I do not own RWBY

Tilting her head back she studied the woman who had called her Roman a coward. The selfish urge to rip out her throat and stain this world red was almost overwhelming but she pushed it down. Roman was no coward; he might be a bit weak compared to her but he was no coward. Considering her options, she glanced at her Roman who seemed to sink further into his seat at the woman's words. He no doubt was slightly afraid of both the woman and what it might mean if they allowed themselves to care for someone, however, he was also thinking of the fact that Ruby was fifteen. She was a child although Neo really didn't see how that mattered when she had the mind of an adult woman. These people were allowing their emotions to color their judgment.

Moving back to her seat as Ozpin picked up the book while making a speech about how they weren't here to fight each other she rolled her eyes. Of course, they were going to fight each other, there were far too many conflicting personalities in this room for anything else to happen. Sitting down on Roman's lap she threw a careful, grateful, nod to Adam before curling up in her lover's arms. She didn't mind Ruby sharing their bed since she was sure the girl was far more like them than even the reaper knew.

Closing her eyes as Ozpin began to read she tried to focus on the words rather than how Roman was shaking against her.

Ruby sighed her hair falling around her shoulders in a curtain of black and red. It'd been a week since what she now called the dust shop incident and her dramatic call to Cardin who seemed to be avoiding her.

Qrow perked up; the boy was avoiding his little girl. Maybe everything would turn out okay and he wouldn't have to skin a child alive. Noticing his brightening attitude, Summer smirked already knowing that he dreaded the idea of their little girl dating.

She eyed Yang warily, she had already tried to hug her several times already. She'd managed to dodge every attempt so far, but she knew it was only a matter of time before she was caught. She couldn't run forever, not that she wouldn't try.

"I can't believe you're actually coming to Beacon with me," Yang said again for the fourth time in less than an hour. In her mind, Ruby was still her adorable little sister who was too cute to slaughter monsters. Ruby felt her eye twitch but didn't push her away when she came in for a hug once again. Maybe if she got it out of her system the older girl would be less likely to do it again in the future.

"Yang," she said simply once the older girl had released her. She could feel eyes on her, and she hated it. Being the center of attention was not something she knew how to do in either of her lives.

"Yes," her sister asked.

"Can you not hug me in a room full of our future classmates," she said. Yang mumbled a quick apology but didn't seem that apologetic. Rolling her eyes, Ruby decided to ignore the older girl in favor of looking out across her soon to be classmates. Noticing Jaune stumbling toward them she raised an eyebrow at the green tint his face had.

Making note of the name, James tilted his head wondering if this boy was going to be important in the future. He had the feeling that finding out Ruby's allies and enemies was going to be a much harder task than anything he'd ever done before. For one thing, the girl didn't have a black and white morality like most teenagers that signed on to be defenders of mankind. The girl already knew how cruel the world could be and she was smart enough to choose her allies carefully.

"Come on Rubes," the blonde said, "Be happy you've graduated at the top of our class and two years early too."

What she meant was Be happy you managed to beat half the graduating class into the floor and take their spots in the graduation ceremony as the top graduate from Signal.

"That's my girl," Summer said proudly. The hint of bloodlust in her voice making those not used to it uncomfortable. For Qrow however it caused him to relax at the reminder that his leader was right here in his arms and nothing could touch her. What would happen after they finished this book? He didn't want to lose her again. He couldn't lose her again, living without her would be enough to kill him slowly.

Twirling a strand of hair around her finger Ruby frowned slightly. Kids were mean and she did not doubt that some of them would be less than pleased she was attending Beacon.

"True but some people will still think I cheated my way into Beacon," she said causing Yang to frown. Ruby had that look on her face again, the easy acceptance for whatever came next. She doubted Ruby would even pretend to care if someone tried to bully her.

"If they do I'll just beat them up," she replied her eyes glowing red for a second. Yang was protective of her younger sister and she wouldn't allow anyone to bully her. Rolling her eyes Ruby let her lips tilt into a soft smile. The older girl wasn't the most reliable, but she was still family.

"Aw, look Rae isn't our daughter adorable!"

Staring at Tai who tugged on her sleeve like an eager puppy, Raven allowed a small smile to appear on her face. Yang had her eyes that was enough to make her happy, but the girl also had Tai's loyalty. It was nice to know that her family was strong. Laying a hand on his head she gently tugged on his hair before turning her attention back to the book. The blonde preened at her action already knowing that her ability to show affection was limited.

