Previously on "The Hidden Secrets"
"Can we talk?" she asked softly, her eyes meeting his. "I... I think I need to tell you something. Something I've been hiding."
Edward's heart skipped a beat. For a moment, he was unsure if he should be excited or scared. Ruby was opening up to him—finally—but what was she going to say?
Now back to the story.
Ruby's words hung in the air, a mix of vulnerability and tension. Edward's heart pounded in his chest as he stood there, unsure of what to do next. This was the moment he'd been waiting for—the moment Ruby would finally talk to him. But something in her voice made it clear that whatever she was about to say, it wasn't going to be easy.
She glanced around the hallway, as if making sure no one was listening. Then, with a quiet sigh, she motioned for Edward to follow her. "Come on. I think we should talk somewhere... private."
Edward nodded, his mind racing. 'What could she possibly need to tell me?' he thought, a thousand questions flooding his mind. He followed her as they slipped down a quieter hallway, away from the crowd of students rushing to leave. The distant hum of the school seemed to fade as they reached an empty classroom. Ruby stepped inside, glancing around nervously before closing the door behind them.
She leaned against the desk, arms crossed tightly, her eyes avoiding him. "I—" She stopped, took a deep breath, and started again. "I'm sorry I've been distant lately. It's just... I've been dealing with some stuff, and I didn't know how to talk about it."
Edward stepped closer, trying to meet her gaze. "You don't have to apologise, Ruby. I just want to understand. What's going on?"
Ruby took a shaky breath, her gaze still lowered, as if trying to gather the strength to speak without breaking down. Edward could see the years of hurt, the years of being pushed around and made to feel like she didn't belong.
"They've been doing this for a long time," Ruby said softly, finally looking up at him, her silver eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and a small amount of hope. "Before I even knew you... before I even came to Signal, I was already dealing with this kind of stuff. The bullying. The teasing. It wasn't always as bad as it is now, but it's been there, lurking in the background."
Edward felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Ruby had always seemed so cheerful, so full of life, that the idea of her suffering in silence seemed almost impossible… almost "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice a little rough, as if the thought of Ruby being mistreated hurt him more than he'd anticipated.
Ruby exhaled slowly, her fingers gripping the edge of the desk in front of her. "At first, it wasn't that obvious. Just small things. People would make little comments about my eyes or call me 'ghost girl' or 'vampire' because of how pale I look. And, yeah, I'd just brush it off. You know, I figured it was just my friends trying to be funny. But it didn't stay like that."
Her voice faltered slightly as she continued, and Edward's chest tightened. "It started with the looks. Then came the whispers behind my back. The way people would pretend to talk about something else, but I'd catch their eyes flicking to me. I thought maybe I was imagining it, but then it just got worse."
Ruby paused, her hands trembling slightly. "I remember this one time... I was walking down the hall, minding my own business, when a group of girls from the other classes stopped in front of me. They didn't say anything at first. Just stood there, staring at me like I was some kind of freak. Then one of them, this girl named Eliza, started laughing. She said, 'Look at her. Who let a ghost into the school? Do you think she's some kind of monster? I'm surprised the teachers haven't kicked her out yet.'"
Edward felt a surge of anger at the words, but Ruby's face remained calm, almost resigned. "I tried to ignore them, but Eliza kept going. She got louder and louder until the whole hallway was staring at me. I couldn't even run away. Everyone was watching. And the worst part was... no one stepped in. No one told her to stop, not even my friends, who kept 'borrowing' my things. I only realised later that they were selling them."
Ruby took another deep breath. "That was just one of the first times. But after that, it was like the floodgates opened. Every day there was something new. I'd find my things thrown out of my locker, or my homework ripped up and scattered across the hall. People would draw pictures of me with fangs and call me 'the vampire' or worse... I even had some of the guys from the upper years 'accidentally' bump into me when I was in the hall, just to knock me off balance and watch me fall." She clenched her fists, her knuckles white. "It's like they get a thrill out of seeing me hurt."
Edward felt a deep pit form in his stomach as he listened to Ruby's words. How could anyone do that to her? The idea that she'd been suffering in silence for so long, and he hadn't even noticed, made him feel like he'd failed her somehow.
Ruby looked at him now, her eyes full of something close to insanity. "I didn't want to tell anyone. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, you know? I kept thinking it would stop if I just ignored it long enough. But the more I ignored it, the worse it got. The bullying got personal… They'd make fun of my eyes every chance they got… and about… But it wasn't just about that anymore. It was about making me feel like I didn't belong here—like I was always going to be an outsider."
