.
This Will Be The Day
.
Your world needs a great defender.
Your world's in the way of harm.
You want a romantic life,
A fairytale that's full of charm.
Beware that the light is fading.
Beware if the dark returns.
This world's unforgiving, even brilliant lights will cease to burn.
Legends scatter.
Day and night will sever.
Hope and peace are lost forever.
.
.
As the elevator traveled down, down, deeper into the earth, Team RNJR could hardly hide the nervousness growing in their stomachs.
"My bad about the wait time, fellas," Coco said back to them. "It took some string pulling and forging a few hundred Schnee signatures, but at least I got you guys down here. Plus, it isn't as easy anymore without the princess' all-powerful stamp of approval."
"Coco…" Velvet leaned next to her.
"I know. These elevator rides bring out the worst conversations. You'd think with all the funding that goes into this place, they'd put in some goddamn music."
The two glanced to their teammates. Fox and Yatsuhashi seemed completely content with leaning their backs against the wall in total silence. In contrast, Nora was acting extremely fidgety with Ren failing to stop her leg from bouncing up and down. Jaune had his full attention stolen away by his scroll. And Ruby kept staring all around her, as if she could see through walls.
Coco gave a resigning sigh.
I think this is the first time I actually miss moneybags.
While the long elevator ride continued, Ruby covered her mouth as she whispered to Ren.
"Hey...! What do you think?"
As he pretended to be busy with Nora, Ren whispered back.
"The presence is similar to the Tower of Tamonten. Although I cannot find any trace of your Uncle's or the Old One's Aura here, it is possible any trace of the immortal has been erased in the base's repurposing. Nonetheless, I sense a great power residing in this facility."
"Cerberus. That's what they call it, but Weiss told me it only got its name after Hades took it over."
"Indeed. If the text we found at Vytal are to be believed, this facility originally held a different moniker."
"'The Tower of Meer'," Ruby whispered deeply. "What do you think, Jaune? …Jaune?"
"Huh?"
"Whatcha lookin' at? Oh."
A video clip recorded a week ago played on Jaune's scroll. It was uploaded by a random citizen, during the recent Grimm attack.
In it, they could see Team ENMY cutting through swaths of the dark creatures by the scores. And of course, Penny and Cinder were with them as well. The Fall Maiden may have cut her hair, but Team RNJR recognized her immediately.
"How can she do this, Ruby?" Jaune grimaced. "How can Yang fight beside her? After meeting Emerald and Mercury, I can kind of get it—but Cinder…?!"
"I don't know," Ruby frowned. "I wish I had the answer, but I just don't know. The Yang I know would never do anything like this, but…"
Ruby lapsed into silence.
"…She might not be the Yang we know anymore," Jaune finished the thought. "I didn't want to believe it, but she's changed so much, probably a lot more than we last saw her. I wonder if there's anything left of the Yang we knew."
Ruby wanted to respond, but couldn't find the right words.
Did Yang have her reasons? But what reasons could those be? Emerald, Mercury, and Neo were not the best of people, but Cinder was a completely different story. She could only be described as "evil".
Ruby had seen the woman murder one of their closest friends in front of her eyes. Could Yang really look past such a thing? The more she thought about it, the more the image of her sister clouded. Maybe Jaune was right. Maybe the Yang they knew was gone.
She continued watching the video, and saw a constellation bloom from the Spring Maiden's fist.
Ruby couldn't help but wonder, what might happen if they met again. Would they be able to talk? Would they fight immediately? And if they did, would she be strong enough to contend with her sister's newfound power?
She struggled over it, but as if to blast away some of the negative thoughts, the video zoomed up on Penny gliding through the air.
Ruby didn't know if it was really her, or if they just constructed a replica. But with all her heart, she wanted it to be Penny. Time and experience told her to doubt her friend's resurrection.
Even so, she held out hope. At the same time, she decided to hold out hope for Yang as well.
And look forward to the future where they might meet once more.
…
*Ding*
"For the love of—Finally!" Coco exasperated, as the elevator doors opened.
Through the halls and past at least a dozen security checks, the group arrived at the room where Weiss and Winter were kept.
Upon entering, they saw the two sisters lying unconscious, side by side in separate beds. Sitting at the foot of the patients was Ironwood and a pair of elderly men Ruby had never seen before.
"—I don't care what projects you have going on! You will dedicate every second and ounce of resource to reviving Weiss this instant!"
"It's out of my control," the smaller of the two replied. "The military are prioritizing the restoration of the Aegis System. I'm not even supposed to be here right now."
"Like I give a damn what those fools want! YOU are employed by the Schnee Dust Company first and foremost, and as MY employee, you will treat my heir!"
"I am sorry about your daughter, Jacques. But for all intents and purposes, she is in no immediate danger. On the other hand, Atlas can come under attack at any moment. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do."
"Polendina! Polendina, you get back here!"
As the small lab professor walked past the group of newcomers, Jacques Schnee followed behind. The dense smell of alcohol lingered as the latter passed. The CEO of the S.D.C. spared Coco and her team one disgusted glance before ignoring them completely.
"—Was that…?" Ruby started.
"Yeah, short stuff. That was Weiss' oh so loving father," Coco spat bitterly. "Don't know what pisses me off more. The fact that he never stops blaming us for screwing up Weiss' protection detail, or that he acts like we lost him a company asset than an actual daughter. That's family for you, I guess."
As the full group crowded into the room, Ironwood stood to address them. Appearing shabby and disheveled, the former general still tried to straighten his coat somewhat.
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you've arrived, despite all the security measures in place."
"What are you gonna do? You that cold, you're gonna throw them out?" Coco challenged.
The man observed RNJR closely before turning to Winter and Weiss.
