AN: I felt sort of constrained in the first part but now is when I really started to have fun with the story. I hope you like where I've inserted characters and despite my temptation to make this into a White Rose story, I have resisted. Though my shipping inclinations may show anyway...But yeah, I hope you enjoy! And please let me know what you think.
Yang entered the dorm room she shared with her team with a satisfied smile on her face. When she had left in order to figure some story details it had seemed impossible, but now Yang thought she may have figured it out. She stopped abruptly however as she stared back into the eyes of seven others.
"Um, do I have something on my face?" she asked laughing a little in an attempt to get past this rather awkward encounter.
"That was the longest bathroom break I've ever had to wait through." Weiss spoke first, never hesitant to make her thoughts known.
"Riiighhhht, bathroom." Yang had almost forgotten her little fib "Sorry, but now I'm back and we can continue."
"Yippee!" Nora shouted from her sitting spot next to Ren.
"But only if Ruby is still up for it." Yang added quickly, not wanting her story to do the opposite of its original intention and harm her sister's sleep.
Ruby sniffed and answered "Yeah, it's not like I can sleep anyway. Besides, I really want to know what happens to us."
With Ruby's approval now in hand, Yang made her way back to her spot and faced her friends, ready to begin…
The death of her parents had driven an already reclusive Weiss even further away from Ruby. After all, if her parents hadn't trusted her around Ruby while they were alive to help, how could she be trusted without them? No, it was much safer for her to interact with the spirited girl as little as possible.
Ruby had the opposite reaction however, she was driven to try and rekindle her relationship with Weiss even more. She was the only family Ruby had left and family couldn't just live as if the other didn't exist. Ohana, Ruby often told herself in remembrance of what her mother would always tell her about the value of family.
Resolve could only last so long though, and after three years of trying and failing to have a conversation beyond pleasantries with Weiss, Ruby had given up. That is until the third year came towards its end and Weiss turned eighteen years of age. Yes, it was time to coronate the Queen on Arrendelle….
The fierce, high pitched squeal of the whistle Ren jump out of his bed. He frantically scanned the room looking for a threat before his eyes settled on the culprits. Before him stood his longtime friend Nora, a maid in the household that Ren oversaw as butler, shaking in an attempt to contain the energy that always wanted to burst from her. Standing next to his friend and coworker was the younger Princess, Ruby Rose. Oh dear god the Princess! He promptly lowered his torso in a bow and apologized.
"My deepest apologies my lady," Ren started "I, I must have slept in. This has never happened before and I assure you it never will again." He kept his head down in deference, awaiting his Princess' rebuke.
Instead, it was Nora who spoke up. "Oh relax you big dummy, you didn't sleep in!" excitement filled her voice "It's coronation day! And I was too excited to sleep anymore! And the Princess was too excited to sleep anymore! And I ran into her running around the house, dancing and talking to paintings, which is really weird, but anyway I suggested we come get you so you could make pancakes and get things started for the day!"
Ren swore she had a hidden repository of oxygen somewhere for speeches like this. Having heard her explanation however, he deigned it fit to raise his head and looked directly at the Princess.
"I'm sorry but she's right Ren!" the princess smiled as spoke in her happy tone. It was her custom to ignore the courtesies between master and servant but Ren never reciprocated. "After all, it IS Coronation Day and the gates are finally going to open and there will be a party and people and fun and chocolate and.." The princess joined her maid in bouncing excitedly.
"We'd best get started then my lady." Ren spoke back. This was going to be a very long day.
Weiss stood in her bedroom, staring out the window and dreading the day to come. Her hands fidgeted in front her and the feel of the gloves her father had given to her gave small comfort. Conceal, don't feel she repeated in her mind. All you have to do is hold the scepter up and look on the crowd…and manage not to kill everyone. A frost began to form on the carpet around her feet and she took a step back in panic. Control yourself Weiss, force it all down.
