The library was practically empty, with only a few scholars moving between the towering shelves. Weiss made her way to the private archives, an area that required special permission from Lord Jacques Schnee to enter. That was where the Schnee family kept its most valuable, and illegal, tomes. The simple-looking door that led to the archives was enchanted with powerful magic that would alert the guards of any unwelcome intruders.

Weiss, however, was not an unwelcome intruder. She had gotten permission from her father several months ago to use the archives. He had believed it was because she wanted to read about the lives of her ancestors, but in truth, it was to aid her search for information on Ruby.

Despite the sudden progress they had gained the night of the ball, they didn't feel any closer to solving the mystery surrounding her. They knew what her curse did, but they had no idea who cursed her, and why. To use such powerful magic on a random girl was bizarre. If they could discern a motive and an assailant, then the situation would be easier to resolve.

But there was no progress. Both Ruby's mother and her Uncle Qrow had many enemies, but none capable of doing such powerful magic. And they still hadn't figured out why Weiss was able to hear and see her.

They had figured out why she couldn't pass on to the afterlife, however. Ruby had technically never died. Her soul had been alive when it was ripped out, then her body was destroyed. She was "alive", but didn't have a body. She was quite literally just a lost soul. Since she hadn't died, her soul would be stuck on Remnant forever, unable to pass on like most souls could.

It was the fate of every living thing to eventually die. Their body would fail, and their soul would be pushed to the afterlife. Even those who stayed behind as a ghost still died, but were unable to reach peace because they were held down by some regret or grudge. But since Ruby had never fulfilled her destiny, she would never reach peace.

It had been a year and a half since Weiss had met Ruby, and yet neither of them were certain what to make of her situation. This was unprecedented. There was nothing they could compare this to. But the knowledge that Ruby was stuck like this forever spurred Weiss onwards, making her determined to help her friend before it was too late.

She walked down the cold stone stairs into the small, dusty room. Bookshelves lined the walls to her right and left, covered in dust. In front of her was a large painting of the first Schnee, Wilhelm Schnee.

She turned to the shelf on her right and put the book she had been carrying back onto it. Her eyes darted across the spines of the books, trying to find one that might be relevant. Unfortunately, many were unmarked, which meant they could be anything from the diary of her great grandmother to a tome that contained the secrets of life itself.

Reading each of them would be too monumental a task, especially on her own. Ruby was upstairs, scouting around to see if anyone was coming to the archives. It wouldn't do to get caught by Whitley or Father reading a book about advanced necromancy.

She snapped her fingers and created a small flame on the tip of her forefinger. She used the light from her impromptu candle to skim through a book on theories as to the origins of the creatures of Grimm, searching for the slightest clue. Having spent almost a year with no progress was beginning to take its toll on the two of them, and she just wanted to be able to reassure Ruby that they would fix this.

But instead, she just slammed the book shut, kicking up a small cloud of dust that sent her into a coughing fit. She put the book on Grimm back and continued her search. Selecting an unmarked book, she opened it only to groan in frustration. It was written in a different language. That meant that it might have the information she needed, but she wouldn't be able to read it.

Setting it back and making a mental note to try and find someone to translate it for her, she moved to the shelf on the opposite side of the room. Her fingers drummed against the spines of ancient books, hoping that something would catch her attention.

Despite how much she had improved over the past year and a half, she still couldn't help Ruby. Her swordplay had been honed, her skill with glyphs was greater than mages over twice her age, and her self-taught necromancy was an ace she had up her sleeve. But it wouldn't be enough. She couldn't help Ruby like this, and that stung.

In her anger, she slammed her fist into the wall, causing one of the shelves to crack due to its age, sending books spilling out onto the ground. She sighed and drew a glyph in the air, pulling the cracked pieces of the shelf back together. She used some of her innate magic to repair the crack, then bent down to pick up the books and return them to the shelf.

