Chapter 10

A Dance with the Devil

How long? How long has Ruby been drifting in the Black Abyss? She could not say, for she was but a soul, waiting for a gamble. There in the dark pit, simply waiting for her time to return. It was an incredibly dull experience, not a single sensation other than being aware, always aware. Aware of her thoughts and her state, aware of where she is, however that was very much it. She cannot tell anything else, she could not feel anything else. Ruby was simply a disembodied soul floating in nothing. It was all dreadfully droll. There was also an itch to her soul, something that has appeared a long while ago, but Ruby didn't exactly know what it was.

After an unknown length of time, Ruby felt a small pinching like sensation. The feeling quickly grew to tugging then a full force pull, dragging her soul in some odd direction. She felt herself being pulled all over the Black Abyss, then out of it into a sanctum of rock and sand. She was then bound to a strange relic, the entire process reminding her of when her soul was bound the soulstone by the damned Horadrim so long ago. However, she not alone, for she sensed her brothers, Mephisto and Baal, along with Lesser Evil Twins, Duriel and Andariel.

The five Great Evils dwelled in the relic, baffled and confused by what had just happened. Using what little power she has, Ruby tried to peer out of whatever they had been imprisoned in. What she saw was faint but she could make out some of the energies. One was incredibly powerful, but engulfed in madness. There were six other unfamiliar energies, powerful they were, and only continuing to grow as she felt them, giving her pause at their strength. However, there was one being that had caught her attention.

There was one mortal, a female, her power was faint, recently used, but familiar to her. It felt like her own power, or part of it. Ruby then realized then grinned as she withdrew her gaze. Ruby's gamble had paid off! Ultimate power was within her grasp! Ruby felt like laughing, but for now, she will not reveal her hand to her fellows. No, she was to see them, gaze upon them as she absorbs their essence, wanting them to realize for themselves that she will be the grandest of them all.

Time had passed, and very soon, the weakest of their rank, Belial, Lord of Lies, as joined them in the Black Soulstone. Long afterward, the Lord of Sin, Azmodan, joined his fellows, bring all of the Lords of Hell together within this relic. There was little could do within their accursed prison, all its inhabitants trapped with no means of escape. And so the Great Evils began to argue among themselves. They pointed fingers, blaming each other, citing their own reasons to as to how this is the fault of the others, and how they are blameless. The twins of pain blamed Azmodan and Belial for dragging them into their plot of exiling the Prime Evils, centuries ago. Azmodan and Belial blamed the Prime Evils for focusing to much on the mortals, leading to these events, all the while the others mocked the two for their strategic incompetence. Mephisto and Baal blamed the Lesser Evils for banishing them, then blamed each other and Ruby for not stopping a motley band of mortals. All of them argued making exaggerated claims, while down playing their own failures and follies. All except for Ruby.

She kept quiet during the entire debacle, feeling some was close in the blackest pits of her soul, grinning maliciously. Ruby then began to laugh like mad, her wicked cackles echoing throughout the confinement of the Black Soulstone, halting the squabbles of her kin.

'Lord Diablo?' Andariel, who Ruby once considered a close confidant, spoke up, wondering what the red cloaked girl could be laughing about in a time like this.

'Can you not feel it? Can you not feel what is to come?' Ruby asked softly, her voice in awe, something that unsettled the Great Evils.

'Diablo, what have you done?!' Mephisto demanded his younger sibling, as an ominous premonition began to set in his soul.

Ruby howled with laughter, 'Did you not think I did not have a plan, dear brother? That I would stay in the Black Abyss, waiting to return, and be a part of another one of your failed schemes?! Never again! I will become the true son of Tathamet, become the absolute Prime Evil and end the Eternal Conflict!' Ruby declared, causing the Lords of Hell to glare and sneer at her, but Ruby was not done.

'And you all will help me in this endeavor.' she said with a malevolent smirk. Belial then spoke up voicing the thoughts of his fellows.

'And what make you believe we will help you in this delusion of yours?' the Lord of Lies asked, causing Ruby to huff in amusement.

'Whether or not you willing will not matter. Not for long.' Ruby grinned, leaving the Lords of Hell to ponder her words, until they felt the same pull that brought them to the Black Soulstone, pulling all of them toward the girl in red and black. One by one their very essence were absorbed into Ruby, all of them decrying her, and wishing misfortune upon her.

'Damn you Diablo!' Baal roared, being the last one, trying to unsuccessfully escape, 'A thousand plagues upon you! You will fail, and when you do, I will be there! Laughing!' the Lord of Destruction promised, letting out his abominable, echoing laughter. Ruby only huffed in response, obviously not buying into her brother's promise.

Soon, she herself felt the pull, and in an instant, found herself along with the Black Soulstone within a new host, the mortal with the familiar power.

'Free at last!' Ruby bellowed with in the girls mind, 'The power of all of the Burning Hells at my beck and call!'

'No... T-this can be happening.' Ruby heard from a small, mewling voice.

Ruby chuckled sinisterly, 'My dear daughter Leah,' Ruby said, feeling the surprise from the little mortal, 'You and your mother have done well in ensuring my ultimate return. Your body is now mine, now and forever.'

'No! Please! Have mercy!' Leah cried out, but there was nowhere to go, nowhere to run nor hide from her. Ruby's demonic soul began to engulf the smaller one, allowing her to see the thoughts and memories of her daughter.

Ruby saw this mortal exploring the streets and sewers of a desert city, being mocked and ostracized by others, her caregiver going mad day by day.

She... She was like me.

More memories began to pour in. Of an elder man, inviting the young girl to go with him. Of the two traveling the lands, before arriving in New Tristram. There the two of them settled, Deckard Cain pouring over books, speaking about the End of Days, while Leah tried to just move on with her life Until a Star fell from the sky, separating the two, all while the cursed undead rose from the ground. Leah then meeting the Nephalem, following them on their quest to avenge the Horadric Scholar, and rid the world of the Great Evils.

Now, here she is, about to be the vessel of the ultimate evil in all the realms!

Leah cried out in pain as her soul was being consumed, 'Uncle Deckard! Gillian! Somebody! Anyone! Please! Save me!' she cried out in vain, calling for anybody to save her, or at least not die alone, betrayed by her own mother and killed by her father.

Ruby extinguished the light of her daughter's soul. Now, this body was all hers to control and command. Hers to reshape to a more suitable form. Ruby cackled at the acquisition of her spoils.

