Okay so this is the final chapter of this and it has been amazing. The reason I'm saying this now and not at the second Author's Note is because I know no one is going to like the ending. My editor was all against it but I personally feel this is the better ending. So thanks to my loyal readers who have kept with this story. To my reviewers who made me want to write further. I encourage you all to review let me know if you liked it or are you on my editor's side. Which brings me to my next thank you, it goes to my amazing editor Abiectio, he may have come into this story late but did make it easier for me. The goal right now is still 10,000 and the current view count is at 9,469 as I started writing this chapter. So before I ramble on further let's get this show on the road.
Chapter 25: The Death of Cú Chulainn
3 years later...
Blake went running through the woods and she was bleeding from tripping over the roots. She didn't care, she needed to find the one person who controlled the world to her. The scents that pierced her nose were ash, blood, and Grimm ichor. She couldn't care what as long as that one person was safe. As she was entering another clearing she was met with the sight of even more corpses. Grimm, Human, and Faunus alike. Still no sign of the one person that is causing her this pain to her.
She began to run again. The feeling of her muscles burning was plaguing her legs, but for this single person it was the furthest thought from her mind. A branch swung back with such great force it cut clean into her flesh. She knew she was probably bleeding badly by this point but she couldn't care, she needed to find Ruby. As she ran to the only other place she could think of where Ruby would be she stopped dead in her tracks. A smell of ash and fire with the same floral smell that caused Ruby some trouble a few years back.
She instantly began to run with speeds she never thought possible but would make Ruby happy. The smell of blood grew stronger with each step. As she passed into the final spot she fell to her knees, she couldn't breathe. There was just a pain in her chest she never felt close to before. The only thought that was going through her head besides 'why?' is 'how did this happen?'. Blake felt herself getting wrapped in a hug from a few people but she couldn't begin to respond. The pain she was feeling wouldn't go away. Blake fell forward and cried. She began to scour her mind to find any possible hints that would lead her to this singular point in her life.
Yesterday...
Ruby was doing what she loved running through the forests with her friends during a break from the boring classes for the week. "RUBY GET BACK HERE! YOU RUINED MY BLOUSE!" Weiss yelled trying to get the red haired, wolf eared girl. Ruby meanwhile, was giggling jumping from tree to tree.
"You aren't going to catch her Weiss. I've tried a few times since we started going out. The only way you will catch her is if she wants to be caught." Blake said taking a seat under a tree holding a book and began to read, not that she didn't enjoy the spectacle of Weiss attempting to futilely catch Ruby. Yang meanwhile was laughing at Weiss who was starting to see red from anger and the rose petals from Ruby.
Ruby appeared upside down in front of Weiss. "Weiss it's just water, besides it's fun to run in the wilderness with the breeze flowing through your hair..." Ruby started and noticed the book inside her girlfriend's hands. Weiss was just about to grab Ruby when she disappeared again and reappeared with her head on Blake's lap grabbing her hand and forced Blake to scratch her ears. "Blakey don't stop scratching..." Ruby hummed leaning into Blake's hand.
"I hope you enjoy this... your luck is starting to run dry now." Weiss scoffed sitting down with all decorum that has been drilled into her since she was young. She normally let the façade drop around her current group unless she was mad at someone in said group, which she was at the red head next to her. The quartet sat enjoying the sunshine, Ruby was sleeping and enjoying the ear scratch, Blake was reading, Yang was cloud watching and Weiss was like Blake and reading a book.
What was in reality hours felt like a blink of an eye to the girls enjoying the sunshine in each other's company. That was, until Blake had to speak. "Okay guys it is getting late, Tai is going to start worrying if we don't get back soon." Blake spoke softly as to not wake Ruby up but alert the other two, she just wanted to watch the red haired girl sleep longer.
"Blake... you are still doing that creepy thing watching her sleep." Weiss stated putting her book into a small purse she had with her. Yang quickly stood up stretching about to shake Ruby awake when Blake's hand stopped her. Still looking at Ruby with the wind gently rustling her hair. Blake enjoyed the view as Ruby's ears began to twitch at the stimulus.
"I'll carry her back. She just looks so adorable when she sleeps like this. I would feel bad for waking her up right now." Blake continued her soft spoken manner. She gentle lifted Ruby after she put her book away. It had been a few years since her and Ruby started going out but Ruby never seemed to gain any form of maturity. It was always refreshing to Blake that for someone who had been dealt a poor hand in the genetic lottery, she was able to stay so innocent.
