CHAPTER 3: THE MASKED VIGILANTE

"Wait, what're you—"

Ruby pivoted her body, executing a swift kick that propelled the man a considerable distance away. Subsequently, another individual emerged from around a corner, having witnessed his companion's airborne trajectory, and promptly aimed his firearm in Ruby's direction. However, Ruby had astutely anticipated this turn of events. With remarkable agility, she leaped into the air, enveloped in a mesmerizing vortex of spinning rose petals, and propelled herself towards the approaching man. Together, they forcefully shattered the glass barrier and descended outside the premises of the store.

Ruby effortlessly dispatched her adversaries. Demonstrating not only a remarkable command over her formidable weapon, but also an uncanny swiftness, incapacitating them swiftly, albeit curiously, without causing any fatal harm. Consequently, the defeated individuals were left writhing in evident agony upon the unforgiving asphalt.

"You were worth every cent, truly you were," came a sarcastic voice.

Emerging from the shop was a man, dressed immaculately in a white suit, complemented by a black bowler hat and a cane. His ginger locks subtly peeked out from underneath his hat, while a lit cigar gracefully rested in his mouth. As he confidently walked, he inadvertently kicked a henchman, prompting a subdued groan.

"Well Red I can say this has been quite the eventful evening," he continued towards the girl, dropping the cigar and crushing it with the end of his cane.

"As much as I'd love to stick around, I'm afraid this is where we part ways."

The ginger haired man fired a shot at Ruby. Ruby swiftly dodged said shot as the blast snaked a crater on the road. Upon landing, she scanned her surroundings until she found the crook scrambling up a fire access ladder.

"Mind if I go after them?" Ruby asked the aged shopkeeper as he came out of hiding from his ruined shop.

He nodded shakily.

Ruby proceeded with determination, swiftly making her way towards the fire access ladder. Ruby ascended the ladder until he reached the edge of the roof.

"Hey!" She yelled out, causing the thief to pause.

"Persistent..." he muttered under his breath

Declining to pivot and confront them, a few anxious moments elapsed. His patience was rewarded when the clamor of a bullhead transport emanated from a neighboring thoroughfare. Luminous spotlights beamed down upon the two adolescents, momentarily dazzling them as the gentleman in the white attire hastily embarked into the cabin. The luminosity subsided, granting them a momentary respite.

"End of the line, red!" He announced as he threw a red dust crystal at her feet. Recognition lit up in Ruby's eyes.

At the frying pan, another individual descended gracefully between them and the crystal, summoning a violet glyph that provided a protective shield from the explosive impact. This person was a skilled huntress, appearing to be in her late thirties, with meticulously braided golden hair and a pair of spectacles perched upon her nose. She was dressed in a white long-sleeved blouse, neatly tucked into a high-waisted black skirt. A tattered purple cape billowed behind her, adding an air of mystery to her presence. Completing her ensemble were black stockings and elegant heels.

With a hint of annoyance, she let out a sigh and brandished what seemed to be a wand. Adjusting her glasses, she swung her arm in a wide arc, unleashing a barrage of violet energy bolts towards the bullhead. Although the armored hull sustained only minor damage in the form of sizable dents, this did not deter her from actively participating in the battle. Ruby swiftly transformed her scythe into a high-velocity sniper rifle. The thunderous cracks that followed each shot reverberated through the air. Seizing the opportunity, the thief stumbled his way towards the cockpit, as his getaway bird struggled under the relentless combined assault.

"Don't worry boss, we got this!"

Ruby and the huntress looked over their shoulder, and saw the gang members Ruby had taken down surrounded them in a circle. Those that trailed behind were staggering due to the blows Ruby inflicted on them but nevertheless joined forces with the others. In perfect unison they all aimed their guns at the pair.

"I'd drop your weapons if I were you two!" Said the thief while holding a pistol to the old man's head.

Ruby and the huntress's eyes widened.

"I said drop your weapons!" He kicked the back of the old man's legs, causing him to get on his knees with the pistol now aimed at the back of his head.

Ruby could try and shoot the weapon out of his hands, but neither she or the huntress beside her didn't want to risk the chance of the thug still being able to pull the trigger. With a frustrated growl, Ruby formed her scythe back to its holster state and placed it on the ground next to her. The huntress dropped her crop whilst raising her hands.

"Kick it over here." He ordered them.

Sorry Crescent Rose, Ruby thought.

