Chapter One: Cinder

Time: seven thirty PM

"Ow!" The goth hissed as she was pinned down by the cat Faunus. "Stop! It hurts!"

"Then sit still and take it like a woman," The cat Faunus said, straining to hold her down. "I'm going to put it in again if you don't stop."

"It's too much" The goth struggled against the cat. "No more."

"Well, the faster you submit to it, the faster I get done." The cat Faunus said. "We go through this every time you come over it seems."

"Because you always make it hurt," The goth whined, trying in vain to shove off the cat Faunus.

"It's going to hurt regardless of what I do, Ruby," The cat Faunus said. "Now, just hold still, alright?"

"But, Blake, it always stings," The goth, Ruby, said with a louder whine.

"Then, sit still and wait for me to finish," The cat Faunus, Blake, said as she held the brush in her hand.

"Fine," Ruby relented and lied still as Blake brushed around the quite noticeable black eye Ruby sported. She still whined and twitched every so often, but Blake eventually finished brushing the eye with makeup to hide the shiner.

"There," She said, getting up. "All done. Now, sit up and tell me how it looks."

Ruby sat up, blinking back tears from the stinging and looking at herself in the mirror. Her pale skin was mirrored almost perfectly by the makeup, which hid the mark around her eye.

"Looks great, Blake," Ruby said, sighing as she leaned on her best friend. "Sorry I keep coming over here after… well, you know."

"At least she wasn't drunk," Blake said.

"It's better if she is," Ruby said. "Then she can't aim for shit."

"If you say so," Blake said. "How about you try to not be so mopey? I'm sure your dark poetry can wait."

"Hey, I do not write dark poetry," Ruby said, crossed her arms and looking quite "ungothlike". "Besides, I can't rhyme."

"I'm well aware," The cat Faunus raised an amused eyebrow. "We're partners in art class and you were the worst."

"Well, that was mostly because she had to proofread and make sure I didn't write anything she didn't like." Ruby grumbled. "Stupid teacher not letting me express myself."

"Writing about a metallic scythe you built and had a romantic relationship with isn't exactly school friendly," Blake said. "No matter how obviously fictitious."

"Well, I didn't want it to be something I hated," Ruby said. "Weapons are cool."

"I've noticed your collection, Wednesday Addams," Blake let out a slight smirk. "Perhaps when we go back, you can show them to the principal."

"Hey, I like the art of weaponry," Ruby said. "It's so elegant."

"Says the goth," Blake chuckled slightly. "People actually thought you were cutting yourself when you came in with all those scars. At least you went with long sleeves."

"Aww, you're just jealous I can pull off all black," Ruby grinned behind her black lipstick. "It suits me."

"Your hair is red and your eyes are silver," Blake said. "And, you wear that blood red scarf, hood, and various other red things."

"Well, the scarf was my mom's," Ruby said. "You've seen her pictures. She was almost like an anti-goth."

"I've never assumed someone could pull off a white outfit like yours," Blake said. "Your mother was an exception. White lipstick, on the other hand, not such a good choice."

"She just went to clear," Ruby said. "Or rosé. Gotta say, she looked good."

"I know, right," Blake said. "My mom and that white haired woman she had a 'rivalry' with looked good too."

"Well, we look good now," Ruby said, holding out the mirror so they could see themselves.

Ruby's attire consisted of black boots that went almost to her knees. They had red and black laces that crossed over each other in a tightening pattern. She wore thick black stockings that went all the way up her legs. They hugged her skin, yet were very mobile. She wore a black skirt that was about medium length. It had the smallest of red trims that made it pop a bit and accentuated her look a bit. She wore a belt around her waist that had a black metallic rose on it. A black corset adorned her chest and had black and red laces that wound down the back and front. She wore a long sleeved blouse that was black as well. The inside was a little red, but that was the inside. Around her neck was a red scarf and hood, both of them with a similar shaped rose to the one on her belt. However, there were some slight differences, but both on the fabrics were black. Her nails, lips, and lashes were all black, though, it was a thin layer so as not to look too thick. Around her neck was a choker that had a similar rose design. Her hair was red with the tips being black as well as various streaks (she didn't want to go through with a full dye job). In length, it was almost like a bob, not going below her shoulders, though she was growing it out. Her eyes were a sparkling silver that shimmered slightly.

Blake was dressed in black boots that went to her ankles and zipped on the side. She wore a pair of translucent black leggings under a short pair of jean shorts. Said jean shorts had a sequin design sewn into them. She wore a white t-shirt without sleeves. Like Ruby, her nails were also black. She, however, wore several bands on her wrists, all leather. Her hair was much longer than Ruby's, heading all the way down her back. It was black in full volume and was very soft. Like Ruby, she also wore a choker. She wore purple eye liner to accentuate the intimidating glare in her eyes. Said eyes were golden and resembled her animal counterpart. Her ears were slightly pointed, not quite like an elf's, but more so than a human's. On top of her head, emerging from her hair, were two feline ears. They were black like her hair and had pink insides. Her left ear had two piercings, but they didn't stand out.

"We look like we always do." Blake said. "You look like a girl pretending to dress up like her older teenage sister and I look like a street kid."

