CHAPTER 9 – PENNY'S ROOM
Ruby sat on her bed, her crimson cloak draped over her shoulders, staring blankly at the wall in front of her. Next to her was her backpack, already packed with most of her belongings, ready for departure. On the floor nearby, Zwei lay curled up on his dog bed, his ears occasionally twitching in his sleep.
The room was eerily quiet. Weiss and Penny were nowhere to be found. Even Sparks, Penny's cat, was absent—a small relief for Ruby, given that Sparks and Zwei had already declared themselves bitter rivals.
As Ruby continued to stare at the wall, lost in thought, something shifted in the air. A cold sensation crawled up her spine. Slowly, she turned her head—
Salem was standing there.
The sight of the dark sorceress, her pale skin and piercing crimson eyes illuminated by the dim light of the room, would have once sent Ruby into a panic. But now? Now, Ruby didn't flinch. She barely reacted at all.
Salem's lips curled into a slow, amused smile. "What is wrong, Little Rose?" she cooed. "Aren't you afraid?"
Ruby simply sighed and turned her gaze back to the wall. "You're not real, Salem. I've got no reason to be afraid."
Salem tilted her head slightly, intrigued.
"You are dead, after all." Ruby continued, her voice steady. "I cut your head off myself."
Salem's smile faltered ever so slightly. Her hand instinctively moved to her throat, as if remembering the moment Ruby had ended her reign of terror.
Ruby watched her reaction with quiet satisfaction before shaking her head. "I have to ask, though." She looked at Salem again, her silver eyes narrowed. "Am I seeing you because of the trauma you put me through? Or is it something else?"
Salem's amused expression returned, but this time, there was something… off about it. "Oh, I won't tell you, Ruby Rose." Her voice was smooth, teasing. "Some secrets are best kept quiet."
Ruby exhaled sharply, unimpressed. "Then do me a favor and go away."
Salem took a step closer, her form still as haunting as ever, but Ruby didn't move. Didn't cower. Didn't tremble.
"If you're here to taunt me, you're wasting your time."
For the first time, Salem's smirk twitched. A flicker of irritation passed through her crimson gaze. Ruby picked up on it instantly, and despite the situation, she smirked.
"Oh? Did I upset you?" Ruby asked, voice laced with mock innocence. "Good."
Salem's eyes darkened, her expression contorting into something colder. Without warning, her hand reached forward, grasping Ruby's face firmly, forcing her to look directly into those blood-red eyes.
A shudder ran down Ruby's spine at the unnatural coldness of the touch. But still, she refused to show fear.
Salem searched her eyes, waiting—perhaps hoping—for the flicker of terror that had once been so easy to elicit. But Ruby didn't give her the satisfaction. She simply stared back, unwavering.
And then, just as suddenly as she had appeared, Salem vanished.
Ruby let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, exhaling as if releasing a weight from her chest.
The door creaked open.
Ruby turned just in time to see Weiss step inside.
Weiss stood in the doorway, arms crossed as she watched Ruby gather the last of her things.
"The ship's ready to go," Weiss informed her.
Ruby nodded, though her expression was distant. "Okay. I'll meet you there. Just need to grab a couple more things."
Weiss hesitated for a moment, sensing something unspoken in Ruby's demeanor. But she didn't push. She simply gave a small nod and stepped out, closing the door behind her.
Now alone, Ruby let out a quiet sigh and walked over to the nearby bookshelf. She reached for Crescent Rose, her fingers brushing against the cool metal. She lifted the folded scythe from its place, holding it in both hands. For a moment, she just… stared at it.
She had carried Crescent Rose for so many years. It had been more than just a weapon—it was a part of her. A part of who she was.
And yet… for the first time, she didn't feel the need to take it with her.
With a deep breath, Ruby gently set the scythe back in its place on the shelf.
Instead, she reached for a nearby piece of paper and a pen. She hesitated for a moment before she began writing. Her hand moved quickly, the words flowing from her mind onto the page. When she was finished, she folded the note neatly and placed it carefully on the desk.
On the front, in bold letters, she wrote:
"PLEASE READ ASAP."
She took one last look at the note before stepping away.
A sudden bark pulled her from her thoughts.
Turning, Ruby saw Zwei sitting near the door, his tail wagging as he watched her expectantly.
Ruby smiled softly and crouched down, running a hand through his thick fur.
"Sorry, Zwei." Her voice was gentle as she scratched behind his ears. "But you have to stay here."
Zwei's tail slowed, his ears drooping slightly as he let out a quiet whimper.
"I know, buddy. I'm sorry." Ruby sighed, pressing her forehead against his. "But I need you to be here for Yang. Something tells me she's gonna be sad for a while."
Zwei let out a small huff, as if understanding.
"She's going to need someone, Zwei. And that someone is you." She smiled softly, cupping his face. "Do you think you can take care of her for me?"
Zwei perked up slightly before giving an enthusiastic bark.
Ruby chuckled. "I knew I could count on you."
With that, she stood up, slinging her backpack over her shoulders. She reached for the door handle, glancing down at the little corgi still watching her with bright, trusting eyes.
"Wanna see me off?"
Zwei's tail immediately wagged again as he barked in excitement.
Ruby laughed lightly and opened the door. "Alright then, let's go."
With Zwei trotting happily beside her, Ruby stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her.
TEAM RWBY'S ROOM
Yang sat on her bed, her hands gripping her throbbing head. The pounding pain made her stomach churn violently. Groaning, she barely managed to reach the nearest trashcan before vomiting. The sound of the door opening barely registered in her hazy mind.
Blake entered the room, an ice pack in hand. She sighed as she took in the sight before her—Yang hunched over, wiping her mouth, the trashcan now an unfortunate casualty of the previous night's regret.
Without a word, Blake walked over and handed Yang the ice pack.
Yang groaned as she pressed it against her head. "Note to self… never get that drunk again… unless it's absolutely necessary."
Blake crossed her arms, her voice devoid of humor. "Yeah. You should never do it again. Especially after last night."
Yang blinked blearily at her. "…What exactly did I do last night?"
Blake sighed and sat down on the edge of her own bed. "Well… while I was reading, you barged in here, holding a bottle and mumbling to yourself. I asked what was wrong, and then you turned on me. Started yelling, asking why I told Ruby about what you said."
Yang winced, already feeling the guilt creep up her spine. "And?"
Blake shrugged. "I told you the truth—she made me. I didn't have a choice."
Yang exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. "Oh."
"After that, you just collapsed onto your bed, still mumbling until you passed out." Blake smirked slightly. "I picked up your bottle, figured I'd try some."
Yang glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What did you think?"
Blake wrinkled her nose. "Didn't like it."
Yang chuckled softly, but the humor quickly faded as the weight of their conversation settled over them.
Blake's smirk faded too.
After a moment of silence, Blake finally spoke again. "Do you still hate me, Yang?"
Yang turned toward her, meeting her gaze.
"I do." Yang admitted, then sighed. "But only a little."
Blake nodded solemnly, understanding.
"You promised you wouldn't tell Ruby," Yang continued, her voice softer, "but given that she forced it out of you, I don't blame you completely."
Blake studied Yang carefully before speaking again. "I heard Ruby is leaving today. Her and Weiss."
Yang let out a slow breath. "Figured as much."
