Chapter Three
A bet. Challenge. Deal.
"Most find it easier," the sunrise yellow being tells the legendary hero, "to go to sleep. I will send you pleasant dreams if you do."
The price of failure is becoming the God of Light's puppet. Ozma watches the world like a spectator in his own body. The God of Light has full control over every choice, from as small as what to eat to how he walks. He knows all Ozma knows, and experiences all he does. The legendary hero is nothing more than a backseat passenger.
Ozma's only agency is kept by staying awake. He does not rest – does not slip into the oblivion that would be so easy to fall to. The God of Light sends memories of how at peace the other puppets were when they gave in – since Ozma cannot read the God's thoughts it is the only communication he gets. The human can shout and scream all he'd like in his mind, but even then he is disregarded. There are no answers for all the questions Ozma asks. There is no respite from having his every move dictated. The only thing the Relic of Choice did not take was Ozma's soul.
Though he cannot tell what it is the God of Light wants, what the God combs through Ozma's mind for does give the legendary hero a dismaying idea. There are long talks with political leaders. All conversations with Kings and Queens are scorched forefront in his thoughts as the God sharpens the memories for even the tiniest of details. Then comes the words in the mirror, "Where would you start, if you wished to destroy a monarchy?"
Ozma blinks at his reflection. The first time the God of Light talks to him since controlling his life, and he asks that. Ozma doesn't want to think of an answer, since the God will take the knowledge with his direct-line connection. Overcoming the shock of being addressed is followed by an unbidden answer.
"Many have said that as well," the words flow easily from Ozma's mouth. The God of Light could have had this conversation mentally, so having him stand in front of a mirror must be on purpose. Ozma feels despair and alarm at everything.
He does not let his consciousness slip away. Ozma will not let the God of Light take away the last of his agency by placing his soul to rest, no matter how hard it is to continue existing with no control.
"Since your first answer was to violence," the God continues, "we shall go with that."
Ozma is sent memories of a few other puppets. One, he knows is dead. Another, missing for ages. Those people he does not know are speaking to the populace in the memories.
"I've found those persuading the public to be slow going, yet very effective in places," the God speaks up days later, having another one-sided conversation with the mirror. "Those taking care of the 'royal' blood need more discrete methods. I fear they are becoming much like my brother's followers."
I do not wish that of you, the God of Light tells Ozma.
Ozma knows now what role he will play for the God. By the time they reach the port town with early melting snow, he can guess a handful of who might be the targets. Truly, after fighting everyday for some semblance of control – fighting to no avail – Ozma is tired. He keeps up the inner battle, but he wonders as they sail over cold waters. The God of Light will use his body to commit murder. Assassinations.
Every. Single. Day, Ozma will fight to stop it from happening. If it comes to it… if he has truly become an unwilling tool of the Gods…
(Ozma combats against the magic controlling him relentlessly.)
The legendary hero resolves to rest if there is nothing he can do.
They land in a port town, and then move south. Along the way are ruins of towns. Ozma wonders how long he was missing. Did word ever get out? Will he be found out and dealt with before they reach their destination?
The God of Light takes interest in the last thought. Ozma is forced to muse over and think of ways of not getting killed on sight. All plans are denied or corrected by the God (some are even used with the other puppets). Ozma's status slowly regains momentum as he assists the common people in defending their villages and supporting hunting groups. Word will spread of his arrival back to the territory- kingdom- kingdoms.
…Kingdoms… The hunting grounds the God of Light guided him to.
Ozma's fingers do not shake as he enters the ruins of a port town he once frequented. When the neighboring kingdom fell, this was one of the first places to follow. His breathing stays even through the heavy scents of spoiled fish and lingering ash. His voice is gentle and easy as he greets those taking what they can use for their village.
Trapped inside his body, the legendary hero fights back with wounded devastation he is not allowed to show.
It all comes to a halt with a glimpse of red.
"No", Ozma first whispers in his mind as the full curiosity of the God of Light hits him. His eyes are drawn to the beacon and Ozma starts the full-force fight again. "No, no! Stay away from her! Get back!"
The God of Light knows all Ozma knows. He smiles how Ozma smiles and greets her like a long-lost friend. "Ruby."
"Run," Ozma begs the woman, yet the words never leave his mouth. "Get out of here, Ruby! Stay away!"
