Arc Two: Mirror, Mirror
Part Five

Celestia and Luna exchanged a look. Words went unspoken between them, their eyes conveying their meanings well enough. “And you saw the entire thing?” Celestia asked. “There was no point where it seemed Weiss was the aggressor?”

Flowers shook his head. “Never, Your Highness. The guards attacked unprovoked. With your permission, I will start a full-scale investigation into this situation. There is obviously a traitor in our midst.”

Luna hummed in thought. “Perhaps, or perhaps there is something else at work. For all we know, this could be an isolated incident. The only ones who know of Weiss's existence are us, the guards, and the other world leaders.”

“That's... Not exactly a small number of beings, Princess Luna.”

“No, it is not,” she began, with a pointed look at Celestia. “But it has not been long enough for the other leaders to tell anypony else — they are all still in Canterlot with their entourage. Nopony would have the time to send an assassin, no less one of a high enough caliber to infiltrate the guard.”

“Indeed.” Celestia cut in, rising from her throne. “Though certain individuals did express their discontent with us keeping Weiss in the castle, I doubt any of them wish her death. We are presented with two options: this attack was an isolated incident, or there are ponies in the guard who knew of Weiss since she arrived on our world, and are plotting to kill her.”

If he had worse self control, Flowers might have laughed.

“I'll look into it immediately.” He said with a smooth voice. “What shall I do with Ms. Schnee?”

“Tell her that she will face no punishment,” Luna began. “However, for the time being, we would like her to stay in her room. Just in case there are others.”

“And we want you to stay on watch outside her room. We cannot risk another attack.”

Flowers nodded as he stood. “Yes, Your Highness. Have a fantastic day.”

Weiss sat on the edge of her bed with her eyes closed and Myrtenaster clutched tightly in her left hand. She took slow, deep breaths and thought of nothing, her mind gone completely blank. She let go of her grief — grief for her friends, her sister, for herself — and her anxieties — anxiety over her situation, the attack, and her next step — and simply let herself be.

She remembered the Grimm she had killed, and the battles that she and her team had won, and the one they lost. Ruby had come up with a ridiculous plan to slay the Nevermore, and it was only a plan Ruby could have come up with. It worked, much to Weiss’ surprise, and teams RWBY and JNPR survived Beacon’s initiation.

And the Boarbatusk from Professor Port’s class — Weiss would never admit it, but she had completely forgotten about that particular Grimm’s weakness. Ruby’s help in that situation proved invaluable and allowed Weiss to prove herself as a true Huntress. At least, that’s how she had seen it at first, but now Weiss understood that she had only proven herself to be immature and conceited.

These Grimm, and her own flaws, were only ever beaten with the help of her friends. But they were not here. Weiss was on her own.

In front of her, a white glyph began to form, the sigil spinning with increased speed every second.

She almost had it. She could feel it.

Only a little more, and-

Knock, knock knock

Weiss gasped and opened her eyes, and the glyph continued to spin as it shrunk into nothing. She looked at the door, and then to the spot where the glyph had been, then back to the door. Three more knocks sounded, and Weiss groaned. She had been so close! She’d never made it that far before. With an annoyed huff, she rose from the bed and stomped over to the door.

When it opened, on the other side stood none other than Princess Luna. Weiss blinked and tilted her head up and down, giving the princess a look-over. Weiss found that she was only a little taller than the Princess, not taking her horn into consideration. It was odd being taller than someone who wasn’t Ruby or Nora.

It was then Weiss realized that she’d been staring.

“O-oh, Princess Luna. Come in...” She said in her ‘prim and proper’ voice, one that she hadn’t needed to use since arriving at Beacon, and stepped aside. Princess Luna offered Weiss a thanks before moving past her and stopping in the center of the room.

“So...” Weiss started, sparing a quick look outside the room. She didn’t see any other ponies, and shut the door. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Princess Luna?” Weiss tried to put on her best smile and posture as she walked over to the princess, who simply smiled back at her - though hers was much more genuine.

