This story may be my own original story, but RWBY, the characters and everything else is owned by Rooster Teeth and created by late Monty Oum(1981-2015). And even though it's been over 2 years, since your passing, e all still miss you Monty.
Hero: A RWBY AU Story
Chapter 8
BEACON - LIBRARY
Blake is alone, reading a book, in the school library, where there a little to no students present. As she reads, she hears the sounds of tip-toeing, from her cat ears, hidden inside her black bow.
That's when she sees the red dot on the page, she's reading.
"Yang?" She said.
Blake begins looking around, only to not see anyone, but the couple students in her sights. But they were busy reading their books. She sighs and resumes her reading. Only to see the red dot again. Growling, she moves to another seat. And there, again, the red dot appears.
"Come on." Blake said, annoyed.
She sighs again, and closes the book. Standing up, she sees the red dot moving around. And due to her cat-like instincts, she follows the dot, down the library, where nobody is in sight. When she follows the dot, into a row of bookshelves, she suddenly stops. Sun, holding a laser pointer, smiles and waves his hand.
"Why?" Blake asked, annoyed.
Sun chuckles. He then leans forward, and his lips meet Blake, whose eyes go wide. When they separate, Blake blushes, while Sun scratches the back of his head.
"Too soon?" Sun asked.
Blake stares at Sun, for a few seconds, before smiling. "Maybe a little. I was kinda hoping, it would be me, making the first move."
Sun nervously chuckles. "Sorry."
"You should be."
Blake and Sun both turn to see Weiss, who was sitting nearby, reading.
"Was there a reason, why you did this, in front of me?" She asked.
"Um...didn't see you there?" Sun said, trying to make an excuse.
Weiss sighs and closes her book. "Well, then. I'll leave you two, to do whatever you're going to do, next."
Ring
Weiss takes out her Scroll, to see Ruby's picture. She answers the call. "Hey, Ruby."
"Hey." Ruby said.
Weiss notices Ruby's tone to be soft and less happy. More like sad.
"Ruby. Are you all right?"
PATCH - RUBY'S ROOM
"Yeah. I am."
Ruby is sitting on the corner of the wall, of her room, one arm around her knees, and the other holding her Scroll. Her sad expression is also shown.
"Really?" Weiss asked. "You don't sound alright."
"I'm alright, Weiss." Ruby said. "I...I'm good."
"Ruby? Your voice cracked a bit. What's wrong?"
Ruby opens her mouth, but nothing comes out. Shen then begins shakily sniffle, and tears begin to fall down her face.
"Ruby?" Weiss said, with a worried tone.
"...Something very bad happened, Weiss." Ruby said, trying to prevent her sobbing. "Yang got hurt. Very badly."
"What do you mean, she got hurt, badly? Is she alright?"
"She's going to be okay." Ruby answered. "But..."
Ruby loses control, and begins to softly sob.
"I could use my friends, right now."
BEACON
Weiss turns to Blake and Sun, who are sporting worried looks.
"Okay, Ruby." She said. "Blake and I will take the next airship to Patch. We'll be there soon. Okay?"
"Okay." Ruby shakily answered.
"Just stay where you are. And don't leave. We'll be there."
Weiss puts her Scroll away, as Blake approaches her.
"What happened?" She asked. "Who got hurt?"
"I'll tell you, in the airship." Weiss answered. "But, we need to go. Now."
Weiss grabs Blake's arm and they leave Sun, and exit the library.
ROOM
Qrow takes multiple swigs from a bottle of alcohol, emptying the last of the contents. As he lowers his arm, he looks at the bottle. He the yells, throwing the bottle onto a floor, causing it to shatter. Angrily panting, he walks to a wall, and proceeds to sit on the floor, his back on the wall.
Knock, knock
All Qrow does is grunt loudly, and the door opens. Qrow just stares at the floor, hearing the door close, and footsteps getting louder. Once he sees a familiar pair of boots, he looks up to see Winter, her arms crossed.
"What do you want, Ice Queen?" Qrow angrily asked.
"Name calling." Winter said. "Is that all you got, for me?"
