Blake's PoV
"We don't know anything about them, it could just be the White Fang rooting out deserters…" her eyes fell to the floor, her voice barely above a whisper when she said, "like us."
My heart sunk, she has a fair point. This sort of treachery seems like something this new, vile, White Fang would do. "It's our only hope. We either try and die or stay and disregard everything we believe in. We both know that that is worse than death."
She looked back up at me, a determined look in her eyes. I wasn't expecting such conviction. "You're right! Let's do this. Besides, as long as I'm with you, I can do anything!" she gave an innocent smile. It was so bright, so pure. I will protect that smile. Protect her. Not out of love, lust, or any other reason besides the fact that that smile reminds me that there is goodness in the world.
Still Blake's PoV
My eyes opened like an ungreased garage door. My body ached; my calves, my arms, but I was warm, and surrounded by softness. I looked to my right, there was a bed, probably identical to mine. It had a black blanket and a large lump beneath it stretching from the head and thinning out towards the foot of the bed. Probably Ruby, she must be exhausted, and understandably so; she held off our pursuers while I ran… again. That seems to be the only thing I'm good for. A sigh escaped my lips."I'm sorry, Ruby." my voice a whisper.
The door to our room opened and a man with a cane entered. He had circular glasses on his nose and white, messy hair. Behind him was a woman with blonde hair pulled to one side and trailing down her back. She, too had glasses.
The man spoke first, "You must be hungry. I'll have some food brought up for you." Instinctively, my eyes narrowed in suspicion. He smiled a nice, friendly smile, "Right, I'm Ozpin, headmaster at Beacon Academy. I was the one who talked with you through the messenger." I relaxed.
I tried to find my voice to thank him, but it evaded me. Instead, he continued. "I don't want to bring it up now, but soon, the White Fang, that is. For now, let's focus on getting you both patched up. Your friend was hit by one of the bullets, she's alright though. Nothing serious. If it had been a bit higher, it would be. Instead, she just suffered a broken rib and muscle damage. We gave her some painkillers and she was out. You two must have had quite the escapade." I only shook my head. She saved me, again. My debt to her only increases. She's so selfless and serving, it's hard to do anything to repay her.
My stomach growled and I gave a sheepish smile. Ozpin stood up, "I'll send some food to your room. We'll finish our chat later." and they left.
It wasn't long until food showed up. Two plates overflowing with such delicious food. Pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, apple and orange slices; much better than the dull rations we were served before. Despite how appetizing the food looked, I resisted digging in without Ruby. Afterall, she's the reason I'm here. Luckily for me, the smells must have awakened her because she shot up with a glint in her eyes. Only to wince from the action. "Good morning, sleep well?" I asked.
She gave a small grin, "Mmm-hmm, I was given these pills and the pain went away. After that, I slept like a log. This looks so good! Can… can I have some?" her eyes softened and the rest of her visage as well. The puppy dog expression. Something that even a Grimm would fall victim to.
"This one is yours. I didn't want to eat without you." I handed her one of the identical plates. She lit up again, her thoughts and feelings are so openly expressed, unlike mine. She's so easy to read…. It's pleasant.
"Ohhh, thank you Blake! If I could, I would totally hug you right now, but I was told not to do anything to… what did they say? Extr- extra- extraterrestrial? No, that wasn't it." Her happy expressions gave way to deep thought ones.
"Strenuous?" I offered. Again, she brightened up. Changing so quickly would be exhausting for me. I'm glad it isn't for her.
"Yeah! Something about stitches and whatever. Anyways, let's eat! I'm staaarving."
Blake's PoV
After telling all they know about the White Fang's movement, the air hung silent. Perhaps they were disappointed we didn't know more, but to be fair, this kinda just sprung up.
"Thank you Ms. Belladonna… do you have a place to go? To stay that is safe from the White Fang?"
"None comes to mind. Ruby, how about you?" she looked up at me, her face stuffed with cookies, some crumbs and chocolate smudged around her cheeks.
"Patch. I'd grather stay heah though." Her mouth filled with cookies. Glynda frowned at her poor manners, but her eyes glimmered with a tint of happiness.
"You could join Beacon. We're always looking for formidable huntresses and hunters, and from what I can tell, you two have the makings." Ozpin offered a mysterious smirk.
