Chapter 2: Painful Beginnings
Ruby sat slumped against the wall of the airship, feeling it's vibration rock and jolt her about. Ruby stared out the window, looking down as the world that made up the last two years of her life, shrunk and disappeared behind her. Now, watching to see the one she had left behind appear below.
Ruby wondered how she would go back. She didn't understand how it was even possible. Though she would never say it, she was grateful for being forced to stay in the military. At least with that, she knew there would be something to occupy her thoughts.
Ruby could barely even remember what normal meant. Contemplating everything that she had left behind, Ruby wondered if she would be forced to face it all again. At the same time, she felt very little at the thought.
"We will be arriving shortly, Captain," Ironwood broke the stoic silence, rousing the girl from her thoughts.
"Yea? What'll it be like?" Ruby questioned quietly, across the confines of the steel airship.
"It's Atlas, I believe you have been there before. Have you not?" he answered with another question.
Ruby sighed, knowing he understood her question, "It's been so long. How much has changed?"
"That is something you will have to learn on your own, Captain," Ironwood replied, unwilling to give her answers, "Unfortunately you will not have much time to do so."
Ruby finally looked away from the window, now making eye contact with the general. "What a surprise you're putting me straight to work, huh?" Ruby said, not hiding the contempt in her voice.
"I would, if it was safe to do so. However you need time to recover and decompress," he explained to her, "I want you in the best condition possible. However time is not on our side. You are being given seven days of leave immediately upon arrival in Atlas."
Ruby stared at him unable to believe what she had heard, "A week is plenty of time for my wounds to heal."
"Your physical wounds, aren't what I'm worried about, Captain," Ironwood scolded her.
"What am I supposed to do for the next week without any money, or a place to stay," Ruby argued.
"You're wrong on both accounts. You will be provided free accommodations at the local garrison. If they aren't to your liking, then you can stay at a hotel off of post. You have the money, because you have been a captain I'm the Alas military for an entire year. Though your commission expired a few months ago, it has now been renewed," Ironwood said, clarifying her confusion, "Is there anything else that needs explaining, Captain?"
"Oh, guess not," Ruby muttered, genuinely shocked. Ruby had completely forgotten, that she had been getting a paycheck for so long. Furthermore, Ruby realized she had never touched the money, now curious just how much she had, " So, I'm really allowed to do whatever I please for the next week?"
"Within certain limits," Ironwood spoke cautiously.
"Of course. Wait, let me guess, it's complicated?" Ruby mocked.
Knowing that he would get nowhere, Ironwood didn't bother trying to reason with her, "During the time, you can not leave Atlas. You are also prohibited from making contact with any of your old associates. This is to include your family, or anyone you may have met through the corps. You will also be taking on your old identity again," Ironwood explained all this, bracing himself for her eventual backlash.
Ruby spared no time in giving it to him either, "What the fuck! What the hell is this about! Is my entire existence supposed to be a secret?" Ruby joked, upset over the restriction.
"If at all possible, yes," Ironwood stated plainly.
"What? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Ruby was unable to believe, just how quickly the conversation had overwhelmed her.
"As I said captain, some things are best learnt on your own. However, what I will tell you, is that most of the world assumes you dead. We'd just like to keep it that way," Ironwood stated all this, as if it was obvious.
Ruby's face paled hearing his words, unable to completely comprehend the situation. At the same time, Ruby was having trouble understanding why she almost felt happy, "So, I just disappear for a couple years, and everyone assumes I must have died?"
"Things are quite a bit more complicated than that, Captain. As I said before, I think it would be better if you were to find out about these things on your own," Ironwood spoke, as if he was walking on glass, "I understand if you think it may be difficult to cope with these restrictions, however…"
"Fine, whatever," Ruby interrupted, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Ironwood's face expressed his shock at her sudden acceptance of the conditions, "Then, you're alright with the restrictions?"
"Well, I'm sure you don't plan on giving me a choice in the matter," Ruby replied, now looking back out the window, to find that they were already over Atlas. Ruby only had a vague recollection of the last time she was there, however it seemed more or less the same.
Ruby watched out the window as the airship came over a walled facility, containing an airfield in one area. The facility itself was quite impressive in size, the rest of the facility containing a multitude of steel and brick buildings. In other parts were large fenced in areas, containing countless military vehicles.
Ruby didn't need to ask what the compound was, the answer obvious enough. The airship pulled around to a corner of the airfield, where countless guards and up armored vehicles sat. Touching down, Ruby felt the steel behemoth shudder briefly, before going still. The loud engines spun down, and the hydraulic whine of the ramp could be heard once again.
The ramp came down to reveal General Ironwood's personal security detail. Ruby found it humorous that such an imposing man, would require so many bodyguards.
The general opened a compartment in the side of the airship, reaching inside and pulling out a black bag, "Captain Rose, inside this bag are all the papers and identification you will need. I will see you seven days from now. You will report to me at the garrison headquarters, at the center of the compound, understood?"
"Yea, yes I get it," Ruby sighed exasperated. At this point she only wanted to hurry and be anywhere that Ironwood wasn't.
"The black sedan outside will take you anywhere you wish," He said gesturing to a black car about fifty meters from the ship, "A word of caution Captain, it would behoove you to keep low profile while you are on leave. You might want to start by purchasing a change of clothes."
Ruby looked down at herself, realizing that she was wearing only the field jacket and cloak from earlier over her torso. On her lower body, she still wore grey fatigues with combat boots.
Ruby had forgotten that her attire would likely not blend in well in Atlas.
"Later," was all Ruby said, as she made her way down the ramp. She approached the sedan, entering it, she looked to the front to find a robotic driver. Unlike her last experience however, this machine appeared to be made by the Atlas military.
