You appear back in the house with Qrow, Neo, and Weiss in tow. Neo and Qrow step away, the former taking a seat on the couch to wait for the debriefing while Qrow walks around to find the others.
"Hey, we're back! Where is everyone?"
Weiss remains silent as she takes in her current situation. Trying to run from Atlas to find her sister here, in Mistral, and yet she finds you instead. After all this time, after wondering what exactly she was going to do knowing her sister wasn't on the continent anymore… all that worry and doubt and fear have washed away by the clear waters of your presence.
"So, did you do it?" Nora pops out from the corner, only to freeze at the sight of an old friend.
"Nobody was hurt, were they?" Ruby runs by Qrow, already seeing that her uncle is fine. "I didn't hear any ex… plo…" The young girl is left stunned when instead of a stranger being brought back, it was the exact opposite. "Weiss?" She can only whisper, emotions holding her voice back.
Weiss' eyes start to water when she sees Ruby, Nora, Ren and Jaune – who've now come into view along with Oscar.
"You're… I… RUBY!" The girls run at each other, embracing with a long-awaited hug.
"WEISS! YOU'RE HERE!" The glee from Ruby echoes through the whole house. "What're you even doing here? How did you find her?" Ruby and Weiss separate, and the two shift towards you.
"Well, you know… poor princess was kidnapped and trapped by these awful bandits and needed a shining hero to save her," you very accurately recount. "But they were all busy so I just volunteered instead."
"Oh ha ha," Weiss responds with her signature sarcastic laugh. "I'll have you know I had a plan to escape. I was just…waiting for the right time."
"Sure thing, chilly lady," you nod. "I have no doubt. But maybe you should have a-"
"WEISS!" Nora screams, arms wide open. "Where's our hug?"
"Nora… Ren… Jaune… I'm so happy to see you," the recent rescuee says before approaching the enthusiastic ginger for a hug.
The students gather together, all happy to see their old friend again. Oscar – or rather Ozpin – passes around them with Qrow and approaches you.
"I'm very happy to see Ms. Schnee, but I have to wonder why you only returned with her and not the Spring Maiden. What exactly transpired?"
You three take a seat around the meeting area – you take the couch next to Neo while Ozpin sits on the solo seat, and Qrow on the couch beside.
"There was only one young woman at Raven's camp," you start.
"The other one not being the same Spring I remember," Qrow quickly adds some groundwork.
"Not the same one?" Ozpin contemplates this information for a moment. "So, she either ran away… or was killed."
"I interrogated the other girl there," you continue, but the wording puts a small smile on Neo's face. A real show watching your work. Qrow, on the other hand, gives you side eye for your specific choice of words. "She claimed not to be the Maiden, and also told us that the Spring Maiden had run away and gotten killed before Raven could catch up with her."
Ozpin slowly nods, still in a contemplative position. "Your thoughts, Qrow?"
"She wasn't lying about not being the Spring Maiden, that's for sure. Don't know about Spring running away, though. Doesn't seem like Raven to let anyone just slip through her fingers like that. Let alone the fact it was a Maiden."
"Yeah, or else she made the greatest bluff of her life," you snicker. "But I can say for certain she wasn't telling the truth about the Maiden."
"You think so?" Qrow speaks up.
"Yeah," you slowly nod. "I could tell by her eyes, her body language when she was saying she wasn't the Spring Maiden she really meant it. But her little story… it was also a good lie, one she's clearly practiced, but a lie nonetheless," you let out a huff. "Hard to say, though. I couldn't pinpoint exactly what the lie was. Did the Maiden really run away? Did Raven really kill her? Can't say… either way, I'd say her lie was risky…"
"What do you mean?" Ozpin asks.
"Well, if she WAS a Maiden, I don't understand why she wouldn't just fight back, unless the entire point was to put on this show so I believe she isn't a Maiden, but then doubt her little story."
"An attempt to really make us doubt ourselves?" Ozpin deconstructs.
"Yeah, but it seems too risky. I could've just killed her and then the Maiden powers goes off to someone else. It's just…" You start rubbing your jaw, attempting to put the pieces together. "There's something that isn't sitting right with me. Something is wrong, but I don't know what. Could…Raven be the Spring Maiden?" You look to Qrow.
"I doubt it. Raven wouldn't want a target like that on her back, and the intel I got always mentioned my sister with another girl – a Maiden."
"Hm…" You look down, letting your hands fall and start tapping your knees with your thumbs. "Neo," you swing your head over to meet her eyes. "You think you could do me a favour?"
Neo nods without hesitation.
"Think you could stay around Raven's camp? Keep an eye on it to see if we really did fall for their lie?"
"That's not a bad idea. That girl never saw Neo," Qrow chips in. "And it could confirm our suspicions about Leo."
"Really?" You raise a brow at the elder Huntsman.
"If Leo thinks we're just gonna sit around and wait, then snitch to Salem about Raven's whereabouts, we'd know thanks to your little friend."
"It's very possible he's already reported that, if he has indeed betrayed us," Ozpin adds.
"All the more reason to keep an eye out," Qrow reaffirms.
"Then I'll drop you off around there after we're done here," you turn back to Neo, giving her a genuine smile. "Thank you, Neo."
Neo smiles back, always willing to do whatever you need. She will ALWAYS prove herself to you. She will NEVER be worthless.
"But before that," you look back over at Ozpin. "I have a question."
"Ah, right," Qrow leans back and exhales.
"What is it?"
"Apparently, Harrier paid Raven a visit."
"Harrier is working with Salem… is this the clue we needed for Professor Lionheart?" Ozpin thinks aloud.
