Chapter Eleven: Internal Strife
Rescue isn't coming.
The thought had haunted Romano for a while, but with each passing day, or hour, or minute it grew louder, plaguing his mind and dragging him slowly downward. France was gone. Australia was blindfolded, gagged, and wearing headphones whispering awful things into his ears that Romano could just hear if he was quiet enough.
That left South Italy completely alone, without friends to talk to and only his fear for company. Except even that fear was abandoning him, slowly replaced by a hollow numbness. Thus, the repeating thought that just might be true.
Rescue isn't coming.
Romano leaned his head back, staring at the rocky ceiling of the cell. He'd had plenty of time to inspect his new accommodations, and if he had to guess, he'd say they were in a cave or underground. Possibly both. If he held his breath and perked his ears, he could hear distant, echoing footsteps and the occasional scream. He wondered if those screams were France or America. They were too soft to tell. But sometimes, he swore he heard women and children.
He hoped he was wrong.
He prayed he was wrong.
About all of it.
But if he wasn't…
Rescue isn't coming.
Romano wasn't scared anymore.
He was tired.
So, so tired of the silence, of the distant screams, of the isolation, of the soldiers, of Australia's rocking and quiet sobs.
He was so tired.
He just wanted to sleep.
He closed his eyes, feeling a strange draining sensation in his gut, and drifted away.
XXXXXXX
The central hub of what was currently Atlas's military headquarters was one of the tallest buildings in the city. It towered over the rest of Atlas like a mountainous guardian, with only the Academy beating it in height. The Academy and the Military were two of Atlas's greatest achievements, so naturally the buildings representing them would be tall and proud, dwarfing the smaller buildings around them in their shadows. It was only because of the angle of the sun that helped cast those shadows that no one noticed the small black bird that flew over the city.
The crow sat on a ledge below a windowsill, shifting from foot to foot and giving a soft, irritated caw. Once he was certain his footing was stable, he cocked his head, listening to the voices coming from the room above.
"— you're right on schedule, General," a voice he recognized as Jacques Schnee's wafted through the window.
The slight crackle accompanying his smug tone showed he was not actually inside the office. None of the Council of Mistral were, all sitting comfily at home for the meeting. Only Ironwood was the exception, and although he could not see him, the crow could easily picture the proud General standing there, posture straight and hands clasped behind his back.
"Of course, I shouldn't expect anything else from you." Jacques continued.
"I was in the middle of something. Why have you called us to this meeting?" an annoyed female voice asked.
"As you are all aware, Mantle has fallen." Ironwood began without preamble. "We need to consider the consequences."
"Consequences? What consequences? I say good riddance to that trash heap." A female member of the Council sniffed.
"It's no real loss." The Councilman agreed. "The city was planning a rebellion."
The crow perked up, ruffling his feathers.
"We have no concrete evidence of that." Ironwood said.
"Well, we know they were planning something." The Councilman said. "Not that it matters. They and their little plans for rebellion are buried in the snow."
"We are not here to discuss the possible revolt Mantle was rumored to be planning." Ironwood interrupted icily. "The point of this meeting is that Mantle has fallen, and the Dust underneath it is gone as well."
"Why does that concern us?" the Councilwoman asked.
"We relied on the mines there for a majority of our Dust supply." Jacques said. "Unless we find another vine, we will be forced to up the prices again. With the embargo up, my business will suffer even more!"
"And without trade with Vale and Mistral, the absence of certain goods will soon become apparent." The Councilman mused. "The general populace will start to notice just how much we don't have."
"The citizens can survive without perfume from Mistral." Ironwood stated. "Our biggest problem is the shortage of Dust. The shields rely on Dust to power them, as do the temperature regulators and Atlesian Knights. They take priority."
"But what of the people?" the Councilman asked. "All our technology relies on Dust to function. Transportation, utilities, farming equipment, even the televisions need Dust."
"We may have to implement a blackout period." The Councilwoman brought up wearily. "Every day for a few hours, all non-essential technology must be turned off. That should help us stretch out the limited Dust we have."
"We could cut off power to the slums as well." Jacques added.
