"You should probably be home by midnight, to be safe."
"I look-"
"Fabulous!" Yin clapped his hands, pressing his interlaced fingers against his cheeks as he swooned. Wiggling his hips with his eyes panning over his little brother. Ruben rolled his eyes, glaring at himself in the mirror. Wanting to make sure he knew he looked ridiculous. Never wanting to forget to never get all dressed up again. Not for a dance. Not for a wedding. Not ever. Never ever again.
Some how, Yin found time to take Ruben suit shopping. A mere few hours before the blasted dance. The countless other suits they tried on were...were not fun. Specifically, how specific Yin wanted Ruben to look. He wanted Ruben to look in a particular way.
They spent hours...hours looking for the perfect suit. The right tie. The most comfortable shoes for dancing. The classiest jacket. For Ruben. Who just said he was going to humor his older brother. Because Yin insisted he go. And nothing else. For no one else.
If only Yin knew Ruben was taking a girl. A girl.
Like, a real girl. A living and breathing girl. Yin would've dragged him to his date and color coded them.
Yin would've flipped his-
"I don't." Ruben shook his head, tugging loosely on his collar. Feeling his button up attempting to strangle him. The fine linen pressed onyx button up shirt had several buttons undone starting from the top, The tie loose around his neck, the red vest not even buttoned, and the jacket hanging on the arm of his chair. He wanted to delay getting ready as long as possible.
Yin would probably want pictures. And a lot of them.
Ruben felt as if his mother was dressing him. Like she would before school back when he was just a wee child. Making sure his shirt wasn't wrinkly, and he had his lunch all packed.
Ruben ran his fingers through his hair, feeling the leather palms of his gloves digging into his scalp. He could feel his heart beating fast against his chest, these slacks of his feeling too tight around the waist and his shoes a size too small. He felt a cold flash then a wave of heat. He felt as if he was going to upchuck. Going to be sick.
"You're overreacting." Ruben thought to himself, leaning his head back and rocking onto the balls of his feet. He thought of Velvet, and how terrified she was feeling. Probably.
"Relax." He grabbed up his comb, raking his hair back and running his palm over his hair. He imagined her in some strapless dress, something expensively beautiful. Something she deserved.
Her crimson cheeks burning and her hands twiddling with the fabric out of sheer nervousness. Her chocolate brown eyes lighting up the room and keeping it's focus away from the crowds. He thought of his hands resting on her waist, their eyes connecting as they started to dance.
The gentle swaying as the music slowly faded into nothing. The people in the room disappearing. One by one. Until there were only two left.
Just him and her. Losing his anxiety and fear the longer they kept their gaze. Their foreheads bunting together as he could feel his lips curling into a smile.
He let loose a growl, feeling his hair laying down and his eyes about to burst out his skull. This wasn't going to be a fun night. "Relax."
"It's going to be fun." Yin stepped back, raising his hands above his head as he clapped his hands together. Then followed it with a synchronized snap of the fingers. He bounced from side to side, pumping his palms in the air. "It's par-tay time! Par! Tay!"
Snap. Clap.
"Par! Tay!"
Snap. Clap.
"Par! Tay!"
Snap. Clap.
Yin was ecstatic. Finally, a night that involves alot of people dancing where it won't end with him fighting a pair of twins. Despite how pretty those two twins are. Or how much a fight livens things ups. Especially at dances. Or anywhere really.
"You're right." Winter straightened his tie, shaking out his wrists as he rotated his head. He let out a heavy winded breath, bouncing on his toes. Trying to calm his nerves. "It'll be a jolly good time. I can feel myself literally frothing with anticipation."
"Someone's salty!" Yin stated, before lunging his leg out to the left, shimming over to click his heels together then clapping his hands. He shook his shoulders, before repeating the move. "Don't worry. I'll share my date with you, Winny. If she isn't glued to my hip."
"I don't think a date constitutes you asking her at the dance. Besides. I'm sure it's against school policy, also." Ruben chimed in, buttoning his vest. Ruben was about to button the third button as he saw this glimmer of silver out of the corner of his eye. He glanced towards the right, seeing Winter's revolver holstered and resting on his pillow.
