Layers of dark clouds shrouded the sky, downpour filled every part of the city of Vale and nearby Beacon campus. Sea and waved churn loudly, raindrops creating ripples in the water with no indication of stopping anytime soon. The air, chilly and moist, puddles formed and streams of water traveled down the sewer. The wind blows fervently while high above, lightning occasionally rumbles in the sky.
Thanks to the weather, the current city of Vale appears dark and gray, everywhere you look the city would appear dim, lacking vibrant colors. Such lack of vibrantness was not any different from RWBY whose days weren't getting any better, instead slowly but surely their never ending streak of nightmares was eating away at them. Something only one of them hasn't experienced but could only helplessly watch as her teammates, friends, and sisters, face such a strange catastrophe.
These past days, life was going poorly for them. Everyone was getting tired of having a therapy season with Oobleck. That was right, after numerous nightmares, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake weren't doing well, mentally, of course.
Yang awoke from her sleep, sighing and gritting her teeth. She didn't need to scramble her brain to know that nothing had changed that day. Her sister and friend were not getting any better. Her hand tightened and clutched together, and then in a fit of rage, Yang slammed her hand on the bed.
The bed wiggled from the impact, reaching the top bunk as well. However, no one in that top-bunk made any attempt to complain, because there was no one there to do so. This seems to further drive Yang into hopelessness as she cups her face, wrinkling it with her immense grip strength. Yang didn't know when or why this was happening, but currently other than her, everyone in her team seems to be lacking life and turning thinner and thinner as the days passed, something she wished she could prevent but had no way to do so.
Now, yesterday, she heard that they woke up with less than normal Aura reserve. What the hell was going on! Has some curse befallen them or something? Or… is there something at play here? Because Aura doesn't just disappear out of nowhere if not used.
So why did they wake up with less than a normal tank of Aura?
The question was a mystery, and they only just discovered it. Because of that, they still need time researching the causes of such an odd occurrence. But most notably, if they have to guess it is highly likely that it's connected to their ongoing bad dreams. Hearing the news, Yang didn't even know what to say to that. Furthermore, the fact that only she out of the four are left unaffected made her sink in frustration. Why was she left spared? Why was she the one left to watch their decline in heath and have to painfully gaze at their soulless figures as the time passed.
Why! Just why?! Yang was losing it.
The feeling of watching her sister and friends growing more lifeless each day was a thousand times more painful than anything she could have imagined.
At this point, Yang, in the deepest part of her soul, strongly wishes she was in their shoes so as not to watch this unbearable sight take place any longer. It's worth mentioning that nearly nine-weeks has passed since Weiss and Blake had succumbed to the same curse. Yet no sign of that happening to Yang. Should she be happy about that or roared out in bitter rage? No clue, all she knows is that she was constantly tormented by the unbearable sight.
Sigh. Poor bumblebee truly wished she could do something about it, but unfortunately she has no idea when or… how to start for that matter.
In fact, Yang was no expert but she can tell the therapy with Oobleck, nurse advice, all that put into helping, were far better then what she could ever do. The most she could do was stay with them and hope that her companionship can shade some light on their soulless eyes.
Thankfully, she was not alone in keeping them company… if she was, she'll have pulled out her hair in frustration by now.
The not being alone part was referring to Team JNPR still being around and helping with whatever they can. They were good friends. Yang greatly appreciates their companionship, seeing as they were some of the few people she can talk with. In addition, because of all that's happened to her party, she had gotten along with JNPR more and more, becoming closer.
Admittedly, before this she thought of them as more like the friends of her sisters who hung out with them often. Now, she truly sees them as a friend who stuck with her during this hectic time…
Speaking of them, being neighbors who live across from each other. Yang could make out the high-pitch sound of Nora's voice. Yang chuckled despite her depressed mood, she wondered how Jaune and the others could take the ruckus Nora made every morning. In retrospect, perhaps it was a good thing Nora's waking hour was always late, saving them the trouble of hearing her resounding voice that shatters one's dream and pulls them back into reality.
On her bed, and taking in the morning air, Yang urged her legs to leave the bed and heaved her mature, big breasts, and curvy hips up.
