Chapter Text
Ruby sighed as she enjoys the ride to Beacon.
And the reason for that is because she had gotten an urgent message from Oscar to come here.
“We’re here Ma’am.” The driver proclaimed as he lands the bullhead.
“Thanks.” She said gratefully.
Standing at the entrance, Ruby waited for the door to open before stepping out.
Ruby looked up at the newly built Beacon.
And she took a deep breath of nostalgia when she saw that it looked like it never had been destroyed and overtaken by Grimm.
And with that she walked forward.
However, as she walked, many students stopped and looked at her in awe.
Even began to whisper amongst themselves as they stared at the Huntress.
“That’s her, Ruby Rose.”
“She looks so young. I can’t believe she became a full fledge huntress at 16.”
“She’s kinda hot.”
Whomever said that got slapped across the head.
“She’s 16, you moron!”
Making her way to Ozpin’s or more correctly, Glynda’s office.
Once she made it, she was met with Glynda, Oscar, Penny, and Winter.
“Ruby!” Penny exclaimed as she ran over to Ruby and hugged her.
And since she’s not a robot anymore, Ruby didn’t fall to the floor or get crushed.
Smiling, Ruby pats her on the back.
“Good to see you Penny.”
Letting her go, the two girls walked forward.
“So, does anyone want to explain to me about what’s going on?”
Glynda was about to answer but suddenly the elevator dings.
Looking back, everyone watches as the rest of Team RWBY walks out.
“Hey Rubes.” Yang greeted.
Once she was close enough, she slings her arm over Ruby’s shoulders and brings her into a headlock.
Where she then ruffles her hair.
“Yang!” Ruby groaned and got out of her hold.
Yang chuckles in amusement.
Rolling her eyes, Ruby looks at Glynda. “You were saying?”
“Cinder Fall and Tyrian Callows are alive.” Glynda answered.
Team RWBY’s eyes widen in shock.
Especially since everyone was sure that both Tyrian and Cinder had died in an explosion that had totaled Salem’s castle to the ground.
And even if the explosion along with being buried under tons of rubble didn’t kill them.
The puddle of darkness that resides beneath Salem’s castle should have killed them.
“What? Are you sure?” Weiss questioned.
“Yes. But that’s not the only reason we brought you here.” Oscar stated.
“And that is?” Ruby pressed.
Winter takes a step forward and began to explain.
“Our intelligence tells us is that they’re searching for you all, including Oscar and Penny.”
Team RWBY looked at each other and were quite honestly not surprised by that.
“Not surprising. I mean we did play a part in Salem’s defeat.” Blake proclaimed.
“Yeah, but I can bet that Ruby, Oscar and Penny are on their top hit list.” Yang stated.
Weiss gives her a scolding look, “Yang!”
Ruby shrugs her shoulders, not taking offense to Yang’s statement.
“She’s not wrong.” She said in her sister’s defense.
“I mean Penny’s the Winter Maiden, Oscar is well…”
Ruby mulls over her choice of words before saying, “…He has Ozpin.”
“And those two loathe me with every fiber of their being for their own personal reasons.”
“And that’s why we’ve decided that it would be for the best if you went into hiding.” Winter stated.
Everything was silent as Team RWBY takes in what they just said.
Once they did, they just stared at them in disbelief.
Until Yang broke the silence by loudly saying, “What?! Why?”
“Because we don’t know where they are.” Winter stated.
“Even though there have been sightings of them every time we have an estimate.”
“They’re either long gone, or anyone assigned with their arrest either never returns and the ones that do are found dead.”
Ruby grits her teeth in annoyance and she wanted to say that she could handle Cinder and Tyrian.
But she knows that she might not stand a chance against the both of them at once.
Sighing in defeat, Ruby then asked, “And where exactly are you sending us?”
Team RWBY looked at Ruby in shock that she’s not putting up a fight.
And so was everyone else.
“That’s surprising, I thought you would’ve put up a fight.” Winter stated.
The huntress rolls her eyes and begins to explain her reason for giving in.
“That’s because I know how dangerous those two psychopaths could be if they were to fight together.”
“Tyrian is an obsessive sadistic psychopath who worked as Salem’s assassin. And is a damn good one.”
“Cinder on the other hand, is a manipulative, power-hungry, vindictive psychopath.”
“While they’re both different, they both are undeniably very strong and very dangerous.”
Ruby grimaced as she thinks about the possible bloodshed.
“And unfortunately, those two would be even more dangerous if they were to fight us together.”
Looking at each other Team WBY realized that their leader has a point.
“That’s a logical conclusion.” Winter commented.
