"Hey, who's the new guy?" Yang asked us once she took a break from telling yet another set of awful jokes, gesturing down towards the front row seats.
"I've never seen him before." Blake replied as she placed her book away and followed where her partner was staring.
"Perhaps he's a transfer student?" I remembered rationalising.
"He looks a little young to be here." Yang stated with confusion in her voice.
"Says the one who's younger sister is sitting two seats beside you." I leaned over smugly while I made the retort.
"Well I feel like we're going to find out..." Blake answered, the black and yellow pair and myself watched as Dr Oobleck entered and began talking with the student.
All the while Ruby remained silent.
It was an enjoyable lesson, but as always, quite tasking to keep up with everything the good profess- I mean doctor says, and good things must come to an end.
"I'm afraid we're going to have to pick this up in our next lesson... Mr Discovery could you please stay back for the time being?"
"Wonder what's the deal with Zen staying back?" Yang casually asked the rhetorical question aloud.
"It's probably to formally go over the course syllabus and other things pertaining to his lesson." I had recalled as the reason.
"If he's going to be starting at Beacon after the Vytal Festival, wouldn't it make more sense to do that then rather than now?"
I thought at least it made sense, but the headmaster and the other professors and administration knew more about the enrolment process than I did, though Blake had a point.
" I'm just speculating Blake. Hold on..."
Usually in that instance, a certain hood wearer would be by my side to back me up in this situation, yet she wasn't, so I turned back to see Ruby in front of the exit, staring into the open classroom as students were still filing out... as though she were waiting for someone.
"Ruby are you coming?"
"Coming Weiss." Ruby answered once I had gotten her attention.
"Well I'm glad Oobleck's class is over..." Yang all appetent to let us know.
'...You've been gone quite a while.'
Weiss looked over to the rest of the group before hitting send, pocketing the scroll and returning her attention to what the others were talking about.
Awhile later, Yang arrived at the table with what seemed to be an excessive amount of chicken wings on her plate that rivalled Nora's, receiving raised eye brows from everyone as she sat down.
"Don't you think that's overdoing it by this much."
Ruby asked while she held up her hand with a pinching gesture.
"Hey I'm hungry alright, and besides, Nora reckons she can do hot wings... well not when I'm around." The blonde cheerfully retorted before getting stuck into the wings.
"By the way, where's Penny?"
"She had to leave once we arrived here, she has some important assignments needing to be completed before the end of the week." Weiss answered while pulling back from the blonde to avoid the splattering of hot sauce everywhere when the brawler talked.
You're awfully cheerful for some reason.
Where is Ruby? She knows exactly what time it is...
I had thought I finally drummed it into her head the importance of studying, yes she is by no means a bad student... but when there is room for improvement, you improve yourself.
Yet it seems I still need to keep on top of her, I best send her a message.
After that, I didn't have to wait too long before she came running over, I will say her extra bubbly expression was a welcome sight for sure.
"And where were you to be so late?" My 'bluntness' with her only would act as a reinforcement how important it is to maintain a schedule.
"I was just talking to Penny and-"
"You know this is the second time we've done something together, but Penny has influenced you and changed our plans-"
"Weiss, it sounds like you're a little jealous of your BFF status being challenged."
"...Are we going to study or do I have to use one of my glyphs?"
That must have been an interesting talk, I had never seen her that eager to study a subject that wasn't related to weapon theory... and I am NOT jealous.
Penny meanwhile decided that though she wanted to spend time with her friends, the part about completing important assignments weren't exact lies, they just weren't the conventional assignments your average seventeen year old would do for academic work, then again she wasn't the average seventeen year old.
She was however surprised as evening had rolled around Zen entering the dorm.
"You're earlier than normal."
He seems tense.
"Y-yeah I didn't really feel too good so I came back here."
"You appear to be shaking a little?"
She asked worringly as she got up from her work and felt his forehead, no unusual body temperature.
"No, I'm, I'm fine really, I went for a walk and I guess my muscles are just still... twitching, plus maybe it's from the fight with Cardin. Nothing a hot shower should fix."
"And you should be still fine for sparring?"
"Yeah no problems whatsoever."
"Alright, I'll let Ruby know and when you're finished, we can head off to the training rooms."
"Actually Penny... I-I -er was thinking to contact her once I was done, not that I think I'll be long in the shower, but I don't want to keep her waiting."
*Hiccup*
Instantly, his hand went to cover his mouth, though Penny took no notice.
"Okay, you can do that."
She agreed before going back to her desk and continuing with her assignment.
I sat myself comfortably at my desk before rummaging through the drawer for notes in relation to both History and Grimm studies.
My teammates quite relieved classes ended for the day and we could all relax in our own way.
I just so happened to do it by finishing off important assessments or study
I'll admit one or two times playing that video game with Ruby was enjoyable.
"At least you guys do. I have to get ready to go out."
Though what Ruby had said drew my attention only for a minute or two.
"Why are you going out?"
Not that there was any reason to ask, but perhaps it tied into her conversation with Penny and whoever else she talked to earlier on in the day.
"I'm going to be helping Penny and Zen to-"
"Zen?
You mean the new guy who rarely talks with anyone and is kept in class once the lesson is over? " Yang relatively asked.
Why was it from where I sat did that sound more like a hint of hesitancy or more like an accusation rather than a question?
