian explained.
"That's pretty smart using what they thought was your faults as an advantage," Weiss commented.
Back in the ring, the two continued fighting with each other, shooting arrows at one another. That is until Diana shot another Dragon Arrow at Alex. However, this time, she did not do it alone as she shot a second one on a curve at Alex making him unable to shoot a counterattack. Being forced to the edge of the ring, Alex dodged the first Dragon Arrow easily and ran away from the second around the ring.
As Alex reached the other side, he was met with Diana preparing another Dragon Arrow right in front of him, looking to sandwich him between two attacks, but Alex was not about to let that happen as he ran back to the middle. Alex turned to face Diana, who was about to shoot her arrow and seeing the previous attack still following him.
"Damn, she shot the Tracker Dragon!" Alex thought.
Acting quickly, he charged up his own Dragon Arrow shooting it at the now two other attacks coming at him, causing everyone on the Shade family side to go wide-eyed. The three dragons collided and shot straight upward into the air, but before Alex could prepare a follow-up, two arrows came through the dragons. He managed to dodge one of the arrows, but the other hit him in the chest, taking away some of his aura.
"Shit, she got me there, but the fight's not over." Alex thought.
"Amazing their both fighting with everything they've got," Blake commented.
"Yeah, it's super cool!" Yang exclaimed.
"Still, though, it doesn't look too good for Alex." Elias pointed out.
"What do you mean?" Evan asked.
"While Alex does have the advantage of knowing the techniques of his opponent and they don't know all of his moves, he has little ways of countering those attacks," Elias explained.
"Though that is a problem Alex will manage to win I believe it plus he has one more advantage on Diana, thanks to his training with Kai he is much stronger physically and has more stamina than her. Most people in the dragon faction fight long range with little close combat so she won't last too long." Damian stated. Alex shot several arrows at Diana, who countered with her own once again, bringing on a stalemate.
"Just give up while you may have caught me off guard in our first fight this time, I know what you are capable of, and with my greater experience you can't win," Diana claimed.
"This fight has been going on longer than I expected, and it seems Alex truly is able to use the Dragon Arrow, but can Damian use the Serpent Cutter." Dax thought as he observed the fight.
Alex shot several arrows in succession at Diana, who managed to dodge them except one that scraped her leg. Diana shot her own arrows at Alex, who smacked them away with his bow, and once he recovered, shooting a single charged arrow at Diana hitting her in the arm. Her aura pushed the arrow out slowly since her aura has taken a hit.
"Don't be so sure of yourself Diana I don't plan on losing here." Alex declared.
Both then fired a barrage of arrows at one another, each hitting their arrows. Diana responded to this by firing several Dragon Arrows at Alex, who easily countered her attacks with a single Dragon Arrow due to the weakness of her attacks.
"It almost as if she is getting desperate not getting to charge enough energy for a proper Dragon Arrow." Alex thought as he shot two more arrows at Diana, who seemed to be tiring out from the fight.
Unable to dodge the attacks, she was forced to block them with her bow knocking her back some way. Alex took this opportunity to charge in at hit Diana several times with his bow sending her flying towards the edge of the ring.
Backing up, Alex took two arrows and knocked them charging up energy in both of them. Diana reacted immediately and charged up her own Dragon Arrow planning on doing what Alex had done to her in their first fight with the Rebound Dragon.
But her plan was ruined when they shot their attacks for Alex's two Dragon Arrows instead of going straight forward his two attacks curved on both sides of her own going right for her. Having nowhere to run, she was trapped as the two attacks made impact shattering her aura and sending her out of the ring. Dax was surprised at the sudden turnout of the match, but he knew that he must judge the match fairly.
"The winner is Alex Shade," Dax announced much to his displeasure. Teams JADE, RWBY, and Co, cheered loudly at the announcement of Alex's victory as he rejoined them.
"That was awesome way to go, Alex!" Ruby cheered.
"You did great, Alex. I knew that you could do it!" Jason smiled.