"No, sounded like he was there for his own reasons. Not long back," you raise your gloved hand and attract your blade to it. "Raven once tried to steal my sword. I've been mulling my head about it for a while, but apparently, Harrier learned about it and asked her himself." Ozpin keeps a straight face at your question, briskly putting it all together. "Do you know why he'd care about that? Do you know why Raven would want to take my dad's sword?"
Ozpin takes a short breath, setting both hands on his cane. "Besides your father's blade having its own unique property with blood, I can't fathom a guess."
"Just for its ability, huh?" You set the base of the sword on the ground and rest your palm on the top, mirroring how Ozpin is. "Maybe… I remember she told me that I shouldn't have it."
"Raven was always a little competitive with your father," Qrow rationalizes it. "In some ways, I would almost say a little obsessed. You should have seen their sparring sessions," he snickers, then gets back on topic. "Maybe that's why? Can't even fathom why she would bother or care. Unless she's turned to collecting lately."
"Indeed… why she would bother," Ozpin repeats. "I would quickly get Ms. Neo into position. You never know what may happen."
"Mm…" You keep a sharp eye on Ozpin, who's kept a solid exterior. "Right. You ready, Neo?" You look over at her with a cheery expression.
The girl sets a hand on your shoulder, which is the only signal you need. You close your eyes and your Semblance transports you both back to the camp, this time locking onto a spot on the opposite side of where you originally were. It doesn't take nearly as much time, now knowing exactly where it is.
You and Neo leap into the dark, cold forest.
"Ah, sorry to leave you alone out here in this crap place."
Neo shrug and waves her hand at you, showing you she doesn't really mind.
"Right. Well, if you learn anything, need help, wanna leave, just gimme a message on my scroll."
The small girl nods in response. She instantly takes out her scroll and starts typing something. That piques your interest since you can pick up on most of her sign and body language. She presents the scroll to you.
"When we were in Mistral, a woman was watching you. She was hooded. She was dangerous. Watch your back."
"A woman…"
You think back to the hooded assailant you deduced to be female – the one who killed Aero.
She was watching me? Does that mean the house is being targeted?
You look to Neo and bow your head. "Thank you, Neo. I'll stay safe."
Neo takes her scroll back and smiles, knowing you'll be more on guard now. You need to be for someone with such a cold soul.
You take a step back and close your eyes, taking a deep breath.
"Hey, Neo, before I leave… do you think Ozpin was being honest with me?" You open one eye to see her shake her head "No."
"Hm… I didn't either. Which means," you pat your sword. "Well, I'll add that to the long list of my problems. Stay safe, Neo. I'll check in on you soon."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
You disappear from the room, leaving Ozpin and Qrow to their lonesome for a short time. The elder Huntsman looks over to his young-bodied mentor, noting his deep introspection.
"Everything okay, Oz?"
"I… believe so," he recollects himself. "Just a lot to think about now. We have to keep one step ahead of Salem and not allow Mistral to suffer the same fate as Vale did."
"Of course," Qrow kicks his feet up. "Good thing we have so many eager helpers this time around, hm?"
"Indeed…" Ozpin agrees with his words, but his tone weaves a different tale.
"Hey, where did Neo and (Y/N) go?" Ruby asks while she and the entire group gather around.
"(Y/N) had the idea of making Neo do a little recon. Make sure we're not left entirely in the dark" Qrow responds. "I'm sure he'll be back any second," Qrow stands up and stretches. "Tomorrow I'm going to let Leo know we're going with his plan, then I'll try and find my own Huntsmen to help out. Still got a few contacts. Which means I might not be around every night," Qrow turns to Ruby. "So don't give me an earful about it."
"Hm… this time," Ruby squints at him.
The two chuckle before the old man takes his leave. "Make sure to go to bed, kids. You still got plenty of training to do," he makes his way to his room, stopping before he's out of sight. "Oh, and, uh… Ice Queen jr," he turns around.
"Hey, my name's Weiss!" She barks back.
"Heh, right, Weiss… glad you're safe. Just hope you're ready for all this."
With that, Qrow leaves everyone to get some rest. With him gone, Ozpin returns control back to Oscar.
"What does he mean by that?" Weiss looks around.
"Oh, right. I guess we haven't filled you in," Ruby rubs the back of her head. "Hey, Professor, can you…"
"He's gone," Oscar stands up, retracting the cane and putting it on his hip. "And I'm a bit tired. I'll be heading off to bed if you don't mind."
"Yeah, maybe… hold it off until tomorrow," Jaune suggests. "When we're not all tired."
You suddenly appear in the room, letting out a full breath of air. "Man, it's chilly out there. Much better to be here." You look to everyone, who's scattered around the main room. "What's up?"
"I think we're about to call it a night," Ren informs.
"Ah, fair enough. Pretty late," you twist your torso to stretch. "Alright then. We can consider it a mission accomplished. Happy day. We did some good stuff."
"You haven't even told us how it went," Ruby complains. "You didn't bring back a Maiden."
"Well, technically I brought back A maiden," you smirk, leaning forward and gazing at Weiss who visibly groans. "That's a win, no?"
"But…"
"We can chat about it tomorrow," you wave off, taking steps towards your room. "Just trust me that things are going well. At least on that front."
"On that front?" Weiss notes.
"Abababababa, it's fine, don't worry about it," you say, entering your room and shutting the door behind you.
"He's up to something," Jaune speaks.
"Yep," all of them agree without hesitation.
Weiss stares at the door, wondering what you have planned. You appear similar to how you were before, but there's something different that's lingering below the surface. It's like the crystal clear lake you had is now frozen over with a false lining.
