Patriot-M89: Christ on a bike! This was a tough one to fix! 'Nough said!


Chapter 9:

Rough Road to Recovery


Beacon Academy

Ru's temporary quarters


It had been a week since the Dust cure for the Grimm Strangler succeeded in healing Ru, much to the relief of the Elder WBY and JNPR. Twelve hours later, she managed to wake up...but sadly, it was only physically.

Currently, both Elder and Younger teams were in Ru's new living arrangements, which was an old Teacher's quarters that was rarely ever used, but still kept in good condition. The said woman was sitting up in bed, dressed in a sleeping gown, her silver eyes open. But one would only need to take a good look at the eyes to see that they were dimmed, almost lifeless as if the woman had lost the will to continue living.

This caused great concern to everyone in the room as E-Weiss caressed the unresponsive Ru's hand, a look of worry on her face.

"How are we gonna get her to fully wake up?" the older Schnee said, "The preparations for the festival are almost done. We're running out of time!"

The others all understood the middle Schnee child's worry, as the silverette's eye shedded tears.

"We'll find a way to snap her out of it, Weiss," said E-Pyrrha in sympathy, "She's always bounced back even when she took a bad hit,"

E-Weiss' facial expression showed one of frustration, "Well from my point of view, it looks as though losing all her friends has stripped all that very spirit from her!" she snapped, "And I know certain people that we can all blame for this!"

The top two on the list were of course Salem and Cinder, of course that list extended to Mercury and Emerald, since they helped Cinder try to take the Fall Maiden Powers from Ru, if Qrow and Amber hadn't arrived in time. Thus why she swore to give those two a beating they would never forget until they die and be food for the worms.

Then there was Ozpin, or AKA, Ozma, the Grimm Queen Bitch's former lover, and reincarnating old geezer who failed at his job miserably in stopping Salem. The coot focused on solely being defensive and just keeping the Relics away from Salem until Humanity and Faunus-kind learned to trust and understand one another, and the Brothers would restore them fully to what the First Humanity was before.

In her opinion the two 'Gods' could go fuck themselves. The current Humanity and the Faunus managed to get THIS far without magic, so why do they need it now?

And then there's the fact that people will NEVER change. Humans will keep persecuting the Faunus just for their animal parts, while the Faunus will continue to resent Humans due to said injustices, with the ones trying to bring reconciliation between the two getting caught up in the crossfire.

Needless to say, the Radicals of both sides outnumber the Peace seekers.

"We'll deal with them when the time comes Ice Queen," E-Yang said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "And I'll even let you get in the first shot,"

E-Weiss chuckled morosely, "That's nice of you Yang," she said, "And I know you want a shot at Mercury and Emerald for what they did to you in the other timeline,"

E-Yang growled at that, "Oh you have NO idea...," she grounded out, "...when I get my hands on Black, I'm gonna rip off those prosthetic legs of his and stick'em up Emerald's-"

"AHEM!" E-Blake interrupted before pointing to the younger versions of themselves. E-Yang actually had the decency to look sheepish.

"Oh, whoops!" she said, while Y-Yang just smirked.

"Trust me, I want to do the same," she said, as she then placed an arm around Ruby, "And I'm definitely gonna protect both my sisters. That's a promise,"

"Aww come on!" Ruby said, a little embarrassed, before she felt a hand on her head as well, and looked at Y-Pyrrha who was smiling.

"I made a promise to be a sister to you," she then looked at Ru, "Both of you, and I intend to keep it,"

E-Pyrrha couldn't help but smile at her younger self. She kept that same promise, and it failed tragically, twice. Now she has another chance.

E-Weiss smiled before turning to Ru, she then decided to do something that will probably help. She stood, gently grabbed the sides of the catatonic woman's head, and turned her face toward her...

...and to the shock of the Younger teams, gave Ru a soft but passionate kiss on the lips.

The facial expressions on the Present Team RWBY were obvious, Weiss' and Ruby's eyes were bulging out of their sockets, Yang's eyes were also wide, while her right eye twitched as she subconsciously formed Ember Celica's gauntlet mode in her right hand, which was clenched into a fist, while Blake's was a mix between shock and interest.

"...W...W...W...?" Ruby and Weiss were muttering at the same time as they saw one of their older selves kissing the other.

