Title: Antithetical
Summary: After her mother's death, Ruby Rose longed for revenge. With hatred ruling her soul, she had no idea she would become the mastermind behind Beacon's fall. That is if the heroine of Cinder Fall allows it.
Pairings: No idea, not yet anyway. I love cookies and cream but...no idea!
A/N: This is a massive AU. I will only update this two times per month. These "trailers" are gonna be long, so brace yourselves. In all honesty, this is the longest trailer, although I'd like to keep each chapter around 4/5k.
Like stated, this is a bit of a reverse AU. A lot of things change, and these trailers will help with the establishment of certain events.
Antithetical:
adjective
directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.
-x-
Red
-x-
"Mommy, what would have happened if Little Red Riding Hood had stayed on the path?"
"Then maybe she would have kept herself and grandma safe."
-x-
DAWN
"It'll just be you and me today, is that alright?"
"Of course, mommy!"
The young woman chuckled, her gaze focusing on the path that laid ahead. It was a perfect day for a simple stroll in the forest. Perhaps there was a chilly air biting and gnawing at their skin, but they paid no mind. The cold winds would not prevent them from admiring the forest's beauty.
And surely, the forest did hold a beautiful and gorgeous sight. The ground was covered in a blanket of pure white. Snow fell from the heavens as clouds adorned the sky and hid the sun. Trees that were now bare and no longer held any leaves surrounded the lone path.
Silver eyes watched from a red wagon. The small child took in the sights, a smile plastered across her pale face. The forest was certainly familiar to her and registered deep into her mind. However, it had never once ceased to amaze her.
Her mother adored nature, so she did too. Maybe it ran in the family like her uncle had once suggested. It wasn't odd to her. No, nothing was weird about her mom's special skill to find beauty in anything (well, most of the time). Seasons could never make them avoid the forest. In fact, winter was both females' favorite season.
There was just something amazing about winter. While many viewed it as a season of struggle and anguish, they viewed it as a time period of peace. The time period after a great tragedy or change, a time period that allowed for a moment of reflection. Winter was the perfect season for understanding where one went wrong and saying what they could do better. A few months in isolation were awful, as her mother had stated, but sometimes, being alone wasn't a bad thing. After all, being calm and at ease was important.
"When's dad getting home?" The girl asked, tilting her head and staring expectantly at her mother.
"Tomorrow." The woman grinned. "Both your uncle and your dad are coming back."
"Uncle Qrow?" She frowned. Her uncle? Right, they were both on a mission. It made sense if they were returning together...Although her uncle usually either just visited on his own (which happened only on birthdays and special events) or if her mom was leaving on a mission.
"Yes, Uncle Qrow." Her mother confirmed.
"So..You're leaving?"
She didn't respond.
'So..she is leaving..'
"I'll leave tomorrow. But! It'll be just for a couple of days. I should be home next week. And besides, you get to pull your uncle into a sleepover!"
The girl giggled. Sleepovers with her uncle were always fun! Sometimes, they convinced her father to join them, which brought even more fun! Minus the puns that her uncle constantly groaned at, of course.
"Okay, mommy! I'll wait for you, as long as you promise to come back." She held up her pinky, waiting for her mother to do the same.
"I promise, my little rose." She held up her pinky, and both fingers laced.
Now with their promise being sealed, the two continued their walk through a winter wonderland.
ABSENCE
"Sweetie, you should eat." Her father's voice was strict and firm, in contrast to his usual cheerful and laid-back tone. He stood next to her, hand gesturing to the plate in front of her.
"But I wanted to eat with mom!" She pouted, arms now crossed over her chest. "She said she was coming back in a week! And a week has passed!"
"Ruby."
A groan escaped the young girl's lips. She reluctantly took a bite of her food, looking away from her father. His back was now turned to her, and his focus was directed at her uncle.
They were talking quietly, both ignoring her presence. Uncle Qrow looked worried, and it was pretty obvious that something was troubling them.
"Are you sure?" She heard her father whispered. Her uncle only nodded in response.