Her hand brushed against the cover of a textbook about enchanting when something caught her eye. A large black tome with symbols written in another language was tied to a small leather journal by a thing strap. Her curiosity was piqued, and she untied the string and began to investigate.

The large black tome was written in some language she didn't recognize, but was filled with intricate diagrams and charts. She recognized several of the pictures as glyphs, albeit more complex than any she'd ever seen. The journal, on the other hand, was far more interesting.

Opening it, she saw the familiar handwriting of her grandfather, Nicholas Schnee. Her eyes scanned the page, trying to figure out why this book was tied to the tome.

To whomever is reading this, I, Nicholas Schnee, would like to state this. The secrets contained in the tome I have been translating go against hundreds of years of accepted academic study, yet I believe every word of what I have transcribed. The book was written in an ancient tongue, one that has not been spoken since before the founding of any of the four kingdoms, yet the author writes with such conviction that I can't help but believe her words. I know that no one would ever believe me, but I can't help but feel that this tome is true. Regardless, I have dedicated what remains of my short life to transcribing what I can of this book

Weiss pondered his words. Nicholas had been distant in the last few years of his life, spending much of his time in his private study. She had always assumed it was from the shame of what her father had done to their name, but she could see now that was not the case. She began to read his translations of the tome, but found her eyes widening with what she saw.

His soul haunts me. I can see it, following me around. My heart was empty without him, but now I can see him once more. At first, I merely expected it to be an illusion caused by my grief, but I know now that isn't true. His living soul is with me, and that means I can be with him once more.

The journal translated a story eerily similar to her own. A spectre appearing before someone that no one else could see. Unlike Weiss, however. the author of the tome had known the soul in life. They had been lovers, and the author was determined to bring him back. She went on to describe her theories on how to overcome the veil that separated her, and went into great detail as to the precise rituals she tried.

She reasoned that the best way to revive her lover was to create him a body, but that was easier said than done. Any vessel she tried to force his soul into failed, unable to contain his life force. Her grandfather translated page after page of information on the woman's efforts, and Weiss read it enthusiastically. This was it! She could use this woman's research to help Ruby.

But unfortunately, the pages of the journal ran out just as the woman described making her way to a fortress in Solitas where a powerful wizard lived to ask for aid in her research. There was nothing more. Her grandfather's translation had ended.

"No. No, this can't be it!' She panicked, desperately flipping through the pages trying to find something, only to find them blank. Yet on the last page, there was her grandfather's neat scrawl.

I hadn't been able to help myself. I had to know if the woman had managed to succeed in her quest, so I translated the final pages of the tome. All they said was 'I did it', meaning she was successful in her goal. But the handwriting was far different from how it had been throughout the rest of the book. It was as if she had been desperately writing it down before she was killed. I do not know the fate of this woman, but I can't imagine it was pleasant. Given my own failing health, I imagine that I'll sooner get the opportunity to ask this woman directly than to finish this work.

She had done it. If this woman had been able to revive her lover, then Weiss ought to be able to revive Ruby. She nearly ran out to tell Ruby, but paused. It wouldn't do to get Ruby's hopes up for nothing. She had no idea if she could translate this book, and the glyphs it showed were part of the ritual were far more complex than anything Weiss had ever made.

Instead, she placed the tome and the journal in her bag before making her way out of the archives. Once she exited, Ruby turned to face her with a smile.

"Are you done?" She asked, receiving a nod as an answer. "Well then, let's go! You need to practice necromancy, and I need to practice dematerializing," Weiss, shaking her head, gave her a sad look.

"Actually, I need to write a letter. Please leave me be for a while," Ruby looked a little hurt at the casual dismissal, but nodded.

"Okay Weiss. I'll try my hardest not to bother you."

"Thank you," She said as she grabbed a quill and began to write. She was writing to a scholar in Vale that she knew was an expert on ancient civilizations, asking if he could recognize the language she transcribed. She wrote down the first passage of the tome, knowing that would not only help her figure out the language, but also check the accuracy of her grandfather's translation.

