Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Neo falls.

She finds that fact rather irritating. This might be the first time in her life that Hush has worked against her as a weapon.

The fact that Red of all people got one over her is also rather embarrassing, considering how one-sided her and Roman's fight against her had been going until then.

Still, while she's not enjoying holding on to Hush for dear life so she doesn't fall to her death, Neo knows her weapon will get her to the ground safely. She's also not particularly worried about Roman.

Even if Red did manage to trick her off the ship, Neo knows that she and Roman had gotten most of the way to breaking through her aura, and Roman has beaten actual hunters. The idea of him actually losing to an exhausted 15 year old hunter trainee is laughable.

Still looking up at the ship as she floats down to safety, Neo has to admit, the fact it's currently in the process of exploding and crashing does suggest something went wrong.

Landing softly on the ground, Neo decides to set off to where the ship is crashing.

While she has no doubt Roman beat Red, Melodic Cudgel is not quite as good for getting off crashing airships as Hush is. Roman probably didn't get a good chance to get off the ship until it was most of the way to the ground.

As she walks Neo texts Roman, 'Did you get off the ship ok?'

While she waits for his response, Neo makes her way towards where the ship crashed. It's a bit of a walk considering that the wind blew Neo a bit far away but that wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience, if not for the massive incursion of grimm in the city.

To be fair, part of that is her and Roman's fault, but as she sticks Hush's blade through the eye of a Beowolf Neo decides she's still allowed to be annoyed at them getting in her way, regardless of her culpability.

She is probably less allowed to be annoyed at the Atlesian robots, considering she just helped turn them indiscriminate, even if that means they end up interrupting her stroll by shooting at her almost as much as the grimm do.

If she was less skilled, either of those could actually be threatening. Fortunately she is perfectly capable of handling them. Unlike the rather large amount of shot or half-eaten civilians she's walked past so far.

Neo does feel slightly bad at the sheer number of corpses that she ends up walking past. She doesn't care too much though. As nice as it would have been to double cross Cinder, that would have gotten both her and Roman killed, which is utterly unacceptable. Compared to that, Neo is willing to accept any number of random civilian deaths.

After a rather long and frequently interrupted walk, Neo makes it to the ruins of the ship. Checking her scroll she finds Roman still hasn't responded. Before walking onto the ship, Neo sends another text, 'You didn't get your scroll damaged in your fight with Red did you? That would be embarrassing.'

Looking up at the once proud Atlesian vessel, Neo can clearly see that the front of it is crumpled from smashing into Vale's buildings, while the centre and back are pockmarked with holes and fires.

With the ship crashed into the ground, it doesn't take Neo long to climb onto the only somewhat deformed front of the ship, which she had fallen from earlier in the day. As she gets up there, she can see an exploded area with a slowly sputtering out fire. More concerningly, Roman's hat seems caught on one of the jagged spikes the explosion made out of the ship's floor.

The fact it seems intact is significantly more worrying than if it was massively torn or crushed. There have been multiple fights where Roman has lost his hat. When it happens it's one of his favourite things to complain about. What does not happen is Roman leaving his intact hat anywhere.

Neo walks up to the piece of metal the hat is caught on and picks it up, it does have a bit of soot on it that Neo wipes off but is otherwise near untarnished. Of course, that does leave the question of why Roman didn't pick it up.

Suddenly the thought that Roman may be dead occurs to Neo. While there is no way Red should have been able to beat him, the fact Neo is here rather than with Roman right now shows flukes can happen, and few people know how easy it is for people to die better than Neo.

Neo quickly dismisses the idea, ignoring the slight shaking of her hand on Hush. Roman has survived much worse things than this and will survive many more. The number of inescapable situations that Roman not only got out of but ended up on top after is more than Neo can count. Admittedly, he did require her help for a lot of those, but she knows he was a professional at that long before she met him.

He probably just jumped off the ship while it was crashing without realising that his hat was still in one piece.

Neo checks her scroll, nothing.

After wandering around the ship for a few minutes, finding nothing but a few wandering grimm she dispatches and the corpses of the crew she had disposed of while taking over the craft, she finally finds something useful.

Somehow it looks like the ship's security room is still intact and running off the ship's emergency generators. Considering how paranoid Atlas is, Neo knows that every part of the ship has cameras, including the outside.

Neo's worked around security systems before and knows it won't take long to find the recording of what happened after she was flung off the ship.

Finding the right timestamp Neo gets an incredible feeling of foreboding. Even though Roman can't be dead, Neo knows that if she watches this and he is, then no amount of denial on her part will prevent the truth.

Yet if he is then that makes it even more important that she watches it, should Red have by some miracle actually killed Roman, then Neo needs to ensure that she is repaid every wound she gave him 1000 times over.

Not that that matters because Roman isn't dead and the only thing she is going to see here is him beating up Red before escaping the ship.

Neo plays the recording, and for the first moments after she is knocked off the ship, she sees exactly what she expects, Roman, after seeming worried for her about getting knocked off the ship. Like he doesn't know she would be fine, dummy. Knocks Red around a bit.

He seems so sure about his victory he starts monologing, which is kinda funny to watch, even if Neo knows it's probably a bad habit.

Then he's eaten by a grimm.

For a second watching the recording Neo doesn't even realise what happened. Even Red seemed shocked before taking the chance to kick the grimm into the engine, exploding it and getting off the ship.

Neo rewinds. She missed something. She must have missed something.

She didn't.

The death seems so unRoman. For every moment of his life he was a showman, life was a stage and he the main actor. Even when he pickpocketed people he did it with flair. Every second Roman was around he absorbed the attention of anyone around him, impossible to ignore until Neo got him out of whatever situation he got himself in to.

If he died, it should have been something explosive, beaten by a huntsman after finishing some dastardly scheme or killed bringing every other crime boss in Vale down with him. Just being eaten by a grimm anticlimactically after beating Red seems wrong.

Everything suddenly seems wrong.

Roman Torchwick is dead. A piece of Neo is also dead with him.

He was the first person to call her by her name, the person who gave her Hush, the person whose side she stood beside as her parents and old life burned to the ground. More than anything though he was a person who entirely understood her without the need for a single word.

He was the first real friend Neo ever had (Neapolitan for all she was her friend as a child had always been a part of Neo rather than another person). Without her partner in crime, who is Neo?

She had always just wanted to be free, to be accepted by someone, nothing more. Taking over Vale's underground and becoming the most infamous criminals in Remiant had always been Roman's dream. The person Neo had been from the moment she heard her real name spoken and disregarded the past was Roman's partner, Roman wished to set the world ablaze and Neo wanted nothing more than to help him do so.

But now there is no Roman, Neo is no one's partner and has no one's dream to follow. She is free but with no one to share freedom with, it's a worthless commodity.

Somehow, after being on top of the world for years, Neo finds herself even more alone than Trivia ever was for all she had been nothing but a caged bird.

For a few minutes Neo just sits there as the ship burns around her, feeling not like Neo or Trivia but nothing at all. As she sits, emptiness clawing at her soul and grief at her mind, she considers what is left to do.

Eventually though, a thought occurs to Neo.

Cinder.

Cinder is the one who pressganged Roman and Neo into her pointless destruction of Vale. She's the one who let the grimm in and forced Roman to take bigger and bigger risks to avoid her wrath. She is the reason Roman died.

A bit of the gnawing emptiness recedes, replaced by purpose. Cider needs to die, she needs to die painfully and horrifically so that her last thoughts are regretting getting Roman killed in her stupid, pointless, egotistical scheme.

A second thought occurs to Neo.

Red.

While Red didn't kill Roman and honestly doesn't seem capable of killing anyone, she was still part of the reason he died.

Had she not sent Neo off the ship and fought Roman, then he would never have been in position to get eaten by that griffon.

Ultimately, Cinder is the reason for all of this, if not for her then Red would have been nothing but a minor inconvenience, yet Red's culpability, while lesser, cannot be ignored.

Neo considers planning to also just kill Red but finds the thought unsatisfying. Not only did she not kill Roman but she didn't even seem to want to. She still does need to suffer though, no one should be able to have any part in Roman's death without suffering for it.

Eventually an idea does come to Neo of what to do with Red. If she comes across her, then Neo can help her understand exactly what Neo has lost. Maiming Red too badly or killing her friends would be self-sabotage, considering that Red's likely to get in Cinder's way again, which could be a rather good opportunity for Neo to kill her. Yet Red doesn't need her voice to fight and it's only fitting that Neo takes something from her after what she helped take from Neo.

Neo stands up, the screens in the room had gone dark while she was sitting, the emergency generators likely succumbing to the fires along the ship. Neo walks out her way lit by nothing but the fires slowly eating at the world around her.

As she walks, she places Roman's hat on her head, the only reminder of her one and only friend.

There is one last person responsible for Roman's death.

Neo.

Because she didn't take red seriously, because while she thought about it, she never got Roman to escape Vale rather than following Cinder's insanity and because when Roman needed someone to look out for him, she wasn't there.

Yet Neo knows perfectly well that she is already punished for her failure. She has nothing but vengeance pulling her along, and once that is done, she will have nothing at all.

She takes out her scroll and looks at her last two texts to Roman. She writes one last text. 'Sorry' before closing the scroll.

Cinder, from what Neo knows, never intended to finish her destructive rampage at Vale. Considering that she had to have someone powerful in Mistral to forge her role as an exchange student from Haven and that both Atlas and Vacuo would likely be harder targets, Neo assumes that is where Cider will go next.

If she's lucky, Red's sense of justice will also lead her there. Though the thing that matters most is Cinder's death.

Neo leaves the burning airship and looks around at the city burning around her. From the lessened sound of combat and the fact she can no longer see that grimm dragon she noticed while walking to the ship flying around, she assumes the hunters have finally started to get the situation under control. Not that Neo really cares, there is only one thing that matters to her right now.

Now he's gone, Neo finds the idea of avenging Roman much more appealing than anything she could do for herself. Roman was always the one with dreams worth following after all. Even dead, Neo finds herself defined by him. That just leaves one thing left for Neo to do.

First she needs to scour the city for either of her two targets, just in case either of them have not evacuated yet. After that she has to do a bit of preparation, and then she has a trip to Mistral to make.

Roman always did say that place's criminals would make Vale's blush. Neo's sure if she threatens and bribes the right people then Cinder and Red won't be able to hide for long.

Even if everything else feels entirely empty, the thought of making them suffer brings a small smile to Neo's face.

Retribution will be sweet.

Chapter Text

As Ruby walks towards the post office, she can't help but take in the sight of Mistral. The way the city is built into the mountain is breathtaking and while she's not the biggest fan of the crowds, seeing such a different style to the weapons people have here, as opposed to Vale, is more than enough to make up for it.

After such a long and perilous journey, Ruby can't help but feel optimistic. Sure, Uncle Qrow is still poisoned, but now they're in a city rather than the wild so he's able to rest properly and get medicine. It may take a few days but he's already looking better and he's sure to be good as new soon.

Ruby reaches the post office and sends off her letter to Yang. She hopes her sister is doing better. As much as she knows she can do much more good out here than stuck at home, Ruby still feels bad about leaving her sister while she was feeling so depressed. Still, Yang's never been the type to stay down for long and Ruby just has to hope that even if she had never been quite this bad before, she'll be able to pick herself up again.

If nothing else she can trust dad to take care of her, and maybe getting Ruby's letter will cheer her up?

On the way back to the house. Ruby wonders what will be next. She's already fought massive grimm and that insane assassin person who was trying to abduct her. She learned that magic is apparently real. The Story of the Seasons and the Girl in the Tower are apparently historically accurate. The grimm even have an evil queen.

After all of that, Ruby would like to say that nothing more could possibly shock her, but after the fall of Beacon and everything that's happened so far, that would be the height of hubris. Still, even if things aren't as good as she had hoped, Ruby is going to foil whatever Salem has planned for Mistral. For Pyrrha and Penny, Ruby can't do anything else but make sure that Cinder and anyone evil enough to work with her can't hurt anyone else ever again.

As she's lost in her head thinking, Ruby catches something in the corner of her eye. The back of a person who looks exactly like Blake walking around a corner.

Ruby knows that Blake ran after the fall, but never actually heard anything about where she went. If she ended up fleeing to Mistral and that was her, then Ruby will never forgive herself for missing the chance to catch up with her. She misses all of team RWBY and having Blake back with her would be a massive relief if that was her.

Working her way through the annoyingly thick crowd, Ruby goes round the corner she saw probably Blake walk down. As she gets there, she just catches sight of Blake heading down an alley.

Unwilling to miss this chance, Ruby speeds to where Blake went with her semblance, finding Blake at the end of what seems to be the dead end of an alley?

"Blake!" Ruby shouts, running towards her friend who turns around to face her. Blake smiles at Ruby, giving her a rush of hope that she might be able to put at least a bit of her team back together, before Blake shatters into glass and Ruby feels a strong impact to the back of her head.

Ruby is sent sprawling. Getting up off the ground, she sees Neopolitan with her parasol on her shoulder and a smug smile across her face. Unlike last time she saw her, Ruby notices Neo seems more dishevelled and is wearing Roman's hat on her head.

Still feeling a bit dizzy from the hit she just took, Ruby reaches to grab Crescent Rose so she can fight Neo, only to feel nothing where it should be.

Suddenly Ruby remembers she left Crescent Rose at the house, she had only been planning to have a short walk to send off Yang's letter before heading back. Ruby feels a small shiver of fear. If she can't get away, this could be bad.

"Why are you here, Neopolitan?" Ruby asks, hoping to stall so her aura can recover slightly and her head can stop hurting as much.

Neo only points her parasol at Ruby before dashing forward and swinging at her. Ruby backs off, avoiding the swing before being forced to step further back to avoid Neo's follow up kick.

When Ruby does try to get close enough to Neo to punch her, she's rewarded with a punch to the stomach and a poke by Neo's bladed parasol eating into her aura. Knowing she can't get any good hits on Neo without Crescent Rose, Ruby is forced to back away, desperately trying to avoid Neo's onslaught of attacks.

So preoccupied with ducking and dodging around Neo's offence, Ruby finds herself backed against the wall. With a feeling of dread Ruby tries to think of a way out of the dead end she's found herself in. Seeing no other option, Ruby goes on the offensive, trying to land a hit on Neo despite her opponent being both armed and much more skilled at unarmed combat than her. While she fails to land even a single strike and receives multiple herself. Neo does at one point open her parasol to block a kick, which is exactly what Ruby was waiting for.

Using the brief instant her opponent is distracted, Ruby dodges around Neo to the other side of the alley with Petal Burst. Low on aura as she is Ruby can't use it for long, but gets a little distance, hopefully enough to get out and call for help. Still feeling dizzy from the first hit to the head Ruby took without aura and the numerous bruises this fight has given her, Ruby stumbles out of the alley.

A few seconds later Ruby is forced to jump forward, once again feeling Neo's blade just miss her back. The slash cutting slightly into her cloak, rather than her skin. Out of the alley, Ruby looks around hoping to see anyone willing to call for help.

Seeing the people walking on the other side of the street avert their eyes rather than calling for help hurts almost as much as Neo's parasol hitting her head and finally breaking Ruby's aura.

The world goes black.

Surprisingly, Ruby wakes up, her head still aching from the two impacts it took earlier, if dulled by however long she has been unconscious.

The first thing Ruby notices is that her legs and arms seem tied to whatever she's sitting on. Opening her eyes properly, Ruby looks around the room. It looks like the living room of a house with a sofa and a few chairs, other than the one Ruby is tied to. Sitting on the sofa opposite said chair is Neo, who seems pleased that Ruby is up.

"What do you want?" Ruby asks, hoping there is some way she can get out of this and back to her team and Qrow.

Neo turns into Cinder looking at Ruby with a slightly annoyed expression.

"You want to go back to your boss?"

Neo looks appalled by the idea, dismissing the illusion before creating an illusion of Cider next to her and putting the blade of her weapon through it, shattering the illusion.

"You want to kill Cinder?" Ruby checks, if that is what Neo was trying to say, maybe Ruby still has a chance to get out of this in one piece.

Neo nods with a vicious smile.

"Weren't you and Torchwick working for her?"

Neo forms an illusion of one of Cinder's glass blades and brings it to her own throat.

"She was threatening you", Ruby realises.

Neo nods looking at the black glass blade with a look of loathing before shattering the illusion.

"Did you knock me out and kidnap me because you want my help killing Cinder? Because I would have been happy to help with that if you just asked." Ruby says.

Neo shrugs then taps her mouth.

"Ok fair enough, you can't ask, still I want to beat Cinder too, we can work together," Ruby states, hoping that this is just some misguided scheme to get her help against Cinder.

Neo nods before getting up and leaning on her parasol.

"Ok we can work together, can you untie me then?" Ruby asks.

Neo shakes her head.

"Yeah that was probably hoping for too much" Ruby sighs before asking, "If not that, then why do you have me tied up?"

Neo turns into Torchwick and points at Ruby with her parasol changed into the form of Torchwick's cane.

The memories of the fall of Beacon suddenly come rushing back, "I didn't kill him", Ruby says the shock and guilt of seeing Torchwick eaten by a grimm in front of her sufficing her voice.

To Ruby's shock, Neo, having undone the illusion of Torchwick, nods.

"Wait, you know I didn't kill him?" Ruby asks, starting to feel her arms and legs start to burn from their tight confinement with rope.

During this whole conversation she's been trying to see if there is any give in the rope attaching her to the chair, but the only thing she's worked out is there isn't and the chair is nailed down.

Neo nods again and creates a mini griffon in her hand before crushing the illusion, a frown across her face. Both her eyes go white before returning to their pink and brown.

"If you know I didn't kill him, why do you still have me tied up?" Ruby asks. Maybe she'll finally get some idea of what Neo wants if she asks enough.

At this point Neo takes out her scroll and types a message, 'Even if you didn't kill him you are a reason he died'.

"I didn't mean for him to die, I just wanted to stop you two harming anyone else", Ruby replies truthfully, she's not sure what she would have done if she had beaten Torchwick, but executing him certainly wasn't the plan.

Considering he was a career criminal who brought his fate on himself, Ruby probably shouldn't feel any guilt about how he died, yet Ruby can't help but feel horrible whenever she thinks about his death. She knows real life is nothing like a fairy tale, even if some of those are true, but Ruby doesn't have to accept that it can't be better. Torchwick's death was an unpleasant reminder that sometimes her efforts on that front aren't enough. The fall of Beacon had a lot of those.

Neo closes her eyes for a second before typing her reply. 'If I thought you had intended to kill him you wouldn't be breathing'.

"In that case, what do you want with me?" Ruby asks relieved that Neo isn't planning to kill her but still on edge in her restraints.

Neo taps her head with her parasol before typing another message 'You took something from me so I thought it would be right to take something from you'.

A horrifying thought suddenly occurs to Ruby "If you try to use me as a way to hurt my friends, I will find a way to stop you."

Neo laughs silently before turning into Yang and running her hand along a strand of her hair before waving her finger and shaking her head.

"You don't plan to touch a hair on their heads?" Ruby guesses.

Neo lets the image of Yang shatter before nodding her head with a small smile. 'All I plan to do is help you understand what I lost' Neo types.

"What do you mean?" Ruby asks.

Neo turns into a copy of Ruby before she unsheaths the blade she keeps in her parasol and types one last message to Ruby on her scroll, 'I recommend you stay very still'.

Ruby freezes as Neo, looking at her with her own silver eyes, walks up to Ruby with her blade and places it near the top of her neck.

Ruby desperately thinks of any way out. Her aura is still down, even if she gets the sense it will regenerate enough to be usable soon. So she can't use her semblance to escape and her limbs are tied down too securely to get out. Seeing no way out, Ruby stays as still as possible, not wanting to accidentally kill herself on Neo's sword.

She feels something cold enter her throat and make a slight cut before Neo takes her sword out and repeats the process after moving it very slightly to the side.

For a second, the only sensation Ruby feels is that of an alien cold in an area that Ruby should not be able to feel anything in before the cold is replaced by a burning pain. Ruby strangles a scream as she feels Neo's sword retract.

Ruby desperately tries to take in a breath, feeling air only move haltingly into her lungs. Ruby feels herself slowly run out of oxygen no matter how much she tries to breathe. As she feels herself asphyxiate, Ruby sees Neo wipe the blood off her blade a slight smile on her copy of Ruby's face.

After she finishes that, she wipes off the blood leaking down Ruby's neck and places two plasters on the spots she had punctured before stepping back.

After a few more seconds of incomplete breaths, Ruby feels enough aura to focus all of it on healing the inside of her throat, hoping it will be enough to let her breathe.

Finally she feels her breathing return to normal. Whatever Neo did was only a small wound, and with aura working inside her body it took little time to repair whatever was stopping Ruby's breathing.

Neo seems relieved for some reason when Ruby starts breathing normally before her gaze turns expectant.

Ruby opens her mouth to ask what the point of that was "..."

"..." "..." "..." Her voice doesn't come out. She can breathe normally but whenever she tries to form words, the air just escapes her mouth unchanged.

Neo nods with a smile before cutting Ruby's bindings and stepping back again.

Ruby finally realises what Neo did. She took her voice. As she stands up she turns to Neo with silent horror and mouths the word why.

Neo still, looking like Ruby, tilts her head to the side before rapidly changing between each of Ruby's friends, going rapidly from Yang, to Blake, to Weiss, before also going through Jaune, Nora and Ren. Finally she turns into Torchwick before going back to herself.

Before Ruby can clear her head enough to work out quite what Neo was trying to tell her, Neo walks over to the still stunned Ruby and hands her a scroll. Checking Ruby finds it's her own.

Ruby haltingly turns to her scroll's notes app, having the realisation she will be using it a lot more in the future if this is not fixable, 'I don't understand'.

A portion of Ruby just wants to get out of here ASAP, yet Neo is showing no further signs of hostility and Ruby finds herself needing to understand why Neo did this.

Neo creates an image of Blake putting her finger to her ear as if trying to hear something. After a second, the illusion shakes her head and wanders away from Ruby seeming dissatisfied. It then shatters Neo having made her point.

'I trust my friends, none of them will see me any differently. I don't need to have a voice to trust in the people who care about me.' Ruby types back.

She wants to shout her reply, to speak her faith in the bonds she holds so dearly to the world, yet that is now the one thing she cannot do.

Neo tilts her head questioningly before taking off and looking at the hat she's wearing. Both her eyes go pink. She looks back to Ruby with a melancholic smile and a pitying look in her eyes.

'So you're just going to let me go now?' Ruby types, not fully understanding what that was meant to tell her and wanting nothing more than to escape this horrifying situation.

Neo nods, pointing her reshifed parasol at the exit to the room.

'You really don't plan to do anything else to me or anyone I care about?' Ruby asks on her scroll. Did Neo really just do all of this only to let Ruby go without a care in the world?

Neo nods and gives Ruby a thumbs up. An image of Cinder with a bleeding hole where her heart should be appears on the floor for a second before Neo steps on it while walking back to the sofa and taking a seat.

Ruby feels completely lost. Neo is a criminal and just maimed her, yet now she just wants to kill Cinder. Should Ruby try to fight her? Try to get Neo to work with her since she seems to not have anything against her anymore? Just ignore her existence and focus on her own fight against Cinder and Salem? She doesn't know.

No matter what she decides, there's nothing Ruby can do about Neo right now. She's already seen how well trying to fight her without Crescent Rose goes.

Ruby does feel a bit better now her aura has healed her wound. Still she has no idea what to do about Neo, who seems utterly relaxed after maiming her. Looking at Neo, she's lounging on the sofa seeming utterly unruffled, Ruby leaves the apartment.

After checking her location with her scroll, she starts walking to her temporary home in Mistral.

As she walks, she tries to form any words at all yet finds her efforts frustrated at every turn, she can't even whisper.

Feeling somewhere between wanting to cry and wanting to break something, Ruby finally gets back from her much longer than planned trip to send a letter to Yang.

The thought occurs to Ruby that now Yang's not the only one to have lost a part of herself anymore. Ruby finds the similarity anything but comforting.

As she walks in, Ruby sees Jaune open his mouth to say something. Before he can start his sentence, Ruby speeds up the stairs with Petal Burst.

She knows she can't hide what just happened from her team, nor should she, but right now Ruby doesn't feel anywhere near up for a conversation.

Not that Ruby actually can have a conversation now. Neo took that from her. She can write out her words, maybe even have an app say them for her, but no one's going to actually hear her voice.

Looking around her room, Ruby spots Crescent Rose right where she left it. Ruby walks to her beloved weapon and cradles it against her.

She did always think that talking with her weapon was much better than with her words, at least thats something she can still do.

For a few minutes Ruby just sits and holds Crescent Rose against her. It's calming.

Someone knocks on the door "Um, Ruby? You just rushed up here without saying anything when you got back. Is everything ok?"

Jaune's voice can be heard through the door.

Ruby would like nothing more than to say she's fine but that's not an option anymore. Instead Ruby finds herself a different excuse. While she makes sure to clean and maintain Crescent Rose frequently, she hasn't had a chance to since they got into actual housing, rather than the wild.

Ruby puts her weapon on the table in her room and gets to work. After earlier today, there is no chance she's going out without her weapon again, which means she needs her baby to be in tip-top shape.

She made a mistake in assuming she wouldn't be ambushed just because she was safely in a city, since that's obviously not true, she puts her focus into disassembling and reassembling each part of the best weapon ever made.

As she does so, she hears her door open and shortly after close again. Jaune and the rest of the team know Ruby well enough to not interrupt her while she's spending time on weapons.

Eventually though every bit of Crescent Rose has been looked at and maintained. While she feels much calmer having done it, nothing has actually changed about her situation other than time.

Still now she's a bit less distraught, Ruby tries to find the silver linings in what happened.

She can still fight just as well as she could before. Neo has managed to work with people despite being mute so it's obviously possible and Ruby may even be able to get Neo to help them.

Sure, she just fought Ruby and took her voice but she also seemed sincere about not having any further animosity for Ruby and her friends. She might be a criminal and a bad person but people can get better. Neo's already dedicated to fighting Cinder, maybe it would be possible to genuinely reform her?

Her losing her voice doesn't really change anything if Ruby thinks about it. Cinder and Salem still need to be stopped. Ruby still misses team RWBY and hopes that they can get back together at some point. Ruby still has Qrow, Ren, Nora and Jaune on her side to help her.

Voice or no voice Ruby is still going to keep on going, there's no time to stop for a second. For the sake of the people she's lost and the people she hasn't, she needs to stay strong. How can she complain about something like a lost voice when Pyrrha and Penny lost their lives?

Feeling slightly down from that last thought but determined not to let today's events keep her down for a second longer, Ruby goes to check on Uncle Qrow.

"You manage to send that letter you wrote to Yang?" He asks, still bedridden but with a strength in his voice that it lacked a few days ago.

Ruby, unable to reply any other way, nods.

"I'm sure he and Taiyang will be happy to hear from you. Hope the kid's doing better now"

Ruby nods again.

"Giving me the silent treatment huh?" Qrow asks, knowing how normally talkative Ruby would be.

Ruby gets out her scroll and writes a message, 'I lost my voice'

Ruby doesn't want to worry Qrow too much while he's still recovering from being poisoned. She would feel awful if he made his injuries worse trying to go after Neo or just due to being over stressed. Anyway, she did lose her voice so it's not a lie in any way but omission.

Qrow doesn't look entirely convinced with her excuse but runs with it anyway, "If you say so. Tell you what, I'll rest on this bed here so I can recover from this poison while you keep resting your voice and I'm sure in a day or two both of us will be good as new"

Ruby gives him a shaky thumbs up, knowing that unless Neo had much less idea what she was doing than Ruby thinks she definitely won't have her voice back in two days.

Still by then she will hopefully have some idea of what she's going to do about Neo complicating everything even more than it already had been.

Chapter Text

Putting Hush through the throat of the last beowolf attacking her, Neo finally gets back to the safehouse she's been using.

As much as she would love to get to Mistral and get on ensuring that Ruby suffers and Cinder dies painfully, she knows perfectly well the importance of preparation before any big event.

Which is why for the past few weeks Neo has been going around Vale collecting the stashes of lien and dust that Roman had stored around Vale as rainy day funds. They were meant to be there so that if she and Roman ever needed to bail from Vale then they could get somewhere nice to restart in Mistral or Vacuo. Now they are still going to be used to get to Mistral but for very different reasons.

If Neo had managed to convince Roman that they should have gotten out when Cinder started planning to blow up Vale maybe they would have used that lien as intended and be having a nice time rebuilding their criminal enterprise. The thought makes Neo's chest ache. Roman said they probably wouldn't be able to get away from Cinder easily and Neo backed down. Why did she listen to that dummy? Why did she let him die?

Collecting the funds is not a task that should have taken weeks but with the city half destroyed and still infested by grimm, getting around the place takes longer than Neo would prefer.

It doesn't help that Neo has found herself being grimm bait. Half the time she's filled by the sheer hate and loathing she has for Cinder, Ruby and herself for what happened to Roman. The rest of the time she feels so empty and full of grief that her every action is just going through the motions.

Grimm are attracted to negative emotions. Neo as it stands lacks anything but negative emotions.

Suffice to say over the past weeks Neo's fought, killed and occasionally run from more grimm than she had seen over the rest of her life before Roman's death. Having to constantly be on the lookout for grimm and having to fight every time she takes the risk of stepping outside is exhausting, but Neo has no other option than to bear it and keep going.

There is no world in which Neo lets Roman remain unavenged because of grimm of all things. If nothing else, all the combat practice will hopefully be of use when Neo tries to use Cinders' eye socket as a new sheath for Hush's blade.

Still after weeks of preparation, Neo finally has cleared out the last stash, which means it's time for a trip up to Mistral.

Not that getting transport to Mistral is easy at this point. Despite the efforts of its remaining hunters, Vale is currently a death trap, which makes people very eager to get out.

Normally Neo would just get the train up. Irritatingly though, most of the transport options for Vale were damaged over the fall and have yet to regain functionality. Making getting out difficult, especially with the number of others fleeing the city.

Not that that's enough to stop Neo. Even if there are no direct routes, that just means she has to make her own.

The solution Neo comes to is to hijack a bullhead and take it as close to Mistral as possible before it runs out of fuel. Past that Neo should be able to manage the leg of the journy without any need for extra transport.

It doesn't take too long to find one of the airship docks remaining in Vale and steal what she needs to pilot it from its former owner.

Normally something like stealing a bullhead from underneath the nose of its owner and security would give Neo a bit of a thrill but she finds the entire task dull. Most things have seemed rather dull the last weeks.

Still with a bullhead under her power, Neo sets off to Mistral. As she expected the fuel doesn't hold up the entire way there, but it gets close enough that she can see the city from the bullhead before she needs to find a clearing to land it.

It takes another week of travel to actually get to the city. A week where Neo has to deal with seemingly every grimm between her and Mistral and only gets the opportunity to sleep on the couple of days she manages to reach a village on the way.

By the time Neo reaches the city, she has a few more scars than she started with and is rather dishevelled. Not that she particularly cares, what matters above all is ensuring that Roman's death is repaid, not herself.

Once she reaches the city, Neo gets started with her tasks.

With access to Roman's bank accounts and the Lien that she bought from Vale Neo has more than enough money to get herself access to a few properties around the city to use and to get some eyes out for Cinder and Red.

There's the obvious like greasing some palms in the police to keep an eye out and soliciting the assistance of the people at the gates of Mistral but Neo tries to spread the net wide going as far as to try to get a few people in the rescue service and a few Haven students she manages to find to keep an eye out.

Of course, there is also another organisation that Neo needs to approach if she wants to maximise her chances, Spider.

While Neo has little love lost for Roman's former employer, their network is impressive and so, old enemy or not, Neo has no issues about soliciting their help.

Feeling as she does now, Neo finds herself caring little for past enmity. She knows exactly who she wants to hurt and no one else matters aside from what they can do to assist or obstruct her quest.

Most people would be justifiably wary of walking into the Spiders' web, especially anyone who has worked against them in the past. Which is to say Neo walks through the front door in a relaxed stride, unbothered by the sight of the bar's patrons all tensing upon catching sight of her.

The one person who does not seem tense at all is Lil' Miss Malachite, "Well, I didn't expect Torchwicks little shadow to be gracing our fine establishment today. How is Torchwick? If he's come up to Mistral after Vale's troubles, I may need some of my spiders to give him a hello"

Neo takes Roman's hat off and stares Malachite in the eye before putting a finger across her neck and putting it back on.

"Oh poor dear, well if your old boss is dead the Spiders do always appreciate talent. You, looking for a new job?" Malachite offers.

Neo shakes her head, she has no need to work with anyone and little interest in being trapped by hierarchy. Instead she puts two pictures on Lil' Miss Malchite's bar. One of Cinder and one of Red.

She does not actually have pictures of either of them, but a picture of one of Neo's illusions of her targets works just as well as the real thing as far as finding them goes.

"I'm sad to hear that, I'm sure I could put your skills to good use. So what do you want with these two fellows?" Malchite asks.

Neo takes out a note and puts it next to the photo's 'Find them'

"You do know we don't work for free here. Considering our past relationship, I'm even tempted to charge you a premium. In the interests of a good working relationship while you're in this fine city of mine though, you get the usual rate," Malchite says looking directly into Neo's eyes which swap colours halfway through her statement.

Neo slides a bag of lien that she had been keeping under an illusion until now over to the crime boss opposite her.

"You know, it is nice doing business with someone who knows not to talk back. Do say if you change your mind about that job offer though. I promise we are much more professional than Roman ever was," Malachite says.

Neo turns around and walks away, managing to resist the urge to kill the Lil' Miss Malachite for her words. As tempting as it is, killing Cinder is worth delayed gratification.

As she walks out of the bar, she notices a large number of guns being put away. As useful as having the Spiders on the lookout for her targets is, a small part of Neo is disappointed they didn't try anything. It's been too long since she's gotten a chance to kill anyone she genuinely dislikes.

Once that is done though, Neo has little to do but wait.

While she knows Cinder will be arriving at some point and suspects Red will be too, she does not know if that will be in days, weeks or months.

Knowing she can't spend her entire time sharpening Hush Neo resorts to what comes naturally. Filling her pockets at others' expense and occasionally ending the life of any thugs stupid enough to try to do the same to her.

Roman was right, without him, she can be whatever she wants. Her abilities make crime child's play. The only people who could possibly stop her if they found her are hunters and Mistral seems to be having something of a shortage of those as Neo discovers. Less seem to be around every week she stays. Yet there is a reason Neo didn't do whatever she wanted without him.

Without Roman around, murder, impersonation and theft just lack the spark they did.

Stealing is easy but empty, and bodies can't fill the absence in Neo that Roman's absence has left. The only thing Neo even bothers to put more than cursory effort into is checking for any signs of her targets.

Time fails to heal the festering wound of Roman's death even the slightest bit. Neo houses little but grief and loathing, yet both of those are patient emotions. Neo knows that her retribution will arrive and so bears with her emptiness in the knowledge that she will take every second of that suffering out on Cinder.

Eventually one of the people she hired to keep an eye out comes through for her. Someone who looks like the image of Red Neo displayed had been collected from a destroyed village near Mistral along with four other people.

After so long waiting, hearing that she finally has a chance to bestow even part of her pain on Red is a joyous feeling. After so long with every task being empty Neo finally can do what she's been waiting so long for.

Sure it's only Red rather than Cinder but really it's more convenient this way. Not only will Neo get to repay Red but if she has any luck, her little group could lead her straight to Cinder.

It doesn't take too long before Red gives Neo her opportunity by setting out alone.

Neo knows that the people Red travelled with are not her team from Beacon and presumes that the group scattered after the fall. Something she is more than happy to take advantage of.

Blond is Red's sister, so Red probably knows where she is and the Schnee is still in Atlas. The Faunus, however is likely gone and with global communications down, Neo doubts Red knows where she is if she's not with her.

Putting an image of Red's friend around her is enough to get Red following her, hoping for a reunion that's entirely illusionary.

With her opponent unarmed and after getting the first strike, the fight against Red is barely worth noting. If Neo had chosen to kill her then her task would have ended almost as anticlimactically as Roman did.

Neo finds herself more attracted to her original idea for her rather than Red's corpse however. So rather than killing red she just puts the girl's body under an illusion and carries her to the living room of her closest safehouse before tying her to a chair.

Neo takes Red's scroll and after unlocking it with her unconscious captive's thumb, adds her contact on a whim before adding a transponder inside it and copying all the data on it in case it has anything of use.

Sitting on the sofa opposite the chair Red is tied to, Neo realises that for the first time in months, she feels alive. Rather than emptiness, all Neo can feel is anticipation for taking the first, if lesser, half of her vengeance for Roman's death.

As Red wakes up she gets the privilege of seeing a Neo who is just slightly more than the empty shell of a person she was only a day ago.

She's in such a good mood she even bothers to explain her motivations to Red. There's not much point, it's not like anyone would work with someone who cut their throat, but it's been so long since she's been bothered to communicate with illusions and gestures that Neo has fun with it despite it likely being pointless.

When she commits the act of removing Red's ability to speak, it's such a delightful moment Neo can't help but smile at Ruby with her own face as she cleans up Hush. She even bothers to clean up Red's neck and plaster the puncture wounds as she waits for Red's aura to heal her so Neo can see if it worked.

The horror on Red's face as she realises what happened is a look Neo drinks in. What she took is nothing compared to what the loss of Roman meant to Neo, but despite her optimism, Neo is sure Red will come to understand what her loss actually means soon.

As Neo lets Red go she feels refreshed in a way she hasn't been since Roman died. Still empty of course but just a little bit fulfilled too.

Cinder's death is the thing Neo really wants and is something she will ensure comes to pass but until then Neo decides to keep an eye on Red.

Not to harm her anymore, Neo feels satisfied with what she's taken but rather to see just how she copes.

The only people that Neo is capable of feeling anything about are Red and Cinder. Until it comes time to kill Cinder and finish this. That means Red's attempts to adapt to what Neo took from her is Neo's only entertainment.

Killing Cinder is the only thing left for Neo to care about. Until Red helps her with that, either willingly or more likely not, then she can serve as a better way to pass the time than Neo's current aimlessness. At least while Neo waits and prepares to give Cinder the greeting she so dearly deserves.

Chapter Text

"My name is Ruby Rose."

Ruby cringes at the voice her scroll produced. It sounded robotic and empty. She can't think of anything that sounds less like her.

When Ruby had the idea of just having her scroll speak for her, she didn't quite realise how painful it would be hearing her words said in a voice so disconnected from her.

If she does end up using it, then how long will it be until that's the voice people associate with her rather than the voice she actually had?

Ruby closes the app.

She can always keep it as an emergency backup, but Ruby decides she'll try to stick with just writing or demonstrating what she wants.

Sure it's inconvenient, but Ruby's not sure if she could bear using that emotionless voice for all of her communications.

Sitting on her bed looking through her scroll in the hopes of finding something to distract her Ruby notices her scroll has a contact she doesn't recognise under the name Hush.

Looking at it, Ruby quickly comes to the conclusion Neo must have put it on her scroll.

After thinking for a minute, Ruby decides to send a text. She's not sure why or how Neo put her contact on Ruby's scroll, but maybe Ruby can get some information out of her or something?

'Why is your contact on my scroll?'

After a minute, Ruby receives a reply.

'Because I chose to put it there'

'How did you even put it there?' Ruby asks.

'Your scroll is locked by fingerprint'

Ruby's not quite sure if Neo's implying her solid illusions can copy fingerprints or if she just unlocked it while Ruby was unconscious. Both are disturbing in their own way.

'Do you really not have anything against me still?' Ruby eventually decides to ask.

Ruby really hopes she doesn't, even if she isn't a good person right now, Ruby will take whatever help she can get against Cinder. Maybe she can even convince Neo to be a better person?

All Ruby actually knows about her is that she's a criminal and wants revenge for Roman being killed, but no one's that one-dimensional. If she can get Neo to help and they beat Cinder, then would Ruby's voice be that high a price?

'Not really, I've already paid you back for your actions and I hate Cinder much more than I do you'

'So you do hate me?'

'If not for you Roman could still be alive. I won't hurt you anymore though'

'You really cared about him'.

'More than you could possibly understand'.

Ruby doubts that, she can't imagine anyone caring for someone much more than what she feels about Yang or even her friends. Yet because of how much she cares about them, she can understand just how much losing them would hurt.

'I'm sorry about what happened to him. He didn't deserve that'

'Even though you were fighting him?'

'Torchwick deserved prison not death, especially not that'. The memory still makes Ruby feel slightly sick when she thinks about it, being eaten by a grimm is a terrible way to go.

'Yet you have nothing against me wanting to kill Cinder?'

'Torchwick was a criminal. She is a monster', Ruby replies.

Ruby doesn't like the idea of killing anyone, but Cinder arranged the death of Penny and killed Pyrrha personally. She was responsible for the fall of Beacon. Ruby really does believe that people can become better if they try, but Cinder is Evil. Ruby won't argue for mercy on her behalf.

'So you're willing to help me kill her?'

'If it means she doesn't hurt anyone else I'll take any help stopping her I can'

'You're really willing to work with me after what I did to you?'

Ruby supposes most people would hate anyone who hurt them as much as Neo has her. To an extent, Ruby does hate Neo. Ruby knows she's going to go through possibly the rest of her life missing being able to talk to people in the way she used to.

Yet Ruby can't let that hold her back from working with her against Cinder and Salem. If putting that behind her can allow Ruby to save even a single life, then that is worth infinitely more than what she lost.

'I don't know if I can yet, but if you can help make what happened to Torchwick and the people I care about not happen again. Then I can forgive you for this. The stakes are too high to do anything else'

'How pragmatic of you'

'It's the right thing to do' Ruby replies hoping she's right.

'Out of interest would you think the same if I did what I did to you to one of your friends instead? Not that I have any plans on doing so'

Ruby knows the answer to that question perfectly well, 'If you hurt any of my friends, then that's something I won't forgive'

'So do you care about yourself less than them?'

'I'm responsible for them, I would much rather I get hurt than they do'

Even if she's not leading team RWBY right now, Jaune, Nora and Lie Ren all came with her. That means Ruby needs to make sure none of them die. As long as they look up to her she refuses to fail them.

'I understand. If you do care that much though keep an eye on them, you only need to fail once'

Ruby thinks back to arriving a second too late to save Pyrrha.

'I know'

There is no reply.

After waiting a minute and seeing nothing, Ruby stops sitting down.

Before going downstairs and facing the rest of her friends, Ruby looks in the mirror.

Despite what she's lost she looks exactly the same, other than two plasters on her neck. Knowing the cuts are healed, Ruby takes the plasters off revealing two small white scars on her neck. They stand out even against her already pale skin, the only visible sign anything happened to her.

"..."

Her mouth moves but nothing comes out.

Ruby looks at her reflection for a second longer before walking downstairs, her thoughts going back to the conversation she just had with Neo.

If Neo hurt any of her friends the way she did Ruby, then Ruby would never forgive her. Giving the matter a second's thought, she imagines most of her friends will think similarly to her.

She can't imagine anyone she's currently with would be willing to work with Neo after what she did, even if she's sincere about working with them against Cinder.

It's not like there's anything Ruby can do about that though, as much as Ruby would like to think she's a good enough judge of character to be sure that Neo's sincere, the fact is Ruby doesn't really know her.

She could be lying and actually plan to turn on Ruby again the second Cinder is dead. Ruby kinda doubts that if for no other reason than surely if that was the plan then Neo would probably have waited until Cinder was beaten before trying anything against Ruby but she could have just been too impulsive to wait.

Still no closer to reaching a conclusion on how to talk about what happened, Ruby gets downstairs.

"So that's why I let Ren in charge of getting accommodation when we were staying in villages on the way to Vale. I still don't get why people didn't like my idea though"

"I would guess it was the property damage"

"But just think how much cooler it would have been"

As Ruby gets downstairs, she sees Nora talking to Ren and Jaune with food already put out. Deciding to use the opportunity, Ruby sits down and starts eating.

Nora and the others do give her a quick hi, which Ruby returns with a wave before Nora gets back to finishing her prior description.

Despite knowing that it will have to come up soon, Ruby eagerly takes the opportunity to eat quickly while Nora and the others are still talking so she can have some more time to work out just how she's going to talk about what happened.

As she finishes and puts away her plate and cutlery, Ren turns to her.

"Could you bring Qrow up his portion, hopefully a full meal will assist in his recovery"

Ruby nods and gives Ren a thumbs up before taking a plate up for Qrow using the opportunity to avoid revealing that her being untalkative comes from inability rather than unwillingness.

As Ruby's walking up to Qrow's room she almost slips on a step but just about manages to rebalance without spilling any of the food.

"Hey kid, is that for me?" Qrow says sitting up. The fact he is even capable of sitting up shows that he's doing a lot better even compared to this morning.

Ruby nods, putting the plate on the bedside table next to Qrow.

"Guess your voice isn't doing any better?"

Ruby shakes her head, feeling guilty for not having admitted it probably won't ever be better. She'll do it tomorrow, Ruby decides, to the entire team.

"Lien for your thoughts"

Ruby gets her scroll out and writes her answer, purposely avoiding the speaker app she had downloaded earlier.

'I'm just happy you're looking so much better'

"Hey, I've survived for a long time, no way I was going to die to being poisoned of all things. You won't be seeing the end of your Uncle Qrow for a long time yet," Qrow says confidently. His words are entirely at odds with the image of him half paralysed having to be helped to move by Ruby and her friends only a short while ago.

The thought that had those Mistral rescue ships not come when they did, her uncle may have actually died occurs to Ruby. She came so close to having another person she cares about slip through her fingers.

Ruby hugs Qrow who reciprocates putting his arms around her.

"I'm not going anywhere"

Ruby just hugs him harder.

Eventually, the hug ends and Ruby leaves Qrow to his meal with a smile and a wave.

The thought comes back to Ruby though. The only reason her uncle is alive is due to good luck of all things. If those ships hadn't come, considering how badly he was doing, he probably would have died before they would have made it to Mistral with her next to him, unable to help.

Ruby doubts that fighting a full-fledged maiden will be any easier than fighting Tyrian and that almost got Qrow killed. Can Ruby afford to not leap at any chance for help against Cinder when it's clear that she, Nora and Ren, while good, are not even enough to help Qrow against a sufficiently powerful opponent?

If she tells the full truth about Neo, then it's going to be impossible to get her friends to accept her help. Yet if she doesn't get Neo to help them and one of her friends dies because they don't have the support, then Ruby would never be able to forgive herself.

What does she do? What risk will ensure that her friends are kept safe, which one will put them in more danger?

If Ruby fails even once, it could mean losing someone irreplaceable, Ruby can't afford to fail. She needs to make the right choice. She just wishes she knew what that choice is.

As she's thinking, a new text pops up on her scroll.

'So are you willing to work with me to kill Cinder?'

Ruby puts her hand to the two small scars on her neck and wonders what else she's going to lose. Yet as long as she's the only person losing things. As long as her friends and family are alive and happy. She can accept that. Ruby won't lose anyone else no matter what that costs her.

'yes'

'In that case I look forward to working with you' Neo replies.

Ruby gets the feeling Neo expected her answer. Though she's only met her a few times, there is not a single instant Ruby has seen Neo not seem utterly self-confident.

'Do you know anything useful about what Cinder is planning from when you were working with her?' Ruby asks.

If she's going to work with Neo she might as well try to get as much out of her as possible. At least that way she can feel slightly justified when she explains why she's willing to work with the person who tore away Ruby's ability to speak.

'Aside from the fact that Mistral is likely her main target? I know someone high up in Haven allowed us to pose as students for the festival without any suspicion. I don't have a name but if you go there assume you're being watched'

Ruby for a second wonders why anyone in Haven would do that. The staff there should all be full fledged huntsmen, does the weight that holds mean nothing to them? Despite that she supposes it's much better to know that than not.

If Qrow got caught off guard by a spy or another assassination attempt while at Haven, that could have been catastrophic.

'Thank you Neo. Is there anything else?'

'Not really, me and Roman were the disposable hired help. Cinder felt no need to fill us in more than what she needed us to do'

'Oh, did she not give you any evil monologues? She seemed the type'

'Yes but rather than having useful details, they were self-aggrandising and had her saying things like how she would 'see Ozpin's festering kingdom crumple' and such. Kinda entertaining not very useful'

'It doesn't sound like you have a high opinion of her at all. How did you even end up working for her?

'After finding us and rather aptly demonstrating that she could kill us if we refused, she offered the choice of either a rather attractive amount of lien or a shallow grave. Roman was always a much bigger fan of money than dying'

'Did you know she was planning to bring down Vale at the start?'

'No at first it was just stealing dust, which we had already been doing. By the time it got to terrorism trying to get out seemed like even more of a death sentence than at the start'

Ruby finds it hard to empathise with the idea that self-preservation alone is worth risking as many lives as Torchwick did. She does feel slightly better about working with Neo knowing that she and Torchwick never actually wanted what happened even if that in no way justifies what they did.

'Do you regret what you did?'

'I regret not convincing Roman to bail once it became clear where things were going'

Ruby was more hoping for regret about all the innocent lives lost, but she can only expect so much from someone who was a criminal even before Cinder threatened her.

Already knowing the answer yet feeling obliged to anyway, Ruby asks a question. 'Do you feel at all bad about what you did to me?'

'No. You were a part of Roman's death. The only acceptable alternative would have been killing you'

Ruby wonders for a second if it is truly worth working with someone so ruthless but dismisses the thought. If her help means that the people Ruby cares about have a better shot, then it's not even a question. If nothing else Neo's lack of remorse probably means she's going to be very dedicated to killing Cinder, and in doing so, helping Ruby.

The optimistic thought that Ruby might be able to convince her to reform as she does so occurs to Ruby.

'Thought so. Goodnight Neo'

Ruby turns her scroll off and goes to bed. When she wakes up tomorrow, she'll have to explain how she lost her voice, ideally in a way that doesn't permanently remove the possibility of her friends working with Neo.

Ruby dreams of Neo's smile as she permanently cut away a part of Ruby and of asphyxiating surrounded by air.

Chapter Text

When Ruby wakes up she finds herself shivering and gasping for breath. After a minute she manages to pull herself together. It's an important day today and Ruby won't mess it up due to bad dreams.

Ruby has a passing thought that Yang used to comfort her when she had nightmares. If only she could have helped Yang more with her own nightmare, maybe she would be with Ruby now.

Ruby drags her thoughts away from her vacant sister. The fact Ruby couldn't help there is another reason why she needs to make sure things go right here.

"..." part of Ruby had hoped that a night of sleep with full aura would help even slightly but she knew it was unlikely. Also she gets the feeling if her voice did end up healing, Neo probably wouldn't be willing to help anymore until it's unhealed, so maybe it's for the best?

Ruby knows she's not even convincing herself with that thought but she still holds onto it. As long as something good can come from what happened, then it's an opportunity rather than a tragedy.

As she finishes getting up Ruby pauses by her door. When she gets downstairs she's going to have to admit the truth to everyone about what happened and do it in a way that doesn't stop them from working with Neo in the future.

Ruby gets out her scroll trying to think of how to write an explanation that can achieve her two near contradictory hopes. As she checks it she sees a text from Neo from just after she had gone to sleep yesterday.

'Night Red'

Ruby stares for a second. Torchwick was the only person to call her Red, really it makes sense that Neo would too, but it still makes her feel weird to see it. The last person who called her that was digested by a griffon in front of her, and the past day has made that memory significantly harder to ignore.

Hard or not, Ruby elects to do just that, focusing on that memory will make eating breakfast even more impossible than the nerves eating her inside out about how to explain what happened.

As she steps out of her room Ruby sees Qrow walking down the hallway.

Before he's even finished turning around to look at her, Ruby shoots forward in a flash of rose petals hugging him.

While she knew he was getting better now he had gotten medical treatment and medicine, seeing him on his feet lifts a weight from Ruby she didn't even know she was feeling.

Qrow smiles down at Ruby and hugs her back "Told you I wouldn't stay down for long."

Ruby feels like shouting something joyous or maybe making a joke about Uncle Qrow being old, but instead says nothing at all. All those excited exclamations that could have escaped Ruby being trapped in the void where her voice is.

Instead, she just hugs him harder and tells herself that the tear she feels run down her face is one of joy.

Eventually, Ruby lets go of Qrow and walks with him down the stairs.

"Your voice not recovered yet?" Qrow asks as they walk.

Ruby shakes her head, feeling guilty about her misdirection yesterday. Still she's going to tell the truth at least mostly once everyone is together, so at least that won't last.

Getting downstairs, Ruby sees the others already started breakfast. Nora seems especially pleased delighting in the opportunity to have pancakes after so long on the road.

As she gets down Ren is the first to notice her and Qrow.

"Good morning Ruby, Qrow. May I assume you're feeling better now if you're capable of walking?" Ren says as Jaune and Nora look over.

"I'm good as new. Now the poison's out my aura was capable of patching up the rest of the damage. So is everyone feeling better now we're finally in Mistral and don't have to do any more camping?" Qrow asks, taking a seat and pecking at some of the cut up fruit on the table.

"I'm great" Nora says between bites of pancake.

"It's good to see you up and about again", Jaune comments.

"It's good to be up and about again. I don't recommend ever getting poisoned, it's a seriously bad time. Still now I've recovered, we need to get on with things," Qrow says, his voice taking a turn for the serious.

Ruby finishes a strawberry she was eating then puts a hand up to try to get the others' attention before Qrow can get into any plans or explanations.

"Ruby, do you want to say something?" Qrow asks while the rest of the table just looks confused, not having gotten the half explanation Ruby gave to Qrow yesterday.

Ruby puts her scroll in view of the table 'Yesterday, while I was walking back from posting a letter for Yang, I stumbled on Neopolitan, Torchwicks' former partner in crime. We had a brief fight but after I worked out she didn't actually want to kill me and vice versa we talked a bit and apparently she blames Cinder for getting Torchwick killed. So I was thinking we might be able to work with her? Also she kinda stabbed me in the throat through my aura so I'm kinda unable to speak for now until that finishes recovering.'

It's not the full truth but it more or less describes what happened while hopefully not getting everyone on the table to hate Neo too much to work with her. Ruby is slightly glad that she could write that out, she's sure if she said it out loud then everyone would be able to tell it's not the full truth just from her tone and guilty expression from talking. Of course she also wouldn't have to explain this if she could still talk, making the point rather moot.

Looking around Ruby can see the stunned faces of her friends and uncle, none of them prepared for that explanation.

Qrow is the first to recover "You said you just lost your voice yesterday"

Looking around to make sure the other three finished reading, Ruby takes her scroll back and writes her reply.

'I was kinda panicking and had no idea what to say. Also I didn't want to worry you while you were so ill. What if it set back your recovery?'

"My recovery! Ruby you were stabbed in the throat. That kills people! Are you sure she didn't want to kill you because that seems like a damm good attempt," Qrow says his voice somewhere between angry and panicked.

Ruby feels a pit open in her stomach as she writes a reply.

'I fairly conclusively lost that fight. So yes I'm sure she doesn't want to kill me because she very much had the opportunity to do so and didn't take it'

Qrow reaches for his flask and pours something that smells strong enough for the scent alone to burn Ruby's nose down his throat before replying.

"Gods, I'm gone for a day and you get stabbed. Look, Ruby, if something like that happens in the future, you have to tell me ASAP. For all you know, the reason she didn't kill you is so she could follow you back here and try to kill us all" Qrow says.

'But she's not working for Cinder any more'

"No, she told you she's not working for Cinder any more. If she worked with Torchwick, that means she's a criminal. That means she lies, cheats and steals, especially from people naive enough to trust her word." Qrow states, wary resignation colouring his voice.

Ruby knows she's right. You can't fake the feelings she could see in Neo's eyes about Cinder and her actions make no sense otherwise, but she backs down. Qrow has made up his mind and there is no way Ruby can convince him with text.

Maybe if she could talk, she would be able to get her point across, but as she is, it's impossible for her to take initiative in the conversation.

Ruby grumpily takes another strawberry, at least Neo didn't cut out her tongue. If she couldn't taste anymore Ruby thinks she might have actually gone insane.

She can see Ren, Nora and Jaune looking at her with concerned eyes but Qrow returns to what he was going to say before Ruby's interruption, not giving them the chance to speak.

"With our presence in the city likely noted by our enemies, it's even more important that we talk to Leonardo today so we can put together Haven's huntsmen and get ahold of the Spring Maiden before Salem can act on her information. As such, I texted Leo earlier today and arranged a meeting. With luck we can have this all dealt with in the next couple of days" Qrow explains.

Ruby has so many questions, but though she opens her mouth to ask she closes it before even air can escape her lips. As Qrow answer the questions of the rest of Ruby's current team, Ruby realises how annoying and time-consuming it is to have to write out what she wants to say.

'How much does Professor Lionheart know about all the magicy stuff?' Ruby writes. It takes a few seconds before Qrow notices Ruby staring at him and reads what she wrote on her scroll.

"All the headmasters were filled in by Ozpin. He knows everything I do. That should mean he's perfectly positioned to help us do what we need to," Qrow says.

Ruby nods. While her head is full of follow up questions without the ability to ask them on impulse, Ruby dismisses most of them and trusts Ren, Nora and Jaune to ask about anything they really need to know.

Before too long, Qrow is leading the way up Mistral to Haven and the attention of the others is taken up by the sights of the city rather than what Ruby said earlier.

Ruby also focuses on her surroundings rather than herself, wondering about the architecture of Mistral and all the fascinating types of weapons she passes. Looking around such a fascinating place, it's almost possible to forget what happened.

Until Ruby opens her mouth to comment about that really interesting trident that looks like its prongs mechashift into a sniper or a shotgun depending on its configuration and then remembers no one will hear what she says.

If the person with that weapon was there, would they have helped when she almost escaped Neo, or is she naive to have hoped someone would?

The meeting with Professor Lionheart at least makes a good if concerning distraction. When she heard that he was one of the people in Ozpin's inner circle and headmaster of one of the 4 key huntsman academies, Ruby had some vague notion that Lionheart would be someone impressive. Someone who gave off the sense of having helped fight a war against evil and stood strong.

Instead, he just came off as somewhat pitiful and desperate which is less than reassuring, especially with his lacking promised help and the absence of staff at Haven. Ruby's mind cannot help but go to what Neo mentioned, that someone high up in Haven had arranged Cinder's infiltration.

Still even if he's a massive disappointment, Ruby struggles to comprehend the idea that the headmaster would actually betray everything he stands for. Maybe he has just had some sort of evil vizier or something undermining him. Ruby finds that idea both more plausible and less terrifying than the idea that things are quite so dire as to have someone who was part of Ozpin's inner circle betray him.

Sadly Qrow ends up leaving to get a drink before she can quiz him on Lionheart's staff. Leaving Ruby and the others to finish walking home.

Jaune, Ren and Nora spend the walk discussing what happened in Haven, occasionally sending Ruby a glance before their expression turns to one of sympathy or pity when they expect her to cut in and remember why she can't.

She would contribute, but trying to focus on the conversation and write on her scroll while walking seems like a recipe for tripping over, so Ruby just listens and keeps an eye out instead.

At one point Ruby notices a person with pink and brown eyes wink at her as she passes before disappearing into the crowd. Ruby only saw it for a second and the person looked nothing like Neo other than that but considering her semblance that means nothing.

Ruby spends the rest of the walk back wondering if she was just seeing things or if Neo was messing with her.

Eventually, despite Ruby's slight paranoia, they get to the house entirely unmolested.

While that does leave Ruby feeling safer, it also means that she has no excuse not to face the other three about what happened.

As the four trainee huntsmen take seats in the house's living room, they have the pretence of a normal conversation for a while. Which Ruby occasionally adds to via writing before Jaune confronts the elephant in the room.

"So Ruby, how um long do you think it's going to be till you recover the ability to talk?"

She knew the question would come up eventually, yet the idea of admitting the answer is probably never is something Ruby finds terrifying, 'I don't know, probably a while'

"Oh um ok, are you happy just using your scroll to talk until then?"

'It works for now, I don't have anything else I can do' Ruby replies.

"You could use sign language or something" Jaune proposes.

'I don't know sign language though. Do you?' Ruby questions.

"Well no" Jaune admits. Ruby can see that Nora and Ren also don't from their reactions to the question.

'Then scroll it is'

"It's going to be odd not having your voice livening up the place. I guess I'll just have to be energetic enough for two to make up for it" Nora says.

"I think you're already energetic enough for two, Nora", Ren offers.

"Then I'll be energetic enough for four instead!"

Ruby smiles as she writes out her reply before deleting it as the conversation moves on before she finishes. Taking her focus off writing anything to add to the conversation, Ruby refocuses on what's being said.

Despite Nora slightly derailing the conversation, it doesn't take long for it to return to Ruby.

"Ruby, could you give up Neopolitan's description so we know who to look out for so we can avoid being caught off guard" Ren requests.

'Last I saw, she was wearing a white top with a corset and a bowler hat, she also carries a parasol. Her semblance is illusions though so I'm not sure how useful a physical description actually is. Also like I mentioned I don't think she actually wants to fight us. We might be able to work with her against Cinder if we just talk to her rather than fight her'

"Are you sure you're not just hoping that? You do tend to see the best in people. Which, to be clear is wonderful. But Qrow had a good point about criminals. Also, I'm not sure if I even want to work with someone who was willing to stab you so badly you lost the ability to speak," Jaune comments.

'I know what I saw. Yes I'm an optimist, but that doesn't mean I'm that naive as to believe everything I'm told just because it's good news. I saw how Neo felt about Cinder and even if we can't trust in her good nature we can definitely count on her grudge as a reason for her to work with us'

'But what if she's a spy and using this to get an in with us so she can report to her evil superiors or something?' Nora replies.

Ruby wishes that she would be given enough trust for her team to hear her out, but she can see she's getting nowhere.

'It was just an idea' Ruby writes. The upside of communicating by text is no one can tell she's annoyed by her tone.

"If we did have a defector from Cinder, it would be of great use. If she wanted that though, she really should have approached us rather than what she actually did," Ren notes.

Ruby doesn't reply. She could explain Neo's actual motivation, but Ruby gets the sense that won't be winning her any points.

Finally with Ruby's idea of trying to get Neo to work with them dismissed and only a few other halting inquiries about her voice, Ruby gets through the rest of the conversation.

She finds it feels oddly lonely to be unable to add to the conversation despite it happening around her. She does occasionally interject by writing something but unless she signals people to wait, the conversation will often move on before she finishes writing.

After a while, Ruby leaves the others to talk and goes upstairs. Instead of trying to work out how to fit into conversation, she can draw out some weapon schematics in her room instead. Trying to work out how that gun trident she saw earlier works seems much more fun and productive than failing to talk.

Before she can get to that though, Ruby finds she has a text from Neo. For a second she's tempted to ignore and delete it but even if her team doesn't agree, Ruby's earlier thoughts about what could happen to any of them remain undiminished. Any help she can get against Cinder is good help.

'I saw you walking about with your friends earlier, do anything fun?'

'So that person that winked at me was you then'

'Guilty as charged'

'Were you following me or something?'

'Nope just a happy coincidence. If I was following you I wouldn't bother to ask what you did'

'Vist Haven. On that note do you have any details at all on who helped Cinder?'

'Other than the fact Cinder was certain that her backstory wouldn't be seen through. No. Why did any of the staff members seem like a rat?'

'The headmaster seemed really shifty, but there's no way it could be him, someone in charge of the academy surely wouldn't betray all of that. My current theory is he has some sort of evil adviser. Also I'm pretty sure that's bigoted'

'Metaphorically a rat, no relation to any Faunus. Also no one is too high up to be corrupt. Take it from the professional criminal Red. The higher up someone is in the hierarchy the more likely they are to be working with criminals'

'But he's the headmaster of a huntsman academy. That's like the most incorruptible job possible right?'

'The amount of faith you have in that is cute'

'Is it really so wrong for me to not think everyone is actually evil and plotting something?'

'Not everyone is no. When it comes to powerful people though I have yet to meet one who isn't'

'In that case why should I even trust you enough to try to work to take down Cinder? Unlike Professor Lionheart I actually know you're a criminal'

'Because you know exactly what motivates me. I want Cinder dead, preferably painfully for what she took from me. You want to stop evil or something, so you also want Cinder stopped. Simple, easy, trustworthy. It's the people whose motivations you don't know you need to be careful of'

'Surly trusting the person with an illusion's semblance who has already permanently maimed me is much less wise even if I do know your motivation'

'I've already said I have no interest in hurting you further, it's up to you to believe that or not. I have said no lies to you so far'

'You haven't said anything, all our communication has been through text or your illusions'

'Ok correction, I have not written any lies to you'

The question once again comes to if Ruby trusts her own gut and character judgement or her team's opinion.

'I guess I just have to trust that'

'Unless you know someone with the semblance to detect lies, then yes that does tend to be how that works'

'Does that semblance exist?'

'If it does I have yet to encounter it'

Ruby sits and thinks for a minute about how she can or can't trust Neo. Maybe if she gets a better picture of who she is she'll be more able to tell?

'Why did you end up becoming a criminal anyway'

'Freedom'

'Really? Not because you needed it to survive or anything like that?'

'I did it to live. I could have survived in luxury if I really wanted but I chose to be free instead'

'What's free about hurting people and stealing things?' Ruby asks not understanding what Neo is trying to communicate.

'That I could do as I wanted and be who I am, not someone else who was decided for me. Also most of the time it was fun'

'Was?'

'Without Roman it just feels empty. There's no real point to it anymore'

'So in that case why not just stop doing crime'

'Because non-crime activity is also empty. Also I'm much more likley to find signs of Cinder in the criminal underworld than trying to be a hero'

'Oh, that sounds sad'

'If it makes you feel better, cutting your voice out didn't feel empty. That actually felt really fulfilling. So thanks for that'

Ruby suddenly feels slightly sick.

'Why would you say that'

'Because it's true. Much in the same way that I'm sure killing Cinder will feel infinitely more cathartic than anything else I possibly could do'

'Do you really feel nothing about anything other than that?'

'Nothing else matters. I had my happiness. Now it's gone. The only thing left to do is return the favour'

'But what about trying to be happy for your own sake'

'I wouldn't know how to'

'Isn't it worth trying?'

'No'

Ruby just looks at the no on the screen of her scroll. Does Neo really have no desires at all other than revenge?

'Why are you talking to me if all you care about is killing Cinder'

'Because you could be useful to do that'

'If people are as corruptable as you say, surely you can find other people'

'Mistral has a huntsman shortage and most criminals would be killed in a fight by Cinder instantly'

'Mistral has a huntsman shortage?'

'Yep, basically none of them are around. The few that were when I arrived also seem to be gone at this point. On the upside, it makes crime really easy since there are effectively no competent fighters in the city'

'How is that possible, Mistral is one of the biggest cities on Reminat it should have tons of huntsmen'

'Probably Cinder's doing. I have considered trying to follow a hunter or two on their missions to find if she's the one getting rid of them, but by the time I thought of the possibility there were almost no hunters left to tail'

'Oh, that's really bad'

'For Mistral yep. Place is probably doomed in the long run. Still I hope you understand your value now. You get to be important in helping get rid of Cinder by virtue of there not being anyone else around to help'

'Did you actually expect me to be willing to work with you after what you did?'

'Nope. I just planned to wait until Cinder was killing you and use it as an opportunity to stab her in the back. Then if that didn't kill her stab her repeatedly in the front as well. The fact you're willing to cooperate is useful though'

'What are you going to do if we do manage to kill Cinder?'

Neo doesn't reply.

Ruby does wait a bit in case Neo just wants to think about her answer or something. Getting no response eventually she returns to her original plan of trying to work out how she would make some of the more intresting weapons she saw on the way to Haven.

Before she can put the finishing touches on her blueprint for the trident she saw earlier in the day, she hears a commotion downstairs.

Not waiting a second, Ruby grabs Crescent Rose and dashes downstairs with her semblance ready to see what happened.

Rather than anything she expects however, what Ruby finds downstairs is a boy who is soon followed in by a significantly more drunk than usual Qrow.

The following conversation is almost as mindboggling as the one Ruby just had with Neo.

Chapter Text

Red is not quite who Neo expected.

She is in some ways. She seems naive about how people really are, sees herself as having a responsibility to be a hero and doesn't seem to understand why anyone would be a criminal out of choice.

In other ways though she managed to surprise Neo. The fact she was willing to put aside what Neo did to her for the sake of working against Cinder seems either shockingly forgiving or shockingly pragmatic.

Of course, you can only get so much about someone from text conversations but Neo gets the feeling showing up at where Red is living would not have a particularly warm reception.

Which leaves waiting until she has the chance to catch Red alone again before she can get a better picture of the girl's character.

Honestly when she had left her contact on Red's scroll, she didn't expect anything to come of it at all, certainly not as quickly as it did.

Occasionally, though Red will say something that Neo really doesn't want to think about.

'What are you going to do if we manage to kill Cinder?'

It's a thought that Neo had until then been deliberately avoiding. For now at least Neo has her hate of Cinder and the duty of ending her existence but what then?

When that hate finishes burning itself out and Cinder's body cools, what's left for Neo?

What's left of Neo?

She could just go back to what she was doing with Roman, but what's the point when everything fun and freeing about causing mayhem just seems dull now?

She can look back fondly but there is nothing to look forward to past Cinder's death.

In the end, Neo decides to stop thinking about it. Either she'll find something or she can join Roman. Cinder's death matters much more than anything after.

As of now however, Neo only has two leads on Cinder.

The disappearances of Mistral's hunters and the fact that Haven's headmaster seemed 'shady'.

It is possible that those two fact are connected. If Cinder is somehow bribing or threatening Haven's headmaster. Or as Red proposed some of his senior staff who can influence him. Then putting up traps on the mission boards would be a plausible way to weaken Haven.

Though to convince anyone with that much power to turn on their own kingdom requires either a lot of money, strong blackmail or a very credible threat.

Neo wouldn't put it past Cinder to have all three of those on someone important at Haven considering what she managed to get up to in Vale.

Of course if those are linked, that means that Havens' headmaster, Leonardo Lionheart, is the key to discovering exactly what is occurring.

If it is his staff that are compromised, then his discussions with them are likely to reveal that and if he is compromised, then he may even be in direct contact with Cinder.

Neo's going to have to find a way to thank Red. While she had considered trying to find out what trap the huntsmen were going into, she didn't consider who was organising said traps.

Sharing information with her really did pay dividends.

Now the much harder question is how to bump into one Mister Lionheart.

The obvious place would be Haven, yet that also makes it the least subtle place to do so.

Since the students are out for now that means the only people likely to go into Haven are Mistral's non-existent hunter population and its staff. Since all the Mistral hunters she knows are dead and Lionheart would likely know his staff well enough to notice her acting off, reaching him that way seems like a non-starter.

After a bit of research however, Neo works out a slightly more elegant solution than trying to sneak into the most fortified building in Mistral to plant a bug on its headmaster.

As he holds one of the seats on Mistral's council, Lionheart needs to frequent the city's centre of governance whenever a meeting or vote is held.

While the staff of Haven are likely to be known to Lionheart, Neo doubts he knows even a tiny fraction of the administrative and serving staff operating around Mistral's council chambers.

After a bit of research into the various roles working at the council chambers, Neo decides to play the role of an intern to one of the councillors.

With the right clothing and attitude, she should be able to fit right in.

The next council meeting where Neo knows Lionheart will show up is in a couple of days. In between prepping for trying to sneak a bug or two onto Lionheart without him noticing Neo decides to continue her correspondence with Red.

If not for that, she might not have thought of her current plan after all. So Neo sees no reason not to try to see what other useful nuggets of information she can get out of the child.

Of course, continuing to talk to her means finding an answer to the last question she asked.

'Not sure yet. I'll give it some thought once she's buried'

Red presumably found something to do in the hours between when she asked Neo her question and when Neo replied since it takes until the next day to get a response.

'Ok to change the topic. Do you know sign language?

'I've picked up a bit here and there but never actually learned it formally'

'Why not wouldn't that be really useful to know'

'I didn't need it with Roman and didn't care enough to learn it to talk to anyone else'

'Oh'

'Text not cutting it when talking to those friends of yours?'

'It's just slow'

'When you seemed so enthusiastic about them I expected them to at least slow down to let you be part of their conversations'

'I don't want to keep forcing them to do that just for me'

'How noble of you'

Until this point, Red hadn't actually mentioned how what she did affected her. Neo finds herself rather curious about how Red is coping with Neo's gift.

'How long have you been unable to talk?'

'Since I started existing'

'Wait, you couldn't talk since birth and were never taught sign language?'

'My parents weren't the accommodating type'

'That's awful'

'If it makes you feel better, they died in an explosion'

'That's awful in an entirely different way'

'It's a fond memory of mine'

'Did you cause the explosion?'

Neo wasn't the one to put the fire dust crystals in her room nor was she the one to pull the trigger, yet there is only one true answer she can give.

'Yes'

'How could you look back on that fondly'

'Because I was finally free'

Red doesn't respond for a while after that one.

Neo has the thought that maybe she scared Red off with that story. If so, it would be a bit of a shame, but if Red couldn't handle knowing that about Neo, there is little chance she would have remained a willing ally for long enough to fight Cinder anyway.

The thought that Red would be willing to work with Neo after she cut her voice out, yet that is all it would take for her to give up on working together, is strangely disappointing.

Neo makes sure to continue her preparations for infiltrating the council building in the meantime.

To Neo's surprise after a few hours pass, Red does actually respond.

'If you can look back on that of all things fondly then who was Roman to you that you're willing to go this far to avenge him?'

How can Neo possibly answer that? Roman was her friend, her partner in crime, her one and only confidante. He was the thing that allowed Neo to exist and who gave her a place to be.

'He was the reason Neopolitan could exist'

'Do you enjoy being cryptic'

Neo feels annoyed for a second, her answer was literal.

'Do you know what it's like to live but not be seen or heard?'

'I don't think so'

'Suffice to say I had nothing before him and have nothing after him'

'Did you never have friends or family beyond your parents even if they were bad?'

'Nope. Didn't get the chance and the closest thing I had to an uncle tried to ransom me'

'I'm starting to see how you ended up becoming a criminal'

'That was an eventful day'

'Wait are you saying you were ransomed by your uncle the day you blew up your parents?'

'Tried is an important word. Same day my parents poisoned my tea'

At this point Neo's having fun with the conversation. Sure that was a hectic day but it was also the day she became Roman's partner for real. Even if she does have some mixed feelings about her Mama's death, she can't bring herself to regret what happened at all.

Red is typing comes up multiple times on Neo's scroll but it takes a few minutes before she actually gets a reply.

'Did you blow them up because they poisoned you?'

'No that happened due to a rather massive amount of fire dust being stored in my room which was shot and exploded'

'Why was there fire dust in your room'

'It's a long story'

After that conversation stops presumably due to Red going off to do something.

On the dawn of the next day Neo puts her plan into action.

Getting into the council building just requires making an illusion of someone with appropriate seniority and walking past the guards.

Once Neo gets into the building, she swaps her illusion to that of an inexperienced but helpful intern, changing her mannerisms to match. It doesn't take too long to find some documents lying around that Neo picks up before walking with purpose towards the route Lionheart has always taken in the news videos she found of the council convening during her research.

She carefully times bumping into him only slightly when turning a corner, not enough to fall over but enough to knock the documents out of her hand.

"Oh my apologies. It seems I wasn't looking where I was going" Saying that Lionheart helps gather up the documents which Neo is already on the floor gathering. As she does so, she manages to stick the first of her bugs onto one of his shoes.

Neo still cloaked in her illusion smiles up at him in thanks as she accepts the documents he helped pick up. As she takes the documents, she makes an illusion around one hand so it seems she's holding the documents with it while she uses her real hand to slip her second bug under his coat between that and his shirt.

The good thing about having contacts with the Spiders is that they have some of the highest quality spying equipment in the kingdoms. Small, near-invisible and with high quality audio.

As Neo walks away with her documents, she turns the corner before putting them down on a desk and changes her illusion before walking out of the building.

Should anyone check a black-haired and blue-eyed intern bumped into Lionheart before taking her documents back to her office, while an entirely different person walked out of the building.

At no point was anyone matching the description of Neopolitan in the area.

Neo's hope is that Lionheart is likely to bring at least one of the bugs she managed to place on him into Haven. Where they will be recording in case he ends up talking to Cinder or her associates.

The bugs are set to transmit their data to Neo at Midnight so they aren't constantly sending out a signal which could otherwise be caught.

While it's possible that Lionheart will avoid leaking any sensitive data, Neo gets the feeling she'll be learning some very intresting things over the next few days.

Worst come to worst, if there really is no conspiracy to be found with Lionheart. Neo can probably just sell the recordings or use them to blackmail him if anything too scandalous is recorded.

If this works out though, Neo really will need to find a good way to thank Red.

Chapter Text

Ozpin is alive. Ozpin is also a now 14-year-old child called Oscar.

Despite how unexpected it is, getting the headmaster back proves to be a big morale boost for team RNJR. After Ruby's encounter with Neo, and Professor Lionheart seeming unreliable. Having some good news is more than welcome.

After introducing himself, Ozpin explains his situation to team RNJR leaving them all absorbing the implications of Ozpin being cursed by the gods to reincarnate into other people every time he dies. Before he explains more, however, he looks quizzically at Ruby.

"Miss Rose, I can't help but notice you seem to be holding yourself a bit differently from how I remember and have been remarkably silent about these revelations so far. Of course, I would imagine these last months have been more than stressful enough for some personal development but I get the sense that's not it. Has something occurred?" Ozpin asks speaking through Oscar.

Ruby respects the fact that dying didn't hinder his observational skills in the least but wishes she didn't have to explain what happened to her twice in one day. On the upside, she still has the mostly true explanation she used saved on her scroll and so just shows Ozpin what she wrote in the morning.

"If my memory isn't failing me, Neopolitan was the mute with an illusion semblance, correct?" Ozpin asks.

Ruby nods

"Are you sure the strike to your throat was not deliberate in that case?" Ozpin asks with a note of concern in his voice.

'I guess not, why?'

"Because I can think of a reason why she might leave you alive with that specific wound. Do you by chance know how long Neopolitan's illusions can last?" Ozpin questions.

For a second Ruby wonders if he somehow worked out Neo's actual motivation before she hears the question at the end of his sentence.

'I'm not sure'

"While this is just a theory, is it possible she left you unable to speak so she might try to use you for infiltration at a later date? After all, assuming her illusions are good enough, the main way she is likely to be caught out is her lack of speech, an issue she no longer has when impersonating you. Especially when you acting off could be blamed on you adjusting to your new injury," Ozpin posits.

Ruby has a sharp intake of breath. While she knows the real reason Neo hurt her, without that knowledge, Ozpin's theory seems horrifyingly plausible if Neo was still working for Cinder.

Ren, Nora and Jaune suddenly look at Ruby with concerned eyes, having not even considered the possibility of that until this moment.

"Relax everyone, Ruby here used her semblance literally seconds ago. While an illusionist may be able to copy her appearance, and if she's a good enough actor her mannerisms, but she definitely can't copy a semblance," Qrow points out.

"Thank you Qrow, I was not suggesting that Miss Rose is an imposter, just that we should stay aware should she suddenly start acting out of character", Ozpin explains.

Ruby understands perfectly well why Ozpin shared his theory with the others. If that actually was Neo's plan then nothing could be worse than being caught unaware by it. Despite that Ruby isn't looking forward to the extra scrutiny she'll be under due to it being brought up.

"Well now that horrifying idea is out there, how about we get around to trying to actually get something done rather than panicking about possibilities", Qrow states, taking attention away from Ruby and back to him and Ozpin.

"Precisely. At present, nothing can be done about Neopolitan so we must focus on what we can do. Specifically protecting the Relic of Knowledge that is housed in Haven"

"Wait isn't this perfect though? Now we have cute little boy Ozpin here, can't we just go and have him set Lionheart straight?" Nora proposes.

"Please don't call me that" Ozpin requests.

"We are not sure that's the best idea" Qrow adds.

Ruby thinks back to Neo's lack of faith in Lionheart's good nature and wonders if Ozpin is about to unwittingly prove the point she was trying to make.

"Is that related to how Professor Lionheart was acting earlier today?" Ren asks.

"Yes. The headmasters were meant to be people I could rely on more than anyone else especially while I am out of commission reincarnating. Leonardo's actions are concerning not just due to being irrational but because I left specific instructions that are being ignored. While I do not want to jump to conclusions it is clear something is wrong. The only people who know I am paired with Oscar are in this room, and I believe keeping it that way would be to our advantage. Not only does it reduce the risk of Salem learning of me before we are ready, but should my guess be right about Neopolitan, then I am something she will not be prepared for," Ozpin explains.

"Ohhh so you're like a counter spy in case Neo tries something", Nora says.

"That is a way to look at it. Now we have some preparations to do. Firstly enlisting the aid of more huntsmen," Ozpin Replies.

"I've got a good number of contacts around the city that I can start doing the rounds for" Qrow says

"So long as you trust them" Ozpin replies

"I trust them enough to hold their own in a fight. I'll get a list put together"

Ruby feels her stomach sink as she remembers Neo's explanation of Mistral having a hunter shortage. While she's sure Qrow knows a lot more hunters around Mistral than Neo does, if Neo's right, Ruby's not sure how much help Qrow will be able to find.

"If that's what you have Qrow doing, what about the rest of us?" Jaune asks.

"Getting you four into fighting shape", Ozpin answers.

While Ruby considers objecting to that, she can't deny she's not good enough yet. When she fought Neo she lost, badly. Had Neo decided she was just a bit more complicit in Torchwick's death, that would have been the end of Ruby Rose, dead in an alleyway with her team none the wiser.

Of course, that does leave Ruby with a question that she writes out in the brief silence Ozpin's statement created.

'If Qrow's looking for Huntsmen who's going to teach us'

Ozpin steps forward with a smile idly spinning his cane through a number of complex movements as he does.

"While Oscar's body is still inheriting my muscle memory and requires training before he can do the feats I was formerly capable of. My change of vessel has not made me any less proficient a teacher than I was as your former headmaster. Haven's students are due to return in approximately one month. That is the window where Salem is most likely to attack Haven. Meaning that is the time we have to train you enough to be a competent opposition to Salem's servants," Ozpin replies.

"All of that is something to get started on tomorrow though. For now, how about you kids get some rest, I don't know about you, but I at least have had a long day," Qrow says.

With Ozpin's explanation done, Oscar seems to lose the presence he was excluding seconds earlier sending his cane flying as he instinctively tries to keep up the pattern Ozpin had been doing earlier. This comes much to Qrow's dismay as it flies directly into the glass of whisky he had just picked up, shattering it and spilling the drink over his coat.

"Be careful with that thing, it's a weapon, not a toy" Qrow says to Oscar in a grumpy tone.

"Oh, um, sorry about that" Oscar replies, his voice meek in comparison to Ozpin's commanding tone earlier.

Qrow just sighs.

With the lecture done, the house's occupants disperse, trying to absorb the evening's revelations.

When Ruby eventually goes to bed, her dreams are haunted.

She is forced to watch wordlessly as Neo, wearing Ruby's body, happily interacts with each of her friends before stabbing each one in the back with her parasol once they trust her. When each of her friends and family lie dead on the floor, Neo happily skips over to where Ruby is watching from and reaches out a bloodstained hand to Ruby. As Ruby accepts the handhold and feels the warm blood run down her own hands, she sees herself smiling joyfully back with pink and brown eyes.

Ruby wakes up with clenched hands and a strangled scream.

After getting dressed and looking in the mirror at her perfectly clean hands and silver eyes. Ruby sits down on her bed and opens her scroll. Neo had replied to her yesterday evening.

Seeing how Neo obviously doesn't want to talk about after Cinder and not wanting to bring up death in conversation after the dream she just had, Ruby decides to change the subject by asking about sign language.

While none of her friends know it, maybe Neo does since she's been mute for much longer than Ruby.

Her question about sign language goes nowhere since Neo apparently didn't feel much need for it with Torchwick but the question of how long she has been mute ends up going somewhere Ruby doesn't expect.

'Wait, you couldn't talk since birth and were never taught sign language?'

'My parents weren't the accommodating type'

That reply just makes Ruby feel bad for Neo even if she is a criminal. She honestly can't imagine her parents not being accommodating to whatever she needed.

