Thread for The Princess Bride. Index | New Thread | Reply | Close | Stick | Delete  The Princess Bride. Galen Marek 4:52am, December 25, 2014 [Edit] [Delete] Twas Christmas Eve and in the halls of Beacon, Ruby Rose giggled as she decorated her tree. On the radio, the traditional ballads would play and providing ready warmth, curled up with Zwei would be Forge. Blake had left earlier, on a snack run in preparation for a family tradition that Ruby was particularly eager to share with Forge this year. "Iiiiits STORY TIME! BANZAI!" "Banzai!" Cheered Blake, appearing out of nowhere with a grocery bag and in the same pose. Gleefully, Ruby all but skipped to the bookshelf, her hand wandering over the titles before-Oh. She blinked, seeing a blank covered book in particular and taking it off the shelf, opened it to reveal the following. Sword fights, true love, adventure....She remembered this story and with a smile, thought back to days when her sister read it to her. It was clear now what she should do, returning back and taking a seat before her captive audience. "Is everyone ready?" At the noises of agreement, Ruby giggled and boots kicking slightly in the air, she began to read... There was a farm house long ago, and the only people who lived there was a woman named- "RUBY!" Everyone jumped at the bombastic appearance of their local Valkyrie as Nora grinned and spoke as the rest of team JNPR took their seats. "Hi Nora. Everyone. Merry Christmas eve." She said warmly before Blake mused aloud. "Actually, this sounds like an interesting idea." At the looks, Blake smirked and remarked. "Considering how not everyone is here, it sounds like a fun idea to put in our friends and family in the roles, right?" Ruby looked on helplessly as all agreed and under the combined forces of their stares, sighed and continued. -Ruby. At the accompanying cheers, Rubys eyes narrowed and she vowed to get her revenge on Blake as she continued cannily. -And her servant, a young faunus named Blake. And every day, she would use every opportunity to put her "in her place." For example- Dressed simply, Ruby would walk out to seek the family servant, who was currently pitching hay and leaning against the barrier in the stable, spoke in her terribly (adorable) voice. "Farmgirl? You need to weed the garden." In response, Blake would merely turn around and speak simply, the same words so infuriating to her in a manner she couldn't really tell. "As you wish." The giggles that came from her audience and Blakes own poker face had Ruby realize just how her attempted barb fell short and she pouted. Not that there was anything wrong with Blake in that way, so cool and mysterious, with eyes that-THINK ABOUT WEISS! She was NOT gonna go after her sisters, sort-of-girlfriend, not-really- With a flushed face, she cleared her throat and continued. So this would continue for some time, until the day Ruby realized that each time Blake said "as you wish", she was really saying "I love you." And what was most surprising to Ruby? Was that she loved her back. ...Right, that was REALLY gonna go a ways towards pushing down that blush and taking refuge behind the book, Ruby continued. In the farmhouse, some time after the scene in the barn, Ruby would be nervous. A state not often her usual one, and would actually be messing with her fingers as she glimpsed Blake working out of the corner of her eye before suddenly blurting out. "Blake?" To her horror, it wasn't her usual tone either, and was more a plea then anything and she berated herself, before pulling herself together as she turned to look at her patiently. Her mind racing, she said the first thing that came into her mind and was immediately horrified by it. "H-hand me that jug over there please?" Which incidentally, was within easy reach and she closed her eyes in shame. Only to hear footsteps and feel her warmth as she opened her eyes...Almost hypnotized by those exotic shades of yellow, to see her passing it to her patiently, accompanied with only her usual words. "As you wish." And with that, she left her to go do her work, leaving Ruby in a slightly incoherent mess and holding a jug that she later, put on the counter besides her as she left." Pyrrha smiled, leaning against Jaune as she spoke. "This is a great story. So what happened next? I've never actually heard this before." "Yeah, I'm curious as well!" Lie Ren blinked as Nora all but bounced in her seat before she spoke with a grin. "You're a really great storyteller, Ruby. And I just love how everyone is gonna be in it-Oh! Can ALL of us be in it?! So what happened next?!" Slightly nonplussed at first at the chorus of agreement( and one bark and rumble), Ruby found herself looking at Blake who smiled and nodded in encouragement as she smiled shyly in turn before speaking. "Well eventually, they did indeed express their feelings to each other, and Blake would go off to seek her fortune, after sharing her first kiss with her before she left." Belately, she realized