RWBY: Brandish pt.1

The Atlas stadium thundered from the roar of the crowd packed into it’s seats, the day’s events long awaited by countless fans. The giant screens high on the construct’s four corners shone brightly even in the open sunlight while the towers of Atlas beyond shimmered in the background. Amidst the open ground at the stadium’s center a single man walked out, drawing a wave of cheers and applause.

He waved as he walked to the center, the screens now showing him as he stopped and raised a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen!” He shouted, his voice echoing through the speakers and drowning out the cheers. “Citizens of Atlas! Welcome to the final day of the seventy-fifth annual tournament!” He raised his arms as the crowd roared. “For the last three days we have bore witness to Atlas’s best and mightiest as they fought it out one on one to see who is the best!

“We have an amazing line up this year, ladies and gentlemen! We have seen the some familiar faces, mighty contenders returning to the fray, as well as some new fighters entering the ring for the first time! Now before we get into it let us all give a warm greeting to last year’s runner-up who appears to be the favorite to win this time around!” He whirled around as a lone figure strode out from the entrance he had come. “Let us give a warm welcome to Cardin Winchester!”

Clad in brilliant armor and a breastplate emblazoned with a golden eagle, striding out with confidence as the cheers washed over him, Cardin entered the stadium. He waved to the crowds as he approached the announcer, shaking the man’s hand firmly. He turned back to the crowds and waved again before facing the announcer again as he raised his microphone to him.

“Mister Winchester.” The announcer began. “You have fought fiercely these last three days, entering every fight with composure. Tell us, how do you feel about this year?”

Cardin leaned in towards the mic. “I feel confident this time.” He said. “I have trained hard and I learned a lot from last year, I hope to take victory this time.”

“Last year, despite it being your first time in the ring, you fought hard enough to earn second place.” The announcer gave an exaggerated look of amusement. “Almost unheard of! Especially for one so young as yourself!”

Cardin laughed, playing along with the act. “I feel age doesn’t truly matter.” He said. “Experience, well, that’s different, which is why I feel I lost last year. Our champion is a skilled fighter who has been in the ring much longer than I. But this year,” he looked up into the stands for effect, “Will be different!”

The crowd roared with excitement at the declaration, some cheering for Cardin himself while others merely bristled with excitement. The announcer clapped briefly before raising his mic, “Well, Mister Winchester, I wish you the best of luck in today’s fights but I had better let you get back to your preparations.” With a nod, a handshake and a final wave to the crowds Cardin left the arena, cheers and applause at his back.

“Now then!” The announcer continued. “Today is a very special day, everyone, and a very important someone has decided to join us here today as we celebrate and watch the fights!” He whirled around, facing the ornate box seat sitting high up in the stands, just below one of the screens. “Let us give a hand to her Majesty, Weiss Schnee! Queen of Atlas!”

The screens changed int he blink of an eye and the stadium exploded in cheers as everyone stood and Weiss Schnee, clad in her royal dress of pure white with noble blue accents, lace around her collar and the hems of her sleeves, strode into her reserved platform. Her hair lay loose behind her head, pulled back and held into place with a silver tiara, an ornate silver necklace laden with a blue gem resting over her exposed neckline. She raised a hand bearing the ring of her predecessor and waved to the crowds below as her guard detail filed in behind her, men and women dressed in long coats adorned with armor plates and ornamental sashes.

Behind the guards came a tall blond girl, no older than Weiss herself and the cameras transitioned to her. She was dressed in the same uniform as the guards but in a lighter shade of tan rather than grey, the armor plates on her shoulders, forearms shins and around her collar a brilliant gold. Her equally golden mane was tied up high onto her head, held in place by purple ribbon.

Weiss seated herself in the ornate chair near the edge of her stage, a series of small, holographic screens appearing off to her left as the blond girl took her place at her right. The people of the stadium seated themselves as the announcer again began to speak. “And with our beloved queen we have none other than our champion, the victor of last year’s tournament, Atlas’s greatest fighter and captain of the royal guard, Yang Xiao Long!” Again the stadium erupted in cheers and Yang, still standing at Weiss’ side, waved at everyone, her arms above her head and a bright smile on her face. “Tell us, our champion, how do you feel about this year’s tournament?”

