Chapter just a day or so delayed but here at last! Really tired as I write this silly little intro so think I'm right back to bed once this gets uploaded. Work is kicking my booty!
For anyone who tends to leave feedback, or if anyone feels so inclined, I have a question!
I've edited a lot of the earlier chapters, more out of boredom than anything. While the fundamental story doesn't change I've tidied things up here and there. Think I should replace those or keep them as they are? Again the story itself won't change at all but they've been edited to be a little more... Interesting!
In a perfect world Weiss would sleep as much as she liked. In a perfect world, undisturbed by any doings of the outside world, it would be a gentle song of a bird or the warm rays of the sun rousing her from slumber. She'd rise only once lying about was no longer appealing, emerge in only her nightgown and enjoy a warm breakfast in peace. No aches or pains, no rush to action, just her and a morning undisturbed.
This, however, was the real world. In place of birdsong she was woken instead by the low rumblings of a beast looming near, mouth agape as scores of jagged teeth threatened to bear down on her throat.
Only once she truly stirred and her mind began to think logically did she recognize the sound for what it was; snoring across a room was bothersome enough. Snoring when right beside your ear? Only a waterfall crashing onto rocks could be any louder. Curse her hearing, and the soreness that came to when she noticed her ear folded, the tip pressed hard against her inner ear.
Leaning away and freeing her head she nursed at her ear while shooting Ruby a silent glare. The brunette still blissfully ignorant to the world around them continued to snore, a lone trail of drool hanging out of her mouth.
Of all the… Couldn't she learn to close her mouth?! Weiss reached over to pinch her friend's nose, or clamp her mouth shut, instead letting her hand rub sleep from her face with a huff. Gods, how did I forget she sleeps like such an oaf?
How did she forget where they had fallen asleep? Between the cold, unflinching stone of the balcony and the bite of the twisted iron railing she couldn't think of any more unpleasant place to wake. Her rear and back ached, neck stiff as she rolled and cracked it, chilled fingers working at her muscles to work out kinks. Lifting her head she looked up at the early morning sky and kicked one of her legs fitfully, knocking Ruby's cloak off herself and shivering immediately for its lack of warmth.
"So much for sleeping in…"
At least she had birdsong to welcome her to the new day. A pleasant trilling sound, the rise and fall of gentle notes, it was the sole pleasantry she'd been afforded so far this morning. Closing her eyes and making a conscious effort to drown out Ruby's snore she began to hum along to the bird's song. If she tried enough she could ignore the noise in her ear; sharing a room with Ruby meant she had ample experience in ignoring snores.
Where the birds gave no rhythm to their chirping Weiss restored order. In her mind's eye she pictured a piano, ivory and ebony keys bending to her whim, a rich, dulcet tone ringing out in a chamber. Just as she imagined herself playing did she picture herself dancing upon a floor, a hobby she'd had regretfully little time to pursue as of late.
So vivid was her imagination that she could hear other notes accompanying her own, her humming turning into a beautiful melody that chased away her irritation. The soft, excitable murmurs awestruck at her elegance made Weiss smile. How satisfying it would be to dance before nobles, to see noblewomen typically haughty and prideful brought low and shamed by her dancing.
She could hear the creak of floorboards beneath her feet, gentle laughter as she continued to sway, then polite applause. Slowly drifting back to sleep Weiss relished in her momentary triumph and welcomed sleep's embrace, keen to enjoy showing up ladies of the courts with her dance, even if only in slumber.
"Having fun there, Weiss?"
A gasp and jump tore her from her dreaming, looking around in alarm at the sudden intrusion. Blinking owlishly at the roaring laughter she looked towards the doors of the balcony and scowled, cheeks dark as she tried desperately to compose herself. "It's r-rude to disturb someone when they're asleep!"
Yang collapsed onto her rear and snorted, doubling over and clutching her stomach. "Your… You… You shoulda seen yourself!" the Dimuran howled, snickering and shaking her head. How hard would it be to propel Yang off the balcony? A single wind rune should do the trick, or perhaps an ice rune to silence that infernal laughter.
Forgoing assault with magic for a second time Weiss huffed, grabbing Ruby's cloak and balling it up in her hands. "Silence, you boob!" she spat, hurling the cloth at Yang. "I… There is nothing wrong with enjoying oneself in the mornings!" Yang's laughter returned in earnest and a subdued snort and grumble from beside her warned that Ruby had begun to wake. "Yang! Your sister is asleep!"
Ruby yawned squeakily and stretched herself out, unceremoniously pushing a hand into Weiss' face. "Oh, sorry Weiss!" she apologized, drawing back and smiling sheepishly. Realizing someone was howling nearby she looked to Yang and smiled wider. "Yang! Good morning! Uh… Why do you have my cloak?" She blinked and tilted her head. "And why are you laughing so much?"
"Your… Your friend… She's dancing!" Yang giggled through choked laughter and gasps for air. "She looked drunk! It was awesome! You shoulda seen her, Rubes, she was -"
"That is quite enough, thank you!" Weiss pulled herself to her feet and dusted down her trousers. With a sharp glare for Yang she stormed over, snatching Ruby's cloak back and handing it to her partner. "Ignore your sister, Ruby. I think all that hair on her head is suffocating her brain."
Ruby blinked against the lurid sunlight, shielding her eyes as she shrugged. On her feet in an instant she was all smiles despite being woken so rudely from her sleep. How did she do that? What manner of magic was needed to make someone into a morning person and where could Weiss learn it?
"Heh, sorry Yang! I guess we sorta fell asleep out here…" Ruby laughed, fastening her cloak around her shoulders again.