"Where to Ma'am?" The machine questioned her.
Ruby sat there for a long moment, trying to figure out what to do. Ruby decided to inventory the things Ironwood had given her, before making a decision. Looking in the bag, she found an Atlas Military ID, and a plastic bank card. She also found a travel brochure, and library card amongst the items.
"Atlas Accommodations?" Ruby asked, deciding on the only place in Atlas she knew.
"Yes Ma'am," the robot replied, Ruby feeling the car race down the airfield.
In her eyes it looked exactly the same as last time she was there. Ruby sat staring out the window, recalling her last trip through Atlas. Thinking back to that time, Ruby felt like she had nothing in common with the naive girl that had found her way to the redemption corps.
Observing the city in greater detail, Ruby had begun to feel that something was off about it. Looking at the she people passed, Ruby saw an all too familiar emotion in their eyes. An emotion Ruby had seen fade into a lifeless stare, far more times than she wished to recall.
"We've arrived, Ma'am," the robot said, shaking Ruby out of her spiraling thoughts.
"Oh yeah," Ruby mumbled, climbing out of the vehicle. Shutting the door behind her, the vehicle sped down the street, and out of her sight.
Ruby looked up to see the words, Atlas Accommodations, litup on the side of the building. Entering into the hotel, Ruby was greeted by the same shabby lobby as two years prior. Standing at the main desk was a man who looked to be slightly older than Ruby.
"How much for a room?" Ruby questioned the receptionist as she the counter.
"Its forty lien for " The man stopped abruptly, as he looked up to see Ruby. "Ma'am are you okay?" He questioned in shock at Ruby's dishevelled state.
"How much?" Ruby pushed, unbothered by his reaction.
"Seventy lien for a suite, fifty for two beds, and forty for a single room," He sputtered out.
"I'll book a single room for seven days," Ruby said, handing him her card.
"I'll need some information first. What's your name?" He replied.
"Rub... , Scarlette Summers," Ruby said correcting herself.
"I'll also need to know the reason for your stay, where you're coming from, and your vehicle information," He added. "Can I see your ID as well."
Ruby stood there confused at the his request, "Why?" She questioned.
"Security reasons Ma'am. I'm sure you understand the necessity of such things today," He replied, plainly.
"No I don't, I just want a room." Ruby said annoyed.
"Well if you want a room, you're either going to have to deal with it, or sleep on the streets. No hotel is going to let you stay without at least that much information," he said, looking suspiciously at Ruby.
She sighed before giving up, "Fine, here's my ID, now what are your questions?" Ruby said, handing the man the Atlas Military ID she had been given.
"I'll need to know the reason for your stay, and …, shit," He whispered the last word, looking at Ruby's ID. "My apologies, Colonel. I had no idea we would have such an important guest," the man said panicking.
Ruby stood there silently confused at his words, as the man frantically typed on the computer.
"Alright Ma'am, I apologize again for the trouble. Your room will be charged to the Atlas military, so you don't need to worry about paying," He said, reaching under the counter and grabbing a plastic key card, "This is the key to your room, you'll be on the top floor Ma'am.
Ruby was about to protest, however decided that she wasn't opposed to the bill being sent to Ironwood. Ruby took her things back from the receptionist, taking the keycard as well. Looking back at her ID, Ruby was confused to see that it had her rank listed as Lieutenant Colonel. Ruby realized they must have misprinted her rank, somewhat grateful for the mistake.
Ruby turned to leave, before realizing that she had other priorities. "Hey, where can I buy some clothes at?" she said turning back to question him.
"There's a department store just couple blocks down the street Ma'am," the receptionist replied, pointing to his right.
Ruby left the hotel, and headed down the street until she had found the store. An hour, and a fair amount of head scratching later, Ruby walked out with a couple bags of new clothes. Before leaving the store, Ruby had changed into a red t shirt and jeans.
Ruby had noticed there was a slight chill in the air. Although, compared to what she had grown accustomed to it felt quite warm. It there was anything Ruby was actually happy about, she had decided that it was the fact she no longer had to use her aura to keep herself warm.
The other thing she noticed was the noise. For over two years, the only noises Ruby heard were voices, Grimm, and battle. The feeling of having so much ambient noise was quite unnerving, even though Ruby knew it was a silly thing let bother her.
Once Ruby arrived back at the hotel, she quickly made her way up the elevator and to her room. Opening her door, Ruby found it to be far more spacious than what she had remembered. It opened to a small living room, with an attached bedroom on one end, and a kitchen on the other. The bathroom itself had a large shower, and a whirlpool tub.
Ruby couldn't help but laugh, when she realized that she had been upgraded to a suite at Ironwood's expense. She walked in and dropped her bags of clothes in the bedroom, sparing no time in making her way to bathroom. Ruby quickly stripped herself of her new clothes and what remained of her bandages, turning the shower on without regard for how hot it was.
Stepping under the scalding shower, Ruby gasped as she felt the water run down her body. She was stunned at how incredible it felt to have a hot shower after so long. The best one would get in the corps, was a warm sponge bath. Ruby could feel the sting of the hot water and soap make it's way down her body. She gritted her teeth as she felt the water and soap sink into her wounds, finding it's way through new skin and stitches.
Ruby stepped out of the shower, steam filling the room. She grabbed a towel and began drying herself off, careful of her damaged flesh. Ruby looked at the mirror in the room, seeing it covered in a thick film of mist. She stepped over to the mirror, pressing her hand to it and wiping it across the mirror. Ruby's felt her heart stop briefly, terrified at the stranger she saw in the mirror.
