Yes, the same happened again this weekend with no internet. I had it Sunday morning and got complacent, then lost it the rest of the day. Should have known it was faltering when I was doing a writing lesson on Skype and the dreaded circly symbol of doom hovered on every message I sent for a few seconds before it would appear.

In case you also don't get the alert (but do subscribe to it) Null will have been updated alongside this. Last week was the same but I got some messages that people didn't get alerts. I think that if two or more stories are updated at once the site doesn't like it.

Cover Art: Z-ComiX

Chapter 29

Blake kept her head down, tugging her hood low as she pushed through the market square and down a side street. The merchants were just starting to come out and start work again and the rain had stopped for the first time this morning. The air was cold and wet, the ground wetter, and while the slums were still flooded, it appeared the worst of the floods were over.

Walking along the edge of the wall, she could see that the water level now reached up two thirds of the height it had. There was no telling how quickly things would return to normal. If it continued at the rate it was, a week. It might slow down as the ground became waterlogged, though. She'd have to ask Yang if that was the case.

The merchants were the only ones out in force today. Hooded figures in ornate robes worked along the edges of the outer wall constructing more bell towers. Soon, the city would be one big orchestral display. Blake wondered what excuse the Arcanists were giving and whether anyone bought it.

More proof Ruby was responsible for the city's upper districts flooding. Yang wasn't willing to believe it just yet, but all the evidence pointed to it. Blake kept her eyes down as she walked past someone who felt like they were only half there. Resisting the instinctual shiver, she kept going as any normal girl might.

The Huntsman didn't challenge her.

They're out in force. We'll have to be careful. Even if they were looking for the Wildmage, they would take her if they found her. The magic she was using on the merchant family would need to be cut down. Problematic given Yang's condition. Stepping off the main road, she ducked into a quieter set of homes and knocked on the door, weaving a small illusion around herself.

"You're back." The wife of the man whose house they were staying at greeted the air above her with a wan smile. Blake hadn't thought to memorise their names. "Your daughter is still feeling under the weather I'm afraid."

"I'll take care of her." Blake trusted her magic to make her voice sound however the woman expected to hear it. Deeper, probably. They'd referred to her as male a few times. "We'd appreciate some of the soup you're cooking."

"Of course. How is business with my darling coming along?"

"Well. I'm sure we shall agree on a contract soon enough."

"That's good. I'll go finish dinner. Can I take your cloak?"

Surrendering it, Blake stepped past the portly woman and into the home she'd claimed as her own. They'd have to move on soon. Her illusions could keep the family interested for a while, but they were just that. Delay this promised trade deal long enough and they might start to become suspicious. With any luck, Yang would be better before they had to relocate. Opening a door, Blake stepped into their shared room.

"Ooooh." Yang's sheets had been tossed aside. She lay atop the mattress, bedding strewn everywhere and sweat covering her body, causing her thin shirt to stick to her skin and turn see-through. Her normally well-kept hair was a mess. "Ahhh." Shaking, she clenched her entire body and arched her back, then crashed down with a whimper.

Blake stepped up. "How do you feel?"

Idiot, she thought. How does it look like she feels?

"Blake…?" Yang's eyes were puffy and red. At first, she thought tears, but she soon noticed they were entirely bloodshot. "I… I feel… ughhh."

"That bad, huh?" There was a basin of water and a cloth on the side. Blake took it and dapped it across Yang's face, cleaning up sweat and administering a cool layer of moisture on her fevered flesh.

"D-Did he give anything t-to m-make the pain go away?"

Blake stilled.

"H-He normally gives… ah… t-tinctures."

"I threw it away," Blake lied. "I'm sorry."

"Oh." Yang looked like she might weep. "T-That's p-probably for the best. I… I ahhh!"

"Don't talk." Blake continued wiping her down, peeling Yang's clothing off and giving her a cold sponge bath on the bed. The proud girl would probably beat her senseless for it later, but she needed it for now. As she rubbed down Yang's shoulders and over her chest, she couldn't help but shake her head.

An Emerald Arcanist could have her healed in no time. Relying on some cruel peddler when there are people who could heal her less than a kilometre away. What is the world coming to? Her own limited experience with medicine wasn't helping. The problem with living in a Collegium was that you got used to its conveniences. The Emerald Arcana was a part of that.

