Disclaimer, I do not own RWBY
AN/ Hey everyone, I'm back! So, some news first. Street Gem wound up getting canned, sadly. For those of you who have read older AN's from other stories, you will know how my writing process works. For those that haven't or are new, let me break it down real quick. I don't actually plan much out. I sit down with a vague idea and start cranking out chapters. Most of the time, it works really well, and sometimes, the story goes off in a direction I don't like. I have an end goal with my stories, I have certain events that I want to have happen, but sometimes, a chapter or two unintentionally veers off course, an idea that seemed good at the time now changing the entire tone of the story. I will finish this story, as thankfully it is a bit more open ended, and I will actually be working on it more often, at least until I get Broken Mind up and running again. Anyways, I just wanted to share that with you all, now then, on to the chapter!
"Well, nothing productive from all of that, sadly." Winter sighed.
"So, what? Does that mean I'm done?" Ruby asked, her voice tinged with fear and sadness.
"Not yet. If you don't mind, I would like to try something. Tell me Ruby, do you know how to start a car when the engine refuses to turn over?" Winter asked as she moved about the room.
"Well, it could be any number of reasons, but the most common is because of a bad battery. So, you would get another car and some cables, right?" Ruby spoke.
"Correct, if simplified. My theory is that after taking a hit such as the one you did, your aura locks away some abilities. And much like a car with a dead battery, you need an outside source. With your permission, I would like for you to try and expand your aura while I feed my own into you. Either it will work, or it will have been a waste of time, and we will have to search for alternatives." Winter stated.
"And what if nothing works?" Ruby asked glumly. Arslan held on just a little tighter.
"Ruby, I think of you as another younger sister. If I am unable to help you, I will support you in anything you want or need." Winter said softly.
"And I would stay by your side for as long as you would have me." Arslan offered.
"Thank you, really. I'm ready when you are Winter." Ruby spoke, determined.
"Alright, when I tell you to, start focusing and expanding your aura, just like your exercises, understand?" Winter explained as she set her hands on Ruby's shoulders.
"Understood." Ruby responded. Suddenly, Winter began pushing her aura onto Ruby.
"Now, begin focusing your aura, let me know if you begin to experience any pain." Winter warned. Ruby stayed silent as Arslan watched the two. Suddenly, a wave-like sensation washed over her as Ruby began to fidget in her seat. Before Arslan or Winter could react, Ruby suddenly started jumping up and down and shouting in excitement.
"Winter! It worked! It worked! Arslan, I can see you again! And Weiss and Jaune are in the courtyard! And-" Winter quickly silenced the younger girl.
"You are excited, and thar is understandable, but need I remind you of your surroundings?" Winter chastised.
"Sorry Winter." Ruby apologized.
"It is quite alright. Now then, before I can let you go, I do need to run one last series of tests, just to make sure." Winter spoke.
"Do you have to?" Ruby groaned.
"Yes, now hold still please."
*Two hours later*
"I thought it would never end!" Ruby cheered as Arslan led her outside.
"You're exaggerating and you know it." Arslan joked.
"Just a little. Think any matches are going on right now?" Ruby asked.
"No, last of the team matches ended an hour ago. They decided to hold off on the doubles for tomorrow, so at least you won't miss any of those matches." Arslan explained.
"Awww, I wanted to watch one of the fights." Ruby complained.
"How about we go and do some reading?" Arslan suggested.
"My room or yours?" Ruby asked.
"I don't have any of your books, so your room." Arslan responded.
"You know, I got really lucky the first time we kissed." Ruby suddenly said.
"How so?" Arslan asked, curious.
"I actually managed to get your lips." Ruby explained, her face turning red.
"You certainly did." Arslan joked, catching the reaper in another quick kiss.
"Ahem." A voice interrupted the pair.
"Leave us alone Yang." Ruby groaned.
"How did you know it was me?" Yang asked, surprised.
"Winter got me all fixed up, I'm back in business!" Ruby stated triumphantly.
"So, does that mean Arslan won't be helping you around anymore?" Yang asked cautiously.
"Not a snowballs chance in hell. At least, as long as she wants to." Ruby quickly added.
"I don't mind, if I'm being honest." Arslan added.
"Is there something you're trying to say, dear sister?" Ruby asked. The blonde pair quickly realized where the conversation was going, memories of the last time Ruby had 'talked' to her sister resurfacing.
"Nope, not at all!" Yang quickly backed down, putting her hands up.
"Look Yang, I get it, I'm your blind younger sister, and I got hurt, but you don't need to coddle me, you know I hate that. Besides, I'm pretty sure Arslan knows not to try anything, not that she would." Ruby spoke.
"Your uncle terrifies me, you have Atlesian resources, and that's not mentioning your father either. I feel like if I even thought of doing something, I would disappear." Arslan added.
"Go on you two, enjoy your time together, I have to call dad anyways. Sounds like he might make a visit, so be ready for that." Yang said as she walked off.
"So, meet the parents?" Arslan asked.
"I've already told you about my family, anything you want to tell me about yours?" Ruby asked.
"While I doubt they'll make a trip all the way to Vale, you really don't have anything to worry about. Though considering next year the tournament will be in Mistral, they will not let you leave without visiting. Though back to the issue at hand, should I be worried?" Arslan asked nervously.
"Maybe a little? I don't know, this was never a problem before." Ruby admitted.
"Well, I guess I'll just prepare to get my ass handed to me in the next couple of days. Should I begin planning my funeral too?" Arslan asked, half joking.
"If I have anything to say about it, he won't do anything to you. Come on, I don't want to think about my dad coming here, especially when he's going to go into an overprotective episode." Ruby sighed. The pair quietly ended the night reading a chapter of their respective books. Ruby burrowed into Arslan arms as she felt sleep take over, silently glad the older girl had already passed out.
AN/ And I'm done with another one. A shorter chapter, I know, but next chapter, things will get moving, I promise. It's just been, tiring, lately. I haven't really felt any drive to do anything, and I don't really know why. I promised not to let you guys down, or leave you hanging, and I intend to keep that promise. Knowing I have all of you here, reading what I write, and enjoying it, that is something I enjoy, maybe just a little too much. But knowing you guys are there, is more than enough to keep me going. For the time being, I think I'm going to start writing for Mass Effect while I do some research for Broken Mind, so I can get back to my alternating schedule. Anyways, until next time, have a wonderful day.