Doing what they were told, Ruby and the huntress kicked Crescent Rose and Disciplinarian near the old man and placed their hands above their head to show him that they were harmless. As soon as the weapons were away from the pair the rest of the criminals picked up said weapons and threw them over the roof.

"You hurt?" The thug with the gun asked his leader.

"Just my pride," He replied from the airship. "Did you get everything?"

"Yup, all that's left is this old man." Adding insult to injury, he pushed the old man on the ground. The owner of the store groaned in pain at the rough treatment.

"You don't have to do this, you got what you want. So just leave." The old man pleaded to them while trying to get back up. Before he could a shoe slammed down on his back. Ruby was about to activate her Semblance again, but stopped when the gun went back to the old man's head.

"Just stay where you are, Red." The leader said with a smirk. "I'm sure you'll know what will happen if you decide to play hero."

Walking to up to the pair the thug planted the barrel of their guns on Ruby and the pro huntress's head. Ruby decided to close her eyes and await the incoming strike. Her final thoughts began to appear.

I'm sorry Yang, dad, uncle Qrow.

The thug that stood before Ruby growled. "This is for kicking me, you brat!"

Ruby snapped her eyes open in time to see two thick treads of webbing shot out of nowhere and coiled itself around the thug's waist. With a strong yank the strands flew back along the thugs away from Ruby and the huntress. The thugs screamed in unison as they were pulled over the precipice, disappearing from everyone's sight. Sounds of struggle could be heard until the air descended to silence.

"Man, I can't believe I had to leave a perfectly good party for this." A disembodied voice spoke, causing the other crook next to the huntress to panic.

"WHO'S THER-MMFFF!" Just as he was about to shout, a glob of web attached to a string splat itself on his face. Causing him to pull at the web. As he was pulling the web with all his might the strand flew back and pulled him over the room. His scream was muffled as he too was gone.

A black blur ascended to the air and landed before them.

Ruby and the huntress were expecting the police or possibly another Huntress or Huntsman to appear before them, but was surprised to see some weirdo wearing nothing but a costume. Said costume he donned predominantly featured a resplendent shade of blue, accentuated by red gloves, boots, mid-section, and mask. A web-like pattern gracefully adorned the crimson sections of the suit, originating from the mask. Additionally, a black spider insignia embellished the center of the chest, while a larger red spider emblem graced the back. The crook pointed his gun at the masked stranger walking towards him.

"Let me guess, you were planning to shoot him, were you?" The masked stranger asked, drawing closer to the crook.

The crook clicked his tongue. "Yeah, what of-"

The masked stranger didn't give him enough time to finish his sentence as he leapt forward with incredible speed and lashed his fist straight in the crook's stomach. Pain flooded his body. He doubled over with wide eyes, clutching his stomach as he coughed. Dropping his gun and releasing the old man.

Everyone was stunned. None more so than Ruby and the huntress.

The masked stranger chuckled.

"You might wanna sit down on this one, buddy; better luck next time." His fist rushed up to the crook's chin, sending him flying thirty feet off the ground before descending back to said ground on his back.

One of the crooks shouted. "You little punk!"

The thug's trigger finger got tighter around the handle and fired several rounds of Dust into the strange man. Each round was aimed at his chest, and said rounds missed its mark as the strange enigma dodged each shot with ease. Each time chuckling while the gangster screamed in frustration.

Wow! He's fast! Ruby thought.

Ruby gazed in astonishment at the remarkable agility with which he evaded those bullets, even at such close proximity. Despite her own swiftness, she still required a moment to prepare, yet he effortlessly sidestepped each projectile. Following the discharge of the final round, the masked individual directed his hands towards the criminal, as if poised to strike him.

Both Ruby and the huntress were taken aback by the sight of the same webbing that had immobilized the two robbers emerging from his wrists and enveloping the firearm with its adhesive substance. The masked figure then retracted his webs, now holding the gun in his gloved hands, rendering the robber utterly defenseless.

"No more guns for you, sir." The masked man snapped the gun in half and tossed the pieces away.

Before the crook could do anything the masked man jumped in the air. Twisted his torso, and kicked the thug face first to the floor roof. Knocking him unconscious.

The masked stranger jumped, landing behind a cluster of armed men. Their confusion left them vulnerable for him to strike from the rear. The masked man shot a web line to the back of one of the shooters and pulled. The surprise attack caused the shooter to turn around and see his assailant waving at him.

