"Giiiirlfriend." Ruby chuckled out using her semblance to spin around Weiss as the two walked back towards Shade, Weiss rolled her eyes trying to seem unimpressed by she couldn't help a small smile creep across her face as rose petals fluttered around the two of them.
"You're really caught up on that huh?"
Ruby finally came to a stop in front of Weiss, walking backwards so she could look at her partner.
"ugh, yea I mean come on, it's like…" Ruby paused as she tried to think of the words, tensing her hands into fists before throwing them out forwards. "…It's like somebody pinch me."
"You think this is a dream?.. And you want me to wake you up?" Weiss kept her voice level but she did raise an eyebrow as she peeked over Ruby's shoulder to make sure she wouldn't walk into anything, she felt like she should be concerned about Ruby's apparent disregard for watching where she was going but she found herself used to Ruby's antics by now. "Besides, it's bold of you to already try and put a label on us." Ruby put her hand on her chin acting as if she was deep in thought.
"Hmmm, you're right, what about darling? Or sweetheart? Or dearest?-"
Before Ruby could continue her list Weiss dropped the bags she was carrying and reached out grabbing the hand that rested under Ruby's chin pulling her to a stop and bringing the two up close, almost touching noses, Ruby's eyes widened in surprise as Weiss held her steady.
"Wait...Watch where you're going."
Weiss held her firm as a car drove past Ruby, leading both of them to look off to the side as Weiss provided Ruby with her reason to why she grabbed her. Their eyes landed on a pedestrian crossing light that signalled for them to stop. Ruby seemed undeterred by what had just happened as she looked back to Weiss with a smile.
"Ah, I know, my guardian angel."
Weiss let go of her hold on Ruby and pushed her forward playfully, grabbing the bags of shopping up into her left hand.
"More like pain in my butt."
"Nu-uh."
"I suppose Snowpea is looking more bearable."
Ruby spun around pumping her fist in triumph reaching for Weiss' hand with her other one.
"Yesss… My Snowpea always looking out for me."
"Dolt." Weiss laughed out shaking her head at Ruby's display. The two fell into a comfortable pattern of Ruby pointing out stores she wanted to explore and restaurants to try, Weiss was happy to nod along enjoying Ruby's excitement.
Weiss let go of Ruby's hand as she pulled out her scroll bringing it up for directions back to Shade since she was still not familiar with Vacuo. After she was satisfied with her bearings she put the scroll back into her pocket but when she looked up Ruby was gone, spinning her head around she saw a recent trail of rose petals and Weiss was confused on what could have caused Ruby to not even let her know she was going off track. Weiss felt a pit form in her stomach when she caught sight of what she assumed Ruby also saw.
Mantle/Atlas Memorial à
Weiss started to jog in the direction that the sign stated as the trail of rose petals seemed to confirm her suspicions that Ruby had seen the sign as well. Weiss didn't realize she had broken out into a sprint until her lungs reactively demanded air and she sucked in a heavy breath, thankfully Ruby hadn't gone very far, rounding a corner she came upon a gate in a wall that contained a small trail of rose petals and above the gate the sign read.
Mantle/Atlas Memorial
She could make out the slight fluttering of more recent rose petals and she could see the hooded head of Ruby off in the corner, she was stood in front of a wall that was standing on its own, the wall made a pattern as the wall was one of many that went on until one became part of the far wall that defined the property. Looking at the closest wall to herself she noticed some names she didn't recognise but Weiss could assume what caused them to be engraved.
Ruby was evidently deep in thought as Weiss shouted her name but she didn't get a response, as she made it closer she noticed that the wall that Ruby had come to a stop in front of had fewer names that seemingly earned themselves larger font and a small added sentence after them. Ruby had grabbed a handful of her cloak and was scrubbing something aggressively, Weiss could see Ruby's muscles straining from exertion as her hand went from side to side, why Ruby would risk damaging her cloak worried Weiss but then she was able to read the names to the left and right of her leader and she was able to form a pretty decent guess which one she was in front of.
Ruby Rose: Beloved daughter and sister, Huntress. The girl who sought to warn the world.
Blake Belladonna: Beloved daughter, Proud Faunus, Huntress. She stood up for her people.
Yang Xiao Long: Beloved daughter and sister, Huntress. Shined bright to keep those around her from darkness.
Weiss scanned the other two names that stood upon the wall that she could see.
Penny Polendina: Beloved daughter, Protector of Mantle. More than just the sum of her parts.
