Shirou has left his newfound home at Beacon and friends behind to seek out Gilgamesh. With a clue dropped into his lap he finds himself on course for a nightclub of questionable background. However, that night he is not the only one seeking answers from the dubious establishment…

The car pulled up to the building, paying the driver for the ride, Shirou waved him off. Despite being so far outside the club, Shirou could already hear the music. The building was quite large, if he had to guess, it had once been a warehouse of some sort and repurposed into a nightclub. Sighing heavily, he made his way over.

Based on the number of vehicles outside it must have been a popular time of night. The front entrance looked more like vault doors than those of a bar…considering they deal in stolen weapons he figured he shouldn't be surprised. The front door had two large burly men wearing dark black suits devoid of any other color save the red of their ties and sunglasses. They didn't even question his presence as Shirou walked right in. With his red and black sports jacket and blue jeans he probably fit right in.

That's right…I am just here to party.

The music blared as he entered the building; taking the stairs leading down into a large dance room filled with party goers. Despite the upbeat music you could really dance to, there was a noticeable lack of real color to be found. Everything from the glass floor, strobe lights above and oddly decorative pillars were either black or white. At regular intervals the color scheme would switch and bathe the room in an ominous red glow…but as far as he could tell, those were the three lone lighting tones selected for the club.

Shirou was at a loss for words as he eyed the booth in the distance. The man DJing for the club was identical to the guards outside from the neck down…however on his head was an enormous red and black bear helmet. The face of the man inside could be seen through the open mouth. No one else seemed to bat and eye so Shirou just lowered his head and moved on.

Laguna had mentioned he'd gotten the sword from the owner, a man named Junior. Shirou spotted his target almost instantly, one of the few NOT wearing a jacket though he still had the rest of the suit attire underneath. He had dark hair and a full beard, based on the fringes of wrinkles forming around his eyes Shirou guessed him to be nearing forty years old.

Trying to stay unnoticed, Shirou approached the bar; leaning taking a seat atop one of the stools before realizing Junior was in the middle of a discussion with a man with red hair dressed in a white coat and bowler hat. He was leaning on and twirling a cane as they spoke.

"They're some of my best, I assure you."

"Yea yea, save the speeches buddy I am a very busy man," the tall man remarked haughtily. "As long as they can get the job done, just send them my way, payment will be at the usual spot."

Junior only sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose wearily.

"Fine, just take em."

"Pleasure as always," with that final word, he sauntered off, whistling merrily all the way out the door.

"Rough night?" Shirou asked the groaning owner as he slumped over the bar.

"You have no idea," he glanced over, looking Shirou up and down. "What's a kid like you doing here?"

"Looking for information," he replied bluntly. "I hear you're the man to talk to about swords of exquisite quality."

Junior raised an eyebrow, waving off a pair of girls who had been coming up behind him. He was interested now.

"Who wants to know?"

"The name's Shirou…and I am looking for where you got this."

Shirou produced one of Velvet's photos from within his jacket. It was the one she had taken just before his confrontation against Laguna. With the updated auto feature, her camera had taken several before the fight…he only needed one for his mission and would return it later. Junior took the photo, eyeing it up and down. His expression never changed from a dull fascination.

"Doesn't ring a bell," he finally answered, returning the picture.

Shirou stared flatly back. "Really? Because the current owner mentioned his purchase was from here…and I happen to know the original owner would never have parted with it easily."

"Dunno what to say kid, that sword looked pretty old, could be you're mistaken."

"Mista..?" Shirou started before being bumped by another patron making their way to the bar. The newcomer stepped right between them, interrupting his investigation.

"Strawberry Sunrise…no ice, oh and one of those little umbrellas."

Junior and Shirou both simultaneously stared at the woman standing in front of them. She was clearly looking to be noticed as she had ordered just loud enough to catch their attention…and her outfit spoke louder.

From top to bottom she was wearing an orange scarf around her neck and a tan jacket leaving her midriff bare and a low-cut yellow crop top beneath. She wore the shortest pants Shirou had ever seen below a brown belt with odd matching flaps on either side giving it a skirt vibe though they barely covered her legs ending in knee-high boots. Her hair was less blonde and more blazing gold cascading down her back towards her waist. Her wide lilac eyes were absolutely entrancing.