"I will be in Professor Polendina's lab. Please, see me when you are finished. There are some matters I'd like to discuss—with all of you."
With a straightened back, the man was making his way through the door, when Ruby stopped him.
"Yang… She was the one, who did this to Winter?"
"…Were you not aware?"
Ruby shook her head.
"Weiss didn't tell me anything about it. I only heard from Coco when we got here."
"She was probably trying to protect you."
"But was it really…"
"I was there, Ruby. Yang Xiao Long tried to kill Winter and myself." Ironwood stared down, coldly at her. "She may be your sister and your former teammate, but that is the truth. You must accept it." And swept past.
The shadows around Ruby's memory of Yang grew darker and darker.
As if to bring her out of her stupor, Jaune gave her a reassuring pat on the back.
"Come on," he said consolingly. "Weiss is waiting."
Jaune would be lying if he said he wasn't affected by the news. His worst thoughts of Yang were being proven truer by the minute. But it was also because of that, he knew he had to keep Ruby focused. There would be time to mull things over later. For now, they would see to the main reason for their journey.
Team RNJR and CFVY circled around Weiss' bed. Her expression was peaceful. No wounds to speak of, no signs to indicate anything wrong. She truly appeared to be simply asleep.
"Weiss," Ruby whispered, as she took the girl's hand in hers.
She was always surprised by them. Callused and worn from countless hours of training. But did nothing to diminish their length and beauty.
Or the relief their coolness brought to the touch.
As Ruby closed her eyes and pressed Weiss' fingers to her forehead, she felt something crack inside. From its fissure, everything she once locked away, began to gush out like a flood.
"I… I need you."
Ruby felt release.
"I need you so much."
Everything she pent up, all the pain and stress she kept at bay, rushed out.
"Please, wake up, Weiss. I don't know if I can do this without you."
All the sorrow and loneliness without her most important partner swelled.
"I love you…!"
…
…
"Ruby…"
"WEISS?!"
Ruby opened her eyes and saw the girl mumbling in her sleep. Everyone around matched her shocked.
"I'll be damned," Coco gave a surprised chuckle. "True love, huh? Then again, Vel is pretty good at waking me up, too."
"—Coco!"
"I know, I know, not the time. But that's the first she's ever responded to anything."
Ruby tried for a few minutes to get more out of Weiss, but her partner only continued to slumber. It was then, that Ironwood, Professor Polendina, and a figure in giant mechanical armor burst into the room.
"We heard there was a reaction!" Hades shouted through his helmet.
"Um—! I didn't really do anything. She said my name. Wait, Coco?!"
At that moment, Velvet traced a pair of pistols for her and Coco to draw on Hades.
"It seems security is laxing, if you were able to sneak some weapons through," Ironwood commented.
"Well, you know the girl scout motto," Coco cocked her gun. "Always be prepared. Especially to pop off on assholes who try to kill your friends!"
"Stand down. Even if Hades was currently a threat, weapons of that caliber would do nothing against his armor."
"I wouldn't underestimate the quality if I were you."
Without paying further attention to the gunpoint standoff, Hades moved before Ruby.
The two locked eyes, and although Ruby was entirely ready to attack him barehanded if need be, the man left himself completely vulnerable to anything.
"I am the one responsible for Miss Schnee's current state. My name is Hades."
"You… You were the one who did this to Weiss…"
"Yes. You may exact your revenge as you see fit. I will oblige without resistance. I ask only one thing."
"…"
"Kori Schnee, her cousin. If you would please see her, I will surrender myself to your wishes."
"—Ruby! Don't listen to this—" Coco started, but Ironwood stepped between her gun and Hades.
"I know how you feel about the man, but Atlas still needs him."
"Like I give a damn! I thought you guys arrested him after what he did, and I still thought that was too good for what he deserves! Guess, I have the chance to balance the books myself."
"Stand down, Coco Adel!"
"No. Fucking. Chance," the girl snarled. "But I think you will."
With a deft move, Fox closed the distance, and drove his elbow into Ironwood's lower spine. Channeling his Aura through the strike released a compound effect that brought his target crashing to the floor.
Once Ironwood was out of the way, Coco raised her arm behind Hades, planting the nose of her gun against the back of his helmet.
"I only require a minute," the man said, without turning.
"You've had more time than you should've."
"If you let me speak my piece, I will remove this helmet willingly, allowing yourself a better shot."
"Don't need it."
"—Coco," Ruby interrupted.
The girl with sunglasses paused.
"You can't be serious."
"I am."
"…"
After thinking it twice over, Coco pulled her gun back. She let it rest at her side, still ready to draw again at any time.
During the whole sequence, Hades and Ruby never broke eye contact.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me," Ruby could barely keep her anger in check. "Tell me everything."
At that, Hades explained the events leading to the present. The alliance with Salem. The original plans to capture Kori Schnee. The apples that caused their downfall. With every hiss and every word, regret seeped from each end.
When he finished, a tense silence filled the atmosphere.
"If this is Salem's work, the likely cause must be Magical in nature," Ren assessed. "It would explain how Atlas' medical technology is unable to do anything for her."
Ruby nodded, having come to the same conclusion.
"And the Winter Maiden?" she asked. "Her cousin is still alive?"
"Yes," Hades replied. "With Ironwood and Professor Polendina's help, we were able to rush her into stasis."
"…"
Ruby leaned down to Weiss and brushed her bangs back. She then, planted a small kiss on her forehead.
"Just a little longer, Weiss."
Her eyes hummed with a silver glow.
"I'm coming to get you."
.
X
.
Lying on the Northern outskirts of Atlas, was a camp of mobile trailers and weathered buildings.