"I believe we should all retire for the night as well. We stayed up longer than necessary to see how the mission went," Ren recommends.
"Oh, alright," Nora whines, following Ren away from the group.
Everyone slowly splits up, going to their own rooms. Everyone but Ruby and Weiss. The two teammates look to each other and smile.
"Is he okay?" Weiss softly asks.
"He's…" Ruby looks away, contemplating all that has happened with you lately. "He's still recovering from Beacon, I think."
"We all are."
"Some more than others," Ruby thinks of her sister, Jaune, you. The people close to her who lost more than just their school, or their spirit. People who were crushed, but still go on. Admirable, but fragile.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Having changed into your pajamas, you walk out of the bathroom with a towel patting your face. With all that's going on, a decent washing of your face, a time to reflect on what's been done and must be done.
At least we've made progress on the Maiden situation, even if it's not much. I just have to wait for Neo. Until then, I'll try to find that hooded woman. She has to be in Mistral somewhere. I just have to flush her out. Maybe use myself as bait? Maybe…
You toss the towel into the wicker basket and notice Ruby already lying in your bed.
"When did you even get in here? I locked the door."
"But not the window," she points to the open window with curtains slightly flowing.
"That's… kinda creepy."
"GAH!" Ruby covers her head with the blankets, shivering. "I'm… I'm… I'm creepy?"
"Oh, uh, no!" You panic, running towards, the bed, hopping on it, and placing your hands on top of the blankets that protect Ruby from your shameful gaze. "It's, uh, super cute. Yeah. I'm just so baffled by your, uh, dedication."
Ruby slowly pulls the covers down, just to show off her eyes accompanied by curious brows. "Really?"
"Does it make you feel better?"
"Well…" Ruby slowly raises the comforter. "You did call me cute…"
"Wow, you're really easy to please."
"Hey!" Ruby drops the blanket, instantly grabbing a pillow and smacking you with it.
"Gah!" You let yourself fall sideways on the bed. "Unprovoked assault!"
"I'll show you unprovoked assault!" Ruby hops on top of you, twisting you so you're on her back and she can pin you down properly before playfully raining down pillowfire.
"I don't think," you block a few of the attacks. "That sounds as good as you were hoping."
"Silence! Defend yourself!"
"Alright!"
You reach for a pillow and slap her upside the head with it, freeing yourself from her mount.
"Gah, critical hit," she moans.
"Your defences are lacking, Ruby Rose!" You get up straight, though on your knees. "Allowing me to regroup."
"Regroup you may have," Ruby gets on her knees as well. "But you'll never defeat my pillows!"
"Pillows?"
Ruby reveals her now two pillows. "My arsenal has doubled since we last battled."
"The number of weapons doesn't matter! It's how you handle them!"
You both start swinging your pillows at each other and adding comically dramatic sound effects, clashing the soft mounds mid-air while you also having to duck or lean to avoid her second armament. Ruby winds both weapons up and above her head. She brings both down on you, but you roll to the side and completely off the bed. Popping back up immediately, you throw the pillow which hits her square on the cheek.
"GAH" She falls onto the other side of the bed. But soon, laughter comes from the woman. "You have abandoned your weapon, foolish warrior. NOW I HAVE THREE!" She gets to her feet, two pillows in one hand and one in the other. "Come face my tri weapon!"
You refuse to respond to her taunt, which only raises suspicion. Ruby, step by step, shuffles around the bed while keeping her eyes keenly locked on your hiding spot.
"Silence will not save you. Nor begging!" She quickly clarifies. "Your defeat will come…" She jumps to the edge of the bed, weapons ready. "SWIFTLY!" Her eyes look around for you… but you're not there. "Huh?"
"Weapons I need not," you appear behind her, fingers dancing along her body's sides.
"Gah! Ahahahahaha!" The ticklish spot leaves Ruby completely helpless and without her pillows for defense.
"You let your guard down!"
"Unfair," she heaves through laughter.
With your hands still on her, you pick her up and toss her on the bed. She's still in a haze from the tickling, so she doesn't stop you when you hop on the bed and continue your spree. Ruby tries to push your hands away, but when realizing she can't stop you she just grabs your shirt and tries to flip you over so she can be on top. She isn't strong enough, so you just each fall on your side. You stop tickling her, instead laughing with the girl as she comes down from her high.
She keeps her hands tightly clenching your shirt, while you let your hands rest where they were – under her hip and on of her ribs. The young girl opens her eyes and tilts her head a bit to look up at you.
"Hey."
"Hm?" You open your eyes and gaze down at her. "You want round two?"
"No! I… I lost," she admits. "And you won."
"It didn't have to be that intens-"
Ruby pulls down on your shirt to pull you a little closer while she extends up. She presses her soft lips against yours, a sensation you haven't felt in… a long time. Ruby slowly pulls back, breathing a little heavier. She lowers her head and puts her forehead against your chest, not wanting to show off that her pale complexion has been washed over with red.
"You-"
"I just wanted to," she whispers. "It's… been a long time… and we've been so busy with everything and I was worried and…" Ruby looks up at you, eyes shimmering. "I missed you. I missed this. Us. Being together, reading or talking until we fall asleep. Ki… kiss…ing…" Ruby heats up a little. "You're the first person… I've ever… and… it means a lot to me. A lot."
"You mean a lot to me. A lot," you wrap your arms around her and pull her into an embrace. "I wish we didn't meet at such a rocky point. But I want you to know that all I want is for everyone to be safe. For you to be safe."
