"STUPID CHILD!" Raven yelled as she back handed Ruby hard across the face.

"I'm sorry mother I just..." Ruby didn't even get to finish before being hit again this time busting the girls lip open.

"YOU HAD ONE JOB, ONE!" She yelled. "How many times have I told you to control your temper!?" She said as a statement. "You were the one that was supposed to hold the line and keep the grim away from the others!" Raven continued to scold her. "But because you lost your temper yet AGAIN, and broke formation over a dozen of the tribe were killed and almost as many wounded!"

"I-I..." Ruby had started crying.

"Crying!" Her mother scowled. "I taught you better than that." She shook her head. "You know there will be punishment for this disaster you caused." Raven fiercely glared at her daughter.

A local town had gotten desperate for help against a grim infestation. Being unable to get into contact with a hunter or huntress the town opted to bite the bullet and hire the bandit tribe. Raven had no problem taking a job from them as their money was just as good as any. Wouldn't be the first time they have taken jobs like this either. They may be bandits but they were not opposed to mercenary work if the pay was right. The town was willing to pay a decent amount of lien but also supplies and resources. The tribe also got a night of free drinks and a free stay at the brothel. Ruby was forbidden from drinking alcohol or partaking in any kind of illicit drug. Raven couldn't have her heir making herself weak with such things, however it was also because she didn't think the girls temper and semblance would mix well.

The brothel however was something Ruby was allowed to do and something she did in fact partake in when given the chance. Something she had been doing since she was 13 since she was considered a woman by the tribes laws at that point. Some small towns had similar laws, though it was illegal but it wasn't like Atlas, Vale or the others really paid much attention to those outside their walls. She still remembered her first time vividly. She had just turned 13 and was taken to the brothel to celebrate her becoming a woman. Ruby had already figured out by that point that she wasn't interested in men but was into women. An older cat faunus woman that looked to be around her mother's age had been picked out by her mother to bed her. Honestly at the time Ruby wasn't sure what to think about this woman being willing to sleep her given the technically illegal age difference.

The morning of the their mission Raven had everything planned out. The plan was supposed to be simple, wait until the grim returned to the nest inside of the cave. Ruby, Raven and a few others would keep them at bay while dust charges were placed throughout the cavern. However Ruby started getting cocky which allowed her to get caught unaware and thrown against the cave wall. She allowed herself to get mad and broke formation completely. With a hole in their defenses grim were able to break through. It was brutal, many of the ones placing the charges were hurt while many of the those defending them ended up dead. Because of Ruby, Raven was forced to use her maiden powers. They were barely able to finish the job and get the injured out before they blew the place.

Raven was furious at her daughter, she had messed up before because of her temper but nothing on this scale. In the tribe punishment for failure could range from minor to severe. In this case punishment is severe, and it wouldn't be the first time Ruby has gotten this kind of punishment. Upon their return to camp Ruby had a aura suppresser snapped into place on her wrist. She was lead to a clearing in the center of the camp where she was forced onto her knees. Her arms tied to a wooden pole, long hair moved out of the way, and the back of her clothing ripped off to expose her skin. She was given something to bite down on before the sound and stinging pain of a whip was heard and felt. Over and over it hit her skin forcing a grunt out of the girl. New marks were added to the old ones that already adorned her skin.

Some might say it was a harsh punishment, others might agree that it wasn't it but in the Branwen tribe it was law. The first time Ruby endured this was when she was 10. She's experienced it several times since before now. Her once smooth skin was littered with scars, her back especially and mostly from the whip. Other scars on her body were from grim, or people during raids or sparring, of course there was also the scars from the ursa when she was a kid. There were also some provided by her own mother. A scar on her stomach from where Raven stabbed her. It was the first and only time she attacked her mother, she had gotten angry and attacked her. Raven didn't hesitate to run her through, of course she made sure not to kill or cripple her, couldn't have her prodigy of an heir die on her.

The fact that her mother was so quick to do that,...it hurt and not in the physical way. She liked her mother but she also didn't know how to feel about many of the things she did, Ruby didn't know how to process things. Emotions make you weak is what she's been told since she was a child. Don't lose you're temper, don't cry, don't flinch at pain, no mercy, don't show compassion, kindness shows weakness, and especially don't fall in love or form attachment's, not even to family. The tribe also had the rule of don't protect the weak unless it's to your own advantage. She just couldn't really understand emotions that well and how to feel about people, places, things and situations. How was she supposed to feel about her mother? About Vernal? And especially about herself? Sure she had an inkling of comprehension about things, like anger and hate but overall not much.

