Chapter Text
In a pit of darkness Ruby stood silently, watching as something moved around her.
She could feel its forcipules crawled around her back, moving like a centipede, dark ooze come out of it's body as it moved. Ruby could see the ooze come close to her, but instinct told her not to touch it.
She could not speak, she could not think, she could not even move.
All she could do was watch as the beast shifted around her, all whilst she lay as helpless as a fly caught in a spiders web.
Soon, she could hear a growling noise barely making it into Ruby's ears. The beast was observing her, looking for something beyond what she knew.
A screeching noise suddenly pierced through the darkness. The beast and its roar glitched and crackled, like a broken radio, as she could see the body of the beast twitch around her. After a while though, the noise stopped. For a moment the beast had also stopped moving, an unsettling silence growing over the area.
A pair of eyes with black sclerae and dark ruby irises looked directly at Ruby. It watched her for a while, as if amused by her continued existence. Eventually, it seemed to be bored of her, and the eyes slipped back into the darkness.
But not without a parting message.
"6 months, my child."
The day is the 18th of Harvest, 86 years after the Peace of Vytal.
Ruby woke up with a start.
What was that?
Ruby felt like she just woke up from a very long dream. She didn't really think much about her dreams, since she never usually remembered them and most of the time weren't especially deep, but for some reason she couldn't explain, last night's dream was terrifying.
Looking outside the window, she could see the mockingbirds on a nearby window singing in the early morning twilight. Just another normal day in Remnant. Nothing to worry about.
A shout came from downstairs, "Hey Ruby! Are you up!? I need some help with studying, could you come downstairs?"
That must be Yang, might as get up now and go help her, Ruby thought groggily.
"Alright! Give me a second, I just woke up!", Ruby called back. She stumbled out of bed and began to change into her usual outfit.
Today was the day when Yang was going to take the last exam to get accepted into Beacon, her exam was supposed to begin at 12 pm, and right now it was around 9 am.
She still has some time to cram before going.
Heading downstairs, Ruby spotted both Yang and her father, Tai Xiao Long. Yang was at the table studying whilst Tai was making breakfast.
Tai greeted her, "Good morning, Ruby! So glad you could join us! Your sister needs a little help studying, but I'm a bit busy right now. Mind helping her?"
"Yeah, I'll help her. don't worry Dad, I've got it"
"Thanks, champ! Now, I've gotta focus on these pancakes, can't let both of you go hungry!" He went back to wrestling with the stove.
Ruby rolled her eyes, before going and sitting down at the table. "What do you need help with, Yang?"
"Hey lil sis! Uh, could you quiz me with these flashcards? I'm mainly done, just need some last minute prep before I have to go." Yang passed her a couple of hastily made flashcards.
"No problem. Alright lets see..." Looking through the stack, she spotted what looked like an easy one.
"Alright, uh, what are Grimm attracted by?"
Yang grinned before replying, "C'mon, you have to go harder than that, lil sis! Grimm are usually attracted to fear and negative emotions. Aura, in particular, is also thought to attract Grimm, but this is a misconception. While Grimm can sense Aura, it doesn't actually attract them, rather, it just helps them pinpoint the location of any prey that appear. Strong Huntsmen and Huntresses in particular have been seen to use their Aura to confuse Grimm and protect innocents."
Tai shouted from the kitchen. "Yeah! You got that right Yang! That's why you guys won't have to worry about any Grimm while I'm here! Dad will protect yall if any big scary Grimm come along!"
Ruby and Yang looked at each other with an unimpressed look.
Ruby, coughing up a little, continued. Looks like I'll have to go a little harder, also I'm going to have to change the subject before both of us die from embarrassment.
"What are named Grimm?"
Yang thought about the question for a second before replying. "Aren't they special types of uh...Grimm? They're...special...somehow...yeah I've got nothing for this one." Yang threw her hands up in the air.
Ruby looked at the answer. "They're Grimm formed when a large number of similar Grimm fuse together. They're extremely powerful and capable of taking out entire cities on their own, with only a few select Huntsmen and Huntresses being capable of bringing one down. That brings me to my next question, when was the last time a Named Grimm was brought down?"
Yang suddenly smiled. "It's when Glynda Goodwitch brought down Fenrir, around 4 years ago. Remember that Ruby? It was national news for weeks! She's currently a teacher at Beacon, where I'll be going!"
"Where you'll only be going if you eat breakfast!" Tai came over and shoved a plate of pancakes onto the table. "Empty stomachs don't help on test days, trust me, I know! Now cmon, eat up! We'll have to get going soon for your exam."