Jaune Arc: Beloved Son and brother, Huntsman. A knight who shielded as many as he could from harm.
Weiss felt her heart clench at the memorial before her, her eyes landed back onto the back of Ruby who was trying to wipe something away still, taking small steps until she was stood beside Ruby, Weiss gently put a hand on Ruby's shoulder of the side that was holding her cape causing the girl to stop and lower her hand in defeat as she turned her head and Weiss could see the sadness in Ruby's eyes.
Ruby spoke quietly. "I didn't want you to see."
Weiss was about to ask what she meant until her eyes answered for her.
"Of course" Weiss thought to herself, it makes sense hers would be defaced.
Weiss Schnee: Beloved daughter and sister, Huntress. Stood in defense of the family she found.
Don't' Come Back Had been scribed across her name.
"It's okay Ruby." Weiss' voice was confident, giving the impression it didn't impact her but she couldn't hide how her free hand turned into a frustrated clenched fist, nor could it seem to enough to convince Ruby who let go of her cape and awkwardly grabbed Weiss' hand that sat on her shoulder as she pointed to the offence with her other.
"No it isn't, everyone thought we'd died and somebody couldn't see past your name…" To emphasise her point she ran the hand that was pointing over Weiss' name with reverence before trying to rub off the vandalism with her palm. "…Whoever it was should be ashamed, they didn't deserve saving."
Weiss watched Ruby renew her effort and before she could attempt to stop her a familiar voice spoke from behind them full of shame.
"It was me."
The pit in her stomach somehow dropped even further as her heart stopped for a second at the recognition of who had just spoken, even Ruby had stopped and lowered her hand but she didn't turn around, she just stared at the words in front of her, Weiss though did turn but only half way as she didn't want to let go of Ruby's hand that held hers since if her ears weren't deceiving her she feared that she'd lose her anchor.
Weiss tightened the hold on Ruby's hand as she came face to face with the guilty expression of Winter, the admission acting as a barrier between them, Weiss was unsure what to say and Winter thankfully spoke first.
"This memorial at first seemed to unite everyone in mourning and remembering the dead but after a while people sought to blame someone, anyone, grief, and anger were rampant, the city became a powder keg that threatened to blow at any moment… I thought, you'd be so ashamed of us, of how we squandered what you'd given us with your sacrifice."
Weiss watched Winter avert her eyes as she finished evidently unable to face what she assumed was the anger Winter was expecting to come from her but as Weiss looked at her sister she found herself feeling sad for her, that after all this time the two still struggled to talk to one another.
"I don't care." Ruby spoke sternly, cutting through the silence that stood between the two Schnee siblings earning the attention of both of them as Weiss and Winter looked towards Ruby who had remained staring at the wall but from being beside her Weiss could make out the trail of tears that had started to run freely, seeking to comfort Ruby she tightened her grasp on Ruby's hand but Ruby surprised her by shaking it free and taking a step towards Winter.
"Do you even know who fell first?" Ruby asked but it was more of an accusation than a question, Winter kept her eyes down and shook her head slightly, at her answer Ruby continued. "It was Yang, she took a hit that was meant for me, I'm the reason my sister fell because she was protecting me. If no one else did and everyone in Vacuo was fighting do you think I wouldn't want her back."
It wasn't a question but Winter clearly took issue with the underlying accusation as she looked up at Ruby with a scornful expression.
"Don't think for a second I didn't want Weiss back, I'd have done anything but… I just didn't want you to see and think that we'd wasted the opportunity you'd given us."
"What about us? What about our failures?"
"Your failures?"
Winter words were paired with a confused expression, evidently surprised at the idea that her sister and her partner had failed. Ruby turned and looked to Weiss, taking back the hand she had shook free and gently comforting Weiss' cheek with her other, feeling the warmth of Ruby's hand Weiss instinctively sunk into it closing her eyes.
"When I first saw Weiss in the Ever After I was so happy to have my partner with me but then I'd realized she fallen as well…" Weiss opened her eyes at Ruby's words trying to convey to her that it was alright, Ruby wasn't guilty of anything. "…I'd separated her from her family and failed to keep her safe, along with the rest of my team, Blake and Yang, I failed you all."
Weiss realized that Ruby was no longer talking to Winter but to her and she shook her head at the idea.
"You didn't fail Ruby."
