A/N: AND...WERE BACK. Chapter 5 of the long title I don't want to type. Sadly, this chapter doesn't have Pyrrha or Nora (as many of you have asked) but I WILL get them the story SOON. I promise. With that out of the way, time for reviews.
TigerRaiken: Thanks for all the helpful and kind reviews you've sent! And all your questions will be answered in due time...
Thryr373: Thanks for the nice review
Ikasury: Like said before, they will appear, and I'm glad you're having fun reading this.
The Night Hunter: Thank you!
Chapter 5: Rock and a Hard Place
History is important, gentlemen! If you can't learn from it... you're destined to repeat it.
Signal, Vacuo. Present Time
"So, why are you here?" The girl asked.
"It's a long story. But let's just say everyone I know is...gone."
"Gone?" The red haired girl said, "Like in...gone, gone?"
"What other kind of gone is there?" Weiss snapped.
"I don't know," The girl mumbled, "Like, 'back in a little bit' gone, or 'see you soon' gone-"
"They're dead," The princess stated harshly, and stood up. She had managed to get the multicolored dust freed from the soldiers belts and held them tight in her hands, "At least, that's probably what happened."
"Oh, I'm sorry...but," The girl extended her hand, "I'm Ruby." Weiss hesitated, not wanting to touch the probably filthy peasant, but realized that she herself was probably in a more dirty state.
"I'm Weiss Schnee," She said and they shook hands. Ruby put down her scythe and Weiss studied the girl a bit. She looked like any regular lower-class person she had met before, with a tangled mess of red hair and a quirky smile on her face. But her eyes were silver, not like the spoons and forks the princess used in dining, but actual silver like in the rare metal in the earth.
"So, why were you with Roman Torchwick?" Ruby inquired, "If I may ask."
"You may," Weiss said, at least she had some manners, "Since I'm a princess, I was supposed to be dancing the night away at the Arc Castle. But the White Serfs-"
"You mean that group of rebel peasants?" Ruby asked.
"Yes," Weiss said, slightly irked at being interrupted, "After they attacked my fiance's castle-"
"Ooh! You were going to get married!" The red head squealed, and Weiss held up her hand to silence her.
"As I was saying, his castle was attacked and I was kidnapped by two of them. However, someone rescued me and long story short, I ended up getting captured by Roman."
"That's...not right."
"Huh?"
"Well, why would someone do such a terrible thing?" Ruby seemed genuinely puzzled by this and Weiss realized that the girl had a look of innocence on her face. Of course, that was it, she was just...not used to the world. Weiss had been through that stage of life, but not at that old of age.
"I...don't know," Weiss lied, deciding not to go in a whole talk about politics and peasants and all that junk.
"Well, Weiss, you're from Vale, right?"
"Yes, well, technically Atlas, but I was in Vale during the time. But what does this have to do with anything?"
"This is Vacuo, as in far, far away from Vale."
"It's only felt like a week since I was at the castle."
"I think that whoever rescued you carried you away more than you expected," Ruby said, "Because, depending on the trails you take and where you take them, going from Vale to Vacuo takes some time unless near the border of Haven." Weiss let her words sink in. She was right, no doubt about that. Everyone knew that the only way to get to Vacuo was going through Mistral, then Haven, then ride a boat across the waters to get to the desert like country. Maybe she was unconscious for some time as the strange girl took her away from the Arc Castle. She vaguely remembered slipping in and out of the present day ever since meeting General Roman, as well as the smell of seat salt...
"So that means that I'm-"
"On the edge of Vacuo," Ruby finished for her. Remnant, that was getting on Weiss's nerves, "You must have taken a boat here."
"Where's 'here' exactly?"
"Signal, Vacuo, my hometown," Ruby informed. Weiss's mind went back to the many hours of boring lectures she endured. Being a princess meant having to go through multiple private classes on Remnant and it's geography. Vacuo was supposed to be the largest country, with scorching heat and dry winds, and the town of Signal was no exception. It lied on the very West edge of the continent, as Weiss could guess, and apparently near one of Roman's bases, as he had talked about stopping at the "town full of village idiots' on the way there. The snow-haired girl looked around, trying to ignore the strange stares she was getting from people. She suddenly realized that she must have looked like a mess, as being dragged across two countries and an ocean does that to you.
