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This was the moment of truth. Ruby stood before the Schnee Manor, Crescent Rose at the ready. She knew this was her chance to be a hero like her mom. Ruby took a step forward, only to stumble and trip. Quickly recovering Ruby walked towards the Manor.
The door to the manor was wide open and welcoming. The vampire was clearly expecting her, but she wasn't afraid. Ruby was destined to be a hunter. She began searching the manor for any signs of the vampire.
Soon, she made it to the main hall. Before her stood a wide stairway with curved balconies on both sides allowing passage to the second floor. At the top of this stairway was a paned triptych of arched windows. What caught Ruby’s eye was the woman standing at the top of the stairs looking out the window.
“Hello hunter, I am Weiss Schnee. I've been waiting some time for you. It has been quite some time since I got to enjoy a- What the hell are you wearing.” Weiss stopped her monologue and stared at Ruby. Ruby took a look at her clothes and found everything was normal.
“What do you mean? These are my combat clothes.” Ruby asked genuinely curious. If she was going to be a legendary hunter, she needed to be presentable.
“You came to fight me in a skirt?” Weiss asked staring at her incredulously.
“Yeah? What's wrong with that? You're wearing a skirt.” Ruby pointed out, but Weiss didn't seem to agree with her reasoning.
“At least you don't have a cape,” Weiss mumbled causing Ruby to perk up.
“A cape would be awesome, that's a good idea. Vampires wear capes, don't they?” Ruby asked getting a facepalm from Weiss.
“Yes, vampires wear capes, but we can move at inhuman speeds, and have super strength. A cape and or skirt doesn't hold us back. You aren't wearing any sort of armor, no metal plating, not even leather.” Weiss argued but Ruby shook her head.
“I don't need armor I have aura!” Ruby stated proudly but Weiss was unimpressed.
“And what happens when you run out of aura?” Weiss inquire, Ruby thought about it before responding.
“I just have to beat you before it does. It's a calculated risk.” Ruby replied with a valiant smile.
“You are not very good at math, are you?” Weiss asked raising an eyebrow. Ruby pouted at her in a way not at all befitting a hunter.
“That's not very nice,” Ruby said with a sad tone. Weiss rolled her eyes at the would-be hunter.
“I'm a vampire you dolt,” Weiss said but Ruby shook her head.
“That's no excuse for being mean,” Ruby said in a firm voice causing Weiss to laugh.
“What are you a child?” Weiss asked in a sarcastic tone not realizing she struck a nerve.
“I AM NOT A CHILD! I'm 17 years old.” Ruby yelled pointing her scythe at Weiss.
“That's not better,” Weiss said in an amused tone.
“It's not worse,” Ruby said confusing Weiss.
“That not an argument.” Weiss pointed out causing Ruby to get even more annoyed.
“YOU’RE NOT AN ARGUMENT!” Ruby yelled swinging her scythe at Weiss who caught it with ease.
“How did you ever manage to kill a vampire?” Weiss asked yanking the scythe and disarming Ruby.
“Well, you're actually the first vampire I've ever tried hunting,” Ruby said with a nervous laugh.
“I, Weiss Schnee, the elite vampire, the vampire who has never lost in battle, am the first vampire you thought to challenge.” Weiss reiterated as Ruby scratched the back of her head.
“Go big or go home?” Ruby responded with a sheepish smile.
“Killing you will be the hardest thing I ever enjoy,” Weiss said baring her fangs. Ruby yelped and dove out of the way as Weiss charged. lunging forward Ruby grabbed Crescent Rose and whipped around only to get punched in the stomach. Ruby fell to the ground and fought the urge to barf.
“See, now if you had armor maybe wouldn't be on the floor right now,” Weiss said with a smug look. Just as she was about to strike the killing blow, she noticed something.
“Are you crying?” Weiss asked as Ruby tried to hide her face with her hood.
“No,” Ruby whimpered between sniffles. Weiss lifted her face and took a good look. Weiss couldn't help but pity the girl, she did seem pretty nice. Honestly in truth, Weiss has rather lonely what with the whole vampire thing. Plus, Ruby was actually kinda cute if a bit naive.
“Alright change of plans, turn that frown upside down girl scout! You're not dying today.” Weiss said picking Ruby up and helping her regain her balance.
“Killing you now would be boring, so I'm gonna train you to be a proper hunter,” Weiss explained stepping to the side and giving Ruby a clear escape.
“Are you being serious?” Ruby asked glancing at the exit and then at Weiss with a hopeful expression. Weiss couldn't help but smile earnestly. ‘God she's like a puppy.’ Weiss thought to herself.