Edward's throat felt tight as he took a step forward, unable to hold back the surge of protectiveness that had built up inside him. He wanted to say something, anything, to make her feel better, but words didn't seem enough so he just wrapped her up in a tight hug.
Ruby let out a quiet, bitter laugh mist with small tears, though it held no humour. "I don't know why they do this. I guess they think I'm different. That my eyes are freaky. And maybe they think it makes me weaker, or easier to target. Or maybe it's because they just enjoy making someone feel small. I don't know. But I've learned to keep my head down, just keep going through the motions."
She wiped away a stray tear but they kept falling for a while longer, her face turning slightly red. "And then when you came along... I thought maybe things would get better. I thought maybe someone would actually care. But now, I feel like I've just dragged you into it. You don't deserve to be around all of this… Yo-you shouldnt be around a useless… failure like me… "
Edward's heart clenched. "Ruby, you didn't drag me into anything," he said firmly, hugging her even tighter. "This is not your fault. You're not the one causing this. The people who are bullying you—they're the ones who need to be held accountable. You deserve to feel safe here. And I... I don't care about your eyes. I care about you so never ever call yourself a failure or useless."
Ruby looked up at him, her silver eyes wide, a mixture of disbelief and hope flickering across her face with tears falling again. "Y-you really mean that?"
Edward nodded, his voice steady. "I do. No matter what happens, I've got your back. And if they don't stop, we'll make them. No one should have to go through this. Not you. Not anyone."
Ruby's breath caught in her throat, and for the first time, she let herself smile—just a little, but enough to make Edward's heart swell. "You... Do you really want to help?"
"Of course I do," Edward said, his voice softer now. "We can't let them get away with this. But we can't do it alone. If they think they can bully you just because you're different... Well, they're wrong. No one gets to make you feel like you don't belong, hell we'll even get Lewis involved."
Ruby hesitated, glancing down at the floor, but when she looked back up, there was something brighter in her eyes—something that hadn't been there before. "You really think we can do that? Stand up to them?"
"I know we can," Edward said, more sure of himself than he'd felt in a long time. "We don't have to let them win. We just need to stand together."
For the first time in a long while, Ruby let out a breath that sounded like relief. "Thanks, Edward. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You don't have to worry about that," he replied with a small smile. "You're not alone anymore. We'll face this together."
The next few days felt like there's a quiet storm brewing in the halls of Signal. Ruby's confession had shaken Edward in ways he hadn't expected. It's one thing to have faced bullying but it was another thing entirely to learn that someone you cared about had been silently suffering, day after day, without anyone standing up for them. But now, Edward had made up his mind. He wasn't going to let this go on any longer.
Ruby seemed quieter than usual, still processing everything, but there was a spark in her eyes that hadn't been there before. She was beginning to realise she didn't have to face this alone, and Edward was determined to make sure she felt that way, every step of the way.
The next afternoon, they found themselves sitting in the cafeteria again. The same place where the bullying had started. Edward had invited Ruby to sit with him and Lewis, hoping that a little normalcy might help ease her nerves. The table was quiet for the moment—Lewis was busy with his usual antics, chatting about his latest training sessions and asking Edward if he wanted to join in on a sparring match later. But Ruby was lost in thought, poking at her food.
Edward leaned in a little, his voice low but steady. "Are you ready for the plan?"
Ruby glanced up at him, then nodded, though there was still some hesitation in her eyes. "I guess so. I mean... I know it's the right thing to do, but... I don't know. What if nothing changes?"
Edward frowned. "We'll make it change. We don't have to let them get away with it. Besides, if you don't say anything, they'll just keep picking on you. And we're not going to let that happen."
Ruby bit her lip, looking down at her plate again. She seemed lost in thought, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her tray. "What if this just... makes it worse? What if they target you because you're helping me?"
Edward paused, considering that possibility. It was a valid fear. He'd seen how bullies worked—they didn't stop once they had a target. But that didn't mean they had to win.
"Ruby," he said, his voice firm, "you shouldn't have to deal with this alone. And if they think they can make it worse for me, then they don't know who they're messing with." He gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll stick by you, no matter what."
Ruby finally looked up, meeting his gaze. Her eyes softened, and a small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Thanks, Edward. I don't know how you can be so... sure about all this. But I really appreciate it."