That is….a lot of hair…

"What is with the kids in my club today," Junior groaned. "Aren't you a little young to be in this club, Blondie?"

The girl turned her head towards him with a giggle, ignoring Shirou except for a quick apologetic wink.

"Aren't you a little old to have a name like Junior?"

"You know who I am too?" He was not having a good night. "You got a name sweetheart?"

"Yes Junior, I've got several," she teased, leaning in close to the club owner. "But instead of sweetheart, you can just call me SIR!"

In a single quick motion she lashed out, grabbing Junior's crotch with what sounded like a powerful grip clamping down on him. Junior's eyes practically shot out of his head in pain as he leaned forward towards her out of reflex. Even Shirou instinctively flinched, subtly crossing his legs.

"Just give me a minute hun, thanks" she smiled at Shirou who stared blankly, not knowing how to react. "People say you know everything." Yang produced her scroll with the image of a woman with long black hair. "Tell me where I can find her and I'll let you go."

Wonder if that would have worked for me.

"I've…never seen her before…I swear," Junior answered, his voice several octaves higher than usual.

"Excuse me?" The girl demanded, her grip tightening.

"I swear…SIR!"

"And what about the sword?" Shirou stepped in, not about to miss a chance at free information. "Who did you get it from?"

"I…I can't," Junior started before a squeezing sound alerted them that Yang had tightened her grip. "Th-the White Fang," He admitted immediately. "S-some fanatic with bull horns, red hair and a sword, he sold it to me a few weeks back for a hefty sum…though I gouged that rich boy for more."

"And where can I find him?"

The blonde girl seemed to be absolutely enjoying the club owner's torment. Despite the fact she had received the information she sought, her grip remained tight for Shirou's questions.

"Dunno, he moves a lot…but I know he needed some supplies…going to hit the Kingdom Industrial Train passing through on the way to Atlas this afternoon…I swear…SIR!"

"Hmmm, looks like we have an audience." Yang whispered in his ear. "This must be kind of embarrassing for you huh? Awkwaaaard."

Only then did Shirou realize that every suit-clad attendee on the dance floor had taken an interest in their exchange. They were all armed with weapons ranging from fire axes and red machetes to pistols. Each of them was trained on the blonde girl and himself, just waiting for an opening when they didn't have to worry about hitting their boss.

"Listen…Blondie…SIR; if you and your boyfriend want to make it out of this club alive…I suggest you let me go…NOW!"

"What? We're not…"

She released her grip on Junior with a smile, acting as if she had done absolutely nothing wrong. The older man gasped a sigh of relief, his face was absolutely fuming.

"You'll both pay for that," he groaned, standing to his full height, he started heading towards his men. Shirou noticed he slipped on a pair of red sunglasses similar to the others in the room…no doubt trying to hide how bloodshot his eyes had gotten straining in the blonde girl's vice-like grip.

"Oh Junior, I was just playing with you," she continued acting sweet as honey, slipping her hands behind her back as if she was a kid apologizing for tracking mud through the house. "Don't be so sensitive."

She followed Junior to the middle of the dance floor, Shirou keeping pace beside her upon realizing all of the henchmen, bouncers and shady-looking individuals were slowly surrounding them.

"Come on, let's kiss and make up okay?"

"Huh?" Shirou and Junior muttered simultaneously, both quite confused…what did she just ask him to do?

"Uh…okay," Junior agreed, his eyes clearly running up and down the beautiful stranger's body. Shirou had to agree she was quite attractive, yet had to be half the suited-man's age at most. He shook his head at Junior's complete willingness to go along with it. The two closed their eyes and started leaning closer, lips puckered in preparation.

Not how I expected the day to begin. But as long as peace is kept, then we can get out of here and I can find this…

Shirou's naïve plans shattered as a moment before their lips met, the golden-haired beauty's right fist suddenly appeared, barreling into Junior's face. It had been so fast Shirou could barely follow it. The beaten and humiliated club owner blasted backwards, shattering one of the glass pillars producing the ambient light.