"Aw Rubes, it's no big deal! I figured you'd gone out for a walk or something!" The blonde grinned at Weiss and winked. "Who would have thought you were sleeping with your partner?"
Weiss' face darkened at the implication while Ruby giggled, blissfully unaware of the innuendo, "We were kind of talking and we both fell asleep!"
Scratch throwing Yang off the balcony, maybe she'd throw herself off instead. Anything would be preferable to this nonsense.
"As much fun as it is watching you three, think we can get moving?"
Blake's voice carried just from inside the building and she made no effort besides to make herself known. Wonderful, had she seen their compromising position too? Or Weiss' own ridiculous dancing? What had she been doing exactly? Weiss shuddered inwardly, preferring not to know.
Instead of taking a jab at Yang Weiss busied herself with tidying her hair. "Is there somewhere we're needed? It's still rather early…" Early enough that anyone expecting anything of them was inhumanely cruel.
Yang's smile left her along with any remaining laughter, somber as she picked herself off the balcony. "Right, uh… Raven wants to talk to us. Said it's about repaying some bullsh -" She took one glance at Ruby and smiled nervously. "Stupid debt," she amended.
"She did invite us down for breakfast first however," Blake chimed in, finally poking her head into the doorway. "It's probably going to be more of that gruel from last night though."
If not for her hunger Weiss might have retched at the notion of eating more, although that didn't keep her from grimacing. What were the chances they could go out and hunt again? Even stringy, gamey squirrel would be preferable. Gods, at this point I'll eat roots if it means having something with flavor.
"It wasn't that bad! I kind of liked it!" Ruby itched her cheek and scuffed her boot on the balcony. "Could have used some sugar though."
"You think everything needs sugar," Weiss muttered with a roll of her eyes. "I don't suppose we can decline the invitation?"
"Not unless you want her chasing us. If you thought those ravens of hers were annoying before…"
In other words do as Raven asked or deal with being stalked until they eventually gave in. It wasn't as if they didn't owe her for saving Ruby. The woman was credited with that much. Something about repaying a debt to a bandit rubbed Weiss the wrong way, but so did remaining indebted to said bandit.
"Well, let's get this over with." Weiss straightened her ponytail in her hands and raised an eyebrow as Ruby skipped into the building. "You have far too much energy for this early in the day."
"Well, I'm excited! I've got my bestie with me, my sister, and…" Ruby spun around and smiled, gesturing broadly. "Blake!"
"Thanks for the praise," came the Meera's mumbled reply.
Weiss rolled her eyes and followed the others inside. "You did try to kill us. You should feel grateful we're not attempting to return the favor."
"Oh right, speaking of that," Yang grinned and cracked her knuckles as she spoke. "Hey kitten, just outta curiosity, how fast can you run? Think you can outrun fireballs?"
Blake stepped back warily while Ruby whined in protest. Weiss groaned, reaching out and grabbing Yang's wrists. "As much as I would find that therapeutic how about we don't burn down the keep? Besides," she glanced back at Blake and smiled. "I believe we have quite enough on our plates without fighting among ourselves."
"Wow, princess, you're awfully forgiving." Yang pulled herself free and placed her hands on her hips, frowning. "Ruby? Should I give Blake a pass? Cuz not gonna lie, I'm real tempted to see what cooked cat tastes like."
"I'm not a cat, you scaly idiot," Blake hissed.
Yang smirked and sauntered over to Blake, leaning down and raising an eyebrow. "No? Well you're definitely a pussy, hiding behind Weiss and Ruby like this."
A high squeal cut off whatever rebuttal Blake had begun, and a red blur darted between the two women. Ruby giggled, hanging off the shoulders of Blake and Yang, one arm around each. "Come on guys, it's time for food! We can fight later!" She blinked owlishly before frowning. "I mean fighting Grimm, by the way! No fighting your teammates!"
"I wouldn't exactly call us 'teammates', Ruby…" Yang said.
"Acquaintances at best," Blake added.
Ruby shook her head before dropping herself back to her feet. "Teammates! We're all working together, right? That makes us a team, and people on a team are teammates!"
In the face of Ruby's infallible logic who could argue? Yang looked poised to as did Blake. Weiss snapped her fingers and pointed down the corridor. "Food awaits, as does Raven's inane prattle. While I'm excited for neither I don't think standing around will accomplish much." She smiled and waved the girls along. "Save your energy for whatever nonsense is in store for us, hm?"
Yang didn't seem happy but acquiesced, making the gesture of 'I'm watching you' to Blake before grabbing Ruby's hand and pulling her along. Crisis averted for now, although Weiss wasn't sure how those two would get on without her and Ruby present.
Then again, they were alone before waking us weren't they? Weiss noticed Blake watching her and smiled slightly, waving her along before following after Yang and Ruby. Perhaps I don't need to worry so much.
"Hey Weiss…? Thanks."
"It won't do us any good to have you two fighting one another," Weiss deflected, shaking her head. The earliness of the hour coupled with the spaciousness of the keep made each footstep echo, the carpet doing nothing to help.
Blake chuckled. "Not that. For accepting me, I suppose."
"Accepting you…?" The Meera nodded, returning Weiss' puzzled expression with one of her own. "Blake, make no mistake about my intentions. I'm cooperating with you because I have to, not because I want to."
"Oh."
"Yang isn't wrong in her anger, and frankly I think Ruby is insane for forgiving you so easily. Our partnership in this is born out of necessity, not mutual trust." Weiss frowned and rubbed at her eyes, ridding herself of lingering exhaustion. "I mean we still don't know anything about you. Why you fought for the White Fang, why attack Holbrook, why change sides…"
Blake stopped at the top of the stairs, blocking Weiss path. Her arms crossed and she frowned while cocking one of her hips. "I didn't realize I needed to give you my life story."