"Great job Alex now I just need to defeat Asher, and this will all be over." Damian congratulated.
"How could you lose to him you failure?!" Asher shouted.
"I'm sorry, Asher, I'm not good with close combat." Diana apologized.
"No, shit!" Asher yelled.
"Enough Asher your up next, you have to beat them both now to win," Dax ordered.
"Don't worry, Sir, I will not fail you like Diana has," Asher assured.
"Asher, are you sure about this?" Diana questioned.
"Don't question me on this, unlike you. I finish the job," Asher replied as he entered the ring.
"Looks like it's my turn," Damian said as he entered the ring.
"Good luck!" Ruby yelled. Alex sat down next to everyone to rest up, after using so much Dragon Arrows in such rapid succession his aura is exhausted.
"So, what are the odds of Damian winning?" Weiss asked.
"Personally, I'd say that he would win no problem, but that is my opinion you never can truly know," Alex answered.
"He'll win for sure, don't worry," Evan assured. Damian and Asher met in the middle of the ring with their swords drawn ready for battle.
"Now, then let the second match begin!" Dax announced.
Damian and Asher then charged at one another, clashing blades in the middle of the ring, Damian used his short-sword to attack Asher during the stalemate. Asher jumped back and dodged the attack, and once he did, Damian threw several energy slashes at Asher taking him off guard, having to block the attacks with his sword.
"So you also managed to make up your own use for your semblance, I see, but it won't help you!" Asher declared.
Soon Asher began to move faster and more erratic around Damian with almost a serpent-like image surrounding him. Asher then charged right at Damian attacking with a frightening speed, making Damian barely able to block the attacks, only blocking half of the attacks.
"Speed Serpent!" Asher yelled as he sped through Damian.
Damian took the chance of Asher's back being turned to unleash a Serpent Cutter right on Asher's back that he was unable to guard. In retaliation, Asher spun around to attack Damian with his own Serpent Cutter, but he was blocked by Damian's short sword charged with a mini Serpent cutter countering Asher's. Following up on this, Damian swung his main sword down on Asher, cutting off a chunk of his aura.
"Damn, he's more skilled than I thought, but soon it'll kick in." Asher thought with an evil smile on his face.
Damian went for another attack on Asher, but he manages to dodge the attack then following it up with his own at Damian. As Damian went to block the attack, he felt a sudden dizziness overtake him, and he was directly hit by Asher, sending him away. Picking himself back up, he had barely enough time to dodge Asher's next attack, and once he got out of the way, Damian slashed at Asher's legs causing him to fall down.
Getting back up, Damian held both of his swords at the ready as Asher rose from the ground. Before Damian could attack Asher, he was once again overtaken by an overwhelming feeling of dizziness as his vision went blurry.
"What the hell is going on I shouldn't get tired like this so early on." Damian wondered.
"What's wrong don't tell me you're tired already?" Asher teased.
"He did something to me, but what?" Damian questioned as Asher charged at him. Damian barely blocked the attacks as he couldn't quite see over the dizziness he was experiencing.
"What the hell is going on why is Damian acting like he's been fighting all day?" Blake questioned.
"I don't know what's happening. This has never happened before." Jason replied.
"Asher must have done something to Damian, causing him to be like this. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if he did." Alex explained.
"Wouldn't that be against the rules?" Yang asked.
"No, as long as it doesn't kill the opponent during the match, it's allowed," Alex answered. Damian was sent flying by another of Asher's attacks, rolling onto the ground towards the edge of the ring.
"He must have poisoned me somehow, dammit what the hell am I supposed to do?" Damian thought as he got up.
"You're done for Damian, give up now while you still can." Asher declared.
"Not happening," Damian replied as he picked himself up.
Looking around his body, he looked for the spot that had the clearest indicator of poison, and once he found that, he cut it open, letting some of the poison bleed out before the wound healed. Damian's vision cleared some, but not all he knew that the rest was flowing in his veins, and he would be unable to bleed it out so his aura would have to do the rest.
