I do not own RWBY

Drawing back the arrow until the feathers barely touched her cheek she inhaled deeply. The early morning light glittered across the sharpened arrowhead as she stared down the multicolored target. A target that looked suspiciously like Ozpin's face however it was provided by Oscar who seemed to be taking a vindictive amount of glee in having it shot. Although he'd probably be happier if she could actually manage to hit the target rather than every single tree beside it. Right now she was a bit vexed too considering she was a sniper that couldn't hit the target at all. Then again the bow had never been her weapon of choice.

"Your too tense."

Resisting the urge to pout she narrowed her eyes at Adam, who seemed far too amused. Rolling her eyes at the terrorist leader, she bounced the bow in her hand for a moment. She'd was better at using firearms than primitive bows. The only reason she'd picked up the bow was partially because Dakota bet she wouldn't be able to land a shot. The other part was due to the situation in the kitchen. She'd rather be anywhere other than the house right now, even if it did lead to her being laughed at by almost everyone except Oscar. The farm boy was too polite to openly mock her; it was sort of adorable. Until she remembered the ghost in his head.

"You try then," she taunted. Tossing the bow in his direction they both ignored Dakota's cry of protest. Sending the wolf faunus a glance, she raised an eyebrow when all he did was grin.

"Sure."

It was a bit annoying that he never stopped smirking even as he landed a shot in the center. That was just unfair. Pouting she nudged him gaining a chuckled that caused her body to warm for a second. Letting her rest against his shoulder, he allowed a small smile to overtake his smirk. This was another of those things that Viper would taunt him about wasn't it? It was strange to discover that he didn't really mind being taunted this time. Not about Ruby.

"I helped Dakota design this weapon, I'm almost as good with it," he said instead of teasing her. Tossing the weapon back to Dakota who quickly allowed Vernal to snatch it from him. Playing with the bow the woman was more than happy to sit beside the man without moving.

"Jerk," she teased earning a grin.

Turning his attention to Oscar who he knew was staring at them with Ozpin no doubt commenting in his mind. The old man most likely never shut up. He didnn't know much about the way Ozpin reincarnated nor did he care, but there was something interesting about it. The ability to live forever seemed interesting along with a bit terrifying. More time he spent thinking about it the longer eternal life seemed to be a curse rather than a blessing.

"What about you," he asked with a little more than curiosity. He knew that Ozpin was formidable; with those memories, Oscar might be the same.

"I've never used a weapon."

Smirking a bit, he paced around the boy who seemed to be loosing confidence faster than ever. With his form, a light blade might do better especially with how small he was. Ozpin had used a cane, so a thin sword like a rapier might work for the boy. That only counted it Oscar wanted to fight. In truth, the boy might decide to simply stand on the sidelines. Forcing someone to fight had never been something he desired to do, but the boy needed to know how to defend himself.

"Adam, don't."

Snapping his gaze to the reaper, he frowned. That sounded like an order, eyeing his new partner in all but name he considered her request. In truth, they had no reason to allow Oscar the freedom that he currently held. Ozpin was, for all his faults, one of the strongest people in the world. Leaving them to their own devices might end badly especially if Oscar wasn't the one in control. Gaining the boy's loyalty and manipulating him into following their orders was the best option, however, it crossed a line that neither of them wanted to cross. Sighing he nodded slowly and turned away from the former farm hand who slumped in relief.

"Think the house is safe yet?"

"Pro-"

"Ruby!"

Twisting to face her dad, she hesitated for a second. If this was Beacon or anywhere else she'd greet him as if he was her uncle. Here in the woods isolated from everyone except those on their side she didn't need to hold back. Still her feet didn't want to move. She'd told him the truth, yet he looked at her with the same adoring expression that he always had. Did she deserve to be loved by him? There was blood on her hands, she was a terrible person. If she'd told Ozpin about Cinder then people might still be alive. If she hadn't been so self-

"Go."

The hand resting on her back was warm although it was probably covered in just as much blood as her own. His almost whispered word was enough to make her wondering thoughts calm down too although she had no idea why. Flickering her eyes to Adam who gently pushed her forward she took a small step before lunging to tackle her dad in a hug. Returning her action he clung to her almost as tightly as she did to him. Laughing she almost felt five again when he spun her around.