"You don't! But we know nothing about you, Blake. You attacked us then expect us to welcome you with open arms?"
"Ruby has."
"Ruby hates conflict!" Weiss hissed, sounding as if that fact was the most obvious thing in the world. "She'd sooner befriend Grimm than slay them if it were possible! Even now she's probably more concerned with keeping everyone happy than anything."
"And you…?" Blake pressed carefully.
"I'm a bit more pragmatic. It's as I said, our partnership is out of necessity, and as such I'll be cordial with you. Don't mistake that for friendship." Weiss frowned and placed her hands on her hips, leaning in. "You've offered no reasoning for anything you've done which leaves us to try and find some. I'll not fight you at every turn, but without knowing what you're even after I can't exactly trust you now can I?"
Blake made to comment before closing her mouth and shaking her head instead. Heaving a sigh Weiss leaned back, tapping a finger impatiently on her arm and looking away. Would it be so difficult for Blake to explain herself? It wouldn't undo their… Precarious relationship but perhaps it could go some way to lessening tensions. When the silence lingered however and Blake made no effort to explain herself, or even defend herself. Frustrated, Weiss dropped her arms and moved around the Meera down the steps.
"Forget it, let's just join the others. We'll need food for -"
"Weiss?" Stopping at the landing she glanced back to find Blake watching her. "I'll explain later, okay? In front of Ruby and Yang too. I promise."
Later was awfully vague but at least it meant at some point they'd actually have a clue what Blake was after. It was little comfort but still more than they'd had before. Managing a slight smile Weiss nodded, waiting for Blake to join her before continuing downwards. "Fair enough. I'm holding you to that though."
"It's between explaining myself or dealing with Yang. I think I know which I prefer taking my chances with."
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The dining hall had been in as poorly state as the rest of the keep. Banners sporting both Vale's insignia and an unknown lords hung from the ceiling, color faded and cloth fraying and dirtied. A long, heavy mahogany table that stretched nearly the length of the room sat in the center surrounded by chairs, some usable while others were broken beyond repair, limbs smashed, and seats cracked in two.
Weiss sat in one of the few chairs and glanced towards Ruby and Yang. Both had raised their heads from their meals and greeted her and Blake, one of them more eagerly than the other, before returning to their food.
Seeing the thick, brown, chunky gruel set out before her Weiss could only assume their hunger, not the quality of the meal, dictated their behavior.
Not that the gruel had been appealing the night prior either but at least then they had strips of meat to add flavor. As it was now the meal - if it could even be called that, was a brown, flavorless slop, filling yet flavorless. Dragging her wooden spoon through the loathsome food Weiss wondered if they had been tricked and it was mud in their bowls, not food. Eventually her stomach's rumblings and impatience on over and with no small bit of reservation she began to eat. Besides the scrape of spoons on bowls or the occasional creak of their chairs the group ate in silence, leaving Weiss with little to do besides admire the space, or what was left of it.
Twin hutches with cracked glass doors held porcelain dishes, many of which sat undisturbed, bound by cobwebs and buried in a film of dust. Another table nearby far smaller than the one they sat at sported vases. Landscape paintings of unfamiliar terrain hung intermittently throughout the room and Weiss found herself irritated at their ajar frames.
Why don't they clean this place? It's filthy! Glancing under the table she ran a finger along the underside, grimacing when her fingertip came back dirty. Gods, how can they live like this? If they cleaned this place, then everyone would have somewhere half decent to live!
A man in leather and cloth armor entered the room a short time after and collected their bowls with gruff greetings, wrinkled face red either from anger at his newfound duties or embarrassment. He shot Weiss an unwarranted glare before collecting her bowl, sniffing as though some foul odor hung around her before disappearing from the hall.
No short time later did Raven appear. Having scarcely been able to see the woman last night Weiss finally got a good look at their… What would she consider Raven? Captor? Host? Certainly not a gracious host if that, and while they'd been given relative freedom captor seemed more fitting.
Whatever they were the woman regarded them with a warm, if self-assured smirk. A long, fur-lined robe hung from her shoulders, one of which remained exposed, black scales. Muscle rippled beneath her tanned skin and Weiss noticed a long scar running her chest, curving and tracing its way down her right arm. The woman's chest was bound by bandages, though more for preference than injury, Weiss assumed, seeing no traces of blood anywhere.
Raven stopped halfway down the table to smile down at Weiss. She tried not to shrink back at the unsettling red eyes. As if sensing her trepidation Raven's smile grew, the woman leaning down as she placed a hand on the back of Weiss' chair. Acutely aware of the twin swords hanging from the woman's hip Weiss made no effort to push the hand away and forced herself to stare back.
"Enjoy your breakfast? Quarters were to your liking?"
Blinking owlishly at the unexpected questions Weiss took a moment before nodding slowly. "They were… Fine, yes."
Something about her response was inordinately funny because Raven laughed, short and barking. After slapping the back of Weiss' chair, she continued towards the head of the table, standing before them and passing a glance at Yang before leaning forward and resting her hands atop the table.
"I hope you all appreciate my hospitality. It's not common that we put up those outside our family. Consider yourselves blessed."
Outside the family? Weiss glanced at Yang and saw the blonde burning a hole into the table with her stare, jaw set tight and hands gripping the table, knuckles white. The remark had been meant as a barb then. How petty was the woman that she needed to taunt her own daughter? Seeing Raven grin at the not unexpected reaction Weiss frowned disdainfully.
"If there's anything more you need during your stay, anything at all…" When Raven trailed off meaningfully, she tilted an eyebrow and waited.
