KryHeart and I work together on this one. Tags as follows: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Rape/Non-Con (will be cut for FF version), F/M and M/M

Relationships (Temporary and Lasting): Ozpin/Ruby Rose, James Ironwood/Ozpin, Ruby Rose/James Ironwood, Qrow Branwen/James Ironwood, Ruby Rose/ Roman Torchwick, James Ironwood/Roman Torchwick, Qrow Branwen/Ruby Rose, Qrow Branwen/Ozpin, James Ironwood/Ozpin/Ruby Rose/Roman Torchwick, Qrow Branwen/James Ironwood/Ozpin/Ruby Rose, Tyrain Callows/Ruby Rose.

Additional Tags: Soul Bond, AU, Sex, Tragedy, Romance, Trigger Warnings, Psychological Torture and Trauma


"Love forms bonds like strands of Yarn. Like yarn those bonds can be fragile or get all tangled but when they're kept and cared for, they can bridge any distance."

Remnant, a world of possibilities and more magic than mortal eyes can conceive of. Of monstrous Grimm, fading Gods and histories forgotten. As a young woman slept safe in her bed, her dreams hazy and foreboding a soft sigh escapes her. The light of dawn caresses her in its faint light, the start of a new day. A soft hand ghosts over her wrist where the marks of her soulbonds wait, they are joined by another mark in the crevice between her breasts. They hum with anticipation, soon the bond promises, soon.

While most of Remnant's inhabitants have only one soul mark or in the uncommon case two, Ruby Rose is one of those rare few people with three distinctive bonds marring her pale skin. Her family was an odd one for sure, none of them had only one soulmate, her father Taiyang had two. Her sister's mother Raven Branwen who had rejected their bond and left before Ruby had been born and her own mother Summer Rose who had been gone now for many years. Yang had two soulmates as well, Blake who was the daughter of Tai's long time friends Ghira and Kali Belladonna. On one of their early meetings at only a few years of age Yang and Blake had found one another and been close, only separated upon the promise of seeing one another again soon. Blake had come to Yang at sixteen and officially made her sister her girlfriend, something that had shocked none of them.

Their other mate had been found in Weiss Schnee, Ruby who had gone to a school in Vale met and made friends with the icy young woman. Ruby had been the one to stand by Weiss when her father had come to remove her from Vale. Her friendship with Ruby had given the platinum haired woman the courage she needed to finally defy her controlling father and escape from his clutches. Of course Jacque Schnee had disowned his youngest daughter and left, leaving Weiss penniless and without the connections she had to keep her place in the college. Alone and vulnerable Ruby had held her crying friend as she wept relieved to finally be free. The crimonette had taken Weiss home with her that day to meet her family, when upon first contact with Yang revealed her to be their missing mate.

Seeing her sister so happy with her mates always gave Ruby conflicting emotions. On the one hand she wanted the kind of love they shared, knowing how accepting and happy each of them were always left Ruby feeling a little empty about her own bonds. Yet on the other hand unlike her sister Ruby was wary around people, she suffered with crowds, occasionally falling into panic when she couldn't get away or was surrounded. Strangers scared her and confrontation was one of her greatest fears. Even being with her family for too long sometimes unnerved the young woman and she found herself escaping from the stuffy environment. So filled with a sense of longing and fear Ruby wasn't sure if she would ever be able to accept a real relationship, especially one that involved three soulmates.

So as Ruby was about turned twenty-one in a few short days Yang couldn't help thinking how her sister was wasting away her young life. Ruby hardly went out with them anymore, probably feeling too much like a fourth wheel around the trio of girlfriends. Yang came to a stop outside Ruby's room, the sun painting the sky a soft and clear blue, a beautiful morning. Yang wanted Ruby to make friends and if possible find her own soulmates. Failing that a real relationship, one that took her away from her self imposed solitude and paints.

Yang felt the presence of Weiss and Blake behind and plastered a huge grin on her face, slamming the door open and bellowing at the top of her voice. "RUBY ROSE, YOU ARE COMING OUT WITH US OR SO HELP ME I WILL DRAG YOU OUT PJ'S OR NOT!" Today wasn't Ruby's twenty-first birthday however they had decided it would be celebrated early as Ruby had another pressing engagement on the day of her actual birthday. Vale's government was hosting a Gala for its up and coming artist and Ruby had been invited to attend. Unfortunately it the event fell on her actual birthday so that's why Yang, Weiss and Blake had planned a surprise party at a local club the blonde visited often. Ruby had clothes that would be suitable for the club but as for the Gala she would need something more appropriate so Ruby was in need of a dress as Yang refused to let her younger sister go out in one of her old ones or one of the many working outfits Ruby wore when she was doing her art.

