DARK PALACE

The man with orange hair and dark green eyes paced around the expansive chamber, twirling his cane and muttering under his breath. Roman Torchwick paused as a dark portal swirled open before him, its edges crackling with red and black energy. He watched as Cinder Fall and Emerald Sustrai stepped through, their expressions composed.

"About time," Roman said, lowering his cane. "You two were gone too long."

Cinder arched an eyebrow. "Fifteen minutes is 'too long,' Roman?"

"...Okay, fair point," Roman admitted with a shrug. "But you're usually back in ten. I had every right to be anxious."

Cinder smirked. "Anxious? Since when does Roman Torchwick get anxious?"

Roman tapped his cane on the floor. "Since being eaten alive by a Griffon, maybe? I've developed a new appreciation for staying alive." He tilted his head. "Anyway, did you send the message?"

Cinder's lips curled into a sly smile. "Loud and clear."

"Good." Roman adjusted his hat. "Let's go see the Queen."

The trio moved through the dimly lit halls, their footsteps echoing faintly. The walls loomed around them, cold and foreboding. Cinder glanced at Emerald, her amber eyes narrowing slightly.

"You know, I'm still surprised you decided to stay," Cinder said, her tone sharp. "Considering the risks."

Emerald scoffed. "Trust me, Cinder, I'm not thrilled. But I've got a roof over my head, and that's better than nothing. Besides, Mistress Envy isn't as unbearable as Salem was."

"Hm," Cinder mused. "She's definitely smarter."

Roman snorted. "Smarter, sure. Still creepy as hell."

The three reached the massive double doors leading to the throne room. Roman pushed one open, revealing the vast chamber within. Towering columns stretched to a ceiling shrouded in shadows, and at the center of the room sat a jagged, ominous throne. Perched on it was Envy, the Grimm-hybrid form of Pyrrha Nikos, her amber eyes glowing faintly as she toyed with a small gray mouse crawling along her arm.

Roman grimaced as he approached. "Uh, yeah, no. You're not seriously going to eat that, are you?"

Envy tilted her head, her lips curling into a slow smile. She grabbed the mouse by its tail and lifted it above her face.

Roman shut his eyes tightly as the sound of crunching and squeaking filled the room. When the noise stopped, he cracked one eye open and winced at the sight of blood dripping from Envy's mouth.

"Gross," Roman muttered, shuddering. "Just… gross."

Emerald gagged softly, covering her mouth, while even Cinder's composed exterior faltered for a moment. Envy snapped her fingers, and without warning, a glass orb dropped from the ceiling, shattering against Roman's head and sending him stumbling to the ground.

"Dear Roman," Envy purred, leaning forward on her throne, "you should learn to keep your opinions to yourself. Or have you forgotten why you almost died two years ago?"

Roman groaned, rubbing his head as he climbed back to his feet. "Right. Lesson learned."

Envy rose from her throne, her movements fluid and deliberate. "Is the first phase underway?"

"Yes, Mistress," Cinder replied, bowing slightly. "The message has been delivered."

Emerald crossed her arms. "You really think an arrow is enough to send a message?"

"All great plans start small, Emerald," Envy replied, descending the steps of her throne. Her voice was calm but carried a dangerous edge. "What matters now is timing. The Councils of the Four Kingdoms are rumored to be planning a summit. And there's one person whose presence is required for it to succeed."

"Ruby Rose," Cinder said, her tone dripping with disdain.

"Precisely." Envy smiled faintly. "If Rose attends, so will her allies. That will be the moment we strike. The only question is how to infiltrate such a gathering."

Roman twirled his cane thoughtfully. "Yeah, walking into a building full of soldiers and huntsmen isn't exactly ideal. We'll need someone on the inside."

"Very good, Roman," Envy said, her scowl softening slightly. "And that's where Cinder comes in. There's an ambassador to the Vale Council. I trust you know what to do."

Cinder smirked and bowed. "Consider it done." Without another word, she turned and strode out of the room.

Roman watched her leave and cleared his throat. "So, uh, when do I get to do my part? I've been patient, but come on, I'm itching to get back out there."

Envy turned to him, her expression darkening. "Oh… crap," Roman muttered.

With a snap of her fingers, a heavy bust flew across the room and smashed into Roman's groin. He let out a pained yelp and collapsed to the floor, clutching himself.

Emerald winced. "Glad I'm not a guy." She glanced at Envy. "For someone so evil, you've got a weird sense of humor."

Envy walked toward an ornate mirror at the far end of the room. "Humor, perhaps," she said, "but this is nothing compared to what I'm capable of."

She stopped in front of the mirror, and her expression darkened. The reflection staring back wasn't Envy—it was Pyrrha Nikos. Her green eyes were wide with anger and despair, and she banged her fists against the glass.

"GET OUT OF MY BODY!" Pyrrha screamed, her voice trembling with desperation.

Envy smiled coldly. "Oh, it's my body now. And I intend to keep it."

Her eyes glowed faintly, and Pyrrha let out a piercing scream, collapsing onto the reflected ground. A glowing brand burned brightly on her back, and her body writhed in agony.

