PRE CHAPTER AUTHOR NOTE: This is a rough draft and will not be the final draft, however, it is what I have found was the most up to date thing I had written and not posted. I do not even think it is a complete chapter, but I wanted to give you guys something for having tracked this down. There is a post chapter note that I think you'll find far more relevant.

Chapter 11

It was interesting watching the teams battle in match after match. However, it was the upcoming match against Team FNKI that I was curious about. Yang and I were going to face off against them after Penny's match concluded. Her fight seemed to be going pretty quickly. The guys she was against had no idea how to handle her unique fighting style and were instantly put on the defense.

I watched as she smashed their faces into the ground and snickered to myself. I then smiled at the rest of team RWBY, "Come on, this will be fun."

Weiss looked unsure, "Why Yang? Why not me or Blake?"

Yang rolled her eyes and gave a cocky smirk, "Its clear that my little sis just wants to put them through the ringer. Who better to take them out than me?"

I face palmed at Yang's reasoning and turned to Weiss, "I believe you and Blake are amazing fighters. Yet… I need someone who can pack a major punch since I'm going to be trying to play the weakling. No offense to either of you, but… Weiss you're good at supporting others, and Blake is good at working in the shadows. Neither of you are the type to walk up and punch someone in the face." I paused and cracked a grin, "Seeing as I need someone like that and I can't take Nora… I picked Yang."

Yang huffed out insulted that I would pick Nora first. I just smiled and put my hand on her arm. Then I turned to the rest of the team, "I need you guys to remember," I quieted down and whispered, "this isn't just about winning. Theres so much more to consider."

All three of them started nodding. Blake grabbed Yang's hand and pulled her aside. I had a feeling she was giving her a 'go get em' speech. Weiss walked over to me and awkwardly looked at her feet before meeting my eyes, "I just…" her eyes took on a sad look, "I want to be the one by your side. I want to help you."

I smiled at her remark and took a step forward, hugging her tight, "Weiss, you always will be. There are just some fights we can't all participate in."

Weiss nuzzled her face into my shoulder, "As long as you'll let me help when I can… I guess I can accept that."

I laughed as I pulled back, "Of course, snow angel. What else would I do?"

The announcement that we needed to head into the arena went off and Yang turned to grab me. It was going to be a fun match. Even if it was against Flynt and Neon. I had… chosen not to mention anything about them to Yang. I figured Neon getting her temper up later in the fight would be helpful.

Yang stood next to me in the arena with a big smile on her face, "So, I spoke to Weiss about Atlas."

I rose an eyebrow at Yang. She sounded like she had a big reveal for me, "Uh huh?"

She giggled, "Weiss went on and on about how the academy was part of the armed forces. So, I guess… prepare for soldier hunters?" Even Yang looked unsure about the idea.

I scoffed, "Not quite sis," I pointed at the arriving members of team FNKI. Flynt Coal was carrying his trumpet and Neon Katt was carrying her nunchaku's. I leaned over to Yang, "Alright, I want you to take on the trumpet guy. He doesn't move much and relies on his weapon to keep him far away. The… girl on skates… moves a little too much for you to make short work of."

Yang nodded and grinned at our opponents, "This'll be fun."

"This'll be fun." Neon mimicked back at Yang. A sly grin crept up Neon's face, "You're right, this will be fun! Have you ever tried rollerblading? Well…" She looked over at her teammate and then back to Yang, "Never mind, you probably wouldn't be any good at it." She giggled and covered her mouth with her hand before adding, "Cause' you're… you know… top heavy." She burst into more laughter and Yang already started feeling anger.

I put my hand on Yang's shoulder and shook my head, "Don't rise to her bait. Not yet."

The only response I got was an audible grunt and a short nod as Professor Port began his count down, "3! 2! 1! Begin!"

Flynt immediately started playing his trumpet. The wind picked up and blew Neon at us. I smirked and decide to take advantage of the wind. I had Wilted Thorn unfold itself and did a backflip, putting it under my feet. I then fired off a shot and propelled myself into the middle of the wind. I found myself flying backwards. From my view in the sky I could see Yang moving slowly towards Flynt. It was clear he was trying to figure out a way to stop her from getting close enough to take a swing.

I finally landed on the rocks behind me and swung my scythe just as she tried to take a cheap shot, "Hey now kiddo, didn't they tell you not to run with oversized pruning sheers?"

