Hello. Just a quick notice. I'm trying to make the chapters longer to force myself to improve. So as they come out the gap between them might get longer. Just wanted you guys to know.
RWBY is the property of Rooster Teeth
Little Nightmares is the property of Bandai Namco
Chapter 2: Making 'Friends'
Ruby flailed and squirmed. Struggling in vain to break free of her captor's grip. She made a mistake, she let her guard down and now she was trapped. At the mercy of the one who had ensnared her. Still, she would not surrender. Not now, not ever.
Taiyang laughed as he embraced his thrashing daughter. He knew that she hated this. The death bear hugs he and his firstborn gave were Ruby's bane. They were often given as a joke at the red cloak's expense. Right now, though, he just wanted to hold her as tightly as possible. Not knowing when he would be able to again
"Sheesh, dad. If you want Ruby to stay so badly you could have just said so." Yang chuckled, standing further along the boarding platform. The loyal family corgi, Zwei, barked happily at the scene while sitting next to the brawler.
"Please stop." Ruby groaned, only to have the air driven from her lungs by another squeeze.
Tai chuckled one last time before releasing his little girl. "Sorry, Ruby. I'm just so proud of you." He said ruffling the girl's reddened black locks. "Stopping a robbery and getting a scholarship to Beacon two years early on the same night. If your mother was here, she'd be crying."
Ruby smiled, just as Tai had hoped. The thought of Summer approving her daughter's actions always lifted her spirits, and conveniently forget her discomfort from his affection. He wants her in high spirits for this.
"Yeah." Yang stepped up, putting an arm over her sister's shoulders. "You took on Roman Torchwick and sent him running. You're freaking awesome Sis."
Tai did not entirely agree. Reckless and impulsive sounded more accurate. At least until he considered what his youngest had done. She was impulsive, but never reckless like Yang. There was also the fact that she took after her mother in more ways than looks.
'Summer would have done the same thing.' He thought with a bit of melancholy as he watched his daughters. The clear blue sky and wide-open ocean behind them.
The boarding platform at Patch's airport offered a great view of the shoreline. The circular tower has over a dozen such platforms. With over half perpetually assigned to cargo haulers. Patch was never a tourist trap, but it was essential to Vale's trading economy. No matter its contents, every shipment coming and going from Vale passes through here. Everything gets reorganized and checked within the surrounding buildings. Safer to divide the bullheads going into Vale these days with the rising crime rate in the city.
Call him overbearing if you want, but the safety of his girls has always been his top propriety. Since recovering from his latest and hopefully last depression. When he got the news that Ruby had been skipped ahead, he congratulated her, before calling Glynda and demanding an explanation. Not daring to call Ozpin with his temper flaring. He did not trust his self-control to stop him from raging at the man.
Thankfully Glynda knew him well enough to ease his concerns. If anything happened to either of his girls, Glynda would call him immediately no matter what Ozpin says.
Tai knew the risks and costs. Better than most huntsmen. But he could not stop them. What kind of father would that make him? To deny his daughters their dream.
"Looks like our ride is almost here." Yang grinned while Ruby put on her backpack.
"Last chance to back out. No one will blame you for being chicken." Tai mocked playfully.
"Fat chance old man." Yang pulled her rucksack over her shoulder.
"Yeah! It's green lights to Beacon." Ruby cheered.
"Green lights, eh?" Tai grinned. "Too bad you don't know how to drive."
"Hey!" Ruby cried as Yang let out a chuckle.
"Oh, don't be so glum chum. The fish aren't hungry today." He joked.
"Augh." Ruby groaned, already defeated by his witty humor. Yang just laughed.
"No. No dad jokes today." Ruby lowered her head now downcast.
Tai smiled, he wanted to hit her with another. On some level, he knew she liked them. However, he seemed to be out of time as the airship arrived. Stopping alongside the platform with its boat-shaped hull. Doors slid open on its frame and a boarding ramp extended out connecting with the platform they stood on.
"Guess it's time to go." He said, keeping his voice level, and his tone chipper. He mustn't let his turmoil show. He had to support his girls, not discourage them. "You sure you packed everything? Spare clothes?"
"Yup." She replied with a nod.
"Utensils?"
"Yup."
"Your tools?"
Ruby picked up a red metal toolbox off the ground by her boots. Yang laughed at that.
"You might as well ask if she forgot how to breathe"
To Yang's credit, she was not far off. Ruby treasured her weapon, almost to the point where she never went anywhere without it. Same for her means of repair. Crescent Rose was durable, but far from indestructible. She always kept a small pouch on her in case repairs were needed.
Ruby frowned at her sister. "At least I don't waste lien on hair care products."
Yang scoffed, then with a smirk, she replied. "Hey, when you have this." She flourished her wild golden mane. "You accept nothing but the best."
"We'll see how long that attitude lasts without me to watch the numbers for you." Tai warned.
Yang's obsession with her hair was greater than Ruby's. When her strength began to develop, he received two broken fingers thanks to his lack of control when brushing it. He knew she had a temper. Signal tried and failed to teach her how much of a liability that was. Yang was just too good; he did not have the time to properly drill the lesson into her now. All he could do now was hope someone at Beacon was skilled enough to expose her weakness before she suffered from it.
His words at least had the desired effect here. Yang fell quiet and Ruby gave her a smug grin. Tai did not give her a chance to gloat. Arms outstretched he pulled her into a hug. Not the back-breaking trap he caught her in earlier. Just a gentle embrace, which she returned with her free arm. Yang joins in and they stayed like that for a moment. Zwei pranced happily around their feet.
"Promise me you'll look out for each other." He would not say he would miss them. They already knew that.
"We've always got each other's backs." Yang said breaking off the group hug.
"Xiao-Long Rose! Sisters forever." Ruby declared.
He smiled at his youngest's enthusiasm. "Ok, now git both of you. That flying bucket isn't going to wait all day."
Ruby was the first to respond. Kneeling to their beloved pet, who stood at attention for her. his tail swishing happily as she scratched his head.
"Bye Zwei." The dog barked when she stood back up
"Bye Dad." She said before giving him her own death hug. She did not have the same strength as her sister or himself, but he still felt the pressure on his back. An auraless person would break like dry bread.
"See you around little hero."
She released him and made her way to the boarding ramp. Then Yang stepped up to him.
"Keep her out of trouble, okay?"
"I'm her big sister pops. I'll always be there when she needs me."
"I know." Tai sighed. "You always have."
Now it was Yang's turn to try and break his back. Like Ruby, she had no luck, but that was never the point.
"I won't let anything happen to her again."
Tai gave no response. That topic spawned a train of thoughts in him that was best ignored. He needed to change the subject.
"Just remember to keep yourself out of trouble as well firecracker,"
It was a genuine concern. While Ruby often found herself in tense situations, Yang sought them out so she could beat them down. A stress-inducing result of her thrill-seeking nature and love for fighting. Her overwhelming confidence only made it worse. He was told by more than a few people, including guidance counselors, that it was a phase she would grow out of. He truly hoped they were right.
"And don't spend your entire budget on your hair." He added. "The school's money is for necessities. Five different shampoo and conditioner packages are a luxury."
Yang let out a nervous laugh. "Hehe. Ok well, I gotta go. Bye, dad." Quickly breaking off she snatched up her luggage and jogged to catch up with Ruby.