I at that point satisfied with Ruby's explanation, decided to stay focused on my work but was able to steal a glance to the brute, yep I've spent enough time with her to know that is definitely a look of suspicion on her.
Perhaps I should ask her why.
*Knock Knock*
"Hiya Zen, sorry but we had a test... I'll just go and change. Have you met my teammates Weiss, Blake and Yang."
I was cordial, giving a courteous nod when introduced then returned to study, yet I kept an ear out.
"So what are you three going to be doing in Vale?" I heard Blake ask, truth be told the silence in the air was getting to me.
"Well hopefully build my own weapon... been using the training one's since I got here... but that wouldn't suffice once I face actual grimm."
I am sure I heard him say that correctly...
Once he face's actual grimm?
Does he not mean when he has to fight them again, or is he implying say he will be taking on the grimm for the first time and as such he'd need adequate weaponry.
I had turned to face them, only to be met with Yang looking back at me.
I'm glad I'm not the only one to think that he means the latter and not the former.
Maybe I should check to be certain.
"So you've never encountered grimm?
What did you have in mind... for your weapons that is?"
That will surely work.
"Not too sure... have to see what Ruby thinks."
He averted my question... does he know what he said and is actively avoiding answering?
Why would he?
"So guys you like the Achievemen?"
Probably he realised it was a slip of the tongue and he has too much pride to admit he's wrong.
"Yeah but when Brownman left, kinda felt different."
He is from Atlas after all... and I was exactly like that around strangers.
Anyway, where was I?
"HAP HAP." Zen had said out of the blue.
What was that?
"What was that?" Yang had voiced her concern.
"Oh-uh I was... looking at the new guy Jeremy..."
Sounds to me like he's back pedaling.
"You mean Rimmy Tim... Right?"
I'm not liking that tone, Yang, why seemingly so adamant to question him about the artist.
"I'm ready to go now." Ruby said shortly after coming out of the bathroom amidst the small 'conversation' that took place between Yang and Zen, before it had a chance to... by the sound of it intensify on Yang's accord.
"Shouldn't you bring Crescent Rose?"
How could Ruby have forgotten her sweetheart like that, she must be really eager to help get this weapon made for Zen.
I thought to myself before it reminded me about my own personal ammunition supplies for my own 'sweetheart'.
"Wait how did you know about Cresc-." Was what I thought Yang ask before I got Ruby's attention.
Once everything was said and done Ruby left happily with Zen, and when the door shut...
"What just happened?"
Yang asked aloud, and from her tone, I'd say she was dumbfounded.
I listened as Blake reiterated to Yang why her sister had to go into Vale while I continued on with my studies.
Hearing that Blake planned on getting her partner to take her mind off of it by accompanying her to obtain a new novel in the series she was reading.
After which she went to change, Yang and I were alone in the dorm, and that's when the question came...
"Do you think I'm overreacting Weiss?" Do I over think sometimes?"
Is she overreacting? Is she justified... If he really meant what I think he meant... then yes she is right, but then again...
I need to say something to her, she's clearly looking for confirmation or a form of resolution.
Whether it was right or wrong for me to say some of the things I said as reassurance, that was the answer Yang was most likely wanting to hear.
And to be honest I had faith that even if Yang's worries for Ruby were justified, she is our leader and quite capable of taking care of herself.
I was left alone with my thoughts once Blake and Yang had departed for Vale...
Why does it seem weird that Yang might be onto something... or am I reading too much into what Zen said and just thinking the same way I did about the faunus, just surface level information?
Ruby sat atop her bunk, lost in one of the books Blake had leant her, until she was taken out of it when her scroll buzzed to life.
Her face lit up as she went to grab it excitedly, but as silver eyes began to go over the message, her features changed, being dishearten by what she read.
"Zen ready for another sparring match?" Weiss turned to look up at her leader from her desk.
"Actually, no. He says he has to take care of something and won't be able to train this evening."
"A little odd, don't you think? Considering he's been, up until this point very consistent... I hope he's not beginning to grow tired of the extra training, you don't want him to start slacking off like some people we know..."
The snow haired partner replied, putting some emphasis in the second half of her sentence in hopes of making her friend laugh at 'bossy Weiss'.
"Maybe he just has other plans.
Sometimes things can just happen to people and they need to accommodate them in favour of the other."
Yang replied nearly instantly, with a hint of apathy.
"What are you going to do now instead?" Blake asked, also taking note at the change of mood the younger girl had after reading the message.
"..."
"Ruby?"
"A-wha- sorry was just- never mind..."
She was silent for a few minutes as she thought that-
No.
Maybe he really can't make it tonight and something has come up, hopefully it's not too serious.
Finally her thoughts as well as the silence were broken as Weiss spoke.
"If you're not going to spar with Zen and Penny, perhaps the four of us can train together?"
"Yeah that wouldn't be a bad idea. Is that okay with you Yang?" Ruby said before looking over to the top bunk.
"I got nothing going for me now." Yang shrugged as she jumped off her bed, already slipping Ember Celica on either hand.
"You have a history test to study for." The heiress quipped back at the blonde.
"Not happening till next week, so I'll say it again, got nothing so I'm in." She replied with enthusiasm.
"Blake?"
"I'll join." The raven haired girl answered.
With her team in full agreement, Ruby visibly straightened up and smiled.
"Great, so I feel like we should practice our team attacks..."
Arriving at one of the sparring rooms, Blake and Yang entered followed by Weiss.
