It was the day before the tournament and I was just trying to relax. I was enjoying sleeping in my own bed again. I even had started reading some of Blake's books, I made sure to double check their contents before getting attached because that seemed relaxing. I had my scroll playing music in my headphones. It was a nice Sunday afternoon. Then I suddenly felt my bed rocking and leapt out of bed in a panic.

Standing there, laughing, was Yang. She had a stupid, smug look on her face, "See, I told you girls it'd get her out of bed."

I growled, "Oh dear sister of mine, you are lucky I promised myself I wouldn't maim you." She just chuckled and rolled her eyes.

I caught Weiss' eyes looking over my form and I couldn't help the slight smirk that spread over my own face. Weiss' eyes widened in shock as she realized she'd been caught. Her cheeks turned pink and she looked away, "Ruby, we need to discuss the plan for tomorrow."

I rose an eyebrow, "Why?"

The girls looked baffled at my response, "You said the tournament was really important sis. I'd think you had a plan."

I just rolled my eyes and crossed my arms in front of my chest, "Yes. I do have a plan." Weiss started tapping her foot impatiently. It was quite cute. "Well, girls… as the leader of team RWBY… my plan… is that we win."

If the glares were anything to go by… they did not appreciate my plan nor how I revealed it. Blake was the only one who sort of shrugged it off. Yang started shouting that I was insane and Weiss got very quiet.

After a pregnant pause, Weiss looked me dead in the eye, "Ruby, what is the plan tomorrow?"

I groaned and slumped down on Weiss' bed. She gave me a pointed look for that, but I just brushed it off. I smiled at the girls, "It's simple. We're going to downplay my abilities tomorrow. Our… enemy," I flat out refused to tell them the names of anyone. I wanted the girls to not give us away by acting suspicious or rude to Cinder and her goons, "has only seen me fight a few times. Our enemies have no idea what I'm capable of. So the plan is to showcase your abilities and make them think I'm the weak link."

Blake nodded, "That makes sense. If this group is anything like the White Fang, they'll want to abuse that. Hopefully, it'll be too late before they realize their mistake."

I nodded, "The enemies here aren't the queen bee. They're just some of the highest messengers. I just am hoping their failure will cripple some of the plans." I shrugged, "That a good enough explanation for you guys?"

They all acquiesced. Yang and Blake went back to a movie they were watching together. They tried to do at least one thing together a day. They called it 'couple time.' I thought it was adorable. Yang… didn't want to be associated with such an uncool word. Not like we've fought about it or anything.

Weiss approached me on her bed, sat down, and leaned her head on my shoulder. We weren't officially dating but we were slowly getting more touchy feely. I silently wrapped my arm around her waist. She looked up at me and blushed. Then she snuggled closer and I felt complete for a moment. Like this nightmare had never happened. Sadly, nothing good can last. Weiss opened her mouth and quietly asked me, "When… when do you think you'll want to talk about what you've been through." She in took a sharp breath, "You witnessed your sister die. That… that must have hurt."

I leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Some things are better left unsaid snow angel."

She gave me a sad smile and decide to push anyways, "Alright… well, when are you going to let us see what you're capable of? I understand not wanting the enemy to see but we're your team. We need to know your strengths and weaknesses."

I jokingly retorted, "Or else you can't be the best teammate?"

Weiss smacked my arm and pulled out of my grip. I frowned to myself. I certainly hadn't meant her to leave my arms. She laid down on the bed and pulled me backward with her. Soon I found her cuddled half on top of me.

Weiss kissed my cheek and I felt the heat rise. She then asked again if I'll ever let her see all of me. The conflicting emotions of love and annoyance sprang in me, "You are damn persistent." I then relaxed," Honestly, Weiss, you've seen the most of what I'm capable of. If you hadn't been there at the train to stop me… I would have killed Torchwick. I was planning to kill him."

Weiss tensed at the remark, "Ruby… I can't see you being willing to do that."

