Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Ruby?”

The ground parts beneath her. There is no sound, nor screams, nor fear in her eyes, simply the kind of peace that jolts you from your sleep. The silence in the room was, in a way, a source of guilt. This is what had done it after all. Why should they worry now? It’s too late. Sobs begin to drip from their mouths. Yang is the first to step towards the gape in the earth.

“R-Ruby-“ Yang chokes out as she drops to the ground, clawing at the roots that had sealed her sister away.

“Ruby.. I’m so s-sorry. Please come back- Please tell me what’s wrong and I’ll fix it! I swear...”

Eyes wide and watery, Weiss’s fingers tremble. Struggling to level out her breathing, she flees the overwhelming grief. Approaching the back wall of the crumbling palace, she gazes at the scene, hoping to make some sense of what’s happened. Focusing on this and nothing else… that should be enough.

Creeping across the room, Weiss studied the crumbling walls, a mural of the fight that had just taken place. She cautiously navigates around the remains of the chandelier. There are familiar strike marks on the walls and the scars on the floor. She must be imagining things…Penny’s swords? Pyrah’s riffle? Even Ironwood’s bullets and some others she can’t quite place. Neo’s powers are evolving… What a sick, twisted tactic. It’s torture.

Her eyes narrow. There’s a notable lack of Crescent Rose in this fight. No return fire…It wouldn’t have been long in a match like this before Ruby’s aura shattered. How long was she left defenceless and exposed? Taking hits like this at full affect would have caused more than cuts and bruises.

Blake watches on in horror as Yang falls apart. When the ground shows no sign of sympathy, Yang sits up and takes a deep, unearned breath and digs her hands into her hair. Blake’s heart melts watching Yang’s eyes dart around in search of direction. A clue. Something to do. Something to help. Their eyes meet.

Blake darts away quickly and clasps her hands together, steadying the tremors as she bites back the ache in her throat. Panic erupts with her and she begins pacing. Years of grief and loss, yet it still knocks her off her feet every time. Loss isn’t new to her, but it’s never been quite so preventable, so sudden. No. Sudden isn’t the word. This was a long time coming.

Memories start to pile up. Words, expressions, reactions, choices and then, silence. Ruby was never silent before. She was always the one with the plan, she noticed tension rising and she quickly dissipated it, addressed it directly. She would have noticed all of this at the first frown and stepped in. This weight stayed off all of their shoulders because she stopped it before they even had a clue. Now the weigh was heavier than ever.

After taking a moment to recover and pull herself together, Blake places a hand on Yang’s shoulder, pulling her back and helping her up. She glances over at Weiss and the two grieving girls share an understanding moment. The group hobbles past the rubble, finding a single rusted knight.

Jaune had been absent from this wake. He had quickly drifted out to gaze at the Tree. Forward…Juniper paces anxiously around him, sensing his internal storm. His knuckles are white and strained, but his face is unreadable. He turns to his friends as they surround him.

The four friends gather as the rain settles into the grass and they start the long, impossible journey to the centre of the island.

The Tree stays fixed on the horizon, never creeping even an inch forward. The forest stretches on in an infinite root system, no telling how far it might go. Tension and desperation only grows.

Despite this, Jaune seems to be headed somewhere in particular and the path is familiar, Weiss supposes any plan can’t hurt. But surely there’s no point in going circles.

A large, glistening pool appears ahead of them. Jaune inhales sharply and gazes out at the ruins of his home. The paper pleaser village, now reduced to mush and slurry.

“I don’t understand, what did I do wrong?” He asks, though no one has an answer. Suddenly, a voice chirps at his feet.

“Excuse me? Are you ok?”

The group stares in horror, studying the creature at Jaune’s feet. Made of deep red crystals and shaped… like a star.

“You’re…”

“We are the Genial Gems! We are here to clean this land and make something beautiful.”

The warriors soak in the view ahead of them. These are the paper pleasers. They got what they wanted and now they’re durable and better suited to serving their purpose. They’re… beautiful. A tear drips into the grass at Jaune’s feet.

“I really was making everything worse. If I had just listened… and seen what they needed, maybe I could have helped instead of dragging it out for so long. Maybe if I had notice how much they were struggling, I wouldn’t have missed how desperate they were.”

Weiss places a comforting hand on his forearm. Blake and Yang gather around Jaune, tight grips holding each other up. Silence exemplifies the cavity that would usually be filled with words of comfort and reassurance. Her words. All that remains is Yang, straightening herself up and glaring back at the forest.

“Yeah, if we had noticed…”

Continuing their wandering, eyes low with exhaustion, Weiss sighs deeply and glances up towards their destination. She freezes, drawing the attention of her companions.

“Wait… it’s… it’s getting closer!”

All eyes shoot up towards the colourful skyline, and she’s right, it’s much closer. A few quick paces forward proves it as The Tree slowly stretches higher and higher into the sky. They’re making progress.

“But why?” Blake blurs out. They all exchange mystified glances, thinking back on their actions so far.

“I don’t know… We certainly haven’t earned it.” Yang sighs and she pushes forward through the group.

“Let’s go. Ruby’s waiting for us.”

As she presses on, Yang’s steps become quicker and quicker, turning from strides to leaps. She rips through the air as tears begin their merciless cascade down her cheeks. What was once a hopeless trek becomes a desperate race to Her. The more effort and focus given towards the goal, the closer The Tree becomes.

“Yang slow down! We can’t keep this up!” Blake pleads, just out of reach of the blonde’s hand.

“No! I can’t! She’s there. She’s waiting for someone to find her, to fight for her, to protect her. Every second we aren’t next to her, she’s remembering how we treated her. Gods, I hope she never forgives us!” Yang cries back, vision blurry and stinging.

“YANG STOP!”

The desperate girl whips her head back around just in time to stop her momentum. An inch from her nose is… bark? Gazing up, the wood forms beautiful, intricate patterns that stretch high into the branches.

“We made it.” Jaune finally speaks. “After all these years-“

A sudden whip of air almost knocks the group over. Yang regains her footing and steadies herself. As her eyes refocus, she notices the flakes of red gently tumbling across the grass. Her pupils contract into pin points, breath hitching in her throat. Slowly, she scans across the petals, laid like tiny footprints.

Just a few feet away, familiar black boots stand clumsily on the colourful leaf litter. Black sheer leggings lead up to a black skirt. Long black sleeves drape over a young figure and a short red cape flicks in the wild just like it did all those years ago. Silver eyes lock onto the girl in yellow, and Yang can’t remember the last time they shone like that.

“Yang? Is that you? What are you doing here!”

Chapter Text

“Yang? Is that you? What are you doing here!”

The spry girl bursts into Yang’s arms as she reels. Ruby seems concerned by the tears that well in Yangs eyes but is distracted by the horrified faces that have surrounded her.

“Hi… there. Can we help you?” She asks, sensing the tension in the air.

The other two girls look to be a few years older than Yang, but what catches her eye is the man glaring at her. Why is he looking at her with such pain and disapproval and… envy?

“Ruby I- I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry-“ Yang pours, hold Ruby in a vice grip.

Finally, she looks down at her, blinking away the tears. She investigates her sisters face. Up close, her youth becomes even more apparent. Horror overcomes Yang as she peers at Ruby’s fully body, straightening her arms to gain a better view of the sight before her. Yang’s grip softens as she glances over at the rest of the team, a study of their faces confirms her suspicions. They’ve notice it too. Weiss is the first to speak.

“Hey Ruby, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s the last thing you remember?”

Ruby straightens up, shooting a hesitant look towards Yang. Her silver eyes flash with subtle confusion as she notes the new details upon her older sisters face. Not just that, her height, her voice and… why is one of her hands so cold?

“Um… I was headed into Vale. I had used up my dust in the forest and needed to buy more. Last thing I remember, I was putting my headphones on and shuffling through my music.” The energy around her shifts, though she can’t place its new trajectory.

“Vale-“ Yang starts, but Jaune steps in, coldly looming over the girl in red.

“How old are you?” He asks, having already deduced the answer.

Eyes stay frozen on him as Ruby slowly turns her head, though Yang’s face stays firmly in her eyeline. Hesitantly, she ponders the question. She ponders why these strangers seem so put off by her, and she begins to feel the unease spreading onto her. The sky begins to clear.

“15?”

Weiss’s shoulders drop, her mouth closes. Blake furrows her brows and she shares a knowing look with Jaune. All eyes fall on Yang. Ruby tilts her head to be down below Yang’s, attempting to grab her attention.

“Yang? Are you ok?” Ruby is bumped back slightly as Yang stands. Taking her slim wrist, the elder closes her eyes to compose herself. She glares around at the crowd standing before them, but then a soft smile appears on her lips as she places a hand on Ruby’s shoulder.

“Come on, let’s get you home.”

Ruby flies ahead of the group, admiring the scenery that surrounds them. She wonders about the nature of this place. But assumes that if there was something worth noting, someone would tell her.

Yang can feel their gazes on her, but her sights stay set on Ruby. Hands clasped into fists and her gauntlets primed, her lead ahead of the group widens every minute.

“I can’t believe it. She doesn’t remember us at all.” Weiss’s gently shakes her head as she walks.

“I don’t think she remembers anything. It’s like she never went to Beacon. She’s missing years of her life and she doesn’t remember one moment of it…” Blake studies Ruby as the young girl pokes and prods every shiny thing in her path, eyes sparkling. This is a whimsy that is almost unfamiliar to her team. 

