Here's chapter 14 for you all. Enjoy.
I hope they heard my message.
I know they did. If I know them, then I know for a fact that Ruby heard you.
Speaking of Ruby, what is her destiny?
That is one thing I cannot be certain of I'm afraid.
I understand that, but I'm sure she'll be able to save everyone in the end.
What makes you say that?
Because your gonna be there for her to teach her of what she is.
What!? Wait, you don't mean...
Yes. When she finds that location, then you will be able to assist her.
What about you? I can't just leave you here.
I'm gonna intervene in a different way, my friend.
Okay. I trust your judgement. Luna Light.
You don't have to use my first and middle names
Oh. Would you prefer miss Vermillion?
Quiet you.
Ruby was pacing back and forth impatiently in the waiting room of the infirmary. She, Glynda and Ozpin had arrived there five minutes ago and asked, more like demanded, that an available nurse quickly examine her unconscious friend. The nurse was surprised that the Fox faunus was in the condition he was, but immediately rushed him into a room immediately. While the doctor and nurse were busy overlooking any injuries, including possible internal injuries, they required Ruby to stay in the waiting room, which she was reluctant to do at first, but was convinced by Glynda.
'I hope he's okay. I couldn't imagine if he was hurt because of me. W-wait what?' Ruby thought to herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the doors from the hallway into the waiting room suddenly bursting open. The reason why was by one hyperactive Orange haired girl, and another worried purple eyed girl who's hair practically looked like fire. Accompanying them were the rest of their friends consisting of Weiss, Blake, Jaune, Pyrrha and Ren. Ruby ran over and grabbed Yang into a hug, practically burying her head into her sisters shoulder before letting her tears flow forth. Yang slowly ran her hand down the younger girls back.
"He's gonna be okay sis. I promise." Yang whispered.
"B-but it's my fault that he got injured!" Ruby claimed, putting the blame on herself.
"Huh?" The others exclaimed in confusion.
"Ruby, theres no way it could've been your fault. He kne-"
"But it is! I should've been paying more attention and tryed to protect him!"
"Sis. Listen to me. He knew the risks of the initiation, heck even Ozpin said there is chance that someone may die, but that's not the point."
"Your sister is right Ruby. He knew the risks and decided to challenge this, but you can't forget what he's capable of." Blake stepped in and placed a consolidating hand on the younger girls shoulder.
"From what we've seen, this Drake boy is quite strong. For a faunus." Weiss mumbled the last bit.
Ruby looked to the three girls and noticed they all had the same expression. That alone should've showed her that they didn't blame her for what transpired. To add on, they were putting their faith in favor that the Fox faunus would actually survive, disregarding the fact that they knew very little about the boy. Ruby dried the tears staining her cheeks and looked at the group, despite being the second shortest, shortest being Weiss. She had a renewed sense of vigor and vim.
"You guys are right. He's a tough one, Drake is. He'll pull through this." Ruby announced to the others.
"Indeed he shall." Headmaster Ozpin said, alerting the group to his prescence.
"Huh? Oh, Hello professor. Is Drake okay?"
"His condition is stable, however, he is still in a comatose condition."
"What!?" The group was shocked.
"As I said, his body is fine, but his mind... It's simply asleep. As though his soul is asleep."
"S-so he's not gonna wake up?" Ruby asked with watery eyes.
"We are not sure, but if you so wish, you may visit him."
Ruby nodded and headed for the room her friend was held in. She was followed by Yang, Weiss, and Blake, each with their own concerns for the boy.
'If Ruby is this worried for him, then she must really think close of him.' Yang thought.
'As much as a pest I thought he would be, he actually seems a bit familiar for some reason. Hmm...' Weiss pondered why she felt the familiarity in someone she had supposedly met earlier.
'Could he be... No. There's no way. It's just a coincidence. He can't be that kid.' Blake tried to assure herself.
Upon entering the room, Ruby was introduced to the sight of Drake hooked up to a strange machine, as well as an IV drip and heart rate monitor. The sight was enough to bring more tears to her eyes as she approached the unconscious boy. At his side, she placed a hand on his Fox tail and slowly caressed it, in hopes eliciting a response. All she got in return was a soft moan followed by more silence. She sighed sadly and looked back at the door as the three who had followed her were there.
"Sis..." Yang was at a loss of words, unsure if any words would help.
"I hope he wakes up." Ruby mumbled just loud enough for the others to hear.
Yang was about to move to comfort her, but was surprised when Weiss stepped in first. She approached the Rose girl and looked her in the eyes. She reached an arm forward and carefully flicked Ruby in the forehead. The reapette recoiled in pain and pressed her hands on the forming red mark.
"What was that for Weiss!?" Ruby whined.
"Thats for being a dolt. You out of all of us should know he'll be okay." Weiss said.
"But it's my fault he-"
"Stop blaming yourself. If he were awake, he would be saying the same thing."
