Arc 3: Chapter 30
The bots man. The fucking bots are back! I don't want your AI generated scam-slop! Leave me alone :C
Ruby chewed her lip nervously as she looked at Melanie. They were currently in one of the bedrooms of the building Maria called her home.
The older girl was wrapped in bandages as she laid in a bed. If it weren't for the faint rise and fall of her chest, Ruby would have been convinced she was dead.
As it was, the older girl was merely unconscious, or sleeping. Maria new more about it since she was the one who treated her.
When she asked why she couldn't use an Aura shard to heal her properly, Maria had scoffed.
"An Aura shard is only useful to replenish existing Aura and amplify the repair process. It doesn't heal you. That's a myth. I've done everything I can to help her body recover, but ultimately it's up to her."
Ruby was confused. Like some magical sense of 'up to her spirit' or what?
Amber looked visibly uncomfortable when the word magic was mentioned, and she hugged her arm more tightly, looking ashamed.
Maria shook her head.
"No. Don't be stupid. I mean is in it's up to her body's natural recovery process. All Aura does is speed up the process. Luckily, it doesn't seem too bad, so she'll make a full recovery in a couple days I reckon."
Maria shuffled over slowly to where Amber was standing, the girl too anxious to sit.
"As for you…"
Amber suddenly yelped as Maria's hand shot to her ear with a vice-like grip, tugging her down to her height.
"What the hell were you thinking?! I specifically recall saying not to cripple anyone! Are you bloody deaf? Huh?!"
"Ow shit! I didn't mean to. It was an accident. I-I'm sorry!"
Maria held on for a second longer before letting Amber go.
She collapsed to her knees, her face miserable as she rubbed her ear tenderly.
"I swear. I didn't mean for it go like that. It was an accident."
She looked to Ruby, her eyes pleading, and any heat or hatred she felt for her softened a bit. Amber looked genuinely remorseful.
Maria shook her head.
"Well, that accident could have very well paralysed Hei's girl. Or worse. I've told you to be more careful when using your abilities."
Ruby tilted her head.
"Abilities?" she asked, curious. "Like a Semblance?"
Maria scoffed.
"Sure. We'll go with that." She turned back to Amber.
"You are stronger than most people. No, don't let that add to your already bloated ego. I mean it as a caution."
She sighed, hobbling over to a nearby chair. She struggled to find its exact location, but after a minute fumbling around, she managed to get herself seated.
"Your powers mean it's easier for you to win. Sure. But it also means it's easier to break people."
"I… I know," acknowledged a morose Amber. It only elicited a scoff from Maria. This probably wasn't the first time they had this conversation Ruby guessed.
"We'll focus more on your control later. However, I can't stress the importance of not letting loose like that. Not only can you lose control, you'll hurt people. People who you don't want to!"
"I know…" began Amber, but Maria cut off.
"No you don't. Your arrogance led to this. You thought yourself invincible, but when you got cornered, you lashed out!"
"I KNOW!" Amber snapped.
"Gods I fucking know, okay!"
"Then what are you going to do about it?" retorted Maria.
"I…. Train." She relented. She sounded defeated.
"Get stronger. That way it won't happen again."
Maria shook her head. "Idiot girl," she muttered.
"Strength only means so much. The strong can always be bested. Use your head instead of your damn fists."
Ruby saw the single tear begin to trail down Amber's eyes as she hung her head.
Maria sighed.
"You can only get so strong. But if you never learn humility, that strength means nothing. How do you think I lost my eyes."
Amber wasn't the only one that looked up. Ruby was curious.
Maria never spoke about herself. She had never revealed what caused her blindness.
"You've never said," spoke Amber. She looked at Maria hopefully. Would she actually tell her?
"I was once like you. I was young. I was strong. I was proud. Arrogant."
She tutted her head as she seemed to reminisce.
"It's hard to imagine that," Amber chuckled weakly.
"You being arrogant. You're always so wise and tempered."
"Pride is the curse of the strong, who become overconfident as they become less and less challenged."
There was a pause before Amber spoke up.
"So, what happened?"
"Hmm? Oh. I was attacked. Normally that was not a problem. I was strong. A warrior. But I underestimated my opponents. Individually, they were weaker than me. But together. Well, no matter how strong or skilled you are, anyone going up against multiple opponents is not going to last long."
