Velvet loaded her belt with tough but light ropes that had been intended for tying the vans together for shelter. If all went well, they would be much safer above the storm.

She bounced on her heels, getting ready to climb as the front of the turtle slowly slid past them. Slate was right, it never even looked down or took notice of them. They were basically as insignificant as bugs.

“You sure about this, V?” Yatsu asked.

She nodded. “Give me a boost?”

“You got it.”

Yatsu stepped back from the turtle a bit and drew his sword. He held it in both hands and slung the broad, flat side of the blade over his shoulder like a baseball bat.

“Good luck,” Coco said.

“It’s supposed to be good luck to see one, isn’t it?” Velvet said. “So climbing it must be really lucky.”

“I hope so.”

Gus smiled up at Velvet. “I’m worried, but I think you can do it.”

“Thanks.” She ruffled Gus’s curly hair, and he ducked his head.

Then she jumped up onto Yatsu’s shoulder and walked along his greatsword. She crouched on the flat blade close to the tip.

“Ready!” Velvet called.

Yatsu swung, low and then high—and fast. As his arms fully extended with the sword pointing straight out, Velvet launched herself, using the momentum to carry herself twenty-five feet up. She landed on one of the turtle’s massive flippers.

Already a quarter of the way up, Velvet thought. Thanks, Yatsu.

- RWBY: After the Fall, Chapter 12