zack25king: Thank you ^^. And yes, Qrow will be in for a big surprise. I've read a few of stories that dealt with Quirkless discrimination and the protectiveness of Class 1-A in them are just *chef kiss* beautiful.
lovecrazyhedgehog: You could say that it's a thing because of the hero society…as we soon understood.
616mcu: Yeah…my heart still aches and yet I can't put it down. I remember watching Wolf's Rain for the first time and cried on episode 22 (I think). After that I stopped watching it for three days before going back to it to finish. I kinda hope it doesn't last long because I'm not sure how much my heart could take it lol. Thank you! It's coming!
theamazingowl123 (Guest): I try to stick with the canon as much as I can. I'm not sure if I would have Mercury, Emerald, and Cinder attend UA because its so obvious…even though it's been how many chapters since the UA traitor was brought up lol? As for your questions: Pyrrha is the same age as Yang. She graduated two years early after her first year (a decision made by the HPSC), similar to how Ruby attended Beacon two years early. Qrow's Quirk is both, he can turn into a crow and bad luck is the side effect (because of the superstition about crows). As for the Grim…it's a secret! ^^. And, no, Ruby will not have Crescent Rose. Some characters will still have their weapon because they, in a way, still serve a purpose. Since there's not giant monsters on the prowl, there's no use for giant scythes that are also guns. I think I've read that somewhere about guns in Japan. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing because gun culture is nearly everything here in the US (for better or worse). I think part of the difference is that Japan isn't that into the hunting culture.
D3lph0xL0v3r: As I said to hedgehog above, you could blame the hero society as it was at this time. Even the most accepting of people maybe indirectly prejudice.
Creator of the multiverse: Thank you! ^^ Yes, Horikoshi is an amazing author. It takes a lot for fictional works to make me react emotionally and Horikoshi was able to do just that.
JTD3: Wow. Thank you so much, dude! I try to put myself in another character's shoes to try and piece together what they would do or say in a situation. I was kind of worried that the change of aspect might get annoying.
Guest(6/22): Lol. I mean, if he had a backbone at the time, I bet he would've.
Infinity Prime: Me too and thank you ^^
SeanHicks4: As I said to theamazingowl123 above, Ruby will not have Crescent Rose as it is due to Ruby not really needing a giant scythe, as the baddies she's facing are human in nature. Although, I do want to incorporate the recoil thing as a support gear, but I'm not sure how. And, yeah, I can understand why it would be off putting. I don't remember my thought process behind it, but what I do know is that I didn't want to copy Ruby in My Hero over at Ao3. I also wanted Class 1-A to feel fresh and new with more characters other than Ruby. It's gonna be the same for Class 1-B, each class is gonna have five more students. That might sound overwhelming already with a whopping 20 students, but, I think I can manage it. I have plans.
Chapter 06: Conviction
After the villain's sludge body was splattered around, All Might gently bends down to lay the victim, he'd soon learn to be named Izuku, on the ground and checked his vitals.
"Thankfully, the wave from my Texas Smash was able to get the gunk of that sludge villain out of the young man. His breathing appears normal, so I don't think he'll need to go to the hospital. That is if he wakes in less than a few minutes. Until then, I'd better contain the villain. But with what?" He looks around for anything he could use. He looks down at the grocery bag he discarded.
"Perfect! Sorry, Tsukauchi," All Might said. He empties out the liters and began to gather up the slime before the villain could wake up and reconstitute himself. He then comes across Izuku's notebook. He picks it up. "Hero Analysis for the Future?" He opens the notebook and skims through the pages. "Huh, this kid must be one helluva hero fanboy." He reaches to Ruby's page. "Ruby? Why would he…?" All Might looks down at Izuku. "Is this kid…?"
Ruby was at Archam's Treat, her face planted into the table in self-loathing. Jaune and Qrow are with her while the former's sisters watched from afar.
"Wow, I've never seen Rose so –"
"– upset before," twins Jay and Mora said.
