Two weeks before, Ruby was seated in a clearing with a woman in a featureless mask and long black hair. The woman with the displeased body language of that of a person that had upsetting news thrust into their lap, quite literally, in this case, the teen had given her an acceptance letter from Beacon Academy, and Ruby had become a huntress in training. "I uhh... I don't know what to say..." The woman said through gritted teeth, a small frown adorned under the mask when looking at the girl.

Ruby let out a small sigh, her ear-to-ear grin turning that of a frown. After a brief pause, she finally spoke. "You are not happy, aren't you?" Though it was in the form of a question the answer was blatantly clear despite the covered face. The teen took back the letter with tears starting to fall. "I just thought you would be happy that after all of that training I had been recognised by one of the top schools for hunters, and it was yours and dad's alma mater too."

The woman did not know how to react to this whole situation, a whole decade had passed since she had met the girl, and even with that, she hadn't gotten used to the tear-filled grays. As a child, Ruby tended to be reserved with her feelings to the point that it was rare to see her upset. In situations like these, the woman would make an awkward attempt to comfort the girl which usually leads to the former being comforted instead. 'And I am supposed to be the parent too.' Her thoughts would punctuate those moments. "Listen little Rose..." She paused to think about what she was about to say. "It's not that I am not happy for you. It's just that I don't trust Beacon, no that's not right. I just don't trust Ozpin. In a lot of ways I don't like that you especially would be anywhere near that man." The subtle hint of worry and concern was evident in her voice. "But if your father approves, then I do not have a problem with it."

"There is a story to that, isn't there?"

"Normally I wouldn't say a thing, but with your lineage and your age... I just can't help but worry about you." The woman said in a serious tone. "He is clearly after something you have, and you need to be careful of what that is."

Wiping her face, Ruby took a thoughtful expression. Thinking over what was said she confided in the woman. "What do you think I should do?... I don't know what I should do here."

A confused hum came from the masked woman, cupping her chin she answered Ruby. "I trust that you will be okay when push comes to shove, and this is your dream right?" Ruby gave her a nod. "Then you should trust in your instincts, like you always have. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you my little Rose, so if you want to go I don't have the right to stop you. No matter how much I dislike the idea." She finished with a resolute tone.

With the smile that Ruby had earlier returned, she hugged the woman remaining silent for a moment. The gesture elicited an awkward response for the woman as she let her hands hover over Ruby's back. "you are still not used to the whole display of affection thing. I wonder how you and dad got together, I can see why you don't want to see Yang. She is like your total opposite." Ruby commented. "You are lucky that I am the one you ran into that day." She finished chuckling.

"What is that supposed to mean?" The woman questioned as she gently pushed away from the teenager acting mock offended.

"Nothing." Ruby started, all the while chuckling. "I know that our relationship is a weird one, and that I shouldn't be lying to Yang and dad. But I mean it when I hug you, show you this stuff to make you proud, and when I say that I love you." Ruby took a more solemn look as she continued. "I know I might be a replacement for Yang, but I do really see myself as your daughter, mom."

"Little Rose..."

"You don't have to say anything..." Ruby paused. "In my own way... I am using you too... After her death, I felt so alone... Even now there are times that I can't help but miss her, but when you visit and when we train that loneliness that I feel when I start to miss her goes away." The tears begin to return with a vengeance. "I'm sorry." The smile she tries to put on quickly becomes a frown as she mutters her apology.

Looking over at Ruby her "mother" had an idea. It was a long shot but she believed that she could brighten the teen's mood and make up for an event that she was going to miss in a little over two months. "Are you free tomorrow morning?"

The question took Ruby off guard, not knowing what to make of it. "I should be why?"

"Then meet me here around five, oh bring Crescent with you." She said to the teen.

With that Ruby's eyes lit up at her words, the fact that she was asking for Ruby to bring her weapon could mean only one thing. "You don't mean..."

"I watched a little of your fight with those thugs and you were slower than when we spare together, your weapon might be why." They began to explain. "I want to make sure you are at your best, that said... If we have to, I like to take Crescent to a friend of mine to see what we can do to improve the design. I hope you don't mind... It... She is yours after all. You would have the final say when it comes to whatever comes u-"

"I don't mind." Ruby retorted, her unbridled excitement on display.

Taken aback her "mother" smiled under her mask. "Is that so?" The question was met with a vigorous nod. "Then we will have to see what we come up with."

(...)

Ruby sighed as she relaxed with the grass on her back she pets the head of the blonde on top of her, dropping the borrowed weapon in the process. "Looks like I owe you one sis, nice assist." Her words went unregistered as the hug grew into a bone-crushing one. "Ow, ow, ow. Yang, you are hurting me."

Yang loosened her hold on Ruby as they remained like that. A familiar voice came from the trail in the direction Yang came from. "Why did you take off like that Xiao Long? We are supposed to be partners." Wiess entered the clearing flanked by Blake still in Ruby's cloak carrying the broken scythe.

"Hey sis? Do you mind letting me go for a bit?" Ruby asked the blonde currently embracing her, eyes fixed on her partner.

"Yeah... sure, Rubes." Yang watched as Ruby got up from her grasp, dusting herself off.

A few measured steps stumbling a bit forcing her sister to quickly move to her side in an offer of a shoulder for support. Ruby refused and continued much to Yang's dismay. When she was right in front of Blake she spoke, a hand on Blake's shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"I should be asking you that." Blake retorted from underneath Ruby's battle-torn cloak hugging the scythe tightly, her voice timid in tone.

"Comparatively I am doing better than a certain someone." the comment falling flat. Running her hand through her hair she continued. "Listen, Blake... I have been through worse than a little tiredness. I am more worried about my partner." As Ruby spoke Blake was surprised when Ruby grabbed hold of her free hand, Dragging her towards the tree line.