#sleeper agent ruby au

[matt0044]

Tokyo Mew Mew in RWBY AU.

Ichigo, Mint, Bu-Ling and Lettuce are an all Faunus team sticking together in the face of aggressions be they micro or macro.

Zakuro is a pro-huntress at a young age whom they shadow ala Oobleck in Volume 2's finale and is a gives-no-fucks kind of mentor who's a lot more caring that she lets on.

Ichigo leads the team (acronyms later) but gets guidance from the lone wolf. Mint still has it bad for Zakuro like Weiss did for Pyrrha but more explicit.

Mint will be a more dialed down Weiss but no less snooty at first.

Bu-Ling is a child prodigy like Ruby but more explicitly the little kid of the group. She has fewer siblings but none the less wants to be a Huntress to make their lives easier.

Ryo is headmaster and Keiichiro is his assistant, often being far more blunt that Ozpin.

Masaya is Deep Blue's unknowing sleeper agent to reincarnate in. A sort of reversal of Ozpin being the good guy reincarnating. The God's cursed the defiant one with being able to heal fast but reincarnating if the body is beyond repair.

Quiche would be a mix of Tyrian and Adam, a deadly combo for Ichigo to contend with as fellow Faunus. Hell, I hope TMMN gets a dub with Jessie James Grelle as the voice of Quiche.

Just as Remnant have color names born out of a war for repressing self-expression, kids are named after food since part of that art was culinary as well as remembering when rationing was a part of it.

[bridgyrose]

Pyrrha blocked arrow after arrow, her movements starting to get sloppy as the fight continued. She was already worn out from all the grimm and Cinder didnt seem to be stopping. “You dont have to do this!” 

“You dont understand what I’ve been through!” Cinder broke her bow in half and rushed at Pyrrha, small flames starting to come from her eyes as she slammed her blades against Pyrrha’s shield. “I have had to fight my way to survive! Once I have your half of the maiden’s power, then no one will *ever* hold me back again!” 

“There’s a better way!” Pyrrha used her semblance to push Cinder back, panting as she recalled her shield with her prosthetic. “There is always a better way. Come with us. We can help you-” 

“Lies!” Cinder  caused the ground beneath Pyrrha to explode, her hand outstretched. “You… elite always think you’re better than everyone else! Taking anything that doesnt belong to you!” She walked closer, her hands setting her blades ablaze. “And I refuse to listen to you any longer!” 

Pyrrha closed her eyes as she watched Cinder lunge at her, unable to get herself off the ground to block the strike. She flinched as she heard metal strike metal, slowly opening her eyes to see Yang blocking the strike. 

Yang pushed Cinder back a step, wincing a bit as electricity ran through her body from the gash that Cinder left in her prosthetic. “The others are on the way.” 

Pyrrha nodded and got up, grabbing her shield and flinging it at Cinder. She recalled it after Cinder dodged, bringing it lower and smashing it into the ground, watching it ricochet off and slam into Cinder’s back. 

Cinder grunted as she was knocked forward, bringing her swords up as she faced Yang and Pyrrha. She grinned as she pieced together a plan, immediately rushing at Yang. Metal clashed against metal as sparks flew from the flames that engulfed her swords. Each strike caused the flames to grow hotter. 

Yang kept up  with Cinder’s assault, blocking each strike while Pyrrha launched a flurry of attacks from the side. Within moments, she was pushed back, her eyes widening as she realized exactly what Cinder was planning. “W-wait! Pyrrha!” 

Pyrrha turned to face her friend, gasping as she felt an arrow plunge into her chest. Her body shook as her legs gave out, looking up to Cinder. 

Cinder grinned, pulling the arrow out of Pyrrha’s chest and letting it dissipate as she felt the rest of the fall maiden’s power start to flow into her. She placed a hand on Pyrrha’s forehead, her voice going soft. “You once asked me if I believe in destiny. This power *is* my destiny.” 

Yang could only watch in horror as she saw Pyrrha’s body light up in a flash of light and disappear as ash in the wind.

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Penny watched as her body fought Winter, trapped in her own mind. She felt the gentle pull of Ruby tug at her hand, keeping her still as she watched. 

“They’re just lying to you,” said Ruby, pulling Penny to her. “I am the only one that you need.:” 

“But Winter… is my friend.” Penny felt herself give into Ruby’s pulls, her mind slowly starting to slip away from her body. “I cannot-” 

“Its okay that you dont believe me.” Ruby smiled and kissed Penny’s neck. “Although, would a friend try to kill you? Or perhaps would a friend try to listen to you? Maybe even support your ideas? You know how to save this kingdom. All you have to do is bring the relic to Salem-” 

Penny frowned, freeing herself of Ruby. “You are not Ruby.” 

The visage of Ruby grinned, grabbing Penny’s arm. “Arent I? I’m here for you. Just like I always am-” 

“Enough!” Penny shouted as her aura flared up in a flash of green. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Penny’s body seized up as she felt glyphs along her arms and legs, holding her still and out of reach of Winter. Her red eyes faded to green as she went limp. “I… I’m sorry…” 

Winter slowly approached Penny, her eyes still glowing a bright blue as wisps of flame and ice flickered at the edge. “Penny? Are you okay?” 

Penny shook her head. “I… I do not think so. I could not stop myself…” 

“I know, and we’ll figure out how to fix you.” Winter let the glyphs go, catching Penny as she fell. “Let’s get you to your father-” 

Penny hesitated for a moment as she watched Winter pull out her scroll, her whole body trembling as she read the message: Pyrrha was gone and Cinder was here.

Winter slowly put her scroll away, taking a deep breath as she carried Penny out of the vault. “We’ll get you to your father first, and then I’ll need to be at the General’s side. If Cinder really is here, then Salem will not be far behind.” 

[flamechar33]

I am only posting enough about some Sonic AUs I've had in mind for context for an image I've come up with that I don't think I can just Not share: This entire chain of AU ideas started when I was in my mid/late teens when I started reading Ghosts of the Future (that Future AU written by Ian Flynn Evan Stanley, don't know how I got that wrong ) and after catching up I ended up thinking up a Future AU of that set after GUN's been defeated. All that's relevant of what I called GofT Whirlwind is:

The 'main' character who I'll refer to as the originally planned last name Hunter is a descendant of Infinite and son of a famous Extreme Gear racer known as the 6th Black Baron, who originally was a member of GUN before a whole Plot happened and ended up on the other side and taking up the mantle of his dad's opposing racer the Red Rider. (He was a faded green wolf originally but now I'm thinking that Hunter and his dad should be Jackals. Also I could go into depth about his suit as the Red Rider and how it isn't necessarily red. Also I can't remember if the notion of Chaos Powers was introduced in GotF or if I just expanded/made it up from somewhere, but his ability was Chaos Sight which gave him...essentially Eagle Vision from AC? idk I was inspired by the tracking mechanic from Lego Lord of the Rings. There's also just too many OCs from this to talk about Just in this post so, like, ask I guess.)

The only other OC I will mention is sleeper agent murder android fox who very much does not like 4 of those 5 words and ends up defecting before Hunter. She's called Sabina, probably more of the protagonist than Hunter is at first.

Tails uploaded his mind immediately post death to become an AI. He gets a robot body after being stuck inside the Tornado up until (reads notes) Story Chapter 2 of...5? (the entire Plot I mentioned earlier? That's just Chapter number 1)

Also there's another noteable part of this AU which is that Infinite had a sister who survived/left, who had a son who ended up as a part of the batch of Rookies and the main one's best friend. Remember this later

Then I ended up making an AU of the Dark GotF AU (where Shadow died instead) with Hunter having things A Lot Worse. His family died in a resistance raid and he nearly burnt to death, only to be taken by the GUN higher ups and made into a living chimera weapon who could absorb Chaos powers through absorbing blood. His deal in this AU is that when he gets introduced he pretty much only likes Silver, and that he disguises his nature with a longcoat, gloves, orange tinted glasses and a lot of other things to hide the wings and tail...and pretty much everything but his head.

That's the past context: onto this year, where Adult Me is looking back and brainstorming/rethinking again, while I'm also looking at IDW comics - especially Surge. I looked at Surge and Kit, I looked at Dark GotF Hunter, and said "yeah this could be fun" So onto the last AU of this, this time of IDW. A bad future ends up happening with Eggman Empire in control because Surge ended up killing Sonic, so Silver ended up going back in time to help Sonic. Hunter ended up going back in time as well to also stop Surge but meets them and goes "wow ok these guys need help." Sabrina also comes back in time but everyone thinks she's here to stop them from Preventing Sonic's death.

Long Story Short Surge ends up unable to kill Sonic, Sabrina finally gets to reveal that No she's here to stop Hunter because he gets all the Chaos Powers and ends up getting a vision that Maybe drives him insane/is him being possessed. I would have kept that as a surprise but Hunter going and releasing Infinite from the Phantom Ruby as his right hand man is important. But eventually everyone (except Sonic) wins and the future is changed again with only the timetravellers remembering the whole deal.