Shirou and the girl immediately fell back to back; the gathered room of underground fighters-for hire cocked their guns and prepared their swords. A fight was now inevitable as they awaited word that their boss was alright.

"Was that truly necessary?" Shirou chastised.

"Way more fun this way, though you are free to kiss him if you want…the name's Yang by the way." As she introduced herself, the girl fell into a fighting stance, drawing Shirou's attention to the golden bracelets on her wrists now unfolding into intimidating gauntlets.

"...Shirou," he replied slowly, eyes locked on her armaments.

Ember Celica, he scanned over the revealed weapons, their name and function becoming known to him. Fires concealed high impact shells, no swords…but an impressive design nonetheless.

"I hope you can fight," Yang called back. Based on her tone of voice she was absolutely loving the situation they found themselves in. "Got any weapons?"

Shirou glanced around their soon-to be attackers. They were numerous, but that appeared to be it. Their machetes and fire axes were subpar mass produced weapons at best, and judging from their stances there were no masters among them. He focused on the best way of fighting while limiting potential injuries.

"You could say that, trace…on!"

In each of Shirou's hands formed replicas of the red machetes currently being waved towards them. Due to their low-quality his copies were nearly identical to those being wielded by their opponents. Even if he scored direct hits, their auras should protect them.

Yang whistled, clearly impressed as she watched them shimmer into existence.

"Get them!" Junior called out, still nursing a headache as he attempted to stand.

At his command, the collection of bodyguards charged. Shirou lowered his stance and prepared to fight…until he felt Yang's hand on his collar.

"Up we go!" She cried, dragging Shirou high into the air with her as she leapt nearly to the ceiling. Shirou took note that none of the ruffians attempted to follow her up, likely being unable to match her movements. "Wait there."

Yang threw Shirou up higher as she wound back her fist, plummeting to the floor in a colossal dive. With a chipper smile on her face she slammed into the ground, causing a ripple effect and lifting the entire group of attackers off their feet and sailing in all directions. As gravity regained its hold on the young man, he spun in midair, landing several feet beside his new ally.

A fire billowed out from where she had impacted, yet generated no heat. Combined with her unshakable confidence, she was quite intimidating. Even the numerically superior goons hesitated before rushing them again.

Did those flames come from her?

She took the initiative, with enthusiastic gusto the girl took off, barreling into the waves of men. Her movements were tempered and calculated; one by one she delivered devastating upper cuts, right hooks and combos sending her opponents flying. With each blow, Shirou spotted a miniature explosion emerge from her gauntlets as she timed firing her weapon with each attack. Their numerical superiority appeared to be utterly worthless against her.

Shirou sidestepped the first three men who had targeted him, the room seeming to have been split in half as to which went after Yang with the rest focusing on him. Wielding his weapons, he expertly parried each of them before dropping down and clipping their legs out from under them. Jumping up he kicked the first through a nearby wall, the second he punched with the handle of his sword, knocking him out cold.

That was easy…do these guys even have aura?

Another wave rushed Shirou as he scrambled to keep ahead of them, leading the gang around a surviving pillar having just rotated to a red glow. A group of men in the back trained their pistols on him, firing in alternating patterns while avoiding their own fighters.

Shirou flipped around the first wave, twirling the pair of weapons in his hands to deflect what bullets he could not dodge. Using the pillar to limit their line of sight, he worked to incapacitate each one. He caught the first in the chest as he rounded the corner, a follow-up knee to the face as he doubled over in pain. With a push he sent him tumbling into the next attacker who barely had time to raise his axe before both of Shirou's blades collided with it, sending them flying into the far-off wall. As three more opponents rushed him, he crisscrossed his blades to catch all three before they could hit him.

Glancing across the room, it appeared Yang was doing just as well. Already there were unconscious bodies littering the dance floor, like him she was only aiming to incapacitate. She was so focused on her fight she did not seem to notice the DJ in the background had stopped performing and was leaning over his booth with an automatic machine gun.

"Yang!" Shirou called out his impromptu ally's name. He was too far to help her.

