Disclaimer, I do not own RWBY
AN/ I'm back! So, I want to address a review I got last chapter, I do all of these time skips for a reason. For me, it's easier to go back to these scenarios as a flashback or memory. We will see Ruby's training as a hit man, or should I say, the start of her training. I know it seems like I'm running this story fast and loose, but there is a method to my madness, I swear. Anyways, on to the chapter!
Ruby sighed as she finished picking the next lock. This was the tenth lock this morning, and she was getting sick of it. Suddenly, Roman broke her from her concentration.
"Good job Red. You've really gotten the hang of lock picking. Soon we can start on safe cracking, but that's for later, Neo is ready for you." Roman said, pulling out a cigar.
"Am I finally going to learn how to break and enter?" Ruby asked, hope shining in her eyes.
"Yep, now go, Neo had been waiting all morning." Roman shooed the wolf faunus away. With a skip in her step, Ruby ran to where Neo had been hiding all morning. Neo had been repurposing a small section of the warehouse for Ruby to practice.
"Finally, you sure took your time." Neo joked, trying to sound annoyed.
"Roman wouldn't let up on me until I picked all of the locks." Ruby shot back, sticking out her tongue.
"Yeah, yeah. Now that you're here, we can start going over basics. First thing you should do is check the surroundings, anything that might suggest an alarm system or pets should be your first priority, understand?" Neo asked, making sure what she said was sticking.
"Shouldn't the residents be my first priority?" Ruby asked, tilting her head to the side in confusion.
"Not if you can't get in undetected first. They come after, now, pretend this is the front of the house, what do you see?" Neo asked, the illusion of a house appearing.
"I see three windows on the face of the house, two on the second floor. No signs for a security company, but a dog leash is on the porch." Ruby said as her eyes roved over the illusion.
"Correct. Now, how would you enter the house?" Neo asked as Ruby stepped closer.
"Assuming the bedrooms are on the second floor, through the living room window. What about the back of the house?" Ruby asked as she walked around the open space.
"A glass slider and a small kitchen window." Neo said as Ruby disappeared behind the illusion.
"So, nothing worthwhile then. I see the stairs and a small closed off room." Ruby said as she stepped back around the false house.
"From what I can gather, that's the room you want, it has no windows and the homeowner seems to avoid the room entirely." Neo explained.
"Anything else I should know? Seeing as how you staked out the place for me?" Ruby asked.
"Their dog is a corgi. That and one of the homeowner's friends randomly visits, no rhyme or reason to when, he just does. If you're seen, run." Neo explained.
"And where should I expect you to pick me up?" Ruby asked as she studied the false structure.
"The cliffs behind their house, a short run, even for you. Now, how about a dry run?" Neo asked as the illusion fell apart, revealing a small layout, identical to the floor plan of the home.
"I'm game, time me?" Ruby asked with a smile.
*Two Weeks Later*
"Come on, come on, open damnit!" Ruby hissed quietly. The front door refusing to budge. "Damnit Roman, I'm going to shove your cane up your ass."
From a distance, Neo and Roman watched Ruby struggle with the door. "You know she's going to be mad that you switched the locks on her." Neo remarked.
"She'll thank me later. Besides, I got her a present." Roman said with a smile as he pulled out a deck of cards.
"Really Roman? Playing cards? The girl doesn't even know poker, let alone gamble." Neo deadpanned.
"You got a better idea?" Roman asked, a smug grin on his face. Suddenly the door swung open and Ruby was inside.
"That was quick." Neo joked.
"Compared to the last time she tried that lock, it was actually. I've been scoping out the Schnee summer home. Still only cleaning and security, but they've been preparing for a visit." Roman said.
"The whole family?" Neo asked, worried.
"No, it would seem his two oldest are going to be there. Word is the heiress wants to attend Beacon." Roman explained.
"Still two years away. Think the White Fang will fuck it up?" Neo asked.
"They better not. If they put Ruby at risk or derail the whole job, Adam is going to taste boot." Roman growled, the thought of Ruby getting caught in that particular crossfire causing his blood to boil.
"What do you think of Adam?" Neo asked.
"Far too willing to work with me. He's planning something, and I don't like it. Keep an eye on him when you can. We'll remind him of his place if we have to. Sienna has been asking for reports from me, by the way." Roman added.
"Has she now? Think she suspects the same thing as you?" Neo asked.
"Probably. And time!" Roman shouted as Ruby came running out of the house.
"I hate you." Was all Ruby said.
"Why, what ever do you mean Red?" Roman asked innocently.
"Stupid locks." Was all Ruby muttered.
"Well Red, I hate to say it, but I think it's time to unleash you upon the world. And for the occasion, I have a little present for you." Roman said, holding out the deck.
"What are these for?" Ruby asked as she inspected the cards in no real order.