"And I want you to be safe," she breathes into your chest.
"Now that's just asking too much of me," you huff. "Can't you just ask for a puppy or something?
She giggles "I have Zwei."
"Mm… Zwei…" You recall his thievery of your great prize. "Maybe a cat?"
"I'm trying to be serious here, you know?" She playfully headbutts your chest. "Have a real chat with my… boyfriend."
"Ew, a title. I'm not your property."
"That's not what I meant!" She hardly defends. "We're just… I mean, I thought we were…"
"Ruby, you dingleberry, it hasn't changed. We've always been together. We're still together."
"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" She changes back to happiness, just waiting for you to say it.
"More like manfriend and girlfriend. I'm very mature."
"Shut. Up," she says with laughter. "I… hehe," she tightly wraps her arms around you, resting her head on your chest so she can hear your heartbeat. It isn't elevated. You're not embarrassed like she is. "I just wanted to make sure."
You smile moving your hand to her head and running your fingers gently through her hair. You never stopped caring about Ruby. It was just your mindset at the time. One you still don't entirely disagree with, but it's pointless to fight for. As long as everyone is okay. As long as she's safe.
You have more you want to say to her. Accepting it like this audibly, intimately, it puts her on a level that reminds you of… but it won't come out. It's like the words are locking down in your throat, scared to leave. You're scared to say them. That mutual fear pushes the words back down to hide away inside you. "I will keep you safe," you barely whisper, but she hears it.
"I'll keep you safe too."
Ruby pushes back a bit against your hug, which makes you loosen up on her a bit. But all she does is go for another kiss. One… that is interrupted by a knock on the door.
"If that's my uncle…"
"If that's your uncle, I'm hiding you."
You step out of bed and to the door, opening it up and revealing… Weiss. She's in her PJs, or at least the ones that were provided to her… your extras. She's in an oversized white t-shirt and checkered, red and black boxers.
You hold in a laugh before speaking. "Did you wanna show me what you looked like?"
"What? I…" She looks down, realizing your insinuation. "No, shut up! They're YOUR pajamas! And you're going to be the one to take me to buy suitable ones tomorrow."
"Me?" You chuckle. "But I was the one who gave you my extras."
"Then laughed at me."
"Do I not earn that right?"
"You have the right of duncery."
"Ah, a classic but now evolved. I like it."
Weiss smiles proudly. "Thank you. Now, do you mind if I come in?"
"Uh…" You look back over to the bed. "Sure?"
"Okay," Weiss passes by you. "Why say it in such a-"
"Weiss!" Ruby pops her head out of the blankets.
"GAH! What're you…" She stops herself. "Actually, you being here makes sense. Sorry, am I interrupting something?"
Ruby looks to you for a response. Part of her would rather dismiss Weiss for the night and spend her time with you. But this is also just hours after Weiss has reunited with everyone. Not only does Ruby want to catch up more with her teammate and friend more, but she can imagine you want to as well. Everyone could tell that you two were close friends.
"Oh, no, no, you're totally okay," you smile at her.
"Okay, good. Honestly, it's… just been a long time. I wanted to talk with you. Actually, it's nice that both of you are here," Weiss stays standing in the room while you take a seat on the bed.
"Come on," you beckon. "Don't stand there like you're giving a presentation."
"Oh, uh… okay…"
"Yeah, Weiss! It wouldn't be the first time… OOH," Ruby claps. If Weiss is going to be here, she might as well make the most of it. Ruby can sneak into your bed basically any day, but Weiss… "You should sleep here with us!"
"Really?" Both you and Weiss blurt out.
"Yeah! Like a sleepover. Weiss and me did it before!"
"Ha," you let out. "Why? You had your own beds."
"Ugh," Weiss rolls her eyes as she takes a seat on the edge of the bed. "Ruby once took the perfectly made tea I brewed for the team and spilt it all over her sheets."
"Hehehe," Ruby rubs the back of her head. "I wasn't used to it yet."
"So why not just sleep with Yang?" You bring up.
"That's what I said!" Weiss gestures a thank you, as if the answer was obvious. "But Yang said she had to share a bed with Ruby enough when they were growing up."
"I had nightmares sometimes…"
You can't help but snicker.
"Hey, I'll get my war weapons back!" The young one points at you.
"No, no, I'm good. So, how did you get stuck with her?"
"We drew straws," Weiss sighs. "I lost."
"HA," you lay back on the bed.
"So, you wanna stay? It'll be fun! And we can talk all night!" Ruby only gets happier at the idea.
"I do wanna hear more."
"Well… I…" Weiss rubs her arm. "I… do kinda miss it. But only if everyone is okay with it. And as long as YOU don't get any funny ideas!" She points at you.
"I always have funny idea- oh," you get her point. "Damn, now I don't even want to be here. I thought that was the whole point."
"What?" Weiss says with shock.
"That was one of my funnies, Weiss," you shake your head with disappointment. "If you're so worried, we'll have Ruby be in the middle."
"Me?" Ruby points at herself.
"Yeah?"
"I think Weiss should be in the middle," Ruby she points at the one in question.
"What? Why me?"
"Yeah, that seems a little weird."
"So Weiss can be appreciated on both sides," Ruby rationalizes. "Unless you wanna be in the middle?
"Oh, no," you wave your arms in front of you. "I am not being put in that situation."
"I know!" Ruby has a eureka moment before using her Semblance to speed out of the room.
"What is she..."
"Oh no," Weiss whines.
The girl speeds back in, placing herself between you all with three straws. "I mixed them up when I was coming back. I don't know which is which."
