Discovery of something new
Reality_and_Illusions
"Ah."
Ruby awoke.
Silver eyes moved back and forth, attempting to recall her whereabouts. She blinked a few times and rubbed her eyes, causing her hazy sight to improve slightly. The first thing that caught Ruby's attention was a table, indicating that she had been asleep. The young huntress realized her location as she gradually became more conscious of her environment; she had found herself inside the Beacons Library.
Located on the west side of the campus, Beacons Library presents a wide range of books encompassing various genres. The collection spanned from factual works like Grimm biology to literary offerings like mythology and folklore. The youthful huntress stretched lightly as she attempted to remember the events that had brought her to this moment. It had been just the day before that Ruby encountered Gerda and visited the orphanage.
Seeking refuge with the disciplined yet kind Mr. Aureolus, Ruby couldn't help but recall the recent agreement she had made with him concerning Gerda's situation. The memory of Gerda's condition troubled her, causing a slight frown to appear on her face.
Aura Disruption.
A rare condition occurs when Aura is prematurely activated, but it can generally be treated except in a few cases. Unfortunately, Gerda is an exception to this. While Ruby was skilled at hunting Grimm, she was not knowledgeable about medicine. Her training focused on hunting, not healing. Her basic knowledge only went up to basic first aid, which she learned from an early age at Signal Academy. The young huntress was basically useless in this kind of situation. That was what Ruby thought, at least. There was still hope. There was still something that could be done.
A small grin appeared on her mouth. Mr. Aureolus claimed to have a remedy for Gerda's ailment. He only required a helping hand and someone to ensure Gerda's contentment. Despite her initial reservations, Ruby ultimately agreed to the proposition. Following that, they dove into a conversation that meandered through uneventful twists and turns, eventually guiding Ruby back to this very spot. As always, Ruby found herself clueless about the whereabouts of her teammates.
Therefore, being idle and having no tasks at hand, the girl wearing a red cape decides to seek solace in something other than her cherished weapon, Crescent Rose. She turns to books. With a sigh, Ruby rested her head on the table, sitting in silence as she made herself comfortable
"...It's kinda boring, huh."
Ruby muttered to herself, feeling a subtle ache in her heart intensify. Returning to the dorm room left her feeling a little discouraged. The rest of the team was unaccounted for, which was nothing new for Ruby. It wasn't the first time that anyone, especially Blake, turned up later than anticipated.
Was Ruby irritated by it?
Of course she was. It bothered her that things were like this. This wasn't the vision she had when coming to Beacon. Beacon was meant to be a place where Team Ruby would work together and be a team of badasses, kick Grimm's ass, and save people, but they barely met the minimum level of interaction!
With a slight shift, Ruby rested on her palm.
"Gerda and the other kids seem to appreciate me, at least."
Ruby didn't mean to imply she wasn't being respected. Weiss, Blake, and Yang were considerate enough to give clear answers when they made decisions. Moreover, it wasn't within her purview to pry into their activities. Ruby aspires to be the kind of leader her team can depend on, not one who insists on knowing every intricate detail. Being overly noisy was a buzzkill anyway.
The issue stemmed from the perception that Ruby wasn't considered a leader. She certainly didn't seek out the role in the first place. (Okay, maybe she did write the opposite in her diary but that's besides the point!) She figured the least she could do was give it her all to do a good job. After all, the headmaster chose her for a reason, suggesting she must possess qualities deemed fitting for a team leader. Or perhaps she was still viewed as the child Weiss used to complain about? Ruby once again tilted her head to the side, gazing into the distance with no specific thoughts in mind.
"... Aaargh! Why is it so quiet around here!?"
Ruby reached her limit. Sure, it's a library, but the silence was overwhelming. Not a single sound could be heard! It was as if she were…. all…alone…
Her brows furrowed. It truly was eerily quiet. No small talk, no whispers. Not a hint of moving ladders or the rhythmic tapping of keyboards, not even the sound of footsteps. Just an unsettling silence. Ruby could hear her own breath to the point that it made her uneasy. Did the library close earlier today? It didn't make sense. There should be some noise. Ruby stood up from her seat, opting to leave. Since no one else was around, why linger?
"Leaving already?~"
"!"
A sudden stillness gripped Ruby. Things were taking an odd turn. Was fatigue playing tricks on her, leading to imaginary voices? Maybe taking Weiss' advice to heart was the best option.A shiver danced down Ruby's spine, and an unexpected coldness enveloped her. While she understood that summer was on its way out, this chill felt surprisingly abrupt.Rubbing her heavy eyelids, a person sat on the opposite side of the table.
"Hi onee-chan! Did you sleep well? Did you, did you?"
"Whaaah!" Ruby let out a cute screech as she stumbled backwards. The sudden step back made her trip over her own feet, causing the poor girl to fall on her small buttocks.
"...Ouch…"
"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!"
Ruby tenderly rubbed her sore spot, meeting the gaze of the newcomer. The girl had hair as white as snow and wore a beaming smile. Pale amethyst irises gleamed brightly, as if they were a source of light on their own.
"My! Onee-chan, you know it's rude to stare at people! You're making me self-conscious! How rude, how rude!"
"I-I wasn't staring! You caught me by surprise. That's all.
"Hmmmm, don't know, onee-chan, you seem pretty scared to me!"
The girl practically leaped from her seat, effortlessly breaching Ruby's comfort zone as if it were no obstacle. Who was this girl? The young huntress had no clue whatsoever. It was as if she had materialized out of thin air.
"Where did you even come from? I thought I was the only one?"
"Nonsense, nonsense I was sitting here the whole time! Didn't you notice me?"
Ruby remained silent, her gaze fixed on the enigmatic girl. A sense of discomfort settled in Ruby's heart.
"...Who even are you?"
The girl, whose name was unknown to Ruby, halted her jumping and playfully put her index finger on her chin, striking an adorable thinking pose.
"Humans have called me lots of things over the past thousands of years."
"What?"
"Sometimes called the wise one, the necromancer, the jack of all traits, the one that knows the hidden secrets of this world, his most loyal servant, Djinn of the desert, yadda yadda yadda. You get the point." She concluded her list as if it were a simple grocery checklist.
Ruby arched her eyebrows, tilting her head sideways. She had no clue what this girl was talking about. Necromancer? Loyal servant? Who knows the hidden secrets of this world? And what the hell does Onee-chan mean? Ruby examined the peculiar girl more closely. She didn't seem much older than thirteen, wearing what appeared to be a Beacon school uniform.
"Hey! hey! You haven't introduced yourself to me Onee-chan. I can't believe humanity has evolved into something more nasty! Back in the day, they were a bit more fearful towards our kin."
"okay… while some people can be considered jerks, I don't think that's true for the major-"
"You're name is Ruby Rose correct? Did I get it right? Did I get it right?
"How did you even know that? And what's the point of asking my name if you already knew!? Ruby, growing even more perplexed, continued to stare at the girl, who simply giggled in response.
"Didn't I tell you onee-chan? Did I, did I? I know everything! That needs to be known. Knowing your name was all but a simple task."
"..."
"Hey, hey, don't make that face, Onee-chan! You look like you don't believe a word I said!"
With hands on her hips, Ruby let out a huff. She recalled her past certainty about knowing everything related to huntsmen.
The outcome of that belief turned out to be rather embarrassing.
"Well, it's hard to believe that someone knows everything."
"Mmph! You really don't believe a word I say! How rude! How rude! I would have turned you into a vegetable if it weren't for that alchemist!"
Ruby highly doubts she could do that, even if she somehow gave Ruby a weird vibe. The girl looked like an innocent lamb. That didn't mean she felt comfortable.
"...Right, um, can you... You know… Can you scoot over a little?"
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" The girl asked, just inches away from Ruby's face. Ruby could feel the warmth of the girl's breath tickling her neck, causing a slight blush. Why was she so hyperactive? It was like Nora, but without any restraints.
"Haha…. You kinda are."