Up on her feet, she swept her eyes across the room.
The room was quiet and dull, only she was here, while Ruby, Blake, Weiss were off to Oobleck office.
Yes, those guys woke up before her and… ashamedly, Yang noticed but ignored it intentionally. Truth be told, every Friday and Saturday they begin having a session with Oobleck, who wanted to check up on their mental state so as to make sure it doesn't get any worse. The therapy season with Oobleck was helpful; it can be affirmed that he has professional experience. However, today Yang didn't want to go with them because she was really too tired to think about anything relating to this these days. And every time they spoke in the therapy room, Yang felt her heart tighten over her uselessness.
Professor Oobleck says she wasn't, but Yang didn't believe it despite knowing that Oobleck was trying to cheer her up.
In fact, she would have gone with them to Oobleck's office no matter how exhausted she was but Oobleck advised her to not come today. Saying she didn't need to participate, and more of all, he asked her to find something she enjoys doing so she can take her mind off this. And perhaps he was right, though back then she said she didn't need it.
But thinking about it, Yang might actually need it. It should be the reason why she didn't go with them, but stuck behind here, and slept an hour more while those three were gone.
Later, Yang took a shower, brushed her teeth, and got dressed in her most loved outfit. The very outfit she was first seen with when she stepped into Beacon, and the sole outfit she wore normally. Don't ask her why she loved it so much but… she just does. Once she was done with everything, she felt a sense of loss sweeping over her. With her beloved team member still down the hell and in a therapeutic season with Oobleck, what should she do?
She hadn't enjoyed any thrill for weeks, considering the circumstances, but don't get her wrong. Yang did not regret staying with her team and trying to ease their mood. But… Yang has been aching desperately for some excitement or—less she goes crazy from the sight of her friend and sister.
However, since being lost, partially depressed, worried sick about those guys, she begins to forget how to have fun.
Just as her thoughts continued to wander, a loud enco came from across the dorm. Yang broke out of her reverie and pursed her lip. Then later her lips began curling up and a broad smile graced her beautiful face.
What did she need to think so hard about anyway? Wasn't there a friend just across the dorm who can shine some light into her current depressed life. Furthermore, as stated JNPR had been with her and trying to help in whatever they can. Although, unlike her, they could still laugh and smile, perhaps most of that has to do with Nora always being bright and active. Highly similar to how Ruby used to be. With that said, she no longer fumbled with ideas, she hopped over to the JNPR door, knocking on the door three times.
"Who's there?" Nora shouted.
"Me," Yang replied.
"It's Yang? Nora, could you please open the door." Yang knew who the owner of that voice was, it was Pyrrha. It sounded like she was surprised that the person knocking on the door was her. With a light creak, the door was pulled open, revealing Nora with her bright grinny smile before narrowing her eyes. As if trying to show her suspicion. "What's the code, buddy?"
"What?" Yang blinked in confusion. Nora's lips moved, repeating her words. "I say… What is the code?"
"Yeah… I heard, but I'm not sure what you mean?"
Yang really did not grasp what Nora meant. What code is she talking about? Not to mention, was there ever a code? This was the first she heard of it. At this moment, Nora gasps loudly and demands with greater suspicion. "Who are you, you're not Yang, she should be with her teammates and having a therapy session with Mr. Fast Speaker with moss-colored hair. And if it were Yang she would have been able to immediately tell me the code. Now confess! I demand to know why you're disguising yourself with her look and what your agenda is, confess or you'd be tasting my Magnhild, now tell me! Tell me!!"
Yang's lip moved, eyebrows raised.
Now… she got the gist of what's going on. Simply put, this was just another one of Nora's fun little jokes. Yang felt like smacking her head, usually it would have been easy to pick on a fun little joke and even counter with her own, yet she was stuck for a few seconds—something that usually doesn't happen, not for the thrill-seeker Yang, of course.
This only served to prove that she needed to do something that was Yang-like, which she hadn't done for weeks.
Her lips move, "Code… right," Yang gives it some thought and smirks. "Your hammer, Magnhild. That should be the code, well?" Nora narrowed her gaze, sharply scrutinizing Yang while seemingly contemplating her words briefly. "Hmm… close enough."