"I live!" Ruby called out in her daughter's body, seeing the mortal angel struggling to pick himself from the snowy, stone ground and the Nephalem struggling to break a barrier with their abilities, "But I am more than I once was. The seven Evils are now one within me." she said, giving all who heard it pause. "I am the Prime Evil!" Ruby called out, letting out a burst of her demonic energy, causing the all nearby stop in awe and fear.

"Well done, faithful Adria." Ruby said, turning to address the bowing witch, "Go now, until I call upon you again." The witch simply nodded in response, summoning a red portal and quickly disappearing. Ruby should reward her, perhaps give her some demonic power, and add her to Ruby forces. That, or just simply kill her. That was always an option, she mused.

Ruby turned to the Archangel of Justice, who stilled laid on the hard ground, and the Nephalem, no long behind a barrier, but none of them eager nor willing to go against her now. Ruby smirked as they stood there and watched her, weapons and spells at the ready, but their hands shaking, sweat dripping off their brow in the frigid air. These heroes who felled the last of the Great Evils stood before her, quaking in their boots.

Oh, how Ruby wanted to reveal in their fear, but there other, more important matters that she must attend to. "Now to my true goal, the one that has always eluded me." she said walking to one corner of the tower, "The utter destruction of the High Heavens!" With a wave of her hands, she open a hellish portal that will directly lead to the realm of the angels. Ruby didn't bother closing the portal behind her. Let these lowly heroes come, for they will be no threat to her.

Ruby had soon arrived before the Diamond Gates, the gates that she and her brothers managed to arrive before they began to fight among themselves centuries ago. A gigantic dark cloud formed behind her, announcing her arrival to all within the walls.

"Even in the heart of Heaven, Angels still feel fear." Ruby said to herself, as she spotted a familiar figure atop the gate. Ruby knew he will be of no challenge, for she was now invincible.

All of Creation was now hers.

/

Ruby's eyes snapped open, her mouth opening to suck in a haggard breath. Her body feel sore, her mind abuzz. She looked around to the three other members of her team still sleeping.

Ruby left her bed with a noise, and exited the room with creak that sounded like a screech to her ears. Closing the door behind her, Ruby used her Semblance to exit the building, running through the plaza of the academy. Ruby's lethargic legs soon gave out, being overworked without any preparation, causing her to stop near a fountain. There she was, on her knees, listening to the sound of the rippling water, in the pale light of the shattered moon.

"You killed her." Ruby suddenly said, "You killed your own daughter."

'Yes, I did.' Diablo confirmed, 'What of it? What is it to you?'

"She was your daughter!" Ruby said, as if that was the only reason she needed. "Did you not care at all?! Didn't not feel anything while you... you ate her?!" she demanded.

'I cared, you insolent whelp.' Diablo said, halfheartedly listening as he tried do something, 'I cared that she was my vessel, and key to becoming the Prime Evil.'

"So that's how you saw her? A pawn that you can toss away, your own flesh and blood?" she asked, as her shadow behind began to shift and take form, raising from the ground. A hooded robe as black as the shadow it morphed out of, a blood red skull face gazed from under the dark hood.

"Yes," Ruby whirred around to see the Lord of Terror's form, "and I would do it a thousand more times if it meant that I can achieve what I desire."

"You are out of me." she said, narrowing her eyes at the devil, "Leave! Leave, you damned monster, and don't ever come back!" Ruby demanded, Diablo sneering at her in response.

"If I could, you insolent mortal, then I would done so long ago. This nothing more than a mere projection." he said, motioning to himself, "I tire of dwelling in your mind, constantly hearing of your insignificant dilemmas, of your pathetic dreams of being a savior of this pitiful and wretched place!" Diablo yelled, glaring daggers with his Hellfire red eyes at his keeper.

"Once I take control, I will have everyone see what you truly are!" he said, his smothering coals of eyes growing in intensity, "Once I take control, once I have my power, I will torture and slaughter all you care for, as you watch. Once that is done, before I move on to conquering this realm, I will consume your soul, just I did with my dear daughter." Diablo promised, looming over the young girl, causing her to shutter. Ruby did her best to muster whatever courage she could in the face of this frightful and evil creature, trying to stand firm.

"I will not allow you to do so." Ruby stated, standing straight, unwavering despite the gnawing fear within her. Diablo mockingly laughed at her.

"Do not pretend to be unafraid. I still dwell in your soul, I know you are very afraid." Diablo said, causing Ruby to crack, but not falter. "I do not need your blessing. I will take control, and the blood of your kin will stain my hands." Diablo swore, looking her dead in the eyes, "I want to hear your cries before I consume you. I want to feel the absolute terror and despair in your soul before I feast on it. And when you are gone, this world will be mine." he said his unnatural red eyes flashing with gratification.

Ruby's voice hitched a bit, "You truly are a cruel, evil monster."

Diablo scoffed, "And you are a naive, insignificant, little thing." he said, as he began to dissolve back into Ruby's shadow, "Continue with your futile resistance, I will take total control sooner or later. That is a promise, Ruby Rose."

The projection of the Lord of Terror vanished, the red and black haired girl's mind going silent. Diablo was gone from Ruby's imminent presence, leaving her to ponder his words. Ruby sat at the edge of the fountain, mental images of Diablo fulling his promise, going on his reign of destruction and fear danced in her mind. Her family members and friends all dead at his feet. Can she really contain this black-hearted devil?

"Ruby?" A tired voice called out behind the young girl. Ruby turned to see her older sister, still in her sleepwear, much like herself. "What are you doing up so early?" Yang asked as she let out a yawn, one hand trying to flatten her chaotic mane, "And were you talking to someone? I thought I heard something else."

"I ..." Ruby hesitated, every fiber of her being yelling for her to tell Yang, to tell her about the evil in her soul, to ask for her help. Ruby steeled herself, and sucked in a breath. However, that breath became stuck in her throat when Ruby looking into the older girl's face. An image flashing in her eyes, of Yang hold a grizzly wound on her side, her other arm, unsteady, but ready to fend off her attacker. Yang's violet eyes, one of them caked in blood, held a look of betrayal and fear.

"Ruby? You alright?" Yang asked, snapping her sister out of the image. Ruby put a hand to her head, her resolve all gone.

"Yeah." Ruby responded, "I just had a bad dream, and I needed some air." Ruby said, not telling the entire truth, "Sorry for worrying you." she said, looking down, guilt gnawing at her.

