Note: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth.

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Chapter 7

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Building

Blake steadied her breath, not believing what was happening. She was doing this again, this time without any help from her team or Sun's. Even if a part of her prefered this. She entered the alleyway near the meeting place and saw the guard. She put on the mask, and approached him.

The guard shot her a glance and greeted her, nodding. He seemed to treat her as any other faunus, a relief.

Blake greeted him back with a smile and blended into the forming crowd. She tapped at one of her human ears, and then folded her arms.

"In position?" came the question, from the new agent, the one who had invited her on this. Blake hummed and blinked. She then looked at the stage.

A White Fang member with a stocky build, the lieutenant, stepped forward. He spread his arms and started speaking. He wore a modified suit and a custom mask.

"Brothers and sisters, thank you all for coming! For those of you joining us today, I'd like to introduce a very important person." He spoke, stepping to the side.

As expected, people jeered and booed as Roman Torchwick walked up the stage. He responded to the faunus with mock gratitude, and then started his speech.

Gradually, the faunus started agreeing with his words. Well, he had a way with words, Blake thought.

Blake sighed, listening to the man's words. She had to wait, at least until she'd get the signal. Unlike last time, she chose to listen to his words, even after the reveal of the paladin.

Well, what could one more paladin do during the fall?

A few minutes passed, and his speech ended. Soon, the minutes after the speech blended into hours, and most of the new people had left. Blake let out a sigh, waiting for the signal.

A few more minutes passed, and almost everyone left, leaving her, a few guards, Torchwick and Neo. She narrowed her eyes as a guard approached her.

"I think you should leave, miss." the faunus boy spoke, his arms behind his back. He then looked elsewhere. "It's late enough as it is. I wouldn't mind escorting you home."

Blake gave him a small smile, but shook her head. "No thanks. I'm here to talk to Mr. Torchwick." she said, letting out a breath.

The guard sighed, and gave her a shrug. "I don't think he wants to meet anyone right now." he then looked at her. "If it's important, he probably has some sort of code for it."

"Tell him that Goldilocks has sent me." spoke Blake, nodding with a smile. She watched the guard walk towards the human and clenched her fist. She saw someone approach from her right.

"Torchwick's not here to meet anyone." the lieutenant commented, staring her down. "It would be best you left, I've heard that little girlie is a tad over-protective." He chuckled, but suddenly stopped. "Wait a second..."

He looked at her closely, and Blake looked downwards. She let out a sigh. "I just want to talk to him for something." she spoke, staring at the man in the eyes. "Something important."

Before she could continue, the man grabbed her shoulders hard. "I can't believe it... Never thought I'd see you here, traitor." he spat, his tone filled with rage.

Blake stared back at him with the same intensity. "I will-no, I have found my own liberation. And it lies within equality. Tell Adam that he will regret his decisions."

Before the lieutenant could speak any further, an umbrella opened up between them, pushing them apart. Neo Politan stepped forth and after giving Blake a smile, started looking at the man.

The lieutenant sighed and walked away, his fists clenched, muttering something under his breath. Neo then turned to look at her and tilted her head.

"Politan." greeted Blake, her eyes narrowed. "Take me to Torchwick." she continued. But Neo narrowed her eyes a little and pouted.

"Thank you." spoke Blake, letting out a breath.

The short woman smiled immediately, and skipped towards a door. Blake followed her and entered the room behind it. Her ears drooped as she saw the human sitting on the sofa.

"Didn't know you were a faunus, Black." spoke Torchwick, smoking a cigar. "So, what did she want to tell me?"

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"No. I will not talk about her." spoke Torchwick, blinking. He then crossed his arms, and sighed. "We want to live, and Neo's gonna be with them."

"We are planning an ambush on them." spoke Blake, clenching her fist. "We have Ozpin on our side, and some strength that Fall lacks." she continued, following her instructions.

"And that would be?" the man asked, his eyes narrowed. Neo leaned on him as he spoke, occasionally putting chocolates in her mouth.

