A/N: Well, here is chapter 3. I finally finished the epilogue of my other story which in turn let me type up this chapter and focus. I'm baby sitting my niece and nephew as I type this and finished this story so there might be some mistakes haha. I really wanted to publish this tonight though so I am! Um, no long A/N this time. I got to stop these kids from playing GTA 5 right now. So enjoy chapter 3! Plan!

Maybe when he left us it wasn't such a bad thing. I mean look at us now. Learning the truth about the world. The real world, not like the fairy tales that I used to read to Ruby. Oh no, this was the real, dark, down and dirty, grim, shitty real world. And for us to have been living through it and surviving; only one thing comes to mind…

We can make it through anything.

I'm awake.

I should just open my eyes and get up, today's gonna be a busy day.

Finally wrenching my eyes open I stretch my arms, feeling the previous day's injuries but not quite as vividly. They all felt dulled and muted. Maybe a good night's rest was all I really needed.

But for some reason the room feels empty and something smells weird. Not quite able to put my finger on it, for some reason it reminds me of when I was little.

With a start I quickly turn over to look next to me on the bed.

Ruby wasn't there.

Feeling my chest tighten instantly, I threw the covers off myself and grabbed my phone.

It was only 6:08 am.

Where the hell could she have gone? She's never up this early and she could barely even make it down the stairs if she had decided to go out.

But then I started fearing the worst.

What if someone took her last night? A quiet kidnapping? Who would do such a thing? The twins? No that wouldn't make sense. Crow? I mean; maybe? But why? Just for one failed job? Or was the person still in the small apartment?

No longer able to hide my distress, I jumped from the bed and noticed a slight smoke making its way under the bedroom door.

Fire?

Pressing my ear to the door I strained to listen for anything.

It sounded almost like…

Someone was cooking.

Wasting no time and still feeling scared out of my fucking mind; I swing the door open…

Only to reveal a very smoky kitchen. Well that was the first thing I noticed. The next was Ruby, dressed in one of my old tee shirts that was about three sizes too big and how it fell to hang just above her knees. And finally I noticed that the smell was the smell of pancakes.

No wonder why.

Ruby was still facing away from me, focused on salvaging whatever kind of pancakes she was making. I also noticed her struggling to stand up on her own. Her legs were shaking violently and her left arm was propped up on the countertop.

I feel a small smile take form on my face.

"Ruby, what are you doing?" I say finally. Just loud enough to be heard over the sizzling sound of the pancakes.

I watch her jump at the sound of my question and barely able to hold on.

Without a moment's hesitation, still ignoring the dull pain in my shins, I rush to her side and hold her up from falling.

"T-thanks Yang. Sorry, I just wanted to-"

I smile at her while still holding her up, she's leaning all her weight onto me. If she was that exhausted from trying to be up and cook, just for me…

I love my sister.

"You're fine, Rubes. Just don't push yourself too hard." I say, while leading her to the table to sit down.

She collapses on the chair at the kitchen table; it just lets me see how much she was actually pushing herself just to make breakfast.

Ruffling her hair, I turn away from her and towards the dangerously cooking pancakes.

I wasn't sure if pancakes were supposed to sizzle so violently, and it was only when I peered through the smoke that I noticed a weird brownish thick liquid in the pan… Was that…?

"Syrup?" Barely managing to speak through the thick smoke that was slowly filling my lungs. The smell was burning my nostrils and throat.

"Ruby? D-did you put syrup in the pan while cooking?!"

I couldn't believe it. No wonder the kitchen looked how it did. I mean Ruby never was a great cook; she always had interesting ideas but… Just look at how this one worked out.

"I wanted to have the pancakes marinated in syrup so it'd be that much tastier!" I hear Ruby whine loudly. She sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

Gods, she was so innocent.

I couldn't help but laugh, which was a bad idea; causing me to inhale more of the syrupy smoke. It was only getting worse and it didn't look like there was any way to salvage these pancakes… If they could even be called that anymore.

Lifting the pan up and bringing it to the sink, I run water through it and cause more steam and smoke to rise up. Scraping the remainder of the charred pancakes into the trash, I turn and face Ruby.

"Sorry Rubes. There was no saving the pancakes. But let me make you some … Yangcakes!"

I watch as her sad silver eyes, sparkled with happiness at the thought of me making her food and at the terrible pun.