"Shouldn't we stop them?" Blake asked.
Yang shook her head. "I think Ruby needs some time away from me. I'll give her a few days. Maybe then, she'll want to come back."
Blake looked surprised at Yang's response but nodded. "Just a few days." She hesitated before adding, "I'll give them a week."
Yang didn't respond, but deep down, she wasn't sure if Ruby would ever come back at all.
ENTRANCE
The Citadel's massive steel gates loomed behind them as Ruby and Weiss made their way toward the waiting airship. The engines hummed softly, ready for departure. A crisp breeze passed through the courtyard, rustling Ruby's cloak as she walked with steady, determined steps.
Zwei trotted alongside them for a few feet before stopping, his ears perking up. He let out a small whimper, watching his owner leave.
Ruby came to a halt.
Weiss stopped as well, glancing at Ruby with quiet concern. "Ruby?"
But Ruby wasn't listening. She turned her head, gazing back at the towering structure behind them. The Citadel stood firm against the skyline, a fortress of war, strategy, and sacrifice. She had called this place home for months—had fought, bled, and nearly lost herself within its walls.
Her silver eyes drifted upward, catching the faint reflection of the morning sun against one of the windows.
For a moment, she imagined Yang standing there, watching.
Maybe she was.
Maybe she wasn't.
It didn't matter.
Ruby turned back toward the airship, inhaled deeply, and kept walking.
TEAM RWBY'S ROOM
Yang stood by the window, arms crossed, watching as the airship carrying Ruby and Weiss ascended into the sky, gradually shrinking into the horizon. Her fingers unconsciously curled into a fist.
Blake stood beside her, quiet, her golden eyes following the airship's trail.
They both knew Ruby needed space, but that didn't make it any easier.
Yang exhaled through her nose and finally turned to Blake. "So," she muttered, shifting the conversation, "Emerald, huh?"
Blake tore her gaze from the window and nodded. "Ironwood has her locked up in one of the high-security cells. Blindfolded, of course."
"Good." Yang cracked the knuckles on her flesh-and-blood hand. "I'd like a few words with her."
Blake gave her a pointed look. "That's not going to happen right now. Ironwood is interrogating her himself. But we both know Emerald won't just spill anything. Not easily."
Yang scoffed. "Well then," she said, stretching her neck with an audible crack, "when we get the chance, maybe I can... encourage her to be more talkative."
Blake sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "Just... don't go overboard, okay?"
Yang smirked. "That's not what you said a few nights ago."
Blake groaned, her cheeks heating slightly. "At least I know you're still you."
Yang's grin faded slightly as her expression turned serious. She clenched her mechanical fist and looked at the ground for a moment. "Only at times, Blake," she murmured. "We are at war, after all."
2 HOURS LATER – WEISS' APARTMENT
The door to Weiss' apartment clicked open as she and Ruby stepped inside. The air was cool and still—exactly how Weiss preferred it.
"Well," Weiss said, setting her bag down neatly by the entrance. "Welcome back home."
Ruby sighed, dropping her own backpack unceremoniously onto the floor. "Yep. Feels... weird, though."
"At least we get some privacy now," Weiss added, stretching her arms. "I swear, almost everywhere I went at the Citadel, someone was always interrupting my quiet time."
Ruby snorted. "Weiss, the Citadel is a heavily fortified military base that houses hundreds of soldiers. What exactly were you expecting?"
"A place that was at least somewhat peaceful." Weiss huffed, crossing her arms.
Ruby grinned. "Well, it's peaceful here. No interruptions. No one barging in. Just you and me."
Weiss arched an eyebrow at her. "What exactly are you getting at?"
Ruby's smirk widened. "Oh, nothing."
Weiss narrowed her eyes, taking a step back. "Ruby..."
Ruby suddenly grabbed Weiss' hand, a mischievous glint in her silver eyes. "We just got here," Weiss protested, her face already turning a shade of pink.
"And?" Ruby teased, tilting her head.
Weiss opened her mouth, ready to argue—but Ruby wasn't about to let her. With a playful tug, she led Weiss toward the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.
PENNY'S ROOM
Penny stepped into her room, Sparks nestled comfortably in her arms. She gently placed the cat on the floor, watching as he stretched and lazily flicked his tail. The room was quiet—too quiet.
Something felt... off.
Her green eyes scanned the space, and that's when she noticed it. Ruby and Weiss' things were gone. The beds were made, but their presence had vanished completely.
Confused, Penny turned and spotted something resting on the bookshelf—a folded piece of paper with "Please Read ASAP" written on the front.
Next to it sat Crescent Rose.
Penny hurried over, picks up the note with delicate fingers. Carefully, she unfolded it and began reading.
"Hey Penny,
Weiss and I decided that we needed to leave the Citadel. I don't know how long we'll be gone. But chances are, we may not be coming back.
Penny's eyes widened slightly.
The reason is due to problems with Yang. I cannot trust her anymore, due to personal reasons. That's also why you saw my bruised face. She did that.
Penny's grip on the note tightened, her eyes scanning faster.
But you shouldn't blame her, Penny. She's going through things, too. Please don't be mad at her for me leaving. I am sorry that I had to go, but it's for the best. Hopefully, we can talk sometimes. By Scroll, I mean.
—Ruby
P.S. You probably noticed that I left Crescent Rose behind. Why? I don't know. But I need you to do me a favor, Penny. Please give Crescent Rose to Yang. She'll know what to do with it."
Penny slowly lowered the letter, staring at the weapon before her. Crescent Rose—Ruby's pride and joy. It had never left her side before.
And now, it had been left behind.
Penny reached out, running her fingers along the scythe's folded frame. It felt wrong. Crescent Rose wasn't meant to be here—it was meant to be in Ruby's hands.
She picked up the weapon, holding it with surprising ease.
Penny glanced down at Sparks, who was now sitting by her feet, looking up at her with wide feline eyes.
"She's really gone, Sparks," Penny murmured, sadness creeping into her voice. "And I am not sure she will return."
Sparks meowed softly.
Penny took a deep breath, clutching Crescent Rose a little tighter. "Come on, Sparks. We need to see Yang."
With quiet resolve, Penny turned and walked toward the door, Crescent Rose in hand.
TEAM RWBY'S ROOM
Yang sat on the edge of her bed, tightening the screws on her robotic arm. She flexed her fingers, testing the movement, making sure each component responded smoothly. Satisfied, she set her screwdriver down and exhaled.
Then—knock, knock.
Yang stood up and stretched before heading to the door. She opened it, a casual smirk forming on her lips.
"Oh, hey, Bol—"
Before she could finish, Penny shoved Crescent Rose into Yang's arms, her expression cold and furious. Yang stumbled slightly from the force, looking down at the scythe in surprise.
"I told you, Yang Xiao Long," Penny snapped, voice sharp as steel. "I do not like that nickname. Refrain from ever saying it again."
Yang blinked, caught off guard by Penny's hostility. She hesitated before nodding. "Alright, Penny. My bad."
Her golden eyes flickered to Crescent Rose, now resting in her hands. "But why do you—?"
"I don't know," Penny cut her off, her voice uncharacteristically bitter. "Ruby left it behind. Said you'd know what to do with it."
Yang's breath hitched. Ruby left Crescent Rose?
That didn't make sense. That weapon was practically an extension of her.
