Alright I'm going to apologise in advance but I didn't have time to edit this properly as I will be away for the weekend and I wanted to update before I left so sorry for all the grammar errors I'll try to fix them when I get back.
I don't own RWBY if I did the shopkeeper would stop owning so many damn businesses.
Red looked around her confused, there was no comforting weight of Crescent Rose or the feeling of drag from her cloak that she had grown accustom to. Frowning she looked around, this wasn't any part of Vale she recognized and yet it seemed strangely familiar. Her eyes widened as she recognized where she was, 'no way' she thought in shock. Tears of joy streaming down her face and a wide smile growing larger she ran down the familiar streets. Coming upon a familiar house she nearly cried out in joy, 'it's here, it's really here.' Taking a deep breath she skipped up and knocked on the door, praying the right person answered, as the door swung open.
"Honey where have you been? You're late for dinner, we're starting to get worried. Did you get lost in the storm? You haven't been jumping from rooftops again I hope, honestly it will be the death of you," came a female voice.
Red didn't respond and just ran into her knocking them both over, embracing her with a hug and refusing to let go, sobbing as she felt a hand stroke her head.
"Shh… it's okay honey its okay I'm here, tell me did something happen?" she asked concerned.
"No I've just missed you all so much," answered Red.
"Alright missy if you're trying to get out of punishment for being late it's not working, now come on dinner is just about ready," she joked.
Red just smiled and wiped away the tears, "thanks mom, it's good to be home."
It was really here, her room, her bed, even her computer, exactly like she left it. Unable to contain her joy she began jumping up and down on her bed, much to the chagrin of her mother.
"Honey stop that you're acting like a child," she scolded.
"I'm not a child, I drink milk," stated Red, proudly puffing out her chest.
Her mother just raised her eyebrows, "anyway get down from there I need you to help me set up the table."
"Sure thing, by the way what is for dinner? It smells good," asked Red.
"Roast Nevermore," came the reply.
Red stumbled nearly dropping the plates, "what did you say?"
"I said we're having roast chicken," answered her irritated mother.
"Oh sorry, I thought you said something else," she apologized.
Taking her seat at the table she frowned, 'why is there four plates, are we expecting a visitor?' she wondered. Her parents for their part didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary, as they looked at the empty seat with a look of irritation.
"Looks like your sister decided not to join us again," sighed her father.
Red blinked, "my… sister? What are you talking about?" she asked.
"Now honey you shouldn't say things like that, I know that she's been spending a lot of time at clubs instead of with you but that is no excuse for this kind of behaviour," lectured her mother.
"Leave her be Summer, they're siblings it's natural for them to fight," commented her father.
'Summer?' A cold feeling began washing over Red as she slowly checked her reflection in the silver wear, 'please don't be her, please don't be her,' she chanted with closed eyes. Opening them she dropped the spoon and began trembling, sure enough there was Ruby staring back at her with wide eyes and a horrified expression. Her parents looked at each other concerned but before they could speak up an alarm went off in the kitchen.
"Looks like dinner is ready," said her father, gaining an odd smile.
"Oh yes, honey you're getting a treat today," her mother told her, sporting a similar grin as she walked into the kitchen.
Red snapped out of her stupor at this and looked between them in confusion, her parents never smiled like that. Getting up from her chair she began to reach for Crescent Rose only to find the scythe missing, attempting to use her semblance resulting in a failure to. Her father got up from his chair and grabbed Red, pushing her back into her seat. The lights in the room were beginning to dim and the walls were losing their colour, oily black shadows now visible on their surface. No longer was this Red's home in its place was house of horrors as the sounds of screaming and gunfire were heard over the creaking of the floors and walls.
"Now now you're mother went through a lot of trouble to make this meal for you, the least you can do is enjoy it," he said, manically as her mother came back in holding a silver platter.
"What is that," asked Red, fearfully gazing at the platter.
"A meal fit for a murderer like you!" spat her mother, removing the top.
Red screamed and immediately began to struggle out of her father's grip, there on the platter was the head of the man she killed, staring blankly at her. Her mother started bringing the platter over to her with an innocent smile.
"What's the matter honey? Did you think we wouldn't find out? Do you not like to see the consequences of your actions," she said in a sickeningly sweet tone.
