I do not own RWBY

It was Tai's turn to watch Ruby sleep, while Qrow got drunk in the living room while blaming himself for allowing Ruby to be hurt in the first place. Not that Tai minded the arrangement too much seeing as Qrow had gone into a full-blown meltdown when he found Ruby. Sighing the blonde leaned forward in his chair and rubbed the sleep from his eyes; he'd been awake far longer than he should've been but resting would've only made him more worried. She'd been asleep for a week so far making him sick with fear. When Summer had used her eyes for the first time, she'd only been out for three days, not that he'd actually been there to see it. Raven had told him about it later and for Qrow it'd been the moment he fell in love with her.

He missed Summer; she would know what to do in this situation. Of course, she might've also simply hunted down and killed all those responsible for attacking Beacon. His leader had always been a bit murderous. At least she would've known what to do about the drunk bird in his living room. Gods he missed Summer.

Tai sighed again wishing Raven was here to stop her brother from getting so drunk he couldn't move. Looking out the window and seeing the red-eyed bird watching him, he groaned in exasperated annoyance. So, she was here just in bird form as she creepily stalked them from her favorite tree. Pulling Ruby's blankets up so she wouldn't get cold he walked over to the window and opened it before motioning for the woman to enter.

She considered flying away mainly because the blonde looked like an idiot making come here motions but that would be too cruel even for her. Rolling her eyes internally she flew through the window and into the room belonging to Summer's child. Tai stared at her as she transformed back however, he didn't say a word as his wife shifted her attention to Ruby. The girl looked small as she laid there in bed however Raven had seen her tearing apart grimm during the breach. The girl wasn't weak, not in the slightest so seeing her so fragile was insulting. Walking over and putting her hand on the girl's forehead the girl was defiantly Summer's daughter; no one else would make her feel this concerned.

"How long has she been like this," Raven asked removing her hand before she could be accused of caring.

"A week," he mumbled closing the window so she couldn't fly away. The action wasn't subtle at all causing her to raise an eyebrow. Flushing, he looked away from her trying to pretend that this wasn't normal to them. Sitting down he asked, "shouldn't she be awake by now?"

"I don't know," Raven stated simply before sitting down gently on the bed with a grace that made him notice how dangerous she was and how attractive. Tai stared at the woman across from him with lovesick eyes; he wanted to ask her to stay, but he knew she wouldn't. At least if she stayed telling Yang that he'd been having covert meetings with his own wife would be less upsetting for the girl. Meeting his eyes Raven said, "Ozpin never told Summer much about her eyes. He stuck mostly to the fact they could petrify or disintegrate grimm and nothing else."

"And now Ruby will have no idea how to control them," Tai stated staring down at his daughter in all but blood. His clever little girl who would be upset when she realized he'd burned her less than appropriate sleep attire. Yeah maybe it was a good thing she wasn't awake just yet.

Shifting slightly Raven watched him begin to pace with narrowed eyes. Beacon's fall had been broadcasted; everyone knew that the Atlas Knights had turned on the public leading to James high tailing it back to Atlas. It wouldn't be long before the paranoid man closed off the borders in preparation to fight the entire world. She didn't really blame him considering there were already whispers that he'd been behind the attack. The mere idea of him choosing to side with Salem was hilarious; he wasn't Leo after all meaning he actually had a spine. Then again Leo had been bold back before his son became a Huntsman.

At the moment her sources were tracking the kids that survived Beacon with both Ruby and Yang's teammates at the top of her list. The Belladonna girl had fled back to Menagerie taking a blonde monkey with her, while the Arc boy went to Atlas. Team CRDL had taken off as well although Cardin had to be dragged away, they'd taken the Kuroyuri survivors with them and Weiss had been saved by her father. According to her sources, none of the kids were really in any shape to return to battle although she doubted that would last long. If anything the kids were resilient yet that wasn't always a good thing. Her own students often needed time to cool down after harrowing experiences although they had a different method than normal people.

"How's Yang," she asked. Her tone was soft with only subtle hints of worry that only someone who knew her would pick up on. Tai welcomed the change of subject and grinned at her trying to make her feel a bit better.

"She's fine although the forest won't be when she's done," Tai told her and loved the way she threw her head back laughing. Red eyes shined with amusement as she imagined her daughter tearing trees apart; the girl was far too much like her father. Tai smiled softly and spoke, "you could always check on her."

