"Um, Dad, Auntie Qrow… I want to show you something." Ruby held the wrinkled paper in her hands as she stood nervously in the livingroom. It was a typical night, her dad and Auntie Qrow watched TV together, his arm around her shoulder and her feet resting casually on the coffee table as she leaned against him.
"What's up pipsqueak?" Qrow smiled. Ruby had grown up around her abrasive attitude so it didn't phase her at all, she was always there for her when she needed it, still… she knew if anyone would laugh at her potential weapon, it would her Auntie Qrow… and maybe Eve.
"I- I um… well… as you know, I mean, of course you know, you're both teachers at Signal… well anyway, I think I may have come up with the weapon I want. Yang says I should do it but I wanted to show you both first." Ruby glanced up, her aunt's smirk had brightened a little she took a drink from the cupholder behind her.
"About time kiddo, you're really pushing this deadline. Your dad was gonna have to get on to you." She laughed as she took the last gulp of her drink. According to Dad, she'd actually toned down her alcoholism since having Eve and Floryne, though Ruby still found that hard to believe.
"Yeah, It's been really hard to decide and-" Ruby was cut off as six pairs of eyes stared down at her from the dimly lit stairs leading up to their bedrooms. Her sisters were definitely not interested in easing her nerves. Calm down Ruby, you're going to be a Huntress, you can't be scared of your own sisters!
"Hey, you three, you're making Ruby nervous, if you want to see what she's come up with you can sit down here with the rest of us." Tai called out without turning around, his dad senses were really something!
"I- I mean, they don't have to…" Ruby looked up at them with pleading eyes, she knew having them all staring up at her from the couches wouldn't be easier on her and she knew they knew that… of course that didn't stop them.
The three girls filed in all wearing their pajamas. Yang was the oldest, she had long, beautiful blonde hair and lavender eyes. She was muscular and was also the tallest.
Then following immediately behind her was Floryne, she had short, straight hair blonde hair down just below her shoulders that faded to black at its curly tips, her eyes were a bright red. She was shorter than Yang and not as built.
Last was Eve, she and Floryne were twins, though not identical. Eve had long black hair, about three quarters as long as Yang's, but hers was straight with tufts of blonde at her bangs and her eyes were a deep blue like Dad's. She also had her forearms tattooed with arcane markings.
"Sorry Dad, but Yang wouldn't tell us what it is so we had to come see for ourselves what our adorable little sister picked for a weapon." Eve chuckled as she took a seat beside her mom.
"Yeah, somehow I can't picture Ruby with any weapon. Well, maybe something small and fast like daggers to fit her Semblance." Floryne put her chin between her thumb and index finger and hummed as she thought while she sat down beside their Dad.
"Oh you are so far off you don't even know!" Yang smiled excitedly, leaning forward on the back of the couch right in the middle of everyone.
And all eyes were on Ruby.
"I- I um…" Ruby gulped, her nerves reaching new heights as she looked around the room. Eve liked to tease her but never went too far, same with Yang though her eldest sister was a bit more gentle. Floryne was sweet and liked to dote on her youngest sister. Qrow waited impatiently and Dad just smiled in encouragement.
"Well… okay, but promise not to laugh!" Ruby shut her eyes tight and without waiting for an answer flipped the paper and showed it to her family.
Silence… and her fear was skyrocketing! Her heart hammered away in her chest as the deafening quiet stretched on. I shouldn't have let Yang talk me into this! She was probably only trying to mess with me! I- I knew it was stupid! What am I going to do!? I only have less than a week to decide and-
"Wow…" Eve's flat and stunned voice was the first to break the silence. Slowly, Ruby opened her eyes, her whole family was leaning forward as they gawked at her drawing.
"That's… big." Floryne gaped.
"Yeah, don't you think it's a little too big for you kid? That's easily twice your size, probably twice your weight too. I think you might be a bit too scrawny for such a huge weapon." Qrow squinted her eyes at the drawing, analyzing every detail Ruby had put down. "I mean, don't get me wrong, if you can use this thing no one's gonna wanna to mess with you but you sure this is the one you want?"
"I think it might not be the most practical choice sweetie." Dad furrowed his brow. "Then again, I've seen some Huntsmen do just fine with… unconventional weapons."
"I think it's awesome sis!" Yang cheered, her bright smile easing Ruby's tension.
"Yeah, there's no doubt it's awesome, but can she even use it?" Eve turned to Yang and then back to Ruby with a dubious look. "You'd need to really start getting stronger if you're serious about using that monster of a weapon, you'd need to hit the gym as often as Yang."
"If it's really what you want you'll find a way to make it work." Floryne smiled warmly. "Still, you've got to be sure that's the one you want. It'll take a lot of hard work and practice to get accustom to it."
"Little Ruby Rose getting ripped as Yang, oh man that would be priceless!" Qrow laughed. "If you think you can do it, I'll train you myself as best I can, I won't go easy on you but that's how your big sister learned how to use her scythe so good."
"It's true." Floryne admitted with shutter. "I'm always sore and bruised after a training session, even now I can barely hit her. If you want to train with mom make sure you're serious. Especially if that's really the weapon you're going to go with."
"Ah don't let her scare you off," Qrow waved her hand dismissively. "You work hard I bet you'll be kicking names and taking ass before you know it!"
Beside him Eve smacked her face with her palm in exasperation, letting out a tired groan while behind her Yang was just barely holding herself back from bursting into laughter and Floryn wasn't far off from that either. Ruby however, just smiled. She had a feeling that Auntie Qrow may have done that on purpose when she saw that Ruby was getting overwhelmed… or she was just that drunk, it was hard to tell.
"What, what'd I say?" Qrow laughed looking between the four girls, beside her dad shook his head disapprovingly.
"I- I think I'm gonna do it!" Ruby proclaimed, taking everyone's attention, her silver eyes burning with conviction and confidence. "This is the weapon I want!"
"Good for you kid." Qrow grinned proudly, behind him Yang beamed and gave her a strong thumbs up. Eve smirked and tilted her head back, her eyes playful and challenging. Ruby had a feeling Eve would probably the first one to want to put her little sister and her new weapon to the test. Floryne's soft smile was even brighter as she nodded reassuringly.
"Well," Their dad spoke up, his blue eyes glimmering with happiness and pride, but also just a little sad as smiled wistfully at her. "Why don't we bring it to the smith tomorrow and have it forged. It shouldn't take more than a few days to finish."
"Really!?" Ruby was beaming, her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as excitement swelled through her body and without noticing it she began bouncing up and down on her toes.
"Really." Tai leaned forward, his smile still holding. "Well, it's a school night so it's time for you four to get to bed."
"Alright." Ruby groaned with displeasure. Having finally chosen her weapon and with the surprising amount of encouragement from her family she felt far too energized to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a rough day.
"Sounds good, see you both in the morning!" Yang spoke in a singsong voice as she bent over between her aunt and dad, giving both a kiss on the cheek before heading up to her room.
"Night then." Eve shrugged apparently in the same boat as Ruby as she followed her older sister up the stairs.