"Well, sorry, sorry, onee-chan. Didn't mean to! I wanted to know you better; after all, it isn't every day you meet a rare person like you! You're one of the millions, if not hundreds, of millions, to be born of those silver eyes! Some say demons are attracted to silver, though I don't find them very attractive."
On instinct, Ruby touched her face, a sense of unease settling in her stomach. Why were people nowadays linking silver to Grimm? While it's partly true that Grimm are drawn to shiny objects, it doesn't mean they exclusively target silver. Silver was merely a very gleaming color, nothing more.
The girl with light amethyst eyes appeared to glow even brighter at Ruby's action.
"Tell me. Tell me! I'm curious, Onee-chan; don't you like those eyes of yours? You have the power to purify plagues. Aren't you glad?"
"Of course I'm happy with my eye color. I got them from my mom. It's just that some topics can be quite sensitive. And why are you even saying? Purify plagues? Are you talking about sicknesses?"
"If you don't like them, I can plug them out for you~"
"I would rather have you not do that, thank you."
The girl simply smiled.
"It seems I have quite some work to do. Oh well. As long as the alchemist can achieve Magnum Opus, my contract is done. But that wouldn't be fun."
The more this peculiar girl spoke, the less Ruby comprehended. Ruby narrowed her eyes. Hadn't she heard the term Magnum opus before?
"That's correct, onee-chan! Well done, well done! I'm of course talking about my contractor~."
"!?"
"You won't believe how long it took for him to summon me! Haaah… I would be free from his rules if only he were a little more simple-minded and innocent! Bleh!"
The girl stuck her tongue out in disgust. Whoever her so-called contractor was. She didn't have a liking for that person.
"Anyway, I wasn't quite here to start a chitchat; oh no, oh no. Then we would be stuck in this place for a millennium! It's something different. I'm bored,onee-chan. Bored, bored, bored! So I need something to pass the time before my host is ready!"
The girl banged on the table, emanating the attitude of a spoiled child. The sound waves reverberated through the empty library passages. The fact that they weren't heard yet felt odd.
"Hitting the table wouldn't help, you know! You've been talking about weird things the whole time. This is even worse than Ooblecks!" Ruby sighed.
The coffee addict spoke so rapidly that Ruby doubted even with her speed, she could barely keep up with Oobleck's lessons.
Taking a deep breath, Ruby offered the girl a weary smile. Right now, Ruby feels incredibly tired, as if her strength is slowly slipping away.
Ruby stretched out her hand. "Why don't we start over? The name's Ruby; what's yours?"
The girl's amethyst iris widened as she stared at Ruby's gesture. It seemed like a genuine surprise, as the girl kept staring for a good minute. Was the girl not accustomed to such kind gestures? A smile crept onto the girl's lips, revealing her canine teeth. Accepting Ruby's hand, the girl's amethyst eyes now fixed directly on Ruby. The young huntress flinched as she witnessed the girl's pupils transforming into vertical slits. Was she beginning to hallucinate?
"Do you really want to know my name, Onee-chan? That illusion that you have of me will be shattered the moment you find out. Oh well, oh well. I like you, Onee-chan; I can't wait to play with you when we meet for real!"
'What is she even talking about?'
"Aren't we meeting for real now?"
The girl opted not to answer Ruby's questions. Instead, she imparted one piece of advice to the young huntress.
"My name is ጠልየዐጎክ! Make sure you adapt quickly quickly Onee-chan! Ouroboros can be quite tricky to navigate through~"
With those words, the cheerful girl skipped joyfully into the depths of the library. Ruby watched her until she disappeared from her view. Knitting her brows, Ruby realized she didn't quite catch the girl's name correctly. But Ruby was too fatigued to ask again. Besides, the girl was an eccentric oddball, even more so than the weapon fanatic herself. Ruby couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling brought on by the girl's presence.
Being close to her felt unnatural for some reason. It made Ruby feel sleepy, as if the entire conversation had drained her empty, akin to an empty ammo clip from a machine gun. Yawning once more, Ruby turned right towards the exit, feeling a bit lightheaded. Perhaps it was time to call it a night. Pushing the door open, the young huntress let out a loud yawn and headed back to her dorm for some much-needed sleep.
Or was supposed to.
"Eh?"
The girl blinked, finding herself back inside the library, back at the table where she initially woke up.Back to the starting point. How did she end up here again? Ruby glanced back towards her entry point, realizing it was just a simple window.
From the looks of it, it was nighttime. Ruby shook her head, too sleepy to care. With a sigh, Ruby left through the exit.The bright light blinded her, forcing the young huntress to squint her eyes, only for them to widen like dinner plates.
"What the!"
Ruby found herself back at square one, right where she woke up. Swiftly turning, she looked behind her. The door she came from had vanished, leaving only a window revealing the morning light. Wasn't it nighttime just moments ago? How was it now morning? How did she come back here? Questions twirled around Ruby's head. Was the young huntress so sleep-deprived that she started to hallucinate? Silver eyes gazed back at the exit, seeking answers.
Despite the distance being just a couple of meters, the exit seemed oddly distant. Taking careful steps, Ruby reached the opposite end of the exit. Narrowing her eyes, she pushed the doors open.
Ruby was back at the table she once started. It was noon.
A light chill crawled down her spine.
The eerie silence now felt ten times heavier. The only audible sound was Ruby's heart speeding up. Her legs began to move faster towards the exit.
She was back at the table where she once woke up. It was night.
Ruby kept on running.
She was back at the table where she once woke up. It was morning.
Her heart beats faster.
She was back at the table where she once woke up. It was noon.
Her mind began to pound.
She was back at the table where she once woke up. It was evening.
Ruby couldn't understand what was happening .
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
Her body felt desperate.
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
Cold sweat started to roll faster.
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
She didn't understand.
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
This shouldn't be possible.
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
Was this someone's semblance?
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
This wasn't fun anymore.
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
She wanted to leave.
She was back at the table where she once woke up.
Ruby felt her strength drain from her knees, rendering them as limp as noodles dropped into a bowl. The crispy sensation enveloped her. It's cold—too cold. An icy feeling akin to being submerged in freezing water with no way to reach the surface. Curled in a ball, Ruby could do nothing but breathe shallow breaths. Fatigue overtook her body, and she succumbed to unconsciousness.
"Ah!"
Silver eyes snapped open. A chilling drop of sweat rolled from her forehead to her chin. Ruby's eyes shifted from left to right as she took in her surroundings, acknowledging her location.
She was on the west side of the campus. Beacon's Library.
She could hear students discussing the upcoming deadline for next week, the shifting of ladders from spot to spot, and the violent tapping on keyboards of the hologram computers. In short, everything seemed normal. It was as if this was how it was always supposed to be. Ruby's gaze wandered to the window. It was noon. With classes over and nothing else on her agenda, Ruby decided to visit the library.
The background noise seemed louder than she had previously noticed, giving Ruby the impression that it wasn't always this way. It unnerved her for some reason. Her heart pounded like she had run a marathon. A feeling that felt so wrong lingered in her body. It felt cold to the point where she felt violated.It was akin to a bug crawling on her back. The chilling sensation of three pairs of legs moving over the delicate surface of her skin made Ruby shiver. The girl didn't usually mind bugs, but this feeling was different. It felt more sinister.
The alien sensation made Ruby want to reject it. Coupled with the surroundings and the noises echoing around her, it made it even worse.But that wasn't what truly scared Ruby. What made Ruby's skin crawl wasn't the fact that it was noon.It wasn't the lively atmosphere of students and staff members that made her burst into a cold sweat. What truly shook her to the core was a single fact that somehow terrified her.
Ruby couldn't remember why.
For some reason, the moment she opened her eyes, her mind felt blank. It all seemed like a dream she couldn't recall, yet she still remembered the peculiar experience her body had gone through. It felt like a dream, an illusion.
"Ruby?"
Snapped out of her thoughts, Ruby jolted as a sudden hand was placed on her shoulder.
"Whaah!"
"Hey wait- blaagh!"
One of the many things Ruby learned from Yang is that, when feeling threatened, always aim for the solar plexus. As it houses the complications of nerves, it's the one of the only weak spots that can't be trained.
