Dawn was arriving with the sun over the horizon. Ruby had snuck out of the fort earlier, convincing herself that it was light enough to see.
She went solo on her secret mission, knowing her friends needed the rest. After having a few close calls with Weiss almost dying, Ruby couldn't sleep a wink, so she made use of her time while Blake and Yang stayed in the fort in an uneasy slumber.
Ruby hefted the makeshift vine-bag over her shoulders and gratefully pat the prize before removing the door. As she stepped inside, she smiled at the cute sight of Yang and Blake holding Weiss' right hand while they slept. Nora the sloth was clinging tightly to Yang's waist, careful not to graze Weiss' wounds.
As Ruby closed the door, she noticed Blake's cat ears flicked at the noise. Not a moment later, the faunus sat up and stretched to greet her.
"Hey, Ruby," she said in a whisper, careful not to wake the others. "Where'd you go?"
Ruby beamed a smile and set the large bag on the sand. "I got us food," she opened the top of the bag.
The faunus peered over the bag and was surprised to see various fish of all shapes and sizes. Ruby then set a smaller bag down that was around her wrist, causing dozens of berries to fall out.
"How long did it take you to get all this?"
Ruby sat down next to Blake. "A few hours. I couldn't sleep, so-"
Blake noticed Ruby's eyes screamed exhaustion. "Ruby," she cut her off. "While I'm happy you got us food, please don't do that again. Not alone. Tell me next time, okay?"
The brunette gulped, knowing that being in the jungle alone was dangerous. Even being in a group was dangerous. The animals had made themselves known in the worst ways.
Ruby gazed at the sleeping Weiss and Yang, knowing that the dangerous jungle was responsible for their situation and injuries. She didn't want the faunus to be worried, but also understood where she was coming from.
"Got it," Ruby replied. "Sorry, Blake. I didn't mean to make you worried."
Everyone was on edge when they realized just how dangerous the island they were stranded on actually was. Ruby was touched Blake cared for her so much, and returned the feelings wholeheartedly. She just wished she had the courage to tell Blake how she really felt about her.
The faunus smiled at the answer. "Just don't go alone again. Sorry If I sound overprotective, but you can't be too sure…" her eyes lingered to Weiss.
"How is she?" Ruby asked, slightly afraid of the answer.
"She has an infection and still looks pale," Blake answered truthfully. "There might be herbs on this island to treat it, but I don't know if they would be on this island in particular. We should search for them soon."
"Will she die without the herbs?" Ruby asked.
Blake's eyes started to water. "More than likely…"
Ruby gasped and scanned Weiss' injured left forearm. "No…"
Blake put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, chances are we'll find something. We'll search for the herbs soon, okay?"
Ruby sniffled. "O-okay…" she placed her hand in Blake's. "She'll be okay…"
Blake sent her a comforting smile. "Right, but before we do, we should eat. We'll need the energy to look for the medicine."
"Do you want some berries?" Ruby asked. "I made sure these were the right ones to pick."
"Sure," the faunus picked up the purple orb from the sand and brushed it off on her disheveled black dress.
Blake trusted Ruby's judgement without thought and didn't check if they were the right kind. Ruby was correct in judgement and Blake couldn't help but smile from the burst of flavor.
That never got old.
Ruby popped one in her mouth. "We are definitely bringing some of these back."
"No doubt," the faunus chewed on another. "We'll get out of here sooner or later."
Ruby's gaze trailed to Weiss. "Did she wake up at all last night?"
"No," Blake shook her head. "I would've known, too. Yang and I checked every few minutes to see if she was still breathing."
Ruby was depressed. "That's so messed up."
"I know," the faunus sighed.
"This whole thing is messed up," Ruby said. "I didn't think it was possible for a person to go through that much pain…"
"It's over now," the faunus replied. "Try not to think about it."
"I like the idea, but that's impossible…" Ruby muttered.
Blake put her hand on Ruby's shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to see that, but know that you really helped out. If you didn't, the process would've been much longer and more painful."
"I know…"
They sat in relative silence until Blake noticed how unkempt Ruby's hair was. Strands of dark hair stuck out of her ponytail, while her bangs invaded her eyes. The faunus gathered she could at least lighten Ruby up about something.
