"Ruby. Ruby... Just who is Ruby?"

This question was on Red's mind. It was going through her head like a swarm of bees. It was deafening, it was all consuming. It was a pain in her ass. Whoever Ruby was, just her name alone was causing something to tear through Red's mind, leaving behind a trail of pain and confusion. In it's wake, these thoughts led only to Red's internal torment. Something, it seems, that Roman and Cinder were plenty aware of.

"Red, sweety? Are you alright in there? Please, talk to me." Cinder implored for the umpteenth time, still trying to get Red to come out. Of course it was to no avail, as Red was far too encompassed by her own thoughts to pay much heed to her. After a while, Cinder again realized the futility of attempting to get Red out for the time being, and retreated back to where she could plan with Roman.

"Still no luck with little Red, huh?"

"No," Cinder said, becoming anxious by this point. "She still refuses to answer me still. The silence is becoming unbearable."

"She's a strong little girl. Maybe nothing special compared to some, but she's probably not past fifteen or sixteen years of age. She has potential. And that strange power of hers doesn't seem like it's anything light or much to scoff at. If she could master it..."

"She would definitely become a powerful piece for us. One with her Grimm-like strength would be a huge... asset, so to speak. At least with what we have planned."

"Grimm-like. Grimm-like, huh?"

"What is it Roman? If you have something to say, then do so."

"It's nothing much. It's just that she seems more like a Grimm than a human sometimes. Yeah, her strength is crazy from what we've seen. What with Neo and the kids out right now, we can't possibly afford to lose her strength."

"They shall return in time. Don't worry about it too much. For now, ensure our continued aid from the White Fang. Leave Red to me. I'll handle her, and keep her working for us. Unlike with you, she seems to trust me more."

"Says the woman who can't even get her to leave her room."

No sooner had Roman finished saying that then Cinder's eyes and dress began to glow, a certain sign that she was ready to begin lighting up more than just her clothes. Roman wisely took the hint and back away, leaving the room with his trademark swagger in a small attempt to maintain some face. Heaving a sigh, Cinder cooled herself down and went back into her work. For now, the plan comes first. Red can come later. And she will.

"Hey, Nietzsche."

Yes, Little Rose?

"Maybe you'll know, especially with all things considered. Who is Ruby? Just who exactly is she? Every time I hear that name, it pisses me off. It sets off so many bells, and I can't bear all of the friggen ringing!"

You wish to know who Ruby is, Little Rose?

Are you sure you wish to know this?

She is of no concern to you, Little-

"Quiet Nietzsche. I alone determine was is and is not of any concern to me. Now, tell me what you know of her."

Rather than tell-

-you shall be shown.

"What's-?!"

Without warning, Red was brought to an unknown world. It was empty, or as much as it could be. It was barren, plain. That was what first came to her mind. But there was also a lot of snow. Too much. It seemed like a world void of any such light or warmth. There was onto the frozen wastelands as far as she could see, and a few sparsely scattered dead trees. It was an eerie scene. But one she saw no immediate remedy to. So what could she do in this case? Just walk she supposed. And that she did.

She walked, and walked, and walked. And damn it Nietzsche! Her feet were starting to hurt, the cold air beginning to burn her lungs. Where had it brought her? What had it dumped her here to do? And where the hell was it? She didn't know, and she was pissed off as all hell and too angry to care. But still she walked, the bleak scene before her eyes barely changing any. At least,until she got there.

It was a cold scene, pun withstanding. And for all she'd expected, this was not it. A cliff side grave marker. That's all Red could make out. A large, cubic stone positioned in in the middle of the small clearing. That was the marker, she supposed. Walking up to it, Red could see nothing. It's not like there was nothing on the marker. It was simply so worn she couldn't make anything out. Except for a vaguely rose shaped symbol on the marker. Whose-?

Before Red could finish asking her question, the sound of crunching snow behind her threw her completely into an alert status. Whirling around, hands coming up in an effort to seem prepared, she turned to face... well, she didn't exactly know what. Or rather, who. But it seemed vaguely seemed familiar.

The figure before her was clad in a red cloak, covering her face in it's entirety, except a single, faint smile upon it's lips. Or rather, her. The rest of her was covered in a black dress sort of outfit. Or maybe it was just a skirt and a sweater? On her legs were some black tights, and some heavy black boots on her feet. If Red had to use one word to describe this girl, it was 'Dark'. She looked, and felt, to Red like she could at any given time suck up all of the light around her. Or what little bit there. Just who was she?

'That symbol. You were wondering whose it is, right?'

!

'Surprised, huh?'

Her voice was clear, and very youthful. And if Red listened closely, it sounded very much like her own. It was very disconcerting, and it struck her down to her core. Just who was she?!

'So many questions, but let's answer them all in time. Okay?'

. . .

'Okay then, your first question. 'Whose symbol is that', right? Well, I only know two people who've used that symbol. My mother and I.'

When she mentioned the word 'mother', the faint smile wavered a bit, and her tone turned slightly comber. but she recovered quickly, returning to the previous look so quickly it almost seemed like it'd never happened.

'The second question now, huh? You're wondering who I am, right?'