A well-aimed blow with the elbow, even within Ruby's limited hand-to-hand experience, could leave the opponent temporarily paralyzed, providing an opportunity to distance oneself from the attacker. What she didn't know was that the person Ruby elbowed was someone she knew well. Gasping for air, the blond boy sat buckled over on his knees. It was Ruby's first friend she made at Beacon Academy.
It was Jaune arc
"Oh god! Jaune! Are you okay!? I didn't mean to! I was lost in thought and then you came from behind and it was on reflex and-"
"Euhhh…I-its fine…. S-s-should damn that hurt! I should have been more careful…."
"You're not fine! Should I bring you to the infirmary!?" Ruby's tone carried a hint of regret. Why was her initial instinct to attack? She had gotten a precious friend hurt! Was her own sense of security more important than others'? Shaking those thoughts away, Ruby helped Jaune take a seat, rubbing his back in hopes of making him feel better. After a good five minutes, with some deep breaths and gagging. (Thank God he didn't puke.) The two of them sat next to each other.
"Damn, didn't think you elbowed that hard."
"It was an accident!
"I know, I know. Just wanted to say hi! But what's wrong with you? You've been spacing out for quite a while. I called you like four times, and you didn't answer."
Ruby fell silent. Once again, she didn't understand why she was panicking. She couldn't pinpoint what made her so scared. What was she even afraid of?
"It's nothing." Ruby smiled. "Didn't sleep well last night, I guess; I was working on something important for a friend of mine!"
The blond, blue-eyed male stared at Ruby with a questioning look. Scratching his head a moment later, Jaune changed the topic.
"Anyway, where's Weiss? Isn't she with you? Don't see her anywhere."
"Did you only come to the library in hopes of seeing Weiss?"
"Pffft, no! I would never! I was just looking for a spot to study, then I saw you, which made me think there would also be Weiss."
The young huntress looked at her classmate and friend with dead eyes as he kept rambling about how he didn't come to ask Weiss out for a date. It was kind of obvious that Jaune had a slight crush on the ice queen.How it happened, Ruby had no idea. Guess love is something that can strike at any moment. Ruby could already imagine it – Jaune, the protagonist, attempting to melt the ice queen's heart, only to unintentionally attract other girls.
The classic harem genre.
Where the main character possesses a peculiar ability to attract females. Of course, it was all just wish fulfillment and giggles. There was no way someone out there existed with the knack of attracting the opposite sex. It would be strange if she ever came across one. The person must be either a playboy who likes to toy with a girl's feelings or an exceptionally charming individual. Ruby was convinced it was the former.
"So where is the rest of your team, Jaune? Also being busy with, who knows what." Ruby asked, breaking Jaune from his excuses of seeing Weiss.
"Oh, actually, Ren and Nora were helping out Professor Port with some stuff. We agreed on meeting up in the library for some study sessions. I just so happen to be somewhat early."
"Study sessions with your teammates, huh…"
"Ruby, is something wrong? You sound… A bit on edge, if that's the right word?"
"I'm ok," Ruby grinned, albeit a bit forced. "You mentioned Ren and Nora, but where's Pyrrha?"
"Pyrrha is at the dorms doing her daily routine."
Ruby turned to Jaune with a raised eyebrow. So, the invincible girl never really takes a break. Among the first years, Pyrrha is the most promising student at Beacon. Comparing her to Ruby was an understatement. From what she had seen of the pride and joy of Mistral.Pyrrha Nikos is considered the personification of talent. The way she wields Miló and Akoúo̱ showcases an incredible sense of both defense and offense. Ruby would be lying if she wasn't impressed with the invincible girl.
Who wouldn't be? With academics, combat expertise, and a sweet personality, Pyrrha Nikos became an instant popular kid. It was no wonder that students from Beacon Academy flocked to her like moths to a flame. Among all the first years, it was Pyrrha who stood on top.
"Is Pyrrha doing some secret training or something?" Ruby continued.
"No, She's doing her daily prayer?"
"Prayer?"
Jaune nodded. "Every time before and after school, Pyrrha would say a prayer before starting her day."
"I never knew Pyrrha was a religious type of person." Ruby hummed
Jaune let out a chuckle. "Me neither; I just saw her kneeling on one knee and silently praying one day. I felt awkward intruding into something so private."
"I'm sure she wouldn't mind that much. Pyrrha doesn't seem the type to be irritated."
"You're right about that. I thought I messed up there. She went on with her prayer to Lady Cynthia."
"Lady Cynthia?" Ruby thought she had heard that name before. While she wasn't a believer herself, she was familiar with some of the major religions across Remnant.
In Menagerie and some parts of Vacuo, they had churches that worshiped the Faunus god. In Vale, there were the brothers and Lady Artemis. Only Atlas and Mistral were special cases. The former due to a lack of believers, and the latter due to the many different kinds of deities they worshiped.
"Ah right, Lady Cynthia is the local deity from where Pyrrha comes from. From what she told me, Cynthia is a popular figure in Minstral and the outskirts of Vale. She's considered one of the major deities."
"Why is that? Doesn't Minstral have a diversity of gods? What did this one do to make her stand out from the rest?"
"From what Pyrrha told me, Lady Cynthia was a piece of the moon who landed in a hollow tree. One day, a priest found her as a baby and took her under his wing, taking her to the village of Argus. Upon entering, everyone already saw how special she was and was already considered Argus' biggest pride and joy. She helped people, was kind, and was talented at singing. She was perfect in any way imaginable. Similar to Weiss you could say-."
"Did you really compare Weiss to a goddess?" Ruby interrupted.
Jaune held his hands up, showing no ill intent. "Never said anything about comparing. Also, isn't what I'm doing considered a compliment?"
"Hmmm... I do admit that Weiss is an amazing person, though calling her perfect and kind isn't what I envision her as."
"Nah, I'm pretty sure it's all a façade. She called me cute on the entrance exam."
"That's what people call sarcasm, Jaune." Ruby deadpanned. "She called you a tall, scrawny boy, if I remember correctly. Not to say you don't have muscles or an athletic build. It's just that Weiss doesn't seem interested."
"...Don't know what hurts more. My stomach or my pride."
"Probably your stomach, since that pride of yours was gone the moment you wore those onesies. Nevertheless, it's still a cute onesie thought!" Ruby beamed, unwittingly pushing the tall blonde further into depression. As sadistic as the young huntress may be, Ruby enjoyed moments when she could talk to him like that.
Since talking to strangers was a bit difficult, she was glad that she could have conversations like these with people she cares for. They were so precious that she wouldn't trade them for anything else in the entire world.
Both chuckled after Ruby's witty comeback. Enjoying each other's company.
"I have found our fearless leader!"
"Nora, this is a library."
"Hey Jaune, sorry we're late."
Both teen leaders turned to the source of three distinct voices. A red-haired beauty, a hyperactive ginger, and an apathetic boy with a bit of a feminist look were standing a few meters behind Ruby and Jaune. These three were known as Jaune's teammates, also known as Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren, in no particular order.
"It's okay. I didn't wait long or anything. Ruby gave me some company." Reassured Jaune. Their gazes shifted from Jaune to Ruby as Ruby waved at them. "Hey guys!"
"Hello Ruby. How are you?" Pyrrha said while taking a seat on the opposite side of Ruby. The action sent a sudden chill down Ruby's spine, but it was quickly forgotten by the ever-happy Nora.
"Heya! Ruby, how is it going~ You're in a good mood, wait, you're always In a good mood. What are you laughing with Jaune about? Is it a joke? I love jokes! But no, not every joke is funny. Those of Yang aren't. But who cares! Anyway, how is it going? Oops, I said it twice. Doing it twice is too polite, isn't it? Or too strict? Maybe-"
"I think that's enough, Nora." Ren cut in, acknowledging Ruby with a light nod. Ruby chuckled. Team Juniper always seemed so alive. Unlike her own team, Team Juniper was mostly together in their activities. Teambuilding or simply hanging out as friends, Jaune did something that Ruby couldn't. Leading a team. They stood as a group of friends, while Ruby's group stood separate from each other. Team Juniper didn't seem to suffer the same coldness as Team Ruby did.