"Well, the rooms are filthy for one," Weiss voiced. "And our hostess is abhorrently rude."
"The food is miserable too. Even while traveling I ate better," Blake added, wrinkling her nose.
"The lady in charge is a huge ass too," Yang sneered, looking up at her mother and folding her arms.
Ruby whined beside her sister before shaking her head. "E-Everything is fine, Raven! Thank you!"
Weiss stared at her partner, then leaned towards Ruby and frowned. "Ruby, don't thank her! She's not done anything to warrant it!" Never mind how she spoke to Yang. Whether she liked the woman, or the blonde was irrelevant: a mother shouldn't speak to her daughter like that.
"Oh? I didn't save your partner, Schnee? Funny, it must have been some other woman then." Raven stood tall and grinned. "I suppose someone else saved all those poor souls outside as well. And it was someone else's tribe who has been holding the Grimm at bay where the Church has faltered. But please, tell me how I've done nothing. Explain it to me."
There was plenty Weiss would love to explain to Raven in the moment. How reprehensible it was to lead a life of banditry. How disgusting it was to see a woman treat her own child with such disregard. There was plenty she could fault Raven for yet she couldn't deny the woman's words either. Even disregarding the rest, they still owed her for Ruby's safety. Infuriating as it was, they were indebted to her.
A debt that Raven seemed keen to collect.
"Now that you're all fed and rested its time, I got what I'm due. After all, it's only fair after all the trouble I went through on your behalf." The Dimuran chuckled and shifted her weight on her feet, cocking her head. "Unless you think you're leaving here without paying your debt?"
"We had half a mind to," Weiss grumbled.
"Just get it out already," Yang barked impatiently. "Quit posturing, you're giving me a headache."
Raven clicked her tongue, making a soft tutting sound. Her lips drew back, and she grinned as she snapped her fingers. "Shay! Get in here!"
The doors to the hall creaked open and a Muran man stumbled inside. His clothing, dirty and caked in mud, clung to his lanky frame. After collecting himself and trying to tame his wild mullet he bowed his head to Raven. "Ma'am?"
"Your report?" Raven demanded, rolling her eyes as if needing to ask was ridiculous.
"R-Right! Uh…" The frazzled man reached into his vest and pulled out wrinkled parchment, nearly dropping it in the process. "Scouts spot an infestation of Arachne to the west, ma'am! They've set up a nest in the forest. We uh… Didn't get exact numbers…" He lowered the sheet and swallowed nervously. "Were chased out, y-you see. Too many for us to fight."
Snorting, Raven shook her head. "You're the picture of bravery. But I suppose you did your job…" Shay relaxed, posture slumping and chest deflating with a loud exhale. "Collect new men and head south. Make rounds along the pass. And if you find any Grimm this time deal with them. Am I understood?"
Paler immediately Shay bowed his head, crushing the parchment in his hand and lowering himself at the waist. "Understood, ma'am. I'll leave right away."
The skittish man waited a moment longer, turning on his heel and leaving only when Raven made no effort to keep him. He hurried out the door and jumped when Vernal barked an order at him, answering with a hurried nod before jogging out of sight. Vernal took one look inside the room and sneered before shutting the doors with a resounding thud.
"Well, there you have it. Sounds like I have a pest problem," Raven mused. "And it just so happens I have four capable young women on hand to deal with it. How lucky that you're here."
Yang snorted loudly, reclining in her chair and scowling at Raven. "Luck had nothing to do with this. You knew we'd be coming here."
Weiss studied Yang for a moment, then Raven, frowning when the woman flashed a knowing smile. "You knew…?"
"What, you think you were accidentally sent my way? That our paths just conveniently crossed? Or wait," the bandit paused, then shrugged. "Do you suppose the gods delivered you to me? That you're our godsent saviors?"
Raven had known they'd come to Morris Pass. Had she overheard Hazel's directions? Weiss couldn't think of any alternative. One of her birds must have been nearby during the briefing and overheard them. Inside Holbrook's barracks. Inside Mount Glenn, in a structure of stone where no sound could possibly be heard outside.
"The Commander told you!" Blake leaned forward in her chair and gawked at Raven. Weiss could only gape, staring as the bandit's face turned from amused to smug.
"One… One of his men could have said something," Weiss argued weakly. "Or they could have been captured and forced to talk."
The alternative was too nerve wracking to consider. Without knowing the breadth of Raven's influence, it wasn't hard to imagine one of her people capturing a soldier from the Commandery. Granted that made the list of suspects woefully short; of the six knights Hazel had with him at Holbrook all six were still in the town when they'd left. Unless one had gallivanted about in the middle of the night to meet someone…
No. There was no way the Commander of Vale's forces would have sold them out. Not a man of Hazel's standing, it made no sense.
But then neither did the knowing look Raven wore. Weiss, finding denial easier than acceptance, chalked it up to mind games. There was another explanation for their circumstances, she was sure.
"Think whatever you want. The fact remains that you're here, as I expected, and you'll be doing whatever I ask of you, like the dutiful children you are."
Raven strolled to the lone arched window in the back of the hall. Unkempt bushes grew unchecked, ivy winding its way up the glass. A water fountain bereft of water stood in plain view, a white marble tower with cherubs hanging off, urns meant to pour water into the basin now dry and empty. One of their heads was cracked open, another's wings clipped, and the topmost figure only existed from the waist down.
"It's simple, really. I want the four of you to go out and clear that nest. Arachne are hardly a threat to even a child with magic. Your four shouldn't have any trouble killing them."
"That's all? You just want us to kill some Grimm…?" Weiss asked dubiously.