“I haven’t seen her this… light since-“ 

“Since Beacon fell.” Jaune’s words stop Weiss and Blake in their tracks. They share a sickening, mutual pause. They sigh deeply and their walk continues. The three stragglers attempted to catch up to the sisters far ahead of them.

“Yang… we’re worried about Ruby. We can’t leave her like this. She’s not herself-“ Weiss struggles to keep up as Yangs speed increases.

“She’s fine.” 

“Weiss, I don’t know if we should intervene, this is what Ruby chose. Maybe she wanted to stop fighting. I’m not sure if she would be able to live with herself if she quit, knowing what was at stake. This might be exactly what she needs.” Blake places a hand on Weiss’s back as Yang storms away, but Weiss stops.

“So what now? She goes back to Vale and sees that Beacon has been destroyed? If she’s the same girl as she was, I doubt she’ll give up on being a Huntress. Living a sheltered life doesn’t last in Remnant, trust me. It won’t be long before she puts herself back in the line of fire.” Weiss whispers sharply, ensuring the young girl doesn’t hear.

“I suppose. I tried running away from this war before and it followed me wherever I went. Maybe if we told her what happened, she could do better- handle it better? Maybe she just needs a fresh start.” Blake suggests, hopeful that maybe this can work out.

Jaune peers over his shoulder, piping in.

“That’s not how it works. If she comes back, it doesn’t matter if she’s forgotten everything she’s been through. This is war and she’s Ruby Rose. She’ll take it upon herself to take the hit and she’ll get hurt, again and again. But her down fall will be that other people will get hurt because of her. That’s what being a leader is. If she can’t handle that, then the only way out is to forget and go play hero somewhere else. In a way, losing all those memories… is a mercy.” He stares towards his longest friend, contemplating.

As the others walk on, Weiss hesitates. She opens her mouth to argue but Blake turns to cut her off.

“You know, I used to wish I had gotten a choice. Maybe I could have been a happy girl, living in a city, doing whatever I want. With my biggest worry being what time the bookstore closed. I’m proud to be a Huntress but we can’t force people to risk their lives. If this is what she wanted, maybe we should trust her.”

Weiss signs, pressing on as they continue around the base of The Tree.

“Yang! Look at this! Is that an ice cream mountain??”

Yang smiles warmly and jumps up to the ledge where Ruby resides. They gaze out at the island. What a beautiful place, she’s not surprised that Ruby likes it. She always loved fairy tales, particularly the ones with heroes. Always winning in the end. The ones that can handle everything. Life isn’t a fairytale though, sometimes… sometimes you need to give up and move on.

As the others catch up, Ruby turns and observes them. They seem nice, if not stressed. If they’re friends with Yang, maybe they could be her friends. She was never particularly good with that kind of thing but hey, they look like they need cheering up. Who better to help them?

“Hi, um… I like your sword. Did you make it yourself?”

Weiss smiles warmly, charmed by Ruby’s go-to icebreaker. This would at least be a better first impression than last time.

“Haha thank you. I based it off my sister Winter’s weapon.”

Ruby’s eyes light up at Weiss’s positive reaction.

“That’s so cool! I based mine off of my uncle’s. I’m gonna go to Beacon in a few years, being a huntress is kinda my whole thing~” She smirks and bursts into giggles.

Weiss chuckles awkwardly, but checks to see the looks of discomfort on everyone’s faces.

“Is that… is that really what you w-“

Yang steps in, stopping Weiss’s probing.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. You still have a few more years to grow up and a lot to learn, kid.” Yang pulls Ruby into a noogie. Ruby snickers and fights back.

As the two stumble back to the base of The Tree laughing, Yang shoots a scowl at the rest of the team.

“So, what are we looking for?” Ruby questions, strolling with her hands behind her back.

Yang halts, gazing up into the tree, chewing her next words.

“We’ve been told that The Tree is the way back to Remnant. I have a feeling we need to get close to the top. We just have to keep searching for some way to get up there-“

“I’ll go look! I’m wayyy faster than you guys so I’ll scout ahead and let you know what I find!”

Before Yang could grab her, Ruby is gone, flying around the bend of the grand tree.

The stragglers take the opportunity to approach Yang, having had time to think. Her silence on the matter at hand is worrying, to say the least.

“Yang… I’m not sure this is the right plan- I’m not sure this is what Ruby wants. Clearly, she still plans on being a Huntress. If we told her now she would-“

Yang spins around, eyes a burning red.

“No. You’re not gonna say a word, do you understand me? She’s happy, she’s safe and she’s finally out of this fight. Ruby is going home to have a normal life, play video games, walk the dog and not die fighting a pointless war like every one of Ozpin’s allies in history! She should never have been dragged into this. He was a fool for thinking a 15 year old was capable of handling this!” She takes a deep, strangled breath, blinking away tears.

“I don’t care what it takes, she’s never going to find out about Salem. Ozpin is going to send a message to every one of his buddies telling him to back off, leave her alone and if I’m lucky, she’ll settle for home town security...” Her eyes flicker in thought.

“I’ll protect her, no matter what.”

“Hey GUYS! I found a hugeeee staircase! It just appeared out of no where…” Ruby calls out from behind a vine.

“Perfect.” Yang spits as she pushes past Weiss.

They begin their climb up the spiralling wooden stair case, Ruby once again in the lead. Yang’s exhaustion from a long day of stress and travel starts to set in. Ruby is as fast as ever and Yang isn’t risking her running off again. Even so, she can’t keep this up forever.

“Ruby! I wanna ask you some stuff, hold on.” She calls, finally catching up.

“What if you… couldn’t be a huntress? What would you do instead?”

Ruby trots to a halt and turns, suspicious.

“Nothing. There’s nothing else I wanna do. It’s what I was always meant to be! It runs in the family after all.”

Yang’s eyes shift across the ground, changing her approach.

“What if it’s too dangerous? What you get hurt?”

Ruby analyses Yang’s expression. This is a sudden change of opinion, even for her. She was always one for a little danger and never backed down from a fight, so why does she look so worried.

They approach a sort-of balcony, the ground below consisting of gigantic boulders tangled in the roots of the tree. A large, deep trench surrounds the clearing below, connected to the other acres by thin rope bridges.

“Someone has to do it, why should they be in danger and not me?” Ruby questions.

“Because you’re only a kid!” Yang snaps suddenly, her pupils contracting and her breath hitching. Ruby flinches, features softening with concern.

“Yang, are you ok-“

“I’m FINE. You’re the one I’m worried about Ruby! If you keep this up, you’ll just end up right back where you started-“

“Keep what up?” Ruby steps back, hoping to defuse this sudden outburst.

“Being a huntress. You’re going to get hurt Ruby, I know you will! Please please just trust me and- and find something else. You could be happy and safe at home-“

Ruby’s eyes widen.

“You… you don’t want me to be a huntress? You don’t think I can do it? Why? I don’t understand.” Tears begin to fall down the girl’s cheeks.

“Ruby I’m sorry. I just think it would be best if you stayed in Vale-“

Anger dawns Ruby’s face.

“No-I don’t want to hide, I want to be a hero! Like mom! I don’t know why you’re saying all of this, but you don’t get to decide my future. I’m going to try to be an amazing huntress-”

Ruby reaches behind her, unlatching the cold metal weapon from her lower back. With one click of a button, the scythe unfolds and Ruby stands proudly, displaying her pride and joy. Crescent Rose.

“-and you can’t stop me.”

Yang shuts her eyes tight, shoving a hand through her hair, the impacts of the day weighing on her. Panic sets in when she sees Ruby’s resolve, stubbornness showing no sign of wavering. Desperately, she lunges forward. Grabbing above Ruby’s fingers onto the weapons long handle, Yang rips it from her hands.

“I’m sorry Ruby, I can’t let you do this. I can’t…” She flings the weapon over the railing and Crescent Rose cascades down the trunk of The Tree, making contact with the rocks and roots before disappearing into the trench that encompasses the grand centrepiece of the island.

Ruby’s shriek cuts into Yang as she reels from her heartless motion. She gathers herself just in time to stop her sister before she leaps from the edge. Pulling her into a hug, Yang begins to beg.

“Ruby please. I’m begging you. I-I’ve seen what happens when you do this. Just let me protect you this time.”

Small, strangled gasps fill the air and Ruby begins to shake, using her remaining strength to shove Yang away. The rest of the group round the corner just in time to see the girls’ final exchange.

“How could you… I…” Tear filled eyes look up at Yang, then glares down into the abyss.

One step and she’s gone. The lingering rose pellets at their feet are quickly picked up by the wind and swept away, as a red blur leaps down the cliff face, disappearing beneath the stone and vines.

Ruby is gone… again.

Chapter Text

”What in the world happened!” Weiss throws her hand up in frustration. The team peers over the edge into the canyon below. Yang leans on the railing, gripping the vines tightly.

“Yang, why would you throw her weapon away? You know how much it means to her. What did you think she would do? Give up? Just because you destroyed her life’s work-“ Weiss seethes, pacing across the platform.

Yang exhales sharply and she bolds down the stairs. The others jump to chase after her. As they catch their breath, they gaze out at the expansive forest.