The young Team JNPR were also shocked, but not as shocked as RWBY, though Nora looked like she was about to do something crazy, if Ren hadn't placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head 'no'.

The older teams were laughing at their younger counterparts' faces, finding it rather amusing.

Finally, after E-Weiss finished kissing Ru, her younger self finally snapped out of her shock, but her eyes were still wide.

"W-WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT!?" She screamed, "WHY DID YOU KISS HER!?"

E-Weiss turned to her youngest self, a mischievous smirk on her face.

"Isn't that what people in love do, my mini-me?" she asked, shocking the younger Weiss yet again, while Ruby just fainted on the spot. Luckily she was caught by both Y-Pyrrha and Y-Yang.

"SAY WHAAAAAAAAT!?" the Younger Schnee screamed out, which caused the walls to reverberate.

That caused the older teams to laugh again, much harder this time, while the younger teams were shocked even more.

"W-Wait," Y-Jaune said, as he began pointing between the two, "You...and Ru...?"

"Lovers in my timeline, and the other one," E-Weiss said, giggling softly, "I believe my feelings developed for her two months after our first year at beacon started, and it took me another six months to realize them,"

Y-Weiss blinked at that, before she turned to the currently out cold Ruby, who had swirls for eyes, while muttering things like 'Weiss kissed me' over and over. A blush then formed on her face as she turned away, causing the older Weiss to giggle at her younger self's misfortune.

"You may try to deny it," said E-Weiss, "But the heart never lies,"

They then hear a knock at the door and turn as they spot the nurse assigned to Ru appear, a deer faunus with doe ears instead of antlers.

"Um, excuse me, Miss Schnee?" she said, "I believe your sister, Specialist Winter Schnee, has arrived from Atlas,"

This caused the two Weiss' heads to perk up, as looks of excitement (Y-Weiss) and sadness (E-Weiss) etched on their faces.

"Oh! Thank you!" Y-Weiss said, as she eagerly left the room, wanting something to take her mind off the revelation she just learned. E-Weiss however, looked as if she had seen a ghost. E-Yang, seeing her teammates discomfort, walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey! You okay?" the blonde asked, while the silverette shook her head.

"What do you think?" she said, "The last time I saw her she was..."

She stopped herself there as new tears of sadness formed in her eyes. E-Blake walked up next to the Schnee Heiress and gave her a hug.

"We know how important she was to you." the cat faunus said, "Yang was the same way when our Ruby died,"

The younger Teams, sans Ruby who is still unconscious, looked at the older Weiss, all of them in concern.

"I assume something happened to your sister," Ren spoke up, causing E-Weiss to smile solemnly.

"Got it in one go, as always," she said, while the Older Ren took over for her.

"Winter was killed while protecting Weiss from a killing blow from Mercury that was meant for her," he said, "However, she lived long enough just to say goodbye,"

The Elder Yang then took over from there.

"After that, we managed to catch the little shit, and after I beated him black and blue, Weiss here delivered the final touch," the blonde said, making everyone's eyes widen, E-Yang then turned back to her silverette friend. "Why don't you go and see her. It might give you some closure,"

E-Weiss was hesitant at first, but nodded as she walked out of the room. The others all looked on as the Schnee Heiress walked out, all of them feeling for the woman. It was at that moment that Ruby woke up from her faint spell.

"Ugh...what did I miss?"


The Schnee Heiress was making her way to the docks, where she saw her sister's ship. A mix of Atlas soldiers and AK robots standing in front as the ramp came down.

Behind her and slightly to the left was the elder Weiss, dressed in her full military attire. And she was not alone, as following her out were a group of five people all dressed in customized Atlas Military uniforms.

"Winter!" The younger Weiss shouted in greeting as she made her way toward her older sister, while E-Weiss stood back. All the while looking at the group of people, and her eyes widened slightly at who they were.

'Oh crap...Yang's not gonna like this,'

The first of the group she saw was was a man stand 6'3", with short brown hair, teal eyes, and his uniform consisted of a sleeveless double breasted coat with red and blue accents with ornate detailing shaped into wishbones, along with a broad coat tail with red lining, and finally, a four-leaf clover pendant on the lapel. On the belt around his waist, she noticed a black rabbit's foot and the man's weapon that looked like an iron fishing pole with the reel shaped like a gun barrel.