Yang rolled her eyes as both her and Ruby began to scarf down on the pancakes. Looking to the side, Ruby spotted Tai watching the news.
"On today's news, a protest for Faunus admission into Beacon went violent as a mob of counter-protestors defended themselves from the Faunus protestors. Around 87 Faunus protestors and unfortunately 17 counter protestors are currently dead from the fighting, with thousands more injured. It is believed that the White Fang had a role in influencing the protests, which the Government of Vale has used in order to shut down the Flegia district in Vale. Around 500 protestors are currently in custody for attempted acts of violence. Vacuo and Mistral have condemned the violence, calling for restraint on both sides, while Atlas has remained silent so far." The news reporter spoke, then moving on to other news.
The White Fang... Ruby knew that the White Fang was a terrorist organization that was adamant on advancing Faunus rights. She didn't know the whole specifics, but after the Atlesian invasion of Menagerie the organization went from a peaceful organization to a actively violent one. They were infamous for their activities, and there was an active campaign in Vale and Atlas to try and stamp them out. Ruby felt a bit sorry for the Faunus and their situation, but she didn't excuse the Fang's violent actions.
"Whatcha thinking about sis?"
Ruby looked over to see Yang, with her face stuffed with pancakes, looking at her.
"Uh, nothing. I was just thinking about the news." Ruby looked away.
"Oh, the White Fang, right?" Yang, finished swallowing her pancakes before looking at the TV. "Yeah, its a pretty bad situation. Remember when they even attacked Patch a while back?"
Ruby grimaced. She was young at the time, but she remembered the screams and her father hiding them in the basement as he went to fight them off. "Not much...but I remember the screams and the fire, us hiding in the basement while Dad fought. Dad still has the scar he got from fighting one of their commanders."
Yang leaned back, closing her eyes. "432 people massacred in a night. It was the first time I saw Dad actually be angry. Thank the Gods that Vale managed to get word and send their military, or else the island would have been completely destroyed. I remember coming to school and looking at the empty desks, they all had flowers on them. You can't justify killing that many people indiscriminately, especially children. I hope that Vale and Atlas can destroy them soon, I don't want to have to come home and find it destroyed, you know?"
Ruby nodded, before picking up her plates. "C'mon, wipe that mood off your face. We gotta go drop you off remember? You'll need all the luck you can get in passing the final exam."
Yang laughed as she got up. "Dad! We gotta go, stop watching the TV!"
"Coming!"
As the three of them got in the car and began driving to the testing center, Ruby watched as Yang fidgeted in her seat. Yang was never one for tests, despite being perfect for a Huntress in terms of combat ability.
Ruby placed her hand on Yang's knee, as Yang looked at her, clearly worried.
"Don't worry Yang. You're THE Yang, remember? A simple test like this is nothing when compared to you!" Ruby threw her hands up with praise. "You're THE Yang Xiao Long, the best sister I could wish for! If there is anyone who should be able to get into Beacon, it's you, don't worry about this test!"
Yang took a deep breath before relaxing her shoulders. "Thanks Rubes, wish me luck, alright?"
Ruby flashed her a thumbs up, "No problem, you've got this!"
Soon enough they arrived at the test center, where Tai led Yang in, leaving Ruby to wait in the car in silence. Ruby watched the cars pass by, while the white collar workers of Vale walked to their jobs, crossing the street and checking their times. Just another day in Vale. Ruby checked her phone, looking for any news or any messages from Tai, only to find nothing new, as usual.
Ruby groaned before putting the phone back into her pocket. I'm boored. I swear why do they have to do all these tests to make sure Yang is qualified? I've seen her fight, she's clearly meant to be a Huntress...I'll have to go through those same tests in two years huh...it must feel really overwhelming for Yang, I hope she does well...
As Ruby looked outside, dazed, she spotted a flash of light coming from around the corner. It only occurred for a micro-second, but it was long enough to catch Ruby's attention.
What was that?
Ruby was already bored, and the test wouldn't be over for another 6 hours, so it wouldn't hurt to investigate for a little bit.
Getting out the car, Ruby used her Semblance to quickly move down the street to the location where she thought the flash of light had occurred. Looking around, it didn't look like anything was different in particular, but in front of her was a Dust Shop.
"From Dust till Dawn" What a name. She should've expected a shop like this, especially in such a commercial area.
It wouldn't hurt to go in would it?
