A/N: Chapter 18 of REKT. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or teams of RWBY, they belong to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. What I do own are the characters and teams of my OCs: REKT, GTSY, KACE and DAZE.
Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.
Chapter 18: Burning the Candle
Somewhere...
"I need you to pick a tablecloth." Weiss said, startling Ruby who was sitting at a table with a forlorn expression. She then pushed two seemingly identical options forward with a smile. "Go on, pick one."
"Aren't they both the same?" Ruby questioned, raising an eyebrow at her battle partner. "I don't see any differences."
"Uuugh..." Weiss made a disapproving noise in the back of her throat, clearly displeased at her leader's indifference. "I don't even know why I asked." She seemingly walked off as Yang approached with a giant speaker over her shoulder.
"Errrgh!" The brawler grunted, slamming the equipment down as gently as she could and both Ruby and the table jumped a few feet in the air upon impact. Pleased with her work she walked up to where her sister was continuing to mope. "So, have you picked out a dress yet?"
"What's the point?" was the reply as Ruby turned her head to look at Yang. She was too preoccupied on worrying about Blake who hasn't been sleeping lately. "Who cares about the dance if Blake isn't going?"
"Oh, don't worry." Yang said with confidence, placing her hands on her hips. "She's going." She turned around and noticed that Weiss was doing something that the two of them haven't agreed upon. "Weiss! I thought we agreed! No doilies!"
"If I don't get doilies..." Weiss stormed up to wiggle a finger at Yang, eyes narrowed threateningly. "You don't get fog machines." The door opened to reveal Neptune and Sun who were completely impressed with how the decorations were going.
"Your dance is gonna have fog machines?" The blue-haired Huntsman questioned, his voice was laced with interest at the idea of having fog machines.
"We were thinking about it." Weiss replied, not even bothering to keep the niceness out of her voice at the boy's presence. It was plainly obvious that she liked Neptune.
"That's really cool." Neptune replied, clearly not getting the hint as he struck his usual pose.
"You ladies all excited for dress up?" asked Sun as he stood next to his teammate.
"Pffft, yeah right." Ruby said dismissively, not feeling in the right mode to make small talk. "I don't really care."
"Laugh all you want, I'll be turning heads tomorrow tonight." Yang boasted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"...I wasn't laughing at all Yang."
"What are you boys wearing?" Weiss asked, ignoring Ruby's downer mood.
"Uh, this." Sun gestured to his usual attire with his arms. "Isn't it obvious?"
"Oh please." Neptune stepped up with a disapproving look. "Ignore him, for he knows not what he says."
"Hey, I may have moved to Mistral, but I grew up in Vacuo." Sun shot back with glee. "It's not exactly a shirt-and-tie kinda place."
"Yeah, we noticed." commented Yang.
"So, uh...what does Blake think of all this?" The monkey faunus asked, scratching the back of his head nervously. He knew the girl had shot him down but he was willing to try as many times as it took to get Blake as his date. "She still being all, ya know...Blake-y?"
"Obviously." Weiss said.
"I still can't think of a way to change her mind." Ruby protested with a slightly groan. "It's completely frustrating."
"Guys. Trust me." Yang spoke up optimistically with a mischievous grin on her face. "Blake will be at the dance tomorrow." Bidding farewell to the group she left to find the said kitten who was sitting in the library still in her sleep-deprived state. Ohoho...this is too good! Laughing to herself she prepared to launch her plan which she thinks is fool-proof; nobody can resist what she had in store for the Faunus.
Still nothing...Blake sighed as she continued working on a holographic display. Suddenly a red dot appeared on the screen, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. She watched it closely as it moved around on its own, her eyebrows narrowed with irritation as the dot made itself onto her hand. Turning her head around she noticed that the other students were working on their own and not even paying attention to her.
