Man Or Monster

Brunswick's Well

3rd POV

Upon entering the estate the heroes walk into the main house to find it dead quiet. Y/N takes a sniff and is met with something foul. Investigating he finds the source coming from one of the bedrooms. Opening the door he sees two rotting bodies. At that moment he hears screaming. He turns to see Weiss on the floor terrified.

Yang: "What's wrong!?"

Her and the others arrive and gasp seeing the bodies. Y/N escorts them out before shutting the door. Back in the living room Y/N holds Ruby in his arms while lightly rubbing her hand trying to help her forget what she just saw. The door opens making them turn to see Qrow walking in.

Y/N: "And?"

Qrow: "It's the same in the rest of the houses. Bodies in all the beds. It's like they all went to sleep only to never wake up."

Weiss: "Then we're not staying here right?"

Qrow: "We don't have many options. Either stay and wait out the storm. Or leave and freeze before we even make it down the drive way."

Maria: "If that's the case then we might as well get comfortable. I'll see if I can find us a book to read."

Ruby: *stands* "If these people never left then maybe they have some supplies we can use for our journey."

Y/N: "And if we're really lucky they might even have a car."

Qrow: "I'll do anther sweep of the grounds. No one leaves without a partner."

They all split up to search. After a canned dinner they each set up a place to sleep. Y/N lays on the floor with Ruby snuggling close to his side. Late into the night Ruby opens her eyes to see Y/N just staring at the ceiling.

Ruby: "What's wrong, can't sleep?"

Y/N: "No, I kinda don't need sleep."

Ruby: "Oh. Is there something still at least on your mind?"

He flips facing her.

Y/N: "Yeah. It's everything we've been through."

Ruby: "It does seem like a lot. What with Beacon being destroyed and being cut off at every turn we make. Does wear you down."

Y/N: "And then come to find out that the one we're going after is actually my mom."

Ruby: "How does that make you feel?"

Y/N: "Honestly I don't know. On one hand I'm angry. It was her who destroyed Beacon and sent all these people after me. But another hand I see why she did it. She was just trying to get her son back. A mother's love can push you to do crazy things."

Ruby: "I know what you mean. My mom was super protective. Heck she nearly had a stroke when she found out I got bumped up two years. I can only imagine what she's going through right now. I often think about her, how mad she is for me leaving without warning."

Y/N: "Sounds like we both have some family troubles."

They both quietly laugh. Ruby then cups Y/N's cheek.

Ruby: "Everything's gonna be okay Y/N. You're not in this alone. I'm by your side, and I always will be."

He smiles while holding her hand. He then leans down planting a kiss on her lips. The next morning while Qrow and Yang hook up a trailer the others watch while sitting on the porch. As they do Y/N's ears pick up on hushed whispering. He stands up catching the attention of the others.

Ruby: "What's up?"

Y/N: "I don't know. I think I hear something."

The whispers slightly increase as Y/N looks around for the source. His eyes land on the well as the whispers cease. He tilts his head making his way to the well. He cautiously looks over the edge staring into the black abyss. 

Blake: "Anything?"

Y/N: "Nope. Guess I was just-"

He's cut off by a scrawny hand grabbing his face.

Everyone: "Y/N!!!!"

He grabs the well wall as the hand tries to yank him downwards. He groans as he tries to fight back. But a second hand springs out grabbing his hair. Both hands then yank him down the well. When his body disappears Ruby rushes to the well to go save him.