For a minute I sat in silence, mulling over my options. This was our best bet. "Ruby? Are you ok with that?"
"Mmmhmm, so long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we go!" She gave a cheery smile. Crumbs and chocolate still there, but it seemed so fitting to the image of innocence. Her words made me blush, she is so pure. She just says what she means.
"Excellent." This time his grin was genuine, even the hard Gynda had a somewhat happy expression.
Weiss's PoV
The airship touched down. I let out a sigh of relief, it finally felt like I was free from my father. Rolling my bags behind me, I made my way around the campus. Others wandered about aimlessly or idly chatted amongst themselves. None seemed to notice her or fuss over it, at least openly. It was refreshing. A grin came about my lips as I continued my stroll. I wasn't paying too much attention, too busy fully experiencing this lack of shackles, which is probably why I tripped over some uneven pavement and was headed for the ground.
Oh no! My bags are full of dust and clothes! It's going to explode! I brace myself for impact… I opened my eyes and was staring at the ground. Two arms were in the side of my vision. I looked up into a hooded face. A girl with silver eyes and a disarming smile stared back. She helped me to my feet. "Erm… thanks." I was experiencing a lot right now. The afterglow of freedom, the serenity of taking in Beacon, the anxiety of almost being blown up, the relief of being saved, and the awkwardness of being helped by a nice stranger. It was all so new, so overwhelming.
"Ruby, come on. The ceremony is about to start." a voice called her back. So Ruby's her name. Red cloak and a red name… odd.
She looked over her shoulder towards the voice, "Coming!" her voice so happy, so cheery. She gave me one last grin before turning and walking towards a black haired girl with a bow on top of her head. Her happiness must be infectious because my smirk returned as I followed suite and made my way to the entrance ceremony.
Third person PoV
"I hope you all have your landing strategy!" Ozpin pulled a lever and the students were launched into the Emerald Forest one-by-one. This never gets old, he took a sip from his mug as the tiny figures disappeared into the thicket of trees.
Yang's PoV
For a moment, I thought I saw my sister before we were launched. I mean, who else wears a red cloak? It's not the most fashionable thing to wear, after all. Shaking my head, I jogged what I believed was East to get a relic. Hopefully I'll just meet my partn-
A girl with black hair and a bow casually walked in front of me, heading at a perpendicular angle to my own. We both stopped and made eye contact. Seconds passed as we just stared at each other. Slowly, a smile broke out across my features. "Guess that means we're partners. My name's Yang." I walked up to her and offered my hand. She stared at it for a moment before accepting it.
"Blake." not much of a talker. Oh well. I mentally shrugged.
"Do you want to lead the way? I'm a bit turned around."
She simply nodded and we walked in silence. I hope we get along at least.
Weiss's PoV
After landing, I took a moment to survey the area. It seemed clear of Grimm. Standing up, I headed forward. A shot rang out behind me. I jumped forward and spun around, holding Mynestar at the ready. Disintegrating a meter behind me was a large snake Grimm. I didn't even sense it! The bushes to my left shuffled. I turned to face them, gripping my foil tightly. A familiar red figure came into view, hood still drawn. She didn't look at me, but looked forward.
"Do you want to be partners?" she was still not looking at me.
I was a bit surprised, she was asking to be partners and was making sure that we wouldn't be if I declined. How thoughtful. I'd really like to be with Pyrrha so we can form an ultimate duo, but this Ruby girl doesn't seem so bad. I mean she's saved me twice already. "Sure."
She still didn't look at me. "Are you certain?"
"... yes." After a moment, she turned and faced me. Our eyes met and sealed the deal. That smile from earlier appeared. It was pleasant.
"I'm Ruby Rose, nice to meet you." She walked towards me.
"Weiss Schnee, the pleasure is mine." I extended my hand, it was a bit flat, but before I could make any corrections, she placed her hand on top of mine, fingers curled inward. I looked to her and she looked back expectantly. For a moment we were both confused.
She quickly removed her hand and cleared her throat, "Uh… heh heh… sorry about that. Anyways, I'll follow you." I just nodded and took the lead. That was strange.