The crow's feathered body tensed.
"That's a terrible idea." Ironwood growled. "Taking the slums off the grid will turn off the temperature regulators in that area."
"It would also preserve our dwindling Dust resources for those that actually pay taxes." Jacques said coldly.
"The Faunus and humans in the slums deserve heat as much as everyone else in Atlas." Ironwood said, voice tinged with rage.
"Of course they do." Jacques said with false sincerity. "But I think you fail to understand how much Mantle's collapse has affected us. I had to lay off thousands of workers after losing millions in that disaster."
"So there are even more jobless Faunus in the slums." The Councilman said tiredly.
"They should be grateful to still be alive." The Councilwoman said. "If they were in Mantle, they'd certainly be dead."
"Which is why we won't cut off power to that area." Ironwood reaffirmed. "You speak of rebellions; Do you want to antagonize those who are desperate and have nothing to lose?"
"As if they would be a threat." Jacques said dismissively. "If they are trouble, they'll be sent to the Transformation Institute like every other criminal."
"It would be helpful if we actually had jobs for those that came out." The Councilman mused.
"Do not act that naïve, dear." The Councilwoman said chidingly. "We know what happens in that facility. No one comes out."
There was a beat of silence. The crow stayed absolutely still on the ledge, head cocked. What he wouldn't give to see Ironwood's expression…
"Such measures are necessary, as Atlas has decreed." Ironwood stated. "We cannot have discontent within Atlas. Not when we can only rely on ourselves until the threat of war has passed. We must be united against the outside world, no matter the cost."
"Of course." The Councilwoman said.
"That does not fix our power problem unless you want to throw all the Faunus in the slums into the Institute." Jacques mentioned. "Though I suppose they would appreciate a warm cell."
He was the only one who chuckled.
"For now we will move forward with scheduled daily blackouts." Ironwood stated. "All in agreement?"
There was a pause.
"Unanimous. It is decided then." There was a brief beat of silence. "It is late and I have matters to attend to. We will reconvene later to discuss the other matters."
"Goodbye, General."
There were a couple of clicks and more silence, followed by retreating footsteps. The crow cautiously flapped up by the window, looking briefly into the empty room. Realizing there was nothing else to glean by staying there any longer, he quickly flew away before Ironwood or anyone else noticed he was there.
He had a lot to think about.
XXXXXXX
"Alfred F. Jones."
America forced his eyelids apart, and his response left his lips before his mind comprehended more than a muggy, sleep-deprived haze. "I told you to call me Alfred." He mumbled as his vision slowly cleared.
Penny stared down at him, never blinking. "The storm has stopped."
America blinked and looked outside. A clear blue sky greeted him and he stared at it uncomprehendingly.
Vale was not caught in his sudden stupor. "Alfred, you can leave."
He lurched out of bed like it was on fire, shoving his glasses onto his face. "We need to go."
America grabbed some clothes and Cobalt Striker and ran down the hall, and loud footsteps came behind him. Soon, Penny was at his side, head turned completely towards him and eyes never straying from his face. Unlike a human, which would look ahead on occasion to ensure they were not about to run into something, her unblinking stare did not drift away once.
"I suggest Alfred F. Jones takes care of Alfred F. Jones's bodily functions before we depart." She stated. "The ride will be long and Alfred F. Jones is not dressed for combat."
America considered the pajamas he wore and shrugged. "Yeah." Her words registered and he frowned. "Are you expecting combat?" He shook his head before she could respond. "Dumb question. We can get to the city but we can't get in. I guess we might have to fight our way through."
"That assumption is false." Penny stated. "A way into Atlas has been procured. There is a passage under the shield." She left it at that, seeing no need to give him more information.
"Tell me about the passage, please." America said, struggling not to feel like he was ordering her.
"It is through an abandoned mineshaft that is not an abandoned mineshaft." Penny said bluntly. "The real purpose of the abandoned mineshaft that is not an abandoned mineshaft is to provide safe passage to the people of Atlas if they need to escape the city of Atlas clandestinely."
"Or for people trying to enter Atlas clandestinely." America added.
