Here we are at Chapter 33. As the tournament continues, so does the drama. I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 33. Enjoy.
Chapter 33: Lights, Camera, Fairy!
Weiss, Ruby, Ei, and Nilou slowly approach the landing platforms at Beacon. And it's only slowly because Weiss is taking forever to get a move on.
"Weiss, what is the matter? Aren't you happy to be seeing your older sister again?" Ei asks.
"I am, but at the same time I'm scared. I don't know how she'll react when she finds out I'm in a relationship with another girl. I don't know her opinion on same-sex couples, and as a specialist in the Atlas military, a very high-ranking mind you, she is set to a strict code of discipline," Weiss says.
"Weiss, I don't think it'll be that bad. If your sister loves you, then I'm sure she'll support your relationship with Ruby," Nilou says.
"Yeah, it'll be okay Weiss," Ruby adds.
Weiss sighs, but she doesn't feel uplifted. They reach the landing platform to spy a woman with white hair in a bun, wearing a white military uniform that is quite different from the usual in the Atlas military. The woman turns and spots Weiss among the crowd.
"Weiss, it has been some time," Winter says as she walks over to greet her little sister.
"Winter, your presence honors us," Weiss curtsies.
"So, Weiss, care to introduce me to the ladies standing behind you?" Winter gestures to the others.
"Yes. This is Ei and Nilou from Team RDCN. My friends," Weiss motions to them.
"A pleasure to meet you, Winter Schnee," Ei bows her head.
"It's nice to meet you," Nilou waves.
"I see. A pleasure. And this is..." Winter turns her attention to Ruby.
"H-Hi, I'm Ruby Rose. Leader of Team RWBY and Weiss' girl-," Ruby gets interrupted by Weiss lightly smacking her head.
"She's my friend. And yes, she is my team leader despite her age. But, she has proven herself to be a capable leader," Weiss lies.
Seeing Weiss lie about their relationship to her older sister hurts Ruby a bit, who pouts.
"I see. So you're the leader she spoke of. It's a pleasure to meet you Ruby Rose," Winter says.
"So, sister, what are you doing here if I may ask?" Weiss asks.
"General Ironwood wanted me to get an up close and personal inspection of Atlas Academy's teams at the tournament. There's only so much he can gleam from videos and reports. Our academy's reputation is at stake, so I'm here to make sure they do everything they can to win the tournament, and break them in a little if they require further discipline," Winter explains.
"Does that include Navia and Clorinde's team?" Ei asks.
"Team CLDN has been one of our top teams at Atla, despite their lack of military discipline. As much as I hate to admit it, trying to get them to behave more like soldiers would only be to their detriment. Besides, Navia and Clorinde made it quite clear that their team has no interest in joining the military after they graduate. If we tried to force them to, it wouldn't look well for the school or the kingdom. And we've had enough drama with the press in that regard for the time being," Winter says.
"Okay, well how about a tour. I can show you around our dorm. Just for the record, he bunkbeds only look unstable," Weiss offers.
"Very well. I do wish to inspect your living quarters. And bunkbeds?" Winter has questions on that.
"We'll show you. Shall we, Ruby?" Weiss looks to her partner.
"Um, why don't you go with Winter alone, Weiss? This way, you can have some quality time with your older sister. I don't want to get in the way. I'm just a 'friend' after all," Ruby says before walking away.
Weiss is upset that Ruby is upset, but doesn't know what to do or say while her sister is with them. Ei and Nilou look at Weiss before going off with Ruby to make sure she's okay. Winter watches the whole exchange without saying anything before leaving with Weiss. It seems Weiss has made a big mistake, and she doesn't know how to fix it.
...
Ruby, Nilou, and Ei find themselves back at the fairgrounds. The couple thought bringing Ruby here for some food and games might cheer her up a bit. It isn't really working since Ruby is still in a sad mood.
"Don't worry too much about it, Ruby. Weiss does care about you. I'm sure it's just because the situation with her family is so complicated. You remember what she told us about her father. I'll bet it's worse with her sister since she actually cares about her sister and not her father," Nilou tries to comfort Ruby.
