Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The frosty winds of the snow-capped mountains bit at Ruby Rose’s cheeks as she squinted through the swirling flakes. Her breath puffed out in clouds around her, the cold air burning her nose. Her eyes searched the horizon for any sign of life, but all she saw was an endless expanse of white. Weiss Schnee, her teammate and friend, trudged alongside her, her breaths heavy and her eyes equally as desperate. They had been wandering for hours, their path obscured by the relentless winter storm that had blown in without warning. The two young huntresses of Grimm, armed with their trusty weaponry, had ventured into the mountains with the goal of exterminating the beasts that had been plaguing the nearby village.

Their mission had been going well until the weather turned. Now, they found themselves adrift in a sea of ice and snow, unable to locate the creatures they sought. The urgency of their situation grew with each step they took. The sun had begun its descent, casting an eerie pallor across the landscape. The light danced off the frozen crystals, giving the illusion of a shimmering mirage. The cold seeped through their layers of clothing, chilling them to the bone, and the wind howled like a chorus of lost spirits, carrying with it a sense of foreboding.

“We’re lost, Ruby,” Weiss said, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife. “We need to find shelter. We can’t keep going like this.”

Ruby nodded in agreement, her scarf tight around her neck. She knew the dangers of hypothermia all too well. As a team, they had faced many challenges, but the wrath of nature was a formidable adversary. They had to think fast.

Suddenly, Ruby’s eyes widened as she spotted something in the distance, a dark silhouette against the blinding backdrop. “Look!” she exclaimed, pointing ahead. “Is that...?”

Weiss squinted, and as the shape grew clearer, she recognized it too. It was the silhouette of an abbey, its tall, ancient stones reaching up like skeletal fingers against the fading sky. It was said to be a place of knowledge, a bastion of learning that held the largest library of ancient texts in all of Remnant. The very thought of warmth and refuge sent a jolt of hope through their weary bodies.

“Let’s go!” Ruby shouted, renewed energy in her voice. They quickened their pace, their boots crunching through the fresh snow as they approached the fortress-like structure. It was their best and only hope for survival against the encroaching night.

The abbey loomed closer, a bastion of solace in the wilderness. Its thick wooden doors, studded with iron, stood as a barrier between them and potential salvation. Ruby reached out, her hand trembling from the cold, and knocked firmly. The sound echoed through the silent monastery, and they waited, their hearts pounding in their chests. Would they find help within these ancient walls, or would the night claim them as its own?

The door creaked open, revealing the shadowy figure of a man, his eyes filled with a mix of surprise and relief. “Welcome, travelers,” he intoned, his voice deep and warm. “You are most fortunate to have arrived when you did. The storm is not one to be trifled with.”

The man, a portly monk with a kind but weary face, invited them in, his eyes darting nervously to the darkening sky. He led them through the cold stone corridors to a small chamber with a roaring fireplace. The warmth enveloped them like a comforting embrace, and for a moment, they forgot their troubles. The abbot, whose name was revealed to be Abo of Fossanova, offered them steaming mugs of tea and listened intently as they recounted their tale of getting lost in the hunt for Grimm.

“Ah, the Grimm,” he murmured, stroking his long beard. “They are indeed a plague upon this land. But I fear we have troubles of our own here.” His expression grew serious, the lines on his face deepening. “For several nights now, our monks have been found... altered.”

Ruby and Weiss exchanged a concerned glance. “Altered?” Ruby ventured.

The abbot nodded solemnly. “Torn apart, as if by wild beasts. But within the safety of their own cells or just beyond our walls. This is not the work of the Grimm we know. They do not tread so close to sanctity.”

The gravity of his words hung in the air. “We’ll help,” Weiss said firmly, setting down her mug. “We’re huntresses, and we won’t rest while there’s danger near.”

Ruby nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with determination. “We’ll find out what’s happening and put an end to it.”

The abbot’s shoulders relaxed, and he offered a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, huntresses. I knew I could count on you.”

After a frugal dinner of stew and crusty bread, served in a cavernous hall with a long wooden table and benches that had seen centuries of use, the abbot led them to their lodging. The cell was sparse, with only a single bed, a small table with a candle, and a wooden chair. The stone walls were cold to the touch, but the fireplace crackled merrily, casting a warm glow across the room.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” the abbot said, his voice tinged with apology. “But with the recent... incidents, we are short on clean accommodations. This will have to suffice for the night.”