Just as Blake started to make her way towards Ruby's house, the girl started to stir. Ruby yawned and began to rub her eyes. "W-w... what time is it?" Ruby asked as she looked between the group. She noticed how she was moving but she wasn't walking. She then noticed Blake was carrying her. Ruby began to pout. "You were watching me sleep again weren't you? While I'm happy you wanted me to sleep more I can walk just fine." Her pout growing as Yang began to laugh lightly.
"Yes I was. You just look so cute, besides you watch me all the time. Most of the time it is when we are in the woods so I can never look back at you." Blake said putting Ruby down on the ground who in that instant disappeared into a flurry of rose petals and landed on a tree. "Ruby... I swear if you bring another dead animal back Tai is going to kill me." Blake complained as Yang laughed slightly and Weiss was focusing purely on with holding the chuckle that was beginning to build.
Ruby jumped onto Blake's back and nuzzled into the crock of her neck. "Daddy wouldn't dare hurt you. He fears my cutie face too much and those damn birds keep challenging me. It's not my fault, I just accept it, but if you want to carry me home I wouldn't mind. We can get cookies and milk when we get back and then take a nap." Ruby chirped just barely loud enough so Blake could hear the latter half of her sentence.
"You just slept for two hours while I scratched your ears. It is your turn to scratch my ears while I attempt to relax. Or at least as best I can with that fur ball of doom that likes to sleep in your room. I thought you said you were going to attempt to break him of that habit." Blake commented wrapping her arms around Ruby pulling her in front of her.
"Yeah but you two love birds are always within twenty feet from each other. It kinda makes me jealous. If only I could find a single person that wouldn't drive me bat shit crazy being around. Hell most of the time I want to kill you myself Rubes." Yang joked slapping Blake on the back as she and Weiss passed them. Blake nearly fell over the being forced forward but caught herself as so she wouldn't harm Ruby.
"I may just join you jumping on her bed next time. She seems to ruin every moment we try to have. Like our first date after we got back to Beacon going into our second year. She filmed it as she stalked us for four hours. The worst part was she knew exactly how far she needed to stay away to not get caught but still able to film it in great detail." Blake seethed as the stepped just outside the tree line.
"But she did give us some amazing photos that are some of your favourites." Ruby said as she jumped out of Blake's arms and started to intertwine her fingers with Blake's. Even after all these years it still felt like the first time to both. Enjoying the warmth and comfort that they both received from the simple action. It gave them a great level of security that only rival to Ruby was when her dad held her when someone bullied her for being a wolf Faunus. It also felt drastically different than those times. Those where from needing someone to tell her it was okay to be different. With Blake though, she felt like she could say anything to Blake and Blake would kindly listen and then say from the bottom of her heart that it was okay. Not out of obligation but out of love.
They entered the house enjoying the quietness as they quickly ran upstairs. Ruby quickly checked her room to see if Zwei had wandered in just so Blake wouldn't begin to panic at the sight of him. It has been a few years since Blake first met Zwei and despite multiple encounters she can only stand to be around Zwei only if Ruby was there as well. Any other dog Blake still panicked slightly. Zwei always seemed to understand that Blake was uneasy to say the least around him and always tried to help her. He would bark to signal that he was in a room when he smelt her coming into a room. They both seemed to have Ruby in their best interest.
Ruby quickly pulled Blake into the room and over to her bed. Ruby was told to always leave the door open when Blake was in there with her. She never did want to anger her dad or Yang because they said a few times they would assume the worst and hurt Blake. Ruby would never want to be the cause of pain to Blake. While she has beaten Ozpin in combat a few times she could never hurt her dad or Yang.
Blake enjoyed the red rays of the setting sun coming in through Ruby's window. Ruby meanwhile followed Blake's gaze and was just as transfixed by the sight before them. The sun painting them a beautiful painting against the distinct colours from the woods. It was mesmerizing to the both of them. They didn't even notice Zwei entering until he gave them the accustomed bark.
Blake jumped into Ruby's arms and wrapped her arms around Ruby's neck for support. Ruby meanwhile began to fight the giggle that was beginning to build. Blake scowled at Ruby, "If you as much as snicker I swear I will destroy your cookies. You forget I know where you hide them all here." Blake spoke staring into the molten silver that was known as Ruby's eyes.
At the threat of the loss of her favourite baked goods that she knew Blake knew exactly where they were she quickly recomposed herself. "Sorry, I just find it adorable that Zwei can still scare you when you know he barks to let you know he is in a room. Plus you did jump sort of high and instantly latched onto me. If Yang saw you, you just know she wouldn't let you live it down." Ruby said trying to avoid the burning amber eyes that followed her.
