J. Chadwick
3) RWBY: Remnant
The Team
Ruby wakes sometime later. Right at the time when you're unsure if it's morning or night. She clambers out of the room and stands in front of the fridge. It is full of sandwiches, premade, sandwiches.
"Yang's not allowed to buy food," Ruby whispers to herself.
She grabs a sandwich, then another and walks to the table. While eating, Ruby gradually realizes that people are in the other room. She walks with her sandwich to the door and peers in.
Yang sits crossed legged on the bed while talking to the new roommate. Blake, sits on the floor with her knees to her chest. She appears to be in mild conversation with Yang, but Yang seems far more interested than her. Blake has black hair. She is wearing a white nightgown and is picking the paint off her fingernails. She is rather plain, except for a ring on her finger. On her right hand is a gold band, eloquently carved and encrusted with flawless diamonds. A possession of a wealthy family, or a thief.
"Ruby look, she has cat ears," shouts Yang.
Ruby looks again, no ears. Then Blake raises a pair of furry ears onto her head. She puts a hand by her face, like a mock paw and smiles. The expression appears strange. Like a person wearing clothes two sizes too small. Ruby laughs and her laughter surprised her at first. She has not laughed for quite some time. She motions to Blake to hand her the ears, and she places them on her own head. She puts a hand near her face like a paw and meows. Yang and Blake laugh and the three talk late into the night.
Midnight, the three are still up talking but losing steam.
"I think I'm going to get ready for bed, it's been a long day," says Ruby.
She stands and walks through the apartment. As she passes the kitchen, the doors opens and the girl from before walks through. She is carrying several bags, her head hung low, and her face tear stained. Ruby steps out of her way and she turns to enter the room with Yang and Blake. Ruby turns around and watches as she passes. In the low light Ruby notices a splotch of red on her white dress. Her right shoulder, the hunters brand.
Ruby takes a shower then sits on the counter after, trying to see her shoulder in the mirror. The skin around the brand is red and is very sore to the touch. The brand itself is white and numb, no pain. The heat must have damaged the nerves. Ruby notices there is no blood, the salv they put on her shoulder, coupled with her essence, must have healed the wound quick enough for a scab to appear. Ruby slides off the counter and walks into the bedroom. Yang is passed out on Ruby's bed.
"Jokes on you, that's your bed now," Ruby whispers to herself.
She walks out into the living space and stops. The girl in the white dress is sitting at the table, her face buried in her arms. She looks up at Ruby, then lowers her head again. Ruby walks to the refrigerator to grab a sandwich. She stops and hesitates with the words.
"Would you like a sandwich too?"
The words hang in the air and Ruby is about to close the door.
"Yes, please," the words were soft and weak. Ruby grabs another sandwich and sits at the table.
"Thank you," the girl says softly. She takes the sandwich and removes the plastic wrap.
"So, were you waiting for your family?"
"I was."
"That must have been nice, I wish my family was here to see me. But I guess I'll settle for Yang."
"At least you had someone."
The girl sniffs and takes a bite of her sandwich.
"They didn't come."
Ruby takes a big bite of her sandwich and chews. Her heart starts to race, and her breathing flutters. She brushes aside the pang of fear, and starts to think.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Ruby says softly.
"Do you know what that is like. To go through the biggest day of your life, and no one is there to see you off."
"I can't say I do."
"My father wanted me to go to this school, and he didn't even bother to show up. I have done so much and he doesn't even care."
The girl looks up and sees Ruby's face.
"I am sorry, I am scaring you," the girl says.
"It's ok, it has been a long day and it was just a little too much for me right now. But I understand. I lost someone in my life, and every day I wonder if I am doing enough to make him proud."
The girl smiles.
"You made me smile on the worse day of my life, I'd say you have done enough for today. I'll see you tomorrow."
Ruby stands and throws her trash away.
"Oh, my name is Ruby by the way."
"I am Weiss."
"I won't remember that, I can tell you right now. So please don't get upset if I have to ask you like twelve more times."
Weiss laughs.
"It is fine, I will forgive you."
Ruby walks back into her room. Yang is still passed out, but Blake is sitting on her bed, with her arms around her knees. She stands as Ruby enters the room and walks past Ruby. Ruby hears a whisper as she passes by.
"She is not the only one that did it alone."