She accepts his offer of a hug, returning it with ease. He can feel his lips spread into a warm smile.
"Please run," Ozma pleads in his prison. "Leave. Don't trust me."
She invites him back to the castle with her. Ozma is devastated. As she chatters on to fill the silence, Ozma tries to come up with anyway to alert her. The God of Light is constantly listening, almost suffocating with the attention he's now paying. Always, he looks to her silver eyes or to the lamp normally hidden by her cape. Over the hours, Ozma calms his emotions. He tears his focus away from the woman and starts thinking; since so much attention is placed on him, the God must be listening closely. Rambles in his mind turn into half-baked ideas before finally-
We will not harm the family, the God of Light takes pity on Ozma and gives the reassurance. We will see how they care for our creations. If they are not treated well, then we will act.
Ozma can neither agree or disagree with the plan. He continues to fight.
They get stalled once they reach the village Ruby is assisting. A nevermore nesting ground has been discovered nearby, and Ruby agrees to help dispatch it before they leave. The God of Light insists on coming along to help her. They will be out in the forest, alone, for at most a week. Ozma is desperate.
"Are you writing letters?" the God asks their first night around the fire.
Ruby hums positively, flicking up a cheeky smile. "I write one everyday for Salem."
"She reads them to the children, correct?"
"Uh-huh," Ruby stands, only to drop next to him and let them read. Ozma is snapping at the God when their hands brush. "Jinn likes it better when I tell stories, but not everyone knows things written down as soon as they're written down so..."
"Does she not know of your travels?" Has my faulty creation degraded over time?
"She knows of these," Ruby smiles and takes back the letter detailing the day's activities. "But knowing and experiencing are very different. That, and Salem's stories are more fairytalelike than mine."
"Will you tell me a story, then?" Ozma feels his smile, the warm emotions circling his chest, and the joy of chatting with Ruby. It's as natural as breathing, and he hates the God feels them too. While the emotions dampen when she moves back to her spot across the fire, Ozma is relieved.
"Sure," Ruby pushes her writing utensils to the side and smiles, shadows painting her face. "Want anything in particular?"
"Something from your homeland?" the God prompts.
She flinches, however minutely. "Get out of here," Ozma says once more in his mind. Though he knows it is pointless, sometimes he cannot help trying to urge her away. Keep her away from his puppet self. "Don't tell us anything, Ruby."
"I'm trying to think of something," Ruby promises as she looks to the sky. She rocks back and forth for a second, then is hit with an idea. "Oh! The ground once caved in under my feet and I fell into the middle of a terrorist group meeting!"
It takes a few moments for the God of Light to decide how to respond. He disregards all of Ozma's suggestions and worry to prompt, "That sounds like an interesting story."
Ruby pauses a lot, leaving things out, but it truly is interesting. It helps remind Ozma that she has survived more than he knows. She will figure out something is wrong and stop him.
The God of Light forces him to think about ways she won't.
Ruby takes lead in destroying the nests. Ozma is made to watch her fight as often as he can between killing the few stragglers. He would have rather fight with her, even like this. But no, he is forced to think critically about her fighting style. Ruby just keeps smiling, blatantly relaxed around him.
The God asks more of her on the nights they spend returning to the castle. What did she mean, all that time ago, when she said she doesn't have magic? What has she seen while travelling the world? Why free Jinn?
Ruby answers… somewhat. She does not have magic, but instead can use her will to survive to buffer attacks and move fast. She wants to see the world. "Why not free Jinn? She deserves to live freely, just like everyone else."
The God of Light tries to keep on that subject until Ozma hopes she'll pick up on the insistence and realize it isn't him. The God does not bring it up again. More questions come, and Ruby holds back as she answers. She gets called on it.
"It's hard to talk about this," Ruby shrugs awkwardly. "I've only really talked with Salem about these kinds of things."
Following the hero's advice, the subject is dropped. Later, Ozma gets the shock of his life when the God asks, "Why give me the vessel of the Relic of Destruction?"
"The sword?" Ruby looks up from the letter she's writing. They are days away from the castle, so Ozma does not believe the letter will reach the Queen before their arrival. More importantly, he feels his head nod and realizes the gift he left behind was truly- "Well, I wasn't going to use it. You're the only one I trust to use it fairly."