For obvious reasons, Ruben couldn't bring Hans. Yin always had his bracelets on his person just in case. Blair...always had his weapon? Unlike Yin, the chain didn't seem to have a sort of container. Or a holster, like Winter. So...what was the deal?
Ruben squinted his eye, finishing the buttoning on his vest. He glanced over at Winter, who was raking his hair with his slender fingers. His eyes glancing away from the mirror, tapping his fingertips on the desk top. He finished with a knock as he turned towards Ruben.
With his snow white jacket, the ever present snowflake embroidered onto the lower left side. The pearl white slacks complimented by egg shell loafers. The vest was as dark as Ruben's own jacket, his old white tie tucked underneath as he adjusted the black piece of clothing. Then there was the straightening of the good old snowflake belt buckle.
"Glyda will get one good look at me," Yin gestured to his flashy golden vest and tie, his midnight black suit and black button up. The slick golden aviators with the price tag still hanging off the lens, the still short and messy blonde locks. That cocky, full of fun and excitement smile he adorned.
"And my sweet dance moves." He popped out his hip and flexed his torso. Tossing his loose hair back in a swinging motion. Then blowing a gentle kiss towards Ruben. "She'll be jaw dropped and love struck. Like a fairytale."
"Clearly." Ruben mumbled, running his palms flat against his hair. He groaned, rotating his shoulders. He hated when he had to comb down his hair. He glanced in the mirror, that gray hair of his now slicked back and tame. He turned towards Winter, who was leaning against his own personal dresser.
Ruben held out his arms, raising his eye brows at Winter. Wondering if Frost would be impressed with the look.
Winter nodded his head, flashing him a smile before returning to the scowl. One of Ruben's favorite faces. Ruben squinted his eyes, seeing Winter turn his gaze back onto the floor.
"Handsome." Winter turned towards the door. He wondered why he was even getting all fancied up. The girl he wanted to impress wasn't even interested in him. Didn't even notice him. What was the point? "What about Blair?"
Almost on cue, the door to the room swung open. Three pairs of eyes darting towards the door. Then the gasps. They were surprised.
Winter's eyes widened. Hand on his temple, trying to contemplate the sight.
Ruben's jaw dropped. He was impressed.
Yin's smile grew. Then he started clapping. "Perfect!"
Blair wore a crimson red vest with a cummerband bowtie combo. A pair of dark black slacks, darker than any sort of black Ruben wore, and with his now nearly sparkling clean combat boots. The ruffled shirt he wore as white as Winter's suit. His fingers resting in his suit's pocket flaps as his red scarf was still wrapped around his his muzzle and his cheeks. His short, curly ram horns protruding off of his head. Blair groaned.
He hated every moment of this.
Every. Moment. Of this.
"I look-"
"Beautiful!"
"Fancy."
"Distinguished, even."
"Stu..pid..." Blair was taken back, glancing over his best friends with a look of disbelief. If it wasn't for the scarf, they would've seen his cheeks blush into a red as dark as the material around his neck. He turned his gaze towards the ground, digging his toe into the floor as he mumbled his thanks. Little giggles escaping his lips.
Yin walked over, wrapping an arm around Blair's neck. Being careful not to get jabbed by his horns. He glanced over his beautiful team, his eyes shining with a single tear of pride running down his cheek.
"Look at this guy!" Yin said, pointing at Blair. Pointing at one of his best friends. "This guy right here! He's ready for the time of his life!" Yin let go, walking over to the door. He clapped his hands together, spinning on his heels back towards his team. "Let's get out there! Let's break some hearts and bust some moves!"
Ruben had to admit, despite all opposition to it and having no real intention to come until a few days ago, The whole scene was absolutely beautiful.
The lovely crystal chandelier hung high in the air, above the dance floor and mingling students. The balloons tied down to the columns and gently floating throughout the hall. The streamers overhead seemingly keeping two halves of the room together, as if they would break apart. The tables lined the walls of the hall, the majority of the students on the dance floor. Hands interlocked and their movements one with each other.