The small vial of powder in her pocket burned against her skin. It would take care of all Yang's problems and it was clear she wanted it. Clear she was hurting. Was it concern that prevented her giving it over, or arrogance? The idea she knew better than an actual healer, no matter how dodgy he might be.

No. It couldn't be worth it. Pain was temporary. Addiction could last forever.

"You'll be alright soon," she said. "The Alchemist promised you'd only need the one treatment. Assuming he can be trusted…"

"D-Doesn't fail," Yang wept. "Hurts, b-but never fails…"

Medicine shouldn't hurt this badly anyway. Yang was burning up under her cloth, water drying off her skin in little puffs of steam. Maybe it was just the way things had to be done in the slums. If you had to work to keep yourself alive, you couldn't afford to take it easy with slow-acting medicine and a week or more of rest. You needed something that had you back on your feet immediately.

"How long does it usually take? You've experienced this before, right?"

"R-Ruby?" Yang asked. Her eyes looked through Blake. "You're okay, Ruby. It's okay. I'm here…"

Fuck. It wasn't the first time Yang faded off into hallucinations. The first time she'd been more afraid, but this was… what, the fourth? It didn't always last long and she usually passed out after. A blessed moment to catch some rest without Yang whimpering or crying away.

Despite that Yang couldn't feel it, she kept rubbing her down, cleaning her up and replacing the blankets with fresh ones, even towelling down the bed and shifting Yang over to another while it dried. There was something sickening in seeing her like this. Useless as Yang was, not being an Arcanist, she wasn't weak. The usual smirk, insult and mocking words that she'd hated for so long would be a welcome break.

"You better snap out of this soon," Blake grumbled, tucking Yang in. "Can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss the old Yang."

"Ruby…" Yang murmured. "Ruby…"

"Is fine." Blake stroked the girl's damp hair. "I'm sure she's fine."

/-/

The walls were still being guarded.

Ruby watched from a fair distance, but since so many other Initiates were as well, she didn't bother trying to hide it. The rain had stopped and the Arcanists had damned the second river, cutting it off so more water couldn't pump into the Upper District. The wall had also begun repair, only reaching about eight feet tall but enough to block sight of outside. They'd been quick to force that much, even if the builders were now taking their time.

The first wall felt like a temporary barrier hastily thrown up to keep them locked in. Cinder's words came back to mind and Ruby found she couldn't quite dismiss them. It's like we're prisoners. They're terrified of us even seeing the world outside.

That was a problem since she was desperate to get out.

Not, for once, because of the surges. The outpouring of magic required to bring the wall down had solved that problem. It was Yang that was the issue. Even if she was sure her big sister could look after herself, this was the first time in her life she hadn't been with her. If anything, that'd make Yang more likely to get out safe, but that didn't stop her worrying.

Ruby paced the wet grass lawns, mud squelching underfoot. There were so many Arcanists on the walls. Not just the downed section but all of them. If she went in with invisibility, she was sure to be noticed. No matter how hard she looked, now just wasn't a good time to try and sneak out. Ruby scowled and kicked at the floor.

Yang couldn't read. Blake probably could, but how was she meant to get a letter to the slums without looking suspicious? There was no good explanation for it. Even saying she'd met and befriended someone there would sound ridiculous – she was meant to have arrived and instantly made for the Collegium.

I don't even know where I'd address a letter to. And what if Junior or someone opened it?

That was even before the thought of trusting Blake; someone who had essentially lied and thrown her to the wolves all to draw the attention of the Arcanists. Not exactly great reasons to put faith in her. How long were they going to guard the walls, anyway? Until they were rebuilt? How long would that take!?

The tolling of bells cut Ruby's thoughts off. It wasn't the bells in the distance of the slums but one deeper within the Collegium. Ruby hesitated, unsure what it was supposed to mean, but she quickly noticed Arcanists closing in from every side.

Her heart leapt into her throat.

"There is a summons," one of them spoke out loudly, not only for her sake but the others around her. "All Initiates are being summoned to the food hall. Please make your way there immediately and await further instruction."