"I mean it, Yang!" He called out. "If I find out Ruby's lending you money, I'll sell all of your shampoos!"
He heard a distressed yell and a laugh from Ruby as they boarded the ship. He watched them wave as the doors sealed them inside and sighed as he finally felt he could stop being overly cheerful.
He was happy for them. Why wouldn't he? They were going to their dream school, together at that. Exactly as they wanted since they were children. It brought a sense of nostalgia.
'Were we any different?' He wondered. Referring to himself and his late wife. They were drawn in by the glamour and romanticized fantasies that all youths had.
The other half of his old team was a wake-up call from that mindset. Though his ideals were still the same. Even after graduation when they learned the full story, he still held the same values. The same for Yang's first year of life. The drama had hurt him but still, he kept his views the same. That was until Qrow came with the news.
After he managed to pull himself back together from the drowning depression that day brought him, he began to hate his old headmaster with a passion. If the two of them ever found themselves in the same room Tai was sure he would smash Ozpin's face in with that damned mug of his.
It was obvious why Ozpin did this. His actions had become transparent even to someone like Tai.
The old man was hinging his bets on Ruby's similarity to her mother. Hoping for another chance. The very notion sent rage spiking through Tai's brain. He'd burn Beacon to the ground before letting that happen again. Then he reminded himself that he did not have to. He knew his youngest and knew she would be alright.
Looking at his left hand he took note of the scars around the base of his thumb. It used to bother him, but right now however it was a reminder. That Ruby was not Summer. Ozpin wants to earn her trust as he did to team STRQ. He would not get that from Ruby. There was only one person on Remnant that his little girl had absolute trust in. Said person was with her right now.
A bark stirred him from his musings. He looked at the corgi who sat in front of him with a quizzical stare.
"Don't worry. They'll be fine." He smiled confidently as he watched the airship take off.
"Let's go home. I'll make you some mystery meat."
Zwei barked, excitedly jumping to his feet.
The interior of the airship was quite spacious, so much so that you would forget that it was a flying boat. Ten-meter-high ceilings and twenty-meters across at least. That was the lower floors where it was narrow. The passenger areas were even bigger. Yang walked through the threshold of the metallic sliding doors with her usual confident swagger. Stepping into the large chamber with a wooden floor and ceiling. Said floor was actually a platform. The second level of a two-part chamber. At the edge were padded benches and steel handrails. Beyond that were the towering glass windows, spanning top to bottom for both levels of the chamber. At the moment all the view provided was a still ocean and the faint specks of land at the edge of sight.
Yang scanned her surroundings. She had lost track of Ruby while they stored their luggage. Luckily there were only so many places for her sister to go, and that the separation was not deliberate. To her relief, she spotted her sister's red cloak at the far-right end of the platform. On her approach, she was forced to navigate the crowd of what she assumed were future classmates. They were all roughly her age, maybe a year or two older. Close to halfway, someone walked right into her. A blonde boy, wearing pieces of plate armor. He was bent forward like he just took a heavy punch to the gut. He groaned in discomfort from the sudden impact.
"So-sorry." He wheezed, not raising his head.
Yang was about to brush him off. Say it was nothing and move on. That thought died when she saw the twitch. The boy was keeping himself still, clearly afraid to move, his breathing slow. It was hard to see with the chest plate on, but she could see his stiff shoulder muscles, carefully maintaining his balance.
Recognizing the signs, Yang quickly backed away from him without a word. Almost knocking someone over. She did not apologize for this since she had been vindicated a second later.
The boy gagged for a moment before a mass of pinkish bile spewed from his mouth splattering the wooden floor. Everyone backed away from the vomit as he gagged for a moment longer. Taking in deep breaths he stood up straight and looked around sheepishly.
"Sorry. First time flying." He said to the crowd. "I-I'll go find something to clean up with."
The vomit boy then made for the exit; head hung low to avoid the mass of eyes watching him.
Yang almost felt sorry for him. You never get a second chance at a first impression. If he makes it to Beacon, he'll do it cursed with this moment. She could already hear the muttering around her. The name Vomit Boy was now and forever allotted to him. Such a shame. Hopefully, he can push passed it before graduation.
Continuing on, she stepped through the wandering crowds. Rays of light shone from the corners of the ceiling. Forming rectangular projections in the air. Mimicking the function of screens. Hopefully, it won't bother Ruby too much. On the projection was a mug shot of a man in a white suit with orange hair. Yang smiled at the sight of the wanted criminal. Roman Torchwick. The most dangerous man in Vale's underground if Yang had done her research right, those brokers were not easy people to talk to. The man has fought fully trained huntsmen and has never been caught since his rise to infamy a few years back.
She felt a bit of pride in her baby sister. Taking him on and winning. Ruby had told the full story. That Roman ran away, almost blowing a large shard of fire dust in her face. That was semantics. The win was that she kept the thief from taking anything. He ran away all the time, it was his M.O and usually with the goods. Preventing that was a win. Catching the man was a jackpot.
Her sister was lost in her own little world again. Leaning on the rail and staring out into the ocean. Not bothered by the hustle and bustle going on around her. Silver eyes transfixed on the expanse of water outside. Ruby was calm as usual when staring out into the sea. By far the tamest of her sister's quirks.
Yang walked up next to her and placed her arm over Ruby's shoulder. Her sister gasped at the sudden contact, before slowly turning her head without a word.
With a smile, Yang asked. "Enjoying the view?"
Ruby returned the smile. "Just waiting for you."
Yang saw her opportunity. Her sister was relaxed, her guard was down, and within Yang's reach. She would never react in time. Ruby's face turned from contentment to shock and betrayal as Yang trapped her sister in another death hug.
"How many times must I suffer today?" The red reaper groaned.
"I can't believe this is really happening. My baby sister is coming to Beacon with me."
"A decision I am starting to regret."
Yang did not lose her smile when releasing her sibling. Ruby could complain all she wanted; Yang knew she did not mean it.
"Too late to turn back now Sis. Don't pretend you're not as excited as me."
"Of course, I am." Ruby said getting her smile back. "Just a week ago we were getting ready to say goodbye. Now I'm here skipping two years of school."
"Still have no idea how you pulled that off, you little mastermind."
"Yang, I told you it wasn't planned. How could I have known that Ozpin was friends with Dad and Uncle Qrow?"
The blonde brawler silently agreed. It was quite a surprise when their dad admitted he was friends with the headmaster, as well as a lot of Beacon's staff. She could not wait to see what kind of juicy stories they could get out of the faculty. Maybe even stories about their mothers.
"And even if I did know. I don't have that level of planning."
"Oh really. Then what was up with all those quiet hours in your room all month? Were you planning something?"
Ruby kept quiet, her smile falling away. That made Yang concerned. Her sister was not faking it. Yang held her silence as well waiting for her sister to speak.
"I umm. I was thinking about how things would be after you left."
Oh. That.
"You were heading to Beacon. A boarding school in Vale. Leaving me stuck at Signal by myself. I was just trying to figure it out."
That notion had been forgotten in the last week. The excitement had erased it from the house. Ruby was not depressed, just worried. Not that it mattered anymore.
"Well, you can forget about that. I say we count our blessings and be happy we are tackling this together."