It made her happy.
It made her glad.
It made her smile.
It made her stomach curl.
How selfish.
"Ruby, are you okay? You've been spacing out again."
Ruby blinked, locking eyes with a concerned Jaune. Ruby shook her head. "I'm fine! Been working on some weapon concepts. I was so invested in brainstorming last night that I completely forgot that time flies faster than a bullet! Haha!"
Jaune sighed, a small smile of relief on his face. It seems the tall blonde bought the lie. Well, technically, it was half a lie.
Ruby did draw some weapon concepts, but that wasn't the only thing she did. There was also the task she got from Aureolus that she was working on.
"Are you thinking of changing weapons?"
The smile that adorned Ruby's lips turned into a frightening expression of horror. What the hell did he say?
Replacing Crescent Rose? Replacing her first-ever weapon, the one she spent months working on with Uncle Qrow!
Jaune, seeing the sudden change of expression, felt the temperature drop to minus five celsius. Glancing at Pyrrha and the others for help, they all turned their heads, suddenly finding the shelves more interesting.
"...Jaune…I can't believe what you are saying! Changing out a weapon for a new one is the biggest crime a hunter can commit!"
"Um, R-Ruby, you don't have to shout. We're in a library, remember."
Ruby wasn't having it.
"Jaune. Don't you see how special your first-hand craft weapon even is!? Installing the spring, testing the lightness of the metal, and making sure that the slightest movement feels natural as if it is a part of your own body! Making sure that the transformation goes as smoothly as possible. Even one nanosecond can mess up timing. It was through these hands of mine that Crescent Rose was born! And even before, I could use her! I had to practice before I could wield Crescent Rose with a prototype! It was a moment I would never forget! Well, I love bringing in new concepts and ideas; I would never betray my baby like that! Ever! I crafted her with every inch of my soul! Crescent Rose is my child that I raised from blood, sweat, and tears! Throwing her away would be to my own flesh and blood! Don't even speak of such blasphemy!"
"Yeah! You tell them, Ruby! Let the world know what you're made of!" Nora applauded.
Team Juniper (besides Nora, who had stars twinkle in her eyes as she cheered in agreement.) Sweat dropped as Ruby went on with her 'weapons are irreplaceable' speech.
"W-well I'm sure Jaune didn't mean it to upset you, Ruby; we're just curious as to why you decided to create some new concepts."
"Huh, to build them, of course."
"Why make new ones when you don't plan to use them!?" Jaune screeched.
Ruby cocked her head sideways. Not understanding jaune's outburst. "What else am I supposed to do? It will be a waste, leaving them as drawings and designs."
"Having backups ready isn't a bad idea on its own, I guess. That's very mature of you, Ruby." With her hands joined together, Pyrrha offered Ruby a gentle smile.
Ruby's brow twitched, but she smirked with her chest puffed out. While she was adamant about sticking to Crescent Rose, the idea of having a backup weapon always had its merits.
And so team Juniper and Ruby engaged in conversations about various topics. The discussion ranged from weapons to Professor Port's tales and from Professor Peach's assignments to Headmaster Ozpin visiting lecture halls. As they continued, time flew by swiftly until it was time for Team Juniper to depart.
"See ya later, Ruby!"
"Yeah, see ya!" Waved the young huntress goodbye, a gentle smile graced her lips as Jaune and the rest of Team Juniper departed the scene.
As they disappeared from Ruby's sight, she sighed, letting herself drop onto the chair. Ruby couldn't help it. That nagging thought still poisoned her mind.
Gnashing like gears grinding against each other, it was a thought that Ruby desperately wanted to shake off. It made her feel utterly disgusted with herself for even harboring such a notion.
It was jealousy.
Jealousy brewed within Ruby as she observed Jaune's team being so close-knit. Their smiles and conversations about their day showcased a comfort level she yearned for. She felt envious that they dedicated time as a unified team rather than drifting apart. Engaging in team activities, studying, and sharing laughter, Ruby felt like she was left in the dust. While Jaune was respected, she was still seen as a child. Her gaze turned back towards the window.
A lonely white bird sat on a tree branch, preening its feathers. Was it possible for Yang to see Ruby as an equal? Could Ruby do something to prove to Weiss that she wasn't a burden? Or do something to earn Blake's acknowledgment? What did she have to do to gain respect? Were her efforts in studying, thinking, and planning even worth it?
"... Sometimes I just wish for everyone to take me a little more seriously. What do you think, birdie?" She softly muttered to no one in particular.
"Then why not change it? Why not take matters into your own hands?"
Ruby's gaze coincidentally met the feathered creature's. Faint, blue-like pearls in its eyes seemed to stare at the young huntress, creating the impression that they were attempting to convey a message. Did that bird truly speak, or was she losing her sanity?
Avoiding that gaze, Ruby shifted her focus elsewhere. As her eyes roamed, they halted at one particular person. Not willing to miss her chance, Ruby sprinted in that direction, leaving a trail of rose petals behind.
The bow on Blake's head twitched at the noises around her. The not-so-soft whispers bothered her immensely. Didn't they realize they were in a library? It was supposed to be a quiet place where students could read and study in peace. Certainly not a place for gossip or anything of the sort. Even at this hour, when most students had retreated to their dorm rooms, Blake's sensitive ears could catch the slightest sounds.
By no means could she hear anything, but possessing a hearing range of 2300 feet was no small feat either. The hushed conversations on diverse subjects like, "What did you eat today?" or "Can I copy your notes?" mixed with discussions about the rumored Grimm cult, Professor Goodwitch's sternness, and the struggle to comprehend Professor Oobleck's lectures entered the sensitive ears. However, these whispers held no interest for the cat faunus. She was there for an entirely different reason.
With a gentle touch, Blake traced her index finger along the spines of the numerous books in the literature section, carefully reading each title until she found the book she was searching for.
The tale of the warrior in the woods.
the man who stared at the sun.
the boy who cried grimm.
Blake moved through the shelves, already familiar with the contents of those stories. Her finger slid along the spines until amber-colored eyes halted at a specific title. She took it off the shelf, wiping away a bit of dust from the cover, and carefully read the title, immersing herself in a trip down memory lane.
The shadow and the princess .
A frown crept across Blake Belladonna's face. It had been quite some time since she last encountered that tale. A humorless chuckle slipped from Blake's lips as she vividly recalled the first time she heard it. On a stormy day in Menagerie, little Blake would seek refuge under her mother's arms, trembling while her father recounted the tale.
Within the realm of Minstral resided a princess known for her fairness and honesty. Her complexion resembled delicate porcelain, as if she could shatter at the slightest touch. A compassionate soul, adored by the entire nation. The princess would pass her days in the garden, amusing herself with a silver-covered ball. Each night, she'd toss the ball skyward, crafting the illusion of twin moons in the vast expanse.
One fateful day, the princess launched the ball so high that it landed in a pond. Overwhelmed by distress, the Minstral princess found herself unable to do anything but weep. The ball was beyond her reach, and there was no way to retrieve it. The ball lay too distant for her hands to grasp and too deep for her eyes to discern. Lost in distress, the innocent girl found herself approached by a shadowy figure. No one knew its appearance, origin, or the purpose it held in life. The book only hinted at the mysterious figure having a lovely silver brooch. With a soft murmur, the enigmatic being proposed a pact. It pledged to retrieve the ball from the water, and in return, the princess would be obligated to fulfill a solitary request, whatever it may be.
In her naivety and pure innocence, the girl, with royally pure blood, willingly adhered to the conditions. The peculiar figure proceeded to retrieve the silver ball from the pond. Overjoyed to have her ball returned, she expressed gratitude to the formless being. The shadowy figure promptly made its request on the spot. Each day, at the precise location and time, the princess would rendezvous with the entity, sharing moments together alongside the silver ball. And so, the princess assented to its request.