"What was the right answer?"
"Pancake was the right answer, but Fearless Leader or Renne could do as well," Nora said. "Anyway, what's up? Your um… alone-"
"Hi, sorry to be late." Pyrrha strode over and greeted in a hurry. "I was on the line with my folk, hopefully Nora didn't trouble you." Yang shook her head, her thick strings of golden-blonde hair swayed. "No trouble, she was just asking what the code was. I think I answered flawlessly, right?" Yang sends a grin to Nora. Nora looked thoughtful for an instant before nodding.
Pyrrha tilted her head in confusion. "Code?"
They welcome Yang into the room and shut the door behind. After a minute passed, Pyrrha, in her outfit without her pleated chest piece, couldn't help but inquire despite fearing that it might be sensitive to Yang. "Any, um, changed for the better. Have… they figured out the reason why their Aura goes down every morning?"
Yang paused at the question, but quickly took a hold of herself. "No, nothing changes. They also haven't uncovered any reason for the Aura thing. And right now… They, well, they're in Professor Oobleck's office right now. You know, every Friday and Saturday."
"I know, but I thought-"
"You thought I'd be with them in Professor Oobleck's office." Yang interrupted and said the exact line Pyrrha hadn't finished. "Hah… I should, I should have gone. But—"
"You don't have to continue. Um, I'm sorry for asking." Pyrrha cuts her off, deeply sighing inside and looking regretful. Yang's been having a restless time because of how much she worries for her team. God knows if she was the one made to watch either Jaune, Nora, or Ren in such a state she'd have collapsed long ago. This was the honest truth, her will wouldn't top Yang. If anything she considered her will to be weaker, perhaps her weak will was the reason why she couldn't handle her popularity and the pressure of her reputations.
"You were only worried. Cheer up P-money, it doesn't look good on you to be like that." Yang desperately wants to steer the topic of conversation elsewhere. Anymore and it'll only serve to further dampen her mood.
To her luck, Nora bounded beside and spoke, as if capable of reading her thoughts.
"What brought you to our fine palace this early!" Orange head Nora, her round swimmering eyes locked with Yang. For an instant, Yang almost forgot why she came over, luckily the reason came back to her in a flash. Right, wasn't her choice to come over because she needed some thrill?
"I came over to see if you guys had anything fun going on, and see if I could join in… hm, where'd the other at?" She just now notices the missing saggy-hair blonde and the always stoic, black hair, pink-eyed boy, missing from the room.
"Jaune-Jaune and Renne were tasked to do some sweeping in the sparring class. They'd got, well, Fearless Leader urged Renne to spare with him late last night which they ended up totally busting the stage. Which was super cool, if only you could have seen it!"
Pyrrha smiles and says. "Jaune told Renne to not pull any punches so he can see how much progress he made. Renne agreed and didn't hold back. So they fight back and forth, and… wind up with a ruined sparing stage."
"Aha, so that's how they're forced to clean up, right?" Said Yang.
"Yelp, but we're missing the part where both of them got harshly reprimanded by Ms. Four-eyes. Hahaha you should've seen Fearless Leader's face. It was priceless!"
Yang's lips curled, and pressed for more information. "Exactly how harsh was it, knowing Ms. G I'd say it could be a long lecture, with her stern and cold eyes giving you the shiver every time." Nora cackled, grinning toothyly, "Oh… you have no idea." Behind her, Pyrrha could only smile in an amused salient.
In the sparring room, Jaune sneezed, finger rubbing his nose-bridge. "You think someone's talking about us?"
With a broom in hand, Ren continues sweeping the floor. "That's a possibility."
"Anyhow, like before, got anything fun to do around here?" Yang asked. Pyrrha looked thoughtful, glancing out the window. "It's pouring quite heavily, so we can only do indoor activity." To be honest, Pyrrha wasn't sure about Yang's inquiry. Because she herself didn't know how to have fun, let alone have any idea. Most of the time she followed along with whatever the group wanted to do.
