❄ 𝒩𝑜𝒷𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓎 ❄

‘Every time your frozen memories come to thaw Bit by bit melts away until there’s nothing at all Even when they’re gone you hold on so tightly to them In your heart, you will never forget‘

Canon-Divergent Weiss Schnee Private and Selective Written by Es

-Personal Blogs do NOT interact-

Well, its not just Ruby, but having to make decisions like these also leave quite a sour taste on Weiss’ mouth. But alas, with the situation having become this dire? There’s really no other choice but to swallow up such decision, and live through the consequences they would present. Better this, than things playing out how Salem wanted, or Ironwood inadvertently setting up Atlas to be a death trap if it plummets down.

“I know.” Weiss pointed out, staring at the Rose as she followed Ruby, almost quite matching her pace as she was just close behind her. “Even if this would technically be my first time dabbling into magic, we really don’t have much time, and we really don’t have much of a choice, either. Let’s just hope for the best, no matter how bleak or blurred out such possibility can be now.”

“Right.” Was what the Schnee simply had said, giving the Rose a reassuring smile that everything… that she will be fine in there, so there’s nothing much to worry about her. A minute or less should suffice.

Well, after a few seconds in on the one minute limit, from outside the chambers, the Rose would be able to hear Weiss’ screams as the Aura transfer began. After all, the procedure for such was artificial, along with the fact that the Aura being transferred onto her has Maiden powers added in to boot. But alas, upon the forty five second mark, the Schnee would step out of the chamber, panting heavily, as she stared towards the Rose.

“An… An experience I’d never… get… get used to.” She stated, before then adding “Let’s hurry it up to the chamber. Don’t worry about m… me, though, Ruby. Just got a little tuckered out from the transfer procedure. I’ll recover in… in no time.” Although, how she convinced the Winter Maiden was something she hadn’t told Ruby yet, but will most likely do so later if asked. She had to mix a lie with half truths. True, the situation has escalated into something so dire, but never was she officially the one taking Winter’s stead, after all.

But nonetheless, what’s done is done. It is a burden she’d be willing to bear.

“Ouch, that must hurt.” Ruby would have run to Weiss, but she knew how delicate the Aura Transfer process could be when it was done artificially. Hence why she bit her tongue and focused on ahead, until after a minute, Weiss was finally back. Thanks to Ruby’s enhanced aura sensing, she was able to feel just how Weiss’ aura changed, but didn’t comment on it.

Instead she whistled, very impressed. “I hope you never have to repeat it either, otherwise I’ll feel even more disgusted than I am right now. Did the granny pass on peacefully at’least?” That’s what Ruby hoped, but was interrupted once she heard explosions in the distance, which is why she grabbed Weiss and in a petal burst, went through a nearby window, flying them outside and onto the nearest tower.

“Sorry, ain’t taking no chances. I know Maidens can fly, but I think you need to learn that first. I myself can only pseudo-fly somewhat with the way my semblance is.” Ruby told the new Winter Maiden, now standing on the edge and letting go of Weiss. “The relic calls for you, doesn’t it? Tell me if you can sense it, then we’ll go ahead and break into the vault unseen.” Honestly things were going their way for once, but Ruby didn’t trust the quiet. She wanted this done ASAP, before Cinder found them.

“Well at least you apologized.” the Schnee replied, already recovering a bit from the ordeal from earlier ago. “Either way, I’m going to have to start getting used to several changes and new additions in my being the moment things have settled down between you and me, then...” A sigh as she was let go. 

“I can definitely tell where the Relic is locked up, yes. Pinpoint it even. Its located just up ahead, and like the Lamp of Knowledge’s Vault, its also on a lower level than the rest. Thus, we’re going to have to descend once we get to the building that stores it underneath.” However, they should hurry, too, considering that several Atlesian buildings around them were starting to close up, as if everything is slowly and surely going into lockdown.

Well, that’s the least of their worries, anyway, as they also still have Cinder to worry about, both being a race to the Relic, and a possible, yet hopefully not, encounter with her.

