ProlongSave me from myself
White light was all she saw. She felt missing. Out of place. Yet in this light she felt warm. Safe from the horrors of the outside world.
"Is this a dream?" a girls voice asked.
Yet she got no response. No hint of a reply. Last thing she saw was...Phrrya. And that monster kill her in cold blood.
"Not thats not right. She did it! That insane women was the one who let the arrow fly!" she thought.
Memories of that day flooded in now. She remembered. But it was something she wanted to desperately forget. Was this what he flet when he was sent on missions? Was this sorrow what he delt when he lost brothers and sisters in arms? This pain of knowing that you could have done something? She should have tried something! Instead she let her shock stay her feet. And her best friend payed the price.
"Was this what he felt when he let someone down?" she thought.
She hated herself now. Thinking back all she did was watch. She watched as thet vile women shoot Phrrya in the heart. What would Jaune think now? Was he to angry with himself for no noticing the signs she gave him? Did he also blame himself for this? He had a reason though. Phrrya shoved him into a damn locker before sending him off to a safe zone set up by the UNSC and the local huntsman.
"Dont worry kid I got you."
She heard that familiar scratchy vouce from the years of drinking. She was suprised when she learned he drunk a lot as well. He was only eighteen years old. Was going to be nineteen in five months. And already drinking his sorrows away like her druncle Qrow. Then she heard something. Someone laughing in all this chaos. Who has the guts to laugh at all this? She got up to follow the sound. But that was odd she was sure any children not attending Becon Academy where evacuated via UNSC pelicans and Bullheads.
"Hello?" she called out to the empty white void. "Hello!?"
She then heard the giggling of a young child. Close to her? She turned around and instead of the constant white Void she was looking at. It was a wave of ocean water. But what was odd was that it stayed still but the water moved by itself. She walked closer to it yet a bit scared. She heard the giggling of a young little girl again. Stepping closer to the wave she reached out her hand in curiosity. She flet the water vmove through her figer tips. The palm of her hand soaked in the water. But yet it stayed dry. Pulling back her hand she looked at it to see that the water didn't wrinkle up her skin on her fingers.
"Thats odd." she told herself.
The water then divided into two separate walls. She saw the Island of Patch. Though it looked like half of it was converted into to places to live in as well as a small garrison base for the UNSC. Everything was peaceful, quite but not much due to children running around and playing. Faunus and Human children played together happily. Several UNSC Marines even decided to play a bit of soccer with the kids laughing with them as they played and teased them playfully as if they where there parents.
She felt taller for some reason. She had then noticed her body was reacting on its own. Eventually she got tired of trying to move herself sense her body was stuck on autopilot. Eventually she found herself walking into a all to familiar Cabin. Entering it she came to the living room and found a small five year old girl. She had red hair and black highlights that looked like they where dyed. The child looked up and smiled as she ran to Ruby.
"Momma!" the child said.
"Momma!?" Ruby shouted in shock but no one heard her.
"Hello sweetheart." she replied to the child but that wasn't her own voice.
The voice sounded older, mature even. Not the whiney child like voice she had that sounded like she didn't even hit puberty yet.
"Momma I met some new friends today!" the child said.
"Really? who might they be?" the older version of Ruby asked.
"Goku Belladonna and Crystal Schnee. Though Goku was really funny but Crystal seems to have a control complex. Shes always nagging me and telling me not to do this not to do that. thats not lady like." The child replied.
"Oh you met my old teammates kids." Ruby replied.
Teen Ruby on the other hand was trying to contimplate how all this happened. Sure this felt like a dream but this sure as hell off then what she wanted to do with her life. Being a mother wasn't on thay list. Unless she adopted by which she could undeniably accept.
"Momma when's papa coming back from his great journey?" the little girl asked.
"Wait papa...I did that!? And created this little...bundle of cute...Oh forget it. I really hope I meet this guys from before because shes so cute!" Ruby said having second thoughts about being a mother and a huntress.
After all how hard could it be. Her own mother was a huntress too... Now she was having second thoughts again. Maybe it was better if she stayed single but she knew she had a mad crush on a boy that went to Becon with her. She unfortunately had to find out today of all days. When the world was falling apart. She remembered that being a huntress puts a strain on family. She knew this to well when her own mother was alive.
"I dont know sweetie. Im sure he'll return. I promise." her older version said. "Should I tell her? No it will only break her heart if she knew the truth."