God damn it...Must be my brain playing tricks on me...Releasing a sigh she turned back around and started to work. The red dot appeared on her hand again and she shook it off. It appeared on the screen again, taunting her as she followed it with her golden eyes. Finally losing patience and slamming her fists on the table she saved her work and stood up. Looking down she noticed the dot on the floor and followed it back to its source, attempting to step on the dot with her shoes in hopes of making it go away.
"Hellooooo~!" Yang snickered when Blake ran into her, putting the laser pointer back into her pocket. "You're looking good."
"What are you-?!"
"We need to talk."
"Yah!" Blake yelped as she was dragged away without a second thought.
Elsewhere...
Right as Yang stole Blake from the library, Ren finished taking a shower and walked out clad in only his towel with a content look upon his face. No sooner had he walked a few feet back to the rooms he bumped into Jaune.
"Huh?"
"We need to talk." The blond said before yanking his teammate back to their dorm room without delay. Closing the door, he told the still towel-clad Ren to take a seat next to him on the bed. "Ren...I'm just gonna come out and say it."
Oh this is gonna be good. Ren thought to himself as he mentally prepared what Jaune was about to say.
"You are one of my best friends. These past months I feel like we've really bonded."
Real good.
"Even though you don't say much."
A flaw that I should work on but saying useless words just take a lot of effort. Thus I only say things that are necessary.
"I mean, you're really quiet. To be perfectly honest, I don't know that much about you personally.
Jaune...would you just get to the point? I still need to get dressed...and I'm getting cold.
"But darn it- I consider you to be the brother I never had!"
Siiiiiiiiigh...now he's throwing a tantrum. "And I you..." Ren replied before looking over to see his change of clothes hanging nearby in his closet. Ugh it's so far...but I could probably reach it.
"Which is why I wanted to get your advice on...girls."
"Girls?" The dark-haired Huntsman looked at him in confusion, unsure if he heard his leader correctly. "You're having trouble with girls?"
"I just...don't know...how to...girls." Jaune blundered through his words because he never told anyone else about his troubles. Ren ended up being the lucky guy. "Um, I guess what I'm asking is...Well...how did you and Nora...? You know..."
"Uh..." In the middle of reaching for his uniform Ren quickly put his hands in his lap at the question. "Uhh..."
"Ahem." Nora coughed, getting their attention. She was sitting on her bed, a book propped up and headphones around her neck. She let out an embarrassed laugh before clarifying up some things. "We're not actually together, together."
"Nora, I said headphones on!" Jaune snapped irritably, pointing a finger in her direction. "This is a conversation between Ren and I!"
"Oops!" She grinned and put her headphones back on. "Hehehe."
"Jaune..." Ren said, getting his leader's attention. "What is this all about?"
"It's Weiss, I can't get her to return my affections." He said lamely. "I'm completely head over heels for her, and she won't even give me a chance. She's cold. But...she's also incredible. She's smart, and graceful, and talented, I mean, have you heard her sing?!"
Oh goodness...just talking about her causes him to grin like a fool. I like seeing you with that kind of smile Jaune.
"I just wish she'd take me seriously, y'know? I wish I could tell her how I feel...without messing it all up."
"Then do it." The boys, and even Nora who took down her headphones, looked up to see Pyrrha entering the room, closing the door behind her. "Tell her exactly what you've just said. No ridiculous schemes, no pickup-lines. Just...be honest."
"But wh-"
"Jaune." Pyrrha cut him off, knowing he was gonna ask what happens if he'll get rejected again. She smiled at him in reassurance. "You can't get it wrong if it's the truth."
"You're right." Jaune agreed after mulling it over in his head and stood up. "Thanks Pyrrha. Good talk Ren." He proceeded to exit the room in search for the Ice Queen without looking back.
"Practice what you preach, Pyrrha." Nora told the red-haired warrior after releasing a sad sigh. The moment Jaune left was the moment Pyrrha's smile turned into a sad one and she didn't acknowledge what Nora said but leaned against the chair by her desk.
