A/N: Meant to upload this earlier along with the AO3 version but forgot, my apologies~
Do enjoy~
Reflections of the Soul
Chapter 7: Esoteric
Ruby was nervous. Really nervous. Also really excited. But mainly nervous.
It was an understandable reaction, she liked to think. It wasn't every day that you were invited to Beacon to speak with the headmaster, who himself was a fairly famous Huntsman in his own right. The thought sent butterflies through Ruby's stomach, part of her wanting to squeal with joy whilst another, larger part of her kept herself composed, if only so she wouldn't embarrass herself in front of her future peers.
A hand brushed against her own, drawing Ruby's eyes away from the approaching form of Beacon Academy, the airship around them buckling slightly as it ascended up to the cliff's edge. Garnet stood next to her and gave her a small smile, slipping her hand into Ruby's own and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Smiling her thanks Ruby squeezed her sister's hand back, turning to look over her shoulder to where Scarlet was currently sitting; Cherry by her side as they both watched a news report on one of the overhead screens. Qrow, naturally, was stood just a few feet away toying away on his Scroll.
He'd been awfully busy as of late, she had to note. Then again he normally went on long-term missions out into the wilds, so maybe this was his way of making up for his absence in that regard.
Shaking off the deep thought Ruby refocused on the approaching academy. At this time of year it'd be out of session, she knew, so only a handful of people would be hanging about – a blessing, really. She didn't think she could walk about her future peers and keep her cool, especially if they happened to be carrying their weapons around on their persons. If they were faculty it'd be a lot easier; they had an adultness to them that kept her fan-girlish tendencies at bay, if only out of fear of embarrassing herself in front of them.
''We are now arriving at the dock, please gather all items. If you forget anything please contact the Beacon Help Desk at...''
The automated voice rattled off a number but Ruby didn't pay it much heed, simply doing a once-over to make sure she hadn't magically dropped Crescent Rose before turning her focus over onto Qrow. Her gruff uncle caught her gaze and nodded, pocketing his Scroll before shoving both hands into said pockets, shoulders in as he marched over to the front doors. They were the only ones on the airship at the moment so the queue was non-existent, the four Roses all gathering behind Qrow as the airship lulled to a stop.
Then with a hiss of hydraulics the doors slid apart, revealing the grand view of Beacon without the tint of the windows to mute it – the grand structure ripped right out of a fairy tale. Qrow seemed entirely unphased and just strutted out into the open, leaving Ruby to hurry after him, glancing behind herself to make sure none of her sisters tripped on the lip or anything. None did, though Scarlet grinned at her in thanks.
She opened her mouth to speak then, attention shifting to her uncle – when another, feminine voice cut in.
''I see that you've arrived Qrow. On time, for a change.''
Instantly Ruby looked ahead. Stood crispy just off to the side was a blonde woman who Ruby didn't immediately recognise, but she vaguely recalled her being on the posters of Beacon Academy – so one of the teachers, no doubt. She certainly looked the role, especially with a riding crop tucked under one arm.
''Looking wonderful as ever Glynda.'' Qrow drawled casually. ''Also, since you've got your weapon on you, I'm guessing someone blew something up?''
''Yes.'' Glynda sighed at the reminder, one hand coming up to massage the bridge of her nose. ''Several third year teams decided to stay at the dormitory for the inter-year period. They have been... particularly lively, the last few days. Necessitating I repair the walls of the cafeteria yet again.''
''I pity you.''
''I'd take your words more sincerely if you weren't grinning, Qrow.''
Qrow just snorted, unrepentant. Glynda rolled her eyes at that before focusing them on Ruby herself, the Rose unconsciously straightening up under the scrutinising look, vividly reminded of Signal's entrance examiner. The old guy had a mean stare.
''I wasn't aware Summer Rose had more than one child.'' Glynda's words snapped Ruby out of her thoughts. ''I presume this has something to do why you are here to visit the headmaster?''
''Yep. You know the deal.'' Qrow shrugged.
Glynda hummed at that. ''Quite. Follow me then.''
