A/N: Please Read and Review!

But perhaps victory is in the simpler things you've long forgotten

Chapter 3: Peasant Ruby Rose of Signal

Signal, Vacuo, A Week and A Half Later

CLANG, CLANG. Sparks of hot ember flew up into the air as the girl banged down the hammer. She watched as the burning metal easily molded to the desirable shape. Ruby wasn't too proud of herself though, working at a blacksmith shop meant she was used to the strenuous labor. However, she was proud that she hadn't fainted from heat like three others in her village had. Living on the edge of Vacuo in the desert meant that even the winter brought blistering warmth. With a final clang she put down the hammer and quickly plunged the piece of iron into the bucket of water. Steam rose up into the air and after a second or two she brought the newly made material out. Ruby was often told how good she was at the art of smelting, but her real main specialty was weapon making, a talent only she and her uncle were good at in her town. Her older sister, Yang, was supposed to be at the shop two hours ago for her shift, but she had probably gotten herself in another brawl down at the pub or some idiot had messed with her hair and was paying the price.

"Where are you, sis?" Ruby wondered aloud.

No sooner had she said that then she heard the sound of a door open. Hoping to have a new customer, she straightened up her red outfit, put the piece of iron on a table, and turned around. However, she was only met with a girl with golden hair and purple eyes.

"YANG," Ruby said in a whiny voice. Her sister grinned at her, "Why weren't you here earlier?" Yang was always late.
"Sorry Rubes," Yang said, and started messing with her hair. Ruby noticed that part of it seemed cut, "I kind of got preoccupied."

"Someone tried to cut your hair for fun?" Ruby guessed.

"Lousy bastard," Yang muttered to herself. The village boys made bets to see who could get a lock of her hair without getting pummeled to death.

"Well, your late," Ruby said through gritted teeth, though in truth, she really wasn't that mad. She liked working at her uncle's shop. It was just her and dozens of weapon. However, her real problem was that she was planning on meeting her uncle for their special training session.

"I want to be someone who can protect people who can't protect themselves," She had told him a few months ago. After much pleading he agreed to train the fifteen year old in the art of fighting and the two met at the abandoned, dried up lake at the edge of town. She still hadn't told her sister about in, in fear that she may be too overprotective and cancel the meetings. And lately, though, Yang had been curious to know what her younger sis was doing all the time, so when Ruby let it slip she was meeting someone, that was when the blond started to get suspicious. Ruby never liked talking to people,

"I was just doing some things and I lost track of time, I'm sorry, Rubes," Yang said, and Ruby decided to let it go.

"Okay, but I get two extra hours," She pulled off her smelting apron and threw it at Yang.

"Ugh," Her sister groaned before poking her little sis in the chest, "Fine. But while I'm busy you better go outside and make some friends."

"No way," Ruby said, and went into the back of the shop to get something, "I don't have time for friends." Yang narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"Ruby, didn't you say you were meeting someone?" Yang said, and noticed her sister gulp, "And for the past few weeks you've been awfully reclusive" she started walking towards Ruby slowly, "Mind telling me what you've been doing?" The red-head's face paled and she started to turn away.

"Nope."

Seeing as she wasn't going to budge, Yang tried a different method, "You can trust me, you know." She said softly. Ruby looked at Yang. She trusted her sister in everything else, so why not this?

"Alright," Ruby said. Besides, Yang would find out eventually, "Uncle Qrow's been helping me learn to practice with this!" And with those words she brought out a giant scythe. Yang's eyes widened and she jumped back as the weapon hit the ground. The blond immediately grabbed the device and pulled it back, almost sending Ruby tumbling down.

"Rubes, where in the world did you get this?" Yang held up the weapon in the air so her sister's efforts to reach it were futile, "You know that if you use this when the soldiers are here you'll get in big trouble." She was right about that, Ruby admitted. Roman Torchwick's soldiers often came to the village to collect some outrageous tax or just bully the townspeople. They would often arrest people for no good reason and she hated them.

"You said I could trust you!" Ruby shouted.