Her home life wasn't perfect of course Mum died and Dad was sometimes too depressed to give her as much focus as she might have wanted but with Yang helping take care of her and Qrow occasionally being around to help train her to follow her dreams of being a huntress like mum she never felt anything but loved.

'That's awful'

'If it makes you feel better, they died in an explosion'

Ruby does not find herself comforted in any way but that knowledge.

'That's awful in an entirely different way'

'It's a fond memory of mine'

Just for a second Ruby tries to imagine how much you would need to hate your parents to look back on the day of their death and feel anything but grief. She can't.

'Did you cause the explosion?'

'Yes'

'How could you look back on that fondly'

'Because I was finally free'

Ruby stares at her scroll. She knew intellectually that Neo had killed people, but how messed up do you have to be to kill your own parents and be fond of the memory? That knowledge alone is enough to make Ruby reconsider if working with Neo is really a good idea at all.

If she was willing to kill the people who raised her, then can Ruby really trust her not to turn on her and her friends at some point? Ruby's thoughts about just how evil Neo might be are curtailed by one thing, however.

Just what did Neo really mean by not the accommodating type? That can't just be not teaching her sign language right? How trapped would someone have to make their child feel that they feel free only after their death?

Yet could that ever justify what Neo did to them even the slightest extent? Not knowing the answer, Ruby elects to put her scroll away and go downstairs. She needs time to think.

By the time she's gotten downstairs, Qrow has already set off to try to find some of those contacts of his, leaving a note saying he'll be back in 4 days with everyone he's managed to recruit, leaving Ruby with her current team and Oscar.

After eating her breakfast, Ozpin gathers team RNJR in the garden to begin the training he mentioned.

"Oscar, how about you try yourself against Miss Rose, the experience will likely be of use to both of you", Ozpin says.

Ruby grabs Crescent Rose and gets into a combat ready stance before Ozpin speaks again.

"Put Crescent Rose away for now. While you are very proficient in using a scythe as I would expect from someone Qrow trained, you are lacking in your hand to hand abilities. I would like you to practise those against Oscar before we move to armed practice"

Hearing that Ruby puts Crescent Rose away, feeling slightly disgruntled. Despite not enjoying it as much as using the perfection that is her weapon, she knows Ozpin is right. The last time she was caught without her beloved weapon she lost her voice. If she was a better hand to hand fighter, maybe she could have lasted long enough to escape with her semblance.

Ruby commits herself to her training with as much determination as she can muster for fist fighting. She does have a bit of satisfaction that she is at least better at it than Oscar before Ozpin takes over to show how far that is from actual skill.

Over the next few hours the team and Oscar go through a series of spars with each other, Ozpin giving advice and pointers after each one.

Ruby lets herself focus fully on the rhythm of fighting both with and without her weapon, trying to integrate Ozpin's tutelage as she does.

As she is now, it's harder to communicate with her friends than it's ever been before and Ruby's conflicting thoughts about Neo just make her feel more lost. Fighting, however, is something she can do.

She doesn't need to speak, just focus on all the training she did with Qrow and at Beacon and try to refine that further.

Ruby can't call out combo attacks or direct her team around the battlefield the way she would have been able to if she hadn't gotten caught off guard by Neo. That means if she still wants to remain a worthy team leader, she needs to get good enough to compensate for that.

She can accept herself being hurt but what if Neo had wanted to harm one of her teammates instead? The fact is Ruby couldn't stand up to her, and based on her fight with Neo during the fall of Beacon, she can't beat her, even with Crescent Rose.

Yet Neo isn't even her goal, with luck Neo will be an ally because Neo doesn't think she can beat Cinder alone. If Ruby can't even beat Neo, how can she possibly stop Cinder from killing more of her friends the next time they face her?

So Ruby focuses everything on trying to get better and hopes that if she just tries hard enough for long enough she will be enough.

After a few hours, Ozpin calls for a break. As Ruby walks back into the house and sits down she thinks about what Neo said earlier and realises something.

Neo obviously is capable of caring about people a lot, she's apparently dedicated her whole life to avenging Roman after his death. What was he to her that she feels so strongly for him when even her parents' deaths didn't phase her in the least?

'If you can look back on that of all things fondly then who was Roman to you that you're willing to go this far to avenge him?'

'He was the reason Neopolitan could exist'

Ruby looks at Neo's answer in annoyance. Sure that's an answer but it could mean so many things that it effectively means nothing at all.

'Do you enjoy being cryptic'

'Do you know what it's like to live but not be seen or heard?'

Maybe Ruby has a bit more of an idea of that after what Neo did to her, but even now she knows her friends care deeply for her. Her family has always seen and heard her. Even when she felt alone, Yang was always willing to be there for her, and once she was at Beacon, the rest of her team was as well.

'I don't think so'

'Suffice to say I had nothing before him and have nothing after him'

Ruby is coming to realise that she has even less of a picture of what Neo was to Roman and she to him. Still surely Neo must have had something in her childhood. No one grows up entirely alone.

Even with Mum gone and Dad sometimes not present, Ruby still had Yang and Qrow.

'Did you never have friends or family beyond your parents even if they were bad?'

'Nope. Didn't get the chance and the closest thing I had to an uncle tried to ransom me'

Ruby blinks and rereads Neo's reply. While the whole not getting the chance to make friends thing is sad and makes Ruby wonder even more just how little freedom Neo must have had as a child. The fact that her uncle apparently ransomed her is somehow even more concerning.

With family that awful and no good influences around it's not that hard to see how anyone could have gone down a dark path.

'I'm starting to see how you ended up becoming a criminal'

'That was an eventful day'

It takes a few seconds to work out what Neo is implying with that sentence before she scrolls up in her messages to the whole blowing up her parents thing and starts to get the picture.

'Wait are you saying you were ransomed by your uncle the day you blew up your parents?'

'Tried is an important word. Same day my parents poisoned my tea'

Maybe Neo was right to blow up her parents. Probably not, even terrible people deserve to go on trial rather than being murdered, but wow Neo's childhood seems horrifying.

The bit of humor Ruby gets from the offence Neo seems to have taken from Ruby implying she was successfully ransomed by her uncle does little to make Ruby feel better about how screwed up Neo's home life must have been.

It doesn't justify her crimes in the least but it does explain how she got there. Freedom seems like a much better reason to commit crime after understanding how Neo had been trapped, even if Ruby's sure she could have found a better path somehow.

'Did you blow them up because they poisoned you?'

'No that happened due to a rather massive amount of fire dust being stored in my room which was shot and exploded'

Maybe Neo is just making it up actually. Ruby knows just how unbelievable the real world is but she can't think of any possible reason why fire dust would be stored in anyone's bedroom.

'Why was there fire dust in your room'

'It's a long story'

As tempted as Ruby is to ask for said long story, the time Ozpin put aside for a break is elapsing and Ruby wants to take the time to get her head around what Neo has already told her.

With the insanity that is Neo's home life still bouncing around in her head, Ruby gets back to trying to improve under Ozpin's guidance. She's sure that there will come a point where even Ozpin's tutelage reaches diminishing returns and the joy of being able to fully immerse herself in training dries up, but for now Ruby is happy to put her entirety into improvement.

It also helps Ruby let out some of the frustration she feels that anyone could have parents quite as bad as Neo's. Assuming that the story is true and she's not just trying to get Ruby's sympathy or something.

As Ruby finishes her training she has another dinner where she manages to feel alone surrounded by friends.

To be fair it's not their fault Nora makes sure to serve her an extra large portion, Jaune keeps trying to redirect conversation to give her openings to contribute, and Ren makes sure to reassure Ruby that if she wants to write anything, he'll make sure everyone waits for her to finish writing.

Yet in a way as nice as all that effort is it also makes her feel even further from them than she already was. Ruby doesn't want to be special or an exception, she just wants to be normal and fit in, yet now she has yet another way she doesn't.

Not only is she younger than everyone else, a team leader responsible for a team that's no longer together and has weird special eyes that are apparently important. Not that she understands how they work. Now she's also separated from everyone else by lacking a voice as well.

Not that she admits this, after all her team are all trying so hard for her sake that she just smiles at their efforts and thanks them for the ways they try to include her. What's she going to do ask them to not try to help her?

So even if Ruby finds herself dreading the flash of pity in the eyes of her friends when they say something they expect her to respond to before remembering she can't, she goes on without comment.

As she heads up to her room, Ruby looks back at her conversation with Neo and has an idea. Surely an explosion of a house due to a massive amount of fire dust would have made the news right?

Even with communications down, Mistral's network should still have an archive of news reports from Vale that Ruby can look through.

Fortunately, if you ignore the last year, Vale was actually a fairly peaceful city. While the news did cover things like scandals and the occasional murder, most of the time no major events were occurring aside from news about hunters. Which, coincidentally, was the only news that Ruby had been interested in most of the time.

This means it doesn't take long to find a news report from 3 years ago talking about a massive dust explosion in the Vanille family mansion.

Apparently the traces of fire dust show the explosion was caused by a monumental amount of fire dust that had been stored in the manor for unknown reasons. The force of the explosion was contained by hardlight shielding on the room it originated from, preventing the neighbouring manor's from being flattened. Though firefighters were needed to prevent the buildings from burning down.

The Vanille family was in the mansion at the time of the explosion, the deceased body of Carmel Vanille was recovered while the bodies of Jimmy Vanille and their daughter Trivia Vanille were presumed vaporised by the explosion.

Ruby does check and while there are a few other dust explosions that occurred in Vale, most of them were either much smaller scale, in dust shops or in the industrial district. With the exception of her name, Neo's story checks out.

Though Ruby supposes that means that Triva was not in that manor when it exploded, even if her parents were, so the news story isn't quite right either.

Though Ruby now knows more about Neo than she did, there remains one thing that this piece of history Ruby dug up doesn't give her any further insight into and yet without it, anything else she learns about Neo is of limited use. What exactly was the connection between her and Roman?

That, though, is something that Ruby doubts news reports will shed any light on.

Ruby goes to bed exhausted physically by Ozpin's training and mentally by the rollercoaster that is what she learned about Neo's childhood. Yet more sure than ever that working with her is the right choice.

Ruby's already friends with one former terrorist, she's sure she can make friends with a, hopefully soon to be, former criminal as well.

Chapter Text

Ruby has often been called a prodigy for how skilled she is at her age.

Sparing with Oscar makes her wonder if the meaning of that word can fit her when he's improving so much faster than she ever did.

Of course it's not really comparable, he has the soul of an immortal wizard giving him muscle memory and skill far beyond his years while Ruby doesn't.

That doesn't change the fact that seeing how much he's improved after just one day is remarkable considering that nothing about him suggests he's had a day's combat training before said wizard turned up.

Ruby is definitely getting better at unarmed combat, Ozpin is a good instructor and Ruby knows she's never put as much effort into trying to fix this particular weakness of hers as she is now.

She still can't help but wonder how long she'll be able to keep beating Oscar hand to hand when it feels like he gets miles better for every step forward she does, even if she started with a massive lead.

"I believe that is as much progress as either of you are going to make without taking a break. We can switch over to armed training once everyone is better rested" Ozpin says as he picks himself up from where Ruby had knocked down Oscar during their spar.

As everyone disperses into the house from the garden they were training in Jaune heads over to Ruby.

"You've been taking this training really seriously", he comments.

Ruby takes out her scroll to write a reply 'No more than you do'

Ruby knows how hard Jaune has been pushing himself even when they were still making the journey up to Mistral, he was avoiding sleep to go through Pyrrha's training video repeatedly.

He laughs awkwardly "Yeah I've been trying but I have a lot more ground to cover than you do"

'True but if you compare yourself to where you started it's night and day. Once you discover your semblance I'm sure you'll be a force to be reckoned with'

"It's nice that one of us is optimistic about my progress. You already are a force to be reckoned with though. I'm pretty sure you're still better than me even when we were fighting unarmed and that's your only real weakness," Jaune points out.

Ruby smiles at Jaune but shakes her head and points to her neck.

Jaune's expression takes a turn for the downcast, "That says nothing about your fighting skills"

'Neo beat me and Cinder is much more powerful than Neo especially with the power of the Fall Maiden. I'm the one who led us here. That means it's my responsibility to make sure that doesn't get all of you killed'

"We are much better prepared now than we were at the fall and we have Qrow and Oscar. Team RNJR are here because we want to stop whatever Cinder or Salem is planning here. We all chose to be here and we all chose to follow your lead"

'I couldn't keep team RWBY together and that was while I could still actually talk to them. Now all of you are putting your trust in me anyway. Is it any wonder I'm putting everything into trying to get better? Team leaders need to put the team before themselves, remember'

"Just remember to take care of yourself too, ok?" Jaune tells Ruby.

'I will'

Ruby can see Jaune looking at the spot she pointed to earlier. As if not being able to speak has somehow made her more fragile. She would have hoped someone who trained as hard as he does wouldn't worry about her doing the same.

Ruby takes a seat and looks at her scroll. While she's waiting she may as well see if she can make any more progress on befriending Neo. At some point, she's going to actually have to work out a way to get her to work with everyone else but Ruby needs her to be trustworthy before she can do that.

If she actually wants Neo's trust though, there is something about her she needs to understand better.

'Since that's such a long story what about something else?'

Fortunately, it doesn't take long for Neo to respond.

'What something else would that be?'

'How did you meet Torchwick?'

'I saved him from a gang'

'Really? Just spontaneously?'

'Yep, he was probably going to get killed by a few people I didn't really like so I helped'

'So what that happened and then you two became friends?'

'Kinda, he tracked me down and told me his tragic backstory over tea. I tracked him down and got him to teach me how to fight and do crime better. Before you know it we were partners in crime'

'Did the whole crime thing not make you wonder if that was the right thing to do?'

'Should it have?'

'Yes'

'Good to know'

'Is that sarcasm?'

'Are you suggesting I'm not an innocent soul who didn't know better simply misguided by a big bad crime boss?'

As much as Ruby has very little appreciation for Neo's family from what she's learned, she does not get that sense from her in the least.

'Are you?'

'No'

'Didn't think so'

'What clue gave it away?'

'What you did to me for one'

'I could have done much worse. Considering what you helped take from me the fact that's all I did feels downright merciful'

'My friends think you did that so you can like replace me without them noticing or something. They keep looking at me suspiciously when I'm gone for more than 20 seconds'

Neo doesn't respond for about a minute.

'That's brilliant, I really needed that laugh. I mean I totally could do that to be fair but still'

Ruby finds herself annoyed, yes she wants Neo's help against Cinder but the fact that not only did she cause her all these problems but finds them funny is immensely frustrating.

'Why are you such a terrible person?'

'Nature or nurture take your pick'

'I don't think anyone is evil by nature. If you had a family that accommodated you and connections to people before Torchwick don't you think you could have been different?'

'I wouldn't know'

There's something sad about that Ruby thinks. At the fact Neo will never know what things would be like if she had even a single person who cared about her as a person before Torchwick of all people.

'I am who I am because of the people who cared about me. Who showed me the things that mattered in the world and all the good in it worth protecting. Without all those people I don't know who Ruby Rose would have been. If the first person to care about you was Torchwick then I can see why you would join him'

'That's nice Red. You going to say you understand why Cinder is who she is next?'

'No. I'm sure she must have some reason but nothing justifies or explains what she did. I don't think I want to understand Cinder'

'Good'

Ruby closes her scroll, checking the time, she still has a little bit before Ozpins is going to resume practice, and she doesn't feel like talking to Neo any longer.

Looking around Jaune is talking to Oscar while Ren and Nora are together like usual.

She wonders how the rest of team RWBY are doing.

When she thought she had seen Blake before she learned that was just Neo tricking her, Ruby had been really excited to be able to catch up with one of her team members. The fact that Neo planted that spark of hope and crushed it is just another way she hurt Ruby that day.

Where did Blake go? She was part of the White Fang, but Ruby doubts Blake had any interest in going back to that, so where does that leave? It was optimistic even for Ruby to think she could be in Mistral but outside of that, Remnant is a large place. What are the chances of running into her again?

Ruby at least knows where Weiss is. Back in Atlas with a family Ruby knows she feels trapped with. Hopefully she's doing ok and Ruby's hopeful she'll end up in Atlas at some point. Maybe once she's done foiling whatever evil plot for Mistral is happening, she can head there and reunite with her partner.

Yang... Ruby hopes she didn't take her leaving too badly. While she has no way to know how the other two members of her team are doing she knows exactly how Yang was when she set off. Despairing over the loss of her arm and not getting better. Yet Ruby still left her because nothing she did or tried helped and at least in Mistral she can be doing something. She really hopes that wasn't a mistake.

Looking around the house Ruby realises just how much she misses her team. Not that there is anything wrong with who she has now. Jaune is nice and really determined to do better, Nora is a beacon of positivity and energy while Ren is insightful and reassuringly calm.

Uncle Qrow is here to look out for her, something that's comforting now he's no longer at risk of dying from poison. Oscar and Ozpin are weird but Ozpin is someone who obviously knows what he's doing and has experience with all the magic that's popping up. Oscar, Ruby doesn't know him well yet but he seems nice and Ruby looks forward to learning more about him.

Ruby's text conversations with Neo are... something. Ruby really doesn't know what to think about the criminal who maimed her but also apparently wants to work together. When texting it feels like there is a bit of distance between the person she's talking to and the one who hurt her, but Ruby has no idea what it will feel like to see her in person.

Despite all the people around her though, what Ruby really wants is her team. Before everything fell apart and she wasn't there to keep them together.

She wants Yang's humour and warm reassurances, Weiss's sharp wit and determination and Blake's insight and drive to right injustice. Yet she doesn't know if she's going to have any of those ever again. Even if she does meet up with them, she literally can't call herself a team leader anymore.

Ruby gets up. It's about time to try to do some weapons practice and even if the rest of the team isn't here, Crescent Rose is always at Ruby's side. For the sake of the team she has now and for the one she failed she needs to get better.

Just like yesterday Ruby throws herself into practice. Unarmed, the only people Ruby can really match up to consistently are Oscar and sometimes Jaune. Against Ren or Nora, Ruby finds herself consistently losing and that's against people who aren't dedicated brawlers like her sister.

With Crescent Rose though, Ruby is complete. She can beat anyone short of Ozpin in most of the spars and as she swings her massive yet elegantly constructed weapon she feels like she can be enough, that nothing can really stop her.

She knows that's not really true. While she wins most fights, she can't beat Nora or Ren every time and neither of them live up to the monsters Ruby is going to have to fight.

When she imagined monsters in the past, it's always been grimm and so Ruby felt no fear. When she thinks of them now she thinks of Cinder burning Pyrihha to a crisp, or Tyrian battering around her team effortlessly before Qrow arrived.

Grimm are easy. Ruby has felt since the first time she saw one and was able to fight back that that's what she was meant for. Monsters in human skin are anything but.

So Ruby tries to integrate every suggestion Ozpin has and to refine each swing of her scythe to perfection. So that the next time she has to fight a monster no one will end up suffering in her stead.

She can see the others have noticed. Her discussion with Jaune earlier obviously didn't clear up whatever concern was there because she can see him, Ren and Nora occasionally giving her concerned glances at her monofocus during training.

She would talk to them about it during practice, but the joys of mid-fight banter have been stolen from her. Ruby can't type on her scroll and swing Crescent Rose at the same time after all.

Ruby's stuck with facial expressions and motions to let people know her thoughts as she works to push their aura into the red. Though at least Ruby doesn't think any of them can misinterpret her joy and satisfaction when she wins a spar.

On the upside, Ozpin is making no complaints about her effort and Oscar doesn't know her well enough to see her actions as anything but her normal.

The thought hits Ruby that Oscar is never going to hear her voice. He's the first friend Ruby has who will associate her with silence rather than as someone who constantly fills the air with her thoughts and ideas.

As training ends everyone rests before they get started on prepping dinner. Ruby decides to talk to Oscar and see what he thinks of her. She hasn't really gotten to know him as much as she should and they haven't talked much. Not that she can talk but you know.

'Hi Oscar' Ruby writes sitting down next to him.

"Oh Hi Ruby"

'How are you finding all this?'

"It's weird, before I really didn't have any important responsibilities and had no experience fighting. Now it's all the fate of the world stuff and I'm leaning to fight with Long Memory"

'You really had no experience fighting?'

'Some small grimm is all. Not anything like this'

'If it makes you feel better you're a natural. If I didn't know better I'd say you had been training with that cane for ages'

"It feels like that sometimes. Long Memory feels like something I've been fighting with for lifetimes, even though I've had it for weeks. That sounds crazy doesn't it?" Oscar looks down at the cane, which he holds perfectly naturally, almost as if it's a part of him.

'A little, but at least it means you'll be ready to fight when you need to be. You're improving really quickly'

"How do you keep going?" Oscar says a slightly desperate look suddenly on his face.

'In what way?'

"This, all of this is terrifying. I never wanted to be a farmhand for my entire life but I don't feel ready for all of this at all. I didn't ask for this and even if I'm able to fight I don't feel ready at all"

'When I went to Beacon I didn't think I would ever be a part of anything anywhere near as big as this but I went there because I wanted to protect people. Honestly I still don't really feel ready either but there is no one else. We need to be ready and keep pushing forward because if we don't innocent people will suffer the consequences

"How can you just say that? People have tried to kill you. You got stabbed days ago by a criminal so badly you lost your voice. How can you just keep going after that?"

'Two of my friends died in the fall of Beacon. Penny Polendina and Pyrrha Nikos. They were two of the kindest and most caring people I've met. Even if I didn't know them as long as I wish I could have. Yet despite that they were killed. Pyrrha fighting a battle she couldn't win just for the chance she could help. Penny just so Cinder could make a statement. I am scared. I'm scared of just how much more I'm going to lose but more than that I'm scared of who else I could lose. I think of Pyrrha and Penny every day that passes. I wish I could have had more time with them. If I died though they would have kept going and I have to do the same. I choose to keep moving forward so I can try to make sure that doesn't happen again'

Oscar takes a second to read what she wrote. Ruby once again wishes she could have just said it. Could have put her emotions into her voice and maybe managed to express even a bit of how much she cares about her lost friends.

"I'm sorry," Oscar says eventually.

'Don't be. The fact you're still here means you're braver than you think you are. This won't be easy. Which means I appreciate the fact you are willing to keep going even more'

"Thanks" Oscar replies after a pause.

Ruby just about manages a smile as she gets up to help the others who have gotten a start on cooking.

As stifling as having to take her time writing in conversations is, it's times like cooking that feel the worst. All the others have a conversation going as they help prepare food yet as Ruby cuts some of the vegetables, she finds herself entirely unable to participate.

It leaves her feeling like an observer rather than a part of her friends. Yet with nothing to do about it all Ruby can do is keep on going like she swore she would.

She just needs to keep getting better, find a good way to manage Neo and keep her new team together. As long as she can do those then surely that will be enough to stop Cinder and halt Salem's plan for Mistral.

Ruby just needs to keep going no matter what that takes.

Chapter Text

Ruby wakes up.

It's not the first time she's seen Cinder kill Pyrrha in a dream but burning to death before she woke up is extra unpleasant. 0/10 stars for dream quality.

As she rests her head back on her pillow and stares up at the ceiling Ruby wonders about her eyes. If not for them would she have just died up there uselessly? Would Cinder and that dragon grimm have killed all of her friends if not for a power Ruby didn't even know she had?

Suddenly everything feels too small. Like the space around her is shrinking. Ruby's thoughts suddenly feel like they're strangling her.

Is this all she can do? Just sit here, train and wait for Cinder to do something while Qrow tries to find the remainder of Mistral's huntsman population that might not even exist? Hope that Haven's possibly traitorous headmaster helps them? Believe that after the full might of Vale and Atlas's army couldn't stop her, Mistral will hold out against Cinder just fine if they get Ozpin's relic thing?

Ruby shakes her head. Pessimism helps no one. Even if she's not sure if what they have is enough yet she just has to trust in Ozpin and Qrow. They have tonnes of experience so surely they know what they're doing.

She just needs to keep going and she'll be fine. If she does it right all her friends and family will be too.

After checking and finding Neo hasn't sent anything new Ruby heads downstairs. She could text Neo more, but she has no idea what to say, so she just ignores the idea until she comes up with something.

Seeing that her nightmare woke her up way too early in the morning Ruby gets herself a few cookies she noticed in the cupboard a couple of days ago but didn't have the chance to eat until now.

Nothing like food she actually likes to cheer her up a bit. Sure Beacon is gone and Haven is the next target but Ruby has cookies so the world can't be all bad.

With no one else awake yet and nothing much to do Ruby decides to just read some of her comics and relax. A part of her wants to just spend all her time shadowboxing or practising with Crescent Rose or her semblance but Ruby knows if pessimistic thoughts are getting in that means she must be way too stressed.

Much better to try to do something she actually enjoys to feel a bit better about things.

So that's exactly what she does. Ruby grabs the comics that she never found the time to read over the last few days. Lies down on a sofa and tries to enjoy reading a story where the villains are all irredeemable and the heroes are all paragons. Where no matter how wicked the bad, good triumphs in the end. It's a comforting way to spend the morning.

"Good morning Ruby, what are you reading?" Ren asks as he arrives in the living room.

Ruby sits up and gestures to her comic and the small stack of its earlier issues she had gotten through before he woke up.

"Have you already eaten?"

Ruby nods. Cookies for breakfast may not be great for her body but they were fantastic for her soul and considering how important that is she sees her breakfast as a fantastic choice.

"Guess I'll just make some for me and the other three then"

Ruby gives him a thumbs up and goes back to reading.

As time passes Nora, Oscar and Jaune also get up.

Ruby thinks that Oscar is looking at her with a bit more respect after their conversation yesterday which is nice. He's also the only one who seems to not notice Ruby's absence from conversations. On one hand, it's kinda sad but on the other, it's relieving. There is a single person here who doesn't finish a sentence, looks at her like she's about to respond, then gets either a guilty or sad expression on their face like it's their fault she can't.

It's not like she can't talk to them, even if writing things out is really clunky and annoying to do every time. Still, she's getting faster at it. Before long Ruby's sure she'll be able to write on her scroll as fast as most people can talk. Sure not yet but eventually. Maybe she can write even faster using her semblance, that way she'll be able to talk as fast as she used to when she got excited. Sure Petal Burst doesn't work like that but where there's a will there's a way.

On that thought.

Ruby having finished her last comic, Petal Bursts over to the table the others are chatting at. As she does she sees all of them relax fractionally.

She really wishes Ozpin never mentioned his annoyingly plausible and hard to disprove yet utterly wrong theory on why Neo took her voice. Now it means If she doesn't use her semblance visably after being out of sight for long enough everyone gets slightly nervous about if Neo's trying something while also being too polite to actually ask her to do anything to check.

To be honest it's kinda funny but that slight mistrust towards her, even though it's not actually towards her, is annoying. Still, that just means she needs to find a good way to reconcile Neo with the rest of the team so they can put that particular silliness behind them.

Not that she has any ideas about how to do that. Project reform Neo into a less bad person is currently in the talking to her over text occasionally step, as opposed to the get her to renounce crime step. Ruby gets the feeling that last step may be a bit optimistic even for her but hey, one of her friends is a former terrorist and her uncle is a former bandit. If they managed it then why can't Neo?

"So I for one am looking forward to seeing all those Mistrian huntsmen Qrow is going to bring tomorrow. I mean none of them will be as cool as me or Ren of course but I bet we'll get to see some fun tricks" Nora comments.

Ruby looks Nora in the eye and raises an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah none of them will be as cool as you either Ruby" Nora says.

Ruby smiles. See she's getting better at this whole non-verbal communication thing.

"What about me?" Jaune asks.

"Sorry, Jaune we can't all be cooler than all those new hunters coming over or they might be so in awe of us that they decide to leave because they don't think we need the help. The team thanks you for your sacrifice" Nora explains.

Ren pats Jaune on the back "You're not, not cool".

"Thanks Ren," Jaune says.

"Well since we are all up and fed shall we go outside and try to get a bit more training in before tomorrow? If Qrow gathers a sufficient group then this may be our last chance before we confront the Branwen tribe." Ozpin proposes before giving Oscar control back.

"Yeah! Hey Jaune maybe you'll unlock your semblance and it will be something awesome like being able to shoot lightning out of your fingers or explode people with your mind. That way you'll be much cooler than anyone Qrow could find! Nora says enthusiastically to Jaune.

"Maybe I will" He replies his tone somewhere between amusement and determination.

"That's the spirit!" Nora replies.

As the discussion continues, Ruby finishes walking out to the garden and takes a few practice swings with Crescent Rose before practice really begins.

Like the last few days, Ruby throws herself into the training. Her nightmare this morning returned the thought of whether she could have saved Pyrrha if she was just a little bit faster that day. The reality of that question is irrelevant next to Ruby's determination that she will be just that little bit faster next time.

By the end the time Ozpin calls a break though it half feels like nothing has changed. Sure she may have gotten a few milliseconds faster with her semblance but it's not like that makes any difference the times she tries it against Ozpin.

If she was as good as she is now then would she have been able to get past Mercury to save Penny? Would she have been fast enough to reach Pyrrha before she had an arrow through her chest?

Ruby doesn't know.

Ruby has the sudden urge to talk to her Mum about all this. She can't obviously her grave is in Patch but just being able to talk as if she could hear and talk about her burdens has always been comforting.

It will probably be a while before she's anywhere near Patch again but Ruby finds the thought relieving that she will be able to go back once she's done with all this and say all of what happened to Mum.

Oh.

No that's right.

She can't.

She can write to the grave, she can think loudly at it but she can't talk to Summer. Can't tell her about any of her burdens or troubles. She won't be able to chuckle properly at a memory, sitting there imagining her mum is next to her listening.

Because she can't say anything.

That little piece of solace Ruby had found to help herself accept her mum's death is now just as gone as she is.

Suddenly Ruby can't breathe. The house she's in feels impossibly uncomfortable. The conversations she can never really join again. The people who are her friends but who are not meant to be her team. The subtle hyperawareness everyone has of her at all times.

Ruby suddenly finds herself needing to be somewhere else, anywhere else.

Before she fully knows what she's doing Ruby is carrying Crescent Rose with her as she leaves the house Petal Burst letting her get out before anyone can even notice her getting up, talk about stopping her.

After running a bit Ruby eventually find herself walking. Not going anywhere in particular just enjoying looking at Mistral's sights and the weapons of its people and not thinking of going back to where everything feels wrong.

After she feels slightly calmer she makes sure to text the people in her house that she just really needed air and will be back soon, before setting her scroll on silent. She's not quite sure when soon is but Ruby has no plans to stay out too long or run away or anything like that.

She knows what she has to do. She knows that she has to put the team ahead of her. That she has to do everything in her power to make sure none of them die.

She even knows how badly going out alone went for her last time, though she does have her trusty Crescent Rose this time. She's not going to be caught unarmed a second time.

But thinking about the fact she will never be able to talk to mum again in the only way she could until now cracked the fragile balance she had been holding until that point. So Ruby walks until she finds a nice isolated park, sits down on the first bench she sees and just breathes.

She takes a second on that bench to mourn for the people she wasn't enough to save and for what she's already lost of herself. She closes her eyes and thinks to every happy conversation she had with Penny and Pyrrha. Every comforting hug she had with Yang. All those moments in Beacon when she felt that everything could only get better. She mourns that too.

Then before she finishes what she is doing she feels a tap on her shoulder.

In a second Ruby's eyes shoot open and she jumps back Crescent Rose drawn and aimed at the person who tapped her.

Looking at her she sees her reflection except with one eye pink and one brown smiling at her.

All her plans of reforming Neo disappear from Ruby's mind during that moment as she jumps forward into a flurry of swings with Crescent Rose.

Neo leans under the first one, steps back to avoid the second swing and on the third moves forward and grabs Crescent Rose's shaft to pull Ruby forward and off balance.

Neo thrusts her hand forward towards Ruby and for a second Ruby wonders if this is how she dies blindly attacking a person she wanted to work with because she was caught in a bad moment.

Yet looking at the hand Neo put forward it's not carrying her parasol but an ice cream cone?

Ruby points at the ice cream and then at herself, which receives a nod from Neo.

Ruby blinks before taking the three scoops of what looks like strawberry ice cream in a cone into the hand she's not using to hold Crescent Rose.

Neo still looking like Ruby steps back with one of the most smug expressions Ruby thinks she's ever seen on someone's face. Ruby didn't know she could make such a punchable expression until Neo made it for her.

Still, Ruby folds up Crescent Rose and takes a lick of the ice cream. Annoyingly it's really good actually. Ruby wonders if she should be concerned by the fact that Neo managed to get her favourite flavour or not.

Seeing Neo obviously didn't come to fight Ruby tries to look suitably apologetic for attacking her.

Neo shrugs before walking over to a child standing a few metres away from her and taking an ice cream cone out of their hand.

For a second Ruby is about to be outraged at Neo just taking that from someone especially since they look horrified. Neo looks at Ruby winks and then snaps her fingers. The person standing there shatters.

Ruby just stares dumbly for a second.

Did Neo just make a full-fledged solid illusion of a person so detailed it was capable of emoting just to hold her ice cream while she annoyed Ruby?

Ruby comes to the horrifying conclusion that yes, Neo is that petty with her semblance as to do that.

Looking back over at Neo, Ruby can see her amusement at Ruby's confusion written over her expression.

Neo, still with her illusion of Ruby around her, walks over to the bench Ruby was on a second ago, waving at Ruby to follow as she walks by.

Ruby out of ideas, follows Neo and takes the seat next to her.

For a minute the two just sit there slowly eating ice cream next to each other before Ruby reboots enough from what just happened to try to talk to the person who just responded to Ruby trying to cut her in half with ice cream.

Ruby deciding to start with something that hopefully won't lead anywhere too questionable points at her ice cream before looking at Neo questioningly.

Neo points at her red cloak then at the reddish pink ice cream she bought for Ruby and nods.

Did Neo accidentally buy Ruby her favourite ice cream just because she decided to buy the reddest one there for her? Ruby's not sure if she should be pleased that the ice cream is so nice or annoyed that Neo actually got her the right ice cream through such a stupid method.

She decides to respond by raising an eyebrow at Neo. Who turns back into herself rather than keep the illusions of Ruby she had going on until then before answering. Neo then points at herself, then at the Neapolitan ice cream she's currently eating and then shrugs.

Ruby finds herself silently chuckling at that answer. Neo really just bought Ruby an ice cream based on her name and did the same thing for herself.

Seeing Neo actually looking like herself rather than Ruby the thought suddenly goes through her head that she is here laughing next to the person who hurt her so much only days ago.

That's probably really messed up right? Yet Ruby just stays sitting next to her and nibbles at her ice cream. Looking at Neo, Ruby can clearly see that she's getting at least as much enjoyment from her own ice cream as Ruby is from hers.

It's such an absurd situation that Ruby almost finds herself laughing again. Yet at the same time eating her ice cream sitting next to Neo looking out at the park she seated herself in is actually fairly comfortable.

So far at least Neo has shown no actual hostility to Ruby at all aside from Ruby getting the sense that she spent the first minute of the encounter mentally laughing at her.

After a few minutes more minutes of the two eating their ice cream next to each other without much communication, Ruby finally finishes the ice cream.

Looking at Neo as she finishes the end of her ice cream cone Ruby realises that somehow whatever this was has actually left her feeling better somehow.

Ruby mouths thank you to Neo.

A question mark appears next to Neo.

Ruby just smiles back. It's not like it's hard to work out.

An illusionary ice cream appears in Neo's hand. Ruby nods.

Neo smiles slightly before taking something out of a pocket and handing it over to Ruby.

Ruby looks at the USB drive in her hands puts it in a pocket and looks questioningly at Neo.

In response, Neo creates an image of Professor Lionheart and Cinder shaking hands.

Any contentment Ruby was feeling a second earlier vanishes. Is Neo saying that Lionheart really did betray them?

Not wanting to try to leave anything to interpretation Ruby gets out her scroll for the first time since Neo found her.

'Did you just give me proof that Professor Lionheart is working with Cinder?'

Neo's smile dims a bit and she sighs before nodding.

'How did you find out'

Neo creates an image of a microphone attached to a wall.

'You listened in on him'

Neo nods.

On one hand that means Neo was spying on a provisional ally on the other hand said ally if Neo is to be believed isn't an ally at all which means that was actually justified.

'When did you do that'

Neo points to Ruby then makes a number 2.

'Two days ago and you did it because of me?'

Neo gives a thumbs up.

'What did I have to do with it?'

Neo pulls out her scroll, points to their text history and then makes an illusionary lightbulb next to it.

Ruby nods. She presumably gave Neo the idea when she mentioned Lionheart was acting shady.

Neo then makes an illusion of an arrow pointing from the lightbulb to ice cream.

'The ice cream was a good idea I agree'

Neo nods before shaking her head.

Ruby can't work that one out at all.

With an expression of abject disappointment on her face Neo finally forms some words with her semblance in front of Ruby.

'Ice cream was thanks for giving me a lead on Cinder'

Oh, that makes much more sense.

'Well we did agree to work together against her'

Neo nods before putting her parasol on her still seated legs and looking down at it.

Seeing Neo's weapon Ruby realises that she can for the first time actually analyse what it is without Neo trying to stab her with it. Ruby's eyes light up looking at the weapon on Neo's lap.

Ruby points at the parasol and mouths the word name at Neo looking at it inquisitively.

Neo responds by pressing a finger to her lips.

For a second Ruby thinks that's just Neo refusing to tell her before she gives it a second thought. Ruby looks at her scroll and points at Neo's contact name. Hush.

Neo nods seeming pleased.

Ruby decides to push her luck a bit by asking what she actually wants to.

'Can I look at her'

Neo picks up Hush and looks questioningly at Ruby.

Ruby nods in confirmation.

Neo looks conflicted for a second before shrugging and handing Hush over.

Ruby can see Neo looking at her very intently. She gets the sense that if she damages Hush at all then ally or not Neo is going to murder her.

For once Ruby has no complaints with that idea. If someone messed up Crescent Rose she too would probably have some murderous impulses.

With utmost carefulness, Ruby begins looking at Hush.

It seems perfectly balanced. Looking closely Ruby can see that the canopy is exceedingly reinforced and made to channel aura for extra durability. Ruby's willing to bet nothing less than a full-fledged dust explosion would get through it. The top has a space for the blade to poke out which Ruby notices is connected to a button lower down on Hush that extends the blade. The blade is also detachable from the parasol.

While not a weapon that fits Ruby at all she has no choice but to be impressed by the workmanship. It lacks stopping power and has no ranged option but it more than makes up for that with its defensive utility and effectiveness in close range. It also Ruby notes is a weapon that can be held in plane sight despite being so well made and fancy looking.

Though Ruby supposes the illusion of harmlessness on her weapon does rather fit Neo.

It's not Crescent Rose but Ruby appreciates any chance to see a weapon as unique as Hush.

Ruby reverently hands Hush back to her owner.

'Hush is a beautifully made weapon. She fits you perfectly' Ruby writes.

Reading that a surprisingly genuine seeming smile appears on Neo's face A second later it disappears replaced with a snarl as Neo flips Hush to block a grenade courtesy of Nora.

"..." Ruby instinctively tries to call out to Nora. Once that fails she gets up from the bench. Seems her team must have gotten sick of waiting for her and decided to find her.

It's not too much of a surprise they did since Ruby just wandered to the park nearest the house but she wishes they had given it another few minutes.

Neo turns around and winks at Ruby before shattering Ren's bullets going through where the illusion of Neo was a second ago.

"Ruby are you ok" Nora calls out running up to her while Oscar, Ren and Jaune look around for any sign of Neo.

Ruby sighs before giving a thumbs up. When is she going to get another chance to try to get a picture of Neo's personality in person if this happens every time she goes outside? It had felt like she may have had a chance to make their alliance something based on more than posterity for a second there.

"Wait, Neo uses illusions, how can we be sure that's actually Ruby" Jaune shouts out.

Nora stops a few meters in front of Ruby and narrows her eyes.

Ruby rolls her eyes and Petal Bursts forward up to Nora booping her on the nose.

"No this one's definitely Ruby!" Nora calls back before hugging Ruby.

The worry in the faces of her teammates is palpable.

Ruby starts writing on her scroll.

'Me and Neo actually just talked. I wasn't in danger'

"You just talked?" Ren says seeming slightly disbelieving.

'Well actually neither of us talked but you know what I mean' Ruby writes back.

"Why does it look like there is a hole in the ground shaped like Cresent Rose's blade right here then" Jaune points to where Ruby had struck the ground with her weapon after Neo pulled in forward when she initially attacked Neo.

'She may have caught me slightly off guard when she appeared and I may have responded to that by swinging Cresent Rose at her'

"So she found you rather than the other way around then?" Oscar questions.

'Yep. I honestly did just want to get out to breathe a bit. I'm sorry I shouldn't have run off but I just couldn't stay there for another second. I'm feeling better now though'

'You understand how dangerous that was right?" Jaune asks.

'I did bring my weapon with me this time' Ruby points out.

"Let's just go home" Ren offers seeing that this conversation will go nowhere.

Ruby agrees and the group sets off.

As she heads back Ruby finds herself thinking about the USB drive Neo gave her. If that has what Neo insinuated on it then she may have actual proof that Neo is someone they can work with rather than an agent of Salem.

Ruby gets home feeling truly hopeful. Sure things aren't perfect but Neo may have just given her the means to get one over Salem and Cinder this time.

Ruby finds herself clutching the USB drive.

It is evidence that what Neo took from her was not just something that ruined her life but an opportunity to save the lives of others.

It will have been worth it. It has to have been.

Chapter Text

Ruby sits down on the sofa and faces Oscar who lets Ozpin speak.

"Miss Rose, while you aren't in trouble, we need to know exactly what happened when Neo found you," Ozpin says.

Ruby gulps, while he said she's not in trouble it kinda feels like Ozpin's staring into her soul.

'I was sitting on that bench. Then Neo tapped me on the shoulder when I wasn't paying attention. I was kinda shocked and swung Cresent rose at her a few times which she dodged before I realised she wasn't trying to attack me. After that we both sat down and talked for a bit. Well not talked but you know. Then you guys arrived and she disappeared'

"Did anything else happen at all?" Ozpin asks.

'She bought ice cream? Seriously though the only person who attacked anyone there was me'

Ruby still feels a bit embarrassed about that. All that time thinking about how she can get Neo on side and reform her, then Ruby tries to cut her in half with Crescent Rose. Definitely not her best moment.

"That raises another matter. How did she know to find you there? The fact that she found you significantly faster than us is concerning it it's own way" Ozpin notes.

Ruby thinks for a second. Neo also walked past her when they were walking back from Haven. Does she have some way she's keeping track of Ruby?

'I don't know. Maybe she has some way of knowing where I am or maybe she just stumbled over me'

"You understand why it's concerning for you to be tracked down by one of our enemies so easily," Ozpin says.

'If she was an enemy I would agree but I really do think that it's possible to get her to work with us. She's not with Cinder anymore'

"Perhaps you are right and she truly does have nothing malicious planned for you or us but living as long as I have has meant that even people I trust have betrayed me in the past. Salem has ways of binding people to her so tightly that they never even think to escape. Taking someone as mercenary as her into our confidence is a massive risk at this stage. Especially without any compelling evidence of her abandoning her past allegiances, not to mention what she did to you"

Ruby's thoughts return to the USB Neo gave her. Until she knows what's on there she can't share it with anyone else but with luck that will have the compelling evidence she needs.

'I understand'

Until she knows that for certain though this is a battle Ruby knows she can't win.

Ozpin looks at Ruby for a little longer before sighing "Miss Rose I feel I have done you a disservice. What happened to you is something traumatic and life altering yet because of how focused I have been on getting all of you ready for when Salem makes her move I have not given that as much care as I should"

Ruby begins writing causing Ozpin to stop talking and wait for her reply.

'That's not your fault. Of course you're worried about what Salem is going to do. The last time she got her way Beacon fell and a lot of people died. Please don't start treating me like I'm incapable or something. Losing my voice doesn't make me any less able than I was before and I need to be as good as possible if we want the best chance of stopping whatever Cinder is going to do'

"I have in no way meant to say you are any less capable. I have seen how much focus you have been putting into your training here. You are skilled beyond your years in a way few people are. Perhaps that is why I have not thought to bring this up until now, much to my regret. Your ability is not all there is to you. You are a person Ruby, not a weapon, you matter much more than just how capable you are. It's clear that you have not been handling your injury as well as it seemed on the surface. I apologise for missing that" Ozpin says a mixture of pride and sorrow in his voice.

Ruby pauses for a few seconds as she tries to work out how to respond.

'I'm not doing badly really today was just hard. Still I feel much better now than I did and I should be ok to go on. I'm fine professor. Really I am'

"If I may ask? Why was today in particular hard?" Ozpin questions, he looks disappointed.

Ruby hopes it's not her he's disappointed in.

'I realised I can't talk at mum's grave anymore even if I get back. That just shocked me a bit and everything started feeling a bit suffocating so I went out where it felt a bit easier to breathe. I was going to come back here even if you guys hadn't come to find me I just needed a little time'

"Had you asked then I would have been happy to end our training early today and have a trip out to get some air if that really was the issue" Ozpin notes.

'I guess I also needed to be alone for a bit. Just to get my thoughts in order you know'

"Do you not begrudge Neopolitan for not letting you be alone in that case?" Ozpin asks.

Does she? Not really, it was terrifying when she first appeared but having ice cream with her and getting a chance to look at Hush helped settle Ruby a bit. Also, Neo might have finally given Ruby a way to make progress against Salem other than just waiting for her to make a move. Which is relieving in its own way.

'No actually. Her arriving helped get me out of my head a little bit. Also the ice cream was nice'

"Well in that case Miss Rose I guess I will leave you be for now. Before I go however I would like to remind you that it's ok to not be ok sometimes. If you ever want to talk to me about what you are going through or share anything at all I will still be here. Everyone here cares about you, Miss Rose. It is not necessary to carry your burdens alone if you are willing to share them" As Ozpin finishes speaking he lets Oscar take over once more.

As tempted as Ruby is to reply 'I can't talk' to that she gets the feeling that would be a tad petty. As such she just nods and tries to take the message of care in the way it was meant.

Giving Oscar a smile and a wave Ruby heads up to listen to what Neo gave her. It has been burning a hole in her pocket until this point and Ruby feels like she will explode if she doesn't learn what it contains soon.

Once the door is closed and Ruby is sure she is alone she downloads the audio onto her scroll and listens.

"Good afternoon Lionheart, do you have any updates on our bird problem?" The voice is male and has an upper-class Atlantian accent.

"It seems that he is scouring the city for Hunters he can use to go after his sister with" Lionheart's voice replies.

Ruby gasps. That undeniably is Professor Lionheart's voice. He really did betray them.

"Is he going to find any?"

"Of course not, you know perfectly well why that is"

"Yes of course I do but I know better than to just assume you haven't missed a few. If Raven's camp is gone before we get there due to Qrow moving faster than you expect, Cinder is going to get tetchy. Trust me you don't want to deal with that. Not that she's pleasant company at the best of times." The voice has an annoyed edge when mentioning Cinder.

"I am not a fool Watts. Qrow will find no one and I will know if he leaves the city"

"Could have fooled me" Watts's voice says barely audibly before he more loudly replies "I hope so, her majesty would be rather displeased with you if you failed"

"I haven't"

"Ah, Lionheart we do have the most amusing conversations. Now if you don't have anything else of value to report I believe I will take my leave. Do make sure to say if the situation changes"

"Bastard" Lionheart murmurs.

The recording ends.

It wasn't a long recording yet its content has terrifying implications.

Lionheart really did sell them out to Salem. Ruby doesn't know who that Watts person is but he is clearly working with Cinder for Salem too.

More than that, he is responsible for the huntsman shortage Neo mentioned. How could anyone be that despicable Ruby wonders? Not only to serve someone pure evil but to sell out your every friend and ally. To get the hunters your own academy helped teach killed willingly.

Ruby shivers.

Still this is not only proof of Neo's good intentions but utterly invaluable. Ruby needs to share this with the others.

Ruby heads downstairs again and walks up to Oscar.

'Can you get the others? There is something I need to show all of you'

"So Ruby what do you want to share" Ren questions once everyone is gathered together in the living room.

'When Neo found me we didn't just chat, she gave me something. Evidence of Lionheart betraying us to Salem'

"How would she even have that?" Jaune asks.

Before anyone else can speak however Ruby plays the recording.

There are shocked explanations from around the table as Lionheart's betrayal is audibly confirmed.

"Did Neo mention how she got this recording?" Ozpin asks with great urgency having taken over Oscar.

'I think she put a listening device on Lionheart at some point' Ruby writes.

"Oh Leo, what could possibly have brought you to this of all things? I need to contact Qrow. If he really has been unable to find any hunters that will serve as adequate if painful evidence of the recording's validity" Ozpins voice is pained.

Without a second's delay, Ozpin gets out Oscar's scroll and calls Qrow who picks up on the second ring.

Everyone else is holding their breath for if Qrow will confirm the recording.

"Hello, Qrow" "..." "Yes this is utterly urgent" "..." "I need to know have you been able to find any hunters so far" "..." "Not a single one?" "..." "So it's true then, I had hoped. Qrow come back to us. Now" "..." "I'm afraid you won't find any" "..." "We have been betrayed. I won't say more over the scroll" "..." "See you soon old friend"

"So Lionheart really betrayed us?" Jaune asks.

Ozpin slumps suddenly drained of energy "It seems he has. Well Ruby I admit it you are most likely right. I mentioned earlier that people I've trusted have betrayed me in the past, it seems I have made yet another mistake in who to trust. If Miss Neopolitan gave you this she is almost certainly not working for Salem. She would never give up an advantage so large as Leonardo being a spy to us willingly. Do you have a way to contact her?"

Ruby nods.

"I won't ask how or why for now, it matters little at this point. If you can tell her that we are willing to work with her should she turn up" Ozpin says.

"Is this really wise" Ren questions.

"I suspect Miss Neopolitan's loyalties are to no one but herself. Still, she has clearly betrayed Salem and we are not in a position to refute help. If she did not hand this recording over we likely would have been blindsided by Salem's forces. Now we know of Leonardo's loyalties we can turn the losing hand we have been dealt into one we can win. For that though we need every advantage we can take" Ozpin says.

"But what about what she did to Ruby, are we just meant to forget that!" Nora shouts outraged.

Ruby walks over to Nora and hugs her for a second before stepping back and writing to her 'It's ok. Stopping Salem is much more important than what happened to me. If I can work with her so can you'

"But it's not ok, I know how much you miss being able to talk. I can see it in your face every time you're near a conversation even if you try to hide it. I don't want to be the kind of person who is willing to work with someone who hurt my friend just because it would be useful" Nora retorts.

'Just try Nora. Please. For me' Ruby writes back.

It's comforting to know how much her friends care about her but this is bigger than that. Bigger than any of them. Ruby misses her voice and will continue to miss being able to talk as long as she lives but that doesn't matter. If she wasn't willing to work with Neo then how many of her friends would have been killed when Lionheart lured them into an ambush or gave them faulty information?

Ruby doesn't have the privilege of refusing to work with Neo.

"I hate this" Nora replies.

'I'm sorry'

"Don't apologise. I... I guess we don't have much of a choice do we" Nora says.

Ruby nods.

"Ok, I'll try. The second we've stopped Salem though I reserve the right to beat the tar out of Neo" Nora says.

Ruby gives her a thumbs up.

"Qrow will be back in a few hours. In the meantime Ruby will you be able to arrange a meeting with Neo?" Ozpin asks.

'I'll try' Ruby writes before opening her scroll. She has a text from Neo.

'Did you enjoy my gift?'

'The ice cream was very nice'

'And the information?'

'I guess you were right about powerful people then. Sorry for being so naive'

'Naivety is something I couldn't afford to have. Sorry for shattering your delusions'

'I can't deny reality just because it has terrible things in it. Would you be willing to meet up?'

'With you'

'With me and my team. The evidence you gave me was convincing enough that they are willing to work with you'

'They shot at me'

'Well you didn't have a great first impression to be fair'

'True, they wouldn't be the first people I've worked with who've shot at me either'

'So you're willing'

'I am willing to meet up with you and one other person at a neutral location. We can see where we go from there'

Ruby waves at Ozpin who goes up to her once he notices.

'She is willing to meet up with me and one other person at a neutral location'

"Not very trusting is she" Ozpin says.

'She did bring up the fact that Nora and Ren shot at her earlier today'

Ozpin sighs "Once he is filled in then I suppose Qrow would be best for that. As long as he can control his anger with her then he should be able to handle it with the least risk"

'So tell her yes?' Ruby asks.

"Tell her we are willing to accept meeting her at a neutral location to discuss working together yes. We still need to arrange a time and place however," Opzin says.

Ruby goes back to her texts with Neo.

'That should work, when will you be able to meet up?'

'Any time over the next couple of days would work'

'What would you consider a neutral location?'

'A tea house or cafe would work'

Ruby relays this to Ozpin.

After a bit of time, a tea house that both Neo and Ozpin are familiar with is agreed upon. Choosing a time is deferred until Qrow gets back.

After another few hours pass Qrow finally arrives.

"What happened Oz?" Qrow's voice is dead serious.

"Lionheart has betrayed us to Salem. That is why you couldn't find any hunters" Ozpin picks up from Oscar once Qrow arrives.

"That bastard, how could he? So he got those hunters killed then?" Qrow's voice shakes with restrained anger.

"I'm afraid so. It seems like manipulated things to lead them to their deaths" Ozpin says.

"Good thing we kept you secret from him. At least Salem doesn't know that. How did you learn about it?" Qrow asks.

"Ruby could you play the recording?" Ozpin asks.

Ruby does so. By the time the recording is over Qrow's flask has gone from half full to empty.

"I didn't think Lionheart was a coward. Shows what I know. Which of the kids bugged his office, I know I didn't?"

"None of them I'm afraid. Ruby got that recording from Neopolitan" Ozpin answers.

"What? You're telling me the same Neopolitan who cut my niece's neck so badly she can't talk is the one who gave us that? When did this happen?" Qrow says his voice caught between shock, anger and confusion.

'I went out earlier today and ran into her, she handed the recording over' Ruby writes.

"Oz, why the hell did Ruby have the chance to run into her? I mean it's good that we know about Lionheart now but after what she did there should have been no chance for her to get anywhere near the kid a second time" Qrow asks having settled on anger out of the emotions that had been swirling around him.

"Miss Rose gave us little chance to stop her leaving when she decided to do so. Thankfully it does seem like she was correct about Neopolitan's lack of loyalty to her old employer. When they encountered each other they only conversed rather than fighting" Ozpin says.

"I don't like this" Qrow replies.

"I'm afraid you are likely to like what I'm going to ask of you now even less. Ruby has been in contact with Neopolitan and we believe we will be able to ally with her against Salem. She has agreed to have a meeting at some point in the next two days with Ruby and one other person at a neutral location to discuss this. I would like you to go with her" Ozpin explains.

"You want me to go with Ruby to talk to the person who cut out her vocal cords? To work with her. Seriously? You've asked me to do some screwed-up things Oz but this takes the cake" Qrow says.

"I don't like it but that recording serves as proof that Neopolitan is no longer working with Salem and has chosen to betray her. Frankly, we are not in a good position right now Qrow. We can't afford to say no to an advantage like an extra huntsman level combatant. Will you be able to restrain yourself enough to negotiate?"

Qrow goes to grab his flask again before remembering it's empty "Dammit your right as much as I hate it. She specified that Ruby has to come along?"

"Yes," Ozpin replies.

"Fine, I'll do it. Tell her tomorrow evening then, no point delaying this" Qrow says.

"Thank you Qrow," Ozpin says relieved.

"I'm getting a drink" Qrow replies walking off.

The house is thick with tension for the rest of the day. While no one had been relaxed in the time before knowing what they do now, learning of Lionheart's betrayal destroyed whatever comfort had been there previously. Dissatisfaction with having to work with Neo does little to improve the mood.

Yet the illusion of peace that was there before had been just that, an illusion. Ruby finds a bit of humour that the illusionist is the person who shattered that.

As uncomfortable as it is however Ruby stays positive. After all, she helped. Forgiving Neo and working with her really had been the right choice.

To avoid the tragedy that her friends had almost certainly been destined for Ruby finds her voice almost cheap in comparison. To keep the people she cares about alive Ruby there is little cost Ruby won't pay of herself.

Still, as she lies on her bed before the next day Ruby has the selfish thought that she would much rather not pay any more costs at all. Is that naive? Ruby fails to come to an answer before sleep claims her.

Chapter Text

Ruby looks around the garden, for once she's not using it to spar but to plan out the meeting with Neo. Jaune's team decided to talk among themselves indoors in the meantime.

Ruby can tell that while Ozpin and Qrow have both accepted the necessity of working with Neo the others are going along with the idea begrudgingly at best.

"So just to confirm you've been in contact with her since the day you fought?" Ozpin queries.

Ruby nods.

"Is there a reason you've only decided to tell us this now?" Qrow asks.

The air tastes like sanitiser every time Qrow breathes. While he had already been drinking quite a lot after learning what happened to Ruby earlier in the week learning about Lionheart's betrayal due to Neo of all people seems to have gotten him to test the limits of his liver.

'None of you believed me when I originally mentioned that we might be able to work with her. If I told you. Tell me you wouldn't have just said that she was trying to use me for something and gotten me to stop' Ruby replies.

"You understand why that would have been my reaction right?" Qrow replies.

'Yes but the fact remains that had you done that we would be in a much worse position right now'

Qrow sighs "Yep guess so. Just because it worked out this time though doesn't mean it wasn't really dangerous though"

'So is fighting Salem'

"Can't fault you there kid. Guess hoping to keep you safe was a pipe dream" Qrow replies a bit dispirited.

'You protected me from Tyrian' Ruby points out.

"Yeah and left you dragging me around Anima afterwards" Qrow retorts.

"Miss Rose, Qrow. We only have so much time. Shall we get on with laying out what we know about Neo and have this discussion when we are not on a deadline" Ozpin suggests.

"Yeah let's get on with it" Qrow replies.

"So Miss Rose what do you know about Neopolitan's motivations?"

Ruby thinks before writing down what she knows, 'She blames Cinder for what happened to Torchwick and wants to kill her due to that. I'm fairly sure that's the main thing driving her. Aside from that she seems to care quite a lot about her own freedom'

"Do you know why she would be blaming the person she was gleefully destroying Vale with a few months ago?" Qrow asks.

'According to her she and Torchwick were threatened. They also originally were not informed about the terrorism part of the deal until it was too late to back out' Ruby explains.

"Not sure I believe that last part" Qrow says.

'Not sure why she would bother lying about it. Either way I'm pretty sure as long as we're working towards Cinder's downfall then she'll be up for working with us'

"And after that?" Ozpin asks.

'No clue. Honestly, I don't think she's planned anything past that'

"Well at least we know her short term motivations. Now what do-----" Ozpins words are cut off as a red portal opens a few meters ahead of them with a cutting sound.

"Raven" Qrow growls gripping Harbinger tightly.

Ruby tenses and draws Crescent Rose. From what Qrow has explained if she wanted Raven could bring as many people through those as she wants. If she's heard about the fact they were planning an assault on her camp she might try getting rid of them proactively.

Ruby's worries are interrupted by the sound of an engine from the other side of the portal.

Rather than Raven or any bandits what comes through is Yang and Weiss riding on the Bumblebee.

Ruby freezes. Since the second she left Patch she's been wondering if she made the right decision leaving Yang.

It was the right decision to leave Ruby knows now. If she hadn't then while Ruby may have been whole, Qrow and Ozpin would never have learned of Lionheart's treason.

Yet Ruby has missed Yang so much. Weiss as well of course. Ruby has missed having her partner immensely but not quite in the same way as her sister. Who has a shiny new arm and is driving out of portals rather than being unable to care enough to get out of bed.

Ruby puts Crescent Rose away and once Yang has gotten off her motorbike and is standing on solid ground Ruby Petal Bursts forward into a hug.

Having Yang's arms around her is comforting a warmth that Ruby's missed over her months of travelling and fighting. For a second held in her sister's strong arms, everything seems ok.

"I love you" Yang's voice is emotional but most of all fond. It's words that Ruby has heard a million times and words that matter to her just as much every time.

"I love you too" Ruby tries just this once to muster the air in her lungs, to will her body to say just these words, just once. But a single sentence and Ruby swears she will be satisfied for as long as she lives.

She can't.

Ruby holds Yang closer and hopes her sister can't see the tears streaming down her face. As long as she doesn't notice the illusion doesn't need to shatter. Ruby can let Yang imagine that her sister is unchanged.

"Hey Ruby I'm right here. What's wrong?"

Yet every illusion shatters in the end. Ruby looks up at Yang and wishes wholely and truly in that second that Neo had been eaten by a griffon too. Even if that meant that she wouldn't know the truth about Lionheart or have a skilled ally against Cinder. Because if Ruby had never run into Neo she would be able to reply to her sister. Maybe to apologise for not being there or to ask about how she found her mum or just to tell Yang how glad she is to see her. Instead Ruby says nothing at all.

Ruby backs away slightly from Yang and wipes away her tears. She can't be sad her sister is right there and Weiss is right in front of her too.

Delaying the inevitable slightly Ruby shoots forward towards Weiss catching her in a tackle hug and sending them both to the floor.

"Get off me you dolt" The words are said fondly as Weiss pushes Ruby off with a slight laugh.

"It's good to see you Ruby" Weiss looks relieved to be talking to Ruby despite her kinetically charged hug.

"It's good to see you two Weiss I really missed you" Ruby says nothing. Air escapes her mouth unshaped and meaningless. Nothing more than an exhale.

Ruby reaches for her scroll. She had pocked it when she took out Crescent Rose but if she wants to communicate with her teammates it's her best method. Yet as her hand closes around it Ruby finds herself unable to convince herself to pull it out.

If she pulls it out and explains then Yang and Weiss will know that they heard the last words they ever will from Ruby Rose months ago. That one day they might forget what her voice even sounds like.

Before Ruby can will her hand to move Yang notices "Ruby?"

Yang walks towards her a concerned expression on her face. Before Ruby is forced to find some way to have the conversation that hangs over her like a noose Qrow intervenes.

"How about you girls come inside? There's a lot to explain and I for one would like to know why you came through one of my sister's portals."

Ruby can't help but feel relieved. For just a few more minutes Ruby can hide behind the explanations of magic and Oz and whatever happened with Raven. For a few more minutes Yang doesn't need to know how Ruby is broken.

Ruby walks into the house and overhears a bit of what the others are talking about. Jaune, Nora and Ren are in a huddle discussing.

"So we're agreed that none of us trust her right?" Ruby hears Jaune say from their little huddle.

"Of course not but that doesn't change the fact we need the help. I... Wait I hear footsteps, did they finish planning already?" Ren says causing the entire group to turn around.

Ruby's not really surprised by the topic she knows how much Nora hates the idea of working with Neo and knows the other two despise the idea only slightly less.

"Yang! and Weiss! You're here! Wait, Yang why are you with Weiss, isn't she meant to be in Atlas?" Nora shouts seeing them before her voice calms and seems to fill with suspicion.

Ruby blinks. Really?

"It's a long story" Yang replies.

"Ok, she talked that's Yang" Nora says seeming slightly relieved.

"Getting a bit paranoid there" Qrow points out.

"You and Ruby are going to meet her later today, what if she was trying to spy on us or something" Nora replies.

Ruby resists the temptation to roll her eyes. Neo's not stupid enough to do something that obvious.

"Um, a little context?" Yang calls out.

"Perhaps we should save the theorising until our friends are caught up," Ren says.

"Yeah guess so" Nora replies.

Ruby finds a seat and waits until everyone is sat down on the room's sofas.

Before too long Qrow and Ozpin are discussing what Raven told Yang and Weiss before adding their own information to complete the picture.

Yet as the discussion goes on Ruby can see Yang grow increasingly frustrated. Every few seconds she'll look over to Ruby with a frown and increasing annoyance. Eventually, Ozpin and Qrow reach the end of their explanation.

"There is still something I want clarification on, but first something is wrong with Ruby and all of you are dancing around it. What happened!" Yangs eye's go red as her semblance flairs.

Qrow sighs and looks over to Ruby "Ruby do you want to explain?"

Ruby nods. No more pretending that she's fine. No more dreams of being able to speak to her sister again. Time for reality to take its course.

Ruby takes out her scroll and begins writing. An explanation and every apology she can possibly make. Yang deserves better than that of course but that's all Ruby can give her.

"Is there a reason she's not talking?" Weiss asks with a worried voice as Ruby finishes writing.

No one replies and Ruby is left to walk over to her sister and partner.

'A bit after I got to Mistral I got into a fight and I got stabbed in the throat. It damaged my voice so I can't talk right now. I'm really sorry Yang. Sorry I left. Sorry I didn't talk to you more. I just didn't know if you wanted me around any more since I wasn't helping and I needed to do something. I love you. I'm sorry'

"You did nothing wrong Ruby I love you too" Yang replies it's an instinctual reply that fails to disguise just how horrified Yang is by what she just read. After a second though Ruby can see the horror in Yang's expression get overtaken by anger.

"Who hurt you?" Yang's words come out with barely suppressed rage.

If Ruby tells Yang about Neo now she's sure Yang will want to hunt for her. To hurt her for what she did to Ruby. Yet that is the worst thing she can do because for now, Neo is on their side. Ruby can't afford to let this evening's meeting be derailed. Can't let the one good that came from her loss be burned away.

'What will you do if I tell you'

Yang visibly curls her fist "Make sure they regret it."

Not telling Yang would mean lying if only by omission to her sister. Not only that but Yang will find out sooner or later. Ruby gets the sense that working together or not Neo has no shame about what she did and all of her teammates already know.

"Ruby?" Yang says questioningly.

Ruby wants to be able to tell her 'Yang can you promise me you won't act rashly?'

"Of course I won't, you come first. I just need to know who so I know who to field test my new arm's combat functions on if I catch sight of them"

While seeing Yang's care for her is comforting it's not the answer Ruby hoped for.

'And if I ask you not to do that?'

"Ruby what do you mean?" Yang's rage is cooled slightly by bafflement.

'If I informed you that we have bigger problems and I need you to not try to fight the person who did this to me even if you see her could you?'

"It's a her then" Yang replies her voice thick with loathing and indirectly answering Ruby's question.

Weiss on the other hand while obviously horrified is more clear sighted in this matter "To be clear you want us to not fight the person who cut your vocal cords?"

'Yes'

Ruby can see Yang is seething while Weiss is just confused "Why?"

'Because some things are more important' Ruby replies.

"Nothing is more important than you Ruby! Don't say that" Yang retorts.

But Yang's wrong. There are plenty of things more important than her. Stopping Cinder, Tyrian and the others Salem has murdering innocents across Remnant, the survival of the Kingdoms and most importantly The well being of her friends and family.

'I'll tell you once you have a chance to calm down a bit' Ruby decides. That means after she's finished officialising her alliance with Neo so Yang can't crash the meeting.

Yang looks at Ruby almost betrayed and Ruby feels her stomach flooded with guilt. Yet she needs this to go well and doesn't want Yang to get hurt for her sake.

Ruby steps back from Yang and texts the others in the room asking them to wait until after meeting Neo to tell Yang about her and what she did.

Ruby gets some concerned glances from Nora and Jaune but in the end, they do listen to her for now.

Ruby hates this. Hates having to choose what to share and when but she has a responsibility to keep her team safe even from themselves.

After a few seconds of heavy breathing and Yang gripping the armrest of the sofa she's sitting on hard enough to crush part of it, she calms down, slightly.

"Fine I'll calm down. In the meantime I would like Ozpin to elaborate on something" Yang says turning her glare towards Oscar.

"What would that be?" Ozpin asks.

"What exactly you did to Qrow and my Mother" Yang replies.

The room's attention sharpens on Yang and Ozpin. Qrow just looks irritated.

"I did not expect your mother to give up that secret easily. Well to explain, my curse is not without its own benefits. Like the Maidens, I possess a level of magical power. Using that I bestowed the Branwen twins a power they could use to see what they otherwise would not and to move like the wind. I gave them the ability to turn into birds. I suppose It sounds rather ridiculous when I put it like that" Ozpin explains.

Ruby looks toward Ozpin and then towards Qrow. From their expressions, it doesn't seem like Ozpin was just making some really bizarre joke. He really did give Qrow the ability to turn into a bird, somehow.

"Great not only are we do we have to deal with the fact the headmaster of Haven is a traitor we need to deal with Ozzy screwing with us" Jaune says seeming spectacularly fed up with all of this.

"What was that about Haven's headmaster?" Yang asks sounding disturbed.

"Ruby can show you the recording later. On to the more important question, you turned Qrow into a bird?" Ren states looking at Ozpin who nods.

"It's true I saw Raven... change" Weiss says seeming a bit out of sorts from all the other revelations of the day but still trying to explain.

"It was a choice both me and Raven made, that is all" Qrow says Ruby can see in his eyes how fed up with this conversation he is.

"This is all ridiculous. Why does coming here make Raven's camp seem almost sane" Yang questions.

"Reality is often disappointing" Ozpin replies.

"No you know what I don't want to hear anything else from you. I'm going to listen to that recording you mentioned earlier and then I want to spend some time with my sister" Yang says her frustration finally outweighing her patience.

Yang leaves the room followed by Weiss. After looking around the room and receiving a nod from Qrow, Ruby goes after them. She can question the bird thing later.

"They mentioned a recording?" Weiss says as Ruby enters the room behind Yang and her.

Ruby nods and plays the evidence of Lionheart's betrayal.

"So much for the headmasters of the academies being reliable. Ozpin keeps secrets and Lionheart is apparently working for the grimm"

'Maybe Ironwood and Theodore are better?' Ruby writes. She really hopes so.

Ozpin is dead, kinda, and Lionheart is working for Salem but surely some of the headmasters must be actual decent people. Ozpin can't be that bad a judge of character right?

It takes a second for Yang to look at Ruby's scroll rather than just listening out for her reply. Ruby can see the exact moment she realises and the sadness that comes with that.

Weiss isn't looking Ruby notices she has her eyes closed and seems to be focusing on something.

"I swear I've heard the name Watts before" Weiss comments.

"Really do you know who he is?" Yang asks turning to Weiss.

"No, he must have been someone in the news or that I've heard being talked about for the name to seem familiar but I can't remember where I've heard it" Weiss sounds annoyed at herself for not having the answer.

'That's ok I'm sure it will come back to you soon' Ruby tries to reassure.

It takes waving at her to get Weiss to turn from Yang back to Ruby to read what she wrote.

"Yeah I'm sure it will, I'm just frustrated that I should have some way to help this mess and I can't even remember it" Weiss says.

'But you're already helping just by being here. You have no idea how much I missed you two and having you here means we have a better chance at stopping whatever Salem is planning for Mistral' Ruby points out.

"If we trust Ozpin to actually have a plan to stop her" Yang replies.

'I know he's a bit secretive and I didn't know about the bird thing until now but if I trust him with anything it's that he wants to stop Salem'

"Wants sure but you know what I've noticed. For all the secrets he keeps and the plans he's made things have only gotten worse. Beacon is gone, Haven's headmaster is apparently a traitor and you got hurt under his watch" Yang's lack of faith in Ozpin is audible.

'Don't pretend that the fall of Beacon was his fault. He died fighting there. Also I didn't get hurt under his watch. He only arrived after I was hurt'

"Ok then why did the others let you get hurt? Why didn't they protect you?" Yang asks.

'It's not their fault. I was out alone in Mistral when it happened'

"Why" Yang asks.

'I wanted to send a letter home to patch for you' Ruby explains.

Yang's eyes go wide and Ruby pales as she realises how Yang could take that a second too late.

"It's my fault. If I had gone with you rather than being depressed at Patch this literally wouldn't have happened. You got hurt because of me" Yang says horror in her voice.

'Of course it's not. I would have gone out for a different reason if not for that and you were dealing with losing an arm. That's massive Yang it's not your fault that it took a long time to get over losing not only that but your partner and Beacon. Don't you dare blame yourself for what happened to me'

Ruby forces Yang to look up from the floor and see what she wrote. If Yang was here Neo would have just found another opportunity to attack her maybe even hurting other people in the process.

"How can you possibly believe that? Ruby, you've lost your voice. For all I felt awful in the end my prosthetic works fine but for you, if that doesn't heal, that's utterly irreplaceable. Yet I don't see you stopping. Even now you're trying to comfort me about not being there for you when I should have been rather than focusing on what you lost. How can you possibly tell me what I did was alright!" By the end, Yang's voice is raised and Ruby takes a step back.

As she types on her scroll to respond Ruby can see Yang get increasingly uncomfortable over the minute and a bit it takes for her to write her reply.

'Because I love you and don't want to see you hurting yourself. Maybe things could have been different if you were there. Maybe not. In the end it doesn't really matter. The only reason I can keep going is because I don't have the option of stopping. If I break down here then innocent people will die because of my inaction. I'm telling you as your sister and your team leader to not blame yourself. What happened to me isn't great I know but I'm still here. I'm still in one piece. Sometimes bad things happen but we can't blame ourselves for that. We just need to keep trying to be better the next time instead'

Ruby sees tears building up in Yang's eyes and goes to hug her. For a few moments, Yang accepts the hug yet too quickly she steps away again.

"You're right. I have to do better the next time. I won't abandon you again Ruby. I promise I won't let you get hurt again under my watch" Yang says.

"Don't forget I'll be there too. It might not be the whole of team RWBY but the three of us should be more than enough to stop anyone who wants to hurt Ruby" Weiss points out.

Ruby smiles and gives a determined nod. When she looks at her scroll to write a reply she realises the time.

'I need to meet up with Qrow. I'll see you two soon'

Ruby starts walking out of the room. She does not want to be late for her meeting with Neo and that means she and Qrow need to set off soon.

Yang nods "Want to find out more about the whole bird thing?"

'That too' Ruby quickly holds up her scroll to show the writing before leaving the room to find Qrow.

'We should set off if we want to meet Neo on time'

"You sure you're up for this? If you want to back out and refuse to work with her I'd fully support you no matter what Oz has to say about it" Qrow says.

'This is the right thing to do' Ruby replies.

"In that case, I guess we should go and see what the cost to this whole alliance idea is"

With that Qrow opens the door and the two head off to meet Neo.

Chapter Text

When Neo notices Red's gone out she knows it's her best chance to get to have a conversation with her.

After a day of nothing but meaningless conversation, yesterday Neo got back exactly what she was looking for. Proof Lionheart is working for Cinder.

Also apparently Cinder is working in a hierarchy but that doesn't really matter. As far as she knows Cinder is the one whose plan and egoism got Roman killed so she's the one Neo needs to see suffer, despair and die. Not any majesty she may serve or work with.

Before setting off Neo copies the recording to a USB drive. It's only fair Red gets access to the knowledge that she let Neo gain. More importantly, giving her that means Neo can take advantage of any ambush Red's friends plan to get her shot at Cinder.

As for rewarding Red for the help, as incidental as it might have been. Neo goes to the best ice cream place she knows on the way to where Red seems to have stopped moving. She picks up a Neapolitan for herself and after a moment's indecision picks Strawberry for Red.

Not like Neo has any idea what she likes so may as well colour code it. If Red hates it then that will at least be funny.

After reaching where her transponder says Red is Neo looks around to make sure that she's alone. Not spotting any of Red's friends Neo takes a look at her fellow mute.

Red's eyes are closed and Neo can see faint sobs wracking her form every now and then. Neo smiles. Looks like Red's enjoying the consequences of her actions just as much as Neo hoped she would.

Still as much as Neo delights in her misery that's not the point today. Red helped her out so Neo's going to repay the favour.

No reason to not have fun with it though.

Neo puts Red's from around herself leaving only her eyes unchanged before making an illusion of a child a bit away from Red's angst bench to hold Neo's ice cream.

After that Neo walks up to Red whose eyes are still closed and taps her on the shoulder.

Red startles before blind fury clouds her eyes. In a flash Red's oversized gardening tool is being swung at Neo. Sadly for Red it's a shabby attempt. Neo knows Red's actually pretty skilled for her age. Even if she's better Neo did have to put a decent amount of effort into fighting her on the airship.

She doesn't here. It's clear Red isn't thinking and is barely cognizant of Neo as anything but a target. Neo leans and the first swing goes over her, steps back to let the second slam pointlessly into the dirt and Neo gets inside Red's guard and pulls the scythe forward and her off balance when she tries a third swing.

Then she offers Red ice cream.

The way her face goes from rage to confusion is hilarious. So is Red's outrage and bafflement when Neo takes her own ice cream back from the illusion she put up before she pulled Red out from her moping.

As she sits next to Red and enjoys her ice cream Neo has the thought that she's managed to do a better job cheering Red up than those much beloved friends of hers considering her lack of angst and sobs now Neo's sitting next to her.

All that wonderful love and affection and yet a person who actively enjoys seeing Red's misery is the one who ends up helping. Neo can't help but find that thought delightful.

The idea that Neo could get Red to care about her over this alliance of theirs is endlessly amusing.

From what she's seen of her, Red's actually forgiving enough that Neo's pretty sure that the fact Neo ripped out her vocal cords and ruined her life won't actually be enough to stop that.

It will take some work sure but most of Neo's hobbies died with Roman so she has time.

After explaining the whole Lionheart working with Cinder thing. Red seems to get an interest in Hush.

She passes the first hurdle of actually understanding Neo's weapon's name so when she asks after a moment's indecision Neo lets Red look at her weapon.

Ordinarily, she would let no one else even touch Hush any way but having it batter or stab them. However Red looks so excited at the idea that Neo decides that might be a good start on the whole getting Red to trust her thing.

To Red's credit, she treats Hush with the care and reverence Neo's weapon deserves carefully looking at its aspects and seeming to take joy in the workmanship.

When Red hands Hush back to her and tells Neo how beautiful Neo's weapon is and how it suits her Neo is actually rather flattered. Hush is effectively an extension of Neo so seeing Red be so impressed with it is nice. Most people fail to appreciate Hush's finer points until said point gives them a fatal case of blood loss.

Red's friends arriving rather ruins the fun. While Neo could probably give a few of them a beating before escaping that might make Red irritated at her. Much better to leave Red frustrated at her friends for cutting off their discussion.

After all the less Red feels like she can rely on her friends to actually help her the more likely she is to ignore them when they try to convince her to not trust any charismatic and dastardly criminals that she may talk to.

Neo disappears in shattering glass giving Red a cheerful wink as she makes her exit.

It doesn't take long for the evidence Neo handed Red to bear fruit. Only a few hours pass before Red asks Neo to meet up with her team. Apparently, the recording was enough evidence for them to stop thinking she wants to help Cinder do anything but die.

Said team did try to shoot at her a few hours ago though. While not a deal breaker considering some of the people Neo has worked with, it is she decides, enough reason for caution.

For all she knows one of them took Red's scroll and just wants to lure her into an ambush and take revenge.

Finding a place that both her and Red's buddies know of to meet takes some time but before the end of the day Neo has a time and a place.

The next day Neo makes sure to scout out the location and then take a seat an hour before the meeting covered in an illusion of someone nondescript. As she waits Neo enjoys her tea and keeps an eye out for anyone Red has connections to in case they try to set up for an ambush.

Slightly disappointingly it seems like today will be another day without the opportunity to stab people since Red arrives on time with an adult Huntsman by her side.

The second Neo sees the huntsman she knows to be wary. Most Huntsmen aren't that intimidating. They spend most of their time killing grimm and sometimes taking jobs like protecting individuals for money. Frankly, most are disappointments.

Almost every time Neo's killed a Huntsman they've been so sure a simple criminal can't possibly be an issue to them that Neo's got them half dead before they realise she's a threat.

A small minority of them are nothing like that though. The person walking with Red gives the impression of danger. He observes the room for threats not actively but as second nature and seems ready to fight on a hair trigger. Neo's willing to bet he's a huntsman who's hunted far more than just grimm.

Despite acknowledging this Neo waits for them to order drinks and sit down at their table before casually walking over to it shedding her illusion.

"So you're Neo huh? Didn't expect you to be quite so pint-sized" The second he opens his mouth Neo can smell ethanol.

She's been a criminal long enough to know about how drunk people can be and stay functional. She's willing to bet with breath like that this man's blood is transparent from the amount of vodka in it. The fact he's aware and conscious rather than vomiting or in a coma is concerning.

Neo pinches her nose after his sentence and looks at him like he's a particularly large cockroach. Really one would think if you're trying to make an ally you'd at least have a breath mint first.

On the upside when she looks to Red she can see her look at him with at least a quarter of the disappointment that Neo's currently feeling.

"If you expected me to turn up to this sober you massively overestimate how much I respect little miss stabby over there" The drunk says looking over at Red.

On the upside with friends like that Neo may have overestimated how much effort it will take to get into Red's good graces. Even if he's a skilled huntsman no one that drunk is good company.

Sighing Neo looks over at the man before making an illusion of a Neapolitan ice cream in her hand and pointing to herself before pointing at him and raising an eyebrow.

"Name's Qrow, I'd say call me Branwen but luckily I don't need to hear you talk" Qrow very obviously doesn't like her. With how this has gone so far Neo's happy to say the feeling is mutual.

Neo makes a face of utmost offence and then looks to Red who also seems slightly offended by Qrow's comment having friendly fire.

Qrow looks at Red slightly after Neo does and realises that it might be best to not take glee in Neo being mute while sitting next to someone else who can't talk.

'Can we just get on with this?' Red writes.

Neo nods and gives her a thumbs up.

Qrow takes a long breath before looking back to Neo "Fine let's get this over with. What do you want"

Neo takes a sip of tea before putting an illusion of Cinder over herself and putting her finger across her throat letting the illusion shatter after.

"So you want to kill Cinder then" Qrow says.

Neo nods.

"Anything else?"

Neo shrugs.

"Really not going to ask for lien or something extra?"

Neo blinks puts a hand to her chin and then with a wide smile makes an illusion of a contract.

'Neopolitan up for hire for 4 months of Qrow Branwen's wages'

Qrow cringes "Did you only just think of that because I mentioned it?"

Neo nods enthusiastically.

"Are you serious about this?" he asks pointing to the illusionary contract.

Neo puts on the most serious face she can before nodding again once.

Qrow slumps down in his chair.

'Really Neo?' Red writes her expression taking a turn towards irritation.

Neo winks at her and changes the wording on the contract.

'Neopolitan up for hire for 4 months of Qrow Branwen's wages or one month of his sobriety'

Reds irritation turns to amusement which is exactly what Neo was hoping for. The fact Qrow gets more rather than less mortified is even better.

"You know I think I'd prefer to just pay you" Qrow says.

The contract changes again.

'Neopolitan up for hire for one month of Qrow Branwen's sobriety'

He facepalms.

"I don't suppose you support haggling"

Neo's mouth twitches as she makes another edit 'Two months?'

Qrow sighs "Guess not"

Neo turns back the contract and hands Qrow an illusionary pen.

Watching his distress as Red makes puppy eyes at him until he signs the fake document is the highlight of Neo's day.

Neo takes the illusion rolls it up and puts it into a pocket that also doesn't exist before allowing both to fade away. She does commit Qrow's signature to memory however so she can remake it any time she sees him try to drink.

"So are you serious about working with us then" Qrow asks regaining his air of danger now the comedy act is over.

Neo nods.

"If we didn't need your help I'd put you behind bars myself but needs must. Welcome to the team. We're not happy to have you" Qrow says his distaste for her palpable.

Luckily she doesn't care about his distaste in the least. Today's act has been for two things. Getting help killing Cinder and endearing herself to Red. As far as she's concerned she's getting full points on both.

Neo smiles and gives him a middle finger.

Red doesn't seem sure who to be offended by while Qrow rolls his eyes.

"Do you have any extra info about Salem's plans?"

Salem? Neo makes an illusionary question mark.

"The Her Majesty that was mentioned in the recording you gave us" Qrow explains.

Oh, makes sense she has a name.

Neo makes an illusion of a clock pointed at 12am.

Qrow blinks in confusion but Red gets what she means.

'You'll have more tomorrow?'

Neo nods.

"Ok sure, you can come over tomorrow and share what you've learned. Need to introduce you to the rest of the team anyway" Qrow says.

Ah the joy of being surrounded by people who are going to hate her. Still Red is far too genuine to let Neo get ambushed there unless she's entirely misjudged her so Neo should more or less be safe.

Neo gives a thumbs up.

