AN: And here it is, the next chapter. A few days off of work meant that I was able post this rather quickly. Hard to start this chapter, but once I did it just kept rolling! That's probably why this one is over 8k words long.

Now, I have gotten a couple DMs talking about possibly helping to support me financially. Firstly let me make it clear, in no way shape or form will your decision to do so have an impact on how often I'm able to post (Unless somehow all 200 of you who followed this decide to donate), but given the requests I have made an account on that one specific site that Fanfiction does not like people saying.

If you wish to donate, I truly am grateful. There is only one tier, for 5 a month, and it won't get you anything either. Maybe eventually I'll change it so you get chapters early, but don't hold your breath. Anyways, I'm under the name Chronicler Sionnach on there as well, so it shouldn't be too hard to find me. More about it at the end, before the review responses. On with the story!

The Huntress—Professor Glynda Goodwitch as Ruby would come to learn—arched an eyebrow, her expression a mix of disbelief and mild irritation. "Young lady," she began, her tone clipped, "this is not the time nor the place for such requests."

Ruby's cheeks flushed a light pink. "Oh, right. Sorry," she mumbled, her enthusiasm dampened slightly. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious under Glynda's scrutinizing gaze.

Glynda sighed softly, adjusting her riding crop with a practiced motion. "What you did tonight was incredibly reckless," she stated, her eyes narrowing. "You put yourself and others in danger by engaging with that criminal."

Glynda's stern gaze softened just a fraction, her lips pressing together in a thin line as she absorbed Ruby's earnest words. "While your intentions may have been noble, young lady, that doesn't change the fact that you acted recklessly and put yourself—and others—in danger." Her tone was measured but unyielding.

Ruby felt her cheeks flush slightly under the Huntress's scrutiny. She shifted her weight, looking down at her boots. "I'm sorry… I just thought it was the right thing to do," she mumbled, her voice wavering slightly. "I couldn't let him hurt the shopkeeper."

Glynda's expression remained stern, though her eyes held a hint of understanding. "You may have noble intentions, but situations like this one require training, caution, and discipline." She adjusted her glasses, her voice gaining a slight edge. "Charging into a battle against armed criminals is not something to be taken lightly."

Ruby's fingers brushed against Crescent Rose at her side, a quiet determination settling over her as she glanced back up at Glynda. "I know it was dangerous, but I've been training really hard. I know I can handle myself."

Glynda eyed her for a moment longer, assessing her resolve. "Perhaps," she finally allowed, "but even those with skill must know when to act and when to exercise caution. Your bravery is commendable, but your lack of judgment could have had serious consequences. Now, come with me. I'll need to have you make a statement with the police."

As they walked down the steps from the rooftop and began making their way through the quiet streets, Ruby couldn't help feeling a mix of both pride and frustration. She had helped stop a robbery, but Glynda's words echoed in her mind. Did I really do something wrong?

Feeling the weight of Glynda's silent presence beside her, Ruby reached into her pocket and carefully pulled out her Scroll. Keeping her movements discreet, she typed out a quick message with one hand before sending it, hoping her sister would see it soon.

As they walked through the quiet streets, Glynda glanced over at Ruby, her expression a mixture of sternness and curiosity. "I don't believe I caught your name," she said, her tone formal.

"Oh! It's Ruby. Ruby Rose." She flashed a small, somewhat nervous smile. "Nice to meet you…?"

Glynda nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "Glynda Goodwitch. I assume, from your weapon, you're a student at one of the academies?" Her gaze flicked briefly to Crescent Rose at Ruby's side, the faintest hint of interest showing through her otherwise steely demeanor.

"Sort of," Ruby said, glancing down at Crescent Rose with a fond smile. "I'm actually still a second-year at Signal Academy." She puffed up a little, clearly proud. "But I built Crescent Rose myself, and I train almost every day. My sister, Yang, is applying for Beacon this year, so we've been working together a lot."

"Signal Academy, you say?" Glynda raised an eyebrow, appraising her a little more closely. "And how old are you, Miss Rose?"

"Fifteen," Ruby answered, a bit shyly.

Glynda's expression remained impassive, but Ruby thought she saw a brief flicker of surprise. "You seem remarkably... skilled for your age," Glynda commented. Her tone softened, though only slightly. "And I must say, Crescent Rose is an impressive piece of work."

"Thanks!" Ruby brightened, her enthusiasm shining through. "I've put a lot into it. But… I'm still learning, obviously." She laughed a little, scratching the back of her head. "Tonight was a lot."

"Indeed." Glynda's gaze was sharp, though not unkind. "You'll have to give a full account of what happened with Roman Torchwick. A skilled and dangerous criminal who's managed to evade capture for quite some time, I might add."

Ruby felt a slight flush of pride mixed with apprehension. "I'll do my best to explain everything," she said, nodding.

As they walked up the steps to the police station, Glynda gave her a final, assessing look. "Very well, Miss Rose. Let's get this sorted out."

They stepped into the police station, the bright fluorescent lights casting a stark contrast to the dim streets outside. Glynda directed Ruby to a small waiting area just inside the door.

"Wait here," Glynda instructed, her tone firm. "I'll see to the necessary arrangements."

Ruby nodded and took a seat, Crescent Rose leaning against her knee. As she waited, she observed Glynda stride over to the front desk, where an officer on duty looked up at her with a faintly disgruntled expression. Ruby couldn't hear their exchange, but she saw the officer gesture toward the back of the station with a sigh, as though mildly annoyed to have more paperwork added to his night.

After a few moments of terse conversation, Glynda gestured for Ruby to follow. "Come with me, Miss Rose," she said briskly, leading her down a narrow hallway and into a small, sparse interrogation room. The walls were bare, save for a small window in the door, and the room had a plain table with two metal chairs facing each other.