While closing the door behind her, just as it was about shut, Ruby saw a familiar pair walk past without even noticing her and into the room a few doors down, opposite their side, she peeked just enough around the corner to see the tail end of her friend's forest coloured hood as the door closed behind him."
"Ruby, are you coming?" Weiss asked.
"Y-yeah, my eh- hood got caught on the door... again." She replied after almost jumping from her partner's voice breaking her train of thought.
"Why you haven't had your neck torn off because of it yet is a miracle beyond doubt." Weiss answered as Ruby allowed the door to click shut behind her as she returned to her team.
Many Hours later after Blake and Yang left.
"Hey guys we're back." Ruby had enthusiastically said as she made an entrance, followed by Penny and Zen.
"Oh hey Weiss, where are Blake and Yang?"
Blake took Yang to get her mind off something bothering her...
"Blake went into Vale to get a new novel, and Yang wanted to accompany her, avoiding her studies yet again." I answered, my partner who looked a little disappointed at my response.
"Oh, well do you know when they'll be back? I really wanted to show off the weapons I made for Zen."
"No not really, but I'm here at least, so... are you not going to show me?"
"Of course I- I mean we were, Zen, show 'er what yah got."
And on queue Zen drew a pair of elegant looking swords from his back.
"Impressive, have you thought about names?"
"No not at the moment, I'll have a think about them."
"Take your time, coming up for a name for your weapon is just as important as finding a name for a beloved pet or even your children."
"You really think they're impressive Weiss?
Well have I got news for you, they use to be a pair of swords that hung in the training rooms."
"Do you mean to tell me, that those age worn weapons are now fully mechanical functional weapons that are ready for combat use?"
"Pretty much."
"I will say, you should be proud to be carrying a pair of weapons lovingly crafted by my teammate."
"Oooh stop it Weiss." She began to blush and started muttering gibberish at the compliment I gave.
" Come to think of it, if you needed new weapons to be crafted for you, what exactly happened to your old weapons?
If you don't mind me asking."
"Well they-"
"It happened during a mission while in Atlas, let's just say we were glad it was Zen's weapons that went and not him."
*Hiccup*
We talked for a while before Yang and Blake returned, so much so that Ruby had forgotten to show them her craftsmanship that were Zen's weapons.
Even if she did remember, Yang didn't wait around to chat, as soon as the pair came back she was already getting up from my bed to leave.
"And where do you think you're going?"
I know that look, you're upset and you need to vent some anger.
What happened while you were in Vale?
"Is Yang okay Blake?"
"She- she's just a bit frustrated, there was this guy at one of the stores that was being very rude to another customer and they happened to be a faunus, she told him off properly, but she's still heated about the interaction."
"Did she happen to change his mind?" Zen asked, appearing hopeful, though I'd admit how naive to say, yet Ruby would have said the exact same thing.
"Sadly this if only it were that simple?" Blake had sighed in defeat, but gave a warm smile.
"Anyway I think we should head back to our dorm." Penny had announced after checking her scroll
"Cannot wait to test your weapons tomorrow." Ruby said, enthusiasm dripping from every word.
"We'll see you tomorrow then, goodnight Blake and Weiss."
With that the pair left, leaving Ruby to then ponder about her sister's well-being.
"I hope Yang is okay, I'm going to get her."
"You've had a long day, and from what I can tell a good one at that. I'll go and talk to her, she probably has cooled off, but if not, then I'll bring her back and hopefully sleep will fix that."
"Thanks Blake. I did have a good day, and I am sorta tired. But before you go, do you want a cookie?"
"They look nice."
"They were a gift from Penny and Zen."
Later that night.
Blake and Yang had already turned in for the night, Ruby sat on Weiss's bed whilst the heiress went over the sparring match they had earlier.
"I think that just because Yang is able to throw me at an opponent means she should.
Am I being too unreasonable?"
"..."
"Ruby, are you listening?" Weiss turned to her leader and noticed the girl looking down at the end of her hood which she fiddled with in her hands.
"Huh- I mean yes of course you're not. Yang's just being Yang, she only see's your rapier being only good for impaling things." She answered as she was snapped out of her thoughts.
"Are you okay? I swear you weren't focused as you usually are."
"I'm fine- its -just-"
"Was it because you didn't get to spar with Zen and Penny?"
"No- yes- kinda... I'm sure I could have seen- you know what, never mind."
Weiss stared at her teammate, unsure whether to say anything or let it slide, so instead she opted for another solution.
"Did you want to fight one on one before bed?"
"Huh?"
"I mean I'm not quite tired yet, so maybe we can spar together?" She answered as she looked at her scroll to see there was still time before lights out.
"I- uh, I don't feel like sparring. I might go for a walk, maybe even come back and study a little."
Okay, something is definitely off.
The heiress thought to herself as she nodded before watching the door close behind her younger friend.
What is it you're not telling me Ruby?
That day was the day where I began to feel that simply sitting and listening wasn't going to cut is anymore, but I wouldn't act quite yet. It all began once I and the rest of my team were awoken violently by the eagerness of our leader.
It wasn't the first time she did that, and I dread to say it won't be the last.
"Goooood mooooooornnnniiiiiinnngggg teeeeeeaaaaaammmm RWBY!"
I almost fell out of my bed it was that much of a jolt to my system, but I composed myself when I made the reply.
"Agh! Ruby! I thought we were past the whole, 'waking us all up by giving us heart attacks' was done and over with!" Or so I thought.