That helped raise her spirits again.
"Your right. This is exactly what we wanted. Yang and Ruby. The best team of their year." Ruby said her mood was lightening.
The cheer Yang was looking for was within reach.
"You got that right. Even if the other half drags us down, we'll whip them into shape." Yang laughed. "Right Ruby?"
"Heh heh. Right. The other half of our team." She drawled, turning to the window again.
Yang mentally cursed. She did not want to bring up the idea of having to work with others this soon. Caught in the moment Yang let her mouth slip.
'Oh well.' Yang thought, watching her sister try to go back to dreamland. 'Might as well try to spin it into something positive.'
"Ruby." Yang said grabbing her sister's shoulder. Ruby turned her head wordlessly, this time her features were downcast.
"What happened to all the excitement on the way here? Come on, we're heading to our dream school. Grimm hunting. Weapons by the dozen. Plenty of new people to meet."
Ruby grumbled something unintelligible at that last part, not meeting Yang's eyes.
"Look." Yang tilted Ruby's head up until silver met lilac. "I know you prefer to do things by yourself, you're not a people person, but this is something we have to go through. Remember what Dad said. Four members in a team. That means two people that you have to work with."
This would always be a tough sell. The silver-eyed trickster in front of her was never really good with other people. That would need to change if they wanted to have any chance of graduating.
"They'd just get in the way." Ruby argued.
"Then work around them. You're good at that." Yang retorted. "Besides, you can't go through this alone for four years."
"But I won't be alone. I'll have you."
"And what if I get put on a different team?"
Ruby's grip on the rail tightened significantly. Evidently, she had not considered that yet. It was entirely possible and probable. Their dad decided to leave that part out of his little rundown of the school.
Ruby was close to brooding now. Yang was getting close. One last card to play.
"Also, don't forget that you promised Dad you would at least try and make friends."
Ruby's eyes narrowed at her sister. She had hit home with that one.
"Fine." Ruby said begrudgingly.
"Atta girl. Just you wait everyone is gonna think you're the bee's knees."
"I don't wanna be the bee's knees. I don't wanna be any kind of knees."
"Well, that's too bad." Yang pulled her in so that they stood shoulder to shoulder staring out at the ocean. "You're awesome, whether you admit it or not. I see it and everyone else will too."
"You really think so?"
"Yup. This is just what you need. A fresh start. No more rep to make you look bad."
"I guess when you put it like that, I could give it a try."
"Great, so let's get started." Yang chirped, grabbing her sister's wrist and pulling her away from the platform's edge.
"Wait, Yang! What are you doing?" Ruby cried as she lost her grip on the rail and was dragged away into the crowd.
"Getting a head start. The sooner you get used to talking to people the easier it will be to get along with them." Yang explained, keeping an iron grip on her sister, and occasionally squeezing to make sure she was still there.
"I can talk to people just fine. You want me to walk up to some stranger and chat."
"They're only strangers until you get to know them."
"I did not agree to this!"
"Overruled. Now, who looks bored and alone. "It may be uncomfortable for her but some steps in growth need to be forced. Scanning the shifting current of people moving from one end of the platform to the other, she spotted a red-haired girl sitting alone on one of the benches. It would be awkward at first, but at least she would not be rude by interrupting a conversation.
Ruby inwardly groaned as Yang dragged her along. This was silly. Forced interactions with strangers. How was that supposed to work? What was the point of doing this now? She knew Yang only wants what was best for her. Which was why this made no sense to her.
Whatever, all she has to do is talk to whoever Yang picks out until they get to Beacon, easy.
Yang kept pulling Ruby's arm and she followed, stepping passed the little cliques of people to the other side of the platform.
The person Yang had picked out came into view. A girl with fiery red hair, bound into a ponytail by a bronze circlet. She wore what looked like a corset armor breastplate. Long black gloves. A bronze bracer on her left arm. Thigh-high red and bronze armored heel boots and a red miniskirt with a black belt topped with a buckle of a spear and shield.
This girl looked like a fighter. Another person aiming to become a huntress. Her build was up to par. The firm yet sleek musculature of her arms hinted that she was both strong and agile. A must-have when fighting Grimm.
At least this would be interesting. If the person in question is willing to speak with them. Maybe she could get some good information out of this. All she had to do was be nice and polite. Like Mom always said.
'Treat others the way you want them to treat you.'
"Helloo~." Yang greeted, stopping by the bench.
It took a second for the girl to notice Yang. Realizing that someone was greeting her, she stood up.
"Sorry. Did you want to sit here?" She asked in a nervous manner.
"Nope." Yang replied making the girl look uneasy. Was she shy? You would expect someone dressed like a gladiator to have a bit more confidence.
"My sister over here saw you sitting by yourself and thought you could use some company. It's a long way to Beacon, right Ruby?" Yang lied, pulling Ruby in front of the new girl.
Ruby refused to confirm or deny that claim, instead, she decided to greet.
"Umm. Hi." Ruby said awkwardly and inwardly cursing her sister.
"Hello." The girl replied.
"I'm Ruby Rose. What's your name?" It was forward but small talk tends to confuse shy people and she wanted this to go, smoothly.
The girl seemed put off by the question for a second. Ruby saw the confusion on her face.
"I'm Pyrrha Nikos."
"Nice to meet you." Ruby put on a smile and offered her a handshake. This was how she always greeted people.
Pyrrha still seemed apprehensive but took the hand Ruby offered.
"Nice to meet you too." Her grip was firm.
"The blonde dunce behind me is my sister Yang."
"Sup." Yang said leaning on the rail.
"You're sister?" Pyrrha asked, eyes darting between them.
"Half-sisters." Yang clarified. "Different moms."
"Oh. Sorry I didn't want to be rude. It's just you two looked so different."
"Don't sweat it." Yang rebuffed with a lazy wave. "Trust me. People have made some nasty comments about that, back at our school. You're as polite as it gets."
Ruby remembered those. Bunch of close-minded idiots. Yang got several weeks' worth of detention for punching their teeth in.
"Are you going to Beacon too?" Ruby asked.
"Yes, I am." Pyrrha answered, the unease ebbing away. Her posture was slightly more relaxed.
"Figured. You look like you're expecting a fight."
"Oh no. I... I'm just more comfortable in my armor." She replied sitting back down on the bench. Ruby decided to take a seat as well.
"I get that. I never go anywhere without my cloak." Ruby pulled her hood over her shoulder. "I feel exposed without it sometimes."
"Hmm. We all have our small comforts I guess." Pyrrha said now starting to smile.
"So, what's your story?" Yang interjected. "You actually some kind of gladiator or is this just your taste for combat gear?"
Pyrrha lost her smile for a moment, regaining it before it became obvious. Did Yang hit a touchy subject?
"Actually I am. In Mistral, I competed in the Regional Tournament once or twice." She admitted, in a manner that was factual. Ruby would expect someone to be boastful about something like that.
"You're from Mistral?" Ruby asked only now noticing Pyrrha's accent.
"Yes. I live in Argus. A port city connecting Atlas to Mistral. I trained at Sanctum Academy."
Yang whistled slowly. "That's quite a long way from here. Even with an airbus like this. Must have been a long trip?"
