The Beast And The Fairy (ch14)

Since I decided to change the old title of the whole fic, here it appears as the title chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

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						Chapter 14. Whispering Wings

The Fairy King was roused from a restless slumber in his chair by a tap on his shoulder.

He opened his eyes to find Winter peering down at him, her dark blue eyes firm and conflicted.

"Father. The fairies have finished collecting all of their gems."

As he looked around the interior of the tree, he could tell by the lighting that it was already nighttime.

On their last night.

With a heavy sigh, he pushed himself up to his feet and smoothed out his robes.

"Then we need to leave," he concluded. "The beasts will be waiting for us by the river to make the trade for your sister."

At the mention of Weiss, Winter's countenance flinched.

"Father... do you think she is unharmed?"

The old fairy didn't give a direct answer.

"I told them to keep her safe..."

Hearing that seemed to make her feel a little better. She led her father over to the window carved in the tree, and together they prepared their wings.

Winter led the way out into the night air, and her father promptly followed, trailing a shimmering bout of fairy dust behind them.

"Father?" she said softly, looking over her shoulder as they flitted through the treetops. "After we complete this negotiation... We'll have Weiss back. But what of the rest of us?" she wondered. "We'll be giving away our gems. Much of our magics are in those stones. Of course there is magic in the woods themselves and in our souls, but the stones are what regenerate us. We soon will lose our abilities to fly. With their powers... the beasts can control the forests. And us," she reminded him.

Her father flew on solemnly behind her, his expression hard.

"I know of the risks," he uttered. "But this way, at least all of our people will be unharmed. I cannot risk denying the beasts their deal and endangering your sister's life. If we do not heed to their demands, they could kill her."

Winter shuddered, unable to bear thinking about what the savage beasts were capable of with her dainty sister.

"She must be so scared..."

Her father flew up beside her and nodded.

"And that is why we must do this tonight and get her back home, no matter the cost."

As he finished speaking, the two of them emerged from a cluster of branches and leaves.

Before them, the air was aglow with fairy dust, the breeze lighted with tiny, sparkling particles that drifted down on the wind, sprinkling the forest far below.

All of the able fairies had gathered together here to wait for their King. They all looked up to greet him, bowing their heads low.

They all wore the same solemn expression, and carried similar pouches that clanked with precious stones. There was no doubt in the King's mind that most of them had saved a few stones at their homes, like special jewelry or mementos. But he knew that well over three-fourths of every fairy stone in his peoples' possession was here right now.

The weary king swept his gaze around them all, several dozen fairies of all sexes, all in their prime. Along with the bags of stones, they also carried weapons in the sashes of their clothes or over their shoulders.

The King nodded approvingly to them all, then gathered his voice to speak.

"Fairies of my kingdom," he began. "Tonight, we embark on a potentially-perilous endeavor to convene with the beasts. We shall be meeting their demands by surrendering our gems, but this does not mean we are surrendering our freedom or our authority to them. Once my daughter is safely back with us, we will begin discussing counter-measures immediately."

His eyes narrowed as he went on. "I have asked you all to bring your weapons of choice with you tonight in case things take an unfavorable turn. I do not want us to fight the beasts, nor them to fight us. But should something happen, I will not refuse combat with these savages.

"Even so, your top priority – should a fight break out – will be not to engage, but to flee. I want as little fairy blood to be shed here tonight as possible. Take care of yourselves and those you hold dear."

He hovered in place, seeing that the rest of the fairies were all nodding in comprehension.

"We are not doing this tonight for bloodshed. We are doing it for peace. But do not let your guards down for even a second amongst the beasts."

There was a collective answer from the gathered fairies of "Yes, sir!" Those who had been sitting on branches as they waited finally took flight, and together, the band of nearly fifty of the fairy kingdom's strongest and most nimble people prepared to descend.

The King cast his gaze around them once more, then ended it on his only daughter present. Winter put a hand to her hip to reveal a small sword, nodding encouragement to him. With a sigh, the old fairy gave the command to those gathered.

