Chapter 7

A Rose of a Different Color

Groans escaped from behind gritted teeth as a small figure pressed her back against the steel door specifically designed to contain roars of machinery, as well as high grade dust explosions which were evidenced by its scorch marks.

Light seeped into darkness as the heavy door creaked open just enough for the visitor to squeeze through with her eyes tightly shut. Once inside, the aroma of sweat and grease caused her nostrils to flare, but it was the taste of metal that gave her pause to savor the long awaited moment.

Without need of light, her hand flipped a nearby switch causing her ears to buzz as machinery hummed to life, and her eyelids fluttered open as a beautiful world was illuminated just for her.

"Home sweet home," Ruby said with a wide smile.

Despite her senses being overwhelmed she took a moment to acknowledge the hallowed ground her unsteady legs were now standing upon. Although her partner called it a 'glorified dungeon that reeked of labor', the legendary machine shop still gave her goosebumps as this had been her childhood fantasy when taking apart all things mechanical before putting them back together twice as efficient as they'd been found.

As much as she had enjoyed the special privileges Signal afforded her being the combat instructor's niece and the daughter of a tenured professor, nothing could compare to having full reign at Beacon or the solitude it afforded.

Unlike most other combat schools, her's had required that all students construct and maintain their own weapons, which meant the machine shop was busy even at the dullest of times, but not so at Beacon where she had been astonished to learn that because most students couldn't fully repair their weapons on their own, they would find either a professional shop in the city or a skilled fellow student which was much more convenient, and subsequently was the reason why Ruby's cookie allowance had nearly tripled since arriving.

A slight grimace hung off the side of her face as she limped past dozens of power saws, drills, and fabricators to the workbench she had claimed the first day of school. It was at the heart of the massive machine shop which could've easily fit forty to fifty students but rarely ever saw two at a time. And because she visited so frequently, many of the stations were organized to her personal liking with even the equipment laying out being what suited her needs the most.

Her long pilgrimage came to an end with a whimper as she practically collapsed onto her cushioned stool and felt immediate relief throughout her entire body, but no more so than her tormented feet. Shutting her eyes again a few of her sister's favorite curses popped in her mind, and so as to focus on something other than pain she began dialing the lock combinations she'd placed at her station which just so happened to be the serial numbers to her rifle's many attachments.

Opening the cabinets and sliding open the drawers were an assortment of seemingly random objects and custom tools she'd borrowed from Signal, as well as a supply of chocolate bars that often substituted for breakfast, lunch, and occasionally dinner when it arrived too late. Tucked safely away from the grease and chocolate however was an ivory pillow with snowflake designs which she had discovered under her head one restless night along with a thick book titled 'MADR Maintenance for Dummies, Dolts, and Dodos' which she found incredibly useful for propping up weapons or for when her mallet was out of reach.

With the lurid protests beginning to quiet, her hand skipped over a pair of earplugs in favor of red headphones with goggles welded on, and she quickly found a suitable playlist to hum along to. Reaching into another drawer she felt an unnatural chill travel down her spine and retrieved a bottle of water which she eagerly drank from before returning it to the unusually cold storage that not even bright lamps could penetrate.

Now with her selfish needs assuaged, Ruby removed Ember Celica which had been pushed nearly up to her shoulders and gently placed them onto the workbench. She followed this by unclipping Crescent Rose from her ammo belt and afterward stretched thankful to be rid of the burdens on her stiff arms and lower-back. With her aura low and muscles still recovering, it felt as though she were now floating despite the weapons having been made from incredibly light yet durable metal, and her belt being specially designed to lessen the load on her small frame.

Taking an almost apologetic look at her badly damaged rifle, she set it aside before shaking her head at the just as shabby looking gauntlets. Although her sister preferred to pretend otherwise, she was just as capable an engineer even if she wasn't nearly as passionate about weapons as she was motorcycles. She knew Yang could've repaired her gauntlets just as easily and probably twice as quickly as herself, but Ruby was always appreciative of her trust and understanding as she loved weapons with an enthusiasm that was often described as unhealthy, even by the elder sister herself despite being just as happy from seeing her smile.

"You'll be as good as new in no time," she assured as if comforting a child.

