Happy Belated Valentines Day! Guess how I spent mine? Sobbing, eating ice cream and chocolate all day whilst watching Gotham because RWBY V3 Finale has destroyed and shattered my soul. In fact, last 3-4 eps have ruined me. RUINED ME. ROMAN. MY BABY. And so much else. Holy crap guys. That was the BEST finale yet.

So the first thing is, a few of you already pointed out that events from my fic had actually taken place in the canon storyline. NO ONE IS MORE MIND BLOWN THAN I AM RIGHT NOW. Who knows, maybe I am psychic lol. Seriously though, it's quite amazing. Anyway, I doubt much more of my story will feature in the show because I haven't the faintest where it's heading. Okay, we shall discuss more at the end. For now, enjoy this much awaited chapter!

P.S. Don't hate me. Please.

HAHAHA.

P.P.S. I HAVE A PERFECT SOUNDTRACK FOR THIS STORY. Everyone go listen to Not Alone by RED. (I know. So fitting right? ;)) Lyrics are perf.

Chapter Twelve

The Melodic Sorrow Of Parting - Part 1

I'll come back, Red. I promise.

The words continued to echo in Ruby's mind, repeating over and over like a broken record on a gramophone until she felt as though the words were permanently seared into her brain. Every intake of breath felt like another round of sharp shards made from glass piercing her heart and lungs. Every passing second becoming a dreary aching reminder that she was all alone once more, with no guarantee that the man she needed most right now, would ever come back.

Her heart raced, the feeling of pounds of iron ore weighing down on her chest as she continued to stare up at the ceiling, lining out each and every crack in the dark bricks within sight with her eyes. For once, she wished they were rotting, so she would at least stand within a chance of breaking out of the containment facility that had become her prison.

Their prison.

How quickly she had forgotten that there were two of them in the cell.

Ruby raised her hand up, hovering inches above her face so that her fingers dangled just over her eyes. It had been mere minutes since Torchwick had left with Cinder and co... but she could still feel the lingering after-burn of Torchwick's touch on her skin. Her pinkie finger could still feel his lips, like a prickly sensation that had left a permanent mark on her skin, imprinting its intimate touch. The very thought brought flashbacks to the taboo moment that had left her completely at a loss for words and dumbfounded, and perhaps, a little short of breath.

Nothing could have prepared her for that moment.

Just what kind of inexplicable thoughts had raced through the master criminal's mind at the time? Why was it so difficult for her to assume it was just another one of Torchwick's mind games? Was it because of the intense eloquent look he gave her that felt as though it held some form of hidden meaning? His kiss scorched her skin, set alight a fire in the pit of her stomach.

And what had compelled her to call out his name in dire anguish, like the very thought of him leaving her felt as though someone was crushing her heart with their bare hands?

Stars, she thought, biting her lip. I'm afraid. I'm afraid of being alone.

How it had happened, or when it happened, didn't matter. It dawned upon her that at some point, during her stay in this prison with Roman Torchwick, he had managed slip through a crack in her wall and reignited her burning desire for companionship. The notion of someone covering her back, to stand beside her as she faced the obstacles in her path, it was all coming back - that very feeling of being in a team.

Ruby swallowed hard, sitting up. The empty spot that had been occupied once before by the thief lord, felt hollow and wrong. Without his irritating interruptions, his witty remarks that fuelled her rage and his charisma to ease the tension and silence that bordered the cell, she hadn't realised just how vital his presence had been.

And the way he was so defensive...

Why did he seem hell-bent on her staying behind? Though impossible to imagine, she had been sure there was fear laced within his eyes when she protested against his forced request. Compassion was not in his nature, but being trapped within a cage for so long could alter anyone's persona, even Roman Torchwick's. Or was that even possible? He had one goal. One true motive.

Ruby recalled one of their past encounters, a brief memory, just moments before their last ever meeting – and that had been the nightmare of all nightmares. A day of reckoning. When Beacon was first attacked, when Grimm surrounded their city and her school. The day she had learned of Mercury and Emerald's intentions and betrayal, when Cinder had shown her true colours.

On Ironwood's ship, she was able to catch of glimpse of Torchwick's inner demon. The part of him that made him so dangerous, so fierce and granted him the title of the most wanted criminal. A true monster. He was loyal to no end, using his skills of thievery, his ability to lie and cheat and his cunning plays to achieve his goal. A goal he didn't reveal but had made very clear, that it would bring suffering and chaos. There were a lot of hidden messages behind his riddles, but he had allowed her to catch a glimpse of the man under the pretentious persona.

What followed had shaken her. She was sure that was the last time they would ever see the likes of Roman Torchwick – his dramatic death as a Griffon swallowed him whole being her last recurring memory. It never ceased to amaze her, or anyone for that matter, on how he had managed to survive. Though it was clear as day that he had a knack for escaping Death's clutches.

He was a man who refused to lose. Who couldn't afford to lose. That was what he had said, hadn't he? But what was his endgame? That was the terrifying question.

She took a deep breath, clutching her sore arm and embraced the feel of the soft material tied around her wound. Though reluctant to have anything more to do with the man, Ruby found herself re-bandaging her arm with the stray scrap of torn cloth that had been a part of Torchwick's neckerchief. It was filthy in parts but it carried a faint scent of cinnamon, and as wrong as it was to find any form of sentimental value in a belonging of the criminal, she couldn't seem to part with it. It was a fresh reminder of the alien side of Torchwick – his more caring counterpart that she had briefly witnessed from time to time.

