A/N So now I have no clue where the line breaks are... Great
Alright I'll keep this short, I was aiming for 6k on this one but now my laptop is running out of battery so I decided to give you guys a treat and give it to you early. Don't worry about little old me, just enjoy the story and have fun.
Have a good day
"Roman!"
The orange haired thief sighed tiredly as he looked up from his work. Dark bags sagged underneath his eyes and his normally smug face was weary with exhaustion. He clasped the lid of the container just Cinder walked in with the two kids behind her.
"Any luck grandpa?" Mercury called.
"Smartass" Roman thought, his eyes narrowing at the grinning boy. "You better shut your mouth, or else-"
"Or else what Roman?" Cinder inquired calmly, interrupting him from speaking.
"Or else," Roman reached around him and grabbed hold of a metal, tall container. "You can be my new test subject."
The container, full to the brim of dust. The purple specks sparkled like the stars in the night sky. But something was off, Cinder found herself to be drawn to it. The urge just to feel the dust escaping from her fingers was unsettling to say the least.
Instead she tore her eyes from it and met Roman's. "Please, elaborate."
And in true Roman fashion he smugly replied with, "Oh so now you're interested."
Cinder glared, her eyes immediately piercing into his skin. Roman chuckled, he'd totally one-upped her!
"Why don't you test it yourself then?" she shot back.
Roman's eyes widened slightly and Cinder watched in curiosity. He looked down to break free of her gaze and twisted the lid of the jar, opening it.
"Alright then," he coughed, "The plan is to infiltrate the Vale water systems right?"
Cinder nodded, "Right, the mutts will take care of that."
"Well then, you gave me the mission to make something that'll incapacitate them, rendering Vale useless, so we can use them to spread to the other kingdoms and yadda yadda."
"Look, the point is that I've made this really cool dust that I call," he paused for dramatic effect, "The Corruption!"
The trio looked on in silence before Mercury burst out laughing. "I'm sorry," he choked out, sounding not very sorry, "That-that has to be the most stupid name I've ever heard."
"So what does this-" Cinder started, completely ignoring Mercury.
"I'm glad you asked!" Roman smiled, cutting her off. "The Corruption-"
Mercury laughed even harder, tears now coming out of his eyes.
"-literally controls people."
Silence. Mercury laughs subsided as his brain began to process exactly what he just told them. Emerald who was watching quietly suddenly looked extremely scared and Cinder had a thoughtful look on her face.
Slowly her expressions changed into an evil smile and looked upon the container which Roman had opened.
"Does it work?" she asked casually and Roman saw Emerald flinch slightly.
"Well, not yet but-"
"When?" Cinder cut him off rudely.
"As soon as I test it and get more dust alright? Dust making doesn't come easily you know-"
"I don't care," Cinder snapped, "It's because of the Red kid right? She's in our way, if you cannot deal with one child then what use are you?"
"He-hey!" Roman cried indignantly. "Without me you wouldn't even have Dust."
"Get it done Roman, if not…"
"Yeah, yeah I know, you'll tear my heart out."
"Hey asshole, wake up!"
Roman groaned and opened his eyes blearily, the silence in his tiny cell was disrupted by a loud banging noise.
"Can you not please?" He grumbled, the only response he received was a slight chuckle from the other side of the door. Oh well, it wasn't like he was getting any sleep in the first place.
Ozpin had switched out the old cells in underground Beacon with new ones since, well you know, he was harbouring a criminal with a crazy mad woman looking for him. Still it didn't help that the cells were tiny.
Roman stretched out his legs, grunting slightly as the cramps sent shockwaves through his joints. He had a feeling that Ozpin liked to leave him in this room that was the size of a broom closet. Said broom closet was dark, the only light coming from the small window that the guards used to see if the criminals hadn't escaped.
"The Hell do you want?" Roman snapped at the guard who was standing outside of the door.
"Ozpin wants you," the blue armoured guard replied back, unfazed by the orange haired criminal.
