It was Ruby's turn to take out the trash later in the evening.

After humming in annoyance, she slung the smelly bag behind her back and ventured down the hall and stairs. When she stepped outside, there was a glimmer of pale yellow in the distance. She could only spot her under the harsh moonlight.

Is that Weiss? Ruby thought. Where's she going this late?

Curious more than anything, Ruby tiptoed behind her. When she was certain Weiss couldn't hear, she tossed the bag of trash into the nearby dumpster. She watched her walk under the street lights along the main road.

She probably likes late-night walks, Ruby gathered as she stealthily followed. Oh my god, I feel creepy. Do creepy people feel like this? After a few minutes, Ruby asked herself. Should I call out to her? Is it too late to do that?

It was then that Ruby remembered Weiss used to be distant toward her and her roommates. That fact was hidden in the back of her mind. Because of this, she ultimately felt like she should keep following her.

It's dangerous to be out alone so late, Ruby thought as she walked onto the grass of the nearby park. I hope she has bear mace or something. She probably just wants some fresh air. Ohhhh, sorry, Weiss.

For a few more minutes, Ruby was content to follow behind her as she entered the park. During the day, it was beautiful and full of smiles. At night, it was almost eerie. Ruby was officially creeped out when not even the insects made noise. Only the gentle breeze.

The whole way, Weiss was persistent in constantly looking over her shoulder. However, Ruby was able to hide behind several trees before she could be spotted.

This is stupid, Ruby thought. All I'm doing is being creepy. I'll leave her be. Sorry I followed you, Weiss.

Right when Ruby turned around to walk back home, there was a deep, low voice in the distance. That definitely didn't sound like Weiss. The last time she checked, they were alone.

Worried, Ruby whirled around and spotted two large figures in front of Weiss. One of them had red hair and horns. He glared at the girl in front of him.

"Where's your damn purse?"

There was a pause before Weiss replied. "Did you really have to bother me on my walk? Did you learn nothing from last time?"

She's met them before? Ruby thought, interest piqued. Wait…

Under the dim rays, the other boy's face was made clear.

The bull faunus smirked and nodded to his companion. "I brought better backup this time. I'm not gonna lose round two."

When Weiss could see his face under the moonlight, she scoffed. "Cardin. Why am I not surprised?"

From his name, Cardin smirked and popped his knuckles. "If I'm gonna truly piss off Xiao Long, I have to go for her little ice queen."

Ruby bit her bottom lip from his foreboding words. He wants to get revenge on Yang by hurting Weiss. When I think he can't sink lower... This could mean serious trouble. Two guys against her? She doesn't stand a chance. I have to help her.

There was no way Ruby could face them in hand-to-hand combat, but she could help in another way. At least to serve as a distraction.

Determined to help, Ruby took a deep breath and stealthily hid behind a tree. Easily, she slid a hand into her stocking and pulled out her slingshot. She never left home without it. Not even for school. With a plan, she yanked out a dart from her loafer and readied it into position.

When Ruby leaned out from the trunk, she raised the slingshot and took aim with one eye open.

Before she could release the dart, Cardin charged Weiss.

"Your blonde bimbo of a girlfriend's gonna-"

Before he could land a punch, Weiss dropped to the ground so fast that Ruby could hardly think. She swept her legs under his, and then pushed on his torso to force him to fall back. He landed on his rear with a loud thud.

Woah! She's quick! Ruby watched in astonishment. Did she take him down with hardly any effort?!

Confused, Cardin stumbled to stand. "Agh- how-"

"How dare you speak about her that way!" Weiss shouted, sounding offended.

I've never seen her that angry, Ruby thought. She really cares for Yang.

Now that Cardin was down and more at her height, Weiss punched him with bony knuckles directly in the eye. He reeled back with a muffled grunt and held onto his face in agony.

"Fuck- you didn't say she could fight!"

Adam scoffed at how shocked he sounded. "Shut the hell up. I told you she's feisty."

Weiss scowled from the weak display. He acted like a tough guy but he couldn't even take one punch. All bark and no bite.

"Put some ice on it. You'll live," Weiss rolled her eyes. "You're lucky Yang won't find out about this. Otherwise, you'd wish for death."

Yang would definitely kill him, Ruby thought. Why's she hiding the fact that she's a total badass?!