"Indeed. After all, look at the dance a while back. Weiss could've gone with anyone, but she went with you... because she wanted to go with you. And she accepted entering into a relationship with you as well. If she didn't care about you, she wouldn't have done so," Ei adds.
"If that's true, then why is she so embarrassed about being in a relationship with me? Maybe if I was as smart as her, or from a rich family, then she wouldn't be embarrassed. But, I'm nothing like that. I'm just a girl with a big scythe who loves cookies," Ruby says melancholy while eating some cotton candy.
Ei and Nilou wonder how they can make Ruby happy again. As they ponder some ideas, they hear what sounds like someone flipping out nearby.
"What do you mean she won't make it in time?! The big show is tomorrow! And she's playing the lead female role. Everyone else made it on time for training, fittings, and rehearsals. Why couldn't she make it?!" they see a girl with short white hair wearing a fancy dark blue outfit and a hat yelling at a guy in a suit.
"I'm sorry, Miss Furina. She said that her sister suddenly went into labor two weeks before the scheduled due date and with the father freaking out about it being so early, she had to stay to help her sister at the hospital," the man explains, trying to wipe some sweat ff his brow.
"That doesn't explain why no one else in her family could take her place. I get it. She's going to become an aunt, and it's a happy occasion. But this is the Vytal Festival. If we screw up here, then we can all kiss our careers in show business goodbye!" the lady yells again.
"I'm sorry, Miss Furina. I'll try to figure something out," the man says before walking away.
The young woman groans before flopping down into a nearby seat, "What am I going to do?" she moans into her hands.
"Um, excuse me, do you need help or something?" Ruby asks as they approach.
The woman looks up at them, "I don't suppose any of you know a skilled actress that lives nearby and is looking for work, do you?" she asks.
"Um, no, not really? What seems to be the problem?" Nilou asks.
"We have a show later this evening and our star performer can't make it due to a family emergency. I respect her wanting to be with her family, but we still needed her here. If we don't find a replacement soon, we'll have to cancel the show. And if we end up doing that here at the Vytal Festival of all places, it will end very badly for us," the woman explains.
"What kind of show is it?" Ei asks.
"It's a musical about a forest fairy basically. The actress playing as very was supposed to dance on stage for the audience and sing too, but as you know, that plan has sunk," the lady says.
"Um, if it's dancing, then maybe I can help," Nilou gets her attention.
"Huh?" the woman cocks her head.
"My name is Nilou. I worked as a dancer for Zubayr Theater in Mistral before coming to Beacon to become a huntress as a side job. I still work for them, technically," Nilou says.
The woman stares at her, inspecting her, and then gasps, "Wait, you mean you're THE Nilou?!" she practically jumps out of her seat.
"Yes. Wait, you know of me?" Nilou wasn't expecting that.
"Yes. I would be an idiot if I didn't keep track of performing talents like you. I know of you and the Zubayr Theater. I heard they'll be arriving tomorrow for the festival. Someone with your experience should be perfect for this role. What's more, you're about the same height and body type as our missing actress. The outfit should fit you nicely. Will you really help us?!" The woman clasps Nilou's hands.
"Um... okay," Nilou is a bit overwhelmed by her.
"Yes! Thank you so much! By the way, my name's Furina. I'm sure you've heard of me," Furina says excitedly.
"Furinda, the director/actress from Atlas? Oh yeah, Weiss told us about you. She's a huge fan of yours," Ruby remembers.
"Ah-hah-hah, my excellence is known even in other kingdoms. Splendid. Come Nilou, let's get you fitted for the fairy outfit," Furina takes Nilou's hand and pulls her along, with Ei and Ruby trailing behind.
...
Meanwhile, Weiss and Winter had just left Team RWBY's room after Winter's inspection. She gave the room a passing grade... barely.
"Now then, I'm sure you're hungry, so how about we get something to eat? I know a few spots in Vale that sell excellent cuisine," Weiss walks in front of her sister.
"We ca do that... but only after you explain something to me, dear sister," Winter says.
Weiss stops and turns, "Huh? What's that, Winter?"
"Explain to me what made you think you could lie to me," Winter says matter-of-factly.