"Hey, Ruby."
"Yeah?"
"W-want me to do your hair?" Blake stammered. "It could use some help."
Ruby pouted. "Aw, what's that supposed to mean?"
"It doesn't look bad," the faunus assured. "But it could use improvement," she held out her hand. "Come on."
While pouting, Ruby took out her disheveled ponytail and handed the vine hair tie to Blake.
"Turn around," Blake said.
The brunette slightly smiled. "Okay."
Ruby obeyed and turned around to sit on the sand, patiently waiting for Blake to start the process. The faunus soothed her fingers through Ruby's tangled hair. Not surprisingly, it was much longer, now able to be a braid. After combing her nails and making the hair as smooth as possible, she grabbed all her hair at an angle.
Ruby sat there and enjoyed the contact with a goofy grin. Even though Blake had very sharp nails, Ruby could tell she took great care to not hurt her. She already felt refreshed as the faunus took all her hair in one swoop.
Suddenly, Ruby was starting to get nervous. She'd never had longer hair before, and Blake was the first person to play with it. As if her feelings for her weren't enough, she now felt an odd, but different connection with the girl. As the faunus twisted the sections, Ruby savored the contact, wishing it wouldn't end.
"There," the faunus said. "It looks good."
Ruby was sad Blake had broke the contact, but lifted up the new side-braid. "Wow, Blake! This looks amazing!"
The brunette's hair now looked positively well-kept and soothed out. Not many tangles were present in the mini braid.
Ruby turned around to face Blake, who attempted to hide a saddened expression. Ruby knew that Blake was trying to be strong for her, but sometimes others needed to be strong for her, too.
Ruby went in for an embrace. "Don't be sad. You look so much prettier with a smile on your face. N-not that you aren't pretty without a smile. You're always pretty!"
The faunus blushed and returned the gesture. "Th-thanks."
"We'll get off this island," Ruby gently whispered in her ear. "With everyone. I promise."
Silver and amber orbs met. They were both close to each other's faces, with their gazes soon lingering on the other pair of lips, each pleading for more warmth and comfort. Ruby and Blake leaned in slowly, their lips almost grazing…
"What's with all the racket?" Yang asked before she yawned. "Oh, it's you two. Get a room."
Ruby and Blake frantically jumped apart.
"W-w-what're you talking about?" Ruby played dumb. "We didn't do anything!"
"Y-yeah!" Blake chimed. "Besides, that's impossible since this is the only room on the island!"
"Brrah!"
"Oh look," the blonde said knowingly. "Your yelling woke up Nora, too," she saw her sister's new hairstyle. "I like it! Did you do that yourself?"
"Nope," Ruby replied. "B-Blake did…"
Yang gave a thumbs up. "Couldn't have done it better myself, kitten."
The faunus shyly looked away. "Thanks."
Another voice entered the conversation. "Quiet..."
The three shut their mouths when they realized the barely audile voice was Weiss.
Yang hovered over her as she held her hand. "Are you feelin' better?"
Ruby and Blake joined Yang to sit next to Weiss.
Weiss sighed, that alone caused her arm to throb and she choked on a gasp. "No..."
Yang tightened her grip. "You'll get better soon. I promise."
Weiss faintly grasped her hand back in an effort to comfort her. "You're right."
Blake noticed the sheen layer of sweat that refused to leave her forehead, so she grabbed a piece of seaweed and dabbed it on the area.
Guilt struck her heart when only the faunus' face was in view. "Blake," Weiss started. "About your parents… I'm sorr-"
"It's okay," Blake interjected. "You can tell me everything when you're better, alright?"
The white-haired girl took a deep breath. "Okay."
Blake nodded and turned to Ruby. "Come on, we have to look for those herbs."
"Herbs?" Yang asked.
"Yes," the faunus answered. "There might be some medicinal plants somewhere on this island," she tied a vine-pouch around her back. "We'll be back."
Weiss stared at the faunus. "You don't have to-"
Ruby cut her off. "We want to relieve your pain, Weiss. Let us do this."
Weiss remained silent, and Ruby took that as permission to leave. "Let's go, Blake. And Yang."