Ruby hurried to do so. ''Did you know my mom?''
Glynda didn't look back at her. ''I did in fact. It was back when I was still a junior teacher that she enrolled in the academy as a first year. She was always quite the... spirited woman.''
Qrow snorted. ''More like she was high on life.''
''Perhaps. But in a world such as ours, being perpetually full of energy is something of a blessing. If not to themselves, then to those around them.''
''Funny, 'cause I remember never being able to sleep because she'd babble into the night with Taiyang about all sorts of comics that'd come out.'' Qrow countered with a smirk. ''That's probably why I failed my combat class that first semester and had to redo it.''
''Perhaps. Or perhaps because you decided to mess around with some boys in your year and got caught by some of your female classmates in the act.'' Glynda pointedly remarked, expression unchanging.
''I don't remember that part of the story.''
''They did hit you quite hard, after all.''
Ruby listened intently from the back, awed as she learned more about her mother, and even her uncle – albeit indirectly. Their words painted vivid images in her mind, the languid mirth to her uncle's voice adding a layer of assuredness to their reminiscence. She'd never known her mother was into comics either, but with everything she knew of the woman... she could picture it. She always had a fondness for bedtime stories; that much she remembered well.
The two continued to talk as the four Roses dutifully followed. It wasn't a long trip, thankfully, as Glynda took them down the most direct route to the giant tower at the heart of Beacon Academy, several hallways winding their way towards it. The lack of any students about made it feel almost hauntingly quiet; Glynda and Qrow's voices carrying far, but there was an odd charm to the quiet – not quite peacefulness, but... solitude, if Ruby was to put a word to it. In the same way a gloomy day could be as beautiful as a bright sunny one, so too could this haunting quiet be as charming as a peaceful type of quiet.
'...it's not like me to think about this kind stuff...' Ruby mused to herself, shaking her head. Maybe her nerves really were getting the best of her.
Thankfully they reached the elevator then – Glynda the one to speak. ''The headmaster is waiting for you. I'll be down here doing paperwork if you need me.''
''Sounds fun. I envy you.''
''Yes yes, of course you do, now get going.''
Qrow snorted and gave her a two-fingered salute before waltzing into the elevator. ''C'mon squirts, lets go see the big man himself.''
Ruby hurried to oblige. ''T-Thanks for bring us here, Miss Glynda!''
''It's Glynda Goodwitch.'' Glynda remarked as she adjusted her glasses. ''I don't believe I caught your names either.''
''Oh right, sorry.'' Ruby blushed. ''I'm Ruby.''
''I'm Scarlet~''
''...Cherry.''
''And I am Garnet.'' Garnet finished with a small smile. ''It was a pleasure to meet you.''
Glynda nodded and uttered the same before departing, leaving the elevator doors to close.
The ride up was short, the low hum of the elevator filling the quiet alongside the faint music coming through some speakers mounted in the upper corners, the pleasant tunes doing little to quell Ruby's anxiety. An anxiety momentarily halted as a large hand settled on her shoulder, luring her gaze up to Qrow himself. Though there was no smile to be found on his face the slight quirk to his lips spoke of his humour well enough, as did the gentle care in his eyes.
''Hey, relax. Ozpin's a nice guy.'' Qrow remarked, chuckling. ''He'll probably just ask you some questions, there ain't tests or anything.''
Ruby doubted that there would've been but she relaxed a little all the same, murmuring something that could've been an agreement if she said it a little louder. The elevator cabin fell silent in the absence of conversation, the quiet lasting just a few more moments before the cabin slowed – and with a ding the elevator doors opened.
Qrow strolled right on in unabashed but Ruby remained standing where she was. The grand interior stun-locked her – the shockingly spacious room and clock tower design seeming like something straight out of a fairy tale. Her sole silver eye traced the bookshelves by the walls, winding her gaze around to the modest desk at the far end of the room. Behind which sat one of the most famous Huntsmen currently alive, his greying hair and reclining posture giving him a somewhat older, yet still wise appearance.
Ozpin. Headmaster of Beacon Academy.