"I think there was a time like this when we ran out of chocolate chips for our chocolate chip skillet," Beryl said. "Speaking of, did it do the trick, Mom? A fresh skillet usually perks her back up." The mother of the Arcs was a full-figured woman with her graying blonde hair in a loose bun and covered by a rainbow-colored checkerboard bandanna.
"No, I'm afraid not," the woman bemoaned.
"Sorry about this, Priz," Qrow said.
"There's nothing to be sorry for, Mr. Branwen," Prism said.
"Any chance you can wrapped it up for later?"
"Oh, no, no. You, Flame High, and the rest of heroes in charge in this area have done so much for this community! You deserve to have your food fresh and well-cooked! That includes the kids. And don't worry about it going to waste." Prism crossed her arms and turns to another table with a look of disapproval. "It's already been taken care of." Jay and Beryl smiled sheepishly at their mother, chocolate chip crumbs sprinkled around their mouths. Everyone in the diner look back at Ruby when she groans into the table.
"Chin up, kiddo. It'll get better," Qrow tried to reassure. Ruby groans again, more pitifully. "In this day and age, no one want's a plain hero with a heart of gold. They want a powerful hero. It's shitty and stupid, but that's what the general public wants. Whether we like it or not." There was a buzzing in Qrow's pocket. He checks his phone, sighs, and rises from the booth. "I gotta get going. Meeting. Yang's coming over to pick you up." He turns to Prism. "Thanks, Priz. The key lime pie was good as always."
"My Lucy would be very appreciative to hear that."
"Good day," Qrow said with a bob of his head and leaves the diner, the bell dinging as he exited.
Prism sighs dreamily. "If only I wasn't a married woman."
"Mooom," Jaune chided.
"Oh, you know I'm just playing. I only have one hero stealing my heart…make that two." The mother of eight goes in the back.
"Don't feel so down, Ruby," Jaune said to his friend. "From the way it sounds, it wasn't the first time he was told this. He'll come around."
Ruby moves her head, so she'd be facing the side. "You didn't see his face, Jaune. He was so hoping that someone would believe in his dream. And I destroyed it!" She faceplants into the table, items such as salt and pepper shakers, condiments, and a napkin holder rattled from the impact.
"Ruby…"
Yang and Blake arrived and quickly came over to their table. "Uncle Qrow told us what happened," Yang said, visibly worried.
"How are you feeling?" Blake asked, equally concerned.
Jaune, Yang, and Blake cringed and leaned back steadily as Ruby wailed, "I'm an awful friiiieend!"
At first, Izuku thought he had suffocated to death and is in heaven for he sees the imposing visage of All Might in his sight. Then, as he fully become more aware of his surroundings, along with the feeling of a hand slapping his face rapidly but gently, he saw that he was still alive and not dreaming. All Might was really there, in his muscled glory. He even signed an autograph in Izuku's notebook.
It was a dream come true for Izuku. That he was able to meet All Might. Unfortunately, that dream was about to come to an end when All Might had to leave so he could take the sludge villain, who is stuffed into two one-liter bottles, to the police. But, Izuku had a question to ask, and he wanted an answer from All Might, even if it means clinging to him as he leaps high into the air.
In hindsight, it was a dumb move for Izuku to grab onto All Might a second before he took to the air. But Izuku didn't know if he'll get a second chance meeting with the No. 1 hero. So, it was now or never.
After a few minutes of gliding through the air, the pair landed safely on top of a building and just when All Might move to leave again…
"Wait!" Izuku shouted. "Sometimes, I do feel like a failure. That there is no hope for me. But…even so, I'm not gonna give up."
Despite what Dr. Tsubasa said.
Sorry, kid. Not gonna happen.
Despite what his mother said.
I'm sorry, Izuku. I wish things were different.
Despite what his father said.
I'm so sorry, son.
Despite what Bakugo said.