"What more did you expect?" Raven turned and leaned against the glass, one hand coming to rest on her sword. "Unless you're disappointed? I'm sure I could find more work for you."
"No! No, that won't be necessary. We can certainly do that for you." Kill a few Grimm in exchange for Ruby's life? Raven might as well be asking them to breathe for how natural the request was.
"Forget it, Raven, we're not doing it."
Ruby looked to her sister in surprise, leaning over and grabbing Yang's arm. "But Yang! These people won't be safe if we don't, right?" she asked, looking to Raven. The woman nodded and the brunette frowned at her sister. "Please? If the four of us go then it'll be a piece of cake!"
"I don't see why we'd refuse," Blake said. "Any one of us could probably clear a nest ourselves. Between the four of us it shouldn't take long at all."
Yang shook her head and gently pried Ruby's hands from her arm. "No, we're not doing it. We're not some sellswords." She turned to Weiss and smiled bitterly. "And Hunters aren't supposed to sell their services, right? Pretty sure that's against the rules, princess."
"You aren't selling anything though, you're repaying a favor. No currency is being exchanged, just one good deed for another." Raven smiled dangerously and eased her weapon slightly from its sheath, the odd red steel matching her eyes. "Unless you'd prefer a blood price? It makes no difference to me."
Weiss' breath hitched when Yang shot to her feet, Ruby along with her if only to hold her sister back. Standing as well she bit her lip nervously while her partner strained to keep Yang at bay, glancing across the table uncertainly at Blake. It was a bluff, the blood price. It had to be, right?
"How about we just walk away, huh?! What then, Raven?" Yang snapped, pushing against Ruby weakly.
"You won't. Your little sister wants to help." Ruby hung her head and muttered a faint apology. "And it's your duty, well maybe not yours," Raven corrected, staring at Yang. "But a Hunter's duty to protect people from Grimm. Let your friends and sister do their job, Yang. It's the right thing to do."
"That's not…"
"Yang, it's fine. We're not going to ignore the plight of these people, whether your mother -" Weiss paused when Yang shot her an angry glare, licking her lips nervously and averting her eyes. "Whether Raven asks us to or not. So please, let's just do this and be rid of this place."
Once they'd done their part, they could make for Plockton. The residents here would survive, or at least Weiss liked to think they would. She couldn't imagine what use Raven had for them alive, but whatever it was obviously would disappear if they were to perish. The civilians may not be in the best of condition, but they were still breathing and that for the time being would have to be enough.
With Yang's argument turning to stifled rumblings she sank back into her chair, shrugging off Ruby's hand, then rubbing her sister's back when Ruby sulked.
"If none of you were Magi then this would be a more daunting task. Luckily for all involved however you're not only Magi but trained at that." Raven, satisfied beyond measure, pushed off the glass and returned to the table. "With you magics you shouldn't have any trouble clearing the nest. I don't expect you to be more than an hour at most, in fact."
A small errand then, nothing more. Weiss gave a smile she didn't feel and nodded, not quite satisfied with the arrangement but accepting of it.
Raven snapped her fingers and the hall doors swung open once more. Instead of the meek Shay this time it was Ezra who walked in, helmed and armed. The woman bowed sharply before stomping one of her boots and saluting. "Ma'am?"
"These four are going to be setting out soon. See to it that the rest of our people are back inside the walls." She saw Weiss' questioning glance but didn't address it, smiling as she inclined her head towards the doors. "Tell Vernal no one goes in or out of the walls until they return. No exceptions."
"Ma'am!" Ezra stomped again, then paused, looking between the girls. "If you don't mind my asking…"
"Speak freely," Raven said, waving absently.
"Should we send someone with them? There have been other Grimm in the area lately…"
"They're Hunters, Ezra, and my daughter besides." Raven shook her head. "No, you'll be sending no one with them. Make sure the walls are manned and keep patrols ready if we need them. The Grimm are going to get excited once the fighting starts, be sure to have the men ready to defend this place when that happens. That's all." The Dimuran paused before frowning. "Oh and make sure Shay is doing his job. If not, I want him brought here before me."
"Er, but you said no one leaves…"
"Did I stutter?"
"N-No, ma'am. I understand."
"Good. See to it then and be quick about it." The armored woman bowed and left, the fading clank of her armor announcing her departure. "As for the rest of you, I suggest you get your weapons ready. The sooner you take care of this, the sooner you can be on your way."
Not that any of them needed to be reminded of that fact. Weiss pushed her chair in, more out of habit than necessity, it wasn't like the rest of the keep was maintained at all. Yang all but dragged Ruby with her to the door and Blake lingered a bit longer before following them out. Weiss remained for a moment, studying Raven carefully before frowning at the woman.
"What is it, girl? You can speak your mind," Raven teased. "I don't bite."
"You're after something, aren't you? There's more to this than you've letting on." Weiss placed her hands on her hips. "I've dealt with enough nobles to know when I'm being led on. So tell me, Raven, what exactly is it you're trying to do here?"
Not that she expected an upfront answer from Raven. It was no less frustrating when her response was a teasing smile and a shake of the head.
"I have nothing to hide, Schnee. In fact, you should be thanking me." Raven held her hands up and grinned. "You're being given a chance to play hero to all these people! It's like a fairy tale, don't you think? And all you need to do is slay some Grimm, plain and simple."
At first glance yes, although after hearing about Hazel's supposed deception Weiss loathed to accept it at that. Raven herself could likely kill the Grimm if she wanted, or the captain, or any number of troops who had magic. Even without Magi the fort had enough able-bodied fighters to wipe out a nest of minor Grimm, so why? Why ask them specifically?