Biting her father's hand she broke free from his hold and ran to the door. Escaping into the streets Red didn't stop running until she'd left the house far behind. Heading into the nearest bathroom she vomited into the sink, the images still fresh in her mind. Looking up she stared into her foreign reflection in the mirror, her face twisting into an expression of rage at the sight of it.
"Damn you Ruby, damn you to hell!" she screamed punching the mirror, causing her to be showered in fragments of glass.
Unable to take it anymore she fell to the floor sobbing, only to stop when she felt someone approach her. Looking up she saw a red robed hooded figure sitting across from her holding out her hand, snarling Red slapped the hand away and continued sobbing.
Red's eyes flew open as she fell from the hammock, looking around she found that she was in her tiny room. Rubbing her head from the impact she sighed in relief, 'it was just a dream but who was that figure?' Deciding that any attempt to get more sleep that night would be pointless she began walking to the armoury hoping to see the light show again. Heading into the armoury she was surprised to see it was already occupied by Adam and Roman, whom seemed to be in an argument. Her curiosity getting the better of her she began sneaking over, hiding behind a dust create as she attempted to eavesdrop on the two.
"I'm telling you Roman she isn't ready, you saw how she reacted before," argued Adam.
"The first kill is always like that, she'll get over it," remarked the crook offhandedly.
"There's a difference between killing in self-defence and murder Roman. You're taking it too far with this 'test' of yours, how do you know she'll do it?" asked the Faunus.
"Simple necessity, she broke into a Schnee compound to help the White Fang and one of Vale's most wanted criminals, there aren't a lot of allies that can be made after something like that and she knows it," he told Adam.
"Besides," he said smirking, "I have something she wants, she scratches my back I scratch her's."
Adam looked unconvinced, "and this thing is enough to keep her loyal to you?"
"Why don't we just ask her personally, so Red feel like doing a little job for me," he called in amusement.
Realizing that she'd been discovered she came out of hiding and walked over to them with a rueful smile.
"How long have you known?" she asked, curious.
"Since you walked in," he answered, smirking. "Word to the wise Red, a giant red hooded cloak is not what you wear when trying to be stealthy."
Red just shrugged, "so what's this job you want me to do?"
Adam turned to look at her sighing, "we've found the traitor."
Yang didn't take the fact that they had been hiding things about the imposter to well, as shown by the meter long hole now connecting team JNPR and RWBY's dorms. After interrogating them for all they knew she went to Ozpin hoping to get permission to hunt her down. The headmaster of Beacon looked slightly shocked at this news.
"Miss Xiao Long, if this is some misguided attempt for you and your team to go looking for her then you will be facing expulsion," he threatened, clearly not amused.
"This is the truth Headmaster both Weiss and Blake can verify it. I would like for my team to go searching for her, I can't think of a good reason to break into a Schnee compound, " answered Yang.
"I agree which is why I am sending team JNPR after her," replied Ozpin.
Yang jumped up and slammed her fists onto the desk causing cracks to form, "what did you say?" she asked, her voice deceptively calm.
Ozpin wasn't impressed with her outburst, "Miss Xiao Long calm yourself," he scolded. "You and your team are too connected to this case that is why I am not sending you after her," he explained.
Yang sat down in her chair again, looking the headmaster in the she frowned, "with all due respect Ozpin do you really think that they can win?" she asked.
Ozpin frowned at her, "what do you mean Miss Xiao Long?"
"As someone who has spared with Ruby since childhood let me tell you they would be hard pressed to beat her, even more so if this Earth aura has made her stronger," she elaborated.
Ozpin gave her curious look, "and what would you suggest?" he asked, already knowing where this was going.
"You need someone who has experience fighting her and right now my team is your best bet, we've all sparred with Ruby before so we have some ideas of her abilities," argued Yang.
Ozpin looked at her obviously weighing the pros and cons of each choice, eventually he sighed, "very well Miss Xiao Long you've made you point. Team RWBY is hereby authorized to find Ruby Rose and bring her back here," he announced.
Yang smiled triumphantly, "don't worry Headmaster we won't fail."