"Dust, money, strength and support from the other headmasters." spoke Blake, blinking. She then pulled out her scroll and showed them a name and some numbers.

"We have about twenty thousand lien in this bank account. If you agree to help us, we are ready to supply more, and tickets to Mistral."

The man smiled. "So, what do you want to know?"

Ozpin's Office

"I know I said we didn't need her, but she did do her job." spoke Yang, her arms folded. "She was useful, I guess."

"I win." spoke Weiss, looking at her. The way she spoke, Yang was sure the heiress was giving her a cocky smirk behind the mask. "Now, we just need to plan the attack."

"Are you sure they won't betray us?" asked General Ironwood, his eyes narrowed. "That's too much trust in a petty thief."

"Torchwick only cares about himself and Neo." spoke Ruby, looking at the general. "Promise him with their safety, and he will agree. Now, about that ambush."

"I still don't know if you're telling the truth." spoke Qrow from behind them, leaning against the wall. He took a sip of his drink. "It seems... too perfect."

"Qrow." commented Ozpin, sitting on the chair. He stared at the huntsman.

Qrow shrugged, and then gave the headmaster a nod. "I don't trust the whole 'coming from the future' thing. That's all."

"We will trust him." spoke Ironwood, and Qrow nodded. "And Oz trusts them."

"Attack 'em this weekend. They won't see it coming." he spoke and chuckled. "It's a bit close to the dance, but you can handle it."

"You aren't helping us?" asked Weiss, looking at the drunk huntsman.

"Semblance." spoke the man, narrowing his eyes. "Let's just say, we'd rather not risk it."

Ruby looked at the huntsman as well, and smiled behind her mask. "That's good, we'd rather not lose you again."

he man's eyes widened slightly, but he gave them a shrug and took a sip again.

Yang's eyes widened. How did she know that? She asked herself. She remembered that damned day, the day she'd so utterly failed.

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"I'm sorry, Yang." The man wept as he hugged her. "It's all my faul-

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"Now, about that maiden's power." spoke Weiss, narrowing her eyes. "We'll have to secure it, soon."

"I'll do it." spoke Yang, pushing her thoughts to the side as she looked at Ozpin. "I know what it's like, and we should do after the ambush."

"But-" Ruby spoke up, her voice slightly cracking. "That would-"

"We don't have time, sis." spoke Yang, looking at Ruby. Her eyes were narrowed and she smiled at her behind the mask. She then let out a breath. "Trust m-"

Suddenly, the girl burst into rose petals, and tackled her, hugging her tight. Yang smiled, feeling Ruby jerk as she cried. Yang hugged her back, and simply listened to her words.

I'll do anything to keep you safe.

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Later

"You just had to do that, you damn idiot." spoke Weiss, walking next to her. She clenched her fist and stared at her. "You're seriously painting that target on your back."

"I am." spoke Yang, staring back at the heiress. Ruby hadn't left her side since, and her arm was starting to protest.

She breathed in and out.

Relax. Don't be weak, Yang. She told herself, relaxing her shoulders. Focus on the present. It's what dad would've wanted. She shook her head and sighed. Suddenly, they were stopped.

"Hey." greeted Sun Wukong, a smile on his face. He, like the other students from Shade, wore casual clothes and was joined by that blue-haired guy, Neptune, if she remembered correctly.

Yang nodded at him, while Ruby gave him a smile. Weiss shook his hand and then greeted Neptune who stood next to him.

"You're friends with that cat-faunus, right? The moody looking one." he asked, his eyes slightly narrowed. He gave her a smile, his eyes closed. "I wanted to know if she had a date or not. Y'know, to know my chances."

"Well, you should ask her yourself. She's rather... secretive." spoke Yang, searching for the right word. Maybe, I should give Blake a reward of sorts. "She's also quiet."

"So, she's a little on the shy side then, thanks a lot!" replied Sun, still smiling. He then spotted Ruby next to her. "Hey, you're friends with that Arc guy, right?"