"Sleep well you two." Getting up from the couch and walking around behind her mom and dad Floryne gave them both a warm, gentle hug before going up stairs following behind her twin.
"Can I just… stay up a little longer? I want to maybe make some small tweaks before I go to sleep." Ruby looked to her aunt and dad with her big, silver puppy-dog eyes. "Please! I won't be able to sleep unless I do!"
Tai and Qrow looked to each other and after her dad gave Qrow a subtle nod, her aunt turned to her with a small grin and a victorious look in his eyes. Ruby couldn't help but imagine Qrow had just won some silent debate with her husband.
"Alright, but just ten minutes, then lights out, got it?"
"Oh thank you!" Ruby's poofed in a cloud of rose petals as she blurred forward, slamming so hard into her guardians that she almost made the couch fall over. Still, she didn't seem to notice as she threw her arms around them and held them tight for a long moment.
"Alright, now off to bed scamp, you're cramping my style." She smiled, winking her father.
"Okay, goodnight!" In another puff of rose petals Ruby zoomed up the stairs!
"Hey, what did I say about using your semblance in the house!?" Tai called up to Ruby who was already at her bedroom door.
"Sorry Dad!" They could hear Ruby's soft giggling before her door closed softly behind her.
"I'm so tired!" Ruby whined as she dragged her feet behind her sisters down the halls of Signal. The youngest sibling let out a long, exhausted yawn and blinked her sleepy eyes. Despite the ten extra minutes she was allotted she had stayed up most of the night fixated on her soon to be closest partner in battle for the rest of her life. Dad even scolded me after he caught me with the flashlight under my sheets doing my finishing touches.
"Well that's what happens when you don't sleep." Eve shrugged. "You know, I get making your weapon is a way bigger deal than classes but your grades are pretty good so don't slack off like me."
"You're so sure you can get in with combat scores alone aren't you." Floryne sneered at her twin.
"Have you seen my combat scores? Damn right I'm sure!" Eve put her arm behind her head and turned her nose up. "Besides, it's not like I don't understand the stuff they teach in class, I'm just not motivated. It'll be different when I get into Beacon."
"You mean when we get into Beacon!" Yang chimed in, shoulder checking Eve playfully. It was always Yang that put Eve in her place when she got too full of herself. "With our power and Floryne's skill and grades we're all sure to get it. Who knows, maybe we'll all be on the same team together!"
"You mean you'll all be in the same team…" Ruby's dejected voice darkened the mood as she put her thumbs through the straps of her backpack, her dull gaze fixed on the floor as she trotted slowly along. I know they're all going to make it into Beacon together and I'll be left behind…
"Ruby…" Floryne frowned as she turned around to face her youngest sister. Guilt swept over her, she hadn't even considered how their conversation would have made her feel outcasted.
"Come on Baby Rose, don't be like that." Eve gave a half smile. Ruby didn't particularly care for that nickname, but she knew Eve was trying to cheer her up in her own weird way so she didn't hold it against her… this time. "You know you're going to get into Beacon and now you're getting your badass weapon. You'll have your own team and who knows, maybe if you get stronger you might even make one hell of a leader!"
"But… I want to be on a team with you three…" Ruby pouted softly. She could feel depression and a shameful pang of envy in her chest as she walked forward, completely bypassing her sisters on her way to the school smith with her weapon schematics feeling none of the excitement that had kept her up all night. I just don't want to be left alone. I don't want to be the only out.
Eve, Yang and Floryne watched as their little sister walked off, her head never rising as she turned down the hall, leaving them alone with a heavy sense of guilt. They looked to each other with worried expressions.
"I wish there were something we could do for her…" Floryne glanced back at the end of the hall where they had seen Ruby vanish as she turned the corner.
"Yeah, I hear ya, but it's not like there's anything we could do to help. She's only fourteen, we'll all be going to beacon next year and…" Yang trailed off, it was too hard to say and she knew Ruby would be mad at her for feeling guilty about having such an amazing opportunity… still, she couldn't help it.
"Ruby will be here, while we're at Beacon." Eve finished Yang's sentence bluntly, but the worry in her deep blue eyes was no less than her sisters as she fretted about the youngest of them. "She's never been great at making friends but we've always been there for her."
"She's also never been the best at standing up for herself." Yang added as she brushed away a few stray strands of blonde hair from her face. "We've always been there to back her up."
"Maybe… this is a good thing." At once Yang and Eve turned to Floryne with shocked expressions. The normally doting sister being so dismissive seemed impossible to them, yet she waved their disbelief away and continued. "What I mean is, maybe it's exactly because we have always been there to support and protect her that she hasn't grown confident enough to do these things herself. It's possible that, without us looming over her, she'll grow into a better, stronger person."
"You really think we've been stifling her?" The guilty look on Eve's face only grew as Floryne's words sunk in and she began mulling them over in her mind.
"I think it's possible. Either way, I do think she'll grow more without us." That look in Floryne's eyes, Eve had missed it as she fretfully contemplated the notion her twin had posed but Yang definitely caught it… it was hurting her, it was painful for Floryne to admit it, but she felt it was best for her little sister.
"I- I see…" Yang's head hung low and without even realizing it, her fists balled up tight. She rarely deferred to anyone when it came to Ruby, but Floryne almost always thought of what was best for her. I wonder if that's true, have we been stifling her?
"Look, it doesn't matter." Eve finally snapped herself out of it and now looked more like her normal carefree if not a bit abrasive self. "We won't be going to Beacon until next year anyway. I say with enjoy our time with Baby Rose until then, make her feel less miserable and maybe help her find some friends."
"Wow." Floryne was taken aback. "That's actually pragmatic!"
"Damn right it is! Just because I usually chose not to look smart doesn't mean I'm dumb." Eve huffed indignantly before turning to her older sister. "Yang, if that's the weapon Ruby is going with she's going to need to get stronger, you need to start taking her to the gym with you, maybe she can make friends there."
"And you!" She turned back to Floryne who had a weary look in her crimson eyes, Eve was going into full on commander mode and there was no stopping her or arguing with her when she got like that. "You go to the library for you nauseatingly dull study groups, why don't you bring Ruby along with you? She likes to read and she's pretty smart, you even have some kids from her year in your group if I remember right."
"As for me," Eve folder her arms over her chest with a deadly serious look on her face. "I'll take her to-"
"Oh no you don't!" Yang put her foot down. "You aren't taking Ruby to any of the sketchy places you hang at."
"Aw come on, you're usually the first one out the door with me." Eve gave a sly grin.
"Yeah, that's how I know I don't want Ruby to hang around with the sorts of people there." She huffed, standing her ground.
"Yang… we're the sorts of people who hang out there." She deadpanned, though Eve could barely stop herself from laughing as she saw Yang's eye twitching in impotent frustration. Yang opened her mouth to retaliate but her brain just couldn't fire back, all she could manage was a low, irritated growl.
"Um, if we don't go soon we'll be late for class." Floryne looked up at one of the clocks that adorned the halls, drawing the gaze of her two sisters to it.
"Crap! We really are gonna be late!" Yang gasped and immediately the three scrambled to their class.