Finishing, she rolled up the parchment and tied it before stamping it shut with a wax seal bearing the Schnee crest. She subtly waved to Ruby to get her to follow her as she made her way to find Klein. The ghost followed along, chatting about how shiny the head of one of the bald scholars had been. Weiss smiled along with her story, always eager to listen to the antics Ruby got up to while Weiss was busy.

Once she found the portly butler cleaning a hallway, she called out to him. "Klein, could I ask you something?" She asked, to which he smiled brightly at her.

'Of course, Ms. Schnee. What is it you want to ask?" He questioned, always happy to help her with whatever she needed.

"Could you give this message to a courier with instructions to give it to Lord Bartholomew Oobleck of Vale?" She asked. The man quirked a brow before smiling again.

"Of course Ms. Schnee. Might I ask what exactly this message is?" He said, causing Weiss to give the excuse she had prepared while walking in the hallway.

"I couldn't translate something during my studies, but it was written by Grandfather. I wanted to be able to read it, and Lord Oobleck is well known for his knowledge of ancient cultures and languages," She explained to the butler. He gave her a nod before taking the scroll out of her hands with a knowing smile. Her fondness for her grandfather was nothing new, and it was believable that she would want to know more about him. She hadn't technically lied to him.

"I'll ask right after I finish cleaning this hallway," He told her. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Not at the moment," She said after thinking for a second. With that, the butler gave an exaggerated bow before returning to his cleaning. She made her way to her quarters. For now, she could do nothing more but wait for a response to her letter.


This couldn't be possible. It had been two weeks since she had sent the letter, and she had finally received a reply. She had eagerly ripped the letter from Klein's grasp and ran to her quarters to read it, not caring what anyone thought of her actions. She sat on her bed and read the letter. Then reread it. Then reread it again.

To Lady Weiss Schnee of Atlas

I am honored my name was the one you thought to send this document to, but I regret to inform you that neither I nor any of my colleagues I spoke to could recognize this language. As such, I am unable to translate for you. I truly wish I could do more to help, but am unable to do anything more than wish you the best of luck. Should you find more information, I would be happy to help you, but I cannot do anything as of this moment.

Deepest Apologies, Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck.

She wanted to cry. She had been so close, but once again hit a dead end. Of course the book was written in a dead language. And she couldn't attempt the ritual with just the pictures; the intricate glyphs required a deep understanding of their complexities. If she messed up trying that, she may very well eradicate both her's and Ruby's souls.

Speaking of Ruby, she still hadn't told her about the book, and was feeling glad she hadn't. She couldn't imagine what her face would look like to be stuck with yet another dead end in their search. The girl in question was floating out in the garden, trying to eavesdrop on the gardeners. She often liked to do that, so she could tell Weiss if people were talking behind her back.

There was nothing Weiss could think to do. Her grip tight end on the parchment, crumpling up its edges. Small droplets of water landed on the scroll, and Weiss realized that tears were falling from her eyes. There wasn't anything Weiss could do to help. The only thing she could possibly do would be to follow the footsteps of the woman who wrote the tome and try and figure out what she had learned that enabled her to completely resurrect her lover.

But to leave the manor? To set out into the world, with Ruby at her side to find ancient secrets? That wasn't something she could just decide to do. She had responsibilities. If she left, she'd be disowned, and Whitley would become the heir. Things wouldn't get better then, with Whitley just doing exactly what her father did. There would be no one to try and fight the corruption her family was known for.

"Weiss? Are you okay?" Ruby asked, coming in through the window. She could see the white haired noble's body shaking and hear her soft sobbing. She reached out a hand to comfort her, only to realize it wouldn't do anything.

"I'm just frustrated. I thought I might have a lead, but I was wrong," Weiss lied, wanting to spare Ruby the pain of her failure. Ruby frowned and walked around her bed to face her. She looked into her eyes, piercing blue meeting dull silver.

