Ruby watched the world glide by from the ship's panel window. Beneath her, the vast, shimmering expanse of the sea unrolled, its surface dotted with boats that seemed to drift like tiny toys. Above them, a flock of gulls soared on the wind, their calls barely audible through the thick glass.
Inside the ship, life hummed with a quiet energy. The air was filled with the low murmur of conversations, the soft rustle of books being read, and the gentle clinking of glasses. People lounged in comfortable chairs, their expressions peaceful as they waited for the journey's end. A few children giggled as they played a game in a corner, their laughter a light counterpoint to the steady thrum of the engine.
But Ruby felt a chill she couldn't shake. Her gaze fell from the passing scenery to the reflection staring back at her in the glass. For a moment, her own face was obscured by an impossible, nightmarish vision. Her eyes, usually a soft brown, blazed with a sinister, crimson light, and a cruel, jagged smile stretched across her lips. Just behind her, a shadowy, indistinct form writhed, its presence a cold weight on her shoulders, following her wherever she went. A shudder ran through her, and she squeezed her eyes shut, taking a slow, deep breath.
When she opened them again, the monstrous reflection was gone, replaced by her own tired but familiar face. She tried to focus on the reality of her physical self, on the comforting details of her clothing. She wore a black and red newsboy cap pulled low over her brow. A long, striking red jacket served as her main outer layer, its shoulders and upper sleeves subtly patterned with a darker shade of crimson. Beneath it, a simple black long-sleeved shirt was accessorized with a delicate silver cross necklace. A black strap with a gleaming silver buckle crossed her chest diagonally, mirrored by a matching belt around her waist.
A long, flowing crimson cloak cascaded from her shoulders, its weight a constant presence. A flash of vibrant red peeked from its inner lining, a stark contrast to the dark fabric. The cloak's hood was adorned with a pattern of stylized, fiery markings that seemed to writhe and flicker in the ship's dim light. She wore black pants with a finely ribbed or textured pattern.
Her feet were encased in tall, black combat boots, their bright red soles and remarkably long, prominent red laces standing out against the dark ensemble, a splash of rebellious color in an otherwise somber palette.
"Are we there yet?"
Ruby's thoughts were broken by a voice beside her. She turned to see Alex, Subject #3465, a fellow experiment. "Does it look like we are?" Ruby shot back, annoyed.
Alex was just like Ruby, found in an abandoned building with no family, no friends, and nothing to her name. She had long, flowing hair and animal-like ears, along with a tail-a result of the many experiments done on her. Unlike Ruby, Alex was a bit more... childish.
Alex was a formidable fighter. She used two swords given to her by Dr. Merlot, a light and a dark blade. The dark blade could absorb the shadows of fallen Grimm, allowing Alex to gain their abilities. The light blade did the same for humans and Faunus, letting her use their Semblance. While Ruby's Semblance was speed, Alex could manipulate Aura, using it to heal herself, enhance her weapons, or boost her strength.
"I guess we're not," Alex said, breaking the silence.
Ruby sighed. "Why did Dr. Merlot make me take you with me, anyway?"
"Because I'm more responsible and can watch over you," Alex replied.
Ruby just shakes her head before she looks back towards the window again. Her mind going back to the facility.
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The memory flickered to life, a stark contrast to the present.
"Ruby... I want you to go to the school, along with Subject #3465," Dr. Merlot stated. "Unlike you, I don't care much for my other subjects, but she will keep watch over you. Like a personal guard."
Ruby crossed her arms, a familiar frustration simmering beneath the surface. "I don't need a babysitter," she protested.
Dr. Merlot's smile was thin, his eyes holding a cold glint. "Of course not. But I won't have my favorite creation disobey me when she's out in the world." His voice dropped, the question a silent threat. "Do I make myself clear?"
Frowning, Ruby gave a slow, reluctant nod. "... Okay, Father," she whispered, the title feeling foreign on her tongue.
A genuine smile, though no warmer than his gaze, touched Dr. Merlot's face. "That's my girl."
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A sudden chime echoed through the ship, signaling its imminent landing.
Peering out the window, Ruby saw it in the distance: Beacon Academy. The grand, white castle, with its numerous spires and towers, sat serenely in an open, peaceful landscape. A glowing, crystalline structure topped its tallest tower, a beacon of its purpose.
A long, paved walkway led to the school's main entrance, flanked by manicured green lawns and tranquil pools. Banners in red and blue hung from the lampposts, a vibrant welcome to what was supposed to be a place of hope.
Ruby knew this place well. A school built to train Huntsmen and Huntresses to battle evil and protect the world from the Creatures of Grimm. It was a life she once wanted, a hero she once dreamed of becoming. But now, all she felt for them was bitter hatred.
"I can't believe we get to stay here for four years! Aren't you excited?" Alex asked, her voice brimming with anticipation as she turned to Ruby.
Ruby just shrugged, her expression glum. "This will be the longest four years of my life." She frowned, standing up from her seat just as the ship's horn signaled their arrival at the docks.
As the doors opened, passengers began to disembark. Ruby followed the crowd, but a young woman with blonde hair suddenly dashed past her. She barely made it to a trash can before heaving into it. Ruby watched her with a look of pure disgust. "Some people," she muttered under her breath before falling into step beside Alex. Together, they headed towards the school's entrance.
A jolt of excitement coursed through Alex as they stepped onto the school's hallowed grounds. "Wow... this is quite a school," she said, her voice filled with awe. Her hands, tucked deep into the pockets of her coat, betrayed a nervous energy. "I wonder where we're supposed to go?"
Ruby, however, remained unimpressed. She cast a cool glance at Alex. "You're the responsible one, you go figure it out."
Alex sighed, a flicker of exasperation crossing her face. She crossed her arms in a gesture of reluctant acceptance. "Fine... I'll go find out where we need to be," she said, her words trailing behind her as she walked off, leaving Ruby to her own devices.
Ruby didn't move. She stood there, her gaze drifting upward to the vast expanse of the clear blue sky. Lost in thought, she took a step back, her foot catching on something unseen. She stumbled, and a sudden, sharp voice cut through her reverie. "Hey! What are you doing!?"
Ruby's head snapped down. Standing before her was a girl who seemed to be a living study in contrast. Her hair was a shock of pure white, and she was dressed entirely in a pristine white ensemble. The sight of her left Ruby speechless, her usual quick wit failing her. The words she wanted to say got stuck in her throat.
Ruby's heart had never skipped a beat before. But at that moment, faced with the striking vision of the girl in white, she felt a sudden, inexplicable flutter in her chest.