what she said at the roar of laughter from her friends as steam all but came out of her ears, before again Blake said simply. "Go on hun. What happened next?" Ruby swallowed, before she seemed to loom above her audience, arms raised as she intoned dramatically. "It was some time afterwards that she received word that Blake had died at sea, by the hands of the dread pirate called....."The Grimm Pirate!!" It had the intended effect and she had the satisfaction of hearing Forge, Zwei, Nora and Pyrrha gasping. "Wait, Blake's dead?!" "She can't be dead, what happens to Ruby? REN! WHAT HAPPENS TO RUBY?!" Taking pity as she saw Ren shaken by his partners shoulders, Ruby cleared her throat and continued. When shad heard the news, she kept to herself and would waste away, mourning Blake until she spoke a vow. "I will never love again...." Five years later, her wedding would be announced. The answering chorus of 'what' were like music to her ears. Edited 4:54am, December 25, 2014 by Galen Marek, author.   The Narrator 9:20pm, December 25, 2014 [Edit] [Delete] Settling in for a moment to adjust for maximum comfort, Ruby became aware of how it impatient it made her captive audiences, a ruse on her part to catch their interest as snickered at her own cunning. Now then....Where was she? Oh, right... In the kingdom itself, the heir and lord, one Prince Hum- "HAZAMA!" More amused than annoyed, Ruby giggled and changed the story. -Prince Hu-Hazama called his people together, his trusted right hand, the dreaded Nui at his side, lurking in the shadows from the sun as he spoke. "My people! A month from now, our country will have its 500th anniversary. On that sundown, I shall marry a lady who was once a commoner like yourselves -" He paused to note the crowds reaction and smirked. "-but perhaps you will not find her common now. Would you like to meet her?" And the people cheered as one, eager to see who would become their new queen. And lo! It was Ruby herself- "Wait a minute, so she remarried to Hazama of all people?" Nora crossed her arms as she frowned. "What kind of a story is this?" Forge rumbled in agreement, recalling Hazama with disgust as he nodded in turn. Pyrrha would be more focused on the story as she asked, quite taken by now. "So what happened next?" Secretly Ruby was pleased. "Well guys, you must remember that Ruby vowed to never love again....This continued for five years, her emptiness consuming her until she got the attention of the Prince. Not caring one bit of her life, she agreed but told him that he would not receive her love, though he would claim that in time, she would. However, the only joy Ruby would receive would be in three things. One was the Princes parents, who treated her kindly. The other, would be the regime of fighting that she indulged herself in with the castle guards. Learning how to be a kickbutt huntress and more. The last was her daily horse rides, which she never missed. Loving the feel of the wind upon her face as she rode, hoping perhaps to outrun her unhappiness. And thus it was when this happened-" Riding some distance off the beaten path, Ruby would relax her horse. Patting its neck and murmuring soothing noises when a sound of a throat clearing made her turn to see three beings. One of them was a massive woman. A blond-haired giant who grinned and waved, one purple iris winking coyly. On her wrists, familiar gauntlets would be retracted as she spoke in a friendly manner. "Hey there cutie." The second, was a figure in black armor. His presence sinister to behold, with gauntlets looking more at home at Elm Street as he tapped the hilt of a sword strapped to his belt. "....Yang and Galen?" Ruby snickered and continued. It was the third member of the party however who garnered her attention, as one of the shortest, yet attractive figures in a white combat skirt peered politely from under her bangs at Ruby, a scar over one eye giving her a warrior woman look. There was silence at first as those familiar with the story processed this...Before collapsing into helpless laughter. This went on for a good ten minutes, to the confusion of those new to this, before Ruby wiped a tear from her eye to continue. "Hello miss. My name is Weiss, and we three are but poor circus performers, seeking direction. Where is the nearest town?" Ruby would look all three over. They certainly looked like circus folks and would speak. "There's no place around for miles I'm afraid. I'm sorry." It was then that the angelic look on Weiss's face turned sinister. "Good...Because then, nobody will be around to hear you scream." And with astonishing agility, she leaped at her and pressed certain key points on her neck with a cry, knocking her out before landing and looking at Yang. "Go on, grab her you brainless oaf! We have so much work to do now!" Later..... At a boat for their convenience, Yang carried the unconscious body of Ruby, placing her gently amongst some rope coils as Weiis began ripping off some material from