When there was no movement from the small double bed Weiss ducked under her blond haired mates arm, crossing her own and tapping impatiently on the floor with a heeled foot. "Ruby rise and shine, if I have to stand here waiting around for you any longer then I will leave without you, I'm serious get up now!"

Ruby under the safety of her duvet bleary opened an eye and peeked out at the clock beside her bed. Groaning softly she ignored them, it wasn't even eight am and yeah it wasn't her birthday. All she wanted to do was laze around this morning before getting back to her workshop where she made her art. Work immediately fogged up her brain, there was that historic city painting waiting to be finished for Professor Ooblecks collection. He often bought a few of her pieces and other then the one off commissions was her sole source of income.

At least she'd managed to send Headmistress Goodwitch the blown glass figurine fairy she made. The delicate piece that had take Ruby three weeks to complete, as she always put her whole spirit into making anything. Ruby had delivered the piece herself just the day before to ensure if wouldn't be damaged in transit. The look of Professor Goodwitch's face had been all the more worth it. Ruby was one of the few people who could glass blow such a delicate piece of art. Something she took a great deal of pride in, even if it took her the better half of a month to work to get it just right. Still she was incredibly happy with it and knowing it was going to be appreciated everyday pursued her desire to work hard. That and the obscene amount of money she was being paid for the work.

Ruby tried to snuggle down and sleep for another hour, hoping her sister was just let her be when a heavy body jumped onto the bed and squashed her. "Mmmmhgetoff." Ruby mumbled getting squished into the mattress. She moved her covers down enough to glare at Yang and Blake who took to bouncing on her bed, clearly not getting the message that she just wanted to sleep.

"NOPE! Come on Rubes, get in that shower before I start making my Kitty purr." Smiling wide and chuckling all Ruby could do was groan before Blake pulled Yang into a more comfortable position and proceeded to nuzzle into the blondes neck, a clear indication that the two would have no issue making out while she was present.

"Alright get off I'm up I'm up." Giving up on that dreamy hour of sleep Ruby crawled out of the bed and heading towards the bathroom. As she grabbed some clean underwear and a towel she turned back on her sister. Now Weiss who had been standing by the door was also by the bed straightening the pillows that had been discarded onto the floor only to be pulled into a heated kiss by her rambunctious sister "Yang, no kissing on my bed, you all dragged me up at this unhealthy hour. The least you can do is keep your clothes on." The sound of breathless kissing had Ruby running for the shower and stepping under the hot stream and washing her hair as quickly as possible. Perhaps if I'm quick they will still have their clothes on, otherwise I'm going to have to let Zwei in and Blake will escape.

Back in the bedroom the three older girls set about making Ruby's bed for her. "Yang are you sure this is going to work?" Blake asked in a short whisper as she and Weiss fixed the bed.

Yang was shifting through her sisters clothes to find something Ruby would be able to change out of easier when they went shopping. "Nope, but it will get Ruby out around actual people for a few hours, even I can see the frustration and loneliness filling up inside her. What Ruby needs are friends and more so maybe she needs sex."

Weiss threw a pillow at her. "Yang! Don't be crude, I'm sure that when Ruby wants that sort of companionship she can find someone herself. I thought you wanted Ruby to fall in love."

The blonde sister picked at the corner of the worn pillow Weiss threw at her and chucked it back. "Weiss I do, but I don't want her hurt either, I'd rather she have a fun time and be happy then push her to find love if it will make her sad."

Sometimes Yang was stupid but Heaven help her Weiss still loved the idiot. "Well I still think your going about this the wrong way. What will Ruby do if she finds out your trying to set her up with people?" Bed fixed the snowy haired woman helped Yang at the wardrobe, pulling a pair of thick black leggings from one of the hangers and spreading them neatly on the bed.

Yang took out a slightly too large white blouse with large black buttons and a black collar. "Leave that to me. Oh! I've already spoken to Junior and he's got a table reserved for us at his club tonight, all we have to do is make sure Ruby gets there and then have fun!"

"Yang what have you got planned?" Blake put in before the heiress could respond drawing the curtains open and letting the morning sun in.

Yang's lips curled up into a grin and her eyes sparkled with mischief as she pulled a pair of black ankle boots from under the bed. "I just want my sister to have a banging good time."

"Goddamnit Yang!" Both her mates groaned.