I nodded and shook my head, "That's the problem, Weiss. You girls can't understand my mentality. You can't understand that I've already lost everything once… I won't lose it again."

Weiss looked perplexed, "You mean when you were sent back here? I thought you said it was the best thing that ever happened."

I rolled my eyes at her naivety and just laid there until I felt a poke in my side. I grumbled, "Weiss… for someone who's seen so many assassinations, you seem to think the world isn't all that bad. I lived in a world 100 times worse than this one." I sucked a deep breath, "I lost everything. That's why I willingly walked into my own death. No one back then faced the queen bee and her right hand unless they were prepared to die."

Weiss opened her mouth to talk and I shook my head, "Weiss… I know you don't understand what I'm going through. You really can't. I can promise you, though… some day… I'll tell you my story. Even if I can't say it out loud… I'll write it down or something. I'll make sure you understand what I've been through." I kissed her cheek and then the top of her head. I then sat up and smirked at her, "But… it won't be until after you've decided what we are, princess." The days ahead were going to be tough… but I had a great team and the perfect partner.

The next day was excruciating. Just waiting and anticipating was not something I was good at. That being said… I was excited to reveal my new weapon. I hadn't even let the girls touch Wilted Rose and they didn't even know about thorn. I couldn't wait for them to realize what I'd made.

We were all standing at the arena as Doctor Oobleck and Professor Port made commentary on each match. Suddenly we heard, "Oh this will be quite interesting. Yes, I think this will be enjoyable. Ladies and gentlemen, next up we have Team RWBY of Beacon facing off again Team ABRN of Haven."

Professor Port burst in, "Yes, I think this will be an astonishing fight. You know, despite being a first-year team, Team RWBY has shown themselves to be quite capable. We have heard amazing reports of Team ABRN as well. We shall see how these two hunter-in-training teams do against each other."

I glanced at my teammates, "Well, let's get moving."

They all nodded and we made our way to the arena. Yang was ecstatic about the fight. Weiss looked concentrated while Blake looked laid back. It always impressed me how Blake could brush off quite a bit. Even when things really did get under her skin sometimes.

We stood unified at the center as Team ABRN approached. I remembered that they had helped during the Fall of Beacon. They weren't the best hunters on the planet but they could hold their own. Arslan Atlan, the team leader of ABRN, gave me a respectful nod. I smiled and waved back. The rest of ABRN rolled their eyes at me. Already they seemed convinced I was just a child.

Professor Oobleck's voice blared, "Already the teams seem to be trying to make nice. Team RWBY's leader Ruby Rose and Team ABRN's leader Arslan Atlan seem to be off to a good start." Suddenly he was cut off as the official countdown began.

Our teams each readied ourselves. Once the countdown said, "Begin," we started blitzing. I had told the team who each of them should take on. I figured that playing to our strengths would work out the best. Bolin Hori quickly found himself on the wrong end of Yang.

I turned my attention towards my own opponent, their team leader. I figured I would do decently against an opponent who focuses on unclose attacks. I simply wouldn't be up close. I used my speed to run backward and immediately set up my sniper rifle. I started taking shots that bounced off the aura of the team leader. Atlan glared at me and used her dagger and the rope attached to it to try and get closer to me. She skidded on the ice while trying to dodge my attacks.

Out of my peripheral, I saw Blake driving Nadir Shiko up the wall by running rings around him. She was moving so much he couldn't land a single shot. He was clearly getting tired. I chocked that up to a clear win.

Atlan finally got close enough to me to be concerning. I waited for her try and get close enough to punch me. When she was finally propelling herself towards me for a strong punch I used my speed to twirl Wilted Rose. I smirked to myself as Atlan realized too late that her forward motion was not going to help.

She threw her arms up to protect herself from my weapon. The impact sounded bone shattering. I heard a loud grunt and she picked herself up slowly. She was close enough that she tried to throw another punch at me. I started dodging and could visibly see her frustration rising. One thing I'd learned over the years is that my speed was worth more than just running. If you have the ability to move faster than anyone else, then you can move out of the way.