He'd noticed it back in the forest when he mention forming a relationship between them, but this had been the second time seeing her eyes grow dark. It was such a subtle change, that anyone not right beside her wouldn't notice. He'd have to ask Viper about this before he did anything. Watching Qrow lead his daughter into the house he turned his attention back to Oscar who winced a bit. Rolling his eyes internally at the farm-boy he shooed him away. Just this once he'd allow the boy to escape. The fact he scurried away like a skittish puppy had nothing to do with his decision.

Oscar was amusing. Not only in his skittish action but the way he constantly saw paths to avoid fighting. He didn't know if it was because of the ghost living in the boy's head or something that happened to him before coming here, yet Oscar had no desire to fight. So much so, that he'd fight just so he didn't have to fight. It was an amazing contradiction; he wanted to know what would push the boy over the edge. A sadistic part of him even wanted to be the one to break the boy's pacifism. Sadly Ruby had all but claimed the kid so he'd have to settle for his own people.

Laying against one of the big trees surrounding the house, he sighed before closing his eyes. If today was his final day here, he was going to spend it relaxing. Ignoring the bickering of Dakota and Vernal who were lost in their own little world, he pushed all thoughts of the White Fang, the future, or Oscar from his mind.

Entering her room behind her dad, Ruby raised an eyebrow at the group of presents on her bed. To be honest, until Raven and Tai started trying their hand at baking, she'd forgotten that it was even her birthday. Turning her attention to her dad, she almost flinched at the haunted look on his face. Following his gaze to the cluster of red journals on her bed a dull pain blossomed in her chest. Straightening her shoulders, she stalked past him to pick up the closest red-covered book. Opening it slowly, she traced the curved writing on the tear blotted page.

Dear Petal,

If you're reading this, I'm dead. Hell of a way to start a letter but it's true. So either you found this or Qrow finally gave them to you. Truth is, it doesn't matter how you found my journals, only that you found them. I can't begin to guess how old you are right now, but I know you're beautiful. How can someone with my genes not look amazing.

First, let's get the emotional part out of the way; I love you. How could I not love my little Petal. Hell the second I heard I was having a child you were the most important thing in my world. I'm sure you're amazing. Never doubt that I love you. In fact, you'd have to raze a Kingdom before I even doubted that you were perfect. Even then if it was Atlas I'd give you a medal. That place is far too cold, I mean who needs that much snow? Anyway, a mother never loves anyone as much as they love their child. You are the only person in this world that can drive away my demons with a single smile. You'll understand one day. Ruby even if you don't believe me, you are perfect. No matter what kind of person you are, no matter how much blood on your hands, you are my perfect Petal.

Second, don't blame Oz for my death. He might be a bastard most of the time but he'd not a cruel man. I made the choice to fight the grimm and Salem. I chose to walk away from our home. No one not even that foolish man influenced my choice, if anything he tried to stop me. That was an amazing argument by the way. It ended with me trying to toss him out the window of his ridiculous office. I have no doubt that your as strong willed as I am, after all you're a Rose. We're notorious for our stubborn insanity.

I have no doubt Qrow's been reading these too, that man's far too emotional. I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. He's the only person in this world that could make me settle down. Don't worry you'll find someone like that too. I think I have a whole letter about love in journal two. I'll just say that love can be anything from a roaring fire to a tiny flame. Love isn't something to be defined by some old song or fairytale. Love is heartbreak and joy all mixed into one. You'll know you're in love when the thought of being without them is enough to physically hurt. When you find someone to love with all your heart make sure they're worth it.

Oh damn, Tai's calling. That man is so needy like a puppy. At least he has Rae, without her he'd fall for every scammer that knocked on the door. Anyway, I've written more letters, like three journals full.

I love you Petal

Staring at the page, she retraced the words gently. This was her mom, the only true mother she'd had. Summer sounded amazing. Her humor and pride flowed through the words wrapping around her like a blanket. This was a woman that never doubted her child would be incredible. Rubbing her stinging eyes, she closed the book hoping to drive away the tears that wanted to run down her cheeks. It wasn't fair that she'd never get to have an honest conversation with her mom.