"Yay! Thanks sis!"

Dumping the burned pan into the sink, I move towards the cabinet and gather the materials for some Yangcakes.


7:22 am.

Placing the phone down back on the bed, I kissed the top of Ruby's head. We were lying on the bed in our bedroom. She was leaning against my chest watching cartoons on T.V. as she finished the last of her Yangcakes, and mine too. That girl could eat.

I got to start getting ready pretty soon.

"Hey, I got to get ready for work today, so scoot."

Ruby leaned forward so I could wiggle my way out from behind her and get up. The instant, I was out from behind her she dropped back letting her head hit the pillow, along with the plate that was on her lap teeter dangerously on the verge of spilling the excess syrup onto the bed. Her eyes never left the television screen. Getting up, I glanced back at the television; I wasn't really paying attention to it while we watched but it was about some kind of group of girls who were training to be heroes or something of the like. It looked dumb and way too childish for my tastes, but one of the girls on the show was pretty cute; with her white hair and cold personality.

Turning around and walking towards the shower, I quickly undressed and jumped into the warm water.

Today was gonna be interesting. Rethinking over the initial plan I spoke about with Juane last night I tried to think of any problems with it;

Junior seemed like he was willing to hire some skilled people. Not like the masses of idiots working for Uncle Crow. He had money and guts; willing to attack stores directly that were under Crow's protection. I mean, this could work. It really could. Especially with my being invited by one of the Malachite twins, who were pretty high up in rank in his little gang.

I still had to figure out how to get Juane in with me. I wasn't going to leave him behind. If I progressed, he would as well. He was a true friend through and through, and one few I really had. So I'd have to think of a good excuse, cause he sure as hell wouldn't really survive any trials they'd throw at him. He's a good person, but isn't made for this kind of life style. Why won't he just enjoy his minor noble background and live the pompous life? I'll never understand. Money is everything. It's power, security, and love. Without money… Well, you live how Ruby and I are currently. But with money… The choices are limitless.

Sighing deeply, I turn the water off and dry myself off. Hopping out of the shower and walking out of the bathroom, I'm greeted with Ruby still watching TV.

Dropping the towel, I walk towards the closet buck naked. Ruby and I grew up with each other, we were sisters, and therefore I wasn't really concerned with her seeing me naked. Although she did tease sometimes at my… larger chest, but I think it was just envy so I always teased her back and maybe rubbed it in her face a little too much. Not literally of course!

Walking into the closet, I decided on dressing a little more professionally. Not having the best choice of clothes, I did manage to fit into some of Mom's old suits she kept. I decided on a darker look; Black dress pants with a golden dress shirt, complete with a black blazer and black shoes.

Pondering if I should keep my hair loose and wild or tie up in a long pony tail, I decided against it. I don't want to look like that much of a stiff. I'll keep my untamable golden locks flowing freely. Posing and looking myself over in the mirror, I notice Ruby looking at me in the mirror.

"You look just like Mom."

I felt my heart beat faster instantaneously at the comment.

When Mom got dressed up and ready, I did resemble her almost to a tee. I inherited almost everything from her. Her golden hair, her lilac eyes, her smooth silky skin, her strong sense of justice, her loving care for family, even her fighting style. Everything.

Well almost everything. The one negative trait I received from my father…

Smiling at Ruby through the mirror, I nod my head.

"Yeah, I guess I kinda do, huh Rubes?"

I watch as her face turns into a frown.

"I miss Mom, Yang. Is she- Is she coming back?"

I don't know how to answer that. I'll never know how to answer. I part of me knows that Mom is … gone. Another part of me hangs onto that sliver of hope that she is still alive. She was with Auntie Summer she told us before she left. And I know the two of them could survive anything. Maybe they just were still on the frontlines. Maybe there were going to be on the last planes home so that's why they took so long getting back. I mean the war just ended a few weeks ago. So maybe… Just maybe.

"She'll be back Rubes; they still just have some things to finish up first. She'll be back."

I couldn't bring myself to tell her what was really on my mind. And frankly it sounded like I was trying to convince myself that she was alive. It didn't sound very convincing honestly.

Breaking the silence, I clasped my hands together and turned to face Ruby. She was looking down towards the bed and had on a dejected expression on her face. I didn't want the day to start out being all sad and depressing.

