There was a secret balcony that Ruby had found years ago. It overlooked the ocean and allowed her to see far out into the horizon. Ruby always came here when she was feeling conflicted or need some breathing space. She could be anywhere in a matter of minutes with her speed, but she'd rather stick close to home in case something happened.
A breeze blew through her hair as she stepped out and then tickled her nose which she wrinkled. Ruby sighed, resting her crossed arms on the railing. Weiss knew that she hated weapons! Ruby didn't need anything to fight with, not after what happened with the princess. The memory replayed in her mind clear as day:
Two young children practicing their sword practice. A misstep. A scream and then? Blood on the tip of blade that fell from the hands of a teary eyed young girl.
It was that day when she found her hideaway. It was also that day she had blinded Weiss in her left eye and left her friend with a scarred reminder.
And so for that Ruby never touched a weapon in all their years against fighting Torchwick. It was easier for her just use her fists and spin dash without the weight of guilt in her hands.
Sure, it probably would have made it easier to fight old Wax Face's robots! But the idea of using a weapon on any of the Mecha-Grimm he had converted from regular Remnants? Ruby then remembered her missing Uncle Crow, who had first created the Mechanizer to help her father. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought slashing through a metallic version of her uncle...
"You know, cub, it's getting colder out." A voice spoke out to her, causing Ruby to turn.
"Blake!" Ruby cried, giving a short run to her friend! Ruby wrapped her arms around Blake's stomach for a hug, "How did you know I was here?"
The sleek black cat with amber eyes gave Ruby a small pat on the back. Where Ruby was sometimes overly psychical with her show of affection, Blake was not.
"Honestly? You're probably one of the easiest people on the planet to track. And because you always come here when you need to think."
Ruby stepped away and turned back to the picturesque view. Blake patted at their suit jacket before pulling back their sleeves and standing next to the Hero of Atlas.
"Nothing gets past Atlas's number one spy."
"You know this place isn't so much of a secret and more of a danger hazard."
"Hey, you know me, I live for danger. Gotta be when you're as cool as they come."
"Says the girl who has been read her a story every night before bed? " Blake smirked at the blushing face that looked at them.
"I-it's tradition at this point is all!"
"Ruby, what's wrong?" The air got heavy as Blake's voice softened with emotion. Ruby knew that there were very few people Blake felt comfortable to drop the monotone mask.
"I'm fine." Blake rolled their eyes and stared at Ruby who eventually broke. "Weiss wants me to wield a weapon."
When Blake didn't reply so Ruby continued:
"Even though I know she's forgiven me and it was ages ago, I still feel horribly guilty about hurting her! I can't even hold a butter knife without remembering. And now? She wants me using something that could be used to hurt someone."
There was a moment of silence between them, before Blake spoke.
"Ruby, do you remember Weiss's reasoning for the separate teams? And why she's alternates between both?"
To create a balance between the protectors of the Kingdom. Ruby thought, Team FGHT is more of a strike team while Team FRDM is for defense and tactics.
"Yes, but why is that important to my problem?"
"Because you being a member of Team FGHT know that I only use my weapon do defend the kingdom and my loved ones. The same goes for Weiss whenever she goes with us on our missions. Our task is to defend the kingdom by any means necessary and as quickly as possible. And no one can move as fast as you can."
"So what you're saying is I need to do what is needed for my home and my friends?" Ruby looked at her friend as she asked.
Blake gave Ruby a small smile and a nod.
"You don't have to get rid of your fear, Ruby. Keep it as a reminder that as long as you hold your weapon, you'll do the right thing."
Ruby gave a sigh and then looked back towards the sea.
"Blake, do you ever get scared?" Ruby couldn't picture the cool and calm Blake letting anything get to them. So Ruby's ears perked up when Blake answered yes.
"I wasn't always-what was it you called me? 'Atlas number one spy'? And even though that is a title that I've earned, it doesn't mean I'm any less afraid. It's how I work around that fear that defines me."
Ruby's eyes seemed to glitter as if Blake had every answer to the universe. Blake chuckled at how the young hero could still have so much childlike wonder after all that they've seen.
"But I don't have all the answers, Ruby, I just read a lot of books." Blake shrugged and turned to leave, "So do what you think is best."