Tuning out her sister and looked out the window of the bullhead. She could see everything from up here. Even the hard-stone walls of Signal seemed to be little more than an anthill. Looking down on the world like this made her feel strange as if she was floating in the clouds unable to touch the ground. The streets looked so small from up here. Hearing the sound of stumbling footsteps and knowing that Jaune had been waddling in their direction she absently pulled Yang out of the way when he stumbled past them heading for the trashcan.

Jaune, that was a name that they didn't know yet. Tilting her head Neo watched some people exchange looks with each other but she simply smiled. If anything fate would bring them back into contact with Ruby soon. She wanted to know if the other woman was strong enough to survive. There was also a blood thirsty part of her that wanted to know if the woman could beat her in a fight.

"I'm going to find a place to sit down," Ruby said.

If she stayed Yang would want to continue the conversation and she really didn't want to talk about it. Wandering away from her sister she made sure not to touch anyone as she drifted through the crowded airship. Neither of her lives had increased her tolerance for other human beings. People could be cruel, and she would rather not draw their attention if she could help it.

Leaning back in his chair, Adam frowned before he could stop himself. At least the woman was smart enough to realize how cruel humans were. No, how cruel people in general were. Even the faunus were known to be cruel from time to time. Closing his eyes he pretended not to notice when Emerald yawned and shuffled closer to Cinder. He hadn't forgotten the protective glint he'd seen in the pyro's eyes during their meeting. It was obvious that the green-haired woman was the weakest of the three. If he wanted to kill them attacking her first was the best way to accomplish his goal.

Neo hummed silently in agreement with Ruby's thoughts as Roman tightened his grip on her. While her illusions might cover the scars on her body every one of them was proof that Ruby was correct. Humanity as a whole was nothing more than a pack of violent animals lashing out at those they saw as outcasts. It was the reason she'd become an assassin and Roman had become a thief, there was no place for them in polite society. From the expression on most faces they agreed although Jacques and Glynda were the exceptions.

For Jacques he saw himself as one of the elite above the petty squabbles of normal humans. After all, he'd taken over one of the biggest corporations on Remnant, there was nothing that could drag him down. Glynda on the other hand still wanted to believe in humanity. The blonde longed for there to be some semblance of good in this world so that defending it wasn't a waste of time.

Seeing an empty bench, she couldn't stop her eyes from lighting up. Sitting down quickly she couldn't stop the yawn from passing through her lips. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she curled in on herself trying to be as small as possible. Closing her eyes, she leaned forward pressing her forehead against her knees and allowed herself to drift into a light sleep. Of course, with all these people around it wasn't likely she would even be able to doze. She was tired, ever since Qrow learned of her early graduation he had pushed her beyond her limits, even going so far as to wake her up for morning training on the day she left for Beacon.

She loved the man, but he was a sadist and from the smirk, he would give her he knew it too. Part of her loved the training time she got with her father while another wanted to toss him out a window as repayment for the dark bruises scattered across her back. If he ever tried to flip her again, she would stab him, family or not.

"really Qrow," Glynda scolded although she seemed mostly amused.

"What there's nothing wrong with training," he said. The cocky smirk on his face was enough for them to know that he had no shame. When the blonde rolled her eyes with an exaggerated frown he saw a chance to tease her something he knew Summer loved to do. Tilting his head at the woman he said, "besides we both know I'm a very rough person."

The wink he sent in her direction caused her face to turn a vibrant shade of red while Summer giggled. Rolling her eyes the blonde turned away from him much to the amusement of the general currently chuckling.

Feeling the other end of the bench tip she groaned. Why couldn't the universe answer her prayers for a quiet nap? The rich scent of baked cookies filled her senses and she glanced up. Seeing the bag of chocolate chip cookies held in front of her face she followed the hand holding them to Cardin.

Qrow's good mood vanished as he resisted the urge to hiss. He didn't know why but simply hearing the boy was around her made him angry. There was something off about Cardin, he had no idea what it was but his instincts hated the boy. Or rather they hated the idea of a boy around his daughter. Logically he knew that Ruby had the mind of a grown woman but that woman had been abused and betrayed. She had no idea what a stable relationship was.

The smirking boy waving the bag barely saw her as she snatched it from his hand. Maneuvering so that she could eat, and she didn't even notice when her legs ended up laying across his lap.

"Did you really have to wake me at three in the morning to discuss your sexual preferences," he asked bluntly. Most people would have choked on the cookie and dissolved into trying to breathe for the next hour. She simply shrugged.

"I was having a crisis," she said. Rolling his eyes, the boy looked her over. From the tired glow in her eyes to the way her movements were sluggish he was willing to bet that Qrow upped their training in celebration. He'd had the man as a teacher once and almost died from exhaustion. Watching her devour the bag of cookies he frowned slightly. He'd always thought that Qrow pushed the girl too hard.

