Inspectre Online!
Another day, another dollar. Y'all ready for another chapter? Yes? Good. No? Too bad.
In response to LDR.. Depends on which one I pick. Most of the ones I'm looking at are probably going to be more lighthearted. Either some Freezerburn Friendship/Romance or maybe the Starcraft or Advance Wars cross-AU. GBA/DS series (1, 2, and Dual Strike) for the latter, Blue Moon centric. Olaf's kinda pompous and a superior CO (rank wise, gameplay wise he's eh in my opinion) whose theme centers around ice and snow, and Grit is a laid back but very talented CO and sniper/ranged expert who always gets on his leader's nerves, and while they bicker often they're pretty close. Sound familiar? Weiss and Ruby no?
In response to Cloy552.. Yeah, I love writing action scenes. Weiss was just unconscious, will definitely have a few broken bones there and possibly a back scar. Ruby on the other hand passed out from extensive blood loss and shock and will probably be getting sent to the ICU. Which you might have guessed by now. If not you'll find out!
In response to Nekonyaneko.. Neko means tiger! ..Monster Hunter reference, sorry, couldn't resist. Anyway I think I have seen the toxic blood thing before but I came with more of a 'curse' approach to give Weiss a better reason to go try and hunt down the Mantis. Otherwise the only reason she'd have to go do it is pride which this story is trying to fix, and Ruby being on her (terminal) death bed is actually crucial to the plot near the end. As far as I'm imagining it my head we've got this chapter which will gloss over the second battle if I fit it in, and a little sit down and talk session in the next (Jaune Arc is on the character list for a reason, actually has some words of wisdom about knights that tie in with the Giant Armor in a way and I'm likely including Winter as well) before we dive into the final two? chapters, then the epilogue. I say two? because apparently I can't simply do oneshots and underestimate how long a fic/chapter will span when I'm writing it up in my head, or find spots I want to stop at and continue in a new chapter.
Alrighty, time to slink away from the action a bit and get more feelsy. What's become of the Huntresses? Has anyone been able to track the Mantis? Read on and find out..
P.S. Anyone who gets the reference in the chapter title (I am a sucker for those and puns, I regret nothing) gets a shoutout!
The Bullhead came to a stop just outside Beacon's on-campus medical ward, having received special clearance to land within the perimeter of the Academy. The hatch was opened to the sight of several doctors and stretchers ready to take the two Huntresses with the assistance of Team AMJR, who were then pulled aside by acting Headmistress Glynda Goodwitch. The woman's Scroll was already out and ready to get reports from the Hunters as the medical officers whisked Ruby and Weiss away.
...
*an uncertain amount of time later, inside one of the hospital rooms*
...
Weiss groggily and slowly awoke to pain, having tried to sit up and get her bearings before the pressure she tried to place on her midsection immediately forced her back down with a sharp hiss. The single on-duty nurse in the room noticed this and immediately buzzed for someone via a wall-mounted speaker and in moments another doctor was inside, trying to ease the heiress and calm her. "Ms. Schnee, please remain still. You've got several broken ribs and-" "Ruby.." "Pardon?"
She had whispered the name at first, opening her eyes again to examine her surroundings. White. Green. Chrome. An almost too clean scent in the air and she was dressed in an emerald gown with what felt like medical bandages around her stomach and chest.. Yep. She was in a hospital room. A rare but not unknown sight to the heiress. A few moments later Weiss would call her name again, looking over at the doctor and asking where Ruby was.
Even with her own wounds it seemed Weiss was more concerned about her leader, raising her voice this time as she practically demanded to know of Ruby's condition. Rather reluctantly he began to explain. The physical damage, the blood loss, and.. The man felt it best she wasn't informed of the other condition. It'd only burden her with more emotional stress even if she deserved to know ..Stupid, the word echoed a few times as the girl mentally berated herself. That Grimm was more powerful than she had initially thought. Their conditions was her fault and hers alone. Why hadn't she listened..?