KNOCK~ KNOCK~ KNOCK~
"Goodness gracious!" Ren exploded which wasn't what he normally does but he was beyond irritated. "Can't I put my clothes on in peace!?"
"You look good Ren." Nora said as Pyrrha went to greet the visitor. "You should flaunt in your towel whenever you get the chance."
"NORA!"
"Umm...is this a bad time?" Timber asked, looking from one person to the other in a confused manner. "I could come back later if you want..."
"No you're fine, what can I help you with?" Pyrrha said.
"Well actually, can I ask you a question Pyrrha?"
Empty classroom...
"Yang, if you're going to tell me to stop, you may as well just save your breath." Blake said as she paced around, arms folded over her chest.
"I don't want you to stop." Yang said from where she sat cross-legged on the desk, watching the Faunus pace back and forth. "I want you to slow down."
"We don't have the luxury to slow down." Blake argued before continuing her pacing. "We can't slow down."
"It's not a luxury. It's a necessity." Yang corrected.
"The necessity is stopping Torchwick." Her battle partner countered, giving the brawler a sleep-deprived stink eye. "He's behind everything and he's still out there plotting things."
"And we're going to." Yang said and patted an open space in front of her for Blake. "But first, you have to sit down and listen to what I have to say."
"Pffth...Fine." Blake resisted the urge to roll her eyes and complied, sitting on the desk close to Yang. "Fire away. I'm listening."
"Ruby and I grew up in Patch. It's an island just off the coast of Vale." Yang began, recounting the story of her youth. "Our parents were Huntsmen. Our dad taught at Signal, you know the one Ruby went to before coming here, and our mom would take on missions around the Kingdom. Her name was Summer Rose."
Summer Rose...their mother. Blake stayed silent but cataloged the name in her mind. Come to think about it, Yang rarely talks about her parents...or of her childhood for that matter...
"She was, like...supermom." Yang grinned at the nickname she gave Summer before continuing her tale. "Baker of cookies and slayer of giant monsters. One day she left for a mission and never came back. It was tough. Ruby was really torn up, but I think she was still too young to really get what was going on, ya know? And my dad just kinda...shut down."
I would too...if I lost someone that important to me...
"It wasn't long before I learned why. Summer wasn't the first love he'd lost. She was the second."
What?! Blake stared, hoping her mouth didn't drop open. Their father married two women...and he lost them both?
"The first...was my mom." That got the Faunus' attention and she waited for more, truly interested in Yang's back story. "He wouldn't tell me everything of course but I learned that the two of them had been on a team with Summer and Qrow. And that she'd left me with him just after I was born. No one had seen her since."
"Why did she leave you?" Blake questioned and Yang released a small sigh.
"That question...Why?" She hopped off the desk and walked towards the chalkboard. "I didn't know the answer, but I was determined to find out. It was all I thought about. I would ask anybody I could what they knew about her." Picking up a piece of chalk she began drawing. "Then one day, I found something. What I thought was a clue that could lead me to answers. Or maybe even my mother. I waited for dad to leave the house, put Ruby in a wagon and headed out."
"I must have walked for hours. I had cuts and bruises, was totally exhausted. But I wasn't going to let anything stop me. When we finally got there, I could barely stand. But I didn't care. I had made it. And then I saw them." Yang's fingers curled tightly over the piece of chalk as she remembered but continued to draw. "Those burning red eyes. There we were, a toddler asleep in the back of a wagon and a stupid girl too exhausted to even cry for help. We might as well have been served on a silver platter."
She encountered Grimm...at such a young age.
"But, as luck would have it, our Uncle showed up just in time." The brawler put the chalk down as she finished her story, tears threatened to roll down her cheeks. "My stubbornness should have gotten us killed that night."
"Yang...I'm sorry that happened to you..." Blake said in a small voice. "I understand what you're trying to tell me, but this is different! I'm not a child, and this isn't just a search for answers, I can't just-!"