a uniform, stuffing part of it on the horse Ruby rode. From a distance, the Sith observed curiously before asking. "What are you doing?" Without looking, Weiss spoke. "Its the uniform of the army of Guilder. The sworn enemy of Florian, whose country we are in now." Setting the horse off and away back to its owner, Weiss nodded in satisfaction. "Once the horse reaches the castle, the fabric will make the Prince suspect the Guilderians have abducted his love. When he finds her body dead on the Guilder frontier, his suspicions will be totally confirmed. Its foolproof!" Weiss declared gleefully, though as she said thus, Yang in the midst of tying up Ruby, looked up sharply and spoke. "Wait, you never said anything about killing someone. Least of all a girl. I mean-Look at her!" She gestured to Ruby, who still seemed deep in her induced slumber. Weiss rolled her eyes and hopped in the boat as she spoke primly. "I've hired you to help me start a war. That's a prestigious line of work with a long and glorious tradition." "I just don't think its right, killing an innocent girl." That stopped Weiss....And turning on her heel, face reddening in an adorable manner, spoke, poking her finger into Yangs knee as she couldn't reach that high for the giant. Ruby paused politely for the snickers to die down, regarding the vertically challenged Huntress before continuing. "Am I going mad or did the word "think" escape your lips? You were not hired for your brains, you hippopotamic land mass." "HEY!" Yang said affronted as Galen boarding the ship, sat down and spoke. His tone utterly serious. "I agree with Yang here. Its one thing to kill in a fight, but this... Doesn't sit well with me." Weiss was now infuriated at this sign of mutiny, her tone taking a decidedly sarcastic bent. "Oho! The sot has spoken. What happens to her is not truly your concern. I will finish her, and remember this! Never forget this!" She stomped forward to Galen and spoke. "When I found you, you were so slobbering drunk you couldn't buy brandy -! You were proposing to a butterfly!" Weiss would then spin and turn on Yang who openly retreated as she spoke. It was like being attacked by an angry gerbil. "And you...friendless, brainless, helpless, hopeless....Do you want me to send you back to where you were, unemployed in Greenland?! Bah!" And she would spin on his heel, going forth to tie the knots herself while Galen sidled up to Yang and murmured. "That little brat, she sure can fuss." Yang would nod and shudder. "She really likes to scream at us. You'd think they'd have pills for that." Galen would smirk and continue his efforts. "Perhaps he doesn't mean no harm." Yang would brighten more and speak. "She's really very short on charm." Galen chuckled and thumped the others shoulder. "Ah, you've a great gift for rhyme." Yang would nod eagerly, one finger twirling in her hair as she affected a bashful demeanor. "Yes, some of the time. But I really, really like-" It was then that Weiss's voice would intervene. "Enough of that, cast off!" And as the boat sailed off, the last thing we would hear was the following. "Yang, are there rocks ahead?" "If there are, we'll all be dead!" "No more rhymes now, I mean it!" "Anybody want a peanut?" "ARGH! That's it, rhyme this sucker! My last word is zebra!" "Hey Galen, isn't that girl you have a crush on a Libra?" "ARGH!!!! I WANT YOU ALL TO DIE!" "Hey Galen! We're making her cry!" The cry of subsequent rage would echo for miles as the heiress vented her frustration. Edited 9:21pm, December 25, 2014 by The Narrator, author.   The Narrator 12:32am, January 04, 2015 [Edit] [Delete] As the ship flew off through the night, Ruby would begin to awaken, turning slightly in her sleep before noticing several things. One was the fact that she was still in the dress she had wore earlier for her ride, thin and certainly not enough to prevent the chill from creeping in, though she noticed that she was currently covered by a longcoat she recognized as belonging to the swordsman, looking up to see him currently sitting at the rudder, looking odd without it as he peered into the darkness. His clawed gauntlets clicking in turn as he flicked the razor edges against each of them in deep thought. More perusal would reveal the giant, who did the work of several men with little difficulty, humming absently as the girl who seemed to be the mastermind behind it all was gloating. Watching it all, Ruby would think quietly as she lay still, not wanting to reveal she was awake yet as she pondered what to do...Before realizing something. Her bonds weren't as tight as they should be. In fact, they were downright loose! And befuddled for a moment, gray would meet purple orbs as the giant smiled kindly...And then winked. Meanwhile, Weiss couldn't be happier and spoke, her tone one of imminent victory. "We'll reach the cliffs by dawn!" Galen would be distracted, merely nodding as he continued to look out into the night. Annoyed by this rain on her parade, Weiss