This peaked at Teen Rubys interest. After several hours Ruby finally heard the little girls name. Naomi Daisy. Apparently the word Naomi in some other language ment "Pleasant". And her last name meaning a weed that also doubles as a flower was a interesting choice and odd in her opinion. Eventually the older version of Ruby tucked the little bundle of joy into bed. But before she can even leave. Naomi decided to say something else that got Teen Rubys attattention.
"Um momma can you sleep with me tonight?" Naomi asked.
"But your a big girl now Naomi. I cant sleep with you every night." the older Ruby said.
Teen Ruby tried to understand her older selfs reasons. That is until she found out one thing. Older Ruby wanted to visit a grave. However she knew it wasn't her own mothers grave. However similar it was different.
"Well can you at least sing me a song? Just for tonight?" Naomi asked.
Adult Ruby smiles and nods. She then comes by Naomi's bed side. Resting her head on her daughters pillow. She began to sing.
Mirror Mirror on the wall.
Have I got it?Cuz Mirror you've always told me. Who I am.
And I'm finding it's not easy. To be perfect.
So sorry~ You won't Define~Me~Sorry~ You Dont Own Me~!
Who are you to tell me!? That im less then what I should be!? Who are you!? Oh~ Who are you!?
Yea~ I dont need to listen to the List of things I should do!I wont try. Oh~ I wont try.
Mirror I am seeing. An new reflection.Im looking through the eyes. Of who he made me!
And To him I AM beauty beyond compare. I know. He defines me.
Yeahhhhhh
Who are you to tell me that I'm less then what i should be!
Who are you! Who are you!~
Yeahhhhhh
I dont need to listen to the List of things that I should do who are you!I wont try! Noo! I wont try!
You dont Define me~(No You dont Define me~)(4)
Who are you to tell me that I'm less then what I should be! Who are you!? Who are you!?
Yeahhhhhh!
I don't need to listen to the List of things I should do! I wont try! I wont try!
yeah!
Who are you to tell me that I'm less then what I should be!?Who are you!? Oh~ Who are you!?
Yeahhhhhh
I dont need to listen to the List of things I should do!
I wont try!
Noo! I wont try!
Adult Ruby heard snoring and looked at Naomi who was holding her close using her a as a pillow. Smiling adult Ruby carefully got out of Naomi's grasp. Teen Ruby was at a loss watching the whole thing. It was like she was watching her own mother putting her to sleep when she was Naomi's age.
Adult Rubys smile was still there though it was a sad smile. Ruby saw that her body was now moving to her own Room. And when she opened the door there was bare bones almost nothing. Three picture frames where on the nightstand next to her bed. One had Team JNPR on it. Her smile became even more saddening.
The next was her own team Photo. Team RWBY but with a extra person behind Ruby on the photo. Clad in black armor with red details it looked like he copied her favorite colors. However there was no smiling face. Just the cold stare of a Blood crimson red visor like one who is out for blood. He stood as if he was at parade rest in a formation. However the her in the picture was trying desperately to not fall off his sholders and he stood there like a badass. Though his strict stance and how he didn't even flinch when she was falling off of him in the photo was a clear sign of how diciplined he was.
And the last and final one had the same person in armor however his helmet was off. With three other people in similar armor. One was colored orange with black details on his armor. His sun kissed blond hair and whisker like marks on his cheeks made more questions in teen Rubys mind more then the armor. He had what looked like a regular rifle on his back and a small pistol on his thigh armor.
The person next to him was a lot more calm if not shy looking compared to the blond teammate. At least assuming there teammates or just friends. She wore purple armor with pale lavender cream details. Her smile was sweet like cinnamon rolls. However she did have a fairly large red blush on her face because of a arm around her from the orange colored person.
The next one wore the same armor she saw in her team photo. However this time the same man had his helmet off. His light tan skin shone like a rising sun. He did not smile however. His eyes looked dead as if a veteran of many wars. But he had a arm over another person. A women in fact with green armor. Her eyes where a dirty yet beautiful green as well. She had her red hair tied into a bun. She to had a arm going behind the man in black armor. The picture frams for that one and JNPR had a phrase.
"Gone but not forgotten."
As of they all have died or someone died. Maybe more. Teen Ruby looked down. Remembering that Phrrya had died. She then felt her body get dressed in her same attire she always wears. Black combat skirt woth red trim at the bottom of it. Black blouse with a black corset and red strings. Black leggings and combat boots with Red heels. Grabbing her SniperSyth she was about to walk out the door but Tai Yang was infront of it.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"To visit mom. Is that a problem? Ive done it before." Adult Ruby replied.