The next person in the group she saw was a tall muscular young woman with medium brown hair in a short pony-tail, with a brown-tan skin tone and brown eyes. Her uniform consisted of an open, one-sleeved, white jacket with dark blue accents, flaps, and collar. Under the jacket was a gray armored shirt. Her white pants were held up by a white belt, and her feet mostly barefoot save for martial art footwraps and armored calf plates, while her forearms were protected by silver vambraces. To finish off the attire was a small silver hoop ring on her right ear. Clipped to her back was a large box like object with two holes and a trigger mechanism.

The Third person she inspected was a young man in his mid 20's with dark skin, greenish black hair tied in a bun, and a dark gray canine tail signifying him as a Faunus. His uniform consisted of a white double breasted coat with blue highlights, collar, shoulder flaps with matching cuffs with silver buttons, all over a red shirt, with a red ascot on his neck. His coat tail was split down the middle to allow his tail more freedom. His lower attire consisted of blue trousers, tucked into black boots with a blue belt around his waist securing them. His weapon was clipped to his back, the said item looking like a giant boomerang with a handle.

Fourth in line, was the final man of the group, who was a deathly pale individual, with short shaved gray hair, and pale blue eyes. He had Third Eye tattoos in the center of his face and chin. His uniform shared the same color scheme of white, blue, and red, with his white coat being sleeveless, with a red sash running diagonally from his left shoulder and another red sash around his waist. He wore blue gloves that reach up to his brachium, and his blue trouser are tucked into thigh high blue boots.

And last, but not least, was a woman that Weiss SOOOO didn't want to meet again. Said person had dark skin with brown skin and blonde hair with the sides shaved, leaving the rest of her hair in a mohawk, with the blonde portions in front shaped to resemble rabbit ears, and dark pink eyes. Her uniform was like her comrades, only hers was a vest instead of a coat, over a blue t-shirt, and a red tie around her neck. She wears white shorts with blue chaps over her legs, and to finish the look were blue fingerless gloves and dark gray trainers with black accents. She also had what looked like an exoskeleton that covered her arms and legs, and connected to the backpack she carried.

Weiss recognized these people well, from first to last: Clover Ebi, Elm Ederne, Marrow Armin, Vine Zeki, and Harriet Bree. The Ace Operative Specialists, or Ace-Ops for short. The future Weiss could only sigh in exasperation.

"Oh, what a wonderful world," she muttered sarcastically.

The younger Weiss noticed her counterpart's words, and raised an eyebrow at what she meant. The Older version only waved her hand.

"I'll tell you later," she said as both approached, the elder Schnee and the Ace-Ops, which the former was surprised at seeing the woman next to her sister who looked much like her mother before she started drinking.

"Winter, it's good to see you," the Younger Weiss said, with etiquette and giving a greeting curtsey to her. Winter smiled at her younger sister, happy to see she looked well.

"Weiss, it's good to see you as well," she greeted back, before looking at the other woman, as her eyes narrowed somewhat, "...who is this?"

"It's a very...complicated story." Weiss said apprehensively, "She's a relative."

Winter's eyes narrowed further suspiciously.

"I know our relatives, Weiss." she said, making the Younger Schnee nervous.

The older Weiss chuckled. "Not all of them. We'll be introduced later. You're about to have...other problems."

"So I and the Ace-Ops have been told." she said, "He and Ozpin are to inform us of the assignment given to us,"

"We'll take you to him," Said E-Weiss, "Since it concerns someone very important to me. If you understand,"

"Of course," said Winter, "Shall we?"

"Of course," both the Weiss' said at the same, causing the younger to blink before glaring at her older counterpart, while the elder just smirked. Winter only raised a curious brow, before shaking her head, and the four, along with the Ace-Ops, the AK escort, went down the path towards the school from the docks, the said Robot soldiers escort walking in sync with them. However, they were unaware of a single black avian that was flying toward the two straggling robots before it was too late.

After hearing the commotion behind them, including the sound of metal slicing through metal, they turned just before the head of one of the robots flew toward them and landed at their feet.

"Hey!"

E-Weiss could only groan and facepalm.

"Oh crap, I forgot about him," she said, as they looked at the person who showed up, who was holding the decapitated robot by it's stump of a neck.