Qrow then takes out his flask, opens it, and is about to take a swig. But, he stops and stares at the flask.
"Oz told me, about Cinder's plan to attack the parade." Qrow said. "And how Jimmy knew, too. But, he didn't do anything. Didn't even send you or anyone else to assist."
"I am aware, Qrow." Winter said, taking the flask, and drinking from it, surprising Qrow. She then places the flask on the table. "Ironwood had a chance to help. I even volunteered, to go to Patch. But, all he said was no. Said that we were...'too occupied'.
"Well, if you are 'too occupied'...then why are you here, then?" Qrow asked.
Winter finds a chair and sits down. "Because Ironwood is starting to lose it. He's getting further and further away, from the very goals, he set to accomplish."
Qrow looks confused. "Even trying to find Cinder Fall?"
"Even that." Winter answered.
"And why do you think that?"
"Believe me, Qrow. I do not know." Winter then takes out her sword and stares at it. "I thought, I knew him. I respected him. I was loyal to him, even when I was in Atlas Academy. But, when he refused to help the people of Patch, even when he knew people could die, I knew that this would be the start. Pretty soon, he'll refuse to help anyone else, but to those in Atlas. When I voiced my concerned, he threatened to have me dishonorably discharged for insubordination."
"I may not know Jimmy, that well. But, that's not like him." Qrow said.
"That's exactly, what I said." Winter said. "And I wasn't going to stick around, to see what else, he'll do. So, effective this morning, I am no longer an Atlas Specialist, nor a soldier of the Atlesian military."
Qrow raises his eyebrows, in surprise. "Huh. I didn't think, I'd ever hear that, from you."
"Yep." Winter said. "From this day forward, I will be spending my days, helping others. As a Huntress."
She then walks to the door, opens it, but doesn't leave. Instead, she picks up something, and goes back inside. Qrow sees, that she's carrying a duffel bag.
"And as much as I hate to ask you, of all people...I was kinda hoping...if I could stay here, for a couple days?"
Qrow senses the nervousness in her voice.
Winter sighs. "And I know, I'm probably the last person, to ask this. But, unfortunately, my father has forbidden me from coming home. Says that I have been 'disowned'. Not legally, though. And also, because...I have no other friends, to turn to."
Qrow stands up and looks at Winter. "Is that what you would call me? A friend?"
"Well...more of...a close acquaintance."
Qrow chuckles. "Fair enough."
"Just for a few days." Winter said. "I'm closing in on a deal, to get an apartment, here in Vale. But, it won't be official for a while."
Qrow quickly looks around the room, he's in. "I may have to clean the place, a little. But...if you can handle the smell...then okay."
Winter sighs in relief. "Thank you, Qrow."
"But, I gotta warn you. I only have one bed."
"I think, I'll just stick with the couch." Winter said.
Qrow shrugs, and walks to his sword, picking it up.
"Going somewhere?" Winter asked.
"Yeah." Qrow answers, seriousness in his voice. "Going to see my niece. Hopefully, she's calmed down, after what she went through."
"...I see." Winter said. "I heard about what happened to Miss Xiao Long." She opens her duffel bag, and takes out a rectangular-shaped box. "Which is why, I...'commandeered' this, for her. I can assume, you know what this is."
"Commandeered, huh?" Qrow said, taking the box. He then chuckles. "You surprise me, Schnee."
"I blame you." Winter said. "You and your mischievous influence."
Qrow smiles. He looks at the box, then back to Winter. "Thanks...Winter."
Qrow puts the box under one arm, and exits the room. Winter stands up and walks to the small kitchen, where she opens the fridge.
"Let's see what-"
She stops, when she sees the various bottles of alcohol, inside. Winter sighs. "Of course."
After a few seconds, she picks up a small bottle.
PATCH
Ruby, sitting at the dining table, is staring at the sandwich, that lays in front of her. As she sadly stares at it, Taiyang stands nearby, arms crossed and bearing a worried look on her face.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Taiyang and Ruby both turn to look at the front door.
"That can't be them." Ruby said. "I just called them."
"Who?" Taiyang asked.
"Weiss and Blake. My teammates. But, they shouldn't be here, by now."