“What about Team JNR, their just as much in danger as us?” Weiss asked.
“They’ve already been relocated. I’m having the Ace Ops take care of it.” Winter stated.
“So where exactly are you going to hide us?” Blake asked.
Oscar cleared his throat and stood tall like Ozpin with his staff in his hand.
“Given for the fact that we are more likely their top priority.”
“Ozpin has decided that all 6 of us will be traveling to a place that as far as anyone knows doesn’t exist.”
“Oh, is it like a secret bunker or house?” Yang asked.
“No. Girls, when you think about the borders of our entire continent, what do you believe is out there?”
“Grimm.” Weiss said like it was obvious.
“Everyone knows that the Grimm ravage the entire planet. Leaving Remnant, the only continent left.”
Sighing in realization, Yang pinches the bridge of her nose.
She then looks at Oscar with a bored look.
“Let me guess, that’s a lie?”
“Yes.”
“And is there a reason why we were to think otherwise?” The blonde asked.
“First and foremost, because of the relics. The creatures of Grim were naturally drawn to Remnant.”
“And second…there’s…a…” Oscar rubs the back of his hair awkwardly.
“…Magical barrier separating Remnant from the outside world.”
Removing one of his hands from his cane Oscar holds up the hand in surrender.
“And before you say anything, it wasn’t Ozpin that created it.”
Team RWBY looked at Oscar in confusion.
“Then who did?” Blake asked.
“The great and powerful Merlin. And yes, I mean king Arthur’s royal wizard Merlin.”
“KING ARTHUR IS REAL?!” Ruby said in awe.
She then laughs happily and looks at Yang, points at her and laughs in her face.
“HA! I told you!”
Yang rolled her eyes, “Yeah, yeah.”
She then clears her throat and changes the subject.
“Anyway, so Merlin created a barrier around her home?”
“Yes. And thankfully, he has supplied Oz with a way to get through it without affecting the barrier.”
“Wait, how can that be possible?” Blake asked.
“Merlin would have to be born after the gods left to make a magic barrier.”
“Well, admittedly for some reason some magic users managed to survive the catastrophe.”
The girls looked at Oscar in shock and were about to ask him on how that could be possible.
But Oscar spoke before them and shrugged his shoulders.
“How they managed to keep their magical powers, eludes both me and Ozpin.”
“So, when do we leave?” Weiss asked.
“As soon as possible, the longer we stay here, the longer our chances of Cinder and Tyrian finding us.”
“So, you all will be returning home with trusted military personnel and pack your things.”
Nodding their heads, Team RWBY took that as their queue to leave.
A few hours later, after some heartfelt goodbyes, the girls were ready to go.
Right now, they were back at Beacon.
Where they were now in the vault but had headed into a different branch.
And at the end of the corridor was a sort of stone portal.
Blake looks at Ruby, who was holding Zwei in her arms.
The dog looks at her and barks happily.
Grimacing, Blake kept her distance.
She then looks at Yang and asked, “Is it really necessary to bring the dog?”
“Yep. Apparently, the person that will be bodyguarding dad is allergic to dogs.” Yang answered.
“Besides, he didn’t think Zwei could be away from us for very long after last time.”
Sighing, Blake rolls her eyes and just stood there as Glynda helps with transporting their luggage to the vault a lot faster.
Via her telekinesis.
“So, what is this oh so mysterious place that we’re being sent to?” Ruby asked.
“A place called Arcadia Oaks.” Oscar answered.
“There are a few old associates of Oz’s that live there and are awaiting our arrival.”
“Good to know.” Qrow’s voice proclaimed.
The girls turned around in surprise, not expecting to see the Huntsmen.
“Qrow? You’re coming with us?” Yang questioned.
“Yeah, you’re going to need an adult with you.” Qrow stated.
Going into his pocket, Oscar held up a big bright yellow-orange angular gemstone.
Walking over to the portal, Oscar held it towards the portal.
Taking a deep breath, he began to mutter something under his breath in Latin.
“Aperi Porta in Arcadia.”
Suddenly Oscar’s eyes glowed bright green as his magic sparkled around his hand.
And powering the gemstone, which glowed brightly with its own colors.
Floating out of his hand, the gemstone floated in the center and turned the portal on.
Once it was on, the gemstone fell back into Oscar’s hand.
“Let’s go.”
And with that, everyone walked out and saw themselves in the forest.
However, there was a woman with pink hair and a 10-passenger van.
“You must be Zoe, I presume.” Oscar stated.
Zoe smiles at Oscar and said, “So you’re Oz’s new reincarnation huh?”