Blake got down slowly staring daggers at Zwei who just seemed to smile wider at Blake. "Hey Zwei... you knew that would make me jump didn't you?" Blake asked knowing that Zwei could understand them and was rewarded with a nod. "I hope you know if it wouldn't make Ruby angry I would gladly kick you outside and never let you in." Blake spoke with slight anger at the dog. Zwei barked to which Blake turned to Ruby looking for some form of a translation.
"He said that he is aware of that, which is why he did it." Ruby spoke moving over to Zwei quickly and lifting him up and moved him towards the window. "This was what we were looking at by the way, the simple beauty to it." Ruby said softly as Blake scoffed and sat on Ruby's bed.
"I believe I was promised an ear scratch while I get a turn to fall asleep." Blake spoke feeling nothing but jealousy towards the small corgi. She knew Ruby always showed them equal level of attention because Zwei has been with Ruby a lot longer but she felt like she should have Ruby's undivided attention all the time. It may have been childish but she couldn't care less. Ruby was her girlfriend she should have her attention more than her dog.
"Okay Blakey... I'll scratch your ears. Don't get jealous over Zwei. I was just showing him what got us distracted so we didn't notice him entering. He agrees by the way. He said it is very pretty and that he is sorry for ruining our moment." Ruby said putting Zwei on the floor who promptly scampered out as Ruby hoped onto her bed and put Blake's head on her lap. Ruby then began to scratch Blake's ears lightly.
Blake let out a purr at the feeling of bliss Ruby gave her just by scratching her ears. She could only assume Zwei went to go get affection from the other occupants of the house. That was the one of the furthest things from her mind, right now she just wanted to get lost. Blake's purring began to grow as Ruby continued to scratch until she stopped. Blake looked up getting ready to yell at her for cutting it short but saw Ruby who sometimes did just this during the ear scratch, had fell asleep. Sighing Blake pulled Ruby into a lying position and cuddled her letting sleep over take them.
The both awoke when they heard the sound of a camera shutter snapping close. Ruby sat up and was about to injure who would ruin such a relaxing moment until she saw it was her uncle holding the camera showing them the picture. "Sorry Ruby, if you don't want this adorable picture of you and the kitty cat sleeping I'll delete it. However I was sent up here to wake you two up and let you know dinner is done." Qrow spoke holding the reverse side of the camera showing it was ready to be deleted if Ruby wanted it to be.
"I don't care if you have it just don't give it to Yang, she already teases me enough." Ruby said looking away from the camera and down to Blake's arms that still were wrapped around her.
"Can you delete it please Qrow. Ruby is too nice to say that but I also really don't want that to fall into Yang's hands. Ever. The ridicule I would get from her would be unbelievable." Blake asked and noticed the laugh coming from the tall man standing in Ruby's door way.
"Yang already saw the both of you sleeping and I'm guessing she has seen it a lot because she just passed by not caring. Tai however seemed slightly peeved that you two were cuddling. Could be the fact that you both know he wants Blake to sleep on the spare mattress there." Qrow said pointing to a mattress that gradually drifted closer and closer to Ruby's bed. It had long since collected a layer of dust because Blake never slept in it. Zwei slept in it more frequently, Blake always found it easier to sleep with Ruby in her arms.
"Right, we will be down in a few minutes uncle." Ruby said rubbing the remainder of sleep from her eyes. Qrow just turned around and walked down the stairs. Ruby pulled the raven haired woman's arms from around her waist. She quickly stood up pulling Blake along with her. Smiling as Blake almost tripped at being brought up by Ruby.
"I really wished you weren't as strong as you were. Making me nearly fall while you pull me up." Blake almost pouted while Ruby laughed.
"It is from using Crescent Rose so much. Plus you are taller, I wish I was as tall as you. I can't even reach any top shelves, it sucks." Ruby pouted getting a quick peck from Blake. Ruby just blushed at the affection. Blake was able to cause such strong reactions from Ruby just from a simple chaste kiss. Ruby loved that she could subconsciously drop her guard around. "We should... uh... go downstairs before they come up again." Ruby said trying to regain the control of the blood rushing to her face and failing.
Blake meanwhile loved how she could make Ruby blush so easily. "Yeah we should." Blake said and sauntered out swaying her hips, almost hypnotizing Ruby in the process. Once Blake turned the small corner Ruby violently shook her head to clear it. She quickly skipped out to catch up to Blake who was waiting mid-way down the stairs. Ruby and Blake both walked into the dining room where everyone was waiting for them.