Ozma feels like he's been punched. His body is warm with positive emotions, but he feels fractured and hurt. "No Ruby," he whimpers, contrasting the thanks the God gives her. "I'm sorry." It feels like he's failed her.
The feeling only increases when they reach the castle. Ruby smiles with genuine warmth and speeds ahead to hug the Queen. Ozma fights a losing battle harder, trying to turn his body around. "Get away from them."
The God greets the King with a handshake. Ruby steps back out of view when Ozma turns to greet Salem.
The next thing he knows is the rag over his mouth. Ozma inhales sharply and breaks free, stumbling away. He tries to bring magic to his fingertips, gaze drawn to Ruby's red as his head slowly feels consumed by cotton. There is something in her hand and sorrow on her face. He doesn't like that look on her.
Not even the God of Light could choose to make him fight back as the world blurs.
He thinks he hears someone says, "I am so sorry, Ozma."
The legendary hero isn't too sure. His eyes close to an unending darkness. There doesn't seem to be anyone puppeteering him at the moment.
Ozma sleeps.
;;;
Plan C. Chemicals. Knock out. Sedate. It isn't chloroform, but a healthier anesthetic Ruby taught Salem to make ages ago. Since no one in this world has been exposed to healthcare of the likes Ruby grew up with, even the smallest amount of the all-natural drug concoctions Ruby's learned would put someone to sleep.
Ruby makes the calculations to keep Ozma conked out, and realizes she has three days to put a stop to whatever's wrong with him.
"Jinn," the woman sits down across from the blue-skinned girl, skin tight around her lips. Ruby's hands shake, and she feels she's destroyed everything. Whatever's going around has affected Ozma. He doesn't deserve this, and it's her mistake to put a stop to it. "I'm calling in a question."
Ruby is the last to get three of them.
"For him?" Jinn asks with disdain. She is shaking, too. Ruby should have known. The woman should have pushed harder for an answer as to what is causing all of this. It's her mistake to fix.
"Yes," Ruby answers seriously. Just the two of them in the room, only Ruby will receive the answer from the girl. "What are three different ways to free Ozma from whatever or whoever is controlling him, that don't involve his death, while making sure this does not happen again."
It is too specific for Jinn to avoid. A tear slips from the girl's eye and the pocket dimension starts the answer.
Ruby jerks back in her seat when it is all done. She can't look as Jinn hurries away, rushing out of the room to find her mother. It is as Ruby feared. So much has changed, yet the outcomes are still what she wished to never have to do. Ruby puts a pillow in front of her face and screams.
"Where are you going?" Salem demands, arms folded as she glares from Ruby's doorway. The smaller woman pauses in her cleaning but does not glance up. "Answer me, Ruby!"
"I am going to do something I regret," Ruby says slowly, clicking the scope onto Crescent Rose proper. Ruby has a long list of apologies to make, but this is something she feels horrible about. If she messes up once, everything she's worked so hard to protect will be ruined. All for Ozma.
She may not be bogged down by unresolved grief, but right now she is no better than what Salem could have become. Ruby Rose acknowledges it, hates it, but will do what she never wanted to stoop to. Her changes have done wrong to Ozma, and she loves him too much to let this go. He deserves happiness. Not this. Never this.
(Ruby thinks Ozpin would be disappointed in her. Salem would have cackled.)
"I know now who's been making everyone go crazy." All those people who the world looked to. All those who died because they have been too dangerous since their disappearance. Every single person who's killed their friends and family, all because someone else was pulling the strings. "It's time I put a stop to all this."
"How?" Salem demands.
Ruby smiles, broken and full of teeth, and does not tell her the full plan. "I will be gone for a few days," the shorter of the two promises.
Ruby sprints through the air that night, petals scaring those below who at first think the sky rains blood. Her rests are short, she eats much and sleeps enough. One the second day she walks the last stretch as to not alert her target.
The morning of day three, Ruby sits atop a rocky outcrop counting bullets as the man she kidnapped yesterday shuffles his way up the staircase. He isn't a nice person, but Ruby's already marked him down as another individual her actions won't save. She still feels the guilt eating her, but it can be muted as she puts the clip in place and flattens onto her stomach.