Okay. They weren't coming for her. Ruby relaxed a little but only that. As far as she knew, they were meant to have it easy while things were repaired. Maybe this was an announcement about that. If they knew the truth, there was no way they'd put her among a bunch of noble children.

The others were already moving so Ruby filed in behind them, listening to them ask the same questions she had. They came to the same conclusions too, deciding this was to tell them about the delay in lessons or an update to the rules. The fact they thought the same as her was a small comfort and by the time she reached the main school building and saw hundreds filing in, she'd relaxed entirely.

"Ruby!" Weiss came hurrying over. "There you are. I was worried I'd lose you in the crowd. Do you have any idea what's happening?"

"Announcement, maybe?"

"Perhaps." Weiss kept close and they followed others, easily spotting familiar faces from class and also Coco alongside Yatsuhashi. "I suppose that makes sense, what with it being the school building and all. The food hall must be the largest place from which to speak to us."

The larges indoor and dry space, Ruby noted. They might have used the fields outside otherwise but you couldn't expect nobles to stand in the mud. Oh, no, no, no. That, and so many people doing so at once would churn it up into a swamp.

She pulled Weiss to the side once they were in, quickly finding a corner at the back where they could avoid the crushing mass of bodies. Weiss complained at first but relented when Ruby pointed out they could be the first out after the announcement. It had nothing to do with not wanting to be squashed among all those bodies of course or having room to escape if needs be. Nothing at all.

Soon, the hall was full of people. The tables had been moved to the sides of the room to allow a large open space. The doors behind weren't closed; something she was grateful for. There were no Arcanists in the hall, however.

It can't be a trap. They wouldn't hurt this many people to get to me. Would they?

The crowd hushed when a door opened at the back end of the hall – the servant's entrance. Out walked not one of the chefs, but a tall and broad man with black hair swept with white. That was about all she could make out from a distance, but the way he carried himself screamed `not a mark` to her experienced eyes. The kind of guy you didn't try and pickpocket no matter how heavy his pouch looked.

His robes looked heavier than the usual ones. White with red and gold trim, along with a thick fur lining along the hood and shoulders. It was fancy but utilitarian. It would have been good cover in a storm or heavy snow. The man strode to the head of the hall with Glynda Goodwitch behind him, then stepped up onto one of the tables that had been covered with a draped cloth of blue. He stood with both hands linked behind his back, waiting without saying a word for them to be silent.

It didn't take long.

"Students," Arcanist Goodwitch intoned. "This is Arcanist James Ironwood from Atlas. He is an esteemed guest and friend of the Grand Arcanist himself, and here to assist with a matter most important to your – and the Collegium's – safety. I ask you both listen and take to heart his words today." Nodding, she stepped aside. "They are yours, James."

"Thank you, Glynda." The smile he offered the white-robed woman was just a shade warmer than mere politeness. When he turned to them, any such warmth had faded. "Initiates of the Vale Collegium. Thank you for coming. I understand you have taken time out of your busy days to be here and shall reward you by keeping this brief."

"As you have seen, the wall of the Collegium has been brought low. Many of you witnessed this take place, and the chasm open to form a second river. Though I am sure many of you have figured this out already, such was not a natural occurrence. I am here today to confirm this. It was the work of a Rogue Arcanist acting against the Collegium."

Startled muttering erupted from the crowd, along with gasps and nods from those who had either suspected it all along or wanted to act like they had. Ruby kept quiet, as did Weiss. Arcanist Ironwood did as well, standing without speaking as the sound slowly died down.

"I am here today as a guest of Grand Arcanist Ozpin," he said once they were quiet. "My task is to assist in both defending the Collegium and rooting out this criminal Arcanist and bringing them to justice."

An Arcanist and not a Wildmage. Had they gotten it wrong and missed her?

"We know not yet what motives this Arcanist has to target the Collegium, but they have made their intention clear. We believe they may even by trying to strike against one of you." He let the startled gasps wash over the crowds.

Amongst them, no one heard Ruby mutter "bullshit" under her breath.