“Juniper and I will search the area and try to pick up a trail. Be careful. I haven’t been this close to The Tree before. There could be anything out here.” With that, he bolts off into the thick brush.

What remains of Team RWBY begin their wade into the trees, barely able to see a foot in front of their faces. With no rose petals or foot prints to follow, they blindly push onwards, deeper into the branches.

“No sign of her. It’s almost impossible to move out there. Her semblance gave her a huge advantage that we can’t compete with. Our best hope is to set out and try to find her before nightfall.” Jaune glances down at the brooding girls below him. Juniper stomps at the ground, agitated.

“She’s out there somewhere… That’s twice in one day. How do I keep letting her go?” Yang rings her wrist habitually. She whips her head toward her friends.

“What if this is how it will always be? She’ll just keep getting let down and hurt, left hopeless… What if she ascends again? What if…” Yangs blood runs cold as she chokes on her words, holding back a sob. She blinks up at the sky.

“What if she never makes it out of here?”

The group exchanges horrified glances, praying someone will slap some sense into them. Weiss pushes down the ache in her throat and speaks.

“When we find her, we’ll find a Crescent Rose. We’ll tell her she can come to Vacuo with us and maybe we can mentor her. Maybe if we help guide her for the next few years, try to take all this responsibility off her shoulders and try our best to protect her, she’ll be fine?” Her friends shift anxiously on their heels.

“It’s a step in the right direction.” Jaune pipes in bitterly, rolling his eyes.
“After all, she only got here after years of unbearable pressure and neglect-“ Yang spins around, furious tears dripping off her chin.

“Neglect?! How dare-“

“What do you want me to say? From day one she’s been forced to hold people together. She mends every tear and kisses every boo-boo. Then suddenly, she’s in the middle of a war and Every. Single. Time we were is a tight spot, we all stood around and waited for a CHILD to come up with a plan. A plan that effects thousands of lives. You can pretend all you want but we all spent days reminding her that Atlas was doomed. Of course she cracked under the pressure. ”
Jaune pauses to dismount, approaching Yang.

“Even when you got here, it sounds like she couldn’t hand over the reins for one SECOND. Her friend had just died and IMMEDIATELY, you all made a point to sit around, talking about how desperate you were to leave but just had ‘no idea how to get out’”. He mocks, coldly.

Eye contact is avoided by everyone as he continues his assault.

“In her lowest moment, her first break in YEARS, she was forced to pull it together so she could hold your hands and drag you through a bloody fairytale! Every day, sending you signals that she was on the brink of collapse. And what did you do? You fell in love~ You goofed around and played board games~ Happy as can be-“

“I’m not happy! Do I look happy to you?” Yang snaps, her hair roaring like an open flame.

“Why? Because you have to decide someone else’s fate? Imagine that.” Jaune turns and slashes through the tangled vines ahead of them.

After an eternity of digging through the foliage, Blake turns to her friends for guidance.

“So, what are we gonna do?” There’s a small pause before Weiss sighs and throws together an exhausted response.

“I guess, we’ll take her to Vacuo. We’ll need to sit down with Ozpin and everyone else to discuss keeping Ruby away from Salem for as long as we can. Maybe get her protecting the city from Grimm-“
Weiss begins but is quickly interrupted by Yangs strained voice.

“What am I gonna tell dad? How do you explain something like this?”

“Hopefully, by the time we can head back to Vale, we’ll know for sure if this is the right thing to do. Maybe when he sees her happy, he’ll see why we did this. I’m sure he’ll understand.” Blake gently rubs Yangs back.

“What if she’s not happy? What if we get to Vacuo and someone else dies? She’s a child, she won’t be able to handle that, and if she can’t… there’s no second chances or fresh starts in the real world.”

Yang gazes up at the sky, the sun sits, barely peaking over the horizon. She hopes the plants thinning out ahead means a clearing will appear soon. Maybe Ruby is there, waiting.

“Death will follow us everywhere we go.” Jaune speaks, dragging them back from their fantasies.

“How can you be so sure?” Weiss questions hopefully as she takes the lead. She raises a hand a swipes away the branch blocking their path. Looking back at her closest allies, she muses.
“Maybe our luck will take a turn for the-“

Her hands slam over her mouth as her eyes adjust to the light of the valley before them. In the soft golden grass, dozens of cold, pale bodies lay peacefully. Human bodies.

“Oh my-“ She shuns away from the sight, her friends step past her.

“They’re… human. They’re all human.” Blake fingers grasp desperately at her chest. Jaune’s aged face contorts in devastation.

“Cinder… her first attack. She must have blasted them all over the edge. They’ve been here, all this time.” Jaune swallows, feeling winded for the first time in years.

“But it’s been weeks. How have they not started to…” Blake crouches, apprehensively inspecting their perfectly preserved skin and untouched clothes.

“The Ever After. There’s no death here. The island doesn’t know what to do with them..” Jaune strokes Juniper for comfort, repressing the grief around him. Tears well in his eyes as his heart sinks in his chest. Thoughts he can’t hold back.

“And if their bodies landed here then-“

Yang scans the area, face blank of expression. Her friends floating past her, absorbing this horrific scene. She blinks tightly, shrugging of her empathy and marching forward, catching the others’ attention.

“We have to find Ruby, NOW.”

Her feet dig into the ground as she flies through the brush. Zigzagging erratically. Tears blur her vision as her fatigue begins to sink in.

‘How could she? What did I do?’ Ruby ponders as she slows to a breathless jog. Her aura flickers around her. She needs a break. The small girl gazes at the trees towering above her. A better view might help to find what she seeks.

She settles on the highest branches and inspects her surroundings. She’s not far from where she started, she must have doubled back at some point.

Not far from her, she spots a large clearing. Maybe that’s where her scythe ended up. With one jump she touches down onto the soft ground below. She attempts to run but more tired than she thought. It’s like she’s been running all day… strange.

She begins wandering towards her destination, but it’s getting dark. Maybe once she finds Cresent Rose, she should head back…

Then what? Yang wants to force her to give up on her dream. Not just that. Her sister expects her to sit back while she risks her own life.

“I don’t even recognise her.” Ruby sighs as she wipes away her dried tears.

She’s become someone entirely foreign. Who are these new friends? Why are they so uncomfortable around her? They whisper to each other whenever she turns her back. And Yang…

Yang doesn’t look like herself. It’s like she’s aged a hundred years. She more frightened than ever and she looks at Ruby like for all those years, she watched her younger sister drown every day. Yang-

“Ruby!” The blonde girl lunges at her sister, crushing her in a desperate embrace.

“I’m so glad you’re ok! I’m so-“ Ruby glares into her eyes, pushing past, towards the clearing.
“Ruby wait!” The group warns in chorus.

“Leave me alone, I’m not going until I have Crescent Rose.”

The branches begin to thicken again, forcing the girl to tear the leaves away with her hands. Her forgotten friends try desperately to hold her back, but she shrugs them off.
Yang snatches her from the ground, dragging her back towards The Tree. Ruby desperately tries to use the last of her energy to free herself.

“YANG. Put me down! You can’t do this. PLEASE!” Yang shakes her head, acknowledging the heartbreak she’s exacerbating. Drained, she gently places her sister back onto the path.

“You can be a huntress! Ok? You can do whatever you want, just PLEASE follow us out of here. You can come with us to Vacuo.”

“Vacuo? Since when are we going to Vacuo? Yang, what’s going on? What aren’t you telling me?” Her guts twist in her stomach and her ears begin to ring. Ruby pleads as she backs away from the group.

“You’re… different. I’m different. I can’t remember how I got here and you all seem to know something I don’t. Why do you look at me like you’ve seen a ghost!” Ruby glares at their feet. Wanting to see their reactions, she peaks up at the only truly familiar face, but something catches her eye. Her head becomes light and foggy.

“Yang…” She steps forward, reaching for the cold, mechanical hand, but the young woman flinches away, hiding her arm behind her body. Shame dawns her face as the bystanders drop their heads, turning away.

Ruby’s furry and hurt pushes her forward and she yanks her sisters arm towards her, examining it with dread. Her eyes follow it all the way up to Yangs shoulder. Her suspicions all but confirmed.

“It’s… you… I-I-“ She sobs like a child, her breathing becoming quick gasps and whines.

She collapses, tumbling back to the ground. Sweat and tears dripping down her face. She takes a deep, laboured breath, pouring her last ounce of sanity into a question. Hoping for one honest answer.

“It’s been a long time, hasn’t it... I just can’t remember it. Something bad happened today. You’re all so scared because… ”

“No! You’re fine. You’re going to be Fine. You’re just a little confused-“ Yang drops to her knees, pawing at Ruby’s legs, trying to hold herself together.

“Don’t lie!” Ruby rolls over, gaining her footing and bolting into the clearing behind her. The branches tear away at her sleeves to reveal… cracks.

She slams into the ground, winding herself. Having lost all composure she presses her palms into the ground and lifting herself up. Her pursuer’s gasps behind her are muffled by the ringing in her ears.

She takes a breath of the cool night air and her eyes focus. She peers up at the moonlit field. Fireflies tinkle and settle back onto the soft grass, the plants bending and flowing to create a soft, cosy bed in the meadow. It the bed, rests a girl.