Ruby walked down the hall with a binder in hand and a special pass pinned to her uniform that acted at once as a hall pass and as a her only way she'd be allowed into the Forge. As she descended the stairs that led to her destination she couldn't help but feel excitement overwhelming her earlier depression. The smell of Dust, fire, sweat and metal wafted up the dimly lit stairwell and a smile forced its way onto her face.
At Signal, forging your weapon was a rite of passage and one of the most important events in a Huntsman or Huntresses life! Your weapon would be what stands between you and being torn apart by Grimm, aside from aura, your weapon was the most essential thing!
Ruby was beaming now as she stepped down onto flat ground, a large metal door was all that separated her from the Forge. She absolutely adored weapons, they were an extension of the wielder and the weapon they chose could tell you a lot about them if you knew how to understand them. Suddenly… Ruby's hand stopped, hovering just above the handle that would lead her to the Forge.
A weapon is an extension of the wielder. You can tell a lot about a person from their weapon. So then… what do I want my weapon to tell about me? M-maybe this isn't a good idea, I'm nothing like Yang or Eve, I'm not strong… this weapon would be better fit for someone who wasn't… like me.
Her hand fell back to her side as the cold chill of doubt bit into her heart. I'm not the kind of person who would use something like this. Maybe Floryne was right, maybe I should just chose a smaller weapon, one that's more like me…
I should just turn around. I can't do this. I'm not strong or big like Yang. I'm not brave or fearsome like Eve. I'm not smart or skilled like Floryne… I'm just me. What made me think I could do this? I- I wish Yang never suggested that I pic this weapon! Her eyes shut tight and her body trembled. It took all her strength not to cry, to give in to the doubt… but she felt it, her sisters shadows looming over her. Each of them were so talented and so strong… And I'm just average.
They're all going to leave anyway! Anger and hurt flared in her chest, searing away the sadness and self pity, her small fists balled and her jaw clenched. Their going to leave me alone. Then what am I supposed to do? Average doesn't get into Beacon! Without them what can I even do? I'm no good at making friends, I'm no good as a Huntress, I can't even bring myself to pick a weapon!
"You just gonna stand there?" A familiar voice startled Ruby, her body tensed for a moment as her heart skipped a beat.
"Auntie Qrow!" Ruby spun around with a frightened look on her face, desperately trying to look like she wasn't about to cry. "I- I mean, Mrs. Branwen… I didn't um… hear you."
"Mrs. Branwen is my mother, just call me Qrow," She leaned in close with her hand held up by her mouth as she whispered. "But don't call me Auntie, makes me sound old."
She laughed as she stood up straight, her usual cocky grin in place and Ruby couldn't help but smile along as she rubbed her eyes clear with her fists. She felt the darkness in her heart dissolve at Qrow's laugher, even if she thought it wasn't all that funny.
"Seriously kid, why were you just standing around crying?" Her smile faded and her crimson eyes softened with worry as Ruby looked away in shame.
"I- I just don't think… I'm right for this weapon. I'm small and I'm not like my sisters, they're all really amazing and strong and I'm just… me. This," Ruby held up her binder that held the schematics for her weapon, her tone was empty and forlorn as she spoke. "This isn't who I am, I shouldn't choose this weapon."
"That's the biggest load of crap I've heard all day." Qrow spat as he ripped the binder from Ruby's hands and started waving it back and forth in front of her. "If this is what you want, and you don't think you're right for it, then you know what you gotta do?!"
"Pick a different weapon… I know." Ruby sighed bitterly, her gaze falling to the floor in dejection.
Smack!
"Ouch! What'd you do that for?!" Ruby covered the top of her head with her hands after her aunt had hit her with her own binder.
"That was for that half-assed answer. No, Huntresses don't give up. If you really want this but you don't think you're the right kind of person for it there's only one thing to do." She took a step forward and stared down at Ruby, her crimson eyes beamed strength and confidence into the small girl as she looked up at her, hope flickering in her chest.
"W-what is it?" Ruby's silver eyes widened with wonder and she felt the flickering hope in her chest burn like a bonfire as Qrow smirked at her with wile and certainty.
"It's simple… you grow into the kind of person you want to be." She grinned as Ruby's eyes widened even more and her mouth gaped as though her words had stuck the small girl like lightning. "Don't like something about yourself, you work hard and change it. Don't like that you can't make friends? Be more social. Don't like that you don't have confidence? Get confidence! Oh it'll hurt alright, but just like training to fight monsters, you're gonna get your scrapes and bruises and when you get 'em, wear 'em proud."
It seemed so obvious. Her words just clicked within her like someone saying a word you were just sure that you know but couldn't remember. Now, having it spelled out, Ruby could see it so clearly and her doubt again was scorched away.
"I- I want to be the kind of person who would use this weapon!" Ruby's gaze burned with conviction as she made her declaration. "I want to be someone my sisters will be proud of! When someone sees me using this, I want them to understand that I'm a strong and confident person!"
"Then do it, go in there and get this monster of a weapon forged. You've got a lot of hard work ahead, you're going to have to get stronger, as a fighter and as a person, but if you want it bad enough, I know you can do it." Qrow held Ruby's binder out to her and placed her free hand on top of her head and gently rubbed it, her fingers flowing through soft black hair with red tips as she smiled reassuringly at her niece.
In a blur of red her hand was left vacant at Ruby bolted forward and threw her arms around Qrow's waist and pulled into a tight, or at least as tight as she could manage, hug. Her face pressed against her teacher's belly as she held her, Ruby's heart swelling with gratitude and love. As the surprise wore off and Qrow got her senses back she looked down at her and her smile softened with pride.
"Okay kid, you're cramping my style and you have somewhere to be." She put her hand back on her niece's' head rubbing it more vigorously this time, messing up her short hair as she pulled away.
"Right! I've got a weapon to forge!" Ruby declared boldly as she flattened out her hair with her hand.
"Just try not to burn down the school." She smirked, tilting her head back.
"No promises!" She winked before spinning around and pulling the heavy metal door open. Qrow watched with pride as the door shut behind her.
"You're gonna be great, you've got a lot of potential."
The school's forge was a very large and poorly lit room built like a bunker under the school. It was also very hot for obvious reasons. Ruby was already sweating as she made her way to the front desk which was cluttered with tools, scrap and schematics.
As she approached the desk her familiar nerves began to tell her to withdraw, to shrink back from uncomfortable social situations… but Qrow's words echoed in her mind and strengthened her resolve. If I'm going to change… it's going to start now!
"Um… excuse me," Ruby said as calmly as she could, forcing herself to reign in her meekness. "I'm here to forge my weapon."
Behind the counter a large, muscular woman stepped out from the shadows. She was a faunus with dog ears atop her head surrounded by short, curly black hair. and a well worn leather apron draped over her. She was Crucible, the Master Smith of Signal who personally oversaw the forging of all student's weapons and she herself was an accomplished Huntress back in the day. Ruby felt she couldn't have picked a worse person to try and not be meek in front of.