It terrified her, she couldn't lie about that. But his company, his words and actions, they reawakened a part of her that had remained dormant for two years. Torchwick had slipped through the fissure in her wall and found her most vulnerable point, her most fragile memories and forced her to remember – to feel again. To experience what it was like when she had always been filled with hope, when she leaded her teammates through the tasks set out before them. Together. The feeling of never giving up, to care for the people she loved and had showered the same form of affection over her in return.

The feeling of always rising strong, above all her problems and continuing to move forward.

She had shut everyone out. Believing that only she was hurting...

"Whilst everyone else..."

She clenched her hands into tight fists at her sides before folding her arms over the caps of her knees as she drew them in to her chest. The little warmth her cloak managed to provide had been nothing compared to the meaningful hugs from her sister – a hug from Yang that she could really use at the given moment.

Yang...

She had suffered so much, had more of a reason to hate the world than Ruby did. And now she was lying motionless, helplessly lost in a comatose state with only those surrounding her to rely on to help make things right. And what had Ruby done in return for the sacrifices Yang had made?

She ran. Isolated herself. Forced those around her to feel bad until her reckless behaviour brought her to her demise. Trapped within a prison cell with no means of escaping.

Until now.

Ruby dug her fingers into her knees, feeling the spark inside of her flicker, alive and kicking, fuelled by a new level of driving force. The opportunity had risen for her to finally, truly, make things right. The chance to escape, to right her wrongs and get back to the people she cared about, hoping she wasn't too late.

She couldn't afford to sit pretty and get worked up over what could be happening, when she could very well do something about it.

Ruby gathered her cloak, pulling herself up until she was on her feet. Her gaze flew to the lonely deck of cards lying in Torchwick's dark vacant spot, neatly stacked with a stray card out of place on top. Out of curiosity, she sauntered over, almost feeling his ghostly presence still lingering in the space before leaning down to pick up the top card.

Almost as though it had been placed out of line on purpose.

Her heart thumped uncomfortably in desperate anticipation beneath her clothes as she brought the card to her face, turning it to reveal its face.

Ruby's eyes widened.

"When you have nothing left to lose, you begin to lose yourself."

Torchwick's words rang inside her head, when he had spoken them with such melancholy like the lyrics to a song. They were etched inside her mind as she stared down at the stark lines and colours of the card's face. The black lines outlining a delicate face, so filled with mystery and resilience. Her crown sitting atop her head as she carried seraph-like blades at her sides. The red of her decadent attire, lined with gold's and silvers. Before the apocalypse, she would have reeled in delight at the dress-like warrior garment.

The Queen of Hearts.

She brushed her thumb across the smooth surface of the card. It was the card that had won her the game of Blackjack, a risk Torchwick had taken knowing full well that she could have usurped a victory. A victory she claimed but had no idea whether it had been attained by her own hands or by another's.

But the answer was clear enough, resting quite literally in the palm of her hand. The field was hers for the taking, for her to lead and plot her path and claim her success. This was no time to hesitate.

With a quick nod to assert herself, and a deep breath to cool her nerves, she slipped the card into the small pouch attached to her belt. Locks of her mussed hair clung to her cheeks until she brushed them back, feeling the instant sharp sting of the cool icy air take its place on her flesh. She faced the bars of her prison, beyond the gaps towards the exit where the shadows gathered. Where the first stage of her plan would take place.

Ruby narrowed her eyes in determination, storming over to the bars and gripping them tight once more and taking another deep breath. Her throat felt scratchy and parched from the lack of water but she had enough vocal energy to spare for this one last battle.

"Hey! I know you're out there!"

She listened out for a reply and was granted with nothing but silence. The small nest of butterflies in her stomach suddenly had her feeling queasy and nervous. What if it all went downhill from now? What if Cinder truly had built a foolproof prison and has been patiently waiting for Ruby to make her move? Was this all a ploy? Was she walking into a trap?

Stop it Ruby. You can't back out now.

She shook her head, free from the thoughts and raised her head up once more. "HEY! I NEED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM."

Another empty response. Ruby tightened her grip on the bars, feeling her breathing turn unsteady.

"Don't pretend to hide! I know you're there – I can see you!"

That was technically a lie, but she hoped it would help to lure them out or at least, confirm their presence. She was sure that Cinder had instructed the White Fang guards to keep an eye on things as she led Torchwick away, who refused to look back and offer her any reassurance about his safety.

Not that she was worried about his safety.

No, it was more or less about losing his assistance in her escape. It was what she told was crystal clear that he was not going to return in one piece – that is, if he returns at all.

Don't think that. He's tougher than he looks.

Her own thoughts alarmed her, had her on edge what with the sudden change in her attitude and feelings towards the criminal. Not enough to warrant a liking, though he had managed to leave her feeling flustered at times, and then there was that recurring feeling of her heart hammering, her breaths quickening and the way he made her feel so... alive.