Her eyes returned to the window where she could see the servants bustling about, ensuring that everything was perfect for the coronation. The coronation that would make her Queen, Weiss smiled, a small, sad raising the corners of her mouth. She wanted to be Queen, Weiss couldn't deny that. She would make a good ruler and had plenty of ideas. But she could also appreciate the irony of leading a kingdom she saw herself as a danger to.
Ruby would have something to say to raise my spirits, Weiss thought to herself. She may have distanced herself but she also kept tabs on her sister to make sure she was always okay. Weiss was happy that one of them had remained optimistic and happy after their parent's death.
Weiss' eye was drawn suddenly to a figure spinning on the lantern poles on the path leading up to the main entrance of their home. Ruby? What could she possibly be doing out there?
If Ruby possessed even an ounce of musical talent, she swore she could've broken out in song right then and there as she swung around the posts. Freedom was her goal as she made her closer to the gate that served as an entrance to the palace. So close. Ruby could see the guards opening them for what was literally the first time in years and Ruby rushed through them.
She couldn't help but spread her arms and spin as she took in the sights of Arrendelle from outside the palace. Townsfolk bustled all around in the crowded streets as Ruby pushed her way through them with a large smile on her face. This day was the best day ever.
Making her way past a strange man in a bowler who seemed far too busy laughing maniacally to himself, Ruby continued to swing from post to post. Wow, there are weird people out here she thought before putting him out of her mind. Ruby had much more important things to focus on. Like the decorations, the food stands, the streets, the buildings, the docks...
"OOF" Ruby let out a cry as something collided into her and she fell into a rowboat sitting on the dock. "What the he…" she trailed off as she looked at her assailant – a tall, blue haired man who was now smiling down at her with impossibly white teeth.
"I'm sorry my lady, I must not have been paying attention." His tone was apologetic and he offered his hand which Ruby promptly took. "I am Prince Neptune of the Southern Isles."
Remembering her manners, Ruby introduced herself "Princess Ruby of Arrendelle."
Neptune looked surprised and dropped into a bow. "My lady." he stated, adopting more formal manners after the realization.
"Oh, there's no need for that." Ruby said as she had never been entirely comfortable with the respect her station afforded her "It was an accident, after all."
"An accident that resulted in the fall of one of the most beautiful Princesses in all the kingdoms." Neptune replied, displaying his teeth once more.
"Oookaaay." Ruby spoke, growing more and more uncomfortable with his cheesy flirtation "Look, I've got to get back to the coronation." She began to move away.
"Of course." Neptune said "I hope to see you at the ball tonight, Princess."
"Yeah, likewise." Ruby replied automatically, dismissing him from her mind and making her way back towards her home. Hopefully their other guests weren't so…charming.
The choir sung in the background of the ceremonial building as Weiss made her way past the guests and down the aisle towards her destiny. The Archbishop stood there waiting, a pleasant smile on his face as she approached step by step. All of the guests, including Ruby who was seated up front, were standing as she finally reached the dais and the Archbishop began the coronation.
Weiss waited patiently and did her best to hide the apprehension that was clouding her thoughts as the man spoke. And then before she realized, it was time for her part. The Archbishop held a pillow with the ceremonial items and she took the cue to lean down so that her crown could be placed.
Straightening back up, the Archbishop held the pillow towards Weiss and she slowly reached towards it.
"Keh hem." a quiet cough escaped the man's lips "The gloves, Your Grace."
Of course, she needed to take off the gloves. After doing so, Weiss quickly grabbed the items and turned to the audience. Applause broke out and Weiss did her best to smile, even as she maintained a death grip on what she had grabbed. It didn't take more than a moment for the ice to begin to form and Weiss turned back and put them down. Too close Weiss, get a hold of yourself.
After the ceremony was the coronation ball, a celebration of the new Queen and a bright future. Weiss stood in a small section on the side of the ballroom, hidden from sight, as she waited to be announced. She didn't have to wait long.