"Remnant, why would Qrow do this?!" Yang said to herself.

"Because he knows that I deserve to know how to fight!" Ruby lashed at her.

"Do you remember what happened to mom and dad, Ruby, do you!?" Yang said. Her voice came out louder than she expected and her little sister shrank back.

"I just wanted to learn how to fight," Ruby said softly. She had worked on the scythe for ages, designing it based on the ones her people used to harvest the fields. It was a long wooden pole, painted red to match her color, with a smooth texture. At the end a long curved piece of metal was connected, its length reaching out both ways. The blade was sharp, jagged, and, as Yang could guess, dangerous. The older sibling looked into Ruby's eyes and saw that she really did want to fight. But, she couldn't allow what happened to their parents happen to her.

"Listen, Ruby," Yang said quietly, "I know you want to fight but we can't risk getting in trouble."

"Says the girl who beat up her classmate because he cut off some hair!" Ruby countered.

"Fine, point taken. But this is different than beating people up. Especially if they're not a soldier. I promised mom and dad I would protect you," Yang said.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Ruby said, sulking. They had this conversation regularly.

"How long has Uncle Qrow been teaching you?"

"About five months. And I've gotten really good! I can do my semblance, which is speed, and slash things and-

"Ruby, I don't care if you've gotten good, alright? All I care about it making sure you don't get yourself killed!" Ruby could see Yang's eyes flicker a deadly red.

"Why do you think I'm learning how to use this thing? I want to help people, Yang. And this is my only chance to do just that!"

"We can't do anything, Ruby. You know that!"

"Why are you so bossy?"

"Because I'm your older sister and I absolutely refuse for you to do this anymore!" Yang's words caused Ruby to back away and the blond saw tears forming up in her sister's eyes, "Oh, Remnant, Rubes-"

Too late. Ruby had already run away, leaving a trail of blood red rose petals. Yang threw the scythe down in anger.

What am I going to do with her?

Ruby was flying. Or so it felt like it. Her vision was starting to blur and she couldn't see where she was going. All she knew was that she was angry.
Angry and hurt. Why couldn't Yang just lighten up for one remnant of a second? Why couldn't she see that Ruby just wanted to help others? A burst of energy coursed through her veins and with a final spin, the tree toppled over. Since there was no other way for her to get her frustration out, the poor tree was chosen as a semblance dummy. Qrow had taught her to hone her abilities during the second month of her training, and she had learned to control her speed enough not to hurt anyone or anything if she got frustrated.

Everything, of course, except for the tree. Ruby let out an incoherent cry and started to kick up some sand. A part of her felt guilty for acting so childish, but right then she didn't know what else to do. She didn't even bother to bring her scythe with her.

"Ruby?" A voice rang out. The girl looked behind her and saw a man with dark red hair and gray eyes staring at her. In his hand held her weapon.

"Uncle Qrow?" Ruby said puzzled. He was supposed to be at the marketplace getting supplies, "Uh, I can explain-"
"Did Yang find out?" He asked softly. Ruby closed her eyes and nodded. Qrow frowned and thought about his hot tempered niece. He knew that she meant for the best but sometimes she could go overboard, "I saw her leave the shop. She didn't look happy."

Qrow walked over to Ruby and handed her the scythe, "Are you alright?" She didn't reply, only stared into space.

Finally, she said, "No. I just wish she could see I want to protect people. That I don't want what happened to mom and dad happen to others." Her uncle looked at her with a grim face; sometimes Yang underestimated Ruby's knowledge.

"I'm sure she'll come around," He said, "Maybe she just needs to cool off a bit."

"But what if she doesn't. I know that she cares but can't she see I need to do this?"

"People often let their emotions get in the way of their choices when trying to protect the people they love," Qrow said wisely, "It's just human nature."

"Yeah, well," Ruby sat down on her knees, "I wish it wasn't."

