"I'm sorry."
That's all she could say.
After all that had happened. After all the years of sacrifice, of shielding her from the world. After all the fights, all her petty defiance.
That's what their goodbye was reduced to.
"I'm sorry." Weiss bowed her head, holding her tears, and stood beside her sister's glass coffin.
Things weren't supposed to go this way. Her sister wasn't supposed to be resting in a coffin. She wasn't even dead. She was just… gone. Winter kept breathing, so softly, almost imperceptibly so, but still breathing. Her stab wound hadn't presented any major threat. Doctor Oobleck had said she could have held on for hours, possibly, if not for the poison.
If not for Ozpin.
Her whole body shook with rage and despair as she turned back to the door of the royal crypt. Her guards lowered their heads respectfully and followed, ready to defend her with their lives. She wouldn't take any chances anymore.
Ozpin, that snake. He had ruined it all – not only had he effectively ended Winter's life, but he had taken Ruby too. Her feelings towards her former bodyguard were mixed, but above all, she felt sad about the loss of what she had never realized had been a true friend.
As far as she knew, of course. Ruby had been close to Ozpin, after all.
No chances taken. Never again.
Blake approached the castle as the sun's first lights fell upon the city, piercing the snowy sky above. It was a bright day for winter, but for some reason, she felt terrible – worse than she had felt in weeks. Something was wrong, and she needed to learn what.
Ruby hadn't returned home the previous night. That was strange, but the faunus let it pass, figuring the princess had requested her stay nearby because of everything going on at the castle. However, when she woke up and Ruby still wasn't home, Blake decided to check things out herself.
Just as she crossed the archway below the walls, two guards stepped in front of her, spears crossing to block her passage. Blake's heart skipped a beat. This had never happened before.
"Identify yourself." One of the guards demanded roughly.
"Blake Belladonna."
"What is your business here?"
"I…" Blake paused, unsure of how to answer. "I'm a friend of the princess's bodyguard. I've come to check how she is."
The first guard looked at the other and sighed.
"Lady, there is no princess anymore," the second informed. "The queen is dead."
"Oh," Blake gulped. "Can… Can I come in?"
"Hmm," they shared a cautious look. "Fine. Don't try anything. Everyone's eager to spear someone today."
The guards uncrossed their spears. Blake nodded her understanding and passed between them, keeping her head low.
The queen was dead? How? And what did it mean for Ruby and Ozpin?
And Weiss was the queen now. So much had changed overnight…
The walk to the throne room was uneasy, with far too many soldiers casting glances at her, and her daggers, in particular. She resisted the urge to grab hold of her weapons, wanting to feel safer, but knowing it would only bring more suspicion to her.
Maybe a White Fang assassin had finally made a successful move. She dearly hoped that wasn't the case, or every dream she had would be lost forever.
When she finally arrived at the throne room and passed through its huge double doors, a half dozen spears were pointed at her, forcing her to freeze in place. Blake looked around fearfully, until her eyes focused on the throne at the very back of the room.
Slowly, Weiss stood up and walked towards her. Her rapier was different – it looked more regal, and of a whiter color – and she had a colorless scarf around her neck. Blake had read about that. It was a tradition of the nobler Vale classes to wear a single piece of clothing of such lack of color to mourn the passing of a loved one.
"Let her be. She is my guest." Weiss ordered, and the guards scattered to every corner of the room.
"Princess," Blake paused. "I mean, my queen. I am sorry for your loss."
"I appreciate that," Weiss replied neutrally. "Though I am not queen yet. The coronation will be held at dusk. We cannot allow the throne to remain empty, but it's imperative to follow proper conduct, in respect of my sister."
"Of course," the faunus nodded. "May I ask, where is Ruby?"
The future queen's face soured.
"If you would follow me." She said, and walked out of the room.
Blake followed at her side, not failing to notice the guards right behind them. Had queen Winter walked around accompanied by so many?
Weiss lead them through parts of the castle Blake had never visited before. The faunus quickly lost her sense of direction as she tried to make sense of the endless hallways, and found some respite in the numerous paintings on the walls. They were beautiful, and helped ease her worrying heart.
Finally, Weiss halted for a brief moment and lifted a hand, signaling for the guards to stay behind. She opened a door and entered a new room. Blake's nose twisted a bit as she followed. There was a strange smell in the air, of things old and decrepit, forgotten for centuries.
"This is the common crypt," Weiss revealed quietly. "We use it for servants of the crown who had no lands of their own to be buried at."
"What?" Blake's eyes widened. "You don't mean..."
"Here she is."