Yang took a step forward, taking up a microphone one of the other guards offered her. “We have a lot of strong competitors this years.” She spoke, quieting everyone as her voice rang out. “Our fair city never ceases to produce some of the strongest fighters I have ever seen. I look forward to see who out of our top four will reign victorious.” She lowered the microphone as more cheers ensued and she waved.

Weiss snickered under her breath. “You don’t even know who the competitors are other than Cardin.” She said low enough so only Yang could hear.

“And who’s fault is that exactly?” Yang shot back quietly, still waving.

The retort made Weiss laugh to herself as the announcer spoke once more. “Just as a refresher, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “The winner of today’s matches will go on and face Yang Xiao Long, the champion, for a shot at her title but win or lose the challenger will still walk away with the prize money.” He broke away from his speech as what looked like a staff member came running out to his side, whispering something to him before departing just as quickly. “It appears we have a slight change in our schedule, everyone.” He continued, looking apologetic. “But due to injuries suffered from their last fight one of our competitors will be unable to fight today and as such has dropped out. One of our fighters will get to sit back and relax before their fight with whomever wins in the first round.”

Yang audibly sighed. “Ah, man.” She groaned. “Now there will only be two fights instead of three.” She sighed again and shifted her weight onto her leg leg as she crossed her arms.

“Don’t forget,” Weiss began, glancing up at her captain of the guard, “You’ll be fighting soon as well.”

“Yeah but still.” Yang continued but trailed off as the announcer brought in the first two fighters, Cardin and one other she didn’t know. “I actually hope he doesn’t win again this year.” She said. “Last year inflated his ego and I hear he’s a jerk now.”

Weiss let out a soft hum in acknowledgement, swiping one of the screens displaying the fighters into position before her. The pair watched the fight below but not with the same excitement as the crowd and Yang found herself audibly rooting for Cardin’s opponent. The match itself was mostly one sided and Cardin toyed with his opponent more than fought, most likely trying to fill in the time and make the match last longer. She may not have liked him but Yang had to compliment Cardin’s ability to work up the crowd.

The match ended with Cardin as the victor by knockout and crowd cheered for him as he waved triumphantly into the stands. As medics came out and retrieved the unconscious form behind him, Cardin turned to the box seats and made a bold declaration. He raised his large mace and pointed at what Weiss knew was Yang and that only made the crowd roar all the louder but Yang merely stood there with her arms crossed, a faint glimmer of red in her amethyst eyes.

Weiss looked on with, more than a little entertained by the sight but her attention was drawn away as she felt someone gently touch her shoulder opposite to Yang. She didn’t need to turn around to see who it was, instead she faced forward again as she spoke, “What is it, Blake?”

“You should take a look at this.” Came a calm and cool voice in response and one of Weiss’ screens changed, displaying the profile of one of the applicants but without a picture.

Weiss scrunched her nose at it as she read of what little information was provided and the single word that sat in place of the name; ‘anonymous’. “You think it’s her?” She asked, waving the screen away.

“I wouldn’t put it passed her.” Blake replied and it sounded like she was smiling. “What should we do?”

Before Weiss could respond the announcer’s voice filled the stadium and the screens transitioned to display him standing alongside Cardin. “A thrilling fight, that was? Wouldn’t you agree? Wouldn’t you agree!” He paused as the crowd cheered. “Mister Winchester has given me the all clear, he’s ready for the next and final fight today! Our final combatant is a mystery but she had won the hearts of many of us here,” He swung his arm around to point towards the entrance, “Allow me to introduce to you all our first time fighter whom the crowd has dubbed as Red!”

From within the darkened corridor of the entrance a small figure strode forth into the open light of the stadium with a bright red hood hiding her face and an equally red cloak fluttering behind her as she walked. She was dressed in darkened clothes underneath, padded leather armor over her boots and forearms and a curved sword and sheath dangling from the ornate leather belt around her tiny waist. Raising a hand wrapped in a leather glove the hooded girl waved to the crowd as she walked out to where she stopped several feet from Cardin himself, lowering her arm and facing him fully.