She tapped the floor with her cane.
"They cut my eyes in the process of the battle. That fucking bitch," she snarled, catching Ruby off-guard. However, her snarl turned into a smirk.
"But I managed to kill her. Because she too was arrogant and underestimated me. Don't you see? Arrogance. Pride. It's the same thing. It blinds you and can cost you so much."
She gestured to where Melanie was lying with her cane.
"I won't sugarcoat and say you got off lucky this time, but in a sense, you did. This could have ended up much worse."
"She could have died." Amber's voice was hoarse. As much as she enjoyed getting under Melanie's skin, she didn't want to cripple her. Or kill her.
"She'll recover. And I hope you'll learn from this. Your strength leads way to pride, and it can get many people hurt in the process. Including yourself."
"I… You're right. I should have controlled myself better."
"Hmm. Damn right you should have. It's fortunate that only she was caught up in your little blast. Had any of the others, it could have been much more severe."
Amber's eyes went wide.
"Shit. You're right."
Maria frowned.
"Not only that, but you could also end up attracting the wrong sort of attention."
Amber's fists tightened, the skin going white while her teeth audibly ground together.
"Huntsmen."
"Indeed," Maria nodded sagely.
"While you aren't something as reviled as say a Grimm Whisperer," Ruby flinched, "that doesn't mean that Huntsmen or even Arcanists won't be interested in you. And I dread to imagine what lengths they would go to for your power."
"I won't let them."
"Then control yourself. Temper your pride, and learn to think before acting? Yes?" she tapped her own head to emphasise her point.
"Now, off with you. I'll focus on your training tomorrow. As well as your punishment, seeing as you are so worked up."
Amber winced at that. Ruby had the suspicion it was less out of guilt and more self-preservation.
"If you want to make yourself useful, go check on the others. And for the Brother Gods sake, try not to do anything stupid again."
Amber stood up and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Ruby clutched her stomach as she felt it rumble. It was back again. That horrible feeling.
"Now, as for you. What has you so troubled?"
Ruby glanced around in confusion before realising that she was the one being addressed.
"Me?" she asked dumbly. She winced as she felt Maria roll her eyes beneath her bandage.
"Well, unless the walls have grown ears, then yes. You."
"Oh. Um, nothing's wrong." She hissed as she felt her nose flare up.
"That sure sounds like nothing," she drawled sarcastically.
The silence was deafening, and she squirmed under it.
"I fell and hit my face," she finally admitted.
"And?" Maria was not offering any sympathy or concern. In one aspect it was irritating to be ignored like that. In another, though, it was also relieving. To not be fussed over and treated like glass.
"Yeah." She nodded. "It happened a couple days ago."
"Well, sad to say but if you're expecting a face-lift then it's a little late for that," mused the elderly woman with an amused chuckle.
Ruby didn't share her humour. After a while, she decided to speak.
"Hey, Maria. Those people that attacked you? The ones that took your eyes? Why did they want after you?"
Maria was silent for a moment.
"Who knows," she finally shrugged. "I had a bit of a reputation. I can hazard a guess that's why."
"Reputation?" of what she wanted to ask.
"Look, kid, my life wasn't exactly easy when I was young. In a way, I was unique. And that often painted a target on my back."
She looked wistful as she reminisced days long gone.
"It often felt like I couldn't live my own life. Someone was always out there wanting to dictate my place in the world."
"Like destiny?" Ruby offered. Maria scoffed at that.
"If you would call it that. I frankly hate that. If destiny were real, then I was supposed to die long ago. No, it's something else. But I suppose for arguments sake we'll call it destiny."
She looked at Ruby, deadly serious.
"Kid, if you want my advice, then all I can say is ultimately you control your own destiny, if you want to call it that. No matter what anyone else says."
"Even if people are going to hate you no matter what…?"
"Like I said," she shrugged. "Your fate is your own to make. If you want to break free of any mould, you must act on your own interests, and on your own terms. Just beware. All actions have consequences. Good and bad. Big and small. You must learn to live with those consequences…."
Ruby pursed her lips as those words echoed in her head.