"Ok if that's everything I'd like to not deal with you for the next 12 hours," Qrow says getting up.

Neo finishes her tea and gets up too as does Red.

As the three start leaving the tea house Neo texts Red.

'Don't point it out for 10 seconds please' before transforming into her while Qrow’s attention is away.

When he turns back he has a Red walking on both sides of him.

Qrow jumps back and desperately looks between the two of them to try to find a single difference. Neo however has been paying a rather massive amount of attention to Red's looks and mannerisms over the past two days and is more than capable of being indistinguishable from her for a little time at least.

"Ruby please don't let her get away with that it's dangerous. Just use your semblance"

Neo tilts her head at the same time as Red to keep the illusion alive until a few more seconds pass and Red uses her semblance to go over to Qrow. Neo lets the illusion around her shatter.

As Red goes Neo makes sure to pay as much attention to her semblance as possible. While it's probably nearly impossible to do well. If she can do an illusion of it in just the right way and time then Neo could probably get any of Red's friends utterly convinced that Neo is the real Red.

Qrow gives Neo one last annoyed look which becomes a double take when he notices she took his flask while she was beside him looking like Red.

"Give that back!" There is genuine anger in his voice. Neo assumes the thing has sentimental value.

Neo nods but first takes off the cap and pours all the alcohol in there onto the ground. She then closes it and hands it back.

As she hands it back she remakes the illusion of the contract Qrow signed and puts on her smuggest grin.

Before Neo skips off she can see Red's amusement as Qrow nearly shakes in anger.

Deciding to get Red's trust is already turning out to be an endlessly entertaining task.

She wonders how many of Red's other friends she can poke and prod at while seeming innocent. She hopes all of them are as baitable as Qrow.

If they are then Neo's sure she'll be Red's most trusted confident in no time at all.

The best bit is she needs to make sure that she's never in the wrong and everything is set up perfectly for that. She'll take the hate Red's friends hold for her and forge it into the tool that delivers Red to her.

Neo realises she's smiling even though she doesn't have anyone to be performing for.

It's been months since that happened. Maybe it's because Neo's finally thought of the right revenge to take on Red.

Her voice in exchange for Roman was never a fair deal but her loyalty, well Neo does need another partner in crime.

She'll never replace Roman of course. Her dum-dum will always mean more to her than anyone else ever could even if he's gone. But she thinks if his soul is out there somewhere then he would appreciate the idea.

Neo can hardly wait.

Chapter Text

Ruby feels like the meeting with Neo actually went well. She seemed perfectly up for working with Ruby with others against Cinder and Salem, agreed to come over tomorrow and gave Ruby something to hold over Qrow if he returns to drinking too much.

Ruby gets the feeling Qrow found the experience less positive.

"Something is off about Neo. Sure she's agreed to work with us but I wouldn't trust her for a second" Qrow comments as the two walk home.

Ruby would write a response but writing while walking in the dark seems like a questionable idea. Instead she just shrugs.

"I'm serious Ruby. Also we are discussing what you did at the end there. If she ever takes your form, you need to distinguish yourself from her. Just because she is nominally working with us does not mean she has our best intentions in mind. Sure this time she just took my flask and drained it but she could have easily stuck a knife in my back in the time it took her to do that" Qrow points out.

Ruby does see Qrow's point but for now at least, that was more entertaining than threatening. It helps that Neo got her consent before trying anything. Had she not sent that text first Ruby would have been much less happy to let Neo pretend to be her.

Despite that Ruby nods much to Qrow's obvious relief.

Ruby finds herself in a surprisingly good mood. Her hopes to have Neo working with her have actually worked, team RWBY is up from R to RWY and Neo agreed to bring any new information Lionheart is planning with her tomorrow so they hopefully won't get caught off guard.

She still does need to ask Qrow to elaborate on the bird thing but she can do that when she's somewhere she can actually write her questions.

When she gets back to the house Ruby finds she has a welcoming committee.

"When you said meet up with Qrow I assumed you meant talk to him not leave to go to some mysterious meeting without anyone else there" Yang exclaims.

Did she not? Ruby looks back at what she wrote before leaving.

‘I need to meet up with Qrow. I'll see you two soon’

Oh yeah, thinking about it Ruby can see how that could be misinterpreted.

As Yang waits for Ruby's response Ruby sees Qrow go to discuss the meeting with Ozpin.

"Did the meeting go as planned?"

"I despise the little bastard but she agreed to work with us. She'll be coming over here tomorrow to share if her bug on Lionheart gets anything new" Qrow informs Ozpin.

"Please don't try to talk to me while Neo is present I would much rather she doesn't learn about my presence until we trust her much more than I do now" Ozpin says.

"Ok Oz, for tomorrow I guess it's just me and the kids then" Qrow replies.

"I do believe Miss Neopolitan is an adult so technically speaking you won't be the only adult present" Ozpin replies.

"I get the feeling she's going to decrease rather than increase the average maturity in the house so that's not much of a comfort" Qrow replies.

Before Ruby can hear any more the two walk out of earshot.

Yang in the meantime froze the second Neo was mentioned.

"You went to meet with Neopolitan?" Yang's voice holds a combination of fear and outrage.

Ruby nods.

"Why would you do that without bringing more people with for protection? She is dangerous" Yang says looking concerned.

Ruby gets the urge to laugh at that comment. Considering what she did Ruby knows just how dangerous Neo is intimately, she doesn't need Yang for that.

'I'm well aware'

"What do you... You said she. Back when you were talking about who hurt you. You said she and then asked me not to do anything about it. It was her wasn't it" Yang connects the dots.

Ruby nods.

Yang's eyes widen "Why did you go to meet up with the person who did that to you?"

'Neo has a grudge against Cinder. After what she did we made peace and agreed to work together to stop her rather than keep fighting' Ruby explains.

Yang gapes "So what she just gets to waltz in, cut you're throat so badly you've lost the ability to speak and then get away scot free. Is that seriously what you're telling me"

'Stopping Cinder is more important than what happened to me. It's only thanks to her that we know Lionheart betrayed us to Salem and we need all the help we can against Cinder. So yes that is what I'm telling you'

"I have never heard anything that absurd in my life. Why are we even humouring this? She revealed that Lionheart is a traitor great maybe I'll only break one of her legs rather than both" The fury in Yang's voice is palpable.

Ruby grabs Yang's shoulder and looks her in the eye. She then lets go after realising how hard it is to write with one hand.

On the upside that startles Yang enough that Ruby has enough time to write her message and then grab Yang's shoulder again and show her what she wrote.

'No Yang you won't. We don't have the luxury of throwing allies away at this point. Look I'm the person she actually hurt and I'm telling you that we are working with her. If you attack her unprovoked I will be unbelievably disappointed in you'

"Ruby she hurt you" Yang's voice trembles.

'I know. It's rather hard to forget. I am choosing to work with her despite that. I refuse to let more of my friends die because you want to avenge me against someone I don't want hurt'

"So what I'm just supposed to sit around and pretend I don't hate the person who mutilated you"

'Hate her all you want just don't act on it'

"You don't understand what you are asking me to do"

'I don't understand? Yang I'm the person who felt Hush cut through my neck. If I can work with her after that then you can at very least ignore her'

Why is this so hard for Yang to understand? Ruby gets that she's protective but it's not like her trying to fight Neo is going to bring back Ruby's voice. Neo is on their side now. That's a good thing, why is it so hard for her friends to accept that?

Yang has both her hands curled into fists her nails digging into her skin "Fine. Sure. Why not. You win Ruby, I will let the person who hurt the person I care about most in the world get away with it" Every word is spat out with vitriol.

Yang storms off.

Once she's left the room Ruby feels her legs give out from under her from the sheer effort it took to keep them shaking during her conversation with Yang.

Ruby hates arguing with her sister even about small things and she knows that she just basically ordered Yang to go against every impulse she has around protecting her. Yet what else could Ruby have done?

Not only does having Neo on their side give them a massive advantage against Cinder but fighting her gains them nothing. Last time Yang fought Neo on the train in Mountain Glenn she lost. Ruby refuses to let her sister get herself hurt pointlessly trying to get vengeance for Ruby's sake.

After a few more seconds of shaking Ruby manages to convince her legs that their job is to let her stand up and walk around rather than be jelly.

A part of her wants nothing more than to run up to Yang and apologise but if she does that then Yang will fight Neo and everything will fall apart. Ruby finds her throat dry despite its lack of use and swallows.

So what if Yang's angry at her right after getting back? Ruby can accept that, even if the thought of it hurts her almost as much as being stabbed did. If it means that Yang's safe and there is a better chance of stopping Salem without losing anyone else then Ruby will live with it.

Even if all she wants is for her sister to hold her and tell her everything will be alright. Ruby has a responsibility to put her team ahead of her. That means she can't always have what she wants.

After another minute of standing just past the door, Ruby finally walks into the downstairs living room and heads to where Qrow is pouring himself a drink.

'I thought you just signed a contract saying you have to stay sober'

"What Neo doesn't know won't hurt her" Qrow replies.

Ruby grabs the glass out of his hand, petal bursts to the sink to pour it down and then back to where Qrow is sitting.

"Ruby why in the brothers' name did you do that"

'Why am I the only person trying? I am willing to put aside being stabbed and losing my voice to work with Neo because it gives us a better chance against Salem. Can you not stay sober for an hour after promising to'

Qrow sighs "Fine kid if it matters that much to you I'll try"

'Thanks'

Ruby sits down on the sofa.

"So why did you come over since I doubt it was just to stop me abusing substances?"

'Please explain the whole turning into a bird thing'

"It's rather self explanatory really. Oz did a magic ritual back in the day and gave me the ability to turn into a crow" Qrow explains.

'Did he only give the ability to you and Raven because he thought it would be funny to give the people with bird names bird powers or something?'

"Maybe, man has a weird sense of humour. It is really useful for scouting, travel and escaping places though"

'Could you show me?'

"Sure, just don't freak out"

Qrow shrinks and changes form from a man into a crow and then back again.

Any other day the blatant display of magic probably would have gotten Ruby to freak out at least a bit but today Ruby just doesn't have it in her to be anything more than a little impressed.

'Does it have any side effects. Like do you feel the urge to do crow things when you're human or anything?'

"Nope, I only get the urge to do Qrow things as a human and crow things as a bird. It really is just the ability to turn into a bird nothing more nothing less" Qrow explains.

'Why didn't you mention that on the journey up here'

"Never really had a good time to what with the poison and all"

Ruby is too tired to question Qrow more so she just accepts the answer.

'Well that was educational. Good night Qrow'

"Night Ruby"

As she gets to her room Ruby realises that negotiating with Neo was somehow the least stressful conversation of the day. That feels like it should be wrong but at this point barely anything seems to make sense any more, so why not?

'Goodnight Neo' Ruby texts.

'Sleep well Red. See you tomorrow' Neo responds.

Maybe the world will make more sense after a night of sleep. Ruby sure hopes it does.

Ruby's dreams are violent and painful and horrific and utterly forgettable.

Ruby wakes up feeling like her stomach is eating her alive. It takes a minute of thinking to remember she never actually ate dinner yesterday. She was so tired by the end of the day she apparently didn't notice.

As she gets out of bed Ruby finds herself feeling lethargic. Still, she knows perfectly well she's not getting back to sleep so once she's dressed heads down.

Sadly the cookies she ate a couple of days ago haven't been restocked yet so Ruby contents herself with just eating some of the other breakfast items around the kitchen.

Ruby's not sure why she's not in a better mood. She finally has her friends actually working with Neo, most of team RWBY is back together after she's missed them for so long and thanks to Neo's bugs they have the chance to be proactive against Salem rather than just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Really Ruby should be ecstatic that all the things she's been hoping for the past days have come true.

Sure everyone seems to be going with her ideas begrudgingly at best but the ideas are working. Sure the most positive interaction she's had in days has come from the remorseless criminal who admitted to enjoying cutting Ruby's vocal cords out but even that's a good thing, right? If Neo is getting on with her, that means Ruby might be able to convince her to be a better person and stop hurting people once Cinder is dealt with.

Before she quite finishes breakfast Oscar comes down.

"Hi Ruby"

Ruby waves hello.

"You're up early"

'No more than you'

"Fair, I'm used to waking up at the crack of dawn from when I was a farm hand, it's just habit at this point"

'How do you feel about Ozpin not coming out today?'

"It it wrong of me to find it relieving? During almost every important conversation it feels like I'm just a vessel for Oz to talk through because everyone needs to talk to him more than me."

'No actually I understand. I feel like I've barely been myself the last few days and that's without a wizard in my head taking my body to have chats every hour or so. It may not mean much but I do appreciate getting the chance to talk to you'

"Really, I would have thought you'd prefer to talk to your sister or your friends" Oscar comments seeming surprised.

'Everyone but you expects me to be the Ruby before I lost my voice and I've come to the conclusion I can't be what they want me to be. I try but having to write rather than speak means I can't just say things any more. I have to think though and write every word every time. I mean I'm not different as a person really but I still feel like I disappoint them every conversation I'm only half a part of'

"That sounds painful"

'It is a bit. I can tell every time they expect me to say something and then remember I'm broken now. You don't have those expectations though. So I can talk to you without feeling like I'm failing to live up to who I should be. It's nice'

"You know I think I kind of relate if in a different way. Every time it's me speaking rather than Oz I feel like I'm not living up to what people expect from him. Whenever he speaks everyone pays attention and his words have weight while I'm just me, not the great and wise wizard Ozpin. It's not the same obviously but I can empathise a bit"

'I'm sorry you got dragged into all of this. I chose to fight and accept all the risk that came with that but thanks to Ozpin you never really got that choice did you?'

"Not really. I just kinda had it thrust upon me. Farm boy one day and responsible for saving Remnant the next"

'How much of you do you think will be left by the end?'

"That's a bit morbid. I guess not much, Oz already said we're going to merge in the end and I doubt my soul will influence his millennia of lives much when that happens. What about you?"

'I really don't know. Hopefully something or other. I mean as long as the people I care about are safe and Salem is stopped that matters more than me right?'

"It's unfair to put all of that on yourself"

'It's unfair that you will never get the chance to choose your own fate too. I didn't actually want to stand out when I started Beacon you know. I just wanted to fit in and look at me now. I can't stop though. The consequences are too big if I mess up'

"Looks like both of us are trapped then"

'Yup. Thanks for this by the way. I haven't had the chance to talk about any of this and I don't think I could talk to anyone else about it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to play mediator between Neo and my friends from Beacon so they don't kill each other later instead'

"All the others are adults, right? Why do you have to be the mature one?"

'I'll tell you when I work it out'

Oscar laughs. Ruby finds it a shame that a sound that should be cheerful sounds so sad.

"Good luck Ruby"

'Don't tell Qrow you said that or he'll start complaining about jinxing it'

"Don't worry I won't"

Before Ruby can reply she gets a notification on her scroll.

'See you soon Red. I'm looking forward to the house tour'

'I'll see what I can do' Ruby texts back.

Ruby closes her scroll and puts it away. Then closes her eyes.

This moment of peace isn't going to last long. In a few minutes, she'll be back to trying to hold together the world without being able to say a word of complaint.

For now though she just sits back and tries to enjoy the silence.

Chapter Text

The place Red and her friends are staying at is rather large. Qrow's pay must be much higher than she expected if he can just afford to get a house like this the second he gets into a city. Unless he just had this as a spare property in Mistral which suggests the same thing.

Maybe she should have insisted on being paid considering how well off the man must be. On the other hand, Neo's pretty sure she has significantly more money than she does lifespan so she wouldn't really get anything but satisfaction from that.

Being able to be within a 10 meter radius of Qrow without it smelling like a brewery is probably more personally beneficial if she is going to have to work with him.

After she knocks on the door it doesn't take long for Red to let her in. Looking around it seems like she's alone aside from a boy holding a cane who is almost as small as she is.

Neo waves and Ruby motions Neo to come in which she promptly does.

"Hello, you are Neopolitan correct?" the boy asks.

Surprisingly he seems not particularly hostile unlike the restrained anger Neo expected from the house's residents.

Neo nods at him to confirm.

"I'm Oscar Pine, it's, nice to meet you" Oscar hesitates before saying nice but does follow through.

Neo takes a deliberate step towards him and raises a hand. Oscar flinches. Neo pats him on the head.

Neo turns back to Red who has a relieved expression on her face.

Before she forgets Neo takes out the USB she put the useful data she got yesterday night from her bugs and hands it over to Red.

Red nods in thanks.

Looking from Red to Oscar Neo tilts her head and puts up two fingers.

"Is she asking why there are only us two?" Oscar turns to Red who nods.

"That's just because most of the others are still getting up you'll see them soon" He explains.

Neo shrugs, probably better for her if they come in piecemeal rather than getting any ideas as a group.

The group of three funnel into the downstairs living room in a generally pleasant manner until the peace is disturbed.

"You!" Neo looks over, it's the girl with the hammer/grenade launcher.

Neo waves cheerfully. She had started to think with how pleasant Oscar had been that maybe the people working with Red have self control. Good to see that's not true.

"If you think about trying anything while you're here forget about it" Hammer girl is quite loud.

Neo mimes yawning before looking over to Red who doesn't seem particularly enthused by Hammer's intro.

Red walks over and shows Hammer something she typed into her scroll.

"Fine I'll be 'civil' I'm sorry I don't feel like being buddy buddy with the person who cut your neck open"

Neo feels a sliver of sympathy for Red trying to get this place's occupants to do the bare minimum to work with her. That is probably about as fun as when Neo was trying to motivate the White Fang at Mountain Glenn. Which is to say infinitely tedious.

Even worse Neo's pretty sure Red can't get away with stabbing the loudest one to shut the rest up which was her preferred solution back then.

Hammer after looking back at Red walks up to Neo with the fakest smile Neo thinks she's ever seen. "Hello Neo I'm Nora it's a pleasure to meet you" The words are said in an utterly unconvincing upbeat tone.

Nora puts and hand out for a handshake. Just out of curiosity, Neo accepts the handshake with a solid illusion of her hand while keeping the actual thing slightly back. Something that is instantly justified by Nora crushing the hand with enough grip strength to shatter the illusion.

Nora looks insulted that she didn't get the chance to try to break any of Neo's finger bones.

"You do know you're meant to accept a handshake with your hand right?" Nora asks.

Neo looks at the illusionary fragments that she's left on the floor before looking Nora in the eye and nodding.

Neo can see her gritting her teeth. She has just enough self control to not do anything but not enough to hide how much she wants to.

Neo turns around and walks back over to Red. As much as Neo knows Nora will want nothing more than to swing that hammer of hers into Neo's back she lacks the nerve to actually do so.

Neo gestures to Nora and makes an illusion of a frozen thermostat.

Red shrugs and writes on her scroll.

'Where you expecting a warm reception?'

Neo lets out an amused breath at the thought and shakes her head.

Before she can get up to anything else Qrow walks in.

Neo makes an illusion of his flask and puts it upside-down before he can say anything.

There is a flash of anger in his eyes but he doesn't otherwise react.

"Yes, I remember. I haven't refilled it" He gets points for only sounding grumpy rather than murderous.

Neo sees Red look at him and raise an eyebrow.

"Yes, Ruby I know but someone emptied my glass the one time I tried. I'm not that bad" Qrow says.

Oh did Red actually enforce the contract, that's hilarious. Neo turns to Red and smiles before making a copy of the contract pointing to her and then to Qrow.

Red nods.

"What's that" Oscar asks looking at the contract.

Neo is more than happy to show what she achieved yesterday to Oscar. The more people who know the more annoyed Qrow will end up being.

"Did you actually sign that Qrow"

"You had better respect the sacrifice I've made for this" Qrow replies.

Red looks at Neo and shows her scroll.

'Can you print out an actual one of that? I want to stick it on the fridge'

Neo snorts before nodding enthusiastically with a smile. That sounds like a wonderful idea.

The group heads up to the upstairs living room which apparently has more sofas. Once there Neo gets to meet two more of Red's motley crew.

A blond boy and a black haired one.

When they see her both of them glare at her though Blondy is more intense about it.

Neo rolls her eyes.

Blondy has his hand around the grip of his sword though it's still in its sheath while the black haired one demonstrates self control by not reaching for any weapons.

Neo entirely ignores them. Red walks over to a sofa and takes a seat Neo follows close behind and sits next to her.

She gets the fun of seeing the rest of the room's occupants get even more annoyed seeing Neo staying in proximity to Red. However since Red isn't taking issue with it none of them can do much about it.

Since they don't seem interested in introducing themselves Neo taps Red and looks at the two questioningly.

Red points to them in sequence 'He's Jaune and that's Ren' Neo nods.

The fact the person she stabbed is the one she has the best relationship with in the room gets funnier the more people arrive.

Neo looks around before showing Red the recording she has, in the question of if she should start.

Red holds up two fingers. Neo nods, two more people then.

The room is in a bit of an awkward silence it being very obvious that Neo's presence is acting as a barrier to any conversation.

After a few more seconds pass Neo roll her eyes and mimes covering her ears.

Oscar breaks the silence "So Neo you're going to be working with us to stop Cinder right"

Neo gives a thumbs up.

"Have we considered that now she's here we just apprehend her instead? I mean do we really need to work with her" Jaune suggests.

Neo almost smiles when she notices that Red is also glaring at him for that comment.

"Like it or not she is experienced and a capable fighter. As long as she has agreed to work with us and doesn't betray any of us we are going to work with her. Salem's agents are a much bigger problem than she is. Unfortunately," Qrow says acting as the voice of reason.

"Get away from my sister you bitch!" Red's sister's entrance is very noticeable. As is the fist she drives towards Neo.

Neo moves her head to the side avoiding the punch to the face. She would take more evasive action but fortunately, Neo has a highly useful person sitting next to her who is more than capable of dealing with the problem.

Red uses her semblance to appear in front of Neo pushing her sister back before she can try for a second punch.

Neo makes sure to drink in the look of dismay, anger and betrayal on Red's face. For a second Neo almost regrets that she took Red's ability to shout away from her since she certainly would be shouting if she could.

Red's sister takes a step back at the look Red gives her. Red writes something on her scroll which seems to chastise her sister a bit before the Schnee takes Angry's hand and takes her to a sofa.

Red sits back down and Neo gives her a grateful smile. She would also give Angry a grateful smile for doing Neo's work for her but she gets the feeling Angry wouldn't appreciate it.

Now everyone is here Neo puts her scroll on the table and presses play on the recording she brought. That way the room will have something to worry about other than her.

"Lionheart how are you this afternoon" Watts's voice echoes out from the scroll.

"As well as ever. What exactly do you want Watts" Lionheart replies.

"Simply making sure nothing unexpected has occurred I am already going to have to deal with Cinder and bandits tomorrow so I would like to be sure I won't have any interruptions" Watts explains.

"Qrow has stopped looking for huntsmen but has yet to take any other action" Lionheart replies.

"Did he find any?" Watts asks caustically.

"Do you really think I'm that incompetent?"

"Considering the fact you've ended up like this? Yes, I do. So please tell me in clear language if our crow problem has made a flock" Watts replies.

"No he's found nothing but the missing and the dead. You seem in a bad mood today Watts. I mean more than your usual"

"Try having to attach a new tail to Tyrian and then interact with Cinder for a full day and I think you'll find I have the patience of a saint to be as cheery as I am"

"If you wanted to keep good company maybe you should have made different career choices"

"Suffice it to say I didn't choose this job for the colleagues. Though I do actually get something out of it other than my life unlike you"

"I quite like my life thank you very much. Keeping it is worth so much I'm even willing to interact with you" Lionheart's annoyance with Watts is audible.

"If you're going to be so dull I assume you don't have any other information of value"

"I'm afraid not. Have a nice time with Cinder and the Branwen's"

"We both know that those names and good time shouldn't be used in the same sentence. Farewell Lionheart"

The recording ends.

Neo takes back her scroll and looks around the room to see if anyone is going to thank her for her invaluable service.

Seems not.

On the upside Red's sister seems more invested in discussing the information than continuing to give Neo her death glare

Working for Qrow's batch of huntsmen is a bit like working for Cinder actually.

One bearable person to stick with and a large number of people who fail to appreciate Neo's contributions in the least and spend their time being unbearable to be around.

She doubts anyone in the room would appreciate her sharing the comparison, however.

Red taps Neo lightly to get her to turn around. 'Thanks. That should give us a much better shot at Cinder'

Neo smiles at Red. That would be the one bearable person.

"It sounds like Salem will be going for the camp today," Qrow says.

"Can we intercept them?" Oscar asks.

"That recording was from yesterday I believe" Qrow looks to Neo who nods.

"In that case it is highly likely that Salem's agents are already there or will be soon. Short of Raven opening us a portal I don't see any way we could get there in time" He finishes.

"So what do we do about it" Jaune asks.

"We have to operate on the assumption that Salem has access to the Spring Maiden. Which means protecting the vault must be our top priority" Qrow explains.

Neo looks over at Red in the hope of an explanation. Red looks back confused for a second before realising something.

'Were you ever told about the Maiden powers or anything in Vale?'

Neo shakes her head. She knows Cinder had some sort of extra overpowered semblance which is presumably related to the maiden powers thing but that's a guess at best.

'Ok short version. 4 girls have magic based on the seasons. Power passes along when one dies. Cinder stole the Fall power. Maidens each can open a vault at the academies that have some sort of powerful artefact. No idea what those do though'

That sounds absurd but since everyone on both sides of the fight are operating like it's real Neo has no choice but to accept that absurdity as true.

Neo gives Red a thumbs up.

"Would our best option not be to set a trap when our enemies liaise with Lionheart" Ren proposes.

"It's a good idea in principle the question is how we do it" Qrow says.

Red's eyes suddenly light up beside Neo.

'Neo do you think you could replace Lionheart and lead them into a trap?'

Neo points to her mouth.

'I mean obviously but if you just pretend to be cowed and take them along to a pre-prepared spot. Cinder doesn't know you're working for us right? So they would have no reason to be suspicious'

Neo puts an illusion of Lionheart around her and tries to get his look and mannerisms right. Neo has a great memory for people but getting the image right doesn't matter if she acts too unlike him.

Neo looks to Red who nods.

The conversation in the rest of the room has stopped Neo notices.

Ah yes, Red hasn't shared the plan yet so they're probably confused by the illusion of Lionheart.

Neo drops the illusion and gestures to Red who presents the plan to Qrow.

"That could work but we would need to do the transfer somewhere no one could notice since Salem's forces presumably have access to Haven's internal cameras" Qrow says.

That would be an annoying way to get caught out.

"Could we arrange to meet with Lionheart?" The Schnee proposes.

"That would somewhat tip our hand wouldn't it?" Oscar says.

"Except that he doesn't know what we know. I could always arrange a meet up with him to discuss the missing hunters and we use that as an opportunity to set the ambush" Qrow replies.

"I don't like that this plan relies on her almost entirely. Do we really want to put all our eggs in one basket when said basket is Neopolitan?" Nora asks.

Neo rolls her eyes, as if she would ever do something that would jeopardise her chance to kill Cinder.

"On the other hand, Neo has all the risk. Once she replaces Lionheart if she can't act well enough then she's the one who will get killed we just won't get the ambush" Jaune points out.

Annoyingly Neo gets the sense that hearing the plan is likely to kill her is more convincing to most of the room than its actual merits.

This is why Neo hates group work. Much better to have one person you can trust than 10 who will screw you over.

"Assuming no one comes up with a better plan then I'll call him this afternoon and see if I can't arrange a meeting outside Haven for tomorrow. If he agrees then it will give us a window of opportunity" Qrow says.

After a few more minutes of discussion, few other workable proposals are presented.

"Since this plan relies on Lionheart's reaction to my call we can reconvene in the afternoon to see what changes need to be made in light of how that goes" Qrow says ending the de-facto planning meeting that just occurred.

With that done it doesn't take long for the rooms occupants to disperse.

Qrow mentions wanting to talk to Oscar outside before the two start heading downstairs.

Hammer girl, blond boy and dark-haired boy all head off to the downstairs living room to talk somewhere that Neo isn't.

Angry and the Schnee are talking in the corner of the room and Red just seems pleased her idea was taken up.

'Thanks for going with my plan Neo. It kinda hinges on you so if you just didn't want to take the risk I would have understood'

Neo smiles and pats Red on the head. Then texts her 'Dead Cinder > personal risk'

Red thinks for a second before nodding.

A few seconds later the Schnee walks over.

"Hey Ruby could I talk to you for a second, I think I have an idea about Watts's identity but could use your help checking if it makes sense"

Red looks to the Schnee before looking back to Neo who shrugs.

Not seeing any reason not to Red and the Schnee leave the room to go downstairs to talk about whatever idea Schnee had.

Neo is not stupid, which is to say she is almost certain Angry is plotting something and convinced Schnee to get Red out of the room.

Just in case Neo writes a text to Red but doesn't send it. If Angry is going to do what Neo expects then it should actually work in her favour.

About a minute after Red and Schnee leave Angry moves to sit on the sofa opposite Neo.

"What did you do to my sister" The words are full of loathing.

Neo points to her neck and then makes a swooshing motion with Hush.

Angry's eyes go red and one of her hands curls into a fist.

"I mean what did you do to her to make her not hate you!" Angry's rage is palpable.

Neo tilts her head in confusion before working out what Angry means. She thinks that Neo brainwashed Red or something.

Neo doubles over letting out hiccuping laughs at the realisation that Angry does not understand her sister at all.

Angry kicks the table between her and Neo to the side and repeats the question.

"I said what did you do!"

Neo steps off the sofa and to a more open part of the room. She then makes an illusion of strawberry ice cream and holds it out.

"Fine I'll just beat the answers out of you then"

Neo has had a few hard fights in her life. Not a single one was against an enraged opponent.

Neo doesn't even draw Hush. Why would she? She's going to win this fight without touching Angry once. Instead, she just raises her hand in a come hither motion.

Angry shoots forward into a flurry of punches that Neo weaves around.

Angry does seem a bit better than when Neo last beat her up but as long as she's too angry to see clearly it's not hard to go around her strikes and redirect the ones she can't.

As Angry gets more enraged with her lack of progress she winds up for a large swing and Neo doesn't try to dodge safe in the knowledge she won't be hit

Because looking at Yang right now isn't Neo, it's Red her expression an exact copy of the terror Neo saw on her face right as she cut out her voice.

Yang's fist stops short and she trembles stumbling back at the sight of her sister looking at her like that.

Neo could probably end the fight here and now but she needs Angry to keep going. It's not time yet.

So Neo still in the form of Red starts to silently laugh at Angry for her reaction.

It takes a second for Red's sister to regain her bearings but when she does her anger has tripled. She lunges forward once more.

Neo steps away leaving the illusion of Red to shatter under her sister's gauntlets.

The second it shatters Angry looks around for Neo and finds her once more in the form of Red.

Where before it was a stand up fight now the only thing fighting Yang is herself.

Each time before Angry goes for a lunge Neo will form Red around herself and make a different expression.

Confusion about why her sister would be attacking her. Terror at Angry trying to hit her. Horrified, concerned, pained. Neo leaves behind an illusion each time Angry lunges before repositioning.

Each time Angry hesitates less until it's gotten to the point where the image of her sister doesn't stop her for a second.

Neo as she gets out of the way of another swing sends Red the text she had prepared earlier.

'Could I have some help? Your sister is a bit mad right now'

As she's listening out for it Neo can hear when Red's semblance is on the way to the door.

Neo leaves her last illusion of Red on the opposite side of Yang to the door. She shatters it just before Red enters the room.

Perhaps if Red's sister was thinking she might have realised what happened but her complete rage leaves her blind to the evidence right in front of her.

When she turns around and sees Red she doesn't see her sister, she sees another illusion making a panicked face to get her to hesitate. Angry strikes forward without hesitation.

Red is frozen in shock. Neo doubts she even has her aura up. If Neo truly was an agent of Salem this would be a perfect way to dispose of Red.

Neo isn't though. She doesn't want Red dead she just wants her to not listen to a word her sister has to say.

Neo pulls Red out of the way of the punch having already been closer to the door than Angry if not visibly so.

Seeing Neo with Red, Angry assumes it's another trick and fires a shot from one of her gauntlets.

For the first time in the fight, Neo uses Hush opening its protective canopy over her and Red so the bullet glances off without leaving a scratch.

Neo using Hush snaps Angry out of the rage-induced haze she was in.

Her eyes widen in horror.

"Ruby?"

Neo puts a protective hand on Red's shoulder and glares at Angry.

"No but she, I, I didn't" Angry's short term memory finally kicks in and she realises what she almost did.

Neo takes in her victory knowing that had Angry thought for a single second and not attacked her pointlessly this all would have been avoided. What a shame for Angry.

Neo feels slightly bad for Red actually. This will probably be quite a rude awakening for her about the perils of relying on family. Though with the drunk and Miss Anger issues Neo's not sure Red's doing much better than her on that front.

Chapter Text

Neo's arrival is tense.

Not because of Neo she is actually quite well behaved over the whole thing. Well as far as Neo can be anyway.

Instead, it's because Ruby's team insist on trying to aggravate her.

Ruby knows why. What Neo did to her was terrible and her team has seen how it's affected her.

Perhaps in a different time or place, Ruby would appreciate Nora's righteous indignation. Would see Jaune's disapproval of Neo as a way he's trying to support her and would look at her sister's protective rage as something comforting.

Except that Ruby wants Neo to be here. She is the one who arranged the alliance, she is the one who gave Neo the idea to bug Lionheart and the reason they have access to it. If not for Neo at this point they would be facing Salem's forces blind and deaf.

Ruby in burying her pain and anger so she was able to offer Neo a hand has turned a guaranteed calamity into an opportunity.

So why isn't anyone trying to use that?

Why after all the effort and pain Ruby went through to get Neo to work with them, are the others trying to get her to leave?

Well, most of the others. Ruby can at least appreciate that Oscar has the good sense to try to be civil without Ruby having to force him.

If she could speak would they listen to her?

If Ruby could put emotion into her words and tell people her thoughts without a second of delay would they not feel the need to speak for her?

To decide what she must be feeling and fight for that imaginary Ruby Rose while the real one sits right in front of them?

It's not like Ruby doesn't know that Neo isn't a good person or doesn't understand what Neo did.

Ruby could not possibly understand what Neo did to her better. Ruby losing her voice has led to her having some of the worst days of her life, beaten only by the time during and directly after the fall of Beacon.

Ruby just wishes that when she asks her friends, who should trust her, to try to work with Neo so they have a better chance of fighting the actual monsters who serve Salem. The ones who will try to kill them without remorse and try to wipe Mistral off the map. Who did destroy Beacon. That her friends would listen to her.

Or if they can't do that at least see where Ruby is coming from.

The fact that Neo has managed to be better company than her friends today makes Ruby want to tear her hair out.

Yet despite all of that as the planing meeting with everyone finishes Ruby actually feels quite upbeat.

Because she proposed a plan and after everyone looked at it they agreed that it should work.

And If it does end up working Ruby knows she would trade her voice all over again for that. Because for all the pain Neo has inflicted on Ruby, she has also provided a path to victory.

One where Ruby might be able to stop Salem's plans without losing any more of her friends.

So as everyone agrees to meet back up after Qrow tries to arrange a meeting with Lionheart Ruby finds herself feeling grateful that Neo accepted her idea and the risks of her plan. Something Ruby decides to express.

'Thanks for going with my plan Neo. It kinda hinges on you so if you just didn't want to take the risk I would have understood'

Neo looks amused and pats Ruby on the head. Was that meant to mean something or was it just a gesture of affection?

As Ruby considers this she gets a text from Neo 'Dead Cinder > personal risk'

Thinking back on it that does make sense. Neo is rather single-minded as far as killing Cinder is concerned.

As she considers this Weiss walks over.

"Hey Ruby could I talk to you for a second, I think I have an idea about Watts's identity but could use your help checking if it makes sense"

A lead on Watts would be really useful actually. Ruby's happy that Weiss managed to remember the thing that was bugging her yesterday.

Ruby follows Weiss but before they get far out of the room taps her shoulder.

'Just to make sure Yang isn't going to try anything with Neo while we're gone. I did get her to back down earlier and told her not to but I'd feel really bad if either of them got hurt'

Weiss after reading keeps on walking "Yang said she just wanted to talk to Neo and when I asked said she isn't planning anything else"

Once the two get downstairs Weiss takes a seat and Ruby follows suit.

'So what did you work out?'

"I knew Watts rang a bell for me but I couldn't remember where. So I looked up the name and got a few results. It turns out an Atlesian scientist called Arthur Watts was in charge of the paladin program before dying in an experiment" Weiss explains.

'So you think he didn't die?'

"If he joined up with Salem and faked his death a lot of loose ends would suddenly make sense. How the White Fang got a hold of Atlesian Paladins, why they were able to hack the systems at Amity and how they turned the Atlesian Knights against civilians"

Ruby nods when Weiss puts it that way the idea actually makes a lot of sense.

'What can we do with that information?'

"I'm less sure of that. Ideally, we would inform Atlas so they can patch any backdoors he may have left in their technology but with the CCT down that's easier said than done. Still, I am fully of the belief that knowing one's enemy is the first step to stopping them and if I'm right we now have a much better idea of what our enemy is capable of"

'I'm not sure why you wanted to check with me. As far as I can see that makes perfect sense'

"I am suggesting a person of publicly who died years ago actually faked their death to go and work for the grimm, without suggesting any sort of motive for why he would do that. You must be able to see why it may appear a bit far fetched" Weiss suggests.

'Nah. I mean obviously the evidence is circumstantial but I'm convinced. It makes a lot of things that didn't fit together and if someone else named Watts with the exact qualifications to allow Salem to do all that exists that would be a massive coincidence'

"Good I thought so too but getting a second opinion is always useful with these things"

'You should probably share this with Jaune Ren and Nora. They might have some ideas about how to use it. Also Oscar and Qrow when you see them but I'm guessing they're going to be out a bit to discuss Ozpiny stuff'

"In that case, I'll head over to them. You going to come with?" Weiss asks.

'Nope. Not like I can help with the explanation so I'm just going to sit here for a while. Maybe read a bit'

"I'm sure you could contribute," Weiss says.

She probably could yes but Ruby still feels a little annoyed at Nora and Jaune for trying to sabotage the meeting with Neo and doesn't really want to stay an observer in the conversation.

'Maybe but probably not. I'd just slow down the conversation'

"If you're sure"

Ruby nods.

Weiss walks off to talk with the others and Ruby gets her scroll back out.

If Weiss could find Watts's information online maybe if she tries to look up the others like Tyrian she might get some results.

Before she can finish looking if there are any news articles about that particular scorpion Faunus however Ruby gets a text from Neo.

'Could I have some help? Your sister is a bit mad right now'

Ruby using her semblance rushes up the stairs. That text probably just means Yang has gotten a bit too threatening talking to Neo but Ruby still doesn't like it.

Yang is meant to be someone she can rely on not one she needs to manage.

Ruby opens the door and sees Yang swing her fist through something that shatters.

Neo's semblance.

Ruby steps forward in a panic. Yang promised not to fight Neo, did she really already go back on that?

Yang turns around and before Ruby can make any attempt at communicating with her, lunges at Ruby, swinging her fist at full strength.

Ruby freezes. The idea of Yang attacking her with the intent to harm or kill seems so far out of what Ruby assumed possible that she doesn't even raise her aura.

Ruby feels a tug to the side and is pulled out of the way of Yang's swing.

Neo just saved her. From Yang.

Before Ruby can get her thoughts in order Yang swings around and fires a shell out of Ember Celica at Neo and Ruby.

Still too stunned to act it's only Neo blocking the attack with Hush's canopy that keeps Ruby from being shot.

Ruby remembers that the canopy of Hush can be reinforced by Aura and is strong enough to block some dust explosions. If Neo was more offensively minded with her weapon then. Then. Then what?

Then Yang would have just shot Ruby?

"Ruby?" Yang sounds like she just woke from a dream. Her name doesn't sound real coming out of Yang's mouth in such an uncertain tone.

Ruby feels a reassuring hand on her shoulder. It's grounding.

"No but she, I, I didn't" Yang's voice is tinged with confusion, horror and most frustratingly still a tinge of anger.

Ruby looks over at Neo who is glaring at Yang and then at Yang who looks like she isn't sure if she should start attacking again or run away and so stays frozen in indecision.

Ruby takes a deep breath.

She writes on her scroll with shaking hands.

'Neo did you attack her?'

Neo shakes her head looking almost insulted at the implication.

'I didn't think so I just wanted to be sure' Ruby replies before stepping towards Yang.

Neo shoots Ruby a concerned look but doesn't stop her.

When Ruby raises her scroll to Yang it only has a single word on it 'WHY'

"She tricked me"

'How?'

"I didn't want to attack you but she kept turning into you to try to stop me hitting her and I couldn't tell the difference in the moment. I would never hurt you"

'No why were you attacking her at all!!!'

Hearing Yang regret almost hitting Ruby while not addressing what she actually did is painful to hear.

"She took your ability to talk and must have done something to force you to work with her. I just wanted to beat the truth out of her" Yang says.

Ruby slaps her. It's not a strong slap but Yang is shocked even if she's not hurt.

'I am working with her because she is willing to help us against Salem and I can control my emotions unlike you apparently'

"I just wanted to protect you"

'If Neo hadn't saved me your protection would have separated my head from my body'

Yang staggers "I didn't mean to"

'Did Neo attack you?'

"No"

'Did she fight back'

"She, um, not really"

'Did she do a single thing to you at all?'

"She hurt you"

'Yes and I told you to ignore that and work with her'

Yang looks like she's about to start crying.

In any other time this would be when Ruby comforts Yang.

'Yang. Just go. I can't deal with you right now. Did Weiss know what you were going to do?'

"No I told her I was just going to talk" Yang says defeated before walking out of the room.

Neo makes sure to keep a large distance from Yang as she does.

At least if Weiss didn't know that means Ruby's mistake was trusting her sister rather than her partner. That thought is a cold comfort.

Looking around the room the table is broken and on its side but the sofas are at least intact.

Ruby stumbles over to the nearest one and collapses onto it.

Yang attacked Neo and was so angry she almost killed Ruby. After everything, if Neo had slower reactions, Ruby could have died a couple of minutes ago.

Not to a hoard of grimm. Not to a monster like Cinder or Tyrian. No. She almost died because of Yang.

Ruby feels her scroll buzz 'Are you ok?'

Ruby looks over to Neo who looks back with a sympathetic gaze.

'No' Ruby really can't reply in any way without lying can she?

Neo walks over to the sofa Ruby is on and sits down next to her.

'I'm sorry. If I wasn't here your sister wouldn't have done that'

Ruby looks over at Neo sitting next to her. She looks unsure of what to do next which isn't a look Ruby has seen on her before.

'It wasn't your fault. Yang is an adult she should have enough self control to not try to kill you while you're on our side'

Something flashes in Neo's eyes when she reads that. 'It rather literally is my fault. If I wasn't here it wouldn't have happened'

'In that case you could say it's my fault. I'm the person who got you to come over and work with us after all'

Neo looks at Ruby like she's stupid for a second and shakes her head.

Ruby seeing she's not going to get any other reply writes 'Are you still going to keep working with us after that?'

Neo nods giving Ruby a look suggesting her even asking that question is absurd.

'That's good. At least I can count on you to be cooperative'

Ruby's friends could probably learn a thing or two from Neo about working with people they dislike.

'Killing Cinder is the only thing that matters. This is my best chance I would sooner die than waste that'

Ruby can see the resolution in Neo's eyes. She's willing to bet Neo would die with a smile if it brought Cinder down with her.

Ruby finds that thought rather sad.

'So you still don't have any plans after Cinder then?'

Neo tilts her head and thinks for a bit before replying.

'If you would prefer I could just let you kill me or let your sister afterwards if you'd like that? It would end things rather neatly and I don't need anything more once Cinder is dead'

Ruby looks at Neo with horror in her eyes. From the serious look in her eye, Ruby is fairly sure she's legitimately making the offer.

'NO. Don't do that. I don't want you to die'

'Why?' Neo looks at Ruby curiously.

'Why would I possibly want that?'

'Because I ruined your life. I just probably permanently damaged your relationship with your sister. Everyone you know about hates me and my moral values oppose your own?'

'Even despite all of that I don't want you to die. Not at all. Why would you even offer that'

'When I got onto the crashed airship and found that Roman died for a few minutes I did absolutely nothing. Had the fires on the ship consumed me at that time I probably would have let them. It's only after I considered that Cinder and you were at fault for Roman's death that I bothered to move again. If not for my vengeance I already would be dead what's wrong with going back to that after it's done?'

Neo, Ruby notices, is small. While obvious it's not something Ruby notices about her often, she has a presence that is much bigger than she is most of the time. Yet in this moment of vulnerability, it is suddenly impossible to ignore that Neo is smaller than even Ruby.

Ruby reaches over and hugs Neo who looks confused for a couple of seconds before leaning into it.

Once that finishes Ruby writes her answer.

'Even if your future seems bleak now that doesn't mean you should just give up. You said you had nothing before Roman and nothing after but only one of those is impossible to change. For now you've found vengeance as a way to keep moving forward but you can find other things as well. I doubt anyone could replace what Roman meant to you. I can't imagine what it's like to fully rely purely on one person and then lose them. But you can find other people or other causes that even if they're not the same are still worth fighting for. I don't want you to die Neo and even if the rest of my team hates you I refuse to'

Ruby can see Neo's eyes trace over what she wrote multiple times before she looks back up at Ruby with a smile across her face and bright pink eyes.

'Even knowing I don't regret what I did to you?'

Ruby takes a deep breath. What Neo did killed a part of who Ruby was. Yet at the same time, she finds herself unable to hate Neo even knowing how much what she did ruined things. Because Ruby understands in a way she couldn't until recently. To only have a single person who listens to you, who cares about you, who sees you for who you are and then to lose them. How can Ruby expect Neo to regret what she did when trying to get retribution was the only thing that kept her able to go on at all?

'Even then' Ruby replies.

'Would you like to learn sign language?' Neo's question catches Ruby off guard it seems like such a non-sequitur.

'I thought you said you never formally learned'

'I never did but I have picked a few things up and could learn more'

'Really'

Neo gives Ruby a thumbs up.

'I thought you said you didn't care enough to learn it to talk to anyone since you didn't need it with Roman'

'There’s someone I'm interested in talking to now and honestly I don't like talking with writing much'

Ruby rereads that sentence multiple times. The end makes sense, until now every time she and Neo have met up in person Neo has mainly communicated through gestures and illusions when she could. Ruby assumes the only reason she didn't do so after fighting with Yang was that no illusion or action could effectively describe what she wanted to say.

The start of that sentence, however. Ruby honestly doesn't know what to think about it. Does that imply that Neo actually cares about her? Beyond just as a tool for killing Cinder she means, since Ruby knows Neo has cared about her for that reason since day one. The idea of that leaves Ruby feeling conflicted.

On one hand Neo is the person who cut out her vocal chords. She is the reason that Ruby's teammates have looked at her with suspicion every time she goes out of sight for more than 5 minutes without using her semblance. She is the reason why Ruby's relationship with her sister which she had thought was unbreakable is in doubt. She was part of the fall of Beacon even if she was coerced into it.

Yet she is also the person who managed to cheer her up when she was breaking down a few days ago. She is the reason why Ruby and her friends know about Lionheart and Salem's plans. She is the reason they might be able to stop said plans before more people die. She is the person who saved Ruby's life when she could have let Yang end it if she really did hate Ruby.

In the end there is one thing that breaks Ruby's indecision. Because she knows Neo's past or at least a bit of it. How could Ruby expect Neopolitan to be good when no one ever showed Trivia how to before she met Torchwick? Ruby has already committed herself to saving her friends from the agents of Salem and anything else that might threaten them. Compared to that what is trying to save one more from herself.

'In that case I would love to learn from you Neo'

'I look forward to it Red'

Ruby looks Neo in the eye 'Call me Ruby'

Neo blinks and her eyes return to their pink and brown colouration.

'Ok Ruby'

Ruby feels a smile bloom across her face at getting Neo to call her by her name.

It feels wrong to be smiling after what just happened with Yang. To some extent to be smiling at Neo feels like a betrayal to the rest of her team too.

All of them despise Neo on Ruby's behalf. They look at what Neo took from Ruby and see something that should be retributed. They look at Neo and see someone who can't be trusted and Ruby understands why perfectly.

Yet did Ruby not already start that little betrayal when she continued talking to Neo despite Qrow and the rest of her friends deciding that Neo could not possibly be sincere about working with them? If she had not done that then it's possible her team would be walking to their doom because Neo wouldn't have given them her information on Lionheart.

Ruby already committed herself to sacrificing whatever she needs to of herself to keep the people she cares about safe. Sacrificing some of the trust of the people who care about her so that she can earn the trust of Neo is a small cost in the end.

'Of course if you're going to teach me sign language that's a long term commitment. Now you've agreed I'm going to hold you to it even if we kill Cinder tomorrow'

Neo nods and sends one last message 'I think I can live with that. Ruby'

Ruby hugs Neo. Sure in a few minutes, she's going to have to confront what happened with Yang and then finish planning how to stop an evil conspiracy that is going to destroy Mistral and try to steal its relic. But for now she has at least one thing that's gone right.

Of course that makes it an extremely awkward time for Weiss and team JNR to walk in.

Chapter Text

When Ruby sees Weiss and team JNR walk in she freezes mid hug. Alerting Neo who is facing the opposite direction from the door that something is wrong.

Ruby's friends take a second to digest what exactly their seeing before any of them manage a coherent reaction.

Weiss breaks the silence. "Why exactly are you hugging Neo, Ruby?" Her tone is judgmental. A bit like when Weiss caught Ruby planning one of her more interesting team bonding activities in Beacon except without even the slight bit of levity that came with that.

Weiss's words break the spell Ruby was under and she untangles herself from her hug with Neo. As nice as Neo actually reciprocating the hug this time is, it does mean it takes a second for Ruby to get to the other side of the sofa.

Looking at her Neo has an irritated expression which considering how reluctantly Neo let go of her Ruby can guess the reason for.

For some reason seeing Ruby hugging Neo has made the expressions of Weiss and JNR significantly more suspicious than they had been earlier.

Ruby gets her scroll out and reluctantly walks over to them 'We had a talk that got slightly emotional. That's all'

"So you're having emotional conversations with Neo while Yang is having a breakdown downstairs? Seriously Ruby" Jaune looks over to Neo with a glare.

'Yes because Neo didn't just nearly take my head off. Unlike Yang who did that 10 minutes ago' Hearing that they came up because of Yang fails to make Ruby feel more impressed.

Ruby knows that when she does forgive Yang for that she's going to feel really bad about that. Still though, Ruby feels like she is allowed to be a bit annoyed at her sister for attacking Neo after being asked not to repeatedly and then almost killing Ruby because of said attacking Neo.

"Could you elaborate on that?" Ren asks suddenly looking concerned in another way.

'Sure. After she decided it would be a great idea to attack Neo she managed to almost hit and then shoot me when I came into the room'

"Why would Yang almost hit you though? She generally has very good control with where she's aiming?" Weiss asks.

'At some point in the fight Neo used illusions of me to get Yang to hesitate to hit her. Which considering Neo wasn't fighting back should have been enough for Yang to stop trying to hit her'

"So it's Neo's fault then" Nora points out.

Ruby feels like screaming.

Instead, she just facepalms.

'Or consider Yang could have just not attacked Neo avoiding the entire problem'

"That's fair. I'm rather annoyed at Yang for going against her word. Still I do hope you can understand why we find you hugging Neo odd" Weiss says.

Ruby does get it. Neo hurt her so everyone thinks she should hate Neo and never forgive her. They see her as an untrustworthy ally of convenience rather than someone who can or should be befriended.

'I understand but think about it for a second. So far Neo has been perfectly cooperative and has caused no problems for us at all even with how rude everyone has been. I understand none of you trust her. I don't blame you for that. But why not try to get along or at least be civil? We have already agreed to work with her and she's an essential part of the plan. I would think her not disliking all of us gives us a better chance of working with her'

Ruby can feel the focus on her while she is writing. Taking a minute to write what she could say in seconds never gets less irritating. At least she finally has someone to teach her sign language.

"I just don't know how you can bear her when she did that to you", Nora says, looking at Ruby's neck scars and the fact she had to write at all.

'Because I can. It's really annoying having everyone just expecting me to hate her and while hating her for my sake when I don't want to. I know you all feel like you're protecting me by hating her. I get that none of you trust Neo because you care about me. But if you are capable of hating her for my sake without me asking you to, is it that hard to try not hating her for my sake when I ask you to instead?'

"I guess I understand the idea. I just don't want you to get hurt again. I can see how devastated you are about not being able to talk, I just don't want her to use you or hurt you again," Weiss says.

'I mean I guess Neo is using me to try to kill Cinder but I'm kinda doing the same thing with her. Beyond that though I'm pretty sure Neo doesn't have any bad intentions towards me. I mean yes I don't like the whole getting my voice cut but the reason that happened isn't something that should ever happen again. Sure I could hold a grudge but that would just hurt both of us'

"I don't really understand how you could forgive her for that but I'll try to be civil at least while we're working together. For your sake, if not hers. If she isn’t lying, then killing Cinder is worth working with her" Jaune admits.

Ruby looks around to the others who eventually also agree to the same.

Ruby smiles.

'Thanks. I know you all think I'm being too forgiving and stuff but I don't think you'll regret this. Much better to focus on saving Mistral after all'

The others look a bit less certain of that than Ruby but at this point she is just happy they agreed at all.

Ruby looks back towards Neo who in Ruby's absence has been lounging on the sofa.

Seeing Ruby looking over Neo tilts her head questioningly and Ruby waves her over.

As Neo walks over Ruby writes on her scroll.

'So how about you all agree not to antagonise each other so we can work together'

"Ok sure. I'll agree to not antagonise Neo any more if she shows she's sorry about what she did" Nora agrees.

Ruby just about restrains a cringe. Neo, she knows, is very much not sorry for what she did at all. Which while Ruby might understand, if she admits that then all of Ruby's conflict resolution will be for nothing.

Neo looks at Ruby winks and then makes an apologetic expression at Ruby and the rest of the group before she gets a note and pen out of a pocket and writes 'I am extremely sorry for what I did to Red and will accept any consequences she wishes me to'

Ruby can see Neo has her fingers crossed in a position that allows exactly Ruby and no one else to see them.

Even with her genuinely apologetic expression and the note, Ruby can see that Neo cares that Ruby knows it's insincere, even if she's willing to put up an act for the others. Beyond the crossed finger, the fact Neo called Ruby Red, despite what she just agreed, displays just how fake the apology is.

Despite that Ruby smiles at Neo because she knows perfectly well that Neo doesn't and won't regret what she did. Yet by allowing this lie, she has made cooperation easier when she didn't have to.

The others don't seem that convinced but it's enough to get them to agree to try and work with her a bit more.

With the hatchet slightly buried Nora looks at Neo with interest.

"So you can look like anyone with your semblance huh?"

Neo nods before turning into each of the people around her, finishing with Ruby. She then, still as Ruby, gives a bow.

Weiss looks between Ruby and Neo "I really can't see any differences at all" Her voice sounds closer to concerned than amazed.

Neo allows her eyes to return to their pink and brown while keeping the rest of the illusion.

"I guess that means that the whole replacing Lionheart plan has a good chance of working at least" Jaune points out.

Ruby slumps slightly in relief. At least she's managed to de-escalate everyone to just being slightly distrustful rather than having her friends at Neo's throat right before they need to work with her.

Well, except for Yang, but Ruby has no idea what to do about that. How is she meant to trust that Yang will be able to work with Neo against Cinder if she can't even have a conversation with her without almost getting Ruby killed?

Ruby half pays attention to the conversation going on beside her, which seems to mostly just be the others being curious about Neo's semblance.

At this point, Ruby just feels emotionally drained. She's had to play peacemaker, deal with her sister nearly killing her, have a nice but emotionally intense conversation with Neo and then go straight back to being peacemaker.

Not long after that, Oscar and Qrow come in, presumably having discussed what they needed to, and everyone goes downstairs to have lunch.

When she gets down Ruby notices Yang's eyes are red from crying and she overall looks miserable.

Ruby has a strong urge to go up to Yang and reassure her that it's alright, that she still loves her and that she forgives her. Instead Ruby looks away.

She can't just be Yang's sister she needs to be her team leader and if Ruby forgives Yang for what she did then she might do it again. Ruby won't allow her sister to get herself or others killed because she thinks that was acceptable.

Instead, Ruby sits next to Neo and eats her lunch in silence. Not that she could eat it any other way.

Once that is done Qrow finally calls Lionheart.

"Hello, Leo" "..." "Would it be possible to meet up with you tomorrow. I've been trying to find a few huntsmen friends of mine and well they don't seem around any more" "..." "Yes that is very concerning. Which is why I'd like to discuss it with you. You should be best placed to have an idea of what's going on" "..." "Yes I know you said the kingdom is in shambles but something this bad speaks of something worse. I think She could be making a move" "..." "I know. Look for obvious reasons I'm not going to share anything else over scroll but we need to exchange information" "..." "Yes it is that urgent. Can you meet me outside Haven tomorrow" "..." "Yes just me" "..." "Ok Leo, see you then."

Qrow hangs up.

"Ok, plan is a go. We need to be ready to deal with Leo at 4 PM tomorrow and then see if we can use Neo to draw out the others" Qrow says.

Neo nods.

"You still have your listening device on Lionheart right?" Oscar asks.

Neo gives a thumbs up.

"In that case, we need to know who he is meeting up with during the day. If none of Salem's agents are in Haven tomorrow then we will have to delay the trap until they are" Oscar comments.

Though Ozpin hasn't taken control, Ruby assumes he's the one advising Oscar on what to say.

With the plan sorted out the rest of lunch's conversation is Weiss filling Qrow and Oscar in on what she found out about Watts.

Once that ends, Ruby decides that she may as well take Neo's offer to learn sign language from her now, rather than wait until Cinder is dead to start.

Ruby walks off with Neo to find somewhere to practise. As she goes she she notices some of her teammates considering making some sort of request for her to stay (not) talking to them or to complain about her being around Neo but in the end, none do.

Whether that's because they decided to listen to her earlier plea or if they just decided it wasn't worth it Ruby doesn't know.

Ruby's absence from the conversation she knows will be noticed but not heard. It probably won't even be missed.

Of course, learning sign language from Neo while important at the start is mainly just memorising the motions for each letter of the alphabet in sign so she can spell.

It's not too hard and Ruby finds motions are easier to remember than learning a spoken language but it is slightly tedious to go through all of them.

Ruby can tell Neo finds having to go through each motion to make sure Ruby gets them down boring after a bit of initial enthusiasm. Neo's solution to this is to go through the roster of Beacon's former teaching staff, mimicking their mannerisms as she goes through getting Ruby used to the start of sign language.

Ruby's not sure if it actually helps learning at all but there is something slightly hilarious about learning sign language from an illusion of Professor Ozpin or Professor Port.

Admittedly Ruby would probably find Neo's impression of Ozpin slightly macabre if she didn't know that he was still alive in Oscar. With that knowledge though, it's fun seeing how many of Ozpin's mannerisms Neo can get right when comparing her to Oscar.

Neo is, if nothing else, an entertaining teacher.

By the time Ruby and Neo both decide they aren't making any more progress, Ruby is pretty sure she can finger spell most things if only slowly. It's honestly slower than just typing them at this point, but it's a start, and Ruby can't help but feel enthusiastic about being able to communicate in any way but typing after being limited to that this last week.

Soon after that Neo leaves. Ruby doesn't blame her for not wanting to stay over, considering how generally hostile the environment is to her.

Ruby makes sure to finger spell Bye Neo before she sets off which gets a small smile from her.

Of course, once Neo is gone Ruby is left to deal with the massive issue that she has been ignoring till now.

Yang.

While a part of Ruby feels entitled to give her the silent treatment for a bit considering what she did. Well, more so than she does to everyone now, she means. But with there being a good chance that they'll be fighting for their lives tomorrow, Ruby knows she needs to confront this now.

After looking for a bit Ruby finds her sitting alone in a side room and knocks on the door.

"Oh, hey Ruby", Yang's voice lacks the energy it had this morning.

Ruby waves and sits next to her.

"You still angry at me?" There is a bit of curiosity in her tone.

Ruby nods.

"But you seem perfectly fine being friends with Neo"

Ruby shrugs. It's not a betrayal to be hurt by an enemy and then later befriend them. Yang almost ruined things when Ruby thought she could trust her. It's not the same situation.

"Is a shrug all I'm getting?"

Ruby considers nodding before deciding that would be a bit too petty. She's not Neo.

Instead, she gets her scroll out 'I understand what happened when she hurt me. I don't get why my sister who I trusted decided to attack her after promising me she wouldn't'

'So what you understand so you just decided to forgive her?" Yang seems confused at the idea.

'Yep. I decided that my voice isn't coming back either way but I had a chance to get her to work with us against Cinder who is an order of magnitude more worse and powerful than Neo so I took it.'

"I can understand if not fully accept just using her as an ally but I saw you two. It looked like you actually like her rather than just coping with her presence" Yang points out.

'I do. I guess part of that is because I understand her. It's harder to blindly hate someone when you know why they did what they did. It also helps that after our first meeting in Mistral, she has actually been fairly pleasant'

"Ok, what actually happened in that first meeting in Mistral? You said you got into a fight and got your neck cut, but I don't get why you would end up fighting Neo while sending me a letter." Yang asks.

For a second Ruby is tempted by another lie or half truth but maybe if Yang understands why Neo did what she did then she can find a way to get along.

'Ok here is what actually happened. Neo sees me as part of the reason Torchwick died. Turns out he was more or less the only thing she cared about. So after I sent your letter she lured me into an ambush and knocked me out. I woke up we had a conversation about her motives and then she cut my voice out, left her number on my scroll and let me go. She sees Cinder as more responsible for Torchwick’s death than me which is why she wants to kill her as opposed to just doing this to me'

"So you're saying she purposefully lured you out for the sole purpose of doing that to you" Yang asks sounding horrified.

'Yeah more or less'

"And you forgive her! For that?" Yang's anger seems to have reignited again.

Ruby stairs her directly in the eyes 'Yes'

"Ruby you need to understand this is a bit like me running into Blake and then telling her I've forgiven Adam for cutting off my arm and we should all be buddies with him. Which is, to say, an insane thing to do" Yang replies.

'It's not exactly the same as that'

"No it's not exactly the same as that since Neo only nearly succeeded at killing me once. That doesn't make it much better though"

'I know she's not a good person but maybe I can help her be a better one. I mean Blake was a part of the White Fang and then she decided to do the right thing'

"Or she can make you worse. Is that really what this is about, some attempt to redeem Neo? Has she shown the slightest amount of remorse for what she's done at all?"

'Yes I want to redeem Neo but that's not what this is about. What this is about is taking advantage of an extremely skilled fighter who hates Cinder and is willing to work with us. When Neo did this to me it was barely a fight. Cinder is a Maiden. Someone so powerful that she was able to threaten Neo and Torchwick into compliance and who killed Ozpin and Pyrrha during the fall. So yes I want to befriend Neo. I want to see if I can help her be a better person. But what I really want is to not have more of my friends get killed pointlessly because I wasn't willing to put aside my pain and work with someone who is willing to help'

"You shouldn't have to put aside your pain Ruby"

'I shouldn't have had to watch Penny and Pyrrha die either. Losing my voice is the worst thing that ever happened to me but if I had the choice of having it back or having either of them back I'd condemn my voice to the abyss without a second thought. So no Yang I do have to put aside my pain. If I didn't we wouldn't be having this conversation right now'

Yang flinches

Ruby takes a deep breath before writing again 'Are you willing to work with Neo tomorrow'

"Fine. If that's what you really want I won't interact with her. It's not like I can protect you from her" This time Yang doesn't sound angry, just defeated.

'Thank you. If you do what you did again I won't forgive you'

"But you can forgive her?"

'She's done exactly what she's said she would. I don't know if you'll forget this the second you see her if I threaten anything less. I love you Yang but if that's what I need to do to keep you and the other people I care about alive I will'

"Will you put aside the pain of doing that too?"

'I don't want to but if you really can't stop yourself? Then yes as much as it will hurt me I will'

That looks like it affects Yang almost more than the threat itself.

Yang haltingly moves over to hug Ruby. In a second of weakness, Ruby leans into the warmth of her sister. Yet a second is all Ruby gives herself before she disappears to the door in a cloud of petals.

If they win tomorrow and no one dies then Ruby can let herself break down to her sister but until then Ruby needs to stay strong.

Ruby can cry silently if that is what is needed to keep up the illusion that she won't break. That she isn't something fragile because of what Neo did to her.

She is so close to stopping Cinder. She is so near to the day when her suffering becomes worth something. Ruby can't stop now.

Until that ending is hers, until her friends are safe, Ruby will put aside however much pain she needs to with a smile.

She has to.

Chapter Text

Looking back on it Neo's meeting with Ruby's team went almost exactly as she had expected in many ways. The general hostility, getting the sense from most of her nominal allies that they think they are better than her and getting the chance to use those things to get closer to Red. Or, well, Ruby as Neo supposes she should get used to thinking her as.

The day had surprises too, both pleasant and less so. Ruby's sister was an unpleasant but highly useful surprise. Truly, Neo had expected to be looked down on and despised, but she had expected enough restraint from Ruby's allies not to be blatantly attacked.

From what Neo can tell, so did Ruby. Family does have a habit of disappointing.

The other surprise was from herself, the horrifying realisation that her offer to die once Cinder is killed was genuine. After so long fighting not just to survive but to live, the fact that the abyss seems so tempting feels terribly wrong.

Yet Neo cannot deny the realisation that she truly did have nothing but her vengeance driving her. Without Roman and without vengeance, there really would have been no further point to Neo.

Yet Neo has never wanted to die, she just needs there to be a point to living.

Once Cinder is dead, that should have been her terminus. The fulfilment and end of Neopolitan. Roman avenged, and Neo returned to nothing.

Yet Red, Ruby offers a second option.

Because Ruby, Neo can see, is someone who is broken. Whether that is because of what Neo did to her or if it was an inevitability that she only accelerated, Neo does not know. Yet in that there is a point.

Neo was once shattered bits of glass, unable to be made whole. Never fit to display, broken with jagged edges that bled whatever touched them. Roman picked up the pieces and found a person in them. Not fixed or whole, but worth seeing nonetheless.

Ruby is not quite broken in the same way as Neo was. She is not quite so utterly alone, not quite so entirely unseen and not quite jagged as Neo was. Yet that does not make her whole.

Because Ruby accepted Neo as an ally on the day Neo stole her voice from her. How little must one care about oneself to see even the grandest of harms as insignificant? It's not that she doesn't understand what Neo took. Neo can see that Ruby knows exactly what she lost and exactly who took it. She simply decided that everyone's pain but her own matters.

To the point that she will fight her sister to stop her from harming Neo but doesn't hold the slightest grudge for her own life being ruined.

It's tragic really.

Yet that tragedy holds a purpose for Neo. Once a person betrayed by the world refused to die. Years later he found a person who was alone in every way that matters and gave her a way out and a dream to follow. He gained a partner in crime and she gained a reason to live.

Now Neo finds herself in need of a partner in crime and holding some level of attachment to a girl who seems unable to live for her own sake. Why not pay it forward?

So that's what she'll do. Give Ruby a reason to live as more than the martyr she has made of herself and find herself someone to rely on as a new partner in crime.

Of course, that is only Neo's second priority. Because Cinder isn't dead yet.

Neo looks down at the recordings she has on her scroll as she walks towards the place her provisional allies are housed. Her lips rise into a smirk.

Cinder isn't dead yet, but she will be soon.

Really it's a good thing Neo found a new project when she did. It means she can enjoy the next hours to the fullest.

Truly, Neo can't imagine anything quite as sweet as Cinder's death.

Neo knocks on the door.

Red opens it, then immediately jumps back in terror, reaching for her scythe.

Neo lets the illusion of Cinder she had around her shatter, laughing at Ruby's glare.

After a second, Ruby sighs and invites Neo in.

Once she's inside, Neo takes out the printed contract Ruby requested yesterday alongside a complimentary fridge magnet.

For a second, Ruby looks at it in confusion before she remembers her request yesterday and lets out a snort.

Once that is safely attached to the fridge and likely to horrify Qrow later, Ruby leads Neo to the living room where they had yesterday's meeting.

As Neo takes a seat next to Ruby, she makes sure to smile brightly at Angry, who rather than glare or growl, just looks away cowled. Looks like Ruby actually found a way to get her sister to learn restraint. Or maybe Angry's realised the only person she's been hurting is her sister.

Either way, Neo's happy to not have to deal with her.

"Do you have the evidence we need?" Qrow asks, getting straight to the point.

Neo sets her scroll down and loads up the set of recordings with useful information she got from the bugs listening to Lionheart yesterday.

"You arranged a meeting with him tomorrow?" The voice has a tone of annoyance and arrogance that can only belong to Cinder.

"He called before you and Raven arrived. Refusing would have been suspicious. Especially since he mentioned he may have information on Salem's actions," Lionheart sounds as snivelling as always.

"If only you set the date one day later we could have used that to synchronise ambushing him with the White Fangs' arrival. Can you push it back?"

"Maybe, but if Qrow thinks he has urgent information about Salem, then it would take an emergency to push back the meeting. Without that, Qrow might just barge in anyway," Lionheart replies.

"Hmmm. Actually, perhaps we can work with this. This meeting was just with Qrow correct, not any of the brats he has with him?"

"Yes Qrow should be meeting me alone"

"Then we can use this as an opportunity. Raven's condition was her brother's death after all and he will die quickly alone" Cinder sounds self satisfied.

"So I should go ahead with the meeting?" Lionheart asks.

"Yes and once he's there, you will guide Qrow to his death"

"So be it"

"Be sure to update Raven on the changed plan. I'm sure she will be thrilled"

"I'm sorry old friend" The self pity Neo hears in Lionheart's tone is just as nauseating to listen to the second time.

Everyone takes a second to digest that before Oscar speaks.

"She's taken the bait"

Before discussion can start, Neo snaps her finger to get people's attention before pointing to her scroll and holding up two fingers.

"You have more?" Ren asks.

Neo nods and goes to start the second of her recordings.

"Why are you disturbing me, Lionheart?" The voice is unfamiliar, but the gasped "Raven" from Angry clears up any confusion.

"The plan has changed"

The sound of a sword being drawn is audible.

"Is Cinder going back on our agreement?"

"No but it's being moved to tomorrow" Lionheart sounds nervous.

"And why is that? What happened to waiting till the full moon?"

"That Qrow will be arriving alone and on his own initiative"

"That would make removing him easier. Assuming of course, that this isn't him seeing through you. Leo"

"You said it yourself earlier, you would never have expected me to betray Oz, and neither does he"

"If you're sure then I have no issue leaving here early. The sooner my tribe is out of the war you've got yourself stuck in the better"

"Aren't we both despicable?"

"I have no interest in more of your guilt, Leo. I can respect doing what you have to survive but do try to be less pathetic about it would you?"

"One of us has to actually think about the consequences of this"

"If you cared about that, you would have fought and died. Don't pretend to be better than me because you feel bad about betraying the world to Salem"

"No I'm not better than you, we're both cowards. I just admit it"

The recording ends.

The last recording is just Neo's compilation of where Lionheart is told to bring Qrow.

"She really did it. Raven really sold us out to Salem" Qrow’s voice holds a mixture of anger, disbelief and despair.

He reaches for his flask and picks it up before remembering it's still empty and slumping over.

Looking around most of the room's reactions are muted but Angry looks like she just bit a lemon.

Oscar also looks indecisive about something, but Neo can't work out what just from his expression.

"Didn't you say Raven had the Spring Maiden?" Jaune remembers.

"Yes, she does", Qrow replies.

"Can... If she brings the spring Maiden to the ambush, can we actually beat two Maidens even with a surprise attack?" Jaune asks.

Oscar looks around the room and speaks with a strength of tone Neo hasn't seen out of him till now "I will be honest. If we have to contend with two Maidens at once, we will most likely be outmatched. Yet I heavily doubt we are going to get a better opportunity than now. We know that if we wait until tomorrow, then our enemy's reinforcements will arrive and Haven will fall. Mistral's hunters are decimated, and without communications, there is no way we can call for help. We in this room are the only ones there are to prevent Salem from getting a hold of the relic of knowledge and dooming Mistral. Furthermore, if we do manage to slay either Cinder or Raven's Maiden in the fight, then Salem's ability to collect the relics will be curtailed. Frankly, I don't think we can afford the risk of not trying"

"Of course you can take that risk. If Oscar dies, you just get to take someone else's body. It's the rest of us that could actually die," Yang replies, her voice bitter.

Neo is officially lost. Oscar is what now?

"Miss Xiao Long, do you think death is pleasant? That I enjoy my curse? I assure you I have no intention of throwing away Oscar's life. Yet I will not stand idly by while a kingdom falls. I hope I have not misjudged you enough to find that you would" Oscar? Says.

"No of course I can't let Cinder and my Mother damn Mistral, I just. Be honest, if we do this, will all of us be going back home?" Yang asks

"I will do my very best to see that ending, but I cannot promise that victory will be without sacrifice. We will be facing some of the most powerful individuals in Remnant, I cannot even guarantee my own well-being in such a fight. Yet if we do not take that risk today, then the danger will only grow. I am not lying when I say this is our best chance," Oscar? Replies.

Neo looks to Ruby and taps her on the shoulder.

She jumps slightly before looking questioningly at Neo, who points at not Oscar.

'Ozpin possesses people when he dies'

Ozpin does what? Neo looks back at Oscar, who might currently be Ozpin, the dead headmaster of Beacon.

He, noticing Neo's gaze, looks back, "Ah, I suppose the cat's out of the bag. Though if we are going to face Salem's forces today, there would not have been much point keeping me hidden anyway. I am Ozpin. The reason I live on in Oscar is not something we truly have the time to discuss today but rest assured that I will be assisting you in the coming fight"

Neo just shrugs. Sure why not if there are already Magic Maidens and Relics that have yet to be explained powers why not an immortal headmaster?

Frankly, as long as Cinder dies at the end Neo has run out of the ability to care about the supernatural.

With that bombshell, the rest of the meeting is spent discussing the positioning of the ambush and what to do should things go wrong.

Soon, it is time for Qrow to set off to his 'meeting' while Neo follows to replace a certain Headmaster.

Qrow meets Lionheart at the very outer courtyard of Haven. While the others have fanned out to prepare to break into the main building, Neo stays out of Lionheart's line of sight as she waits for Qrow's signal.

"Qrow, why did you bring your weapon?" Lionheart question.

"Leo I'm coming to talk to you about how Salem has orchestrated mass assassinations of Mistral's hunters. I'm not going anywhere without Harbinger right now"

"Ah right, I suppose doing anything else would be silly of you"

Neo can see Qrow scanning the sky and the courtyard to see if there are any observers as he talks.

"That it would. I save being silly for when I'm hanging out with my nieces, not when discussing the deaths of people I liked"

"Ah yes. So what have you learned? Anything that could help me avert her plots would be highly appreciated"

"Looking at dates of the dead and a recent encounter of mine, I believe that Salem has her minions hunting them. I was actually almost killed myself by a scorpion Faunus on the journey here. I doubt many other hunters would be fortunate enough to survive such an encounter" Qrow finishes looking around and pats his sword.

"How awful. I had assumed it was just the general panic, what with the festival going wrong and the increase in grimm activity. If you come in we can discuss what to tell p----"

Neo pushes Hush's blade through his head. Not having expected combat yet, Lionheart's aura wasn't even raised. What a pathetic excuse for a headmaster.

Qrow grimaces and grits his teeth, "You got blood on my coat"

Neo rolls her eyes before putting an illusion over the blood and taking Lionheart's form before making a go-on gesture to Qrow.

The two begin walking towards the academy, Neo having formed an illusion of foliage over the former headmaster's body. It won't last for long, but should keep attention off it if anyone decides to have a look.

"I had thought of Leo as a friend once", Qrow comments as the two walk towards Haven's main building.

"You wouldn't be able to tell by that, but he was an impressive hunter who worked his way up here by merit. I wonder what could possibly have caused him to fall so far"

As he talks, Neo makes sure to nod or look interested, in as Lionheart a way as she can, until she gets to the main building and leads Qrow inside.

After walking a few steps in Neo starts to let the mannerisms of guilt slip into her impression.

A raven flies down from its perch on one of the room's lights. Once it reaches the exit it shifts to form a woman with a grimm mask over her head.

Qrow turns "Raven"

"Qrow. How nice to see you"

Qrow turns to Neo and sees her looking cowed by guilt as she walks up the raised platform at the head of the room.

"Lionheart, what are you doing?" Qrow doesn't need to fake his anger towards Lionheart even if the man is already dead.

The door at the end of the room opens. Cinder and her servants walk in. While Emerald and Mercury walk to the sides of the room to surround Qrow, Cinder walks next to who she thinks is Lionheart.

"He did what anyone sensible would do. He looked at the power of our queen and chose to live," Cinder says with a smug smirk.

It's time, Neo, without warning, strikes out at Cinder with Hush's blade unsheathed. Ideally, it would have cut cleanly through Cinder's spine, letting Neo kill her at her own leisure.

Unfortunately, at that moment, there is a creak at the top of one of the windows, and Cinder, sensing something off, shifts.

It's not enough to avoid Hush, but it does mean that rather than cutting through Cinder's spine, it only goes through a shoulder. Neo is forced to leap back as a blast of flames cuts through where she was a second before.

"Neo", Cinder's words are half confused and half enraged.

Before anything more can occur, the windows shatter. Angry and the Schnee coming through on one side, jump down on a series of glyphs to the floor. Out of the other window, Ren and Nora jump through onto the raised balcony.

Oscar, Ruby and Jaune walk in through the main doors.

Neo can see her former allies freeze, their ambush turned on them. Blood seeps into the floor from Cinder's wound in the moment of calm before the storm.

Neo smiles the fullest and happiest smile she has had since the day Roman died.

No matter what comes after. No matter who else lives and who else dies. Neo will see Cinder's corpse in front of her.

And she will delight in every second she takes to ensure that.

Chapter Text

As Ruby walks through the entrance of Haven, she finds herself feeling confident, even knowing what lies ahead.

Everything she's been doing has led to this moment, this one chance to stop Cinder before anything else is destroyed. If they fail here, then it will likely mean the end of Haven and possibly Mistral as a whole.

Ruby can't afford to lose. So she won't, no matter what it takes. If she wins here, that means every sacrifice she's made will have been worth it. Everything she's lost a pale price for the evil that will be prevented.

As she enters there is a momentary pause as the two sides take in the situation, then, as if with a silent proclamation, peace is consumed by chaos.

Ruby takes in the fight as she moves towards her objective.

Nora launches herself from the overhang, slamming Magnhild down at Emerald, who dives out of the way only to have to roll out of the way of Ren's gunfire.

Looking to the other side, Yang is taking out the last days' repressed rage on Mercury, whose attempts to make any distance are stymied by Weiss's glyphs boosting Yang towards him.

Oscar and Jaune move to assist with Raven, but after kicking Qrow back, she uses the second to open a portal. A moment later, a laser blasts out. Jaune just manages to get his shield up to protect himself and Oscar, but gets blasted back in exchange, banging against Haven's door as a bandit Ruby doesn't recognise steps out and engages Oscar.

Qrow is back on Raven before she has the chance to call any further reinforcements the two exchanging blows equally matched.

Ruby takes all of this in at a glance however, because as the room dissolves into anarchy, Ruby scatters into rose petals and shoots forward. This time, Ruby won't let Cinder take anyone else from her.

Neo dances around blasts of fire as Cinder tries to pin her down. Ruby can see that Cinder's human arm hangs almost limply down her side, even as her grimm arm lets out arcs of flame at Neo.

Before Cinder can make any more progress Ruby reforms above her and swings down with Crescent Rose. It clashes against a sword of black glass Cinder forms in her grimm arm, which she swings up to meet Ruby.

Despite Cinder's greater strength, momentum is on Ruby's side, and so while she is unable to directly cut Cinder, the strike still sends her reeling back just in time to get battered by Hush.

Cinder stumbles back. Before Ruby and Neo can push their advantage however, Cinder blasts them back with a gust of wind before laughing.

"Really Neo, I'm surprised I wouldn't have thought you the type to work with her of all people" Despite the blood running down her shoulder and the hits she just took, rather than looking threatened, Cinder seems utterly confident.

In response, Neo tips Torchwick’s hat at her before she and Ruby launch forward once again.

This time however Cinder is not caught by surprise. She reforms a burning sword in her grimm hand and leaps between Ruby and Neo, before jerkily moving her injured arm to send a blast of flame to force Neo back as she swings her blade at Ruby.

Ruby not letting Cinder take the initiative, uses her momentum to keep Crescent Rose in a constant pattern of swings. Any time Cinder attempts to get through her guard, Ruby makes sure to manoeuvre out of the way with her semblance, firing Crescent Rose's sniper at Cinder whenever distance is created.

It should have been an overwhelming offence.

It isn't enough.

While Ruby's speed and practised strikes of Crescent Rose keep the Fall Maiden back for a moment, there is something Ruby forgot. Cinder as a Maiden can fly, and she can't. Cinder dodges upward, and Ruby overcommits. Before she can correct, Cinder swings a kick into Ruby's head, followed up by a fireball that sends Ruby to the floor.

Before Cinder can follow up however, Neo jumps out at her, Hush's blade outstretched. Cinder blasts forward, intending to impale Neo with her sword, yet when it pierces Neo, the image shatters into shards. Before Cinder can realise her mistake, the real Neo smashes Hush into Cinder's side, sending her to the floor. Cinder rolls out of the way of Neo's follow-up stab and onto her feet.

Before Cinder can recover enough to throw Neo off her with magic again, Ruby fires Crescent Rose at her, the bullet hitting Cinder's aura and throwing off the aim of the tongue of flame she sent towards Neo. Neo blocks the remaining flames with Hush's canopy before rushing back in, weaving through Cinder's slashes and managing to grab her one functioning arm and pull it down.

Seeing Cinder disabled Ruby appears next to Cinder in a burst of petals, swinging Crescent Rose at her grappled foe. Ruby notices the smile on Cinder's face a moment too late as her grimm arm extends, throwing Neo off and smashing into Ruby's stomach.

As the two girls are knocked back by Cinder's strike, she strides towards them, pulling her grimm arm back to its normal length. She doesn't even seem winded.

"I fail to understand why you're fighting me Neo when the person who killed your boss is right beside you. I would have thought both of us have good reason to see 'Little Red' dead"

Ruby slams into the wall while Neo floats down gently, her parasol bleeding off her momentum. As she lands, Neo makes a small noise of amusement at Cinder's statement as Ruby gets up and glares at Cinder.

"If you truly wish to die with your misplaced blame, you can burn with Ruby"

Ruby feels a sensation of heat below her and dashes up and to the side with her semblance as the ground below her erupts with flame. Looking to the side Neo also leapt to the side just in time.

As Ruby runs forward to try to get at Cinder, she is forced to jump back again as Cinder forms a wave of flame in front of her. Before Ruby can work out a way around the fire, Cinder's grimm arm flies through the flame and grips Ruby's neck, choking her against the wall.

Ruby can feel that arm around her neck heat up as Cinder starts to channel flame through it. As she futilely attempts to rip it off her, Ruby has the morbid thought that at least her neck being burnt won't damage her speech any more than it already is.

Before Cinder can do more than damage Ruby's aura however, Hush's blade cuts through the middle of Cinder's extended arm, dropping Ruby to the floor as the grimmstuff in front of her dissolves.

Not wasting the chance Ruby picks up Crescent Rose and begins using her semblance to dash from point to point firing a shot or two at Cinder and moving before she can react.

Cinder her face still in a grimace from the pain of having her arm cut off, even though it quickly regrows, snarls as Crescent Rose's high calibre rounds begin smashing into her from every direction. Of course alone, Ruby doubts her strategy would have much effect, but every time Cinder makes a move to hunt down Ruby an image of Neo dashes forward to attack Cinder, forcing her to smash it to shards.

While Cinder seems tempted to ignore Neo's illusions, it's obvious she can't tell them from the real thing, so she is forced to treat each one as a threat, giving Ruby time to wear down Cinder's aura.

Far too soon however, Ruby hears Crescent click rather than fire and realises she's out of ammo. In a fight like this, there is no chance she has the time to reload.