"Glad to see you can join us in the world of the awake there Rubes." Yang joked as Ruby and Blake went to take the open seats that were left. Unfortunately the only seats left where as far away from each other as possible. Blake wasn't sure if by design or not but didn't really mind it because it was probably the only way Tai could punish Ruby for letting Blake sleep in her bed with her. He has done it a few times but Ruby never caught onto it.
The meal was enjoyable. It wasn't anything special it was just beef stew. Blake didn't really like red meat but everyone else did. She wouldn't want to put anyone out of their way especially Tai because he did let her stay in his house for the few months that summer lasted because Blake would only stay on the school grounds and Ruby refused to let that happen. Something about it being unfair on Blake forcing herself to become an introvert for a few months.
"So what are you girls planning to do for tomorrow?" Qrow asked breaking the comfortable silence in the room.
"The miserable baboon wants to take me out clothes shopping just so she can spend my money on herself." Weiss stated, not that she hated spending time with Yang, she in fact enjoyed it. Yang was a much better sisterly figure than the one she had. No she worded it like that because for the last few years she has been trying to challenge Qrow's wit. Every time he would respond in kind and attempt to up the challenge non-verbally to the white haired girl.
"Tai... what have I told you about taking Weiss out just to spend her money? Have I taught you nothing? You send Yang to go, that way the furthest it gets back to you is that you are her father. Sloppiness. That's all that is, sloppiness." Qrow acted hurt slamming his spoon down and glaring at his brother. Tai glared back as the four girls just laughed. "Come on Weiss. I like to challenge my fast wit. This is easier than taking pictures of Blake and Ruby sleeping together." Qrow scolded Weiss for the lack of a challenge as well as diverting Tai's anger at his daughter instead.
"Well Ruby said she would take me to the, and I'm quoting here, 'greatest most sacred spot in all of spotdom that I haven't even shown the poo face that I call a sister.' I have no idea what spot that is I thought she has long since dragged me all over Patch." Blake commented, moving what remains of her food around her bowl. Ruby meanwhile shrunk under the quizzical look Tai and Qrow gave her.
"Ruby... you don't mean that one place right?" Tai asked as Ruby seemed to attempt avoiding the answer by shoving the rest of her food in her mouth. Puffing her checks in the process causing her dad and uncle's curiosity grow considerably. "Ruby, I wouldn't be mad if you did. It is just that Blake would be the first person you have taken up there. Zwei hasn't seen it and Yang just knows the rough area to stay away from. It is just surprising is all." Tai said as Qrow nodded in agreement.
Ruby realising that they would not stop until she answered gulped what was in her mouth. "I thought it was only fair. You got to meet Blake but she hasn't. The only reason I waited for so long to bring Blake there is because I wanted have even more good news. Like how when we graduate I will be not only the youngest Huntress but also the strongest." Ruby said avoiding the look her dad was giving her, it was sound reasoning. The only problem he could find with it was she shouldn't need another reason to go there.
"You don't need to give us a reason Ruby. You know that. It isn't the same as when you asked Yang to not go. Obviously Blake just means that much to you." Qrow said as he stood up with his bowl and started to clear the table with the help of Blake and Weiss. As they walked into the kitchen to begin the process of washing the dishes Blake had to know what was so special about this one spot.
"Sorry Qrow, I have to know. What is so special about this one spot? And who is this 'She'? I know I shouldn't ask this behind Ruby's back but I would never get a straight answer from her. Or worse I may just bring up some bad emotional baggage." Blake said quietly as to not alert Ruby but still loud enough for Qrow and Weiss to hear. "Hell it took her well over a year to get over the death of her father and I still don't think she has gotten over it just yet." Blake continued seeing the colour start to drain from Qrow at the position she put him in.
"Not sure if I should be telling you at all, for two reasons. One, I have no idea what she has told you about her mom and two it isn't my right to say it. Seeing as she trusts you enough to bring you there all I'll say is it is her mother's grave. Nothing more. If you want any more ask her yourself." Qrow said with the first tone of seriousness Blake had ever seen from him, shaking her to the core almost. Blake just deduced that he must never have a reason to be serious.
The dishes seemed to get down a lot faster to everyone except Blake. She was just thinking deeply about how much she meant to Ruby if she is allowed to go see her mom's grave and Yang hasn't even seen it to her knowledge. Causing Blake to think deeply how much Ruby meant to her. There wasn't much Blake wouldn't give or do for her but she had no way to show it. She didn't even register that they were done and Ruby was pulling her upstairs and into her room.
