Weiss took steps away from Neo, Ruby stepping back with her. She panted hard, her arms aching with overuse. Her blade, once light in her hand, now weighed her down. Ruby huffed beside her, her hidden blade extended and held out defensively. "W-Weiss… I don't think I… can keep going for much longer," Ruby clearly more tired than Weiss. Neo too looked worse for wear, having now taking some injury at the hand of Weiss' rapier. They stood opposite each other, a small gap in between the two rooves being the only thing separating them. "Stand down Templar, this is over," Weiss managing to steady her voice enough to sound authoritative. Neo's face remained unchanged, her smile having lessened only slightly in exhaustion. Weiss grew frustrated, "Well, what say you?!"
"Weiss, calm down," Ruby resting a hand on her shoulder,
"Say something!" Weiss directing her frustration at Neo. Her smile grew, returning to its usual enthusiasm as she revelled in Weiss anger. Ruby gripper Weiss' shoulder harder, as hard as her injured hand would let her, "This is how she fight's Weiss. She makes you slip up, makes you angry." Ruby having now caught her own breath, Weiss never taking her eyes off of Neo. "Let's take her together."
"Fine," Weiss still focused on her opponent. All three readied themselves, stances widening, weapons at the ready. Neo dashed across the gap, stabbing with her weapon as she did so. Weiss easily parried the blow, yet the sheer force managed to push her back across the rooftop. Ruby lunged forward, her hidden blade getting caught by Neo's parasol, the intricate fabric torn to shreds, but the metal frame still held back her attack.
The dance resumed, Neo deftly dodging and deflecting the attacks of the two Assassins. She stood in between them, her right hand holding back Weiss with her blade, her left fending off Ruby with the remnants of her parasol. She grit her teeth, determined to finish the mission she had set herself, two targets, I'm so lucky they both came to me so easily.
Ruby kicked at Neo, pushing against the parasol that came up to block. Neo was pushed forward by the attack, allowing Weiss to send a jab past the Templars guard. Her smile long since passed was replaced with a grimace as the cold steel passed through her corset. The pain slowing as she felt another sliver of cold steel pass through her.
Ruby pressed her hidden blade through the brown corset. She pulled free the blade and pushed Neo away, sending her past Weiss to lie on the slanted roof.
Neo grunted as she hit the roof, her hands grasping for something to help push herself up. Instead her hands slipped on the dark tiles of the roof, mind fuzzy from exhaustion and pain. She began to slide slowly, drawing closer to the edge of the roof. A hand grabbed her, and pulled her away from the drop. Neo barely reacted as a blade pressed threateningly against her throat.
Weiss looked down at the Templar, their eyes meeting. Neo's gaze was lazy, her eyes glazing over as she tried to keep them open. "Who sent you? Who are you working with?" Weiss borderline growling at her helpless opponent. Neo managed to focus on Weiss' face, her mouth moving yet making no sound. Weiss shook her violently, pressing her blade closer against her throat. Ruby spoke up, and pulled Weiss away "Weiss, it's over, I doubt she can speak. Let's go somewhere quiet, we both need some rest."
"Fine," Weiss finally taking her eyes off of her opponent, "Let's get some well-deserved rest."
Neo heard them leave. She could barely move, she could barely feel anything. For a while she just laid there, trying to focus her mind, stop it from constantly slipping away. Finally she managed to pull herself up, her arms shaking as she drew herself into a crouch. Slowly but surely she dragged herself forwards, her muscles constricting from the pain of her wounds. Cinder…
The two Assassins made their way back to the Schnee Manor, both quickly rushing inside. The house was silent, the staff having long since retired to bed. They hurried down to the cellar, Ruby's room having been left untouched since she had last been there. Ruby was first, as she had sustained the most injury. Weiss set to work attending to the wounds, sitting awkwardly in front of Ruby, bandages and needle in hand. She went to work stitching first, each poke of the needle causing Ruby to grimace. The procedure was done in silence, neither game enough to talk. Finally Weiss applied the last bandages to Ruby. She then turned and took off the outer layers of her gear as to assist Ruby in her medical work.
Thankfully Weiss required little assistance, her wounds being very minimal. Ruby managed to stitch the wounds quickly and without incident, Weiss doing the bandaging herself. After all was said and done the two separated, both endeavouring to change out of their combat gear. Ruby found her old baggy clothing she had worn when she had first stayed at the Manor. As it was all she had, Ruby donned the oddly nostalgic attire.