Weiss’s cheeks flushed pink, and she avoided Ruby’s gaze. “It’s no trouble at all,” she murmured.

Ruby swallowed hard, trying to ignore the racing of her heart. She had felt the same flutter of attraction towards Weiss, but she had never dared to voice it, fearing rejection or the loss of their friendship. “We’re used to tight quarters,” she said, forcing a smile. “We’ll manage.”

The abbot nodded, bidding them a good night before closing the door, leaving them alone in the dimly lit room. The silence was deafening as they both stared at the bed, the reality of their situation sinking in.

Weiss spoke first, her voice tentative. “We can take turns, if you like.”

Ruby’s eyes snapped up to meet hers. “No,” she said, a hint of determination in her voice. “We’ll share. It’s not like we haven’t done it before during missions.”

Weiss’s eyes searched hers, looking for any sign of discomfort. “Are you sure?”

Ruby nodded firmly. “We’re partners. We’ve got to stick together, right?”

They shared a tentative smile, and together they approached the bed. They both knew the risks of their mission, but the unspoken tension between them was a different kind of danger, one they had never faced before. With a sigh, Ruby began to strip down to her long johns, her eyes on the bed. Weiss did the same, her movements stiff and uncertain.

As they slid beneath the thick fur blankets, the warmth of the bed was a stark contrast to the icy chill of the outside world. They lay side by side, not touching, the space between them seemingly vast as the snowy wasteland they had crossed. They stared up at the ceiling, the shadows from the flickering fire playing across their faces.

For a moment, neither of them said anything, the only sound their own breathing. Then Ruby rolled onto her side, facing Weiss. “You know,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “We’ve been through a lot together.”

Weiss’s eyes searched hers in the candlelight. “More than most,” she agreed softly.

Ruby took a deep breath, her heart hammering in her chest. “And I just want you to know... I care about you. A lot.”

Weiss’s breath hitched, and she felt her heart stumble. “I care about you too, Ruby.”

Soft smiles lingered on their faces for a long time. Slowly, however, their eyes began to close. And soon, both were fast asleep.

Chapter Text

The first light of dawn crept through the narrow window, casting a soft glow over their intertwined legs. Ruby’s cheeks burned as she realized the intimacy of their position. She slowly extricated herself from Weiss’s embrace, and felt the sheets cold and lifeless without her. Weiss stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet Ruby’s. The silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken feelings.

They sat up in unison, the candle on the bedside table flickering its final dance before succumbing to the waking world. “I... I’m sorry,” Ruby stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Weiss offered a small smile, her cheeks tinged with pink. “Don’t be,” she murmured. “It was... comforting.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the warmth of their shared gaze seemed to drive away the cold of the room. They dressed quickly, in awkward silence, and made their way to the abbot’s office. Abo of Fossanova looked haggard, his eyes heavy with lack of sleep.

“I’ve arranged for you to speak with some of the brothers, those who were closest to the deceased,” he said, his voice weary. “Perhaps they can shed some light on these... events. I will leave you alone.” And the abbot went out.

The first they met was Malachi of Hildesheim, the abbey’s chief librarian. His eyes darted around the room as they entered, his demeanor as cold as the frozen landscape outside. He was a tall, thin man with a sharp nose and a pointed chin, his hands stained with ink from countless hours poring over ancient tomes.

“Greetings, huntresses,” he said, his voice as brittle as the pages he guarded. “How may I be of service?”

Ruby and Weiss exchanged glances before Ruby spoke up. “We’ve heard of the strange happenings here, Brother Malachi. Can you tell us anything that might help us understand?”

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. “Only what the abbot has already shared with you. These are matters best left to the gods.”

“But the lives of your brothers are at stake,” Weiss pressed, her voice steady. “Surely you want to help?”

Malachi’s gaze remained cold. “Our affairs are none of your concern. You are here for your rest only. I suggest you focus on that and leave the matters of the abbey to us.”

Ruby felt a spark of frustration ignite within her. “Look, we’re not just here to rest. We’re huntresses. We can help protect your place.”

Malachi’s expression didn’t soften. “You are young, naive girls,” he scoffed. “You think your weapons and your bravado can solve everything? This is a matter of the spirit, not the flesh.”

Weiss stepped forward, her eyes flashing. “We’ve faced worse than what you could possibly imagine,” she retorted. “We’re not here to cause trouble, we’re here to offer assistance.”

