Chapter 1: Beginnings Part 1

I love stories.

Rain struck the pitch-black ground of Vale, lightning following in suit to create an almost fantastical setting. While most people were either at their homes or working till the wee hours of the night, there was a small crowd of people crowded below the highest tower of Vale with bated breaths.

BLAM! BLAM!

That's what everyone thought I'd be when I was a little kid.

A swarm of police officers arrived on the scene, one taking out what looked to be a megaphone. The man spoke, "GET DOWN! PLEASE YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS!". The officer pleaded, staring at a lone figure on top of the tower.

If only it was true…... The figure above sighed, slowly walking out of the shadows, staring at a black mask with white lenses with red outlines around them.

Ruby Rose, you were born to be a storyteller.

Ruby walked towards the ledge, sitting on the edge as she quietly contemplated what she was about to do.

"What are we gonna do captain?". One of the officers asked

The captain gave the man a hard look as if the answer was obvious. "Send up an officer, hopefully, they'll be able to talk her down".

"Yes, sir". The officer nodded, radioing in someone to get there before it was too late

I loved the songs, the fights, the battles, the romances.

Ruby took a deep breath, her body shaking with a mixture of fear and excitement. C'mon Ruby, you can do this, you can do this. She thought, shakily standing on her feet.

I haven't heard any screams yet, hopefully, that means the kid is still there. A lone officer, Rhiner was his name, was hastily making his way to the top, hoping he could get there before she would do something she regrets.

Then there came a day when I realized….

Ruby slowly put on the mask, a flood of memories pouring through her mind, reminding her why she had to do this. I know I'm doing the right thing, I can't stand by while people get hurt, not this time….

Why couldn't she choose a shorter building ...Rhiner thought comically, only having a few more stories to go. He took a deep breath as he continued his ascent towards the top at a rapid pace. C'mon kid, don't make me do something I regret….

…. I didn't have to just tell the stories.

Ruby knew she didn't have much time left, knowing that they would send someone to talk her down, she couldn't take that risk. She had to jump, if not she knew that she may not be able to build up that kind of courage again. Remember what dad told you, I can't back down now. She thought, determination filling her gaze.

Rhiner finally made it to the top, hastily opening the door, eyes widening in horror, "NOOOOO." He cried, horrified at what he saw.

Ruby took one last breath as she jumped into the unknown, ready to face whatever obstacles may lie ahead.

I could live my own.

Beacon Academy, Two Weeks Earlier…...

It was a beautiful day at Beacon Academy, the combination of the birds chirping and how the sunlight reflected off the many buildings' surfaces created a beautiful contrast that was a truly magnificent sight to behold. However, the same could not be said for the inside of the academy.

Ruby skidded past the hallway, eyes wide with fear. "OH CATS, WERE GONNA BE LATE!" Screamed Ruby, rushing to make it to class on time with her team in tow.

Weiss shook her head, "YOU ABSOLUTE DOLT, HOW DID YOU NOT REALIZE IT WAS 8:55!". Screamed Weiss, wondering how exactly she ended up with such an incompetent leader.

"Uh guys, we only have 10 seconds left". Said Yang, fearing that they won't make it time.

"It's going to be close". Blake remarked, seeing the door on the other side of the hallway.

Professor Peach POV

Celestia's day was going about as good as the first day back to work could (at least she actually got paid for being here), but ultimately it wasn't about the money, after all, teaching the next generation of huntsmen and huntresses was not a job to be taken lightly. Though, that doesn't mean she can't have some fun while doing it.

"Hello everybody! My name is Professor Peach and I'll be your dust instructor for the next- ."

CRASH!

Everybody immediately turned their heads towards the source of the noise, only to find team RWBY and JNPR spewed across the classroom floor.

"THAT WAS FUN!" Screamed Nora, thinking that the run to class was "fun"

"I TOLD YOU WE WOULDN'T MAKE IT YOU DOLT!" Weiss shouted, frustrated that they were late to their first class of the year.