Do you really wanna embarrass this crappy school more by failing so hard?
Despite what Qrow said.
You can't become an effective hero without a Quirk.
And…
Midoriya?
Even though it was brief, someone had faith that he could do it. That one fleeting moment…
"Is it possible to become a hero even though I don't have a Quirk?"
That is what Izuku asked All Might. The one person the boy looked up to so highly ever since he was small. The one person that Izuku wanted to ask this one question. A cynical part of him said that All Might was going to say no. That it was impossible, just like Qrow said. But, that little flicker of hope stubbornly still shined through, telling him that he might say yes.
A childishly romantic thought, sure. But Izuku didn't care. Even though that everyone else had said the same thing, he will continue to hope that All Might could change that.
But first, he has to wrap his head about who this skeletal looking stranger is and why he's in the same place where All Might stood.
"I am not making new friends again," Ruby said woefully, her head now in her arms. Yang sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her.
"Come on, Ruby. It's not the end of the world. I'm sure you two will be friends again. You'll see him again at U.A. if he gets into the general course."
"You didn't see his face, Yang."
"And you are not making this any easier…"
Ruby digs through her backpack and pulls out Izuku's notebook. She turns to a page and slides it to her sister. "Yang, I want you to look at this."
"What? Nonono," Yang protested, waving her arms. "I don't wanna peep into someone's—"
"Just look."
Reluctantly, Yang complies and looked. She went pale and her eyes widened at what she saw.
One page contained a bust image of a woman, her features were unfortunately cover by a hood, though the ends of her should length hair can be seen. The page next to it was the notes about the hero.
Hero Name: Silver Line
Civilian Name: N/A
Age: late 20s/early 30s at time of death
Quirk: Scatter – A transformation type Quirk. She was able to separate and disperse into smaller particles that resembled flower petals. She was virtually untouchable while in this state and capable of spreading herself out to vast areas.
Additional Notes: I could only get what was officially released by the HPSC and STRQ Agency. She was nicknamed 'All Might's Shadow' because she works at night while All Might rests. Could it be said that she can be considered the No.1 underground hero? She was killed while on duty 7 years ago as of this entry. The cause of her death is still unknown and is consider one of Japan's greatest mysteries. There was an urban legend that when you see a white flower petal flying around, then that's Silver Line's spirit.
There was a sticky note attached.
Rose's Petal Burst seems very similar to Scatter. I gotta show this to her.
Lilac eyes shimmered from unseen tears. "This is…" Yang muttered.
"Midoriya admire heroes so much that he even took notes on an underground hero who's been dead for 11 years," Ruby said with a mournful smile.
"…Mom…"
"Yang…?" Blake asked. Jaune looks down at the notebook before looking at Ruby, sympathetically. He knew about the lost hero and mother of the two.
"I think…I think that I should apply for the support course instead of the hero course," Ruby revealed.
Yang breaks out of her somber stupor. "What?"
"But, if you do that, you won't become a hero," Blake said.
Ruby takes the notebook and puts it back in her backpack. "That's the idea," she said as she moved out of the booth.
"Wait, Ruby. Think this through a bit," Jaune said.
"I have, and I made up my mind. Guys, listen. Not once have I even taken it seriously and started training."
"But—" Yang spoke up to protest, but Ruby stops her.
"Training with you didn't count, Yang. You had to force me. I have tried to train, but each time I do, I lose interest and go back to my inventions or some other stuff." Ruby averts her eyes to ground. "Maybe, that's a sign that I'm not cut out to be a hero."
"I think you're blowing this out of proportion, Ruby," Blake said, trying to get Ruby to change her mind.
"I don't think it feels right for me to become a hero after I ruined another person's dream." Ruby turns to leave.
"Where are you going?" Yang asked.
"I'm going to the Chewabaku Hardware store to get more stuff for my support items. I gotta rely on my other assets, right?" Yang looks at her sister, lost and unsure what to say. "I'll be home later."