"So...Weiss," Ruby said, and rocked back and forth in an awkward manner, "I suppose that you're in a rock and a hard place, right?"
"Huh?" Weiss said, snapping out of her thoughts.
"Oh, it's an expression my dad used to use," Ruby laughed, "But it means that you basically have a bunch of bad choices of what to do."
"Oh," Weiss sighed and considered the redhead's words. She was right, after all. Weiss had no idea how to get back to Atlas, let alone survive one night alone in the open, bandit filled country. Sure, she was pretty tough, but definitely not a world traveling kind of princess. She thought about getting help from Vacuo's government, but she had no idea where the capitol was, let alone if she could get to it before something killed her.
"If you want...you can stay with me for a little bit," Ruby said softly.
"What?" Weiss asked in a rude tone.
"I was just thinking that since you have nowhere to go-"
"Of course I have somewhere to go!" Weiss snapped, her bottled up rage spilling out, "Why wouldn't I, Princess Weiss Schnee, not have anywhere to go!" Her voice cracked and she turned her away from Ruby. She had nowhere to go. No where to run unless she wanted death. She didn't even know if she was a princess anymore, or even a citizen of Atlas. No, she was a stupid girl who let herself be controlled by Cambions, a girl who didn't even know where to be, where to go.
"Ruby!" A man's voice rang in the air, causing Weiss to turn back around. She saw a man who had similar physical traits to the young girl. He waved his hands in the air and make a 'come over here' motion, "Yang's awake!" The snow princess heard Ruby sigh in relief.
"Oh, thank Remnant," Ruby muttered, and started to run towards the building where the man had come out from. She suddenly stopped, and looked at Weiss with sad eyes.
"What?!" Weiss scowled, praying that the girl would just go away.
"You should come with me," Her soft tone surprised Weiss, "I have some food, if you want."
Gurgle, Of course her stomach would make a hungry sound at that moment. Weiss mentally yelled at her gut and watched as Ruby gave a hopeful glance her way.
Gurgle...gurgle. Weiss squeezed her eyes shut and sighed.
"Fine." Ruby grinned at the princess's reply and headed towards what Weiss assumed to be a blacksmith shop. She watched as the redhead waved her scythe in a happy manner and hit an unfortunate pedestrian on the streets.
"OH MY REMNANT I'M SO SORRY!" Ruby yelled, but didn't waste any time to stop and make sure he was okay.
I am so going to regret this, and with that final thought Weiss stomped her feet and followed the hyperactive girl into the building.
Weiss nearly puked at the condition of the shop. Didn't peasants know anything about good hygiene? The floor was dirty, covered in ash, and had several twitching dead bugs lying everywhere. A foul smell of burning metal caused the white haired girl to gag, and she covered her mouth with her hand to try and keep out the aroma. Ruby grabbed a some bread out of the kitchen in the corner of the house and tossed it to Weiss.
"Yang!" Ruby called, and ran past an open door that lead to the back of the shop. Weiss greedily ate the bread and looked at the dozens of racks full of highly remarkable weapons and tools, feeling a bit impressed at the craftsmanship of them all. She heard a noise from the back room and quietly opened the door. It was dimly lit, with a few spare beds and a dusty dresser in the corner. A girl with frizzy blond hair and a good amount of bandages on her arm was seen hugging the redhead sweetly, a radiant grin on her face.
Winter was like this, Weiss thought, a feeling of sadness tinting her heart. Ruby noticed the princess standing there, and jumped off the bed immediately.
"Oh, Weiss!" She squeaked.
"Who's the ice princess?" Yang joked, causing Weiss to glower at her.
"I'm Weiss Schnee," She said indignantly, Yang only smiled more and tackled her sister in a bear hug.
"So, are your injuries alright?" Ruby asked, pointing to the white bandages.
"Yeah, I'll live," Yang said, "Besides, I'm just glad Roman and his soldiers are gone."
"What happened?" Weiss inquired.
"I got beat up from Roman's lousy whip," Yang growled.
"I told you learning to fight was a good idea," Ruby muttered. The two shared a knowing glance and Weiss guessed that something had happened between them. Finally, after a long pause, Yang let out a sigh.
"Okay. Fine. You were right," She huffed. Ruby lit up and threw her arms around her sister again.
"Thank you," The redhead whispered quietly, "And I should have told you sooner."
"It's alright," Yang replied. Weiss stood there stiff, trying hard not to say anything to ruin the moment.