"I wouldn't say that," Her uncle sat down next to her, "If that was the case then you wouldn't have the sister you know now. The sister that's taken care of you all these years when I couldn't." Ruby sighed and placed the scythe on the ground. She knew he was right, just didn't want to admit it; Yang had been her guardian and protector all those years, as her uncle had multiple jobs to do in order to raise two growing girls. She fed her, played with her, and somehow managed to control the usually hyperactive redhead.

"Do you think I should continue doing this?" She asked.

"That's up to you. Personally I believe becoming a Huntress is a vital thing."

"A what?" Ruby said. Out of all their weeks of training Qrow never used the term Huntress. He looked at her in shock.

"You mean I've never told you the story? That's why I thought you wanted to be one in the first place."

"The story? Nope. Don't remember you telling me that story. In fact, the only story I remember you telling me is the one about the Nevermore and the Ursa loving each other very much-"

"That…wasn't a story Ruby," Qrow said, remembering when he had to give Ruby "The Talk".

"Really? 'Cause Yang said it was, right after you finished and left."

Qrow sighed. He was going to have a talk to his oldest niece, "Anyways, Ruby. Since I never told you the story I suppose now's a good time." Ruby's eyes lit up and she crisscrossed her legs like a schoolchild, "You ready?" She nodded earnestly, "Okay, I'm sure you've heard of the story of Dust, right?"

"That one Yang told me when I was little. I still remember it though."

"Good, now, a long time ago, when humans were new and starting to set up civilization, the creatures of darkness were preparing to attack. Of course, though, mankind was smart, and knew that the world they lived in wasn't going to be perfect. So, in order to stand a chance they trained young people just like you, to fight."

"Like me?"
"Yep, at about your age I suspect is when they enrolled. These special chosen were trained in school knows as Academies, and as time went on, they became known as Hunters and Huntresses. So, when the Grimm attacked they were ready, ready to fight back and get rid of the darkness."

"But didn't they almost lose?" Ruby asked.

"Yes, unfortunately they did. Even the most skilled soon died in the wars that followed the Grimm's attacks. And soon, even though some put up a valiant effort, the Grimm started to win."

"Then dust came," Ruby chimed in, "And that's what they used to defeat the monsters, am I right?"

"Your right. After the Grimm were defeated, the schools were set up again in hopes of training more to fight in case of the future." He stopped suddenly, and a look of sadness went across his face.

"Uncle Qrow, why aren't there anymore?"

"Because when there's power, Ruby, there's also evil. I always want you to remember that. People became greedy, became ruthless. In fact, some people are still like that today," He sighed, "And so the academies and the students and Hunters and Huntresses. They all became extinct."

"Why don't we bring them back?"

"That would be a good idea, but remember, we are in a time of peace," Qrow said, not willing to share the truth to the young, innocent girl, "And so we don't need them anymore. Besides, rules and laws would have to be passed and certain people persuaded."

"So…why are you teaching me?" Ruby inquired.

"Because I want to make, just in case, that the peace ends, you can protect yourself and your sister." Now, that was the truth. Qrow stood up, dusted his pants, and then helped Ruby up. The two started to walk back to the village of Signal in silence until Qrow cleared his throat loudly, "By the way, good job using your semblance back there."

"You saw that?"

"Impressive, I must say."

"Yeah, well, if a pair of Bearwolfs attacks us, have Yang get me mad if we want to make it out alive." Her shoulders slumped slightly, but then went back up as a question formed in her head, "Hey Uncle?"

"Yes, Ruby?"

"When Yang told me about dust, she said that they all have these different functions. But no one really knows what they are. She sort of acted all smart and figured that some of the powers were based on the colors. Like red to fire and light blue to ice."

"Yes, I believe that's true, but what is your question?"

"Can't we find dust where these things are? Like fire in volcanos or ice in a cold region like Atlas?"

"I'm afraid is doesn't work that way, Ruby," Qrow said, "Dust is a very strange and mysterious material, and if used improperly can turn things nasty quick. When people first found it they were just lucky it didn't blow their heads off."

"Where did they find it?"

