Ruby was just idly minding her own freaking business, listening to HER music, and reading a weapons magazine when some boneheaded gang grunt decided to try and rob her. How was she supposed to know sending a man without an aura crashing through a window was bad. She's only 15, and her sister sends people through walls at Signal all the time. Plus she didn't plan on ROMAN 'FREAKING' TORCHWICK to be at the place. Nor did she think a bloody Atlesian General, General IRONWOOD of all of them, to be there when he was trying to flee from a bullhead.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY SHRED OF AN IDEA WHAT YOU CAUSED TONIGHT!" General Ironwood said slamming his hands down on the table, across on which was a shivering Ruby Rose trying her best to stay calm. "Not ONLY was Roman Torchwick allowed to escape! But now all the damage done to the buildings has to be paid for and repaired!" He continued as the veins in his forehead became more prominent. "And do you know who has to PAY for those damages?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
Ruby knew the answer to that sadly. Regardless of whether or not she stopped the robbery, it was her decision to retaliate when she could have complied and all that would have been lost was the dust in the store.
"Me." Ruby said weakly barely even meeting the generals gaze.
"EXACTLY!" General Ironwood said throwing his hands in the air. "And I seriously doubt that a girl your age has 3.7 million lien to spare!"
Ruby's heart stopped at that number. Nearly FOUR MILLION LIEN. That was worth more than everything she and her family owned in Patch combined times ten. And she had managed to cause that much damage in just a few minutes.
"I don't sir." Ruby said meekly.
Ironwood sighed when she said that.
"You know who i am yes?" He asked her much more calmly now.
"General Ironwood, leader of the Atlas Military and headmaster of Atlas Academy." Ruby said looking up at him.
"Right, now normally if this was anyone else in this position I would tell you to pay the fines and whatever other legal business was required," Ironwood started before reaching into his coat. " However you are an exception," he said as he put a manila folder down in front of Ruby and opened it, revealing a bunch of paperwork and a contract. "You have the skills to match that of second year huntsmen and huntresses in training despite being two years younger than a first year."
As General Ironwood said this he pulled out a pen and set it on the stack of papers.
"Whats thi-" "Your acceptance and admission letter and contract to Atlas Academy." Ruby started but was cut off.
"You have potential . And I would hate for that potential to be squandered here in Vale trying to pay off a debt," Ironwood said as he looked directly at Ruby. "Which is why you have a choice. You can either attend Atles academy for the normal four year period of education, and I will pay off the debt. Or you can pay off the debt yourself and most likely end up serving a minimum of three years."
Well now Ruby was in shock. Was she hearing this right? General Ironwood was offering to pay off her debt of 3.7 million Lein for just attending Atles. This was to good to be true. Wait till Dad and Yang hear about this... Ruby's excitement at hearing the offer died down after that thought. If she was to attend Atles then that meant that.
"What about my dad and sister?" Ruby asked with pleading eyes looking at the general.
"Unless they are willing to move to Atlas, then I'm afraid that you won't see them in person for the duration of your stay." General Ironwood said regrettably.
He knew the pain it would cause the girl to break up her with her family. But he was already having to pull more strings than a puppeteer just to get her into Atlas. That wasn't even counting if she survived its instructors. Ironwood actually felt his hair stand up thinking about them. They got the job done and did it good, but still they had the most unique way to do it.
"Oh right." Ruby said as her head slumped down.
She knew that choosing either of the options would mean being away from dad and Yang. But at least now thinking about it she could still scroll call them from Atlas as long as she wanted, as opposed to a prison cell. Right?
"Would I still be able to call them in Atlas?" Ruby asked hoping for a yes.
"As long as it doesn't interfere with your studies, then yes." Ironwood said. "And keep in mind in Atlas we take Quality over Quantity. So if you slack off then your coming back here and the deals off."
"Ill do it!" Ruby said eagerly.
"Good. Now just sign here."