With her adrenaline pumping, Ruby leaned away from the safety of the thick trunk. It appeared Weiss had confident body language, with her hands on her hips.

"Scary," the bull faunus remarked and noted her icy eyes.

"You," Weiss addressed lowly, which caused Ruby to almost shiver. She sounded like an apex predator in the night. "What happened to Mercury?"

From the question, the punk huffed. "You saw the news."

In a silent challenge, Weiss took an offensive stance that Ruby didn't recognize. The bull faunus sniffed once and held up his hands in response.

Is she not scared? Ruby thought. She took down Cardin with no problem. Maybe she can with this guy, too?

Not wanting to wait for an answer, Weiss asked in a warning. "Well?"

"He tried to leave," the bull faunus revealed. "We both know that some people can't cut it."

Leave what? Ruby wondered. Who's Mercury?

An ominous breeze drifted between the two.

From confirming her suspicion, Weiss stood on her toes. "So you do have a leader."

"I am the leader!" the bull faunus roared.

From that, Weiss released a hearty laugh.

She hadn't giggled so hard like that in too long. Tears almost formed from how amusing she found the situation. Ruby was taken aback by her reaction. The abrupt change of mood caused Ruby to stare. Weiss was holding her sides and bent her knees from how humorous she found the revelation.

What're you doing, Weiss?! Ruby noted his hardened glare. You'll only make him mad!

"Shut up!" the punk growled.

"You must be joking," Weiss said in between giggles. "I've met infants who'd make better gang leaders, Adam."

Lots of online research led her to find out his true identity. In a way, this mocked him. It appears his underlings aren't tight-lipped. It was nice to put her technological abilities to the test again.

"Fuck you!"

His reaction told her she was right. Furious, Adam rushed toward her.

"Example one," Weiss said as she easily dodged several punches. "You let your emotions get the best of you."

When he tried to kick her abdomen, Weiss blocked with both hands and used that momentum to flip backward. A familiar pain flared in her wrist and she slightly winced.

She's an acrobat, too, Ruby thought, impressed. What can't she do?

When Adam yanked out a crowbar, Weiss smirked.

"Example 1A, you depend on weapons rather than yourself."

When Weiss was about to dodge a nasty swing, her feet were unexpectedly nailed to the grass.

"Huh-"

Below her, Cardin grabbed her feet while Adam swung the metal. Since Weiss refused to take her eyes off the attacker, she put both arms in front of her as the crowbar collided with her forearm.

"Agh!"

A strangled cry broke from Weiss, which spiked Ruby's adrenaline.

Shit, Ruby thought, desperate to help. One second, Weiss. I have to make sure I won't hit you.

Swiftly, Adam grabbed Weiss' throat with one hand and lifted her from the ground like she was a feather.

"You were saying?" Adam snarled, feeling a surge of pride now that he finally caught her.

Gasping to breathe, Weiss feebly attempted to kick him. It was like flicking a brick wall as her legs dangled helplessly. She tried to get a measly taste of oxygen by clawing his arms to loosen his grip, but it was no use. Watching her struggle put a smile on the bull faunus' face.

"Yang…" she rasped.

From her plea, Cardin almost chuckled. He whispered ominously into her ear. "Xiao Long isn't coming to save you."

After those dreadful words lingered in her ears, Weiss fell limp.

Before Adam could toss her to the ground like trash, a whizzing sound pierced past his ear and into his hand. A long, sharp dart stuck out of his skin and directly in a vein.

"Fuck!"

From the abrupt pain, he dropped Weiss. She thudded on the ground and coughed, willing her body to gasp in air. Before Cardin could locate the culprit, a dart pierced the back of his neck and he yelped.

"She's got a snipe, go!" Adam shouted when he saw a rain of darts descend upon them. "Get out of here!"

While running, the goons were pricked with several more darts in the back. Multiple yelps and grunts reverberated and faded through the darkness.

After a minute, Weiss finally composed herself and stood. She was beyond confused that they decided to run when she was vulnerable. It was like two lions cornered an impala. Except the lions gave up and bailed after the kill? That made no sense.

She dusted off her skirt and gazed around for any signs as to why they'd leave like that. Earlier, she was so focused on filling her lungs that her surroundings were blocked out of her mind.

That's when she saw them. Multiple darts were scattered on the damp grass. When the realization struck her full force, Weiss whirled around.

The silence was deafening.

Stay dandy,

~Toto