"No one knows. One myth says that dust, like aura, is a manifestation of ones soul, a key to unlocking the inner most light in a heart, and thus, it can be found where the heart is, but, I wouldn't ponder that thought for too long. There are much greater things to worry about than something that's almost gone from the world."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Ruby said, "But I-"

CRACK! The sound of a whip echoed through the air and the two looked towards the town to see what was going on. They weren't that far and Ruby could make out a few people scrambling to get away from something.

"What's going on?" Ruby asked a hint of fear in her voice. Qrow didn't reply, only ran towards the commotion, the redhead following in pursuit. A multitude of people were crowding around something in the middle of Signal. Ruby tried to push her way through, but her small demeanor didn't allow her too. However that didn't allow her ears to figure out what was going on.

"Well, greetings people of Signal, glad you could watch the show," A loud, joking voice said, and Ruby instantly recognized it as General Torchwick. But taxes weren't due for another week, so why was he here? Another crack went through the air and Ruby tried to jump to see what was going on.

"You see," Roman said, "This is why you all are poor, starving, in poverty. Because people like this one right here just seem to want to get in my way." His words made Ruby's blood boil with anger. Without thinking she shoved the people in front of her away and ran to the front of the crowd. Her whole mind seemed to shut down as she saw the sight. The scythe fell down to the ground with a dull thud.

Yang was lying down on the dirt ground with two bloody streaks of red going across her right arm. Her face was deathly pale and her eyes widened when she saw who had run up.

"Yang," Ruby whispered in disbelief and Roman looked at her with interest. Signaling the guards behind him to hold their positions, he slowly walked towards the redhead, ignoring the weapon next to her feet.

"Ah, so you must know her then," He said, bloody whip in hand, "Well rest assure that she's in good hands."

That was it. With a roaring cry Ruby kicked the scythe up into her hands and took a swing at Roman, who barely managed to survive getting his head chopped off by jumping back. The blade stopped at his throat and he stood still. Nobody dared to move, nobody dared to breathe. The world seemed to have stopped.

"Ruby?" Yang said, dazed. The redhead didn't say anything, only glared at Roman with a murderous look.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right now."

"Ruby!" Her uncle cried, but she ignored him. A vile taste filled her mouth and she stared at Torchwick for an answer.

"Because, red," The man said and looked her dead in the eyes, "I know you can't." Ruby saw his arm grab his sword and before she could hit him his blade knocked the scythe right out of her hands. With a grin, the general slashed the sword at the young girl and Ruby was forced to move. Her weapon was on the ground and she doubted she could pull off some fancy footwork like she did last time. The townsfolk had started to back up now, except for her uncle who had a look of fear on his face. Ruby dodged another attack and realized that if she didn't do something soon than she was dead meat. The soldiers were starting to advance on her as well. She needed time.

Oh, wait-

With a blur of red Ruby used her semblance to speed past the guards and general as she grabbed her scythe. Roman barely had time to ponder what had happened when the girl raced towards him.

"Guards, kill this girl and her people." He ordered.

NO! Ruby's mind yelled as she swung the scythe at her enemy's head. Roman ducked and his weapon clashed with hers. Out of the corner of her eyes Ruby could see the soldiers trying to attack the townspeople and she kicked Roman in the gut. With an oof he fell back in surprise and Ruby used her speed to rocket herself at the guards. Her scythe raised she brought it down on one of the enemies and cleanly cut through his chest. Trying to hold down the sick feeling in her stomach she pulled the scythe out and prepared to attack the others. Each one held a long sword, along with a few crystals of-wait, was that dust? How in the world of Remnant did they get something as rare as dust? Ruby shook her head, no time for thoughts like that. All that mattered was saving everyone. She swung her scythe again at a nearby guard and he quickly hit it with his long-sword. The two didn't try and attack until another guard came up and tried to stab the girl in the side. Ruby turned and swiftly moved her scythe out of the way as he advanced before making it turn a full 360 degree angle and cutting both men open. Blood poured out of their chests and Ruby closed her eyes to try and block the mess.

Suddenly, she was blasted back and Ruby could see flames dancing around her. She noticed one of the men holding a bright red crystal.