"Take a seat," Glynda instructed, gesturing to the chair across from her as she closed the door behind them.

Ruby did as instructed, glancing around the room before settling into her chair. The atmosphere was tense, and she clasped her hands in her lap to steady herself, feeling the weight of Glynda's sharp gaze across the table.

Glynda placed a Scroll on the table, set it to record, and folded her hands. "Alright, Miss Rose. I'll need you to recount the events of this evening in detail. Please begin from the start."

Ruby took a steadying breath and started her account. "I came to Vale because I needed a few things—mostly Dust rounds for Crescent Rose and a gift for my sister, Yang." She glanced at Crescent Rose resting by her side. "I don't usually come here alone, but it's Yang's birthday tomorrow, and I wanted to surprise her."

Glynda nodded, her face impassive. "So you were alone, in Vale, after dark," she clarified, her tone cool. "At a Dust shop?"

"Yeah," Ruby replied, her voice faltering slightly under Glynda's stern gaze. "I needed to replace some rounds I used up during training, and I knew the shop would have what I needed. It's a good shop. I've been there a couple of times with Yang before, so I knew they'd have what I was looking for."

Glynda's expression didn't change, but she continued jotting down notes. "And then?"

"Well, I was in the back looking at some magazines," Ruby explained, "when I heard them come in. They didn't sound… normal. I mean, it wasn't like any other customer I'd heard. I looked around the corner, and I saw them—a group of guys in suits and some creepy guy with orange hair."

"Roman Torchwick," Glynda interjected.

"Right," Ruby nodded, "Torchwick. I didn't know who he was at the time, I figured it out later, but he had one of his goons pointing a gun at the shopkeeper." Ruby's voice hardened slightly. "I knew I couldn't just stand by and let them rob the place."

"So you chose to confront them," Glynda stated, her tone coolly neutral. "Despite the fact that you weren't being targeted yourself."

"Well, yeah!" Ruby said, a spark of defiance in her voice. "They were threatening the shopkeeper. I wasn't going to let them hurt him!"

Glynda tilted her head, regarding Ruby with a look of detached appraisal. "Did it occur to you, Miss Rose, that your intervention could have escalated the situation? That it might have been safer for everyone if you had simply let things play out?"

Ruby's fists clenched in her lap, her cheeks flushing with indignation. "How could I just let them do whatever they wanted? They had guns pointed at him—at an innocent person! I couldn't just sit there and do nothing!"

"Perhaps," Glynda replied, her tone unyielding, "but your choice to act without considering the full consequences was rash and dangerous. This was a Dust shop, Miss Rose. Do you understand the kind of volatile environment you entered when you engaged in combat there?"

Ruby's mouth opened, but no immediate answer came to mind. She felt a pit form in her stomach as the full weight of Glynda's words sank in. "I… I didn't think about that," she admitted, her voice quieter now.

Glynda's expression hardened. "A single spark, a stray bullet, or even a small misfire from that scythe of yours, and you could have triggered an explosion that would have destroyed a large part of the block," she said sharply. "Dust is highly unstable, Miss Rose. Engaging in a confrontation there was not only risky for you but for every single person in the vicinity."

Ruby looked down at her hands, the flush of excitement from the battle now turning into a hot pang of guilt. She hadn't considered that aspect at all; she'd been too focused on the immediate danger in front of her. To her, doing nothing hadn't been an option, but now it felt like she might have acted recklessly.

She met Glynda's eyes again, feeling a touch of anger return, though this time it was tinged with remorse. "I just… I didn't want to let anyone get hurt."

"And that's commendable," Glynda replied, though her tone was still as firm as before. "But bravery without caution leads to disaster. You can't throw yourself into situations without fully understanding the risks, especially when there are others' lives at stake."

Ruby swallowed, the weight of her actions settling heavily on her shoulders. She wanted to push back, to defend herself, but Glynda's words were hitting too close to the truth. Ruby had acted with her heart, not her head, and now she was starting to realize the consequences of that decision.

"I… I didn't think about all of that," she said, voice barely above a whisper.

"That much is clear," Glynda replied, not unkindly but with a tone that left no room for misinterpretation.

Ruby took a steadying breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "When I first confronted them, I told them to leave the shop. I didn't want to give them a chance to do anything to the shopkeeper."

Glynda nodded, her pen poised. "And how did the shopkeeper respond?"

Ruby blinked, realizing she hadn't really paid attention to him after the initial shock of seeing the gun pointed his way. "Uh… I don't actually know. I was focused on Torchwick and his goons." She winced a little, realizing that maybe she should have been paying more attention to the people around her. "I just… I was worried about stopping them."

Glynda jotted a note and gave Ruby a disapproving look, though she let her continue.

"So… then I just kind of jumped into it," Ruby admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "One of the goons lunged at me, so I swung Crescent Rose and knocked him back. And once they realized I wasn't backing down, things got intense. They kept coming at me, so I kept fighting." She hesitated, watching Glynda's pen scratch across the paper as the professor took detailed notes.

Glynda paused to glance up at her. "And Roman Torchwick? What was he doing during all this?"

"He just... watched at first," Ruby said, frowning as she remembered the way Torchwick had lounged casually near the door, his eyes flicking between her and his goons as if he were simply observing a mildly interesting show. "Then, when it was clear I wasn't letting them rob the place, he pulled back to the door. He didn't seem very interested in fighting me himself, not at first."

A faint smirk tugged at Glynda's lips as she muttered, "At least one person in that room had common sense."

Ruby bristled slightly, feeling her cheeks flush. "I just thought he was trying to get away with what he could," she said defensively. "But when I saw him going for the door, I figured he was planning to run. That's when I followed him outside to the rooftop."