"Yeah, I'm talkin' to you, Ice Queen," the now revealed Qrow said, as he casually tossed the now deactivated piece of junk away.

"Do you know who you're-" E-Weiss put her hand on her younger self's shoulder. "Not us. He's talking to Winter."

"Saw that gaudy ship of yours in town. Guess you're here too."

"I'm STANDING right before you." Winter pointed out.

Qrow squinted his eyes a bit before he smirked. "So it would seem."

"You realize you just destroyed Atlas military property?" The specialist stated. While Qrow looked at the dismantled robots.

Before he could make a witty remark, E-Weiss groaned. "Oh, for fuck's sake, just kiss already. The passive-aggressive crap was only entertaining in hindsight." Both froze before looking at E-Weiss. "What? Either kiss or shut up."

It was silent for a moment, as everyone of the Ace-Ops gawked at the Older Weiss said. While Y-Weiss, though was shocked at her counterpart's words, was looking between her sister and the crazy guy who just showed up. Before Qrow suddenly just burst out laughing.

"Oh man! That was good!" the drunk man shouted, "At least one of your relatives has a sense of humor,"

Winter didn't seem to enjoy that, as she turned to fully glare back at him.

"I have no time for your immature games, Qrow," she said, adding venom to the name, "So either hold your tongue, or I will GLADLY remove it for you,"

With extra emphasis she drew her saber. Qrow just smirked while his eyes closed.

"Alright then," he said, and brushed his hair back, "come take it,"

"Annnnnnnd here we go," Weiss groaned, as her sister charged forward attempting to cut the former member of Team STRQ's head off. And Qrow was dodging Winter's blade with ease. And quite well until she made a downward strike, which impacted Qrow's weapon, which deployed in its' sword form and the duel truly began.

"It's been a while since I seen Winter lose her cool like this," Clover said with a smirk, while shaking her head, "And with someone like Qrow,"

The other members all looked at their team captain.

"You know him, Clover," Harriet asked.

"Only by name and reputation," Clover replied, "Both him and his sister, of course, I don't recommend making conversations about her around him."

"Why's that?" Marrow asked.

"From the rumors I heard they were raised by one of Remnant's most infamous Bandit tribes, the Branwens, which their father was the leader," Clover replied.

"Wait, seriously!?" Elm said for the rest of the team.

"Yup, and after they graduated, Raven went back to lead the Tribe, while Qrow stayed loyal to Ozpin. Since the man gave him more than his Tribe ever gave him," he laid, which the others nodded in understanding, which caused E-Weiss to narrow her eyes.

'If only you knew the whole story, Clover,' were her thoughts before turning back to her sister and the drunk.

The two began a running battle, Qrow having an edge in ranged combat as he fired at Winter before the battle returned to the ground, Winter using her semblance to send thousands of mini-Nevermores Qrow's way, but they didn't even hurt him.

"Love taps. I never asked, but I've always assumed this was their version of flirting." The younger Weiss stared at her counterpart, who drew her Myrtenaster and used her semblance to slow time down for everyone else and keep it at normal rate for herself.

Winter rushed at Qrow, both blades drawn before two sets of blades clashed between them. One was E-Weiss' version of Myrtenaster, which held off Winter's own blade, while in the other was a dagger which was surprisingly holding off Qrow's Harbinger. The Older Weiss then proceeded to deflect the two away from each other.

"Okay, I think you're done." She said pointing behind Winter, "You're both in trouble now."

Winter blinked, before her eyes widened, and she turned around and saw General Ironwood, along with Penny beside him, as well as Professor Ozpin and Goodwitch.

"What's going on here, Schnee?" the General ordered, with a serious tone to his voice.

"General, with all due respect, they haven't seen each other in a long time. I think their little lover's spat served as a..." The Older Weiss said, all the while smiling all too sweetly. "Preview of the rest of the tournament."

Both combatants stared at the woman, who not only embarrassed them, but in front of their respective superiors. Watching this, Y-Weiss could only gape at the audacity that her older counterpart was doing.

James could only sigh at this as he facepalmed, while Ozpin just smirked, and Glynda was being...well, Glynda.

Sucks to be them. Well, mostly Qrow and Winter, as their little, questionable, secret was now out.

"We'll speak in Ozpin's office." Ironwood pointedly looked at the two, who did not flinch. "Especially you."