Ruby dashes back towards Cinder and strikes forward, while Cinder dodges Ruby's telegraphed attack it takes enough focus that Cinder ignores what she assumes is just another illusion. Something she comes to regret as Hush's Blade slashes against her aura, sending Cinder stumbling back.

"Enough!" Another massive blast of wind forces Ruby and Neo back.

Before either can move Cinder holds her damaged arm up and fires a continuous stream of fire at Neo who is forced to block it with Hush. Ruby can see the parting of the fire around Hush setting the floor aflame, trapping Neo behind her parasol to avoid being burned to a crisp.

With that she turns to Ruby who as she gets back to her feet finds her aura is on its last legs. Fortunately Ruby can tell Cinder isn't doing that much better. While expensive in aura Ruby and Neo's strategy allowed them to get multiple strong hits against the Fall Maiden.

Yet while Cinder's aura may be low there seems to be no end to her magic.

Ruby risks a quick look at the rest of the battle hoping for aid.

Yang and Weiss seem to have Mercury retreating, yet she can see both of them are entirely focused on trying to lock him down rather than looking towards Ruby's fight.

Nora seems to be fighting an invisible adversary as Ren clashes with Emerald, while he seems to be winning, what with Emerald's focus split between her fight and the illusion, she's still holding her own.

Oscar and Jaune seem on the back foot as Raven's follower seems to be following them with a relentless offence not letting Jaune ever get the initiative and forcing Oscar to focus as much on stopping her from executing Jaune as attacking her.

Qrow and Raven's fight is hard to follow as the two flicker between forms to dodge attacks and reposition, Harbinger in its scythe configuration clashing against Raven's array of dust blades.

While they have the advantage, no help is coming and if Cinder wins here that narrow advantage will be crushed without remorse.

Ruby looks at Cinder and desperately tries to think of a path to victory. Neo is stuck and without any way to attack Cinder from range, the only way to win is to close on Cinder despite her magic and beat her up close.

Yet Ruby knows if she tries that she won't win. Frankly, despite all of her training, Cinder is just a better close range combatant. Even with one arm almost disabled, the only real hits Ruby has managed have been with Neo distracting Cinder.

Neo, whose slowly being forced back as Hush's mechanisms warp and burn under Cinder's supernaturally hot fire.

Cinder still maintaining the torrent of fire against Neo, steps towards Ruby "You know I expected some sort of defiant speech or at least last words. You would think I'm fighting two mutes at this point. Though I guess your screams as I kill you will serve as noise enough"

No. Ruby can't fail here, if she does then she won't be able to protect anyone. For the sake of all of her friends who are still alive. For all of Mistral that could burn if Cinder isn't stopped. For everyone who Cinder ever killed. For everyone she will butcher if she's not stopped. Ruby needs to beat her here.

A light escapes Ruby's eye a flash of pure pale brightness that temporarily blanks the room in white.

Ruby stumbles feeling light headed. Looking up Cinder is screaming, her grimm arm writhes and her torrent of fire has ceased.

Neo burned and battered with barely a scrap of aura takes the chance, dashing forward and striking Cinder with Hush as warped and burned as the weapon is. The strike shatters the remainder of Cinder's aura. Yet before Neo can finish her, Cinder manifests one last fireball directly against Neo's chest sending her flying back, her aura shattered.

Ruby gathers the last of her aura and shoots forward in a burst of petals. Without aura, Cinder is not fast enough to dodge, and Crescent Rose cuts through the grimm arm Cinder puts up to block, cutting across her and sending Cinder sprawling to the ground.

Ruby steps forward looking at her defeated opponent, only to have to step to the side to avoid another fireball. Even with her aura depleted Ruby comes to the horrifying realisation that the magic of the Fall Maiden is unending.

Cinder laughs a wild cackling thing, "You don't get it. You can't win. My destiny won't be stopped by a brat like you"

Ruby dodges one last blast of flame and slams the back of Crescent Rose into Cinder's stomach, sending the Maiden to the ground desperately struggling with her one functioning arm to get up.

Ruby realises something. Cinder won't run out of magic. She can't be imprisoned or contained. She will never ever stop hurting people. There is only one way she can end this.

Ruby has never at any point of her life wanted to kill someone. Even now at this very moment, the idea of it revolts something deep inside her. Yet Ruby promised she would sacrifice any part of herself to keep the people she cares about alive. There is only one right answer.

When Ruby told Ozpin she wanted to be a hunter for the first time, he asked her not if she wanted to slay grimm, but if she wanted to slay monsters. As Ruby swings Crescent Rose down in a final fatal stroke, she realises something.

Cinder is a monster.

Crescent Rose lands and Cinder's struggles slow her already battered body's lifeblood leaking out through the wound Crescent Rose left through her stomach.

"Ruby" A last hateful gasping word escapes Cinder's mouth.

As Ruby looks down at the dying woman before her she realises that she feels fine.

She had expected after taking a life to feel sick or be utterly overwhelmed by guilt yet all Ruby feels is a sense of satisfaction. Really, killing Cinder felt little different from killing a particularly dangerous and challenging grimm.

Which, to be fair considering the whole grimm arm thing isn't even entirely wrong.

Shaking her head Ruby runs over to Neo who she can see is only just about holding herself up enough to stumble away from the fires on the ground.

As Ruby gets closer to Neo she looks at her and sees a smile somewhere between joyful, content and proud spread across her face. Her eyes are wide and bright, and her expression gives the impression she just saw something beautiful.

As Ruby gets to her, she offers Neo a hand, which is accepted and pulls her away from the burning bits of the floor. After getting a bit away, Neo stumbles. With her aura broken, Neo's burns aren't healing yet, and Ruby is certain she must be in immense pain, yet Neo still looks happier than Ruby's ever seen her.

Ruby looks to the rest of the battle and realises that she still has enough in her to intervene. Ruby lets Neo go, she stumbles slightly before sitting on the floor. Ruby points to her and gives a thumbs up and a thumbs down to ask if she needs help.

Getting a thumbs up, Ruby smiles before rushing down to help the others.

Ruby walks down from the raised area she was in and looks to the rest of the battle to check where she is needed, raising Crescent Rose's bloodied blade as she does.

In that moment Ruby feels something enter her. She suddenly gets a feeling like something she never even knew was empty suddenly has become full. The air warms around her and Ruby finds her eyes feel somehow brighter.

Before she can work out quite what happens all the attention in the room shifts to her.

The first to react is Raven whose eyes widen before a profanity escapes her lips. Without a second's hesitation, she leaps to the bandit she brought with her and a blast of wind blows back Oscar and Jaune. Before anyone else can react the two have left through a red wound in the world that Raven's sword cut.

Suddenly, the only people left other than Ruby's team are Emerald and Mercury.

Then as the others are shocked out of their moment of inactivity, Emerald screams.

"CINDER!" her voice expressing a cocktail of horror, terror and wrath.

An overwhelming presence suddenly appears, forcing Ruby to step back as a form that can only be described as evil appears ahead of her. The lights dim and the word seems to almost be shaded in red.

The thing screams, a horrific unnatural sound that makes Ruby stagger back. The shadowed form that seems as much grimm as person consumes the room. Ruby instinctively draws on the energy that she feels within her.

A lance of flame goes through the horror ahead of her projected by Ruby's will, not that she quite understands how. The thing disperses, nothing more than an illusion. When Ruby looks around the room, she realises Emerald and Mercury are gone.

Ruby stands looking around. Somehow, while her team are battered and bruised, no one she cares about died.

Ruby feels a smile split her face as she laughs soundlessly with relief, holding Crescent Rose's bloodied form against her.

They did it.

She did it.

She won.

Chapter Text

After her moment of happiness, Ruby looks around the room. Thankfully, it seems like none of the others got hurt too badly. Guess she and Neo must have got the worst of it.

Yet as Ruby looks at the faces of her allies, rather than looking happy, they look concerned?

Ruby blinks in confusion. That seems like an odd reaction to victory. Ruby looks down at herself and sees that she has quite a lot of Cinder's blood on her.

That makes sense, they probably think she's hurt. Which to be fair, she has a fair few bruises from being smashed into the wall repeatedly and a few burns, but out of her, Neo and Cinder, Ruby is definitely best off by far.

Ruby opens her mouth before closing it again as she remembers that nothing about what just happened changes the fact she's mute.

Though Ruby forgives Neo for that. Her helping end Cinder and the fact all of Ruby's friends are alive in front of her more than makes up for any of the pain Neo inflicted on her.

Ruby just feels so happy and relieved. It was worth it. All of it was worth it. Cinder won't steal any of her friends from her ever again.

"Ruby?" Weiss calls out with a worried tone.

Ruby turns towards her. She would petal burst over to hug her, but Ruby's pretty sure if she tried it would break her aura, so she just stays where she is.

"Are you ok?" Weiss's words come out hesitantly.

Ruby nods enthusiastically, she's more ok than she's felt in ages.

"What happened with Cinder and Neo?" Jaune asks, also sounding concerned, if slightly hopeful.

Ruby reaches for her scroll but finds that it's in pieces. Turns out massive blunt force trauma and extreme temperatures are bad for scrolls. The more you know.

With that option out Ruby just gestures to Crescent Rose. The blood should be fairly self-explanatory right?

"So they're dead then?" Jaune speaks with a strange mixture of hope and horror.

They're? Oh right, he asked about Neo and Cinder.

Communication without a scroll is annoying. At least Neo's promised to keep teaching her sign language so this should be a temporary issue. Also Ruby can get a new scroll.

Ruby thinks for a second before remembering that new fire thrumming inside her. Huh, that probably means she's the Fall Maiden now, doesn't it? That probably has implications, but for now Ruby's being happy, not worrying about future problems. That's for future Ruby.

Reaching for that Ruby makes a spark of fire and holds it in the air. The power comes to her instinctively, like it wants to be used. Seeing her idea works, Ruby writes into the air with fire.

'Cinder is dead Neo is fine'

After that is a few moments of silence.

After taking a deep breath Oscar steps forward and lets Ozpin speak, "I see you have inherited the mantel of the Fall Maiden, Miss Rose"

Ruby still smiling nods.

There is another solemn silence.

Wow, not even Nora is celebrating. Does Ruby really look that badly off?

Checking her aura Ruby finds it's a quarter refilled. Which seems faster than normal but Ruby is magic now apparently, so maybe that's just a side effect.

What else could be causing it? Maybe they think she's Neo pretending to be Ruby?

Ruby Petal Bursts forward a few steps just to show it's still her. Sadly, that doesn't seem to clear up anyone's concern.

After a little bit more silence, Ren finally speaks "So what now?"

Qrow looks away from Ruby "You all should set off home to recover. Since I'm the only one here with a huntsman's licence, I should stay to explain what just happened to the authorities"

"Once we get home I will explain how today has changed things. I imagine both we and Salem will have to readjust our plans going forward," Ozpin says.

With that said no one actually starts moving yet.

"Ruby" Yang steps towards Ruby her voice strangely guilty sounding.

Ruby looks towards Yang and nods to show she heard her.

"Are you sure you're ok? If you have the Maiden power, that means you killed Cinder right?" Yang continues still sounding guilty for some reason.

Ruby nods again. Both that yes she is ok and that yes she did kill Cinder.

"And you're ok having done that?" Yang asks.

Oh, that's it.

Ruby reprises her fire writing trick.

'She was a monster'

Yang doesn't look satisfied by that answer but doesn't say anything else.

Before anyone else can speak Ruby hears steps behind her and turns around. Neo is walking down from where Ruby left her, aura slowly patching her burns now she's had some time to rest.

Unlike the rest of her friends, Neo has a wide smile. She, even as hurt as she is, gives off a sense of joy.

Glad that at least one person is reacting appropriately, Ruby Petal Bursts over to Neo and wraps her in a hug that is eagerly returned.

Though they didn't have exactly the same reason both Ruby can feel the shared sense of accomplishment she and Neo have.

They did it. They stopped Cinder. Why shouldn't they be happy?

After a few seconds, Ruby loosens the hug and the two step away from each other.

Ruby has a thought and makes some more fire writing.

'I can do this too now'

Neo snorts before making some writing in the air with her semblance 'Who needs a scroll anyway'

Ruby lets out an amused breath before realising that if her scroll didn't survive, then Neo's is definitely molten slag. It's probably a good thing neither of them need scrolls to communicate, thinking about it.

Ruby does have the thought that a week ago she wouldn't need anything to communicate but dismisses it. Why worry about the bad when finally, something good has happened? When she finally, after all this time feeling useless, made something good happen.

"Ruby we should go", Weiss calls from behind her.

Ruby, seeing no reason to stick around in Haven, turns around to leave before looking down at herself.

Huh, her outfit has a bunch of burn holes, and also a fair amount of blood on it. That might make the walk home a bit awkward.

Ruby feels a tap on her shoulder. Looking down, she sees Neo looking at her with a very self-satisfied smile. When Ruby looks back at her outfit, she finds that it looks pristine. Ruby smiles back at Neo, who has done the same thing for herself. That is really convenient.

Before she can think of any reply, Ruby feels Weiss grab her arm and start dragging her along.

As the group steps out, they see Lionheart's body face down in a puddle of blood on the ground. Since all of them had gone on ahead to prepare the ambush when Qrow was meeting him, none of them saw the body until now.

Ruby hadn't really thought about what happened to Lionheart before the fight. Maybe she had assumed Qrow and Neo knocked him out or something but his head having a hush sized stab wound and the pool of cold blood provides an easy answer as to what happened.

All of Ruby's friends seem to take a step back from the body, seeming disturbed, and Ruby sees a few of them giving Neo looks. Oscar especially looks conflicted. Make sense, Ozpin must feel quite a lot about the situation.

Ruby's instinct is to be disturbed by the body, by anyone being killed. Yet this is Lionheart. The man who got Mistral's huntsmen, who looked up to him and relied on him killed. Who in doing that probably has gotten countless villages slaughtered by the grimm and may have doomed Mistral as a whole in the long run. Whose information and resources allowed Cinder to enact the fall of Beacon.

If Ruby considers Cinder a monster, can she consider this man, this coward who sold out the world for nothing, anything but a monster? And if he is one then why she she care about his death? A huntsman's job is to kill monsters. Why should Ruby feel bad that today removed two monsters from the world today rather than one?

Ruby can see Neo looking at her with curiosity, Ruby guesses she's wondering if Ruby will judge her, yet why would she when Ruby did the same minutes ago? Neo has done plenty of evil acts Ruby knows that. What Neo did to her is an example of that, even if she forgives Neo. Yet this is one thing that Ruby can't see as anything but an act of good. So all Ruby does is look at the body, then Neo and gives her a smile. Before she keeps walking home, taking the rest of her team's disturbed interest off the body and toward getting home.

As Ruby walks, a bit of the giddiness she had been feeling after the fight falls away. Not all of it, Ruby will be riding the satisfaction of her plan actually working and her being right to trust Neo for a while but enough to stop slightly freaking everyone else out with how glad she is quite so much.

Well aside from Neo who remains in by far the best mood Ruby's ever seen her in. Which makes sense, she did more or less say the only thing she wanted in life was Cinder dead and then got to kill her with Ruby. Why wouldn't she be happy?

As they reach the house Ruby notices that Neo disappeared at some point during the walk. For a bit, Ruby's not particularly worried since she can catch up with her over scroll. Then she remembers that both her and Neo's scrolls are scrap.

Still Ruby's going to see Neo again, she promised to teach her sign language after all. If she doesn't want to be stuck with the others who all seem way too sombre for what they did, then good for her.

Before anything else, Ruby Petal Bursts up to the shower and makes sure to clean up and change. If she's going to have to have a lecture about what being the Fall Maiden means and what comes next, she is doing it clean and in new clothes. Not covered in blood and in her half-burned combat outfit.

As the hot water runs over her, leaving a dilute red trail of blood flowing into the drain, Ruby is left alone to think for the first time since the fight.

Ruby killed someone today. Cinder more than deserved it and the world is better without her in it. There was no way Ruby could have stopped her permanently without killing her. The Fall Maiden's powers not being in Salem's hands means that the world is a safer place. She was a monster. It was the right decision.

Ruby still killed her.

And she doesn't feel guilty about it. She's pretty sure she's meant to feel guilty about it. She certainly felt terrible when making the decision to do it. But she doesn't now.

Thinking back to it she feels a lot of things, satisfaction, relief, joy and a bit of excitement, though most of that might just be the adrenaline not having fully worn off yet. What she doesn't feel though, is guilt. She doesn't feel terrible or nauseous. She doesn't feel what she's pretty sure you are meant to feel when you kill someone, even a bad person.

Honestly, she feels worse about the time she saw Torchwick being eaten in front of her than when she actually killed Cinder.

As she finishes showering and getting dressed, Ruby decides that it doesn't really matter. Cinder was a monster and had to die. If she didn't kill her, Neo would have, or they both would have died.

Today is a good day, a day when the world has been made a better place because Ruby was right and she did the right thing. So she decides she's not going to worry about it. Why try to make herself feel bad about doing the right thing after all?

So as Ruby goes downstairs to talk to the others about what happens now, she does it relaxed with a slight smile, rather than sad or guilt ridden.

By the time Ruby reaches the living room all of the others, sans Qrow, are there. Ruby takes a seat.

Looking around Ruby is pretty sure she's still the one in the best mood here, but at least they look slightly less concerned about her now they're back home.

"Now we are all here, I believe we should discuss what comes next", Ozpin says, having taken over Oscar for this meeting.

Looking around, it seems like almost everyone in the room has something to say, but they hold their tongues for Ozpin to finish.

"As we know from Neo's spying on Lionheart, tomorrow the White Fang are scheduled to attack Haven. Thanks to today's events, Mistral's authorities will be informed about this. Yet due to the lack of huntsmen in the city, it is essential that we remain on guard tomorrow and in the coming days for that attack. We also need to stay on guard against Raven, as it is possible that in the coming days, she may make an attempt on the vault to take the Relic of Knowledge"

Ozpin’s speech is a painful reminder that while they may have won today, things are far from over. While Cinder being gone is a massive advantage, Salem still has dangerous servants like Tryian or Watts. The White Fang, while a foe Ruby's fought before, is also still potentially threatening.

With those words, Ruby starts to feel a sinking feeling sapping at that wonderful happiness that Ruby has been clinging to since she killed Cinder and Haven was saved. If it's not over, if her friends still have to fight and still won't be safe, then when does it end?

Cinder is gone and yet Ruby might have to fight all over again tomorrow just to protect Haven from the same thing she saved it from today.

Ruby is not scared of fighting an endless fight. Being a huntress means that she is choosing to pit herself against the grimm for the rest of her life so that other people can be safe. Yet how many Cinders' will there be? How many forces of nature in the bodies of people will try to destroy everything Ruby cares about?

Ruby focuses once more on that new fire burning within her and makes a spiral of fire on the palm of her hand, looking at the flickering reds, whites and oranges. The sinking stops.

So what if it doesn't end? No matter how much it ate at her, all of Ruby's friends are still alive, and Haven still stands, even when the board was stacked against them. Now they have the information advantage, and Ruby might be strong enough to matter for once.

The world may not ever be a fairy tale for Ruby Rose, but if she tries hard enough, maybe she can make it one for the rest of the people she cares about. Anyway, Salem is the person Cinder served, right? So if they could beat Cinder, then maybe when they beat her too, then Ruby actually can have a happy ending. Rather than a short pause.

Ruby takes her focus off the fire she's holding and refocuses on Ozpin. He was still talking while Ruby was thinking, and Ruby missed some of it.

"---We cannot stay in Mistral indefinitely now that Salem knows, or at least soon will know, we have a Maiden here. While it is essential that we keep Raven from the vault and protect Haven until we gather enough huntsmen and huntsmen in training to return Haven to function, we should set off soon after" Ozpin says as Ruby zones back in.

"If we can't stay here, then where will we be going?" Ren asks.

"The one place that has a living Maiden, Atlas. Not only is it essential we update General Ironwood about what has occurred here, but it is possibly the only place where Ruby can be trained properly in her new powers while kept secure," Ozpin explains.

At that last sentence, Ruby suddenly focuses.

Forming fire into words, Ruby asks a question 'Kept secure?'

"Your new powers come with risks and responsibilities. As the unfortunate fate of Amber aptly demonstrates, Salem will stop at nothing to claim the power of the Maidens. It is not an exaggeration to say that the safety of the Maidens is comparable to the safety of the kingdoms in importance. Until you are trained fully with your powers, then keeping you safe needs to be a top priority," Ozpin explains.

Ruby nods. Guess her autonomy is the next part of her to be sacrificed on the altar of saving others. Still, special training could be cool, and if it's for the sake of the world, then it's not like Ruby can really say no.

'What will we be doing while still in Mistral?' Ruby forms the words in the air.

"I can guide you through some of the more low key expressions of magic you are now capable of beyond what comes instinctively. Aside from that, as mentioned, ensuring the safety of Haven"

Ruby nods in affirmation.

"Hey Ruby, why do you keep doing that fire writing? Don't get me wrong, it's cool and all, but isn't it easier to just use your scroll?" Nora asks.

'My scroll got destroyed fighting Cinder,' Ruby answers.

"Oh. I guess we also need to book a shopping trip in that case" Nora replies.

Before anyone can say anything more, Ruby feels a hand touch her shoulder. Ruby tenses looking up and sees Neo leaning over her sofa.

Ruby can see the entire rest of the room go from relaxed to reaching for their weapons in a second.

Neo waves at Ruby before slipping over the back of the sofa to sit next to her.

While the rest of the room looks one step from murder, Neo stretches on the sofa casually before reaching into her pocket and passing Ruby a scroll.

Opening it, Ruby finds it's newly bought and has nothing on it aside from Neo in its contacts.

Looking at Neo incredulously, Ruby sends the first text of her new phone.

'Did you just buy these and then break into the house?'

Neo gets her own new scroll out to read the text before taking out a lock pick and handing it to Ruby.

Ruby facepalms, though to be fair, she's not sure why she expected anything less from Neo.

'Thanks for the new scroll. Though you could have made a slightly less disruptive entrance'

Neo just grins at Ruby in response.

Taking her eye off Neo to the rest of the room Ruby sees that while all of them seem tense, they've calmed down a bit, seeing Neo isn't trying anything.

Ozpin is the first to address the new person in the room.

"Miss Neopolitan, if I may ask, what are your plans going forward?"

Neo closes her eyes for a second before making an illusion of the image Emerald made to escape.

"That is Salem, queen of the grimm"

Neo nods before flicking the image, shattering it.

"You wish to continue fighting her?"

Neo nods yet Ruby notices her eyes are looking at her rather than Ozpin as she does so.

"Forgive me if I don't believe you wish to do that fully out of the good of your heart" Ozpin replies.

Neo makes an image of a griffon in her hand looking at Ruby.

Oh, if Salem is the queen of the grimm, then is Neo saying that she blames her partly for what happened to Torchwick? Ruby looks at Ozpin and nods, that motivation makes sense.

"I do believe I have missed some context in that conversation", Ozpin admits.

Ruby walks over to Ozpin and writes on her new scroll.

'Roman was killed by a grimm. I'm fairly sure now she knows Salem commands the grimm Neo's adding her to the grudge she has for killing him' Ruby explains before sitting back down.

"So you wish to help slay Salem then?"

Neo nods, yet her eyes flicker to Ruby again as she does so.

Ozpin looks indecisive. A short term alliance was one thing but accepting this means working with Neo for the long run.

Ruby can see that helping kill Cinder has failed to endear Neo to the rest of the room, judging from the glares from Jaune and Nora. Yang seems to be cycling between anger looking at Neo and guilt looking at Ruby. Ren and Weiss have enough self-control to keep even expressions.

In the end however, pragmatism wins out. The fact that Neo helped kill Cinder shows she is opposed to Salem, and Ozpin can't refuse support at this point.

"So be it, though if you are caught breaking the law do not expect assistance, I have no time for criminality"

Neo nods yet Ruby notices the slight smirk on her face.

'These are stolen aren't they?' Ruby texts her.

Neo turns slightly to Ruby and winks.

Ruby sighs, at the same time though the good Neo will do working for them far outweighs petty theft. Ruby's not sure whether to be flattered or concerned that Neo is willing to steal for Ruby as well as herself.

Looking at Neo, Ruby suddenly has a thought 'What happened to Hush? ' Last Ruby saw it the weapon was half destroyed by Cinder.

A melancholy expression appears on Neo's face as she takes out the weapon and shows it to Ruby.

The canopy is spotted with burn holes, leaving it useless for its purpose. The metal inside is warped to the point that Ruby is fairly sure it would be impossible to get the blade out. Looking over the once masterfully crafted weapon, Ruby can barely see a single bit that will function correctly after it saved Neo from Cinder's assault.

Ruby, looking down at the weapon that was once Hush, makes a decision.

'I'll fix her'

Neo looks at Ruby curiously.

'I promise I will fix her. If you trust me to I mean. Still if you do then I will get Hush to you good as new. I swear'

Neo looks at Ruby seemingly for any sign of disingenuity finding nothing but determination Neo leans over and hugs Ruby.

As Ruby reciprocates, she can see practically everyone else in the room looking at the two with concern at best. In the end, Ruby just closes her eyes, wanting to enjoy the moment.

Ruby gets to help a friend and fix a beautiful weapon. She refuses to miss the opportunity just because none of her other friends trust Neo.

As the hug breaks up Neo leaves Hush's remains on Ruby's lap. Ruby can't help but notice that as Neo leans back she has a self-satisfied smile on her face, looking out at the others. One that is almost daring the others in the room to intervene despite knowing they can't.

Yet despite that Ruby can't help but feel slightly happy that Neo is going to stay with them despite the unkind looks of the rest of Ruby's friends. If she's willing to help in the fight against Salem, then it can't be that hard to help Neo be a better person while she works with her.

Ruby's fingers tighten around her new scroll.

That doesn't mean anything.

If anything, it's a good thing. If Neo's willing to steal to help Ruby, surely getting her to not steal to help her will be a walk in the park.

Ruby hears the door open and shortly after that, a loud expletive from Qrow. It sounds like it came from the kitchen.

Ruby laughs silently and sees Neo grin next to her. Guess he found the fridge's new accessory.

Sitting there next to Neo with that new fire inside her and all her friends alive, Ruby cannot help but hold out hope that everything will be alright.

Ruby has already lost so much, yet the very fact that this moment can exist shows that those losses were not meaningless.

Maybe Ruby will keep losing things. Maybe by the end, there will be nothing left of her. Yet for the sake of this moment and every moment she will have with the people she cares about to come, she will accept those costs with a grin.

Because she will find that happy ever after. Maybe not for herself, but if she can give it to the people she cares about, then that has to be enough.

Chapter Text

The next day, everyone finds themselves awfully busy.

Qrow's out to liaise with the Mistral council about what has occurred and help the Mistral police forces organise for when the White Fang attack.

Based on what they heard from Neo’s bug on Lionheart then the assault on Haven should be today. But with Raven gone alongside Cinder and Lionheart being dead it’s difficult to know if said plan has changed.

Which means that Team JNR, Weiss and Yang are remaining at Haven for now to make sure the vault is safe.

Ruby however, isn’t.

Instead, she is remaining at the house with Oscar so Ozpin can begin tutoring her in the basics of magic.

While fire seems to come naturally to her, Ozpin explained that as a Maiden, she should be able to use far more than that.

Apparently, being a Maiden is like having infinite access to all the basic varieties of dust and the power to manipulate them freely.

Which means that any Maiden who can do more than what comes instinctively will be absolutely terrifying.

Which would be great if Ruby could get anything other than fire working.

While making fire, directing fire and dismissing fire comes as second nature. The second Ruby tries to make ice, lightning or copy Cinder’s wind trick, she’s basically just flailing around hoping something works.

So currently, Ruby feels a bit less like a force of nature and more like a person with an extra fire semblance. Which to be fair, is really cool. Being able to write with it is really useful and Ruby’s sure she could kill tons of grimm, easy peasy, with the fire she can put out.

According to Ozpin though, Amber, the Maiden before Cinder, could do far more than that, and she still died. Which means that Ruby’s current aptitude isn’t good enough.

Ruby is coming to realise that the more power she has just means the more pressure is on her to be better. She now has more potential, which means that she has more ways to not live up to it if she doesn’t work hard enough.

So that’s what she spends the morning doing. Ozpin takes her through a few dozen exercises, makes her do meditation and gives a very brief example of his own magic so she could feel the difference between his and hers.

Before long, Ruby is exhausted. Her magic doesn’t run out, but it does take a physical and mental toll to use, especially with her being as unused to it as she is.

Yet once she is tired out from that, it's barely the end of the morning, and Ruby still has plenty to do. For one, she needs to get started on the promise she made to Neo.

Hush is a beautifully made weapon, and one Ruby feels immense excitement to have the chance to work on. It is also made of highly specialist materials, however, especially the canopy. So, rather than getting straight to work fixing Hush. Ruby instead spends her time looking carefully over the weapon's every mechanism. Once Ruby has a feel for Hush, she puts in an order for the materials she needs to actually repair it.

She also makes sure to bombard Neo with questions about Hush’s design to make sure she can make it’s repaired form perfect. Neo has trusted her with her weapon, which is a bit like trusting Ruby with one of her limbs, with how obviously important Hush is to her. Ruby refuses to give Neo anything but something as good or better than it was before Cinder destroyed it.

In some ways, getting to know Hush so well makes Ruby feel like she knows Neo better as well. Ruby put the entirety of herself into Crescent Rose, and while Neo didn’t personally construct Hush, she is the person who chose exactly how it would look and work. It’s impossible to look so deeply into something like that and not feel like she’s seeing bits of who Neo is inside it.

A bit after Ruby’s run out of learning every single specification of Hush and why she wanted it that way Neo comes over back from whatever she was doing.

Which, while Ozpin waits for Ruby to be in a fit state to get back to practising magic, offers Ruby a chance to do something that is for her rather than the sake of the world. Learning sign language from Neo.

After going through the alphabet a bit again, it turns into Ruby asking Neo about words and Neo showing her the signs for them. As much as Ruby would love to be having full conversations with Neo over sign language, she spends most of the time just trying to memorise really common words.

Though Neo at least tries to make it interesting, even if Ruby gets the sense Neo finds it much more entertaining when Ruby gets frustrated with a sign after getting it wrong, than she does when Ruby is making progress.

Neo also randomly stops teaching to bug Ruby with her illusions or prod her into making pretty shapes with fire. Which, while rather fun, does feel kinda unproductive.

Ruby does find it entertaining trying to make a copy of the various things Neo keeps making illusions of with fire though. Neo even claps the few times Ruby manages to make the fire into a shape that actually looks right.

Sadly Ozpin does eventually decide Ruby is up for the endlessly frustrating task of trying to enhance the range of magic she can make use of. While Ruby knows it’s very important, she gets the feeling that this is something she will make progress on over weeks or months rather than days, and so finds achieving nothing predictable. Practically burning her metaphorical hands on the fire inside of her is somewhat unrewarding and painful however.

Neo sitting and watching out of boredom doesn’t help since she seems to find Ruby’s frustrations amusing. Well until enough time passes with Ruby not making progress, that even Neo gets bored of watching her fail.

Throughout the entire day, Ruby finds her mind occupied with thoughts of if the White Fang attack will happen. Yet when the day reaches its end, nothing has happened. There is no call to arms.

Dinner is slightly awkward with Oscar and Neo, as both kinda just ignore each other and just take turns interacting with Ruby. To be fair, Oscar manages to be perfectly polite and non-antagonistic with Neo, which is nice. It’s just that Oscar seems to have no idea what to say to her past pleasantries and Neo seems mostly uninterested in him aside from when Ozpin filled her in as to how his whole body swapping thing on death works. She did seem interested in that, even if Ruby gets the sense that said interest was more in a finding the story interesting rather than caring too much about the whole magic side of things.

Honestly out of everyone who she’s seen told about it Ruby finds that Neo takes all the magic revelations in stride better than anyone else. The fact she can hear about fairytales come to life with mild amusement and interest rather than any sort of extreme reaction is definitely a contrast to her teammates' learning about it.

As it reaches the end of the day, Ruby finds herself bugging Neo to see if she can learn anything more about her past as the two sit on one of the sofas in the house.

‘What did you and Torchwick actually do before the whole Cinder thing?’

Crime. Neo signs. Ruby doesn’t know the signs for many actual words but that is one particular word that Neo made sure she knew earlier today. Ruby gets the sense that was one sign Neo wanted her to know purely for her own entertainment

‘I know but it can’t have all been dust robberies and murder before Cinder', Ruby writes out.

As much as she would like to be able to converse with sign language, it’s going to take a lot more than a couple days teaching for her to be able to even try that.

Neo taps her head before her face changes to a fond expression, and Neo makes an illusion of coffee beans.

‘You stole Coffee? Do you even like coffee?

Neo nods, then violently shakes her head.

‘So yes to stealing no to liking coffee’

Neo nods.

‘Honestly I don’t like it much either’ Ruby admits. Coffee can be ok if excessive amounts of sugar are added to it but at that point, Ruby would just prefer a hot chocolate most of the time.

Neo smiles and gives Ruby an approving look before getting her scroll out and looking for something for a few seconds.

Once Neo finishes searching, Ruby finds that Neo has texted her a news article.

‘Imported coffee prices soar after warehouse robbery’

Reading through the article, apparently Neo and presumably Torchwick stole from a coffee warehouse of all things. Not that the article actually says who perpetrated the crime.

While obviously stealing coffee is still morally wrong that sort of crime seems so much less evil than the dust robberies and terrorism that happened after Cinder arrived.

Would Neo still be doing that sort of thing if Cinder didn’t arrive and make everything worse?

Looking at Neo, Ruby can see she has a nostalgic look on her face, like she’s reminiscing over that particular crime. It’s a very different look from the vaguely annoyed scowl Neo has when Ruby brings up the aforementioned dust robberies or terrorism.

‘Did you do that one just to annoy the people who drink coffee?’ Ruby eventually decides to write.

Neo makes an exaggerated snooty face before making an Illusion of a diagram showing a cup of tea > a cup of coffee.

Ruby probably shouldn’t laugh, considering that this is Neo describing a crime that probably cost a lot of people a lot of money, but she still ends up letting out a snort.

Before she can comment further on Neo’s slightly amusing but still immoral crime however, she hears a knock on the door before it starts to unlock.

Since she’s in the downstairs living room Ruby doesn’t bother to get up but does turn her attention to the door. If the others are back, that means the attack they were expecting didn’t happen after all.

As the team and Qrow walk in Ruby doesn’t feel much other than a bit of relief that nothing happened to them while she was not there. This fact changes when the last person walks through the door.

Blake.

Ruby instantly sits up from her position slightly leaning against Neo and meets Blake’s eyes. From the bit of pity Ruby can see there, she gets the sense the others already filled her in on what happened to Ruby to some extent.

Still as much as she hates the bit of pity in Blake’s eyes Ruby still smiles and waves cheerfully at her. After all this time team RWBY has finally been reunited. That is something worth being cheerful about.

“Hi Ruby” Blake’s voice sounds uncertain, like she’s not sure how she should greet Ruby after everything.

Ruby gets up and Petal Bursts over to Blake, catching her in a hug. While Ruby may have never been quite as close to Blake as her sister or her partner, she still missed her a lot and it’s nice to finally get to see her.

Actually see her, rather than Neo using Blake’s form to ambush her.

Blake does reciprocate the hug, even if that too seems a bit uncertain.

After a few seconds, Ruby backs off before she makes Blake uncomfortable. Before she explains anything, it’s probably best to check just what the others told Blake.

‘So how much did you tell her?’

“We told her about what Neo did to you, the current situation, that you killed Cinder and that you are now the Fall Maiden. Which did also require the whole magic is real explanation,” Weiss explains.

Ruby nods. That makes sense. She does hope they bothered to explain that Neo is working with them though. The Yang incident was bad enough, Ruby does not need Blake trying to kill Neo as well.

“So Ruby how have you been?” Blake half cringes even as she says the question.

‘A bit quiet but actually fairly good’ Ruby replies.

She could have explained that her relationship with Yang is now strained or that she still feels like she can’t be enough for what people need her to be but that wouldn’t help anything. Besides she has legitimately felt a lot better after killing Cinder. It may not have solved all their issues but knowing that Cinder won’t keep ruining things thanks to her has helped.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Blake asks with concern in her voice.

Ruby does like that she has friends that care about her, but being asked if she’s ok and not ever being believed when she says she is has become immensely frustrating. Yes, she can’t talk now, it’s not great, but it’s not the end of the world. Neo manages perfectly fine with it. Why does no one believe that Ruby can?

Rather than saying any of that, Ruby just nods a few times to try to get the message that yes, she’s fine, across.

Ruby sees Blake look over to Neo, who waves at her without a worry in the world. Blake grits her teeth.

“You really can’t talk huh?” Blake says, looking back at Ruby.

Ruby gives a thumbs up.

“And the person who did that to you is sitting right there” Blake continues.

Ruby nods again.

“You’re really ok with just working with her after she did that to you?”

‘She helped kill Cinder and is helping against Cinder’s boss. Why wouldn’t I be?’

Blake just looks perplexed by that answer.

“I did say she would react like that” Ren says.

“You did but” Blake trails off.

“What actually is Neo to you?” Blake asks Ruby after gathering herself. Ruby can see Blake’s concern spike as she waits for an answer.

‘A friend and ally,’ Ruby answers.

“Ruby she…” Ruby stops listening.

Yes yes, Neo is evil and terrible and using you.

Ruby sighs and writes her answer without even needing to hear the end of Blake’s sentence.

‘Blake you were a terrorist before I met you. I would have thought you out of anyone could see how people can get better’

“I didn’t murder people, I didn’t cut peoples vocal cords out in some sort of demented attempt at revenge. I won’t say the things I did were good but they were at least for a good cause and I stopped. Don’t compare me to her” Blake says, frustrated.

Guess Yang has told the others what Ruby admitted about Neo’s motivations.

For a second Ruby is tempted to say something spiteful about how Blake wasn’t here to stop any of that, but that would be cruel and wouldn’t achieve anything. Instead, she just asks ‘So where actually were you till now’ hoping to move the conversation past getting lectured about Neo.

“Menagerie” Blake replies.

‘Oh that’s cool’ Ruby writes. She knows a bit about there from history classes at Beacon, but not that much. Blake never mentioned it while she was friends with her, but Ruby supposes that it must have been somewhere Blake knows well if it’s where she chose to go after the fall. Maybe she has relatives she didn’t mention there?

Ruby finds a text on her scroll ‘I’ll leave you to deal with cat girl. Don’t want you to get caught up in another one of your friends trying to kill me tonight’

Looking back Ruby can see Neo’s gone. She must have left at some point during the conversation. Ruby doesn’t really blame her after what happened with Yang, but still finds herself kinda disappointed. They never finished their conversation.

She and Blake spend a bit longer catching up but Neo’s shadow hangs over the conversation even though she’s not physically present.

After a bit though, the conversation reaches a lull and without anything else to do, Ruby heads to bed. Before that though, she puts aside a bit of time to text Neo.

‘I’m pretty sure calling her cat girl is kinda bigoted’

‘She has cat ears. That is no worse than calling your sister blondy. It’s rude at worst’

‘You sure you don’t discriminate against Faunus?’

‘Nah that was Roman’s thing’

‘Doesn’t willingly working with a bigot makes you one by proxy’

‘Would you like me to discriminate?’

‘NO’

‘Great because I’m an equal opportunity criminal and don’t want you getting ideas’

‘Why are you like this?’

‘Would you like an itemised list?’

‘Goodnight Neo’

‘I’ll take that as a no to the list then. Night Ruby’

The next few days continue in a similar vein. The delegation from Menagerie confirmed the White Fang’s intention to attack, but as the days pass said attack doesn’t happen.

Ruby continues trying to make progress on her magic with Ozpin. Some days, she and Oscar are on Haven guard duty and other days they do it from the house.

On the days when Ruby is at Haven, she uses the opportunity to use the academy's workshops to get on fixing Hush bit by bit as the materials she put in a request for arrive. Hush is a bit different from most weapons Ruby has worked on. Such as lacking mechashift or a gun. Yet Ruby finds it a refreshing project. She hasn’t had the opportunity to work on a weapon for so long that being able to work on something as unique as Hush is a joy.

Ruby finds that Neo tends to appear where she is often, to the annoyance of anyone there other than Oscar/Ozpin, who tend to bear her better than the others. Ruby finds herself looking forward to Neo’s appearances though, as they tend to mean she gets the chance to work on her sign language more. Sometimes said lessons devolve into chats or combat training, but Ruby feels like she’s making progress with sign language anyway, which is a nice alternative to the slow going of magic.

Ruby also gets to enjoy the depressing realisation that unless she uses magic, Neo can fight Ruby with Crescent Rose unarmed and win half the time. Knowing that once Neo gets Hush back, Ruby’s going to lose all their spars does nothing to demotivate her, but does make her slightly dread finishing.

Sparring with Neo does give Ruby a different kind of language lesson than sign language, though. That being how to taunt and infuriate an opponent without needing to open your mouth in a fight.

A part of Ruby considers whether learning to be more annoying from Neo is a good idea. The fact that Neo wins every time Ruby gets annoyed at her during a fight is rather convincing that it’s a useful skill though.

A week after killing Cinder Ruby finally manages to finish repairing Hush.

The next day Ruby is at the house and is due to try to manifest non-fire elements with Ozpin for the morning. Still in her excitement about Hush being done, Ruby ends up waking up extra early to tell Neo.

‘I’ve finished repairing Hush’ is texted to Neo shortly after Ruby is out of bed.

After putting as much time and effort as she has into Hush, Ruby can’t wait for Neo to confirm it works exactly as intended.

The text doesn’t get a reply, but Neo’s appearance a few minutes after it’s sent is answer enough.

Ruby’s pretty sure no one actually gave Neo a key to the house, but that has yet to stop her unlocking the door and walking in when she feels like it.

‘Hush should be fully repaired. I’ve tried to make the canopy slightly more fire retardant without sacrificing any durability so what happened with Cinder doesn’t happen again. I also put a switch to lock Hush open or closed so you can avoid anyone repeating the trick I pulled on the airship. Aside from that she should be exactly the same as she was before Cinder’ Ruby explains as she hands over Neo’s weapon.

Ruby can see Neo’s face light up as she has her weapon returned to her. It doesn’t take long for her to test the lock Ruby installed to make sure it works and then give it a few practice swings to make sure the weight and feel are the same.

Once she’s confirmed that Ruby managed to keep it just as well balanced as before however, Neo’s face breaks out into a smile only beaten by the one she had after Ruby helped her kill Cinder. Neo holding Hush looks content in a way that Ruby had never seen while she was still repairing it.

Up to your satisfaction? Ruby signs, happy she remembers how to do so at this point.

No it’s terrible how could you? Neo signs back a wide smile, still on her face.

I’m glad you’re happy with her. Ruby signs, clearly seeing the sarcasm.

Neo responds by waving Ruby to follow her as she skips along to one of the houses' unused guest rooms.

Ruby looks around in confusion not quite sure what Neo is trying to tell her until Neo gestures to the room's closet.

Opening the closet, Ruby sees something that looks a bit like the combat outfit she had that was burned by Cinder.

Ruby had been tempted to get it repaired but since she had the outfit made a year ago and with how damaged it was Ruby decided it was best to retire it. So far Ruby’s lacked the time to get another one made for her.

Taking out the outfit Neo apparently had made for her it is notably different to her old destroyed outfit. While it still has many of the key features such as the corset, cloak and blouse the details and some of the designs are different. The blouse is white and long sleeved, The corset goes slightly higher and has red and white lace. With the corset is a carmine red belt with a while lining. Looking at the belt Ruby can see it has a magnetic clip she can attach Crescent Rose to like her old one. It also has straps to hold ammo to which are cherry blossom pink. Ruby notices thigh-high black boots with darker red tights beside them. There are also black fingerless gloves.

Just to make sure Ruby points to the outfit and then to herself getting a nod from Neo. After a second she points to the door. Neo leaves to let her try on the outfit without a fuss.

One thing Ruby notices it the outfit fits perfectly. Somehow, despite Ruby not being around when the outfit was made, Neo managed to get it perfectly tailored for her. Once she’s fully changed, Ruby lets Neo back in.

Neo looks at Ruby in the outfit for a second before a pleased smile breaks out on her face.

How did you manage to get it to fit so ‘perfectly’? Ruby realises she doesn’t know the sign for perfectly and resorts to writing the word with fire.

In response, Neo transforms into Ruby wearing her new outfit.

Ruby’s thought after realising how convenient Neo’s semblance can be for the 40th time is that she likes how the outfit looks on her. Which is to say herself since Neo looks like Ruby right now.

Even though the colours do work and she doesn’t dislike it, Ruby does still look down at the pink ammo straps and then at Neo in acknowledgement of what she did.

Neo’s smile in response is entirely shameless.

While Ruby is slightly amused by that most of her is just amazed that Neo both decided to and managed to get an entire new combat outfit made for her. Once she’s done appreciating what Neo made for her Ruby reaches over to give Neo a hug in thanks, which Neo happily accepts.

As Ruby walks down to what is sure to be another frustrating session trying to work out her magic in her new combat outfit, Ruby finds she has a smile on her face even knowing how unenjoyable the next few hours will be.

No one puts in so much effort for someone they don’t care about. What she’s wearing at this moment is proof that Neo cares and that Ruby’s hopes are possible. Also, the outfit Neo made is comfy, which will make working with Ozpin less painful, hopefully.

It so much of the time feels like Ruby does nothing but lose bits of herself for the sake of others that she can’t help but be happy to gain something for once.

When later that day, Ruby fills up her new belt's ammo straps, which Ruby knows would never be that colour had Neo not made them for her, she does so with an entirely honest smile.

Chapter Text

Yang, as a rule, doesn’t really hold grudges. She’s much more the type to act on her emotions and let it out.

Yang also doesn’t hate very many people, dislike sure, but hate, not really. She prefers to be more laid back about things than that.

Yang hates Neo.

When Neo came so close to killing Yang that Raven of all people had to bail her out, she merely disliked her.

When she heard what Neo did to Ruby, she despised Neo.

Yet watching helplessly as Neo warps her baby sister around herself, unable to stop her or even try without just making things worse a second time. That is what made Yang truly hate Neo.

“You have any idea which of them is Ruby?” Jaune asks, looking at Neo and Ruby.

“Nope”, Yang replies, the levity of despair allowing her to find the situation almost funny.

It’s not.

Since a few days ago, Neo’s been putting an illusion of Ruby around herself while she’s around Ruby. Now this shouldn’t be a problem. If Ruby uses her semblance or does something with fire that Neo’s illusions can’t perfectly mimic, then telling who is and isn’t the real Ruby is easy.

The problem is she doesn’t. When Yang asked why Ruby is willing to just let Neo wear her image like a costume her response was that ‘Neo’s sick of being glared at and I’m sick of getting lectured. It’s a win win’

Which is great if you're not one of the people who can’t be sure if the person they're having a conversation with is Ruby or her friend, the sadistic mass murderer.

“Ruby which one is you?” Jaune asks the two.

They point at each other. Jaune sighs in defeat.

“Guess I’ll just talk to both of them then”, Jaune concedes.

“Enjoy”, Yang replies, letting Jaune go talk about whatever he is planning to with Ruby and apparently Neo.

Yang leaves the room and goes up to her bedroom to think a bit.

Not that she ever comes up with anything productive. Even with how obvious it is that Neo doesn’t have Ruby’s best intentions in mind, actually convincing her of that seems like an impossibility. Any attempt to get Ruby to see what a bad idea it is to be that close to Neo only seems to get her to dig her heels in more.

Yang hears a knock on her door. Opening it, Yang finds Weiss outside.

“Hey Yang, you doing ok?”

“Just contemplating what a failure of a sister I am”

“You want to talk about it?”

“Sure, may as well”

Yang lets Weiss into her room, and the two sit down on the bed.

“I feel like I’m losing Ruby”, Yang admits.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve lost her yet”

“Haven’t we? She lets Neo hang off her, her combat outfit is one Neo made for her, she lets Neo take her form like that’s something funny rather than horrifying and sometimes she seems to be acting more like Neo than my sister”

Weiss sighs, “I think any mannerisms are just because Neo is the only other mute person she knows. It doesn’t necessarily mean her values have changed at all”

“Why exactly is my sister a mute Weiss?”

“Look, I despise her too. If I could, I would love to pry Ruby away from her influence, but at this point, that’s a lost battle. Until Neo does something immoral that we can use as evidence, we just have to work around her”

“You think I don’t know that? My sister, who I practically raised, is acting closer and more affectionate to the person who mutilated her than she is me. Worse, I can’t stop her. Last time I tried to fight her, she tricked me so badly that she did more to ruin Ruby’s trust in me than anything in years”

“Maybe we should also get Blake for this. If we want to actually talk about how we can deal with Neo, it should be a WBY discussion,” Weiss suggests.

“Yeah sure. Maybe she’s thought of something I haven’t?”

One text and a few minutes waiting, and Yang’s bed is inhabited by three people rather than two.

“So Ruby”, Blake says as she sits down.

“You have any ideas on how to deal with her and Neo?” Yang asks.

"Not doing what we have been. Ruby's obviously not listening to us at this point," Blake says.

"In that case, what exactly do you suggest?" Yang questions.

“I guess just trying the opposite of what the people around me did when I was with Adam”

“Meaning?” Weiss asks.

“Before I got away from him, Adam tried to be the only person I could rely on. It’s only when I look back on my time with him I can see how clear it is that I didn’t have any close friends other than him by the end. We need to make sure Ruby doesn’t feel isolated. If she feels like she can rely on Neo and can’t rely on us, that’s a problem,” Blake explains. Yang can see just how little she enjoys thinking back to that time in her life on her face.

“So just try to be good friends to her then?” Weiss asks.

“Basically, yeah. Ruby is still perfectly friendly towards all of us, most of the time, despite Neo. As long as we don't push her. Trying to convince Ruby that Neo is using her won’t work unless she feels used. What we need to do is make sure that when Neo crosses a line, Ruby feels like she can come back to us rather than having no choice but to cross that line with her. We need Ruby to trust that we’re on her side,” Blake continues.

“That makes sense, but it feels wrong. I don’t want to just hope that Neo will make a mistake, especially when we don’t know what Neo want Ruby for,” Yang replies.

“Neo might not want Ruby for anything. She could just want Ruby for herself. You said Ruby told you that Neo did what she did to Ruby as some sort of horrid revenge for Torchwick, right? What if she sees trying to manipulate Ruby into being like her as a continuation of that revenge?” Weiss questions.

“If that is what she wants, it’s even more important we don’t let her isolate Ruby. Basically everything Neo does is as provocative to us as she can get away with without annoying Ruby. The fact Ruby’s new combat outfit has more of Neo’s colours, the overfamiliarity and affection, which Ruby doesn’t seem to care about, but that all of us hate, and Neo always being around Ruby. All of those put us on edge without seeming ominous to Ruby. What if that’s the point? As long as we don’t want to deal with Neo and Neo’s around Ruby, she gets as long as she wants to manipulate her. Worse if every time we interact with Ruby we’re on edge, because her mannerisms seem a bit like Neo’s, or we see her wearing Neo's colours. Then we are less pleasant to be around for Ruby. Which makes Neo seem better in comparison” Blake’s voice is tinged with increasing concern as she lays out her thoughts.

“So the best way to fight Neo is to not fight Neo?” Yang’s words are as much a question as a statement.

“We need to face the fact that what we’ve been trying hasn’t been working. If things continue as is, then we might actually lose Ruby. If the only way to get Ruby away from Neo is to try to bear with Neo, then we can’t afford not to,” Weiss replies.

On one hand, the idea makes sense. Everything they’ve done to push against Neo has just pushed Ruby towards her. So putting on a play of bearing with Neo so they can stay close to Ruby makes sense. On the other hand, that means that Yang needs to not just ignore but pretend she’s at least slightly comfortable with Neo.

It means that when Yang spars with Ruby and sees her purposely being as infuriating as possible, she has to avoid thinking back to her failed fights against Neo. It means that when Yang thinks back to the fight in Haven, she can’t flinch back from Ruby from the image of her sister covered in blood, cradling her scythe and smiling so widely it’s like she just got told Summer isn’t dead, rather than her having just killed someone.

Yes, Cinder was evil, but that doesn’t make Yang feel any less horrified by the fact that Ruby can look that euphoric about killing someone. Yang can’t help but wonder just how much of that is also Neo’s fault, considering how pleased she seemed that day.

Yet if that’s what it takes to save her sister from Neo, then Yang has no choice but to suppress that hatred she has for Neo and ignore that little voice in her head that tells her that maybe Neo’s already killed Ruby and her sister isn’t left to save. Yang swore to herself that she would protect her little sister, she won’t give up now.

- - - Adam - - - -

“I’m afraid the attack we planned for tomorrow cannot go ahead”

Adam turns to Hazel with a scowl.

“And what exactly do you mean by that?” The words are growled out.

“Exactly what I said. I have just been informed that Cinder and Lionheart have been killed. Mistral is now in high alert, and it’s likely the plot has already been discovered”

“I thought that you could guarantee me the downfall of the kingdoms, yet now, after I have thrown my lot in with you, I find that Vale was a fluke. Why should I bind the White Fang to your master's goals if this is what comes of them?”

Adam finds himself frustrated. Really thinking that trusting humans to be competent enough to help bring down an academy was foolish of him. Even when they had the headmaster of the academy working for them, they failed the one task they had before the White Fang could finish the job.

“Because the downfall of Mistral is not truly what you wanted, is it?” A voice says.

Adam feels himself freeze. That voice feels wrong. It’s not like it was distorted or anything, but it has a level of menace he has never heard in simple words. It suddenly feels like Adam is in the gaze of a predator.

He turns around to see a floating grimm orb with a number of tendrils coming off of it. The grimm’s orb displays an image of something that could be described as a woman, yet her appearance is threaded by grimm. Whatever she is, Adam gets the feeling she isn’t someone human or Faunus but rather something worse.

Adam swallows any initial horror he felt. He is the master of the White Fang, if he is talking to the boss of Hazel and Cinder, he will do so as an equal. He is cowed by no one. No matter their inhumanity.

“What I want is for humanity to acknowledge its rightful place, yet if you cannot even assist in bringing down Haven, I struggle to see how you can give me that”

“Oh”, the voice pauses, “You think Haven hasn’t fallen?” The thing chuckles, even that manages to get Adam to tense.

“Are you going to tell me it has?” Adam asks his tone sarcastic.

“It is a shame the academy itself won’t burn but the White Fang’s task was always just pyrotechnics. Haven’s headmaster and its staff are dead, as are Mistral’s huntsmen. The fear your act would have created would have only hastened the city’s demise. Instead, Mistral shall die slowly. The kingdom bleeding to death as its few remaining huntsmen are felled by the grimm they no longer have the strength to stop”

“Yet that does not help the White Fang”, Adam replies.

“Perhaps not, aside from the death of one of the strongholds of humanity. Yet I do hope I have granted you some level of understanding. Now, I do understand your disappointment. You wished to make a statement after all. Which is why I will offer you an opportunity. Should you wish to continue our working relationship, then you can make your statement in the ruins of Atlas”

“You believe you can bring down Atlas?” It is a statement of utmost arrogance, yet the thing he is talking to displays nothing but confidence and faint amusement. Does she really believe she can fell Atlas?

“Of course. The general has his toy soldiers and mechanical trinkets, but all that is made by the hands of man is destined to fall. I think you would be interested in contributing to that, am I wrong?”

“No”, Adam admits. If there is any chance that he could make Atlas burn, then Adam cannot miss such an opportunity to slaughter the ones he wishes to more than any other.

“In that case I have a task you are well suited for. I do believe the White Fang has long since specialised in train robberies”

“If it will contribute to the downfall of Atlas” Adam replies.

“If I’m right, you should have some time to prepare. Ozma is ever so predictable, he won’t be able to resist moving his new Maiden to his best fortress. Oh, and Hazel, if you can take the silver-eyed girl alive. I do believe the things I could do with a sliver-eyed maiden would be more than worth the risk”

“As long as I may kill Ozpin’s new host”, Hazel comments.

“Of course, feel free to kill the rest. Ozma’s new toy is the one I have an interest in”

The image in the grimm cuts out.

With the dread that thing inspired by her presence gone with her image, Adam finds himself with a sadistic smile. He can imagine few more pleasant sights than Atlas burning. With luck he might even get the chance to have a reunion with his dear Blake on the way.

---Oscar---

Oscar quite often finds himself in conversation with Ruby and Neo. There are a few reasons why he does so more often than his compatriots.

For one while he understands academically what Ruby lost, he feels said loss less deeply than Ruby’s other companions. To Oscar, she has always been the silent yet utterly dedicated and deeply compassionate girl that he has gotten to know. While he sometimes gets ideas of what she may have been like before from Ozpin, that doesn’t change how he interacts with her.

The other main reason is that he can cope with Neo a bit better than the others. While it does sometimes mean he needs to draw on Ozpin’s aeons of patience to bear with her, the fact that he lacks the deep animosity the others hold for her makes that possible. Which doesn’t mean he has a high opinion of her. While she is an incredibly skilled fighter and her semblance is one of the more impressive things Oscar has seen, her extremely selective empathy and disdain for moral principles make her someone who will probably never be more than an ally of convenience.

“Hey Ruby”, Oscar waves as he walks over.

Neo pouts. Despite the fact that currently Neo and Ruby are identical, Oscar, like usual, spoke directly to Ruby rather than both of them. Oscar has enough of a sense for magic from Oz that he can feel the difference between the two, even if Neo’s act and illusion are otherwise perfect.

Why are you better than my sister at telling the difference between us? Ruby signs.

“It’s just a skill of mine”, Oscar replies.

Oscar never actually learned sign language, but as it turns out, Oz did about 250 years ago. Once he saw Neo and Ruby signing to each other, it came back to him. Even if the language has evolved slightly over the past couple of centuries. That skill transferred to Oscar. Which did bring up the question of why he didn’t offer to help Ruby with that before Neo. The answer, that Oz didn’t think of it because it was so long ago, and he wasn’t asked, was slightly embarrassing to inform Ruby of. Still, the skill is useful.

Neo gives him a slightly annoyed look. Oscar knows the fact that he can tell the difference when the others can’t irritates Neo. More than once, he’s caught her checking her illusion or trying to get a closer look at Ruby just so she can tell what exactly she got off. The answer, of course, is nothing but her lack of magic. Oscar has no plans to inform her of that, however.

Come over for anything in specific? Ruby questions.

“Not really, just wanted to say hi, you practising signs with Neo?”

Neo nods.

“I should probably try to give the others some lessons huh,” Oscar comments.

Ruby shrugs. I can just write to them, but if you think you have the time, sure.

“I doubt they’ll pick it up as fast as you, but I can tell you prefer that to writing”

It’s definitely faster, even if I don’t know all the words yet. Ruby notes.

You’re also way more expressive, Neo points out.

She has a point, even if Ruby does have to think a bit before saying anything via sign, what she communicates comes through with a lot more emotion and personality than her typing does.

Do remember to remind her about her lessons, Ozpin tells Oscar.

“Oh yeah, Oz just reminded me to remind you that you have magic practice again in half an hour”

Ruby sighs and dramatically drops into a slump. Neo pats her head in sympathy.

“Hey, you’re making good progress according to Oz”, Oscar points out.

Being able to make ice cubes to put in my drinks isn’t quite what I’d call amazing magic power Ruby replies, not bothering to move from her position curled into the sofa in despair.

Neo taps Ruby’s head to get her attention. It’s convenient though.

I can’t believe you only keep me around to dispense ice for you Ruby replies.

You also make a good heater, Neo points out.

Ruby rolls her eyes, but Oscar can tell she’s amused rather than genuinely annoyed.

“It’s better than what you managed last week”, Oscar replies once the two finish their byplay.

The middle finger Oscar gets from Ruby in response to that rather succinctly displays her opinion of that comment.

“Neo’s a bad influence on you”

Based on Neo’s smug grin, Oscar gets the sense she sees this as an entirely good thing.

Ruby just leaves the middle finger up for a few more seconds before dropping it.

Oscar knows that if he were any of the others, Ruby would be exceedingly annoyed by that comment. But Oscar’s already confided in Ruby that he’s pretty sure nothing's going to stop Ruby being a good person, Neo included. Based on how glad Ruby was to hear that Oscar gets the sense she’s not sure if the others believe in her quite so much.

Oscar is pretty sure they do actually. If there is one thing everyone on the team has in common, it’s that they have a high opinion of Ruby. It’s just that their inability to deal with Neo’s presence makes it hard for Ruby to believe they believe in her.

After a bit longer, Oscar finishes talking to Ruby and Neo.

Well, I am reasonably sure that Neopolitan does not intend to harm Miss Rose further at this point, Ozpin pipes in.

Oscar agrees, Neo seems a bit too affectionate with Ruby to be likely to murder her at this point. That was never the issue though.

You are right of course. As good as it is that you have managed to strike up a friendship with Miss Rose, the fact she has so rapidly gotten close to Neopolitan does have its own risks. Especially when combined with Miss Rose’s estrangement from most of her other friends over the past weeks.

Oscar does agree with that. When Neo first came to be working with them, her grudge against Cinder was made apparent both to Ruby and them. Yet Neo does not seem to bring up any real animosity to Salem until the topic is proactively raised with her, even if she doesn’t necessarily seem fond of her. At this point, Oscar is fairly sure Neo is sticking around due to Ruby rather than fighting Salem, and he’s not sure about her motives for Ruby.

That is the question. If Miss Rose is simply someone she has managed to bond with, then it could be of great use. Having someone as experienced in the darker sides of humanity as her protecting the Fall Maiden could be of great utility against issues such as possible assassination attempts. Especially one who can become a convincing body double at will. However, if she just wants to make use of Miss Rose and will try to get her to abandon her duties, then she is a tremendous risk.

Oscar does find it kinda funny after the discussion they had before Ruby became the Fall Maiden, now he and her really do both have the weight of the world on their shoulders. It’s sad really, Oscar gets the sense that Ruby doesn’t actually want or enjoy the additional importance she has at all. She did say she just wanted to fit in originally. It doesn’t help that Oscar is pretty sure Ruby will chafe against the limited freedom she’ll have once in Atlas.

Probably, but the alternative is letting an unprepared Fall Maiden onto the board. We both know that Salem will spare no cost in targeting her. Amber is a good case study in the risk of letting an unprepared Maiden roam without proper guard, and she was much more in tune with her powers than Miss Rose is currently. It’s not a nice choice, but it is an unfortunate necessity.

As much as Oscar would like to complain, Ozpin’s memories have given him plenty of examples of what Salem is willing to do to get ahold of a Maiden. While Ozpin never did work out the exact methodology of how Cinder stole Amber’s powers, Oscar shares his lack of optimism about it being a one-time thing. Oscar just wishes it didn’t have to come to that.

As do I. Miss Rose deserves to have a happy and bright future ahead of her as a huntress. The fact that she will spend the rest of her life hunted by Salem and monitored by us is tragic, yet if it wasn’t her some one else would have to bear that burden instead.

At least Ruby isn’t alone.

Miss Rose’s bonds are essential to keeping her grounded, which is part of why ensuring Neopolitan’s intentions are benign is so important. On that thought, we will also need to think of a plan for what to do about her when we arrive in Atlas. Even if she is genuinely working for a good cause, James is unlikely to take well to Neopolitan’s presence.

That, Oscar decides, is an issue to worry about more once they are out of Mistral. Hopefully, once they can actually open communications with Ironwood, they can sort things out in advance.

We can hope.

Still, for now, Oscar will just continue trying to prepare for the future and support his friend. Ruby is a good enough person to deserve to be happy, even if the world is against that. Oscar just hopes that he can help with that a bit in the time he has left as his own person.

Chapter Text

“Hey Rubes, got everything you need packed for today?”

Ruby nods in response to Yang’s question. There isn’t that much she needs to bring to Atlas, and she’s prepared enough to have packed up for the train journey.

“Great, always good to know my sister’s on top of things”

Ruby just nods again.

Over the past week, Yang, Weiss and Blake have been disconcertingly nice to her. Not that they were not nice to her normally, but they tended to avoid her when she was around Neo. Ruby noticed that whenever she did anything that Yang associated with Neo, she tended to flinch a bit, Weiss just seemed to not know what to do around her most of the time, and Blake often seemed to look at her with pity. Also, Ruby can tell that Blake decided that Neo is the second coming of Adam, and it’s her job to free Ruby from repeating her own fate.

Which makes the fact that all of them have even started trying to bear with Neo, even if Yang looks like she’s bitten a lemon whenever she has to, and keep trying to be extra nice to her, odd.

Even Blake, which is kinda surprising since said over niceness started after two days of her just not interacting with Ruby at all.

To be fair, telling Blake that ‘No I’m not having sex with Neo please stop projecting whatever weird thing you had with Adam onto me’ may have been a bit of an extreme response, but Blake was really getting on Ruby’s nerves, and she had a moment of weakness.

Anyway after that, she kinda expected Blake at very least to be at least grumpy when she started interacting with her again. But nope. Apparently not.

It’s weird.

Like to be fair, it’s good weird, but still, the fact they all suddenly decided to do that at the same time means this is some kind of plot. Now it could be them just admitting that Ruby was right and getting over the fact that Neo isn’t going anywhere. Which would be very nice if it were true, but that just seems a bit too convenient considering how sudden the turnaround was.

Still, no matter why they decided to do so, Ruby is more than happy to accept it. Getting to be friends with Neo and not having the rest of team RWBY act like something is deeply wrong with her is a win-win.

Sadly, whatever chat WBY had obviously did not include JNR, since they did not get the message.

Now to be clear, Ruby does appreciate Jaune, Nora and Ren very much. She would just appreciate them more if they got Nora to stop her doomed prank war against Neo.

Maybe Ruby would be less annoyed by it if she didn’t constantly get caught in the crossfire. Now to be fair, in letting Neo look like her, Ruby somewhat brought this on herself, but she was hoping that would lead to restraint instead of Nora just going with her gut on if she’s Neo or not. To be clear, Nora’s gut seems to be as accurate as the average coin flip when it comes to telling Neo apart from Ruby.

Ruby still misses her destroyed ice cream supply. Yes, the fact that Neo ended up getting her Neapolitan ice cream means it was rational to assume it was for Neo rather than Ruby, but still. Ruby finally convinced Neo to get her something non-stolen, and she didn’t even get to enjoy most of it.

Though at least Nora’s campaign is mostly annoying rather than harmful. Thankfully almost getting her head taken off because someone got a bit too annoyed with Neo is relegated to a Yang only offence.

As Ruby’s group begins their journey to the Argus Limited, it takes little time for Neo to join them on the walk. Though Ruby gets the sense it will probably take a few more minutes for anyone else to realise she did. Considering Neo currently looks like a 30-something woman in Mistral fashion who just seems to be heading in the same direction as them.

Ruby wouldn’t have noticed if not for the fact Neo let her eye colour go from her disguise's green to her own pink and brown for a second when Ruby glanced at her.

As they get to the station, Jaune notices Neo’s absence “I don’t suppose Neo’s staying here rather than coming with us” He sounds almost optimistic for a second.

Of course Neo could never miss that sort of comedic timing, and as her disguise brushes near Ruby from the crowd they are in Ruby feels an illusion form over her eyes. It takes about half a second for Ruby to work out what Neo did.

Ruby walks behind Jaune and taps his shoulder “What is... Neo!” Jaune jumps.

Ruby snickers silently before smiling benignly at Jaune and writing ‘I don’t know what you mean’ on her scroll.

Jaune looks at Ruby concerned, “Where is Ruby?”

Ruby points to Neo, who now has now put an illusion of Ruby around herself with correctly coloured silver eyes.

“Ruby why did you leave me with Neo without telling me?” Jaune asks, walking over to Neo, who just shrugs.

Ruby would have thought that people wouldn’t assume Ruby is Neo because Neo put up an illusion to change her eye colour, considering they know what Neo can do, yet everyone other than Oscar and sometimes Qrow seems to fall for it.

“Really Ruby?” Oscar asks, walking over to her.

You have to admit it’s funny.

“A bit, but it’s also rude”, Oscar notes.

In that case the others could learn how to tell the difference between me and Neo. You’re evidence it’s possible.

“I do have a unique advantage over them” Oscar admits.

I know you have a wizard in your brain but the other have known me for two years, or in Yang’s case, 17 years. That should be enough of an advantage for themselves.

“I feel like that is giving too little credit to Neo’s skill in acting. When she wants to be, she is nearly indistinguishable from you”

Fair.

To give some credit to the others, Neo did admit to studying Ruby’s mannerisms and also quizzed her on her reaction to things after Ruby gave her permission to do her doppelganger act whenever, so she could get it right.

Ruby does know how much effort it takes to get that right. One time Neo thought it would be funny if they did the opposite of usual and Neo put an illusion of herself over Ruby. While people's reactions were as funny as predicted, trying to act like Neo would turns out to be really difficult, even with the advantage of already being mute.

In the end, Ruby just decided to be as smug and annoying as possible, which did work to convince most of the others, but wouldn’t convince anyone who actually knew Neo.

To be fair, Ruby’s pretty that group is in the single digits, but still. She would like to think she’s at least mostly in it at this point.

Getting to know Neo over the past month and a bit has been interesting.

Some parts of Neo are exactly as they seem on the surface, Neo greatly enjoys getting reactions out of people, is the most irreverent person Ruby has ever met and is very impulsive most of the time.

Yet as Ruby’s found that is just the surface. The more Ruby’s learned about Neo’s past the more she can see how a lot of her persona is something she does to spite what she was raised to be. Neo does exactly as she wishes and chooses to be seen how she wants to be, because those were the things she could never do once upon a time.

Really Ruby considers whatever she has with Neo something divorced from any of her normal friendships. On one hand, Neo’s around Ruby a lot, sometimes she goes off to do her own thing, but generally she sticks around. Now, most of the time, Neo’s actually nice to have around. She can be annoying, but generally is more entertaining than irritating, well, to Ruby at least, the opposite is true for everyone else.

Sometimes when Neo is bored, she’ll show Ruby how to do things which can be interesting. Ruby knows how to pick locks now, which she doesn’t really want to use, but it’s kinda cool she knows how to. Neo also shared why she learned to pick locks, which was just kinda depressing. The fun of Neo is that every time she shares a family anecdote, Ruby blames her slightly less for blowing up her parents.

Neo does tend to be quite affectionate, often hanging off or around Ruby, which Ruby doesn’t mind too much. She gets the sense Neo does it as much because it annoys Ruby’s other friends as much as her actually enjoying it. Thankfully, if Ruby ever decides to push Neo off, she goes with it rather than pushing boundaries.

Partially, Ruby is close with Neo for the same reason she’s been closer to Oscar recently. Neo understands Ruby as she is rather than as she was. In some ways, communication with Neo is the only time Ruby ever feels like the conversations she has are equal. In her silence, Ruby has come to understand Neo in a way she doubts she could have otherwise. In some ways, it’s nice, yet it’s impossible to forget that Neo made her like this.

Especially since Neo, even after all this time, doesn’t seem remorseful for what she did in the least. If anything, she seems only more pleased about what she did as time goes on. Ruby can see Neo sometimes admire the scars she left on Ruby’s neck. More than once, Neo’s traced them with her fingers while sitting near Ruby, something that feels both intimate and disconcerting.

Of course, that leads into the other facet of their relationship. Neo ruined Ruby’s life, and Ruby ruined Neo’s. Most of the time, this is something that just lies in the background. Neo feels like she’s gotten even, and Ruby’s accepted what happened, especially after Cinder’s death. Yet there are times when the bitterness and resentment for what they did to each other bubbles. Sometimes, when sparring, Neo will do her utter best to make sure it hurts Ruby as much as she can or when chatting, will act captivated by what she did to Ruby to a disturbing extent. Sometimes Neo will find herself burnt by Ruby’s fire for a gesture of affection that she would accept without complaint normally, or Ruby will bring up what a monster and awful person Neo is just to irritate her.

Yet that is only a facet of Ruby’s relationship with Neo because the fact is, Ruby knows Neo does care about her, and Ruby cares back at this point. Neo caring is interesting because, from what she’s learned, Neo really doesn’t care about most people. If Ruby died, Ruby’s willing to bet Neo would put a lot of effort into murdering the person who did her in. If anyone else in Ruby’s group died, Ruby gives it about 10 minutes before Neo makes a joke about said person's death. That realisation was kind of flattering but also deeply strange to consider.

Ruby still believes Neo can be a better person. Not that Ruby believe Neo will ever care that much about conventional morality, Neo acts in her own best interest and in the interests of whoever she’s decided to give a shit about. That is effectively the only thing that actually guides or restrains Neo’s behaviour. On one hand that means as long as Ruby matters to Neo she has the opportunity to try to get her to act better. On the other hand that means that if she believes it’s in her own interests, which can mean little more than it’s more entertaining than the alternative, Neo has 0 issue killing someone.

So basically, if Ruby wants Neo not to do any particularly immoral crimes, then the solution is just to make sure Neo is satisfied enough with how things are going that she doesn’t see them as worth the inconvenience. Really, Neo can more be defined as an amoral person than an immoral one, it’s not that she’s capital E evil, she just doesn’t care.

Anyway their relationship is complicated, but it’s not something Ruby is willing to give up, even ignoring all the help Neo has and likely will continue to be in the war Ruby’s gotten herself and her friends stuck in.

Looking over, Neo is messing with Jaune a bit more. If Ruby leaves it any longer, everyone else is going to stop looking at the train times and see Ruby’s eye colour. Since Ruby’s much happier with slightly messing with Jaune than making the entire trip awkward, she Petal Bursts over to Neo and Jaune.

“Wait, but that means. Really Ruby?” Jaune says, turning from Neo to Ruby.

‘I’m sure you’ll learn to differentiate us eventually’, Ruby types out to Jaune.

“The fact you're doing things like this is half of why it’s impossible to do that”, Jaune points out.

‘I recommend not focusing on eye colour for one’

“Is this because I didn’t warn you about Nora stealing your ice cream?”

‘Maybe’

“You never buy yourself Neapolitan, why would I think that was yours?”

‘It was a gift’

“From Neo”

Looking over at the Neo glaring at him next to Ruby, he quickly adds a “No offence, Neo” to the end of his sentence.

‘It wasn’t even stolen this time’

“Wait, that sentence has implications”

‘No comment’

“Ruby, what gifts has Neo stolen for you?”

‘Nothing’, Ruby writes on the scroll she is 96% sure was stolen by Neo.

“You can’t say just say nothing to that Ruby”

‘Oh hey look our train just arrived. We should board before we miss it’

Ruby begins speed walking away from the exceptionally awkward conversational topic she just unleashed.

“Ruby it’s not leaving for another hour, hey. Get back here”

Neo help.

A hand grabs Ruby and drags her off. A few seconds later Ruby hears a shattering sound and Jaune sounding annoyed.

Nothing huh? The look in Neo’s eye is mocking.

As long as you only imply you stole things, I have plausible deniability. Anyway, I’m a good person who does not make use of stolen goods unless you can say otherwise.

Neo raises an eyebrow.

That’s what I thought.

Neo takes out her scroll and points to a text to speech app.

Wait no that’s cheating.

Neo puts a hand over her mouth in mimed shock, gesturing to herself.

That was rude of me. You would never cheat at anything, I’m sure.

Neo gives Ruby a self satisfied nod.

Soon after that short diversion, Ruby and her evil doppelganger get back to the group, and Neo returns Ruby's eye colour to normal.

“Ah my niece and her copycat. You ready to go and meet our good friend Jimmy” Qrow’s attitude towards Neo has not improved but the second he realised that her presence would annoy General Ironwood more she does him his opinion of didn’t so much improve as gain an extra pragmatic reason to bear with her. That being annoying a person he doesn’t like.

Ruby’s pretty sure he’s been using the impending schadenfreude of that to get over the pain of not drinking over the past month.

Before much more time passes, the group gets onto their train according to the tickets they have, Ruby has a room with the rest of her team for the trip.

Surprising no one, anyone who checks the top bunk Ruby is sitting on will find a second identical Ruby up there.

Ruby does consider asking Neo to be herself for a bit before remembering they are going to be in a room with the rest of team RWBY for the rest of the day, and that to avoid murder attempts, it may be for the best.

Thoughts on going to Atlas? Ruby asks Neo.

Neo responds by making a somewhat disgusted expression.

I’m sure you’ll love it, it’s full of order and robots that hate crime, and it supposedly has more cameras to catch crime than any other city in Remnant

Neo’s disgust deepens, and a note of horror enters her facial expression.

I think some of the cameras even have heat sensors to counter illusion semblances, Ruby points out.

Why am I going with you again?

Because you love me?

Ruby feels Hush poke her in the neck. Thankfully with the blade not out.

Because you want to continue tormenting me?

Neo retracts Hush and gives a pleased nod.

So what I’m hearing is you love tormenting me

Neo gives a pleased nod.

Kinky.

Neo’s flinch causes her to almost fall off the bunk.

Ruby’s satisfaction at getting a reaction from Neo is enough to more than make up for the promise of revenge Neo’s glare holds.

Neo seems to contemplate for a moment. You know, considering that martyr complex of yours, I should have known you're masochistic. Is Neo’s eventual reply.

I am not a masochist.

So you don’t deny the martyr complex?

I don’t have that either.

Neo leans over to Ruby, puts an arm on her shoulder, and gives a very serious nod of acceptance.

I’m serious

Neo slides over to lean against Ruby a bit and smiles at her. You're self sacrificing enough to completely ignore that fact, I did this to you just because I could help. Before continuing, Neo taps the scar on Ruby’s neck. You’re either a masochist or have a martyr complex.

Have you considered I’m just a better person than you and am forgiving?

Neo snorts before an illusion of Crescent Rose with Cinder’s blood all over it appears over the lap of Ruby and Neo.

Forgiving. Neo makes sure the sign is as exaggerated as possible to get the point across.

Cinder does not count, she deserved it.

The illusion fades away and Ruby feels Neo’s arms close around her in a hug.

If there is one thing Ruby knows can improve Neo’s mood quickly, it’s Cinder’s death. Which honestly Ruby finds reasonable since if she ever feels not good enough, the fact Cinder is gone is a quick way to cheer her up too.

Looking around at Neo, the smile she makes with Ruby’s face is a vicious one.

Are you ever not going to be happy when I bring that up?

Neo backs off enough to regain use of her hands.

Nope, killing her after making her suffer is the best gift you could have ever given me

Including fixing Hush? Ruby questions.

Neo looks down at Hush with a pleased look, yet when she looks back at Ruby, she still nods.

“If you two want to stop being weird up there, the rest of us are going to play video games. Ruby is invited to join”

I won’t tell them if you don’t. Ruby tells Neo as the two go down to join the other three on the game they just started.

After a failed attempt to pick out which one of Neo and Ruby is Ruby the others decide it’s not worth the hassle and just let both play.

One other thing Ruby’s learned over the past month is that Neo is as sadistic in video games as she is outside of them.

Fortunately, the game Ruby’s teammates proposed is co-op, and so no one has to suffer too much with Neo joining.

For a while, Ruby just enjoys the team bonding and the smooth train journey.

It takes another half an hour before things start exploding.

Chapter Text

When the first explosion hits, everyone is knocked out of position as the train shakes precariously.

In the second of confusion created by the first blast, Neo hears a number of other blasts across the train.

Neo looks around at the huntresses around her. Fortunately, as annoying as Ruby’s teammates can be, they are not incompetent and have their weapons brandished for whatever is causing this.

“Has an alert gone out about the grimm attacking?” Yang asks her entire body tense.

Looking around the room, she can see that cat ears has worked out the same thing she did. Those were dust explosives, this attack isn’t the grimm, it’s man made.

Before Neo has time to consider who exactly ordered this attack, the train's intercom activities.

“Hello, passengers of the Argus Limited, this train is now under the authority of the White Fang. Should none of you resist then I will be generous enough to allow all the human scum on this train to leave unharmed. All I need is the surrender of Blake Belladonna and Ruby Rose. Should they resist, however, I will ensure every last soul in this train is exterminated”

“Adam” Blake growls the name like it personally insulted her.

Looking back Neo can see Ruby looking indecisive, no doubt measuring if her life is worth that of the rest of the trains'. Sadly for her, that’s a judgment she doesn’t get to make.

Team RWBY walk out of the room they were staying in and are greeted by a squad of White Fang operatives.

“There are the targets” One of them point out looking at Ruby and Blake.

“Surrender and no one need to be harmed”, The Faunus with the most intricate grimm mask of the group says.

For a second, Neo can see team RWBY hesitate, weighing the moral conundrum of whether they should try to find a way to fake a surrender or some other scheme to try to avoid civilian casualties.

Before they can come to a conclusion however Neo pounces from her position, shielded from view by the cabin door. Before any of the White Fang can react, Hush has pierced their leader's neck, and Neo is upon the rest of them.

The squad mostly has basic swords and guns, seemingly mass produced. Suffice to say they haven’t improved since Neo was working with them. Pathetic then and pathetic now.

By the time any of RWBY have reacted, half of Neo’s opponents are dead or dying. Once the other 4 enter the conflict, the fight ends in an instant.

The intercom starts up again, “I see you’ve chosen the hard way. I must admit I’m glad it would have been a shame to let this train leave in peace, this is sure to be more entertaining”

“Do you understand how many people you might have just killed. We could have worked out a plan,” Schnee says, sounding horrified by what Neo might have just started.

Neo shrugs, probably a fair few people, Neo guesses, but that’s pretty irrelevant.

Fortunately, the gunfire from ahead in the train leaves little time for argument. Team RWBY heads forward, determined to be heroes while Neo shadows Ruby.

While a few more White Fang soldiers are encountered, they barely count as roadblocks, considering how quickly they are gone through.

Occasionally, when passing a group, they will also go past the bodies of civilians, something that team RWBY reacts to with horror, even if they are smart enough to keep moving rather than mourn the dead mid-battle.

As they go past one cabin, Neo gets a sudden feeling of foreboding and pulls Ruby back, putting up Hush’s canopy.

A second later Neo feels something impact Hush, sending her stumbling back.

Closing Hush as she regains her footing, Neo sees a man with an insane glint in his eye and a mechanical tail ending in a stinger retracting from striking at her.

“Ahhh what a shame, I had hoped to take the little flower to my queen without resistance but sadly, one of you has observational skills. I do hope you don’t expect that old crow to save you this time. I have it on good authority he’s being kept busy”

Ruby’s only reaction is to fill his general direction with fire.

“Ah there is the power my goddess so desires to hold in her hand” He gives a manic laugh as he dashes erratically from place to place avoiding Ruby’s attack “I shall be so rewarded when I give you to her” he seems to shiver in anticipation.

Despite the whole of RWBY and Neo attempting to pin him down the man’s volatile moments mean that he’s almost impossible to predict. Furthermore, his twin blades and tail mean that he’s nearly constantly attacking everyone around him.

Having felt his brute strength and seeing how skilled the man is, Neo mainly tries to dance around him, attacking what should be blind spots. Yet what would be an effective tactic against a normal opponent seems almost useless against whoever this is. None of her jabs seem to work and her attempts to bait him into a bad position are ignored. Half of Neo’s fighting style is about unbalancing her opponents mentally through her tactics, yet whoever this is seems too mad to react like normal people do.

The difficulties are compounded by the cramped corridor of the train they are fighting in. It gives him enough room to manurer while only allowing 2 or 3 people to engage him at once.

Thankfully, despite her normal tactics being less effective than usual, he does still react to illusions, even if not quite so predictably as most people. Embarrassingly, Neo gets the feeling that if she didn’t have Schnee’s glyphs stymying some of his attacks, assistance in melee from Yang and Blake switching in and out, and Ruby’s fire support she would probably be losing this fight rather badly.

Still half a minute into the fight, Neo is pretty sure they have the upper hand. Attempts to get around them are countered by glyphs, bullets and streams of fire. While attempts to land a blow on any of the combatants fighting close by are countered by illusions and the constant pressure Neo and RWBY are putting on him.

Then a red glow appears, and Neo feels something tearing into her aura. While she, Yang and Blake are staggered by the energy that sent them sprawling, the madman leaps through the hole made in their defence. Before anyone can react, a purple glow surrounds his weapons, and one of his arm blades slices through Schnee’s stomach, entirely bypassing her nearly full aura.