The next day saw Hei and Miltia arrive to check on Melanie. Maria had sent someone to let them know, and they arrived in the early hours of the morning. Fortunately by that time Melanie had woken. No thanks to Miltia's yelling.
Amber received a scolding from Hei and Miltia both. This time she refused to rise to the bait. It just wasn't worth it. That didn't mean she was going to take it lying down however.
Her jabbed a couple quips at Miltia when she wanted to throw fists, while she gave Hei a bit more respect. Partially because she understood his concern, and partially because she didn't feel like having her foot blown off again.
Once everyone was assured that Melanie would be able to walk and was in fact not a cripple, everything seemed to slow down back to a boring pace. For Ruby, and especially for Melanie who couldn't wait to be free from the prison that was her bed.
Before she knew it, Ruby was back at the pub. Chores during the morning and evening, reading in between, and when she could, sneaking out to the wall to see Hans.
He was shocked to see her, but ultimately glad. Him and Sara and been afraid that her face was worse than it initially appeared considering she didn't show up again.
It healed nicely, and she was fortunate there was no scar to mess up her face.
The Wall Garrison in particular were just glad that their chief supplier of booze had returned. Even Hans was nearly brought to tears when she confessed she would still return.
So, it was a repeated venture over the next weeks.
Ruby would pay Hans and his garrison a visit, bringing with her a bottle of liquor. Sometimes it was wine. Sometimes rum. Others whiskey.
In exchange, Hans, or sometime Sara if he was unavailable, would take her out to the barracks training arena.
There, she would shoot the flintlock pistols and crossbows until Hans eventually pushed for her to try the long-guns. Sara made sure to supervise initially, not trusting Hans to actually do a sufficient job of watching over her.
Aside from that, life was good. Ruby was content. Everything just needed to stay the course.
The weeks flew by without much change, other than political consternation and turmoil within the palace as sides were clearly formed.
Many of the Democratic councillors were torn between who to support. On one hand, loyalty to the current regime, to the Crown, was expected. However, human nature was prefaced by greed, and the unparalleled freedom one could expect should a reform of the current political caste system succeed was too tempting for many to just ignore. It didn't help that many on the fence held no major noble lineage, if any at all. As such, the removal of the current caste system was of little harm to them.
Conversely, many of the noble families not of direct Huntsmen lineage felt threatened. The few that weren't had already expressed support of Ozpin. Then again, Huntsmen were loyal to their own for the most part. Just as military families and supporters were loyal to their own, so too were the noble lineages to the Crown.
That was of little consequence in Ozpin's mind. The fact there was discussion and planning by everyone was enough to keep him content.
For too long they had thrown spanner after spanner into his duty. As such, he didn't feel overly guilty about disgruntling a few self-serving vultures.
Wealthy vultures, sure. But vultures nonetheless.
The door to his office opened up, and Glynda stuck her head in.
"The representatives from Menagerie are here to see you, sir."
He spun around in his chair, cutting off his view of the city below his window.
"Ah. Send them in."
"Right away," Glynda bowed.
Such a loyal woman she was. It was hardly fair she had to put up with all the work he was creating. Alas, such was the duty of a Huntsman, or in her case Huntress.
As he glanced at the door she disappeared back in, he was once again grateful that he had a functioning elevator to the top of his office. It had been expensive and a pain, but he and everyone that ever attended this room were infinitely grateful at not having to spend an hour trekking up stairs.
Another marvel of technology, he mused.
Atlas sure was efficient in its advances.
The door opened again. Instead of Glynda, two different women entered. Faunus. Dressed in the same tropical robes and dress that screamed wealth and status. Menagerie certainly didn't skimp on attire that conveyed importance.
"Ah. Mrs Belladonna. Mrs Scarlatina. Is it alright if I call you that?"
Kali smiled warmly, holding a hand up to her lips as she approached his desk and took a seat. Meg Scarlatina followed suite.
Kali was dressed in black and white robes and dress, while Meg opted for a more vibrant pallet of dusty brown and blue dress. Both wore gold embroidery and jewellery.
"That is acceptable. Stuffy, long-winded titles do get tiresome after a while."
Meg did not look too bothered either, though he suspected that was because Kali wasn't interested in stirring a fuss about it.