Yang looked up, about to press for more answers, but Penny had already turned away, walking off before she could get another word in.
"Penny—wait!"
But Penny didn't stop. She disappeared down the hall without so much as a backward glance.
Yang sighed and shut the door behind her.
"Is that… Crescent Rose?"
Yang turned to see Blake, sitting cross-legged on her bed, a book resting in her lap.
"Yeah." Yang held up the weapon, still unable to believe it. "Ruby left it behind, for some reason."
She hesitated, then walked over to a metal trunk at the foot of her bed. With a heavy sigh, she placed Crescent Rose inside, gently closing the lid.
It didn't belong there.
Blake set her book aside and leaned forward. "I need you to be honest with me, Yang."
Yang met Blake's gaze. "What?"
Blake studied her carefully. "Do you think Ruby will ever come back here?"
Silence.
Yang didn't answer right away. She wanted to say yes—to tell Blake that Ruby just needed time, that she would return once things settled.
But deep down, something told her that wasn't true.
Finally, she exhaled and shook her head.
"I don't think so."
Blake closed her eyes, nodding slowly. "I see."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Blake stood up. "Come on. Let's go tell the others. They'll want to know."
Yang lingered for a second, glancing back at the trunk.
Crescent Rose sat inside, untouched. Abandoned.
She clenched her jaw, pushed down the guilt, and followed Blake out the door.
DARK PALACE
The throne room was silent, save for the sound of heavy breathing. Envy clutched her head, fingers digging into her scalp as searing pain shot through her skull.
"Get out of my head," she growled under her breath.
The pain intensified. With a furious snarl, she lashed out, shattering a nearby statue into rubble. She fell to one knee, panting, her vision blurring as the world around her flickered.
Then—laughter. Warm. Familiar. A melody from a life that wasn't hers.
Envy's breath hitched as the scenery shifted.
She was at a dance. Music played in the background, filling the air with an infectious energy. She turned around—and there he was.
Jaune.
He stood before her, awkward yet smiling, dressed in a simple yet utterly ridiculous combination of a formal dress paired with sneakers. His golden hair was slightly disheveled, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"Eh," Jaune muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "A promise is a promise."
Envy stared, blinking in disbelief before a giggle escaped her lips. That giggle soon turned into laughter—genuine, heartfelt laughter.
"Jaune! You didn't have to!" she said between breaths.
Jaune merely shrugged. "Hey, an Arc never goes back on his word." He extended his hand toward her, grinning. "Now, do you wanna just stand there and laugh at me, or do you wanna dance?"
She looked at his outstretched hand, then back at his warm, sincere expression.
She took his hand.
"I would love to dance."
Jaune pulled her onto the dance floor, where they were soon joined by Nora and Ren. Laughter surrounded her. The warmth of camaraderie, the joy of the moment—it was overwhelming. It was real.
The memory shattered.
Envy gasped as she shot upright, chest heaving. Her entire body trembled, a cold sweat dripping down her face. She looked around, grounding herself back in the dark throne room.
Anger swelled inside her.
Not real. Not mine. Not mine.
With a snarl, she stormed toward the mirror. The crack was bigger now, nearly splitting the glass in half. New fractures had begun to spread, like a spiderweb slowly unraveling.
Her glowing red eyes snapped to the reflection beyond the glass—Pyrrha Nikos, sitting in a meditative state, her eyes closed in serene focus.
Then, as if sensing her gaze, Pyrrha's eyes fluttered open.
She smiled.
"Another memory, wasn't it?" Pyrrha said softly, tilting her head. "My memory, to be exact?"
Envy clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She didn't answer.
Pyrrha's smile widened. "Sooner or later, Envy..." she mused, closing her eyes again.
Envy growled, her patience snapping. She lunged forward, reaching through the mirror and grabbing Pyrrha by the collar, yanking her towards the surface.
But Pyrrha was ready.
With a swift movement, she twisted Envy's arm, forcing a flinch of pain. The motion sent another deep crack running through the mirror, the sound reverberating through the room.
Pyrrha didn't stop smiling.
"Keep going," she said calmly. "Break the glass. Keep forcing these memories. All you're doing is bringing me back, piece by piece."
She let go, releasing Envy, who staggered backward, seething.
Before Envy could react further, a voice spoke behind her.
"Problems?"
Envy turned, her furious glare meeting Cinder's amber eyes.
Cinder stood with her arms crossed, her lips curled into a knowing smirk. She had seen everything.
Envy's hands clenched into fists as she glared at Cinder. "What do you want?"
Cinder, unfazed, merely smirked. "I came to inform you that Emerald has completed her part of the plan." She took a few slow steps forward, her tone laced with amusement. "Shall we proceed with phase two?"
Envy's glowing red eyes flickered with irritation. She exhaled sharply, reigning in her temper. "Not yet," she said, her voice laced with impatience. "We both know she won't give Ironwood anything useful. Let her play her little game with them for now. The longer they waste time interrogating her, the more desperate they become. And when the moment is right…" She turned slightly, casting a shadowed glance toward Cinder. "Send Torchwick to proceed."
Cinder placed a hand over her chest and gave a mockingly elegant bow. "As you command, Mistress."
She turned on her heel, prepared to leave—but she stopped.
"Oh, one more thing," Cinder said, her voice casual but with a sharp edge of curiosity. "That crack in the mirror… it's gotten bigger, hasn't it?"
Envy stiffened, her expression darkening.
Cinder continued, now openly smirking. "I've noticed you've been getting anxious about it. Almost as if… something's happening that you don't want to admit."
For a long moment, silence.
Then, in a cold, controlled voice, Envy replied, "It is nothing for you to concern yourself with, Cinder." She turned away from the mirror and strode toward the throne, brushing past Cinder without another glance. "Focus on what I ask of you. Inform Blaze that he will require additional training in preparation."
Cinder watched her for a moment longer, her amusement growing as Envy deliberately avoided looking back at the mirror.
Finally, she nodded. "Of course, Mistress. I'll see to it immediately."
With that, she exited the throne room, the heavy doors closing behind her with a deep thud.
The moment she was alone in the corridor, her smirk twisted into something more sinister.
"In due time," she whispered to herself, her amber eyes glowing with ambition. "That throne will be mine."
FIRING RANGE – THREE DAYS LATER
The air rang with the rhythmic thump-thump-thump of bullets slamming into their targets as Coco unleashed a full barrage from Gianduja. The Gatling gun roared, emptying round after round with mechanical precision. Each target on the range was obliterated in seconds, leaving nothing but shredded remnants.
With a satisfied smirk, Coco retracted her weapon back into its stylish handbag form, turning to face the gathered soldiers. Some looked impressed, others downright terrified.
"Still got it," she said, dusting off her sleeve.
From the side, a deep chuckle rang out. Ash Adel, her father, watched with a nod of approval. His arms crossed over his broad chest as he regarded his daughter.
"No doubt, you've been improving," he remarked.
Coco tilted her head with a smirk. "Of course, Pops. I learn from the best." Then, with a raised brow, she gestured toward the range. "You wanna give it a go? Been a while since I've seen you in action."
Ash grinned. "I think I should. Let's see if the old dog still remembers his tricks."
Stepping forward, Ash unclipped his own bag from his shoulder. In the blink of an eye, it unfolded, transforming into a sleek, jet-black Gatling gun—a near replica of Coco's, but bigger, heavier, and meaner.