"Who are you talking to?" Emerald asked, her tone uneasy.

Envy's glowing eyes faded as she glanced over her shoulder. "No one. Just… myself."

"Yourself, or Nikos?" Emerald pressed.

Envy didn't answer. She turned back to the mirror, staring at Pyrrha's tear-streaked face with quiet satisfaction. "Why don't you follow Cinder," she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Make sure she doesn't mess up the plan."

Emerald sighed. "Fine." She glanced at Roman, still groaning on the floor. "Good luck with… whatever this is."

She left the room. Envy leaned closer to the mirror, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Be afraid, Pyrrha," she said. "Because when the time comes, everyone you care about will suffer. And then, they'll die."

Pyrrha's tearful, furious glare met her captor's. Envy smirked and turned away. As she watched Roman limp out of the room, she spoke softly to herself.

"We'll take everything from them."

Her eyes glowed as a sinister smile spread across her face.

APARTMENT

Ruby sat slouched on the couch, turning the arrowhead over in her hands for what felt like the hundredth time. The sharp edges gleamed faintly in the sunlight streaming through the window, and her gaze lingered on the unmistakable emblem etched into the metal—Cinder's emblem. She stared at it, her expression unreadable, lost in thought.

"Ruby."

The voice startled her, and she looked up to see Weiss standing nearby, arms crossed, a concerned look on her face.

"You've been staring at that thing since this morning," Weiss said, her tone firm but gentle. "Can you put it down for just a second?"

Ruby glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already noon.

"I didn't even notice the time," Ruby murmured, setting the arrowhead down on the countertop nearby. "Sorry, Weiss. It's just… how could Cinder be out there? She's supposed to be in Atlas. In prison."

"For which, I'll never understand why she wasn't executed instead of given a life sentence," Weiss said, frowning as she sat across from Ruby.

Ruby shrugged, avoiding Weiss's eyes. She hadn't told anyone—other than Qrow—that she was the reason Cinder had received a life sentence instead of the death penalty. It wasn't a decision she was proud of, but it was one she had to live with.

Weiss leaned forward slightly. "How could she escape? Atlas has one of the most secure prisons in all of Remnant. It's not like she just walked out the front door."

"I don't know, Weiss," Ruby admitted. "But if Cinder is out there, we'll stop her. She doesn't have her powers anymore. She'll be easier to catch this time."

Weiss sighed but nodded. "I hope so." She hesitated, glancing at Ruby with a thoughtful expression. "Last night, you were about to tell me something. Right before I told you about seeing Winter. You said I wasn't the only one. What did you mean by that?"

Ruby froze, her mind racing. She couldn't tell Weiss about Salem—not yet. The thought of frightening her with that truth made Ruby's chest tighten. Instead, she quickly redirected the conversation.

"To tell you the truth, Weiss," Ruby said, forcing a small smile, "I didn't mean that. I don't even know why I said it. What I really wanted to tell you… it's about me and Yang. And why I've been so cold toward her this past year."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, her posture straightening. "Oh. Is this about what happened with your uncle?"

Ruby's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't told Weiss about the incident with Qrow.

"I… overheard you two talking yesterday," Weiss admitted. "Is it about him?"

Ruby nodded slowly. "Yeah. Yang and I were with Qrow on a mission. We were infiltrating a black market selling illegal weapons. Everything was going fine… but then it happened. Yang… she badly injured Qrow."

Weiss's eyes widened in shock.

"She didn't think," Ruby continued, her voice cracking. "She just kicked a grenade into the air, aiming at her target, but she didn't check her surroundings. Qrow was right there. It hit him before she even realized what was happening." Ruby's voice dropped to a whisper. "I was there when he went down. All the blood… the screaming. I can still hear it, Weiss. It's like when my dad died. It's in my head, and it won't go away."

Weiss reached out, her expression softening. "Ruby, why didn't you tell me any of this?"

Ruby looked away. "Because I didn't want to worry you. I wanted to handle it on my own. And… that's what I still want to do."

Weiss studied her quietly for a moment, then nodded. "If that's what you want, I won't stand in your way. But you know I'm here for you, right? Always."

Ruby's lips curled into a small, grateful smile. "I know. Thanks, Weiss."

Suddenly, frantic knocking broke the moment.

"Ruby! Weiss! It's me! Open up!" Blake's voice called from the other side of the door.

Weiss quickly stood and opened the door. Blake rushed inside, her breathing uneven, her body tense. She began pacing immediately.

"Blake?" Ruby asked, standing up. "What's wrong?"

Blake ran a hand through her hair, her cat ears twitching. "It's Yang. She's been on edge since last night. She told me… she told me she's been secretly working with Ironwood to track down Cinder."

"What?" Weiss exclaimed, her voice sharp with disbelief.

"All those missions she's been on the past few months," Blake said, stopping in her tracks. "They weren't just to help Vale. She was following a trail—Cinder's trail. It went cold, and that's why she came home. But after last night, she…" Blake's voice wavered. "She's gone after her."