"Name?" Her voice was gruff but not unfriendly, if anything, just disinterested as she flipped through the papers below her that were out of sight for the small visitor.
"R-Ruby… Ruby Rose." 'Well so much for not sounding scared, but at least I'm keeping eye contact, that's a start right!?'
"Ah, Ms. Rose, finally picked a weapon eh?" She smiled amiably, her hazel eyes sparked with excitement. "It's always a pleasure making weapons for your family. Your sisters' all had some of my most memorable requests. Floryne's scythe especially, though Yang's gauntlets were a treat too. Still wish your sister Eve would have came to me for a weapon instead of finding some back alley tattoo artist to permanently bind dust to her body." She ended with a long sigh.
"Yeah, Eve had her heart set on it ever since she read about it in class. You'll be happy to know that Yang and Floryne love their weapons though!" Ruby smiled as she leaned slightly forward against the desk imagining what her more socially well adjusted sisters would do.
"I'm glad to hear it." She smiled back, making Ruby feel a small sense of accomplishment at not having ruined an intimidating social interaction, though the unexpected friendliness of the Master Smith helped a lot.
"So, I hope you've brought me a challenge today. I'm eager to see what the youngest of you four has brought me." Crucible gave a wide grin.
"Um, here… I hope it's doable without too many changes… I kinda want- no! I mean, I really want this one." Ruby caught herself, though she knew it sounded more awkward backpedaling from the meek language she wanted to avoid… But I want to change!
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself as she handed her binder over to the Master Smith. As Crucible took it from her hands Ruby had to force herself to not hold her breath. The faunus' eyes widened in surprise as she slowly and methodically looked over every detail of Ruby's drawings. Finally after an agonizingly long several minutes, Crucible closed the binder and handed back to its owner as she looked down at her with amusement and eagerness.
"That's quite an ambitious weapon Ms. Rose, are you sure that's the one you want?" Her smirk and her tone were basically daring Ruby to say yes… and that's exactly what she intended to do!
"I do. This is the weapon I want." Her voice was steady with certainty as her silver eyes gazed unwaveringly at the Master Smith. Ruby felt it, she felt confidence and certainty, and that made her feel strong. This is it! This is who I want to be!
"It'll be a weapon like none other, I'll consider it one of my masterpieces. Your sister's Frantic Thorns will pale in comparison to forging this!" With a boisterous laugh Crucible walked out from behind the desk and motioned for Ruby to follow her.
"So, we'll start the forging process today, you'll be excused from all your classes for the day. After that it's back to business as usual until your weapon is ready for pickup. This behemoth of yours will take a few days so it'll be ready by the end of the week." Without stopping she grabbed a pair of thick gloves.
As they descended deeper and deeper into the Forge the air became hotter and more stifling, but Ruby felt nothing but excitement. She loved it, weapons were always something that captivated her, though she was disappointed that she'd only get a day with the infancy of her weapon.
It's said that when a Huntress or Huntsman takes part in the forging of their weapon, their aura will bond with it more easily. Ruby wasn't sure if she believed that but the school made it mandatory and she wanted to do it anyway. Her time and energy would be going into it and in a way, that would mean a part of her would be in her weapon, she loved that idea. Still, to keep up with classes she'd only get a day to do so, after that, the Master Smith and her assistants would take over.
I'll show them, I'll show Yang and Eve and Floryne! They'll see that I can change and be strong... even if I have to stay behind while they go to Beacon, I'll show them that I can be okay, that way they won't worry about me. I'll surprise them with how much I've grown when I get there!
The bell had rung and class was out for the day. If Ruby thought she was exhausted when she got to school she felt inches from death with how tired she was after spending all day in the Forge. Okay, maybe I'll go to the gym with Yang tomorrow. I just want to go home and go to bed! If even forging my weapon left me this drained I need to get way stronger before I can really fight with it.
"Hey Baby Rose!" A sarcastically chipper voice called from behind her.
"Hello Eve…" Ruby let out a tired sigh having zero energy to deal with her big sister's teasing.
"Aw come on, don't be like that." She giggled as she sped up her pace until she was at her little sister's side. "Come on, shouldn't you be in a good mood after forging your weapon? You know, instead of looking like I could knock you over with a feather."
"You wouldn't understand since you didn't forge your weapon." Floryne came out of seemingly nowhere and took up Ruby's other side. "The Master Smith is really a slave driver and it's like a hundred degrees down there in the coolest parts."
"Hey, you think it tickled getting these?!" Eve held up her arm and pointed to her tattoos. "You wouldn't understand since you didn't get Dust forcefully bonded into your skin with a fast moving needle for hours!"
"I like Crucible!" Yang popped up beside Eve, startling her into jumping, eliciting a glare from the tattooed twin, which Yang completely ignored. "She's tough and doesn't care what anyone thinks! She's also got a bunch of hilarious stories!"
"You would like her…" Floryne gave a long and Ruby at once gave an exasperated sigh.
"So, I'm guessing today isn't the day you start hitting the gym with me?" Yang chuckled.
"No way! That woman put me through more than any gym could! I just want to relax." Ruby shutted at the thought of more physical exertion. 'I think I can hear my bed calling my name from here…'
"How about instead you come to my study group with me?" Floryne smiled warmly. "It's at the nice air conditioned library and since today was your forging day you don't have any homework so you could just read the whole time."
"I guess that sounds okay?" Ruby raised her eyebrow to her older sister, her offer striking her as somewhat suspicious after Yang brought up going to the gym. Still, I probably shouldn't nap or I'll be up all night again and Dad and Auntie Qrow will get mad at me.
"No excuses tomorrow though Ruby, we're gonna have to get you in shape if you want to use that monster weapon of yours!" Yang grinned at winked at her youngest sister and suddenly Ruby had a feeling she was going to be sore for the next few months.
"Sounds like a blast…" Ruby's head hung low and she could already imagine the pain she was in for… mostly because she was already in it from forging earlier.
"Also, I was thinking, since getting your weapon is a big deal and all how about I take you shopping?" Eve smirked as she put her arm over her youngest sister's shoulders and pulled her in close as they walked.
"Are you serious?" Now Ruby definitely knew something was up. Eve wasn't mean but she wasn't exactly spontaneously generous either.
"Yeah, I mean, every Huntress needs a signature look! Your fashion sense is well… lacking, to put it nicely." And there it was, Ruby knew she couldn't get through this without teasing her.
"I mean, I had an idea for this really pretty outfit with a cape like Auntie Qrow…" Ruby lowered her head again bashfully.
"A cape huh?" Eve's eyes gleamed deviously and Ruby suddenly got a sinking feeling in her stomach. "Well why don't I take a look at this idea and we'll build on it together!"
"Okay, what's going on with you three?" Ruby demanded stopping them right before they reached the exit. "You're all acting weird."
"Pshh, us? Acting weird? Ruby you are so wrong." Yang laughed awkwardly as her gaze shifted anywhere but on the big silver eyes glaring at her.
"Yes you are! You all keep looking at me like you're worried about me, offering to take me with everywhere… it's been a while since you guys actually wanted to hang out with me outside of home more school…" Ruby's voice was little more than a desolate murmur by the end as her head lowered in dejection.
