Author's Note: I hope everyone had a Happy New Year! I worked hard on this chapter. I hope you like it.
I am so happy to update chapter 4 up on my birthday. I really hope that those who are reading, following and favoring this story can please leave a review. It would be such a great gift you can leave me because I REALLY would like to know what people think of this story. I see a whole bunch of people put it in favorites or follow it. I really love reading the reviews people leave one. It just means so much to mean to know what you think of the story. It would be a great gift.
It only has been a few days since the planning for the engagement party. Weiss decided that it should be a joint affair since she wants to celebrate her engagement to Neptune as well as Ruby's to Kai Li. Two friends to be married to two prestigious gentlemen was an occasion worth celebrating. At least to Weiss it was. So naturally they had to find the perfect dresses to wear for the 'Masked Gala' as she called named it. Ruby did question why all of them had to wear masks but Weiss just suggested that it would be more fun. Well if they were going to have fun maybe Ruby could use this to her advantage? She could sneak about and no one would recognize her. Except maybe Blake, with her heightened senses she could probably smell Ruby out from the crowd. Of course the Faunus weren't going to be dressing up as all of them would be tightly securing the perimeter of the Schnee Manor.
Ruby wondered why she would want to have the gala at the Schnee Manor due to the concerns with her father. Weiss stated that he was away on business along with her annoying younger brother, Whitley. Plus the ballroom at the Schnee Manor was a grand place to hold a party. Ruby recalled many fond memories dancing and running around during parties there for birthdays and weddings. She especially remembered dancing with mother on the blue and white marble floor. Those memories were very special to her and very close to her heart.
As night began to fall, Ruby looked at the window to the balcony. Her hair was held back in a silver barrette that was laced with a ribbon and jewels that drooped down her side. She was wearing a long silver dress with black trimming on the bottom and on the sleeves. The material shimmering at the slightest movement, like the reflection moonlight on disturbed water. The upper part of the dress was opened a bit showing some of her cleavage. Oum, it wasn't her that even picked it out but Weiss as she told her the men won't be able to resist her if she showed more of her body. They were high society women, so they were considered very beautiful and rare like a prized jewel. Ruby played with her silver wolf mask with her fingers as she took a long look at it.
Ruby had no idea why she was trying to impress anyone. They were both engaged and to still autonomous Huntresses. She'd rather spend what little free time she had left to herself away from the "sophisticated" masses. But as Ruby lamented the night to come she stared long and hard at her outfit in the window's reflection. This was her disguise tonight, a way to escape a have some freedom because she would be disguised in a mask. Yes, this party was for Kai Li and herself but this was something she didn't want to celebrate. It was just a big show to everyone that she was basically a prisoner to the government. But tonight she was a lone wolf. She was just like a porcelain doll that just stands about, be polite and look beautiful. Ruby couldn't be who she truly was in public because it wasn't proper or what the government approved, it only disgusted her.
"Are you ready for tonight?" She was startled as she turned around to see her older sister Yang. She was in her Vale Army uniform, a dark brown buttoned up shirt; unbuttoned on top to expose some of her cleavage; a small white necktie tied loosely and hung low, and dark green pants covering her sturdy shiny black boots. Her long golden hair was tied into a ponytail with a dark green hat, sided on top on her head. On the hat was the Vale insignia. Yang was going off to the Vale Army after the party was over that very night. It only assured her that everything was changing. She would have to leave her father, Taiyang and herself. Ruby felt like everything was falling apart as her family separated and her freedom snatched away. She wasn't in love with Kai Li no matter how much she tried to convince herself or get to know him. This was the truth and she already had long accepted it. Yes, he was nothing but friendly and the brief times he talked to her he seemed caring but there was no connection. She looked despondently out into the night. The starry night sky was the only brightness she could see in the darkness that was the world around her.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Ruby tried to smile to indicate that she was happy but it was hard to hold back the tears. As she looked back at the starry night sky, closing her eyes as she hoped a shooting star would fly past them. Ruby could only think of making a wish to make her escape from here. Perhaps even find someone that could take her away from this place. She'd rather be forced into marrying someone that she had genuine connection with. Sure, Kai Li was really nice to her but there was nothing between them other than friendship. That's all she was ever going to see out of it.
"I know that look." Yang said as she pushed herself off the wall and makes her way over to Ruby who just turns her head away. She always knew when her younger sister was troubled, Yang greatly believed in her big sister instincts because they were usually right. Yang always promised herself that no harm would come to her sister so long as she was around to protect her. The problem is with her choosing to join the Vale Army; she couldn't keep a watchful eye on her not anymore. Yes, she knew Blake would be there to look after Ruby, she wasn't completely worried. After all she trusted Blake with her life, she was the perfect bodyguard. That didn't mean she still worried. She was the closest thing Ruby had to a mother after all, always encouraging her, pushing out of her comfort zone and doting on her. Yang sometimes she believed she spoiled her a bit too much because of it.
