The Wilted Rose Book 2: Outlaws

Chapter 31: Caution

Ruby Pov

Mistral

10:31 PM

I tossed and turned in bed. As late as it was, I just couldn't get to sleep. My body just didn't want sleep, it wanted to be up and active. I don't know where the energy came from but it wasn't welcome at the moment. Yang was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow, so I was alone. 

My mind wandered to things like where Y/n and Neo were. Y/n had been in and out over the course of the day but he and Neo have been out for a while now. I know that they can take care of themselves but I'm still worrying about them. Then there was the Relics....

Ever since the talk we had that covered everything, I couldn't help but wonder what exactly happened at Beacon. Did Salem have the Relic or not. It was a scary thought. After trying to sleep for the last three hours, I finally gave up and got up. 

Quietly, I made my way to the door and opened it. The lights were still on since Y/n and Neo were still out. I couldn't help but worry for them a bit. Y/n had a track record of staying out late, but that was back in Vale and there wasn't the whole magic thing looming over us. For us, at least....

As I got closer to the living room, I could hear Qrow and Oscar were still up as well. It wasn't until Oscar spoke again though that I realized that it was Ozpin. There hasn't been a lot of chances to talk to Oscar since Ozpin started training us again. Strange as it was, it made me feel.... Lonely.... I wasn't really alone but I just couldn't shake the feeling. 

I shook my head, ridding myself of the thought. I didn't know why I was thinking of him but now wasn't the time. Wondering what Qrow and Ozpin were talking about, I inched closer and closer, listening carefully. 

Qrow: ...Things aren't looking good Oz....

Ozpin: Ever the optimist. I wouldn't say that our current predicament is ideal, I think we can both agree that the situation could be much worse. Humanity is a resilient force. 

Qrow: Oz, pro-Huntsmen like that don't just bite it all at once. Salems powerful and it seems like her reach is growing by the day. What does that say about humanity...?

Ozpin: That there are a misguided few who have filled their hearts with malice. It doesn't take a great number of people to cause harm. I still believe that there are far more people in this world who are willing to prevent it. People like miss Rose. 

I froze before realizing that I had been caught. Tentatively stepping out from behind the corner, I expected to get into trouble. Instead, Ozpin was smiling, same as usual. It was as if he knew I was listening the second I got to the corner. 

Ruby: Um, hello....

Ozpin: Please, join us. We were just discussing our situation while we wait for Y/n and Neo to return. 

Ruby: Oh. That's.... Great....

Qrow: Something on your mind, kiddo?

Ruby: A-actually, if it's ok to ask.... Ever since we talked about the Relic at Haven and the magic and the Spring Maiden.... But what about the Fall Maiden?

Ozpin: ....Cinder....

Ruby: Would that mean that Salem has the Beacon Relic?

Qrow and Ozpin looked at each other. Ozpin was smiling even more while Qrow looked like he never even thought of it. Given that Ozpin was looking rather pleased with the question, it made me wonder if I had asked the right question. 

Ozpin: Very astute of you miss Rose. I was wondering who would be the first to ask, but no. Luckily, she does not. It's true that the Relic at Haven is very much at risk and for now, should remain our primary focus. Lets just say that I made finding the Beacon Relic a bit more challenging than the others.