"Is something wrong?" Ruby inquired, frowning. Something was definitely off...She was sure of it.
The two men quickly glanced at her. Her father was about to reach towards her and speak, but her uncle cut him off. Qrow simply shook his head at him, before looking back at the girl. "How about we go eat some cookies?"
"Qrow, she literally just started eating her dinner!" Her dad complained.
Uncle Qrow chuckled. "Tai, did no one tell you? Dinner's overrated. C'mon sweetheart, let's go watch a movie and eat cookies."
Ruby laughed and nodded in agreement. She saw her uncle shoot a look at her father as he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the living room.
"Wait, you forgot to bring the cookies!" The black-haired girl exclaimed, turning to face her uncle. The man let out a low whistle.
"Dang...sorry, kiddo. I'll go get them. You pick a movie, alright?"
"Okay!"
Qrow left back to the kitchen, and she began browsing through her favorite movies. She loved all of them, how was she supposed to choose just one?
When she saw her dad rush into the room, she knew something was wrong.
"Dad?"
"Quick, go to your room! Lock the door, and don't come out!"
"Huh? Dad, what's going o-"
"Please, just do it, alright? Qrow will come for you, just go hide!"
In less than a minute, the girl had raced to her room. She locked the door, just like her father had instructed her. The next couple of minutes were spent in a mixture of absolute fear and shock. What was going on? Why did she need to hide? Was there someone breaking in? Impossible, they had no neighbors, and her uncle and father were skilled huntsmen. She was also worried about her mother; where was she? Why had she yet to return? Was there a delay? Her job was dangerous and with the weather….
She gazed at the window. Snow was falling outside, and it was probably freezing. Chances were that her mother was in the cold.
'But she likes winter…'
Still, just because she liked the season, didn't mean she was safe and sound from the frigid air.
She heard a scream, and her heart froze. Who was that?! Who had screamed?! There were muffled voices coming from outside, and suddenly, the door slammed open. A raven and a yellow bird flew past the window.
Her uncle stood, crimson eyes holding a glint of fear.
"What-"
"Shh...It's okay."
Ruby raised an eyebrow. She turned, scanning their surroundings. Nothing was out of place…
"How about we stay in your room?" Qrow quietly suggested.
"But what about dad? And what about mo-"
"Your dad's fine...He just needs some alone time. You mom...she's busy."
No more words were spoken between the two because Ruby knew it was best not to press on the recent events. Maybe she was scared for her father and mother and that one scream...But her uncle probably didn't want to share. Her uncle read her a book, and she listened carefully.
"Uncle Qrow, what would have happened if Little Red Riding Hood had stayed on the path?"
"Then maybe the Big Bad Wolf wouldn't have eaten her."
PATIENCE
She stands in front of the door, awaiting for it to open. In a couple of minutes, her mother would surely walk in and hug her, apologizing for her delay. She would have forgiven her and reassured that it wasn't her fault and she would have cried because finally her mom was home.
Her dad would leave his room, and for the first time in days, he would smile. He, too, would hug her mother, relieved to see her.
Her uncle would be witnessing the family reunion from a certain distance, but he would also be beaming.
All of this will occur in a couple of minutes.
All that was required of her was patience.
She could surely wait a couple of minutes.
And she did.
She waited for fifteen minutes.
Then twenty.
Those twenty minutes escalated into thirty minutes, that soon turned into an hour.
Qrow appeared, trying to coax her to go to her room.
She refuses.
She remains still, waiting.
The hour turns into two.
Snow began falling once more.
Night followed.
Yet a lone figure awaited at the entrance.
CHANGE
Change. An event that happens so fast, so sudden, so unexpected. An event that alters the path ahead, taking away and placing certain obstacles ahead. Because of this, the future may seem rather unstable.
For Ruby, her future now remained undetermined.
And it terrified her.
It had been two months since Summer Rose's funeral.
Two months since she stood still, observing her family mourn.
Two months since she burst into tears and screamed at her mother's grave.
Two months since she dashed into the woods, ignoring everyone's cries.