"I can't let him hit me again with his sword I won't be able to last much longer against him if I do," Damian concluded. He charged at Asher managing to copy the Speed Serpent technique he witnessed earlier.
Damian and Asher clashed several times around the ring, with neither giving the other a chance to hit them. During the several clashes, Damian got the upper hand by blocking Asher's attack with his sword and hitting him with his short sword. He then began to assault Asher with various strikes all over until the poison began to retake effect, causing Asher to once again gain the upper hand on Damian.
In order to get Asher away from him, Damian used a point-blank energy slash on Asher. Keeping his distance now, Damian continued to use energy attacks at Asher to keep him away while his aura slowly took out the poison.
"I can't keep this up forever. Eventually, my aura will run out either from my attacks or from me recovering from the poison I need to end this soon." Damian thought.
Asher became fed up with Damian's constant energy attacks, so he used another Speed Serpent to get close to Damian. Once he got close to Damian, he went for the attack, but Damian was prepared to bring down his own swords upon Asher's pushing his strike away. Taking Asher by surprise, he charged up both of his swords and struck a decisive blow on Asher.
"Twin Serpent Slasher!" Damian yelled as he used both blades spin around to slice up Asher, breaking his aura completely. Everyone stood shocked at the sudden ending of the fight, especially everyone on the Shade side until once again, everyone with Teams JADE, RWBY, and Co cheered loudly.
"The winner is…Damian Shade," Dax announced once again much to his displeasure.
"You did it!" Jason exclaimed.
"Yeah, no poison is keeping you down!" Evan added. Soon Damian and Alex were joined by their friends who all were celebrating their victory.
"No, how, how could I lose?" Asher questioned.
His anger built as he watched them celebrate. He couldn't let them win. How could he? They were trash unfit to win. Asher then took out more of the Black Tar Venom coating his sword with a lethal amount as he attacked Damian and Alex. But before he could reach him, Jason noticed what he was doing, giving him a quick yet strong punch to his face. The blow knocked Asher away, but his sword came down and gave Jason a quick cut in his chest.
"Someone's a sore loser," Jason sighed as he checked his wound.
"That was an interference with a match!" Asher yelled.
"The match was already over brother you just broke the rules!" Diana shouted.
"NO, I CAN'T LET THEM WIN THEY CAN'T BE ALLOWED TO WIN AFTER DESERTING THE FAMILY!" Asher screamed as he charged in for another attack. However, this time the one who stopped him was Dax coming at him at a frightening speed and taking him out with a single swing of his sword.
"Enough Asher you have violated the terms of the Jiyu Game Damian and Alex won fair, and square and tradition states that we must now leave them be and that is final. I see now that your mental state is in no way stable to lead a team, and I demote you from your position and give it to Diana." Dax stated shocking both Asher and Diana.
"No, Uncle, you can't. They have to die!" Asher stammered, receiving a slap from Dax.
"I have spoken! Our business here is over Damian, and Alex are to be left alone from now on, and no one is allowed to force them back." Dax declared as he got everyone prepared to leave and detained Asher.
"Wow, that guy is crazy," Weiss commented.
"Yeah, Asher was always like that, but it does seem like he's gone off the deep end," Alex replied.
Alex and Damian turned to leave with their friends, giving no mind to the family members behind them, especially their father. Dax looked back on his two sons as they left cracking a small smile as he turned to head back to the Shade family home.
"Aren't you two going to say anything to your family or your dad?" Yang asked.
"Nope," Damian answered.
"Got nothing to say to them. Our actions spoke for themselves back there, so I believe that they understand our decision. Plus, we won, and like Dad said, tradition says that everyone must obey the outcome." Alex added as they continued onward. After leaving the mountains, Team JADE and Co assisted Team RWBY in clearing out some Grimm near the area before they had to leave.
"Are you sure you guys can't stay longer?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, sorry we have to head back to the mountain and help out things there as well as go and help out other villages." Jason apologized.
"But we'll see each other again soon sometime I'm sure of it," Jason added.
