AnonymousReading – Well, Ruby has matured over the years but I'm trying to stay true to her bubbly nature while showing her maturity in other ways. I somehow imagine her acting as the same way she did at sixteen, but she would be more cautious rather than brash.
XAnonymous – Thank you! I hope you'll continue reading this fic.
KidfireRyuu – Thanks for your words of encouragement. :3
Freezing Infinity – No, thank you for taking your time to read this! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Many thanks and heartfelt hugs to all of you who followed and favourited this fic! I actually wrote this chapter ahead of time because I was on a writer's high. I'll probably update sometime next week because my exams are just around the corner! I hope you follow this journey on the SS white rose. I'm not good at writing super long chapters, i'm more of the 1k to 2k type of person. Unfortunately, i can't pump out enough words for a 5k or 6k fic. So bear with me and my short chapters!
This is my first foray into the RWBY fanfic universe so do let me know if I'm too out of character or anything. Criticisms are appreciated; I believe that they help me improve as a writer. But flames will be used to bake cookies. Just to clear things up, in this universe, Weiss did not attend Beacon academy. The team RWBY still exists, but I made a few tweaks to it. I won't make an author's note at the start of every chapter since I think it distracts readers. It will probably appear in alternate chapters. I hope this chapter isn't too crappy. Enjoy (I hope).
Disclaimer: White rose is my OTP. Oh how I wish it was canon.
"White is cold and always yearning,
burdened by a royal test."
"We're almost there Miss Rose. Please prepare for landing."
Ruby nodded absentmindedly and sat down in her seat with a large thump. The airship swayed dangerously as strong gusts of wind pounded against its frames of steel and iron. Despite the warmth of the airship, she couldn't help but shiver slightly when she stared out of the small window. The sight outside was truly one to behold.
Everything was blindingly white, and she could see two or three feet beyond the airship at most. Despite not being able to see her surroundings, she knew she was somewhere to the far south of Vale city and wondered why the heiress chose to build her home at the top of a freaking mountain.
This was the first time she had to take an airship just to get to someone's home. Geez, what the heck do the beowolves do up here anyway.
A sudden turn of the airship jolted the woman out of her thoughts. Clenching the hand rest in shock, she peered into the control room of the airship. Ruby heard a relieved sigh and a 'phew, thank god' before the ship stabilized again. Sighing in relief herself, she groaned in annoyance. I swear, if I die here, I'll go back to haunt the Beacon academy. The airship suddenly jerked to a stop, nearly sending Ruby hurtling out from her seat had Crescent rose not been strapped to her back.
The middle aged pilot stepped out from the control room and headed straight to her. "Miss Rose." He greeted politely and extended a gloved hand towards her. "If you please." He said, kindly and watched as the woman struggled to stand up from her previous position. She grabbed his hand and shot him a thankful smile before pulling herself up. Ruby had to hold in a laugh when she stood several inches taller than the man, and to add insult to injury, she was also more muscled than he. Not the ugly, bulky muscles that some male hunters had, but instead, the slender and well defined kind.
They both exited the airship, and Ruby found herself awed as she walked through the tunnel which connected from the airship landing to the large castle. Medieval torches lined the metal frames of the tunnel, and the shimmering light lit up the landscape which could be seen through the hard, transparent glass walls. Despite her age, Ruby felt childlike excitement rush through her being.
Bouncing on her heels excitedly, she stared outside. Holy dust, no wonder she wants to live so high up. The view here is awesome!
"Hey mister guard!" she called out, and laughed when her voice echoed through the long narrow tunnel. The man grinned, amused at the display of happiness from the huntress. It hadn't even been fifteen minutes since she had arrived, and she was already making the place livelier. The woman had been surprisingly chatty during the flight, unlike the other hunter who he had brought over a few days ago. His smile turned into a frown. That man had been exceptionally rude.
Ruby, who had been smiling happily during the walk, was slightly embarrassed when the guard started frowning at her. She smiled apologetically and called out in a voice slightly softer than the one before. "Sorry, sir! I'll be sure to keep it down."
The man nearly stumbled in surprise. Did a hunter just address him as sir?! That was even more shocking than the time the mistress had smiled! He stopped walking and shook his head frantically, arms waving. "No no, it wasn't you miss!" he said guiltily, as he had realized what happened. "I was just thinking about another hunter who arrived a few days ago."
Ruby stopped and let out a slight laugh. She gave him a smile which made him relax instantly. Her interest had piqued at the prospect of another fellow hunter. "Oh! Who was he? Is he here to protect Miss Schnee as well?" She asked curiously. Maybe it was someone she knew. A familiar face around here would be nice.