huffed. "Why are you doing that?" "Making sure nobody is following us." Weiss snorted. "That would be inconceivable." Ruby, almost through her bonds would retort as befitted any hero. "Despite what you think, you will be caught. And when you are, the Prince will see you all hanged. Er...Not that it would be cool, but- He will see you all locked up!!" Weiss attention would immediately turn to her as she spoke darkly. "Of all the necks on this boat, Highness, the one you should be worrying about is your own." She then looked at Galen and spoke, once more annoyed. "Oh stop that! We can all relax, its almost over-" "You sure nobody is following us?" Weiss snorted. Affronted that Galen need have even asked that. "As I told you, it would be absolutely, totally, and in all other ways, inconceivable. No one in Guilder knows what we've done. And no one in Florin could have gotten here so fast." And brushing a bang from her eyes as she sat primly, she couldn't help it. "Out of curiosity, why do you ask?" Galen shrugged and leaned back in his seat, aware that even Yang was looking at him in curiosity. "No reason. I only happened to look behind, and something is there." At his words, the other two would rush to look and peer as well into the night. And sure enough, as the moonlight shone there would be a ship....Black sails and black wood, a specter of the seas that came speedily upon them and Weiss would speak, attempting to add logic. "Probably some local fisherman out for a pleasure cruise at night through Grimm-infested waters." She was aware of the looks of the other two at this statement and snapped. "Well whose the brains of this outfit?!" A splash would occur and draw everyone's attention, as all three turned to see Galens's jacket empty and the ropes announcing the leap of Ruby who took the time to break free and jump overboard, as a cry of "banzai!" reached their ears. "Huh, girls got spunk." Yang said with a rising grin. Weiss was more infuriated, snapping at her minions. "Shut up already and go grab her!" Galen shrugged, perfectly at ease. "I don't swim." Weiss looked at Yang who looked scandalized and spoke. "With this hair?!" "ARG-" Her cry of anguish would be suddenly cut off, as a high-pitched noise echoed over the water and she smiled, going to the boat side and calling out. "Do you know what that sound is, Highness? Those are the Shrieking Eels -- if you doubt me, just wait. They always grow louder when they're about to feed on human flesh." Despite her words, Ruby would tread water where she was, though she too would be somewhat frightened by the noise. Though it did nothing to curb her words as she shook a fist and called out. "Heroes of Justice do not compromise their principles!" "I don't remember that part." Ruby groaned, looking over the book at Blake as their captive audience looked back and forth as they talked like a ping pong match. "Its artistic license! Anyway-" The shrieking would get louder and louder, as Weiss's voice continued. "If you swim back now, I promise, no harm will come to you. I doubt you will get such an offer from the Eels." 'Yeah right', Ruby would think though she couldn't help but scream as an Eel came at her the next moment though in the nick of time, the boat would sail past and an angry, gauntlet-encased fist would slam on the eels head as some unseen force lifted her blinking out of the water. "AND STAY DOWN!" The giant howled into the night, as the swordsman wrapped Ruby up warmly. Nice as they were though, Ruby couldn't help but remember how exactly this would end. Nevertheless... "Thank you." Galen chuckled in reply. "You got guts princess. I'll admit that easily. Nice move, breaking out of the ropes." Ruby smiled warmly, despite herself as she realized what had happened. "Thanks for the jacket." Galen shrugged. "Yang bugged me to let you have it. She was afraid you'd get cold or something, though your little swim seems to have done that." It was the last that their conversation was to have however, as Weiss came close and smirked. "I bet you think you're brave, don't you?" Ruby would stare back and speak bitingly. "Only compared to some." This would likewise be interrupted as Yang who had been observing the back spoke idly. "Hey guys? He's getting closer." As dawn began to creep, they noticed that the boat had only one figure, all in black with a hood and mask, working the boat alone. For some reason, a chill of fear crept in the hearts of all aboard who saw him, though Galen would muse aloud. "Nice boat. I wonder if he's using the same wind as us?" Yang rolled her eyes. "You better check your eyesight again or get a better helmet. Thats no guy. Or if it is, I'm frankly clueless as what to say." And at the blank looks from all, Ruby included Yang would roll her eyes and indicate her- Weiss blushed heavily in particular and stammered as she tried to collect herself. "W-w-well whoever she is, her taste of clothing notwithstanding whether pirate or some fisherman gone rogue, she's far too late! Behold!" She pointed and smirked. "The Cliffs of Insanity."   