Disclaimer

I don't own anything. RWBY is not owned by me. It is owned by talented people. I'm a nobody. Please don't sue me.

Fourth Case:

What Dreams

Ruby started to tense up, focusing her aura, when Emerald spoke. "Don't. I've got my aura sight active, and if you try anything I'll shoot your partner first, red. I can't tell what spell that was, but I doubt you can save her from getting killed."

After a second of hesitation Ruby relaxed, releasing the magic. "Fine. And my name's Ruby. Why does everyone just call me red?"

Emerald raised an eyebrow. "Gee, I dunno, maybe 'cause you're wearing red, have red highlights in your hair, and your name means something red anyway. Honestly, the details aren't really worth remembering."

Ruby glared with all the viciousness of a wronged puppy. Before she could say anything else Weiss spoke up. "Why are you doing this? Do you want ransom? I assure you, while my family can pay, we're more trouble than it's worth."

Emerald smiled. "Oh, drop the act. Do you think we're stupid? Maybe if you were both still green we wouldn't know about you, but the two of you helped stop a demon lord from entering the city. When the scion of one of the greatest magical families joins the cops people like me take notice."

Weiss pursed her lips. "I was given to understand that the details of that case were kept from the public."

"Maybe from the sheep, but the wolves always know," Emerald said.

"Whoa, you're a werewolf!" Ruby gasped.

Emerald gave her blank look, and at Weiss' long suffering sigh she shifted her gaze to Weiss, smirking slightly. "How did she make detective?"

Weiss' eyes narrowed into a fierce glare. "She might be a dolt, but she's a great detective."

"Ooh, maybe you two were just out clubbing, wrong place, wrong time," Emerald said, waggling her eyebrows. "Was this a hot date? Planning to hook up in one of these VIP rooms?"

As Weiss and Ruby turned red one of the faunus, the one with a fox tail, spoke up impatiently. "We gonna do this or not, Em?"

"Fine, spoil my fun," Emerald pouted before turning serious again. "We'll start with the idiot. Tie them both up, though. And use gags… make it harder for them to cast anything."

They both tensed, but with the guns pointed squarely at them they could do little as two of the faunus stepped forward and grabbed Ruby, handcuffing her and stuffing a ball gag in her mouth, before pulling out a featureless black leather mask to pull over her face. Ruby whined as it was pulled on, cutting off her sight and muffling her hearing, as well as hiding her identity and her expressions from anyone who might see her in the halls.

Once they were done one of the faunus pulled out a second pair of handcuffs, grinning at Weiss toothily. He was the one with the goat horns, and he was going heavily gray, but for some reason he looked vaguely familiar to Weiss as he walked towards her. "Well, well, little girl. I never thought I'd get to meet you."

"Why would we ever meet?" Weiss asked, stepping back slowly until she was pressed against the wall.

"You met my cousin," he said. "You cost him everything, bitch."

Weiss sneered. "I've heard plenty of faunus say that. What, did he miss TV too much while mining in Faerie? Sorry, it's a little far for transmission."

The man shook his head. "You are as much of a spoiled bitch as I imagined. You wouldn't believe how good it felt to know my cousin was the one who shot you and your bitch mother. Best day of my damn life. Too bad you lived."

Weiss felt like the world went still as memories of that day replayed in her head. When another horned man changed her entire existence with a bullet to her own chest. The monster of her childhood, who filled her with fear of every faunus she met, even after so long. Her skin was suddenly ice cold and tingling, except her cheeks felt hot as her entire existence narrowed down to just him and the memory of his cousin.

The man smiled nastily. "Oh, that's a good look. I think you hate me almost as much as I hate you. Good. I'm stuck as dumb muscle for some new crime boss because the Fang won't touch me after the heat my cousin brought. No one else wanted to take the risk you Schnees would still be paying people to stalk me."

He stepped forward again, and Weiss reacted, kicking him as hard as she could right between the legs. He howled, dropping like a puppet with its strings cut while Ruby began to struggle against the faunus holding her. The man holding her quickly grew annoyed and punched her in the masked face hard enough to lay her out on the ground.

Weiss saw red, stepping forward to attack him, but the man she'd kicked recovered enough to grab her ankle, almost tripping her. She felt a surge of warmth through her skin as she drained his life, and he yelped in pain, letting go of her like she was hot metal that had scalded him. She almost reached Ruby's attacker when suddenly Emerald was there, slamming the butt of her pistol into Weiss' temple hard enough to make her vision swim and everything go murky for a little bit.

