Christmas Notice:

I am going to be taking two weeks off this year starting from Monday 20th December (Next Week) and returning to writing on Monday 3rd January. I normally only take a single week off, but I've been feeling that the quality of my writing has deteriorated somewhat in the last few months and I want to take the time to address why, read through my works, read some actual books for a change and basically rejuvenate myself before coming back stronger than ever.

Thanks for understanding. Merry Christmas to all while I'm not uploading!

I timed this poorly though as I have Christmas dinner today with family, and that's going to go on for ages. Damn. Had I known, I'd have included today and ended it a day early. Oh well, time to cram, cram, cram all morning.

Cover Art: Z-ComiX

Chapter 114

Ruby let herself relax for what felt like the first time in days. The `command tent` was little more than a shaded patch of ground between the numerous barricades, with carpets, cushions and furniture set out for the comfort of the heads of noble houses who couldn't actually be expected to stand while the Collegium was under siege.

The most ridiculous part was that someone had erected a wine cabinet stocked with bottles of red and white, spirits and more, with crystalline goblets balanced on a high table beside it. Ruby was busy inspecting those when the tent flap swept back and someone cleared their throat. Ruby jumped and twisted away from the expensive bottles.

"I didn't touch nothing!"

"Would you like a drink?" the armoured woman had the manners to ask. Her voice sounded a little familiar, though Ruby was sure she'd never met her before. "There's little sound from within the Collegium so we'll be here for a while." She reached up to remove her helmet, releasing shoulder-length white hair that fell down her back. "I am Knight-Captain Winter Schnee, representative of the Crown Prince."

"You're Weiss' sister!" Ruby blurted out.

"I am." Winter set the helmet down on the table and nodded once to Adam as she passed him by. She retrieved three goblets and a glass jug, then poured some for each of them. "Here."

After all the smoke and fire, Ruby took hers greedily, only a little disappointed to find it was water. Adam didn't complain. For him, freedom provided all the flavour. He moved over to a pile of cushions and collapsed into it, setting his stolen sword on the floor by his side.

"I've received letters about you," Winter said. "Though I didn't recognise you at first. Ruby, isn't it? Weiss complained constantly about you in her first missives, though we didn't fail to notice how her complaints dwindled and turned to praise." Ruby giggled. That was Weiss alright. "How is she?" Winter asked. "It's been so long since her last."

Ruby's mirth evaporated. "You don't know…?"

"Know what?" Winter's smile shrivelled and died. "What has happened to my sister?" She stepped forward to tower over Ruby, forcing the younger girl to scrabble back. "Tell me!"

"Weiss ran! S-She left…"

"Ran? Left? Where!?"

"Left the Collegium. The city. She… She became a Rogue Arcanist." Ruby watched the emotions play over Winter's face. Disbelief, denial, shock. "You… You didn't know? They didn't tell you?"

"They did not." Winter continued to stare Ruby down for a few seconds. Eventually, she turned away, clenching her goblet tight before setting it down with an ominous clink. "Our family has not been informed of anything regarding her. Our letters were delivered, or so we were told, but there were never any replies. Given the situation with the Grimm and Weiss joining the White Arcana, we thought she was simply busy…"

The White Arcana had even gone as far as pretending Weiss was still in the Collegium. That was insane. Would they have faked responses from her too at some point? Intercepted and written mail back pretending to be Weiss? It sounded stupid, but if it meant keeping the reputation of the Collegium in the face of the noble families then there was no telling how far they'd go.

"So, their lies go this far." Winter strode past Ruby, her armour clanking with every move. "And we blindly trusted. Lady Arc was right. They've grown too powerful."

"Too powerful by far." Juniper Arc said as she entered the tent. She looked tired, worn, but she managed a polite nod to Adam and to Ruby. "That's why we're here, Knight-Captain. It's time to remind them of the oaths they swore, of the terms their founders agreed to. Ruby. You say Goodwitch is dealt with. Is that right?"

"Yes. I… well…"

"You forced the memory-wiping poison on her. Relax," she said, "No one here is going to say that in a court of law, nor let you be taken to one. As far as we're concerned, there aren't any witnesses."

