I do not own RWBY

Qrow was suffering. Summer was dead and there was nothing he could do to bring her back. Tai had told him to leave Ruby behind and it was killing him slowly. As the last reminder, he had of Summer he should have been pulling her closer to him. Roaring in rage he threw the bottle of whiskey at the wall just to watch it shatter. He'd failed her. Not just as her partner but as her lover too. He was a curse that ruined everything it touched. As the broken pieces fell to the floor he was consumed by a flash of light.

Tai threw another punch at the tree watching it crumble to the ground. Raven was behind him her fingers digging into her palms as she watched him destroy himself. She knew he blamed himself because she felt the same way. When he pulled back his arm for another punch she moved. Wrapping her arms around him she held him close. At first, he fought against her wanting to spend his time destroying the forest around them, then he gave in. He slumped against her closing his eyes as a flash of light consumed them both.

Ozpin listened to Glynda and Ironwood argue about the assassin that killed Summer. The knowledge of Salem hiring assassins wasn't new but this time it hurt more than anything in the world. Summer had been a good woman. But now he would have to turn toward the fight ahead. Closing his eyes he and the other two vanished in a flash of light.

Markus Black was smirking. He'd been paid more than he ever had before just for killing some silver eyed woman. He would never get tired of his job. Not now or ever. If only his son wasn't such a failure. Bowing low to the white haired woman in front of him he began to walk away. Before he could take a step both of them vanished in a flash of light.

Adam watched the woman lie wishing he could kill her. She and her two human minions had come to get his aid. Narrowing his eyes he wanted to cut off her head as she mentioned using the White fang for her cause. Cinder knew she'd said something wrong when he gripped the hilt of his sword. Subtly moving in front of Emerald she reached back to touch her own weapons. Mercury stood putting himself between the faunus and Cinder, while Emerald pushed herself up slowly. Adam narrowed his eyes. Before he could unsheathe his sword a flash of light carried all four of them away.

Jacques Schnee watched his wife stumble into their bed room. The woman bypassing him completely as she moved toward another glass of wine. She was a disgrace to everything the Schnee name stood for just like their children were. Snorting in disgust he moved away from her as a flash of light caught them both.

Ghira waited for news about his daughter. He and Khali had learned that she'd left the White Fang. He just hoped that Sienna wouldn't send hunters after her. Holding his head in his hands he leaned into his wife's side as a flash of light consumed them.

Tyrian cackled his tail lashing out to pierce the chest of the huntsman he'd been stalking. Dropping the body to the ground he used his wrist blades to cut off the head of his partner. Behind him, a woman screamed. Turning he opened fire riddling her body with bullets. Throwing his head back he laughed when the last one tried rushing him. Flipping behind him he snapped the man's neck allowing his body to drop to the floor. Licking the blood off his cheek his eyes widened as he was flashed away.

Roman smirked pinning Neo beneath him. Her mismatched eyes glared up at him in false irritation. Letting his hand trace up her thigh he winced when she shattered. Frowning he looked around his heart pounding. He barely caught sight of her before she was tackling him. Rolling, he could admit that he won even when losing. Stradling him she leaned forward her lips pressing against his as they vanished in a flash of light.

Limbo was empty as the death god stared at the place Alice had just vanished from. Waving his hand he remade the place into a den. The light cream colored walls contrasting with the dark floor. Four couches and several arm chairs layered the room. In the center, a black coffee table appeared. Waving his hand he pulled a red covered book from the air and laid it on the table. Satisfied that everything was in order he snapped his fingers.

Several people appeared in the room in various positions. Eyes flicking to Roman and Neo he watched them break apart with her moving to defend her lover. It amused him. Especially when they realized that they no longer had access to their aura.

Mercury couldn't breathe as he stared at the confused form of his father. Moving closer to Cinder he felt Emerald hand clench the back of his shirt. Their presence was the only thing keeping him steady. Breathing deeply he hoped he was hallucinating.

"Hello my lovely hostages," the god announced clapping his hands to get their attention. Salem and Ozpin stopped their glaring long enough to look over at him. Both could feel the power radiating from his body. Smirking the god said, "now we're all going to be civilized and introduce ourselves to one another. No killing or maiming."

Roman jolted when the god pointed to him but turned the action into a small bow saying, "Roman Torchwick and this is Neo."

Neo sent him a grateful look as the two stood apart from everyone else. Smiling at the thief's quick cooperation the god pointed to Adam.

"Adam Taurus," he said rolling his eyes. The god smirked already knowing his future. Seeing the expression he narrowed his eyes.

"Cinder Fall," she said her tone soothing. Beside her Emerald relaxed enough to move toward Mercury.