In a flash, the DJ's booth came under fire, a hail of bullets shattered the windows and even destroyed the weapon in his hand. The outgunned artist ducked low, the fight clearly knocked out of him.

Oh no, Shirou groaned as he recognized the ammo. Fearing the worst he turned towards the door.

Velvet was standing at the entrance, a replica of Coco's gatling gun still spinning as she rained devastation down upon the room. The remaining henchmen fell to their bellies or fled behind cover at the unforgiving barrage. Upon locking his eyes onto hers, he witnessed something he thought he may never see.

Despite aiming at the men throughout the room…Velvet's eyes were scowling squarely at his…she was angry.

How did she find me? Shirou asked over and over again. Alas he did not have time to ponder the answers yet. Velvet had pinned down the bulk of the henchman, however as he and Yang regrouped upon realizing they were clear, he spotted two girls saunter towards them. Apparently they had held back to give the others a chance to prove themselves…they did not look impressed.

"Melanie, who are these two?" She looked them up and down, subtly winking at Shirou.

"I don't know Miltia," the other replied in the identical flat, uncaring tone. "But we should teach them a lesson. A shiver ran up Shirou's spine as she winked at him in the exact same way as the first.

They were twins clearly, nearly identical in every way down to their dark hair and makeup choice. The only real difference was their chosen hair styles and colors of their strapless dresses…until Shirou spotted their weapons.

The girl in red, Miltia apparently, wielded a pair of razor-sharp long red claws mounted to each wrist. Shirou made sure to add them to his repertoire, they may come in handy if he got struck in combat too close for standard weapons.

Her sister, Melanie, did not have any obvious weapons; it took the young man a moment to realize her shoes were weapons themselves. Affixed to each ivory heel was an incredibly sharp blade, both she and her sister's armaments were easily superior to everyone in the club he had seen.

Blades on her high heels…I can use that if I need t…

Shirou instantly slapped himself for even considering tracing a pair of high-heeled shoes…he must have been more fatigued than he'd thought.

Yang just smiled at her new opponents, with a flick of her arms she jettisoned the spent shells from her gauntlets she had used in her own fights. Pulling out a fresh string of ammunition with each hand, she tossed them in the air, catching them perfectly with her arms so that they wrapped around her gauntlets, locking into place with a fresh reload.

"Dibs on the one in the tacky footwear," she gleefully called.

"Fair enough," Shirou agreed, focusing on the ruby fighter with the claws.

The girls split, the one in the white dress cartwheeling towards Yang while the one with the crimson claws flew towards Shirou. He managed to cross his blades, catching her strike before it could reach him. The craftsmanship on her weapons was top notch, his red machetes cracked under their pressure, one snapping clean in half. Shirou kicked off the ground, knocking her back with a spin kick to buy some space.

Miltia recovered quickly, racing towards him, her claws extended and ready to strike. Shirou tossed away his cracked and broken constructs, allowing them to scatter to the winds. She was good…but if he used a noble phantasm against her it would be overkill.

She's better than the others by a mile, Shirou strategized as he continued to dance around her blows. She was quite fast and several scrapped off his shimmering light-blue aura. In the distance he could see Yang struggling somewhat with the kick-based martial arts of her sister, but she was making progress nonetheless. I don't have time for this!

"Trace…on!"

Shirou caught her claws in the grooves of two daggers he had created. They weren't noble phantasms or named weapons…merely twin sword-breaker daggers invented during the Renaissance era of history. As the name suggested, they were built to parry and break long swords or those of similar makes...and Miltia's claws were long enough to almost qualify for swords themselves.

The well-dressed fighter immediately withdrew her claws, confused by the new weapons. Spinning around she performed a high kick towards Shirou's head. He ducked low under her leg, moving to advance on her, blades spinning in his hands. Miltia brought her claws up, slashing for his face.

Shirou leaned back just enough to avoid them, crossing his daggers together he hooked the blades of her left claw between them. With a sharp pull he shattered them instantly, removing one of her weapons, though it also cost him his own that broke simultaneously under the pressure.