"So, care to explain who you are?" Weiss asked.
"I'm Yang, Ruby's older sister."
"Really, you tow don't look blood related, not to be rude or anything."
"Nah, it's cool. We both share the same father, but our moms were different," Yang explained.
"Was that your father back there?"
"No," Ruby said, and Weiss noticed her voice became quieter, "He's our uncle." Weiss, seeing her depressed tone, decided to let the matter drop.
"...Okay."
"Girls?!" A voice came from outside the room.
"Yes, Uncle Qrow?!" Ruby and Yang called at the same time. So that was his name. Weiss made a mental note to remember that.
"Come here, please!" The two sisters jumped off the bed and raced past Weiss, who soon ran after them. The man named Qrow was carrying a few abnormal objects in his hands and tossed them onto a nearby wooden table. They clattered to the surface and he looked at his nieces.
"Qrow, this is Weiss," Ruby introduced.
"I know," He said simply.
"You what?" Weiss said. She had never met this person before, but Qrow ignored her surprised nature.
"What are these things?" Ruby asked, picking up one of the items; an old and dusty book. Her uncle's face turned grim.
"These...are the reasons why Roman came here."
"What!?" Ruby dropped the book onto Weiss's foot.
"OW!" The princess shrieked, and Ruby swiftly grabbed the book and threw it on the table.
"Heh, heh, sorry," The redhead said.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Yang said before Weiss could reply, "You're saying that all this junk is why General Roman came and smacked me with a whip?" Ruby noticed her sister's eyes turning a dangerous red.
"Yang..." She started.
"In a way, yes," Qrow said, "But before you explode, let me explain." He picked up the book that Ruby had chosen before and held it up in the light to get a better look. The cover was faded, and definitely old, but Weiss couldn't help but feel a sense of power coming from the artifact. Colors of royal purple and gold swirled across the front and back, with the spine of the book embedded with a few odd symbols.
"Okay," Yang slapped her forehead with her hand in frustration, "Let me repeat myself. This dusty old book is the reason why Roman came here?"
"Yes," Qrow took a deep breath and pried open the object. A bright glow of white emitted from the book, causing Weiss to close her eyes in hopes of avoiding becoming blind. Beside her, Ruby and Yang did the same. When she felt the light fade, she opened her eyes and saw that the pages of the book were written in the same strange symbols on the spine.
"Qrow, what is this?" Ruby asked, a hint of awe in her voice.
"This, is an ancient family heirloom that has survived ever since the Great War."
"The Great War?" Weiss said in shock. Sure, she had seen swords and shields that had been passed down generation from generation, but seeing a tiny old book was new. Qrow fingered the markings and held the book at an angle so the three girls could study it.
"Yes, the Great War," Qrow said, "The language they wrote back then has been nearly forgotten in the past years. A shame, really, as it was very beautiful, but that's not the point. The point is that this book is very potent, and very deadly. It belonged to a girl named Luxa, who lived during the war. She wrote in this diary about what was going on, but-" He turned to the end, and Weiss could see that from there on the pages were...blank. Minus the bits of dried blood scattered across the paper, it looked entirely empty.
"Why is there nothing beyond that point?" Weiss questioned, becoming the slightest bit interested in the blacksmith's tale.
"I don't know," Qrow admitted, "All the information that's been passed down only states that she died. But she managed to give this to a family friend who soon was given the job of passing it down to his children."
"So...dad's side of the family?" Yang said.
"Correct," Qrow said, "Taiyang would often try and decipher this, but it was just so bloody confusion that he wasn't even able to get the first letters of the alphabet."
"So, why is this relevant to our problems?" Weiss asked. To her surprise, Qrow gave a grim smile her way.
"You are Weiss Schnee, correct?" He asked.
"Um...yes."
"The lost princess of Atlas?"
"I'm not lost...ish." Weiss crossed her arms.
"I heard about your kidnapping at the main marketplace in Beguiment."
"That's the main town a few miles from here," Ruby explained, "He goes there often to sell our weapons."
"I came across a group of sailors from Vale, stating that the whole country was in terror after what happened to the Arc Castle. My apologies," Qrow said.
"That is not necessary," Weiss said, though she felt grateful for his compassion towards her, "What happened, happened, and no one can change that."
"You are very wise to think that," Qrow said.