"I see.. Is she awake?" "No, but we expect her to regain consciousness hopefully soon. However her injuries were far more extensive. Ms. Rose is currently still undergoing treatment in the ICU but she should survive." The doctor stated, holding a clipboard in his gloved hand. Truth be told that exact unit he had just come from, the notes in hand being requisitions for compounds they'd need to try and suppress the spread of Ruby's affliction. He handed this off to the nurse with a nod and she exited the room, only to open the door to reveal someone standing there and visibly short of breath as if they'd ran the whole way.
"Excuse me, we're not open for visitation at the current-Hey!" "Move it!" Weiss didn't have to look to be able to guess the brazen owner of that voice. Yang Xiao Long quickly dropped to her knees at Weiss' bedside, her eyes widened as she started pressuring her teammate for answers about the mission.
"Weiss! What happened? I got a call from Blake saying she saw you two being brought in and they had you and Ruby on stretchers and-"
The blonde was cut off as Weiss turned her head, glaring at the wall. "Weiss.." She couldn't do it. Guilt was eating at her. How could she tell her that it was entirely her fault her sister was struggling to cling to life? That duty would fall upon the good doctor as he retrieved a green Scroll from one of his pockets, opening it lengthwise before the screen buzzed to life with what appeared to be a mission report.
"Based on the details that we received from Ms. Goodwitch, Weiss Schnee and Ruby Rose encountered a Champion class Grimm during their mission at Forever Fall station 5.. I'd say things quickly went downhill from there. Why one of that caliber was in the area I can't fathom but it might have something to do with the recent events calling more Grimm to Vale. Needless to say two 1st year Huntresses wouldn't be a match for it. Thank the gods that another Team was inbound with the transport." The man said, closing his Scroll and placing it back in his pocket to kindly request that she leave. Yang fell quiet, hands on the edge of the bed before pushing herself up and thanking both him and Weiss as she headed for the door saying something about going to wait until she could see Ruby. But..
"I'm sorry." The heiress finally spoke, causing Yang to stop and look back with a sorrowful expression. "Don't be. You're both safe, that's all that matters."
"It's my fault.." Her voice cracked, unsure if it was because of self-loathing or guilt until tears started to well in her eyes.
"Look, Weiss. You heard the doc, that's a pretty tough Grimm. Even all of us would have had a really hard time with it. There's no need to beat yourself up." Which the injured Huntress would disagree with, snapping at Yang that because of her own decisions Ruby was in the condition she was in. The decision to engage the Grimm? Hers. The decision to keep fighting when they could have escaped? Hers. The decision to stubbornly continue even when the perfect opportunity to escape was available? Again, hers. At first the blonde was confused but as Weiss went on to explain that Ruby had thrown herself in harm's way to save her and even lost Crescent Rose in the process she clenched her fists and her eyes went from lilac to crimson.
What followed next was something that would be heard for several rooms over, a screaming match for the ages as Yang relentlessly lectured, berated mostly, the prideful heiress for a good half-hour. The doctor tried several times to intervene but in all honesty he was terrified at the prospect of being the one on the receiving end of the brawler's sudden ire. However it came to a point where he recalled part of his Hippocratic Oath to not let his patients suffer, and forced himself between the two females as he informed Yang that if he continued to harass said patient he was going to have her thrown out. Which he should have done already.
She'd finally desist after that, spinning on her heel and heading for the door. With one last seething remark of understanding why Ozpin chose Ruby as the leader Yang slammed the door behind her. Letting out a long breath the man slowly turned to Weiss.
"..." "Ms. Schnee, err- I suggest you put all of this out of your mind for right now and simply get some rest."
"..What about-"
"All of your studies will be set side and filed by Ms. Goodwitch, and if anything changes in Ms. Rose's condition you'll be notified." The doctor assured, doing one last lookover to make sure the Huntress was alright before heading for the door as well. A click of the switch and the room was dark, leaving her alone to stew in her thoughts.
...
*a few days afterwards*
...
