I do not own RWBY
The thing about life was that it didn't end just because something bad happened. Picking herself up and fighting past the pain, hurt, and overall sadness was something that she hated, but she wouldn't let herself fall apart. She was strong, she had to be. It was the only way to get what she wanted even though she had no idea if she even wanted it anymore. Having the world at her fingertips meant she wouldn't be hurt anymore, but if those closest to her could hurt her then what was the point in having everything. The idea of changing her goal would have to come later since she'd finally managed to escape Atlas Academy.
After a week spent enduring the tender loving care of her classmates, she was going insane. Don't get her wrong she loved that they cared, but if she had to listen to another lecture on battle safety, she was going to murder someone. The only reason she managed to escape was Weiss left for her family meeting taking only Yang with her; it was a bit depressing that she wouldn't get to see the Schnee family drama unfold. Where was she, oh right, she'd escaped the Academy well mostly her classmates and Ironwood had given her a credit card with his name on it. She honestly thought the man was trying to make up for her getting hurt in the first place, but she had no idea why. It wasn't his fault that she almost died, it was her own.
Bundled in a dark red jacket, she slowly stalked through the streets of Atlas hoping to find a café or coffee shop. There had to be somewhere to get sweets in this city. She could always ask the bodyguard Ironwood had assigned to her, but she didn't really want to. Mainly because she had no desire to talk to anyone right now. Here she was in a beautiful city but the files on her scroll were enough to kill any happiness she felt. She couldn't talk to anyone right now, not even Cardin who had taken to haunting the training room like a ghost.
The truth was, she'd never thought about being a mother; mainly because she would never live up to Summer no matter how hard she tried. Seeing the families walking around she could see that most of them were either happy or good at faking their emotions. She didn't know how she felt about children either, well besides the fact most of them were adorable. Now she would never have kids in this lifetime. There was always the next life or the one after that, but she had no idea how to process what she'd lost in this one.
She knew that she was broken, from the way Cardin always tried to protect her the berserker knew it too. Having a lack of fear when it came to dying wasn't normal, but she'd already died once. If she lived her life trying to stay alive then she would never really live. She was going to live this life like it was her last even if it wasn't since nothing else would satisfy her. The insanity, instability, and cruelty in her mind would never go away so she wasn't going to try and pretend to be normal. Still she'd tried to keep her insanity away from those she loved.
The people she killed would have families and those they left behind would try to kill her. She welcomed the attempt, but she supposed that not having kids would be a blessing. Just one less advantage her enemies would have over her. Ozpin was coming back and according to Ironwood Silver Eyed Warriors had always been on his side. She refused. He'd hurt her teammate, he didn't deserve her help instead she just might kill him herself.
He was supposed to be the good guy but he'd used her parents. Both her father and mother had faith in him and he repaid that by allowing them to die. If she had a child then he would use them in the same way he'd used her family. Maybe she should be happy that she would never have children, but somehow none of that made her feel better. The logic was sound, the facts were all pointing toward this being a good thing. Honestly, she would've made a horrible mother yet the ache in her heart didn't fade. She had no idea what was wrong with her, but the emotion wouldn't fade. That was fine.
Stuffing her hands into her pockets she tried to tell herself that everything would be fine. She had to keep moving, if she didn't then her broken heart would shatter into even smaller pieces. Being strong wasn't about fighting but continuing to pick herself up time and time again even when she was shattered. Allowing her emotions to win would be foolish, she was strong or a masochist honestly she couldn't tell anymore. Fighting back a bitter chuckle, she smiled. What was life without pain?
"Yo Red!"
The clunk of the older teen setting down the black case in his hand caught her attention more than him saying her name. Raising an eyebrow at the older boy, she tilted her head slightly. Flynt Coal was standing in front of her with a wide smile that reminded her of something bright. He was obviously happy about something, but she had no idea what. He looked good, it was nice to know that he hadn't been hurt during the fighting at Beacon.
"Flynt," she greeted. The careful smile on her face wasn't something that he noticed.
"Knew that was you Red."
