"Are you sure Uncle was right about the girl in red?"

"Of course he is! Just keep your eyes peeled. One of our guys reported seeing her running across some rooftops in this area. We find her, nab her, and Blondie will come running."

"Oh. Okay then…"

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Well obviously something's wrong."

"...It's just…Look, don't get me wrong, I wanna get back at her and all…But don't you think this is going a bit too far?"

"What do ya mean?"

"I don't know. I'm perfectly fine giving that Yang chick some good old fashion Xiong hospitality, but something doesn't feel right about taking her sister too. She's innocent. And well, Uncle's…Uncle. So I don't think he'll just let Red go scot-free afterwards."

"Miltia, don't go and get all soft on me right now. Besides, if Uncle wants to kill people willy-nilly then fine by me. I mean, just look at these new dresses! If he buys more things like these, then I don't care what he has us do."

"Yeah…I guess they are pretty and all…"

"Oh lighten up. It's not like... wait, there! Look!"

"Is that her?"

"No. It's some other kid running around with a giant red cape. Of course it's her! Move!"

"…Maybe dad was right. Maybe I don't have the stomach for family work… Hold up sis!"

WWWWWWWW

As Yang braked hard just before she hit the curved, she felt Weiss squeeze all the air out of her lungs as she held on to dear life. And Yang removed her helmet and tried to get off her bike, but also found she was being anchored.

She looked behind her to see Weiss, still clutching onto the bike by her feet and still squeezing Yang by the stomach. She had giant white circles for eyes, her teeth seemed to be chattering at the speed of sound, and her hair had turned messy and free flowing.

"Um, you okay there?" Yang asked.

Weiss slowly nodded her head, still not letting go.

"Then do you mind letting go of me?" She asked with more annoyed tone.

Later, after helping Weiss calm herself, the two had to walk through the abandoned neighborhood for a little bit before arriving at their destination. Beacon's Tide, an old recruiting station for Beacon academy, that Yang had decided they should walk quietly in and not tell whoever was there that they'd arrived with her loud motorcycle.

When they arrived at the fairly large building, made from white brick and painted with waves in various places, the two stopped to prepare and let Weiss catch her breath. Though is seems even tired out already, Weiss still had plenty to say.

"You know, this place is pretty barren. It might even have something to do with those police officers, who were setting up a perimeter." Weiss scolded.

"Sweetheart, I get the feeling you're trying to tell me something." Yang tried to say in a very bad masculine voice. Though when Weiss didn't respond to Yang's intentional smartass remark, she stopped loading Ember Celica and put away any extra ammo to find Weiss giving a glare that could pierce into your soul.

"Uh...point taken." Yang said, suddenly very afraid of her partner.

She quickly broke off from Weiss's killer stare, taking a moment to look around at the normally poor and thug filled neighborhood (though she could still feel those cold, crushing eyes). It was a little odd everyone was just gone, and Yang suspect something had to be up if there was a barricade blocking the way. But this is were Pippi mentioned she'd find Blake, so to hell with why the place was being blocked off and abandoned.

They might not even get into any trouble considering Yang was speeding by so fast. I mean sure, maybe they could've identified her when they jumped over that patrol car... or when they blasted through that condemned building... or maybe when she flipped the bird to that one fat guy she didn't like-

"Are you even listening to me?" Weiss suddenly broke through Yang's thoughts. Apparently she'd been trying to lecture.

Yang just shrugged and went back to loading up her weapons. "Not really."

She heard the slap sound of Weiss face palming and groaning. Yang just started grinning.

"Why do I bother?" Weiss asked to no one in particular.

"Beats me. But if I were you, I'd straighten yourself out and take some cover when I storm that place." Yang motioned her head towards the ominous old building looming across the street.

"I can fight. I'm left handed anyway, and I can still summon glyphs with my right." Weiss started messing with her hair, trying to put it back into an off centered ponytail.

"Glyphs? You mean the magic dohickies that some people can summon?" Yang asked, now finished loading up.

Weiss rolled her eyes as she said, "Yes. That is my semblance." She then raised a brow. "What about you?"

Yang popped her knuckles. She felt a smug grin forming on her face.

"Let's just say there's a reason why I'm not too cold without my vest."

Just to show off, Yang focused her aura into her lungs. She took a deep breath, then exhaled a tiny stream of fire. Weiss jumped in surprise, but quickly regained her composer with a grin.

"Not bad, Torch." She commented.

Yang had to wait for Weiss to check all of the Dust containers in her bizarre looking sword to see if they were full. It only took a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.

