Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of "From Nerds to Nightwalkers". Thank you all so much for your reviews, favorites, follows and support! Before we begin I want to let you all know about the updates I announced from last time.

To those of you who don't know, I recently condensed the original FOUR CHAPTERS into TWO CHAPTERS and heavily revised them. So in case you didn't see them, I highly recommend rereading them!

Now then without further ado, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite drink because it's time to continue the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY; all rights go to the Legendary Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth. I do not own any of the Music, Anime or Manga that will be referenced in this story as well, all rights go to their respected creators and studios.

Beta Reader: KittyKat-Belle

Opening Theme: We're Not Alone by Coldrain

CHAPTER 3: An All Hallow's Birthday Gift

It's been four days since the incident at the gym and Ruby couldn't be more annoyed as she burst through her bedroom door. With a grunt of frustration she tossed her backpack away and jumped onto her bed - face first - screaming into her pillow.

Today had been a living nightmare yet again. News on what happened on Monday spread so fast the gossipers were having a field day with all the rumors that came about this. There were so many between Ruby, Ren, Yang, Nora, and even Jaune with people claiming he got hurt on purpose just to earn Pyrrha's attention.

It didn't take a genius to realize who started that one.

Ruby rolled onto her back and groaned as she covered her eyes with her forehand. 'Gods, how did we go from being avoided to being stared at overnight? Why can't people just leave us alone?'

~*BRAVE SHINE*~

~*Te wo nobaseba mada*~

~*STAY THE NIGHT*~

~*Kizu darake no yo*~

~*YOU SAVE MY LIVE*~

Ruby removed her hand and glanced at her scroll. She sighed knowing who was calling based off that ringtone and immediately answered.

"Hey dad." She answered, her voice much chipper despite the frown still on her lips.

"HEY KIDDO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" The voice on the other end shouted.

"Heh heh, thanks dad!" Ruby smiled softly, "How's it going so far? Are you going to be home soon?"

There was a pause.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, about that…"

Ruby sighed, "They extended your mission again, didn't they?"

She could hear her father shuffle a little on what she guessed was a chair, "Yeah… they did. I'm really sorry honey." He groaned, "I can't say much over open comms, but we got a tip something big is going and they need me to lead the investigate."

"I see…" Ruby muttered.

"Ruby listen to me! I know I promised you I'd be home this time to celebrate. And believe me honey, I'm not happy about this either! There's nothing I want more in this world than to be with my girls. Especially during times like-"

"Dad!" Ruby cut him off, "You don't have to explain yourself; I understand."

"Ruby…"

"I'm serious!" She insisted, "I know it wasn't your call to make! As much as I want you here I know how important your work. Plus, I'd rather you be out there helping people who need you than worry about making me happy!"

"But…" Her father paused again. "This makes it twice in a row that I'm-"

"I'm telling you it's fine!" She tried her best to control her temper. "The more you work yourself up over this the more I'll actually get upset so please drop it!" She pulled the phone away and took a breath before holding it back near her ear.

"Look, I know you're feeling like you're letting us down by not being here but please don't think like that! Yang and I get it, human trafficking is a serious issue and I'm happy that your out there fighting it."

"But Ruby-"

"Plus it's only another week right?" she grinned, "I don't mind having to wait a little longer for-"

"That's just it Ruby!" Her father finally interjected, "Because of how big this got, they extended my mission by a month… I already have someone coming by to pick up Zwei cause I'm gonna need him for this."

Ruby's grin dropped, "Oh…" She awkwardly rubbed the back of her head "Well… ok that really sucks…." She chuckled weakly and closed her eyes. "But… my point still stands, dad. If you're that important I'm not surprised they need someone like you for this."

"Ruby listen I swear I will make this up to you! Do you hear me?! I swear!"

"Geez dad chill! You don't have to swear an oath to me or anything like that baka!" She laughed. "Also… thanks for letting me have a sleepover with my friend's tonight. That… really means the world to me."

"Of course baby. Anything for you."

Suddenly a booming voice rang through what Ruby thought was a blaring speaker. "WOULD TAIYANG PLEASE REPORT TO THE COMMAND POST! I REPEAT, TAIYANG PLEASE REPORT TO THE COMMAND POST!"

Her father sighed. "I have to go now Ruby, they're calling me."

"I noticed!" Ruby joked, "Thanks for letting me know dad. And please stay safe out there okay? Please?"

"Always Ruby, nothing will stop me from coming home to my girls." She could feel him smiling on the other end of the line. "I already wired some money to your debit card so please enjoy yourself to the fullest tonight okay. And give those kids my regards."

"I will dad! Thank you!"

"Of course Ru-"

"WOULD TAIYANG PLEASE REPORT TO THE COMMAND POST IMMEDIATELY!" I REPEAT WOULD TAIYANG-"

"I heard you the first-time you son of a-" Ruby's father growled then cleared his throat as Ruby giggled. "Ok, I'm off kiddo! I love you and- oh wait, wait, wait! I forgot to tell you! The guy who's supposed to pick Zwei up is also bringing your present! So, hope you like it!"

"I know I will!" Ruby exclaimed. "I love you! Be safe!"

"I love you too! Happy Birthday and Happy Halloween!"

Ruby chuckled, "Happy Hallow-"

The line went dead, and all Ruby heard was the buzzing of her phone. She sighed and slowly opened her eyes, letting the tears, she held back, stream down her face as she released a shaky breath.

She suddenly lifted her scroll into the air with the intent to throw it.

But didn't.

Instead, Ruby took a breath, held it for a moment, then exhaled as she slowly loosened her grip and let the scroll fall on her bed.

"D-Damn it…" She muttered as she fell back to her bed and embraced her pillow. She tried to compose herself as her body trembled; but try as she might, she couldn't stop her silent cries into the pillow.

/-/

It took some time, but the tears finally dried as Ruby sat on the edge of her bed texting her friends in their group chat about the slumber party plans for tonight.

She was already feeling a little better by the silliness of messages her friends were sending; mostly from Nora's memes as she gave them a time to be at her place.

While she knew Velvet couldn't spend the night due to having a morning shift the very next day, she wished the Faunus could have at least come out trick or treating with them. Even though she said there was something important she needed to prepare for, it was still a bummer to Ruby.

It was even worse with Nora suddenly being grounded by her parents because of what happened on Monday. Even though she didn't physically do anything, the school could not overlook the verbal threats she gave Yang in front of the professor.

