Chapter 3:
It took a lot to make a Weiss Schnee even contemplate giving up, to make any Schnee think about giving up really. And yet, the youngest in the Schnee line was just about ready to call it a day, having spent much of it hiking her way up the mountainside in order to reach the town of Eins, the town which Team CRKL had stopped at for their mission. Whereas the group of students had taken two days to scale the distance, Weiss had made the trek in merely a few hours. Though the hike itself hadn't been particularly treacherous, the various Grimm that she had encountered had taken a toll on her stamina.
Speaking of which, a few more were now making themselves known from the cliffs to Weiss' left. By her count, there were around ten Grimm that stood packed together luckily, none of them were especially dangerous. Though the common Beowolves and Ursai had long since failed to be a threat to her, the terrain itself made this battle treacherous. Combine that with Weiss' already failing stamina, and it was enough to make the woman take this battle seriously.
Flicking the cylinder that she had packed into her hand, Weiss quickly pressed a switch on the base that had the entire thing expanding rapidly; first were the multiple, progressively thinner, pieces that shot out only to be reigned in by Weiss' aura. Each piece snapped together, the base of the cylinder forming a guard while a thin segment that had remained in Weiss' hand became *the hilt. The blade itself was white, a carbon copy of Myrtenaster right down to the length and width. The guard however, had changed significantly. Gone were the cycling dust chambers, the weapon itself now imbued with the power of Nature's Wrath through the engravings on the guard and hilt.
Into Team RWBY's later years at Beacon, Weiss had quickly learned that carrying copious amounts of highly volatile dust was not an option on most missions. Given that the then heiress' fighting style depended largely on her dustcraft, changes had to be made; the result was a complete reconstruction of her beloved weapon with copious amounts of help from Ruby. It had taken quite a while to build, and even longer for Weiss to get used to the now extremely light weapon, but in the end, the benefits far outweighed any losses.
As much as Weiss wanted to stop to admire the craftsmanship of her weapon, the roaring of the Ursai quickly prompted a pristine white glyph to form underneath her. Being propelled at a velocity that would have otherwise been impossible for her, Weiss quickly slowed as she reached the apex of her leap. A flare of red light lit up the sky as the figure in the air descended; flames burst onto the Grimm as Weiss slammed into the ground. Several of the Beowolves were killed almost instantly, even the Ursa were damaged by the fierce attack, backing away from the epicenter of the blast.
Not wasting any time, Weiss' weapon flashed in the light of the fire as it ran through one of the nearest Beowolves that hadn't been destroyed by the fire. Metal met bone as Myrtenaster clashed against the claws of an Ursa. Weiss' body quickly moved back, disengaging the clash in order to regain her mobility. Another glyph formed behind her as she was propelled forward at a breakneck pace, leaving a deep slash on the Ursa, ending it's life. Though this wasn't a fight that took a lot of energy, it had to be understood that Weiss had repeated a similar scene many times today. Humans had a limit, and Weiss was rapidly approaching hers; thus, it was with a breath of relief that the white-haired woman ended the last of the creatures of Grimm.
Letting out a huff as she returned Myrtenaster to its original state, Weiss once again steeled herself as she fingered the necklace around her neck, reminded of why she was here. Ignoring the growing fatigue, she continued on with ragged steps.
'I have to find her. I can't let Ruby think that… that was all our partnership was worth.' Pulling down the white beanie hat that she had added to her outfit upon entering the snowy mountains, Weiss recalled her… less than superb exchange with Ruby when the latter had first informed her team of her long-term mission with her uncle.
-Break-
"WEEIIIIIISSS!" Said heiress braced herself, already prepared for the impact that was no doubt coming for her. Several moments later, as expected, an ecstatic Ruby Rose collided with her partner of four years with nothing less than complete elation in her tone.
"Can you believe it? We're graduates!" The exuberant redhead had her arms thrown around Weiss neck in a hug from behind. "We're huntresses!"
As much as she wanted to give Ruby a knock on the head before scolding the girl, well, now more of a woman than anything else, Weiss just couldn't find it in her heart to yell at the moment. Not when the happiness in her partner's voice was so apparent.
Instead, she opted to remind her of some realism. "Yes Ruby, we are. We still have to make our way out there in the world you know." Constructive criticism, yes, that was how their relationship had always worked.
Of course, that didn't mean that the comment didn't elicit a slight pout from Ruby. No matter how skilled of a huntress she was, it seemed as if the girl would retain the same innocence that she always had. "Don't be a spoilsport, today's our big day!" Knowing that the white-haired woman in front of her would disagree.
Weiss gave an amused smile, already knowing where this conversation would lead to. "And it's also the first day that we're professionals instead of students Ruby." Seeing her partner play the part and seemingly deflate, Weiss quickly followed up. "But I suppose it's okay if we take today to celebrate."
Ruby's grin was more or less a reflection of how everyone around her felt at the moment; resplendent in their caps and gowns, excited for their new future.