When Weiss recovered she was already handcuffed, the furious goat horned faunus and the foxtailed one standing over her, the latter holding a ball gag. "Open your mouth," he growled.

Weiss glared up at him, before her attention was drawn by Emerald clearing her throat. The remaining faunus was propping Ruby up while Emerald held a gun to her masked head. With one last glare at everyone in the room Weiss opened her mouth and let herself be gagged.

"Good," Emerald said. "That was a fucking mess. I'm going to take red here down to see the Prince. Just make sure the princess over there doesn't escape before he's ready to interrogate her."

"Right," the goat horned faunus growled. Once they left the room he grinned down at her again. "I don't know what you did to me when I grabbed you, but after the mess you caused no one will object to what I'm going to do to you."

"Wait, we're not supposed to kill her," the fox faunus said nervously.

"Oh, this probably won't kill her," the goat faunus said. "Schnee's are always so far above us common folk, looking down their noses and sneering. I think it's time for one to crawl for a bit. Find out what it's like down in the dirt."

With that he pulled out a syringe full of glimmering red liquid. Weiss shouted through her gag, the sound muffled into unintelligibility when she saw the needle. He chuckled, pressing a knee into her stomach hard enough to drive the air from her lungs as he held her still to pull up the sleeve of her shrug, looking for a vein.

"That much Red Sap..." the fox faunus objected.

"She's a Schnee. They're all full of too much damn magic… probably part of the inbreeding. She's gonna get real fucked up, but she'll probably live. Maybe. But this much Red Sap? You're gonna be hooked, Schnee. I wonder what you'll stoop to to get your fix? This stuff is worse to get off of than heroine, and a pampered little princess like you? Welcome to hell, little girl."

Despite her best attempts to struggle she couldn't do anything as he drove the needle painfully into her arm and pushed the syringe. It burned like liquid fire going in, and for a moment she felt a sensation like a million ants crawling through her veins as she thrashed wildly, the motions transforming into a full seizure as the world disappeared.

Eventually the blurriness resolved, and when it did Weiss was a bird. She soared through the air, skimming just above a broad rainbow, reveling in the feeling of wind over her feathers. She felt so free, like nothing held her back, and she could do anything that she wanted. She shifted her wings, diving into the beautiful rainbow below, only to scream as she bounced off of it, slamming into the light like it was solid metal without any give.

As she bounced off she tried to wave her wings, only to find that they were arms and legs. She was human, but naked as the day she was born, suspended thousands of feet in the air beside the strangely hard rainbow. She tried to scream again, but only bird-like squawks emerged from her lips.

She flailed about in the midair, the wind whipping past her, but instead of falling down she fell up. Slowly her frantic motions came to a stop, and she relaxed as the wind whipped through her hair as she tumbled upwards into the sky.

Eventually she began to shiver, the air getting colder and colder on her naked skin, and she wrapped her arms tightly around herself, trying to keep warm. Before she knew it frost began to form on her skin, and within minutes she was trapped in a ball of ice, hurtling out of the atmosphere and into space.

Through the stellar blackness strange, squamous things slithered, and great fishlike shapes propelled themselves by undulating through the airless void. Some paused, whispering secrets she could barely understand, but just knowing about sent her mind reeling into near madness. It was with great relief that mere minutes later she felt herself falling, this time as she hurtled towards the sun.

The heat was intense, swiftly melting the ice, and then her body after. She stared in horror at her limbs as they liquified, then began to boil, and when she opened her mouth to scream steam came pouring out along with a loud, painful whistle. She closed her eyes, wishing the sound would stop, but unable to make any move, not even closing her mouth.

Suddenly she felt herself being picked up by the top of her head, and when she opened her eyes she saw a huge table, many times larger than herself, with a full tea service laid out on it. At the center of the table was a huge chess board, each piece recognizable as people or other creatures, many of which she knew. Most of the white pieces were her coworkers at Supernatural Affairs, while the black included Torchwick and Neo, along with a few other people. Many of the black pieces were actually Grimm, and a few were other demons or monsters of various descriptions.

Weiss felt herself being tilted, and hot, steaming liquid gushed from the top of her head, filling up a teacup. It was then that she realized that she was a teapot, and after filling two cups she was set back down on the tray, which afforded her a good view of the people at the tea party.

Two of the figures were difficult to make out. One was a tall but thin person made of blinding light, and the other a bloated form of absolute darkness. Sitting in front of the glowing figure was inspector Ozpin, casually sipping the tea painfully poured from Weiss' head. Opposite him was a woman with porcelain skin covered in strange red etchings. Her eyes had black sclera but red irises, and she had a black gem in the center of her forehead.