"Fine then," Weiss said, sniffing and turning her nose up at Raven. "Whatever game you're playing, whatever farce this is, we're having no part of it. Once we're finished, we're leaving."
"But of course." The woman's acceptance took Weiss by surprise. "It's as I said: kill the Grimm and you are free to go. That's it, nothing more."
Hearing that should have put Weiss' doubts to rest so why did it feel like she was staring down a loaded crossbow?
"Weiss, you coming?" Ruby called from outside, peeking into the hall. "We need to get ready!"
"Coming!" Weiss shouted back, looking back once more at Raven before heading to the door. Whatever Raven was playing at didn't matter ultimately. They wouldn't fail, nor would they shirk their task. Grabbing the handles, she pulled the doors apart, frowning coming face to face with a smug Vernal.
"Oh, and Schnee?" Weiss looked back at the grinning woman. Raven chuckled and tilted her head, brushing her hair back to expose her neck. "Do try not to die? There are a lot of people watching you."
What did she mean? Weiss didn't get a chance to ask as Vernal pulled her out by her shirt, sneering again before shutting the hall doors in her face. Having half a mind to go back in and demand an explanation she stopped short when Ruby called out to her again. Seeing her, Yang, and Blake waiting she put on a smile, sparing one last look at the doors before hurrying to join them.
Someone watching her and scrutinizing every little thing she did was hardly anything new. The instructors did it, their fellow initiates had done it, and nobles most certainly did it. Many expected her to fail. Many still did.
That didn't stop her from outdoing expectations and it certainly wouldn't start now.
/+/+/+/+/+/
"Honestly! Whose idea was it to…" Weiss gasped and gripped the railing, squeezing her eyes shut while boards creaked and swayed. Once the walkway settled, she released her breath and huffed. "This is asinine! We'll die before we ever make it out of the canyon!"
"It's the most direct route out though," Blake pointed out. "It's either this or we travel out of the pass and double back to reach the top."
"Besides, it's not that scary!"
Weiss glared at Yang and pointed her way. "Says the one clinging to the cliff!"
Caught in the act Yang flushed and loosened her hold on a protruding root. "H-Hey, I was just trying to keep the walkway stable!" she said, dusting off her hand on her tunic. "I'm not afraid of anything!"
"Yang was afraid of lightning when she was little!" Ruby giggled as she skipped along the walkway, turning and smiling innocently at the group. "Whenever there was a big storm she'd hide in her room!"
"I-I did not!" Ruby stuck out her tongue and Yang growled, stomping up the path to chase her sister. Weiss whined in protest as the walkway swayed once again.
"You oafs are going to kill us!"
Peering over the railing and staring at the top of the keep, some forty feet below them, Weiss felt her knees buckle and tongue swell in her mouth. Or maybe that was the unsavory slop they'd been fed trying to make its way back up. Tearing herself from the edge she whined, rubbing sweat away on her sleeve. "How are you so calm right now?!"
Blake shrugged, peering over the edge and frowning. "Not my first time doing something like this. And besides…" She smiled smugly. "Cats land on their feet. I'll be fine."
Weiss didn't know if she was proud at Blake's effort to lighten the mood or furious she was cracking jokes. In the end she rolled her eyes and slowly, painfully slowly, continued to follow the walkway up.
"Just… Don't make sudden movements. We're testing fate enough with those two charging about."
The very notion of using the walkway was in of itself insanity, but in favor of hastening their progress they'd chosen to use it. And by 'chosen' Weiss meant Yang and Ruby both had ribbed, or in her partner's case, begged to take the pathway. Blake was no help in deciding and ultimately the majority won out. Weiss couldn't argue taking the walkway was a more expeditious route; the safety of the walkway was another matter.
Barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side, and little more than planks atop wooden slats built into the cliff face, the walkway was likely meant as a way to quickly evacuate in the event of Grimm breaching the fort. Not that Weiss could imagine that. She'd almost rather contend with a horde than chance the fickle structure.
Yet chance it they did and by no small miracle they reached the top in record time. When the final boards creaked under her feet and she felt the path sway with the wind she'd nearly cried out, rushing to solid ground and falling upon it with a great sigh. Ruby crawled to the edge to 'appreciate their journey', and Weiss wondered how in the world anyone would want to look upon their near demise a second time.
Declining Blake's offer to be carried, one made entirely in jest Weiss was certain, she forced her still trembling legs to carry her forward. It was heartening to see Yang just as pale as she was, and even if the blonde tried to play it off with jokes and a brilliant grin Weiss knew she'd been just as panicked trudging up the walkway.
After prying Ruby from her ill-advised viewpoint, they began cutting their way into the forest. Trees on the cliff's edge lacked foliage and the sun's rays bore down on them uninhibited, the building heat of a summer's day bringing its full force to bear. Just as sweat began to bead and trickle down her face did they find themselves in shade, and not a moment too soon. Weiss plucked at her tunic and peeled her hood back shaking it out to fan her neck. Yang passed around one of their waterskins and they each took turns to drink, emptying it before it had come back to her.
From what Raven told us the nest should be just west of the pass. Of course, she didn't specifically say how far. Weiss ducked under a low branch, holding it back for Ruby before releasing it. But I suppose we'll know it when we see it. Grimm aren't exactly discreet after all.
The way things had been explained had Weiss confused. For a normal animal a nest wouldn't be anything unusual. Grimm weren't normal animals, obviously, and had no real need for a nest. Barring the literal meaning of the word it could also mean they had settled in a place.
Not unheard of really. Grimm had no need to eat, nor rest, and most people believed they never tired, their endless stamina only rivaled by their unbridled hatred of the races of Remnant. Some packs could travel miles and miles, going weeks between attacks if they weren't dealt with. It wasn't unusual for Grimm to settle in a place - not out of need for rest, but simply to wait.