Third Person PoV
Crashing into the clearing was an Ursa. It was stumbling and roaring in frustration before ultimately collapsing. An orange haired girl with a comically large hammer was on its back, a huge grin on her face. Catching up to the Grimm rider was a guy who had black hair with a pink/purple streak. "Nora," He gulped in some air, "Please don't do that again."
That entrance was much cooler than Blake and Yang's, who just walked into the clearing and grabbed their "relic."
Neither entrance stood in comparison to a screaming boy holding onto a Deathstalker's tail with a red-haired amazon girl running next to them. Surely no one could top that, right?
Wrong, plummeting from the sky was a red figure, a Nevermore flying above her, a white speck on its claws. The red one crashed into the ground, landing on her feet, a burst of air expanding in all directions from beneath her feet.
A scream filled the air as the white one made her ungraceful descent. "I got you!" The pale blonde boy sluggishly made his way over towards the falling girl, his arms bent at the elbow. He never got the chance to play at being a hero. The red girl leaped from her spot and caught the falling white girl. Rolling in the air and landing with Weiss in a princess carry. Ruby had maintained her hood the entire time, as well as a charming grin.
Blake's PoV
I always figured Ruby was naturally a good fighter. Never having seen her in combat before, all I had to go by was my hunch. When she directed the 8 of us and orchestrated the elimination of the two monstrous Grimm, I was surprised. I mean, sure I thought she'd be a good fighter, but her being a good leader. Never crossed my mind.
After witnessing first-hand her adept leadership skills, I wasn't at all surprised when Ozpin called her to be the leader of team RWBY, which thankfully, we were on together. Having a friendly face is always nice.
Not everyone agreed that Ruby should be our leader, however. By everyone, I really mean Weiss Schnee. The daughter of the man who stood for everything I was against. Faunus slave labor, questionable business partners, etc. I don't mean to judge her based on her father, but I automatically have a disliking to her. She only deepens that feeling with her words and actions. Such as saying she should be the leader due to her history, academics, and exceptional skill. You didn't lead us in killing the Nevermore and Deathstalker, though. I just sighed, guess us faunus can't win them all… wait. I don't think Weiss knows that Ruby and I are faunus. So her actions aren't based on race, she just believes she's better than everyone. I don't know if that makes it better or worse. Guess we'll see.
Yang's PoV
It was Ruby! Not only that, we are on the same team! This is… this is totally cool! I see my little sis again, we get to work together, I get to see her grow up. Life couldn't be better.
Surprisingly enough, Ruby didn't have much stuff. If our room were to be broken down, it would be 30% furniture, 10% bathroom, 25% Weiss's stuff, 12% mine, 8% Blake's, 5% Ruby's, and 10% free space; which came after we manufactured some dangerous bunk beds. It seemed Ruby had 3 pairs of identical clothes, things for Crescent Rose, toiletries, and miscellaneous items. I'm not sure why, but it broke my heart.
I wonder how Ruby will do in classes. She always was smart, but she's still here early, and she was with the White Fang for awhile. Do they still educate their members? Probably shouldn't ask. I pulled Ruby aside, Weiss was organizing her stuff and Blake seemed to absorbed in a book. "Hey Rubes, are you going to tell them?" I wiggled my ears
She giggled, "I will, just not so soon."
"That's too bad, I really like them." She shrugged.
"Do you two know each other?" Weiss had finished and turned to face them.
"Ruby's my half-sister. We grew up together in Patch."
Weiss put a hand and her hip and shifted her weight to the opposite leg. "It seems I'm the only one who doesn't have any past connections with our leader."
Ruby sauntered up to her and gently rested her arms on the Ice Queen's shoulders, her hands limply locked behind the heiress's hair. An apologetic look so artistically painted on the leader's features. "Awww, I'm sorry Ms. Schnee. We can start to get to know each other now, ok?" she cocked her head slightly and gave a bright smile. I saw Weiss blush, Ruby didn't because her eyes were closed as part of that blinding smile of hers.
Weiss grumbled something, but I couldn't hear. Apparently Ruby didn't either, "I'm sorry, could you repeat that again, Ms. Schnee?"
"I said, 'just call me Weiss!' You dolt." Ruby had let go a while ago, Weiss turned her head and looked down slightly, pouting. This is a great team.