It's not like they don't like me anymore… I mean, I guess I feel that sometimes, but they just don't want their little sister following them around. They have friends their own age… unlike me. Her small fists trembled as she gripped the straps of her backpack. I- I shouldn't have said that! I don't want to make them feel bad for having fun. No wonder they don't want to hang out with me anymore.
"Oh Ruby…" Floryne's heart ached as guilt gripped her chest.
"It's not that we don't like hanging out with you, it's just…" Eve trailed off as she looked uncomfortably away from her little sister. She knew couldn't really deny it, she was probably the most guilty of all of them. Ruby was shy and introverted, it didn't go well with her wild and rebellious extraversion.
"I- I didn't know you felt that way…" Yang felt ashamed. It was a point of pride for her, she was the oldest sister, she was supposed to look out for them and know when something was wrong… but it hadn't even occurred to her that the youngest of them felt alienated by her own family.
"I- I'm sorry, forget I said anything okay?" Ruby looked up with a forced but warm smile lighting up her face. "I know you all have your own thing, I wouldn't want to keep you from having fun just to drag me along."
"Ruby," Floryne stepped forward and squatted just a little to be at eye level with her youngest sister as she put her hand on Ruby's shoulder. "We want to spend time with you. We're not asking you to come with us to the gym, to study or to go shopping, because we feel bad for you, we're doing it because we care about you and like spending time with you."
"Then why now?" Ruby's voice was cold with sadness and hurt as she slowly raised her head to meet her sister's deep crimson eyes. "If I was fun to hang out with then why are you all only doing this after what I said this morning?"
"I…" Floryne wanted to say something, anything to prove Ruby wrong… but she couldn't. It had never even occurred to her that she was building a divide between herself and her little sister.
"I'm going home. You three have fun with whatever plans you have." With halfhearted sigh Ruby pulled away from Floryne and began walking to the door, her head again hung low, the depression that bit into her heart making her already tired body feel as though she may collapse at any moment.
I hate this, I should be happy for them. In less than a year they'll be going to one of the only four academies in Remnant that will train them to become awesome Huntresses. So many people dream of it, but they're all so amazing that it's practically a sure thing. I should be happy for them… but-
"Hey!" Ruby felt herself nearly pulled off her feet as Eve shouted and grabbed her by her backpack. "Where do you think you're going!?"
"I'm going home!" Ruby spun around, ready to lash out at her sister… but Eve didn't give her a chance.
"No you're not! You whine about us not spending time with you but when we actually offer to take you along with us you act like this!?" Eve's shoulders dropped and her expression softened, her deep blue eyes growing dull with sadness as she looked away from her little sister. "Look… I know you think we're just doing this because we feel bad for you but that's not true, at least, it's not true for me. Ruby, you know I have a bad habit of getting into trouble and I don't want to drag you into that with me. I'm the kind of girl that gets fake IDs to get into clubs, the kind of girl that takes my life savings and goes to a back alley tattoo artist to get Dust infused into my skin, I'm the kind of girl that almost got expelled from signal for beating up this bully that was picking on someone."
"I'm just trying to say, I don't want you... becoming like me." Eve forced her gaze to meet Ruby's, the younger girl's anger had completely dissolved, replaced by sadness and guilt.
"I- I didn't think of it like that… I'm sorry." None of them were used to see such sincerity from their rebellious sister, it left them all a bit floored, but a small smile graced Ruby's lips as she stared up at Eve with pride. "But I'd like to be more like you in a lot of ways. You're strong and confident and you always stand up for yourself and anyone that needs it. I look up you ya know."
"I don't know all that, I just do what I want." Eve looked bashfully away from her sister's adoring gaze.
"Ruby, you know I love spending time with you too," Yang stepped forward much to Eve's relief. "You're funny, smart and kind, but I hang with a kinda rough crowd. I kinda would rather keep some distance between you and a lot of my friends."
"I'm sorry I let you feel this way." Floryne gentle, compassionate voice brought Ruby's attention the her sister standing on the other side of her twin. "We all know the three of us will be going to Beacon in less than a year and… I want to start spending more time with you before then because, once we're there…"
"We'll hardly see you until you for an entire year before you graduate from this dump." Eve folded her arms over her chest, her tone was bitter and sorrowful as looked to the tiled floor.
"We are going to miss you, and we want to make the most of the time we have left, and we want to help you make friends before we go off to Beacon. We'll still worry about you, but at least we'll know that you'll have people looking out for you till you join us… and you will be getting into Beacon, none of us have any doubt about that." Yang gave a warm, affirming smile to her youngest sister.
Ruby was speechless, her three sisters looked to her with pride and love and Ruby was helpless to contain the immensity of the emotions that swelled in her chest as tears welled up, making them glisten like mirrors as they pooled over her wide silver eyes.
"Oh don't start with the waterworks Baby Rose!" Eve stepped forward from between her twin and older sister and placed her hand on Ruby's head, messing up her black, red tipped hair as she vigorously rubbed it with a playful grin.
"Come, we should get going, don't want to keep Dad and Auntie Qrow waiting." Yang smirked as she began walking past, giving Ruby a gentle but firm pat on her shoulder on her way through the exit.
"Our study group starts in an hour, after we get home and change we'll head to the library together if you still want to come with." Floryne smiled warmly at their little sister and followed behind Yang, Eve finally taking her hand from Ruby's head to follow along, her backpack hanging off one of her shoulders.
As Ruby turned around she rubbed her eyes clear with her fists, a shining smile forming from her lips as she looked to her sisters who waited at the door expectantly for her. They all looked at her with happiness and warmth and in Ruby's chest she felt as though a small flame brought that warmth into her heart.
Of course they care, Taking a deep breath, her smile unwavering, she walked to the exit feeling better than ever. They're my sisters.
"Alright everyone, before we get started, I'd like to introduce my little sister Ruby. She'll be joining us today so make her feel welcome." Floryne said cheerfully as she ushered her sister forward.
"H-hi…" Ruby stared at the mostly older students at the table in front of her and took a long, deep breath. No, I don't want to be scared around people anymore! Okay… just, get the next part right. No stammering and look at everyone in the eyes.
"It's nice to meet you all. I'm Ruby Rose. Let's study hard!" She tried her best to mimic her sister's amiable attitude… and judging from the smiles she got and hellos she got, it seemed to work!
"Well, find a place to sit and we'll get started." Floryne gestured to the table with her hand. Quickly Ruby scanned the table looking for a place to sit, her eyes very quickly drawn to a girl with very short spiky black hair and crimson eyes dressed in black t-shirt with tattered jeans and a dark purple bandanna around her neck.
I recognize her! She's in one of my classes… Iris something, I think. Forcing her nervous legs to move she made her way around the table and took up the empty seat beside the girl. Ruby only shared one class with her but she'd heard rumors about her; Iris was strong in combat practice and intimidating in general, even the way she was sitting, something about her look just said "back off" She might not be the best place to start when I'm trying to make friends and gain confidence, but if I can at least make myself talk to her, that'll be a start right?
"Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Ruby, oh, I mean, I guess I already said that… eh-heh…" Ruby entire body felt tense and her heart was racing as fear and anxiety filled her chest. Crap! I sounded so stupid, she's not going to want to talk to me! Why can't I be more like Yang?! She can make friends with anyone and she's never scared! Oh no, she's looking at me! She looks mad, please don't yell at me please don't yell at me please don't-
"It's nice to meet you." She smiled, her tone a strange mix of happiness and surprise. "I'm Iris, Iris Blank."
"Hi…" Ruby replied, absently blinking in surprise at the girl in front of her.
"You already said that, twice actually." Iris giggled.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I just didn't expect…"
"No, of course you didn't." Iris gave a resignated sigh. "People don't talk to me much, especially in our year. The other kids already spread rumors about me so they don't really bother getting to know me."
"I'm sorry… that you're going through that. I should have know better than to listen to rumors. I'm really sorry." Ruby bowed her head in shame, guilt weighed heavily in her mind. Talking to her now, even after only a few words between them Ruby's perception of the girl had completely changed.
"You like to repeat yourself a lot huh?" Iris's lips formed an amused grin as she leaned back in her chair. Not being hunched over now Ruby noticed the girl beside her was several inches taller than her despite being around the same age, which irked her a little.
"Well anyway, yeah, those kids started spreading those things about me around because of how well I do in combat classes, well that, and my Semblance, because of that some of the kids at school won't even look at me." Iris crossed her arms over her chest and gave a small, embittered laugh.
"What's your Semblance, if you don't mind me asking? Why would it make people not even want to look at you?" Ruby looked at the girl with compassion and empathy, she knew just how hard it was not having friends, and she had three sisters at her school who had her back, she hoped Iris also had someone in her corner.
"Well…" Iris looked at Ruby suspiciously and cautiously as she leaned ever so slightly away from her, but as she felt the genuine caring the smaller girl exuded, her guard dropped. "My Semblance is… when I look at people in the eyes, I can make them go blind for a little while. People don't really like it when you take away their senses, so they're afraid of me now, which means no friends for me."
"I could be your friend…" Ruby's body suddenly stiffened and her eyes went wide, the words had slipped out before she even thought them. No! She's going to think I'm weird for offering like that, she'll probably just get mad at me and think I said that just because I felt bad for her! Why do I keep messing things-
"R-really?" Iris' crimson eyes stared deep into Ruby's as she leaned forward towards Ruby, her voice was saturated with hope and disbelief. "You're serious?"
"Yeah, I mean, if you want to be. I'd understand if not but, well, I don't really have any friends either and you seem nice and really cool and It'd be great because we're both in the same class and I guess we're also in the same study group now too so-"
"You talk a lot when you're nervous don't you?" Iris barely stifled a snort of laughter as she propped her head up on her hand, her elbow pressing against a large, open textbook on the table.
"Yeah, but I'm trying to work on being less nervous around people…" Ruby blushed lightly, bashfully rubbing the back of her head with her hand.
"Um, it's great that you two are making friend, but this is a study group so…" Floryne's voice stole their attention and around them the rest of the older students around the table were looking right at them.
"Sorry!" Ruby blurted out as she dove into the first book she could grab, beside her Iris did the same, and they sat side by side working through their homework, and both feeling a lot happier than they did when they arrived.
"Five, six… seven. Come on Ruby, just a few more!" Yang cheered her on while simultaneously acting as her spotter, but her little sister could barely hear her over the sound of her arms screaming in agony!
I can do this! Just a three more! Why do people do this for fun?! I feel like I'm dying! Ruby's teeth bit almost painfully down, her entire body was still sore from yesterday's forging but still she pushed herself, she knew she would have to do this every day if she wanted to be capable of wielding her new weapon!
Her arms trembled but still she forced them to move, pooling her strength as sweat made her clothes cling to her skin and sting her eyes. Her heart was beating hard in her chest and her throat was dry and burned, begging for water as she pushed her body harder and harder. She tensed her body and with a surge of strength brought her arms up again!
"Eight!" Yang called out with unbridled excitement and enthusiasm, she was really getting into playing her sister's personal trainer. "Nine! Come on, just one more, you've got this!"
Somehow she felt like she was lifting the weight with every muscle in her body because all of her felt completely sore and drained and every muscle in her body seemed to strain as she lowered the weight back down towards her chest. Why is bringing it back down so much harder!?
Her jaw muscles bulged under her skin and sweat soaked hair felt gross and really distracting as it stuck to her face and neck. With a deep, quivering breath she began pushing the bar back up one more time. She felt so hot and all she could think about was finally getting out from under the weight and getting a nice, cold, soothing, refreshing-
"Ten!" Yang called out as she pumped her fist victoriously. "You did it sis!"
I- I did it? Suddenly, the weight felt a lot lighter. Ruby blinked the sweat from her bleary eyes to see Yang easing it back onto its place on the bench and the moment it came to rest Ruby's arms fell to her side as they went limp. Her entire body was hot, she was sweaty, she smelled bad and she felt completely drained... but now, having finished the set, she was starting to understand why people did this for fun. She felt exhausted, but invigorated and she liked that feeling. A satisfied smile lit up her face and a weak laugh escaped her lips. I could see myself getting used to this.
"You look like you're enjoying yourself." Yang chuckled, holding her hand out to her sister. "Let's see if that lasts, we've got a little more to do before we call it a day."
"Sounds like... a good... time." Ruby panted for breath between words, her grin never fading as she took Yang's hand and hoisted herself up into a sitting position… and then immediately felt like collapsing.
"How about we take five? I'll get us a drink, you just relax." Without another word, Yang turned and made her way to the vending machines on the other side of the gym.
Weakly, Ruby flopped to her side, coming to a stop as she hit the frame of the bench she was sitting on, the weight she was lifting brushing the top of her head. Slowly and with great effort she shakily brought her hand up to her face and wiped the sweat off of her before running her fingers up and pulling her bangs back so she could press her hot forehead against the comparatively cold steel.
"Ahhh…" A long and satisfied sigh escaped her as the cool touch of the metal frame soothed the heat raging in her small body.
"Hey!"
"Ah! Ouch!" Ruby hit her head painfully against the weight above her head as she jumped from the sudden voice behind her!
"Oh man are you okay?! I didn't mean to scare you!" The girl's voice called out again as Ruby turned around.
A young girl about her age stood with a worried look on her face. She was short, even shorter than Ruby. She had short, shoulder length hair that was bright red and woven into a braid on one side. Her soft lavender eyes looked down at the girl before her glimmering with curiosity as leaned forward slightly, her arms folded behind her back.
"Yeah, I'm alright." Ruby was less than convincing as she winced while rubbing her now aching head. That's gonna leave a bump.
"That's good, still, sorry I kinda surprised you I just… is this your first time here, because I come here all the time but I haven't seen you before?" The strange girl tilted her head slightly as she waited for an answer.
"Um, yeah, this is my first time here. I came with my sister, I'm trying to get stronger and well, you know, this is kinda the place to do it." Ruby felt a little uncomfortable under the girl's examining gaze but still she kept her head up trying her best to be amiable and confident.