"Emerald," she said quietly.

"Mercury Black," he said trying to sound confident. Cinder heard the stutter in his voice when his father turned to look at him. Narrowing her eyes she moved between them showing the assassin that he was off limits. Snorting the man looked away from her. It was just like his weak son to hide behind a girl.

"Marcus Black," he stated narrowing his eyes at his son. The boy wouldn't even look at him. Clenching his fists he resolved to get answers later.

"James Ironwood," the man said robotically.

"Jacques Schnee," he announced as if expecting a parade at the sound of his name.

"Willow Schnee," the woman stated sounding sober. Sending the god a thankful look she ignored her husbands glance.

"Ghira Belladonna and this is my wife Khali," he said gently pulling her closer to him. Adam glanced over at them for a moment before shrugging and looking away. Blake wouldn't like him starting a fight with her parents.

"Glynda Goodwitch," she said moving closer to Ozpin. The man smiled gently trying to drive away her fears.

"Ozpin," he said simply his gaze cutting to Salem who smirked at him.

"I'm Tai and this is my teammates, Qrow and Raven," he said cheerfully looking like a fool to take the attention off the twins. Both of whom were glancing around the room for a weapon.

"Tyrian Callows," he said bowing low as if he was a performer. The death god was happy he remembered to clean away the blood before allowing the man inside. When Salem touched her minions shoulder he stood creating a barrier between her and the others.

"Salem," she said trying not to be insulted when they stared at her appearance. Looking back at Ozpin she was glad he couldn't see the pain inside her from being this close to him.

The god clapped again gaining their attention. He smiled when they all turned away from the woman to look at him. He loved being the center of attention. Grinning he motioned to the couches watching as they all took a seat warily.

Cinder, Mercury, and Emerald sat together making sure that the two girls put him in the center. Cinder had put herself between him and Markus as the man sat down in the arm chair between their couch and the one Ozpin and the remainder of team STRQ had taken. Salem had sat in an armchair with Tyrian sitting on the floor in front of her. Glynda and Ironwood had taken a seat on the one to the right of the woman with the Belladonna and Schnee couples sitting on another. Adam had the armchair on the other side of Cinders couch allowing them all to sit in a large circle around the coffee table.

"Now I've brought you all here to read about a very special girl, who will change not only your lives but those of the ones you love. This is not optional. The only way to escape is to read that book," the god said a genuine smile crossing his lips. As quick as it appeared it was gone leaving a smirk in its place as he said, "secrets will be revealed. And some of you will undergo changes that you never thought possible. Under no circumstances are you to attack anyone in this room. Tyrian that goes double for you."

The faunus pouted leaning back against his mistress' chair like a good guard dog. Rolling his eyes the god created a refreshment table and a door leading to a bathroom before vanishing leaving them alone.

Salem glanced over at Ozpin noting that he hadn't stopped staring at her. Instead of dignifying him with a response she turned to Raven when the woman leaned forward. The female Branwen reached for the book. Picking it up off the table she said, "I'll read first then."

Alice died at age twenty and met the god of death. It was a weird meeting with her mostly gaping at the not cloaked being who seemed more amused than anything else. He looked nice actually. Soft looking raven colored hair that she wanted to run her fingers through to see if it felt like velvet. Staring into sharp as daggers gemstone blue eyes she wanted to wilt and warm up at the same time. All in all the sharp rugged faced deity was quite hot.

Qrow snorted causing her to stop reading. Throwing him an unamused glance she silently warned him not to interrupt her again.

"Omg so hot. Is not the thing most people think when meeting a god," he said sounding very amused. Covering her red face and trying not to think about the fact he read her mind, she winced. Right good job Alice, calling the god of death hot. Stupid hormones.

"Sorry," she mumbled trying not to look at him. He laughed.

"Don't be," he said his face curving into a grin that made her face feel even hotter, "it's not every day I get called hot."

"Right. Totally not sorry," she said. Pushing down the embarrassment. She tilted her head and asked, "is it normal for the god of death to greet the dead?"

"No," he said and she felt curiosity flood her body. His grin turned into a smirk, "you have the honor of being given reincarnation in a world of your choice."

Ozpin looked over at Salem meeting her eyes. The both knew his curse. He was interested in seeing how this woman would fare in their world. He also wanted to know what side she would choose. Salem smirked at him her hand running through Tyrian's hair as if the man was a puppy.

She tilted her head and mulled over his words. Nodding to herself she spoke, "what do you mean chosen, and a world of my choice?"

"I'm not allowed to tell you why you were picked," he said. He seemed to be very annoyed at that fact too. She got the feeling that he hated being told what to do. Then again not many people were above the god of death on the food chain. He tilted his head as if nodding and continued, "the second is simple. I've been told you get to reincarnate three times in three worlds. You get to pick the world you go to first and I get to choose the order of the other two."