Nora was so crushed she had been spamming the group chat with nothing but "😭", "💔", and "😡" for the past few nights whenever the talk about the sleepover happened.

Ruby giggled at the memories. Even though she was sad, Nora still kept her sense of humor.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Ruby glanced up towards her door and frowned. There was only one other person in the house, that she knew of, and she would never knock.

'Yang…'

Tentatively, Ruby stood up from her bed and slowly made her way towards the door. Part of her felt like she should just ignore it. Maybe she'll think she's asleep.

However, the other part of her was tired of running. It had been difficult these past few days trying to avoid her, and she just wanted to put this behind her. Neither of them were able to look the other in the eye or even exchange more than three words whenever they talked.

Ruby reached out and gripped her doorknob carefully and inhaled deeply. 'Please… let this work out.' She thought.

With a heavy hand, Ruby slowly opened the door and peered out to see...

No one.

She raised an eyebrow and pulled the door wide open.

'What the?'

She took a step out and felt something hit her foot. It was a small white box with a red bow on top of what looked like a small card.

'Oh Yang…"

Ruby gently picked the box and card up and read the cover. Her eyes immediately closed as a small smile crept up onto her lips as she read the content.

I'm Sorry

I was

An ASS

And below it was a picture of a blushing chibi donkey sticking it's butt out with big teary eyes and a rose in its mouth.

As much as she didn't want to, she giggled.

'God damn it Yang…' She thought as she put the card in her pocket and moved onto the box.

As she pulled the lid open, her eyes widened.

'Oh my…'

It was a beautiful black choker with a large, silver cross dangling off a metal chain. She pulled it out carefully as she inspected every angle. It was stainless steel, not some cheap plastic or bendable metal.

"Whoa…." She muttered as she held it above.

The length looked right but there was only one way to find out if it would fit. Placing the box back on the floor, Ruby steadily held the choker by the edges and wrapping it around her neck.

She adjusted the connector to the proper slot, and it instantly felt perfect. She quickly went into her room and stood before her dresser mirror.

The silver popped out against her all-black clothing. It dangled just above her cleavage space while staying in place as she turned her neck side to side to inspect every possible angle.

She pulled out the card again and looked at it with a smile. She realized she forgot to actually open the card and did so to see a crudely drawn picture of Ruby, as a kid, holding Yang's hand as they walked through a forest with what she guessed was Zwei in between them.

Below it was a written message she recognized as Yang's handwriting stating:

Dear Ruby,

I know I'm not perfect. I know I'll annoy you, make fun of you, say stupid things, make you mad, and even hurt you sometimes. But always remember this… at the end of the day, you'll never find someone who loves you as much as I do. I'm sorry little sister, and Happy Birthday.

Yang

Ruby sniffled a little as she wiped a tear from her eye and held the card close to her chest.

"Thank you Yang…" She whispered.

"You're welcome."

Ruby's eyes instantly opened as she turned to the open door.

There she saw the top half of Yang's face poking out from the door frame as she watched Ruby with big puppy dog eyes.

The moment Yang realized she said that out loud, she swore under her breath and turned to run away. However, she tripped over her slippers and instead fell into her sister's room.

"Uhhh… ow!" Yang groaned as she rubbed her head and glanced up to see her sister standing above her staring.

She quickly scrambled to her feet with an embarrassed look on her face as her cheeks reddened. "I mean… uh, h-hey!"

Ruby smiled a little and rubbed her arm. "H-Hey…"

They stood in silence for a few seconds before Yang asked, "D-Did you like your present?"

Ruby nodded. "I did… it was really beautiful Yang… I love it."

"Really?!" Yang asked with glee before she cleared her throat. "I mean… I'm glad… you're pretty tough to shop for!" She joked and chuckled a little.

"Heh… yeah, maybe." Ruby replied looking away.

The two stood in another awkward silence. However the seconds turned into full minutes as both girls kept looking then looking away from one another.

"I, uh, heard you talking to dad…" Yang finally said, "He wanted me to text him when you got home so he could call you. I already knew what happened, he made me swear not to say anything and… I'm really sorry Rubes."

"It's alright." Ruby shrugged. " I'm not happy about it but… it's fine. Duty calls right?"

Yang rolled her eyes, "Yeah, except when it's his own daughters." She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Ruby winced. "Come on Yang, you know how hard he works for us. Even if he's not around he… he's doing this because he loves us."

While her rationality was mature, Yang could see the lament in her sister's eyes and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"It's ok to be mad sis." She stated, "This makes it twice now that he missed your birthday." Ruby flinched at that. "And it just became the third for me a couple months ago." Her eyes narrowed. "Now frankly I don't care if it's me, but it rubs me the wrong way that he's doing it to you too."

"Yang it's not his fault!" pleaded the younger girl, " He's saving people out there who need it. Yeah I'm sad he's not here but I can't be mad at him when he's out there stopping bad guys."

She smiled a little as she looked away. "I'm just happy I won't be alone today since he's letting my friends come over and-" her eyes widened as she spoke without thinking.

In a haste, Ruby instantly covered her mouth as her eyes went back to Yang.

Her older sister merely laughed as she shook her head. "Ruby I already know about that too... dad told me everything." She muttered looking away which worsened Ruby's guilt.

"Yang I… I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just... since it's Halloween and a Friday well… I thought you'd-"

"Ruby," Yang suddenly interrupted as she rubbed her arm. "It's ok but… can we talk about your little… slumber party? There's some things I wanna say."

Ruby pressed her lips together and nodded. "Ok… you wanna come sit down?"

Yang nodded and the two silently walked in and took a seat on Ruby's bed with Yang facing the window and Ruby facing her.

At first neither made a move to speak as Ruby looked away and grabbed her body pillow. Yang scratched the back of her head as she remained silently staring out the window.

Suddenly, the blonde girl hit her face against the glass pane and groaned, "Ugh! Why is this so hard?!" She muttered into the window and smacked her forehead against it again, and again, and again.

Ruby remained silent as she stared at her sister with wide eyes. "Y-Yang?!"

At the mention of her name, Yang composed herself as she faced her sister. "Look sis," She began, "I'm not gonna pretend that everything is fine and dandy, because obviously they're not."

Ruby slowly nodded.

"Some tough things were said, bad shit happened. But…" Yang stopped and sighed in frustration, "Damn it Ruby, I don't like how distant we got!" She admitted. "I mean look at us?! We're freaking sisters and yet we've been walking on eggshells around each other, and it sucks! It sucks and it hurts to see us like this!"