As she stood there staring at the person across from her, Ruby slowly began to recognize her. Gone was the child that Ruby remembered, in her place was a much older girl. Ruby couldn't help but feel like she looked more than two years older. The warm silver eyes she knew now looked like cold steel, a couple small scars dotting her jaw and lip.
Instead of Ruby's neatly kept shoulder length hair, was a tangled mess of hair going down to the bottom of Ruby's ribs. All over her body were fading marks, reminders of her last two years. Among the marks were fresher newer wounds. Stitches, and inflamed tracts of skin where cuts and gashes once were, stood out against her pale skin. To top it off, was the large burn mark on the top of her left breast. Running her fingers along the arrow and chains, Ruby felt a strange sense of pride in the memories it brought her.
What felt like hours later, Ruby left the bathroom in search of food. After ordering some food from a takeout menu she found in the kitchen, Ruby finally found her way to the massive bed. After everything that had happened, she did not even have time to revel in how soft the bed felt before she was asleep.
Ruby watched an endless frozen plain extend before her. Carrying a couple days worth of supplies, and all the equipment necessary for the coming battle Ruby had set out from camp alone. With every step she took, she remembered the burden she was carrying.
"Miss Rose you have jeopardized the entire corps. This act of defiance may very well serve as a spark, to light a much greater fire. You have given them the tool they needed, and they chose to use it."
Ruby heard the Colonel's words echo through her mind. She had chosen her penance, she had no choice but clean up her mess, and to create an example.
"Aren't you the one who gave us dreams of freedom?"
Hearing the voice, Ruby spun around to find nothing other than emptiness behind her.
"You intentionally gave us the delusion of strength."
"You're here only out of your stubborn arrogance!"
The voices echoed through the void.
"Show yourselves," Ruby commanded quietly.
Ten figures came into being around her. The figures had bloody mangled bodies, gashes, bulletholes, and missing limbs a shared attribute. Surrounding Ruby they stared at her through lifeless eyes.
"Come to kill us again kid?"
Ruby reached back and grabbed Crescent Rose, unfolding it to it's full length. "Thats right."
"Just like Stevens?" A mangled figure questioned.
"Shut up!" Ruby shouted at the lifeless figures. Ruby felt hands on her ankles, looking down were countless lifeless forms pulling Ruby into an abyss of blood and hell fire.
"How much more blood must you spill?" She was questioned.
"I saved as many as I could!" Ruby shouted.
"Back to telling yourself that lie?"Another figure asked.
"You sure didn't try and save me." Ruby heard, turning to see the lifeless eyes of Captain Wilkins.
"Just how many have to die for you for your ego to be satisfied!"
Ruby could feel herself sinking into the abyss, could feel the warmth leaving her body.
"Please stop!" Ruby screamed, finding herself sinking further and further.
"You should not be alive." One of the bloody figures stated.
Ruby reached for anything she could, trying to find a way to save herself. She felt cold steel in her hands, remembered the familiar weight of her weapon. With a single vicious movement, Ruby cut herself free, tearing through the lifeless figures.
Standing on solid ground, Ruby stared down at the carnage she had created. Her eyes meeting with those of a disembodied head in the snow.
"Even if we cannot reach from where we are, you will one day be the same as us."
Ruby's eyes flew open, her heart racing, hands clenching her chest. Ruby woke to the sight of the bedroom in her rented room. She felt the cold embrace of wet blankets around her.
"Fuck," Ruby muttered into the empty room.
Throwing the covers back, Ruby felt slight relief when she realized that it was only her sweat that had soaked the sheets. Recalling what had brought about her distress, Ruby felt her stomach churn. Quickly making her way to the toilet, Ruby expelled the previous night's meal.
Once Ruby had finally managed to calm down and pull herself together, she decided to find something to occupy herself for the day. Going back to the bag of things Ironwood had given her, she dumped everything out to further inspect the items.
There were a few items Ruby had glanced through the day prior. Travel brochures, a card with emergency contact information, various pieces of paperwork relating to her false identity, and the library card.
Ruby picked up the library card and looked closer at it. Along the top it had the words, Atlas National Library, below that it had her name and rank. Further down, Ruby saw that it listed theissuing authority, as the Atlas Council.
Though Ruby had no idea why Ironwood would give her such a thing, she decided that investigating might at least be enough to kill a day. Leaving the hotel, Ruby took the first taxi she found to her destination.
Arriving at the library, Ruby felt that calling it impressive would be an understatement. The building itself looked like something out of a movie. The massive glass and steel structure stood at four stories high. The front of the building curved back, giving way to a wave shaped roof, the rear of the building taller than the front.
As she entered the building, Ruby was greeted by the sight of a massive white reception desk. Behind that were bookshelves as far as the eye could see, with multiple floors lined to the ceiling with books.
Ruby realized that she probably hadn't read a book since her long gone days at Beacon. She had never particularly enjoyed the activity at the time either. Ruby stopped abruptly wondering, if this wasn't Ironwood's idea of a joke, and considering leaving. Before she could make up her mind, she was stopped by one of the receptionists.
"Miss Summers, we didn't expect to see you here so soon. We already have everything prepared, if you'll follow me," The woman that addressed Ruby, seemed to be some sort of cat faunus with chestnut hair.
Ruby was about to protest, but decided she might as well go along with whatever the girl was talking about. Following her, Ruby was led through a door near the side of the entrance. They walked through a wide hallway to the back of the building, to a small lobby.
"It's right through here Miss Summers," The girl chimed opening a door in the lobby. Once through the door she found herself standing in a large study. There sat a large wooden desk in the center of the room, piled high with books and papers. Across the room was a large tv with countless video disks piled near it.
