Weiss spent most of the following week bedridden. Violet stayed home with her despite her protests. She'd spend her day in Weiss' room, either crocheting or sharing old Faunus myths about Pan, a Faunus God who advocated for Faunus-Human equality.
It was a sobering experience to learn themes of unity existed even in ancient stories.
In the evening, Ash carried her out to the living room for dinner where she listened to the dramatic retelling of his day. As silly as his tales were, they never failed to bring a smile to her face.
On the rare occasion that she was alone, Weiss spent her time remembering her past with Adam. The memories, while sometimes bringing a smile to her face, left her mournful.
They shouldn't have ever met, she realized that now. It was a miracle they were on good terms for so long. Yet, against all odds, their younger selves managed to make it work. Maybe it was all because of naivety. With the innocence of childhood gone, Weiss should've lost all hope to salvage what was once lost.
But she couldn't deny the fact that he saved her life.
Why did he do it?
Weiss' head was more muddled than it ever had been. She wasn't sure what to think of Adam anymore. It was so much easier to dismiss him as a heartless terrorist when she was still ignorant of her family's crime.
But he isn't just a heartless criminal anymore. He's a victim to her family.
A terrorist.
The reason she was even breathing right now.
He was the same person who wrote all those heartbreaking words in that tattered journal. Did he still feel the same way? It didn't matter what the answer was, it didn't justify his crimes.
So why did the prospect of permanently stopping him make her so sick?
Nothing made sense. All she wanted was to stay in bed and lose herself in dreamless sleep, but there was still work to do. Violet and Ash believed she could make a difference for the Faunus. Though Weiss was nothing like Winter, who was a true hero, she still needed to try. She wouldn't turn a blind eye after everything she's learned.
The first step will be joining forces with Ruby again. Working with a team was going to be more effective anyway, and she was confident Ruby would help her along the way. She still wasn't sure how to help the Faunus community, but perhaps she'll get some ideas while on the road.
Weiss decided to leave once she was well enough to stand on her two feet. She voiced her decision over dinner once she felt physically strong again.
"I knew you wouldn't stay forever," Violet said to her surprise. "And with everything that's happened, I'm confident you will be safe out there."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that…" Weiss protested.
Adam would still be a threat to her, Weiss was sure of that. Saving her once didn't prove anything. It didn't stop the foolishly optimistic side of her from hoping this was a glimpse of his true character.
"Have faith, Weiss. It isn't too late for him, at least that's what I think."
"If you two are done talking cryptically," Ash piped in. "I can lend you one of my maps for your journey. I know the surrounding area like the back of my hand, so tell me where you need to go!"
"That would be fantastic, thank you."
"But for now, I think it's time for me to recount my harrowing journey out in the forest today!"
Violet's ear twitched with annoyance while Weiss burst out laughing.
Weiss committed every detail of the tiny home to memory during Ash's story. From the smell of roasted boar and burnt wood to the cobwebs huddled on the highest corners of the roof. She ran her feet across the rug. The fur was warm against her chilled feet, and its texture was softer than any silk fabrics she'd ever touched. The hearth glowed in delicate amber light, flames kissing the darkened stones at the mouth of the fireplace. She closed her eyes, welcoming the warm embrace of the fire.
It wasn't anything like the Manor, but it felt like home.
After dinner, she relayed her plans to Ash about visiting Haven Academy. He in turn gave her an old map and compass. After a brief lesson on how to navigate with the equipment, he then drew a path on the map for her to follow.
"I've marked a few smaller settlements along your path in case you need to restock on supplies or get medical help." He indicated to the black stars on the map. "We have a high White Fang population in Mistral, so be sure to stay alert."
He finally drew a golden star on the page.
"This is Magnolia City, it has a sleeper train that runs straight to Mistral City. The urban areas are usually protected from bandits, but you'll need to be careful out in the countryside. Anima's got a big problem with outlaws."
"Don't worry, I can handle a few bandits." She accepted the map and rolled it up.
"One more quick thing. There's a chance you might end up running into the Silver Robins on your journey."
That was news to Weiss. News reports in Atlas said the group was only active in Mantle. Since when did they extend their reach to the countryside of Mistral? Did the proper authorities know about this?
"There's no need to look scared, kiddo. Some folks here are still a bit wary of them, but they've been nothing but kind to us. You can spot them by the metal robin pin they always wear."
Weiss recalled what Fiona had worn with a jolt. She couldn't believe she'd interacted with a Silver Robins member without realizing it.
"If they're so good then why are people uncomfortable about them?" she asked warily.
"It's only because they have Human members on the team. It took them quite some time to gain everyone's trust here. Now, they come by every few months with a bunch of useful supplies and doctors - Faunus and Human doctors! We wouldn't be in such good shape without their help!
"Sure, they might seem a bit rough around the edges, but they've got a heart of gold. They always send someone down if we radio them with concerns. If you ever need an extra hand, I'd bet my axe collection that you can ask them for help."
Atlas news always reported the mess they made in public spaces and the safety concerns residents had because of them. This was the first time she'd ever heard of someone praising them. She also never heard of any Humans affiliated with them before.
None of it was adding up. If the Silver Robins were as good as Ash claimed, why didn't any of the reports detail their charitable work? Why did they go out of their way to cause so many public disturbances in Mantle? They might have kept their crimes a secret from the villagers, but what did they gain from it?