Weiss despised being cooped up in the room, having nothing to do but schoolwork and reflect on the events of that disastrous mission but at least the pain had receded quite a bit since then. That didn't mean her ribs weren't still sore or didn't hurt to move however but they were mending quickly. Aura Healing truly was a lifesaver.
Yang hadn't shown back up even once though Blake stopped by for a bit yesterday to check on her. Apparently the fiery Huntress was still upset. Only now she was upset at herself too for exploding and the piercing things she'd said, and wasn't ready to come apologize just yet. The Cat Faunus also hadn't heard any anything new about Ruby's condition changing and was getting worried.
Needless to say the heiress was worried as well and that worry only escalated when one of the members of Team AMJR came by to talk to the doctor. That was when she overheard the situation with Ruby's Grimmblight and obviously became very distraught once they had left. A rather befuddled nurse was the one to walk in on her trying to force herself out of bed and immediately shouted for the doctor to help get back down. All Weiss could do now was wallow in self pity for the rest of her stay, grief and anguish turning to thoughts of revenge. She ignored her piling schoolwork as she was too distracted and lost in thought to focus on something as trivial as that. Inconsequential. She'd deal with the fallout later. When she was discharged..
The heiress had immediately went straight for Ruby's room once she got changed and reclaimed Myrtenaster as some of the station attendants had retrieved and sent it and the pieces of Crescent Rose back after the Mantis abandoned the area. She'd come across both Xiao Longs waiting outside once she arrived. Neither of them looked like they had gotten much sleep lately. Hesitantly stepping forward to ask if they knew anything she only got a scoff in response from the younger one until her father gave her a look. "..Weiss." "M-Mr. Xiao Long.."
It was a tense and lengthy silence before the man broke it first with a question. "You know..?" "Yes. Have they managed to find it?" The Mantis, the one that inflicted this condition on her leader. Weiss was hoping that someone had been able to hunt down and slay the Creature of Grimm during her incapacitation. Much to her dismay the answer was a solemn shake of the head. Clenching her fists and gritting her teeth Weiss then hung her head. "..I'll take care of it."
"What?" Came the utterly bewildered reply.
She was already walking away when rapid footsteps lead to a strong grip catching the back of her dress, yanking her back to meet burning red eyes. "You moron! You already screwed up once! Don't go marching off to your death!" The blonde Huntress' temper was set off again but it was more of worry than simply anger.
"What does it matter to you..? This is my fault. And my mess to clean up." Weiss snapped.
"Even the two of you couldn't kill it! What makes you think you can do it by yourself?" "I misjudged it. Besides, we were both exhausted after the mission. At peak performance I-" "Stop being so damn overconfident! This is what got you and Ruby hurt in the first place, you said it yourself! At the least.. Let us help.."
Yang's voice cracked, her eyes fading back to lilac. Weiss was confused at first but as her teammate's hands moved to take hers she'd understand. "The doctors told us that.. That Ruby might not make it. Her case is spreading fast from how much damage she took. The Hunters they dispatched couldn't find any trace of the Grimm that did it either, and she's only getting worse every day. Look I.. I'm sorry for what I said the other day, I blew my top. I-"
She was cut off as her white-haired teammate wrenched her hands free and put one palm up to her face. "No. I'm not letting any of you put yourselves in danger. I'm going to handle this myself so nobody else has to get hurt. I know if I go back, it'll come to me. That thing probably wants to finish what it started." "Weiss I'm-!" "Let her go."
Taiyang spoke firmly, addressing his daughter with crossed arms. She attempted to protest but after looking between him and Weiss before shaking her head. The sound of clicking heels faded as their owner briskly paced away, heading for a destination unknown. "Why did you-" "She's upset and not thinking straight. She's a Schnee, honey. Pride is a big thing in their family." "But it's so stupid!" "Maybe, but she's also feeling very responsible for what happened. Let her cool down, give her some time."
The brawler had an idea of what he meant. She knew about the friction that had arisen from when the Initiations were over and the Team leaders had been announced but she thought the ice queen had finally moved past that. In heart to heart moments Team RWBY had had, she realized Weiss was a good person on the inside despite her chilly exterior. She was always the person to try and keep a level head as well, but right now she was not only being cold but also impulsive, contradicting the earnest efforts she'd been making to better herself. Why couldn't she accept their help? Why did she want to put this burden on herself? Why did she want to do it herself?