"Just one more," he threatened, having already summoned two more sword breakers…ready to strike again.

Miltia grimaced, glancing to the other battle going on for backup, Yang was now brawling against her boss Junior, Melanie groaned across the room lying flat on the ground…beaten by the golden girl. With a grunt, Miltia retreated, prioritizing her sister over continuing their fight. With a relieved sigh, Shirou lowered his weapons.

The henchmen had fled the scene, the club interior was ruined and Yang seemed to have the owner well in hand. His weapon of choice appeared to be a rocket launcher that doubled as a baseball bat…Shirou's new friend was ducking and weaving around them with utter ease. Despite this, Shirou started to run over to assist her.

A small but sturdy hand gripped his wrist…he was too late.

"YOU!" Velvet shouted, pointing a finger right in his face.

"Now is not the best time!" Shirou attempted to explain, she wasn't hearing any of it. "Yang is…"

"Don't change the subject! I thought we meant more to you than this! But to just sneak out of the school without a word!? That is grounds for suspension at best…but that you snuck out to start a warzone in a club…expulsion at worst! Don't you care what this could do to you?"

"This is bigger than you think!"

"I was sure you'd come back…I almost missed the last flight to Vale waiting for you! Who would watch your back then?"

As they argued Junior suddenly went sailing over their heads, the two ducked without even acknowledging his presence. Apparently Yang's fight with him was going quite well as the weapon he held in his hands had been shattered by her latest blow…only the hilt remained. The battered fighter stumbled to his feet, suddenly realizing he held several strands of gold hair in his other hand…having accidentally pulled them free when trying to grab his opponent.

The two glanced back at Yang who only just then realized the damage he had inflicted to her mane of golden hair. Her eyes were glowing bright red in stark contrast to the lilac they had been before, she looked enraged. Clenching her fists tightly, she pumped her arms towards her sides…the entire area surrounding her burst into flames as if to match her current mental state. Velvet's eyes went wide, knowing the hell that could be unleashed from messing with a girl's hair.

"RUN!" She screamed, grabbing Shirou by the wrist, she sprinted for the nearest window dragging him along. Junior did not seem to realize his predicament as he stared woozily at the golden inferno barreling his way. He barely even realized what happened as her fist collided with his face.

The club owner was sent sailing through the window, Shirou and Velvet barely jumping out in time to avoid the explosion caused by her attack. Billowing flames followed them, the heat licking at their heels as it engulfed the entirety of the interior of the once-hopping club. Side-by side, the two tucked and rolled, landing gracefully outside.

"Velvet!" Shirou turned to his partner now that he had a spare moment. "What are you do…?"

Shirou's head snapped to the left as Velvet slapped him clean across the face.

"THAT was for leaving Beacon without so much as a word!"

Before he could utter a work he was slapped on the opposite cheek.

"And THAT was for thinking I wouldn't notice!"

"You…can't be here!" He asserted, rubbing his sore face. "It's too dangerous, if you or Coco or Yatsuhashi came along you'd just…"

"Get hurt?" Velvet interrupted again, still fuming. "Yet you expect us to just sit back while you take on this…Gilgamesh character alone?"

Shirou's expression flattened at her mention of his name, smacking his forehead with a groan at his stupidity, he came to the logical conclusion.

"You…heard me?"

The ears on her head twitched in response.

"Did you really think moving a few feet away or being on the other side of a door would help against these? I hear everything...all the time!" She pointed at her rabbit ears, face still flat and focused, her annoyance of Shirou's actions abundantly clear. "I had HOPED you would tell us when you trusted us! Clearly I thought too highly of you!"

"It was never about trust! You don't know what he can do; he will kill anyone he thinks may get in his way!"

"You're right; I don't know what he can do…because you haven't told me!"

"Do the others know we're here?"

Velvet huffed. "As if I could hide ANYTHING from Coco. They agreed to cover for us for the weekend only. If we're not back by Sunday night they go to Professor Ozpin."

She failed to mention the part where Coco joked that it was okay to elope with him if the chance arose…she hid a growing blush on her face at the memory.