Roman let out a huff of both annoyance and interest, "What am I, his favourite pet?"
"You tell me," the blue grunted, the noise of a keypad being pushed on came from the other side.
The cell door slid open and the blue guard stood there, a fine example of the many night guards Ironwood had to offer. His gun hung limply by his side and the helmeted man leaned against the wall lazily. Lights glared at Roman's eyes for a moment but after a few moments of adjusting, he could see that the man's nametag read "Church".
"Nice name," Roman pointed out.
"Nice hat, get moving bitch."
Church pushed and shoved Roman all the way to Ozpin's office, muttering vulgarities under his breath. Roman stumbled forwards, shooting more vulgarities at the guard who only replied with even more vulgarities. It was safe to say that his interaction with Church made him even more pissed than he already was. Being stuck in an elevator for 10 minutes with him does that to you.
Finally, after many snappy remarks about his hat, the elevator stopped at Ozpin's office. As soon as the doors slid open Church shoved Roman through the door before mashing the buttons furiously, not caring that Roman was screaming even more words that cannot be said.
The doors were sliding closed when Church finally acknowledged his existence and put up a certain finger up at him. Needless to say, Roman was pissed.
"Ozpin, change the bloody guards for Dust's sake. No manners, no respect, these kids are getting weirder every single day I've been here," Roman ranted endlessly, not even realizing that he was sounding exactly like the grandpa Mercury had described.
"You know what they served me yesterday huh? Fish soup! Who in the world even eats that stuff anyways?"
Roman turned to meet Ozpin's eyes only to find that Ozpin's brown eyes was replaced with the grey clouds in his window. He did a double take and realized that the office was empty. Looking around he wandered to the metal chair that Ozpin usually sat in.
A peculiar shape, he thought with a smirk, placing a hand on it and spinning it idly. His eyes examined the many papers and screens on his desk, noting that his and Ruby's name had been written multiple times on many of the documents. The screens were dark, unused, except for one.
To: Headmaster Ozpin, of Beacon.
From: Vale Council
Subject: Criminal 274761453
Roman's interest piqued as soon as he saw the last sentence. He reached out to the screen when he paused, this felt wrong. But as soon as the feeling came it was washed away again as he felt the smooth surface of the screen. Roman tapped on the screen, bringing up the message.
Ozpin,
We have received information that you have captured Criminal 274761453, the same criminal that has caused harm upon one of your students.
The students are our main priority, as should it be yours. We expect that the criminal be detained in one of the most high security prisons in Vale, the wrongdoer will never harm any of your students ever again.
Along with Criminal 274761453 we expect information containing everything about the case, if no information is given we will be forced to discuss your position as Headmaster of Beacon.
Regards,
The Vale Council.
Roman lips pursed thoughtfully. The date of the message had been sent a few days ago, yet Ozpin hadn't grilled him any information in that time. Perhaps he had told him too much in their first interrogation.
To: The Vale Council
From: Headmaster Ozpin, of Beacon
Subject: Criminal 274761453
The Vale Council,
I have received your message and take it wholeheartedly, although I have to disagree. Criminal 274761453 is perfectly fine here at Beacon. I believe that the school is a much better location for the criminal.
This man is a dangerous criminal, and we will treat him accordingly, but even more dangerous unlawful citizens are after this man. This school is protected by professional hunters and huntresses, not to mention we have many students here that are prepared and ready if such a disruption arises.
As for information, we have not managed to find anything related to this case. If we do, you will be the first to know.
Regards,
Headmaster Ozpin.
Roman was surprised. Ozpin had lied, he had lied to the Council about him.
Still stunned by this recent revelation he didn't hear the elevator signalling its arrival, nor the sound of its doors sliding open. It was only the sound of a voice full of surprise, confusion and hate that pulled him out of his stupor.
"Roman Torchwick?"