The librarian’s gaze was unyielding. “Your kind is never welcome in the hallowed halls of knowledge. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have duties to attend to.”

Ruby felt the sting of his dismissal but pressed on. “Please, Brother Malachi, we need to understand what’s happening here. And maybe your library might hold the answers we seek.”

Weiss stepped closer, her eyes imploring. “We are not here to disrespect your sanctum. We are simply looking for the truth.”

Malachi sneered. “The truth is not something you can wield like a sword, girl. It is a delicate and powerful force, not to be trifled with by the uninitiated.” He stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the stone floor. “Your meddling will do more harm than good. Stay away from the library, or face the consequences.”

And speaking so, the librarian left the office, the door slamming shut behind him. In the quiet room, Ruby rubbed her arms, not from the cold but from the eerie feeling that had settled in her bones. “I don’t like this,” she murmured. “There’s something he’s not telling us.”

Weiss nodded, her jaw set. “We’re getting to the bottom of this.”

Their next interview was with Berengar of Arundel, the assistant librarian. He was a man of middling height, his eyes wide and fearful behind a pair of spectacles.

“What do you know about the recent events, Berengar?” Ruby asked gently.

The man’s hands trembled as he pushed his glasses up his nose. “Only what I’ve heard,” he stuttered. “But I fear it’s more than mere animal attacks.”

“What do you mean?” Weiss leaned in, her curiosity piqued.

Berengar’s eyes darted around the room, as if searching for unseen eavesdroppers. “There are whispers,” he began in a hushed tone. “Of something... unnatural. Something that stalks the halls at night, seeking out the weak.”

Ruby’s grip tightened on her scythe. “What could be doing this?”

“I don’t know,” he whispered. “But it’s not of this world. The abbot believes it’s some sort of... Grimm, but it’s like nothing we’ve ever encountered.”

Weiss’s eyes narrowed. “And what does your superior, Brother Malachi say?”

“He says it’s a test of our faith,” Berengar replied, his voice shaking. “That we must endure and pray for deliverance. But I don’t think it’s that simple.”

As they spoke, a chilling wind gusted through the office, extinguishing the candles. The sudden darkness was suffocating, and the silence was pierced by the distant sound of a low, inhuman growl. Ruby’s heart skipped a beat, and she reached for her weapon.

“What was that?” she demanded, her voice a mix of fear and determination.

“You heard it too?” Berengar’s voice quivered. “It’s the creature! It’s getting closer!”

The door to the office burst open, and in strode a figure wrapped in a heavy cloak. The scent of aged parchment and the faint hint of incense clung to him. “What is the meaning of this disturbance?” the monk bellowed, his voice booming despite his age. It was Jorge of Burgos, the oldest and most revered of the abbey’s inhabitants. He wore a gray cloack, different in color from the brown robes of the others, and a red pendant around his neck. His milky eyes stared unseeingly at them, yet Ruby felt his gaze bore into her very soul.

As Berengar hurried out of the office, Ruby stepped forward, her hand on the hilt of her scythe. “We’re here to help, Brother Jorge,” she said firmly. “We’ve heard about the Grimm attacks.”

Jorge’s expression softened, his wrinkled face creasing into a sad smile. “Ah, the Grimm,” he murmured. “You speak of them as if they are merely beasts to be slain.”

“Well… yes. They are a threat to life!” Weiss said, her voice echoing off the stone walls.

“And who are we to decide what lives are worthy of protection?” Jorge countered. “Nature has its own balance, its own laws. Who are we to interfere?”

Strangely, Ruby felt her anger rising. “We’re huntresses! It’s our duty to protect the innocent!”, she said proudly.

“But what of the innocence of the Grimm?” the blind monk asked, his voice calm yet powerful. “Are they not also part of the natural world?”

“What!? They’re soulless monsters!” Ruby exclaimed, her voice rising.

“And what makes you the arbiter of what is monstrous?” Jorge’s tone was challenging. “Your blade does not discriminate between the foul and the fair. It only knows to cleave and destroy.”

Weiss placed a calming hand on Ruby’s arm. “Brother Jorge, we mean no disrespect,” she said smoothly. “But we must ensure the safety of the people.”

The old monk nodded slowly. “Very well. But remember, the price of intervention is high. Sometimes, the very act of saving one life can lead to the destruction of another.”