"You better, I won't forgive you guys if you go dark for another four months," Weiss said.
"Don't worry, we won't like Jason said we will see each other soon," Evan assured.
"I also want to get to talk to you, Mr. Distant." Yang teased, pointing at Elias.
"Sure, I guess I don't mind that," Elias replied.
"And I guess we could see Neo again if we had to," Blake added.
"Well, that's a better attitude about it!" Jason exclaimed as Kai arrived.
"Alright maggots time to go," Kai ordered.
"See you guys!" Ruby waved as she and the rest of Team RWBY waved goodbye.
Kai's Mountain...
"Well looks like that was finally taken care of." Jason smiled, sitting down, look at the sunset over the horizon.
"Yeah, quick and easy, but if I were you guys, I would have rubbed it in their faces about the victory," Evan commented.
"While it was tempting, we just wanted to get it over with and leave nothing left behind in that family. The match was over, and there was nothing left that needed to be done except leave." Damian explained.
"Leaving nothing behind, huh, and moving forward with your life, that's a nice way of thinking." Elias complimented.
"Well, let's get something to eat and celebrate this victory!" Jason exclaimed as he got up, wiping his brow of sweat.
"Hey, are you okay you look a little sick?" Evan asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine I just need some res…." Jason began until he collapsed into unconsciousness.
"Shit what the hell!" Evan yelled as he went to his friend's side.
"He's burning up!" Evan said as Neo join him at Jason's side.
"But he was perfectly fine earlier." Alex pointed out. They turned Jason over and removed his shirt to inspect what was going on only to see the minor cut caused by Asher's sword darkened and his veins around it looking just as the same.
"What the hell is this?!" Evan questioned.
"Asher must have used a more potent poison on his sword when he attacked us last," Damian explained.
"These symptoms mark that it's Black Tar Venom," Alex added.
"He's not going to die, is he?" Evan asked.
"Don't know that depends on how much of a fighter he is, and since he is a strong fighter, I think he'll make it through. Plus, he's an alien, so who knows what will happen, the fact that it only took effect now is somewhat a good sign." Alex explained.
Neo looked concerned as she held onto Jason's head as the others talked concerned for his well being. He had helped her when she was about to die even though he didn't have to, and he offered her a place in this world with friendship, and she was going to help him here. She took out her Hush and smacked the others out of their conversation on what might happen to Jason to get them to help her take him into his room.
"Right, we need to bring him to his room and get ready to see him through this," Evan said in response to Neo's smack on his head.
"So, what is the best way to help him?" Elias asked.
"The best way is to keep his fever down," Alex answered.
"Is there no other way to help him like a cure?" Amber questioned.
"Our family never bothered making such an antidote for the poison because whenever it was supposed to be used, it was meant to kill. Plus, we were always taught to avoid ever coming into contact with the stuff so we wouldn't infect ourselves," Damian answered.
"Wow that's such a smart move by your family let's make a poison and no cure it's not like we'll accidentally kill anyone innocent!" Evan yelled, full of sarcasm.
"That's not helping!" Elias shot back.
"I'm just saying," Evan noted. Soon they got Jason into his room and placed him onto his bed as he breathed heavily.
"Alright, I'm going to get water for him," Evan said until he noticed Neo had water in her hands already.
"Wait, when did you get that?" Evan asked. Neo just gave him a look as she grabbed a hand towel wetting it and putting it on Jason's forehead.
"Okay, well, that's taking care of, but what now?" Elias asked.
"The only thing we can do is wait and hope he recovers fast," Alex answered.
"Okay, so who's going to watch him tonight?" Damian asked, getting a smack by Neo's Hush.
"Oh, so you want to look after him?" Damian asked. Neo just nodded as she pushed everyone out of the room and went back to Jason's side, tending to him once more. With the others, they were walking towards their own rooms to turn in for the night.
"Hey, I just realized are you going to be okay, Damian, didn't Asher poison his sword during your fight as well?" Evan asked.