A later incident ends up with the planet from two different times (present and Silver's future) being in each other's sky. Another long story but basically Infinite joins Eggman and the future villain because he learnt from last time that he has surviving family, and basically Hunter redeems himself during this whole thing and takes Infinite to go see his sister (leading to him retiring). AI Tails also appears from the future world.

Then there's story set exclusively in the future, which I'm Not going to spoil since If I write it well it's going to have some really good twists, but I ended up thinking about in this future Surge and Kit being immortal due to whatever Starline did to them (Kit's also taller now) and them being part of Gun, and a bit where Shadow and Robo Tails meeting up with them (Tails is not allowed in Kit's stuff) ended up during the thinking process having Surge say something along the lines of "the hangout's not today".

So yeah, the image: Shadow, Surge, Kit, Robo AI Tails, Infinite, Metal and Mecha Sonic all sitting around at their usual immortals hangout session.

That's it, that's the entire reason I've released the knowledge of 3 of my Sonic AUs out into the wild. dropping this and seeing what happens overnight

[ladydevoir]

What if Tyrian did manage to bring Ruby to Salem and Salem started grooming Ruby into a person similar to Cinder?

So, I'm not sure if you sent this as a writing prompt or a question, I'm gonna answer it as a question, but if you do want it as a prompt, just let me know.

Honestly, I don't think its possible for Salem to groom Ruby like she did Cinder. With Cinder, Salem was able to take a very traumatised girl who had been betrayed by everyone around her and simply fuel her anger and desire to be free.

Ruby doesn't really have any reason to trust, believe or follow Salem. Even if Salem told her the truth about Ozpin and everything, Ruby would still not follow (remember after the team discovered the truth from Jinn, Ruby was the one to keep everyone going regardless.)

And personally, I think after finding out that everything that has happened, the grimm attacks, Beacon falling, her mother disappearing, and the deaths of both Pyrrha and Penny were basically caused by this one witch, that she would absolutely attack Salem on site without any hesitation.

But, as we found out from V8, Salem doesn't need Ruby to agree with her of her own free will. She just needs another Silver-Eyed Warrior to turn into a Hound so she can command it fully. Now Salem grooming a Hound-Ruby to be like Cinder, absolutely possible.

If Salem was to groom Ruby to her side it would have to be done before Beacon, years before the first episode. Now if you want a really good idea of what that would be like, I very much recommend @bridgyrose for their Sleeper Agent Ruby AU, which I think takes this idea and executes it perfectly~

But if this was meant to be a writing prompt, let me know, and I'll try and make something work~

[bridgyrose]

“Pyrrha! Pyrrha! Pyrrha!”

Pyrrha hesitated for a moment as she looked around Ironwood’s office and heard Jaune calling her name.

Jaune took hold of Pyrrha’s hand. “Pyrrha? Are you okay? Ironwood asked you a question.”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. C-can you please repeat the question?”

Ironwood nodded and walked over to Pyrrha. “I was asking if you were okay. I know the transfer to give you the maiden powers would have some�� complications, and I’m aware you were taken back to Argus for a time to recover from what happened at Beacon.”

Pyrrha’s hand instinctively went to her prosthetic, gently running over the engravings on the side. A few of her memories of what happened that day at Beacon were fuzzy, but she remembered the pain she felt as Cinder’s arrow hit her shoulder, shattering the bone. The heat she felt as her arm burned from the flames. The anger she harbored as she tore the rest of the tower down…

“I’m fine, really. I’m just coming to terms that Ruby is with Salem. I know that’s what Qrow told us but to see it…”

“It’s alright, she had us all fooled. Me as well.” Ironwood put a hand on Pyrrha’s shoulder, giving her a sad smile. “But I’m glad you’re here. Now that we know Salem is starting to make her move, we need to prepare. And the first thing we need to do is bring Ruby in dead or alive-”

“We cant just kill her,” said Yang. “She’s still my sister. There has to be some sort of good in her.”

“And if there is, then you can bring her in alive.” Ironwood pulled away from Pyrrha and went to his table, pressing a button on his scroll as it opened up and pulled up a couple of holographic feeds from around Mantle. “However, I’m not entirely sure we’ll be able to get Ruby to surrender without a fight. And right now, we need to focus on Mantle. Riots have been appearing ever since the kingdom’s borders have closed. And right now, getting Amity back up and running isnt easy with riots stopping us from getting supplies out to the mine.” He pressed another button on his scroll, bringing up the plans for Amity Arena.

Jaune nodded, looking over the plans. “And we’re what, making Amity into a communications tower?”

“That is exactly the plan.” Winter stepped up next to Ironwood, looking over the group. “If we can re-establish cross kingdom communications, we can then start rebuilding relations with the other kingdoms and tell them about Salem.”

“W-wait, you cant be serious,” replied Weiss. “If we tell everyone about her, there’ll be mass panic.”

Ironwood nodded, letting the table shut down and start to drop. “I’m prepared for that already. I’ll dispatch my fleet so once we tell everyone-”

“No, you dont understand.” Oscar finally spoke up, taking a deep breath as he walked up to Ironwood. “Salem… is immortal. We cant kill her and Ozpin never had a plan to defeat her. If we tell everyone about Salem, grimm are going to swarm the kingdoms. And even if we do stop the initial rush of grimm, what then? Even if we gather all of the hunters across Remnant, we still wont be able to defeat her. Stall her, maybe, but we have to come up with a plan first.”

Ironwood hesitated for a moment as he listened to Oscar, panic flashing in his eyes before he composed himself and started walking to his desk. “Then… all of this is for nothing.”

“Not completely.” Qrow took a swig from his flask, letting out a sigh. “We’ll figure something out. We just need time before we tell everyone about her.”

Ironwood nodded, looking back at the papers on his desk, running through all the plans he had, tearing up any that had to deal with Amity. “In that case, I’ll start thinking of a new plan of action. For now, I need you all to help the Ace-ops keep Mantle under control by any means necessary. “

The group started heading out of Ironwood’s office, no longer sure of what they could do. After learning the truth about Salem and Ozpin, everything they were up against seemed bigger.

Blake was the first to speak once everyone reached the entrance hall. “Did we really have to tell Ironwood about Salem?”

Jaune sighed, pausing as he walked. “I… I dont know. Maybe we shouldnt have, but he has the right to know. Besides, we’d be like Ozpin if we kept the secret from him, right?”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ironwood’s arm started to shake as he processed everything Qrow and the other students told him. For the first time, he felt helpless, powerless, like he was playing a different game from Salem. “She’s always one step ahead…”

Winter sighed and walked over to Ironwood, slowly reaching to him. “We’ll figure out a plan-”

Ironwood stood up, throwing the papers off his desk. “I’m going to call an emergency meeting with the council. I need you to secure the maiden’s power.”

“But sir-”

“That’s an order, Specialist Schnee. Am I clear?”

Winter looked away from Ironwood, feeling a pang of guilt in her chest. “Yes, sir.”

[bridgyrose]

Pyrrha panted as she put her spear through another grimm, looking back towards the family that was behind her. “There’s an airship waiting for you at the safe zone. The way is clear for now.” 

The mother nodded and took her children’s hands to lead them off to the safe zone. 

Pyrrha sighed and put her hand to her ear, clicking a button for her communicator. “Sector 6 is all clear.” 

Fiona’s voice came over the communicator, sounding relieved. “You and Yang should head over to Sector 8. Robyn and May are in a bit of trouble with the surge of grimm from all the panic.” 

“We’ll be right over.” 

Yang sighed and stretched her shoulder out a bit. “Where to next?” 

“Sector 8.” Pyrrha took a moment to put her weapon away, pausing as she did. “Do you… think Ironwood is doing the right thing?” 

“You mean putting the kingdom under martial law? Honestly, I’m not sure, but what else can we do?” Yang got onto the hover bike they were lent from Pietro, letting out a heavy sigh. “Salem’s immortal, she has her agents here already and Ruby’s one of them, not to mention that none of us have a plan and Ozpin… he was never planning on telling any of us any of this.” 

“I know but… was that really a bad thing?” Pyrrha got onto her own hoverbike, her grip tightening around the handle bars. “Considering how Ironwood reacted after we told him, I think Ozpin had a point in not telling us.” 

“Point or no point, what can we do? And if telling Ironwood now keeps us from being like Ozpin-” 

Pyrrha zoned out as Yang spoke, her vision quickly changing once again to a small village, grimm attacking. She could feel the anger boil up inside of her as the air around her swirled, fire shooting from her hands as lightning struck each grimm. But even that wasnt enough, the village falling to the grimm, leaving a small girl crying in the ruins before feeling a sword pierce her back. 