"Okay Blake what's up? You are spacing out. What are you thinking?" Ruby asked poking Blake in the face. Snapping Blake out of her train of thought. Blake being caught red handed decided to come clean sort of. She decided she was going to take a page from Ruby's book and just not say the whole truth.
"I was thinking obviously I mean a huge amount to you to the point you are willing to take me to a place you haven't let Yang see. It just isn't fair, I have no way to show you how much you mean to me. That was all I was thinking about. How can I show you?" Blake said seeing an ear to ear smile develop on Ruby. Ruby just hugged Blake as tight as she could and not make it uncomfortable for her.
"Blake you don't need to show me anything. I know how much I mean to you. It is the thought that matters after all. Let's go to sleep I'm sure if you really want to do something for me you may be able to think of something while you sleep." Ruby said dragging Blake over deciding to far go the need to change into pyjamas. Her normal clothes will do. As long as she could cuddle with Blake. Blake meanwhile felt the same way. Hopefully sleep will be able to give her an idea on how to show Ruby her feelings.
Morning broke too fast for Blake. She had a restless night, filled with nightmares of something bad happening to Ruby or what her life would be like if the wolf eared girl never made her way into her life. She assumed she must have gotten a total of four hours sleep. After the final nightmare she decided to not even attempt to go back asleep. Instead she decided to just hold Ruby closer forcing herself to remember that this was all real. She stared at Ruby for the rest of the night, enjoying all the little movements Ruby did while she was asleep. The way her leg twitched like she was trying to run, or how she shivered any time Blake attempted to move to go to the bathroom.
Ruby awoke yawning and rubbing her eyes as she turned around in Blake's arms. Startled slightly at the fact Blake was wide awake, "Did you sleep alright Blake?" Ruby asked as she began to yawn again. Enjoying the warmth of being in Blake's arms. Smiling as Blake was pulled from whatever train of thought she was having.
"Yeah, well as best as I could seeing as where you are taking me today. I'm slightly nervous on whether or not she would like me." Blake said pulling Ruby closer to her. Taking a deep breath as Ruby attempted to squirm her way out of the grip of the raven haired Faunus.
"Blake... I need air." Ruby said as Blake's grip slackened and she quickly took the chance to pull away but still stay in Blake's arms. "We should get changed and grab something quick to eat, then we can go. Unless you want to go before we eat?" Ruby posed and was overjoyed at the look of thought on Blake's face. A rare sight from the girl who was always calculating the safest way through heavily armed areas without informing anyone on her movements. To see her think about something so trivial to Ruby. She has gone up to that miniature monument so many times just to talk to her mom. Blake was thinking on what she thought Ruby would want to do.
"Let's get something quick to eat first, that way we can have longer in that spot." Blake stated as she quickly kissed Ruby on the cheek as she attempted to stand up to be pulled down by Ruby. Ruby pulled Blake into a deep kiss. 'Blake isn't going to make me all flustered this early, it's her turn.' Ruby pouted to herself. Both girls getting lost in the dance their tongues preformed.
A loud throat clearing broke them from their moment. Pulling apart the only thing that connected them was a single bridge of saliva. Ruby looked out of the corner of her eyes and quickly wiped her mouth. "Sorry daddy." Was all Ruby muttered softly. Blake would have paled at the thought of him seeing the kiss if all the blood hadn't rushed to her face from Ruby's sudden kiss.
"Ruby, if you want to kill me just push me down the stairs, at least it is faster." Tai said as he turned on his heel and left the two Faunus in the room. For once Blake could agree with his sarcastic comment about Ruby's show of affection. If Ruby wanted to kill Blake it would be easier to push her down a flight of stairs instead of convincing her dad Blake was a bad influence.
Ruby and Blake quickly got changed and ran down the stairs. Softly enough as to not awaken anyone who was still asleep. Blake and Ruby were always the first to wake up in the morning. Tai sat in the kitchen sipping some hot coffee as he was reading the morning paper. The front page caught both girls attention.
'Cinder Fall has Escaped Vale Maximum Security.'
Ruby stopped and looked at Blake. That single person who had attempted to start another Faunus-Human war so she could claim power. Blake hated her for the simple fact she wanted to burn the already damaged and being repaired bridges between the two groups. Blake also hated her because during any conflict the Faunus always turned on the infamous list of Faunus and attempted to wipe them from existence. That would include Ruby, and Blake always wanted to run her ninjato through the bitch's stomach just to inflict agonising pain for even thinking of taking Ruby from her.
Ruby however didn't hate her. She was interested once she learned that was the same dust magi who fought Goodwitch a top the building. Ruby had always wanted to sink her fangs into a fight with her and was downtrodden when Ozpin, her Dad and Uncle along with Professor Goodwitch took her down shortly after the dance her and Blake got together.