Long, auburn hair lays fanned out on the ground, as if placed intentionally. Pale, covered arms rest delicately at her sides. Her chin tilts to the side, relaxed, against her collar bone. A blood soaked blouse covers her fatally wounded frame. It’s like she’s sleeping…

“…Penny?”

Chapter Text

“…Penny?”

Ruby’s face contorts in horror but she can’t look away. Deep cracks spread across her neck.

“Ruby? Can you hear me?” Yang darts in between the quaking girl and the agonising tableau, her hands wrap around her sister’s cheeks. Weiss and Blake reach under her arms, raising her up, but she cries out in pain, doubling over.

“What’s wrong?, Ruby? Tell me.” Yang pleads.

Ruby’s fractured complexion begins to crumble away, reveals deep bruises and wounds across her body. They lower her to the ground and she crawls her way to Penny, clasping the figures cold hand. She collapses onto her side.

“Penny…” She mumbles again, weakly.

Jaune shuts his eyes tightly and creeps towards his dearest friend and greatest mistake. He places a hand on Ruby’s shoulder, only to recoil at the her feeling of her clothes disintegrating beneath his fingers. The huntsmen’s breath hitches, he gazes at Penny with heartbreak.

“I’m sorry… She begged me to. I had no…“ He chokes up.

Ruby’s eyes flickers open. Her memories flooding with confusion and torment. She weakly lifts her gloved fingers to hold Penny’s pale, freckled cheek.

“Jaune...” She breathes out as more of her flakes away.

“She remembers you, Jaune… She’s coming back…” Weiss slowing lowers herself, kneeling at Ruby’s side. Yang reaches out a hand, desperate to stop the events that are unraveling, but Blake tenderly lowers it. Yang speaks.

“Ruby I’m sorry. You were right. We were lying to you…” Ruby peaks up at her sister, betrayal and pain dawning her innocent face.

“Today, you…died. You died because we left you alone. You were cornered by someone, someone bad and she used your guilt and your own worst nightmares to break you down. We weren’t fast enough and by the time we had found you, it was too late, you had lost all hope. I’m so sorry we didn’t help you.” Yang’s head hangs low in shame as she pours out her confession.

A battle flies through Ruby’s mind, each moment more horrific then the last. It’s too much. She cries out in anguish.

“It’s ok, it’ll pass. Just breathe.” Weiss rubs her companions shoulder, brushing away more and more of the debris.

“I couldn’t risk losing you again… It was my fault you gave up. It was my fault you ran away. You’re my baby sister, I’m supposed to look out for you.” Ruby tugs at her short hair, gasping with pain.

“You’ll be ok. You’re safe. We’ve got you.” Everyone settles onto the grass around the tortured soul, attempting to try to sooth her.

“Do you promise?” Ruby groans, tears dripping away. Weakly, she rolls back and dimly gazes at the night sky, eyes wide. She takes a few deep breaths. Yang leans forward, pressing their foreheads together.

“We promise.”

Ruby’s chest falls, and so to does the remaining pieces of her mask. Her eyelids flicker closed.

“I trust you.”

…

The moon floats higher and higher into the jet black night. It’s light gracing the faces of four drowsy girls.

After a long evening of restless stirring and whimpering, Ruby finally settles. Her breath sweeps lightly against her lips as she lays, deep in slumber.

Yang stares down at the girl pressed against her chest, a soft cheek laid on her arm. Her other hand brushes the stray hairs from Ruby’s jaw, appreciating the peaceful moment. Weiss and Blake sit guard, calming the remaining aches in their chests.

Once the others begin to fully drift away, Jaune lifts himself from his view point at tree line, careful not to wake them. He crouches beside Penny’s body. With a shaking breath, he cautiously slides a hand under her arms and behind her legs. Holding her close, the brave knight whisks her away, into the forest, with Juniper quietly trailing behind.

…

Warm, dim light creeps over the meadow. The fireflies fade away as the frogs and birds begin to sing from the woods.

Ruby’s eyes, raw and red, creep open. Yang’s chin sits atop her head and her arms wrap around the Ruby’s shoulders. She gently shifts out her sister’s grasp, lucky not to stir her. Looking down at Yang, the girl in red attempts to step away, but something stops her.

Awkwardly twisting to investigate, she sees her obstacle. Weiss and Blake are sprawled behind her, her teammates fully encompassing the area where she slept. Their hands grasp fist fulls of her red cape, holding on for dear life.

A small smile rises on the her face briefly. The smell of smoke catches her attention. Quietly ducking down, she lifts her hood over her head and sets it in the grass. She winces, her ribs aching as she hoists herself up. She silently limps away from her loved ones.

She passes a small campfire next to where they slept. The embers glow as the breeze passes over them. Looking around, she sees no sign of the one responsible. A soft, deep voice can be heard mumbling from the brush.

As she struggles to walk, forearms wrapped around her core, a large figure appears before her. Juniper’s soft, kind eyes are a welcome sight. The creature bows low enough for the weak girl to pull herself up.

She slouches over and groans with pain. She holds out a gloved hand, examining her flickering aura. It’s weak but it’s there, slowly chipping away at her wounds.

As they reach their destination, Ruby’s eyes gloss over, the salty tears stinging her eyelids. She slowly lowers herself off of Junipers back, thanking her for the assistance.

Jaune kneels weekly at the foot of a large mound of soil. At the head of the disturbed earth, sits a crudely carved headstone. On it, beautiful words are painstakingly etched.

“Here lies Penny Polendina - A friend.”

The crunching of leaves alerts the grieving man to Ruby’s presence. His eyes shine with sorrow and guilt. But also… relief. The girl hobbles over and he helps her to the ground. They sit in silence for an eternity before he finally speaks.

“Ruby… I’m so sorry.” Ruby’s gaze momentarily shifts from the diligently crafted burial.

“It’s not your fault. You did what you had to do.” A small tear slides down her cheek, her face remaining jaded and still.

“She understood that she needed to let go, to protect the ones she loved...”
Jaune glances at Ruby’s mournful expression. His grief turns to unease. He leans forward slightly, catching her eye.

“She wasn’t an inevitable sacrifice. She was my greatest regret. Penny should have made it out.” He insists, voice soaked with worry.

“I know. But maybe it was for the best. Maybe it’s good you let her have what she wanted. What she needed…”

Jaune looks into Ruby’s dim eyes, concealing his anguish. He calmly draws her into a firm hug, pressing her forehead into his chest. She sobs weakly into his shoulder, relaxing as he rubs her scalp.

“There’s nothing good about losing everything…”

…

The fire smelters away at the remain embers. Yang’s chilled fingers twitch as she stirs awake. She peeks through her lashes at the two girls resting across from her, the red cape between them shifts in the wind. Suddenly, fear burns in her veins as she jolts up.

“Ruby!” She calls, eyes swiping across the valley in a panic, only to see Jaune striding back towards them. Next to him walks Juniper, carrying Ruby. His hand rests on Ruby’s frail shin, healing her. Their auras pulse together as the girl sits composed, eyes barely shut, soaking in the small amount of relief. The rest of her team race to her side.

“Ruby, what happened? Where were y-“ Jaune steps between them with a comforting smile, shielding Ruby from the interrogation.

“We’re alright, it’s ok. We just went for a walk. We didn’t want to wake you.” Ruby smiles weakly with gratitude for his half truth. He reaches up and mindfully helps her off of his mount. The others sigh, gazing, relieved, at their friends.

The girls begin to collect some food and prepare to head off. Ruby sits on a fallen branch her sister dragged up to the fire, whilst Jaune inspects the her wounds. Yang watches on from a distance.

“Neo really did a number on her.” Blake acknowledges, concerned. Yang glares, brewing with worry.

“Hey, do you mind if I take a closer look? I think you might have some broken ribs.” Jaune asks warmly. Ruby stares away at the ground and nods softly. She strains to turn away for him, allowing access to the back of her corset. He unfastens the closure along her spine with care and cautiously peels the leather forward.

A groan escaping her lips, she grinds her teeth as her rib cage shifts. He slowly raises the side of her shirt, gasps cut through the air around them. Jaune shoots a look at the horrified young women at the tree line.

Dozens of long, thick, black bruises cross the width of her lower back. Her stomach is coated an array of dark, muddled colours that stretch up-to her chest, hip branded with scraps and gashes that trail down her thighs. Above her eye, a single deep gash.

The man inhales, attempting to maintain a clear head. He studies Ruby, worried this amount of public vulnerability is too much. She flinches away from his view, hiding her quivering lip. A metallic taste coats on her tongue, like it had been since...

“It’s bad. I know… Just fix it. Please.” Her voice cracks with torment.

Jaune places a cool hand on her hip. The group averts their gaze as battered girl begins to sob.

…

Jaune packs the corset into his saddle bag while Ruby stands at the pond near the edge of the clearing. The others gather around him seeking answers, but their eyes stay fixed on the her. He starts to murmur quietly.

“She’ll be ok. Her aura has finally recovered, so we’re taking a break, Most of the deeper bruising has disappeared and she has a few broken ribs, but they’ve made great progress and should heal well. At least now, she can breathe properly.” Relief threatens to wash over them, but they resist.

“No wonder she could barely walk. That must have been agonising.” Blake ponders, unconsciously rub in her side. Yang’s face contorts with discomfort.

The group hushes as Ruby turns back towards them. Her feet drag as she slowly makes her way back, blocking out the increasing tension surrounding her. Her gaze stays glued to the ground.