Though, this can't be said for Nora. Her lips were already curled up, eyes simmering with cheerfulness. Fun was something she specialized in. She bounded over to the bed to get her scroll, and came back, pressing her body against Yang. "There's a game Jaune showed me last time, I happened to download it already. We can do a team battle or 1v1 in that game, let's play. Afterward, oh I have so… So many things to share with you, it'll blow your mind away."
Well… this wasn't the thrill Yang was thinking about. At least this can occupy her mind for the time being.
Down the hall, near the exit of the sparring room, Jaune and Ren, a broom in hand, ready to leave the place.
Before going, Jaune turned to his friend, whom he considered a pal. "We didn't miss a spot right, cause, um, I don't want Ms. Goodwitch spotting any hidden dust, then lectured us because of it. You know how she is… a really scary teacher!" Ren looked behind at the spotlessly clean stage and floor, then averted his eyes back, assuring him. "I'm certain we sweep the stage and floor thoroughly, there is no need for you to worry."
Jaune laughed, feeling more reassured now that he got clarification.
If asked who has the better eyesight between the two of them. He wouldn't hesitate to say Ren's name. "Great, now with that taken care of we should bring back the broom to the storage closet and hop back. Wait, how long do we have to sweep the sparring room again?" Suddenly he was reminded of how this won't be the only day they have to sweep, but wasn't certain of how long either. Ren had great recollection ability, so his lip moved the second Jaune asked. "A week."
"A week?" He blurted. "Oh, man. That means for the whole week we have to wake up earlier than usual. Why punish us like this, couldn't she have the janitor do the job like always."
"It wouldn't be a punishment if the janitor does the work." Pink eyes shimmer, looking at him with a knowing look. "I think it's better for you. For example, she could have asked us to take a detention class and… I know you hate large quantities of essays. I'm sure you don't want that." Ren got him there, the mere thought of writing so many pages of essays caused him to shiver from head to toe. Ren had more to say, his face still impassive as ever, "I think you're missing something else as well, Jaune, we don't have to do it in the morning, and can do it late afternoon when all the classes are done. If the morning isn't optimal for you, we can transition to that hour starting tomorrow."
"Ah," his mouth gaped in realization, but then a thought hit him. "In that case, why were we doing this in the morning?"
The impassive boy shrugged his shoulders. Truth be told, he didn't tell Jaune back then because he thought Jaune had thought of that beforehand since Ms. Goodwhich has not specified the time. Seems he was mistaken—this hadn't crossed his leader's mind at all.
"Ha…" for an instant he felt he could read Ren's thoughts. Alas, they already did the cleaning for the day, no reason to regret it now. "Whatever, let's go back."
Ren nodded, following behind.
They brought the broom back to the storage closet, then made their way back to their dormitory. Nonetheless, as they stroll in the hall and pass by classes and the office room. They spotted three familiar figures coming out of Oobleck's office. The three figures were people they knew fairly well, ones which they consider friends and allied. People whom they hanged out with on many occasions, the three teammates of Yang who were asked to have a quick therapy session with Oobleck.
Ruby, Weiss, and Blake.
Having spotted the three, Jaune flinched, and a surge of worry welled up.
He noticed the clear and big dark circle under their eyes. Their thin figures covered in gloominess was something hard to watch.
His heart tightened, and his fist balled. Compared to what was once a team full of intriguing girls that used to smile and make jokes with them; now seem to be the complete opposite of that. And strangely, he somehow feels that the reason they are like this was all because of him! Which he himself doesn't understand why either. He obviously had no hand in this, and more of all, it was impossible for him to even have the ability to cause this.
A hand gently landed on his shoulder, while the once calm voice sounded differently than usual, as if flickering between emotion and coolness. "We're all feeling pain for them, Jaune. We can only do whatever we can to help."
"But, you don't understand-"
"We should go greet them." Ren suggested, his face was always impassive like this one expression was stapled onto his face. When he heard Ren, Jaune heaved for a long time before nodding.
…
Back in the dormitory.
Nora's voice went off like a siren, her cheerfulness was something that never gets old. On the other hand, Yang grumbled from dying twice in the mobile game. Other than that, she was slowly getting back her spark, smiling and enjoying the game with Nora. No, she wasn't just playing multiplayer with Nora but with Pyrrha too, apparently she was forced by Nora to participate.