Tai however didn't seemed fazed by the news. Blake wasn't sure if it was because he knew about it already or what. "Ruby, be careful out there. I know you saw the front page. Don't do anything stupid. If you smell her let me or Ozpin or even Qrow know." Tai stated without even lifting his gaze from the paper. His tone was all he needed to convey his message. Ruby and Blake both understood that.
Blake suddenly lost all of her appetite, Ruby however seemed to be thinking. "Ruby, we should just grab some toast and be on our way." Blake said softly as Ruby absent mindedly nodded and walked with Blake over to the toaster and started to make some for herself and Blake. Blake was always surprised at how little attention Ruby needed to do most things. It was always a nice surprised as the list of things she could do with no thought seemed to grow each day be nearly tenfold. Once the toast was popped up the both elected to eat the toast dry on the way.
The walk was nice. It was the only time Ruby brought Blake into the woods and not run off instantly. What did surprise Blake was in the area she could not smell what was normally associated with the forest. Almost as if someone had long since ran everything that could harm the area out. Blake deciding to question it and hopefully pull Ruby from whatever she was thinking about.
"Hey Ruby... why isn't there any smell of animals in this part?" Blake achieving her goal of pulling Ruby from her thoughts. She was overjoyed at seeing Ruby smile again and not be lost in her thoughts.
"The animals know that this isn't a place they can go. It is my special place. Seeing as my territory is all of Patch they know to never come here." Ruby spoke regaining the missing bounce from her step. Blake had seen a few times what happened to the animals that ever crossed the rules of Ruby's territory. It always ended with the death of the offending creature.
The rest of the walk was filled with pleasant conversation. Until they approached a cliff. Ruby told Blake to stand where she was as she walked forward. "Hey Mom. Sorry I haven't visited you in a while. I've been busy with school. Turns out in a weeks' time when I graduate Beacon I'll not only be the youngest huntress but also the strongest. I don't know if my birth Dad found you on that side nor can I ever see what he meant to you but I hope he is impressed by my accomplishments." Ruby started as she took a seat in front of a small plaque acting as a grave marker. She crossed her legs and let her tail free from it's confines.
"But that is enough about me. I promised you the next time I would come I would also bring my girlfriend, Blake with me." Ruby started and gestured Blake to come over and take a seat by just patting the ground next to her. "Here she is mom. I just wished I could have seen your face or at least remember your face." Ruby said starting to cry a bit.
Blake took a seat next to her and wrapped her in a hug. Blake took some time to look at the gravestone. It was a simple monochrome piece. The base was a pure black slab of marble with a thinner piece of white missing parts to form letters. All it said was 'Here lies Summer Rose, Thus kindly I scatter.' It was simple but elegant. A masterpiece formed from words to mark the sight Ruby's mom was buried.
"Hey Ms. Rose. I'm Ruby's girlfriend Blake. I hope whatever Ruby had mentioned about me has been positive. I'm not sure what I'm meant to say. I'm a cat Faunus who had her parents killed by humans but assuming what you went through, that would be nothing." Blake said trying to be as inoffensive as possible. Ruby meanwhile was just crying into Blake's shoulder.
"I suppose I should say that I never will make Ruby cry for whatever that means. She makes me the happiest person in the world and I can only hope I can return even a fragment of the joy she gives me. Ruby has always spoke so highly of you and would severely injure anyone who would dare take your name in vain. I just hope I would met any kind of standard you would have to be worthy of dating your daughter. I know I'm by no means worthy because I can't show her how much she means to me." Blake continued and felt Ruby's tears began to dry up and shudder trying to regain her breath.
"I'm sure she would love you Blake." Ruby said softly returning the hug wiping her eyes on her shoulder as to not ruin Blake's clothes. A wind picked up causing flower petals to dance around the two girls. Blake and Ruby sat in a pensive quietness. Spreading their own messages to Summer. It felt like a few seconds but in reality hours passed. The only reason Blake could tell the time passed was because the sun had almost made it's celestial journey again.
"Blake, it is getting late. We should go and let mom continue with what she was going to do." Ruby started as a fresh batch of tears began to sting her eyes but she refused to let them fall. "Bye Mom. Till next time." Ruby said standing and offered her hand to Blake who took it. "Bye Ms. Rose."