“Yes.”
“Well, you should be glad that you have a cute face and are just a kid.”
“I’m still mad at Oz for some unrelated stuff. And would’ve punched you if it weren’t for your baby face.”
Oscar’s face turned a deep red in embarrassment.
He then looks away and talked to Ozpin.
“What did you do this time?”
And whatever Oz told him made him grown, shake his head and facepalm.
“Anyway, it’s nice to finally meet you.” He said and smiled nervously at her.
“Aw, how cute.” Zoe said as she walks over and pinches Oscar’s cheeks.
“Hard to believe that such a cutie could be the newest incarnation for Oz.”
Everyone including Glynda snorted in amusement and tried to contain their laughter.
Turning even more red, Oscar groans. “Please let go.”
Chuckling, Zoe let go. “Fine, I guess embarrassing Oz will suffice. For now, at least.”
“Anyway, let’s load up people. I have an early shift in a few hours.”
And with that the girls packed their luggage in the back.
“This is where we say farewell for now.” Glynda stated.
“See you later Professor Goodwitch.” Ruby said.
Smiling, Glynda placed her hand on her shoulder. “Please, call me Glynda.”
Ruby smiled at her before hugging the headmistress.
Glynda freezes in shock before smiling and hugging her back.
“Goodbye, Glynda.”
Pulling away, Glynda looked at Oscar and Qrow.
“Take care of them. All three of you.”
Oscar and Qrow nod their heads.
And with that Glynda walks back through the portal.
Walking over to it, Oscar held up the crystal again.
And said the incantation to close it.
“Porta claudere in Arcadia.”
With the portal closed the portal which were just some runes on this side disappeared.
Making it appear that it wasn’t there in the first place.
Once it was closed, Oscar turns around and gets into the van.
And once they were all set, Zoe drove off.
As she drove, she looks through the rearview mirror and checked out Team RWBY.
“So, you’re the guys who saved the world huh? A lot younger than I expected.”
“We get that a lot.” Yang stated with a shrug.
“Eh, I’ve seen younger warriors.” Zoe stated with her own nonchalant shrug.
“So where exactly are we going to be staying?” Weiss questioned.
“Don’t worry, I hooked you up with a place. Speaking of which, Oz remind me to make Cat girl a magic charm to mask her cat ears.”
“Noted.” Oscar replied.
Blake frowns in discomfort, “I’m fine with my ears thank you.”
“I get that, but sorry to break it to you. But around these parts magic and non-human beings are to keep themselves hidden.”
“It’s better this way. So, you’ll have to hide your ears.”
After saying that, their car ride was mostly silent.
Driving into a neighborhood, Zoe stops a house in a cul-de-sac.
“Here’s your home away from home.” She stated.
Getting out, the girls looked to see that it was a fairly normal house that was painted to look like the others.
However, it stuck out since it was three stories high and had two garages side by side.
“Come on let’s get inside.” Zoe stated.
Going into the trunk the girls take out their luggage.
Going inside the house, it was fairly big and spacious and already had furniture.
“Ok, I suggest you guys go upstairs and see what rooms you like.” Zoe instructed.
“Once you do, I’ll use my magic to spruce it up.”
The girls looked at each other for a moment before they set their luggage down.
And headed upstairs and looked around.
And they found out that it would be hard to choose since there were a lot of rooms.
Walking towards another door, Ruby opens it and was met with a small staircase.
Taking out her scroll, she used the flashlight function to see.
Once she got to the top of the stairs.
She saw a light switch and walked over to it.
In doing so the lights that were hanging from the ceiling came on.
Which gave Ruby a clear view of the empty floor.
Which was very spacious.
She then smiles when she gets an idea.
Making her way downstairs, Ruby looks for Zoe.
“Hey, Zoe? Do we have a basement?”
Zoe, who was bringing in the last of the luggage looked at her in curiosity.
“Yeah? Why?” Zoe asked.
“Because I want the attic to be my room. And wanted to make sure that we’d have the space for miscellaneous stuff.”
Zoe raised an eyebrow, “You want the attic? Why?”
“Because I always wanted to sleep in the attic since it’s basically an entire floor that I could have to myself.”
“Which also unarguably has the best view. Not to mention it has a balcony on it, so that’s another win”
She then playfully said, “Duh.”
Zoe thinks about it and smiles in amusement.
“I can’t believe I’ve never thought of that.”
“Alright. I’ll fix it up for you. Come on.”
with that the two girls went up to the room.
And true to form, Zoe used her magic to make it perfect to live in.
She even added a bathroom for the Huntress.
“Awesome!” Ruby said in awe.