Blake's PoV
Ruby and I were close. Not to the point of dating, but we were close. It probably would never progress pass that because 1, I'm straight, and 2. I don't think she knows how to be in a relationship. It would be a crime to keep that beautiful smile all to one's self. I didn't want her to be with anybody else. If she did turn out to be into girls, then I would begrudgingly be ok with her dating Weiss. At least then I can still be with her, in a non-romantic or sexuality way. I just… I just want to protect that innocence, that purity. It saved me from myself all those years back, and it saved me again with Ozpin.
To say I was in love with her wouldn't be wrong. I do love her, just not in a "get in her pants" or "share last names" kind of way. I love the idea of her, the smile she has, the kindness and strength she possesses. They all just tally up to be the most ideal being. My love for her is more of a sisterly kind, or an admirer. Not of soul mates or mmhmmhmm partners.
At least, that's what I keep telling myself.
Yang's PoV
We had all gotten our food and had sat down at a table. I was about to say something when a pained cry came from the other side of the room. Before I could so much as glance, Ruby was already there. I'm not sure what she said or did, but Cardin let go and apologized profusely before hurrying off. I then watched as Ruby gently rubbed the rabbit faunus's ears. To which, the flustered girl blushed and hugged Ruby before running off, her face a tomato.
"Who's that?" Weiss asked, it seemed there was a bit of ice in her tone today, but then again there rarely wasn't.
"The dude was Cardin, he has more muscle than brains. The girl, I think her name is Velvet. She's an upperclassman."
If this satisfied Weiss, I wouldn't know, she continued eating as though she hadn't asked anything.
I looked over at Blake. She seemed focus on where the 3 were despite Ruby not being there anymore. Her gaze looked as though she was replaying the events over and over again. Each pass, it seemed she got a little more tense. Strange.
"Hey you guys, sorry. Um… what do we do after this? Is it class?"
Weiss perked up, she seemed a bit more lively now than a second ago, "Yes you dolt, we have two classes after this. Two in the morning two in the afternoon." She seemed rather proud of herself.
"Oh yeah. Thanks Weiss! You're so smart, thank you for helping me out, please care for me in the future as well." Ruby had bowed her head with her plea and raised it with a brilliant smile at the end. It was blinding.
Weiss's mouth open and closed several times before she just gave a "humph" and resumed eating. I snickered, seems she isn't used to being so praised.
Returning to Blake, "Hey Blake." She looked up at me. I leaned in over the table, she did the same. "So uh… do you like my sister?" on the inside, I smirked. Maybe she'll have a fun reaction and I can tease her a bit since she's so quiet.
"I love her in a friendly manner, not romantic, not sexual." Her response was cool and composed. It left me dumbfounded.
Her amber eyes flicked over to the energetic Ruby talking with the icy Weiss. A smile graced her lips. She looked back to me, "Cat got your tongue?"
I grinned back. Ruby seems to bring out the best in her. She tends to do that.
Weiss's PoV
If I were to be completely honest, Ruby… Ruby has become, perhaps, my friend. The first I've had. And while it is weird that she always has her cloak and hood up, I appreciate that she's considerate and protecting. She takes others' interests into account when she takes action; in the Emerald Forest, she asked if I wanted to be partners. Albeit, she didn't ask when she had us hitch a ride on that Nevermore, but it was effective in finding the relics, so I'll give that to her.
I sighed, perhaps calling her a friend so soon is too much. I barely know her, after all. Yet, she seems so trustworthy, so… so… reliable.
"Hey, Weiss, if it's not too much to ask, could you help me with this problem?" She looked at me patiently.
"I suppose." I wasn't getting much of my own work done anyway. I was almost finished, but had gotten rather distracted.
"Thank you very much. I'm so happy we're partners, you're very reliable and patient with me." She gave me a slight bow with her words as she stood up and moved herself over with her paper.
I was a bit caught off guard with her honesty and formality. She seems to have two modes, her loving, charismatic, upbeat, easy going one; and her serious, calculating, analytical, calm one. Both serves their purposes well. I couldn't help but smile, she's a bit strange, but she's honest and straightforward, "It's what partners are supposed to do, right?"