Ruby’s cheeks flushed with indignation, but she held her tongue. Weiss stepped in, her voice calm. “We’re just trying to understand, Brother Jorge.”

The old monk nodded. “Seek knowledge, then. But remember, the truth is not always what it seems.” With that cryptic statement, he turned and strode out of the room, his heavy cloak billowing behind him like a dark cloud.

The tension in the air was palpable as Ruby and Weiss sat in the abbot’s office, trying to process what they had just heard. The wind outside had picked up, and the rekindled candles flickered ominously. It was Weiss who broke the silence. “Everyone here is crazy. Let’s hope the next monk will be more helpful.”

The next to arrive was Venantius of Salvemec, his eyes red-rimmed and his cheeks tear-stained. He looked at the two huntresses with a mix of hope and fear. “I heard you were looking into the... incidents,” he began, his voice shaking. “I was friend with Adelmus, the monk who was killed last night.”

Ruby leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “What can you tell us about him?”

Venantius took a deep breath, his voice dropping to a whisper. “He was my friend,” he said, his eyes darting around the room. “He confided in me about a... situation. A scandalous, intimate one, of sorts.”

Weiss raised an eyebrow. “Scandalous? In a monastery?”

The monk nodded gravely. “Something between him, Brother Malachi, and Berengar. It was all very secretive, of course. But it was clear they were all torn apart by their feelings.”

Ruby’s grip on her scythe tightened. “And what does this have to do with the attacks?”

Venantius leaned in, his voice barely above a murmur. “I believe it’s all connected,” he whispered. “Adelmus was so torn, so conflicted. He was seeking guidance, but the abbot was too busy with his own concerns to help.”

Weiss’s eyes narrowed. “What concerns?”

The monk swallowed hard. “I cannot say for certain, but there are whispers of a forbidden text, something that could change the very fabric of our world. The abbot is obsessed with finding it, and he’s not the only one.”

Ruby and Weiss exchanged a look, the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place. “If this is true, it could be the key,” Ruby murmured. And after a moment’s thought, she added, “But to what?”

Venantius looked down at his trembling hands. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But Adelmus was different the night he... died. He seemed scared, but also... excited. As if he had found something that could change everything.”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “The forbidden text,” she murmured.

Venantius nodded. “I think so. But before he could tell me more, he was killed. And now, I fear for my own safety.”

“Thank you for telling us,” Weiss said gently. “You’ve been very helpful.”

The monk rose, his eyes haunted. “Please, be careful,” he whispered before slipping out of the room.

As the door clicked shut, Ruby and Weiss shared a look. “The library,” Ruby said, her voice firm. “We have to check it out.”

Weiss nodded. “Malachi might not want us poking around, but if there’s something in there that could be causing these attacks, we can’t ignore it.”

Ruby smiled at her friend. “What are we waiting for, then? Let’s go.”

Chapter Text

Ruby and Weiss made their way through the winding corridors of the abbey, the candlelight casting eerie shadows on the ancient stones. Despite the warmth of their cloaks, a chill ran down their spines as they approached the library.

The library was vast, its towering shelves laden with dusty tomes that whispered secrets of forgotten lore. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and the weight of centuries of knowledge. Defying Malachi’s edict, they slipped inside, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpets that lined the floor. The labyrinthine layout of the library was a challenge in itself, but Ruby’s instincts and Weiss’s sense of direction served them well as they navigated the endless aisles.

It was indeed a maze of knowledge, each bookshelf a wall that could hide a secret, each scroll a potential answer to the mystery. They moved swiftly but cautiously, their eyes scanning the titles of each book they passed, searching for any hint of the forbidden text. The air grew colder, the shadows grew longer, and the whispers of the pages grew louder, as if the books themselves were telling a tale of ancient horrors.

“This place is huge, bigger than I imagined,” Ruby muttered. “If only Blake were here. She would be thrilled to see all these books!”

Weiss smiled. “Yet there must be a clue somewhere…”, she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. As she trailed off, her eyes caught a glint of something unusual… a stone panel slightly ajar near the base of another shelf. Her heart raced. “Ruby, come here!”

Ruby rushed over, with renewed enthusiasm. “What is it?”

Weiss gestured to the panel, fidgeting with anticipation. “There’s something here. It could be…”

Before she could finish her thought, Ruby pushed the stone panel further, revealing a narrow passageway draped in shadows and mystery. The smell of incense wafted out, thick and sweet, making both girls blink in surprise.