“We have to find my scythe before we can leave.” She mumbles flatly. The group exchange confused, anxious glances. Yang is the first to break the silence and ask the question that has sat on everyone’s minds.

“ Ruby… we should talk about what you want to do when we find a way home. It’s ok if you don’t-“

“We’re going to Vacuo.” Ruby mutters matter-a-factly. You could hear a pin drop.

“Is that what you really want? Are you sure?” Blake steps in, deep concern tangled in her words. Ruby turns away from them, her expression hidden as she marches into the forest.

“I’m fine. I’m a huntress. I can handle it.” She declares.

“I’m not sure if that’s the best choice.” Weiss voices doubtfully. Ruby pauses, taking a breath.

“Well, I’m all out of choices.”

…

It feels like she’s walking on eggs shells. Eyes burn into the back of her head as she takes the lead with Jaune and Juniper. They’re running out of forest to search. Regardless, Ruby won’t be going anywhere without Crescent Rose, and so, they must press on.

Blake, Yang and Weiss trail tensely behind. Weiss breaks the silence with a hushed comment.

“She’s not doing well, I can all see that. What is she thinking, going back to Vacuo? It’s obvious that she’s pretending to be ok. I wish she would talk to us.”

“She’s emotionally exhausted. Burnt out. Even if she heals fully, she’s not addressing the bigger issue. She’s losing her will to go on.” Blake turns to Yang. Weiss ponders the concept.

“Now that you mention it, she hasn’t had a break in years. After Beacon, we all got to go home to our families. We took time to train, learn to cope and… grow up. We left once we felt we were ready to deal with it all. She never got that.” Weiss’s voice gets away from her, she quickly pulls back into a whisper. Ruby’s attention is pulled from the road.

“She only came home for a few weeks before she snuck off to Mistral. When she was home, all she did was try to comfort me, but I insisted on being alone. A lot had happened and I needed space.” Yang sighs.

“Maybe that’s what she needs? A break- time to decide what she wants.” Blake smiles hopefully at Yang.

Ruby listens in from the relatively short distance between her and her friends. All they do lately is worry and agonise behind her back, thinking she can’t hear them.

From the sky above her, a large, colourful leaf twirls to the ground at her feet. She stops in her tracks. The birds in the trees become muffled as she stares at it, the ringing in her ear beginning to sting.

Jaune halts next to her. The others slow as they approach, as if aware that they might spook her away, never to be seen again. She crouches down and hesitantly picks up the leaf in her palms. Painfully, she holds it to her chest.

“I’m sorry.” She finally utters, a tear dripping from the end of her nose. Yang’s expression softens as she kneels down beside her baby sister. A warm hand draws Ruby’s head to her chest.

“I’m sorry I left you. I’m sorry I scared you like that. I should never have tried-“ She weeps.

“No, it’s ok. It’s all our fault. You’re always the one looking out for everyone. For once, you needed us. We should have never made you feel like you couldn’t talk to us about it.” Yang gently pats the side of Ruby’s head.

“You deserve to be happy Ruby, always.” Weiss smiles.

In the warm embrace of her friends, Ruby melted, savouring it. Just for a moment, she felt light.

“Ruby…” Pulled away from her bitter sweet delusion by Yang’s uneasy voice, she opens her eyes.

“I have to ask… when you drank that tea, what did you hope would happen? What did you want?” Yang’s heart drops as she feels the figure in her arms recoil. Shiny silver eyes glance at her before quickly blinking away, the corners of her mouth dropping.

“It doesn’t matter. It didn’t work…”

Jaune looks at Ruby, seeing past her careful phrasing.

“What didn’t work?” He prods cautiously. Ruby sits rigidly, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Like I said, it doesn’t matter now. I missed my chance and now… I’m a huntress.” She smiles an insincere grin that never touches her eyes.

“That was my one chance to have it all. I could be happy and still keep you all safe.” She blinks up at the sky, attempting to suppress the droplets forming on her eyelids. A nervous laugh bubbles from her throat. She pulls herself up and backs away from the group.

“Ruby… you weren’t happy.” Yang speaks mournfully.

“You were.” The girl retorts, the droplets spilling down her to her chin.

“You were all perfectly content to see me like that again. Weightless. Hopeful.” She raises her chin high, closing her eyes.

“Ruby Rose.” She sighed.

“I’m sorry I disappointed you…”

…

One by one, the warriors walk out to face the deep trench at the edge of the forest. Ruby’s eyes catch a glimpse of red tucked in the jagged rocks below. For the first time in hours, she speaks.

“There. It’s down there.” She points.

Jaune scans the area, hoping for a passage down. Weiss approaches Ruby as the girl in red studies her recovered treasure from the edge of a steep cliff.

“Hey, how are you feeling? Are you still healing? I know you were-are- in a lot of pain, I’m sorry we didn’t try to fix it sooner.” Ruby pauses, contemplating her response. She sighs regretfully.

“I wasn’t worried about the pain.” She watches as the rest of the team pitch ideas on how to safely retrieve the beloved item. Her brows furrow in frustration as she peers over the drop before her.

“Can I ask what you were worried about?” Weiss prompts, kind eyes searching for connection.

“I never wanted any of you to see me like that.” She relaxes her shoulders and inhales deeply.

“Like what?”

“Scared.” She suddenly steps off the edge.

Faster than anyone can react, she falls. As if in slow motion, she feels the wind flick past her. Her stomach drops out as she cascades further and further. The startled yelps and cries from above go unnoticed. She feels light.

At the last possible second, being pulled from her own mind, she exhales softly and encompasses her body in vibrant, red petals, cushioning her impact into the ravine. Her feet land softly on the earth below. Before her lay Crescent Rose.

She bends down slowly, flinching at the sharp pain her mortal body is forced to manifest. Lifting the heavy scythe from the ground, she diligently fold it away. Securing it on her back, she squints up at the bright world above her.

As the others race to the drop, horrified at Ruby’s reckless act, Yang holds where she stands. Though the area now between them is expansive, she can see right into Ruby’s eyes. Finally breaking through Ruby’s façade, her fingers shake with petrified comprehension and understanding.

Chapter Text

Weiss mutters in shock.

“She just… stepped off.”

“Why did she wait so long to catch herself? She could have just petal burst down. You don’t think she was trying to-“

Blake is interrupted by a gust of air flying out of the gorge. Rose petals twirl to the ground around them and Ruby lands before them, head hung low, as she braces herself on the rocks.

No one speaks initially, unsure of how to address the situation. Yang inhales, hoping it will prompt words from her lips. Just do something.

But before she can, Ruby lifts her head up. A carefully crafted smile dawns her lips.

“Alright… Let’s get going!” She stands and cheerily marches forward into the woods. The others shift uncomfortably, waiting for someone to make the first move.

Ruby stops, relaxing her shoulders for a moment, and turns back towards them, emotionless eyes reshaped by the soulless grin. She gestures for them to follow her lead. Not having any better ideas, they shamefully trail behind her. Jaune sighs with disappointment.

Here we are again. Silent.

Before they know it, they are at the base of The Tree again. The same spirally stair case stretches high above them. To the surprise of the others, Ruby doesn’t hesitate to begin her climb. They awkwardly shrug and follow suit.

…

“You seem… awfully chipper.” Weiss comments to Ruby as they pass the halfway mark.

“I am. I’m feeling good Weiss. Finally think I might have everything figured out.” She declares, watching her own feet pace up the steps.

“Really?” Jaune questions hesitantly.

“Yep! I’m sure of something for the first time in years.”

Yang pauses, taken aback, but Weiss cuts in.

“That’s great to hear Ruby. We were beginning to get really worried-“ Her relief is short lived as she abruptly collides with the red fabric ahead of her. Swatting the cape out of her face and mouth, Weiss looks up, confused by the interference. On the step above her, Ruby gazes out, stunned, at the island that surrounds the base of The Tree.

The light from the setting sun bounces off of the island’s many vibrant facets, creating a glowing gradient that stretches across the horizon. It bleeds up into the handful of twinkling stars that begin to make their appearance.

“Woahh…” Weiss breathes as her jaw falls slack. Now noticing the commotion from the stairs below, the rest of the team turn their attention to the stunning scenery, equally as dazzled.

“It’s gorgeous. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Blake says wonderstruck.

In spite of all this amazed appreciation from her friends, Yangs eyes stay studying Ruby. The young girls face is so calm, she’s smiling again…

But the smile is too warm. It reaches every inch of her face. Her eyes are glimmering in the light, in a way haven’t in years. This is authentic joy, and yet, it’s so foreign.

“It’s incredible that a day like this can end so peacefully… kinda makes it all worth it if you think about it. A beautiful end.” Ruby ponders to herself, glowing  more than ever. The others hum in agreement.

However, noticing Yangs fixation on her, anxiety drowns out Ruby’s sunny domineer. As if caught in the act, her authentic smile drops and is replaced by a sterile, synthetic grin. It changes so suddenly, in fact,  that chills run down Yang’s spine.

Ruby’s cape catches the wild as she whips around, continuing up the stairs. Her friends shrug off the unexpected disturbance and follow on behind her. Yang hesitates though, her gut twists and writhes within.

“You know, if you think about it, this whole adventure has basically been a reallyyyyy long training mission. It’s a shame we’re so stressed because this place is pretty cool.” Ruby chirps as she waits for Weiss and Blake to catch up.