She could no longer deny that he succeeded in changing parts of her that she thought she had lost forever. Dust, I am thinking about Torchwick way too much. If anyone back at camp were able to hear even a brief flicker of her thoughts then they'd have a seizure. Brain haemorrhages would be spreading like a forest fire.

There was a sudden shuffling, forcing her into high alert as she focused on the shadowed exit ahead. She pressed her face against the bars, ignoring the prickling feeling as the metal cut into her skin.

The silhouettes of two broad-chested guards came into her line of view. Cautious and vigilant but they walked into the patch of weak light that allowed her to view their faces. The terror of their Grimm masks concealing their faces no longer fazed her. She was used to seeing monsters all around her.

Two of them, Ruby mentally noted, feeling the tightness of her stomach ease momentarily in reprieve. That would give her a great advantage, seeing if this plan worked at all. And without Torchwick there as her wingman, she couldn't afford to mess up.

The glint from the muzzles of their guns seemed radiant yet the least threatening of issues as their stern faces sneered at her disapprovingly.

"Oy, keep quiet," the taller of the two barked at her, pointing the firearm at her as though it would emphasize his superiority.

Ruby rolled her eyes.

"I need to go to the bathroom."

They guards exchanged looks before the taller one snorted, his voice gruff and harsh. "You're not going anywhere. Orders from up top."

Crap, this was going to take some persuading. Ruby swallowed quietly.

"Then do you expect me to pee in this cell?"

Stars, Torchwick was right. He was rubbing off on me.

The guards exchanged another look of discomfort, their conflicting thoughts evident on their masked faces and stiff body structures. Ruby forced the smile tugging at her lips down. In the meantime, she scoured their attires in hopes to find the glint of the cell keys but with the poor lighting, she had trouble seeking them out.

"You'll just have to hold it. Don't bother us again," the smug one responded, flashing a malicious grin her way before turning his back on her to leave.

Ruby felt her heart quicken in panic. "Wait! You can't just leave!"

The shorter of the two shook his head at the other, implying that they ignore her and continue following whatever commands Cinder had entrusted to them. Ruby felt the nauseous wave of butterflies start up once more in her stomach, her mind buzzing as she anxiously waited for a rebuke but she didn't give them the time to think before they left altogether and never came back.

It would be a missed golden opportunity.

"Fine," Ruby declared. "Leave. I'm sure Cinder will be ecstatic when she comes back only to discover that she will have some cleaning to do."

Now she had their attention.

This was not the way she had planned this conversation to go but at any means necessary, she had to get out of this cage.

"In fact, she'll probably have one of you clear up my s-"

"Enough," the taller one countered in defence, now looking a little more than uncomfortable. Not that Ruby blamed them. She stared vacantly in silence, waiting for his answer. Instead, the White Fang guard turned to his comrade with a tilted head as though he were questioning and relaying their options. The shorter of the two didn't seem convinced.

"We can't," he whispered anxiously. "Cinder specifically instructed that she does not leave the cell. Not until-" he suddenly cut himself off, regret almost instant as he cursed and flashed a quick look at her as though to check she was still alive and breathing. Ruby felt herself go rigid.

What did he mean? Until what?

She almost cracked, losing her calm demeanour and demanded for an answer but dreaded the outcome. Worse, she was quite sure she wasn't going to like what needed to be heard. It didn't stop the slow-building feelings of dread piling up inside of her. Her mind instantly thought of the thief lord.

What's going on Torchwick? What are you trying to hide from me?

"But remember when that Torchwick punk pulled the same crap?"

"This is non-negotiable." The shorter of the two seemed more insistent and reluctant to break the rules – something Ruby desperately needed him to do. Her heart almost stopped again when he uttered those last few words. "If we disturb her now..." he turned to his comrade, "then you know we'll have to suffer the consequences."

"Either way, we'll be risking our necks. I say we screw the time scale and take her already."

Now what were they talking about? Take her where? Ruby pulled herself away from the bars, suddenly wishing she had kept her mouth shut. Cinder had planned something for her, she had known since the moment Torchwick had defied her orders and there was a glint in her fiery eyes, a fury that arose at the sight of his rebellion. There was no way she was going to let that pass. Cinder Fall was not someone you wished to peeve, to choose to disobey at your own leisure – not if you valued your life.

And yet, Roman still...

That name. It came so easily now, like her one slip of tongue had unlocked her ability to call him by his first name both mentally and physically. She had refused to acknowledge it earlier, because using it meant accepting that he was no longer a foe. No longer a threat. It meant that all his wrongdoings, the pain and suffering he had caused would be meaningless – all the chaos, the death of innocent civilians, they would all be in vain. It felt like she was committing the ultimate taboo by accepting him as an ally at all.

And still, her conflicting emotions were at war within herself, fighting for dominance and it was slowly killing her. It would be easy to revert back to their old roots, to the statuses that deemed them as enemies... but a part of her resented the idea. Because all she could think about was his hospitality, as twisted as it had been, and the small ways he diverted the dark topics of their conversations so she wouldn't have to be reminded of everything she had lost.

How could she begrudge the idea of a partnership with the man who had made her laugh again? Who reminded her how it felt to smile and feel a fragmented moment of happiness and forget the bitter reality she was now living? Even now, she could still feel his smouldering embrace as he kept her alive and warm as she almost froze to death. His sleeping face when she had woken up after being electrocuted by the dust-laced bars of their cell – she remembered it all and she couldn't erase the memories even if she tried.