Before Edward could respond, a voice from across the room interrupted them. "Well, well. Look who's sitting together again. The 'Ghost Girl' and her new little sidekicks."
Edward stiffened, his head turning toward the source of the voice. It was Eliza—the girl Ruby had mentioned, the one who had been tormenting her since the first day. She was flanked by two other students from a higher year, both of them wearing smirks that made Edward's blood boil.
Eliza's eyes gleamed with malicious intent as she strolled over blocking Edward's view of Ruby by leaning on the table. "You know," she said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness, "It's cute how you think you're going to fix anything. But everyone knows the truth about her, don't they?" She then flicked her gaze toward Ruby, her smile turning cruel. "I mean, it's not like people want her around anyway. She's nothing more than a pity case."
Ruby flinched at those words, her face reddening, but she tried not to shrink away. Edward could see her fists clenching near her food tray, and for a moment, he thought she might snap just like when he was younger. But then, surprisingly, Ruby sat up straighter, her voice calm but steady as she spoke as though devoid of emotion. "You're wrong, Eliza. I do belong here. And I'm not a pity case. So maybe you should think about that before you say anything else."
Eliza's smirk faltered, but only for a second before it returned, more venomous than before. "Oh, really? Well, let's see how long that confidence lasts when everyone turns on you, freak." She glanced at her friends, who snickered behind her, obviously enjoying the spectacle.
Edward's temper flared, but Ruby's hand shot out to stop him before he could say anything. She shook her head slightly, giving him a look that said, Let it go, for now. She wasn't done yet.
"Listen," Ruby continued, her voice a little louder now, drawing the attention of a few nearby students, "I'm not going to fight with you. I'm not going to waste my time with people like you." She stood up, her shoulders squared, her eyes meeting Eliza's with an unflinching gaze. "But if you think you can push me around forever, you're wrong. You can keep calling me whatever you want, but it doesn't matter anymore. I'm done being scared."
There was a brief, stunned silence as Eliza's expression flickered with surprise. It wasn't often anyone stood up to her, especially not Ruby. But Ruby didn't back down. Instead, she grabbed her tray and turned to walk away, her back straight, her head held high.
Edward stood up quickly, following her with one last glance at Eliza, who was staring after them, eyes narrowing. But he didn't care. What mattered now was Ruby and his plan. And Ruby had just taken a huge step forward in facing down the people who had been tormenting her.
Once they were out of the cafeteria and in the quieter hallway, Ruby stopped and leaned against the wall, letting out a long breath. "I didn't think I had it in me to say that," she muttered, half to herself. "But... It felt good. Going against her."
Edward smiled, walking up beside her and leaned on the same wall. "You were amazing. I'm proud of you."
Ruby glanced at him, her smile hesitant but real. "Thanks. It wasn't easy, though. But you were right. I don't have to put up with it. I'm not just going to let them keep making me feel like I'm nothing."
Edward gave a nod of approval. "That's the spirit. And we're not done yet. We're going to make sure they can't keep bullying you."
Ruby looked at him, determined. "Yeah. Let's do it."
As Ruby was talking with Edward she seemed to have forgotten about Lewis who was also sitting at the same table as them, Edward however did not as this was going all according to plan especially when he heard the teachers yell of "WHAT IN OUMS NAME HAPPENED HERE!!!" Thankfully Ruby didn't notice as Edward had placed his headphones on her and made her listen to some of his music of course she doesn't know this only Lewis knows about who made the music.
In the cafeteria when Ruby and Edward had left everybody has seemed to have forgotten about Lewis so clearing his voice he stated with hidden anger "You know" In the same tone dripping with mock sweetness that Eliza had used before going back in a serious voice "Ruby might not be willing to fight with you or waste her time with people like you but… that doesn't mean her friends wouldn't." That was the only warning Eliza got before Lewis effortlessly flipped the table he had been sitting at, sending trays and cutlery clattering to the floor. The noise silenced the cafeteria, and all eyes turned toward him. His usually jovial demeanour had been replaced by an icy calm that made even the boldest students hesitate.
Eliza blinked, clearly taken aback. "What do you think you're doing?" she snapped, though her voice wavered just enough to betray her unease.
Lewis stepped forward, his movements deliberate and precise, like a predator stalking prey. "I think you've misunderstood something," he said, his voice low but carrying easily in the tense silence. "Ruby might not want to fight you, but I don't have her patience. You've crossed a line, Eliza." He repeated this time lacking any patience.
