W H I T E // Naruto X Rwby

Vale Hospital
Yang slowly opened her eyes, the sterile hospital light blinding her for a moment. She instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes, wincing at the sharp headache that pulsed behind her temples.
The world around her felt blurry and distant, the soft beeping of machines and the quiet hum of the hospital filling her ears.
Her heart raced as she sat up slowly, the weight of her body feeling heavier than usual. She instinctively glanced down at her torso.
Her wound, the one that had nearly taken her life, was wrapped in clean white bandages, and she could feel the faint sting of the healing process.
Her mind flashed back to the chaos-the battle on the train, the clash of steel, and the moment her mother's blade had pierced through her.
Raven's cold expression had still haunted her, but it wasn't one of malice-it was the same indifferent look Raven often wore when she was protecting her own.
She had hurt her, yes, but it wasn't deliberate-more of an accident, a result of their violent confrontation.
Yang closed her eyes briefly, trying to push away the wave of mixed emotions. 'She didn't mean it,' she thought. 'I know she didn't. It was just...' She let out a breath, rubbing her forehead, trying to clear the dizziness from her head.
'I just wanted her to stop..'
The sound of footsteps broke her thoughts. "Yang, you're awake!" Ruby's voice rang with relief.
Yang squinted as her eyes adjusted to the light, her vision still blurry. She blinked a few times before managing a weak smile. "Heh... Hello, Rubes," she muttered, her voice strained, still shaken by everything.
Ruby was at her side in an instant, her concern etched deep into her face as she hovered over Yang's bed. "How are you feeling?" Ruby's voice was soft, almost too soft, as if she were afraid of hearing the wrong answer.
"I'm fine, Ruby... I'm okay." Yang tried to sound reassuring, but even she wasn't sure if she believed it.
Ruby's lips trembled, and before Yang could say anything else, her little sister threw her arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You scared us, Yang! We didn't know what would happen! You looked... like you might not make it."
Yang felt her throat tighten. Despite the pain in her side, she held her sister close. 'I'm fine...' she repeated in her head, as though saying it out loud could make it more true. "I'm fine, Ruby. Really. I'm tougher than I look."
Ruby's voice wavered when she pulled away slightly, tears shining in her eyes. "We thought... we thought you might die," she whispered. "I-I couldn't lose you, Yang. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Yang's chest tightened, but she forced a weak smile. "You're stuck with me, Rubes. I'm not going anywhere."
Ruby's eyes were still glassy with tears, but a tiny flicker of relief crossed her face at Yang's words.
For a moment, they just sat there in silence, the weight of everything that had happened hanging between them.
Ruby wiped her eyes again, her shoulders trembling slightly as she took a shaky breath. Her voice was quiet, but there was a hint of strength there now.
"I thought... I thought I might lose you," Ruby murmured. "I didn't know what I'd do if you-if you didn't make it."
Yang squeezed her sister's hand, her own rough voice. "But I did make it. I'm not going anywhere, Ruby. Trust me."
Ruby nodded, though her expression was still filled with worry and exhaustion. She stayed close, her gaze never leaving Yang as if making sure she was really okay.
After a few more seconds of quiet, Yang's voice cut through the stillness, her tone softer now, the questions that had been swirling in her mind finally needing to be answered.
"So..." Yang's voice was a little softer, the weight of everything still bearing down on her. "What happened? Did you guys stop Mom? What-what happened after everything?"
Ruby's eyes softened, a mix of relief and lingering sorrow filling them as she took a deep breath. She glanced down for a moment, gathering her thoughts. It wasn't an easy story to tell.
"Raven..." Ruby's voice faltered slightly as she remembered the chaos. "After everything that happened... after she hurt you, she... stopped. She-she broke down." Ruby paused, clearly affected by the memory. "She tried to heal you, Yang. She was whispering 'Sorry' over and over, like... like she didn't know what to do. It felt... almost like she was lost, like she didn't know how to fix what she'd done."
Yang's chest tightened, hearing the words, feeling the weight of the action but also the sorrow behind it. 'She tried to heal me...?' That had been hard to believe, but it was Ruby-her sister-saying it.