"Look? What look?" Ruby questioned back at Yang as she tried, and failed, to hold a smile. "See? Nothing is wrong. I'm so happy; I mean I'm going to another big fancy party. Dance around all night, talk with rich snobs, and -and...be paraded around like an accessory." It didn't matter how many people Ruby could fool, yang was the one person who could see through her facade and Ruby would confess her strife even if she didn't want to. She could always depend on Yang.
"You're worried about this marriage, aren't you?" Yang put an arm around her Ruby to comfort her. She knew Ruby was trying to not make her worried about her but she knew her younger sister too well to not be fooled.
"It's just I-I don't have romantic feelings for Kai Li. I mean he's a nice guy and I know you don't like or trust him but . . . how can I be with someone, and have to start a family with him if I don't love him?" Tears streamed down Ruby's face which she quickly tried to wipe away. After all she didn't want her eyes getting all puffy and red, they could be seen even behind her mask. "I know, the Council, our government they make every decision and dictate our lives. I think we all want to know who's responsible for these choices. I always felt that someone wants to divide us. All because they're the ones that are scared of us, that when all of us unite, we'll be the ones that are unstoppable. That we could take back what was once ours." Yang tells her as she punched her hand to one of her palms, her eyes turned red as her blond hair slowly ignited in flames. Ruby quickly took a few stops back, afraid it was going to just go larger.
"That's an interesting theory, Sis." Ruby nervously replied, trying not to look too scared. Yang was never too fond of the government she would probably take on the whole group herself if she were able too. Yang had always loved to fight; the thrill of combat always excited her more than anything. That and conspiracy theories are usually what kept her preoccupied. She joined the Vale Army because as a Huntress she could fight to her heart's content. Not wanting to be held back as a result from it, which is why she had no choice but to pass it on to her younger sister. She never wanted Ruby to be unhappy and it devastated her because Ruby wasn't in love with her soon to be husband Kai Li. Yang pulled Ruby in for one more hug and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "
Just try to have a good time at the party and not focus on the marriage." Yang advised her as she gently put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Ruby sniffled one last time and summoned every ounce of courage she had. Closing her eyes Ruby breathed in and out. When she opened them again fiery determination gazed back at Yang. "Okay, let's do this." Ruby could only take a deep breath as she turned around as she notices Kai Li in a distance. She had to think of an excuse so he wouldn't see her. "Come on Yang, let's go back inside. It's getting rather cold. Plus I am sure Weiss is looking for me for the preparations." Ruby claims, it wasn't a full excuse as she knew the last part had to be true. She took Yang's arm as they quietly left the balcony back inside.
In the shadows, a message appeared on a scroll as it read;
'Can you help us sneak in tonight?-Nora.'
Rohan Vogan had red hair that reached his shoulders, a long sleeved black shirt and pants with a silver jacket. Everyone assumed him to be just another rich guy, high society of the upper class but in reality he was actually a lower class citizen. He forged paperwork to hide his true status and he did it well since no one has suspected him. Rohan had met Nora Valkyrie several years ago during one of his trips to the lower class; she was very spirited, talkative and always had a thrill-seeking need for adventure. He remembered her friend Pyrrha Nikos was killed months ago under mysterious circumstances. Of course, he would help her and her friends sneak in so they could experience the upper class first hand. He didn't care about the social classes or whether one had aura because it was ridiculous that division separated them in the first place. He took his scroll as he quickly replied with a simple response . . .'yes' before he clicked send and watched the message disappear.
Nora could only smile in excitement as she received the message from Rohan. They had a way into the upper class, someone that was able to get them into Schnee Manor and the best part was that it was a Masked Gala, so it would be a perfect disguise. Ren of course was a real pain, she took him shopping to try and find something to wear that could be suitable for a High Class event but there was nothing that he seemed to like until they eventually found an outfit that was perfect for him. A dress pink buttoned up shirt over a green suit jacket and matching pants with black shoes, a tie, and gloves. They also found a green mask with pink lotus designs on the outer part of the mask. Ren didn't seem to care much on the whole thing but only seemed to go along with it since it made her happy.
"Guys! Guess what?" Nora jumped onto the couch; the force of it caused the cushion to bounce around making Ren bounce up slightly from his spot and making it that much harder to read his book. As he closed it as he let out a sigh, after all this was something he was used too.
"Let me guess, you got us a way into the Hills of Patch." Ren nonchalantly says to Nora, who had an annoyed expression on her face as she wanted to be the one to tell him and he ended up saying it first.
"How did you know?" Nora asked her eyes widened nose scrunched up in surprise at the comment as Ren tried to hold in his laughter. She always looked so adorable when she made that face, like a surprised owl.