"I-I'm not too sure, miss." The man replied, eyebrows scrunching as he recalledthe memory of that man. "I think his name was Care? Card? Oh, I remember now! Cardin! Cardin Winchester I believe."
Ruby groaned. Of all the people in Vale…
Cardin had been a total jerk during their four years at the beacon academy. Ruby doubted that he had changed since she had last seen him. In the very least, she was glad that Jaune managed to kick that guy's ass for doing what he did. "Oh great. Him again."
"An acquaintance?"
"Unfortunately, yes. We were classmates at the beacon academy. I haven't bothered to keep in touch after graduation, though."
"Ah, I see. Well, that man is certainly not here to protect the mistress, god forbid. Apparently, he is here to replace one of the guards that were killed during the attack." The man said, referring to the ambush that Ruby had read about. "Really, I wonder what the head of guards is thinking." He grumbled, as they reached the end of the tunnel. Opening the large wooden door, he let Ruby walk forward before stepping through it himself, and locking it behind him with a loud click.
The castle was humongous. The ceilings were so high up, that Ruby was sure that even if she tried leaping up while firing Crescent rose, she would still be unable to reach the jeweled chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling. The diamonds on it twinkled mockingly at her. She looked around, completely star struck at its luxurious surroundings. Plush, velvet seats lined the sides of the hallway, accompanied by armed silver suits of armor. The hallway was long, and Ruby could see the end of it leading to a set of steps.
"Let us hurry. You will be eating dinner with the mistress this evening. I will first show you to your room before getting you ready." He said, and swiftly beckoned her as he sped forward. Ruby blanched. Dinner with the heiress? If she had known that she would be dining formally, she would have brought something other than her battle wear. The woman adjusted her red cloak in a sudden bout of anxiety.
When she looked up again, she was shocked to realize that the guard had already disappeared up the steps. Quickly following in his direction, she reached the steps and was surprised to see the steps spiraling up. It looked as if some climbing was in good order.
She stared up at the many flights of steps and groaned. Make that a lot of climbing.
Meanwhile, the sound of boots clanking noisily had begun to fade as the man climbed higher and higher.
"Oh dust…"
The woman mumbled under her breath as she turned down yet another unfamiliar hallway. Trying to gather her wits, the woman spun on her heel for the third time and headed down another hallway branching away from this one. The next hallway was slightly different than the one before. It was barren save for the large gold framed pictures and scrolls decorating the walls. Beneath the frames were silver plaques that held the names of the inhabitants of the pictures.
Why does this castle have to be so goddamn big? Ruby snarled in her mind as she was greeted by another dead end. The large, silver door towered over her amusement as she huffed angrily and glared at it. For the past hour, she had been trying to find her way to the main hall, and was also hoping to come across any staff who could at least direct her to a populated area.
Unfortunately, it seemed as if this part of the castle was deserted. Ruby felt as if she had been walking in circles. Not a very good feeling.
Sighing loudly, the huntress was beginning to consider yelling for help when the silver door was abruptly flung open. Thankfully for her fast reflexes from hunting and training, she managed dodge it just as it nearly came crashing into her face. Jumping backwards, Ruby inadvertently did a backflip and landed on her feet without as much as a scratch.
"What in the–"
The silent air of the castle was suddenly filled with a loud, albeit screechy but melodious voice.
"Finally! I have been searching for a servant for the past hour. I doubt that I have hired you to wander aimlessly around the castle."
Jaw flapping, Ruby took in the sight before her and felt the air leave her chest. She was clad in a long, silky nightgown; and snow white tresses flowed freely down her shoulders. Electric blue eyes pierced through her, perched atop a sharp nose. Her mouth was spread in thin line, pale lips matching the color of her alabaster skin. Ruby had only seen a face like that once. It was Weiss Schnee.
The only thing the huntress could think of was: Holy shit…The pictures really didn't do her any justice.
"Well? What in the world are you waiting for?" Weiss snapped at the stunned woman in front of her.
"The bath is already turning cold! I will be greeting a guest later on, and I need to look my best. If I'm late for the meeting, you'll never hear the end of it–"
The nightgown clad woman quickly pushed Ruby through the threshold and shut the door with a slam. The bathroom was just as luxurious as the rest of the castle. There was a large hole cut in the marble tiled floor, and inside it resided lukewarm water with a surface that was as still as ice. A beautiful rapier was leaning just at the edge of the water. A tap hovered several inches over the water, and Ruby could see that the floor began to curve downwards as steps which led into the 'bath'.