The Narrator 3:41am, January 08, 2015 [Edit] [Delete] Snack break! And cue the nigh-quick flash of hands as christmas cookies were snatched and eaten, everyone taking a break as Ruby smiled and looked everyone over fondly. She loved these big dorks, everyone of them. It made her reminiscent for her old team, for- She blinked, memories assailing her of a time in the great hall, meeting Blake for the first time, her sister trying to get her to socialize and she masked her unease with a sip of milk. It didn't fool Blake in the slightest, eyes warm and worried as she approached Ruby. With Weiss and Yang gone, it meant she was the one to watch her...She'd have done it anyway, but it was all the more special for their connections as she murmured. "You alright hun?" Ruby considered, turning over her memories in her mind before smiling broadly. "Yeah...I think I am. Shall we continue?" And as soon as all were seated, she did so. Her voice appropriately dramatic for what was to come. The Cliffs of Insanity were so named for their great height and nigh-impassable face. Nobody could climb them unaided, and even if one had some sort of equipment, it was still considered extremely dangerous and foolhardy. And it was this path now, that the four had to traverse to escape the Lady in Black, whose appearance caused some degree of fear in all of them, thus facilitating their actions speedily....Dun-dun-DUUUUN. "Best. Story. EVER! IT EVEN HAS SOUND EFFECTS!" "Settle down Nora." "Sorry. Hehehehe..Continue please." As the boat clambered near the rocks, Weiss snapped out a command. “Get that rope you oaf!” And per her instructions, Yang would grab it and fling it upwards with her mighty strength, the entire length calculated to fly up the length of the cliffs as it caught to the tree above and after testing it, Yang grinned and spoke. “Anyone coming? Or knot?” Ruby giggled, despite herself as Weiss all but tore out her hair in frustration. “NO PUNS, THIS IS WORSE THAN THE RHYMING! NOW GET US OUT OF HERE!” As Weiss spoke, she leaped on Yang and held on tightly, followed by Galen as Yang grabbed Ruby as well before stomping once to destroy the boat, as she began to pull himself up easily, using only her arms as she pulled all of them at once up the cliffs. Ruby for her part, would close her eyes in sudden vertigo. She really didn't like heights at all. Though she would open her eyes as Galen spoke aloud in astonishment. “Hey, that gal in black is still following us. What are the odds?” And as she looked down, she noted that even though the group had a head start, the mysterious lady in black was simply flying up the rope, going faster and faster as though driven by demons as her stare, even at this distance chilled her with its single-minded purpose. Weiss would also note this and speak in annoyance. “I thought you were this big Amazon! And she's catching up!” Yang would pout and speak. “In my defense, I'm carrying three people. She only has herself.” Weiss would snarl. “Do I have to get a new Amazon? Because if she catches up, I will!” Yang would scoff in reply as she winked. "You'd miss my gifts of poetry and sharp wit." Still, her pride was on the line and as she pulled herself up hand overhand as the Lady in Black pursued them, she forced her mind to the rhymes while her arms which knew their place pulled swiftly and surely. 200 feet now from the top......100......50....Now! She made it, and not a moment too soon. Had she stopped to look behind at their pursuer, she may have froze as the Lady in Black was merely 100 feet from them and that would have been that. Weiss on the other hand, knew exactly what to do in times like this and wasted no time in slicing at the rope that was dangling over the cliff, laughing in triumph as she succeeded and the rope fell away. Ruby would close her eyes, looking away as she imagined the lady whoever she was, suddenly falling that great distance and- “Wow. she has some strong arms there.” What the-? She opened her eyes to see Galen and Yang looking down the cliff in contemplation. Yang nodded and spoke. “Is she-?” “She certainly is.” Weiss, unknowing what was happening rushed forward and looked down the cliff side himself, pulling Ruby in her curiosity and hers. To their collective astonishment, they would see the lady having braced herself in some sort of crevice in the cliff, before she began to make the climb upwards. Weiss's mouth would gape as she stuttered. “She didn't fall? Inconceivable!” Galen would give Weiss a look part incredulous and part annoyed. “You keep using that word. I do not think it means, what you think it means. It was inconceivable that anyone would follow. It was inconceivable, that anyone would chase us up the rope. And it was inconceivable, that that person would continue to follow....And yet, there it is!” He gestured down, though Weiss would ignore it as she spoke, evaluating the situation. “Well