As they ventured deeper, they stumbled upon a hidden chamber. The smell of incense was stronger here, and the flicker of candlelight danced on the walls. Weiss’s eyes lit up with excitement and fear. “This must be it,” she murmured.

Ruby nodded, her grip tightening on her scythe. “Be ready,” she whispered. Inside, they found a table laden with scrolls and an open book, its pages fluttering in the chilly breeze. The room was empty, but the sense of unease grew stronger.

They approached the book, their breaths held. It was a tome of dark leather, and emanating an aura of malevolence. Ruby reached out tentatively, her finger hovering over the page. “What could be so dangerous about this book?” she wondered aloud.

Weiss shivered, her hand on the hilt of her sword. “We’re about to find out,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

With trembling hands, Weiss turned the pages of the book. As she did, the air grew thick with the scent of ozone, and the candles around the room flickered erratically. The pages were filled with intricate diagrams and symbols that seemed to pulse with a life of their own.

“It’s... it’s about summoning Grimm,” Weiss murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “But not just any Grimm. This... this is about creating a new breed, one that can be controlled.”

Ruby’s eyes widened in horror. “We have to tell the abbot,” she said, her voice urgent. “This could be what’s behind the attacks.”

But as they turned to leave, the sound of footsteps echoed through the passageway. “Someone’s coming,” Weiss hissed, her eyes searching for an escape.

They ducked behind a nearby bookshelf, their hearts hammering in their chests. The footsteps grew louder, closer. And then, suddenly, the air grew colder, and the candles in the chamber sputtered out, plunging them into darkness.

The mysterious figure darted from the shadows, their robes fluttering like the wings of a bat. Ruby and Weiss sprang into action, their training taking over. But the figure was too quick, slipping away before they could get a good look.

“Get the book!” Ruby yelled, and Weiss lunged for the table. But it was gone. The thief had snatched it away, leaving only the cold, empty air where it had been moments before.

They sprinted after the figure, their boots echoing through the library’s corridors. The shelves seemed to lean in around them, the very air thick with the scent of fear and ancient secrets. The pursuit was a blur of shadows and dust motes, the candlelight playing tricks on their eyes.

Their quarry was fast, moving with an unnatural grace that seemed to defy the very fabric of the abbey. They followed the sounds of the retreating footsteps, the rustle of fabric and the occasional clink of metal. But every time they thought they had the figure cornered, it would vanish, only to reappear further down the aisle.

They chased the thief through the library’s bowels, the air growing colder, the shadows deeper. Ruby’s instincts screamed at her to stop, to retreat, but she couldn’t. The book was too important, the lives of the monks too much at stake. They had to get it back.

The figure led them to another hidden passage, the air thick with the stench of decay. The walls were slick with moisture, and the floor was treacherous with slime. But Ruby and Weiss didn’t falter.

The passage grew narrower, the air more oppressive. And then, without warning, the figure stopped. The silence was absolute, the darkness complete. Ruby’s heart raced, her breath coming in short gasps.

And then, from the shadows, a growl rumbled, low and menacing. The same inhuman sound they had heard in the abbot’s office. The figure was gone, the book lost, and now they faced a new terror.

Ruby’s hand tightened around the handle of Crescent Rose as the creature emerged from the darkness, a twisted amalgamation of fur, claws, and teeth. Its eyes burned with an unnatural light, and it snarled, a sound that seemed to resonate with the very essence of the Grimm they had sworn to hunt. Weiss drew her sword, the blade glinting in the feeble light of their dwindling candles.

The battle was fierce, the creature’s speed and ferocity unlike anything they had ever encountered. The air was filled with the clang of steel on bone, the scent of burning fur, and the creature’s unearthly howls. Ruby’s scythe sliced through the air, a whirlwind of crimson, while Weiss’s sword danced with precision, each strike a deadly whisper.

They moved in perfect harmony, their trust in each other the only light in the oppressive darkness. They pushed the creature back, step by step, until it was cornered. With a final, desperate lunge, Ruby brought her weapon down, cleaving the beast in two. The impact sent a tremor through the stone floor, and the creature’s unholy screams echoed through the passage before fading into silence.

Breathless and exhausted, they stumbled back to the abbot’s office, the weight of their victory tempered by the loss of the book. “We encountered something,” Ruby panted, her voice shaking. “A creature, not of this world.”