She started getting visibly sloppier with each missed attack and I was getting more triumphant. I finally moved completely out of the way, stuck my foot out, and forced her to crash to the ground. Meanwhile, it looked like Weiss was having a little trouble with Reese Chloris. I grumbled to myself. It was clear to me that she was going to need some help.

I figured the faster I finished Atlan, the faster I could help her. Atlan took advantage of my distraction and I suddenly felt the cord of her blade wrap around my body. It was trying to trap me. She grinned, thinking she had me.

Suddenly I heard, "Oooo and there goes Mr. Shiko. That looked like tough luck. Miss Belladonna's semblance truly is remarkable. I can understand how he might have been confused."

Atlan started to walk forward a punch ready. I knew I could break out, but not without showing my abilities. I decided to take the punch. I felt a fist collide with my stomach. I went reeling backward. I groaned but fought down Yang's semblance as it tried to take control. Suddenly there was a flash of black in my vision. Blake had chosen to come help. I growled out, "Blake, go help Weiss. I've got this."

Blake gave me an unsure look but complied. Atlan, who had overheard that, looked confused. She chanced a glance at the aura meters and her eyes widened. I smirked as I charged at her. The one thing I couldn't fake was my aura. It was proudly sitting there at 95%. Atlan on the other hand… just needed a little push.

I swung Wilted Rose around and clocked her in the head with it with the broad side of it. Her aura was still not below the requirement, so I took one step forward and smashed my own fist into her stomach. I allowed a little of Yang's semblance to leak through and increase my strength, "Oh, that looked painful. Looks like Team ABRN is now down two members."

I turned around and saw Blake and Weiss handling Reese Chloris. They had taken her out last time, so I figured they could do it again. Bolin Hori was on his last leg. He was swinging wildly at Yang. I smiled to myself and aimed my sniper with a touch of frost dust. I saw Yang preparing for an attack and knew that Hori, like me, was agile. I shot his feet and caused him to frozen on the spot. He stood there horrified as Yang knocked him out of the running.

Meanwhile, Weiss and Blake finished off the least of team ABRN to a roar of applause and excitement. Round one was over, and we won with 0 casualties. It felt like a good start.

We headed towards the fair grounds for a bite to eat. I smiled over at my team. They looked so damn happy. As we headed towards a noodle restaurant I heard Emerald's voice call out to us. My teeth set on edge and I had to force myself to calm down before I turned around. Emerald cheerily called out a second time, "Hey guys, I think you might have dropped this!"

We turned around and there was Emerald, holding Weiss' credit card. Weiss looked so embarrassed as she retrieved her card from Emerald. I, on the other hand, was trying not to look in her direction. Emerald smiled broadly, "So, I saw your match. You guys did amazingly!"

Weiss giggled, "Thanks!" Weiss elbowed me in the ribs signaling that I should probably speak up.

I had to fight down a growl and a slew of profanities. Instead, I put on a faux smile, "I heard your team won as well!" I then looked down trying to mimic shyness until the red in my eyes went away, "Would you guys like to join us for some lunch?"

Emerald declined politely and then tried to dig for information. The facade was so opaque it might as well have been a window, "Mercury and I are preparing for our doubles match. It should be a lot of fun!" She then tried to look curious and added, "Who did you guys pick to go on to the double match?"

The other members of team RWBY went to go speak but I cut them off, "It's still up in the air. We're thinking about doing rock, paper, scissors or something to decide who goes forward. After all, we're all so good. It's just a shame we all can't move forward."

Emerald nodded, "That's cool! I can't wait to see the match. I gotta get back to my team. Later girls!"

As she turned to leave, the other members of team RWBY looked at me with confusion. I waved them off and told them we could talk a little about it later. This seemed to appease them. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Emerald ranting to Mercury about the failure of her information gathering plan. I swore to myself a long time ago that I would kill you.