"It's fine. Let's just get to bed." Yang said lethargically, wanting to get back to bed and sleep for just a little while longer before having to deal with this current mess. She turning around and began to walk back to the student building, with Ruby followed behind at a distance. She can't keep hiding this forever, she can't keep lying to her team. It was then that Ruby made a promise. Once they get Blake back, she will tell her team, regardless of the consequences. However, a small part of her couldn't help but dread the idea.

/

Blake sipped her cup of coffee, enjoying its warmth and letting the caffeine work its magic, despite the coffee itself not being all that great. Her... Companion, if she had to put it in a proper term, looked bored, however. There he sat, playing with his cup, watching the drink swirl. Blake had bumped into him while trekking the seven miles from Beacon to Vale. The monkey faunus, named Sun Wukong, immediately made it no secret that he knew what she really was, and made the suggestion that they should stick together. Well, he actually just stuck to her side, despite the catgirl's protest and various threats. Now here the two were, in some dingy dinner that would serve faunus in the Industrial District.

"What do you want?" Blake asked.

Sun smirked, throwing his hands up in celebration, "Finally, she speaks! All night, nothing but threats, insults, and weird looks. Like the one on your face now." Sun said, seeing Blake's scornful look. "I just want to talk, Kitty."

"Do not call me that." Blake slowly said, her scorn intensifying. She then dropped it after her point was made, and sighed. "Sun, are you familiar with the White Fang?"

"Of course." Sun replied, leaning back into his chair, a smirk on his face, "I don't think there's a Faunus in the four kingdoms that hasn't heard of them. Bunch of stupid jackasses, believing they are in the right no matter what. Thugs and terrorist are what they actually are. Almost as bad as a cult, if you ask me." he said, taking a sip of his coffee, waiting for the catgirl response that she was in White Fang herself. Why else would she suddenly bring it up?

"My father was one of the key founders of the White Fang." Blake rebutted, neutrally. That was not what he was expecting. Sun spent a moment choking on his drink.

"Wait, what?!" Sun asked, leaning forward in attention, confused at his companion's reveal.

"My real name is Blake Beaumont." Blake continued.

"Your father was Maurice Beaumont?!" Sun exclaimed, "The leading man of peaceful resolution? Mister 'Turn the other cheek'?"

"Yes, and I prefer if you can keep it down, and to yourself." she said, leisurely taking a sip of her coffee. Blake wasn't surprised by his reaction, it is some grand news. She looked to the counter to see the owner reading a book, having nothing to do at moment, or just slacking off. Also thankful since it was between hours, there was no one else in the dinner except for an elder, crusty looking man who was simply enjoying his brunch.

"I was with him every step of the way. I was at every rally, every protest, every boycott. The White Fang was supposed to bridge the gap between humans and faunus, bring peace and understanding." Blake said, leaning forward against the table, placing her hand against her head.

"We were both just simple optimists." the dark clothed girl said, a small, wistful smile spreading on her lips, "Never stopped father, not when some humans tossed stones at him, or when other faunus would criticize him for 'bending a knee to our oppressors' in the beginning. He never stopped believing that peace and equality was something that can be achieved, some to strive for, no matter what. Not even in the end, he never stopped believing." Blake looked over to her companion, seeing him apparently abandoned his drink to intently listen to the catgirl.

"You know about the Sinclair Street Riot?" Blake asked, tired of doing all the talking.

"Who doesn't? 13 faunus and 4 cops dead, along with hundreds of thousands of lien worth of property damage. Beaumont among the dead, losing the man who had become the most beloved and influential man among the faunus, and all started as a protest against the shops on the street didn't want to service us." Sun said, downing the last of his drink. Blake spotted Sun's yellow tail waving behind him, causing her to sigh, feeling jealous of the monkey boy.

"I use to have tail, you know. Lost it to a police dog, right after my father died before my eyes. Bit down long and hard, crushing all the bones at the base." Blake said, angrily gazing down at the table, "Wasn't enough to take my father's life, but also had to salt the wound."

"Shit." Sun said, having no idea what else to say. He had no idea what would happen or what he would do if he lost his tail.

"Anyway, I'm sure you knew what happened after that? A new leader stepped up to take my father's place, and not long after my father's teachings of peace where being replace with organized attacks, destruction of businesses that exploit or refuse to service faunus, and I was a part of it. Soon, other Faunus organizations like the Homo Animalia Union and the Order of the Paw were brought into the fold as they figured their protest weren't working and our methods were." Blake continued, her tone becoming an odd mix nostalgia and somberness, "I was so angry, so full of hate at the humans. They killed my father, cut off my tail, and hate my kind. It would be an understatement to say that I was glad about the new changes. A way to get back at them."

Blake sighed, "It wasn't what my father would have wanted, and he would have been disappointed to know that I had a hand in it. Once I realized that, I left. I didn't want to be a part of an organization that answers violence and hate with more violence and hate anymore. Besides, it was all pointless, as we weren't being treated with respect, or as equals, but as the beast the humans believe us to be. So, I went to a friend of the family and he dummied up some false papers and soon I was on my way to Beacon to be Huntress. A criminal hiding in plain sight with the help of a black bow and false ears." Blake said wrapping up her tale.

"So do your friends know about this?" Sun asked.

"They do now." Blake answered, "I shouted at them, spelling it out what I was. I don't expect them to understand."

"Shouldn't you give them the chance to?" Sun retorted.

"Look, I'm done talking about this. Let's leave." she as raised her arm and called for the check.

The owner walked over and dropped the check, to which she paid for.

"Now scat," the owner said, collecting the lien, "I don't want any fleas here. Already have enough problems with this place as is." the woman said as she walked off, Blake sending a dirty look her way.

Once they were out of the dinner, and back on the street. Sun asked a simply question, "So what now, what's the plan?"

"I want to find out what the White Fang are planning. Something is going on." Blake speculated, "Never have they needed so much Dust before."

"Well, all we have to do is find somewhere with a crapton of Dust and we'll be sure find them there, right?" Sun inquired, his hand scratching the underside of his chin.

"Yeah, but where are we going to find such a place?" Blake remarked as she continue to walk down the sidewalk.

"Well lucky for you, Kitty. I overheard some dock workers yesterday talking about a large Schnee Company shipment of Dust coming later today." Sun said, puffing his chest out in pride. Blake stopped walking and turned around, a glare in her eyes.

"Tell me more about it, and maybe I'll let that one slide." the catgirl threatened.

"Don't know much, other than it's a supposedly a huge freighter. That is just what the White Fang would want, if they want Dust. Not to mention striking a blow against the Schnee Company would be icing on the cake." Sun said, presenting his argument.

