Reclaiming in Black
Chapter 3: Introductions and Misunderstandings
The clothes Ruby had bought her more than pleased Rose. It was a lot like her usual style she had developed over the years but with distinct differences. It had the addition of a black leather jacket, complete with a slightly altered red rose symbol engraved on the back. It looked good and offered decent protection. The corset was mostly red with black highlights, an inverse of her usual picks. The black combat skirt had red highlights and was less ruffled and more minimalist in design, almost dress like. This was coupled with charcoal black pants and strong, black boots. Two metal and black leather fingerless gloves sat on her hands. She flips her eye mask, leaving it a plain black.
It was a great, versatile outfit and it appealed to her sense of style. She hadn't even told Ruby to make sure they didn't look too much alike, clever kid. However, there was one thing missing. She sighed forlornly at the red cloak she was stowing away. It was distinctively Ruby's and she didn't want to make deducing her identity easy, even if you had to be crazy to even consider it.
Unfortunately, most of her enemies and her friends were a little crazy.
Sighing one last time she exits the bathroom, walking into the room with the waiting team RWBY. Ruby instantly hops up from her chair, bounding over to inspect her. Rose can see the unsure glances Ruby is giving her as well.
"Do you like it…?" Ruby ventures nervously. Rose grins at her and winks.
"Couldn't have done better myself." She says. Ruby blinks, absorbing the statement.
"No, I guess you couldn't." She agrees with a giggle. Rose ruffles her hair as she walks past, getting an indignant pout.
"Well ladies, what do you think?" Rose says confidently swinging her hips purposefully as she walks, finishing with a flamboyant spin. The tension present in the room lightens considerably as Weiss rolls her eyes at the theatrics.
"Acceptable." She says dryly, eyeing Rose primly. Now it's Rose's turn to pout.
Obsidian's eyebrow crooked, and mutters, "I guess I'll just have to deal." while nodding at Rose's outfit.
"Looking good, sis!" Yang says with a thumbs up and a smile and jostling a distracted Blake lightly with her elbow, knocking the girl out of her light daze. Rose notices that once again Blake is blushing lightly as her eyes rove over her form. Despite herself, she can feel her own cheeks becoming slightly pink.
"It suits you." Blake says softly. Rose does her best not to blush too hard, simultaneously stifling a groan at her luck. She clears her throat slightly awkwardly.
"Breakfast?" She asks. Yang springs to her feet, halfway to the door already.
"Hell yes! I'm starving!" She says loudly, not even waiting for the others to agree. Rose laughs lightly, following her boisterous sister out into the halls of Beacon.
Walking around Beacon was an oddly wistful experience for Rose. It was almost like an out of body experience, actually. She watched team RWBY interact, bantering lightly as they made their way to the food hall. Watching her younger self and how she acted with her team was amusing and eye-opening. They really were an odd group at first.
Weiss, with her scathing remarks and disciplinarian nature. Yang, full of cheer and bravado, teasing each of her teammates relentlessly. Blake, calm and collected, making the occasional dry remark but remaining mostly silent, content to watch. Ruby, keeping up at least half the conversation with her energy and enthusiasm. Obsidian was new, but rapidly growing on her. His short but insightful comments, keeping the conversation moving and out of unpleasant territory, and his accepting viewpoints. Her only real concern was why he had been through to be so accepting of the future she hailed from.
She could see how the problems she herself experienced could arise because of these vastly different personalities. She could see the differences of opinion causing conflict in the future.
But she could also them banding together, coming back stronger than ever. She could see the bonds of trust and camaraderie being formed. Her little family might not be the most conventional but she doubted she could ever find one better.
"I was thinking of upgrading Crescent Rose." Ruby says excitedly, virtually hanging off Rose as they walk into the cafeteria. Rose raises a surprised eyebrow. They walk to the food trays, grabbing some utensils and a plastic plate.
"Oh? I hadn't considered it for another year or so." She muses, following her suddenly sheepish counterpart. They wait as the line grows smaller, nearing their food.
"Well, I didn't really think I could make it much better..." Ruby admits with a light blush. "Until I saw yours. Now I have a whole bunch of ideas, but um..." She trails off in uncertainty. Rose grabs a stack of pancakes as Ruby summons the courage to finish her sentence. "Iwaswondergifyoucouldhelp?" Ruby says in a rush, cheeks going a darker red as she turns sharply and starts filling out her own meal.