"Very well. Now let us go fetch your princess."

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When the moon rose, Blake rose with it.

She had kept her senses on high alert as their group had rested that evening, knowing they would need to be up and moving now, even under cover of night. She was anxious about traveling like this, but knew it was necessary if she and Weiss wanted to prevent a war between their species.

They had fallen asleep on a wet patch of grass, trying their best to avoid mud after the rainstorm.

As she looked down, Blake found Weiss still sleeping in her arms, her breathing soft and even. Blake's heart thudded, little throbs of pain shooting through her chest as she admired the girl she could never have.

This would be the last time she could ever see Weiss sleeping like this.

With a forlorn whimper, she leaned down to kiss the fairy's forehead longingly.

The soft action roused Weiss, causing her to stir as her long eyelashes fluttered open, revealing two familiar pools of blue that reflected the faint moonlight cast down through the canopy.

When Blake looked closely, she could still make out the faint trail marks of tears down those soft white cheeks. She felt the arms around her waist tighten almost defiantly, and Blake returned the embrace, ducking her head into Weiss' shoulder.

It lasted only a moment longer.

Then, the Fairy Princess pulled away, her eyes focused and tone unwavering.

"Let's get going."

Blake fished up some of her own resolve and nodded in agreement.

Together, they helped one another stand, dusting off clothes and brushing fingers over skin to clear it of mud streaks or water.

The forest was swept through by loud cricket songs, each tune different from the last. The trees were still dripping from the day's rain, each drop of water catching in the purple moonlight, making for a dazzling display of faint lights all around them. Every bush was glowing, every blade of grass shimmering.

They each took a moment to appreciate the sight, like millions of oddly-colored fireflies settling around them. They walked together over to where Ruby and Yang had curled up, and Weiss gently prodded them both as Blake spoke.

"It's time to go, you guys."

The bear and squirrel opened their eyes, then yawned as they rolled around and stretched.

"Right, right, we're up!" Yang grumbled. "Did you two rest up? We're not far now."

Blake looked to Weiss curiously for her answer, and the princess nodded.

"We slept fine," she decided.

Yang looked up at her and blinked slowly, and Blake could tell she was choosing her next words carefully.

"What about your wings?"

Weiss didn't flinch this time, but her response was hollow.

"That doesn't matter. We're climbing the cliff side, after all, are we not?" She turned away, revealing her wings. Blake could tell they were still limp and grey – there was no magic in them.

Ruby and Yang both looked concerned, but Blake quickly shook her head at them. With a grunt, Yang cleared her throat.

"Okay. Let's head out, then."

"Keep on extra alert," Ruby warned. "Who knows what kind of things are out and about at this hour..."

Blake and Weiss shared a wary glance and nodded.

With that, the odd group set out together for what would be the last time.

Yang led the way, her night vision almost as good as Blake's. Ruby rode on her sister's back, ears perked tall to listen to the forest.

Blake tried to keep to the back of the group to ensure Weiss was safe in the center. But when she realized this would be their last time walking together, the beast girl quickened her pace until she'd taken the fairy's hand in hers and walked on beside her.

The sounds of the river had been in the back of their minds for a while throughout their journey, but as they continued forward now, the sounds grew louder than before. Blake knew they were nearing the spot where Weiss had fallen over the edge.

There was a pool farther down, the place where the four of them had bathed and played together in the earliest day of their journey.

That had been the first time Blake had seen Weiss smile.

Though it was shallower and would have been easier to cross there, it was too far away now.

Here, the cliff rose up ahead of them, dwarfing the size of even the most enormous of trees. The water that crashed down from the falls was loud, creating a constant roar in the backs of their minds.

It was like the sounds of a thousand heavy rainstorms all at once, collected in one spot, all the power and fury of such a great amount of water collected with it. Mist shrouded the forest here, and as they approached the waterfall, Blake felt more and more precipitation in the air.

Surely, even if Weiss' wings had been working properly now, the water in the air would prevent her from flying anyway.