"It was. Luckily my family planned ahead. I flew over to Patch three days ago and stayed at Silver Shoals, to rest up for today."
Now both Ruby and Yang balked at that. "No way. You got a room at Silver Shoals?" Yang asked.
"Yes. Is there something wrong with that?"
"No. Just that place is really high class. The prices are insane. Like only the fat cats in Atlas can afford to stay there on the day-to-day."
"Oh? Well, I guess I didn't know."
"Hey, Yang. Maybe we should compete in those tournaments? Having money like that could be useful." Ruby proposed.
"Hell yeah. Now that sounds like fun." Yang cheered.
Pyrrha looked completely relaxed now. Whatever was bothering her was now rendered moot.
"While the hotel was nice. The island itself was something else. Beautiful, and far tamer than the Mistral wilds."
"Yup, that's Patch." Yang sighed. "Our happy home."
"You two live there?"
"Our whole life."
"Well, I can say you're quite lucky. It's so peaceful compared to Argus."
"Has so great Grimm hunting grounds too." Ruby added, making Yang snicker and Pyrrha blink.
"What?" Ruby asked responding to Pyrrha's stare.
"I'm sorry. It's just that doesn't sound like something to get excited about. In fact, it sounds very dangerous."
"Yeah." Yang agreed. "But you have to admit that it makes for great training."
"You go into Grimm-infested areas for practice?"
"Our goal is to become huntresses." Ruby declared proudly. "Huntresses fight the Grimm. Mock fights and classroom lessons don't compare to going up against the real thing."
In truth, the hunting of the Grimm was her idea. There was a lot of resistance to it at first from all sides. Even from Yang in the beginning. Ruby had gotten into a fair bit of trouble for it until she managed to prove herself. She did not regret it. The results speak for themselves.
"You two sound really committed." Ruby could have sworn she heard approval in Pyrrha's tone.
"On the note of becoming a huntress, I have a question for you Ruby." Pyrrha said.
"What is it?"
"How old are you?"
Ruby did not need to look to know Yang was grinning. It did not take long for this girl to notice.
"Fifteen."
"Aren't you a bit young to be going to Beacon? No offense."
"Well, I am, but I..."
The bench shook slightly as Yang plopped right next to Ruby. Hugging her with one arm.
"My amazing little sister got moved up by two whole years."
Now it was Pyrrha's turn to look surprised. "That's impressive."
Ruby was about to downplay it. Say it was dumb luck and her obsession with weapons working in her favor. But Yang spoke first.
"I know, wait till you hear how it happened." Yang turned around and pointed at one of the holographic screens. "See that guy."
Ruby and Pyrrha turned, following Yang's finger. The moment the projection entered Ruby's line of sight she turned away. She already knew what was on those screens. Ruby never watches the news, but she does listen. Right now, Lisa Lavander was listing damages done to another dust shop by Roman, who had robbed it the previous night.
"IS he some local crime boss?" Pyrrha asked.
"Not sure if he's a boss actually." Yang replied. "But get this. Last week he robbed a dust shop. He walks in all calm and cool. Just another job. But what he doesn't know is that this huntress-to-be was there waiting for him."
"No, I wasn't." Ruby objected. "Don't listen to Yang, she'll twist the story and make sound like a vigilante."
"Just trying to make you look cool, Sis." Yang said.
"OK." Pyrrha chuckled. "So, what were you doing there?"
"I was reading a weapons magazine with my headphones on. I uu..." Ruby looked down and pointed her index fingers together. "I didn't see them come in."
Pyrrha chuckled slightly at that. "Then what happened?"
"One of his henchmen tapped me on the shoulder. He probably thought I was a helpless little girl. The joke's on him. I kicked him through the store window and took out the rest of Roman's goon."
"Impressed yet?" Yang asked. "Beating down a notorious criminal and his cronies by oneself is pretty cool right?"
"Yang..." Ruby drawled and Pyrrha just smiled.
"Yes. Very. You must be skilled to take on a known criminal."
While not incorrect, Ruby had failed to mention that she was not aware that it was Roman at the time. If she did she would have been more careful, and managed to land a hit before he got away.
"You bet she is. Not to mention you're looking at someone with a five-year unbroken winning streak." Yang bragged pointing a thumb at herself.
"Five years?"
"Yup." Ruby said. "She plans on extending it to nine while we're at Beacon."
"What about you? You competed in tournaments, so you've got to have some wins under your belt." Yang inquired.
"Well, I don't like to boast but it has been a while since my last loss as well." Pyrrha replied politely, trying her best to sound humble.
"Oh ho. Color me interested. What do ya say to a few sparring matches after we get into Beacon?" Yang asked, the excitement of a proper challenge clear in her voice.
"I might take you up on that." The gladiator answered happily. It was only now that Ruby notice noticed her eyes. Deep emerald and there was an intensity in it that Ruby had only seen in her sibling. Interesting, this girl liked to fight as well.
"Hello and welcome to Beacon." Came a mature voice.
Down to the girls' right, a holographic projection of Glynda Goodwitch appeared off the edge of the platform.
"Hey, it's that lady who was with Ozpin." Yang said. "What was her name again?"
"My name is Glynda Goodwitch." The hologram answered.
"Oh."
Ruby squinted at the hologram. To her eyes, it looked fuzzy, and the words sounded slightly distorted. Was this how it was supposed to be? She was under the impression that hologram technology had become quite reliable in recent years. A slight pain shot through her skull. Why was she getting a headache? Her scroll was off.
"You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy. Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace and as future huntsmen and huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task. Now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and training to protect our world."
The hologram disappeared and Ruby's headache along with it. On the platform and the level below people were being drawn to the edge. Ruby herself stood up and the sight filled her with a sense of awe.
"Wow." She said at the sight of Beacon Academy.
It truly was a sight. The three towering spires atop a massive structure, built upon a clifftop. Beneath it, three waterfalls rained down into a beautiful clear lake. The water was still and shone with such brilliance you would think it was made of diamonds.
"Now that is something to look forward to." Yang stated.
"We can see the entire city from here." Pyrrha added.
Ruby continued to stare at Beacon. Until something else caught her attention. A smell. A rancid smell that resembled bad meat. Looking around she spotted something on her sister's left boot.
"Yang."
"Yeah, Sis?"
"You have vomit on your shoe."
Yang looked down and seeing the pinkish stain on her boot, she curled her fists in disgust.
"Augh! Gross!"
Silence is a blessing to the ears. The state in which the chaos of the world ceased. All of its distractions, all of its burdens being temporarily lifted from her shoulders. When all was silent she could simply be. No posture, no manners, no smiling for the cameras, no prancing along a tyrant's strings, fearing the day they get cut.
Just her, her thoughts, and her only means of expressing her feelings. The scratching of pencil on paper did not reach her ears. Her practiced hands made the endeavor near soundless. The feeling of contentment and satisfaction was visibly expressed on her face. Cherished moments, these times of silence. At times she wished they would forever.
"Miss Schnee."
Until they were broken.
Her attendant, whose name had never been revealed to her, walked in through the sliding door of her private suite.
Closing the small A5 notebook in her hands, she addressed the man. "Yes?"
"We have reached the Kingdom of Vale and shall arrive at Beacon Academy within the hour."