"That's really cool!" Her smile grew wide and excited and Ruby couldn't help but feel a little of her excitement, even if she didn't know why the girl was excited in the first place.
"You know, even at Signal you almost never see girls our size hitting the gym so it's just really awesome to see you here, it's less weird when I'm not the only one ya know?" She brought her leg back a little until the toe of her shoe was just touching the ground behind her as she put her hands behind her head and gave Ruby a wide, toothy grin.
"Yeah! I know what you mean, pretty much all the girl here are built like my sister Yang, it feels kinda awkward because people keep looking at me." It's true, she'd noticed more than a few dubious looks since she'd arrived.
"Well we keep working and we'll show them!" The girl's soft purple eyes burned with excitement and conviction and again, Ruby couldn't help but feel it too, the girls energy was just contagious!
"Um, so… you know, since you come here a lot, maybe you and I… we could go together after classes? I kinda would like to make coming to the gym a regular thing and having someone to go with would make that a lot more fun." She would have held her breath but in her exhausted state she figured that would just make her pass out. Come on Ruby, this is how Yang or Eve would do it, they wouldn't be scared so I won't either! Just keep your head up and your eyes on her!
"That sounds good! I've been looking for a workout buddy! Oh, right, I haven't introduced myself yet! I'm Thistle Tsvetok, what's your name?" Thistle's smile was warm and friendly as she extended her hand out to the girl in front of her.
"Oh, I'm Ruby Rose! It's nice to meet you!" Ruby smiled back as she wiped the sweat from her hands onto her shorts before taking Thistle's hand in hers and shaking it firmly.
"Well Ruby, it's been fun talking but I should get going, I'll see you after classes tomorrow!" Thistle turned around and gave a quick wave before she began to walk away.
"Yeah! I'll see you then!" Ruby called out, getting a smile and a thumbs up from Thistle before she turned back around and walked to into the locker room leaving Ruby confused but very, very happy.
Did- did that really just happen?! I asked her to be my friend and she said yes! I did it and I didn't screw it up! That was really easy too and she seemed really cool and confident! I can't believe I did it!
"Hey!"
"Eek!" Ruby jumped and spun around, very thankfully not hitting her head on the weight again. "Yang, you scared me!"
"Sorry, I saw you talking to that girl and I didn't want to interrupt, here's your drink by the way." Yang tossed Ruby a sports bottle filled with cool blue liquid which Ruby fumbled with, her tired arms barely able to move fast enough to catch it.
"So, what did she want?" Yang plopped herself down beside her sister and started drinking her own sports drink while she waited for her answer.
"I- I made a friend!" Ruby turned to her big sister, her silver eyes shining with excitement and pride. I can't believe how easy it can be, first Iris and now Thistle… I guess, all that was really stopping me before was… fear.
"Okay, but just to be sure, you're not going to tell me I look good and just let me walk around looking ridiculous are you?" Ruby eyed her sister suspiciously as they walked down the streets of Vale.
Ruby was sore and very tired, but she wanted to spend time with Eve so after a long, hot, relaxing shower and changing into fresh clean clothes Ruby joined her sister for nice day out in the city, and the fact that she was going to get a free outfit, what Eve had described as her "signature look", had Ruby pretty excited.
"Do you really think I'd do that to you?" She huffed indignantly.
Truth was Eve had a good sense of fashion in general even if Ruby wasn't exactly in love with the look she chose for herself. Eve wore knee high boots and a midnight-blue skirt that hung only inches from her boots as well as her black hoodie wrapped around her waist that left the long sleeves dangling. At her top she wore a solid black tanktop with and a black choker around her neck with a large red gem in the middle. Her forearms were covered in tattoos.
"Sometimes a wonder." Ruby quipped, putting her hands casually behind her head as they walked.
"Oh, so little Baby Rose has jokes now? When did you become snarky?" Eve playfully jabbed her with her elbow.
"I guess you're rubbing off on me." She smirked as she looked up to her older sister… and to her delight, Eve smiled back.
"Alright, here it is." The pair of sisters came to a stop in front of a boutique, one that was well known for catering to Huntsman and Huntresses. They weren't cheap, but Eve insisted it was her treat.
"I sent them the designs we made yesterday so it should be ready now. You'll get changed then we can go out to eat and show off your kickass outfit while we're at it, I bet you'll have boys hitting on you left and right."
"Eve!" Ruby growled indignantly as she glared at her sister.
"Or girls, whatever floats your boat." She shrugged her shoulders, struggling to keep a straight face as her little sister became increasingly flustered.
"Eve!" With loud shout Ruby stomped her foot down hard on the ground. I knew I wouldn't be able to spend ten minutes with her without her teasing me!
"Oh calm down, it's just a joke." Eve aggressively rubbed her hand on top of Ruby's head, messing up her hair as she laughed. "Come on, I'm excited to see you try it on."
As Ruby frantically tried to fix her hair Eve went on ahead, her sister catching the door just before it closed and following her in. The boutique was quiet and refreshingly cool inside, it had a distinct smell that Ruby couldn't quite place but found nice nonetheless. The shop was empty except for themselves and an old, tall woman at the counter with long light brown hair and hazel eyes behind large glasses.
"Hey," Eve walked up to the counter and pulled out her wallet from the pocket of the hoodie wrapped around her waist. "I'm picking up the order for Eve Branwen, you have it done yet?"
The woman tilted her head back slightly, seeming less than pleased with Eve's attitude, but regardless, after a long moment she looked down at a notebook below her as she scanned the names. Finally she stopped, her finger keeping place as she adjusted her glasses.
"Yes, we have it ready. You can take it home now or you can use our changing room in the back to ensure everything is to your specifications." She looked back down at the book and picked up a pen beside it, making a small annotation by their name.
"She'll try it on now." And just like that she volunteered Ruby.
"I- I don't even get to look at it first?" She gave a small, nervous laugh. I really liked the designs we did but… I have to wear it out in public now? Without getting to hear what Dad or Auntie Qrow or Yang and Floryne think? I really hope I don't look stupid!
"Well you kinda have to look at it to change into it. Now go on, I spent some serious Lien on it, the least you could do is look excited." With little more than narrowing her deep blue eyes, her little sister reluctantly gave in and approached the desk.
"Here you go young miss, I hope it's to your liking." The old woman smiled, her demeanor being much more friendly with Ruby than her big sister as she handed her the outfit neatly wrapped in large plastic bags.
"Thank you." With one last nervous glance at her sister, Ruby conceded and made her way to the changing rooms.
As Eve watched the changing room door close behind her sister, she leaned back against the front desk as an unexpected melancholy began to gnaw at her. She'll be going to Beacon before I know it. She's getting her Huntress outfit today, she gets her weapon tomorrow, she's making new friends, she's trying to change herself, hitting the gym, studying harder and doing everything she can to be more confident in herself. Ruby's growing up and as proud of her as I am… I guess it makes me a little sad too, especially since I'll be missing so much of her growth while I'm off at Beacon. She won't be coming to me with her problems, I won't be able to protect her from bullies… this sucks, I need a cigarette.