I smirked, "You haven't seen nothing yet."

The girl rolled her eyes, "Pfft, I'm going to make sure you and blondie know who's really in charge around here." She started firing off dust at me and I found myself running quickly to avoid the dust contact. I took a leap and found myself in the volcanic part of the map.

I looked over and saw Yang being attacked by the quartet semblance. She seemed to be only getting angrier. I finally let Neon catch up with me and smiled at her as she went to hit me with a nunchaku. I dodged out of the way and smiled as I watched Yang rearing up to knock his lights out.

Neon finally growled out, "Stop moving so much. This is just stupid. Only a coward spends so much time trying to get out of the way."

I chuckled to myself and pointed behind Neon, "Hey Neon, I think you're about to lose a teammate."

Neon's eyes widened, "You're lying!"

I smiled and twirled Wilted Rose in a circle causing her to have to break her attack. As she went to move out of the way her eyes fell on Yang and Flynt. Yang had gotten close enough to land an attack and was now smacking Flynt up and down the arena. He couldn't get the chance to put the trumpet up to his lips and defend himself. Yang suddenly shouted, "Now Ruby!" Yang grabbed Flynt and tossed him into the air. I aimed Wilted Rose quickly and in seconds he was disqualified for ring out.

Neon's eyes widened, "You were the distraction!" I simply gave her a small shrug and Yang started to move in. As Neon went to move towards Yang, I put a new clip in my rifle, took aim at her rollerblade and fired.

Yang smirked, "This is for calling me top heavy!" She immediately started firing at the pinned girl. Neon continued trying to defend herself with her weapon but before she knew it, Yang was in her face, "And this, is for insulting my sister!" With one powerful swing the remaining bit of aura Neon had was destroyed.

Both members of team FNKI thought the fight was amazing but we just shook it off. After all, it was just one step on the path.

I received a request to go up to Ozpin's office that evening and sighed to myself. I had a feeling I knew what this was about. Upon arriving Ozpin was already speaking with Pyrrha.

"Miss Nikos, what is your favorite fairy tale?" Ozpin asked with a jovial smile on his face.

I sat there and face palmed, "Ozpin, don't even go down that path. It's stupid."

Pyrrha turned around confused, "Ruby, what are you doing here?"

I smiled, "Hi Pyrrha, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I do believe I was invited to this meeting." Pyrrha visibly relaxed at the idea that I was there for the same reason.

Ozpin rose an eyebrow at me, "Miss Rose, do you have a better suggestion on how to explain this to her?"

I rolled my eyes, "Yes Ozpin, I do." Pyrrha was shocked at my way of addressing him but I chose to ignore that. I looked at her and smiled sadly, "Pyrrha, you are a wonderful fighter."

Pyrrha blushed, "I wouldn't say I'm anything amazing."

I shook my head, "Now is not the time for modesty Pyrrha." I gave her a sad smile, "We are here because we need your help. We are part of an… organization of people who are preparing to battle against one of the greatest wars seen in ages. Your aid is necessary."

Pyrrha's brow furrowed, "War? Ruby don't be silly." She looked hopelessly at Ozpin who's sad face only made Pyrrha more concerned.

I sighed, "Maybe your way is better." Ozpin looked for a moment, almost smug, but I was certain that was me projecting… or at least I hoped it was.

Ozpin had Pyrrha's attention again, "You have heard the story of the maiden's correct?"

Pyrrha visibly relaxed and nodded emphatically, "Of course. The four sisters who gained the powers to rule the seasons."

Ozpin nodded his affirmation, "They are not just a fairy tale Miss Nikos. Just as the Silver Eyed Warrior's are not just a fairy tale." He then paused and glanced at me before returning to Pyrrha, "Your family is one of the few that still has records on that particular tale, right?"

Pyrrha looked surprised but nodded, "The Silver Eyed Warrior is an old family doesn't mean anything though Professor Ozpin. It's just stories about different women who saved the world. I mean, one of them claimed to have time traveled. That's just silly."

Ozpin chuckled, "Yes, of course. However, all fairy tales start with a grain of truth. There really were women with silver eyes who were born with immense power. There also really were four maidens each named for a season. Now-a-days that is considered a myth but the reality is much more interesting."