"In that case, please just call me Ozpin."
Now that both women were seated, Ozpin folded his hands together, resting them on the table as he gave them his full attention.
"Now what may I do for you two?"
They had obviously finished their introductions with the council upon arrival, and lodging had been secured for their stay.
"We would like to discuss a… proposal," began Kali carefully.
Ozpin regarded her coolly. She continued.
"Relations between Menagerie and Vale are peaceful. Recently, there has been a growing interest amongst our people to look at possibly immigrating even."
He raised an eyebrow.
This hardly seemed a relevant topic to him as Headmaster, but he recognised there was more she had to say so bade his tongue still.
"There is even a growing interest among some to learn more about Huntsmen and Hunters."
So there it was. He inclined his head.
"I am sure public records can offer to fill the gaps in knowledge if you wish to disseminate such information," he offered.
Kali smiled.
"It is less an academic curiosity, though there are those amongst the more scholarly-minded interested in that as well. Rather, it is more one born of seeking experience. And strength."
No point beating around the bush. He spoke plainly.
"You wish to strengthen your army."
"We wish to protect our sovereignty," she corrected. Meg spoke up, stressing Kali's previous statement. "There is however a genuine interest amongst our people to learn and even integrate with Vale."
"Oh, I am certain. However, I was under the impression that Menagerie had a more hostile stance on Hunters?"
Kali frowned, stroking an open palm on her lap with her other's thumb.
"The experience with Mistral and Vacuo years ago has left a bitter taste in our mouths. However, their effectiveness against Grimm is quite noticeable."
"This is coming from a nation that claims to use Grimm as 'beasts of burden'," Ozpin dismissed. "I find your stance questionable in regards to your nation's official claim."
"Perhaps we should then amend that statement. The threat that wild Grimm pose is very real, even to us."
It was Ozpin's turn to frown.
"I find that statement just as worrying. Ignoring that, if the Grimm are such a pestilence indeed for you, then why not simply enlist the aid of Huntsmen from nearby allies? Mistral is the closest," he suggested.
Meg scowled.
"Mistral is self-serving. And they still condone slavery. There is too much concern that having Mistralians near our territory could lead to conflict, or exploitation. Again."
Kali took over from Meg before she became too impassioned.
"There is too much bad history between us for that to be feasible. Vacuo is even worse for us," she held up a hand before Ozpin could speak with an alternative suggestion.
"As for Atlas? While we do have trade agreements, they are not exactly keen on befriending us. Coupled with their distance, and they are even less considerate of sending Hunters to combat the Grimm on our behalf."
Meg folded her arms, an irritated look crossing her face.
"Which makes even less sense unto itself as we would be willing to host them, even if it were on a rotational basis."
Ozpin looked contemplative, choosing his words carefully.
"While I cannot speak on behalf of the other Kingdoms, Atlas does have a unique situation concerning the Grimm. They are under constant assault, and shortages of Huntsmen can prove quite dangerous. It is less out of a desire to help you, and more likely a situation of self-preservation and weighing up the risks and benefits."
The two faunus regarded him as he spoke, listening to his words intently. Meg looked confused, speaking up.
"I thought they were the most militarised of your four Kingdoms. They field a massive army, and conscription is mandatory? Surely they can afford to spare even a few of these Hunter squads?"
Ozpin sighed.
"If only it were that easy. It is precisely because they are militarised that they will not just hand out any Huntsmen. The military is a substitute for their shortages. It is what keeps their Kingdom alive. We might disagree on their handling of it," he added upon noticing Meg's disapproval, "but how they run their Kingdom is ultimately up to them as they understand their situation the best."
Kali nodded slowly, understanding.
"This is why we decided to turn to Vale. Specifically you, Headmaster."
She looked up at him, meeting his gaze with a strong one of her own.
"Vale is not only the Kingdom on the friendliest of terms with us, it is also one the least under threat, nor questionable in its practices."
Ozpin chuckled.
"If you are referring to armed conflict, then yes we are quite safe. However, the Grimm are our main threat, and it requires considerable effort to keep them at bay."
Kali nodded.
"As we understand it, Vale also has a shortage of Hunters. Correct?"
Ozpin shook his head.