And now they would be working together. Though as difficult as that path may be, she knew it could work. They were working towards the same goal – dethroning Cinder and finally obtaining their much needed revenge.

Her attention was snapped up by the sound of the White Fang's hurried footsteps as they rushed towards the cell door. Ruby stumbled back in alarm, watching pointedly with suspicious eyes as the taller of the two uncovered a set of keys from the hidden pouch behind him. The jingly sounds it made reverberated, catching her ears as she kept her eyes on them.

So they did have keys on them. Her eyes flickered back up to catch the guard unlocking the cell door whilst the comrade kept his rifle at the ready to blast her if needs be. But what did they mean? Where were they planning on taking her?

She opened her mouth to question but was immediately cut off without any warning as the broad shouldered guard made a dive at her before she could get a word in.

"Wa-!"

Her strangled cry was cut short as she felt the perilous weight of the guard almost crush her as his hands clutched her arms in a vice-like grip, flipped her around and pushed her towards the ground until her knees buckled and she collapsed. And before she could even think to use her speed to make an attempt to escape, she felt her feet and hands getting cuffed as she was pinned to the ground, face first. Cramps attacked her muscles as they burned, her bruises that were in the stages of slowly healing now felt as though they had been torn open with a hot knife.

"Keep her down!"

"You think it's easy?! Just shut her up already!"

Ruby cursed under her breath. She wasn't ready to be drugged again, not after the last time ended up with her being thrown inside of a cell.

But to her surprise, she felt a strip of cloth being bound around her mouth, gagging her until she could only cry muffled screams of distress. A second later, she was blind. A second cloth was bound around her eyes, engulfing her into complete darkness. But even then, she struggled, made it as difficult as possible for the two guards to keep her steady. She bit down in the fabric, twisted her head from side to side in hopes she could shake off their rough hands from her face and body, teeth digging into the cloth and tasting dry fibres of cotton.

That was when she felt a sharp hit to the back of her head, rendering her silent.

Voices.

Muffled voices.

Cheering. Jeering.

Numbness. She felt numb but her nerves were growing alert once more as her brain began to work, registering the situation and piecing together the clouded figments of her memories before she had passed out. Ruby groaned, her head feeling heavy as she raised her head, still blind to the sight before her. But she was awake, enough to feel the sturdy grips of hands hauling her up so she was half standing, half hanging, just like the way she used to hang off of Uncle Qrow's arms.

But these men didn't carry the strong familiar odour of liquor laced with the scent of the outdoors that her charming Uncle carried. The lack of it was a fresh reminder of her past, learning to wield a scythe, to fight and train to become a huntress. She'd have given anything to have Qrow with her right now. There was almost a 100 percent guarantee that he would have found a way out by now.

Her ears felt clogged up, like she had gone partially deaf and for a horrifying moment, she thought she had. Until she felt a freedom from the tight bindings from around her head. The abrupt blast of bright light blinded her, her eyes burning after having spent so long in darkness. The view of the stage set before her slowly came to focus as she narrowed her eyes, blinding profusely until her vision shifted from its blurred state to a clear HD view of her surroundings.

The first thing she saw as she stretched her neck, craning it up to scan the room – or she should really say, arena.

Down below, from whatever kind of balcony room she had been detained in had an open view of the room below. A large bird-like steel cage sat in the middle of the room, taking up majority of the space. Pyres were alit like torches in a ringed arena around the cage, lights spotlighting the centre of the stage where more than three shadowed figures seemed to be standing.

And surrounding the arena itself, seating arranged like the crowds were about to witness a play...

Ruby felt herself intake a sharp breath with great difficulty as the gut-wrenching realisation of what was happening below slowly dawned upon her. Her eyes widened, now fully conscious and apparent. But the fabric tied around her mouth refused to budge and she couldn't only speak into the material.

There was an audience, the seats filled with a mix of dozens of White Fang, of traitors, like a nightmare of monsters unleashed like savage beasts who were about to feast on their prey. They jeered, bubbling with energy and excitement as they focused on the main center stage.

Ruby's eyes shook, trailing grudgingly back to the cage, slipping through the gaps and onto the main source that fed the crowds entertainment. A series of chills trickled down her spine, her stomach in knots so tight she could barely breathe. Her knees felt weak, the bile in her throat rising up gradually until she was sure she would puke with her still gagged and tied up. Her heart pounded painfully against her chest in a constant rhythm that seized her every breath every time she took one in.

Her eyes were glued to the one lone standing figure, his appearance being her only main focus point. Just seeing him stand there caused her to truly feel Fear's hand brush against her skin, tearing through her pelt until it reached her heart. The ground beneath her disappearing until she felt herself almost collapsing.

The audience.

The arena.

The cage.

Roman Torchwick herded by four masked White Fang members, armed and ready to battle.

It all made sense. So much sense.

How could she have been so stupid? So ignorant?

She should have pieced the jigsaw pieces together, Cinder's words, Torchwick's reluctant behaviour to reveal where he was taken, what he had been forced to do. What he had been forced to endure.

It was a deathmatch.

And there could only be one victor.

The prize? Your survival.

Last free meal...