Shirou restrained further chastising, though it was with great effort. He had no idea how far back the chain of owners would lead to Gilgamesh. "He'd intended to continue until he found him, however long it took…finding him before weekends end was probably unlikely.

"You can't come with me, you have to leave"

Velvet crossed her arms over her chest, feet planted in the ground.

"Make me." Shirou's hope to grow her confidence had worked too well.

"I think she got you beat tiger," Yang remarked, emerging from the wreckage that had once been the nightclub. Her appearance was somehow as spotless as it was when she'd first entered.

"Yang?" Another voice called out beyond the parking lot. A small girl stepped out from behind a dumpster. "Is that you?"

She was clearly younger than Shirou, wearing a long black blouse with matching skirt. He could tell from the sleeves and skirt as they fluttered in the wind that it had red trim inside. She wore a red hooded cloak that sent a shiver up his spine; with the way it was clasped to her dress with a pair of crosses on either shoulder it eerily reminded him of Archer…could it simply be an impossible coincidence?

"Oh…hey sis!" She called out cheerily.

Sis? Shirou questioned as he looked between them. Compared to Yang's curly blonde hair, provocative combat attire and mature build, the new girl was slim, fair skinned with short dark hair that she seemed to have dyed red at the tips and her dress was far more conservative. Even their eye color was different, with Yang's vibrant lilac and the newcomers hauntingly beautiful silver. He could not see a single point of resemblance between them.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, clearly having been out looking for her.

"Yang and Shirou glanced at each other awkwardly before looking back to her sister.

"That's…a long story."

"Well, dad is going to want to hear that long story."

Yang acted almost like she didn't hear her sister. "So, I suppose you two are going to be hitting that industrial train?"

Shirou glanced up at the mention of Junior's words of where the previous owner could be found. He had to admit, he had no idea where the industrial train was or how to catch up to it.

Yang sighed heavily before turning to the young girl.

"Just stall dad a few more hours, I sort of owe these two a favor."

"But…"

"Don't worry Ruby; I'll be back by morning, promise. Say hello to Zwei for me. Hop on you two."

Yang mounted the bright yellow motorcycle parked out front…as if it could have been anyone else's but hers.

"I never said she could come wi…"

Velvet smacked him upside the head; he had no chance of winning that battle.

"The way I see it," she crossed her arms again, putting her face right up into his. "You can either drag me back to Beacon…or let me come with you." Yang was glaring at Shirou over her sunglasses, shaking her head back and forth to convey she would NOT assist with the former option.

Shirou massaged the bridge of his nose; they didn't have time for this.

"I don't...want you to get hurt."

Velvet's pouting scowl deepened. "I am not helpless...I have the weapons of just about every student in our class saved up, plus the ones you gave me. I've upgraded my projector over the last few weeks, I've even gotten stronger at..."

"Fine, fine," he relented, hopping onto the bike behind Yang, motioning for her to join him. "But if you are coming with us...you'll…need to understand who and what we are after…I'll tell you what I can on the way."

Shirou was forced to press up as close to Yang as he could and Velvet to him so they could fit though it was still very tight. Hesitantly he gripped the blonde-brawlers sturdy waist…she had more muscles than he did. Shirou went rigid upon Velvet wrapping her arms around his torso, he could feel her shaking.

"Hang on back there," Yang called out as she revved up the engine. "Keep all arms, legs and other assorted appendages inside the vehicle at all times and do make your best effort to refrain from getting too handsy with our lovely passengers…that means you too." Yang gave a coy wink to Velvet through her mirror.

Velvet's shakes grew even more obvious.

With a burst of speed, each one tightened their grips as the motorcycle took off into the night, they would have to really move to reach the train in time. Shirou glanced back at the young hooded girl watching them ride off, looking aggravated that she had to make it back on foot.

What a fascinating weapon, Shirou remarked, having noticed the oddly shaped construct hidden expertly beneath her cloak. "Crescent Rose…"

One clue leads to another as Shirou follows the trail, no longer alone. To ensure his partner survives, he bears his past and soul…revealing the intricacies of another world…As always, Read and Review…but most of all Enjoy! :)