They played for another round, Yang lasted longer this time and slowly her skill was improving. Though Nora was still beating everyone, she had played with Jaune too many times to count for her not to be good at this by now. However, having not won against Jaune a single time… Nora swore to kick his butt no matter how long it takes.
Perhaps that outcome was coming soon considering the major improvement Nora had in gaming.
Minutes by minutes tick.
They decided to not just play together, but to invite some unknown players to join the game.
A mocking voice rang from Yang's screen. "Too bad, you lose." Yang gritted her teeth, she swore she heard this robotic mocking voice for the thousandth time. Which was making her more peeved. At the same time, the more she lost the more fire-up she became. "Damnit! How are you so good at this? Furthermore who the hell is this Red Rose guy who keeps targeting me. I swear if I see him in person I'll give him or her a piece of my mind."
Nora giggled with a charming smirk. "Learned from the best, duh! Play some more and perhaps just maybe, just maybe, you'll be as skillful as me."
Yang's lips twitched, and her competitive spirit rose like an erupting volcano. "That a challenge I'm hearing?" A toothy grin plastered on Nora's bright face, daring Yang to try surpassing her. But she didn't think it was possible considering the amount of time she'd played against Jaune and lost. She'd have smacked her head with Miglihed if she were to lose to a newbie like Yang. Luckily she wasn't ever gonna lose to Yang, not if she can help it.
Meanwhile, Pyrrha could only sit and smile awkwardly.
Truth be told, when it came to games her level of skill was the worst out of them since she barely played any. The only few times she played games was when Jaune invited her to play along. It's nice that they're having so much fun, but… I wonder if Ren and Jaune are done brooming the sparring room. And what of Ruby, Blake and Weiss doing; hope they could get better…
As soon as she thought that, the door made a knocking sound once, twice, thrice.
When the three heard it, Pyrrha leaped up with haste. "I'll get the door."
When the door was open and showed the people outside.
Yang's eyes enlarged, and her body shook, when she saw her sister and friends with the guys.
She was deeply feeling ashamed that she didn't go to therapy with them. However, Ruby with her weak strength said that they didn't mind, Yang needed time for herself and they understood. Although this was genuinely Ruby feeling, it didn't make Yang any less ashamed from not sticking beside them. Jaune and the others assured Yang that she needed some time to herself, Oobleck was right after all.
Thus, the day went on.
The heavy rain stopped somewhere late afternoon. Before long, nightfell had hit Beacon once again.
In the RWBY dorm, Yang showers, brushes, and puts on her top and shorts. When she walked out the bathroom, she saw her three roommates occupying their minds with things that could keep them up. Seeing this, her heart tightened and she said, "Are you guys really not gonna sleep?" Although she knew that whenever they sleep, they always have nightmares. It still wasn't okay to not sleep, as it'll do great harm to their health.
They didn't look at her, as if telling Yang that no matter what they won't go to sleep this time.
The silence only served to make Yang even hopeless.
Furthermore, during mid-afternoon, she was called into the headmaster's office. Back then she was more than certain that the reason would be about Ruby, Weiss and Blake, and it was. The headmaster told her that if things don't get any better, they would contact her father and send Ruby back to their home. The headmaster later said that this may be good for them, perhaps a vacation away from Beacon will solve the problem. Since nothing has been working so far. As for Weiss they will contact her sister to come check up on her well being.
Blake, on the other hand, was complicated but he assured Yang that they'll figure it out.
As for the mystery part about their Aura, they still need to further look into it.
Honestly, Yang should be happy about this, perhaps sometime away from Beacon will do them good. However, that would mean she won't be with them for some time, and—will they truly be fine?
Yang knew she couldn't convince them to get some sleep.
For sometime she contemplated staying awake with them, but she had too many things on her mind and desperately needed sleep to organize it. Strangely she thought of her mom, wondering where she was. And is the heartless woman who had abandoned her—is she thinking about her, right now?
…
In a world where only gray and white exist.
Yang blamed herself for putting Ruby in danger back when she was a kid. Her curious thought towards her real mother had almost caused a tragedy to befallen her family. It was all to clear, one night she wheeled Ruby in a wagon in search of her mother; but she didn't find her so-called mom who had abandoned her when she was young. Instead, she saw only the glowing red eyes of the Beowolf, snarling behind the shadow, with claws that could tear her in half.
