Author's Note: Hey guys, sorry for the wait on the new chapter. Just got back to university so things are nice and busy for me (hyperventilating begins), but I'm back in control of things for now. I should be able to get 1 or 2 chapters out every week so not a huge difference from the last few chatpers. Anyway, thanks for the support with the story, here is chapter 10.
"Soooooooo, what are we doing today?" Ruby bounced along behind Weiss as they walked through the halls of Schnee manor. Weiss let out a deep breath, while she had missed Ruby immensely, she had forgotten about the girls unstoppable energy. "Well I have to take care of some business first, then I have to arrange a meeting with some old members of the order, and then I have to organise my father's affairs." Ruby was slowed by her last response, her tone taking on an element of worry
"You don't have to do that you know, I'm sure I could help you find someone to take care of the details."
"No, I have to do it Ruby. People would talk if I didn't do it, say I'm not ready to take over the Schnee name, and they have enough to talk about for now… It's also just something that 'I' have to do". They arrived at her office, Ruby's questioning having ended. Weiss took her seat behind the desk while Ruby took a spot by the window to gaze outwards over the courtyard, admiring the well-kept grounds of the manor. They spent the better part of an hour like that, Weiss would catch Ruby looking at her and both would look away quickly.
"Weiss this is boring, how do you do this?"
"It's just something I have learnt to deal with, now quiet I'm trying to concentrate". Ruby sighed and continued looking out her window legs swinging lazily in the air. Weiss eventually came to sorting through the various letters she had received, once again being frustrated by the amount of proposed marriages she had received. She went to throw them in the fire but was stopped, "Wow, why are you throwing those out, you haven't even read them?"
"Maybe I don't want to read them, I have much better things to do with my time." Ruby snatched one form her hand, Weiss too slow to stop it. Ruby examined the letter intently, "hey this is an invitation to a party. That sounds super fun! It's exactly what you need, get out of this boring room!"
"Ruby it's not that simple, I can't just go to-"
"I'm taking you to that party Weiss, I won't take no for an answer. Besides I have always wanted to go to one of these fancy-pantsy parties."
Weiss sighed in defeat, "fine you dolt, but I have to warn you, you have no idea what you are in for."
For the next few days Weiss split her time between continuing Ruby's training, dealing with her business holdings, and desperately trying to reform the order. Thankfully she had managed to gather most of the old family's together, they were to discuss the future of the Assassins at the party. The party itself was being held by the Black family, a recent addition to the high society of London. Yet for all accounts the party itself was said to be one of the defining social events of the year. Weiss just hoped she wouldn't get to many proposals while she was there.
The day finally came and the two girls set about getting ready for the party. Ruby lacked any fine clothing, her family being only merchants rather than aristocrats. Weiss managed to find something nice for her to wear however, and picked out one of her many fine dresses for the event herself. The two shared a level of disdain for dresses, both having become used to less restrictive clothing that they used to fight in. For Ruby's sake Weiss put on a brave face, intent to show her friend that she was doing fine. Ruby endeavoured to help Weiss de-stress, even though she was not a fan of large social gatherings.
"Are you ready yet, the party starts in an hour. We really need to get going," Weiss called after Ruby, who had left it till the last minute to prepare herself for the party. Weiss rolled her eyes as the girl came rushing down the stairs, almost tumbling due to her lack of practice in fine shoes. "I'm ready, I'm ready, let's go." Ruby pulled Weiss along, pushing her into the carriage that awaited them.
"So do we know anyone else going?"
"Yes Ruby, I have actually set up a meeting of sorts with the old Assassin families. If I can convince them to re-from the order tonight then it will be a most productive night."
"Ugh the one night I try and take you away from work and you manage to make it all about work." Ruby pouted, crossing her arms in annoyance. Weiss rolled her eyes, "what's wrong with taking my work seriously. There are larger things at stake than having a good time, just because we dealt with the artefact doesn't mean we can go on holiday." Ruby held Weiss' gaze, her eyes softening,
"Yeah I know, wouldn't kill you to relax though." Weiss sighed in response,
"I suppose it won't."
The Black estate was smaller than the Schnee manor, yet the mansion itself was in exceptional condition. Party guests streamed in, stepping down from carriages and waltzing into the warm interior that was the Black manor. Weiss stepped out first, her white gown drawing many eyes and starting many hushed conversations. Weiss waited as Ruby stepped out of the carriage, her red dress not as extravagant, yet in Weiss opinion it made the girl more beautiful than she herself could ever be. She would have to maintain constant vigilance, she couldn't spend time admiring her companion, the gossip that would ensue could cripple her family name. Together they proceeded inside, handing the invitation to the steward who waited by the door, he was a tall man, bald and wrinkled, yet had an air of warmth to him. Weiss examined him quickly, noticing the outline of a dagger concealed inside his jacket. Must be a very paranoid family.
"Welcome Ms Schnee, may I enquire as to your guest?" The old steward gesturing to Ruby, a insincere smile plastered on his face. "Yes, this is Ruby Rose, my lady-in-waiting." The steward nodded, proceeding to announce them as they entered the manor. Ruby looked to Weiss, confusion written on her face "lady-in-waiting?"