The second the next wave of targets popped up, Ash let loose.
The gun roared to life, the recoil barely affecting him as he fired with precise, controlled bursts. Every target was obliterated within moments, leaving only the distant hum of the range's resetting mechanisms.
When the final shell casing hit the floor, Ash retracted his weapon and turned around—smiling calmly, as if he hadn't just leveled an entire row of targets in a matter of seconds.
"Not bad, old man," Coco admitted, folding her arms.
Watching from the side, Velvet Scarlatina stood frozen, eyes wide with genuine amazement.
"I can see why you chose your weapon, Coco," she finally said. "That was… intense."
Coco chuckled. "Family heritage, Velvs. Every Adel in the last four generations has used a version of this baby. It's basically a rite of passage."
Velvet nodded, still somewhat in awe, before shaking herself out of it. "I just finished my training for the day and figured I'd stop by to watch you work."
Before Coco could respond, the firing range doors swung open.
Both Velvet and Coco turned as Yang Xiao Long entered, her steps deliberate, her expression grim and unreadable.
Velvet, always eager to be friendly, offered a small wave. "Hey, Yang."
Yang didn't respond. She walked right past them without a glance, her golden hair slightly disheveled, dark circles barely hidden beneath her eyes.
The way she moved—rigid, focused, almost mechanical—wasn't normal.
Velvet frowned. "What's going on with her?"
"Still brooding over what happened with Ruby," Coco muttered, watching Yang move with purposeful intensity toward an empty booth at the far end of the range.
Yang pulled a pistol from her belt, loaded a fresh magazine, and raised it. The second her first target appeared, she fired.
Headshot.
A new target popped up.
Headshot.
Again. And again. And again.
Yang emptied the clip in record time, her aim so flawless that not a single bullet missed. Before the last target even finished dropping, she had already reloaded and continued firing.
Coco and Velvet exchanged uneasy glances.
"Damn," Coco muttered, lowering her sunglasses slightly to get a better look.
Velvet frowned, watching the blonde reload without hesitation. "I've never seen her like this before."
Coco exhaled, shaking her head. "Yeah… and trust me, Velvs—it's gonna be like this for a while. Especially after she and Ruby beat the living hell out of each other."
Both women remained silent, simply watching Yang unload clip after clip, each bullet striking dead center as if she were trying to erase something only she could see.
VALE – CAFÉ
The late afternoon sun filtered through the large café windows, casting a golden hue over the bustling establishment. The hum of conversation and clinking of silverware filled the air, but for Ruby, everything felt… distant.
She sat across from Weiss, absentmindedly stirring her straw around in her half-finished milkshake. Her red hood was down, her silver eyes unfocused as she watched the swirls of chocolate blend into the vanilla.
"Ruby?"
Ruby blinked, looking up to see Weiss watching her with concern.
"Hm?"
Weiss set down her fork, tilting her head slightly. "You okay?"
Ruby hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I think so… at least, I thought so."
Weiss arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
With a small sigh, Ruby pushed her milkshake aside, folding her arms on the table.
"I thought that leaving the Citadel—getting away from Yang—would help me feel better," she admitted. "But… I don't know. I kinda feel the same as before. Maybe a little less tense, but still… not great."
Weiss studied Ruby carefully, then spoke, choosing her words with care. "Maybe it's guilt?" she suggested. "Or maybe you're still angry at Yang? Possibly both. But, you have improved a little since we left. So that's something."
Ruby considered it, tapping a finger against the wooden table. "Maybe you're right. I do feel better, a little. She smiled faintly, squeezing Weiss' hand. "Probably because I'm with you."
Weiss' expression softened, and she gave Ruby's hand a gentle squeeze back. "Possibly," she said, smiling.
Ruby hesitated for only a second before standing up slightly, leaning over the table, and pressing a soft kiss to Weiss' lips. It was brief, but enough to make Weiss' cheeks tinge pink.
Weiss exhaled and stood up, brushing her skirt down. "I have to head to the company for a bit. I need to check in with Ellie and see how things have been running in my absence."
Ruby nodded. "Alright. I'll finish my milkshake and go for a walk. I'll meet you back home."
Weiss leaned down, giving Ruby a quick peck on the cheek. "See you tonight."
As Weiss walked away, Ruby watched her go, returning the small wave her girlfriend sent her. But as soon as Weiss disappeared from sight, Ruby's smile slowly faded.
She absentmindedly rubbed the scar on her arm—the jagged reminder of what happened at the factory. The bandages were gone now, but the scar remained, a permanent mark of that night.
She stared at it, feeling a strange weight settle in her chest. The fight, the mission, the wounds—everything still haunted her, lingering like a shadow she couldn't quite shake.
With a deep sigh, she picked up her milkshake, swirling the straw again before taking another sip.
Maybe a walk would help.
HAVC ROOM
Hazel lay back on his bed, idly tossing a rubber ball against the ceiling. Each thump echoed softly as it bounced back into his hand. He repeated the motion, his face blank, though his eyes flickered with mild impatience.
The door opened, and Cyan, Violet, and Ash walked in. Hazel caught the ball mid-air and sat up.
"Took you long enough," he muttered, stretching. "So? What's the word?"
Violet sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Still nothing, Hazel. They're not back. Neither Ruby nor Weiss."
Hazel frowned. "You serious?"
"Dead serious," Cyan confirmed, crossing her arms. "At this point, we might have to accept that they're probably not coming back."
The room fell silent for a moment. Hazel, Violet, and Ash exchanged glances before Ash broke the silence.
"What do you mean?" he asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Cyan exhaled sharply. "I mean, Ruby and Yang got into a fight. A real fight. Fists, blood, everything."
Violet blinked. "Wait—what? How do you know that?"
"Blake told me earlier today," Cyan answered. "I asked why Ruby and Weiss were gone, and she gave me the truth."
Hazel let out a low whistle. "Damn."
Violet crossed her arms, processing the news. "I knew there was tension, but I didn't think they'd actually come to blows."
"Apparently, Ruby was furious with Yang over something. And Yang was just as pissed," Cyan added. "Things got ugly. And now, they're gone."
Hazel ran a hand through his hair and let out a heavy sigh. "Well… shit."
The weight of Cyan's words settled over the team, a realization that things might never be the same again.
REC ROOM
Sun lay sprawled across a couch, casually flipping through a comic book, completely absorbed in the colorful pages. Across the room, Jaune, Neo, Neptune, and Jade were engaged in conversation.
"So," Neo said, tilting her head slightly. "You trained Sun on how to use his staff?"
Jade nodded. "That's right. I even helped him design it. We got it just right on the second attempt."
"What happened the first time?" Neptune asked, leaning forward with mild curiosity.
Jade sighed, shaking her head with an amused smirk. "The weapon malfunctioned, and Sun ended up accidentally destroying a thousand-year-old vase I had collected."
Neo raised an eyebrow. "Ouch."
"Eh, I wasn't too upset," Jade admitted with a shrug. "Turned out it was a fake anyway."
A loud ping interrupted their conversation as Jade's Scroll vibrated. She pulled it out, checked the screen, and groaned.
"Oh, crap."
Jaune glanced over. "What is it?"