"Yangggg you're crushing me!'. Ruby complained, having a hard time breathing with her sister on top of her.

"So much for making a good first impression". Blake said, grasping her head in pain.

"Ah team RWBY AND JNPR, I was wondering when you would-" She paused when her eyes landed on Ruby. "-...be joining us". She finished weakly, not expecting to see "her" daughter here already. I saw the news but seeing her in person is another thing entirely…... She thought, noticing the striking resemblance between the two roses.

FWOOSH!

"OMG, we are soooooo sorry Professor Peach, please don't blame them! If I had just paid more attention to the time then…." She rambled on, hands on her knees as she was practically begging for them not to get in trouble on the first day of class

Celestia blinked in surprise, She's fast….another similarity between the two. She smiled fondly. "Don't worry about it kids it's the first day, stuff like this happens all the time". She said reassuringly, waving her hand dismissively to help reinforce her point.

At this Ruby paused, eyes widening in surprise at her apparent carefree attitude. "OH, thank you thank you thank you thank you". Ruby said gratefully, giving her a hug to show her gratitude.

Celestia once again smiled, "It's no problem, Ruby, like I said stuff like this happens to the best of us!". She laughed, flashing back to how she was (almost) late to class herself.

Ruby nodded, herself and her team taking a seat in the second row.

"Now, as I was saying, my name is Professor Peach and I will be teaching you the many wonders of dust for the next four years". She said happily, giving off a kind and carefree vibe.

Weiss smiled, A class about dust? This should be a walk in the park for her.

One hour later…

"RUBY NO, YOU DON'T MIX ICE DUST WITH LIGHTNING, IF YOU DO, YOU'RE -"

BOOM!

"-...cause it to catch fire". Weiss grumbled, her face covered in soot from Ruby's little "explosion". She facepalmed, how is someone so utterly incompetent that she lights ICE dust on fire.

"Sorry Weiss….". Ruby whispered embarrassingly, her face equally as dirty as Weiss's.

RING!

Weiss sighed, "Just…give me some space". She huffed, shaking off the soot as she left for her next class

Ruby was about to hold out her hand, but quickly dismissed the thought as she saw the irritated look on Weiss's face. She sighed, "Why do I always mess things up". Ruby muttered under her breath, getting up so that she could make it to her next class on time.

Celestia noticed this, not wanting her student to leave on a sad note she decided to call her over, "Ruby, can we talk for a second". She said softly, not wanting the girl to think she was in trouble.

Ruby flinched at the sound of her name being called, nodding, she made her way towards her Professor. "Uh, do you need something, Professor?" She asked, confusion written all over her face.

Celestia shook her head, "Are you okay? Things didn't look like they were going well between you two?". She noted, noticing the tension between Ruby and her partner.

Ruby adopted a forced smile, "You mean between me and Weiss? Yeah, everything's fine, she just got mad at my little screw-up, it happens all the time, I'm used to it". She laughed weakly, trying to pretend that everything was alright. "Besides….she was right, I don't deserve to be here.'' She whispered to herself, preparing to walk herself towards her next class.

Celestia frowned, not wanting Ruby to feel this way, she added, "You know…. you're a lot like your mother". She said fondly as if she's playing back some old memories that Ruby wasn't aware of.

Ruby perked up at this, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You knew my mom!." She exclaimed, jumping up and down from excitement at the mention of her long-dead mother.

Celestia gave her a fond smile, "Yes I did, she was a senior while I was a freshman, your mother was quite the capable huntress. "

Ruby's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, "Really!? What was she like?" She asked, voice full of innocent curiosity.

Celestia's smile vanished, replaced with a look of confusion. "Wait, you… didn't know?" She asked, surprised at Ruby's apparent lack of knowledge when it came to her mother.

Ruby shook her head, "No, Yang doesn't really talk about her that much and whenever I asked my dad about it he would usually clam up due to well, you know…" She trailed off, shoulders slumping as she was reminded of her mother's unfortunate fate.