“Yeah haha. I would have killed for an assignment like this at Beacon. Way more interesting than ANOTHER ursa in the woods.” Blake chuckles.

“I don’t know, those missions were boring no matter where we were. They only let us target the small Grimm and only the ones that were in the middle of no where.” Weiss exclaims.

“Yeah but that meant we could let loose! Needing to avoid property damage was always my least favourite rule.” Ruby gushes as she bounces around playfully on the path.

“What was your favourite then?” Weiss quipped.

“Being encouraged to use any tools at our disposal, I think. Yang throwing me at stuff was always fun AND I got extra credit.” The young girl brags jokingly. The three girls burst into a fit of giggles.

Yang and Jaune trail behind, listening in. Dispite the light conversation topic, the two of them continue to have a deep, nagging feeling. It started with Yang but Jaune has begun to also to pick up on the forced jokes and strained smiles. They exchange a weary glance.

Ruby and Blake continue reminiscing about Beacon, as Weiss circles back to meet the stragglers.

“Why so glum you two? I think Ruby’s really turning a corner. She’s remembering how wonderful life used to be...” Weiss’ face softens with relief.

Jaune stays silent and stoic as Yang continues sifting through her thoughts, trying to put her illogical worries into logical words.

“Or… she’s savouring it.”

As they complete the final steps of the grand, spiralling staircase, the group take in the eerie surroundings.

Though the sun hasn’t fully set, the thick canopy of the trees shroud the area in darkness. The huge branches, so thick, they create level walkways that stretch into the shadows. Amongst the colourful stems and leaves, detailed wooden figures loom.

Ruby’s lips seal shut tightly as the others flow past her. Sweat begins to form on her brow.

“What is this place?” Jaune asks, wearily as he examines the peculiar statues.

“They look like Afterans… what are they doing here?” Weiss questions.

“They- they ascended. They’re still deciding what their new life will be.” Ruby admits softly, not bothering to smile this time.

Her friends eyes blow wide as they take in the sheer quantity of figures surrounding them. As far as the eye can see.

Yang wraps an arm around Ruby’s shoulders and pulls her close. They slowly begin their uneasy journey through the darkness.

…

After an eternity of walking, Ruby’s anxiety threatens to pour out of her. The area is looking more and more familiar. At her feet, a few lingering rose petals drift across the path. Her attention is pulled towards a clearing, illuminated in golden light from above. She swallows dryly.

“This is it… where I woke up…” She mumbles softly, stepping away from the familiar location.

However, as she steps back into the darkness, the hairs on her neck begin to stand. She can’t place why but it almost like someone is watching her. She whips around, anxiously studying the branches above.

“Hey Rubes, what’s wrong?” Yang asks surprised.

Her silver eyes scan every leaf. In the corner of her vision, she sees a figure flick past in the distance.

“S-Someone is here!” Her heart pounds in her chest.

The team reaches for their weapons and surround her. Her friends begin to fan out, investigating.

“Nothing over here!” Jaune calls from just out of view. Ruby’s tremors don’t waver.

“It’s ok. Maybe it’s just some residual adrenaline from the last time you were here. Let’s just keep going and maybe it’ll pass.” Yang’s hands grasp her shoulders firmly. Ruby peers up at her sister.

“I swear I saw something watching us.” She whispers with wide, trembling eyes.

Yang doesn’t respond, deep in thought. She simply takes Ruby’s hand and draws her further down the path. The others follow.

Ruby tries to shake the nerves that string in her skin. She drags shaky breaths down to her lungs and squeezing Yangs hand tightly.

Why won’t this feeling go away? It’s ok. We’re almost out.

The crunch of dry leaves behind her threatens to yank her right out of her skin. She yelps sharply and reaches for Crescent Rose. But when she turns around, the broken twigs are abandoned.

Her pupils dart around as her whole arms begin trembling. Her team races back to her, faces painted with concern.

“Someone is following us. They’re here. I can feel it.” Ruby’s knees buckles as she unclasps her scythe. The others prime their weapons.

“Woah woah calm down everyone.” Jaune pipes in attempting to deescalate the situation.

“Let’s keep our heads on straight. Even if there is someone out there, there’s 5 of us and one of them. We’ll stay vigilant and if they’re smart, they’ll leave us alone.” He instructs.

Silver eyes blink tears away and glance over the knight’s shoulder, into the darkness. A tall, dark figure leans around the trunk of a branch and slowly waves towards her. Toying with her. White teeth cutting through the shadows. Ruby’s heart stops as she cries out.

“THERE! IT’S HER!” Ruby’s eyes slam shut as she points. The other pull their weapons out, shielding her. But their shoulders slump with confusion.

“Where? Ruby, I don’t see anything.”

She opens her eyes and they’re right. There’s nothing there. Nothing at all.

“B-but… I saw.”

“It’s just a trick of the light Ruby. There’s no one out here. Relax, we won’t let anyone hurt you.” Blake sighs, placing a hand on the girl’s shoulder.

The group creeps on, hustling Ruby forward as she pants through her teeth. They keep their eyes peeled but she can tell they doubt her.

This place is a nightmare. Every statue stares at them, changing position every time she looks away. The wind hums through the leaves, hums her name. The wood grunts and creeks as it sways beneath her feet. She begins to flinch and gasp at even the smallest noise. The stress is driving her crazy.

The tap of heels on timber snaps her attention toward the path ahead. A slim girl with pink and brown hair skips across, disappearing behind the foliage. Ruby begins to stutter out a warning, halted by her own doubts. But she’s cut off by Jaune.

“Neo-“ He grunts, to her relief.

The team jump into action, grabbing their weapons and racing off the follow the figure. They don’t notice Ruby step back in the opposite direction, backing down the path. Her voice aches in her throat as she fails to call them back. Tears prick her eyes as she turns, racing to hide.

“I-I ca- I can’t-“ She gags as her breathing becomes laboured and erratic. Her vision blurs with tears and terror as she buckles to the ground. Heels tap towards her and she freezes, not making a sound.

Horrified, she lifts her chin and gapes up at the girl before her. The misshapen face grins wide with sharp, white teeth. It’s eyes glow blue.

“Perfect…” The creature leers.

The sounds of multiple, heavy footsteps approach the pair. The disfigured girl snarls and bolts towards the intruders. It lunges at Jaune but he blocks the attack. Yang scrambles to Ruby’s side. Ruby sits limply, her jaw shaking, eyes searching.

“Ruby! What happened? Where di…..” The desperate pleas of the blonde quickly fade away into muffled humming in Ruby’s ears. The world goes quiet and dim.

Her again? Neo again? WHY- It just never stops- There’s always someone- Something. It’s too much... ITS TOO MUCH. It has to stop… she won’t stop. They. Never Stop. I can make her stop-

She’s pulled back into reality by Yang.

“Ruby! Look at me! We have to go. They’ll take care of Neo but you need to come with me, as far away as possible.” Ruby lips close and her eyes focus once more. Her vision trails up at the fight ahead.

“WE HAVE TO BURN THE LEAVES! Yang!”  Jaune calls.

“ON IT! Ok, just stay here Ruby. I promise I’ll come right back and we can go home, ok?”

Bitter smoke fills the air and surrounds their foe. It collapses to the ground, roaring with anger. Suddenly, the host flees towards the edge of the grand branch they all reside on.

Neo coughs and tumbles to the ground. Ruby studies her from a distance, face relaxing into a cold, unreadable expression.

“I can make her stop...” She whispers lightly.

Her black boots softy graze the thick bark as she wanders across the battlefield, the smoke providing her some cover.

“I can make her stop.” She sobs again.

Neo looks up, attempting to raise herself from the ground. Her eyes widen as she takes in Ruby’s twisted energy. She frantically searches for a way out. A strategy. Hell, she even starts to hope one of her enemies will notice and intervene. Anything.

Ruby crouches down with hollow eyes, crawling towards the weak woman before her. She speaks in a cool, soothing tone.

“You were right. I know what I am now…”

Neapolitan’s desperation and terror do nothing to deter Ruby, as she attempts to drag herself away from her assailant, but the steep drop behind confines her.

Ruby reaches back and raises her lethal weapon to Neo’s forehead, hands still and controlled. Ruby’s finger wraps around the trigger.

“RUBY STOP!”

Ruby is unfazed, only inhibited by Blake’s weapon wrapping around Crescent Rose, yanking it from her vice grip. This interruption breaks her composure and unleashes her fury. Ruby lunges forward, clawing towards Neo’s startled face. She’s only stopped by Yang’s arms yanking her away by the waist.

“What are you doing! RUBY!” Yang demands, attempting to snap her sister back to reality. Ruby’s eyes burn and her face is coated with boiling tears.

“Let me GO- Let me do it! She deserves it- You have no idea what SHE’S DONE to me! She’s a MONSTER.” Ruby wails as she scratches at Yang’s fingers.

Neo shuffles back, attempting to escape threat. She digs into the bark, holding on for dear life as she begins to dangle slightly off the ledge.

While Weiss holds off the Cat, Blake tries to help pull her friend away from her target. Jaune’s steps between them, using his body to break her eye-line. However, despite their efforts, Ruby breaks free.