A massive blast of fire prevents the lunatic from getting any further damage done as he is sent sprawling by the flames into a wall.

Neo sees Ruby’s attention drawn to her bleeding out friend and has to rush forward to block the stinger strike that comes out of the smoke and fire directly at Ruby. Looking at where Blake and Yang are, Neo notices the two are now fighting a man in a grimm mask who is fighting them off simultaneously with his sword, which glows red.

Neo pulls Ruby away from Schnee as she continues to fend off the stinger with Hush. If she doesn’t have the added support of the others, she needs Ruby at her best to have any hope of holding off the person ahead of them.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for anger to replace whatever guilt and worry was keeping Ruby frozen, and Crescent Rose's blade joins Hush in keeping the scorpion Faunus off them.

Looking around the train in hope of any support, Neo can see that a bit past where Yang and Blake are struggling, Oscar and Qrow are fighting a mammoth of a man whose skin is pierced by what seem like a multitude of dust crystals.

Besides that, Jaune, Ren and Nora are facing Mercury and Emerald.

With no sign of help, Neo puts her all into trying to find a way to be the unending tide of aura piercing attacks that her opponent is sending at her and Ruby.

Thankfully, all of her combat practice with Ruby lets them work fairly well together. Ruby manages to integrate her magic and her mundane attacks into her fighting style using her semblance to bounce around her opponent's blind spots, filling them with fire even as she attacks with her scythe. Neo, meanwhile, creates duplicates of herself and Ruby around her opponent in hope of distracting him at a critical moment for either her or Ruby to get a deciding blow in.

Despite that, Neo and Ruby find themselves slowly retreating back down the train past the bodies of civilians and White Fang in order to avoid the unending barrage of blows their opponent sends at them.

If only there were any sort of pattern Neo could work out a way to deal with him, but it seems like the only consistency in their opponents' fighting style is inconsistency. Sometimes his stinger is the main weapon, other times his focus is the blades around his arms. His movements will go from smooth to explosive to smooth again without warning. He will go from cautious and probing to completely offensive randomly.

Just keeping up with her opponent is exhausting, despite the advantages Neo and Ruby should have in combat.

As the train burns around them from Ruby’s fire and Neo slowly exhausts herself and her aura keeping up her acrobatics and illusions needed to survive her opponent. She is left to hope that the lunatic attacking is also running out of aura. From the points Hush has struck him and the burns left by Ruby, he can’t be unharmed, even if he isn’t acting like he’s in the least bit of pain.

As the fight continues, Oscar is sent flying past them, his form twitching from static electricity. Neo allows herself a split second to make sure that the massive man he was fighting is still occupied with Qrow, before continuing her attack on her opponent without a second’s delay.

In a fight on as much of a knife's edge as this one, a second of distraction means death.

Neo suddenly gets a soul deep feeling of danger and leaps backwards with Ruby holding out Hush’s canopy as a shield. A second later, the train fills with red once again, except this time many times brighter.

Thankfully, Neo and Ruby are not directly struck, but Neo looks out in horror as she realises that the train has been split. The wave of red petals leaves a massive hole in the track and bottom side of the train.

Neo barely gets a second to brace herself before there is a massive jolt, and she can hear the remaining parts connecting the back of the train to the front tearing in a shriek of metal and machinery. Before, with a snap, the connection keeping the train together shatters, and Neo feels the world tilt.

She just about sees the scorpion Faunus leap out of the shattered carriage at the end of the train onto the mountain track as Neo feels herself slam into the ceiling and the world goes white.

When Neo wakes up, it’s with stars in her vision and a pounding headache. Looking around, she can see Ruby on the floor next to her, thankfully still breathing and a wide expanse of snow around where the train carriage she’s in ripped away from the other ones.

Neo stumbles over to Ruby and shakes her a bit to try to get her up. After a second, Ruby’s eyes open and she opens her mouth to say something. When no sound comes out, Ruby’s consciousness seems to return.

In her dazed state, it takes a bit longer than usual for her to put together words but after a few seconds, Ruby manages to put together a question in sign language.

Where are we?

Neo gestures to the snowy expanse around them. After a few seconds getting their bearings, the two stumble out of their very battered and still slightly on fire carriage.

Looking around, it seems like the rest of the carriages at the back of the train are scattered across the snowy expanse around them. Maybe some of those could hold survivors? Though she doubts anyone without aura survived the fall.

Before Neo can continue to assess the situation, she hears a sniffle from Ruby and sees tears streaming down her face.

Neo walks up to her and wraps her arms around Ruby, who falls into them without a second's hesitation. After about a minute of Neo holding Ruby, she finally pulls herself together a bit and steps out of the hug, still shivering.

Weiss, do you think? Neo can see the fear in Ruby’s eyes. It’s obvious she wants some sort of reassurance that her friend is ok.

Neo isn’t going to lie to her, however, especially when it would be so transparent.

Sorry.

What was the point then? I did all of this so they wouldn’t die, now Weiss is probably dead, and it’s my fault.

Neo can see Ruby will spiral if she isn’t interrupted. Neo takes Ruby’s hands, interrupting what she was about to communicate and looks her in the eye. Signing would mean letting go of Ruby’s hands, so Neo makes an illusion of words instead, using a bit of the aura she has left.

‘You did the best you could’

Ruby takes her hands back and looks up at Neo almost desperately.

Why do I lose everyone I care about?

I’m still here, Neo offers.

Why? I got Roman killed, it’s just a matter of time before I get you killed too.

Neo takes off Roman’s hat and looks down at it. He was her everything once. Yet that is why Neo can never allow Ruby to escape her.

You did get Roman killed yes. I will never forget that. Still that means you are mine and I refuse to let you go. Don’t worry Ruby I won’t leave you because I still need you just like you do me.

You need me? Ruby looks perplexed.

Neo smiles widely Of course I do. Working alone is horrid and since you took my partner away from me, the least you can do is take his place.

I’m not like you.

I think we’re more similar than you think. Not that that matters, though. For now, I don’t need you to be like me. Now, if you would warm us up a bit, it’s a tad cold out here. As Neo finishes, she steps next to Ruby and looks at her expectantly.

Ruby makes a small oh expression before making a bit of flame to warm the area up a bit.

After Ruby clears away the chill that Neo is feeling and the last of her dizziness finishes fading away, Neo starts making her way towards the other fallen carriages, lightly pulling Ruby along with her.

After a short walk, Neo notices a figure walking away from one of the carriages. After getting a bit closer to them, Neo realises it’s one of the White Fang that was attacking the train.

Looking at her, Neo can see numerous injuries and is willing to bet the fall broke her aura.

As soon as the Faunus catches sight of them, she freezes, catching sight of Crescent Rose and Hush. She quickly works out her odds “I surrender.”

Oh that could be useful. Neo creates words in front of her ‘Tell us everything about how the attack was planned’

“I won’t betray my people, but we can work together until we reach civilisation again, right?” Oh well, not so useful.

Neo stabs her with Hush. Without aura, killing her is effortless. If she’s not going to give info, then she would be a liability.

Turning around, Ruby looks horrified by what she just did. Neo raises an eyebrow.

She surrendered

Neo rolls her eyes

She was a liability who surrendered only because her aura was broken. I don’t feel like getting stabbed in my sleep.

So you just killed her?

Yep. If it makes you feel better, she probably slaughtered a bunch of civilians with her buddies 5 minutes ago.

Ruby grimaces at that but still tries to muster a response. That doesn’t mean you should have just killed her.

Unless that magic of yours comes with the ability to teleport, then it was that or let her get away and inform the people hunting for you of our exact location. We don’t have anywhere to contain her.

I hate this. Neo can see the guilt written across Ruby’s face.

Feel free to blame me rather than yourself, I’m the one who killed her after all. Neo offers.

It’s only because of me that this happened to begin with.

Maybe, but if you didn’t, Mistral would be on fire right now. Also, thanks to you, I’m not going to die of hyperthermia, so you're doing good in my opinion.

Ruby doesn’t respond and just focuses on the fire she made to keep her and Neo warm, twisting it into different shapes and sizes. Neo finds it somewhat mesmerising to watch.

After a bit more walking, Neo sees a slightly more friendly face. Oscar, walking beside what looks like an old woman with a cane.

Seeing them, Neo waves, and Ruby makes her fire bright enough for Oscar to notice. Once he sees them, he and the old lady he found quickly walk over.

Neo can see relief bloom across Oscar’s face as he gets close enough to confirm it’s them.

“For a second, I thought I was the only one down here”, Oscar admits.

“What am I, chopped liver?” The old lady next to Oscar says.

Neo points to the old lady with prosthetic googles and gives Oscar a questioning look.

“Ah, this is Maria, she helped me up after the train hit the ground”, Oscar explains.

“Sorry to have to ask this, but I’m rather hard of hearing. Did one of them say something?” Maria questions.

“Um, both of them are mute”, Oscar admits.

“Huh well, that’s new. Anyway, I’m Maria Calavera, it’s nice to meet you two”

Neo just nods but she sees Ruby write an introduction in her scroll.

“Oh, are you trying to introduce yourself? That’s nice of you, but I am rather blind without my eyes, which desperately require repair, so I can’t actually read that right now. The fall made my eyes even more unreliable than they already were”

Ruby turns to Neo with an expression of despair as she realises this is someone she just can’t communicate with. Neo just facepalms at the absurdity.

“I guess I should introduce them since they can’t introduce themselves. This is Ruby Rose, and that is Neopolitan”

“No last name?” Maria questions.

Oscar looks to Neo, who shakes her head. Vanille died with her parents.

“No last name”, Oscar confirms.

“Guess that’s not my place to question. Shall we get moving? I’m not sure about you lot, but I’m freezing,” Maria offers.

In response, Ruby summons a couple more fires, one next to Maria and one next to Oscar.

“Oh that’s a useful semblance, keep the frostbite off us” Maria comments.

Something about this doesn’t fully add up. How did this half blind, half deaf, old woman survive when the White Fang and the fall managed to off all the other civilians on the back side of the train?

How is she still alive? Neo signs to Oscar.

“Neo’s asking how you survived the train”

“I may not look it now but I was a pretty impressive hunter back in my heyday. I may not be hunting grimm any more, but it will take a bit more than some terrorists and a bad fall to kill me,” Maria replies.

That is plausible enough, Neo supposes.

After convincing the others to return to the scattered carriages briefly to scavenge for whatever supplies they can gather for the journey, the group sets off on the long walk to Argus.

Chapter Text

How did everything go wrong so quickly? Ruby just for a moment thought that she had made it. She had the best allies anyone could ask for, more personal power than she'd ever had in her life, and Cinder was dead.

Ruby had really thought that meant she had done enough. All she had to do was go to Atlas and suffer tedious magic training and a lack of personal freedom for the world. Not great to be fair, but she had her friends, and it was the right thing to do.

Ruby feels Neo's hand on her shoulder and relaxes slightly. At least she's still here. Her and Oscar, that's it.

Weiss is almost certainly dead, and Ruby has no idea if her other friends are doing even slightly better. She would like to hope that the combined force of Qrow, JNR, Blake and Yang is enough to survive the attack, but are they?

Neo frankly is a better fighter than any one member of RWBY, and Ruby is the Fall Maiden, yet against Tyrian, they could only hold their own, not win decisively. If Adam and that massive guy fighting Qrow are as capable as Tyrian, then Qrow is the only one who Ruby knows might have a chance of winning against either of them.

Ruby takes Neo's hand from her shoulder and holds onto it like a lifeline as they walk. For all that Ruby feels like she's sinking right now, it may as well be.

It's not just possible but likely that all of Ruby's friends, other than the two people she has here, are dead. Not just that, but dead because of her. Because she killed Cinder and became an irresistible target for Salem.

It's not even an assumption, it's a truth. both Adam and Tyrian admitted they were there for her, and everyone else was just collateral. Everyone who died there is Ruby's fault.

What was the point of everything Ruby's done, everything she allowed herself to lose, if all she did was make things worse for the people she cares about?

Suddenly, Ruby feels Neo's hand tighten around hers, and looking at her, sees a glare aimed her way. Did she do something else wrong and just not notice?

Neo takes her hand back just long enough to sign You can't break down here, Ruby. We still have a while further before we take camp, and you could attract the grimm.

I've been holding myself together for so long now. Why do I need to keep going?

Neo looks Ruby in the eyes. Because I still need you, remember? There's nothing wrong with being a bit broken; you don't need to be whole, but I need you to keep going.

It's good that Neo doesn't expect Ruby to be whole, otherwise, she would be doomed to disappoint her. Yet there is something nice about the idea of being needed even as broken and failed as she is. Anyway, Neo's not a good person, so if she's doomed by associating with Ruby, then surely that's acceptable. Ruby doesn't have a responsibility to protect Neo even if she will do so anyway.

Of course, the person who ensured I will never be whole again says that. Still, how can I say no to a person in need?

You took away the person who made me whole, as well. We both made each other broken things. Though I don't begrudge you that as long as you stay.

It's not like I have anywhere to go Ruby replies.

That's not true, we're going to Argus, speaking of, we should hurry up if we don't, the other two are going to start complaining about the cold.

Ah, yes, the real reason you stick with me.

Yep, I need you for warmth and nothing else, please ignore the entire rest of the conversation and continue creating heat for me.

Ruby takes Neo's hand again and makes some fire spiral up around her arm. Not close enough to burn, but enough to heat her a bit more. Ruby elects to enjoy the pleased look Neo sends her way and tries not to think about anything else right now.

Someone still needs her, even if she failed everyone else she's meant to be responsible for. That's something to cling to if nothing else.

Progress walking through the snow is slow, even if Ruby's abilities allow the journy to be a bit less cold and miserable than it would be otherwise. As the end of the first day of walking arrives, Ruby finds herself not looking forward to having little more than a sleeping bag in this kind of weather.

Oscar volunteers to take the first watch, and Ruby's exhaustion finally catches up to her.

"Ruby, wake up"

Ruby's eyes open, the condemnation of her friends echoing through her head as she does.

"You were shaking really badly there, you ok?" Oscar asks.

Ruby just stares at him blankly, he already knows the answer to that question.

"It's your turn to watch, though if you're not feeling up to it, I could wake up Neo instead?" Oscar offers.

Ruby shakes her head and gets up. She feels useless enough as is, without taking extra sleep from Neo, just because she doesn't feel great. Either way, it's not like she's getting back to sleep any time soon. If that's what her dreams are going to be like, she'd rather not sleep at all.

"Ok, if you're sure. Wake me up if you need anything"

Oscar stands around for a few seconds after that, looking at Ruby like there's something he wants to say. In the end, however, he just goes to his sleeping bag and starts trying to get to sleep.

While the ability to increase her ambient temperature makes taking watch less painful than it would be otherwise, it's still an exercise in tedium and boredom. Ruby would use her scroll, but without any way to recharge it, every second of battery is precious, so Ruby is left just with her thoughts.

In the end, Ruby spends her time desperately trying to work out what she did wrong. The problem is, there isn't really any moment Ruby can find where she could have changed things. Allying with Neo was the right decision, and killing Cinder was necessary. Her friends being alienated from her hurt, sure. The fact they probably spent the past weeks wishing for the Ruby she was when she was at Beacon rather than her makes her heart ache. Yet as much as she hates that might be the last thoughts they had of her, that wasn't what led to things falling apart.

Neo didn't fail, her team didn't fail, Ruby just wasn't good enough. Ruby, despite having all this power, couldn't even save the people she cares about most, despite being the one to put them in danger in the first place.

Ruby walks over to look down at Neo's sleeping form. She looks strangely serene and innocent sleeping, something she never manages while awake. Ruby finds herself shivering for reasons entirely unrelated to the cold. Neo shouldn't look innocent, there is nothing innocent about her.

She's a monster who kills people without remorse and a sadist who makes others suffer for her own amusement. If it really is good to kill monsters, if ending a life just to stop future suffering is the correct decision, Ruby should kill Neo here and now.

Rather than taking Crescent Rose out however, Ruby just sits down next to Neo's sleeping bag and continues to look down at her. What does it say about Ruby she wonders that even knowing all that, she feels more comfortable around that monster than she did her actual friends before she lost them. Why does looking at the little bit of pink on her outfit that Neo put there as a visual display of how she's influenced Ruby still make Ruby feel like smiling when she should want to rip the thing off?

Neo ruined Ruby's life, she broke something critical to who Ruby is. She is the reason Ruby always felt distant and out of touch with all her friends. Ruby should hate her. Ruby should despise her, should want her dead, should care about the evil she has done and the evil she will continue to do.

Ruby doesn't though. Doesn't hate her, doesn't want her dead, doesn't even really want justice for her crimes, for all she deserves it. Does that make Ruby a monster too?

She felt nothing but joy killing Cinder, none of those emotions you're meant to feel killing someone. When Neo killed that White Fang person who surrendered earlier, Ruby didn't even try to stop her, just made a half-hearted argument about it being wrong that barely convinced herself.

Neo told Ruby earlier that she needs Neo as much as Neo needs her and that they are more alike than she might think. Ruby can't shake the feeling that her words ring true. Yet what kind of person would need someone like Neo? Roman Torchwick, renowned thief, murderer and terrorist? Ruby Rose, the wannabe hero who ruins all she touches?

Ruby's thoughts are interrupted when Neo opens an eye. Seeing Ruby she checks her scroll for a second before sitting up.

Am I that intresting while sleeping?

Ruby flushes slightly before nodding. She doesn't really want to open the can of worms of her wondering if she should kill Neo or not, and the whole ongoing breakdown she had going on.

Neo lets out a silent chuckle before looking at Ruby curiously and pointing out the time on her scroll. Ruby should have woken her up for her watch 30 minutes ago.

I thought I'd let you get your sleep. No chance I'm getting back to sleep today.

Neo points at Ruby before tapping just under her eyes.

Yes I know I have bags under my eyes and probably look terrible. If it makes you feel better I'm doing as good as I look.

Neo tilts her head slightly before tapping Ruby, who feels an illusion wrapping around her skin. taking out a small mirror, she has on her Ruby can see Neo got rid of her eyebags and the general look of wearied resignation on her face.

Thanks. Now I'm doing much worse than I look.

Neo lets a slight laugh out at that before shifting slightly behind Ruby and putting her arms around her in a one-sided hug. Ruby feels herself relax against Neo, the monster she considered killing minutes ago, making her feel better with her presence.

When, after a minute, Ruby feels Neo trace the scars on her neck with her fingers. Ruby doesn't even push her off or make a displeased noise like she normally would. What's the point? Why should Ruby care about Neo rubbing in her victory, that she destroyed Ruby's life and got away with it?

Neo did exactly what she wanted; she destroyed Ruby and got Cinder killed. Why shouldn't she be happy in her victory, even at the same time that Ruby despises her own failure?

After fully tracing both scars to no reaction, Neo shifts slightly so Ruby can see her face and makes a confused expression at Ruby.

You won, you destroyed me, then with my failures, I destroyed the rest of myself. Why should I mind you appreciating what you took from me?

Rather than a triumphant expression like Ruby expects, Neo's expression is almost sad, looking at her. Ruby feels Neo's hand wipe away tears that Ruby didn't even notice were there.

Rather than move from her position to use sign language, Neo elects to form words with her semblance in front of Ruby.

'It's ok to care about your own happiness instead of everyone else's you know'

Ruby makes to move but finds Neo holding her in position, and she lacks the energy to push her off. Instead, she just signs her reply.

I'm a huntress, I'm meant to protect people. I've never really wanted all this responsibility. I didn't want to be special, but that doesn't change the fact that I am. I'm the Fall Maiden, I have silver eyes, I'm the leader of team RWBY, I have responsibilities. I don't get to care about myself before others.

'Why not?'

It wouldn't be right. People are relying on me.

'Why does that matter?'

Because people matter, their lives matter. I'm not you, I can't just not care about people.

'Don't you matter?'

Ruby just stares at the words floating in front of her. Does she matter? She's important, a prodigy, silver-eyed, the Fall Maiden, all of those things matter, but does Ruby Rose matter? All of those things about her are chains guiding Ruby onto what she's meant to be, but what about who she is? Does the person behind those traits matter? Ruby struggles to find a reason why she would.

The Fall Maiden matters is the answer Ruby settles on because it's true. That fire inside her is something that can save or doom kingdoms. It matters much more than the person it's in.

Neo flicks Ruby's cheek and the writing in front of her reforms 'That's not what I asked'

Why would you care?

'Because I'm interested in Ruby Rose not the Fall Maiden'

I can't imagine why.

'I've already told you though?'

You think I can be a replacement for Torchwick?

'Of course not. No one can replace Roman. But I do need a partner still, working alone just isn't as fun'

So I'm just entertainment for you then?

'You're a lot of things. That's only a part of it'

You can do better.

'I don't want to though'

Ruby feels like she's suffocating all over again, like back when she originally lost her voice. She's not meant to be like this. When she got into Beacon, she promised herself she would make her mum proud. She would be a hero and save people. Not this shell of a person having a breakdown while being held by Neo of all people.

I would have thought you would enjoy me being miserable.

'You're better company when you're happier. I don't want a depressed Fall maiden. I want Ruby'

Why should I get to be happy after I probably just got my friends and a ton of innocent people killed?

'Because you matter and shouldn't make yourself suffer because of people who no longer exist'

More than everyone who died?

'Sure why not. I find you more important than any of yesterday's corpses and I'm always right'

Ruby snorts. Of course Neo would say that.

I seem to remember you suffering a lot because of someone who died. Ruby decides to point out.

'I'll help to find and kill everyone involved in that if you want. I guarantee it's very satisfying'

Would that make Ruby feel better? Neo seems to have regained her ability to enjoy things once she hurt Ruby and killed Cinder. Would it work for her, too?

Ok.

Neo hugs Ruby a bit tighter 'I promise I'm a great accomplice to murder someone with'

Those words should not be reassuring.

Can we stay like this for a bit longer? Yet for some reason, they are, and Ruby finds herself not wanting to move away.

The words in front of Ruby shatter, but Neo doesn't move, and that's answer enough. The silence is comfortable. Before, Ruby closes her eyes.

When she opens them again, she's in a sleeping bag with Neo looking down at her. Guess she was more tired than she thought. The lack of dreams is something Ruby finds herself thankful for, she's not sure if she can take another nightmare.

Once everyone is up and the sleeping bags are packed up, the group of 4 continues their journy to Argus. The walk is mostly uneventful aside from a few easily killed grimm for the first few hours.

Looking around as she walks, Ruby notices something and taps Oscar on the shoulder.

Is that a crow?

"I think it is. You know, I don't think this is the right environment for crows. Could you send some fire up to show him our position?" Oscar says his mood jumping from gloomy to hopeful

Ruby nods and sends her best impression of a flair up to the bird, which hopefully isn't a bird's line of vision.

Seeing it, the bird changes course, catching sight of the group and descending to the ground before it shifts into Qrow.

"I was starting to lose hope of finding you three. I am so happy you're alive. Who's the old lady though?"

"Thanks for finding us Qrow", Ruby can hear the relief in Oscar's tone.

"You know very well that if there was even a chance of you being alive, I had to check. Even ignoring the personal reasons, losing you and Ruby would be catastrophic"

Wouldn't want to have both Ozpin and the Fall Maiden going to random people, Ruby supposes.

"Qrow was it? I'm Maria Calavera, nice to meet you"

Before Qrow exchanges greetings, Ruby finds herself unable to stop herself asking what she needs to know.

Fire forms itself into words in front of Qrow.

'What happened after the back of the train came off?' Even though she needs to know, Ruby braces herself. Qrow getting out makes sense, but hearing what happened to everyone else is sure to be crushing.

Qrow nods at Maria not wanting to be rude. Before explaining, "After you and Oscar went off the cliff, Hazel, Emerald, and Mercury retreated off the train. Once he realised he was outnumbered, Adam followed suit. They were there for you and seemingly didn't think risking a confrontation with the rest of us was worth it once you were gone"

Ruby almost shakes with relief. That means that Yang and Blake are both alive, as are Jaune, Nora and Ren. She still failed Weiss, but after the last day, thinking all her friends could be dead because of her, that, while still heavy, feels slightly less crushing.

"So the others are ok then" Oscar says, sounding pleased. Ruby realises he probably didn't see what relief Tyrian did to Weiss. She hopes he doesn't take it too badly.

"They are, there were some close shaves and a few new scars, but the only casualties are the poor civilians that got caught by the attack" Qrow says sounding bitter about the civilian deaths.

Ruby though, finds herself not thinking about those in the least as she forms more fire 'What about Weiss?'

Qrow grimaces slightly "She's alive thanks to Jaune, turns out his semblance allows him to boost aura and that was enough to get her through. Even if her new scar will make the one over her eye look tiny in comparison. Better that than dead, though"

Ruby's breath catches in her throat. Weiss is alive. Sure, it was pure luck that Jaune's semblance could do that, and by any reasonable metric, Ruby got her killed only to be saved by chance, but still. Weiss is alive. She failed, but the people who matter to her aren't dead.

Ruby feels tears run down her face, yet unlike her many earlier tears, these are from happiness.

Looking around, even Neo seems shocked by that. They both knew what Weiss's wounds were, so both knew how doomed she should have been. After a few seconds though a smile works itself onto her face.

You really do look better when you're not moping.

Ruby finds herself agreeing, she feels much better too.

So still up for murder?

Ruby sees Oscar do a double-take when he sees that.

Probably better to focus on the original plan in Atlas.

Neo pouts with immense disappointment.

If they were willing to attack the train, I'm sure we'll get a chance sooner than later anyway. Ruby points out.

Neo seems to consider that for a second before giving a content nod of agreement.

"Do I want to know?" Oscar asks.

You can work it out.

Oscar looks at Neo to see if she has an answer, but she just gives a thumbs up.

"While I was flying around, I saw what looked like a settlement slightly off the path to Argus. That should probably be where we aim for today," Qrow cuts in.

"A bed does sound rather appealing. I'm not meant for sleeping on the floor at this age," Maria comments.

Ruby agrees that sounds much better than last night, and she can tell Neo and Oscar agree.

With discussion starting between Oscar, Qrow and Maria while a comfortable silence remains between Neo and Ruby, the group continues their journy.

Chapter Text

Ruby, Neo decides, is much more fun to have around when she's not brooding.

A part of Neo is slightly sad that Ruby's friends survived, she'll admit. If they had actually died, then Neo's pretty sure she could have gotten through Ruby's values pretty quickly. Ruby is admittedly quite attached to Oscar, but Neo's fairly certain it wouldn't have been that hard to get Ruby to go with her, rather than Ozpin's ghost, given time.

Still, through some miracle, all of Ruby's friends made it out of that mess alive, and Ruby is over the moon about it. Back to smiles, exaggerated gestures and optimism, like the depressive period she had landed on a trampoline and jumped right back to where it should be.

Ultimately though, that's a good thing. Neo doesn't want Ruby's submission, she wants her cooperation. Broken as thinking she had gotten all of her friends killed made Ruby, Neo would probably have had to put her back together as a person, lest she just shut down. Which isn't really what Neo wants, especially with how much effort she would have needed to help keep Ruby stable.

Emotional conversations are something you have every few months after drinking a cocktail or two, not something Neo wants to have daily.

On the upside, Ruby seems more comfortable around her now. There was always a little bit of judgment Neo could see in Ruby's eyes when Neo got too close. A bit of Ruby that reminded her that Neo did terrible things and is a bad person. It meant there was always an instant of hesitation, a subtle guilt that made Ruby not quite comfortable near Neo, even as she remained close to her. Sometimes it was a rather unsubtle guilt when Ruby remembered just who she was with and tried to remind herself who Neo is by calling her a monster and such.

Those conversations were always a bit frustrating, but the fact that Ruby continued to cling to her even when she thought of her as a monster tended to be amusing enough to stop Neo getting too insulted.

That bit of hesitation and guilt doesn't seem to be there anymore, though. Even though Ruby has bounced back from the spiral she was in during the night, thanks to Qrow's news, that night still happened.

As they walk towards the settlement Qrow spotted before joining them, Neo stays close to Ruby. The two walk slightly behind Qrow, Maria and Oscar. Neo is more than happy to keep Ruby close while the other three chat.

While the cause of Ruby's pain over the past day is no longer there, Neo can see that the effects of it aren't fully gone. Ruby, despite being perfectly warm thanks to her magic, still ends up shivering as she walks and seems even more fidgety than Ruby normally is.

Neo notes that these calm down slightly when Neo takes her hand or is generally close to her. Neo never really imagined her presence would be calming to anyone, but she takes the chance to stay near Ruby. At one point, just out of curiosity, Neo brushes her hand over one of the scars on Ruby's neck while they walk, just to see how she will react.

Just like during her breakdown over the night, Ruby barely seems to care, unlike earlier when that consistently got a reaction out of her. Neo's not quite sure if Ruby being ok with that is a good sign or a bad one, but on the upside, it means Neo can appreciate what she gave to Ruby with less risk of being burned for it.

After a few more hours pass, the group finally reaches the location they were heading to. The gated entrance has the location's name, Brunswick Farms, over it. Looking around, Neo sees a number of storage areas and small homes alongside a main house directly ahead.

The place seems abandoned, despite the main building being rather large; there are no lights on and no signs of activity inside or outside the house. There is a little hesitation from the group at the realisation that the place is no longer inhabited, but before long, the promise of shelter, amenities and possibly supplies outweighs the ominous presence around the farm.

As they reach the door Qrow finds the place locked "Be on guard everyone. I don't know what happened here, but I'd be surprised if everyone just chose to sleep in"

Neo prepares Hush and Ruby takes out Crescent Rose. Qrow makes to smash the lock but Neo taps him on the shoulder.

"What is it?"

Neo takes out some of the lockpicks she always has on her.

"Ah, that may be more subtle", Qrow admits, stepping back.

The locks aren't impressive, Neo had to go through worse just to get out of her room as a child. It doesn't take long before the door is open.

Neo pushes the door open, a hand on Hush. As she and the others look around, however, there don't seem to be any signs of conflict, just dust from disuse.

We should look around to check if this place has any food. Ruby signs to Neo.

From how disused the place is, Neo doubts there will be anything fresh, but there might be some non-perishables stored around the place, which would be more than welcome.

While Neo and Ruby head towards the basement to see if it has any food stores, Qrow elects to check upstairs, Oscar and Maria decide to check around the ground floor to see if they can find anything.

Any thoughts on what happened here? Ruby asks as the two start heading to the cellar. Ruby briefly stopping to look at a picture of the community that presumably resided here.

Neo shrugs, maybe they decided living a boring life on a farm wasn't worth it and left to get eaten by grimm. If she had to live here for long enough, she would certainly consider it.

Walking through the cellar, the main thing Neo sees is a very large supply of alcohol.

Maybe we shouldn't tell Qrow about this. Ruby comments.

Technically speaking, Qrow's enforced sobriety is over now. On the other hand, Qrow is much more pleasant when not stinking of alcohol, and she doubts an alcoholic should be given access to this much alcohol. Neo nods.

Once they reach the end of the cellar, there is a visibly locked trap door which is intriguing, but more importantly, enough stored canned food to last the journy to Argus.

Ruby almost jumps in excitement when she catches sight of it. Neo can relate even if she doesn't react quite as strongly. The food they took from the Argus limited was not made for a hiking trip, and with the snowstorms, it has become slightly soggy. Canned food may not be the height of luxury, but Neo's willing to accept that.

Normally, Neo would be concerned about heating it on the move, but Ruby is rather convenient that way.

As Neo picks up her lot of the cans, she finds herself yawning.

Guess the last few days of walking tired her out more than she expected. Though this so far has still been more pleasant than her last hike. Walking the last stage of the journy to Mistral was miserable. At least here she can share the watch with people. Which is much better than just not sleeping for multiple days.

Then again, that was after Roman died and before she had made any progress on revenge, so everything felt tiring back then. At that point, there was just a great yearning hole in her soul that felt entirely unfillable, and even the best of sleep did nothing to restore her energy.

Hate really was the only thing keeping her going back then.

Neo gets a slight smile as she looks at Ruby's scars and reminisces about Cinder's broken body. That, at least, is something she managed to satisfy.

When Neo and Ruby get upstairs with their newly found dinner, they find Qrow and the others with grim expressions.

"We found what happened to the house's occupants" Qrow comments.

Neo motions for him to elaborate.

"It looks like they went to sleep and just stopped moving. The bodies are rotting in their beds," Qrow finishes.

That Neo decides is not a good mental image. It's also probably a good reason to be on guard here.

Ruby makes some words with fire, Neo gets the sense she's trying to save energy on her scroll.

'All of them?'

"All of them, once I saw the ones here, I checked the other houses too. They all died the same way," Qrow explains.

"In that case maybe it would be better to avoid sleeping here", Oscar proposes.

"Ruby's been keeping us warm while we walk, but correct me if I'm wrong, I doubt Ruby can do that in her sleep. If we go out there and the snowstorm outside doesn't end within the day then the cold might do us in before the grimm do"

As much as this place feels off, Neo really doesn't feel up for hours more walking in a snowstorm while relying purely on Ruby not to freeze to death. Nothing wrong with relying on Ruby, she is normally reliable, but she also looks half-exhausted and got nowhere near a full night of sleep yesterday. The last thing Neo needs is everything to go up in smoke because Ruby collapses in a snowstorm and dies of hyperthermia.

With that settled, the group splits. Oscar and Maria both stay in the study they found after getting Ruby to light the fireplace. Maria's reading some of the houses' diaries while Oscar is zoned out in a way Neo suspects means he's having a discussion with the wizard in his head.

Ruby goes off to talk about something or other with Qrow. Neo would have joined her, but based on the annoyed look on Qrow's face when she started heading in the same direction, Neo gets the sense that would lead to a confrontation she doesn't have energy for at this point.

After trying and failing to think of something to do, Neo ends up finding a comfortable enough looking chair and sitting down.

Neo takes Roman's hat off her head and looks at it. What would he think of what she's doing now, Neo wonders. Would he be amused by what she's trying to do with Ruby, or would he just see it as her moving on from him?

She's putting all this effort into trying to get one of the people responsible for his death to see things from her point of view. To twist her into someone who she probably wouldn't have wanted to become in the past. Even if Neo is pretty sure what she's doing is helping more than hurting. Ruby, with her need to put everyone else first and be responsible for the world, will die pointlessly at some point, for people who will barely remember or care about her.

Neo cannot be certain, but she's fairly sure Ozpin is hiding things. If for no other reason than the fact that he's an immortal who's been fighting with the queen of the grimm for thousands of years, and yet she's still here.

That means either he's incompetent. Which, considering the fall of Beacon and Lionheart's betrayal, is very possible, or that he is, for one reason or another, unable to permanently stop Salem.

Maybe she just reappears in another person when she's killed, like he does. Maybe she's not an actual person and is just some construct of the grimm hive mind that will respawn if killed, or it's a mantle another person will take up should Salem die. Maybe she's just unkillable or way too well defended to ever attack. Whatever the case, she has, through some method, survived fighting an immortal for somewhere between thousands and 10s of thousands of years.

No matter which of those the answer is, the result is the same. If Ruby doesn't learn to put herself first, her death is inevitable and likely to be pointless, too. It's not even like Ruby's happy with the whole thing, even if it wasn't futile. Ruby doesn't push herself because she enjoys it, she does it because no matter what, she does it's never enough to feel like she's doing enough.

Really, what Neo wants for Ruby is much more gentle than what her blindly following Ozpin will do to her, given time anyway.

Neo looks back at Roman's hat. It feels like everything's about Ruby at this point, just like everything was about revenge after Roman and about Roman's desires while he was around. Which isn't to say Neo doesn't act for her own sake, everything she does is for herself, but without something or better, someone driving her, then it all just feels a bit hollow.

Ruby asked if she was a replacement for Roman yesterday. Neo denied that of course, how could she or anyone else ever replace Roman? He was everything to her. Was Ruby actually wrong, though? Is she not just trying to mould her into someone who can help fill the Roman shaped hole in her existence his death left?

Then again, it's not like Neo's trying to remake Roman in Ruby. For one, Roman's voice would fill any room he entered, and Neo made perfectly sure that is one thing Ruby can never do. If anything, it's more like Neo is trying to get Ruby to be more like her than like Roman.

Would Ruby be as distressed if Neo died as when she thought her friends died on the train? She would like to think so, but rather doubts it. Ruby isn't Roman, she has far more than Neo to rely on.

Neo misses before Cinder when it was just her and her dum-dum. No magic or weird overcomplicated relationships, just Neo and her partner in crime causing chaos and doing what they wanted. Rob some business, kill some people, stop Roman from getting himself killed stupidly and live the high life.

After being nothing for 18 years, she got to be happy for 3 years and then right back to nothing. Maybe she'll manage to get Ruby to a point where Neo can be something once again? She's made progress, but it's exhausting. Or maybe that's just her right now.

Neo doesn't want to think about this any more, what she lost, what she has to gain, it's all just too much. Neo considers getting up to get some of the alcohol from the cellar. It was never really her vice of choice, but maybe it would take the edge off a bit. In the end though, the chair is comfortable and Neo really doesn't feel like moving; instead, she just closes her eyes.

Neo feels someone touching her and blearily opens her eyes to see Ruby standing ahead of her, shaking Neo's shoulder.

Neo feels lethargic, like whatever rest she had sapped rather than gave her energy. Why did you wake me up?

It's morning.

Despite her exhaustion, Neo shoots up off the chair. She hadn't even intended to nap, how did she sleep through both the evening and the night? Looking down, she still has Roman's hat on her lap. Neo quickly puts it back on.

Ruby after looking at her, disappears in a flurry of petals before reappearing with a bowl filled with the contents of one of the cans they found yesterday. Neo looks at it blearily before realising she didn't eat yesterday before going to sleep, and that her stomach feels like it's cannibalising her.

Neo smiles up at Ruby before quickly going through the food she was presented with. Once she finishes and puts the bowl to one side, she gets up and walks to Ruby.

What's the plan? Presumably, the others discussed what they should be doing today while Neo napped.

We should probably set off. Neo can see exhaustion in Ruby's movements, her motions lack the energy that is almost baked into them most of the time.

Still, even if they aren't at the top of their game, staying here probably won't make anything better. Most of the others seem to still be napping, considering Oscar is in his sleeping bag and Qrow also is also asleep on a chair. Maria looks like she fell asleep still reading.

You woke me up first?

You went to sleep before anyone else, so I thought the others might need more time. I'll wake them up soon, since we need to leave, but it's still slightly dark out, so I'll wait until it's a bit lighter. Ruby explains.

That does beg a question. Why are you awake then? You look exhausted.

Ruby shivers slightly, I am but I don't want to be asleep anymore.

Same reason as last night? Neo questions.

I know they aren't dead, but I still see them. Until I actually see them again, I'm not sure I can fully believe I didn't get everyone killed.

Even if they had died, it wouldn't have been you getting them killed. All of them are adults, they chose the risks they took.

Maybe, but the attack was because I'm the Fall Maiden; it wasn't random. Ruby refutes.

Be honest, if you weren't there, do you think Salem's forces would miss a chance to try to assassinate Ozpin and his confidents while they were vulnerable? You were the target this time but don't pretend they wouldn't have attacked if you stayed at the house.

Maybe? Ruby's slightly baffled look tells Neo she did not spare a single thought to that idea until now.

Wow, I thought I was the self important one? Neo comments.

Why do what-ifs matter anyway? What happened happened.

Neo rolls her eyes and then just stares at Ruby until she looks at the floor. That question does not deserve an answer.

Neo puts an image of Ruby around her, silver eyes with illusionary Maiden fire coming off them and all.

So, how does it feel looking at the person who apparently creates all the world's problems?

I don't create problems, just.

You need to fix all of them? Neo twists her illusory face into a sneer.

Someone does. Ruby replies.

Aren't you tired? It's a somewhat hypocritical statement considering how exhausted Neo is, but that's never stopped her before.

Ruby slumps. I want this to be over, but I have all this power, so I need to see this through.

Neo changes her illusion slightly, her eyes dull to a grey, and the fire around her eyes fades away. If you didn't have that, if you were free, would you still be so determined to get yourself killed for the world?

I'm not, though. Ruby replies, her face resigned.

Neo walks a step closer to Ruby and cups her cheek, copying the illusion she put over herself over Ruby and looking her in the eye. Even without a mirror, Neo knows Ruby can tell what she did.

I can't.

Neo takes her hand from Ruby and takes a step back before putting an illusion of a dead person over herself. One whose parents told the world she had two brown eyes, whose hair was a single shade, who was trapped until Neo made sure she no longer existed.

Can't you?

Just because you escaped who you were supposed to be doesn't mean I can. Or should for that matter. Ruby's answer doesn't speak of someone who is unshaken. It speaks of someone who's given up the idea she has a choice.

Don't you want to be free? Trivia's face shows every single bit of exhaustion she feels now and every bit of despair she felt then. It's not hard to put on while she feels this tired and has Roman's absence fresh in her mind.

I have people and things I care about. I can't just blow up my parents and pretend Trivia Vallil doesn't exist any more. I can't be you, Neo.

Neo's eyes widen slightly at Ruby saying that name. It's not that shocking that Ruby found her past, she left enough hints to work it out, but she still didn't expect it.

Neo lets the illusion of her past shatter around her and immediately feels lighter. Ruby almost understands her, except for the idea that Neo's pretending anything. As far as she and the world are concerned, Trivia Vallil is dead, and she is all the happier for it.

Do you wish you could be? Neo asks, looking Ruby in the eye.

Ruby breaks eye contact. I'm waking up the others, we should go.

Neo finds herself smiling despite her bone-deep exhaustion. That wasn't an answer, Ruby.

It doesn't take too long to wake the others up despite their general lethargy and lack of energy. Still, eventually Neo and Ruby manage to prod them up, and with the snowstorm over, the party of exhausted people make their exit from their temporary accommodation.

Surprisingly, after having walked for a few minutes, Neo finds her energy flow back into her. Guess that house was as miserable as she thought if just being there sapped her will to live.

Just a few more days to Argus.

Chapter Text

She should have said no. The thought bounces through Ruby's head over the next few days of hiking. She honestly doesn't know why she didn't. Of course Ruby doesn't want to be anything like Neo. She wants to care about people, she wants to protect them, she's not the type of selfish and self-serving person that Neo is.

So why didn't she say no? Why didn't Ruby tell Neo she doesn't want to be anything like her and never will be?

The honest answer Ruby hopes, is just that she was tired. For whatever reason, staying in that house left her drained and depressed. It was just a moment. She was just exhausted with being Ruby Rose and all the responsibilities that entails.

Neo was just signing nonsense. Ruby doesn't blame herself for everything that goes wrong. She has no interest in dying for the sake of the world. She doesn't feel trapped and doesn't have anything to escape from. Ruby Rose is doing perfectly fine.

If she repeats it to herself enough, maybe it will even be true.

Perhaps if she stopped feeling quite so much like she was built for the sake of fighting Salem she would feel this less strongly.

A discussion between Qrow and Ozpin mentioned silver eyes, and Maria heard it and, after some questioning, learned of Ruby's trait. Which led to learning the fascinating story of the Grimm Reaper and its rather depressing ending.

More than that though, Maria over the walk decided to regale just how silver eyes work to Ruby as they went. Which means Ruby now knows that she has two kinds of magic that will get her hunted down and killed in her. Though to be fair, she doubts she can get any more hunted than being Fall makes her by default.

The other thing she learned was that she makes her silver eyes work by considering how precious life is and how it needs to be protected. On one hand, there is nothing Ruby wants more than to have her friends and family safe. She cares about life, she wants people to be safe.

Yet there is another part of her that sounds how she would imagine Neo would, that says something else. Is that need to protect people her? Or is that who she is meant to be? The first thing Ozpin commented about her was that she had silver eyes before letting her into Beacon. She was raised by huntsmen and has always wanted to be a huntress from the beginning.

Being a silver-eyed warrior apparently means caring about the world's life more than yourself and fighting until Salem manages to have you killed. Being the Fall Maiden means being one of a few magical beings charged with protecting the kingdoms until she dies and makes sure her successor is someone who won't sell out to Salem.

With those two roles placed on her how can Ruby not feel like there is only one path forward? Her future is predestined; Ruby will fight in the war against Salem until she either wins or dies. Just like her mum did. That thought comes with a sinking feeling, though, because her mum didn't win.

She died.

If no Fall Maiden or silver-eyed warrior has managed to stop Salem before her, is Ruby arrogant enough to believe she will be the one to win where no one else has?

Ozpin, when he told her about his curse, said he had been reincarnating for thousands of years after originally failing to stop Salem. If her mum couldn't do it despite all the stories she heard about her. If thousands of years of Ozpin's best efforts and likely countless Maidens and Silver-eyed warriors couldn't do it. What hope does she have?

But she has to because she needs to oppose Salem. Ruby isn't someone who is willing to be selfish. To hide away while kingdoms fall.

Ruby is special, and that means she can't pretend she's not important. She doesn't have the privilege of being free to choose her own fate. Ruby will fight against the world's evils until she wins or dies. Like her mum did.

She can't be Neo and escape from what she is meant to be because there is no one else under that purpose. Ruby has wanted to be like the heroes she read about and live up to her mum's memory for as long as she can remember. She is who she always wanted to be. Maybe even who she was always meant to be.

That fact shouldn't feel like a prison.

Ruby shouldn't envy a monster like Neo.

The only good part of all of this is Neo hasn't confronted her about any of this since they left that House. She's been as affectionate as she normally is. Still seems annoyingly fascinated by the scars she gave Ruby. Not that she can bring herself to care when Neo looks at or touches them at this point. It just seems too insignificant to react to.

Still, sometimes Neo looks at Ruby with a knowing smirk while she thinks about all this. Even without pushing or prodding it, Neo knows what that conversation created.

As Ruby does all this thinking time passes and after a few more days living off rationed canned food and the occasional animal Qrow spots to hunt while scouting in his bird form, the group makes it to Argus.

Despite her best attempt, Ruby's scroll ended up drained over the last few days as she wanted to converse with Qrow without focusing on fire writing and losing concentration on the other fires she has around everyone to keep them warm.

When they get in range of Argus's network however, Oscar, who has been much better at not needing to use his scroll, quickly gets a call from the group who didn't get knocked off the train.

Ruby would have loved to catch up with her friends, but an inability to talk leaves scroll calls rather useless to her. Still, the thought of getting to see the rest of her friends makes Ruby much more enthusiastic for the last day of travel compared to the ones before.

As they approach the city, Neo looks at Ruby questioningly and places an illusion of Ruby over herself.

No, not now. I need to see them, and if they see two of me. Ruby stops, not sure how to quite communicate what she means but Neo nods anyway, turning back into herself.

Thanks.

Neo takes Ruby's hand and smiles at her. Ruby looks at the person who is everything she cannot be and smiles back.

Holding hands is always slightly weird because, as long as she does so, Ruby can't really talk. Signing a lot of the time needs more than one hand. In a way, letting Neo hold one of her hands is letting Neo silence Ruby once more.

It's a comfortable silence, though, so Ruby can accept it.

Oscar arranges for the others to meet them outside Argus. After a few more hours walking, Ruby, for the first time in almost a week, sees the rest of team RWBY and JNR.

Her first thought is their alive. Of course, Ruby already knew from Qrow that they lived. But seeing Weiss standing, rather than bleeding out on the floor, her stomach torn open without even the strength to move.

It's something Ruby needed to see.

Even if the thought of what happened to Weiss on Ruby's watch makes her feel slightly nauseous and shivery.

After holding Neo's hand tighter for a second as she tries to stop reacting to that particular memory, she lets go. If she's going to approach her friends, she probably shouldn't do it hand in hand with Neo, even if holding her makes Ruby feel slightly more stable.

Not giving herself another second for self-doubt, Ruby activates her semblance and appears in the middle of her team.

It doesn't take a second for Ruby to be buried in a hug. Looking at her teammates, their relief at seeing her is written across all of their faces.

"I'm so so happy to see you're ok Rubes", Yang says with her arms still around Ruby.

"Please don't worry me like that again. I don't want to have to wake up and be informed you fell off a cliff a second time" Weiss comments.

"I'm glad you're safe" Blake adds.

With her scroll out of charge and her friends way too close to make any fire, Ruby gives no response. She just enjoys having her team around her, safe and alive.

After a few moments pass, the three of them back off slightly. Looking over Ruby can see Oscar is getting similar treatment to her from JNR.

"So, what actually happened to you after Adam cut the train in half?" Weiss asks.

Ruby forms words with fire 'We got knocked down the cliff and had to walk to Argus with the supplies we could manage'

"That doesn't sound fun. Any reason you're not using your scroll?" Yang asks after giving Ruby a sympathetic look.

Ruby takes out her scroll and points to the fact it's out of charge.

"Oh yeah, right, obviously. We're staying with Jaune's sister right now, so you can probably charge it when we get there," Yang comments.

Ruby nods before the bit of decorum she was hanging onto collapses and she finds herself unable to stop the tears she had been holding back.

"Woah um did I say something wrong. You don't have a problem with Jaune's sister right?" Yang says raising her hands in mimicry of surrender.

'I thought you all died' The fire making up the words sputters out almost as quickly as Ruby finishes writing them, her not wanting to think about it for another second.

"Hey it's ok, we're right here, perfectly safe", Yang says in a comforting tone.

Ruby knows that. She knows that they're safe. No thanks to her. But what about the next time or the one after that? Salem will never stop until Ruby is dead. Will the next time have another miracle like the one that saved Weiss?

Still she knows what the response to saying that will be so instead she puts on a smile and wipes away her tears.

'I know. I'm so happy I was wrong'

"It will take more than someone like to kill me", Weiss says, but Ruby can see her hand move to her stomach as she says that.

"Next time we'll be ready", Blake adds.

Ruby nods and tries not to think of just what next time will hold.

"Ruby, it's good to see you are alright", Ren comments, coming over from greeting Oscar, which gives Ruby just enough time to brace herself for Nora's running hug.

"It's so good to see you! What happened while you were making your way to Argus? Did you have to fight bears? Or would it be polar bears since it was really cold? Anyway, I'm so so so happy you're ok!" Nora picks Ruby up in a bone-crushing hug.

After a few seconds of being receptive and feeling like her spine is bending, Ruby turns into petals to escape from the hug. She would have just said it was too much but well, that's still not an option.

As she escapes Nora, Jaune approaches at a more sedate pace "It's good to see you"

'Thanks for saving Weiss'

"I'm just glad I could, I don't want to lose anyone else" Jaune admits.

Ruby nods.

Ruby feels a hand on her shoulder and looks over to Neo. Guess she decided Ruby didn't need any more time for private reunions.

Unlike the tearful and glad words and shows of affection, Ruby and Oscar got. Neo's appearance is greeted by an awkward silence and a couple utterances of "Oh you're ok too" and the like.

I think they like you more than me. Neo signs after getting Ruby's attention.

Ruby gives Neo a small smile. I can't imagine why.

Neo gives Ruby a very serious looking nod of agreement and shapes her face into one of bafflement as if pretending to actually not know why.

It can't be your charming personality. Ruby signs in response.

Neo nods in agreement before extending Hush's blade and pointing at that in question.

Thinking about it, you're right, it probably is all the crime and murder. Ruby confirms.

I thought that's one of my more lovable qualities though. Neo replies.

You have other good qualities. Ruby replies, trying to avoid thinking about just how many people her friend has actually killed.

You seemed happy to have me offer to be an accomplice to you a few days ago. Neo points out.

That was a bad day, and I was sleep deprived. Ruby replies.

Neo grins. I know, you fell asleep on me. I had to tuck you into your sleeping bag.

Ruby blushes as she remembers that did in fact happen. Before she has to actually respond to that embarrassing fact though, she is saved.

"Ruby, we should probably start heading over to Saphron's house" Blake says.

Ruby blinks in confusion.

"Jaune's sister"

Oh. Ruby nods and follows the others as they walk there. Instinctively walking next to Neo as they follow the others.

"Oh you must be the others they mentioned," a woman who Ruby assumes is Saphron says as the group arrives at the house the others have been staying in.

Ruby waves.

"So you must be Ruby, right?" Saphron asks.

Ruby nods.

She considers replying with fire but decides not to. Now she's in a city, thinking about it, she should really try to avoid using magic outside of emergencies. The existence of the Maidens is supposed to be a secret after all.

"And you're Neo?" Saphron turns to look at Neo, who gives a cheery wave in return.

"It's nice to meet you both. I've heard a little bit about you two but since no one was sure if you were ok or not, I only really heard mentions rather than much detail," Saphron explains inviting them into the house.

I don't suppose you know sign language? Ruby questions.

"Sorry I can’t understand you. I could get some paper and a pen? Or would that be rude?"

Ruby gives a thumbs up. While she did set her scroll to charge, it will take a bit to be usable, so it's either pen and paper or charades.

Saphron comes back with a couple of notebooks and a couple of pens after half a minute.

"Just to make sure you're both mute, right? I think one of your friends mentioned that at some point," as she says this, she puts the notebooks on a table and points the two to a sofa next to the table.

Ruby can see the others are talking to another woman who lives in the house, who, looking at her, seems to have a toddler next to her.

"Oh, that's Terra, my wife", Saphron says, noticing Ruby's gaze.

Ruby nods.

"So what about you two. Like I said, the others weren't that chatty about you guys."

'I'm Ruby Rose. Huntress in training. She's Neopolitan, a friend of mine' Ruby's a bit conflicted on how exactly to describe Neo but decides that's probably the easiest way to do it.

Looking at Neo, she's just using her notebook for doodling and as expected, hasn't written a single word. When Neo looks over Ruby's shoulder at what she wrote, Ruby can see her amusement as she reads the word friend.

"So you two are friends of my younger brother then?"

Neo snorts in reaction to that. Ruby looks over at Neo and sighs.

'I am. He and Neo have a bit of a turbulent relationship though' Ruby communicates.

"Oh, I guess I assumed if you were all travelling together, you would all be friends. Still, I guess it would be odd to expect everyone to get on well"

Ruby nods, deciding not to mention exactly why Jaune has an issue with Neo.

Are you going to let her think I'm a good person? Neo asks, leaning up against Ruby as she asks the question.

Why not? It's not like doing the opposite would help anything. Ruby replies.

"You two seem close. Did you two bond over sharing the same disability?" Saphron asks.

Neo looks up at Ruby with an angelic smile before leaning away and writing in her notebook to Saphron.

'Yep that's exactly what happened, we even helped each other learn sign language to talk to each other'

Ruby just stares at Neo's response as Saphron reads it. It's not completely wrong but the story it suggests entirely butchers the truth.

You realise that will fall apart the second anyone asks about it. Ruby tells Neo whose eyes go pink and almost twinkle with amusement.

Ruby makes to say more but Neo take her hand and she decides it's not worth pulling away from that to say something that Neo will find funny at best.

"That's cute. Huh, I swear your eyes were different a second ago?" Saphron says as she looks up from Neo's answer to Neo.

Neo blinks and returns her eyes to brown and pink, but switches the sides.

After looking intently at Neo for a bit Saphron just shrugs before looking at the two of them.

"You two seem quite affectionate, are you a couple?" Saphron asks.

Ruby freezes for a second before swiftly pulling her hand away from Neo and using her semblance to appear on the other side of the room.

Looking back Ruby can see Neo almost double over in laughter, letting out the hiccuping sound that comes out when she audibly laughs.

"I guess that's a no" Saphron says, looking between Ruby, who is dying inside over in the corner of the room, and Neo, who is still laughing on the sofa.

Eventually after Ruby feels like her soul has fully left her body and Neo's stopped laughing, she returns to her seat 'We are not'

I can't believe you would say that dear. Neo signs clearly still finding this hysterical.

I can and will set you on fire, Neo.

"So from what I've gathered all of you need to go to Atlas?"

'Yeah I really need to get there. I assume the others are booking a flight now that we're back'

"From what I've heard, there have been a few complications with that"

Ruby motions for her to go on, feeling concern building in her gut.

"Atlas still has its borders closed, and the person in charge of the military base is absolutely against anyone leaving. Jaune and the others did try to talk to her, but they didn't even get past the gates"

Ruby sighs. Of course nothing can be simple.

We can definitely find a way to smuggle ourselves over the border. Neo points out

We won't need to do that, I'm sure Qrow will be able to get the urgency across since he knows Ironwood. Sometimes the legal routes to things do work you know. Ruby replies.

The knowing smirk Neo gives her in response only makes Ruby feel more certain. Just because she was right about Lionheart doesn't mean everyone in authority is terrible. Surely this misunderstanding will be sorted out in no time at all.

Chapter Text

"The Mistral-Atlas border is closed!"

Ruby has a sinking feeling in her chest as she sees her dreams of an easy and safe trip to Atlas burn around her.

"Look, if you could just get a message to Ironwood, he'll recognise me", Qrow continues his futile attempt at getting the guards to see sense.

"General Ironwood!"

"Yes, General Ironwood, we have critical information he needs to know. If you could just pass a message," Qrow tries once more.

"We will not allow a charlatan trying to get passed the border like you disturb the General's highly important business"

That's just rude, Uncle Qrow doesn’t look like a charlatan, he wasn't even drinking before this.

"This is important!"

"Good day" The gate is slammed shut, and the guards stop responding.

Legal routes do work sometimes, you know.

Ruby looks over at Neo, currently with black hair and green eyes, to not be connected to Neopolitan by Atlas. It's just those dumb guards, I bet if we could just talk to their superior, it wouldn't be a problem.

The look Neo gives Ruby is pitying.

Ruby sighs. After Lionheart and the train disaster, surely she is due some good luck. This shouldn't even be a problem. Qrow is telling the truth. If the guards just sent a message up, all of their issues would be solved. Maybe the universe is taunting her for trying to believe that just once, Neo's pessimism wasn't going to be justified.

Apparently, when the others had approached the base before, they tried to use Weiss to justify their trip. From what Weiss described, while she would be able to get through, it would mean leaving everyone else behind.

Neo taps Ruby's shoulder and looks at her expectantly.

Fine you were right. I promise one day we will find a legitimate authority who isn't dead, a traitor or utterly useless, and I will feel amazing when we do.

Based on how Neo's smirking at her, Ruby gets the sense she doesn't believe her.

After a few more attempts for Qrow to convince the guards to listen to him, the group makes an inglorious retreat to discuss options. Qrow stays behind to make a few more tries, but neither he nor anyone else is particularly optimistic about his chances.

As they walk, Neo discards her disguise and replaces it with a copy of Ruby.

Ruby raises an eyebrow.

You said you wanted to not have confusion when you met your friends again. Neo points out.

This is going to annoy everyone. Ruby points out.

You didn't care about that before.

She really didn't did she? It feels different now.

Are you sure you're not worried they'll think I'm Ruby more than you? With how grumpy you've been recently, I bet I could be a better Ruby Rose than you.

Ruby's hand trembles for a second. Is Neo right? Is she so unrecognisable now that Neo can honestly play the part of Ruby Rose better than her? Ruby would like to laugh off the idea, but thinking about it makes something jagged in her chest twist.

Maybe you could.

The look Neo shoots her looks closer to concerned than mocking. After a second though, a glint appears in her eyes.

We could test that. Whatever plan we make probably won't be put into action till tomorrow, so how about a swap? I'll let you be me, and I'll be Ruby. See if anyone other than Oscar notices.

There's no way Neo could actually do it right? When both of them are Ruby, they can play off each other. If it's a swap, then her friends wouldn't be looking for Neo or Ruby; they would be looking for Ruby. There's no way Neo wouldn't be noticed, right?

They may not know you well, but my friends know me. I'm willing to bet you won't get through the day without someone noticing.

It could even be kinda fun faking being Neo for a day. It's not like there would be anything real about it. Besides, Neo will finally be able to experience what it's like to have to deal with her more annoying behaviours.

Let's do it then. Neo looks up at Ruby with confidence.

Shortly after getting to the house, Neo, once they reach an empty room, puts an illusion of Ruby around herself and puts one of Neo around Ruby. Like always, Neo's illusion of her is visually perfect. Unless you have weird wizard powers like Oscar, no one would be able to tell the difference between her and Ruby.

Hand over your scroll. Neo signs, holding out her own to Ruby.

Isn't that a bit far?

If you don't, this falls apart if either of us gets a text. If we're going to do this, you may as well commit to it.

Ruby considers for a second before deciding that she may as well. It's not like there is anything on her scroll that Neo doesn't already know, considering her old one that actually had memories on it was destroyed.

She takes the scroll and hands over her own.

It's weird looking down at herself and seeing Neo. This isn't the first time she's experienced this. There was that one day when both Neo and her were Neo just to see how people would react, but it feels different right now. As far as everyone, sans Oscar, will think, Ruby is Neo for the rest of the day, and Neo is Ruby.

Hi Neo. Neo signs with a smile, looking down at Ruby.

Hi Ruby. Ruby replies, feeling extremely weird about it. While this isn't the first time Neo has acted the role of Ruby or even the first time Ruby's let her friends believe Neo was her, it's the first time Neo is actually pretending to be her. And the first time ever, Ruby is seriously going to try to pretend to be Neo.

You should probably text Oscar. Otherwise, he might just point it out to the others. Ruby comments.

Neo makes to sign something before looking at the scroll in her hand and then realising that Oscar will trust a text from Ruby more than one from Neo, sends the text.

Ruby and Neo now swapped because of Neo's dumb idea that Ruby is halfway between regretting and looking forward to, walk into the living room and take a seat on a sofa.

Thinking about it, after Cinder Neo's always been the touchy one rather than her. Seeing as Neo is committed enough to her role to even sit in Ruby's posture, even with the room empty, Ruby decides she may as well do the same. Without thinking about it too much, Ruby sits directly next to Neo and leans against her.

When Neo looks over at her, Ruby puts on the slightly smug expression she's seen Neo wear on both her own and Ruby's face. After looking at her for a second, Neo makes an approving gesture and smiles.

Is it concerning that Ruby knows Neo well enough to accurately mimic her facial expressions? Possibly, but looking over it's very obvious Neo can do the same with Ruby's.

After a little bit, WBY walk into the room and looks between Ruby and Neo. Like always, there is a bit of distaste aimed at the person they think is Neo. It's weird and uncomfortable seeing that aimed at her, but Neo's dealt with it for over a month, so it's not like Ruby has a place to complain. Instead, Ruby does what Neo would in this situation, that being to smile and wave cheerfully at them, something that consistently manages to infuriate all three of them.

Seeing them all go slightly on edge for a second at Ruby's motion is slightly amusing, Ruby has to admit. She can kinda see why Neo does it if just smiling cheerfully at them gets that reaction, she didn't even need to fake the emotion.

"Hi Ruby, you doing ok, I know you hoped that things would have gone better at the border", Yang says.

Neo looks over at Ruby with the look Ruby gives to tell Neo to back off. Ruby stops leaning on Neo and gives her some space. Neo gets up, walks over to Yang and writes something on Ruby's scroll. Ruby is tempted to do something, but Neo never writes to other people aside from in exceptional circumstances, so instead she just makes sure to lounge and take up the entire sofa as Neo sometimes does when Ruby leaves.

"Yeah, still just because those guards are useless and their boss was a bigot to Blake when we tried earlier doesn't mean we won't find some better people in Atlas proper. They probably just sent those guys here because no one in Atlas wanted them there," Yang replies to whatever Neo wrote.

Neo smiles up at Yang and writes something again.

"I hope so too," Yang says to what Neo wrote.

It's weird to look at the conversation from this view. Ruby knows she talks to her friends much more than Neo does, and that, due to the nature of their communication, she has to show people what she wants to tell them. Despite that being on the other side, having to assume what Neo has said to her friends while she just lounges is weird.

"I guarantee you this isn't what we'll find in Atlas. There may be some stubborn people there, but the people I've met from the military are much better than any of those dunces we met," Weiss says.

Ruby considers what Neo would do for a second before snorting. Ruby knows perfectly well what Neo thinks of Atlas, and she has a rock bottom opinion of its military.

Weiss's hearing Ruby's reaction turns to glare at her. Ruby responds by giving Weiss a pitying look. Neo would find Weiss's optimism either cute or pitiful, and Ruby gets the sense that the former is reserved for her rather than anyone else's optimism.

Shortly after that, Neo, Weiss, Blake and Yang get into a conversation. Ruby notices Neo writes more on her scroll over that conversation than she has over entire weeks.

After a few minutes of despairing inside as her friends and sister entirely fail to notice anything even slightly off with Neo's impression of Ruby, she decides that she doesn't really want to keep lying on the sofa and occasionally messing with whoever looks at her.

Ruby walks behind Neo and taps her on the shoulder, getting a dirty look from Yang as she does.

Enjoying your conversation?

Yep, nothing like having supportive friends who care about me to make conversing fun. Neo retorts.

Ruby tilts her head at Neo. She's said similar things to Neo when she was enjoying talking to her other friends and felt slightly vindictive about Neo for any reason. Getting the line thrown back at her hurts more than she expected it would.

Of course, instead of looking insulted, Ruby puts an arm around Neo and leans over, making sure to have a view of what she is writing on her scroll.

"Really Neo?" Yang asks, annoyed by Ruby being so close to Neo while they were talking. Ruby makes sure to give Yang the most benign-looking smile she can in response, knowing that tends to be what Neo does to annoy her when this happened before.

'You know what she's like', Neo writes to Yang. Ruby enjoys being in a position to see what Neo's writing.

"We can't not know what she's like, but do you need to let her hang off you like that?" Yang retorts.

Neo would definitely push boundaries a bit to annoy Yang more if she said that normally. Since she's already committed to this act, she may as well go along with it. Ruby transfers her current position into a half hug, minimising the space between her and Neo. Yang cringes in annoyance, which is funny to watch when she's the one causing it.

Neo gives Ruby a fond look for a second before pushing her off, which Ruby responds to with a slight pout.

mean.

You realise you had one of my arms trapped like that, I couldn't talk to Yang.

So?

Neo rolls her currently silver eyes at Ruby's Neo inspired comment.

After letting Neo chat to WBY for another few minutes and getting increasingly less impressed by her team, as she does, Ruby decides that enough is enough.

Ruby walks behind Neo, takes her arm, and drags her away from the conversation and back to the sofa. She makes sure to hug Neo again in a way that makes it difficult to get up. Neo has done this before and is definitely petty enough that Ruby doing it isn't out of character in the least now.

"Our conversation wasn't done, Neo", Blake says, looking irritated.

Ruby gives a wide smile in return before holding Neo slightly tighter. If Blake can't even tell when the real Ruby is an impostor, she doesn't deserve to finish her conversations with her anyway.

Neo looks to the others and gives a helpless shrug.

Looking at WBY, there is clearly a bit of indecision about what to do. Eventually, Blake sighs, "The others will be down soon to discuss what we're doing next. She'll have to let Ruby go then" Blake's tone is resigned, knowing from past experience that trying to get Ruby away from Neo doesn't tend to end well.

After holding her for a bit longer, Ruby decides to do something that Neo has historically done to annoy her by moving one of her hands up to trace one of the scars that Neo faithfully recreated on her illusion of Ruby. Ruby can feel Neo shiver slightly as she moves her hand over the slightly differently textured part of Neo's illusion.

Neo turns to look Ruby in the face and makes an expression that Ruby can't quite place. Is that what she looked like when Neo did that to her in the past? Ruby's honestly not quite sure.

After that, things return to almost normal aside from Ruby and Neo's role swap until JNR, Qrow, Maria, and Oscar walk in. Oscar gives Ruby and Neo a weird look before sighing and not commenting on the situation.

"I've tried everything I can think of, but the guards are stonewalling me. They aren't even willing to take a message," Qrow reports to the group.

"Are there any other routes to Atlas from here?" Ren asks.

"No easy ones, we need an airship if we want to make any good time, and the only real source of those in Argus is the military. Not to mention if we did try to get an airship through illegally, they would probably try to shoot us down," Qrow replies.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but could we steal an airship from Atlas? It should have the clearance to leave for Solitas, unlike any other option"

"Jaune, have you been taking ideas from Neo?" Weiss asks.

Ruby, in her role, moves slightly away from Neo before smiling widely and shaking her head.

"Does anyone have a better idea?" Jaune asks, sounding very up for alternative suggestions.

"This would be very illegal, like extremely illegal. I mean, I'm up for it, but still," Nora comments.

"Do we really want to take on the Atlas military? It would be a massive risk," Qrow comments.

Ozpin takes over Oscar for a second "It is, but Ironwood will acknowledge the necessity once we arrive. We have already been attacked once, and the longer we stay here, the greater the risk of being ambushed a second time. I don't believe we can afford legal routes right now, as much as I would prefer them" Ozpin, let's go of Oscar the second he's done speaking.

"Well, if Oz is giving the go ahead, I don't have any place complaining, do I?" Qrow admits.

"Does anyone here even know how to fly?" Oscar asks, having taken his body back from Ozpin.

Ruby, remembering Neo having mentioned flying bullheads with Torchwick multiple times, gets a minute nod from Neo before raising a hand. The only other person to raise their hand is Maria.

"Great, our options are the blind person or the career criminal", Yang comments.

Neo holds out Ruby's scroll for the others to see. Once the others have read it, she takes it back enough for Ruby to read. 'I vote Neo'

"I don't like it, but she's probably our best bet", Weiss agrees.

"That leaves the question of how we are going to get our hands on said ship" Qrow says.

Ruby considers what Neo would say as an amoral person, personally annoyed by Atlas, who showed extreme irritation at the guards earlier. She then takes a second to ask herself if she should really say what she thought of. Then again, no one will actually go for it, and Ruby feels spiteful enough about the whole situation that she may as well.

I bet if we killed the guards and just replaced them with two of us under illusions, no one would even notice, considering how stupid they seemed. It's something Ruby Rose would never say and not something Ruby wants to do even now, but there is something satisfying about saying just how annoying the guards are without consequences. Anyway, it's not like Ruby would even consider the thought if she wasn't trying to mimic Neo.

Neo, as annoying as they are, we can't just kill people. We are trying to be better than them, not worse. Neo replies.

I bet it would be satisfying, though. Ruby replies, committing to the bit.

Neo, no. The expression on Neo's copy of Ruby's face looks slightly disappointed.

Buzzkill. Ruby sighs dramatically before dropping the subject.

Taking her attention off Neo for a second, Ruby is treated to the sight of Oscar looking between Ruby and Neo with a face of complete bafflement. Ruby has to resist laughing as she remembers he can read sign language. She still isn't quite sure how he tells the difference between her and Neo, so maybe their conversation there is confusing it?

Neo gets up and writes on Ruby's scroll for the others to see. 'Neo mentioned that she could probably make an illusion of those two guards to put over them if we knock them out. Well, she didn't recommend knocking them out, but I think all of us agree they don't deserve to die just for being annoying and terrible at their jobs'

"Stealing an airship, I can accept, but we are not murdering anyone. Still, her idea has merit if we ignore that particular bit," Blake admits.

"While that would get us on an airship, the base would quickly notice if we took off to Atlas out of schedule", Oscar points out.

"If we disable the relay tower in Argus, then they shouldn't be able to track the flight. As long as it goes offline as we set off, we can lose them," Blake suggests.

"In that case we need to split up into two teams, one half should get on the airship and set off once we remove the guards, while the rest disable the relay tower" Qrow comments.

"I have experience disabling Atlas equipment" Blake notes.

"Sure, I'll back her up", Yang declares.

Neo thinks for a second before making an illusion of a small fire in her hand. Ruby just for fun decides to add a bit of temperature around the illusion to make it a bit more realistic. It takes slightly more effort to just make temperature without directly making fire, but heat is the one part of her magic that Ruby is actually good at, so she manages it.

After a second Neo closes her hand around the fire, conveniently hiding the illusion shattering from the others. 'I should help with the tower, if it's harder to disable than expected, I'm best suited to disabling it with force', Neo writes, showing the others who, after a short discussion, agree with the idea.

Ruby isn't sure she likes Neo volunteering her, but thinking about it, she agrees it's the right decision.

"I should join the ship when the tower team does, if Cordovin sees me anywhere near her precious ships, no illusion will stop her trying to ground us", Maria says.

"Do you have bad blood with her?" Ren asks.

"You could say that. Never in my life have I met a more unpleasant woman, and I include people who've tried to kill me in that," Maria says.

"Ok sure, if you wait near the tower, then you can get on the airship when it comes around for the others", Qrow decides.

There is a bit more hashing out of the plan, but with the idea seeming sound, it doesn't take long before everyone is onboard with leaving for Atlas on a stolen ship come tomorrow.

As everyone disperses from the meeting however, Ruby suddenly feels anything but triumphant. No one noticed. While Ruby's slightly proud if a bit concerned that she can pull off Neo well enough for no one to notice, no one actually knows Neo other than her.

Ruby's friends are meant to know Ruby. Ruby's sister is meant to know Ruby. What does it say about her relationships that Neo can fit into her role so seamlessly that no one even seemed slightly suspicious?

No one noticed.

Nope, guess your friends just don't know you as well as they think. Good job on playing me, though. You really stepped into the role. If I didn't know better, I'd think you enjoyed it. Neo seems pleased as she looks down at Ruby with Ruby's eyes.

We're not doing this again.

If you say so, even if I think you pull me off very well. Still wouldn't want to tempt you too much. I do prefer being me to you after all. Neo lets the illusion around her and Ruby shatter.

There is absolutely nothing tempting about being you. Ruby replies.

Neo walks up to Ruby and cups her cheek, looking directly into her eyes before stepping back with a barely repressed laugh. Nothing at all. Neo's smile is far too smug to be believable.

Before heading to bed, Ruby sees Yang and decides to ask a question disguised as a statement.

'Sorry if I felt off at all earlier, I was still a bit annoyed at our lack of progress', Ruby says.

"Don't worry, you didn't seem at all off. I mean, we're all annoyed that right now. Still our chat earlier definitely made Blake and Weiss feel a bit better about things so don't worry about it, sis. You're doing great. Even if you could do with establishing better boundaries with Neo," The last bit is said under Yang's breath.

Ruby forces a plastic smile onto her face 'Great, I'm happy I helped. Goodnight Yang'

"See you tomorrow, Ruby", Yang says with a cheerful wave.

Once Ruby gets to the room she's staying in, she lies down on the bed and looks up at the ceiling. She was right from the start, Neo can wear Ruby's skin more comfortably than Ruby can. What does it say about her, Ruby wonders, that being Neo felt less suffocating than being herself.

Still, Ruby Rose is important both to her friends and to the world at large. For the sake of that and all the lives she holds on her shoulders, Ruby will suffocate without complaint. It's the right thing to do. It's the only thing she can do.

Ruby finds her nails digging into her skin.

Nothing tempting at all.

Chapter Text

"Remember the plan?" Blake asks Ruby and Yang as the tower comes into sight.

Ruby gives a thumbs up. Considering they spent the morning and the walk here talking about the plan, it would be hard to forget.

"Yep, you and me go and I knock out the guards while you disable the tower and Ruby keeps an eye out. If anything goes wrong, Ruby can just blow up the transmitter at the top of the tower from a distance," Yang confirms.

'I still think I should just blow it up from here now. It would be faster,' Ruby writes out.

"Yes, but it would also be flashy if we do this right, no one will know we did anything to it until we're in Atlas. Blowing it up could attract attention, and we don't want to cause unnecessary damage"

Ruby nods. She gets it even if it means she'll probably just be stuck here waiting.

At least Maria gets to sit somewhere slightly further back with chairs, but since Ruby needs line of sight to the tower, she has to just stand around and watch. Still, it should only be 10-20 minutes till everything's done and she's on her way to Atlas, so it's not too bad.

"Ok, see you soon, Ruby", Yang says as she and Blake set off on the bumblebee to go up the tower while Ruby watches from afar in case anything goes wrong.

Of course, what that really means is just waiting for the next few minutes and hoping nothing will go wrong. It shouldn't Ruby knows, Blake and Yang are both far above any guards the tower could have. Worst come to worst, she can just blow it up from where she is now, but there is still a bit of worry about how it will go.

What Ruby isn't worried about is Neo's side of the operation. When it comes to her, it makes more sense to worry about the guards than it does Neo. She probably won't kill them since it would make things inconvenient for her, but the thought that she might decide she liked what Ruby suggested while pretending to be her enough to ignore that and kill them anyway does occur to her.

She really hopes Neo doesn't. Ruby doesn't need any more dead people on her conscience.

After a few minutes of waiting, Ruby gets a call on her scroll. She does have a second of wondering why anyone would bother to call her, considering she can't respond, but seeing it's from Oscar, she picks up anyway.

"Why isn't the tower down yet? The base is detecting us, and the other two aren't responding" Oscar sounds slightly worried.

It's not? If it was too heavily guarded, Blake and Yang were meant to send Ruby a message for her to blow it up. Since they didn't, it can't have seemed too difficult to sabotage, so why wouldn't they respond?

Worry fills Ruby. She quickly switches to messaging 'I don't know, I haven't heard anything from them. Give I'm going to check and get back to you'

The call ends.

Ruby prepares to gather fire around her to float. Ruby is still getting used to using her powers to fly, but after all the practice with Ozpin, Ruby knows she can use fire to give herself lift and the bit of control she has over wind to stabilise herself.

Before Ruby actually flies up to see what is happening at the tower past the tree line however, she notices something. In front of her, there is a bit of fire she didn't make.

Reaching out, Ruby realises she can't sense it at all like normal fire or dismiss it. Before Ruby can work out what the fire is, however, Ruby gets a sense of danger and jumps to the side, just avoiding a bullet.

Out of the treeline, Mercury leaps out with a flying kick aimed at Ruby. With a gesture, a wave of wind and fire comes up to meet him, knocking him out of the air and into a tree.

Ruby unfolds Crescent Rose and leaps towards him, slashing Crescent Rose down at full force. Mercury jumps out of the way only to get hit by the fireball Ruby aimed at him midswing.

While sent back, Mercury fires a few more shots out of his legs that Ruby avoids with ease, stepping out of the way of the first couple and slashing the last one out of the air with Crescent Rose before willing the ground under Mercury to explode. Forcing him to jump out of the way again.

"Whoa, violent much?" Mercury comments as he's forced to avoid a shot from Crescent Rose's sniper, which distracts him enough for her to swing the blade directly against his arms, cutting into his aura.

If Ruby is being attacked, that means Yang and Blake are too. So Ruby will get rid of Mercury without delay so she can get to helping her sister.

Ruby turns into petals and appears behind Mercury. Once he was fast enough to intercept her sembilance, but with it boosted by magic and significantly more experience than last time, he's barely able to block the swing Ruby makes at him and gets singed by the fire that arrives in its wake.

Mercury turns his dogue into an attack, swinging a leg into a roundhouse kick that Ruby Petal Bursts under before slamming the back of Crescent Rose into him, knocking him sprawling.

Rather than chase right after his body, Ruby, taking a cue from Neo, leans on Crescent Rose and smiles widely at Mercury as he starts to get up. She can see a bit of hesitation in his eyes at the look.

Of course, Ruby only wants him off guard, so the ground below him explodes into fire a second later. Ruby makes sure to shoot where he jumps out of the way with Crescent Rose, sending him flying into a tree, his aura flashing and his face grimacing in pain.

Ruby appears before him in a burst of petals and slams Crescent Rose into him again. Before Ruby can make the final stroke that would cut through Mercury's aura and let her go to stop whoever tried to attack Ruby's friends, however, Ruby feels a sudden sensation of agony.

Fire. Everything is fire. Ruby finds herself burning, the heat searing any thought from her head as she collapses in agony.

Ruby, with a force of will, dismisses all the fire around her. Some of the fires in the woods around her cease, and Mercury's clothes stop smouldering, but the fire around Ruby not only fails to let up but feels like it hurts more.

Ruby feels Mercury's weaponised leg slam into her collapsed form, sending Ruby flying across the ground.

"Ha" A pained laugh escapes Mercury "You really took your time, Emerald. Any longer and she probably would have killed me"

"Directly affecting her enough to cause this much pain takes time. You worked great as a distraction, though," Ruby, though the haze of pain she's in, recognises Emerald's voice.

"If it took any more time, I'd have been flambeed", Mercury complains.

"Stop complaining, it worked. Didn't it?"

"You could have helped from the start", Mercury says.

"If I'd done that, we both would have gotten barbequed. She was slaughtering you, and I doubt I would have been able to make much of a difference if she knew I was there. Instead, Ruby's writhing on the ground in utter agony like she deserves", Emerald's voice turns to utter loathing when saying Ruby's name.

Ruby feels herself being kicked again, the pain is utterly insignificant next to the fire burning all around and on her, but she can feel the hit to her aura.

Ruby feels a hand tug on her hair pulling her up so she's looking at Emerald.

"You took everything from me. So now I'm going to make you feel all the pain you deserve"

Mustering every last piece of will Ruby has left though the haze the burning makes the world she creates a spike of flame where Emerald is holding her hair.

"AH fuck that burns"

"If you didn't notice from when she had me coughing blood a minute ago, girl is vicious", Mercury comments, sounding slightly smug.

"She should be catatonic right now. She is feeling the sensation of burning alive, she shouldn't be able to do anything"

A word gets through to Ruby through the torture she is experiencing. Feeling. Emerald. It's not real.

A memory comes back to Ruby. Back before she set off to Argus, Neo was interested if she could be burnt by fires Ruby didn't create and convinced Ruby to stick her hand in the fireplace after a lot of prodding and being annoying. It didn't burn her. Ruby's the Fall Maiden, she doesn't burn.

"I want to enjoy seeing her suffer until there is nothing but an empty shell left so how about you go and help Adam kill the other two rather than hanging around here and being a dick. I know you wanted to get Yang back for Haven," Emerald comments.

"Are you sure. She could burn you?" Mercury replies, sounding entirely unbothered by that eventuality.

"'She' is curled up in a fetal position on the floor. Just because she got lucky a second ago doesn't mean anything. Now go away and let me enjoy this," Emerald says.

"Just remember to take her alive. I don't want to know what Salem will do to you if you let the Fall Maiden go to someone else after all of this," Mercury comments, starting to head off towards the tower.

"I know, don't worry, she won't die. I just want to make sure she is properly rewarded for what she did"

Ruby closes her eyes. It's not real. It's not actual fire. Even if Ruby can smell her skin cooking and cracking. Even if her every nerve feels set aflame. Ruby is fine, her aura is near full. She just needs to ignore it.

"You know, when I tried this on other people, they screamed. I was kinda looking forward to that. What did you decide to stop making sound in solidarity when the mute joined up with you?"

Ruby manages to just about stabilise a hand even as the rest of her twitches and spasms in pain.

Ruby feels herself be pulled up again but ignores the sensation and keeps her eyes closed. She needs to muster every last bit of focus she has.

"Oh, wait, those are scars", Emerald snickers "Did someone cut out your voice? I guess I shouldn't ask you to beg in that case"

Ruby creates a tiny fire in her hand and puts her full focus onto it. Visualising every little part of the flame helps block out the pain.

"I doubt you're conscious enough to even hear this at this point, but I want you to know when you killed Cinder, you took everything from me. You ruined everything. So I hope whatever fragments of consciousness you have left remember you brought this on yourself while Salem does whatever she's planning to you" Emerald's tone is vicious.

The flame Ruby is hiding in her hand becomes a javelin of fire that she throws at Emerald with a flick of her finger.

Ruby hears an agonised scream and the fire disappears. The pain ends.

Ruby puts her hands on the ground and starts to get up, but her nerves are still firing chaotically in the aftermath of the phantom pain she was suffering, and she falls back to the ground after half getting up.

A singed Emerald stumbles to her feet "How are you still conscious. No matter I'll just do it again. You can barely move"

"Get away from her" A cane slams into Emerald, sending her stumbling back.

Ruby stumbles to her feet a second time, her body continuing to feel sluggish and her movements sporadic. Looking, she sees Maria.

"I heard the explosions. I'll hold her off, go save the other two. If that tower doesn't go down, none of us are getting out of this"

Ruby hesitates for a second. Maria was once the grimm reaper, even now she's obviously still skilled, but is that really enough to stop Emerald? After a second passes, though, Ruby decides she can't risk it. Theirs a chance that now she's done it once, Emerald could repeat her pain trick on Ruby without as much time focusing, and Ruby doubts she could get out a second time.

Ruby can't walk steadily, but the fire inside of her still responds just as naturally as it always has. As Maria fights Emerald, her semblance allowing her to ignore the phantoms that Emerald conjures around her, Ruby flies.