A cheery smile formed on her face. Not one of those practiced smiles that she has to wear for the cameras of the press and her audience. A genuine smile.
"Thank you." She replied formally. "Have my luggage prepared for me. I want to disembark the moment we land."
"Yes, Miss Schnee." He replied with a slight bow before walking out, the doors sliding shut behind him.
Placing the book against the armrest of her seat she stood up and walked over to the closest porthole. Peering through it she saw the large storehouses of Vale's dockyards. It was as her sister described it. Crude. At least when compared to Atlas.
Excitement welled up in her chest. She did it. Finally, she was away from that man and his suffocating presence. Always watching her, looming over her. Jabbing at her confidence and self-esteem with every word he spoke. His plan ever to break her down. Not anymore. Now she was out of his reach. His words could not reach her here. She almost wanted to drop all pretense of self-control and break down laughing at her success. As well as her father's subsequent failure to bar her from this path. The pure satisfaction of her victory was enough to have her grinning all the way to this suite. She beat him, she actually beat him. That itself would cause problems in the future. While he was likely oblivious to it, his ego was the size of the company he ran and she bruised it. The man's greatest weakness and the only one she could exploit without any serious consequences. This airship was an example. No way his 'precious daughter' would be left alone amongst the lower classes.
She was a Schnee and the Schnees were the best. Thus they deserved the best. All she had to do was prove it. Starting with Initiation, she would choose only the best for her team. From there she would climb the rankings. Make a reputation for herself outside the Company's influence. Become stronger like her sister. By the end of it, no one would doubt that Weiss Schnee is the perfect heir to her family's legacy.
But first, she had to freshen up. Beacon would see her best or not at all.
Beacon Academy was even more impressive up close. The towers were so tall you would think they would topple from a light breeze. Especially the central spire. Ruby almost hurt her neck looking up at it. The gardens outside the landing pads were quite lush. Very well maintained. Everything was green and neatly cut. Very well maintained. It felt like a royal palace from one of her novels.
Stepping down the ramp and off the pad. Ruby, Yang, and Pyrrha admired the scenery.
"The view from Vale got nothing on this." Yang said crossing her arms.
"It gives off such a welcoming atmosphere." Pyrrha complimented.
Ruby was not listening, her focus was on people walking around the gardens. They already had their gear, and she was taking notes. There were a few she recognized from Signal, those were uninteresting. The ones she had not seen before were exotic. Interlocking scimitars. Magnetic scattering fan blades. A mechshift battle axe topped with a double-barreled shotgun. Her gaze darted from one to the next, wanting to examine each one, to find flaws she might exploit should she come to blows with them. Perhaps she should study the system for their equipment lockers.
"Ruby." Yang called out, prompting Ruby to turn away.
"Easy there little sister. We just got here." Yang chided. "And besides they're just weapons."
Ruby felt her blood rise. Such blatant blasphemy always upset her. Not only did Yang insult Cresent Rose, but her own Ember Celcia too. Works of art that represented the souls of the individuals who crafted them. These were not some factory-made peashooters from Atlas. These were extensions of there their wielders. To downplay them was to insult the owner.
Ruby wanted to argue back like every other time Yang brought it up. She kept her silence though. Not taking the bait like she had done a hundred times before. Instead, all she did was give Yang a disapproving stare.
"Are you alright?" Pyrrha asked.
"She's fine." Yang answered. "She just really likes weapons."
Ruby was expecting Yang to use the old 'gun nut' jab again. Apparently, she was saving that for later.
"Now let's go get our stuff. They should be unloaded by now." Yang made to walk down to the rear of the ship where a crowd of passengers had gathered.
Ruby made to follow but Yang stopped her with an open palm. "Not you Lil Sis."
"What? Why?"
"We're not done with you making friends."
"Come on Yang. We've already met Pyrrha." Ruby gestured to the redhead who stood looking perplexed. "Isn't that enough for today?"
"Nope. You still have to prove you can make one on your own."
Ruby groaned, once again, exasperated by her sister. "Why now?"
"Because Initiation is tomorrow and on the off chance we don't become partners I want to know you'll try to get with whoever you get stuck with."
Ruby's shoulders slumped. "But... but my Crescent Rose. My tools."
"I'll take care of them for you. With love and care."
"Fine." Ruby sighed. "What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to roam around these gardens and get into a conversation with someone. A proper conversation. When orientation starts I want you to introduce me. If you can't I want a name and description of their appearance and personality. Alright?"
"Alright." Ruby agreed clearly not enthused.
"Great. Come on P-Money." Yang turned and walked off with Pyrrha.
"P-Money?" Pyrrha asked as they walked out of earshot.
Once they were out of sight Ruby groaned in frustration. Friends. Friends. Friends. What was so important about having friends? They just got in the way or got her into trouble. She did not need friends to be a huntress. She would prove this to her sibling, but for now, she would play along.
On the bright side, she would be able to see more weapons. A silver lining in all this.
So she set off down the path and got her wish. There were so many different weapons that she felt like a kid in a candy store. Unfortunately, everyone around her was in groups of two or more. Meaning that she could not start a conversation with them as they would likely greet her, brush her off, and continue their own conversations. If she wanted to pull this off she would need to borrow Yang's tactic. Target someone who is alone.
She searched the area thoroughly examining each group of people she passed by, hoping someone would break off from their little chats. In this pursuit, she found that the gardens were quite vast. Bigger than the Signal Academy grounds. She had spent over thirty minutes searching and now people were starting to clear out.
However, her fortunes seemed to have a change of heart. Finding herself in a clearing, lined with cobblestone, circled by rows of trees and bushes. Centered around a stone fountain. Sitting at the fountain was a blonde boy. From what she could see he was wearing armor on his upper body. His posture and hunched back suggested a state of discomfort. By his side was a golden sword hilt set atop a boxy scabbard.
Ruby was apprehensive, this one was most likely in a sour mood. Reducing the chance of him actually conversing with her. She had to try anyway, she was running out of time.
"Beggers can't be choosers." She mumbled stepping closer to him.
Taking a deep breath she recited the steps in her mind. Be polite, show concern, try to empathize with them, and do your best to appear genuine.
"Are you okay?" Ruby asked.
The boy's response was him raising an open palm. She stopped walking. His next action was changing the open palm to one extended index finger. He was asking her to wait for a moment. He was wearing brown fingerless gloves. Using her sharpened hearing she could hear him regulating his breathing, and Dad said those hunts were a waste of time.
With an audible exhale he answered. "All good, thanks."
Raising his head and straightening his posture he greeted her. "Hi."
"Hi." She said back. Taking in his appearance. His clothes were functional and basic. Designed for the outdoors and is meant to be long-lasting. All of it is market standard. Either this person was practical or they just did not care for being flashy.
"You're sure you're okay?"
"It's just motion sickness I'll be fine." He answered waving his hand around dismissively.
"First time flying?"
He gave a dry laugh. "Didn't think it would feel so awkward up there."
"If you need to puke, I recommend doing it in the bushes. The gardeners might get upset if they have to drain the fountain to scrub away your lunch." Ruby said, hoping he would see it for the joke it was supposed to be. People were very easy to offend.
He gave a half-hearted chuckle and said. "Don't worry, already happened before we landed."
This was an honest person. Or a very decent liar. Maybe she had found her new 'friend'.