“Yes, come back tomorrow and I’ll start training you,” Weiss said placing a hand over her heart. Ruby's face lit up and she pulled Weiss into a hug forgetting she had come here to kill Weiss.
“Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!” Ruby cheered hugging Weiss as hard as she could. Weiss decided to let Ruby have her moment as she enjoyed Ruby's warmth.
“Alright dolt, welcome to vampire hunting 101.”
______________________________________
The next day Ruby showed up at the Manor excited about her training. The others would be so jealous when they learned she was taught by an actual Vampire! Ruby found Weiss in a courtyard just beyond the main hall. As an elite vampire, Weiss was too strong for the sun to really hurt her.
The courtyard alone was surrounded by archways. A large ornate fountain with the Schnee emblem stood proud in the back. There were two gardens with small hedges and a cobblestone path with flower symbols engraved on them.
“Good, you are here. Now let's get down to business” Weiss said before surging forward and slamming a fist into Ruby.
“You're the saddest dolt I’ve ever met. But you can bet before we're through, I'll make a hunter out of you.” Weiss grinned showing her fangs. Ruby wonder what she had gotten herself into when Weiss threw her back.
“You must be swift as the coursing river.” Weiss lunged forward but Ruby was ready this time. Dodging to the left Ruby cheered before taking a roundhouse kick to the back.
“You're a spineless pale pathetic dolt and you haven't got a clue, but somehow I'll make a hunter out of you,” Weiss said as Ruby crumpled to the ground aura flaring. The next few days were a blur of pain and knowledge.
“With all the force of a great typhoon,” Weiss explained as she used judo on Ruby. Weiss insisted on teaching her every possible move and technique.
“You must be as tranquil as a forest but on fire within. Be as mysterious as the dark side of the moon.” Weiss explained dropping a textbook onto Ruby's lap.
“Read all of this by tomorrow,” Weiss instructed with a toothy grin. Ruby grumbled but she knew there was no point in arguing. She forfeited any sleep when she let a vampire train her.
“Heed my every lesson and you might survive,” Weiss stated summoning several glyphs for Ruby to dodge. Ruby actually dodged most of them, until one appeared behind her.
“Once you find your center you are sure to win,” Weiss informed as Ruby dangled on a tightrope several feet in the air. ‘I’ve got her scared to death.’ Weiss thought to herself as Ruby slowly tried moving.
“You must be swift as the coursing river,” Weiss said lunging at Ruby who dodged to the right. Whipping around she blocked the incoming kick. Weiss indulged in a bit of pride. Her dolt was getting better.
“With all the force of a great typhoon,” Weiss said as Ruby slashed at her with Crescent Rose before, she could've caught it with ease, now she had to stay focused lest she be cut.
“With all the strength of a raging fire,” Weiss said as Ruby lifted a large stone over her head. Ruby immediately looked at Weiss for approval. Weiss chuckled at how excited Ruby got when she was praised by the vampire.
‘She’s come a long way from the dolt who stumbled into my manor.’ Weiss thought as she looked through the notes Ruby had written on her textbooks.
‘Time is racing toward us.’ Weiss thought as she looked out at the fresh spring showers. It had been serval weeks now since Ruby had arrived. Weiss figured it was time she did something to reward the girl.
______________________________________
When Ruby came to the manor the next day, she found Weiss waiting for her in the main hall.
“You've done well my pupil. You have mastered each and every technique I have to teach.” Weiss said giving Ruby a proud smile. Ruby as usual beamed at the praise.
“I believe a reward is in order. If you would follow me.” Weiss said leading Ruby up the stairs. Ruby gave her a skeptical look but followed, nonetheless. The two walked through the second floor until they arrive at a locked door.
Weiss turned to look at Ruby. She was clearly on edge not sure what Weiss was planning. Weiss smiled and opened the door to reveal the dining room with a fully prepared meal. Ruby could feel her mouth water as the smell hit her.
Weiss had gone all out, prime ribs, fresh veggies, and a farm's worth of strawberries. Ruby suddenly felt like she hadn't eaten in weeks. Weiss laughed at Ruby's reaction.
“It seems like you approve but are you going to just stand here and stare or...” Weiss didn't need to finish as Ruby sat down and began feasting on the food. Weiss sat down across from her and poured a glass of red liquid from what looked like a wine bottle.
“Is t-that b-blood?” Ruby asked a bit unnerved by how casually Weiss sipped it.
“Is it blood? Well, yes, but it isn't human if that's your concern.” Weiss explained taking another sip. Ruby returned to her meal for a bit, but curiosity got the better of her.
“If it's not human, what type of blood is it?” Ruby asked eyeing the red liquid.
“Ah, this particular bottle is... 1998 vintage monkey blood,” Weiss said reading the bottle. She poured some more for herself before looking at Ruby.