"Correct." Penny stated. "However, the abandoned mineshaft that is truly a secret passage has been abandoned by the general forces of Atlas. Only the Council and Atlas-Ciel-Soleil knows about it."
"Let me guess. So they can escape if the city starts burning?" America muttered.
"The answer to that query is not in my databanks." Penny informed him. "Would you like me to attempt to locate that—"
"It's fine. I don't need an answer to that question." America said hurriedly. "So you're saying the passage isn't guarded?"
"The entrance is not guarded." Penny said.
America grinned. "Then it's perfect! A secret passage is just what we need." A thought struck him and he frowned. "How did you get that information?"
"It was in my databanks." Penny said. She hiccuped.
America jumped at the unexpected sound and his brow furrowed.
"Something's wrong." Vale said instantly. "Be wary."
Stop being paranoid, America chided her. "Are you okay?" he asked Penny.
"There is an error in my respiration simulation." Penny said. "I cannot troubleshoot the issue."
"You try to figure it out while I get ready. I'll eat in the airship." America said, already heading to the bathroom.
He showered as quickly as humanely possible, looking out at the clear blue sky. The weather in Solitas was unpredictable. It was always icy cold, and the blizzards came and went with no rhyme or reason, as if some greater power decided it simply wanted to bury the continent today. They might only have a small window to get out of the house and to Atlas.
When America got out of the bathroom— dressed in his usual outfit and with Cobalt Striker in its holster— Penny was waiting for him.
"Do you think we can leave her behind—?"
You know we can't, Amber.
"I don't trust her. She might betray us."
She won't.
"You don't know that."
"I have packed the airship with food, Dust, and other essentials." Penny stated, oblivious to the argument going on in America's head. "If we become trapped in a blizzard, we should last several days though Alfred F. Jones's bathroom privacy breaks will be impossible."
"I'll deal." America assured her. "Now that we can go somewhere I'll be okay."
"My compiled information on 'PTSD', 'anxiety attacks', 'depression' and other psychological issues suggest they will not cease when we leave." Penny stated.
America flinched and gritted his teeth, sucking air between them. "We really need to work on your tact." He said wearily. "And I don't have any of those things."
"I think she should add 'unhealthy denial' to that list." Amber said dryly.
America ignored her.
Penny said nothing, merely staring at him with her dull, unblinking eyes. They got into one of Polendina's small airships, and the fact that America finally got to pilot one was slightly marred by the detail that Canada was not there to see it. America ignored the ache in his heart and started the vessel, putting his hands on the controls. He would reunite with his twin soon. But first, France, Australia, and Romano needed him to be their hero. Then they could all go home …
Well, they could go home. America couldn't. He couldn't leave Remnant until the war with Salem was over. He knew that now. But he could at least save his friends and send them home.
Hang on, guys. I'm coming.
The airship lifted off and soared into the bright blue sky, leaving the empty mansion behind.
XXXXXXX
Oscar jabbed the cane into the air in front of him, sticking out his tongue. He adjusted his foot and stabbed again, following the blow with three quick strikes. He went to a few dummies set up for practice and settled back into his stance. He rapidly struck it in the throat, chest, and stomach, causing the areas to flash red.
"Well done." Ozpin praised. "You have gotten quicker. However, I think you hold the risk of biting your tongue."
Oscar noticed he'd been sticking it out the corner of his mouth and reddened. He corrected himself, trying a few hard swings as Ozpin murmured advice in his mind. He finished with a leap, twisting in the air to put as much force as possible behind the blow, and accidentally beheaded the training dummy. Oscar stared at the head as it rolled across the floor.
"Oops." Oscar said.
Ozpin chuckled. Slow clapping came from behind him and he looked to the door. Yang leaned against the doorframe, continuing to clap as her lips twitched. Oscar stood straight and gripped the cane in both hands.
"How long have you been there?" he asked nervously.
"A while." Yang pushed away from the door and walked to stand next to him. "You're improving a lot."
"It doesn't feel like it." Oscar admitted. "You're all so much better fighters than me."
Yang frowned and poked him in the shoulder, sending him staggering back a step. "Hey, don't downplay your progress. You're learning fast." Her eyebrow quirked knowingly. "Don't worry about being a liability or something."