"I'm Ruby Rose. What's your name?"
"Jaune Arc. Short. Sweet. Rolls off the tongue. Ladies love it."
She could not hold back a grin, because of how goofy that sounded. Was he seriously putting on the womanizer act? On one hand, it annoyed her. He did not have the looks for it at all. On the other, it would be hilarious watching him flounder the attempt.
"Do they?" She asked.
"They will." He held up his hands defensively, for a moment before dropping them in a defeated manner. "Well I-I hope they will. My mom always says... ah never mind."
She almost snickered. It was even worse than she thought. Still, she needed to be polite. He was nice enough to deserve that.
"Nice to meet you." She offered her hand.
He stood up and took it. "Same here."
His grip was mild.
"So dumb question. What brings you to Beacon?" She asked.
"To be a huntsman. Why else?"
Ruby was hoping for a bit more than that. Then again she did not need to know his motivations.
"That your weapon?" She asked gesturing to the sword at his belt.
"Yeah. It is."
"Can I see it?"
He drew the sword from the scabbard. " It's not much to look at." Taking the scabbard off his belt he held it in his left hand. Its white frame widened into the shape of a shield.
The design premise was simple as far as transforming weapons go. Yet she could see that it had been made with care. Even if the sword was a normal sword it was still of excellent quality.
"Hmm. What did you make it from?" Ruby asked.
"Umm. What?" He asked, thrown off by her question.
"What did you use to make your weapon?" She clarified.
"What makes you think I made it?"
That nearly threw her for a loop. Until she remembered not everyone did things the way she did. She answered him. His response would give clarity to her suspicions.
"In combat school, or at least at Signal, we're required to forge our own weapons."
"You make your weapons?"
"Yes. What about you?"
"Mine's a hand-me-down." He collapsed the shield and placed the sword within before clipping it back on his belt. "My great-great-grandfather used it during the war."
"Sounds like a family heirloom to me."
"Sorry if it's not as flashy as the other weapons here."
"Don't be. It's a classic. Nothing wrong with starting at your roots."
"You think so?"
"Yeah. Besides, no one says that you're stuck with it, and you can always modify it later. I heard Beacon has its own weapons forge." She said with no small hint of excitement.
"Oh really? That's awesome. The more I hear about this place the cooler it gets."
"I know, right?"
"So what about you? Where's your weapon?"
"Oh. My Crescent Rose is still with my luggage my sister is..."
Move
Ruby stopped speaking as she felt something spring from the back of her thoughts. Not a word, not a phrase. A need. A compulsion that carried a powerful sense of alarm with it.
With no time to think Ruby grabbed Jaune by the shoulders and threw him to the side. Something came barreling in from behind and she just barely managed to step out of its path as it crashed into the stone of the fountain. Unfortunately for Ruby, she lost her balance and fell. Her skull impacted the cobblestone path.
Now dazed and on her back, she stared up at the blue sky, her vision blurring and her head throbbing in pain. A wave of dizziness fell over her.
"Hey." Called a soft voice beside her.
Wincing from the pain she closed her eyes and turned her head to the side. The sight that greeted her was a pair of small bare feet. Trailing upwards, she found this person wearing some worn brown long pants. A light brown shirt and an old dirty trench coat. This person was very small, most likely a child. What was a kid doing at Beacon? It was peculiar, but not as much as the paper bag this boy had on his head with two holes cut into it.
Ruby stared at him for a moment. Trying to focus past the pain. This boy felt familiar.
"Hey." He said with a clearer voice this time.
Kneeling down the boy reached out to her. She felt a pang of sorrow in her chest. As he was about to touch her, she blinked, and he was gone. In his place knelt Jaune.
"Hey!" He shook Ruby by the shoulders.
Ruby winced again. The paint was starting to fade.
"Are you okay?" He asked worriedly.
"I'm...I'm fine." Ruby replied brushing his hand away and pushing herself up.
"You sure? That was a pretty hard fall."
"No worries. My aura will take care of it."
"Your what?"
"Unbelievable!" Shouted a new voice.
Both witnessed a pale-skinned girl with long white hair, set in an off-center ponytail, walking up to them. She wore a strapless white dress, the hem of which reminded Ruby of snowflakes. Over that, she wore a white bell-sleeved bolero with red inner linings. She had a white sash around her waist. Lower down she had white weighted heeled boots.
Behind her were two men dressed in dark suits. One was getting down on one knee, and the other was pushing a cart full of briefcases.
The girl in white marched towards the fountain. She did not look happy.
Ruby turned her attention to the fountain. Another cart had crashed into the stone. Knocking all its cargo off. Scattering the small cases across the cobblestone. One close to her had been knocked open with some of its contents being thrown out.
They were dust vials. All of the basic four elements. One rolled over to her. Picking it up she saw that the glass was cracked. That was bad. Especially if it contained dust in powdered form. In the briefcase, she saw dust vials contained, in four rows of five. Around thirteen had been knocked loose and at least seven showed signs of damage. Not good.
Standing up she ignored Jaune's protests and the fading pain. She picked up the open case and placed the fire dust vial inside. She proceeded to collect all of the scattered vials. Handling the damaged ones with care. They could not afford to be broken. This case had to be disposed of before someone got hurt.
On the last vial, she meant to return it to the case until it was snatched from her hand. The girl in white stood before her. Anger was evident in her icy blue eyes. The scar over her left eye added to it.
"What are you doing?" She asked, her tone accusatory.
Ruby meant to reply but the girl did not let her.
"This dust is the property of the Schnee Dust Company. Don't go thinking you can just take it." She said shaking the vial around. Ruby spied red dust coming out of it. That one must have a hole in it.
Ruby backed away, Making sure not to jostle the case in her hands. She did not want to breathe in that stuff.
"I wasn't..." Ruby tried to object, but the girl cut in again.
"Don't bother denying it, when you're holding the evidence."
From the side, Jaune stepped in. "Actually. I think she was trying..."
"You stay out of this!" The girl ordered and Jaune backed down. What a hero.
"And you! Hand that over." She barked, grabbing the case in Ruby's hands.
Ruby did not release her grip as the girl pulled. Ruby braced her stance. Standing firm. Doing her best to keep the case from shaking too much. She could not hand it over to this girl without telling her of the danger.
"Let go!" The girl demanded.
"Wait!" Ruby protested. "The vials! They're not...'
"I said let go!" The girl yelled and with a pull that threw her off her own feet. The case was torn from Ruby's hold and was sent flying.
As Ruby had not secured the clamps on it, the case spread open in mid-air dumping all the vials around the fountain. Also, when the girl fell the vial in her hand also escaped and took flight. Which just so happened to also be fire dust.
Descending like a warhead, the vial exploded on impact with the ground. Causing all its contemporaries to follow suit. What followed was a chain reaction of explosions equal to that of hand grenades. Until it reached the pile of cases still strewn about the cart. Enough vials had landed near it for the explosions to breach the cases and ignite the dust within.
The final explosion was powerful enough that all three of them were thrown across the clearing.
Ruby lay on the ground once more. Her body felt wet. Her clothing clung to her, and her cloak felt heavy. Sitting up she beheld the aftermath of that little disaster.