"At three in the morning," he asked. When her lips tilted into an amused smile, he rolled his eyes. She wasn't even trying to be apologetic. Knowing she didn't really care, he asked, "what even made you come to this sudden realization?"

Feeling her face heat up, Ruby was glad she'd already finished the cookies. Shifting slightly at the memory of the image that had been on Glynda's scroll, she tried to ignore the strange feeling in her chest. It wouldn't help to focus on something that would never happen. Instead, she shoved the emotion down before poking him with her toe.

"I fought with Roman Torchwick," she admitted. Cardin focused his semblance on her emotions and smirked.

"And now you have a crush," he stated with certainty.

"No, now I want him in my bed," she said without thinking.

Roman died internally. Sinking further behind Neo incase people attacked him, he could feel his lovers amusement. Nodding along with Ruby's words she seemed all for the idea of them taking a teenager into their bed. This book was going to be the death of him.

Adam coughed to hide a chuckle however the action still got him a glance from Cinder who offered him a slight smile. Nodding at her, he decided that Ruby was interesting while three out of four of team STRQ had a slight break down. Summer was the only one who didn't seem to care since she only smiled. He didn't mind learning about Ruby especially if the girl was going to impact his future although she was still human. There had to be some correlation between Ruby Rose and the White Fang for him to be here.

When he choked before breaking into strangled laughs, she tilted her head in confusion. Wait, she'd said that out loud didn't she. Flushing the younger girl listened to the sound of his laughter that reminded her of a cross between an injured duck and a tuba. Getting his laughter under control he brought up the glaring flaw in her plan.

"Your fifteen," he said amusement dripping off his words. Frowning Ruby looked down at her lap. In this body, she was fifteen, but in her defense, she'd died a grown woman. It was hard to keep herself reminded of the fact she was now a teenager again.

Before she could comment and continue the argument, she felt the airship land. Pouting she stood and stretched. She really hoped the beds at Beacon were comfortable. Avoiding Weiss would be easy, so long as she didn't turn into a clumsy fool and knock over the girl's luggage. Hearing Yang give out a war cry, she rolled her eyes. The blonde was leaving her behind again. Sticking to the back of the crowd, she exited the airship slowly.

Weiss was her daughter's name. Her little girl had gotten into Beacon, the idea was enough to warm her heart. Weiss would escape Jacques influence and become a better person. She could already see her daughter standing proudly as a Huntress. Of course none of her emotions showed on her face as her husband gripped the arm of the chair so tightly his hand turned white. He wasn't going to support her daughters choices. The fact that he favored Whitley didn't even matter in this situation given that Weiss would be breaking from his control. She needed to get rid of him before he caused further harm to her family; given that there were several killers in the room that might be an easy thing to do.

It was Jaune who caught her attention. The blonde was vomiting into the bushes his body shaking. Breaking away from Cardin she kneeled beside him and rubbed his back gently. She'd known he had horrible motion sickness, but the boy looked half dead. Frowning she glanced at Cardin who had come to stand at her back. Aura helped with most things so having his unlocked would most likely dull his motion sickness.

Doing a double-take, Ozpin frowned. What fool tried to get into his school without having their aura unlocked?

When he groaned and looked up at her she fought to keep herself from tensing. His blue eyes reminded her of the ocean. A childlike innocence shined in them that she couldn't describe because she'd never felt it. She wanted him. His loyalty, his trust, she wanted him on her team even if it meant giving up having Cardin by her side. Helping him to his feet she sighed. He wouldn't be strong enough to stay by her side unless Pyrrha lived. Which meant she would have to find another way to get Cinder on her side.

Perking up at her name, the pyromaniac tilted her head. Ruby already had her attention now she had to prove herself worthy of keeping it. Although she did find the woman amusing. Leaning closer to her lovers she caught the flash of jealousy across Emerald's eyes causing her to frown. She would need to talk to them both later.

That sort of instant attachment was a weakness that would get her killed. Running a gentle hand through Tyrian's hair Salem frowned. Knowing the future almost made Ruby a threat but so far she hadn't seen the girl do anything that might show she was siding with Ozpin. If nothing else, the girl seemed to lean more toward the grey side of morality. Such a trait might make her a worthy ally especially considering that her servant was interested in seeing this story play out.

"Thanks," he whispered. Giving him an understanding smile she patted his shoulder.

"It was no problem," she said. Holding out her hand she said, "I'm Ruby Rose and you are?"