"Weiss I... if it hurts that much, maybe you should just stop?" She offered, causing Weiss to gape in shock. What was she saying? She voiced her opinion out loud and Ruby bit her lip. "If it's affecting you that much, wouldn't it be better to just stop trying? I don't want you to hurt yourself helping me."

"Ruby, that's the dumbest thing you've ever said. It bothers me, yes, but I wouldn't give up on you because of something like a little failure," She said, trying to convince both herself and Ruby that this failure wasn't as bad as it seemed.

"Are you sure?" Ruby looked at her concernedly, but Weiss waved her off.

"Of course, dolt. I promised I'd help, and I always keep a promise to a friend," She told her, seeing Ruby smile at the word friend. She always looked so relieved that Weiss considered her a friend, like she'd die if she wasn't. Which she wouldn't; She'd just have the only person who could hear her despise her existence like before.

"Sorry. It just bothers me seeing you so upset," She admitted and Weiss scoffed. She wanted nothing more to tell Ruby everything, but it wouldn't be fair to Ruby to make her choose between helping her friend and a chance at being revived.

"It's fine. Just don't try and convince me not to help you again," "Because it's already hard enough as is" She added to herself. She wanted nothing more than to help Ruby, but if she left the mansion to do so, it wouldn't be fair to the people who needed her to become the head of the Schnee name to purge the corruption from her family name.

They smiled at each other, both hiding pain in their eyes. They were torn between their selfish desires and their desire to help the other, and it was tearing them in two.

"Now, I have some training to do," Weiss stated, standing up and making her way into the hall. She needed something to let out her frustration, and a spar with her newest fencing instructor would do just that. She just hoped it would take her mind off of Ruby and the decision eating at her.


That week was the longest of Weiss's entire life. Each conversation with Ruby felt like she was stabbing the poor girl in the back, hiding something like this from her. She had promised to help the spirit, but she had been unable to do anything now that opportunity fell into her lap. She had never felt so torn. Help Ruby, or help the people of Atlas. While one was greater in the long term, Ruby was her closest friend and betraying her wasn't easy.

Ruby clearly noticed something was wrong, but each time Weiss had a careful excuse. Ruby tried to push her to share what was bothering her but she was resolute not to hurt the girl by telling her.

So instead, she just clammed up. Despite Ruby's prodding, she wouldn't let it slip that she could revive her. Despite the countless attempts to cheer her up, the eager offers to help her with anything she could do, and the constant comfort she provided, Weiss continued to betray Ruby's trust.

"Lady Schnee, your father would like to speak with you. He's in his office." A maid told her one night, causing Weiss to sigh. She had just finished a tutoring lesson and wanted to go to bed, but her father's wants came before her needs. She walked through the hallway, heels clicking against the polished floor.

She reached the ornate door to Father's office and scoffed in disgust. Carvings depicted several scenes, with several showing faunus kneeling before her father like some deity. He genuinely believed that the faunus should be thankful to him for forcing them to work. In the center of the door, the Schnee crest, an intricate snowflake design, was carved.

She knocked on the door and heard a "Come in," from the other side. She pushed the heavy, oaken door in and stepped inside of the lion's den. Her father sat at his desk, several important looking documents in front of him. He looked up at her and gestured for her to come closer. She shyly stepped forward, not wanting him to believe she was confident. It was better to be shy and meek around him; there was less of an argument.

"I have received several interesting offers," He began, gesturing down to the papers in front of him. Her eyes strained to read them in the dim candlelight, but she could guess what kind of offers they were.

"What of them?" She asked, giving him the chance to go on and explain. He smirked and stood up.

"Well, the Marigolds have offered their son's hand in marriage. The Soleil's mentioned their daughter might be willing to court you. And several other families have all expressed their eagerness to marry you," He stated, and Weiss gagged a little at the thought of Henry Marigold.