Roman turned so fast that he almost got whiplash. It was a few moments before his brain actually reacted to what he was seeing. He expected Ozpin to be standing there, his signature coffee mug in his hands and a disapproving scowl on his face. What he didn't expect was a green clothed hunter, probably decades younger than Ozpin. The hunter looked young enough to be attending Beacon but he had an uncanny resemblance to Ozpin, even the boy's voice was similar to the headmaster.
They stood there, Roman by Ozpin's desk and the boy just outside of the elevator. Roman finally managed to fully process the sight. The boy had magenta eyes, the colour matched with a short streak of hair. The rest of his long hair was black and his green sleeves ended at his wrists.
"What are you doing here?" the two men asked simultaneously, both frowning as they realised they had said the same thing.
Just then the elevator doors slid open again, revealing the very person Roman had been expecting.
"Ah, Roman," Ozpin turned his gaze from Roman to Ren, "Mr Ren, please take a seat."
The mismatched duo didn't move.
"Please, it is easier if you two cooperate, for the sake of the both of you."
They both stepped cautiously to the two chairs that sat beside each other, the two not breaking eye contact. As Ren sat down slowly, Roman broke away, slumping in his seat as the criminal returned to his usual behaviour.
"Ah, finally! Comfortable seats! Oz, mind if you could replace the hard metal chairs they have there?" Roman complained, the softness of the chair giving his tired legs a rest.
As Roman looked away to inspect the soft material Ozpin frowned as he glimpsed a sight of his opened messages. Letting it slide although suspicious, Ozpin closed the tab and brought it back to its stationary state.
"You may be wondering why I brought Mr Ren here," started Ozpin, clasping his hands on his desk. "He has some relation to Ms Rose, and wants to know what caused her hospitalization."
Roman took in a barely audible intake of breath, unfortunately for him the hunter-in-training sitting beside him excelled in observation. Ozpin noticed too but thought nothing of it, caring enough just to put it in the back of his mind.
"Would you like to explain?" Ozpin asked of Roman who shook his head a bit too fast. Ozpin looked down at his documents, taking the tip of a piece of paper and slid it out from the bottom of the pile. Both Ren and Roman's eyes widened slightly, one wondering what could have been written there and the latter cursing himself for missing it.
Roman's observation skills were put to shame by both Ozpin and Ren but he caught a glimpse of the document, too fast to get all of it but enough to read the title.
"What is this?" Ren asked almost untrustingly, Ozpin had lied to him once, he wasn't going to do it again.
"Dear child, I've had enough of lying today," Ozpin stated tiredly, reading through the document one last time.
Yeah no kidding, Roman replied to himself as the headmaster placed the sheet of paper right in front of the two of them.
The Corruption, ID.274761453
Cases: 2
Possibility of Death: N/A
Roman looked up at Ozpin, an unexpected rage building up inside of him, "I trusted you, I trusted you to keep a secret. What is this for, huh?"
Ozpin pushed up his glasses, "For you to remember what abomination you have created," he spoke with just as much anger.
"So you could turn this into the cops? Dammit you're insane! Cinder's first damn thought is to raid the prisons for me! I came here for safety and now you're bringing me straight to her?"
It was Ren's turn to speak, "You almost murdered Ruby just to come here?!"
Roman glared at the lotus, "I didn't murder the child!"
"Then what was your intention!?"
"ENOUGH!"
The two turned to Ozpin and finally stopped their bickering. Ozpin sighed tiredly as he shook his head.
"Roman Torchwick, my intention was never to turn you into the police. I had to document it," Ozpin explained.
Roman scoffed, "Document it for what? I have it all up here," he pointed to his head, rolling his eyes.
"You stated that you tested the Dust yourself," Ozpin contradicted, "What will happen if you are sent into a deep sleep too? Who will remember to fight? Who will battle off the Corruption?"
Roman was in silence, looking down at the paper, concealed regret on his face. Ren however was scanning the paper.