"Do you know where she went?" Ruby asked, her voice steady but tense.

Blake shook her head. "No. She stormed out around midnight. I've been trying to call her, sending texts, but she's not responding. Ruby, you have to find her."

Weiss crossed her arms. "Yang can take care of herself."

Blake turned to Weiss, her golden eyes fierce. "But what if she finds Cinder? Even without her powers, Cinder's dangerous. Yang could get herself killed."

Ruby hesitated, conflicted. Blake noticed and stepped closer, desperation in her voice. "Please, Ruby. You're the only one who can find her in time."

Ruby let out a deep breath. "Okay, okay. I'll look for her. If she's still in Vale, I'll find her."

Grabbing Crescent Rose, Ruby opened the window. The wind rushed in, brushing against her cloak.

"If I find her, I'll let you know." Without another word, Ruby leapt out the window and soared into the sky.

Weiss turned to Blake, who was pacing again, her movements jittery.

"Blake, calm down. Yang will be fine," Weiss said.

Blake stopped and faced her, her expression grim. "You don't understand, Weiss. Yang's out for blood. If she finds Cinder… she'll try to kill her."

Weiss's calm facade faltered as Blake's words hung heavily in the air.

ROOM

A silver-haired man paced the length of the modestly furnished room, his sharp eyes focused on his Scroll as he scrolled through various documents. The faint glow from the device reflected off his glasses, the only illumination in the otherwise dim space.

Suddenly, a loud grumble echoed, breaking the silence. He groaned and wrapped an arm around his stomach, frustration flickering across his face. He set the Scroll down on a nearby desk and quickly exited the room, his footsteps fading as the door clicked shut behind him.

Moments later, the closet door creaked open. From within, Cinder Fall emerged, her movements silent and deliberate. She scanned the room, her amber eyes settling on the silver-haired man's desk. Spotting a briefcase resting on it, she approached with quiet precision.

Cinder pulled a small, sleek device from her pocket and held it over the briefcase's electronic lock. The device beeped softly as it began its work, emitting faint flashes of light. After a moment, the lock clicked open. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she lifted the lid.

Inside, documents and small, neatly organized items lay in pristine order. Cinder retrieved a sealed envelope and slid it into her coat pocket. Reaching into another pocket, she produced a flat, disc-like device and placed it carefully within the briefcase. She closed the lid, ensuring it locked once more, and stepped back.

The sound of a toilet flushing broke the tense silence, making her stiffen. Moving quickly, she crossed to the window, unlatching it quietly before slipping out. She shut it softly behind her, ensuring no trace of her intrusion remained.

Outside, she landed in a narrow alleyway, crouching slightly to absorb the impact. Straightening, she retrieved her Scroll and typed a quick message:

Package Delivered.

Satisfied, she tucked the device away and reached up, gathering her hair into a tight ponytail. Her eyes caught on something nearby—a hat and a trench coat discarded atop a dumpster. She smirked faintly and grabbed them, shaking off bits of debris before putting them on.

The trench coats long hem swished around her legs as she adjusted the hat, pulling it low over her face. Disguised, she stepped out of the alleyway and onto the bustling streets of Vale. Blending seamlessly into the crowd, Cinder disappeared, her pace calm and her expression unreadable.

QROW'S ROOM

The dimly lit room smelled faintly of stale alcohol and dust. Qrow sat slouched in a worn armchair, a half-empty bottle of whiskey in his hand. The faint hum of the overhead light flickered intermittently, casting uneven shadows on the walls. He took another swig from the bottle, leaning back as the familiar warmth spread through his chest.

The sharp buzz of his Scroll broke the silence. He grumbled, setting the bottle on the table beside him, and fumbled to pull the device from his pocket. With a tap of his finger, the screen lit up, displaying Ruby's name.

"Hey, kiddo," Qrow greeted, his tone casual but rough. "What's going on?"

"Qrow." Ruby's voice came through the speaker, tense and urgent. "We've got a problem."

Qrow's expression hardened. "A problem, huh? What kind?"

"It's Yang," Ruby said quickly. "She's going after Cinder."

Qrow straightened in his seat, the lighthearted sarcasm in his tone vanishing. "What?"

"She's been trying to track Cinder down for months. But now, she thinks Cinder's in Vale. I don't know where Yang is, but with your help, I think we could find her."

Qrow rubbed the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. "I don't know, Ruby. Vale's a big place. She could be anywhere."

"Which is why we need to find Yang before she gets herself killed."

Qrow chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "Well, what do you know? You actually do care."

"Now's not the time, Qrow!" Ruby's voice was sharp, her frustration palpable even through the Scroll.

"Yeah? Funny you say that. I had plenty of time to talk last night. Right before you bolted out on me," Qrow replied, his voice laced with bitterness.

"Uncle Qrow! Please! Just help me find Yang. That's all I'm asking."

The desperation in her voice made Qrow pause. He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Fine," he muttered. "But I expect to hear you've forgiven Yang after all this. Got it? Now, where should I start looking?"