The so-called living quarters were initially constructed to barebone cost efficiency. Meaning the companies spent as little money as possible to erect four walls and a roof for their workers. Many of the buildings were ramshackle. A number of which were old cargo trucks and buses with their wheels and engines removed, then cheaply converted into more living space.
Many of the Dust corporations thought it better to keep their employees as close to the mines as possible, despite the dangers. It cut down on travel time and tardiness. Not to mention the control aspect.
There was little around the mines that was not company owned. Meal stalls were regulated, transport fees from the camp to the city were ridiculously high, while the other way around was practically free. And the only real authority around were the private security guards, who outnumbered actual police ten to one at most sites.
These were the conditions Ilia, Blake, Raven, and Adam arrived to.
"So, this is where you guys will be staying," Ilia led them through the camp.
"These conditions are terrible…" Blake said sadly.
"Yeah, considering this is one of the better ones."
"We know," Adam growled. "We've seen them before."
"Right," Ilia tensed, "You started the White Fang branch here, and left. Still, don't let all the grime fool you. It used to be a lot worse."
"Was it?"
"You'll understand what I mean soon enough."
"Just take us where we need to go."
As the smuggler led them past a few more trailers long since destroyed by weather or Grimm, they came upon a large looming structure.
"—Impressive," Raven remarked.
Crashed into the mountain before them, was a freighter-type airship. Designed for hauling large volumes of cargo, it was easily bigger than most buildings. The outside of its hull was covered in graffiti. It also didn't pass notice, the number of White Fang symbols and Silbern Mafia paint tags on it.
The group entered, and discovered the workers had made the ship their home. To their surprise, there was actual heating, working electronics, and even some entertainment. A section of the ship was converted into a makeshift bar with a few pool tables.
"Very impressive," Raven remarked again.
"Yeah. It's something," Ilia grinned.
"A ship this size just happened to crash into this mountain, so close to the basecamp? And the company let the workers keep it?"
"…"
"Quite a string of coincidences. Is there a story there?" Raven probed curiously.
"Company says the airship had a faulty Dust Reactor. And since it costs more to remove it or take it apart, they decided to just leave it. Make the best of the situation, y'know?"
"And what's the story they tell in here?"
"…That members of the Silbern Mafia and a two-bit smuggler sabotaged an air shipment to create better residence for workers."
Ilia gave Blake a wink.
"And these characters outfitted the interior to this extent," Raven examined.
"I think they had some cash to spare. One of them in particular, actually."
As they passed the bar, Blake spotted a framed photo of various mafioso striking exaggerated poses for the camera. Among them, were Ilia and two individuals, who could only be Coco and Velvet. Taking the center, surrounded by a crowd of overexcited comrades—and the only one not striking a pose—was a familiar silver-haired crime boss with sunglasses and a trench coat draped over her shoulders. In the background, was the burning airship they were currently on.
"No way," Blake muttered in disbelief.
"Wanna see something weirder?" Ilia appeared beside her.
The girl ordered a drink at the bar and immediately raised it.
"To Weiss Schnee."
""The Fairest of them all.""
The room responded with raised glasses.
While there were a few who did not, many of the patrons seemed to pay an air of respect.
"A Schnee," Adam cringed. "I can't believe one of theirs is celebrated here."
"She did a lot to improve conditions around all the mines and refineries," Ilia reasoned. "Not just the living quarters either. Better equipment, better hours, better comp, basic medical where there used to be none."
"Hmph."
"And safer working environments, especially."
"…Our people are still being enslaved, Ilia. Having a better pickaxe doesn't change that fact. And one daughter of a major industry won't change the Kingdom of Atlas, or save our people."
"And where were you, Adam?" Ilia turned on him angrily.
"What?"
"Where were you, when your precious White Fang needed your help? When they needed reining in? How many of them begged me to take them to Vacuo, cause they did something stupid, like blow up a warehouse full of Dust, on your orders from across the damn world?"
"They did what they believed would help the cause."
"Of course! The cause! Why would the great freedom fighter of the Faunus think any different?" Ilia exclaimed with fake grandiose. And then with a darker tone, "Or care that I had to drive an airship way over the weight limit, cause of a workers' riot, which resulted in a bunch of miners' limbs being blown off?"
"…"
"Wait, you might be asking, 'why didn't I take them to the hospital instead'? You tell me, what doctors in Atlas would treat Faunus of the White Fang, who were responsible for the riot? Who, by the way, have records of being your affiliates?"
"—Ilia, that's enough."
"No, Blake! He needs to hear this! Your White Fang has people sacrificing themselves for your arrogant little cause. Faunus getting arrested and dropped down holes they can't climb out of. Zealots strapping body bombs and picking fights too big for them to win. And do you think those caviar-eating scumbags at the top of the companies care? It doesn't even leave a dent. I'm sure your White Fang are all proud and heroic in Mistral. But here? They're nothing but radicals and thugs."
"…"
"So, yeah." Ilia ordered another drink. "To Weiss Schnee." She knocked the drink back in one go. "She was actually changing this Kingdom for the better—"
"—While all you could do was try and destroy it."
.
X
.
Ruby lost track of how much time passed.
The world around her dissolved and remade itself on a fickle whim. Fast-forward and rewound without rhyme or reason.
Before her, stood a pure-white castle. Its imagery almost too similar to the ones from her childhood picture books.
Ruby could feel Weiss inside, but for all her efforts, she barely made a scratch on the front door. She circled the estate for another entrance several times, but the door was always there, taunting her.
"I. Hate this place!"
"—Yes. A sufficiently difficult puzzle, isn't it?"
Ruby jumped and prepared her scythe.
"No need for that, child. I mean you no harm," Salem materialized before her.
The Witch strode up to the castle and knocked on the door. The resounding echo that followed was too loud for the small motion. It sent ripples through the land.
