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Back then, she had been wary of the Back Alley, afraid she would get lost and never find a way out. It was the territory of the Golden Crowns, after all.īut the Back Alley was more than just a gang’s playground, as Ruby had learned some months ago, before she was accepted into Beacon Academy. It wasn’t the worst place in Vale, but it definitely wasn’t one of the better places either. Many people were ignorant that the Back Alley even existed and most who did know liked to pretend it didn’t, for one reason or another. A network of hidden intersections and condemned buildings colorfully known as the Back Alley. It led her into a maze of backstreets and dead-ends that ran through much of Vale’s commercial district. Her little celebration completed, Ruby headed down the alleyway. Glad to be free of the crowd she stretched out her arms, reveling in having the space to do so after spending almost two hours being pushed around by a current of moving bodies. Ruby glared at the dead tyrant’s likeness from beneath her hood before ducking into the alley. It depicted an artist’s stylized rendition of Vale’s last king, heroically thrusting his sword forward, toward the future. An alleyway was coming up, one distinguished from others by the street mural on the building next to it. Thankfully, the young Huntress-in-training wouldn’t have to stay a part of the throng for much longer. It was nothing like her home back on Patch where everyone knew each other, and you could actually see where you were walking instead of just the back of the person in front of you. There were so many people out today, so many strangers. She caught herself saying “excuse me” and “pardon me” every time she passed someone on her way since she stepped out of the Beacon ferry airship. Ruby Rose was never a big fan of crowds they made her nervous. Among this throng of bodies, a small figure, wearing a bright red hood, tried her best not to let her anxiety get the better of her. The sidewalks were crowded with people going about their business or taking in the sights of this new city. Store owners readied special merchandise, volunteer workers set up decorations, and freshly arrived tourists filed out of cruise liners to experience all that the city had to offer them. The Vytal Festival fast approaching, and the people were busying themselves in preparation for it. It was a busy day in the city of Vale, but such is to be expected.