"Thank you, but I believe that we have been getting off track," She pointed to the diary.
"Of course. This is relevant because...well, it's a long story."
"We have time," Yang said lazily.
"That's the problem...we don't," Qrow said.
"Huh?"
"Roman still knows that these objects are still in my possession. If he returns, I doubt that Ruby will be able to take them again."
"So, what do you expect us to do? Just pack up and leave?" Yang shouted. Her uncle's silence gave her the answer, "Oh my-"
"Yang, listen to me," Qrow said slowly, "Ruby's in danger."
"Then we stay and protect her!" Yang yelled, "We can't just leave you here at mercy of the soldiers!"
"I'll be fine," Qrow said, "But Ruby is different. She is now seen as dangerous and Roman will come back and kill her!" Yang flinched at his harsh tone but stayed silent.
Qrow sighed and continued on his lecture.
"This diary can only be decoded by a man in the large city of Everus."
"Everus?" Ruby said, "Is that even in Vacuo?"
"It's located on the east side of the country," Qrow explained, "Where the cities are a bit more advanced in technology and where a man named Ironwood leads his people."
"Ironwood..." Weiss mused to herself. She recognized that name before, probably one of father's old associates or something.
"So, if I'm getting this straight," Yang tried to speak calmly, "We basically have to pack everything up, travel to this apparently large city, and get this random guy to translate this hundred year old book that probably doesn't mean anything?"
"Have you ever heard of the Statera Crystals?" Qrow asked.
"The what now?"
"The Statera Crystals. Well, this book is the only way to find out where they're located."
"The Statera Crystals? What in the world are those-"
"Dust. They're dust." Everyone looked at Weiss. She was fingering the dust crystals at her side subconsciously, her eyes wide.
"So...you know the story, then?" Qrow asked.
"Know it? My father's been trying to get them for over ten years," Weiss said, "I've often...conveniently listened to his meetings with his advisers and one of their main talks is about dust."
"Dust?" Ruby said in confusion.
"We're one of the last families to have a decent supply of the material," Weiss explained, "But my father's always wanted more of it."
"I don't blame him," Yang said, "From the legends I've heard they can do massive damage."
"Yes, well, destruction and my father don't mix well," Weiss said, "But, I suppose they are very powerful. My father has often talked about the Statera Crystals. And enough for me to know what they're power level is."
"Well, you learn something new everyday," Qrow said, "The Statera Crystals are the pure elements of dust."
"Pure elements?" Yang said.
"It means they haven't been mixed with other types of dust to make new ones. They are literally the beginning stage for all dust afterwords." Weiss explained.
"Correct. Hundreds of years ago, people harvested this dust to use for their own purposes."
"So, this dust is capable of what?" Yang asked.
"Well, of what their element is. Air, Earth, Fire, Ice, War, Lightning, Shadows, and Light. These are the eight scattered remnants of dust that have been hidden for centuries ever since the Great War."
"I'm guessing this ties into the story you told me earlier, Uncle Qrow?" Ruby said, remembering their conversation on Grimm and Huntsmen.
"What story?" Weiss asked.
"About the Huntsmen and Grimm." Ruby said, causing the white-haired girl to chortle in a rather unladylike way, "What!?"
"You actually believe in those fairytales?" Weiss asked, and Ruby's face reddened.
"Hey, don't make fun of her!" Yang exclaimed, wanting to smack the spoiled princess.
"They are real..." Ruby mumbled.
"Ruby, please," Weiss said, not at all trying to be polite, "Everyone knows the Grimm and Huntsmen are long gone from Remnant."
"It's still fun to read about, though..."
"It doesn't matter if they're still fun to read about, and it doesn't matter if they're extinct," Qrow interrupted, "But these dust crystals are the key to keeping peace in the world."
"But, I thought you said we were in a time of peace," Ruby said.
"Well, that peace is about to end, Ruby," Qrow said, "And soon. These pieces of pure dust can be used to power anything, even things we have yet to make or discover. They are the crystals of balance, and that's why Roman was here, to get this book."
"So...this book can tell us where they are?"
"In a way, yes, but only if someone manages to translate it," Qrow said.
"But, and this is a big 'but'," Yang pointed at the ice princess, "Why is she important to this?"
Weiss, feeling a bit offended at the blond's gesture, scowled and decided to answer herself.
