"And I am supposed to eat this… how, exactly?"
Weiss immediately regretted her question when Yang burst into laughter, drawing the attention of everyone else who was seated inside the bakery. The princess blushed and looked down at her plate of bread furiously.
"It's all right, princess," Ruby laughed nervously, sensing her liege's distress. "We eat bread with… our hands."
"Our hands?" Weiss repeated, suspecting that she was being played for a fool by Ruby, of all people. "But… What about silverware? Do you… Do commoners not have the money to buy such utensils?"
"No! We use silverware! Just not for bread." The redhead sighed, then took a bite of her own bread, if only to avoid further questions.
Weiss hesitantly picked up the bread in her hands, then slowly inched it towards her mouth. She could feel Xiao Long's stare practically burning a hole through her, which only added to her embarrassment.
Their other companion – Blake, was it? – on the other hand, hadn't casted more than a few discreet looks at her. Something about the girl seemed off, from the way her eyes would constantly dart in every possible direction, to how she would reach for the bow on her head, as if she feared it might fall off at a moment's notice.
"So," the princess cleared her throat, then put her bread back on its plate, untouched. She looked at Blake curiously. "How do you know Ruby?"
"I…" The brunette looked at her for a split second, then down at her feet. "I'm her friend."
"Yes. I already gathered that," Weiss's eyes narrowed testily. "That is not what I asked."
Blake refused to reply, much less look at her. Weiss was about to repeated herself louder, not being accustomed to people ignoring her so blatantly, but Ruby quickly set her food down and raised a finger.
"Oh, we've known each other all our lives. I don't really remember how we met," she said, then smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Blake's a little shy towards new people… any people, really."
"Yeah. She lives with us, too," Yang added, drawing the princess's attention back to her. "We live in a little old house, by the way, not a palace like yours."
"I don't live in a palace!" Weiss exclaimed. "…It's a castle."
"Same thing," the blonde shrugged and leaned back on her chair. "I bet you have lots of slaves to do your every bidding."
"I… That's not…" the princess crossed her arms and looked at Ruby. "I wish you wouldn't have brought me such horrible company."
"Hello? Ruby didn't bring you any company!" Yang got up from her seat, her eyes seeming to become a redder shade of violet. "Blake and I are here because we want to! I am beginning to question why, though, since you're such a bratty, ungrateful-"
Ruby interrupted her sister with a humorless laugh, then dragged the princess out of the bakery by her wrist. Once they were out in the open, the redhead turned out and bowed her head repeatedly.
"I'm so, so sorry, milady!" She exclaimed. "I didn't think Yang would be so rude! She's usually very kind!"
"Kind? She called me a brat!" Weiss frowned. "She is the brat. I did her no wrong, and yet she kept insulting me!"
"Well, she was joking… You took it way more seriously than you should have…"
Weiss glared at her so intensely, Ruby felt the urge to run away and find a spot to hide in. But she drew from her rigorous training and pushed her fears away from her mind, and started to think of a way to remedy their mission.
The best way this could end was by their going back to the castle and forgetting about how the morning had gone, but Ruby knew Weiss would never agree to that idea. She was just too determined to learn about the town and its people.
Out in the open, Weiss was too recognizable, even with her cowl hiding her silver hair. Just by looking at her posture, it was easy to assume she wasn't a commoner. If she wanted to learn about the townspeople's lives, it would have to be somewhere safe and private…
"Princess!" Ruby exclaimed suddenly, her face lighting up in triumph. "Do you want to visit my house?"
"Your house…?" Weiss tilted her head slightly. "Would your sister go with us?"
"I think she doesn't want to accompany us anymore," Ruby smiled nervously. "She and Blake will be fine here. So…"
"Alright, then," the princess lifted her chin proudly. "Take me to your house."
A smile marked Winter's face as she woke up. These first few minutes of the day were the only time she felt truly relaxed, but it never lasted for long. Once her drowsiness was but a hazy memory, she effortlessly donned her usual expression of seriousness and strength – even if she was with no company to judge her behavior.
