The White Rose wilting

Chapter 1: New Ruby

Ruby Rose sat on the ground her back against a tree looking out at where the rest of her squad sleeping. The humidity was sweltering and her sweat made her hair cling to her face and her clothes felt heavy and stifling. She was exhausted and her muscles seemed to be screaming at her. even the seemingly endless hours of training at Beacon academy hadn't worn her out this much. The long days of walking were taking their toll on both the bodies and minds of every one on her team. Tensions and tempers were through the roof, and they were feeling less like a team and more like a gaggle of misfits thrown together at random.

Ruby sighed and scanned the area around where they were camping. She had first watch, and only about half an hour before she went to wake up Blake. Ruby was completely exhausted. No matter how hard she pushed the others to keep moving, she had to push herself even more. 

Besides, everything was a little different for her. With the powers of the fall maiden flowing through her, everything was just a little different. Her senses were heightened, making her jump at noises the others couldn't even hear. She could feel the life energy flowing all around her. Each squirrel, chipmunk, bird, and bear. And in contrast she could feel every Grimm they came across long before it showed its disgusting face. While animals and people felt like life, touched by the Goddess's loving caress, Grim were the exact opposite. The were death and decay incarnate. They were a walking amalgamation of all the worst things in the world. Instead of seeing the spark of life she felt in every person, Ruby saw a gaping hole in the world wherever a Grimm stood. They were evil given form and the fire inside of her burned hotter any time she found one of those disgusting things. 

Then of course, there were the memories. Along with her powers, Ruby had absorbed the memories of the fall maiden, as well as all of the fall maidens before her. There was so much she had learned, and she desperately wanted to share it with her team... But somehow Ruby knew that certain things were sacred and unspeakable. It hurt so badly not being able to share it with them, all the information she now had about that wretched creature, Salem. She would tell them eventually, but they were not ready for that yet. After all, how do you explain that a human, so loved by the Goddess that she was gifted abilities even greater than that of the maidens, would turn against Her. That she used her powers of life the create creatures of death in turn causing her to fall from grace and be struck down by the Goddess herself. 

Well, you would probably explain it just like that, you dolt... Ruby thought to herself, She glanced at the pocket watch Ozpin had given her before they left. Yup time to go wake up Blake.