"Jaune Arc," he said shaking her hand. Glancing at the broad-shouldered boy behind her he wondered if he should be worried. Following his gaze Ruby let an amused smile spread across her face.

Arc. There was an Arc at Beacon. While the boy might be untrained and obviously weak, he had the potential of his bloodline. Hiding a smirk, Ozpin realized that molding the boy might lead to a victory against Salem especially if Ruby grew attached to the blonde. Now all his future self had to do was gain their trust. That wasn't too hard, they were just kids.

As if sensing his thoughts, James frowned. He was all for using people but the utter satisfaction on Ozpins' face was worrying.

"This is Cardin Winchester," she said. Tipping his chin up Cardin studied the smaller boy before focusing on her emotions. The amount of fondness she felt for the boy caused him to roll his eyes. She'd just met the blonde and she already wanted to collect him. She had a bad habit of collecting interesting, dangerous, people. One example was him, after all, it would only take a tug of his aura to use someone's own negative emotions to drive them insane. Seeing the wicked smirk that drifted over his face, she rolled her eyes saying, "ignore the creepy expression. He's a real softy once you get to know him."

"nice," Mercury mumbled. An empath capable of enhancing negative emotions was insanely dangerous to people like them. It was why half of them tensed when it was mentioned. Allowing a smirk to cross his face he wondered how dangerous the boy would be once his morality was turned off.

The disbelieving expression on the blonde's face said he clearly didn't believe her, and Cardin couldn't blame him. He knew he looked like a thug. In truth, he was more likely to drive someone to tears than help them. It was a talent that he'd found useful over the years and he saw no reason to change himself.

"Ruby, if we don't hurry, we'll be late," he said gaining her attention. Giving him a nod, she returned her attention to Jaune who was looking between the two of them in confusion. When he tilted his head furrowed his eyes the boy reminded her of a cute little puppy. Except cute, not that she didn't like Zwei. She was just a major cat person.

"Right. Do you want to walk with us," she asked.

"Sure," he said. The bright tone making her feel a little happier.

Watching them dissolve into a conversation, Cardin resisted the urge to roll his eyes in exasperation. She'd just met the boy and already he was part of their group. He was supposed to be her best friend, not some blonde-haired runt. The jealousy was eating him alive as he watched them talk. It wasn't as if Ruby didn't have any friends other than him, but none of them had captivated her attention quite as quickly as this boy. He could admit being a little rough around the edges but at least he was able to protect her. This boy wouldn't even be able to hurt him let alone an enemy.

If Ruby wanted a pet, he would get her a cat, but knowing that she would want the weak little boy on her team was annoying. He just hoped that her decision to take in the blonde didn't come back to bite her. He would, of course, be testing the boy in his own way during the next few months. Even if he didn't get the boy on his team at least he would be able to test him during combat class. At least he wasn't in danger of the two dating.

Humming Salem ran a hand through Tyrian's hair. Cardin knew the reaper well if he was able to figure out Ruby's intentions. He was loyal to her and impossible to turn. If Ruby became her enemy she would have to kill them both. The fact Ruby collected interesting and dangerous people made her insanely amusing however the fact she went to Beacon meant the girl might be turned by Ozma. He had the ability to turn most people against her. Of course, most of the information he fed them were lies with only grains of the truth. Not that any of them listened to her once they reached her.

Entering the auditorium where they were going to be greeted by the headmaster, Ruby rolled her eyes. Yang was surrounded by her friends and was talking to a girl with long white hair. Weiss Schnee was talking to her sister. Something that in the cannon universe wasn't quite such a docile event. If she wasn't mistaken, Yang was flirting with the heiress and getting a warm reception. She'd known about Yang's preferences for a while now and had genuinely thought her sister would try to have a relationship with Blake.

Brightening at their daughter's name both the Belladonnas exchanged a glance. Their daughter was at Beacon! She was breaking away from the White Fang to become a huntress.

Adam was a lot less happy about it. If Blake was at Beacon then she'd left him, he hadn't been enough to make her stay. Of course, he'd known that she'd had doubts about the White Fang and her place in it for a while. Her leaving was actually expected but her trying to be a Huntress wasn't. He hoped that she wouldn't do something as stupid as try to stop all the hate in the world. It was easy to push away the pain at her leaving him behind despite the fact he would never have followed her to Beacon. He owed too much to the dead to throw it all away now.

Shrugging off the thoughts, she broke away from Cardin and Jaune in favor of vanishing into the back edges of the crowd. Hiding in the shadows she looked over the assembled students with a mixture of interest and intrigue. If Beacon stays standing, they could become the defenders of the world. Barely listening to Ozpin's speech, she let her eyes find Blake. She'd always had a soft spot for cats. The only question was who she wanted as her teammates.