She boosts herself above the tree line with fire and sends a beam of flame at the top of the still functioning tower. The fire crosses the large distance in little time at all, disabling the signal tower.

After that, she shoots forward using her fire and her semilance to move faster than she ever has before. As Ruby arrives at the cliff that she spotted a blast of red come from, she sees Blake and Yang desperately fighting against Adam and Mercury.

In the distance, she can see the airship that the others stole. As she sees it, it splits into two that dodge in separate directions. A beam of light bursts through one, shattering it into illusionary shards.

Seeing she has little time Ruby reforms from petals in front of Yang and Blake. She sends a massive wave of fire towards Mercury and Adam before grabbing her sister and friend, while her opponents are dodging the sudden fire.

Knowing she's not in a state for a fight, Ruby holds onto her friends before turning into petals boosted by fire once more and dragging them along with her towards the airship. Swerving out of the way of a line of Red that Adam sends after them in rage.

Thankfully, someone sees her and opens the door, letting Ruby collapse onto the ship with a wounded Blake and Yang falling to the floor a second later.

"Is the tower down?" Qrow asks desperately.

Ruby nods.

"Ok, Neo, they shouldn't be able to coordinate fighters on us any more. Get out of range of that mech"

As the ship twists and turns, dodging explosives and lasers as it gets out of range of the mech chasing it, Ruby, despite the rocking and twisting, luxuriates in the absence of any pain.

Her last thought before collapsing into unconsciousness on one of the ship's seats is hoping Maria managed to get out ok.

Chapter Text

When Ruby wakes up from her impromptu nap on the airship, she does so shivering. By all metrics, everything is fine. They got out, no one died, and Ruby's aura never went below 90%.

It doesn't change the fact that Ruby now remembers the feeling of burning alive. She has to give points to Emerald for realism, Ruby's pretty sure she didn't need to include the smell to hurt Ruby. She sure made sure Ruby could not only feel but hear and smell her skin burning.

Ruby finds herself shivering slightly and forcibly calms herself. It wasn't real. It was just phantom pain, entirely imaginary.

Ruby, with a thought, pulls on the fire inside her and has fire run up her arm. It doesn't hurt, it just feels pleasantly warm. It can't hurt her. What she felt was fake and doesn't matter.

"Kid, could you not set yourself on fire. The last thing we need is the ship to fill up with smoke," Qrow complains.

Ruby instantly extinguishes the fire. She was so focused on what happened and proving to herself that it wasn't real and didn't affect her that she forgot where she was for a second.

"Oh, is Ruby up?" Jaune asks.

Ruby nods.

"So what happened down there? We got what happened to Yang and Blake, but you collapsed the second you got here, so aside from the fact you blew the tower and got them to the ship, we don't know what happened," Jaune asks.

Ruby gets her scroll out and starts writing, 'I got Oscar's call and got ready to head over to Yang and Blake when Mercury ambushed me. I managed to fight him off, but Emerald got the drop on me before I could finish him off. Her illusions made it hard to get away from her until Maria noticed the commotion and distracted her, which let me fly over to get Blake and Yang'

Emerald distracted her with illusions. That's all she did, just made some artificial sensations that made it hard to escape. She didn't even break Ruby's aura.

"Oh. I guess dealing with Emerald's illusions and then flying Blake and Yang out must have been tiring since you collapsed. Still guess you did pretty well for yourself, considering you seem unharmed and your aura's still up. Which is good since Blake and Yang got fairly beat up in their fight"

Yep, Ruby did well for herself. Just pain, wasn't even real. Anyway, she had Mercury coughing up blood and burned Emerald rather badly while Ruby wasn't even really hurt. Ruby moulds her face into a smile.

'Yep, I can safely say I came up on top in my fight. The powers of a Maiden are no joke, you know. I'm glad I stopped the other two getting hurt any worse'

"It's good you got them out when you did. Neo drained her aura pretty badly making illusions of the entire ship to keep that mech off us. If you took much longer, we might have had to actually try to fight it off," Qrow notes.

'What happened to Maria?' Ruby needs to know. Last she saw her, she was fighting Emerald to buy Ruby time. Ruby did do a number on Emerald with that explosion, so hopefully Maria managed to get out, but looking around, it's obvious the ship didn't manage to go back to get her.

"We don't know. When you got here and the signal tower went down, Neo booked it before Cordovin realised what happened and scrambled fighters rather than trying to take us down with the anti-leviathan mech," Qrow explains.

"I did try to get Neo to turn around for her, but she brushed me off, and no one else here knows how to fly, so we didn't have a choice", Jaune explains.

Ruby bites back a bitter chuckle. The Ruby, Neo dream team. Getting innocent old ladies killed one at a time.

It's not Neo's fault, really. Ruby knows Neo doesn't care about people other than Ruby and herself. There was never any chance of her going back. Ruby is the one who got caught off guard by Emerald and so couldn't take Maria with her to the ship. If she did die, it's Ruby's fault for failing, not Neo's for not taking a risk to go back.

'How long was I out?'

"About an hour, we still have a few hours till we reach Atlas airspace, so feel free to enjoy the metal seats and complete lack of onboard entertainment", Qrow comments, leaning against the ship's metal walls.

Taking a look around the ship, Ruby notes that Blake, Yang and Oscar seem to be napping. Ren and Nora are in a corner talking to each other, and Weiss is looking rather intently at her scroll. Neo's in the pilot's seat.

Seeing that the co-pilot's seat is empty. Presumably because no one wanted to sit next to Neo, Ruby gets up and sits down in it next to Neo.

Neo turns around and waves.

Shouldn't you be looking at the controls?

Neo points to the active autopilot.

Oh yeah, makes sense that would be available.

So, how did dealing with the guards go?

Their aura should heal the concussions. Neo doesn't elaborate.

Ruby feels slightly glad that they were only concussed rather than killed.

Good job leaving them alive.

I was very tempted to stab them, especially since you asked me to. Sadly, you would probably blame yourself and get mopey if I did, though.

How terrible of me to frown on murder.

It really is, I saw how much you enjoyed killing Cinder, why restrain yourself?

Killing Cinder is entirely different to killing anyone else. Anyway, it's not like I actually enjoyed killing her, I was just happy she won't harm anyone else.

Don't lie to yourself, Ruby. I saw how much you enjoyed that. You can say enjoying that is wrong and you shouldn't, but that doesn't change the fact that you did. Neo looks Ruby directly in the eye.

I'm not a monster.

I never said you were. Nothing wrong with enjoying it. If you stick with Oz and keep fighting Salem for the rest of your life, you'll probably end up killing way more people than I ever did. May as well enjoy your job.

No, I wouldn't. Why would you even say that? Salem is the queen of the grimm, sure she has servants, but Ruby wouldn't be killing that many people.

Well, when cities come under attack by organisations like the White Fang or whatever other cults Salem has and will make, I doubt you'll be able to deal with them non-lethally. You definitely can't fight people like that assassin on the train without fighting to kill.

That doesn't mean I should have fun killing people. Ruby glares at Neo.

It's not like Oz is ever going to let you retire, what with being Fall, so if you don't, the job will probably kill you through guilt if not physically. Much better to try to enjoy your work. If you're fighting evil people, it's no different from killing grimm, every one you get rid of makes the world better. Why shouldn't you enjoy that?

Because I don't want to be evil.

Neo looks directly at Ruby and smiles widely. Am I evil?

Probably, I mean you enjoy killing people, that's pretty evil.

Neo grabs Ruby's hand before taking Hush's blade out and putting it into her hand. She then leans into Ruby making sure the blade is digging into the aura around her neck.

Ok then, hero. Kill me.

Ruby freezes for a second as Neo looks up at Ruby with a smile as she forces Ruby to hold a sword at her neck.

What? Don't you want to stop the evil? That's what you're meant to do, right?

Ruby pushes Neo back onto her seat with her other hand before tossing Hush's blade back at her. Neo catches it.

You know as well as I do that I can't do that.

So does that mean you think I'm good?

Ruby shakes her head.

Neo looks at Ruby fondly. I guess that means you must be evil too.

That's not how it works.

Be honest, when have you felt happiest, was it trying to save civilians on the train? Trying to rescue people during the fall of Beacon?

Ruby stays still.

It was when you ended Cinder, wasn't it?

Killing Cinder was good, she was a monster.

It was very good, seeing you slaughter her was delightful. Still you should do what makes you happy. You want to save people and do 'good' because that's what you're meant to but I don't think I've seen you enjoy it at all except when you killed Cinder.

Anyone would be happy about stopping her.

Really? Did your friends smile and congratulate you? Or did they recoil when they first realised what you had done?

Ruby clenches her fist. She still remembers the initial reaction to that, how could she not?

Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with it. Even if your friends are, as you put it yesterday, buzzkills. If people don't care about who you are at heart, then that's their fault, not yours. You deserve to be able to be happy, Ruby.

Being a terrible person wouldn't make me happy.

You don't need to be a terrible person. You just should stop denying yourself. No one should have to suffocate trying to fit into the box of who they should be.

Are you happy with who you are?

Absolutely. I am who I want to be and do what I want to do. The only chains on me are the ones I choose to put there.

Ruby sighs and leans back into her chair. It's not fair. Neo is a bad person, yet she's happy as herself. Ruby, on the other hand, is determined to do good and help people, and yet all she gets for that is loss and suffering. She's lost her voice, felt herself breaking apart day by day and suffered through burning alive. Yet she doesn't even feel satisfied with what she has achieved. It's never enough.

Once Salem is beaten, then I will be just as free as you.

Don't be stupid Ruby, I know you're smart enough to not believe that. Ozpin's been fighting Salem for 1000s of years, yet she's still around and bringing down kingdoms. He is obviously incapable of killing her. In fact I'd bet she's just as impossible to kill as Oz is. Maybe she also possesses people when she dies, or maybe something different, but you do have to face reality. You will never be free if that's what chains you.

What would you suggest then? Give up? Turn traitor like Raven and Lionheart?

Nope.

What then? If Ruby can't win and won't give up, then what can she do?

Choose for yourself. Stop doing what you do because it's what you should do, and decide what you actually want to do. You're Ruby Rose, not the Fall Maiden or the Silver Eyed Warrior. So allow Ruby Rose to be someone you can live with.

That's not how it works. Ruby Rose is those things. I can't just abandon my responsibilities. I care about doing good, even if you don't.

Ok sure, then stop being Ruby Rose. I'm not Trivia anymore, and you don't need to be Ruby if you don't want to be. If you care about doing good, then do good. Just do it because it's something you want to do rather than something you're chained to out of obligation.

You're insufferable. How did Torchwick bear with you?

I'll have you know Roman loved having me around. Unlike you, he knew what he wanted and did it. You are much more annoying to babysit than him. Which is saying something with how often he almost got himself killed.

Ruby grits her teeth. You don't babysit me.

I keep you from being killed by people, stop you from spiralling into getting yourself killed and talk you through your endless supply of mental problems. It sure feels like I do.

I don't have problems. Ruby lies. She definitely has problems, she still feels like phantom flames could consume her at any moment, feels trapped by herself, unable to get out and is currently talking to Neopolitan willingly.

Neo stares at her.

Ruby stares back.

So is the shiveryness and twitchiness due to you feeling guilty that your friends got hurt, nightmares from the hour you slept earlier, self-hatred, feeling trapped by your responsibilities or something else I don't know about.

I despise illusionists.

Neo turns into a copy of Ruby and looks at her in interest.

They keep trying to torture me first, you with tying me to a chair and carving my voice out, and now I've had to deal with Emerald making me feel like I was burning alive.

Neo looks at Ruby confused and makes an illusion of fire over her copy of Ruby's skin before shattering it.

It wasn't an actual fire, she just made me experience the sensations of it.

Neo cringes in sympathy for what that would have felt like.

Ruby looks down away from Neo. It's almost funny, the one pain Ruby can never experience is that of burning, yet somehow she found a way to suffer through it anyway.

Ruby feels Neo join her on her seat after a second, and Neo's arms close around her. Ruby leans into the embrace of her copycat.

Ruby really should feel less comfortable around Neo. Even if being held by her makes a bit of the gnawing pit in her stomach stop feeling like it's eating away at everything she is. Ruby leans her head on Neo's shoulder and looks into a copy of her own silver eyes.

Like this, it feels like Neo honestly cares about her sincerely rather than just as some game or flight of fancy. That her advice to Ruby wasn't just some way to torment her, but Neo actually trying to help Ruby live a life worth living.

It's slightly pathetic how much Ruby wants that to be true. For Neo's care and affection to be something real rather than some play at making Ruby into a replacement for Roman, because Neo finds the idea of twisting her funny.

You said the only chains on you are the ones you chose to put there. What are they? Ruby asks, taking her hands back from Neo's embrace to do so.

Ruby feels something on her arm. A chain attached to a cuff links her to a matching one on Neo's arm. Despite being an illusion, it's solid enough that Ruby is unable to move her arm away without needing to pull with force.

She doesn't, though. Ruby leaves the illusionary chain binding her to Neo alone and lets Neo hold her. Ruby restraining Neo as much as Neo restrains her.

With only one hand free and not wanting to annoy Qrow by making more fire, Ruby grabs her scroll with her free hand and suffers through writing one handed.

'Why?'

Neo looks at Ruby with a mixture of affection and condescension.

'Because I need you, just like you do me. Dummy' The words form themselves in front of Ruby, Neo deciding it's not worth leaving her current hug to sign them instead.

'Does the chain not feel slightly overdramatic though?'

Neo lets the illusionary chain shatter and takes her arms back from Ruby.

Ruby, you disappoint me.

I thought you needed me.

Yep, you're still disappointing, though.

Am not.

Child.

Says the person who currently looks exactly the same as me.

I can change back, you however, are stuck like that.

Neo, you're smaller than me when you turn back.

Neo raises an eyebrow.

Your favourite food is ice cream.

An image of Strawberries and cookies appears in front of Ruby.

Ah, but according to you, I'm a child who's allowed to like sweet things as her favourite foods. You, on the other hand, are just childish.

Neo pouts with Ruby's face.

Ruby tilts her head in response.

Neo takes a breath and seems to consider doing something before shrugging and returning to hugging Ruby.

Ruby considers being petty, but Neo hugging her is comfortable, so she just lets her rather than responding.

"Why is no one piloting the ship?" Qrow asks, having walked up to the pilot and co-pilot seats.

Ruby shoots up from her position, Neo gives Ruby an annoyed look before turning around to Qrow and pointing at the active autopilot.

"I would feel more comfortable if our pilot was actually in her chair and paying attention instead of whatever that was"

Neo gestures to the whole lot of nothing in front of them. As far as Ruby can tell, they are still multiple hours from Atlas with no obstacles in their way unless flying grimm show up.

"That doesn't change the fact you have a job. Well, Neo has a job, I'm assuming you're Neo, and she's Ruby since you're responding" Qrow comments, looking between the two copies of Ruby.

Neo shrugs and looks at Ruby, who, after considering for a second, also shrugs.

"I miss before my niece had a clone"

2 > 1 Ruby forms in fire.

"No it is not, also the smoke issue still applies"

Ruby erases the fire only for it to be replaced by an illusion saying the same thing.

Qrow waves his hand through the illusion, shattering it "I am perfectly happy having two nieces, one called Yang and one called Ruby. I don't need Ruby 2. Especially not Ruby 2 Neo addition"

Neo gives a long suffering sigh before letting the illusion of Ruby shatter and sitting back down on the pilot's seat.

"Thank you. Are you sure you want to sit next to Neo Ruby? Qrow asks, turning to Ruby now he knows she's the real one.

Not particularly actually, but since he asked that Ruby feels obliged to say she is and so nods.

"I do not understand how you can bear with her but sure. Try not to crash the ship"

With those inspiring parting words, Qrow heads back to talk to more talkative people.

Neo turns back to Ruby. So would you like me to kill Emerald for you next time we see her?

The correct answer is no, Ruby should not ask Neo to kill anyone for her.

She still remembers burning, her skin cracking and feeling like it might melt off while her nerves screamed at her in synchrony.

That would be nice. Ruby's already stained as a person, it's not like this makes things any worse.

Hey Ruby?

What.

The only person allowed to hurt you is me.

I'd rather you not.

You know, we never finished that discussion about whether you're a masochist or not from the train.

I'm not!

Based on Neo's silent laughter, this is going to be a long trip.

Ruby really should have gone with Qrow while she had the chance.

Chapter Text

Atlas airspace looks like a beehive of activity. It's ships blanket the skies, and the entire thing is in constant, unceasing motion. While Neo knows how militarised Atlas is, she can't help but feel like someone kicked the hornet's nest.

Actually, that might of been her with the whole killing the crew of Ironwood's capital ship, freeing Roman and turning off their robots' IFF. Oh well, it was a good idea at the time, how was she to know she was going to end up switching sides?

Before long, they get in range of Atlas and receive a hail from their command to land in a hangar.

"So we just land there, show Ironwood Ruby, and we're good to go, right?" Jaune asks.

"That would be the hope", Qrow replies.

"I don't like this, I've never seen our forces deployed so aggressively before, if we land there in a stolen ship, there's no way we'll get the chance to talk to Ironwood", Weiss comments.

"Would Qrow not be able to get a message across?" Ren asks.

"If the people there are anything like who we stole this ship from, no chance", Blake replies.

"Annoyingly, I think Blake's right. For all his virtues, Ironwood is stubborn, and Atlas wields procedure as a sword and shield. If we get caught by their security forces before we can meet Ironwood, there is little to no chance we will get the chance to meet him in good time," Oscar? notes.

Neo's not 100% sure if that was the child or the ghost. Then again, they are apparently going to merge into one personality in the end, so maybe that should be expected.

"In that case, what's the plan?" Yang questions.

Neo waves to Ruby in the co-pilot's seat to get her attention before leaning over to tap her, putting an illusion of an Atlatian officer over her.

"Maybe that would work if we were sneaking into an Atlas compound, but since we're landing in a ship which, in the worst case, may be reported as stolen already, we will most likely be met with a security team and get ID'd", Oscar notes.

It worked well enough for Neo in the past, but then again, she would be relying on all the children in the back to also know how to act like an Atlantian. Even without being questioned, thinking about it, that would never have worked. Even despite its past success.

"We could always just fight our way to Ironwood?" Nora suggests.

"We are not doing that", Qrow replies quickly, shutting the idea down.

"If we cannot get to Ironwood successfully by entering Atlas legitimately, perhaps we should try landing in Mantle instead?" Ren suggests.

"That may be for the best. Neo, could you divert our course to Mantle" Oscar asks.

Neo turns to nod before steering the ship down, away from the floating metropolis of Atlas, to the sprawling city of Mantle.

As they get closer to the city, Weiss comments about contacting her sister before being interrupted by seeing the propaganda billboards put up across the place.

Neo prods Ruby, who raises an eyebrow in response.

Seems rather authoritarian.

Ruby doesn't respond, she just looks out the window with a disquieted look on her face.

"Oh, James, what has happened here?" That one was Ozpin, Neo is certain.

She hears similar comments from the others behind her.

I hope they updated the security on those things. Neo comments to Ruby, gesturing to a squad of Atlesian knights.

They must have patched whatever let that happen last time, right?

Probably, but Watts is still out there and if he could do it once.

He might be able to do it again.

Exactly.

At least we can warn Ironwood that he's still out there. Maybe that will help them close some loopholes he left that they didn't think to look for?

Assuming, of course, he doesn't already have access to their systems.

Neo, if we assume that we may as well give up on Atlas now. Based on the fact that the city hasn't fallen out of the sky, it's probably not that compromised.

Probably not, but after Lionheart, I don't have much faith in Ozpin's hiring practices.

Ironwood is probably not a traitor.

Neo shrugs. She also doubts he is, but there is no part of her that trusts anyone with that much power and authority. Especially the de facto head of a surveillance state who owns the military.

Neo hears complaints from her radio about her leaving the scheduled route, and after turning off the radio, visually cloaks the ship with her semblance before looking for a clearing to land.

"I can't get through to Winter", Weiss admits as Neo finds a spot for landing.

Neo taps Ruby before pointing at the person broadcasting that dissent from the government is punishable by law.

That's Winter, yes. Ruby admits, looking disturbed at the words coming out of her mouth.

You should be very grateful I'm helping you get here, because based on the last few minutes we are going to meet some of the most totalitarian and tyrannical people I'll ever have the unpleasantness of meeting.

Maybe they'll be less bad in person?

Neo just looks at Ruby for that one who quickly looks away, not quite believing her own statement.

Neo refocuses on landing, finally finding a good clearing.

"Where do we go after landing?" Ren asks.

"Our ultimate aim needs to be getting in contact with Ironwood. Now we are in Atlas Oz has the codes needed to get a direct conversation with him if we can get access to a terminal connected to Atlas Academy," Oscar replies.

"Ok, so that's the aim then, find a connection to Atlas in Mantle" Jaune confirms.

"In that case we should probably try to reach any of the military outposts around the area, most of those should have an uplink. If not, any SDC building also should be able to, and I still should have the codes to get into their systems," Weiss notes.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Before anything, we need to get our bearings in Mantle and find somewhere safe to plan. We are not breaking into an Atlas military base without a plan, and I'm willing to bet SDC buildings are just as well defended," Qrow replies.

Seeing their getting near the ground, Neo puts her illusion of Ruby over herself.

Should you really do that in public? Ruby questions

Neo taps her head with Hush in thought before changing into what Ruby looked like when Beacon was falling instead. Considering how much Ruby has grown and the different outfits people won't assume their exactly the same person, just similar.

If you're going to do that, you may as well be someone else entirely rather than mini me. Who I must note is still taller than you.

Neo looks at Ruby, considers it, then shrugs and doesn't change. She does add matching scars to her neck from Ruby, though. May as well have the same excuse as her for not talking.

Ruby looks unimpressed, but since when has that stopped her?

As they land, the group walks out in search of somewhere to find shelter so they can route out how to either get to Atlas proper or contact it.

Looking around, Mantle is no better from the ground than it is from the air. Implicitly threatening signage about those who don't obey the law, patrols of Atlas's toy robots march through the streets with guns and cameras are everywhere.

Neo and Ruby walk in the middle of the pack, Qrow, Oscar and JRN in front of them and WBY slightly behind them to varying extents.

The camera robots seem to be taking pictures of anyone vaguely suspicious as they pass.

Don't react to the cameras, as long as we don't act suspiciously around them, then they will likely just pass. If they take a picture, still try to act natural, none of us have arrest warrants here. Neo advises Ruby

I think you got that last bit slightly wrong.

Did you have an arrest warrant a couple years ago?

Ruby looks confused for a second before realising what Neo is talking about and shakes her head.

Of course, while the camera bot goes past the front of the group without issue, before long, Neo hears a smashing sound and cringes. As she turns around, she briefly hopes that was some other imbecile from Mantle, but no, of course it was Yang who just smashed a camera bot hard enough to get flung into oncoming traffic, which destroys it.

Neo prods the others to pick up the pace a bit but finds there is little she can do other than that to get away from the stupidity of Ruby's sister. hopefully, no one was looking at that feed, and it doesn't send out an alert when damaged. Neo's not optimistic, but maybe Atlas technology is made by stupid people. She did manage to commandeer a capital ship from them once, so they obviously aren't that good at the whole effective security thing.

If they start running or acting extra suspicious, then they'll definitely attract the wrong attention though, and none of the security bots have tried to murder them yet which suggests Yang hasn't totally screwed them over.

Still, after that, Neo can't help but be extra on guard for the rest of the walk. If they aren't accosted by Atlas security forces at least once on their walk, she'll be shocked.

As the walk continues, Neo's opinion of Atlas continues to fall from low to rock bottom. The place is badly lit, less clean than a place that spent enough lien to have frequent marches of robot law enforcers should be, and half the people they walk past seem downright miserable.

Makes her miss Vale a little bit. At least there, people were thriving enough to be worth pickpocketing. Here, doing that to people would just feel sad. People need to have things before they're worth robbing after all, and the people of Mantle don't seem to have that much worth taking.

Neo can hear the rest of the group coming to similar conclusions. About how awful the city is to be clear, rather than how the people aren't worth pickpocketing, but close enough.

Of course, cesspits like this with conditions quite so bad and a massive amount of propaganda to make up for it attract two types of affliction. Alcoholism and patriotism. Often, people are even afflicted by both at the same time, the poor souls.

Sadly badmouthing this partically shit part of the 'great kingdom of Atlas' gets said idiots attention.

"If you think so poorly of the kingdom, you should go live in the tundra, since you obviously don't appreciate what we have here" One of said poor, dumb souls slurs out as the group passes.

Now, the smart thing to do in this situation is to keep walking and let him trip over in a pool of his own vomit, trying to follow them.

Of course, instead, the great and noble people around Neo can't resist getting into an argument with a drunk and his group of other drunks.

At last, Yang has finally found people of equal intelligence to converse with, but Neo rather wishes the group didn't need to stop for the conversation.

As the group gets in one of the most pointless shouting matches known to man, she and Ruby, being incapable of shouting, stick back.

Neo notices Ruby giving them an annoyed glare.

No need to be angry at them, their pitiable really. Clinging on to the delusion of their kingdom's superiority so they can feel like no matter how pointless their lives are, they can at least say their better off than the other kingdoms. Even when they aren't.

Their lives aren't pointless. Even if they seem. Ruby pauses, trying to think of the right word.

Pathetic?

Close enough.

"Huh no wonder that group's so worthless, looks like a couple of them are dumb" One of the drunks walked around the group enough to spot Neo and Ruby.

Neo take a step forward, smiles up at the man and kicks him in the balls hard enough to hopefully prevent him from ever getting the chance to be a parent. Which is probably for the best for what ever kid might have needed to grow up with such a dick as a parent.

He instantly folds over onto the ground.

Before any of the drunk's other drunks can take notice, Neo drags Ruby away, finally inspiring the group to follow them. After a few acts of violence are committed against a particularly bigoted drunk, mainly by Weiss.

Walking forward, Neo notices Ruby giving her an odd look.

He deserved it.

Sure, but I thought we should just ignore them. Miss 'their lives are pointless'.

He decided not to be mutual in his ignoring, I decided to remind him why some people are better seen than heard.

Despite her teasing, Neo can tell Ruby doesn't actually disapprove. Probably due to having exactly as low an opinion of that man as Neo did.

As they keep walking, Neo's already low opinion of the city falls further when alert sirens start blaring and the lights turn to a red hue. Something followed immediately by the sound of gunfire.

It doesn't take long for the group who should have been perfectly safe walking in the middle of the street of one of Reminants' major cities to be assailed by a massive pack of Sabyrs. Because why would Atlas, the kingdom that prides itself on its military, be capable of avoiding grimm breaches? Maybe they should put less funding into suppressing their people and more into suppressing their grimm problem?

Despite Neo's issues with Atlas's management however, she still has to help deal with the grimm. Knowing that Neo is still probably in the database as a known terrorist, Neo takes the sword out of Hush rather than using the whole recognisable weapon.

She also keeps her illusion around her, it wouldn't do to be caught by Atlas due to their own incompetence.

Neo dances around any Sabrys that get near her, cutting off the legs and heads of any that lunge anywhere near her. Despite her easily dispatching any grimm near her, Neo can admit this is an area Ruby has her beat even without magic.

While Neo jumps around the grimm, cutting them open, Ruby is a storm. She doesn't use magic, but she also doesn't need it. Where Ruby is, grimm are not. Destroyed in a swipe of her scythe before she returns to petals to appear next to another one and repeat the process.

Qrow matches her, still being the most dangerous and skilled huntsman of the group, while the rest each take care of their fair share of grimm.

A green laser cuts through the last of the grimm pack heading toward the group from something that looks remarkably like the robot Cinder was killed in the festival. Before Neo can take a clear look however, the flying robot girl flies off to deal with the large swarm of nevermore still attacking in the distance.

Beside her, Neo notices Ruby utterly freeze, looking into the distance with an indescribable expression on her face.

"Was that Penny?" Yang asks, looking at the trail left behind from the robot's thrusters.

"It can't be, right? She died. Even if that did look really similar," Blake comments.

Neo taps Ruby's shoulder to shake her out of whatever is currently freezing her.

That was Penny. That means she's not dead, right?

She was the robot girl, right?

Yeah, she was a friend of mine.

I wouldn't get your hopes up. If Atlas could make one of her they probably just built another when she died. Probably can do the same things as Penny, but I doubt it's the same person.

Ruby's face crumples, and Neo suddenly feels like she kicked a puppy.

Yeah, probably. Dying isn't something people recover from.

I mean, you never know, maybe they rebooted her from a backup from before she went to Beacon or something. Just don't get your hopes up too much. Neo adds, trying to soften the blow slightly.

Yeah maybe. Despite signing it, Neo can tell Ruby's heart isn't in it. Reality crashing into Ruby's hopes.

Neo is about to reply when she catches a slight movement out of the corner of her eye. Ambush.

A bolas comes flying at Neo fast enough that had she not caught a hint before hand she would never have reacted in time. Neo quickly makes an illusionary clone in front of her. The bolas hits and wraps around it, shattering the copy but sparing Neo from getting caught instantly.

Seeing the rest of the team already captured in an instant Neo cuts through the bolas wrapping around Ruby with her still unsheathed blade before pulling her out of the way of a second bolas.

Neo grabs Ruby's hand, makes as many illusions of her as she can, and runs. While most of their assailants begin firing on the illusions, the one with the fishing rod-looking weapon swings directly at Neo and Ruby, seemingly guessing correctly at which one is real.

Ruby, seeing the attack, grabs Neo and pulls her into the petals of her semblance, both of them appearing just out of range of the strike.

Neo sees Ruby giving a desperate look at her captured friends, but even in that little time, Neo's illusions have been shattered.

Neo tugs on Ruby; they need to get out now. There is no chance the two of them can win that fight. Neo manages to resheath Hush's blade in time to block fire from the Atlas hunters with Hush's canopy, but the fire seems to convince Ruby they won't be winning easily.

As Ruby makes her decision lightning appears around one of the Atlas hunters before she shoots forward, launching into an attack that Neo barely counters and getting in front of Neo and Ruby.

Ruby, seeing the writing on the wall, catches Neo in her semiblance once again before shooting off. While in Ruby's semblance, Ruby and Neo are both the cloud of petals Ruby guides. Neo manages to mentally communicate her plan to Ruby, and Ruby ends her sembilance next to a couple of alleyways.

Neo makes an illusion of Ruby's semblance continuing to go forward at speed as she pulls Ruby into the alley and cloaks the two of them in her semblance, letting them look like entirely different people to Ruby and the mini Ruby Neo was formerly.

Thankfully, it seems like only the speedster and one with golden stretchy arms that he uses to fling himself towards the illusory ball of petals followed them, the rest presumably staying to process the prisoners.

Neo manages to pull Ruby through the alley and into a populated street where they can blend in before either of their pursuers notices the semblance that they are following is another illusion.

Looking at Ruby's petrified expression and panting from the exhaustion of draining that much aura to get away. Neo is left with one question. What does she possibly do now?

Chapter Text

Neo eventually guides Ruby to a cafe and buys them both tea. Ruby just goes along with it. Because what is she supposed to do now.

All her friends and allies were just arrested by huntsmen who took them down effortlessly, and now it's just her and Neo with no plan and no clue what to do.

She doesn't even know who arrested her friends, other than the fact they must have been skilled and, from the brief look she got at them, were definitely working for Atlas.

What now? Ruby asks, hoping Neo has a better idea than she does because the entire point of this was so she could go to get special Fall Maiden training or something. Yet if she's an enemy of the government, she obviously can't do that.

For now, we need to focus on surviving. Ideally, we find a hotel to stay in for the night and work on finding a way out of this mess. Neo replies.

Should we just turn ourselves in? Maybe that was just for stealing the ship or fighting those drunks earlier, and it's not that serious? Ruby asks. Maybe she should have just let herself be arrested rather than running. Yet after what just happened with Emerald, Ruby couldn't just let herself be captured. No one who wants to take Ruby is someone who will be kind.

Neo fiddles with her scroll a bit before nodding to herself.

Do you want to know one of the reasons me and Roman never took any holidays to Atlas?

I assume you're not just talking about it being a surveillance state that's bad for crime?

We could probably have dealt with that, but we were also well recognised criminals, and those tend to disappear in Atlas if they don't stay totally under the radar.

Not like Vale?

No, Atlas has a special team of specialist huntsmen used to track down enemies of the kingdom. According to Atlas at least, they are meant to be the best in Remnant, even if that's probably just propaganda, and report directly to the general. They are called the Ace Ops, and I'm fairly sure they were the ones who just arrested everyone.

Ok, so they got arrested by Atlas's elite, meaning? That would at least explain how everyone got beaten so badly. No mediocre huntsmen would have managed to take down Qrow, talk about everyone else.

Why would Atlas send the best of the best to arrest a group for picking a fight with drunks or your sister destroying a camera robot? Even if they managed to link us to the stolen ship that quickly, why wouldn't they just try to arrest us with the normal robot police first?

They were in the area?

The best huntsmen in Atlas, who must constantly be busy fighting grimm infestations and facing the worst of the worst, just turned up to arrest a group that just arrived in Mantle. One who only they would be capable of winning a fight against. Without even asking us to surrender before ambushing us like a normal arrest would?

It would be a big coincidence, but it's possible. Ruby's not really convincing herself there, but still.

Or Ironwood wants access to the Fall Maiden and sent his personal hit squad to grab you, Qrow and Ozpin's new host. Admittedly, it might be he doesn't know you're the Fall Maiden and just wanted to capture Qrow and Oz's new host, but that's not much better.

Are we just assuming Ironwood is evil now?

Well, the Ace Ops are meant to report to Ironwood. The only reason they would send such elite hunters to arrest us from ambush is if they suspected that would be necessary. Ironwood would be able to know Qrow from surveillance footage, even if he doesn't recognise the rest of us and could probably have set up an alert if he appears. So either Ironwood ordered it, or we managed to land in Atlas while the Ace Ops were randomly in Mantle, who then decided to ambush us in the manner they did without even knowing who we are.

Ironwood is supposed to be one of Ozpin's allies.

Like Lionheart was? Like Raven was? Face it Ruby, the man's taste in allies is absolutely awful.

There is no way two headmasters are working for Salem.

I doubt Ironwood is working with her, but that doesn't mean he's good. He is the head of an authoritarian surveillance state that patrols the streets with robots armed with guns. He put a dust and travel embargo on the rest of the world, and Mantle is falling apart so badly that there are grimm attacks in the middle of the city. He might just not want Ozpin and party around to oppose him.

On one hand, is it really possible that Ozpin chose his allies that badly? Yet Lionheart is a compelling example of how flawed Ozpin's choices of allies are, and the current state of Mantle doesn't say good things about Ironwood. Vale almost never had grimm breaches that weren't the direct result of enemy action, yet Mantle is having them frequently. Something is deeply wrong in Atlas. Is it that far a reach to suggest that the rot reaches the top?

Let's say you're right, what do we do?

If it were just me talking, I'd say bail out of the city and find somewhere nice and sunny in Vacuo. Ironwood knows we got away, so there is going to be a manhunt for us by the end of the day if we remain here. Still, it's up to you really.

You can keep up illusions on us whenever we go out, right? Even if they search for us, we wouldn't be caught if you did that. Based on the fact Neo currently looks like a red-headed 20-something woman with blue eyes in similar clothing to what she saw around Mantle and Ruby from when she looked down at herself, also looks entirely different it shouldn't be too hard to avoid detection.

It takes a bit of aura and gets a bit uncomfortable to wear a foreign form for too long, but you're not wrong. If I keep us looking like other people, we can probably avoid being caught for a long time.

In that case, we need to stay here until we can find out what happened to my friends and sister. They are probably being caged somewhere. We are going to stage a breakout.

We will need to do a bit of groundwork before we can find where they are being kept.

Then that's what we will do. I'm sure you can find some criminal connections who can find where they are being kept, and then we stage a breakout.

That seems rather optimistic, and I doubt it will be that simple, but ok, let's say I'm with you for this. What if Ironwood just executed all of them but Oscar, after getting them? It's not easy to contain experienced hunters, and Ironwood has enough control here that he could get away with it. He knows Oz reincarnates, but I doubt this place has proper due process, considering it's everything.

Ruby grits her teeth. Why can her friends never be safe? Why does she even need to consider such a horrifying hypothetical? Why can there not be a single figure in power who actually works to improve things rather than just making them worse?

If he did that, then we kill Ironwood and rescue Oscar. Please don't make her do this. Please let her friends be alive. Let them be safe.

Neo looks delighted by the idea. Ok then, save your friends and assassinate a head of state if he hurt them too much. Sounds like a plan.

Ok, if that’s the plan, then where do we start? Ruby may be enthusiastic about helping her friends, but Neo is the person whose broken someone out of an Atlas prison before.

First, we need to get somewhere to stay. Probably a hotel for now, and workshop some identities for us. If we are going to find the others, we need help from other people. Ruby and Neo cannot exist in Atlas. Which means we need to work out who we are going to be and some basic backstory for that, so we can establish a consistent identity to meet up with others. We also need to get in contact with Atlas’s criminal underbelly, but that’s more my thing than yours unless you have really been holding out on me.

Nope, still not a criminal.

Says the wanted fugitive in Atlas.

Ruby looks down at her hands as she realises that she is actually a wanted criminal now. She quietly mourns that bit of moral high ground she had over Neo that she no longer has. I can’t believe I’m actually a criminal.

Sorry, but you're wanted by the government, can’t get more criminal than that. Still, I guarantee that I make a great partner in crime.

If we get caught by Atlas, I’m throwing that statement in your face.

Don’t worry, as long as you have me, you won’t be getting caught any time soon.

Neo looks ecstatic. Ruby gets why, kinda, Neo’s been using Ruby to replace Torchwick, and now here they are, on the run together. Partners in crime. Why would Neo be sad? Ruby knows she didn’t care about any of the others in the least. The only reason Neo is willing to help save them is to satisfy Ruby’s whims and because it gives Neo a chance to break the law with her. It’s not like Neo has ever had an issue being on the wrong side of the law.

Neo finally has Ruby all to herself and doing exactly what she wants her to do. Of course Neo is happy. Yet none of this is Neo’s fault. Yang broke that camera robot earlier, and the others got into an argument before Neo did anything violent. One could maybe blame Qrow’s semblance for the bad luck, but really the only one to blame is Ironwood and the Ace Ops for taking Ruby’s friends.

Once again, Neo saved her while Ruby failed to protect any of her other friends.

I trust you. I probably shouldn’t, but I do. Ruby admits. It’s true, Ruby trusts Neo. She still doesn’t quite know if Neo’s care for her is some sort of game or entirely real, but Ruby still trusts her.

You won’t regret it. Neo smiles at Ruby, and it looks so sincere in a way so few of Neo’s smiles do.

Soon after Neo and Ruby finish their tea and Neo looks up places for them to stay before they find a hotel nearby.

Halfway through their walk however, Neo stops walking and face palms.

What is it?

We need to destroy our scrolls.

Why would we do that?

Because Atlas has access to all of your friends' scrolls and will probably try to trace ours. Maybe we could get away with just taking the battery out, but I'd rather not test that against Atlas's capabilities.

Oh.

Don't worry, I'll steal you a new one before we get to the hotel.

Neo holds out a hand and Ruby reluctantly hands her scroll over. It doesn't really matter, she only had it for a month, and if she got caught by Atlas because she wanted to keep her scroll, that would be the height of stupidity. She still can't help but be extra annoyed at Atlas for the fact any of this is happening though.

One visit to a shop selling scrolls later, and Ruby and Neo both have regained the ability to text and communicate with people. Ruby does note that Neo bought more than two scrolls, considering what they just did though, Ruby doesn't question it.

I thought you said steal, but I saw you paid for these.

I said what I said.

Ruby stares blankly at Neo for a moment before realising something.

You didn't actually pay them, did you?

Neo pulls a lien out of her pocket before shattering it, showing it to be an illusion.

Are you also going to do that to the hotel?

Neo shakes her head. We might stay there for multiple days so they could notice. Best pay normally.

Why not also pay for our scrolls normally?

You realise I did the same thing for your last scroll. Bit late to feel guilty about it.

Ruby stills, she was already sure that Neo had stolen her last scroll. Why does she care more this time? Because she was there when it happened? Is Ruby such a hypocrite as to only care about doing the right thing when it's directly in front of her?

Thanks for the scroll, Neo. Ruby decides it doesn't really matter. Saving her friends is infinitely more important than the minor thefts Ruby already knew Neo was conducting. As long as Ruby can stop Neo from doing anything bad that matters, like killing people, that's what's important. She may as well just enjoy the gift and put her guilt aside until it can be put towards something useful.

After their detour, Ruby and Neo reach the hotel. As they walk in, Neo takes the lead, waving to the receptionist.

“Ah, hello, what can I do for you?”

‘Could we get a room for two?’

The receptionist looks a bit confused when Neo shows her scroll, but once she reads what’s written on it, she nods.

“I should be able to do that. Can I see some ID?”

Neo pulls an ID document that definitely didn’t exist a second ago out of a pocket and shows it to the receptionist. From what Ruby sees of it, the document looks perfectly legitimate. If she didn’t know Neo, Ruby would assume it was made officially rather than forged the second the receptionist asked for it.

After looking at the ID for a few seconds, the receptionist nods and gives a price that Neo pays. Before giving them a key and directions to their room.

The room seems nice enough, one bedroom but with two beds and a connected living room-ish area. The second they get into the room, Neo does a dedicated search around the place. Ruby looks around much more casually, not quite knowing what Neo is looking for.

Eventually, Neo’s search ends, and she shatters the illusions around her and Ruby, seeming satisfied.

What was that about?

Neo makes an illusionary camera in her hands.

Since you seem happy, I assume there are no cameras around the rooms?

Neo nods.

Seems a bit paranoid to check a random hotel for cameras.

We got ambushed walking on the street for 30 minutes after we got here. I refuse to get us caught by Atlas because I was lazy about the basics.

Fair enough. If Neo thinks it’s worth doing, it’s probably worth doing. One of her and Neo avoided getting caught by the Ace Ops' initial ambush, and it wasn’t Ruby.

Now I’m sure we’re alone, time for the fun part. Who do you want to be, Ruby?

What do you mean?

Looks? Name? Personality? History? What the relationship between us is going to be? Height should probably be similar to what we already are to make the illusions less fragile, but everything else is up to you. If you wanted, you could even be a different gender for a bit. We need to build two people from scratch here.

Ruby just opens her mouth before closing it again. Neo’s right, she can’t go out as Ruby Rose, and if they are going to make contacts with people, they need some sort of backstory and such to draw on.

Why let me choose? You could just throw on whatever illusion over me you like?

Because I don’t know how long we’ll be working at this before we find who we’re looking for. If you are going to live as someone else for what could be weeks or months, it’s important that it’s someone you can live with being.

Oh, that’s a rather massive choice actually. Aside from her height, Ruby is being asked to design a person she wants to be. How do you even answer that?

I think I’ll stick with being a girl. That bit’s easy at least.

Thought so, but if I’m giving you the opportunity to be anyone, I thought I may as well ask.

I guess I probably shouldn’t stick to red as my name or colour scheme.

Best not to. There is something to be said for refuge in audacity, but we really don’t want anyone mistaking you for you. That also means don’t call yourself Scarlet Poppy or something obvious like that.

I’m not stupid, Neo.

Neo just looks amused by that.

Of course, that leaves Ruby with the question of everything else. What hair colour should she have? What eye colour, since that definitely can’t stay silver, that’s much too distinctive? What colour and type of clothes should she have? What name should she have? Building an identity in an afternoon is a hard ask.

Any thoughts?

Opinions of Vanilla as a first name?

Did you choose that to annoy me?

Maybe?

Sure, go for it.

Wait really? I did just say that purely to irritate you.

Well, I hope you enjoy your choice, Vanilla.

Ruby considers saying she changed her mind but she doesn’t have any actual name choices that she can think of, so sure why not? Vanilla, someone who can be normal in a way that super special Ruby Rose never could be. Not a Maiden, no silver eyes. Just a Mantle citizen who is also a criminal in her spare time. Which, to be fair, isn’t that normal, but not being extra special doesn’t mean doing nothing interesting.

Might I recommend pink eyes? Neo suggests.

That seems a little on the nose, don’t you think?

They’re not that uncommon.

Are you just suggesting that so I’ll still have something pink on me since I can’t keep the same ammo belt?

A bit but also why not? Unless there is another colour you really want?

Ruby considers, she could ask for something lilac like Yang or something very common like brown, but Neo did mention refuge in audacity earlier, and it would probably make Neo happy.

Sure, Vanilla can have pink eyes.

Neo smiles at Ruby in response before motioning to go on.

Guess if I’m going with that as my name may as well have silver hair.

That is much less distinctive than silver eyes.

Less likely to get me hunted down by Salem too.

To be fair, anyone not called Ruby Rose is less hunted by Salem than you are.

Ruby can only nod in response to that. What a fun position, hunted by Atlas on one side and Salem on the other.

Neo taps Ruby, and she feels an illusion fall over her.

Neo gets a mirror out and shows Ruby.

Looking in the mirror, Ruby sees a pink eyed, pale haired girl. She looks Atlesian, has a slightly different face shape to Ruby and also has some freckles that Neo must have decided to put there. Looking at Vanilla’s face, Ruby can’t see herself at all, even though only the features really changed.

So what do you think? Neo looks curious.

It’s… Not me, not at all really, but as far as faces go, I’m happy with it.

Neo nods, seeming pleased by Ruby’s agreement, before moving on to other questions. So, clothes. For obvious reasons, Vanilla can’t share a style with Ruby.

We can just try a bunch of things with your semblance, can’t we?

Neo nods before taping Ruby and applying a different illusion over her and showing her the mirror.

A white suit? Really?

It’s stylish.

It’s not very me though.

Of course not, but is it Vanilla?

How about we try a few other things?

Neo goes through quite a range of styles. A few things can’t work just due to the fact that Ruby needs to be able to be mobile and fight in whatever she’s wearing.

In the end, she settles on a grey sleeveless coat over a white long sleeved shirt and black trousers.

It looks like and is nothing Ruby would normally wear but it also means that when Ruby looks in the mirror as Vanilla, she sees someone that not even her closet friends would connect to Ruby. Which also means no robot or person on the street would ever see her as Ruby.

So backstory. We can fill this in as we go, but we need some basic details. So, is Vanilla an orphan? Did she run away from her parents? What is her relationship to whoever I’m going to be?

Why are you only offering traumatic backstory options?

Because you need a reason why you have no friends or family around. Ideally, also a reason not to trust Atlas, though with Mantle in the state it’s in, that’s probably not too hard. Neo points out.

I guess let's go with orphan then. Her parents got killed in one of the grimm breaches. Then she fell through the system a bit and is now here. We can make up the rest as we go along.

Ok, sounds good. Now, considering neither of us can talk, it probably makes most sense for us to appear as siblings since that way we can say it’s genetic rather than a coincidence.

You sure you don’t just want to make Yang hate you even more when we break them out?

I would hope she will be grateful for me helping break her out of whatever hole Atlas threw her into, enough to not care too much.

We can hope.

So siblings?

Sure, I guess. That means we need a last name to share, doesn't it?

What about Dandelion? Neo suggests.

Any reason why?

Because I bet Atlas hates them.

You know what, sure Vanilla Dandelion. That will take a bit of getting used to.

Neo disappears under an illusion, and someone else with pink eyes and strawberry blond hair, who looks like she could be a sibling to Vanilla, appears. She is wearing boots, tights, a skirt, a shirt and an overcoat.

So, what name are you going with?

Strawberry Dandelion.

Seriously Neo?

You started it by going with Vanilla.

I hate you.

No you don’t.

I probably should, though.

Yeah probably. Neo agrees.

Ruby sits down on a chair in their hotel room and considers for a second just what she signed up for. Vanilla and Strawberry, off to try to fight Atlas’s government. What a ridiculous thing Ruby is doing. Yet if it means she can save her friends, then being someone else for a bit is a price Ruby is more than willing to pay.

Chapter Text

Oscar looks around the prison transport. Nora’s ineffectually biting at her constraints while the others seem in various states of distress over being captured. What a mess, they finally make it to Atlas only to be thrown straight into prison.

The situation isn’t quite as bad as it could have been.

That’s true, at least Ruby got out.

Admittedly, Oscar’s not happy that she’s just with Neo now. He’s been increasingly worried the past few days, seeing Ruby go from friendly towards Neo to seeming jittery and nervous whenever she’s not around her. It started being truly concerning after the attack on the train, and with what’s been happening over the last few days, it only escalated from there. Oscar cannot help but worry about what leaving Ruby alone with Neo for an extended time will cause. Yet if Atlas does intend to imprison them, then Oscar is fairly sure Ruby will arrange a prison break with Neo for them. In that way, it’s good they escaped.

It seems I was right about Neopolitan’s capacity to help Ruby avoid ambushes and assassination attempts. Though I was rather assuming those would be coming from Salem rather than James. I just hope that leaving Ruby in Neo’s influence for as long as this takes doesn’t come back to bite us.

Oscar hopes so too, as he futilely pulls against his restraints.

There is a bit of chatter in the transport between the others and another prisoner about the Ace Ops and a group called the Happy Huntresses, but the discussion cuts off when Oscar and the others notice that, rather than an Atlas prison, they are being taken directly to the academy.

It looks like we may have our shot at talking to James after all.

So they will except for the fact that Ruby, the Fall Maiden, is the main reason they came over to Atlas. While Oscar is sure that being able to organise with Ironwood and learn what he’s been doing since the fall will be useful, the fact remains that they came here to protect and train Ruby in her magic. Yet Ruby is less protected now than she has been at any point since becoming the Fall Maiden.

If we do get the opportunity to talk to James, hopefully we will get the opportunity to find Ruby and Neopolitan.

Oscar tries to be optimistic but has a dreadful feeling that finding Neo and Ruby will be a rather tall order. If Neo doesn’t want them to be found, it will be a nightmare trying to find two people who can look like anyone.

Before Oz responds, the ship lands, and they are taken up to the academy in their restraints.

“So much for going to prison”, Jaune whispers to the group being taken along.

“Until my arms are free from this thing, I don’t see much of a difference”, Nora comments, still glaring at her restraints. She receives a dirty look from one of the guards in response, which shuts everyone else up.

Before anything else can occur, the group is taken up an elevator and then forward a bit longer before they see a group of people they recognise. Ironwood, Winter and what looks to be Penny.

“It’s such a pleasure to see all of you again”, Oscar notices Penny, and based on her reaction, that is the Penny Ruby and the others had sometimes mentioned rather than someone new, almost buzzing with excitement seeing them. Her actions restrained only by the presence of Winter and Ironwood.

After a second though, she pauses, “Wait, where is Ruby?” Penny looks thoroughly at the group and, realising Ruby is absent, her excited demeanour diminishes, replaced by confusion and concern.

Before the unfortunate answer to Penny’s question can be given however Winter notices Weiss’s presence and the restraints on the group.

A few seconds later, some extremely cowed guards remove everyone’s restraints. Oscar finds great joy in the ability to move his arms again.

“Please come in”, Ironwood asks, leading them and the still concerned seeming Penny into a meeting room.

“It is so good to see all of you. I sincerely regret how you were treated by my team, but I am glad you got here safely”

“It’s a bit worse than just that. Though we would be getting into some confidential information, so if you could send your flunkies out, that would be grand,” Qrow says, giving Winter and Penny a dirty look.

“If it is about the Maidens or the Relics, there is no need. I have already informed them as well as the Ace Ops” Ironwood reveals.

“You told them?” Qrow asks.

“With Ozpin gone and communications down, I needed my own team to assist against Salem. So yes, it was necessary,” Ironwood explains.

“Sure, in that case, a bit of exposition for you, 'general'. Cinder died in Haven, and the new Fall Maiden, one Ruby Rose, is now separated from us in Mantle,” Qrow explains.

Ironwood's face turns contemplative “I suppose a congratulations is in order for taking a Maiden out of Salem’s hands, though that does mean finding Ruby must be a top priority. If Salem’s servants find her before we do, it could be catastrophic”

“I’m afraid finding her may be a bit of a tall order” Qrow responds.

“And why would that be?” Winter asks.

Could I take control for this conversation?

Oscar doesn’t like giving up control, but Ironwood knows Ozpin, not Oscar, so lets him have it.

“Because she is not alone”, Ozpin reveals, taking the reins for this conversation rather than Oscar.

“Who might you be?” James questions looking hopeful.

“Oscar Pine, but I would guess you would know me better as Ozpin”, Ozpin reveals.

“I’m so glad you're here. I had thought you would be lost for years more. It’s really good to see you, Ozpin,” James says.

“It’s good to see you too, James but I’m afraid you likely won’t like what I have to say next”, Ozpin replies.

Ironwood tenses, “What is it?”

“The person Ruby is currently with is the criminal known as Neopolitan”, Ozpin reveals.

Ironwood’s eyes widen “Torchwick’s accomplice? The one that helped incite the Fall of Beacon and was directly responsible for the destruction of three of my airships with all hands lost? That Neopolitan?” James's expression turns grim.

That’s what she did before I met her?

Ozpin thinks for a moment before realising that aside from noting that she was a criminal and had worked with Cinder the particulars of what Neo’s crimes were never really came up in conversations near Oscar.

“Yes, that Neopolitan”, Ozpin replies.

“Why?” The question comes from Winter, but Ozpin can recognise the question in the eyes of James, and Winter is the same.

“She decided to turn on Cinder due to blaming her for Torchwick’s death, and proved pivotal in the defence of Haven and the defeat of Cinder. With Mistral’s hunters devastated and needing additional support, we were in no place to refuse when she offered to assist against Salem’s other agents in the aftermath,” Ozpin explains.

James grits his teeth “That woman is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Atlas personnel, not to mention the uncountable number of civilian casualties the destruction of those ships caused. She deserves prison, not pardon”

“Whatever you wish to do with her has the issue of finding her first. There is no chance that Ruby isn’t with her, and considering that Neo’s semblance is solid illusions, finding them is easier said than done,” Qrow replies.

“Let me guess, that includes the ability to disguise herself and others?” James asks.

“Yes, she does have that capacity”, Ozpin replies.

“If both the Fall Maiden and one of Atlas’s most wanted criminals are what is at risk, then I can afford no half measures. There will be a general manhunt for them by the military of Atlas, and I will assign the Ace Ops to head the case personally” James announces

"Would it not be better to try to convince them to return before turning directly to trying to capture them?" Ozpin questions.

"Be honest, Ozpin, do you really believe Neopolitan would willingly turn herself in. The entirety of Atlas and Mantle is patrolled and surveilled. No matter how skilled she or Ruby is, they will slip up, and then the situation will be resolved. We cannot afford half measures when it comes to matters of this much importance"

"The straightforward way is not always the best one, James. It would sometimes do to remember that," Ozpin replies.

"And you could do to remember that subtlety has a time and a place", James retorts

"Let's not rehash old arguments. If you believe your methods will work, I will trust that you are correct," Ozpin accepts not wanting this reunion to be ruined by their difference of opinion quite yet.

Do you really think that Ironwood's forces will be able to track them down?

Ozpin is not optimistic. It certainly would not do to doubt the capability of James's forces. The Ace Ops showed their ability quite well earlier, and it took very little time for the group to be tracked down. Yet underestimating Neopolitan or Ruby would be a mistake. They escaped the initial ambush while entirely blindsided by the Ace Ops. It is highly unlikely they will get a second opportunity that is quite so advantageous.

So the best you can give is a maybe.

Ozpin does wish he were more certain, but it will really just be a question of if Ruby or Neopolitan ever slip up, and that is a question of chance more than anything else.

"I didn't want our reunion to start like this. There is so much I need to share and plans I would like your counsel on. Rest assured that Neopolitan and Ruby will be found" James just looks tired as he says this. Too much work and pressure on one person to get everything right.

It is a feeling that cannot possibly be more familiar to Ozpin.

"I will trust in that. Now, please go on. I would like to know what you wished to share before our bad news diverted you," Ozpin replies.

"Despite our current troubles, I am pleased that we have an additional Maiden on our side, even if she is not quite at our side yet. Until now, I believed it was impossible to truly turn the tide against Salem. You have pushed her back and kept victory out of her claws Oz, but it's not enough. She will keep returning stronger and stronger... unless we destroy her.

Ozpin supresses a wince. How many times must he live through this exact scene? Seeing someone he trusts blunder so horrifically due to missing the information that would surely destroy him. History seems determined to repeat itself.

"How is Fria?" Ozpin questions. If he is to prevent James from making a mistake, he needs to know how things stand.

"She is secure and in stable condition" Winter supplies.

"Stable condition?" Yang begins before she can say more, Qrow answers.

"Fria's... Fragile. She's not a spring chicken anymore" Qrow comments.

Ozpin can see Winter react to the name with more familiarity than he would expect from someone who knows her from reports.

"I assume you have someone in line to inherit when the time comes", Ozpin asks to confirm.

James looks over to Winter, confirming Ozpin's suspicion, "I do"

It feels wrong to talk about someone's death like that.

To arrange for someone to inherit the Mantle is distasteful, Ozpin agrees. Yet it is kinder than allowing chance to select an unprepared innocent rather than someone who knows what they are signing up for.

Ozpin can tell the others seem disquieted behind him. The inheritance of Fria, thinking about it, may be a raw wound to some of them with Ruby missing.

"I know how this all looks. Recalling the military? the embargo? I probably don't seem the most trustworthy to you right now" James says.

Ozpin can tell the statement is aimed at the people who know James less well than he does.

I don't know, his actions so far haven't quite been trust building exercises, have they?

James may be ruthless but he is not cold. He would not sacrifice lives without reason.

"Why continue it then?" Blake questions.

"The people in Mantle are suffering because of your actions. Why let this go on?" Nora adds.

"To ensure Salem couldn't infiltrate Atlas. I needed my military here protecting my people" James retorts.

"It's not protecting them! The people down there are terrified. This is making people hate you," Yang returns.

"I do hope this is about more than simple paranoia", Ozpin replies.

James has been able to see the big picture before. There must be a reason beyond fear for him to focus so many resources inward.

"That hate is a price I am willing to pay. I need you to trust me. My actions are not just rash. I have a plan," James notes.

With that, James taps a button on his desk, bringing shutters down on the window and raising a table from the ground in front of the group.

"Oz, you have always believed that the best way to fight Salem was to face her in secret. It's not my place to say if that was the right direction at the time, but I think it is clear that a new approach is needed." Saying this, he brings out a remote and taps a button, letting a holographic display of Amity Colosseum appear over the table.

"When Beacon fell, everyone on Remanant lost contact with one another, our current system was outdated. Amity was built to bring the nations together, and it will serve that purpose once more," He continues.

"We're not just going to replace Beacon Tower but make a new tower on top of Amity Colosseum to re-establish global communications", Penny adds.

"By launching it into the atmosphere, our scientists believe it can be a sort of satellite out of reach of the grimm and able to maintain global communications even if we were to lose another tower", Winter finishes.

Would that work?

It is possible that Salem may be able to create a grimm that can reach high enough in the atmosphere, but Ozpin does not know of any she has currently. The tower should be safe for some time before Salem can make an attempt.

"James, that doesn't need the entire military", Qrow notes.

"I will for the next part, where I finally tell the people about Salem," James replies.

"Even with the military here, you know that will cause mass panic, James. You are having grimm breaches in Mantle even now. I hope you understand the risk you will be taking"

A risk that will not achieve what James wants, Ozpin doesn't add. Because the final victory James sees is beyond his capabilities.

"Panic is inevitable but I believe we are ready. Once Atlas has come to grips with the fight ahead, I will use Amity Tower to spread the message to all of Remanat," James adds.

"If you do that, everywhere will fall apart. Grimm will attack everywhere," Weiss complains.

"You're right but Atlas is willing and prepared to assist" Winter replies.

"Trying to hide the truth from the world will eventually kill us all" James finishes.

"I do hope you understand that this could massively expedite that eventally if not done perfectly" Ozpin points out.

"I know. It is a massive risk, but if we don't take this sort of risk now, then our doom is inevitable. Please Ozpin, I know this goes against what you have worked for before now, but surely you can see how this is necessary. Help me make sure that this is done perfectly. For all our sakes"

A massive part of Ozpin wants to shut this down here and now. Salem will use the chaos created by James's plan like she has done so many times before, and people, far too many people, will die. Yet with the fall of Beacon and the very near fall of Haven, Ozpin has to admit his methods have not been working recently. Maybe just maybe James' plan can avoid catastrophe, and if that is true, then Ozpin has no choice but to take that risk.

Are you done?

Ozpin considers for a moment before deciding his presence is no longer mandatory and gives Oscar his body back.

Yes, I believe I have done all I can for now. I only hope that this plan doesn't backfire.

Oscar can tell how afraid this idea makes Ozpin. The memories of countless kingdoms falling due to the hubris of believing they could take the fight to Salem invading his memories. Yet Oscar is not Ozpin, not yet. He has to believe that Ironwood's plan offers a way forward. History may rhyme, but that does not necessarily mean it will repeat itself.

After an assurance that Atlas will take care of and improve their weapons, the group leaves the room. And runs into some faces that Oscar does not want to see in the least.

"I'd like to sincerely apologise for the miscommunication down in Mantle. We didn't intend to-" Clover starts before being interrupted by Yang.

"Thanks to you, my sister is down there without any of us to protect her. Apologies aren't quite enough"

"Your sister and her... Twin? I want to say. Did get away. I apologise for that. Still I assure you we will find them. Your sister will be safe in Atlas, despite our blunder," Clover continues.

"How can she be safe when she's with that psychopath. You had better find her while my sister is still there to be found," Yang says.

Before the conversation can devolve any further, Oscar taps Yang to get her attention.

"She will be. Ruby is one of the strongest people I've ever met. Neo may try to push her, but I don't think she will be able to make Ruby do anything that makes her any less who she is... Trust your sister, Yang"

"At least when you fell off the train, she had you. Now it's just her"

"We'll find her Yang", Oscar reassures.

"I hope so"

As the team gets to know the Ace Ops after their rather fraught introduction, Oscar gets out his scroll, calls Ruby and prays.

No one picks up.

You knew that wouldn't work.

Of course he knew. Oscar just hoped that maybe for once, there would be a simple solution.

It's important to hold on to that hope. I sometimes need reminding that sometimes the simplest and easiest things can be the solution. Just because it didn't succeed this time doesn't mean you were wrong to try.

Try is all that Oscar can do. Maybe if he keeps trying, he can help hold things together at least a bit better than they would otherwise. When Oscar is just Oz, he has to hope that he will have left enough of a mark to be worth remembering for who he was.

Until then, though, Oscar will continue to hold onto himself and hold onto the hope that Ruby can do the same.

Chapter Text

Neo and Ruby spend the rest of the afternoon in their hotel room. Before planning anything, Ruby and Neo agreed about the need to research some information about Atlas that might be needed.

One thing Ruby didn't expect was for Neo to spend quite so long looking at the laws in Atlas.

Why have you spent the last half hour looking at the Atlas legal code? I get looking at other hotels, location details, and people, but I wouldn't expect you to care about the law. Ruby finally questions temporarily stopping her own research.

Because if you're going to break the law, it's very important you know it first. I refuse to get away with murder and then get arrested because I broke some random other law I didn't know about. Roman spent as much time making sure our taxes looked impeccable as he did plotting heists.

You paid taxes?

We owned property legally. That requires taxes and paperwork. Now, Roman was much better at this stuff than me, but you definitely don't know what you're doing, so I'm looking this stuff up in advance. We probably should give Vanilla and Strawberry legal identities if this takes long enough for us to need that sort of thing.

What do you mean give? They don't exist.

They don't exist yet. I have no doubt that if we find the right person, we can get our paperwork sorted out. It probably won't stand up to direct scrutiny, but being in the system also reduces the chance of someone checking our illusory IDs and working out we don't exist.

Did Neopolitan exist legally in Vale?

Legally? Never. I did have enough of a paper trail to have an ID and do stuff, though. Sadly, Roman never made that many real contacts in Atlas since we avoided the place like the plague, so I'll have to find someone for it.

People can just do that?

Yep, the important thing is to find someone who's good at it. We need someone to counterfeit documents, stuff like ID cards, birth certificates and educational paperwork. We then need to replicate that with an electronic paper trail. Still, it's totally possible, and there is no way even a place as dystopic as Mantle has managed to stomp out the practice.

It was weird enough thinking about how to make the identity of Vanilla. The idea of her legally existing seems somehow more strange. The fact that she and Neo are just creating people from scratch and using them as identities that have actual, if fake, credentials is just jarring.

Ok, so is that what we're doing tomorrow then?

I do know a few smugglers since technology was one of the things it was worth having contacts in Atlas for. I'll be getting in touch with the more trustworthy ones of them to see if I can get directions. Aside from that, what we have tomorrow is clothes shopping.

Clothes shopping?

If we are going to be using Vanilla and Strawberry as multi use identities, that means we will be wearing them a lot. Actually wearing the clothing they're meant to makes the illusion harder to break and makes it easier for me to maintain for longer periods. So yes, clothes shopping.

Must admit I didn't expect some of my first actions as a fugitive to be looking up the legal system and doing clothes shopping.

What did you expect? That we would get straight to talking to hardened criminals and have cracked open one of Atlas's most secure prisons by day 3? If you want to get to the fun side of being a criminal, you need to do the set up and planning first. For big heists, me and Roman spent more time researching the location and making a plan than the heist itself usually took.

I find it hard to think of you as a schemer, you've always seemed so spontaneous.

Roman was better at it. Still, I didn't work with him for years without picking things up. How do you think I got those bugs on Lionheart? That took planning, reconnaissance and research to be even slightly viable.

Ruby pauses. She had never thought about it. Ruby assumed that Neo just had bugs available and snuck into Haven or something to put them there. In hindsight, that seems way too simple to be what actually happened.

What did you do there?

Well first I had to consider where Lionheart would be. Haven seemed obvious, but it was actually too obvious, Lionheart would know anyone that worked there, and the place is well survailed. After thinking about it for a bit, I remembered that Lionheart had to go to council meetings where he wouldn't know the entire staff working, so decided to catch him when he was on the way to one of them instead. After that, I looked up the schedule for council meetings, found videos of what route Lionheart usually took to said meetings and looked at who worked in the council building. Then I got in contact with Spider, the main criminal syndicate in Mistral, to buy some of their better models of discreet audio recorders from them. After all that, I decided on what Identity I would take up, made my way to the council building just before a meeting was scheduled, 'accidentally' bumped into Lionheart and then got a couple of bugs on him in the confusion before seeming apologetic and leaving.

Ruby stares blankly at Neo for a bit. Wow, that was a lot just to bug Lionheart. Still, it worked, and Neo doing that was the thing that allowed them to win in Haven.

I never really considered it but that's much more detailed than I expected.

Yep, managing to catch you in Mistral also took a lot of preparation and paying a fair few people to keep an eye out for you. Suffice to say, arranging a prison break will require just as much, likely more even, in terms of preparation. Which is why we do the universally useful things, like clothes and getting legal identities, before we get into finding your friends and breaking into what is probably one of the most secure places in Atlas.

Ok, you're the boss in terms of all the criminal stuff. As long as it ends in us getting the others back, that's what matters. Ruby replies, choosing not to consider who Neo bribed to get the information she used to carve Ruby's voice out.

Nope, we're partners remember. Don't worry, you'll learn. I had no idea what I was doing when I first started working with Roman either.

I don't want to know how to be a career criminal, I just want my friends safe.

Yep, and that in this case requires at least temporarily being a career criminal. Don't worry, the skills are still useful even if you do somehow get pardoned by the Atlas government. Do remember, your friends will also be on the run once they break out. Knowing how to navigate this stuff might be the difference between keeping them safe or not. Neo looks directly at Ruby, and at that moment, Ruby knows Neo has her.

Because she's right. Ruby has been thinking about this like she would just break out her friends and then everything would be ok again, but that's not how it works. Atlas would still be hunting her after that, probably even harder, considering what she will have done. Ruby can't treat this like a game or a half measure. She needs to know how to do this unless she wants to uselessly hang around Neo without helping in the least.

Neo is helping Ruby only for Ruby's benefit and not for any other reason. What if whatever fascination Neo has with Ruby wanes? Ruby would be helpless. If she wants to get her friends free and to be able to be sure they can stay free, that means Ruby needs to be able to work with Neo as a partner rather than just following her lead blindly.

Your right. If this is going to work, I need to understand what you're doing and be able to help you with it. So please, oh partner in crime, teach me how to be a successful criminal.

Neo's smile is warm and reaches her eyes. She looks over the moon, hearing that Ruby is willing to embrace what Neo has to teach.

Before the end of the month you'll be able to get away with murder.

Not sure I need to know that one.

Didn't you say earlier today that we might be killing Ironwood depending on what he did with your friends?

Oh yeah, she did. If Ironwood really did have any of her friends killed then that's still true even.

I guess I might need to know that after all.

Rather than reply, Neo walks forward and embraces Ruby in an exuberant hug. Despite how terrible the situation is, the sheer joy radiating off Neo is enough for Ruby to respond in kind.

Neo holds onto Ruby like she just stole the most valuable gem in the world and wants to appreciate it. Ruby holds onto Neo desperately like she's the only thing keeping her afloat in a world that seems intent on washing her away.

Yet, looking at Neo seeming so euphoric about working with Ruby in the way she wants to, Ruby cannot help but feel comforted. This isn't some game Neo is playing or some whim. No one cares that much about something so ephemeral. Neo is holding Ruby like she's everything, and Ruby can't help but feel that to Neo, maybe she is.

Physically, Neo doesn't need Ruby at all. It would be easier for her to escape Atlas alone, less points of failure, less people to use her semblance on and no need to teach someone how to be a successful criminal. Yet Neo doesn't even seem to be considering the idea.

Maybe Neo never was exaggerating all those times she said she needed Ruby. Maybe Neo really does need her. Ruby feels a smile work its way onto her face as she holds Neo and is held in turn.

Ruby right now is entirely dependent on Neo. Without her, Ruby will be caught by Atlas in minutes and either thrown into a hole somewhere she can never escape or possibly even executed to transfer the power of the Fall Maiden to someone loyal. Yet somehow that also feels freeing in a way nothing has in over a month.

Because Neo doesn't care about the Fall Maiden or Ruby's silver eyes. Neo doesn't care about Ruby Rose, the chosen one. She cares about Ruby, the person. Who she cared about before knowing what Ruby's eyes do, and before she gained the powers of Fall from Cinder. Neo doesn't care if Ruby doesn't want to be trapped by the responsibilities of her role; she doesn't care in the least about whether Ruby's fate seems predestined. Ruby around Neo is free from expectation and free from judgment.

All of this is temporary, of course. Once Ruby has rescued the others, then she will have to return to being Ruby Rose, the role rather than the person. Ultimately, Ruby's enemy is Salem, not Ironwood, and her role is to train until there is nothing more to be gained, fight until she can fight no longer and then die to a chosen successor. Ruby Rose can never really be free of her burden.

Yet as Neo holds her and the thought of Vanilla rather than Ruby committing crime and arranging a prison break fills Ruby's mind, she finds it is possible for the first time to ignore that. Ruby will hold onto this ephemeral freedom that looks like pink eyes and lies close to her chest for the tiny fragment of time she will have with it.

As Neo lets go of Ruby, still infused by joy, Ruby finds herself smiling in kind. All of this is so temporary, so momentary, that there is no reason for Ruby to fear it. Why for the tiny bit of time Ruby has to be whatever she wishes should she not jump into it?

So ready to undermine Atlas partner? Neo asks, smiling at Ruby.

Yep. Ruby replies.

Of course, they don't do anything for the rest of the day other than a bit more research and Neo giving Ruby a bit of instruction about what to do around other criminals. But Ruby finds that despite how objectively awful their situation is, she feels anticipation rather than dread.

The nightmare of her friends being killed in prison, cursing her name for failing to save them, does somewhat sour Ruby's mood for the start of the next day. Ruby's been dealing with nightmares both waking and sleeping for a long time though, so it doesn't keep her down.

Ruby's mind has yet to conjure anything worse than being burned alive, so it's not like it can match reality in terms of awfulness.

The next day consists of signing out of the hotel in yesterday's illusions before switching over to Vanilla and Strawberry to meet some rather shady people, exchanging what seems like a lot of lien, even if Neo doesn't seem to care, to get people working on identity papers for them.

It then switches directly to shopping for clothes so Neo doesn't need to keep creating those on top of her and Ruby's current outfits. Putting clothes on in a changing room as Vanilla is a fundamentally strange experience.

Even though Vanilla as a person doesn't exist except as a part of Neo's imagination projected over Ruby, it still feels strange looking in the mirror to see someone else. Trying out clothing, as said other person feels even weirder.

Happy with your choices, Vanilla?

Do we actually need to do this over sign language?

Of course we do. Even if most people don't bother, some people do actually know sign language, you know. It's not like it's a code.

I guess so... Strawberry. This will definitely take some getting used to.

Also, doing it this way gets you more used to the name. Otherwise, someone might say it, and you won't be responsive.

Did you have that problem?

Nah, I wanted my actual name for a while before anyone actually said it. It just felt freeing rather than jarring.

Oh, that sounds nice. What would that be like, Ruby wonders. Neo chose who she wanted to be entirely, her looks, her actions and even her name.

Of course, Ruby could consider the whole Vanilla thing to be a bit like that, but there is one key difference. Vanilla is a play, she is quite literally an illusion, not real. Neo, on the other hand, is Neopolitan, not Trivia. Vanilla and Strawberry may be theatre, but Neo actually remade herself.

Is that why Neo became so attached to Roman originally? Because he was the first person to not just expect but encourage Neo to be Neo rather than Trivia. Someone who let Neo be free rather than chain her to who she was supposed to be.

Neo told Ruby on the fight to Atlas that her chains are of her own making, yet at the time, that seemed to be something that still restricted the freedom that Neo cares about so much, yet is that really true?

If those chains are there, not out of obligation or need, but choice, and remain unbroken purely because Neo appreciates their existence then how can Neo be anything but free?

Roman let you be free, didn't he? Ruby comments to Neo as they walk to the hotel they are sticking at for the day.

If he didn't, I would never have cared for him.

I mean that he kinda served as proof of your freedom, right? He was the proof that you were who you wanted to be, no matter what anyone else thought.

Roman never made me do anything I didn't want to do. He saw me as I was without the need for words. I never needed to hide or pretend. The fact I could choose to leave Roman whenever I wanted was part of the reason I never ever wanted to.

Do you ever miss Trivia?

Neo shakes her head without a moment of hesitation.

I can understand that I think. Ruby replies. Why would anyone who had finally grasped freedom miss their cage?

I know you can. It's part of what makes you so intresting.

I shouldn't, though. I was never trapped like you were. I didn't have to lockpick my own room or escape my house to be independent. I have never not had a choice.

When did you first decide you were going to be a huntress?

I don't remember ever considering anything else.

Were you ever offered anything else? Did you have a single person who didn't expect you to be a huntress in your life?

No.

Then you never had a choice to begin with.

Of course I did.

Who is Ruby Rose if you take out being a huntress or wanting to be?

Ruby stops walking and tries to think of an answer.

She likes strawberries and cookies? She enjoys making weapons? There must be more to her than that. Ruby can't just be a few favourites and a hobby if you remove what is meant to be her career. She enjoys reading comics and playing video games. Ruby's mind goes blank. That can't be it. She must have more than that if she just thinks about it harder.

What does she want, though?

Her friends safe. The world safe. The people she cares about to be happy. To live up to Mum. Ruby stops after that last bit. She shouldn't have said that, it's too personal. It's not like Neo understands caring about her parents anything.

So you want to give and give and give and hope that's enough to live up to a memory then? Do you live for yourself? You care about your friends and your family and everyone else, but what about Ruby? What's left for her?

I don't know.

Do you want to find out?

Does she? Can she allow herself to? Would that not be selfish? Would that not be wrong?

Maybe?

I won't judge, don't worry. Do you want to be happy?

Do I deserve to be?

Who cares? If you really are as free as you say you are, then that shouldn't be a question that even occurs to you.

I guess I'm not that free, then. Ruby is free to be exactly what she was born to be. She is free to die as who she is supposed to be. She is free to choose the choices that were never choices at all.

Do you want to be?

Ruby Rose is the Fall Maiden. She is a silver eyed warrior descended from a line of warriors against the grimm. She was raised by a family of huntsmen from the day she was born. She never dreamed of anything but being a hero like the tales she was told about her mum and the stories she read. Ruby Rose is exactly who she was born to become.

Yes.

Chapter Text

Neo is stuck in Mantle. Cannot go outside without an illusion unless she wants to be immediately arrested, and the only person she has to rely on probably never even broke the law by littering before the last couple of months.

Suffice to say, Neo is probably the happiest she has been since that wonderful moment when Ruby left Cinder dying painfully in Haven.

Because she finally has Ruby as she wants to. A new partner in crime, a new dream worth following, a new person who understands her.

It almost makes Neo not want to let Ruby break the others out of whatever dungeon they got thrown into. Because Neo is sure that the second Ruby is around people who have expectations of who she is meant to be, she will try to retreat back into herself.

At the same time though, the idea of breaking into wherever Atlas put their highest priority prisoners and arranging a prison break does sound absolutely delightful. It takes her back to some of Roman's more ambitious schemes.

If Neo's really lucky, then Ironwood will have been an awful enough person to actually kill any of them. If her friends are safe, there is no chance that Ruby would be willing to kill him, but if not. Well, it probably won't beat seeing Ruby execute Cinder, but it would still be a wonderful sight.

Even if that doesn't happen though, Ruby is proving just as eager as Neo was to learn how to do crime well. She really does take in information like a sponge. Which shouldn't be surprising considering how quickly she learned how to integrate parts of Neo's fighting style into hers, or the shockingly fast way she picked up sign language.

When Ruby wants to learn something, she easily proves why she managed to keep up with her peers at Beacon despite being two years younger. The only thing Neo's not seen Ruby pick up quickly is what Ozpin wanted her to learn from his magic lessons back in Mistral.

Neo can see why, though. As much as Ruby pretends she wants to do her duty and be the good person she imagines herself as, she also doesn't really want to be the Fall Maiden. Ruby rejects the role she was cast into, even as she tries to fit herself into its shape.

Ruby was trapped not by chains or locks or guards but by expectation, duty and obligation. Which is why having her around now is so delightful.

Because her little prison break, for all she might pretend it's for the good of the world or some such, is selfish. Ruby honestly doesn't care if she hurts more people than she helps getting her friends free, and is willing to hurt people if they can't be freed.

Don't kill him.

Of course, Ruby still isn't perfect, but what can you do? It's not like Roman didn't have his own faults.

He's an Atlas solder, ending him would be doing him a favour. Neo looks down at the guard, who is struggling to get up from his position, having been slammed against a wall.

Don't justify the fact you want to kill people by saying it would be a good thing, especially when it is obviously not. We came here to download the prisoner data, not to murder people.

But what if he says something about who attacked him?

What two people who look nothing like us and who avoided using our signature weapons?

He's seen us talking in sign language, though.

And whose fault is that?

Neo notices the guard is going for his sidearm and, using the cane she decided to use as a weapon for this outing, smashes it out of his hand. He probably won't mind the broken fingers too much.

Yours for telling me not to kill him.

Ruby, who is cloaked in an illusion that makes her look nothing like herself, just seems annoyed at that comment.

Just knock him out.

Your wish is my command. Neo signs before smacking the guard's head with the cane. Luckily, Ruby doesn't mind giving people permanent brain damage anywhere near as much as she does killing them.

To be fair, that is probably more because Ruby doesn't think about the consequences of knocking someone out with blunt force than any moral principle, but Neo is certainly not pointing it out. Ruby can have a crisis of morality at some point later when she actually thinks about it, but for now, it's not Neo's problem.

Looks like that data is done downloading. Neo notes taking the USB out of the terminal.

A few minutes later, two Atlas government employees walk out of the Mantle Ministry of Justice for their lunch break entirely innocently. A USB drive sitting in one of their pockets.

You think that will have where they're being kept? Ruby asks.

It will if they are in any Mantle-based prison or most Atlas ones. It's possible there might be some facilities on Atlas that don't have any records down here though. Neo points out.

You mean the type they might keep people who can do magic like Oscar and Qrow? Ruby replies.

Yep. Still, if they're not in any of the data we just got, then we will have a very good idea of where not to look. Which is better than what we had before now. Neo replies.

Eventually, Ruby and Neo get back to the hotel they are staying in. In the forms of Vanilla and Strawberry, of course, since those are their public use identities.

So, how did it feel being a terrible evil criminal and hurting all those Atlas soldiers?

It was only really the ones in the security room and guarding the database. It's not like we hurt any civilians or killed anyone. Ruby replies.

Do you know what they call criminals who only hurt police and soldiers when committing crime?

What?

Criminals.

Yes, we broke the law, I know. Ruby waves off the comment, and Neo couldn't be more proud. She really came so far from the person who got Roman killed. Would Ruby from back then even recognise herself now?

Sadly, the answer is probably yes. Ruby is fundamentally a good person, no matter how much Neo might push her. Of course, living in Mantle for a bit has given Ruby enough chances to see the dark side of the Atlas military to not stop her from hurting them if need be. Ruby will never be the type of person who can hurt someone who's done nothing to her, though.

Thankfully, as long as she can justify that the people she's fighting are bad people, she has no problems with that. Though she's not a big fan of killing unless she sees the person she's fighting as a monster.

Like Neo. Or in terms of people Ruby might actually end up killing, people working for Salem.

Do you think I'm a good person Ruby?

Of course not.

Do you think you're a good person?

If I were a good person, I'd hate what we've been doing, right? Even if the only things we ever actually destroyed fully were robots and no people died.

I don't know. I've never been a good person, so I can't say what a good person would think.

Yeah, but it's not like I can ask anyone else?

A better question is are you happy doing what we are doing?

How could I be happy knowing most of my friends are locked up by Atlas somewhere?

The same way I could be while Roman was locked up by Atlas. You know we are going to get them back, and what happened to them isn't your fault, so there is no reason to let that make you miserable.

I guess you aren't wrong. Somehow I do actually feel lighter during this whole screwed up situation that I did when things were going how they were meant to.

In that case, it sounds like you're happier like this. So if a good person would hate this, then who cares? It's much better to have a life worth living than one where you are a 'good' person.

That almost sounds nice, but I feel like taking life advice from you is questionable.

Even if it makes you happier?

You only care about yourself and me, as far as I can tell. You don't want to make anything better or help anyone. You act like consequences are for other people. If everyone was like you, society wouldn't work.

How could you say I don't want to help anyone after helping you so much? Neo replies, smirking at Ruby before answering seriously. You're right that I don't care about anyone else. Laws and stuff are important so that we don't all die to grimm, but that's true in a general sense, not a personal one. Some people will follow a system and be perfectly happy, and others will end up hollowed out by trying to be what the world wants them to be. I, and I suspect you are the latter, to be who society wants, I would need to kill most of myself. I care about me more than any sort of common good.

You understand how that harms everyone else, though?

Yep, I am a monster, but I am also a monster who knows what she wants and is happy with her life. I would take being a happy monster over an unhappy good person any day.

How many people have you actually killed? Ruby asks, taking a seat on the sofa in their hotel room and looking contemplative.

Directly or indirectly?

Either?

Well in terms of people I personally killed, probably high double digits or low triple digits, I never really counted. Indirectly, I was responsible for two Atlas capital ships being shot down, which is already well over 1000 people. When you consider the fact me and Roman also turned off the IFF of those Atlas robots and got the third ship to crash? At least thousands of people, maybe tens of thousands, depending on how many people the robots ended up shooting and how many extra grimm breached Vale as a result.

Ruby, despite having rationally known what Neo had done in the past, still stares at her in horrified shock.

Neo sits down next to Ruby and leans against her. Despite Ruby's horror, she doesn't recoil from Neo.

You really are a monster, huh?

Yep, not including people directly working for Salem, I am probably one of the most evil people alive if we are working on that metric. I don't actually care though, and I can tell neither do you really.

Of course I care.

So you'll give me up to Atlas for my crime against their citizens?

No.

Do you dislike me as a person?

I should.

That means you don't.

I should despise you.

Fundamentally, you at some point subconsciously decided you value me more than all those lives I ended. Because you know you need me, because you have managed to feel happier around me than all those good people of yours and because ultimately you want someone who cares about you as you are rather than as you should be.