"It's Ruby," she corrected. The smile on his face didn't change even when he ran a careful eye over her body. Seeing his eyes narrow when he took in the dark lines under her eyes she looked away.
"Nah, I like mine better," he said. Shifting on his heels, he glanced behind her to where Marrow was doing an awful job at blending into the background. She didn't look happy. Hiding his frown, he asked, "So visiting Atlas or transferring?"
"Visiting."
"Nice," he said. The way her eyes lingered on the people around them concerned him. Where was the demon that kicked his ass at Beacon? Right now she seemed to be a lost little girl, he wasn't about to let her wonder off without figuring out what was wrong. Keeping the grin on his face he said, "Well, come to my gig."
"Gig?"
"I'm playing at this hunter only bar in mantel tonight."
Watching him tap the case with his foot she couldn't help but smile. Honestly going to a bar sounded like a good time to her right now. It had been a while since she'd gotten drunk enough to forget her own name; honestly she could use a few drinks right now. There was also the fact that Flynt was a nice guy, she didn't mind being around him. Along with the fact this gave her a chance to escape her classmates for longer.
"Sure why not."
"Awesome!"
(Weiss)
There was rage in her fathers gaze as he glared at her but she didn't care. She was invoking one of the oldest laws of Atlas; one that could get her stripped of citizenship and exiled until the day she died. The thing was, she wanted to protect her family and sadly this man was no longer part of her family. Tipping her head back with false confidence, she offered him a cold smile that caused the temperature in the room to plummet. Yang had no idea what was going on from the confusion in her eyes, however, the blonde was the only one confused.
Schnee manor was big enough to house her classmates, and if she was in charge of the SDC they would have power. According to the old laws, all she had to do was challenge her father to ritual combat. It was a law created to give heirs a chance to get rid of corrupt family leaders but no one had used it since the Great War. She didn't give a damn about how outdated it was; this was the only way to protect the people she loved. This was also something Winter should've done the second their father raised his hand to them instead she'd ran away.
She loved her sister, but Winter had abandoned them. Now the woman was siding with Ironwood who might side with Ozpin. Don't get her wrong, she knew that at this moment Ozpin wasn't her enemy but he would be. The instant he'd hurt Pyrrha, he'd become Ruby's enemy; she wasn't crazy enough to side against the reaper. The only reason Weiss had invited her sister was because she needed witnesses for the trial. Whitley was a bit different given that he'd personally never done anything to her, hell she considered him innocent in their families little drama enough that once she won he would be her heir.
"If you lose, you will be exiled," her father warned. It was likely he would appoint a champion to fight for him. She had no doubt that he would try to find someone that he knew had the ability to win. She didn't care. Her teammates, classmates, were her family; they were what she was fighting for.
"I challenge you Jacques for control of the Schnee family and SDC in accordance to the old laws you have to either appoint a champion or fight me."
It was just for an instant, but she saw the fear flash through his eyes. He knew that if they fought she would slaughter him. Tracing his eyes as he searched the room for some kind of escape, she almost smiled as his gaze landed on Winter. It was just like him to pit child against child; she'd already planned for this outcome. The horror on her sisters face when he announced her as his champion was amusing. If this was a year ago she would've had no chance to beat her sister; however, she was no longer the little girl struggling to gain his approval. She was Weiss leader of team WYVN there was no one except Ruby that she wouldn't fight.
"Then we should get this over with," she said. Keeping her voice blank was hard especially when Yang looked at her with concern. Turning on her heel, she sent a subtle wink at her lover before leading the way to the training room.
Winter was stronger than her if she tried to fight the woman head on she would lose. Luckily, she was friends with one of the most horrible men in the world. Cardin had taught her that strength wasn't the only way to win; that was why she wouldn't fight fair. There was also the fact Winter was going to hesitate. After all, she was the woman's precious little sister. Everything she knew about her sister was what she would use to her advantage, then she would throw her father off his throne. Her sister was giving her sad eyes as if she truly believed that there was no way for Weiss to win and that was exactly how she was going to win.