Jade exhaled sharply. "It's Sapphire. She's at it again."
Jaune immediately ran a hand down his face. "Oh no."
"What's going on?" Neptune asked, glancing between them.
Jaune looked at Neo. "Remember how I told you about Nora when she gets too much sugar?"
Neo's eyes widened. "Oh."
"Yeah." Jaune nodded grimly. "That, but worse."
Jade rolled her shoulders. "Well, I better go before she turns the mess hall into a battlefield again."
Just as she turned to leave, Neptune suddenly stood up and cleared his throat. "You uh... need some company?"
Jade paused, looking at him with a slightly raised eyebrow. "You sure about that, Neptune?"
Neptune chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well... I think? I mean—if it's okay with you, of course."
Jade studied him for a moment before smirking. "Well then." She extended her hand. "Come with me."
Neptune blinked, then took her hand, and the two of them walked out of the Rec Room together.
Jaune and Neo stared after them, both caught off guard. Neptune turned briefly to Sun, who barely looked up from his comic but gave a subtle thumbs-up before flipping the page.
Jaune blinked. "Uh... okay?"
Sun finally set his comic down, realizing what just happened. He smirked. "Huh. Guess he really does like her. Good for him."
INTERROGATION ROOM
Emerald, still blindfolded and handcuffed, sat in her chair, drumming her fingers impatiently on the metal table. Across from her, Wesley leaned forward, watching her in silence. It had been three days since her capture, and she had yet to provide a single piece of useful information.
Wesley sighed, tapping his fingers on the thick folder of reports in front of him.
"Miss Sustrai. This is the third straight day in which you haven't given us any information. You have been nothing but silent."
Emerald shrugged, her expression unreadable behind the blindfold.
Wesley's voice remained firm but measured. "You do realize that failure to cooperate—on top of your previous crimes—will earn you a life sentence in an Atlesian prison? However, should you provide us with anything useful, I can assure you that your sentence could be... reconsidered."
Emerald raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly. "And why would you do that?"
Wesley folded his hands together. "Let's face the facts, Miss Sustrai. Based on reports and past behavior, you seem to show remorse for your actions—especially for your role in the attack on Vale and Beacon. You may have enjoyed causing chaos at the time, but when destruction became real... you ran."
Emerald gritted her teeth, her fingers twitching slightly.
"How the hell do you know what I feel?" she snapped. "You read minds now?"
Wesley remained calm. "No, Miss Sustrai. My Semblance is Empathy—I can sense emotions. And right now, I can feel your guilt, just as I felt it every time the topic of those attacks was brought up in previous discussions. I can also sense something else…"
He leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing.
"Fear."
Emerald tensed.
"You're afraid." Wesley continued, his tone dropping slightly. "But of who? Cinder? Or perhaps someone far worse... Envy?"
For the first time, Emerald hesitated. The small shift in her breathing, the clenching of her jaw—it was subtle, but Wesley caught it.
"Stop it!" Emerald suddenly yelled, slamming her fists on the table. "I'm not telling you anything! I don't care if I rot in a cell for the rest of my life—you won't get anything from me!"
A tense silence followed.
Wesley sighed, adjusting his gloves before standing up. "Very well. If you refuse to speak, I won't waste my time. But know this—"you" brought this upon yourself."
He turned, walking toward the exit, pausing only briefly before opening the door.
"Enjoy the silence while it lasts, Miss Sustrai. Because sooner or later... you will talk."
Emerald remained seated, her fingers drumming idly against the cold metal table, a small frown forming beneath her blindfold. She heard the scraping of a chair, followed by the soft shuffling of boots as Wesley stood up.
"She's stubborn," Wesley muttered, walking toward the exit. "And scared. But she won't break easily."
He reached the door, glancing back at Emerald, who remained expressionless. "Looks like we're moving to Plan B."
Ironwood's voice crackled through his earpiece, laced with resignation. "Do it."
Minutes Later...
The door creaked open again.
Emerald let out a long, tired sigh, slouching back in her seat.
"For the millionth time," she muttered, not bothering to lift her head, "I am not telling you sons of bitches anything."
The room fell silent.
But then—
Click.
A sound. A familiar sound.
Emerald's entire body stiffened.
She knew that sound.
The whirring of mechanical fingers.
Her breath hitched, her pulse spiking.
Heavy, deliberate footsteps approached, slow and unhurried.
"Are you sure you won't talk?"
The voice was cold. Unforgiving.
Emerald clenched her jaw, forcing herself to stay still. But she knew. She wasn't fooling anyone.
"Not even a little?"
The clicking of metal joints grew louder, closer.
Emerald swallowed hard, before finally pushing herself up to her feet, blindly backing up until she hit the wall behind her.
"What's wrong, Em?"
A smirk laced Yang's voice.
"Are you afraid?"
Emerald's breathing quickened.
"N-No," she muttered, though her voice betrayed her.
Yang took another step forward.
"Mmm. Funny." The sound of her mechanical fingers flexing filled the room. "If you're not afraid… then why are you shaking?"
Emerald squeezed her hands into tight fists, refusing to answer.
Then—
Shhhk.
A sharp blade slid free, the sound of metal scraping against metal piercing through the room.
Emerald barely had time to react before the cold edge of Yang's hidden blade was pressed against her throat.
A strangled gasp escaped her lips, her whole body tensing as she felt the sharp bite of steel.
"Now then."
Yang's voice was low, a growl beneath her breath.
"You're going to tell Ironwood everything—Cinder. Torchwick. Envy. Every. Last. Detail."
Emerald's hands twitched at her sides, her chest rising and falling in short, uneven breaths.
But she stayed silent.
She could feel Yang watching her, studying every flinch, every tremor in her body.
Then—
Yang pressed the blade deeper against Emerald's neck.
A searing sting.
Emerald yelped, her breath catching in her throat.
"Or…" Yang's voice dropped into something dangerous.
"I end this right now."
Emerald slapped the blade away, her breath ragged. "No! I won't talk! I WON'T!"
Yang's eyes flashed red. Her jaw clenched.
From an observation room, Wesley's eyes widened as he watched Yang's aura begin to surge. "Oh, shit."
He turned to Ironwood. "We should step in—"
Ironwood held up a hand. "Wait."
Wesley hesitated, glancing between Ironwood and the monitor. "Sir?"
Ironwood's gaze remained locked on the screen. His voice was calm, but firm.
"Give her another minute. Trust me."
Back in the interrogation room, Emerald panted, trying to steady her breathing.
She could feel Yang's rage burning hotter by the second.
And so, she pushed further.
"You think you're so tough, Yang?" Emerald snarled. "You can't even protect your own sister."
Yang's aura flared.
The air around her shimmered, her hair beginning to glow like a golden flame.
She retracted her blade, but her fists tightened, shaking with barely restrained fury.
Emerald grinned through her fear, forcing out a bitter laugh. "And what Envy has planned for her?" She spat. "It'll break you. It'll destroy you. And when you're on your knees, watching, you'll BEG for her to be spared—"
CRACK.
Emerald's breath was knocked from her lungs as Yang lunged and slammed her into the wall, the sheer force cracking the concrete behind her.
Emerald gasped, feeling Yang's iron grip locked around her throat.
Yang's glowing red eyes bore into hers, her face twisted in pure fury.