Entering the store, she was greeted by the shopkeeper as she quickly began browsing through the different articles of Dust and weapon magazines. Spotting a magazine that caught her eye, she picked it up and began to flip through the pages. It detailed something about an Atlesian Huntsmen Rapier that had been rolled out recently, with a revolver mechanism. Putting the magazine down she spotted a glass case with a couple Gravity Dust cartridges. Gravity Dust was especially rare and hard to mine, so it was rather expensive, the shop had priced it around 3200 Lien for a single cartridge.
Huh...that feels too expensive. I recall that Dust prices have been going up, but even still it shouldn't be this bad Ruby thought as the shopkeeper greeted her.
"Heya miss, would you like anything?" The shopkeeper was old, with a balding head, gray hair and thin eyes.
"Just here to look at some catalogues, that's all."
"No worries, let me know when you're done." The shopkeeper paused before taking a second look at Ruby's weapon. "That's a mighty fine weapon there, did ya make it yourself?"
"Oh!" Ruby shied with embarrassment "Yeah, I spent a lot of time gathering the parts and fine tuning it. It's a scythe that also doubles as a .50 Cal sniper rifle whenever I need it."
"Good Gods! Well it sure is massive, how do you move around with it?"
"I mainly use my Semblance, Petal Burst, to move it alongside my regular strength. It's tiring, but I've gotten pretty good at it."
"Well!" The shopkeeper stood up. "You sure are an ingenious one, are ya planning on applying to Beacon?"
"I'm planning to, well when I'm old enough." Ruby replied.
"Shoulda known. Those folks at Beacon would be crazy to reject a fine prospect like you! Ingenuity and talent like that is what this Kingdom needs for its future, and the future sure is looking bright." The shopkeeper smiled before taking a box of Gravity Dust .50 cal bullets and placing it in Ruby's hands.
"Oh! You don't have to! I don't have the money for this!" Ruby expressed humbly.
"Don't worry, It's on the house! Now, I'll be at the register, you let me know if there's anything else you wanna look at!" The shopkeeper walked away with a thumbs up as Ruby held the box of bullets in her hands and sighed, putting them in her bag.
Well, the gesture was pretty nice, and I could use these, considering how expensive they're getting... Ruby looked at the other boxes and at the front of the shop where the shopkeeper greeted some new customers, a group of mean with a leader that had fiery red hair.
Might as well buy something to pay back the favor Ruby sighed as she began shifting through boxes, before eventually settling on some Fire Dust Crystals.
Dust was a dense form of energy in a rock, coming in various elements, that helped to power the 4 Kingdoms and the world. Without Dust, there may not have been any human civilization left alive from the terror of the Grimm. A lot of technological progress relied on it, like her phone which used Hard-Light Dust, or on motorcycles and cars which used Combustion Dust to power them. Even Fire Dust, the most basic and inexpensive of all Dust types, helped fuel thousands of years of human progress.
Not only that, Dust served a purpose in helping fighters and Hunters battle the Grimm or use its abilities in war. Wars like the Great War started over desires for Dust, and even now Dust supplies are an issue of hot contention with many people on Remnant depending on them.
The only issues with Dust were:
1. They were highly unstable, capable of exploding and killing grown men with as little force as a toddler's kick
2. They were limited, and there is no way to artificially recreate Dust, meaning all of it had to be mined.
Ruby didn't really care about the second option as much, mainly because the topic was a hot political issue across Remnant and she wasn't really good with that sort of thing, but she did care about Dust and its volatility. She'd nearly been involved in a couple accidents with Dust herself while making specialized ammo for her weapon, and she always needed to check if any crystals or powder Dust she was buying had impurities that made them more volatile than they already were and reduced their effectiveness.
The crystal looks pretty pure Ruby thought before hearing a crash near the front of the store, nearly causing her to drop the crystal.
"What the-" Ruby turned to see the group the shopkeeper was greeting earlier now held weapons, with their leader beating the shopkeeper and slumping him over in his chair.
"Alright, you dolts! Go collect as much Dust as possible! This is a robbery, so customers I wouldn't recommend trying any funny business!" the leader shouted as his minions let out a chorus of 'Yes sirs' and 'Yes boss' before going over with canisters in their hands and grabbing Dust. Ruby on the other hand took the opportunity to hide behind some boxes.
Ruby pulled out Crescent Rose, holding her breath as the robbers moved about, threatening customers and taking more Dust.
Do I stop them, or just stay here...it doesn't really matter if I let them steal, right? I can just leave or put my weapon away and let them go. If I fight though I'll get in trouble, I'm not supposed to be fighting anyone today anyways... Ruby grumbled to herself as she reconsidered stopping the robbery. She wanted to just leave, it would be easier if she just kept silent and let them move on.