“Between the two of us, you riled up Elm the most, alongside Harriet. Of course the former would start blasting your ass with her rockets.” The Schnee remarked, letting out a chuckle, before then saying “Well, what can I say? We’re so much in sync at this point, in more ways than one, am I right?” Still, the Aura enhancing drugs also contributed to such. But of course, it still all went down to how skilled they are.

And now enter the decision making, especially with Ruby giving her the reins on what to decide on. “… Sure, we can indeed take the power of the Maiden for myself, but alas, there is one factor. Winter bonded with that Maiden as she was the caretaker for her, so at any given point in time, should she die, the power would transfer over to Winter, regardless… Unless…”

That’s it! “We transfer her Aura unto my body, as her Maiden’s power is tied to such. That way, we can ensure that the power would end up on me, and not paint a target on Winter’s back.” Although on the current Winter Maiden’s current age? No doubt she won’t able to survive the process afterward. Then again, tough decisions had to be made. Sure, she’d technically be taking the Winter Maiden’s life in a sense like this, but at a moment this crucial? It is but necessary.

That, and Weiss would make sure the Maiden’s life and sacrifice would not end in vain.

“See, Ruby. Be it imperfect as it is, Atlas has been my home. Having it plummet like a meteor down to Mantle would technically also play on Salem’s cards, as it would be something in similar vein to what had happened in Beacon, if not, worse. However, if we get Atlas to touch the ground again, then we can take the Relic and leg it. After all, the Relic sustains it afloat. Me being a Maiden would mean that not only I am the key to the Vault, but would also be able to commandeer what the Relic can do.”

And then it dawned on her. Yet another thing she had remembered.

Creation. The Relic associated with the Winter Maiden is the Staff of Creation.

“Or best case scenario, I take the Relic of Creation, then create something in its stead that would be a replacement battery that would keep Atlas airborne without the risk of it plummeting down hard on Mantle. How does that sound, Ruby?”

“Elm always went on and on about only following orders and jazz, can you blame me for calling her bootlicker?” Ruby deadpanned,, deciding to add on. “As for Harriet, I thought I could get along with her. She reminded me of Yang, but she took this ‘betrayal’ of ours bad, even when I tried her to side with us, but oh wel, things are already this way, we can only continue trudging forward.” Ruby took out Crescent Rose once more, deciding to give a nod.

“An Aura transfer is gonna kill the old granny, but it’s her life that will safe thousands of others.” Ruby really hated decisions like these, but theyh ad to act fast, before Winter or Cinder would get there. Hence her motioning for Weiss to follow along, running not at full speed, but to the point where Weiss could still follow along.

“It’s a good idea in theory, but the better question is if you can put it into practice. I don’t doubt your abilities, but this is magic we’re talking about. Not something Hoodini did, but something that Salem and Oz have mastered. I’ll try and help you as best as I can, but I can’t guarantee it will be of much help in the first place.”

Steel doors, they were busted open by Ruby kicking them open. One would say such a feat was hard, but she was a Silver-Eyed Warrior and they were the best of the best. Besides, in such a rush, she didn’t care about finesse and instead they were in-front of the Winter Maiden’s chambers, Ruby finally standing still, and only panting a bit.

“We don’t have time Weiss, we need to get this done now. Who knows how long it’s gonna be until they catch up?” Ruby didn’t fear Cinder so much, as she could simply blast the other into pieces with her silver-eyes. No she feared Penny and Winter far more,. “Here we go, Yosha!” Hence her prying the metal doors open, grunting a bit in effort as these were far more reinforced than the rest.

“I know.” Weiss pointed out, staring at the Rose as she followed Ruby, almost quite matching her pace as she was just close behind her. “Even if this would technically be my first time dabbling into magic, we really don’t have much time, and we really don’t have much of a choice, either. Let’s just hope for the best, no matter how bleak or blurred out such possibility can be now.”

“Right.” Was what the Schnee simply had said, giving the Rose a reassuring smile that everything... that she will be fine in there, so there’s nothing much to worry about her. A minute or less should suffice.