"And that's where you escalated things," Glynda said, her eyes narrowing. "You left the safety of the shop and followed him onto open ground."

"Yes," Ruby admitted, her voice steady. "Because he wasn't going to get away with hurting people." She felt her own resolve strengthening as she spoke. "If he thought I was going to just let him escape, he was wrong."

Glynda's expression remained stony, her eyes never leaving Ruby's as she pressed on. "And how did Torchwick manage to escape from you?"

Ruby pursed her lips, remembering the way Torchwick had swung himself up and away with ease. "He used his cane," she replied. "It's… well, it's a grappling hook. He shot it up and used it to get to the top of a building nearby."

Glynda raised an eyebrow. "A grappling hook, you say?"

"Yeah." Ruby nodded, a slight frown crossing her face. "He was really fast with it, too. He made it look easy."

"And yet," Glynda said slowly, watching Ruby carefully, "you managed to follow him onto that rooftop."

Ruby hesitated, doing her best to keep her expression neutral as she recalled how she had actually leaped up to the rooftop with the Force guiding her. But she couldn't exactly mention that. While Vader had never said it was exactly a secret, he did mention that almost nobody knew about the Force. A small part of her agreed that staying silent about it for a little longer would help her. So she offered the next best explanation.

"Well… I don't have a grappling hook or anything like that," she said, keeping her tone casual, "but, uh, Crescent Rose has a lot of recoil when I fire it. Since I'm kind of small and light, I can use that recoil to boost myself. So I, um… I shot Crescent Rose at the ground to propel myself upward."

Glynda's eyes narrowed slightly, as if assessing whether to believe her. "You mean to say that you used the recoil of your weapon to launch yourself onto a rooftop?"

Ruby nodded enthusiastically, trying to look as sincere as possible. "Yeah! It sounds a little strange, but it works. I've used it in training before."

Glynda's pen tapped lightly against the paper, her gaze fixed on Ruby with a slight frown. "Creative, if a bit unorthodox," she murmured eventually, clearly skeptical but unable to find a reason to challenge Ruby's explanation directly. "And once you were on the rooftop, you continued to engage him?"

Ruby continued recounting her story, her voice growing more animated. "So, I was keeping up with Torchwick on the rooftop, and that's when this… airship, a Bullhead, showed up out of nowhere. He must've had it waiting for him, because—"

Glynda raised her hand, halting Ruby mid-sentence. "Miss Rose," she said, her tone colder than before, "do you realize the magnitude of the mistake you made in that moment?"

Ruby blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean? He was escaping—"

Glynda's eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "When that Bullhead appeared, you should have stopped pursuing him immediately. There was no realistic way for you to take on a fully armed transport vehicle on your own. You should have let him escape and retreated to a safe distance."

Ruby felt her stomach twist in protest. "But I couldn't just let him get away! He was trying to hurt people—"

"Enough," Glynda cut in, her voice stern. "Miss Rose, I'm asking you this plainly: do you truly believe that your Aura—strong though it may be for your age—could stop a heavy machine gun mounted on a Bullhead?"

Ruby opened her mouth, trying to come up with a retort, but the words faltered. Glynda's gaze remained unyielding.

"That gun," Glynda continued, her voice low but forceful, "would have torn you apart. Aura is powerful, but it has limits. A single round from that weapon would have opened a wound too large for your Aura to repair before you bled out."

Ruby's eyes widened, a cold realization settling over her. She hadn't considered it—she'd been so focused on stopping Torchwick that she hadn't thought about the true danger she'd been facing.

"There is a reason those weapons were used in wars between the kingdoms before the Vytal Festival was established," Glynda continued, her tone hard. "They were designed to tear through armor, defenses, and, yes, Aura. The very fact that you continued to engage without considering this threat shows a disregard for your own safety and an underestimation of the enemy you faced."

Ruby looked down, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. "I… I didn't think of it that way," she whispered, feeling a mixture of shame and frustration.

"Evidently not," Glynda replied, her voice unrelenting.

Glynda, seeing Ruby's hesitation, cleared her throat and leaned forward slightly. "Please continue, Miss Rose."

Ruby took a deep breath, trying to focus on the rest of the encounter. "I… I kept moving so that Torchwick was between me and the Bullhead at all times. That way, they couldn't shoot without hitting him. It seemed to be working, and I got in close to keep him from escaping, but then… he tripped me. Knocked Crescent Rose right out of my hand."

Ruby's hands balled into fists as she remembered the moment, her frustration and adrenaline flooding back. "That gave him enough time to use his grappling hook to get up into the Bullhead. I saw him pull something out—one of those Dust crystals—and he threw it at me."

She paused, her mind racing to avoid mentioning how she'd used the Force to catch and throw the crystal back. It had been instinctual, a last-ditch effort to defend herself, but she knew Vader wouldn't want her to reveal that part of her training so openly.

Glynda, noticing her pause, seemed to misinterpret the silence. Her voice softened, just a fraction. "It's natural to feel scared in a moment like that, Miss Rose. That was the third exceptionally dangerous situation you put yourself in tonight. Do not mistake your survival for a guarantee of safety."

Ruby opened her mouth, a protest forming, but Glynda continued.

"You were fortunate to have a telekinesis-based Semblance to catch and redirect that Dust crystal," she said. "If it had exploded beside you, the result would have been devastating." Glynda's gaze hardened, though her tone held a hint of relief. "I was just moments too slow getting up to the rooftop to stop the blast myself, so your survival was very much in your own hands at that point."

Ruby felt her heart sink slightly. She thinks my Semblance is telekinesis, she realized, not daring to correct her. The truth was far more complicated, and she wasn't about to reveal that secret now. Instead, she nodded.