"Glad to." E-Weiss said, as she sheathed her weapons, and began following the General's lead, she then turned to Y-Weiss, who had a red blush on her face

The older alternate time-traveling was cackling in her mind at how she just embarrassed her sister and the uncle of her leader.

'Oh, I am GOOD!'


Ozpin's office was...cramped.

The elder WBY and JNPR were all in the room, which had Winter on edge. These people were skilled warriors, and that was just from the look of them. Her instincts were yelling at her to run, not walk, to the nearest exit and not look back. She was not the only one as the Ace-Ops were also on edge being around the group...especially Harriet as E-Yang was giving her the evil eye.

Soon, Qrow entered the Office, and he blinked at the amount of people now inside. And to make it more nerve wracking, he saw older versions of his eldest niece, along with all their friends. But before he could think anymore, he was grabbed into a bone crushing hug by the Elder Yang.

"Hey you dusty old bird!" the blonde said, as her uncle gasped for air, while the Ace Ops all blinked in shock at the sudden 180 degree turn in expression the blonde brawler just pulled.

"What. The-"

"They're from an alternate future that the Elder Ruby created." Ozpin stated, "Apparently, Ruby's plan worked...in a way. We found them less than a day after their younger counterparts found out about the elder Ruby."

Qrow slipped out of Yang's grip, before he registered what his old mentor just said.

"Wait, hold on a minute, they ALL KNOW, now?" He said, total surprise on his face.

"Ruby's demented state forced her to attack Team CRDL and she nearly killed Teams RWBY and JNPR." Glynda informed.

Qrow slapped his face at that, cursing under his breath, before looking at Winter, who had a look of confusion on her face. He then looked at the assembled Atlesians who all had WTF looks on their faces.

"Do THEY know?" he asked, pointing his thumb at the former Heiress, now Specialist, and the Ace-Ops. James sighed at that.

"I was just about to tell them," the cyborg general said, before placing a hand on Penny's shoulder, who had a concerned on her face since she heard her first friend's name, "Especially Penny since she and Ruby had a strong bond as well."

Qrow sighed, as he brought out his flask, and took a good couple swigs.

"Well this just keeps getting better and better." the Branwen said.

Winter only blinked as she looked at everyone, "Would someone explain to me-"

Ironwood held up a hand. "Several months ago, a woman saved the Fall Maiden - yes, the tales are real, I'll explain later - from someone who attempted to take her powers. That woman is the future version of Ruby Rose, your sister's partner in her team, and we have confirmed they are the same person."

The Schnee daughter had a look of complete shock and confusion on her face, with the other Ace-Ops flabbergasted.

"But...cloning can produce a person with the same genetic pattern!" she said, being no stranger to the mostly rarely used technique which is generally reserved for people who couldn't have children the natural way.

"The doctors assured us, after triple checking to make sure, that the telomeres and DNA strands were fully intact with no sign of replicative fading." Ozpin said to the Specialist, "They are the same person, though the one that saved Amber is much older and suffers from PTSD and dementia. She claims to be the only survivor of a war between the Grimm and humanity."

General Ironwood nodded, "Yes, and that is why I summoned you all here" he said, and the Ace Ops stood at attention, "Thanks to the intel Miss Rose provided, we know the location of a Ancient Grimm known as a Wyvern hiding in the mountains. The mission I am assigning you is this...you are to take a Dust Bomb to the mountain and enter the Wyvern's Lair, set the timer and get out as quickly as you can before it goes off. Be advised that there WILL be other Grimm in the area. But, you are the best Atlas has to offer. I know you can do it."

Clover and the others nodded in the affirmative.

"You can count us, sir," said the living Good Luck Charm, "We'll get it done,"

"And as for us," Spoke up E-Yang, "We'll be looking after Ruby. She needs her family close after all she's gone through,"

Harriet was the one to open her big mouth. "And what makes you so special?"

The Older Sister's eyes turned red in anger at that.

"Watch it you bitch-excuse of a rabbit!" She growled, which caused Harriet to get angry.

"Or what you blonde bimbo!" Harriet snapped back, which caused the rest of WBY and JNPR's eyes to widen in alarm.

'Oh shit!' They thought in panic, and acted quickly in restraining the older Yang before she gave the pink-eye Ace Op a beating.