Ruby continued, her voice steadying as she recounted the next part. "When we got to Vale, everything calmed down. Raven... she stopped. She just-stopped chasing Jacques, stopped fighting. Like she realized everything had gone too far. She disappeared after that. No one knows where she went." Ruby's brow furrowed slightly as she recalled the moment. "It was like a switch flipped, and she just... vanished."
Yang felt the bitterness in her throat, but she couldn't find it in herself to hold on to anger. 'She left...' The words echoed in her mind, but they didn't carry the sting of betrayal she expected. 'She left after it all...'
Ruby's voice dropped to a more reassuring tone. "We got you to the hospital as quickly as we could. Jacques-he was swarmed by news reporters, but Rinko helped us out. He got us through everything, kept you safe while we rushed you here."
Yang blinked, absorbing the reality of what Ruby had just said. 'Jacques Schnee...' She hadn't expected him to play such a significant part in all of this. But then again, the situation had changed so much.
"And, um..." Ruby hesitated, a small hint of discomfort in her voice. "Jacques... he paid for all the hospital bills. You don't have to worry about that, Yang. Everything's covered. We're just happy you're okay."
Yang nodded slowly, trying to process everything. Her mind was still spinning from the battle, her mother's actions, and the unexpected involvement of Jacques Schnee. She couldn't bring herself to feel anger, not yet, not when everything was still so raw.
"I... I see." Yang whispered, her voice still a little strained, but with a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thanks, Ruby."
Ruby leaned in closer, relief finally showing in her eyes. "You don't have to thank me, Yang. I'm just glad you're okay."
Yang nodded and looked down at the bandages covering her side. "I don't know what to feel about Mom right now..." Her voice was quieter now, almost to herself. "But at least she... she didn't mean to hurt me. I know that now."
Ruby reached over and gently squeezed Yang's hand, offering silent support. "I think, deep down, she didn't want to. Maybe... maybe she still cares." She hesitated. "But we'll figure out what comes next, Yang."
Yang gave a small nod, allowing herself a deep breath, the weight of the events slowly starting to lift. Maybe they couldn't fix everything right now, but for once, it felt like they were moving in the right direction.
Airport, Jacques, Weiss and Rinko
The sleek Schnee family transport glided smoothly to a stop at the airport, its polished exterior gleaming under the bright sun.
The hustle of travelers swirled around them, but within their little group, there was a quiet, heavy moment.
Jacques Schnee stepped out first, his tall figure casting a long shadow as he surveyed the scene.
Weiss and Rinko followed closely behind, their expressions unreadable but carrying the weight of the events that had unfolded.
Before they entered the bustling terminal, Jacques turned to face his children, his usual stern demeanor softened by something deeper-something more reflective.
His piercing eyes met Weiss' first, and there was a moment of silence between them as the weight of everything they had gone through settled in the air.
"Thank you," Jacques began, his voice more vulnerable than it had ever been. He paused for a brief moment, as if weighing his words carefully. "Weiss... you've proven time and time again that you have the strength to carry the Schnee name with honor. You've exceeded every expectation I had, even when I didn't make it easy for you."
Weiss stiffened slightly, unsure of how to react to the rare praise coming from her father. But there was something different about his tone, something she hadn't heard before.
Instead of the usual demands or condescension, there was a sense of admiration-genuine, if guarded. She simply nodded, a faint acknowledgment in her eyes.
Then, Jacques turned his gaze to Rinko, who stood silently beside Weiss, his posture calm but alert.
The tension between them, built over years of differing ideals, had slowly been replaced with something more complex-a mutual understanding.
"Rinko," Jacques continued, his voice still holding that unexpected sincerity, "I cannot deny that your loyalty has been invaluable. You've shown me a side of things I didn't see before, and for that... I am grateful."
Rinko met Jacques' eyes without flinching, a subtle nod acknowledging the weight of the words. It wasn't forgiveness, nor was it approval, but it was something. Respect, perhaps, and the beginning of a bridge-something Jacques had never fully extended before.
For a moment, Jacques stood there, his gaze shifting between his children. His expression softened further, almost as if he had come to a realization.
The busy terminal, the noise of the world around them, seemed to fade for just a heartbeat.
"I've spent so much of my life trying to control everything," Jacques said quietly, "Trying to force outcomes that fit my vision, my ideals. I've been a fool in many ways. But this journey... it has changed me. For the better, I believe."