"Hunters we have no shortage of. If anything, we have an abundance of them. I believe you are referring to Huntsmen, which are entirely different."
Meg looked at him with hard eyes.
"We have heard this. However, no-one really wants to explain the difference to us. What is the difference, and why are these Huntsmen much stronger than Hunters?"
Ozpin laughed. Full blown laughter. He couldn't help it. Meg looked like she wanted to take offence, but Kali waved a hand to calm her down, content to let Ozpin finish his amused racket.
"You are right, there is a difference. Quite a substantial one at that even. However, in the interests of preserving security, I cannot actually disclose what makes them so effective. Not even people outside of our Academies really know."
"Why is that?" Kali asked.
"Because it is in humanity's best interests. Huntsmen are specialised individuals that are used to great effect against Grimm. Casualties amongst fully trained and prepared Huntsmen against the Grimm are rare, and even when they do happen? It is most likely a last stand scenario where they will take many down with them."
He gestured with an open palm.
"Hunters on the other hand only receive a fraction of their training, and as such, while they can survive attacks that would others kill most people, they aren't effective force multipliers on their own."
He leaned back in his seat.
"And that is also why Huntsmen training is not disseminated amongst people outside of the Academies. Besides the absolute toll and strain such intensive training takes, each Huntsman has the strength and skill to singlehandedly take on a full battalion of Hunters and win."
He leaned forward in his seat, looking both women directly in their eyes.
"Now imagine if such an individual were to go rogue. Or worse, you had a rival faction or army of such individuals opposing you."
"You would have a considerable threat on your hands," realised Meg.
"Precisely. Our Huntsmen are vetted before they are selected. Political loyalty is problematic. If divisions in society occur, and a Huntsman takes a side that is not in the collective interest of humanity…?" he trailed off, shrugging.
"Well, the less said on that, the better. Huntsmen have one duty. To fight the Grimm, and to preserve humanity. No matter the cost."
Kali eyed him critically, her sharp features revealing an even sharper mind that was processing everything he had impressed upon them.
"These are impressive claims," said Meg. "But if this were true, then why did Mistral order Huntsmen to attack us all those years ago?"
"Each academy is responsible for protecting its home Kingdom. While generally we refrain from getting involved in wars, each Kingdom can field them if they deem it necessary. I cannot speak on behalf of what Haven's Headmaster believed at the time, but from my understanding, no Mistralian Huntsmen were actually fielded. Hunters perhaps? But not Huntsmen."
Meg didn't believe him.
"So you mean to tell us that the soldiers of Mistral killing us with ease were just that? Regular soldiers?" She was outraged.
"I said they wouldn't have been officially sanctioned Huntsmen belonging to Mistral. However, it is customary for them to hire mercenaries. Which can often include retired Huntsmen who no longer choose to remain neutral," he explained.
Kali didn't look impressed upon hearing that either. Meg was borderline fuming.
"I thought you said Huntsmen were selected according to criteria?"
"They are," he sighed. "Beacon has some of the strictest vetting of all the Kingdoms. We arguably produce the best Huntsmen next to Atlas as a result. Mistral is still its own Kingdom however, and coupled with their own culture and values? Well, I would assume their standards are more lax."
The two women glanced at each other, silently conveying a message he was not privy to.
"So, despite these grievances with Huntsmen, your people still wish to utilise them?" He asked.
"People want to become strong, Ozpin. But above all, they want their families and communities to be safe. While we hold security over our mainland, our settlements abroad are not as protected readily."
"And you believe having a Huntsman on hand would improve that?"
"Not only that," continued Kali. "But it would be more efficient for all of us if they were our own people trained in such a manner and standard as your Huntsmen."
"Well, I am afraid to say then that at this point in time it will not be possible. Huntsmen cannot espouse loyalty to any given regime. Only the people. There are too many risks at this point. Our Kingdom ties are not strong enough at this point that Vale as a whole would feel comfortable about essentially arming a foreign kingdom. Especially one that already wields a powerful force multiplier of its own," he countered, clearly referring to the Grimm Menagerie wielded. There was no disguising the sharp disapproval Ozpin harboured.
Kali spoke slowly and deliberately.
"As it stands, you've explained that Vale holds a shortage of Huntsmen."