"I'M GONNA RAM MY FIST INTO YOUR DAMN GUT AND RIP OUT YOUR GODSDAMNED SPINE YOU LITTLE TRAMP!" She screamed as she fought to get to Harriet who looked ready to fight as well, if not for Elm and Clover holding her back as well.

"I LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY, BITCH!"

"ENOUGH!"

The General's yell convinced the two young women to stop and turn to Ironwood who gave a disapproving look to the two.

"This bickering is pointless!" he started, "Harriet, the reason Miss Xiao Long and her friends are staying to protect Miss Rose, cause to her, they're family which means she trusts them. And Miss Xiao Long, I understand you're worried about your sister but that's no excuse to lash out,"

Yang shrugged herself out of the hold, all the while still giving a harsh glare.

"It's not just I'm worried sir," she said, "I'm just pissed I have to someday work with someone who added to the carnage that was her timeline. Adding to Ruby's misery,"

Harriet's eyes widened as she looked at Yang offendedly.

"What the fuck did I do!?" she demanded, while Yang glared at her more before looking at the table.

"Hey Leaf! You wanna tell them what happened?" she requested, making the Atlesians blink before the A.I. herself appeared on Ozpin's desk in her hologram form.

"Oho! I thought you'd never ask me that," she exclaimed, causing the Ace-Ops and Winter to jump in surprise.

"WHOA! What the!?" Marrow shouted in alarm.

"Hello Fuckers! Name's Leaf, and I'm gonna give ya a can of worms that you'll eat and enjoy!" She introduced sarcastically before looking at Yang, "Should I give them the abridged version or the whole shebang?"

Yang only needed to look at her, and Leaf understood.

"The whole deal it is,"

And thus she went through Team RWBY and JNR's time in Atlas, from when they first met the Ace Ops, to working alongside them, until Salem sent Arthur and Tyrian to cause chaos. During that time Cinder had snuck in and left a black glass Queen chess piece, showing she was there, and then, a Grimm Seer appeared from Watts' bag, transmitted a visual of Salem to the said room. She got into Ironwood's head, sending his paranoia into overdrive, resulting in him going insane, and destroyed his trust in not just RWBY, JNR, Qrow, and Oscar, but everyone else in Mantle, including Robyn Hill and her Huntresses.

To confound things even, he sent the arrest warrant for them all...while Qrow, Robyn, and Clover were transporting Tyrian back to Atlas to imprison him. There was a confrontation, which soon broke out into a fight, which the insane Scorpion Faunus used to his advantage, and killed the pilot of the transport causing it to crash. They survived the crash, with Robyn being knocked out, and then it became a three-way battle between Qrow, Clover, and Tyrian...with the end result being the Ace Op Commander's death, killed by Tyrian with his OWN weapon.

Both Qrow and Clover were shocked by that, as well as the rest of the Ace Ops team. Clover was both the heart and soul of the team, and losing him would no doubt have sent the dynamic into disorder.

"And if that wasn't bad enough, Mr Tin Asshole here," Leaf snarked toward Ironwood, "Thought of a brilliant idea of blowing Mantle in order to get RWBY to surrender Penny. Nice plan by the way, killing people of a city that was the capital and name of the kingdom BEFORE Atlas! You've earned the title of the most hypocritical asshole of all time! Oh, and did I forget to mention that you MURDERED one of the council because he protested against your INSANE decisions!?"

James' hands tightened into fists as he looked away in shame at what his counterpart had done.

"That WON'T happen," James said, his voice wavering slightly, "I will NOT let her get to me. Why would even Ruby leave that message for me just to warn me what will happen?"

Leaf rolled her eyes at that.

"I'll believe it when I see it, Tin Man," she said, before Ozpin decided to intervene.

"We will worry about that in due time." Ozpin said, "The only other thing right now, is Ru's current mental condition. Even though her body's healing, after we cured her, she's now in a catatonic state."

"There...IS a way to break her out." Pyrrha said a little hesitantly, "I learned a technique from the Sisters when back in our Timeline, after I...was gifted her powers. They taught me, I can use it on a maiden who suffers from a great loss and is trapped in their own mind. I can send my consciousness inside her and break her out of it. I just hoped we wouldn't have to use it."

"At this point, Miss Nikos, I'm afraid desperate times call for desperate measures," Ozpin said, while Pyrrha nodded.