She gave me a smile, her eyes closed and she tilted her head as she flashed me a toothy grin.
She's also very expressive. It's never hard to guess how she's feeling.
Placing the paper on the table, next to my own, she pointed at the one she mentioned having problems with, it was a bit of a tricky question, she's smarter than she lets on, I only had to explain a bit of it before she got it.
"Thank you for your patience and assistance." After standing up she bowed her head and walked back over to her own space.
I simply nodded my head in acknowledgement. It felt nice to be truly appreciated, wanted, praised; as foreign as the feeling is, it was pleasant. Smirking, I returned to my own work.
Blake's PoV
"Ruby!" my voice was strained, coarse. I watched helplessly in slowed perspective as the claws tore through her. Her body fell to the earth with a thud. Her eyes wide, her breathing quick and labored.
Pulling my eyes away from my downed leader, "Aahh!" I swung my Gambol Shroud in a rising crescent slash. It howled and toppled backwards and began disintegrating.
Kneeling down next to Ruby, I could see the damage. Three long, deep gashes across from her chest to her side. Blood poured easily from the cuts. She was coughing and trying her hardest to catch her breath. "Ruby. Ruby! Stay with me. Help is coming. Help is coming, Ruby! Just hold on!"
"Blake… I'm cold. I'm scared." Her voice was so weak. I clutched her hand, trying so hard not to let my tears fall.
"Shh. Save your strength. They're coming, help is coming just hold on." Her lip quivered and her eyes got a far away look.
"I'm… I'm going to die. I'm going to die, aren't I." it wasn't a question.
"Don't say that! We'll get you out of this. You'll get through this, you're strong." I couldn't hold the tears back anymore. My face scrunched up as I tried in vain to hold the tears back.
I could hear the shoutings of help arriving. Paramedics and evacuation. "It… it doesn't hurt anymore. I'm warm, so warm. I-I… I just need to close my eyes. They're so heavy." Her grip was getting loose.
"No!" I shook myself forward vehemently. "Don't sleep Ruby. Don't sleep. They're here! Look! They're right there. Just-just hold on." my voice cracked. I clung tighter.
"So… heavy." Her eyes drifted.
"No, no, no! Stay with me! Don't leave me! Not yet! We're supposed to be together forever, Remember! You promised the first day we met in the White Fang. That you'd be by my side and I by yours forever and more." The tears poured so openly, so freely down my face.
"Goodbye, Blake." She coughed. "I can't… I can't keep them open any longer." Her eyes closed, her voice was just a breath, "I'm sorry. I love you." Her hand slipped from mine, limp.
"No! Ruby! Come on!" I shook her harshly. "Wake up! Come on! Come on!"
I wept openly. The paramedics finally arrived, but it was too late, she was gone. Died protecting us as she always does.
I woke with a start. I shot up straight, breathing rapidly. My face was wet, I had been crying.
Arms wrapped around me. "Shhh-shhh-shh. It was just a dream. Just a dream." I hugged the arms and silently cried into them. "I'm here. I'm still here. Shh…"
Only Ruby had ever seen me weak like this. She'd always comfort me. Her embrace was such a security. My sobs died down.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Again. Again. My crying stopped. We sat in silence for a bit. Just our breathing and our companions' filling the still night.
Swallowing, I spoke, "You died and I couldn't protect you. You saved me, like you always do, and I-I was helpless to do the same." I felt her arms tighten around me.
"It's ok. It's ok. I'm here, I'm okay." I looked up at her, my amber eyes gleaming in the moonlight. I could easily make out her face, she had a easing look, she knew I could see her.
We sat in silence for a what seemed to be hours. My eyes felt heavy. My body fell back onto my bed. She didn't leave me. Instead, she crawled in and leaned against the backboard. Her hands gently lifted my head onto her lap. Gentle fingers ran their way through my air, stopping at the ends and then her hand would gingerly ride up my shoulder before running through my hair again. It was soothing. Her light breathing and tender care lulled me to sleep.