"Jaune? Yeah, we're friends." spoke Ruby, giving the monkey faunus a smile. She stepped away from Yang. "But, I'm not going with him."

"Cool, so does he have a date?"

"Pyrrha's going with him." Ruby smiled, and then yawned.

"The invincible girl, huh? That's a bummer." spoke Sun, narrowing his eyes. "Oh well, forget about that question and thanks." He then shook her hand.

The sisters gave them nods and walked to their dorms, followed by Weiss.

The Next Day

Wiess smiled, looking at the notes on her scroll. Like last time, she, well, her team was put in charge of taking care of the Beacon Dance. She narrowed her eyes, quickly going through the small notes.

If only they knew who else knew of the future. She sighed, massaging her temples. At least, Salem's pawns didn't know of it.

Her mind started to wander, reminding her of what Ruby had said.

Did Qrow really die before she did? She trusted Ruby with her life, no matter which time's, but at the same time, it felt strange.

Wiess clenched her fist, remembering that damn news.

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"This morning, a team of Junior huntsmen was found dead in Mantle." The newscaster spoke, a heavy look in his eyes. "The youngest one, who was seventeen, had her eyes-

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She hadn't left that damn house of hers quicker before. At least, she had gotten those bodies. At least, she had honoured them.

"So, what's the plan, Schnee?" Dove asked, suddenly pulling her out of her thoughts. She shook her head, and gasped. She then looked at Dove and gave him a small smile.

"I was thinking something from each kingdom, to be honest." she answered, tilting her head a little. "Like the environment from Atlas, music from Vacuo, Vale's dress code and Mistrali food."

Dove nodded, blinking. He then held his chin in thought. "Well, that blew our plans out of the water." he said, chuckling. "I was thinking of an old-style party, but that international one's better."

"Oh come on, a masquerade party would've been cooler." spoke Jaune, letting out a sigh. He then cracked his knuckles and frown. "It would've meant less work."

"No." answered Yang. "Weiss' suggestion is better, at least we'll know what things to use, although, Vale's music is better."

Jaune slumped down.

Weiss looked at Dove for a moment, who sighed.

Weiss let out a small sigh. That masquerade would've made things much harder. At least the dance announcement goes public today.

"Well, this looks cool." spoke a girl, walking through the open door, a smile on her face. She looked around, and then behind her. "What do you think, Merc?"

Wiess' eyes narrowed and she sighed, shooting a glance at Yang. She then smiled, looked at the pair who had entered.

"You're the ones from Haven, right?" she spoke, her smile still on her face. Her hands were behind her back. "Ruby mentioned something about your team. You are?"

"Emerald." the girl answered, a friendly smile on her face. She then pointed at the boy beside her. "This is my partner, Mercury."

The boy gave them a wave while smiling. "Sup." he greeted.

Jaune narrowed his eyes a little, looking at Mercury. When the other looked at him, he shook his head. "Sorry, it's just that you look like someone."

"Oh, that's strange." spoke the grey-haired boy, tilting his head a little. "Probably a doppelganger or something. I mean, there are five others who look like us on Remnant." he continued, narrowing his eyes a little.

When Dove furrowed his brows a little, Emerald started speaking. "He's had a... closeted childhood. So, just ignore his random trivia." she spoke, scratching the back of her head.

"I hope you're enjoying Beacon." spoke Weiss, smiling. "But, you should leave. We're still working on it, you see."

"They look cool though." spoke Jaune, his brows furrowed. "Besides, I don't think them knowing anything would ruin the dance. People will know about it today." he said, glancing at her.

"Jaune. It's our duty to take care of this." spoke Yang, smiling and grabbing the blond's shoulder. She then turned to the two criminals. "I really hope you understand, but we still have a lot to take care of."

Emerald let out a mirthful laugh, showing the blonde her hand. "It's honestly okay! Don't worry, we can leave. I used to have these events all the time in my primary school." she started walking out. "Let's go Mercury."