The queen got up and gave her bed a quick glance. The portion of it beside where she had been sleeping was an obvious mess, but empty. Her… friend, had chosen to leave sooner than usual, it seemed. She didn't care much about it, but it did frustrate her that she would have to tidy up the bed alone. It wouldn't do to have the slaves spreading rumors about the queen sleeping with an unknown lover.
Once she was done with the task, Winter snapped her fingers, and almost immediately three faunus rushed into the room from a side door. Guided by a simple gesture towards the wardrobe, the slaves retrieved one of her favorite dresses – an elegant, yet comfortable, whitish blue piece – and swarmed her from every side, knowing their queen didn't like to waste time with her dressing.
When one of the faunus parted from the circle and went to pick up a comb from her vanity stand, Winter shook her head firmly.
"None of that," she said. "The people can survive their queen having less than perfect hair, at least for one day."
The faunus nodded fervently and worked on her dress even more hastily, seeking to correct her mistake immediately. Winter had never personally punished her, but she had a cold demeanor that scared most of the slaves in the castle. Those who didn't fear her… Well, there were tales…
"This is enough," Winter looked down at her feet to inspect the fragile heels she'd have to deal with all day. Beautiful as they were, she suspected one day they'd break and cause her a twisted ankle. "You may leave."
The slaves filed out without a word. Winter looked at her mirror briefly to fix her hair so that it was at least acceptable, then exited her quarters. The guards stationed outside her door sprung to attention, but she barely casted then a glance.
"Your presence will not be needed today," she informed. "I won't be leaving the inner castle."
"My queen," one of the younger soldiers started to object. "The General-"
"The general knows better than to argue with me," Winter interrupted harshly. "You may take your grievances to him, if that's what's needed to appease you."
The soldier bowed his head shamefully. Winter walked away with purpose, going over the day's schedule in her head.
The Council would be expecting her in a half hour. With the season's cold weather only worsening, growing crops and keeping the livestock healthy was a huge problem – one that needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. This happened every year, but never so early, which had the queen worried they would be facing the harshest winter of her life yet.
After that, General Ozpin and she would have another meeting to discuss the White Fang. Winter was growing tired of the matter, as the rebels hadn't showed a single sign of being alive since their failed assassination attempt of the princess heir. However, she couldn't ignore the threat they posed. Their being hidden was perhaps even more dangerous than if they were opposing her in the open.
The Queen paused briefly, an idea forming in her head. Two weeks had passed since Weiss's life had been targeted. After their… dispute the following day, neither of the sisters had engaged each other in conversation. Winter could barely recall seeing the princess outside of her room, and that worried her a great deal.
She would never back up from the stance she'd taken long, long ago – Vale would always be her first priority, even more so than her sister. But perhaps she had been insensitive with Weiss. Winter remembered how lost she had felt when she was that age.
With a nod, she decided to make a brief detour before meeting with the council. Weiss's room was not too distant from her ultimate goal, after all… And the council knew better than to complain about a couple minutes of lateness.
Curiously, there were no guards stationed nearby the door. Winter frowned worriedly, but quickly let the matter go, assuming her sister had her personal bodyguard with her inside the room… What was her name again? Ruby… She couldn't quite recall if the girl had a surname – probably not, seeing as she was a commoner.
There was no answer when she knocked on the door. Winter held back a sigh. Weiss didn't easily forgive, or let others have room to forgive her, so she was probably ignoring her on purpose. The queen shook her head and entered.
The room was empty.
"Weiss?" She called. "Sister, are you here?"
Silence.
Winter's first instinct was to shout for the Guard, but she held back on that, at least until she could fully examine the room. She was rewarded by that control soon after, as a note was laying on the bed, with her little sister's fine calligraphy.
In case you're panicking, Winter, no, I wasn't kidnapped. I will be gone for the day, as I still need to get my portrait done.
