RWBY: Silver Eyes

Volume 1: Arc 1: Enter Beacon!

Chapter 1: Enter Ruby Rose!

"...thus kindly I scatter..."

-Last Rose of Summer, Thomas Moore

Legends, stories scattered through time. Mankind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits of heroes and villains, forgetting so easily that we are remnants, byproducts, of a forgotten past. Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful. But he was born into an unforgiving world. An inevitable darkness, creatures of destruction. The creatures of Grim set their sights on man and all of his creations. These forces clashed and it seemed the darkness was intent on returning man's brief existence to the void. However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change and in time, man's passion, resourcefulness and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help even the odds. This power was appropriately named, "dust". Nature's wrath in hand, man lit their way through the darkness and in the shadow's absence, came strength, civilization, and most importantly, life. Even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die. And when they are gone… darkness will return. So, you may prepare your guardians… Build your monuments to a so-called free world, but take heed… There will be no victory in strength.

"But perhaps victory is in the simpler things that you've long forgotten. Things that require a small, more honest soul."

Victory will belong to me or to her, you are the representation of the old age – Ozpin. Do not be so arrogant as to assume that her success would mean the same for you as well. She believes that the dying light of civilization can be forged with a new flame. Darkness will return, there is nothing you or her can do to stop it.

"Speaking of Legends and the like, it would seem she shouldn't worry after all, then. After all…"

"Ruby Rose… You… Have Silver Eyes."

Ruby had to hand it to Ozpin, if she were ignorant of what that meant she would have been very confused. Ozpin seemed to be very good at crafting vague words and phrases, many of which were relevant to the present as well as the future, presumably anyway.

But Ruby was not ignorant of that meant – and she had been that way for a while now.

Ruby grinned with excitement, as if enjoying the fact that her eye color was noted. "I know right?! My eye color is super rare! I even looked up statistics gathered from the four Kingdoms on the CCT. Ya know what it said?"

Seemingly amused with her blatant excitement, Ozpin was quick to inquire with a smile, "Oh? Why… I couldn't quite tell you. Tell me then, how many people in Remnant have Silver Eyes?"

Ruby tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes with a smile – like in those anime she catches Yang watch. And she held the position for but a moment, before suddenly proclaiming, "No one!"

Chuckling all the while, Ozpin responded, "Well, that can't be right. You are right in front of me to prove otherwise."

Returning to a more… normal posture, Ruby rebutted, "Well that's because I didn't participate in the survey. Who's to say there aren't others who live in the villages or wilderness outside the Kingdoms? Hmmm?"

"Indeed." Ozpin conceded. "So! Where did you learn to do this?" This being a recording of her beating up criminals outside a dust shop. The recording was playing off of a scroll being held by an older blond-haired woman who introduced herself earlier, and rather sternly too. The somewhat concerning part was the fact was the recording was from an hour or so ago and there shouldn't have been any cameras in the area. That meant she was being watching.

That wasn't creepy.

"I trained at Signal Academy, not to mention the training I do with in free time."

"And was it there you learned to use one of the most dangerous weapons ever designed?"

"Well, of course not, I designed Crescent Rose after all… I will admit I had quite the help from a particular instructor, however."

"I see… It's just that I've one other scythe-wielder of that skill before. A dusty old crow."

Ruby had so far been bored with this Q&A and had begun to dig into the cookies laid before her (her one weakness!). But that last sentence caused her to suddenly pause. She was admittedly startled at the sudden and quick connection, but was then proceed to laugh and cough at the same time. That was painful, however, remember next time to not laugh while eating.

Still recovering she managed to choke out, "HA! Better not say that to his drunken face," Ruby exclaimed. "That's my Uncle Qrow! He teaches at Signal, I'm sure you are aware, and he took me under his wing," she snickered at having made a bad bird pun. "Eyup, I am quite the Scythstress!"

"So I've noticed. And what's an adorable girl like yourself in a school to train warriors?"

With a pout, Ruby despite herself blushed, mumbling, "I'm not adorable…" Then speaking up she continued, "Well, I want to be a Huntress."

"You want to slay monsters?"

Ruby straightened, her face becoming serious. She saw the question for what it really was.