its obviously some being who recognizes the princess and judging by his attire, undoubtedly wishes to share in the reward meant for us. Fat chance of that! Also, as she has seen us with the princess and thus is a new factor in our work, she must also die. You! If she falls, fine but if she lives, then use the sword!” Galen would shrug and speak. “Very well. But I'm limiting myself to my left hand and my sword alone.” Weiss about to leave with Ruby and Yang looked at Galen in pain. “We don't have time for your posturing here!” Galen however, was adamant. “I have to. Otherwise, its over far too fast and I have no satisfaction.” Weiss snarled but nodded reluctantly as she spoke. “Fine then! But hurry up, we'll be waiting after all!” And with that, she would rush off as she dragged Ruby along with her, though not without a worried back glance. Also, Yang would pause to speak worriedly to her friend. “Be careful Galen....Women in masks are not to be trusted.” Galen would merely smirk in reply and clap his friends shoulder in reply before he spoke. “I'll be fine. Go, take care of our boss.” And with that, he would watch his friends leave before settling down to examine his surroundings. Huh....If he didn't know better, he would have sworn that this place was practically built for an epic duel. The terrain was flat, yet would spiral upward, with obstacles and more...It was perfect! And grinning, he would pull out his sword and perform a few maneuvers, looking nothing more then a blur as he went through the motions. You had to feel sorry for the Lady in Black. And thus assured, Galen would relax....Before frowning as he looked over the cliff side. The Lady in Black seemed to have made six inches in the time he last looked. He frowned and went back to his place of rest before coming back and looking down. Nope. Still wasn't making much progress. Galen was never one for patience, and he called out. “Hello there!” In response, the Lady in Black would look up and grunt once before applying himself to the task of the climb. Not put off by this, Galen would grin and call out. “Slow going?” Now annoyed, the Lady in Black would speak. Her voice a perfect reflection of her frustration as she spoke. “Look, I don't mean to be rude, but contrary to appearance, this isn't as easy as it looks. So I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't distract me.” “Oh, sorry!” “Thank you.” And with that strange interaction, both would devote themselves to their various tasks. Galen for waiting and the Lady in Black for climbing before five seconds later, Galen called out. “I don't suppose you could speed things up, could you?” The Lady in Black would give this the consideration it deserved. “Look, if you're in such a hurry, you could always lower a rope or a branch, or find something useful to do!” Galen would speak matter-of-factly. “I could do that. Actually, I have a coil of rope right here except I don't think you would accept it, seeing how I'm only here to kill you.” In a completely deadpan voice, the Lady in Black would respond. “That does put a damper on our relationship.” Ah, a fingerhold! One more inch to the top....Hey, every little bit helps, yes? Galen would frown and call out. “I do promise not to kill you till you reach the top though.” Now there was definitely a hint of sarcasm in her tone as she spoke. “Comforting, but I'm afraid you'll just have to wait.” Galen shook his head, muttering to himself. “I hate waiting....” After some consideration, he called out. “I could give you my word as a swordsman?” “No good. I've known far to many swordsman you see.” She paused to collect her strength as Galen racked his brains for some sort of assurance. “Is there no way you can trust me?” “Nothing really comes to mind....” A moment later, Galen would speak reverently. “I swear by the soul of my wife, Juno Eclipse that you will reach the top alive.” A moments pause that seemed like an eternity would pass before the Lady in Black called out. “Throw me the rope.” And in minutes, the Lady in Black would reach the top and heave a sigh, drawing her sword before Galen made a gesture. “No rush Miss....We'll wait till you're ready.” Nodding her thanks, the Lady in Black would sit down with a sigh, allowing Galen to take his first look at the other. Black seemed to be the predominant color, in better lighting showing that there was no way anyone could mistake this person for anything but a woman. In addition to the uniform built for flexibility and speed, he noted also the cloth mask of the other, revealing naught but yellow eyes. Sinister in their own way, though this character seemed nice enough. He wondered.... “You have both eyes, yes?” The other would give him a look of bafflement before speaking. “Yes....Do you always begin your conversations this way?” Galen would suddenly look serious as he spoke. “I was a blacksmith once, a specialist in blades. And I was lucky enough to be married to the greatest woman in my life. One day, I