"Yeah?"
"There's plenty of food," her sister said. "You and Weiss should eat some."
Yang nodded and grabbed the two bags full of berries and fish. "You got it, sis."
Blake removed the door as the two exited and went on their mission for the medicine.
"We got fish and berries," Yang said to Weiss. "What are you up for?"
"Nothing."
"Come on," the blonde urged. "Last night you said you'd at least try to eat something."
That's true, Weiss thought. But I've been nauseous since then.
"I don't think anything will stay down," Weiss admitted. "I've been nauseous since, since…"
Yang knew she was referring to the day they had to cauterize her. "I get it, but it's been a while. Try a berry. For me?"
There was no way she could say 'no' to that, especially with the tone Yang used.
"Fine," Weiss reluctantly agreed.
That cheered Yang up as she picked a berry from the pouch, as she did so, Weiss slowly sat up. The blonde noticed her efforts and gently coaxed her in a sitting position.
Weiss sent her a thankful smile.
"Brrah!"
"Oh, I forgot you were there," Weiss said as she stared at the sloth that clung to her arm. "I'm so used to the warmth."
"She really loves you," Yang chirped as she handed her a berry. "It's so cute."
"Brrah!"
Weiss grit her teeth as she stared at the berry. The mere thought of food made her nauseous, but she was doing this for Yang. She reluctantly nibbled on the fruit to test the waters.
"You doing okay?"
"So far," Weiss replied as she put the whole berry in her mouth.
Yang was relieved to see her eat at least something. "I'm glad."
Just she thought the food would settle, Weiss' thoughts went back to what happened the day before. She could still hear the hissing of her own skin, her friends holding her down and even getting hurt in the process. But worst of all, the agony that was still present in her left forearm hurt even more at the mere thought.
It was enough to make her stomach more upset. "No..."
"'No' what?" Yang asked, now afraid since Weiss looked paler.
"I can't eat anything," Weiss choked out. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, hey," Yang put a comforting hand on her back. "You don't have to, I'm the one who's sorry. I just wanted you to get some nutrients but that can wait until the feeling passes, yeah?"
Weiss leaned into her palm as Yang guided her back down to rest on the smooth sand.
Damn it! Yang thought as she clenched her jaw. She can't improve without food and energy, she pounded her fist in the sand. Is she getting worse?
"What's wrong, Yang?" Weiss managed to murmur in a soft voice.
Yang whipped her head up to Weiss. "Nothing."
"It's not nothing," the white-haired girl stated a bit more strongly. "Tell me-"
Yang was thankful when the door was removed from the shelter, allowing beams of light to flow in.
Ruby ran inside with delight. "Guys! We found some herbs!" she held out the plants.
"Will they work?" Yang asked.
Blake shut the door. "Hopefully. There's different kinds but hopefully one of them will do the trick."
Ruby laid the plants on the makeshift table in the corner. Yang, Blake, and Ruby eyed the specimens, not really sure which was the right one.
Ruby could tell Blake was conflicted. "What's wrong, Blake?"
The faunus shook her head and picked up one of the herbs. "This one."
"What about it?" Yang asked.
Blake held her chin in thought. "This plant."
"What?" Ruby asked worriedly. "What's wrong with it?"
Blake set it on the table. "If I'm correct, this is called the Schipizoa plant. If we grind it up, it can heal burns, cuts and stop infections."
"Then what are we waiting for!?" Yang yelped.
The faunus took a deep breath. "The problem is that it has a striking resemblance to a poisonous plant called the Skidbladnir."
Blake remembered back when she studied plants in her free time. She didn't think that she would ever need to know much about poisonous plants, and now she cursed herself for just skimming the pages.
"P-poisonous?" Ruby asked. "What?"
Yang clenched her jaw. "Then throw it away. We aren't chancing it."
"Yes we are," Weiss chimed.
The three looked at her expectantly, Yang's eyes disbelieving. "How could you say that?! This is your life we're talking about!"
"Which is exactly why we're doing it," the white-haired girl argued. "No pain can be worse than what I've already been through…"
If I die, I can repay my debt to Blake. If I live, I'll have to explain the story properly, Weiss frowned at the thought of Blake being heartbroken. I'm despicable.