"Salem's got two relics now, Atlas, your home fell, I couldn't even save Penny… When it comes to telling dad and Qrow about what happened, will you come with me? I can't do it alone and they deserve to know."
Weiss nodded into the hand that rested on her cheek.
"Of course, you don't have to face anything alone again."
Ruby pulled Weiss into a tight hug and the two were reminded that they weren't alone by Winter's voice.
"Wait, are you two?.."
Ruby looked over towards the name on the wall embarrassed at remembering the two weren't alone and Weiss' suspicions were confirmed when she saw the red colour in Ruby's cheeks. Leaning onto Ruby's shoulder Weiss turned her head towards Winter giving her sister a small nod.
Ruby coughed to clear her throat ending the embrace before turning her attention to Winter.
"Don't think you can distract me from this." She pointed towards the memorial. "You can clean it up."
Weiss' eyes widened at the sternness in Ruby's voice as she ordered Winter around but thankfully any worry she had was immediately dispelled by Winter laughing.
"Yes ma'am… I don't know when this started but defending my sister's honour already how chivalrous."
Ruby gave out a mock salute. "Of course."
Ruby laughed at Winter's words and Weiss gave Ruby a playful shove.
"Hey, I don't need my honour defending."
Ruby raised her hands in mock defeat but continued laughing after seeing Weiss' reaction but before she could offer her own reaction a defence, a gruff voice rang out.
"I should've known you'd find yourself here."
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby yelped out surprised as she spun around and saw Qrow with Blake and Yang in tow.
Yang spoke next curious as to what was going on. "What's going on here?"
Winter was the first to answer. "We were discussing my sister's honour."
"My honour is nobody's concern."
"I dunno the way you reacted in the Ever After wasn't honourable. You did throw a stone at yourself."
"Says the girl who had her arm stolen by a racoon." Countered Weiss. "I merely tried to bring logic to the table, something that's clearly outside the grasp of others."
Yang opened her mouth to respond but her initial words died in her throat when she heard Blake laughing beside her.
"Hey, don't agree with her." Yang exclaimed.
"What? You did lose your arm." Blake argued through her laugh.
"I was unconscious."
"What brings you guys here?" Asked Ruby and Yang gestured to Qrow.
"Uncle promised to show us something we'd love but at the moment I'm just feeling ganged up on."
"You think they're going to love a memorial?" Asked a disbelieving Weiss and Qrow shook his head.
"You guys came the same way we did then. Go out the main entrance you'll see what I mean. I'm surprised Winter hasn't mentioned it?"
Weiss and Ruby looked over to the words that stood atop Weiss's name, Winter stepped onto the other side of Ruby and fulfilling her task that Ruby gave her, she waved her hand across the words as the maiden powers shimmered on her fingertips undoing the damage they had done.
Feeling something was wrong Weiss looked over to Ruby and noticed the pained expression on her face, she reached out and took Ruby's hand into her own.
"You okay?" she asked softly.
Ruby nodded. "It's just… Seeing them on someone else, it's weird you know."
Unable to see the two behind Winter, Qrow spoke out once the older Schnee was finished.
"Come on then, easier to show you all at once."
Qrow unceremoniously pushed Blake and Yang forward forcing Winter to step back to let them pass, she huffed out a breath of annoyance at Qrow's antics and Weiss held onto Ruby's hand in her own and the bags in the other stepping in line with Winter so the other three could go in front and she noticed the way Blake's eyes flicked down to Ruby and Weiss' intertwined hands but the Faunus didn't say anything and Weiss couldn't tell if she had figured it out or not, not that she wanted it to be a secret but everything still felt very new and Blake seemingly took mercy on Weiss and didn't say anything.
"So where are we going?" Ruby asked Blake and Yang, Yang only shrugging was less helpful but thankfully Blake picked up the slack.
"Your uncle wanted to show us something but to be honest this seems a bit morbid."
"Well yea, we came in through the back entrance, I have to savour the surprise somehow, once we're outside you'll see what I mean. Winter back me up here?"
Ruby and Weiss looked over to Winter who nodded as she spoke.
"It's definitely a wonderful sight, words don't do it justice."
Weiss and Ruby shared a confused look as it was rare for both Winter and Qrow to be on the same page. The group made their way out past the main gate and followed the alleyway until it met the main road and Qrow gestured to the wall that was just around the corner, Winter and Qrow stood back as they fell behind the members of team RWBY.