Within minutes Ember Celica was almost completely disassembled with its many parts scattered about the table, but the girl took her time enjoying the warm aura that tickled her fingers. With each nut and bolt she could feel everything her dauntless sister embodied made manifest in these stylish golden bracelets that transformed into Dual Ranged Shot Gauntlets at the slightest hint of trouble, and were just as unstoppable as they were indestructible.

Ruby truly believed that weapons were extensions of their wielder, and unless it was absolutely necessary she refused to replace even the tiniest of screws of her teammates' weapons as it would be like discarding a piece of them as well. She didn't care if countless hours of reshaping twisted metal could've easily been halved and were her punishment for not simply reaching for a spare screw or using a fabricator, and likewise she didn't mind the curious looks this practice earned her. They had all saved her life countless times and in her fingertips she could literally feel the souls and personalities of the people closest to her, and she would treat even their metal shavings with the respect and care they deserved.

Every time Myrtenaster's cylinder was loosened she learned something new about her partner and found an even greater appreciation for the cold aura that seemingly sucked all the warmth out of the room but was actually quite mild to the touch, and the same was true for Gambol Shroud which seemed content hiding in the shadows despite its complex versatility speaking more than its owner's tight lips ever could.

Humorously, she often compared it to the way Weiss, Blake, and especially her sister had similar problems with throwing away old clothes, but they assured her their reasons were entirely different before pointing out their leader was just as bad if not worse.

Perhaps then by coincidence or because of her sister's aura engulfing the room, the air conditioning kicked on and she had to restrain herself from pulling down the old hood but couldn't help glancing back at the absent cape that should've been billowing and keeping her warm.

Despite far too many years having passed for it to be even remotely possible, Ruby still liked to imagine her mom's aura wrapped around the cloak keeping her company. She could vividly remember the white rose petals that mended her skinned knees whenever she fell, and although she would never tell a soul, sometimes she pretended her own rose scented aura belonged to someone else.

A gentle hand touched her stomach as thoughts of her mother flooded her mind, but it began to shake upon realizing what she'd unwittingly done. Slowly, she moved the hand to the hem of her baggy shirt and felt for the soft skin just above her belly button, but instead found thin scars traveling up her chest.

Ruby nearly choked on the lump in her throat as she didn't recognize a few from the day before when three more had been discovered deeper than the rest, and her body began to tremble as sickness and dread filled her heart for a reason she couldn't quite understand, and the workshop began to feel lonely for the first time since she could remember.

Her frightened hand lingered over the once torn skin as something dark and familiar called out from the recesses of her mind when suddenly it felt as though she'd touched a hot stove with her other hand causing her to nearly fall out of her seat.

"Ahhh!" she cried, quickly clutching and blowing on it.

Startled, she looked down and saw Ember Celica's plating glowing as if her sister's lingering aura had instinctively reacted to danger. She marveled for a moment before setting both hands atop the metal, and despite knowing better she flared her semblance. The burning sensation continued but soon the anticipated feeling of comfort washed over her and she chuckled as once again the gauntlets proved they were exactly like their owner.

Feeling exhausted and slightly dizzy, Ruby wiped something from her eye unsure how long it'd been there, and soon forgot about the disturbing scars and nightmarish whispers as she went back to work smiling and humming along to the deafening music as there was no other place she'd rather be tonight than locked away in her dungeon.

However, having the sudden wish for the other half of her family to join her, she reopened the drawer with the water bottle and retrieved a handful of crosses, buttons, rings, and other small accessories that either had tiny snowflakes falling from them or swirls of darkness dancing in the light.

Just because she was sometimes forced to replace weapon parts that didn't mean she had to completely throw them away...

A pair of cold, merciless eyes shined beneath a red hood glaring at the makeup mirror on the desk that mocked her with words almost too foul to utter.

"I have become the dolt," said the caped-girl. "My nightmare has become a reality."

Over her shoulder, Blake stifled a laugh too late and was met with the same murderous scowl that only furthered the aching of her sides.

"This is ludicrous and it'll never work!" Standing up, the hood flew off revealing black hair with red tips that fell in her eyes, which she attempted to rip away as well but was stopped by a hand much larger than her own.

"Now, Ruby," Yang chided like only an older sister could, "we need you looking your best for your date tonight."

Weiss snarled releasing the wig as she knew struggling was pointless, but only after stomping her foot in frustration which sounded much less dramatic in cumbersome boots.