Rose hummed, tapping her finger against her lips in an exaggerated thinking pose. "Well, I guess I could show you a few things." She sighs dramatically. Ruby squeals in delight, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. Rose laughs lightly, extricating herself from Ruby's grasp as they head toward team RWBY.
"Thank you! Oh my gosh, I can't wait." Ruby exclaims, practically shaking with anticipation. Rose can barely hear her however, her mind fixed on the sight before her. Yang, Blake, Obsidian, and Weiss sit at a table, eating and talking... but they aren't alone. Sitting with them is team JNPR.
Rose feels the sudden need to flee down the halls.
It's just her luck that at Nora spots her and Ruby, waving excitedly. "Hey Ruby! Who's your friend?" She says loudly, getting the attention of the entire table. Team RWBY freezes, unsure of what to do. Rose shakes her head in exasperation at their poor reaction, they were lucky JNPR was so focused on her. She pushes Ruby lightly to get her moving again, burying the unease she feels and approaching the table with a warm smile.
Meanwhile, team JNPR watches curiously as Ruby approaches with the woman who looks to be her carbon copy. The woman is almost identical to Ruby, and if she is any indication, a good idea of how beautiful the young team leader will become. Dressed very similarly, but with enough variance to make them look suitably dissimilar, the biggest difference is a large black eyepatch she wears over one of her eyes. If the age difference wasn't so obvious, they could be twins.
"Hey, all." Rose says as she reaches the table, ignoring the pain in her chest as she looks at her old comrades in arms. She plonks herself down next to Blake and Ruby sits down next to her. She turns to Yang and pouts dramatically. "Don't tell me my dear sisters haven't mentioned me?" She says with mock hurt.
"Uh, not really." Ruby says, looking a bit confused.
Yang catches on more quickly and attempts to look sheepish, rubbing the back of her head. "Maybe...?" She ventures. Rose sighs dramatically but then turns to JNPR.
"Rouge Rose, hunter as well as Yang and Ruby's older sister." She says, waving cheerily. "Just call me Rose though, everyone does."
"Hello Rose, it's nice to meet you." Pyrrha says politely, with a small smile. "I am Pyrrha and these are my teammates Ren and Nora." She indicates each of the indicated, getting a small wave in greeting from Ren and a cheery "Hello!" from Nora. "This is my partner Jaune, leader of team JNPR." Jaune pinks slightly, still unused to be introduced as a leader.
"It's nice to meet you, Rose." Jaune says politely, but then puffs up and gives her a grin. "Names Jaune Arc, short, sweet, rolls off the tongue - ladies love it!" He winks at Rose. Obsidian groans as everyone else at the table pauses, waiting for Rose's reaction.
Rose's eyes glimmer with amusement. She leans down, placing her chin on interlaced hands, making eye contact with Jaune. "Oh really? Care to share? I'd love to hear all about the ladies and your tongue." She says flirtatiously. Jaune, Ruby, and Weiss blush furiously at her words. Pyrrha looks slightly taken aback by Rose's salacious reply. Yang guffaws loudly, unable to stop her laughter. Nora giggles and Ren shakes his head ruefully, cheeks slightly pink. Obsidian laughs looking at Jaune's face and blushing slightly. Blake grins but blushes obviously as well.
"My word! Must you act like a pervert?" Weiss says, unable to hide both her embarrassment and her anger.
"Who says it's an act?" Rose smirks at Weiss.
Ruby elbows Rose in the ribs sharply, looking mortified. "Roooseeee!" She whines thoroughly embarrassed. Ren chuckles lightly, then looks at Yang.
"I can see where you get it from now." He says teasingly. Rose snorts, meeting Yang's amused eyes.
"Yeah, me. I am a terrible influence." Rose deadpans. Yang grins and chuckles, turning to her food. Rose shakes her head lightly and then takes a bite of her pancakes.
Soon the table seems mostly recovered from her teasing antics.
"So, Rose, why are you here at Beacon?" Pyrrha questions curiously after some small amount of eating and general banter. Once again, the table is focused on her. Rose smiles disarmingly.
"I am considering taking up a teaching position, actually." She says lightly. Nora beams with excitement.
"Oh, that is so cool! You must be an awesome huntress to teach at Beacon so young!" She declares. Rose shoots her a thumbs up.
"You bet." She says confidently.