Crescent Rose already feels lighter, more familiar, with the dust bullets locked into place. Twenty bullets. Seven chakra points. Two targets.
Ruby breathes deeply and places her finger on the trigger.
In this world, no one would acknowledge The Ruby Reaper as a sniper for she carries no bow or arrows. Back home, everyone seems to forget Ruby Rose is a trained sniper. She's most known for wielding a scythe. She can shoot a gun with unnerving accuracy. She is normally in the middle of the battlefield.
Ruby knows how to be patient, though many seem to forget that. She is calm and at ease as the God of Darkness rises from his pool with twisting limbs. The man she's sentenced to death pauses at the horrifying display, forgetting to warn the God about the woman who sent him here.
With silent puffs, seven shots are fired.
The world is pin drop silent and Ruby prepares for the true challenge to begin.
;;;
The castle's household is in a quiet uproar as no one can find Jinn. She's been missing for almost half the day when Salem enters Ruby's room to search. She finds her daughter in the closet, clutching the lamp to her chest and staring with frightful eyes. Salem bends down, slowly holding a hand out, "What's wrong, dear?"
"Father's dead," Jinn chokes out, and promptly breaks into more tears.
Salem gathers her daughter in her arms, rocking her with calming sounds while the words circle her mind. The woman is worried for Ruby, but there is some relief too. Not enough for Jinn to pick up on, but there nonetheless.
It's done.
The Gods are dead.
;;;
The Grimm are still there, and no amount of magical eye lasers can remove the goop. Still, Ruby is given a reprieve as nature continues were magic cannot. Never again will their formations be instantaneous.
In her fists is a crown. No matter what she tries, Choice is a difficult reality to swallow.
Ruby falls to her knees and cries.
(The world calls today the day magic died.)
;;;
Ozma wakes up, for a short while. He eats, drinks, and falls back to sleep. He feels motivated to survive, and thinks these are all his choices to make… He cannot remember why that makes him happy.
The next time he wakes is much the same.
So is the next.
The fourth time, he wakes slowly. A dopey smile crosses his face and he roles, trying to reach for Ruby's hand. She jolts at the sound, head going back and forth. The legendary hero giggles.
"Ozma," Ruby breathes deeply, face and eyes flickering with plenty of emotions. He's too tired to focus on all of them. She should be happy. She deserves to be happy. Maybe she'll be happy if he can show her he's really here. "You're awake."
"You are like stardust," he tells her since, apparently, they are stating facts. Her face does the thing again. He tries to reach for her hand once more, but his arm isn't quite working right. How else can he prove he's the one talking? "So pretty. Out of reach."
He feels warm when she reaches out. He laces their fingers, holding on as best he can. There.
"Hi," Ruby says quietly, a sad smile on her face. Not quite what he wanted. "I missed you."
"You were right there," he frowns, trying to remember why her words cause conflicting emotions. "You weren't supposed to be there. I couldn't protect you."
Ruby's laugh sounds painful. He rubs his thumb on her hand, frowning harder. He tells her, "I don't like seeing you sad."
"I don't like seeing you sad either," Ruby wipes her eyes with her free hand. He's smiling just for her when she glances from under her eyelashes. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"A lot," Ruby's smile isn't the one he likes. Ozma wants to be able to sit up, so he can hug her. Assure her. Why does nothing work right? "I have a lot to tell you when once the drugs are out of your system."
"Why not now?" he pouts.
"You won't remember, and I need you clear headed."
He hums and closes his eyes. "Yes, my lady."
He sleeps.
(Ruby chokes and sobs, fleeing the room.)
;;;
The next time Ruby sees Ozma, he is sitting up in bed. She apologizes for drugging him. The legendary hero smiles at her, says he's glad she stopped the God from controlling him. It breaks her to pull out the Relic of Choice and set is on his bedside table. Ozma's breath hitches, "Why do you have that?"
Ruby explains what she's done since he was unconscious. She pauses at the end, clipping the last sentence short. Ozma stares for a long time, processing. Ruby licks her lips and grabs the crown, holding it with both hands and staring him in the eye.
"By right of conquest," Ruby says quietly, quickly, "the Relic of Choice is mine to do with as I please. I choose to give it and all rights of it to the being known as Ozma, the person who inherited the title: Relic of Choice."