Yang's voice cracked as she turned away and planted her feet on the floor.

Ruby was on the verge of tears as Yang gently rubbed her face and sniffled a little.

"I know how important this sleepover is for you. So with that in mind I… don't think it'll be a good idea for me to stick around when... they come over." She said quietly.

Ruby processed her words slowly as she hugged her pillow tighter.

"I..." she began but could say nothing else.

Yang closed her eyes, "Trust me Rubes, if things weren't like this I might have… well… they're not, so I'd rather not make them any more awkward. This is your day, and I don't wanna ruin that by starting more beef with your friends."

Ruby frowned, "Yang about that…"

"Plus from what I heard, Nora's already planning to jump me soon. I say bring it if she wants to throw down but… I'm not doing that in my house. Not in front of you."

Ruby's eyes widened, "W-What?! Yang that's not-"

"I already know Vomit Boy and the bunny girl hate my guts. I doubt Jaune would do anything, but Coco did say Velvet can actually punch hard if she gets pissed…"

"Yang! None of that is-"

"Gods and if Ren wants to get payback I…" Her eyes winced as she thought about it, "I don't know what I'd do… I mean I don't like the guy, but I never wanted to hurt him! B-But if he wants to throw hands then-"

"Yang!" Ruby cried, as she lunged and gripped her sister's wrist. "Stop ok! None of that is true!" She gripped her wrist tighter, "None of it!"

Yang flinched as she stared at her sister. "R-Really?"

"YES!" Ruby shouted and let go of her sister's wrist. "Nobody wants payback, Jaune and Velvet don't hate you, and Ren's the one who calmed Nora down after that and defended you!"

"H-He defended me?" Yang asked with bewilderment, "B-But people said-"

"Those are rumors Yang!" Ruby growled in frustration, "Ren knew it was an accident and forgave you! If you had bothered to ask him you'd have known that!"

"How could I?!" Yang argued back. "I nearly killed him Ruby! You think its that easy to just walk up to someone you nearly killed and act like everything is fine?! I couldn't sleep at night thinking about what I did… I… never felt so guilty before in my life. I honestly did expect him to want payback. I would have…"

"But you know him!" Ruby claimed, "You know he's not like that, you were friends with him – you were friends with all of them aside from Velvet!"

Yang gritted her teeth. "Keyword Ruby were."

"And that's what I don't understand!" Ruby reached out again and gripped her older sister's shirt with such anguish, the tears were already streaming down her cheeks. "Why do you hate them?!"

She stared into her sister's sorrowful eyes. "Why do you want me away from them so badly?! What did they do?! We were all friends before and now… now you just act like they're the bad guys! So why?! What happened?!"

Yang didn't say anything at first as she watched her sister's tears continue to fall. Her sight then trailed down to the silver cross she gifted her as she stared at it with melancholy.

"Ruby you… you won't like the answer..." She said cautiously.

This turned the sadness Ruby felt into anger as she gripped her sister's shirt even tighter, causing the blonde to flinch in surprise.

"Don't give me that Yang!" She hissed, "You always wanted me to understand your reasons! Well now's your chance and your avoiding it?!" Her eye narrowed, "I'm sick of being left in the dark, I'm tired of being ignorant to all this so please!" Her voice was faintly a whisper now, "Just tell me…why?"

Yang looked away for a moment as several thoughts rushed through her mind. From the corner of her eye, she could see Ruby staring up at her with pleading eyes it made her feel like a knife stabbed her in the stomach.

"Fine!" Yang said as she suddenly pulled herself out of her sister's grip. "I'll tell you, but understand this little sister," Her eyes hardened as she turned back to her, "If I do, you can kiss that bubble of yours goodbye; because I'm going to hit you with a reality check that's been long overdue."

Ruby lost all her anger as she stared at her sister with confusion. "What? Yang I… you're not making any sense to me! What do you mean burst my bubble? What reality checks? What do those even have to do with my friends?!"

Yang gritted her teeth and abruptly stood up, "It has everything to do with them!" She cried causing Ruby recoiled with shock.

Seeing the frightened look on her sister's face made Yang calm herself down as she slowly sat back down. "Ruby… do you know how high school works?"

The young girl nodded. "Y-Yeah… it's the last step for teenagers to be educated as minors before they claim their independence as adults and-"

"No Ruby!" Yang groaned as she slapped her face. "I'm not talking about that! Gods, how are you so smart yet so- ugh!" She sighed and took a deep breath. "I'm talking about the social environment of high school! What do you know about it?"

Ruby frowned and shook her head.

Yang sighed, "Ok well… once you enter high school, it's mostly about fitting in. Whether you admit it or not, a majority of us wanna be accepted and liked by the rest." She stated. "It's why so many follow the latest trends, listen to the popular opinion, hang with the right people, etc." She informed carefully. "And whether you realize it or not, based off everything you do, you will be judged and placed in a social hierarchy."

Ruby frowned, "Yang that's-"

Yang quickly raised a hand up. "Don't try to tell me that kind of thing isn't real Ruby." Her eyes hardened. "It is. Why do you think things like the mainstream, pop culture, trends, and memes exist? Why do you think some people worship their idols? Why do you think beautiful people are desired more and have it easier? These things happen all the time Ruby; I should know since I live it every. single. day." The blonde girl sighed as her eyes softened again.

Ruby shut her mouth.

"High school is a dog-eat-dog world sis… it's eat or be eaten, like animals in a jungle or something." Yang chuckled humorlessly. "And sometimes, you only get one real chance to prove yourself to everyone. It usually starts when you're a freshman since that's the year that determines who you are for the next four years. And in that time, there's only three things that matter to a teen..."

She held up three fingers, "Respect, reputation, and status. These are the three things every determines the likelihood of your place, popularity, and judgement."

Ruby shook her head, "That's… I can't agree with that."

Yang rolled her eyes "Hate it all you want sis, but it's real in many ways. I mean think about it! When you take thousands of confused, angsty, teens wanting attention, and stick 'em all in one spot for nine hours a day - five days a week - you get a melting pot of pure, immature, chaos!"

Yang bellowed and pointed a finger at her sister. "The professors might form the academic structure of the school, but it's us who form the societal part of it." She thumbed at herself. "And if you're not with it then you're against it which is why some people get shunned, bullied, laughed at, or just flat out ignored! All because they wanted to break the norm that a majority either subconsciously, or intentionally, created!" Yang scoffed.