Ozpin stood at the window of his family room and drank his first coffee of the day, strong black and without sugar, just the way he enjoyed it. Something was happening he could feel it. At thirty four many believed him to be older than he was, his salt and pepper hair had always been more grey than black since childhood, his tired copper eyes had seen too many horrors but still held a spark of gold when he laughed. He laughed less and less in the last few years.

He'd been searching for his soulmates for so many years, he had not one not two but three of them. Only one he had found and it had been a painful unpleasant discovery that left his home as empty as it had been prior to finding him. For James Ironwood did not care for the old stories and was eternally wrapped up in his work. As Headmaster of Atlas Academy and General of Atlas Military, Ozpin could not blame him. However there was no love between them and it had hurt a long held belief he had.

Ozpin believed that real love could only be found with ones soul mates, having tried meeting people, having affairs and even being engaged hadn't made him happy. None of it had filled his lonely heart and with each passing year the horrors and nightmares stole another piece of him. He had everything he could ever want money, power, fame when it suited him, respect but none of it made he very happy. All he wanted was his mates and that thought made him sad again. He wanted children as well but chose to wait for his soul mates but felt at times that he was starting to get old.

Maybe it wasn't meant to be in this lifetime . NO. Oz shook himself it is too early to give up, just give it more time, time was what he needed. Returning the now empty mug to the kitchen he thought on today's scheduled. Enough moping around for now time to get a wiggle on, Glynda had invited him for lunch this afternoon and she was partially happy to receive a piece of art she's commissioned from a local artist. She was dying to show off the wonderful work and wanted Oz to think about a possible sponsorship for the young woman. Oz let a small chuckle escape as he made his way through the manor, he was always happy to help young people, so long as their talent held him astonished.

He walked through the echoing halls of his mansion, sometimes he wondered why he even bothered with such a big house. Maybe it was the hope that someday it would be filled, art was placed throughout the halls giving the house a royal vibe. It reminded him of lives gone past, times when he had made a difference in the world. Ozpin shook his head, no he wouldn't get trapped in the memories of the past. None of it ever made a difference, it was a war without end and he was through with it!

The tall man got into his car and left for Beacon Academy, oh how he hated that place. It was a painful reminder of all the lives that were wasted, but it was where his good friend Headmistress Glynda Goodwitch worked so he'd try and stomach the visit. The trip was long but the countryside held no charms for him, the green fields seemed grey in his eyes. The city of Vale didn't interest him, people and places that he already knew by heart. He parked at the base of the cliff and got a air tram up to the school, while he looked out over to the ocean and wondered how much blood was in that water.

The walk through the courtyard filled him with pain, watching what he had made pass him by. The students and their weapons, memories of how he had once been one. Back when he thought he could make a difference, before he had learned better. Ozpin walked to Glynda's Tower and rode the elevator up, the doors slid open but she was not there.

Oz walked into the room, tick tick tick, the gears around him turned and he found his eyes closing just to listen to the familiar sound. His feet took him to the great windows and his hand reached out without his knowing input. The glass was cold under his hand and he slowly opened his eyes looking out over Beacon and Vale beyond. This could have all been my charge… no there is no point it any of it. He turned his gaze away from the beautiful lively school, from the golden autumn forests and the shining blue seas.

His dead eyes roamed the glass room, tables, chairs and settled upon the figure that stood in a place of honor upon the desk. The figurine was beautifully breathtaking, a fairy. It's wings down to her feet, head tilted up and hands lifted towards the sky almost like she was singing into the wind. It was colorless at first glance but the more light that touched started to grant it a pink and yellow glow. Ozpin walked over a picked it up, he lifted it up so the sun reflected through the figure.

Oz found himself transfixed by the glow, he lowered it and traced his fingers along the wings. The glass was so smooth, he found he could feel the folds worked into the wings. He tilted his head slowly tracing over the features of the fairy with this eyes. Her small lips and large feline eyes, her figure was round and lush. The folds of her skirt flaring out behind her, the bodice of the dress so detailed and patterned. Ozpin found himself smiling as he looked upon the figurine, it was a strange feeling, he smiled so rarely these days.

The doors to the elevator opened again, Professor Goodwitch walked in and paused watching her soul dead friend smile as he looked upon the fairy. It was such a strange look overtaking him, she had seen him smile many times but it never quite reached his eyes. This smile did, his hands were so gentle as he held the fairy. She walked quietly over and reached out putting a hand on his arm. "Beautiful isn't it?"