Ruby looked back to her sister and Blake. "So if this is the Skipizooa thingy, she'll heal, right?"
"Schipizoa," Blake corrected. "And yes, the wounds will heal and the infection will be eradicated."
"Are you guys crazy?!" Yang yelled. "If this is that poisonous plant, she'll die!"
"Does it matter?" she heard Weiss feebly mumble.
Tears were freely flowing down Yang's cheeks as she leaned over Weiss. "Don't say that! Your life matters whether you like it or not!"
A few of Yang's tears fell on Weiss' cheeks as lilac searched azure.
How the hell can she say that?! Yang screamed internally. Does she not realize how much she means to us?! S-she can't die! I won't let her!
"Yang," Weiss somehow found the strength to press her hand gently against her cheek. "It's okay. Trust my decision, please?"
The blonde was speechless. She knew Weiss blamed herself for Blake's parents' deaths, but seeing it to this degree hit a pang in her heart.
"Dammit!" Yang pounded her fist to the ground. "Why're you doing this?!"
"Yang," Weiss said, tears tugging the corners of her eyes. "If we do nothing, then I'm going to die. If we try it and it's the wrong plant, I still die. But if it's the right one, then I'll be alright. There's really no other choice."
They all knew the reality of the situation with the infection spreading. And there wasn't much time.
Not knowing what to say, Yang ran outside with tears streaming down her cheeks, cursing the odds and the entire situation.
Ruby was about to give chase, but Blake stopped her. "Stay here, Ruby," she said and bolted off.
Ruby comforted Weiss and the frazzled sloth, trusting the faunus to take care of the situation.
Once outside, Blake darted after the blonde. "Yang, slow dow-"
Yang whipped around. "No! How can you agree to this?!
Did this island turn them into monsters?! Yang thought. This can't be happening!
"It's not like we have a choice!" Blake countered. "At least this way, she has a chance!"
"Isn't there some other plant you can use!?"
There's gotta be!
"This is the most potent one out there," the faunus reasoned. "She has a serious infection and if it spreads through her body, it will kill her. This plant will prevent that from happening."
"You don't know for sure if it will!"
"But if we do nothing," Blake glared into Yang's lilac orbs. "Her fate is sealed."
T-there really is no other way…! No, she can't die!
"Dammit!" the blonde cursed. "I-I can't lose her! I-I-"
She means the world to me! If we hadn't snuck on that ship and stolen Never More, I would've never met her! Now I can't imagine life without her!
Blake tilted her head. "What?"
"I love Weiss!"
Blake wasn't surprised from the confession. "Then you should be willing to do anything to save her!"
Yang's knees buckled and she fell to the sand. She started sobbing and choking back gasps. Blake immediately went down and wrapped her in an embrace.
"Hey, there's still a chance," the faunus whispered over her sobs. "Will you please help me make the medicine that will save her life?"
S-she's right… there's at least a chance this way...
After Yang composed herself, she nodded, knowing there was no alternative.
Blake offered a small smile and guided her back on her feet. "We can do this. For Weiss."
Now Yang was determined. "For Weiss."
The infection was spreading throughout Weiss' arm, causing her to be in more pain. Even though Ruby and her were inside the shelter and away from the taxing heat, it was still hot. Too hot for comfort, and that made her wounds feel worse.
Weiss didn't want to show if she was in any pain if she could help it. That would only make them worry more, so she tried to cover it up by squeezing the sloth.
"Brrah!" Nora squealed, surprised at the rough contact.
"Sorry," Weiss murmured and forced herself to loosen her grasp.
Ruby bit her bottom lip when she noticed more sweat beaded on the girl's forehead. She grabbed a piece of seaweed and set it on the area.
"Better?"
"Yes," Weiss sighed as the coolness battled the heat.
Weiss was resting on the sand when she and Ruby had heard when Yang yell the confession, rendering them speechless.
"D-did she just say what I think she said?" Weiss asked.
"Yeah," Ruby confirmed. "She did."
So she does feel the same way.
"What kind of a brute shouts things like that?" Weiss asked, her voice barely audible.
Ruby leaned down to confirm her thoughts. "Are you pouting?"