She wandered through the eerie Manor. Nearly all the lights were out, and nothing stirred in the Manor now almost completely devoid of life. Without any servants rushing around there was no life to the home, it felt cold and lonely. I wonder how Weiss has managed to sleep at night in such a cold and empty place. Ruby walked past Mr Schnee's office, now Weiss'. Whereas there used to be a constant warm glow emanating from under the heavy set of double doors, now there was only shadow. She found herself outside Weiss' door, hesitating, unsure of what words she could possibly say. Before she could decide the door opened of its own accord, Weiss standing on the other side. She moved to the side to let Ruby in, still neither of them game enough to say a word. "How did you know I was there?" Ruby questioned to break the silence,
"I'm a fully trained Assassin in a silent house, I could hear you walking up to the door." Weiss turned away from Ruby, unable to maintain solid eye contact. Instead she poured herself a glass of wine, the red liquid reminding her of Ruby's hair. "So…" Weiss once again facing Ruby, who had taken a seat on her bed,
"So…"
"Ruby… I'm sorry, I didn't want this." Weiss sighed, taking a deep gulp of the wine, being warmed softly by the drink. Ruby's eyes remained glued to the floor, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. "I know Weiss… I know."
"I-I don't have anyone else. I don't think I have ever really had anyone in the first place, it just became more apparent."
"You're not the only one. Since my mother's death… Dad see's through me, he can't stand to be around me anymore, I'm just another reminder. Yang can't deal with what I have become, can't stand that I have grown up."
"Ruby, they still love you. I can't do anything about your father, but Yang's problem is my fault… I did th-"
"No one forced me to do anything! I chose this, I wanted this. I could have let Torchwick get away, try to piece back together my old life. I asked you to teach me, because I would never be able to return to that old life, and at least this way I could get justice for my Mother." They both stared at each other, tears forming slowly in the edges of both their eyes. Weiss took another sip of wine as she looked away, then moved to sit next on Ruby on the bed. "I don't know what to say… I know it's weird… Wrong… I know that you probably don't feel the same way… But I care about you, you're really the only friend I have ever had. E-even if you don't feel the same way, I don't want to stop being your friend."
Ruby smiled, "I care about you too Weiss, I will always be your friend." Weiss frowned,
"I don't mean like that, I mean… I 'care' about you. That's why I kisse-" Weiss was cut off as Ruby smashed her lips against hers, pressing her into an awkward kiss. It was Weiss' turn to be stunned as the awkward kiss turned into a deeply passionate embrace. Weiss closed her eyes, enjoying the energy of the girl that she held in her arms, the kiss slowing, deepening.
Ruby broke away, Weiss subconsciously drifting forward, hungry for more. She looked into Ruby's eyes, the silver orbs filled with a reassuring light. "Weiss, I'm not sure how I feel… I'm not very experienced with this stuff. All I know is that I want to make you happy."
"I don't want to force you to do anything,"
"No one is forcing me to do anything." Ruby threw her arms around Weiss' neck. She watched Weiss' lip quiver, a tear streaking down her cheek. They shared another short kiss, before lying back and letting sleep's sweet embrace consume them.
Neo stumbled through the early morning streets. The numbness had long since departed, replaced with a furious burning. She grit her teeth, jaw aching from the repetitive strain. She looked out over the river Thames, the light of the emerging dawn glinting of the dark water.
For the umpteenth time Neo fell, her legs buckling from the pain. Using the wall of the nearby building, she managed to pull herself back up. Leaning against the window of the building she was hit with the smells of baking and the sounds of a kitchen. Inside she spied bakers shuffling around, preparing the days food before the first customer was even awake. One turned to see Neo, a worried look coming across his face. No leave me alone!
Neo tried to move quickly, try to get away before the baker could reach her. She only managed to shuffle a few feet before the sound of bells signified the door opening. "Mam, are you alright?"
Before Neo could even turn to face him another voice spoke, "Oh there you are!" Neo looked up as an arm wrapped around her. "She just had a little bit too much to drink, I will make sure she gets home." The baker nodded hesitantly before heading back inside. Neo looked up at her saviour, tanned skin and accusing red eyes sent a chill down her spine. "Well Neo, it certainly has been a while. Cinder eagerly awaits an explanation of where you have been all this time." A sinister smile formed on Emerald's lips, the smile making Neo quiver in fear.