"I have no words Ruby." Rubys father Tai-Yang said over her scroll. "I don't know how you caused nearly 4 million lien worth of damage, but you better take up Ironwood's offer."
"I will dad." Ruby said in a defeated like tone.
Really there were only three things that made her feel like this. Disappointing her father, disappointing Yang, and disappointing her Uncle Qrow. And right now she had a feeling all three of those boxes were checked off.
"Good." Tai-Yang said sighing "Look. I can't come there right now, or can I afford for me and Yang to go to Atlas. So just make sure you call me at the end of every week, and things should work out."
"OK." Ruby said as her body slumped over.
"Listen Ruby. As much as I want to be angry I can't be," Tai-Yang said knowing that she was getting upset. "Your still my daughter, and nothing will change that. Just do your best at Atlas and make sure you stay out of trouble."
"I will." Ruby said as she felt tears begin to form in her eyes.
"Alright. Remember Ruby, just do your best and I will always love you." Tai-Yang said.
"Thanks." Ruby said wiping away a stray tear.
"Goodbye Ruby."
"Bye Dad."
As Ruby hung up her scroll she could feel more tears begin to fall. General Ironwood was kind enough to leave the room as to give her some privacy. He was after all only giving her an hour to call her goodbyes since she wasn't allowed to take anything other than what she had on her with her. He was providing her with her Uniforms and the other academic maybe he might have slipped in a few things that would put her on the other Professors good side.
"Are you ready to leave." Ironwood asked as he reentered the room.
Ruby just turned around and nodded her head. Ironwood could still see the girl was crying. At least they both knew this was the better option, than going to prison where most likely the girl wouldn't last for long.
"Alright then. Follow me." Ironwood ordered as Ruby slowly followed after him.
Glancing behind him Ironwood saw the girl was following at an acceptable pace. He actually thanked himself that he came alone and didn't bring Winter with him. Who knows how many volume settings she would be breaking right now. But, as the two of them stepped outside a bullhead parked in the middle of the street was there waiting.
"How di-" "Magic." Ironwood joked when Ruby was wondering how the bullhead got there.
"Go ahead and go in, I'll be there shortly." Ironwood said as his scroll began vibrating.
As Ruby walked into the Bullhead she saw there was only 2 seats. She took the one with the window view and just stared off into space at her own hands. I mean who wouldn't. In the span of 2 hours she not only,
1. Stopped a robbery that was being committed by Roman Torchwick.
up 3.7 million lein's worth of damage and vigilantism charges.
told that she either had to pay the fines, attend Atlas away from her family, or go to prison.
and 4. Disappointed the three people she cared about.
So it was a pretty safe bet to assume that she wasn't having the best of days. As she continued to stare off, she didn't notice it when Ironwood sat down and the Bullhead began to take off. As they started moving Ruby was snapped out of her thoughts.
"Apologies about that," Ironwood said as he sat in his chair. "Takeoff on a Jumper Class Bullhead can be quiet jarring."
'Jumper Class?' Ruby mentally Questioned as she had only thought there was one type of Bullhead.
"Before you ask, I cannot tell you more than this will have us in Atlas in 2 hours." Ironwood said as Ruby went wide eyed.
2 hours. As in going from one kingdom to another would only take them 2 HOURS. Normally that took 2 days, and it was only going to take them 2 hours. Props given to the Atlesian engineering department.
"I suggest you get some rest," Ironwood said pulling out his scroll. "It is late, and this will most likely be the last peaceful rest for a long time."
That confused Ruby. She knew there would be a different schedule at Atlas but the last peaceful sleep. Way to be unvaguely cryptic Ironwood.
"Ok?" Ruby said as she tried shutting her eyes.
In only mere moments was the girl asleep in her chair.
"How little does she know what awaits her." Ironwood said pressing the send button on a group scroll message.
Group Chat-"Atlasian Colleagues"
Ironwood-I have important news to inform you all about.
Specialist Schnee- What is it SIR!