"Would someone please explain again why I'm the one who has to play dress up!"

Yang looking all too pleased to answer crossed her arms over her chest and batted her eyelashes. "Because Blake and I don't shop in the little girls department like you and my sister."

With a cheeky grin almost too wide for her face, Yang raised a hand level to her mane before gradually lowering it down to Weiss who began fuming as her silky hair was tousled.

"Without heels the two of you are practically the same height," Blake added as she fought a fit of laughter still recovering from the last, "and no one wants to see Yang trying to fit into Ruby's clothes again."

"Speak for yourselves," the blonde teased. "We would've never had to pay dinner that night if you'd have just let me answer the door."

Blake shook her head trying to rid herself of the disturbing image while Weiss narrowed her eyes at the outfit she had purchased for her partner wishing for her to wear something other than her so-called huntress attire, but instead had inadvertently given her another ensemble of unsuitable combat apparel that Weiss swore was done just to irritate her.

Yang taking notice of the disapproving grimace dug into her jacket with a smirk. "Not that you had much to choose from, but I'm surprised you went with a corset, especially after how well the other one went."

She held up her scroll displaying the scarlet faced heiress standing in front of the bathroom mirror as she futilely attempted to adjust the restrictive clothing unaware of the door slightly ajar.

Weiss let out a deep growl as the pair nearly fell over with tears in their eyes.

"First of all this is a pinafore not a corset," she corrected, motioning down at the black apron-like garment with red laces on its sides worn atop a long sleeve gray shirt that went with a red skirt, dark leggings, and knee high black boots that of course also had red laces. "Second, she doesn't even wear real corsets. They're all just tight blouses with waist cinchers."

"That undoubtedly bring back fond memories of you sipping ice tea at the country club," Blake remarked.

Weiss glanced at her unamused. "Quite."

"What was wrong with wearing little Rubes' corset?" Yang asked feigning innocence. "Was it too tight on you? That's a shame..."

The caped-girl's left eye twitched and a vein poked out the side of her head as she saw just how many compromising pictures had been taken without her consent or knowledge, some of which having amusing titles that only Yang's morbid mind could've thought up.

"As you can clearly see it didn't fit correctly," Weiss replied between her teeth.

"Yep, sure can," she agreed beaming at the priceless album.

Her sister for reasons different than herself, liked her clothes a little snug as it was a common huntsman practice that let one's aura shield better protect their clothing and therefore absorb aura more quickly for added protection. She claimed this also helped her run faster, but despite her practical way of thinking she still wore an impractically long cape and a combat skirt which gave the older sister hope for her future.

"I thought for sure it'd fit," Yang sighed, shaking her head in faux disappointment having kept to herself that the corset might have been outgrown and without the elastic band her sister now sometimes wore, and also the fact that Ruby's huntress attire was practically an added layer of skin at this point being able to bend at her aura's will.

Weiss rubbed her temples so as to relieve the ever growing migraine. "I still don't understand why I can't just wear my uniform and still disguise myself as Ruby," she wined.

Both girls' smiles faded but a hint of amusement twinkled in their eyes as they shared a knowing look.

"Because wearing a school uniform on the bad side of town isn't a very good idea," Blake answered rather stiffly.

"Especially with how high the skirt rises," Yang winked.

Weiss' face flushed red and she quickly wrapped the cloak around herself as if to protect her modesty which was already concealed beneath long clothing that despite its restrictiveness was designed to obscure the wearer's figure and any curves they might have.

"What's the point of wearing her cloak if I can't even hide?" she seethed. "Also, there is such a thing as leggings and shorts, which everyone but you wear underneath."

"I practically only wear shorts," Yang replied, pointing out her long pants which were subsequently one of the very few pair she owned as proof.

"Emphasis on shorts..." Blake muttered.

"And indecency..."

"Hey!" she said suddenly defensive. "For the record I have technically never broken the school dress code, and it's not my fault that ever since you two refused to eat anymore of my cooking, that I've just-so-happened to get us free delivery whenever I answer the door."

She smirked looking rather pleased with herself while Blake reluctantly bobbed her head as she kinda had a point. Although her partner never particularly bragged, even without trying she made heads turn wherever she went and enjoyed watching her countless admirers go out of their way to impress her to little or no avail.