Ruby lowered her head as she gripped her pillow tightly. "You mean… my friends…"

Yang nodded, "You finally see what I'm saying?" she asked softly. "Now you see why I never wanted you near them?"

Ruby winced and nodded a little as the blonde girl scooted closer.

"Jaune, Ren, and Nora may be cool to you, but in the eyes of the school they are some of the biggest weirdos, outcasts, and nerds because of how… "open" they are with your little… hobby."

Yang cringed as she glanced around her sister's room. "Look sis, despite what I think about your… "passion" I accept it because your my sister, we're family. But they're not, and you don't wanna know half the shit people say about you. Trust me, it's bad."

She frowned as she recalled the dozens of examples she overheard by all who uttered them behind her little sister's back. "The longer you hang around the guys, the more of a loser you'll be to the school; and that will make things harder for you… has made things harder."

Yang gestured between the two of them making Ruby grimace by the truth of it. The younger girl remained silent as so many different thoughts rushed through her mind as she went over everything she just heard.

"I... think I'm starting to make sense of this now… or at least see where you're coming from sis."

The blonde's eyes widened as she felt elation for the first time in a long while. Did Ruby really mean it? Had she finally gotten through to her and convinced her to change? Her heart felt like it had skipped a beat as she could now focus on fixing her sister's reputation.

However… that elation soon crumbled when she saw her sister still frowning up at her but with hardened eyes.

"But you still didn't answer my other question Yang… why do you hate them?"

"I was getting to that," The blonde muttered. "You remember when we were kids?"

Ruby nodded.

"Things were a lot simpler then." A smile crept onto Yang's lips as she looked away and remembered those memories. "Back then, when you're a kid, no one really cared about what you looked like. All you wanted to do was play, watch cartoons, and enjoy pizza day on Fridays." She sighed, "But… as you get older reality just has a way with giving you the bird."

She turned back to Ruby. "You remember how I used to look and act back then?" Ruby winced but nodded.

Yang laughed dryly. "Pig tails, thick glasses, overalls and a timid personality that put Jaune's to shame." Yang shook her head at the thought. "Look sis, you might think I do but I don't actually hate Jaune, Ren, or even Nora. I definitely don't like them anymore!" She quickly added, "But I never hated them for a second. They… well, we have history. And a part of me will… cherish meeting them because... they made you smiled again after mom… you know."

Ruby smiled a little as she slowly held Yang's hand. However, she soon frowned when Yang pulled her hand back.

"Back then, I didn't care about some social hierarchy or reputation. I thought: "so long as I had my friends, I would be ok." But... that all changed at Signal Academy."

She closed her eyes as Ruby noted her face scrunching up. "After Nora moved away, it was just Jaune, Ren and me. You were still too young to understand, and we didn't want to worry you but the second we entered… our lives became a living hell."

"W-What happened?"

Yang's hands tightened into fists. "Puberty. That's what happened and suddenly everyone was changing. That's when we had to deal with the constant teasing, the bullying, and all the fucking insults." She growled. "Believe me Ruby, I never wanted to tell you what happened… it was a nightmare trying to ignore every little thing they said about me! I can't even count how many times I was called "freaky pigtail girl" while they oinked and pulled my hair!"

Her eyes blurred and she quickly wiped them dry. "I remember how much care mom would put into my hair… why do you think I do the same now? It's why I lose my shit whenever anyone tries to touch it."

Ruby nodded. "Mom loved your pigtails… she always loves making them for you."

Yang smiled a little as her lip trembled. "Back then... it was horrible how the thing I loved so much - the hairstyle my fucking mom loved seeing me in - suddenly became the very reason for me crying in the bathroom every. fucking. day!" she screamed as her body trembled.

Ruby reached out and grabbed her sister. "Y-Yang!" she cried as the two embraced together and wept. Yang would howl into her sister's shoulders as Ruby gently stroked her back to sooth her.

Sometime past and the blonde girl composed herself as she pulled away, "This… this happened for years Ruby… years!" She growled. "I know Jaune was dealing with his own shit at the time but… Ren was there for him! Hell, remember when he moved in with his family after his parents wanted to move back to Kuroyuri?!"

Yang frowned. "Even through his struggles, Ren was there for him. But I didn't have that!"

"But Yang I was-"

You were too young Ruby!" Yang interjected. "You needed someone strong to depend on when dad was away! How could I come to you, my little sister, when you needed me to be strong for the both of us?!" She queried.

Ruby had no answer to that and hung her head low.

Yang sighed. "That's why the only one who I could depend on for my own problems was me." She stood up and walked towards the dresser where a picture of her and Ruby were smiling together with Jaune, Ren, and Nora as kids.

She slowly picked it up and stared at it. "This is when I had to make the hardest choice of my life, Ruby." Yang turned back as new tears formed. "I knew that if I didn't do anything now, things would never change. I had - no, needed - to change it!" She carefully placed the photo back onto the dresser.

"So I did." Her voice cracked. "At the time, high school was a year away and I knew that was my last chance - my only chance - to really change things for me. Why do you think I worked so hard on myself throughout my last year at Signal sis?"

Ruby wiped her eyes and slowly nodded. She remembered all those times Yang went off to work out in the early mornings, those times she visited local beauty salons, got laser eye surgery, and changed her entire wardrobe completely. She thought her sister was going through some sort of phase.

How wrong she was.

"It was hard but it sure as hell paid off, especially when puberty finally took full swing." Yang joked weakly, "Pretty soon I was looking good and feeling good! I hardly recognized myself when I stared in the mirror. It… it made me cry… in a happy way for once." Yang smiled as she looked herself over in the mirror taking in her puffy, red eyes and flustered face.

"Pretty soon, I was feeling on top of the world - and started acting like it too which earned me some attention. In no time at all I made people want to be around me, to having everyone knowing me, then finally… to having people follow me."

She smiled and wiped the tears away. "I went from nobody to somebody in a blink of an eye. The people who bullied me now followed me!" She scoffed as she rolled her eyes. "I made sure they knew their place. Right below me!" She hissed.

"You know that saying, "it's better to lead than follow/?" She asked, Ruby nodded her head. "That couldn't have been more true! It's always better to be on top than on the bottom. I'd rather be an influencer than a loser; the leader instead of the follower!" She declared. "Shy weak, Yang was gone, and in her place came a stronger, confident, sexier Yang!"