Red sneezed, "augh damn it I knew that room would make me sick, stupid Adam and his Spartan attitude," she grumbled.
Thinking back to the Bull Faunus she frowned and reached into her pocket pulling out a piece of paper.
"This is the traitor's address," informed Adam. "We want you to go and deal with him, if he sees any of us he'll be ready but he doesn't know about you,"
Red just frowned, "you want me to do your dirty work again?" she asked, furious.
"Careful Red remember our deal," reminded Roman.
"A deal that you have yet to come through on!" she shot back.
"Well I am a busy man dust isn't going to steal itself after all, rest assured Red that I will hold up my end of the bargain if you hold up yours," answered Roman.
"Fine give me the bloody address," snapped Red, glaring daggers at Roman.
Red sighed, "How did I let him talk me into this?"
"Hello Ruby it's good to see you again," came a female voice interrupting her thoughts.
Red jumped spinning around her hand on Crescent Rose, "gah Penny where did you come from?" she asked the ginger.
Penny cocked her head, "I come from Atlas, why do you ask?"
Red just shook her head a faint trace of a smile on her face, "never mind Penny, anyway nice to see you again, I could use the friendly face," she said muttering the last part.
Penny smiled, "oh wait until I tell the others that I found you they'll be so happy, they've been looking everywhere for you," she said excitedly.
Red grabbed her, alarm bells ringing in her head, "wait Penny you can't tell them anything please, it's umm… a game we're seeing how long it takes for them to find me," she lied.
"Oh that explains why your teammates are searching the city and why Yang brought her motorcycle," said the oblivious ginger.
Red felt the blood drain from her face and weakly grabbed her friend, "P-Penny are you saying that they're searching the city right now?" she asked, fearfully.
Penny nodded cheerfully, "yep don't worry friend Ruby I won't ruin the game for you since you're all taking it so seriously."
"Thanks Penny I appreciate that, by the way could you tell me where this store is I'm a little lost," she admitted handing Penny a piece of paper.
Looking at it Penny nodded and directed her down the street to a nearby store, "thanks for the help Penny and remember don't tell my… friends where I am ok?"
"Understood!" replied Penny, giving a fake salute.
Red nodded and pulled her hood up as she walked into the store as Penny walked off, looking around she saw that she was in the room alone. 'Good no witnesses' she thought gratefully while heading to the counter and ringing the bell.
"Be right there," came a male voice.
The door opened and a male came out holding two stacks of books, placing the books on the counter he gave Red a welcoming smile.
"Welcome to Tukson's book trade home to every book under the sun," he said warmly. "How may I help you?"
'Do I really want to do this? I can still back out. But if I do the deal with Roman's off as well as my source of food and shelter,' she debated. Tukson must have noticed something was wrong as he began curiously watching her.
"Are you ok Miss?" he asked, concerned.
Red sighed, "are you Tukson?" she asked, keeping her voice level.
"Yeah that's me, is there a problem?" he said, confused.
Red semblanced over to the lights, shutting them off before unsheathing her scythe, "Roman sends his regards."
"Yang we've been searching for hours we need a break," she argued.
"Fine take your breaks but I'm going to keep looking for her," came an angry response from her scroll.
Blake just sighed before turning to Weiss, "I'm going to visit an old friend you want to come with me?" she offered the heiress.
Weiss considered it for a moment before shrugging, "sure anything is better than listening to Yang's constant updates."
Blake nodded and led the way looking slightly happier than usual, after all it has been a long time since she last saw him. 'I wonder how Tukson's doing nowadays,' she thought fondly. Arriving at the store she frowned, he never had the lights off during work hours. She slowly walked to the door unsheathing Gambol Shroud, drawing a confused look from Weiss who followed suite with Myrtenaster. Opening the door they were shocked to see Ruby walking towards Tukson with her scythe drawn, Blake acted quickly firing her pistol only to see her prey disappear in a flash of rose petals. She heard something rapidly approaching her from the side, spinning she blocked Crescent Rose with her katana.
"Weiss call Yang tell her we need back up now and get Tukson out of here!" she ordered.
"Got it," replied Weiss, taking out her scroll as Tukson ran from the store.