A few moments later, the waterfall came into view.

It was a massive structure, spilling over with thundering forces of water, spraying mist higher than the forest itself. The sounds drowned out even the loudest of cricket songs, and the air here was white and wet.

The moonlight was majorly unobstructed here, due to the lack of trees growing so closely to the water. The purple moonlight reflected off the currents, highlighting several silver rocks jutting up above the surface. Starlight was brimming atop the little waves and seemed to float all around them.

It was truthfully a breathtaking sight.

Had circumstances been any different, Blake would've tugged on Weiss' hand and taken her on a midnight walk along the shores, absorbing the scenery and marveling at the beauty of it all.

Even now, as the princess stood beside her, Blake couldn't help but stare at the way Weiss' hair almost glowed, her white dress fluttering in the breeze, her skin painted with bits of perspiration to make it shine.

Meanwhile, Blake felt her own hair and fur begin to friz, and she shook herself a little bit. Weiss looked up at her curiously, then failed to stifle a chuckle at the sight of Blake's poofing tail. The beast girl pouted and looked away, though she kept a firm hold on Weiss' hand.

Once they'd neared the river's edge, Yang brought the group to a halt.

"Yeah, so... I think your guys' territories are on the other side. The best way to cross over from here is to use the rocks. But the water's a bit wild, so you gotta be careful."

"But we're pros at this!" Ruby declared, sitting up between the bear's shoulders and puffing out her chest. "We'll go first and show ya how it's done!"

"Right! Make a line behind me!"

Yang turned to face the water and waggled her haunches, and though Ruby was only a passenger, she did the same.

Both Weiss and Blake were a bit concerned that such a burly bear cub could make such a leap over the water.

But Yang surprised them by clearing the first jump from the bank to the nearest boulder. Her claws scraped against the rock until she found her balance, then she readied herself for the next one. Ruby cheered her on from her spot on Yang's back, directing her on which rock to aim for next.

At some points, the rocks were close together and Yang didn't need to jump at all. But a few times, the rocks were a bit far, and her back legs ended up slipping off into the rushing water.

But her determination to keep Ruby safe drove Yang, and she hauled herself up every time, making sure Ruby was kept as dry as possible throughout the ordeal. The squirrel clung tightly to the bear's fur, occasionally swishing her fluffy tail over Yang's face to clear the water from her eyes.

They continued onward, and Weiss and Blake watched from the shore opposite from where they were headed.

Then, with one final jump and a grunt of effort, Yang threw herself onto the wet grass on the other side. Panting, she rolled onto her side as Ruby scrambled off.

"We did it!" she cheered. "You're awesome, Yang!"

The bear chuckled as she pushed herself up.

"Heh. I know."

Ruby wrapped her little arms around Yang's neck in a hug.

Then the two sisters turned back to the river and the girls on the other side.

"Come on!" Yang called out. "It should be easier for you guys! You have longer legs!"

Weiss was alerted by her words, realizing it was her turn to go across.

"But it would be much more preferable to fly..." she wheezed.

Just in case, she made an effort to move her wings, but was met with only unresponsive numbness. With a sigh, she looked down at her bare toes in the mud, just inches from the rushing water. Her heart was pounding as she remembered the traumatizing experience she'd had the last time she'd been here.

There was no doubt in her mind that being thrown against the rocks and nearly drowning at that time were now factors as to why her wings weren't working. Her heart was too shrouded by fear and doubt, and it wouldn't allow her to fly.

But before she could take another step forward, she was halted by a tug on her hand. Ensnared in her fear, she'd almost forgotten that Blake was beside her.

Weiss looked up into those calm golden eyes and felt the tightness in her chest uncurl, just a little bit. The suffocating dread lessened as Blake reminded her how to breathe.

"It's okay," Blake said. "I'll be with you. We'll be fine."

Weiss swallowed and tried to take a steadying breath. Her grip on Blake's hand was tight enough to have her nails start to sink in, whilst Blake's longer, sharper nails were so gentle on Weiss' own skin.

