Chapter 5: Compromise
Outside of Tai's house, a Bullhead gently landed on the ground and stepping out from the aircraft is General Ironwood himself. Following behind him are four trained soldiers, to protect him from any assailants who would dare harm the General.
"Nice to meet you out here Jimmy, I heard you wanted to meet my nieces…is that correct?"
When walking towards the secluded cabin in the middle of a forest; Ironwood was then surprisingly greeted by Qrow that Ironwood didn't suspect him he would be here. To do the Council giving him vague information on their promise recruit called Ruby Rose. An angry Qrow then glared at the Atlesian General while leaning on the front door. Ironwood then curses under his breath to the Council of not giving him enough information on this person's background, for he has to deal with Qrow's protective nature.
"Troops, return back to the Bullhead. The situation for me becomes more complicated."
So…you were reincarnated into this world and joined my body because you didn't show any appreciation towards Being X? Three days after the incident. Ruby was talking to Tanya about her past; in which Tanya trusted Ruby enough to hold her secret. No matter what, Ruby needs to keep her secret at all cost. Seeing the fiasco as Being X and his revelation that he has a brother, there was no point for Tanya to hold secrets from Ruby anymore. Even though Tanya hates it, her paranoia is getting stronger.
When they got home, the duo notices that Summer wasn't home. Qrow explains to them that she went on a mission after they left the house from Yang's misadventure. When Qrow mentioned about Summer's mission, he slightly frowns; giving a clue to Tanya that their uncle is hiding something from them about their mother.
As midnight approaches in their cold bedroom, the two souls begin to discuss Tanya's previous life and how she's been entrapped into Ruby's body when she was born.
Yes, Being X just loves to ruin my affairs and making my situation a lot worse than before if I didn't give any faith to him. For that, I refuse to bow down to him as he's outright ignorant about human nature! Tanya ranted about her hatred towards Being X, the one whose cause misfortune to her and the god who doesn't acknowledge the downfall of human nature.
Tanya, I have no idea why you having a beef with the big guy upstairs. But isn't that a little bit cocky of you to face against a being that's immensely powerful than us? I mean you could be nice to it and not to be a big jerk about it. I thought you were that smart enough not to badmouth a powerful guy. Before Ruby can further her reasons to Tanya on her bias attitude towards religion as a whole. Loud shouting echoed across their bedroom, hearing an endless feud between two grown men; which one sounded drunk, and the other sounded militaristic.
"Get your grubby hands away from my nieces, Ironwood. They're not some army dogs for you military meatheads can toy with!"
"Our reasoning for her to be conscripted into Atlas military would be beneficial for her combat prowess and military tactics. Our further research on her aura would dive deep into her truest potential."
"Yeah, being militaristic without a heart, you know…your military lapdogs can be easily beaten since they don't have the heart, talent, and technique. I might as well see them as cannon fodders for the Grimm than a skilled huntsman I say."
"At least we're using our heads in the battlefield Qrow! We can't just barge into battle and let our instincts sort things out for us! Causalities would be too risky!"
"Yeah, yeah…I heard that one before." When their augment is starting to heat up, the adults continue to bicker and snarl, making the duo curious about what's happening in the living room.
That sounded like uncle Qrow shouting at someone? Ruby quickly picks herself up from her bed, it was currently midnight; they were supposed to sleep till they heard the racket that's happening outside in the living room.
Thank you for stating the obvious answer, Ruby. Let's just go over there and see what's going on. Walking outside to the living room, the two souls hid behind a wall and stick their head out; they saw a big, militaristic guy in a white suit who's arguing against Qrow.
The duo watches as their uncle is yelling back at the tall guy in compassionate fury, filled with emotion and determination; while the military person stood firm, stoic, and trying to be reasonable with Qrow. At the center between the two is a grey-haired man, who calmly holds his mug of Joe in his left hand and a cane in his right palm. To Tanya, she can tell this old man holds many untold wisdom and secrets within his brown eyes; a person that's been through a lot in his life…just like her.
Tanya and Ruby instantly recognize the old man in his green suit, the person who stood before them is Professor Ozpin. The headmaster of Beacon Academy and the most influential person in Remnant, binding all of the four kingdoms together in unity by his mere words; but Tanya wants to know what happens if he's gone without anyone to lead the world?
Tanya!
What? I'm just thinking up a hypothetical scenario.
Is that a bit too much and far-fetched to think about that? I mean, is that really necessary to think of that scenario? You're giving me the creeps and the bad impression that you want to harm the headmaster.
Fine, I'm just making possible assumptions. There's no need for you to freak out about it.
When the two adults quarrel over Ruby Rose's future, their heated argument becomes a hot debate and their feud isn't going anywhere from there. Fortunately, Ozpin interrupted and intervene in their matter.