Meanwhile, Weiss began to peel off her silk gown, taking care to place it on the gold handles which stretched from one end of the bathroom to the other. It was already bad enough that she had woken up late, but she was also subjected to roaming through the halls like a madwoman. The head butler was definitely going to hear about this. Grimacing when one of the decorative curlicues on her nightgown got caught in her hair, she called out. "Well, don't just stand there."
Ruby nearly fainted when she turned towards the voice, her eyes accidentally catching the half-naked figure. "E-E-Erm, I think you've made a mistake. I'm n-not–"
"Stop babbling and just help me!" The heiress snapped angrily, which caused the huntress to squeak and rush over, helping the woman to lift the gown of her head. Snapping her head away like she had been slapped, Ruby diverted her gaze from her, and was now turning into the same shade as her hair. Her words were stuck in her throat, and she knew that if she didn't say anything now, she would be thrown off the side of the cliff.
A shuffling sound to her left let her know that Weiss was probably stark naked, and walking towards the bath. She shut her lids tightly and jumped when there was a sudden splash.
Okay, you can get through this. You're Ruby rose, one of the best hunters of Vale who graduated with honors from Beacon. You're twenty one years old, not some hormonally driven dirt bag. She chanted to herself. Just get through this without looking, or try to explain to her when she's distracted or something. Now, slowly take in deep breaths, then turn around and tell her that you're her new bodyguard.
Opening her eyes, grey irises were filled with determination as she spun on her heel and said:
"Miss Weiss! I'm actually your here because–"
The door flew open, cutting the woman off. Ruby felt her body stiffen as she saw Weiss splutter with indignation , mouth open as if she was about to shout. A maid stood at the threshold, holding a large fluffy towel in her arms. Ruby saw her eyes widen in fear and apprehension before yelling her head off. The huntress felt a murderous aura fill the room and slowly, she turned to see the heiress wrapped in a small towel, eyes blazing, and a rapier clenched tightly in her hands. Her jaw fell open and she took a step back.
"Waitwaitwaitwait I can explai –"
Dinner was awkward.
Ruby could feel the glares of anger and perhaps embarrassment, pierce through her. She gulped and shoveled another piece of meat into her mouth. She held back a wistful sigh as she was temporarily transported to a land of happiness as the delightful gravy soaked piece of meat found its way into her stomach. If only all cows tasted like this.
Risking a glance up, the huntress's grey orbs met blue ones, and she squeaked. The finely dressed lady seemed to hold their gaze for several seconds before turning away.
"It seems that today's events…did nothing to curb your hunger." Weiss finally spoke dryly, slowly swirling the crimson wine in her glass. She eyed the huntress in partial disdain. This dunce was supposed to protect her? She looked as if she could hardly protect herself. "I suppose that you owe me an apology. Your incompetence is something you have to take responsibility for."
Ruby bristled at the thinly veiled insult. Gorgeous or not, nobody insulted her and got away with it. She had enough of that from Winchester during her school days.
"Well Princess, if you want to point fingers, it was you who practically dragged me into your bathroom."
She answered dryly, enjoying the faint colour which rose into the cheeks of the Schnee heiress. Ignoring the gaping servants who stood in the corner, she ferociously jabbed the half-eaten steak with her fork.
"Don't blame me for your own obvious shortcomings, like failing to check to see if your 'servant' was actually your guest." Ruby said, her tone dripping with annoyance.
Weiss squashed the urge to fling her knife at the rude, standoffish woman. Honestly, Weiss couldn't see herself enjoying the company of this woman. She wondered why her father had chosen this particular hunter to protect her. She understood why it was a woman. If word got out that the heiress to the Schnee dust company was being protected by a man, tongues would wag and they would find themselves with yet another scandal on their hands.
Her grip tightened on her goblet.
Truly…Weiss couldn't help but hate the fact that her parents were protecting her not because they cared for her, but because they were worried that their empire would fall into the lap of another family. Dust was indeed a lucrative business.
"No matter." Weiss declared, causing Ruby to choke on her wine. "If father chose you protect me, he must have his own personal reasons. Despite your…less than acceptable behavior, I see no choice but to let you accompany me." She scoffed doubtfully and daintily began to cut her filet mignon.
"Joy."
Ruby sighed as air became stagnant once more. She had a horrible headache, and her steak was getting cold. This wasn't turning out as great as she thought it would be.