“Pyrrha? Are you okay?” asked Yang.

Pyrrha blinked a couple times as she came to, nodding slowly. “Y-yeah, I’m fine.” 

“You sure? You didnt move for fifteen minutes. I was worried that maybe something happened.” 

“I… its nothing.”

“You sure?” 

“I’m sure-” Pyrrha stopped, feeling a pull in her chest. She looked behind her, putting her hand onto her spear and getting off the hoverbike. “Yang, go.” 

“Pyrrha? What’s going-” 

“Cinder’s here and you need to leave, now.” Pyrrha moved her shield to block an incoming arrow, glaring as she looked for Cinder. “Dont argue, go now! Get the others and I’ll hold her off!” 

Yang sighed, hesitating for a moment before she watched Pyrrha block another couple arrows with inhuman speed. “I’ll be right back!” 

Pyrrha held her ground as Yang rushed off, holding her shield up. “Cinder! I know you’re there!” 

“You can feel the pull too, cant you? The way the maiden power halves draw themselves to each other.” Cinder smirked as she walked into view, her bow to her side and she pulled another arrow from the quiver on her back. “And now, its time I finally get to take back what belongs to me.” 

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Ruby rushed around Mantle, making note of every one of Ironwood’s soldiers. Part of her was thankful that he never wisened up to Salem’s activities, but as she watched the mechanical soldiers turn on the citizens they were supposed to be protecting, she couldnt help but feel the same kind of anxiety she did at Beacon. 

Ruby quickly started looking for an airship to get up to Atlas, still needing to make sure the shields could never go up. If Ironwood had his way-

“Ruby! Stop right there!” 

Ruby froze in place as she heard Weiss’s voice behind her. Glyphs already formed at her feet to keep her from moving. “Weiss…” 

Weiss glared at Ruby, keeping her rapier pointed at her former team leader. “Why?” 

“Why what?” 

“Why would you work with Salem?” 

Ruby let out a sigh. “If you knew the truth about Ozma and Salem, you’d know that Ozma cant be trusted. That he lied about everything.” 

“We know the truth.” Weiss started walking closer to Ruby, watching Blake from the corner of her eye and nodding to her. “We know what happened between Ozma and Salem, but we also know what Salem is really planning.” 

“Salem is going to bring about a new order to the world! One where no one has to suffer-” 

Blake dropped down in front of Ruby, pulling out her own weapon. “She’s going to destroy Remnant, Ruby. She doesnt want anyone to no longer suffer, she wants to finally end the curse that’s been placed on her. Come with us and we can use the lamp to show you.” 

“You… you’re lying!” Ruby reached back to her scythe, gripping the shaft. “She’s going to do the world a favor-” 

“Do you really believe that?” Weiss placed a hand on Ruby’s shoulder, pressing her rapier into her back. “Where’s the Ruby we got to know? The one who wanted to help others?” 

Blake moved closer, keeping an eye on Ruby. “You once told me that you wanted to be a huntress to make the world a better place. That even though life isnt a fairytale, that we could at least try to make things right. Do you no longer believe that?” 

Ruby took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. She could hear the truth in Weiss’s words, but she still couldnt believe it. Salem would never want to destroy humanity. She only wanted to help it… “I’m sorry.” In a swift motion, she pulled her scythe off her back, the blade slicing Weiss’s cheek and pushing her back, giving her time to leave the glyphs that held her still. 

Weiss pulled back, holding her cheek with her hand as she activated her aura to heal. “Blake! Now!” 

Blake rushed towards Ruby, using her shadow clones to distract her while she threw her sword around, trying to wrap Ruby in the ribbon. 

Ruby used her semblance to rush away from Blake, pulling back for a moment. “I cant let you stop this.” 

“And you need to see the truth-” Weiss was cut off as Yang called out from her scroll. 

“Cinder is here! Pyrrha needs help!” 

Weiss hesitated for a moment before looking towards Blake. “We need to help Pyrrha.” 

“But Ruby-” 

“Ruby can wait. Cinder is after Pyrrha and we need to get there now!” 

Blake sighed and looked towards Ruby before putting her weapon away and using her shadow clones to rush out to Pyrrha. 

Ruby took a deep breath and put her scythe on her back. “If Cinder’s here, then Salem wont be  far behind. Are you sure you’re ready?” 

Weiss shook her head, putting her rapier away. “Probably not, but that wont stop me.” She created a path of glyphs and started running to Pyrrha, using the glyphs to speed herself up. 

Ruby sighed and looked towards the storm before letting herself disappear in a flurry of petals. She was already too late and hoped Salem wouldnt be disappointed. 

[bridgyrose]

Sleeper Agent AU. So what was life in Salem's castle for Ruby, what is her relations with Hazel, Watts, Tyrian and later Cinder. Same question for Summer.

So in the sleeper agent Ruby AU… how much does Yang know, if she knows anything about it at all?

Is she also a sleeper?@dudeblade

“Get off me!”

“Not until you admit defeat!”

Ruby tried to get out of Cinder’s grip, struggling to do so. After a few moments, she managed to see how close Cinder’s arm was to her face, letting her lick her.

Cinder shoved Ruby away, wiping her arm. “Ruby! That’s gross!”

“I told you to get off-” Ruby was quickly interrupted by a blunt arrow hitting her in the chest. She fell back and groaned as the arrow dissipated into dust.

Cinder walked over and put a foot on Ruby’s chest, smirking. “I win.”

“That’s enough.” Salem wandered into the room, her eyes going straight to Ruby. “Ruby has another lesson with Watts.”

Cinder nodded and started walking off while Ruby stood up and put a hand on her chest. Even with a blunt arrow, it still hurt. She looked over to Salem, a hopeful smile on her face. “I get to see my mother after, right?”

Salem turned and started leaving the room. “We’ll see.” She kept walking into another room, watching Summer appear from the shadows in front of her. “After today’s lesson, you’re taking Ruby somewhere else.”

Summer hesitated for a moment. “I… what do you mean? She hasnt done anything wrong, has she?”

“No, she hasnt. However, its about time for us to move onto the next phase of our plan and your daughter is going to be a big part of that.”

Summer sighed and looked down to the ground. “I’m… not going to see her again after that, am I?”

“You shouldnt, no.” Salem placed a hand on Summer’s shoulder, almost as if she was trying to comfort her. “But her lessons are over today. Now will be the perfect time to bring her back to your old team and start getting her close to Ozpin. And I already have a few others manipulating events to get her noticed.”

“I… I shouldnt be using her like this. Not to destroy Oz.”

“You are using her as she needs to be. She’s just a weapon, just like you were. And once we’re finished, she’ll be able to be whoever she wants in my new world.”

Summer nodded and went to start packing Ruby’s things. “I’ll take her to my old team tonight then. Knowing Qrow, she’ll end up on Oz’s watch list anyway.”

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Yang glared at Raven with red eyes as she knocked the teapot off the table. “What the hell do you mean Ruby isnt who I think she is? I grew up with her!”

“Or did you grow up with who you were to think she was?” Raven gently sat down her cup, looking up at her daughter. “Ruby isnt who you think she is.”

“I think I would know who my own sister is!”

“But can you really say that? She isnt even your sister.”

Yang felt those words sting in her heart. Sure, Ruby wasnt her biological sister, but adopted sister still counted. “She is-”

“She’s an agent of Salem.”

Those words made Yang quiet. Sure, she was just learning who Salem was, but hearing from Raven that Ruby could possibly be in league with her… “No, she isnt.”

“And unfortunately, it's the truth.” Raven leaned back a bit, motioning for Yang to sit down. “Did you ever stop to think why she was found near Patch and no one claimed to know who she was or where she came from? Or why she seemed to have no problem with making sure Ozpin took notice of her? She was meant to get close to him.”

“So what… she just… pretended to be lost?”

Raven shrugged, reaching back for an old dairy. “That, I wouldnt know. But what I do know is that her mother is still alive and very much helping Salem.”

Yang eyed the old book that Raven had in her hands. “What’s that?”

“This-” Raven placed the diary down onto the table where the teapot had been. “-was Summer’s diary up until a few years ago. And in it is everything you need to know about that girl you claim to be your sister. It holds the truth on everything that’s going on, and I want you to have it.”

Yang slowly reached for the book, pausing for a moment as her fingers brushed against the spine. “How do I know this isnt a trick?”

“You came to me for answers, and I’m providing all of them for you. And if you still have doubts, then I can take you to Summer to learn more.”

Yang sighed, still unsure if she could trust her mother. As far as Qrow and her dad had told her, Summer had died years ago after disappearing. Just a missing teammate they couldnt seem to get over. But now, if what Raven was saying was true… “Just… get me to Qrow. I’ll figure this one out on my own.”

Raven nodded and used her semblance to create a portal to Qrow. “Just remember: dont trust Ozpin.”