“Please, Weiss. I’ve seen your memories. I know when you are putting on an act.” Princess Luna said with a grin, probably meaning it to be funny. But Weiss found herself wincing and stepping back in shock.

“M-My memories? You... you can do that?”

Princess Luna raised an eyebrow. “Hm? You did not-?” Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. “Oh. I am so sorry, Weiss. I didn’t think to ask you if that was okay. I know it does not excuse my actions, but my sister and I have never encountered someone of your species before, and we needed to know if you were a threat - we simply could not wait for you to wake up.”

Weiss crossed her arms and balled her hands into fists. “So that gives you the right to rummage around in my head?”

Luna shook her head. “No, no it does not, and I am truly sorry. I am under no delusions that what I did was okay, or in any way acceptable - however, my sister and I felt that if we were to justify keeping you here, under our care, we needed to know exactly who you are, and what you can do. I understand if-”

“I don’t want to be here!” Weiss found herself shouting - the words had left her mouth before she could stop them. “I want my friends! I want my sister! I never wanted to die, I never wanted to end up here!” Her heart was beating so fast, and so hard, and she found herself breathing heavily. Weiss’ icy blue eyes stared into Luna’s own, and she found that they were a similar shade.

Weiss took in a deep breath and the edges of her vision began to fade into black. Her head felt heavy, and she felt her knees turn to mush. Princess Luna said something, but Weiss did not hear it. Her ears were ringing. Her chest kept rising and falling with her breaths that were too deep.

There was flash of white and Weiss suddenly found herself on her back, lying on the bed with Princess Luna standing to her side. “Control your breathing, Weiss.” She said smoothly. “You’re okay, Weiss. Just breathe. Calmly.” Weiss barely heard the princess’s words, but seemed to register them because she did just that. Her chest began to rise more slowly and fall in a smoother rate.

“I apologise. We were so... so stupid. My sister and I have not handled this situation well. Neither of us know what to do.” As Princess Luna spoke, Weiss could feel the world come back. She could breathe normally, and the blackness began to fade from her vision. Her mouth was too dry to speak, so she let Luna continue. “We rushed into informing the other leaders about you, and we failed to ensure that you were okay. We assumed a lot of things, Weiss. I may have seen your memories, but I realize now that is not a proper substitute for living them - I harshly misjudged the impact all of this had on your psyche. The horrors that your world faces... those Grimm... are unlike anything I have ever seen.

“In my ignorance, I assumed that the comparative pleasantness of this world would be an easy adjustment for you. You and your friends are so strong, and so brave, Weiss. I wish we could have met under different circumstances.” Luna spoke softly, almost like a mother coaxing a child to sleep. But Weiss hung on every word and listened as best she could.

“You...” Weiss rasped. “You... you speak like...”

“Like I understand what you’re going through?” When Weiss nodded, Luna smiled. “I would not say that I exactly, totally understand. But I do know what it is like to suddenly find yourself in a new world, and feel totally lost and alone.”

Luna took in a deep breath and steeled herself. “I was once an evil soul, you see. I did horrible things. I put the entire balance of the world in danger. My sister did what she had to, and as a result, I was imprisoned for over a thousand years.”

Weiss made a noise that sounded vaguely like “Huh?” but a coughing fit interrupted her. Luna levitated a glass of water, and Weiss gladly took it as Luna continued. “It was... overwhelming... just how much the world had changed before my imprisonment. By the time I was fit to rule again, I had no understanding of how things were. How ponies spoke, how Equestria was governed, or even how to act around my sister. How would I go about learning? Everypony was afraid of me, and my sister was walking on eggshells around me. I grew cold. I grew distant from others, and isolated myself. I was the loneliest of all.”

Weiss hummed and locked eyes with Luna, who smiled a small smile. “My sister tried to help. But after a thousand years, we simply did not know each other anymore. However, one evening, she recommended that I take a trip to a town called Ponyville, and meet up with the pony that had saved me from my evil soul. That pony helped me make friends. She helped me grow closer to my subjects. And before the night was over, I understood this new Equestria. My sister and I have since rekindled our bond. And it was all thanks to my friends.”