"I don't know," Ruby admitted. "Anywhere is fine. If you find her, call me."

Qrow grunted in acknowledgment and ended the call, slipping the Scroll back into his pocket. He stared at the bottle on the table for a moment before reluctantly leaving it behind. Rising to his feet, he grabbed the massive sword resting against the wall, slinging it over his back.

Walking to the window, Qrow pushed it open and climbed onto the ledge. The cool evening breeze tousled his hair as he stepped forward. In a swirl of dark feathers, his form shifted into that of a crow.

He spread his wings and took flight, his sharp eyes scanning the city below as he soared into the night.

BAR

The bar was dimly lit, its atmosphere thick with the mingling scents of alcohol and sweat. Cinder, concealed beneath her disguise of a wide-brimmed hat and a long trench coat, stepped inside, her amber eyes scanning the room. The chatter of patrons and the clinking of glasses created a dull hum that filled the air, but no one paid her any attention.

Keeping her movements casual, Cinder made her way to the counter, where the bartender was busy pouring drinks. She perched on a stool, her posture relaxed but her senses alert. Before she could order, a shot glass filled with amber liquid slid across the counter and stopped in front of her.

"I didn't order this," she said flatly, glancing at the bartender.

"Nope. I did."

Cinder froze as she felt an arm snake around her shoulders—a silver arm. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned her head, locking eyes with a smiling Yang Xiao Long.

"You look familiar," Yang said, narrowing her eyes as if trying to place her.

Cinder's mind raced, but she quickly assessed Yang's slurred speech and unsteady posture. The smell of alcohol on her breath confirmed it: Yang was drunk.

"Don't I know you from somewhere?" Yang asked, her grin widening.

Cinder forced a neutral expression. "Um… I don't think so."

Yang shrugged and leaned back, her movements loose and carefree. "That's okay. I just thought you looked like someone I knew." She motioned to the drink. "Go on. Enjoy it."

Cinder glanced at the shot glass suspiciously. "Thanks… I guess."

"Hey, anything for a beautiful woman like you," Yang quipped, winking.

Cinder sighed and downed the drink, the fiery liquid burning as it slid down her throat.

"There we go," Yang said with a satisfied nod. "Take it all in. You'll start feeling something in a minute or two."

Yang slid onto the stool beside her, resting her elbows on the counter.

"So, where you from, hot stuff?"

"Mistral," Cinder replied curtly, keeping her voice measured.

"Mistral, huh? I've got a couple of buddies from there," Yang said, waving the bartender over. "Great guys once you get to know them."

The bartender poured two more shots and placed them in front of the women. Yang picked hers up and downed it in one swift motion, motioning for the bartender to leave.

Cinder stared at her glass, feeling a slight dizziness creeping in. "Am I supposed to feel a little… off?"

"Oh, yeah," Yang said with a grin. "What? You've never had a drink before?"

"Never in my life," Cinder replied, her voice wavering slightly.

"Sure you haven't," Yang said, her smile turning sharper. "Maybe this'll be your last, too."

Cinder's hand paused on the glass, her senses tingling. "What… what do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice starting to slur as a heavy drowsiness set in.

Yang's expression darkened, her grin fading into a cold, serious glare. She leaned in closer. "I can see through your disguise… Cinder Fall."

Cinder's eyes widened, her mind racing, but her body betrayed her. The dizziness overwhelmed her, and she slumped forward, barely catching herself on the counter before collapsing entirely.

"What… did you… do?" Cinder mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Yang caught her before she hit the floor, holding her up with surprising ease. The bartender's curious gaze flicked over to them, but Yang's disarming grin returned as she gestured with her free hand.

"Sorry about this," Yang said, her voice smooth and playful. "My friend here doesn't know how to hold her liquor. I'll get her home."

The bartender nodded, muttering something about amateurs as he turned back to his work.

Yang's expression immediately hardened as she carried Cinder toward the door. Her jaw tightened, her violet eyes flashing with barely restrained fury.

She pushed the door open with her shoulder, stepping out into the cool night air. The moment the door swung shut behind her, her grip on Cinder tightened.

"You're not getting away this time," Yang muttered under her breath, her voice low and venomous as she disappeared into the shadows with her unconscious prize.

ROOF

Ruby touched down softly on the rooftop of a tall building, her cloak fluttering around her as her boots met the concrete. She rose to her full height, her silver eyes scanning the bustling street below. The city was alive with activity—people walking briskly, cars honking, and streetlights casting a faint glow over the evening crowd.

Her gaze swept from one end of the street to the other, searching for any sign of long, golden-yellow hair among the sea of heads. Her heart tightened as she came up empty. She crouched slightly, resting a hand on the ledge of the roof, her sharp eyes lingering on every figure for just a moment longer.

A faint breeze stirred, carrying with it the sounds of distant chatter and laughter, but none of it was comforting. Ruby's mind raced with possibilities, her concern for Yang growing with each passing second.

She stood and stepped back from the edge, exhaling slowly as she took one last look. Still nothing. The weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on her shoulders.