Pyrrha gave her full attention to Ozpin as he explained the four maidens true abilities were something akin to magic. After his explanation he finally said, "We believe… Miss Nikos we think you are the next fall maiden."

Pyrrha looked over her shoulder at me, "What is he going to say next? You're a silver eyed warrior?" She then turned back to the Professor and sighed audibly, "I… I want to believe you professor. I want to believe I can help the world but… this is absurd."

Finally I snapped and strode forward, "Pyrrha, I am a silver eyed warrior. I am one of the women from your fairy tale and if you give Ozpin's plan a chance, you can be to. We are about to go to war. A war unlike any in the history of mankind. If you don't wish to help, then that's fine. I understand that its a burden, but don't think we're lying to you simply because you don't like what you're hearing."

Pyrrha's eyes snapped up and met mine. She apologized quietly and then glanced at Ozpin, "If Ruby is… this silver eyed warrior, why doesn't she become the maiden?"

Ozpin looked lost in thought for a moment and turned to me, "Miss Nikos has a point, you would be the perfect candidate. You're already… immensely powerful."

I rolled my eyes, "Been there, tried that. The maiden powers don't mix with me."

Ozpin nodded and turned back to Pyrrha, "The others should be arriving soon. We have only a small amount of information to impart to you before you make your decision. It is… a heavy one, but it is my understanding that it is necessary." He looked at me. It was clear there were more questions dancing behind his eyes but those would have to wait.

Pyrrha and I passed the time discussing the arena matches so far. Suddenly, the elevator signaled the arrival of the other members.

In walked Professor Goodwitch, General Ironwood, and my Uncle Qrow. Qrow still heavily disapproved of my presence at these types of meetings but I chose to ignore him. Professor Goodwitch then suggested we head downstairs and continue the discussion there.

Upon arriving in the vault Pyrrha looked stunned. She was even more stunned as General Ironwood proceeded to explain the coming threat and what had happened to the previous fall maiden.

After the explanations and warnings were over I looked at Pyrrha and requested a moment of her time away from the others. The others looked annoyed but knew she may wish to speak to a peer.

"Pyrrha… I know I snapped at you a bit earlier… I've been dealing with the weight of this all year now. I need you to understand that the burden they are asking you to take on may be immense. We don't know how it will effect you." I took a deep breath and gave Pyrrha a sad look before continuing, "You must understand that the fate of the world rests on the actions we all take over the next few weeks. I… I cannot begin to explain the consequences of our actions if we mess up, but they are not pretty."

Pyrrha looked confused, "Ruby… just because you think it will go horribly does not mean that it will."

I looked at Pyrrha and chuckled as a single tear dripped down my face, "I… I can tell you that I know better than anyone what the future has in store for us if we don't act now. I… I want nothing more than to take the power of the maiden into myself. I wish to spare you from the potential side effects… not to mention the fact that people will hunt you." I laughed humorlessly and looked at Pyrrha's gorgeous and innocent face, "You are one of the best people among us. Jaune is lucky to have you. But… both you and I have to be selfless. I… will do anything to keep Weiss safe… to keep them all safe. The real question is if you are willing to as well."

Pyrrha looked taken aback by my statement, "Weiss? I didn't realize you two… I… wow… that really puts a lot of your behaviors into perspective."

I glared at Pyrrha half-heartedly, "We are not currently a couple… that is not due to my lack of trying. Moving on… I think you should take a half hour to think it over… and then I think you should decide. If you chose to do it… then we do it tonight and a different member of team JNPR goes onto the finals."

Pyrrha smiled, "Jaune would do well I think."

I rose an eyebrow at her skeptically but decided to not comment on that. I just looked down and giggled to myself before continuing, "I'll be with the others in the main room. Please feel free to talk to me about anything."

Pyrrha reappeared a while later with a sad but determined look on her face. She glanced at the adults in the room before her eyes landed on me. She gave me a solid nod and then spoke, "I will do it. If it is my destiny to take on this burden, I will do so."

The professors looked at each other and sighed. They were clearly not happy about what they were preparing to do. Ozpin finally spoke up, "Very well, please follow me Miss Nikos." Everyone else… if you could please clear out."

The others made to leave and I hung back. Ozpin glared at me uncharacteristically, "Miss Rose, I believe I asked you to leave as well."