It's how she'd always been, even when bullied she'd always kept quiet to herself, because it was easier that way. Shutting up and taking the hits was easier than fighting back and putting others in danger. She didn't like to hurt people, it wasn't what her weapon and her skills were made for. Even when Yang pinned one of her bullies down and had Ruby punch them, every blow made her sicker, until she could do nothing but run to throw up.
Yet here she watched, as the shopkeeper who had graciously flattered her, and gifted her items meant for her future lay slumped over in the chair, his head having taken multiple beatings from the cane of the robber's leader. Seeing that made her sicker and angrier than the thought of hurting someone did.
She couldn't forgive that.
"Hey! Put the weapon down!"
Ruby turned to see one of the robbers, with black glasses and a hat approached her, with a sword in his hand.
"I said put the weapon down, are you deaf?" The robber shook his sword, intending to intimidate Ruby. Ruby only stared back and smiled.
"Sorry man, can't exactly do that." In one swift motion Ruby extended Crescent Rose and used Petal Burst to propel the blade's edge from the side, going behind the robber's blade and hooking behind his neck.
"Wai-" The robber cried before Ruby fired a round, pushing the blade back in the recoil and slicing clean through the robber's head, as his neck spurted blood in a gory fountain, and fell to the floor.
"What the devil?" the leader cried as the robbers' attention were now on her. Whoops, looks like she did overdid it a bit. Their leader ushered towards the robbers, who had now drawn their weapons and crowded in front of Ruby.
Outside, a crash could be heard as multiple guys flew out of the building, following them was a girl who sped behind them as the robbers lay on the ground groaning, stopping herself with the edge of her scythe before picking it up.
Ruby watched as the leader exited the building, grumbling to himself.
"Those dolts...should've asked for some of those animals instead of these bums..." The leader turned his attention to Ruby. "Why, hello, miss. Thank you for ruining my fine day and causing this whole..." The man waved his cane around dramatically towards the scene of his henchmen lying on a ground filled with shattered glass and shocked onlookers. "...mess. Mind telling me your name?" The leader inquired.
Ruby remained quiet and only racked back the bolt on her rifle, ejecting the empty round and loading a new one. She leaned Crescent Rose behind her in a stance.
Roman watched before realizing Ruby's intentions, as his shoulders dropped with disappointment. "Oh, you're one of those types. The all brawn no brains type, and little manners to boot. I guess I'll call you Red for now..." The leader said, clearly having been in this situation before. "My name is Roman Torchwick, by the way,perhaps you've heard of me, or not. Either way I-"
"Why'd you attack the shopkeeper?" Ruby asked, her voice sharp. Roman looked at her a bit confused.
"Why wouldn't I? He tried to call the police when we asked for the Dust, it only makes sense if I-" Roman's eyes lit up as he realized something as his initially confused face began to morph into a sly smile. "I get it, you're one of those righteous types aren't ya?"
"And what if I am?" Ruby held her finger on the trigger, which Roman noticed and whipped out his cane, taking a firm stance and grip, as he began to move offline and around Ruby.
"Nothing, Red. People like you are just very enjoyable to mess with. Now then..." Roman gripped a Dust bomb behind his back out of Ruby's sight. "Didn't you want to cut the talk and get to fighting? Or perhaps you enjoyed talking to me, eh?" Roman taunted as Ruby lunged at him, firing a round to propel her before swinging Crescent Rose.
Roman on the other hand, brought up his cane and parried as the two began to fight.
Yang stretched her arms as she finally got her results.
By some miracle, she had passed the written section, and was now enrolled as a student at Beacon.To her it was a dream come true, in a sense.
Walking out the testing room, she rushed over to meet her father, who was sitting on a bench.
"Hey champ! How'd the test go? Did you get in!"
Yang only nodded as Tai's eyes widened. He jumped up and hugged Yang, spinning her around much to her surprise. Quickly she shoved him off.
"Dad! Get off! Gods that's embarrassing! Yeah I got in, the transport to Beacon will be in a week, so I'll have to pack my bags"
Tai quickly moved aside, still smiling, as Yang fumed. "I know I know, but how can I not be happy! My girl is going to be a Huntress in training!"
Yang relaxed, she understood why he was so happy, even if it was a bit embarrassing. Any parent would be proud to see their daughter become one of the Huntresses who protected the 4 Kingdoms, who wouldn't want to celebrate heroes?