[bridgyrose]

Ruby paused for a moment as she watched Atlas Academy buzz with activity. Between the rumors of Weiss having run off, General Ironwood pulling his armies back to Atlas, including any and all soldiers that were helping with other academies, and the embargo that was starting to take its toll on the merchants and companies that needed global trade, it was starting to seem like an easier task to make Atlas crumble than before. Even better, no one knew about her yet, which meant getting closer to Ironwood would be a snap.

“Is everything okay, Ruby?” asked Penny.

Ruby nodded, giving a smile to Penny. “Everything’s fine.” She quickly reached for Penny’s hand, giving a gentle squeeze. “I guess I’m just not used to how busy an academy can be. Beacon was big but Atlas… Atlas just seems to be busy.”

“You will get used to it. But follow me, the General’s office isnt much farther.”

Ruby stayed close to Penny, her eyes wandering around as they made their way through the main hall. She frowned a little when she noticed this was Atlas’ attempt to show off how they thought of their kingdom. But to her, it only showed that Atlas cared about one thing: themselves. “You know, after Beacon was attacked, I was worried I had lost you forever.”

Penny paused for a moment as she walked, smiling a bit. “I still remember that day you found out the truth about me. It is… one of the special memories I try to keep close. And… I was worried about you too after I was told what happened when I was rebuilt. No one really knew if you were still alive or not, and… I am glad I never gave up hope.”

Ruby blushed a little, continuing to walk to a nearby elevator to get to Ironwood’s office. “I’m glad you’re back, Pen. It makes me feel better that I have a friend here that can help me.”

Penny started walking with Ruby, keeping close to her. “Of course. And maybe, while you are here, we can start becoming better friends.”

“Better friends, huh?”

Penny nodded, beaming with a smile. “Speaking of friends, where are the rest of your team? I thought you would be with them.”

Ruby let out a sigh as she entered the elevator and let Penny press the right button to get to Ironwood’s office. “I’m… not sure how they are. After Beacon fell, Weiss was brought back to Atlas by her father, Blake ran away and Yang… she wasnt doing all that great when I left.”

Penny looked at Ruby, slightly confused. “You travelled all on your own?”

Ruby nodded, pulling out her scroll and running through the faces of her friends. “I did. Jaune… he was heartbroken when Pyrrha died. And Ren and Nora… I havent seen them since Beacon fell. I’m not even sure what their fate was.” She hated the idea of lying to Penny about her friends, or at least about Jaune, Ren, and Nora. But she needed Penny on her side if her plan was going to work.

“Oh, I am… I am sorry.”

“It’s fine. It was nice to be alone for a bit. You know, clear my head, find out a few things about myself… just… being able to get a little perspective.”

The elevator stopped at the top of Atlas Academy, opening up to yet another entryway. Penny walked Ruby to Ironwood’s office, stepping to the side. “Here is the General’s office.”

Ruby smiled and gave a small thank you to Penny before walking in, taking a deep breath. “General Ironwood, I have news-”

“You will need to wait,” said Ironwood as he looked away from Winter. “Specialist Schnee and I have something we need to discuss.”

Winter paused for a moment and looked over to Ruby. “I think we should hear her out, General. She did attend Beacon, and the fact that she made it here even after closing our borders might give us a bit more insight on where we have any failings in our security.”

The General stood up and looked over Ruby. “Now that she mentions it, how did you make it to Atlas. You’re far from home, arent you Ruby?”

“I am.” Ruby walked closer to Ironwood’s desk, mentally running over the speech she practiced for him. “I managed to get a little help from someone who was returning to Atlas, but that’s not why I’m here. I dont think your kingdom is as safe as you think.”

Ironwood frowned at Ruby. “And what makes you think that?”

“I think the person, or people that attacked Beacon might already be here, just like they might be at the other two academies.”

Ironwood paused for a moment, one hand twitching slightly as he started looking over a few papers on his desk. “And what makes you so sure of that?”

Ruby shrugged. “Its just a guess. When Cinder attacked Beacon, she made herself seem like a student. Even the Haven kids considered her as one of her own. Wouldnt it be safe to say that she might have other agents already embedded into the other schools as well?”

Winter leaned over to Ironwood, whispering to him. “She has a point, sir. Maybe we can let her in on what is really-”

“No. That’s not possible. I would know-”

“Would you though?” Ruby sighed and started walking out. “What I mean is that if you are sure that there’s no double agent in the school, that’s fine. But I was hoping that maybe I could help you find out if there really is a spy here.”

Ironwood nodded and sighed. “You… have a point. After what happened at Beacon, we really cant be too careful. And if you’re right, then I dont think Cinder is the one behind all of this.”

Ruby paused for a moment before slowly turning around, feigning a bit of confusion. “She’s not?”

Ironwood shook his head. “I cant tell you everything right now, but Cinder is only a pawn to who’s really attacking the Academies. And if you’re right that there is a spy here and now, then we should find them before they cause any trouble.”

Ruby smiled a bit and nodded. “Then tell me what you want me to do.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arthur Watts sighed as he walked around Mantle, hacking into the cameras as he walked past them and keeping an eye on his scroll. He was sure that by now, Ruby would be making her way to Atlas Academy to start talking to Ironwood, giving him an extra way into the Atlas Network assuming talks with Jacques dont go as planned. He smirked once a new message popped up on his scroll, two words giving him all he needed to know: “I’m in.”

“At least Ruby isnt a failure like Cinder is,” he remarked to himself as he kept walking, spotting a small building to hole up in. He quickly responded to Ruby, giving her the next set of instructions. “And now, for the real fun to begin.”

[bridgyrose]

Ruby nervously tapped her fingers along the seat of the airship, watching as Watts flew them closer to the storm. All of this hard work, just for Salem to show up herself to usher in the fall of Atlas, and yet, she didnt quite feel like she accomplished anything. 

“Feeling nervous, are you?” asked Watts, keeping the airship steady as he entered the storm. 

“Everything we did was a complete failure-” 

“Everything you did. Tyrian and I were successful.” Watts turned on the radio, pulling up a short broadcast playing in Mantle. 

“Along with the grimm rampaging through the streets, Robyn Hill was attacked by a faunus. The Happy Huntresses say she is in stable condition, but authorities are still on the lookout for a scorpion faunus while citizens are being evacuated-” 

Watts turned the radio off, giving Ruby a smug grin. “Its a shame you failed. All that hard work only to be stopped by a few teenagers-” 

“How was I supposed to know they were going to be here so soon?” Ruby slumped into her seat, already dreading whatever Salem was going to tell her. “Besides, my mission wasnt a complete failure, just… unfinished.” 

“Unfinished and failure are the same thing.” Watts let out a sigh, already regretting the idea that he was planning on helping the younger girl. “You have to be able to learn from them. Otherwise, you’ll end up like Cinder, who’s greatest success still ended up being a colossal failure.” 

Ruby nodded and looked out the window, watching as Watts flew the airship into the storm, the black and red clouds illuminating as electricity formed in each of them. She couldnt help but feel guilt building in the pit of her stomach as she started to feel torn about what she was doing to her old teammates and following Salem. On the one hand, she believed that Salem was right. She had seen how the world seemed to be divided, the pain that others felt as they lost loved ones for no reason, that humanity needed Salem to be united. But on the other, she saw what her team could do when she was at Beacon. How hunters and huntresses seemed to allow for a better world, even if it was in small steps. 

Ruby’s focus went back to the front of the airship as she watched Salem’s whale come into view. The nervousness she felt nearly tripled as she realized she was that much closer to Salem and that much closer to having to tell her that she failed on her mission. She felt her hand instinctively grip her seat tightly, causing her knuckles to go white. 

Watts grinned in amusement as he piloted the airship to the side of the whale, getting ready to land on one of the built in platforms. “Dont look so nervous. Its only your first mission. And so what if it ended in a complete failure? I’m sure you’ll get other chances to prove your worth to her. Assuming she still needs you at the end of this.” 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ruby sighed as she patched herself up after combat training, making sure each cut was bandaged properly. “You know I’m not any good at this.” 

”You dont have to be good, you can only not fail.” Summer checked over Ruby’s wounds, bandaging where she couldnt reach. “In a real fight, you might not get so lucky about someone stopping after your aura breaks. But more than that, Salem will not take failure well once you start your mission.”

“I know. And when will I get to start my mission?” 

“Sooner than you think.” 

Ruby nodded, not quite accepting Summer’s answer, but not arguing against it either. She still couldnt wrap her mind around needing to learn to fight at a young age, only ten years old. And even then, fighting against Cinder felt unnecessary for training. If she had to train, why couldnt she train against her mother? Although, it’d help her to know what she was training for.