"Ruby," Ozma gets out a strangled gasp, eyes glued to the crown she lays back on the table. "What was that?"
"The Gods had to tie who they used to the relic," Ruby hunches in on herself. "You are the only one left with a soul so," she swallows hard, "s-so, you are now the Relic of Choice." She ducks her head and shuts her eyes against the tears. "I'm so sorry!"
She never wanted this for him. So, the woman gave him the right to his own choices and powers by relenting the crown to him. He now has control over his actions and who can use him. Ozma can choose to pass on the powers to someone else, stripping him of magic but allowing him to live a normal person.
Or he can free himself from the crown and become immortal.
She explains this all to him with shuddering words, unable to look him in the eye. This curse is his choice now, but he should never have had the option. Ruby's failed keeping him safe.
The woman leaves in the silence that follows.
Hours later, she's back after Ozma requests her presence. He gently holds the crown and smiles brightly when she enters his room.
Ruby barely manages a smile back.
"You can sit," his smile falters. "I'm not… mad. It was just a lot to take in."
"I know," Ruby sits beside his bed once again. "I'm sorry."
"You do not have to be," he tells her, face tender. "Thank you for freeing me, Ruby."
"It should be your choice," she croaks out. "And, whatever you choose, I'll do whatever I can to help."
Ozma looks down to the crown. Hazel eyes stare with a faint curiosity, tracing lines with his thumb. "What will you do now?"
Ruby takes her time to answer, looking at his quilted blanket. She addresses him with a quiet discourse, "There's still one more thing I need to do."
"Just one?" Ozma asks softly, staring at her. He turns himself to face her. "Will you be staying here, after it's done?"
"I… I don't know," Ruby shrugs. "Probably. I don't know, maybe I'll clear out some Grimm spots or help a few villages around here. I don't really have a plan," her voice trembles on the word, "after I finish."
He hums.
"There's… one more thing." Ruby steels herself and looks into his eyes. She falls in love all over again and knows she must explain everything. Ruby will never be able to face Ozma again if this goes unsaid after all her changes turned the world on its axis. "If you're alright to hear some more… shocking news, then I need to tell you."
"Of course," he straightens and looks so innocuous, Ruby almost pretends it was nothing. Bracing for the incoming pain, Ruby begins a story.
A story, about her life on Remnant.
;;;
Ozma is out in the training yard, crown hidden under his cape and sword in hand as he goes through the motions. Ruby stops behind him, watching at the edge of the grounds. He didn't hear her, but smiles at the hint of sweetness she brings with her inner debate of calling his name or just watching. The outcomes are the same, either way. He turns and calls her name instead.
It was difficult at the start, when he was first clear headed. Ozma couldn't understand why he was knowing things that weren't happening. Since Ruby gave him the crown, he can turn on and off knowing the potential outcomes of his choices. He still remembers hers, from the short time when the drugs were cleared. Whenever he has the choice to interact with her, he still gets a taste of it. Her choices feel comforting, like something that's an afterthought but still in reach. It may be a bit rude, but it eases him to keep tabs on her as she chooses around the castle (comforting to know she thinks of visiting him, even if she does not). It's how he knew of her decision to leave soon. Whatever she's decided, it's closed him off from seeing the effects of her choice besides her being not here tomorrow.
"When are you leaving?" Ozma asks.
Ruby blinks, surprised as she shuffles closer. "Tonight."
He lets out a sharp breath. "Were you going to say goodbye?"
She gives him a look. Sliver eyes capturing his gaze like a beacon of starlight. "Of course." She must have chosen when. A pause, uncertainty passing over her face. "Will you be here when I get back?"
"Probably not," he admits, heart breaking at the sad nod she gives. As if she assumed but had hoped otherwise. "But please, feel free to come find me. I wished to adventure with you, before everything happened. That still stands."
"Really?" Ruby breathes, awe filling her stance. A smile breaks across her face, and fists raise to her chest. "Really?!"
"Yes," Ozma smiles and holds his arms open, adjusting so Ruby takes it as an invitation to hug him. The woman squeals and wraps around his middle.
"I'd love to," Ruby says, squished against his chest. Ozma knows she won't take him resting his forehead on her well, so he releases her when she steps back. He doesn't touch, but aches to hold her hand. "If you're not ready to have me around though…"
"Your past changes nothing between us," Ozma promises, but he knows she's uncertain. "I appreciate you telling me, but I am not him."