I nodded, "Yes… you did say that. However, last time… someone showed up and tried to stop this. So… I'm staying here. If anyone can stop Cinder, it would be me." Pyrrha looked confused at the phrase 'last time,' but didn't press the issue.

Ozpin grimaced but accepted. Pyrrha was put into the chamber and the process began. It took about 30 minutes and luckily, we were not interrupted. Pyrrha sounded like she was in pain throughout the process. I sincerely hoped this would not negatively impact her life too much.

When Pyrrha finally exited the chamber she was clutching her head with a major grimace on her face. I approached cautiously, "Pyrrha, how are you feeling?"

She groaned, "Everything hurts. Opening my eyes hurts. Your voice hurts." She moaned audibly again, "My own voice hurts."

I nodded, "Ozpin, hand me my first aid kit. It should be right next to you." He picked it up and tossed it at me. I tried to be cheery as I turned to my friend, "Alright, so I'm going to take some basic vital signs and see what your symptoms are currently. I'm betting your body is trying to adapt to the power overload and the existence of a second soul. I'm going to have you take a seat and we'll go from there." I paused for a response and then quickly added, "If speaking hurts too much, just nod your head yes, or shake your head no."

Pyrrha nodded her head yes and we moved towards a chair in the vault. I grabbed out a pulse oximeter from my bag and hooked it up to her finger, "This will tell me your pulse and if you're getting enough oxygen." I then grabbed the blood pressure cuff and put it around her opposite arm, "I'm also going to take your blood pressure manually. After that, I'm going to check your aura levels, okay?"

Her pulse was going way too fast. I told Ozpin to write that down. Her blood pressure was 150/100 which was absurd for a female of her age, or any age for that matter. Each test I did was giving me strange results. Finally, I checked her aura level and compared it to the previously listed aura of hers. It was about 50% larger. I looked at Ozpin, "An aura increase of this level is going to cause these symptoms. It's clear her body is in pain and panicking trying to accommodate for the additional aura."

Ozpin nodded, "Should we hospitalize her? I've only seen someone take on the maidens power ones before this. She also needed medical treatment to ease the transition."

I nodded, "I agree she needs medical treatment, however I don't think she should go to the hospital. That would be a good place for someone to attack her. We can't afford to do that."

I grabbed a few emergency medications and tried to treat the symptoms. Finally I grumbled, "Ozpin, we need to sedate her. That way her body can go through the normal process without the pain. She has two souls in there and her aura is still increasing."

In the end, it was agreed that Pyrrha would be sedated and kept in a secure room at Beacon for the time being. I was left to inform her teammates that she had come down with a contagious illness and was temporarily quarantined. I felt bad lying to team JNPR but… it wasn't time for the truth.

The next morning I made my way toward the secure room. I knocked on the door lightly and waited. Soon the door was open and Professor Goodwitch was looking at me with scrutiny, "Ruby, shouldn't you be with your team?"

"Professor, the rest of my team is enjoying breakfast. I felt there was somewhere more important for me to be." I then gave her a small smile, "I need to see Pyrrha."

Professor Goodwitch rolled her eyes but moved aside. I stepped into the room and sitting on the floor was Pyrrha. She didn't appear to be in pain anymore. She seemed to be lost in thought as I coughed loudly to get her attention. She did not react. Goodwitch spoke up, "She has not moved from that position or spoken since she woke up. We believe she will come out of it in time."

I rose an eyebrow at the professor, "We don't have time." I then stepped forward, "I'm sorry about this Pyrrha. Really… really am sorry about this." A loud crack echoed off the walls of the small room as my hand collided with her face. Goodwitch looked offended and angry. It was Pyrrha though, whose eyes opened wide, that shocked us both. Pyrrha's normally green eyes were flecked with an amber brown color and a few flecks of red.

"Welcome back to the living Pyrrha." I murmured.

Pyrrha's eyes snapped to my face. She appeared to be analyzing me. That was when a sick feeling entered me, what if she wasn't Pyrrha… what if Pyrrha was gone. "Ruby Rose. Your eyes are silver." The first thing out of Pyrrha's mouth in hours left me wanting to laugh out loud.

A small chuckle escaped my lips but I finally regained my composure, "Indeed." I turned to Professor Goodwitch. I knew she was going to hate this, "Professor, please excuse us."