Teen Ruby was suprised at her fathers odd behavior. He always lets her go see her mother's grave stone.
"No but I prefer you at least tell me before leaving. I know youve snuck out before but your a mother now. You should be careful." Tai said with concern and love.
"I know dad love you." she said as she hugged him and said goodbye.
Teen Ruby knew the path her body was walking. It was a long walk but they got to her destination eventually. Her mothers grave marker. Adult Ruby walked closer to the grave marker. Then folding her hands together as if in prayer she. Teen Ruby felt saddened by this still. As if she hadn't gotten over her mothers death. a few words where the only things legible as well as a design of roses.
"Summer Rose, "Thus I Kindly Scatter."
"Hay mom. I know its been a while. But missions and taking care of Naomi was giving me a hands full for the year." Adult Ruby spoke. Some tears left her eyes.
"I miss you. I think if Naomi knew you she'd miss you to."
Teen Ruby just staued silent even in her thoughts.
"Im still trying to balance out being a huntress and being there for Naomi. If he where here id bet he'd say "lets take turns doing missions while the other takes care of her"."
Adult Ruby rubbed her right hand on something metal like on her finger.
"And to be honest i would have agreed if he was still here. I think he would have wanted to meet you. But i think he would have only blamed himself more."
Teen Ruby was suprised by this. Why would her future significant other blam himself?
"Sometimes I wonder if everyone forgot who he really was. If they even remember him. He was good to us till that day. But it wasn't his fault. Yet people put all the blame and there hatred in him when he wasn't the only one involved. I think they dont mind forgetting him. Even after all hes done to help us. But I guess the world was just always cruel and unjust to us. To him."
Teen Ruby felt something off and turned her eyes to the left. And saw a grave maker as well. But bushes and plants covered it like it was abandoned. Lonely. Wrapped in a inescapable cage.
"I sometimes wonder if he wanted to be forgotten after he realized what he's done that day. If he felt like the scum of Remnant. He shouldn't think about himself like that yet why did i let him think those things? I was he's teamleader. I feel like I let him down. Leaving him there in that empty plain."
Teen Ruby flet like crying hearing about this teammate they supposedly had. Did her Adult self feel responsible for his self doubt?
"Well its always good to talk to you." Adult Ruby let a tear fall and her younger self felt it as well.
Adult Ruby smiles sadly then gets up to walk to the marker covered in thorns and bushes. However after clearing it all away with her syth and some fire dust the grave marker was then naked to the world. And only a one word came to mind to describe it. "Depressing".
"Raku...(untranslatable word) , "Forgotten by all. Thus I am shattered, pieces unworthy to be whole again."
Teen Ruby felt her heart get tighter at reading the marker. As if all of that was said was sadly true. She felt her adult self touch it with her hand. It was cold as expected. But felt the hand remove some snow from it. And another text appeared.
"Loved by no one. Abandoned by all."
Teen Ruby was saddened even more.
"Who would pit such words on someone's grave marker?" Teen Ruby thought.
"Hay Raku. Its been awhile hasn't it." Adult Ruby spoke.
She shivered as if saying his name only made the cold wind get more chilling. Using both hands she used her cape as a warning blanket around her.
"Naomi's growing up. Faster then nether of us expected to..."
Teen Ruby looked up fron her position and saw a man in armor. The same one in the photos she saw in the house. But his helmet was on. Adult Ruby didn't notice him. Or he wasn't there to begin with in her adult versions Point if view. He just stood there looking at her as if hw was a statue.
"She misses you...And I miss you to. I guess now im the only one that cares about you." Adult Ruby chuckles a bit.
"I guess thats expected after what happened in the end. Everyone was confused. And so was I. But I understand why you did what you did. And when you should have been remembered as a hero you where scorned by everyone around us. They seemed unphased that I couldn't get your body out of there. I didn't want to leave you behind."
Teen Ruby felt tears come more and more. Everything from the sadness and depression that Adult Ruby was feeling Teen Ruby felt it to. From the body language to how her adult self choked on her words.
"I guess that makes me a bad leader then. After all you where one yourself. You attempted to bring everyone back dead or alive. Even if it just there dog tags. Yet there I left you. In another plane of existence to die. All because I couldn't lift twice my wight without agitating my own wounds."