Ruby tried to intercept them but Blake grabbed her hood, throwing her into the wall and causing books to fly everywhere. Ruby stood up looking at her with an uncaring expression. Blake frowned, she'd seen that expression before during her time with the White Fang. That was the attitude of someone who just didn't care anymore and detached themselves from others. 'What could have happened to make her like that?' she thought concerned.
"Why are you after Tukson?" she interrogated.
"He's a traitor," answered Ruby like it was the most obvious thing.
"So he deserves to die for it, what about me? Are you going to kill me?" she spat angrily.
For a brief moment she saw it, a flash of guilt cross Ruby's eyes but it was gone in an instant. Ruby charged her only for her scythe to cut through an illusion as Blake appeared beside her, giving an overhead slash that Ruby blocked quarterstaff style.
"Ruby I can see you don't want to do this, please just come with us we can work this out," she said, attempting to reason with her teammate.
"Yeah right, I bet as we speak Yang's lighting the torches and sharpening the pitchforks, I trusted you before Blake and look what happened, I don't make the same mistakes twice," snarled Ruby.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," replied Blake.
Ruby looked surprised at this but recovered quickly, grabbing Blake's katana she forced it to keep in contact with Crescent Rose and gave the Faunus an apologetic look.
"For what it's worth so am I," she replied.
Blake frowned in confusion before she felt searing pain erupt throughout her body, unable to take it anymore she felt her body hit the floor and everything turned dark.
Weiss told Tukson to hide as took out her scroll and she quickly dialled Yang's number.
"Hey Ice Queen you found anything yet?" joked Yang.
"Not the time Yang, we've found Ruby she's in Tukson's Book Trade in the western district, Blake's keeping her busy right now but she needs help, get over here now!" she said urgently.
"I'm on my way just make sure she doesn't get away," replied Yang, all traces of the joke gone from her voice.
"I'll try but you better hurry," replied Weiss hanging up.
She turned back to the store ready to run in and help Blake when a flash of light was seen followed by Blake screaming in pain. Weiss gripped Myrtenaster tighter as the door opened and out strode Ruby calmly holding her scythe over her shoulder.
"What… what did you do to Blake?" she asked, slightly fearful.
Ruby just shrugged, "who knows," she replied, looking around frowning.
"Where's Tukson?" she asked.
"Somewhere safe," said Weiss.
"I see looks like this was a failure then, goodbye Weiss Schnee," said Ruby as she walked away.
"Hold it!" screamed Weiss, throwing a stasis glyph at Ruby's feet.
Ruby disappeared just as the glyph formed looking unimpressed, "you can't beat me Weiss, don't be an idiot."
Weiss glared at her, "I don't need to beat you, you dolt, just keep you busy until Yang gets here."
For the first time Weiss saw a flash of fear cross Ruby's face, 'looks like Yang made an impression after all,' she thought smirking. Her smirk dropped however as Ruby turned to look at her with cold eyes and unleashed a barrage from Crescent Rose. Using her glyphs she dodged to the side and launched fireballs in return fire, causing Ruby to have to dive to the side. As they circled each other both became aware of a growing sound in the distance, 'she took her time,' thought Weiss smirking. Ruby heard it too and attempted to flee but tripped as Weiss turned the ground to ice below her. Turning Ruby gave her an angry glare which quickly evaporated into fear as they heard the sound of a bike skidding to a halt.
"Well long time no see."
"Well long time no see," came a voice from behind her.
Red went pale and a hand unconsciously stroked her neck, 'this isn't good I could barely beat Yang by herself and with Weiss helping this just got harder too.' She turned slightly to the side keeping both of them in view. 'At least I still have the trick up my sleeve I need to save it though until I know I can hit Yang.'
"Not long enough Yang Xiao Long," she replied.
"Don't worry after today you won't ever see me again," growled Yang, deploying Ember Celica.
"Be careful Yang she did something to Blake before," warned Weiss.
Yang nodded to her before charging Red, whom tried to back away only to find herself trapped by one of Weiss' glyphs. Quickly firing rounds into the heiress she was able to stun her enough to break the glyph, only to receive a shotgun punch to the chest from the brawler sending her flying into a nearby wall. Jumping out she used her semblance to appear next to Yang deliberately within her guard hoping that she'd take the bait, sure enough once it was close enough the blonde caught the scythe mid swing.