"Thank you," she mumbled, her cheeks slightly flushed. She thought about how close that explosion had been and how, if she hadn't acted as quickly as she had, Glynda would have been right.

Glynda's Scroll chimed with a message, and she glanced down at it, her expression flickering with something between exasperation and resignation. With a deep sigh, she slipped the device back into her pocket and rose from her seat, beginning to pace in a slow, deliberate circle around the table, her heels clicking against the tiled floor.

She sighed again, louder this time, and stopped, crossing her arms as she looked down at Ruby. "I hope you realize, young lady, that your actions tonight will not be taken lightly," she said sternly. "You put yourself and others in great danger." Glynda's voice softened just a fraction, but her gaze remained stern. "If it were up to me, you'd be sent home… with a pat on the back…" She paused, letting the words sink in, before adding sharply, "...and a slap on the wrist!"

Ruby cringed slightly, feeling the weight of Glynda's words. She had known that her choices tonight had been risky, but hearing it laid out like this made it feel even more real. She wasn't used to being scolded by someone as authoritative as Glynda, and it stung more than she'd expected.

Glynda's gaze softened, and she inclined her head slightly toward the door. "However… there is somebody here who would like to meet you."

The door opened, and a tall man with silver hair and a gentle, composed smile entered the room, holding a small plate piled with chocolate chip cookies and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Ruby's eyes widened slightly, her gaze shifting between the treats and the man himself, feeling a sudden sense of both excitement and confusion.

"Ruby Rose," he greeted, his voice calm and soothing.

"Uh… yes?" Ruby replied, sitting up a little straighter.

The man leaned down slightly, studying her with an intensity that was almost unnerving. "You…" he said softly, "have silver eyes."

"Um…" Ruby managed, looking uncertain as she glanced down at the cookie in her hand. She could feel the man's gaze on her, studying her closely, but she wasn't sure why.

The man seemed to pick up on her hesitation and shifted his focus. With a subtle nod to Glynda, he gestured to the Scroll in her hand, where she was playing back a recording of the security footage from the Dust shop. The screen showed Ruby moving deftly through the shop, weaving between the thugs with a grace and precision that seemed well beyond her years.

"Where did you learn to fight like that, Miss Rose?" He asked, his voice mild yet probing.

Ruby glanced at the footage, her heart skipping a beat. She knew her fighting style had changed over the past month thanks to Vader's intense training, but she wasn't ready to mention him just yet. "Well, um… Signal Academy," she answered, her tone a little too quick. She forced a casual smile, trying to keep her voice steady.

His eyebrows raised slightly, and he gave a slight, knowing tilt of his head. "Signal Academy?" he echoed, his tone polite but clearly questioning. "I wasn't aware Signal trained its students to wield one of the most dangerous weapons ever designed."

"Oh, well… not exactly," Ruby admitted, scratching the back of her head. "I mean, they taught me the basics, but I had some… extra help learning how to use Crescent Rose." She hesitated, then added, "My uncle Qrow is actually the one who taught me how to use it properly."

A glimmer of understanding crossed his face, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, I see. Qrow Branwen," he murmured, as if the name carried a particular weight.

Ruby felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had half-expected them to question her dodging, which had grown sharper and more instinctual thanks to her training with Vader. It seemed, however, that their attention was more on Crescent Rose itself.

Glynda watched Ruby closely, her expression impassive, but the man merely smiled. "It's a unique weapon, to be sure," he said. "And you wield it impressively for someone of your age. But tell me, why does someone so young put themselves in harm's way like you did tonight?"

Ruby took a deep breath, steeling herself before answering. "Because… because I couldn't just stand by and do nothing," she said, meeting his gaze with earnest conviction. "People were in danger, and… I want to help people. I want to make a difference."

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze thoughtful. "If your goal is simply to make a difference, you could join the police force, Miss Rose," he pointed out, his tone calm but pointed. "Instead, you're enrolled at Signal Academy—a school designed not just to train people in public service, but to turn them into warriors."

Ruby shifted in her seat, gripping her cookie a bit tighter. "Well… that's because I don't just want to make a difference. I want to be a Huntress," she said firmly, meeting the man's eyes with her own unwavering gaze.

"A Huntress…" He repeated, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "And by that, you mean that you want to slay monsters?"

Ruby nodded eagerly. "Yes. That's exactly what I mean. I only have two more years at Signal before I can apply to Beacon, and that's the plan. My sister Yang—she's starting at Beacon this year. We're both working hard to become Huntresses."

His eyes glinted with a mixture of interest and amusement. "So, you and your sister are following the same path."

"Yeah," Ruby said, her voice full of pride. "She's amazing, and she's always been there for me. We both want to protect people—to be the kind of heroes we've always looked up to. So, yeah… we both want to be Huntresses."

He regarded her with an amused smile. "Do you know who I am, Miss Rose?"

Ruby straightened a bit, a small smile breaking through her nerves. "You're Professor Ozpin. The headmaster at Beacon Academy."

Ozpin's smile widened just slightly, a glimmer of pride in his gaze. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Professor," Ruby replied, her excitement tempered by a slight nervousness, but her enthusiasm was clear.

Ozpin leaned forward, watching her intently. "So… you wish to go to my school?"

Just as Ruby opened her mouth to answer, a sudden, oppressive feeling crashed into her senses. It was a wave of dark, seething emotions, sharp and focused like the edge of a blade. The sheer force of it felt like a physical weight pressing down on her chest, and she flinched involuntarily, her heart skipping a beat. The feeling was unmistakable—raw, cold, and utterly unyielding.

The door swung open.

Vader had arrived.