Even after taking her punishment with out complaint she had to keep the suppresser on. The wounds were supposed to scar as a reminder of failure. Once Ruby got cleaned up and went to the tent she shared with her mother she was ready to pass out and sleep. When she entered the tent her mother who was mostly naked was in the process of changing into clean night clothes. Ruby barely even glancing at her as she sat on her own bed to take her boots off. She couldn't help but blush a bit at her mom being naked, she always did. Her mother was undeniably beautiful, and Ruby hoped to be just as beautiful as her when she was older.

Upon laying down her stomach growled, she was hungry. But she wasn't allowed to eat dinner, another part of her punishment. Once her mother went to sleep she was tempted to sneak a cookie from her hidden stash but Raven had keen hearing even in her sleep. If she were to catch her she would get a beating. There was always breakfast tomorrow that is if her mother allowed it. For now it was just better to sleep and worry about it in the morning.

When early morning came Ruby was still in bed while everyone else was already awake. It didn't take long before the girl was woken up by her bed being flipped.

"Get up." Raven commanded. "You've slept long enough, and I was generous enough to let you sleep a few extra minutes."

"Yes mother." Ruby said with a strain as she picked herself up.

"Fix the bed and get properly dressed, we have an important matter to discuss." Her mother said with a continued commanding tone. "And don't keep me waiting." She emphasized before heading outside.

Since Ruby wasn't expecting any kind hunt or raid she was going to put on her normal clothing. Usually she would wear a full body skin tight, light weight suit of leather armor. Sure she had aura and her semblance but she preferred to have that extra layer of protection, some of the others in the tribe were the same. It was a once piece leather suit with a heavy duty zipper on the back. As a full body piece that meant it ran from the top of her neck down the full length of body, arms and legs. The boots, and gauntlets were separate though. Her head gear was also separate, it covers a large portion of the sides of her head, her ear's, the side of her face including parts of the cheeks and her forehead along with the chin, it also covers the small patch of skin that runs from the chin to the edge of the bottom lip. It also functioned to keep hair back and out of her face as well as keep sweat from running down into her eye's. There was also a pair of goggles she wore to block out bright lights and act as a bit of eye protection. She wasn't to fond of the suit being skin tight but it reduced the risk of getting caught on something. As an added bonus though if she were to get stabbed or something the tightness of the suit would put pressure on the wound and help stop or slow the bleeding.

Her normal clothes consisted of a padded fabric pseudo bra with a thin black and red metal overtop the fabric with a single leather strap and clasp that ran around, under the arms and connected on the back. Obviously that meant it only covered the front on her breasts while leaving the tops, sides and underneath exposed but it was hot and her body ran hot. The top had a red Branwen symbol on the right breast. She was well endowed and liked showing off her assets anyways as well as helping to keep her nice and cool. She really didn't care about her scars showing. Her pants were a pair of white baggy breeches that stopped just below the knee and with straps keeping the bottom fastened to her legs. A leather belt held up the pants and had a white sash tied around her waist. On her feet she wore leather sandal's that wrapped up a bit above the ankle. Ruby still wore the fingerless gauntlets with a single gold and red metal armband on both her biceps. Ruby had a silver necklace she wore that had a blooming rose on it. During a raid she had found the neckless in a jewelry store close to patch that was known for doing a lot of expensive commissions.

After getting dressed she headed outside to find her mother. She didn't really have to look long since she was sitting at the fire a few feet from the tent. Raven was stirring some food that was cooking in a pot over the fire. Looked like she was making sausage gravy and biscuits, her mom didn't cook often but when she did it was delicious, especially her biscuits and gravy which was Ruby's favorite. Her mom would never say who taught her to cook but the way she talked made Ruby think that it was someone she may have considered a friend at one time. Ruby went to grab a biscuit but her hand was immediately slapped hard with a spoon making her yelp(more in surprise than actual pain).

"Your still under punishment." Raven scolded. "Now sit, as I said we have things to discuss." She sat the stirring spoon down.

"Is it about yesterday?" Ruby asked hesitantly.

"No." Her mother said, not that her mind wasn't still thinking about it. "As you know there are things you need to learn that neither the tribe or me can teach you. Things that you need to learn so you can properly lead the tribe when I decide to step down." She cleared her throat. "Like me, your going to enter Beacon Academy and learn everything you can for the next four years."

"Bacon Academy? Sounds tasty." Ruby said with a smile that made Raven's eye twitch in announce.

"What have I told you about your ridiculous and stupid jokes!?" Raven said with a glare.

"That you would..." Ruby smirked.

"Don't you DARE!" Raven raised her voiced.

"...pun-ish me." Ruby chuckled before quickly doubling over with pain in her stomach and then finding herself falling to the ground face first. Raven had gotten up quickly smashing the handle of her sword into her daughters stomach and then kicking her feet out from under her. "Ow!" She moaned and gasped after face planting the dirt covered ground.