You're not forgiven.
Winter grunted and tore the note in half. If Weiss was going to act like a brat, then so be it – she could spend the rest of her life being bitter, if that's what she wanted.
She set off the room in a firm march, but quickly corrected herself before someone caught sight of her in such an unsavory state. In a matter of minutes, she arrived at the strategy room, and earlier than the entire Council – which shouldn't have surprised her, sadly.
She took her seat in front of the round table and waited in silence. Her lonesomeness forced her to think more about her sister, and as much as she tried to make herself give up the matter, she couldn't help but feel angry at herself. Weiss was sad because of her, and she might put herself in danger because of it.
Sometimes, she thought being an older sister was harder than being a queen.
"Winter," a voice sounded nearby, infused with a joyous edge. "How nice it is to see you this early in the morning…"
Two hands touched her shoulders, and then Summer leaned from behind her and gave her a mischievous smile. Winter did not bother with turning her head, only shooting a warning glance at the new arrival. Summer took a step back and raised her arms amicably.
"Right. I beg your forgiveness, my queen," The redhead took her seat and crossed one leg above the other. Winter could tell she hadn't taken her warning to its full extend. "So, is the princess heir going to join us today? I feel for the girl. This is boring enough for me, imagine for someone her age…"
"Whether this is boring or exciting has no consequence, Lady Rose. This is needed. Or would you prefer to starve to death?" Winter asked.
"Hmm. Now that is an interesting tone of voice. And you tactfully avoided my question," Summer smiled knowingly. "I can only guess Weiss is still angry with you."
"The princess heir…" Winter paused meaningfully. "…is fine. She won't be joining us today, as she has… an important affair to take care of. She left a note to inform me of that."
A few seconds of silence passed. Summer shifted from serene to puzzled, and then she stood up with a glint of realization in her eyes.
"What is it?" Winter asked harshly. "Don't make a scene. The others will be arriving soon."
"Tell me, my queen, when was the last time your sister bothered to leave you a note explaining her absence?" Summer shook her head. "Never. And she shouldn't be doing so now, when she feels so betrayed. It's obvious to me this note is just a cover, and she's left to do something dangerous."
"Dangerous," the queen frowned. "As in…?"
"As in, leaving the castle grounds without proper protection." Summer completed.
Winter froze, her normally calm expression now a mask of fear and regret. Before she could say anything, though, Summer marched past her and made for the door.
"Where are you going?!" Winter exclaimed, her voice striking like a whip. "We need to wait for Ozpin and plan-"
"Do what you feel is best, Winter," the redhead turned around briefly, her eyes filled with determination. "I'll start my own search. The sun will stop burning before I let your little sister get hurt."
With Ruby and the princess gone, Blake couldn't help but feel even more vulnerable inside the bakery. Even with Yang at her side, she feared what would happen if one the costumers recognized her as a faunus.
After her fury at the princess faded, Yang noticed Blake's discomfort and suggested that they go outside and wander around a little more. Maybe it wasn't safer, per se, but the fresh air was definitely more soothing than inside the bakery.
"Yang," Blake said quietly as they walked through the streets. "Can I ask you something?"
"You don't need to ask for permission, Blake," Yang smiled kindly. "…And that's a yes."
"Why do you hate the princess so much?"
The blonde seemed to ponder the question heavily, then just raised her hands helplessly.
"I don't know. It just annoys me that she has it so good in life," she said. "And I guess I also inherited that a bit from my parents – Ruby's mom included. They were rebels."
"Rebels?" Blake's eyebrows rose in amazement.
"Alright, not rebels…" Yang chuckled. "They just cared a lot more for the common folk than for the nobility. My uncle was particularly… defiant of the monarchy, though."
"Your uncle?"
"Dead. I never met him."
Blake's eyes wavered. For all her cheerfulness, Yang seemed to have had quite a lot of tragedies in her life already. Dead parents, uncle, even an adoptive mother… Maybe she had the right to be harsh towards the princess, after all.