Weiss pulled me close suddenly and whispered in my ear, "Your eyes, Ruby!" The closeness calmed me down and my anger quickly vanished. She smiled, "There we go, back to the pretty silver."

Once we arrived at the noodle tent we sat down and started ordering. Weiss' phone went off several times throughout the day and she was blatantly ignoring it. Suddenly, her card was returned as rejected and the phone call made more sense to me.

I leaned over to Weiss, who was sitting next to me, "You really need to speak to your father."

She glared at me, "You may be our team leader, but that does not mean you can tell me how to handle my personal life."

I nodded and put my hands up in surrender. I then leaned back in and whispered, "If you don't want advice from the girl from the future then so be it."

Weiss rolled her eyes, "I'm still not even sure you're from the future."

I knew she didn't mean it. She was just not happy about her father. Nevertheless, I decided to be a smart-ass about it, "In less than a minute, team JNPR is going to show up and Pyrrha is going to offer to pay for lunch."

Sure enough, thirty seconds later, Pyrrha was offering to cover our lunches. Weiss looked completely shocked at me and shrugged, "Fine, we can talk about my father in the dorm tonight."

I grinned victoriously. Maybe this time I can stop their relationship from being too strained.

The Team JNPR fight went better than expected. Jaune had taken a few suggestions from me and was able to smooth out team operations ahead of time. It made for a glorious moment dubbed 'flower power' without any arguments during the battle.

It's what was supposed to happen the next day that left me nervous, "Ruby, I need you to come with me to meet my sister." Weiss looked so adorably pitiful I couldn't think of a way to tell her no. I mean… I knew her and her sister were close for most of their lives. I also knew that she missed Winter a lot. Winter Schnee was someone I only barely got to know in my own lifetime. She had died before our wedding. It had been a big blow to Weiss. I planned to make this time better.

As we walked towards the landing airship, I knew I had no choice but to put on the best performance I could. She had never met me as her sister's significant other. Although we weren't exactly… official yet, I planned to give her no reason to dislike me.

As we approached Weiss started getting more and more excited. I rolled my eyes and finally, Winter walked nearby and Weiss grinned, "Winter! I'm so happy to see you!"

Winter approached slowly. Her hair was done up in an intricate bow. She had the air of a true military member about her. I respected the approach and the need to show no weaknesses… but how could she act like that to her sister? It's perfectly acceptable to lose your barring if you meet your family for the first time in forever. I decided to not dwell on it.

Weiss, after rambling for a moment, finally seemed to regain her manners, "Oh!" she yelled out startled, "Your presence honors us." I rose an eyebrow at Weiss. After so many years, I forgot how stuck up she used to be about certain things. I felt a burning feeling and looked up for a moment to see Winter staring curiously at me.

I shook it off. After all, even Ironwood wouldn't be that stupid. I found myself finally paying attention the conversation right when Winter went to hit Weiss. Everyone was surprised as I found myself blocking the smack. Winter's strange gaze turned back to me, "And who do you think you are to interfere in family matters?"

I smiled nervously as I dropped her arm, "I'm Ruby… Weiss' team leader," I straightened my back, "I don't appreciate people hitting my team members during a competition." My eyes narrowed, "I especially don't appreciate you hitting my friends."

Winter looked me over. It appeared she was analyzing me. Finally, she turned back to Weiss, "So this is the leader you wrote of. I was worried she would be a child but she seems to be rather mature for her age." She then glared at me, "And a little too precocious." Winter finally broke a smile, "Thank you, Ruby Rose, for taking an interest in my sister."

I smiled coyly at Weiss before looking back to her sister, "What can I say, your sister is interesting."

Winter gave me a strange look and then turned to Weiss, "I would like to examine your quarters and speak with you in private. I feel there are many interesting questions you could answer." Winter gave me one last analyzing look before the two sisters left.

I smirked to myself. I knew where this was heading and seeing my Uncle Qrow in action would be quite interesting. I moved quickly to get a good view and waited. Uncle Qrow was fast and the fight with Winter was clearly one sided. If a drunk man can match you, you should consider how good he'd be sober.