Yang lowered her arms as she looked down at the newcomer, her jaw slacked as amusement crossed her face. Weiss on the other hand leaned forward in her seat, forgoing the use of her screens and simply let out a tired sigh as she saw the smaller fighter. She said something to Blake as she rested back into her chair and repositioned her screens again.

“Red is new to the tournament this year,” the announcer proclaimed, “But she has more than earned her place among our fierce competitors!” He took several steps away from the pair. “These two look like they’re ready to have it, folks! Now then; fighters ready!”

Cardin swung his mace up and into both hands, widening his stance and lowering his shoulders. His opponent slid her fingers around the hilt of her sword, drawing the curved blade with a quick and fluid flourish, holding it aloft with one hand and it’s gleaming tip trained on him. While the crowd didn’t go completely silent there was a very tense quiet that fell over them as the announcer raised a hand into the air.

“Begin!”

No sooner had the announcer’s voice rang out Cardin found his opponent air born, turning once in mid air and brining her sword around as Cardin quickly raised his weapon. The blade crashed against the shaft and despite being significantly larger than his opponent Cardin found himself fighting to keep his balance from the sheer impact of the blow. Cardin was forced onto the defensive, trying desperately to deflect each blow that followed the first no sooner had it connected.

He found a break in the hooded girl’s onslaught and with a burst of speed he lashed out with the butt of his weapon, hitting nothing but putting some distance between them. Bringing his weapon around in a tight arc Cardin lunged forward and brought his mace down upon his foe, again hitting nothing and burying the head of his weapon in the dirt as she side stepped. The larger boy shifted his weight, taking hold of his mace with both hands and brought it around in a wide swing, tearing up the ground as he did so.

The hooded fighter threw herself aside at the first strike but found her opponent’s weapon chasing her as he swung. She quickly crouched, using her size to her advantage and ducking under the blow. Cardin was wide open and he knew it, he tried to use the momentum of his swing to retreat but Red was before him before he could even budge. A single heavy blow connected to Cadrin’s middle as she struck him, his shield of aura disappearing immediately and the air rushing out of his lungs.

His weapon fell from his grasp as Cardin fell to his knees, one hand keeping him from headbutting the dirt as the other wrapped itself around his middle. He felt cold metal touch his neck and he turned his head carefully to look up at Red, her sword cradling his chin and he could see a smile from under the hood. Red lowered her weapon as the announcer intervened and called the end to the match, taking a few measured strides away as she returned her sword to it’s sheath with a flick of her wrist.

The audience didn’t quite know how to react but cheered all the same, dumbfounded looks upon the Winchester fans while others shouted from the unexpected victory. Yang stood with her hands on the edge of the box seat, a very amused smile on her face as the announcer raised Red’s arm into the hair, declaring her the winner.

Yang quickly turned, the tail of her jacket and her golden mane fluttering behind her as she did but Weiss’ voice stopped her before she could leave. “What do you intend to do?” She asked.

The other guards stepped aside as their captain approached, glancing from her to their queen. “Fight, naturally.” Yang replied. “She has earned that today.”

Weiss tapped the arm of her chair with the nail of her index finger, her silence dismissed Yang and the blond disappeared through the only door behind her. The queen of Atlas watched the crowds and the hooded Red through her screen, a pang of irritation biting at the back of her mind.

She watched the announcer release Red’s arm and step away. “Congratulations on such a decisive victory!” He exclaimed, clearly as excited from the results of the fight as everyone else. “I must say, though, Red, if I had placed money on this fight earlier I would be a poorer man right now.” His statement brought a laugh from Red but she was plenty far away from the mic that no one heard it. “With this victory you have earned your grand prize cash reward and the opportunity to challenge our champion!” He whirled back around to the box seat where Weiss sat, the screens changing to show her seated there alone aside from her guard detail. The announcer paused a second, “Uh,” he stammered, “Captain Xiao Long?”