Ruby took a shaky breath, attempting to hold herself together as the clamped hands of the two guards at her side dug into her arms as they held her in place, forcing her to witness the brutality of the scenario below them. With her hands bound tight by steel cuffs, feet just as trapped, she felt suffocated, like the oxygen within the room was growing denser and denser, slowly disintegrating into nothingness.

It should have been so blatantly obvious and yet she had turned a blind eye at the time, passing it off as a mere mystery she was never supposed to solve. The slow-burning flame inside of her now flickered to life, energized by a new source of anger that had her itching desire to wield her weapon and decapitate each and every head within the room.

Why would he have kept this from her? Why did he go so far as to rise against Cinder's demands and protect her? Keeping her in the dark about the savage and sickening ploys that Cinder had forced Torchwick into? She was a huntress for crying out loud, it was in her blood and in her nature to face such hurdles, to take on every known threat and to eliminate them. She was no damsel in distress that needed his assistance in such petty matters that she could well and truly handle.

Yes, she was mad. Furious. Fuming at the thought that despite the growing belief that he had faith in her to escape, he still somewhat assumed she wouldn't be able to handle Cinder – or any form of torture thrown her way.

She could protect herself.

But she was also screaming internally in frustration, the hollow ache resurfacing at the thought of her newest partner having to face Cinder's wrath. And she truly had planned out a deadly match, clearly having already anticipated Roman's objective in his sudden defiance back in the dreary lower grounds of their prison.

It was why Cinder had caved in so easily when Roman challenged her, silencing her in a manner that even made Ruby take a step back in awe, just to process it all.

But above all, the feeling of thick and heavy dread, of panic, began to spread through her body. She felt the hairs at the back of her neck stick up in static as chills continued to run down her spine. Could she be brave? Was she strong enough to watch this through? This new level of cruelty performed by Cinder?

She was sick. Cinder had gone completely insane to make the two of them go through with kind of torture and then display it for all to see. Ruby felt queasy, disgusted at the live crowd that cheered in hopes Torchwick would fail, that he would break a few bones and for there to be blood. Just the thought of it reminded her of the state he had been brought back in the last time he had been taken – the grotesque image of him coughing blood, wiping his lips of the crimson liquid the bubbled out from his mouth. The almost frail, breakable body that had carried so many bruises – now back out there for another round so that they both could have something to eat.

Why, Torchwick? Why are you doing this? Ruby cried out mentally. She curled her fingers into her palms and squeezed until she felt her nails dig so deep into her skin that she winced.

A man who showed such arrogance, confidence and pride, had reduced himself to this state. Ruby could quite hardly believe it.

"Are we ready?"

Ruby immediately snapped her attention towards the sound of the authoritative voice that resounded through the vast open space of the arena. Glancing over the bricked balcony, Ruby caught sight of another raised platform that overlooked the arena, mainly the centre of the room where the cage rested. In direct line for a good view. Ruby felt nauseous.

There, standing tall with her decadent throne, all gold and plush red velvet, was the witch herself. Cinder Fall with her mercenaries standing by her sides like her jailers – though Emerald looked enthusiastic with the ongoing events, the same couldn't have been said for Mercury.

Ruby's stomach did a little flip, a flutter of hope slowly embracing her cold heart, on seeing the slate-haired traitor. Even now, she couldn't shake the memory of first discovering his betrayal. The tournament – Penny. A slash of hurt cut through her heart on remembering when she had lost her only aura-generating robot friend at the hands of Emerald and Cinder. It was her first breaking point – losing Penny.

Though her body parts had been salvaged, and she had been rebuilt, the more sentimental part of Penny that made her so... human, had been lost forever. Penny would always be one of her dearest friends, but she was no longer the same person Ruby had known and loved. Even her memories were shattered, only flashes and brief clouded pictures of the time they had spent together prior to the festival, were all that was left of Penny's memory.

And since, she had always resented Mercury, always wishing she could have figured it out sooner – perhaps then, what had happened with Yang and Penny, may never have occurred. It stung, not knowing how things might've gone.

But despite her ever-present bitterness towards her ex-friend, she could never bring herself to forget the moments they shared in between classes and their missions – when they had fun. Mercury made her laugh in ways no one else could, act like a complete airhead yet smart enough to make sharp witty comebacks to her playful taunts. She had always been fascinated by his greaves and how they worked, how he managed to pull off such high skilled manoeuvres with only his legs. He barely used his hands in combat which was largely impressive.

She blindly trusted Mercury, believed that they shared an understanding. And then there were the moments he made me catch my breath.

Only briefly.

She had noticed the furtive flirty remarks he made with Emerald, small comments that were barely anything to get flustered by but still left an impression on a person. But her young mind simply brushed it off as normal human behaviour that had no special meaning behind it.

It felt like a lifetime ago.

Mercury looked more or less like he despised the entire scenario, shooting daggers at Torchwick who seemed to be grinning, coyly tilting his head to one side as though to taunt Mercury with his overconfidence. She could see the stiffness in Mercury's shoulders, the twitch of his lips as he gritted his teeth together before glancing at Cinder, waiting for her next set of instructions.

The commotion dimmed, enveloping the arena in silence at the sound of Cinder's voice. Ruby felt her heart stop.