had an order from a lady with one eye to craft a blade for her use. This one." And without a thought how it might end, he picked up his sword and presented it to the Lady in Black, who took it and looked it over before returning it and speaking. “I'm impressed. You're obviously a man of great skill.” Galen smiled. “Its called “The Lady.” And its my greatest creation to date...One day, I returned and discovered my wife dead. All on a whim of my client, because I was late that day. So henceforth, I decided that every detail and urge I had poured into making swords would now be used to learning how to use them." He smiled faintly and looked away. “When I face her.....I shall say; “Hello. My name is Galen, husband to Juno. You killed my wife....Prepare to die.” Listening with interest, the Lady in Black would comment politely. “I wish you the best of luck in this.” Galen shrugged. “I haven't seen her nor heard of her for twenty years now....She was a special case as well, acted like some schoolgirl and had a strange eyepatch. Its why I work for Weiss actually. Revenge doesn't really pay the bills you know. Or pay off old debts.” Starting to rise, the Lady in Black would begin to stretch out, prompting Galen to inquire curiously. “You're ready then?” “Whether or not I am ready, you've been more than fair.” Dante smiled, pulling out his sword. “You seem a decent woman. I hate to kill you.” The Lady in Black would smile and remark with a trace of humor. “You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die.” Galen grinned, already excited. His opponent had a sword at his side, a rapier with a blade so thin he was sure it would break. But the question first and foremost in his mind was this. Could she use it well? And not only well, enough to satisfy him? Silence would fill the air, before both opponents rushed each other...... Edited 11:45am, January 08, 2015 by The Narrator, author.   The Narrator 12:45am, January 15, 2015 [Edit] [Delete] The only thing that could make this story better was if her team was here. Yang, Weiss...She could only hope her sister and partner were taking care of each other, while her and Blake remained here with Forge and JNPR. Had she actually known what shenanigans both were up to, she'd...Well, blush heavily and run. As she was completely, blissfully ignorant she'd chuckle and continue her story. And so it was that Galen Marek, Lord of the Sword did face off against the Lady in Black. Both testing each other as their blades sung through the air and met and clashed in a deadly dance that could prove fatal, should either make a mistake. Galen would be pleased- This was EXACTLY what he wanted! Another swordsmaster who could challenge him and set his blood to boil. The sounds of the swords ringing as they clashed would echo in the make-shift arena, as Galen pressed his attack, with the Lady in Black perfectly at his ease as she parried. “You're using Bonetti's defense against me, eh?” Without missing a beat or a parry, the Lady would speak. “I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.” “Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro!” And Galen's hand would suddenly blur as impossibly, the other would defend himself as she spoke in between blows. “Naturally...but I find Thibault cancels out Capo Ferro, don't you?” And suddenly switching styles herself, she would begin to fight back. His sword slashing and weaving speedily at the other, forcing Galen to give ground as he was forced back before he grinned. “Unless the enemy has studied his Agrippa-!” And with unusual grace, he would leap overhead the other and swing his blade as he landed to collide with The Lady in Black's neck, though only a timely counter would save him from being a head shorter as Galen said ominously. “-Which I have!” And again, the titans of swordsmanship clashed and slashed one at another, with Galen slowly being forced back, though his face would show nothing but joy as he spoke. “You are wonderful!” “Thank you. I've worked hard to become so.” “You are better then me, I admit it.” “Then why are you smiling?” “Because I know something you don't know.” “And what is that?” “I, am not left-handed!” And in a flash, Galen would switch sword hands as he began to make his way towards the other in his own attacks. Slashing and hacking, skewering and stabbing, forcing the Lady in Black in retreat to the Cliffs Edge, before she spoke. “Your-very-good.” With each grunt in between, she parried a swords thrust. “But though you can't see it, I am smiling as well.” Galen raised an eyebrow as he swung his blade before speaking. “Why is that?” “I'm not left-handed either.” And now the tables would turn as the Galen in Black fought back, striking and forcing Galen back yet again. In terms of strength and speed, she would be a hair faster. A shade stronger. Miniscule, but..... It would be enough. And Galen would ask aloud in complete wonder. "Who are you?" The Lady merely smiled enigmatically, sparks flying as their