"What is your obsession with free food!?" Weiss exclaimed. "I've seen the allowance your father sends the two of you so I know full well you can afford it!"

"Food tastes better when it's free and delivered by sweaty guys choking on their tongues," Yang nearly purred. "And as far as wearing Ruby's clothes go, it also wasn't my fault that somebody forgot to do laundry but still decided to throw everything I own into the dirty clothes bin."

The heiress was shot an accusatory look that caused her to stand up on the tips of her toes in defiance. "After you returned from the first of many Saturday night escapades, I decided they were legitimate health concerns, and in case you've forgotten, I HAD NEVER DONE LAUNDRY BEFORE! And how was I supposed to know that Beacon wouldn't provide maids or that we were even taking turns!?"

"Well if you hadn't been such a spoiled princess thinking the world revolves around them-"

"Enough," Blake grumbled, having grown tired of the argument that had become habitual to the point both girls were staring at her as if she'd interrupted their favorite game before the best part.

Glancing back at the flustered caped-girl, Yang's expression softened but carried the same weariness from hours prior as if it'd never left.

"Weiss, you can't pretend to be Ruby without the cape, but it doesn't hurt at least looking the part," she said growing serious. "Info brokers remember their clients and this guy being a wolf faunus means he'll be even harder to fool, and more dangerous. The better you can pass off as my sister and not a Schnee the safer you'll be tonight."

The resident faunus nodded but didn't seem particularly at ease, and Weiss stole another look at herself in the large makeup mirror frowning at all that had been stripped of her former self.

Her glamorous nail polish had been removed as Ruby seldom wore any unless instructed by her teammates, and afterward had fought valiantly to keep her diamond earrings to the point they practically had to be yanked out of her ears, and wasn't even allowed a glimpse of the red gemstones her partner had worn once to the dance but never before.

She had also been forced into the shower to wash away her expensive perfume in favor of something rose scented that Ruby would've never needed but her sister had bought just for the occasion along with the wig. This had also removed her many layers of expertly applied makeup, but she was now wearing twice as many in order to cover the deep scar over her left eye in its entirety. This meant giving her a somewhat unnatural appearance however as Weiss had long since found the balance between concealing the scar's prominence and herself not looking like a clown.

To her the lengthy process had made her face even more unseemly and undignified, but Yang had repeatedly assured her that she looked great and this was simply an extra precaution as no one was supposed to see under the hood anyway, but she couldn't help feeling humiliated by how long it'd taken just for the hideous scar to look passable, all the while Blake had furtively averted her eyes as if unable to stomach its appearance.

"Ruby has slabs for feet and her boots are too wide," Weiss stated, her sharp tone rising. "Red and black are not my colors, and her clothes are too tight which I don't understand when I'm much more petite than your brawny sister."

Both girls glanced at one another hearing the indignation as well as distress and desperation that crept into her voice as no one in their right mind would ever describe little Ruby Rose as 'brawny'. Although she was deceptively muscular, their small leader was wiry compared to them and occasionally looked as though she could stand to eat more, something she had in common with her partner who despite being just a hair taller always seemed undersized, especially before meals started being delivered almost nightly to the room.

Yang seemed to make a show of sighing deeply before motioning at the girl's outfit. "They're too tight on Ruby too. She just doesn't want to upset you by not wearing them."

Weiss opened her mouth but found herself at a loss as she continued.

"Besides the clothes we weren't able to salvage from the mission, she's been wearing and fighting in this the most here recently, which means there should be some leftover aura that'll hopefully help fool the guy into thinking you're Ruby." After a brief pause Yang pointed at the wrist scrolls now beneath all their sleeves. "But more importantly, without much of an aura shield you might need all the help you can get tonight."

Weiss looked down not having considered this, and with her temper cooling she found herself breathing easier and feeling much less confined. And perhaps it was just her imagination, but she thought she felt the cape flutter and began wondering if the aroma of roses wasn't coming from the body wash and perfume.

"What's this all about?" she asked barely a whisper. "We know this is obviously about Ruby, but you haven't exactly given us much to go on."

The caped-girl's heartbeat was audible when she didn't get an immediate response. "Is she in some kind of trouble?" her voice cracked despite already guessing the answer.

Blake glanced over at her partner expectantly but Yang simply let out a breath before stooping down to straighten the cross pendants fastened to the red cape, and rising again she regarded the concerned girl as if seeing someone else.