Ruby leaves the diner and walk on the sidewalk towards her destination. Back at the diner, Yang, Blake, and Jaune exchanged worried glances for Ruby.
"Do you guys think we did the right thing?" Jaune asked.
"To be honest, I don't know," Blake admitted. "From the way she described Midoriya, he has the makings of becoming a great hero." Her ears arch down.
"…I…I know what it's like…to be look down upon…" Jaune said softly. His steepled fingers tighten together. "To be told that I will not surmount to anything. It's an awful feeling. And now I feel like a hypocrite..." The tension in his fingers lessened. "We…shouldn't have forced Ruby to tell Midoriya."
Yang gave woeful smile. "We? Arc, I know damn well that you hadn't have a hand in this. Especially considering what you have gone through."
"I wasn't exactly encouraging either."
"But, I think you're right. We shouldn't have forced her to tell him. Now, I think we just lost two amazing heroes today," Yang lamented.
Ozpin was feeling a bit peckish when he found himself in Archam's Treat with his paperwork. He had ordered himself a light meal with some tea this time. He had stayed at the diner for a while, enjoying the atmosphere, when he overheard the conversation a few tables over. He was surprised that Qrow didn't notice he was there. Then again, Ozpin was able to make himself unnoticed by some. A useful talent, especially as U.A.'s vice principal.
Anyways, he had overheard what had transpired from the moment when Qrow and Ruby entered the restaurant all the way to Ruby leaving, disheartened.
It disheartened Ozpin as well. He may have yet to meet Ruby in person until, still indirect though, other than when she was just a baby, he had heard great many things about her from Qrow, Tai, and even Toshinori and even Yang when she started to attend U.A. He had heard from Qrow and Tai of how eager Ruby was to follow her mother's footsteps and become a hero. He could definitely see Summer in the girl's face. She was so much like her.
Which it's why it pains him that Ruby had given up on it. But, as much as he wished she didn't, if she hasn't been giving her all into that path, then she wouldn't be prepared for what is to come if she wishes to attend the hero course. Of course, she still has plenty of time to train if she'd just put her mind to it.
At the end of the day, it's Ruby's choice. Perhaps, he'll see her again in the support course.
As for this Midoriya…in Ozpin's opinion, everyone has the right to become a hero, Quirk or no Quirk. Ozpin remembered his (and Nezu's) many, many attempts to appeal the Hero Public Safety Commission about the inclusion of Quirkless heroes. However, people are not looking for 'plain' heroes that are 'ineffective' against superpowered villains. A Quirkless hero just wasn't powerful enough. A couple years back, in order to appease Ozpin and Nezu, the HPSC decided to lift the ban on Quirkless kids from applying for hero courses. That's good, but was then rendered useless when the HPSC refused to let them change the practical exam or allow the use of support gear unless for a Quirk-related birth defect.
Nezu and Ozpin have argued with an executive about the matter and the response?
"If they can't handle a fight without support gear, then they are not suitable for professional heroism."
And it still boiled Ozpin's blood. If only, he could tell them…
"Some villains just can't be beat without powers. So, no. I honestly don't think you can become a hero without a Quirk."
That was All Might's – Toshinori's – answer to Izuku's question. After a brief moment of shock over All Might's true form and his horrendous injury, the man answered Izuku's question.
And it crushed whatever hope he had left to become a hero.
Toshinori did feel bad for crushing a child's dream like that. Poor kid looked devastated. He's willing to bet that Ozpin would be a little miffed if he hears of this, but he would understand. It's better for the kid to know now then to learn the hard way. Should he have been nicer about it? Probably. However, him running out of time kind of soured his mood. Just because he had spent years like this, doesn't mean he likes it all of the time. That doesn't include that his time as a hero is dwindling…
In all his years of being a hero, Toshinori had seen all kinds of villains, all kinds of disasters. While they were nothing compared to All for One, he didn't underestimate their threat. Even if the Quirkless Izuku could somehow become a hero, he could easily die at the hands of today's villains.