Yang was lounging on her bed, scrolling through her Scroll when Ruby's text came in, and she nearly dropped it at the message.

"Yang, don't freak out, but I'm being taken to the police station… was involved in stopping a robbery. Please, can you go get Vader instead of Dad? He would just worry. I'm fine, just need you to tell Vader."

Yang felt her blood run cold, her initial shock giving way to a flash of irritation. Don't freak out? she thought, clenching her Scroll tightly. Ruby, her little sister, was somehow mixed up with the police because she had stopped a robbery—and she wanted Yang to go and fetch Vader of all people?

"No way," Yang muttered, narrowing her eyes. She didn't trust Vader one bit. He was a cold, strange man with an aura that practically screamed danger. Ruby might trust him, but Yang had seen the way he looked at the world around him: as if he was weighing every soul he saw, calculating every movement, every threat. And she certainly hadn't forgotten how he had threatened her.

And now Ruby wanted him to be the one to know what had happened?

Yang scoffed and swung her legs off the bed, quickly pulling on her jacket. It didn't matter what Ruby said—if she was in trouble, then Dad was the one who needed to know. They could deal with Vader later if it came to that, but right now, she was focused on finding Taiyang and getting to her sister.

She headed downstairs with her Scroll clutched tightly in her hand. The house was quiet, the stillness of the late evening stretching through the halls, and Yang's footsteps echoed as she made her way out into the cool night air.

The town was mostly dark, save for a few glowing street lamps that illuminated her path. She walked with purpose, her mind buzzing with a mix of anger, worry, and frustration. Ruby's always been a bit reckless, she thought, picking up her pace as she turned onto the main road that would lead her into town. But to end up in a situation like this… and to want Vader's help?

She forced herself to focus on her immediate goal: finding Taiyang. He'd gone out earlier to talk with Zaff, the blacksmith, about some repairs, and knowing how late he sometimes got caught up with work, she figured he'd still be there.

Yang pushed herself harder as she neared the blacksmith's shop, her breath coming in quick, shallow bursts. She finally slowed, feeling a little out of breath as she reached the door, pushing it open and stepping into the warm, metal-scented interior.

Inside, Taiyang stood near the forge, deep in conversation with Zaff, who was holding a chunk of metal, examining its shine. Next to them, Vader stood, holding up a sheet of a strange, shiny material that seemed to catch the light in an unnatural way.

Taiyang looked up as she entered, his brows furrowing. "Yang?" he asked, immediately picking up on her anxious expression. "What's going on?"

Yang hesitated, glancing at Vader, then at Zaff, feeling the weight of her reluctance pressing down on her. She hadn't wanted to say it here, especially in front of Vader, but her father's gaze was intent, waiting for an answer.

Taking a deep breath, she finally said, "It's… Ruby. She was involved in stopping a robbery in Vale, and the police are taking her in to get a statement."

Taiyang's eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in concern. "She what? How did she…?" He paused, his expression turning from worry to exasperation. "I can't believe she—"

Vader's voice cut through the air. "How far away is Vale from here?"

Yang's gaze snapped to him, her unease growing as she met his cold, calculating eyes. Taiyang turned toward him, his jaw set in a hard line. "Why do you care? You don't even know my daughter."

Vader raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Your daughter, Ruby Rose?"

"Yes," Taiyang replied, a note of impatience creeping into his voice.

Vader's gaze sharpened, and he lowered the metal sheet, his tone unwavering. "Then, I assure you, I do know her. Ruby and I have been meeting for the past month. She's been under my instruction in combat."

Taiyang's eyes widened, anger flashing across his face. "You've been what?"

Vader's tone remained steady, his words deliberate. "Ruby encountered me by chance. She warned me of a Grimm moments before it attacked, a creature I then dispatched. Afterward, she began to hang around, observing as I worked on creating the process that yielded the durasteel ingots." He glanced at Zaff, nodding toward the sheet of metal. "It appears she was curious—interested in the mechanics of what I was building."

Taiyang's expression was a mix of confusion and anger, but he remained silent as Vader continued.

"Over time," Vader said, "I noticed her weapon—a unique design, to say the least—and I offered to train her in combat." He paused, watching Taiyang's reaction closely. "She accepted, and for the past month, she has been under my instruction. I assumed she had informed you about our training. Yang should at least be able to confirm her… comings and goings."

Yang shifted uncomfortably, her gaze flicking between her father and Vader. "I… yeah, Ruby mentioned she'd been meeting with him," she said reluctantly. "But she didn't say anything about combat training. I thought he was just helping her with Crescent Rose… you know, mechanics, design stuff—not actually teaching her to fight."

Taiyang clenched his fists, clearly struggling to keep his frustration in check. "So you've been meeting my daughter in secret, training her—"

"There was no 'secret' about it," Vader interjected calmly, his voice unwavering. "She made her own choice to attend, and I was under the impression her family was aware of her activities."

Taiyang's face tightened as he processed Vader's words, clearly torn between his parental instincts and Ruby's own choices. "And you just assumed that was enough?"

Vader's gaze remained steady as he addressed Taiyang. "It is not my responsibility to police your daughter's life," he stated coldly. "That is the job of her father, not of her instructor. I neither control the choices she makes nor am I privy to her reasoning. Regardless, my apprentice appears to be in need of assistance and was involved in stopping a robbery. Is this truly the time for a confrontation?" He met Taiyang's eyes with an unyielding expression. "Ruby likely needs us there."

Taiyang's shoulders sagged slightly, though a reluctant understanding flickered across his face. He let out a sigh, then turned to Zaff. "Thanks for everything, Zaff. We'll pick this up another time," he said, offering a quick nod.