Blake wondered if she had that right to. In the back of her mind, she felt almost obligated to treat Weiss like Yang did. However, she had spent her entire life under the cruelty of noble overlords, and Weiss did not seem like them at all. She had been inquisitive, proud, even arrogant, but not… Not like them…
Or maybe that was just because she hadn't seen who Blake really was.
"Hey, would you mind if we visited a friend?" Yang asked suddenly. "I mean, I know it's hard for you and all that, but I think it would do you good. He's a faunus, if that's any comfort."
"Well…" Blake took a deep breath. "I suppose you're right. I can't live around only you and Ruby for all my life."
"That's the spirit!"
They wandered through the streets for a few more minutes, delving towards the outer rings of the city, where the alleyways were dark and the houses looked ready to fall apart at the slightest touch.
Eventually, Yang stopped in front of a pale yellow brick house, then picked up a stone and threw it in an arc, so it would hit the roof.
"Sun!" She yelled. "It's Yang! Can I come in?"
They waited several seconds, but there was no response. Blake expected Yang to turn around and walk away, but instead she grunted and entered anyway, almost tearing the door out of its hinges. The faunus winced and followed her, hoping to make a good first impression.
"Hey, you dirty piece of fur!" Yang exclaimed. "Answer when someone knocks at the door!"
Blake shook her head, then examined the house curiously. It was much like Ruby and Yang's, with only one room, though in comparison, it seemed much more miserable. All the furniture Sun seemed to have was an old, damaged bed, some stained blankets, and… A metal staff?
"So…" Blake said. "Is Sun an escaped slave?"
"No," Yang shook her head. "He's always been on the run, even as a little kid. His parents were executed… Or so he tells me. I'm fairly sure he only says that to try and get me to pity him."
"Pity him?" The brunette repeated. "Why would he want that? I don't want anyone to pity me."
"Well, that's because you're a classy lady, Blake," Yang chuckled. "Unfortunately, some boys have the horrible habit of-"
Suddenly, there was a loud noise outside, as if something – or someone – had fallen from the roof. After a while, a blond boy walked inside. He wore nothing but a pair of brown pants and a loose white coat. A furry tail of the same color of his hair swung lazily behind him.
"Urgh…" He groaned, massaging his back. He looked up at Yang, then Blake, and sighed. "Yang. Do you want me to be enslaved?"
"Hey, don't worry about Blake," Yang smiled. "She's a faunus too."
"Hmm…" Sun looked at the brunette. "Yeah, I shoulda noticed it sooner. Cat?"
Blake nodded mutely, disturbed by how easily he had solved her disguise.
Sun groaned again, then plopped down on his bed. Yang rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
"What are you moaning about, Sun?" She asked. "Did the guard beat you up a little?"
"No!" He exclaimed. "Of course not. They never catch me."
"Of course," Yang agreed sarcastically. "Did you hurt yourself falling off the roof, then?"
"No, I was already hurt before. That's why I fell, I guess," Sun gritted his teeth angrily. "I was just walking around, when those two idiots come running and shove me out of the way and into a wall. It hurt like hell."
He frowned, seeming to notice that the explanation made him seem a lot less manly than if he had just said the guard had beat him up.
"Two idiots?" Yang asked curiously.
"Yeah. A man and a woman, about our age," Sun shrugged. "She had some pretty scary knives on her belt. Anyway, why are you here?"
"No motive. I just thought Blake would like to meet you."
Sun looked at the faunus girl, his expression quickly changing to one of pity. Blake closed her hands helplessly, wishing that he would look at her with any other emotion.
"Hey," he said loudly. "If you ever need anything, just look for me, alright? We're all brothers and sisters here in Vale… Unless you like to enchain your brothers and sisters, of course."
"A-alright," Blake stammered. "Thank you. I'll… keep that in mind," she looked towards Yang. "Uhm… Do you think we could go home now?"