Speaking of heroes, where was Ruby? She would be thrilled to know that Yang had managed to get accepted. Ruby had always looked up to Summer as a hero, a role model. Now that Yang could become a Huntress, she could become another role model for her. Someone to look up to besides Summer and Qrow. Summer was...gone, and Qrow only came around every other month or so, maybe someone much closer to Ruby would help motivate her even more to become a Huntress.
Yang smiled at the thought of seeing her sister's puppy eyes and face when she found out that Yang had gotten into Beacon.
"Hey Dad, do you know where Ruby i-" Yang turned around to find her Dad on a call, looking concerned.
"Okay...got it, I'll be present over there...yes I understand how serious these charges are, I'll be there right away. Alright...bye." Tai ended the call and put his Scroll in his pocket.
"What happened, Dad? Where's Ruby?" Yang questioned.
Tai sighed. "You're sister is in custody, Yang. Apparently there was a robbery at a Dust store and she allegedly got into a fight with the robbers and cut a man's head off."
"Property damage, endangerment of public safety, assault, battery, AND Manslaughter. You, young lady, are in a lot of trouble tonight. What were you THINKING when you decided to attack those people!? Do you have any idea how much damage you caused?" Glynda Goodwitch fumed towards a very intimidated Ruby, who was sitting in a chair and had her hands chained to a table.
"They were the ones who attacked me first! It was self-defense, I swear!", Ruby objected.
"CHOPPING A PERSON'S HEAD OFF, ROBBER OR NOT, ISN'T SELF DEFENSE!" Glynda screamed back. What was she getting so worked up over a child like this for? "Normally, with the state of emergency Vale currently is in, you should have been thrown into a holding cell and be charged. There are only two reasons why that hasn't happened, one is that you're 15 years old, and second is that Ozpin thinks that you're worth talking to!"
Ozpin? As in Professor Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy? "Why would Professor Ozpin want to speak to me?"
Glynda froze as she realized her mistake, before she cleared her throat. "Yes, Professor Ozpin, he should be outside right around now. He wants to speak to you. Don't ask me why, just talk to him."
As Ruby sat there, dumbfounded, she watched as Goodwitch walked out of the room an in came a tall man with white hair. He had a weird pair of thin glasses and was wearing a coat with a green scarf. The man sat down at the table and took a key to unfasten Ruby's handcuffs, before handing her a plate that had cookies and milk. As Ruby slowly began to gobble up the food, she watched as Ozpin looked intently at her.
So this is Professor Ozpin, he seems nice, though he is staring at me which is uncomfortable. Maybe there's a reason behind it.
"You...have silver eyes."
Nevermind, this guy is creepy. Gods please get me out of here unharmed.
"Uh thanks?" Ruby responded, unsure of what to say. She watched as Ozpin pushed his glasses up and pull out a file from which he flipped open and began speaking from.
"Ruby Rose...according to this file you were in a Dust store during the time of a robbery committed by notorious criminal Roman Torchwick...apparently you got into an altercation with the robbers, chased Roman onto a nearby building after you decapitated one of his goons and nearly blew up a nearby apartment complex when trying to keep him from escaping. Thanks to the arrival of Glynda Goodwitch the building survived, though Roman did escape in the chaos after a lengthy battle. You do understand the consequences of your actions today, right?" He glanced at Ruby, who at this point was shrinking in her chair trying not to be seen.
"Yeah." Ruby replied meekly, "Does this mean I'll be going to jail or something?"
Ozpin sighed, placing the file down. "More or less, you will be detained and sent to trial, after which you will likely go to prison..."
Ruby slumped even further. "Dammit...shouldn't have gotten into a fight..."
Ozpin chuckled, as though amused by Ruby's response to the situation. "Foresight is a consequence of our actions, after all."
Ruby looked away. The man looked kind, although a bit creepy. "Well, is there anything I can do?" Ozpin arched his head.
"Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do. Your choice was forfeit from the moment you took up your weapon against the assailants."
Ruby dug herself even farther down her seat, putting down a cookie. She imagined, what would happen to her from now? She would go to trial, have to see her sister and her father look at her with disappointed eyes, then miss them for Gods knows how long. She would have to give up on her dream of being a Huntress. Felons couldn't be Hunters, after all.
What would she even do, after that? Ruby's head spun as she fell farther down the slippery slope. She trained with her weapons to fight Grimm and become a Hunter, and she wasn't really good at anything else. Maybe she'd have to get a manual job, or go to Vocational School to get skills. Would Tai even see her as a daughter enough to pay for it? What if he disowned her, where would she even go from the-
"However, there is something I can do." Ozpin continued, as Ruby looked up.