Zaff waved a hand dismissively. "Take care of your kid, Taiyang. That's what matters." He cast a wary glance toward Vader before returning his attention to the forge.

Outside, Taiyang led the way down the dimly lit street, moving with purpose. "Since I'm a licensed Huntsman," he explained briskly, "I should be able to charter a boat to Vale even this late. And a fast one at that." He glanced at Vader, sizing him up. "This way."

The boat ride to Vale was swift and quiet, the night air cool and filled with the soft, rhythmic churning of the water beneath them. Vader kept his gaze fixed forward, his mind focused yet unsettled. While he was accustomed to honing in on specific goals, this situation was… different. He was going to assist his apprentice—not simply as an obligation, but with a strange, reluctant urgency that he barely acknowledged.

The moment they docked, he and Taiyang made their way to the police station. Vader noted Taiyang's tense demeanor and quick pace, though he said nothing, keeping his thoughts to himself as they entered the building.

Once inside, Taiyang approached the front desk, his voice steady but firm. "I need to see my daughter, Ruby Rose."

The officer at the desk barely looked up. "Sorry, but that won't be possible right now," he said in a clipped tone. "There's an investigation underway."

Taiyang's brow furrowed. "An investigation? She was stopping a robbery. Surely—"

The officer held up a hand, cutting Taiyang off with an air of practiced indifference. "Look, I don't care what she may have thought she was doing. The fact remains that there's considerable property damage to account for here, and this isn't a game. Kids like her shouldn't be out playing hero if they can't handle the consequences."

Taiyang clenched his jaw, visibly restraining himself. "She's not 'playing hero.' She's training to be a Huntress, and she was trying to help. Isn't that worth something?"

The officer raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. "Trying to help, huh? Sure, that's noble, but noble intentions don't fix broken windows or shattered concrete. It's easy to wave off the aftermath when it's not your responsibility."

Taiyang took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I think you're forgetting that she stopped a robbery. Isn't that what Huntsmen and Huntresses are supposed to do?"

The officer's smirk only widened, his tone turning mocking. "Maybe once she's an actual Huntress, she'll know better than to dive into a dangerous situation like that without thinking. If she's already breaking things and drawing trouble at this age, I'd hate to see what she'd do with a real license."

Taiyang's fists tightened. "She's fifteen, doing her best to protect people. That doesn't deserve this kind of treatment."

The officer leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "So you think just because she's young, she should get a free pass?"

"No, but I think her actions should at least be recognized instead of treated like a nuisance," Taiyang shot back, his voice rising.

The officer's tone grew more hostile, matching Taiyang's frustration. "Look, the law's the law, and even your aspiring Huntress can't just run around Vale causing a mess, no matter how well-intentioned she was. Maybe you should keep a closer eye on her, save us all the trouble."

Vader's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange, his own patience thinning. The officer's open disdain grated against him, each dismissive word fanning the irritation that simmered just beneath the surface.

Taiyang's voice was dangerously low now, each word tense with barely contained anger. "My daughter shouldn't be treated like a criminal for trying to do something right."

The officer shrugged, a look of thinly veiled disdain on his face. "Well, I'm sure she'll get off scot-free anyhow," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Seems that headmaster from Beacon is in there with her, taking a 'special interest.' He's probably already doing whatever he can to sweep this under the rug. Same old story—Beacon meddlers getting their talented kids out of whatever mess they get themselves into."

The officer leaned forward, his smirk growing even more smug. "Congratulations," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "looks like your little girl's going to come out of this without so much as a scratch. Helped cause all that damage, and she'll probably just get forced into that school of yours. They pull this kind of stunt often enough."

Taiyang's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "You're saying that like it's a bad thing she'd have the chance to go to Beacon."

The officer shrugged, feigning innocence. "Just saying it's convenient, that's all. A kid causes all that trouble, and instead of facing any consequences, she's given a golden ticket right into one of the top Huntsman academies. Can't say it's the first time we've seen Beacon 'intervene' on behalf of a promising little troublemaker." He shook his head with mock pity. "Must be nice, having someone like Ozpin clean up the messes, yeah?"

Taiyang's voice rose, his frustration barely contained. "You talk about it like she was some criminal instead of a kid who put herself on the line to protect others. She shouldn't be treated like she's done something wrong just because Beacon takes an interest!"

The officer smirked, unphased. "Like I said, must be nice. She breaks a few things, nearly blows the place up, and instead of facing any real consequences, she gets the grand prize—an invitation to a top Huntsman school. Why bother with rules when you've got powerful friends, right?"

Taiyang clenched his fists, opening his mouth to respond, but Vader was done listening. His anger flared, sharp and focused as he reached out in the Force, letting his connection seek out Ruby's presence. The officer's words echoed in his mind, a gnawing realization taking root: if Ruby was being offered a chance to join this school—her dream—then his apprentice was slipping from his grasp before he could guide her fully down the path he had planned.

The surge of anger fueled his power, strengthening the dark well within him as he stepped forward, his presence pressing against the room like a dark storm. His voice was low, but it carried an unmistakable threat. "Where is Ruby?"

The officer, who had been so smug a moment before, blanched, his mouth going dry as he looked up at Vader. The room seemed to close in, and the officer's confidence crumbled, terror seeping into his eyes. He pointed a shaky hand down the hallway, barely managing a squeak. "Th-third on the left…"

Without another word, Vader strode down the hallway, each step resonating with silent fury. He reached the indicated door, grasped the handle, and opened it.

As Vader stepped into the room, his gaze immediately fell on the man seated across from Ruby—a slender figure with silver hair and thin, round glasses, dressed in a dark suit. The man's expression was calm, almost serene, as he watched Vader with an air of quiet curiosity.