Weiss neared a platform, upon which rested a dark wood coffin with a top made of glass. Blake stepped closer, filled with dread, and looked down at whoever rested in it.
"No," Blake closed her eyes. "This can't be real."
"I'm sorry," Weiss muttered. "Ozpin betrayed us all. He stabbed the queen and poisoned her. My sister lies dormant to this hour, and she might never wake up. Ruby defended him. She lifted her sword and pistol for him, and he made it out of the castle with her help."
"And… and then?"
"He repaid her by poisoning her also. Rotten bastard."
Blake covered her face with her hands, but allowed herself to look between the cracks of her fingers. She felt like someone had taken hold of her heart and was squeezing it mercilessly.
Ruby did not look at peace. Whoever had put her to rest in the coffin had tried to make her look like she was, but Blake couldn't be fooled. She wasn't smiling. Her eyes weren't filled with her usual joy. She looked scared and sad, and that the worst of it.
Ruby hadn't just died. She had died alone and betrayed.
"But… She's breathing?" Blake spoke, trying to light some hope within herself. "She's not really dead, right?"
"She is, Blake," Weiss looked away. "There is no cure, at least none that our doctors know of. Perhaps, once you talk with her sister and mother, you could… Truly put her to rest."
"No." Blake tensed.
"That is not your decision," the white-haired girl objected firmly. "Lady Summer departed earlier to deliver the news to you and Yang. I didn't expect your visit."
Blake shook her head and turned around. She couldn't bear to look any longer.
Weiss stayed in silence, staring at Ruby for a long while. Her face displayed a multitude of emotions, but she held back from saying anything she might regret later. Finally, she joined Blake and laid a careful hand on her shoulder.
"I was hard on her, perhaps unjustly so, at times, but Ruby was very important to me," she said. "I don't believe anyone can quite replace her, but I cannot afford to leave myself open to outside forces."
"What's your point?" Blake asked. Her tone was a bit too strong to direct at a ruler, but she couldn't bring herself to care at the moment.
"I would be honored if you would fill her previous position," Weiss explained. "Be my bodyguard. I need someone I can trust, and I trust you."
"I… am hardly trained at all."
"You're skilled enough."
Blake's first instinct was to refuse the offer, but she forced herself to give it some serious thought. She wouldn't be gaining much from it. A salary… She had been wanting to acquire a job, anyway.
And Ruby had cared about this. Blake hadn't understood it fully, and Yang hadn't been shy with her opinions on the princess, but Ruby cared. She had wanted Weiss to be safe – to be happy, even.
"I will be your bodyguard." She decided.
"Good," Weiss crossed her arms. "Would you mind sleeping in the castle? I'm taking stronger measures now."
"I… guess that's fine," Blake nodded. "But I feel bad about Yang. She shouldn't be alone… not now."
Weiss shook her head and headed towards the door.
"We are all alone, Blake," she stated quietly. "We just have to find a way to deal with that fact."
Summer's eyes scanned her surroundings with mild interest. Such a small place, and a cramped one at that. Three beds had been assembled at different corners of the house, along with multiple desks and wardrobes and, surprisingly, some shelves struggling with the weight of dozens of books.
It was a quaint little place, she had to admit. Except for the cage at the very back of the room. Just looking at it made her eyes flare with rage and disgust. She had recognized Yang's naivety the first they had met, but this?
Simply disgraceful.
She was broken out of her musings when the door of the house opened with a loud hinging noise. Summer adopted a softer gaze and turned slowly, hunching her shoulders ever so slightly – she had just lost her daughter, after all.
"Summer?" Yang called confusedly, walking inside the house. "What are you doing here?" She frowned as she scanned the rest of the room. "Where's Ruby? And Blake?"
"Dear," Summer smiled sadly and pointed to a chair. "You should sit down for this."
The blonde complied immediately, plopping herself down on the chair with a fearful look on her face. Even so, Summer didn't miss how her fists also clenched – this might not go as easily as she wished.
"Yesterday," the redhead paused and looked away, as if it were difficult to find her words. "Ozpin requested a meeting with myself and queen Winter. Her Highness chose to grant him his request, much to my displeasure. I was right to mistrust him. The bastard stabbed and poisoned her in front of my eyes. She sleeps for eternity in the royal crypt, now."
"Alright," Yang shifted in her seat. She would usually dismiss these matters entirely. Royals and nobles could deal with their own problems. But she could tell something was amiss, otherwise, Summer wouldn't have bothered to visit and deliver the news herself. "What about Ruby?"