"If that's the case, then we should find where the ship is going to dock, and wait for them there." Blake said, as she took off with haste.

"Stakeout. Awesome." Sun quipped, as he went to keep pace with his companion.

/

Ruby, Weiss, and Yang walked down a street in the Commercial District of the city, looking everywhere for their missing teammate. So far, none of the stores or offices have seen neither hide nor hair of the dark dressed girl.

"This is taking too long, we should split up and cover more ground." Weiss said, as the team passed by some shops.

"Princess is right, it will take forever at this rate." Yang said, to the white dressed girl's annoyance.

"I guess you're right. We all have our Scrolls?" Ruby asked, as the other two nodded. She then stopped at a television shop, a male newscaster broadcasting events and happens. However what Ruby was focused on was the blurry photo of a golden figure flying through the air. Yang and Weiss joined their leader once it was evident that she was no longer walking with them.

"-ports coming in from Mistral of a unidentified flying object seen above the city and other towns. It is concluded that it not a Grimm, but hypothesized as a new Atlas prototype machine. Atlas officials have yet to comment on these thoughts." On the newscaster went with other tidbits, but the three girls payed it no mind any longer. Weiss was the first to speak.

"There is no way that is an Atlas mech. If it was, even a prototype, Atlas would have been showing it off to all the kingdoms." Weiss said, as she crossed her arms.

"It is an odd thing. I wonder what it is." Yang said, voicing her thoughts. Ruby, however was focused on the indistinguishable picture, looking very intently at it. Within her soul, Diablo was seething with rage the more his keeper looked at the image. It soon passed as the image disappeared, replace with another of no value.

"-uby!" the girl in red heard one of them called out.

"Huh?" she said, shaking out of her daze.

"Ruby, are you sure you're alright?" Yang asked her sister, a look of worry on her face, "You've been distracted, spacing in and out all day."

"Yeah, I'm fine." Ruby said, shaking her head, "I'm... just worried about Blake. Let's split up. Call if any of us find anything." Ruby said, as she started to walk off in some direction, her cloak swishing behind her. Yang and Weiss looked to each other but neither knew what else to say or do, so off they went.

As Ruby walked down, her mind filling with various thoughts that don't seem to string together. 'What's with you?' Ruby said to the other occupant of her body.

'It is none of your concern. It is matters of mine, and mine alone.' Diablo growled before going silent.

'I'm pretty sure it concerns me as well.' Ruby retorted, curious and worried about whatever this thing is. If it is something that bothers the Lord of Terror this much, it can't be good for anyone.

On Ruby walked, looking for her missing teammate, asking around for the better part of a couple of hours. Afterwards, she sat down at a bench to rest for a moment, after finding no real leads to the missing catgirl. It would probably be too optimistic to think that Blake would come back to Beacon.

"Hey, aren't you the leader of the girl I ran into yesterday?" someone asked, causing Ruby to turn her head to the person, seeing a familiar face.

"Salutations, you're Ruby, right?" the ginger girl asked. Ruby blinked as her mind retrieved memories of the day before.

"Yeah, and you're Penny." Ruby said, remembering this person. "Sorry, but I don't have time to chat, I'm looking for one of my teammates. Blake, girl with black hair, yellow eyes. I don't suppose you've seen her?" Ruby asked, hoping that this girl might know something.

Penny just there for a moment, silent. It weirded out Ruby, until Penny finally spoke. "No, sorry, but I can't say that I've seen your Faunus friend."

Ruby sighed, "Well, than- Wait, how'd you know she was a Faunus?" Ruby asked.

"The cat ears under her bow?" Penny replied, then looked off in thought, "It does explain why she had a pair of false ears, if she was hiding that fact."

"Was it that obvious to you?" Ruby asked in a rather somber tone, wondering if she was truly blind to what her teammate really was.

"Well, it was difficult to point out, not really someone would notice unless carefully looked at."

"That, and the fact that she wears that bow everywhere." Ruby muttered, unable to think of a time Blake didn't have her bow on.

"Look, it seems like you could use another set of eyes. Why don't I tag along, and help you out?" Penny said with a warm smile.

Ruby looked at this girl and analyzed her. While she was getting better at controlling this aura of fear, it still has an effect on people. At the very least, this ginger girl should be showing some sign that she is uncomfortable around Ruby, but nothing. The only one who was able to be this friendly to her was Jaune. However, with the revelation that he is the host to the Lord of Hatred, this friendliness causes some suspicion.

"Sure, let's get started right away." Ruby replied, pushing away from the bench. The red hooded girl will have to look for any sign of whether or not Penny is a host. Ruby can feel that something is off about this girl.

/

Blake laid on her stomach, keen eyes searching for unusual activity on the docks. She and Sun had been sitting on this roof, watching since morning. The monkey Faunus suggested going at a later time, but Blake didn't want to chance it. So there they hid, in the heat of the sun all day, watching the dock working unload the Schnee company shipment, which was most likely filled with Dust. Soon the sun fell from the sky, and darkness shrouded the city.

"This is boring." the monkey Faunus complained.

"You are free to leave." Blake retorted, "I can do this by myself."

"No way, Kitty." he said, causing Blake to grunt, "We're friends, so we should stick by each other." Sun finished, flashing a smile, which was only meet with a glare.

"Following me around like a lost puppy is not something friends do. In fact, why are you still here? Why are you still by my side?" Blake questioned, curious as to this boy's motive, and whether or not he was something out of this.

However to the catgirl's frustration, Sun shrugged his shoulders and simply said, "Why not?" Before Blake could reply, her ears twitched, and soon picked up the sounds of an airship heading toward the docks. She laid flat against the roof, Sun soon following along as soon the sound reached his ears.

A Bullhorn airship soon came into the area, landing in the center of the docks. The side doors opened up and a trio of uniformed men exiting the ship, guns pointing every which way, making sure their surrounding were secure.

"Clear!" one of them called out, the other soon saying the same, cause all of them to relax. Blake peeked up, gazing down from her position. Seeing their uniforms, brought many memories back, from doing operations like this to razing down stores.

"Is that them?" Sun whispered, bringing Blake out of memory lane. She nodded her head in confirmation, as she mentally tried to figure out why the White Fang need this much Dust. It hasn't been an objective in the past. What has changed since she left?

"What's the hold up?" A voice called out from the Bullhorn. A man soon exited, match the description of the man Ruby had faced before she came to Beacon, a black knapsack on his side. "Do I seriously have stand here and order you around like pets?! Get the tow cables!" Roman ordered, waving around his rune cover cane.