Ozpin nodded. "I assume this is where your proposal comes into play then?"
She smiled. "Yes."
Meg took the lead.
"Menagerie would be willing to volunteer members to bolster your numbers of Huntsmen for training. They would even be yours to command for fighting the Grimm."
"And what assurances would I have that I would not be training a foreign army to only later defect and threaten us?"
"Menagerie is not a threat," retorted Kali, taking some offence at Ozpin's words. She would let it slide for the sake of this discussion. Ozpin was not to be dissuaded, however, and continued to press his point further.
"But that is how the people of Vale would see it. That is how our leaders would see it. And that is most certainly how our allies abroad would see it."
"But it would help relieve the pressure your Kingdom is facing, yes?" she countered.
Ozpin paused. She was being quite adamant about this.
"It would be of some help, yes," he finally admitted.
She smiled.
"Then it's simple, is it not? Menagerie can supply you with candidates to train, and you would receive the numbers you need. They would be ultimately yours to command for Grimm related matters."
He frowned.
"And what do you get out of this?"
Meg smirked.
"We would expect some of these new Huntsmen to be deployed to protect our territory from wild Grimm."
Ozpin sighed. That was part of the reasoning, yes, but he saw what else they would get from this arrangement.
"I'm afraid I am not that desperate yet for Huntsmen. And I do still receive a decent selection of candidates as it is."
Kali smiled, and it was something that put him on edge. She had something up her sleeve. He could just tell from that look.
"We do have one other offer to sweeten the deal. We would permit representatives from Vale, of your choosing of course, to come to Menagerie."
Well. That was interesting. Four years and still no-one from the four Kingdoms had been permitted to set foot in Menagerie. All trade was done through external settlements that the faunus held. Namely land they had expatriated in Vacuo. Much to their chagrin. To offer a visit to their mainland, and thus a chance to learn more about them was a very tempting offer.
However, the price was too high for just a diplomatic visit and a chance to explore and map the new Kingdom out.
"Not only that. We would also permit your representatives the chance to see first-hand how we control our Grimm."
Now that was a very tempting carrot, he would admit. Oh, he was certain it would probably be a very sanitised version of the truth, but the reality was that Qrow hadn't even been able to get onto Menagerie, nor had the Atlas specialists James had promised. They hadn't even gotten pinpoint coordinates of where Menagerie was, though they could guess.
But to actually see how they controlled the Grimm was something new. This could be a rare opportunity.
However, he reminded himself that these were Grimm still at the end of the day.
"I would admit to being intrigued at the opportunity," he said slowly. Carefully.
"However, that would be dependent on the extent you would be willing to truthfully share with us."
"I see you're still interested in driving a hard bargain. Then how about this, instead? An exchange."
"I'm listening."
Kali continued.
"Instead of large selection of my people, my daughter, Blake, would attend your academy. She would learn your ways, and act as a representative of Menagerie. Viceroy Scarlatina's daughter Velvet would also make for an excellent representative on our behalf."
Meg nodded, and it took nought but a second for him to realise this wasn't a spur of the moment proposal. This was something that had been long agreed to.
"In exchange, we would permit your representatives to learn more about us, including our Wardens."
Yes. The Wardens. People that regulated the Grimm, if Ozpin remembered correctly.
"And how old are your daughters?" he asked eventually.
"Blake is 11. Velvet is 12," Meg stated bluntly.
"Huntsmen applications usually begin at 17. It is the legal age of consent and adulthood in Vale. It is the age at which military service is eligible. They would have to wait several years before I would even consider accepting them. Not to mention, there is also the matter of whether or not they would pass physical and mental requirements. Selection is very demanding and strict."
The two faunus did not take offense to his words, and he was left pondering over the potential deal.
Two applicants, versus hundreds of faunus who could switch loyalties. Even if these two didn't pass, the deal would mean he would potentially get access to information concerning what Menagerie was doing with the Grimm. At the very least a concrete location of the island itself.
And if they did pass? Well, he could always work on emphasising political neutrality, and the importance of their shared survival as a species against the Grimm. Should worse come to pass and they leave to train Menagerie, it would take years to field a competent army, let alone a sizeable one.