"With many representatives of Noble families here, it would be easy to cause political instability by targeting you. Or this may even have been targeted at just one of you. When you join here – when you join any Collegium – you are told to put aside political feuds. You are Arcanists now. Your calling is greater. Not everyone is able to do that, and it seems our Rogue is of that ilk. They see your time here as an opportunity to strike." His voice boomed. "They are scum."

The crowd voiced their approval. Weiss did not, nor did Ruby.

"I will ask each of you to remember that you are not nobles from various houses with your schisms and your histories, but proud Arcanists of Vale. You are the next generation of protectors of this Kingdom, and of Remnant. No matter what your issues with one another, do not forget that fact."

Calling for unity was all well and good, but why? They knew why she acted. They knew what she was, where she was based and what she was capable of. They knew that everything he was spouting now was so much nonsense. Even if they didn't know who she was, they knew she wasn't a noble with a grudge against a certain family, so why claim it?

"The Collegium and the Arcanists here will work tirelessly to protect you. I and my team will be doing the same, but we shall also be hunting down the rogue responsible." He gestured beside him and five people stepped up onto the table. Their robes were various shades of red and white, almost like a uniform. Each of them looked like the kind of person who could go toe to toe with Yang and come out swinging. "We are Specialists from Atlas. This is Clover, Vine, Marrow, Elm and Harriet. If they approach you, please give them the respect they deserve. Clover has a few words."

The most muscular of the men stepped up. He had a nice smile.

Ruby was wary of it.

"Hello all," he greeted warmly. "My name is Clover Ebi. You can just call me Clover – no need for `Lord Arcanist` or the like. As part of our goal to protect you all from this rogue, we're going to provide each of you a bracelet created by the Black Arcana in Atlas." He raised one up for them to see, and Ruby noted he wore one on his wrist. "This will allow us to locate you in the event something happens or you are taken outside the Collegium wall. If that happens, rest assured we will hurry to your rescue."

They want to track us, Ruby thought instantly.

"I'm going to ask each of you to come up after and allow us to give one of these to you. They're for your own safety, so while I'm aware they're not the prettiest of things, rest assured you'll not be alone in wearing them." He showed off his own with a smile. "Don't worry about breaking them either. They're made to be as resistant as possible."

"These are for your protection," Ironwood interrupted. "And as such, we will ask you to keep them on at all times. Remove them and we shall believe you in peril and move to assist you. Please do not waste our time unless it is an emergency. Now, please form an orderly line and come receive yours."

/-/

The heavy metal shackle bumped against her wrist, Ruby turning her hand upside down and letting it slide up and down her arm. It fit well and didn't look horrible, nor was it overly heavy, but with the weight of what it represented, she couldn't stop feeling it.

"It's not that bad," Weiss said. "You've been playing with it for the past hour."

"It's annoying."

"I'm surprised you're the one to say that. I'd expect some prissy girl to be upset about it ruining her looks. I didn't think you'd care."

Ruby grumbled to herself, glaring at the thing. They'd taken the names of everyone who came up, marking them down. The reason they gave was that they wanted to know who was in trouble if it came to it, but she was sure that didn't matter. They'd save whoever it was without caring if that was the goal. This was to make sure no one got away without wearing one.

And just like this, I'm more a prisoner than I already was.

Damn it. Cinder's theories were getting in her head. She'd chosen to come here. To learn. This was something she'd wanted ever since she was little. Or did the Arcanists plan that, too? Make themselves look like heroes in all the story books so that people saw them in a good light? After all, hadn't Arcanist Lavender said that the most important thing was how people perceived them? Loyal and kind Arcanists; not people wielding the power to snuff out life.

"What does Jaune think, I wonder?" Weiss asked aloud.

It might have been more teasing had there actually been anything between her and him. As it was, Jaune looked over at his name being mentioned. He looked tired. Not emotionally drained or anything. Just tired like he'd been up all night. "Huh?"

"Ruby's new bracelet."

"Oh, that." He sighed. "It's a necessity. You can't take it off I'm afraid."

Ruby scowled. Stupid Jaune. Stupid Collegium Guard. She made sure to convey just how unimpressed she was with the most fearsome pout she could manage. It hid the very real fear deep below. Yang was fine. She had to be.