"What position did you have in mind?" Blake asks. Rose can't help herself and grins lecherously.
"Well you look pretty flexible an-" She turns as she receives a sharp elbow to the ribs and a reproachful look from Ruby. She sighs and turns back to Blake, her cheeks turned that cute pink again. "I was thinking of trying my hand at being the combat instructor." She replies honestly. "Glynda does a good job but Beacon is understaffed and she could use some time to herself."
"I'll say." Yang mutters but then turns to Rose with a glimmer in her eyes. "I totally want to fight you." She says excitedly. Rose smirks at her.
"You've got a long way to go yet, my little matchstick." Rose taunts. Yang bristles at the nickname, sending a light glare at Rose.
"You and me, later today." She challenges with a grin. Rose sees an opportunity in this and decides to capitalize. Hopefully, this will help send a message.
"Let's try and make it slightly fair. All of team RWBY against little old me, you kids might just have some hope." Rose says with a dangerous smile. Weiss harrumphs, not one to take the blow to her pride lying down. Obsidian looks now more carefully at her, with a sudden expansion of his eyes, and an evil smirk, I wondered what he was thinking.
"Challenge accepted." Weiss states. Blake smirks, obviously looking forward to the bout. Out of her team, only Ruby looks anxious. She bumps into Rose to get her attention.
"Are you sure? You know how good we are." Rose says, unconsciously bragging. Rose snaps up the last of her pancakes.
"Oh, I know exactly how good you are." She says nonchalantly.
Ruby shudders a little, anxiety increasing. She can't help but find her reply much more frightening than any threat or boast.
"Awesome! Can we come to watch the fight?" Nora asks giddily, turning between Jaune and Rose. Rose shrugs, not really caring.
"Sure." She says simply. Nora's eyes fix on Jaune and he sighs.
"If you make sure to finish the assignment for Grimm biology we can watch the match later." He compromises. Nora gives him a snappy salute.
"Yes sir!" Comes her cheery response. Rose laughs softly, sighing and stretching as she stands.
"Well guys, it was nice meeting you, but I'm going to steal little Rose here," She turns to team RWBY. "Actually, the rest of you are welcome to come too. We need to go see our illustrious headmaster." Rose says.
"Sure, let's go." Yang says standing up. The rest of the team don't waste much time in following her.
"See you later!~" Nora sings.
"It was nice meeting you, Rose." Pyrrha says kindly.
"A pleasure." Ren says seriously, his eyes holding the friendliness he implies more than his voice.
"See you guys later." Jaune says with a wave, tucking back into his cereal a few seconds after.
"Later nerds." Yang says with a wave.
"Bye guys!" Ruby yells, following after Rose as she strides out of the cafeteria. Weiss and Blake remain silent, slipping in behind Ruby and Rose.
Rose turns to them and gives them a sly smile. "This is where the real fun begins."
"How can I help you, Ms. Rose?" Glynda says quietly as Ruby walks into the reception before the headmaster's office. Ruby looks uncomfortable, shifting slightly on the spot. She flicks her eyes to the door. "Well, I uh..." She begins timidly. Glynda fixes her with piercing eyes.
"Yes?" She questions stonily, expression unreadable.
"Actually, she's with me. I'd like to see the headmaster." Rose says, striding in to stand next to Ruby. Glynda stares at Rose, her expression morphing into one of supreme shock. Her eyes go wide and she pales dramatically, unable to voice any thoughts. "Hello, Glynda." Rose greets. Glynda practically jumps out of her chair, moving quickly and slamming the door to the Ozpin's office open so forcefully they swing themselves shut after her. "Well she was pleasant as always." Rose drawls.
"She just needs to get laid." Yang says cheekily, walking in and falling down onto one of the couches. Rose hums, suddenly looking thoughtful.
"Well, it could be fun..." She muses. Ruby goes bright red, looking appalled.
"You are not allowed to seduce the headmistress!" She says loudly, shaking her hand in front of her in a negative gesture.
"Why not? I do like a challenge." Rose says with a grin, nudging Ruby. Ruby moans, putting her head in her hands in shame.
Yang whistles. "I didn't know you were so raunchy, sis." She teases. Rose laughs and hikes a thumb behind her.
"I blame Blake." She says. Weiss turns to Blake aghast.
"Blake, is there something you would like to tell us?" Obsidian asks, smirking, almost...no.