Weiss couldn't speak for the others but she felt her heart drop at the vivid mural that sat proudly and carefully maintained upon the wall, Ruby stood, fists over her heart and her eyes seemed to hold incredible hope, rose petals were coming out from behind her blowing in the background around everyone. Beside her was Yang to the left with her hair blowing in the wind the tips turning into flaming embers, a gleeful smirk spread freely across her face. Blake was above Yang, her cat ears stood proudly atop her head as she stood beside her leader with a determined expression and Gambol Shroud was held in one hand and its ribbon flowed alongside Yang's hair. Weiss was on the other side of Ruby standing beside her partner, Myrtenaster in her left hand while her right rested supportively on Ruby's shoulder, she had a compassionate smile while around her were dotted snowflakes. On either side at each ends stood Jaune and Penny, Jaune was next to Yang while Penny was beside Weiss, the two had a hand in a fist in determination, Penny had a grin that was bigger than Yang's and her signature swords stood above her forming a crown while Jaune's shield rested against his waist. Around Ruby were three words.
Remember Her
Message
Ruby dropped both of her hands to her side as she took a step forward, Weiss' hand felt cold and she reached forward for her partner but Ruby took another step forward as she reached out and pressed a hand to the middle of the drawing of herself.
Qrow spoke proudly as he look at the mural.
"You trusted that Remnant could hear the truth Ruby and because… you did start something, you started the process of bringing us all together. It wasn't easy but one day somebody grabbed a can of paint and I guess you could say this acted like a catharsis of hope…" Qrow wiped a tear that threatened to break free.
"Wow." Yang let out breathless.
Weiss started to lower the hand that was reaching for Ruby as she let her leader take in the sight before them but it was caught by Blake who had stepped up beside her.
"Look at us now, a Faunus and a Schnee standing together. We've come quite far."
Weiss smiled at Blake gratefully.
"We've become family." Answered Weiss.
Blake pulled Weiss closer to her so she could speak without the rest hearing, a smirk appeared as Blake teased Weiss with some helpful advice.
"Now do what I couldn't and catch your girl."
Weiss' eyes widened as Blake spun her around and pushed her beside Ruby, Weiss' reaction to being treated so roughly was cut short when she saw the look on Ruby. She realized that Blake had been speaking metaphorically, that Ruby was falling into a bottomless mind pit of what ifs and Weiss grabbed her hand that remained by her side and Ruby was snapped out from letting her mind run wild and she looked over to Weiss.
"I told you." Weiss spoke strongly, if she believed it, she knew she could make Ruby believe it to. "We have faith in you Ruby, you're not a screw up. You're plan worked, trust in your team."
Ruby looked between Weiss and the rest of her team, Blake smiled supportively as Yang gave her sister a big grin, even Qrow and Winter seemed to be waiting for her.
"But I don't have any answers?" Ruby admitted and Weiss shook her head.
"We follow you because you want to do what's right Ruby, you don't need the answers, just follow your heart."
Taking a deep breath Ruby shook her shoulders slightly as she turned to Yang with a smile, grabbing Weiss' hand more firmly into her own she held it up to Yang and Weiss' eyes widened at the action as Yang raised a confused eyebrow.
"Yang this is Weiss my…" she paused as she looked over to Weiss seemingly asking for permission, Weiss rolled her eyes.
"Just say it, you had no problems earlier."
Ruby nodded with a big grin.
"Weiss, my girlfriend."
"AH!" Yang threw her arms up in the air wrapping them around the two and pulling them both into a tight hug as she continued excited. "I get another sister."
Weiss groaned as she shoved Yang's shoulder with futility.
"She said girlfriend not wife you brute."
"Pfft, as if you'd say no if Ruby asked."
Weiss tried to huff out a response but it petered out before she could properly form it as the laughing from Blake was followed up with from teasing.
"I think Yang's just getting ahead of herself."
"I am not, you didn't see the way she hugged Weiss at Mistral, might as well have started from then."
Yang let the two of them go as Ruby just shook her head at her sisters' words and Weiss wasn't going to dignify her teasing with a response, she picked up her things before turning back to Yang and Blake.
"Where did you two sneak off to anyway? You were gone before we left this morning."
Yang ran her hand through her hair.
"Yea, had to pull off the old Branwen bandage ya know."
Her answer earned a frown from Ruby who didn't immediately understand until she turned to Qrow who simply nodded.
Ruby's voice surprised everyone at the laced venom.
"Raven is here!?"