"This isn't right." Blake said out loud, "The White Fang would never work with a human, especially one like that." she said standing up and drawing her sword. She need answers, for while this was not her the White Fang of her father, neither was it the White Fang that she was a part of.

Sun tried to stop her, but was too late when she jumped off the warehouse. The catgirl dashed forward, unseen but heard by the White Fang soldiers.

"No, you mutt! That is not-" Roman insulted, until he feel an edge being pressed into his neck. The criminal sighed, "Enhanced senses, and none of you animals couldn't do anything."

"Quiet!" Blake hissed. The White Fang thugs soon took notice and rushed to confront this newcomer, weapons drawn. Blake responded with the removal of her bow, showing her Faunus appearance to all.

"Brothers of the White Fang! Why are you aiding this scum, this human?!" she asked, but none of them answered, none of them wavering.

"So you must the traitor I've been hearing about." Roman said, after he was able to get a look at his captor. "Adam has spoken much about you." he said, causing Blake to falter a little, but nevertheless kept her blade on his neck, ready to slice it open. The bowler hat man continued, "You been out of the game for a while now, things have changed. Me and the big boss? We have an agreement going on."

"Tell me about your little operation, and maybe I won't behead you." she demanded, but her ears picked the sounds of three other Bullhorns coming in.

"I wouldn't exactly call it a 'small' operation." Roman said, before striking the catgirl's shin with the end of his cane. Blake winced, but keep her sword against his neck.

"Was that supposed to hu-" she began only to feel deadly ill in a moment's notice. Blake backed away, one hand holding her stomach, feeling like she could vomit at any moment.

"Little trick I picked up." Roman smugly said, as he tidied himself up. The White Fang soldiers soon by his side.

"How- How did...?" Blake trailed off, a wave a terrible nausea hitting her.

"There is more going on that you know, little kitty cat." Roman ominously said, "And don't worry about the poison, it should subside. However, you won't have that much time. Boys kill her and then get back to work, we've wasted enough time." Roman said, with a wave of his hand. It was then that he felt something hit his hat. He grabbed the object and saw that it was a banana peel.

"What the f-" he said, before someone landed on his shoulders, and jumped off, causing Roman to stumble back a couple of meters. Sun then swept one of the thugs, making him fall, then deliver a swift kick to his face. Sun grabbed the gun of the second soldier with one hand, with the other punching the soldier's forearm at various places, disarming him. Sun then swung around, hitting the mook's side, right under his arm with his own gun. Might cause some cracked or broken ribs. The last White Fang mook swung at the monkey boy with his blade, but Sun deftly dodged. When the thug tried to swing at him again, Sun grabbed the mook's arm, and kneed him in the groin. While the mook winced in pain, Sun delivered an uppercut right into his jaw with enough force to make the soldier's teeth crack.

Done that was done, Sun took a breath, and turned to Roman. "Leave her alone." he said, retrieving his collapsed staff from his back pocket. Blake, meanwhile, managed to recover from the poison, its effects disappearing from her system. Sword in hand, she went to Sun's side, glaring venomously at the orange haired crook.

"Oh dear, two against one." Roman sarcastically said, "Too bad you didn't kill those men, banana boy. I could evened the odds, if you did." The Faunus duo, looked oddly at the man, but he ignored them as he opened his knapsack. "Oh well, I guess I'll have to make do." Roman said, as he waved his cane, its runes glowing a blue-green color. Bones came forth from the bag, revolving around the criminal in a ring.

"Is this your semblance?" Blake questioned.

"Oh no. This is something else entirely." Roman said, with a large grin, "This is sorcery!" he cried out, surprising the black and yellow duo.

"Magic?! What?!" Sun asked, but Roman only leveled his cane at the two, it bottom opening up.

"Sorry kiddies, but I don't have time to explain!" Roman said, as the two other Bullhorns came into view. Roman fired a projectile at the two, causing them to break off and scatter.

/

Ruby and Penny continued to walk around, having no luck in find anything. Ruby felt ready to give up, until she perk up at something, feeling something in the air.

'There is sorcery at work. It been so long since I felt it.' Diablo stated.

'We can sense magic?' Ruby asked the devil.

'It was commonplace in my world, I know that feeling very well. It sticks like a fire in the empty realm.' Diablo replied, 'Go, find out what it is, mortal.' he then commanded his keeper. Ruby didn't like that he was ordering her around, but she was curious about this source of strange energy. Who knows, Blake might be there. It be better than wondering around aimlessly.

"Penny, I think I have an idea where to head next. Though, I might have to go alone." Ruby said to her companion.

"Really? Why haven't you said so before." the ginger girl asked.

"It just came to me, and don't worry, I can handle this myself." Ruby said as she walked off. She felt bad, for just leaving like that, but there was no way she was going involve Penny in this. However, that thought became moot when she walked by Ruby's side.

"I'm coming with you. I been by your side all day. Unless you give me an actual reason I am not leaving just yet." Penny said, with a smile. Ruby felt confused, however.

"We're friends, aren't we?" Penny stated. Ruby took a moment to register this. She tried to see any sort of deception on the other girl, but couldn't find any. Ruby smiled in return.

"Sure." Ruby confirmed, "Come on, we better hustle." Ruby said, as she picked up the pace, Penny right behind her. Diablo growled in annoyance within his host's soul.

/

High in the evening sky, amidst clouds, Imperius halted his course. The Angel felt magic in use for the time since he has been here. This world astounds him that there no sign of any sorcery. There were small specks all over this miserable world, but there was nothing when he visited the sites. This was the largest Imperius felt so far, though it was much smaller compared to the magic of his home realm. Still he must go it, for this was his only lead to finding those damned Evils.

And so, the Angel of Wrath flew off in that direction, determined to find his foe, and kill him.

/

Blake and Sun dodged and ducked from the explosive flares that Roman was firing at them, the two of them getting closer to the sharp dress man to strike. Blake was the first to get close, using her sword and sheath in tandem, trying to strike at the dandy, only to be hitting the levitating bones. Roman swung at the catgirl, only to hit an afterimage.

Sun tagged in, spinning and swiping with his staff, only to have the same result as Blake. Still, the monkey Faunus kept at the offensive, his bo staff separating, and becoming nunchucks with shotguns for handles. Sun skillfully swung them around, continuing to try and strike the crook, or fire at him point blank.