"You as well? Am I the only non-degenerate on this team?" Weiss shrills.
"Feeling the love Weiss." Obsidian quips.
Blake blushes and splutters. "I, uh... I didn't... I d-don't know what you're talking about." pointedly not looking at anyone. Before the conversation can devolve further Ozpin strides out, sounding exasperated.
"Really Glynda, what is so important that it...is...necessary," He tapers off, staring at Rose. The mug in his hand falls to the ground from loosened fingers, spilling its contents as it rolls across the floor. There is a heavy silence in which Ozpin stares at Rose, eyes wide, thunderstruck for all intents and purposes. He swallows thickly.
"...Summer?" He says weakly, fingers white as he clutches his cane. Rose looks at him levelly, giving him a soft smile.
"Hello Professor, I think we need to talk."
Rose sat comfortably in the plush leather chair facing Ozpin's desk. She could feel both the headmaster and the deputy headmistress eyeing her like hawks. Ozpin had regained his composure admirably, ushering the entire group inside at Rose's quiet entreaty. Ozpin slowly sank into the chair opposite her, his eyes incredibly intense. The entire room sat in silence as the Rose and Ozpin looked at one another, silently appraising. Ozpin breathes out slowly, weariness creeping into his frame.
"You cannot be." He says simply, expression slightly troubled but voice level. "Summer passed years ago, may she rest in peace."
"Yes, she did." Rose says softly. "I am not Summer Rose." Blake and Weiss share a glance at the name, pieces of a sad truth starting to form in their minds. Rose and Yang both hang their heads slightly, uncharacteristically silent and still.
"Who are you? You are too old to be her child. A younger sister, a cousin perhaps?" Ozpin questions as some of the tension eases out of his form and are replaced by curiosity.
"Not completely true, I am the child of Summer Rose." Rose says Ozpin's brow furrows minutely.
"Not possible, she would not have been able to hide a pregnancy whilst on active duty, birth a child and then resume her duties without anyone noticing, it's preposterous." Ozpin disputes. Rose clears her throat, reaching for an object she had secreted on her person. A black and gold metal card, with various numbers and details imprinted on its surface. Glynda reels in shock at the sight of it, Ozpin eyebrows shoot to his hairline and Blake runs a hand through her hair, shaking her head at it, while Obsidian, looks at her with a widened eye, and a small frown. Weiss, Ruby, and Yang looked confused at the importance of the small metal I.D.
"Ruby Rose: designation Alpha-Nine-Nine-Eight-Four. Rank: Hotel-Kilo level one. Situation 'Reelection' period seven years, four months. Confirmation code: 'Clipped wings, further flight.'" Rose says robotically. Ozpin's eyes widen but he replies without pause.
"Confirmed. Level two confirmation code: 'Ice burns underfoot.'" Ozpin says.
"Level two confirmation: 'Sky burns overhead.'" Rose says. The entire room stares at the two in utter confusion. Ozpin lets out a shaky breath.
"Confirmed. My god." He rubs a hand over his forehead. Glynda clears her throat, looking pointedly at Ozpin, prompting him to explain.
"Glynda, it seems our companion has done the impossible." He says, shaking his head and taking a bracing sip of the refreshed beverage in his mug. Unsatisfied, he reaches into the desk and unstoppers a metal flask, fortifying his drink with a shot of dark amber alcohol. Glynda looks at him reproachfully, but he carries on regardless. "It seems Ruby Rose has somehow traveled over seven years into the past."
Glynda snaps her head to stare at Rose with a slack jaw. Rose smirks at her, propping her head lazily on the desk with one hand, looking Glynda up and down. "You'll be happy to know you age incredibly well; you looked just as ravishing then as you do right now." She purrs. Ruby and Weiss make choking noises behind her. Yang bites onto her arm to stop from laughing out loud at Glynda's wide eyes and flushing cheeks. Obi curls over little, trying not to laugh at Glynda's expression, and this whole situation. Blake thins her lips and looks at her hands in her lap, trying to contain her mirth at Rose's boldness.
Ozpin has no such compunctions and laughs softly outright.
Glynda clears her throat, trying to regain her usual equanimity. "Yes, well, be that as it may, Ms. Rose, could you please tell us how you came to be here?" Rose sighs theatrically.
"I would never deny such a gorgeous woman." She says suggestively. Yang's bark of laughter is heard even with her face buried in the crook of her elbow. Ruby covers her face in mortification.