Fatigue was finally starting to set in, and even with adrenaline starting to resurface, Yang's eyes were beginning to feel a bit heavy. The only thing keeping her going was the hope that Ruby was in there. No more running around, and no more fears of Ruby being tortured. No. Yang would find her here. Ruby will be fine. Ruby will be safe.

Yang kept repeating these thoughts to herself as she and Weiss now made their way to the front entrance. They walked side by side, and Yang was truly thankful she had someone to back her up; Even if it was some chick that fell from the sky, it's still nice to have a guardian angel.

Hm. Snow Angel. That's not a bad nickname. I mean it's no Torch, but that's not half bad. Yang thought to herself.

As Yang was considering Weiss's new nickname, both girls stopped to look up at the little archway sign leading to the stairs going up to front doors. It said,

Welcome new students! Welcome to Beacon's Tide! Your tide, to Beacon pride!

Yang rolled her eyes. "Man. It doesn't matter what kind of school they are, they always find some way to make everything sound lame." A thought suddenly ran through Yang's head, and she tried not to snicker.

"Guess you could say these people just like to, go with the flow!"

Yang went into a fit of loud laughter. She also was readying herself for Weiss's retaliation at her bad joke.

But it never came. After a moment of nothing, Yang stopped laughing to look over and find her friend was looking at the ground. Her arms were crossed tightly, as though she were trying hugging herself.

Yang put a hand on Weiss's shoulder, shaking her some. "Oh come on, it wasn't that bad of a joke."

Weiss shook her head. She unfolded her arms and pointed around both of their feet. Flowers, candles, unopened letters, photographs, and all sorts of mementos were laying around the entrance. Suddenly Yang felt a cold chill flow through her, giving her goosebumps.

"This is a sacred place to many. I think I remember something about when Beacon Academy was destroyed, these shuttle ports became sacred around all of the four kingdoms. A monument to all fallen hunters." Yang saw Weiss's eyes starting to look watery, and she was clenching her fists. "What kind of monster turns such a sacred place into a some kind of base to commit crimes? Have they no shame or sense of honor and respect?"

As Yang looked around more, she could see someone had broken some of the photos. She could see some of the flowers had been shredded. Some of the letters had been thrown into small piles and burned recently.

Yang took away her hand from Weiss's shoulder. She now stared up the small staircase into Beacon's Tide. She could feel her hair warming, and she started shaking in anger. "The same kind of people who would take a innocent little girl as bait. Someone who kills innocents and claims it to be for justice."

Somewhere in the distance, Yang could hear a noise that sounded like shots being fired. But she didn't care, she went on talking. Not even Weiss really seemed to take notice of the sounds.

"A monster that I've had enough of. This is going to end. This bitch is going to pay. God as my witness, she will pay!"

WWWWWWWW

Blake slowed down as they approached their destination. They were only a few rooftops away from this shuttle hangar the police mentioned.

"So, was that your semblance?" Ruby asked as she caught up.

Blake nodded. Both girls were walking side by side now to their destination. A simple walk considering all the roofs of these buildings were connected together.

"Well I think it's awesome! I mean, did you see the way you just walked out in front of that guy, and then another you just came outta nowhere and choked him out?! It was so cool! I'm still kinda conflicted if we needed to knock out that cop, but still, awesome!"

Blake could feel her cheeks blushing with embarrassment. Something she's come to realize: Ruby loves to give compliments and praise.

I can't even remember the last time I got this much praise and attention. It's been so long...Wait, is she still talking?

Blake glanced to her right, noticing that Ruby was still going. She wasn't even checking to see if Blake was listening or for even a response. She also kept changing from shiny eyes, to watery eyes, to big white circles, to angry marks. She was also flailing her arms around everywhere, and Blake could've sworn Ruby's voice was starting to get higher and higher in pitch.

Blake just rolled her eyes.

She's nuts, can drive me insane, and is by far the strangest person I've ever meet. I'd like to think I've got a pretty good hand on my emotions, but Ruby? Ruby just lets things fly. Maybe I admire that about her. She just acts like herself. Maybe I should loosen up like her...

Blake glanced over to Ruby again to see she'd become very cartoon like, small, and flying.

Yeah... maybe not.

Somewhere in distance, Blake could clearly make out the sound of something coming to a screeching halt. Something with an engine most likely.

Sounds like someone's having fun.

Blake could feel her ears perk. Something else was making noise too. A very soft tapping noise.

Sounds like cheap high heels.

Blake searched with just her eyes, though she couldn't spot anything in front of the duo. She thought about getting Ruby's attention about being followed, but she was oblivious. Plus Blake didn't want to do anything to alert their followers.