With a determined expression, Ruby unfurled her cloak and leapt into the air. Her silhouette rose against the backdrop of the dimming sky, her movements swift and purposeful as she flew toward the next rooftop, the search far from over.

Abandoned Factory

Cinder's consciousness stirred slowly, her vision a blurry haze of dim light and shadow. She blinked several times, her head pounding as her surroundings began to take shape. The room was cold, barren, and eerily quiet, with faint traces of rust and decay staining the walls and floor.

She attempted to move, but her arms wouldn't budge. As her vision fully cleared, she realized her wrists were bound tightly to the arms of the chair she sat on, heavy straps digging into her skin. Her legs were similarly restrained, tied firmly with coarse rope that offered no slack.

Cinder struggled, pulling and twisting, but the bindings wouldn't yield. The sound of metal scraping against the floor broke the silence, and she froze.

"Don't."

The calm but dangerous voice made Cinder look up. Across from her, Yang Xiao Long sat in another chair, her legs casually crossed, her eyes locked onto Cinder with an unsettling intensity.

"You know," Yang said, her tone deceptively casual, "you're really terrible with disguises, Cinder. I recognized those eyes of yours a mile away."

Yang stood, her boots echoing against the concrete floor as she walked to a nearby table. On it lay an assortment of tools—none of them comforting. Her fingers brushed over a knife, and she picked it up, turning it over in her hand as if weighing its worth.

"I have to admit," Cinder said, her voice steady despite the situation, "you played your part well at the bar. I'm almost impressed."

Yang didn't respond. She walked back toward Cinder, her movements slow and deliberate, her expression a mask of quiet rage. Without warning, Yang lashed out, her robotic arm connecting with Cinder's face in a brutal punch.

The force snapped Cinder's head to the side, and she let out a low growl, her cheek throbbing. She glared at Yang, yanking at her restraints again, but they held firm.

"You're pathetic without your powers," Yang said, her voice cold and biting. "Nothing more than an ordinary human now. Weak."

Yang pressed the blade's sharp edge against Cinder's cheek, the cold metal biting into her skin.

"And that means I could kill you. Right here. Right now."

The threat hung in the air, but Yang suddenly pulled the knife away, tossing it aside. Her eyes glowed a dangerous red as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper.

"But I'm not going to. Not yet."

Cinder's lips curved into a small, taunting smile. "Still angry about what I did to your father?" she asked, her tone dripping with mockery. "He chose to attack me. I simply defended myself… by driving my sword through him."

Yang's jaw tightened, her fury boiling over. She grabbed a fistful of Cinder's hair, yanking her head back roughly.

"Shut up," Yang growled, her voice trembling with barely restrained rage. "You don't get to talk."

Cinder's smile didn't waver, even as she felt the sharp pain in her scalp. Yang released her hair with a shove, sending her head snapping forward.

With a hiss of metal, Yang extended the blade from her robotic arm, the weapon gleaming in the faint light. The knife clattered to the floor as she discarded it, no longer necessary.

She pressed the tip of the blade beneath Cinder's chin, lifting her head slightly. The threat was clear, but Cinder's amber eyes met Yang's fiery red ones with defiance.

Yang's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Let's get started."

Bar

Ruby leaned against the bar, her hood slightly pulled back, her silver eyes focused on the bartender in front of her. The faint hum of conversation surrounded her, but she only cared about the answers she came for.

"Yeah," the bartender said, wiping a glass. "She was here. Pretending to be drunk and flirting with some girl. Pretty bold, honestly. Her friend passed out, and she took her home."

Ruby's stomach churned. "What did this girl look like?"

"Black hair, tied back in a ponytail," he said, setting the glass down. "Her eyes… kind of yellow, but a little darker. Real sharp-looking, you know?"

Ruby's expression tensed. The description left no doubt in her mind.

"Where did she take her?" Ruby asked, her voice steady but urgent.

The bartender shrugged. "Not sure. They left about half an hour ago, heading west down the street."

Ruby nodded, her thoughts racing. "Thanks," she said quickly, turning and heading for the door.

She pushed through the bar's entrance, stepping into the cool night air. As she pulled out her Scroll, it buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen and saw Weiss' picture appear. With a sigh, she swiped to answer.

"Ruby, what's going on?" Weiss' voice came through, calm but with an edge of concern.

"I'm following a lead," Ruby replied. "The bartender said Yang was here earlier. I think she's with Cinder."

"Ruby, while you were out looking, I managed to track Yang's Scroll. It's showing a location not far from where you are."

Ruby frowned, her pace slowing. "Wait… hold on. You can track our Scrolls?"

"Of course I can. What did you think I was doing when I said I was working? How else do you think I found you at that dance club with Nora last week?" Weiss' tone turned teasing, though laced with irritation.

Ruby groaned, her face flushing slightly. "Don't bring that up. Just tell me—where's Yang?"

"She's at a location in the ruined zone. It looks like some kind of abandoned factory. I'm sending you the coordinates now."

Ruby's Scroll beeped, and a map popped up on the screen. A red dot marked Yang's location. Ruby's brow furrowed as she noticed something else—another dot, just as prominent, at the same location.

