Ruby Rose
It's so strange how a castle can feel lonely.
The halls always have someone in them. Guards, maids, visitors, there was always at least one person in every room, save for the few that were restricted.
And yet, Ruby could barely notice after awhile. The way they moved, it was like they were trying not to be seen, to blend into the surroundings and make you think they were simply part of the decor. It was cold, nearly empty feeling.
The only source of warmth was coming from her hand.
"Come on Ruby...!" Admitedly her fault, she had been a bit too distracted a few too many times as they passed certain paintings and sculptures. It was like Yangs place dialed up to eleven hundred. Beautiful yet uncomfortable, just for a different reason.
The halls started to blur together after a while, she could only be lead down so many hallways before it started to turn her brain to mush.
"And here we are." Weiss gestured to a door that honestly looked exaclty like the last hundred they had just passed. Ruby was hesitant, but one look at Weiss's face and she couldnt not open the door.
The room was... well, Ruby didn't know what she expected. Her only point of comparison was the tower at Yangs place, only while that was tailored to Ruby specifically and held an almost homely atmosphere, this room was actively trying to impress. It was bigger for one, but none of the furniture felt specific, it was all dressing trying to distract that this wasnt meant to be a home, rather a small and 'pleasent' stay in a castle.
"I hope it's to your liking?" Weiss grew more nervous with every second Ruby refrained from commenting on the room, it was almost like the princess was trying to impress her.
Ruby had to wonder how many friends Weiss had invited over in the past.
"It's definitely an improvement." Ruby spoke with a giggle as she stepped in, she paused in the middle of the room and spread her arms as wide as she could. "I don't know if anyone could touch these walls at the same time." Ruby was sure she could lay herself down more then five times across the room and still not hit a wall.
"Maybe if you went into a corner." Weiss rolled her eyes and stepped in, looking around with a small nod. Ruby had to stop herself from giggling.
"You've never been in here before have you?"
"Well... it is a big castle, and I haven't exaclty gone on a tour."
"Isn't this the closest guest room to your room?"
"T-thats besides the point..!" Weiss was blushing as she looked away and Ruby openly laughed now.
"So this is your room?" Ruby's mouth hung open in awe as she looked around. Even if she didn't know Weiss or had no idea where she was walking into, it would take her less then a second to guess that this was the bedroom of a princess.
Gilded furniture, a fireplace, a balcony overlooking the kingdom, golden and jewelled items sitting around that took one glance to recognise as magical and-
"Is that a chandelier...?" Ruby pointed with a half outstretched arm, not sure if she was allowed to enter what was clearly such an expensive room.
"To be fair, that was here before I moved in."
"Right, that was recent... and they already found time to repaint everything to white and blue huh...?"
"One of my fathers first demands... I'm suprised the hallways and castle have kept there browns and greys..." Ruby giggled a little at that and Weiss pulled her into the room. "Ruby? What would you like for dinner?"
"Uhh... cookies?" Ruby tilted her head and Weiss stared at her with an unsure expression.
"Please tell me that's not an actual dinner you've had..."
"Y-yeah. I would never have a cookie dinner... more then once..." Weiss's eyes focused into a glare. "more then twice...?" She crossed her arms. "... okay a lot..."
The princess threw her arms up into the air and pointed quickly to the bed.
"Sit." Ruby didn't need to be told twice.
Ruby plopped on the bed and was a bit suprised at the feel of it, pressing a hand down into it to make sure. "Huh..."
"What is it?" Weiss was over at her bedside table, a larger Scrying Orb sat on it.
"This bed... just expected it to be more comfy is all." Weiss scoffed a little in response.
"Only you could think that a bed that expensive isn't soft enough." She smiled at the girl and then activated the orb, it was restricted to only one channel so she didn't need to say a name.
While Weiss was busy getting dinner, Ruby glanced around the room. It was definitly the bedroom of a princess, but Ruby struggled at first to find anything that screamed Weiss's name. Only to have her eyes settle on a sword laying across a mantle.