"Hey shrimps, we have to get going! Dad said he'd give us a ride!" Weiss gave a scowl as the atmosphere was broken by the loudest, and regrettably, tallest, member of their team, Yang Xiao Long. Standing next to the blonde girl was her own partner, one whom Weiss had come to appreciate as the only one who could reign in her fiery counterpart, Blake Belladonna.
"Taiyang is waiting at the entrance, apparently we'll be heading to Patch to celebrate." The feline faunus supplied an explanation with a bemused smile. Having only grown more relaxed over the years, Blake had managed to put her demons behind her, now focusing on the future, instead of her past.
They had started out as a team of four, hardly a team at that. A 15 year old teenager, a haughty heiress, an ex-terrorist, and a hot-headed rebel. Yet somehow, the mismatched group of girls had somehow managed to become an acclaimed team at the most prestigious combat academy on Remnant.
Before Weiss could respond however, Ruby had already interjected. "Alright girls, we've graduated. Our next mission is to celebrate! The night will be filled with cookies!" Ruby's eyes almost glimmered in anticipation of the sugary armageddon was no doubt due to occur tonight, before she saw the rest of her team watching her. "A-And of course other stuff too! Like- Like…"
Seeing the three older girls in front of her stifling laughs, Ruby stuck her tongue out in defiance. Having grown used to their leader's behavior, the three simply followed her towards the entrance, ready to spend a night out on the town. Hopefully without firing any bullets this time.
It was only later that Ruby and Weiss would have a chance to speak to one another again, after the girls had already retired for the night. The two sat next to one another in Ruby's room, Yang and Blake having retired to the former's dwelling.
"Weiss."
"What is it Ruby?" The heiress huffed, trying desperately to get a wink of sleep on the inflatable mattress that she had packed in advance.
"Do you… you know, think that we'll be able to stay partners?" Seeing her partner turn over and give her an incredulous look, Ruby quickly elaborated. "What I mean is, uh… do you think we'll still do missions together?"
Weiss opened her mouth… and then closed it just as quickly. She had been tempted to immediately reply with the most pragmatic answer when she stopped herself. Somewhere deep down she discovered that she, not so surprisingly, had the same question.
"...Yes Ruby. I'll see to it that we can stay partners at least some of the time." And damn anyone who was in the way of a Schnee driven towards a goal.
A slightly stunned look on her face, Ruby's expression soon morphed into a chuckle.
"What?" Outraged at the fact that she was being laughed at, Weiss immediately dared the room's other occupant to reply.
"Nothing Weiss." And after a slight delay. "But thank you, and I promise too."
"That's what I thought." An indignant huff followed, one that the two were long used to. Yes, Weiss thought to herself, life was good.
-Break-
"If only I had known what she was planning…" Weiss gritted her teeth in frustration, the wind now whipping against her face. What had happened the next day… would forever haunt Weiss' nightmares.
'Then… maybe I wouldn't have said what I did.'
-Break-
"YOU'RE DOING WHAT?!" Ruby winced at the screech that had come from her partner; she knew that it was optimistic to hope that Weiss would take the news calmly, but she didn't think it would be this bad. Then again, how could Ruby not have known? Otherwise, she wouldn't have asked Weiss to come out with her to a little secluded patch of forest before she broke the news to her partner.
"I-I'm heading out on a long-term mission with Uncle Qrow in a week."
"And how long will you be gone?" The heiress' sharp eyes bore into her own, demanding an answer.
"I'm not sure…"
"What do you mean you're not sure?!" Even through her yelling, Weiss knew that she was being unreasonable. Hunters and huntresses rarely had a set timetable on their missions, long-terms missions even more so. At this moment in time though, she didn't particularly care. The painful tightness in her chest reminded the pale woman only too clearly of what her team had come to mean to her. She was well aware that they would be separated when they finally went on missions; and yet she had, for some reason, held it in her heart that Ruby at least, her partner, would stick with her. They had promised.
The hurt that showed in Ruby's now gleaming silver eyes was only too easy to read for Weiss. "I'm sorry Weiss… but… I can't…" The words were full of hesitancy, pleading, and most of all, desperation; desperation for Weiss to understand.
Unfortunately, emotions were seldom reasonable. It gave Weiss some kind of vindictive pleasure at seeing Ruby in such a state; to know that with a her approval or denial, Ruby would hang on to her every word. It lasted only for a moment before Weiss mentally recoiled, appalled that she would sink that low.
"And what if I come with you?" She still held on to the small hope that she would be able to accompany Ruby. It wasn't a plea, it wasn't a demand, just a hope.
Dismay filled Ruby's face, something that made Weiss regret her question. "It's just me and Uncle Qrow… he told me from the start."
"And since when have you known Ruby?" Weiss' throat was dry, her words sounding hoarse as she spoke. The anger was back and burning in her; the clenching of her heart was almost painful.