"I agree." Ozpin said.
Oscar's cheeks reddened further and he ducked his head, scuffing his foot on the ground. "Thanks. Um. Not to sound rude but why aren't you out with the others?"
Yang's kindness vanished like a snuffed-out sun, leaving something cold and dark behind. "I don't know if I should be walking around Atlas. And I wanted to talk to Ozpin. Alone."
Oscar's shoulders slumped. "It seems like that's all you guys want sometimes."
Yang winced and her dark aura receded. "Sorry."
"It's fine." Oscar said, smiling awkwardly. "I know he's more useful than me right now."
Yang's violet eyes softened. "Hey, don't be like that. You're plenty useful. And you're much better company than that old coot."
Oscar blanched, but relaxed upon hearing Ozpin chuckling in his mind.
"She does have a point." He agreed. "May I?"
Oscar nodded hesitantly. "Give me a sec."
He closed his eyes and exhaled, touching the strange presence at the edge of his consciousness. If someone asked him to describe it, he would only be able to say it was Ozpin or his magic; a big, ancient entity he could not begin to comprehend. Green light flared and Oscar sank into the background, able to see and hear the outside world but unable to interact with it. The switch was less unsettling than it used to be and Oscar supposed he was growing used to the weirdness of his new life.
Golden eyes opened and Ozpin smiled. "Hello, Ms. Xiao Long."
Yang's expression remained closed. "Hey."
Ozpin set the tip of his cane on the floor, clasping both hands on top of it. "You wished to speak with me?"
Yang's lips thinned like she was trying not to scowl and her hands clenched around her crossed arms. "Yeah. Something's been on my mind for a while, but I never had time to ask. Whenever I did, Ruby and the others were near." Violet eyes turned red. "No one else has said it so I will. You let us think our friends were dead."
Ozpin winced and closed his eyes. "Yes. I truly am sorry for that. I believed it was for the best."
Yang gave a bitter laugh. "A lot of things you think are for the best really aren't. But that's not why I'm here. You have a lot of secrets." She walked up to a dummy and settled into a boxing stance. Once she was balanced, she punched it, focusing on the brown doll. "Relics." She punched again. "Nations." She punched twice. "Salem." Two more times. "Earth. I understand why you didn't want to tell us these things in school but we're in your war now." She whirled to glare at Ozpin, eyes still crimson. "What else are you hiding?"
Ozpin looked down at his cane, twirling it in one hand. "Many things, I'm afraid." He murmured. "My life has been long." Golden eyes bore into red. "You are not usually one to hold back your thoughts, Ms. Xiao Long. What do you really want to know?"
Yang crossed her arms, posture tense with anger. "Tell me about Silver Eyes."
Oscar felt an echo of Ozpin's surprise, suggesting he was not expecting the demand. The former Headmaster sighed. "I already—
"Jaune found a passage in a book that hints Silver Eyed Warriors die young because of that power." Yang snarled. "What's the cost for being able to obliterate Grimm with a glare? What is it that keeps Silver-Eyed Warriors from running around and killing every Grimm they spot? And don't give me some BS answer like Salem is hunting them all."
"Salem is hunting them." Ozpin said.
"But that isn't a cost." Yang spat. "All power comes with a cost. Semblances require Aura, or can hurt the user if they overexert themselves. You lose magic every time you grant someone magic for their own use, like you did with Raven and Qrow. So what's the cost of Silver Eyes? Does it take years off the warrior's life? Are Grimm attracted to them by the thousands? What will happen if my sister keeps using Silver Eyes?!"
Her shout echoed in the room, leaving a tense silence behind. Yang's glare never strayed from Ozpin as her fists clenched and her shoulders shook, daring him to avoid the question again.
Finally, Ozpin relented, averting his gaze to the side. "The 'cost'— as you put it— of that power… is control."
Violet eyes flashed. "What do you mean?" Yang asked warily.