"What's the worlds," she asked trying to keep up with the information.

"Fairy tail, RWBY, and Blood plus," he said simply and watched as the gears turned in her head. He didn't have to wait long though before she blurted out her choice.

"RWBY," she said feeling confident in her choice. After all, she loved the show but was almost scared of messing up the timeline of Fairy Tail, and even the thought of living in the world of Blood plus scared her.

Reading her thoughts he raised an eyebrow. He preferred Fairy Tail instead of the other two.

"Alright, have fun and try not to die too soon," he said grinning as he realized the perfect twist to add to her reincarnation.

Alice faded from existence. On remnant one, Ruby Rose was born with another's soul.

Qrow stopped breathing. Eyes widening he dug his nails into the couch at the mention of his daughter's name. Tai sensing his friends change glanced over at him silently begging for him to stay calm. Dropping the book onto the table Raven moved closer to her brother comforting him.

"Interesting," Ozpin mused not noticing Qrow's slight breakdown. Throwing the headmaster a glare Glynda slapped his leg pointing out the shaking man. Jacques didn't really see the point in this. He had no desire to deal with commoners.

"Shall we continue," Salem said ignoring the glare Ozpin sent her. They both knew he wouldn't call her out for killing Summer. Markus glanced at the three comforting each other. He knew the last name that the girl had. Perhaps a relative of the woman he killed. Looking over at his son he met a pair of amber eyes. Cinder was just daring him to come closer to them. If he did she would kill him.

Feeling his lovers anger Mercury brushed his hand against her arm. The subtle action calming her down slightly. Cutting her eyes to him she watched Emerald lean into his other side. Pushing her anger back she glanced over at Salem. She'd agreed to work for the woman. What if something in this book showed she betrayed her? Would Salem try to kill them?

When no one objected to her idea Salem picked up the book. Clearing her throat she began to read chapter two.

Age 5

Ruby rose formerly Alice tied her long hair back and ignored the hollow feeling in her chest. She had gotten her memories of her former life back two days ago.

"So she didn't have her memories in the beginning," Ironwood mused before becoming silent at the glare Salem sent him.

Two days after her mother's death. It had all came flooding back when her father, Qrow, had walked into the house looking like he had the world on his shoulders.

She looked down at her black shoes and hated the feeling of uselessness that she felt. Yang's sobs could be heard from the room beside her. Summer Rose had left on a mission and never returned. Closing her eyes she pushed back the tears and straightened her black dress.

Opening her door she winced at the yelling she could hear.

"Fuck," Tai whispered just loud enough for his teammates could hear. Hiding his face he wrapped his arms around Qrow. Markus, however, was on cloud nine realizing that it was the daughter of a woman he killed. Seeing his fathers pleased expression Mercury felt sick.

"You should never have gone with her," Tai hissed and she could imagine her father's shoulders slum even farther, "you got her killed."

Rage surged in her body and her hands curled into fists. Tai didn't know what happened either. He wasn't there. When her father didn't retaliate she bit her lip.

"I refuse to let you put Summers child at risk and get her killed the same way you killed her mother," Tai continued. She heard a dull thud.

"You will not take my daughter," her father growled and she could hear the rage in his voice.

"You would put her in danger with your semblance," Tai said and she could hear mocking in his voice. Blood dripped to the floor as her nails pierced the tender skin on her palms.

"No I wouldn't," Qrow retaliated and she felt her heart lift at the confidence in his voice. Her father wouldn't leave her.

"You can't control it," Tai said, "bad luck affects everyone when you're around. All it would take is one mistake and Ruby would be dead just like Summer. You would have killed both mother and daughter."

"I won't just disappear and abandon her," Qrow said but she could hear the vulnerability in his voice.

"Then teach her to fight. Show her how to survive, but don't put her in danger by being her father," Tai told him. And Ruby stumbled back when she heard him agree reluctantly. Stepping back into her room she closed the door and slid down to the floor. Opening her palms she stared at the crescent cuts without seeing them. Closing her eyes she leaned back against the door and curled in on herself.

"I'm sorry," Tai whispered ignoring the looks of everyone on his back. Qrow winced but held the other man closer. Ozpin looked away wishing that he could have done more for his students. Salem paused not knowing how to process the outcome of her orders. Pushing away the slight guilt she continued reading.

Age 7

She ran her track shoes making a dull thudding noise against the grass covered ground. While Yang prepared for classes at Signal, Ruby did simple endurance exercises to get herself ready. Unlike the original Ruby, she knew Qrow was her father. She knew he left to keep her safe. As such she had one goal get strong enough where he could be her dad again.