''Welcome, Ruby Rose.'' The Headmaster smiled mysteriously. ''And sisters.''
His words snapped Ruby out of her daze and she blushed, stammering out a hello and hurrying inside the office – hearing more than seeing her sisters follow, though at a more sedated pace. Qrow had already meandered up to the older Huntsman's desk, casually leaning up against a nearby wall and embarrassingly leaving Ruby to stand as the focus of Ozpin's attention. A situation that left her wanting to hide behind Garnet, self-conscious, but a gentle hand on her back stalled such motions.
Drawing a breath she steadied herself, the simple act seeming to cleanse herself of some of her worries. ''I-It's an honour to meet you, sir.''
Ozpin smiled and dipped his head. ''And I you. Your uncle has told me about you and your prodigious skill with the scythe – expected, given he was your mentor, but remarkable all the same. I take it you intend to enrol in Beacon once you've completed your time at Signal Academy?''
''Hopefully; I've still got two years to go, eheh...'' Ruby squirmed bashfully under the praise.
''If your skill now is anything to go by, I expect great things by the time you arrive at Beacon Academy proper.'' Ozpin remarked, bringing a mug to his lips. ''But that aside, I heard you required my insight into a matter involving this... Holy Grail, I believe it was called?''
Ruby stiffened momentarily at the reminder before hesitantly nodding. Reaching up to her eyepatch she carefully removed the cold steel from her face, having to blink a couple of times to get her full vision back – taking a few seconds to adjust to the change in light level. Once it felt fine she pocketed her patch for the time being, trying not to squirm as she looked at Ozpin, letting him see her glowing, golden eye.
The man himself looked remarkably unphased. ''I see... well, I can safely say that's new.''
Ruby faltered slightly. ''D-Does that mean you don't know about it?''
''Quite the contrary, just that I've not seen a case like this. Not recently, anyway.'' He added the latter almost as an afterthought to himself. ''Please, tell me everything you can think of relating to this artifact. Leave nothing out.''
Ruby obliged. She told him about how she went to visit her mom, how Garnet appeared and saved her after she'd blacked out, how she woke up with a new eye and how they had to venture home. To how Scarlet manifested in her bed, to how they fought the Alpha Beowulf and awakened their Semblances, to travelling to Viridian and then coming into contact with Cherry, who manifested in the cabin of the Bullhead. Garnet and Scarlet interjected where needed to give their perspectives, whilst Cherry remained pointedly silent, stood at the back of the group with body tucked behind the folds of her cloak-like cape.
Ozpin listened in thoughtfully. It was hard to gauge his thoughts despite the fact he was so expressive – he nodded along or hummed, he frowned or lightened his expression where needed, but never in a way that felt forced. Yet she failed to grasp at his actual thoughts, whatever musings he was rolling around in his mind kept from his face. Eventually she finished her retelling, straining her mind to think of any other pertinent details but coming up short.
Near-silence was left in the wake of her speech, the only distraction being the slow, repeated drums of Ozpin's fingers on the table as he mused.
Until at last, he spoke. ''So you say that all of your sisters here were born from the Holy Grail.''
''Right.''
''And they all manifested whilst you were asleep?'' Ozpin noted lightly. ''Nobody saw the moment they appeared?''
Ruby hesitated, glancing back at her sisters. Both Garnet and Scarlet shook their heads – the former the one to speak. ''I was not present for Scarlet's manifestation, and Cherry appeared while I wasn't looking. There was no flash or anything to signify her arrival; she was merely not there one moment, then there the next.''
''I see.'' Ozpin's finger-drumming ceased as he stood. ''I will admit this is quite peculiar – I should not have to explain that, even for a Semblance, manifesting an entire functioning individual borders on impossible. The greatest feats were often semi-sentient clones of the user; shadow clones, knights that could fight according to their master's whims, animalistic monsters that shadowed their owners... but a fully independent person?''
He shook his head. ''That falls outside the limits of a single soul to do. A soul must come into being all at once, never piecemeal. A single soul cannot provide the energy needed to create another.''