"Queen Weiss of Arrendelle." Came a man's deep voice and Weiss began the short walk onto a raised part of the ballroom. Once there, she turned to face the crowd and accepted their applause. After a while the applause died down and the man announced the next Princess. "Princess Ruby of Arrendelle."
No one entered upon the announcement and Weiss turned to where Ruby should have been standing, ready to enter. Where was she? This is important, Weiss thought, appearances are everything for a new Queen and with all of these foreign guests here too? She was close to hunting down her wayward sister when she saw her materialize from the hallway.
Relief flooded through Weiss as Ruby quickly made her way to stand beside her. She couldn't help but notice when Ruby proceeded to adjust her position to move a couple steps further away. What is that about? Her thoughts were interrupted as another round of applause resounded through the ballroom and at its conclusion the ball officially commenced.
"So this is what a party looks like." Weiss spoke first, attempting to relieve some awkwardness between Ruby and herself. They hadn't spoken very much beyond pleasantries over the years and though Weiss had wanted it that way, it didn't make the results any easier to bear. Tonight was special, she told herself and certain indulgences were allowed. Though if she were being honest, Weiss had grown so lonely over the years that she couldn't not take this opportunity.
"It's hotter than I had imagined." Ruby observed, seeming to take the chance as well.
"And what is that smell?" Weiss asked
They reached the answer simultaneously as they both said "Chocolate." with yearning in their voices. Laughter followed after. This was easier than Weiss had thought it would be.
"I'm going to eat all of it." Ruby stated. This was not some exaggeration, Weiss could tell by the way she spoke. Ruby was going to eat every ounce of chocolate present. Not on her watch.
"You are not eating that much chocolate Ruby, you'll get sick or worse on a diet like that."
"I do not sound like that!"
Laughter flooded the room.
"But seriously…"
"Weiss, come on." Ruby pleaded, longing in her eyes "You can't just have all this hear and not let me eat it."
"It is for the guests." her tone grew more annoyed as she tried to combat Ruby's puppy dog eyes "You will have to survive on real food I'm afraid." Weiss regretted her tone as Ruby looked genuinely hurt and she adopted a softer one. "I just want what's best for you Ruby. We have to look out for each other."
"I…" she began but was interrupted.
"Excuse me, Your Grace." A voice cut in and the duo turned to it. "I am the Duke of Weasleton, and just wanted to thank you for the honor of inviting me to this most joyous occasion." The man bowed low and Weiss took the opportunity to observe him. Styled orange hair and white suit topped off with a bowler cap and supreme confidence in his own charm. "And to also offer a dance." The Duke added.
As much as Weiss would have liked to walk away from the man, her manners would not allow it and so she had to politely decline with "I'm sorry but I don't dance." And offer an alternative. "But my sister does." Ruby's look of surprise was all encompassing and the Duke took her arm into his. Weiss was sure to mouth "sorry" to her sister as she was pulled onto the dancefloor. She did feel kind of bad…kind of.
"That was quite the switcheroo you pulled there." a smooth male voice came from beside her. Great, Weiss thought, another one. As she turned to face the speaker, Weiss' look of annoyance disapeared and was replaced with one of awe. Before her stood a man who must have been about her age only he must have nearly a full foot taller. His striking blue hair sttod in contrast to the darker coloring of his formal wear and it was all toppped off with a pair of goggles laying atop his head that the guy somehow managed to pull off.
"H-Hello." Weiss somehow managed to get out.
"I am Prince Neptune of the Southern Isles and it is my greatest pleasure to make your aquantence, Your Grace." the man, Neptune, introduced himself and threw her smile that must have reflected the chandelier.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Prince Neptune." Weiss replied, concious of how she was expected to act. "Have the Southern Isles recovered from that terrible storm yet?"