They began to trek back, Ruby enjoying the quietness Blake however was digesting what Ruby did, showing her a sight Yang had never seen and talked to a woman Blake could only guess had never even seen Yang. It was a simple but truly magical gesture. Blake would be crying if she didn't know Ruby was holding it back to appear strong. As they entered the house Ruby went up to her room straight away and closed the door. Blake meanwhile walked into the living room and took a seat next Weiss and Yang who were going through the channels on the TV.
Once Ruby closed her door she grabbed Crescent Rose and jumped out her window. Disappearing into rose petals to distance herself from the house as far as she could during the fall. Once she reached the tree line she ran from branch to branch to reach her destination. The wind flowing past her ears as her cloak fluttered behind her. She was after scent that had been bothering her for a few days now. She was just one hundred percent positive who it belonged to. As she started to approach a clearing she was met by a groups of White Fang.
"Now I hope you people know, I'm not after you. If you step to the side and let me pass I won't take your heads for disturbing the forest animals." Ruby spoke not leaving her perch and was over joyed seeing them trying to figure out where the voice was coming from.
Ruby disappeared into rose petals whilst atop her perch and brought her scythe across the four standing guard throats. She reappeared in the centre of the clearing getting the attention of all the men and women there.
"I offered the other men a chance. Run now and I won't kill you. Stay and your bodies will nourish the land. I'm only after one person. The same one who you are all working for, I'm after Cinder." Ruby said as the people just charged Ruby. Ruby closed her eyes and let the music of battle take over. She could smell them approaching. She could feel the wind being disrupted by them charging. She could hear their heart beats forming the beat to the melody she started to compose.
Each one that stepped closer was closer to their demise. Once the first person got into range of her scythe she started to swing it cutting off three of their heads with ease. A few more began to back step to try and avoid the six foot long curved blade that took out some of their friends with ease. Ruby switched her scythe into the sniper and fired one round behind her to kill who was charging her and pushed her towards the one trying to distance himself. During the mini flight Crescent Rose retook it's scythe form and Ruby dragged it through his throat and kicked his head at another on comer. The heart beats that composed her melody soon silenced.
She opened her eyes to see the carnage she created and smiled. She may be against wolf Faunus stereotypes but she did enjoy the sight of blood falling from wounds she caused. The pain she created always made her enjoy fighting. It was bliss. She soon picked up the trail and followed it. She stayed as close to the tree line as she could. She soon came to another clearing and was surprised to see the white Fang fighting with some humans Ruby could have sworn worked for Roman Torchwick against some creatures of Grimm.
Ruby entered the fray and started to fire rounds into the groups getting all the attention. Ruby smiled and disappeared with the wind blowing rose petals around. The next thing anyone knew she had already severed the vital connection of head to body on both sides. As the remainder began to cower Ruby reappeared in the centre. The petals began to fall with grace over the dead members of the fight.
Ruby was about to disappear again when she felt the hot pain of a sickle entering her right shoulder. Ruby grabbed the sickle and proceeded to lodge it in the head of a charging Beowolf. She disappeared again and landed on a branch and began to fire round after successful round between each and every person and creature's eyes. As she went back into the centre of the old battleground she didn't notice a stealth Beowolf crunching down painfully on her right forearm.
Ruby ripped the Grimm's head clear off she smiled at the feeling of two things getting close enough to injure her. This was proving to be a well needed rush before she graduated. She found the scent she was looking for and followed it. The scent growing stronger and Ruby gained speed as she began to realise where the scent was leading her.
It was to the sight of her mother's grave.
Ruby feeling a twang of anger increased tenfold. No one was allowed to enter that area without her approval. As Ruby entered the sacred clearing to her. She saw four people that were making her blood boil. They were disrespecting her mother's grave. She wasn't going to give these monsters the benefit of letting them know of her being there. Ruby quickly sliced three across their waist cutting them in twain. She placed the blade on the final member's neck.
"Call Cinder. Tell her to get her whore ass here now." Ruby said the man quickly sent out an 'S.O.S' through the walkie talkie he had. Once Ruby heard the acknowledgement she severed the man's head. With his last reflex he embedded a dagger into Ruby's chest just avoiding the vital areas. As his body fell to the ground dead it dragged the dagger with it. Ruby cursing her luck pressed her hand to the open wound.
"This... isn't good. He must have actually hit something. That bitch though needs to be killed for disgracing you mom." Ruby said as she grabbed some rope from one of the dead people and she pushed them off the cliff. She walked over to the large tree by the grave and began to tie herself to it. "I'm not going to give that whore the benefit of seeing me on the ground." Ruby said softly and immediately said how sorry she was for her choice of language in front of her mother.