Celestia gave her a sad smile, "She was a lot like you, though you don't seem to carry her mantra". She observed, slowly piecing together the fact that her family seemed to avoid talking about her mother.

Ruby raised a brow at this, "Mantra?" She asked, wondering what exactly her mom's "mantra" was.

Celestia's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, "You really don't know? She practically said it every day!". She laughed in disbelief

Now Ruby was even more confused, "What was her mantra?" She asked again, her silver eyes shining with curiosity

Celestia couldn't help but smile at the sheer amount of purity radiating off the girl, well aware that it wouldn't last forever. "She always said, '' With Great Power, there must also come Great Responsibility".

Ruby blinked, "What does that mean?" She asked, never hearing anything even remotely similar to that before.

Celestia shrugged her shoulders, "Who knows, when I asked her about it she told me it ran in the family, something about "keeping her humble".

Ruby tilted her head, "What did she mean by that?" She asked, confused by her mother's weird wording.

She shrugged, 'Frankly I have no idea, your mother never talked much about her past".

Before Ruby could respond, a sound came from Celestia's scroll.

BUZZ!

Celestia gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Ruby, I have to take this if you ever need help with anything know that my door is always open". She told her, wanting the young girl that she was welcomed back anytime.

Ruby nodded, "Thanks Professor, I'll definitely keep that in mind.'' She said before finally leaving for her next class. She sent a small wave just before leaving the room.

Celestia smiled as she walked away, thinking back to what she told Ruby. I know exactly what she meant Ruby, but if you choose to go down this path then you'll need to learn that lesson on your own. She thought, tapping the answer button on her phone.

"Hey Oz, what's the scoop?' She asked, wondering why Ozpin would call her right before her next class started.

"Celestia". He said curtly, tone devoid of emotion.

Celestia rolled her eyes, "Uh oh, what happened this time?" She asked in a playful tone.

"The spider escaped".

Her smile dropped, replaced by a look of absolute horror. "What!?" She whispered in disbelief.

"Yes, as you could imagine the situation is quite dire". He said, his calm tone masking his worry.

Still shocked, she managed to whisper out, 'When?".

"This morning I'm afraid, I've already informed Glynda". He explained.

Finally registering his previous statement, her shock morphed into anger. "That spider is highly experimental if it comes in contact with anyone it will most certainly prove fatal". She seethed, gritting her teeth in anger.

Ozpin nodded over the phone, "Yes, Curt told me the same thing". He said, hearing an almost word for word assessment from the scientist.

Celestia shook her head, "Oz…...do you realize how much time and money went into that! That spider was the only one that survived the transfusion, it will be practically impossible to recreate it!". She had to forcefully lower voice, not wanting her students to start asking questions.

She heard him sigh, "I'm aware, which is why I want you to move forward with the replacements". He explained, hoping that the situation could be salvaged.

Celestia' scoffed, "You mean the Lizards? She rolled her eyes, We can try but the spider was by far the superior specimen".

"That may be the case, but I'm afraid we no longer have a choice in the matter"

Celestia frowned, this is not what she wanted to hear. "Wonderful". She said sarcastically, "Anything else I should know about?" She questioned, making sure that she was fully aware of what was going on.

"No, however, I'm curious about your thoughts on Miss Rose, knowing the history you had with her mother…." He asked curiously.

Celestia huffed, a faint sign of a smile on her face. "She's her mirror image, but don't change the subject. How did it happen?". She asked with a grimace.

Ozpin briefly laughed, face turning serious as he explained the situation.

A few hours ago…

In a building not so far from Beacon's main campus, A scientist could be seen pressing a button on a nearby machine.

"Testing, testing good". Curt said, making sure all of his equipment was up and running. Curt then walked over to a small box-like enclosure holding a bizarre-looking spider, briefly tapping the glass in excitement. "Ready to make history little fella". He said, almost jumping up and down from excitement.