Taiyang, suspicious, opens a drawer and takes out a gauntlet with two blades, and puts it on. Walking towards the door, Taiyang goes next to one of the nearby windows, and slightly opens the blind. His eyebrows go up, and he removes the gauntlet. He turns and looks at Ruby.
"It's not your teammates, Ruby. But it's people you know."
Ruby looks confused, until Taiyang opens the door. Her expression turns to surprise to see Jaune, Ren and Nora entering. Ruby stands up, and has her head staring at the ground.
"What are you guys doing here?" She asked.
"We heard about what happened." Jaune answered. "Well...we kinda saw it, on the news. We saw you. And we saw Yang. Both lying on the ground. We were worried."
"Well, I'm okay, Jaune." Ruby said. "Just a few scratches. Had to wear a sling for some time. But, I'm good."
"And...Yang?" Ren asked.
"...I don't want to talk about it." Ruby said, before walking to the stairs. Climbing up, she stops halfway, and turns to Jaune. "I appreciate you guys coming. But, I'm really tired. Going to get some sleep. Feel free to stay the night. Weiss and Blake will be here, soon."
Ruby then continues to walk upstairs while Jaune, Ren and Nora watch.
"How bad was it?" Nora asked, turning to Taiyang
"Very bad." Taiyang answered, before sitting down. "Yang took a nasty hit, on her right arm. If she taken that hit...Ruby would've taken that hit. But Yang wouldn't let that happen. And it cost her."
"Cost her?" Jaune asked, worried.
Taiyang is silent before he sighed. "The damage was severe. There was no way to save her arm. So...the doctors had to amputate it."
The trio look shocked, at what they just heard.
"That's the same reaction, we had, when we heard this, ourselves. Yang's been silent, since the incident. Depressed. And Ruby blames herself, for what happened."
Jaune places his hands on his hips and looks up the stairs.
"Can I go talk to her, sir?" He asked to Taiyang. "Maybe I can help."
"Why do you think that?" Taiyang asked.
"Trust me, Mr. Xiao Long." Jaune said. "I live with seven sisters. I've been doing this, for years."
Taiyang's eyebrows go up, in surprise. After a few seconds, he eventually nods. "Okay. If you think, you can help."
Jaune nods, and he walks upstairs.
"So...seven sisters, huh?" Taiyang asked.
"Oh, yeah." Nora answered. "Seven...single...sisters. All who tried to fight for this guy."
Nora points her thumb Ren, who sighs.
RUBY'S ROOM
The door to Ruby's room opens, and Jaune enters.
"Ruby?"
Jaune sees Ruby, sitting on the wall across from her bed. She slowly turns to look at Jaune, who walks to her.
"Mind if I sit next to you?" Juane politely asked.
Ruby stares at Jaune for a few seconds, before silently nodding. Jaune then puts Crocea Mors on top of a dresser, and proceeds to sit next to Ruby. The two are silent for a few seconds.
"My dad told you." Ruby said, breaking the silence. "Didn't he?"
"Yeah." Jaune answered. "He did."
Ruby lowers her head, and stares at the ground. "Well, at least I didn't have to tell you. It's too painful for me."
Jaune turns and looks at Ruby. "Because you blame yourself, for what happened."
Ruby just nods.
"Yang was just trying to protect you, Ruby." Jaune said.
"She didn't need to." Ruby said. "I would've taken that hit, and just get back up."
"She protected you, because she's your sister." Jaune said. "She loves you very much, Ruby. So much, that she would protect you from harm...and in the process, would get hurt instead. And I have a feeling, she would do it again, if this were to happen again."
"Why do you say that?" Ruby asked. "Why would you?"
"It's called being honest. Being the 2nd youngest of seven sisters, you are bound to have them being overprotective of their younger brother. Some of them gotten broken bones, trying to keep me safe. And my oldest sister, Jane. She nearly died, saving me from the Grimm."
Ruby is surprised, to hear this.
"I was a young, stupid 13 year old. I decided that I was ready to fight some Grimm, in the forest nearby. I was able to take a few down. But, I didn't expect a small horde. Jane had followed me, and was keeping an eye. She said, she was impressed. But when she was protecting me...she took a pretty bad hit."