Well, after a few seconds in on the one minute limit, from outside the chambers, the Rose would be able to hear Weiss’ screams as the Aura transfer began. After all, the procedure for such was artificial, along with the fact that the Aura being transferred onto her has Maiden powers added in to boot. But alas, upon the forty five second mark, the Schnee would step out of the chamber, panting heavily, as she stared towards the Rose.

“An... An experience I’d never... get... get used to.” She stated, before then adding “Let’s hurry it up to the chamber. Don’t worry about m... me, though, Ruby. Just got a little tuckered out from the transfer procedure. I’ll recover in... in no time.” Although, how she convinced the Winter Maiden was something she hadn’t told Ruby yet, but will most likely do so later if asked. She had to mix a lie with half truths. True, the situation has escalated into something so dire, but never was she officially the one taking Winter’s stead, after all.

“Hey now. Its not just you that’s fateless, remember?” Weiss remarked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively, as if to remind the Rose that she, too, is fateless like her, as well. Either way, the Schnee would also then use several of her Summons to keep the other remaining stragglers at bay, if not kill them off, too. The aerial, Wyvern Grimm that showed up earlier was very much fine additions to her ever growing list of summons, she should note.

“Of course he was the spark to ignite all this. After all, I did outed him the moment I found out evidence.” A disappointed sigh. “I already saw Jacques as narrow minded, but I didn’t painted him out to be this much of a dumbass.” Ironic, really, that Jacques is the one who had given the Schnee name a massive scandal via this, and not her. Can she chalk it up to poetic justice? Maybe.

“That’s the worst case scenario, alright. However, at least the people of Mantle are being evacuated up to Atlas, post-haste. No need for this place to become another Beacon that way.”

“Although, I have to admit. While what we have learned from Jinn was very much questionable and quite something to digest… It does line up to a few things. But ah, well. If we trouble ourselves too much about it, then it’d just make us restless. The bad restless.” After all, she did notice Ironwood’s increasing paranoia over things, the tragedy on Beacon being very much a root for that, or rather, the ignition for such feelings.

“Well, just as what Jinn had ambiguously said before she got back to her lamp… The timeline has changed. I say that’s a good thing, as far as I am concerned. No need for several scenarios to happen as predetermined by an invisible hand or something similar.” Her summons fading as they have already done their part here, the Schnee would simply nod towards the Rose, saying “Couldn’t agree more. Let’s head back. See if we are needed on something or some place else.”

“Even if it became another Beacon, does anyone up there in Atlas really care?” Ruby pointed out, not wanting to sound so cynical, but still ending up like that. She knew how the elites up there were and would they even have place for all the people in Mantle to be up there? “Go ahead and summon one of those Wyverns you just killed. I’ll spare myself the effort of getting you to summon your Geist with the flying carpet and we’ll just hitch a ride that way.”

“Besides your aura and control over it gotten so good, I don’t even have to supply you with mine anymore, do I?” Still, once they were up there, with Ruby tapping down from the summoned apparition of a Wyvern, she saw there were androids all over the place. “What’s the big deal?

“Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee. The two of you have been summoned to the General’s office. Please come with us with haste.” With such, they were transported there, not saying a word, no matter how much Ruby probed them up.

“Yoshaa, I forgot those tin cans don’t have emotions. Kinda hard to poke fun at ‘em that way.” Still, they were in the office now, Ruby and Weiss standing not in the center but a bit off and away from the Ace Ops. Call it a bad feeling, but Ruby didn’t feel safe for once, and she always relied on her gut feeling.

Lo and behold, she was right, especially as Salem seemed to have come from that one Overseer Grimm, even telling that she was on the way here. Of course Ruby had an outburst, once the other mentioned her mother, which didn’t get a breakdown from the Rose as Salem had hoped, but instead had Ruby extremely angry, her eyes eradicating the Grimm Salem was using to holograph herself to over here.