The answers came right back around again in two pieces after a few minutes of thought. Pride and guilt. Or perhaps.. It was likely also- No, it couldn't be that. Weiss and Ruby had gotten close but..
"Sorry dad, I'm gonna go after her. If she really takes off.." "Don't go alone. Please." Her father asked. The blonde brawler nodded and turned to walk down the hall, heading right for their dorm room. She figured Weiss would go there first to prepare. Her assumption would only be proven correct as after the long trek she went to go open the door only to find it locked. Even her Scroll wouldn't open it. Was it jammed? Yang started pounding the door. "Weiss! Weiss! I know you're in there! Open up!" "I'm sorry Yang, but go away!" Bingo.
Cursing loudly Yang allowed her Aura to surge a bit before taking a step or two back. Then with a growl her boot slammed into the door, smashing it open. Only to be met by the tip of Myrtenaster and a flash of white blue. "I'm sorry, but I'm not letting you come with me. Please understand, this is for your sake.."
Yang's now Ice Dust encased form fell over into the room with a clank, Weiss exiting and dashing away.
...
*a short amount of time later*
...
Hot. It was hot. And bright. And sort of wet? Opening her eyes the blonde saw another standing over her with what looked like a heat lamp. "I didn't think anything could freeze YOU of all people.. Let me guess, had a fight with Weiss?"
The concerned and friendly face of Jaune Arc was standing over her holding said lamp. Apparently he'd been thawing her out for a good while now. With a gasp Yang was on her feet, clothes still damp from the melted ice. "Weiss! She- Where is she?" "Weiss? I saw her on the way here about.. I dunno. An hour ago? Said something about going on a mission and hey!" "Come on Vomit Boy!" Yang grasped Jaune by one of his biceps, using her other hand to retrieve her Scroll and dial up a number. "Please answer, please answer, plea- Blake!"
"Yang? What's wrong? ..Did you just get out of the shower?" The Faunus asked with a grin as her face appeared on the screen. "You look-" "Meet me outside! We've got to go after Weiss!" "What?" "The stupid ice princess took off on her own! I think she went back to Forever Fall!" "She what?! Great.. I'll be there soon!" The screen went black as she thrust the Scroll back into her pocket, the fumbling Arc in tow as they headed for Beacon Academy's grounds.
"Hardheaded little- Hang on Weiss!"
Oh snap. Weiss is on a rampage. Clearly not thinking straight. What happened to the calculating, cautious, and careful Weiss? *insert the Star Wars meme 'You were the chosen one!'* The Only Sane (wo)Man of the Team! ..Well except for Blake sorta. Guess that's what happens when you let a guilty conscience and a bruised ego get to you. is she heading off to her death or will Yang and the others make it in time to stop/save her? Find out on the next episode of RWBY Z!
I was a bit worried about her coming off as OOC, since she HAS been developing in the show and she has been shown to be more of a smart player than an impulsive one, but I think I managed to properly convey the justifications for how she's been portrayed so far. This won't be her last encounter with the Mantis but hopefully it'll be a humbling one. IF she survives. *evil cackling* Of course I kid. And I think I might be coming up with an OC out of that Bullhead pilot.. My brain gets the oddest ideas from the strangest places. Already have a grasp on his weapon and Semblance.
Also if you haven't guessed it by now, the reference in the last chapter was of the R-1/A from Sonic Adventure 2 Battle, which is a purely airborne variant of the VTOL G.U.N. mech/walker piloted by Flying Dog himself. Had one of the coolest G.U.N. boss voices as well. This deep and serious business voice that meant he was about to come 'gun' you down. Get it?
Well, probably gonna be occupied with work tomorrow but I hope to stay frequent with chapter updates. At least get two more chapters, possibly three before the weekend is over depending on my hours. Catch y'all later and..
Inspectre Offline!