Goodwitch's eyes hardened, "You are dismissing me in my own school? Miss Rose, I can't and will not simply leave you here. Frankly, I'm not sure which of you I consider a bigger danger."

I nodded, "Understandable professor. I would suggest you leave anyways. I won't harm Pyrrha and she cannot harm me."

Professor Goodwitch looked like she wanted to argue. She spared a glance to Pyrrha who was still sitting there unmoving. She seemed to be in a mental shell but aware at this same time. Eventually the professor sighed, "It is a good thing that Ozpin seems to trust you. If he didn't… this conversation would have been over when you knocked on the door." She seemed to be contemplating her options, "I'm going to go tell the headmaster that Miss Nikos has woken up. You have until we return."

I mumbled an acceptance and then turned my attention back to Pyrrha. Upon hearing the door bolt shut, I knew we were finally alone. "Fall Maiden, correct?"

Pyrrha's strange eyes flashed over my features, "As you are the Silver Eyed Warrior." She continued to stare at me for a moment before continuing, "We find it… strange that you would put such value into our abilities."

I sighed and took a seat on the floor across from her. I had only experienced the transference of a maiden's powers twice. The transfer always seemed to depend on the situation at the time. None of them had ever had a soul transfer. "So, you're both in there, huh?" Pyrrha simply nodded at me and then looked expectant, "I am just one person. It takes many people to stop the end of the world."

Pyrrha's eyes flashed to the floor and then she seemed to visibly relax. When her eyes met mine again the brown and red were gone. Only the beautiful green remained, "Ruby… this is very confusing."

I smiled, "Welcome back Pyrrha."

Pyrrha slumped back into the wall, "What is happening to me?" She sounded almost afraid. I moved close and pulled her into a hug. She leaned into me, "I… I have two voices in my mind. I hear myself, and I hear another. The other seems to be just as confused as I am. It is like she is both the embodiment of the power and the old maiden at the same time."

I hugged her closer and Pyrrha sounded on the verge of tears, "Pyrrha… everything will be okay. Once you and Amber sort out the situation everything will be better."

Pyrrha sniffled, "I can… see her memories. You know she has a more complete version of the tale about you. She… seems to think you are almost invincible. She tried to interrogate me on what your motives were."

I stiffened at that. I had never considered that Amber might have information. I had never even considered she would be able to speak to Pyrrha, "My motives are to save humanity." The words came out of my mouth and tasted like ash. It was true, but, as I regained my old life I was fighting more for those I loved. I… I had lost my drive in some ways. In other ways I had gained a larger desire to protect myself and those I loved. That meant protecting everyone.

Pyrrha nodded, "That is what I told her. That is why I took this burden. I do it to protect our people. To protect Jaune." She sighed and wiped a tear from her face, "I will continue to do whatever is necessary to keep us all alive."

I thanked her quietly. It was another thirty minutes before Professor Ozpin arrived. As we waited I discussed with her the future. She would need to be properly trained. Luckily, Amber was in her mind to help her understand the new powers and the duty of a maiden. Unluckily… Amber seemed to want to explain to her who I was. Amber even went so far as to suggest to Pyrrha that I had traveled through time. Pyrrha had mentioned it and immediately dismissed it as fantastical. I never confirmed nor denied. I did decide there and then that Pyrrha would need to know the truth. She, like me, was in this for the long haul. Even if the others died, myself and Pyrrha would be fighting for the future of us all. I could not, and would not keep her ignorant for long.

Post Chapter Authors Note:

I have recently, due to what's happened to RT, decided I want to continue and revamp this story. It has been many many a year since I wrote this, so there will likely be some changes/updates. I honestly think it will come out better than it is currently. That being said, those updates will not likely be posted here. I have not made use of the other site (AO3) yet as a creator before, but I think I'll be starting with this. My account is Revanrose and I now have the first revamped Chapter up over there under the title "The Rose Paradox". That being said, I hope you all forgive me for the... impressively long hiatus as well as the fact that some changes will likely occur (among other reasons, because canon has given me a lot more to work with now.) The premise will remain the same, my characterization of Ruby herself will likely remain the same as well as pairings/etc. That being said, I do think I'll make some edits to keep up with new lore, as well as edits to just make it better to read in general.

Since I am re-editing, please feel free to take this as an opportunity to give any suggestions or thoughts. Thank you!