“Ruby?” Ozpin called out softly as he approached.

A quiet day, still and grey as the monuments before the little girl in stark red.

Ruby slowly turned towards him, her ears flattened and her tail listless.

“Is everything alright?” he asked with concern.

The young wolf stood up and peered up at him, her eyes beneath her bangs were as cloudy as the sky. Wavering and uncertain.



“…” She was silent for a while and Ozpin allowed her to collect her thoughts.

“Why… are all these graves here?” her voice trembled slightly. “Who are they?”

“… … …”

Ozpin didn’t speak. He only looked forlornly at the many unmarked markers that littered the vast field.

He knelt and placed his bouquet of flowers at the nearest gravestone.

“They were… the brave men and women who fought for what they believed in…”

“All of them?” Ruby asked in wonder.

So many… so many were buried here…

“War is always tragic, Ruby,” Ozpin sighed softly. “Those who lost their lives, their stories ended there.”

Ruby’s head dipped at his words.

A warm hand lightly touched her shoulder and her head snapped up to see Ozpin smiling gently at her.

“That is why those who lived have to carry on their stories.”

“Those… who lived?”

A nod.

“To carry on what they believed in and so their stories will not be lost. To remember the pain of losing someone dear. To endeavor that no other should feel that pain…

“That is the duty of those fortunate enough to return home alive… the duty to make the world a better place…”

…

A moment of silence.

“Why did you come here?” Ruby questioned innocently.

“…To be reminded… of my duty…”

The headmaster and student stayed like that for a while longer until a gentle breeze rustled through them.

Ruby shivered a bit, more for show than anything.

“Shall we head back to the school?” Ozpin offered to accompany her.

“Mm!” Ruby nodded and fell into step alongside him.

As they walked, Ruby fidgeted. “Um… would you…”

“Hm?” he glanced down questioningly.

“Would you like some cookies?” Ruby blurted out.



“I-I mean! I’d like to hear some of those stories… if that’s okay…” she mumbled weakly.

The aged professor could only stare for a moment before chuckling. “Of course, Ruby. How about…”