"You have until the end of the month to choose a spouse," He said away from her, before turning his neck so he could see her shocked expression. Her eyes widened than narrowed.

"What?" She asked incredulously. What was he doing? She hadn't put much thought into it with the Ruby situation, but she had assumed she had plenty of time to choose who she'd marry. It seemed Father thought otherwise.

"People are beginning to lose interest, my dear," He explained, his voice condescending. "They're starting to catch on to our little game, and are going to start being a little less generous with their offers. We need to move quickly, otherwise we'll lose a profit,"

"You mean you'll lose a profit," She told him, congratulating herself when she saw him jolt in surprise. She rarely talked back to him, so he didn't know what to do when she did. He had been confident she was too tired to argue, so her doing this threw him off.

He straightened his collar and cleared his throat. "Furthermore, you are to cease all of this nonsense you've been up to in the library. I've indulged you for far too long," That caused her to gasp. She needed that time. She had to study to help Ruby, even if she wasn't doing so right now.

"And your training is to be lessened. You don't need to be waving that sword around any more than you do. You're already skilled enough to best your peers in a duel, so there is little need to be better," Except for the fact that there was an entire international revolution consisting of many of his former slaves all eager to kill their family. Did he forget about that?

"Father, I thought I-"

"Whatever you thought, it's wrong. I am your father, and what I say is final," He cut her off, raising his voice and causing her to shy back. He continued to rant at her, pacing back and forth. "Your behavior has been unacceptable as of late. I don't know where you got it into your head that you could talk back to me, but it stops now!"

"But-"

"No, Weiss! You are a Schnee, and you will do as I say! I'm tired of your constant undermining of my authority!" He screamed, his voice carrying out into the hall Ruby was waiting in. "You will choose who to marry before the end of the month, otherwise I will simply sell you off to the highest bidder."

"No." She stated plainly. He whirled around, his eyes seething with anger.

"What did you just say?" He hissed through his teeth.

"No. I'm not going to choose someone to marry. And I won't marry whoever you choose. I'm going to continue my research whether or not you let me."

Jacques Schnee let out a growl and slapped Weiss across the face. The force of the blow threw her to the ground, her body hitting the blue carpet.

"I don't think you understand, Weiss. I have been very reasonable," He began to speak, but Weiss was too busy trying to overcome her shock. This wasn't the first time Father had struck her, but never had he struck with such force.

"I could have forced you to marry months ago. I could have never let you into that damned archive, and I could have forbidden your sister from ever speaking to you again. I have been merciful, and this is how you repay me?" He continued with fake hurt in his voice. She balled her fists.

"Your mother was right, you know. You're nothing but a disappointment. I'm ashamed to be your father," He said, and Weiss whirled her head around to glare at him hatefully. She had never been filled with such anger before.

"You're not my father," She spat out before climbing to her feet and running out of the room. As she threw the door open, she saw Ruby looking at her with concern. The girl tried to speak but Weiss cut her off by running down the hall. She continued until she reached her room, tears forming in her eyes. She threw herself onto her bed and sobbed. It was one thing to know she wasn't loved, it was another to be told it was so.

Ruby ran into the room, slipping under the door by shifting into tendrils of silver flame. She ran to Weiss's side and began to ask her what was wrong, explaining how she had heard her father screaming than a loud slap. She barely heard her words, too busy crying.

Ruby took it all in stride and began to softly speak to her, trying to comfort her sobbing friend. It shouldn't have hurt so much, she didn't love her father, but having him not love her back stung.

"Shhh. It's okay, Weiss," Ruby whispered gently, wishing more than anything that she could give Weiss a tight hug right now. They stayed like that for over an hour, Weiss just sobbing and Ruby encouraging her to let it all out. Her comforting words cut through the veil of sadness around Weiss, and began to fill her with disgust.