The podium was manned by Miss Coco, a member on Velvet's team. Her hair chocolate brown, just like Velvet's eyes and her eyes hidden behind a pair of midnight black shades. She straightened her black dress, the skirt riding up on her slender legs. Ruben took the opportunity to sneak past her.
Ruben averted his gaze from her, just making sure she wouldn't see him. He assumed it would be weird to see each other.
Thanks Yin.
Ruben stood in the front entrance, his hands retracted to his coat pockets and rocking from the balls on his feet to his toes. He glanced all around, feeling that sickness begin to start up again.
The room was too crowded, he could hardly breath. Too many eyes to avoid. Too many feet not to step on. He felt a wave of heat overtake him, as he tried desperately to control his breathing.
That's when he felt a hand pat his shoulder, trying to calm him down. Ruben rested his hands on his knees, feeling the hand grip and pat him.
Where was the rest of team RWBY when Ruben was about to have another nervous break down?
W, as soon as he arrived, made a bee line towards the row of chairs along side the wall. His legs kicked out from under him, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes scanning the room. As if he was looking for someone in particular.
B was standing right beside Ruben, standing just as awkwardly. His shoulders pulled up and his eyes staring into the floor. As if trying to hide his horns. He started comforting Ruben as soon as he noticed how sickly he was looking.
Y was...Y. He immediately made his way towards the dance floor. Hands up and rocking his hips from side to side. Clapping and kicking up his feet. He bounced his way across the dance floor, his shoulders moving in accordance with his hips.
"It'll be ok." Blair mumbled, letting out a sickened groaned. He hated feeling so...out in the open. He couldn't hide in the security of his hood and scarf. He could already feel Cardin tugging on his horns, making sure they weren't just some strange hat. He pulled the scarf closer to his being, feeling his forehead burning up. "I'm going to get a breath of fresh air." Blair left without another word.
"Do that..." Ruben walked over towards the punch table, taking a cup and pouring himself a glass. He turned on a heel, leaning against the table as he sipped his drink. He breathed easily though his nose, his eyes panning the room. Wondering if anyone else he knew was having any fun.
He saw Jaune standing off by himself, Nora and Ren no where to be seen. Jaune caught a glimpse of Ruben, before averting his gaze and walking away. Ruben shrugged it off. Maybe he needed fresh air too.
He peered over at a familiar head of orange. Penny stood beside two armed guards, both of them on high alert and standing at attention. Ruben chuckled, seeing her still smiling and bouncing in her spot. Her shoulders lowering and rising with the beat as she swung her arms up and down.
He would be sure to sneak away from Yin and say a quick hello. After all, he had a few follow up questions.
That's when he saw Yin. He was besides a group of about three other young men, a few paces away from Miss Glynda and Professor Ozpin. Yin stepped before the group, raking his mop of messy hair and wiggling out his shoulders. He breathed into his hand, giving the smell as shrug as he straightened his posture.
Yin walked over towards Glynda, an arm folded around his waist and the other out before him. He gave her a courtesy bow, his hand motioning towards the dance floor. Glynda, with a roll of her eyes and smile threatening to show, she took his hand graciously and escorted him towards the dance floor.
Ruben has never seen Yin smile so brightly. As if he won the lottery. Yin looked over at his friends, jaw dropped and his finger pointing at the lovely lady taking him for a quick dance. The group, needless to say was dumbstruck.
Ruben smiled softly, taking another sip of his drink.
"It seems that you're having fun." A voice piped in, it was distinguished and sounded proud. Joyous even. Ruben peered out of the corner of his eye, seeing Ozpin standing beside him. Still in his casual peacoat and slacks, cane in hand.
"Less than others," Ruben shrugged his shoulders, placing the drink on the table. "More than some." Ruben glanced over at Yin rocking his hips from side to side as Glynda was laughing and giggling. Her cheeks beginning to turn red from how much she was laughing. Yin clapped his hands together, jigging circles around Goodwitch.
"It's a wonderful occasion. Friends and loved ones joining together to celebrate an evening. Away from conflict and trouble." Ozpin glanced over at Ruben, his lips curling to a smile. A taunting sort of smile. "Given your current agenda, this must seem to be trivial. Having been fighting criminals and whatnot."