Two months since she simply laid on the ground, tears rolling down her face as her gaze remained focused on the snow that fell from above.
Two months.
Times were still difficult. Her father had fallen into a deep depression and had shut himself off. He refused to eat, and there were times when he would simply lock himself in his room. The few times she saw him, he would be sitting still, eyes unfocused. He would look like he was watching something, but she never knew what.
Her uncle wasn't much different. He too reeked of sadness, and a certain flask would be in his hand.
"What are you drinking, Uncle Qrow?"
"Water, sweetheart."
She didn't know why, but he sure did like water. So much, that he would just sit down sometimes and take long sips of the liquid while she ate quietly.
However, he didn't shut himself off as much as her dad did. No, it seemed Qrow was now in charge of her. He took care of her, always making sure there was food on the table, decent clothes on her, and a roof over her head. He often read her stories, too. And when he would finish, he would stare sadly at her for a little bit. Then he'd slowly stand, saying a quick goodbye.
For two months, her father, with his now dull blue eyes, was isolated from the rest of the world.
For two months, her uncle would take care of her, but always with sadness in his gaze and an empty bottle in his hand.
For two months, her mother, who bore a white cape now drenched in red, remained dead.
And she expected it to remain that way.
That was, until the third month.
Once again, the house was quiet. Moonlight slipped through the windows as she waited for sleep, silver eyes barely opened.
Qrow now lived with them, and he occupied the couch at night, so if she were to walk into the living room, she'd probably get scolded. Her father was still in his room, which didn't surprise her.
She was used to it by now.
Slowly, she sat up. Shifting towards her right, she glanced at the clock. In big, bold, green letter, the time 11:30 flashed before her eyes.
"Great," she mumbled softly, "how am I going to sleep now?"
Everyone else was definitely asleep by now, no doubt about that. On an unrelated note, she could probably sneak in a warm glass of milk and some chocolate chip cookies her uncle bought earlier.
Yeah, that was a good plan!
Ruby stood up, stretching her arms. She let out a soft yawn, a smile spreading across her pale face. Quietly, she headed towards the kitchen.
Qrow was a heavy sleeper, passing by him wasn't hard. Nah, it was easy, actually! Wandering into the kitchen, she opened the fridge. Her small hand reached for the milk. Once she succeeded, she closed the fridge and headed towards the cabinet. She opened it and took out the packet of cookies.
"Wait, how am I gonna warm up my milk without waking my uncle up?"
Well, cold milk was also pretty good!
Holding her glass of milk and a few cookies, she headed back to her room. On her way, however, she was transfixed by a certain sight. Just as she was about to cross the living room, she looked out the window.
There wasn't much snow nowadays.
The seasons changed rapidly in her small home, and winter often only lasted four months. Soon, the golden days of pure white would be gone, replaced by a colorful scene of flowers.
What a shame.
Ruby's favorite season would always be winter.
But it was...odd.
The feeling she had right now, a strange….sadness? Was it? The strange sadness that seeped through her heart, sending shivers through her spine. The same sadness that showed through all the layers of winter, from the moment everything changed, to the moment one had to remain alone in order to get their thoughts together.
It was funny.
Her mother always said winter was a time for peace, not for anguish, nor for pain. No, winter was all about thinking.
Yet...Her mother's words….
They were untrue.
At that moment, she felt something weird. A new emotion in her heart- hatred.
Observing the trees as they moved swiftly while the little snow that covered the ground fell from a peaceful night sky, she couldn't help but feel lied to.
Her mother was a huntress, a bringer of peace, a defender of those who were unable to do so, a hero.
All her life, she dealt with the risk of death, something that was downright appalling to most people. She died as someone who was doing their job, and that sickened her.
Because to most people, that was their duty. Dying in order to protect them. That was indeed what they signed up for, amidst the risks. They placed their trust on regular people, who were forced to adapt and learn to fight.
But for what?
Fight for who?
She felt confused. Tears formed in her eyes.
Die for who?
Because even if her father omitted the details of Summer's death, it was probably caused by her instinct to protect someone. Ruby was aware that some people just wouldn't care. And heck, no one actually did.