For a moment Raven tensed an expression of fear crossing her face then she was looking down at the floor. She loved her daughter, but she had no idea how to actually communicate with the girl nor did she know if doing so would put Yang in danger. Her enemies would love to learn that she had a child; the only reason her students were safe was that they were high-level fighters. Yang was not at the level where she could defend herself, not yet. Besides, it had been so long since she spoke to her daughter that she didn't even know what to say to her.

"How's the tribe," he asked causing her eyes to light up.

"Good, they're taking the transition from Bandits to Mercenaries well, although some still have issues with it. I had to kill three idiots last week for deifying me," she stated although there was a bit of humor in her voice. She'd been working on changing the tribe and bringing it back to its origins for a long time. To finally have that work pay off felt amazing.

"How are the kids?"

"Vernal is training and Dakota is off to visit his house on Menagerie," she said with thinly veiled amusement in her tone. She had no doubt that the wolf would be back before they knew it; he could never stay away from Vernal for very long. Part of her was happy that they got along so well yet another knew that they were too stubborn to admit they saw each other as more than friends.

"What about-"

"Soul searching," she said with a small smile. Her problem child was off trying to figure out his world views before doing anything he would regret. She was just happy he'd finally realized that terrorism wasn't a good hobby. The fact Tai gave his own smile in return made her feel a hundred times better.

"Raven can you teach Ruby to use a sword," he asked causing the woman to freeze. He wanted her to teach Summer's child; was he insane. What if the girl got hurt while she was training her? She'd never forgive herself for letting Summer's child get hurt. Following his gaze, to the sleeping child, she hesitated. Would the girl even want to learn from her?

"Tai, I-I'm not sure. This is Summer's child, you can't possibly trust me to teach her," she told him, and he smiled. Her small stutter was cute. He went to open his mouth to reassure her that yes, he trusted her to train Ruby, but Qrow chose that moment to speak.

"There's no one we would trust more," he said gaining both their attention. Swirling the liquid in his flask he tried to smile only for the expression to be a grimace. Surprisingly the whiskey he was drinking had come from Ruby's stash and not his own mainly because he'd already torn through his stash on day one. She really needed better hiding places. Turning his attention to his sister he said, "Ruby needs to be trained, and although I can train her to use a broadsword, we've already tried that, she fell into a pond."

Raven let out a laugh before she could stop herself causing her twin to chuckle; she could just imagine the annoyed expression that would paint the girl's face. Qrow grinned at his laughing sister knowing that this was probably the first time she'd laughed in a long time, while Tai sighed in relief. At least they weren't trying to destroy Ruby's room in an effort to kill each other; that seemed like something they would do. Looking over at the sleeping girl Raven sighed in defeat, "Fine, but the tribe will find out, are you both okay with that?"

Exchanging a glance the two men nodded causing her to frown. Her students were going to test Ruby until she either broke or they were satisfied with her; neither of the men knew what would be coming for the girl. Shrugging mentally, she decided that it didn't matter. Eventually Ruby would prove herself to the tribe. Turning slowly, she reached down and took the girl's hand in her own; her skin was cold. Pressing two fingers against the girl's pulse point, she channeled her aura through her fingertips causing a small black raven tattoo to appear on the girl's skin.

(Ruby)

Awakening slowly, she knew that this wasn't the real world, for one her body felt far lighter and two she was floating. Allowing a smirk to appear on her face she shifted to face the god that stood behind her; he looked far more amused than she'd ever seen him. That and there was some color in his cheeks almost as if he was embarrassed about something, but she had no idea what it could be. Watching him wave a hand and turn Limbo into her Beacon dorm room, she relaxed. She had nothing against the dark void but this made her feel a lot more at home.

"So, how do you like being Ruby Rose," Anubis asked with a small smile as she fell back onto her bed with a soft sigh. It was a drastic change from the last time they'd seen each other, and he was happy.

"It's been fun," she stated. Staring up at the ceiling she allowed her smirk to turn into a grin. She loved being Ruby. She loved fighting with her life on the line and meeting such interesting people. She loved being free for once. More than anything however she loved the people she'd chosen as her own; she would do anything for them.

"I brought your soul here to tell you about your eyes; I know you're curious. Besides, it's not like Ozpin will tell you. He's far too stubborn to consider that telling someone the truth might actually be a good thing."

The way he spoke Ozpin's name with so much hate and anger sent shivers down her spine. Why would he hate the headmaster? Why would Cinder warn her not to trust him? Were the reasons related or was Cinders warning for a completely different reason? Ozpin was supposed to be the good guy right? Or was he simply pretending?