"Sorry Weiss..." It was clear to me that the three of us were ready to gang up on our leader for our rude awakening, yet here she was, smiling ear to ear without a care in the world.
"Well you did eat that entire box of cookies before going to bed..."
It's a wonder how much of her body is just made up of sugar.
I thought just moments before Blake voiced the exact same sentiment.
"Where did you even get them from?" Where I was situated, I could see Yang definitely was contemplating that box of cookies, but to test the theory, I decided to answer.
"They were a gift from Penny and Zen."
She's not happy about that. Just as I had suspected.
After that Ruby and I talked for a short length of time about the nature of Zen's condition and the theory of aura's in general as well as his academic life.
It was apparent to me, from our two way conversation, Yang was intent on listening in.
The next morning at breakfast
Team RWBY and JNPR sat together while Nora was discussing plans for the afternoon.
"What I was thinking is that once we're done with the lessons we can head into Vale and see that new movie -"
She was cut off as Weiss stood abruptly and walked off without saying a word.
" Weiss, where are you going?" Ruby called out.
Yet the heiress did not reply, seemingly heading to the where Zen and Penny sat.
"Good morning Penny, Zen."
"Oh, hello Weiss." The redhead looked up and smiled warmly.
"How you doing?" Zen followed suit, opting for a more casual greeting.
"I am doing very well thank you for asking."
"What can we do for you?"
" I was wondering if you had any plans with Ruby for sparring later in the day?"
"I was hoping she'd be eager to spar with us today since she told Zen she couldn't yesterday-"
What was that?
She raised an eyebrow at what Penny said, but even more so at Zen's quick retort amid Penny's eagerness.
"Eh no- we won't be able to."
Weiss observed the pair as Penny gave Zen a confused look, but decided to press on to the real reason she was here.
"There's something else I was wondering about."
"Wonder away?" Zen said whilst gesturing for the heiress to continue.
" I wish to ask, if both of you weren't training, did you have anything else planned this afternoon?
It has been awhile since you and I have spent any time together Penny, and you and I haven't properly spoken to each other since Ruby helped make your weapons.
And so I thought to myself that for today, we could have a get together...
Just the three of us, my treat.
Though I will say, I have a scheduled training session with my team beforehand.
However I'll cut it short as we are the best in the year... not to sound over confident for the Vytal Tournament."
The heiress jokingly said, garnering a chuckle from the pair, until Penny calmed down and replied.
"I'm afraid this afternoon I usually have my own studies I will need to take care of, and they can't be postponed."
"And what about you Zen?"
"Me?"
"Of course, just because Penny is unable to join doesn't mean the invitation has been rescinded."
"I don't believe that I have anything scheduled, so that's a yes."
"Wonderful, meet me at The Spot."
"The Spot?"
"Yes, are you not familiar with the establishment?"
"No, I've been there before."
"Then is there a problem?"
"No... "
"Excellent, then this afternoon it is."
"I'll see you this afternoon then. Can you also tell Ruby Penny and I said hi."
Meanwhile Blake and Yang watched from where they sat, just letting the conversation unfold, eyeing each other.
What Weiss was even doing over there.
It didn't take long before she was now back in her seat.
"What was that about?" Blake asked.
" I just simply had a friendly chat with Penny and Zen and I'll leave it there."
"Did you happen to ask them about sparring with me?"
"Actually I did, he- they say sorry, they can't this afternoon."
"Oh..."
Not wanting to see her friend appearing disheartened once again, she quickly added, which did help brighten her mood, not by a large degree, but it helped.
"But they did also ask me to tell you they 'say hi'."
"So what exactly did I miss?"
"We were thinking about going to that new movie that's out, Dog Monsoon.
So far Ruby is in, Blake is out, and Yang is undecided.
"That's the sequel to that film Dog Rain? if I'm not mistaken?"
"Yep."
"I will accept, though depending on how things go with- my plans for this afternoon, I might have to decline."
Now let's see here, it says that there are only roughly one hundred or so people that have the aura-less condition; vacuam inanimatum.
Of those that are from Atlas are twelve...
Now Zen could have it, but why do I have a gut feeling that with odds like that, he is not one of the twelve.
He could have been born in another one of the provinces, but still I'm sure I remember him saying he has lived there all his life.
I was right, aura can be tied to where you grew up, and yet most of the cases are from either Mistral, or in small pocket towns.
I was starting to feel a little irritated with looking up this background information, all because of what Yang had been implying.
So I instead decided to turn to the news articles, I had missed a week or two while being away and shadowing my father running the company, so I began to read those before the current week.
But however I was rude- abruptly interrupted by an oh so familiar teammate of mine.
"Ruby? What are you doing here?"
"...There was just something I needed to do beforehand."
I watched as she proceeded to rummage around her storage cabinet that housed all sorts of spare parts and tools until she had what she needed.
After which she enquired if Pyrrha was in her room, luckily for her she had just come back, and though I was unsure of what exactly she was making, it was apparent that she was becoming heavily invested with spending her free time in training Zen.
She invited me to come with her to see how Pyrrha was going to help with what she was making to help Zen 'carry his weapons'... I still wanted to research more about his condition, it seem so fascinating especially since it was so rare.
"You dolt." I muttered as I felt myself smile, I could see the friendship between those two forming just as much as it was when Penny met Ruby.