"Of course, but we both know there is more to it than that, no? The role of a Hunter is to protect people, but not many now-a-days try to understand what that means, do they? Hunters, when not out slaying Grimm are protecting the means of which people are protected and thrive – civilization, the Kingdoms. History has shown that protecting the status-quo has also threatened humanity. So yeah, I want to slay monsters, but I also want to protect and strive for the ideal society that we currently lack. Just look at the White Fang… I have two more years at Signal where-after I will apply for Beacon, my sister Yang is attending this year, side note. Our parent… parents always taught us to help others, why not make a career out of it, ne?"

Ozpin merely blinked before asking, "Do you know who I am?"

"You're Professor Ozpin, or should I call you Dr. Oz? You're the Headmaster at Beacon. Famous vague truth-sayer extraordinaire."

"Hello."

"It's nice to meet you."

"You want to come to my school?"

"It would be quite a privilege."

"Well, why not?"

Ruby grinned. Operation: Get Noticed and Get Headstart on Huntressing…. Complete!

Despite her training, nothing could stop a Yang hug from breaking your back and several. One would think enduring this on a regular basis or just having aura would make this more tolerable. It didn't.

"Oh, I can't believe my baby sister is going to Beacon with me! This is the best day ever!"

"Please stop. You're not surprised, just a sadist."

"Sorry, I can't help it! I'm so proud of you!"

"Really sis, trust me, it was nothing."

"What do you mean? It was incredible! Everyone at Beacon is going to think you're the bee's knees."

"Well for one, you need to stop referencing yellow things; you call your motorcycle Bumblebee for Oum's sake."

"I had to leave her in a garage back in Vale. They wouldn't let me bring her into Beacon, for some reason…"

"Oh, I can think of a few."

Their short banter was put to a stop when the nearby televised news began mentioning something quite familiar.

"…The robbery was led by nefarious criminal Roman Torchwick, who continues to evade authorities. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Vale Police Department. Back to you Lisa."

"Isn't that the robbery you stopped?"

"Yeah, but he got away, obviously. Some dust user in a helicopter swooped in and decided it was time to fly off, originally was probably for escorted the soon-to-be stolen dust. I didn't get a good look at her face, the lighting was just right to conveniently obscure her identity. Couldn't really give a sketch to police, it was rather annoying really. 'Can you describe the face of the dust user?' 'Er, no her face was in the shadows.' 'But the rest of her wasn't?' '…Yeah.' 'Nice going, kid.'"

"Alright, calm down," Yang chided.

Ruby glared at her for that, 'Hypocrite', she thought to herself.

Before Yang could protest the mean look, the P.A. went silent before a familiar blonde professor appeared.

"Hello, and welcome to Beacon!"

"Who's that?"

"My name is Glynda Goodwitch."

"Oh."

"You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attending this prestigious academy! Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsman and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now, it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and training to protect our world."

Ruby huffed at the boldness of the announcement. Frankly a 'peace' that contained terrorist groups like the White Fang, didn't seem very peaceful to her. And to uphold that very same peace seemed to be a counter-acting statement.

"Come on Ruby! Don't be like that." Yang leaned closer to the railing and continued, "Beacon is our home now! We should make the most of it."

A small smirk gracing her visage, she joined her sister by the window, "Right." She agreed.

Suddenly, a presence behind them made itself known, revealing a blond teen who didn't find the view to all that great. Holding his hands to his mouth, dry heaving.

"…I guess the view isn't for everyone, huh?"

Ruby conceded the point with a nod, before pointing out "My appraisal of Beacon seems generous right now." How exactly can a potential Huntsmen get airsick?

"Not everyone's a prodigy like yourself, Ruby."

Ruby put her arms behind her head and sighed, "I guess not… troublesome."

"…Ya know you could at least try to be a little humble or generally nice to your big sister."

The largest smirk adorned Ruby before she quickly put up the peace sign just about in Yang's face, "No way!"

"Wow" the sisters commented simultaneously.

Ruby was normally not one to lose composure, unless she was doing it on purpose, but the facilities that made up Beacon were not something you could withhold yourself from appreciating. The style of architecture and the massive size of the facility truly was a sight to behold.