"W-What about Jaune and Ren?" Ruby bellowed. "How did you drift apart? Did… did they not like the new you?"

Yang rubbed the back of her head awkwardly, "Not exactly. After I did my makeover, I was a completely different person. Over the years at Signal, I started distance myself from them more and more when I tried to better myself." She confessed.

"They were another reminder of who I was, the old me that I wanted to bury behind. I didn't want to be associated with that negativity anymore so… when I stepped away from them… let's just say I wasn't their primary target anymore."

"So… if you cant beat them, join them right?!" Ruby narrowed her eyes as she glared.

Yang rolled her eyes. "Don't put words in my mouth Ruby, I never went after them. I just chose to move on from them. Friendships form and break up all the time so you can't judge me when that's just a natural part of life!"

"By using them as a scapegoat?!" Ruby cried, "You practically left them to the wolves!"

"Like hell I did!" Yang looked genuinely offended as she glared back at Ruby. "Yeah, I grew distant, but I still cared about them! I begged and pleaded for them to change too! I told them it would have been better for all of us if they just dropped all the nerdy shit that got them bullied in the first place!"

Ruby's eyes widened. "Y-You did?!"

"Yes!" Yang confirmed as she rose up, "But they refused! They were ok with just staying in their little bubble, blindly ignoring all the shit around them, and let themselves keep getting bullied!" Yang clenched her teeth. "So before you go ahead and accuse me of selling out my friends for a better life you better realize that I tried to help! But they made their choice… and I made mine."

Yang sat back down and sighed. "And that was that… friendship over. I was honestly shocked to see Nora come back but… by that time… we were practically strangers now when we entered Beacon. Then you come in a whole two years early and… when saw you with them, it… made me angry."

"Why…"

Yang shrugged, "For our whole freshmen year, I watched those three fall lower onto the social ladder as they became the biggest weirdos in school. Nobody liked them and no one wanted anything to do with them. Then you came and joined right into them without realizing what was happening and what you placed yourself into. I didn't want you to have to suffer like we did! I had to do something! So… I demanded them to stay away from you!"

Ruby's eyes widened as she covered her mouth. "Oh Yang… you didn't…"

Yang looked away, "I told you, you weren't going to like the answer. I know it sounds terrible to you, but I had the best intentions in mind when I did that. But they absolutely refused. Even when I threatened them they didn't want back down… so I tried subtler ways to get you away from them. I wasn't about to let my little sister become a loser."

"I can't believe you did something like that Yang." Ruby sniffled as she pulled herself away.

Yang immediately cupped her sister's hands into her own, "Ruby… my life changed dramatically the moment I dropped them, I was finally free from all the hate and accepted! I didn't want to bit you can't judge me for doing it!" She cried.

Ruby grimaced and Yang gritted her teeth. "I've wanted to be accepted for years after being neglected sis! And I wanted you right beside me, so you didn't have to go through what happened to me! I did what I did so I could also give you the best possible experience in the shitstorm that is high school! But… you rejected it."

Yang looked absolutely heart broken when saying that, making Ruby look away. "You pushed me away... and chose them over me… your sister."

Ruby remained quiet for a long time as a whirlwind of thoughts, revelations, and confusion flooded her brain. She knew this rabbit hole was deep but not so deep that it went into Remnant's very core. There were so many secrets, so many misunderstandings and so much confusion, Ruby felt like she would have had a panic attack if she had not slowly gathered her thoughts.

"Yang…" She said slowly, "I just want to say… I don't hate you for telling me this. After hearing everything you said, I can't help but be thankful." Her silver eyes met lilac ones. "You took care of me despite going through so much pain yourself. That alone makes me realize how lucky I am to have you as a sister."

She meant that, truly and laced her fingers with Yang's as she smiled. "And after everything you've told me, I can't blame you for how you feel and what you did. Actually I… I understand why you did it."

"Oh Ruby…" Yang covered her mouth as her tells streamed down her cheek. She lunged forward to embrace her little sister, but Ruby quickly stopped it and frowned. "R-Ruby?"

"However…" The young girl continued, "That doesn't mean I agree with all of it." She stated and cleared her throat. "I see where you're coming from sis, really, I do. And I'll be honest, if I did drop my friends like you did and hung out with your friends instead, then yeah, my high school life would definitely be a lot better than it is now."

"Then why-"

"But…" Ruby cut in as she straightened up to be a little more. "I don't want popularity if it means losing anyone who I hold dear to me." Yang's eyes widened slightly.

"Yang, they have been there for me since the beginning like you were when mom died. That means something to me… all of you… mean something to me; regardless of your own personal feelings for each other."

Ruby smiled softly as she now cupped Yang's hands "Plus, even if you begged me to drop them, I won't because it was you who introduced me these wonderful friendships that I'll cherish forever."

"Ruby…" Yang trembled.

"It was you who introduced me to them Yang. Even if you don't like them anymore… even if you don't wanna speak to them again, I know you still see them as good people deep inside, no matter how much you wanna deny it. And I will do my best to really make you see that again one day."

"But Ruby you don't understand!" Yang finally interjected, "It kills me to know so many people think of my own sister is weird for joining the outcasts! It's bad enough that some of my friends thinks so… but it's worse when it's also the whole school!"

Tears began to form again as Yang pulled her hands back and gripped Ruby's shoulders. "Every day I hear new shit about you and them. Every fucking day… and even though I try to shut them up, but there's always more! I don't want that for you Ruby! I want you to be happy!"

Ruby sighed but kept her smile up, "Who says I'm not?"

Yang's eyes widened. "What?..."

The young girl shrugged Yang's hands away, "I know I'm still a bit naive to all of this social stuff, but… I understand enough to know I'm happy with where I am."

Yang's hands shook as she recoiled them into her chest. 'That's what they said too…'

"I mean I get it." Ruby continued. "My life could be a little better but… it could also be worse! The way I see it, I still have the air in my lungs, my wonderful friends, my amazing sister, and all the anime I could watch!" She laughed at the last part.

"So long as I have all that, I don't need the attention of a million followers on social media or the respect of the whole school!" Ruby's smile widened as she slowly embraced Yang. "I know you just want the best for me sis and I really do appreciate that! But please… don't feel like you have to make decisions for me. I'm getting older now and I'm not so defenseless anymore."

"Ruby… I…"

"Plus, I like being in the shadows anyway makes its feel like I'm some vampire or something!" She smiled cheekily. "I'm not comfortable being in the limelight. It's just not for me!" She let go and raised a thumbs up to Yang, "So to quote one of my favorite protagonists, believe it!"