Jaune clenches his fists hard.
"She lost her left leg, in the process. And she was, like Yang, depressed and sad. And I blamed myself for it. But, Jane didn't let this stop her. She eventually got a prosthetic, and went on to fight again. But, for me...I still blame myself, to this day. And I know, I'm completely right. But I use that guilt to my advantage."
Jaune then turns back to Ruby. "I didn't just go to Beacon, because I wanted to get stronger. I went, so that I would, one day, prevent from what happened to Jane, from ever happening again. And that's what you have to do, as well. Use that guilt to better yourself. Get stronger."
"...I...I never knew about that." Ruby said. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah." Jaune said. "You're actually the first, outside my family, to know about this. Not even my own team knows."
"But, why?" Ruby asked. "Out of everyone, you know...why would you tell only me?"
"...Because you are my best friend, Ruby." Jaune answered. "And you, alone, are the only one, that I trust the most."
Ruby's eyebrows raise up. "Even more than your team?"
Jaune nods. "Yeah."
"...Wow. That's...that's surprising." Ruby then yawns. "Oh, man. I'm pretty tired."
Ruby then slowly stands up and walks to her bed. Taking off her boots, she then goes to lie on her bed. Ruby then sees Jaune standing up.
"Jaune?"
"Hm?"
"...I think, I'm ready to tell you guys, what happened."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow. After we go see Yang."
Jaune nods. "Okay. Thank you, Ruby."
He then walks to Ruby's bed, and tucks the now-sleeping Ruby, in. Smiling, he then attempts to stand. But something grabs his arm. Confused, Jaune turns, only to be dragged to the bed. Feeling Ruby's arm around him, Jaune tries to free himself, but Ruby's new strength is preventing him.
"Uh...Ruby?"
Ruby doesn't answer, only mumbling in her sleep. Jaune, again, tries to free himself, but fails.
"Oh, crap."
Jaune then hears some giggling, and his eyes go wide, to see Weiss and Blake, who stand by the open doorway, smiling at the site.
"That's cute." Blake said, taking a picture, from her Scroll. "Just found my new wallpaper."
"Guys!" Jaune softly exclaims, red on his cheeks."Can you help free me?"
"No can do." Weiss said, nodding. She then reaches for the doorknob. "We'll leave you two alone. Night."
Jaune tries to say something, but the door closes, leaving Jaune frozen, in surprise. Giving up, Jaune sighs. He then takes his own boots off, and slowly closes his eyes. He hears Ruby happily humming. And Jaune can't help but smiling, at hearing her.
Ruby likes you a lot, too!
Jaune's smile fades, remembering Yang's words. He then feels Ruby's arm tighten a little.
"Jauney Boy." Ruby said, in her sleep. "It's like, you're actually here."
Jaune's cheeks go red, hearing this. "Really, Ruby?"
Jaune then crosses his arms, and begins to yawn. Slowly closing his eyes, he then drifts to sleep.
HOSPITAL ROOM
A door opens, and Qrow enters, carrying the box, Winter gave him.
"What do you want, Qrow?"
All Qrow does is smile. "Just thought, I'd bring you a gift, Firecracker."
THE NEXT MORNING - PATCH
Taiyang yawns loudly, while walking out of his room, and towards another.
Ahem
Taiyang turns and sees Weiss, in her nightgown, approaching him, and yawning.
"Good morning to you, Ice Queen." Taiyang said.
Weiss groans in annoyance. "Really? You too?"
Taiyang chuckles. "I'm kidding. Yang wanted me to call you that, when we first meet." He then goes to the doorknob.
"Um...you sure, you want to do that?" Weiss said.
Taiyang raises his eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
The sound of a yawn is heard, from the other side of the door. A male yawning. Something that's making Taiyang suspicious.
"Who's in Ruby's room?" Taiyang asked.
Before he gets an answer, the door to Ruby's room opens. Taiyang looks surprised to see a tired Jaune, groggily exiting the bathroom.