Then wind changed, giving Blake the perfect opportunity. She took a deep breath through her nose to search for a scent. She did find it after a few quick sniffs, and when she did, it took all her will power to not gag on it.

Egh! Two of them maybe? Hard to tell since they're both wearing air piss. God I hate makeup and perfume. It always just screws with my senses. Well at least I now know they're behind us. Coming from the left, and fast. Maybe I can get the jump on them. On the count of three, I'll subtly draw Gambol Shroud, turn it into pistol form, and quick shoot. Shoot first, question the corpse.

"Did I really just think that?" Blake mumbled under breath.

Guess old habits die hard.

Their admirers were getting closer, and Ruby was still oblivious.

One...

Blake casually started running her hand through her hair...

Two...

Heading straight for her weapon...

Thr-

Ruby turned on a dime, drawing her weapon. She got into a firing stance and was looking straight down the sight of rifle, and loaded a bullet into the chamber. All of this happening in one swift motion.

Blake, still a bit startled by Ruby, clumsily drew her weapon out of it's sheath and into gun form. She turned to see two girls in dresses stopped dead in their tracks thanks to Ruby. One in red, and one in white.

"You knew we were being followed?" Blake hissed.

"Well yeah. I was acting like an idiot so they didn't suspect anything; make them think I didn't know they've been following us for about twenty minutes. Sorry you had to listen to all that. Wait, did you know too?" Ruby whispered back.

Blake didn't bother answering. Her eyes focused on the two girls. Red had claws, and White had those obnoxious loud high heels.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Ruby shouted at them.

The two started whispering to each other, but Blake could easily hear what they were saying.

"So much for that."

"Just follow my lead."

White stepped forward, hands raised.

"We just wanna talk."

Ruby and Blake exchanged a glance. Blake kept shaking her head, but Ruby didn't seem to take the hint.

"Alright." She shouted over to Red and White. "But no funny business!

Everything about this screamed trap. Only two types of people followed you in Blake's experiences: People you know, and people who want to kill you.

And Blake didn't know these girls.

Ruby kept her rifle in hand, but she was standing up and had it pointing to the side. Blake had drawn her sheath in one hand and the pistol reformed into a blade in the other hand. The two strangers approached, hands raised.

When the two made it, White stood in front of Ruby and Red stood in front of Blake. Blake couldn't take her eyes off of Red's huge claws and White's shredder heels.

"Are you Ruby Rose?" White asked, followed by Ruby nodding. The two twins exchanged a glance, and Blake instantly knew what was about to happen.

I hate it when I'm right.

"Ruby! Move!" Blake screamed.

It all happened so fast. Ruby had tried to aim her rifle back at White, only to have kicked out of hands. Blake saw Crescent Rose fly off somewhere, shooting off a round when it landed. Though she didn't see where it landed.

She also didn't get the chance to help Ruby, or even see what happened to her next. Red had charged Blake, having leaped at her with her claws aiming for her heart. Blake dodged out of the way by rolling to her right, and she had to keep jumping back to dodge Red's further assults.

Blake couldn't see exactly what was happening with Ruby, though she could see her in the background. It looked like Ruby was trying to get back to her weapon and avoid White. Blake wanted to go over and help, but Red wouldn't leave her alone for one second. She kept charging at Blake with a surprising amount of speed and was never letting up. Blake could still dodge and block, but she couldn't do this forever. She needed to find the right time to strike back.

"Nothing, personal." Red said in between assaults. "You just happen, to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time."

Blake decided to take a swing. Using both blades, she stopped Red's claws in their tracks. Both girls were struggling and were stuck in place.

"What do want with Ruby? She's just a sweet, innocent girl!" Blake growled.

Red yelled out in frustration, trying to brake her weapons free from the clash.

"Don't you think I know that! I don't want to do this, but I have to!"

Red broke free from the clash, making her stumble onto one knee. Blake took the opportunity to charge.

Blake tried going for a jab with her katana, only Red reacted just in time and swatted the blade back. Red then came in with a stab with her other claw, which Blake intercepted with a downward slash from her sheath. Blake then quickly used that momentum to shoulder charge Red.

Blake could feel the impact of her shoulder with Red's face. She was sure the full force didn't make it through thanks to Red's aura, but it did send her stumbling away and onto her back. Blake took the moment to concentrate, using her aura for 'Mirage'. It worked, and a copy Blake appeared next her. Both Blakes then rushed forward.

Red had recovered and was now on her feet, weapons at that the ready. But when she noticed she now had two opponents, she hesitated. Shadow Blake used the chance to speed ahead and make the first move. She did a hit and run, slashing with both blades at Red as she past. Red blocked the attack with both claws, but the impact had caused her to turn some, leaving her back exposed to real Blake, and not enough time to turn and react.