"There will be no victory in strength," the woman said firmly, sipping her own tea.

Ozpin picked up one of the chess pieces. It was a tiny Ruby, and it squirmed, bound and gagged, in his hands as he examined it thoughtfully. "But perhaps victory is in the simpler things that you've long forgotten."

The two stared each other down, and slowly the scene began to swim, colors twisting and distorting, until Weiss felt herself falling through the table, which had taken on the appearance and texture of wet paint, piled thickly into the shapes of objects. Everything began to run and melt, but even as everything blurred into a muddy, oozing mess Weiss could clearly hear one more sentence from the strange woman.

"This is the beginning of the end, Ozpin. And I can't wait to see you burn."

After that Weiss felt herself begin to drown in paint, thrashing and gasping, unable to breath, until finally she was able to throw the blankets smothering her off of her face. She sat up, gasping for breath, only find find herself in her bedroom at Schnee Manor. For a moment she was confused, the weird dream fading until she could barely remember any of it as she sought to remember why she would be in the room she hadn't lived in since she'd joined the police.

Standing slowly, Weiss was confused to see that she was wearing a full, elaborate white wedding dress, complete with train so long that it covered her bed. She walked over to the mirror, gasping in awe at how beautiful it all looked. She hadn't thought about getting married since she was a small child. Since before her mother's death.

That thought broke the happy feelings, and she decided to find answers. Not even bothering to change clothing she hurried over to the door, throwing it open and stalking through the halls of Schnee Manor until she could hear voices in the distance. She tracked them to the drawing room, and without hesitating for a moment she hustled inside, only to stop dead at what she saw.

Her mother was sitting in her favorite chair, sipping tea from a strangely familiar tea service. Weiss felt her eyes tearing up, but before she could breakdown completely her mother looked up and noticed her. "Oh, Weiss! You look so beautiful."

The rest of her family was in the room as well, and her father actually smiled when he saw her, his eyes lighting up in a way she could never remember seeing before. "Indeed, dear. I must say, she looks even lovelier in that dress than you did."

"Oh, you," her mother said, smiling at her father lovingly.

"Are you excited, sister?" her brother Whitley asked.

"Excited?" Weiss repeated.

He chuckled. "About your big day silly! You came down already dressed for the wedding."

"I-" Weiss trailed off. This was all so strange. Why would she be getting married? And why was everyone in her family acting so nice?

Winter walked over to her, smiling cheerfully, and pulled Weiss into a hug. Weiss stiffened up at first, not used to being touched, sure that there was a reason why she shouldn't be. Eventually she leaned into it, relaxing completely. Winter was so warm, and her strong arms felt so safe.

Eventually Winter pulled back, smiling down at her tearfully. "There's your smile. I was afraid for a second there you weren't going to show it to us."

Weiss blinked back happy tears. She wasn't sure what was happening, and everything felt wrong… but at the same time everything was so wonderful. She eventually decided to just go with it, walking over to a comfortable chair next to her mother while Klein carried in her favorite breakfast.

Conversation while she ate was light and happy, with no one mentioning work. While polite, it was much livelier than she could ever remember, and it was hard to recognize the men in the family with smiles on their faces. Despite so many incongruities it was one of the happiest moments that she could ever remember.

Eventually Klein returned. "Someone is here to see you, Ms. Schnee."

Her father chuckled. "Someone? I suspect our new family to be has finally arrived."

Klein smiled. "As you say, sir."

Weiss felt a sudden return of tension, as apparently her spouse to be was outside. That thought made her feel sick, but before she had a chance to stew it over Ruby came through the door wearing a beautiful wedding dress of her own. It wasn't as long and fancy as Weiss', but it was lovely all the same, and suited her well.

"Weiss!" Ruby called, grinning at her. "Or is it Mrs. Rose now?"

Her father snorted. "I think not, Mrs. Schnee."

Ruby grinned at that. "Fine, fine. I'll be Mrs. Schnee."

"Ruby?" Weiss asked faintly, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Of course," Ruby said, walking over and suddenly plopping onto her lap, making Weiss squeak to the happy laughter of her family. Ruby wrapped her arms around her back, and slowly Weiss returned the gesture, her heart pounding at the warm contact.

Ruby smiled dreamily at her for a moment, before leaning down to whisper in her ear. "I love you, Weiss."