With Blake supporting her, Weiss nodded and straightened her back.

"Let's go."

She squared her shoulders and turned toward the water.

But just before she could move forward, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Hold on," Blake murmured. "Come here..."

She turned Weiss a little, so Blake may press her lips to the crease in her brow. Weiss closed her eyes, taking comfort in the kiss, but Blake pulled away before Weiss could return it.

The fairy felt as Blake's hand left hers, and looked up to see her back, tail swishing.

"I'll go first and help you across each one," she said. "My tail will keep me balanced better, but your wings might throw you off. So try and keep close to me whenever possible."

Weiss reached out to brush her fingertips against Blake's arm.

"I will."

With that, Blake started forward.

Weiss held still for the moment, watching the beast girl judge the distance between herself and the first rock. She made the leap easily, well-balanced by her tail and her crouched stance.

The rock wasn't big enough to hold both Weiss and herself at the same time, however, so Blake had no choice but to move onto the next one before she turned back and called out to her.

"Alright, go ahead. Just take your time."

Weiss knew Blake had said this so she wouldn't feel rushed and end up slipping. But Weiss knew they had no more time to spare.

She inhaled deeply, bending her knees as she gathered her strength. She jumped, the bottom of her feet soon hitting the hard surface of rock, and she struggled to keep her balance.

It was true what Yang had said about them having longer legs – it was a bit easier for Weiss and Blake to make these jumps. But they stood much taller than a bear cub, and their height was a clear disadvantage here in the act of landing.

Once Weiss was steady, she looked up toward Blake to find the girl waving her over. The next few rocks were close by, and Blake was waiting for her.

Weiss made another leap, and the pain in her feet from scraping the rocks was soon washed away as a gentle hand reached for hers. Familiar fingers clasped around hers, and Blake pulled Weiss to her feet until she could stand on her own.

"You're doing great," Blake praised her. "Just keep this up and we'll be across in no time."

Blake released Weiss' hand and made the next jump neatly, and Weiss soon followed.

Gradually, the two made their way across the rushing river. Visibility was limited for Weiss due to the thick mist, so Blake was sure to guide her with words when she couldn't use her hands.

But whenever they were close enough, they would reach out for one another, both using the other's weight to balance herself out as well. Weiss didn't weigh much, but it was just enough to help Blake get her bearings once her tail started to get too wet.

Soon, their last few leaps were ahead of them.

The next rock was rather sizable, and Blake sprung forward, lashing her tail in midair to keep her course steady. She landed with ease, then turned back for Weiss.

The fairy copied Blake's stance perfectly, looking more like a ground-dweller than a tree-dweller by now. Blake readied herself to brace Weiss' landing.

The fairy took a moment to assess the jump, then kicked off.

It was the closest to flying she'd been in days.

But her heels collided with the rock, and she gasped. One of her feet slipped on the wetness, causing her weight to shift forward.

"Whoa, easy!" Blake tried to push Weiss back onto the rock. As she was focused on Weiss, the tip of her tail grazed the water below.

Instantly, the rapids tugged at her, and combined with having Weiss bump against her, it all resulted in Blake losing her footing. With a yelp of fear, she was bowled over backward, her feet and legs instantly submerged as the water began to drag her down.

It happened more quickly than Blake could register, and as her ribs slammed against the side of the rock, she lost her breath.

"Ahgh-!"

She scraped her nails against the rock, but the current was too strong. Her fingers slipped away one by one.

But Weiss was faster than even the water. She dropped down onto her stomach and grabbed both of Blake's wrists, digging her nails in.

"Blake!" she gasped. "H-Hold on!"

She could hear Ruby and Yang calling out to them in a fright, but couldn't discern what they were saying.

Blake was struggling for breath, the rapid water splashing in her face and occasionally pulling her under. Weiss' muscles strained to pull her back up every time.

Blake coughed, spewing out river water and shaking her head.

"Weiss- Let go," she begged. "You're too light. You'll get p-pulled in, too."