She bursts towards her tormenter, mind twisted by pain and fear. But before she can lay even one hit, Neo’s knees slide out from under her and she cascades off the edge of the branch, catching herself with one weak hand. She begins desperately trying to pull herself back to safe ground.

A tear drips from Ruby’s nose as she absorbs her situation. Her friends seem to take am eternity to reach them, as if in slow motion. Words echo through her newly quiet mind.

“You don’t deserve to die. You deserve to be broken down, torn apart, wiped from existence”

Neo’s grip gives out.

There is no sound, nor screams, nor fear in her eyes. Simply the kind of peace that jolts you from your sleep.

Chapter Text

What We All Deserve

Silver eyes dance across the darkness beneath, searching for confirmation of reality. Ruby swallows.

“I… did it.” She whispers. Blake and Yang’s faces spasm with horror at what Ruby has just done.

Ruby’s face flashes an array of conflicting emotions. For the first time, she’d stopped someone from hurting her, forever. Her soul throws tantrums in her chest, protesting her train of thought. She runs her hands over the claw marks in the bark, absorbing the texture of desperation itself.

Rising to her feet, she glides towards the scythe discarded on the floor. Her teammates watched on, too stunned to move. Soft patters turned to determined strides as the girl in red blows past Weiss, deadset on the remaining attacker. Towards The Cat.

“Weiss! Stop her!” Jaune blurts out as he comes to his senses.

Weiss glances between Ruby and the others before lunging towards her, grabbing the grey, torn shirt covering her arm. Ruby turns back but gazes right through her friend.

“I’m sorry… but this is the only way.” Ruby croaks before throwing Weiss back into her friends’ grasp. Her icy gaze rolls around to meet that of the distorted cat before her. It looks her up and down in delighted inspiration.

“You’re back… All my work, it’s not lost! After all that, you still want nothing more than to return to Remnant and play hero, so I just have to wear you down and you will take me there.” The Cat snarls as it slinks back and forth in front of her. But they’re monologuing falls on deaf ears.

Ruby brushes her finger tips across her collar bones, reliving the way it’s claws sunk past her skin and deep into her bones. The way she screamed…

“…what will it take to make you stop?” She ponders out-loud with a chilling naïve charm.

The Cat recoils slightly, surprised by her unusual reaction. She’s different… Despite the situation, The Cat can’t help but glance over to the other humans for some kind of answer.

“I can’t be stopped.” The creature growls, looking back at the fearless mortal.

“It’s all a matter of perspective.” She chimes with wide eyes and a small, stiff smile. This smug taunt sends her opponent into a fury. They’re panicking… how perfect.

“I’ll destroy you! Make you wish you were never born!” They begin to grow bigger and bigger, colours pulsing and changing continuously. The petrifying new beast towers over her as she blinks calmly.

“No sense in seeing a sight seen.”

Ruby’s porcelain smile is wiped away and replaced by unbelievable pain and vengeance.

She throws herself violently at The Cat, impaling the ground with a deep gash. Her head whips around, teeth bared as she continues her relentless assault. Her grunts and exertions are infected with blind rage.

The others finally stumble towards the fight, taken aback by the ferocity of Ruby’s attacks. She’s not just going for the kill, these blows are intended to be cataclysmic. Even The Cat has dropped the quips and needling, instead forced to give its full attention to the battle.

“Ruby! We can help! Just please slow down-” Yang calls from the safety of the sidelines. Even one step forward could risk being sliced by the rapid, violent combat.

Suddenly, the beast lands a blow and Ruby is scattered to the ground.

Her teammates take the opportunity to jump in and attack the assailant from all angles, wearing them down significantly.

“No!” Ruby pounds a fist against the ground in frustration and leaps back towards the fight. Jaune scowls and tries to block her from the battle.

“Ruby stop! I don’t know what you’re planning but you aren’t thinking straight! Please just let us handle this so you don’t do something you’ll regret.” He pleads, splitting himself between his enemy and his ally.

“Don’t worry brave knight! Maybe she’ll have a change of heart and decide to stay, just like Alix!” The Cat taunts as it fights off the other girls.

Jaune freezes, taking his focus off of Ruby as he struggles to process the feline’s words.

“She… stayed?”

“Jaune!” Weiss calls.

“Yes she did. The Tree showed her the errors of her ways and she decided to go back for you. She wanted to right all her wrongs and repair all the damage she’d done to this world. So little Lewis went home, but at the last moment, I made sure that lying brat never would!” They snarl through bared teeth at the trembling warrior.

With Jaune distracted, Ruby zips past, ready to end this once and for all. Jaune’s eyes blow wide as he leaps between them, desperate to stop the massacre they both hope for.

Ruby gasps, attempting to stop what she’s already set in motion, but it’s too late. Her scythe slices through the air and hurls Jaune’s body over the canopy, into the bloodthirsty abyss.

Time stands still and The Cat’s twisted cackle rattles in Ruby’s head. She crawls weakly to the edge and her breath hitches in her aching throat.

“Ja-Jaune?…” She mummers.

However, to her horror, a black clawed hand swings up from below and latches into the bark at her side. She throws herself back and scrambles from the new creature that prowls towards them, but it overlooks her. In fact, it overlooks all of them.

The only one the Jabberwalker is interested in is the mutated monstrosity that has been plaguing them. The Cats eyes widen in terror as it backs away.

“No! Stop!” It roars.

“Wanting… Searching… Finding…” The reaper hisses and purrs.

From her own crumpled corpse, Ruby has a moment of unfortunate clarity as she watches her foe face their demise. The foe that just caused her to kill one of her closest friends.

She killed one of her closest friends.

She killed one of her closest friends.

She-

Yang sees the way Ruby’s jaw quivers, the way she digs her hands through her hair and tears at it. And the way her gaze falls upon the Jabberwalker. Then the way her body goes limp and… calm. She pulls herself from the ground and stumbles slowly towards the lethal, violent being.

“No…” Yang chokes.

She bolts forward and yanks Ruby from the ground, wrapping her thin legs around her waist and draping limp arms over her shoulders. She cradles her broken baby sister to her chest and holds on for dear life.

“We-we have to get her away from this thing! NOW.” Yang shouts in a panic to the surviving members of her group. They clamour away, Weiss holding Crescent Rose, as the Jabberwalker pounces upon the wretched Cat.

Ruby forces herself to peak over Yang’s shoulder, watching as The Cat is ripped to pieces. She hears it’s final words to her.

“YOU BREAK… EVERYTHING YOU TOUCH-“

…

When she wakes, it’s not sudden. She doesn’t jolt up or shriek from a nightmare. It wasn’t a nightmare. She knows it wasn’t.

She doesn’t bother opening her eyes or moving in any meaningful way. Maybe if she just pretends to sleep, they’ll let her do it forever. Because when she opens her eyes, they’ll be able to see her, she’ll be apart of the world again, and she dreads nothing more.

So she rests in Yang’s arms, eyes gently closed, breathing soft and even, hands limply cast across her sister’s back as she buries her face into her neck. She feels them walk on and on. She hears them talk about her, but can’t bare to listen. So she doesn’t. She just imagines how much more of her they can take before they start to agree with her. It can’t be long now…

Eventually, the endless walking stops. They must have found something…

“Thank goodness.” Weiss sighs in absolute relief.

Ruby pauses. If she wakes up now, they’ll know she could hear them all along, and they’ll think she heard them talking about how they hate her, or how this is all her fault or how-

“Hey Ruby? We found something you’ll want to see.” Yang gently shifts her weight and rocks Ruby off her chest. The drowsy girl plays off her fictitious slumber and glances over at what they’re all so interested in.

Just like that, every muscle gives out. Her hands slip off Yangs shoulders and she crumbles out of her arms, to the ground. A wooden figure of a rusted man stands in the canopy, a deep gash graces his hip. Ruby ghosts a hand above the wound, scared to even touch it. Yang grips her shoulder, rubbing her thumb across her hairline.

“See? It’s ok. He’ll come back now. Everything will be fine.” The elder almost begs.

Ruby’s sobs silence as she digests those statements. She’s far too exhausted to assess the outcomes or possibilities they face right now. So the best she can do is wait and see.

She has no choice.

…

Crowded around their friend’s ridged frame, they chat amongst themselves and try to keep things light. The sun once again sinks away and their dim cavern grows even darker.

Ruby begins to grow restless, scratching away the dry mud on her boots, picking at the holes in her tights and chewing the dry skin from her lips. Eventually, she huffs and pulls herself up, interrupting their conversation.

“I’m gonna go for a walk.”

“What? Wait- Ruby, let me come-“  Weiss blurts as the others scramble from the ground.

“No I’m fine. I’ll… I’ll be back soon. I promise.” She forces a smile and raises her hand up in defence, but she’s met with looks of severe discomfort.

“I just need some time to myself… please.” Against her will, her voice cracks.

Yang exhales cautiously and nods her head. As Ruby wonders away, she feels their eyes chase her around the corner, into the night.

…

Ruby combs through the mystic forest, careful to remember the way back. She can feel them worrying already. It’s nice that they care but she just feels like… like a burden.

She ponders if this walk is really is what she needed. She can’t tell if she wants to be alone, free from their gaze and constant needs, or surrounded by love, supported and seen. Wanted but not needed. Understood but never seen for who she really is.

It’s just… impossible.

Her eyes search the leaves for something in particular. It’s probably hopeless but she just can’t stop thinking about them. The guilt has been just one of a million things tearing her apart.