"Calling cards. I had them made specifically for you, your emblem and everything." Roman explained as Ruby inspected one closer. Seeing her emblem stood between her initials and surrounded by roses, Ruby squealed.
"I love 'em! Thank you Roman!" Ruby shouted as she wrapped Roman in a hug.
"That's not all, check the top two." Roman suggested. Pulling out the cards Roman said, Ruby saw something very different.
"I don't understand, why these two?" Ruby asked.
"Because, while these are your jobs and will get you noticed, you'll get attention if they know you're affiliated with me. Use those at the house, and the Schnee manor. The rest are up to you." Roman explained. Ruby was surprised by the gesture, looking back down to the cards. The difference between these two, Roman's emblem and initials, tucked behind her own.
"You can leave them on your hits too. Just know that the moment you start getting attention, it won't end until they catch you." Neo warned.
"I know, now, can I go rob someone please?" Ruby asked innocently, as if she were asking for a cookie.
"Neo, I think we raised the cutest criminal in existence." Roman said as he ruffled Ruby's hair.
"Watch the ears you ass!" Ruby complained.
"Right, Neo! It's time for the real deal, let's go." Roman ordered as he walked towards the exit.
*In Flight*
"Red, you keep fidgeting like that, and I'll turn this bullhead around." Roman sighed.
"I'm sorry Roman, but this is my first theft." Ruby apologized.
"Not really, this is your first home invasion, not theft. I understand, but you can't let your nerves get to you, you've been practicing for this for almost a month, you've got this." Roman assured the young girl.
"Besides, we'll step in of we need to, now come on, we're almost there." Neo added as the bullhead began its decent.
"Alright Red, time to go. Remember, no semblance if you think you're being followed." Roman said as Ruby jumped from the bullhead.
"You're not my dad Roman." Ruby joked.
"No, but I raised you like one, now go!" Roman shouted as the engines roared, lifting the bullhead away.
"Right, time to go." Ruby said to herself as she started her walk. Keeping to the trees, Ruby followed the road for as long as he could. Eventually, she came to a dirt path, the mailbox featuring the address she was hoping for.
"Well, it's now or never." Ruby muttered before using her semblance to clear the path quickly. At the end of the path she was greeted with the house that Neo had mimicked. Ruby grimaced as she walked up to the front door, realizing her outfit may not have been the best choice.
"Why did I wear the grey shirt and white cloak." Ruby mumbled. Testing the door as quietly as she could, Ruby sighed as it was locked.
"Could've always hoped at least." Ruby said as she pulled out her lock picks. Setting to work, Ruby was surprised at how easy the lock was. "This is almost insulting."
As the lock clicked open, Ruby gently opened the door. Seeing no hidden lights or obvious cameras, she let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Listening for any sign of the dog, Ruby felt her heart slow as all she heard was snoring. Slowly shutting the door behind her, Ruby set out, looking for door she had spent so much time practicing. Sighing in relief as it opened, Ruby quietly stepped inside.
"Wow." Ruby said in wonderment. It was a memorial to her mother, pictures and articles about her were hung on the walls. However, her prize was missing from the small collection. No weapon was in the room, or even a chest or display case, only paper.
"Damnit, now where could it be?" Ruby asked herself. Stepping out of the room as quietly as she could, Ruby looked around. The living room would be a likely spot, as would the master bedroom. Her destinations set, Ruby walked to the living room, looking for anything that would indicate a weapon. Instead all she found was pictures.
"Oh shit." Ruby mumbled as she saw a particular set of pictures. It was the girl she had helped in the park all those years ago. Looking to other pictures, Ruby saw something that made her blood run cold. A picture of Raven and the girl's father, Raven clearly pregnant. This was not good. Roman described the horror stories of what happened when you crossed the bandit leader.
Shaking her head, Ruby looked to the stairs. Only one other room it could be. Ruby hoped the dog wasn't in the room, otherwise this would get difficult. Slowly crawling up the stairs, Ruby listened for any creaks in the wood as she made her ascent. Cresting the stairs in silence, Ruby looked at the three doors that greeted her.
'If I were the master bedroom, which one would I be?' Ruby asked herself. Seeing the second door on the right had no counterpart across the hall, Ruby settled on the left side. Stepping as quietly as she could over to the door, Ruby slowly pushed it open, looking inside as she did so.
'Bingo' Ruby thought as she saw the large bed against the far wall. Stepping into the room, Ruby froze when something on the bed moved. 'Shit, shit, shit!' Ruby panicked. However, her fear was instantly soothed as it was revealed to be the small dog rolling over before breathing deeply.
'It's still asleep, thank the gods.' Ruby thought as she let go of her breath. Looking around, her eyes locked onto the large dresser in front of her. There on a display stand, was her mothers' weapon, contracted to its compact form.