"I see you are as well informed as you are beautiful." he complimented her and she blushed "And yes we are well on the road to recovery, luckily the toll was not as bad as first estimated."
"I'm glad to hear that." Weiss stated and turned her attention back to the dancers to watch Ruby. She could see him stiffen slightly at the dismissal and was surprised when he didn't give up.
"I understand that you don't dance," he motioned to the crowd "and that makes me happy as I am altogether incapable of performing the act myself."
Weiss wondered if he actually though she, of all people, would actually not know how dance or if he was simply playing along.
Neptune went on "So perhaps we could take a stroll instead? A stretching of the legs would do you some good after standing here for so long." He offered her his arm, which she took.
Their stroll thus far had been interesting, Weiss silently admitted to herself. Though Neptune seemed far too concerned with how she perceived him, he also seemed to be genuinely interested in the state of her kingdom. Arrendelle was something that Weiss could talk about for hours and given the prince's interest, conversation had not been a problem.
Somehow the conversation had changed subjects though, and after Neptune informed Weiss about his family of seven brothers the topic changed to Ruby.
"Your sister is certainly spirited." Neptune observed kindly after Weiss brought up her own sibling.
Weiss chuckled "She is an utter dolt, and I believe you've already realized as much." Her posture shifted as she continued "Though she is my dolt I suppose." And she blushed slightly at her display of emotion, never comfortable with such a thing.
She was brought back from her thoughts by a gentle grip on her shoulder. Weiss turned to see Neptune looking at her intensely.
"Weiss, I think the way you care for Ruby is amazing." Neptune began "And the amount you know about your kingdom along the ideas you have for it is absolutely incredible. After tonight….look, can I just say something crazy?"
"I hate crazy."
"Well then I'm sorry but Weiss..." Neptune stopped and began to lean in towards her.
Oh no, was he going to kiss her? Weiss' mind reeled as she tried to think of what to do. Thoughts tumbled through her mind as she came to her decision, she had to say no. Before she could speak, the noise of an opening door on the terrace brought them both to a stop as they turned to it.
Standing there dumbstruck was Ruby, who suddenly looked far too angry to be the happy sister that Weiss knew. She turned and left the terrace and Weiss went after her.
"Wait." Neptune spoke
"I have to talk to my sister." Weiss excused herself, not stopping. She caught up to Ruby in the ballroom and grabbed her hand only to have it pulled away.
Ruby wasted no time in making her thoughts known. "I don't trust him Weiss! And neither should you." Ruby spoke so loudly that others were beginning to watch "The way he tries so hard to be smooth and those stupid goggles, he is clearly up to something."
"Hey." Neptune tried to chime in before being promptly silenced by the simultaneous head turning of the sisters and two death glares " ."
"Oh for..." Weiss began but stopped briefly, feeling extremely frustrated "We were just talking, Ruby."
"That isn't what I saw out there." Ruby mumbled. Weiss blushed as she recalled what she had seen.
"What you saw isn't what you think okay?" Weiss looked quickly to both sides as she was growing more and more conscious of the stares they were garnering. "We can talk about this later Ruby." she whispered severely
"No!" Ruby clearly didn't have an appreciation for the scene they were making. "All you've done since we were kids is push me away! I've tried to be there for you and understand but I don't!" She grabbed Weiss' hand but looked hurt when it was quickly pulled away. "Then this...this guy comes here with his stupid smile, fake charm and ridiculous goggles and you open up to him right away!" Tears began to form and despite how bad Weiss felt, she knew that they had to discuss this elsewhere.
"That's enough Ruby." Weiss spoke, adopting her most regal voice
"I'm not leaving this alone Weiss." Ruby had grabbed her hand again but with a much firmer grip that Weiss struggled to escape.
"Let me go Ruby." Weiss began to panic as she felt the cold begin to flow from her hand
"Not until we talk." Ruby replied, having not noticed the frost forming.