"Then yes. I did…

"How?" Winter demanded. "Not that I don't believe your pet Arcanist, Lady Arc, but Lady Goodwitch is one of the most powerful Arcanists in Vale. I struggle to see how another, especially one younger than my sister, could overpower her."

"It's… It's because I'm a Wildmage."

"Ruby!" Adam barked.

"And he is one as well," she said. It was a risk for sure, but the Collegium was under siege. Things could and should change, and she'd be damned if she was going to sit in silence.

Winter's hand had fallen to her weapon. "Wildmages are scourges-"

"So say the Collegium!" Ruby argued. "And do you know what else they say? That Weiss is safe and sound, that Jaune and his dad had incurable illnesses and that the King died to a freak attack by Grimm. They lie all the time. Is it so hard to believe they'd lie now as well?"

The Knight-Captain didn't let go of her weapon, but she did relax a little. Juniper made no effort to draw one and instead stepped over to place a hand on Winter's breastplate and steer her away. "The Arcanists lie," she said softly. "We know this. Lady Rose and her friend here have done us a great service. Even if it were true, they have the support of House Arc. I request clemency on their behalf."

"Hngh." Winter let her weapon go. "There's no need. My focus is on the Collegium and Lady Goodwitch. A pair of wanted criminals would have little trouble slipping past. If they are criminals at all."

"Much will change." Juniper said. "Much must change. We should look for ourselves why Wildmages are demonised so."

"Because we're strong." Adam said. "Because we're stronger then Arcanists, and they hate anything that is."

"An altogether realistic prospect. They're certainly power-hungry enough for it. If there is more reason, justified reason, I will see to the two of you being exempt from it. You have done House Arc a grand service in returning my son to me. We owe you our favour."

Adam looked to Ruby meaningfully. The reason wasn't lost on her. "Then… can I call that favour in now?"

Lady Arc stilled. "Now? It is not an ideal time with the Collegium under siege. What is your request?"

"We want out." Ruby said. "Out of the Collegium, out of Vale. This city…" It had killed or driven off everything she cared about. Yang and Blake had already expressed their desires here, and Ruby found herself in agreement. "There's nothing left for us here."

"You would leave? Now of all times?" Lady Arc looked stricken. "What of my son? You could stay with us – I'm sure Jaune would love to host you. Perhaps in the future, you and he might-"

"Jaune and I are friends. Really good friends but… only that." Ruby smiled at the woman, who blushed at having been caught. It was sweet, she supposed. Jaune's mom was just happy to have her son back. "And it wouldn't be safe anyway. Even if you win and the Collegium backs down, they're not going to let a Wildmage be. They'll try and capture or kill me, or maybe just slowly build their power back up and frame me for something."

"House Arc would protect you!"

"It's not just Vale. The Collegium of Atlas would come for me. Can House Arc fight off a Kingdom where their Collegium has taken control? Their White Arcana is dominant, and they hate Wildmages. They'd come hunting for me and they wouldn't be afraid to hurt you or Jaune to get to me."

"Atlas will be a problem." Winter said. "They're going to be an issue whatever happens here today. I guarantee they will be sending diplomats to speak to us with regards to the Collegium, Lady Arc. I doubt they will be happy."

"Vale is sovereign. They can complain all they wish!"

"The Crown Prince is still new to his role and his rule is weak. Atlas will press on that. I am sorry to say, but perhaps it is best the Wildmages not be here when they arrive."

"I will have justice for my husband!" Juniper said.

"You'll have it. Whatever Atlas tries, the Collegium committed regicide. They cannot wash that away and any attempts will be met with steel. That won't help these two, however."

Ironwood and his Specialists – his White-Crimson anti-Rogue hunters would come, and this time they'd have targets to go after. Ruby wasn't sure if they could beat her and Adam working together, but they'd know that as well. They would wait until they were split up and deal with them one at a time. Juniper could try her best, but unless she planned to keep Ruby and Adam locked in her mansion for the rest of their lives, it wouldn't matter.

It was inevitable that the Collegium would have to give things up. They'd lose authority, power and the trust of the city. With any luck, some White Arcanists would even be found guilty of what happened in the docks, though with Glynda wiped of all memories it wasn't like she could be punished for her crimes. Justice would be served either way, but justice wouldn't keep her or Adam safe. The White Arcana would still do its best to hunt them down; they'd just be subtler about it. Vale wasn't safe for them. It never would be.