"Hey! How about after work tonight, we go out and get some ice cream or something? I know you can't stand being cooped up in this house all the time! So how 'bout it baby sis, you wanna?"

I knew it killed Ruby to stay inside all day every day. Before she was diagnosed with that terrible disease, she was always hyper active and running around. Spending all her time outside and being active. I think that's what she missed most now that she couldn't do any of those things. She even struggled to stand up for too long on her own now. It was sad to see, but I acted as if I didn't mind only because I didn't want to cause her even more distress.

When it first happened, I'd never seen her so miserable. But we worked through it. We still are and like I promised her, I'll get her cured.

Even if it kills me.

I watched her lips turn slightly upwards and her little silver eyes look up at me.

"Really? We could?" I hear her ask quietly.

I smiled in response and gave her a thumbs up. "Damn right, Rubes! Once I get back from work it's a plan!"


It was stifling in this suit. Waiting outside in the heat for Juane to get here felt like torture. It was only a matter of time before I'd start sweating bullets.

Contemplating if I should just wait inside I spotted my salvation. His silver sedan stuck out like a sore thumb in this part of town. I watched him pull up the curb where I was standing. Wasting no time I practically rip the door handle off and jump into the cold, beautiful, relaxing air of an air conditioned car.

"Whew! Gods, I was melting in this suit."

I looked over at Juane. He was actually dressed pretty similarly. He was wearing a dark gray type of suit with a white button up shirt underneath his suit jacket. He was also wearing some silver framed aviators that seemed too big for his head.

"Uh, good to see we both thought to dress up. I would have hated to be the only overdressed one." He mutters out.

Chuckling I stare back out towards the street. Junior's club, although I've never been there I knew where it was. It was near the border or the poor ghetto part of town where I lived and near the upper middle class suburban part kind of near where Juane lived. Being on the border of the completely different two types of areas was both smart and dumb in my opinion. It was smart because it had the opportunity to bring in twice as much revenue by being in between, but also dumb by mixing in the two different types of people.

But more money equals more power.

"Yeah, it kind of seems like we're going to a job interview, huh Lover Boy?"

"Well we kind of are. So have you gave it any more thought on how we're gonna do this?" Juane asks, somewhat nervously. I notice him sweating slightly, despite how cold it was in the air conditioned cabin of his car.

I couldn't blame him. He was out of his element, and quite frankly I was a little nervous as well. But a little fear wasn't a bad thing. A little fear kept you alive from time to time. You just had to keep it under control and not let it run rampant in your thoughts and emotions.

Famous last words from Mom. It was one of the last things she told me right before she shipped out. About three years ago…

"Well, yeah. We stroll in confidently, ask to see Junior or find the twins, give them the card she gave me and we make our case and go from there." I spoke the words as if it was painfully obvious what we had to do.

I saw Juane shake his head with a humorless smile on his lips.

"Wow Yang, I should have known your plan would have been so well thought out and well-constructed. Nothing less of Xiao Long!"

Ignoring his sarcastic remarks, I focus on thinking about what we would have to do if we-… When we got accepted into Junior's crew.

"So anyways; has Pyrrha come back yet? From the front?" I ask; I need to get him to calm down and take his mind off of the things to come.

It worked, I notice him seemingly relax instantly with a lopsided grin on his face.

"Yeah, she came back last night. I went to see her as soon as I got word. She looks so different but she's the same girl I fell in love with all those years ago. I knew she'd make it through. I'm actually going to see her again tonight. I'm just wondering… You know… Once I get this ring and actually do pop the- er- the question; do you think she'll say yes?"

I couldn't help but feel envious and happy for him. Every time he spoke about the girl he was always so excited and happy, that and I felt a little jealous that the person he wanted to come back from the war actually did, but my Mom has yet to.

"Relax man, if she's stuck with you this long there has to be a real connection. I'm sure she'll say yes. In fact, I'm sure she's dying for you to ask her that question."

I watch him become giddy with the thought of him proposing to his childhood love.

Some people have it so easy.

I just have to make sure he makes it through to get his ring and make sure he gets out of this kind of life style. Frankly he had no place in this type of work, and how he had future plans to be with a Nikos, he definitely had no reason to pursue this kind of career choice. It actually made me wonder if he would tell the redheaded girl what sort of work he was doing.