"I TOLD you, I'm not telling you to stop." Yang said as she tried to burn a hole through the board. "I haven't...To this day I still want to know what happened to my mother, and why she left me. But I will never let that search control me. We're going to find the answers we're looking for, Blake. But if we destroy ourselves in the process then what good are we?"
"You don't understand!" Blake argued. "I'm the only one who can do this!"
"No, you don't understand!" Whirling around Yang glared with red-colored eyes to show that she had been driven way over her limits. Her patience with Blake was wearing thin and she had to take matters into her own hands, even if that meant she had to get angry. "If Roman Torchwich walked through that door, what would you do?!"
"I'd fight him!" The Faunus spat as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.
"You'd lose!" To prove a point Yang shoved her partner and she retaliated to the best of her sleep-deprived state, barely moving the brawler an inch when she pushed against her shoulder.
"I can stop him!"
"You can't even stop me!" Yang shoved harder, causing Blake to tumble back. Catching her breath the Faunus glared and stood back up, ready for a fight if necessary. Quelling her anger, the yellow-haired Huntress pulled Blake into a surprise hug. "I'm not asking you to stop." Her eyes returned to their normal lilac color as she pleaded for Blake to rethink her actions. "Just please...get some rest."
"Yang..."
"Not just for you." Yang said as she stared her in the eyes. "But for the people you care about." Thinking that everything had been cleared up, she took her leave. "And if you feel like coming out tomorrow," She paused at the top of the stairs and threw a wink over her shoulder. "I'll save you a dance."
Oh Yang...Blake softened up and released a sigh. Slowly she smiled at the thought. Heh...you never cease to amaze me. She whirled around and left the room to catch some much needed rest. Meanwhile, Jaune had plucked a beautiful flower from the garden and peruse the area in hopes of running into a certain Schnee princess. However as soon as he rounded a corner...
"Neptune!" He heard her voice and came to a complete stop. Darting around he hid as Weiss herself rushed past after the blue-haired Huntsman. Peeking out he watched the duo in curiosity.
"Oh, uh, hey." Neptune greeted her and the two began their conversation. "What's up?"
"I know this is a little...unorthodox, but...I wanted to ask you something."
Oh no...don't say it...Jaune thought, feeling his heart getting crushed. Don't say it Weiss.
"Would you...like to accompany me to the dance tomorrow?"
I guess...that's it. I lost my chance. Releasing a soft sigh he turned away with a soul crushing defeat, dropping the flower as he did and left it lying limp on the cold ground.
The night of the dance...
I've never been to a school dance before, let alone dressed in something a little fancier than my normal wear and that's saying something. From what I gathered almost everyone would be bringing a date of sorts and surprisingly Kairos ended up asking me to accompany her as her date right after dinner. I was speechless at first before I agreed. Don't get me wrong, there were others I could have gone with but apparently Dalton's team and Kaeon's team didn't want to join in on the festivities as of yet.
"Since we arrived at Beacon not too long ago we thought we'd wonder around on our own. You know, just to get a feel of the place." Elyon told me apologetically when I knocked on the door. They were staying in another building for transfers; luckily for me they ended up being neighbors to each other. Currently both teams were sitting in the same room playing cards when I interrupted them. "Sorry about that."
"It's okay, maybe some other time. Thanks for telling me." I replied and bid them goodnight.
"I take it that they won't be attending?" Kairos asked when I returned, fiddling around with her own dress. "I assumed that was the case since they are new and Ozpin wants them to be as comfortable as possible."
"Mmhmm, you hit the nail on the head there." It always amazes me how she can perceive things with deadly accuracy, it's quite scary too. "I guess it's just us, Ruby's team and Jaune's team."
"Well that's not a bad crowd." She replied.
"You girls look splendid!" Efram commented just as Timber came out adjusting his tie. Both boys were dressed in their best suits with their hair neatly groomed. Kairos had her shoulder-length hair pulled up into a ponytail, her left eye still covered by her bangs. She had on a knee-length one-shoulder dress that hugged her body perfectly and two-inch heels for shoe choice.