"She-" Summer closed her eyes and held a hand to her throat, holding back a sob. "She defended him. Of course she would, she was too – too pure. He escaped the Guard with her help, and then… then… He poisoned her as he did the queen."
The Reaper could practicality feel the tension in the air against her skin as Yang stared at her, unblinking and unmoving.
"What?" The blonde's voice was but a whisper. "She's dead? Ruby is... dead?"
The truest answer was no – she was just cursed, asleep forever. But of course, that wouldn't help Summer much.
"Yes."
Summer watched the girl carefully, expecting an outburst, but Yang stayed silent, looking up at her. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, her violet eyes glimmered, the hint of tears forming on her eyelids…
And then Summer was sent spiraling to the floor, one arm twisted in a hold behind her back. Something burned behind her, with the intensity of a miniscule sun. Summer would have smiled with pride if she hadn't had to keep her act up.
"How could you?!" Yang bent down to shout in her ear. "You let her die!"
"I tried to save her – I was too slow!" Summer pressed her forehead to the ground. "It's my fault. I know. I know… I found her lying beneath the walls. She looked s-so scared. I had to carry her back in my arms, to put her to rest."
"Stop. Crying!" The blonde roared. "You've got no right! This is your fault! You let her die!"
Summer braced herself, expecting the girl to unleash her wrath on her. She wouldn't be in any real risk, of course, but it would still hurt like hell. But, curiously, Yang instead let go of her arm. Summer rolled to look at her, caught off guard by the shift in their interaction.
"It's not all your fault, though."
Yang turned and storm out of the house, leaving fiery footprints behind her. Summer lay still for a few seconds before she understood what Yang's intention was… and she smiled to herself and let herself be comfortable in the ground.
"SCHNEE!"
The doors of the throne room flew open, slamming against the walls at both sides, as Yang strode in. The air around her seemed to shine and spin around her, as if somehow she was drawing all the heat from her surroundings.
Weiss rose from her throne, eyes wide, and reached for her rapier. To her right, she saw Blake standing like a statue, looking at her blond-haired friend in panic. Every guard in the room stood to attention and raised their firearms in unisons, all aiming squarely at the surprise arrival.
The soon-to-be queen had a moment of clarity as she took it all in, her startled rage replaced by fear of what was about to happen.
"Don't-"
But she was too late. Her ears rang painfully as bullets exploded and flew through the air. She closed her eyes, not wanting to witness another death so soon.
"You're all useless," Yang's voice reached her like a distant echo. "No wonder you couldn't protect your queen."
Weiss opened her eyes and saw Yang standing a dozen steps in front of her. Bullets littered the ground around her, and she wasn't even dazed. The guards took aim again, but Weiss pushed her surprise aside and raised her hand in time to stop them.
"Don't shoot," she ordered. "I wish to talk to this woman."
"Oh, I'm so honored!" Yang spat, lifting her fists furiously. "Do you think I'm here for a conversation? You got my sister killed, you spoiled little bitch!"
"I had no hand in Ruby's death," Weiss's gaze hardened. "I tried to stop her. Ozpin played on her feelings and betrayed her," she scoffed and looked away. "I encourage you to find a mirror and inspect your reflection. Perhaps then you'll notice who is responsible – who did nothing to change who she was."
A long silence followed, during which Weiss had the opportunity to look back and notice exactly what she had just said. Stricken by guilt, she turned to face Yang again.
"I'm sorry. I have-"
Yang closed the distance between them and swung a fist towards her face. Weiss was too slow to react, but luckily, Blake was not. The brunette sprung to action, barely finding the strength to hold Yang's arm back, her teeth gritted determinedly.
The blonde blinked and shook Blake off her.
"Blake?" Yang stared at her in a mixture of confusion and outrage. "What the hell are you doing?"
"I'm sorry. I couldn't let you hurt her," Blake muttered shamefully. "I'm – I'm her bodyguard now."
"You… you are replacing Ruby? Why would you even want this job?"
Blake's face paled and she took a step back. For a moment, she thought Yang would hit her instead, but then her mind turned to a more realistic fear – that Yang would reveal who she was, intentionally or not.
Thankfully, Yang seemed more disappointed than angry. The blond shook her head and turned around.
"I can't ask for forgiveness, Yang," Weiss said softly. "But you must know I am sorry. I treasured Ruby very dearly."
"Thank the fucking Moon you let her know that, right?" Yang spat bitterly.
"…If you wish to see her, I will personally guide-"
"No."