"Morning." Jaune said, before yawning and walking to the bathroom.
"Hold on, young man." Taiyang said.
Jaune groans, before turning back at the angry dad, who has his arms crossed.
"Care to explain, why you were sleeping, in Ruby's room?"
Jaune sighs, and is straightforward, with his words. "IWell...after you told me, about Ruby...I went to give her words of comfort. She felt better, and went to sleep. And I guess, my older brother instincts kicked in, and I tucked Ruby in. Needless to say, her iron grip got me, and she basically held me tight, light a teddy bear. I wanted to ask her, to let me go. But, seeing her smiling just made me give up, and I decided to go to sleep, as well. I promise you, Mr. Xiao Long. Nothing else happened after that."
Weiss looks surprised, with Juane being all honest, in front of Ruby's dad. Ever Taiyang looks surprised. He would then nod.
"Okay." Taiyang said. "If nothing else happened, I suppose I can let this go. Just this once. Ruby's been sad, since the attack."
"She does plan on telling us, at the hospital. When we go see Yang." Jaune said.
"Right." Taiyang said. "Speaking of which, we'll be leaving at noon. I should go get Ruby ready."
He then proceeds to enter Ruby's room, while Weiss and Jaune look on.
"You know." Weiss said. "When Blake and I saw you two last night...Blake meant it. It was pretty cute, seeing you like that."
Jaune sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. Weiss chuckles.
"Come on, Jaune. Just because Ruby likes you, doesn't mean you should be annoyed by it."
Jaune looks at Weiss, in surprise.
"Yang told me, in a drunken rant, last month. And honestly...I would approve of it. Just think about it."
Weiss then goes to walk into the bathroom, leaving a stunned Jaune, standing in the middle of the hallway. Ruby yawns, as she exits her room, and Taiyang follows her. Ruby notices Jaune, frozen in place.
"Um...you okay, Jaune?"
All Juane does, is simply nod and walks away. Ruby tilts her head in confusion.
"You and I need to have a talk, when we get home." Taiyang said.
Ruby turns to her dad. "How come?"
"Well...it would seem, that you held the Arc kid in your arms, last night."
Ruby's eye go wide. "That wasn't a dream?" When she sees Taiyang nod, she lowers her head. "Oh, man."
BEACON - OZPIN'S OFFICE
Ozpin stands next to his window, looking over the empty courtyard and sipping his coffee.
"Ozpin."
Ozpin turns around, and looks at Goodwitch and Qrow looking at him.
"We need to talk." Qrow said.
"I assume, this is about Fall's attack in Patch?" Ozpin asked.
"Exactly." Qrow answered. "It seems that Ol' Jimmy knew the attack was going to happen. And he did nothing, to stop it."
"What?" Goodwitch said, surprised. "How can you be so sure, of this?"
"I have my sources." Qrow answered, before taking out his flask.
But before he can take a swig, he feels a tap on his shoulder. Qrow turns around, and is surprised to see Winter, nodding.
"Really?" Winter asked. "You called me a source?"
"What is she doing here?" Qrow asked to Ozpin.
"It's alright, Qrow." Ozpin said. "She is completely aware of our situation. Including Cinder Fall and Amber."
"And why would you tell her?" Qrow said.
"Miss Schnee simply walked in here, and demanded to know if I was hiding something, regarding Cinder Fall." Ozpin said. "I just simply gave her the right answers."
"...Huh." Qrow said, before taking a swig from his flask.
"You need to understand something, Qrow." Winter said. "Ironwood is slowly beginning to isolate himself from everyone else, but Atlas. And he's unfortunately has left this inner circle, that you three are a part of. And Ozpin here, has simply offered me his place."
"Miss Schnee is more capable of handling her new role. And given that she is no longer a part of the Atlesian army, her role as a Huntress will ensure that James never know of her."
"And exactly what will you provide, for this group?" Qrow asked.
"I'll do whatever you need, in order to apprehend Cinder Fall and her accomplices, before Ironwood does. I believe in justice, Qrow. And Ironwood's twisted version is definitely something that will affect Atla's reputation. So, it is up to us to prevent any of that."