"Blasted Arcanists!" Lady Arc spat. "This revolution is a long time coming!"

"You'll find no disagreement here." Winter said. "But it doesn't change the fact that keeping them here will push Atlas to action. Two Collegiums working together could be a problem for us. We won't let them override what we do here today, but they could put pressure on us to surrender two known criminals to their care."

"I… Fine." Juniper closed her eyes. "If it is what you wish, Lady Rose, you will have it. Horses, wagons, enough food to last you months. I will send a team of my finest men with you as well. They will take you wherever it is you wish to go, and then see you set up safely."

"That's not-"

"I demand you accept. They will be paid well, and they will be volunteers, so don't fret for their sakes. A fair number have complained of feeling pent up stuck in the city for so long as it is. An adventure will do them well. Where is it you want to go? Or do you wish to keep that hidden?"

There really wasn't any need. "Menagerie. We're going to Menagerie."

"Back home, hm?"

Home for Adam, but it had never been a home to Ruby and Yang. Maybe it would be, though. Maybe it would become a home. Ruby found herself smiling anyway, liking the idea more than she cared to admit. It'd be a hell of a journey and then they'd need to start rebuilding, but there were bound to be survivors, and it wasn't like they weren't capable.

"Yeah. We're going to try and rebuild it."

"You will have the aid of House Arc. I know you will not marry my son, but I offer now an alliance between House Arc and House Rose. We shall provide you building material, crops and foodstuffs to last you the early years."

"And in return?"

"You've given us enough." Juniper said firmly. "But if you must, let us say preferential trade rights once Menagerie is up and running. We can discuss that in the future." She smiled. "Perhaps it will even be Lord Jaune Arc who discusses that with you. It will be many years before Menagerie is back on its feet. Do you accept these terms, Lady Rose?"

Lady Rose. House Rose. Was it even worth pointing out those didn't exist? The second she went to Menagerie, they might as well. Blake would make them a thing and Yang would be accepted in as her sister. They'd be nobles, for all the little that mattered. Adam was nodding, though, telling her it was a good deal. She didn't need any noble upbringing to see that.

"On behalf of House Rose, I accept this offer." Ruby curtseyed as Weiss had taught her, employing all her lessons to sound as official as she possibly could.

"Excellent. Then may House Arc and House Rose create a bright new future together." Juniper took a bottle of wine, uncorked it and dribbled a healthy dose of red out onto the floor. It sank into the carpet. "With Lady Winter Schnee as our witness, I decree our houses as allies. As close as family. Let the first to break such an agreement be cursed unto the end of their days."

Lady Arc drank from the bottle in a most undignified manner, then handed it to Ruby. The message was clear, and she swung it back, sealing the deal. Maybe not all noble traditions were boring.

"The deal is set. It will take at least until tomorrow for me to arrange horses and materials. You will stay at my manor tonight, both of you. I will accept nothing less for House Arc's guests of honour."

/-/

The morning dawned with light rain, and Ruby found herself standing out in it on a balcony of the Arc mansion, her small hands wrapped around an ornate iron grill as she stared out to the Collegium. Tall pillars of smoke wafted up from it in places as the last of the fires were brought under control. With their departure, so too went any hope of Cinder miraculously joining them. It had been such a small hope, doomed from the start, but Ruby still pressed her forehead against the railing and struggled to breathe.

Cinder was gone. She refused to believe the woman who had grown up in the Sanctum would ever willingly be captured – not that there was a Sanctum to take her to even if she was. That meant there was only one end to the battle, and since the fires no longer burned, the end was Cinder's.

A faint knock on the door to the lavish room she'd been lent drew Ruby back out of the rain. "Come in," she called.

The door clicked open and Jaune slid in. He was dressed in a bright blue tunic over tan hose, with black leather boots. His bare hands were wrapped with bandages. He looked more alive than he had the day before, and more aware than he had in weeks.

"Ruby." A quick smile and a sudden hug. Ruby buried her face in his chest and took the comfort on offer. "You're soaked through," he whispered. "What's wrong?"