Now before I get back to research, where was I reading...
'Downtown Vale terror attack?'
'At midday yesterday, a violent explosion of light and heat erupted in the centre of downtown vale, though reports have suggested no foul play from any terrorist organisation.
Some eyewitnesses near the blast area have reported that although no one person was at the epicentre before the incident, a pair of individuals, one boy and one girl were seen leaving the scene, whether they were the direct cause or bystanders merely caught in the blast have been suggested.
The boy had been observed to have been affected to a degree by the aftermath, identification of the two is not yet conclusive and we will update you once we have more information.
Other theories may suggest it could also have been a semblance being unlocked that allows for large quantities of energy to be ejected into the surrounding environment or potentially a semblance for portal generation.
The investigations are ongoing, with no answer in sight, luckily to this day there have been no reports of any fatalities...'
Once Weiss left, Penny immediately turned to Zen, confused expression returning to her.
"Why did you tell her Ruby couldn't spar with us?"
"Because... well you heard what Weiss said, they have a planned training session, Ruby's going to be exhausted if she trains with her teammates and spars with us."
"But that's never really stopped her before."
What do I say... should I tell her about what Yang said?
No. Chances are she'll talk to Ruby about it and then she'll talk to Yang and-
"Zen?" She asked with more concern in her tone.
I have to say something
"Okay I hate to admit it... but with how last night's training went so well I- thought we could have another like it... like before classes resumed.
Something about sparring with Ruby -just doesn't feel rewarding..."
*Hiccup*
"Oh." Penny merely replied before she looked away, concealing her saddened features, the feeling of disconnect setting in.
"You looked like you enjoyed every moment we spent training with her."
"It's complicated."
"I'll bet it is... I have to go for my lessons, I'll see you in our dorm. Give my regards to Weiss."
Penny replied before abruptly pushing herself up and walking away sounding irate with that last sentence, Zen himself couldn't agree more with her.
Damnit.
For the past week, I could tell things in our dorm were starting to escalate, to what point I was not too certain.
Though the degree by how much our team was being affected became clear with what transpired the two nights ago and the day before yesterday.
They were reaching near or close to critical point.
I was the first to awake and so part of my early routine would be to take a shower, I use to take them much later in the morning, but after sharing a dormitory with Yang, one becomes conditioned to be ahead of your opponent... some days her showers could last as long as half an hour, which were dedicated to that mass of golden hair of hers.
I had just finished and was prioritising what I was going to be doing for the day...
Now with that out of the way, I can focus on the next subject-
"I know, but something doesn't gel with me..."
"I thought we agreed you weren't talking to Zen until I do first."
"I remember, and I trust you will have a word with him. I'm heading to the library during my free period, see if what he said checks out."
What is going on out there?
I thought to myself as I heard Yang and Blake talking, or rather Blake being spoken to by Yang.
When I thought there was a respite, I opened the door and eyed the pair, then slowly stepped aside as Yang went it, but not before she turned and gave Blake a stare that even I felt uncomfortable with.
"Is Yang still obsessed with Zen?"
I asked once sure the running water of the shower would mute or at the very least, muffle our conversation.
"Got it in one." Blake replied while appearing somewhat fed up by her partner.
This probably has to do with Yang's inquiry about where Zen came from.
"What exactly is she hoping to achieve anyhow?"
"Your understanding of the whole ordeal is the same as mine."
Hmm, that doesn't sound good.
I thought to myself as I went to wake Ruby up.
I got ready and from where I stood, I could tell what Yang told Blake had undoubtedly gotten to her.
She was visibly lost in thought, mulling over 'talking to Zen first' is what I imagined was going through her head.
This was definitely getting serious, I watched as she had begun walking to the door, oblivious to the fact she still wore her night time attire.
As hard as it seems to believe, Blake was so deeply entrenched in thought, Yang could be heard turning off the faucet of the shower, while Ruby was up at this point.
She hopped down, wished me a good morning before going to Blake to ask if she wished to shower first.
I payed close attention at their conversation, a one-sided ordeal, with Ruby continually getting Blake's answer.
"N-no, I showered last night, I'm good."
She did not have a shower last night.
Awhile later Yang and I were ready but we then turned to Blake and notice she was still in her pyjamas.
"...I'll wait for Ruby, make sure she doesn't lock herself in like last time."
I knew there was more to her reasons other than because Ruby would lock herself in, I also wasn't going to confront her on the matter, she had a lot on her mind, burdening her with my concern would not help in any way.
The same night, as we were getting to bed, I noted Ruby's mood, a quite stark contrast to her concern for Blake that morning.
Come to think of it Ruby's smile coincided with her constant attention towards Blake's resting form.
"I'm not sure if you noticed, Blake was acting a little weird this morning, well the reason why was because she was wanting to talk to me." She said after realising I was staring at her.
"Talk to you? Talk to you about what?"
"Well, she asked me about how best to talk to Zen, I think she wants to get to know him, maybe even become friends."
"Since you have had the most interaction with him, you would understand how best Blake can approach him?"
I guessed, though I was sure there was another reason Blake sought to talk to him after this morning's conversation the black and yellow pair had.
"So what advice did you give her? Any sort of insights, like does he have a weakness for a certain food, much like you and cookies?"
"I should have said something to that extent to her... but I never mentioned anything about him, instead I just told her to just go and talk to him and form her own perspective. Whatever I can tell her won't matter."