"What, so the one who draws the short straw sleeps in the middle?"
Ruby nods eagerly. "Mhm, mhm. It's gonna be fun! I love sleepovers."
"Huh…" you grab a normal sized straw. "Oh, cool. I'm not getting incriminated."
"Your turn Weiss!"
Weiss stares at the straws, carefully considering the choice. If the straw was losing, she has a feeling that she'd inevitably pull it. But because it could mean victory, she really can't tell. What would victory even be to her? Does she WANT to be in the middle?
Weiss slowly reaches for the left… then switches to the right. She pulls the straw out to be a regular size.
"Awww," Ruby whines. "I don't wanna be in the middle."
"Then why'd you make this game?" You laugh.
"Cause I thought one of you would get it. I'm gonna get too hoooooooooooooot," she whines.
"Your idea, your rules, your consequences," Weiss firmly reminds.
"But he could go in the middle!"
"But what if I overheat?"
"You deal with it."
"Hoooow is that fair?
Ruby proudly smiles. "Think of it as payback for earlier."
"Oh, no, I'd have to sleep between Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee. What a punishment," you say in a sarcastically bland tone. "But you lost so into the middle you go."
"But I-"
"He's right Ruby."
"But… but…" Ruby slouches over, defeated. "Betrayal…"
"You betrayed yourself!" You poke
Weiss scoffs at the response but does end up smiling.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
All three of you are tucked into the bed, under the comforter. You're on the far left, Ruby in the middle, and Weiss on the right. Thankfully you didn't have to be in the middle, but you still feel like Qrow is going to find out and not care about your sleeping position. He'll just put you in the dirt himself… or tell Tai so he can come all the way here to kill you. Or tell Yang so she can pummel you into the ground. Maybe even ring up Winter so she can fly your body into the sun. A lot of people would use this information for a murder justification.
Besides that, you all do end up talking a lot. It's been a long time coming. Ruby chats away about her time with Ren, Nora, and Jaune traveling across Remnant on their journey to Mistral. Weiss shares her time at her home, and how she fled here to find her sister. And you tell them about some of the details of your journey, leaving out key aspects like Raven's attack, your discovery of Augmented Semblances, and your slaughter of the Tawny family. Ruby may already know, but it's not something you want to sour this upbeat mood with. You did end up explaining why Neo was with you and her new alliance with you all, contrary to her prior partnership with Roman Torchwick.
"How were you planning to escape, anyway?" You look over Ruby to give Weiss your full attention, as you and her have been mostly talking for the past minutes. "You mentioned you had a plan."
"Well, I've been improving my Glyphs since we last met," Weiss proudly explains. "And I've gotten my… go-to partner."
"Partner? Better than Ruby? You hear that," you snicker, looking down at Ruby for a reaction.
Ruby, however, has her eyes closed and fast asleep. She's completely dead to the world.
"Ah," you make sure to whisper. "Well, what is it?"
Weiss smirks, focusing atop the covers to summon a white glyph that spins dances to life. From it, a very small white suit of old armour materializes, bearing a large sword for its size.
"Aw, it's like a little action figure," you smile at it. "Heya little buddy."
The soldier knees and bows to you.
"Don't call it 'little buddy'" Weiss chastises you.
"What do I call it then?"
"It's the Arma Gigas."
You blink at her a few times. "I like little buddy more."
"Yeah, well…" Weiss struggles to come up with a retort. "I like you more when you're not a dunce!"
"When am I ever a dunce?"
"Always," you both say, her seriously and you mockingly with your eyebrows raised.
That alone makes you start to laugh, needing to cover your mouth to not be so loud.
"So… so how was this supposed to help you?"
"He isn't just small. He grows!"
"Hey, we have that in common, little guy," you offer a fist bump to him, but he folds his tiny arms and looks away in shame.
"You're disgusting."
"It was funny."
"Barely."
"Hehe," you adopt a toothy grin, proud that Weiss thinks you're funny. "So, how big?"
"Well, I can make him around thrice as tall as me."
"Not bad. Any bigger?"
"I haven't really tried yet. I've never seen Winter make any of her summons bigger. Only smaller."
"So, you have room for improvement," you nudge her. "That's pretty good."
"It is?"
"It's a goal. Goals are always good to have. Keeps us looking forward. Doesn't let us become… stale? Stagnant?"
"You have a goal?"
"Lots of them," you nod, staring into her bright blue eyes. "Protecting Mistral, improving my Semblance, thinking of new ways to compliment my favourite Heiress." Weiss is clearly unimpressed by the last goal. "I'll move the last one to top priority."
"You should change it to, 'find an actual way to compliment the heiress.'"
"Ah," you slap your chest as if her comment was a bullet. "Can't believe it. I could easily compliment you, but it'd just be regular compliments. Oh, Weiss, your blue eyes are as deep as the sea, and even more majestic. Oh, Weiss, your long flowing white hair looks like the softest thing on the planet. Oh, Weiss-"
"Your girlfriend is right beside you. Also, one of my best friends."
"Yeah? I'm in bed with my girlfriend, one of her best friends, and one of my best friends. Are we just pointing things out now?"
Weiss readjusts in place and stares up at the ceiling. "Do you not feel weird flirting with another girl."
"Flirting? I… oh, yeah, fair enough actually. My bad, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I was just having fun."
"It's okay… it's almost refreshing."
"Refreshing? Didn't get enough attention back in Atlas?" You snicker.