Weiss nodded, her eyes haunted by the memory. “It was like nothing we’ve ever seen.”

“And that’s not all,” Ruby added. “We found... a book. With spells to summon a new breed of Grimm.”

The abbot’s face paled, his eyes wide with shock. “The forbidden text,” he murmured. “So it really exists! And it’s been used to create this... abomination.”

“Someone, probably the mysterious summoner himself, stole it from us. But we have to find it,” Ruby said, her voice now firm. “We can’t let anyone else get hurt.”

The abbot nodded gravely. “You are right. But now give yourselves some rest. We’ll talk about it later.”

Back in their room, the warmth coming from the fireplace was a stark contrast to the chilling revelation they had just uncovered. They were bruised, their clothes torn, but the unspoken tension between them remained unchanged.

Weiss glanced at Ruby, who was staring into the void, her thoughts a million miles away. She knew she should say something, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she crawled into bed, her eyes never leaving her friend’s silhouette.

The creature’s dying wails still echoed in her ears as she lay there, unable to shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. The warmth of the room couldn’t penetrate the icy dread that had settled in her bones.

Then Weiss felt Ruby climb onto the bed beside her. She turned to look at her, and found her looking back.

Their eyes held for a moment longer, and then, as if a dam had burst, Weiss rolled towards Ruby, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. They didn’t kiss, not yet, but their foreheads touched, and their breath mingled in the stillness of the room. The warmth of their bodies created a bubble of comfort, and they held each other tightly, the words unspoken but understood.

“I’m so cold,” Weiss murmured, and Ruby wrapped her arms around her, pulling her closer.

“You’re not alone,” Ruby whispered back, feeling the tremble of Weiss’s body against hers. They fell asleep that way, with the storm raging outside, their hearts beating in sync, each holding onto the warmth of the other. Tomorrow would bring again the challenge of the abbey’s dark secrets, but for tonight, they had found refuge in each other’s arms.

Chapter Text

The morning sun painted the cell’s stones with a soft glow as Ruby and Weiss awoke, the tension of the night before a silent presence between them. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the warmth of their shared gaze seemed to drive away the cold of the room. But the reality of their situation crashed back as the abbot’s voice echoed through the corridor, calling for them.

“Huntresses! Come quickly!” His urgent tone sent a shiver down Ruby’s spine, and she was out of bed in an instant, pulling her cloak around her. Weiss followed, her hand automatically reaching for her sword.

In the abbot’s office, the mood was grim. His face was etched with lines of worry, and his eyes held a sadness that seemed to have deepened overnight. “Another has fallen,” he announced gravely. “Severinus of Sankt Wendel, our herbalist, was found dead in the garden.”

“Another one?” Weiss gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “What happened?”

The abbot’s expression was pained. “It was the same as before. The marks... they’re not of any Grimm we know.” He paused, looking at them both with a solemnity that seemed to suck the air from the room. “The book, the forbidden knowledge... it’s spreading. We must find it before it’s too late.”

Ruby nodded, her resolve unshaken. “We’re on it,” she said, her voice firm. “This thing ends today. We won’t let anyone else get hurt.”

The abbot’s eyes searched theirs, as if looking for any sign of doubt. “You must be careful,” he warned. “The enemy we face is not just the creature but the one who wields the power of the text.”

As they left the room, the abbey’s cold stones pressed in around them like a tomb. The air was thick with the scent of fear and death, and every shadow seemed to hold the promise of a new horror.

“We can’t waste any more time. Let’s split up,” Ruby said. “I’ll go to the herb garden where Severinus has been found. You go back to the library, and check the secret room again. If I remember well, there were more scrolls on the table. Maybe they can reveal some other secrets. But be careful.”

“I always am,” Weiss smiled, walking away. Ruby sighed and started walking toward the outer courtyard along the walls.

The garden was a mess of crushed plants and torn fabric, the remnants of Severinus’s work scattered like the petals of a trampled flower. Ruby’s heart clenched as she took in the destruction. “This wasn’t just a Grimm,” she murmured to herself. “This was deliberate.”

Her eyes searched the ground, looking for any clue that might lead them to the killer. And there, partially buried in the snow, she found it: a page torn from the forbidden book. Her stomach churned as she read the incantation, the words searing themselves into her memory.

“We have to find the rest of that book,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “Before it’s used to summon another monster.”

Just then, Weiss ran up to her, her face pale. “I found something,” she said, her voice trembling. “But it’s not good.”