"I can understand your frustrations. Shall I lend you my assistance in recovering the girl?"
"…You were the one who put her here."
"No, Ruby. Hades was the one responsible."
"You ordered him to!"
"My order was different, and Hades disobeyed it. No harm was ever supposed to come to Weiss."
"I…I can't trust anything you say! You're a liar!"
"My dear, sweet girl. Surely, you can read the nature of my words in this place. You know I have told no lies."
What Salem said was indeed correct.
By some obscure property of the Never Realm, Ruby could sense the Witch spoke no lies. It was a sensation she felt before. No falsities rang within the Witch's words. She had ordered Hades to do the opposite. Knowing he would switch the apples, she intended to do no harm to Weiss. It was the truth, albeit a slanted one.
"No! You're trying to trick me…!"
"I believe your so-called friends may be the ones lying to you. But we can speak more on that later."
The Witch turned to the building once more.
"Shall I open this castle, then? As a sign of good faith?"
Ruby hesitated.
"…Why would you do that?"
Salem smiled with an expression of a patient parent.
"I want to help you, Ruby Rose. You've been misguided by Ozpin, and led astray into thinking I am your enemy. I am not your enemy. I am your salvation."
Ruby shook her head, but each time was becoming harder to refuse. The more "truth" held in the Witch's words, the more doubt sprouted in the girl's perception.
"What do you want in return?"
"…Nothing, dear girl. I will take nothing in return for helping your friend. Only that you keep in mind the actions I take here today and the words I have spoken."
"…"
"So? Shall I help set your friend free?"
Salem knocked on the door again, but this time, large cracks in the surface appeared. Ruby stared at the damage in shock. Her mind was racing now. All she needed to do was say, "yes", and whatever curse Weiss was under, she would be freed from immediately.
Ruby needed to speak only one word.
Just one lone word.
…
…
Meanwhile, inside the castle…
"Ah! It's Ruby! The one that's been attacking the front door was Ruby!"
What?!
"Oh no. I thought it was the usual Grimm. And Salem's with her!"
WHAT?! Weiss exclaimed louder.
"This is your chance! You can wake up!"
But, how do I do that?!
"You have to break open the door first and let Ruby in."
How am I supposed to do that?! I can't move!
In the highest room of the castle, Weiss laid unmoving in a fancily decorated bed. At the same time, she argued with a mysterious voice that possessed no form.
"You don't have to move. You can break it open without moving!"
What?
"USE YOUR SEMBLANCE!"
OH!
At that moment, a ghostly Jotunn burst from the castle like breaking free from a cage too small for it. Rubble was sent flying in all directions.
"Hey! CAREFUL!"
I'm sorry! YOU WERE YELLING AT ME!
"Oh, right. Sorry. I get a little excited."
What do I do now?!
"See that woman there, beside Ruby?"
Yes!
"Kick her in the FACE!"
OKAY?!
According to Weiss' will, the summoned Jotunn swung its foot back in preparation to punt Salem's significantly tinier figure.
Just when the toe was about to make contact, the Witch scowled and disappeared through a portal.
"WHOA…" Ruby was dumbstruck by the appearance of the Grimm servant. She had seen Weiss' summons before, but never something of this scale. Plus, it knocked a lot of the castle ruins near her, causing her to wonder if she should attack it or not.
Ruby! You're here! Thank goodness! This is such a relief!
"She can't hear you. You're sleeping."
I—I knew that! I was just thinking it!
No, Ruby! Don't attack! It's me, Weiss!
"She can't hear you!"
What do I do?!
"Well…"
What?
*Ahem* "Well, first of all, convince her to stop attacking your Semblance."
How do I do that? The Jotunn can't talk!
"You have to do something."
Hrrrggg!
"OoOoOohhhhh~" the Jotunn moaned.
"This thing's so creepy!" Ruby cried.
She said I was creepy!
"That's cause you're making the Jotunn moan at her!"
I don't know what to do… Oh!
The giant Jotunn threw up a peace sign, and held it in front of Ruby.
"Two?"
No, not the number, you dolt!
"This is getting nowhere fast…"
Can't YOU talk to her?!
"If I could, I would've done it already. She doesn't meet the right conditions."
What do I do?!
"Hm… I guess, you could…"
Taking the advice of the mysterious voice, Weiss commanded the Jotunn to write in very large letters on the ground: UPSTAIRS.
It took a minute, but Ruby eventually ran up the ruined castle to where the giant Grimm vigorously pointed to. There, she found Weiss asleep in her bed.
Okay, she's here! What's next?
"…"
Are you still there?
"Yes."
What's the next step?
"… … …"
…Are you playing a prank on me?
"Nope."
HOW DO I TELL HER TO DO THAT?! NO, WAIT! WHY IS THAT THE WAY TO WAKE ME UP?!
"There are other ways."
What are they?!
"They're very advanced, and I'm sure Glynda hasn't found the time to teach her yet. This method is the simplest."
Hrrrmmm… Weiss grunted in dissatisfaction. How do I tell her?
"The same way as before, write it on the ground."
…..nnnnnnooooOOOOOO!
"Haha—" *Pft*!
Don't laugh!
"I'm sorry. You're right. This is very serious."
…
"…"
…
*Snort!*
Ugghhhhh….
In giant words on the ground, the Jotunn wrote: KISS ME.
"Wha? Um…" Ruby looked worriedly at the Grimm, then at the words, then back at the sleeping Weiss. "Kiss…you?"
The gruesome giant performed an awkward nod, which looked more like a bow since it had no neck.
"O…kay?" Ruby sighed. "The things I do for Weiss…"
…
NO, YOU DOLT! KISS ME! NOT MY SUMMON!