Who showed up at her mother's funeral?
No one.
It was just Ruby and her uncle and father.
Who else would, anyway?
Everyone else would be safe, with their families complete. And the huntress' family who saved them?
They would be destroyed and shattered.
In the end, they were only pieces...pawns. Pawns in a sickening cycle. Pawns for a worthless game, a game they would eventually lose.
Everyone was.
Her mother.
Her father.
Her uncle.
Would she be left to wilt in the same? As a mere sacrifice?
"Ruby."
She turned. Qrow's crimson eyes greeted her, worry showing on his tired face. He eyed the food in her hands before sighing. "Kid, it's midnight. Go to sleep."
"But...I can't."
Another sigh left his lips.
"Well.." He frowned. "How about I read you a story while you eat your cookies and drink your milk?"
Immediately, all her anger was gone. One thought stayed in the corners of her mind, yet the child grinned, nodding her head excitedly. "Can you read Little Red Riding Hood?"
"Again?"
Rolling her eyes, she shrugged. "It's my favorite story, Uncle Qrow!"
"Fine." He grumbled in agreement. "Let's head to your room."
The two made their way to Ruby's room. Sitting on her bed, Ruby drank her milk as her uncle began reading, his voice clear and loud. She had long memorized all the words, to the simple descriptions to each line of dialogue. As her uncle read, she nibbled on a cookie.
"Uncle Qrow?"
He closed the book, having now come to an end. Qrow glanced at his niece.
"Yes?"
"What would have happened if Little Red Riding Hood had stayed on the path?"
That same question. Damn, well it wasn't like he could simply ignore it.
"Well then, maybe the Big Bad Wolf wouldn't have eaten her."
COMMENCE
It happened in spring.
The trees had now grown its vibrant green leaves, and their branches spread towards the sky. All different types of flowers blossomed from the earth, a fact that Ruby found fascinating. Shortly, the snow was replaced by a blanket of color, differing from bright red roses to lilac daisies. The sun shined brightly, and the heat returned to their lives.
It truly was spring.
Spring, a fresh new start.
And for Ruby, it was definitely a new start.
Ruby Rose was twelve years old now.
Summer Rose had died seven years ago.
And in seven years, Ruby wasn't sure she had fully recovered.
Her mother's memory brought nothing but pain, and growing up, she found herself struggling to understand what exactly was going on. She had long been aware of how dangerous being a huntress was, and yes, she knew death was a humongous risk. Her mother must have known that, yet she continued following the same path that would lead her to her doom.
Did that path lead her to nothing but pain and destruction?
It certainly did.
But Ruby understood things differently now, and her perspective on how it all worked had changed because of that.
'But I feel selfish thinking like that…'
How else could she think, though?
She was a bitter twelve year old with no mother, and a man who pretended his depression never happened as a father.
Taiyang had recovered years ago. Summer left a scar on him, as expected, yet the man changed. She didn't exactly remember when, but she knew everything had happened slowly.
The first time her father left his room, she was six. A whole year she had been alone with only her uncle, and not once she had dealt with her father. So when she saw a certain blond haired man drinking coffee in the kitchen, she had no idea what to do.
Neither did her uncle, who just shrugged and patted Tai's back.
This went on for a while. Taiyang would just drink coffee, then head back to his room.
The, perhaps, seventh meeting led to a conversation. They talked quietly, jabbering about recent events. Ruby commented on a school project; a family tree to be precise, and her father nodded, brain surely working on creating a perfect project.
The next day, he made dinner. Her uncle, who had a quick mission, arrived late and was surprised by the sight of Tai eating with his daughter. The duo laughed at his reaction, before beckoning for him to join them. That night, they worked on Ruby's project, with Qrow bragging on his expertise on folding and gluing papers while Taiyang hummed to himself, hands quickly arranging pictures, descriptions, and stickers Ruby insisted on putting. Meanwhile, Ruby was busy trying to write the words her father listed on construction paper.