"Yes, you can't just bring anyone to these events. It's easier if you are seen as my companion and assistant, rather than servant, although I can do so if you wish?" Weiss directing teasing smirk at Ruby, whose response was simply to shake her head. "Why can't you just introduce me as your friend, cause I mean, we are friends right?"
"Of course we are; the issue is simply that there are rules to this kind of event. Nothing is ever plain and simple, it's all a mix of titles, honours and politics. Try not to talk to too many people, stay calm and quiet and enjoy yourself if you can, that's how these things work."
"That doesn't sound too fun,"
"It isn't, trust me next time when I say you have no idea what you're in for." The two entered the ballroom of the manor, the room illuminated by many lamps and two intricate chandeliers. Soft music played over the sounds of excited chatter, a small group of musicians having been delegated a corner of the room in which to play. Women danced in extravagant dresses, men followed in smart suits. A few military uniforms could be made out in the crowd of people while stewards and servants rushed around meeting the needs of their respective masters. Ruby watched wide eyed at the ordered chaos of the party. Weiss couldn't help but smirk, she had to admit, having not been to a party like this in a long time, it was the epitome of extravagance.
Weiss pushed forward, leading Ruby closer to the centre of the party. She noticed many glances directed her way, gossip following wherever she walked. The new Queen of the Schnee Empire had returned to society. After years of being the quiet Assassin, hiding from the scrutiny of the public as she committed her dark deeds. It was her darkest deed that forced her to return, although none of them knew that, they saw the change in the Weiss they had known. The scar over her eye, the newfound confidence in her step, Weiss knew she had the power to destroy anyone in that room. It was a satisfying feeling, yet one that left a bad taste in her mouth. Tonight she was Lady Weiss Schnee, and she had business to deal with.
Ruby watched as Weiss visibly changed, her back straightening, chin raised with authority. She noticed the eyes that followed her, also occasionally looking to Ruby herself. Ruby quickly realised that she truly had no idea what she was in for. Why did I force Weiss into this, this is too weird. Ruby was a kind enough person, yet she was terribly awkward around new people. She soon spied the target of Weiss' march, a tall figure in a traditional Chinese suit. Ruby quickly sped up in order to stand beside Weiss as they approached Ren. "Ruby it's good to see you again, it has certainly been a while,"
"Great to see you too Ren, I'm pretty happy being back in London. It was an interesting few weeks abroad."
"I have heard many rumours of your escapades, interesting only begins to describe it if what I have heard is true." Weiss watched the exchange, scowling as she heard the friendly banter. Why didn't I hear about these 'interesting adventures'? She would have to set up a proper network of informants if she wanted to run the order. "Weiss, it is also a pleasure to see you again, I hear you have also summoned some other members to discuss certain things," his intentional vagueness easy for Weiss to translate. "Yes that was my intention, however not all accepted my offer to talk, tonight I have only managed to convince the Nikos and Scarletina families. Hopefully though if they re-join others will follow."
"What about my family?"
"Oh, I had thought you were on board already."
"Don't be too hasty, I respect you Weiss, and for lack of a better word consider you a friend. Yet I am uncertain of your ability to head the order."
"You believe a woman cannot hold the title?"
"Of course not, women have lead the order many times, we hold no prejudice in that area. It is only that you have very little experience, and any experience you did gain was under the tutelage of the man that forced us all out of the order." Ren shrugged, his point clearly made. Weiss frowned, Ren's calm expression pushing Weiss' buttons. Keep calm, Lady Schnee does not make a fuss in public. Her breathing slowed, her face returning to its neutral expression. "Very well, let's find the others and discuss things further." Ren nodded, motioning for Weiss to take the lead.
Ruby followed behind her two friends, both having taken on the stiff composure that the party inadvertently imposed on most of the attendees. Ruby tried her best to fit in with the crowd, head held high and back straight, yet it felt forced, uncomfortable. It didn't take long for Ruby revert to a more casual stroll, slightly slouched and taking in the extravagance around her. It was odd to say the least, the beautiful women in elegant gowns, the rich food and drink and the fact that none of them new about the real problems that surrounded them. Ruby knew that they didn't know, very few people knew about the Assassins and Templars, they didn't know about pain and suffering, they didn't know about real freedom. She had been like that only a few months ago, blissfully unaware of what lay underneath the thin veil of civilization.
The group grew larger, others breaking away from their conversations and coming to walk alongside Weiss. Weiss exchanged pleasantries as she walked, her insincerity clear to Ruby, yet it was enough to appease those who she conversed with. No one made any attempt to talk to Ruby, which pleased her immensely. She observed the people that joined their small group, she noticed that Nora had joined them, clinging to Ren's arm as they walked. Other than her she did not recognise the other two, one had striking red hair and walked with confidence. The other was almost the opposite, her brown hair was non-descript, and she was clearly nervous. Eventually they broke away from the general crowd, moving towards a more private room. Selecting a lounge area away form the party Weiss lead everyone inside before turning towards the group of followers.