''Eh? Then how does that work when two peeps go at it?'' Scarlet inquired with blatant curiosity, tilting her head.
Ruby blinked, baffled, until Garnet sighed and whispered it into her ear. Her cheeks rapidly reddened after.
Ozpin chuckled and tapped his cane. ''Because when a child is conceived their soul is not 'created', per se.''
The exact wording caught Ruby's attention, her embarrassment taking a backseat. ''Huh? But then, how...?''
''Hmhm.'' To that, the older man just chuckled. ''Tell me, do you believe in reincarnation?''
The dots connected in Ruby's mind. ''Oh! So you're saying that souls aren't made when... y'know, people do that, but are instead just pulled in from like an afterlife?''
''In essence.'' Ozpin nodded along. ''The subject is still a fresh one at academies, so you'll have to take my word for it, but let's just say I've done my fair share of research into the subject. I've also done my fair share of investigation into unique artifacts like this Holy Grail you now possess – artifacts we may well call 'magical'.''
The Headmaster gestured at her sisters. ''However, one thing that has never come up in my research was a device capable of creating another soul, believe it or not. It is simply beyond even these trinkets from days long gone by. No, such a feat is simply impossible for anything outside of a deity to do, and they seem to be in terribly short supply in these trying times.''
''Which of course leaves me with the question; how did your sisters here manifest, if even the Holy Grail should be incapable of creating a soul on its own?''
As Ozpin finished he looked not at Ruby, who seemed to struggle for an answer – but at Garnet.
Garnet said nothing but her shoulders were tense, her lips formed into a thin line and her throat shifting as she swallowed.
…
''Well, I suppose it's not something that can be answered easily.'' Ozpin remarked vaguely, turning away to look out the window. ''I will do some more research on my end and contact a few people – with any luck we'll be able to scavenge some more information about what possessing this unique artifact will mean for you, Miss Rose.''
''R-Right!'' Ruby jolted out of her thoughts, nodding.
''Do be warned, however.'' Ozpin continued. ''Though the Holy Grail is rare and known scarcely, there are those who will undoubtedly know of it – and if they know you possess it, will no doubt seek you out. I do not think I need to tell you that they may not have the nicest intentions.''
The warning sent a chill up her spine. She's always been aware of that on some vague, peripheral level. She'd heard stories even when she was young of bandits and evildoers who kidnapped and attacked the heroes, often for a relic or cool power they had – but to know she was in the same position as those heroes... she was glad Yang stopped her from reading the more mature, violent stories involving that sort of thing. Not that it stopped her imagination from filling in the blanks.
''Understood.'' Ruby managed to not let her voice tremble.
Ozpin nodded. ''Good. On the note of the Grail though, one piece of information I happened to stumble upon long ago was that it, according to old testaments, had a consciousness of some sort. I would suggest meditating to try and draw that consciousness out – by working in harmony with it, you might well be able to utilise more of its power, and use it for good.''
There was emphasise on that last word but Ruby didn't think twice about it, nodding along.
''I'll have Qrow here pass along anything pertinent I come across.'' Ozpin added, looking back at them with a small smile. ''Fret not, Miss Rose, the archaic artifact within you will cause you no harm. Do not let your worries stymie your future endeavours.''
The older Huntsman's charisma wove itself around her heart, chasing away the worries she had, if only for a moment. ''Y-Yes sir!''
''Hmhm. If there's nothing else, you're free to go then – I merely wish to speak with your uncle regarding some matters about his most recent mission.''
Ruby was about to agree – when she recalled something. ''About that mission, sir?''
''Hm?''
''During it, I felt like I was being watched.'' Ruby confessed, chewing her bottom lip. ''N-Not like by a person, but by a Grimm. I never really saw it so I can't describe it, but it felt old, you know? Like... its stare was so intense it made me freeze up.''
''Truly?'' Ozpin remarked. ''And this was in Viridian, was it?''