"What is this?" Ruby questioned, thrown off by the the room.
"You weren't told? we were instructed to gather everything relating to the events at the Vytal Festival two years ago, and everything that happened as a result," the girl informed Ruby. "The general wasn't very specific, so it ended being a lot of stuff. Will this do?"
Ruby stood there and felt her heart shudder. She knew she would have to learn what had happened during her absence from the world, but she wasn't expecting to have it thrust at her
so soon. Deciding it was as good a time to start as any, Ruby sent the girl on her way and sat at the large desk.
Ruby decided to start at a large stack of newspapers. Glancing through them, Ruby found them all to be in chronological order.
Bracing herself, Ruby began making her way through the reading materials.
Atlas brings Army To Vale
Team WBY and Team JNPR, Dominate Team! Matches. Vale Teams on the Way to Success!
Teams WBY and Team JNPR Breeze Through Doubles Round! Rising Grimm Attacks Cause Evacuation Planning to Begin Yang Xiao Long Viciously Attacks Opponent
Remnant still Reeling After Brutal Terrorist Attacks Leave Countless Dead
Ruby looked to see that there was a week between the last two papers. Ruby was woefully disappointed at the lack of details in the last paper, deciding to look further, Ruby found a pile of police and military reports.
October 20
1743 Vale Local Time
Unknown enemy has begun large scale siege of Vale. Utilizing both Grimm and White Fang forces. Vale Police Department requests all off duty personnel immediately begin duty, and aid in evacuation of non combat personnel. Hunters and the Atlas Army will begin counter attack.
October 20
1752 Vale Local Time
Atlas Military reports two destroyed air cruisers. One more cruiser reportedly captured by enemy forces. Amity Coliseum under attack. Explosions reported at Beacon Academy. Request all available reinforcements.
October 21
0359 Mistral Local Time
White Fang have begun siege on Mistral, supported by Grimm on the Norther border. Attacks have begun to overwhelm local forces, Mistral Council requests support of all local Hunters. Requests Atlas and Vale send any available aid.
October 20
1652 Atlas Local Time
Large scale terrorist attack coordinated with Grimm Attacks have begun in multiple areas of Atlas. Marshall Law hereby in effect. All available hunters and Atlas Military personnel are ordered to report to the nearest garrison.
October 20
0600 Vacuo Local Time
Unknown forces have begun attacks on the kingdom, large scale Grimm attacks reported in western and southern areas. All combat capable personnel are requested to assist.
Ruby's head spun reading the reports. The fact that anyone would be able to coordinate such a massive attack on the entirety of Remnant, boggled Ruby. Thinking back Ruby remembered that day on the rooftop. Ruby already knew without reading who was behind it.
After a moment of thinking, Ruby remembered the name of the woman that was on the rooftop with her. "Cinder," Ruby said under her breath. Ruby read through every available detail of The day's events.
Continuing through the materials, Ruby found one particularly interesting report. The article in question was a copy of Ironwood's report that was released to the media. Though as she read further she quickly realized it had likely been doctored for the general public.
Ruby continued to pry through every available piece of information.
So far Ruby had gathered that Cinder had coordinated an attack on all four kingdoms using the White Fang and Grimm. After nearly a day the initial siege was finally pushed back back. It seemed that teams WBY and JNPR had played a total role themselves in the defense of Beacon. Even though it seemed that all was lost, at the last minute the two teams had managed to mount a coordinated defense and push their foes back.
By the end of the week the majority of remaining grimm and White Fang had been eliminated, although it had come at a steep cost. Although it seemed that most people had assumed the terrorists to be failed revolutionaries, Ruby held doubts. In the wake of the attacks a sweeping investigation was done. Although countless fingers were pointed, in the end it seemed as though Ozpin and Ironwood had taken the majority of the blame for the incident.
Ruby was about to call it a day when she heard a soft knock at the door. The faunus from earlier walked in carrying a stack of papers, "Excuse me Miss, I'd completely forgotten about these," The girl said as she placed The papers on the table.
"Is there anything else you need?" the girl said, staring worriedly at Ruby.
"Leave," Ruby groaned dismissing the girl.
At this point, Ruby knew the newspapers were likely just more of the same thing. However she pulled the stack in front of her, only to freeze when she read the first paper.
Mastermind Behind the October Attacks Exposed!
Reading on, Ruby discovered that though they didn't have a picture, one of the captured White Fang let slip a name. 'Cinder,' had become a name on every major news source in Remnant. Not long after, Adam's name came up as the leader of the White Fang. Ruby almost wanted to laugh at the irony of the situation.
Continuing through the most recent stack of papers, another headline caught Ruby's eye.
Ruby Rose, What Really Happened?
Investigation Finds Ruby Rose May Have Told the Truth.
Ruby Rose cleared of all charges by Vale Council, Where is She Now?
Ruby continued through the papers, finally understanding what Ironwood had meant.
New Evidence Suggests Ruby Rose May Have Met Brutal End.
As Ruby sat there contemplating everything she read, the silence was broken by a knock at the door. It opened to once again to reveal the faunus girl.
"Excuse me Miss, it's closing time," the young girl said quietly.
"What time is it?" Ruby questioned.
"It's ten o'clock Ma'am, you've been in here for almost twelve hours," the girl spoke with caution, wary of the solemn expression on Ruby's face.
"I see, sorry for the trouble," Ruby spoke dryly, as she got up to leave. She pushed past the young girl, leaving the room behind her.
Ruby quickly made her way out of the building, and began the long walk back to the hotel. She knew that the walk would take her over an hour. At this point however, Ruby only wanted to be left alone with her thoughts, so she didn't mind the walk too much.