"You're a slow learner huh? Or did you already forget our spar?" taunted Yang.
"Oh I wouldn't say that," replied Red with a triumphant grin as she activated her trap.
Suddenly with a flash of light Crescent Rose came alive with arcs of electricity, crackling as it ran down the scythe's lengths. Yang screamed as the electricity raced up her arm shocking her and igniting the dust rounds stored in Ember Celica effectively rendering the weapon useless. The brawler swayed before she tumbled to the ground, smirking Red turned to Weiss, Crescent Rose still crackling with energy as it arced from the ground to her scythe. To her credit Weiss hid her fear well as Red slowly approached her.
"It's amazing what you can do with a Taser and some dust isn't Schnee," she commented, admiring her sparking scythe.
As Red was taunting Weiss she felt her aura give her a warning, glancing behind she saw a truck rapidly approaching. Red's eyes widened as she saw its course leading it directly into the unconscious Yang, Weiss noticed it too.
"No Yang!" cried the heiress as she tried unsuccessfully to form a stasis glyph around the truck.
Red didn't think she just ran as fast as her semblance could carry her, diving she grabbed Yang shielding her with her body just as the truck hit. She saw a flash of red light before blanking out completely.
Red woke up hand cuffed to what seemed to be an infirmary bed, feeling for Crescent Rose she found it missing and nowhere in sight. Attempting to sit up she groaned as her back flared with intense pain, Red looked around recognizing the room, 'ah Beacon infirmary how I've missed you so,' she thought jokingly.
"You're early, we didn't expect you up for at least another hour," called a voice.
Looking over she saw Glynda Goodwitch walking over to her while typing on her scroll, most likely sending a message to Ozpin.
"What happened and why does my back hurt?" she asked.
Glynda gave her a brief scowl, "you jumped in front of a moving truck Miss Rose, you should be dead not having a back ache."
"Um… not that I'm complaining but if that's true how am I alive?" she said confused.
Glynda looked at her surprised, "you don't remember?"
Red just shook her head, "all I remember is a red flash of light and then nothing," she answered.
The teacher just rubbed her temples, "that red light was your aura Miss Rose, you managed to push all your aura to one side to create a near indestructible protective barrier. Only the most expert aura masters can do this and yet you apparently did it without thinking."
"Now come along the Headmaster wishes to speak to you," concluded the professor, unlocking the cuffs and grabbing her by the wrist.
Red considered struggling but her back was in no condition to run or fight so she just let herself be dragged into the interrogation room, where Glynda then cuffed her to the desk before turning around and leaving.
Red didn't have to wait long as five minutes later Ozpin came in with two cups of coffee, "welcome back Miss Rose, white and two sugars correct?"
Red looked down on the ground and didn't say anything as he placed the mugs on the table before taking his seat.
Ozpin just sighed, "I've known you were from Earth since the day Miss Xiao Long brought you to my office," he admitted.
He took a deep breath, "I know this may seem cruel but I need you to answer these questions, first tell me about your family how big was it?"
Red looked up confused at where this was going, "it was a family of four, me, my mother, my father and my sister… wait three I had no sister," she answered, confused.
"I see," said Ozpin. "Tell me what was your mother's name?"
"Summer… no that was Ruby's," said Red, clutching her head.
"Never mind I have just one last question, what is your name?" asked Ozpin leaning forward.
"Red," she replied.
"And what is your real name Red?" he asked, gently.
Red frowned, "it's Ruby Ro-," she shut her mouth in confusion.
Ozpin gave her a pitying look, "you do not even remember your own name do you?"
Red just gripped her head, tears beginning to form, "shut up! Shut up and leave me alone!" she screamed at him, a faint red outline beginning to glow around her body.
"No I cannot, Miss Rose right now I'm the only thing standing between you and a prison sentence. I know you're a good person, you've proven that time and again so please tell me, why did you help Roman?"
Red flinched and her hands began shaking as her dream came back to haunt her, "I'm not a good person I'm a monster Ozpin, besides everyone has their price and Roman found mine," she muttered depressed.