Summer let out a sigh and pulled Ruby into a hug. “I’m sorry for keeping you in the dark like this, my petal, but unfortunately, it's not for me to say what your part in all of this will be. Salem will let you know once she’s ready to send you out. But for now, you need to learn how to fight and survive because the world is a cruel place. There are men out there who would like to use you for what you’ll be able to do.” 

“As you keep saying, mom.” Ruby finished bandaging herself up, feeling a bit better after her aura had healed a few of the smaller wounds. She stood up and stretched, picking up the swords she was training with after. “I just want to understand why we’re doing this. I’ll only fail if I dont know what the goal is.” 

“In due time, my petal. For now, go rest. You’ll have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.” 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Watts. Ruby. I do hope you come back with good news.” 

Ruby walked closer to Salem before kneeling down, keeping her eyes to the ground. She let Watts speak first, trying to go over how she was going to spin her mission results. 

“Tyrian and I ran a successful mission,” replied Watts, slowly looking up at Salem. “He will be on his way back shortly, but together, he and I managed to sow chaos in the streets.”

Salem nodded, accepting the results. Her gaze focused on Ruby, looking over the girl. “And you, Ruby? How did your mission fare?” 

“I… I failed to cause a divide between the general and Mantle.” Ruby let out a sigh, trying to compose herself as she let the rest of her words out. “I did not expect for my old… teammates to show up when they did. I also deviated from the plan a bit, trying to divide things my own way. And I failed. I’m sorry, my Queen.” 

Salem stood up and walked over to Ruby, her heels clacking on the stone like surface. “Ruby, stand.” 

Ruby nodded and obeyed, slowly getting up and keeping her head down. She was utterly terrified about Salem’s reaction, not quite wanting to hear what she thought. 

Salem put a finger under Ruby’s chin and lifted her head. “You’ll look at me when I speak to you. I do not tolerate failure. Especially when you decide to no longer stick to the original plan I gave you.” She pulled her hand away from Ruby and slowly turned away to go back to her throne. “However, this was your first, real mission. I may have given you something a bit too challenging to complete on your own. I hope that you learn from your failure.” 

“I… I understand, my Queen,” Ruby responded, slowly kneeling again out of shame. 

Salem sat down and let out a sigh. “When I give you a task, I expect you to complete it exactly as I have ordered. You may be more valuable than a pawn to me, that doesnt mean you’re a player in this game. For now, I want you both to wait for Cinder and Tyrian to rejoin us-” 

“Cinder’s still alive?” interrupted Watts. 

Salem placed a hand on her throne, allowing a bit of magic to pulse through the whale to show Cinder in Mantle, just having ended her fight with Pyrrha and making her way back to Atlas Academy. “She is still alive and well, following through with her own task, no doubt in order to get back in my good graces.” 

Ruby watched in horror as Pyrrha died on screen, her emotions from the fall of Beacon starting to rush back up to the surface. She knew she shouldnt feel this way, after all Pyrrha was the enemy. But watching her die, watching any of her old friends get hurt… it all felt… wrong. 

Salem let the screen go back to showing the kingdom of Atlas in front of them, giving a small smirk. “Soon, Atlas will fall.” 

[bridgyrose]

Watts looked out the window of the abandoned building he was holed up in, letting out a sigh as he heard his suitcase starting to move. The seer that was tucked away inside slowly opened the case and came out, crackling to life as Salem’s face appeared in the red smoke. 

“Cinder has failed us at Haven and Ozma is making his way up to Atlas. Tyrian will be joining you and Ruby.” 

Watts faced the Seer, kneeling down in front of it. “We’ll make sure Atlas is prepared for your arrival.” 

“Do not fail me as Cinder has.” 

Watts watched the seer as it made it’s way back into the case, going lifeless once more.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ruby flopped onto the bed she was provided, letting out a sigh as she tried to relax. For the last month, she had been helping out Ironwood and the Ace-ops with policing Mantle, slowly pushing tensions to the limits. Between the Happy Huntresses defying Ironwood’s laws and the grimm attacks becoming more frequent, it wasnt hard for Ruby to start pushing things in her favor. She even managed to convince Ironwood to enact a curfew on Mantle while sending them on a goose chase for Salem’s spy.

Ruby checked her scroll as it chimed, seeing a text from Watts. She smirked a bit, deleting the message. “Of course Cinder screwed up.” A knock on the door made her flinch as she started sitting up. “Come in.” 

Penny slowly opened the door, smiling a bit. “Ruby, I was hoping you would come with me on my next patrol of Mantle.” 

“Ironwood still has you on grimm watch?” 

Penny nodded, sitting down next to Ruby. “But I dont mind. Mantle is still part of the kingdom and by helping them, I am doing my part in keeping Atlas safe.” 

Ruby sighed, standing up and walking to the window, looking out onto Atlas. “But what if it’s not enough? You see how Mantle treats you: they treat you like an Atlas soldier. A desperate attempt to keep Mantle safe while Ironwood neglects them.” 

“But he is not neglecting them. You know he is trying to get Amity Arena back up and running as a communications tower.” 

“We know that, but the rest of them dont.” 

Penny paused for a moment, thinking everything over. “Do… do you not think this is for the best? If we can fix cross kingdom communications-” 

“-we’ll be able to start helping Mistral and Vacuo, maybe even clear the grimm from Beacon, I know.” Ruby shook her head and went back to her bed, sitting down again. “That’s… not the issue. Even though it’s been almost a year since Beacon fell, the other kingdoms still blame Atlas for the soldiers turning on everyone. Even those in Mantle we protect attack Ironwood’s soldiers to keep them from turning again. I dont think fixing the communications will make things better. Why else would he have you and only you defend Mantle? Someone he knows he has control over?” 

Penny went silent, understanding exactly where Ruby was coming from. Ironwood never fully treated her as her own person, always referring to her as a tool while everyone else referred to her as a weapon. “He… he does not control me.” 

“And how sure are you about that? What I said before I still stand by: squishy guts or not, you’re still a real girl. But… you’re also still an android in the eyes of those who want to see you that way. As far as Ironwood is concerned, you’re just a tool that he can call upon whenever he feels like it.A weapon that he can throw against the grimm over and over and over again because they cant tell the difference. And you’ve said it yourself that you were rebuilt. If you were destroyed again, you could be rebuilt over and over and over again. Ironwood has nothing to lose as long as your core can be reclaimed.” 

Penny hesitated for a moment, her moving to her chest as Ruby’s words circled her mind. And as much as she hated it, she knew Ruby had a point: as long as Ironwood only saw her as a tool, she was at his beck and call. “Then… what should I do?” 

“That’s always the question, isnt it? What should any of us really do? I’ll never tell you what to do, but for now, I think it’s best if you try to figure out what you-” 

Ruby’s and Penny’s scrolls both went off, Harriet coming over the speakers. “We have an airship that will not identify that’s heading down into Mantle!” 

Ruby sighed and pulled her hair back, quickly grabbing her scythe. “Guess we’ll have to continue this conversation later.” 

Penny nodded and started rushing off with Ruby, still thinking about what she had said. 

[bridgyrose]

ruby is a sleeper agent for salem

Tyrian grinned as he looked at the group, pointing his finger to each one, starting with the red head and moving around. “Oh, you see, the goddess is not interested in you, or you. You though, oh I’m interested in you, but no, you see, the goddess is interested… in you.” His finger stopped at Ruby as he started to laugh. 

Ruby paused for a moment as her friends looked in her direction. “M-me?” 

“Oh yes! The goddess wants you to come back home and rejoin the flock!” 

Jaune drew his shield and stepped in front of Ruby, glaring at Tyrian. “I dont know what you’re talking about, but I refuse to let you take her.” 

Tyrian let out a hysterical laugh. “Oh, I’m not going to take her! She’s going to take herself right back to the goddess!” 

Ruby gripped her scythe tighter as she stepped up with Jaune, Nora, and Ren. “I dont know what you’re talking about, but I’m not leaving my friends!” 

“Then awaken, bloodstone.” 

Ruby’s eyes glassed over for a moment as memories that were locked away resurfaced. Memories of her time growing up with Salem before being sent out to the world, only to be found by the man who raised her along with his daughter. Her missions resurfaced to the front of her mind, her knuckles going white as she tightened her grip further on her scythe. Everything had become clear again and she needed to get back to Salem. With a quick strike, she slammed her scythe into Nora’s back. 

Nora’s aura flickered as she was sent forward to the ground, groaning from the impact. Normally she could take a larger hit if she was prepared, but this one seemed to come out of nowhere. 

Jaune slowly turned around as he saw Ruby glaring at them. “Ruby?” 

Ruby put her scythe away and started walking towards Tyrian, kneeling down in front of him. “I’m… sorry for my earlier behavior. I’ll go to our queen now.” 

Tyrian nodded and smiled, taking Ruby’s hand. “Now, my little rose, lets get you back-” 

“You are not going to take her away!” Jaune lunged at Tyrian with his sword out, only to be blocked by Ruby’s scythe. 