I'm not a good person, am I? Ruby signs after thinking for a few moments.

You don't need to be. If you want to do good, then do it, and if not, then don't. I'll stay by your side either way.

Ruby, after a few seconds delay, nods, but Neo notices tears escaping her eyes. Neo shifts to hold Ruby against her and wipes away her tears, letting Ruby sink into her embrace.

They stay like that for a while, Neo comforting Ruby as she tries to cope with no longer knowing quite who she is. Eventually though, tears dry and Ruby gets up.

We should look through the data we stole.

Neo nods. As nice as trying to help Ruby live for her own sake is, they do still have a task to get on with. Neo takes out the USB drive and plugs it into a laptop they had bought earlier.

Searching through the data, it does include a lot of fascinating and concerning things about the Atlas prison system. Such as a concerning amount of people being arrested for being 'political dissidents'. What it does not reveal, however, is the location of any of Ruby's friends.

What now? Ruby asks. She looks disappointed but unsurprised.

Neither of them really expected the group to be held in a public prison, especially not Oscar and Qrow. Still not checking would have been a massive blunder if they had assumed incorrectly.

We probably won't be able to find the data by downloading databases or anything. If we want to find them, we are going to need to get people with access. The problem with that is it's possible only Ironwood and his direct subordinates actually know anything.

So what? We get up to Atlas and just threaten Ironwood or Winter?

That would probably lead to them not saying anything, and the Ace Ops being called on us. We can keep that as a last resort, but probably best not. For now it might be best to try to get some allies. Remember that group that speaking out against the Atlas military to redistribute supplies to rebuilding Mantle's wall rather than wherever they're currently going?

Ruby nods.

Whatever those supplies are going towards is really confidential. We could try to meet up with them and some other resistance groups to try and see if they've pieced anything together that we haven't.

Do you think they would?

Probably not, but it's possible they have more than we do. Frankly, it's that or try to hack Ironwood's personal computer. I get the sense that he's the type to have actual security there though, so that would both blow our cover and probably not work.

So our options are networking with criminals and political dissidents to see if we can get something there, or doing something dumb like directly assaulting the military on Atlas and hoping that gets us something.

Yep.

I guess getting whatever support and information we can is better than trying anything suicidal. It just feels so long, though.

The great thing about people being in prison is that they don't move much. While it would be nice to break them out sooner, their circumstances should be the same either way. Better slow and successful than going fast and failing.

Ruby nods even if she doesn't seem that happy about it.

You know we really need to find something more affordable than staying in hotels constantly. Neo comments.

You haven't seemed to be struggling for money so far.

No, but we don't know how long this will go on and aside from my savings, we don't have a good source of income unless you want to add robbery to your ever-growing list of crimes.

I would rather not do that.

In that case, we should probably find somewhere to stay for the mid-term.

Is our paperwork good enough to actually rent somewhere?

It should be.

Guess I can add that to the things I didn't expect to be doing in Atlas list.

That must be a rather massive list at this point.

It is.

So how are we spending the rest of the day? Neo decides to ask. Renting and criminal contacts seem more like a tomorrow problem than a today one.

I believe it's my turn to choose TV channels.

I assume you'll be watching cartoons for the rest of the day then?

We also need to eat at some point, but sure why not? I just broke into a high security Atlas building and stole from them, I believe I deserve the opportunity to watch cartoons.

Enjoy.

I know for a fact you enjoy them too, Neo.

Lies and slander.

If that's true why do you keep watching them with me?

Because there isn't anything else to do here.

You have a scroll and a laptop, also the hotel room has some books around it. Not sure if they're any good though.

Exactly, nothing.

Just admit you like my taste in TV.

Never.

If you don't, I will just put on the news.

That is literally just the Atlas propaganda channel. I miss the news in Vale, they actually did things of value.

In that case, you shouldn't have helped try to destroy the city. Now we just have to cope with the Atlas News Service instead.

You're not actually going to put that on, right?

Ruby does, in fact, put on Atlas's state news.

"The election campaign between Jacques Schnee and Robyn Hill continues to heat up. Currently, Robyn maintains her lead in the polls but--"

Fine, I enjoy the cartoons more than this. Please change the channel.

As you wish, my friend in good taste. Ruby replies, changing the channel off the news.

You were right earlier about not being a good person, you are obviously evil.

Ah yes, as we all know, it is not crime or murder that determines morality, but pushing you to watch the TV shows I like.

I'm happy you understand.

Ruby Rose is definitely not perfect as far as partners in crime go, but Neo finds herself happy with her nonetheless.

Even if she does slightly regret agreeing to swap who chooses the TV channels every day.

Chapter Text

So what have we got lined up for today? Ruby questions Neo, who's sitting on the flat their renting's sofa.

Nothing.

What do you mean nothing, we never have nothing to do.

We do today. We don't have any big heists to plan since taking the prison data, we've finished all the admin for the flat we're in, and I'm still waiting for the contacts I've made to get back to us for meetings or opportunities. We have already raided any of the obvious places we might be able to find information on where your friends are, unless we want to assault Atlas Academy. We are free.

No one has any jobs for us in exchange for information or other useful stuff?

Nope, we've done all the low-hanging fruit. Unless someone new comes out of the woodwork or any of the people we've reached out to get back to us, there is no need for us to hurt or steal from Atlas for any reason other than fun.

After how hectic things have been, trying to find info and make sure that Atlas doesn't have too many clues about where she and Neo could be, the idea of having nothing at all to do is odd.

I guess we can just stick here, and you can go over some of the stuff I should know that you haven't taught me yet.

I could. I'm sure you could do with a few more lessons on social engineering.

I know it's useful, but knowing how to manipulate people better still feels weird.

It's important though, knowing how to get people to do what you want is almost essential, especially for people like us. It's not like what I've gone over regarding acting like other people is less manipulative.

I mean, yeah, but I need to know that so I can not get caught by Atlas. Knowing how to fake expressions and appear sincere when I'm not feels less bad than learning how to scam people out of their personal information, and the most effective ways to divert guilt.

Both might keep you alive one day.

I know.

If it helps, you've been getting quite good at them. I guess I could have guessed you would be good at acting, considering you managed to be me for a day without any of your friends noticing.

I feel like that's a slight against them as much as a compliment to me.

Kinda, you and I are both good at acting, but the fact that your teammates couldn't tell the difference between you and me is really embarrassing. I mean I would argue I know you very well at this point, so it's not entirely their fault, but it wasn't your sister's best moment. Though you do need to get some credit. You make a great Neo.

Is me making a good you a good thing?

I mean, I'm fantastic, so the fact you can live up to that reflects well on you.

Yay, I can live up to the sadist I'm a roommate with.

I know, though, considering how much you seem to enjoy violence, I'm not sure you're that much less sadistic than I am. You just have more shame than me.

I feel like having more shame than you is a very good thing, considering you're everything.

Ah, but who enjoys life more, me or you?

Are you telling me that I should embrace sadism to be happier?

Would it make you happier?

I feel like out of all the ways to be happy, hurting other people is not the correct method.

You can't tell me you didn't enjoy the times we've beaten up robots and soldiers over the last few weeks.

That's different. They deserved it, and we needed to. Anyway, it would have been nicer if I didn't need to focus on you as much as the people I'm fighting to make sure you didn't kill anyone.

The fact you are constantly aware of me while we are fighting together is good for teamwork.

Are you suggesting that you forcing me to stop you killing people is a training exercise? Because that would be stupid.

Nope, I just wanted to kill some members of Mantle's least valuable occupation. Anything you got from that was entirely incidental.

Ruby rolls her eyes at that one.

Don't knock homicide as a hobby until you've tried it. Killing people who have tried to fight you and failed miserably is both fun and satisfying.

I'm not doing that.

I know. Sadly, it will take me many years to make you less boring.

I still won't be doing that even if I'm with you for decades.

Disappointingly, you're probably right about that. Your loss.

Ruby should really be significantly less comfortable with Neo admitting she would like to convince Ruby to kill people than she is. To be fair, part of that is that it's just not happening. In fact, Ruby's so far managed to even keep Neo from killing anyone, talk about killing someone herself.

I think that's a loss I'm happy to accept.

Yes, yes, you like to pretend to be a good person, I know.

I'm not a good person, Neo. If I was, then I would not be learning how to do crime better from you.

I think you just have high standards for what a good person is. Saying that, I would guess that most good people are nowhere near as good at pickpocketing as you are, so maybe I stand corrected.

I can't believe you convinced me to learn how to do that.

You can't deny that when we do the prison break, the ability to steal a key or keycard from the guards without them noticing could be the difference between getting your friends out or not. Anyway, you are extremely naturally talented at it. If you were less morally upstanding, you could probably pay our rent just by walking around a few markets and stealing from anyone who looks wealthy.

I'm not doing that.

I know, you have a conscience, shame, and aren't desperate. I'm just saying you totally could if you wanted to.

Wow, I've always dreamed of being a pickpocket, really aiming high there.

I bet you would still enjoy that more than being caged by Atlas and used as a weapon against Salem, though.

Yes, I would also enjoy it more than being stabbed to death. Your point?

That was what would have happened if Ironwood hadn't ambushed us, and things went as intended when we got here.

At least I would still have my other friends, though.

True, but if all goes well, then we will get to have all of them and avoid that for you. We just need to find them.

It sounds so easy when you say it like that.

We'll get there eventually.

We have to. Anyway, what are we going over?

How about nothing?

That seems a bit wasteful.

Nah, everyone needs rest days. Sure, we often watch TV or play video games after I teach you things, or we do a job, but that's not the same. So I'm suggesting today we do no work and instead just relax and go out for a nice meal later.

When you say a nice meal, you're not going to suggest we dine and dash. Again.

I said that one time as a joke. The fact you took it seriously is no one's fault but your own.

It's not my fault you totally seem like the type of person to do that.

No, I'm not. I'll have you know I'm a classy criminal. I would only do that if the food and service at where I ate was extremely disappointing.

So you admit you would do it.

Only to places that deserve it.

Ruby facepalms. Neo's standards for what deserves crime and what doesn't are such a mess that just thinking about it gives Ruby a headache.

You know, considering how long he put up with you, Roman must have had the patience of a saint.

Nope, he just knew how to appreciate a good thing.

A good thing being you being a manic 90% of the time?

Hey, I'll have you know I'm a manic 40% of the time at most.

Why do I put up with you?

Because you enjoy my presence?

You spend your time tormenting me.

Yep, as you've already mentioned, I'm a sadist, what do you expect?

From you? Immence annoyance.

Aww, you know me so well.

I know, it's becoming concerning.

Neo laughs silently before tapping Ruby to put an illusion over her while swapping her form to Ruby's. Looking down, Ruby can clearly see Neo swapped their looks.

So am I supposed to start encouraging you to murder people and mess with random strangers for the hell of it now? Ruby asks.

I'll have you know I only bring up murder as a subject once you've already brought it up. You just keep doing that.

Oh yeah, never mind. I'll just tell you that you should totally try being someone else for a bit because you seem unhappy as yourself. This is a normal conversation topic.

But am I wrong, though?

That's not the point.

What actually is the point?

I will get back to you on that.

As enlightening as this conversation has been we should actually do something.

I thought today was a do nothing day.

As in have a walk, watch a movie, pickpocket some random people, you know.

You lost me at that last one.

If you want, you can always put the money back afterwards or just add something without taking anything. Roman used to have business cards he left when he pickpocketed people. I think he found it funny.

Why is it that when I started Beacon, I had to deal with domestic terrorism Roman, rather than vagely entertaining master thief Roman? He probably would have still been really annoying either way, but still.

Cinder.

At least she's dead.

I know, it's great. You should kill more people, blood looks good on you. Admittedly, I don't think anything can quite live up to killing Cinder, but still.

If we meet anyone from Salem's cult, then sure. I really would not mind killing Emerald. Until then, no, still not killing people.

Fine. So shall we go?

Sure Strawberry.

Then let's go Vanilla. Neo responds before putting the correct illusions over the two of them.

As nice as going outside as herself would be, she doesn't really feel like fighting the Ace Ops this afternoon, so Vanilla Ruby shall be. Still, Ruby's sure she can find some fun things around once she gets over the usual depression of Mantle's dystopian vibes and all the cameras. She's not pickpocketing people, though. Neo might not, but Ruby does have some standards.

With that decided, Ruby picks up Crescent Rose and gets ready to leave.

Neo gives Ruby a look.

What?

An illusion of Crescent Rose appears in Neo's hands.

She is coming with me. What if we get ambushed?

Neo facepalms.

Just put an illusion over Crescent Rose again.

Ruby.

We agreed I could take Crescent Rose when we are doing anything high risk.

We are going for a walk, maybe doing some shopping, maybe watching a movie and then getting food. That is not high risk.

You never know.

Illusion or not, Crescent Rose is the least subtle weapon ever made. I respect how lethal your scythe is, but we have talked about this.

You get to keep Hush.

Yes, because with an extremely minor illusion, Hush is entirely subtle, with Crescent Rose, I need to take liberties. It's not like you won't have a weapon.

Look, I made Lions Tooth, and she is a beautiful weapon, but she's not Crescent Rose. A rapier that can fold into a bat is subtle, sure, but you didn't even let me add a gun.

You know what adding guns to weapons that are meant to be used to take people down without raising an alarm does?

Makes them harder to hide while not helping in what they're meant to achieve. I know.

It's a perfectly good weapon. I mean, I think our recent data theft speaks for itself.

Of course she's a good weapon, I made her. I just feel a bit naked without the stopping power Crescent Rose has.

You say that like you aren't lethal with Lions Tooth, if we end up fighting robots or soldiers, it's not like they can stop either of us, even without Crescent Rose. If the Ace Ops find us, the plan is to run, not stand and fight. I know you love her, but not today.

Fine, you win. Ruby admits, folding Lions Tooth away into her coat. Ruby notices Neo hugging Hush as she does so. Receiving a glare from Ruby.

You're just jealous.

Hush doesn't even have a gun in it. What is there to be jealous of?

Neo snickers in response to that.

After Neo quickly checks over herself and Ruby to make sure everything is in place, the two set off.

The ice cream place nearby is meant to be good. Neo notes choosing a direction.

Why is ice cream available around here? It seems a bit cold for it.

So you're saying you don't want any?

Strawberry, what do you think?

That I should get you my namesake.

If you would. Ruby agrees.

Once they make it to the shopping street, the two shortly find and enter the ice cream parlour. Ruby gets Strawberry, and Neo ends up getting vanilla.

I know for a fact that isn't your favourite flavour. Ruby points out.

I enjoy variety.

You just find it funny. Don't you.

Neo gives Ruby a thumbs-up.

Thinking about it, you getting me ice cream was the first time we met up without attacking each other. Ruby contemplates.

From what I remember, you tried to stab me before you even saw I got you ice cream.

You caught me at a bad moment.

I'm not sorry.

You never are.

I'm always right, so there is no need for me to ever be sorry.

I feel like that is factually untrue.

You wound me sis.

Really Strawberry?

What, can I not expect support from my only sibling?

Nope.

I can't believe I'm related to such a cold person. Neo puts the hand not holding her ice cream cone to her heart.

You know what they say. You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family.

Neo snorts. Vanilla, are you suggesting you don't want to be related to me?

I would never.

What's it like?

What's what like?

Being part of a family.

Ruby's momenterially caught off guard by that question. I guess you wouldn't know.

Unless being relieved when they blow up is normal, then no. I don't.

It's nice. You have people who love you unconditionally. You can ask for help when you don't know something or can't do something. You're supported, I guess.

Is it really unconditional, though?

It should be.

I think if I played along with being who my parents wanted. If I spoke when they asked, and wore a brown contact lens every day. If I acted like a doll for them. I think they would have loved me.

In that case, they never would have loved you. Just a person they made up.

I know, there's a reason I'm happy they're dead. In the end, Roman was family to me much more than they ever were. Though calling him family feels almost like demeaning him, considering what they were.

And me?

We both know the relationship between Vanilla and Strawberry.

I don't mean that. I mean me.

I would kill for you.

You do that for your own entertainment. That's like saying you would eat ice cream for my sake.

You're everything, just like Roman was everything. Because without someone, I'm... Neo doesn't finish her sentence.

I understand. To have no one who knows you. That would feel like being nothing. Just a mask or a shell rather than a person.

Neo finishes her ice cream, biting through the last bit of shell before looking at Ruby and smiling brightly. I know you do.

The two spend a bit more time walking around once they finish their ice creams. Trying out Mantle street food and doing some window shopping. Eventually, Neo and Ruby end up spotting a theatre.

As she sees some of the adverts outside, Neo breaks down into giggles.

What's funny?

Neo walks up to one of the ad boards and taps it.

Man of Iron - a story of Ironwood's journy from civilian to soldier to general.

Creatively named. Ruby notes.

How much of that do you think is pure fantasy?

I'm sure it's based only on facts and isn't just pure propaganda. Ruby fails to keep an entirely straight face.

Neo walks into the theatre, creates the illusion of two tickets to see Man of Iron because both Ruby and Neo agree that it doesn't deserve money and go to watch a film that was not marketed as a comedy.

Fortunately, the cinema isn't that full, which means Neo and Ruby get seats without anyone sitting next to them. Something that means they don't bother anyone when they spend the entire movie ruthlessly mocking it in sign language.

Do you think anyone has ever actually watched that for fun, or do people just watch it to seem patriotic? Ruby asks.

I'm hoping that it's the latter. The idea of people watching that unironically is viscerally horrifying.

Ah yes, torture, fine. Dead bodies, no problem. Ironwood's dramatised biography. Absolutely horrifying.

Vanilla, are you suggesting that putting that on in front of someone without giving them a way to escape isn't torture?

Ruby stops to think for a few seconds. You know what. You're right. That would be inhumane.

Neo gives Ruby a satisfied nod at having her opinion validated.

After a bit more walking about, Neo taps Ruby. We should go somewhere fancy for dinner.

Why?

To celebrate our successful heist and getting a medium-term residence.

That does seem worth celebrating. Ruby agrees.

After a bit of looking around and checking their scrolls, Neo and Ruby find a sufficiently fancy and nice-seeming place. After taking a seat, they get their menus.

I'm getting the apple juice.

Really Vanilla.

What?

It's a celebration. Get something nice.

Apple juice is nice.

At least get a cocktail or something. I refuse for my first post-crime celebratory dinner with you to be one where you get apple juice.

I'm 17

Actually, according to your ID, you are an adult who is above legal drinking age.

Wait really?

Yeah, having either of us be underage seemed like it would create a bunch of problems and no solutions, so Vanilla and Strawberry are both adults.

Huh, still don't want any. Alcohol tastes bad.

Have you tried it?

I've tried a bit of what Qrow has once or twice. It tasted awful.

Of course it did. That man practically drinks hand sanitiser. I promise actual nice drinks are nothing like that.

I'm still actually underage, though.

Vanilla, you have assaulted Atlas military personnel. Please don't pretend underage drinking is going past the moral event horizon.

Fine, if it tastes bad, I'm ordering apple juice, though.

Neo gives a thumbs up.

Ruby ends up ordering a cosmopolitan based on the name and nothing else. Based on how amused Neo seems at her choice, Ruby decided she's happy with it, even if it does taste terrible, like all her previous attempts at having alcohol.

Turns out it also actually tastes fairly nice too. Which does leave Ruby the question of why Uncle Qrow only drinks things that taste awful, but she can get him to answer that once he's safely free from prison.

You know, for a day where we didn't do anything, this was actually nice. Ruby admits as she and Neo get back to their flat.

How about once all of your friends are freed and we're out of here, we do this again. Just to celebrate.

Sure, not sure if you'll ever be able to find a movie quite as bad as Man of Iron, though.

You have a point, I don't think we can beat that. I'm sure we can find some other almost as bad movie to mock, though. Neo declares.

Ruby nods her head in agreement.

As the day comes to a close, Ruby finds herself looking forward to doing this again. Not that she needs any extra motivation to make sure their prison break goes well. No matter what Atlas puts in her way, Ruby will see her friends again.

Hopefully, none of them mind the fact that she did underage drinking.

Chapter Text

Shopping is a really weird activity to be doing while on the run from the government. It's needed, of course, she and Neo do need to have basic necessities and be able to do things like eat, but it doesn't change the fact that it's weird to think about.

To be fair, Vanilla isn't on the run from the government. Ruby is. As such, Vanilla doing her shopping is perfectly normal and doesn't attract any particular attention. It's slightly nerve-wracking to be doing said shopping without Neo, even if that's because Neo's currently trying to arrange things with people, and them constantly travelling as a pair makes them more likely to seem like Ruby and Neo as opposed to Vanilla and Strawberry. Neo can make an illusion long lasting and capable of surviving physical contact, as long as she doesn't have to fight grimm or get hit hard by a huntsman. Vanilla should stay Vanilla for as long as she needs to.

That doesn't change the fact that every time something brushes against her, there is a slight worry that Vanilla will shatter and Atlas will come down on Ruby like the wrath of the gods.

Not that she has to worry about that since all she has to do is walk back to the flat Neo is renting with the shopping that she bought legally, because as far as the world is concerned, Vanilla is not a criminal, even if Ruby is.

Of course, that assumes that walking back is event free, which, to be fair, is a reasonable assumption. None of Atlas's cameras, robots or police can see anything off with Vanilla, she is even close enough in shape to Ruby for heat sensors to not give her away. By all means, there should be no risk to Vanilla at all and no way for anyone to know there is anyone below Vanilla.

Sadly, no matter how unsuspicious Vanilla is, Ruby has terrible luck, so none of that matters. Something she finds out when a man walks into her, sending her shopping to the ground. Fortunately, the illusion doesn't break, terrifyingly, when Ruby looks up at said rude person, she finds it's one Clover Ebi, head of the Ace Ops.

"Oh, sorry, I guess even huntsmen can sometimes forget to look where they're going. Do you want help picking those up?" Clover asks, looking at the spilt groceries.

Vanilla mutely nods and tries to look slightly annoyed at the person who knocked into her, who has no reason to suspect she is Ruby Rose, a person who he is meant to try to arrest.

"Is that everything?" Vanilla looks to the ground and finding nothing left there nods before smiling slightly at Clover and then trying to walk off.

"Sorry, before you go, could I ask you some questions? You see, I don't normally walk into people, and I get the feeling I bumped into you for a reason," Clover says.

Despite the temptation to keep walking there is no way that wouldn't be seen as suspicious, so instead Vanilla turns around and mouths the word sure to Clover.

"I'm sorry I didn't quite catch that" Clover says.

Vanilla once more mouths the word sure, trying to make it seem like she is just whispering really quietly rather than not making a real sound at all.

"Oh, good, I'm sorry, do you have a speech impediment?" Clover asks curiously.

No, I just lost my voice. Vanilla mouths in response, hoping he will buy the lie.

"I'm sorry I didn't quite catch that"

Faining annoyance, Vanilla gets her scroll out and writes 'I'm sorry I lost my voice, I can only whisper quietly or write right now, I'm sorry if that makes me inconvenient to talk to, but I can still answer your questions if you want'

"You did? How did that happen?" Clover asks, sounding conversational rather than like someone who is responsible for the imprisonment of her friends and possibly herself if Ruby fails to appear to Clover as Vanilla.

Vanilla opens her mouth to talk before looking frustrated and writing instead, 'I got a bit ill and had a few slightly too loud discussions with people that my throat really didn't like. Could you ask your questions though? I do need to take my shopping home'

"Ah, yes, have you heard the names Ruby Rose or Neopolitan before?"

Like any smart criminals, Neo and Ruby have tried to stay aware of the hunt for them. Because of this, Ruby knows that the hunt for Neo is public, but Ruby's name has not been revealed, only that Neo has an accomplice.

'I think I might have heard something about Neopolitan on the news. Ruby Rose doesn't ring a bell though' Vanilla answers, making sure she looks slightly confused at the question rather than showing any recognition.

"Ok, could I see your ID please?"

Vanilla takes out her ID, which should appear legal both visually and in electronic systems.

Clover takes it, looks at it for a bit, and then nods.

'Could I go now?' Vanilla asks taking her ID back.

"Sure, after one more thing", Clover says before taking her arm and lightly cutting it with the folded up form of his weapon.

Vanilla stays perfectly still and does not allow her aura to block the attack. Blood lightly leaks out of her arm. Despite a moment of extreme nervousness, the illusion holds. Vanilla looks up at Clover in horror.

"I'm so sorry, I just had to test that", Clover says quickly, getting out a bandage and sealing the cut. "You can go"

Vanilla slips her hand out of his grasp, still shaking from the experience, then turns away from him, gripping her shopping closely and walks away from him.

She can faintly hear a "I was so sure, if it wasn't that what was this telling me?" come from Clover as she leaves.

Once Ruby lets herself into the flat, she finds herself hyperventilating at how close everything just came to unravelling due to random chance.

A few minutes later, Neo walks in, sees Ruby and suddenly looks very concerned.

Did something happen?

Guess who I bumped into a few minutes ago? Ruby replies.

Based on your current panic, I'm assuming no one good. You didn't need to kill anyone, did you?

No, but the head of the Ace Ops randomly walked into me while I was walking back here and questioned me.

I notice you're not currently covered in blood or being arrested by Atlas, so I assume you got away from him.

He asked some questions, I claimed I had lost my voice rather than being mute and that I only knew what I should for an Atlas citizen. At the end he cut me with his blade. I think he assumed it would break any illusion I was under. He left after that.

I guess it's a good thing I made sure your current shell was durable. If I hadn't made sure it wouldn't break easily due to me not being around to refresh it, then that would have been really bad.

Yep, almost had all of this ruined by complete random chance. Imagine that, not getting caught breaking in somewhere or fighting the Atlas military, but going shopping.

At least it was only an almost, we are going to have to be extra careful and worst come to worst, maybe make new identities if you end up being surveilled, but it could have been worse.

I know, but this is all so fragile. If I had handled that slightly differently or Clover had decided to try for a deeper cut, then that would have probably been it.

You could have taken him.

Probably if he didn't have any reinforcements around, but that still would have been time-consuming and would have ruined our cover.

It didn't, though.

Not this time, but how long until one of us does slip up? If either of us are seen for a second, then we will have to fight off half the military to get away.

This can't go on forever, but hopefully it doesn't have to. We just need to find where your friends are being kept and do the prison break, and then we can get out of Atlas.

Any progress on that?

I've managed to arrange us a meeting with one of Ironwood's critics tomorrow. Supposedly, he's been talking to the Happy Hunteresses, and they've learned about a secret project Ironwood is working on.

So they're just giving it to us?

No, I promised some of the prisoner data on where arrested political dissidents are and some numbers on that in exchange.

Good that the data we stole is coming in useful for something. Do you think this 'secret project' actually has what we want though?

Probably not, but it might be a lead. If we know what one secret project is called, we might be able to find it on Atlas's databases and get an idea of where to look for other ones.

Is the person trustworthy?

Seems to be, while it could be a trap, he doesn't know either of our actual identities and has been a known critic of Ironwood and the government with just enough political sway to not get in trouble for it.

Is this really the best we have?

Unless you want to go for plan steal Ironwood's computer and assume we can get in before we are tracked down with it, then this seems to be our best shot at progress.

The longer this takes, the more tempting that plan seems.

It's still suicidal, though.

I know, that's why I'm still going through with your slightly more sane idea.

Neo makes a face at that as if deciding whether to be offended at having her other idea implied to be insane before shrugging.

feeling better?

Ruby is caught off guard for a second before she realises she's returned to breathing normally and is feeling much calmer than before Neo arrived.

A little bit, yeah.

Now she's calm, Ruby realises she didn't actually put the things she bought away because she was too busy panicking, and so quickly unpacks those before walking over to sit down on the sofa of the flat she and Neo are currently renting.

Once she's done, Ruby takes a seat on the flat's sofa, swiftly joined by Neo.

Looking around the room, a thought comes to Ruby. You know, this place kinda reminds me of the place you took me in Mistral.

The one where I tied you to a chair and stabbed you in your vocal cords?

Yep, that one.

That was a good day.

Neo, you literally tortured me.

I know, and then you were texting me and forgiving me for hurting you before the day even ended.

I did that because I correctly deduced you would be useful against Cinder.

Just like I left you alive, partly for the same reason. I'm happy I didn't kill you, though.

I never would have guessed.

I mean, I was really tempted. I'm sure your corpse would have been just as satisfying in the moment, even if taking your voice from you was much more enjoyable in the long term.

You do always seem very impressed with yourself when you look at the scars you left.

Neo leans forward and traces said scars with her nails, lightly pressing into them just enough to leave a slight scratch. Why wouldn't I be happy with them? They're the best gift I've ever given someone.

Gift?

Would you rather that I never gave that to you, and you never got my assistance?

Would she? Without Neo, just what and who would Ruby be? Obviously, the whole Lionheart thing would have gone worse; Cinder would probably still be alive, Tyrian may have killed Ruby if the attack on the train still happened, and she would definitely be a prisoner of the Atlas government.

On the other hand, Ruby could still have talked to her team. Told her sister she loves her with the voice that feels so alien to think back to. Maybe she would have been happier without all of this.

Then again, if Neo cutting out her voice directly led to the one victory Ruby has had against Salem, then would it not be selfish to wish it didn't happen? If Ruby looks at its results, then it must be better for her to have suffered because the world is safer for it.

It probably led to more good than harm considering that we could only stop Lionheart and Cinder at Haven because of working with you.

Nope, I don't care about harm or good and for this question, neither should you. I didn't ask if the world is better off for it or whatever self sacrificing thought just went through your head. I want to know if, you personally, assuming events would go the same somehow without me, would have preferred I never did that to you.

Would Ruby be happy to permanently be rid of Neo in exchange for getting her voice back is the question Ruby takes from that. The correct answer to that question should be yes. If Ruby could lose the sadistic mass murder in her life and get her voice back that would obviously be fantastic. Yet the idea makes something in Ruby's chest feel like it's tearing.

If Ruby didn't have Neo, then what good things would she actually have in her life? Ruby supposes that without Neo, she would probably be closer to her sister. Maybe closer to her team, too. She would be just a little less apart from everyone else. Ruby would be slightly closer to the normality she had wanted. She wouldn't have a devil on her shoulder telling her to be a worse person. Yet at the same time, Ruby would have no one who sees the problem with Ruby putting everyone else first.

Ruby Rose with silver eyes and fire in her soul would be exactly who she should be. She wouldn't question if there is any value to her past the good she can do. She would act to help her team, to help her friend, to help civilians, to help the kingdoms and damm Ruby because what does she matter compared to all that. Ruby Rose would be good. Unstained, untainted, a storybook hero who lives up to the stories she heard as a child. No one would ever question if she's a good person, least of all herself.

Ruby would die silently, buried behind the mask of who she should be, who she must be, the person she is meant to be. Because no amount of good could ever be enough. Until the evil is defeated and the world is safe, she would have to keep going unbending until she inevitablly broke.

No, you have ruined me as a person and taken almost everything I cared about away from me, but still no. Because I think if that didn't happen, I would have died long before I even considered living. I hate you for that, you know. Showing me that I'm worth living for.

Neo smiles fondly at Ruby. I hate you for taking away the person who I thought was worth living for. In return, I did the cruellest thing I possibly could to you. I made you someone who, after taking all my cruelty, says she doesn't regret it. Honestly, I can't think of someone more perfect for me.

If, when we're free from Atlas, I decide to leave you and never look back. Would you stop me?

Of course not, I know you won't, but that's not because I can or will force you to stay with me. The only chains that matter are the ones we make ourselves, because those are the only ones you will never choose to escape.

You're very confident I will choose to stay by your side.

Neo shifts till there is almost no space between her and Neo. Will you.

Ruby almost wants to lie and say no out of spite, just to show Neo doesn't control her but Neo would see right through it. Nothing more pointless than a shoddy lie.

Neo's a murderer, torturer and sadist who cares for nothing aside from herself and what she sees as an extension of that. She's also someone Ruby cares for too much to ever leave or abandon. So Ruby says that singular damming word. Yes.

You need me. Neo's smile shows teeth.

No more than you do me. Ruby replies.

Of course. Though that does mean you don't get to die. I refuse to find myself someone else only for them to get killed again.

What did Roman say? Lie, Steal, Cheat, and Survive.

Exactly, do that.

Ok.

Ruby holds Neo against, and Neo does the same. Maybe Ruby is broken, but she can find a way to be happy despite that. She has Neo, and soon she'll free the rest of her friends. Ruby's not sure what she'll do then or who she'll be, but whatever the answer is, she will live for herself, not just everyone else. Even if she still chooses to do good.

Ruby finds herself smiling as she considers what future may be worth living.

In that moment, she forgets just how fragile Neo's illusions really are.

Chapter Text

Ruby and Neo had agreed to meet their contact at his home. It was a decision that neither Ruby nor Neo were fully happy with, but with how much of a surveillance state Atlas is, they couldn’t really disregard their contacts' concerns that speaking in any sort of public place about stolen data and secret Atlas projects would lead to all of them being arrested.

Sadly, the fact it’s a rational decision doesn’t make it feel any less ominous as Ruby, wrapped in the form of Vanilla, walks through the door of the house. The place isn’t quite a mansion, but its size and décor does make it clear the owner is well off, if not wealthy in the same way as a family like the Schnees.

“Hello, you would be Vanilla and Strawberry Dandelion, correct?” The Atlantean man asks as he opens the door for them. The man is tall, not massive, but still enough to loom over Neo and Ruby. He is dressed professionally and seems perfectly at ease letting Neo and Ruby into his home.

Ruby nods, as does Neo.

“Do you have the data?”

Neo takes out a USB drive with the agreed about data on it before putting it back in her pocket and looking at him expectantly.

“Fantastic. Come in and we can talk. I would rather not discuss anything with the door open. Would either of you care for tea before we talk?”

Neo nods and, seeing no reason to refuse, so does Ruby as the two walk in, closing the door behind them.

As the three take a seat at the man’s table, he turns on the kettle before turning back to Ruby and Neo. “Now, before anything else, my name is Apatite Iridescence, a pleasure to make your acquaintance”

Ruby notices that Neo keeps a close eye on the man while he makes the tea. Eventually, he walks over to the table, putting out cups for himself, Neo and Ruby.

“So down to business. I will be happy to share what I know about the Amity project if that contains what is promised,” Apatite says, looking to Neo’s pocket.

Neo takes out her scroll and shows a few of the names, places and causes of arrest taken from the data she stole.

Apatite smiles, “Fantastic, Atlas’s lack of transparency regarding prisoners and arrests has made displaying the level of tyranny the government displays hard to show to the public. Releasing that data will be a fantastic opportunity.”

‘As long as it isn’t traced back to us’ Ruby writes on her scroll before holding it up for Apatite to see.

“Of course not, ideally it won’t be traced back to me either, I would imagine all three of us know how illegal that data is to own”

Neo nods before pointing at Apatite and then herself.

“Ah, yes, my side of the deal. First, I assume both of you know about Amity Colosseum and its purpose at the Vytal Festival?”

Neo and Ruby both just give Apatite a look for that one.

“Right, of course you do, basically everyone does. What is interesting about Amity is that, despite it being years from the next festival, supposedly resources that should be going to repairing Mantle’s walls are currently being diverted towards it”

‘Do you know why?’ Ruby writes out.

“That’s the interesting thing, there is a total communications blackout over it. Amity’s location had to be found by a lot of digging because of how hidden it was, and despite taking enough resources to have delayed essential repairs to Mantle’s defences, no one at any point in the supply line seems to know what their working towards”

‘So it has to be some sort of secret project then’ Ruby notes

“Of course it is, the question is what sort of project would be worth letting so many people get killed by grimm breaches in Mantle for. The supply transports are consistently guarded by multiple hunters, and the amount of security around Amity itself is supposedly massive, not that I’ve had the chance to check personally. In terms of what it could be, my personal guess is some sort of super-weapon because what else would the military focus on so much at the expense of Mantle’s citizens? I can’t guess why they would be basing it off Amity, however”

Ruby turns to Neo. Based on how much security there is around this, it might be worth trying to work out what exactly it is or hijack one of the transports. Maybe we could use that as leverage to get Ironwood to let the others out.

It really depends just what Amity is, but that could be an idea.

“Not to interrupt your chat, but I believe I’ve filled my side of this deal. I will make sure to compile all the rest of the data I have on it to send to you, but I would quite like to get that prisoner data of yours” Apatite looks downright eager at the thought.

Ruby looks over to Neo, who, after a second's thought, takes out the USB and tosses it over to Apatite.

“Many thanks. I will make sure to put this to good use. Now, if there isn’t anything else to do, I will get you all the electronic data I have on Amity and then we can go our separate ways,” Apatite says, finishing his tea before standing up.

“Now, now, it would seem like such a disappointment to end such a fascinating conversation so soon. Originally, I had just come here for Apatite, but to get two extra bodies to display is such a wonderful blessing” Ruby freezes her hand going to Crescent Rose as she recognises the voice. Tyrian.

“Oh, why did you stop talking? Please don’t be silent on my account, I greatly enjoy conversation.” Tyrian continues after a moment of silence passes.

“A scorpion Faunus? Why are you in my house? If you don’t leave, I will have the authorities called on you,” Apatite shouts.

“Why am I here? Well, that’s because you have been a thorn in our good friend Ironwood's side. Now personally, I think he deserves as many thorns sticking out of his silly little metal bits as possible, but you would make a much better one dead than alive. So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to butcher you and your friends here. Please die screaming for my goddess” Before he finishes the final word, he’s already moving.

Apatite pulls a pistol out of his pocket and fires, but Tyrian twists around it before gutting Apatite before he gets the chance to get a second shot off. He doesn’t stop moving for a moment as he does, switching target straight to Ruby and Neo.

Ruby blocks Tyrian's swipe at her with Crescent Rose, the illusion hiding it shattering from the blow into shards before jumping back to avoid the stinger that attempts to impale her in the same moment.

For a moment, Ruby considers fleeing. If she fights Tyrian here, then there is no way she will be able to avoid drawing on the powers of Fall if she wants to win. Atlas will find her. Yet at the same time, in front of her is Tyrian. The person who poisoned Qrow and almost killed Weiss. Who just murdered a man right in front of her. While Ruby tends to frown upon the idea of killing people, this monster more than deserves death.

Of course, said thoughts run through Ruby's head as she avoids the torrent of strikes Tyrian sends at her. It doesn't take long before Ruby is forced to use her semblance to avoid a purple tinged blade cutting her in two.

"How wonderful, I here I thought I was hunting pawns, but it looks like I found a much more impressive piece. I cannot wait to take you back to my goddess little rose," Tyrian cackles as he pursues Ruby, recognising her weapon and semblance.

Before he can continue however, an illusion of Ruby appears in front of her as Neo lets the disguises of Vanilla and Strawberry shatter, not wanting to waste any of her semblance for the fight ahead.

As Tyrian shatters the illusion, Neo makes sure to make a number of duplicate Ruby's around the room, including cloaking herself in Ruby's familiar form.

As Ruby, Neo and their mirror images circle around Tyrian, he looks around the room, looking at the various illusions. "Ooh, tricksy aren't you."

After a moment of calm, Tyrian attacks the illusion Neo is hiding under. As he attacks, Neo opens Hush's canopy, the unexpected attack staggering Tyrian for a second, which Ruby uses to fling a lance of flame at him.

Without even turning around, Tyrian jumps over the lance, letting it disperse against Hush before using his tail to grab onto an illusionary Ruby, shattering it and using the momentum to drive himself back to the ground before launching a blistering assault on Neo.

Despite dancing around Tyrian's strikes and battering away his tail with Hush as she does so, Ruby can tell that it's a performance that Neo cannot maintain. Neo is one of the best fighters Ruby has ever met, but Tyrian is simply better. Not allowing Tyrian any more space, Ruby appears behind him swinging down with Crescent Rose, which Tyrian catches with his mechanical tail without turning around. Ruby responds by turning back into petals, letting his grip on her weapon dissolve, before appearing to his side and firing Crescent Rose.

Tyrian bends himself back in an almost grotesque manner, slipping under the bullet and kicking out at Neo in a way that forces her back in the same moment. While Ruby tries to explode the ground under Tyrian before it detonates, the man is already out of the way and back to swinging at her.

Ruby Petal Bursts back, avoiding his swing, but is whacked by his tail the second she reforms. She is forced to dig Crescent Rose's blade into the floor with a horrific screech to avoid flying into the wall.

Before Tyrian can take advantage of Ruby's momentary disorientation, Neo is upon him, Hush's blade flashing as she attempts to strike Tyrian. Rather than dodging the attack as he has been for the entire fight so far, Tyrian lets the blade strike against his arm in order to snake his arm around to grip Hush. His other bladed arm swings out as he pulls Neo towards him via Hush, its edge surrounded by a purple glow. Neo pulls Hush out of his grasp and twists to avoid the strike, yet Ruby can see a line of blood cut across Neo's arm. Nothing critical, but Ruby can see the grimace of pain on Neo's face as her aura fails to protect her in the least.

Seeing Neo's blood splatter across the floor, Ruby sees red. A pillar of flame bursts out of the ground under Tyrian, while he leaps out of the way she can see it burned a bit of his foot. Before he gets the chance to do anything further, Ruby manifests a wall of flame in front of her and throws it towards Tyrian. As Ruby summons balls of flame around her to throw in whatever direction Tyrian dodged, she is caught off guard as he dashes straight through the superheated flames she sent at him, his aura burning as he does. With the fire having blocked her view, Ruby finds herself barely able to block with Crescent Rose as Tyrian's blade slams into it, sending Ruby flying into the wall of the house. The wall cracks as Ruby's form slams into it, though she is forced to disperse into petals to avoid the tail that strikes at her the second she hits the wall.

As Ruby looks around, she realises she's lost sight of Tyrian. Shadows move around the smoke that is beginning to consume the room, as all the fire Ruby created consumes all the flammable ground around it. Ruby finds herself shooting Crescent Rose at where she hears Tyrian's mad cackling and heavy footsteps, yet the shots find their way into nothing but walls and furniture.

Neo's hand closes around Ruby's wrist and pulls her out of the way as Tyrian swings his purple covered blades through where she was a second ago, blocking his next strike with Hush's canopy, though the force of it sends Neo skidding back.

With Tyrian beside her and Neo sent backwards, Ruby summons all the fires around the house to come flying at her, creating a firestorm around herself that burns Tyrian and forces him to back off.

As Tyrian tries to back away, Ruby uses her now cleared line of sight to throw the firestorm at Tyrian. Though he leaps out of the way, the blast still catches him, crashing against his aura and sending him flying.

Ruby flies above him in an instant, the speed born from her semblance and fire letting her move faster than Tyrian can react before slamming Crescent Rose down, leaving a bloody rent across the assassin's front. The blast of fire Ruby follows up with cauterises the wound before any blood can escape, letting Tyrian slam into the floor.

As Ruby lands on the floor, she almost relaxes slightly, knowing those kinds of wounds aren't something anyone should be able to fight through. A notion that Tyrian rudely debases Ruby of by bouncing off the floor using his mechanical tail and swiping at Ruby with purple-covered claws. Having not expected the instant riposte, Tyrian's blade rends through Ruby's side. She quickly disappears in a burst of petals, reforming next to Neo, but finds herself staggering as her lifeblood drains from her side.

A flash of panic appears in Neo's eyes before she taps Ruby and makes a solid illusion appear over the wound, staunching the flow of blood. Ruby gives Neo an appreciative look before refocusing on the foe before her.

Tyrian looks terrible. Much of his skin is cracked and charred, the skin of his side almost absent. Yet rather than look terrified or threatened, Tyrian just cackles. Acting like his horrific wounds are a hilarious distraction rather than something that would have any normal person writhing in agony.

Outside the burning building that is falling apart around the three wounded combatants, Ruby can hear sirens. This needs to end soon, or she and Neo will find themselves having survived Tyrian only to be caught by Atlas.

Yet Ruby cannot let Tyrian survive. If he gets away, then Salem will get confirmation that Ruby is alone and unprotected in Mantle. Considering how painful it has been fighting Tyrian alone, Ruby does not want to consider having to face more of Salem’s forces while wounded and without support.

Tyrian rushes forwards, striking at Neo with his tail while Ruby ducks out of the way of a swipe of his blades. Ruby jumps to the side and shoots Crescent Rose nearly point-blank at Tyrian. The shot is just about blocked by an arm blade, but the heated metal shatters and flies off of his arm, leaving Tyrian with only one of his blades.

Tyrian jumps back before starting to run off through the burning building around him. Knowing Ruby can't let him get away, she gives chase, ignoring the burning in her side as Ruby disappears in a burst of petals and appears in front of Tyrian. Ruby surrounds her form in fire, all her skin ablaze in a heat that cannot harm her. She can't do this for long, as she has to hold her breath to avoid the smoke it creates, but it also allows Ruby to close with Tyrian and slam into him with a burst of fire.

As Ruby slams into the floor, her fires burning Tyrian's aura away, she finds his arm gripping her own and trying to pull her towards him. Ruby sends a blast of flame at his bladed arm, shattering Tyrian's second weapon before she can finish him. However, Ruby notices his stinger coming around to attack her from behind while he holds on to her burning flesh.

Knowing getting stabbed and poisoned would be bad, Ruby activates her semblance, intending to vanish into a cloud of petals to avoid the attack, only to find she can't. The arm holding her is wrapped in a purple that sunders Ruby's aura and leaves her semblance impossible to activate.

Before Ruby is injected with a full dose of Tyrian's poison however, she is pulled out of the way. The end of Hush catching Ruby and ripping her away from Tyrian's deadly sting. Yet with Neo overextending to save Ruby she finds herself unable to get away as Tyrian's mechanical tail, covered in a putrid purple glow, snaps instantly in the opposite direction, going directly through Neo's aura and pumping its sickly payload into Neo's chest.

Without an instant's hesitation, Ruby appears back in front of Tyrian and stabs Crescent Rose's blade into his chest, shattering his aura before clicking the trigger and sending a bullet directly through Tyrian's head.

She doesn't spare the monster's corpse a moment's attention. Instead, Ruby dismisses all the fire around the house and herself, then appears at Neo's side. Ruby grabs Neo's arm, holding her friend, who looks about ready to collapse up before looking at her chest wound.

When Qrow got hit by Tyrian's tail, it was a glancing blow, the poison taking hours to show up and days to disable him. This isn't that. A line of purple liquid runs down Neo's side, yet most of it appears to have been injected. The wound, even after this short amount of time, seems inflamed, and the veins around it are blackened.

Ruby feels like her heart is going to stop. This is it. After everything, here is Ruby Rose getting another person who cares about her killed because she wasn't good enough.

There is no way Ruby can fix this, there was too much poison. No medication that Ruby could possibly get a hold of will be enough. The best Ruby will be able to do is watch as Neo dies.

Ruby, her wound, while painful still sealed by Neo, takes Neo's suddenly clumsy and immobile form that shows none of her natural grace and staggers out of the building. Outside, Ruby sees a cordon of Atlas military and robots. Ahead of her stand the Ace Ops.

It's not the end of the world. Through her semblance and magic, Ruby can grab Neo in her petals and flee as far as she wishes. Should she really need to she can get to the other side of Mantle with Neo in a minute. Except Neo is dying, and Ruby can't save her.

Ruby can run to the ends of the world, and it wouldn't save Neo the slightest bit. A thought occurs to Ruby. Atlas should have the most advanced medical technology in Remnant. If anywhere could save Neo, it would be here.

Looking at the military in front of her, Ruby realises she has a choice. Her freedom or Neo's life. If Ruby flees now, then she can still rescue the rest of her friends. She might be able to stop some of the abuses that Atlas seems determined to force Mantle's people through. Ruby could be herself.

There is no choice at all.

As Ruby walks out with Neo, the Atlas operatives in front of her stiffen. Clover opens his mouth to say something, but before he can speak, fire forms itself into words in front of her.

'I surrender. Neo has been poisoned by a scorpion Faunus. If you can save her I will go willingly'

Clover looks at the staggering form of Neo and the obviously hurt Ruby and speaks. "We can get both of you medical attention. Please just come with us"

A group of Atlas soldiers take Neo to an ambulance while Ruby is taken to a ship. Ruby wants to go with Neo, to refuse to be separated, but she won't do anything that could jeopardise Neo's life.

As Ruby is guided to the ship, she makes one last statement in flaming words, 'If Neo dies I am going to burn all of this to cinders'

The Ace Ops all tense at that, but Ruby makes no other hostile move and lets them take her to the ship. Ruby cannot afford to let Atlas think they can get away with letting Neo die. That should hopefully get them to not cut corners.

As Ruby sits down in the ship, she entirely ignores the words of the Ace Ops that have gotten in too, presumably to guard her and prevent her escape. Her mind is a world away from the ship taking her up to Atlas.

Even now, escape would be trivial. Ruby can fly and could easily get out of this airship. With her semblance and the Fall Maiden powers, there is little that can really restrain Ruby. Yet she does nothing but remain placid and entirely divorced from what is happening around her. Neo was right, the only chains that matter are the ones Ruby put around herself. Yet that need for Neo to live leaves Ruby more trapped than the most fortified prison cell on Remnant possibly could.

Chapter Text

Ruby notices that the ship she's in seems to be heading towards Atlas Academy. Thinking about it, that does make sense. If you want to keep a Maiden contained, what better than the most fortified building in the city that's home to all its most effective huntsmen?

If Ruby's lucky, she might be able to find out where the others are being kept. Not that knowing that would really help her at this point. Ruby's given Neo to Atlas to save her life, but that unambiguously means her life is in Atlas's hands, and Atlas has no love for Neo.

Yet, unless Ruby and Neo got it entirely wrong and Ironwood is working for Salem, then he should have no easy way to force the power of the Fall Maiden to someone else. If Ruby has learned anything over her time in Mantle, it's that there is nothing Atlas loves more than control. Ruby, in showing how much Neo matters to her, has already given Atlas more than enough leverage to get her to do whatever they want.

That fact is so clear to Atlas that Ruby isn't even cuffed or restrained. She didn't even have Crescent Rose taken off her yet. She even got away with cleaning the blood off of it via creating and controlling some water to get the stains off, and got nothing more than an annoyed look from one of the ship's guards. The reason why is simple. Atlas knows that no restraint they can put on her is more effective than the one Ruby gave them.

As the ship lands and Ruby is guided towards the academy, the only real question she has is how gilded her new cage will be.

Clover is still talking next to her, not that Ruby is listening to a word coming out of his mouth. Soon, Ruby will have no choice but to listen, but for now, she doubts he's saying anything essential, and Ruby cannot bring herself to care. Fortunately, as she's a mute person, he doesn't seem to have expected a response and so goes on without taking notice of her lack of attention.

Eventually, the doors to Atlas Academy open and Ruby sees the greeting party that is waiting for her. She freezes completely. Looking forward with unbelieving eyes.

In front of her are her friends and family. Yang, Weiss, Blake, Jaune, Nora, Ren, Oscar and Qrow. They look slightly tired but not restrained or harmed in any way. The second they see her, the entire group looks ecstatic.

"Ruby!" Yang calls out before rushing forward into hugging her. Ruby neither moves forward or away, in too much shock to even react as Yang's arms close around her.

The second they do, though, Ruby is immediately reminded of the wound in her side. While her aura has mostly sealed it up, Tyrian's blades were not kind, and Neo's illusionary bandade shatters in response to the pressure from Yang.

Ruby hisses in pain before appearing a step away from the hug in a burst of roses.

"Ruby? Are you ok?" Yang asks in concern, looking at her pained expression and the way Ruby just disappeared from her arms.

Of course not? What is this? Did they just let you free? Ruby asks in confusion.

Her only response is incomprehension on Yang's face. What did Ruby expect? Yang to have learned sign language in the past month and a half? Oscar would know, but Yang blocked his view of the words that were uncomprehendingly meant for her.

Ruby grits her teeth and considers getting her scroll out before deciding it's not worth the effort and just creates and shapes fire in front of her instead.

'What is all of this? I thought you had all been arrested by the Ace Ops. What happened'

The confusion on Yang's face clears up while the others walk slightly forward to catch what Ruby wrote.

"We were, but it turns out that was a misunderstanding, and we were just taken up to talk to Ironwood" Yang seems like she's considering going on but instead pauses.

A misunderstanding. Ruby has spent the last month and a half committing crimes against Atlas and trying desperately to find a way to save her friends, only for it to be a misunderstanding. The only person who has seen Ruby in the flesh for the past six weeks has been Neo, and only when they were certain no one was anywhere nearby because of a misunderstanding. Ruby has hurt people, has stolen, has hidden, has destroyed Atlas Robots and machinery and has created an entire new legal identity. For a misunderstanding.

'A misunderstanding?' The words burn with enough heat that Yang moves back a step.

Clover walks to the side a bit before turning to her, "Yes, there was a miscommunication regarding orders"

Ruby looks towards the people who were apparently just lounging in Atlas all this time.

'I thought all of you were imprisoned at best. I have spent over a month trying to find where you were to save you, only to find that that entire ambush was just miscommunication. Did any of you even go to prison and get recognised or was it an express trip to Ironwood?'

"The latter", Weiss says with a slightly disturbed expression.

Neo is currently dying because the Ace Ops couldn't be bothered to wave and say hi, rather than ambushing them. Even though Atlas knew who they were well enough to take them to meet General Ironwood instantly.

Ruby suddenly feels like laughing. Everything she did with Neo was pointless. Just a massive cosmic joke at their expense. It actually would have been better if Neo and Ruby were unable to escape that initial ambush, where they were shot at, rather than having gotten away.

Oscar steps forward "Would it perhaps be better if we talked inside. That might be a bit more comfortable"

Ruby nods. Maybe the walk will give her some time to get her thoughts in order and stop feeling a step away from a breakdown.

As she walks, Ruby notices no one has even questioned the absence of Neo yet. While it's possible that the Ace Ops called ahead to let WBY, JNR and the others know she wasn't coming, she would have expected Neo's condition to be noted in some way. Of course, the reason doesn't take much thinking about, no one other than Ruby here actually cares about Neo. If Neo does end up succumbing to Tyrian's poison, Ruby will be her only mourner. The others might even be glad for it.

Tongues of flame dance around Ruby's hands, leaping from finger to finger as Ruby draws on the flame inside herself to stop thinking about the world around her.

"Ruby" Blake says as the group walks to get Ruby's attention. It takes a few seconds for Ruby to even register the name. It's been weeks since she's been referred to out loud by any name other than Vanilla. While having her name signed at her feels perfectly natural, hearing it feels off. Like it's suddenly an ill-fitting label that's slowly peeling off.

After the delay, however, Ruby turns to Blake.

"Are you doing ok? This must be a shock after being on the run," Blake asks.

While walking, Ruby can't write. She could sign, but without Neo around, the only person that matters to is Oscar, who isn't looking at her.

Ruby could tell the truth, could shake her head because everything feels off. Like Ruby just spent the last month half a step to the right of how the world is meant to be and doesn't know how to get back. That even surrounded by friends and family, Ruby finds herself barely able to care until she knows if Neo will be ok or not. She could admit that she just killed another person and feels nothing but a dull satisfaction, tarnished only by what happened to Neo, without a single shred of guilt.

Instead, Ruby moulds her face into the most genuine looking smile she can, using all her experience as Vanilla and what Neo taught her about lying through intent before nodding her head.

"Really?" Blake still sounds concerned, like even though the face computes, it doesn't quite settle her worry.

Ruby points to Blake, then Yang, then all her other friends before nodding again. Why would Ruby be anything but glad to be around the people she cares about? It's not like anyone else knows that she currently feels like her skin is an ill-fitting suit or that, compared to the dread burning in her about Neo, Ruby's other friends feel like a dull blessing to have around. The relief she should feel seeing them having vanished before it could ever appear.

Blake, seeing Ruby's silent explanation (lie) of why she is doing ok, relaxes.

The rest of the short walk to one of Atlas Academy's meeting rooms is made in silence.

"I'll leave you guys to catch up. Ironwood and the others will want to hear from her soon though," Clover says before leaving, letting Ruby alone in the room with her friends.

Ruby and the others sit on the chairs around the room. There is a moment of silence before Nora decides to break it.

"I like the new clothes! Even if they do seem a bit off from your usual style"

'I was on the run from the Atlas military, it's not like I could just keep wearing what I used to. Anyway, the style wasn't really chosen with Ruby in mind'

"With Ruby in mind?" Qrow questions his voice a mix of confusion and concern.

'Once again, on the run from the government. I haven't been outside without an illusion on in a month and a half. I was wearing these for my civilian identity'

"What do you mean civilian idenity?" Yang asks.

'Me and Neo still had to do things and meet with people despite not letting Atlas see us, so these clothes were for the illusion I had on for that sort of thing'

"Maybe it would be better if you just laid out the story of what happened after you and Neo fled. That might answer our questions a bit better," Ren says.

Ruby nods.

'Me and Neo got away from the Ace Ops through her illusions and my semblance. After that we stayed in hotels over the next few weeks while trying to find any information we could on where Atlas was keeping you guys, since we assumed you were trapped in some sort of prison or facility somewhere. After being on the run from the military and Ace Ops for a long time, we heard from a contact that he might have some useful information on what Atlas is doing. Turns out Tyrian was there to assassinate him that day, which forced me and Neo to fight him. Neo got poisoned, I killed Tyrian and then surrendered to the Atlas military that had built up outside once I realised I couldn't get away with Neo. Now I'm here'

"You killed Tyrian", Qrow echoes.

'Yep, stabbed him with Crescent Rose and put a bullet through his head. He is very dead'

At that, a very slight part of Ruby's smile becomes real. The list of people Ruby wants dead is rather short, and Tyrian had been at the top of it for a while. If not for what happened to Neo Ruby's sure she would be feeling triumphant about the fact she removed another monster from the world.

"That's good. Are you feeling ok after that, though?" Weiss asks.

'I feel very bad about Neo being stung but him being dead? No. Should I?'

"Of course not. But taking a life can be hard, even if the person you killed deserved it," Qrow replies.

'Killing him was hard in that Tyrian was very resilient but no issues aside from that'

Is Ruby meant to feel bad about killing him? He was a remorseless monster who hurt and killed for fun and who may have killed Neo. The idea of feeling bad about expunging that from existence feels weird. Like if Ruby killed a random Atlas soldier, she would feel bad, and if she killed an innocent, she would feel terrible. There is a reason why Ruby worked so hard to keep Neo from adding to her already stupidly high kill count. Still, he was evil, so why should Ruby feel bad about killing him?

Everyone around her takes a moment to absorb that before moving on from the subject, lest it get even more uncomfortable.

"At least you don't need to worry about that any more. It's really good to have you back, Ruby. Must be nice to not need to worry about running any more, too," Jaune comments.

Ruby gives him a bright (fake) smile before writing out her lie.

'Yeah it's really nice seeing all you guys. I've missed you all so much. It's also good to just be able to be me. No more needing to worry about acting like someone else on the run'

Now she just needs to live up to the role of Ruby Rose, Fall Maiden and silver-eyed warrior instead. Ruby doesn't bother to say that that role feels significantly more wearisome and alien to her than Vanilla ever did.

"It's good to have you back, Rubes", Yang agrees.

'It's good to be back'

It's not really, Ruby can't reach her feelings even if she tries. All of this just feels tiresome, no matter how incredible and relieving it really should be. It's all just loud. Ruby misses being able to talk in a way where she can actually express herself. Somehow, she doubts that sign language is part of Atlas's military courses, so she won't have many chances to do that now. Until Neo recovers at least. If Neo recovers.

The group spend a bit more time talking, regaling Ruby about their many failed attempts to search for her and the missions they've done as properly certified huntsmen. Apparently, they even tried to convince Ironwood to make a nationwide speech, with the rest of the team asking Ruby to come to them. Ironwood and Ozpin vetoed it though, because that would mean telling Salem that Ruby was unprotected and there was no guarantee Ruby would believe it.

Which is fair. There is no way Ruby wouldn't have thought that her friends were coerced if they did that.

Ruby mimics laughing at jokes, smiling at her friend's achievements and puts on a performance of feeling anything at all. As she does so, she wonders if the reason no one sees through her is because she's a good actor or because none of her friends actually know her that well anymore. As much as she hopes it's the former, she can't help but think it's the latter.

After a bit of time passes, Ironwood, Winter and Clover enter the room.

"I hope that you've all had the chance to catch up", Ironwood says as he enters.

Ruby nods.

Ironwood smiles, "It's good to see you safe, Ruby. I really am sorry about all this"

Ruby's pretty sure he's being genuine, somehow that fails to make her feel any better.

'Thanks'

"Right now, before anything else, is there anything you need? Atlas takes good care of its huntsmen, so feel free to make requests"

'How is Neo?'

Ironwood looks annoyed for a second before smoothing out his expression and replying, "From what I've heard, she is currently comatose. She is predicted to recover from that and the poison, but not for the next few weeks at best"

She's not dead. Ruby's ineptitude didn't get Neo killed. Ruby didn't repay Neo for saving her once again, with death. That's something, no matter what she has to do in Atlas, it's worth it for Neo's survival.

'What will happen to her after she recovers?'

"She will remain imprisoned for her multitude of crimes against Atlas and Vale. I understand you have been cooperating with her, but she is one of the worst mass murderers in living memory," Ironwood explains.

It's an answer Ruby knew was coming. Even if Ruby can't find it in herself to care about the things Neo has done, she wasn't lying when she called herself a monster. Oz accepted her out of necessity, and with the Atlas military at his beck and call, necessity no longer seems like a particularly strong reason for amnesty. Ruby didn't get Neo killed but considering Neo's thoughts on freedom, she may as well have.

'I understand'

Ruby does understand, but that doesn't change the fact she hates it. Ruby owes Neo so, so much, and this is how it ends? It's the right ending, Neo pays for her crimes while Ruby Rose can go back to being the hero she was meant to be. That doesn't change the fact that Ruby finds it extremely hard to care about that fact.

Still, until Neo is no longer at risk of dying, it's not like Ruby has any choice in the matter. Maybe once Neo recovers, Ruby will bargain for her release or break her out, but for now, the issue is moot.

"If it is possible, would you be willing to go over what you did over the past month and a half with Neo? We already have some of the story from Neo's belongings but you're the only person who can actually fill us in," Ironwood requests.

As he does so, he lays out the ID card for Strawberry Dandylion and slides it over to her.

Ruby looks at it, trying to memorise the features of a person who never existed, yet who Ruby has been working side by side with for weeks. A person who most likely will never exist again. After that, she takes out the ID card for Vanilla and lays that out on the table next to it.

Once he catches sight of it, Clover swears, "Wait, that was you? But then why didn't?"

'Since Neo wasn't around, she made the illusion more resilient, you would have had to leave a deeper cut to shatter it'

Watching the light leave his eyes as he realises how close he was to finding her is the first amusing thing to happen all day.

"The report?" Winter asks, prompting Ruby to explain.

'After we escaped, we got some identities forged and then started trying to gather data on prison inmates in Atlas to try to find where we assumed you would be keeping everyone. Eventually, we found that no inmates in any Atlas or Mantle prison contained them, so we were planning to start trying to look into Atlas confidential projects to see if we could find if there were any off the books facilities where you could be keeping them. That was interrupted quite quickly though, since Tyrain attacked one of our contacts while we were talking to him, leading to the current situation'

"Did you really think we would just throw everyone into prison somewhere?" Ironwood asks, sounding a bit dejected by the assumption.

'Based on the fact we were ambushed by the Ace Ops within 30 minutes of getting to Mantle. Yes. Generally, when the best huntsmen in a country conduct a picture perfect ambush on a group before restraining and arresting them, the assumption is that said group is being taken to prison. Not a tea party'

Ironwood sighs, "That was a mistake"

'Yes but it was one that had some obvious implications. One's that were wrong, admittedly, but it's not like I had any reason to think that'

"I do apologise for that. Now, based on the fact you mentioned getting prisoner data from Atlas, I assume I am correct in the deduction that you and Neopolitan were responsible for the assault on Mantle's Ministry of Justice and a multitude of surrounding crimes?"

Ruby nods.

Ironwood grits his teeth "I hope you realise that multiple officers were crippled during that, not to mention the destroyed Atlesian knights"

Ruby nods again. It's not like she thought that was good while it was happening, but it was worth it to save her friends. Not that they apparently needed saving. The fact she managed to avoid Neo killing anyone honestly makes her feel the whole thing was much more restrained than it could have been.

Ironwood take a breath before Winter gives him a sharp look. Ironwood nods and relaxes slightly. "Frankly, Ruby, you have committed quite a lot of crimes while on the run. Still, I do understand the position that you were put in, so your culpability is being excused. You are still a minor, and you were trapped with Neopolitan for an extended period. As such, she will be the only one sentenced, and you will be seen as a victim rather than an accomplice. While I cannot say I am happy that you did what you did, I will try to avoid blaming you for it"

Ruby gives a slightly guilty-looking nod and does her best to resist the urge to incinerate Ironwood.

It's funny, really, because every single person harmed in Atlas was entirely Ruby's fault. Neo wanted to leave to Vacuo. Ruby chose the prison break and hurt as many guards and robots as Neo did. Ruby admitted she wasn't a good person for the things she did, and she accepted that she may face consequences for them. Somehow, though, what just happened feels much worse than facing consequences would have. Because everything Ruby did has just effectively been erased.

The story of Ruby and Neo, partners in crime, written over by the story of Ruby, the innocent manipulated child and Neo, the great evil who forced her to do terrible things. Because Ruby Rose is good, a hero, and morally innocent. She can't have done bad things or chosen to work with Neo. She must have been forced because Ruby Rose would never do such things if not coerced.

If she had let Neo kill that guard, if Ruby had killed people herself, would that still just be ignored? Would she not be blamed just because Ruby isn't allowed to be bad, even if she does bad things? Is Ruby's personhood so little that it's unimaginable that she makes choices that go against who she is supposed to be?

"That is all I needed to confirm and inform you for now. I will leave you all to finish your discussions. Do tell the guards outside when you are done though, they can direct you to the room we have set up for you, and there are some familiar faces who still want to meet you," Ironwood says before he, Winter and Clover depart.

After a moment's silence, a shout from Yang breaks it. "Did Neo claim to be your sister in this!"

'It was the best cover story for us both being mute and together'

"She even took some of my features for it. I can't believe that bitch actually did that. Did you really just let her get away with that Ruby?"

'It was a good cover story'

"Some things are meant to be sacred, you know. Like not spending a month and a half pretending the person Neo was pretending to be was your sister while having an actual sister," Yang definitely seems peeved.

Now, Ruby really should address this, but frankly, she refuses to deal with a shouting match about Neo being evil, less than a day after she nearly died to save Ruby's life. Also, Ruby is just tired.

'I'm going to ask the guards outside about my room and sleep for the next 10 hours. Feel free to shout at me about this once I wake up'

Leaving that burning in the air, Ruby swiftly turns into petals, flies to the door, opens it and asks the guards to take her to the room she is meant to have.

Once she gets to the bland and empty room, Ruby sits down on its bed and spends the next hour trying not to cry, followed by failing to stop crying. Once she eventually gets to sleep, it's to a dream of watching Neo slowly die of poison in her arms, unable to do a single thing.

When she wakes up, Ruby comes to the conclusion she would have preferred to have dreamt of burning alive again.

Chapter Text

After Ruby manages to stop herself from having another minor breakdown over her nightmare, she finally bothers to actually take a look around the room she was given.

It is mostly empty and bland, but does, she notices, have a closet. Opening it, Ruby finds a number of copies of her combat outfit. Though she notes that while they are the right size and look similar to the outfit that is probably still in the flat she and Neo were renting, assuming Atlas hasn't raided that yet, the colours reflect her clothes from when she was heading up to Mistral. With the whites more muted, replaced with additional shades of red and black. The belts' ammo pouches lack even a speck of pink.

Ruby finds herself wanting to burn them. At the same time though, unless she wants to wear Vanilla's currently damaged and not particularly clean clothes that she also slept in, there isn't really much of a choice.

Ruby puts on the outfit that, despite being made to fit her perfectly, feels much too tight. It's an outfit in colours she likes that fits her style. If she had to design an outfit herself, it would probably not come out too differently from this. It's an outfit that fits Ruby Rose perfectly. It feels so ill-fitting that Ruby's half tempted to put Vanilla's clothes back on, even in the state they are in.

It also, despite almost certainly being made of more expensive materials, is notably less comfortable than the outfit Neo made for her.

Once dressed, Ruby leaves her room feeling like more of a fraud than she already did.

When she leaves, she finds guards outside who mention Ironwood wants to meet with her now that she's up. Ruby could insist on doing something else, but it's not like she knows where she's going here and what would be the point? Instead, she just nods and follows.

As she reaches the office, Ironwood is in she finds that standing next to him is someone who looks remarkably like Penny. Before Ironwood says anything, Penny reacts to Ruby's presence by immediately brightening. A smile appearing across her face.

"Salutations. It is so good to see you again, Ruby", Penny says, looking like the only thing holding her back from jumping forward to hug Ruby is the presence of Ironwood.

Could she really be Penny? Ruby and Neo both knew that Atlas did have a robot flying around, stopping grimm breaches. Ruby assumed she would also be sapient, but the same Penny who died. Her friend? For a second, Ruby just stares uncomprehendingly at the impossibility in front of her.

Eventually, her wits return enough to form fire into words, 'Penny? Is that really you?'

For a moment, Ruby can see Penny look at the scars on her neck, her expression turning sad for a moment before it brightens again. "Yes, I am the same me you were friends with back in Beacon"

'You died'

"I did", Penny looks sombre for a second, "But now I'm good as new. Better even! It did take a while to be rebuilt, but now I get to be the defender of Mantle, and I have new functions" Penny illustrates her last point by lifting off the ground slightly with her thrusters before gently landing back on the floor.

Ruby lifts herself slightly off the ground with magic before making words, 'I guess I have new functions too'

"You do! I have heard about Maidens before, but actually seeing you as one is incredible. The fire really brings out your eyes. Also, you can fly! I've always wanted to fly with someone" The sheer joy and enthusiasm in Penny's voice makes Ruby smile very slightly.

That really is Penny. Still alive and whole despite everything. For all the things Ruby despises about Atlas, the fact they brought her friend back is something she can't help but be grateful for.

"It's good to see you two reunited. Still, as nice as this is, I do have a few things to say before I can leave you two alone," Ironwood cuts in.

Penny looks to him and puts her hand behind her back, standing to attention. Ruby just nods.

"Before anything else, do you know why Tyrian attacked where he did. As far as I know, Apatite Iridescence was nothing more than a political dissident with some clout. Was he a part of something Salem thought was important?"

Ruby tries to remember what Tyrian said, 'Something about him being more of a thorn in your side, dead than alive?'

"That is concerning, if Salem's servants are actively attempting to cause me issues, that suggests there may be some grander plan at work. Although at least Tyrian will no longer be able to contribute to it. I do have to thank you for your work putting him down. I will be sure to raise an alert for other suspicious murders, it's possible you just solved a rather concerning mystery for me," Ironwood theorises.

He didn't mention Neo, Ruby notices, despite the fact Ruby could never have killed Tyrian without her help.

'I'm happy he won't be hurting anyone else' If only the last person he hurt wasn't Neo, she would be much happier about that. Sadly, Ruby was too little, too late.

"As am I. Now, onto the other reason I called you here. As Ozpin may have told you, Frea, the Winter Maiden, lives in Atlas. Now, unfortunately, she is rather frail and so can't help train you in your abilities directly. What she did do, however, is put together a series of videos, notes and a training plan for the person who will inherit her powers. As the Fall Maiden, there is nothing more important than making sure you are as proficient as possible with your powers. As such Atlas will spare no expense on making sure you are ready for when Salem makes her move"

Ruby nods to show she heard. It's somewhat of a shame to hear that she won't even get to learn from the Winter Maiden directly, even after coming all the way to Atlas. Hopefully, the Maiden powers are close enough between seasons that Ruby can still get something from her notes. That is the entire point of coming here after all. For Ruby to learn how to do her magic in a secure environment.

"The reason I wanted Penny here, aside from giving you the chance to finally see each other again, is because she will be keeping you company while you're here and during your training. She is one of the few people in Atlas who will be able to keep up with you and push you during training, other than putting teams against you. She is also the best person I can think of to help keep you safe if Salem tries something here. Of course, sometimes she will be out for her duties helping Mantle, in which case a specialist will accompany you instead," Ironwood explains.

To keep Ruby safe, someone from Atlas will accompany her at all times. Fantastic. Ruby's always wanted nothing more than to have her every action and move reported back to Ironwood. Still, at least it should be Penny most of the time. Ruby can't be angry at having more time with her after everything.

'Will I be going on any missions?' Ruby asks, wanting to know if she will be sticking with WBY for those.

"Not for now, until you are fully in tune with your powers, putting you at risk is something we cannot afford. You already mentioned your conflict with Tyrain, and based on what I've heard from Ozpin, Salem isn't being subtle about wanting to hunt you down. For now, think of this like a continuation of your education after Beacon. Just much more intensive and specialised. I'll have a timetable made for you regarding that, though if you would prefer days to be more flexible instead, we could accommodate that"

Ruby just shrugs. What does it matter, really? Either way, Ruby is going to be trained as a tool against Salem, and Ironwood doesn't seem to want to give her more autonomy than she needs for that.

"I will have a schedule put together, and you can decide if any of it should be changed. Still, please don't feel bad about not going on missions. It's not that you're not able, but that you're too important. One day, Ruby, you are going to be one of the people who helps save the world. So just focus on getting ready for that." Ironwood says.

Ruby smiles a smile she makes as glad and optimistic as she can make it. That's what she should do, right? Because Ruby is going to save the world or die trying. That's what she was always meant for. That time on Mantle with Neo was nicer than Ruby could possibly have hoped. Having the taste of being free from her duty and destiny was a wonderful sensation. The idea that Ruby could live for her own sake, that she could be happy, be free, and most of all that she could be herself was truly the most incredible illusion Neo could possibly have created.

But that was always a dream, wasn't it? A lovely, brilliant dream that denied reality. Because Ruby Rose was never meant to be free, never meant to be selfish. She was born and raised to protect people. It runs in her blood and burns in her soul.

'There's nothing I would rather be doing' Ruby replies to Ironwood.

If Ruby wanted to be free, she should have been able to protect Neo, to be able to protect anyone she cares about, even once. She didn't, though. Now Neo is in a coma, and Ruby is here.

"I'm happy to hear that. One day, you and Penny may be essential to stopping Salem permanently. We may finally be free from the grimm that bite at the throat of humanity. For now though, you just need to train and get ready, and when it comes to that, you are exactly where you are meant to be. I will make sure that the schedule and resources are prepared for you by tomorrow. For now, just relax, you should have free access to Atlas Academy. I'm sure the past weeks have been hard for you, but you don't need to worry anymore. Feel free to ask me questions, but if not, you and Penny are free to go", Ironwood states.

How many people have been told that Ruby wonders? That they will be the one to save the world from Salem for good? Was her mum told that? Did any of them really believe they would be the one to succeed after millennia of failure?

"We're going to save the world together" Penny is suddenly in front of Ruby, looking at her so earnestly and speaking so enthusiastically. Ruby finds herself longing to be able to feel the sheer hope and optimism that seems to be almost leaking out of Penny's every movement.

'We will', Ruby agrees, not wanting to crush Penny's spirits when she so obviously believes in that future.

Not having anything to ask Ironwood, Ruby and Penny leave the room.

"I didn't say earlier because Ironwood can't, but I am programmed with knowledge of sign language if you would prefer to speak that way", Penny explains.

Really?

"Yes, really", Penny replies enthusiastically. Ruby's smile becomes slightly real. At least she can actually talk with Penny properly, rather than having to write everything. That alone makes her future stay in Atlas Academy seem slightly less bleak.

Would you mind giving me a tour of the academy? I didn't get the chance earlier. Ruby asks after walking aimlessly for a while longer. Like it or not, Atlas Academy will be Ruby's world for the foreseeable future, she may as well get an idea of it.

"I would love to. I have the entire blueprint downloaded and have spent tons of time around here. Just follow me, and I will show you everything Atlas Academy has to offer," Penny replies, seeming enthusiastic about the idea.

Thanks. Ruby signs.

Penny offers Ruby a smile in response before she begins walking, followed by Ruby. As they walk, Penny describes the various rooms they pass, occasionally waving at students or soldiers who walk past them. Penny wasn't lying about having encyclopedic knowledge of the academy, as there doesn't seem to be a bit she doesn't know about.

"And this is one of the combat simulation rooms. They are manufactured to be able to emulate a vast variety of environments and obstacles to facilitate individual and team training. While not quite as advanced as Amity, the technology used in its initial construction was based on what was already being used here," Penny explains as she and Ruby walk up one of the training rooms for hunters. Ruby notices there are a few of these down the corridor that she and Penny are walking through. Ruby can faintly hear explosions coming from the room Penny pointed at.

The explanation does draw a thought to Ruby, though.

What is actually going on with Amity? I've heard it's being used in some project or another, but it hasn't been explained to me yet. Ruby asks. She's not sure if she's actually meant to know that, considering Ironwood never bothered to explain it to her. Really, she only knows something is going on because of her ill-fated attempt to get information that Tyrian interrupted. Still, if Ironwood trusted Penny to know about the Maidens, then she probably knows and might be willing to share with Ruby.

"Oh, did Ironwood not brief you about it? Amity is replacing the CCT. The plan is to fly it high into the atmosphere so Salem cannot reach it before allowing it to broadcast to the other kingdoms. After that, he plans to inform the public about Salem so we can finally fight back against her properly," Penny explains.

Ruby stops walking for a second to process that.

Wouldn't that cause mass panic, though?

"It would, that is why the Atlas military has been recalled, to try to contain the repercussions", Penny explains.

That would only contain the potential rioting though, not the worry and terror that would inspire. The people in Mantle already have a low opinion of the military and are as scared of them as the grimm sometimes. If that sort of revelation is revealed, followed by the military imposing order, that would attract legions of grimm even if Salem doesn't intervene directly. The city doesn't even have fully functional outer defences, with how many breaches it gets. That plan will get people killed.

Ruby does like the idea, spreading the truth and letting people know the true threat, but she's been living in Mantle, and it is not ready for the mass panic that would create. If the military can't even prevent the ongoing breaches and casualties from the grimm, why would they think they can contain both the rioting that would create alongside grimm pouring in through the breach?

Penny looks caught off guard by Ruby's response, possibly because she has been acting so placid in response to everything else that has been happening so far since she was brought to Atlas.

"Do you really think it would go that badly? While there are grimm breaches, they tend to be cleaned up quite quickly, often by me. Would Mantle really react that badly to the military trying to keep order after the truth is broadcast?"

Maybe? I mean it's possible that I'm assuming people will react worse than they will, and no military order will need to happen at all. But if grimm get in, that will make everyone more afraid and draw in more grimm. If it leads to something even near the size of when Beacon fell, it could be catastrophic. Especially since Salem will probably try to take advantage of the chaos. You might not be able to deal with all of them.

"Possibly, but Ironwood and Ozpin are working really hard to make sure the message is one that won't inspire panic, and even if they don't know why yet, I know that the huntsmen and military here are doing drills to make sure they get it right on the day. I'm sure it will be hard that but that shouldn't be enough to stop me trying. Even if I can't do it alone, I'm sure we can do it together" Penny looks at Ruby like she really believes in her. Like Penny can't imagine a world where she and Ruby working together aren't enough to save everyone.

Ruby finds that pure faith terrying, that Penny really does seem to think the world of her, despite everything. Yet she can't bring herself to admit just how badly Ruby keeps failing to protect anyone, talk about everyone. Seeing Penny shining so brightly makes Ruby want to live up to her role, even if the very idea of that feels smothering.

You're right, I guess I've just been feeling a bit pessimistic. With all the effort that's being put in and you leading the charge protecting everyone, it can't go that badly, can it? I'll try to be a bit more optimistic about things. There is no need to worry Penny when she seems to have so much more of a handle on things than Ruby does. The last time Ruby decided on a plan, it got a bunch of people hurt, Neo was poisoned, and it was ultimately not just pointless but counterproductive. Maybe it's best to trust that other people have better plans than she does.

"Great! Don't worry, I know there are risks involved, but I really do think this will work. What you said was important, though. Those sorts of things are exactly what Ironwood needs to be considering to make sure this works. I just trust that those sorts of things are being planned around. Anyway, rather than keep on going with this, why don't we do something fun?" Penny proposes.

What are you thinking of?

"Well, I don't think we should go outside yet, but combat simulation room 5 has a really high ceiling, and I don't think it's in use. Why not fly together for a bit? I've never had someone able to keep up with me," Penny offers.

Ruby gets the feeling that, rather than just not thinking it, Penny was told not to take Ruby on any trips outside the academy, but puts the thought away for a different time. Ruby has never actually gotten the chance to fly with anyone and has barely been able to use her magic while she was on the run. She doubts it will help the melancholy she seems stuck with, but maybe flying and letting loose a bit could still be slightly fun?

Ruby follows Penny into the room, and Penny types on a monitor to configure it. Once she's done, the room has a few obstacles around, and the high ceiling has changed to be sky blue.

Once she's done, Penny activates her thrusters and gently floats a few meters above Ruby, waving at her. Ruby, after looking around the room for a moment, focuses on the fire in her soul and shapes it, letting wind flow around her, and the force from her fire lets her rise up like Penny.

Ruby does find herself a bit less stable than Penny, most of the times she's done this have been desperately flying off somewhere, rather than in controlled settings, so she doesn't have much practice hovering. Still, after a few wobbles, she adjusts the force she's producing and changes the wind around her a bit until she's stable.

"You're really flying", Penny says, looking at Ruby with a slightly awed smile before flying right up to Ruby and taking one of her hands. "The sight looks much more impressive when I'm hovering over Mantle or Atlas, but isn't it nice to be able to look down and see so much?"

Penny flies up to near the top of the room, Ruby matching her pace before looking down. All those obstacles and environmental features look small from where she is. Ruby pulls away from Penny's hand to speak to her. It does give a different perspective.

"Doesn't it? I couldn't really do this before I was rebuilt, but I don't know how I would do without it now. Being able to do this is just so freeing. No matter where I am, it feels like I can be anywhere," Penny replies.

Ruby's smile dims slightly at that. Because, as free as having the wind speed by her as Ruby manoeuvres through space, she's not free, not really. When Ruby imagines what freedom looks like, it's not her speeding through the sky unburdened by gravity. It's a pair of brown and pink eyes and a slightly smug smile looking at her, and offering a hand.

Penny seems to notice the slight change in expression because rather than continue the subject, she instead waves for Ruby to follow before blasting off at a much faster speed around the room.

Ruby finds herself straining to keep up with Penny, her control tested by the sharp turns she makes. Eventually, Penny begins doing loops and stunts in the air that feel outside of Ruby's current flying ability. Yet Ruby doesn't want to not live up to what Penny can do, especially when she seems so excited to have a flying partner, and so rather than just relying on her magic, she tries to integrate her semblance into her flight. Using it to rapidly change direction and to follow Penny in her loops and other more impressive manoeuvres.

By the time a few minutes pass, Penny is being followed by a trail of roses as often as she is accompanied by a girl. Finally, Penny stops and Ruby stops in front of her.

"That was Amazing! Did you already know you could use your sembilance to enhance your flight, or did you just figure it out? The fact you used its ability to negate your mass to make manoeuvres that would be near impossible for your body to follow was sensational. Did you know that your pettles seem to shimmer a bit with heat while you combine them with your magic to fly. That was so much fun!" Penny says in rapid fire before closing on Ruby and hugging her enough that Ruby's relatively full aura is the only reason it's comfortable rather than painful.

Seeing just how excited Penny is about her, Ruby can't resist hugging her back for a while before breaking down into petals and floating slightly away.

I came up with most of that on the spot, actually.

Penny smiles at Ruby like she's someone worth believing in. "Would you like to keep going?"

Ruby nods and flies with Penny, focusing on motion and noise and magic rather than the ways Ruby feels like the world is closing in around her.

No matter how trapped she feels, having Penny back makes being Ruby Rose feel just a bit less crushing. It's not enough, not nearly, but in this moment, Ruby tries to ignore the emptiness that feels like it's eating at her and just enjoy having her friend back.

Chapter Text

If Ruby had to describe the next weeks with a word, it would be regimented. Despite Ironwood's offer to have her schedule be more flexible, what is presented to her is rigorous. While a part of Ruby is tempted to complain about it and take that offer to reduce it, she doesn't. Because every day she checks, Neo is still unconscious and Ruby is still trapped in Atlas Academy.