Life wasn't fair. Complaining about that fact wouldn't change anything.

"Sorry I didn't give them to you sooner."

The broken tone was enough to make her flinch. Turning to her dad, she hated the self-hatred on his face. Closing the journal she placed it on the bed before launching herself at him in a hug that caused him to stiffen. Holding him tightly, she buried her face in his shoulder. He was expecting her to hate him the same way she expected it when she was in one of her moods. It took a moment for his arms to wrap around her waist. Even if this world came crashing down he would always be her dad. No matter how many lives she lived or how many families she had, this man was her first father. The first man worthy of that title.

"R-"

"I love you," her whisper was enough to relax his shoulders. Almost purring when he began to pet her hair drew a chuckle from the man.

"How about we open your other presents," he offered causing her to laugh. Neither of them were very good with emotions. Letting him tug her toward her bed, she eyed the stack of gifts with wary eyes. Knowing her friends there could be anything from a live snake to a stockpile of dust.

Oh, there was the dust. Eyeing the three large briefcases bearing the SDC symbol she was a bit wary. In any other situation she'd think this was nothing but a bribe. Surely Weiss wouldn't send her a bribe when she hadn't even threatened anyone in the last month. Opening the first briefcase, she resisted the urge to cheer at the stacks of bullet magazines. All were in her signature black and red style while also being fitted for Crescent Rose. There was everything from burn dust to ice dust. From the small note on top, Weiss was bribing her to show up in Atlas during the next election. Apparently, her friend had decided that letting old men run the Kingdom wasn't going to work for her. Slipping a red-tipped bullet from one of the magazines she passed it to her father who whistled.

"Atlas made bullets are something else," he mumbled with a hint of jealousy. If there was one thing Atlas could do right it was weapons. Passing the bullet back to his daughter who offered him a small smile, he picked up the gift he was most worried about. Trying to think on the positive side he said, "speaking of Atlas, a present from the good general himself."

Closing the brief case, she gently moved the boxes of ammo to her desk. There was no way she'd walk all the way to Mistral carrying enough bullets to be called a mob boss. Raven would have to portal it to her once she got a place to stay. Nodding internally at the plan, she took the unwrapped black box from her father. It defiantly looked like something James would send her. Pressing the button on the side, she stopped breathing.

Black metal inlayed with a crimson vine pattern seemed to almost dance under her eyes. The slick metal barrel was in contrast with the silver handle that faded to a dark starless black. On the end of the handle was a small ring that held a red tassel. Why did everything that man gave her have tassels? Wait were those rubies. Narrowing her eyes she confirmed that there were small rubies hanging from each of the lines of cord. She was completely fine with the tassel now. Picking up the gun she blinked at the way it seemed almost fitted for her hand. Had James taken her measurements or something?

Shaking the thought from her mind she picked up the clip that had been sitting beside the gun. It was small being only six shots, however he'd included two different ammo boxes one of which had violent green tips. Laying the clip back in the box she noticed the dark red button beside the trigger. Pressing it gently she almost licked her lips as the gun shifted into a lean black bladed knife. It was more like a fighting knife than a dagger. Running a finger down the metal she winced as it cut straight through her aura. Wait…

Quickly shifting the knife back into a gun she laid it gently in the box before grabbing a bullet from the ammo box. Aura resistant metal. Both the blade and bullets were made of aura resistant metal. They'd kill anyone regardless of how much aura they had left. A single shot was enough to beat anyone no matter how strong they were. Atlas had been in charge of the regulation and capture of all this metal for as long as she could remember. It was against the law for anyone to have the metal much less use it. An Atlas general had just given her something he was supposed to lock into a safe and dump in the ocean. At least he'd included a box of normal bullets although it was smaller than the other two boxes.

"Holy shit, I think he's bribing you!"

That was very possible. Rolling the bullet in her hand she smirked. Ironwood had just given her an invaluable gift when she hadn't even expected anything.

"It's working," she admitted. At this point she might just off that council he had so much trouble with.

Catching the glint in her eyes, Qrow sighed. He was starting to wish that not everyone knew how to bribe his daughter. Especially since all they needed were weapons, sweets, or adorable items. It was ignored that he'd advised Oscar to be as cute as possible in order to stay alive despite the ghost in his head.