"It's not bad to have a dream, young man. Just…make sure that your dream is attainable. Realistic."
…it is an unfortunate truth.
.
.
.
Where are the bottles containing the sludge villain?
Chewabaku Hardware is Patchi's main source of tool needs that is not a long trip. Ruby herself was a frequent shopper there. So much so, that the shopkeeper knows her by name and Ruby his, though she likes to call him 'shopkeeper', not that he minds. In fact, it made him feel like a hero of sorts. So, by proxy, nearly every clerk in the store knows of Ruby Rose. Except for one.
"Are you getting something for your father, miss?" a cat-like woman politely asked Ruby, who was looking at a pair of pliers. The cat woman was wearing the store clerk apron.
"No. This for me," Ruby replied.
"Really? Thinking about making a clubhouse?" the woman asked.
It didn't take long for Ruby to know what's going on. It's clear that the clerk thinks Ruby is just an adorable little girl. "No. For support gear."
"Oh, I see."
"Finally," Ruby thought.
"But these tools are much too dangerous for a little girl. We have some tools in stock better suited for kids. And in many colors!"
Ruby bites back a growl of frustration. "No, thanks. I'm good," she said through gritted teeth. The lady seems to have missed that reaction because she was still cheery.
"Okay. Just be careful. These are sharp and pointy. Take care!" Ruby stared as the woman leaves to another part of the store.
"Okay, I'm not even Buddhist, but I'm starting to think that karma is real." Maybe, this was punishment for breaking Izuku's heart. Okay, universe, Ruby got it now. As she continued to browse, the news was on an old fashion tv situated in a corner near the front desk.
/…Heroes are struggling to apprehend a D-Rank villain near downtown Musutafu! However, the villain seems to have taken a kid hostage!/ a news reporter announced, near the mouth of an alleyway with onlookers watching a flaming inferno. /From the look of things, the kid is using his Quirk to fight back, causing some major fire damage in the area!/
"Poor kid," one store patron said. "What are the heroes doing?"
"And where's All Might? He should be there by now," another questioned.
"Maybe he's dealing with another villain elsewhere. He can't be in two places at once, you know."
It was at that moment Ruby receives a text from Toshinori, asking her where she is and if she is safe. He's likely referring to what's going on from the news. To quell his worries, Ruby replies back, telling him where she is.
"Geez, what are those heroes doing?" a patron frowned.
"Now, now," the shopkeeper spoke up from the cash register. "You've got to remember that heroes aren't gods you know."
"But it's their job to save people and stop the villain," the patron argued. "So, what's taking them?"
Ruby frowned at the man's words. Having to have been exposed to all kinds of heroes, Ruby learned one thing about each of them. They are no different from any other people. They're not perfect, they have flaws, they make mistakes, and they're not invincible. Why is it that some civilians seem to think that heroes are a different species, separated from themselves? Not wanting to hear any more negative comments towards heroes, Ruby puts on her headphones to listen to music.
/ They see you as small and helpless / They see you as just a child / Surprised when they find out that a warrior will soon run wild /
The feline store clerk from earlier goes to the storage to retrieve a box when she was suddenly threatened at gun point. Roman Torchwick, the Wicker Gentleman, smirked around his cigar with a group of criminals standing behind him.
"Do you realize how hard it is to pick a lock these days?" he wondered. Roman then forces his way into the store, his group following behind him, guns in hand. The shopkeeper was organizing the cashier when they take the feline clerk to the front desk. The poor man froze in fear, not unlike the feline clerk, as Roman pulled him close. Having the man in his grasp, Roman takes the intercom. He clears his throat for prepping. "Attention all shoppers! Today, there is a sale on nuts and bolts because guess what folks! You're screwed!" Ruby could hear it over the music and removes her headphones. "Now, I would like everyone in the store to come to the front desk and seat like the good little lambs you are 'cause if you don't, wellllll…" A criminal shoot in the air. Everyone in the store, including Ruby, flinched. "Yeeaah, that. Clock's a tickin, people!"