"Cinder…"

"Ah." Jaune said no more but wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. The simple comfort undid her, and she wept into him. "Let it out," he said awkwardly. "No one will blame you."

After a few minutes, she wiped her eyes on his tunic and pushed away with a quiet little apology. This was a better end than Cinder would have received in the Sanctum, and she was sure Cinder would have preferred it this way. It wasn't fair that her parents would never know. Even if Ruby visited to explain, it would just be heaping pain on them. They weren't even aware they'd had a daughter, and to find out that she was dead? It felt too cruel.

"Mother explained your plan to leave Vale to me." Jaune moved over and drew out a wooden stool, while Ruby sat on her bed. "She's also suggested I go with you for a while."

"Is-?" Ruby giggled and wiped her eyes. "Is she that desperate to see us married?"

"I don't think it's entirely that." Jaune said with a merry little smile of his own. "Actually, I think it's more of what you told her yesterday. She's worried that with Atlas coming, they might also push for control of me. They also have their own Sanctum, and they use huntsman just as Vale did. They won't like the idea of one of us being free. Let alone if that one was responsible for the destruction of Vale's Sanctum."

Of course they wouldn't. Atlas would want to find everyone involved in this and punish them on Glynda's behalf. She was more surprised she hadn't thought Jaune might be a target. Juniper was right to try and send him off. He could hide with them for a few months or even years, until Atlas backed off and tensions eased.

"What do you want to do?" she asked him.

"I think I'd be happy to get out of Vale and see the world. Not that there aren't a lot of fond memories here, but I've spent the last seven years trapped in the Collegium, and I don't much like the idea of spending the next three to five stuck in the mansion waiting for things to blow over. If you'll have me, I'd like to come with you."

"Menagerie is a ruin. Rebuilding it won't be easy."

"It'll be many things, I expect. Easy won't be one and neither will boring." Jaune winked. "I'm still interested. I think one or two of my sisters have expressed interest as well, both to look after me and have a chance at their own adventures."

"They realise it'll mostly be farming, building and trying to help refugees, right?"

"They do, though I doubt they – or either of us here – know what that will fully be like. It'll be a learning experience for all of us. And not a bad opportunity for you either," he said. "If three of mother's children are coming, that will mean more supplies, more guards and maybe even a squad permanently assigned to look after us. That's more hands to sow seeds, harvest crops and aid in the construction."

Because the more House Arc committed, the better off Menagerie would be. Blake might have imagined it'd just be the three of them trying to make this work, but it was beginning to look like they'd have a small army. That wasn't a bad thing at all, was it? Between their resources, her Wild magic and the support of the nobles in Vale, Menagerie might flourish a lot sooner than anyone expected.

"As long as they're not stupid about it," Ruby said.

"They won't be. Hazel and Jade spend more time hunting than courting men – they're excellent riders and archers. If you want meat, they'll provide. Saphron is… well, she's not interested in men and there are a few houses here that don't understand that and keep pushing suitors at her. Mother fends them off, but it's beginning to annoy Saphron. I think she wants a chance to escape all that. She's an excellent administrator and good with numbers. I think she plans to put herself forward as a quartermaster to you. Do you have someone who can calculate stocks, decide on rations and the like?"

"To be honest, I didn't even think that'd be a thing…" Ruby admitted. "This is… uh… it's more the idea of a friend of mine. We're just tagging along. I guess we'll need that, though. Are you sure they'll be okay… well… slumming it?"

"Not all nobles are incapable of that, Ruby. I lived in a barracks with Sun, remember?" Jaune's face fell as he said it. "Poor Sun. I don't want to leave him here but…"

"He doesn't remember you." Ruby said. It was horrible and she didn't want to leave Ren and Nora either, but there was no cure for what had been done to them, and they all had lives here. Hopefully, they wouldn't get into any trouble. None of them had done anything wrong and the nobles were more focused on the White anyway.

As for Pyrrha, well, Ruby wasn't sure she would have come with them even if she knew. Pyrrha was a good and loyal Arcanist. White-Crimson. It would have been too much of a risk to tell her, and after she'd expressed her distaste for Weiss going rogue, well, it didn't feel like a good idea.