"You know the rules, Roman. Don't disappoint me now," she remarked with a knowing callous smile gracing her lips. Her irises were glowing like fiery embers even in the brightly lit room. She raised a hand, signalling a bell to ring that seemed to alert the crowd that the battle had begun.

Ruby quickly turned her gaze to Torchwick in a panic, who had given a short stiff curtsey in retaliation to Cinder's demand in an untailored fashion before stepping into his battle mode with the mere wooden staff that seemed to be made from bamboo as his only line of defence. Against a group of beastly White Fang members armed with plated armour and a range of swords, batons and other unfairly advantage weapons at their behest, Torchwick didn't stand a chance.

Not unless he used his semblance.

Looking past the bizarre actuality of it all, Ruby was still wildly curious to see the thief lord's semblance at its best and figure out exactly what types of abilities he had besides generating heat and seemingly being able to control it on any living being. Case in point – her. She still yet to uncover the semantics behind it all though it proved to be a great challenge when he refused to use his semblance in her presence. Only when necessary.

"I'm growing weary of these tedious games, sweetheart," taunted Torchwick. To emphasise his comment, he yawned before leaning forwards, both hands atop his bamboo weapon as though he were using it as a walking stick for balance. The smirk fraying on his lips hinted arrogance. "When will the real fun commence?"

He cocked his head to one side, completely disregarding the fact that he was outnumbered, and at a huge disadvantage in terms of weapons. Perhaps this was his way of dealing with Cinder, with any situation that clearly signalled his defeat? She had to give him points for his obnoxious courage.

There were cries of displeased White Fang members, amongst Cinder's own armies of traitors. Those who succumbed to her onslaught and chose the life of a traitor rather than become prey to the enemy. They swore complete allegiance to Cinder in a desperate attempt for survival and a better life not knowing of any consequences that may follow. It burned, their betrayal, to know innocent civilians had been forced to take such measures to protect their own – a large sum only doing so for selfish gains.

"Careful what you wish for, Roman," Cinder said abruptly, slinking down to sit back on her throne. Her smug grin fiendish and proud. She'd drawn out the words, slow and inviting in that delicate tone of hers that could curdle milk. She swiped a hand to signal the bell... and then everything went to hell.

Ruby watched helplessly, shooting her focus back to Torchwick with a racing pulse, her ears ringing inside her head, as the match instantly broke into a violent brawl.

The sharp crack as steel hit against bamboo was ear-splitting to a point Ruby was convinced that the make-do walking stick had snapped in half before it could even make its first strike. Panic spread through her veins as she watched Torchwick bring up his hands, losing all humour as he blocked off the first attack, holding the White Fang broad at bay before pushing him off altogether. He became a blur as he rushed to the next empty spot within the cage, fluidly ducking under the swipe of a second attack from the next enemy.

They were trying to herd him, all the while, Cinder watched malevolently from her risen balcony, resting her chin delicately on her hand. The illuminating glow from her bright eyes could be seen from miles back and they followed Torchwick as he circled through her underlings in the arena, one by one. Ruby twisted at her wrists, feeling the snug fit of her cuffs dig into her skin. She knew she should expect Cinder to interfere, to make things even more challenging for her new partner, and that part terrified her. How would she be able to stand here, watching, as he endured Cinder's wrath and the might of the White Fang for them both?

Ruby felt her anger bubble to a point that she screamed into the cloth that gagged her, though muffled, her groans could be heard by her jailers who jabbed her in the back with what felt like a baton. It silenced her for the time being, knowing it was a warning for her not to make any sudden movements or cause a scene that would attract attention. It seemed Cinder wanted to showcase her level of authority, her hold over them so strong that no one should dare consider trying to take it away.

Oh, but I will. I'll break you, the same way you broke me and my friends.

Almost as though Cinder had read her thoughts, the yellowing eyes of burning ember suddenly flickered up, locking onto Ruby's with great malice. Ruby felt herself flinch, quickly composing herself to stare back with just as much hatred and warning. She hoped Cinder could feel her burning gaze.

Thunk!

Ruby jumped, almost forgetting there was something greater at hand – Torchwick's battle. The sound of a body dropping had snagged everyone's interest and made Ruby catch her breath as her heart lurched.

The immobile body on the floor of the ring was too bulky for it to be Torchwick, which had been a relief. It meant that he had managed to take out at least one of three opponents. But Ruby almost gasped on seeing her partner who was staggering, huffing and puffing a little more than normal in one corner of the ring as he pointed his weapon at his next target.

The perspiration on his face was evident, even from afar and she could see the red flush in his cheeks.

Exhaustion.

Pain.

He clutched the his right side briefly, his lips moving like they were spewing curses as he pulled himself to stand up straight. More chills ran down Ruby's spine.

The deafening jeers from the crowds drowned out the sounds of Torchwick's words as he taunted the shortest White Fang member to come forth and take him on. A sight that made Ruby quiver and shake her head slowly. She wasn't sure how much more of this she could take – it was too brutal to watch.

Why was Cinder doing this? Why make her bear witness to such an abhorrent scene? As far she was concerned, she believed the two of them were mortal enemies.

Unless she knew. Ruby's eyes widened in horror. No, no, that's impossible.

