RWBY: Tale of Two Roses

Chapter 10: Youth

Shortly after Summer had died, Ruby's family grew distant from the Paladins. Aries grieved the friendship he used to have. He's walking to the bookstore in Lavandeville when he sees a faunus girl being picked on by a couple human kids. "Nice cat ears, freak!" the bigger one taunts. "Leave me alone, Cardin!" the girl cries. The bigger one kicks dust in her eyes and she falls to her knees. "Leave her alone!" Aries cries out. "Aw, crybaby Paladin! Yang ain't here to protect you now!" Cardin charges Aries and knocks him down. Aries gets up and Cardin charges him again. Aries crosses his arms and a barrier forms causing Cardin's hand to bounce off. Carin gets irritated and continues to pound the barrier. Aries slides back as he withstands the onslaught. He dodges the next hit and kicks Cardin in the back. Cardin takes his feet and Aries kicks him in the chest. "Leave her alone. Now go." Cardin stands up and his friends walk away. "I'm sorry for them. Not all of us are bad." The Faunus girls smiles. "My name's Aries, Aries Paladin."

"Blake Belladonna."

"Well, welcome to Lavandeville. C'mon I know a great bookstore." Blake smiles and accompanies him. As time progresses, so did their friendship. They grew closer, playing, hunting, and training together. One day in the lavender field, Aries and Blake are on guard duty. "Aries."

"Yeah?"

"How long has it been since we met?"

"I'd say about 8 years" Blake smiles. "8 already?" Aries smiles too. "Time flies, huh?" Blake looks to the ground and blushes. Aries smoothly slides his hand over hers. She's surprised but smiles. She grabs his hand and leans against him. They walk back to the village with smiles on their faces."Hey, pussyboy Paladin!" Aries turns around to see Cardin and his crew. "Y'know what Cardin, call me what you like. I don't care." Cardin is taken aback by his sudden confidence. Aries smiles back at Blake as they go to their normal shop. "Hey Charlie." Aries says happily.

"Hey A-" Charlie notices the smile on Aries' face. "Oh my stars it finally happened. Took 8 years but I'm happy for you both. The book is my treat today."

"Thanks Charlie" Blake says with a smile. They go through the shelves and decide on a fantasy novel. They sit on a bench and Blake stretches out across aries and begins to read it. "Hey Paladin! We're not done!" Cardin threatens.

"Yeah, you don't just blow off Cardin!" His cronie says trying to intimidate. Aries simply ignores him and continues to enjoy his time with Blake. Cardin grabs him by the coat and yanks him up, tossing him into the square. Aries gets to his knees and Cardin is walking toward him. "Look, I'm having a good day. Don't ruin it for me."

"What? Think just because your brother beats on you I'll go easy? Got another thing comin' Paladin!"

"Cardin I'm not a fighter. I just want to be left alone."

"Shoulda thought of that before you stood up for the wrong species." Cardin charges Aries with a punch and Aries side steps. "I won't fight you, Cardin."

"Because you're a pussy!" Cardin charges him again and again Aries moves out of the way. "Because I believe there are better methods toward understanding each other." Aries goes to avoid him again but one of his guys shove Aries and Cardin lands a large hook on his jaw. Aries falls to the ground and Aries proceeds to kick him. Blake starts to intervene when a red haired faunus with bull horns steps up and lands a kick to Cardin's chest.Cardin stumbles back and then looks at the faunus' face, a local ruffian by the name of Adam. Cardin and his crew gather up. "You're not worth it Paladin!" They walk away and Adam helps Aries up. "Thanks, Adam."

"Aries, you're weak!" Aries gives him a confused look. "You say you want to bring change, bring progress. Yet you have the same weak resolve as any other human!"