"While your actions today represent a violation of Vale law, all of these actions can be brushed aside if the person who committed these actions is a Huntsman or Huntsman in training. I understand that you are underage and can't officially apply to become a Huntress...but if I do enroll you into Beacon right now with my privileges as Headmaster, I can get these charges dismissed, albeit with a hefty load of paperwork. The testimony of witness do say you were focused on criminals, after all, and upon being informed of the events the shopkeeper of the store you damaged began to defend you...not only that your combat skill is...adequate. For your age, at least, to the point where I believe you will be a valuable asset to Beacon Academy."
Ruby looked at Ozpin's smiling face, taking a second to comprehend what he just said before exploding into screams of happiness and bouncing around in her chair.
Oh my gods I can actually attend Beacon? And two years earlier at that? This has to be a dream no way this is real Ican'tbelie-
"Ahem.." Ozpin cleared his throat, causing Ruby to stop right as she was hugging her chair. "This all depends if you are willing to accept the conditions laid out on this paper over here." Ozpin pushed a contract over to Ruby. "You'll be able to enter Beacon, but you will be held to strict behavioral and academic standards. One mistake or indication that you are not holding either of those up to standard will have you sent back here and your charges will be re-introduced. Your dorm room and weaponry will undergo daily inspections, and you will be heavily monitored in your activities. We'll try not to go too far and invade some of your more personal matters, such as phone call conversations or texts, but if we are given a reason we can look into those as well. The term of this contract will extend until you successfully graduate Beacon, after which you will become a fully fledged Huntress and all your charges will be dropped. If you wish to become a Huntress, this will be its price. Now then..." Ozpin looked at Ruby with glimmering and thin eyes. "The choice is yours, Ruby Rose, your future lies in front of you, all you need to do is decide to either sign it, or not."
Ruby stared at the paper for a while, and back at Ozpin. Here was a chance to fulfill her dreams. The life of a Huntress that her mother and uncle pursued, all of it was at her fingertips. In exchange however, she would have to give up her personal freedom and privacy while she trained.
What's a few years worth for the life of my dreams?
Slowly, Ruby picked up the pen and began to sign before passing the paper back to Ozpin, who looked at the paper before smiling in a satisfied manner.
"Congratulations, Ruby Rose. Welcome to Beacon Academy. I will inform your father about your decision, and in an act of goodwill will provide a scholarship not only to you, but also to your sister, who had recently passed the test to get in."
Ruby bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Professor Ozpin! You really didn't have to give me-"
"Don't worry about it, Rose." Ozpin waved his hand. "This is all for the future of Remnant, after all." Ruby nodded in response before Ozpin motioned to the guards who opened the door and ushered Ruby out of the room.
After they left, Glynda Goodwitch walked back in.
"I suppose I'm going to add her name to the list of initiates, Oz?"
Ozpin nodded. "You might want to get started on that, there's a lot of paperwork we have to get through with this contract. No matter how much power in Vale I have, doing something like this still requires a lot of pull from my part." Oh right, I forgot about that. "What are the results of her blood tests? I believe you took them when she entered the station."
Glynda sighed before sitting at Ruby's seat, "80% Human, don't worry, that remaining 20% isn't Faunus, so you shouldn't have any issues with the Nobles."
Ozpin grimaced.
"14 years ago she was 98% Human, wasn't she? That remaining 2%, it has increased rapidly after all these years." Glynda continued, "Be honest Oz, you aren't putting all those security measures to make sure she stays in line, you know she's not the type to try and excessively break the rules. You're doing this to protect her, and more importantly, to observe her and figure out a way to stop that 20%."
Ozpin put his hands on his face, why did something like this have to be so hard? "Summer died nearly 12 years ago...she was trying to find the cure for her daughter. It would be a shame to her legacy if I didn't try to do the same. But with the way things are going, she's not going to live past 30..."
Leaning back on the chair, Glynda levitated a smoke and lit it, as the smell of tobacco filled the room. "Oz, stop pretending like you care about Summer's 'legacy'."
Ozpin looked at his associate, confused, yet still holding a smile on his face. "What do you mean by that, if I may ask?"
"You try and act as though you're doing something right by admitting her into Beacon, by having all these kids come into Beacon and trying to get those few special ones to blindly obey you...just like you did to me, Qrow and Gods know how many others." Glynda responded. "You just want to secure another Silver Eyed Warrior, and the only reason you care about her condition is because if you don't stop it you'll lose what might be your last chance to stop her. You never gave a damned about Summer beyond her eyes, and I know you don't care about this girl either."