Weiss' heart tightened at the words.
Jacques had never spoken like this before. There was something raw, almost tender in his voice-something more human than the cold, calculating figure he had been.
Rinko remained quiet, his gaze steady, but the brief flicker of something-perhaps understanding-passed through his eyes.
Jacques took a slow, deliberate breath, his voice becoming steadier. "And... despite everything, I want you both to know that I do love you. I always have. In my own way."
There was a weight to his confession, an admission of something long buried.
Weiss felt a lump form in her throat, but she held back the tears, her eyes meeting her father's for the first time in years without the walls of resentment.
Rinko's expression softened ever so slightly, as though he, too, was processing the shift in Jacques' words.
Jacques gave them both a final, lingering look. "The future... it's uncertain. But I trust you both will carry forward the Schnee name with dignity, no matter what comes next."
There was a brief silence before Jacques turned his gaze to Rinko once more, his expression thoughtful.
"Rinko," he began again, his voice now carrying a different weight, "I've always seen the path you walk as a challenge to the one I've set for you. But now... I'm offering you a choice."
Rinko blinked, slightly taken aback. His posture shifted, a subtle shift that betrayed the slight curiosity in his mind.
"You've seen what I've built, the power of the Schnee name, and the wealth and opportunities that lie in the world of business." Jacques gestured to the bustling airport around them, the world of industry and commerce he had mastered. "You could follow me. Work with me. Learn everything that I've spent in my life building. The business world is full of potential-and I know you'd make your mark on it, just as Weiss has."
Rinko listened intently, feeling the weight of the choice in the air. Jacques' words were calm, but they carried the weight of a lifetime of experience. His eyes were steady, without a hint of judgment or expectation.
"But," Jacques continued, his voice softening, "I also know the path you've chosen. The one you walk with Weiss, as a Huntsman, is fighting for something greater than yourself. The things you've seen, the choices you've made... they're a part of you now."
Rinko's hand tightened slightly on his blade, the symbol of his commitment to his path as a Huntsman.
The life of adventure, fighting for justice, protecting the innocent-this was what he had chosen, and it was not a decision he took lightly. But Jacques' words, full of complexity, left him with a decision that held the power to reshape his future.
Jacques looked at him, his face a picture of sincerity and no small amount of wisdom. "Whatever you choose, I will not be disappointed. I will be proud. Whether you decide to follow the family legacy of business, or whether you continue on the path you've already chosen with Weiss as a huntsman, you will always have my respect. My support. You're capable of greatness, Rinko. And I won't try to control that. Never again."
Rinko stood there, still, considering the offer. The choice before him was simple, but the implications of it were enormous.
He had walked this path alongside Weiss-learning, growing, becoming a Huntsman. There was no turning back. The road he'd chosen was the road of action, not just words or ideals. He could feel the calling to protect people, to fight for a cause greater than himself.
With a steady breath, Rinko spoke, his voice firm yet respectful. "I've made my choice, Father. I will continue on the path of a Huntsman. It's the path I believe in. The path I'm meant to walk. And I'll walk it proudly, with Weiss by my side."
Jacques studied him for a moment, his expression softening. A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"I understand," Jacques said, his voice thick with approval. "And I will always be proud of you, Rinko. I may not agree with everything, but I respect your choice. Be safe, both of you."
Rinko nodded, the weight of Jacques' words settling in. Weiss, standing silently beside them, felt her heart lift with the understanding between her father and Rinko.
"Take care.. Father." Weiss said, which made Jacques' smile.
A genuine smile.
As Jacques turned to leave, a new understanding between father and son-though unspoken-lingered in the air.
"Let's go," Rinko said quietly to Weiss, giving her a small, reassuring smile.
Weiss nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle within her. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough. It was a new beginning.
The future, uncertain as it was, felt a little clearer now.
While Jacques was away, someone from his trusted business staff had to run in the Schnee Dust Company for a while.
Bandit Camp
Adam Taurus stepped out of his truck, the faint hum of the engine fading as he surveyed the makeshift bandit camp around him.
The smell of smoke and cooking meat filled the air, mingling with the metallic tang of weapons being sharpened and armor being polished.
