Iridescent Ice

by Spat915

Since before she could remember, Weiss Schnee has never had a single friend. Now at Beacon Academy, she finds herself surrounded by them. But are they enough to crack that shell of diamond she's been hiding in her whole life, or will she lose what she's never dared to hope for? Rated T for mature themes or implications that may come up. May change to M eventually, maybe not.

47. Chapter 47

Author's Note:

Hi everyone, this is just a quick reply to a bunch of reviews I've recieved as of late. And as always, Thanks for reading!

To everyone who thought my writing was "great" or "incredible" these past chapters: thanks, I really appreciate the praise.

To the Guests who thought I was dragging out this whole contract thing: yes, I was. I do have a reason for it and you can look forward to the next 15+ chapters thanks to it. I also wanted to establish or introduce certain aspects of the world of Iridescent Ice and specifically Ruby's past before I started moving forward and couldn't see a better time to do so.

To that one person who said I got the semblances and Qrow wrong. I'm not too bothered by it. As far as I'm concerned, I have (and most likely always will) base my stories off of what was canon at the end of volume 1. I might add a few things from later on, but probably not semblances. Call it artistic license if you want. Also, I wrote the drunk Qrow scene when he was just a name, so that was a lucky guess fueled by a NaNoWriMo writing prompt. To summarize: I'm not RoosterTeeth, I don't own RWBY, so it follows that this story isn't canon, nor will it ever be.

Again, to everyone who's stuck with this story, and we still have a ways to go before the end, thank you for reading!

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*KNOCK*

*KNOCK*

Weiss opened her eyes to the darkness of the early winter morning. It couldn't have been later than six and someone was making noise in the hall of the dorm. It wasn't unusual, but people tended to at least try to be quiet while others were sleeping.

*KNOCK*

*KNOCK*

Weiss jumped at the sudden noise. It wasn't just coming from the hall, it was someone knocking on their door. She glanced at the opposite set of bunks to find Yang sleeping like a rock as per usual, and Blake had her head buried in an assortment of pillows and blankets.

Weiss swung her legs off the bunk and peeked at Ruby. She still had her hand marking a page of a text book she must have fallen asleep reading. Weiss gently took it and marked it properly before setting it on the shelf.

*KNOCK*

*KNOCK*

Weiss quickly moved to the door after glancing at each of her teammates to make sure they were still sleeping. She opened the door to find a single mechanized soldier standing at attention.

"Weiss Schnee, identified." It spoke in a loud voice, causing Ruby and Blake to shift in their sleep. "Permission to relay message?"

"Go ahead, quietly!" Weiss hissed, looking over her shoulder.

"Weiss, I've modified this unit's memory circuit. He'll return to the airship and never remember leaving once this message is complete." Winter's voice spoke loudly from the robot's speakers.

"Wah?" Ruby yawned as she sat up to find out what the noise was about. Blake was just staring at Weiss and the Atlesian knight from where her head rested on a pillow, clearly not impressed at being woken so early.

"I've taken up residence in an unused dorm. Please ask your headmaster, as he has graciously allowed my temporary intrusion." Winter continued. "I have the contract and have already started work on it, but I'd hazard a guess we still have at least a week of work before we can make any progress. Oh, and I suppose it goes without saying, but tell nobody that I'm here. It would only complicate things further." On the recording a ringing started and Winter's voice turned urgent. "That's our father looking for me. I went AWOL and only have a second before I need to cut my scroll's power. See you soon Little Duck."

The recording died and the sentry turned and walked down the hall without another word. Weiss slowly closed the door as what was said sunk into her still sleepy brain. Just as the lock clicked the door shut again, Yang bolted upright with a gasp.

"Who's there?" She shouted at Weiss as she raised her fists.

"It's me you idiot." Weiss replied as she went back to her bed.

"What happened? Why were you at the door?" Yang asked, relaxing slightly.

"We'll tell you in the morning." Ruby replied groggily.

"Fine. Next time wake me up for these things." Yang pouted as she collapsed back to her pillow.

"We're not gods, don't ask the impossible." Blake mumbled, her voice muffled by her blankets.

Yang's reply came in the form of a snore as she'd already fallen back asleep. Ruby's breath slowed and Blake's followed soon after.

Weiss closed her eyes and let sleep creep up on her once more with a lone thought repeating in her head. Winter's here to help us.