That night amidst the darkness, her one and only precious baby sister nearly met her doom.
From then on, Yang promised to never put her sister in danger, never to let harm get to her, and alway be by her side when she's sad and needs warmth. To always cheer her up. Never let her smile fade. Never to let her optimistic nature fade. Never to let her dorky, cuteness fade. Whatever it takes she'll use all her effort and strength to make sure of it.
Another thing, although Yang has friends back in her old academy. But none of them were as closest as the ones she has today. The two companions she made in Beacon were people whom she felt she had a close bond which was unlike anything she had before.
Of course, Weiss can be a bit up-tight for someone of Yang's free lifestyle. Nonetheless, Yang genuinely considers her a close friend—someone whom she can count on if the time ever arises. On the other hand, Blake was a person she had already considered the best of friends. Although Blake was a quiet and reserved person of few words, somehow, Yang seemed to click with her, despite the contrasting personalities.
But now… Yang stood and watched her sister and two companions slowly losing life and disappearing.
Yang wanted to do something about it, but couldn't, and could only watch as they died out one by one.
Leaving her alone, sad, grieving, and in so much pain she felt like the sky was collapsing. She roared and roared, wanting to know why this was happening. But only the salient dark room remains, murmuring, whispering into her ear as if telling her that this was her fault. She should have done all she could to stop this from happening.
Yang's knees buckled and slumped down to the ground.
The window curtain swipes aside and words slowly form like a marker being drawn on the glass window. When the scribble finished forming, it had eight sets of words. Why couldn't you have done something about it! Thunder flashed, and Yang fell deeper into her grief. Her cries choked with tears, rolled down her cheeks. Yang swore to never cry and always be strong for her sister and the people around, yet today, she cries and cries.
Whether in the hall, class, bathroom or anywhere; the exact same words were appearing everyone, her eyes could only gaze at it with regret and self-blame.
At the same time, the continuous murmur never let up.
The world malted into pitch blackness.
Then a new one form, this time it shows a scene following the last one. Yang woke up in her room, panting breathless, drenching in her own sweat. Then she stood up and roamed her gaze across the room, but only to see no one. No, she could see three shadows, all of it had outlines similar to Blake, Weiss, and Ruby. The three close people who are now gone. Yang knew they were just a figment of her imagination, yet it pained her so much that her heart bled with extreme pain.
Almost tearful in anguish, Yang walks to the bathroom then closes the door behind.
Her shoulder slumped while her hand gripped the bathroom sink tightly. Tears dropped down on the sink-bowl, then after an uncertain period of time passed, she lifted her head and saw her face in the mirror. At that moment, there was no longer the once free-spirited, bad joke teller, Yang. Instead, the only person she could see was someone who was a husk of her former self.
This only served to further break Yang's heart in two.
At that moment, the voice of her close friend and sister entered her ears. At first, Yang believed this to be all in her head, but as time passed… it grew louder. Louder and louder before it occupied the whole room… Yang's hand quivered, and soon enough she yanked the door open. However, what met her sight was nothing but the gloomy dark room with no sign of the people whom she hoped to see.
Yang's kneels lose all its strength and slump down on the floor. Shoulders droops and eyes turning red while tears seep out from her eye-socket, moistening her blurry eyes.
Yes, of course it would be all in her imagination. She knew she was going crazy, hearing things along with hallucination. Before the scene faded into darkness, an unfamiliar shadowy outline appeared behind her, seemingly grinning evilly. It stood over 1.85 meters and had bone-chilling dark blue eyes tinged with a blackish glow.
Yang did not notice his presence.
With that, the scene faded into the void, but in the midst of that, a laughing voice seemed to be heard in that short instant. The laughter was deep and unnerving, and seemed to take pleasure in the sight. It then proceeded to speak unclearly, hard to make out.
Everything then sinks into darkness, and shatters into nothingness.
In a room where Ruby, Blake, and Weiss were still up despite how late it was. Yang, who was sleeping on her bed, shot up with a horror streak face.