"Just been busy with school work, sir." Ruben retorted, his hands tightening into fists. "Don't have time to worry about the bad guys. Cops do that enough for all of us."
"Then taking an evening away from your school work won't kill you." Ozpin chuckled, tapping the cane against the floor. Ruben smirked, rubbing his chin with his thumb.
"A word of advice?" Ozpin saw Ruben's eyes scan the room, searching for a certain young lady. Looking for a pair of cute bunny ears.
"I suggest you put down the books," Ruben then saw her. Across the room. Taking amongst her friends. Having fun. Enjoying herself.
"Find yourself a pretty girl and just enjoy the evening." Ruben felt a hand pat his shoulder. He couldn't feel it. He was jaw dropped. She looked beautiful.
Her long brown hair tied into a half braid, her hands intertwined with each other. Her emerald green dress was as if it was a beacon only for Ruben to find. Her cheeks were that ever present rosy that made his own cheeks redden. Her slender legs side by side, standing straight and at attention.
"Take a break from the studying and dance a little."
"Curse this...tie." Sun tugged on the tie around his neck, his teeth barred as he tried to give himself from breathing room. He saw out the corner of his eye Blair walk out onto the deck, his hands running through his hair. His fingers tugging on the ends of his horns. Blair leaned on the railing, trying to clam his nerves.
"So...an assassination attempt? Stone hand." Blair's ears perked. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing Sun standing beside him. He walked over towards him, his hands retracting to his pockets. "But a dance? 'Better get some fresh air. Too much for me to handle.'"
"It's not that." Blair groaned, turning towards Sun. Blair's hand curled around the railing, staring into Sun's eyes. "I've seen things, kid. I've done things I'm not proud of." Blair looked out into the distance. Half a mind to fling himself off to just spite himself. Just to add the cherry to this awkward sundae.
The broken moon overhead illuminating the city in a milky glow. The shadows of the homes, buildings and towers of the campus was a eery sort of purple. Blending into the night sky. Blair shut his eyes for a brief moment, letting out a groan. "That man would have brought ruin to my home. My friend's home. It had to be done."
"I won't try to understand how that justifies-"
"It doesn't." Blair turned towards Sun, his eyes turning into stone and blood running cold. He stared into the eyes of such an innocent child, who would never know the sacrifices of war. The blood spent just for Sun not to be treated as a second class citizen.
"Doesn't justify anything I've done. Anything they've done. We've done. It's just how I was taught to deal with my problems. Hit first. Hit hard. Make sure they can't fight back. That's the White Fang now."
Blair's voice cracked, his eyes swelling up with tears as he rubbed them with his fingers.
"They're this...group of monsters now. In bed with one worse than I. Worse than them. And they want that. They want the bloodshed. The war. The violence."
The grueling hours spent training. Spent fighting. Spent being brainwashed into becoming what he was. Being spoon fed the words of vengeful men and angry Faunus. All for them to ravish in the spoils of war. The rewards of the lost lives and forgotten names.
Names Blair would never forget. Names Belle wouldn't forget.
"Blair..." Sun smiled, clapping his hands together. He saw Blair take a moment to compose himself, his eyes slanting as he controlled his breathing. Sun glanced over Blair, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Let's get a couple of pretty ladies, and dance a bit."
Blair glanced over at the moon, seeing a figure standing up on a building. The figure raised a limb up to their head, as if listening for something. Blair squinted his eyes, before he felt himself being dragged away from the railing and into the hall.
"This bores me." Winter wasn't happy. He wasn't enjoying himself like Yin was. Who was dancing with his 'date'. If it could even be called that. Winter glanced over at Jaune, who was slouching over and shuffling his way towards Winter. The black jacket of his unbuttoned, and his bowtie askew.
"Hello, Winny."
"Don't call me that."
"What a dance, am I right?" Jaune glanced over at Velvet, who was now slowly making her way towards the punch table. Her eyes glancing all around the room. Her gentle hands intertwined in front of her. Juane let out a sigh. "Winny, can I ask you a question?"