Everyone except Ruby head towards the front desk. Ruby, a little confused, remains behind and hides at the opposite end of the store behind the side of an endcap of an aisle retailing some wrenches. She uses her phone's camera mode to observe what is happening without revealing herself, a technique she learned from her sister.
"…What's going on? Is this a robbery? No way, is that…the Wicker Gentleman?" Ruby turns off her phone and sat up against the endcap, holding her phone against her chest. "What should I do? I can use my Quirk to get out, but I can't just up and abandon these people. And it's against the rules to attack a villain with a Quirk without a license." She gripped her phone tightly. "What should I do? What would my mom do?" Her mind started racing as she tries to think of something. She clenched her eyes as she struggled for a plan of action. "What would Midoriya do?"
'I'd first analyze the situation and the surrounding area and come up with a plan before I could make a move.'
Ruby softly gasps as her eyes widen at the memory. That's right. That's what Izuku said when she asked what he would do when facing a threat. Ruby's answer to the question was a little more head on and up front, but something tells her that she needs to think diligently. Running in head on is fine when you know the danger, but this isn't the case.
"You know, I actually respect heroes," Roman said to the shopkeeper. "I enjoyed the many encounters I had with them, especially back when I distributed Triggers."
"L-Look. We don't want any trouble. I know the combination to the safe. Money is less important than life. Please, just take it and leave," the old man pleaded.
Roman hushes him. "Oh, calm down. We're not here for your money." He turns to his team. "Go get what we needed."
Back to Ruby, the girl used her phone again to record before hiding again. She looks back on the video to assess the situation. "From the way it looks, there are seven villains, including the Wicker Gentleman. Two of the villains and the hostages are all grouped at the reception area with Wicker while four more are roaming." She looks up at a CCTV camera. "There are usually emergency buttons installed in public buildings in case of villain attacks," She pears around the corner to see a button in a clear glass case near the doorway. "One near the entrance and one under the register counter. Once pressed, a nearby hero will be alerted." Ruby pauses the video on a scene of the hostages all gathered close and Roman having the shopkeeper in a headlock and away from the register. "It looks like the Wicker Gentleman knew that." She notices a criminal getting close. She quietly moves to another aisle but remained out of sight. She looks over at the hostages. Among them, she could see a mother holding her young daughter close, both clearly afraid. "I need to think of a plan fast."
As this was going on, the Sludge Villain Incident was still underway.
"It's my fault…This is happening because of me! Because I got in All Might's way!"
Izuku watched in abject horror as the slimy villain from earlier try to overtake his latest victim, Kaachan himself. Despite how cruel Kaachan has been, Izuku empathized his predicament as he was in it too not long ago. The feel of the slithering slime against his clothes and skin, forcing itself into Izuku's mouth and nose…the suffocation…he couldn't breathe…
Izuku shook his head to get rid of those thoughts before his anxiety gets too much and back to what is happening now. The heroes here are unable to help, and All Might…even if he is among the crowd, he ran out of time and can't go into his muscle form. He can't do anything.
"What should I do? What can I do?"
He's never seen Kaachan so scared before, even when they were kids. The explosive teen had always grinned at the face of danger. To see him like this…Terrified and pleading for help…
'When someone's in trouble, I feel that there is no time to think. You just…do.'
The next thing Izuku realized, he was running head on towards the villain, thinking about nothing but saving Kaachan.
How Chewabaku Hardware was laid out goes like this:
It's a one-story rectangular building in moderate size. The main entrance is located near the corner of the length of the building and the register counter was situated adjacent to the left when you enter. There are six aisles to the right parallel along the length and the storage room, which contained the secondary entrance by which the villains used to enter, was on the opposite end to the main entrance, left of the register counter. There is a wide walkway that began from the entrance and ends at the storage room. It was there where the hostages are held with the shopkeeper and Roman behind the counter.