Weiss's PoV
With a yawn and a stretch, I sat up. I blinked the sleep from my eyes as much as I could. Sighing, I mentally prepared myself for the day ahead of me. Eyeing the bathroom, I saw that it was unoccupied. Waking early has its perks. Throwing my covers aside, I stepped out into the colder air. I didn't get very far in my trek when something very red caught my eye on Blake's bed. It's a surprise I hadn't noticed earlier. Leaning against the backboard of the assassin's bed, eyes closed and with one arm resting around the owner of the bed, Ruby slept. It couldn't be comfortable. She was sleeping at almost a 90 degree angle with Blake's head in her lap. It seems the dolt had fallen asleep while comforting or cuddling the other. Are they… are they like, together together? It would make sense, they seemed to have a deep connection with one another and here they were shamelessly snuggled up. It's none of my concern. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I resumed my task of heading to the bathroom.
"Good morning, Weiss. Are you an early riser?" I stopped again, at this rate I'll never make it to the bathroom. Silently, I let out a huff and turned to face my partner and leader.
"Good morning, and yes. I am an early riser." Despite having slept poorly, Ruby didn't seem exhausted.
She just offered me a nice smile and delicately removes herself from Blake. "Sorry for stopping you."
I gave a nod and finally entered the bathroom. The thought of the two cuddled up together invaded my thoughts. Why do I care so much? I locked the door and turned on the shower.
Third person PoV
Yang was the next to wake up. Despite her usual upbeat attitude, she wasn't a morning person. She sat in bed for nearly 10 minutes before she seemed to start functioning. Like a slow computer doing its diagnostics and booting up.
Blake still appeared to be lost in the land of dreams, having moved very little all morning.
Weiss had gotten out of her shower some time ago and was working on drying her hair.
Ruby sat at a desk going over her answers for the work assigned. "Hey. Weiss, would you mind if I compared my answers to yours?"
"I don't care." Her icy tone hindered Ruby not. The leader just smiled to herself at the cold attitude of her partner and team member.
"Hey, Rubes, are you showering next, or can I?" Yang rubbed her left eye, attempting to remove the traces of slumber from it.
"You can go first, I'm busy." Ruby was studiously looking between her papers and Weiss's. Occasionally she would make a note on hers if their answers were different.
Yang lumbered over to the bathroom, still occupied by the heiress. "Can I squeeze by you real quick?"
Weiss scooted forward into the counter.
"Thanks." Yang turned the knob on the shower and stuck her hand in. She adjusted the handle accordingly until she found the ideal temperature. With a small grin of success and began disrobing.
Weiss gave a sharp gasp, "What are you doing!" Yang stopped her stripping. She stood for a moment, frozen.
"Oh right, prim and proper heiress. Just don't look?" she resumed her actions.
Weiss rolled her eyes and scoffed before storming out of the room. "I can't believe her. That's so uncouth! It's shameless and just wrong!"
Ruby giggled and turned her attention to Weiss. "I'm sorry about her actions, and thank you letting me compare. It helped me tons. Sorry for being such a burden on you, I hope I can quickly get caught up so as to not dishonor and slow down our team." She have a full smile, her eyes happily shut and her head slightly tilted.
Weiss opened and closed her mouth several times. Words weren't coming out. Her lips pursed and she settled an giving a curt nod. She seems to have trouble communicating with the younger girl.
Ruby frowned at the heiress's reaction and turned back towards her papers. She placed them neatly to the side and pulled her scroll out to check the time. Making her way over to the sleeping member's bed, she bent over beside the bed. Gently placing her hand on the sleeping girl, she shook her; light, careful quakes. "Blake, it's time to get up."
Begrudgingly, the Belladonna opened her eyes. Looking up at the Rose, she studied her features. She frowned, "Sorry for making you stay with me."
"You didn't. I stayed by choice because I like you. We're friends, and I'll do everything I can to help you, Weiss, and Yang. Not just because it's my responsibility as leader, but because I love each of you and want to help you. Now come on, you're up next for the shower, and then we'll go get breakfast, ok?"
Blake's expression shifted to a happier one. "Ok." A smile graced her lips.
Weiss watched the exchange. Hearing Ruby say she loves her, loves her team, made the Ice Queen feel strange. It wasn't necessarily unpleasant, just foreign. Afterall, they had only known each other for a short time and to say such a strong, committing declaration caught her off guard. To love so openly, so freely, it was bizarre to her, yet… she liked it.