"Weiss… there's another Scroll there. Whose is it?"

"I'm not sure," Weiss admitted. "The caller ID is unknown. All I can tell is that it's coming from a Mistral area code."

Ruby's eyes widened, her stomach sinking. "Oh no," she whispered, her mind connecting the pieces.

"Ruby? What's wrong?"

"Gotta go, Weiss. Thanks."

Ruby ended the call before Weiss could respond. She tucked her Scroll into her pocket and took a steadying breath. Without wasting another second, she leapt into the air, her cloak trailing behind her as she soared upward, heading straight for the factory.

Abandoned Factory

The dim, flickering light of a single bulb cast shadows across the grimy room. Yang stood near a battered chair where Cinder sat slumped, her wrists and ankles bound. Cinder's face bore cuts and bruises, her lip split from earlier blows. Blood trickled down her cheek, and she stared at the ground, silent and still, as if resigned.

Yang wiped her bloodied hand on a rag, her golden hair falling over her shoulders as her furious red eyes locked onto her captive. She took a slow, deliberate step forward, her boots echoing against the cracked concrete floor.

"You've been too easy, Cinder," Yang said, her voice low and laced with venom. "Why? Have you already accepted your fate?"

Cinder slowly lifted her head, a faint, almost defiant smile spreading across her face. The sight of it made Yang hesitate.

"It doesn't matter," Cinder said calmly, her voice raspy but steady. "My mistress will be here soon."

Yang scoffed. "Salem is dead. You're bluffing."

Cinder's smile widened. "I'm not talking about Salem."

Yang's brow furrowed, her anger momentarily giving way to confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Cinder's sharp eyes noticed the hesitation in Yang's expression, and she chuckled softly.

"Oh, little Rose hasn't told you, has she?"

Yang's hands balled into fists, but she didn't respond.

Cinder's chuckle grew louder, more taunting, echoing through the room. "Oh, this just keeps getting better."

"What are you talking about?" Yang demanded, her voice rising, her frustration bubbling over.

Cinder remained silent, her smile never faltering.

Yang growled, retracting the blade from her mechanical arm, and grabbed Cinder by the front of her shirt, pulling her close. "ANSWER ME! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

Outside, Ruby hovered in the air, scanning the broken windows of the factory. She was tense, her silver eyes darting across the interior as she searched for her sister. She froze when she caught sight of the scene inside.

Through a dirt-streaked window, Ruby saw Yang standing over Cinder, her mechanical fist colliding with Cinder's already bruised face. Cinder's head snapped back, blood spraying across the floor. Ruby's breath hitched.

"ANSWER ME, NOW!" Yang roared, her voice echoing even outside the building.

Cinder remained silent, her head lolling to one side. Yang growled, releasing her grip and letting Cinder slump forward in the chair.

"If you won't answer me…" Yang muttered, her voice trembling with fury as she extended her blade once more, "then you're not much use to me."

Yang raised her arm, the tip of her glowing blade aimed at Cinder's throat.

Before she could strike, the sound of shattering glass pierced the air as Ruby crashed through the window, tackling Yang in a blur of red and silver. The two sisters flew out of the building, propelled by Ruby's momentum.

Inside, Cinder's lips curled into a smirk. Calmly, she twisted her wrists and slipped free of her restraints. She stood slowly, brushing herself off, her bruised face showing no trace of fear.

A swirling black and crimson portal materialized in front of her. Without a word, Cinder stepped through it, vanishing as the portal closed behind her, leaving the factory empty.

Alleyway

Ruby landed with a firm step, letting Yang drop unceremoniously to the ground. The impact barely phased Yang, who immediately shot up, her fists clenched and her body trembling with anger.

"RUBY! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Yang bellowed, her voice echoing off the brick walls of the narrow alley.

"What's wrong with me?!" Ruby shouted back, her silver eyes blazing. "What's wrong with you?! You were going to kill her!"

"Damn right, I was!" Yang roared, her voice breaking with emotion. "Cinder was going to get what she deserved, and you just had to ruin it!"

Yang stormed toward a nearby dumpster, grabbing it with her mechanical arm and hurling it against the alley wall. The crash was deafening, and Ruby instinctively stepped back, her heart racing as she watched her sister seethe.

"Do you have any idea how long it took me to finally find her?!" Yang yelled, turning to face Ruby. Her eyes burned red with fury. "Six months, Ruby. SIX DAMN MONTHS! And now, she's probably gone again!"

Ruby flinched but held her ground. "I'm sorry, Yang. But killing her isn't going to bring Dad back. It won't make you feel better. It'll just make you feel worse!"

Yang's chest heaved as her fists clenched tighter. "What's wrong with you, Ruby?! She killed Dad! In cold blood! And in front of you! Wasn't there ever a time you wanted to end her?!"

Ruby froze, the question hitting her like a blow to the chest. She looked away, her jaw tightening, before finally speaking.