I doubt he would or did.

I had to protect him until he reached his goal of buying that ring. Only then will I ensure he'd get out of this life. He had big things going for him. A Nikos. I knew the name, they were a powerful family. There were three family names you didn't mess with. Nikos, Winchester, and Schnee.

"I hope so. I'm dying as well to propose." He suddenly says, breaking me out of my thoughts. "And also, when it's time for the… Uh, marriage. Yang, I- uh. Would you like the honor of being my- um, my best woman? I mean if you don't it's okay, b-but I mean you're always looking out for me and we've been through a lot and-"

Unable to hold the laughter building in my chest at his explanation; I let it out.

He was seriously asking me to be his best woman? I mean it was a tremendous honor and frankly I was flattered. It was just that we were from such different classes that I couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive. But I'd accept, he has been a good friend. Perhaps one of the best I've had for a long while.

"Sure Juane. I'd really be honored. I appreciate it, although I doubt the rest of the families wouldn't once they find out I'm not some kind of lame stuck-up noble."

"Aw, come on Yang. Not all nobles are so bad. Look at me for example!"

Shaking my head and starting out of the windshield I just chuckle.

"Okay, one out of a thousand. Not bad! You're right!"

We both laughed and continued driving towards Junior's club.

After about ten minutes, we arrived at The Club. It was almost 10 am but the place was already packed. It was an impressive building. The outside seemed to be made of a smooth silver metal. Even during the day it looked alive. There were big black tinted windows in the front with the words 'The Club' sitting brazenly atop of the silver building. The parking lot was full of both expensive looking cars and regular beaters further proving the two different types of people who frequented The Club.

Parking the car towards the back or the parking lot, Juane and I share a look. I can see the nervousness was back in his face.

"Okay Lover Boy, just let me do all the talking. Just- just be quiet and try to look tough. Keep the oversized glasses on too. Nothing says douche bag like wearing sunglasses indoors, but it makes you look a little manlier."

I hear him mutter something about he can do that.

Making our way towards the large black front doors, I nod to the black suited goon standing at the front. He looked at us and nodded back, letting us in. Pushing the large doors open I felt my eyes get wide with surprise.

I've never been to a real club before, but this was pretty impressive. The lights and music and the amount of people all cramped in here. It was intense, and so early in the day. The lights were a mix of red, white, and yellow. The walls were a dark scarlet and the floor itself seemed to light up white with each step. It was impressive and made me wonder about what kind of technology was incorporated into this club. That and how much money this all cost.

The music itself made me feel alive. I recognized the track as one of Deadb3ar's songs. It was a nice techno beat.

Still standing at the entrance, I noticed the twins sitting off on one of the secluded seats near the back of the club.

Time to go to work.

Shaking whatever nervousness I was feeling, I made my way towards the girls. With every step I walked straighter and grew bolder. I made sure that it showed on my face. Confident and boldly, I made my way right to their table, where one of Junior's thugs stood up abruptly and glared at me.

"And where do you think you're going, girl?"

That was his first mistake.

Once the words left his mouth he made an attempt to grab my shoulder. Only his arm never made it that far, once I noticed his hand making its way towards me, I quickly intercepted it and twisted it around causing him to whelp. Slamming his twisted hand and slamming it on the table loudly I wink at the twins who were now eyeing me again with their usual mildly amused facial expressions.

"Miss me?" I manage to say steadily despite still holding the squirming thug in place with one arm.

The rest of the thugs, who were sitting at the table, stared at me with open mouths as if dumbfounded at the sight of this stranger just man handling one of their own so brazenly out of nowhere. It only took a few seconds before they all got up and started towards me.

I stood my ground.

"Enough!" The white dressed twin finally said.

And with that the goons all stopped dead in their tracks, although still staring at me, ready to pounce if given the word. I let go of the now crying thug whose arm I was holding twisted.

"So Blondie, I didn't expect to see you so soon. Feeling better?" The red twin, Miltia says.

Crossing my arms defiantly and smirking I chuckle.

"It'll take more than a little scuffle like that to keep me down."

I watch both of them smile wickedly and look at each other. Melanie was the next to speak;

"So now that you're here, I suppose you're actually willing to work for a real employer, hm? You and that pathetic friend of yours?" She makes a hand gesture towards Juane who stood a little behind me, not saying anything. Good.