"Depends." Winter turned his eyes towards Yin, who was now standing up absolutely straight. His hand actually on Glynda's hip as the two swayed from side to side. He was jaw dropped, thanking the heavens for this beautiful moment.
"The girl...the one I wanted to ask-"
"Wanted?" Winter glanced over at Jaune, his elbows resting on his knees. He squinted his eyes, looking over Jaune. His lips curling to a scowl. "Didn't you want to take Pyrrha?"
"What?" Jaune almost laughed, shrugging his shoulders as he glanced over at Winter. "Why would I do that?"
"Because you asked me on advice on how to ask her out?" Winter's voice rose, his blood pumping into his arms, and his teeth barring. His cheeks paling and his eyes taking a turn towards a death stare. Jaune glanced towards the floor.
"It doesn't matter now. Velvet's here with Ruben." Winter felt his heart stop, turning his eyes towards the punch bowl. Wondering if what was Jaune was saying was true.
There was Velvet, punch cup in both of her hands, slowly inching her way towards Ruben. She kept her eyes to the floor, not wanting to gather any attention to herself. She stopped a good two feet from Ruben. Her cheeks bleeding into a pure flush as she stuttered with her words. Just as she typically would.
Ruben smiled, mumbling off something and making her smile in return. He turned towards her, his hand gesturing towards her dress. She pressed a hand against her cheek, turning herself away from him. Ruben laid a hand gently on her shoulder, pulling her back towards him. She met his gaze, her eyes shining as she bit her lip out of anxiety. Her knees rubbing together as Ruben talked.
Gesturing towards the dance floor.
Winter chuckled, a hand over his mouth. He was in disbelief. Ruben had a date. A real date. With a real girl.
"Ruben's with her."
"Not too late for Pyrrha. But she might already have a date." Winter piped in, glancing over across the room. Looking for her. Looking for Pyrrha. He saw her standing across the way, her hands behind her back. Jaune stood up, looking over at Winter. He have him a nod, smiling. Then a thumbs up.
"To think, I was going to tell her to ask you to the dance." Juane said, chuckling. Winter felt his eyes widen.
"What?" Winter felt his left eye twitch, his heart beating erratically. His mind skidding to a halt.
"She didn't have a date. I was going to suggest you. Since you seem to be friends with her. Anyway, better go talk to her really quick. Get a dance in. Enjoy the dance! Have fun with your date!" Jaune scurried off, chuckling softly.
Winter withheld his urge to beat Jaune to death with a table leg, and simply drown himself in the music. And endless supply of punch.
Ahh...Cherry punch sounds really good right now.
"So, that's why I had to get a new jacket." Velvet giggled, dipping her head down as she swayed softly from side to side with Ruben. Ruben chuckled, feeling her laughter warming him up. Relaxing him. Calming him. "Because of you, I ripped the sleeve off of my duster."
"I'm s-sorry." She said in a hush, her warm eyes meeting Ruben's. She smiled softly, her breathing slowing. Her cheeks flushing. She kept her gaze even with his chin, not wanting to meet his gaze. "I didn't mean to."
"Don't worry about it." Ruben mumbled, his fingers curling against her waist. Rubbing her hip through the fabric of her dress. She let out a gasp, her cheeks going tomato red. "Definitely worth it." He felt her hand on his shoulder slowly scratch his jacket, her hand gently squeezing his. Making sure he was still with her. Still real.
"Ru-Ruben?" She mumbled, her muzzle warming up immensely as she bit her lip. She wanted to feel that warmth from the other night again. Without much warning, she pressed her cheek against his chest.
She gasp sharply, hearing the heartbeat within the sturdy chest. He was strong. His heartbeat thumping softly against her ear. She felt it accelerate. She felt it keep going faster the slower they swayed.
Ruben let his hand along her waist ride along around her, his forearm resting on her lower back. His fingers curling around the other hip. Ruben laid his chin atop of her head, smiling softly as he let loose a little chuckle. This was real. This was happening.
"Ruben, my friend." A voice called out, Ruben's head turning towards Blair. Blair approached with a warm smile and a pat of the shoulder. He glanced at Ruben's cheek. Then let out a sigh. "You look hot. Been dancing too long. Go out and get some fresh air. Take a look at the moon. It's beautiful."