Yang frowned as she slowly wiped her eyes. She pondered deeply for some time before sighing in defeat as she slowly nodded. "I.. know your getting older. It's just… when mom died I made a promise at her grave to always look out for you. Even if you're an old lady I'm still gonna look after you because I'm your older sister!"

"And I know you would." Ruby giggled. "But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate it. I just need my own space to grow and my own choices."

Yang bit her lip. "You know… if you choose to keep hanging with them… nothing will change. I still won't like them… or talk to them."

Ruby shrugged. "I know but to be fair, you won't catch me hanging with your friends or boyfriend anytime soon; well except for Coco and Pyrrha, they're alright."

"Well… you'll still keep being considered a loser so long as you're with them..."

Ruby smirked and crossed her arms. "Nothing new there!"

Yang rubbed the back of her head. "Well…"

"How about we just go back to how things were before Monday", Ruby proposed, "I'll keep hanging with my friends, and you keep hanging with yours! Just… a little more away from each other!"

Yang gave a deadpan stare, "You mean like it was for the past few two years?"

"Mhm!" Ruby nodded and pointed a finger towards her sister, "BUT, no more of you trying to drag me away from my friends! I'm now officially 15 years old and can make my choices clearly! So, I command it as a birthday wish!" She extended her hand out and grinned. "Deal?"

Yang stared at it for a moment before sighing as she reluctantly took her sister's hand and shook it. "You are so stubborn, you know that?"

"Hey don't hate!" Ruby laughed and shoved Yang away playfully, "I learned from the best!"

Yang couldn't help but smile as she laughed. "Also… technically you aren't 15 yet. It's not 6:00 o'clock yet baby sister." She teased as Ruby pouted and hit her with her pillow over and over again.

Soon the two found themselves laughing as they embraced as they both felt the weight of the stress, pressure, anger, and sadness from the past week lift from their shoulders.

When they broke apart, Yang's smile now saddened. "Look sis I-"

"Ah, ah, ah!" Ruby shushed her, "No more of that! No more tears, no more drama, and no more fighting! We're sisters Yang, no one can break that bond we have. And now that I understand you a lot more now, let's agree to never hold anymore secrets again! Deal?"

"Deal!" Yang's smile now brightened again, "Aw~ you really are growing up! Look at you acting like an adult, come here baby sis!" She playfully pulled Ruby into a tight bear hug as she spun her around the room, cooing and awing as the younger girl begged her to let go. "Why couldn't you stay little forever! You were so much cuter and chubbier! Pretty soon puberty will give you the boob you so desperately need!"

"Ah! Yang get off- wait what do you mean by that!"

Yang laughed and ignored Ruby's attempts to break free from her hold. She didn't care how dizzy she or Ruby got, she was happy just being able to hold her sister like this again.

As Ruby fell back onto her bed in a dizzy haze as Yang fell right beside her as she continued laughing. "Aw man, it feels like a mountain was lifted off my shoulders!" She confessed with a grin. "It's kinda stupid since nothing really changed."

She lifted herself up and rubbed the back of her head as Ruby continued groaning from dizziness. She shook her head and smiled. "Well… maybe some things did change… but ya know, too bad things couldn't really work out better. If they did, I was planning to… ah never mind." Yang waved a hand dismissively. "Knowing you, you wouldn't be into it."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"You really wanna know?"

The young girl nodded.

Yang's eyes darted back and forth to make sure they were alone. She then leaned forward and beckoned Ruby to come closer, the young girl did as she stared at her sister with intense curiosity.

"My secret." She whispered and grinned as she quickly dodged a pillow nearly hitting her head.

"Come on Yang!" Ruby whined as she threw two more as Yang ran out the room.

"Have fun with your slumber party sis!" Her sister called out as Ruby fell back on her bed with a groan. Suddenly, Yang poked her head back in with a smile. "And Happy Birthday! Love ya!" With that she closed the door leaving a smiling Ruby alone.

"Love you too sis."

/-/

As the day faded into the early evening, Ruby was feeling like her old self again. With that tension now gone, the young girl had been hard at work building the ultimate pillow fort within the confines of her living room after her sister left an hour ago.

She wiped her brow and felt instant satisfaction overcome her as she admired her monument of fluff and soft material. It was the most ambitious one she had built yet, going all out with all the blankets, chairs, and pillows she could find from throughout the house.

"I really outdid myself!" She cried happily and high fived herself, "Go me!"

*DING DONG*

'Oh wow trick or treaters already!'

Coming~!" She sang and quickly grabbed the large bowl of candy.

She glanced down at it with excitement. Once Jaune and Ren showed up, she would soon join her fellow trick or treaters very soon and get more candy than she had in her large bowl.

Since they were getting older, the group sadly agreed that this would be the very last time the trio would go out Trick-or-Treating. Ruby knew she could still go on since she was younger, but without her friends it wouldn't be the same.

She didn't worry about that now as she quickly answered the door.

"Hello!" Ruby greeted as she held the bowl in her arm, "Happy Hallow-"

She stopped as her eyes widened to see Jaune and Ren standing before her, carrying backpacks, with the former holding a small red velvet cupcake lit by a single candle.

~ "Happy Birthday to you!" ~

~ "Happy Birthday to you!" ~

They started singing.

Ruby covered her mouth and felt an overwhelming sense of joy as her two friends entered the house, holding the cupcake out to her.

~ "Happy Birthday dear Ruby!" ~

~ "Happy Birthday to you!" ~

Ruby blinked back a few tears as she took the little pastry and brought it closer to her chest. She stared down at the little flame as it glistened her eyes and made her feel warm inside.

"Thank you guys…" she muttered and glanced back up at them with a smile.

"Well?" Jaune smiled as he patted her on the shoulder. "Don't just stand there Ruby, make a wish!" he cried as Ren nodded in agreement.

"Yes, please do."

Ruby nodded and closed her eyes as she thought of one for a second. There were so many things she could wish for. But as good as they all sounded in her mind, there was only one that she deemed more important than the rest as she slowly opened her eyes and blew out the candle.

The boys cheered and clapped as Ruby laughed along with them as she removed the candle and took her first bite.

"What did you wish for?!" Jaune asked, making Ruby roll her eyes as she shoved him away playfully.