"You know, I wish I had a sister…" Ruby said softly, eyes turning to her finished project, It wasn't bad, no, but it seemed like it lacked something. She had her mother (which made her want to start crying) and father, and an arrow from her mother's side to her uncle, because both of them were siblings. And lastly, there was a picture of her. But it would be nice, she guessed, if she had a sister.
For some reason, the pained look on her father's face upon the mention of a sister would haunt her for years.
Ever since then, Taiyang apologized. He said he should have never shut himself like that, and Qrow tried comforting him. In the end, all three ended up in a hug group, tears falling from their eyes.
And that was all she remembered.
Afterwards, everything was nothing but happiness.
Her father was back, and her uncle stayed with them. She grew up, slightly spoiled by both, and set her eyes on becoming a huntress.
But for a different reason.
Taking a deep breath, the preteen slowly walked towards the kitchen. She was soon going to turn thirteen, an age that would mark her start for teenage years. And now, more than ever, she needed them to help.
"Train me."
Her relatives looked up from their food. Qrow raised an eyebrow, frown on his face.
"What did you say?"
Ruby faltered for a moment. "Y-You heard me...Train me."
Taiyang groaned, hand rubbing his eye. "There she goes again.."
"I'm twelve!"
"And we trained you for your age."
"But that's not training!"
Taiyang taught her the basics. Things like aura and semblance were something she had long before studied, but her father insisted on her learning and memorizing everything about the two topics. Her uncle took quite a pleasure in teaching her about creatures, boasting about how this information was given to her earlier than expected. She also learned about the kingdoms, and how most of them worked. She learned about the ongoing controversy surrounding Atlas and their training and faunus.
She was also given certain tasks. Exercising an hour each day, running a mile a day in order to strengthen her semblance; speed, maintaining a healthy diet, things like that.
And yes, her father tried teaching her how to properly fight. But Tai's reckless way of doing so was awkward, and it didn't feel right. Qrow suggested he'd try, but he never actually did.
Today, that would change.
"Ruby, it's 10:00 A.M. Let me have an hour of peace."
"But Uncle Qrooooowww!"
He grumbled in response, taking a sip from his flask. "The more you insist, the less likely I'll do it."
"You were always my favorite uncle..."
"I'm your only uncle, sweetheart."
The dark haired girl glared. "I'm gonna go through my rebellious phase earlier then.." She warned slyly. "Y'know, those good years of teenage angst."
"Oh my god please don't. Qrow train her, please."
Qrow shook his head, sighing. "Ruby.."
"Uncle Qrow..."
"Look, kid, everything we do is for your safety. We have trained you, maybe not for combat, but we have given you the basics. You're still young, understand that."
A groan was heard from the young girl. She frowned, tilting her head to the side. "But I don't think it's enough! If I want to go to Beacon, then how-"
"Everything takes time, kiddo. You still have around five years to learn, and you will. Trust me."
"But what if in those five years, I don't impro-"
A sudden burst of laughter interrupted her. She glanced at her uncle, who was holding his stomach and laughing.
"Qrow.." Her father's voice cut in.
"Oh, Taiyang! This kid over here! She thinks she won't improve!" He pretended to wipe away tears. "You have the most badass team to ever graduate Beacon as a family, and you think you won't improve! This is too fucking rich..."
"Language!"
Rolling her eyes at Tai's input, Ruby sat down. She grabbed a leftover cookie from the table and chewed on it.
"So...that's a…?"
"How about...the day after your birthday, kid?"
The loud, high pitched squeal that Ruby let out that day made Qrow Branwen realize how much regret he would feel over the next couple of years.
COMPANY
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Ruby, happy birthday to you!"
The now thirteen-year-old blushed furiously at the scene developing before her eyes. In front of her, there was a medium-sized, rectangular, red cake on a silver tray. The words, "Happy Birthday, Ruby!" and the number, "13" were written with white icing on the obviously homemade cake. Her father held the tray, while her uncle stood by the doorway, a grin on his face.
"Daaaaaad!" She let out a childish whine.