Ruben looked over at Blair, feeling Velvet step away from him. Hands darting to her sides as she averted her gaze from Blair. Ruben glanced at Blair, squinting his eyes. This was his moment. His time to enjoy not either being beaten or chastise for being beaten.
"I'm busy. With my-"
"It's a beautiful moon." Blair insisted, his teeth barring and his eyes narrowing. He shot a look towards the door leading outside. Blair needed Ruben to go outside. Yin would not take him seriously. Who knew how devoted to the cause Winter was.
Ruben was his only hope at this point. Sun wouldn't give him a moment to simply investigate. Not since he gave him that heart breaking story. Last time, Blair swore, he would ever catch this thing called 'feelings.' It was a hinderance to what had to be done.
"Won't believe it. The sight. Almost as White as my Fang. Look. At. It." Blair glanced over at Miss Velvet, nodding towards her. She couldn't stop staring at his horns. Her hand over her fast beating heart. "I'll keep your date company. Check out the moon."
Ruben turned towards Velvet, giving her a courtesy nod as he made headway towards the porch. He loosened his tie, and unbuttoned his jacket. He leaned on the railing, his eyes peering over the moon lit horizon.
Look at the moon.
Ruben glanced towards the destroyed looking moon, catching a glimpse of the silhouette running across the building tops. The White of Blair's Fang. Ruben wasted no time. He was in pursuit.
The CCT. Ruben couldn't help but figure at this point Blair's suspicion's were true. Hitting one of the most influential families in Remnant when no one would notice. When the security would be their only threat. Too easy. Too good of an opportunity to miss.
Ruben pulled out his scroll, his eyes glancing over the knocked out security guard in front of the tower. Whoever did this, did it stealthily. How did Ruben know? Lack of police awareness. Action. Ruben heard the sirens moments after Roman hit the dust shop. Moments after the showdown at the docks. Either Ruben was early to the party, or the person responsible was that good. That talented.
Ruben punched in his coordinates, squinting his eyes at the entrance of the doorway. It wasn't blown off with any sort of explosion. No bullet holes. No cuts or dents. It was quick and silent. Or else it would have been more obvious someone was attacked here.
The guards weren't bleeding. Weren't really stabbed or cut. Probably blunt force. Either with a club, or good old tooth and nail.
"Let's see if Jaune was right about-" There was a thunderous boom behind him, causing Ruben to jump. It was loud. It shook the ground. It made Ruben's heart stop for a brief moment.
Glynda didn't lie about the response time. They could be used while in the field.
There it was. His locker in a crater with his lovely weapon inside. It actually worked.
"Poor Jaune." Ruben muttered, recalling the little story he told about Cardin and a very similar locker. That probably not a pleasant trip. He would have to ask if it was dangerous, so he could make sure to never mention to Yin that Locker Launchers were a thing. It would be disastrous for everyone.
Ruben holstered his weapon to his belt as he rushed up the steps, to the great tower. Running over the unconscious guards. Making sure to not trip over them or accidentally stomp on them.
Ruben, much to his disappointment, had to postpone his admiration for the architecture and beauty of the tower. Making a bee line for the elevator. Ignoring the beautiful marble and well crafted columns holding up the ceiling.
This better be worth it. This lead better lead to something crucial.
Ruben flashed his scroll to the scanner, as soon as he entered drawing his weapon. His fingers hooking into the lever and cranking it.
"Hello. Welcome to-"
"Take me to the last room. The last floor. Whatever. Just take me to where the last person who used the elevator went. Immediately. That's an order." Ruben stated, digging the butt of his weapon into his shoulder. Staring down the bead at the end of the barrel. If he was to suddenly be rushed, they'll be riddled with buckshot.
"Yes, sir Mister Thorn." The elevator took off, rising to the appropriate floor. Ruben laid against the cold steel walls, shutting his eyes for a brief moment.
He held Velvet. Like...actually held her in his arms. He smiled, chuckling to himself. She leaned against him. Laughed with him. Enjoyed her time with him. Danced with him.