Ozpin's ancient eyes grew distant, looking to times long past. "Long ago, before the Kingdoms that you know today, the Silver-Eyed Warriors were almost the saviors of Remnant. A single tribe of them emerged from the Wilds and combated the Grimm threat, saving other tribes along the way. Nothing was known about them except their power was somehow linked to the moon. I do not know how or why… only that the rumored link is indeed true." When Yang opened her mouth, he held up a hand, stalling the questions he would soon answer.
"The Silver-Eyed Warriors were exceedingly rare, but so powerful that they could destroy Grimm in droves. Their influence was so great that for the first time, humanity was winning. We were able to push the Grimm back and the tribes of people that formerly were just trying to survive gathered together and laid the foundations for what would become the Great Kingdoms of the modern era. Because of the Warriors, we were closer to victory than ever. But then…" His eyes slipped closed as he reminisced, his memories skittering at the edge of Oscar's consciousness, there but unseen by the boy. "Salem stepped in herself. She sent her forces to search, and soon found the Relic of Destruction."
Yang frowned. "I thought the Relics were in the Academies?"
"The Academies did not exist back then." Ozpin reminded her. "The Relics were scattered across Remnant for anyone to pick up and use. Salem did not understand their true power at the time, so she did not yet seek them for her goals. Even I did not understand what they could do until…" Hollow, ancient grief stabbed Oscar's consciousness. "…she used it to shatter the moon."
Oscar gaped. "What?!"
Yang held a similar expression of shock. "Salem shattered the moon?!"
"Yes." Ozpin said. "She was so surprised it worked that I was able to wrestle the Relic from her and force her to retreat. However, the damage had already been done. The moon was shattered… and the Silver-Eyed Warriors suffered for it. No longer could they use their power without consequence. The shattering of the moon shattered something inside themselves, and whenever they used their gift…" Golden eyes locked with violet. "…they would go berserk."
Oscar saw a brief flash of a man with glowing, monochrome eyes charging towards him before the man plunged his hand clean through his chest. The boy gasped, recoiling at the memory of one of Ozpin's past deaths, and Ozpin himself grimaced.
"Unlike before, Silver-Eyed Warriors completely lose control whenever they activate their eyes. I am not speaking of mere anger or a lack of forethought. They become like feral beasts, only seeking to destroy everything in their path. Grimm, foes, friends, innocents… they can no longer differentiate between any of them, and will attack all who stumble upon them." A shudder passed through Ozpin. "They become as mindless as the Grimm they once destroyed."
Yang swallowed visibly, expression taut with distress. "If that's true, why didn't Ruby attack Jaune?"
"That was Ms. Rose's first time using the Silver Eyes and she fell unconscious before she could try." Ozpin said solemnly. "Combined with her grief, it kept the rage at bay in that one instance. Next time, there will be no such mercy. Ever since the moon was shattered, the Silver-Eyed Warriors' numbers dwindled as they fell in battle, either at the hands of their enemies, or even those they could not recognize as friends." He shivered. "I cannot count the number that took their own lives because they murdered a loved one in a rage, and soon the Warriors became so rare they passed into myth, their power forgotten."
"So you're saying the Silver Eyes are a liability." Yang said faintly. She jolted as if struck. "Is this the real reason why you kept Ruby out of the Kuchinashi mission?"
"…That was part of the reason why I did not object to her remaining behind, yes." Ozpin admitted after a pause. "I feared what may happen if she lost one of you and activated Silver Eyes while in the city. And no, Silver Eyes are not always a liability. If utilized in the proper setting, they can be quite effective. Like all powers, the Silver Eyes can be deactivated once the Warrior learns how to do it. And they must learn. The power is not infinite. There is a possibility that the user will burn out if they use it too much. They could completely lose access to the Silver Eyes, their Semblance, and their Aura."
Yang twitched, fists clenching and causing her metal hand to creak. "Why haven't you told Ruby this?" she demanded.
Ozpin smiled, the depth of his sadness taking Oscar's breath away. "I do not want to crush her. She will believe that she will be the one that is different. She will insist that she will be the one to overcome the curse of the Silver Eyes." Oscar saw a brief flicker of a white-cloaked woman. "Over and over I've seen the scenario play out. They always think that they will not fall to madness like their predecessors… and they are wrong. The Warrior's rage can overwhelm even the kindest soul."
