reliberated

[reliberated]

" Because with the New Year coming, everyone is kind of....hardly present this week."

not that Blake was purposefully eavesdropping on what no doubt was a private question, but it caught her attention and she figured it'd be better to explain, lest imagination runs wild with the possibilities. " The week between Christmas and New Year's is sort of like a pause to a lot. They're just recovering from the rush while preparing for the next year."

after the scramble of acquiring and creating gifts, Lumine had been eager to properly spectate and appreciate the lights sparkling from store and residence alike, their time drawing to a close — and soon would they be their regular selves, leaving a sombre air naked of charming attraction. there was always an emptied ambience when walking around Liyue Harbour after the dismantlement of each eyar's Lantern Rite decorations.

✦hey so...✦ came from the Traveler's arms, starryed eyes gazing the flickering colours. ✦Paimon' surprised everything's so quiet. there's meant to be twelve days of Christmas — and we're only on day five.✦

[reliberated]

" I'm fine. I've been through worse than this, it's just a minor flesh wound." well, maybe not worlds bleeding into this city and unleashing a level of chaos that Salem could only dream of, but close enough. these wolf-like creatures reminded the faunus much of the Grimm, but easier to manage.

well, except for a few hiccups here and there. her bicep tingles with the familiarity of a fresh wound, but it wasn't enough to stop Blake.

" Sorry miss, no can do. I'm not in the habit of leaving people behind." not anymore.

"Are you alright? Did you sustain any injuries?"

With each inch outer worlds claimed, the city grew messier with chaos, and harder it became to navigate. Lily had made it her mission to help in any form — and right now, it was checking on someone who had been contending with wolfen monsters in the vicinity of one portal.

"it won't do you good to push — if you're hurt, it's better to go back. I can try to close the portal alone and attract any attention that might still be lurking around".

[reliberated]

" Perceptive. Though not entirely from my time in this city, on and off. I faced something the same back home for a time, but to a much larger and harsher degree." the way faunus were treated had always made her blood boil and ignited the desire to change it all. her actions weren't always on the right side of things and Blake knows better than anyone the consequences of her choices growing up. but she's changed for the better. " You're right. Thankfully here, moments of annoyance aside, nobody seems to really care how one looks or what they are."

❝ There are also those who are fresh arrivals without knowledge as this. The festivities themselves merely lend more to it. ❞ there were always worse things than merely being mistaken, he knows far too well, perhaps offering him his nonchalance to it all even beyond his demeanor. still, he notes the mild annoyance shown within the twitch. ❝ Your own reaction comes from experience of remaining here for quite some time, I presume. Ignorance is not permitted, yet so long as they are willing to learn, then it can also be forgivable. ❞

[reliberated]

" I think Ruby is secretly trying to knit me another pair of earmuffs. She keeps staring at my ears and asking what sort of fabric I like best." honestly, it's sort of cute.

[reliberated]

" Surprised you decided to dress up for the holiday." though not something she'd say out loud, Neopolitan's costume was impressive....but Blake had half a mind to believe that the candy wasn't something she went and got herself. not that it was anything to get worked up over at the moment. after everything that happened.....she wants to try and be amicable. " Enjoying yourself?"

Was the lollipop she was sucking on hers? Was any of the candy in her bag really hers? Who could say, really? Whatever the case, she looked quite pleased with herself, as well as the multiple-armed spider queen costume she was wearing.

[reliberated]

the more things change, the more they stay the same.

when it came to looking for any of her teammates, Blake only had to follow a certain sign. for Yang, it was her loud and excited voice. for Weiss, it was the whispers of those in awe and for Ruby.....it was the food. the faunus knew parties weren't exactly her leader's strongsuit but she always gave an effort.

and where there was free food, Ruby Rose was always bound to be in close proximity.

Blake makes no move to intervene, oh no. she's content to just stand and watch, to see just how she'll work her way out of her little situation. it reminds her of how she tried to convince Glynda that their foodfight with team JNPR was a 'necessary team building exercise' and 'vital to their growth as hunters and huntressess'. (she didn't buy it, of course.) and as the girl flies over in a shower of petals, Blake rolls her eyes, lifting a hand to gesture with her thumb.

" I was over by the gardens. You know, the complete opposite side of the building."

⠀⠀⠀IN⠀case anyone was wondering, Ruby still doesn't entirely know what to do with herself at these things.