Ruby couldn't stop her mind from racing. She knew that nothing that happened while she was away involved her. She had told herself that none of it was her problem. However, she couldn't stop thinking about everything.
Ruby didn't like questioning her decisions. She knew from experience that once she started second guessing herself, it was hard to pull herself out of that spiral of thoughts. Even though she knew better, she couldn't help but question whether or not running away was the right decision.
As she continued walking Ruby could feel the cold night air begin to nip at her skin. She didn't bother warming herself with her aura. Ruby found the cool spring air, a refreshing change from that of the room she had spent her day in.
While she walked the street Ruby looked closely at the people she passed. Once again, Ruby saw in their eyes, the fear she had seen the day prior. She picked up her pace, now moving faster down the street. Ruby knew fear, she knew what it could do to even the strongest of men. Ruby could throw herself headlong into an army of grimm, she could watch her friends bleed out and die, there was very little that bothered her. Looking at these people, seeing the uncertainty, the doubt, seeing their fear was enough to even unsettle her.
Ruby did her best to shake her current thoughts. She knew that regardless of what had happened, she had to worry about whatever it was that Ironwood had planned for her. Even if the entire world fell to pieces, Ruby had already vowed to do whatever it took to keep her men's freedom.
Once Ruby was back at the hotel, Ruby rechecked her injuries. She let out a sigh of relief, finding that her wounds had healed more than she had thought. She had considered rebandaging them, however she decided to it wouldn't be necessary. Finding that the deeper wounds had mostly closed up, Ruby went ahead and pulled the stitches out of her skin.
The rest of Ruby's week was spent mostly the same. She would typically wake up in a panic, covered in sweat, grateful that housekeeping took care of the sheets for her. Ruby had been spending her days, either reading about everything that had happened over the last two years, performing maintenance on her weapon, or training. At one point, Ironwood had sent a man to her hotel room with an Atlas' officer's uniform.
Ruby was not surprised that Ironwood knew where she was staying. However she was confused to find out from Ironwood's runner, that the Lieutenant Colonel rank on the uniform,
matching her military id, was correct. Though when pressed for answers, the man didn't seem to know anything else.
At the conclusion of the week Ruby checked out of her hotel, to find the same black sedan from the airfield sitting in front of the hotel. The car took Ruby through Atlas, all the way back to the same military compound she had landed in. Ruby was extremely unsettled to notice, that the compound was seemingly abandoned. After driving through a sizeable chunk of the garrison and not seeing a single soul, the vehicle pulled up to a massive steel and glass building at the center of the compound.
Ruby guessed that the structure was at least three stories tall, and seemed to be over one hundred meters across. Ruby walked into the building through large, intricately designed, steel doors. The entrance of the building opened up to a massive lobby. The main area had massive twin staircases, leading up to two levels of balconies. The area had what looked like historical displays to either side of the room. To the far right side was a large staircase with an elevator located a couple meters from it.
In front of her, in the middle of the lobby was a large desk with two computers. There was a single man standing at the desk, wearing an atlas uniform with a multitude of chevrons and rockers. Ruby was surprised that someone of the man's rank would be working at a reception desk.
As she approached Ruby noticed that she didn't see signs of anyone else in the building, though there was so only so much that she could see. "Colonel Summers I presume?" the man asked her.
Ruby made eye contact with the man before her, shaking her head once in response to his question.
"You're late ma'am," he spoke indignantly.
Angered by his tone Ruby spat back her reply, "You gonna fire me, asshole?"
"The general is waiting for you in his office, third floor, room 305," he said dryly, his stoic expression not changing.
Ruby was annoyed by his lack of reaction to her sarcasm, however she held her tongue continuing past him. Ruby walked past him, turning and walking up the stairs. She made her way up to the third floor. Arriving at the third floor, she found a directory to one side and a thick glass wall in front of her.
Ruby quickly examined the directory, taking note that room 305 was to her left. Ruby approached the inlaid glass door in front of her, hearing a beep and a click. She grabbed the
handle on the door and found it open. Ruby stepped through the door with a hallway extending in either direction, following the numbers on the doors she turned and headed left. She continued and rounded a corner, coming to a wooden door with the numbers 305 carved into it.
Ruby felt her heart sink briefly, before gathering her resolve and tapping her knuckles on the door. From beyond the door, she was hastily answered by Ironwood deep voice.
"Come in Major!" he bellowed through the door.
With shaky hands Ruby grabbed the doorknob, twisting it and pushing her way into the room. Ruby entered into a spacious office, with Ironwood seated at a large wooden desk in front of her. Behind him were two large windows with the blinds shut, a meager amount of sunlight shining through the cracks. Between the windows sat two flags, Ruby recognized them as the Atlas national flag, and military flag.
"I'm glad to see you actually came," Ironwood spoke, "I'm eager to hear what you've learned since I last saw you."
Ruby glared at him. "You say that like I actually had a choice."
"I understand your frustration at the situation, however time is of the essence," Ironwood replied, "have a seat Colonel."
Ruby begrudgingly sat in a chair across from Ironwood's desk.
"Ok, so what's deal with the Colonel thing?" Ruby questioned.
"You led the entire corps into battle, almost a brigade sized element. It only made sense to give you a rank befitting the size of your command." Ironwood replied formally.
"Oh joy," Ruby grumbled sarcastically.
"I know you went to the library, I'd like you to brief me on everything you've learned." Ironwood stated.
Ruby sat in silence for a moment contemplating where to start.
"I was right," Ruby stated coldly, "and now, because you people were scared and complacent everything is fucked up."