"SHUT THE HELL UP ABOUT RUBY! YOU HEAR ME?!" Yang's voice shook the room.
She reared back her fist and drove it into Emerald's stomach, making the thief double over in pain, choking on air.
Emerald coughed violently, her entire body shaking as Yang leaned in closer.
Her voice was lower now. Rough. Unforgiving.
"If you EVER say something like that again…" Yang's grip tightened.
"…I will fucking end you."
Emerald nodded frantically, her entire body trembling, tears slipping beneath the blindfold.
Yang held her for a second longer, her chest heaving, before finally letting go.
Emerald collapsed to the floor, coughing and gasping for air.
Yang's hair dimmed, her eyes fading back to violet as she stepped back, her breath still heavy.
She then crouched down next to Emerald, her voice quiet now.
But just as terrifying.
Yang stepped out of the room, her chest rising and falling heavily.
Her knuckles ached, her metal arm hummed faintly from the tension.
As she walked down the dimly lit corridor, she spotted Ironwood through the observation glass. He met her gaze.
She gave him a small, sharp nod—an unspoken message: She'll talk now.
Without waiting for a response, Yang turned and walked away.
But the further she got from the room, the more her body started to shake.
Her breathing grew uneven.
Her heart pounded violently against her ribs.
The walls seemed to close in around her.
Her fingers curled into tight fists, trying to stop them from trembling.
"I almost killed her."
Yang's mind replayed the scene—Emerald pinned against the wall, gasping, terrified.
Her own red eyes staring back at her, filled with rage.
Her hands on Emerald's throat.
Her blade at her neck.
Her own words echoing in her head:
"If you EVER say something like that again... I will fucking end you."
Yang suddenly staggered, gripping the wall for support.
Her vision blurred.
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to calm herself, but the weight of what she had done crushed her chest.
"I lost control."
"I became just like her."
"Like Raven."
Her breath hitched, and she gritted her teeth, trying to keep it together.
"Get a grip, Yang."
Her hand shakily reached for her Scroll.
She unlocked it, typing with unsteady fingers.
"We need to talk. Just for a few minutes. Please."
She hesitated for only a second before hitting send.
Seconds passed. Then a minute.
Yang stared at the screen, waiting.
Finally, her Scroll vibrated in her hands.
Ruby's reply was short. Cold. Unforgiving.
"You've got ten minutes. Meet me at my apartment in a couple hours. No exceptions."
Yang let out a heavy breath, rubbing her face with her hands.
"Okay. Ten minutes. That's all I get."
Yang pushed herself off the wall and took off running, her mind racing.
She had one hour to figure out what to say.
And she couldn't afford to mess this up.
SCHNEE DUST COMPANY – PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Weiss sat at her desk, meticulously flipping through the reports Ellie had compiled over the last few days. She scanned each page carefully, searching for any discrepancies or potential issues.
"And no incidents have occurred?" Weiss asked, her tone neutral but expectant.
Ellie, standing confidently across from her, flashed a proud smile and nodded.
"None whatsoever, Miss Schnee," she confirmed.
Weiss set the reports down and folded her hands together, looking at Ellie with an impressed expression.
"I have to say, I'm impressed," Weiss admitted. "Despite my absence, you've managed to keep everything running smoothly."
Ellie grinned, a hint of relief in her posture. "Thank you, Miss Schnee. To be honest, I surprised myself. But I kept my head straight, handled everything, and—well, the investors were a real pain in the ass."
Weiss chuckled lightly. "They always are."
Ellie sighed dramatically. "I swear, if I have to listen to another 'concerned shareholder' lecture me about profits, I might actually start throwing Dust canisters at them."
"Tempting," Weiss mused, smirking.
Ellie tilted her head. "So… now that you're officially back in charge, I guess that means I should pack up my things and move back downstairs?"
Weiss stood up, straightening her blazer.
"No need for that, Ellie," she said, motioning for Ellie to follow her.
Ellie frowned in confusion but followed Weiss as she led her towards a nearby room.
As they stepped inside, Ellie's eyes widened in shock.
A spacious, well-furnished office awaited her. A sleek desk sat in the center, and atop it, a gleaming gold nameplate read:
Ellie Rousseau – Vice President
Ellie froze in place, staring at the title as realization slowly dawned on her.
Weiss turned to face her, arms crossed and a knowing smile on her lips.
"The past few days as Acting President? That wasn't just a temporary assignment—it was a test," Weiss explained. "I needed to see if you could handle the company when I'm not around. And needless to say…"
She gestured to the nameplate.
"You passed with flying colors."
Ellie blinked in disbelief before turning to Weiss, her expression shifting from shock to overwhelming gratitude.
"I—Miss Schnee, I don't know what to say…"
"Say you'll do the job," Weiss replied smoothly, extending her hand.
Ellie grinned and took Weiss's hand in a firm handshake.
"Thank you, Miss Schnee. I won't let you down."
Weiss nodded. "I know you won't."
Ellie looked around the office once more, her fingers grazing over the desk's surface, still taking in the weight of her promotion.
"Vice President, huh?" she murmured to herself. "Damn… I need a new wardrobe."
Weiss rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Just don't scare the investors too much. We still need them."
Ellie smirked. "No promises."
2 HOURS LATER – APARTMENT
Ruby sat in the living room, her foot tapping anxiously against the hardwood floor. Her eyes remained locked on the clock ticking away on the wall.
Then, the door creaked open.
She turned her head.
Yang stood in the doorway, staring at her from a few feet away.
For a long, tense moment, the two sisters simply stared at each other, neither making a move nor saying a word.
Then, at the same time—
"Yang," Ruby said.
"Ruby," Yang said.
A pause.
"Are you healing well?" Ruby asked, her voice neutral.
Yang gave a small nod. "I am. I could say the same for you, sis."
Ruby scoffed softly, shaking her head. "I may have healed physically, Yang. But not mentally. You and Blake already know that. Unless… you told more people while I was gone?"
Yang's expression tightened. "No," she said firmly. Then, hesitating, she added, "And I assume Weiss still doesn't know?"
Ruby crossed her arms. "She doesn't. And I'd prefer it to stay that way."
Yang nodded, looking away for a brief second. But Ruby wasn't finished.
"You know, since you're here, maybe I can finally ask you this." Ruby's voice became sharp. "Why did you tell Blake?"
Yang's golden eyes dropped to the floor. She hesitated.
"I… It was the heat of the moment," Yang admitted. "I wasn't thinking straight when I told her."
Ruby narrowed her eyes, a scoff of disbelief escaping her lips. "Heat of the moment?" she repeated. "I don't believe it."
Yang lifted her head, her gaze meeting Ruby's fully now.
"Ruby," she said, her voice low. "You think you're the only one suffering from nightmares? You think just because we didn't suffer as much as you did, we walked away unscathed?"
Ruby's glare faltered slightly, but Yang wasn't finished.
"No. I go through nightmares too. And every time I have them, they feel more real. Whenever I get killed in them, I wake up actually feeling the pain, even if it's just for a second." Yang clenched her robotic hand into a fist. "And no, I don't see visions of the people I've killed like you do. But that doesn't mean I'm not suffering, Ruby."
Ruby stiffened, watching the raw emotions flicker across Yang's face.
"And it's not just me," Yang continued. "Blake suffers too. And Weiss…"
Ruby snapped her gaze up at the mention of Weiss, eyes widening slightly.