Slowly sneaking across the room, Ruby got a closer look at the weapon. A silver rapier that had engravings all over it, the blade was sharp enough to make Ruby worry about cutting herself even with no intention of touching it... and the enchantments... the magic was dripping from it, Rubys skin formed goosebumps and the hair on her neck stood. She breathed in the weight of the magic in the air around the weapon and the power filled her nose, like an overwhelming scent.
"Achoo!" Well there goes stealth. Ruby awkwardly looked over at Weiss who was still standing by the bed, only now she was facing Ruby with her arms crossed. A glance at the clear orb showed she was finished anyway. "So uhh... what's for dinner?"
"I believe I told you to sit."
"Y-yeah well... you didn't tell me to stay see?" Ruby grinned at her perfect logic and Weiss could only bring herself to roll her eyes as she fought off a smile.
"I always wanted a puppy." Weiss sat on the bed and patted the empty spot next to her. Ruby rejoined her and awkwardly waited.
"So umm... what's up?"
"Dinner should be here soon but I wanted to talk to you about some things."
"Ok? I mean... you don't have to make it sound like such a big deal."
"Ruby. I've done my research on you. Your past, your family. I know how serious you are about your research... and i know that your sister more then likely could have paid for it." Ruby had laid back on the bed by now, this was the last thing she wanted to think about...
"Yeah... she could have... and..." Ruby rolled onto her side to face away from Weiss, it was taking all of her willpower to not put her hood on.
"Ruby," She felt Weiss's hand on her shoulder, the comfort felt foreign yet warm. Ruby couldn't get there hug out of her head... how long had it been since she'd had a real hug like that? One where someone held her as tight as they could... Yang tried, she really did... but if Yang tried to squeeze at all it would result in one dead Ruby. "I just want to know more." Her voice was sweet, filled with care and...
Ruby didn't want to think about that.
"...if Yang had helped me... or dad... or uncle Qrow... then... it's something else amazing that they've done... I would still just be... me..." Ruby gripped the sheet under her and could feel her breath hitch... she was close to letting the tears out again... Weiss moved her hand off of her shoulder.
She felt Weiss move a bit on the bed, then felt arms curl around her waist from behind. The princesses body pressed up against her in an embrace Ruby wouldn't soon forget.
"Just you...? Personally Ruby... for what its worth..." She whispered into Ruby's ear, it was spoken in such a soft voice, only meant for the redhead. "-I think you're amazing."
This had to be one of the more awkward moments of Rubys life.
"Winter just listen-" Well so far at least.
"Weiss! You did this behind Fathers back? Behind my back??" Then again, Ruby was pretty confident this would be hard to top.
"If you'll just let me explain you'll see that-" Though if she actually did become a Dragon her life expectancy would be... huh, she didnt know.
"Explain what Weiss?? How you got a researcher to sign a private contract with you??" She really should check that... her father had once told her that Hellhounds usually lived for three hundred years, how long could a Dragon live for?
"Winter-"
"A researcher... that has figured out TWO phrases of the Dragon Formula?!" Ruby shivered as the room dropped a good four degrees. She was pretty sure after that scream that her research wasn't a secret anymore. Though that raised the question of soundproofing, she'd have to look at the rooms magic circles for that.
They were inside what seemed to be a council room of some kind. The entire thing was lit on all sides besides the doorway with natural light, and in the centre sat a large round table with a skylight just above. Marble columns sat dotted around the room, and while appearing quite open to the world, the magic resonating throughout the room made it feel quite secluded.
"Winter!!"
"Oh shush. I'm not father, I remembered to turn on the enchantment." So that's a yes to soundproofing?
"Um...-" When two sets of blue eyes immediately snapped to the redhead, she raised both hands in defence. "N-nevermind."
The women sat around the council table, well Ruby sat. The two princess stood leaning over it on opposite sides while Ruby sat between them.
Winter sighed and stood properly.
"You need to break the contract."
"Winter i-"
"No Weiss. You don't understand... what do you think Father will do once he finds out? Or even Ironwood?" Her sharp features softened to show her worry, Ruby could finally see more of a resemblance to Weiss, besides the obvious features.