"I don't dress up like my sister," Ruby said.

"You look way too young to be your age," Blake said. "You look like you're ten."

"I look like a mature teenager," Ruby said.

"Slow down with the exaggerating, Lisa Frank," Blake said. "Mature isn't exactly the word here. You're the only goth in existence that would beg for a cookie like some puppy dog."

"You'd be surprised how far these eyes can go," Ruby said.

"I've seen you get out of school simply by flashing those eyes," Blake said. "In Glyndominatrix's class."

"She was weird," Ruby said. "Always thought I was causing trouble."

"How many times did you get sent to the office?" Blake asked.

"Not half as many as you," Ruby stuck her tongue out at the cat Faunus.

"Better not stick that tongue out too much," Blake said. "I might put a nice little silver ring on it."

"Eep," Ruby clamped her hands over her mouth.

"Smart move," Blake said. "Now, Ilia should be here soon, so you better not look too cute. I think she'd try to kidnap you and keep you to herself."

"She takes after your mom," Ruby shuddered.

"No, I take after her," Blake said. "She takes after my mom on 'nip."

"Worst combination ever," Ruby gulped. "Well, I'm gonna go get a drink at the sports bar. You in?"

"Sure you don't want to go to that coven down the street?" Blake asked.

"For the last time, Blake," Ruby said. "I'm not that kind of goth."

"You're like your mother, but in black," Blake said. "I'm well aware."

"Right," Ruby said. "See ya."

But, before the redhead could get all the way out the door, it opened to reveal a woman in nearly the opposite of what she and Blake were wearing.

She wore a pair of white jean shorts and black sneakers with white socks. Her skin was tanned, almost like she lived by the beach. She had several spots on her cheeks and face almost like a giraffe's in shape. She wore a pink and white shirt with a white heart on her chest. The shirt was short sleeved. Her hair was long, longer than Blake's even. It was a mahogany brown color and was tied in a ponytail. Her eyes were grey, but held tiny flecks of almost every other color. She was a chameleon Faunus.

"Oh, leaving so soon, cutie?" She raised an eyebrow. Ruby gulped, trying her best to make it around her before she was grabbed.

"Blake," Ruby said through the crushing hug she then received. "Help."

"I can't hear you," Blake said. "You'll have to speak up."

"I'll get you… for this," Ruby said.

"Nah," Blake stood up. "If I'm gone, who's gonna put up with your cookie habits?"

"Me," Ilia said. "I want her. You can have Velvet."

"Velvet is Coco's girlfriend," Blake said. "Besides, rabbits aren't my type."

"What exactly is your type?" Ilia asked, her tone indicating she knew full well what it was.

"I think she's turning blue," Blake said. "Better let her go."

Ilia quickly released the goth, said goth getting the hell out of dodge as fast as her legs would carry her.

"She'll be back," Ilia said.

"She will," Blake said.

"Someone lose their nerve?" Ilia asked, walking up and wrapping her arms around Blake. "Since you two weren't eating each other's faces, I'm guessing I'm right."

"It's not as simple as that," Blake said, sitting down and picking up a trashy novel she'd gotten at the store.

"Well, duh, it isn't as simple as 'hey, Ruby, I wanna date you and have since a while ago', but it's not the hardest thing ever," Ilia shrugged.

"Considering your dating record, I'm surprised you have yet to understand it kinda is," Blake said.

"Oh, please, Ruby's got mileage on her as well," Ilia said. "She dated those guys."

"Precisely," Blake said. "Those guys. It's not so simple now. I mean, she obviously could be bi, but she's never been interested in any girls I've ever met."

"Well, what about you?" Ilia asked.

"Never picked up on it," Blake said. "I'll figure it out."

"Better find her before someone swoops in like a predator and gets those luscious lips all to themselves."

With Ruby

"That was super close," Ruby sighed once she'd gotten to the sports bar. "She's almost as bad as mom. At least mom would make me cookies afterwards. Should go visit her sometime…"

Ruby sat down at the stool and sighed. Her thoughts turned to literally anywhere other than Ilia. She wanted to forget that little encounter just like all the rest.

"Man, I wish I could get her to notice me the way I want her to," Ruby said. "That would be nice."

Ruby sighed and ordered a drink. While she knew this wasn't exactly her type of place, it was the only one that sold her favorite drink: the Chocolate Strawberry Mojito Twist with a lemon on top. Her mother had introduced her to that drink when she was really young. Obviously, it had been a virgin, which Ruby had definitely not changed. Last thing she needed was to be unfocused. It was already about eight o clock and this was when the weirdos started coming out of the woodworks.

Once she'd gotten her drink, she nursed it, enjoying the flavor as it danced on her tongue. She sat in her favorite side corner that was far away from everyone else. She looked down into her drink, really dreading going home, but it was one of those inevitable thing that she had to do at some point. It was obvious she could try to wait it out though, which was exactly what she was going to do.

At the door, which she didn't notice, another figure entered, this one a different one.