"Weiss I-"
"Lets just do our best," she said. Winter frowned more at the fact she'd been cut off than anything else then nodded. It was obvious her sister thought she was going to win, however, Weiss was far different from the girl who left home all those months ago. Keeping a blank expression as her mother called the match to begin, Weiss could feel Yang watching her.
There was honor and courage in the combat trials that once took place in Atlas. People always praised the ceremonial fights however she knew for a fact that people were cruel. Allowing a glyph to carry her back as she dodged Winter's opening attack she could see that her sister was holding back. It was honestly too late for the woman to start worrying about her. She didn't need Winter to protect her. Creating a smoke screen, she slipped her hand into her pocket grabbing the small smoke bomb.
When there was no chance of winning in a fair fight the only option was to turn the odds in her favor. In the real world there was no such thing as fair. She needed every advantage that she could get, that was why she asked Cardin for advice. Of course, his first idea was to assassinate her father but that would be too easy. The man needed to suffer for all the pain that she'd felt during these years; he needed to know that he wasn't untouchable. Which led to idea number two, cheating. She would never tell the man that she'd taken his advice, not in a million years. He didn't need the ego bust.
Flipping back she tossed the bomb into the center of the room. Winter froze no doubt recognizing the dark red lining on the metal capsule seconds before it hit the ground. Dark red smoke filled the room causing her sister to slam a hand over her mouth to keep from breathing in. The reaction was predictable when faced with an air-based aura blocker. Of course, the issue with Winter's action was that it was simply colored smoke. The real danger hidden in Weiss's sleeve she just needed to get close enough to use it.
Charging through the smoke, she knew that she only had one shot. If she failed Winter would decimate her, but she wasn't going to fail. This was her home; it was past time she took what belonged to her. Hesitation was written on her sisters face as the woman swung her blade to ward her off. Dodging easily Wiess didn't bother to flip away, instead, she stabbed her raiper at Winter's neck. It was expected when her sister sidestepped, what wasn't was Weiss slamming her palm against the woman's thigh.
The syringe in her hand tore through her sisters clothing easily to pierce the skin underneath. Shocked blue eyes met her own for only an instant before she pushed down causing red liquid to flood her sister's body. Backing away she couldn't stop the wicked smirk from crossing her lips as Winter stared at her in pure shock. She'd stolen the aura blocker from Aiden's office; no doubt he would be upset but she could deal with him later. Tilting her head, she wondered if Ruby was influencing her since she loved the expression on the older Schnee's face.
(Ruby)
Dimmed lights and the smell of liquor met her as she entered the building, her huntress license was more than enough to get past the bouncer. In the heeled boots, she wore the reaper was a bit taller than normal although it did nothing to intimidate the people around her. Glancing around for Flynt she wasn't that shocked to find him near the stage talking to an older woman with honey eyes. Offering him a smirk when he glanced in her direction, she wondered why he looked worried. Ending his conversation with the woman who waved him off, he moved to meet her.
"Red, glad you made it," he said trying not to raise an eyebrow at the younger teens outfit. In a single word it was dark. Her blood red jacket had been replaced with a black hooded vest covering a silver long-sleeved shirt that matched her eyes. What really worried him was the deadly dagger strapped to her thigh over the black pants she wore. Although it was her only weapon, she could no doubt hold her own against half the people in this room.
"Worried I wouldn't?"
She could feel everyone's eyes on her, no doubt most of them had heard about the girl Ironwood had given a huntress license too. Honestly, she didn't care what they thought as long as she could get drunk. Hearing the woman call him back over she waved him off. He hesitated it was clear that he didn't want to leave her alone but he said a rushed goodbye. Keeping the smile on her face until she was sure he was gone, she couldn't stop the fondness that she felt at that moment. Turning on her heel she quickly moved to start her mission of getting so drunk she didn't remember her own name.