"Because you told us an hour ago that you were messaging that guy, Rohan to get us in." Ren explained to her much to Nora's confusion, she drew a complete blank on the conversation they had prior. In fact it had already slipped her mind despite the fact it's only been an hour. Ren could only chuckle at Nora's cluelessness.
"Still, you could have let me say it Ren, why do you have to be so mean?!" Nora complained as she pouted, she wanted to be the one that told him. Ren put a dignified hand to his chest and looked at Nora in his best "sophisticated" look.
"I'm not trying to be mean. I am just stating the facts which just so happen to be obvious." Ren said with a rare mischievous smile. He just loved making things hard for Nora; she always presumed she always had to be right about everything.
"Still, do you really think this is a good idea to sneak in?" Jaune questioned as he glared down at his mask before placing it over his eyes.
"Yes, I told you, its fine. Just act like we're wealthy and better than everyone around you. No one will suspect a thing. We'll create fake names if we have too. It'll be fun." Nora stressed, she was getting tired of hearing how dangerous the situation was becoming and how they could get caught. She firmly believed they weren't going too. Yes, it was dangerous and risky but what do you expect when the upper class has the high life with all their parties and excitement. Jaune wasn't fond of the whole idea, not just having to put on this whole charade but he wasn't in the mood to be at any party.
It's hard to celebrate anything when the woman you loved is no longer there to love and support you. There was no way he would ever find another girl like that in his lifetime, he was sure of it. Not that he wanted to find a girl any time soon. People expected him to move on, pressuring him to settle down and find another girl to fall in love and have children with but he was not looking for that either. He couldn't ever see himself looking for anyone with Pyrrha's gone. His future was already set, get all his older sisters married, live on his parent's farm and care for them in the ailing age, and die alone. Everyone else would think on how depressing his whole future would be if he stuck with it but he just didn't care anymore. He gave up on thinking there would be another girl in his life to love, and he was sure he would never another. So what was the point on even looking?
"So where are we supposed to meet Rohan, anyway?" Ren asked as he look up from his book, both him and Jaune were already dressed. They were just waiting for Nora to get ready and of course it takes a girl forever to get ready.
"In front of the gates to the Hills of Patch." Nora calls out from the other room. "
Are you even done yet?! You're the one that wants to go so if you want to get there at a decent time we need to leave now!" Ren bluntly yelled out, his patience was running thin.
"Quit, rushing me it took forever just to pick out your suit. You can't rush perfection." Nora yelled back at him, her tone was more sounded more like she was enjoying their banter that was going on between them. It filled her with joy as a smile ran across her face since they sounded like an old married couple. Jaune didn't speak; he just hid the expression of sadness as he looked at the window. Their arguing reminded him of what could have been with Pyrrha, they could have married and had a happy life together. Just why? Why did it have to be like this? Ren look at his friend in sympathy. It was hard for him with the loss of Pyrrha, it was hard on all of them. After all she was a close friend to them all and Ren cared for her like a sister. It's always hard to cope when someone you care about dies. Both Nora and himself were orphaned at young age so it resurfaced that pain again.
"Okay I'm ready!" Nora came out of her bedroom, finally, jarring him out of his thoughts and Ren hid a small blush on his cheeks when he saw her from behind his book. It was the first time he really took notice of her. She wore a long dark pink dress, with long billowy light pink sheer silk sleeves that hugged her wrists. Her skirt hugged her hips but hung loosely around her legs the hem touching the floor covering her feet. Her mask was white with a pink decorative crown and fake flowers. She finished her look with long pure white gloves that same to her elbows, pink eye shadow, blush, and simple white pearl earrings.
"How will you find this Rohan guy, do you even know what he looks like?" Ren quickly changed the subject and he closed his books as he shook off his growing feelings for his friend. He also viewed her like a sister, it was wrong to like her in that way. That's what he kept telling himself at least.
"I know what he looks like. Don't worry about it Renny." Nora replied back as she put on her cloak, Ren followed along behind her as they opened the front door.
"Jaune, are you coming?" Nora questioned as she looked over at him, Jaune looked at himself in the mirror, and he was hesitant as he didn't knew who he even was anymore. Looking at his own outfit for the evening. A white tuxedo with a gold vest and a white dress shirt. Gold decorative plates sat on his shoulders and a red neck tie sat in the inside of his vest. His hands were sweaty under his white gloves. His mask was white with gold trimmings. Jaune looked like a handsome prince but he felt as if he was an empty shell with no soul lingering inside his body. He pulled the hood on his cloak over his head even if his mask were to protect his identity.
"Yes, let's just-get this thing over with." This was the only thing he managed to say, what else could do? He was just going to try to get through tonight and bare it as much as possible.
Author's Note: Jaune and Ruby will be meeting for the first time next chapter. I know all the readers have been waiting for it. I promise it would be worth the wait. If you have any ideas on what you would like to happen in the future between them. You can message me as well.I am working on chapter 5...not sure how long it will take to post it. So please be patient. Thank you very much.