Yang continued to praise the school, "The view from Vale's got nothing on this."

Ruby on the other hand had moved her focus to the various students, several of whom were upper-classmen. If there was one thing that was guaranteed to lose her composure was well crafted weapons. Ruby was so obsessed with weapon building that the crafting instructor at Signal would ask for pointers. When Ruby scheduled time to relax from physical and mental training (studying), the free-time would often be used to craft weapons for the fun of it; Signal's armory appreciated her for that.

So needless to say it took a Yang certified "slap" on the back to get Ruby out of a blushing heap of a trance.

"Easy there, little sister they're just weapons." Yang regretted her choice of words as soon as she spoke them.

"JUST weapons?! They are an extension of our very being! Our very personality and fighting style! Observing a person's weapon tell you everything about who they are!" Honestly, Ruby was a little embarrassed to be ranting about it, but weapon use was one of the more interesting skills she used and while could be a weakness by itself… "…they define us."

"And you can't just swoon over your own weapon because…?"

"Crescent Rose is the best weapon in existence!" Ruby defended, "I just like seeing knew ones, it's like meeting new people –except the part where you actually meet them. Most people are rather boring."

Ruby didn't have many friends. Or any really. Sure, she had her father and sister, but that was always enough for her… or that's what she always told herself anyway. Frankly, most people put Ruby off. The average person was selfish and privileged. Well, people who resided within the kingdoms anyway. Ruby admitted that there was some self-bias, being someone who lived modestly outside the walls of Vale. But there just seemed to be so much complacency and lack of empathy for other people. If that was meant to live life in the city… then she would change it.

"Ruby, come on, why don't you go try and make some friends of your own?"

Ruby just gave her a blank look. In return Yang got as serious as she physically could.

"Okay, look. I understand what your goals are, Ruby, and will back you all the way."

"But?"

"But you can't do everything on your own. Uncle Qrow was on a team with Dad for a reason."

"…"

"…"

"… I'll try."

"Great!" Yang was overjoyed, even if Ruby's admittance was rather dull. She really did love her little sister, and in truth knew that Ruby treated being a Huntress more seriously than she did; her dedication and hard work was inspiring, Yang was just a bit too lazy and enjoyed the chaos of city life. Yang was actually quite worried at first when it was time for her to go to Beacon – and thus leave Ruby at Signal. Alone. They promised each other no matter what they wouldn't leave each other alone after mom… disappeared. After they discovered… it. And frankly, Yang knew that Ruby didn't make socializing with others a priority and was worried how her leaving would affect the hooded little sister.

Thankfully, events seem to have gone in their favor.

"Anyway! I need to run off and talk to some peps! Don't ask questions! Bye!" Yang spurted out in one breath before running off.

Despite being told to not have question, it didn't stop Ruby from having any. "Wait! The hell are you going?! Nobody has said where we are supposed to go! Where are we supposed to go?! Our dorms?! Where would those be anyway?! This is a fucking lousy orientation!" Ruby didn't really appreciate Yang going off with her old friends at Signal, not just because Yang was off being irresponsible in regards to orientation but also because her friends were not people Ruby approved of.

It was a point of argument between the two. Ruby called them terrible friends, and bad influences, and Yang would rebuttal that it was quite hypocritical of the friendless, book-reading dork to be giving friendship advice.

"How crude!"

Ruby halted her mind-processes, before turning to look at the presence that made itself known. Upon looking at the newcomer, Ruby steeled her and was instantly serious.

Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, one of the largest producers of dust energy propellant in the world. The same company infamous for its 'controversial' labor force and 'questionable' business partners.

"Do you know where you are, little girl?" Weiss continued contemptuously, "I mean, are you old enough to even consider attending Beacon? This isn't your ordinary combat school. It's not just sparing and practice. We are here to fight monsters!"

Ruby just stared blankly, unimpressed. "Are you done nagging? Or can you at least attempt to talk like you don't have a 4 foot poll shoved up your ass?" Ruby couldn't help but be even more 'crass', since it was obviously and very easily making the noble girl upset. She also bet her even, bored tone was just enraging the privileged heiress.

