Yo Peeps, GMG here with chapter 13. You might be wondering where the frick I've been. Answer? I was writing chapters for Ship Shape to keep readers satisfied as I flailed to figure out how to progress this story. I had a small idea to kick this one off and address an issue I've had. I had no idea what to call the inner circle and I didn't feel like adding OCs to this if I could avoid. So, they will remain unnamed at the moment and Ruby will have met them offscreen.
Also, Volume 3, Episode 1, am I right? XD Brilliant. I won't give any spoilers, but Blake is the waifu once more.
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.
Closing the door to the meeting room, Winter and Ruby exited with different expressions. Winter was satisfied with how the meeting went, if not a tad tired, while Ruby was smiling at having met the various people Winter knew. They were all nice, to her surprise. From what Weiss had said about meetings that her father had, all the people were very stern and grumpy. Winter's meeting had all these smiling faces as people gave their ideas. They were all very kind to her as well.
Her Scroll was now packed with a new cache of numbers, emails, and other ways to communicate with the members of Winter's elite. While the responsibilities sounded dull and boring, Ruby was brimming with excitement for her part in this. She held power with one of the strongest underground groups and it was thrilling.
Winter glanced at Ruby's smiling face and her own lips twerked up in amusement. "I take it that you were having fun in there."
"Yup!" Ruby chirped. "I know the whole thing is serious, but they all seem so involved and passionate about this job you've given them." They walked a short while further until Ruby spoke again. "What was your plan before Cinder and everything she kicked up?"
"World domination," the Schnee deadpanned before suddenly smirking. "You look at Remnant and we have peace, sure, but not total peace. Originally, I was being very self serving in what I wanted to do, but things changed. I met people, like Blake, and noticed that something else needed the help more than I did.
"Discrimination runs rampant between the two races. This issue having been pressed since humans and faunus having fought their wars before. While I may not be able to solve it myself, rallying a group could do so. A more human counterpart to the original White Fang. While violence is used occasionally, the terror tactics are substituted for deals under the table. If I can take the seat of power for this world, I could rectify many of the injustices in place against them, though not just for the faunus.
"That same division, though, hampers us in another area, one more grim in nature." Winter fixed her bangs before continuing. "The fight against the creatures of Grimm has been hampered by the lack of trust between the two races when in cases of the two having to work together. Like Team CRDL of which you told me. Teaming them up with CFVY would add a huge level of issue to any mission they undertake together, even if their combined skill set would be perfect for its completion."
Ruby stared at Winter in awe. "You seem to respect the Faunus a lot."
Nodding, the elder of the two smiled sadly. "They have been subjected to many things they shouldn't have to be. They are strong people, facing the burdens we humans place on them. It is admirable to say the least. Despite the hate my father has for their kind, he was hard pressed to avoid hiring them. A few of my overseers when I was younger had been faunus, mostly those hiding like Blake.
"My father is not the best pertaining to tolerating them, but those workers never resented me for being his daughter. Always kind, always polite." Her smile softened. "I want to help them in return. Each of them wanted equality for their kind and I fully intend to help them achieve it. Of course, Cinder also has to be dealt with before I can move on to any other projects."
The caped leader nodded in agreement. "I can see why. I think Blake would be happy with your plans. I know she tires of the bow at times and her ears are too adorable to hide."
"I wonder if I should be jealous or concerned," Winter muttered.
Detecting a tinge of jealousy, Ruby grinned and hugged Winter. "She may be adorable, but she isn't as beautiful as you are." She leaned up and pecked Winter's cheek. "And you're all mine."
A soft smiled pulled at the Schnee's lips. "I love you, Ruby." She returned the hug, taking in her scent and relaxing. "So much."
Breaking apart, the two exited the building and started on the way back to Beacon. The sun was already low in the sky, casting bright streaks of oranges, reds, and yellows. They walked, hands clasped together and Ruby leaning against Winter. It was a very sweet moment as they chatted away, mindless to the world around them.
Behind the scope of his weapon, atop one of the many buildings, a sniper smirked as he sighted his target. Checking the wind gauge to his side, he adjusted the scope and shifted just so. With a loud crack, his weapon let loose, a single round peeling towards the two below. He didn't know who either was, just that the man in the bowl cap had paid him and all he had to do was take out the girl in red.
A loud clang was heard from the street and the sniper's eyes widened. Behind the two women, a formally dressed man was holding up a shield of energy, glaring directly at where the sniper was hiding. Scampering up, the shooter gathered his stuff and booked it.
Down in the street, Ruby was staring wide eyed at the man's weapon, rather shield. "Whoahhhhh."
Winter frowned, however, lightly bopping Ruby upside the head. "One of use was almost killed and you have the audacity to say 'whoah'?"
The man's shield closed in on itself and he placed it on his back. He adjusted the green tie he wore, face expressionless. His eyes were obscured by a pair of shades, so no emotion could be found in his eyes either. "Mistress Winter, might I respectfully encourage you to mind your surroundings better? I know you were accompanying Miss Rose, but it's been some time since I've had to help you so directly."
The Schnee sighed. "My own lack of attentiveness aside, aren't you supposed to be finding Roman?"
Agent Hunter smirked. "True, that was what you assigned me, Mistress. I would have been locating him, if I hadn't already." He held up a small usb. "While compiling all possible locations he could be, I am currently waiting for the right moment to act. In the meantime, I thought I'd share the information with you. I'm glad I did."
"Thank you for saving us, Mister," Ruby said. "What's your name?" She asked, thrusting a hand out in greeting.
Shaking it lightly, he replied. "Artemis Jade Hunter. It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Miss Rose." Letting her hand go, he straightened up before facing Winter. He handed her the usb before stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets. "If you do not require further help, I will resume my previous assignment." With a wave from Winter, he departed, leaving the two to themselves.
End…
If you need an image of Agent Artemis Jade Hunter, PM me and I will handle that asap.
I contradicted something in a previous chapter. This being the end game of Winter's plans and her reasons why. I wanted to give her a more sound reason. Also, I will cover her past with Blake at some point, though not immediately.
Hope you all enjoyed that chapter. Check out my other stories for more RWBY yuri and feel free to vote on the poll for Ship Shape. Who knows, the pairing you chose may make an appearance. Adieu for now!