"I can't." Winter looked even more worried now.
"What do you mean you-"
"I mean what I said Winter. Even if I hadn't made the contract binding, I need this." Now it was Ruby's turn to be confused.
"Binding? Like a curse?" Her voice was soft, but it was enough to get both Schnee's attention.
"In a way... It's unbreakable unless one of us is..."
"Destroyed." Winter finished her sentence and Ruby paled.
"Blake read over the contract though..." Her expression turned sullen.
"She might not have known what-"
"You had a witness that wasn't me? Weiss... don't you trust me?" Winter looked hurt and Weiss scoffed while crossing her arms.
"Winter. Look at how your reacting now." The elder Schnee sighed.
"A fair observation..." Winter looked away and shook her head. It was silent for a minute while she processed all of this. Finally, she turned to Ruby. "How long until you finish?"
"What...? Like... the whole formula...? I mean... it should get easier the more Phrases I have... and I'm due to run through a new batch of tests but..."
"Roughly."
"Umm... If I get the next Phrase by the end of the month... another two years...?" It was a rough estimate, but she knew with all of the materials Weiss could provide, it wasn't as far-fetched as it could have been.
Winter simply sighed in response. "Father won't wait that long... if he finds out, he'll most likely just have your research stolen."
"That wont do him any good, its all protected."
"Protected how? Father has some of the greatest Wizards of our time at his disposal." Winter had a raised eyebrow while she spoke, and even Weiss was curious.
"It's all cursed. Once it's no longer under 'mine' itll be destroyed." In truth it was more complicated then that, but she didnt want to get into the specifcs on how a curse dictated if an object belonged to someone or not.
"That sounds like an easy way to destroy all of your research..." Ruby could see the worry grow on Weiss's face.
"I wouldn't lose all of it. The Phrases i know are kept separate, there safe no matter what. At most I'd only lose the test Phrases and that would only set me back by like a month." Ruby grew more confident as the topic moved to the more technical side of things.
"We need damage control then... Father will find out. It's inevitable. But, if we can delay it till you have more of the Formula? He may change his methods." Winter finally took a seat.
"What do you mean?" Weiss joined her in taking a seat, finally Ruby felt less like the odd one out.
"If Father finds out someone has one or two of the Phrases... he'll try his best to steal them and have his Wizards work on it... but if they have four? He might try and move to a more manipulative approach. Try and get them on his side before they get the last one." Winter looked unsure as she spoke, it didn't look like an expression she wore often.
"That makes sense I suppose... but Ruby is under contract with me. She can't share her research or the Formula with anyone else."
"Exaclty. It means that he'll try and get you on his side." Winter eyed down Weiss.
"I would rather he go after me then Ruby." Weiss glanced at Ruby with a small smile, Winter caught it but decided to speak about it later.
"Ruby." The redhead jumped a little as Winter said her name for the first time. "You understand that this means you'll have to pick up the pace." It wasn't a question.
"Y-yeah... I can definitely do that. Probably." Ruby put on her best face of confidence. It wasn't a very good one, but it was her best.
"We should look for all the help we can get... is there anyone you trust enough to help?"
"Help how?"
"Distracting my Father and keeping this information from him will be no easy task. I can try my best to keep Ironwood from finding out... but I don't have much interaction with Ozpin. The other members of the council should stay blind to this until its too late..."
"Ruby's sister-"
"My uncle!" Ruby interrupted Weiss. "He's a big deal Hunter, he should be able to help." Winter raised an eyebrow.
"Your uncle? Surely I've heard of him if he's what you say, what's his name?"
"Woah..." The carriage pulled to a stop, the road underneath was grey brick that looked like it was either magic or replaced every day. The building it stood next to was quite the structure, an apartment complex that Ruby could compare in class to the castle itself.
"It's impressive. But I chose this place because of the magic protections. It's a closer property to the castle, and it sits on a busy area of the mana pipes. Its never once been broken into, and anyone that tries will more then likely be killed by the defenses before they can be arrested." Weiss sighed as she took a step out of the carriage.