"Okay, stop that," the god ordered snapping his fingers to get her attention. Oh, right he could read her thoughts. Sending him an apologetic look, she blinked when he sat down beside her with a sigh. Looking down at his hands he frowned before saying, "I hate Ozpin because he cheats death however I also hate him because of who gave him immortality. I have no idea why Cinder warned you, I mean that woman's hard to read even with my abilities, and lastly, there are no good guys. Heroes and monsters go hand in hand. But I can tell you this your headmaster was no hero."

"I figured," she stated absorbing his answers. She didn't really mind that there were no heroes after all she wasn't a naïve little girl. Eyeing the hand that was on the bed next to her she hesitated. She was a touchy person, it was in her nature, and she liked to comfort people. Just talking about Ozpin had upset him and she wanted to help, but she didn't know if that would be crossing a line or not.

"Now onto your eyes," he stated trying to ignore the fact she wanted to cuddle. He wasn't a cuddly person. Shifting slightly as she eyed him closely, he said, "silver is a color defined by wisdom, acceptance, and strength. You already showed two of those traits before your eyes activated, but the last comes at a cost. Fully activating your eyes can allow you to slay gods or creatures of the dark, yet it'll also leave you weak and vulnerable. That's where the other two traits come in, wisdom to know how to judge a situation and acceptance to gather your protectors."

"Protectors," she repeated curiously. The god smirked knowing what he was telling her would ruin most of Ozpin's plans after all the man had only wanted the silver-eyed warriors dependent on him and no one else.

"The downtrodden, broken, abused, and the damned," he listed grinning when her eyes widened in realization. What he didn't tell her was that her own soul amplified these traits turning it into a two-way street. Twitching slightly when she glanced at his hand again he said, "your aura even before your eyes activated called them all to your side."

"Why would my aura call them?"

"Who better to protect a god slayer then the worst of the worst; you'll need that kind of ruthlessness to make your mark on the world. Those eyes of you're are meant to symbolize the hope that the world can get better and those people need hope the most."

A symbol of hope. She didn't really approve of that; she was far too sadistic to be anyone's beacon of light. Besides hope could also hurt people. That was a lesson that she'd learned all to early in her last life; having hope and surviving having hope were two different things. What was the point in believing in a better future if there was no reason beyond that belief to keep on living? She would rather make her own path than wait for her hope to be rewarded. Hope could be cruel.

Looking up at him she said, "I was broken too. Is that why you made me Ruby?"

"Yes, because you wouldn't abuse this gift as so many other silver-eyed warriors have. Alice, you could make an army the likes of which Remnant has never seen, but only if you were willing to trust those people and that's what you have to decide. You can slaughter gimm easily and kill gods with those eyes, yet you'd have to have an army to protect you. That fainting spell after you used your eyes isn't unusual and it's gotten other warriors killed."

Why did it not surprise her that people had abused this power? Was her faith in humanity really that low?

Still, she didn't know if she could trust someone with her life. She didn't mind dying; it didn't scare her, but genuinely trusting someone terrified her. Her teammates were wonderful, and her family was amazing, but they were also human. She'd been burned far too many times to consider trusting someone with her life. Well except for Cardin; he would never hurt her or betray her. He was her friend, maybe the only person that knew what she was really like. For months he'd supported her plans, even before that he was kind to her, in a way that was different than her teammates and family. Was that what Anubis was referring to? The bond that existing between her and Cardin was something she wanted with others too.

"I'll try," she said softly, and he nodded in agreement. They both knew that it would take a lot for her to begin trusting people the way she trusted Cardin. That was the entire reason Anubis sent the boy to her in the first place otherwise she would've been too jaded to consider opening up to people. Sighing reluctantly, he allowed her to curl up beside him before placing a hand on her head. This girl cared too much that would get her hurt; he'd seen it.

"Now onto our second order of business," he said before he could forget. Feeling her stiffen he decided to simply tell her before her mind started spiraling. With an almost smirk on his face, he stated, "you're not the only person I dropped into Remnant."

Tensing slightly she frowned. Part of her wondered if they would be an enemy but she doubted he would set her up to fail. Still, even if he was an enemy, she would make him an ally. They were both chosen by Anubis, there had to be something that connected them.

"I chose this person because their personality and desires would complement your own. We both know that you're not a planner, this person is an excellent strategist; he'll make conquering Remnant easy."

That wasn't what she was expecting. Anxious excitement rolled through her aura. This man could make her goals come true; he was important. She needed to find him and convince him to help her although she doubted it would be easy. Nothing in life was ever easy, but that would never stop her. At her core, she was a greedy little girl and she wanted the world.