"I said" Weiss leaned in preparing to rip free "enough!" and with the last word she pulled free but out of the glove Ruby still held. The pent up power she had been trying to contain shot out in the arc that her hand pulled towards and a wall of spiked ice formed in front of everyone.
Weiss brought her hand to chest and began to breath quickly has panic set in. What had she done?
"Weiss...?" Ruby looked at her with concern and began to move towards her.
Silence filled the space as everyone struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Suddenly the silence was broken.
"Witch!" a male voice rose amongst the crowd "Evil!"
"No I..." Weiss had no idea what to do. Her secret was out after so much work trying to hide it. Everyone would find out and hate her. They would shun her and punish her kingdom because the Queen was a freak. Looking one more time at the sister she loved, Weiss turned and began to flee.
Ruby was quick to follow, the icy trail that Weiss left in her wake making it easy despite the head start. She had to push her way past a murmuring crowd gawking at the now frozen water of the fountain. Oh, Weiss. Is this why you've been pushing me away?
The trail ended at small dock on the fjord and Ruby looked upon the water. In the distance, she spied Weiss running across the water that froze solid the moment her feet landed upon it. It didn't stop there though and Ruby's Weiss widened as she saw the ice continue to spread across the entire waterfront.
Ruby's only concern was finding her sister though and she turned to return to the palace. She would need a horse if she wanted to catch up to her icy mode of travel. I'm coming Weiss, she thought as she trudged towards the stables, I won't abandon you.
Ruby entered the courtyard and the crowd of nobles and townsfolk all turned towards her. Neptune was the only one to approach her though as he asked "What's happening? Where is Weiss?"
Ruby didn't trust him, or particularly like him for that matter, but Neptune's concern seemed genuine. "She ran off towards the North Mountain. I'm going to get her back." Ruby said as she grabbed the reigns off of one of the royal guard's horses.
"Ruby something is clearly wrong beyond her just running away." Neptune spoke while motioning up. Snow had begun to fall and was already accumulating; the crowd began to bundle up as the temperature plummeted.
"Yeah..." Ruby thought to herself before speaking "The fjord is frozen as well. It's only safe to assume that Weiss did this...by accident of course!"
"The Ice Queen has cursed this land!" the Duke of Weasleton spoke up and Ruby resisted the temptation to push him into the snow.
"NO!" Ruby responded before the crowd could descend into chaos. "This is just some accident and I'm sure Weiss will fix this once she knows." She mounted her horse and turned for the gate. "I will get the Queen back and everything will return to how it should be." Ruby let out a sigh as she knew what she was about to do. "I leave Prince Neptune in charge!"
Leaning toward shim she whispered "Don't screw this up. I know I don't trust but Weiss must have and you are a prince."
"Of course my lady, I will look after your kingdom while you rescue the Queen." Neptune replied, looking all the more serious.
His agreement had been far too fast for Ruby and she couldn't decide if he was power hungry or just a coward. Just another thing that she would talk to Weiss about after they make it back.
Focusing on the mission at hand, Ruby finally began to trot to the gate and slowly picked up speed.
Don't worry Weiss, I'm coming for you.
"Okay, breaktime!" Yang announced as she stood and let out an audible stretch
"You can't be serious, Yang." Weiss said, looking strangely invested.
"Oh but I am." Yang made for the door "I'm hungry again and have just been sitting there. Let me walk around for a bit and then we'll finish."
After she left the group looked at each other and Nora was the first to speak up.
"I think those the royal guards need to break that stupid duke's legs!" she said while miming the action.
"I'd be more concerned with the prince." Jaune observed.
"Oh please," Weiss gave him her most condescending look "Don't be jealous of a fictional character."
"He is clearly evil!" Jaune responded in an exasperated tone.
"I think so too." Ruby's voice came quietly from behind a blanket that covered half of her face "You shouldn't trust him."
"Well..." Weiss took a moment, not expecting others to agree with an idiot "We'll just see about that."