"Then teach her." Yang pleaded. "Tell her the truth and teach her to at least turn it off. If you keep this from her, she'll try to use it without knowing what happens and could hurt someone."
Ozpin said nothing.
Yang gritted her teeth. "Ruby has grown in the last year. She's seen how terrible the world can be. She won't recklessly use the Silver Eyes, especially if you tell her the consequences. You shouldn't keep this from her. Keeping this secret will only get more people hurt."
Ozpin opened his mouth, a rejection on his tongue, but paused. Oscar saw a brief flash of Matthew's cold face. Ozpin nodded slowly. "You're right. Once we are in a more stable environment I will try to assist her. It is not safe for Ms. Rose to train here. For her… or anyone else."
Yang's shoulders relaxed and some of her anger faded. "Thank you."
Ozpin's head tipped and he smiled knowingly. "But the Silver Eyes are not the only reason you are here. Do you have any more questions?"
Yang's throat bobbed visibly, and all at once, the tension returned. "Yeah. I have one more question."
XXXXXXX
Yang is going to love this!
Ruby grinned from ear to ear as she hurried through their little apartment-thingy. She wasn't really sure what to call their new home. A condo? A house-within-a-bigger building? The place had separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and even a training room but it was inside the military barracks so what would it be considered? Ruby only lived in a cottage and a dorm, but those words definitely didn't fit their current residence. She'd have to ask Weiss about it later. She would know what to call the apartment-but-not-thingy.
For now, Ruby had a mission of utmost importance to complete.
She had strawberries to give to her sister.
Ruby had been wandering through the market, listening to the conversations between the locals and trying not to feel bad about it, when she spotted the bright red fruit on a small stand. They were fresh, straight from a greenhouse farm nearby, and with the current border situation, such fruits were a rare find.
Ruby had managed to convince the seller to give her the fruit for cheaper than his initial demand—her adorableness was good for something— and now she had to just take her prize to her sister so they could share them. Ivan had already been eyeing the fruit, and Ruby might have hissed at Jaune when he asked if he could have one. The others could get their own strawberries. These were hers and Yang's.
Checking the bedrooms, kitchen, and living room were all a bust so Ruby headed to the training room with her prize clutched close to her chest. She heard voices and slowed her steps, cocking her head to listen in. She didn't want to walk in on a private conversation. Even though she was listening in to see if it was a private conversation. In hindsight, not the best plan. She quickly changed tactics and peeked inside the room to see Yang speaking with Oscar. No, not Oscar. That stance was definitely Ozpin. Oscar never looked so confident carrying that cane.
"—not the only reason you are here. Do you have any more questions?" Ozpin was saying, proving it was indeed Ozpin through his accented voice.
What are they talking about? Ruby stepped closer to the door, ears pricked with interest.
"Yeah. I have one more question." Yang said, and Ruby frowned at the shakiness of her voice. Was Yang scared? That was strange. Yang was never scared about almost anything, and certainly not of asking a quest—
"Did you send Summer Rose to kill Salem on that last mission?"
Ruby froze. Her breath caught and her limbs locked, but her sense of hearing seemed to strengthen, forcing her to clearly hear every word being said.
Ozpin sighed wearily. "I'm guessing Raven—"
"Don't avoid the subject." Yang snarled. "Did you. Send her?"
Ozpin was silent. Ruby listened with baited breath, waiting for a response as her hands squeezed the plastic container that held the strawberries, making it crinkle. She was too focused to feel the slightest unease that they might hear her, and even if she was, that fear did not become an issue. Finally— after nearly a minute of silence— Ozpin answered.
"Yes."
And Ruby's world shattered. She did not crumple in a heap. She did not scream or burst into tears. She merely stood outside the doorway, leaning her head against the wall and staring blankly at the ceiling as her mind and body went numb.
Yang breathed shakily. "Why?" she whispered. "Why would you do that?"
"Summer knew the risks—"
"Did she?" Yang demanded. "Every person you've sent after Salem died! Every. Single. One. Why would our mom be any different?!"
