Promises Kept (ch2)

EARLY RELEASE FOR ALL MY PATRONS!

Also takes place during the vol6 finale.

For Monochrome Monday!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

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															Chapter 2.

As soon as Ruby had made eye contact with her, Weiss had instantly understood her intent. Her aura may have been depleted like the others', but she still had enough energy to summon. It was the only feasible way to get Ruby close to the Leviathan as safely as the situation would allow.

And Weiss would keep her safe. No matter what. She'd pulled Ruby out of there if things got too dangerous, even if Ruby hated her for it later.

She has to do this, not only for Ruby, but for their group, and for all of Argus at this point.

Just the simple action of casting the glyph made her dizzy, but she couldn't let it show. Once the hornet had emerged, the others made space for her to get it outside the ship. She shared one last glance with Ruby, a plea for her to be careful, before her leader jumped out the doors and onto the white Grimm's back.

Weiss dropped to one knee and positioned her rapier at the center of the circle, closing her eyes to concentrate. She can picture in her mind what her summon is seeing, where it's going, and she leads it toward the Leviathan.

She keeps it steady for Ruby's sake – she has to.

There's just so much going on; gunfire, radio transmission, distant shouts and explosions...

Her entire body begins to ache from the strain of the summoning, and without her aura to combat the pain it starts taking effect on her twice as quickly. She can feel her heart pounding in every vein, in time with the rapid beat of the hornet's wings. It hurts, but she needs to focus...

Nearby, Blake isn't sure what she can do now without her weapon. As Oscar and Maria fly, Jaune and Ren disguise the ship, and Yang, Nora, and Qrow try to distract the Grimm. But Blake has no blades or bullets to assist.

Everyone is moving around or talking quickly.

Everyone but one person.

Weiss is motionless in her crouch above her glyph on the floor, her body rigid in concentration. But Blake can see the tiniest tremors running through her, with the effort of maintaining her summon and the fear of what might happen if she can't.

Blake rushes to her without a second thought, dropping down beside her to rest both hands on her shoulders.

And her touch does wonders beyond what Blake could ever know.

Weiss had been on the verge of swaying, either mentally or physically, or perhaps even both. But Blake's hands steady her, keeping her upright so Weiss may do the same for Ruby.

Blake can feel her shaking now, feel the rush of Weiss' pulse through her body. She's so focused on what's happening outside that she's forgetting herself.

"Weiss." Blake keeps her voice low and quiet, wanting to help, not distract. "Take a breath. You've got this. She'll be fine."

It seems Weiss had neglected her own necessities for the sake of the summoning, because only Blake's reminder has her drawing in a breath. When she exhales it trembles, and her brow is creased tightly. Blake rubs a hand up and down her back to keep her steady.

"You can do this, Weiss. I know you can."

Weiss longs to thank her, but she doesn't want to risk speaking just yet, not if it could mean she'll lose her focus.

But Blake understands even her silence. She stays close to Weiss' side to support her, ensuring she remembers to breathe every few seconds.

Weiss can feel she's brought Ruby to the mouth of the beast. She can't falter now.

That's when the air ship lurches. A falling Grimm had hit them from the outside and caused the whole ship to wobble. Weiss is nearly yanked from her mental link with the hornet as her heels slip and the glyph underneath flashes.

But Blake holds her steady, keeping Weiss up with all her might until the ship has evened out again. Weiss scrambles to regain her connection with her Grimm, and the light of the glyph soon returns to normal.

She hadn't lost Ruby. And it was all thanks to Blake.

Weiss needs a second to get her bearings, and it's the same for the Faunus girl. Blake catches her breath and ensures her hands are strong around Weiss' shivering body.

"Weiss," she gasps. "Are you okay?"

Weiss remembers to breathe. She feels she's brought Ruby to where she needs to be now, so she keeps her there as long as her partner may need it. The heiress finally finds her voice.

"Yes." She opens one eye and looks up at Blake. "Thank you."

Blake offers a smile that's both nervous and relieved.

"Thank goodness."

She doesn't let go of the heiress for a second. When the ache in Weiss' body becomes too great, she leans back into Blake's arms for strength.

They stay together, supporting each other and Ruby, until a brilliant silver light fills the air.

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A/N: Again, immensely grateful they got to touch each other in the finale. I just wished they could've had a good hug like Blake had with Ruby and with Yang...

Tomorrow is RWBY Tuesday!