And then there was the method at which Huntsmen actually became Huntsmen. Something that very few knew about except those who became. Something he hadn't shared with these two, nor would.
"Your proposal has merit," he finally conceded. "However, I cannot agree to anything concrete at this point in time. However, I will make note of this offer and run it by my colleagues."
He didn't need to, and they both knew it. He was just stalling. Meg looked frustrated, but Kali looked entirely calm. Happy even.
"Of course, Headmaster. I will be staying only for a short while, but Meg will be acting as our point of contact with Vale."
So she was heading the embassy then. He would have to look more into what sort of woman she was then. He'd have to get Qrow to find out more about her later.
"I understand," he nodded. "It is a long journey I presume?"
Kali blew a breath through her mouth, the slight wind disrupting the bangs hanging low on her forehead.
"Like you would not believe. Still, it is a pleasant one."
"As was this conversation," he said.
After bidding the two farewell so they could retire to the embassy (he would have to attend the opening ceremony later), he sat back in his chair, swivelling to face the large window.
The city below him bustled with life, and he found himself stroking his chin slowly.
There was potential promise in their proposal. However, only time would tell if it was a worthwhile one. He had nothing inherently against Menagerie. Except for one thing.
The matter of the Grimm they seemed to control.
"This seems too much like a Grimm Whisperer situation," he muttered morosely.
Gods he hoped not. He still had no sufficient leads from the Bloody Market massacre all those years ago. It was like their mystery Grimm Whisperer and Rogue Arcanist up and vanished. And he didn't trust it one bit. They were still out there. Somewhere….
"Red! It's time we decided your future!" the bedpost shook as Ruby jolted upright with a panicked fright.
"Gah! Roman? Wha-?"
Roman loomed over the bed, his signature smirk in place, along with his cane tucked under his good arm.
"Now, I know you have many questions, but rest assured. If you place your trust and faith in me, you will ascend to greatness."
She was too tired for this. And unhappy. She had just been rudely awakened.
Rubbing her sleep-saturated eyes, she mustered the strongest glare she could at him. A yawn threatened to undo her threatening look however.
"You're a thief, Roman. You break the definition of trustworthy."
His smirk grew wider.
"I'm not a thief, Red. I'm the thief!"
He was a pain in her butt right now is what he was.
"Let me get back to sleep," she groused. "I'm tired."
"No time for that!" he hoisted her by her arm, and she let out an indignant squawk as he dragged her out of the room.
The cool morning air making contact with her skin had her turning more alert. And sour.
"Trust me, you're going to thank me later," he ignored her protests.
"At least let me get dressed!"
By some miracle he relented and permitted her just that. Once she was dressed in something warmer and more suited for public, she followed him out of the room and down the stairs of the building.
Neo was waiting down on the bar floor where DJ was quietly cleaning the counter.
There was only patron right now, and they were currently drunkenly sprawled out on the table, snoring softly. They paid him no heed as the trio exited the building.
"So, I've been thinking," began Roman, only to be elbowed by Neo. "We've been thinking, that it is time you decide on your career path going forward!"
By now the three of them had wandered down an alley. Roman was taking the lead, casually playing with his fedora hat.
"Career path?" Ruby dreaded to ask what hijinks she was about to be pulled into now.
"Exactly," he smirked, turning around to face her as he walked backwards. Neo shook her head in amusement.
"You see, you can't just keep loafing about. You'll end up dull and boring! What you need is to invest in a proper career. And here at Roman incorporated, yes that is a thing, I feel you would benefit from becoming a full member of our syndicate."
She gaped at him incredulously.
"Is this a recruitment pitch for some crazy heist?"
"Absolutely!" he had no shame about it either. Unfortunately, she was sceptical.
"Who are you robbing now?"
He turned around, his back to her as he swaggered forward with the confidence only he could display.
"Who are WE robbing you mean. And it's not a who, it's a what."
That didn't exactly make her feel more comfortable. Sure, she knew how to pickpocket, and she held less qualms about doing so. But even still, being a blatant criminal was still wrong.
Hesitantly, she decided to ask.
"What are we robbing?"
"A Dust shipment," he casually dropped like it wasn't anything special.
She did a spittake, eyes going wide.
"A Dust shipment? Like, as in the Schnee?!"