Ruby smirked as she looked at Jaune, using her semblance to get behind him and slamming her foot into his side. She watched him drop before putting her scythe away. “Everything you knew about me was a lie. Such a shame that you’re a waste of a pretty face.” 

Jaune looked up at Ruby, just before seeing the bottom of her boot before blacking out..

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jaune slowly woke up, seeing Ren, Nora, and Ruby’s uncle Qrow standing over him. “Ruby’s-” 

“Your friends filled me in on what happened.” Qrow sighed and sat down. “Its time for you three to go home. This isnt your fight.” 

“Like hell we are!” exclaimed Nora. “Ruby’s our friend! We arent going to let her-” 

“From what you described, I’m not sure you can snap her out.” Qrow stood up and started gathering food for a fire. “Besides, there are things you arent aware of yet about her. 

Jaune sat up, glaring at Qrow. “We know enough to know that’s not her. She would never hurt her friends like this unless she wasnt herself.” 

Qrow stopped for a moment. “That’s… not exactly true. Honestly, I think she’s herself right now.” 

Ren looked at Qrow curiously. “What do you mean? She’s kind and helpful-” 

“And her mother used to be one of Salem’s inner circle.” 

The three students looked at Qrow curiously, not quite sure they understood what he meant. Jaune was the first to speak up. “Who’s Salem?” 

Qrow started moving again, gathering up a bit more firewood. “Well, since you’re all here, I might as well give you the full story. You’ll… want to sit down for this. Its a long one.” 

[bridgyrose]

More sleeper agent ruby au please

“You’re back early.”

Ruby sighed and rolled her eyes as she watched Cinder walk closer. “Dont remind me. Although I almost had Ozpin under my thumb, had you not attacked the school so early!”

“Is that so? Is that why you kept getting in my way?”

“You know I wasnt aware of why you were there!” Ruby glared at Cinder and pressed her finger into her chest. “It wasnt part of the plan!”

Cinder smirked and leaned down a bit. “And maybe you arent needed anymore.”

“I’m needed just as much as you are!”

“And you both are needed for different reasons.”

Cinder and Ruby both quit yelling at each other, turning to face Salem, who was walking down the hallway from the throne room. Ruby quickly dropped down to her knee, bowing respectfully. “Goddess-”

“You are needed elsewhere.” Salem stopped in front of Ruby, stretching a hand out to her. “You are going to prepare Atlas for our arrival.”

“Already?! You cant be serious!” Cinder moved closer to Salem, her voice already starting to sound fearful. “W-we still havent done anything with Mistral! I still need the fall maiden’s powers-”

“And you will retrieve them. Your part of the plan is still moving as planned.” Salem’s gaze turned towards Cinder, giving a soft smile. “I would never go back on my promise to you. You are the key to getting me all the relics to finally end this war against Ozma. And all of those powers will be yours. However, Ruby can get close to Ironwood in Atlas and make our arrival much easier.”

Ruby nodded and stood up, giving another bow. “I wont let you down. Although, I’m worried that since the… friends… I was traveling with know I’m working with Tyrian, my uncle wont be far behind them. He’ll tell them everything-”

“And that is not your concern.” Salem waved her hand, creating a map of Remnant, each kingdom marked in red. “With Beacon fallen and world communication cut off just as Watts has said, Atlas has closed off their borders and the other kingdoms do not trust them. The seeds of doubt have been planted in each of the headmasters, and with Ozpin gone, they will no longer be united. Vacuo will be ours for the taking after the relic in Mistral is ours. Then, we’ll move onto Atlas, where you’ll have prepared the way in for us. Do everything you can to gain Ironwood’s trust, make sure he never reaches out to the other kingdoms. The longer we keep everyone divided, the easier this will be for us.”

“Of course, my goddess.”

Salem smirked and started walking off. “Cinder, I want you to meet with Leonardo Lionheart. He’s an ally of ours that will be able to provide any information you need on finding the spring maiden. And Ruby…”

Ruby looked up at Salem. “Yes, my goddess?”

“You’ll take Watts to Atlas with you. Do whatever it takes to get Ironwood on your side.”

“I wont fail you.”

Cinder scoffed a bit. “You know exactly why she wants you in Atlas, away from me.”

Ruby glared at Cinder. “I’m going to prepare Atlas *for* you!”

“Anyone could prepare Atlas for our arrival.” Cinder smirked and created a small ball of fire in her hand, bringing it closer to Ruby’s face. “Salem knows that you’ll screw this up. Why else do you think she’s sending you with Watts? The two of you are the most expendable of all of us. If you fail, its not like we wont have others to take your place.”

“I already said, I wont fail. Besides, I have just the plan to make sure the general stays paranoid.”

“And what would that be?”

Ruby grinned and started walking off. “Turn his own citizens against him.”

[bridgyrose]

Ruby kept her distance, setting up on a nearby building and watching the airship through the scope of her scythe while waiting for orders from Clover. It still disgusted her to follow orders from him, but she knew she didnt have a choice right now if she wanted to keep her cover from being blown. And if the airship did happen to belong to one of Salem’s members, she’d have to act quick. 

Clover’s voice came over the communicator. “The ship appears to have been abandoned. Wherever they went, they’re on foot.” 

“Who do you think is here? Another of Salem’s spies?” asked Elm. 

“Not sure. Harriet, you and Marrow will go look around to see if anyone spotted anything. Vine, Elm, you’re with me. We’ll take to the rooftops and see if we might be able to spot anyone suspicious around here. Ruby and Penny, for now, I think it’s best if you both start dealing with any grimm that make their way into the city. Chances are if anyone here is causing trouble, the grimm will lead you right to them.” 

“Do I have to take Marrow? He’ll just slow me down.” 

“I can keep up with you, Hare. Besides, we’re not racing anyone, just questioning the civilians.” 

“Penny and I will be on it.” Ruby shut her communicator off, letting out a sigh when she couldnt hear the Ace-ops argue anymore. She turned to face Penny, motioning in the direction of another grimm siren. “Sounds like we’re needed on grimm detail.” 

Penny nodded and picked Ruby up, flying her off to the siren that was sounding. “Who do you think would steal an airship?” 

Ruby shrugged, scanning roads for grimm and any suspicious activity as Penny held her. “Not sure. Could be another spy or-” she went silent once she heard a few weapons she was familiar with. The sound of a shotgun, pistols, rockets, and metal on bone rang through the air. “Penny, land on a roof really quick.” 

Penny nodded and found a building close to the sounds of battle, landing and letting Ruby go. She took a few steps forward, her eyes zooming in on the figures. “Our friends are here!” 

Ruby felt her stomach tie up in knots at hearing the confirmation. It was already hard enough to keep undercover while taking the Ace-ops on wild goose chases to keep Watts from getting caught, but now that her friends were here… “We… we cant trust them.” 

Penny slowly looked at Ruby, a bit concerned. “Why not? They are our friends.” 

“Y-yes, but then… why steal an airship and ditch it? Why not just tell the military who they are? Surely Ironwood would allow them to land, right?”��

“I’m sure they have their reasons.” Penny watched her old friends dispatch a few grimm, keeping an eye on them. “And they’ve come all this way with a relic.”

Ruby rushed to the edge of the building, watching her friends and noticing the glint of light coming off a lamp that was hooked onto Yang’s belt. A smirk formed across her lips as she turned her communicator on. “Clover, I found the owners of the airship. They’re using weapons in a restricted weapons zone.” 

“We’ll make our way to your position.” 

Ruby turned her communicator off again, sitting down and watching her old teammates and friends. Part of her was glad that they were all safe, but on the other hand, now that she knew they have the relic, she couldnt help but feel as if they were in her way now. She had hoped that she had made it clear to Jaune, Ren, and Nora before not to continue, but now that she could see them here…

A glint of gold caught her eye, Ruby’s eyes widening as she heard a familiar voice.

 “That should be the last of them.” 

Ruby paused as her eyes caught a woman with red hair standing with Jaune. The familiar armor the woman wore along with the shield and spear she carried were unmistakable. “Pyrrha…” 

“Then we should go talk to them!” 

“W-wait! Penny!” Ruby’s words were in vain as Penny lifted her and brought her down to her old friends, 

Penny saluted as she landed, smiling brightly. “Sal-u-ta-tions!” 

The group all turned to face Penny, Jaune, Nora, Ren, Pyrrha, Yang, Weiss, and Blake, surprised to see her. The surprise quickly wore off as they noticed Ruby, no longer sure what to do. Qrow was the first to speak, stepping forward and making his way closer to Ruby. 

“Ruby.” 

Ruby frowned and pulled out her scythe, holding it ready. “By the authority of the Atlas Military, you are under arrest for using weapons in a weapon restricted area.” 