"In case you didn't notice, or if your ears were clogged before, I'm a princess, which means I have a royal status, which means that I can get you wherever, whenever, which includes getting into this Everus place without the threat of being shot."
"Weiss is right," Qrow said, "She is the princess of Atlas, and I wouldn't be surprised if Ironwood knew her."
"I've never met him, but he's an associate to my father," Weiss said.
"Then it's settled," Qrow said.
"Alright, we're going on an adventure!" Ruby said, waving her arms in the air wildly.
"Now hold on a sec-" Weiss started to say, but Yang beat her to it.
"NO WAY IN REMNANT ARE WE LEAVING THIS PLACE!" Yang said, flames coming up from the ground beneath her feet. Qrow, Ruby and Weiss jumped back at the sight of fire.
"Yang, we have to!" Ruby argued.
"I promised dad I wanted to keep you safe and we are NOT leaving our home!"
"It won't my home if I die!" Ruby said, her face starting to turn red, "Yang Xiao Long do you not think that this is a shock to me to? That this isn't affecting me? Because it is! I just watched you almost die out there and I can't risk getting you hurt again!" Somehow, Weiss sensed that the two sister's roles of protection had switched, "I know dad would want us to live here, but fate always changes things. Didn't he always used to say that?!"
"Yes bu-"
"No buts!" Ruby yelled, "I know this is a big change, but what's life without any adventure or fun!? We may be in danger, but we have a chance to change things. A chance to change ourselves!" Yang opened her mouth to say something, but slowly closed it as she realized it was no use fighting against the fifteen year old.
"I'm...sorry, Rubes," Yang said, rubbing her bandages, "I'm just worried. We've never been this far from home."
"What happened to the Yang that would always seek out adventures and not be afraid to speak her mind?" Ruby said, "Ever since they died you've always been like this. I'm worried too, Yang, but staying here is suicide." The two siblings gazed at each other for a while, a spark of understanding traveling through there minds. Finally, Yang spoke.
"Fine. But we have to-"
"YES! WE'RE FINALLY GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!" Ruby jumped up excitedly, "OH! What should we pack!? Clothes, of course, and food, duh, but maybe-no, wait that sounds weird now that I think about it..." She continued to ramble on about luggage and maps, causing Weiss's head to spin.
"Is she like this all the time?" The snow-haired girl complained, trying to ignore the massive headache starting to form in her temples.
"Yeah," Yang said simply, and grabbed her sister's shoulders, "Rubes, if we seriously are going, then we have to focus."
"Right," Ruby exclaimed, "Let's do this!" She raised Weiss and Yang's arms up in the air in a victory motion.
"Oh...what fun," Weiss muttered sarcastically, but inside her stomach was trying not to explode. Didn't the young girl understand that they were in real danger? Like, a chance of dying? General Roman Torchwick was not someone to mess with, a fact she learned while with him. And if what her uncle said was true, then there was an even bigger chance that he might be after them. Roman was after dust, but not just any dust. The so-called-all-so-mighty Statera dust that Weiss had heard enough of to know that the material was NOT to be messed with.
"Ahem?" Qrow coughed. The three girls looked at him, "I believe that we don't have a lot of time to spare.
"He's right," Yang said, and headed towards the weapons rack, "We have to pack up and get the bloody hell out of here before Roman comes."
"You need something to fight with," Ruby stated.
"Hmm..." Yang browsed through the swords and bows before finally settling on a pair of crossbows. She grabbed a golden colored quiver and a dozen or more arrows, "Your turn, ice princess."
"I'm a princess, not a fighter," Weiss argued.
"You're going to have to change, then," Qrow stated, "When you leave Signal, there's no telling who or what might try and cause harm to you." The white-haired girl scowled, but strolled over next to Yang's side.
"Fine, what should I use then?" Weiss asked.
"Ooh!" Ruby raced over and started shoving weapons into her arms, "How 'bout a dagger-"She threw one to Weiss, almost cutting the latter's head off, "-or a long sword, those are nice and light-" Ruby raised the sword and dropped it at the snow princess's feet. Weiss jumped back in surprise, "OR A MACE!"
"NO MACE!" Weiss shouted, and ducked as Ruby swung the spiky weapon at her face. Ruby stopped and put the mace down before pouting.
"Well, what's your type of style?" She asked.