Thus, a fresh chapter unfolded in the story of the princess and the enigmatic figure she named Hecate. With each passing day, the girl grew fonder of Hecate, eagerly anticipating the moment when they would meet. She would share stories of her day, and as a full year passed, Hecate did something the princess could never have envisioned.
The entity, Hecate, would seize the girl, ruthlessly biting through her delicate flesh, tearing her limb from limb and crushing her bones bit by bit. The princess, gripped by fear, attempted to flee but was ultimately consumed. Her innocence and optimistic trust, tainted by naivety, ultimately led her to a tragic end. Hecate would vanish, leaving the princess's ball abandoned near the pond, its shine dulled as its owner met her demise at the hands of the dreadful Hecate.
During her childhood, Blake harbored a strong dislike for this narrative. It was another cautionary tale aimed at teaching youngsters about the dangers of strangers. However, that wasn't the sole reason for her disdain. The cat faunus had three primary reasons why she detested it.
The initial reason stemmed from the princess's foolishness, her decision to trust a figure that could potentially be a Grimm exemplifying the epitome of stupidity. Why did her initial response involve sobbing and crying when a better solution was clearly within reach? It portrayed her as a spoiled brat incapable of handling her own affairs, someone reliant on assistance when she was perfectly capable of rectifying her own mistakes.
The second reason lay in the entity itself. With its vague description and lack of clear motives for its actions, it resulted in a historical plot hole in Minstral's history. The fact that such a whimsical tale could give rise to such a plot hole was quite evident. This children's fairytale did carry a hint of reality. Sometime before the Great War, a princess vanished mysteriously from the palace. The details of her disappearance remained shrouded in mystery.
She vanished without a trace, as if her existence was a mere illusion. Scholars, poring over ancient documents, sought to unravel the mystery and formulated two potential explanations. One theory suggests that a grimm infiltrated the garden unnoticed, consuming the princess. Another posits a planned terrorist attack orchestrated by the faunus race. Scholars inclined towards the latter theory, connecting it closely to the impending faunus genocide a year later. Essentially, the elusive entity symbolized the discontent among faunuses living under the rule of the Minstral dynasty.
Minstral's residents, despite lacking concrete proof, harbor lingering resentment for the events that unfolded centuries ago. It seems the age-old saying holds some truth. Whenever you think of the past, it brings back so many memories.
How ironic.
The last reason Blake despised the story was its reflection of her own past. The innocent girl in the tale mirrored Blake's former self, holding onto the belief that humans and faunus could coexist peacefully by raising their voices. She used to think that if they spoke up, someone would listen. With unwavering hope for the future, the past Blake envisioned a world where, against overwhelming odds, humans would come to understand faunuses. The young girl, lost in her illusions, played in a garden of innocence, tossing around the ball of naivety.
Similar to the princess, Blake tossed the ball high into the air, only to watch it plummet into the harsh reality that faunuses were never truly understood from the beginning. Why would they? Faunuses possess claws sharp enough to cleave rocks, can camouflage themselves to blend into their surroundings, and even boast the ability to fly with bat-like wings sprouting from their backs. In the eyes of humans, the combination of animal characteristics with humanity was deemed repulsive.
The mere thought that faunuses, with their perceived repulsive traits, dared to consider themselves equal to humans caused discomfort and unease in their stomachs.
It seemed absurd,
almost laughable.
….ridiculous.
Young Blake's dream of achieving equality through peaceful talks drowned in profound disillusionment. Acceptance was a distant notion, especially for faunus who faced even greater prejudice. Enduring heightened mistreatment and scorn based on their identity, faunus were perceived through the same lens as Grimm in their eyes. Certain individuals were even apprehended, forced into slave labor to toil away in mines. The once-peaceful organization, White Fang, became a subject of ridicule not only among humans but also within the faunus community.
Why invest their faith in something that causes more harm than good?
However, things took a turn when a young faunus, someone Blake would rather erase from her memories, extended a hand towards her. Endowed with charisma and intelligence, this ordinary faunus boy believed that it was time to change the narrative. Tired of being perceived as inferior and treated like slaves, the faunuses reached a breaking point. As the saying goes, beat a dog long enough, and it will eventually bare its fangs.
And baring they did.
If faunuses were deemed as savage creatures, why not demonstrate the true extent of their savagery?
The formerly tranquil White Fang chose to bite back. They began pilfering shipments loaded with dust and resources, launching raids on mines, and obliterating crucial trade hubs. During that time, Blake perceived a sense of advancement. The naive cat girl optimistically believed that, at long last, circumstances would improve. The outstretched hand that extended toward her possessed a rugged yet gentle touch. Acting on instinct, the cat faunus accepted that hand, unaware of the stains emitting an aroma reminiscent of iron.
"We're in this together, right, Blake?"
Observing her hand, the cat faunus clenched it into a fist, her fingers pressing into her palm with such intensity that it seemed as though crimson liquid might seep through. What was she thinking? She had distanced herself from that environment, swearing never to revisit the place that had transformed into something darker. She was no longer a member of the White Fang.
She was Blake Belladonna, a girl dedicated to becoming a huntress. No longer a criminal, the shadow she had left behind was now nothing more than a hollow remnant of her past self. It was a self-crafted illusion, one that Blake was prepared to embrace.
Blake released a sigh, returning the book to its designated spot.
"Ah. Someone doesn't know how to place a book in the right section," she murmurs.
Retrieving a misplaced book from the folklore section, Blake's eyes widened as they fell upon the title. This book was clearly out of place in the folklore section, far from where it belonged. Her ears stood up straight as she read the title once and then twice. A sinister smile crept onto her face as she let out an eerie giggle.
You might be curious about what caused the cat faunus to giggle so enthusiastically, as if a madman were scheming an evil mastermind plan.The reason was surprisingly straightforward. The book Blake now held happened to be one of her guilty pleasures.
Erotica.
The cat faunus couldn't fathom how it ended up there, but who cared! Erotica, an underappreciated genre, deserved love like any other. Without hesitation, Blake delved into its page-
"Hey Blake, there you are!"
Only for the poor feline to tense up and hastily close the book.
Well shit, that wasn't what she had anticipated.
Wearing a forced smile, Blake faced the high-pitched voice calling her name. A girl slightly shorter than Blake stood there, hands nervously playing behind her back. Donning a vibrant red cape, her smile seemed awkward, conveying a sense of uncertainty.
This socially awkward individual was none other than Blake's team leader, Ruby.
"Sorry, did I bother you?"
'Yeah, you kinda did.'
Internally sighing, Blake's exploration of literary delights was once again disrupted by an unexpected intruder.
"No, not really. I was just browsing through some books." Blake gave a curt answer.
"Yeah, I remember you loved reading books! Your favorite genre was mystery, right? Any recommendations?"
Brushing aside her hair in contemplation, Blake couldn't help but note the consistent pattern that had become her daily routine since encountering this particular girl. With the break of dawn, Ruby made it a point to greet every member of Team Ruby individually. During lunch breaks, she consistently extended invitations to Blake to join her for a meal. And as night fell, the considerate girl left a batch of cookies before retiring to bed.
This pattern played out day after day, leaving Blake puzzled as to why Ruby went to such lengths, even baking cookies for them. Blake appreciated the small acts of kindness, finding it endearing that Ruby put in such effort for their team. While there were moments when Blake wasn't up for conversation, she considered it preferable to her other two roommates.
Yang, in Blake's eyes, was excessively social, surpassing Blake's standards. The cat faunus pictured her as more of a party girl. Venturing out with friends, reveling until the midnight hours, and returning inebriated from an unknown bar – Yang's lifestyle didn't align with Blake's preferences for socializing. While she wasn't a bad person, Blake simply found it challenging to connect with her.
On the other hand, Blake would sum up her other teammate in one word.
A total bitch.
Being in the presence of the haughty heiress was unbearable for Blake. Weiss' demeanor exuded arrogance, and initially, Blake held the hope that she might be different from the rest of the Schnee family. In her pursuit to dispel the notion that shared blood always implies malevolence, Blake found herself mistaken. Weiss's haughty demeanor triggered a visceral reaction, making Blake feel nauseated. The mere sight of her attempting to play the angelic role, while the blood of her kin tainted those very wings, made Blake's blood boil.