Eve's hand fell to her waist and without looking down from the changing room door she felt around for the pocket of the hoodie wrapped around her. As soon as she felt it she began digging around until she pulled out a crumpled pack of cigarettes and gave it a light shake. It might take her a bit to change into that, is it enough time for a smoke? I'm down to like maybe three or four. I can't smoke around her, not only would Mom and Dad kill me, but I'm not going to risk passing off my bad habit onto Baby Rose.
"I guess I'll just wait then." She sighed, reluctantly stuffing the pack of cigarettes back into her pocket. 'Oh well, I'll pick up more tomorrow.'
"Um, I'm done." Ruby's soft but anxious voice called out from inside the dressing room.
"Well hurry up and get out here Baby Rose I don't have all day." Eve's irritated shout garner a scolding glare from the old woman behind her.
"O-okay…" Ruby steeled herself and with a deep breath, pushed the door opened and stepped into view with a light blush tinting her cheeks. "How do I look?"
Eve's eyes went wide and her jaw dropped. Ruby looked a perfect combination of bad-ass and beautiful. She wore black combat boots with crimson laces, her legs were bare until just above her knees. A beautiful back tiered short skirt draped from her waist, the hems were adorned with diamond shaped red gems that dangled from both the lower and upper hems. The skirt was secure to her waist with a chain belt, above which her top flowed in a gradient from red at the base to black towards her shoulders. Over her top she wore an unbuttoned vest with tufts of tan faux fur on each side facing inwards at her chest. A long, flowing red cape with a hood was fastened to her shoulders with metal pins in the shape of her rose emblem.
"Um, you're just staring and it's weirding me out…" Ruby looked at the floor shyly, her blush intensifying as she fiddled with her hands behind her back. I knew it! I look ridiculous! I- I really like this outfit though. I-
"You look beautiful, Ruby." Eve's soft, almost sad tone was like nothing Ruby had ever heard from her rough and brash older sister.
"R-really?" Ruby's silver eyes were wide and sparkling as she looked to her sister.
"Really." A warm, wistful smile formed from her lips as she walked up to her youngest sister. Gently she placed her hand on Ruby's head and this time, much more tenderly, ran her fingers over her soft, red tipped hair. "You're just missing one thing, something I got you as a surprise."
"Here," Ruby blinked in confusion as Eve reached into her hoodie's deep pocket and pulled out a black box that was a little bigger than her hand. "Open it"
"Okay?" After looking curiously at the box for a long moment she took it from her sister's hand. It was a rather large jewelry box. Excitement and wonder flare in her chest as she slowly opened it and then…
"Eve…" Her eyes grew wide as slowly pulled out an upside-down cross attached to a long chain with a deep scarlet gem in the middle of the cross where the lines met.
"You said Mom's look inspired you and she wears that sideways cross so I figured-" Before she could say another word a powerful impact nearly toppled her over as a flurry of rose petals fell around her.
Ruby held onto her sister tight, beaming from the overwhelming happiness that filled her heart as she rested her head on her big sister's shoulder. As the shock wore off, a warm and loving smile formed on Eve's lips as she wrapped her arms around Ruby and held her close.
I'm really going to miss you Baby Rose.
Eve, Floryne and Yang waited patiently outside the school for their youngest sibling. Today was the day, Ruby's weapon was finally forged and no one was more excited than its new wielder. Even though her body had been sore all day from her daily workouts with Yang and Thistle, Ruby still seemed to have boundless energy all day, a bit too much energy according to Floryne who worried that Ruby would be distracted from her classes.
"I can't wait to see her trying to lift that thing, it's probably going to weigh more than her!" Yang looked at once amused and excited. "Once she gets used to it I wouldn't want to anyone who tries to pick a serious fight with her."
"Yeah well, first she has to be strong enough to actually fight with it." Eve shrugged, her mood worsening as her impatience wore on her.
"It's the most ambitious weapon I've ever seen, even my Frantic Thorns are more practical on paper." Floryne had no small hint of worry in her voice.
"Yeah and who's gonna teach her how to use it? Aunt Qrow? No one really has a weapon like that who can train her. She'll be doing a lot of her learning on her own." Now even Yang was starting to sound worried as she furrowed her brow.
"Hey, cut the gossip, she's coming." Eve bumped her twin with her elbow and they all immediately shut up as Ruby walked out through the doors of the school.
She looked like she was struggling to stand, and as they looked at her, it was obvious why. A very large sheet of metal was strapped to her back, it was her shield and it was about as tall as her and almost twice as wide.
"Hey Ruby!" Yang could barely suppress a laugh as her little sister came to a stop in front of them.
"This thing is so heavy!" Ruby whined, feeling like her knees were about to give out from under her.
"Well, show us what it can do, I want to see those designs you showed us in action!" Eve looked more excited than anything.
"Eve, she looks exhausted. Let her rest and show us later." Floryne gave a scolding look to her twine who just sneered back.
"It's okay! I can do it!" Ruby took a deep breath and slowly reached behind her with her eyes gently closed.
Her entire body tenses and she pulled up the immense weight of her shield, putting her arm under it and grabbing hold of the handle on its inner side. In a blur of silver and red Ruby pulled it out, nearly toppling over in the process!
There it was, a giant pointed shield that swallowed her forearm with razor sharp blades on its side ending in a sharp tip. At its flat base it was a row of six bright red gun barrels with an additional six at the handle on the other side just above her hand. Ruby's entire body trembled as she held it up defensively in front of herself.
"And here's… sword mode!" Ruby gritted her teeth and pushed her exhausted body as hard as she could and with a jerk of her arm the shield pushed away from her body and a hilt extended, the guns and handle receding to just above the hilt. In one hand Ruby held an ungodly massive sword with twelve guns at its base above her hand. The sword was bigger than she was… but she couldn't hold it up any longer. The ground shook as it fell to the earth by her side leaving her panting heavily.
"Wow…" All three sisters said in unison as the gaped at the absurd weapon.
"There… just… one more." Ruby bit down hard again and braced her body, summoning up every last drop of strength she had. "Grimm Slayer!"
Pulling with every muscle she could use she pulled the massive sword above her head as it split down the middle, the two have falling to opposite sides of the hit into a dual bladed sword, each blade about as tall as her and almost as wide, the straight edges faced opposite directions and at either end of the hilt, six guns surrounded the sword with a compartment just below for ammo. It was a terrifying sight to behold… if she could keep it over her head for more than ten seconds.
Rotating it just slightly Ruby let it fall to one side, the blade cutting into the ground while the other jutted out tall above her. As she stood with one hand on the hilt of her mighty weapon and her cape flowing in the subtle breeze, it gave her sisters chills.
"What are you going to call it?" Floryne spoke in little more than a stunned whisper.
Ruby looked confused for a moment before looking up at the towering blades, her hand gripped just a little tighter around the hilt as a soft, gentle smile warmed her face and confidence and strength shined in her silver eyes.
"I'm going to call it… Summer's Grace."