'Come to Ruby.' Ruby thought as she made her way to the display. Pulling out one of the cards in the deck and her own note, Ruby prepared to swap them. Setting the note down with the card poking out from underneath it, Ruby gently set her hands on the stand and the weapon, careful not to trigger its mechanism. Feeling she had a good grip on them both Ruby gently lifted her arms. With the weapon in her left hand, she slowly set it on the small plate on her back, letting go as she felt it lock into place.
'Time to go.' Ruby thought to herself. Stepping out of the room, a little faster than she had entered, Ruby realized she now had to get down the stairs. Cursing herself for getting excited, Ruby began the slow and agonizing process of getting downstairs. As if to punish her for her excitement, the last three steps creaked in protest.
"What the hell Qrow, I thought I told you to let me know when you were coming." A voice groaned from the master bedroom, albeit quietly. As soon as she heard the voice, Ruby panicked, with an unlocked door in front of her, Ruby weighed her options. She could run and alert the man to her presence in the house, or she could continue to try and quietly sneak out the front door.
"Go on Zwei, go greet the drunk. I'll be down in a moment and- What the hell?!" He shouted. Ruby bolted for the door as she heard the dog patter towards the stairs. Throwing the door open, Ruby ran.
"Shit! Shit!" Ruby said aloud as she bolted for the trees. Using her semblance Ruby cut through the forest, avoiding branches and bushes as she sped through the brush. Ruby refused to stop, even circling around to give any followers a confusing maze of petals. Coming out into a clearing, Ruby stopped, taking the time to look around. She could hear the splashing of the waves across the clearing. Running without the aid of her semblance, Ruby crossed the clearing in record time.
"Come on, come on." Ruby panicked as she pulled out her scroll. Dialing Roman's number, Ruby weaved through the thick branches of the small patch of trees. Coming out on the other side, Ruby could hear the waves crashing below her. However, her attention was pulled to a single stone in the clearing. Slowly walking towards it, Ruby never heard the branches part behind her.
"Beautiful resting place, isn't it?" A low voice asked, causing Ruby to twist suddenly to view her pursuer.
"What do you want?" Ruby growled. Hearing Roman's voice pick up, Ruby quickly cut the line.
"I want what you just stole from my brother in law. That weapon doesn't belong to you." He said, red eyes meeting silver.
"But it does belong to me. By law it should have been given to me years ago!" Ruby countered.
"Who are you? And why should I believe you?" The man asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Because you stole my mothers' weapon!" Ruby accused.
"I don't know who you think you are kid, but the only thief here is you. Now hand it over or else." The man ordered, a hand going to the blade collapsed on his back. Before Ruby could respond, the familiar roar of an airship pierced through the night. Drawing her scythe, Ruby blocked a swipe from the man's sword. Using her semblance, Ruby sped past him to the larger clearing.
"This belongs to me!" Ruby shouted as she fired at the man. Looking up, she could see the bullhead circling above. Firing a shot above, Ruby smiled as it exploded in a cloud of orange fire. Her smile was torn from her face as the man descended upon her, swiping and jabbing at the young girl relentlessly.
"You're outclassed, give it up!" He roared. As he batted Ruby's scythe away with ease. Using her semblance once more, Ruby tried to evade him by putting distance between them. Her plan only worked for a second as the man descended upon her once more with a flurry of strikes, eventually knocking Ruby's scythe from her hands.
Watching her scythe tumble across the ground, Ruby felt fear. Suddenly, a mechanical shifting pulled her attention back to her assailant. Reaching for the weapon she had stolen, Ruby's world went black as a scythe swiped at her.
"Neo!" Roman shouted as the bullhead landed. Dashing out of the airship, Neo engaged the man as Roman picked up Ruby and her scythe. Roman watched as Neo danced around Qrow, batting away his scythe as he tried to advance to the bullhead.
"Neo! Let's go!" Roman shouted as he set Ruby down on the floor of the airship. Activating her semblance, Neo suddenly appeared beside Roman as the airship.
"Is she ok?" Neo asked, kneeling beside Ruby.
"She'll have one hell of a scar, but she'll be fine, her aura tanked most of the hit. Everything aside though, it was a success." Roman said proudly as he held Summer's weapon out to Neo.
"I'll call Junior, we need to make sure Qrow didn't do anything else to her, otherwise that puts our plans back." Neo said as she pulled out her scroll. Roman nodded before turning his attention back to Ruby.
"Next time kid, just run."
AN/ Good? I hope so, because I couldn't imagine this going any other way. Also, not sure if I mentioned this already, but Ruby is wearing her volume 2 outfit right now, with a white cloak, obviously. Leave any feedback you may have, I'm open to critique. Anyways, I had no class today, and I have to go to work soon in -40 degree weather, so enjoy almost 3000 words in this chapter, and have a great day!