Weiss jumped over a fallen log and glanced back through the forests, waiting for Blake to bring up the rear. With Yang at the front of the group and Ruby behind her they traveled in a loose, single file line, their strongest acting as a spearhead and the one with the strongest senses as a rearguard. Her and Ruby, while capable as fighters, couldn't offer the stalwart hardiness Yang did nor hope to emulate Blake's keen hearing or sight, even with Weiss' own hearing being markedly better than a Muran's. Frustrating, but the best they could do was to float between the front and rear of the group, ready to offer aid at a moment's notice.
Why would any Grimm settle though? Now of all times? They should be looking for people. Which meant the fort was at more risk by their leaving rather than their staying. In fact, Weiss realized as she carefully slid down a sharp decline, the fact the Grimm hadn't been swarming the fort was already curious. I don't think they had a ward, not that I looked for runes. So why send us away?
"Yang?" The blonde glanced over her shoulder and cocked her head in question. "Raven's your mother, correct? Maybe you could shed some insight on why she's sent us out here."
"To kill Grimm!" Ruby answered instead. "I mean, that is why she sent us, right? Unless she told you something before we left?"
Weiss shook her head. Raven hadn't told her anything, not really. It was what the woman didn't say that had her more concerned.
Yang pursed her lips and stopped, then rubbed at her neck as she stared listlessly ahead. Prompting the Dimuran for an answer again she sighed and waved a hand dismissively. "I don't know. I haven't exactly seen her recently, so it isn't like I know what she's been up to," she explained, then added under her breath. "Nothing good I'd imagine…"
"It does seem odd though, doesn't it? Sending us away to fight Grimm." Blake stopped alongside Weiss and looked back through the woods, lips thinning as she frowned. "Grimm congregate wherever people can be found, and with how many are roaming the countryside right now…"
"Sending us away from people, people who are on the verge of hysteria, seems counterintuitive," Weiss finished. "So why send us out here then?"
It was a relief to see that she wasn't alone in questioning their orders. Ruby only shrugged, having no idea any more than the rest of them.
There are a lot of people watching you.
Feeling the hair on the back of her neck standing Weiss looked up into nearby tries, trying to spot a raven or anyone following their path. Unable to spot anything out of the ordinary she exhaled and shook her head. Blake would have noticed if they had been tailed, she was sure, and wouldn't have kept it to herself either.
What had Raven meant? Who was watching her?
Like a rash the thought itched and itched, plaguing Weiss as they continued through the forest. Following the remains of forest trails and cutting through wild, sprawling growth they moved deeper into the woods, into a twilight created by impenetrable canopies and trees nearly as thick as they were tall. At least the temperature had dropped, though with it so too did visibility. Despite being early in the morning they soon found themselves stumbling. Blake switched positions with Yang as point and called out any obstacles in their way.
Half an hour passed, and they had still not seen hide nor hair of any Grimm. Deciding that walking any further would be a fool's errand Weiss elected they stop and take a break. No one complained and finding themselves a fallen log not rotted through they sat, breaking into rations and depleting another of their waterskins.
Spending just enough time that her feet ceased throbbing, though not enough that her legs no longer ached, Weiss spurred the group forward again. Trees thinned and light shone through once more, bringing both much needed illumination along with warmth. The ground beneath their feet squelched and moss covered many of the trunks, dripping with too much water.
At the head of the group Blake sputtered, cursing as she swat at the air. Weiss slowed and looked around curiously to see what she was swatting at. "Cobwebs," the Meera explained helpfully, grimacing as she plucked unseen threads from her face.
Feeling a shiver run down her spine Weiss fidgeted, chewing her bottom lip while her eyes darted around.
"Ew, gross!" Yang snickered, waving her hands around her. "Spiders are so nasty."
"No, they're not, they're nice! And cute!" Ruby really was insane. The brunette smiled and walked over to Blake, plucking a strand of webbing from her hair helpfully. "Plus, they eat all kinds of icky bugs! They're super handy!"
"Well, they can be helpful elsewhere," Blake grumbled. "You didn't just get a face full of web."
"Aw, that was their home, Blake! Say you're sorry!"
"I'm not apologizing to spiders."
Weiss drew her rapier and waved it at the air before her blindly. When the light caught it just right and she saw threads shimmer she yelped and dropped her weapon, wiping her hands on her tunic with a whine. Only while checking her hair and neck for spiders did she realize her companions were staring at her, Yang and Ruby smiling while Blake stared in confusion.
"Oh right…" Ruby sang, giggling. "Weiss is afraid of spiders!"
"I a-am not!" Weiss protested.
"This one time we found one in our room! It was so tiny and cute, and it had been eating mosquitoes that got into our room. I named it Benny!"
Blake blinked slowly and tilted her head. "You named a spider Benny?"
"You named a spider?" Yang asked with a laugh.
"Mhm! And I was going to make him a pet until somebody froze him and his web solid!"
Weiss sputtered, face growing red from more than just embarrassment. "It… It was encroaching on our personal space! And I like a clean room, thank you very much!"
Yang made a soft hum and nodded. "Uh huh. Hey princess? You've got something on your shoulder." Weiss yelped and bat at her shoulder, looking around before glaring as Yang began howling with laughter.
"Y-You… You oaf! That is not funny!"
"It kind of is," Blake chuckled.
Ruby smiled sympathetically while she pat Weiss' back. "It's okay, Weiss! Everyone is afraid of something! I mean… I'm afraid of running out of cookies!"
"But we don't have any with us…?" Yang said through giggles. Ruby winked knowingly and made a zipping motion across her lips.