"Yup," he popped the p. "The very ones actually."
"Roman, that's not a small undertaking. There will be tonnes of security there, and if you get caught, who knows what they'll do to you!"
The Schnees were renowned throughout all of the Kingdoms as being the largest supplier of Dust to all. Even paupers and street rats knew the name.
Roman shrugged nonchalantly. "It will be fine, Red. I've got everything sorted and covered."
She glowered at him. Fine? This was Roman for the Brother Gods sake!
"Roman, the last time you said that I was kidnapped by that guy Carter and traded to crazy cultists, all because you robbed his men!"
"Bad luck," he dismissed.
"You lost your hand the time before that because you robbed a Hunter Garrison."
"Bad luck again," he countered.
"Do you have any good luck?!" She kept her glower up, and he stopped, letting loose a sigh.
"Look, kid, you can't let one little accident or setback discourage you."
"It wasn't one!" she exclaimed. Even Neo nodded along, conceding that she had a point. Roman felt his right eye twitch.
"Look," he rested his good hand on her shoulder. "My point is sometimes things happen, but we've got to keep pushing forward. Now, buckle up will ya? The docks are still a fair walk away and we've got to be there in time before they decide to unload the shipment."
"And why is it I am needed? You never really take me along for your heists." It was true. Sure, Roman taught her tricks here and there and let her hang out with him and Neo, but as far as his thieving he usually left her behind. She partly suspected that was through Hei's intervention.
"Well, you see, in order for this particular plan to succeed, it requires someone small to fit through an airship vent."
Ruby stared at him deadpan. "Did you just call me small?"
"Red, you're a literal kid," he returned with his own deadpan look.
"But you've got Neo for that? She's small," Ruby ever so helpfully pointed out. That was the wrong thing to say as Neo shot her a murderous critical look, and Ruby suddenly found herself interested in not meeting her eyes. Or general direction and vicinity. Even Roman looked nervous at that comment.
"Um… I figured you would like some work experience…?"
"Hei doesn't want me taking on heists with you I'm pretty sure," she countered.
Roman sighed in defeat. "Ugh. Tell you what. Your birthday is in a couple of weeks. I'll help you get outfitted with your own personal weapon. How's that sound?"
Her eyes sparkled. Hei would probably flip, but who cared. She'd get her own personal weapon!
"Deal!"
Roman let a single bark of laughter go. "Glad we could come to an accord. Now. Off to rob a Schnee!"
If the meeting had left him uncertain and consternated, then the very next day saw a change in Ozpin's mood for the worse.
When Glynda arrived at his office, bearing a cup of coffee, she found the Headmaster scowling at something on his desk.
As she approached, the cause for his irritation soon became clear.
On the desk was the latest newspaper detailing the most notable news, announcements and events.
Plastered on the front page, in dark bold letters read:
BEACON HEADMASTER BEHIND MURDER OF FORMER COUNCILLOR AFTER PUSHING FOR HIS UNFAIR DISMISSAL!
On the next page was another headline.
CALLS FOR INQUIRY INTO BLATANT CORRUPTION OF HUNTSMEN ACADEMY!
Ozpin stared at the newspapers with cold eyes, devoid of any life. Glynda watched him with trepidation.
"Sir…?"
"Glynda."
She stiffened when he spoke to her. He no longer carried the light and relaxed, fatherly tone he normally espoused. It was gone. Replaced with a cold, calculating voice that demanded obedience.
"Fetch me Nicholas Arc and Qrow. And then inform his Majesty I wish to hold an emergency session in the council chambers."
"What time should I tell him?"
He looked out the window, down into the city bustling with life.
"Now."
This farce had gone on long enough….
Welp. These first couple of chapters were meant to be slow and more day to day stuff for Ruby. Kind of to show what she does and how she is sort of growing and expanding her horizons as she ages.
She reads a bit. She's interested in sparring and learning to get strong. She's taking lessons on shooting behind Hei's back. She can do pickpocketing and is now off to learn proper heisting with Roman.
All in all, these skills will prove invaluable for our little Ruby as she comes into canon age, which will be much sooner than you think ;)
Next chapter onwards, this train-ride of a story is gonna start powering on full steam ahead.