He heard the crowd roar and he looked down to the stadium’s entrance before him where Yang came striding out into the light, the hilt of her great sword protruding from over her right shoulder and the sun glinting off the golden plates of her uniform. The announcer faced her, extending a hand and proclaiming something but she didn’t hear it, her eyes were locked on Red as the smaller girl turned to face her, a smile visible under her hood. Yang, with a broad smile of her own, reached up and drew her sword as she strode forward, causing the announcer to glance nervously between her and Red. As the hooded girl drew her own sword and began walking towards Yang as well the announcer quickly moved aside, his words falling on deaf ears as the two combatants turned their stride into a full charge at one another.

Yang lead her attack with a wide but quick arc, forcing Red to drop to her knees and bend half way backwards to avoid it. The smaller girl slid forward beneath the blow, bringing her sword around and aimed for Yang’s middle but the blond easily leapt over the attack, throwing herself into a front flip over Red. The two passed each other, Yang landing and Red hopping to her feet and turning as they both got their footing and launched themselves at each other.

Despite the size of her weapon Yang was able to swing the sword around as if it was nothing, easily parrying or dodging Red’s attacks while Red herself did the same to hers. The crowd could only watch the exchange in awe, the ferocity of either fighter overshadowing that of any other they had witnessed earlier. Even Cardin, now standing in the entrance he and Red had used, watched in astonishment as the fight unfolded.

The pair traded blow after blow, unable to land a solid hit on the other. Yang watched as her opponent bounced around her, easily dodging one attack after another, deflecting others when only necessary and as if her suspicions of the fighter before her weren’t already confirmed they certainly were now.

A glancing blow threw Yang off balance and Red saw her opening. She took up her weapon in both hands, brining the blade level with her eyes, and drove it forward, trained on Yang’s thigh. The captain of the guard saw the blow just as she knew it would and with a smirk and shifted her weight forward and brought her sword down in a large arc. Red realized she had fallen into a trap all too late and even as she jumped back she raised her sword to intercept the blow.

With the ring of metal the crowd went nearly silent. Yang stopped her sword from burying itself in the dirt, taking no small measure of strength, as Red stumbled back, her sword cleanly broken in half. She looked from the broken half in her hand to the separated half skidding across the ground and the crowd cheered.

“That is it!” The announcer called, unable to contain his excitement. “That is it, the match is won! Yang Xiao Long, our captain of the royal guard, is victorious by weapon break!”

Yang straightened, letting the tip of her sword rest on the ground as she watched Red inspect her weapon. Just as the announcer went to make his way over to them she tossed the broken sword aside and widened her stance which stopped the man in his tracks.

Yang realized what she was about to do and disbelief washed over her face. She reached out with her free hand and shouted but it was too late. Red raised one foot and stamped once, a bright light flashed in her hands and the ring of metal echoed throughout the stadium. Red now stood with a large scythe in her hands, as red as her cloak and the hood that now fell around her shoulders, revealing dark brown hair and silver eyes staring out towards Yang.

The crowd collectively gasped and the announcer stuttered a moment. “That’s a Brandish!” He exclaimed. “She used a Brandish!”

Weiss cursed under her breath as the stadium buzzed with chatter and the announcer floundered for his words. Yang, on the other hand, simply smiled. She tossed her sword aside, the massive blade burying itself int eh dirt several feet away and drawing all eyes to her.

She closed her eyes. “If that’s how you want it.” She said as she raised her arms out to her sides. Her eyes snapped open, now a burning red color. “Then so be it!”

She slammed her fists together, issuing the same light as before but it wasn’t a scythe in her hands when the light faded but something far different. Her arms and hands were encased in golden gauntlets much larger than the ones she previously wore and her guard’s jacket now changed to a longer tan coat adorned with golden armor over her chest and shoulders. Yang’s new coat billowed as she threw her arms downward, her hair almost glowing as it fell loose, the color a contrast to the burning red halo that now formed behind her head. She strode forward, leaving burning footprints in her wake as the announcer quickly turned and ran in the opposite direction, not stopping until he was in the safety of the entrance alongside Cardin.

Yang couldn’t hide the broad grin on her face as she approached her opponent, her stride turning into a charge and the younger girl followed suit, drawing back her scythe.

“Bring it, Ruby!”