"Well, you certainly get straight to the point," Ironwood replied, "that's right though. Our own fear was our undoing. You certainly can't blame us though. A single little girl disappears from a battlefield, and comes back making ridiculous clai "
"Like hell I can't blame you!" Ruby screamed slamming her first on Ironwood desk.
Ironwood remained still for a moment, before reaching down and opening a drawer in his desk. Ruby watched him pull out a bottle of brown liquid and a round glass. Ironwood slowly poured the liquid into the glass, recapping the bottle and taking a sip from the glass.
"That's right, we failed." Ironwood said solemnly.
Ruby sat stunned at what she had heard.
"October twenty, the height of the Vytal festival. We sat confidently…" Ironwood took another sip of the liquid, "no, I suppose it was arrogance. We were convinced that we were ready for anything. We had captured Roman Torchwick, foiled his plan to attack Vale before it could reach its height."
"It wasn't his plan." Ruby corrected him.
"I suppose it wasn't," Ironwood said making eye contact with Ruby, "All our preparations, and all the strength we had amassed, turned against us in an instant. In the end we did manage to fight our enemies back, even if just barely."
"No, you didn't." Ruby interjected.
Ironwood paused for a second staring at Ruby, "I'm surprised you managed to figure that out," Ironwood let out a deep sigh before continuing, "they had our backs to the wall, all seemed lost. Then, as quickly as it started, it was over. With victory in their grasp our enemies just left."
"Why?" Ruby interrogated Ironwood.
"We don't know "
"Bullshit, a coordinated attack on all four kingdoms, and the culprits run without achieving a thing. You have to know why." Ruby interrupted Ironwood, aggressively probing for answers.
There was a brief moment of silence between the two, before Ironwood continued, "They're still out there, regrouping in the darkness, waiting to strike again."
"Don't blow me off," Ruby stated furiously.
Ironwood took another sip of the brown liquid, staring intently at Ruby, "Miss Summers, what do you think of the world you've come back to?"
Ruby sighed and rolled her eyes at the question, "Don't waste my time Ironwood. If you have a point, then just get to it already."
"Just answer the question. In fact, I'm ordering you to answer the question," Irownwood commanded.
Ruby sat in thought before replying, " Everything's changed. This whole damn world is broken, as if everyone just waiting nervously for the final semblance of peace to shatter," Ruby glared at Ironwood, waiting to see his reaction, "Is that the answer you were looking for."
"I suppose it's a good answer, however you're not entirely correct," Ironwood responded with a smug look on his face, "I don't believe that the world has changed at all. What's changed, is your perspective on the world Miss Summers.."
"If I have to listen to any more of your philosophical nonsense I might actually get sick," Ruby interjected, rolling her eyes.
"You should learn to have more patience Summers "
"And you should learn not to soapbox, when you're talking to me," Ruby shot back to Ironwood's disdain.
"Alright then, getting to my point," Ironwood said exasperated, "For the last two years, those of us in any position of power have been swept along on in a tide of darkness. No matter how many precautions we take, how strong we build our forces, in the end we always come out on bottom. Our foes are always a step ahead, and every time we think that we've caught up, they turn the tables on us."
Ruby continued to listen, waiting for Ironwood to finally reveal what he had in plan for her.
"However, you are different. Instead of being swept along with the rest of us, you stood and faced whatever obstacle laid in your path. During the breach you chased the culprits down and attempted to bring them to justice "
"And in return I was made to be a criminal and publicly shamed," Ruby retorted.
"And instead of sitting back and accepting your fate, you chose a path of certain destruction. Then, when your time was up, things were at it's bleakest for the Redemption Corps. You could have left it all behind and continued on with your life, however you stayed. You faced down an undefeatable opponent and came out on top," Ironwood continued with an almost inspirational tone.
"I bet you say that to all the girls," Ruby replied sarcastically.
Ironwood's face twisted in frustration at Ruby's lack of respect, "Miss Summers, what I'm trying to get at, is that through your own choices you have continued to deny defeat. That is why I'd like to offer you a choice."
Upon hearing Ironwood's words Ruby's interest was finally peaked, "About time," she groaned,
"So far we have sent some of our best hunters after our enemies. Cinder Fall, Roman Torchwick, Adam Taurus, they're exceptionally smart. Everyone we've sent after them has either been discovered and destroyed, or used to exploit us," Ironwood had a disdainful expression as he talked, "We now have reason to believe that we've been compromised at the deepest levels."
"You think sending me after them, would be any different?" Ruby questioned.
"How many people did you see since you arrived at the garrison?" Ironwood asked her. Ruby pondered the question for a second confused, "Counting you, that would only be two."
"Exactly, countless precautions were taken to ensure that your very existence would remain a secret," Ironwood answered, "I'll assume that you haven't made contact with any of your old acquaintances either."
"Not that you gave me choice." Ruby sneered.
"Well now I am Miss Summers," Ironwood replied seriously, "Until now, everyone we've sent after Cinder and her ilk have easily been discovered. We have reason to believe, that in every case Cinder's people received inside information about our agents."
Ironwood stood from his desk, and walked over to his shaded window, slightly opening the blinds, "However, Ruby Rose is believed to be dead. The few who know about you, have been thoroughly vetted to ensure the utmost secrecy."
"You want me to go after Cinder," Ruby stated more than questioned.
"I want to give you the chance to stop her. It isn't very often someone like you is dropped on our doorstep," Ironwood explained.
"And the other option?" Ruby asked.
Ironwood turned from the window and made eye contact with Ruby, "If you want, then I'll give you the option to come back to the world."