It was slight, but Weiss had puffed her cheeks a bit. "She could've at least done that more romantically," she mumbled.
"Oh my god you so are!"
"Don't give me that," Weiss scoffed. "You and Blake need help."
"What're you talking about?" Ruby feigned innocence. "Blake and I don't-
"Don't play dumb. You and Blake can't take your eyes off each other."
Although Weiss' temperature was going down, there was still heat lingering in the wounds. Couple that with the constant pounding like drums and acting like nothing was wrong, she was left tired emotionally and physically.
My arm is killing me!
Ruby tilted her head while looking down at the girl. "D-do you think she likes me?"
Weiss playfully rolled her eyes. "Are… are you that much of a dunce?"
"Ehehe," Ruby chuckled. "Was it that obvious?"
Weiss grit her teeth. "Painfully so."
"You didn't answer my question."
"What?" Weiss asked feebly.
Ruby blushed. "Do you think Blake likes me?"
"Yes, dolt. Have more confidence," Weiss advised. "Stop thinking you don't deserve her."
"Maybe you're right," the brunette admitted.
"Of course I am."
"Brrah!"
"See?" Weiss said. "Nora agrees, so stop being so scared of rejection and up your game."
"Like you're one to talk!" Ruby countered. "You heard Yang's confession, when are you going to do something about it?"
"Probably when I'm not dying," Weiss tried to joke.
Ruby frowned. "Not funny."
The brunette noticed tears started to flow down Weiss' cheeks and that her body trembled in an attempt to stifle her sobs.
"H-hey are you okay?"
Weiss refused to speak, fearing that would cause the throbbing to intensify.
"It's your arm, isn't it?!" Ruby carefully examined it.
The infection had spread throughout her entire arm, and would continue throughout her body if she isn't treated soon. Ruby noticed the wounds were more red and irritated, and the skin that had been cauterized looked like it was beginning to flake and peel.
"We got the medicine!" Yang ran in with a bowl that was made of tree bark.
Bake followed soon after and shut the door.
"Hurry!" Ruby yelped. "It's getting worse!"
"Okay, okay," Yang sat down next to Weiss, and Blake soothed her fingers over the green paste that was in the makeshift bowl.
"This'll hurt," Blake warned.
"H-hurry," Weiss pleaded, desperation tinged her voice.
The faunus gulped and reluctantly hovered her finger over the infected wound. This would either kill or save Weiss, and Blake told herself that no matter the outcome, it would be her own responsibility.
Yang noticed the hesitation. "We can do this. Everything will be alright."
That was all the assurance Blake needed, so she applied the paste starting from the top of her arm, causing it to squish as it made its way into the wound. This made Weiss jolt from the contact.
Yang knew that Blake would have a hard time continuing like last time, so she firmly held Weiss' shoulders down to keep her from twitching, murmuring apologies under her breath.
The paste was soothed down the left forearm. Blake made sure to be as gentle as possible and used every ounce of the paste. As she did so, Weiss was left gasping for breath, helpless from the agony.
Yang noticed Weiss was much weaker than the last time she was forced to hold her down. Being injured for so long had taken a toll, and the blonde was starting to wonder if it was the right herb.
"Stop!" Yang howled when Weiss suddenly went still.
Blake continued to sooth the paste on wound. "We can't do this halfway. It's all or none."
Yang lowered her head in defeat as she watched Weiss' eyes roll in the back of her head.
"No, no, no! Hey, stay with me!" Yang gently caressed Weiss' cheek.
Blake had finished the process and lowered her cat ear on Weiss' chest to listen for her heartbeat. It was slight and wavering, if the faunus hadn't concentrated she would've missed it.
"She's okay for now," Blake stated. "If it's the right herb she'll wake up soon, if not…"
"It's the right one," Ruby said sternly. "It has to be."
"You're right," the faunus agreed. "She'll be okay."
Tears were streaming down Yang's face as she gazed at Weiss. "You have to be…"
I know it's strange for Weiss to make a joke when she's near death, but hey, the canon did it when her aura was completely depleted.
Code Lyoko fans gather 'round. The Skidbladnir and Schipizoa have made an appearance!