"Yep, I'll see what Junior has to offer before I make my final decision. So take me to him and let's get this show on the road."

Both of the twins then laugh suddenly.

I felt myself get a little nervous but also a little angry. I instantly felt a lot hotter all of a sudden.

"You think you could just stroll in here and make demands, Blondie?" Miltia says with a cold tone.

"Oh no, no, no. That's not how this plays out at all." Says Melanie with the same wicked tone.

Standing there with my arms still crossed, I feel my left eye twitch. I notice the thugs who were standing at the table now also wearing smiles on their faces. I could also hear Juane shuffle slightly; perhaps reading the mood.

So that's how it's going to be.

"Get her."

The four thugs rushed forward head on. The first threw a punch aimed right at my head. Uncrossing my arms, I grabbed his arm and swung his body around in a full circle slamming him right back into the table.

The next thug reached for my neck but was a second too slow, I backed up just enough for him to over extend and jumped up off my left foot and nailed him right in the chin with my knee causing him to fall on top of the other knocked down goon.

Without breaking stride I turned on the last two. One was reaching into his coat pocket, but the other threw a kick right at my side. Leaning out of the kick, I deflect it with my left arm and grab hold of his leg, and jump into him, head-butting his nose with my forehead. The reckless move shattered his nose but also caused me to fall on the ground with him.

Pushing myself off of the now unmoving goon, I scramble to get up quickly, I had to finish off the last thug before he notices Juane, but as soon as I so much as finish that thought, I feel the sickening feeling of someone pulling my hair. My beautiful, wild, golden locks. My pride and joy.

Someone was going to die.

Whoever pulled on my hair, pulled with such force, but at the angle he held them at, I couldn't turn and face him. Not without damaging my hair in the process. I let them pull me up, once I was standing I prepared to reel my elbow into the accusing arm, but suddenly feel something cold and smooth on my temple.

I stopped squirming and stood still. It wasn't a knife, it felt circular. Almost like the barrel of a…

Gun.

"Not so tough now, eh Blondie?" A rough whisper creeps into my ear.

That last thug. The one that was reaching into his coat pocket. A gun. I've never seen one up close before, let alone fired one. I knew I should be scared of my mind right now, but for some reason I felt just even more pissed off. Maybe it was the sudden adrenaline rush but this guy; this asshole actually has the audacity to think he could hold my life in his hands.

Oh no, he was definitely gonna pay.

Remaining still as he led me, he faced me towards the twins again. I watched them both cock their heads to the side as if waiting to see what I was going to do.

It was now or never.

The thug had one arm holding the back of my hair tightly, causing my head to be pulled back into his chest and his other arm holding his gun to my head. This in turn kept my arms free and ready to wreak havoc.

Without warning I reached for his arm that was holding the gun and pushed his arm upwards, the moment I did that, a loud cracking sound filled the air. The sound reverberated into my very core. It was unlike anything I've ever heard and it felt like I'd just lost the hearing my right ear. All I could hear was ringing. No music, no shuffling. Just a loud and annoying ringing. Wincing at the sudden sound I reach my other arm and maneuverer it behind his neck. Leaning into him once more I pull on the back of his neck with my arm and swing him over me leaning forward. I felt the feeling of some hair being ripped out of my head.

I feel my body heat rise and my mind filling with rage.

I pounced on top of the thug's stomach and straddled him. I threw an elbow into his face, which he managed to block with his arms.

This guy just tried to kill me.

I threw another elbow.

He held a gun to my head.

Another elbow.

He tried to take me away from Ruby…

And another elbow.

No longer feeling rational, I leaned into his face and continued to rain down elbows. I continued until I was unsure as if I broke my elbow or not. I didn't know and I didn't care. I continued to hit the downed thug. He was no longer blocking the blows and had stopped moving a few seconds ago.

But I didn't care. I kept going. Staining the jacket I wore a dark crimson.

It was only until I heard Juane say my name, and place a hand on my shoulder. That causes me to stop.

Not even turning to look at the damage I caused I brushed Juane's hand off my shoulder and turned towards the twins, daring them to put me through another trial. They both stare back at me defiantly not saying a word. Clenching my fists, I start to walk towards the girls. At least until I heard a booming voice behind me, that oozed with authority.

"So, we finally meet face to face Miss Xiao Long…"