"Sure." spoke the grey-haired boy, following the girl out, his hands behind his head. In a few minutes, they were out, and hopefully, far.

Yang looked at Wiess and let out a sigh. She clenched her fists and then went back to arranging the speakers and the tables.

Weiss' eyes softened, and she went to Yang's side, while the boys looked at them, confusion on their faces. Weiss gently squeezed Yang's shoulder and gave her a nod.

"Uh, what's the matter, guys?" asked Jaune, narrowing his eyes a little. He then pointed back. "Does it have something to do with that team? And-"

"Too many questions, Jaune." spoke Yang, looking at the boy and sighing. "It'll make sense, eventually, but not now. Right now, let's just take care of the dance."

"We are a team." Dove interjected, clenching his fists. He then let out a breath. "We're supposed to trust each other, not hide things."

"We are not hiding anything." spoke Yang, letting out a breath. She then stared at the closed door. "Something about them just rubs me the wrong way."

Dove cracked his knuckles. "I know you're lying, but will you tell us about it eventually?" he asked, while Jaune looked on in confusion.

Weiss gave them a nod. "If things work out correctly, then yes, we will. But it will take some time." she spoke, narrowing her eyes a little. "That is a promise."

"That-" Dove spoke, but was interrupted when Jaune grabbed his shoulder, a small smile on his face. He turned to the blond.

"Well, let's start trusting them." he said. He then looked at the room around them. "My mom's always told me to respect people's secrets."

Dove huffed. He then looked at the two girls of the team. "Fine. But, I will remember that promise."

Two Nights Before The Dance

Ruby let out a breath, staring at the mask in her hands. It was different from 'Spring' and instead had a white king design contrasting against the black.

"Ready?" asked Yang, glancing at her, a small smile on her face. As soon as Ruby nodded, she too wore her mask.

"It's now or never." spoke Wiess, her eyes narrowed and then hidden behind her mask. The three hugged eachother tightly and then entered the headmaster's office.

Ruby smiled behind her mask and opened the door, spotting Qrow standing in front of the headmaster, Ms. Goodwitch standing at Oz' side. General Ironwood also stood there, and simply stared at them.

"Are you prepared?" asked Ozpin, his eyes narrowed. His mug was not on the table, and he simply stared at them.

Ruby nodded. "We are." she then looked at Qrow. "Qrow, we'll signal for help if we need you."

Qrow clenched his fists. "You don't have to do this, Ruby and Yang." he said, staring right at them. "This is dangerous."

"We know. We've been there." spoke Yang, letting out a sigh. "Is the aura transfer machine ready?" she asked, glancing at the general.

The general nodded. "It should work, it will work." he then sighed. "Are you sure you will the burden of the Fall Maiden?"

Yang gave him a sharp nod.

Ruby sighed, grabbing at her weapon, a short sword.

"Let's do this."

Team CEMN Dorm

The nearly silent sounds of footsteps wake Cinder up. She gets up with a yawn, looks around and then glances at the door.

The rest of her team are still asleep. A shame, but nothing she can't take care of. Using a sliver of those maiden power, she wakes them up.

They make not a sound as they stand up, gathering the weapons they have. Emerald grabs a pair of daggers, and Politan prepares her rapier. Mercury simply stands between them and the door.

Letting out a sigh, she closes her eyes and stops breathing. The world starts to fade, but their aura remains. Three of them burn outside the room, familiar.

She then gives them the sign and signals them to prepare themselves.

Silently, the door is pushed open. Before they can react, a figure leaps, charging straight at her. With her blades aimed for the kill, she is intercepted by Emerald.

Two more enter, this time going for Mercury and Politan, ignoring her for the moment. At least until the sound of ropes comes from Emerald's direction and she falls.

The dagger wielder then charges at Cinder, slashing at the woman. Her attack is halted by the Mightnight Blades, and she is pushed back.

Parrying her daggers, Cinder kicks her in the stomach, her heel glowing as it burns her clothes. The fire spreads, and the mask is revealed.