"Summer was the first Silver-Eyed Warrior I met in generations." Ozpin said, pain clear in his voice. "She was powerful too; able to destroy hordes of Grimm with a single glance. She was… so optimistic that she would be the hero that would finally end Salem. Her enthusiasm infected me, and I found myself hopeful again after centuries of defeats. Foolishly, naively hopeful."
He trailed off, and Ruby realized her hands were shaking.
"…I found Salem's location after years of searching. The Queen of the Grimm was out in the open for an unknown purpose, and I knew I could send someone to take her down for good. But squads of Huntsmen and Huntresses always fell to Salem's might. The tactics used in the past always failed. But this time, for the first time in so many years, I had a Silver-Eyed Warrior at my side. I did not ask Summer to go on this mission. She volunteered as soon as she heard what it was. And— like the hopeful fool I was— I let her." Sorrow clouded his voice. "I am not certain, but I believe Salem let herself be found, just to draw Summer out and kill her."
"Why didn't she take anyone with her? A team of Huntsmen, you, Qrow, Dad? Anyone?" Yang demanded.
"Summer was susceptible to the Silver Eyes' flaws just like any other Warrior. There is a reason she mostly went on solo missions after Raven left. If she went with her team, she risked killing them as easily as the Grimm when the rage took her. When a Silver-Eyed Warrior uses their gift, they not only target the Grimm with their eyes, but humans as well. The disintegration is much slower and requires more focus from the Warrior, but it can happen. I've seen it happen. The Warriors do not like those that stand against them, so they will focus on the humans around them— allied or enemy— one at a time, slowly disintegrating from the limbs inward."
Bile rose in Ruby's throat but she swallowed it, listening fiercely.
"That is why Summer and I decided not to inform your father or uncle about her mission." Ozpin continued solemnly. "They would insist on going with her to the place where she would be forced to use Silver Eyes and thus may attack them as easily as the Grimm."
"So you sent her to kill the Queen of all Grimm alone." Yang choked.
"Yes." Ozpin whispered, and Ruby had to strain her ears to keep listening. "It was yet another mistake. I lost contact with Summer long before her demise. I only knew it happened when Raven charged into my office and attacked me. It is likely Summer overused Silver Eyes and burned herself out in Salem's realm before… before she…" His voice grew tight, like he was trying not to cry. "I'm… sorry."
Yang did not respond.
Ruby sat outside the door, huddled in the corner by the doorframe. She didn't know what to think. She did not know what to feel. She didn't want— She didn't want this. She didn't want to know. She shouldn't have listened in because now she knew Ozpin got her mom killed— No, no. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't it wasn't it wasn't—
Her eye burned.
"I need to tell Ruby." Yang— wonderful, loyal, amazing, wouldshedietoo? Yang— said.
"What would that accomplish?" Ozpin asked tiredly.
"She'd know the truth and not make the same mistakes. Unlike you!" Yang shouted.
Ruby couldn't listen anymore. She sped down the hall in a burst of rose petals, splitting around Matthew in her attempt to flee the scene as quickly as possible. She did not realize she was crying until she reformed in her room and collapsed to the floor, her teardrops dripping onto her hand. It was only then that she realized she was still holding onto the package of strawberries. She lowered her face to the smooth tile and muffled her sobs with her hand.
"Ruby?"
The tears came faster at Matthew's soft voice. She didn't want him to see her. She didn't want anyone to. Why did people always think crying meant someone wanted comfort when all Ruby wanted was to be alone—
A hand touched her shoulder and she launched herself into his arms without thinking, crying into his shoulder. Matthew did not ask if she was alright. He did not ask what was wrong. He did not ask if she wanted him to get someone else, like Yang or Weiss or Qrow. He merely held her as she sobbed, babbling on and on about what she had just learned. And maybe that was a good thing. She did not know if she was alright. She didn't know what made her break down. She did not know if she wanted Yang or Weiss or Qrow at her side.
Ruby wasn't sure about anything anymore.
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A/N: This chapter was a bit dialogue-happy but it needed to be done. I'm curious what your reactions to the reveals in here will be.