"Yes." Ozpin said, he so rarely found things beautiful anymore. He could see and understand it, but his heart had grown cold so even the beautiful no longer charmed him. His thumb touched the stand at the bottom and he turned it to look upon the name a stray glass rose petal at the end of the name. "Ruby Rose." His smile return barely noticeable and he blinked a few times wearily. Ruby Rose , he tested the name in his mind, he liked it, it held a music to it. "Does she have many other pieces?" He wondered if the others could make him smile, make him feel again.

"Many, if I recall correctly there is a Gala in a few days where they will be showcased. I took the liberty of getting you a ticket." Glynda said cheekily while patting his arm twice. "Get you out of that mansion of yours."

Ozpin chuckled softly and returned the figure to the desk. "Thank you, consider my curiosity peaked." The ashen haired man's gaze did not leave the figure for a long moment, before he remembered himself and turned his attention to Glynda. "How have things been?"

Glynda shrugged and walked around her desk to sit in the large chair. "Same old, same old." She frowned as the tired look returned to Ozpin's eyes. "How has your company been going?" The professor asked, anything to get Ozpin away from the topic of the war with the Grimm.


Much later Ozpin escaped from Glynda and returned home. Upon entering the house his robotic girl awaited him. Oz smiled with a rare fondness looking upon Penny, he reached out and patted her head as he walked by. "Hello Penny."

"Hello Father, how was your trip?" Penny was a very insightful robot, the first capable of producing an Aura. She often wondered if that was because of the unique soul of her creator. He made her to be a companion throughout all reincarnations, it would forever be her duty to find him each time he was reborn. She loved her father dearly, it hurt her to see him so sad all the time. Nothing she did seemed to cheer him up, sure he would smile give her that precious pat on the head but then he'd go away again. Not in body but in spirit, running Clockwork Enterprises was easy for him. He had even gone so far as to step back as CEO and gave it to someone who cared more. He was the primary shareholder in a private company so he still controlled it but he left the day to day running to his assistant.

"Much the same as always Penny, Glynda had a piece of art to show me it was very nice." Ozpin pulled off his coat and toed off his shoes before leading the way deeper into the house.

"What would you like for dinner father?" Penny asked as they came to the main hall. Ozpin shrugged and said. "Surprise me, I have no preference today."

Penny tucked her hands behind her back and forced a smile onto her lips. 'I have no preference today' meant that it had been a bad day. He only every requested food when it was a good one, instead of saying anything she bowed her head and said. "As you wish father, I have ideas so I shall just make that." She turned away and thought about her plans for dinner, on 'I have no preference' days she always made sure to cover all of his food groups as well as a few hundred extra calories. For it was always difficult to tell when her father would feel like eating again.

Ozpin let out a sigh and pulled out the ticket in his pocket. He didn't really want to go to another Gala, but he remembered the figurine and a smile pulled at his lips. Maybe James would like to accompany him, he knew the General was in Vale even if he had declined Oz's offer to come visit. Oz walked through his bright home to his library, he loved the smell of oak and maple. He reached out as he walked around to the fireplace, trailing his hands over the spines of dozens upon dozens of books.

A far away smile graced his lips, books were his sanctuary and all the wonderful worlds they took him too. His finger hooked a spine at random and he pulled the book from the shelf as he walked. Ozpin looked down to the title Rose Red, he had read it many times. He ran his hand over the worn leather book cover, feeling the embroidered imagine for the bear and young girl. Ozpin sat down upon his worn brown coach and set the book down beside him.

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his Scroll and found James number in the contacts list. He hit call then curled up on the sofa and waited as it rang and rang and rang, till at long last James Ironwood picked up. "Ozpin." James's voice was clipped and formal, not one ounce of care or love in it.

"There is an art Gala this Halloween, would you like to attend with me?" Ozpin kept the call straight to the point at James tone.

"I already have a ticket and plans, but I will see you there." James spoke flatly, for seeing you there was not the same as going with you.

"I see." Ozpin said softly a bone deep weariness setting in over him. "Well I hope you day has been pleasant James, I will see you there." James said his short unfeeling goodbye and hung up. Oz pulled his sleeve of his right arm up, the soul mark for James was the same blue as the man's eyes and a simple weave blue lines. However they were so pale they might as well have been invisible. Ozpin sighed and turned his attention to his book, part of him wanted to visit his gym and beat the crap out of a punching bag. Put this disappointment into something productive, but that would involve getting up again and getting changed. No he didn't have the energy for that, he picked up the time worn book and began to read.