Ruby drew back her scythe as a shiver crept up her spine; the woman before her held a look of worry.

"What troubles you?" It asked while taking a step forwards. Ruby took one back, eyes fixated on what must have been a trick.

"Not another step!" She shouted, unable to quell the stutter in her words.

Her mind was in shambles, and with each passing second it only got worse. Ruby knew it was a lie, it had to be, and yet she felt a longing pain in her chest. Despite the trick the broken woman yearned to be closer to the phantom. The fraud took on the form of her beloved mother, Ruby knew this, and yet the pull to close in grew ever stronger.

"It's alright, everything is fine."

"I SAID NOT ANOTHER STEP!" The shout was followed by a single round which brisked the side of the illusion's hood. Still it smiled, and Ruby felt her panic rise.

Whatever was creating the trick, whatever was making them all tired, it must have also been responsible for the disappearance of everyone else. It must have taken them, all of them...

Pebble!

The fake stilled, a look of shock across it's face as a small trail of blood welled from it's mouth. The drips stained the white cloth it wore, and as the crimson liquid trailed it left a noticeable glow. Ruby with two hands gave a firm tug and ripped Crescent Rose free of the woman's core. It stumbled back several steps, a pained look in it's eyes as they bore deep within her own.

"W-why?" It choked, gently reaching to touch the wound. The hand lay soft against the torn flesh, and it's fingers soon slipped themselves within. Ruby felt sick at the sight of it: the apparition of her mother rummaging around in her wound.

The woman remained silent afterwards as it removed the limb caked in blood. It stared for a moment before slowly making it's way closer, all the while her cloak seemed to meld in a myriad of colors. Ruby remained frozen on the spot as it stood before her, leaning in as a sharp pain shot through her arms.

Still powerless and doing her best to regain control of her body Ruby could only stare as the thing leaned in, and a warmth spread across her lips as both met. It was sickening, and the pain in her arms swelled to almost unbearable degrees, yet all she could do was hope it would pass as her breath was stolen away.

..b...

Her ears strained as what sounded like a whisper.

...Ru...b...

A flair of rage burned within her very core.

...Ruby...

Whether through adrenaline or terror Ruby broke from her frozen state, her arms shooting out only to take hold of the twisted perversion's neck. With every ounce of pain she felt her fingers dug in as she rung at it. The thing didn't try to fight, nor did it react, instead it stilled with a loving smile. With a near animalistic growl she crushed it and a crunch echoed through her bones.

Gasping desperately Ruby retracted her arms and the thing dropped with a thump; it's eyes rolled in separate directions as it looked to melt into a puddle of grey sludge. She didn't know how long she stood there as the world felt frozen underneath the bitter winds. Slowly however she managed to grasp at some sense of being as her heart raced. Dropping to her knees Ruby stilled her motions as a soft shiver overcame her and she was reminded of where she was.

And why she worried.

Where?

After a moment of rest she stood again as the cold frosted the tips of her hair. Pebble was the most important thing on her mind. She knew the others were most likely in danger as well, but they could take care of themselves for at least a while whereas the boy could not. He was too young, and even though skilled in stealth and thievery she couldn't stop the worry that brushed at her.

Breath in, and out, in, and out.

She'd get nothing done if she let her fears take hold of her, and so she slowed her breathing as her body relaxed. While he may not have been strong physically he had managed to save her from captivity once before; such a feat should have put any notions of his demise to rest. He was strong enough to at least hold out for a bit, even if she didn't want to accept it.

I'll find you and the others, and when I do I promise I'll make whoever's behind this pay dearly.

With renewed vigor she set off towards the lower deck, intent to put an end to whatever stood between her and the others.

.

.

Pebble tossed and turned, but no matter what position he took the boy just couldn't get comfortable. With a small grumble he slipped from the bed, intent to figure out why he couldn't sleep. However he noticed something as he did so, more accurately he noticed the lack of a certain someone who shared the bed.

"Ruby?"

It was strange to him, the older woman would always be there with him at night. The waters were chilly at sea and the cold would often seep through the boards - or at least that's how it felt to him. It got to the point where he'd sneak from his bed and slip into hers. She was warm, and he just couldn't get to sleep alone in the cold. Ruby had eventually found out however and instead of fight it seemed to just accept his presence, to the point of slipping in beside if he was already under the covers.

Yet she was absent, something that he'd not seen to often. Every now and then she would be gone upon his awakening, however she was usually just up early or looking out to the waters. She often looked like she was dosing off or lost in some sort of memory, and he usually left it alone. Everyone had things they kept hidden, and it didn't feel right to ask her what it was.

The night felt off this time however, and the bed felt colder than usual. When he awoke the spot next to him was usually still warm, but this time it remained chilled like the air around him. Pebble had a bad feeling about all of it. The boy's fear was outclassed by worry, and instead of cower under the blankets until the woman returned he found himself set off to find her instead.