Yang exhaled, looking down again. "Yeah," she murmured. "Weiss has nightmares too, Ruby. You think she doesn't?"
Ruby clenched her jaw, shaken. She hadn't known. Weiss never mentioned it. Never showed it.
Yang took a slow breath before continuing, her voice softer now.
"We're all going through trauma, Ruby. Weiss may act like she's fine, but she's not." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "She told me… that she sees Winter. Everywhere she goes. And sometimes, I catch her talking when no one's around."
Ruby's expression faltered. She looked down, processing the words. Weiss never told her that.
Yang took a step closer.
"It's not just Weiss, either," Yang continued. "Neptune. Velvet. Neon. Even Cardin. Everyone's carrying the same weight, in one way or another. The only difference is that we do our best to push through. We try not to show it so people won't worry."
Yang gently placed her hands on Ruby's shoulders. Ruby flinched at the touch but didn't pull away.
"Is this why you came all the way here?" Ruby finally spoke, her voice quiet, distant. "Just to tell me this?"
"Partially," Yang admitted. "I also came to say that I'm sorry."
Ruby looked up, meeting her sister's eyes.
"I'm sorry for betraying your trust," Yang said, her voice raw with guilt. "And… I get it. If you can't trust me anymore, I won't blame you. I don't deserve it."
Yang swallowed hard but pushed forward, pulling Ruby into a hug.
"But no matter what happens," Yang murmured, "I'm still your sister. And you… you will always be family."
Ruby stood frozen for a moment, her mind screaming at her not to return the embrace. But despite everything, she did.
She hugged Yang back.
"Also… sorry for busting your face," Yang said with a small chuckle.
Ruby let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Same to you."
They pulled away, sharing a tired, knowing look.
"I'm staying in Vale until tomorrow," Yang told her. "Got a few things to take care of before heading back to the Citadel. Just letting you know… in case you want to avoid me, or if you just want some time with Weiss."
Ruby nodded, not saying a word.
Yang took that as her cue to leave. She turned, walking toward the door.
But before she could leave—
"Yang."
She stopped, turning back.
Ruby looked at her, her expression softer than before.
"I still can't trust you," Ruby admitted. "Not yet… But maybe—someday."
Yang exhaled, nodding slowly. "That's enough for me."
With that, she left, the door clicking shut behind her.
Ruby let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Then, she reached into her pocket, pulling out her Scroll.
STREET – VALE
Weiss walked down the quiet streets of Vale, enjoying the fresh air before heading back to work. The hum of the city, the occasional distant chatter—it was a nice break from the chaos of the Citadel.
Her Scroll vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out, glancing at the screen. Ruby. A small smile formed on her lips as she answered.
"Hey, Ruby."
"Hey, Weiss," Ruby's voice came through, soft but steady. "Just checking in. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," Weiss replied, stepping aside as a passerby brushed past. "Just taking a walk before I head back to work."
"Good, good…" There was a slight hesitation before Ruby continued. "So… I talked to Yang. In person."
Weiss stopped walking.
"Did… did it go badly?" she asked cautiously.
"No." Ruby sighed, the weariness evident in her voice. "I think we're okay. We talked, we apologized… And maybe—someday—I'll be able to trust her again."
Weiss' tense shoulders relaxed slightly. "That's good to hear, Ruby. I'm glad."
"Yeah." A pause. Then, "Listen… I need to tell you something. It's about why I fought Yang in the first place."
Weiss frowned, concern creeping into her voice. "What is it?"
Silence. A few long seconds passed, and Weiss' concern grew.
"Ruby?"
When Ruby finally spoke again, her tone was different. Heavier.
"Not now. I'll tell you when you get home. I promise."
Weiss hesitated, trying to read between the lines. Whatever it was, Ruby wasn't ready to say it over the phone. Finally, she relented.
"…Alright. I understand."
"Thanks, Weiss. I gotta go. I'll see you tonight." A pause, then softer, "Love you."
Weiss smiled despite herself. "Love you too, my little rose."
The call ended.
Weiss sighed, slipping her Scroll back into her pocket. As she continued walking, she felt lighter. Maybe things were finally starting to—
A sharp metallic clink.
In an instant, Weiss' world flipped.
"Ahh!" Her body slammed onto the pavement, her ankle yanked out from under her. A sharp pain shot through her leg as she hit the ground.
Dazed, she looked down—a metal chain was wrapped around her ankle.
Her instincts kicked in. Weiss scrambled for Myrtenaster.
Too late.
The chain pulled—hard. Weiss was ripped off the sidewalk, dragged violently into the alleyway. She clawed at the ground, her nails scraping against the stone, but it was useless. The dim glow of the streetlights faded as she was yanked deeper into the shadows.
Then, it stopped.
Weiss gasped for air, twisting onto her knees. Her fingers wrapped around Myrtenaster's hilt, ready to—
A black leather boot stepped into view.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Torchwick smirked down at her, casually twirling his cane over his shoulder. "Ah. Young Schnee. Perfect timing."
Weiss' grip on Myrtenaster tightened. Her muscles coiled—she lunged.
CRACK!
White-hot pain exploded in the back of her head. Weiss' vision shattered into fragments of black and red. A strangled gasp left her lips as her weapon slipped from her fingers.
Her body wavered—then collapsed.
The alleyway spun as she hit the ground, barely registering the blurred outline of Blaze, standing behind her, gripping a bloodstained metal pipe.
Torchwick sighed dramatically, crouching beside Weiss' unconscious form.
"Well, that was almost too easy." He smirked, brushing some imaginary dust off his sleeve before standing. "Blaze, get her to the warehouse. Make sure she's nice and comfortable."
Blaze slung Weiss effortlessly over his shoulder. "And you?"
Torchwick grinned, adjusting his hat. "Oh, don't worry about me. I've got a little red reaper to deal with."
With that, he turned, whistling a lighthearted tune as he strolled out of the alleyway—vanishing into the crowded streets of Vale.
Blaze adjusted his grip on Weiss before stepping into the darkness.
EVENING – HOTEL ROOM
Yang sat on the edge of the hotel bed, her Scroll propped up in her hand as she spoke softly into it.
"It went well, Blake," she said, rubbing the back of her neck. "Maybe—just maybe—Ruby will come back to the Citadel. But I'll give her more time. She needs it."
A familiar voice came through the speaker, gentle yet laced with curiosity.
"Well, at least it didn't end badly," Blake replied. "So, you're staying in Vale for the night?"
Yang smirked. "Oh, yeah. Why? You feeling lonely?"
There was a small pause before Blake answered. "Normally, I'd lie… but yeah, I do feel a little lonely."
Yang chuckled, her golden eyes softening. "I'll make it up to you when I get back. I promise."
"I'll hold you to that promise," Blake teased, though there was warmth in her voice. "I've got to go. I'll see you tomorrow night, Yang. Stay safe."
"I will, my little kitten," Yang murmured before ending the call.
Setting her Scroll aside, she let out a tired sigh and stretched out across the bed. The events of the past few days weighed heavy on her, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of peace.
Her thoughts drifted as exhaustion settled in. Within minutes, her eyelids grew heavy, and she finally surrendered to sleep.