A white king.

The attacker is pushed back, and Cinder slashes, causing their aura to flash a burning yellow. Her eyes widen as she remembers that colour.

The sound of ropes comes from behind her as more bodies fall, but they are ignored. Cinder then slashes again, causing their weapons to fall.

Cinder then grabs the attacker's neck and her hand starts glowing a brilliant yellow. She smiles at the attacker as they, no, as she struggles.

Suddenly, something slashes against her, causing her to release her grip. She hears the sound of ropes, and she too falls.

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"This is not the end." Cinder spoke, and channelled magic to her hands. She tried to tear the ropes around her, but they stayed the same.

"They're anti-magic." spoke on of the mask wearers. "Specifically designed against maidens, but they should also block your semblances."

Cinder narrowed her eyes and started speaking.

"Do you think you've won?" she asked, glaring at the opponents. Before she could continue, one of them planted something on her face, blocking her vision and preventing her from speaking.

"No." answered the one she asked.

Cinder halted her breath, and closed off her ears. Their voices faded, but their aura flared. The three felt sombre, but still held on to hope.

Cinder disconnected herself further.

The first held purity, the second held sincerity, while the third, whose aura was slowly regenerating, was calculative.

She almost fell, but stopped herself by breathing. They were now talking among themselves, perhaps thinking about what to do with her.

Cinder looked down and scowled.

She would not fail, she wouldn't.

Ozpin's Office

"They've been taken care of, Ozpin." spoke Ruby letting out a sigh. "We let Neo go, because of Torchwick's agreement."

"Yang's looking after the three we've captured." spoke Weiss next to her. She looked at Qrow, who stood in the corner. "We didn't even need you."

The man yawned. "I knew you could handle them, kids. Now, for the more important part."

"The Fall Maiden's power." spoke Ozpin, nodding. "Considering how determined you said Cinder Fall is, I don't think it would be wise to transfer her aura, at least by the transfer machine."

"Yang's... Yang's decided to kill her." spoke Ruby, looking downwards, her eyes narrowed. She clenched her fist. "I hate it, but there's no other way. Yang wanted to burn her, but I think... we should at least bury her."

She looked at the glass desk and saw the older version of herself. She smiled and nodded.

"We'll set up cameras at the burial site." spoke Ozpin, looking at Ruby with narrowed eyes. "Team CEMN left for Mistral due to criminal ties, and for endangerment of students."

Ruby sighed and shook her head. She felt Weiss gently grab her shoulder, and Qrow grabbing her other shoulder. She looked up.

"Well, let's not waste any more time."

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The Fall Maiden transfer from Amber to Yang was over as quickly as it had begun. Fortunately, Yang was the same as before, although one of her eyes could light up.

Yang then entered the temporary cell which held Cinder, carrying a blade. It was for their own good in case Cinder somehow escaped. Best that she only knew Yang.

They heard Yang speak loudly from inside the room, berating Cinder and all she had done. Telling her of how weak she'd been and how she'd been defeated by Yang Xiao Long.

They then heard a wet sound as Yang's insults increased. Soon, the insults transformed into laughs as more sounds were heard.

Suddenly, the cell became quiet.

Yang stepped out, a thin smile on her face. The blade and her sleeve were wet with blood. The blonde sighed and her smile fell as both of her eyes burnt.

Ruby burst into petals and started hugging her sister, the blade having thrown down. Weiss soon joined them, and she was followed by Qrow.

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AN: I am back. Sorry for the late chapter, but personal life stuff came up. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter as much as I did. I tried something new in the fight scene, it might stay or not.

So, Cinder's been dealt with. I honestly don't know what to do with her, she may return, or she may not. She might not be back as, well, her, but oh well.

Time for the reviews:

Fao - Yeah, that'll be taken care of. I apologize for all of that.

merendinoemiliano - Happy new year as well. I will continue to improve.

So, goodbye for now! I will be updating the previous chapters as well, and combining that with my personal life, the next chapter might take just as long or longer.