"Gentleman, arguing in this house wouldn't solve anyone's problems. Besides; you two are scaring a child who's hiding behind us." Mentioning of the two, Ozpin gaze his eyes at the duo; making Ruby jump of how he noticed her and Tanya simply acknowledge that he's very observant in spite of him looking calm.
"Ruby and Tanya, can you step out and introduce yourselves to General Ironwood?" As the headmaster encouraged the twin souls, the pair stepped out and revealed themselves to them. Making Ironwood hesitant to do her young age and a bit upset to do the Council holding vital information from him of who's Ruby Rose. Not informing that it's Qrow's niece and a little girl as well, making it more difficult for him if he should recruit her into the Atlas Army.
"A pair…can you confirm that you have another soul in you, Ms. Ruby?" Spite of Ironwood's conflicting feelings on this situation; Ironwood remembered that the Council spoke of her having another soul that poked the Council's interest and the reason of why he's here in this mess.
Hearing his request, Ruby nodded to him and her silver eyes turn golden. When Ruby spoke, she spoke with a heavy lisp and her mannerism changes dramatically to a person who is highly professional.
"Yes, Ironwood sir. I indeed to have another soul in me; for whom I am, I'm currently Tanya. The other soul that resides in me is Ruby, the pleasure to meet you Ironwood." With that, Tanya's gold eyes turn back to silver and Ruby clumsily greeted Ironwood in her…questionable mannerism, she shyly stuttered at him.
"Well-I-um-hi, my name is Ruby Rose! I like cookies and I want to be an awesome Huntress like my mom!" With Ruby's poor introduction to the General, he can now see the comparison of the two and their differences. Tanya is highly educated and well-mannered while Ruby…is well, Ruby. Although, very enthusiastic type of girl.
"Alright then Ms. Ruby and Ms. Tanya; how about I give you two an offer to early start your career as a huntress by joining in the Atlas Military. As you two will learn military tactics and honing your combat abilities efficiently as possible. In addition, we will research on your aura anomaly so you two can harness your truest potential on the battlefield. The strategies you need to survive. So what do you girls think?" This immediately took Tanya's interest and her rationality on his offer. If they were to be trained as soldiers, the less likely they will be eaten by Grimm and more efficient in combat to take down their foes without hesitation. Plus, if she climbs atop of the military hierarchy; Tanya would be respected and live the life of luxury. Commanding her units with an iron fist and striking down her foes with brutal results...just like her previous reincarnation. Two vital rules that mattered to Tanya, survival at all cost and think thoroughly within the battlefield. But then…there's Ruby in her equation.
"Oh no, no, no; I don't think so Jimmy! The two stay with us and I will train them as huntresses personally. My way on how to deal with the Grimm and techniques of becoming a true warrior, they are not some mindless drones for you to command Jim. What it matters is the heart, not the brain. People need someone to look up to, someone to relate, and not to be feared by them. We need someone who is a hunter, a hero against the Grimm, a small, honest soul that will not run away from her foes and continue the fight." Ruby took her uncle's words to heart and spoke volumes to her. Her desire to help people, her dream to become a huntress to stop the enemies of man; she will do anything to save lives and to be the hero where everyone tells stories to their kids. Someone that will be there for them, to fight for the weak, a huntress in training...but Ruby knows Tanya doesn't share the same ideals as her.
With that, things went south between the two souls and their beliefs. One for a military path, the other is the hunter path. With that, they argued.
Hmm, General Ironwood holds a lot of promises for us Ruby. It is best if we train as soldiers and form plan to stomp our foes efficiently along surviving the battle for another day.
Him? We barely know about the General and I don't feel easy about him. I think it's best if we trained with uncle Qrow and continue on our path as huntresses to help people. What's the point if we can't save someone?
Train with our uncle Ruby? Don't make me laugh! He is highly drunk and cannot think straight in battle; I doubt we can survive by mere determination. We need tactical plans for combat and retreat when possible if the battle is far too much for us!
Like the time you wanted to abandon Yang because you're scared to face the Grimm?
It is the only smart option we have left Ruby. It is to flee and not to be killed. It is our survival that matters.
Not choose to fight and abandoned someone that we know? I don't think so; I will stand beside with my family and friends if they are in danger! I will fight for them even at the cost of my own life!
Now you're speaking completely irrational and being reckless Ruby!
Now you're speaking like a cold, heartless monster Tanya! Where is your courage to stand by with someone that you know?