He took out a small case from a cabinet under the enclosure, opening it to reveal a fairly sized lightning dust crystal. With delicate hands, he placed the crystal into a filter attached to the cage.

"Commencing lightning dust absorption test one". He said, pressing a small circular button on the filter.

The filter made a noise, shooting small dust condensed lightning bolts at the spider. Curt briefly shielded his eyes, not wanting to damage his eyes from the light emanating off the spider. Curt opened his eyes, mouth agape when he saw the now glowing spider. With his shaking hands, he opened the filter, only to reveal a now grey crystal, no longer containing even the smallest amount of dust.

"T-this is amazing! I need to tell Ozpin immediately!". He stuttered in excitement, rushing to find his scroll in his cluttered office.

Curt was so caught up in his excitement that he didn't notice the glass of the case cracking from the now electrified spider, allowing it to crawl through a nearby vent that led to Beacon's main campus.

Ruby POV

Ruby Rose was crestfallen, entering the cafeteria with a look of defeat on her face. Maybe Weiss was right, maybe I am just a no-good child that snuck my way into Beacon. She thought, head down as she entered the practically empty buffet line.

Ruby sighed, At least no one seems to be here this late, so that's good. She thought, briefly looking around before she snagged a few chocolate chip cookies from the line, heading up to the cashier.

"Are you okay sweetheart?" The cashier asked, noticing the frown on her face.

Ruby flinched in surprise, not expecting her to pick up on it. "N-no mam I-I'm fine. Thank you". She said, putting on her best fake smile.

She paid for her food, making her way back to the room until she felt a tug on her hood. "What the-". She couldn't finish her sentence as she was suddenly being held in the air, causing her to drop her cookies on the cold dirty floor.

"Aw, what's wrong little red, can't fight without that fancy scythe of yours? Cardin sneered, tossing her to the ground.

"OOF", Ruby said, landing on the ground with a hard thud. Ruby quickly got up, staring daggers at Cardin. However, to her surprise, Cardin was already on his way out, back turned to her in disgust.

"Pathetic, how could Ozpin let a rat like you into Beacon". Cardin sneered in disgust, walking out of the cafeteria

Ruby was about to protest but stopped when she remembered everything else that had happened that day, head drooping in shame. He's right, I don't belong here. She thought sadly, exiting the cafeteria on her way back to her dorm.

Due to her depressed state, she failed to notice as a lone spider crawled up her leggings.

Ruby sighed, kicking a nearby trash can, "How can I even look at Weiss after what happened today". She said bitterly, thinking back to her fight with Weiss.

"Ozpin made a mistake".

"GUHHH". Ruby shouted, uncharacteristically punching a nearby wall, not even making the slightest scratch.

"OWW" Ruby said shaking her now red hand. Ruby slouched, curling herself up into a ball. "I just wish I was stronger". She whispered out, voice muffled by her arms

Unbeknownst to her, her wish would be granted, forever changing her life in the process.

The spider crawled its way up to her hand, sinking its fangs in Ruby's right hand.

Ruby's eyes snapped open, not expecting the sudden pain emanating from her hand. "OWWW" She cried, instinctively slapping her hand as hard as she could, leaving a large red bump on her hand.

"What was that?" She asked, opening her hand to reveal a large black spider with a red 31 on it's abdominal. "Woahhhh that's a big spider". She added, starting to feel a bit lightheaded. "I-I think I should probably head back to the dorm". She said, sweat rapidly forming around her body. "Y-yeah that sounds like a good idea". Ruby sputtered out, stumbling back to her dorm.

Yang POV

Yang was currently on her bed, busy playing on her scroll as a sigh escaped her lips. "Hey, Blake?" She asked, turning her gaze toward the raven-haired girl.

Blake slightly lowered her book, meeting Yang's gaze. "Hm". She asked.

Yang plopped her scroll on the ground, "I'm bored, entertain me". She demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at Blake.

Blake raised a brow at this, giving Yang her full undivided attention. "Really?"