Ozpin looked down. "That's not true Glynda, you know I cared about all of the-"
Glynda slammed her hands down, shaking the room. The plate and the dust on the floor levitating with her rage. "If you cared so much then WHY didn't you try to stop Summer!?"
Ozpin held his composure as he responded. "Glynda, she was gone before any of us-"
"Oh really? She somehow magically left, your greatest weapon, charging without your knowledge into the clutches of that monster? Face it, you knew she went, and you kept it hidden from us for how many months, oh that's right, for 6 WHOLE MONTHS, before you somehow magically showed up carrying her one day. You've never gone on missions like WE, your soldiers did! How did you somehow find her without any of us knowing unless you knew from the start!" Glynda hissed.
"Glynda, I-"
"And that's not all! Instead of examining her after you said she was trapped in the witch's lair, you let her get back into civilian life only after a short hospital stay! And then..." Glynda nearly choked on her sobs "That girl whom you just admitted into Beacon, was born. When you saw her silver eyes, I could see your eyes light up, not with the joy of seeing a child but with the ambition you've always shown when talking to your 'Chosen' students!"
"Please." Ozpin pleaded. "I understand your rage, but I assure you, I am not looking at Ruby Rose merely for her eyes."
"You're right...you found something else you desired, and something Summer did not." Glynda paused, regaining her usual steely composure as she pierced Ozpin with her scornful gaze. "Is it a coincidence that the moment Summer began arguing with you over Ruby, refusing your orders, that she-"
"GLYNDA!" Ozpin shouted as he slammed his fist on the table. "I've made centuries worth of mistakes, and even though I've tried to learn and bring this world into a better spot than before I realize that I am not the perfection that humanity needs. I've had to make sacrifices when necessary to steer towards my goals, to help mankind learn and prosper! However, I cannot solve every issue and make every living being happy at once without detracting from my goals. SHE, is one of those threats that I do need to focus on. I am not a god. There are times where I've messed up, especially in recent years, but I have and always will be at your side. I need you to understand that, please. I do care about you and all those who served under me, but mistakes and slipups happen that I cannot control. Summer's death was one of those mistakes, and I am going to fix it now, by helping her daughter."
Glynda sighed, and closed her eyes before standing up and walking towards the doorway. "Say it however many times you want, I know what you really are. Only reason I'm on your side is because I don't want her to win, and you know that."
"Glynda-" Ozpin protested only to be pushed back by her Semblance.
Glynda continued, her wand pointed right at Ozpin. "I've seen what you really do with people. I've seen how you ruin them. I still think you're a piece of shit and I will till the day I die. If I have anything to ask from you, don't fuck it up with Summer's daughter. There might still be a chance for her to survive. If there isn't? Then let her live a life where she won't have to worry about being caught up in your quest. I'll see you back at Beacon...also..." Glynda turned, facing away from Ozpin before stopping. "I'm going to give you a warning. Do not treat her like you did the Summer Maiden and Vacuo. I know what you are because of what you did there. I know that ultimately, I am your pawn, but I will not stay silent as you trap others in your grasp."
With that, Glynda Goodwitch stormed out of the room, leaving Ozpin in silence as he slowly picked up the blood test and looked at its results.
80% Human, 20% ???.
He didn't have to guess what that 20% was.
He sighed as he put the blood test into Ruby's file. That woman had always been a pain in the ass.
Tai felt his Scroll ring as he waited in silence for Ruby to exit the Police station. Looking at the call he saw a familiar old face.
It was Ozpin.
A viper twisted itself in Taiyang's stomach, and he could feel his cheeks grow hot from anger.
Tai answered the call, pressing the green button with a panic. "Oz." He said, trying to remain cordial.
"Tai." A voice responded, which he recognized.
Must be something important.
"Why are you calling me? You don't call without a reason, ever."
"It's your daughter, Ruby."
Tai paused for a moment. "What about my daughter, Ozpin?"
"Her percentage had increased. Currently it's sitting at 20%." Tai felt his face go cold.
"But...that's-" Tai stammered as Ozpin interrupted.
"How it happened is inconsequential, for now. I believe your daughter is checking out her confiscated items, so I'll let her tell you yourself." That voice responded apathetically, as Tai resumed his composure.
"What did you do, Oz?" Tai demanded.