"I can't believe my daughter's thirteen!" Taiyang exclaimed, tears filling his blue eyes. "You've grown up so fast!"
"Tai, don't cry on the cake. It took me years to make that thing."
"The one you made got burned, remember? All you did was go to the store and get a cake, but then that one got-"
"Taiyang."
"We made the cake together, well I did, you just read the instructions and then you fell asleep, reme-"
"Don't bore her with the details on how the cake was made," the other man spoke, "Just let her enjoy her birthday."
Scoffing, the blond turned back to his daughter. "Ruby, blow the candles."
Without a second thought, Ruby kept a wish in mind. Eagerly, she blew the thirteen pink candles gently.
"Thanks for making the cake, dad!" She grinned. "Oh, and you too, Uncle Qrow." She stated before her uncle could complain about the lack of recognition.
"No problem, kiddo." Qrow smiled softly.
"Anything for you, sweetheart." Tai responded, sharing an almost identical smile to Qrow's. He set the cake on the drawer nearby.
Rubbing her silver eyes, Ruby yawned softly. She stood up, her eyes darting to the clock nearby.
9:30.
Well, at least it wasn't extremely early. It was also a weekend, a perfect day to sit back and relax. Knowing her father, that was probably not going to happen.
"So...cake for breakfast?"
In less than twenty minutes, the trio had already made their way set the cake on the kitchen table, while Qrow prepared chocolate milk and coffee.
The teenager was enjoying the tasty treat- a perfect mix of both chocolate and strawberry. Gosh, her dad was definitely a good baker. She hoped he could teach her how to make chocolate chip cookies in the future.
She took a sip of her chocolate milk.
Unexpectedly, there was a knock. And then another.
"I'll get it!"
"Ruby, wai-"
Before her dad could fully protest, the dark-haired girl had opened the door.
When the door opened, she expected to be greeted by one of her relative's friends. Maybe they'd wish her happy birthday, maybe they'd have a gift to give. Ruby wasn't sure what exactly she had been expecting, but she definitely did not expect to find absolutely anyone.
"Huh?"
Nothing. She shrugged, guessing she had accidentally heard something. Ruby was about to close the door when something yellow caught her eye.
A small box stood in front of her. It was wrapped in yellow and tied with a purple bow. Cautiously, she picked the present up.
"For, Ruby Rose."
"Umm dad, there's a gift on the-"
Almost immediately, her father had snatched the gift from the girl's hands.
"Dad!"
"Qrow, come quick!"
"I'm here." Her uncle grumbled. Qrow's crimson eyes shifted towards the gift in Tai's hand, and he blinked.
"It's a...gift..?"
"But from who?"
Frowning, both men examined the gift. The box wasn't heavy, it was, in fact, quite light. Maybe it was a piece of clothing...? But from who?
Ruby had grown anxious with each passing second. Grabbing the gift from a distracted Qrow, she tore the paper off carefully. The box was brown and dull, and she opened it without hesitation.
"It's a cloak...?" Pale hands held the silky fabric up, a red cloak coming into full view. Blinking, she let out a gasp at the softness of it. She tried it on, ignoring her father's protests.
The gift was a tad too big for her petite frame. Yet, in that instant, she adored it.
"I love it!" The dark-haired girl squealed in delight. "I love it!"
Draping the hood over her head, she spun eagerly as if modeling the article.
"Huh...?" There was a note on the bottom of the box. It was yellow, and the writing was neat and tidy. It was unlike Ruby's and almost reminded her of her mother's writing.
Her guardian peeked over her shoulder as she bend down to pick the slip up.
"Dear Ruby Rose,
Happy birthday! Your mom loved you so, so much, she asked me to make you this! Anyway, hope you enjoy being thirteen!
Love ya!"
DECISIONS
Ruby kept the cloak.
In retrospect, the note had only made her want to keep it more. Had her mother prepared this gift? If so, gosh, she was in love.
She didn't wear it every day, only on special occasions. Taiyang had tried bribing her into taking the damn thing off, but refusal was all that left her lips. Qrow had let her, insisting it was her little way to remember her mother.