"This…is… the most unromantic thing…EVER. Ahahaha!"
Even without form, Weiss could picture the owner of the voice clutching their sides.
Don't just laugh! HELP ME!
After a few more minutes, and half a dozen other attempts, Weiss was able to miraculously communicate with Ruby.
The younger girl planted her lips on the sleeping princess. When she did, she instinctively channeled her Aura through. Acting almost like a jumpstart, Weiss slowly came to consciousness.
She opened her eyes, as she felt Ruby's energy course through her.
"…Hi, Ruby."
"Hey, Weiss."
The heiress sat up, and the two shared another kiss for no other reason than affection.
"I missed you."
"I missed you, too," Ruby blushed.
They shared a dreamy gaze, while treasuring the moment, before Weiss remembered.
"Hey! You better not be watching!"
"What?"
"Sorry. Not you. The… huh? Who was that again?"
"Weiss, what are you talking about? Are you okay?"
"No. The… the one who was here. She…"
Weiss held her head and scrunched her face. She then, began looking about the roofless chamber.
"You mean, Salem?" Ruby asked.
"No. The other one, who was helping me. Who was she again?"
"Weiss, we're the only ones here."
"…"
"…Weiss?"
The heiress wore a sad expression, before turning to Ruby again.
"It's fine. Let's just get out of here for the time being," she said with a renewed smile.
"Yeah."
Ruby knitted her fingers into the other's hands.
"Let's go."
.
X
.
"—Can we go now?" Yang whined.
"Soon, honey," Emerald replied. "You, Neo, and Mercury just wait in the car a few more minutes. We'll be back soon."
"But you didn't even crack the window."
"I didn't? Oh, shit."
"—A little radio silence, while we concentrate?" Cinder's voice came over the comms.
In the Western Sector, where the most affluent of Atlas' high society gathered, Team ENMY and Cinder were currently commencing operations in Remnant's largest resort and casino: Vegas.
The sounds of slot machines and bright lights assaulted people's senses on every floor. Rows of tables filled with those risking away fortunes. The full spectrum of emotion, from ecstatic joy to crushing depression, could be gleaned in every person here.
And among the heavens and hells for gambling addicts, a sharp-suited Mercury kept lookout from the nearby bar. Likewise, Neo and Yang played around a craps table, keeping a close watch on a pair of security doors.
Another good roll from the petite girl made everyone cheer and throw their hands in the air. In contrast to the surrounding elation, Yang could only force an awkward smile.
"If you keep cheating like that, you'll draw too much attention," she whispered through her teeth.
Neo only ignored her, and threw the glass dice into the air again. More cheers erupted from the patrons drowning in their tilted luck.
"Guys, hurry up," Yang urged. "Neo might bankrupt this place, before you get a chance to knock it over. But not before they try to kick us out."
"It's a process, punchy," Emerald replied testily. "Stealing twenty different keycards isn't hard, but it does take time."
As a pair of young women wearing cocktail dresses passed the craps table, Yang subtly flung a card to the one wearing green.
"Nineteen."
Neo slipped a card into her hand.
"(Eighteen.)"
Emerald caught one sliding across the floor from Mercury's direction. Her partner nodded.
"Seventeen."
"Oh, my babies are growing up to be just like mommy."
Cinder and Emerald continued to walk the casino floor, arms locked.
Because the higher floors were reserved for long-time members and VIPs, the group had to "borrow" a few credentials to access them. And then, to get passed a number of redundant security measures, they had to lift a few IDs from various employees and guards. Many of the doors required two separate keycards swiped simultaneously. As expected of a casino where countless amounts of lien were moved and inventoried, they spared no expense in their firewalls.
"Hey, do you think it's true these games are rigged for the house?" Yang asked.
"They'd be stupid not to be," Emerald answered.
"I only ask, cause I don't know what'll happen if they try to sharp Neo back. You know, we could still just blast our way to the top floor."
"—I require the casino to remain intact and operational," Cinder voiced. "What good would it do to cause a scene?"
"Just thought I'd put it out there again. Shortest path from A to B."
"Your obvious, knee-jerk reaction to resort to the blunt force method never ceases to amuse."
"And your underhanded schemes never fail to make my stomach crawl."
"Then, I suggest growing a stronger stomach."
"—We got what we need," Emerald interrupted. "You guys know the drill. If you see the signal, then you can wreck shop on the way up to us. Until then, be cucumber cool. Got it?"
""Got it."" "I hate cucumbers," a number of voices confirmed.
…
"I wish I could've gone with Masa," Mercury complained.
"You want surveillance duty on the Tower?" Yang asked back.
"Better than sitting at a bar…"
"Then you should've come pretend gambling with us."
"I hate gambling."
Detecting the hint behind Mercury's voice, Yang changed her tone.
"…Sounds like dad-of-the-year stuff."
"Yup."
"Any other landmines I needa look out for?"
"Well, there aren't any prostitutes at least—Wait, never mind."
"Heh, figures."
"How mad would Cinder be, do you think, if we just tore this place apart without her signal?"
"I can tell you one thing."
"What's that?"
"If you decide to start cracking heads open, you can tell her that I cracked the first one," Yang winked from afar.
"You're a peach."
"What are friends for? Besides, I think the pit boss is getting a little suspicious of Neo. He's asked our dealer to switch out the dice four times and gave her the stink eye. Neo might pick the first fight before any of us."
…
Meanwhile, after swiping the corresponding key cards to gain access to the higher floors, Cinder and Emerald rode the elevator up the skyscraper together.
Through the windows, they could see the colorful lights of the city streets below. Despite a large-scale Grimm attack not too long ago, this portion of the Kingdom had gotten back on its feet quickly. One of the factors, likely due to the quantity and cheapness of manual labor.