"I know," Ruby answers with an ease that relaxes him to the core. "But I could have warned you or told yo-"
"Please," Ozma cuts in, hand reaching out. He drops it on the woman's shoulder, wishing she would be comfortable if he pulled her close. "I want to see you again, Ruby. I will have my time to come to terms with it all. If you do not come find me once you are done, then I will come find you."
Her smile is faint and laugh reluctant, but she does not shift away. Silver and hazel stare until Ruby reaches up to pat his hand. "You better stay safe out there, alright?"
"Only if you do," he smiles cheekily back. Her laugh is a beautiful, real thing. "One more hug for the road?"
"Why not?" Ruby is tense, but Ozma is glad for the last memory before she is out of his new powers' purview.
He'll need to figure all of that out while she's gone. And have that long overdue chat with Salem.
;;;
Ruby does not push herself, as she did before. Still, with the speed she goes, it takes a week of running to reach the spring. Ruby has to wait for nightfall, so all the mourners will have gone home. The guards are still hesitant to step foot into the boundary of the spring, which makes slipping around them so easy. Under the moon light, Ruby silently walks the path to where the God of Light once resided.
A bubble pops, and the woman stops mere feet away from the pool's edge. A light breeze runs through the area, rippling the water and rustling leaves. With a blink, a child no older than five years stands on the edge between water and land. She is smiling and holds the staff out with no hesitation.
Ruby falls to her knees in front of Creation.
"You came for me," says the little girl filled with hope and excitement. Her blonde cat ears twitch, curling hair flying backwards as she runs to the woman. Glacial, light blue eyes are full of child-like wonder. Creation throws itself at Ruby, and the woman hugs her tight. "You came for me!"
"Always," Ruby chokes out the promise to the girl. She picks up the child and carries her with possessive security out of the area of Life's pool. "I wouldn't leave you."
"Jinn showed me a picture of your team," the girl says when asked why she looks as she does. "It was on your scroll. Do you… not like it?"
"You're adorable," Ruby assures her. "I like it."
"I want to stay with you!" the former Relic of Creation demands when Ruby broaches the subject of growing up with Salem. "You're my mummy!"
Ruby is not sure how to take that. Flattered. Scared. In no way prepared. She hugs the girl named Yin and carefully scratches behind her ears. "I'm honored."
Ruby does not tell her lies. Growing up in the woman's care means travelling lots. It means dangerous situations and learning on-the-go. There will be a lot of trial-and-error, for both of them. Yin will not grow up with the other former relics.
Travelling with Ruby means growing up feared. The Ruby Reaper is a villain at worst and toy soldier at best in the rumours. What started out as whispers of her sprint through the air are now stories. They say Death called on her, and she delivered such to the Gods. As woman and child walk through towns and villages, children are shuffled into hiding by their parents and warriors glare with laser focus. Only through years of experience can Ruby hold her head high and deflect any attacks aimed at her and her little girl.
At least with Salem, Yin would be protected, and her Faunus status never questioned.
The little girl understands it all and holds on closer, nuzzling against Ruby's throat. "I want to stay with you."
And Ruby, who's been alone so long, nuzzles back and whispers, "As you wish."
;;;
Jinn explains Ozma's new powers as she does anything else, matter-of-fact and no filter. The legendary hero is horrified with most of what he can do. While still attached to the crown, whoever wears it has the ability to force those around them into following their every whim. That is just a small bit of his new abilities, but knowing Ruby knew about it and gave it up to him makes him feel as honored as he is disturbed. Now that he knows about her past, he can't help but wonder why she thought him worthy of the sword and crown.
Ozma keeps his staff on hand at all times. The crown as well. When he finally starts wearing the sword, it is after his conversation with Salem.
It goes something like this: "Do you ever wonder the what-ifs?"
Salem laughs, "Of course not. I do not love you, and I could not imagine myself loving anyone the way I love my husband. I love my children. I love my kingdom. I love Ruby. You'd do well not to ever try thinking of the what-ifs."
"I love Ruby," Ozma tells her.
The Queen gets a considering look on her face. "Good."