"I know," the Spartan said, and then sighed "But, since it's Ru's mind, and considering the trauma she has suffered, she'll fight back... and with great ferocity,"

"Hopefully she'll be too mentally exhausted to fight," said Ren.

"I severely doubt that." E-Weiss said sadly.

"Seeing as Miss Rose is...herself, you have a point." Ozpin said, "I should advise clearing her room of breakables."

"I would actually recommend full restraints for us both." Pyrrha said insistently, "Just in case."

Ozpin didn't bother arguing. They had other things to contend with.

Like the younger Team RWBY.

And a certain Thief that needed to be talked to.


Roman Torchwick had spent five days trying to forget the nightmarish woman. The last two weeks he had spent screaming in terror as he remembered what she did.

Screw that egotistical bitch Cinder. That Cat Lady was the scariest thing on the planet.

And he didn't even know her real name.

The door to his cell opened, and he saw the Headmaster of Beacon at the doorway.

"Ah, the great Wizard of Beacon graces me with his presence," said Roman a little sarcastically, while giving a mock bow, "What can I do for you Prof?"

Ozpin took a sip from his mug of coffee before he answered.

"Roman Torchwick." the Headmaster stated, "A skilled former huntsman turned criminal. A rather successful one, at least until Miss Belladonna was done with you."

Roman's eyes widened in fear at that, "Wait, you mean cat lady?"

"Yes, I mean her." Ozpin said, "She is...the older sister of one of my students. Which brings us to the crux of the matter. I find myself in need of your services."

Roman outright laughed. "Really! You want me to steal something for you?"

"No, what I need are your skills and knowledge." the wizard said, making the master thief blink.

"...My skills and knowledge?" he said, and Ozpin nodded.

"Yes. You have knowledge of the entire criminal underworld," the old man began, "You know every single thief, street thug, gang, and information broker in Vale. That makes you both valuable for us, and a loose end for your boss,"

"So?" Roman said with an arched brow. But became a little unsettled by the smirk the professor gave him.

"I have an offer for you. If you teach some of my students, I will attempt to convince the Vale Council to give you a clean slate. If not...Cinder Fall is not the one you should fear. I have six VERY angry people who are not happy with you. I would say seven...but you already know one of them."

Yeah, black hair, yellow eyes, cat ears and a sword. Not hard to miss.

Roman could only gulp. The Cat Lady was bad enough!

"So, uh, when do I start my new job?" he said, and the smile on Ozpin's got bigger.

"Tomorrow. Oh, and you will be watched, and I've taken the liberty of acquainting you with your guards," Ozpin said, and stepped aside to let the thief out

As Roman stepped out, he quickly found out he was screwed as he saw a woman with orange hair and a massive hammer and a black/magenta-haired man with a pair of holstered bladed SMGs.

"Meet Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie. They'll be...guarding you." Roman resisted screaming. He saw the younger versions once during a job. Though HOW they suddenly became adults-

"It's complicated." Ozpin clarified. "I'll fill you in if you can prove to be trustworthy. If not-"

"I'll break your legs! Hehehehehehehe!" Nora said a little insanely.

"Oh...fuckberries," was the only thing that Roman could squeak out.


Ru's Room


As instructed, all breakable objects that could be used as a weapon, or a suicide tool, were removed, while Ru was strapped down. Tight enough where she couldn't get away, but not enough where the straps won't cut into her.

"Ok, at best, this is insane. But if Ru's going to be walking around, doing things, and NOT commit suicide, this has to be done." Pyrrha said as she touched Ru's head, connecting their auras to one another.

Though they were desperate, this was a VERY dumb thing to do. The human mind was a remarkable thing, but VERY dangerous if you messed with it the wrong way. Thus if Ruby tried to kill her, they would BOTH die. Both mentally AND literally.

"Just be careful, Pyrrha," said Jaune worriedly, "We don't know how she'll fight back,"

Pyrrha only looked at the man she loved with a smile.

"Don't worry Jaune. I'll be back," she said, before focusing herself, as she felt her consciousness dive into Ru's mind.

"What do we do, now?" Glynda asked, while Jaune sighed.

"Now, we wait and see what happens,"


Patriot-M89: And boom! Here's another one for you, you lovely people! Please leave a review, fave, and follow. Until Next time!