She wouldn't still be alive and breathing if that were the case, or Cinder would have tried some twisted method to get them to break and spill the truth. She was fiendish like that. But how could she prove it? What did Ruby truly know about Cinder and the way her perverse mind worked?

All the more reason to make their escape as soon as possible.

Torchwick cried out as he took a punch to the side of his torso that he had clutched, legs giving way as he dropped to the ground on his knees with agony etched all over his face. Ruby cried out, stepping forwards but was yanked back before receiving another jab to her spine. Her heart pounding hard, she felt dizzy and sick, hating that she had to watch any of this. Why it affected her so bad, she couldn't figure it out but it did. Just seeing Torchwick in any form of pain now, moved something inside of her.

It hurt. Like needles being pried into her heart.

Torchwick heaved another breath, glancing up from his mussed orange bangs with a half smile. His weapon dropped to the ground beside him.

"Heh, that all you got? Come on, short stuff. At least try to make an effort to impress the lady up there," he chuckled deeply, staggering as he pulled himself up once more. The short White Fang member exchanged looks with his brothers before a new fury took him over as the three of them suddenly dived at Torchwick without warning.

Ruby wanted to cry out but was held back as the scenes unfolded before her.

The cheers increased in volume.

"Now we're talking!" Torchwick suddenly swiped out a hand, grabbing his bamboo staff unexpectedly, before moving across the floor towards the first guard, catching him at his leg as he brought the staff to his just below his kneecap, forcing the guard to collapse to his knees and cry out, dropping his dagger. The dagger which then Torchwick used as he ducked the next attack, swiftly grabbing the blade to then thrust it into the lower back of the fallen White Fang guard.

An uproar set off in the crowds as the protesting armies hissed and demanded punishment be placed upon Torchwick, despite knowing full well what the rules were.

All the while, Ruby stood frozen. Unfeeling. Unseeing. Unknowing.

She had just witnessed Roman Torchwick take a life.

Murderer. Murderer. Murderer.

The word was like poison, circling round her head. And as much as wanted to deny it, whether it was a White Fang traitor or not, Torchwick had physically killed someone with his own hands. Something, to this day, she had never had the misfortune of seeing and continued with the belief set in mind that he was anything but a cold-blooded killer.

No remorse. No hesitation. He looked like he was having the time of his life.

Was this the part of him he was trying to hide from him? Was that the reason why he seemed to edgy and reluctant in her coming along with him a short while ago?

The air left her lungs, feeling like someone was crushing all her internal organs until there was nothing left. She felt numb, empty and stricken with regret. A small fragmented piece of her heart still longed to believe she was over-reacting, her assumptions were nothing but panic-driven thoughts brought on by stress and her imprisonment and solitude. Had she forgotten where they were? What they needed to do to survive?

But... even then, just seeing it up close for the first time – it left a bitter taste on her tongue.

Her eyes wavered, shifting to look anywhere before focusing back on the arena with a heavy heart.

Torchwick manoeuvred like a wild animal set free, chuckling in between blocking attacks from the remaining two opponents who used their full brute force. One of them had now pulled out thick metal gauntlets that curled over his knuckles like a second layer of skin. The sight of him wielding such weapons reminded Ruby instantly of Yang – a territory she daren't tread back on.

Torchwick had always displayed ridiculous skills in hand-to-hand combat using his cursed walking stick that fired rockets. He had disarmed her countless times in the past, so it wasn't too surprising to see him fend off his enemies with a lowly staff made from bamboo. But even then, she could see him struggle to great lengths to land some blows whilst avoiding deadly strikes that could knock him out.

"Agh!"

Ruby looked up in a jolt, hearing the bloodcurdling cry of a familiar voice. On sight, she stilled, feeling like the ground beneath her had eroded away and she fell into a bottomless black pit.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Its unmistakable colour was like a bright toxin that had silenced the room. The sight of the gory crimson as it welled up from the wound before trickling down the skin like a rivulet.

Blood.

Roman Torchwick's blood.

At the picture of her newfound partner crouched on his knees as his wounded arm held the staff, his free hand clutching the bicep where blood began to seep through his fingers and trailed down his pale skin to his hand. His head fell forwards, bangs shadowing his eyes from all to see but Ruby could see his teeth clamped shut, grinding against each other, knowing he was doing everything he could to keep in his screams.

Ruby felt like someone had punched a hole in her stomach until she wanted to puke. Her eyes moistened, muscles tightening as millions of jolts spread through her body.

The satisfied White Fang guard who had managed the blow stood proud, sword raised in the air above his head – Torchwick's blood still stained its sharp cutting edge. Ruby breathed in sharply, narrowing her eyes on the beast.

The cheers from the audience had gone out of control as members continued to shout out and demand for Torchwick's head.

Ruby glanced back to Cinder, in search for her reaction.

She gave one nod of approval towards her crony, a slick smile on her lips that remained there indefinitely. Ruby felt the fire in her burn with disgust, hating the sadistic witch more than she ever had before and it only continued to grow.

Emerald looked just as smug, enjoying the look of agony on Torchwick's face and seemed engaged in the whole scene.

But when it came to Mercury, Ruby stiffened. His eyes weren't focused on the battle, but rather... at her. And he looked taken aback, almost as though he hadn't expected to have seen her standing there watching the mutiny taking place below. His eyes were wide and filled with disbelief, mouth slightly open and face void of any form of hostility or bitterness that she had fully expected from him.