He leaves the conversation free of the future that never was. Mercy adds their two-cents about what they remember of the first Choice. Jinn does not warm up to Ozma. He's been pacing around the room, thoughts consumed by all the choices he could make and sword on the bed. The small, few seconds of future he can see goes dark with a knock on his door. Salem enters with a rolled-up paper and a lazy smirk.
"Pick an island," she tells Ozma, flattening out the scroll – map – of the islands known for their abundance in Grimm.
"Why?" Ozma questions, eyes lingering on each island and the small glimpses choosing them provides.
"Ruby won't pick an island," Salem scoffs and settles against the wall to watch. Her words have the desired effect, causing the hero to stiffen and review the map with a newfound focus. "So, I'll send her your way and she can finally make a new Patch."
"Where she grew up," he mutters. He thinks of the stories, though it takes a moment to find the queen's meaning. Hazel eyes stare into her blue ones with a stony shutter. "What makes you think she will not settle here?"
"Ruby won't settle," Salem scoffs. "She can't retire. She told you what being a huntress means?" He nods. "She lives by her code. So, of course she'll spend the rest of her life trying to help humanity."
Salem sounds bitter. Ozma thinks about what Ruby told him and can only nod. He feels the need to point out, "She retreats here."
"You've seen her room," Salem frowns darkly. "It hasn't gotten any homier since she showed you."
He thinks about bare walls and bare shelves.
"I try not to make her think she is a guest," Salem mourns.
"Send her my way," Ozma tells the queen, folding the map until it shows the island he chose. Bigger than most, but not the largest. He smiles as his decision is made, hints of an afterthought sweetness brushing at his future.
He's learned a few things from helping villages over the years. Ozma needs to ask a few more questions, but he will be ready to leave in a few days. Having blueprints will likely be a good idea. If there's one thing Jinn's proven, it's not relying on power for practical experience.
;;;
Ruby and Yin's arrival to the castle is with little fanfare. Salem greets them with hugs and dry clothing, shuffling them out of the rain and convincing Ruby to make them hot chocolate. All the children and the two women are piled into one, large room, content for a bit to recount stories.
Jinn blows up first. She and Yin shout until Spring and Summer begin sobbing, which Mercy takes as the cue to silence the girls and hunker next to Salem with the bio kids. The taller woman looks irritated, but after a few calming breaths she turns to Ruby and explains slowly, "While I am disappointed I will not see her more, I am glad you have a child of your own now." Then the joking, half-smile. "Your turn to deal with raising a family."
Ruby laugh and groans good naturally, keeping the grumpy Yin in a tight hug. The week-long visit ends with an even grumpier Yin being left behind at the castle while Ruby takes the time to make sure following Ozma is safe. The redhead also has to make sure he is okay with a child travelling with them, and Ruby has no expectation he will be alright with it. Ruby is not alright with it. With Yin, she's swearing to herself to never do any missions beyond her skill. Ruby will not leave the girl wondering if she'll ever come back.
(The petals from her semblance turn to dust, never ash.)
Ruby deals with chopping off the heads of sea monsters as stepping stones while she crosses to the island. She destroys beowolf populations and even gets a king taijitu. What stumps her is the path she finds. Grass turned over and a layer of packed dirt. Carefully, Ruby follows it into the heart of the forest.
All the way to a cottage.
The Ruby Reaper knocks on the front door, hoping this is the right place.
"Ruby," the Legendary Hero Ozma breathes with a breathtaking smile as he answers.
"Hi," Ruby smiles shyly back. "How's it going?"
"Wonderful." He steps back, eyes never leaving her face. "Please, come in?"
They end up in the kitchen and… talk. Ruby sits at the table, taking in the warmth of the tea he made. Ozma leans against the counter, watching her every move with the staff at his side and the sword at his hip. His own tea is mostly untouched by the time Ruby's finished explaining all that's happened with Yin. "I understand if you don't want to go travelling with us."
"About that," he pushes off but doesn't come closer. "I was thinking, why not stay here a while?"
Ruby processes, coming up short. "I mean… you built this place. Why wouldn't you stay here?"
"Not like that," he smiles indulgingly. "I meant you and me, and Yin of course. Why not stay here? Try to build something on this island?"
Ruby laughs nervously. "What?"
He takes a step forward, expression earnest and a little sheepish. "We do not have to if you do not want to. I wish to have an adventure with you. I still do. I just thought it would be nice to maybe try and start something. Like a school."