Weiss glared at me, "What is wrong with your uncle? When I met him he didn't seem… this bad."

I smiled at Weiss, "Oh come on, he's not bad. In fact, he's running circles around her."

Weiss' icy glare only got colder. She smacked my arm and turned her eyes back to the fight. Under her breath, she growled to me, "Is he always drunk?"

I nodded, "Yeah… he's had a hard life."

Weiss tensed for a moment and then relaxed and glanced at me, "I… I hope you haven't considered constantly drinking as a solution."

I rolled my eyes, "Why would I, I got everything back that I lost…" Weiss didn't look like she believed me. Her head found its way into mine as we watched the remainder of the battle between our relatives.

I finally heard, "Schnee!" I felt like my ears were ringing as I pulled Weiss out of the way. General Ironwood looked very upset. He tore into Winter. Winter had the same kicked puppy look on her face that Weiss would rarely wear.

Ironwood turned on Qrow, "And you! What do you think you're doing here!"

Finally, I decided to join in and dropped Weiss' hand. She looked confused as I took a step forward, "General, that's enough."

Ironwood whipped around to see who had spoken. He visibly relaxed when he saw me, "Yes, Miss Rose, I do believe it is." He paused for a moment and looked between Qrow and me, "He's your uncle right?" I nodded and he continued, "Take him to Ozpin's office."

I grabbed Qrow's arm and started leading him away. During my conversation with Ironwood, I could feel the piercing gaze of Winter Schnee trying to figure out what the hell was going on. She was already curious, but now… now she'd be driven too.

The walk to Ozpin's office included Qrow grumbling to me about how he didn't need his niece babysitting him. He also tried ditching me… I think he forgot speed is my semblance. Upon arriving at Ozpin's, Qrow looked at me with his attempt at a dashing smile, "Thanks, kiddo. I think Oz can handle me from here."

I rose an eyebrow at Ozpin who was sitting there looking at the two of us. I rolled my eyes at Ozpin's lack of response, "I'll be staying here for the meeting Uncle."

Qrow laughed, "Kid, I'm not here to discuss your academics. You can't stay for this meeting."

I gave a faux smile, my lips tight, and my eyes hard, "If I didn't like Ozpin's office so much, I'd suggest we have a fight for it. However, I don't think the headmaster wants me to wreck his office. I will be staying for this meeting. It will be approved by Ozpin and Ironwood."I then looked Ozpin in the eyes, "And I will be doing so with the right of only explaining as much as I want."

Ozpin looked contemplative. Qrow was still laughing at the audacity of his youngest niece. Professor Goodwitch, General Ironwood, and Winter Schnee entered to that sight.

Professor Goodwitch immediately started yelling at Winter, "What were you thinking! You can't just go around starting fights whenever you want!"

Winter pointed at Qrow, "He's drunk! I had to shut him up somehow!"

Glynda glared and waved her hand at Qrow, "He's always drunk! That doesn't mean you should start a fight in our courtyard!"

General Ironwood put his hand up, "Qrow why are you here? You're supposed to be in the field." Before Qrow could answer, Ironwood noticed me and his eyes widened, "Miss Rose, what are you doing here?"

It seemed like at once, Professor Goodwitch, Ironwood, and Winter noticed my presence. What can I say, I love to surprise people.

It got a little uncomfortable being under the scrutinizing eyes of those three so I just sort of chuckled and waved, "Hi."

Ironwood grumbled, "Very well."

This caused Professor Goodwitch and Winter to look even more confused. Winter was the first one to speak up, "What on earth is the leader of my sister's team doing in a private meeting?" She turned to glare at Ozpin, "You had better have a good explanation for this."

Ironwood put his hand up. Winter immediately fell silent as the General paced forward, "It's classified, Specialist Schnee."