Bones dropped from Roman's revolving ring, becoming too damaged, his own Aura taking hits. Thinking quickly, the criminal pressed forward and kick at the blonde lad, pushing him back, only to have the catgirl on him again. This time, she was faster than before, striking at him from all sides. His Bone Armor was pretty much gone at this point. In retaliation, Roman aimed his cane at the ground and fired. The explosion disrupted Blake rhythm of attack, and to which responded with a thrust of his cane, push the black and white clad girl. The three Bullhorns hovering a few meters off the ground. Their doors opened, and eighteen soldiers came dropping out, running to Roman's side, along with the three others who regained their wits and breathe.

"Look's I have the advantage, and unfortunately for you, I don't plan on letting you run." Roman said, as the White Fang members raised their weapons. While that happening, Ruby and Penny arrived. The red cloaked girl quickly called up the other half of her team to come tell them that she found Blake and that she is in trouble. She soon hung up after telling them where she was.

"Penny stay here, I got this." Ruby told the ginger girl, drawing out her Crescent Rose.

"Ruby, wait-" Penny tried to start but was cut off.

"Don't worry, I'm a Huntress in training." Ruby said with a reassuring smile, extending the red block to its sniper form. Coming out of her hiding place, Ruby burst forth, firing off some shots to get everyone's attention.

"Remember me!" Ruby said to Roman, who narrowed his eye. Blake stood in surprise, never thinking that her team leader would be here, while Sun racked his brain trying to remember this girl.

"Hello Red, however I do not time to make chitchat. Kill them all!" Roman commanded, five men rushing to fight the young girl, while the other thirteen fired their guns at the Faunus duo, causing them to run for cover. Ruby extended her scythe to it full form, and pointed it behind her, firing a shot that propelled to her attackers. She rammed into one of them, and swung her scythe into another. The third mook raised his sword high, but Ruby caught his hand and squeezed, causing the Faunus to cry out in pain, and drop his sword. Ruby let go of the man, and punched him square in the face, sending him flying. One fired his gun at her, but Ruby managed to avoid the bullets using her Semblance, and ran for the shooter. When she was close enough here swung at his side, sending him some ways away. The last one standing rushed in and swung his ax at the girl. Ruby in the midst of raising her weapon to block the strike, but stopped when a blade collided with the White Fang member's chest.

The soldier looked down at the black and green glowing sword that was embedded in his chest, blood oozing from the wound. His vital organs were punctured, there was no way he was going to survive from this. The Faunus dropped his weapon and reached out to Ruby, only for the blade to be forcefully removed from his chest. The man collapsed forward, blood soon pooling around him. Ruby had just watched someone die before her eyes. She turned to see who had done the terrible deed only to see Penny standing there, a number of the very same blades levitating behind her, forming a shape like that of wings.

"Don't worry Ruby, I'm here to help." she said with a friendly smile, appearing to Ruby that she was oblivious to what she had just done. The four other White Fang thugs got to their feet and saw what had happened. Enraged, they charged the ginger girl. The blades came together, and with a motion of her arms they slash and swung at her attackers. The first few blades broke through the mooks Aura, and their light armor, the rest slashing at their flesh. Blood began to stain the ground heavily, all present seeing what this newcomer was doing.

"Just perfect." Roman grunted, as a hand when into his knapsack, the other pointing at the mooks. "You two! Get the cables and hook up one of these containers. I am not leaving empty handed!" he commanded, as the two went off to do their task, "You three!" Roman continued, pointing at a trio, "Keep those two occupied! The rest of you deal with that bitch!" he commanded, pulling out a blue bottle from his bag, as the most of the group moved to get a better position on the girl killing their comrades.

Penny finished off the last of the group their bodies slashed apart, the ground painted red, while she stood clean. She saw more coming her way, and responded with a motion of her hands, the blades forming a circle that started to spin. Penny launched it at her enemies, the swords cutting deep into them, slicing off limbs. They fell to the ground crying out in agony. Penny returned the blades to her side as the three of the Bullhorns hovered above. The airships opened fired on the girl, but Penny stood where she was, her blades intercept each round, and redirecting them by angling themselves.

Penny then ran and jumped on to one of the airship's cockpit, she smirked at the surprised pilot, but skewing him with a blade that pierced through the windshield. She dropped down from the falling ship, and fired off four blades at the remaining two, the blades embedding themselves in the wings and tails of both sky crafts. With a might heave, Penny pulled the two towards each other, a screech of metal let out before exploding in a large fireball that fell into the harbor. Blake, Sun, and Ruby, as well as Yang and Weiss who had arrived on the scene watched it all with wide eyes, as Penny let out a long sigh, feeling drained.

'This... This isn't what I wanted to happen.' Ruby thought to herself.

'What is the matter? So this girl has killed these mortals. What of it?' Diablo said, indifferent to the deaths that occurred. 'Is this not what you are training for?'

'We were supposed to be fighting and slaying Grimm! This isn't what we meant to do!' Ruby said, trying to keep herself from breaking now.

'Foolish girl! You think you can train to be a warrior, and not have blood be spilled on your hands?! Such naivety! It is kill or be killed!' the demon lord roared, then said softly, 'And you will kill.' he stated. Ruby wanted to deny it, but she couldn't think, she couldn't speak. Ruby just felt sick.

Roman finished downing the last of the incredibly bitter, blue drink, feeling energized again. "Alright, time for the big guns." he said to himself. With another wave of his glowing cane. All those who laid dead had their skin and flesh burst open, and from the blood and gore came the bloodied bones of the members of the White Fang. Some of them grabbing their weapons, other leaving them as instead powers burst forth from their bony hands. Roman, drained from summoning these skeletal warrior, retreated for he must be ready to make a hasty escape once he has his goods.

"What in the world is going on?!" Weiss cried out in confusion.

"Are those skeletons?!" Yang asked, almost unable to believe her eyes. The she saw one of them close in on her sister, who was standing there stock still. "Ruby!" she cried out, rushing to her aid. "Ruby, wake up!"

Diablo tried to rouse his keeper, but to no avail. There was no way he was going to die here and now. The Lord of Terror willed with all his might to break free from his imprisonment. If this mortal will not keep them from dying, then he will! Diablo continued to try and do something, but he still felt trapped, unable to do anything. It enraged him as he fought harder. The skeleton raised his sword and began to bring it down on them.

'Move!' Diablo roared, Ruby's scythe intercepting the blade. Diablo smiled at his achievement, being able to break free from this accursed mortal's soul. In that moment, Yang came forth punching the skeleton right on the skull, blasting it to pieces, causing the rest of the body to collapse. Yang yelled for Weiss to get Blake, then turned her attention to Ruby, who looked shell shocked.