“Well, you’re right. That, I owe to my practice... and training with you, Ruby.” After all, the pair had to make sure they won’t go rusty or stagnate in terms of battle smarts. Thus, Weiss’ Aura and control gotten so good as a result to such. Quite helpful for both herself and Ruby, really.

And of course, when they were called over by the General, Weiss felt the same way as Ruby did. Something felt... off. The atmosphere quite different. Hell, Ironwood’s left, human arm is basically out of commission, and so is Watts. However... Things did escalate, especially with the fact that Cinder is still at large, and inside Atlas, Ironwood’s paranoia ignited, even moreso when Salem projected herself via the Seer Grimm that has always been inside Arthur’s bag.

To see Salem again, albeit in a projection still was an unsettling feeling. Something that Weiss wouldn’t ever get used to anytime soon. That uneasy, unsettling feeling that claws at her, makes her stomach turn.

But alas, with Salem’s plan on shattering Ruby’s supposed bravado failed short, which was good. However, her finally showing herself, albeit in projection, did affect the others around them. Greatly, so.

The General was speechless for a bit, before sighing, steeling himself, a tired, yet determined look on his face. The expression of a man who would do what is absolutely necessary, what he believes is right, even if others had to be offered up to the sacrificial pyre.

“I have already sent Winter over to the Winter Maiden’s location. She would take her powers to herself. That way, Cinder won’t be able to get her hands on the Maiden’s powers, and the Relics that easily. Furthermore, I hereby order that the plans for the Amity Communications Tower be altered, and be focused here on Atlas, instead. Effective immediately.” the General stated.

“... Wait. Relics?” And it dawned on Weiss. “No... No you wouldn’t. Doing so would paint a big, red target on Atlas.”

“Ah, whatever. We’ll see how they’d react if we reach that point in which we have to see them again, anyway. Speculating their reactions and actions would just lead to expectations, y’know?” Still, Weiss couldn’t agree more with what Ruby’s ideas of their teammates’s reactions would be. Yang would most likely take it bad. Blake? Yeah, she can’t tell anymore, really, thus, she cannot really speak much in regards to the faunus.

“Still, even I have to say beating up Ironwood’s elite is… something. Probs taken them down a few notches and made sure they won’t underestimate us again, no?”

Sure, it was quite a struggle, considering it was a four on two fight… But eh, they ended up winning against the Ace Ops.

“I still feel the rockets on my ass.” Ruby rubbed her derriere and pouted just a tad bit. “I might be stronger overall, but you have the advantage with your summons. We work individually just as well, but our teamwork allowed us to take down the Ace Ops. I guess it’s still a good thing we took those aura-enhancing drugs that year ago, otherwise we’d be in prison this time.”

“If anything, I’ll need to leave the choice to you this time.” Ruby was the leader, but Weiss was the one who made the hefty decisions when Ruby didn’t know what to do. “We know where the Winter Maiden is located and the Staff as well. Do we do the amoral and kill her, so that Cinder won’t get to her? Would it seem a good idea for you to become the Winter Maiden?”

And now enter the decision making, especially with Ruby giving her the reins on what to decide on. “... Sure, we can indeed take the power of the Maiden for myself, but alas, there is one factor. Winter bonded with that Maiden as she was the caretaker for her, so at any given point in time, should she die, the power would transfer over to Winter, regardless... Unless...”

That’s it! “We transfer her Aura unto my body, as her Maiden’s power is tied to such. That way, we can ensure that the power would end up on me, and not paint a target on Winter’s back.” Although on the current Winter Maiden’s current age? No doubt she won’t able to survive the process afterward. Then again, tough decisions had to be made. Sure, she’d technically be taking the Winter Maiden’s life in a sense like this, but at a moment this crucial? It is but necessary.

That, and Weiss would make sure the Maiden’s life and sacrifice would not end in vain.

“See, Ruby. Be it imperfect as it is, Atlas has been my home. Having it plummet like a meteor down to Mantle would technically also play on Salem’s cards, as it would be something in similar vein to what had happened in Beacon, if not, worse. However, if we get Atlas to touch the ground again, then we can take the Relic and leg it. After all, the Relic sustains it afloat. Me being a Maiden would mean that not only I am the key to the Vault, but would also be able to commandeer what the Relic can do.”