As for the gifter, who knew?
Her parents did, for sure.
Puberty was skipping past Ruby without a glance. A terrifying fact, surely, because she hadn't been growing at all! She was short and skinny and awkward- but her voice still cracked and godamn why was acne a thing?
Uncle Qrow knew about skincare, so on one side, she was saved.
Everything else...no.
He had been training her, too. That and she had started classes at Signal Academy, where both of her guardians were respective teachers. Although only a month had passed, the students were preparing to build their own weapons. Ruby was excited about that!
She had spent her summer making blueprints, admiring her uncle's weapon and settling on a scythe. Guns were cool, too! It was so hard to choose, but she had six ideas to choose from.
On an unrelated note, classes were also good. Home was good. Life was good.
Until she found herself in her Humanities Preparation class, which was a class focusing on actual life. It was an elective that her own father had to teach.
Tapping her pen against her notebook, she growled as the teacher wrote out a prompt on the chalkboard. He then turned, the man grinning from ear to ear.
"Let's discuss!" Taiyang was enthusiastic in class, albeit a bit tired from last night's family games. "C'mon kids, it's a mandatory essay. That and I like my other classes better."
The teenagers scoffed in response, some rolling their eyes and others booing. Ruby shook her head, praying her dad would spare her from the chaos of a class discussion.
"Why do you all want to be a huntress? Hmph?" The blonde looked around. "Ruby!"
She cringed.
"What's your reason?"
Feeling all eyes on her, she bit her lip nervously.
"Well, I..." Her cheeks turned a bright shade of red, but her father gestured for her to continue. "I wanna be a huntress to help. People. "
"Elaborate."
"Uh...I wanna help families. I guess, my own mom wanted to do that. And so do I, and I understand that if I can take a sacrifice and help save someone...Then that works for me." She finished her speech with a grin.
Taiyang smiled, turning his back to the class.
"Excellent!"
The response was gross. She detested the idea of other people being helped...And her mom? Gosh, her poor mother fought for a life that was saved, yet she did not earn one ounce of respect! She loved Summer to shreds and everyone knew that.
But she couldn't think like her!
She felt...wrong. Disgusting. Gross. Guilty. Why did she want to be a huntress? What was the point? What was the irking sensation of hatred running through her veins?
"I want to watch them burn."
For the first time, the fourteen-year-old would admit it. To herself, and soon to the world.
EYES
"You have silver eyes."
It's a school night and Ruby ignores that for the sake of the dinner with huntsmen. They were all from Beacon, some laughing and hollering over memories. Her father was there, and Qrow was drunk. She frowned, fingers curling around a bottle of water.
There was an old man who send shivers down her spine. He smiled at her, eyes piercing her soul.
"...Thank you?"
"No." The man coughed, shaking his head. "Your mother had those eyes."
"Ozpin." Taiyang had cut the strange lad off.
He had come in and set a plate of cheesecake down. It was glazed with strawberries- her ultimate favorite food.
"Taiyang." Ozpin, as he was called, stood. He shook his hand, looking away from Ruby. "I am honored to have been invited to your reunion. You have all turned to be fine scholars."
"I-"
"But I must go." With a quick goodbye to the group of men, he grabbed his coat and left.
Silver eyes.
Ruby stared as he walked away, wondering what exactly it meant.
YANG
Vale was her favorite place to stop by. Her dad had a meeting in Beacon's walls, but she refused to step ground in a place filled with lost potential. The girl twirled her hands, in love with the feeling of metal against her skin. It was soothing to her, and her weapon only comforted her more.
Breathing, she came to a halt.
Tiger claws were weapons she once feared. Back then when she was barely starting to train, she figured scythes were better for her. Her uncle's tool made her feel powerful, even from a far distance. That and she was a clumsy fighter.
Somehow, improval was naturally fast for the young girl.
Ruby could fight. Hell, she was a bit too well at it for her father's liking. Both men had taken interest in hand to hand combat, insisting it was fundamental for her.