"Kill me." She says lowly. Weiss tries to force down her blush but glares at the back of Rose's chair.
"Which one of you?" She mutters acerbically.
Blake is doing an admirable job of not laughing, biting her lip in an effort to keep the smile threatening to burst through subdued. Rose ignores the various reactions, save for the satisfying flush to Glynda's features. She leans back into her chair.
Obsidian has less restraint, and slight laughter can be heard from his slightly hunched form.
"I was engaged in combat with Roman Torchwick and Cinder Fall." She starts, gaining the entire rooms undivided attention, humor slipping away. "Torchwick attempted to sneak up on me but was unsuccessful. Fall attempted to incapacitate me with a variety of fire spells. When that failed Roman bought her time by engaging me in close range single combat. A short moment later he fell, two previous blows depleted his aura and he was unable to deflect the strike that severed his carotid arteries. I didn't check, but I believe he bled out before the end of the fight." Rose repeats dutifully.
Ruby pales, staring at Rose in horror at the revelation that she had killed someone. "Cinder then unleashed a large scale fire spell that I was able to avoid with minor first degree burns through use of my semblance. Believing me dead, she was enthused by her 'victory'. I capitalized on her pre-emptive celebration, delivering a fatal blow through her back and abdomen." Rose continues.
Ruby's hands are covering her mouth, shocked that she could describe taking two lives so calmly. "After that, I am not ashamed to say I confronted her verbally in my emotional state. Using that moment she readied a large scale suicide spell. She exploded and I ran as fast as I could. I have never really pushed my semblance to the limits, as the shakiness it induces makes such high-speed movement dangerous and clumsy. Eventually, I reached such a speed that the landscape visibly warped around me. The explosion, however, managed to catch up with me. Hoping for the best I jumped. The explosion, oddly enough, didn't harm me, but rather I remember feeling distinctly energized. The best way I can describe what happens next is it was as if I pulled the plug on my world, it vanished, the image of everything around me shifting like paint being sucked down a drain. Then it was like I was being pushed and pulled in every direction all at once in some sort of void, and suddenly I was thrown into my old dorm, with my old team RWBY, with one major exception." She concludes.
"When, and what?" He questions.
"Last night, and Obsidian."
A few moments pass and Ozpin looks pensive. "I know of Torchwick, but who is this Cinder Fall?" He mutters. Ruby stares into his eyes.
"The opposing queen you are currently searching for." She tells him. His eyes widen.
"You are certain of this?" He questions sharply. Rose nods.
"More than certain. I can accurately identify the major pieces she brings to the board." Ruby informs him. Ozpin leans back in his chair, a slight smirk on his face.
"That could prove incredibly helpful." He gazes at Ruby. "You plan to assassinate Cinder?" He questions. Ruby grimaces, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
"No." Rose replies evenly. Ruby sighs in relief. "Not yet." She clarifies and Ruby's relieved sigh hitches.
"Why? This," He gestures toward the black and gold card. "Indicates complete anarchy or war. If she is the driving force, why not remove her now and any threat she poses?" He asks. Rose sighs, running a hand through her hair.
"It is complicated. Make no mistake, she lost the war by my hand once and she lost it once more as soon as I set foot in this time. Her plan is brilliant, and it is the only one that has a remote chance of success. There is no other possible way for her to achieve what she wants, especially if we foil her first and uncover her as a threat and a madwoman." Rose says.
Ozpin glances at the young hunters in the room, questioning Rose slightly. 'Do you want them here?' His eyes ask. Rose nods almost imperceptibly. "What is her plan?" He queries, taking a sip of his drink.
"Cinder Fall desires to be the queen of Vale." Rose says simply. Glynda scoffs and Rose glares at her sharply. Glynda looks slightly abashed, inclining her head apologetically. "As I was saying. In order to achieve this, she will spend the next few years gathering supplies. Dust, money, weapons, and manpower. Roman Torchwick is her right hand, he steals most of what she needs when it comes to materials. For manpower, she has her own source. Cinder Fall, unknown to most, is the leader of the White Fang. She committed a coup d'état, exiling the previous leader and taking his place a few years ago. The violent direction the White Fang has taken is her doing." Rose explains.
"Utter scum." Weiss says viciously. Blake looks ready to burn Weiss to ashes with her glare.