Ruby smiled as the scent of the vile woman grew stronger as she got closer to both Ruby and death. It wasn't long before she walked into view with what Ruby assumed was the rest of her men. Ruby heard the barked order she gave of making sure she was dead. Ruby heard the three who had the displeasure of meeting Cinder coming closer. Once they stepped within Crescent Rose's reach Ruby used it to cleanly slice off the upper part of their heads. Killing them instantly.
"It is going to take a lot more than a few flesh wounds to kill me. I just got tired of waiting and thought if you are going to meet death I might as well shake his hands. I did give him almost all of the people you brought to my territory." Ruby snickered as Cinder began to storm over staying just behind the corpses of the dead people under her command.
"You fucking wolf bitch. You have been a thorn in my side since you kicked that annoying Torchwick's ass during a Dust robbery." Cinder's almost melodic voice laced with venom at Ruby. Ruby just laughed at the woman. Ruby could see a vein develop in Cinder's head. "So I have to know, what is your favourite body part?" Cinder asked as she walked around staying just outside of the weapon's reach.
"I'm sorry you are going to have to get closer. My hearing is messed up. Took a bite from a Beowolf." Ruby joked seeing Cinder turn around and walk back to the three men that were left standing there. Laughing manically. Ruby joined in as she switched Crescent Rose into it's rifle form and fired one round into the base of Cinder's skull.
Ruby overjoyed at the sight of Cinder falling over. The precious sanguine coloured liquid filling Ruby's nose confirming the kill. Ruby fired the last two rounds into the two men who weren't running away.
Blake walked up the stairs to let Ruby know dinner was done. As she knocked on the door waiting for Ruby to answer. When no response came she spoke up. "Ruby, Tai told me to come and get you. Dinner is done." Blake said softly hoping for a reaction. Again when nothing came she knocked louder.
"She may be asleep just go in Blake!" Tai shouted up the stairs. Nodding with his logic Blake opened the door and walked over to the bed. She pulled the covers off and gasped. Ruby wasn't there. She walked over to where Ruby kept her weapon and was met with it missing. Blake grabbed hers and ran down the stairs.
"Ruby isn't in her room and her weapon is missing. I think she may be out hunting Cinder." Blake said informing the people in the house as she ran out. She could hear Tai jumping up and run up the stairs. Blake followed Ruby's scent having long since memorised it. She ran after it and as she got closer the smell of blood started to sting her nose. As she ran into the clearing she was happy to not see Ruby's body and overjoyed that her scent seemed to go on.
Ruby was fading in and out of conscientiousness. She heard crying but she couldn't make out who was crying. She felt a bird land on her shoulder. Ruby could recognise it was a raven by the sound of its caw. 'Hmmm guess this was the last day I'd ever see Blake. I'm sorry Blake. I wish I could see your face just one last time.' Ruby thought. She felt someone begin to untie the rope holding her and checking for a pulse.
"She doesn't have a pulse Dad. She also looks like she lost a lot of blood." Yang shouted trying to desperately find some sign that Ruby was still alive. She needed her little sister alive, she needed the wolf eared girl who broke her bed every chance by jumping on it. The one who in their first year at Beacon suspended her bed from a tree because she poured water onto her. 'Come on Rubes I promise I will never pull pranks on you again nor will I bet on you.' Yang pleaded to any deity that would listen to her.
"Come on Ruby... you dolt. Open your eyes, twitch your tail or ears... anything." Weiss pleaded with the cape wearing Faunus she called a partner for four years. The one that opened her eyes to all forms of discrimination and hate but proved there was still love and hope that everything would be better come tomorrow. The same person that had caused the both of them to explode when they first met. The same one who would listen to stories that anyone would read to her. The same one who desperately attempted to read the pornographic literature Blake and herself had in common.
Tai hearing his eldest daughter's comment left the hug he was giving Blake to go see if this was just a poor joke on Yang's part. He quickly put his index finger and middle finger onto her neck. It was bone cold and worst of all no pulse. He put his ear on her chest to hear her breathing or a faint heartbeat. Nothing. That was all he heard.
"Ruby... honey wake up. Please." Tai said tears falling from his face landing on Ruby's. The tears just ran down. Nothing. That was all that his plea caused. "COME ON RUBY! What happened to becoming the youngest and greatest huntress ever?" Tai asked no one, just wanting his daughter to awaken. He got the worst answer ever. Nothing.
Editor's Note:
Hey guys. First off, I'm sorry to all of you, I knew for a while that this was going to be the culmination, but that didn't make it any easier. This story has been a real ride for all of us, hopefully even if you are upset about the ending, you still enjoyed the story, Abiectio out.