Yang's eyes fluttered open, and she instantly felt the tight grip of ropes around her arms and legs, binding her to a chair. Heart pounding, she struggled against the restraints, her gaze darting around the dim room. Across from her, Velvet was bound in a similar chair, her face pale and fearful.
"Velvet!" Yang whispered urgently, hoping to comfort her friend.
Velvet looked over, relief flashing in her eyes. But before either could say anything, the door creaked open behind them. Yang froze as she recognized the voice that accompanied the footsteps.
"Well, well, look who's finally awake," Cinder Fall said, stepping into view with a smirk. Yang clenched her fists, her anger simmering as she met Cinder's mocking gaze. Velvet shrank back, her eyes widening in fear.
Cinder walked a slow circle around them, her gaze settling on Yang. "How's the arm?" she asked, feigning concern. Yang bit back a retort, knowing anything she said would only amuse Cinder more.
"Oh, don't be shy," Cinder cooed, clearly relishing Yang's helplessness. "I have a lot of unfinished business with you."
Yang gritted her teeth. "What do you want with us?"
"Just a little entertainment," Cinder replied, before flicking a cold, metallic collar around Yang's neck. Yang felt her Aura drain instantly, her heart sinking as she realized what was happening.
"This collar keeps you nice and powerless," Cinder continued, stepping back to admire her work. "No Aura, no Semblance. And now…" She turned her gaze to Velvet, who trembled as Cinder approached. "Let's start with your friend, shall we?"
Yang's anger boiled over. She strained against her ropes. "Don't you dare touch her! I'll… I'll take her place!"
Cinder looked amused for a moment, then her face twisted with irritation. She grabbed Yang by the collar, sneering, "You're in no position to make demands."
But as she spoke, Yang subtly activated the wrist blade in her prosthetic arm. The blade worked silently against the ropes, slowly slicing through as she held Cinder's gaze, refusing to back down.
Finally, just as Cinder turned her attention back to Velvet, Yang broke free. She leapt up, headbutting Cinder and knocking her back. Without wasting a second, she hurried to Velvet and sliced through her bindings.
"Come on, let's go," Yang whispered, helping Velvet to her feet.
Cinder staggered, regaining her balance just in time to see them escaping. She charged forward, but Yang delivered a swift kick, sending her back to the ground. Spotting an open window, Yang helped Velvet climb out, following closely behind.
They made it to the ground, but the sound of gunfire echoed through the air. Yang peeked around the corner and saw Glynda Goodwitch battling a group of White Fang members, her Semblance and weapon flashing as she held them off.
"Run!" Glynda shouted as she caught sight of Yang and Velvet.
Yang nodded, ready to lead Velvet away. But a furious shout rang out as Cinder reappeared, her swords drawn, charging straight at Glynda. The two engaged in a fierce battle, each blow echoing in the night air.
Yang pulled Velvet behind a crate, trying to shield her from the action. Velvet covered her ears, trembling, and Yang placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's going to be okay," she whispered, trying to calm her friend.
But Yang couldn't ignore the fight happening nearby. Glynda was slowing down, struggling to keep up with Cinder's relentless attacks.
Taking a deep breath, Yang prepared to jump in. She activated her wrist blade and charged, striking Cinder from behind to break her focus. Together, she and Glynda managed to drive Cinder back, landing a few solid hits.
Cinder quickly recovered, though, and turned to Yang, slashing her arm. Yang gasped as pain flared, but she held her ground.
Glynda stepped in front of her, defending her from another attack. But before she could retaliate, Cinder struck Glynda with a vicious blow, sending her sprawling to the ground.
"Miss Goodwitch!" Yang cried, rushing to her side.
Glynda was breathing but looked pale, clutching her side where blood seeped through her fingers. She managed a strained smile. "I'll be fine… Just get Velvet out of here."
Yang's face fell with guilt as she glanced back at Velvet, who looked equally shaken. Cinder smirked as she prepared for another attack, but then the faint sound of sirens broke through the night. Her expression turned sour, and she shot Yang a furious look before disappearing into the shadows.
With the fight over, Yang rushed back to Glynda's side. Velvet joined her, concern in her eyes.
Glynda, wincing, pushed herself up slightly and fixed Yang with a stern glare. "What were you thinking, Miss Xiao Long? Bringing yourself—and Miss Scarlatina—into such danger?"
Yang's cheeks flushed, her initial relief fading into guilt. She stammered, "I-I just… I thought I could help her…"
"Help her?" Glynda's tone was sharp. "You both nearly lost your lives!"
Yang's stomach sank as the full weight of her actions hit her. She looked down, guilt gnawing at her. She'd put them both in unnecessary danger, and Glynda's injury was a direct consequence.
Glynda pulled out her Scroll, pressing a few buttons to call for emergency support. She glanced back at Yang, her tone softening just a little. "We'll discuss this further when we're all safe. But for now, let's get out of here."
Yang swallowed hard, nodding silently, the guilt of her impulsive decision heavy in her heart as they waited for help to arrive.