I simply nodded to her before indicating we should be going to sleep to which she agreed. We both said our goodnights and climbed into our respective beds.
I myself was left pondering whether or not the advice Ruby had given Blake was good or bad.
Later in the afternoon:
So what's the plan for today sis? Yang asked once all four stood in the centre of the sparring room floor.
I'm thinking that it's been a while since we've fought with each other's weapons, so you'll use Crescent Rose, I'll use Ember Celica, Blake Myrtenaster and Weiss Gambol Shroud.
Then there was THAT particular day...
We had just finished our morning lesson with Doctor Oobleck, Ruby and I had already begun to shuffle out of the row of seats much like everyone else, however, I was the first to twig that Blake and Yang had not moved from theirs.
Whatever those two had been discussing was now apparent to me it had something in relation to Zen, and somehow none of it could be good.
"You guys go to the library, I'll meet up once I'm finished. I need to ask Doctor Oobleck about some content that might be in the next exam." Blake responded, doing her best to keep her voice level.
I copied Ruby and nodded and both of us waited for Yang, and though it may have appeared subtle to her, Yang was very much giving the distinct impression to Blake that she was counting on her to do what she needed her to do.
It wasn't until Ruby and I had gotten back to our desk after I needed to show Ruby where she could find indexing material did we see Blake seated, I could tell that just like their little conversation after history class, Yang had spoken to Blake.
Though I chose not to press the matter further, as we could all now focus on our studies.
When I look at it I should have questioned things, especially how I could read the room in the library.
Then there was the lesson with Professor Port, the very last lesson before the end of classes and the start of our free time.
Once we finished, Ruby was the first to mention how much Blake lacked focus during that class.
"... It's not like you to be daydreaming, that's usually my job."
What Yang said next was strange...
"She's fine, just preoccupied, needs to take care of important business you see."
"Let's just say Blake is doing me a HUGE favour."
Hmm somehow I don't like both the sound of this favour and how much enthusiasm you are giving when talking about it.
It was when Ruby looked lost that we would be training without Blake was when I had to say something, it felt like the more time this dragged on, the less and less likely Blake was going to resolve this issue before 'Yang would step in'.
"...And how do you know about this so called 'important business'?'"
The brute was really starting to aggravate me in more ways than one, obviously putting on as much pressure on Blake as she possibly could, it was a wonder how she had not yet snapped.
Then again our friendship was put to the test those first few weeks, I guess she learned from that.
But really, things reached their limit when she came back...
"So how'd it go?"
"..."
What 'job' did you get her to do Yang? I thought to myself before she sent me a quick look that she realised her mistake.
"Ruby, why don't you and I go to team JNPR's room, I need to talk to Pyrrha about something."
"But what about Bla-"
I read her clearly and, this was something that needed to be discussed between the two. As much as I knew it hurt Ruby to see Blake upset, she'd have to wait for a while before she could help.
*Knock Knock*
"Huh I guess they're not in."
I then pulled out my scroll and hastily wrote a quick message to Pyrrha.
'Hey Pyrrha, where are you and your team currently?'
'Hey Weiss, we are in the sparring rooms. Is everything alright?'
'I'll explain when I'm there, also Ruby is with me too.'
"They're in the sparring rooms lets go."
I told Ruby before tugging her to follow next to me.
"But Weiss, you saw Blake. She's upset.
We should go and talk to her, and besides, why do I need to go with you?"
"Because I think that whatever happens in that dorm, it is between Yang and Blake."
"But we should still try to help, Blake is our friend and she is definitely not her usual self."
"I agree but I think it's for the best we let Yang handle it for now and-"
I should have payed more attention, in the midst of my explanation, Ruby managed to slip out of my grip and was now sprinting right back to our dorm.
"Hey!"
I could not fault her one bit, but that being said, it wasn't something that Ruby should interfere with.
I dared to think if she walked in just as Blake was going to explain to Yang the upsetting reason for her mood.
"RUBY GET BACK HERE!"
The things I have to do.
I thought to myself as I tried to catch her.
But to no avail.
Once I was in the door way I could see Ruby already working on comforting our teammate, all the while Yang glared at me for failing to control her sister.
Don't. Give. Me. That. Look. She's too damn fast.
Ever since Blake's obsession with Torchwick, I became attuned to her demeanour and I could read her almost as well as she could read one of her lengthy novels.
I watched from where I stood and I could see for the sake of our leader, Blake was covering her true emotions, like nothing had ever happened those few minute she walked in from where ever she had been.
It was especially apparent once Ruby had left and Yang immediately confronted Blake.
I merely observed as the pair went back and forth like I wasn't even present.
But once Yang was finished with Blake, she turned and addressed me.
As if she didn't realise I was the one to read the situation and, by my own volition mind you, take her sister, my teammate, out of the room to give them space... I didn't need her to tell me to take her out.
"... Now if you'll both excuse me I'm going to freshen myself up."
I had had enough of their bickering and just wanted to relax, free of the exhaustion of that evening... or at least, that's what I wanted Blake and more importantly, Yang to believe.
I closed the door, and began to run the shower, then quickly and quietly pressed my ear to the door, barely able to hear them but still able to make out what the pair were saying.
"So what will you do now?" She was sure that was Blake asking, slightly worried tone to her question.
"Nothing. I'm staying here, keep you company."
There has to be more to this, 'one-eighty' in front of Ruby? Temporary feeling?