"Hey there."

Prior to his ability to respond, the Masked man swiftly leaped upon him and effectively immobilized him on the ground. The man emitted a cry of alarm, thereby drawing the attention of his companions towards the assailant, as they endeavored to discharge their firearms at both him and their comrade who lay beneath. However, the masked vigilante had astutely anticipated this course of action. Consequently, the masked man executed a nimble somersault, subsequently seizing hold of the man who remained prone on the ground. Utilizing the momentum generated by his agile maneuver, he propelled the man forcefully in the direction of the assembled group.

The body knocked the group down and gave the Masked man enough time to web them to the floor. Seizing the opportunity, the thief stumbled his way towards the cockpit, as his getaway bird struggled under the relentless combined assault.

"Get us out of here!" The thief yelled at his pilot, prompting the pilot to turn the handle to the side.

The masked vigilante turned his head in time to see the bullhead had commenced its retreat into the nocturnal expanse. A slight crease of concern adorning the huntress countenance, she proceeded to adjust her spectacles. She turned her gaze towards the masked vigilante, looking at him disdainfully.

"Welp, there's that." Said the masked stranger.

He turned around and walked forward.

The huntress pointed at him.

"Stop!" She demanded in an authoritative tone. "I don't know who you are, but what you're doing is an act of vigilantism within the kingdom of Vale."

The masked stranger looked over his shoulder. "Really? Is that really how you should treat someone that saved your life?"

The masked vigilante proceeded forward. Ruby ran up to his side and gently grabbed his arm.

"Wait! Who are you?" Ruby asked, looking at him curiously.

The masked vigilante smirked under his mask.

"Oh. I think you already know who I am."

Ruby blinked. "I do?"

The masked vigilante retreated backwards away from Ruby.

"I'm your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!" The masked vigilante known as Spider-Man leapt off the edge of the roof. He shot a web to a nearby building and web-swinged away from the still stunned Ruby Rose, huntress, and the civilian.

A superhero, Ruby thought, a real superhero saved us—saved me.

Ruby's smile slightly widened as she watched Spider-Man swinging far away.

Away and disappearing around a building.

The Next Day

The bell's ringing signaled to every student in different rooms that class was over. Said students already got up and started their way out of the room. Closing his notebook, Peter stood up from his chair, shoving said notebook into his backpack. Grabbing the strap and started towards the door, leaving the classroom.

Upon entering the cafeteria, everyone was already seated on their respective chairs in groups. Laughter, chatter, and conversations filled the air. Some students were talking to their friends, while their other friends were busy on their phones.

"Yo, Peter!"

Peter's head turned in the direction of the shout. Like yesterday, he spotted Harry sitting on an empty mobile table with two trays full of food in front of him and a large smile plastered across his features. Peter walked over and took a seat beside Harry. Peter opened his mouth to say something but quickly shut it when he caught something from the corner of his eye.

He turned his gaze to see Gwen Stacy from afar, sitting at another table with a group of girls. The world tuned out as he stared at Gwen in silent astonishment. He found himself lost in her electric blue eyes; eyes that made him feel warm and fuzzy. His heart skipped a beat when he realized he was staring too intensely at her. Blushing furiously, he looked anywhere except at her as his ears began burning red.

Peter quickly turned his gaze in time to see his friend Harry staring at him with a wide grin across his face.

"What?" Peter muttered irritably.

Harry pointed toward Gwen, his eyes sparkling mischievously, "You ogling Gwen?"

"No! I'm not ogling anything!" Peter snapped defensively.

Harry let out a chuckle. "Whatever you say, bro."

Peter scowled and pulled out his bag from his backpack. Pulling out the plastic container before opening it up and began eating his sandwich.

"So where did you go last night? I didn't see you at the party?" Harry asked, looking at Peter with an arched brow.

Peter rubbed the back of his nape. If there were a few things Peter hated when living the secret life of a superhero, it's lying to his friends and family. His stomach churns everytime he lies to them, especially to Harry. But Peter knew deep down that this was for Harry and everyone's safety. The less people knew about him being Spider-Man, the better.

"Oh, well, I forgot to get some eggs for Aunt May so I had to leave the party and head to the grocery store. Sorry Harry, " Peter answered vaguely.

Harry shrugged and stuffed a bite of his sandwich into his mouth. After chewing for a few moments, he swallowed and continued talking, "It's okay, Pete. Maybe in the next party you won't have anymore distractions."