"Ruby, what's the matter?!" Yang call out, grabbing her sister by the shoulders, "Ruby snap out of it! We are leaving!" Ruby blinked, gaining control of herself.

"Yang? What's going on? What are we doing?" she asked, frightened.

"I don't know what's going on! But we are not sticking around to find out!" Yang said, running to the others, pulling her sister along.

Yang had managed to drag Ruby back to where the others were, who were fighting off the skeletons. "This is insane!" Sun cried out, "We just fought a guy that knows magic, watched a girl mercilessly kill an entire group of White Fang, and bring airships down, not to mention the dead rising!" he yelling, shooting one of the said undead.

"And we are not staying for it get crazier!" Weiss said, as a Bullhorn rise up and fly off with a container under it, none of them in any state to anything about it. "Come on, let's go! The police can deal with... Whatever this is!" she said, thrusting at one of the animated bones only to have it collapse, the remaining others following suit.

"Uh." Yang simply said, unsure as to what happened. The others sharing her sentiments.

"Look, let's get out of here, we can sort out what happened later." Blake said, even as she and Weiss shared glares, until the latter broke it, deciding to glare at something else. Penny then came up to the group, cause to all to look at her warily.

"Phew, well I feel tired." she informed the group. "That certainly strange huh? Like something out of fiction. At least we were able to deal with it, right guys?" Penny said, flashing a friendly smile that only seemed to creep everyone out, to which the ginger girl noticed. "Is something wrong?" Before anyone could answer, a golden figured appeared in the night sky, catching everyone's eyes.

He stood tall hovering high above them, clad in golden armor, fearsome spear in hand, and wings of fire on his back. All were in awe of this new arrival, though the trance broke once he began to speak. His voice was booming, but none could understand his words. The group began to whisper amongst themselves.

"What is that?" Blake asked, never seeing such a being before.

"Is that the U.F.O. that was on the news?" Weiss said, remembering the segment earlier that day.

"Can anyone understand this guy? I don't know what he is even saying." Sun stated, hearing the shining being speak. Ruby did not speak, for she only gazed at the golden figure. Her soul heating up with fire and rage. Diablo cursed it all, damned it all! He thought he was away from his angelic adversaries. The Lord of Terror's anger continued to grow, to the point where his keeper was being affected. Ruby narrowed her eyes, bared her teeth, and clenched her fist. Yang noticed these actions of her sister.

"Ruby, you alright? Do you know something about this thing?" she asked, but Ruby ignored her, for she was listening to what the angel was saying.

"*Come out Diablo! I have come for your head! Face me or cower! I will find you!*" he challenged, causing the devil to erupt.

'How dare he! How dare he act like he could face me, the Lord of the Burning Hells?! If my eternal enemy wants a fight from me, the Lord of Terror, then it is a fight he will have!' Diablo roared within Ruby. The red hooded girl began to winch, and double over, crying out in pain.

"Ruby!" Yang called out, going to her side, unsure as to what was happening to her younger sister.

"What's wrong with her?!" Weiss asked, also wonder what was going on with her partner.

"I don't know!" Yang answered, as everyone stood around unable to help the young girl. With her soul, Ruby tried to stop the devil, but was drained from the happening of today, the dreams, the fighting, the death, all of it. Not to mention, she could not overcome Diablo's overwhelming rage.

'Do not stop me Ruby Rose! I will have my fight against the damned fool!' the Prime Evil stated, pushing more against her. Ruby screamed as she felt herself fading from her own mind and body, feeling something else take her place.

A burst of fear erupted from Ruby, followed by her stand up, and inhaling deeply through her nose. She then exhaled with a grunt. The smell of life surrounds her, causing her to smile. Thought that smile faded once she took stock of her body. Soft and pliable skin, weedy little teeth, hands too small to crush anything, and claws too thin and brittle to slash anything. Such weak and feeble creatures humans are.

"Ruby, what was that?" Yang said, placing a hand on Ruby's shoulder, "What's going on with y-" the blonde said, before the red cloaked girl grabbed her arm and twisted it, causing Yang to cry out in pain and surprise. With her other hand, Ruby punched her older sister across the face with great force.

"Ruby!" Wh-" Weiss yelled before Ruby roughly grabbed her arm, wrenching it out of her socket, and tossed her at Penny and Sun, barreling them some meters away. Blake didn't say anything, instead opting to pull out Gambol Shroud, for she had to stop whatever Ruby was doing. However Blake instead found a hand wrapping around her neck, tight as a noose, and lifting her off her feet.

"No such thing as pure evil?" Ruby said, but there was a deep and menacing echo accompanying her voice, one that ran shiver down Blake's spine. "You do not know what evil truly is." Ruby then looked up at the Faunus, the two meeting eye to eye, and it caused Blake to stop her struggling and her blood to run completely cold. Ruby's eyes were no longer silver, but a terrifying mix of reds, oranges and yellows. Her eyes sent absolute fear into Blake, paralyzing her. Blake felt herself slip away, her vision darkening, as she heard one last thing from this terrible creature.

"I am pure and true evil! I am Diablo!"

At that moment, a large, golden spear that would have skewered had Diablo not moved, pierced the ground, as well making him drop Blake. The Lord of Terror landed some ways away, watching as the golden angel teleported in front of his spear, wrenching it from the ground without much effort. Blake scurried off once he suddenly appeared, going to make sure her partner and the other were alright, and to figure what is going on.

"Imperius." Diablo growled, clearly unhappy to see the former Angel of Valor.

"*My old enemy, at last I have found you. I was getting tired of searching this miserable world.*" Imperius said, gripping his spear, ready to strike at any moment. "*Still you do not your true form. Is it cowardice? Or are you weak to achieve it, Diablo?*" he said, causing the devil to grunt when he hit the nail on the head.

"*It matters not what I choose to wear.*" Diablo said, speaking in old tongues, "*I had hoped to finally be rid of you, Imperius. At the very least, this means that I can have the pleasure of killing you with my own two hands!*" he yelled, taking the red scythe from his lower back, letting it extend to its full length. Imperius may be stronger, the Prime Evil's power may be stunted, but he not back down from this fight. If this is what fate throws at him, then he will meet it head on.

"*Then come!*" Imperius challenged, "*Let us end our Eternal Conflict!*" the two letting out war cries as they charged at each other.