Weiss woke first, suddenly feeling Ruby's arm around her. At first she panicked, unsure of what was happening. Slowly it came back to her, the memories of the night before. Her breathing slowed and her panic disappeared. She looked over to Ruby's sleeping face, the peaceful expression forcing Weiss to smile.
Then the panic returned, her breath suddenly catching in her throat. She could hear the melodic sound of boots against hardwood. Quickly she pushed ruby off the bed, the girl waking up as she hit the floor, "Ow! What the hell was tha-" Weiss pushed her hand over Ruby's mouth, her other hand signalling for Ruby to be quiet. She spun quickly as a knock came at her door, "E-enter," Weiss quickly trying to compose herself. The door creaked open and a servant stepped inside, "Good morning My Lady, I was just wondering how soon you would like breakfast?"
"Good morning Doughty, uh yes, I would like breakfast within the hour."
"Excellent mam, it will be ready soon," Doughty bowed, face composed in his usual unemotional manner. "Oh wait! I plan on having a guest for breakfast, so set the table for two," Weiss quickly devising an excuse for Ruby's presence. Doughty only nodded and continued his exit. AS the door shut, Ruby sprung up from her position on the behind the bed, giving Weiss a cross look. "What was that for?"
"Dolt, we can't let him see us together like that." Weiss breathing a sigh of relief as she told Ruby. Ruby only look confused, "Why?"
"We can't be seen together in that way, people will talk."
"So what if people talk? It's our life."
"Be that as it may, it is a threat to my reputation,"
"Is that how you see this?" Ruby sounding genuinely hurt, Weiss grasped her hand desperately.
"No, no, that's not it at all. It's just… What we are doing, it's risky. If people found out, not only would I lose everything, but they would also take us away." Weiss sighed, clutching Ruby's hand tightly. Ruby smiled and brushed a few alabaster locks out of Weiss' face, "We'll be fine, I mean we are living two lives already, this should come naturally." Weiss couldn't hold back a giggle,
"You are very good at finding the bright side of things aren't you," Ruby just smiled in response.
Neo was pushed to the ground, kneeling awkwardly before Cinder. Cinder sat comfortably in a chair, sipping at her drink. Next to her Mercury leant against the wall, boredom written across his face. Behind her Emerald stood menacingly, holding her upright, a pistol gripped in her hand. "Neo, it is such a surprise to see you again. I was sure that you would have disappeared by now. How glad I was to find you wandering my streets." Neo tried to explain, but like always the words never came. "It was just as well that I found you, otherwise you would have likely died." Cinder grinned as Neo nodded profusely. "Now we should attend to your wounds, ah, but first, there is something I need. I have wondered for the longest time, how is it that your charge came to die, how is it that the one thing you were tasked with retrieving is now gone?" Neo opened her mouth, praying that this time, unlike all the previous times, words would come out. Cinder feigned hurt, "no response? Well, that is quite rude of you. Emerald, what is the punishment for disrespecting your superior?"
"In my experiences, it is death," Emerald said in an impassive manner. Cinder nodded thoughtfully, "And what is the punishment for insubordination and failure?"
"Also death," Emerald pulled the hammer back on the pistol, now at full cock. Neo stared at Cinder, eyes wide in terror, mouthing words of pleading. Cinder smirked, "What's that? I can't hear you, if you can explain yourself then we don't have to worry about this punishment business… No? Nothing to say? Well then you have left me no choice."
Neo tried to struggle free of Emerald's grasp, but was too weak to resist. She tried one final time to plead, beg for her life. Only tears came, silent tears. Cinder waved uncaringly, averting her eyes from Neo's soundless begging. The silence was broken by the crack of gunfire, and the wet slap of blood hitting wood flooring. Cinder returned her gaze to Emerald, who know held a limp Neo. "Get that out of here, and get someone to clean this mess," Cinder stood and faced Mercury, who appeared unfazed by what had just transpired. "Now, Mercury, you said you had something to talk to me about, involving a certain Schnee girl." This forced a smile to cross Mercury's face,
"Boy do I have a story for you."
A/N: A dozen chapters down, and dozens more (hopefully) to go. The story is getting a great response and it is awesome! I'm having a blast and hopefully so are you guys. So thanks for stopping by.