"How dare—! The nerve of—! Ugh!" It would seem that Weiss, didn't find it very amusing as Ruby suspected, not that it took a genius to figure out. "Do you know who I am?!"

"A pretty princess?" Ruby replied sarcastically.

"It's Heiress actually." It was with that a new presence made itself known.

She was definitely the same as age as Weiss. She had long, wavy black hair, and her eyes are amber, complemented by light-purple eye shadow flaring backwards. Her eyes are slightly tilted upwards at the ends, giving her a somewhat catlike appearance. She also had a black ribbon tied in the form of a bow.

The newcomer physically appeared to be disinterested in their conversation, her focus at the book in her hand. But from Ruby's perspective she could spot a small smirk, no doubt finding amusement as well from making the Schnee heiress squirm.

Ruby's eyes narrowed slightly when moving her focus to the newcomer's eyes. She couldn't get a good look at them since they were glued to the book, but even without looking directly she could get some of a read of the girl. Unfortunately the black-haired girl's eyes didn't have much to say – that was odd, because Ruby wasn't used to seeing anyone so young so guarded while in Vale. It was something more common to see in people outside the walls of the kingdoms. Sure in a village or in larger settlements like Patch people watched each other's backs, but you still had to be cautious since you never know when Grimm might decide to appear out of seemingly no-where. Regardless, for this girls eyes to be guarded that meant she was from outside the kingdoms or…

'That girl has something to hide.'

The black-haired mystery continued, "Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, one of the largest producers of energy propellant in the world. The same company infamous for its controversial labor force and questionable business partners."

'Déjà vu'

Ignorant of the mental/physical coincident, Weiss determined that she had her daily dose of commoner bashing and stormed off with a huff.

Ruby chuckled to herself, amused by the turn of events. 'I'll need to remember to apologize to her later, Weiss Schnee – you'll be a very interesting person. I can tell.'

Finished with that conversation, she turned to the black-haired girl only to find that she mysteriously vanished.

'Passive aggressive? Comes and goes as she pleases? Why am I getting this cat vibe from her?'

Ruby put her hands behind her head once more and sighed, as if fulfilling a ritual and to complete it she let gravity take over – her aura protecting her from feeling the rough landing on the ground. "Troublesome… Welcome to Beacon, huh."

Ruby apparently had a sign on her telling people to come interact with her – for when she opened her eyes to look at the clouds she found a hand instead.

"Need a hand?"

Ruby shrugged, which was kinda awkward considering she was lying on the ground, and took the hand. "The two I have are fine, but thanks for the offer."

The look that instantly appeared on his face brought about a new smile to the girl's face. Messing with people was soooooo amusing. Though to be fair, the look left his face rather quickly after which he too smiled with a small laugh of his own. It would seem that some people have good taste.

Ruby took a second to dust the particles she picked up from the ground off of her before regarding the teen. Recognition came to her quickly; it was the blonde male from the airship.

"Thanks, the name's Ruby Rose, considering my attire – if you forget it I'll have no choice but to kill you."

"J-Jaune Arc! Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue, ladies love it!"

"Do they?"

"They will! I mean, I hope they will. You see, my mom says, uh… never mind."

Ruby couldn't help herself but chortle, clearly she wasn't the only one who was kind of bad with people, but to give Jaune credit – he at least was trying. On a more serious note, she took note of his name – particularly his last name. The Arc family was famous for producing some of Remnant's greatest heroes. Reaching out with her Aura, she could feel the massive amount of untapped potential, which was a bit strange now that she thought about it.

'How is he attending Beacon without having accessed his Aura? I could only feel it because I was looking for it. You are starting to be interesting Jaune.'

Figuring out where she needed to be for orientation could wait; she needed to confirm something while she had the chance.

She reached behind her and retrieved Crescent Rose, flipping it open in one fluid motion – stabbing the staff end in the ground.

"Woah!" Jaune hadn't been expecting her to suddenly pull out a scythe as big as the both of them.

Ignoring his surprise, "Why did you help me?"

"Wait, huh?" Ruby's abrupt behavior and questions were clearly leaving Jaune in the dust.