"Now now no need for that, I've just got a business proposition for you," said Roman smiling.
"Oh and in what world would I ever agree to work with you?" countered Red.
"That depends preferably Remnant but I suppose I could take you to Earth if you want," commented the crook.
"How do you know about Earth?" she asked, suspicious.
"Let's just say a little birdie told me and if you work for me I'll help you go back there," proposed Roman.
"You're lying if there was a way to go back people would have found it already," she argued.
"Who's to say they haven't?" questioned the criminal with a smile.
"What do you mean?" asked Red curious.
"A couple of months ago I came across some very strange items on the black market, technology that doesn't run off dust. Needless to say I asked around and found that no one in Remnant produced them, so that begs the question who is the supplier?" he grinned.
"And you expect me to believe the word of Vale's most wanted," she snorted.
Roman didn't say anything and instead reached into his pocket and threw something at her, "recognize that little gizmo," he asked, smugly.
Red caught it and examined it with widening eye's, it was a military grade Taser. Red looked at it debating before turning to Roman, "alright I'm in."
Red shook her head and glanced at Ozpin, whom just sighed and left the room leaving Red to her thoughts, you don't even remember your own name do you?
"I don't deserve it anyway, not now," she said, closing her eyes as tears came down her cheeks.
Team RWBY was silent as they watched the interrogation behind the glass, none of them said a word as they listened each with mixed emotions. Upon seeing Ozpin leave Blake and Weiss got up went back to their dorm, Yang stayed there watching the sobbing girl in front of her for a few minutes before following her teammates out.
Red opened her eyes to wake up on what looked to be a path in a snow covered forest, panicking she felt for Crescent Rose and to her relief found it present in its holster. She looked up to the moon and to her surprise found it to be whole, its bright light illuminating the pristine white environment. Deciding there was no point in sticking around Red followed the path, hoping to find a way out when she heard it. A low growl followed by a multitude of voices whispering to her as they came closer.
Liar!
Red's instincts screamed at her to run as oily shadows became visible on the edges of the path, following her as she tried to flee, whispering all the way.
Thief!
She couldn't out run them even with her semblance they were always there, always just standing there whispering at her.
Coward!
The moon began to lose it luminance as Red continued running, the forest losing its white and slowly turning black as it was consumed by the darkness until only the path was left, a single light burning in the darkness.
Betrayer!
Red felt something grab her shoulder, without thinking she unleashed Crescent Rose on her attacker, cutting it in two. She stopped, looking at her attacker's bisected corpse screaming, there bleeding on the ground was Yang an expression of shock and hurt on her face.
Murderer!
She fell to the ground hyperventilating as bits of the path began to break apart and the darkness slowly crept in. Why was she running? The dark can make the pain go away, no more running, no more guilt, no more suffering. Everything would be so much simpler, anyone who gets in her way is an enemy and anyone who is an enemy dies. Getting off the ground she slowly walked over to the shadows who began jumping with a disturbed glee holding out a hand.
One of us! Daughter of darkness.
Just as Red was about to grab the out stretched hand when another sound came flowing down the path, a familiar voice.
…come fill to me the Parting Glass…
Pausing she frowned before turning away and heading after the voice, causing the shadows to scream in rage and whisper again. Red ignored them focusing entirely on the sound that was calling to her, the darkness beginning to retreat as the light returned. The shadows howled in pain and fled as she left the forest and arrived at a clearing. Looking around for the source of the sound she saw the red cloaked figure from before sitting on a rock overlooking the forest down below, singing.
"Hey who are you and how do you know that song?" demanded Red, walking over.
The figure turned to her, jumping down from the rock and slowly lowered her hood. Red gasped at the sight of none other then Ruby Rose grinning at her before motioning for Red to follow as she sprinted off into the woods.
"Hey wait stop," Red called, chasing after her.
Red followed her through the forest in a game of cat and mouse until they came to a cave, as Ruby walked in Red hesitated and after a few seconds just sighed as she followed her in, 'this has got to be the stupidest decision I've ever made.' As she walked in she stopped mid stride looking around in complete shock, 'was that really her? Wait where am I?' she thought in disbelief. She wasn't in a cave but instead on the roof of Beacon and in front of her was herself talking to Pyrrha and Jaune.