Ruby felt an unexplainable chill run down her spine, when she heard Ironwood's words. "What do you mean?" Ruby croaked out.
"I'll assign you a normal command fitting your rank. The position wouldn't be too different from a normal job, you'd likely work as a deputy commander somewhere within Atlas," Ironwood explained to Ruby, every word striking a nerve in her, "You'd be a regular part of the Atlas military, but it would be a chance at a fairly normal life. I'll even let you take back your name, if you'd like."
Ruby sat there listening to his every word, feeling bile rise from her stomach as she did. Ruby looked up at Ironwood, to see a faint smirk on his face. Ruby bolted up from her seat, grabbing Ironwood by his collar, "You bastard," she spat out through gritted teeth.
"Is that not enough for you, Summers? Or is there another problem?" Ironwood questioned, unflinching.
Ruby could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her head felt like it was spinning, "You had this whole meeting planned out from the beginning, didn't you," she interrogated him.
"And would it change anything if I did?" Ironwood said glaring into her eyes, and removing her hand from his collar, "Just what had you planned to do after everything was over anyways?"
Ironwood's words continued to pierce Ruby. "I…, I don't know."
"I can only imagine how overwhelmed you feel right now," Ironwood spoke calmly, "For the past two years your main concern has been survival, now you're suddenly asked to become a normal, functioning member of society again."
"Apparently you have a pretty good imagination," Ruby sneered sarcastically.
"Am I wrong?" he questioned her.
"I want to know the truth Ironwood," Ruby's voice getting cold, her silver eyes staring into Ironwood, "Was it really the council, that suggested extending my service?"
Ironwood held silence for a moment before answering her question, his voice full of confidence, "No Summers, I was the one who suggested it. I wasn't lying when I said the council wasn't going to hold to our deal so easily, however I'm the one that wanted to keep you."
"And this is why?" Ruby calm questioned Ironwood, much to his surprise.
"That's correct. I need you Summers, not just because you're strong, not just because you don't exist. I need you, because unlike everyone else you're not afraid of the darkness." Ironwood stated resolutely.
"You're wrong!" Ruby exclaimed, "I'm not that strong, and I'm sure as hell not fearless. So why me?"
"That may be so, but you're different from other hunters," Ironwood spoke as he began pacing the room, "the path to becoming a hunter is an arduous one. Years of study, physical training, and work in the field is no easy feat. However, you chose a far more dangerous path."
"Didn't I already tell you to quit with ass kissing?" Ruby interjected.
"You've heard what you wanted, now I'll tell you what you need to hear," Ironwood shot back impatiently. "Hunters in training are expected to make mistakes, and learn from them. You were not allowed that luxury though. Not only did mistakes guarantee your death, but that of your men. At seventeen years of age, you are already one of the most experienced and accomplished hunters I know of."
"What the hell does any of that matter now?" Ruby continued to disregard Ironwood speech.
"What is your goal, Miss Summers?" Ironwood asked obviously trying to make a point.
Ruby sat silently, with no obvious intent of answering Ironwood's question.
"Certainly you must have a goal of some sort. A girl at fifteen has her goal forever squashed over false accusations, and still sacrifices everything to pursue it," Ironwood continued an air sarcasm in his voice, "Now here you are. You've done it, you are a tried and true huntress. So why are you hesitating?"
Ruby asked herself the same question. It was a question she had been asking for two years now. She had long since realized how pointless everything about being a huntress was. The requirements, the title, the formalities, they were all nonsense.
"Because I don't care." Ruby stated as she fully came to the realization.
Ironwood froze, not hearing the answer he was expecting.
"I don't care about being a huntress. I don't care about stopping the people who set me up. I don't care about protecting people," Ruby continued on feeling admonished. "Everything about being a huntress was bullshit all along. Who cares about any of that nonsense? I spent two years of my life fighting not just for my survival, but for the survival of people I cared about."
"And you fought honorably, Miss summers. How can you just write off how far your struggle had gotten you?" Ironwood questioned her nervously.
"How far it's gotten me? Look where I am! I've lost everything, and have nothing to show for it other than some bullshit title," Ruby tore into Ironwood, "I never needed anyone to give me some damn license and title. That bullshit doesn't make me more or less of a huntress than I've ever been."
Ironwood sat there dumbfounded, unable to believe how quickly he had lost control of the situation, "That may be so, but I still need an answer from you."
Ruby sat contemplating for a minute, "I need time to think."
"I've already explained that time is a luxury, we can't afford," Ironwood replied, "Be honest with yourself Summers, no, Ruby Rose. You already know what you'll choose. If that is truly how you feel, then can you truly return to being a part of that world? If you feel that empty, then step into the shadows and find out if you truly have nothing left. If that's the case, if your existence has become that meaningless, then challenge that belief."
The two sat in nervous contemplation for a moment, before the silence was broken by the ringing of Ironwood's phone. He quickly picked it up, bringing it to his ear.
Ruby could hear bits of the voice on the other side of the phone, but could not understand what was being said. Ironwood's face held a look smug satisfaction, as he listened to the other party.
"I see, the situation is suspect enough. Bring them here, take your time though," Ironwood stated calmly in the phone, "It appears that we are out of time. Team WBY has just shown up at the lobby, asking about you."
Ruby instantly felt an unusual wave of fear and anger wash over her, "You son of a bitch! "
"Calm down. I can assure you I had nothing to do with this. However, it's time to decide, Summers. If you want to go back to society then you need to only remain where you are, but if you wish to remain in the shadows then I can easily hide you," Ironwood explained his voice full of arrogance.
"You disgust me," Ruby said plainly.
"You're time is running out," Ironwood answered.