Slipping onto a barstool, she ordered a drink only to wave her license at the bartender when he raised an eyebrow. The huff that he gave was slightly annoying but he moved to pour her drink; absolutely all of this was getting billed to Ironwood. She didn't think he would mind. Kicking her feet she rested her chin on her palm as Flynt began to play. Now that they weren't enemies she could sit and enjoy his music. Downing her drink almost before the bartender could sit it on the counter, she enjoyed the burn. It had been a while since she'd taken the time to forget her lfie. Motioning for another she mumbled to keep the drinks coming.
It wasn't healthy, she knew that, but what else was she supposed to do? Casting an eye out at the people around her she could see understanding in their gazes as they used the same coping mechanism she did. Everyone here were warriors they knew what it was like to be torn down by the world and expected to pick themselves back up. Closing her eyes, she let her worries fade away. There was a warmth here that made her relax.
"May I?"
Opening her eyes she tilted her head at the man standing before her. His hand was held out to her obviously asking her to dance, but she was captivated by the dark green of his eyes. They burned like fire yet drew her closer. Shrugging, she allowed him to tug her onto the dance floor; it wasn't as if she had anything better to do. His lips twitched into a smile for only an instant before he was brushing back a strand of black hair.
His hand rested on her hip as he led her through the steps of a dance that she didn't know. Still, it was easy to keep up with the man who moved like a snake in a way it was almost like fighting. Part of her knew she should be wary, everything about him screamed danger but she didn't care. His ice like touch was enough to keep her in the moment rather than thinking about what she'd lost, that was more than what she'd wanted. Tipping back her head when he spun her around, she noticed the gleaming moon shinning down on her from the sky light.
Did her soul look the same as that beautiful shattered moon? There was no way that she was drunk enough at this moment. Tugging her new dance partner over to the bar she offered him a challenging grin that caused him to laugh.
Leaning back as the girl wobbled in her seat, he reached out a hand to steady her. The last hour of drinking didn't affect him nearly as much as it did her. It was easy to pull her latest glass out of her hand at this point he doubted she could fight her way out of a paper bag. Helping her from her seat he sighed when she mumbled something about needing to sleep. This girl was trouble, of course, he'd known that from the instant she'd looked at him with those taunting eyes. Moving to follow her which was easy considering she had less than a quarter of her usual speed, he chuckled as she almost fell flat on her face.
Holding her hands out to steady herself the reaper shivered when the cold air hit her body. Tossing back her head she giggled despite how dizzy she felt. Cold hands steadied her again as she stumbled but she almost didn't notice. Squeaking she blinked when her feet left the ground, only to laugh and curl against the man holding her.
Carrying the girl to his hotel room was far easier than it should've been given the looks people gave him, but he wasn't surprised. Humans tended to avoid anything that wasn't their problem. If anything, he should've been stopped by the bouncer at the bar instead he was able to carry away an obviously drunk woman.
Setting her on the bed, he started to move away when her hand wrapped around his wrist. He recognized the expression on her face easily despite how hard she tried to hide it. Fear of abandonment shinned in her eyes as she almost dug her nails into his skin. She had no desire to be alone right now, he knew how that felt. Sighing for what felt like the tenth time in five minutes, he sat down on the edge of the bed as she buried herself under the blankets. There wasn't even a speck of the confident woman from before as she clung to him tightly.
"Sleep little one," he ordered only to gain a frown in response.
"I don't wanna have bad dreams."
The admission wasn't something she'd ever admit sober he knew that. After all she was Ruby Rose the youngest Huntress in history, she couldn't admit to being afraid. Running a soothing hand through her hair, he raised an eyebrow when she shifted closer to him. This girl was going to be the death of him.
"Nothing will haunt you tonight," he said. The soft words were backed by his magic weaving through the air. For a second innocent silver eyes studied him with far more awareness than she should have then she was closing her eyes with a content sigh as she faded into sleep. Why did he feel like she had no self-preservation instincts?
Hi guys, I know I said Ruby would meet Adam in this chapter but I had this idea decided to go with it. Also, we've met Ruby's future older brother figure. So, I've gotten the meeting between them written and the chapter should be out soon. What do you think about Ruby's choice to go out and get drunk?
Have a nice day and stay safe
-Shyla