Friends. Weiss desperately wished hers were here. She closed her eyes and sighed. “Why are you telling me this? Are you trying to make up for getting into my head? Because its not working.”

Luna simply shook her head. “No, no, Weiss. I am not telling you to make up for that - I know that was wrong, and I promise not to do it again. No, I am telling you this because I want you to know that if there is anypony on this world that can relate to what you are going through, it is me.”

Weiss propped herself up with her elbows and shot a glare at the Princess, who took a polite step back. “What, you’re asking me to be your friend? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m not even allowed to leave this floor. If anything, I’m a prisoner here. I was attacked by your guards! Why would I ever-”

Luna interrupted, though never raising her voice. “I am not asking for your friendship. I am just letting you know that I know, Weiss. I had friends when I was imprisoned. Ponies that I cared about. When I returned, they were long gone. I do not claim this to be a perfect analogy, but it is close enough.

“I want you to be okay, Weiss. I want you to recover. I know from experience that just talking to somepony can make all the difference. So when you feel up to it, I will be here to listen to you. You do not have to right away. But I will be here when you need me.” Luna smiled warmly, and Weiss let herself fall back onto the bed with a sigh.

“I...” It had been hard enough to open up to her team. How was she expected to adjust to this? “I... What... What happened with Captain Flowers? He told you about the guards that attacked me.”

Luna raised an eyebrow but did not comment on the change of subject. “Captain Flowers is investigating the incident, and will remain on your watch at all times. I have personally selected others to keep guard if he is unable. Weiss, I apologize for being so blunt, but are you aware that you killed one of your attackers?”

Weiss took in a sharp breath and her eyes widened. “I... n... no, I...” How did she do that? She never landed any killing blows. But.. the ice. The one she froze was screaming. But by the time she left, he had stopped. She had never killed anyone before, and her ice glyphs had never done such things on Remnant...

... On Remnant. Where there is Aura.

“No, Princess, I... I didn’t mean to. I didn’t think about...” She had never even considered that her attacks could kill here. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to kill him. I... At home, my attack never would have...”

“Do not worry yourself, Weiss. It was in self-defense. You have nothing to fear.” Luna’s smile returned. “I know that your world’s inhabitants have Aura. This world has no such thing. It is regrettable that both guards are dead, but neither’s demise was your fault.”

Weiss shot up and locked her eyes with Luna’s. “What?”

“Hm?”

“Did you say that both guards are dead?”

Luna nodded and placed a hoof on Weiss’ shoulder. “Yes. Do not worry, his death was not a result of your actions. After you left and Captain Flowers was alone with him, the guard attacked in an attempt to escape. Flowers was forced to defend himself. We are still investigating this incident, of course, but I trust Captain Flowers completely. His family has been serving my sister and I for generations.”

Weiss nodded and stood, Luna taking a step back as she did so. “Are you okay to stand, Weiss?” Luna asked. Weiss nodded and took a deep breath.

“So, is Flowers outside this room now?” Weiss asked, glancing at the door.

“Yes, he is.”

Weiss said nothing for a short while, and simply stared at the door. It was hard to imagine Flowers killing another pony - hell, it was hard to imagine something like murder could even exist in a place as cartoony as this- with his nice demeanour and pleasant speech. But he was a guard, so he obviously had some sort of fighting spirit.

Weiss sighed. “... Okay... Okay. Princess Luna, thanks for trying to make me feel... more comfortable. I don’t know if I really trust you yet, but I’ll cooperate with you. I guess I wouldn’t mind talking to you about things, every once in awhile.” Weiss said with her arms crossed.

Princess Luna’s smile widened. “That’s all I can ask for, Weiss.”

“I do have one condition, though.”

“Name it. I’ll do everything in my power.”

“I want you to help me find a way home.”

Arc Two: Mirror, Mirror

Part Five End

Author's Note

So sorry this took so long. A combination of depression and college, and family issues, and... really just a lot of stuff. This story was put on hiatus while I sorted myself out.

But now the story's back!

Mirror, Mirror probably won't be much longer - maybe three or four chapters.

See you later.
-Qrow