Ruby stood from her chair, turning to face the door, "What do you want me to do?"
A minute later Ruby sat inside a panic room, hidden behind a fake wall in Ironwood's office. Ruby could hear the faint sound of Ironwood's door being thrown open, and footsteps in his office.
"Ladies, I wasn't expecting a visit. I'm curious what was important enough for you to disregard your mission," Ruby heard Ironwood state calmly.
"I don't have the time for your games Ironwood! Where is she?" Ruby heard a boisterous, aggressive voice boom room beyond the false wall. A voice that brought countless mixed emotions in Ruby, and put a sharp pain in her chest.
"Excuse me? I don't think we're on the same page Miss Xia Long," Ironwood answered in a confused voice, as he sat at his desk.
"Team JNPR saw you boarding an airship with Ruby, after the battle in the northern region," A second, more elegant voice echoed from beyond the wall. Ruby recognized the voice as her former partner, Weiss Schnee. Another sharp pain shot into her heart.
Ruby could hear the low chuckle of Ironwood's voice, when he was interrupted by a third deeply feminine voice, "Someone else was just here. Who was it?" Blake Belladona, the third and final member of Ruby's former team.
Ruby wanted to throw up. She couldn't understand why she felt the way she did. Ruby had stopped caring about any of them, she had moved on. She spent two years telling that to herself. Ruby slowly sat down on the floor and hugged her legs.
"As perceptive as ever Miss Belladona, however I don't believe that is any of your concern," Ruby listened to Ironwood's snide reply. "Unless of course, you recognize the scent?"
"Blake?" Yang's voice questioned.
A moment later, Blake's voice broke the silence, "No, it seems vaguely familiar, but that's all."
"Regardless, we aren't going to let the matter rest there," Weiss pushed the topic, "Team JNPR knew what they saw."
"I truly wish I could help you women, however I guarantee that I know nothing about your former leader," Ironwood replied matter of factly.
"Then I'm sure you have a great explanation for what JNPR saw," Weiss demanded sarcastically.
"I can understand their confusion. The person they are mistaking for your sister, is likely one of my junior officers that was accompanying me that day," Ironwood's spoke slowly, likely trying to sound more sympathetic, Ruby figured, "The officer in question does bear a striking resemblance to Ruby Rose, however I guarantee, they are not the same people."
A loud crash followed Ironwood's statement, "Don't fuck with me old man!"
For a moment no one spoke, until Yang's voice once again reached Ruby's ears. "Two fucking years, I've been looking for her. Please, this is the first solid lead in two years. Don't do this."
Ruby felt the pain in her chest grow, and her eyes burn.
"I truly wish I could help you, but I don't know anything about your sister," Ruby could hear Ironwood speak warmly to Yang, as she began sobbing.
Ruby bit down on the inside of her cheek, taking slow breaths, attempting to control her emotions.
"Let's go Yang, we're not getting anywhere," Weiss spoke over Yang's sobs,
"This won't be the last time you hear from us Ironwood," Blake stated, shortly after Ruby heard the sound of a door opening and closing.
Ruby sat in the panic room taking short deep breaths, a minute later the wall slid open, revealing Ironwood's office.
"It's not too late you know," Ironwood told her softly.
Ruby took in a final deep breath, collecting herself and finding the same cold that had once filled her heart. Ruby exhaled slowly, before pushing herself to her feet. She turned to glare into Ironwood's eyes, the man breaking into a cold sweat as he looked into piercing eyes before him. "I don't need your fake sympathy, I've made my decision."
"I understand, we need to move fast time is "
"Time is short, you've mentioned, so quit wasting it. I'll need a change of clothes, also find me another way out of this garrison, it wouldn't be good for me to be seen leaving here," Ruby rattled off, interrupting Ironwood.
"Of course, as for where to start, do you have a plan?' Ironwood questioned, stunned by the quick turn around of her personality, recognizing her demeanor from every time he'd dealt with her in the Corps.
"Well you're the general. I figured you would know something," Ruby answered curtly.
"Unfortunately, we don't have much accurate or up to date information on the activities of Cinder and her companions," Ironwood regretfully informed her, "Almost the entirety of our operatives have been compromised or killed."
"Almost?' Ruby questioned, confused by his wording.
"As far as it matters, we don't have anything," Ironwood replied disregarding her question.
"Almost?" Ruby continued to press Ironwood.
"You can disregard it Summers, it really doesn't matter," Ironwood sighed.
"You're wasting my time again, talk," Ruby commanded, her patience running short.
Ironwood sat in contemplation for a moment, the same cold fear he felt earlier creeping into him, "We have one operative in the field, that we still believe to be alive, however we haven't had contact in years."
"Well since you don't have any info, finding that person is probably the best place to start," Ruby thought out loud.
"It's wasted effort, you won't find her," Ironwood continued to blow her off.
Ruby pressed in on Ironwood backing, him into a corner, "Talk."
Ironwood could feel sweat running down his back, locked in by Ruby's piercing gaze. Against his better judgement, he decided to giver her what she wanted, "The only operative we have unaccounted for, is Raven Branwen."
A/N: Well holy sheep shit I finally finished this chapter. To be honest I'm not happy with this chapter. However after rewriting portions of it multiple times I've given up on getting it perfect. I decided to go ahead and spend my spare time at work this chapter finished. I may very well rewrite it at some point down the line but it will do for now. On the bright side I have pretty much the entire story planned out now. The next few chapters are going to be a lot more fun to write. I think this is actually the first chapter without any action. I'm sorry again about the ridiculous wait, I'm pretty excited to get writing the next one though so hopefully the wait should be a lot shorter.