A lack of cookies was hardly a phobia. Reaching back and removing Ruby's hand she smiled exasperatedly. "Har har, let's all laugh at my expense, or better yet keep moving. We've yet to encounter these supposed Grimm of Raven's."
"Maybe they left?" Ruby posited. Weiss didn't miss the disappointment in her friend's voice. "I mean they wouldn't hang around forever, right?"
She supposed not. Worst case scenario they would have moved onto one of the nearby towns, or worse still, Fort Morris. Collecting her weapon from the forest floor she took extra care in wiping the rapier on a nearby bush, then double checked the handle and blade both. Perhaps they should return and tell Raven they hadn't found anything. It wouldn't be a lie and they had certainly tried to search.
Blake's ears perked up and Weiss watched the Meera look up, scanning the trees. About to ask what had gotten Blake's attention her breath caught. A nearly inaudible skittering sound started out low then began to grow in volume, and what began as a single scratching noise doubled, then doubled again, and before long it grew loud enough for Ruby and Yang to hear it easily too.
"What is that?!" Yang shouted, raising her voice to be heard.
"I don't know! The wind?"
Ruby, I envy your optimism. Weiss inched her way towards the others, rapier clenched firmly in her hand. The noise continued to build and build until, as suddenly as it began, it died off completely. Listening to the rustling of leaves in the wind they stood for a moment in silence until Ruby laughed.
"Maybe it really was the wind!"
Weiss opened her mouth to speak and instead of releasing words a strained, meek sound came. Hanging inches above her head with eight beady red eyes staring at her a bone plated spider stared down, hair-laden mandibles clacking hungrily while eight thin, spindly legs wiggled independent of one another.
Her shrill yell drowned out Yang's call of alarm and dozens of the small creatures emerged from the trees, dangling from black threads while others launched themselves through the air. Hearing the whistling of Ruby's scythe slicing through the air and the rattling of Blake's kusarigama Weiss closed her eyes and swung blindly, wincing feeling the rapier connect with one Grimm, then swatting away another.
"Why did it have to be Arachne?!"
Yang growled and stomped down on one of the small creatures, catching another and hurling it into a tree, shattering on impact. "Where the fuck did they all come from?!"
"The trees!"
Despite herself Weiss looked up, eyes wide and soundlessly screaming.
There had to be dozens if not hundreds of the small Grimm. Clinging to trees, dangling from them, skittering across limbs and dropping onto the forest floor, she jumped back when one launched itself at her, swat aside by Ruby's scythe.
Heart threatening to erupt in her chest Weiss wove a pair of runes and prepared to engulf the swarm in flame and ice until a hand yanked her own and broke the spell.
"Come on!" Yang shouted, pulling Weiss almost off her feet as she ran. Blake moved ahead and swung her weapon in an invisible flurry, cutting down webbing and Grimm alike while Ruby kept to the rear, her wide-swiping weapon perfect for keeping the Arachne at bay.
Between the pounding of their feet and her heart working overtime Weiss could no longer hear the Grimm giving chase. She'd wish that were true but somehow over everything their incessant skittering rang out, a shrill hissing accompanying the unpleasant sound.
Hurtling over fallen trees and nearly tumbling down an embankment they reached level ground and trees thinned out. Much to Weiss' horror the open ground didn't seem to last as a great wall of stone rose from the earth above them, towering well above the trees and cutting off their path. Arachne continued to give chase and she tried again to weave a rune, snapping at Yang when she stopped her again.
"What are you doing?!"
"Keep running!" Yang directed, pointing further ahead. The rock wall curved inward, and a cave beckoned to them. The insanity of cornering themselves made Weiss almost consider standing her ground until Ruby and Yang both grabbed her and dragged her along, kicking and screaming at that.
Not her proudest moment.
A cave did indeed offer shelter, or at least a narrow point to funnel the Grimm through. Wider than it appeared outside they rushed into the dim space, panicked breaths and hasty steps echoing off the hollow space. Only once inside did Yang stop, skidding to a halt and opening her mouth, smoke pouring from between her lips.
Rather than release a burst of flame however Yang reeled back and slammed her fist into the cave wall, growling and repeating the motion again and again. Rock shifted and what few Arachne caught up were suddenly buried in an avalanche of rubble. Not enough to seal the entrance, much to Weiss relief and horror as she watched more of the Grimm enter the cave.
"Guys, there's a path here!" Ruby shouted, waving the others on. A dark corridor burrowed deeper into the ground. Blake went first and nodded after confirming it safe, or safer than facing the horde of Grimm.
Feeling like she was on the verge of passing out Weiss ran ahead of Yang, nearly tripping over herself as she raced into the narrow passage. Ruby scurried in after her and Yang last. More rock collapsed and a handful of Arachne were crushed, although more still avoided the rubble. Climbing over the fading corpses of their kin they scrambled inside, plated limbs scraping loud against stone.
"Screw this!" Yang shouted, turning and pushing Weiss and Ruby further inside. "Go, go! There's gotta be another way out!"
Either that or they were going to storm into a dead end. What then? Make a stand until either the Grimm ran out of number or they collapsed due to exhaustion?
With only Blake to guide them Weiss ran forward, forcing legs that threatened to fail to keep moving, taking sharp, painful breaths that did little to fill her aching lungs. She had no idea where they were going or what their plan was. She did know one thing though. Using oxygen better spent for running she shouted loud enough for all of Remnant to hear.
"I hate spiders!"
Poor Weiss, afraid of little creepy crawlies. Definitely don't know who she might have gotten that from. Nooooope.
Alright, back to bed I go. Thanks so much for reading you lovely people!