She wore black, leather pants that hugged her body closely and showed off every single curve of her legs. They drew the attention of nearly every patron in the bar except Ruby (who was lost in her own thoughts). She had on black biker's boots that had an orange flame pattern on them. Tightly hugging her… quite ample chest was a red shirt that could be seen around town. It was a Schnee Manufacturer's shirt, a nice, airy shirt that sometimes left little to the imagination. They could be seen everywhere and this particular one had a white snowflake directly over her chest. A belt buckle could be seen over her chest. Over her tight shirt, she wore a black leather jacket that made her look both attractive and that she had something to prove. Spikes ran in lines over the shoulders, giving her a sexily intimidating look. Various belts went around it as well. She wore black lipstick, almost as if to add something else to her black repertoire. A leather choker was around her neck, though it was different from the variety Ruby or even Blake wore. Her skin was fair, yet ashy, almost like a strange combination, but it added to her allure. Her eyes were a striking orange color, but they seemed… off. Her hair was as black as night, seemingly even darker than Blake's. It went down past her rear, tied in a single, off-center ponytail. Her bangs went over her left eye, covering it completely. They were full, not lacking in their volume. A small portion of her bangs was white, but it simply drew attention.

The woman entered the area, drawing much attention as she scanned the room. A seductive smirk laced her lips as her gaze settled on Ruby, though the goth didn't notice. She walked over to where the shorter female was sitting, leaning onto the table Ruby was sitting at.

"What's such a… pretty looking thing like you doing here?" She asked Ruby, which finally jolted her out of her thoughts.

"I, uh… wow," Ruby said, gulping. She was never good with people, besides family and Blake that is, but this woman took her breath away… though, not necessarily in a good way. "You definitely pull that look off."

"I can tell you're nervous," The woman said, which caused Ruby to squirm a little in her seat. "Don't worry. I won't bite… at first."

"I-I think I should go," Ruby shrank down a bit.

"Oh, I think you should stay," The woman grabbed Ruby's arm, putting her down as she tried to get up. "Now, what's your name, you cute little thing?"

"R-Ruby… Rose," Ruby blushed slightly as she looked down.

"A sweet name," The woman said. "Call me Cinder."

Ruby was attempting to get up when the TV came on with the recorded interview with Weiss Schnee, the oldest of the two Schnee sisters and head of the Schnee Manufacturing company, on the latest development of her company.

Weiss had long, flowing white hair that was the same color of snow. She wore a white lab coat and icy blue clothing underneath. It consisted of a blue, short sleeved shirt and pants. Her eyes were icy blue. A noticeable scar went down her left eye, which was one of the features people knew most about her. She spoke in a sweet, yet firm voice that conveyed her point across to the people watching.

"Oh, look, the TV's on," Ruby said.

"It's not live," Cinder said, smirking as she glanced at it. However, when she turned back, Ruby was gone.

"She's good," Cinder mused. "But mark my words, little Rose: I always get what I want."

At Ruby's home—later

The goth slowly and quietly entered the door, praying silently she was the only one awake. However, it seemed luck was not on her side as a hand grabbed her, throwing her to the ground in the living room.

"I said be back by nine thirty," The owner of the voice said.

She was tall, taller than Ruby by at least a foot and a half. She was wearing a pair of boxer briefs that were yellow (she couldn't find a pair of panties in the same shade). She wore a tank top as well. Her body was very well toned, almost as if she was a frequent regular at the gym. Her hair was blonde and very full, the fullest hair you could probably ever see. Her eyes were a lilac shade, but in the right light, they looked fierce and red.

S-Sorry, Yang," Ruby said, trying to avoid pissing off the blonde, who really didn't need social services coming to the door after the neighbors had misunderstood Yang's last outburst. While Yang did often get angry (and vent some of that out on Ruby, hence the black eye), she wasn't a violent person persay. Unless she was drunk or pissed off.

Of course, Yang had been brought up differently than Ruby. While Ruby lived with Summer, who was the sweetest individual one could ever meet, Raven, Yang's mother, wasn't so nice and sweet. Child rearing that bordered on abuse, but just barely weren't had taught Yang that smacking one's charge around was perfectly acceptable. Though, Ruby still liked living with Yang. She was her adoptive sister and the best one she had. While Yang was rough (and a little too often got drunk… had to be the Branwen in her), she was still loving.

"Where were you?" Yang picked Ruby up.

"I… I went to the sports bar," Ruby said. "Some weird lady hit on me and I left."

"You didn't come straight home, did you?" Yang asked.

"No," Ruby said.

"Good," Yang said. "I made you some snacks for earlier. Eat up or you don't get breakfast tomorrow."

"At all or made by you?" Ruby asked.

"I'll let you figure that out," Yang said with her trademark overconfident smirk present.

"You're in a real good mood today," Ruby said. "You get a raise?"

"Nope," Yang popped the 'P'. "I got a 'yes',"

"From Pyrrha?" Ruby asked.

"Yep," Yang said. "God, I love that girl. After three years of dating, finally."

"Awesome." Ruby said.

Well, this should be interesting. I wonder what's going to happen.

Well, this is my first Ladybug. I hope you guys like it. It's also my first fic doing this type of thing. Oh, Winter is younger in this. I have my reasons as for why, but I won't spoil it.