Seeing so, Ruby clarified, "You could have ignored me and attempted to continue with your own goals, namely figuring out where we are supposed to be going. So, why did you stop to help me?"

Now understanding what she meant, Jaune was glad to reply, "Why not? My mom always says, 'Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.'"

Ruby's eyes widened at that, for she could see it in his eyes, he meant it. Her posture quickly returned to normal and she spoke to the blond, "Words of wisdom. You better be sure to live up to them!"

Jaune was a little befuddled to have someone else tell him to live up to a phrase she hadn't seemed to have heard of before.

Again ignoring his confusion she continued, "When I went to Signal Academy, I spent a decent amount of time designing and building various weapons. This here is Crescent Rose, the fourth incarnation of my grand design."

Jaune interrupted in awe, "Wait, You made THAT?"

Ruby merely nodded with an appreciative smile, a creator always appreciates others' approval of their work, before she continued, "And one thing I learned is that you can learn about a person based on the weapon they use…"

Jaune got the hint, "Well, I uh" he stumbled trying to properly draw his weapon, "I got this sword and the scabbard is also a shield."

Leaving Crescent Rose stuck in the ground, like an unwavering flag, she reached her hand out, "Do you mind if I…?"

A little bewildered with the request; he nodded and said, "No, go ahead." And so he relinquished his naked sword to the red maiden. Even he could see the expertise and passion she had for such weapons.

With a trained eye she examined it closely, to the point that she was almost licking it; before she quickly returned it. "It's an older weapon, more so in regards to human lifespan than in weapon longevity. This blade has clearly seen many encounters, but has also been maintained extraordinarily. Sword and shield – simple, classic, and of a by-gone-era."

"Uh, thanks. It's a hand-me-down. My great-great-grandfather used it to fight in the war." Jaune wasn't sure if Ruby's words were supposed to be a positive or a negative.

Meanwhile Ruby nodded to herself and suddenly thrust her fist into the palm of her hand and proclaimed, "I have made a decision!"

"Wait! What's decided?!" Jaune questioned worriedly before suddenly finding a finger directly in front of his face, coming from one Ruby Rose.

Ignoring his questioning look, Ruby smirked excitedly before expounding," You are interesting!"

Of all the things, that was not what he was expecting, "W-What?! I'm just your average Huntmen-in-training, nothing special here!"

Ruby's analytical side noted that Jaune was obviously hiding something, but it for later – retrieving her hand she continued with vigor, "These eyes of mine see like no other! You aren't like the average, dull, predictable person. Heck, you practically scream unpredictability and underestimation. You look like a person who sees the good in humanity and expects it from others as well as himself! You fight for not just for the protection of people, but protect what makes them people!"

Jaune interrupted, "Aren't those the same thing?"

Ruby shook her head before continuing, "Not necessarily. With training and combat experience, you will either be a great hero that helps bring about revolution or a force of evil that seeks to destroy civilization."

As nice as it would be, Jaune couldn't quite accept that, "Don't you think you are exaggerating a bit there?"

It was a fair question, Ruby felt obligated to properly respond, "Perhaps, maybe if you turn you will merely contribute to forces that conspire against civilization. However, all Hunters will reach a point where they are faced with a decisions, a Moral Event Horizon, where either you hold up the ideals that ancient humans bore in order to forge civilization or fall and realize that civilization as it is now is a lie that contradicts everything humanity desired in those fatal days – that only way to reverse such a hypocrisy is to destroy it."

"Uhhh, that's kinda intense."

All previous seriousness gone Ruby replied, "Nope, not really! Hey you wouldn't happen to know where we are supposed to go, do you?"

Blinking at the sudden change of tone, Jaune was quick to adapt, "Oh, I dunno, I was following you. You think there might be a directory? Maybe a food court? Some sort of recognizable landmark? Is that a 'no'?"

With a final laugh, Ruby shook her head before retrieving Crescent Rose. "Come on, I'm sure if we wander around we'll find it eventually."

EDIT: Removed Japanese, updated header, fixed some grammer issues, added a few minor things here and there.

EDIT 2: Added a quote, changed some wording I didn't like (removed 'simple soul' nonsense)