Ruby fell asleep.



Her mind plagued by recent thoughts.

Why? Why did so many people have to hurt? Why did so many have to die?

Ozpin had told her that the world was not always kind. That many stories ended before anyone could appreciate them for the precious treasures they were.

Countless stories that never had a chance to ‘be’.



It scared her.

What of her story?

She has seen the fear and terror that gripped the hearts of man and Faunus. She has seen the willingness to end another life in anger and hatred.

In this world, in any world… there will be dangers right outside the door.

What if one day her story ended?



Ozpin kindly petted her head.



“What is your story?”

Her story?

…



Her life. Each and every year, down to every last second. Every happy moment, every sad memory.

The most bountiful days and most harrowing nights. When she slept comforted and at peace and when she feared never waking up again.



Of the everyday she was reminded of how thankful she was of living until now.



Her eyes blearily opened to the world, filled with warmth.

Happy. At ease…

Ozpin had told her many stories. Some happy. Some sad. Of friends and family. But every one of them reminded her to cherish their stories to enrich her own.



DING!



Her eyes widened and her smile returned.

“Done!” she squealed.

…

…

Tap. Tap. Tap!

Footsteps led a fragrant trail down the halls.



Ruby couldn’t contain her excitement and peals of laughter escaped and danced in the empty air.

After Ozpin talked with her, she understood a bit more about her story. But…

Something didn’t feel right…

…

…



It took her a few days but realization struck her with a quiet, “Ah…”

All at once, she felt a yearning, a need. A desperation to do something to show them how she felt!

After all…



She was thankful to have lived this long… but her friends made her life worth living~