"Pfft, hardly," Weiss scoffs. "But… anyone my own age just talked to me because of my name, or to make sure they did it infront of others for status. Nobody talked for… fun. My sister was gone, my brother is… stuck in the shadow of my father., and my mother doesn't… come out much. It was everything I hated before coming to Beacon, and I only found it more unbearable after Beacon."
The tone of her voice and the suppressed sadness that Weiss tends to throw on when she doesn't want to be vulnerable.
"So… actually, I do enjoy these stupid compliments you come up with. It's refreshing…" Weiss turns to you and smiles. "It's what I like about you."
"Just that?"
"Don't push it," her kind face instantly flips.
"Walking on thin Weiss?"
Weiss' unamused gaze pierces through your eyes, only for her then to spare you and turn around.
"Hey, come on!"
"You've lost all privilege."
"Come ooooon," you keep to a whisper.
"You can keep talking, but I'm not turning back."
"Is that a challenge?"
"A self imposed challenge with no reward."
"Sounds typical."
Weiss lets out a short giggle but quickly regains composure. "Very typical."
"So, what's with the new outfit?"
"They're YOUR clothes."
"No, I mean the one I you were wearing earlier."
"I have more than one outfit, (Y/N)."
"I've only seen you wear, like what, 4. One was a dress, one was your sleeping dress, and then two casual." (He also saw her naked one time. And she saw him naked too)
"Speak for yourself."
"I have a lot of variety!"
"Cookie… variety…" Ruby mumbles in her sleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Brine siblings finally make it in sight of Menagerie, their eyes drawn to the glowing flames piercing the dark night.
"The flames look like they're coming from the center," Aza notes.
"The Belladonna residence," Dylan confirms.
Dylan flies the two past the shore and over most of the houses.
The young brother looks over his shoulder to his older sister, "My Aura's low from the trip. I'll help as much as I can, but you'll have to do most of the fighting."
Aza smiles, showing her sharp fangs. "With pleasure. Anyone who's following Adam will burn."
"Just… don't kill them. We need people on our side."
"R-Right… then why don't we start with the immediate problem?"
Dylan's water platform passes by the onlookers and lands right in front of the building. Menagerie police were keeping everyone at a safe distance.
"Hey, everyone has to stay back!"
"I don't think so," Dylan takes their attention. "I'm a friend of the family, and…"
Aza, who's focused on the fire outside, waves her hands to stimulate her Aura. The flames that crackled and thrived around the house swirls together into a ball in the sky, then is all brought into Aza's hand, the flames of terror being overwhelmed by Aza's own burning passion.
The police officer watches at such an amazing display, one that silenced every onlooker.
"Come on, Dylan," Aza bluntly commands before running into the building.
Dylan starts shuffling towards the home, "Keep everyone back. We'll make sure the Belladonnas are safe!" He turns and follows in his sister's footsteps.
While Aza isn't familiar with the building, her heightened sense of hearing makes it easy to discern where she is needed. In one direction she can clearly hear the White Fang twins, Corsac and Fennec, in battle with who she can only assume to be the former White Fang high leader, Ghira Belladonna.
Dylan reaches her side, keeping his ears open for anything as well.
"Your Aura is low," Aza blatantly states. "There's a smaller conflict on that side of the mansion," she points towards the right. "I think that's Ghira's wife."
"Kali… you're right! Fine, I'll go make sure Kali is okay. You help Ghira, Blake, and Sun."
"That's who they are? Very well. Stay safe."
"I'll be more careful this time," Dylan reassures. "I'm not in so much of a rush."
The two siblings dash in opposite directions, Dylan using his knowledge of the building to swiftly pass through burnt down doors, hop over knocked-over furniture, and even shoot a thin air blast from Zephyr Shale to get fallen beams out of his way. Thankfully, he's able to reach Kali quickly, finding the motherly Belladonna holding back a bat Faunus with a wooden cutting board.
Dylan immediately fires a can-sized air beam at the enemy Faunus, hitting him directly in the cheek. The bat Faunus flips twice over, landing on his side with complete bewilderment.
"Kali," Dylan gets her attention.
The two lock eyes, sharing a small conversation in an instant. Kali retreats to where one of her guards is, while Dylan takes to the center of the room to be this house invader's greatest problem.
The bat Faunus rubs his cheek while slowly getting to his feet. "What the… hell."
"You're…" Dylan squints as he digs through his memory. "Yuma."
Yuma widens his eyes and looks at his opponent, instantly recognizing the traitorous Dylan Brine. He also is acutely aware of how strong this new challenger is.
"Dylan Brine… I thought you were go-"
Dylan instantly throws a punch, sending another similarly sized air current at his chest. Yuma's knocked off his feet, only for Dylan to throw his other hand forward to summon a water tendril that slams Yuma against the far wall. The water slithers around him, grabbing tight as it lifts him up into the air and then head first right on the ground beside Dylan.
The young Faunus keeps his guard up, ready for Yuma's retaliation, but the bat Faunus is already out cold. He was always known for infiltration and assassination, not for straight-up encounters. Dylan lets out a sigh of relief as his Aura flickers.
"Dylan, are you alright?" Kali gets out from her hiding position and approaches the boy.
"Question is, are you? Your house was on fire."
"It was… and then it wasn't. Was that you?"
"My sister, actually. Hey," Dylan looks towards Kali's "protector." "You should tie this guy up and get Mrs. Belladonna out of the house. The way is clear back to the entrance."
"I, uh… y-yes, of course," the girl nods, getting onto her feet.
"My sister went to go help Ghira and the others. I'm going to go and join them. You get to safety, Kali."
"I will," she nods. "Make sure to give them a good hya, hya!" She punches in the air. "For me."