Imperius thrust his spear at the devil possessed being, but Diablo avoided the attack, unleashing a torrent of fire upon the angel as the Prime Evil jumped over his head. They did little to Imperius, who spun around, swinging his spear, Solarion. Diablo brought his keeper's weapon up to block the attack, but the force of the strike, took him off his feet, sending him colliding with a shipping container. Diablo grunted at the sensations of pain he was feeling. He will have to do something about this vessel later.

Diablo moved once he saw the golden spear barreling towards him again. Imperius teleporting in right after, retrieving his weapon. Diablo level the scythe at his mortal enemy, and began firing round after round at the angel. The ash infused bullets have an effect on Imperius, causing him to grunt in pain, and shield his face. Imperius' armor began to turn white, then he disappeared from view. Diablo quickly readied himself for whatever the angel was to throw at him.

Meanwhile, far off from the battle Blake and Yang helped up the other. Weiss cried out in pain at her dislocated shoulder, prompting Yang to grip her right arm. "This is going to hurt." she said the white haired girl.

"Just do it qui-" she tried to say, before the blonde very suddenly pop her arm back into place, cause a very loud yelp.

"Guy's there's something wrong with Ruby." Blake said, as she watched the fight, remembering the two being banter in a strange and unknown language.

"No kidding." Weiss said, as she waited for the pain to subside, he left hand gripping her right arm, "Attacking us all of sudden. What was that?"

"Ruby won't do such a thing. Something's come over her." Yang stated, a hand going to her face, to where her half-sister punched. It swelled up some, but her Aura already healed some of it.

"I think something has taken over Ruby." Blake ominously said, glaring at the red cloaked being.

"What are you talking about?" Weiss asked.

"I mean, that isn't Ruby. I looked into her eyes and they weren't her eyes. Something has taken over Ruby." Blake explained.

"What like something out of a horror novel?" Sun said, adding his thoughts, "Sorry Kitty, but that's insane."

"Is it?" Yang said, "We watched the dead rise earlier, and saw her take down three airships by herself." Yang said, pointing at Penny, who blushed seeing all eyes on her for a moment. "I doubt we can rule out the insane option." she said, joining Blake at watching the fight, a cold sweat running down her brow. What are they supposed to do?

There was burst of force and searing pain on his back, prompting Diablo to dash forward and turn. He saw Imperius on top of one of the shipping containers, spear point glowing hot. Imperius fired off another beam of fire and light. Diablo moved heading to the angel at great speeds with the aid of Ruby's Semblance, surprising Imperius. Diablo jumped into the air, high above the Angel of Wrath, scythe above his head. Imperius raised his spear to block the attack, just as Diablo wanted.

Once the blade met with the shaft of Solarion, Diablo pulled the trigger of the weapon, the great force of the recoil prying the spear out of Imperius' hands. With one hand, he let go of the scythe, Diablo bathed the angel again in hellfire once again. Imperius braved the flames, and punched the Lord of Terror with his armored gauntlets. He continued to deliver punch after punch, until he grab Diablo by the red cloak, and tossed him a meter away from his spear. Diablo, getting his bearings, spied Imperius retrieving his spear. Still dazed from the onslaught, Diablo weakly got to his feet only for Imperius to grab his neck, and toss him against another one of the shipping containers.

"*No more tricks! This is the end, Diablo!*" Imperius said, leveling his spear. He then let out a might roar, as he thrust his spear. However, Diablo caught the spear in his hand, an invisible force pushing against the speartip. "*What?!*"

"*I will not die! Not here! Not to you Imperius!*" Diablo bellowed, pushing back against the Angel of Wrath with all his might. "I will rule this world! And no one, not this mortal, not my brothers, and not even you will stop me!" Red static coursed through the Lord of Terror. With a fearsome heave, Diablo pushed away the spear with his Aura, staggering the golden armored angel. Thrusting his arms, Diablo fired off the Red Lightning Hose, pushing Imperius across the docks and through a container, shattering its contents of jars of Dust and Ash. Grabbing the scythe, Diablo aimed the weapon, and with his power, infused the last high caliber bullet with hellfire, and fired. The bullet flew straight and true, striking the mounds of Ashes and Dust, igniting them. The ensuing explosion was a grand one, one of many colors, and deafening boom.

Diablo doubts that will be enough to kill the accursed angel. If it were that easy, Diablo would have killed the fool long ago. No doubt that he will retreat to lick his wounds. Diablo sneered, for Imperius was stubborn, meaning that he will show himself once he has recovered. It wasn't enough that the devil had to deal with his brothers, but Imperius as well. Diablo took solace that he will be of the others problem as well.

Diablo then looked down at his hands, or rather his keeper's hands. Diablo has fought against Imperius and won, something that shouldn't be done in this state. With these abilities, Diablo could become stronger that he ever has before by himself. Diablo ponder if it could match the power he had when he was the Prime Evil.

The Lord of Terror heard cautious footsteps behind him. He turned and glared at the group of five with his hellfire eyes, their weapons drawn and ready to attack. "Who are you, and what have you done to Ruby?!" The black one demanded. Diablo narrowed his eyes. The fight with Imperius took much out of him, but he was confident he could down these mortals. Diablo as well became aware of his keeper's attempts to take back her body, causing a dull pain in his head. Diablo put a hand against his skull, as a thought occurred to him. The Lord of Burning Hells let out a sinister laugh.

"I am Diablo, Lord of Terror. As for this mortal, she still lives within me." Diablo said to those gathered.

"What do you mean?" the white one questioned, rapier in hand, though very much favoring one arm. Diablo only let out a damning laugh.

'Take your body back, Ruby Rose. Look and see how you fellow mortals look upon you now. I will take this vessel again.' Diablo said, as he relinquished control. He will enjoy tormenting this mortal, driving her to despair. Oh, how he looks forward to breaking her.

Ruby collapsed to her knees, all the energy in her body gone. She looked back to her team, the person that considers her a friend, and the monkey Faunus, all them seeing her eyes have returned to their silver color, but still stood with caution. Yang took a step forward, her arms poised to strike.

"Ruby, what are you?" Yang asked. After she said those words, Ruby collapsed completely, consciousness leaving her. Only one thought ran through her mind.

'I didn't want this to happen.'

/

Three months, almost four. I'm terrible. I tried to get this posted the day of the new episode, show my appreciation for Rooster Teeth continuing the show, by getting off my ass, but I hit some snags. Ah well. To all those following this story, I thank you for being patient with me. Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long as this one. I feel like it shouldn't.

So, Volume 3. Yay! Totally going to screw me and this story over, though. And rumors of Diablo getting another expansion. Yep, so getting screw over. Well, what can you do? On with the show and all that!

Until Next Time, My Friends