What she was given is exactly enough free time to not harm her health, and not a second longer. Ruby finds it hard to complain about that. Because if she's not trying to use Fria's advice to tame her magic or sparring with either Penny or teams of huntsmen trainees, then she's thinking, and there is nowhere Ruby wants to be less than herself.

Ruby does get to see WBY, JNR, Qrow and Oscar fairly often as they all take the chance to talk with her whenever their around, but the fact remains that all of them but Oscar have missions to be taking care of or Materials for the Amity project to guard. Oscar meanwhile, spends nearly as much time with Ironwood trying to plan how they are going to do the message for Amity and what contingencies there will be for it, as he does anything else. Though Ruby gets the sense Ozpin is talking at least as much as Oscar during those times.

Ruby does feel bad for Oscar, with how important Amity is, he needs to let Ozpin talk with Ironwood, but every second that happens is biting into the time Oscar has left to be himself. Still, with that taking up his time and all the things Ruby has scheduled to learn in a short amount of time, she sees him less than she would like.

The only person Ruby does get to see frequently is Penny. She coincidentally is probably the only thing letting Ruby hold on to herself rather than just going to sleep and refusing to wake up. Ruby attempts to appear upbeat and positive around Penny, but sometimes Penny looks at her with a curious and slightly sad expression, and Ruby wonders if she's not holding the mask close enough to her face.

At least no one else seems to have noticed just how frayed Ruby's ability to keep going is becoming. Even if that is just because they never are around Ruby long enough to see through her. Everyone wants Ruby Rose, a determined, optimistic and cheerful hero. No one wants whatever slowly suffocating thing Ruby actually is, because whoever that is isn't a good person. She's not a hero or a saviour, she's a person. A person who breaks down, who has a temper, who can't just keep going unendingly. Ruby doesn't want to be Ruby Rose, she wants to be anyone else. But she also got the only person who saw her a hair's breadth away from being killed and ruined the freedom she cared about so dearly.

Ruby Rose is the person the world needs. As much as Ruby wants to matter besides that, how can she? Even if she accepts that she isn't really a hero or a good person. Even if Ruby is willing to give up the dream that has become her prison. What's left under the mask? Ruby Rose has friends, a family, a mission and matters to everyone around her. Ruby Rose is essential, something Ironwood and, occasionally, Ozpin have reassured her. But the empty person below that? She has nothing, she is nothing. A loose collection of half-formed hopes and wishes that can never come to fruition. Free but pointless and alone.

Ruby's sure Neo would see through her. She's always been determined to rip the lies Ruby hides under away and see the ugly thing underneath them. Neo would probably look at that spark of selfishness and violence and call it beautiful. She always told the best lies, the kind that Ruby wants more than anything to be true. Why can the monster be happy and the hero miserable? Well, until the hero gets the monster imprisoned and leaves them both miserable. Then again, misery loves company, and Ruby has been Neo's only company for quite a while, so it only makes sense that Ruby dragged Neo down rather than being pulled up.

It's a good thing Ruby can still smile and mimic laughter, otherwise, people might have noticed any of that. Luckily, the only words anyone but Penny or sometimes Oscar sees are written. They don't have any expression or implications of emotion beyond what Ruby puts there.

The others are making a bit of an attempt to learn sign language, but frankly, they don't need it. Missions are more important, training is more important, talking to Ruby is more important. What Ruby learned in a month, she doubts her friends will learn in half a year, if that.

Still, even if Ruby is wilting, the person she's meant to be is flourishing. Fria's exercises and notes have allowed Ruby to make much more headway on things like lightning, wind and ice than Ozpin's lessons ever did. Assisted by the much better resources and spaces that Atlas Academy provides. Ruby makes progress with her sembilance, managing to split herself to confuse and avoid attacks and moves ever faster when she needs to. The only people who can fight Ruby solo are Qrow, Penny and some of the Ace Ops. Testing with captured grimm shows that Ruby can make use of her eyes as long as she focuses on the idea of protecting people and on memories she cherishes. Even if progress there is less reliable than her other magic. Ruby Rose is a shining gem in the eye of General Ironwood. One of the aces in the hole the world has when it comes time to try to strike down Salem.

Ruby Rose is a bird in a gilded cage who spends her days and nights in the academy walls, never alone, aside from when she sleeps. If she truly wanted to leave, nothing could stop her and yet that power gives her nothing because Ruby has nothing. If she left the academy, there would be nowhere to go. Being an empty shell to be used for the sake of the world is still better than being utterly alone. Here, she still has Penny and people who care about the person she pretends to be. Outside of that, she has no one.

It's not all bad, one day, Penny convinced Ruby to go flying with her outside the academy so Ruby could see the world how Penny does when she is guarding Mantle. Seeing Atlas and Mantle from above with Penny was a wonderful sight. Even if when they got back, Penny looked slightly chastened after talking to Ironwood. She confessed it was worth it anyway, and it definitely was. Because it's only in those tiny moments when Ruby can feel like a person. That Ruby can look back to that time with Neo and remember wanting to live.

Still eventually, something does happen to shift the empty tedium that has become Ruby's existence.

Ruby's finished updating Ironwood on any progress she's made or suggestions she would like to make when she asks the final question she does every day before setting off to pursue more pointless power to be wielded for the sake of everyone but her.

'Has anything changed with Neo?' The fire writes out the same way as it has in each of the last weeks.

A conflicted expression crosses Ironwood's face. After considering for a few moments, however, he replies, "While not recovered, I have heard that she regained consciousness. Though I wouldn't recommend visiting her. I imagine it would be bad for both of you"

'Where is she being kept?'

"She is barely recovered, meeting her would be unproductive"

'Where is she being kept?' The words are brighter and hotter this time.

"In a medical cell in the Academy. Not that you should be visiting her"

'I am willing to be your Fall Maiden. To stay confined to the academy, where I'm protected from Salem. To be observed by either Penny or a specialist at all times. All of this without complaint. So you are going to let me see the person who ensured I'm still breathing the last two times I fought Tyrain'

"I presume I cannot dissuade you from this?" Ironwood's expression seems on edge.

'Depends if you want me to start complaining or not' The air around Ruby warms to something far above room temperature.

Ironwood gives her the location.

"So we're going to see Neopolitan? Penny asks as she and Ruby walk to where Ironwood pointed to on the map.

Ruby nods.

She doesn't quite know how to feel. Getting to see and talk to Neo again is something Ruby's found herself longing for the entire time she's been here, but what Neo is going through is Ruby's fault. When Ruby sees how hurt Neo is, there will be no one but herself she can blame. Worse, Neo might have finally given up on her. Neo has tried to help Ruby so much, limited herself for Ruby's sake, and now she's trapped here in a cage much less gilded than Ruby's own. Neo prized her own freedom above all else; how could she possibly not despise Ruby for taking it from her? Just like she took Roman away from her beforehand. Everything Neo values, Ruby has destroyed. Even if Neo hates her. Not in the weird love-hate thing they had going on before, but truly, then Ruby wouldn't really mind. She deserves it. But Ruby still needs to see her at least once. Until she does, Ruby won't really be able to believe Neo wasn't killed by Ruby's incompetence.

"She's the criminal you were with before Atlas found you right. Who helped instigate the Fall of Beacon?"

Ruby nods once again and prepares to be lambasted, everyone else has. No matter how nice Penny is as a person, everyone but Ruby despises Neo. The fact that she doesn't must just be one of the things that's wrong with Ruby.

"What's she like?" Penny asks.

Ruby is caught off guard. That wasn't the reaction she expected.

Neo is... A lot honestly, she's mischievous, irritating and sadistic. She's also insightful, smart and meticulous when she needs to be. Her empathy is very selective, with most people she's callous at best and doesn't care about them in the least, but she's devoted when it comes to the few people she does care about. She's witty, funny when she wants to be, normally at others' expense and a very good conversationalist, not that she actually talks to anyone more than necessary. Of course that very few people she cares about are actually just one person. Roman before and then Ruby. Maybe once she's moved on from Ruby, she can find a third person who actually deserves that level of care.

"It seems like you really care about her", Penny notes.

I just got to know her is all. She's still a criminal and a terrible person. How could I care about her? Of course, Ruby cares about her. The thought of seeing her again makes it impossible to care about anything else. Neo killed Ruby Rose and then left the thing in her skin dreaming of being more, while still being stuck in the mask of someone unchanged. How could Ruby not care about the person who ripped her mask off and failed to recoil when she saw what was under it?

"Really, you seemed significantly more animated when describing her as compared to almost any other subject we have discussed", Penny notes.

There are just some important things I need to ask her. Ruby replies.

"I see", Penny's hiccup a second later suggests she does not, in fact, see, but Ruby makes no comment about it.

After a time that feels like it was both agonisingly long and yet far too soon, the door to the room comes into view. Ruby stares at it for a while before opening the door and seeing Neo for the first time since the end of her fight with Tyrian.

When Ruby enters the room, she sees Neo. She is lying in a bed, hooked up to an IV and looks both pale and gaunt. She also, is also notably behind a hardlight wall. While it is see-through, it is obvious that while Neo is healing, this is still a prison as much as anything else. When she hears the door open, Neo twists her head to see who has come in, and her eyes widen as she catches sight of Ruby.

Ruby walks into the room and looks at Neo.

Sorry. For ruining her life a second time, for not being enough and for all the other ways Ruby has ruined everything for Neo.

Neo closes her eyes and concentrates for a second before an illusion of Neo in the state she was before being poisoned appears next to her. The illusion is still wearing Roman's hat, which seems to have been taken away from the real Neo during her stay in Atlas.

Ruby can't help but assume that Neo must hate having lost that almost as much as she hates being trapped here.

The illusionary Neo walks to the edge of the hardlight wall before smiling at Ruby.

Why are you sorry?

Ruby blinks in confusion. How could Neo even ask that? For getting you almost killed by Tyrian? For getting you stuck here in Atlas? For ruining things?

The illusion mimics laughing. The only thing you need to apologise about is how mopey you look. I've already told you that you look better when you're not doing that. Tyrain was bad luck. Anyway, you already killed him for me, so no issue there. As for Atlas donating this bed to me, that was awfully nice of them. I don't think I'll stay for the long haul, but for now, I'm enjoying the accommodations.

You don't hate me?

For this? Nope.

Ruby feels a smile bloom across her face. Despite everything, Neo hasn't given up on her. Ruby failure hasn't ruined everything.

See much better, it's only fun seeing you depressed if I do it deliberately. Now, who's the robot girl you've got guarding you?

"My name is Penny Polandena", Penny answers.

Neo looks over at her curiously. Same one that died?

Yes, she was brought back.

Huh, guess I didn't give Atlas enough credit. That's embarrassing.

"You seem surprisingly energetic considering your condition", Penny notes.

My body's screwed not my aura or my brain. Neo replies, looking at Penny with a slightly irritated expression.

"I didn't mean to offend"

Neo entirely ignores her and turns back to Ruby. So what's happened while I've been napping? Did you at least manage to find where they were keeping everyone now you're here?

So funny thing. Turns out that the others were never locked up and were, in fact, perfectly fine and free. The arrest literally just took them up to chat with Ironwood.

Neo stares at Ruby for a few seconds before her illusion almost doubles over, cackling. So what you're saying is if the Ace Ops just walked up to us and said hi, then there wouldn't have been a problem, but because they ambushed us, we spent the last month and a half attacking Atlas rather than sitting up here having tea. You know, I knew Atlas was incompetent, but that is way beyond my wildest guesses of how dumb they could be. I take back my statement saying I didn't give Atlas enough credit. I've obviously given them way too much in assuming people being arrested means that they're being arrested.

Ruby nods in agreement. Because, yes, it was that stupid.

You and me beat up quite a lot of soldiers and destroyed a lot of lien in robots. All of that because Atlas doesn't know how to greet people. Out of interest, did anyone we hurt actually die? While neither of us went for killing blows, I know both of us hit some of them hard enough to probably give quite bad internal bleeding or brain damage.

Don't think so, Ironwood mentioned we did cripple a few people though.

Aww, shame no one died. Still, I can take some satisfaction in that.

Of course she would. Neo is a terrible human being.

Sadist.

At least I'm not a masochist.

For the last time, I'm not a masochist, Neo!

So, how have you been the past however long it's been? Because when you came in, you looked exhausted and about as mentally anguished as when you thought all your friends were dead.

It's fine.

See, this is why I don't believe you. You avoidably suffer immenencly and then say it was fine, don't worry about it. What am I meant to think?

That I have other problems?

Obviously. A blind person could see that.

Really? No one seems to notice. If Ruby's problems were actually that visible, then a single person would have said something. The closest she's gotten to that is Penny asking if she's ok with her workload, making reasons for her to occasionally leave Atlas Academy when she can and trying to make things easier for her.

Correction: a blind person who knows you.

I am including my friends and family in that.

Yep, like I said, a person who knows you.

Looking over slightly, Ruby sees that Penny seems to be watching Ruby and Neo's conversation in fascination.

So you then?

Yep, I would say more but wouldn't want to get you in hot water with your jailers when Penny reports this conversation back.

"Ruby is not imprisoned here, not in any way. Nor do I report on my friend's conversations", Penny replies, finally joining the conversation.

You really believe that, don't you? Cute.

Penny looks over to Ruby, waiting for her to retort Neo.

After a significantly too long delay, Ruby replies. I'm perfectly free to leave whenever I want to.

Just as I was free to go to Vacuo, I assume.

About that free, yes. Ruby agrees. Because Ruby could leave right now, just as Neo could have then. All it would cost is everything she cares about.

So Ruby, who exactly are you right now?

Exactly who I am meant to be.

I'm sorry. You deserve better than that. Next time, I'll have to work on my dodging slightly more; I really shouldn't have been hit by Tyrian there.

Ruby feels tears building up in her eyes and just about manages to get a hold of them before Penny can notice. You deserve better than that. Neo really believes that, the idea that Ruby should be who she wants to be. Even now, Neo thinks Ruby deserves to be free.

It's ok. This is how things were meant to go for me. We both know Vanilla was an illusion. I'm where I belong. Ruby gives Neo a melancholy smile. Ruby Rose has known who she is meant to be as long as she can remember. Now the world has aligned to give her that, who is she to refute it?

If you could die right now to delay whatever Salem is planning and all of her servents for the next 30 years would you? Neo asks.

30 years is probably about as long as Ruby could possibly last anyway, considering, probably much longer than she actually will. Ruby would even get to choose a sucessor to Fall without risk of losing it.

It would probably be quite a good exchange, honestly.

Ruby could you promise me something?

What?

Please live. I don't just mean don't die I mean live. You can come with me when I get out of here if you want, but even if not still live.

It's exhausting, though.

I know, I've been there. Just remember, if Ruby Rose has to die, let her. Just don't die with her.

Ruby would love nothing more.

The world still needs Ruby Rose though.

The world will keep spinning. It's gotten on perfectly well without her for the past millennia.

You know that's not how it works.

Bye Ruby, see you again soon. The illusion shatters, and Ruby notices that Neo's aura on the bed also shattered in the same instant. She really kept going until the last second she could.

For a few instants, Ruby looks at Neo's small form on the bed, driven to unconsciousness by her aura shattering just so she could keep talking to Ruby. That dummy, why would she go that far? Ruby's not worth going that far for.

Before she can keep going with that thought, Ruby feels Penny's gaze bore into her and turns around to face her.

"Ruby, we need to talk"

Chapter Text

Penny looks at Ruby. Some of the things Ruby and Neo spoke about are worrying in multiple ways. However one of those worries stands out to Penny much more strongly than the others.

"Are... Are you happy here? I don't mean that you enjoy every moment of training or anything, but... You're here willingly, right?" Penny asks.

Ruby shrugs. If I didn't want to be here, I could always just leave. Not that many ways to stop a super fast person who can fly from leaving. Of course I'm here willingly.

Does she want to leave, though? Having Ruby around has been really nice. Even if she hasn't been coming down to Mantle with her to help protect people. Being able to fly with her has been wonderful, and Ruby doesn't look down on Penny for what she is for an instant. Yet as pleasant as this time has been for Penny, she's been unsure if Ruby is happy for a while. Today just confirmed her darker suspicions that she had been ignoring out of the hope there was nothing to them.

"Ruby, you've always been smiling and acting enthusiastic over the past week, but sometimes when you don't think anyone is looking, you look. Unhappy. And with some of the things you suggested back there, I don't think those times are outliers. Are they."

No, they aren't. Nothing I can do about it, though. Saving the world, remember? Anyway, that's who Ruby Rose is, the optimistic idealist who is going to save the world.

That's worrying. Because, according to what she knows about people, that sentence should have been 'that's who I am' but it wasn't. That suggests a distinction of some kind between Ruby and Ruby Rose. But Ruby is Ruby Rose, that's her name. That is who she is? So what is Ruby trying to say with that?

"Do you feel forced into this? I've taken great pride in being the protector of Mantle, but I must admit it has been a lot of pressure to live up to that. Because I only deploy to notable grimm breaches, there are a lot of times where I've arrived too late to save everyone. That hurts every single time. So I understand if this all feels like too much pressure, if you want to, then you can always take a break? Sure, the world needs to be saved, but not today or probably even for a while. If you feel tired or like all of this is pushing you too far, you can just stop for a bit. No one will stop you. And if anyone tries, then I will stop them," Penny declares.

Penny has been assuming that Ruby's been pushing herself so hard in the past week because she really cares about saving the world and getting better. It might be that she just feels obliged to because of how important all of this is. That's bad, though; humans need breaks and rest. Penny's been trying to help Ruby have fun, like when she took her out flying over Atlas, even if Ironwood didn't want her to because it was risky and trying extra hard to cheer her up whenever she has one of those moments when she looks sad. If the issue is as bad as it seems, though, that might not be enough.

I can't stop. Ruby doesn't seem happy about that fact, but she seems resolute nevertheless.

"Of course you can. If this is Ironwood pushing you, he offered a more flexible schedule originally and there is no way he can stop you taking a few days or weeks off to relax. If he does, I will personally ensure that he understands its importance. If you're worried about Salem, then I understand, but a happy and well rested Ruby will be much better than one with a few more weeks of training who's tired and miserable. Either way there is no need to hurt yourself pushing too hard.

That's not the problem.

"Then what is? If you tell me what's wrong, I will do whatever I can to help"

Ruby is Penny's first friend. She's the person who told her that she's a real girl, metal or not and who's been so, so encouraging to Penny. People are meant to help their friends, and Penny really wants to help Ruby.

If I stop, that's it. If I let myself stop being this, even for a second, I don't think I would be brave enough to start again.

"I doubt that, you're the bravest person I've ever met", Penny reassures.

Ruby almost laughs at that. Exactly. So I can't stop. I have to be brave.

"I don't get it. Taking time to rest wouldn't not be being brave. You don't have to be a machine, Ruby, you helped show me that. You don't have to put up a front for me. I'm your friend, I'm that before anything else. The only reason we originally met was because I was running from my responsibilities for a bit. I don't really know what your relationship with Neopolitan is. The things I've heard and seen from you seem a bit contradictory, but she was right about one thing. Your life is more than important"

Thanks, Penny, I needed that. I'll talk with Ironwood about doing a bit less. Ruby says with a smile.

All of Penny's data on facial expressions suggests that her smile is a somewhat happy and relieved smile. But it feels off, Penny's not sure entirely why, but no matter what her repository of human reactions suggests, something about that smile doesn't seem genuine. Ruby folded too fast.

What does she do? Should Penny push? Try to get Ruby to confide in her and be honest? Or should she let Ruby go for now and try to gently bring this back up again when Ruby is feeling more composed? In the end, Penny decides not to push too hard. She still spends a lot of time with Ruby, she'll get better opportunities.

"That's good. How about we arrange something fun to do with the free time? I know Ironwood is worried about you being outside the academy for too long because it's risky, but you can take care of yourself, and I know how little fun it is to be kept somewhere for your own protection. So I'm sure there would be no problems if we went out into Atlas proper for a bit.

Ruby pauses before answering, seeming indecisive. That could be nice.

Penny isn't sure if Ruby is telling the truth there. In fact, after today, she will make sure to consider the validity of Ruby's statements about herself in significantly more detail before accepting them. Despite that, she feels relieved. Hopefully, that will be an opportunity to help Ruby with whatever is haunting her.

Because Penny is going to find a way to help. Letting her friend be miserable, no matter why, isn't acceptable. Ruby helped Penny see just how beautiful the world is and just why it is worth protecting. Isn't it Penny's duty as Ruby's friend to help do the same thing back?

Technically, Penny and Ruby are supposed to be trying to explore more of Ruby's magic today and do more sparring to help her integrate it into her fighting style. Yet with what she's just learned, Penny doubts trying to have the day go as planned after that would be a good idea.

Of course, when she asks about it, Ruby gives her a smile and says she would be more than up for it. Even knowing that it's an act, Ruby does it convincingly. Her smile seems to reach her eyes and puts enthusiasm into her movements when suggesting she's up for learning more magic. In the end, Penny convinces her to just focus on doing fun and interesting things with her magic rather than any combat training.

If anyone asks, then Penny can say Ruby was practising her magic. Even if it was mostly just her and Penny messing around with fire. That is one thing Penny's noticed, if she's not training, then Ruby always defaults to fire. She's mentioned that it's the one part of her magic that comes to her naturally. While Ruby seems to need to consciously think before using lightning, frost, or wind. Fire seems to come without thought.

In fact, Penny has noticed that often when Ruby's not doing anything in particular or talking to someone, she will almost subconsciously create and manipulate fire around her. Letting strings of it flow across her fingers or up around her arms without burning anything.

Once their time is up, Penny insists on going to talk to Ironwood with Ruby. She doesn't want to put off changing things until tomorrow.

"Good evening, Penny, Ruby", Ironwood says as the two walk into his office.

"Good evening", Penny replies.

Ruby just nods soundlessly.

"If I may ask, how did your discussion with Neopolitan go?" Ironwood asks Ruby.

'I said some things that needed saying is all' The words burn in the air.

"I see, are you satisfied then?"

'I'm going to visit her again but for now. Yes'

Ironwood sighs, "I still think this is a bad idea, but I will not stop you. If you came to my office, I assume you have something to ask"

Penny speaks up because she can tell Ruby won't "I would like to ask you to reduce the amount of hours Ruby is training"

"Ruby, do you agree?"

Ruby stays still for a few moments before nodding.

"In that case, feel free. Your well-being is more important than your training. We need you at your best if we want to face Salem, that means both physically and mentally. In the future, if you want to change your schedule or request anything, please don't fear asking. What was given to you was made to be as efficient as possible, but none of us are mind readers. If something doesn't work, it's much better to change it than to keep on going blindly," Ironwood states.

"Thank you. Would it also be possible if Ruby and I go out to Atlas tomorrow? I think having a day to appreciate the city would do both of us good," Penny adds.

Ironwood stops to think. "Salem will almost certainly have agents looking for Ruby, it is risky for her to spend any time outside the academy. Saying that, I understand how restricting that may feel. So you can, on the condition you remain discreet. Which includes not flying, especially in areas where people can see"

'I understand. Be subtle and don't use any visible magic' Ruby confirms.

"Exactly. Penny, I expect you to remain on guard while she is out"

"Don't worry, I'll keep her safe"

"Good. I will inform Specialist Schnee of the changes in the schedule for when she is supervising Ruby"

With that, the two take their leave.

When the next day arrives, Penny and Ruby head out to Atlas proper. Penny decides to take Ruby to one of the nicer parks near the academy.

This seems better maintained than what I found in Mantle.

"It is often used by people at the academy, so it's well taken care of", Penny replies.

I think I still prefer the parks in Mantle, though. Ruby replies, looking around the well-maintained trees and flowers around them.

"Why is that?" Penny asks.

Because they felt slightly less curated. Every tree and flower here was put here deliberately. There isn't a single weed or any animals around. It's pretty, but it's artificial.

"Do you have an issue with artificial?"

No, people can make incredible things. Crescent Rose is artificial, and I love her. You're artificial, but you're also one of the most incredible people I've ever met.

"Then why the issue with the park seeming artificial?"

I guess a better way to put it is that it's controlled. In Mantle, the parks were less pretty, but things grew naturally rather than being planned out. I'm willing to bet there isn't a single dandelion growing on the surface of Atlas, for example. Yet the presence of things like those are part of why the parks in Mantle were nice.

"That makes sense", Penny agrees.

As nice as this park is, it's nice because of how it is ordered. Anything that doesn't belong is uprooted. Each flower is chosen to be complementary in colour to each other, and the trees are spaced out to make sure they are scenic without being obscuring.

Yesterday, you asked me if I was happy here. I've been thinking and want to know if you are?

Is Penny happy here? Yes. Her work in Mantle is helping save people. She's able to see and try to help Ruby, even if that last part is a work in progress. Penny is trusted by Ironwood with his plans and his secrets. She gets to know exactly how important everything they are doing is and why it's worth it. Penny is doing good and she has people who care about her. So while not everything is perfect and there is a lot left to do, Penny is happy.

"Yes. I've gotten to do so much, help so many people and see so many wonderful things. I have friends like you, and I'm good at what I do. So, yes, while I'm not happy every single moment, I am happy with where I am"

Your incredible Penny. Ruby signs.

For a second, Penny feels fantastic having her friend think so much of her. But looking closer at Ruby's expression, despite her smiling, she seems almost sad.

"No more than you are. You are sensational, Ruby," Penny replies, trying to cheer Ruby up.

Ruby lets out a small, silent laugh.

Since I was little, I've always wanted to be a huntress. I wanted to be like my mum and the people I read stories about. I trained as hard as I could and succeeded. I got into Beacon two years early. Yet not only am I a prodigy, I also have silver eyes. Those are the first thing Professor Ozpin commented on when he saw me. I think they're the only reason I got into Beacon so early. Because he knew people with silver eyes are destined to be warriors against the grimm. After that, I fought and managed to defeat Cinder and became the Fall Maiden. If you think about it, I'm living my childhood dream far beyond what little Ruby could ever have hoped.

"I would have thought you would be happy living your dream? Am I missing something?" Penny asks, seeing Ruby's smile darken as she explains.

Don't I seem happy? Ruby asks her expression shifting to something so bright it makes Penny feel like she might have imagined her earlier expression.

"You do seem happy. But you're not really happy"

You know, when Neo and I first ran away from the Ace Ops, she suggested that we go to Vacuo. Just leave all of this behind. I refused, I thought my friends were imprisoned and was determined to save them. She went along with my choice.

"That seems like a bit of a non-sequitor", Penny points out.

I think, if I had gone with her and decided to forget all of this. I really think I would have been happy, even if I would feel really guilty for leaving my friends behind. That was never a choice I could make, though. There is no world where that happened back then.

"What actually is your relationship with Neopolitan? I only know her from the descriptions of you, your friends and her criminal record. Yet based on your interaction with her and what you just said, you must feel strongly about her"

I got the person she cared about most in the world killed. She ambushed me and carved my vocal cords out. She helped me kill Cinder and has saved my life multiple times. She has consistently tried to get me to abandon my morality and be a worse person. She ruined my life, and I think I love her. She genuinely cares about me a terrifying amount, and wants me to be happy. She's also one of the worst mass murderers on Remnant and has harmed me more than anyone else. So the answer is I don't know.

Wow, that's a lot. Penny's not sure what she expected, but it wasn't that. Still, that sounds. Unhealthy. Really, really unhealthy.

"Did she..." Penny doesn't even know how to ask. Did Neo take advantage of Ruby? Because while that could explain some of why Ruby seems so off, the idea is beyond disturbing.

Nope. Well, unless you were about to mention us committing crimes against Atlas as opposed to what I think you were implying with that.

Penny feels her processors cool down as the panic she started feeling ceases. Ruby seemed to find that suggestion funny rather than reacting strongly to it, so unless Penny is even more blind than she thinks, then it thankfully wasn't that.

"Good. Still, that does leave the question of why you're unhappy unanswered," Penny says, moving as far away from that subject as she can.

Penny, what would you do if you were doing everything you did now and none of it made you feel happy. If you still felt duty but saving people brought you no pleasure and fighting Salem gave you nothing but a feeling on oncoming doom.

"I don't know. Is that how you feel?"

Please don't tell anyone this but I hate Atlas. Everything about it is controlled. It's all regimented. Things that stick out get pruned. The reason I could hurt Atlas solders and robots with a smile on my face with Neo is because I honestly did and still do see this. After signing this, Ruby spreads her arms out to the world around her. As something horrid. The people in Mantle are miserable and kept in line by the threat of force. The military seems designed more around suppressing people than grimm. Now I know about the Amity plan it makes a bit more sense but I still hate it. Now I know Ironwood isn't evil but trying his best but I still despise him.

Penny gasps. That seems nothing like what she's seen of Ruby so far.

I'm not meant to do that, though. My role is to fight Salem and her grimm. As much as I hate this, I can't tear it up from the roots, I can't change it. I have all this power, but in the end, I'm just one in a line of people whose role it is to stand and die against Salem. This was my dream, but I don't want it. I don't want anything of it. Yet it's what I was born for.

"Do you really see it as that hopeless? That pointless? Because I have to disagree. Saving people is never a waste; fighting Salem is essential. We will stop her. Your dream is beautiful, even if reality is cruel. Your right Atlas has problems, but we can fix those. We can both speak directly to Ironwood, things can change. We just need to try" Penny replies.

If anyone deserves to have silver eyes and be the Fall Maiden, it's you. Because you actually are what I pretend to be. You are wonderful, Penny. You're right, things can change, and things can get better. But I don't think I can. Every choice I've made has hurt people. No matter what I do, the people I care about suffer, and I fail to save them every time. The only reason anyone I care about is alive is luck. The truth is that I'm not a good person. I'm selfish. When I hurt all those people with Neo, I enjoyed it. I don't want this duty or this power because I'm not good enough for it. I can pretend, I do pretend, but I hate it. I want to run. I want to be someone else. I don't want to be Ruby Rose any more. But the world needs Ruby Rose, not me. Penny notices tears streaking down Ruby face.

Oh Ruby. She's just been hiding this for so long.

Penny moves towards Ruby and reaches for her. Ruby flinches yet what finds her isn't an attack but a hug.

"I'm sorry, Ruby. I'm so sorry I didn't see you," Penny mutters as she holds Ruby.

Ruby disappears from Penny's arms in a flurry of petals and reforms in front of her.

Don't worry. No one does. Please don't tell anyone about this. I know that was a lot but I can keep pretending for as long as needed. Honestly, I'm fine, really. I think my conversation with Neo yesterday just caught up with me a bit too much. You can forget about all of that. I know what my role is, and I will play it. Ruby wipes away her tears and plasters a smile on her face.

"I can't do that, Ruby. You're miserable, and it sounds like you hate yourself. You're my friend, you deserve better than just suffering through all of this"

What's the solution? I can stop, but that will lead to a ton of people dying and will ruin everything. I can run away, but that wouldn't solve anything. My happiness comes at the expense of everyone else's. Me being miserable is right. If you really want to make things better then you could always take Fall from me. That would settle things neatly.

"Ruby! How dare you even suggest that? I would never harm my friend. I want to help you, not that"

Exactly, so forget about this and just keep doing what you were. Having you as a friend has made this all easier, you know, it's nice to be with you, despite everything. You want to know why I do as long hours as possible? Because when I'm training I don't need to think, I can just do rather than be. I'm sorry Penny but this is how things are meant to be. It's ok.

"At least talk to other people. What about your family? Your team?"

They deserve to know the Ruby Rose they care about. Please keep this conversation between us. If you want to help, then be someone I can talk to honestly. Because if you do reveal this, then I will run. I want to. I would love to take Neo and go, but if I did, I don't think I would be able to keep caring. I wouldn't be able to pretend I'm doing it for a good cause. I don't want to be a person who I would have despised while growing up any more than I already am. So let me keep pretending. Please.

"I won't talk about this, but promise to be honest with me in the future. I want to help you, and I need you to trust me for that," Penny says.

Ok, I can do that. Ruby just seems relieved that she doesn't need to go through with her unnecessary threat.

Of course, that leaves Penny with the question of how can she possibly help Ruby. It's a question that by the end of the day, she feels no more sure about than at the start.

Chapter Text

"Hey, Ruby", Yang calls out as she steps out of the aircraft landing bay with Weiss and Blake.

Ruby waves, keeping a cheerful expression on her face as she greets her team.

Penny, Ruby notices, looks extremely uncomfortable, which is painful to see. Really Ruby should have made sure Penny stayed outside during her conversation with Neo. Maybe then she wouldn't have pushed enough that Ruby couldn't contain everything she was bottling up.

Now Penny knows how much of this is an empty act however, she can't unsee it. Still, at least it means when she's alone with Penny, Ruby can let herself act a bit more like how she wants to. It’s a massive weight off Ruby’s neck to not have to act around the person she is next to almost constantly. Even if that's not worth how painful Penny seems to find Ruby's state.

'How was the mission?'

"The grimm clean-up went quickly, but since my father made his announcement, Mantle is in chaos. Avoiding the rioting was almost more trouble than the grimm" Weiss explains.

'It's really that bad?'

"Atlas is cracking down on it so it doesn't interfere with the election tomorrow, but it wasn't what I would call fun", Yang explains.

"I still don't understand why he would do that, though. Jacques Schnee is a terrible person, but even he must see how much that move would hurt his election chances," Blake adds.

Ruby shrugs. There must be a reason for it. Even terrible people don't do things without reason, but Ruby can't imagine what it could be. If it's just cost-cutting, surely it would make more sense to do that after the election?

Thinking about it, if they hadn't encountered Tyrian, then Ruby and Neo would probably be down there taking advantage of the chaos to target some of the harder to access Atlas facilities that are more fortified than others due to the military being tied up. Ignoring how much Ruby would prefer to be doing that instead of this, that could be a reason for it. Though that suggests Jacques is working with someone who's an enemy of Atlas.

"Hopefully it will have calmed down by tomorrow" Penny says.

'I hope this doesn't make your job guarding Robyn tomorrow any harder' Ruby writes to Penny.

"It shouldn't, most of the people rioting are her supporters. I would say it could inconvenience Jacques, but I doubt he'll even be setting foot on Mantle tomorrow," Blake answers.

"All of this politics is way too gloomy. Hey Ruby, what have you been doing while we've been keeping grimm off the streets?" Yang asks.

'Just keeping up with the whole magic thing. I managed to actually do a proper lightning bolt finally, which was fun'

"Ah so you've finally managed to do more than just having taser hands then. Congrats," Yang replies.

'I'll have you know that taser hands trick won me a spar against team FNKI a few days ago'

"Really? I thought the only real use for those was juicing Nora up," Yang comments.

'It's useful. Even if Nora is the only person to fully appreciate it' Ruby replies, making sure to add some amused annoyance to her expression.

"Is she still getting you to shake her hands and do that every time you see her?" Blake asks.

"She has the last 8 times I was around to witness it", Penny notes.

"When do you think Ironwood and Oz are going to finally going to say you're good enough to risk going out? I know for a fact your more than a match for any of us at this point." Weiss asks.

'When they believe I can take on Salem in a direct fight and win, I assume. I get it, every day going over how to use magic properly is really important and might make the difference against whatever Salem tries next. It would still be nice to get to just wipe out some grimm that aren't already captured, though' Ruby's flames write out. Honestly, Ruby's not even lying. Laying waste to a horde or two of grimm would be downright therapeutic at this point.

It wouldn't solve anything or make her life feel any less like a play where she is forced to act the role of the protagonist against her will, while it's far too late to back out without ruining the entire performance. Still getting to go all out would be something. It would be some type of freedom, even if that is still pale in comparison to what Ruby actually wants.

"At least when you finally do get to go out, you will practically be a one girl army", Weiss notes.

'Yep. Even if all of this is annoying when I'm done, I'll be able to do way more than I could have ever hoped for back in Beacon. If you think about it, I'm basically a superhero. I mean, I can fly, do magic and am still just an awesome fighter. I hope not having your team leader around hasn't made things harder when you're on missions though'

"As much as I miss you shouting out team attacks and providing covering fire, we can still manage. Just because you have all this super awesome magic doesn't mean your sister can't more than keep up with you, Rubes"

'Can you? I seem to remember you not doing so hot last time we sparred'

"You can fly, that's cheating", Yang replies.

'If you're not cheating you're not playing'

"This is why no one wants to play board games with you any more", Weiss comments.

'That's not me cheating. You guys are just bad at them'

Though to be fair, Neo did teach Ruby how to count cards at one point when they were passing the time back in Mantle. Which may be a part of why Ruby is no longer invited to card games. That's not cheating though, that's just being smart about things.

"Sure, Ruby, sure", Yang comments.

Ruby just smiles and shrugs.

"We're going to get some food, assuming the cafeteria is still open. Most of the shops in Mantle were shut, so we didn't get the chance there. Want to come, Ruby?" Blake asks.

'I've already eaten, also Qrow and team JNR should be getting back soon, so I think I'll stick around to greet them. Go ahead though'

"Sure, see you later, Ruby", Yang adds as the group sets off.

"I still don't understand how you can do that", Penny says, looking at Ruby.

Do what? Have positive interactions with my team?

"How can you so effortlessly pretend that everything is fine. You just smile and laugh with them, and if I didn't know, I wouldn't be able to imagine that was a lie"

My team deserve to know the friend and leader they care about. Can you honestly say that knowing the truth has made your life even the slightest bit better? I'm doing them a kindness.

"By not letting them know you? I much prefer being able to see you honestly, than having you pretend to be happy for my sake. I know they would feel the same way"

Really? Yang and the others are so happy to have the Ruby they care about back. If I showed them that she's an act rather than a person, do you think they would be glad? Yang would think Neo murdered her sister, and the others would pity me at best. To be fair, they would be less exhausting to interact with, but if I had to deal with that, I don't think I could keep trying to be good. Either they see me as evil or as a manipulated victim, and to be honest, I would prefer the first one.

"You would prefer to be seen as evil?" Penny asks, sounding baffled.

At least that way, my actions and decisions are my own. Do you know what it's like to have to deal with everything I did in Mantle being blamed on Neo because 'Ruby wouldn't do that by choice'? If I'm not allowed to be anyone except who I'm meant to be, am I even a person? So yes, I would prefer to be hated than pitied.

"That's not how people would see it"

Penny, if every time you did something, people said that she's just following her programming and every time you made a choice they didn't like, they said oh, she must be glitching. How would you feel?

"That would be rather dehumanising", Penny admits.

Great, then imagine that for me, except replace programming with 'who she is' and glitching with 'being manipulated'.

"I can see how that would hurt"

Not too long after that, the others arrive, Ruby greets them and makes sure to catch up with how things went for them over the day.

Once that's done, Ruby goes to talk to Neo before the end of the day. When she asks Penny to stay outside Ruby gets a questionable look, still, she lets Ruby talk to Neo alone.

As she walks into the room, Ruby has to admit Neo is looking much better than she did when she first talked to her almost a week ago. While she's still a little pale and less energetic than usual, she can at least stand up and seems capable enough. Ruby's optimistic the poison will be fully out of her system before the end of the week. Though what Ruby's going to do after that, she honestly doesn't know.

As Ruby enters, she gets a wave from Neo.

Hi, done anything interesting today?

I stood in this roomy box of mine and read some of the books I finally managed to convince the guards to get me when they checked up on me. You?

Did more magic and sparred with more huntsmen. Somehow it didn't become more interesting after I did the same thing for the 100th time.

I would never have guessed.

I know, isn't life unpredictable?

Neo sighs before looking closely at Ruby. I still hate that you have that to wear. I miss the one I made for you.

So do I. I really liked that outfit. I wonder what happened to it?

I did too. I put a lot of effort into perfecting it. As for what happened to it. It's either lost forever or in an Atlas evidence locker somewhere. As Neo finishes her sentence, she puts an illusion of Ruby in the outfit Neo made for her over herself.

Ruby touches her hand to the hard light. As much as it felt a bit constricting and weird, Ruby misses the feeling of having an illusion over her skin. With how much she wore them before getting caught by Atlas, she still feels almost naked without one over her, even having gone almost two weeks without any.

You know it's weird how used to seeing myself I've gotten with you.

You are my favourite person to impersonate.

That is a really weird way to show affection. I mean, I'm flattered, but still.

What, don't you know? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Really, anyone who doesn't wear your form for fun doesn't appreciate you enough.

I feel like if that's true, you have an unfair advantage.

Maybe, but you have been me a few times too, so it's not too one-sided.

True, being you is kinda fun, honestly. Even if you're a tad too amoral for me to want to be you too much.

I'm pretty sure you enjoy that part too.

I am still trying to be a good person, you know.

Yeah, and your attempt to live up to how people think you should be good is making you miserable.

Fair, but I don't think it's having morals so much as trying to be the Ruby Rose other people want from me that does that.

Then stop doing that. Seriously, you don't owe anyone anything. Be someone else rather than that. Do good in a way you can live with, not, this.

If I did that, I would lose everything.

You would have me.

That shouldn't be enough. Having Neo by her side shouldn't be nearly enough for Ruby to let the world burn rather than do her best to help. That doesn't change the fact that the idea of it is irresistibly tempting. Because Ruby knows that she would be happy with Neo. Not bearing with life or exhausted but still going or at risk of breaking down entirely at the wrong prompt, but actually happy.

The world is bigger than you.

Maybe, but is your world bigger than that?

Slightly. Not very much to be fair, but slightly. Much too slightly honestly. If Atlas ever decided to kill Neo, Ruby knows she would gladly burn down the entire floating city around her to stop them. That fact shouldn't be as certain as it is.

So you’re saying that you wouldn’t actually be losing all that much, then. Because in my opinion, your happiness matters more than any ephemeral good you could do joining Ozpin and Ironwood’s war.

That’s not fair, I know for a fact you don’t care about people other than me and yourself. Of course, you think I’m more important.

Neo still wearing Ruby’s form, smiles, not an acted smile or a smug grin, but a true, genuine smile of joy that Ruby’s true form has not held since she arrived in Atlas Academy. Of course, you’re more important. Ruby, I’ve killed more people than most people ever meet. If you asked me to, I would happily do it all over again, and if you asked me not to, then I would not end a single soul for your sake. You are beautiful under that role you play, but you don’t allow anyone, even yourself, to see it. Everyone dies, Ruby, every single one of us. Why burn yourself out trying to extend the lives of endless people you will never know nor care about, when you could instead live for yourself? You are more than a role or a duty.

Seeing the care in Neo’s illusory silver eyes feels almost painful to Ruby. The promise of infinite compassion for Ruby and no one else. That Ruby can need and be needed in turn. If Neo asked Ruby to run away with her at this moment, Ruby knows she would be utterly incapable of saying no. So instead, Ruby changes the subject, not quite ready to run away from all of this, no matter how appealing that idea may be.

Did you say this kind of thing to Roman?

No chance, I loved him, but that man’s ego did not need inflating. While yours is practically deflated. The things I say to get you to see how much you matter would send him floating off to space with the amount of self importance he’d get.

Is that you insulting me or him? I can’t tell.

Both. You hate yourself way to much and he thought a bit too highly of himself.

I don’t hate myself.

No, but you hate the person you are pretending to be full time and that you seem to intend to keep pretending to be until it kills you. The difference between hating yourself and hating the person your being alongside your life is a very small distinction.

I wish this was easier. If I was like you and just didn’t care about people in general, then this choice would be effortless or if I was like Penny and were genuinely a good person by nature, that would also make it easy. Instead, I’m stuck in the middle my conscience and my wishes at war, leaving me the loser. I lose people I love, no matter the choice I make.

If they love you, then they will accept you rather than this falsification you’ve made for their benefit. If the people who love you only care for their own image of how you should be, then they are barely better than my former parents. If love is contingent on you being someone else, then it’s not love at all.

But the real me isn’t a good person, she’s selfish and enjoys hurting people too much and isn’t as kind as she should be. How would they ever love that?

I do. If they can’t, then their tastes are awful and their opinions are not worth valuing.

I don’t want to lose them.

No one is worth losing yourself just to keep with you.

Does that include you?

If you aren’t with me willingly, I’d rather not have you around at all. I don’t want you to be someone you don’t want to be, I just want you.

You make this seem so much simpler than it is.

It’s as simple as you make it.

Maybe.

Ruby looks at her caged copy, who is fully focused on her and wonders once more what would have happened if they had not had the bad luck to run into Tyrian. Would Ruby still be wandering the streets of Mantle as Vanilla, fighting to free her friends who were never bound in the first place? Even knowing their goal was futile and the people they hurt were harmed pointlessly, Ruby can’t help but remember that time as the happiest she has been since Beacon fell.

The election is tomorrow. Ruby comments after a momentary pause.

The one between Schnee and Hill? Is Hill winning or does Mantle hate itself as much as you do?

She’s very ahead in the polls, apparently she’s having a victory party tomorrow before the vote even ends. It doesn’t help that Schnee just laid a ton of people off and caused rioting in the streets of Mantle earlier today.

Wow, not even I’m confident enough to hold a victory party before I’ve won. At this point I’m betting something terrible is going to happen to Hill purely due to the fact that she’s doing that without any extra evidence.

Maybe, not like I’m going to be there, Penny is, though. Which means I’m stuck with Winter tomorrow.

My condolences. Do me a favour and annoy her immensely, please?

Why would I do that?

Because it would be fun, and anyone willing to do propaganda billboards for Atlas deserves it.

Fair. I can’t go too far, though, or Weiss would be annoyed.

You can get away with plenty, I doubt Winter will tell Weiss, so just be even slightly subtle and you’ll be fine.

Sure, may as well.

See this is why you're fun. Anyway please get back to me about what you do and the type of disaster that strikes the victory party.

Will do.

Neo stretches and lets the illusion of Ruby around her shatter. You should probably go if you don’t want your robot friend getting worried. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. I need to wait at least a day or two more for the medication and my aura to get rid of the last of the poison.

You really don’t think much of the hardlight, do you?

Oh no, I can’t get through that at all. Fortunately, people are stupid on average, though, and I can get through them. Though if you would like to come and let me out once I’m healthy instead, I would be very pleased with you.

Should Ruby let a mass murderer who has not reformed at all? Unless you count not murdering people to please Ruby as reform? But that only really applies when Ruby is around. Out of prison?

If Ruby were a good person, the answer would be an instant and strongly worded no

If you ask nicely on the day, I might consider it.

I’ll ask very nicely then. Will you be joining me?

Don’t push your luck. I might not even let you out. Ruby lies. Ruby highly doubts she will be able to refuse Neo if she asks Ruby to come with her.

Someone needs to push it. Don’t worry if you don’t want to, but I will be asking you very nicely indeed when that time comes. Neo’s smile is wide and shows teeth as she leans forward against the hard light barrier, looking Ruby in the eye.

See you later, Neo.

See you later, Ruby remember to be yourself.

We both know I won’t be doing that.

Your loss. When you want to be who you want to be, I’ll be here waiting.

Ruby smiles and exits the room.

“You look pleased”, Penny notes as Ruby walks out.

I’m considering doing the wrong thing.

“I would have thought you mean the right thing?” Penny notes.

Nope, I mean the wrong thing. That’s why I’m smiling.

“And what wrong thing would that be?” Penny questions.

Annoying Winter tomorrow for my own amusement. Ruby replies. Freeing Neo is what sits at the back of her smile, though.

“Winter is a nice person. Do you have to?” Penny replies.

I thought you wanted me to be more authentic to people?

“That is not quite what I had in mind”

You get to go to a party, I need something to do for fun.

“Enjoy doing the wrong thing in that case. Though please don't be too hard on her, she is my friend too"

I intend to. But I won't be too bad, she is still Weiss's sister.

Chapter Text

"Ruby, could you please move at a normal speed" Winter gets out between gritted teeth as she finally catches up with Ruby.

A second later Ruby appears directly in front of her in a burst of petals before smiling and showing Winter her scroll 'What do you mean, this is my normal speed'

"Do you realise how wasteful it is to use your semblance instead of just walking normally. How much aura have you used up for this?" Winter asks, obviously annoyed with having to run to keep sight of where Ruby was going.

Ruby made sure that Winter could see her going around each corner, and not for a second longer. Is it petty? Sure. But Ruby spending a month and a half seeing Winter's face on billboards telling her to obey the law made Ruby dislike Winter on instinct. Also, she fought Qrow that one time and Neo did ask her to. Really, there are more than enough reasons to annoy Winter. It's not like Ruby will face any real consequences for it. What is she going to do? Set Ruby more training? Put her in timeout despite being unable to enforce that? Tell Ironwood?

'Actually I'm still at 95%' Being a Maiden has fast aura regeneration as part of its benefits. Which is great because it means she can get away with this sort of thing.

"That is ridiculous"

Ruby vanishes into petals behind Winter. 'I stabbed Cinder to death for this you know', written on her scroll for once Winter turns around.

"You don't do this with Penny" Winter notes.

'I like Penny, she's nice. I still associate you with billboards telling me to comply with the military. Why do you need so many of those? I mean I get it. You and Ironwood love threatening to arrest Mantle citizens. It's like a hobby or something. But could you at least pretend that Mantle is less of a dystopia?' Rather than using her scroll, Ruby just appears back a meter in petals and then makes it with fire in front of her.

"Those are to help Mantle's security and to make sure people are safe. None of us like people being arrested, and Mantle is nowhere near a dystopia; it is a metropolis. Why would you even think that?"

'Not sure. Probably the billboards. The constant robot patrols. The fact that despite the massive military presence there are still constant grimm breaches. Honestly could be anything really'

"All of what you just said is to protect from those grimm breaches while we finish Amity. You know this"

Ruby rolls her eyes 'Have you actually lived in Mantle at any time in the last year? Because if that's what you call protection I would hate to know what you consider unprotected. I mean all of this and last I heard the riots from yesterday are only just stopping now. If they can't stop the grimm and can barely control you're own population. Which I must note mostly hate you. Then what is the point?'

"What would you propose? Not have any protection for citizens. Just let Salem’s agents wander about unhindered"

'Wait. You think the knight bots or any of your ground troops would hinder Salem's servants? Me and Neo were capable of cutting through a near arbitrary amount of those while not using the weapons we trained with or using our semblances or magic. If a patrol stumbled on Tyrian before I and Neo killed him they would be dead before they could even realise he's attacking them"

"Don't brag about hurting the people who are putting their lives at risk to help keep Mantle's citizens safe. Don't underestimate the military either. There is strength in discipline and numbers, Ruby"

'Why would I brag about that? I could brag about being able to fight some teams of Huntsmen. I'm not going to suggest that beating those up was an achievement. Achievements take effort and prove something. The only achievement was convincing Neo not to skewer them once they were beaten. Look, the airships are impressive. The paladin mechs are worth at least a tenth of a mediocre huntsman. That anti-leviathan mech in Argus was actually very impressive honestly. The rest. No just no'

Winter has a hand balled into a fist and seems to have her nails digging into her hand. Wow that one really annoyed her.

"Paladins have proven more than equal to any average huntsman in field tests and deployments", Winter retorts.

Really? Huh, Ruby has really been overestimating the average huntsman in that case. Like she doesn't expect them to be as good as anyone on her team, but still. 'Wow. I'm sorry for giving your huntsmen too much credit. That's kinda terrifying actually. Suddenly the fact that Salem managed to kill off 95% of Mistral's huntsmen makes much more sense. Tyrian could probably have gone through teams of them half asleep if that's the standard'

"Really, Ruby, that's your reaction to that information?"

'Sorry I'm just realising that I'm probably going to have to spend the rest of my life babysitting the kingdoms if that's what we're working with. Guess I got too used to Qrow as a proper huntsman and my team as trainees'

"As insufferable as he is Qrow is one of the most dangerous huntsmen on Remnant who matches members of the Ace Ops in skill. There is nothing normal about his capabilities"

'I mean I know. I remember him beating you back in Beacon. I guess I just got used to competence. Like yes I can beat some teams but I'm Fall. I'm meant to break the scale a bit. Anyway the people I've been sparing with could totally beat a mech or two'

'Yes because you're fighting with the best of the academy'

'Really? I assumed I was fighting the average'

"You do remember team FNKI got into the Vytal Festival last year. Anyone who got into that is more than a match for a common huntsman. Why would we demoralise non-exceptional huntsmen by testing them against the Fall Maiden?" Winter just sounds exasperated at this point.

'You know maybe Neo and I were a bit too cautious when we decided trying to get into Atlas academy and forcing you or Ironwood to give up information was suicide. It sounds like either of us could have gone through like half the academy at once if we were smart about it'

"You were planning what with Neopolitan!"

'It was more of a joke we made than a plan. You know either kidnap or maybe threaten you or Ironwood to tell us where you were keeping my friends. Or just stealing Ironwood's scroll or computer and breaking into it. We both decided it was way too risky though so we just stuck to breaking into government buildings and stuff'

"Why are you smiling while you describe the things you and Neopolitan did which hurt people. Some of which permanently" Winter's tone becomes cold at the thought.

She's smiling? Oh, guess she is. Ruby hadn't even noticed, guess thinking back to good memories can still cheer her up.

'Good memories', Ruby replies, deciding she may as well keep the smile.

"You hurt people. Good people"

'Good is debatable but yep. That did happen. I mean I did feel a little guilty the first few times but I got over it'

This is fun. Breaking down to Penny was just horrible but seeing Winter be mildly horrified with her without being able to do anything about it is just amusing.

"What is wrong with you?"

'So much. But remember I didn't commit any crimes because Ironwood blamed them all on Neo. I'm a good person who wouldn't do that willingly you see'

"Why are you saying any of this?"

'Because I've been perfectly cooperative and good for weeks and if you suddenly decide to start suggesting I'm evil or something without me having done anything that just seems unconvincing. Also Atlas still needs me. Mainly though? Because I'm bored. I'm not going to actually do anything so annoying you seems like the best form of entertainment I have at the moment'

"I don't envy Penny having to deal with you most days", Winter mutters.

'I actually like her though so I'm actually very pleasant most of the time. You're just Weiss's really pro-military sister who works under Ironwood though. So while you're important I don't have to like you'

"You're insufferable"

'Thanks!' Once she finishes the fire word, Ruby Petals Bursts into the room Fria's recordings are in and starts one she hasn't watched yet, letting Winter catch up with her.

After a couple of seconds, a very annoyed Winter walks into the room and settles into watching it too. Looking at Winter, Ruby can see some familiarity towards Fria in her gaze.

'Are you the one Ironwood selected to inherit after her?' Ruby creates the words in front of Winter while she keeps looking at the recording. Ruby may not enjoy all the training she does at Atlas but she has to admit Fria was a good speaker when she made these and the information is useful.

Winter stays silent, but her lips thin.

'Be honest did he just choose you because you're called Winter and he found that funny?'

"Be quiet, would you?"

'I am quiet. I haven't made a single noise'

"Stop creating words in front of me and let me focus"

'Ok', Ruby leaves the ok floating there for a couple extra seconds before dismissing it. She can't annoy Winter much more right now, or she might actually start complaining to people, which would be annoying. Still, Ruby's pretty sure she's keeping to what Neo asked her for. Also, this is actually just fun. Which, to be honest, is concerning. Ruby may have picked up some bad habits from Neo. Still enjoying annoying people Ruby doesn't like, isn't the worst thing. Unlike Neo, Ruby is actually capable of having more than one friend at a time, she isn't going to be doing this to everyone she meets. She feels no guilt doing it to Winter though.

Ruby does tone it down for the rest of the morning, but annoying her is too fun not to do occasionally. As time goes by, Ruby watches the election results slowly tick in. In the afternoon, WBY and JNR get back, and Ruby actually gets to join them in team training, which is nice. Even if that means she can't get away with continuing to annoy Winter, since Weiss probably wouldn't appreciate it.

The glances Winter keeps sending Ruby while she's interacting with her friends and sister are still kinda funny, though.

As nice as it is seeing how much her friends and teammates have improved, it's also weirdly isolating. While when they do have group training, Ruby generally joins most of the time but most of the time they are on various missions while Ruby is working on magic. As much as her team is her team and she loves all of them, it half feels like it's team WBY rather than team RWBY due to how much time they spend separate.

Then there is the fact that her friend only really half know her at best and Ruby has no intention of changing that right now. Because the truth unsettled Penny of all people, even if she turned out to be ok with it in the end, and while she was being purposefully aggravating to Winter, she didn't have to lie to horrify her at least a bit.

Maybe Ruby is being more pessimistic than she should be, and her friends would accept who she is in full, but would they? They liked her authentically when she was at Beacon, but Ruby isn't the same girl as she was back then. Ruby, the person she really is, is worse than Ruby Rose. She doesn't want to put everyone ahead of herself or do what's right even if it kills her. She wants to live, while before she only wanted everyone else to live instead.

She's a person Neo could love, a person that maybe one day Ruby could learn to love, but she's not a person her friends are likely to love. Especially when her friends have changed while she wasn't here.

Blake and Yang seem closer but Ruby doesn't know if that's from the month and a half Ruby was gone or from the missions they've been going on. Nora and Ren are being even weirder about each other than usual. Weiss seems to have somewhat taken on trying to direct WBY while Ruby isn't around. Jaune's managed to gain confidence and develop into an almost formidable combatant. Oscar seems to get looks of respect he didn't have before when he's working with the teams rather than talking with Ironwood. All of them are closer to each other than they were.

And Ruby missed it. She's still missing it with every mission she doesn't go on and every reference made to the time they shared while she was with Neo that Ruby doesn't know. When Ruby first lost her voice, she started feeling apart from the team. When she stuck with Neo despite the rest of their disapproval, she lost them more. When Ruby fell off the train to Argus, she went through thinking she got all her friends killed. When she got to Argus, Ruby found that her family and friends honestly couldn't tell the difference between her and Neo. Then she landed in Mantle and spent a month and a half doing the antithesis of what they were. Even when in Atlas Academy, Ruby's been separate from her friends, seeing more of Penny than any of them.

Ruby is surrounded by her closest friends, and for all she knows them from all the time they've worked together, they half feel like strangers. Ruby changed, and they changed, but not together. They diverged, and Ruby pretending she didn't is the only reason they haven't diverged from each other further.

After training with her, if she can even call them that anymore, team, seeing how she does without magic. Which is quite well against any one of them, but not dominating in the way it would be with magic. Ironwood and Clover arrive in the training room.

"I see all of you are giving this your all", Ironwood notes as he arrives.

"We can't afford not to", Jaune replies.

Ironwood glances at his scroll, looking at the election results, Robyn is far ahead of Jacques.

"With how this might end, you are more right than I would have hoped"

"Robyn is still better than Jacques Schnee", Yang points out.

"I suppose so, but no matter who wins this election, it won't be good for the stability of Atlas", Ironwood responds.

"Have you considered working with Robyn? You need to do something about Mantle. If she could just trust you, then maybe you could make some progress," Nora comments.

"Perhaps, but I have my doubts. Maybe if the death of Tyrian had ended the political assassinations in Mantle, it would have, but they resumed the day we announced his culpability. She needs to be open to trusting me, and so far we are further than ever from that"

Ruby finds it hard to blame Robyn for not trusting Ironwood. As a person who lived in Mantle, it doesn't take a conspiracy of murders to believe Ironwood doesn't have their best interests in mind. All that takes is looking at the surveillance robots outside or the lights going red to signal a grimm breach.

"Well maybe--"

Ren gives Nora a look as she starts to raise her voice. While she stops talking, she doesn't look happy about it.

"I presume you are here for new mission assignments" He then comments.

Oh, that will be fun. Ruby wonders what she will get. Is it stay in Atlas Academy and do what she's already doing, or perhaps stay in Atlas Academy and do what she's already been doing?

"You could say that. The general and I want you to take the rest of the day to recuperate," Clover answers.

"You're giving us a night off?" Blake questions.

"Ordering it. I need all of you rested for what tomorrow will bring. However, the election goes, we will be waking up to a new Atlas, and not necessarily a more stable one," Ironwood states.

Most of the room finds itself pleased by the idea. Ruby finds herself indifferent. She is glad Robyn is in the lead though, even if the victory party is premature, it at least seems somewhat justified. She just hopes that if something goes wrong there, Penny isn't the one forced to deal with it.

As people filter out discussing what they are going to do with the rest of the day Ruby finds herself beside Oscar.

How are you doing? You looked impressive in practice earlier.

"Did I? I still don't even have a semblance. Considering what you can do at this point, you shouldn't pretend anything I can do is impressive"

You can do magic, too.

"Ozpin can do magic, and every time I do, I feel myself merging slightly faster with him. Though it feels like I'm him as much as me these days"

Sorry. I guess he and Ironwood still have some disagreements?

"If they're not talking about what message to send through Amity, then their talking about what Salem's plans might be, or about what should be done with Fria.

Out of curiosity, is Winter the next candidate after Fria?

"Did Ironwood tell you that?"

Nope, but she watched one of Fria's tapes with me earlier and seemed to recognise her. Be honest, was she chosen just because she's called Winter?

"No, of course not, even if Ozpin does find that fact amusing. Well, as amusing as something coming from the death of a person he knew once can be, at least"

Will that be me one day? A person Ozpin used to know.

"I guess so", Oscar replies gloomily.

Oscar, could you be honest? Is there any chance Salem can be killed? Ozpin’s been fighting her for thousands of years, and Neo suggested she's probably unkillable in the same way he is or some other way, to have not failed even once during that entire time. Was she right?

"Of course she can be defeated", Oscar begins, but Ruby notices Oscar make a sign while he talks. Yes.

Ruby snorts. Guess Ozpin doesn't want that fact getting out.

Thanks Oscar. I assumed, but it's good to be sure.

Based on the suddenly irritated face on Oscar, Ruby gets the sense Ozpin worked out what he did.

"Oz really didn't want me to tell you that"

Don't worry, I won't tell everyone that their struggle will never end. I already assumed I just wanted confirmation.

"Please don't, Ozpin is worried about what Ironwood might do if he learns about it. In the past, revealing that has caused him no end of trust issues"

Makes sense. Who wants to know that they are going to die doing nothing more than protect the status quo, rather than having any chance of making a permanent difference? Out of interest, is it the same way as Ozpin?

"No, she just keeps regenerating and never stops. The gods cursed her to never die, so she doesn't. He disintegrated her down to atoms once, and it didn't even keep her down for a day"

Wow, that sounds like a nightmare to fight.

"It is. Normally, she operates remotely through servants or grimm, though. So it's rare to actually face her in battle. She thinks she's going to win in the end anyway and doesn't care for drudgery"

I know she wants the Maidens and Relics, but what does winning for her actually mean?

"If the 4 relics are united, the gods will come back and end the world"

Huh, that sure is high stakes. I guess I can see why he cares so much about me being safe and prepared, though. As long as she doesn't have the Maidens, she can't get any relics. Me being alive directly prevents her from getting closer to ending the world.

"I'm sorry about all of this, Ruby. I know how important it is, but I can't imagine you've enjoyed the past weeks too much"

I mean, I'm not the biggest fan of being a bird in a gilded cage, but I understand why. Anyway, you probably still have it worse. At least my body is fully my own.

"Let's not compare whose got it worse out of us"

Fair. You got any plans for the afternoon?

"Jaune's been talking about a movie he wants to see, I think I'll go with him"

Sounds fun. Be warned though, there are some truly awful movies down in Mantle.

"You sound like you have seen some"

Me and Neo went to see Man of Iron as a joke. Did Ironwood approve that, or was it made independently? Because that was a travesty. It was fun only in how much me and Neo could mock it.

"I don't think it was that, but if it was, I will try to get Jaune to look for better options. As for if Ironwood approved it? I doubt he ever watched it, I think he just approves any movies about him that aren't satire by default"

I guess as long as it's bad accidentality rather than purposely, it gets past the censorship on mocking Ironwood. Maybe I judged it too harshly, and it was actually a political masterwork?

"It was probably just bad"

Yeah probably.

After talking to Oscar for a bit longer, Ruby's friends begin to set off on their separate ways.

Blake and Yang go dancing with team FNKI, Nora and Ren go to Robyn's premature victory party, and Jaune, Oscar and Weiss go to the movies. Ruby goes nowhere at all.

Eventually, she decides to go chat to Neo. Winter insists on accompanying her as the other person stuck in Atlas Academy who doesn't trust Ruby in the least.

Ruby waves as she reaches Neo's cell.

Based on the fact Winter is switching between glaring at me and you, I guess you did what you said you would.

Yep, turns out annoying her is really entertaining.

"What is she saying?" Winter asks.

'Stuff' appears in front of Winter in fire.

Winter glares at Ruby

I see what you mean.

I think I may have ruined any chances of her liking me.

"Ruby!"

Ruby gives Winter a middle finger without turning towards her.

You have definitely done that.

Winter's hands fold into fists before she pauses, takes a calming breath and goes to sit on a seat in the corner of the room.

I can see why you enjoy being such an irritant to everyone.

Only to people I don't like.

That's everyone but me.

Exactly.

I just get being lightly pushed into being a worse person instead.

Hey, I'm just trying to give you a better life. The fact that being a worse person is needed for you to be happy is just a happy accident.

Ruby and Neo continue talking for a while before an alarm on Winter's scroll blares, and she takes an urgent call from presumably Ironwood.

"...""She did what""...""How could that have happened""...""I'm on the way, we need to get on top of this"

Looks like something is happening. See you later, Neo.

I'm betting it happened at the victory party.

No bet.

Bye Ruby.

Winter begins marching towards a meeting room with Ruby petal bursting behind her and then walking to keep pace with her.

'What happened?'

Winter reads the words Ruby wrote without slowing down for a second as she walks past them.

"Penny apparently killed people at Robyn's victory party"

'That's impossible, she would never do that'

"No, she wouldn't. This is enemy action, we just don't know how they did it"

Once they reach Ironwood, he has his scroll out and is looking at a video on it, appalled.

"Winter, Ruby. It's good that you're here. I've recalled everyone else. Watch this"

Ironwood puts on a video. The lights go out at Robyn's party and there is screaming and slashing sounds among the audience. When the lights go back on, Penny looks determined, and her swords are outstretched. Yet rather than fighting anyone, they are running through the back of a civilian. After a second, Penny blinks before stepping back in utter horror and running.

"What happened?" Winter asks, sounding utterly shocked.

"We don't know", Ironwood responds, sounding defeated.

Ruby doesn't even have to think for a second, however. Penny would never do that willingly, and her change in expression shows Ruby exactly what happened.

'Emerald' The name is seared into the world in front of Ironwood and Winter.

Ruby is going to kill her.

Chapter Text

The victory party isn't particularly fun.

To be fair, most of the people there do seem to be having fun dancing and enjoying Robyn's massive lead. Penny is not part of said people.

Not because she has anything against Robyn winning, of course. She's seen how much she cares about the people of Mantle. Even if her victory is likely to send her into further conflict with Ironwood, Penny would take her over Jacques without a doubt.

It's just that the people here don't like Penny quite as much as she appreciates them. Or at all, for that matter.

To be fair, they dislike Marrow more, since he keeps getting into arguments with members of the Happy Huntresses. Penny still represents Atlas though, even as the protector of Mantle. So she spends most of her time keeping an eye out in a corner.

Eventually, Ren and Nora arrive, which is nice. Penny's not the closest to them, but she consistently gets on with them whenever their around. Penny's dreams of socialisation are soon crushed by the fact Ren and Nora are being really weird around each other.

Penny considers interrupting their, argument? Discussion? Debate? Whatever it is, but the whole thing seems way too emotionally charged and confusing. So she just stands guard.

It would be nice if Ruby were here, but she's still stuck in Atlas Academy. Penny understands that Ironwood and Ozpin want to keep her safe, but what they're doing is the wrong way to go about it. Now Penny's gotten Ruby to open up to her a bit, she can be certain that if things keep going the way they are, it will end in disaster.

Not because Ruby is a bad person, no matter what she might say about herself. Ruby is her friend and is just as brilliant a person as the first time Penny met her. There is no doubt that the current Ruby would have accepted Penny in her entirety just as warmly as she did back in Beacon. No, because Ruby wants desperately to be free.

Penny understands that. The only reason she met Ruby was because she, too, longed to be free rather than caged. Even when treated well by her father and the people Atlas had to supervise her, she still went out on her own against their orders so she could see the world outside of how it was curated for her.

Yet in many ways, what Ruby is trapped by is much worse than what Penny was. Because not only does Ruby feel stuck in Atlas Academy, even with Penny making excuses to take her out when she can. She also feels trapped by her responsibilities. Penny can hardly imagine how awful it would be to have the real her looked past for who people think she should be. Ruby refused to do that to Penny, and Penny refuses to be a person who looks through Ruby, but everyone else still does.

If Penny could just get Ruby to share this with more people, maybe something could be done, but Ruby is terrified of that. Of having the person she actually is seen by anyone. As much as Penny wants to say that everyone would accept Ruby no matter who she is. She can't know fully. Everyone should. Penny would never forgive any of Ruby's friends if their reaction to Ruby exposing who she is to them is repulsion. But she can see why Ruby would be scared of that, even if Penny finds it unlikely.

Doubts fester if left unchallenged, and Ruby is right that her friends seem to either not know something is wrong or are purposely ignorant of that fact. Penny could tell something was off and was trying to help even before Ruby's chat with Neo revealed the truth, but the others don't seem to.

Perhaps that's due to their thoughts about Neo? While Penny knows from her crime data that Neopolitan is a terrible person, the fact remains that Ruby seems to care about her deeply. While a part of Penny did consider whether she should try to prevent said care with how damaging said relation could be in the end, she decided that would be an awful decision.

If Ruby hurt people after today or did bad things, Penny would strongly disapprove. Ruby would still be her first friend however, and Penny would still care for her. There isn't some arbitrary amount of bad that Ruby could do that would turn Penny's affection for her from a 1 to a 0. Penny may be a coded person, but that's not how she works. That's not how Ruby works either.

So, rather than judge or censor Ruby for that affection, Penny has tried to understand it. The conclusion she came to is simple. Neo lets Ruby feel like she can be herself. She encourages the parts of Ruby that Ruby likes, but tries desperately to hide from everyone else. Penny gets that. Having people like Ruby that Penny can be authentically herself around, rather than an Atlas project or the Protector of Mantle, is nice. Almost essential, in fact, for Penny to feel like what she does is worth it.

From when she's mentioned Neo to any of Ruby's other friends, however, they seem to go from disliking her to despising her. Ruby's connection to Neo, while acknowledged, is ignored when possible. This is probably why Ruby is so sure she will be rejected if she stops hiding herself. Because her friends despise Neo, and Ruby doesn't see herself as being that far from Neopolitan. Penny doubts that is how her friends would actually take it, but she sees why Ruby is so scared. If Penny knew a group of people she was close to but didn't know she was mechanical, who discussed hating a different AI every so often, she would be petrified of revealing herself to them.

Sadly, aside from making sure Ruby knows Penny accepts her completely, there isn't much she can do. Penny can't get Ruby to work less and do more fun things because Ruby is the one choosing to do that, and she is very stubborn. Penny tries to take Ruby out to places, but Ironwood disapproves. Now she no longer has to fake enthusiasm around her; Penny can tell that Ruby isn't that enthusiastic about anywhere Penny can take her on Atlas. Ruby won't open up to anyone else willingly, and Penny would never betray her friend's trust by telling people things she keeps private without her permission.

Hopefully, Ruby is at least having fun annoying Winter up there. Penny does disapprove of that a bit. Winter is a nice person and a friend. However, Penny trusts that Ruby would not actually harm her, and perhaps if there isn't backlash for it, this might be a way for Ruby to behave more authentically to herself rather than keeping herself suppressed. So, despite her reservations, Penny still wishes Ruby luck there.

Penny's thoughts come to a stop as speeches start signalling that the polls are about to close. Penny will have to stay a bit longer to supervise the party dispersing, but hopefully, this should signal the chance to get back to trying to help Ruby or defending Mantle. Both of which feel more rewarding than standing here in silence.

As the countdown to the polls closing reaches the last few seconds, however, the lights in the room shut off.

In the second, it takes Penny to turn on her night vision, the sounds of slashing and screaming reach her sensors.

Scanning the room, Penny sees a girl threading through the audience swinging her dual blades through whoever she passes. Even in the little time that has passed, she has left a trail of bodies behind her, and the crowd is in chaos.

"Put down your weapon and surrender", Penny orders, floating array opening up behind her.

The girl smiles at Penny, "No" Her blades then switch to gun formation, and she begins running while firing into the crowd.

After a second of horror, Penny fires her swords at her target, ensuring they are lined up for her exact running speed so that she will hit no matter how she may dodge. While not disabling for an opponent with aura, this will hopefully harm her and pin her down for Marrow to identify and capture.

Floating Array's blades whistle through the air and sink into Penny's target, the blades being painted in a spray of crimson. Penny pauses, shocked that her opponent's aura did not protect her, when suddenly the lights turn back on and the figure she had attacked changes form. No longer appearing as the murderer who was firing her guns into the crowd, but a civilian who's entirely unarmed.

Penny recalls her blades and looks at them in disbelief, seeing the red staining the grey and green that the blades should be.

The crowd is looking at Penny in horror, and she notices that Robyn and the rest of the Happy Huntresses have taken up their weapons are are aiming them at her.

Penny takes a step back "I... I..."

She just killed someone. An innocent. Is she malfunctioning? Is Penny broken? Will she misidentify the others as threats if she stays here? Will she kill more innocents?

"Murderer!" the word is shouted from someone in the audience.

Penny runs, using her thrusters to escape through the door before anyone can interrupt her.

She can't stay here. What if whatever caused her to misidentify her target occurs again? She needs a full system diagnostic.

When she runs a self-diagnosis at the top of a building, it finds nothing wrong with her. That can't be right though, because her visual and audio sensors completely failed, and that led to her killing someone.

Penny stares down at herself. The fluids on her Floating Array were still wet when she recalled it, so numerous drops of blood flicked onto her hands and outer chassis.

Penny hears the grimm sirens begin ringing. Districts turning red as they detect the presence of an invasion. Gunfire is detectable from multiple directions.

Penny is the protector of Mantle. She is meant to be stopping this. But with the timing, did she just cause this? Is the panic that created this from her? Did Penny just get all those people killed? If she goes out to try to save people, will she malfunction further?

Penny finds herself trembling. It's a novel sensation, Penny is meant to have full manual control over her reactions. This sort of panic response has never happened before. It is most unpleasant.

Penny could easily steady herself, but even the thought of the self control Penny is meant to have just makes her feel like she's misfiring to an even greater extent.

Atlas.

She needs to go to Atlas Academy.

If she is broken father can fix her, and if she really has lost control of her IFF. Like what happened during the Fall of Beacon, but to her, then that is the only place that has people who can stop her.

Penny is stronger than any individual huntsman in Atlas, but there is an exception. Ruby.

Ruby consistently wins in spars with Penny when she goes all out. If Penny is truly a danger to others, then Ruby can stop her. Ruby won't let her hurt anyone else.

Penny flies red-handed up to Atlas, not stopping for an instant as she reaches the academy. Scanning the local network, she finds Ruby's scroll and heads directly there, purposefully ignoring anyone else on the way in case whatever went wrong earlier repeats itself.

As Penny gets to the room Ruby is in, she opens the door and sees Ironwood and Winter sitting beside an apocalyptically angry Ruby.

Oh, guess Ruby saw what Penny did. Ruby did say she looked up to Penny as being a good person when she couldn't be. That must hurt, to see a person you look up to do something worse than anything you ever did.

Penny looked over the crimes Ruby committed with Neopolitan. No one died. Not one soldier, not one civilian. Penny, in a single act, made herself more evil or terrible than Ruby pretended to be.

As she enters the room it's three inhabitants' attention is instantly drawn to her. She can see their eyes picking out the blood on her form.

Before anyone else reacts, Ruby vanishes into her semblance’s petals and dashes towards Penny. An instant later, Penny feels Ruby's arms close around her. The contact is comforting, even if Penny doesn't feel like she deserves it.

"I need to be checked over. I malfunctioned, and someone's dead. It's my fault," Penny chokes out, even if she is certain they already know.

Ruby's arms tighten around her.

"We don't believe you did actually", Winter comments.

"What?" Penny questions. Was she meant to do that?

"We believe we've worked out who the attacker was. Emerald Sustrai, her semblance is hallucinations. Did you see something different to what was there when you attacked?" Ironwood answers.

"It was the person attacking, she was shooting into the crowd but when the lights came on, the person I killed was a civilian", Penny explains, still holding onto Ruby.

"It wasn't your fault", Winter replies.

"I still killed someone", Penny replies. While it being enemy action is better than an intrinsic fault of herself. Penny still failed to work out the scenario and, due to not realising what was happening, killed someone.

Ruby slips out of Penny's arms.

Emerald killed her, no one else. Her illusions are indistinguishable from reality if you don't know they're there. There was no reasonable way you could have avoided that without foreknowledge.

"I got blood on your clothes", Penny comments, seeing that the not fully dried blood on her has gotten on Ruby. It's not the most relevant response, but it's the first thing that comes to mind.

That's fine. I had worse cleaning jobs to do when working with Neo than this. Anyway, I both hate this outfit and have spares, so while I totally could clean it, I'm going to use this as an excuse to burn it.

Somehow, that response from Ruby is so unexpected that Penny finds herself almost laughing at the absurdity.

"Seriously?"

100%.

Before Penny can find any further amusement in Ruby's response, however, Ironwood speaks up.

"Sadly, while this travesty was not your fault, it still causes problems. Someone, we suspect Arthur Walts, has doctored the CCTV video of what happened to exaggerate your role and released it publicly. While we are trying to get it off the net, the video is persistent and is spreading quickly. It's only exacerbating the chaos that today would have caused anyway"

"Would have caused anyway?" Penny asks.

"Jacques won the election", Winter replies.

"He did?" Looking back in her memory banks, the announcement of his victory is there. It came an instant before Penny fled and simply was not processed or comprehended in the moment.

"Yes, there is already rioting in the streets, and the fact that the Protector of Mantle was publicly seen killing people at Robyn's party has only added to it. While you only killed the last person, eyewitnesses report having seen you killing the others too when the lights went off. Likely due to the use of Emerald's semblance"

"Oh," That's bad. Even if the presence of Emerald is revealed, that will look like a cover-up compared to the video and eyewitness accounts. Even Penny's own recorded data shows her murdering a person and running. Without context, that would do nothing to prove her innocence.

Not that Penny is innocent. Emerald or no. She can't honestly think that while her blades are still dyed crimson and her hands still red.

"Indeed, as far as first strikes go, this was a particularly painful one. I've recalled everyone who knows about Salem to explain what happened and plan our response, but I doubt you want to hear that all again. Penny, until this stabilises, you're off active duty. It's probably best that you find somewhere to clean up and rest. I'm sorry this happened to you. I promise we will try to clear this up as soon as we possibly can," Ironwood states.

Hearing the dismissal for what it is, Penny sets off to her quarters. Ruby quickly falls into step behind her.

"Ruby, we still need your testimony about Emerald. Please remain" Ironwood demands.

Penny turns to look at Ruby.

'I've explained enough and can tell you the rest later. I'm going with Penny' The words appear in a flash of flames.

"Ruby, you are needed. If you want to help Penny, you will stay here. That is an order," Ironwood states.

'I'm not one of your toy soldiers, general. I don't take orders'

With that, Ruby turns around to continue going with Penny.

"You shouldn't have done that. I'm ok, and I'm sure he did need you there"

Penny, I care about helping you much more than I do him. If you really want me gone, just say the word, but I get the feeling you don't want to be alone right now.

If Penny's alone, she knows that she will end up repeating that memory again and again and again, looking for any sign that something was wrong. So that she could see just how she failed. She also knows that, deserved or not, doing that will be torturous.

"I don't. I really, really don't," Penny admits.

Good, because I'm right here and will stay here as long as you want me to be.

Penny reaches her quarters and lets herself and Ruby in. It has her charging bay and various items to assist in self-cleaning and repair.

Do you want me to help with the blood?

"Can you? I was planning to just use cleaning solution on myself to wash it off"

Magic isn't just useful for violence, you know.

"In that case, go ahead", Penny unshifts Floating Array and lines them up in front of her dried blood and all.

Ruby focuses for a second and creates some water in front of her before pausing for a second.

You are fully waterproof, right?

"Yes, Ruby. I will not be harmed by water"

With that, Ruby nods, and the water engulfs her blades and seems to almost vibrate as it seeps into and around the blood before getting it off her blades. Once that is done, Ruby moves the water to remove the blood from the rest of Penny.

"That felt strange", Penny states as Ruby finishes. She's never felt water act like that before.

I guess it would. I've only ever done that with my or Neo's weapons before, so I don't know how it would feel against skin. I hope it wasn't uncomfortable.

"No, just. Novel," Penny replies.

Good.

"I killed someone" Even trying to focus on Ruby's magic or anything else around the room, the thought keeps appearing on Penny's mind like a bug in her code that she doesn't know how to fix.

Yeah. I guess even knowing you were a victim there rather than anything else doesn't make it feel any better.

"I don't feel like a victim"

You didn't try to kill anyone. Emerald just took advantage of you. It may not make it feel different, but you're not a murderer, Penny.

"Have you killed people?" Penny asks despite already knowing Ruby killed Tyrian.

Two.

"How did you deal with it?"

It was completely different to you. The first was Cinder and the second was Tyrian. Honestly, the issue there is that doing that felt too good rather than terrible. So I never really did deal with it.

"Oh, I guess that makes sense. What do I do from here? I can't be the Protector of Mantle anymore. Who would want me to protect them after that?" Penny asks. Her role and duty is gone. It's unrecoverable.

I would.

"Would?"

Want you to protect me. You're amazing Penny, nothing that happened today changes that. Not just that you're one of the only people who can keep up with me. Why wouldn't I want my super awesome and capable friend protecting me?

"Do you need protecting?" Penny asks, still processing that answer.

Maybe. I mean, considering how much I just disrespected Ironwood, he might try to arrest me for the third time

"That would be a bad decision. Not to mention out of character. Ironwood isn't that prideful"

I did also spend the entire day before this annoying Winter and playing up being a not great person around her.

"While that won't have endeared you to her, I do not believe that Winter is rash enough for that to change my former calculation"

Yeah, probably. Honestly, I miss being on the run from Ironwood.

"Was it really that much better than here?" Penny asks.

To be honest, you are the only good thing that came with being here.

"That feels rather dismissive of your other friends and family" Penny points out.

I know. Oscar's not so bad, but he has Ozpin attached to him. With the rest, I don't fit. None of them really see me and I don't think they would accept who I am really.

"I only got the truth out of you after watching you talk to Neo"

True, but you could see something was different, and you kept trying to help even before then. You don't recoil when I act more like myself. It's one of the reasons that I've never resented having you around constantly.

"That's what anyone should do" Penny replies.

Yang still flinches when I act a bit too much like Neo in sparing. She's gotten a bit better at hiding it, but it's still there.

"That is unfortunate, but doesn't mean they won't accept you"

They can't even accept that I care about Neo. If you went by their reactions to her, you'd think she's an infectious disease rather than a person.

"While I disagree entirely with their reactions towards her, I understand them. They just don't quite understand that doing that rather than protecting you, does the opposite. You can no more decide to stop caring about Neo than I can you. Nor, I imagine, do you have any interest in doing so"

Nope none.

"Then the correct reaction is to wish you the best in your friendship with her. You are more than capable of making your own decisions"

See, this is why you're great. Well, that and a bunch of other reasons.

"Thanks, Ruby"

It's true.

Penny nods her head "What do you think comes next?"

From Salem or from Ironwood?

"Either"

I don't know. I can't help but think that things will get worse before they get better, though.

"But you do think they'll get better"

If they don't get better on their own, then I'll just have to do it myself.

"I thought you said you don't want to be a hero"

I don't, I want Salem away from the people I care about. Also, I have a few personal reasons to see Emerald at least dead.

"A few?"

Firstly, she got you killed the first time. Then she tortured me for a bit. Worse of all, she's hurt you again. So yes, I have a few reasons.

"You care about her hurting me more than her torturing you?"

I know I should care about myself more, but that was just pain, and I got her back for it. What she did to you is worse. I won't let her hurt you again.

"I thought you said you wanted me protecting you?"

It can be a two way street. Ruby offers.

"That sounds nice", Penny decides.

Let's keep each other safe. No matter what comes next.

"No matter what", Penny agrees, hoping against all hope that it's a promise she can keep.