A snicker escapes Dylan's lips, even at a time like this. He looks to the older woman with a determined stare. "I will."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aza sprints through the house, hopping over fallen debris and furniture. She has no idea of the layout of this house, but her ears are locked on to the battle going on in another room.
"Please, please make it in time. I can't let this happen again. I can't…"
The girl reaches a hallway where she spots a hole in the wall and the clear sounds of battle. Aza flares her Aura up to prepare for battle and runs to the hole for a clear view of the battle. There are three people dressed in White Fang combat attire, two of them being the relatively known Corsac and Fennec, who are momentarily grounded from battle. The other is a girl Aza doesn't recognize, but the instantly recognizable Ghira is holding a fallen walkway, maybe to save the girl. There's also a black haired cat Faunus, which can be assumed to be Blake, standing on the sidelines with her weapon. Lastly, a blonde monkey Faunus who's watching the ordeal.
"Go!" Ghira wheezes, struggling with all his might to hold the heavy object.
The girl heads his command, scurrying out from underneath the debris. Ghira falters to one knee under the pressure, but the monkey Faunus slaps his hands together to create to ethereal clones of himself that rush to aid the elder.
Fennec is the first of the twins to rise, getting a grasp of the situation quickly. His brother is down, Ghira is compromised, and… Aza is here. He steps back, almost forgetting his objective behind him.
"Aza… you're here?"
Aza stays silent, projecting her rage at Adam onto Fennec. The flames around the room bloom as she steps closer to him. The intense aura, the raging heat emanating from her intimidates the weakened Faunus.
"You killed Sienna… you're trying to kill these people…"
Fennec tries to throw an attack, but one of the fire pits around them throws out a flame whip, smacking his hand and keeping the attack at bay. She keeps her sharp eyes on him, completely in control of the situation. The others around, even Ilia, aren't sure what to do. Aza isn't an unknown person in this room. In fact, the only person unaware of her identity is Sun.
Aza winds up her arm and hooks Fennec right in the jaw, knocking the Faunus onto the ground. She steps over him, her fist raging with a conjured flame.
"You don't deserve anything…" She hisses, the fire around her growing even brighter and hotter.
She grabs his throat and lifts him closer, staring at his fear-filled eyes.
"Is she… gonna…" Sun is still in a fighting stance, unsure what to make of this new arrival.
"Aza…" Ghira calmly says her name.
Aza throws down her punch… beside his head. Breaking through the floor of the Belladonna estate.
"But I'm not like you. Not anymore," the fires in the room completely die down as she lets Fennec go and steps back.
Aza takes a deep breath, still wrestling with all the emotions inside her. It felt… good to do that. But that's only one step. That doesn't change what she's done. That doesn't fix her emotions, feelings, or impulsive acts. That'll take time. But… she knows her brother would be proud of her. That's all she needs.
Aza then looks to the other White Fang member, Ilia, who's undecidedly standing to the side. There's conflict in her eyes, Aza can tell. The same kind that the fire user went through.
Before she can think, another door opens for Kali and Dylan, safe and sound.
"Mom!" Blake smiles, running to hug her family. "And Dylan! You're back!"
"With company," Dylan looks to his sister. "I'm glad you're all okay," he locks eyes with Ghira and Sun. "I'm sorry I wasn't here to help."
"Yeah, well, we still managed," Sun confidently replies. "Somehow… I still don't know how that fire went out. Do Menagerie firefighters work that quick?"
"That would be thanks to my sister, actually," Dylan gestures to Aza, standing far away from the friendly group. "She's on our side now."
Blake smiles, turning towards Aza. But that smile fades as Corsac and Fennec are both rising up to their feet.
"You… you ruined it all," Corsac's deep voice rumbles.
"The future of the Faunus… destroyed," Fennac continues.
Aza's palms flare up in flames for a fight, but Ilia is the first to make a move, wrapping her weapon around Fennec to electrify him into unconsciousness. Corsac turns to address the traitor, but he too falls victim to her weapon. Ilia watches as the two brothers fall to the floor, Aura's shattered, plans destroyed. Her entire world, her views… she can't go back now. The weight of it all hits her hard and she falls to her knees, crying.
Everyone stays silent for a moment, letting the girl release all of her emotions, but something has to be done.
"We should round up who we have and take them to the police," Ghira gets to his feet and approaches the two brothers, grabbing and carrying one in each arm.
Aza keeps her distance from the group as they follow Ghira towards the exit. Something inside her just itches being so near to the people she betrayed. It's a feeling she wasn't even expecting. But… it's there. It's gnawing at her brain like a parasite.
"Aza," Dylan puts his hand on her shoulder, snapping the sister out of her sinking thoughts. "Come on. We have a lot to talk about with them."
"Yeah…"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The group collects all the unconscious, subdued White Fang members they can find and lead them outside, setting them down as the police force surrounds them. They go to Ghira for information, so the younger warriors take place around the entrance. Ilia squats just outside the door, refusing to even look at Blake. Sun rests against a wall, tired and defeated. Dylan told them all what had happened with Sienna, and how Adam is now in control. It makes this victory seem minor in the grand scheme of things.
Blake, Dylan, and Aza stand at the top of the stairs, looking out to all the Faunus who gathered to see what's happening.
"What do we tell them?" Dylan gazes at the girls.
"You don't have anything to say?"
"I usually have more talkative company. How about you, Aza?"
Aza doesn't return her brother's gaze, instead maintains her focus on her fellow Faunus. "I failed all of them. What would you have me say?"
"That they shouldn't allow Adam to simply paint the picture of the Fauns to the entire world?" Dylan shrugs.