Footsteps could be heard as someone walks up the stairs.
And that someone was Yang.
Who looks around and groans and shakes her head at the miss opportunity.
“Should’ve known you’d go for the attic. You always wanted to live in ours back home.”
“You did too.” Ruby stated.
Yang shrugged her shoulders, not even going to deny that claim.
“Anyway, me and the others have decided on our rooms.”
Zoe sighed and did a stretch before she turns around.
“Alright, show me.”
Soon time passed and once everyone was situated, Zoe took her leave and bid them farewell.
Walking out of her bathroom, Ruby now in her pajamas walked to her bed and laid down.
Sighing, she tosses and turns in it before looking out the window next to her bed.
Where she had a view of Arcadia.
Letting out a calm sigh, Ruby lets sleep take over her where she had nice, sweet dreams.
But that of course only lasted for a few hours before she was abruptly awoke by an old alarm of hers.
Groaning, Ruby picks up her scroll and saw that it was alarm she set to make herself breakfast.
Sighing, the huntress decided to get up and get dressed.
Walking down the stairs, she saw that everyone was asleep.
So that gave her time to make breakfast for everyone.
And by the time she finished, Weiss was the first person to wake up.
“What is that heavenly aroma?” She questioned sleepily.
“it’s called food.” Ruby answered as she sets the food platter down on the table.
Humming, Weiss goes into the cabinet to grab a plate and sat down at the table.
And soon they were joined by everyone else.
After their breakfast, Ruby grabs Zwei’s harness.
“I’m taking Zwei out on a walk!” She stated.
“Have fun!” Yang called out.
Walking out of the door, Ruby sighed as she began to walk Zwei around.
Sniffing the ground, the corgi took in the new environment happily.
Looking up at the sky, Ruby smiled as she smelled the morning dew of the morning.
It smelled so fresh and crisp along with a pleasant earthy undertone.
However, she was so busy with enjoying the morning.
That her grip on Zwei’s leash had loosened.
And the Corgi had picked up a very pleasant scent and bolted towards it.
Which did catch Ruby’s attention.
“Zwei!” Ruby exclaimed as she went after her corgi.
Who went over to the next-door neighbor’s opened garage and pounced on whomever was in there?
“Hey!”
Running over, Ruby saw that it was a boy around her age.
And he was being licked mercilessly by Zwei.
“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry.” She said as she quickly grabbed Zwei.
Sitting up, the boy looked up at her.
And he was immediately blown away by her beauty and the way the light from the sun was shining down on her.
“Are you ok?” Ruby questioned, wondering on why he was so silent.
Realizing that he was staring, the boy blushes in embarrassment and cleared his throat.
“Uh it’s cool. He was probably being friendly.”
Zwei barks and tries to grab the lunch bag in the boy’s hands.
The boy chuckles, now realizing why the corgi tackled him. “Or he’s hungry.”
“Well. He’s already had breakfast.” Ruby stated.
Holding her precious pooch out, she shakes her head and said, “You are a serious glutton you know that.”
Zwei pants and barks in response.
Sighing, Ruby holds him close again.
“Sorry again.”
“It’s fine. I’m Jim Lake Jr.” He stated and held out his hand.
Holding Zwei with one arm, Ruby took his hand.
“Ruby Rose, and the corgi that assaulted you with affection so he could steal your food is Zwei.”
Zwei barks in greeting.
Smiling, Jim pats his head. “Nice to meet you buddy.”
He then looked at Ruby and began to wonder if she’s new around here.
He thinks he would recognize a beautiful girl with silver eyes.
So, he decided to ask her.
“So, are you new? I’ve never seen you before?”
Nodding her head, Ruby points her thumb outside the garage.
“Yeah. We just moved next door last night.”
“That’s cool.” Jim said.
Hearing his phone ring, he takes it out and gasped when he saw the time.
“Crap, listen Ruby I have to go.” He stated as he puts his lunch in his bag and picks up his bike.
“Ok.” Ruby said and walked out of the garage.
“It was nice meeting you, Jim.” Ruby said as she took her leave.
“Yeah.” Jim said as he quickly biked away.
Ruby smiled and muttered, “Nice guy.”
After some more walking, Ruby returned.
“Hey, Rubes, how was your walk?” Yang asked.
“Good. I met one of our neighbors.” Ruby stated.
“Cool. Where they nice?”
“Yeah. But admittedly, I’m surprised how well our interaction went.”
“Since Zwei kinda tackled him and tried to assault him with affection. So, he could steal his lunch.”
Qrow snorts in amusement and said, “That sounds like him.”