At Ruby's nod Ozpin hummed. ''I see. That is indeed quite troubling – though the report mentioned a potential elder Grimm sighting, to know one is lurking so close to Vale's walls is problematic, to put it mildly. I'll notify the Huntsmen in charge of the area. Thank you for the information, Miss Rose.''
Feeling a lot lighter Ruby thanked him and hurried to the elevator, her three sisters quick to follow – before with a ding, they departed down.
A brief quiet fell over the office in their absence, broken only by a sigh as Ozpin sat down.
''An elder Grimm... really, how troublesome...''
''Hn.'' Qrow grunted an agreement, pushing off of the wall. ''So. How much of what you told them was true?''
''Most.'' Ozpin freely admitted, pausing briefly to take a sip of his cooling coffee. ''If what she says is true though, then it's entirely possible she knows that Miss Rose is in possession of the Holy Grail.''
Qrow's expression tightened, a displeased hiss escaping him. Ozpin nodded his grim agreement.
''She's most likely been hunting for it ever since the last owner of it perished.'' The older Huntsman remarked. ''That would be a King of Vale, if I recall right. He perished centuries ago but the Holy Grail has failed to show up since. How curious it appeared before the grave of a Silver-Eyed Warrior, don't you think?''
''What do you mean by that?''
''Nothing. Just speculation on my part, is all.'' Ozpin shrugged in his seat. ''Regardless it's undeniable that if she doesn't know about the Grail yet, then she will know sooner or later, and the moment she does Miss Rose's life is in danger.''
''So you want me to keep her away from any and all Grimm?'' Qrow crossed his arms. ''I mean I could, but...''
''She wishes to become a Huntress. A duty that involves fighting the Grimm on a regular basis.'' Ozpin nodded sympathetically. ''No, keeping her away from the Grimm will not only be pointless, but counterproductive – at her age she needs to learn all she can about fighting the Grimm. Especially if she is going to come after her – the more experience she has under her belt, the better, even if it means putting her in danger in the first place. If anything that might be best; the greater the threat, the more power of the Grail she'll be able to tap into.''
Understanding flashed through Qrow's eyes – eyes that soon narrowed. ''You want me to take her out on more missions.''
''It is an unenviable task, but one that could prove fruitful, Qrow.''
''She's still in junior combat school.''
''Classes are out of session, last I heard.''
Qrow's jaw set. ''That's not what I mean and you know it.''
Ozpin dipped his head in acknowledgement, rising to his feet. ''I will not force you, of course. I am merely stating the obvious; the more combat experience your niece has, the more likely she will be able to evade death when she makes her move. And she will make a move, sooner or later.''
The scythe-wielding Huntsman clearly disliked that but couldn't fault the logic. Especially when he'd been privy to the greater threats that lurked out far beyond the walls of Vale.
What happened in the dismal depths of Salem's territory.
''And what about her clones?'' Qrow asked instead. ''You gave her that whole speech and all.''
Ozpin hummed and wandered over to his computer, idly typing away at a few keys. ''I have my suspicions, but I won't say what they are. Matters of the soul are a very personal affair; I have no right to intervene. Rest assured though, they mean Ruby Rose no harm.''
'Especially if my suspicions about them are true...'
X-x-X
With their meeting with Ozpin done and no one to guide them, Ruby and her sisters found themselves wandering Beacon Academy on their own.
At first it felt a little dangerous, as if they were doing something they weren't supposed to, but when they passed a teacher who just gave them a hurried nod before ferrying their stack of paperwork elsewhere she dared to relax a little. Practically speaking she was sure it was fine, anything they wanted to keep sealed from public eyes was probably in a basement somewhere, so she doubted walking the grounds was against the rules or anything. Still, it felt audacious of her to do so.
Thus it was a blessing that Scarlet was by her side, her bolder sister eagerly snatching her by the arm and dragging her all over campus. It took some effort to keep her clear of the dormitories but outside of that none of the other Roses had the will to really stop Scarlet, letting the fox Faunus drag them through the lush gardens, the pretty courtyard, and even into various training rooms or the forge – the latter easily twice the size of the one at Signal and with even more weapon stations present. Shame there was no fancy weapons just laying around, but the sight of the forge alone was worth the trip.