"Do you two know anything about this Rogue Arcanist?"

"Nope." Sun laughed as he said it and Jaune did too, but a little delayed. "We're just Newbloods so we get about as much warning as you. Guard the wall. Keep an eye on people. Don't let any Initiates wander out and get hurt."

"And report anyone who comes in," Jaune reminded.

"Oh yeah. I forgot that one."

"Really, Sun. Of all people who should forget…" He trailed off. "It doesn't matter. Sun has the right of it. That's all we've been told about the situation."

"Do you know when it'll be over?" Ruby asked.

"Afraid not. Likely when the W- Arcanist is found."

Ruby's eyes narrowed. "Something beginning with W?"

"There's reason to believe the Arcanist is a woman. I nearly said that. Don't tell anyone though. We don't want people here assuming it's okay to ignore the rules just because they're men; or to start acting like every woman is a possible threat."

Stupid. They all knew it was a Wildmage. Why not come out and say it? No one who was an Initiate knew what the problem with Wildmages was. Not even Cinder knew. All they could say was that Wildmages were bad, so if the Collegium just came out and said that then no one would even question it. Why go this far to portray it as a Rogue Arcanist?

Blake might know, but she was no more able to reach her than Yang.

What if I desired a spell that could send a message? Would my Wild Magic do that? Possibly, but it might also lead the Huntsmen straight to Yang or require magic to read or be sensed through the bracelet or nearby people. If she hadn't lost control and done this, she could have snuck out to check on Yang already.

Did she dare ask Jaune to pass a message outside?

No. Not yet.

Not unless she could think of someone to send it to, some way to convince him that was normal and a way to make sure said person didn't ask why he was delivering a letter from someone who used to live in the slums.

Ruby sighed as the bracelet clinked up and down her arm. This was ridiculous…

/-/

"I'm afraid I can't think of a solution."

Ruby groaned again. Not even Cinder could think of a way out of her current predicament.

"You can't have a message delivered even assuming you could convince your friend it was innocent. You'd have to send it to someone who knew Yang, and they'd demand to know who it was from. One mention of your name and they'll reveal every little thing about you."

"I know. I'm worried, though…"

"I can tell." Cinder laid a hand atop her hair and rubbed her gently. Like a cat. Ruby pouted. "I'd say not to but I know personally how hard it can be not to worry about a sibling. I genuinely loved mine." Martin Malneux of all people. He didn't deserve Cinder. "Show me this bracelet of yours."

Ruby complied quickly and Cinder touched and fussed over it. She didn't make to remove it, which was probably a good thing.

"You realise what they are trying with this, don't you?"

"Tracking us. Controlling us."

"Good. I was worried you might have fallen for that nonsense they fed you."

"Not when I'm the person they're after. Why bother anyway? Why not just say it's a Wildmage?"

"Various reasons." Cinder let the bracelet go and poured them some drink. Fruit juice. Ruby drank eagerly, enjoying the rich and sugary flavour. "For one, they unify the school against a given threat. Not revealing what that threat is might be to reduce panic or make it seem like they have the matter under control. These are children of powerful people after all."

"It's so their parents don't complain?"

"Perhaps. You said the Upper District was flooded. I think that would have them quite riled at the Collegium already. No need to enflame matters further."

"Huh." Ruby nodded. "I didn't think of that."

"Of course not," Cinder said. "You're not a noble. You've little idea how they are. That's only one possible reason though. I doubt it's the real one. There's also the aspect of control again. Tell me, if I told you a murderous beast lay outside the walls, how likely would you be to go out there?"

Not very. "They're scaring us away from the breach. Making us feel like staying in the Collegium is the safest place."

"Safe, happy and secure. Not every prison has bars on the window." Cinder looked at her own, which did contain filigree bars reaching up and down outside the glass. "Trust us, they say. Believe in us. The world outside is frightening but we shall keep you safe."

"That's horrible…"

"And a third reason is that it may be a test. Or a trap."

Ruby perked up, listening intently.

"If you play into the role of a Rogue Arcanist or acknowledge it in any way, they will immediately have proof that it is someone within the Collegium who is responsible. That is whether you play along with the ruse or not. Assuming, of course, that they've given a different message outside the walls. Or to the real Arcanists. If so, they might even be able to narrow it down to a single Initiate."