Something in Yang's voice told Weiss she wasn't refusing out of pettiness or anger. No, it sounded instead like she wished to agree, but couldn't find the strength to do it. People had different ways of grieving – Weiss hadn't left her sister's side throughout the night. Perhaps Yang was the exact opposite.
"Schnee. I don't want to see your face ever again. You send anyone after me, I'll make sure they return limping and broken. That counts for Summer too," Yang lowered her head slightly. "And even you, Blake."
Without another word, Yang left the room, the lively fury of her entrance long gone.
Weiss fell back on her throne, holding her head in her hands. Blake shifted to her side silently, casting a peculiar glance that made her wonder if she too blamed her for Ruby's death.
"She didn't mean it. Not all of it," Blake stated quietly. "It was grief and fury speaking. You can't be blamed for what happened."
"I wish I could agree, Blake," Weiss shook her head, deciding that pitying herself would yield nothing good – at least for now, she couldn't afford to do it. "Will she go home? Perhaps I – after some time, of course – could do something to… help her?"
"I don't know," the brunette's eyes wandered to the open doors sadly. "I think she was being honest when she said we wouldn't see her again."
As the sun fell and the moon rose in its place, a large influx of people poured through the castle gates, coming from every corner of the city below. From the richest of lords to the poorest of handworkers, everyone wished to be present at the coronation of the new queen. It was, after all, a momentous occasion, and a welcomed distraction from their wintery affairs.
But with this passing of the line's more troublesome motives, the Guard had their hands full inspecting each and every one of them. For all they knew, an assassin could be hiding amongst the crowd. It would have been more convenient to just turn them all away, but the queen had spoken – she wanted to honor her sister in all capacities, and that meant allowing everyone into the castle to mourn and celebrate her name.
Thankfully, Jaune found himself in a slightly better spot than at the gates. Instead of interrogating the people, he was standing on the castle walls, his eyes scanning the horizon carefully. The White Fang or Ozpin, or both, might make a bold move and try to strike the throne again in the aftermath of Winter's murder.
It was tiring, especially for him. Normally, Jaune would quickly become bored standing watch, but after what had happened the day before – after what he had seen… His hands were sweaty, and he couldn't keep his mind focused, so terrified he was.
"Jaune?"
He shook himself briefly and look to the side. To his surprise, Pyrrha stood there, though she wore a formal dress and carried no weapons with her.
"Pyrrha," he said, avoiding eye contact. "It's nice to see you."
"I wanted to talk to you," she smiled kindly. "I know Ruby was your friend. Are you well?"
"Oh. Uh, yeah," Jaune shook his head. "As well as I can be. It's very… disorienting, you know? I hadn't talked to her that much these last months, not since she got that promotion. And now she's gone."
"I'm so sorry. I wish I had known her better."
Jaune nodded mutely. Pyrrha lingered there for a while, but soon started to turn back. Jaune raised his head and clenched his fists, gathering the courage to speak.
"Pyrrha, I'm sorry," he said. "I acted like an idiot. When I learned you were a noblewoman, I just… panicked, I guess. For no reason. It was stupid."
"It's alright," Pyrrha smiled. "I forgive you."
"Oh, good! Thank the Moon and… you know, all that stuff!" Jaune scratched his head nervously. "Do you worship the Dragon in Mistral?"
"Some do. I have no quarry with that," she tilted her head slightly. "I must go now. It would be unseemly to miss the coronation. I hope we can talk again soon, Jaune."
"We will."
Pyrrha turned and left, heading to the stairs that lead back to ground level. Jaune cursed under his breath, wishing he had told her about what he had seen… He would have to find her as soon as possible after the coronation.
Maybe it was for the best. He had yet to come to grips with it himself, after all.
There were so many people.
Too many people.
If she hadn't lost her strength before, she would certainly lose it now. How could she stand before them all, wear her dead family's crown, and swear anything to them? They would see not a ruler, but a scared little woman, just the next target to be painted red with blood.
How could she do it?
What worth did she represent?
Something brushed past her left ear, the comforting warmth of someone's else face.
"I'm right behind you, my queen," Summer whispered. "Don't be afraid."
Weiss closed her eyes for a moment, then started walking down the aisle towards Vale's throne. To her right and left, people gasped in amazement at her dress. It was a small comfort, seeing as her sister and mother had both worn it for their coronations.
But amongst that, she also heard scoffing, laughter, taunting. She had to do her best to not fall to her knees and just stay there until someone carried her away to her room.
When she finally reached her throne, another sight brought her further strength. Right behind the majestic seat, hidden in shadows, was Blake Belladonna, a dark cloak concealing her pale skin and sharp daggers. Amber eyes met with the queen's encouragingly.