The fountain had been obliterated; loose stones dotted the clearing along with a giant scorch mark across the flagstones. Around that the ground was wet. Including where she sat. Somehow, she had been soaked.
"Ugh! I can't believe this!" The girl in white yelled as she stood up. She had been drenched too.
"That was high-quality dust powder. Mined and purified in the Schnee quarry in Atlas." She glared down at Ruby. "You dolt! Do you have any idea how much that was worth?"
Rising to her feet, Ruby took her cloak and wrapped it up so she could ring the water out of it. "Why the heck would you bring so much dust with you?" She asked. "The school has a whole storehouse for us to use." Her tone bordered on the edge of neutrality. The danger was gone, and she had no interest in being around someone who carelessly causes trouble.
"Don't try and change the subject." This girl likes to bark around orders, Ruby noted.
"That was SDC property you just destroyed. As well as damage to the academy grounds. Then there was the obvious danger you put us in."
Ruby's eyes hardened, was this girl blaming her for everything? She was about to check up on Jaune when she heard a rustling noise from the bushes. Someone was watching them.
"Hey, I'm talking to you." The girl berated. "What have you got to say for yourself?"
Ruby did not reply she was not going to take this. She did not even want to be here. This prissy princess could go cry to her butlers. Ruby was going to take Jaune, go dry off and find Yang.
"Yes, Miss Rose. What do you have to say for yourself?" Came another voice, one she had heard earlier today. Only now the distortion behind it was gone.
The sound of heels clicking on stone forced her to stop and address the latest complication to her day.
"Ah oh." She said as Glynda Goodwitch approached them.
Weiss was livid. This was not how her arrival at Beacon was supposed to play out. It was meant to be her debut. To walk in proud and confident. Setting an example to her peers and representing the Schnee family.
Instead, one of her aids trips, losing her dust. Some red-cloaked thief tries to steal from her and ends up destroying all of it. The fountain got caught in the blast, soaking her from head to toe.
Now here she was dressed in a plain shirt and shorts. Sitting on a medical bed in the school infirmary. Next to the two idiots who got her into this embarrassing predicament. Both had the same clothes she did.
As expected from a prestigious academy like Beacon, it had its own laundromat. Their clothes had been taken to be cleaned and dried, followed by a medical check-up for any lasting injuries. So far, all three of them were in the green.
When Miss Goodwitch arrived Weiss told her everything that happened. This thief would get her punishment. The school would probably expel her. That was only fitting for putting others in danger.
Weis glanced over at the two of them. They were still talking to each other. After the check-ups, the two began to converse. They had tried to include her, specifically the blonde boy. She did not answer. She had not spoken a word to them since they got here.
"Seven sisters?" Asked the girl.
"And I'm the only brother."
"Yikes. That sounds rough."
"It is. I'm the one who always sets the tables."
The girl stifled a laugh. "I bet they're crying without you around."
"I hope not. I may not survive the reunion."
Weiss' frown deepened. Why were they so upbeat? Did they forget how much trouble they were in? This was a very serious situation. Not a time for pointless jokes. Even if Weiss did not get the worst, it was still a mark on her record.
Did they not know? Or did they not care? Weiss gripped the bedsheets in frustration. This was unfair. She had to meticulously plan and work to get here. It took her weeks of carefully dancing around her father's patience. Then came the final hurdle, where he raised the stakes to all or nothing.
She traced the scar over her left eye. It might have been the result of a misstep, but it was a mark of victory. Proof that she deserved to be here. That she had earned her place at the best huntsman academy on Remnant. She wanted to be the best, so she needed to learn from the best. The fact that it was half a world away from her family was just a bonus.
Which begs the question. Why were these two here? Two seemingly careless people. What did they have to go through to get here? Probably nothing. They probably just got lucky. Those few who just barely managed to reach the mark. Not that it mattered.
Beacon only took the best, these two would likely fail Initiation. Then she would never see them again.
The two stopped talking as the door to the infirmary opened. In walked Miss Goodwitch, followed by the headmaster himself.
Weiss sat up a little straighter now. it was bad enough for her to meet him in such circumstances, but the way she was dressed only made it worse.
The three of them stood by their beds as the two teachers walked up to them.
"I see it's been an eventful first day." Ozpin commented, stopping in front of the girl who stood the furthest away from Weiss.
"Is everyone alright?" He asked.
"I'm alright." Said the girl.
"Nothing broken." Answered the boy.
"No lasting damage sir." Weiss answered, glancing at them again. Did they not know how to talk respectfully? The headmaster was right in front of them.
"That's good." Ozpin said in a calm voice. "I have already been told about what happened."
Weiss held her breath. What punishment was he going to dish out?
"I understand that this is your first day, but I suggest you all work on your communication skills before you suffer worse than a few bumps."
Communication skills? What was he talking about? The situation was clear. Had she not spoken clearly to Miss Goodwitch?
"Miss Rose." Ozpin said, looking at the girl. "I appreciate your intentions during this event. Cracked dust vials are very dangerous."
Weiss blinked. Cracked? Her vials were cracked. That could not be right.
"However, perhaps you should express your intent a little sooner, so others understand. Instead of acting on your own accord."
"I'll remember that for next time." She answered flatly. Weiss frowned; this girl has no respect.
The headmaster smiled a little, which confused Weiss. Why was he happy? She just disrespected him. Was he faking it to test them? If so Weiss was not going to fall for it.
The headmaster turned to the boy. "I'm sorry." Ozpin apologized walking up to him. "I do not recognize you. What is your name?"
The boy looked nervous, good; he understands how serious this is. "Jaune Arc. Sir."
Ozpin turned to Miss Goodwitch, who was tapping on her scroll. She looked up and gave the headmaster a nod.
"My mistake. I browsed the registry earlier and I must have missed you. My age appears to be catching up with me these days." Did the headmaster just joke?
"It's alright, sir." Jaune said, his posture more relaxed.
"Thank you, young man. You help put this incident in proper perspective."
"Just saying what I saw, sir."
"You can drop the sirs. This isn't Atlas Academy."
With that, his attention turned to Weiss.
"You must be Weiss Schnee." He assumed walking up to her.
"I am, Headmaster." She responded, maintaining eye contact and keeping her voice level and her tone pleasant.
"While I admire your preparedness, bringing over twenty cases of dust was quite excessive."
Weiss blinked again. Was he reprimanding her?
"There is a fully stocked storehouse below us for students to requisition from. So, you need not worry about your loss."
Weiss' cheeks felt hot. This was embarrassing. How could she not know that? Wait, what about the damages? The fountain? Did Miss Goodwitch not believe her?
"Still?" Said Miss Goodwitch. "I suggest you read the documents we sent along with your acceptance letter in full before tomorrow."
Weiss' blush darkened. In her excitement at receiving the letter on their scroll, she forgot to read it. She forgot to take a second look as that was when her father had proposed his little challenge to her. Winter would berate her for such a mistake. Whitely would grin and snicker when she was not looking. Father would just be disappointed.
From the corner of her eye, she could see the Rose girl smiling and giving her a sideways glance. The heiress grits her teeth. Weiss made a mental note to absolutely crush this girl when classes start. See how smug she could be then.
"She can do that later Glynda. Right now, we must welcome our latest applicants." Ozpin said, stepping back from three, tapping his cane on the tiled floor he spoke again.