Blake did as her clone, rushing by and slashing with both blades as she ran pasted. Both hits connected, causing Red to scream out in pain. Blake felt the force of her blades send Red back onto the ground, and judging from the recoil, Red's aura doesn't have much fight left in it.

Blake stopped running, turning to face Red again. Red was wincing in pain as she tried to stand up again. Blake put the katana back into it's sheath, making Gambol Shroud one again. She rushed back to Red, with her shadow long gone by now, for the finishing blow.

Red saw her coming. The scent of fear and panic pouring off her even through all that makeup and perfume. She panicked, trying to block with both sets of claws instead of trying to dodge or run.

Blake was coming at full speed, and she was pulling back her weapon for a powerful swing.

All I'd need to do is put a little of my aura into the attack. The blade would go through her like a hot knife through butter; I wouldn't even get single drop of blood on me thanks to the speed.

Blake slashed, sliding across the roof a few feet before coming to a full stopping. Nothing happened for a few seconds while Blake stood up straight, and turned to face Red.

Red was still just standing there, frozen it seemed. A heartbeat passed when both of Red's claws split apart, falling to the ground with a loud clang. Red then fell to her knees, falling flat on her face.

Adam would've just killed her. He would've put his power into the strike, cutting through her aura and splitting her in half. He wouldn't even have given it a second thought.

"Well," Blake whispered to herself. "I'm not Adam."

"Miltia! NO!" A cry echoed.

Blake turned to see on the other side of the roof, White was screaming out while holding her gut in pain. Ruby was nowhere to be found, and neither was Crescent Rose.

Out of the corner of her eye, Blake spotted a flash of red to the left of her. She started a strike, thinking Red had somehow recovered. Though thankfully she stopped halfway when she saw Ruby standing there, rifle in hand.

"Hey! It's me!" Ruby yelled out, flinching.

Blake relaxed, lowering her weapon.

"Man Blake. That was pretty cool. But did you kill that girl or-" Ruby was stopped mid sentence by a loud battle cry.

Time suddenly slowed to a crawl for Blake. She saw White suddenly appear into frame, Ruby's head jerking back from impact, and the blood flying out. All Blake could seem to do was watch in horror as the scene played out in front of her.

Time then started speeding up again. Blake wasn't able to react fast enough as White used the momentum from her first kick to land a reverse spin kick right to her stomach, sending her back. Thankfully Blake's aura took the majority of the force.

When the dizziness finally wore off, Blake saw White trying to lift Red onto her shoulders.

"I don't know who you are, but the next time we meet, I will make you suffer for this!" White screamed. She jumped off of the building, carrying Red on her back.

When they were gone, Blake searched and spotted Ruby laying not far from her. She got to her feet as fast as she could without puking, and ran over to Ruby.

Ruby was still conscious, though barely. Crescent Rose lay on the ground next to her as she held the the swollen, bleeding left side of her face. White hadn't used her aura when she kicked, thankfully, but it was still a horrific injury. The huge cut started from the corner of Ruby's jaw, up through the cheek, and stopping at the top of her nose.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Blake screamed in panic. "Why would you ever lower your guard or aura in the middle of a fight?!"

"I-" Ruby tried to speak. But it proved difficult with half her face swelling up so fast.

"Shut the hell up and activate your aura!" Blake yelled, helping Ruby sit up against a nearby air conditioner. Ruby seemed to do as she was told, as rose petals started slowly flying off her. She was also starting to glow a light crimson.

Blake was starting to stutter, breathing rapidly, and shake. "Ev-Every thing-ng is-s-s going to-to be a-al-right. You-you're go-going t-t-to be al-al-alright."

She reached up to her bow, attempting to untie it, but for some reason it just kept slipping around in her fingers. She took a look at her hands, finding them covered in Ruby's blood. Blake didn't hesitate to wipe them on her clothes to get them clean. She untied her bow, letting her ears loose, and used it to compress Ruby's wound.

WWWWWWWW

Yang and Weiss had entered the facility to find the place in complete disrepair. Papers lay scattered everywhere, holes in the ceiling, hanging wires, busted pillars and walls. The two were actually more afraid of the whole building collapsing then some White Fang grunt appearing around the corner to stop them

"It's amazing this place hasn't been sealed up and considered condemned." Weiss spoke softly.

Yang gave a shrug. "I'm no expert, but if it's still standing then I guess we're fine. The place has only been abandoned for a few years. Can't be in that bad of shape."

Weiss looked around nervously. "I beg to differ."

The two wandered around the building for some time. Weiss was sure where they needed to go, though she was obviously lost.