And then it dawned on her. Yet another thing she had remembered.

Creation. The Relic associated with the Winter Maiden is the Staff of Creation.

𝚃𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞.

Canon-Divergent Ruby Rose Private & Selective Written by Dukemon

“Ha. Ha.” And as always, Weiss delivered the cold sarcasm without fail, just as how the Rose had delivered her own sarcasm without flaw. “Well, seemingly so, the both of us did a speedrun on such.” And there goes the not too subtle pun on Ruby’s Semblance, as well.

Well, can’t really do anything else that could have stopped this situation to boil up like this. After all, Ironwood has become increasingly paranoid, for all the understandable reason.

“As for that next “goal”… Well, its up to them if they decide to go that route, and not us, Ruby.”

“Oh haha, nice pun on my Semblance.” Then again, didn’t that one tanned Spec Ops girl say something that her Semblance wasn’t entirely speed? Ruby couldn’t recall anymore, it seemed so insignificant now. If anything, Ruby was more curious on how their friends would react, and of course she already had an idea of their teammates.

“I know that Yang would take it it bad. Her own reputation was tarnished when she ‘broke’ Mercury’s leg and then there’s Blake. I feel like she’d either feel betrayed or wouldn’t care much. After all, she’s the one that ran away from all us three, so who knows really”?

“Ah, whatever. We’ll see how they’d react if we reach that point in which we have to see them again, anyway. Speculating their reactions and actions would just lead to expectations, y’know?” Still, Weiss couldn’t agree more with what Ruby’s ideas of their teammates’s reactions would be. Yang would most likely take it bad. Blake? Yeah, she can’t tell anymore, really, thus, she cannot really speak much in regards to the faunus.

“Still, even I have to say beating up Ironwood’s elite is... something. Probs taken them down a few notches and made sure they won’t underestimate us again, no?”

“Of course he was the spark to ignite all this. After all, I did outed him the moment I found out evidence.” A disappointed sigh. “I already saw Jacques as narrow minded, but I didn’t painted him out to be this much of a dumbass.” Ironic, really, that Jacques is the one who had given the Schnee name a massive scandal via this, and not her. Can she chalk it up to poetic justice? Maybe.

“That’s the worst case scenario, alright. However, at least the people of Mantle are being evacuated up to Atlas, post-haste. No need for this place to become another Beacon that way.”

“Although, I have to admit. While what we have learned from Jinn was very much questionable and quite something to digest... It does line up to a few things. But ah, well. If we trouble ourselves too much about it, then it’d just make us restless. The bad restless.” After all, she did notice Ironwood’s increasing paranoia over things, the tragedy on Beacon being very much a root for that, or rather, the ignition for such feelings.

“Ha. Ha.” And as always, Weiss delivered the cold sarcasm without fail, just as how the Rose had delivered her own sarcasm without flaw. “Well, seemingly so, the both of us did a speedrun on such.” And there goes the not too subtle pun on Ruby’s Semblance, as well.

Well, can’t really do anything else that could have stopped this situation to boil up like this. After all, Ironwood has become increasingly paranoid, for all the understandable reason.

      "It... does?" Well, now that got Weiss' attention, to be quite fair. Then again, she did know that the Rose had lost a good chunk of her memories, so recollections like these, a sense of familiarity... Yeah, that made sense. That, and she couldn't agree more, even if it was unspoken. Perhaps Ruby leaving those she knew on Signal behind in such an abrupt manner for Beacon would really instill quite an impression, and to some, it might be a lasting one.

      "In other words, her family does have some form of power in Mistral, then, or rather, she is from such..." She did took note of the physical characteristics the Rose had mentioned, however. Blonde hair, green eyes. Most likely would have that regal feel on her, considering she's from such a family, too, she assumed. Basically, this narrows down what she would keep an eye out for the moment they get to Mistral, then.