Either way, Weiss appreciated the new insight. At least now the Silver Robins can't catch her off guard again.
"I'm going to miss you, Weiss!" Ash pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. "Don't jump in front of an angry Grimm again, for my sake."
"I'll miss you too." She laughed, hugging him back. "Thank you for everything."
After helping Ash tidy up one last time, she returned to her room to find a surprise. A brown hand-sewn backpack sat on her bed. Her clothes from Atlas were cleaned and folded by the bag, along with black leggings and grey-blue flats.
"I thought it would be easier to hike in flat shoes than heels," Violet explained from the doorway. "I've included leggings in case you get cold. The backpack was made a couple of years back, but I haven't had the chance to make much use of it"
"Are you sure I can take all this for free?" Weiss inspected the backpack in awe. The bag was so well put together that she couldn't believe it was homemade.
"Of course. And feel free to keep the clothes you wore during your stay." Violet smiled. "You can pay me back by staying safe on your journey."
Weiss ran into Violet with a tight hug. The light warmth in her chest blossomed once more.
"I promise I'll find some way to make things better," she assured her. "Even if it kills me."
"No more dangerous heroism, remember?" Violet hugged her back. "Visit us once in a while. This village is much too quiet for my liking."
She didn't have to tell her twice. Weiss had every intention of returning in the future.
The next morning showered the village with golden sunlight. After finishing breakfast, and receiving rations for the road, Weiss changed back to her combat skirt and headed out. Violet and Ash both agreed they'd walk her out of the village.
The few villagers that were out stared once she stepped outside, but not all the eyes scrutinizing her were as hostile as before. Some seemed genuinely curious about her while others looked uneasy. A few chose to ignore her presence altogether.
As they walked by the sleepy cabins, they passed the man Weiss saved from the Grimm. He was sitting on his porch, his broken leg wrapped between two hand-crafted splints. Two wooden crutches leaned against the wall beside him. She turned her head away when he looked at her, his long bunny ears standing up straight in surprise.
"It's a beautiful day to travel!" Ash exclaimed as they neared the edge of the small community. "You sure have good timing, kiddo!"
"Remember to eat well during your long journey," Violet added. "You can't take down the Grimm on an empty stomach."
"Don't worry, I can take care of myself," Weiss assured her.
The three of them stopped right at the village border. Tears burned her eyes as the weight of her decision sank in. A part of her still longed to forget about her identity and live out the rest of her life in the quiet community. It didn't matter that the residents hated her, it was still better than being alone again.
"Come here, kiddo."
Ash and Violet sandwiched her into one of the warmest hugs she's ever experienced. She didn't bother trying to hide her tears, which prompted them to tighten their hold around her.
"You're going to be fine out there," Violet whispered. "If your journey becomes too difficult, you can come back at any time."
"That's right. We'll always be happy to have you again." Ash ruffled her hair. "Take care, kiddo."
Their words left her warm, like the hearth she sat in front of every night for dinner. Weiss couldn't remember the last time her real parents showed her this much kindness.
Was this what leaving home felt like?
"I'll be back one day," she promised. Aside from Winter, Atlas had nothing else left for her. She'd come back no matter what.
"Umm…" The new voice broke their group hug.
Weiss blushed when she saw the man she'd saved standing awkwardly behind them.
"Clay! How's the leg doing, buddy?" Ash patted the smaller man on the back.
"Broken." Clay deadpanned with a nervous smile. "She's uh…leaving?"
"Weiss has other priorities she needs to attend to," Violet clarified. "We're unsure when she'll return."
Clay nodded stiffly and returned his attention to her. Neither of them made a move to speak. Finally, Clay held out his hand to her.
"Thank you, Miss Schnee. For saving my life, a-and for helping me out that one time with the apples."
"Anytime." She accepted his handshake. His hand trembled beneath hers - she immediately let go and offered a polite smile. "Please, just call me Weiss."
"Clay." He scratched his neck. "Erm…I'm sorry for what my wife said. She uh…doesn't exactly feel the same way as me…but uh…"
"It's fine, she's only looking out for you. I understand." Weiss smiled. It was touching to hear at least one more person in the village was willing to give her a chance.
"Have a safe journey."
"Thank you. I hope your leg gets better soon."
After one final hug with Ash and Violet, Weiss set off into the wilderness. She didn't immediately walk the path Ash outlined for her. Before heading out, Weiss picked her way through the forest until she was back at the lonely waterfall.
She stared at the falls for a moment, standing amidst dozens of mournful white flowers. How many victims stood where she was before jumping? Did any of them regret their decision when it was too late to turn back?
Weiss bowed three times to the falls, mirroring what she'd seen Violet doing.
"I'm going to build a better future," she said. "I might not be strong like Winter or know what I need to do, but I won't ever give up. I'll never stop fighting until the Faunus are treated as equals. This is my promise to you."
Fun fact: Faunus is the name of a Roman god! His Greek equivalent is Pan, the god of the wild. You guys might be more familiar with the Christian adaptation of his image which is the scary demon goat. I was editing the final chapters of the original story when my professor introduced us to this god. Needless to say, she got my undivided attention when the name "Faunus" was spoken.
Thanks to GleamingOnyx, StarStream2005, Yeet, LiteralTrash, Iwr1918, and Theanimemaster9000 for the reviews!
Lemme know what you guys think of this week's stuff and I'll see you again next week!