"Um…" Weiss scanned the weapon once more. She was never a soldier, never a fighter, for that matter. All her life she didn't' need to learn the basics of swordsmanship or how to properly attack. A light weapon for be sufficient, and it needed to be something she could control easily. The snow-haired girl then saw the perfect weapon. She quickly snatched it off the corner of the rack and held it up high.
"A…rapier?" Ruby said in confusion.
"Yes!" Weiss snapped, "What's wrong with that?" The so called rapier had a thin silver blade that stretched out a good distance, perfect for stabbing her enemies from far away. The handle was a dark gray color, and outlined in an inky black.
"Well…rapier's are a little under the power level," Yang said, "But, hey, as long as you learn how to use that thing I'm okay with it."
"I don't remember making one of those," Ruby said.
"That's because I traded one my swords for it at Beguiment," Qrow explained.
"Hey, wait a sec!" Ruby said, and grabbed Weiss's arm abruptly, "You need a makeover."
"What!?" The white-haired girl exclaimed.
"You're in rags, Weiss. We need to get you some more proper clothing."
"I doubt that a peasant like yourself would be able to do such thing," As soon as the words left her mouth Ruby's face immediately fell. Weiss felt a pang of guilt form in her gut and she sighed, "But...I suppose you can-"
WHOOSH! The sound of Ruby racing Weiss to her closest emitted through the air.
"Ruby, I don't mean to be a nag, but we have a dangerous general about to enter Signal and you're wasting your time on what I'm going to wear?!" Weiss was impatiently waiting behind the makeshift dressing room Ruby had swiftly made, and currently, the latter was sorting through her clothes to see if she had anything "princess enough".
"Listen, if we are going on a who-knows-how-long adventure, then I really, really want to make sure we look nice," Ruby said, "AHAH!" Suddenly, a bundle of light colored clothing fell onto Weiss's head. She took them off and studied the body-wear. It wasn't too shabby, she admitted to herself, with a white blouse, icy blue bodice, tight leather boots, and a long dark blue colored skirt that went to her ankles. A brown belt with a place to put her rapier was fastened around her waist, as well as a pouch to keep her dust, and the final accessory completed the new found look. Weiss changed quickly and made sure to attach her weapon to her side.
"Are you ready?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, almo-ack!" Weiss jumped back as Ruby flung open the curtain and smiled. Behind her, Yang was also sporting some new clothes, with a bright yellow bodice, black boots, and a white blouse. "You ready?" She asked. Weiss nodded and followed Yang and Ruby outside where Qrow was waiting for them. He handed Yang a black backpack, apparently full of food and medicine.
"Ruby, wait a moment," Qrow seemed a bit nervous as he called over his youngest niece, "There's something else I need to give you."
"Huh?" Ruby said. Qrow reached into his pocket and brought out a gleaming necklace. The chain was a soft golden color, reflecting the sun's rays every now and then. A dazzling gray gem with blood red streaks was located in the middle.
"This...was your mother's," He said softly. Ruby's eyes widened and she her face paled.
"My mother's?" She asked in disbelief. Qrow nodded and sighed.
"She told me to give this to you when you most needed it," He said, "And now would seen like the proper time."
"When did mom give this to you?" Yang asked from the sidelines.
"Before...you know," Qrow said, not wanting to bring up painful memories. Weiss realized then that Yang and Ruby's parents had probably died at some point in the past. No wonder they were so uncomfortable when she brought it up earlier.
"Oh," Ruby extended her hand to seemingly touch the pendant, but brought it back.
"What's wrong, Rubes?" Yang asked.
"It's just...odd," The redhead admitted, "That this necklace is the only thing left of her besides my cape."
"Huh?" Weiss said outloud.
"Her cape. Our mother gave it to her when she was little," Yang explained, "And Ruby, don't worry about being connected to mom. You know she's always with us."
"Yeah, I suppose she is," And with those words Qrow tied the piece of jewelry around Ruby's neck. The gem seemed to give off an eerie feel, but Weiss decided not to bring this up in fear of ruining the moment. Ruby gave a faint grin and Qrow handed her Luxa's diary.
"When you get to Everus," He said, "Remember to not to draw attention to yourselves. Roman probably knows that the translator is there, and will possibly have spies in the city."
"Uncle Qrow?" Ruby said, "Am...am I officially a Huntress now?"
"Huh? Oh...well..."
"Because I'm technically going on my first mission," Ruby stated in a matter of fact voice.