In her hand, she held a scroll, its edges singed and blackened. “This is a list of ingredients,” she said, her eyes scanning the parchment. “For the summoning spell. And it looks like... it’s almost complete.”

Ruby’s stomach dropped. “Severinus was killed for his herbs,” she murmured. “That means the summoner is close.”

They rushed to the abbot, their steps echoing through the hallowed halls of the abbey. The scroll trembled in Weiss’s hand as she laid it before the holy man. “We found this,” she said, her voice urgent. “It’s a list of ingredients for the summoning spell. Only one remains unchecked.”

The abbot’s face paled as he studied the scroll. “The dust of a crimson jewel,” he murmured. “The same jewel that adorns Brother Jorge’s neck.”

Ruby’s eyes widened with horror. “The old Jorge? The blind one?” she whispered, disbelief etched on her face. “No, it can’t be.”

The abbot nodded gravely. “He is a wise man, but with bizarre beliefs. I have long suspected him. We must confront him,” he said, his voice heavy with sadness. “If he completes the spell again, it could mean the end of us all.”

They set out through the abbey, their hearts racing. They found Jorge in the scriptorium, the room where the monks copied the ancient texts. His blind eyes seemed to see right through them as they approached. He was surrounded by candles, the crimson jewel on his neck glinting in the flickering light. “So, you’ve found me out,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Ruby’s hand tightened around the hilt of her Crescent Rose. “What have you done?” she demanded.

Jorge’s smile was sad. “Only what I must,” he said. “The world of Remnant is out of balance. The Grimm are being hunted to extinction. And what happens when one part of the ecosystem is removed?”

“You can’t just summon more monsters to ‘rebalance’ the world,” Weiss argued, her sword at the ready. “You’ll only bring more pain and suffering.”

“But isn’t that the cycle of life?” Jorge countered.

Ruby’s eyes narrowed. “We hunt the Grimm to protect innocents, not to control nature!”

Jorge’s smile remained. “Yet your very existence alters the natural order. You think you’re heroes, but you’re just a blight. Adelmus and Severinus agreed with me at first. They gave me access to the book... and the ingredients. But then they got scared. They wanted to tell the abbot everything.”

“You’re insane!” Weiss spat.

He chuckled. “Perhaps. But I’ve seen the prophecies, felt the call of the ancients. The Grimm are not mindless beasts; they’re the purest expression of life’s will to survive. And with this,” he touched the jewel at his neck, “I can bring them back. In numbers you’ve never seen.”

The room grew colder, the air thick with the stench of the forbidden text’s power. Ruby and Weiss could feel the malevolent energy swirling around them, urging them to act.

“We can’t let you do this,” Ruby said, her voice steady.

Jorge’s smile disappeared. “You’re just children playing with fire,” he warned. “You don’t understand the power you meddle with.”

Weiss stepped forward, sword drawn. “We understand enough.”

With a flick of his wrist, Jorge crushed the jewel, and a burst of crimson energy shot towards the ceiling. The room shook, and the air grew thick with the stench of sulfur. The summoning had begun.

From the shadows, twisted creatures emerged, their forms a nightmarish amalgamation of fur, fangs, and claws. Ruby and Weiss stood back to back, their weapons at the ready. “We’re in this together,” Ruby said through gritted teeth.

Weiss nodded, her eyes never leaving the monsters that circled them. “Always.”

The battle was a whirlwind of steel and shadow, the scythe and sword singing a deadly duet. Each creature they faced was more horrifying than the last, but Ruby and Weiss moved as one, their trust in each other unshakeable.

“Cover me!” Ruby shouted as she took on a beast with the speed of a tornado and the claws of a nightmare. Weiss stepped in, her blade flashing like lightning as she shielded Ruby’s back.

“Get back!” Weiss warned as another creature lunged. Ruby rolled aside, her weapon a crimson arc slicing through the creature’s midsection. It shrieked and fell, its life extinguished in a spray of black blood.

They backed towards the library, the heart of the abbey’s knowledge, and the epicenter of the chaos. The shelves trembled with the echoes of their fight, ancient tomes toppling like dominos as the monsters pursued them.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ruby saw the disemboweled bodies of Malachi and Berengar thrown against a wall. The aisles were charged with the energy of the forbidden text. The pages of the book they had been searching for fluttered open, its dark magic calling forth more monstrosities. Jorge cackled, his blind eyes alight with madness.