"Every day, Yang," Ruby said, her voice trembling. "Every day, for the past two years, I wanted to kill her. EVERY DAY, YANG! EVERY. FUCKING. DAY!"

Yang's anger faltered, her eyes widening in shock. Her breathing slowed as she stared at Ruby, who was shaking, her fists trembling at her sides.

After a long pause, Yang finally spoke, her voice quieter but still firm. "Cinder said you didn't tell me. Tell me what, Ruby?"

Ruby's shoulders tensed, and her eyes darted to the ground. "...I… I can't tell you," she whispered.

"Please, Ruby," Yang pleaded, stepping closer. "Tell me."

Ruby remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together. Yang's frustration boiled over, and she grabbed Ruby's hand as she raised it to her shoulder, pinning her against the cold alley wall.

"No more lies, Ruby!" Yang shouted, her face inches from Ruby's. "You tell me right now, or I'll—"

"Or what?" Ruby interrupted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kill me?"

Yang's grip loosened, and her anger dissolved into shock. Ruby's words hung in the air like a physical weight.

Ruby's gaze dropped to the ground, her voice breaking. "Just do it, then. Maybe it's for the best."

Yang stepped back, her hand releasing Ruby's wrist. She stared at her sister, horrified. "Ruby…"

Tears began streaming down Ruby's face. "Maybe the nightmares will finally stop," she said, her voice trembling.

Yang's confusion deepened. "Nightmares?"

Ruby wiped at her eyes, but the tears wouldn't stop. "The nightmares never stopped, Yang. I wake up screaming almost every morning. Every day, I sink further into this… this darkness because I can't make them go away. And Salem—seeing her—only makes it worse."

Yang's breath caught. "Salem? Ruby, what do you mean?"

Ruby's voice cracked as she continued. "I see her, Yang. Either when I'm awake or in my dreams. She taunts me. She shows me their faces. Scarlet, Nebula, Ozpin… Dad. Everyone we lost in that fight. Every single one of them."

Yang felt her chest tighten, her own tears threatening to fall.

"I'm scared, Yang," Ruby whispered. "I'm so scared. I just want it to end. I want it all to end."

Her words broke Yang's resolve. Ruby's legs gave out, and she collapsed to her knees, her sobs wracking her small frame. Yang dropped to her knees in front of her, pulling her sister into a tight embrace.

Ruby buried her face in Yang's shoulder, her tears soaking into Yang's shirt. For the first time in months, Ruby allowed herself to release the pain she'd been holding inside. Yang held her close, her own tears spilling freely as the weight of everything hit her at once.

They stayed like that, kneeling in the alley, clinging to each other as their shared grief and sadness poured out. For now, there were no words—only the quiet comfort of knowing they weren't alone in their pain.

Apartment

Blake paced the living room, her arms crossed as her golden eyes darted toward the clock every few seconds. Weiss sat in a chair nearby, her hands folded neatly in her lap, though her anxious glances toward the door betrayed her calm demeanor.

A sharp knock broke the silence. Blake moved quickly, pulling the door open to reveal Yang and Ruby. The sisters stepped inside without a word. Ruby's head was bowed, her steps slow and heavy as she made her way to a chair across from Weiss. She sat without meeting anyone's gaze. Yang, her expression unreadable, headed straight for the bathroom.

Inside, Yang moved with practiced efficiency, crouching by the toilet and retrieving the hidden bottle from behind the tank. She pocketed it, then splashed water on her face, staring at her reflection for a long moment. When she emerged, Blake was waiting in the hallway, her arms crossed.

"What happened?" Blake asked softly, concern etched across her face.

Yang exhaled heavily, avoiding Blake's gaze. "I… I found Cinder."

Blake's eyes widened. "What? You found her?"

Yang nodded, her voice quieter. "I tried to make her pay. But Ruby stopped me."

Blake glanced toward Ruby, who remained silent, staring at the ground. Weiss sat beside her, her worried gaze flitting between the sisters.

"Then why is Ruby like this?" Blake asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Yang hesitated, her hand brushing through her hair. "Ruby and I… we had a long talk. A depressing one." She glanced at Ruby, her expression softening. "Just… give her some time."

Yang crouched beside Ruby, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Ruby," she said quietly, her voice thick with emotion, "I'm sorry… for everything. And thank you. Thank you for stopping me."

Ruby slowly lifted her head, her silver eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I forgive you," she said softly.

Yang blinked, her face a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Forgive me? For what?"

Ruby stood, her voice steady but filled with pain. "For what happened with Qrow. I'm sorry I was so cold toward you. I just… I couldn't accept that it was an accident."

Yang's lip trembled as she reached out and pulled Ruby into a tight hug. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice.

"Oh, finally," Qrow said, leaning casually against the kitchen counter.

The team turned to see him standing there, arms crossed and a faint smirk on his face.

"It's about time you two patched things up," Qrow said. "I was starting to think I'd have to step in myself."

Yang scowled. "You really need to stop sneaking around like that, Qrow. Especially now that Cinder's back."

Qrow's smirk faded, replaced by a serious expression. "I know, I know. I just wanted to see my nieces being nice to each other again." He glanced at Ruby, his voice softening. "Thanks, kiddo."