"She weakens the hunters over the next few years by releasing Grimm into towns and the city over and over again." Rose says with a grimace. "This gets the civilians nice and scared as well. Faith in hunters decreases sharply. Work becomes scarce and the hunters are further weakened. With that done, she hires many of the remaining hunters, as well as other trained groups, herself with one objective; kill any opposing hunters." Rose says grimly. Obsidian looks like he was struck. Yang gasps.
"What the fuck? What about the Grimm and all those people? We need hunters!" Yang says loudly. She looks instantly chagrined when she realizes she might have spoken out of turn but Rose answers her questions.
"She doesn't care about the people or the Grimm. She wants power, and she is happy to murder thousands to achieve it. She cements her reputation by presenting a permanent solution to the Grimm, and her big stick against the other kingdoms, her iron gauntlet. Abyssal Fall, unknown relation, a man capable of absolute control over Grimm." Rose says tiredly. Obsidians face whitens in abject horror. "Pretty soon it devolves into a manhunt. Hunters on both sides are practically wiped out." She shakes her head slightly to clear it. Ozpin pulls out a glass and pours in a healthy measure of the auburn alcohol. Rose inclines her head gratefully, taking a large gulp of the burning liquid. It's smooth and incredibly strong, the distinctive taste of Everfall wood whiskey. Having fortified herself slightly she continues. "Then she starts the real war." Rose says. "The hunters are practically gone, the citizens are panicking, the Grimm are becoming increasingly prevalent and no one knows what to do. On the 18th of the seventh cycle, 3005 AG a large gang of mercenaries disguised as civilians slaughter over a thousand Faunus in 'retaliation' for the Grimm being unleashed on the cities. An entire town is burnt to the ground, not even the children survive." Rose says, her face shadowed and dark.
Blake gasps, hands going to her mouth in horror. Ruby blanches. Weiss looks disturbed, grimacing. Obsidian's eyes take a red hew but then shifts back to normal. Yang looks furious. Glynda and Ozpin both look grim, sharing an uneasy glance.
"Cinder rallies the White Fang in response, gathering the outraged Faunus and many humans under her banner, stating that she can't let such transgressions pass. She denounces the Vale council and declares war in the name of justice." Rose says, spitting out the last word as if it were poison. "She starts assassinating everyone who has possible ties to the throne at this point. Fortunately, people manage to put together her intentions. Those against the White Fang or against the idea of a monarchy itself are formed into an army against her. The hunters remaining that oppose Cinder petition for help outside of Vale. Unfortunately, Cinder anticipates this and cites it as a civil war. This ties up everyone legally, civil wars are internal matters and any outside assistance could be seen as a declaration of war. Imagine Atlas chose a side, and then that side lost? The winning side would rule and demand reparations for engaging in combat despite the peace treaties." Rose says, sounding tired.
"Ingenious." Ozpin praises, but his face speaks of his distaste. Rose inclines her head, agreeing with him.
"Yeah. From there it's straight up war. She tries to move in the capital to declare herself queen and we fight to stop her. A lot of good people die, on both sides. We," Rose gestures to team RWBY. "Are heavily involved, having been hunted by Cinder since before we even graduated. We do a lot of damage but it's actually her mania that gets to her in the end. She spreads her forces too thin, obsessing overseeing us dead." Rose tells. Team RWBY looked disturbed at this information. "It's mostly guerilla warfare from there. We hit and run, and they always, always chase. All the constant fighting gives us some solid experience. We become a power of our own during the war. Her side consists of battalions of Grimm and small groups of barely trained Faunus. Our side consists almost solely of militia, untrained civilians with a weapon thrust into their hands and at this point, we are the last hunter team actively engaged on our side of the war. The others are dead or gone to ground. Seeing that her plan isn't working, merely making us better warriors, she starts sending bigger nastier Grimm, and those with real hunter training to take us out." Rose tells, taking another gulp of the burning liquid. "That was a mistake. Most of them are ranking officers in her army."
"Why is it a mistake? If sending the weaklings wasn't doing it, I'd send tougher guys too." Yang questions.
"Because we kill them all." Rose tells her direly.
"Oh." Yang says softly, shrinking in on herself.