"You three have come to Beacon to develop new your skills and hone your abilities. Here you hope to find the knowledge to achieve this. You hope that this will give your lives meaning and purpose. Such is the road we walk. In search of purpose and in the name of purpose. Yet knowledge can only pave the path before you. Never forget that whether together or alone. Only you can move your feet along the path you choose. Welcome to Beacon."
"Sounds like you've had a busy first day." Yang said setting up her temporary mattress.
"Yeah" Ruby drawled, laying back on a pillow resembling the face of her loyal companion Zwei. She stared up at the ceiling of Beacons ballroom, where all this year's applicants were assembled. Both she and Yand were dressed in their pajamas. "Never thought I'd see so many people sleeping in one place. It's wierd."
"I think it's cool." Yang said crashing down onto her mattress beside Ruby. "It's like a big slumber party."
"I don't think Dad would approve of all the boys though."
"I know I do." Yang growled while staring at all the bare-chested males around.
"Gross Yang."
"Just wait, little Sis. You won't be saying that for long." Yang grinned.
"Not in this lifetime. I plan to stay a free woman."
"Everyone says that, Rubes. You're no different. Someday you'll meet someone and then." The blonde closed her eyes and proceeded to make fake kissing noises. Ruby's response was to slap Yang's face with a pillow.
Yang laughed and continued speaking. "So, on the topic of meeting new people. Tell me about this Jaune. He sounds like a nice guy."
"He's the boy in the onesie." Ruby pointed down the ballroom to the figure of Jaune wearing a blue rabbit onesie.
The sight made Yang cringe. "He definitely needs to update his wardrobe."
"I did figure something out about him."
"OH? What is it?" Yang listened intently; her sister always had excellent observation skills.
"I think he's the one who got vomit on your shoe this morning."
"Oh, so he's the Vomit Boy." Yang said, laying back as well. "I'll give him a good jab tomorrow ane we'll be even."
"A shame I caused so much trouble for him. He just wanted to help."
"It wasn't your fault, Ruby. It was that stuck-up princess. Spoiled rich kids from Atlas are always like that."
"It's heiress actually." Both girls looked up craning their necks to get an upside-down view of the speaker.
She was a tall girl with long dark hair. Her posture was regal and reserved. Under one arm was a pillow, and in the hand of her other arm was a book. Her eyes were amber and atop her head was a black bow.
"Mind if I sit there?" Asked the new girl, pointing to the empty mattress next to Yang.
"Not at all." Yang replied.
"You know that girl?" Ruby asked.
"Not personally?" Replied the newcomer taking her place on the mattress. "Weiss Schnee. Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. The largest producer of energy propellant in the world."
"Huh. So that's why she kept rambling about it." Ruby sat up and turned to the new girl.
"I'm Ruby."
"And I'm Yang. Her older sister."
She stayed quiet for a moment before answering. "I'm Blake."
"Nice to meet you." Ruby sat up and stretched her arm over her sister.
Blake looked at the hand quizzically. It was clear she did not want to shake. Ruby held it for a moment longer before shrugging. Pulling back, she changed the subject.
"What's the book about?" Ruby asked.
"It's about a man with two souls." Blake answered. "Both fighting for control over his body."
"Oh wow, that's really interesting." Yang said with a yawn.
"Is there any meaning to it?" Ruby pressed on. "Are they both fundamentally different but want the same thing? Or are they both similar but with different goals?"
"One is careful and thoughtful, while the other is wild and bold. Their goal is the same, it's just they don't agree on how to achieve it."
"Do they ever get along?"
"They do work together in later chapters, but it does not last long or happen often."
"Sounds like a classic odd couple." Yang said, stretching on her mattress. Ruby snickered while Blake's neutral expression shifted slightly.
"To me, it sounds like a representation of the way people choose to behave." Ruby said. "The wild one is the more dominant of the two when he's in charge right?"
"He is. He is always striving for control over his own life and encourages the other soul to do the same." Blake affirmed, now actually conversing intently with Ruby.
Yang rolled her eyes. Her sister had done it again. Despite how little she trusted people, she was very good at talking to them. It was why Yang always saw her as a trickster. Ruby made 'friends', but she never made friends. Ruby always plays people. She is easygoing and makes good conversation. However, it is usually a front so that she can avoid problems. Right now, she was putting on an act to get Blake to be more open. She did this all the time back at Signal. Most people found it quite terrifying how she managed to pull it off so easily. Yang did too.
"And the tame one has to reign the wild on in when he goes too far." Ruby guessed. "Sounds to me like a nature vs nurture theme. The way you are raised conflicts with the way you feel sometimes."
"I think that it is more literal. Taking control of your life while ensuring you don't destroy it by going too far. Morality and Emotionality." Blake said back.
"You two bookworms can debate all night if you want." Yang Said with another yawn. "I'm going to sleep."
"Yeah, I guess we should get some sleep." Ruby agreed, laying back down. "I still can't believe this is happening Yang."
"Dreams can come true if you make em. You little mastermind." Yang's voice wavered as she pulled her blanket over herself.
Ruby did not retort opting to just put the blanket over her body and get comfortable.
Blake said nothing as she did the same.
The ballroom went out one by one. It did not take long for everyone to fall asleep. Within the hour all the staff had left and only the students remained. Something emerged from the dark at Ruby's side when all was quiet, and everyone was still. A dark form rose from the floor, its shape was obscured as it wore a cloak of black mist that swirled at the points of contact with the floor. The shadow's face could not be seen within the hood. Any who looked would see nothing but a wall of darkness.
The shadow took in the sight before it. It already knew where it was. Beacon Academy ballroom, where the Fall Dance shall take place later in the year. The shadow knew this because She did. She did not know everything her counterpart did yet, but she was learning, and she was catching up very quickly. Remembering, learning, preparing. At the far end of the ballroom, it spied the rich girl. Weiss, if she heard correctly.
In a blink, the shadow was standing over the pale heiress. Her hood tilted in curiosity. This girl had put Them in danger due to her bigotry and arrogance. If that continued it would be a problem if They ran into her again. She entertained the thought of removing her. Before discarding the idea. It did not understand social norms nor really care at all for them, but she knew this one's disappearance would be noticed and that would cause unnecessary problems for them.
No better to see how things progress and move on from there. It was beside their sister now. She felt joy at the sight Their sibling again. To her, it had been so long. They had missed her dearly. She blinked to her counterpart's side and watched Her for a moment. Watching Her sleep so peacefully was almost comical. She was close now close to catching up. Once she did then the fun could start. They would become a huntress; she would not allow anyone to stop Them. Deciding to follow the Her into rest it dissolved into nothingness. It still had so much learning to do.
Hello. I wanted to ask your opinions on something. In the next few chapters, there will be parallels between characters in RWBY and Little Nightmares in Ruby's dreams. As they did in Icequeedom. I would appreciate suggestions on who represents who.
So far, I have: Yang-The Girl in the Yellow Raincoat
Weiss-The Pretender
Port-The Hunter
Glynda-The Teacher
Ozpin-The Craftsmen (Maybe)
Taiyang-A Viewer
I would like to hear anyone's thoughts on this.
Also, I would like some advice on how to write Yang's brand of jokes. I'm terrible at comedy but I will try my best. Any input is appreciated.