"H-Huh, I have no idea what you are insinuating, dear sister," Weiss glances away.
"Ruby Rose," Winter says, which makes Weiss freeze. "You said the two of you were friends. However, your letters made it seem that you two are rather close, even as friends. What's more, you were quite quick to silence Ruby when she introduced herself to me. I'm not one for beating around the bush, so I'll just ask the obvious question... Are you and Ruby Rose more than just friends, Weiss?" Winter asks directly.
"Huh? W-Well, I mean, we are partners and she's my team leader so, I support her as her best teammate and make sure she acts like a proper leader," Weiss' answer isn't a lie, but it isn't the full truth either.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work on Winter, "You can lie to everyone else, even yourself Weiss, but you can't lie to me. I didn't become a specialist in the Atlas military because of our family name, remember. Now, are you and Ruby Rose together in romantic sense?" Winter retorts.
Weiss finds herself backed into a wall, both figuratively and literally as her sister has her pinned against a wall.
"Answer me, Weiss," Winter commands.
Seeing as she has no way out, Weiss admits defeat, "Yes... Ruby and I... are together. In a romantic sense,"
Winter sighs and steps back from Weiss, "And why did you decide to hide this truth from me?"
"Because I was afraid of what you would say. That you wouldn't approve. Father is one thing, but I value your opinion, Winter. I was afraid," Weiss can't look her sister in the eye.
Winter sighs again, "Is your opinion of me that low, dear sister? Do I look like Father to you?"
"Huh? You're not... mad," Weiss asks, surprised.
"I am mad. I'm mad that you didn't trust me enough to tell the truth to my face at first. I'm mad you didn't trust me with the truth. Weiss, you are not a child anymore, even if you still act like one at times," Winter says.
Weiss sighs, "I'm sorry Winter, for lying to you,"
"As long as you understand," Winter replies.
"So... does that mean you approve of Ruby being my girlfriend?" Weiss asks, her voice filled with hope.
"I didn't say that. I need to get to know her more before I make such a decision. However, I believe before that, you should apologize to her first. She seemed really upset with your previous interaction with her," Winter says.
"You're right, as usual, Winter. It wasn't fair to Ruby. I need to apologize and make it up to her somehow," Weiss says.
"Then, shall we go find her?" Winter suggests, to which Weiss nods and the two sisters take their leave to find Ruby.
...
Back with Ei's group, Ei and Ruby have been waiting on the sidelines while Nilou and Furina discuss the musical. It's taking place on a stage set up at the fairgrounds for such events. That way, Nilou will be up to speed about the shows and the other performers and stagehands understand the situation. A moment later, Nilou walks up to them, but now she's in a different outfit for the show. The moment Ei sees her, she freezes in place.
"So, um, how do I look?" Nilou asks.
She's wearing a beautiful blue dress with detached sleeves, no shoes or socks, and her twin tails now have twirls in them. In Ei's eyes, she really looked like a fairy (think Nilou's new outfit from the Genshin Impact 4.8 update, it really is beautiful).
"Nilou... You are truly beautiful. So beautiful that I want to place you in a glass case for display and keep you for myself," Ei says, a blush on her face.
Her words only make Nilou blush in return, "Ei, that sounds so weird. But, I'm glad you think I look nice,"
"I feel like I should be somewhere else right now," Ruby mutters while watching the touching moment between the couple.
"Honestly, I think you look better in this than even our original actress. But, never mind that. Have you memorized your steps and lines?" Furina asks.
"Yes. I promise not to disappoint you," Nilou nods.
Nilou heads to the stage with the other performers while Ei and the others remain in the back to watch. The show begins shortly after and the performers take to the stage. Ruby is so engrossed with the show that she doesn't notice Ei and Furina taking a few steps back behind her.
"Listen, I wanted to ask you... you're the Electro Archon, right?" Furina asks.
That gets Ei's attention, "If you know who I am, then does that mean..."
"Yes... Once upon a time, I was the Hydro Archon, Focalor, the God of Justice. But, that was another lifetime," Furina replies.
"Yet, you are not a god anymore, aren't you," Ei asks.
She didn't feel that same strength that archons usually show from their divinity.