The team's sparring had been quite productive with it halfway through, until Weiss' scroll buzzed loudly, which caught everyone off guard.
"Looks like I will have to cut my training short."
"That's right, you're going to see Zen." Ruby said, though she instantly covered her mouth while giving Weiss an apologetic look.
So much for not mentioning it to Blake and Yang.
"Wait, that's why you went to see them at breakfast, so you could organise some sort of meet-up?" Yang pounced on me.
"Yes. And I plan on getting there slightly earlier than him.
Anyhow, I shouldn't be too long, but if I am, I'll see you later this evening."
And with that she grabbed her bag and quickly, yet gracefully left.
Blake sighed before looking down at the weapon in her hand. Shock adorning her face before she looked back up and raced for the exit.
"Weiss wait! I'm holding Myrtenaster and you've still got... Gambol... Shroud..."
She stared passively in silence once she stepped outside the training room, expecting her teammate to be nearby after being called out to, only to be met with an empty corridor.
"Blake, are you okay?" Ruby slowly placed a hand on Blake's shoulder, bringing the girl back to reality.
"I'm okay, I guess I'll just have to hold onto this now." The raven haired girl mused as she gripped the rapier in her hand.
"Wait, you mean to tell me that she ran right out of our sight?" Yang called from over the pair's shoulders.
"Seems like it." Her teammate confirmed.
"Doesn't she need Myrtenaster to create speed glyphs if she was going that fast?"
"Maybe." Blake then replied, unsure if she had ever seen Weiss create glyphs without Myrtenaster in her possession.
"It's not important, let's just continue on with the training.
What do you think Blake, ladybug against Yang?"
"Not fair!" Yang yelled, throwing her arms up in defiance.
"It's an even fight and you know it." Ruby jeered to her sister before looking back at the door out of the sparring room, while her sister muttered under her breath it would only be an even fight if she were outnumbered three to one.
I know that look Weiss gets when she's hyper focused.
I just hope she doesn't plan on doing anything too irrational...
No, this is Weiss we're talking about, Zen will be fine... I hope he will be fine.
But what about the day before yesterday?
As the way I saw it, Yang had reached her limit, and was now stewing on what to do, with Blake being as distraught as she seemed, I had a feeling that what Blake had set out to achieve before Yang... that moment had passed.
Though for the rest of the day nothing came of it, that was until that night.
Ruby had gone straight to the sparring rooms after our final class of the day and I was ready for a night to relax.
After placing my things on my desk I asked if anyone planned on using the shower, and after Yang told me to 'knock myself out' I complied, but not before putting my scroll down.
Finished and refreshed, I was quite surprised when I stepped out, I immediately had my vision fully occupied by Blake.
"Weiss, I need your hand with something... I wanted to get something for Ruby... call it a celebratory gift..."
I was somewhat hesitant, but she was being persuasive at the same time... so I complied and agreed to accompany her.
After we said our goodbyes to Yang, and me doing what I do best, instructing her to use that head of hers for studying, we made our way down through the corridors, but after a few minutes of walking, I halted.
"Blake before we head down to catch transport to Vale I have one question. Where are we actually going?"
It's a school night, what hope do we have there are going to be any shops open at this hour for you to get a gift for Ruby.
"I'm going to be honest with you Weiss, there is no gift hunting for Ruby, I only said that as a means to get you out of the dorm..."
"Why do I need to be out of the dorm?"
"We both need to be out of the dorm... Yang just needs to have a one on one talk with Ruby, you know... sister stuff."
"Okay, I would be curious as to what they needed to talk about without us present... but I will respect them not to interfere... but I do deduct points your behalf for lying about getting a gift for Ruby."
"Hey I had to come up with some excuse to get you out of the dorm."
"Okay I'll admit it, on second thoughts, in the short amount of available time you had to formulate a plan, this would be one of the best, the other option could have been movies and dinner..."
"But then you might get the wrong impression that I like you- not to say I don't I just don't like you in a romantic sense, not to say you're not beautiful..."
I laughed as Blake tried save herself from her fumbling with words while we continued to the transport to Vale.
We had a good time, though now I think about it, it wasn't under the best circumstances, we got back and found Ruby was already asleep and Yang came back from the cafeteria minutes later.
After an hour or so I woke up and made sure the lightest of sleepers were asleep.
"Pst Blake, are you awake?"
No response.
I then reached for my scroll which rested on the bedside table beside me, then grabbing my earphones, played the recording 'from my father'.
'You ever notice how when going straight in after her...'
'Focus... Ruby is going to be coming back...'
'...What are you exactly planning to do?'
'...talk to her about seeing Zen."
'...please don't, it won't work out how you think it will... distancing herself from you.'
Then I could hear the faint sound of rustling of the bed sheets followed by a forceful tone from Yang.
'Sit down Blake.'
'I'm still her older sister and guardian... time I use that to ensure her safety.'
'Are you certain she'll agree?'
'She's seem me when I'm angry... the easy way or the hard way is entirely up to her.'
'This isn't going to go well.'
'Now are you going to get Weiss out of the dorm or not?'
There was a long pause before Yang asked her again to which Blake then responded.
'I'll help, but not because you asked me... witness your sister getting upset and the aftermath that will surely follow.'
Another few minutes of silence until I heard Blake again, being the moment after I came out of the shower.
'Weiss I need your hand with something...'
"So that explains it..."