"Yeah, but he must have used a lower dose because if he did use the same amount of poison as he did with Jason, I'd be dead by now most likely," Damian explained.
"Still though I'm worried about Jason, I doubt something like poison is going to kill him, but who knows," Evan said.
"Right now, all we can do is have faith and be by his side through this," Elias replied.
"You're right, plus Neo is taking care of him showing her true feelings, and if you ask me, that means those who bet on it not happening are in trouble." Evan joked as he looked at Damian and Elias, who shook their heads.
Shade Family Prison…
Asher was sitting alone in his cell after his attempt on Damian and Alex's life after his loss he went on a rampage and had to be detained further than he was initially. "I'm sorry to see you like this nephew, but it seems that you have gone mad. You may hold onto our traditions well, but you go too far in enforcing them, I hope that some time in here will teach you a lesson." Dax had said.
"Too far! No Uncle, you all have gone soft I didn't go far enough; I should have used a lethal dose of Black Tar Venom from the get-go and just killed those traitors." Asher cursed.
"But how could I lose I have years of training in the serpent faction and have mastered the craft of swordsmanship? How could a deserter from the dragon faction beat me?!" Asher questioned as he heard movement from outside his cell.
"Who's there? Have you all finally come to your senses and come to release me?" Asher asked, walking up to the bars.
He was answered by silence as a dark figure came into view of his cell. Though the figure didn't say a word or did any hostile action besides stand there and stare at Asher, a cold shiver came down his spine. He felt fear as he stared at the figure longer the overwhelming pressure of its power hanging in the air as he fell onto the floor.
"Who…no, what are you?" Asher asked.
"My name is of no concern, but I have seen your battle and your plight." The Figure answered.
"So you saw my fight, then what do you want?" Asher questioned as he slowly picked himself back up.
"I've come to offer a solution to your problem boy, I think you know that your family will never understand your dedication and faith, but I can make it where they will never question you." The Figure answered.
"I'm listening," Asher replied.
"You see, those kids who betrayed your family have become much stronger than you and have now made it so that you can't stop them, and even if you tried, you would fail." The Figure began.
"But I can give you the power to overcome theirs, and you'll be able to easily defeat them and anyone else that stands in your way as you take over the Shade family." The Figure offered.
"Power, what kind of power?" Asher asked.
"The same kind of power that the people who attacked Vale during the Vytal Festival used." The Figure clarified. Asher was stunned at the offer, such power in his hands would make him unstoppable, and he could assert himself in the family so that he can make sure nothing like with Damian and Alex could ever happen again.
"While that does sound tempting, what's the catch, there must be a cost for this power?" Asher asked.
"It's simple. You just need to serve me to complete my own plans for the near future, and I will let you do whatever you wish with the power." The Figure answered.
"That's it. I just need to serve you for a plan?" Asher questioned as he looked upon the figure in disbelief.
"This is a one-time deal. If you refuse or don't give me an answer soon, I'll leave and won't come and offer it again." The Figure asserted. Asher took a minute to think over this offer, it sounded too good to be true, but he saw no reason to refuse the offer.
"I'll do it," Asher answered.
"Excellent." The Figure replied as a bright light filled the room, and the two were gone. Hearing all the noise, the guards came in to check on Asher only to see that he was gone.
"What the hell happened? Where did he go?" One of the guards asked.
"Sound the alarm and tell the elders that Asher escaped!" The other guard ordered.
Damian and Alex have finally fully removed themselves from their family, leaving nothing behind except an angered Asher who has been approached by an unknown figure offering him power. Meanwhile, Jason has been poisoned by Asher's blade and is now bedridden being aided by Neo. See what happens Next Time!
Author's Note:
And another chapter done, I hope you guys enjoyed it as always. It took me a while to write the fight scenes for the Jiyu Game though since for me I feel that writing a fight scene that doesn't use Ki users always are harder for me but I feel like I did a good job in this one and I hope you all agree as well. As for this new Mysterious Figure character, he will be revealed later on but not anytime soon. See you next time!