Who does she believe herself to be? Is she oblivious to the struggles faunus endure due to her actions? How does she find rest while children slave away in the mines her family owns? It felt repulsive, sharing a team with her. The mere presence of Weiss disgusted Blake, especially knowing that Weiss played a role in shaping the person he had become.
It was Bl̶a̶k̶e̶'s Weiss's fault that he turned into a monster.
"Hellooo? Remnant to Blake?"
"Hm? Sorry, I spaced out a bit."
Ruby simply shook her head. "It's fine. I spaced out like three times today! Felt like I didn't get enough sleep yesterday. Something just kept me up for no reason." Ruby's brows furrowed momentarily, then she returned with a broad smile. Blake wore a puzzled expression, while the girl facing her beamed with one of the most radiant smiles Blake had ever witnessed. It amazed Blake how Beacon Academy could admit someone so young.
She hasn't finished primary yet.
Ruby stood two years junior to her peers, though she demonstrated above-average proficiency at her previous school and wielded a formidable weapon. However, her overall skill set was rather average. Ruby struggled academically, lacked proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, and faced challenges in leadership due to her inexperience.
Ruby's lack of confidence and serious demeanor made her appear as a kid with a naive outlook on the world. Blake often pondered why Headmaster Ozpin would consider someone like Ruby as a leader, given her lack of notable qualities, except for a single instance of thinking outside the box during the encounter with the colossal Nevermore.
It seemed as if he intended for Ruby to join, regardless of whether she succeeded or failed.
That man can be hard to read sometimes.
Blake didn't feel inclined to take action. After all, who was she to question the choices of a seasoned huntsman? Additionally, Blake acknowledged that she wasn't the ideal teammate either. The cat faunus had often ignored the girl to enjoy her own leisure. Humoring Ruby seemed like the least Blake could do. What harm could it bring?
"Hey Blake, what's that book you're holding? Is it interesting?"
….well fuck.
"Not worth wasting time on, trust me."
"Come one, it can't be that bad? Can I see?"
Blake took a step back from Ruby's response. "It is! I-I mean, the plot of the book is... It's that terrible! It makes you even question how someone was even able to publish something so vile as that!"
Ruby scrutinized Blake with narrowed eyes, searching for any signs of deception. Blake fervently hoped she wasn't perspiring; dodging Ruby's judgment on her preference for smut was something she aimed to avoid entirely.
"Hmm… Fine then… I'll just… Haah!"
"!"
Ruby surged ahead, lunging for the book with outstretched hands. Blake, attempting to conceal her prize, evaded at the last second, causing Ruby to stumble. Regaining her footing, Ruby displayed a subtle pout in response. "Come on, Blake! Just curious!"
"Like I said, it's terrible."
"If it was that bad, then you wouldn't have a problem sharing!"
"...Like I said, it's terrible."
"You're just repeating the same sentence!"
Ruby declared, propelling herself toward Blake with astonishing speed. This time, Blake was prepared, skillfully maneuvering to evade yet another of Ruby's fruitless attempts.Blake executed a nimble leap, gracefully touching down behind Ruby's back. Unwilling to let it slide, Ruby activated her semblance, seizing the chance to snatch the book from Blake's grasp.
"Sorry Blake, you know what they say curiosity kills the cat!"
In a quick motion, Ruby's fingers pierced through the illusion woven by Blake.
"Wait, what!?"
Silver eyes shifted towards the figure a few strides away. The genuine Blake stood there, sporting a self-satisfied grin, while Ruby's eyes widened.
Shadow.
The unique ability granted by her semblance allowed Blake to seamlessly switch positions with an ethereal illusion, employing it as a clever diversion to slip away from danger.
Realizing the girl had been tricked by a simple shadow, Ruby decided to change tactics.Unbeknownst to Ruby, the arena for their improvised flag (or book) capture game was confined. In the narrow expanse of five meters between bookshelves, Ruby underestimated the required range, colliding into the bookshelf with a resounding thud.
"...ouch... cheater..."
"Pfft, you started it." Blake countered. Walking up to Ruby, Blake offered a hand to get the girl up her feet.
"Not bad though. You almost had me." Blake complimented
"But now I do~"
The remark caused Blake to squint. However, it was too late; before Blake could respond, Ruby had already snatched the exquisite piece of literature from the cat faunus' grasp. Ruby playfully stuck out her tongue while creating some distance. "Gotcha! Now let's see what this is all about, right Blake?"
Color began to drain from Blake's face.
"Wait Ruby! Don't do it!"
"oh? Should I read it out loud then? Okay! Here I go!~ Ahem, page 196. The touch of her… Delicate…Fingers… around… my… Sha…"
Ruby fell silent, her eyes blinking repeatedly as she carefully read the sentence four times, ensuring she didn't misinterpret it. Blushing intensively, Ruby's embarrassment increased as she flipped through the pages.
"...Blake…"
It was over. Blake was officially done for. Whether or not she cared about her social standing, being labeled as a pervert was not something she wished for. The prospect of the entire Beacon academy thinking she indulged in such explicit literature was a nightmare she couldn't escape from.
"...Blake…" Ruby repeated, Blake flinched.
"Ruby, it's not what you think! I-"
A forced grin appeared as Ruby patted Blake's shoulder.
"It's ok, I was a bit surprised to be honest. Didn't know you're that type of girl."
'that type of girl…'
Defeated, Blake collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, surrounded by an aura of despair. The desire to vanish or find refuge in a secluded spot, shielding her flushed face from the world, overwhelmed her. The sympathetic smile on her teammate's face didn't make things any better.
"Hey, don't be ashamed, even if you enjoy reading…Smut, We still accept you as who you are Blake!"
Blake groaned.
"No they won't."
Ruby raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that? We're a team, remember? We stand up for each other no matter what."
Blake had serious doubts she would be accepted, not merely due to her indulgence in erotica. If her teammates discovered the true Blake Belladonna, would they ever deem her worthy of friends, an ally?
She questioned her own moral standing, acknowledging she was far from an good person.
She was an ex white fang member.
She is a faunus.
She was a ̶t̶e̶r̶r̶o̶r̶i̶s̶t̶ freedom fighter.
She was an individual who grasped onto a hand tainted with blood.
In simple terms, Blake's hands were almost stained as well.
Ruby observed in silence, scrutinizing Blake's expression. With a heavy sigh, Blake resigned herself to the fact that Ruby wouldn't comprehend the depth of her experiences, the actions she had taken, and, most significantly, the regrets that burdened her. Lost in contemplation, Blake remained oblivious to the precarious ladder standing nearby, its legs teetering on the brink of slipping at any moment.
"Blake, watch out!"
In a sudden twist of events, the ladder gave away, poised to descend upon Blake's head. However, for the nimble cat faunus, evading the imminent ladder wasn't much of a challenge. No need to even use her semblance. Ruby however, had a different idea in mind. Without a second thought, she firmly grabbed Blake's shoulder and swiftly pulled her out of harm's way.
Disregarding the height and weight difference, the two found themselves in an rather indecent position after the fall, Ruby ending up on top of Blake. Groaning in discomfort, they tried to adjust to the unexpected situation.
"Sorry, Blake, are you okay?"
"Ouch, why would you do something like that? A falling ladder wouldn't mean death or anything; besides, I could have avoided it on my own."
"Couldn't help it! My body moved on its own- Are those cat ears?"
Blake froze. Did Ruby just say cat ears?
Golden eyes locked with silvery orbs, the curiosity evident in Ruby's gaze as her hand extended, reaching for the pair of fluffy ears. She couldn't help but question their authenticity, wondering if they're real or not. The unexpected action widened Blake's eyes. Springing back to an upright stance, she hastily shoved the still bewildered Ruby, a bit too forcefully. Ruby stumbled, landing on the back of her head with a subdued thud.
"W-whoah! Blake!?"
The cat faunus remained silent, her thoughts consumed by the recent event. How had her ribbon become untied? When did it loosen? Where could it be now? Such questions whirled in her mind like a tornado.