"Like a school?" Ruby barely squeaks out the whisper. "Ozma…"
He heaves a breath and walks right up to the table. She's so entrance by his gaze, Ruby doesn't notice he's pulled out something until it clicks onto the table. "I am trying to say, I choose you Ruby. Always."
Her breath catches at the sight of the crown. With shaking hands, Ruby picks it up. Her gaze snaps back to him, blurred by tears at the realization there's no magic left in it. "Why?"
"Because I love you."
Ruby chokes on a sob, and then throws her arms around him. The chair clangs to the ground as he hugs her back, soft but reassuring. Her eyes are closed tight, aching with falling tears, and she hides in him the best she can while she admits, "I love you too."
He presses a kiss to her head. Ozma, the legendary hero and keeper of humanity's Choice, gently takes the crown from her fingers and places the trinket on her head. "Will you be my queen?"
Ruby chuckles thickly. "Slow down, hero. We haven't even had a date."
"There is a wyvern in a cave at the northern top of the island."
Joy surges through her. Ruby pulls back sparkles in her eyes and a smile he can't help but match. "Best. Date. Ever."
;;;
"What would we even call the school?" Ruby asks as she prepares for the journey back to Salem's kingdom.
"Why not Beacon?"
"No," Ruby shuts that down. She shivers as Ozma encircles her waist and gently tugs her against him. "Not Haven, either. Besides, it will take forever to get it up and running. We need history books, and politic updates and teachers. And math! And weapons! And a school!"
He chuckles, pressing a kiss against her cheek. Whispering in her ear, "We have forever."
"We need a library," Ruby twists so she can cradle his face between her hands. They slowly meet for a kiss. "Books floor to ceiling. A cafeteria for food fights. Farms for food."
He pecks her lips. "A village."
"A kingdom," Ruby sighs and drops her head on his chest, hands falling to trace circles on his stomach. Ozma chuckles, breathing in the scent of roses as he runs fingers through her hair. "I guess this is good… Yin will need people… and we can't be hermits…"
Ozma smiles and presses another kiss to her cheek before stepping back. He snags one of her falling hands, lacing their fingers. "Not the adventure you were thinking of."
"Were you?" Ruby shoots back with a fond smile. Her eyes alight with an idea.
Ozma yearns to keep her here. She'll be back; Ruby promised. She's more than proven good on her word. "What is it?"
"I think I know what to call the school," Ruby blinks away tears and laughs freely. "What about-"
;;;
The Kingdom of Patch – also referred to the Isles of Patch – is known throughout the world for it's historical neutrality, being the first Kingdom to create a school designed to train warriors, freely accepting all students who make it through the entrance exam (arrive on the main island), and for being the birth place of auras during the Age Without Magic.
Rumours say it is also the birth place of the first Faunus, but there are historical records contesting this.
The whispers surrounding the island are also of note. Specifically, those to do with Fable Academy. Some say agents of Death teach and are taught there. Others claim the changing headmasters are the same person reincarnated over and over. Sometimes the librarian has a scar over their eyes, always in the same place even if it is a different person. The popular one claims that Death favours the island and those who learn on it.
A legend – one of many bedtime stories – commonly told can be traced back to the Kingdom of Patch. The story begins telling about the Legendary Hero Ozma, and how he befriended Death between his many adventures. The plot is that he was one of the heroes transformed into something dark and deceiving, and Death knew upon looking at him. So, Death went off in search of those controlling its friend. What it found were the Brother Gods and, as revenge for stealing away its friend, Death killed the Gods and brought about the Age Without Magic, so its friend could be controlled no more.
Myth says that is why Death protects the Isles of Patch: because it is where its friend chose to live out his days after he founded Fable Academy.
…
Jinn doesn't care to correct old bedtime stories.
A/N: A really big thank-you to everyone who has read, followed, favourited, and/or reviewed! The support truly means a lot. I truly hope everyone enjoyed the story, and that this last chapter did the end justice.
(Thank you A Simple Cup, Guest, MidnightRO53, noise95, Animene, and NotWeird for reviewing! I am so glad to hear you all liked this! Again, thank you so much for reviewing and I hope you enjoyed the end.)
I hope everyone is having a great day