"Well, I suppose that does make you one," Qrow said.
"Then isn't it ready for me to take Noblesse Oblige?"
"Noblesse what?" Weiss said, and turned to Yang for an answer, but the blond was equally confused.
"Noblesse Oblige," Ruby informed, "Is the oath that all Huntsmen had to take before going on their first mission, as well as before they officially graduated from their schools."
"What's with you and all this Huntsmen stuff?" Weiss said to no one in particular.
"Qrow," Ruby turned to her uncle, "Please?"
"I guess so, but are you sure you're ready?" He asked.
"NO!" Ruby shouted enthusiastically, "Wait a sec…YES!" She blushed at her mistake, "Yes, yes I am."
"Very well then," Qrow put his hand on Ruby's shoulder and closed his eyes.
"Wait a sec, what are you-"Yang didn't get to finish her question, as Qrow began to already speak. His voice was…different, more calm and peaceful, like a great burden was about to leave his body.
"Repeat after me," He said. "For it is in passing that we achieve immortality, through this we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all."
"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality, through this we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all," Ruby tried not to stutter over her words.
"For noblesse oblige, for noble honor I honor thee to protect. Through periculum and timore, through danger and fear, I will vow to help the good, and vanquish the evil."
"For noblesse oblige, for noble honor I honor thee to protect. Through periculum and timore, through danger and fear, I will vow to help the good, and vanquish the evil."
"I will not bend to metus, nor will I stop that from achieving my goals. And infinite in distance and bound by death, I hold myself to this vow of righteousness in hope for a better yearning for good."
"I…I will not bend to metus, nor will I stop that from achieving my goals," Ruby's voice became stronger and her aura soon became visible as she recited the oath, "And infinite in distance and bound by death, I hold myself to this vow of righteousness in hope for a better yearning for good." No sooner she said this then Qrow took his hand of Ruby's shoulder and smiled. Her aura lit up in a feverish manner and Weiss could see that it had a shining red hue to it. Ruby opened her eyes and touched her pendant once more, feeling a wave of confidence sweep through her soul.
"The man you seek is Bartholomew Oobleck," Qrow said, "He is a very secretive and swift man, so catching him may be hard once you reach Ironwood's faction."
"Got it," Ruby said, "So, we find this place by traveling down the eastern trade route?"
"Yep."
"How do you know that all this dust stuff is real?" Yang asked, "I mean, all these legends, these stories, how do we know if they aren't just byproducts of someone's imagination?"
"Because history sources like this do not lie, Yang," Qrow said sternly, "They are the only connections we have to keep us from repeating past mistakes. This diary did not perish in that war for a reason, and that is to help us today. You must stop denying the facts and help Ruby and Weiss get to Everus. It may not be what you or your parents had in mind, but it is what must happen. Remnant depends on it."
"So...the world's fate is in the hands of three girls who don't know what the heck they're doing?" Weiss scowled, "It's official: I've lost my mind."
"No, it's rather more like the lady of fate has lost her mind," Qrow said, "She is the one who makes all your destinies, and she is the one who will decide if you reach Everus or not."
"Well, I guess this is-" Weiss stopped as Yang put her hand on her shoulder.
"Number one rule of leaving," Yang said in an unusually somber voice, "Never say goodbye. Just say...see you another time." Weiss stared at her strangely, but decided to take her advice.
"Oh, please powerful lady of fate," Ruby whispered to herself, "Please let us not die, and be able to defeat bad guys, and go on adventures, and let me get to try cake for the first time." With her prayer done, Ruby hugged Qrow, "See you soon, again."
"You too," Qrow said softly, and pulled back. Ruby hoisted her backpack onto her shoulder and started to walk down the dusty path in the opposite direction of where Roman had come from. Weiss followed, then Yang, though the latter looked back a couple of times. Qrow kept his face emotionless as the three girls soon exited Signal. As his two girls left home for the first time. A deep, wrenching feeling emancipated in his mind, one that reminded him of the promise he made to Summer before she left.
"Don't let them know," She had said, "Don't let Taiyang know. Give this to Ruby when the time is right."
He had told her it was too risky, too dangerous, but Summer was stubborn, and now the only hope for her survival was the gleaming gray gem that was now on a fifteen year old's chest. The only way for Summer to come back alive.
As the gem was a tracking device, linked to Ruby's mom by the blood inside.
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