"...Alright." Qrow said. "Welcome aboard, then. I'm looking forward to working with you."
"Please keep your distance." Winter said.
Qrow chuckles. "As you wish, Ice Queen."
Winter sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. Qrow turns around and prepares to leave. But, he then stops and looks at Goodwitch. All he does is simply nods. Goodwitch raises her eyebrows, in surprise. As she watches Qrow enter the elevator, she smiles, something that Ozpin and Winter don't see.
"I've got a feeling, this is going to be interesting." Ozpin said, before drinking from his mug.
HOSPITAL
"Ruby?"
Ruby, who is staring outside a window in the hospital, turns around and looks at Jaune.
"You've been staring outside for five minutes." Jaune said. "You okay?"
"...Yeah." Ruby answered. "Just a...just a little nervous. The last time, I saw Yang...she was screaming while the doctors took her away."
"I'm sure, she's doing better now." Jaune said.
"I don't know, Jaune." Ruby said. "Losing an arm can change a person. She could be depressed or something."
"Well, we won't know until we see her." Jaune said. "Who knows. Maybe...she'll get a robot arm or something."
Ruby smiles a little. "That would be cool."
"Then let's go see her. You know where her room is?"
Ruby nods. "Yeah. Dad already went to see her. Let's go."
Jaune turns and looks at Ren, Nora, Weiss and Blake, who are sitting in the waiting room. He motioned to them, and they follow him and Ruby down a hallway. After a minute of walking the stop near a door.
"Alright." Ruby said. "There it is...Yang's room."
"Maybe you should go first." Blake said. "It should be family first."
"We'll wait for you to let us in." Jaune said.
Ruby nervously nods, and slowly begins to walk to the door. That's when she hears the conversation, that's going on inside. Ruby carefully presses her ear to the door and listens.
"Yang. Are you absolutely sure about this?"
"I'm sure, Dad. 100% Sure. Why do you ask?"
"Well...what Qrow gave you, is technically stolen property. So, if you put it on and you get caught with it...it won't be easy trying to explain yourself."
"Ugh. Chill out, Dad. I seriously doubt that Atlas or Ironwood would notice. The only places I'd be going would either be home or Beacon."
"Yeah. But still...the procedure is risky."
"Only a 32% risk. And it's a risk I'm willing to take."
"But, how do you think Ruby will react to this?"
"...Well...she'll think it's awesome. But she'll be a little down after I tell her the risks. But she'll have to get over it. Come on, Dad. This is what I want. I refuse to lie in bed, moping all the time. I need to get back out there."
As Ruby continues to listen, she doesn't realize that the door hinges are cracking from her strength. Before she realizes this, the door suddenly falls forwards, with her along with it. Both her and the door fall forward to the ground.
"Oof!" Ruby exclaims, as she hits the ground. She groans and lifts her head, seeing Yang's face near hers.
"Uh...were you...listening on us, Rubes?" She asked.
Ruby quickly gets up and nervously stands still. She then looks at where Yang's right arm used to be. Now all there is a stump, wrapped in bandages. Ruby also sees Taiyang, sitting nearby.
"Ruby." Taiyang said. "Were you eavesdropping?"
Ruby nervously chuckles. "Um...maybe?"
Yang sighs. "Ruby...in the future, please don't spy on people's conversations. It's very rude."
"Sorry." Ruby said.
Taiyang then stands up. "I'll leave you two to talk. I'm going to need to explain to the doctors, about the door."
He then proceeds to walk out the open doorway, leaving the sisters alone. They are silent for a few seconds before Ruby speaks.
"Um...how...how are you feeling?"
Yang just shrugs and sits on her bed. "A little better than yesterday. As you saw, I'm walking around. But I kinda feel...unbalanced." She then looks at her stump. "I guess this is why."
"It is a bit unsettling to see." Ruby said, lowering her head.
"...Yeah." Yang said. "But...I am alive." She then turns to Ruby. "Thanks to you. And that's all that matters."
Ruby lifts her head, with a surprised look on her face. She tries to speak, but Yang raises her left hand.
"Don't." She said. "I know that you blame yourself, for what happened to me. But Ruby. It wasn't your fault."