The camp bustled with activity, each bandit engrossed in their tasks-cooking, sharpening, cleaning, scouting.
They hardly spared him a glance; they were used to seeing White Fang soldiers in their camp, but Adam's arrival brought a different energy.
His expression was hidden behind his mask, yet his clenched fists and tense posture betrayed his simmering frustration.
"Hmph..." Adam muttered, disdain evident in his voice as he stalked forward, his White Fang soldiers trailing closely behind.
His eyes fell upon a row of cages nearby, most of them empty and left in disarray. His frustration deepened as he realized that Jacques Schnee-their bargaining chip-was nowhere to be seen.
'Typical Raven,' he thought with a sneer. 'Unpredictable, untrustworthy.'
Adam made his way to the largest tent, where he knew he'd find her. Pushing aside the heavy fabric, he stepped in to find Raven seated calmly, her back turned to him as she methodically sharpened her katana.
The rhythmic scraping of metal against stone filled the dimly lit tent, her focus entirely on the blade in her hands. She didn't even acknowledge his arrival.
Raven's voice broke the silence, calm and unbothered. "What do you want, Adam?" Her tone was low, dismissive, as though his presence was a mere inconvenience.
Adam's eyes narrowed beneath his mask, rage flickering to life. "Want? Jacques, I want Jacques." he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Where the hell is he, Raven? Don't tell me you couldn't even hold onto one measly hostage. All you had to do was keep Jacques here, but no-you had to let him slip through your fingers."
Without missing a beat, Raven continued sharpening her blade, her gaze still fixed on the steel. "Forget the alliance. It held no value to me," she said, her voice unshaken, as if dismissing him was no more difficult than swatting away a fly.
Adam's jaw clenched as he took a step closer, anger seething just beneath the surface. "What a disappointment..." His voice dropped, low and cutting. "You're a disappointment, Raven. My hunch was right about you all along. You've always been a failure. A failure as a leader, as a mother... and now, as a negotiator." He paused, letting each word cut deeper, hoping to draw a reaction from her.
Raven's eyes flickered, a brief moment of acknowledgment, but she simply finished sharpening her blade and set the stone aside.
Her silence was maddening. Adam's hands tightened into fists, his aura flaring around him as his anger escalated.
"Is that it?" Raven finally said, standing up slowly, her posture relaxed yet exuding an air of danger. Her gaze finally met his, cold and unyielding, and her voice took on a sharper edge. "All this bluster, all this rage, and you've got nothing to show for it, Adam. You think you're powerful? That your White Fang army makes you invincible?" She let out a cold laugh. "Power without purpose... it's hollow."
Adam's eyes narrowed. "You think you can lecture me about purpose? At least I fight for something real. The White Fang has a cause-a vision. What do you have, Raven? A band of thieves and mercenaries? A miserable little camp, scrounging for scraps?" His words dripped with disdain. "You're no warrior. You're a coward, hiding from the real fight."
Raven's gaze didn't falter. "A coward? No, Adam. I'm simply smarter than you. I don't throw myself into battles I can't win, especially not for causes that are doomed to fail." She took a step closer, her face inches from his. "And I certainly don't follow men who pretend they're fighting for freedom when all they really want is power."
Adam snarled, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his weapon. But Raven's hand was already on her katana, her movements fluid, her stance calm. Her gaze was ice-cold, unflinching.
"Draw that sword, and I'll cut you down," Raven warned, her voice deadly calm. "We may have tolerated each other's company for the sake of convenience, but make no mistake, Adam. I will not hesitate to end you if you cross me."
Adam hesitated, the weight of her words settling in. He despised her-her arrogance, her indifference-but in that moment, he knew that she wouldn't hesitate to follow through on her threat. His hand dropped, reluctantly releasing his grip on his weapon.
"This alliance... is over," he spat, his voice laced with finality. "You're right about one thing, Raven. I don't need you. The White Fang will tear down this world with or without you." He turned to leave, but not before throwing one last bitter glance over his shoulder. "Enjoy your pathetic little kingdom. You'll be left with nothing in the end."
As Adam stormed out, Raven's eyes briefly flicked to the horizon beyond the tent, the memory of Yang's face flashing through her mind. 'She'll heal,' she thought.
"She's stronger than I ever was."
[End]