"I am merely doing what's best for Miss Rose. I-"
"What do you mean by that!?" Tai shouted, the fire in his body growing. "And how do you get to decide what is best for my daughter!?"
"Dad?" Tai looked over to see Yang looking at him concerned. He'd forgotten she'd been sitting there. "Is there something wrong?"
"No-nothing, sweetie!" Tai put on a smile, reassuring Yang. "I'm just speaking to someone on a call, it's personal business. Why don't you go wait for your sister and let me know when she comes?"
Yang looked at Tai silently, and unconvinced. Slowly she removed herself and walked over nearby to the doors, looking for Ruby to emerge.
"Hmmm, that was Miss Xiao Long, wasn't it? I've also given her a scholarship as well..."
Tai turned his attention back to the call. "I'm not done with you yet, Ozpin. Explain to me the meaning of what you said earlier."
The voice paused for a while, before speaking again. "I am merely offering your daughter an opportunity, and perhaps taking the time to look into the specifics of...her condition. I believe that with research into it, we may be able to find a cure for it, and a way-"
"To beat HER, right?" Tai said with a finality as the voice fell silent. "I get it. That's all that this has ever been about, and I don't want any part of it. Ruby is doing fine on Patch and will rema-"
"Unfortunately, Tai, that is not what this is all about. I do have human empathy after all, and do not desire to use your daughter. This decision was made because of how rapidly her condition has spread, to the point where keeping her in your care is dangerous, not only to you and your family, but also to the rest of Remnant." The voice stopped for a while, shuffling papers. "Besides, you do not get to decide whether she should remain on Patch, Ruby herself should. And she has chosen to pursue her interests at Beacon Academy. She even signed a binding contract that if nullified would place her charges against her again and lead her to a trial where she would surely face prison time. Your say in the matter has passed Tai, and-"
Tai could feel his heart drop with every word the voice said. He could not believe his ears, as Ozpin continued rambling on about how Ruby would now attend Beacon to become and 'Chosen Huntress'.
"Do not worry, Tai. I will take every step to insure, that Beacon will be a place for your daughter's future to be secu-"
"She's just a child...." Tai croaked.
"Pardon?"
"She's a 15 year old, Oz. She isn't ready for this, for any of this!" Tai yelled, attracting much of the attention of the station. "Here you are, taking one of my loved ones away from me to send on your personal war again! And you have the gall..." Tai's voice deepened to a sneer. "You have the gall to say that what you're doing is best for her future. How many more times will I see my loved one's in a casket!? Tell me Ozpin, how many more times!?"
"This is the future she chose." The voice responded bluntly.
"This was the future you twisted for her." Tai countered. "I know I cannot do anything about it...but I can't just stand by and watch another person I care about become your pawn..."
"I do not have pawns, Tai. I see all my colleagues as my associates, and whether they see our relationship as the same is not for me to decide. I try to have a level ground with all people who are in my group. Do not worry, Tai, your daughter will grow magnificently, and soon she will come back to you in peace, when this war is over."
Tai remained silent as he saw Ruby approaching the doors of the station.
"I will hang up now, Tai. By the way, I have communicated with Qrow and-"
"Yeah, he trained her...even though I told him not to for this exact reason..." Tai grumbled. That inebriated brother in law of his, one day he'd get his hands on him, one day.
"It's not that...he's currently on a mission, and won't be back before Vytal."
"Oh." Tai responded. "Thanks for letting me know."
The voice had no response, as it merely hung up the phone and Tai watched Ruby emerge from the doors.
"Dad, Dad, guess what!" Ruby bounded over to Tai, and hugged him. In a second Tai saw himself holding Ruby for the first time, and hugging her when she was child, to her growing up to the girl she was now.
"What, sweetie?" Tai responded, putting on a smile.
"I got into Beacon! They're gonna give me and Yang scholarships to go, so there won't be any stress for your finances, you know! Isn't this great, Dad! I can be exactly like Mom in the stories you told me about!" Ruby hugged him harder as a momentary flash of pain appeared onto Tai's face, as Ruby remained oblivious to her father's true emotions.
Tai quickly put on his usual smiling face, suppressing the conflicting feelings inside of him. "That's great, sweetie. Why don't we go out to celebrate with some sushi!"
"Sushi! I could kill for that right now!" Yang exclaimed, oblivious, as the trio walked out of the station.
While Yang and Ruby practically skipped their way to the car, Tai could only look back with a sickening feeling in his stomach, as he spotted the familiar tint and frame of Ozpin's glasses staring at him from inside the police station, a thin smile on his face.