"Sounds like you should do the talking," Blake's lip curves for a moment. "But I will. I'm the one who's been asking them to risk it all."
And that's just what Blake does. She walks down the stairs and speaks out to all the bystanders. Speaks about the actions of others, of Adam, and how they have a chance to show the world that Faunus don't just stand by and watch. That they shouldn't allow this small batch of criminals to ruin their name. That the best thing they can do, that maybe the only real option, is to go to Haven and stop Adam.
The Brine siblings stand back, smiling as the Faunus begin to understand. As Ilia volunteers, as her initial decision sparks more in the group to join Blake's cause to save Haven and stop Adam. It's not changing the White Fang as the two may have hoped, but it's a turning point for the Faunus as a whole. That even on their secluded island, tucked away, they still have to worry about the rest of the world. That on their secluded island, tucked away, they will still stand for what's right and save people who would pay them no mind.
Perhaps, in a way, the White Fang really is responsible for this change. Maybe not as the leader, the figurehead it wanted to be, but as a reaction to its corruption. Corruption that shows Faunus aren't so different from humans, in that sense. That both species can do evil, but both species can condemn that evil and do good.
"Thank you, Dylan," Aza whispers.
"For what?"
"For never giving up on me."
Dylan smirks. "I'd never. Maybe it took us a long time to get here… even though we're still just kids. But…"
"Better now… so we live the rest of our lives without clouded vision."
"True. But we still have to stop Adam. Come on, the others are talking."
Aza and Dylan gather with the Belladonnas, Sun, and Ilia.
"Adam's attack on Haven is in two weeks," Ghira starts. "We're going to need shields, training, and whatever else we can do to protect as many people as possible."
"We'll need transportation too. For everyone," Kali adds.
"Leave that to me," Dylan chips in. "I've been helping ships cross the waters for a long time. Some of them will help us."
Ghira nods, then turns to Aza, who's still a little hesitant to speak amongst everyone. After hearing what happened with Sienna, it's almost unbelievable the girl is able to push on so quickly. It's something Ghira still has to process himself. He makes a mental note to talk with her in the future. Feelings like this cannot be left to fester.
But for now, the main focus must be given to this monumental task. Too much is at stake now, and the Faunus may be the only ones who can stop it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Harrier has been taking his time. If he really wanted, he could've been back at Mistral by now. But between small detours and his own thoughts, he's been letting himself meander. The older Huntsman has set up camp, staring into the crackling fire as he thinks on the new information given to him.
Paligria has a plan, has a goal of some sort. It's difficult to tell if she even wants Salem defeated in the first place. He has a sneaking suspicion that she's like Muramasa, a being that will exist until she deems it unnecessary. How people like that even exist, far be it from Semblances or ancient magic, is beyond him. Both Salem and Ozpin are cursed with those ancient magics, but it's not a stretch to think there may be others. Then again, it could also be a stretch to say there are.
But that doesn't keep to his topic - your Semblance, its upgrades, and how to attain them. From what Paligria shared, your Augment would be substantial, much like Harrier's was. Would you choose to do if it you knew? Maybe you would tread down the path Harrier did; deciding that the sacrifice was worth it. That two lives - or in your case, two eyes - are worth it to defend the world. But do you even know that Salem is immortal? Or are you like him, still kept in the dark about that information? Information that may have shifted his decision-making.
Regrets have no place here, not in Harrier's mind. Not anymore. He's rationalized and come to terms with every decision he has made. But… for you to need silver eyes… that can't just be a coincidence that he was told that.
"Silver Eyes of whom your heart accepts," he recites.
Could it be that she wants him to give up his eyes? He can't. Besides, it's unlikely that you will ever truly accept him. Even if Harrier, by all accounts, considers himself your ally now. But you? Could you see him as an ally? Would you come to terms with what has happened? And even if you did, could you truly accept him as you do Ruby? Even if there are others with silver eyes around the world, to truly be accepted by your own heart is unlikely. You know the conditions, you know that anyone with silver eyes could be a tool used to gain more power. As a sacrifice.
And would Harrier even give up his own eyes? If he regenerated them, the eyes he gave to you would turn to dust - rendering the whole ordeal useless. It would be permanent for him, and that's just not something he's willing to do. Whether anyone wants to accept it or not, Harrier Slater is Remnant's greatest protector. There is not one person alive who even comes close to his prowess, and without him the battle against Salem would certainly take a drastic turn.
"Is this why you told me? You want me to sacrifice my eyes? Or do you want me to rip out Ruby Rose's and force them onto him?" Harrier takes off his glasses, allowing the flames to reflect off his silver eyes. "Why give him… Jet… Ozpin…" What Raven said comes to his mind. "How annoying."
Hey guys! Been a while since I did an author's note. Or maybe it's only been a few chapters… but for me it's been months. To start, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Always fun to post a new one and get everyone's thoughts on it! Second, I want to apologize for this taking so long. I'm not going to lie, this chapter was 100% done and just needed to be edited when the last chapter came out, and it took… what, four months? That… is pretty goofy. I'm going to ensure it doesn't happen again. If there's a break in chapters I want it to be because of my dumb ass not writing (or writing for Limitless instead which is still technically content).
I don't know if there's anything new to talk about. Volume 9 exists and that one sucks too so, that's awesome. Can't wait to write V7-9 while hating it all. Honestly, I don't even know if V9 can even happen in this continuity, but I guess we'll see how it goes.
Anyway, I just wanna say that I'm going to do my best to ensure a massive gap like that just for editing won't happen again. Thanks for being patient, guys!