Jaune was a must, seeing as how he was now her newest pet project. She was sure that turning him into a strong capable huntsman would be easy. Or at the very least she would have fun. With Jaune came Pyrrha since their relationship was honestly adorable. Not that she would allow the two to act like idiots and dance around each other.

The only issue was if Cardin should be a leader or her teammate. She had no desire to follow orders so letting someone else led wasn't an option.

Of course her daughter would never allow someone else to lead. She was both a Branwen and a Rose both bloodlines were known for their stubborn nature. There was no doubt that Ruby was just as stubborn. Humming softly when Rae allowed a small smile to show on her face she knew the woman felt the same.

Walking to the ballroom where they were supposed to sleep, she set up her sleeping bag next to Cardin's causing the boy to give her an amused glance. Motioning to her sister who was setting up near the heiress, she saw understanding flash through his eyes.

Scoffing he picked up his sleeping bag before kicking hers close to the wall. He didn't even try to be subtle as he boxed her in between the wall and his body. Rolling her eyes at his protective actions she sat down. He'd always treated her like she was a fragile little girl when they were around other people.

There was nothing fragile about this girl. She was a warrior, Adam could tell that without having met her. From the looks exchanged by the others they agreed completely. If only she was a faunus instead of human, then she could've joined the White Fang. With Blake leaving he'd need strong allies to replace her but he didn't want his own family involved. Just imagining Dakota in the White Fang was a nightmare, the man would start a civil war just for fun.

Watching him lay down slowly she turned her attention to the faunus girl reading her book across the ballroom.

"Do you still hate the faunus," she asked softly.

Tension bled into the air at the question. Most faunus in the room were a bit afraid of his answer while Roman simply sighed. Of course, the boy would hate the faunus he was a Winchester. In the criminal world the boy's family were some of the hardest protesters of faunus rights. It was why the White Fang burned the ancestral Winchester manor to the ground with some of the family inside.

They never talked about the faunus. Not even when he was being a bully to them. It just wasn't something she liked discussing with him.

"Yes," he said. The lack of hesitation causing her heart to drop.

While the urge to call the boy a racist was overwhelming, Adam held his tongue. There could be a logical reason for that hate. Eyeing the way Blake's parents bristled he rolled his eyes. of course they would assume the worst. In truth, with how violent the White Fang had gotten it shocked him that they still had some human supporters.

"So hypothetically if my teammate turned out to be one, would you be angry," she asked. Both knew the question wasn't hypothetical at all. Cardin had always known she was a schemer if she saw someone or something she wanted then all bets were off. Now it seemed she wanted to add a faunus to their little family.

"At you," he asked. Seeing her nod he shook his head saying, "no not at all."

"Yay," she said. The cheer although mostly fake did have a relieved tone. If he started hating her she wouldn't be able to survive. Falling down onto the sleeping bag she didn't really care that the thin straps of her nightgown had fallen onto her shoulders.

"Now onto my hypothetical situation," he said. Looking away from her he stared at the ceiling. Ruby might be one of the strongest people he knew but she was oblivious to everything unless it was right in her face. Covering his eyes with his hand he asked, "what if we're on separate teams?"

For once, Qrow didn't immediately jump at the chance of having them separated. He and Rae had been terrified of separation, while the situation wasn't exactly the same he understood the fear. There was no way the boy was growing on him. It was hard to ignore that the boy was slightly attracted to his daughter.

"Do you not want to be on my team," she teased. Pulling her blanket up to her chin she turned over and stared at him. While sensing emotions wasn't her semblance, she'd known him long enough to learn his tells.

"Just asking," he said slowly. The words falling past his lips didn't hide the way his shoulders tensed in worry or how his hand clenched. He was anxious, his entire mind filled with worry. He wanted to be on her team so he could protect her. It was something they'd always done for each other. Protect and save, keeping each other alive and sane.

Why would the girl need to be kept sane. Frowning internally, Salem wondered if there was something wrong with the girl mentally but didn't voice the question. She did have some form of self-preservation.

"We'll still train together," she said. Even if they weren't on the same team, she wouldn't abandon him. Grinning she said, "maybe our teams can train together too."

"Joint training," he repeated. It sounded nice.

"Yep," she said. Glancing at her he smirked his anxiety fading. She made it sound so simple that he couldn't argue with her.

"Why Puppy Boy," he asked pouting slightly.

"Jaune," she asked. When he nodded, she said, "it's because he's innocent. I want to keep him safe."