"I could say the same for you two." I told him, busying myself with my own hair and tied it up into a braided fish-tail. I wore simple dress and skirt with one-inch heels for my feet. I wanted to feel comfortable as well as being able to walk around, obviously I've never worn heels before. "Dashing gentlemen, that's what you are."
"Aw, shucks."
"Thanks Leader!"
"Shall we get going?" Kairos asked, holding an arm out for me to take.
"Lets." I smiled and the four of us made our way to where the dance was located. When we arrived the music was blaring and the other students were already mingling with one another or dancing on the dance floor. Different colored lights flashed non-stop, splattering everyone and everything with a variety of color; it was like the room was a canvas and the lights were the paint. I should be thankful that the lights weren't LED lights because those would have been blinding.
"You guys made it!" We turned to see Ruby waving us over, a big smile upon her face. "Jaune's team haven't arrived yet but that's okay."
"I never imagined a dance to be like...this." Kairos commented.
"You and I both." I replied and she smiled softly. "It's actually my first time too."
"Oh, you guys look so beautiful!" Yang squealed as she greeted us. Since she was one of the hostess on duty it was her job to welcome the guests and their dates if they chose to bring one. She was wearing a simple white frilly dress with a similarly matching heels. "I must have a group picture once this is done so Ruby that means no changing!"
"Ugh." Ruby gagged, clearly disliking the thought of wearing a dress that didn't suit her taste. "Can we have a serious talk about how Weiss fights in these? Whoa." She stumbled a bit and frowned.
"Hahaha." Yang laughed at her sister's predicament. "Well guys, what are you all waiting for? Go and have fun, I'll join in a minute!"
"Stupid dumb neck trap." Sun growled as he adjusted the white-colored tie around his neck. He was contemplating on what to wear but decided to throw on whatever he had and rushed out the door before it got too dark. "Goodness! Am I trying to choke myself to death or what?"
"I knew you'd look better in a tie." Blake's voice reached his ear and he turned to see her standing in a beautiful dress. She smiled and walked beside him, linking her arm around his.
"So...does this mean we're going together?" He asked, captivated by her beauty.
"Technically." She replied, unable to contain the laughter in her voice. "Though, my first dance is spoken for." When they arrived it was a little crowded and the music was just blasting in their ear drums. "Wow, it's so...stuffy in here."
"Don't worry about it." Sun said before holding out a glass for her. "Thirsty?"
"Thanks." She took the cup from her and scanned the crowd. "Are they not here yet?"
"Who?" Sun asked as he took a sip.
"Ruby and the others. They should be here by now..." The Faunus frowned. "Can you see them?"
"Hmmm..." Sun looked over the sea of heads, squinting even. "Not really...I'm sure they're here somewhere. But hey, about that first dance..."
"Please, Sun...just a little longer. I'll have my first dance and then I can dance with you until the night ends." Blake assured him. "Although this isn't really the music for my taste..."
"Let's spice things up a bit." Yang smirked once the music slowed down and walked around till she was right behind me. "Reina! You're up next!"
"Wha-?! Hey! Yang!" I felt the brawler's hands push me forward much to my surprise and soon I found myself on stage. Everyone was staring at me, waiting for my next move as the music ended.
"Yang what were you thinking?" Weiss hissed under her breath, glaring at Yang who looked pleased with herself. Kairos just shook her head, mildly irritated that she already lost her date before she had a chance to ask me for a dance. "She looks like she has stage-fright!"
"You'll see in a minute." The yellow-haired Huntress replied with a knowing grin. "She's got this under control."
"Umm...hey guys, how's it going?" I laughed nervously before clearing my throat. "Let's tone it down a bit with a slow dance. So grab a partner and gather on the dance floor, let's get started." Waving my hand to cue the music I stepped up to the microphone, watching as huntsmen and huntresses appeared on the main floor and prepared to dance. Taking a deep breath and wrapping both hands around the mic, I began singing.