"So how much of the party did I miss?" Peter asked as he pushed around some peas with his fork. He could feel his appetite dissipating.

Harry gave him a half shrug, "Most of it. The DJ was pretty good. Flash almost broke my dad's table but thank God he didn't. Liz and Kenny started dating so that's a surprise. Other than that, the party was fun."

Peter's lips parted but was stopped when a paper airplane dive-bombed on to his head with several students laughing. Peter picked up the paper plane, opened it, and saw the written word 'LOSERS' before he balled it up and tossed it in a nearby trashcan.

Peter turned his head to see that the one who threw said plane was the school's star football player and local bully, Flash Thompson, who high fived one of his friends, not even acting like he didn't do it.

"I'm so glad that we don't get to see him when we become seniors." Peter only gave his friend a nod of agreement.

The pair proceeded to eat their school meals.

"Oh I can't believe my baby sister is going to Beacon with me, this is the best day ever!"

"Please stop..." Ruby strained to say under the pressure of her older sister's bone crushing hug. Frisk observed the wholesome sight from behind her.

"But I'm so proud of you!" Gushed Yang Xiao Long, a blonde haired girl of seven-teen. To see her little sister aboard an airship bound for Beacon with her was the most amazing thing she could think of.

"Really sis... it was nothing." Stated Ruby.

"What do you mean? It was incredible! Everyone at Beacon is going to think you're the bee's knees!" Yang exclaimed.

"I don't want to be the 'bee's knees' ok?! I don't want to be any kind of knees! I just want to be a normal girl with normal knees." Expressed Ruby.

Ruby directed her focus towards the holoscreen. A news report regarding the robbery from the previous night was being broadcasted, and now Ruby possessed a name to associate with the countenance of the thief she had confronted; Roman Torchwick. Fortunately, there was no mention of their duo or her involvement, presumably due to Ozpin's intervention. Subsequently, the reporter transitioned to an update on an occurrence involving the White Fang, a movement advocating for the rights of Faunus that had unexpectedly taken a violent turn the prior year.

However, the news was abruptly interrupted by a recording of Glynda Goodwitch.

Ruby deduced that it was a pre-recorded salutation for new students. She shifted her attention towards the port windows. She gazed in astonishment as the ship maneuvered to provide its passengers with a complete view of Beacon Academy.

A collection of magnificent and intricate spires comprised the central area of the grounds, accompanied by numerous smaller buildings. Leading up to this area was a splendid plaza adorned with gardens, statues, and fountains, all meticulously arranged to enhance each individual feature. Two rivers, one on each side, converged in the middle of this plaza. Connecting the plaza to the landing platform was a lengthy causeway adorned with ivory arches and elegant wrought-iron street lamps.

The platform was standard and positioned on the edge of a sheer cliff face. A supplementary system of stairways and elevators gracefully descended the cliff face, leading to a small dock.

"Look! You can see Signal from up here!" Ruby said, pointing her finger. "I guess home isn't too far off after all."

"Beacon's our home now," Yang assured her, putting an arm around her little sister.

Indeed, it was so for the subsequent four years. However, their blissful state was momentarily disrupted when a fellow passenger, a young adolescent adorned with disheveled blonde locks, captivating blue eyes, and attired in a rudimentary suit of combat armor, grappled with the task of retaining his midday meal. In an effort to provide ample space, Ruby conscientiously positioned herself in close proximity to the window, allowing the boy to pass by without encroaching upon the personal space of Yang, who were situated perilously near her.

"I guess the view isn't for everyone," Yang commented.

"It was nice while it lasted," replied her sister.

"I wonder who we're going to meet?"

"I just hope they're better than vomit boy..."

Ruby pulled her scroll out of her pocket and pressed the home button to reveal her lock screen of a spider symbol with her face reflecting it.

Ruby's lips formed a small smile.

Not too far from the two sisters, a Faunus girl with a black bow sat comfortably on her seat. The book she was reading earlier, now forgotten on her side. Replaced with her scroll showing the news regarding the increase of crime, Roman Torchwick, and questions regarding why so much dust was being stolen. Though it was important news, they're all minor things compared to what she was really watching the news for.

Spider-man.

A/N: And that's chapter 3, young readers! I just watched the new launch trailer of Spider-Man 2 PS5 and let me tell you all I am hyped! And I know all of you are as well! Anyway, I'm off. See you in the next chapter!