"Not anymore. For a time, I was, but... over time, I began wondering what it would be like to live as a human. The archons used to have greater roles in the world, and then we stepped back to become simple observers. I started wondering: humans and Faunus have done well on their own now so do they really need us anymore? Yes, there are still problems here and there, but I like to believe mankind will solve them on their own. They're a young people, and so they have much to learn. But, I choose to believe in them. I also chose to live as one of them. I always wanted to live alongside them, so I destroyed my Hydro Gnosis. Thus, ending the legacy of the Hydro Archon. No longer will I have to play a role that was thrusted upon me by my predecessor. Here, I can just be me. Just Furina, the star of Atlas," Furina explains.
"You severed your divinity. Are you sure that was wise? We archons have a duty to watch over the people of Remnant," Ei asks.
"I don't mean to sound rude, but can you really say that when you turned your eyes away from your people for so many centuries? I met Zhongli and he told me about you and your troubles," Furina replies.
Ei can say nothing in response to that. Furina had a point. She essentially neglected her own duties for a long time. What right does she have to criticize Furina's choice to become human.
"I'm not saying you have to make the same choice as me. I'm just saying that if our duty is basically just watching over them as they rise and fall and repeat, then what's the real purpose of our existence? There are so few archons left. Maybe it's time they finally rest and let mankind takes the reigns, hmm?" Furina ponders.
Her words leave Ei with much to think about. She's always been steadfast in her duties as an archon, just like her sister before her. In her eyes, because there are so few archons left, that is precisely why they must not die out. To continue their legacy as watchers and guides for humanity. Her thoughts are interrupted when Nilou takes the stage and begins dancing. Like always, Nilou's dancing is so mesmerizing to Ei. This time, however, it appears even more so. Whether that's because of her new outfit, because she's on a stage, or a combination of the two; Ei does not know. What she does know is that Nilou is simply breathtaking when she dances. The audience appears to think the same as they gaze in awe at Nilou's performance. It helps that there's a little water around, allowing Nilou to use her semblance to make the area sparkle with water droplets. As everyone watches, Weiss and Winter approach behind Ei and Furina.
"There you are," Weiss calls out to Ruby.
"Huh?" Ruby turns, but upon seeing Weiss and Winter, Ruby gets sad again. "Why are you two here?"
"I came to fix a problem," Weiss says.
Ruby gets mad about that, "I see. So, that's all I am to you. A problem," she looks away. Weiss walks towards her. "Well, if that's how you think of me, then maybe we should just-," Ruby gets silent as Weiss grabs her by her arms and plants a kiss on her lips.
The others look on in surprise, with the exception of Winter who remains collected.
Weiss leans back a moment later, "You are NOT a problem. I was the problem. And I'm fixing it. You are my girlfriend. I am not embarrassed or ashamed to be with you, Ruby. And I am done letting others decide who I can be with," Weiss turns to her sister. "Winter, I love you. I admire you. And I will always look up to you. But, even if you don't approve of my relationship with Ruby, I will still be with her. And you won't stop me. Understand?" she stares her sister in the eye, her eyes full of resolve.
Winter slowly smirks, "It seems you've done some growing since I last saw you. Very well. I will not interfere in your relationship as long as Ruby treats you respectfully,"
Weiss smiles, "Thank you sister. Now, Ruby-," Weiss turns again, only to see Ruby with a funny smile on her face.
"Heh-heh-heh, Weiss kissed me in public. I'm so happy right now," Ruby continues to giggle.
"You dolt, don't stay stuff like that so suddenly!" Weiss blushes.
With that matter settled, they watch the rest of the show until it ends with Nilou bowing to the crowd. When she does, Ei gets a sudden thought.
"Furina, can I ask a favor?" Ei asks.
"Hmm? What is it?" Furina replies.
"Would it be possible if you could let Nilou keep that dress?" Ei asks, making Furina laugh nervously.
Perhaps her wanting to keep Nilou in a display case in that dress for herself was more than just an exaggeration.
And that's the chapter. Ruby and Weiss settle their little relationship issues, plus we get to see Furina finally. There's more fights and fun to come in the festival, so stay tuned. Until then, please Read and Review.