Eliza glanced at her friends for support, but neither of them moved. They seemed just as stunned as the rest of the cafeteria. Lewis continued, taking another step forward, his presence dominating the room.
"You think you're untouchable," he said, his tone calm yet laced with malice. "That you can say and do whatever you want because no one's ever stood up to you. But here's the thing—you're pathetic. And if you ever, ever mess with Ruby again, you'll find out just how wrong you are."
Eliza opened her mouth to retort, but Lewis wasn't finished. "You see, I'm not like Edward. I don't care about playing nice or giving you a chance to apologise. If you ever hurt my friends, there's no coming back from that." His gaze hardened, and for a moment, the confident bully looked genuinely scared.
The cafeteria was deathly silent as Lewis turned and walked out, leaving the overturned table and the stunned crowd behind. Whispers started to spread as the tension broke, and Eliza's friends awkwardly tried to pull her away, clearly wanting to avoid any further confrontation.
Meanwhile, outside in the hallway, Ruby was oblivious to the chaos Lewis had just caused. Ruby was still leaning against the wall, her expression a mixture of relief and determination after listening to the songs, taking the headphones off she handed them back to Edward.
"Edward," she said, breaking the silence, "thank you for being here for me. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Edward gave her a reassuring smile. "You're stronger than you think, Ruby. You just needed a little reminder of that."
Ruby nodded, her smile growing a little more confident. "Well, I guess it's time to see how this plan of yours will play out."
Edward chuckled, glancing down the hallway. "Oh, I think it's already in motion." As if on cue, Lewis appeared, his usual grin back in place as he strolled up to them.
"Sorry I'm late," he said casually, though there was a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Had to take care of something."
Ruby raised an eyebrow, but Edward only smirked knowingly. "All good?" he asked. Lewis shrugged. "Let's just say Eliza might think twice before trying anything again." Ruby looked between them, confused. "What do you mean? What happened?"
Lewis waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing you need to worry about. Just making sure the message was clear." He grinned at her. "You're not alone anymore, Ruby. We've got your back."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Ruby felt a spark of hope. With Edward and Lewis by her side, maybe things really could change. And maybe—just maybe—she could finally start to believe in herself again.
The trio walked down the hallway, the air between them lighter than it had been in weeks. Ruby felt the knot of tension in her chest loosen a little more with every step. It wasn't gone completely—Eliza and her cronies wouldn't just disappear—but for the first time, Ruby felt like she could breathe.
They reached the courtyard, where the crisp autumn air carried the faint scent of fallen leaves. Edward and Lewis took seats on one of the low stone walls surrounding the area, but Ruby hesitated, glancing around nervously.
"Relax," Edward said, patting the space next to him. "Eliza's not going to follow you out here. And even if she did…" He gave Lewis a pointed look. Lewis smirked, cracking his knuckles in an exaggerated display. "Yeah, I don't think she's in the mood for round two."
Ruby rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling a little as she sat down. "I appreciate you guys, but I don't want this to turn into a fight every time she shows up."
"It won't," Edward assured her. "The point isn't just to shut her up—it's to show her and everyone else that you're not alone. People like Eliza thrive on fear and isolation. Once they see they can't corner you anymore, they'll back off."
Ruby nodded slowly. It made sense, but that didn't make it any less intimidating. "So, what's next?" she asked, glancing at Edward. "You said you had a plan." Edward leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Yeah. Step one was standing up to her, which you nailed today. But step two… that's going to take a little more effort."
Ruby tilted her head. "What's step two?" Lewis chimed in, his grin widening. "Taking away her audience." Ruby frowned. "What do you mean?"
Edward explained, "Bullies like Eliza rely on an audience to validate their behaviour. The more people laugh, agree, or stay silent, the more power she has. If we can show everyone that it's okay to stand up to her, she'll lose that power."
Ruby raised an eyebrow. "And how do we do that?" Lewis grinned mischievously. "Public humiliation works wonders." Edward shot him a look. "We're not sinking to her level." Though Lewis can tell the hidden meaning thanks to their long friendship 'Alest don't do it infront of Ruby' was the hidden meaning.
"Fine, fine," Lewis said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Your way, then." as he didnt want to get in the way of Edward's plans with Ruby.
Edward turned back to Ruby. "We're going to start small. Build some support. You're not the only one Eliza's bullied, right?"
Ruby shook her head. "No… she's gone after a few other people. Mostly quiet ones who don't fight back."