“Arent you glad to see your sister? Your friends and teammates?” asked Yang, stepping between Ruby and Qrow. “Or have you really changed that much?” 

“Drop your weapons-” 

‘No.” Weiss and Blake both stood next to Yang, readying their weapons. Weiss kept her eyes on her former partner, hoping that Yang, Nora, Ren, Jaune, and Qrow were wrong. “You dont have to do this. We can be a team again.” 

Penny started to look a bit more confused, looking between Ruby and her friends. “I… do not understand.” 

Ruby took a step back, looking around at each of her old friends. “Penny, you cant trust them. They’re agents of Salem.” 

“You’re the one working with Salem!” Jaune stepped forward, pulling out his scroll and showing the recording he took of Ruby willingly walking off with Tyrian. “But you can change that. You can come with us-” 

Ruby put her scythe away, letting out a sigh before using her semblance to grab the relic from Yang. She felt the lamp pull away from her grasp as Pyrrha used her semblance to pull it from her, a prosthetic arm holding it. 

Pyrrha let out a sigh, clipping the lamp to her own belt as the rest of the group readied themselves. “Ruby, we dont need to fight.” 

Ruby felt her hand clench into a fist before she ran off with her semblance getting as far away as she could. 

The Ace-ops rushed over as the trail of rose petals started to fade in the wind. Clover stepped over, looking the group over before looking at the trail of scattered rose petals. “We heard everything through Penny’s communicator. I’m sorry for the trouble that was caused.” 

Qrow let out a heavy sigh before sheathing his weapon and turning to Clover. “It’s fine. I doubt you would have known beforehand. Either way, we need to speak to Ironwood. We have a few things we need to discuss with him.” 

Clover nodded, walking off towards an airship. “Then follow me.” He paused for a moment as he passed Harriet. “Hare, I need you and the rest of our team to search for Ruby. Consider her armed and dangerous. Use any means necessary to bring her in.” 

Harriet nodded as she readied her exo arms and motioned for the rest of the Ace-ops to follow. “Of course, sir.” 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ruby sighed as she entered an abandoned building, slamming her hand against the wall. “Of course they’d be here already.” 

Watts shook his head, putting his scroll away. “Now that Ironwood will know you’re working with Salem, you’re becoming a liability.” 

“I can still follow through with my plan.” 

“And how do you plan to do that?” 

Ruby paused for a moment, looking out the window and watching a green streak across the sky. “Think you can make a virus for me?” 

Watts smirked, catching onto Ruby’s thoughts. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?” 

“I’m sure. I can use her to sow a little chaos.” 

[bridgyrose]

Ruby smiled as she watched Penny from a distance. Her fingers went to the chip she held in her pocket, slowly moving it around. This wasnt a course of action she wanted to take, but she had to make sure she succeeded. Especially since Ironwood wasnt going to-

“As of right now, the kingdom of Atlas will be under martial law. A few dangerous criminals are wandering the streets and until they have been dealt with, a curfew will be in place. Anyone who violates it will be placed under arrest. As well, the election for the newest council opening will be postponed until these criminals are in custody. Thank you.” 

Ruby hesitated for a moment as she heard Ironwood’s voice play his message through Mantle, not quite sure how she felt about it. Sure, she had the intention of pushing him in that direction already, however this was too soon. Her eyes stayed on Penny, watching the distraught girl. She rushed up to her as a sabyr took advantage of the opening. “Penny!” 

Penny quickly turned, watching as Ruby sliced the grimm in half. “You cannott be here.” 

Ruby sighed and sheathed her scythe, keeping her back towards Penny. “I know you dont have any reason to believe me, but Salem is the only way we can see salvation. Ozma, Ironwood… they’re just going to lead us… lead you to ruin.” 

Penny looked up to the screens on the buildings, listening to the message play once again. “I… I do not understand why the General would want to do this, but I am sure he has his reasons.” 

“Why dont you look around and see for yourself why he would.” Ruby finally turned to face Penny, motioning to everything behind her. “Mantle is on the brink of chaos. He’s been choking the entire city of all it’s resources. First with the embargo, then by taking what should’ve been going to the walls… havent you seen it yourself? He uses you as a tool! As a weapon! He doesnt care about anyone but himself!” 

Penny went quiet as she started looking around Mantle. Riots had died down now that the grimm were swarming the city, but Ruby did have a point. There were buildings that were still on the verge of collapse from previous grimm attacks, the holes in the walls were starting to get bigger, even the Happy Huntresses only saw Penny as Ironwood’s attack dog, not the protector of Mantle she was trying to be. 

Penny sighed and readied her weapons. “I… I have to defend Mantle, no matter what. I do not know what to believe anymore, and I want to trust you, but after finding out that you are with Salem…” 

Ruby let out a heavy sigh, putting her scythe onto her back. “I was hoping it wouldnt come down to this.” 

Penny was about to ask what Ruby meant until she felt herself being pushed into a building from the force of Ruby’s semblance. Brick and stone fell around her and Ruby as she got up, using her swords to keep herself safe. She looked at Ruby once more, watching her walk closer, keeping a hand on the hilt of her scythe. She glared and rushed at her, swords at the ready. 

Ruby quickly pulled her scythe off her back, trying to keep up with Penny’s fighting. “Please, Penny, you have to listen-” 

“Not until you give me Ruby back!” Penny slammed a sword against Ruby’s gut, knocking her to the ground. “I do not know who you are, but the real Ruby would never side with someone who wants to hurt others.” 

“Then maybe you never knew the real me.” Ruby picked herself up, quickly rushing to her scythe, only to see a few swords pierce the ground between her and her weapon. 

Penny flew up into the air, holding a couple swords over Ruby. “You know this is not right.” 

Ruby sighed and looked at Penny, keeping her ground. “You’re the one on the wrong side.” She readied herself as she watched the swords come closer to her, closing her eyes and looking away. Then she heard a scream.

Penny dropped to the ground, motionless as a bit of electricity ran across her body. Watts shook his head as he walked past the android. “I see you needed my help after all.” 

Ruby relaxed a bit, rolling her eyes. “I had her where I wanted her.” 

“And you were about to get skewered. Now hurry up, we’re meeting Tyrian in the tundra.” 

“Tyrian?” Ruby walked over to Penny, opening up a panel on her back before placing the chip on a circuit board. “I thought he was going to Vacuo.” 

“There’s been a change of plans.” Watts paused as he watched a few grimm fly overhead, the clouds starting to darken. “Seems like all of our plans are changing.” 

“So, what now?” 

“We make sure Atlas is ready for Salem.” 

Ruby nodded and walked away from Penny, taking a look over her shoulder. “Maybe now she’ll understand.” 

[bridgyrose]

Sleeper Agent AU. Can we get a background on why Summer joined Salem in the first place?

Summer dropped to her knees as her aura shattered, struggling to keep herself up. She glanced up at Salem, who loomed over her. “I… I wont give-” 

“And you dont have much of a choice.” Salem stretched her hand out, creating glyphs that summoned grimm hands to hold Summer in place, dropping her to the ground. “Everything Ozna had ever told you was a lie.” 

Summer struggled to free herself, glaring at Salem as her eyes started to shine. “I will stop you!” 

“You wont.” 

Summer’s eyes quit glowing as Salem made an illusion of Ruby out of smoke. “Dont you dare-” 

“I wont hurt her.” Salem slowly walked over to Summer. “And I’m going to give you a choice. You see, I’m not going to kill you. I have found… new methods of dealing with your kind. However, I see that you arent like the others. You lack knowledge. Knowledge that I’m willing to provide to you.” 

Summer quit struggling, listening to Salem. “And what kind of knowledge can you provide to me?” 

“The truth about my dear Ozma.The truth on why he’s using you.” 

“He’s not using me!” 

“But he is.” Salem knelt down and lifted Summer’s chin, smirking. “I’m sure he’s told you all about me, hasnt he? But what about himself? How he’s the one who killed our children. That he’s the one who betrayed me.” 

Summer looked away from Salem, not sure how to feel. “I… I dont... “ 

“But you know how to find out. You know where the relic of knowledge is. And you know who holds the password. You can ask the relic yourself what Ozma is hiding.” 

Summer felt the grimm hands letting her go, withdrawing from her. She slowly picked herself up, looking up at Salem curiously. “You’re… going to let me go?” 

“Of course I am. Because I know you’ll make the right choice.” Salem turned away from Summer, smirking a bit. “And I know you wont disappoint me.” 

Summer slowly walked back to the airship, pulling out her scroll and looked at Raven’s name. She knew exactly why Raven left, why she wouldnt tell the others. And as much as she hated trying to get a favor from her, she didnt feel like she had a choice this time.

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“No.” 

“But Rae-” 

“I said no!” Raven’s eyes glowed as she yelled out her answer at her old friend. “You dont understand what you’re asking! I cant just walk right into Haven-” 

“You dont have to.” 