Type: Dust
Cure Status: 0%
Infectivity: Few
Severity: Extremely
Lethality: No recorded deaths
Origin: Originally planned for conquering Vale
"Then why? If you truly dislike me for what I did then why keep me here?" Roman asked quietly.
"Because you may be the only chance we have at winning against the Queen."
Ruby slept a lot better now. Her dreams were untroubled, no more fighting, no more pain. It was a dream to sleep, one moment she was in a bed, the next she was flying.
Yes Ruby's dreams were no longer tormented by Grimm, her shadows or the memories of some of the most painful moments of her childhood.
It was in the hospital the nurses had heard her speak. She had told them that they should paint the walls of a more colourful colour. White reminded her of someone she knew, someone she loved.
Life was peaceful, team WBY rushed over as soon as the doctors said they could visit her. Ruby will never forget the sound of feet storming through the halls, the loving embrace of her sister and the tears of joy pouring down her face.
"I thought you left me." Yang had told her as she grasped her tightly.
"I did too, but now I'm here sis." Ruby replied hugging her sister, wanting nothing more than love from the girl who'd taken care of her when their dad neglected them and wallowed in his own grief.
It was true, Ruby had thought they left her when they thought she left them.
Ruby was loved, the comforting words her teammates had uttered her was proof of that. But somewhere, in the bottom of her belly, she had a tiny prickle of doubt.
And soon that doubt with become acid, acid that eats through her body like it eats metal. And when all have been destroyed someone, no, something will take her place.
Ruby had changed, the seed had been planted. And from it a different rose will rise.
"Hey asshole, going back to your doggie house?" Church smirked, poking Roman in the back with the butt of his rifle.
"Actually," Roman grinned madly, "You work for me now."
"Alright then young Miss," the doctor announced, looking up at Ruby from his form, "You're free to go. Make sure you take care of yourself, you have multiple injuries so please refrain from duelling with other students. Your weapon has been retrieved from the police and-"
"Have they found anything?" Yang asked anxiously, eyes flickering between the doctor and Ruby.
"Unfortunately no information is useful right now but the offender is currently safe where he belongs," the doctor replied, "He won't hurt any of you anymore."
Team RWBY breathed a sigh of relief, RWBY was whole now. They were glad to have their leader back, without her RWBY would never be the same. As the team began to chat amongst themselves the doctor excused himself from the room, a nurse taking his place.
"Alright," the nurse smiled warmly at Ruby, "You're good to go."
Ruby stood up, standing unsteadily as she grasped the edge of the bed tightly. Yang immediately gathered her baby sister in her arms and place her in a wheelchair that Blake graciously provided.
"Yang!" Ruby exclaimed, "I can walk myself."
Yang replied with a grin, "Doesn't mean you don't get a free wheelchair ride!"
"Brute," Weiss muttered, but she was smiling happily at the return of the old Yang.
The nurse took the handle of the wheelchair as Ruby's team flocked around her as they were walking. Ruby received a drink from the vending machine, money provided by Weiss of course, and Blake gave her a book wrapped up as a "Welcome Home" present.
Finally they stepped, or rolled, outside, Ruby taking the first breath of fresh air in what felt like ages.
"Hey look, it's team JNPR!" Yang called and waved her hand to gain their attention. Ruby watched her friends clamber up the stairs to get to her.
"Hey, just so you know," the nurse absentmindedly remarked, "We're repainting the wards," she grinned.
Ruby smiled back and let out a chuckle, team JNPR bounded, well Nora bounded, Pyrrha and Ren walked and Jaune stumbled over to them.
Nora hugged Ruby enthusiastically and Pyrrha smiled warmly with a wave. Jaune said hi between his rapid panting and Ren smiled knowingly, nodding a thanks to the nurse who bowed her head and walked back into the hospital, taking the empty wheelchair with her.
"Alright! The gang is all here!" Nora yelled, gaining many curious looks from any bystanders.
"Let's head out everybody!"