Adult Rubys tears over flowed her eyes and closed them in dispire.
"I left you. Yet you'd carry me if the roles where switched. You'd wouldn't leave me behind. Yet here i am. Still alive. But I dont have you here! Whats this all for!? I bet you feel betrayed yourself now like i do about myself!"
Teen Ruby felt her adult body coms to her knees.
"Say something damnit!" she shouted.
The Younger version of Ruby looked up to see the person in armor look at her adult self amd tilted his head. He then put his hands on his helmet and with a hiss of air. The helmet came off showing the same black hair and blue eyes she saw in the photos. However his face had more scars. Some on his forehead. Several on his left cheek. And one that comes down parallel on his left side of his lips.
Dropping the helmet into the snow he kneeled down to her eye level. Adult Ruby looked up to meet the armored figure with only more tears. Rubys adult self tried to touch his left scared cheek but it only phased through. The figure smiled back at her as if he heard every word spoken when she came to the grave. He placed a hand on her sholder.
"Non of this was your fault or negligence as a Fireteam leader. It was because of those that caused the fall of Vale that I am blamed for there transgressions. Im sorry I left you to feel this way. To leave Naomi fatherless. You've done a very great job raising ger in my stead. Dont blane yourself for my mistakes or the mistakes of others." the figure replied.
His ghostly hand cupped her cheek still smiling but tears also left his eyes.
"Dont blame yourself for leaving me behind. You had no choice. My armor locked up and couldn't be removed without the proper tools. I was to heavy to be carried regardless of how strong you could try to be. I dont hate or blame you for leaving me to die. After all knowing that you remember me. And telling Naomi who I truly am. Thats all i could ever ask for."
The figure then pulled back his hand and grabbed hers and helped her up.
"But your scars?"
Adult Ruby tried touching his face again but waa only met with empty space. The figure hugged her and she felt warm in his embrace.
"Are nothing that define me other them my struggles in life. I define me." he said as he started to disappear. "Please. Take care of her. She deserves more then this old ghost."
Adult Ruby was hesitant but nodded. They heard the growling of baowolfs in the distance and turned to see nothing. Turning back to eachother
"Go. I dont want Naomi to be motherless now of all days. Goodbye." The figure then completely disappeared.
"Goodbye..." Adult Ruby spoke.
The growls of Grim came closer and closer. Teen Ruby saw this scene before in another dream. Her adult body stood up and walked back to the cabin however Baowolfs came out of the bushes and the forest to her sides. One tried to attack her only to look up and see her in the air with rose pedals.
Pulling out her weapon "crescent rose" she unfolded it from its carry compact form. And into its sniper form. She pulled the trigger and fired a round into the head of the baowolf that tried to attack her. More baowolfs ran at her to kill the silver eyed warrior. But she ducked under one that was about to slash her and sliced ots legs clean off. Using her momentum she ran at another one and impaled it. The Baowolf looked at its chest to see the syth. It then went limp and knowing it was dead she then pulled the trigger again. The bullet went through the baowolf and into another ones head. The momentum from that shot propelled her into a lined up formation of grim she then put her feet on solid ground but was running at high speeds. She then power slid changing her syths blade into a spear and firing another shot she spin like a ballerina with the the slicing end going into more baowolfs ether ripping off libs or slicing them in half. She continued this until she came to a clearing that was infront of her home.
Bullet brass fell from the sky as she stood with her blade back in its regular syth form and the barrel pointed at an angle to the ground while her arms where behind her holding onto her weapon. Her hood never came off her head. Rose pedals also fell from the sky along with the brass but the roses nnever stopped coming down as if it was snowing with them.
Adult Ruby looked back at the destruction behind her. She saw the two graves in the distance. Her mother Summer Rose in her white cape looked back at her as well as this person named Raku in his armor. Summer had a smile on her face. Raku had a small grin. They both walked out of sight till theu disappeared. Teen Ruby was so confused at all of this. Was this the future she dreamed of? Or was this a result of her trauma she received when that white light came from her.
All teen Ruby did know was that another precious friend was gone in this world. And he left behind a flower that will grow up without him.
"Until I cam see you again guys." Adult Ruby said before entering her home.
Teen Ruby was finally out of her adult body but was surrounded by snow Amd the two graves. One thing was for curtain.
"Your not dying on me. Your not the Hymn for the missing."
Song: Mirror, MirrorArtist: Barlowgirl