Ruby offered a faint smile and nodded.

Qrow started toward the window, but Weiss stood and pointed toward the door. "Not so fast," she said firmly.

Qrow raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You're not going out the window," Weiss said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "My apartment. My rules."

Qrow sighed dramatically, grumbling as he walked toward the door. "Fine, fine. No fun around here."

As he left, Weiss turned to Yang and Blake. "You two should go as well. Ruby and I need a moment."

Yang nodded, though she gave Ruby a lingering look of concern before stepping out with Blake.

The door clicked shut, and Weiss turned back to find Ruby standing in front of her, a determined look on her face. Ruby suddenly leaned in and kissed Weiss gently, catching her off guard. When they parted, Ruby held Weiss' hands tightly, her silver eyes shimmering with both love and nervousness.

"I'm sorry, Weiss," Ruby said. "I needed to do that. And… there's something I've been meaning to say. Something I've been holding back for months."

Weiss tilted her head, her hands squeezing Ruby's. "What is it?"

Ruby took a deep breath, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. "Weiss… we've been together for two years now. We've protected each other, comforted each other, and loved each other through it all. There were good days, bad days, and even amazing days. And through it all, I've been so grateful for you."

Weiss's eyes softened, but her brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "Ruby?"

Ruby smiled nervously. "I think it's time we take the next step."

Weiss blinked, her mind racing as she tried to process Ruby's words. "The… next step?"

Ruby chuckled softly at Weiss's surprised expression. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black box, opening it to reveal a delicate ring with a white gem glinting in the light.

Weiss gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

"I've wanted to do this for a long time," Ruby said, her voice trembling slightly. "But now feels like the right time."

Ruby got down on one knee, her silver eyes meeting Weiss' teary blue ones.

"Weiss, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to have a family, to live together in peace, and to face whatever comes our way—together." Ruby's voice was firm, her love for Weiss shining through every word. "Weiss Schnee… will you marry me?"

Weiss's tears spilled over as she smiled, her heart swelling. "Yes," she whispered.

Ruby slid the ring onto Weiss' finger, and Weiss immediately crouched down to wrap her arms around Ruby, their foreheads touching as they smiled at each other.

"Thank you," Ruby said softly, her voice filled with emotion.

Outside, Yang had her ear pressed to the door, her golden eyes wide in shock.

"What?" Blake whispered, leaning closer.

Yang turned to her partner, her expression a mix of disbelief and excitement. "Weiss is going to be my sister-in-law."

Blake's jaw dropped. "Oh, boy."

Dark Palace

The dim glow of flickering lanterns cast long, wavering shadows on the cracked stone walls of the dark palace. The room was quiet except for the faint rustle of fabric and the occasional hiss of breath. Emerald sat across from Cinder, dabbing at her wounds with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Cinder's face was marred with fresh cuts and bruises, her lip split and swelling. Despite the sting of the alcohol, she sat motionless, her amber eyes burning with unyielding fury.

"You let your guard down, Cinder," Emerald said quietly, her tone teetering between chastisement and concern. "That's not like you."

"Don't remind me," Cinder snapped, her voice sharp and biting.

Her gaze drifted toward the tarnished mirror on the far side of the room. It reflected her battered visage, a cruel reminder of her failure. Her lips curled into a snarl as she leaned forward, studying the damage. The anger simmering inside her threatened to boil over.

"I'm going to make that bitch pay, Emerald," she hissed, her voice low and venomous. "I'll start by killing little Miss Rose right in front of her. And when she's on her knees, broken and crying, I'll take my time with Miss Xiao Long. Slowly… painfully."

Emerald froze mid-motion, the cotton ball pausing over a particularly deep cut. Her green eyes met Cinder's fiery amber ones, a flicker of unease crossing her face.

"Stick to the plan, Cinder," Emerald said firmly, though her voice was edged with caution. "The last time you went rogue like that, it nearly got you killed."

Cinder turned sharply to face her, the fury in her eyes momentarily silencing Emerald.

"I know," Cinder said coldly. "You don't need to remind me of my failures, Emerald."

Emerald hesitated, then resumed tending to the wounds in silence, her movements careful and deliberate.

Cinder leaned back in the chair, her expression dark but composed, the heat of her anger tempered by a calculated patience. "I don't mind waiting," she said, her voice softer but no less dangerous. "Let them think they're safe. Let them savor this fleeting peace."

Her lips twisted into a cruel smile. "And then, when they least expect it, I'll make them pay for everything. Tomorrow, when the plan goes into motion, they'll see just how far I'm willing to go."

Emerald glanced at her, her unease growing. "Tomorrow? You're certain we're ready?"

Cinder's eyes gleamed with malevolent determination as she stared back at her reflection. "Oh, I'm certain. And when the time comes, they'll regret ever crossing me."

The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of Emerald wringing out the bloodied cotton ball. Cinder's gaze remained fixed on the mirror, her mind already envisioning the chaos and destruction she intended to unleash.