Ahead of black hair came into view and she grinned. Speeding up she launched herself at Qrow. He stumbled but wrapped his arms around her.

"Did you miss me," she asked when he let her down.

"Nope," he said sharing her grin. He ruffled her hair.

Tilting her head ruby eyed the weapon on his back, "when will you start training me?"

"The second year at Signal," he said and she groaned.

With that, she started running again.

Cinder felt her interest grow. Seeing her expression Emerald smiled.

Age 10

Ruby entered signal academy with high hopes. She had decided to wear her cloak on the first day. The red contrasted with the simple black shirt and pants she wore. Yang abandoned her in search of her friends and she knew almost no one here.

Raven groaned blaming Tai for their daughter's actions. As if sensing her blame he shrunk down in his seat.

She skipped into her first class and grinned at the sight of Tai leaning against the whiteboard. On one hand, she hated him for making Qrow leave her, yet on the other, she loved him for being a good father. Taking a seat near the back she waited for the others to get to class. Being the first day it took forever for her classmates to wander into the room and stop chatting.

"Good morning everyone," Tai said gaining their attention. She watched him closely as his hand glowed with a faint light, "today we'll be unlocking your aura and learning about different semblances you could have."

At the mumbles of awe and disbelief, Tai grinned. Ruby watched with growing interest as her classmates had their aura unlocked. When her's was unlocked she smiled at the warmth that flowed through her chest. She felt safe.

Qrow smiled but quickly frowned wishing he was the one to train his daughter. Even having anthers soul she was still his daughter.

Age 12

Putting the finishing touches on Crescent Rose, Ruby grinned. The high caliber sniper-scythe was beautiful and deadly with the main part being black and the trim is done in dark red. Folding the weapon into its travel form she turned back to her plans for her backup weapon. The small foldable dagger seemed to beckon to her from on the page. Thorn would be her sudden surprise to all the people who thought she was defenseless without her weapon.

Markus approved of her actions if the grin he was wearing was any indication. Glancing over at his son again he noticed the amusement in his eyes. It caused him to freeze. He'd never seen that expression on his son's face before. Looking away he focused on the silent laughter coming from Roman's partner. The girl was entirely too amused.

Age 14

Digging the blade of her scythe into the ground she used it to whip around and deliver a kick to Qrow's chest. He stumbled back before making a swipe in her direction. She pulled the trigger on her scythe and used her semblance to dodge. Spinning she lashed out at his back. She never saw his hand grab onto her hood. She choked as she landed on the ground. Glaring up at Qrow she winced and rubbed her neck.

"Sorry kid," he said but the grin on his face said differently. Sighing she stood and stretched. Picking up Crescent Rose she folded her weapon and tugged at her cloak.

"That wasn't fair," she mumbled.

"Life's not fair," he said and his eyes were hollow. Thinking about her mom she nodded in agreement.

"Ruby," she heard Yang yell seconds before she was barreled over by the blonde, "that was awesome. Well not as awesome as me, but you get what I mean."

Tai sighed at his daughter's words while Qrow felt his lips twitch in amusement. Willow looked over at the two wondering how they could stand to be around each other.

Ruby laughed. Smiling down at the girls, Qrow put away his weapon. Catching his daughter's smile he couldn't help but want more than the teacher-student relationship. He wanted to be her father again.

Age 15

Glaring at the beowolf's Ruby vanished in a swirl of rose petals and appeared in the center of the pack. Cutting the grimm in half was surprisingly easy. The battle was over almost as soon as it started. She allowed herself to smile as the last beowolf fell. Putting her weapon away she vanished again using her semblance to vanish from the clearing.

Qrow was torn between pride and amusement. Tai however settled on worry while Ozpin was intrigued.

"The grimm are dead," she said to the shopkeeper as she entered. The old huntsman barely looked up. He grunted. She waited patiently looking around the combat apparel shop.

"And just in time," he said finally looking up. He smirked passing over a bag and a box of Lien.

Grinning she took her order and moved toward the door, "thanks old man."

With that, she left for the dust shop. She needed new bullets and it was time to meet Roman Torchwick. At the thought of the ginger man, her heart speeds up.

Qrow growled his eyes going to Torchwick who quickly raised his hands in defense. Laughing awkwardly he moved slightly behind Neo. The woman glanced at him in amusement. The thief, however, hoped that the girl didn't have a crush on him because that would end badly for everyone.

"If you come near my daughter," Qrow warned allowing the sentence to drop off. The thief nodded slowly his eyes going to Neo for help. Unfortunately, the woman was too busy laughing at him to be much help.