"Oh. Sure," Yang smiled, as if nothing weird had occurred. "It was nice seeing you, Sun."
The monkey faunus waved weakly to them as they exited the house. Once they were outside, Yang looked back at Blake and touched her on the shoulder.
"I'm sorry if you felt uncomfortable," she said. "I thought Sun and you could be friends."
"I'm… I'm sure we can be friends," Blake forced herself to smile. "It'll take some time, that's all."
"Good," Yang nodded. "But if you want me to beat him up, just say the word and I'll do it."
Blake looked at her, wondering if that was how Yang always showed friendship and loyalty. But whether it was a joke or not, Blake was honored anyway.
As the sun rose to its highest point in the sky, marking the middle of the day, Ruby was still scared to death that something bad might happen at any moment. She felt a mixture of relief and anxiety when Weiss calmed down and began to stray a little from their path, wanting to examine the houses and the merchant tents set in the open. Ruby wanted to grab her by the arm and hurry her along, but she knew for certain the princess wouldn't appreciate that.
She tried to tell herself she was worrying too much. Yes, Weiss was in public, but nobody had recognized her yet. And if anyone tried to harm her, Ruby would be right there to protect her. Still, she kept feeling a strange prickle on the back of her neck, as if she was being watched from afar…
"I must admit, the jewelry at display here is…" Weiss said quietly as they began walking again. "Only mildly disappointing. Where do you suppose those gemstones come from?"
"Hmm," Ruby shrugged, her eyes wandering over the rooftops in search of any possible dangers. "Probably a mine."
"Of course it comes from a mine! Gemstones don't grow on bushes!" the princess sighed. "You're such a dolt, Ruby. How far away are we from your house? My feet are sore."
"I'm afraid we've got to walk some ten minutes more, my princess," Ruby turned her head to look at her. "Do you want me to carry you?"
Weiss's eyes narrowed. Was that a joke? Ruby sounded so honest, Weiss honestly couldn't tell. After a while, the princess decided to safeguard her honor by just ignoring the question and continuing to walk.
A few minutes later, their surroundings were much quieter, so much that it disturbed the princess quite a bit. They had left the commercial plaza behind, and now navigated narrows streets littered with dark alleyways and plain rooftops that might hide ambushes from above.
Suddenly, Ruby stopped walking and gripped Weiss's wrist so she would do the same. The princess shot her a glare, but soon understood her motive – there were footsteps behind them, and the faint rustling of steel.
"Princess!" A familiar voice reached them. "Thank the Moon I found you! What are you doing here?"
Ruby spun around and saw Ozpin standing there, blocking the sunlight behind him. He had a smile on his face, but something felt off… He didn't cast even a glance at Ruby. His eyes were focused intently on Weiss.
"Mister Ozpin?" The redhead said dubiously. "How did you find us?"
"Luck," Ozpin chuckled. "Say, how about you let me take the princess back to the castle?"
"Sir, I don't think-"
"You were the one who lead her into danger," the general interrupted. His eyes wandered to Ruby, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "Trust me, you will be punished later. It's in your best interest to go, for now."
Ruby bowed her head in shame and made to turn and walk away, but Weiss touched her shoulder and raised her chin high as she stared at Ozpin.
"General Ozpin, Ruby only accompanied me because I ordered her to do so," she said. "I understand she is your pupil, but I won't allow you to punish her for something out of her control."
Ruby's eyes widened. Weiss was standing up for her! What next, would Ozpin sprout wings and fly away?
Unfortunately, that was far from what happened. Ozpin's smile faded, and Ruby was sent sprawling forward as something bony struck her in her lower back.
Weiss yelled and reached for her rapier, but suddenly she was being held from behind by someone she had never seen before – a tall, young man with gray hair, wearing leather armor and boots that seemed to be reinvested with steel.
"Unhand me!" She ordered. "Ozpin, what is the meaning of this?!"