"It's beautiful," Emerald spoke low. Then, with a sour expression, "But knowing something ugly hides deep down takes a lot from it."
"Was that comment perhaps, directed at me?"
"What?! No, no! I didn't!"
"Relax," Cinder caressed Emerald's cheek. "I was only teasing."
"…"
"I must say, you look rather alluring yourself. If I didn't know better, I'd assume you were some seductive thief in the middle of a heist. Is there any need for your Semblance if you look like this?"
Emerald only blushed silently under Cinder's hot gaze.
The elevator doors opened, and they immediately tensed.
"This is as far as we go with VIP cards," Emerald reminded. "Cameras will be on us now. Clock's running."
"Tick tock~ " Cinder said with a sultry tune.
The two swiped key cards belonging to casino personnel. The doors closed again, taking them farther up. They were going past the gambling floors and entering levels strictly for employees.
It would only be a matter of time before security realized what was going on, so the two had to make the most of their timeframe.
The doors opened once more. This was the farthest they could get by the elevator alone. The pair stepped over the threshold, walking as quickly but also, as casually as possible. Several workers turned heads, but none stopped them.
Three more floors.
"Hey! You can't be up here!"
As a security officer approached, Emerald read his nametag and conjured a hallucination of a man they scouted beforehand.
"Keep your voice down, Arthur!" the illusion of the man's superior appeared from around the corner. "Mr. Venetus asked them to come personally. I'd rather you not call attention. Do you understand?"
"Uh! Yes, sir! But didn't you have the day off? Also, why didn't they go through the personal elevator?"
"Well…" the illusion leaned closer. "There was some other company heading in the other direction. And we all know how long these damn elevators take."
The other officer nodded stiffly.
"Hey, you know that thing you asked about before?"
"You mean the day requests off?"
"Yeah. Put the paperwork through. You got the approval."
"Seriously, sir?! Even during peak?"
"Well… yeah. Just don't go around telling everyone, alright? I know you've been working hard, so take the vacation."
"Thank you, sir!"
"And another thing, Arthur."
"Yes, sir?"
"No more attention to these fine ladies, got it? Radio ahead to make sure this doesn't happen again."
"Yes, sir!"
"Good man! Keep up the good work! Remember, no relaxing until you're actually on your vacation, you hear?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you so much, sir!"
As the worker radioed ahead, Emerald and Cinder were allowed to proceed without problem.
"—Nice touch with the subtle deflection," Cinder complimented her quietly. "How did you know he requested time off?"
"Any employee at this level works harder than the average," Emerald answered. "Plus, they're usually in constant contact with management, which means requests for different things. Not necessarily time off."
"Impressive. You even convinced him to clear us to the next level."
"You could tell he was the hardworking type. And just like any hardworking employee, they just want to be appreciated."
"Hm. Have I mentioned lately how much I value you?"
"Could stand to do it a little more," Emerald smiled.
They passed through the next few doors.
One more hurdle.
Situated between them and their prize was the main security office. And it was none other than the Head of Security along with three henchmen, who came out to greet them.
The one in charge was a large burly man, puffing his chest out with a shiny gold badge. Ex-military by appearances.
At the same time, Emerald cloaked the actual Cinder from their perception, while conjuring a stand-in copy.
"You two!" the man started, before Cinder dashed up to him and struck his neck.
As he choked, unable to speak, Emerald activated her Semblance to create a duplicate in his place.
"Where have you been?!" the doppelganger continued where the original left off. "Mr. Venetus had an appointment for you two an hour ago. You need to follow me."
"Uh, sir?" one of the henchmen turned in surprise. "Weren't you saying you were going to arrest them?"
"I made a mistake. I just remembered Mr. Venetus was expecting them. The rest of you can head back."
"Oh, affirmative?"
As Cinder and Emerald were led by the imaginary Head of Security, radios crackled on the henchmen's waists.
"—What are you guys doing?!"
"What do you mean? The Head just gave them the greenlight."
"What the hell are you talking about?! We've got you on camera feed! The one in the red dress knocked him out, while you guys just stood there and watched!"
"Huh?"
But as they turned, Cinder and Emerald were already disappearing through the casino owner's doors.
The office they came to was a grand testament to the fortune the man sitting at the desk had built. Several artifacts and artworks sat like displays in a museum. Priceless relics that would rival the most prominent works in Vytal. A thick, but comfortable rug lined the floor, so luxurious, one could tell the quality through their shoes. And lining the walls were tinted fifteen-inch thick windows of ballistic-proof glass. While easy on the eyes, they could also withstand most any threat, Grimm or otherwise.
"Larry?" the man behind the desk questioned. "What are you doing here? Who's that?"
Tailored in a stylish dark-blue suit that matched the highlights in his hair, was Mr. Venetus. Business tycoon and owner of Casino Vegas.
Just when he was about to reach for a weapon, a violent force pulled on his tie like a tight noose. The image of his Head of Security vanished like a haze.
"—Now, now, Mr. Venetus. There will be no need for that~" Cinder slowly decloaked from Emerald's hallucination, while sitting on his desk. "You and I have much to discuss. A rather important matter concerning your business empire."
"And…! Why would I talk with the likes of you?! Will you kill me if I don't?"
"If it comes to that."
"I didn't get to where I am falling for every threat spat my way…!"
"No, I imagine not."
There was a bang at the door, which Emerald destroyed the electronic lock to and began barricading.
"Let's have a nice civil chat, shall we?" Cinder started. "I went through significant lengths to arrange this private meeting. Drink? I think you'll need it."
