Aeon of Roses

act 0-1: Rubedo arc part 5.2

"..."

"..."

"...Is it that bad?"

"...It looks like you've been hit by a truck."

With a sigh, Ruby let herself fall back, resting her head on a fluffy pillow, only to wince in pain. The back of her head felt like it was exploding. Her cheek didn't fare any better. Yang gave an awkward smile as she watched Ruby gently touch her cheek, which had turned from rosy to blue.

After Ruby was knocked out cold by an unforgiving bash to the face by Pyrrha's shield, she was immediately brought to the infirmary. With Yang by her side, the two half-sisters sat in silence, neither uttering a single word.

"Don't beat yourself up, Rubes," Yang cheered. "You did great."

"Yeah, right. I couldn't even lay a finger on Pyrrha!"

Yang shrugged as she looked through the window. "She is called invincible for a reason. Lasting longer than ten minutes is already an achievement on its own. Especially for someone like you, Rubes!"

Ruby had some serious doubts about that. Pyrrha wasn't even taking her seriously the first ten minutes they were in. It was she who attacked first. It was Ruby who pushed herself while the pride and joy of Mistral stood there like it wasn't even a big deal. It felt like a slap in the face, with a lingering burn that wouldn't go away.

Heh, how ironic that Ruby could feel it both mentally and physically.

"Are you upset about something?"

Ruby frowned at what Yang was asking. Violet eyes drilled into her back in search of anything that wasn't true. Did she sound upset? Was she complaining? Was she not being what she needed to be?

Ruby took a deep breath and faced the blonde with a cheery smile. "Hehe, I guess I am a bit upset about losing. I really thought I had a chance for a moment!"

"Pfff, the face you made when Goodwitch said it wasn't over was hilarious!"

"H-hey! It wasn't! R-right?"

Yang snorted. "Sorry, but the way your eyes went wide was like when Zwei tasted watermelon for the first time. Even Weiss couldn't hold in her laughter."

"Eugh! You're the worst! Speaking of Weiss, where is she?"

Yang's smile faltered for a moment, gaining Ruby's full attention. From as long as the young huntress could remember, if Yang's smile ever dropped for even a tiny second...

Something really must be wrong.

"...Did something happen?"

The elder sister scratched the back of her head as if she was deciding whether or not to tell Ruby.

"Yang?"

"If I'm being honest, I have no clue."

"Yang. If it's serious, tell me I-"

"I am being serious," she confessed. "After you were knocked out, Weiss had an important call she needed to pick up. I heard some bits and bobs here and there, but long story short, she told me she had to leave to join a video conference."

Video conference?

"Does it have something to do with the SDC?"

"I guess, all I heard was 'important' and 'you should be present.' There was also a name mentioned. Ladylee Tangletoad or something?"

"You think we should go talk to her?" Ruby asked, her silver eyes gleaming with the hope of finally being able to help her teammates.

"Nah, just let her be. Weiss would just be more moody. I don't think we should interfere in others' family affairs."