En Garde! A RWBY White Rose Fanfiction

Chapter 58: Championship Match

AN: look who found time! Phew. Even though I was late, I forgot to publish Thursday because I'm on another college trip, so I realized "oh shit, I forgot to publish!" But, here you guys go, just a little later than normal. We're on the final stretch! It's so bittersweet ;-; but of course, that doesn't mean I'll be done writing altogether! Once En Garde! draws to a close, I'm sure to start a new project soon after. Speaking of which, to my most active readers (you know who you are), thanks so much for your continued support! You never fail to brighten my day :)

Tucson's Bookstore did not disappoint. Ruby and Yang bought comics, Blake carried home a novel the size of a dictionary, and Weiss found a women's apparel magazine, which made up for their sudden change of plans.

The championship match may have been frighteningly close, but part of Ruby was relieved that the pressure would soon disappear. Until the time came, she figured it would be better to distract herself with superhero antics than to stress the whole time.

Weiss kept in contact, informing Ruby of the plans she made to ensure her presence at the match. She reserved seats for herself and Blake, who told Mr. Schnee that they were going to an orchestra concert. Little did he know that the only music would be the sound of clashing blades. Ruby smiled at the thought. Weiss would want to go to such an event, so it truly was the perfect excuse.

As if by telepathy, a text from Weiss buzzed in.

"I can only imagine how stressed you must be right now. If anyone knows what it feels like to have their fate depend on something so simple as a bout, it would be me. But don't make the same mistake I did and let it control your thoughts. I figured I would say that now in case I don't have the chance tomorrow. I'll be rooting for you!"

"Then nothing will stop me!"

Ruby grinned as she sent her reply. She felt so lucky to have Weiss by her side.

•••

The hours dragged by, but a restless night's sleep brought the morning of the final match. Tai gave Ruby plenty of passionate words of encouragement the whole way to the arena, which made Ruby both annoyed and happy. It was a wonder that she hadn't gotten used to her family's jabbering, but perhaps she was aware that she wasn't any better.

"Listen, kiddo," Qrow spoke up when his brother-in-law finished ranting. "I'm not gonna tell you that you'll win. That's not for me to say. What I can tell you is that you've worked pretty damn hard just to get this far, and I've seen you up against some pretty tough opponents, so I'm confident in you. But don't let that get to your head. If you want this badly enough, you'll have to suck up your doubts and keep your blade straight. One slip-up, and a loss is guaranteed."

Ruby shifted uncomfortably in the back seat. "Uncle Qrow, I know you're right, but you're making this sound more serious than it is."

"Is that so?" The van hit a stoplight, and Qrow turned around to face his niece. "The time you put into this tells me otherwise."

Ruby thought about it. While that was true, her countless hours of practice were mostly dedicated to Weiss. On the other hand, she did put her own time into it. She had forgotten that this wasn't about just her girlfriend, but the benefit of herself and her sister.

She smiled. "I guess so."

•••

This scene was all too familiar. Blinding white lights overhead, a long, red mat slightly reflecting the luminescent bulbs, two large digital scoreboards, and the sensation of wearing a thick coat in warm weather. Another match was about to begin. The difference here was the overwhelming anxiety clawing at Ruby's chest.