“Would you like some? It's rather sweet.” Weiss offered, enjoying the way Ruby paled.
“Nope! I'm good.” Ruby said trying to politely wave her off. Weiss wasn't sure why, but she found herself in a playful mode.
“I insist, it is really good. Light and not too thick.” Weiss said pouring Ruby a glass and handing it to her. Ruby stared at the glass like it would jump and bite her. Weiss had to fight to maintain her composure as Ruby's mouth opened and closed several times.
“It has hints of strawberry with a slight metallic undertone. It's a fine vintage, you don't know how hard it is to find good primate blood.” Weiss said sipping her glass. Ruby nodded along still holding her glass.
“You know I should introduce you to Ceil, she has some of the best blood I've drank in-” Weiss stopped mid-sentence as Ruby took a heart swig of her glass. Ruby found it to be warm, light, and worryingly not unpleasant.
“Ruby you dolt I didn't think you'd actually do it!” Weiss bellowed laughing so hard she had to grab the table for support. Ruby's face darkened to a color similar to her glass.
“Well, you were so insistent! I didn't want to be rude!” Ruby argued trying to justify her actions.
“I thought you wanted to be a vampire hunter, not a vampire,” Weiss said calming herself. Ruby didn't appreciate her comment, but she couldn't think of a good retort.
“Whatever, you're just jealous I’d be a better vampire,” Ruby said half-heartedly, Weiss rolled her eyes but didn't deny it.
“You have come quite far, it is a shame you became a hunter, you'd make a fine vampire,” Weiss said earnestly, Ruby smiled at her when suddenly she started giggling.
“What's gotten into you?” Weiss asked amused by Ruby's antics.
“What happens to the Ice queen who has never lost in battle?” Ruby asked getting a blush out of Weiss.
“Yes well, I'll admit I was rather cold when we met. But I've grown rather fond of you, but I'm mean... But it's not-” Weiss's rambling was cut off by Ruby giggling.
“You said butt like three times,” Ruby said earning a glare from Weiss.
“I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you here” Weiss pouted, but Ruby just shrugged.
“Oh, so am I. And I am falling. And I am sorry for that.” Ruby said with a cheeky grin.
“Why do a bother with you?” Weiss asked shaking her head.
“My heroic charm?” Ruby offered causing Weiss to laugh.
“Yes, well come along I have something for you,” Weiss said getting up a leaving the table. Ruby happily followed along, belly full and thirst sated.
______________________________________
Weiss led Ruby to the courtyard where a suitcase sat waiting for them. Ruby was curious about what Weiss was planning when suddenly a dagger flew towards her. Leaping to the side Ruby dodged the projectile and got into a fighting stance.
“You know when we met, I could've killed you with ease. Now? I think you'd be the one having an easy time killing me.” Weiss said walking towards the suitcase.
“You've proven yourself quite capable. Relentless, and ruthless as a hunter should be.” Weiss said grabbing the suitcase and turning back to face Ruby.
“You've come so far, proven yourself time and time again,” Weiss said walking towards Ruby who had begun crying softly.
“I'm afraid I have nothing left to teach you. But before we part ways, I would like to give you something. A parting gift if you would.” Weiss said handing Ruby the suitcase. She took the suitcase and opened it. Inside she found a bright red hood.
“If you're going to insist and wearing that impractical clothing you might as well look good,” Weiss explained as Ruby tried on the cape.
“Weiss, I-I don't what to say,” Ruby whispered trying to blink back her tears. Weiss would deny it to the end of time, but she was getting a bit choked up herself.
“Just promise to visit when you become that big legendary hunter,” Weiss said trying to remain stoic. Ruby remained silent for a minute before suddenly leaning forward and kissing Weiss.
“I promise,” Ruby said with her biggest smile yet. Weiss blushed something fierce and gently punched Ruby in the arm.
“Dolt! You can't just do something like that!” Weiss huffed causing Ruby to chuckle and kiss her again. Weiss melted into the kiss and temporarily let the word fade from around them.
“You seem to like it,” Ruby said breaking the kiss. Weiss punched her in the arm again, but much harder than before.
“You're lucky I like you,” Weiss grumbled before looking up at the sky.
“It seems you should get going,” Weiss said, Ruby frowned and pulled Weiss into a hug.
“I don't wanna,” Ruby mumbled into Weiss's chest. ‘Just like a puppy.’ Weiss thought as the two embraced. Eventually, the two parted Ruby began preparing to leave.
“Alright, I’ll be back Weiss! Wait for me!” Ruby yelled making a heart, getting an eye roll from Weiss. Turning around Ruby ran off to begin her adventures having completed Vampire Hunting 101.