"Then so be it!" Weiss snapped. "I'm not letting you go, Blake!"

The fairy grimaced, already feeling herself slipping off, her lack of weight once more working against her. She needed to support Blake better in order to pull her back up onto the rock.

Weiss needed to get closer to her, which meant only one thing.

Without a second thought, Weiss slid her lower half into the raging water, holding onto the rock with just one hand now and pushing Blake's back with all her might. The beast girl wailed at the sight of Weiss jumping in with her.

"Weiss, no-!"

"Blake!" she shouted above the water. "Just go!" She gave another almighty shove, and Blake had no choice.

She gripped the contours of the rock and kicked against the water, then hauled herself up and over the edge. Balanced on her knees now, she whipped around just as Weiss lost her hold on the rock.

Blake shot out her hands.

One missed.

Somehow the other just barely managed to snag on Weiss' dress.

But the fairy already felt herself going under.

A wave crashed over Weiss' head, and she went down, cold water swirling around her as her world became dark. She gasped for air that didn't come, water filling her lungs instead.

However, just before she could be thrown into the turbulent current once more, she felt herself being lifted up against all odds.

Blake poured her strength into dragging Weiss to the surface, grabbing wherever she could to ensure the fairy was secure in her arms.

Blake wasn't letting go. Not again.

Even when she was waterlogged, Weiss didn't weigh very much at all. As soon as her dress was out of the water, it was easy to pull her out onto the boulder, lying her down on her back.

Blake frantically looked her over to find Weiss' eyes were closed and she wasn't breathing. She quickly put her palms together and balanced them at the center of Weiss' chest, then gave several fast pumps.

She'd been trained in her clan to do this if a child ever fell into the river, but Blake had never actually performed this act before. Weiss was so much thinner and more fragile. Blake feared she might break her ribs.

But it was a risk she was forced to take.

She pumped Weiss' chest, lightly but firmly, praying she wouldn't cause damage.

To her utmost relief, Weiss sputtered, and Blake gently turned her onto her side. Weiss coughed up mouthfuls of water, shaking as she gasped for breath.

Knowing she was alright now, Blake went limp beside her, keeping Weiss in her arms as they both lay, shivering, on the drenched boulder, their toes still dangling off the sides.

For a moment, they caught their breaths, clinging desperately to one another, fingers trembling as they traced patterns over damp backs and through soaking hair.

Once Blake felt she could open her eyes again, she looked down at Weiss, looking smaller than ever with her clothes clinging tightly to her form.

She gasped when she noticed a patch of red seeping from Weiss' stomach. Blake whimpered, trailing a hand down to cover it gently with her palm.

"You're bleeding..."

She could feel Weiss still heaving for breath with her entire body. She was cold, all except for the warm blood trickling through her dress.

The fairy panted for a moment longer, until she, too, could look up and find Blake's eyes.

"It's... nothing..." she rasped. "Just... from the rocks..." Her eyes didn't leave Blake's for a second. "Are... Are you alright?"

Blake reached out to brush her fingers over Weiss' neck, then her cheeks.

"I'm fine."

Weiss sighed in relief.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered. "I knocked you off-"

"And you saved my life," Blake silenced her.

Weiss blinked dizzily, but nodded, knowing Blake didn't blame her for this.

"I'm just-" Weiss coughed again and turned her face away. Blake hushed her, patting her back softly and pulling her close.

It was another few seconds before Weiss recuperated and found her voice once more.

"I'm just... so glad you're okay..."

She moved her shaking arms until her wet hands could cup either side of Blake's face. Weiss leaned forward a little from where she lie and kissed her lips.

Breathless as they both were, it didn't last long, but Blake kissed her back. They pulled apart when they needed to gasp for air, and then kissed once more, sharing their breath and pushing much-needed air into each other's bodies.

After a moment, the kisses were no longer short and clipped. Their hearts and breathing slowed, and their kisses deepened.

The fear was washed away, and in its place was relief, and something else - something much, much warmer.