Yang sighed, "Sorry Blakey but it's just soooo boring!" Yang complained, stretching her arms out in exasperation.

Blake stifled a laugh, "You know, I would expect something like that out of Ruby, you… not so much". She said lightheartedly.

Yang sat up in protest, about to respond until….

SMASH!

The door was flung to the other side of the dorm, revealing a very sick looking Ruby. She stumbled into the dorm, leaving a trail of sweat in her wake.

Yang quickly ran to her sister, concern plastered over her face. "Woah, Ruby are you ok"?!

Ruby weakly looked up, "Yang, I don't feel so good" She muttered out tiredly, her eyes gently fluttering to a close.

Noticing Ruby's tired state, she frantically shook her shoulders, "Ruby?! RUBY is everything okay!?" She repeated frantically.

Ruby's eyes slowly opened, "H-huh, oh s-sorry I kinda blacked out for a moment". She said weakly, pushing Yang's arm away with a surprising amount of strength. Ruby stumbled to her bed, looking like she can barely stand.

Blake raised a brow at this, "Are you sure you're ok Ruby, you really don't look too good" Blake asked, concern laced in her voice.

"Yeah, are you sure someone didn't drug your cookies or something?" Yang asked, only half-joking.

"C-cookies?" She repeated, remembering that she never got to eat her cookies. Her stomach roared in response. Ruby grabbed her stomach in pain, Ughhhh I feel like I haven't eaten in ages!. She observed, only just now noticing just how hungry she really is. "Speaking of food, do you have any leftovers I could eat?". She asked.

Yang quirked a brow, "I think I have some leftover chicken, and Blake always has some tuna around but I don't- "

FWOOSH!

Before Yang could finish her sentence, Ruby dashed to her leftovers, ripping them apart like a wild animal.

"Woah Woah Ruby slow down, at this rate you'll-"

FWOOSH!

Once again, the sound of Ruby's semblance cut her off as she frantically looked around the room, causing Yang to dodge when a bunch of objects was thrown across the room, making an absolute mess.

SOOOOO HUNGRY!. Ruby thought, finding Blake's secret stash of tuna, completely devouring it in under a minute. Ruby licked her fingers, a smile of satisfaction on her lips.

Yang and Blake were absolutely gobsmacked, "S-She ate it all…." Blake said, starting to cry at the thought of all that delicious tuna going to waste.

Yang, however, stayed silent, Geez I know Ruby has an appetite but….

Before she could continue that train of thought, they both heard a loud Thump noise as Ruby literally crashed on her bed.

Yang gave Ruby a pointed look, "Ruby are you're ok, you're acting…... weirder than usual.'' She observed, noticing the sudden shift in her attitude.

Ruby only groaned in response, shifting uncomfortably in her bed.

Blake gave Yang a worried look, "Is it…...you know". She asked hesitantly, not wanting to bring that up.

Yang raised a brow, "What are you….". She paused, eyes widening when she realized what she was referring too. "Oh, uh nononono that's uh completely different". She clarified, not wanting Blake to get the wrong idea.

"Then…" Blake trailed off, looking at their leader's disturbed state. "What's wrong with her"? She asked genuinely.

Yang turned her gaze to her sister, a look of worry on her face. "I….I don't know." She said honestly, If it was anything big, then she would probably tell me…...right?

"Well, I'm sure it's no big deal. We should probably get some sleep, I don't know if I could stop myself from beating that Ice queen after the shit she pulled". Yang said, still irritated about what Weiss said about her sister.

Blake nodded, turning off the lights as the two went to their respective beds.

Later that night….

Weiss entered the room, a look of regret on her face. As much as I hate to admit it, Professor Ozpin was Right. She thought, walking towards Ruby's bed.

To her surprise, Ruby looked almost…...disturbed. Weiss raised a brow, taking a closer look at her leader. Ruby's body was constantly convulsing, mumbling incoherent nonsense as she was clearly in pain.