Silence. That was all that greeted this specter's question. Red couldn't answer, so caught by surprise at what this crimson ghost was saying. And apparently, she knew it.

'Well, I'm wondering how to introduce myself at this point. Though, I suppose the easiest way is to remove my hood for now, right?'

Saying so, she slowly, deliberately moved her hands to her hood, steadily lowering it until a face was visible. And what she saw made Red gasp. It wasn't possible, and yet...

'A pleasure to meet you, "Red". Me? You may call me Ruby.'

She, Ruby... The girl whose name has been ringing in her head like a swarm of angry Rapier Wasps. Ruby. And she looks...

Just like me?

'Not precisely. If you want to be technical, then 'you look just like me'.'

Who are you? What do you want? Why are you here?

'Whoa whoa, just one question at a time. Please. For now, I am who I said. I am Ruby. Ruby Rose, if you'd like to be completely honest. As for what I want and why I am here? Those should be obvious if you look a little further into your own heart.'

Just what are you talking about? You're not making any sense here! Explain, right now!

'Such impatience. Was I really like this? It's kind of annoying. But I'll play along for now, especially since you seem to be as unaware of what's going on as you are of your own past.'

My... my past?

'Yes. Let's start a nice little Q and A here, shall-'

That's enough!

From behind Red burst several large shapes, vaguely human in form, if even that. Bodies pitch as night, and wearing alabaster-white, expressionless masks splashed with red wisps.

Nietzsche!

Yes, Little Rose.

We are here for you.

And to remove the bother.

'Tch. Figures you're swift to act. Darn parasite.'

So you say, Silver Eyed Demon.

'Hoh, 'demon' am I? You do all of this and claim me to be the 'demon', hmm? Who knew that such a grim existence as you could have a sense of humor? I find this alone to be entertaining.'

Silence.

We will not allow you to harm our Little Rose.

J-just what is going on here? Nietzsche, how do you know Ruby? Why is she doing this? Just who is she? What exactly is happening right now?!

Do not fret, Little Rose.

She is but a shadow.

A dimming light.

We brought you here to show that-

-but she seems stronger than we anticipated.

The Silver Eyed one's blood seems far more powerful than anticipated.

And thus we shall attend to her.

Please retreat Little Rose.

Saying such, the shadows began to move forward, approaching Ruby. Red herself could not comprehend any of this! What exactly was happening? What were they hiding from her? And why was the girl with the same face as her beginning to smile?! Why was she smiling in such a situation? How could she possibly understand all of this?!

'You have no idea how hard I've had to work to get as far as I have in retrieving what is mine.'

You've killed us.

Taken our kin.

And yet you still hunger for more.

'No,' Ruby said, her voice more commanding than before. The childish innocence in her eyes making way for a powerful light, turning those eyes from a beautiful and soft Silver into a Steel sharp as any dagger. 'You've taken from me everything so far. You've abused your horrid existence, and corrupted mine. I'm not here to take what's yours. I'm here to claim what is mine.'

Begone!

You no longer belong here!

Ruby no longer responded to Nietzsche's screams. She only began to reach behind her towards a large red construct on her back. Slowly pulling it out, the item began to whir and click, becoming what seemed to be a large gun. But that was not all. Gears began to turn, mechanical parts coming alive as they began to unfurl into a ridiculous weapon. And all Red could think of was-

The Grim Reaper...

'Ahh yes. We've been called that before, huh?'

W-we?

Enough! Ignore her word, Little Rose!

She's attempting to taint you.

Corrupt you!

'Ironic words coming from you. But it doesn't matter. Let's begin the hunt.'

Without further ado, Ruby kicked off of the ground, leaping forward at a speed Red couldn't hope to follow. In a flurry of rose petals, she'd appeared before the first of Nietzsche's shadows. Without hesitation, unflinchingly she'd stolen the head off of the shadow. As the body began to dissipate, all that Red could see was a round shadow, the mask still clinging to it even as it faded into oblivion. Not missing a beat, Ruby again kicked off towards the nearest one, having shot the scythe behind her to augment her speed. spinning herself like some sort of wheel, she cut through yet another two of Nietzsche's shadows, their bodies torn asunder and reduced to dust and ash.

Why?!

'You ask me that, but the answer is plain as day. Or must I spell it out for you?'

Enough!

Lunging forward, one of Nietzsche's shadows swiped at Ruby, who simply moved back but a step and swung towards the legs, removing them and immobilizing the shadow instantly. Whirling her scythe back around, she pointed the end towards the now fallen shadow, and pulled her trigger. Mercilessly, and without a flinch she'd blown away yet another one of them. Calmly, she moved her eyes from the now decomposing shadow towards Red herself. It was a look in her eye that chilled Red down to her very marrow. Just seeing those eyes made the phrase "if looks could kill" come to her mind.

Grr, Little Rose! We need your help!

Yes Little Rose, accept us! Take our power to fight this wretch!

Free yourself from these binding shackles!

H-huh? Wait, what are you talking about? I-I don't even...

Little Rose! Accept us!

We shall grant you the power we've given you before, so use it!