Raven looked at Summer curiously. “I… dont have to?” 

Summer shook her head, pulling out a map of Mistral. “I… I know you know where the vault is. And… there has to be another way besides waltzing right into Haven. O-or, you can shapeshift and hide in my cloak. But I… I have to make my way to the relic. I… I have to ask it-” 

“You know just as well as I do that Ozpin told us the lamp couldnt answer any more questions.” 

“But what if he’s lying.” 

Raven went silent as she looked Summer over, her expression starting to soften a bit as she looked her previous team leader over. “You’re… serious.” 

Summer nodded slowly, sitting back in her chair and looking down into her tea. “I… went after Salem the other day. She… she told me that Ozma… that Ozpin was hiding something from us. I… I dont want to believe her, but…” 

“But after everything with the maidens, you’ve been having doubts?” 

Summer nodded, looking towards her friend. “And… I know you’ve had your own doubts too. And… our child-” 

“Fine, I’ll help you. But only because I dont trust Ozpin.” 

Summer smiled and kissed Raven. “Thank you, my love.” 

Raven got up and sighed. “Do not make me regret it.” 

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Summer walked up to the caste steps, holding Ruby close. After speaking to Jinn, she found out exactly what Ozpin was hiding. Even still, she didnt trust Salem, but after watching what had happened, seeing the lies that Ozpin had told her, everything he hid from her… Summer sighed and paused as she looked up at the doors, hesitating for a moment. “This… this is the only way. Ozpin… Ozpin doesnt have a plan. Salem was willing to offer me knowledge… to tell me the truth… everything we were fighting for… its all… pointless…” 

“I take it you saw the truth then?” 

Summer looked back to the door, finding it open with Salem standing at the doorway, a small child hiding behind her. “Y-yes, I… I know the truth.” 

Salem smirked at Summer, moving a bit so she could walk in. “Then you know the choice you have to make.” 

Summer paused for a moment as she looked in through the doors, gently trying to calm Ruby as she cried. “And… my daughter and I will be safe?” 

“I promise I will not allow either of you to be harmed for making this decision. Although, when your daughter is ready, she will need to join me.” 

Summer nodded, taking a step inside. “Alright, but it has to be her decision.” 

“Of course. I would never force anyone to work with me for my cause.” Salem closed the doors as Summer walked through, keeping close to the huntress. “Now, is there anything else you’d like to know?” 

Summer nodded, continuing to walk down the halls with Salem. “I have many questions to ask.” 

“And I will answer them all.” 

[bridgyrose]

Ruby watched as more grimm filled the streets, looking towards the sky with a bit of regret. Black and red storm clouds started to roll in from the distance, the cracking of thunder could already be heard: the signs that Salem was already on her way over to Atlas. 

Watts shook his head as he watched Ruby, pulling out his scroll to start running through the security cameras around Mantle. “Regretting what you’ve done to that failure of a project, are you?” 

“N-no, of course not,” Ruby replied, her voice breaking as she tried to hide her guilt. “I just… when Salem said she would make her way to Atlas, I thought we’d have more time. Or it would be less… ominous.” 

Watts took a brief look to the sky, watching the storm clouds. “She does have a thing for the dramatic. Now I understand where Cinder had gotten it from.” 

“You still think she’s dead, dont you?” 

“I can hope.” Watts gave a smirk as he finally managed to bring up the footage of the security cameras up onto his scroll. “Ah, here we are. Now, lets see if we can find the best place to send Tyrian.” 

Ruby sighed and walked over to Watts, looking over his shoulder as he started moving from camera to camera. Ironwood’s soldiers could be caught periodically falling to grimm, only for the Happy Huntresses and whoever they could recruit to swoop in. “You know, we could try to create a bigger rift between Mantle and Atlas and take advantage of the chaos before Salem gets here.” 

Watts looked at Ruby curiously. “And what did you have in mind?” 

“Its no secret that Ironwood cant stand the Happy Huntresses, while the citizens of Mantle adore her. If we could stage an attack between his soldiers and them, we just might be able to create enough chaos to sever whatever relations they have left.” 

Watts grinned and started running through his scroll again, connecting to the Mantle network. “It’s a good thing he never updated the network.” 

Ruby nodded slowly, walking away from Watts and putting her hood up. “I’m going to look to keep an eye out for any more of Ironwood’s soldiers and see if he might have wisened up and sent any human soldiers out. The last thing we need is for him to complicate things further.” 

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Penny tried to keep herself calm as she kept to Winter’s side, the voice in the back of her mind starting to get louder. She found herself looking behind her, trying to find where the voice was coming from, her hands starting to twitch as they seemed to move outside of her control.

“They’re lying to you, always lying.” 

Penny finally had enough, pulling out her swords and glaring at the figures behind her.  “Stop it, all of you!” 

“Penny, there’s no one there,” replied Winter, keeping her voice calm as she put a hand on Penny’s shoulder.

Penny paused for a moment, her vision shifting as she watched the figures disappear, leaving an empty hallway. She slowly put her swords back into her pack, letting out a heavy sigh. “I… I am sorry, Winter.” 

Winter sighed and pulled her hand away. “Maybe its time you take a break from all of this. I know it hasnt been easy trying to keep Mantle safe on your own and now everything that’s going on with Ruby and Salem…” 

“I need to be out there helping others. Helping my friends. And Ruby…” Penny held her arm, trying to keep herself in check. “I still do not believe that she is willingly helping Salem. She would never hurt anyone.” 

“Maybe she wasnt who we all thought she was.” Winter took a deep breath and put her hand on a scanner, watching as it turned green and opened the elevator doors. “But right now, we have to focus on keeping our kingdom safe.” 

Penny slowly nodded, her eyes starting to flash between red and green for a second as she entered with Winter. “I know.” 

Winter pressed a button for the lowest floor for the elevator, the doors closing behind her as the elevator came to life and started heading down. She stood with her hands behind her back, her eyes giving off a slight glow as wisps of light trailed the edges. 

Penny paused for a moment after the elevator stopped, opening up to an open room with a large door on the other side. She looked around, taking everything in. “Where are we?” 

Winter walked down the steps and towards a small walkway that led to the vault door. “This… is the vault for the scepter. General Ironwood has a plan to keep Atlas safe, however he needs us to use this relic.” 

“Did our friends not say that if we used this, Atlas would fall?” asked Penny as she followed behind Winter.

“Atlas would fall, if we were planning to use it for any other purpose.” Winter slowly put her hand to the door, her eyes lighting up as the maiden powers came to life. The vault door came to life as it lit up in blue, each metal section folding away to show the relic, safe and sound. “However, he wants us to raise Atlas higher. To buy us time to find a way to stop Salem.” 

Penny took a step past the doorway, her body seizing up as she did. A loud noise bombarded her sound receptors, causing her to cover her ears and drop to her knees. Her body shook as pain flooded through her synthetic skin. 

The voice came back into her mind, repeating a single phrase over and over, getting louder with each one: “Take the relic.” 

“No! I.. will not…” 

Winter hesitated for a moment as she reached out to the relic, turning to face Penny. “Penny? Penny!” She rushed over to her friend, only stopping once she saw Penny’s swords fly into the air. “What’s going on?” 

Penny’s eyes flashed between red and green as she held her head, fighting for control of her body. “Winter… please… I… I need… help…” 

Winter slowly moved close enough to put a hand on Penny’s shoulder. “I’m here Penny. Tell me what you need me to do.” 

The room went quiet as Penny went still, her body powering down. The silence broke once her swords hit the ground, the sound of clanking metal echoed through the room. 

Winter slowly moved her hand away from Penny, watching her for a moment. “Penny? Are you-?” 

Winter was quickly interrupted as Penny’s body whirred back to life, the once green lights glowing a bright red. Penny slowly stood up, moving her hands off her head and her swords came back up into the air. “Give me… the relic.” 

Winter took a step back, pulling out her sword. “Penny, I know you’re still in there.” 

Penny frowned and took a step closer to Winter, immediately falling over and screaming in pain once more as the lights on her body started flickering between red and green. “I… I need… the relic…. I wont… everything hurts…” 

“Penny, what’s going on?” 

Penny sent a sword towards Winter, stopping it an inch from her face. “I do not… know… cannot… fight it…” 

Winter took a deep breath, summoning a few glyphs around Penny. “You’ll be fine. I’ll take you to Pietro-” 

Winter was interrupted once again, this time with a sword coming to her side. Penny looked up to watch the sword be deflected with a glyph, her vision slowly starting to distort as she watched figures surround her, no longer recognizing Winter. Her voice started to fill with panic as she flew up into the air, spinning her blades around her. “Give me the relic!” 

Winter sighed as she started creating an icy wind around her. “I… cant do that.” 

Penny’s eyes went to a solid red just as she started speeding towards Winter.