"A few weeks before school started I found Rubes walking on the wrong side of town in a not so great neighborhood," she said now playing with the wig. "She promised me she was just passing through, and because I wanted to believe her I did."

"Doesn't sound like you believed her," Blake noted, raising a calculative brow as her partner continued.

"We split up and just a few hours later I got a call just telling me that Ruby was at the police station and to come get her to take her home. Normally I would've been proud to hear about my baby sister's first run in with the law without me, but it scared me half to death because of where I'd just seen her, and after speeding through every red light in the city I got the best news in the entire world."

She radiated sunlight remembering it as if it were yesterday. "I wasn't coming to Beacon alone. Ruby and I were coming together just like it should be, and I was so happy I decided to just play dumb blonde and forget I ever saw her that evening."

Yang wore a genuinely sheepish smile which rarely ever graced her face while the other two listened intently having never heard the story from the older sister's perspective, and earlier had just been told enough to do as she said.

"I didn't ask any more questions or push the issue with her because it's not like I have room to talk." She gave them a weak lopsided grin. "I've done my fair share of stupid stuff, and I was about her age when I started going out looking for trouble at night. Heck, when we ran into each other I'd just finished clearing out a club after having a couple of drinks, and that's not exactly smart when you're seventeen."

"Or legal," Blake remarked, though she knew she didn't have any right to judge either.

"Especially when you're training to be a huntress at Beacon of all places," Weiss added softly.

Yang nodded and gave the tender smile that she generally reserved for the other girl who wore the cape. "I'll be the first to admit I'm not exactly a saint, but if my baby sister's in trouble I'm going to help her even if she's too proud to tell me."

"Ruby would never get into that kind of trouble," Weiss said quickly.

She beamed appreciating the words that were backed up by her partner's unconcerned expression.

"I know, but if she's seeing an info broker behind my back I still need to find out why, and I also wouldn't mind getting Summer's money back while I'm at it."

This time both girls raised their brows in confusion while Yang's awkward grin grew. "Ruby and I aren't heiresses, and we're not on full ride scholarships to the most prestigious academy on Remnant, and that allowance we get isn't from our dad, it's from our moms."

Despite her words being kind and gentle, neither girl could help but wince and look away, but Yang didn't speak again until they both saw the warmth in her eyes and smile.

"When a registered huntsman dies in combat, their kids get what's called a legacy condolence. My mom died during her first tour registered at Signal, and Summer retired before finishing her's but was officially reinstated after how she died. It's not a fortune by any means, but Ruby and I each get a portion of our moms' monthly earnings and we will for the rest of our lives."

"Oh..." Weiss mumbled, mentally scolding herself for once again putting a massive boot in her mouth while Yang playfully nudged her shoulder.

"When things got bad I started taking care of everyone's money to make sure no one drank it away or wasted it all again, but how Ruby spends her mom's money has always been entirely up to her. And despite never actually having bought my own drinks, I was completely willing to look the other way, but after hearing she's seeing an info broker and some of the other things this guy sells..." She shook her head as if getting the thoughts out of her head. "I know Ruby would never go to a broker unless she thought it was important, but they're not exactly cheap and most of the time the answers you get aren't the ones you're wanting to hear..."

Her expression soured but she swallowed the bitter taste down. "Our dad and uncle keep a lot of secrets to protect us, the kind Ruby's better off not knowing. And everyone in this room has more than their fair share but lately she's had her own too." She glanced between the faces that struggled to remain stoic. "I've asked her a couple of times if there is anything I can help her with and she knows I would never be upset with her coming to me for help, but she's still shaken her head.

"I don't have a problem with her or anyone else for that matter keeping secrets, but it's my job to protect her and make sure she hasn't gotten in over her head. Info brokers around here sell more than just information, and I'll feel a lot better knowing she's alright and not trying to dig up something that she shouldn't."

They nodded simultaneously but seemed puzzled by some of her words.

"I don't know what to expect tonight. My friend told me the guy we're looking for only shows up a few times a month and he'll have backup, but I'm not sure how much or how dangerous they'll be. Normally I'd do this kinda thing on my own and would've rather kept this to myself, but..."

She trailed off scowling at her stiff body and how her flames were barely embers. "But I'm lucky Ember Celica didn't blow up in my face with the barrels bent, and I'm not exactly feeling too hot at the moment."