Ruby takes a wrench from the endcap. She was about to grab something else when another thug round the corner, so she dashed for another location, near the storage room. Unfortunately, by using her Quirk, she left behind rose petals. The criminal took notice and went to report to Roman.
"Wicker, there are rose petals around. I don't think they were there before. There's probably a straggler around here."
Roman blinked at him. "Then look for them," he said condescendingly.
Ruby, wrench in hand, prepared to initiate her plan. "I only have one shot at this!" She arched her arm back and throws the wrench at the wall behind Roman.
"What the—?"
Once Ruby activates her Quirk, her body does a scatter effect as she charges up her Quirk and with a kick of her foot against the ground, she speeds pass Roman, her eyes laser focus on the button at the entrance.
"My Quirk could only last in a short burst after a good charge! Two seconds, max! But that's good enough! All I have to do is press that button and a hero will come!"
Unfortunately, she wasn't fast enough. Roman was somehow able to catch her with the hook end of his cane on her neck. Darn close to snapping it. The hostages flinched as Ruby landed on the ground. She coughed roughly as she struggled to get up. She clasps a hand around her throat. It felt sore, no doubt she'll be getting a giant bruise later and by some miracle, she doesn't seem to have any other major damage as she could still move her head okay – as in nothing appears to be broken – and she hasn't seen blood with her coughs. Yet at least. Ruby might still need to go see a doctor. In the haze of her pain, she could hear footsteps coming her way. Ruby looks up to see Roman smiling down at her.
"A little roadrunner, aren't you, Little Red?" He pulls Ruby into a headlock. One of her keychains fall out of her bag. "I must commend of your boldness there, little lady, but sorry. No, cigar." Ruby glared at the man as she tries to catch her breath. Roman merely smirked. "Now, be a good lamb and stay with the rest of the flock." There was a flash in Ruby's before she starts trying to squirm her way out of Roman's grip. "Don't have your panties in a twist. All we're doing is checking out things on our to do list, just like anyone else. Without paying, of course."
Ruby stops for a moment. "But…" she started, her voice strained and hoarse. "…this is wrong. What you're doing is wrong!"
Roman's smirked twisted into an angered scowl. "Don't go trying to take the high ground, Red. You are no different than these other delusional fools. Willing to live under this flawed society and it's so-called heroes, who are nothing more than government lapdogs only caring about the illusion they call their image. Of course, there are real heroes out there, but they all bite the dust early, dying for a fool's errand. This is the real world, kid. It's not a fairy tale."
Anger rose in Ruby as the man indirectly mocked all the heroes she came to know and admire. Her father, her uncles, her sister, All Might, and…
Her mother…
She remembered many years ago, whimpering alone as a small child, crying out for a mother who will never again embrace her in welcoming arms.
"I…I want my mommy…" little Ruby sobbed.
"He's wrong. Wicker is wrong. Heroes are more than just lapdogs. They risk their lives everyday so other people would live happy lives. Many had to leave behind family to give us the peace we always knew. But…even when they are gone, they are still here! Within all of us!"
Ruby notices her keychain on the ground. Her Silver Line – Mom – keychain. Ruby didn't notice when her Quirk activated, her hair 'scattering' around.
"Hm?"
Ruby kicks up the keychain in the air like it was a hacky sack. "I'm sorry, mom!" She kicks the keychain again as it came back down, this time aiming it at the glass case. The keychain breaks the glass and hits the button, the alarm goes off.
"The alarm!"
"Shit!"
"What do we do?
"I…did it," Ruby thought in disbelief.
Roman glared menacingly at her.
I've read chapter 318 and thank Lord in Heaven! Backup has finally arrived! Break this week and I don't freakin' mind!
I hope I written Roman good. I try to keep the entertaining charm he's known for in RWBY.