I whispered to myself, however I could hear the faint sound of tossing and turning of sheets above me.
Ruby's been talked to, as to what was said about her and Zen I can only speculate that Yang's barring her from interacting with him or even seeing him.
I sighed heavily before returning my scroll and earphones back on the bedside table and turning in for the night, pulling the covers over my shoulders and thinking.
I have to get to the bottom of this soon, for all our sakes.
Then we come to yesterday...
"Wait look at Yang and Ruby." Blake lightly elbowed me in the arm to get my attention, just as Ruby looked excitedly at our friends before talking us.
"Look there's JNPR let's go-"
"That table over there is free."
"But JNPR and - we could always-"
She remembered looking over to the table in question before the attention of her focus shifted back to the sisters.
How can a stranger like this have such a hold of our lives for only being here for such a short amount of time since we've met?
Great now I'm starting to sound paranoid.
"Guys what's going on over there?"
I asked after the sight of Cardin and his team got my attention out of the corner of my eye.
Granted that maybe I noticed their table as a means to distract myself from the thoughts surrounding my troubled teammates.
"Don't tell me Cardin's bulling another faunus?"
Blake questioned through gritted teeth.
"We should act."
Ruby said before standing up, that was until I spoke up.
"Hold on."
We all watched as Zen was at the bullies table before I could even blink.
"Ruby stay here." Yang said as Ruby went to move to help her friend, but against her own judgement, stayed as her sister commanded.
We weren't able to hear what was being said though Blake did tell us later that despite how noisy it was she could just make out what he said.
To my surprise, the next moment was a definite display of Zen's true character and possibly one of the reasons why I think Ruby is so compelled to help him with training.
He drew one of his swords which only angered the bullies and made the whole cafeteria deadly silent.
"Zen?" Out of the corner of my eye I heard Blake question with a hint of astonishment in her voice, and I agreed with her fully, here was someone half the size of not one but four opponents... willing to stand up to them despite the odds.
"That's it! I can't just stand here and watch."
"Ruby wai-"
With that Ruby rushed over to confront the bullies and help Zen.
I didn't need to ask but after the bullies left, words were exchanged between Ruby and Zen then Ruby coming back with a somewhat peeved expression, I knew that Zen had ultimately decided to challenge Cardin to a fair fight, sparring class that afternoon.
Admirable for a huntsman, but stupid for someone of his... caliber.
Then came that afternoon, sparring class. My fight with Yatsuhashi was challenging but it showed me where I needed to improve.
As the lesson was drawing near to its end.
That was when Cardin decided to combat Zen, to which Zen took to the sparring floor without hesitation.
Now prior to the fight I had very little hope that Zen would come out unscathed, or standing.
But I, much like the rest of us who had now gotten to know him to some small extent watched, Ruby and Penny especially on the edge of their seat not so much as blinking in fear of what could transpire when if they did.
And as it went on that's when I realised.
He's trying to tire Cardin out... not the worst strategy out there, I could think of a few basic techniques that a sword wielder like him could employ to even the playing field, but so far it's doing the job.
Once the match ended, in Zen's favour, I was nearly deafened by Penny and my dolt of a teammate, who leapt out of their seats to congratulate him once we were dismissed, meanwhile I noticed Yang immediately get up and make her way to the exit. I decided to follow her, opting to compliment his victory another time.
Strangely I did notice Blake sway for a moment or two, whether she wanted to follow us or Ruby and Penny, eventually choosing the former.
I suspect that perhaps Zen's act of defiance against Cardin being the reason.
Then we have this morning, I had been mulling over what happened in the cafeteria after sparring class and with Yang how long it took for her to go to the bathroom.
Ruby also quietly mentioned to me she hadn't seen any sign of Zen, now could I equate the two and say there was a direct connection, possibly, was it more likely a coincidence, indeed.
But as I sat there, one thing was on my mind.
I should talk with him.
I've been meaning to have a one to one chat with him, but he seems to always busy, either doing his studies and when he's not its either training with Ruby or Penny or both.
And that covers pretty much everything, for the most part that is.
Now I'm just sitting here waiting for him, going over it all so I can be sure I have everything in order for when he does show.
He should be here by now...
AN: And another chapter has been posted, though it is one month behind.
However, what I had originally intended was for this chapter plus the next to be jammed into one, but I hadn't even finished writing half of the chapter and the word count was already over 14k.
So to mix things up a little I decided to break it up into two chapters (maybe even three, who knows, not sure yet).
Now for the chapter itself; if unsure as to what is going on this chapter, let me reveal all, so the chapter is broken up into two sections: Weiss in the 'present'/future reflecting on every event she has witness, hence why most of this chapter is in italics as these are suppose to be her memories and thoughts. The second is the present outside of Weiss thoughts, ie a normal chapter with events carrying on (and leading up to the 'present' Weiss).
And not to spoil anything really, but these memories will help form the basis for the next chapter as Weiss talks to Zen, she has reflected on the past events and now can fully layout her perceived version of events with her friends to Zen.
In other news, the trailer for the Japanese Anime version of RWBY, RWBY Icequeendom has been released, and it does look good... I just can't wait for it to come out.
But that is unfortunately in contrast to the news of Foo Fighters' Drummer Taylor Hawkins passing at age 50, Rest In Peace man, and thank you for providing your sound and talent to my all time favourite bands.
Until the next chapter (Which hopefully should be sooner that the time for this one and the last).