Blake could feel that warmth spreading throughout her body now, battling against the biting cold of the river. It spread through her person, flickering like a flame during a frigid winter.

Weiss was warm, too. In fact, she realized that warmth was coming from Weiss.

When their next kiss ended, Blake opened her eyes to behold a peculiar sight.

Weiss' entire body was aglow, but it wasn't because of the moonlight or the water's reflections this time. The glow was coming from her skin, her hair, her wings.

Slowly, Blake looked Weiss over again, fearing something was happening to her.

But Weiss didn't seem frightened at all. When she reopened her eyes, there was a light in her gaze, and a smile on her lips.

A single word slipped from the Fairy Princess' lips.

"Blake..."

The beast girl's ears were flat against her head, not knowing what to make of this.

"Weiss, are you okay...?"

The fairy didn't respond, at least, not through words.

Slowly, Weiss pushed herself up, keeping one arm around Blake's waist to help her up as well. Blake couldn't see the girl's eyes, for Weiss' head was bowed and her hair shielded her face.

"Weiss...? What-"

She was cut off when the girl suddenly wrapped both arms around Blake, holding to her tightly. She returned the embrace, resting her chin on Weiss' shoulder.

Warmth spread through Blake's body again, even more poignantly than before. The glow around Weiss seemed to grow stronger as well. She could feel Weiss' heartbeat against her own, thumping strongly.

Before she could ask more questions, Blake's eyes were drawn to Weiss' back.

Two matching shapes of glimmering white spread out on either side of Weiss' body.

Her wings that had previously been limp and colorless were now blue and shining brighter than the moon.

They flapped once – experimentally – and a small wave of dust emitted from them.

They moved again, then again.

Blake felt herself being lifted slowly.

Weiss kept hold of her, and Blake did the same, clinging as tightly as she dared.

Their toes soon were the only things still brushing against the rock, and then even those were suspended in midair.

Despite her wings being wet, despite her natural lightness in weight, despite her fear and fatigue, despite everything, Weiss was flying.

Even with Blake's added weight on top of Weiss' own soaking clothes and aching body, she was able to lift them both effortlessly.

They ascended, higher and higher until they were halfway up the waterfall, locked in an embrace beneath the moonlight.

Blake hadn't spoken yet, she'd hardly dared to breathe, fearful that this was all just some kind of illusion. She didn't want to break this spell, whatever it may be.

But she needed to know.

Keeping her arms around Weiss' waist, she slowly pulled her head back so they may see one another's eyes. Blake's gaze flashed briefly down to the river far below, and to where Ruby and Yang were watching them with baffled expressions.

Blake trembled at this height, but Weiss' arms were strong around her back and shoulders, and she knew she wouldn't fall.

"Weiss..." she whispered. "What... how...? We're not back in your forest yet. There's no magic in these parts, is there?"

When she next glimpsed Weiss' eyes, Blake was speechless at their beauty, incomparable to anything she had ever known before. Their blueness danced with silent laughter, triumph, and something more.

Something warm.

Weiss let out the giggle from her smiling lips.

"No," she said. "This isn't the same kind of magic. This is... a different kind of magic." Leaning in, she pressed a swift kiss to Blake's cheek. "This is love."

Blake felt her throat closing up a little, both touched and hurt by those words. Her ears drooped, as did her gaze.

"But... I don't understand. We've known that... for a while now... haven't we?"

Weiss nodded, bumping her head lightly against Blake's to get her attention once more.

"Yes," she replied. "But before... until now... that love was stifled. We were always scared of it. Of how our people might react. Of each other. Of ourselves..." she explained.

"But just now... when I went to save you... I realized. You've nearly died for me many times already, and I've put my own life at stake for you, as well. When I was under that water, part of me was regretting that I'd never get to see you again. That I couldn't express or convey this love properly to you. But the other part of me knew you would save me. That you wouldn't let me die."

She kissed Blake's wet nose this time, nuzzling against her.

"What we had before was love, Blake. Of course it was. But this is love without fear. And that is a magic all its own."