"Exactly," Edward said. "If we can get them to join us—show them that it's safe to speak out—then Eliza's going to have a harder time picking her targets."
Ruby hesitated. "What if they're too scared to stand up to her?"
"That's where we come in," Edward said. "We'll back them up, just like we did for you. And once people see that Eliza isn't as untouchable as she pretends to be, the tide will turn."
Ruby thought about it for a moment. It was a bold plan, but it made sense. She just wasn't sure if she had the courage to lead the charge. "Do you really think this will work?"
Edward smiled at her. "I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't. You've already taken the hardest step, Ruby. Now we just need to keep the momentum going."
Ruby looked at Lewis, who gave her a thumbs-up. "I'm in," he said reassuringly. "Let's knock her down a peg." Ruby took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Okay. Let's do it."
As the lunch bell rang, signalling the end of the break, the trio headed back into the school building, joining the flow of students returning to their afternoon classes. Signal Academy's halls buzzed with activity, the echoes of conversations and hurried footsteps filling the air. Ruby, a first-year at Signal, stuck close to Edward and Lewis, both second-years though Edward has only been in Signal for only two days. Their taller frames and easy confidence made her feel safer, even if she was still nervous about facing the rest of the day.
Edward glanced at Ruby as they walked. "Remember," he said quietly, "we're sticking to the plan. One step at a time."
Ruby nodded, clutching her backpack and books tightly that she got from her locker even if it was proven not to be a safe place to store her belongings. "Yeah. I just… hope it works."
"It will," Edward assured her. "Just keep your head up."
Lewis, walking slightly ahead, turned to grin over his shoulder. "And if anyone gives you trouble, well, you've got me. My reputation alone should scare them off." He winked as thanks to his memories he knows everything this body has done, and Ruby couldn't help but giggle despite herself.
"Thanks, Lewis," she said softly, feeling a little braver with them by her side.
Their first class after lunch was Combat Theory, held in one of Signal's spacious training halls. Ruby slid into her seat at the front, while Edward and Lewis took their usual spots near the back, exchanging waves before the instructor entered. Professor Wick strode in with her usual no-nonsense energy, her sharp eyes scanning the room before launching into a lecture about the fundamentals of combat.
Ruby tried to focus, but her thoughts kept drifting back to lunch. Standing up to Eliza had felt incredible—terrifying, but incredible. But what if Eliza decided to retaliate? What if the other students just stood by and let her? She tapped her pencil nervously against her notebook, barely registering the words on the page.
From his seat, Edward noticed Ruby's distraction. Catching her eye, he gave her an encouraging thumbs-up. Ruby blinked, then smiled slightly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She wasn't alone anymore, and that made all the difference.
When class ended, they regrouped in the hallway before their practical combat session. Lewis slung an arm over Edward's shoulder. "Think we'll get paired up for sparring today?" he asked. "I could use the workout."
Edward smirked. "You just want an excuse to show off." then elbowed him a little in the ribs. "Guilty as charged," Lewis said, grinning.
Ruby chuckled, the tension easing from her shoulders as the three of them headed for the training grounds. Signal's outdoor arena was buzzing with activity as students warmed up and instructors set up for drills. Ruby felt a familiar mix of excitement and nerves; combat practice was her favourite part of the day, but she still struggled with confidence especially when her Uncle Qrow isn't the instructor.
"Alright, everyone!" Instructor Holt's booming voice silenced the chatter, also making Ruby more nervous. "We'll be doing paired sparring today. First-years with first-years, second-years with second-years. Find your partner and get to it!"
Ruby glanced around, relieved to see that her partner was a friendly girl named Vera. The two of them exchanged nods before heading to an open sparring circle. Nearby, Edward and Lewis squared off, their playful banter drawing a small crowd of onlookers.
The session passed quickly, with Ruby finding herself more focused than usual. Vera was a skilled opponent, and their match pushed Ruby to test her limits. By the time Holt called an end to the drills, Ruby was sweaty and tired but also exhilarated. She could see Edward and Lewis grinning at her from across the field, clearly proud of her.
As they packed up to leave, Ruby felt a renewed sense of determination. She still had a long way to go, both in combat and in facing down Eliza, but with Edward and Lewis by her side, she felt like she could handle whatever came next.
For now, though, she was content to savour this moment—a small victory in a much larger battle. And as they walked back, laughing and joking, Ruby couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.
