chapter two unanswered questions
"So...you have no idea what this mark is. Do you know anyone who might?" Jaune asked. The four young hunters were in their new combat gear after Qrow had told them that it was a good idea. Each set was similar to their previous gear, with the exception of Ruby's. Her gear now had royal blue and gold along with her normal red and black. As soon as she had fastened her hood to it her hood had changed slightly as well. It also included a red-gold papillon style mask that Qrow had told her to wear to hide the glowing mark in her right eye.
"I wish I did. Not even Ozpin could figure those ruins out. All he knew about them was that they seem to predate the discovery of dust.".
"Well would that explain that weird vision we all had?" Nora asked.
"I doubt it. You said it showed the temple being built and then deteriorating right?" Qrow asked. "Yeah. But this "exalt" buisness is what's been bothering me the most." Ruby replied.
"I honestly have no idea whatsoever what "exalt" means." Qrow said. "But, I know where we can start looking. Haven's lore library is extensive, and probably has at least something on whatever's going on with you. But first, let's see what you can do with that sword you found.". So he dragged the four out of the city and told Ruby to draw her new weapon.
"Her stance is perfect, she drew it flawlessly and she seems to have a natural talent with that sword." Qrow mused, as he watched his niece go through her paces. Although Ruby had never admitted it to anyone, even crescent rose felt like it didn't truly belong in her hands. The fact that it seemed to be an extension of herself was a testament to years of hard work, not natural ability. This sword she was practicing with however was a different story. It's almost like I was born to wield this sword. She thought. The other three of the group were watching open mouthed as Ruby launched herself into sword techniqes that should have taken decades to learn, let alone master. Then, they heard the first scream. Ruby was the first to spring into action, rushing headlong torwards the disturbance, only to find more of these "risen" approaching a young faunus girl who couldn't have been more than four years old. The bodies of what must have been her parents lay nearby, and Ruby felt a boiling rage. Disregarding the fact she had just begun to practice with her new sword, she threw herself at the risen. In only a matter of seconds she had killed five of the creatures and only two remained. By then, the other four had caught up to her and were able to dispatch the remaining risen with no more trouble. JNR and Qrow were all quiet as Ruby approached the little girl, who promptly surprised her by throwing her arms around her neck and refusing to let go.
"Let's get her somewhere safe." Qrow said. Since she had refused to let go of Ruby, it was decided that Ruby would be the one carrying her.
"Can you tell me your name?" Ruby asked the little girl gently.
"Iris." she stuttered out.
"That's a pretty name." Ruby said to her. The other members of the group were glancing at them repeatedly, surprised by the interaction. It wasn't long before Iris fell asleep still clinging to Ruby. Once in the building they'd been staying in for the three weeks, they attempted to dislodge Iris from Ruby without waking her up. After several failed attempts, they gave up and Ruby decided she was going to sleep in the one armchair in the vicinity. The next morning, it became clear that Iris was not going to go anywhere without Ruby. They tried to separate them for breakfast and Iris began to have a panic attack. It only halted when Ruby picked her up again. This is going to be difficult. she thought. On the way back, they had discussed the best options for the now orphaned little girl. They had agreed the best thing for her would be to find a faunus family willing to take her in. The possibility of having to keep her had not been discussed, but now it looked like they didn't have much of a choice. After breakfast Iris fell asleep snuggled into Ruby's side.
"That has got to be one of the most adorable things I have ever seen." Nora said with uncharacteristic softness. The rest of the group began discussing what to do with Iris' newfound and growing attachment to Ruby.