"Blake? You're a faunus?"
Blake bit her lip.
"Why are you hiding your ears? Why didn't you tell me? Does Yang or Weiss know about this?"
Anticipating the inquiry, Blake hesitated. Revealing the truth was out of the question. Admitting it would swiftly transform Ruby's benevolent demeanor into hostility. It wasn't just a risk of getting expelled from Beacon; it could lead to immediate arrest.
"Blake?"
Ruby extended her hand, a simple gesture to pull Blake from her thoughts. A small act of kindness, reassuring her that everything was okay. It was a simple hand that was stained with the scent of iron.
Blake's eyes contracted, the scene she had conjured in her mind blending with reality. The icy shiver creeping down her spine intensified as the gentle hand inched nearer.
"We're in this together, right, Blake?"
She had to reject it. She had to. It wasn't her fault that things turned out the way they do now. She wasn't the one who left things in shambles. Blake did what she had to. She did what everyone would do! She was in the right, and no one could change that. The blood stains on her hand were not her doing. It was his! Not hers!
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"
The resounding slap reverberated through the silent library corridors. Blake, breathing heavily, fixed an exasperated gaze upon Ruby, who, in response, visibly flinched. Taken aback by the unexpected eruption, Blake gasped, her hand instinctively flying to cover her own mouth. The hand she had impulsively slapped away trembled on Ruby's chest.
A faint trickle of crimson fluid emerged, evidence that Blake's nails had left a small gash on Ruby's delicate skin.
She had lashed out on Ruby. Blake had lashed out on someone who only wanted to offer some help. Blake lashed out on a girl who was innocent. Blake acted no better than Hecate, who devoured the naive princess.
"Blake? you're running away?"
Blake's mind fixated on a single purpose—the one task she believed a seemingly useless cat like herself could achieve.
She ran.
"W-Wait Blake!"
Blake ignored her.
In her typical fashion, Blake disregarded the issue and evaded it, choosing to escape as she always did.
She was a scaredy cat after all.
She fucked up.
Ruby Rose fucked up big time.
The young huntress wasn't the type to casually use swear words, but Ruby felt it was an appropriate time to use one. After all, Blake was upset because of her. Ruby couldn't pinpoint exactly where things went awry. One moment, they appeared to be making progress, only for the bridge she had built to crumble the next. Everything spiraled downhill the moment Ruby uncovered Blake's secret.
Blake was, in fact, a faunus.
Not just a faunus. A cat faunus, to be more precise. Ruby should have noticed the clues. Blake occasionally indulged in a tuna sandwich, moved with incredible grace upon landing, displayed remarkable acrobatics, and possessed a slender, catlike body that was hard to overlook!
How Ruby overlooked such blatant signals puzzled her. Blake practically exhibited feline behavior in plain sight!
But that wasn't the problem.
The issue arose after their little fiasco. Following Blake's escape, Ruby searched the halls, dorms, and cafeteria but couldn't locate her.
Hell, despite Ruby's exhaustive search across the entire campus, the elusive cat faunus, Blake, remained nowhere to be found. It seemed likely that Blake had left the campus shortly after their confrontation. Running her fingers through her hair, the young huntress let out an audible sigh. This wasn't supposed to happen.
Things should have turned for the better. Whatever happened between Blake and her should never have happened.Ruby's mind buzzed with thousands of questions as she left the commercial district behind.
Why would Blake hide her identity? Did she not trust the team? Did Blake feel unsafe because of racism? Has any of this had to do with the SDC? Growing more frustrated with each passing moment, Ruby, as the team leader, felt the weight of her promises to Weiss and Headmaster Ozpin pressing on her shoulders.
She was the team leader for god's sake! She promised Weiss and headmaster Ozpin that she would do better!Ruby pledged to bear the responsibility and ensure the well-being of those entrusted under her leadership.
What a leader she was.
Unbeknownst to her, someone was enduring pain right under Ruby's watch. The memory of Blake's pained face churned Ruby's stomach. She wasn't meant to bear such a burden. With clenched fists, Ruby walked past the Orphanage garden.The huntress did not know what Blake's situation was. Whether it was something like bullying in the past by someone like Cardin.
Or a very negative experience with racism from outside the campus. Ruby would get to the bottom of this. She would find a way to make Blake smile for real this time. But for now she had something else to do. Ruby tapped gently on the front door, patiently waiting until the entrance swung open, revealing the maid of the orphanage. The elegant yet stoic woman, her hair neatly tied in a bun, graciously stepped aside, allowing Ruby to enter with a thankful nod.
"Sorry to intrude, how has your day been?"
"..."
"R-right forgot you're not much of a talker. Is Mr Aureolus somewhere? He said he needed help with something."
The maid, as silent as ever. Pointed towards stairs leading upwards.
"Sooo… He's on the second floor?" Ruby asked
"..."
"Okaaay. It was nice talking to you?"
The maid departed, leaving Ruby to her own devices. Inhaling deeply, the young huntress ascended the stairs, reaching the second floor in silence.
"Hello? someone there?"
A faint sound emanated from one of the doors along the corridor. Intrigued, Ruby opened it to discover a group of children engaged in a painting session. Clad in aprons splattered with paint, their hands adorned with vibrant colors. Every gaze in the room shifted toward those silver eyes, revealing a collective surprise. As Ruby scanned the faces, some seemed familiar from the curious glances she received the day before. Their names remained a mystery, as they had never formally introduced themselves. The children abandoned their paint brushes, swarming around Ruby with uncontainable excitement. However, Gerda and Kai were notably absent from the group.
"Is the Huntress from yesterday!"
"She came back! So cool!"
"It was just like Mr Aureolus said! Miss huntress! Are you staying to play!"
Ruby chuckled. "Hey everyone. It's good to see you!"
"Miss huntress! Look what we made!"
A girl with chestnut hair tugged at Ruby's sleeve, leading her to the project they were diligently working on. A depiction on the floor showcased a modest illustration of an egg enveloped by a serpent. Painted in shades of green transitioning to blue, the winged reptile grasped its own tail—an emblematic portrayal of the Ouroboros symbol.
'Why do I have a feeling something's very wrong with this painting?'
"Well what do you think? Pretty awesome right?" another boy asked
"It….Sure is! Looks very… Realistic?"
The boy gave out a bashful grin.
"Mr Aureolus said we could paint the floors of this old mansion. We already did the upper floors and now we're doing the second! He also said we could paint it however we like! As long as we agree with each other that is."
Ruby simply nodded along. The drawing and the carvings on each door made her worry.
"He sure likes reptiles, Mr Aureolus, I mean. Where is he now actually?"
"Miss Rose, what a pleasant surprise seeing you here."
Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
Ruby shifted her gaze toward the man casually leaning against the doorframe. His immaculate white suit and distinctive green hair styled back, much like the previous day. How long the owner of this orphanage stood there was unknown to Ruby.
"Hi, we agreed to meet up after all. sorry for intruding so suddenly."
The alchemist shook his head.
"I have no ill intent towards you. Let's go to my office to discuss further what we started yesterday. As for you children, how is the drawing coming along?"
"Almost finished!"
"That is splendid to hear. Remember we will have dinner in a few hours and then it is bedtime."
The group of children groaned.
"Mr Aureolus, do we have to? I don't feel sleepy yet!" The girl with chestnut hair gave a pleading gaze.
"How else are you supposed to grow as a fine lady Martha? You need your sleep to grow."
"But it's scary at night!"
"Martha, it will be fine, I promise I will find the source okay? Now go do that task I gave you"
Martha, though reluctant, yielded. Complaining to Aureolus about the late-night incident seemed more trouble than it was worth. Like everyone else, the girl had faith in the man who provided them a second home. If Aureolus made a promise, he would undoubtedly uphold it.
"Good, then I will call you when it is time for dinner. Miss Rose, if you would follow me kindly."
Without saying another word, the alchemist made his way to his office on the highest floor. Ruby, not willing to be left behind, soon followed suit. Stepping into his office, Ruby found a chair positioned opposite Aureolus, with a cup of tea waiting for her on the desk.