Yang chuckled lightly but even that carried a certain heaviness they weren't used to hearing. "If this guy thinks you're Ruby, then maybe we can find out what she's been buying without a fight."

"Maybe?" Blake asked doubtfully.

"Depends on what he's selling." Her eyes flickered before she closed them. "Please, I can't do this on my own and I need your help tonight."

She swallowed as the two girls glanced at one another for less than a second before turning back.

"You don't ever need to ask for our help, Yang." her partner said a smile spreading.

Weiss nodded. "All you had to say was that Ruby might be in trouble and I'd have complained half as much."

Yang mimicked their expressions blinking something from her eye. "Thank you, the both of you. I really mean it."

She gave the pair a quick hug before grabbing Weiss by the shoulders which caused her to look down.

"I suppose her boots are comfortable..." she mumbled, shifting her weight between each foot finding the extra padding incomparable to her heels.

The blonde's smile turned devilish as she released her. "That's too bad, I was gonna suggest dressing up as me next time."

Weiss shuddered and wrapped the cape around herself again with her face nearly the same color.

"Some of my elementary school clothes might fit you," Yang said brightly. "Then again we don't want you blinding anyone. You glowing in the dark has nothing to do with your aura..."

The caped-girl slowly turned to Blake who seemed highly entertained by the sudden levity that was always common with her partner around.

"I'd rather wear clown shoes and a corset, or black nail polish and bow in my hair than a crop top and short shorts that barely cover my-"

"Come on," she whined, bouncing up and down, "blondes have more fun, and a yin of Yangs is T'Weiss as nice as a bouquet of Rubys or litter of Blakes!"

They both covered their faces and groaned being reminded of the team's official handbook that the sisters had written where an entire section was dedicated to what names to use if they were ever cloned or time traveled to their past selves. Neither Ruby nor Weiss had understood at the time why Yang had so fervently demanded the plural of her partner to be called a 'litter of Blakes', but after only the first week of school the monochrome pair had added an amendment to kill the blonde before such an event could happen as a 'yin of Yangs' would be true love at last until they inevitably killed each other and the rest of Remnant with them.

Weiss returned to nursing her migraine and looked at the door she had double checked to make sure was locked.

"What if Ruby catches me?" she asked suddenly.

Blake turned her head snickering while Yang merely shrugged.

"She'll probably work until she falls asleep and I go get her, and her sister dressing her partner up to look like her won't even scratch the top five weird things she's caught me doing."

They both nodded with Weiss slightly nauseated as her partner had shared with them the contenders but wouldn't actually discuss the top five.

"Alright," she swallowed, "what if someone else catches me? How do we explain your sister having manners all of a sudden?"

"Probably the same way we'll explain why she's paler than a ghost and suddenly gained twenty pounds."

Weiss' eyes widened and Yang quickly threw up her hands.

"Kidding," she said, causing the Ice Queen to go back into hibernation. "With all the makeup you actually look like you've seen the sun in past five years, but I'm afraid the miniskirt-"

Blake coughed, interrupting her before Weiss could combust.

"Just act like Ruby," she breathed.

"Hi y'all!" Weiss screamed, exaggerating her partner's slight accent. "Let's shoot guns and eat chocolate until we puke! Then tonight, I'll throw a flashbang while my partner's showering and laugh while she flails around blind and deaf for the next hour!"

Blake nearly fell to the ground at the dramatic imitation as well as recalling the somewhat exaggerated incident which had been retaliation but for what she couldn't quite remember. Sometimes with four girls sharing a cramped bedroom, closet, refrigerator, and bathroom, it became rather difficult keeping track of grievances when retribution was almost a constant.

"Perfect." Yang grinned. "I didn't know your voice could actually get higher. I'm pretty sure you busted Blake and Zwei's eardrums."

The corgi perked up from his nap atop her bunk, and before Weiss could sling an insult back the blonde held up a hand.

"Act like Ruby," she commanded.

Naturally, Weiss stuck out her tongue and began looking for a weapon in the spare ammo belt she was wearing, but before her search could come up with anything more than an old pocket knife Blake glanced out the window.

"We should go before it gets too dark. It'll be easier for faunus to spot us getting into position otherwise."