"You know I hate it when you do that!" Raven said through gritted teeth. "I despise it! I will break that habit of yours eventually." She sat back down." Now stop your moaning and get up."

The one thing that Ruby seemed to have in common with the sister she didn't know about was that she enjoyed joke's and pun's. It was something the father she never met had a thing for to. Raven hated it, and hated it because of Tai. Ruby was very different than her father and sister except for this one personality trait. Raven had put her daughter through the ringer many times trying to break her of it. Raven saw a lot of herself in Ruby but oddly at times she saw a bit of summer.

"Okay so Beacon." The younger woman gasped out after finally getting up to have a seat. "How am I supposed to get in? I've never went to combat school, or even so much as went to a proper school."

"The same way I did." A small barely noticeable smirk appeared on the older woman's face. "You sneak into the initiation and complete it."

"Wouldn't there be rules to prevent something like that?" The young girl asked.

"There's a loophole that gets around it. The rules say you have to apply and be accepted to participate in the initiation. But only completing the initiation actually allows you into the school. There is no specific rule preventing someone who has sneaked in and finished from getting in. It's just not something most people think about or are willing to do." She shrugged her shoulders.

"So I cheat to get to in?" Ruby smiled.

"Exactly, I knew you would understand." Raven surprisingly gave a small chuckle. Raven was always surprised at just how much Ruby was like her at times. "I already packed your bag. It's sitting by the tents opening. Anything you will need is in there. I was even generous enough include things I knew you would take anyways, you will just need to grab your weapons and combat suit. I have also put a scroll with important numbers already in it, in the bag as well. Yesterday when we were in town I had all your lien put into a proper account so you would have access to it, the bank card is in the bag as well."

"When do I leave?" Ruby inquired.

"Right now. So grab your things and head into town. There's a passenger bullhead from atlas heading to Vale that's stopping there for passengers." She informed her. "And just to inform you I found those books of yours." Ravens face became stern and disappointed. "I have told you before if your going to read, read something practical and useful. Not any of that fantasy and fairytale fiction crap, so I used them for the fire." Raven wasn't going to tell or admit to having kept the more perverse book though.

Ruby kept a straight face but inside she felt like crying. Her mother didn't want her reading anything that was fiction. She was of the opinion that fiction rotted the mind by occupying time that could be used for something productive. Raven always told her that reading should only be done in order learn useful things, even reading history was considered important and useful. When Ruby was five, back before she was tossed into the forest she had gotten her first book, her first fiction book on top of that. The tribe had a mission that required most them with a few being left behind to pack the camp up and restock supplies. She couldn't be taken along on the mission but couldn't be left with the others as they would be to busy to keep an eye on her. So Raven left her at an inn in the nearby town, paying for a full week and leaving money for food. The inn keeper was paid extra to keep an eye on her to make sure nothing happened to her.

Sure the man felt it was irresponsible to leave a child so young for a week like this and voiced his opinion. Raven practically threatened him to keep his opinions to himself. After the first few days the inn keepers wife gave Ruby a fairytale book to occupy herself with. Already knowing how to read she blew through it in a day. She kept re-reading it over and over the entire week and then when her mother was a week late she kept reading it. When Raven finally returned, paying for the extra week she took Ruby to the new camp. As Ruby unpacked the backpack she had with her, Raven saw the book. After seeing what it was she accused Ruby of spending the money she left for food on it. Then after explaining that it was given to her Raven still didn't calm down.

That's when she went on her tangent about what not to read. She promptly threw the book into the fire right in front of her, she cried and with hiccups told her mother she hated her. As a reward she was back handed hard, which knocked her to the ground. She was yelled at, told to stop crying and if she ever spoke to her like that again she would hit her harder. The hit left her with a black eye and bruised cheek that lasted for almost a month despite her aura's best efforts. So when she got older and started making her own money she would buy a few books and hide them. She would only ever keep a few, which were her favorites, the other's were always given to bookshops, or to an orphanage when she had the opportunity. Since she had to keep them hidden and travel light was why she never kept any but a select few.

There were a lot of things she was told she couldn't do when she was growing up, things she saw other children and teens do when she was in towns. She remembers trying to hold her mother's hand just for it to be smacked away and told no. Playing games like hide and seek that was normal for children she couldn't do either. Really the only games she could play were the gambling or the dangerous kind, dangerous as in the knife game. She has actually accidentally stabbed herself a few times when playing the knife game. When she got scared as a child during the night she tried a few times to crawl into bed with her mother, just to be shoved out, sometimes literally kicked out. The most affection she had gotten from Raven was a pat on he head, back or shoulder. At this point in her life she had grown use to never getting compliments, affection or words of encouragement from anyone. Even sex was nothing but a quick, emotionless and wordless romp. Not only was she use to it but she was pretty much unfamiliar with anything of the opposite since she thought it was normal.