"But-"
"Stop. That's enough Ruby Rose. Your a wonderful person for wanting to help however you can, but I think what would help most right now is to stop placing yourself as the center of blame." Weiss explained to her basically how she felt, even though the silver eyed girl was still an annoyance in her eyes.
"W-Weiss..." Ruby was left dumbfounded by the white haired heiress' explanation.
"Miss Schnee is right Ruby. And as much as I'm sure you would all love to stay around here, there are more important matters to attend to." Ozpin said.
"Okay professor. Lead the way."
Ozpin lead the girls out of the infirmary room and they started heading for the auditorium. Before they left though, they each went to Drake's side and said a small goodbye even though they'd be returning later.
"Where... Am I?" Drake said.
In his eyes, he was in some kind of a black void. As he looked around, he only saw an endless maw of darkness staring back at him. What left him most confused was the fact that neither of his faunus features were present, making him pass off as any other human. He stood atop some kind of invisible platform, as his feet were flat as though on stable ground.
You seek answers?
"Who said that!?" The Faunus said in surprise, looking all around.
It's been so long.
"Who are you and where are you?!"
In response, a bright flash of light burst into his vision, blinding him momentarily. His vision was slow to return, so everything looked like a blur. Thankfully it wasn't too slow as the shapes began to form and another sudden development caught his attention. Beneath him was no longer tbe endless darkness, but rather a blank platform. Nothing but what appeared to be pure white. Turning his attention forward, he saw a person. Though their face was masked by a cloak, their figure appeared feminine.
"Were you the voice I heard?" Drake asked.
"Yes. I've been watching over you for some time." She said.
"Okay then. Whats your name?"
"You will learn it in time, but for now, call me Azure."
"Like your cloak?"
She simply nodded in response.
"Well, what is this place we're in?"
Azure stayed silent, the only sound coming from her was the sound of the cloak billowing in the non-existent wind.
"Are you gonna say anything or not?" Drake was mildly irritated.
"You seek answers about your past. Do you not?" Azure finally broke her short silence.
"H-how did-"
"As I said. I have been watching you for a while. Unfortunately, your memories were shattered. And now I'm having trouble trying to reconnect the chains."
"The chains?" The Fox faunus looked confused.
"Your memories are connected by chains linking to your heart and the bonds you have with friends."
"So it's like a Chain of Memories then?"
"Exactly." Azure smiled as Drake picked up on things quickly.
"Where do we get stated then?"
"That's the hard part unfortunately."
"What!?"
Drake walked over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders. She could feel the rage emanating from the boy. It was almost frightening, but the woman understood why.
"Why is it hard for me to remember my past!?" Drake demanded.
"It is because you have come to rely on the rage inside too much."
"What does that even mean!"
"Think of it this way. There are two paths. The path of a Dark Knight, one surrounded by shadows. And the path of a Paladin, one who is surrounded by light."
"Okay, so what are you getting at?" Drake released the woman's shoulders.
"So far, you've been treading down the path of the Dark Knight. You have no hope of recovering your memories."
"Then how do I take the path of the Paladin?"
"You must face the darkness within your soul. Only then will you be able to start recovering your memories."
"Then how do I begin?" Drake asked with a steeled gaze.
"Ruby Rose. Weiss Schnee. Blake Belladonna. Yang Xiao Long. You have each retriever the White Knight piece, so I here by dub you team RWBY. Lead by Ruby Rose." Ozpin announced.
Weiss was in disbelief that Ruby was chosen as leader rather than her. Blake smiled for the youngest girl being dubbed leader. Yang was practically ecstatic for her sister. Ruby was absolutely flustered by being chosen for such an important role, but still happy nonetheless.
"That concludes the formation of the new teams. We welcome you to Beacon, and hope to see great things from each of you. You are all dismissed."
Ozpin stepped off the stage while the people began filing out themselves, returning to their dorms. Yang ran over and grabbed her sister into the tightest hug ever.
"I'm so proud of you!" Yang said.
"Um Yang? Ruby is turning blue." Blake pointed out, her new leader actually turning the color.
"Whoops. Sorry sis, I was just super excited for you."
Ruby was breathing heavily, trying to get air back inside her lungs.
"Why?" She said whilst groaning in pain.
"Well, congratulations for you Ruby." Weiss said, showing a side of kindness rarely seen.
"Thanks Weiss. Well, since we're done here, I guess we should go to our new dorm room."
"That sounds like a terrific idea."
With that, the three girls started that way. In the back of their minds, they were still sharing concern for their Fox friend. But they'd all had quite a long day, so they resigned on just going to the dorm and heading to sleep once night fell.
There you have it. One of the two who have been speaking at the start finally reveals their self. Sort of. Anyways, sorry if its short and or dialogue driven, but I had to get on with the deeper truths. There were two Easter eggs, both refencing two of my favorite games. There's also a reference to a Yu-Gi-Oh deck type as well. By The Way, I also started a new story called the Black Beast Burns. It's about Blake after the events of volume three if anyone wants to check it out. Anyways, next time, we tackle the first day and finding out about the path of a Paladin. Drake Belladonna signing off.