Ruby was stuck like this for eternity. They had no idea if anyone else would ever be able to see and hear her, so after Weiss died then she may be all alone forever. She was cursed by something so powerful it could rip her living soul out of her body, and had endless reasons to be scared and despairing, yet she was more concerned about Weiss.

She felt disgusted with herself. She should be comforting Ruby, not the other way around. She was sobbing uncontrollably about her harsh life while Ruby was comforting her, prepared to endure an eternity of loneliness for her sake. And yet she had been unable to act, unwilling to tell Ruby that she had a chance to spare her that pain because she didn't want to leave the comfort of the Schnee manor.

She stopped her crying. Once her breathing calmed down, she looked up at Ruby, who was looking back at her with nothing but concern. She was far more important than the Schnee name. She needed to help her, no matter the cost.

"Ruby. I know how to bring you back to life," She said, causing Ruby to gasp in shock. She clearly hadn't been expecting that, given by how she recoiled in shock.

"What? What do you mean?" She asked.

"I found something, during my research. There was a tome written in an ancient language that described a situation similar to our own. A lost soul, visible only to a single individual. My grandfather had partially translated the book, but it wasn't nearly complete. I intend to finish his work and use the knowledge to bring you back."

"What? Weiss, that isn't what's important right now! You're upset, and you clearly aren't thinking clearly. Why don't you rest for the night? We'll talk about this in the morning, okay?"

"No. I've delayed this for far too long. I will find a way to bring you back. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't."

Ruby's silver eyes gleamed softly as her gaze filled with concern. "Weiss, this isn't something you have to do. I understand you want to help me, and I appreciate that. But there's quite a difference between you researching in the privacy and protection of your home and setting out on a quest that will take who knows how long. I can't ask you to do that."

The white-haired heiress shook her head. "Then don't ask me too. Because this isn't something someone else wants from me. For once in my life, I'm choosing what to do. I'm not following in someone else's footsteps and I'm not furthering someone else's goals. I'm doing what I choose to do with my life."

"So you're choosing to waste it trying to help me?" Ruby muttered dejectedly. Weiss whipped around to face her, a determined glint in her ice-blue eyes.

"Helping you would never be a waste of time!" She exclaimed passionately, a slight blush forming on her face. "I care about you. You're my friend. And I won't just leave you to suffer. I'll do whatever it takes to save you. I promise."

Ruby's silver eyes wavered as she met Weiss's determined gaze. The ghostly girl clearly wasn't sure, but Weiss wasn't willing to back down on this. Ruby had always been more concerned about her rather than her own situation. Ruby had always been patient and kind with her, always willing to lend an ear or try and find a way to help ease her burdens. Ruby was an incredible person who deserved to be able to live a happy and fulfilling life. Weiss knew she could be a bit prideful and arrogant, but she figured that saving Ruby would be her good deed to the world.

She tried to voice these thoughts, but her throat tightened at the idea of fully expressing them. For whatever reason, she couldn't bring herself to tell Ruby how important she was. It was strange, the way her mouth went dry at the concept. But Ruby didn't need to hear words to understand what she meant. Her gentle silver orbs met Weiss's determined icy-blue eyes as a silent conversation passed between them.

"Alright, Weiss. I get it. And I'm with you," She declared, matching her conviction.

"Then let's go," Weiss simply stated.


"Now, we have to move quickly," Weiss said. "I need to get some things before I leave, but I won't be coming back here unless I'm dragged back."

She said this as they made their way through the halls, making their way towards the armory. She snuck behind suits of armor and past servants, trying to go as unnoticed as possible. Once she arrived in the armory, she made her way to grab her rapier and armor.

"Ms. Schnee? What are you doing?" She heard Klein's voice call out from behind her. She cursed and turned around. She'd hoped no one would spot her on her way out, but Klein was probably the second-worst person to see her, after only her father. The reasons were completely different, of course. She obviously didn't even want to see her father, but saying goodbye to Klein felt like a knife to the stomach. But she'd gladly endure it for Ruby's sake.