APARTMENT
Ruby sat on the couch, half-watching the television, though her mind was elsewhere. Her fingers idly tapped against her knee, her thoughts drifting, when suddenly, the familiar buzz of her Scroll snapped her back to reality.
She picked it up, her silver eyes narrowing slightly as she read the new message that had just come in.
"Meet me on your apartment roof. Five minutes. There's something that needs to be discussed. And don't be late, Little Red."
Ruby's grip on the Scroll tightened, her jaw clenching slightly. She knew exactly who had sent the message.
With a deep breath, she put the Scroll down and stood up, rolling her shoulders as if preparing for a fight. Without a word, she walked toward the door, slipped outside, and made her way toward the rooftop, her heart pounding just a little harder than she'd like to admit.
ROOF
The door to the rooftop creaked open, and Ruby stepped out, her eyes immediately locking onto Torchwick. He stood near the edge, casually typing something into his Scroll, his usual smug expression plastered across his face. The dim glow from his screen cast faint shadows over his features before he slipped the device into his coat pocket.
"Little Red. Little Red. Oh, how nice it is to see you again," Torchwick drawled. "Especially after what happened at the factory. How's the arm?"
Ruby stepped forward, stopping halfway across the rooftop. "All better."
Torchwick sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Oh, that's too bad. I was hoping for worse."
Ruby clenched her fists, holding back the urge to strike him down right then and there. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take you down and turn you over to the authorities right now."
Torchwick chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Oh, I think you're gonna want to hear what I have to say first, Little Red."
Ruby didn't respond, but her stance remained tense, waiting for him to continue.
"You see," Torchwick continued, "after surviving that little Griffon incident, I swore revenge on you for ruining part of Cinder's plan. But, after some time, I realized something—you weren't really worth it. Not yet, anyway. But there's someone else who's been holding onto a grudge against you for far longer. Someone who's been waiting two years for his chance to get even."
Ruby's eyes narrowed slightly, already knowing where this was going.
"Blaze," Torchwick confirmed with a smirk. "The guy who so graciously put a knife through your arm at the factory. But do you even know why?"
Ruby remained silent, her fingers twitching slightly.
Torchwick took a slow step forward. "It's because you killed his only family. Two years ago. When you threw Salem into that apartment complex and sent the whole thing up in flames. Blaze was there. Watched it all happen. Dug through the rubble. And there, crushed beneath the debris, was his father."
Ruby's expression flickered, barely noticeable, but Torchwick caught it.
"So," Torchwick continued, slipping his hands into his coat pockets, "he joined our little group with one goal in mind—to make you suffer the same way he did."
"He doesn't matter," Ruby said firmly. "All I care about is stopping Cinder and Envy."
Torchwick chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, but Blaze will matter, Red. Because I just sent you some coordinates. And at those coordinates, he'll be waiting for you. You're going to go to him. And you're going to fight. To the death."
Ruby scoffed. "You really think you can just make me kill someone because you say so?"
Torchwick shrugged, walking past her with a smirk. "More or less."
As he passed, he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "After all, the other prize at the end of this little game... is young Miss Schnee."
Ruby's breath caught in her throat.
Ruby's entire body tensed as she started forward, but she froze mid-step when Torchwick casually lifted his Scroll, turning the screen toward her.
Her breath caught in her throat.
On the screen, a video played—a dimly lit room, a single chair at the center. Weiss sat bound to it, wrists tied behind her back, legs restrained, and a cloth gag tied tightly around her mouth. A cold metallic device was fastened around her neck. She stirred, blinking awake, then immediately began to struggle, her muffled cries barely audible.
Torchwick smirked at Ruby's expression. "Oh. Did I forget to mention? We have your precious fiancée."
Ruby's hands curled into fists as she stared at the screen, her entire body trembling. The video continued, Weiss twisting in the chair, eyes darting around in confusion before widening in panic. The more she struggled, the more frantic her movements became.
Torchwick slipped his Scroll back into his coat. "Now, then. I believe that should be enough to convince you to do what I say."
Ruby fell to her knees, shaking. She barely heard him, barely registered the sound of her own heartbeat hammering in her ears. Her vision blurred with rage, with helplessness.
Then, suddenly, her head snapped up.
"WHERE IS SHE?" Ruby roared, her silver eyes glowing violently, their radiance illuminating the rooftop in a fiery blaze.
Torchwick merely chuckled, unfazed by the raw power emanating from her. "Oh, I won't tell you that. Where's the fun in that?" He shrugged. "But if you try to kill me—she dies. If you fly away—she dies. If you even attempt to warn anyone—well, you get the picture."
He knelt beside her, his voice dropping into a near-whisper. "But… if you kill Blaze… then she lives. For now."
Ruby's glow flickered. Her breathing grew ragged. Her mind raced through every possibility, every escape, every strategy—only to hit a dead end at every turn.
Torchwick grinned. "That's right." He reached out, ruffling Ruby's hair like she was a child. "You have no other choice if you want her to live."
A dark portal opened a few feet away, swirling like an endless abyss.
Torchwick rose to his feet. "Well, then. I'll leave you to it." He smirked over his shoulder. "Oh, and by the way—"
Ruby lifted her tear-filled eyes to him.
"You have one hour to kill him. Any longer than that, and she dies."
With that, Torchwick stepped into the portal, his figure vanishing into the darkness as the vortex collapsed behind him.
Ruby remained motionless. Her entire body felt frozen, her thoughts a tangled mess of panic and fury. She squeezed her eyes shut, a tear slipping down her cheek.
Then another.
And another.
Before she could stop herself, a sob tore through her chest, her hands clenching into the rooftop as she broke down in despair.
WAREHOUSE
Weiss struggled against the restraints, wrists raw from the friction of the tight bindings. Her breath was heavy, heart pounding in her chest as she desperately searched for a way out. Every second felt agonizing—every second Ruby wasn't here.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
The cold, familiar voice sent a chill down Weiss' spine. She lifted her head and saw Cinder standing in front of her, arms crossed, a cruel smile tugging at her lips.
"I also wouldn't recommend using your Glyphs, Schnee," Cinder continued, her voice smooth yet dripping with amusement. "Unless, of course, you enjoy being electrocuted."
Weiss' breath hitched.
Cinder tapped a finger against the metallic collar fastened around Weiss' neck. "This little beauty ensures that any attempt at summoning your Glyphs will result in a lovely little shock—one strong enough to make you reconsider using your Semblance. You remember the White Fang camp, don't you? That nasty little lesson they gave you?"
Weiss clenched her jaw, her fingers curling into fists behind her back.
Cinder took a slow step forward, leaning in ever so slightly. "As we speak, your dear fiancée is heading toward a battlefield. A fight she didn't choose—but one she has no choice but to finish."
Weiss' heart stopped.
Cinder's grin widened, savoring the flicker of fear in Weiss' eyes.
"And the only way for you to live," Cinder whispered, "is for her to kill again."
Weiss' eyes widened in horror.
Cinder straightened, watching the realization dawn on Weiss' face. "Best pray that little Rose wins," she said with mock sympathy, stepping toward the door. "Because if she loses..."
Cinder turned her head slightly, her golden eyes gleaming with malice.
"I will personally end your life."
With that, she strode out of the room, the heavy door slamming shut behind her, leaving Weiss alone—staring into the darkness, her mind spiraling into sheer panic.