The halls were just as feverishly cold as the room with not even a lantern lit. The darkness felt all encompassing, and even though Faunus the boy had to strain his eyes to avoid bumping into things as he trudged along. A slightly ajar door off to the side caught his vision, and through a tiny hint of curiosity he peeked inside.

He saw the sailors, fast asleep in various positions all over the place. At the current dark of night Pebble would have seen nothing wrong with it, but it was how they slept that stirred him, along with a strange feeling. Scattered all across the room it seemed as though they'd been working beforehand only to drop on the spot.

The boy's worry grew, and with a hint of stress he rushed along, up the steps, and out to the main deck of the ship. The moon's glow was dull and even the stars were nowhere to be seen, still the faint light was enough to reveal the figure he saw; shrouded from sight as if the shadows themselves sought to hide her as she lay there.

Ruby!

The boy ran over to the slumbering woman as fear began to consume him. He worried about what happened and his mind raced to figure it out. The only good sign he felt was the faint sounds of breathing as her chest rose and fell; the only thing that kept his panic in check. Physically she was fine as much like the sailors below deck she had no wounds or signs of injury across her form.

It was the aura that worried him.

Unlike most children who roamed the land Pebble had his aura awakened, and with it a semblance. Before his mother aided in his escape on the last night he ever saw her she sung a small lullaby that she'd often used to calm him in days of stress. Life under the masters had been cruel and painful, to the point he'd wished he was never born. Yet his mother's song had been what eased him after the long days.

During her final moments she held him close as she sang, and he distinctly remembered the soothing beat of her heart as the strange warmth burst from within him. He'd been confused at the time, yet he never got to ask what happened before she sent him to flee.

His days had been frightening at first, and he'd thought they would be his last until he'd been found by Mrs. Blossom upon a failed attempt to steal some coin. It was through her care and guidance that he learned what all the new sights and feelings were, of why he saw colors that flowed from certain people.

It was his semblance.

According to her the way he described it led them to realize it's true ability, and with it a chance to survive. The power had been a utility type according to her, and while not loud or flashy it made his tendencies as a thief all the easier. Pebble's semblance allowed him to see the aura's of those who had it awakened, as well as how much they had and who they were.

Each aura was unique, and he'd grown a habit of memorizing them to tell at a glance who it was that neared. Not only could he see them, but he could feel them as well. Guards could patrol behind walls and doors and the boy would not only feel their exact position, but also their level of stress. He could see and feel whether they were worried or not, which allowed him to discern their state of alert.

It also made it easy to tell when others lied, something Ruby tended to do a lot. Pebble grew used to it, deciding that she was just looking out for everyone. He didn't blame her for lying, and ultimately chalked it up to an adult thing as he noticed most lied to their children to keep them happy. Maybe when he was older she'd tell him the truth, and with the thought he chose to leave his questions aside most times.

Setting his thoughts back the boy focused on the woman, looking over her with a worried gaze and a small sense of urgency. The other sailors had the same feeling as her, and it had him slightly fearful for everyone, but he held it back with all the strength he could muster. Ruby's aura was normal, undamaged, and overall fine; that wasn't what scared him.

It was the aura coating her and the others that did.

.

.

Her body felt... light, and for a few moments her vision was blinded.

As her sight returned Pyrrha noticed she didn't quite recognize where she was, however before she could question anything she felt her body move of it's own accord. Such a thing should have sent panic through her spine, but there was nothing aside from an odd sense of fatigue.

The champion pondered on what could have happened and why she was somewhere unknown. The trees didn't help in understanding her location, and the moonlight that seemed to gently glaze the grass did nothing but confuse her further. Stars sprinkled the skies, which seemed odd as they were usually difficult to see with the light from Vale drowning them out. Beacon itself allowed her to just barely get a view of the tiny lights if she looked hard enough.

The distinct visibility of said lights proved one suspicion to be true: she wasn't in Beacon anymore.

Her attention was stolen away by the sounds of grunting, and as her body slowed through some bushes she felt something whirl up within her. The leaves felt soft, yet their was an indescribable sense of touch to them. It was as though her body was numbed. This applied to everything she felt in the moment as even the clothes she wore felt ragged and floaty.

The girl tried to fight for control, yet even her eyes themselves refused to move. All she could do was sit back and watch as events unfolded.

What's going on?

The grunting grew louder and soon enough Pyrrha was able to make out the voice itself as the owner seemed to struggle with each breath.

Jaune?

He sounded pressured, yet there were no hints of panic or worry, just a hard push of will. Each breath sounded forced, as if he were pushing harder and harder. Upon slowing a light started to creep through the bushes, and with a raised hand they were pushed away to the sight of her partner as he swung his blade.

It wasn't her hand.

Her worry exploded in flame as her questions multiplied. Nothing made sense to her and what little she thought she could grasp quickly seemed to slip away. Before she could even begin to question what could possibly be happening a quiet voice froze her in place.