The princess looked towards where the general had been standing, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Ruby sprung to her feet and drew her pistol. Weiss's heart stilled for an instant when she realized she was being aimed at – but the bullet passed to the right of her head and dug into the shoulder of her assailant, who reeled back and clutched his wound, freeing her in the process.
"Princess!" Ruby exclaimed. "We need to run!"
The redhead dove in her direction and took her in her arms, then sprinted at full speed, leaving the unknown man behind them.
"Where are we going?!" Weiss yelled. "Shouldn't you take me back to the castle?!"
"Too far!" Ruby answered distractedly. "Home's closer!"
"Where's Ozpin?!"
"I don't think-"
Ruby skidded to a halt when a new figure appeared before them, blocking the way to her house. At first sight, she looked to be nothing but a little, innocent girl in a pink dress… but her sinister eyes, each a different color – left one pink, right one brown – and wicked smile told a different story.
"Who are you?" Ruby asked, then shook her head. She couldn't waste time like that. "Can we please pass?"
The mysterious girl's smile widened and she tilted her head to the side. Her right arm rose, revealing a carving knife on her hand.
"That's a no," Ruby gulped. She set the princess down and stared at her seriously. "Princess, I'm going to fight her. While she's occupied, you run past her. The house's not too far ahead. You should recognize it, it's… what you would expect from me. Understood?"
"Understood," Weiss said hesitantly. "I… Don't get hurt, Ruby."
Ruby smiled and dashed forward, bringing her sword in a diagonal swing towards her opponent. The devilish girl moved her body gracefully without even leaving her spot, narrowly dodging Ruby's blade… Then made a swing of her own, which was blocked with much difficulty.
Weiss took the opportunity to run past the two. Luckily, Ruby's plan seemed to work, as the stranger seemed to be too concentrated on the fight to follow her.
"Dear Moon…" she whispered as she continued to run. "Keep us safe."
"Little pig… Little pig…"
Yang's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she neared her house and heard a voice carry through the air. Whoever was singing – or, more appropriately, trying to sing – was definitely male, and of some age. What he was singing about, though… That was a mystery.
"Yang?" Blake whispered fearfully, coming to a stop behind her friend. "Do you know…?"
"No," the blonde whispered back. "And I don't like it one bit."
She gestured for the faunus to stay where she was – a narrow alleyway between two buildings – then strode again towards her house.
"Little pig, let me… Iiiiiin…"
Right before her door was a man nearing his later ages. He was tall, and he leaned on a cane playfully, as though he didn't really need it. His hair was a curious shade of orange.
"Hey!" She exclaimed. "There are no pigs in my house. So how about you leave and look for a butcher or something?"
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" The man spun around to face her. His tone of voice was playful, but Yang knew when a threat was presented to her.
"I don't know you," Yang answered. "So stay away from my house."
He rolled his eyes and lifted a hand from his cane. Slowly, he reached for his hip and retrieved a pistol.
"The name, sweetheart, is Roman Torchwick. I'm the face of crime around here, don't you know?" He asked, his voice dropping all signs of friendliness. "Not that it matters to you… Nothing matters to the dead."
He pulled the trigger, releasing a round that traveled the air in a heartbeat. It struck Yang in the chest, but she only stumbled back and grunted in pain. The bullet hit the ground with a loud, ringing noise.
"Well…" Roman cleared his throat. "It was nice meeting you. Emerald! I'm tired of playing! Take the princess, she's been scared enough!"
A girl dropped from the roof, and before Yang could do anything about it, she entered the house, slamming the door behind her.
The blonde's eyes turned to red and she marched towards Roman, clenching her fists. The criminal raised his pistol again and fired every round he had loaded, but it only slowed her down.
A shriek sounded from within the house. Yang's mouth formed into a snarl and she swung her arm at Roman, knocking him to the side like a toy doll. With a wordless exclamation of rage, she burst inside the house.
She was just fast enough to experience of the most bizarre moments of her life.