The tiger claws then became a bit of a priority rather than a scythe. The girl had made several adjustments, deciding to optimize the blades. Rather than just awkwardly sticking out, she chose to have an option where she could press a button and hide them away.
Oh, and the claws were also miniguns.
Dust infused guns.
Gosh, Ruby Rose was a bit of an extra person. Not a bit, the most extra person out there.
The sense of satisfaction left her mouth upon the sound of shrieks and screams from the public.
Turning to face the danger, she watched as a short girl with multicolored hair raced through the crowd. In pursuit was another girl, who was taller and had a more muscular build.
Her second thought was that the other carried a sword and holy fuck was it cool.
"You!" She was a blonde wearing a...mask? "Don't think you can run!"
The girl let out a squeal. She hurried instead, looking away and bumping into Ruby.
"Get off!" She pushed the strange girl aside, glowering.
"Well, don't just stand there!" The masked one hissed at Ruby, almost as if she had been gazing at the weapon on her hands. "Get her!"
If anything, Ruby was beyond confused.
She followed the Neapolitan-schemed girl (what even...?) and drew her tiger claws. There was a satisfying Clink! when summoned and she mustered her strength. The girl who requested, quite rudely, her assistance was seemingly strong, but not fast.
It was a miracle her semblance was speed.
Rose petals whirled in the wind as she caught up to her prey. The girl stopped in her tracks, unsheathing her own weapon and staring at both teenagers with rage in her pink and brown eyes.
Ribbons...?
And so the three danced.
The ice cream (that was it, that was her name now) twirled gracefully, tossing the weapon towards Ruby. The ribbon glowed red, leaving a trail of fire that Ruby narrowingly managed to avoid. The girl with the Grimm mask stepped forward, carrying her sword and swinging it at ice cream.
Ice cream avoided it, instead throwing another band at her direction. It glowed white this time, and the ground turned to ice.
"There's no use in just attacking," Ruby spoke up, loading one of the pistols. It was done with another button, along with a bullet and a bit of dust that she had to load into another slot. "Her ribbons are dust infused. If we can get them away from her, maybe we stand a chance."
"Understood." The girl's voice was cold, almost cruel. She couldn't see her face because of the mask, but she wondered how she looked.
Her partner charged once more, bringing her weapon towards their rival's abdomen. She easily jumped and Ruby fired a bullet towards her landing spot. It froze and rather than landing smoothly, she slipped as the black-haired girl fired again.
Ice cream lost grip of her ribbons and the silver-eyed trainee saw a chance.
She lunged, tucking her blades away just in time to jab at her opponent. The girl fell, and Ruby hovered over her, pinning her down.
There was fear written over her face and Ruby loved it.
"Now," Panting, she glanced at the masked stranger. "What was all this about?"
"Let her go." That was not the response she had been looking for. Almost disappointed, she stood and allowed ice cream go.
Shakingly standing, she picked up her ribbons and fled.
"Then what was the point?!"
She took off her mask, and silver eyes met lilac. The stranger was pretty- her face was clean and soft, eyes holding a charm of mystery and wild curls framing her head.
It hadn't come to her that she was significantly taller. Her outfit also made her seem more mature, in comparison to her childish outfit. She only kept it for Tai's sake, anyway.
The long, black pants she wore and yellow coat made her black combat skirt look silly. The stranger looked professional, Ruby did not. There was a pang of jealousy for a bit until she started talking.
"Those are just gang members." She sighed, tossing her hair aside. "They terrorize first-year students."
"Students of...?" Ruby raised an eyebrow.
"Beacon."
"Ah." Her voice wavered. "You're one of those...people."
"Uh." At this point, the conversation went downhill. "Well, I'm starting in two weeks time, and I've never been in Vale."
The air had, for ominous reasons, become colder. Ruby tugged at her signature cloak, shuddering.
"Well, I know some nice places." Why was she being so nice? "I can give you a tour if you'd like."
Blinking, the visitor nodded.
"That sounds...nice." She stretched out a gloved hand. "Oh, my name's Yang. Yang Branwen."
"Ruby Rose."