⠀⠀⠀All she knows is that this free food is delicious, she could eat it all night long, and maybe there actually is a limit to the word 'free' — because she can feel a pretty potent stink-eye being aimed at the back of her head. Ruby slowly turns on her heel to confirm the feeling, and spreads her arms in defense — which may or may not have caused a couple of iced brownies she'd been saving for later to tumble dejectedly across the ballroom floor. Hopefully no one steps on one.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Heyheyheyyy, c'maahn, I'm a little huntress—!⠀It's also my birthday, I'm a little birthday huntreeess— ❜⠀Her eyes land on Blake mid-sentence, and suddenly this encounter takes a complete back seat. With a single finger held up in an 'excuse me one second' sort of gesture to the less-than-convinced stranger, she promptly zips off in a brief flourish of petals.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Oh, I was looking for you ! I narrowed it down to nnnot the dessert table. ❜⠀

⤷⠀⠀@reliberated

[reliberated]

" You'd be surprised how many people here think what you're wearing is a costume from looks alone. Even though non-humans have been here for years, it's as if they forget that when it comes to the whole month of October." for emphasis, the two feline ears atop her head twitch in mild annoyance.

❝ I'm aware of the party that all were invited to, though I will correct you in that this is not a costume. I have yet to decide what I wish to attend as quite yet. ❞ was it because of his head appendages? the pointed ears? maybe the weird bone pen he keeps comfortably on his person? who knew.

[reliberated]

" You have a level head on you. You're right, a lot of it was born from misunderstandings but you're not trying to excuse those who refused to try and understand. If I was younger.....I doubt I would have agreed with you so easily. Whether magic or superstition or just the unknown, people will always have fear but the ones that try to overcome it are the good ones. Thankfully, most around this month are harmless." mostly.

"Much of the world remained a mystery to the people responsible for coming up with those beliefs — the fear of the unknown remains a concern for humanity even in the modern era. And in a time where magic was more openly regarded as present, people cannot wholly be criticised for second guessing something they possessed little understanding about.

Thankfully most are associations and nothing more — black cats should be respected and adored as much as any other".

[reliberated]

the second she heard the first initial of her name in that familiar, happy and eager tone that often reminded her of a puppy, Blake knew to dig her heels firmly into the ground and shift her weight. if she didn't, then the second the flurry of petals collided, both of them would have went tumbling to the concrete and that wouldn't make for a fun reunion, now would it? the hug is returned and rather than weather the force, the faunus moves with it, resulting in her swinging the both of them around in a circle a few times to disperse it in a natural manner. a laugh follows suit, something that came so easily when around the people she cared most for.

" Well, hello to you too, Ruby. I take it that you missed me?"

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀BlaaaaaaaAKE—⠀ ❜⠀THE⠀extra emphasis at the end was, of course, due to her colliding with her— a vice-like hug with an emergence of petals. The hug had so much force behind it that it left her feet dangling ( more like swinging emphatically ) in the air for a few moments, but what else was she supposed to do ? It's hard being here without any of her teammates, all for different reasons. Weiss was her partner and bestie, Yang was her sister, and Blake... Well, Blake was her person. It felt like they'd arrived on this island together, so it made the whole place feel off when one was here without the other.

⤷⠀⠀@RELIBERATED 

[reliberated]

" Can't say I ever heard anyone call it 'spoopy month' but I suppose there's a first time for everything. As for those 'superstitions' ......most are just a nuisance. Seriously, whovever started that one about black cats needs to be locked in a box. "

"For those who believe in the superstitions relating to Friday the 13th, be extra vigilant today with it occurring in what some refer to as 'spoopy month'.

For the horror enthusiasts, have fun — but keep those who are faint of heart in mind".

[reliberated]

" A free milkshake that's put at least five people in the hispital?"

"It's a free milkshake! Why are y'all complaining about it?"

[reliberated]

"All things considered, I greatly prefer this sort of mess than half the stuff the Stars throw at us." it isn't Menagerie but this island reminded her of it. the peace, the tranquility, a moment to just rest with the added challenge of surviving. nothing new to the faunus. she enjoys the challenge of constructing her own shelter, glad she had cut her hair when she did for the sun was unbearable. pausing to wipe off some sweat, she observes her handiwork on the roof segmet. " Just a few extra palm leaves and then it'll be good to g-- "

anything more than can be said never comes because the next thing Blake knows, she's being dive-bombed by a seagull.

right off the roof.

into the sand.