"Why do you sound disappointed?"
"I'm not... just, well... still a bit shaken from our talk with my sister..." Ruby shuddered at the memory.
"I really thought she had finished screaming... then I said uncle Qrow's name..." It hadn't been the most pretty of reactions from the elder Schnee, Ruby had sworn she got a bit of ice on her. "By the way, I thought your family was human?"
Weiss smirked a bit. "All except Winter. She rejected Fathers notion of pride and purchased a Formula to use for herself. She's an Ice elemental in case you were wondering." Ruby nodded at the answer to her unasked question.
"What notion do you mean?"
" "A Schnne will be a Dragon or nothing." Not the best thing to tell your children growing up." Weiss let out a light chuckle and Ruby didn't want to touch that with a ten foot pole.
There destination was on the second highest floor of the six story building, the receptionist had been waiting for them and was more then eager to help in any way she could. After Weiss showed Ruby in, the girl had to question how many people had worked on this place.
The apartment had been refitted into a workshop. The main room that was meant to be an open plan loungeroom and dining room had been refitted with benches, tables, storage closests and shelving, as well as four large magic circles that sat in even distribution across the room.
"The kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom, and guest bedroom are untouched. Your research should already be here-" Ruby watched Weiss's face pale even further before she rushed over and threw open one of the closests, the shock on her face evident when the parchments and papers from Ruby's old workshop were in fact in there. Weiss let out a sigh. "I was worried about them disappearing from the curse..."
"It's a really complicated curse." Ruby smiled and had to stop herself from going on a rant about intention based magic and soul readers.
"Well... how do you like it?" Weiss moved over nervously and Ruby looked around with a smile.
"It's... its perfect." The workshop was more then what she needed, but that just meant she had to find a way to use the excess. Thinking back to the workshop at Yangs place... she had never actually been in there, she didnt want to know if it was better or worse then this.
Weiss nodded and stepped into the kitchen. "There's already food here for you, and the water should be running already. All expenses in go to me directly so you don't need to worry about forgetting to turn things off." Weiss looked through the fridge with a nod. "Do you know how to cook?"
"Umm..." Weiss sighed.
"I'll leave the cookbooks on the counter." She went looking for those and Ruby smiled a little. "By the way, what is your uncle?" Ruby tilted her head as Weiss returned.
"He's a Roc."
"Same thing as his sister then? Roc's must be quite powerful..."
"Well... He's also a Harbinger." Ruby laughed awkwardly and Weiss froze.
"What."
"He's a-"
"I heard you Ruby... w-which one?"
"Oh uh... Death?" Weiss took a seat at a table and took deep breaths.
"What is with your family...? I knew Raven was War but..." She sighed.
"I've met Conquest before too." Ruby grinned, for once feeling like she had one up on Weiss.
"God Ruby... at least tell me there not related to you..?"
"Nah, Pyrrha is something alright though, she's only an Amazon as well."
"Holding the title of Conquest as an Amazon?" Weiss was in disbelief.
"Yeah, pretty sure she's staying with the Arc family right now. Training there heir or something like that."
"You know more about her then I'd expect... I thought you stayed in your workshop most of the time?" Weiss crossed her arms and Ruby smirked.
"Is that jealousy Weiss?" Her teasing was met with a blush from the princess.
"T-thats not...-"
"Nah I'm just messing with ya. Yang told me some stuff about her a while ago... they used to be pretty close, but Yang got a little sick of having her butt kicked whenever they would spar."
"Hellhounds are much stronger then Amazon's... the title of Conquest must be quite the power boost."
"What? Oh, nah Pyrrha didn't use it. She's just that good." Weiss face planted on the table.
"Ruby... you know some truly incredible people." Ruby just giggled in response and nodded.
"Yeah. There all amazing..." She looked away. "All of them..." Weiss stood and walked over, wrapping her in a hug, not needing to hear the unspoken finish to that sentence.
"All of them... except me."