blades touched with every move they made to skewer the other in their dance. "I must know!" Galen insisted as they locked blades briefly, only for the Lady to remark. "Get used to disappointment." Galen shrugged, resigned before he closed his eyes...And when they opened, they were as yellow as the Lady's, her surprise brief as she noted the intense rage in them as she said cautiously. "....Thats new." The answering smirk was her reply as his blows grew more furious, stronger, darker...And as he fought, the Lady would grow more and more somber before speaking. "Sith techniques...I recognize the eyes. But you're not using the others, why? You could win and kill me easily...But you're not." Galens sword had froze, his face considering before he remarked. "For my revenge, I learned the darkest techniques...The very worse methods. I will not use them on someone such as you." "You shouldn't use them at all." Her eyes were kind as she slowly, used her sword to lower his. "You are a very good swordsman...Honorable which is rare. Techniques like this diminish you and the memory you fight for...Would she be happy, looking at you hurt yourself in the process?" ....And Galen dropped his sword, falling to one knee as he spoke quietly. “You are right...You beat me fair and square as well. So do it.” The Lady shook her head. “I would sooner murder Da Vinci then an artist like yourself. But as I can't have you following me-” And she would slam his sword hilt into the side of his head, knocking him out. And the Lady in Black would smile and pat the others shoulder before running off to chase the footprints of the other three.....One down. Two to go. Edited 12:46am, January 15, 2015 by The Narrator, author.  A very special chapter The Narrator 7:28pm, February 02, 2015 [Edit] [Delete] Ruby Rose during the break between stories was pondering something. Something deep enough to penetrate her usual cheer, as in one hand was the book and the other, a cookie in the shape of a Christmas Tree that she chewed thoughtfully, in the manner of a man with a story to tell before she spoke aloud, seemingly to empty air. "The Princess Bride is a very unique creation. Its a story, a jumble of words assembled from twenty-six letters, meant to draw us into a world its creator had envisioned. Today, its still regarded as one of the best stories in the world and has survived long after its creators death. With it, we've fought the six-fingered man, rescued Buttercup...Ran over the Albino." She giggled, stifling it briefly as she smoothed her features with a slender hand, before her demeanor turned somber. "And now I'd like to talk about a person, with a similar vision in scope...A great motion-capture artist and someone responsible for a lot of joy and wonder...In particular, among some of you reading this." She turned in her stool, gray eyes meeting those of the reader as she said quietly. "I'd like to talk about a man named Monty Oum. Monty Oum was many things, but for me personally, he'll always be the man who created RWBY-Me! And countless others. Just look at what it created in its inception alone, discounting all the other works the man was known for!" She suddenly stood up, striding forwards, ever onwards as her stool and room seemed to shrink away from her, her path taking her past a few items of interest...A SPARTAN Helmet....Myrtenmaster on display....Snatches of music from the RWBY soundtracks and the fanworks of a devoted fandom. She sniffed, wiping the back of her hand against her eyes and at the sound of barking, knelt and wrapped her arms around a curious Zwei as she briefly buried her face in its fur, her trademark cloak flapping in the breeze. "....Sorry, I need a moment...Please." Zwei whined, cocking his head to the side at the tightening, but not uncomfortable grip as Ruby Rose collected herself enough to continue. "As there are champions of virtues in this world, this person believes Monty Oum to be a champion of Imagination. He saw an entire world unfold in his lunch and wanted to share that world with everyone...And he succeeded, in such a way that perhaps we may never comprehend. The world is richer for having him for as long as it deemed and we are richer, for his legacy. Whether its a fanart depicted in loving detail, a music cover for the souls of his creations...." She smiled, brighter now as she concluded. "...Or a group of dedicated roleplayers, bringing us to life? Monty Oum though we don't know him personally, left a personal mark on all of us...And we honor that, as we continue to exercise his final wish...To be creative and spread it as far as we can. Rest in peace Monty Oum. Because to all of us?" She sketched out a salute, Zwei barking in agreement as she sniffed and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "-You were always the Bees Knees. Goodbye creator...Goodbye, our unknowing friend." RIP Monty Oum (June 22, 1981 - February 1, 2015) -The UWT Community. Index | New Thread | Reply | Close | Stick | Delete