[reliberated]

forcefully dragging myself away from games for this event hi. i know i have replies to get to (which i will between event stuff) but!! as blake grew up in a tropical climate and on an island, she's pretty good at the survival part of it

consider this a starter call for shore,, uncapped because why not. i promise it'll be fun and good vibes only too

[reliberated]

Blake can't help the way her lips instinctually curve into a warm smile when she finally spots her teammate. it made sense that she would be here— quiet, the music and chatter nothing more than gentle background noise. the only lighting coming from the glow of the fireflies and when paired with the light of the moon, it created something of a painting. and right at the center of it was Ruby, looking like a flower that had finally bloomed into who she was meant to be. Blake can't recall the last time she's seen Ruby's eyes light up like the way they are now.

not out of a desire to protect. not out of fear at words spoken. not out of desperation to do something, anything, to prevent loss. not the eyes of a silver-eyed warrior is what Blake saw.

reflecting the glow of the fireflies in tandem with the moon, they were the eyes of someone alive with hope. and it had been....so long since she's seen that look. she missed it.

" I figured. Food has to be your second love at this rate and lady stilts aren't exactly your forte, huh?" Blake laughs to stop the potential teary eyes at her current thoughts, though not at her friend's lack of balance in heels. she decides to slip off her own heels, setting them along a ceramic decoration as feet move from cobblestone to grass still warm from the day's sun. there is a lightness to her steps, as if nothing else was weighing her down and for the moment, that is true. this— this was a time for them to have fun. to not be huntresses, to not be the ones sacrificing so much to stop Salem, but just two ordinary girls.

rather than stop by next to Ruby, the faunus continues until she reaches a stone bench, taking a seat to stare up at the clear sky. " It's beautiful out here." a pause as memories of old emerge." Do you remember the dance at Beacon? The one I absolutely refused to go to at first? God, it seems so long ago now, doesn't it?"

her attention focuses on Ruby, golden eyes meeting silver as her smile softens. the moment she had lost sight of her friend within the crowd and the dancing had finally finished, she had come to a decision. all that was left to do was ask. " We never got a chance to hang out that night. And I refuse to let that happen a second time. We're always putting everything else first, always running from one place to the next. Whether that be raiding the buffet table or fighting more Grimm. Like you said, it's always something." they're never really given time to do....anything. taking a deep breath, the faunus stands up but draws no closer, choosing to instead hold out her hand in offering.

" So how about we make the rest of the night about us? Just for a few hours. For a few hours, you won't Ruby Rose, leader and silver-eyed warrior and I won't Blake Belladonna, former White Fang member and team member. We will just—" another pause as her voice softens.

" We'll just be Ruby and Blake."

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Well well, fancy meeting you here !⠀ ❜⠀SHE⠀punctuates her greeting with a pair of finger guns that feel... wildly out-of-place in the otherwise enchanting garden, lit only by dim lanterns and many a firefly. But after a beat of silence, she can't even commit to her own joke. ⠀❛ ⠀Well— you know, after we got here. Together. … I kinda lost you once I found the food—⠀ ❜⠀

⠀⠀⠀Ruby somehow manages to force herself to stop rambling, rubbing at the back of her neck with a sheepish half-chuckle. It's hard to focus on saying anything coherent when Blake's standing there looking like she just popped out of a painting, cheeks slightly flushed — probably from dancing, if she had to guess. She picks up her heels that she'd abandoned near one of the garden's numerous flowerbeds, another laugh leaving her almost on impulse. ⠀❛ ⠀Eheh— needed a little break. I thought I'd be a bit better in these by now...⠀ ❜⠀

⤷⠀⠀@reliberated ——— DRAGON WITCH BALL.

[reliberated]

how odd of a feeling it is, to have something missing and yet being unable to recall it. Blake knows that something is wrong and with having long since grown used to just how this city works, it isn't a stretch to assume that some outside force was behind the newfound hole in her chest. but for what purpose this time? what was there to gain in stealing away something that was potent enough to leave her with the sensation that what she knew didn't match up with what she felt?

it is both troubling and infuriating. regardless of the purpose or goal, there was no right to leave not just herself but so many less than whole. memories help shape a person and she hates this, this feeling of helplessly grasping for something that doesn't exist. what if it's gone forever? the possibility of that leaves her wincing, head shaking to disperse the thoughts. and in the process, she hears something.