"I know it can be frustrating... and it can feel like so much effort to progress such a small amount. But... I want you to know that I'm proud of you."

No... it can't be...

"I've never met someone so determined to better themselves. You've grown so much since we've started training, and I know this is just the beginning. Jaune... I... I..."

It was her voice that carried along the wind. Pyrrha focused more than ever and finally took in the scene. Jaune stood there in the clearing, moonlight shining down on him as he stood resolute. His posture was stiff however, and Pyrrha felt a phantom pain fill her.

"I want you to know that I'm just happy to be a part of your life."

I... I never sai-

Her thoughts froze as she looked back within her memory. Shortly after her talk with the headmaster and her choice of whether to accept the maiden powers or not she recalled having worries about her partner. She'd made a plan to film some instructions for him should she not be able to train with him directly.

I'd wanted to do it later on before the end of the festival, but... I never got the chance.

Pyrrha wanted to wait for a nice night, but when everything went down so suddenly the idea was lost in the sudden panic. What was worse about the scene though was that from the sounds of it her voice felt... desperate, almost as if it the words themselves cried out in sorrow. What her ears picked up next sent a heafty wave of dread washing over her.

"I'll always be here for you Jaune."

It was wrong, so incredibly wrong that she replayed it in her own mind. Over and over the words echoed, and the tone of hurt and longing stabbed at her heart. It hit her harder than she could fully comprehend, and the implications terrified her. Pyrrha understood then and there that it wasn't a message of assurance her voice spoke.

It was a final farewell.

The worry; the fear; the pain; the despair; everything came back full force and her world was drowned in darkness.

.

.

Pyrrha shot up within the shadows as sweat coated her in a second skin. Her breathing was ragged as her mind did it's best to piece everything together. For the second time she stilled as she waited for her vision to be restored.

It wasn't long before she'd been granted sight, and once again she'd moved locations. Gone were the trees of the moonlit forest, now replaced with a gentle light peering through the window. She tried to move, finding that her limbs responded. However they felt trapped, and as her sight trailed downwards she could make out the obstruction.

Her worry turned to mild confusion as she looked over the blanket that covered her. The lack of light kept her from viewing any details, but it didn't take a genius to tell she was tucked firmly underneath the heavy cloth. They felt warm, and it was the feeling that brought more attention to the room she found herself in.

First of all she could feel again which eased some of her worries as she sat up. Pushing the blankets off a bit she rose her hands up to inspect them. Twitching her fingers she was able to tell they belonged to her unlike before; although they appeared to still have the cracks she remembered from the CCT, along with the pale hue. Still though she could confirm her being, and allowed herself to breath as she let some of the stress fade away.

I'm me... at least I think I am... although, I'm still somewhere unknown.

Small victories she supposed, yet with her body seemingly normal again she set her attention on observing the room she lay in. The first thing Pyrrha noticed was the body sat in the chair next to her, more specifically the mop of rough blond hair.

Jaune.

He was asleep at her side outfitted in his standard attire, although there appeared to be stitching along some parts of it, as well as singed sections at the ends. Despite this it looked cleaned, and aside from the denting along some of the plates the ivory shine it radiated looked to push through even the darkness she found herself within.

Pyrrha reached out, not wanting to take any risks; after all anything could happen and she feared the sight may have been an illusion. Her fingers brushed against his hair, and the light tickle that graced her skin was all the proof she needed.

White light burst through the room and blinded her.

"Lunch is ready Jau-" The voice froze, and Pyrrha could tell it's owner from the tone alone.

"Ruby?" She spoke as her eyes managed to adjust again; a coming habit that she wasn't all that fond of.

"Pyrrha!" Ruby shouted, prompting the named to cover her ears and flinch as Jaune was startled awake.

"H-huh Wha-oof!" The boy stumbled out of the chair and fell over in a mild bid of surprise. He stood again, much faster this time as his head shot around. "What's happening?!" He called, only for his eyes to meet with hers.

His body locked up, and carefully a look of shock plastered itself over him.

"P-Pyrrha?" He looked at her with disbelief, as if he'd not seen her in ages. Slowly he reached his hand to her, and she took the initiative by grasping at it as his breathing slowed.

"Hello Jaune." She didn't quite know what to say, but from the way his tears whisked down his cheeks she was sure he felt something. Instantly she was wrapped in his embrace, and as the confused girl tried to process what was happening she heard him whisper.

"You're awake... you're finally awake." It was soft, broken, as if he didn't believe it himself. Pyrrha returned the gesture as she slid her arms around him.

"Yes Jaune, I'm awake."

Author's note

...

Things are getting loopy again as you can tell.

We cut back to Future Ruby who's dealing with trouble again, along with Pebble and the reveal of his semblance; a useful one for a thief. Pyrrha also makes an appearance, although her awakening brings on whole new levels of 'huh?'. This is going to get a little wild from now on, so get prepared for things to fall in all directions.

That's it for this time. Feel free to tell me what you think.

See you.