It also got her thinking of what weapon to make for Cherry.
''Any ideas?''
Cherry peered up at her from under her hood. In stark contrast to Garnet's warm demeanour or Scarlet's eternally-cheerful one, Cherry always felt a bit... morose, if she was to put a word to it. At first she thought it was because of what just happened at Viridian but ever since then she'd been the same, leading Ruby to suspect this was just her default persona – or maybe it was just trauma from Viridian. If her mind was as young as she looked physically, then that would probably be pretty traumatising... but then again, she said she was part of her or something, so how did that work?
After a moment of thought Ruby dispelled the idea and refocused on her glum younger self, the red cape she wore wound around her like a cloak and hiding her petite form. ''Don't know.''
''Hm... maybe a dagger?'' Garnet floated the idea but Cherry shook her head.
''You're pretty short, so maybe a smaller weapon?'' Scarlet added her two cents, bending down more to Cherry's height – measuring her with a hand compared to Scarlet herself. The shorter of the two only came up to her bust, at most slightly past that when accounting for shoes.
Surprisingly Cherry shook her head at that too. Ruby sighed at that and scratched her head, wandering over to where a row of basic metal weapons laid on some racks – all of them generic as one could make. No mecha-shift capability, no ornate designs, no Dust utilisation; they were traditional and probably more just to show what each weapon was like, both in design and in weight distribution.
She glanced aside and was surprised to find Cherry by her side. The girl could move quietly when she wanted to, Ruby thought with a slight quirk to her lips; gesturing helplessly at the rows of weapons for her companion to pick out. Obviously they wouldn't be able to keep the weapon but if it helped narrow down Cherry's selection, she was sure it'd be fine to pick them up and swing them around a bit. Provided they didn't damage anything.
Cherry shuffled about, eyes peering out from under her hood and scanning the row of weapons – past swords, past daggers or maces, and slowed only when she reached polearms. A second later she reached out and grabbed-
''...a halberd?'' Ruby said slowly, perplexed. ''Uh... you sure you can even lift that?''
Cherry looked over at her, silent. Without answering the short girl lifted the polearm and swirled it between her fingers, holding it behind her much like how she'd hold Crescent Rose – not a hint of strain despite how petite she was.
Granted because it was a halberd she had to hold it quite close to the blade so it didn't outright bump against the floor, but considering she was only a number of inches shorter than Ruby herself it wasn't impossible to create a weapon like it that was shaved down a little to fit her shorter height. Yes, Ruby thought to herself with a budding grin. She could see it now – the posture, the pose, the small glint of confidence in her glum silver eyes.
She'd made her choice. Ruby felt compelled to say it was fate that made her pick the weapon out.
''Hey, d'ya think they'd let us use the forge if we asked?'' Ruby eagerly asked, looking over at her two older sisters.
Scarlet grinned but Garnet sighed exasperatedly and shook her head. ''I doubt it. We'll have to resign ourselves to using one of the forges in Vale, I'm afraid.''
''Darn.'' Ruby sighed, but expected as much. ''Alright! First order of business is making a halberd! With Dust!''
''And a gun!'' Scarlet cheerily added.
''...just a gun shift is fine.'' Cherry flatly added her two cents.
Ruby bobbed her head. ''Fine by me~! So, let's get going!''
''Yeah, sounds good to me squirts.''
The remark snapped the four Roses from their conversations; a bright grin lighting up Ruby's face as she turned and laid eyes on Qrow. He returned her expression with a smirk of his own, jerking his head towards the exit doors.
''C'mon, I know a place you make scheme up another damn weapon.''
''Thanks Uncle Qrow, you're the best!''
A chuckle was his only answer, and with him at the front the four departed Beacon Academy.
Only Garnet aware of the eyes that followed them from the tower at Beacon's heart.
[END]
A/N: How spooky~ How much does Ozpin truly know, and how much is he just guessing, one wonders~
See you next time in Chapter 8: Criminal Mischief~