"You're not supposed to tell people baka!" Ruby informed as she took a second bite, "Otherwise, they might not come true!" Her mouth was muffled with food as crumbs spewed from her mouth and onto Jaune's Pumpkin Pete sweater.

"Oh come on Ruby!" Jaune whined. "That kind of thing isn't real!" The young girl smirked and shrugged as she took a third bite. "Sorry Jaune, lips are sealed.

"It is a heavily believed superstition." Ren pointed out as he set his bag aside on the couch. "My parents always said if you're unsure, always be cautious of it."

Jaune turned to his male friend with a look of betrayal, "Not you too Ren!"

Ruby silently laughed as she closed the door behind them. She finished the last bite and sighed happily as she watched her friends banter back and forth with a soft smile on her face.

'What did I wish for?' She mentally asked as she leaned on the door. 'To enjoy more moments like these next time… with all my friends.'

"I'm just saying it's all a load of non- whoa!" Jaune's eyes went towards Ruby's creation and his eyes sparkled. "This pillow fort is amazing!" he cried with approval as he stared at the large thing with awe. "How did you get it this big?! It takes up half the room!"

As he walked around to examine it with bewilderment, Ruby felt smugness overflow within her as she hopped on the couch. "You underestimate my power level Jaune!" She declared and pointed down at the blond boy who flinched. "You think this is impressive?! HA! This is but 10% of my full power!"

"N-Nani?!" Jaune squeaked and took a step back. "A-Are you saying…"

Ruby smirked, "That's right Arc! This is not even its final form!" She announced with raging passion and struck a pose. "If I wanted to, I would have created an even more powerful one! Bigger! Better! One with unlimited pow-"

"You ran out of pillows and blankets didn't you?' Ren surmised, with a blank expression.

"Gah!" Ruby nearly fell over herself as she stomped her foot into the cushion. "Ugh, damn it Ren~!" She whined and glared at the now smirking boy. "Why do you always have to cockblock my epic monologues! I almost had Jaune believe me this time!"

The blond looked genuinely offended as he crossed his arms and turned away, making a loud 'hmph' sound. "Y-You did not! I was just uh…. playing along! Yeah… for your birthday!" His face reddened with embarrassment.

Ren chuckled as he sat down and began unpacking his bag. "Sorry Ruby but you know I always have to correct exaggerations." He sighed and tossed her a box of pocky. "You can hold Nora accountable for that."

Ruby pouted as caught the box as she jumped down and walked over to place it on the table. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today or else I'd have been way more pissed."

"I noticed that but did not want to comment."

"Yeah, me too!" Jaune added as he sat next to Ren and unzipped his bag. "What happened? You weren't nearly this happy at school today… or the whole week for that matter."

Ruby groaned and slapped her forehead. "Gee… thanks for reminding me of that."

The blond flinched and lowered his head. "S-Sorry!" He muttered.

Ruby rolled her eyes and laughed as she sat down as well. "You're fine Jaune! It's not like you're not right though. I guess you could say... things got a lot better despite not changing all that much. Earlier, Yang and I sorta came to an agreement, or more like... an understanding." She smiled as she remembered their talk. "We… we made up and it feels like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

"That's great!" Jaune smiled.

"Truly." Ren nodded as he smiled sadly. "I felt terrible over the backlash she received and the accusations that arose afterwards. Honestly, I cannot believe some people still believe them even after the video that Sun posted."

"T-That's the rumor mill for you, buddy." Jaune sighed, "They don't care about the truth so long as they get the drama." He frowned as he leaned further into the couch. "No matter how much you try to correct it." He added under his breath.

Ruby frowned and glanced at Ren, "You know… Yang feels really guilty about what happened to you. She told me she couldn't sleep for days and even if she doesn't like you she never wanted to hurt you."

Ren chuckled and nodded. "I believe her, and I do wish to have a word with her soon. Even if we are no longer friends, I do wish to make peace with her over this matter."

Jaune raised an eyebrow. "You think Nora would be ok with that? You might have convinced her not to fight Yang but she's still a little wary around Yang."

Ren let out a sigh. "Nora means well but... her caution is skewed. Yang is as much a victim in this as we are and I wish make her aware that there is no bad blood between us.

Ruby smiled, "Thanks Ren."

Ren smiled back and nodded. "Of course."

Silence filled the room as Jaune's eyes darted back and forth and made a look of determination. He suddenly jumped to his feet, startling the others as he turned and smiled.

"Hey, what are we doing talking about this?!" He asked, "We should be living it up right now! Halloween only comes once a year!"

Ruby saw what he was doing and internally thanked him as she sprang up to her feet as well and threw a fist in the air. "Jaune's right! It's also my birthday so I declare no more talk of drama on the night of All Hallow's Candy!"

"Yeah!" Jaune raised a fist too as both stared down towards Ren.

The boy glanced between the two and cringed before he slowly lifted himself up and halfheartedly raised his fist up as well. "It's actually, All Hallow's Eve, Ruby."

"Shut up, I know what I said! Now let's get ready for a night of candy! Ooo I just rhymed! Man, I wish I could do that all the time… Ooo I did it again!"

/-/

Several minutes later, Ruby finished getting dressed up and checked herself out in her closet mirror. She couldn't help but feel a little giddy by how she looked as a new wave of excitement rushed through her.

Dressed in what was considered a schoolgirl outfit by one of the many anime she watched; Ruby's outfit, specifically, had a white blouse underneath a yellow sweater vest with a green striped tie that was a clip-on accessory. Instead of pants, the character wore a plaid red mini skirt and thick black boots covered in white buckles.

It was almost like she was going to an anime convention with how good her costume looked and felt. She knew if she was, her fellow otaku would have approved. Especially with her trusty prop.

In her hands, Ruby held a large, foam, scythe with the curved blade in the design of a black and red zig zag pattern, and a symbol on the tang of the pole that looked like a red eye.

'I look so cool!' She squealed, her inner fangirl awakened, as she struck several poses with her scythe. 'Oh man if only I had a real scythe! I'd be all swish, swish then stab! And then they'd be all ahhh~!' She giggled as she quickly walked out of her closet.

As she opened her room's door, she peered out into the hall to see the doors to her sister and dad's room still closed which made her grin.

"ARE YOU GUYS READY?! KNOCK ONCE IF YOU ARE!" She screamed and heard a single knock coming from Yang's door, then another a moment later from her dad's. "OK THEN! ON THE COUNT OF THREE, WE ALL COME OUT AND SHOW OUR STUFF! OK?"