She continued to hover there in place, pulling Blake in for yet another kiss.

And Blake could sense the difference in this kiss, as opposed to the ones they'd shared in the past. It really was fearless, undeterred, unbridled.

It was the least she could do to return it full-force, releasing her inhibitions and letting the wind take them far enough away, to someplace unimportant where they wouldn't return.

Blake understood Weiss' feelings now.

She didn't care anymore.

She didn't care what the beasts or fairies did about it anymore.

Weiss loved Blake, and Blake loved Weiss back.

They weren't scared of their feelings anymore – they drew strength from them instead.

When their present kiss ended, both girls knew where their hearts were in all of this.

Carefully, Weiss spiraled down, keeping Blake close to her and controlling their combined weight. She lowered them down toward where Ruby and Yang were eagerly waiting, and paused just a few feet above the ground.

Then, she let them down gently, until their feet touched the cool grass.

The squirrel and bear were ecstatic.

"Wow!" Ruby squealed. "You flew, Weiss! You really flew!"

"You guys okay?" Yang asked.

Blake cast a quick glance to the red spot on Weiss' dress, but it seemed to have already stopped bleeding.

"Yes," she replied.

"Better than we have been," Weiss added truthfully. "But as you can see, we no longer need to waste time climbing the cliff side."

"Right," Yang said. "You two fly on over and we'll catch up!"

"That's the thing," Blake said. "We don't know what we'll find when we get back home. It could be dangerous. We don't want you two getting caught up in it. So please stay here, at least until you can know if it's safe up there."

Yang frowned, and Ruby's tail drooped.

"But-"

"Ruby..." Weiss said kindly. "You've both helped us so much. Without you and Yang, Blake and I never would've made it this far. We're forever grateful. Should things clear up between the beasts and the fairies, you can be certain I'll come find you again and thank you properly," she promised. "But for now, Blake and I have got to go. You understand, don't you?"

Ruby chittered a sigh, but nodded.

Weiss let go of her hold on Blake only briefly and opened her arms to the red squirrel. Ruby scampered over and jumped into her chest, and Weiss hugged her gently.

"Thank you, Ruby." Weiss kissed her head between the ears.

Likewise, Blake knelt down to wrap her arms around Yang's shoulders.

"You two take care," she said. "I hope... Weiss and I will be able to see you again someday."

Yang sighed and moved a little closer to her.

"Don't worry about us. I hope you guys can get things figured out."

"Thank you."

A moment later, Blake released Yang, and Ruby hopped down from Weiss' arms to take her rightful place on her sister's back once more.

Weiss beckoned Blake close to her, and the beast girl obliged, wrapping her arm and tail around Weiss' waist.

"Good luck," Ruby said to them.

"Thank you."

With that, Weiss fluttered her wings to life and took off slowly, keeping a firm hold on Blake. Yang and Ruby smiled up at them, and the bear chuckled to herself.

"Y'know what they say. Love gives you wings."

"Wow, Yang." Ruby rolled her eyes.

With their parting behind them, Weiss and Blake didn't know if they'd ever meet the sisters again. It would all depend on what awaited them atop that cliff.

And that would also determine what would become of Weiss and Blake themselves.

Weiss flew onward, keeping a good distance between them and the waterfall. Blake clung to the fairy's dress, still trying to get used to such a small girl bearing her weight so high above the ground.

Weiss could tell Blake was a bit uneasy, and the fairy addressed her nervousness.

"Don't worry. I won't drop you."

Her words were reminiscent to Blake's own promise back at the waterfall. Still, the dark-haired girl was unsure.

"But my weight... I must be a burden."

Weiss responded by slowly twirling them both around, lifting Blake with ease.

She kissed her nose once more and smiled.

"Love is no burden, Blake."

With that, even Blake smiled.

They held onto one another, and Weiss glided upward, carrying them to the top of the cliff.

Their fates waited just beyond.

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A/N: Now the final climax is really upon us. What will their respective clans think of this romance when they're on the brink of war?