"Nope," replied her double cheerfully. "Jaune courage isn't the absence of fear or despair but rather the strength to conquer them".
Red watched as her double walked up to Jaune and gave him a friendly punch, "besides I don't know of many cowards who would willingly sneak into a school designed to fight monster and full of warriors who could beat the crap out of them".
She gave a little chuckle at that, 'I guess we weren't so different after all, right Jaune?' she thought giving her first real full smile since she ran away. Red jumped as she felt someone tap her shoulder, spinning she saw Ruby grin at her before running out the door back into the main building.
"What the? Hey! Get back here!" she yelled in pursuit.
Running after her Red nearly tripped as she leapt over a sleeping bag that had suddenly appeared in front of her. 'Why are there sleeping bags in the ballroom?' she wondered looking around.
"Hel-looooo! I believe you two may know each other?" came a cheerful call.
Red looked to her side in surprise, there was Yang dragging a struggling Ruby to Blake. 'Oh I remember now, this is where I first met Blake, I mean where Ruby first met Blake,' she realized. Watching from the distance Red snickered at Yang's failed attempt to talk to the Faunus, however she stopped seeing Ruby come forward.
"What's it about?" she asked, curious.
Seeing Blake's confused expression she elaborated, "Your book. Does it have a name?"
"Well... i-it's about a man with two souls, each fighting for control over his body," explained Blake hesitantly.
Red looked up in surprise, "I can relate to that," she mumbled grimly.
"Oh, yeah... That's real lovely!" said Yang sarcastically.
Ruby ignored her and smiled, "I love books. Yang used to read to me every night before bed. Stories of heroes and monsters... They're one of the reasons I want to be a Huntress!"
Red laughed, "Yeah you did it so much Yang had to threaten you to go to bed."
Blake gave her own little chuckle, "And why is that? Hoping you'll live happily ever after?"
Ruby nodded, "Well, I'm hoping we all will. As a girl, I wanted to be just like those heroes in the books... Someone who fought for what was right, and protected people who couldn't protect themselves!"
Red flinched remembering the incident at Forever Falls, 'if it wasn't for her I would have let him die, I'm truly a monster,' she thought depressed.
"That's... very ambitious for a child," she said, smiling however the smile quickly was replaced with a frown. "Unfortunately, the real world isn't the same as a fairy tale."
Red nodded, "we know that better than most, don't we Blake," she said, her hands shaking slightly.
Ruby didn't seem affected by it, "Well, that's why we're here! To make it better."
Red froze, staring at her hands as they stopped trembling, "to make it better huh?" she mused her mind elsewhere.
Snapping out of her daze she looked up and found herself in a cave, this time with her double and Cardin. Joining the two of them, she sat around the fire listening to the conversation.
Her double gave an encouraging smile, "Look Cardin, the way I see it every life is a pile of good and bad things and while the good things don't always soften the bad things, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant."
'Did I really say that?' she thought confused.
Red watched as her clone put a hand on Cardin's shoulder, "remember the good times you had with them, but don't let the bad things taint their memories. If you can stop living in the past then maybe you'll be able to recreate those happy times with your friends now, after all it's called the present for a reason," finished the copy.
Red blinked and instantly fell down as the camp fire disappeared, she was back in the clearing where this game of cat and mouse had started. Sitting down on the rock was the girl she was chasing all this time, staring at her with a hopeful expression. Jumping down from the rock Ruby walked over to her and held out a hand to Red.
"I guess we should learn to follow our own advice huh?" she said amused, accepting the help up.
Ruby smiled and, to Red's great surprise, began to glow a beautiful red light before dissolving into rose petals in front of her.
"Thanks Ruby," she said, watching the petals fly away, a grateful smile on her face.
Ok I know some people might be angry at how easy Yang went down but you need to realise that Red designed that weapon to deal with Yang specifically and no matter how strong you are if you go up against something designed to stop you chances are you're going to lose. Also God damn it RT you couldn't have released that episode last week before I decided on what the modification would be I originally wanted to make it so she could electrocute anything she touched but decided there was no way dust would work with clothes. Anyway rant done hope you all like the new chapter the next one will be the end of this arc.