Before leaving Ruby was told the suppression bracelet was to stay on for two days. That meant she would have to go through the initiation with out her aura. The bracelet still allowed her to use her semblance but what good would that do with what her's did. But it was a punishment and one that came directly ordered by her mother, so she would listen. While in Vale she would still have to complete some contracts on her days off, mostly debt collecting, couldn't have her getting kicked out of beacon after all. Raven also told her to take the sword she had given her with her and to keep it on her when in combat. Time and time again her mother reminded her that she couldn't punch her way out of everything but she sure as hell was gonna try. For having told her she had to leave right now Raven sure was talking her ear off with advice and stuff. If Ruby didn't know any better she could swear her mother was making a worried fuss.

After she did finally get the chance to leave Ruby had checked her bag after feeling something warm in it. Opening the bag and feeling around she pulled out a plastic container. There was gravy and biscuits in it, her mum must have put it in while she was still getting dressed. Didn't take her long to eat it as she was hungry as hell, the food put a smile on her face. The town she was going into, the same one they had helped was also the same one she visited often. As it was the one with the brothel she had been to when she was 13 and continued to visit. Once she got there she was pissed to find out that the the bullhead was going to be a few hours late. Apparently someone important from Atlas was holding them up, something about delicate luggage and dust. So to pass the time Ruby decided she could use a stress relief.

To relieve that stress she was going to visit the brothel, and visit her favorite girl, the woman who took her Virginity. The older faunus woman was attractive, charming and very skilled with her hands. Ruby was also able to relate with the woman a bit. Many people looked down on them her because of the horrible scars on her face and neck. Those who knew she was a bandit looked down on her even more. The faunus woman was looked down on for being a faunus and a sex worker. The woman was also the black sheep of her family who had been cut off and practically blacklisted, hence why she was a sex worker. She hadn't even done anything wrong other than being a typical rebellion teen when she was younger and being more outspoken. Only her sister and niece still talked to her, although the niece didn't know what she did for work. Neither woman had a choice in what they did, so they bonded and formed a friendship at least Ruby thinks it's a friendship since she's never really had one before.

As soon as Ruby stepped into the brothel she found the woman already waiting for her. The faunus had already caught her scent and heard her before she even made it to the door.

"Darling!" The woman yelped out as she wrapped Ruby in a hug. "You haven't visited me in weeks!"

"I've been busy Cali." Ruby told her. "You know my mother's a slave driver." She returned the hug before they pulled apart.

"I don't like that woman. The only good thing about her is that she brought you to me." She stared into Ruby's red eye's with her amber ones.

"You mean when she turned you into a child molester by paying you to sleep with me?" Ruby raised a brow at her.

"I admit it wasn't my finest moment and I do regret it, I regret all the times it happened before you turned legal." The woman deflated.

"Don't get so down, I already forgave you. Besides I know if you didn't your boss would have just beat you." She shrugged her shoulders. "And I could have said no at anytime and I did keep coming back asking for you specifically."

This was a conversation they have had a few times. The older woman did have a conscience after all. But Ruby was right, her boss would have beat her if she hadn't because it would have been a lose of money. Cali had been forced to sleep with a few others who couldn't legally give consent either. It was usually young boys or girls being brought in by a parent who was under the stupid belief that it would turn the child into a proper man or woman. Of course she had said no at first and refused but after so many beatings she finally broke. It didn't stop her from being disgusted with herself but it wasn't like she could leave. She was black listed in cities because of her parents and former brother in law, and the small towns and villages tended not to hire faunus. On top of that she was under contract and couldn't just quite, and then there was the debt she owed the boss because of money she spent on Cali when she hired her.

"Doesn't matter, you weren't legally old enough to give consent." She told Ruby just to get an eye roll from the younger girl.

"Look Cal its in the past." Ruby shook her head. "I became legal when I turned 16. So that means you haven't done anything bad to me since then, okay. Not like I'm exactly a saint in the illegal actions department." She smirked as she reached up with her hand, placing it on the other woman's cheek. "Now I have a few hours to kill, and I'm stressed, figured you could help me with that. Plus I got a surprise for you."

"A surprise!?" The older woman's cat ears twitched as she perked up a bit.

"Yes a surprise." Ruby smiled with a gentle smile that was so different from her usual cold demeanor. This was a smile that she was rarely ever seen with. "I bought out you're contract and payed you're debt off."

"W-what!?" The other woman's jaw dropped.

"And you're coming to vale with me but don't let anyone know. If mother finds out she'll kill me, probably literally." She said with a bit of fear in her voice. Ruby wanted the friend she thinks she has to be able to visit her as well as to be free. Maybe she really was softer than she let on.