Winter seemed to want to rage at that remark. She moved towards me, clearly intent on getting answers and was stopped, again by Ironwood, "Specialist, you are to go back to the ship and await further instruction."

Winter nodded, "Yes, General." On her way out she glared at both Qrow and me. Her curious stare had been turned into one of fury.

After she left, Ozpin looked at me, "Miss Rose, if you could… please explain your presence for Glynda and Qrow's benefit.

I nodded and the two adults were looking at me expectantly. I put on a broad smile, "Well, it's quite simple. I have silver eyes." I saw Ozpin nearly face palm while Glynda and Qrow were looking at me like I was crazy. I grumbled, "Fine, fine, I'll be more specific. Long story short, silver eyed people save lives. I am silver eyed. I stop war." I figured childishly explaining it to them would at least break the ice. It didn't… they just looked at me like I was stupid.

Finally, I let out an audible groan, "Oh for dust's sake Qrow! You've been off doing field recon while I've been here keeping an eye on the enemy."

Qrow looked surprised, "Kid, you aren't supposed to know anything about this kind of stuff."

Finally, Ozpin decided to put me out of my misery. He looked amused as he stood up, "Qrow, Glynda, I can't give you much information on the how's or the why's but, Miss Rose has been an integral part in the fight against the White Fang and the Black Tide." He smiled at me and continued, "In fact, her intel has given us the key players and the fact that the group is called the Black Tide. So, I ask that you look past her age and accept she is here for good reason."

Ironwood nodded, "I also have found the intel she has given us to be crucial. For instance… you may notice that I only brought two ships instead of the army I was planning on. Miss Rose… explained to me why bringing the army would be… panic-inducing."

Qrow was eyeing me suspiciously, "You guys are taking advice from my 15-year-old niece?" He scoffed, "And you think I'm the drunken crazy man." Qrow shook his head and then looked at Ozpin, "If you… trust her intel then…I guess I don't have a choice do I?"

Professor Goodwitch was deep in thought for most of the conversation. She finally piped up, "This… this has something to do with your supposed injury doesn't it?"

I rose an eyebrow at her and crossed my arms in front of my chest, "Why on earth would you conclude that?"

Professor Goodwitch smiled sadly at me, "Miss Rose, I have been teaching at this institution for a decade. Never in my life have I seen such a change in skill and maturity as the one you underwent. One day you were a child and the next you were a mature woman with an occasionally childish attitude."

Goodwitch looked perplexed and then glanced at Ozpin, "Is she… like you Oz?"

Ozpin rose an eyebrow, "Well… that is certainly not a consideration that had crossed my mind." He smiled at Goodwitch, "I'm afraid her situation is far more complex than my own. However, it is her right to keep whatever secrets she wishes to. As you have said, she is a mature woman." Professor Goodwitch seemed pacified.

Only Qrow was left watching in disbelief, "My niece is nothing like you Ozpin! Just because you… I don't know, possess people for all eternity, doesn't mean you get to make it sound like my niece is a freak too!" He took a long swig out of his flask and then looked at me. I could see the sadness in his eyes, "Rube… you're not… are you… are you okay?"

I rolled my eyes, "Qrow, I've never been better. You're right, I'm not possessed. Just leave it at that. If and when I think you need to know, I'll let you know. It's just… safer this way."

Qrow looked hurt but he nodded. The rest of the meeting went by rather well. The discussion turned quickly to the clear plan to cause unrest and a way to minimize it. I assure them that as a competitor I would have a much better chance at stopping the unrest than they did. I also double checked that the General had returned all the mechs to where they came from.

Hopefully… this time wouldn't go so horribly.

Author's Note: So, I've had an eventful and very stressful week. This has resulted in me not writing much. This chapter is actually a week old... and so is most of the chapter after it. I apologize for the fact that I'm very very behind my scheduel. Currently I am hoping I can get about two more chapters completed this weekend. That would put me back on track... for the most part.

Enjoy the chapter. The next one brings us to Pyrrha's decision and how that goes... Dun dun dunnn