Weiss was about to wake her when she saw her arms. She didn't know how to describe it but it looked like they were…...pulsating. What in the world happened to her…? She thought, wondering why her leader seemed to be in such a state. I hope it has to do with me…. She thought, already feeling bad enough about how much of a hard time she'd given the poor girl

"Ruby?" she asked meekly.

Ruby's eyes snapped open, taking deep breaths until she saw that it was only Weiss. Oh thank Zwei. She thought, relief flowing through her.

"Are you ok Ruby?" She asked, genuinely worried about her leader's health.

Ruby raised a brow, Who are you and what have you done with Weiss. "I-I'm fine, how are you?'' She added, Ruby mentally facepalmed, No wonder Yang thinks I'm antisocial….

Weiss gave her an amused look, "I'm fine…." She said awkwardly, not really knowing how to continue the conversation.

Oh man, this is awkward. Ruby thought, thinking back to their last confrontation.

After a few more seconds of uncomfortable silence, Weiss sighed. "I'm…. sorry, Ruby". She said truthfully, feeling bad about snapping at her.

Ruby snapped her head this, "Wait what". She said dumbly, not expecting Weiss to apologize.

Weiss continued, "I truly think you have what it takes to be a great leader, and just know that I will be the best teammate I can be". She said reassuringly.

Ruby looked absolutely gobsmacked, "T-thanks Weiss…". She said meekly, surprised at how the thought to be Ice queen was being.

Weiss smiled, "Goodnight Ruby, get some rest'' she said sweetly.

"T-thanks Weiss".

Weiss nodded, quietly closing the door on her way out.

Ruby weakly smiled, Since that's over maybe now I can finally get some sleep. She thought, letting sleep overcome her once again.

Oh, how wrong she was

"Ruby". A voice whispered out.

Ruby's eyes snapped open, taking in her surroundings.

She was in a pitch-black void, surrounded by what looked like a giant web. Are those…...webs? She asked herself, wondering how a web that big could exist.

"Ruby".

Ruby jumped at the sound of the voice, "W-where am I?" She asked, lips quivering in fear.

For a second there was nothing until she what looked to be white rose petals, forming into a figure Ruby was very familiar with.

"M-MOM!" She cried, giving the woman a bone-crushing hug that could even rival the likes of Yang. "I-I knew you were still out there, Yang told me you were dead but I knew-"

"Ruby". She said again, more menacing than before.

At this, Ruby paused, slowly backing away in fear.

"M-mom". She asked timidly.

"Ruby". She heard from behind.

Ruby yelled, turning around only to be met with the eyes of her mom once again.

"What's going on?'' she questioned out of fear, backing up only to feel something on her back.

"Ruby".

Ruby screamed once again, realizing she was surrounded by the figures that looked like her mother.

"M-Mom stop!" She pleaded, only to be met with silence.

"Ruby". Another voice said from the right.

"Ruby". She heard, this time coming from the left

They were closing in on her now, saying nothing but her name.

Ruby was clutching heard, trying to block out the noise but to no avail. "S-STOP PLEASE!", She begged, tears rapidly pouring out of her eyes.

The four figures stopped, turning back into rose petals as they all began to transform into one ginormous spider.

"Ruby Rose, it is time for you to take your place on the web of life". The spider stated, voice booming with an almost divine presence.

The ground beneath Ruby started to shake, multiple cracks being formed in the process.

"W-What's going-". She couldn't finish as the ground below her shattered, causing her to fall into the deep dark abyss.

However, before the spider was out of sight it heeded her a warning that she would remember for the rest of her life. "Never forget, With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility".

With that, her vision faded, causing her to see nothing but black.

Hey guys! If you're here then you've probably already seen the rewrite notice. Anyways, I know some people may be mad about me starting over but it's something I had to do. Sorry about the short chapter but I have a head start on chapter 2 so it should be out a lot quicker this time! Please enjoy and as always, reviews are welcomed!