"I must thank you for agreeing to free some time, Miss Rose. The children were all very excited to see your face again."
"It's fine," Ruby reassured. "Had some free time anyway."
"That is good to hear, although it pains me to say that Gerda couldn't receive you."
"Is her condition getting worse?"
Aureolus took his time before responding. Sipping from his lukewarm tea, the tall man let out a sigh.
"I am afraid she had some trouble breathing. Thankfully Gerda's aura is stable, she is very tired for the moment."
Trouble breathing wasn't a good sign.
"Does this happen often? Gerda having trouble with breathing."
"Fortunately this is the first. But time is ticking so I would like to finish a couple of things and get straight to the point. Miss Rose, did you find any information on how aura came to be?"
Ruby shook her head.
"Not a pure answer. As I said yesterday, no one really knows how aura was first manifested. It is a life force that is transferred and channeled into energy. More like a force field for easier comparison. Also no one back then had time to question it as Grimm was infested in almost every corner. Sorry I couldn't be of much help"
"It is alright; you gave it your all."
"That's no excuse for a leader."
Aureolus arched an eyebrow, observing Ruby as she gazed into her cup. The alchemist then narrowed his eyes.
"Did something happen?"
Ruby looked up. "What makes you think that?"
"Your eyes."
"?"
"They do not shine like they used to. I can tell that something is bothering you."
Ruby averted her gaze as she took a sip. The sweet citrus flavor danced on her tongue, but an unexpected bitterness tainted the experience.
"You could say I had some problems regarding school. Nothing you have to worry about! It's just that…. Things haven't been working out lately."
"A romantic relationship?" He asked.
"What? No! Not any of that… A friend of mine seemed hurt for some reason and I… messed up, hurting her even more. I tried to say sorry but she left before I could apologize."
"I see… that is quite problematic. If this went on any further it might stop your growth." Aureolus muttered more to himself than Ruby.
Aureolus finished the remaining dregs of his tea, studying the young huntress, who seemed lost in her thoughts. Glancing at the grimoire named Ars Goetia, the alchemist sensed the urgency. He needed to conclude this before that troublesome woman interfered with phase two. Ruby was important, but Gerda took precedence.
Nigredo comes before Rubedo, after all.
Aureolus felt the weight of numerous pressing matters demanding his attention. Amidst all this, he had to ensure that entity remained content, preventing it from returning to its origin. As he observed the young huntress once more, Aureolus Izzard made a spontaneous decision. It wasn't part of his initial plan and carried significant risks, but he chose to take the chance—for his own sake, for hers, and for the world.
That is what his name is supposed to stand for.
"That frown on your face is not something that belongs to a face such as yours. From what you have said,. You did not know your friend was hurt."
"But that's the problem! I should have known and done something about it!" The young huntress balled her fist.
"...Sometimes I feel like I'm not cut out to be a leader. Nobody really took me seriously anyway…"
"We can change that."
"Huh?"
"You want to be taken seriously right? then let me help. Consider it as payback for helping me find a way to cure Gerda."
"Are you gonna give me a lesson regarding confidence?"
Aureolus shook his head. Causing Ruby more confusion.
"I'm gonna teach you something better. Who knows, maybe you can keep that thing entertained for a while if I teach you a thing or two. Makes it easier to keep it under control."
"You say some weird things sometimes. I can't understand what you're saying!" complained the huntress even more.
"be patiënt, I should have a doll somewhere around here." Rising from his chair, the alchemist delved into his drawer. After a moment, he retrieved a wooden doll and a sheet of paper. "This shall be your first lesson." He positioned the doll, a pen, and a sheet of paper on the table, alongside a small crystallized dust in a light green, almost white hue.
"Your first lesson is quite simple. Use the earth dust to reanimate this doll and let it walk on his own."
Ruby blinked.
"..."
"Are my instructions not clear enough, Miss Rose?"
"...You're joking right? You want me to use magic or something?"
"Right on the spot, Miss Rose. Yes I want you to use magic."
Ruby couldn't discern if the orphanage owner was serious or merely making a jest at her expense. The notion of animating a regular doll without incorporating strings, gears, or a energy source seemed implausible to her. Bringing life to something 'lifeless' sounded more like nonsense.
"You're telling me to do something impossible! And how is this going to help me?" Ruby questions.
"Want me to explain how you do it during a demonstration."
Ruby sighed. "Sure I'm up for a small magic trick."
Aureolus paid no heed to her remark and proceeded to elucidate. As he positioned the doll in the center of the table, Ruby observed a tiny cavity in its chest, just large enough for the earth dust to slot in.
"As we had established yesterday, man was born from dust, and dust activates in contact with aura, correct?"
Ruby nodded. Watching with curiosity as Aureolus now places the dust crystal in the doll's chest.
"Then we simply have to draw a complicated formula. Draw a triangle with each point representing the body, the soul, and mind. After that, draw a circle around the triangle with some Latin sentences creating a chant-"
"W-wait! hold on, what? You lost me there. Drawing a what? What does that have to do with any of this!?"
Ignoring her protests, Aureolus continued his work. He left a deliberate gap between two lines, leaving his magic circle incomplete.
"The last step I leave up to you. Finish what I started." Offering the pen Ruby looked at it and then at Aureolus' face. A strange smile was plastered on it as if he was waiting for some kind of reaction.
'Should I give it a go? It's not like something would happen but he seems so serious about this.'
Ruby pondered whether to give it a try. Though skeptical, she decided to play along with Aureolus's experiment. Inhaling and exhaling through her cute nose, Ruby took the pen and filled the gap in the magic circle. Drawing from various media experiences, she expected to place the block doll on the circle, anticipating whatever outcome might unfold.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Nothing seems to happen." Ruby deadpanned.
"That's because you didn't give it any orders."
"What am I supposed to say? Stand up-"
The moment the words escaped her lips, the wooden doll started to stir. Gradually, the wooden figure creaked, the sounds of wood grating against each other filling the room. Ruby's gaze remained fixed as the doll performed an action that defied all logical possibilities.
The doll shifted of its own accord, devoid of any external attachments. No strings, no gears, no battery—nothing. In the vicinity, there was no one with a semblance to manipulate it, except for Ruby, who lacked any material means to control it.
"...what?"
"Quite miracloulus is it not?"
Ruby didn't believe it. this has to be some kind of trick. there has to be some kind of hidden mechamischim, has to be Mr Aureolus controlling the puppet somehow.
"My, such disbelieving face you got there~" The alchemist sang.
"Can't accept the reality infront of you Miss Rose?"
"Kinda hard to believe when there are so many things you could have done to make it move without me noticing." Ruby countered.
Aureolus simply shrug, taking the piece of paper where the wodden doll standed on. he shredded to pieces making the puppet drop lifeless. The alchemist then took a new piece and gave it to Ruby together with the shredded one.
"then why do you not start over. examing the doll all you like. I will simply refill my cup and watch how you do it."
Ruby squinted, still skeptical, as she picked up the puppet. To her surprise, there were no hidden mechanics or any traces of Weiss's semblance on the doll. Examining the dust crystal, Ruby found it intact, as if it had never been drained of its energy. The wooden doll seemed entirely ordinary. With her gaze shifting to the pen and paper, Ruby hesitated. This couldn't be real, right? With a trembling hand, she accepted Aureolus's offer and meticulously copied every line from the previous sheet of paper.
the only step was to place the wooden puppet on the magic circle.
Her hands still nervous placed the lifeless doll. it lay there emotionless, waitting for someone to command it.
"...Arise?"
and so the puppet did. with a awkward movement the puppet stood up.
Ruby found herself speechless. No words can describe what her mind was witnessing. She wanted to reject the notion that something like magic exists, yet she witnessed the supposed miracle unfolding right before her eyes. It wasn't flashy yet it still captivated her regardless for some reason.
"That would be my gift to you, Miss Rose."
Aureolus smiled, observing the spark in Ruby's eyes akin to a child receiving their desired birthday gift.
"I, Aureolus Izzard, shall teach you magic."