Beside him stood a stern-looking woman, blonde hair pulled back tightly into a precise bun, her glasses perched low on her nose as she regarded Vader with a disapproving frown, her mouth pressed into a thin, severe line. The woman's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly unimpressed by the sudden interruption.

But Vader's focus shifted past them, falling on Ruby. She sat at the table, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and something resembling fear, though he could see a flicker of relief in her expression, as if she was comforted by his presence despite the unease in her gaze. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, but her eyes darted from him to the other figures in the room, as if unsure what his arrival might bring.

Vader held her gaze for a long moment before stepping further into the room, each footfall echoing in the small, silent space. He circled the table with purpose, positioning himself at Ruby's side, his dark cloak sweeping behind him.

As the door swung shut behind Vader, the blonde woman moved briskly to lock it, only for a loud, insistent knock to echo from the other side. Her frown deepened, and with a huff of irritation, she pulled the door open, revealing Taiyang standing in the hallway, his expression a mixture of worry and anger.

His eyes immediately found Ruby's, softening slightly as he took her in, but before he could say a word, the woman stepped between him and the room, her expression severe. "Mr. Xiao Long, I'll have to ask you to wait outside," she said, her tone brooking no argument as she blocked his view.

"But—" Taiyang started, his gaze shifting to Ruby again.

"Now," she said sharply, pushing him back into the hallway with a firm hand on his shoulder. She stepped outside with him, closing the door firmly behind her, leaving Vader, Ruby, and the silver-haired man alone in the room once more.

Silence fell over the room, stretching long and tense. The silver-haired man kept his gaze locked on Vader, his eyes calm but undeniably curious, as though sizing up an unknown and formidable force. Ruby shifted slightly beside Vader, her eyes darting between the two men, sensing the weight in the air.

Finally, the man broke the silence, his voice measured and steady. "My name is Professor Ozpin," he said, inclining his head with a polite, if guarded, nod. "Headmaster of Beacon Academy." He paused, his gaze unwavering. "And you are…?"

Vader's gaze bore into Ozpin, unyielding and intense. "Vader. I am here in my role as adviser to my apprentice," he stated, his voice calm yet carrying a subtle edge that hinted at his displeasure.

Ozpin's eyebrows lifted a fraction, and he turned to Ruby, his expression questioning. Ruby shifted under his scrutiny, looking slightly uncomfortable as she gave a small nod. "Yes… um, I've been getting combat training from him for the past month," she admitted, her tone laced with a mix of pride and hesitation.

Ozpin's gaze softened a little as he took in her response. "I see," he said thoughtfully, before looking back at Vader with a polite nod. "It makes sense, then, that you would wish to be here. I'd offer you a seat," he added, gesturing to the table with a faint smile, "but, as you can see, there are only two."

"I will stand," Vader replied smoothly, his voice flat as he crossed his arms.

Ozpin's faint smile didn't waver, though his attention turned back to Ruby. "Now, Ruby, I was just explaining that I'd like to offer you the opportunity to attend Beacon Academy."

A silence settled over the room as Vader's gaze narrowed slightly, his expression guarded. "As far as I am aware," he began, a deliberate tone threading through his words, "she still has two years left at her current academy before she would be eligible to apply."

Ozpin's smile remained polite, if a touch guarded. "I am aware," he replied calmly, folding his hands. "This would, of course, be an unusual offer for a student still two years from the standard age of application. But Ruby is… an unusual case."

Vader's eyes didn't waver from Ozpin's face. "Is it common, then," he continued, his voice carefully neutral, "for the headmaster of one of the top academies to extend an early invitation to a student involved in a robbery?"

Ozpin's polite smile faltered for just a fraction of a second under Vader's question, though his gaze remained steady. He carefully considered his response, keeping his tone composed. "There are, admittedly, exceptional circumstances that call for exceptions to the rules. Ruby is… an extraordinary case." He turned his attention to her, his eyes softening slightly. "She has a rare potential—one that is not often seen, and I believe she would thrive at Beacon. There, she could receive the support and guidance necessary to hone her talents."

Vader's eyes narrowed as he shifted his gaze from Ozpin to Ruby. She met his stare with an unmistakable eagerness, her expression betraying a mixture of excitement and hope that she could barely contain. He knew that if he forbade her from attending Beacon, it would only stoke resentment, creating a wedge between them that would hinder his influence.

And yet, the idea of letting her go—of losing the closeness that he had carefully cultivated over these past weeks—was unacceptable. Beacon would place her out of his reach, a significant obstacle to his intentions.

But a solution crystallized as he weighed his options.

"I can see that this is what you want," Vader said, his tone cool but controlled as he looked at Ruby. "Therefore, I will not stand in the way of your admission." A hint of relief flashed across Ruby's face, though her smile faltered when he added, "However, if you are to attend Beacon, then I will accompany you and continue my instruction."

Ozpin's face stilled, his smile fading into a frown. "Mr. Vader," he began slowly, his tone polite but resolute, "students are expected to live on campus independently. It is highly irregular for a… guardian to accompany them."

"I am not a guardian," Vader replied, his gaze fixed and uncompromising. "I am her instructor. I have already begun a course of training with Ruby that has proved effective in developing her combat skills." He tilted his head, studying Ozpin's reaction. "If she is to attend Beacon, I will require continued access to her as my apprentice."

Ozpin's frown deepened, a hint of frustration flickering in his eyes. "That would not be a simple matter. You see, Beacon Academy has specific protocols and restrictions around external trainers on campus. The only way to make that arrangement possible would be to assign you a role within the academy itself. An instructor's position." His gaze was wary, but it didn't waver.

"I have no interest in teaching every single student combat," Vader stated, his tone final.