When the two souls continue to bicker at each other, the two weren't aware that they're shouting out word by word what they're thinking. Addition to the side effect of mentally arguing with each other, their eyes become heterochromia; rapidly changing their eye color from gold to silver in an instance when the duo continuously disagree with each other. This very scenario causes the three adults deeply concern of what they've seen and stopped of what they're doing.
As Tanya and Ruby continue to argue nonstop; the headmaster had enough of their bickering and slammed his cane onto the ground loudly. The two souls immediately stopped their argument and look directly to the headmaster. For the headmaster, Ozpin made an easy plan for the two; a compromise for both parties that they can be satisfied with. Even though both offers are highly unrealistic to the headmaster's mind.
"Tell me, Ruby and Tanya. Aren't you two aware that you're shouting out loud while you were discussing…or should I say accurately, arguing with each other?" Hearing from Ozpin himself, the two souls deeply blush in embarrassment and lower their heads in shame of what they did here. Making each other look like a fool to their possible mentors and acting like kids…well, technically they are kids.
"Anyhow, I think I have a solution for the two of you and satisfying conclusion for both parties. Tell me Qrow, what season is today exactly?" Qrow raises an eyebrow at Ozpin of what he's exactly planning but decided to answer his question anyway.
"Today is the last week of spring and summer is approaching. Why are you asking this Oz?" The headmaster simply smirked and took a little sip of his coffee, telling them of a possible compromise that could work for the two.
"You see, I was thinking about the seasons based on their personalities. I see Ruby warm like summer, ready to fight off what she believes in; but lacks the knowledge or hardiness to deal with an actual fight. Summer is her strength and fall is the need to learn from the approaching coldness. For Tanya, she is the opposite of Ruby. Smart, witty, and stoic towards battle and cold like winter, but she needs to blossom her heart for everyone to follow and show kindness to those who care for her. Winter is her resilience and spring of the need to become a better person." Tanya was surprised that Ozpin can easily tell their personalities are, but he continues to explain what their ideal schedule is to them.
"Those are the seasons they will train. Summer and fall, Ruby will train in Vale with Qrow; including her early enrollment in Signal. For Tanya, she will join in with Atlas Military; learn from them in winter and spring. At the age of fifteen, you two will have a choice to become a warrior or a soldier. The choice is yours of what your future will look like. This is the compromise I made. So what do you girls think? Is this a fair deal for everyone to be satisfied with?" Hearing him scheduled their training base on their personalities alone. The two souls stood silent and mentally think together. Both finally agree and it is a fair compromise.
"Yes, it is a fair deal for us." Both Tanya and Ruby said simultaneously while their eyes turn heterochromia when they joined together. Making Ozpin smile for the two on finding a common ground that they could relate to each other.
"Hmm, it sounds a little bit difficult to manage. But it sounds reasonable enough that doesn't sound too far-fetched to me." Ironwood nodded his head in agreement with the fair compromise that Ozpin made for them, seeing it is rational enough to do their current age and the twins association with Qrow.
"Yeah, that doesn't sound like a bad idea Oz. Although I don't like those military dogs, I guess it's better than nothing I suppose." With Qrow reluctantly agreeing with Ozpin, Qrow opens his flask and starts drinking his strong poison onto his throat, something to feel good about.
Ozpin let out a sigh of relief, seeing he defuse a dangerous scenario that could occur without his supervision of both parties. Looking back at the twins in a single body, he spoke again.
"When summer arrives, you two will begin your training with Qrow. When winter arrives, you will start your conscription into the Atlas Army. The cycle will continue until you two reach the age of fifteen. The day you will decide on what your path is. So get ready for the end of the week girls, this will be a challenging journey for you two." In his final words of their solution, Ozpin walks towards the front door and gave them their final conclusion.
"Work together and you two will blossom together, something that you will cherish forever." With his last words, the headmaster left the house and made the two souls think, specifically to Tanya's, which the headmaster can easily tell of Tanya's cruel ambition.
Can they really do that?
"Sorry I'm late kids, I was out getting groceries after I completed my mission back at Vale-Ironwood, Qrow? Why are you two doing here with my daughters?" Out came the door is Tai, holding brown bags containing food. When Tai saw his former teammate and the Atlas General in his house, they both immediately left the room without questioning of why they're inside of Tai's humble cabin.
"See yeah Tai, I'm just having a friendly conversation with Ironwood of not breaking into someone's house without their permission first." When both of them left without an explanation to him, Tai was baffled of why those two are here and miss out everything of what just transpired.
"Um, girls…what just happened here while I was gone buying food?"
A compromise that Ozpin made for them so both parties would be satisfied. Ruby will train in Vale during the summer and fall. Tanya will join the Atlas military during the winter and spring. So it's half and half of what they both got.
So the next chapter will be Ruby's semblance and the later chapter will be Tanya's semblance.