Rose turns back to Ozpin. "With most of her officers gone her human line collapses. The fight starts moving to her. Seeing her impending loss, she snaps. She lashes out indiscriminately, trying to destroy as much as she can. She uses her Grimm to destroy crops, burns and loots towns, levels anything remotely tied to infrastructure. The damage is catastrophic. It becomes obvious that Vale as an international power will be no more. Our economy is dead, our defenses nonexistent and our people slaughtered. Vale was to be annexed jointly by Mystral, Atlas, and Vacuo at the end of the war. Honestly, I was relieved, between the Grimm and the war she had all but wiped Vale off the map." Rose says.
"Holy shit." Yang whispers at Rose's harrowing description of the future. Ozpin looks increasingly grim, his brow furrowing thunderously. Glynda's own features are drawn, sharp and harsh. Team RWBY look collectively terrified, sitting silent, unable and unwilling to voice anything.
"The war goes on and eventually I kill Abyssal, then shortly after end it by getting into a fight with her and Torchwick. And you know how that turns out. That's about the gist of things." Rose says sardonically.
"This is most disturbing." Ozpin says softly. Rose laughs darkly.
"Yeah, it is."
"Do you have a plan?" He says immediately. Rose inclines her head.
"Guaranteed to succeed before things escalate to above a level that is even mildly alarming." Rose states. Ozpin looks at her pointedly.
"Guaranteed?" He questions, sounding disbelieving. "And this situation sounds more than mildly alarming already, Ms. Rose."
"Assassinating Cinder right now wouldn't work best. She has a few fanatically loyal followers and they'd cause untold havoc in her name. I know how much damage they could do, but it would be very, very bad." She declares macabrely. "We take out them out, I know exactly who they are. We work our way up and return just enough caches of dust or money to stall her plans. She is patient, she will be willing to delay for at least three months. Lucky for us, we know exactly where she will be for those months." Rose says.
"Oh?" Ozpin inquires.
"She will be right here, at Beacon, under the guise of a student participating in the tournament roughly three months from now." Rose says with a grin.
"What?" Glynda questions sharply. "Why?" Rose shrugs.
"My best guess is that she needs information found here at Beacon, but I do know that she will be here for that entire period. Even despite nearly being caught multiple times she never once made any indication of leaving." Rose tells them. "No one but those we have to get rid of anyway know her plan to be queen, so we cut the rug from under her by getting rid of her true support, there aren't many of them. Once we have that done, we kill her. The White Fang will continue to be violent but they won't go to war for no reason and without her galvanizing them into a cohesive military force I don't know how long their aggressiveness will last." Rose says. "I know exactly who and where to target as well. I know everything about her plans, her hideouts, and her caches. She's been planning this for at least 10 years already. If we undo even some of that progress we can cripple her enough to stop the war before it even becomes a possibility."
"Hm. This sounds like a valid idea. How will you achieve it?" Ozpin asks.
"I need Qrow." Rose tells him. "I've got all the information you could possibly need on her, Qrow doesn't need to spy anymore."
Ozpin hums. "Why Qrow?"
"This is going to be a lot of knife work. In and out, stealthy strikes on single targets. You and I both know he's the best man for the job." Rose says and Ozpin inclines his head. "I also need a heavy close combat specialist and long range support, preferably a dust mage. It's a team composition that I know and can lead. Any ideas?"
Ozpin hums. "Some." He steepled his fingers. "I will make a few calls and we can talk again tonight. For now, I need some time to digest what you have told me." He looks at the nearly catatonic team RWBY. "As do they. I think it best if team RWBY were to take some time away from this." He says, a hint of command in his voice.
Rose inclines her head. "Sure, sounds like a good idea." She turns to RWBY. "Come on, guys. Let's go grab some lunch, relax for a bit and then we can have that spar." She tells them. Yang shakes out of her funk, trying to lighten up.
"Yeah, sounds like a plan. Come on sis." She grabs Ruby in a side hug and walks out the door with her. Ruby gives her an uneasy smile, still shocked at the story of her older self. Weiss walks out silently, looking both stressed and anticipatory, probably because of the spar. Obsidian wallowing in some internal struggle. Blake mostly looks grim, with a slightly depressed air around her. Rose sighs as she watches them walk out.
"I wonder if I hit them hard enough they'll stop being sad. It always worked for Yang..." She mutters, following her 'sisters' and her team out the door.
Ozpin watches her leave, his face contemplative.
"Ruby Rose..." He says softly.
The solution to a puzzle he didn't know he was solving.