"I'd hide that," he said softly. Having a weapon like that was not only illegal, it was also a trump card.

"Of cour- is that a stuffed bear?"

Blinking slowly as his daughter slipped from someone capable to murder to an innocent child, he gave a lazy smile. It was moments like this he loved watching. Adding Ironwood's gift to the table, she moved to pick up the stuffed animal. Summer would laugh if she was here. Still, the weapon was worrying. Why would Ironwood be bribing his daughter when the man acted so coldly to anyone not from Atlas. Did the general want something? Getting involved in Atlas politics might put her in a dangerous position.

The bear was a light sky blue color with a pale pink ribbon. In truth it looked like a present more for a child than a teen. From the little note attached it was from Cardin's minions. Apparently it was a reminder that there were fifty something stuffed animals waiting on her back in Atlas. It was nice that the three boy's weren't trying to kill her for taking up Cardin's time anymore. Cuddling the bear for a moment she only came back to reality at the sound of her dad taking a picture. Pouting which only earned her another photo, she knew this was a losing battle. After all, she was adorable.

"Let's move on," she mumbled. The fact he was gushing over the photos he'd taken was the only reason she hadn't snatched his scroll and deleted them.

Putting away his scroll, Qrow picked up the second black case Ironwood had sent. At least Jimmy wasn't turning insane due to his semblance and threatening to nuke cities. Usually when that happened they had to put him in lockdown for at least a week. It was just annoying all around. Shaking the thoughts from his mind he tossed the package to his daughter causing her to fumble for a moment.

"Ironwood also sent that," he said with a hint of annoyance. Why was Ironwood trying to bribe his daughter anyway? Maybe the man was just trying to be nice; no, there was no way Ironwood sent over a weapon and uniform just to be nice. Wait a uniform?

It was the same one he'd had her wear during his little test. All he'd done was switch out the colors; white was now black while blue was red. The trim and lining was done in gold. While the horrible tassel was now gone, it was replaced by a thin golden ribbon. Running a hand over the material, she was a little surprised with how sturdy it was. The last uniform was so fragile that it seemed like a piece of paper. Her emblem was in gold on the back of the jacket.

"To, Ruby both the gun and uniform are a bribe so that you don't become my enemy. Have a nice birthday. Regards, General James Ironwood."

"At least he's honest about it," she said with an amused smile. Rolling his eyes, her dad tossed away the note with a scoff.

"Cardin sent ribbons and a dagger," he pointed out hoping she'd drop the uniform. When she predictable placed it back in the case in favor of seeing what her berserker sent he breathed a sigh of relief. He needed to figure out what game Ironwood was playing.

Picking up the box of red and black gradient ribbons her berserker had sent she raised an eyebrow at the seemingly harmless gift. Choosing one out of the box she frowned for a second before her dad was stepping forward. Reaching out he began gently braiding her hair into a crown on her head. Almost purring she closed her eyes as he plucked the ribbon from her hand and threaded it through her hair. It was easy to relax. Stepping forward when he tapped her shoulder, she ran a hand down her hair. He'd interwoven the ribbon with her hair until it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began. Her hairpin was twisted through the center of the braid and wrapped inside the ribbon making it seem more like a hairclip than anything else.

The other four ribbons were identical to the one in her hair. The dagger was the same color as the ribbons with a small ring on the hilt. It wasn't a shifting weapon, instead it was a simple razor sharp throwing dagger with a ring on the end. Staring at it for a long moment, she narrowed her eyes before blinking. If she tied one of the ribbons to the dagger then she could pull it back after throwing it. She could also wrap the ribbons around her wrist and hide the dagger between them. Of course, Cardin would never tell her any of this. He preferred to let her figure it out on her own.

"Do you think Cardin's a sadist?"

"If not then he has more issues than anyone I've ever met."

Rolling her eyes she put the ribbons and dagger off to the side as he handed her a box of smaller boxes. Each had a tag on them letting her know they were from different people. Opening them one at a time she was a bit amused at the common theme. Yang had given her a necklace with a bullet pendant. Ciel had gotten her a necklace with a crimson gem shaped like a petal. Aiden had given her a ring that doubled as a tiny knife when spun a certain direction. He'd helpfully included the fact the ruby in the center was an identifier that opened the silver case he'd sent her.