3rd P.O.V after Signal as Lewis is heading home in a bullhead lost in thought as he is still adapting to Remnant and his new body and memories.
The low hum of the bullhead's engines filled the cabin, a steady drone that might have lulled someone else into sleep. But for Lewis, rest remained elusive. His tired blue eyes, flecked faintly with green, stared out of the window at the drifting clouds of Vale's sky, though his focus was somewhere far beyond.
The body he inhabited—Lewis Ironsmyth's body—felt unfamiliar, even after spending a whole day of living in it. His pale, delicate hands rested in his lap, the faint scars on his palms a reminder of hours spent learning the craft of smithing. They felt foreign, like gloves that didn't quite fit. Every sensation, every movement, carried a dissonance he couldn't shake.
In his past life—his true life—he hadn't been Lewis Ironsmyth. He had lived another existence, in another world entirely, with its own rules and realities. Memories of that life were a fractured mosaic now, edges blurred and pieces missing. But some things were clear: the warmth of his old home, the laughter of loved ones, and the simple comfort of being himself. Those memories haunted him, clashing against the reality of this new life; at least he still had Edward, someone who has stuck with him through everything.
Lewis adjusted the cuffs of his formal shirt, the polished fabric as stiff and constraining as the persona he now wore. His reflection in the window stared back at him, the noble demeanour of the young smith in Patch—practised smile and all. It wasn't him, not really. It was Lewis Ironsmyth, heir to a proud family legacy, prodigy smith, and Signal Academy student.
The bullhead jolted slightly, descending as it neared his home. Lewis barely noticed, lost in thought. His Semblance, Ownership, had felt like a cruel joke at first. It wasn't a skill or power he would have dreamed of in his past life. The ability to claim and summon what he "owned" felt absurdly fitting for a boy born into privilege and legacy. But it also felt disturbingly convenient—like this life had been crafted around him, rather than for him.
The realisation hit him hard every time he used it. Each summon, each manifestation, carried a strange weight. The weapons and tools he summoned weren't his, not really. They belonged to Lewis Ironsmyth, the boy whose body and name he now bore. The thought was a constant reminder of his displacement, of his stolen identity yet he was also able to summon things from his past life from the things Edward had handed to him to a whole house though he didn't summon it he can instinctively feel what he will be summoning.
Home loomed closer as the bullhead began its descent, the family workshop visible in the distance. The soft glow of the forge's light spilled out into the twilight, a beacon of both comfort and pressure.
Lewis's father would likely be there, hunched over some intricate weapon design. His mother, meticulous and patient, would be overseeing the finishing touches on an ornate blade destined for some noble or Huntsman. They would greet him with warmth, yes, but also expectation. How was his progress at Signal? Had he practised his craft? Was he living up to the Ironsmyth name?
A lump formed in his throat. He knew they cared for him, but their pride in the family legacy was a heavy chain around his neck. And then there were his sisters—if they noticed his struggles, they never said. Perhaps they thought his tiredness and oddities were part of his adjustment to life in Vale.
How could he explain the truth to them? That the boy they loved, the son and brother they cherished, wasn't him? That the real Lewis Ironsmyth was gone, and someone else had taken his place?
As the bullhead landed with a soft thud, Lewis rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and careful. The cool evening air greeted him as he stepped onto the landing platform, his breath misting faintly in the chill. He pulled his formal jacket tighter around him, the noble attire doing little to shield him from the cold—or from the weight of his thoughts.
The path home stretched before him, lined with the familiar sights of Patch. He walked slowly, his mind churning. Was it fair to live this life as if it were his own? To take on the role of Lewis Ironsmyth, to try and mould himself into a son worthy of his family's expectations? Or was he destined to remain an impostor, trapped in a story that wasn't his?
The workshop's light spilled across the path as he approached, and the sounds of hammers and metal greeted him. His mother stepped into view, her face lighting up at the sight of him. "Welcome home, Lewis," she said warmly, wiping her hands on a cloth.
For a moment, he hesitated. Then he forced the practised smile back onto his face. "I'm home," he replied, the words heavy with unspoken truths.
As he stepped into the warmth of the forge, the mask of Lewis Ironsmyth settled firmly in place once more. But beneath it, the boy who had once been someone else grappled with the weight of his new life—and the question of who he was meant to do he just hoped that Edward would have the answers he was searching for considering he's lived here longer then he has there was also the constant fear that he wouldn't be able to protect Ruby just like how he failed to protect his own Ruby, his precious little gem of a daughter.