In the space of those few seconds they had with locked gazes with one another, Ruby felt for sure that the small brief understanding they had as friends back at Beacon – was still there. It lingered, faint perhaps but alive and breathing. And like he just realised his mistake for keeping his guard down, he quickly looked away, face straight and cold like he hadn't even noticed her to begin with.

A flicker of hope resided in Ruby's heart and it tingled inside.

"What is it, Roman? Do you admit defeat?" Cinder called out. She crossed one leg over the other as she tapped her fingers on the armrests of her throne. "I thought rats could outlast even a small wound, considering the vermin that you are."

The sound of Torchwick's abrupt laughter took everyone in the room by surprise, and had Ruby feeling nervous.

He raised his head slowly, a grin plastered on his lips as he licked at them then spat. "I'll keep on fighting until you bring your pretty little face in this cage and take me on yourself."

Was he crazy?!

"Your bearing could be considered most admirable by most, but you have yet to enslave my heart." Cinder shifted in her seat so she leaned forwards. "You're boring me."

Torchwick stood up, slowly but surely and still clutching his bloodied arm and gaping wound. The two guards behind him waited for further instructions from their leader as they watched the two converse in silence. They seemed uncomfortable and on guard as Torchwick stretched out his neck, releasing his clasp on his arm. The gruesome sight of it was sickening and it continued to bleed but not so much that it knocked the thief out completely.

"You want a show?" he suddenly announced, loudly. Whether to Cinder, or to the crowd, Ruby wasn't sure but she was anxious, dreading what was to come. His words brought her no comfort because Cinder was the ruling piece on this chess board. Torchwick flicked his bangs out from his eyes, almost dazzling as he smiled and flashed Cinder a quick wink. "Then this one's for you, gorgeous."

Without giving any time for the crowd to react, Torchwick spun round with his staff, catching it in the unprepared White Fang's jaw, his mask dismembered as it snapped off and dropped off his face altogether. Torchwick was on him, foot on his stomach as he brought the staff down with such rage before it connected with the guard's head – knocking him unconscious.

Or dead.

The knots in Ruby's stomach tightened as her eyes widened in complete horror and disbelief – wondering where all this inner strength came from. He wasn't using his semblance, as far as she could tell, but brute strength. Raw and indisputable. Even the audience was left baffled and rigid in silence.

Emerald shot to her feet, her shuffling catching Ruby's ears as she turned back to the trio. Cinder seemed to have silenced her companion with a slight shake of the head, but Ruby could capture the look of irritation on Cinder's face. Her once flawless skin now showing tight lines that resembled anxiety and worry.

In that moment, she flashed Ruby a quick look. And just to spite her – Ruby smirked back.

And that was what did it. What set off Cinder's growing temper.

As Torchwick picked up the fallen sword from the opponent he had just defeated to finally face the last standing obstacle between him and his next meal, a familiar demonic howling began to sound within the cage.

Ruby jerked forwards, shaking her head furiously as the guards held her back and continued to keep her silent and at bay, as she cried out muffled warnings to the thief. She hadn't bothered with Cinder, because she knew the moment Cinder had raised her hand and the runes on her arms were alit, it was the end.

Stop, oh dust, please! Don't.

Her pulse raced erratically until she couldn't breathe, her body unable to take the strain of pressure as she slowly toppled forwards as the scene unravelled before her.

She watched the glowing circle rings of fire light up beneath Torchwick's feet who had frozen mid strike and with wide eyes, attempted to come to terms with what was happening.

Move Roman! Please move!

Her cries were more than futile, her screams muffled and she was hit in the back until she felt as though her spine had cracked in two. She fell onto the guardrail of the balcony, cheek flat against the cold stone as the cage became a burning beacon of light. The two figures inside looking at a loss for words just before the ground beneath them erupted like a volcano, the howls echoing throughout the room as the blinding light from the fire and burning debris... destroyed all that was in the cage.

HOW EVIL AM I?!

I know I know. I did it for the lolz.

This chapter was originally longer but I had to divide it because it was wayy too long! And I thought I'd make you guys suffer a bit.

YUSH. Well done to those who guessed Roman was made to fight when he was taken out of the cell. Remember that guys?

Apologies for the lack of dialogue in this part because most of it is in Part 2 which I shall edit up and post SOON. Moving on.

OMG GUYS THE FINALE. THE SHOW. WHAAAAAT. PYRRHA. AKDKJAKDJSKFNS. SALEM. CINDER. FFS WHAT. I can't. Also it seriously freaks me out how Ozpin disappeared because when I first had that as a plot twist for my story, I really didn't expect that to happen in the show as well! Damn the prof has power.

The similarities my story has with the canon plot, it's quite unbelievable and kinda scary. I had to touch up my story just a teeny bit. The silver eyes thing was so unexpected but SO COOL. AND QROW HOT DAMN. Okay, I'll stop now. I need to discuss with someone so pls feel free to PM me or something.

V4 can't get here sooner.

Sh*t man.

Thank you to all who read, review and support my work. It seriously means the world to me. I'll list names in next chapter but you're all wonderful and special. I'm so glad you're all liking the story, and here's hoping you continue to because sh*t is gonna hit the fan guys.

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