Cinder let go of the man's tie, went to Venetus' personal drink cabinet, and specifically selected a certain vintage. She strutted back, placing the scotch bottle with a resounding thud on the rich wooden table. And with a bit of showmanship, materialized two glass tumblers with her Semblance.
She eyed the liquor's label without really looking at it.
"Aschenglas. A good vintage." Cinder started to pour. "Now, I'm no connoisseur, but I do believe they stopped production before the founding of Atlas. Which means this may very well be the last bottle to survive the old Mantle Monarchy days. Cheers."
She clinked her glass against Venetus', prompting him to pick it up.
"If so, it makes for a very special gift."
"…You think it isn't real?" the man glared.
"I'd like to hear your thoughts on it."
The owner swirled the glass before taking a drink. Cinder refilled it, as soon as he set it down.
"Tastes real," Venetus answered after a time.
"That's because it is."
"…"
"How did you receive such a fine gift again?"
"I didn't say."
"Regale me."
"…It was a thank-you gift for placing a tall shipment with a certain company."
"And what shipment and company would that be?"
"I don't believe there's any reason for me to disclose that."
Cinder grinned, and made her way to the windows. She began tapping on the thick glass.
"I understand you've renovated recently. Even made some impressive upgrades to your own office following the Grimm attack. Barely a week later, and your casino is already up and running. A bold move reopening so quickly, and so far ahead of your competition."
"It means so much to me to have the approval of… who, exactly?"
"Approval?" Cinder ignored his question. "Far from it. Your business acumen is something inspired to be sure, but Mr. Venetus… You rushed repairs to your fortress without doing your due diligence. And that is a very careless thing."
"…"
"A high-volume shipment, ordered on quick demand, at a price that simply can't be beat."
"…?"
"Sound familiar?"
The casino owner's increasing unnerve was apparent.
"Now, what was that order again? Ah, yes. It was an order for quality-reinforced glass, wasn't it?" A fire lit behind Cinder's words. "Provided and delivered by a company named, Halftone Rime."
Cinder emphasized each syllable, as she scorched the letters into his desk with a nail.
"How do you—"
The Fall Maiden snapped her fingers—and the glass tumblers exploded with volatile sharpness and heat.
Sweat gathered on Venetus' brow, as truth donned on him. He could hear the blood pumping through his body, as he stared at his hand embedded with crystalline shards.
"I simply must thank you for your patronage," Cinder grinned. "Gathering from what I see, you've put our glass to good use. It seems all the previously shattered window panels have been replaced with our wares. You've also used our special-order grade material to layer your own office."
At her words, the windows around them screamed with the same heat that shattered the glass tumblers. The volume rose as Cinder raised her hand like a conductor, before swiftly bringing it down to kill the sound. Her eyes stoked with the hostile light of the Fall Maiden.
"W-w-w-w-who are you?!" the owner could only stutter.
Cinder released an almost child-like laughter, then waved her hands over the scorch marks she burned into the desk before.
The words: Halftone Rime, rearranged themselves into—
Heir of Mantle.
"This is a very fine establishment, Venetus. I can appreciate how much time and effort went into building such a castle."
"What do you want?!"
"I know a life's work when I see it. But a moment's weakness is all it takes to destroy everything one has built."
"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!"
"Isn't it obvious by now?"
The owner broke out into a colder sweat, if that was possible.
"Relax," Cinder conjured two more glasses, and poured for both of them. "I would never dream of putting you out of employment. On the contrary, I'd like to hire you to run this business as you've done for so long, in the manner per usual. It's the reason we kept the impact of our visit to such discretion."
She clinked the tumblers together just like she had before.
"Except this casino is mine now, as well as your other company assets," Cinder snickered. "Drink up, Venetus—"
"—I think you need it."
.
X
.
"You sure you don't need it?"
"I'm fine, Ruby," Weiss answered.
"But you should have something! You just woke up!" the girl urged, trying to shove crackers in her partner's mouth.
"Now that you mention it, I wonder when the last time I had a real meal was," she thought, immediately followed by her stomach growling.
"See?!"
"—Ruby's right, Weiss. You should have something to eat," Jaune joined. "It'll go a long way to rebuilding your strength again."
"…"
"What?"
"Nothing. I just hardly recognized it was you who said that."
"What?!" Jaune cried.
"I've never heard you give such sound advice before. Oh, don't be upset. It was a compliment. But seeing how you're acting now, I can see you really haven't changed much deep down."
"Is that good or bad?"
"I'm not quite sure yet. But you should have really done something about that confidence problem by now."
"Yeah…Guess the ice queen hasn't changed much either."
"What was that?"
"Nothing!"
At that moment, Team RNJR, Team CFVY, and Weiss reached Cerberus Tower's exit.
"You sure you don't want to stay another night?" Jaune asked.
"I'm just fine, thank you. The fact that I have an appetite means I'm healthy!"
"—Princess is right about that," Coco commented. "Plus, I doubt you want to stick around that hole anyway. Your dad was about to show up and Hades wouldn't stop asking Ruby to revive Kori, even though it wasn't working. And let's not forget that bomb Ironwood dropped on you."
"…Yes, Coco. Thank you very much. I'd almost forgotten," Weiss sighed sarcastically.
With a deep breath, she felt the cold night air fill her lungs. She thought the stars looked brighter than usual. Maybe due to her prolonged slumber, the girl felt more alive than in recent memory.
*Hakchoo*
She turned to Ruby, who had just sneezed.
Oh, that's why.
Weiss took out a handkerchief and wiped Ruby's nose. Having her partner simply around felt like she was reunited with another half.
"…Coco?"
"Hm?"
"Thank you for everything. You did really great in my absence."
"…If you're really grateful, I wouldn't turn away a big sack of cash right now."
"—Coco!"