"When do I meet him," she asked. Holding back a purr when he ran a hand through her hair, she sighed softly.

"You already have, but I'd give it a few months before he shows up," he said with clear amusement in his tone.

"I look forward to it."

(Tyrian)

Eliza was fine, by that he meant she wasn't afraid of him. He hadn't realized how much that would bother him until it became a possibility. Thankfully there was no chance of her fearing him, thank Salem. Speaking of his Queen they were on the airship to her castle at the moment and he could see Cora growing more nervous. He didn't really blame her seeing as she had spent years running from her fate. Watching her play with the pendant of her necklace was a sharp contrast to Eliza who seemed amazed by everything.

He didn't understand why Cora made him feel so strange. Every time the woman looked at him it made him feel as if he was soaring. That being said he still wanted to see her break into pieces if only so he could pick up the pieces. She was beautiful, deadly, and her bloodlust matched his own when she let it out. He'd never felt something quite like this. Of course, he'd been attracted to people before but that was usually only skin deep. Cora was different. She brought out a protective urge he'd never felt; if anyone hurt her, he would make their death slow and painful.

When she smiled, he wanted to cackle. Every movement caused her hair to brush over her neck in a way that made him want to wrap his hand around it only to pull her close. She was lightning running through his veins to wake up something different. He wanted to run his fingers over her spine, to see her face twist in pleasure, to hear her call his name. More than anything, however, he wanted to see her look at him the way she had in the cave. The way her arms had wrapped around him had brought something to heel. It had made him feel whole for once in his life; he wanted that again.

His body and soul belonged to his Queen. His hands were stained in the blood of those innocent and deserving. Every muscle in his body was that of a killer, he would never change; it was too much fun to change. However, one thing had changed, now his heart belonged to Cora. He wasn't some teenage fool mistaking a crush for love. It wasn't simply physical desire that drew him to her but the urge to see her happy. Wanting her happy conflicted with his instinct to destroy everything within a few feet. What was love if not conflict? Both she and Eliza brought out a side to him that had long been hidden. He would protect them, even from his Goddess.

Meeting her eyes, he saw the rush of anxiety for only an instant before she was smiling down at her daughter. She was nervous, scared, part of him loved that. Standing as the airship landed, he offered her his hand with a crazed grin that would make grown men run screaming. Instead, she smiled taking his hand as Eliza hopped out of the airship with a look of fascination. Helping the woman from the airship he watched her glance around and noted the awe in her gaze at the large castle in front of them. Squeezing her hand, he stilled when her eyes met his own once again. This time there was no anxiety simply determination; he let her go.

Leading her into the castle he had no doubt that his Goddess would like the two especially Cora. She was just the right level of insane to fit in with them. They found his Queen in the throne room waiting for them. Dropping to his knees when her red gaze turned on him he wasn't shocked that Cora did the opposite.

Straightening the Maiden laid a hand on her daughter's shoulder as the girl's gaze flickered between Tyrian and his Queen. She met the woman's gaze without fear even as Salem's eyes glowed a vibrant red. Pushing her daughter back slightly, she frowned before she glanced at Tyrian. Despite the way he kneeled she could see the muscles coiled under his skin; he trusted his Queen but was ready to protect her. That was enough.

Stalking forward she stopped only when she stood in front of both Tyrian and Eliza. Once more she would put her faith in a ruler. Dropping into a curtsy she saw the blood-red pendant hang from her neck as if to mock her.

(Ruby)

Anubis was a jerk for not warning her that her body would hurt when she woke up. She supposed he was laughing at her right now too. Sitting up slowly she groaned before falling back into the bed and covering her eyes. Yep, she was pretty sure her eyes were on fire there was no other explanation for the pain she was in right now. That was okay though, she'd frozen a dragon on that tower. Her goal was one step closer to being completed; that was enough for her. Once she reached her goal all of this would be worth it.

"You okay kid?"

Hearing her father's voice was a relief. Waiting a moment for her eyes to stop trying to kill her she sat up again. Glancing at the man who was sitting beside her bed she offered him a small smile. The simple action was enough to make his shoulders slump as he realized she was alright and that he hadn't failed to protect her.

"I'm okay dad," she said without hesitation. She was always fine because that was what she needed to be. Besides, Beacon was fun; the battle had her heart pounding in a way that she couldn't wait to experience again. There was just enough sanity left for her to realize how messed up that made her but she didn't care. Shifting to look around for Tai and Yang she frowned when she didn't see them.