Again, both doors knocked.

"THREE, TWO, ONE, STRIKE A POSE!"

Ruby jumped out and did so as she landed on her knee while having her scythe held over her head ready to swing down.

The door to Yang's room swung open next revealing Jaune as he jumped out as well and posing as he held out a small silver shield with a green orb in the center in front of him.

Ruby's mouth dropped as her eyes brightened when she instantly recognized the green and brown barbarian armor covered over by a green cloak. She squealed as she ran up and grabbed the shield still attached to Jaune's forearm.

"Oh my god you have the actual shield from Rising of the Shield hero!" She rushed over and inspected every detail. Despite the material being plastic it looked exactly like the real thing, even down to the green orb being made of a glassy material. "Holy shit Jaune this is insane!"

Jaune blushed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Aw gee, thanks Ruby it took me over am month to get the design done!"

He then glanced down at her own costume and nodded in approval. "I really like your Maka costume too! I'm not surprised you picked someone like her either!"

He laughed then glanced up at the prop in her hands. "Plus that scythe looks really accurate! If you had the blonde hair and pigtails, you'd definitely look just like her in Soul Eater!"

Ruby blushed as she waved her hand as she held a smug smile. "Aw~ you're just saying that! It's not that good!"

Jaune shook his head, "No I mean it! It looks that good! Right Ren?!"

"..."

With no response, Ruby and Jaune glanced behind to see their silent friend… not there.

"Ren?!" Ruby called as she headed towards her father's door still closed. "Ren?!" She knocked on the door and heard minor shuffling inside.

"J-Just one moment please..." He responded quietly. "I… still need to mentally prepare myself for this."

Ruby turned to Jaune with confusion. The blond boy shrugged and shook his head as they both turned back towards the door.

"You ok in there buddy?" Jaune asked, a little worried.

"Y-Yes…" Ren answered, "Well… feeling a little… awkward in this..."

"Awkward?" Ruby repeated. "Why? Are you having second thoughts on your costume?!"

"...That's definitely one way to describe what I'm feeling." He groaned.

"What does he mean?" Ruby asked.

"I.. don't know…" Jaune frowned and knocked on the door again. "Ren, it can't be that bad! Just come out!"

"… I believe you will mock me if I do so…"

Ruby rolled her eyes and scoffed loud enough for her friend inside to hear. "Don't be ridiculous Ren! Come on! Even if it's dumb we won't laugh at you! We're your friends! Plus we're wasting time! Candy time, remember?!"

There was a long pause as Ruby and Jaune waited with their ears glued to the door. "... Do I… have your word that you will truly not laugh?" Ren slowly asked.

"Yeah/Yes!" Jaune and Ruby both cried in unison.

"... Very well…"

The door unlocked and slowly creaked open as Ruby and Jaune waited anxiously to see the costume their friend warned them. Dozens of anime characters rushed through their head as they tried to guess who it is he chose and regretted wearing. The suspense was killing them as their eyes were glued to the door with intense curiosity.

Then Ren appeared, slowly at first as his whole body came into view. He bore the most uncomfortable look either of them had ever seen as his face flushed red under the scarf he still wore. They glanced down at his outfit, causing their eyes widened, as laughter erupted.

"Oh my gods!" Jaune laughed.

"I don't believe it!" Ruby mocked.

As Jaune, and Ruby leaned on one another for support, Ren sighed as he hung his head low. "Why did I even think to trust you wouldn't laugh?" He groaned as his face reddened even further.

His costume consisted of a short black and grey cut jacket that went over a high-collared midriff shirt with a long right sleeve and short left sleeve. His entire belly and abdomens were exposed as he wore tight black pants, and gloves that exposed only his index and thumb fingers while wearing a handmade black headband over his forehead with a piece of thin metal glued on it with the symbol of a leaf.

Instead of the traditional sandals that would have completed this character's look, Ren opted for his more comfortable black boots that did very little to hide his embarrassment.

"I'm… I'm… I'm sorry Ren!" Jaune laughed as he wiped his tears away. "It's just… he suits you so well!"

"My sides! Ow~ they hurt" Ruby cried as she fell to her knees and inhaled deep breaths. "Why did you pick Sai from Naruto?!"

"I didn't!" Ren suddenly blurted with anguish. "Nora did…" He looked away to hide his shame. "She only agreed to not cause any trouble against Yang if I… wore this." He said shyly. "I had to spend nearly two weeks' worth of my allowance on this outfit along with the express shipping… and my stomach is cold." He winced as tried to cover his exposed skin.

"Oh gods, Nora what the hell!" Ruby sighed and composed herself, "Alright, alright, we had our fun. Let's get going before I start dying of laughter!"

"H-hey Ren," Jaune smiled and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "If it makes you feel better, I think you look pretty cool."

"... Jaune?"

"Yeah buddy?"

"Please be quiet."

/-/

As the trio ventured down the stairs, bags in hand, Ruby approached the door then turned as she placed her hands on her hips. "You guys ready to get loads of candy?!"

"Yeah!" Jaune cheered.

"... Sure…" Ren mumbled, still trying to warm his stomach.

Ruby grinned, "Good, because tonight we're on a mission to get the most candy this year than we have ever gotten before! So we're not gonna stop until we are neck deep in! Now let's do this!" She cried as she turned and opened the door.

Just as she did, a large fluffy fist fell forward towards the young girl, nearly hitting her face if she had not backed up.

However, the sudden shift of balance caused the owner of the fluffy hand to shriek in surprise as their body fell forward from the unexpected motion and crashed directly into Ruby, causing both of them to fall.

"Ow… that really hurt…" Ruby whined as fell on her butt and gently rubbed it.

"Y-Yeah… it did."

Ruby's eyes widened, as did Jaune and Ren, as all three now stared at the new arrival – the voice was female as the person inside the large brown bunny suit pulled the hood of the costume down to expose her long brown hair and real rabbit ears.

"Velvet?!" They cried in surprise causing their Faunus friend to flinch as she glanced up at them.

She awkwardly rubbed the back of her head and smiled a little shyly as she waved one of her paw covered hands up at them. "H-Hey guys… H-Happy Halloween!"

And thus, the third chapter comes to an end! What did you guys think? Please be sure to share your thoughts and constructive criticisms in the reviews - whether good or bad it's all welcomed! And please be sure to share, favorite and follow!

Well, that's all I have to say! Please stay tuned for the next chapter and until, then I will see you later!