"Welcome everyone, it has been a long time since I have seen most of you." Weiss' statement met with a series of cautious nods. "I do want to thank you all for agreeing to come. I take it by your coming it means you have agreed to re-join the order, along with your respective families." She looked now at the faces of the people around her. Pyrrha had a slightly pained look on her face, as if she was about to deliver bad news. Velvet had her trademark nervous, no eye contact expression. Ren remained calm as always, with Nora bouncing along at his side. She finally looked to Ruby, who like her, appeared to be examining everyone's reaction. "Weiss, it's good to see you again. I was sent by my family to tell you in person, we can't re-join you. I'm really sorry." Pyrrha's face spoke as to her sincerity. Velvet mumbled a something similar, Weiss' stomach felt as if she were falling.
"As I said before, there are many things preventing my family from returning as well. I am sorry Weiss, you are a great Assassin, and if things were different then maybe you could have been the leader." Ren stepped forward, turning to face the others, "I do think however that we should re-build the order. Ruby here," Ren motioned to Ruby who looked around sheepishly, "was involved recently in dealing with a group under instruction of the Templars. Thankfully we managed to deal with most of them, however some managed to escape. Furthermore I have suspicion that the Templars are making a move into London again, and that means we need to be ready to fight them off."
Ruby watched on as Ren, the quiet boy she had been friends with for some time, presented what could only be called a speech. The others around her seemed somewhat encapsulated in his words, nodding in agreement often. Ruby's eyes met Weiss', Weiss quickly looking away, shame and sadness emblazoned on her pale face.
"Now we should probably return to the party, for now let's enjoy ourselves. Tomorrow we will deal with electing a new leader." With that Ren left, taking Nora with him, who seemed to be sprouting a series of exaggerated praises at his speech. Slowly the rest of the group left, returning to the party that sounded softly in the distance. Ruby remained with Weiss, who sat in one of the chairs in the private lounge. "I'm sorry it didn't work out Weiss."
"Whatever," there was a cold harshness to her words, one that slowed Ruby's hand as it reached out to grasp her shoulder reassuringly. "I can't do anything right, why would I expect a different result this time." Ruby saw the tear fall from her face, landing softly on her white dress, lip quivering.
"D-don't say that Weiss, you don't screw up all the time, not that this is a screw up or anything, it's just u-unlucky." Ruby pressed the girl in white against her; she wasn't good with her words when it came to touchy feely stuff. "Get off me Ruby, a hug isn't going to fix this."
"W-why not, when I feel sad Yang or Mum would just hug me until I felt better,"
"This is a little bit more complex you idiot, it's not every day that you realise you're a failure!"
"But you're not!" Ruby standing now, arms stretched out by her sides, fists clenched.
"I am, I couldn't be the daughter my father wanted, I can't deal with all the pressure of his legacy. I can't lead the order; I can't deal with any of this!" Weiss now stood, her stance mirroring Ruby's. "I killed my father, twice! I watched my best friend, my only real friend die! I can barely sleep, I barley eat, the only thing keeping me going is the fact that I have to hold up the Schnee name, and I'm failing at that too!"
"Well what about me, you saved my life! You trained me to be an Assassin, am I just another failure!" Weiss was caught off guard by the younger girls harsh words. "Why do you have to live up to that name anyway, your perfect the way you are, your father's not around to judge you anymore."
"Ruby, I made you into a killer."
"I chose that, that's my weight to bear not yours. Just like it's my choice to stay here, and help you. You're not alone in this, and you're not a failure." Ruby hugged her again, Weiss softening under her tight embrace. Slowly Ruby broke away, looking into Weiss eyes to check if the tears had stopped.
Weiss looked into the silver eyes, her friend smiling back at her. What would I do without you Ruby Rose. She closed the gap between them, their lips colliding. Weiss dominated the kiss, Ruby stunned by her friend's actions, remaining almost motionless. Ruby's lips were soft, the kiss itself chaste like her. Weiss felt weeks on tension lift from her shoulders, melting away by the moment. Her eyes shot open, and she pulled away from Ruby, who still stood stunned at what had occurred.
The two stood there, confused, shocked. "W-what have I done," Weiss' voice but a whisper. She broke away sprinting for the door in her dress. Ruby stood wide eyed, still stunned, not even turning to watch Weiss run.
Why, why did I have to do that? Why do I ruin everything, why am I such a failure! She burst through the door, running through the hallway. Eyes blurred by tears and her focus on not tripping on her own dress she didn't see the dark figure that she ran into. Arms wrapped around her to prevent her fall, picking her up as she fell. "Hey what's wrong, where you running too?" Weiss looked up at the speaker, grey eyes looking down at her. For a moment she thought they were Ruby's, but then her vision cleared and she looked at the silver haired man. "The names Mercury, Mercury Black. Let me guess, your Weiss Schnee." His devilish smile gleaming in the dim light of the hallway.