Note to self: Bright red=Fire and small explosion. Ruby saw the Yang was now standing up, her eyes as red as the burning ground. She wasn't pale anymore, she didn't even notice the bloody wounds.

"No one messes with my sister," She growled, and with a loud cry she ran towards a soldier. He swung his sword at the fiery teen before getting punched squarely in the jaw. A yellow light emitted from her fingers and the man was sent tumbling downwards. Yang brought up her foot and kicked him in the head. Roman watched the two girls in interest and silently made his way towards one of the horses. It was obvious that he was losing. Ruby looked at her sister in awe as she picked up the fallen man's weapon and began to fight two soldiers at once. Her hands seemed to be covered in fire and she masterfully swung her sword. Following her sister's lead the redhead jumped and used her scythe to propel herself forwards by pushing off the ground with it. She landed on a dead soldier and quickly hit another in the crotch using the blunt end of her weapon.

"Sis!' Yang said, "He's getting away!" Ruby saw Roman get on a horse and tip his cap to her.

"Nice duel, red, I admit you have moves," He said before turning around, "Again sometime?" Ruby ran towards Roman before a cloud of dust blinded her vision as his horse's hooves kicked up sand into her eyes. She fell onto the ground and scraped her knees.

"Ruby!" She heard her uncle yell, and someone pulled her up. Ruby rubbed her eyes and looked at Qrow, "Are you alright?" Ruby scowled; Roman had gotten away.

"HU-YA!" The two turned to see a raging Yang kick an unfortunate soldier into a house, "DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR!"

"Woah," Ruby said, "I'm surprised she hasn't passed out yet."

"That's what makes Yang special, I suppose," Qrow said back, "Her ability to take in damage and power herself up with it. But, I'm pretty sure that even a strong one like her, once lost so much blood, will pass out eventually."

Right on cue, the fellow blond fell in a heap to the ground, arms still wet with red liquid. Ruby ran over to her sister, "Yang?" She didn't stir. Qrow held Yang in his arms bridal style and carried her towards their house. Ruby wanted to go after her, but her eyes trailed to all the bodies in the middle of the town.

I killed them, she realized, and slowly started to descend downwards, I killed someone. The idea made her want to puke. Isn't this what you asked for, though? To become a Huntress, to kill others to protect the ones you love?

"But I didn't ask to kill them," Ruby said to herself, and remembered her sudden anger that had caused the demise of the men, "but then Yang would be dead." She sighed. What was done was done, and even she had to accept that.

It didn't make the feeling any less painful though. Ruby reluctantly got up and started to walk away to check on her sister when a feeble cough caught her attention. Thinking that one of the guards was still alive she quickly turned around and ran towards the noise. Some of the dust in the air was still clearing from the fight and she heard the cough again. Most of the villagers had gone inside or were cleaning up the mess. Ruby stood there scanning the area for the person.

There! Against a dead body was a strange looking girl, probably older than she was, trying to grab something out of the dead man's hand. Ruby didn't recognize her from the village. Maybe she was with the guards. Holding out her weapon she approached the figure from behind.

"I know your there," The girl said, not even bothering to look up, "I'm not with them, I was captured by them, so I ask you nicely not to stab me." Shocked, Ruby just stared. The girl was wearing a ripped white fabric that went down to her legs, maybe a dress? It was then Ruby saw what she was trying to get; the crystals of dust strapped to the soldier's belt.

"Who are you?" Ruby asked, "And why were you with them?"
"I should be reprimanding a peasant such as yourself for waving that thing around my head," The girl said haughtily, "But since you saved my life from that Roman guy I suppose I'll let it pass."

"What? Who do you think you are, princess?" Ruby said, trying to comprehend her rude nature. The girl flashed a look of sadness before talking again.

"Actually...I am," She said and Ruby saw that she seemed unconvinced.

"You seem a little unsure of that," Ruby said.

"Well, I don't know if I am anymore," Her tone was bitter.

"Well, what's your name?"

"Weiss. Weiss Schnee."

A/N: Please leave a review and hope you all enjoyed.