Slipping the ring on her finger, she opened the case slowly only to find it full of small vials. Picking up one of them she read the tag only to put it back down quickly. Ironwood's prize doctor had sent her poison. A lot of poison ranging from lethal to paralytic. Why in the world had Ironwood hired someone who sent poison to people for their birthday. Wasn't Aiden supposed to be a doctor anyway?

"It was poison wasn't it," her dad asked as she closed the case quickly. Nodding immediately the reaper closed the case and placed it with the other weapons. Not even his daughter was foolish enough to play with poison. Shaking his head softly he handed her two more boxes, one was a light yellow color while the other was a silky black. He didn't even need to tell her they were from Tai and Raven.

Tai had gotten her a pair of sunglasses that were tinted red while the small box from Raven only held a key. Raising an eyebrow she stared at both gifts for a moment before twisting to face her dad. The smirk on his face was all she needed to know she was right. Resisting the urge to rush from the room, she moved slowly. Trailing behind her dad who seemed amused, she noted that both Raven and Tai were waiting at the bottom of the stairs. She ignored the fact Tai was covered in enough flour to bake a cake. Dodging his attempt to drag her into a hug, she wasn't expecting to be snatched by her aunt.

Sighing in defeat she allowed the woman to hug her tight before being passed to Tai. Now she defiantly needed a shower. Rolling her eyes as the man began to mumble about her growing up to fast she wondered how he'd react to learning she'd never been a child. Using her semblance to escape the cuddling she tried to brush off the flour.

"So, this was Raven's idea."

"Yang has that bike of hers it's only fair Ruby has something too."

"The bike was your idea too."

"Focus," her dad scolded gaining a sheepish grin from them both. Leading his daughter to the corner he was a bit worried about this but he'd been the one to choose her gift although they'd paid for it. He was just glad Yang had helped him. There was no doubt in his mind that Ruby would disregard the helmets entirely. She wasn't the kind of person to think of safety first.

Laying eyes on her gift was like seeing the sun. Except for the fact the bike was painted a sleek black with red lines down the side. The seat was a dark red that matched the saddle bags on either side. They were big enough to carry almost everything she had. Not to mention the large box on the back. Moving slowly she ignored the two helmets on the seat in favor of opening the box. A rolled up tent and sleeping bags caught her attention. At least now she didn't have to walk to Mistral. The bike was just big enough to carry Oscar too. Grinning slightly she closed the lid of the box before offering her family a small smile.

(Pyrrha)

Eying Loki who seemed far to happy she didn't pay much attention to the emerald flame in her hand. It flickered and danced with more happiness than she felt at the moment. She was starting to think her magic was sentient, but when she asked her mentor he only smirked. That was as much of an admission as she was going to get. Letting the flame fade away she squared her shoulders before walking over to him.

"What are you doing?"

Instead of answering he motioned for her to come closer. Following the silent order, she stepped beside him to look into the crystal clear water in the basin in front of them. For a moment the water only rippled before it changed showing a dark-haired girl with vibrant silver eyes. Laying her hands on the edge of the basin she threw a glance at her mentor.

"Is that Ruby?"

His nod was enough to make her eyes sting. This was her leader. Ruby looked older, her hair was longer now although that might only be because she was looking for differences. The soft smile on the reapers face, the one only reserved for family, relaxed her. Ruby was happy, that was all that mattered right now. Surrounded by presents with her father sitting across from her, the younger girl was almost glowing.

"My magic lets me spy on her," he explained despite the fact she hadn't asked. When she got better controlling her flames, she'd be able to do the same thing.

"She looks happy."

"She's started a relationship with Adam Taurus."

Stilling as if his words might change she internally groaned when they didn't. Of course Ruby would get in a relationship with one of Atlas's most wanted terrorists. With her penchant for collecting dangerous people, it made sense that the next step was to date a criminal. As long as the reaper was happy she didn't mind Adam being her lover. After all, Ruby deserved to be happy no matter how much the reaper might argue that fact. Besides, Adam was strong, he'd be able to protect Ruby. That didn't mean she wasn't going to challenge him for her friends honor. The only true way to get to know someone was to fight them.

