Ruby at Atlas

By: FunahoMisaki

(A/N: I own nothing and read last chapter)

"Welcome everyone to Atlas Academy. Here you will learn how to serve and protect those who can not protect themselves. Most all of you will be placed into teams of four based on the skills evaluation that you all went through." General Ironwood said as he got on the stage and began his introduction speech for the new students. Harriet was behind him with three of the other Ace-ops and she was scowling angrily at Ruby who was on Elm's arm still. Apparently by saying she was 'keeping the kid' that meant that Elm was going to keep Ruby on her arm and let the girl ride around, which was probably a good thing since Ruby wouldn't have been able to see over the other students heads anyways given how much shorter she was than them.

"Now as some of you has already no doubt noticed there is an odd number of students this year which means one of the teams will be unbalanced." General Ironwood said making those more used to people watching or who were just being observant of their fellow potential classmates nod slightly.

"Sir does this mean there will be one team of three and a team of two? Or will there be a team of four and a team with just one person on it?" A girl already wearing the uniform and a beanie asked raising her hand politely.

"There will be a team with just one person on it. After all she is a prodigy, and due to the nature of her job she will always have a bodyguard with her anyways. Especially for the more high-profile assignments she will be eventually given. That is for the best as the secrets she will likely have to keep regarding her job would not be good for a team's trust anyways." Ironwood said and his eyes moved towards Ruby, all of the other potentials looking at her as well and making her look a little shy but give a small wave at the others.

"Do not mistake this as her being given special privileges. She will be working more than any of you and even more than most of our third and fourth years. She will likely be doing double the work to keep up with everyone and still do her job as an engineer for the army." Ironwood said nodding to the little reaper who nodded her head in understanding and smiled brightly.

"You've all already been placed in teams. All of you but Specialist Rose will be given a slip of paper with your name and your teammates names on it. After everyone groups into their teams you will be given your room assignments and a tour of the building by one of the teachers." Ironwood said making the teachers fan out and begin to pass out small slips of papers to each student except for Ruby.

"Once you have your room assignments and have been given a tour you'll be allowed today to explore and get to know your new surroundings better. Classes begin tomorrow at seven hundred sharp, your schedules will be in your rooms. Dismissed." Ironwood said causing everyone to begin trying to group up and find their teammates.

"Come on little reaper. Let's find out where you'll be sleeping and get the tour over with!" Elm said grinning as she toted the girl over to the door.

"You know I can get down and walk right?" Ruby asked looking at Elm who just grinned back up at her. She opened her mouth but was cut off by the General approaching

"Rose." Ironwood stopped them before they left the room and making both Elm and Ruby look at him and give him matching curious looks.

"Due to the fact that you'll be an actual worker as well as a student you'll be placed closer to the teachers quarters than any of the other students. Follow me." Ironwood said moving past them to the door.

"You heard the boss squirt, let's go." Elm said still toting the small reaper around on one arm as if she weighed nothing at all, which she probably didn't to the muscle bound Ace.

"Not like I have much choice since you're still carrying me." Ruby said with a snicker while Winter followed behind them more amused than anything at how the reaper already seemed to have one of the Ace's wrapped around her little finger.

"You seem used to this." Vine said looking at Ruby as he and his comrades followed the General, Harriet still scowling at the small reaper who had shown her up in front of everyone.

"My big sister is a brute force fighter with a semblance that makes her stronger, she does this to me a lot. My dad is a teacher at Signal who is trained with a large frickin hammer and also loves to tote me around. My uncle is able to bench press Ursa without breaking a sweat and I love swinging from his arms when I see him." Ruby said all of this with a completely flat look on her face as Winter quirked an eyebrow.

"I'd pay you to see the drunk old crow let you use him as a monkey bar…and to see his reaction when he learns that you joined Atlas instead of Beacon." Winter said with a smirk and making Ruby beam brightly at her.

"Be good and I'll even let you hold the camera when he comes to visit me!" Ruby said making Elm snort loudly at that when Winter smirked wider and her eyes glittered with mischievous amusement.

"Deal." Winter said and General Ironwood gave a very suspicious sounding cough.

"Do you need a coughdrop sir?" Ruby asked innocently, Marrow busted out laughing with an occasional bark to it.

"I agree with Elm! We're keeping the runt!" Marrow said grinning and making Ruby poke her tongue out at him. He poked his tongue out at her right back.

"Marrow act your age." Ironwood didn't even have to look behind him.

"But she did it first!" Marrow whined.

"She's fifteen."