      "Hopefully." The Schnee began. There is a chance that it would go their way, there is a chance that it won't. The only real problem here is to calculate their chances, really, on what percentage would it be to their favor, or the other way around. It was in the other continuation of Ruby's statement did she sigh.

      There's also what was left of JNPR, and the other half of their team, itself, that's making a move as well. Them converging paths won't be too... well, really, seeing that Ruby isn't ready to meet them all again. While Weiss would be glad to offer her partner that they'd stall out the days before looking for and meeting this Blanchimont fellow to increase the chances of them not crossing paths with their friends...

      Time is of the essence, regardless. That, and chances are, they actually might be ahead of them, or they may be already too far ahead of them.

      "Right." Well, no point on making too much of a fuss on such thoughts, really. Doing so would really hinder their stay and making the most out of Mistral, even if they were trying to locate Blair, really. "I'll be landing this thing on the dirt path that shortly leads us to Mistral the moment we get there, then. And since we're basically arriving in a much earlier rate, we can relax better when we get there, too."

      "Hmm... Then let's place our bets on her hopefully knowing a person who can give you a better, clearer understanding on how your eyes work, then." Sure, Ruby was already used to her eyes, but there's still much more to learn, still much more to attain to make them become more useful and efficient on future successive uses.

        "Course it does, Ruby. Can't really do anything about that." Weiss pointed out, before deciding to add "Indeed. It working a bit too well was unprecedented, really." Well, on her end, she wasn't expecting it to be this effective on them, really. But at the same time, she was glad that they haven't encountered any major problem after taking those Aura enhancing drugs, really.

        At least Weiss wouldn't have much problems on, well, Aura shortage, much, as her capacity has been increased by a huge margin. Not as large as the Rose's own, but quite large enough to be equal to a veteran's. Well, on Ruby's case, having this much Aura just really is a gateway for, well, taking in greater risks without thinking much of the consequences, thus Weiss had to make sure the Rose won't take in risks with unforeseen consequences that she might have taken likely, or miscalculated.

        Sure, more Aura means more protection, but she won't stand it if Ruby gets seriously hurt.

        "Right. I'm on it, then. As usual, I'm counting on you to supply me with additional Aura should I run low on juice again, Ruby." And again, an unspoken command, nor any direction has been given, but the summoned Geist started to move the carpet it had possessed, along with its passengers, towards the direction of Mistral.

        Well, she was very much thankful, herself, that they're very much interlinked together, being Fateless and all. And that's not just because of being able to share each other's unfiltered Aura without the drawbacks, really.

        "Well, its strength would always seemingly bolstered whenever it gets to possess something, so that would be the answer why it is able to keep us from falling, really." A sigh as the Schnee started relaxing, just as the Rose started doing, herself.

        An eyebrow raised, as Ruby offered her a quick meal, before Weiss' lips curved into a small smile. "Thank you." Was said to the Rose, before the Schnee started to eat.

        And then the question was brought up, in relation to their status as Fateless.

        Ah, yes. The term used for those that aren't subject to the laws of Fate, those who are able to truly freely choose their own path, and not dictated, nor led by some invisible, conceptual line.

        "What do we do now, huh?" Well, that got the Schnee to think, with her setting down the meal Ruby had given her. What to do at this point, exactly? They have so many things to do, so many sights to see, so many moments to enjoy. They've already done quite a lot in their few years of traveling together, after all.

        "Well, we do the usual." She began. "Forge our own path, see what kind of future for the both of us we would be able to create. After all, this isn't the end of our journey, yet, far from it too, right?"

        "Well, we're already on our way there, Ruby." Weiss stated, already letting out a chuckle at that, too. "And see, a rumor that big would mean that a lot of people would know the talk about said 'Empress', so we could ask the folk there about such, then gather what we would know. That way, we can locate the Empress faster, no?"

        Its more of psychology, really. A rumor of royalty would quickly spread among the people, thus it wouldn't really be a hushed rumor, to begin with.