Ozpin merely shrugged, spreading his hands. "Then you would have to teach something, Mr. Vader, if you wish to stay at Beacon. Even a single class for the students, once a week, would suffice. But to allow an external mentor without some formal role would simply be impossible."

Vader's gaze hardened, but he let silence stretch as he thought, his mind combing through the options. After a long pause, he finally spoke.

"I am skilled in the use of advanced technology," Vader replied, his voice low but controlled. "I can instruct on that subject."

"Really?" Ozpin replied, leaning forward slightly, his eyes alight with interest.

"Oh, yes!" Ruby interjected eagerly, her face lighting up. "He built this amazing machine out of old scraps! It can break down anything you put in it and turn it into something else, and he didn't even need a blueprint or instructions! He did it all with pieces from a literal scrapyard!"

Vader's gaze snapped to Ruby, a sharp glint in his eyes, his expression stern as she registered his disapproval.

Ozpin, however, didn't seem to notice the silent exchange. His eyes were fixed on Vader, his tone carrying a new layer of intrigue. "Now that is interesting," he mused. "We haven't had a dedicated instructor for advanced technology in quite some time. Many students don't realize how often Huntsmen and Huntresses interact with technology—whether it's making adjustments and repairs to their own equipment or understanding the technology they might encounter on missions."

Vader met Ozpin's gaze, holding back the irritation that simmered beneath his calm exterior. While the idea of teaching an entire class did not appeal to him, it would grant him proximity to his apprentice and, perhaps, another useful degree of control over her education.

Ozpin thought it over, tapping his fingers lightly against the table. Eventually, he nodded, his gaze settling on Vader. "I think that would be acceptable," he said, inclining his head. "However, I hope you can put together a lesson plan for me rather quickly, given that the entrance exam for Beacon is in two days."

"Acceptable." Vader said, his gaze remaining steady, watching Ozpin closely.

Ozpin continued, "If all goes as expected, I'll need your first class to begin no more than a week after that day. We'll have plenty of room to adjust as needed, but it is imperative that the students have a consistent and structured experience." He gave a brief, polite smile. "I trust you'll be prepared."

Vader gave a slow nod, his expression giving nothing away. The arrangement was not ideal, but it was acceptable—and would ensure that Ruby remained under his influence at Beacon.

Ozpin nodded, his expression thoughtful as he processed the arrangements. "Very well, I shall make the necessary arrangements to bring you on as an instructor," he said, a slight hint of satisfaction in his tone. "I will contact you with further details."

Vader inclined his head, his expression impassive. "I do not possess a Scroll," he stated, his voice flat.

Ozpin raised an eyebrow, then quickly adjusted his plan. "In that case, I'll ask that you accompany Ruby and the other candidates on the transport to Beacon for the entrance exam. Once there, you can come directly to my office to finalize the necessary paperwork."

Vader considered this for a moment before giving a single nod. "I accept."

Ozpin nodded in return, rising from his seat with a respectful yet inscrutable expression. "Then we'll see you both at Beacon."

With that, Ozpin turned and strode toward the door, his footsteps measured as he left the room, leaving Vader and Ruby alone in the quiet that followed.

AN: And that's a wrap for this chapter! Let me know what you all think about it and if you think you know how the story will go. I do so enjoy reading them, sometimes y'all even have good ideas!

Oh yeah, like the top AN said I have a Pat thing under the name Chronicler Sionnach, which I can't say the name of the website because Fanfiction is weird about that. Again, and I cannot stress this enough, choosing to donate gives you absolutely nothing atm. It's just a way for you to say you like what I'm doing enough that you think I deserve some money for it.

Review Responses for Chapter 11:

Hairypen:

"We've seen Ruby's progress, but has Vader also leveled up? Because, I imagine, that Vader would choke Torchwick the moment he opened his mouth. I don't know if Vader would be able to kill Cinder as he is now, but I believe she wouldn't escape the fight unscathed."

Vader has certainly been growing stronger over the past month of training with Ruby. It's a slow process, and he's not back to his full strength quite yet. Traveling through worlds is tough on the spirit, who woulda guessed? That being said, Vader could likely take down Torchwick rather easily. He might get surprised a couple of times, and if Neo was there it would be a lot more dangerous to him, but it wouldn't be much of a fight if she wasn't there. Cinder would be a lot more interesting.

Skyway920: "Please have General Ironwood be sensible in this and not some using a sledgehammer when you need a scalpel type like so many RWBY fan-fictions do. On that same note it'd be nice to have guardian/grandfather Ozpin instead of chess master Ozpin."

No worries, it makes no sense to me for Ironwood to be anything other than a man who has risen through the ranks using his wit and cunning. I highly disagree with what the later seasons did to his character, though I admit to still enjoying the seasons on the basis of "I cannot wait to see what happens and how the girls get out of this situation."

As for Oz, well, I've always seen him as sort of both the nice guardian man, and the chess master. He certainly cares for his students (Even if him allowing Juane to be thrown into the forest, easily a hundred feet or so below, without any Aura to save him would likely be considered a murder attempt), but he also has to think of the future and the fight that he is keeping up with the big bad. There is very little reason that after all those years he has dealt with it, he wouldn't attempt to manipulate people into where they can be used best, even if he truly cares about them.

Angrypotatoe: "Will we see any battle droids? Maybe some dead jedi who came back to life like Vader to make things interesting?"

While battle droids from the clone wars are rather unlikely all things considered, there is a distinct possibility of his own version of that. That would be much later on however. As for Jedi, that is a flat out no. Vader shall be the only thing from Star Wars that comes to this world, everything else from Star Wars will be something that he brought with him in the form of knowledge.

That's all for now everyone! See you soon!