That would be bad. "What should I do?"

"Not react to it. Certainly don't do anything to support the idea, even if you think it might be a better idea to be known as a Rogue Arcanist than a Wildmage. Continue as you have. Ride out the surges as you must. Let them believe you have no idea what is happening inside the walls and they may think you are still out there."

Okay. That made sense and wouldn't be too hard. It was definitely better if she drew their eyes away from the Collegium. Assuming she could. By the same metric as what Cinder said, what if by securely sealing the walls, they saw the lack of any Wild Magic outside it as proof they had her trapped inside? It could be just as bad that way around.

Lock the walls. Keep them in and wait to see where the next surges occurred. If she couldn't escape, those would be inside the Collegium. Ruby quickly explained the problem to Cinder, who looked suitably worried.

"You might be onto something. You should have some time but they have longer."

"What do I do? I can't go outside with this on."

"Then take it off."

"They said they'll notice if we do!"

"They will," Cinder said, "But will they know what you are doing? Make a habit of it. Become a problem. Keep getting caught without it on and in innocent situations. A bath. A dalliance with a lover. Make them tut and roll their eyes and then, once they are sure they know you're just a problematic child, sneak out. Do it enough and they may give you hours to work off your surges before investigating."

Ruby nodded. "Will that work?"

"I don't know. It's a risk. You'd be better off if you could convince a lot of people to do it. Spread the suspicion around. I'm not sure you would be able to, however. From what you've told me your influence isn't exactly… well." Cinder smiled apologetically. "Influential."

It wasn't. Maybe if Malneux tried to do something like that he could convince his cronies to take off their bracelets, but if she tried then it was hopeless. Weiss too given her status. People would go against them just for the sake of being seen to do so.

"I don't know what to do," Ruby complained.

"I know." Cinder stroked her hair sadly. "I'm sorry I can't help this time. All I can say is to keep looking. You're not unintelligent. Think. You have the advantage both of awareness and of being a Wildmage. If they are so afraid of us, find out why and make them regret ever going against you. I believe you can do it. Have faith in yourself."

There was no hiding her blush. Ruby ducked her head, mumbling, "Thanks…"

"No problem. You're always welcome here, though I'm sure it's no fun being in this place. Thank you for smuggling some books in." She tapped the two tomes hidden under her blanket. "I'll go through them and see if there's anything of value to you. You remember what I said?"

"Knowledge is power."

"Yes. Remember that, Ruby. Do not ever forget it. Go now. Your roommate will miss you if you tarry much longer."

Saying her goodbyes, Ruby hugged Cinder and left, signing out at the entrance and to the same man she'd spoken to before, then making her way hurriedly back to the dorms.

It was dark out but the moon was high, illuminating the path ahead. Torches moved along the walls, each gripped by a guard and with many more brightly lighting up the breach in the wall, leaving not a foot of shadow to hide within. They were taking no chances. Turning away from it, Ruby ducked into the dorm and came to a screeching halt in the common room entrance.

Weiss was stood there looking more than a little nervous. Beside her stood Arcanist Clover, the one who had spoken in the hall. He had a hand on Weiss' shoulder, though she didn't look pleased about it.

"Initiate Rose?" he asked. "Is that right?"

"Y-Yes." Ruby tried to smile. "That's me. Hi."

"Hello." His smile widened. "Arcanist Ironwood would like to speak with you, along with Grand Arcanist Ozpin."

He nodded at her. Not at her, she quickly realised, as two people who had been hidden on either side of the doors on the inside stepped up to flank her. The door behind her closed, trapping off her final avenue of escape.

"Why?" Ruby asked. "Can't it wait until morning?"

"I'm afraid it can't. And it's just a few simple questions. Please, follow me."

Uh-oh. Just as a quick reminder, if you are reading the story and don't receive an email alert, then Null will have been updated by the time you read this. If you're not reading it then no worries. This story will always be updated on Sundays where I can, but since these two storms played with our infrastructure, they had to be written at home and uploaded at work.

Next Chapter: 23rd February

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