" —hm?" ears flick at the sound of a voice as she comes back to the present, troubled eyes falling onto the small creature before her. oh. she must have gotten too lost in thought. " Oh. I'm sorry, I must have zoned out." the apologetic smile barely forms. " What did you say?"

@lightoball

[reliberated]

Blake carries with her many secrets and some are far more innocent than what behaviour says. for instance, whenever they are in combat, she keeps her ears attuned to her teammates. the slightest falter in their step or jump in their heartbeat is all it would take for her to be at their side should they need it. so she knows, even without feeling it, the sound of Ruby's heart. she can hear the way it races from the fear hot on its trails, something that has been a constant as of late. but as it slows, Blake lets out her own sigh, glad that even if it is only for this moment, Ruby isn't haunted by something out of her control.

what is said next earns a surprised pause, but it hardly lasts for long. " Well, then maybe you don't know me as well as you think, Miss Ruby Rose."

soft laughter follows words that jest as Blake pulls back enough to lightly bump her forehead against Ruby's before letting it rest there. her hands come to cradle her face, lips settling into a smile that's felt easier and easier to show despite the chaos. and when around Ruby, given all they've been through here and back home, it was a natural state of being. one the faunus could find herself falling into no matter the circumstances. it is always their leader that is trying to cheer the team up-- doesn't she too deserve the same? she may not be the greatest at it, but for those she cares for, and Ruby especially, Blake would put her everything in it.

" You're my person. I'd do anything to keep you safe. Like you told me before-- trust and believe in me as you always have. If I can be there to catch you when you fall, then I will."

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Good. That's good.⠀ ❜⠀⠀HER⠀⠀mouth forms the words, but her face doesn't reflect it. Her teammate's touch is calming, but she doesn't feel calm. Silver eyes linger on the leg she favors, and although she knows Blake's talking sense, it's just... not clicking. She knows that things are different here, and the playing field is turned right on its head. If she were a smart leader, a good leader, she'd probably use this chance to strategize — take the advantage while they still have it, whatever that ultimately meant.

⠀⠀⠀But she knows firsthand that Neopolitan doesn't have to draw blood to leave a mark, one that no one else could see. Blake seems to be handling it fine, but what about the next time ? She remembers every expression Neo made as they fell, and her mind can easily fill in the blanks Blake leaves wide open. Is she just supposed to believe there won't be a second time, or a third ? What if more of their team, or their friends, show up ? What about them ? What if ? What if ? What—

⠀⠀⠀The sudden warmth is all-encompassing, and it finally jolts her from what was quickly becoming a spiral. Blake's grip is tight on her back, and her voice is closer to her ear than she expected. A shaky sigh leaves her, long and heavy — it's almost like a bunch of compressed air hissing from her body, more breath than she even thought she could hold. She wonders if they're close enough that Blake could feel the way her heart had been racing, straining as if trying to flee the possibilities all on its own; she wonders if Blake can feel it gradually begin to slow as her limbs relax in kind, allowing her arms to hold tight around the middle of her back. Her own voice is unsteady at best, but there's a warmth to it that's been sorely lacking since they... sort of crash-landed here again. ⠀❛ ⠀Blake, I... Mm, I'm glad you're okay. You jumped after me without a second thought, I can't believe you'd...⠀ ❜⠀

[reliberated]

[pretends i'm not in emotional distress from catching up to v9 in one morning] anyways hi so.,. the event! it took me a bit but i have decided on what blake will be forgetting because lol. lmao. evything is totally fine aorund here! nothing to worry about!

THE WHITE FANG. blake has forgotten most of her past that involved the white fang. this means from when she joined to her eventiual defection from the group. there's a large gap in her memory because of it : she knows she went to join Beacon because she wanted to do good, do better, but can't remember exactly why that is.

FALL OF BEACON. blake knows that something terrible happened, something that caused her to make such a drastic decision as to leave beacon and everyone behind, but she can't remember what it was. everything that happened at the end of volume 3 has been forgotten. penny dying, the attack on beacon, adam showing up, and everything in-between. as far as blake knows, beacon is still standing.

this will double as an info post and starter call! i'll cap it at 3, but leave it uncapped for castmates