Yang nodded but seeing the other smaller girl's reluctance squeezed her shoulder.

"Weiss, if I didn't have faith in you I wouldn't be asking you to do this. Don't worry, we won't let a single thing happen to you."

She nodded and Yang pulled the hood over her face letting the caped-girl lead the way as usual.

Yang was about to follow but turned back to kiss Zwei goodbye, and despite not having her gauntlets retrieved from under the mattress her heavy ammo belt with its skirt-like satchels.

Tying it around seemed to give her a sense of reassurance, but before they were out the door she grabbed her light-footed partner by the arm. "On the way to the lockers would you mind poking your head into the machine shop?"

Blake bobbed her head clearly amused from the look on her face, and with an extra bounce to her step Yang shut the door perhaps a little too forcefully as their neighbor's opened seconds later.

"Hey guys," Jaune said, glancing up from his scroll. "How's-"

His eyes widened seeing the red cloak and girl attached walking gracefully with every assured step.

"Ruby!?" he cried. "How are you!? Sorry we only said hi for a minute yesterday! Everyone else is downstairs training where I'm heading now but they'll be thrilled when I tell them you're moving around so well!"

The young knight stood regaining his breath while the small girl's legs stiffened and Yang and Blake grinned convincingly.

"So how are you?" he asked, suddenly worried by the uncharacteristic silence.

"Fine," she replied quietly.

"Sounds like you have a cold." His eyebrows knitted together as he stooped down slightly.

The other girls snorted and the caped-girl begrudgingly nodded.

"That's too bad," he murmured, wondering how much worse his fellow leader's luck could get. "So where's Weiss? Is she seeing the nurse again about that rash you told us about?"

Blake looked away biting her thumb to keep from cracking while Yang watched with eager anticipation as the hood slowly rose and the foolish boy stared into the cold eyes of the Ice Queen freezing him where he stood.

"Hi Jaune!" the caped-girl cried. "Wanna be friends and go shopping together!? We can paint our nails, try on clothes, and talk about our backstabbing friends along with boys who don't know when to shut up!"

The boy's mouth fell open and his eyes rolled into the back of his head before he finally crumbled onto the floor with a weak groan.

"Welcome to my world," she muttered, returning the hood over her face and stepping over him.

Walking with as much dignity as she could in her partner's clown shoes, she couldn't help but enjoy the brash confidence that came with having one's mind in the clouds and the blissful lunacy of what being a dolt must be like.

"This day just keeps getting better and better," Yang chuckled, looking back and forth between the unconscious body and her stepmother's cape billowing.

"The transformation's already begun," Blake noted, watching her skipping down the hall.

"Yang!" Ruby's high-pitched voice whined already nearing the elevators. "Hurry up, we're gonna be late!"

(A/N: Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. I hope everyone who went to RTX had an absolute blast and it was the experience they were all wanting and more. I was unable to go but was there in spirit as an RT fan for over a decade watching the little company that could. Once again thank you for being so incredibly patient with me as this chapter was a bit longer than usual and needed a little extra time to complete. All the support you've given me means a lot, and I'm sorry for the slower pace of "The Patchwork Prodigy" compared to "The Petals Scatter Now". After its predecessor and Volume 3 I really wanted to write a more relaxed story with team RWBY just being who they are and the insanity that could only follow. There will be action in this story, some quite soon actually, but I just wanted to say again that the villains will not playing major roles and this story will focus heavily on team RWBY's growth both as individuals and as friends. I hope you enjoy the ride and thank you for the support.

I've been looking forward to telling the story of what exactly Ruby might have been doing on the shady side of town during the Yellow Trailer and this chapter in particular for over a year now and I really hope my excitement shows. This chapter was simply a blast to write as Yang and Weiss' dialog made me laugh a lot, and I really enjoy seeing the "party girl" side of Yang come and go whenever it suits her. How much is an act or not is up to you of course, but I enjoy her unapologetic attitude about it and Weiss' peevishness. It's a really fun combination that lets the imagination decide who if anyone is over exaggerating their quirks. Whatever the case I hope you enjoy the story and my take on the characters and world.

As always thank you everyone for the support, followers, favorites, reviews, shout outs, PMs, and humble readers. The Lord has blessed me with not only with this story, but all of you as well. All credit goes to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who without Him this story would not have been possible. God bless