The Pale Rose of the Tides {Bloodborne X RWBY X Arknights}

Chapter 05 Beacon Part 02

Chapter 05
Beacon
Part 02

30 minutes later...

After a while of wandering through Beacon Academy's sprawling campus, Ruby and Jaune were suddenly approached by Marie, who appeared out of nowhere. Her tall, ghostly figure startled Jaune, causing him to jump back in fright. Ruby, recognizing her immediately, broke into a smile as Marie greeted her.

"Little Hunter," Marie said softly, her voice carrying a strangely comforting tone. "I've found you."

Marie then looked at Jaune, who stood beside Ruby. Her glassy green eyes seemed to pierce through him, making him shift uneasily.

She smiled slightly and commented, "I see you have finally made a first friend amongst the Land-walkers, Litte Hunter. Well done."

Jaune, still on edge, gingerly introduced himself. "Uh, hi, I'm Jaune Arc..." He hesitated to use his cat-call, unsure of what to make of the eerie figure before him.

Also, Land-walkers? what did she meant by that?

Marie turned her attention to Jaune, her expression calm as ever as she grafeuly bowed to him. "Greetings, I am the Doll, given the name of Marie," she said simply, her words leaving Jaune even more confused.

"Uh... the Doll?" Jaune echoed, bewildered by the title.

Before Jaune could ask more, Ruby quickly cut in, noticing his growing confusion. "Don't worry about it, Jaune. Marie is... uh... unique! Yes, unique!"

She then pouted at Marie, her earlier frustration resurfacing. "But Marie, you ditched me like Yang without telling me where to go next! We've been exploring the area this whole time, and I didn't know where to find anyone!"

Marie tilted her head slightly, as if acknowledging Ruby's frustration. "My apologies, Little Hunter," she replied, her voice as calm and soothing as ever. "But I am here now to guide you to your destination. Follow me, little ones. The Headmaster is about to begin his speech, soon."

With that, Marie led them through the campus, guiding them effortlessly toward their destination. As they walked, Jaune couldn't help but steal glances at Marie, his eyes lingering on her features. There was something unsettling about her appearance-her skin looked almost too smooth, too perfect, as if it wasn't entirely organic. His mind kept returning to her strange introduction. What did she mean by claiming she was a... Doll?

He was about to ask, the question forming on his lips, when they finally reached their destination. Both Ruby and Jaune stopped in their tracks, gazing in awe at the large amphitheater before them. The grand structure loomed ahead, and they noticed that it was already filled with other applicants. It looked like they were the last ones to arrive.

Marie, who had been standing still beside them, suddenly moved forward, walking ahead by a few steps before turning to gesture for them to enter. Ruby and Jaune complied without hesitation, stepping into the amphitheater.

However, just as they crossed the threshold, Jaune remembered his earlier curiosity about both the Doll, and what did she meant by calling him a Land-walker.

He turned his head, intending to finally ask her about it, but to his surprise, Marie had vanished without a trace.

Confused, Jaune looked around, but there was no sign of her anywhere. "Ruby? W-where did Miss. Marie go?" he muttered under his breath.

Ruby, noticing his bewilderment, shrugged lightly. "Like I said, Jaune, Marie's just... like that. You'll get used to it."

Jaune nodded slowly, still trying to wrap his head around everything that had just happened as they joined the other applicants inside the amphitheater.