Pursuit of Chaos - Chapter III
...So he hasn't told you yet.
You see for him to tell you of your powers and the nature of them he would have to reveal information that he wishes to keep buried away. You have, no doubt, heard the story of the Maidens. You see the version that exists now is partly true. The four did have their powers granted to them but there were not just four travelers there that night, nor was there but a lone man.
Two with the power of magic were there that night the travelers received their gifts. The travelers also numbered five.
The four, now commonly known as The Maidens, were bequeathed their powers from the “wizard” or as he more appropriately should be called, sorcerer. The fifth traveler, however, was not given anything from him as he did not trust her. How true this is I do not know, but this is what he told me so when I asked for an explanation.
Incase you are confused, I was the second person with magic there that night and as you have most likely gathered, Ozpin is the sorcerer from the tale. You would not know this for to fit his needs and to also further assist his goals, he has erased me and the fifth traveler from it. This leaves just his manipulated version to be told.
While he apparently didn't trust the other young woman, I did not trust the four he gave powers to. And yes, while I may not have fully trusted her all too much at first I did respect her. Due to this respect and my weariness of the other four, I gave her special abilities but ones that differed from those of the Maidens. Her powers gave her further enhanced traits; heightened senses, increased fighting prowess and the ability to withstand attacks and blows that should have either permanently or greatly harmed her. To an extent she could even take blows that should have killed her. He actually stole this and used it as a basis to create what you call Aura today.
He wasn't able to fully replicate it though and do you want to know why? He couldn't understand it all. That which I gave to her was the opposite of what he gave to the Maidens. Their powers were based off his very own abilities and each carried an underlying basis that was his. More to this it was his own understanding and knowledge of magic that provided the template and governed the rules of their abilities. As hers came from me and as such were built upon my understandings and reasonings, he couldn't fully work out how those abilities functioned or all that it was they could do. Simply put, it went against what he knew to be true.
Not for the lack of trying mind you. He spent so much time trying that he never thought to give the Maidens any protection from the Silver-Eyed Warrior like he should have. This worked to my favor though. I gave her abilities to police the Maidens should they abuse theirs. Though this was before he betrayed me I did not feel that there should be four people with that immense power roaming about unchecked. As ever he would not even entertain the possibility of my words, so I myself took steps to ensure that my gifts I bestowed upon the Silver-Eyed Warrior would be able to take care of them should they go rogue or mad.
But just as he could never again bestow power of that magnitude, I too have never again been able to replicate those powers. Furthermore, through the years since he has been able to get to my Silver-Eyed Warriors before me. In fact, you are the first one that I have spoken to directly like this in three generations.
I imagine that you do not even know that you have already activated them, your latent powers. You would naturally be a talented fighter due to who your parents are. Your semblance though, your speed, that is a trait from your abilities. All of your predecessors were faster than normal and that means so are you. With your semblance also being one of speed, it amplifies it even further. So much so that you have yet to reach even half your potential. You can be even faster than you are now, and I can help you achieve this.
With my help you could reach your full potential, but if you decide that you would rather leave than learn, then go ahead. Even though you may not trust me I give you my word that should you decide this, you shall not be attacked as you leave or as you travel to wherever you decide. Not only this but I and those I command will even leave you alone all together if you chose this path. Never would you or those close to you come into direct contact with us again.
But if you were to stay here with us for the time being we would train you, not just placate you. I specifically would train you to use your abilities and hone your skill. With us you would become stronger. Strong enough to where you would not have to worry about your friends or their safety again.
Do you think Ozpin would do the same? Based off your past interactions, do you believe that he would offer what I have?
Before you decide, why don't you think this all over, hmm? Oh, and do remember that you will not be able to leave this place until you decide on your choice.
In a moment one of my associates will come and undo your shackles. I must warn you that should you make an attempt to escape or to attack them, you will be killed immediately. Do not think my offer of kindness and hand make us complacent.
Now I imagine this has all been a lot to take in. Take your time to think on it all, to digest it. I await your decision Ruby Rose.
If you venture outside to look around you will find someone who wishes to talk to you.
Salem closed the door and began to walk away. As she got a few feet away a cigar flared up from along a darkened wall. The man, obscured but heard, spoke after a puff, “So, when do you think Red will decide?”
Salem did not slow her stride or turn back as she told him, “You know as well as I do that she already has made her choice.”
With a grunt the man asked, “Do you actually think she'll have that big of an impact? Have you thought about the consequences of what could happen?”
“Of course I have. You'll see, in due time, that I am right. Change in coming to Remnant, and that girl shall prove to be a deciding factor.”
As Salem turned away from her, Ruby spoke, “You have given me all of the evidence that I need. With that I am ready to make my choice.”
“Splendid,” Salem purred. “I hope you choose favorably.”
Just as Ruby was about to respond, from a darkened corner a voice rang out, “I wouldn't trust her.”
Salem responded with a skeptical voice, “Oh really? And why would that be?”
The voice once again spoke, “Because from where I am from one can always tell when one is a liar and cheat. And you, Madam, are the worst I have ever seen.”
A cigar was lit as Salem asked, “Who are you?”
“It is me Madam,” the voice answered as they moved out of the shadows.
As more of them became seen Salem gasped. “N-no.”
“It can't be. It's impossible!”
“I'm afraid not.” Stepping fully into the light the man stated, “It is I, Roman P.S. Torchwick!”