"Easy, Vel. She knows I'm kidding. No, but seriously, we've been working on our own dime for a while now, and—"
"COCO!"
"Proper remunerations will be prepared," Weiss rolled her eyes. "On another topic, what happened while I was asleep? I know about some things, but what happened with Silbern and the White Fang? Also, what's the condition of Atlas and the Board of Directors?"
Her stomach growled again.
"…We can go over the details later." Coco poked her stomach. "But I think priority goes to filling that belly."
*Ahem*
Weiss cleared her throat.
"It just so happens I know the perfect place."
.
X
.
"Yeah, I know a place that serves snow crab…" Ilia answered Raven's question, whose eyes brightened slightly. "It can get a little crowded there, so if you're trying to lay low, you might wanna avoid it. But the cook and the flavor are as legit as it gets."
"We're going."
"Your treat?"
"Didn't we just pay you a small fortune to smuggle us into the Kingdom?"
"What happened? I'm pretty sure you guys snuck on my ship, without me knowing, while I was transporting spices from Vacuo for some Atlas aristocrat."
"Cheeky brat. Fine," Raven consented.
"Yes! Free meal!"
"Where is this place exactly?"
"It's near the center of the city. The only place not too far from the slums or too close to the rich."
"—I don't know…"
Ilia and Raven stared back at Blake together.
"What's eating you?" "What are you talking about?"
"Adam seems a bit depressed," Blake replied. "I think we'll both just stay at the camp. Get a lay of the land regarding the White Fang and this Silbern Mafia situation. You two can enjoy yourselves without us."
"…" "…"
"So, Ilia. What kind of tuna do they serve there?" Raven feigned the question.
"Oh, the best stuff—fresh from the water and onto your plate, fresh. Wait… Blake? Didn't you have a thing for tuna?"
"A shame you're not coming with us."
"Tsk. Big shame…"
Blake's pupils shrunk until they were the thinnest black slits. Her curiosity, attention, and desires were overcoming her rationale.
"…"
"…"
"…Just drag the pup with us," Raven moaned.
"Let me go get him!" Blake replied immediately.
"Please, wait for us!"
.
X
.
"Wait up. How much cash flows through that casino on a daily basis?" Yang's expression skewed with disbelief.
"Enough," Cinder answered. "Well enough to suit my ambitions."
After the group's "hostile" takeover of Casino Vegas, they left the gambler's haven, more for Mercury's benefit than anything else. Also because of a small incident on the floor, involving a certain petite psycho stabbing a blackjack dealer.
"Okay, I feel like I have to ask. What exactly are you going to do with all this coin?"
"Why, Yang—after spending so much quality time together, what do you think I will do with my newly acquired fortune?"
"I dunno. Some part of an overly complicated scheme to take over Atlas?" Yang raised her hands in exaggeration. "Maybe, own their majority stocks. Then, bribe the Kingdom into being ruled by you."
"Huh. An insightful guess, considering you were joking."
"For serious?"
"Listen closely, Yang. The lifeblood of Atlas is its industry, or more accurately, it's economy. Not the military, as many would have you believe. And sometimes, what defeats the most formidable foes is not their weaknesses—but their strengths."
In the wake of Cinder's sinister smile, ENMY went silent.
That is, until Mercury's stomach let out a loud growl.
"I'm hungry."
"Samesies~" Yang agreed.
"Hm," Cinder pondered. "If I remember correctly, there was a fine dining place near here, which should still be in operation."
"Ugh. A place Cinder is recommending, huh?"
"You truly despise everything about me, don't you?"
"Nah. Not everything. There's some parts of you I like."
"…"
"…"
"…" Cinder sighed. "Very well. What aspect of me do you find toler—"
"Just kidding," Yang grinned like a troll.
"I hate everything about you."
.
X
.
"Ugh. I hate how crowded this place is," Coco complained.
"It can't be helped…!" Weiss said, while being bumped around by the walls of bodies. "This is Atlas' main road. All the best restaurants and shops are on this strip."
"Really fighting the urge to start waving my gun here."
"Just stay together. Ruby! Don't let go of my hand!"
"—I'm trying, Weiss~!"
.
X
.
"You know, if you wanted to signal the Mistral Armada to attack—" Ilia struggled through the people. "—now would be a good time! Or do that evil teleporting trick? I am not above some evil teleporting right now."
"You can thank Atlas technology and Magic that Blake or I can't do that," Raven replied.
"Great." *Oomph* "Blake, you should hold my… Blake?"
Their group sandwiched together at the edge of the sidewalk.
A crowd of people waited for the light to signal crossing the street.
.
X
.
*Beep beep beep beep…*
"—See, if we took Penny with us, she could probably hack that stupid light to let us cross faster."
"How hungry are you, Merc?" Emerald narrowed.
"I'm getting there…! Like, serious angry, hunger pangs. Hangry pangs."
"—You know what I call them?"
"No." "Shut up." "(Don't say it.)"
"Yangry pangs! Ey? Huh? Up top!"
.
X
.
As the cars of Atlas' busiest roads slowed to a stop, the street lights above switched. Pedestrians waiting on the curb rushed into the intersection all at once, like a flood gate being opened.
In the rapid shuffling of feet and bodies, certain individuals found themselves separated from their respective groups.
"Uh, Weiss. I think we lost them."
"Of course, we did…"
"Ilia? Raven? Where did you—"
"Oh, come on. The pun's clever. Guys? Guys?"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
As the faceless tide of pedestrians continued to move through like a river—four figures stood stock still in contrast.
Not a single muscle or millimeter of motion between them, as they stared at one another.
Signals from the streetlights, the crowd's footsteps, the engine roars of cars—everything seemed so far away at that moment.
For the first time in so long, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang met.
A fated reunion of Team RWBY.