"R-Ruby," Weiss gasped, only to be interrupted by Ruby pressing their lips together.

The gesture was shocking, and Weiss was sure that it was wrong. That she couldn't be doing this. That everything, everything was a lie. After a moment she gave in, pressing harder against Ruby's warm lips. She wasn't sure what to do, but Ruby didn't complain until finally they parted, smiling happily.

"Ugh, gross!" Whitley complained melodramatically, not bothering to hide his smile.

Ruby stuck her tongue out at him. "Come on, Weiss, let's go walk for a bit."

Weiss hesitated, looking at her loving family, not wanting to leave them. Her mother smiled at her expression. "We'll be right here, honey. Just go and enjoy your walk while we finish preparing your wedding."

Ruby climbed off of her lap, grabbing Weiss' hand as she stood. It was warm and strong, and the feeling of incongruity grew as she was pulled from the room, looking longingly back at her happy family the entire way.

"Come on, I still don't know this huge place very well," Ruby said. "If we're going to live here, shouldn't you show me your favorite spots?"

Weiss looked at Ruby, and then down at the warm hand clasped in her own. It was all so wonderful. So impossibly wonderful. "Ruby..."

Without saying anything else Ruby leaned in and captured her lips again. Weiss still had no idea how to react, wasn't even sure what was happening really, but knowing that Ruby was kissing her was wonderful all the same. "I love you, Weiss."

Weiss studied her beautiful face for moment. She was smiling so happily, the expression lighting up her silver eyes, and Weiss couldn't help but return the expression. Today was the happiest day that she could ever remember, and suddenly all of her concerns faded away. Who cared if it was strange? If being kissed didn't seem real? She was happy. Truly, truly happy.

Ruby pulled her along, and Weiss pointed out different rooms that had happy memories. It felt odd that a place filled with so many loving people had so few happy memories in it, but Ruby eagerly listened to every story, holding her hand and smiling at her the whole way, and once again Weiss decided not to worry about it.

"Come on, let's look at the gardens!" Ruby said, pulling her towards the door. "I think they're setting up the wedding in the back, but out front should be fine."

"Okay," Weiss said. "Mother used to have such a lovely rose garden… I guess… oh..."

Outside the rose garden was still in full bloom. Weiss had thought that it had been removed for some reason, which wouldn't have made any sense. Why would mother have her favorite place taken away?

It was as beautiful as ever, full of roses of every color, all vividly beautiful. Weiss stopped and plucked a white rose, smiling down at it for a moment.

"Oh!" Ruby gasped. "You cut yourself! Don't get blood on your nice dress."

Weiss blinked, surprised that she hadn't felt any pain from the thorn, but before she could worry about it Ruby began fussing over her, carefully cleaning and bandaging it with supplies she pulled from somewhere. When she was done her hand was perfectly cared for, and Ruby pressed a kiss against the thick bandage.

"There!" Ruby said cheerfully. "Gotta take care of my wife."

"And I need to take care of mine," Weiss said, carefully tucking the rose behind Ruby's ear.

The sun had somehow set, and Weiss was surprised that she had gotten up so late, and even more so that the wedding was going to be at night. Still, she didn't worry about it. She had Ruby, and soon she'd be with her family again.

"Oh!" Ruby said. "Looks like they're ready for us."

Weiss was finding it difficult to see anything, but when she looked she saw a figure wearing a white hood and holding a scythe standing at the end of the garden. For some reason seeing her filled Weiss with trepidation, but Ruby pulled on her hand, smiling brightly. "Come on, Weiss, time to get married!"

Weiss hesitated, but after a moment smiled. She and Ruby were going to be together, forever. She let herself be lead towards the waiting figure as the sky continued to darken, until she could see nothing except the woman in the white hood, and could feel nothing but Ruby's warm hand holding her own.

Then, suddenly, she felt something pulling her back. Like an invisible bungee cord attached to her spine, she suddenly began to accelerate backwards, away from the strange woman… and away from the woman she loved. "Ruby!"

"Weiss!" Ruby shouted. "Come back!"

"Ruby!" Weiss screamed struggling with all her might, but she had nothing to hold onto. As she was pulled away she felt tingling warmth filling her being as the world began to light up again, before suddenly everything she saw began to twist and distort.

Reality broke down into a maddening kaleidoscope of bright colors, blurring and mixing together to form new, equally brilliant hues. The warmth that she had been feeling suddenly turned into heat, until pain began to spread, starting from a point in her arm, until it felt as though her blood was boiling in her veins. She began to scream as everything went black.