Before Red could completely register what they'd meant, she felt a familiar heat taking her arm. Looking down, she could see it growing black again, both of them. But there was something different. This time, instead of completely shifting, the arm, after growing pitch black with pure white nails, had begun to grow a white, plate-like armor. Similar to a gauntlet, the armor covered her arm completely, ending her fingers in chillingly sharp claws. And splashed across this white were whisps of red, almost looking like blood.

Do not worry, Little Rose. Let your instincts take over...

Again, that warmth began to invade her mind. Replacing fear with confidence. Replacing pain with pleasure. Slowly, she began to desire nothing more than this foe's blood. Yes, this is how it should be. This person was nothing.

No, she was less than that. Much like those mutts from before, she would teach her the proper spot she'd occupy on the food chain.

In my belly!

Her hesitation gone, Red kicked off towards Ruby, an animalistic desire to rip her apart guiding her every move, her every muscle's movement. Reaching her, Red took a swipe at her throat, and grinned as her hand met with the soft flesh. Or so she thought. The moment it seemed like she'd gotten a hold of her prey, she'd slipped through, dodging by a hair's breadth. Not one to let this stop or slow her down, Red continued her frenzied assault. Her every move lacking the precision that backs skill and experience. Her very strength seeming to create small gusts that was whip around Ruby's hair as she narrowly avoided them. But she knew, she knew that she had Ruby on the ropes. Oh yes, yes she did. Of course with this power, how could she not? She was the strongest, she was unbeatable. Nietzsche promised her, so of course she was. Right?

But that's not how Ruby saw it. Red, to her, was imply just another beast. Just a little space was all it took to avoid her, and her overly broadcast attacks. It was like fighting a neophyte, and Ruby could find no threat in Red's assault.

'How pitiful. Reduced to this. Is this what the Grimm can do to us?'

How would I know? I just want your blood!

Taking the strike head on, Ruby met her scythe to Red's claws as a struggle of wills commenced. Red, who simply desired to end the opponent before her. And Ruby, who's desires and goals remained unknown. The two clashed, neither giving an inch. The excited Red who's bloodlust dominated her every thought. The level headed, and cool Ruby who looked at the raging girl with a look at showed almost no emotion.

Breaking the stalemate, Ruby sent a swift, vicious kick to Red's knee, knocking her leg out from below her and throwing her off balance. Surprise evident on her face, Red was given no chance to fight back before Ruby brought the blunt end of her scythe around, a shot-augmented swipe sending Red flying into the nearest tree with a heavy thud. The impact jarring her slightly, she felt slightly stunned as she tried to get off of her knees and back into a stance with which to fight.

Why? I have Nietzsche's power, right? I should be winning!

'No. You shouldn't be,' Ruby said as she approached Red. Scythe in hand, she slowly made her way while she continued her piece. 'There exist both light, and shadows in this world. The shadows forever exist just outside of the light's reach, so as to protect themselves and prevent their own demise. But a single light will erase those shadows, scattering them. How would a shadow manage to snuff out a light brighter than they?'

No hesitation, Ruby pointed the scythe at Red, the barrel of it's gun centered right on her skull.

'I wanted to avoid the conflict, but they would allow me to reason with you. They took for themselves the chance to give you a life, and yet they selfishly denied my kindness to allow you to do this peacefully. So goodbye, "Red". Return to your "shadows".'

NO!

Before Ruby could complete her final strike a large mass of shadows came hurtling at her, forcing her to retreat from Red and take some distance. Before she could try another thing, one of the shadows grabbed Red and ran, the rest blocking her retreat.

'No! Darn it! How long until you are satisfied you damn Grimm?'

Until we are sure you are gone, Silver Eyed Demon. Your kind cannot be permitted.

And as fate would have it, we have all the time in the world to erase you at our leisure.

With Little Rose gone, there will be no distractions.

'I wonder about that though. I thought watching each other's heads roll was a distraction for you?'

DIE DEMON!

"What?!" Swiftly sitting up, Red could only reel in shock from what she'd just seen? Was it a dream? No, it couldn't be. But she had no injuries, so it couldn't be real either. Just... just what was that?

That, Little Rose, was the 'Ruby' you so sought to learn about.

"Why did she attack me?" She whispered.

She is corrupt. She wishes to destroy you, and to destroy us. You cannot allow it.

"Why did you have me meet her like that then?"

We underestimated her power.

We assumed the Silver Eyed Demon's power would have waned-

-especially after so long of fighting.

But she was far more powerful than we'd predicted.

We'd endangered you.

"Just why would she do this?"

'But I'll play along for now, especially since you seem to be as unaware of what's going on as you are of your own past.'

"Just what did she mean, 'my past'?"

*A/N*

Hello there. Yeah, it's been a while for this one. I had some of it worked on from when I posted the last update to a different story, so I decided to pound back some Monster, power through a partially sleepless night, and get this out.

Not much to say here really. Life is sucking, but what else is new? I'll work on what I can, and try to get new chapters out soon. The pace is picking up, but still having trouble getting there. I'm working on it.

Not much else. You know the usual guys. Love ya.

Dravyn, out.