Like, it’s so pointed and tragic right off the bat, calculated for maximum pain when we DO find Ruby: We’re getting a nice picture painted of Arthur’s many crimes, a confirmation he got away with it all even if his research was left behind. Through James’ eyes, we’re given the expectation he’s gonna find some horrible, dangerous weapon, but instead…it’s just an abused kid. One Pietro realizes was having biological experiments done on her, was dehumanized and hurt so deeply.
(Was Salem looking to create Silver Eyed people so she could create more Hounds? Suddenly there’s a horribly morbid explanation for why she’d WANT an experiment like this instead of just killing Ruby while she’s young.)
(Come to think of it, Salem would probably be REALLY mad at Arthur for giving Oz’s squad access to a Silver Eyed Warrior who could’ve and should’ve been of no concern. Not a threat to her, as far as she knows, but she clearly wanted information if she let Arthur experiment at all. She likely didn’t get all of it, and CERTAINLY wasn’t happy with the results.)
Of course, James doesn’t immediately jump to that conclusion, doesn’t put the word to it. But Pietro clearly realized it and WANTED to help her live more freely right off the bat. Side note, this is SO something I can see Arthur doing, particularly after all that time setting up his cruelty. Like, yeah, Stasis pods clearly do exist in Remnant since we see Amber in one, and Arthur Watts is exactly the kind of person to experiment on a kid and then stick them in a freezer to not have to deal with them. But it’s SUCH a punch in the gut to realize Ruby might’ve already lost months or years of life by being in that pod, no one the wiser.
On a lighter note: LOVE that Ruby bit James. Love that he thought it was more painful than anything he’d done as a soldier or Huntsman (was the falling off a motorcycle a skill issue or was Qrow around?). Love that he panicked and didn’t know what to do so he just stood there getting bitten. And had to beg Pietro for help.
It makes sense, though, that when they call her a project and weapon first thing, that poor little Ruby goes into fight or flight mode and categorizes them as enemy. She’s not yet had room to give the benefit of the doubt — when she does, she’s actually very quick to warm up to them.
Also, I ADORE trans!Ruby as a head canon, so seeing it here is a DELIGHT. James not knowing at all how to deal with it and handling it with somewhat less grace sadly feels pretty realistic — he categorized her as a girl not because she clearly identified as one even with limited knowledge of gender roles, but rather because he’d already been thinking of her as one and changing his mind was more effort. But I’m glad at least Pietro clearly is gonna do right by her.
(Super off topic, and perhaps a little indicate (sorry!), but I like how there’s also now a pre established reason why Yang and Ruby WON’T know each other on sight. Ruby looks just like Summer, sure, but she might look significantly younger than Yang’s sibling SHOULD due to the stasis stuff, and Yang might very well still think she has a BROTHER. I doubt we’re going that route, but still.)
Speaking of Pietro…with this, it’s SO CLEAR why he would’ve chosen to send Penny away. Ruby’s treatment makes it clear that even someone whose humanity isn’t manufactured isn’t someone whose autonomy will be respected by James, not if he feels the good of Atlas (and the world) benefits from them NOT getting a choice.
Like, it makes sense that Pietro, not yet knowing of Salem or magic or maidens, assumes Ruby might be lab grown. It’s sadly in character for James not to reach out to Oz for help or information even when he SHOULD. Ruby would’ve been back with her family if he’d even asked (or if Oz had told his inner circle about the powers, but too late for that now). But James doesn’t want to say anything until HE can TAKE CREDIT for something — just asking for help isn’t on the table.
But Pietro gets a horrifying, clear look at how Penny’s opinion may be disregarded, her autonomy ignored. James can say it’s for Ruby’s protection, that it’s out of necessity, but Pietro is seeing a little girl be denied a family and freedom. He’s already worried James is going down the same path as Arthur, only just slightly tamer. Another few years, something to push it over the edge…and Penny is clearly only free to choose if she does it outside of Atlas.
And so Ruby still becomes The Hero, just with very little choice in the matter. And likely a lot less support.
Oh my gosh, thank you for this comment!! I’ve read it from start to finish like five different times. You basically brought up every single thing that was important to me while writing this chapter!
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MaxiemumDamage on Chapter 1 Mon 25 Mar 2024 12:34AM UTC
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AirForceMuffin (AhsokaTheBrave) on Chapter 1 Tue 26 Mar 2024 02:02AM UTC
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