"Their outside training," her dad said. Seeing her nod he noted the flash of relief in her eyes that was gone too fast for him to comment on. Shrugging it off he said, "you really did a number on that dragon, you froze it completely in stone just like your mom would have. Really put a target on your back kid."

Interesting. She couldn't wait to see who came to kill her; that would be a new kind of fun. Catching the concern in his voice brought her back to reality. He must be terrified that she would be killed like her mom; that fear would never come true. The only day she died would be when she chose. Her enemies could send their pawns but she would still be alive at the end.

"My eyes did that right," she asked.

"You come from a long line of warriors destined to fight the grimm for the sake of mankind, at least according to Oz," Qrow stated unscrewing the lid of his flask, he couldn't keep the disapproval from his voice. Meeting her eyes, he smirked there was no way his daughter would let anyone control her much less Oz. Shrugging he said, "I personally don't give a damn about destiny. As long as you believe in what choices you make, I'll stand at your side."

That meant he wouldn't abandon her when she took over the world; nice to know. Nodding she tilted her head slightly as she noticed the black raven tattooed on her wrist; one that defiantly was not there before she passed out. Narrowing her gaze, she asked, "why do I have a tattoo on my hand?"

"Well your back was taken," he teased. Shit, he knew about her tattoo which meant that Tai knew about her tattoo. Not that she'd thought she would be able to hide it forever, but she'd been hoping to at least keep it hidden a while longer. Almost pouting she tried to ignore the rush of anxiety as he said, "my sister's mark will let her find you wherever you go. I and Tai asked her to train you, so please don't tell your sister."

Great they'd practically chipped her like a dog; not that she blamed them. Turning her attention away from the mark on her hand she scoffed.

"Right because walking up to Yang and telling her I'm getting taught by her absent mother would be a really good idea," she said sarcastically. The mere idea was laughable, besides Raven was Yang's prey not her own. Qrow chuckled already imagining Yang's reaction to that particular conversation and the property damage that would follow. Throwing back the blankets she pushed herself to the edge of the bed only to still at what she was wearing. Frowning she tugged at the pajama pants that were covered in puppies; Tai had gotten them for her last Christmas. Looking at the matching shirt she groaned and said, "please tell me all my weapons and clothes are here."

She was not going to stick to wearing puppy pajama's that she outgrew years ago. Now when she had her nice slightly revealing nightgown.

"Yes to the weapons, and most of your clothes," he said at her hopeful look Qrow grinned shamelessly as he said, "Tai burned your red nightgown, I think he said something about it being too revealing."

That annoying mother hen. Her nightgown had been innocent. Rolling her eyes, she sighed, well it had been time to go buy another anyway; maybe gold or silver this time instead of red. As long as Tai never found it then she would be perfectly fine.

"Oh come on," she mumbled standing only to stumble back onto the bed.

Right unconscious for a while, it was expected her muscles would be weak, still, she hated feeling helpless. Glaring at her legs for failing her she tried again and managed to stay up although it was hard to keep from stumbling. She was fine, like always, there was no way weakened muscles would keep her from doing what she wanted to do, which at the moment was get out of these pajamas before she died of embarrassment. Walking slowly to her dresser she pulled it open and began looking for clothes.

"Where's my team?"

He hesitated; that was what let her know that something was wrong. Pinning him with narrowed eyes she waited for him to work up the courage to tell her whatever he was trying to keep hidden. She would've tried to intimidate him, but he was her father. It was also hard to be intimidating when wearing puppy pajamas.

"Blake ran off."

That sounded like her teammate, still, it hurt that Blake had left her behind so easily. It was fine though; she could accept it.

"Jaune's in Atlas with Pyrrha. They don't know when or if she'll wake up."

Her eyes flashed with dark rage as she realized what he was saying. Pyrrha was in a coma, her partner had been driven to a coma by Ozpin. She wanted his head; to hear him scream as she tore him limb from limb. He was her enemy, the only person in this world that she wanted to burn in hell until there was nothing left but ash. Almost hissing she didn't realize that she was lashing out until her nails had left a long line across the wooden dresser. Pyrrha was hers.

Ozpin had tried to steal from her and even worse he'd hurt Pyrrha.

It was the warm, safe, arms that wrapped around her that kept her from losing herself to the bloodlust. Stiffening she stared at the wall over her father's shoulder as she took a deep breath. Ozpin was dead, he no longer mattered. Relaxing she closed her eyes allowing herself to hug him back. Everything would be fine, or she would burn this world to the ground.

Hi guys! What did you think of this chapter? We have only one more chapter before it's off to Atlas.

-Stay safe and have a good day

-Shyla