Roman's companion, Emerald, had two daggers on her hands, and she was viciously trying to pierce the princess heir with them. Weiss had a rapier in her right hand, but when she tried to use it to deflect her assailant, it escaped from her grasp and flew across the room, out of her reach.
Yang's eyes widened and she made to dash and tackle Emerald, but before she could, something in Weiss seemed to change… Her eyes narrowed defiantly, even if she was in the most vulnerable of positions. Her posture straightened, and instead of retreating, she edged towards Emerald.
Weiss's left hand flew upward and connected with Emerald's forehead. The criminal's expression went from confusion to terror as ice started to form around the touch, spreading faster and faster, until she was totally encased in it, like a frozen statue.
She didn't stay like that for long, though, as Weiss soon struck her with a punch. The ice shattered, and Emerald fell to the floor, unconscious, but still breathing. A moment of silence passed as the princess stared at her handwork proudly… Until she noticed Yang standing in the doorway.
"What. The. Hell," the blonde said slowly. "How did you do that?!"
"It doesn't matter," Weiss replied firmly. "Not to you."
"Oh, I see," Yang rolled her eyes. "This is too complicated for someone like me."
"No. That's not what I meant," the princess sighed. "Just… Keep this a secret, please? Don't tell anyone. Not even your sister."
Yang stared at the princess intensely. For once, she felt a bit of sympathy for her… Weiss sounded truly desperate.
"Alright," Yang said. "But you're going to explain it to me sooner or later. Deal?"
"What? I won't make any-"
"Deal?"
"…Alright. Have it your way."
Yang would have smiled, but there was something very important standing in the way of that.
"Where's Ruby?"
Summer scanned the streets of Vale from a low rooftop. The townspeople were talking in hushed tones, as words of a fight and blood shedding gained momentum and embellishment.
Well, that was her cue.
She followed the path the rumors pointed towards – to the east sector of Vale. If she was lucky, she would catch the commotion while it was still going on. If not… She would be there for the princess, at least.
It didn't take long to locate her. Silver hair wasn't hard to miss, even if it was trying to be hidden. Weiss was walking on the streets hurriedly, accompanied by two people Summer couldn't identify.
The redhead noble cleared her throat and made an effort to appear more regal before dropping down to the ground, right in the princess's way.
"Weiss!" Summer exclaimed happily, embracing the silver-haired girl. "Thank the Moon you're alive!"
"L-lady Summer?" Weiss stuttered. "Uhm… Thank you. What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you, of course!" The older woman rolled her eyes and took a step back. "Your sister is probably throwing a fit right now. What were you thinking? She'll have you confined to your room for life!"
Weiss couldn't do anything but shake her head helplessly.
Summer's eyes wandered over to the princess's companions. One of them was a skinny, pale girl with a silk bow atop her black hair. Clearly a faunus, though Summer doubted the princess knew that.
The other one… Blond hair, violet eyes which were focused on her a tad too much for her comfort.
"Is there something wrong?" Summer asked warily.
"Oh. I'm sorry. Those are my bodyguard's… friends," Weiss explained. "Yang Xiao Long and Blake… You don't have a surname, do you, Blake?"
The faunus didn't answer the princess. Instead, she seemed to have arrived at the same realization as Yang…
The same as Summer, now.
"What is happening?" Weiss demanded, annoyed by everyone's sudden inability to talk. "Stop staring at each other and – Oh, Ruby! Are you alright?!"
Summer spun around and saw another girl standing there.
A cloak around her shoulders.
Red hair.
Blood dripping down her forehead.
Silver eyes.
"…Mom?"
Yeah, that's happening. There was only so much time I could drag Ruby and Summer meeting before it became absurd.
I am very, very sorry about the long delay between chapters! I've been dealing with school pretty much all of last month, so I couldn't put too much time in writing... And since Falling Roses was ending, I put my focus on that instead of this.
But! We should be on full steam ahead! No breaks! Choo choo!
(And, yes, I will explain how Summer and Ruby not meeting before is possible. Don't fret too much.)
-Zeroan