She stops, dropping her shoulders in defeat. It’s getting late. It’s not going to happen. She’ll just have to live with it forever.

But there, at the very tip of the branch she had been searching, the smallest stem sprouts from the grand tree. Woven into its bark is a tiny- little -mouse.

“There you are.” She sighs with mixed relief.

Ruby couches down and sits next to the miniature wooden figure, resting against a much larger branch. She takes a shaky breath and words start to poor from her lips.

“Little I… When I first walked up that beach, I was at rock bottom. Some really bad stuff had just happened and it was all my fault and everything had gone wrong and it felt like nothing I did was enough-” She pauses to gather herself.

“… But when I saw the gratitude you felt when all I helped you, I had something I could hold onto. Some good I could do.” Ruby musses weakly.

“You were so small and happy, so easily pleased. Everything I did was good enough for you. I could actually help you... And when it felt like everyone needed me to solve every problem and give us some direction, you guided us. I could rely on you, even just for a moment.”

She presses her head back against the branch and tries to sooth the tightness in her throat. Stretching an arm towards Littles Statue, her fingers caress the tiny toes perched on the bark.

“Thank you Little, for being exactly what I needed. You meant the world to me…”

However to her surprise, thin cracks suddenly begin forming up the tiny creatures legs. Light pours from the fractures, exposing a blinding glow. Ruby shields her eyes as a hot flash fills the formerly twilight space.

She squints down at where her friend once resided, eyes adjusting back to the darkness. In place of the statue, was a bipedal mouse character. They stood as tall as a child, round face, kind eyes and even a small familiar cape over their shoulders.

“Little!” Ruby beams, but the joy is snuffed out by the look of confusion on the creatures face. Her shoulders slump and she retreats into herself once again.

“Hello… Do I… know you?” The little thing asks sweetly, noticing the girl’s anxiety.

“No… you don’t. Please, what are you?” Ruby says, trying to be polite.

“I- well you know, I haven’t thought about it yet. Do you have any suggestions?” They giggle.

Ruby steps back, scanning the floor for a moment. Her mind is cloudy but she can do this. It’s just one question.

What are you?

A pang of anxiety shoots up her chest as those word echo again and again. She takes a moment, running through everything she knows about Little. A smile creeps across her cheeks, recalling the tiny moments of happiness she had refused to remember until now, refused to give in to.

“To me… you seem like a friend.” Ruby admits warmly. Glancing up and seeing her friends glee, she continues with more confidence.

“Maybe also, a guide? A protector. Maybe just… adorable?” She laughs to herself a little.

“Yeah… I guess I’m somewhat of a lot of things! Oooh ‘Somewhat’! That’s perfect, I love it!” They jump in delight as Ruby basks in the second hand joy that surrounds her.

“Yes it is. You’re going to help so many people. You’ve already helped me more than you know.” Ruby quickly blinks away the droplets in her eyes and Somewhat looks puzzled.

“You do seem… familiar.” They say with a shy smile.

Ruby’s heart warms, a welcome sensation amidst her constantly twisting gut and swirling mind. Her new friend looks down the long path behind them, ready to continue on their journey, but Ruby jumps to stop them.

“Wait! Can you um… can you stay? I just… I could use some company.” She mumbles with her head hung low.

Somewhat nods, wanting to do anything to help make her feel better. They enthusiastically take a seat under the colourful leaves, smiling and resting up against her shoulder.

“No problem. I’m here to help.”

Ruby takes a deep breath and tries her best to accept her own safety and happiness. Her shoulders slip down and her jaw unclenches and she ponders.

They know nothing about her, good or bad, and yet they are willing to try to help her no matter what.

“Thank you. It means the world to me.”

…

For the first time in weeks, Ruby falls asleep peacefully. Not from exhaustion or grief, simply from finally feeling comfortable enough to relax. Her relaxation is cut short, however, when the morning sun hits her eyelids.

She groans away from the offending sensation, burying her face into her hood. But as her mind stirs back into reality, memories coming tumbling back.

Oh no.

This time, she does jolt awake, almost choking on her tongue. Her eyes shoot around the illuminated forest and it all comes back to her.

“No no no I over slept! They’re gonna kill me. Argh! I shouldn’t have tried to relax. I’m so-“

Interrupting her train of throat, her hand brushes a cool, foreign object on the ground. It rolls around and around as she squints in confusion. It’s some kind of yellow root- Oh…

She sighs with a sad smile. Looking around for the gift giver, she find nothing but dry leaves and rays of light.

“Good bye Somewhat. Good luck.”

…

Dread weighs on Ruby as she makes the long walk back, practicing her apology and endless excuses. Being missing for a few minutes would have sent them spiralling, but all night? This isn’t good… not at all.

However when she finally makes it to her destination, she’s alone. They must have gone looking for her.

“No no no that’s even worse. What do I do? If I leave we might just keep chasing each other in circles and- and-“ She grows frantic, pacing back and forth.

But when the ground begins to tremble and the area is filled in a very well known glow, Ruby halts her panic, seeing a welcome face.

Jaune step out of the blinding light, skin smooth and healthy, clothes repaired and armour glistening. His eyes flutter open as he catches the teary gaze of Ruby Rose.

She can’t help herself. She jumps into his arms, sobbing and clasping at his sleeves. He hugs her back, a youthful voice crackling from his throat.

“Hey it’s ok. I’m ok. Wow- this is what I sounded like?” He blurts in amused astonishment.

Ruby let’s out a hoarse laugh, lip still quivering. Her smile only lasts a moment before she crumbles back into her guilt.

“Do you remember-“

“Yeah, I remember everything.”

Ruby’s eyes blow wide with fear. Her jaw clenches shut as she waits for his anger. But he only pulls her in tighter.

“It was an accident, it’s not your fault. And look, I’m back to normal. I have all those years back, thanks to you.”

She tries to take his words to heart but they don’t truly make it in.

They part and settle onto the ground, waiting for the others to return. But a thought crawls through Ruby’s mind again and again.

“Why didn’t you ask to forget… some stuff?” She questions carefully.

Jaune swallows.

“Because of… you.”

Ruby looks up at him in shock.

“I saw what that path looks like. I saw how long it lasted. I saw you make mistakes that you would never have made if you had understood what lead us hear. I saw you lose so much of yourself just to hide from the pain.”

Ruby doesn’t know what to say, she just gapes at him in awe.

“When you came back, I didn’t know how to feel. I felt so guilty for yelling at you, and blaming you. When I saw that endlessly happy girl I knew from Beacon, I realised how much I missed her and I got mad… at the world.” He admits, avoiding eye contact.

“I thought… I thought you were mad at me. I thought you hated me for Neo and the bridge and… Penny.”

“No! I was- I was envious. I resented you for doing what I had been considering for all those years. It felt unfair that I forced myself to fight through it all and you just… gave up.” He looks away in shame.

There’s a moment of silence as they both reel from that confession. Ruby feels sick to her stomach and Jaune isn’t much better. He continues.

“But when you came back, I finally understood. I saw you crying and falling apart and I remembered how young you really are. Suddenly, you were a 17 year old girl who had been totally isolated and driven deeper and deeper into the darkness.” His fists ball tightly on her knees.

“After that, I swore I would look out for you. It was selfish of me to think we were against each other in this. We could have helped each other, seen each other. I should have seen you.”

Jaune places a hand on Ruby’s leg as she trembles. Their eyes meet in a moment of unity.

“I’d like to heal together, if that ok with you. I think if we have each other, I might be ok.” He smiles with pure, authentic care for her. She feels it pierce her heart.

“I…”

“RUBY! JAUNE!” Yang screams from the centre of The Tree. The others sprint with her up the wooden limb, colliding with their friends in a tight embrace.

“Ruby, where have you been! You have no idea how-“ Weiss pours, crushing Ruby against her chest.

“I’m so sorry… I know. It’s just… I found Little. I found her and I couldn’t say goodbye. Then we fell asleep and I’m just- I know I worried you. I promise I’m ok.” Ruby squeals as she’s crushed.

When Weiss finally puts her down, Yang approaches with a look of heart break. She pulls Ruby into a soft hug without saying a word.

“I’m ok.”

“I know. You just… you scared us.”

Ruby squeezes Yang tight with regret and a silent plea for forgiveness. After a moment, Yang draws away with a hopeful smile.

“We found something. We think its the way home.” She says with subtle dread.

Ruby’s blood chills slightly at thought but her neutral expression doesn’t budge. The boy next to her on the other hand…

“Are you serious…” Jaune’s eyes widen and he throws himself over Ruby’s back with a loud cheer.

“Yes! Yes! We did it. Oh after all this time! Ruby!“ He catches her eye, his excitement is infectious.

Ruby begins to laugh nervously as she is swung around in a dance of ecstasy. Eventually she tumbles into fits of giggles with him, copying his bounds and chants. The two start jogging away, up the branch, towards their freedom.

“Come on guys! We can finally go home!” Jaune calls, knocking shoulders with Ruby as they scramble away laughing.

Watching on, Weiss, Blake and Yang pause uncomfortably. They share a glance and begin to follow on from a distance.

“Are we gonna tell her?” Blake murmurs.

Her and Weiss turn to Yang.

“No. We have to convince her not to come to Vacuo, that’s our number one priority. She’s going home.”