"Klein, I can't stay here. I'm leaving," She declared, causing his eyes to widen. He opened his mouth to discourage her, but choked on his breath. Finally, he was able to force out a few words.

"Where will you go? The military?" He asked, causing her to shake her head. She drew the large tome out of her bag, showing it to Klein.

"I have something I need to do with this," She explained. His eyes were filled with both confusion and understanding. He wanted to ask her what that book was, if she was leaving because of her meeting with Lord Schnee, and if he could convince her to stay. But he knew that would be selfish of him, so instead he just said one thing.

"How can I help?"

Weiss blinked in surprise, before nodding to him. "Could you grab a satchel and fill it with dried food from the kitchen? I'll need food for the journey."

He nodded and ran off to do just that, and she turned towards the armor rack. She turned to Ruby and gestured for her to turn around while she changed.

She slipped into the armor and looked at herself in the reflection of Myrternatser's polished blade. She wore a small silver breastplate that cut off above her stomach, with a leather corset protecting her abdomen. She wore a large flowing black skirt that went down to her knees with an armored skirt covering that. Silver gauntlets and greaves adorned her arms and legs, with silk gloves and socks stretching up to her elbows and thighs.

Two large shoulder pauldrons pinned a soft white veil in place, covering her bare forearms. A soft black leather belt wrapped around her waist, where she sheathed her rapier. She put on a leather satchel that contained a small sum of lien, her necromancy journal, and both her grandfather's translation and the ancient tome.

"Wow. You look really cool!" Ruby said excitedly. Weiss gave her a smirk, knowing that Ruby loved the armor because it made her look like a knight. Ruby was always talking about how her uncle and mother were knights, and how she and her sister had been training to become knights as well.

She gave a small twirl, getting used to the way it felt to wear the armor. "My grandfather commissioned this armor for me before he died. I felt it fitting that I wore it while finishing his goal," She said softly. "I've never worn it before, but it just feels... natural."

"Ms. Schnee, I'm here," Klein's voice called into the darkness. In his hands was a satchel of dried food and a large fur cloak. She nearly slapped a palm to her forehead. She would have froze to death without protection from the cold.

"Thank you, Klein. I don't know if I can ever repay you for everything you've done for me," She admitted, but Klein just smiled.

"You don't need to repay me. I'm just happy that you are doing what you feel is best for you. Just... be safe," He told him gently.

She threw her arms around him in a hug, whispering into his ear. "I'll always miss you. Thank you for being my family when my father wasn't," She told him. He just hugged her back, squeezing her gently.

"I'm proud of you," He told her, wiping a tear from his eye. She smiled at him before she took off towards the garden she met Ruby in. Leaving from the main entrance would be impossible unnoticed, which meant Father would send his guards after her immediately. This way, she had until morning to lose them in the tundra.

She reached the garden, stopping only for a moment at the spot she and Ruby had met. She smiled at the spirit and climbed over the wall. Once she was over, it was about one hundred feet to the edge of the estate. From there, she'd make her way to the gates of Atlas and head down the mountain into Mantle. This, however, was the most dangerous part. It was far too open and close to the manor. Guards would overtake her if she was seen.

Leaping from the garden wall, she broke into a sprint to put as much distance between her and the manor as possible. Once she crossed over the barrier that designated the estate, she couldn't help but laugh. She was free! Free from her father's tyranny, free from her mother's disappointment, free from her brother's jealousy.

She turned her gaze to Ruby and smiled.

"Come on Ruby. We have a job to do."


Yay, they're finally leaving the mansion. I intended for that to happen several chapters ago, but that clearly didn't work out. Now we have an actual objective for Ruby and Weiss to complete, not just a goal they want to reach. Please review if you have any constructive criticism. Also, I just want to use this author's note to say that it is really annoying that I keep making accidental ghost puns while writing. I don't mean to, they just happen.