Eventually, the two teens came upon the entrance to a large assembly area. It seemed to have no seats, just wide open space; A stage of some kind was hanging high above in the back. The room was blindingly dark with not a single window in the room, just some tinted skylights that let no light get through. The only way the two girls could even make any observations about the room, was thanks to the light coming through the door into the room.

The two exchanged a glance before carefully entering the room. And not only did they take it slow so they didn't trip on anything, the two also armed themselves and tried to stay close. Yang had already done this song and dance of a trap before, so they might as well be ready for it.

As the two girls made their way further and further into the room, Weiss called out to Yang.

"Hey, could you maybe make some light?"

"And how do expect me to do that? Magic?"

"I don't know. Find a stick or something and make a torch Torch."

Yang rolled her eyes despite being in the dark.

"Fine. Whatever you say, Snow Angel."

"Don't you dare call me that again!" Weiss suddenly snapped.

"Whatever. Just give me a minute and I'll try-"

With a loud clang, the room suddenly filled with light, causing both girls to cover they're eyes thanks to the sudden change.

Seriously?! Again with this!? Yang thought to herself.

"Well, well, well. Why am I not surprised you're somehow still alive? Well maybe just like your new friend, you're just too stubborn to die!" A man's voice echoed off the walls.

Both Yang and Weiss's eyes quickly adjusted to the light, and the two got into fighting stances as they searched for the echoing stranger. Yang noting that Weiss had a sudden expression of recognition and wrath.

"You, murdering, rat!" Weiss said with malice. "Show yourself so I may avenge my knights!"

"Yeah! What she said!" Yang followed up. Wait, who is this guy? And where's Ruby?

The strange man let loose a loud round of laughter. Yang tracing it up onto the stage above them. She nudged Weiss with her elbow and pointed up.

There stood, with a single spotlight on him for effect, an orange hair man in white clothing leaning on a cane, and a huge sly grin on his face. Yang also noticed something in the shadows behind him. Something with a strange and menacing red glow.

"Stop that insolent laughter! Face me you slime!" Weiss let all her anger seep into her voice. For looking so broken and vulnerable earlier, Yang thought Weiss had now become one of the most intimidating things she's ever seen.

Only her outburst just made the man laugh harder. "Who talks like that?" He said between laughs. "My God, you're killing me dear! Killing me!"

Yang could've sworn Weiss was actually growling now as she spoke. "Come down here then, and I'll put you out of your misery Torchwick!"

Yang felt her eyes shrink and an involuntary gasp escape her lips.

"So...that's a member of the infamous Torchwick clan." Yang thought aloud.

The man turned his attention to Yang, almost like he just now noticed she even existed. His smug grin somehow growing larger. And he took a bow as he talked.

"The last pure of my family line. Roman Torchwick. At your humble service whore, I mean, Ma'am."

All that hesitation and fear Yang had was now instantly gone. Now she was just pissed off. She drew back a punch, aiming right for that stage.

"OH SCREW YOU PRICK!" She hollered.

Yang let the shot fly. It raced up at blinding speed at Torchwick, only to be smacked away by his cane. The shot bounced off to one of the nearby lights, making it explode into a dazzle of fire and glass.

"Nice try. I like your fire though. You know, you've shown a lot of potential. How'd you like to work for the winning team? You've certainly proven your worth."

In response, Yang gave him both middle fingers and language so foul that that author has outright refused to write down to keep the story's teen rating.

By the end of Yang's long rant of curses and obscenities: Weiss had huge white circle eyes and a sweat drop, Torchwick's right eye wouldn't stop twitching and he had a sweat drop, and even in the shadows the red glowing figure could be seen having a sweat drop.

Silence and a slight breeze flowed through the room. The only sound coming from Yang trying to catch her breath.

The moment only lasted a few seconds. Roman turned his head to his confidant and gave a command.

"Kill them. Kill them both."

At that, both Yang and Weiss tensed and readied for a fight. But just as the figure stepped forward though, a new voice echoed through the room...

"Adam! What are you doing here!?"

All eyes moved to another entrance into the assembly. There stood a girl with long black hair and eyes that glowed a brilliant amber. She seemed to have little cat ears on her head, and she had a strange wicked looking sword in her hands. She was also...covered... in smears of blood...

The sound of the strange figure quickly moving up on the stage bounced among the room. A boy's voice followed, confirming Yang's first thought.

"Blake?" He said with a strange mixture or surprise and fear.

That was all Yang needed. That single word. Her being here covered in blood, and just standing there... Nothing else mattered. Sound, feeling, and thought were meaningless.

Only one word, one command, and one action mattered to Yang.

Kill.