"But I went after her!" Ruby exclaims. "After what Cinder did to the parade. And when she caused the Grimm to attack...I lost it, there."
"And so did I." Yang said. "Ruby. I didn't help you, because I saw my little sister running into danger. I helped because I chose to help. And it's because of my decision...I lost my arm. A part of me is gone, Ruby. And it's never coming back. Caused by me own actions. So don't, for one second, blame yourself. Not one bit."
Ruby lowers her head down in sadness.
Yang sighs. "Ruby. After what happened...when the Grimm were all over the place...and you went out there to fight them...I was watching you do so."
"How?" Ruby said, looking at Yang. "You were unconscious."
"Nearly." Yang answered. "But I was actually awake enough to watch you fight the Grimm. All by yourself. And sure, Dad and Uncle Qrow helped a bit." Yang then stands up. "But you were able to stop them all...despite being outnumbered. You fought them in order to protect not just us...but to everyone there." Yang walks to Ruby and places her hand on her shoulder. "You're growing up, Ruby. Which is something that I never thought I'd see, this early. But you really are. And I'm proud of you. And even though he doesn't want to say it...but Dad is proud, too."
Ruby, surprised at hearing those words, couldn't help but smile.
"Ah...there we go." Yang said, smiling. "Haven't seen you smile in a couple days. Now...give your big sister a hug, before I change my mind."
Ruby then proceeds to hug Yang, who hugs back. "Thank you, Yang. It really means to me, to hear those words."
"Yeah." Yang said. "And I will need to say this, too...but Jupiter would be proud too, if she were here."
Ruby's smile begins to fade, but it's slight there now. "...Yeah. I think she would."
The two the seperate the hug and look at each other.
"We all feeling better?" Yang asked.
Ruby smiles and nods.
"Good." Yang said. "Because I want to show you something. Qrow got it from a friend. It's really cool."
"Jaune and the others are here as well." Ruby said. "You want to show them, too."
Yang shrugs. "Maybe. At least until they're done listening to our conversation, that it."
Ruby's eyes go wide, and walks to the doorway. She looks outside to see Jaune and Nora with their ears on the wall. Their eyes go wide, upon seeing Ruby. Ren has his armed crossed. Weiss has her hand on her face and nodding, while Blake is sitting down, reading.
Ruby sighs. "Come on in, you guys."
The five stop what they're doing and follow Ruby inside the room. All their eyes go wide in surprise at what they're seeing. Yang , with her arm, is holding something silver. Metallic. And robotic.
"Um...Yang?" Jaune said. "Is that..."
"A robot arm?" Nora finishes.
"Indeed." Yang answered, smiling.
"Told you." Jaune said to Ruby, who sighs.
"Yang." Weiss said. "Where did you get that?"
Yang shrugs. "It was a gift. I guess someone in Atlas heard, what happened to me, and made this. Gave it to Qrow. And he gave it to me."
"That kind of Atlas tech, is very expensive." Weiss said. "Are you sure, this was a gift?"
"Eh." Yang answered. "It's mine now. In fact...Qrow made sure, my surgery happens tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Ruby exclaims.
"Relax, Rubes. It's just a simple installment of the metal plate to my stump. Then the arm can be attachable."
"Just like that?" Jaune asked.
"Just like that." Yang answered. She then noticed Blake, who is staring at her stump. "Could you stop staring? It's making me uncomfortable."
Blake lifts her head and looks at Yang. "Sorry. It's just...it's not there. Your arm's not there."
Yang is silent for a few seconds, before asking Blake her question, in anger. "Yeah. It isn't. You wanna know, why?" Blake nods. "Because the man who did this...he knew you. And I suppose you knew him. Is that right, Blake?"
Blake takes a few seconds, before her eyes go wide in shock. "No. A...Adam?"
"Who's Adam?" Nora asked.
"Adam Taurus." Ruby answered. "The leader of the White Fang, here in Vale. Our dad told us everything about him. Taurus assisted in the attack, with Cinder Fall."
"No." Blake said. "No, that shouldn't be! Adam would never work with humans! Never in his life!"