Waving his hand, Loki vanished the image of Ruby earning a pout from his child. He hadn't actually addressed that with her either. Oh well, telling someone you'd magically adopted them wasn't a subject to be taken lightly. He had time. Deciding to change the subject, mainly because he didn't want to risk Pyrrha learning Ozpin was hanging around Ruby; that wouldn't end well for any of them.

"About that deal with your paramour…"

"Jaune will come around," she stated with all the confidence she didn't feel. Jaune was stubborn. There was nothing that could shake him from his convictions. Once he started on a path the blonde wouldn't turn away. That was one of the reasons she loved him.

"Perhaps, or he'll force you to choose," he said softly. He'd seen the story a million times; he didn't want his child to be hurt by a reckless love.

"He's a good man."

"That isn't the issue."

"I know," she admitted. If she got angry and streamed at him it wouldn't change the fact Jaune was making his own choices. She understood his point of view, it was the reason she didn't want to just abandon him. In his eyes, Ruby had let hundreds die for no reason. She'd broken the image of a hero that Jaune had formed of her in his head.

"I just… don't want you to get hurt," he admitted. Patting her head almost ackwardly he wished his mother was here to tell him how to comfort someone. Deciding that blunt honesty was the best idea he said, "This happy ending that your chasing might not happen. If you push for Ruby and Jaune to reconcile you might be the one to be hurt."

"We should keep practicing, I have a mission tomorrow."

(Ruby)

Sneaking from her room, she knew that Adam was leaving. That was the reason she'd decided to catch him at the edge of the forest. Hopping from the window she landed easily; why the man wanted to vanish into the night when Dakota and Vernal were happy to leave normally she didn't know. Eyeing Adam she lunged catching him in a hug before he could disappear into the woods. The gentle hand he laid on her head was enough to know he wasn't angry. Dropping his bag, he chuckled as she clung to his shirt.

He smelled nice. Flushing crimson at the thought she leaned back without letting him go. If she let go now there was a chance he might disappear without talking to her. Ignoring how hot her cheeks felt she glared at him for daring to try leaving without saying goodbye.

"Travel with me and Oscar," she offered despite knowing he'd refuse.

"No."

Pouting she refused to whine like a child. He'd already told her that they couldn't travel together, there was no reason to act like he'd just stolen her favorite toy. Still it was hard not to order him to reconsider. Taking a deep breath, to steady herself not to argue, she froze when he leaned down pressing his lips against her forehead. For a man heralded as a terrorist he was gentle with her, almost as if afraid she'd break. Face heating up even more she couldn't stop staring even when he twisted out of her hold.

Letting his hand rest against her cheek, he smirked at how hot her skin felt. Pressing his forehead against her own he was a bit glad that he was able to affect her like this. Noting the ribbon hanging over her shoulder it was easy to remember today was her birthday. Letting his thumb brush against her cheek he decided not to mention that he knew. After all without a gift there was no reason to bring it up. He'd have to wait until he found the perfect gift before even thinking of mentioning he knew what day it was.

"I'll see you soon. Oh, if you track me down first, I'll give you a reward."

That didn't help her pounding heart. Mind blanking as she thought of exactly what he might give her as a reward, she couldn't move. With a smirk that basically screamed he knew exactly what he'd done, the man picked up his bag and walked away. Staring after him, she wanted to call out but her mouth wouldn't work. In fact she was a little surprised she was still breathing. Pressing her hands against her face, she tried to calm down. It had been a simple kiss on the forehead, they'd done more during their spars. Still it felt different. Maybe if she tracked him down, she'd figure out why.

Yay, it's finally done. You have no idea how hard this chapter was to write. Anyway here's chapter 68 the next chapter will be back with Ironwood and the Atlas group as they try and get Amity tower up and running. Along with Weiss almost killing the SDC board of directors. After that will be Ruby and Oscar making it to Mistral with a glance at Blake's current situation. What did you guy's think of Ruby's gifts?

- stay safe and have a good day

- Shyla