Dread Shot-Is this VERY important? I have a headache an want to go back to sleep.
The Twins- You always have. A bloody headache.
R.R.- Why do we let them use the same chat name again?
Specialist Schnee- Silence. Please General Sir continue!
R.R.-Suck up.
General Ironwood- Thank you Winter. Now I would like to inform you of a special case on a new student.
Hektor- As long as she doesn't touch my stuff I don't care.
Specialist Schnee- That is insubordination soldier!
Clockwork- We are all the same rank, barring General Ironwood.
R.R.- Did you forget that Snowflake? And here I thought you were the most memorable of all of us.
The Twins- LOL, LLK!
Specialist Schnee- HOW DARE!
General Ironwood- No arguing or non professional messages in this Chatroom! If this continues then you all have janitorial duty for 2 months! Am I understood.
Specialist Schnee- YES SIR!
Dread Shot- Yes sir if that ends this conversation sooner.
The Twins- Affirmative, Roger That!
Clockwork- Understood General Sir!
Hektor- Yes sir!
R.R.- YES SIR!
General Ironwood- Good. Now then I am on my way back with the student as we speak. She is 15 and a skilled scythe wielder.
Specialist Schnee- No rudeness intended sir. But you did say a 15 year old student correct.
Clockwork- I must say sir that hardly seems prudent. To deprive a child of 2 years of experience and throw them to the wolves.
General Ironwood- I understand this. However she not only possesses the skill, but the need as well. It is either she attends Atlas for the four years, or is put in a Vale prison wasting her talent.
Specialist Schnee- You accepted a CONVICT into our academy sir! Pardon the disrespect, but are you in an INSANE mental state! Sir!
R.R. Please tell me Snowball isn't right.
Dread Shot- My headache has increased. What are you THINKING SIR!
Clockwork- A convict? This seems like a odd use of their reformation time.
The Twins- Well this just, Got a lot more interesting.
Hektor- Are they a thief? I don't want them near any of my stuff!
General Ironwood- No they are not as of yet a convict. They are the niece of Qrow Branwen, and are attending Atlas to compensate for the fines of 3.7 million lien.
Specialist Schnee- She is related to that drunken excuse of a man! Is she as poor mannered and undisciplined as him SIR!
R.R.- If she can fight like him than I trust your judgement. Just know I won't treat her any different.
Clockwork- If she is even 0.01 nanoseconds late to my class she shall know my wrath.
The Twins- As long as she, can do work, WE DON'T MIND.
Dread Shot- Just make sure she won't give me a headache.
Hektor- She touches my stuff. She will regret it!
Specialist Schnee- How can you AGREE to this! Sir while I don't normally question your judgement. Is this really the best course of action.
General Ironwood- I understand your concern Schnee. However my decision is final. She will attend classes like any other student. I expect you to treat her no differently than any other student. We will arrive in 1 hours time. Everyone with the exception of Winter as she is not a teacher is to have no contact until the orientation speech.
Specialist Schnee- YES SIR!
Dread Shot- Understood and goodnight!
Clockwork- It will save me 30 minutes of time so I thank you sir.
R.R. Understood Sir.
Hektor- Very Well. Just know she won't touch my stuff.
The Twins- Seem like this year, Will be interesting indeed, YES SIR!
General Ironwood sighed as he pocketed his scroll. Hopefully the others wouldn't be to against the idea in person. Even in chat they could somehow get under the others skin. Honestly life with them was like one of those terrible Sit Coms kids watch. At least over the scroll only Winter seemed against it. Hopefully he could convince her to be alright with it. But for now all he could do was wait, and hope that Ruby didn't get on any one of their bad sides. Especially Clockwork. Nobody liked an angry Clockwork.
"Hopefully this all goes according to my plans." Ironwood monologued to himself.
In just one hours time the Bullhead would be touching down at Atlas Academy. And at the future home for four years of Ruby Rose. May whatever God's existed help her.