"I've asked mother to keep an eye out for him." Jaune said. "Once the Collegium has surrendered, she's promised to find an excuse to hire him out from under them. Sun wants to earn money to support his family. There are few positions more prestigious or well-paying than serving as a guard for a High Noble House. It's… It's the best I can do for him now. I'm not sure I could handle seeing him again, realising he's forgotten me. I know I could probably reforge our friendship but…"

"It would be like pretending the first Sun never existed."

"Yes." Jaune stared down at his hands. "Sun, my friend, has been murdered. I will see the new Sun cared for, but to tell him the truth would be… I don't know what it would be. Cruel? He'd live his whole life knowing that key memories were stolen away. I can't see that helping him."

It was a difficult decision and one she wasn't equipped to make. All she could think was how happy she was she'd kept Yang hidden, because it would have been all too easy for Glynda to wipe Yang's memories of her. If that happened… Ruby closed her eyes. She wasn't sure how she would handle it. Screaming, crying, lashing out? Probably all of them. If the White had taken Yang away, Ruby would have joined Cinder in her final, doomed attack.

Jaune hasn't even met Yang or Blake, Ruby thought. Heh. I wonder how they'll get along. Yang is going to be such a bad influence on him. And Jaune had spent half his life locked up, so he'd probably take every chance he could to have a little fun. I'd better make sure Yang doesn't take advantage of him. She'd totally fleece him at dice, cards or just about anything else.

"I have a confession to make."

"Hm?" Jaune sounded curious, but only dimly.

"I'm not a noble. I'm from the slums. These slums. I'm a Dredger. You'd find out eventually," she said with a shrug. "My sister is down there, in the city, and I want to get her out and to Menagerie with us."

"We'll get her out."

Ruby rounded on him. "That's it? That's your reaction?"

"What do you want me to say?" he asked. "That it's a shock? If anything, it explains a lot of your quirks. It's not everyday a noble lady strips off and jumps into a river with two men she hasn't met before." He laughed. "Sun near coughed up a lung when he realised."

Ruby laughed with him. "It doesn't bother you then?"

"My mind has been toyed with, my life near destroyed and my father sacrificed himself to free me with your aid. I think I have bigger things to care about than where you were born or to whom. Besides, if House Rose didn't exist before then it does now that mother has officially announced it. You and your sister both will be recognised in Vale. Who is going to argue in Menagerie when we turn up with building materials, medical supplies and enough food to feed an army? If there are survivors, they'll welcome you with open arms."

Another knock came at the door and a young man in a uniform entered. He saluted with a fist to his breastplate. "Lord Arc, a pleasure to have you back with us. Lady Rose." He bowed to her. "I have been sent by Lady Arc. There is an Arcanist of the White who has asked to speak with you. He claims to be a family of yours."

Family? Who-? Ruby's eyes bulged out. "Qrow!?"

"Lord Qrow Branwen, yes," the guard said. "He also comes with two women, an Arcanist who claims to be from Menagerie and a blonde merchant girl called-"

"Yang!" Ruby jumped up and laughed happily. "Yes! Yes, I'll see them! They – They're family. I trust them, please-"

Jaune took the cue to stand and touch her shoulder. "Welcome them into our home and see them provided a hearty meal," he told the guard. "I will speak with mother, and we shall meet them soon."

"Yes sir. I'll see to it at once."

"It's my sister!" Ruby babbled excitedly when the man left. "That's my sister. I – You have to meet her. Adam, too. But Qrow… I wonder what he thinks of all this." Ruby bit her lip. Would he hate her? Qrow was against Glynda's decisions, but that didn't mean he'd agree with freeing Wildmages and destroying the Sanctum. "I don't know-"

"We will ask him." Jaune said. "And if he disagrees, know that it changes little. I, and House Arc, will stand beside you whatever his decision."

Ending it there as I'm already being called asking where I am for Christmas dinner. Argh. It's early this year since some of our family are going away for the holidays. I wouldn't with this Omicron around – I'm taking it seriously - but I guess I can't force others not to.

I'm already a little iffy meeting up at all, but at least it'll only be eight people. Not ideal, but if I call off for social distancing reasons I just know I'll be hearing about it all year. Blargh.

Anyway, since I won't be updating until January I'll take this last chance to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Have fun and I'll see you all in the New year!

Next Chapter: 9th January

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