It was perfect. Just like he wanted it to be.
Despite it lasting for a few moments. He'll treasure that brief moment always.
The doors opened with a ding, Ruben stepping into the room. The bright monitors blinding for a moment. Whoever was in here, needed to use the facilities. For what? Well, Ruben was determined to find out.
The skyline still that midnight dark purple. The moon illuminating the floor with a layer of white against the red and black carpet. The room light's just the monitors and the very bright moon. Ruben ran his bead over the room, squinting his eyes. Looking for any movement. Any sort of quick action.
"You're really messing with my personal time. So...let's just get this over with." Ruben stated, flexing his hands. That's when he saw the figure stand. With narrow shoulders, cascading black hair, and milky white skin. Her eyes striking and her lips curled into a smile.
The leather she wore reminiscent of some comic Yin would read far too often. The leather pants hugged her thighs, her vest unzipped into a deep enough V so that Ruben could see-
Ruben shook his head, the sound of her tall heels clicking against the floor drowning her body out of his mind. The black masquerade she wore obscuring her face. Her gloves running clear up to her elbows. She looked at him with a playful sort of curiosity. Sizing him up. Wondering if he was such a threat.
"Lose the mas-" She threw her arm back, these crystals appearing from nothing and hovering before her. She reeled her arm in the opposite direction and threw them right at Ruben. The emerald shards coming at him in a flash.
Ruben's eyes widened as he began firing shots. The beads of his shattering the crystal shards before they got too close. Breaking them and turning them into dust. The figure smirked, flipping her hair back as she remained in her spot.
Ruben sent several shells her way, the flurry of beads coming at her fast. She now was very happy to see that. Her lips curling into a devious smile.
She let out a disappointed sigh to follow, raising only one of her hands. The beads stopping full force before they hit, then dropped suddenly to the floor wherever her hand waved to. Ruben let out a roar, flipping his weapon back and letting it uncompress into it's scythe form. Time to get physical.
The figure jumped back, a dash of red and white following her hand as an odd metal piece appeared in her left hand. It was bent slightly, resembling an unstrung bow. Ruben reeled back and swung, the scythe head inches away from the figure's stomach. She jumped back, rolling over her shoulders and digging her palms into the floor. Not even a moment later, she pushed herself off of her hands and up into the air.
With her right hand, she eased her arm back as she would if she was firing a bow. Then three arrows materialized into her weapon, left eye shut as she loosed them. The three crashed against Ruben's chest and exploded upon impact, sending him across the room and crashing against the wall. His weapon slipping out of his hands and stabbing the wall beside him. His shoulders banging against the wall as his legs dragged against the floor.
The figure readied to loose another arrow, ready to finish Ruben off just as the elevator door opened. Out walked a man in a white suit and golden cuffs. With black hair, gray on the sides. Just as gray as Ruben's hair. With a stony face and dead set eyes. The figure ran, Ruben laying against the in pain.
Ruben groaned, glancing up at General Ironwood. He saluted him out of respect, before letting out a sigh.
"Arrest me. Kill me. Do whatever. Just don't tell Glynda. I know I won't survive that." Ruben heaved out, resting a hand against his possibly cracked ribs. Those arrows hurt. The General walked off, ordering men to pursue the mysterious figure.
Ruben glanced at the monitor, squinting his eyes as he could barley make out the symbol on the screen.
A black queen's check piece. Ruben thought of them taking that queen and knocking out of his knights. That knight of his now laying against a wall, spirit breaking and his chest hurting. Making connections to a board game while the General wondered who broke into the CCT.
Ruben chuckled softly, shaking his head. He leaned it back, the General's heavy boots moving closer to him. The laughing got louder.
"Young man-"
"They played their queen too early." Ruben smirked, glancing over at the General. He raised a brow, wondering what the young man was mumbling about. Ruben pointed at the screen, chuckling harder. "They think they're smart. Playing her early. Jokes on them..."
Ruben curled his hands into fists. His eyes beginning to kindle the fire brewing. He glanced at the General, his smirk almost making the older man feel nervous. Feel scared.
"It's my move now."