"How do you know, Blake?" Ren asked. "Have you encountered him, in the past?"
"...You could say that." Blake said, knowing that Ren and Nora still don't know that she's a Faunus. "...Did...did he asked about me?"
"I don't think so." Yang answered. "I guess he was focusing on attacking us more."
"But that doesn't mean, that we should be cautious." Ruby said. "Especially now that Cinder Fall is being seen again. And with the White Fang by her side. They can attack, anytime. And we as Huntsmen and Huntresses must be ready, for when that happens."
"I agree." Weiss said. "We need to keep our eyes wide open, until then."
"Oh, trust me." Yang said. "When I get back to fighting, I'm going to give Taurus the beating of a lifetime, when I find him."
Blake is surprised at those words. But chooses to remain silent.
"Well, until then...what do we do until now?" Jaune asked. "Must be pretty boring, being by yourself in this room."
Yang groans in annoyance. "Tell me about it. Please tell me you guys have any interesting stories."
"Well...there is one." Nora said. "And I SO want to tell."
"Are you sure that's wise, Nora?" Ren said. "I thought you wanted to wait until break was over."
"...Eh." Nora said, shrugging. "So, anyways. Wait till you hear, what I have to say. And I promise...you're going to die laughing. Well...not literally of course."
"I think I know, what you are going to say." Jaune said. "So, I'm going to step outside."
Ruby watches Juane walk out the room. She proceeds to follow suit, as Nora begins her story. She see Jaune standing in the hallway, his hand on his face. She then decides to walk to him.
"You okay, Jaune?" Ruby asked.
"Hm?" Jaune asked, turning to her. "Oh. Yeah. I'm good. It's just...what Nora is about to say, is going to cause some laughs."
"Ooohhh!" Ruby said. "I see. Well...would you mind telling me?"
Jaune raises his eyebrows. "Huh?"
"Oh, come on Jaune. You're my best friend. Whatever you have to hide, I'll be mature about it. Besides...it's better to hear from you than Nora. She tends to exaggerate on her stories."
Jaune chuckles nervously. "I don't think, I want to."
"Oh, really? Is it that embarrassing? What is it? You still have a teddy bear or something?"
Jaune's mouth opens wide, in shock. "How did you know?" He then covers his mouth, upon saying that.
Expecting Ruby to laugh, Jaune prepares for the embarrassment. But rather than a laugh, he gets an "awww" from her.
"Um...you're...not going to laugh?"
"Why would I laugh about it?" Ruby asked. "I actually find that pretty cute. You have pictures?"
Jaune groans as he lowers his head, hiding the redness on his face. But the curious Ruby positions her head to be under his.
"Oh! You're blushing. You know, you look better like that."
Jaune quickly puts his hood on, and crosses his arms. He then proceeds to sit down. Ruby sighs and chuckles. She then goes to sit down next to him.
"Don't worry, Jaune. I promise not to tell anyone about this. Well, maybe except the teddy bear part. The guys will find that out in a second. But I'll keep the rest of our conversation a secret."
Jaune turns to Ruby. "Because you're my best friend."
"Indeed. My best friend."
The sounds of laughter is suddenly heard from inside Yang's room. Jaune lowers his head, in embarrassment.
"Hey." Ruby said. "Let's walk somewhere. I've got a feeling, this is going to last a while."
Ruby stands up and offers her hand. Jaune waits a couple seconds before taking it. Ruby pulls him up, and they proceed to walk down the hallway, as the laughter continues.
Jaune sighs. "That isn't going to go anytime soon."
END OF CHAPTER 8
Hey, guys. Sorry if it took another while for Chapter 8 to come out. Well...this story ain't dead. I'm dedicated to completing this story. And that will happen.
Also, the flashback that I wanted to put in this chapter, which shows how Yang lost her arm, will be moved to Chapter 9.
And it kinda looks like Lancaster(Jaune x Ruby) could happen. Do you think, that'll happen. And if it does, the Pyrrha's going to be disappointed. Well...I could just pair her with someone else. But, we won't know until we've reached that point.
Next Chapter coming soon. Please be patient.