You're shattered
Like you've never been before
The life you knew
In a thousand pieces on the floor
And words fall short in times like these
When this world drives you to your knees
You think you're never gonna get back
To the you that used to be
"Oho, slow dancing huh?" Yang grinned before nudging Weiss with an arm. "Go on Ice Queen, Ruby's waiting for you."
"Y-Yang!" A huge blush appeared on Weiss' face before she mulled over the thought. "Don't be stupid! So this was your plan all along?"
"C'mon. C'mon." Yang poked and prodded her with a finger with vigor, smirking at how Weiss was getting angry at her persistence. "This might just be the only opportunity you get to dance with my sister. And besides...you were really excited at the thought to at least dance with her once. So go on!"
"No Yang." Weiss slapped her hand away with a scowl. "I'm gonna go and see if Neptune would like to dance instead. He is after all, my date."
"Well then." Yang frowned as the white-haired huntress walked away and blended in with the crowd. "I see how it is...what an Ice Queen."
"Excuse me Yang." She turned to see Efram standing before her with his hand held out for her to take. "But may I have this dance?"
"Of course you may." Yang smiled and took his outstretched hand, letting him lead her out onto the floor. "Just don't step on my toes!"
"Yes Ma'am." Efram smiled and they began dancing. Over the boy's broad shoulders she noticed Blake looking over at her from where she was standing, a somewhat of a hurtful gaze. Something told her that the Faunus probably wanted to dance with her battle partner really soon and the yellow-haired brawler did promise a dance which was the only reason why she even bothered to show up.
Yikes! Didn't know she was there! Just hold on a little longer Blake. I'll dance with you for reals...just not with this slow jam. Yang promised under her breath, throwing her battle partner a small wink. The Faunus blushed and looked away, looking instead at something else for a change. Sun had ran off to do something in the meantime but promised he'll be back in time for some dances. Aww, she's playing hard to get. So cute.
Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
Step into the light of grace
Yesterday's a closing door
You don't live there anymore
Say goodbye to where you've been
And tell your heart to beat again
Beginning
Just let that word wash over you
It's alright now
Love's healing hands have pulled you through
So get back up, take step one
Leave the darkness, feel the sun
Cause your story's far from over
And your journey's just begun
"I've never heard Reina sing before." Ruby said as she danced with Kairos, making darting glances at the floor to make sure she didn't tread on her partner's toes. Since I was the one singing the number upon Yang's request she didn't have a partner to dance with in the meantime so she ended up looking around for someone who was available. Spying Ruby huddling near the punch bowl she walked up and asked for one just on a whim. It took the girl by surprise at first but she agreed to the request. The Faunus had one arm around the younger girl's waist and took the lead. "Have you?"
"I haven't." was the reply. "To be honest there's a lot of things I still don't know about her. Thank goodness she chose something slow...I like it."
"I do as well." Ruby smiled and allowed herself to be twirled around. "This is my first time dancing...like actually dancing."
"Me too." Kairos blinked in surprise as she gazed into the silver orbs. "Back where I'm from dancing of any kind wasn't available for most kids. I ended up spending most of my time training and practicing."
"Must have been rough on you huh."
"I got used to the mundane training regiment but this is a nice change of pace." Kairos spun her dancing partner around again, her arms wrapping themselves around the small frame protectively. "Here I don't have to worry about anything, I can just move freely however I like."
"I'm glad you're having fun." Ruby told her with a smile. "Thanks for dancing with me."
"No problem." The corners of the Faunus' mouth slowly curled up into a small grin. "Thanks for being my dance partner."
Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
Step into the light of grace
Yesterday's a closing door
You don't live there anymore
Say goodbye to where you've been
And tell your heart to beat again
Let every heartbreak
And every scar
Be a picture that reminds you
Who has carried you this far
'Cause love sees farther than you ever could
In this moment heaven's working
Everything for your good
"How do you like the dance so far?" Timber asked as he danced with Pyrrha. It took him all day to gather his courage and walk up to her room and ask if he may have the honor of dancing one song with her. She looked at him for the longest time before saying 'yes'. "Is it suitable for your taste? Is the rhythm okay?"
"It's a really lovely song. The pacing is just right." She replied. "I'm surprise your leader can sing."
"Yeah, that surprised me as well. I think that's why I haven't seen her all day because she was probably practicing...or something of that nature." He laughed lightly. "But...I found it more surprising that you were willing to dance with me."
"Thanks for inviting me." Pyrrha told him. "I appreciate it."
Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
Step into the light of grace
Yesterday's a closing door
You don't live there anymore
Say goodbye to where you've been
And tell your heart to beat again
Your heart to beat again
Beat again
Oh, so tell your heart to beat again
"Wow!"
"Awesome!"
"What a great song!"
Phew...it's been awhile since I've used my voice as an instrument even with all the practicing that I've done. I released a small sigh before smiling at the rest of the students as they cheered. "Thank you. Thank you all so much."
"Nice song." Ruby told me as I approached her. After my song Kairos excused herself to go to the restroom, leaving the leader of team RWBY alone next to the snacks. As I looked over the crowds I spotted Yang finally having her dance with Blake and the two looked like they were having the time of their life; the latter was actually laughing as she danced, any signs of sleep-depravity were no longer there. "Where did you learn how to sing like that?"
"My...my mother sang it to me once...when I was a child and I kept humming the tone ever since..." I replied, taking a sip of my drink. "It's such a nostalgic feeling." In my mind I watched Yang and Blake finish their dance, curtsying to one anther. With a smile Yang handed her battle partner over to Sun and allowed them to dance to their hearts content.
"What was your mother like?"
"She was...an amazing person." I said after thinking about it for awhile. No one has ever asked me about my family before. "Funny, loving, head-strong...the best mother I could have ever asked for."
"I wish to meet her someday." Ruby said with a smile on her face. "She sounds really cool."
If only you could...I smiled wistfully at her statement. I haven't told anyone about my past yet because I felt as though the time wasn't ready. I knew deep down I would have to tell them sooner or later but at the moment, I want everyone to enjoy the night. If only you could...
"Evening, ladies." We turned to see Ozpin walking up to us with his mug in hand. He wasn't really dressed for the occasion but more like he was just here to supervise the event like the adult he was. "Reina, I loved your singing. I've never heard anything quite like it."
"Thank you Sir." I replied.
"I really want to change out of these stupid things and into my hood." Ruby commented. "I don't understand how Weiss does things in them. Stupid lady stilts."
"At least you're enjoying yourself...for the most part." Ozpin commented.
"Everything was wonderful though. I got to do a little dancing...even though I'm just not much of a dansey, pansey...dancey girl."
"Well you can't spend your entire life on the battlefield." The Headmaster noted. "Even if you may want to."
"Yeah, that lesson's been floating around a lot lately." Ruby stated with a pout. "I'd rather be on the battlefield more than anything else but that's just me."
"If you think about it, fighting and dancing aren't so different." Ozpin told us as we continued to watch the dance floor. "Two partners interlocked. Heh, although one wrong move on the ballroom merely leads to a swollen foot."
"Or a twisted ankle..."
"Or blisters on places you never thought possible." I laughed. "Curse these heels."
"It's not everyday that friends are able to come together like this." Ozpin smiled as he looked at his students. "Time has a way of testing our bonds. But it's nights like these that help keep them stronger than ever. Nights like these are ones we'll never forget."
"Mmhmm." Ruby and I agreed just as the door open, revealing some last minute guests.
"You guys are just in time." Yang said as she noted them down in the book. "The fun's just getting started. Make yourselves at home."
"Thank you." Mercury said with Emerald by his side and smiled. "We wouldn't want to miss it for the world."