“You think you can control the natural order?” Ruby yelled, her voice echoing through the chamber. “You’re just a puppet playing with forces you don’t understand!”

“And you think you can stop me?” Jorge’s laughter was like the crack of thunder.

The creatures grew bolder, their numbers overwhelming. Weiss was pushed back, her sword a silver blur as she fended off the relentless attacks. Ruby watched in horror as a monster’s claw swiped towards her friend.

“No!” she screamed, launching herself into the fray. The monster’s head fell, its body collapsing in a heap. Weiss looked at Ruby, her eyes wide with shock and gratitude.

“We can’t keep this up,” Weiss panted. “We have to end this.”

Ruby nodded, her eyes burning with determination.

Then the floor cracked open, and a towering Grimm emerged, its eyes burning with a hunger that could consume the world. But Ruby and Weiss stood firm, stronger than any fear.

“For Remnant!” they shouted in unison, charging towards the creature.

The battle was fierce, their weapons clashing with the Grimm’s unnatural strength. Yet, amidst the chaos, Ruby and Weiss found moments of clarity, their hearts beating in sync.

And as they fought, they saw the truth in each other’s eyes. The love they had kept hidden blossomed in the heat of battle. Somehow, Ruby knew it was the right time. Now or never. And she confessed her feelings.

“Weiss, whatever happens... Just know that I love you,” she said, her voice raw.

Weiss’s eyes searched Ruby’s, finding the truth in her words. “I love you too,” she whispered.

And just there, their love became a beacon, a light in the darkness. The two girls found more strength in each other. The Grimm faltered, its power waning. With a final, desperate strike, Ruby and Weiss brought the creature down.

The room was silent, save for their ragged breaths. The other summoned monsters retreated into the shadows, the spell broken. But how?

The answer came immediately. Among the debris of the crumbled walls, and the library books scattered on the floor, they saw that there also lay the lifeless body of old Jorge, killed by the same monsters he had summoned.

Ruby and Weiss lowered their weapons. Panting, they looked at each other, and after a few seconds their faces relaxed in laughter. But then, uncertainly, they moved closer, each searching the other’s face for that feeling they had just expressed in a moment of danger.

And as they stood there, bathed in the flickering candlelight, they slowly approached each other. Another moment of hesitation, and then they kissed.

It was a kiss filled with hope and promise, a declaration of their unshakeable bond. When they pulled away, their eyes shone with newfound strength. They had faced their fears and found something beautiful amidst the horror.

The abbot approached, his face a mask of sorrow and relief. “Jorge’s madness has cost us dearly,” he murmured, gazing at the lifeless body of the monk. “But his crimes are at an end.”

Ruby looked down at the man who had brought such terror to the abbey. “How could he believe he was doing the right thing?” she wondered aloud.

Weiss sheathed her sword, her voice heavy. “Some men are driven by their own demons,” she said. “And in the end, it consumed him.”

The abbot nodded solemnly. “We must bury our dead and rebuild,” he said. “The knowledge in this library must be protected, but not at the cost of innocent lives.”

The storm outside had passed, the sun peeking through the stained glass windows, casting a warm glow on the cold stone floor. The abbey felt eerily quiet, as if the very walls were mourning the loss of their brethren.

Ruby and Weiss stepped out into the courtyard, the fresh snow crunching under their boots. The air was crisp and clean, a stark contrast to the stench of battle that still lingered in their clothes. The world outside was untouched by the horrors they had faced within the abbey’s walls.

They exchanged a look, the weight of the battle still heavy on their shoulders. They had come to the abbey seeking refuge, but instead found themselves at the center of darkness.

“We’ll report what happened and ensure that the information in that book is kept secure,” Ruby said. “And we’ll honor the lives lost by continuing to protect Remnant.”

The abbot placed a gentle hand on each of their shoulders. “You have done well, huntresses,” he said. “Your hearts are pure, and your intentions noble. May the light of knowledge guide you always.”

They nodded, their resolve stronger than ever. With a lighter heart, they turned to leave the abbey. The journey home was a silent one, their thoughts lost in the swirl of recent events. The crunch of snow beneath their boots was the only sound to break the stillness of the mountains.

As they descended, the world outside the abbey’s walls grew more vibrant. The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the frozen landscape. And the trees, once stark and foreboding, now whispered of new beginnings and the promise of spring.