She turned to face the crowd, who slowly quieted down. Summer walked to the right of the throne, where the Council stood respectfully, and took the crown from Lady Goodwitch's hands.
The Reaper whirled around, her red cloak sweeping through the air, and returned to the fearful heiress. She stopped at her side, bowing her head slightly.
"Will you swear the Oath of Vale, Weiss of the house Schnee?"
The girl took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
"Let it be known, from this day forward;
That I shall wear this crown with pride and sorrow;"
Sorrow for her sister's early demise. Sorrow for her parents, who so little time she had shared with. Sorrow for Ruby Rose, whether her intentions had been pure or not. Sorrow even for Ozpin, who she had once held as an esteemed ally… and protector.
But pride? What had she to be proud of? The war that occured within her own kingdom? The lies whispered which she had never truly heard? The blood that tainted her land?
"That I shall defend my people from the evil within and without;"
Inside the walls, the White Fang cast a hateful shadow on her family's line, and Ozpin lead a mysterious league of assassins. She had done nothing when her parents had been murdered, and the same had happened with her sister.
And outside? The Grimm had breached the walls. So many people killed in a single night. Winter raged on, bringing death and despair with it. She could do nothing about it.
"That I shall be the only wounded in mine kingdom;"
The only wounded?
That was simply a lie. People had already died, and more would soon follow.
"That I shall leave last when the Moon sees fit to welcome us back;"
Perhaps she should be left behind. Did she deserve Paradise?
"So it is known;"
She paused and opened her eyes. Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on her. Silence reigned.
She wished she could see the moon, high up in the sky, a lone bright point amidst never-ending darkness.
"And… so it shall be."
Summer smiled emotionlessly and lowered the crown on her head. It fit perfectly, but it felt rather heavy.
"Long live Queen Weiss." Summer bowed in front of her, and in waves, the crowd mimicked her.
Soon, everyone was on their knees.
"Long live the Queen!"
Yang fixed the cloth around her neck, then looked behind her, making sure the cloak wouldn't drag to the ground and get dirty.
It was a bright orange color, but it had lost some of its colorfulness over the years. It had been too long since she had last worn it. Her last gift from Summer, or so she had thought. It had helped to keep her warm while she drudged through the blizzard, fighting for her life and her sister's.
Ruby never stopped using hers. It was funny. Yang couldn't picture her without her cloak.
She held her tears and left the house, walking towards the east wall.
The breach hadn't been fixed yet. Dozens of soldiers stood guard there, armed with heavy firearms, made to take down the fiercest of Grimm. As she approached, Yang saw a pair of soldiers fighting off a pack of Beowolves, while the rest watched carefully, prepared to draw their weapon if matters got too dangerous.
One of them grabbed her by the arm when she tried to pass.
"Let go, please." She said calmly.
"Miss, you can't go out there," the soldier sounded genuinely concerned. "You'll freeze out there, and the Grimm… They'll tear you apart."
"I won't freeze. And they won't tear me apart," Yang smiled to him. "Trust me, I'm doing you a favor. You won't be facing too many of them after this."
He stared at her for a long while, dazed by her words. But she didn't look crazy; in fact, she seemed in perfect control of herself.
"Alright. But, our turns are all ending soon," he warned. "I'll wait for you to come back, make sure our replacements don't cause trouble when you come back."
"Oh, don't worry. I'm not coming back."
She freed her arm and stepped through the breach.
Things are set in motion. Weeeee.
Chapters have been shorter now. I'm sure that won't last, though. *sweats profusely*
I have a little question for you guys, concerning the writing itself. I noticed while I was proofreading this chapter that I often used "- stuff stuff -" in place of ", stuff stuff,". Overall, I don't find too much difference between the two methods, but... Maybe you feel otherwise? I "corrected" those occasions this chapters, except for when "- stuff stuff" was really appropriate.
This is probably of no consequence, anyway. But there's always stuff to improve. Bleh.
Fun fact: I freak myself out when I wrote the first line of the last scene. "Yang fixed the cloth around her neck," WHAT IF SOMEONE THINKS SHE'S COMMITTING SUICIDE. And then I realized people aren't dumb and everything was well.
That wasn't such a fun fact. Sowwyyyyy.
Ah, by the way, I have a new story going alongside this one. Beacon Horror Story. It's basically a slasher movie, except in BEACON, with RWBY AND JNPR. Yay, fun. Check it out if that's your thing. It'll be fairly short, and it's simple to write, so it's not taking time away from Of Vale Blood.
-Zeroan