"..." Ruby mumbled while looking down at her feet.
"Speak clearly." The sharp and, for the first time in years, malice filled scolding came all too easily.
"A month." Ruby stood in place, unwilling to see the look on her partner's face.
That would soon change as a short laugh tore itself free from Weiss' throat. Ruby's head whipping up to see what had happened.
"A month. An entire month..." Up until now, nothing had frightened Ruby the way that her partner's voice now sounded.
No. Weiss wasn't supposed to sound like that!
Her eyes weren't supposed to look like that!
"Who else knew? Was it just me who didn't know? Blissfully unaware like a fool?!"
"No! No no no, Weiss please! It's not like that!" Her voice cracking, Ruby tried to patch up the situation as best she could.
"Then what is it?! Why didn't you tell me Ruby Rose?!"
The crimson haired girl's mouth open and closed, hands clasped together and held up to her chest. She desperately wanted to speak, but no words would come.
"We're done." Ruby felt her stomach sink, whatever remained of the celebration dinner last night now threatening to empty itself onto the ground.
"Best Teammate… That was silly wasn't it. Hunters and huntresses go out on missions alone all the time."
No, this wasn't supposed to happen! Ruby wanted to scream. Weiss is supposed to stay with me! After all, Weiss was… Weiss was…
"But that wasn't the only empty promise I made was it?"
"Weiss! I'm sorry- I'll- I-" NO. Why did her voice work now! Why couldn't she say what she wanted.
Recalling their promise last night, a wild panic surfaced in Ruby's mind. More than anything, she didn't want to hear the words that followed.
"Goodbye, Ruby." Her tone was hollow- dead. "You're a huntress now, congratulations."
As if she had waited for it, Weiss began to move away, leaving her red-cloaked leader to herself.
"No… Weiss please…" The words were distorted, Ruby's voice choked by her tears that were now streaming down her face. "Please Weiss… come back."
It was too late, the heiress already too far away to hear the weak voice of the girl who had finally found it.
-Break-
The worst had been when Qrow had returned after two months with no Ruby in sight.
No Ruby.
Weiss had been ready to admit to her wrongs, to beg her partner to forgive her for the words that had spilled out from her mouth that night. The guilt that she had caused anything but happiness to come to that happy and innocent soul was enough to have her losing sleep. She had nearly lost it when Qrow had said that his niece wouldn't be returning any time soon.
It's my fault.
Clenching a fist around Myrtenaster once again, Weiss reaffirmed her resolve.
"It's my fault, so I'll bring that dolt back." The vow was spoken to the empty air as Myrtenaster snapped open, ready to rend the pack of Grimm that was standing in front of her. It was at least three times as large as the one she had eliminated previously. The fact that it was mainly made of Ursa only drove the difficulty up.
The next few moments were a blur of emotion and combat. Heat flared around her as red dust exploded into brilliant flame; glyphs propelling her back and forth among the pack. Just as she was about to behead another Ursa, a bout of dizziness assaulted her senses. It was only natural; Weiss had been fighting all day, climbing the mountain without any sort of rest. The fact that she had slept fitfully last night hadn't helped her stamina either, not withholding the fact that she had always had the worst stamina out of Team RWBY.
The moment was weakness was enough for an Ursa to slam a paw into her side, sending her careening off on her side, rolling through the snow as she eventually slowed. Searing pain ridding Weiss of her dizziness quickly, she looked up only to find a Death Stalker staring her down.
No… NO, I can't stop here. I have to find Ruby!
And yet, her body wouldn't listen to her. Blood stained the white jacket she was wearing, dripping on to the ground as it slid off the pure white garment. Weiss could only watch as the tail of the Death Stalker swept up, ready to pierce her body with its wickedly sharp end.
She closed her eyes, waiting for the blow to come, for her end to finally come. She deserved it for what she did to Ruby. She waited for death.
And waited…
And waited…
But the blow never came. Instead, a horrific screech of pain was what finally made her eyes snap open. The figure in front of her was unknown and yet, hauntingly familiar at the same time. It was clearly them who had saved her, the stinger of the Death Stalker now sitting in the snow, having been lopped off by a…
"Ru...by?"
...Scythe
A sad smile made itself known on the figure's face as they turned around, the wind now blowing off the hood they had worn.
"Heya Weiss...:"
A/N
Well, this is the first time that I've written an author's note for this story that I hope all my readers have been enjoying. I'd just like to leave a few words of thanks for all those who have left a review, favorited, or followed the story. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, there is no secure update schedule for this story, as it depends on my schedule and availability. It is guaranteed however, that before a period of absence that will last longer than 2 weeks, I will leave a notice in the chapter before said period.
Additionally, I will say this now, I have no intention of making this story include Bumblebee as well. The reason being that I do not believe myself competent enough to write a satisfying story for those two at the moment. I hope that you will understand my decision.
Once again, thank you all for reading, and I hope you will follow this story to it's conclusion.
