Author's Note: PLEASE DON'T SKIP! I'm sorry. I really want to finish the stuff I write BEFORE I move on to other stuff. Unfortunately, my imagination works faster than my fingers. I've wanted to do a Vampire/supernatural-themed RWBY story for ages, but I was never able to figure out how to do one that was able to harmonize with the existing RWBY mythos (Aura and Semblances are awesome, but they did make some Vampiric powers, like enhanced healing, seem redundant). At one point I did, but then I began to think that the story may or may not work better as a work of original fiction. Then, I found Shadowrun and the HMHVV. And, I rememberd something from my own past . . .

IMPORTANT: This Fic was inspired by the story "Taken" by Rouge1979 (which was published before the movies came out and has nothing to do with them). It's a two-chapter Vampire-themed Yu-Gi-Oh! fic, and while the majority of the plot has nothing in common with this piece of crazy, the opening is more-or-less a direct lift. The story's pretty good, and I recommend it, if you're all right with a plot that gets pretty dark in some places.

Fun Fact: This fic was supposed to be a Romance/Family story with a little bit of politicking and Angst thrown in. Unfortunately, in prepping for this fic, I'm starting to develop a pretty large mythology (admittedly one mostly cobbled together from other sources) that I really want to explore. So, this is looking like it's shaping up to be a pretty long story. Like all of them. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . .

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. I do not own Shadowrun. I do not own Teen Wolf, or Underworld, or the Old World of Darkness, or anything else I use/abuse in the writing of this story. I only own this story. I hope that is enough

Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful.

But, he was born into an unforgiving world.

And creatures of darkness, Creatures of Grimm, set their sights on Man and all his creations

These forces clashed . . .

Nature's Wrath in hand, Man lit their way through the darkness.

And, in the Shadows' absence came Strength, Civilization, and-most importantly-Life.

But, the Shadows returned in new, more deadly forms:

New creatures as terrifying as the Grimm, but stronger, wiser, and more resourceful . . .

Creatures born of Man's own inner darkness.

Act I: Shadows within Shadows

Chapter 1—The Queen of Vale's Northern Night

Weiss Schnee, called the Queen of Vale's Northern Night, held her court in a large, empty room in a secret compound located at the northernmost border of her territory. The room was bare but for the throne on which she sat, looking down on her assembled subjects. Pale-skinned, snowy-haired, and dressed in elegant white clothes, she looked like a ghost. But, she wasn't; she was as corporeal as the throne on which she sat or the russet-haired girl whose head and torso were draped across her lap. This girl was the only person present who lacked Weiss' unnatural paleness. Kneeling before her, the Queen's subjects might have had more diversity in their hair coloration, but their skin was just as chalky.

"The White Fang have become annoying lately," the Queen said. To her audience, she sounded something between bored and threatening. That was the idea. Never show yourself to be worried, always have those under you fear your wrath. And keep them guessing. Weiss had been trained for this since she could speak. The men and women before her were putty in her hands. "They seem to have forgotten that I am the Master of the northern half of Vale. That is the only explanation I have for their current boldness. They've been attacking businesses and shipments many times over the past three weeks, and they've been . . . recruiting. We must remind them of their place before the Hunters increase their presence in our home."

Weiss put the tiniest emphasis to her words, a subtle promise of punishment for failure. Watching her subjects squirm, the Queen of Vale's Northern Night knew they were sufficiently motivated. Especially as she had changed her speech from a demand to protect her domain to a call to protect their home. Weiss had found out long ago that you caught all the flies if you employed both honey and vinegar. To seal the deal, she deliberately flashed her fangs as she spoke her final line. "Now, go, my loyal soldiers."

The Vampires before her rose and slowly filed out. "Yang," she said. A tall female with long, blond hair paused and turned to look back at her. She didn't give Weiss the look of respect or fear that more of her subjects gave her. No, the look this Vampiress gave Weiss was one of pure disdain. Yet, Weiss's voice carried an almost affectionate lilt as she spoke to the blond. "Wait a moment, my dear."

Yang frowned and crossed her arms. "What is it?" she asked. The two were alone, so there was no more reason to even pretend to respect the woman before her.

Weiss smirked. "Now, now, Yang. You know I can't let you speak to me like that. If the others heard, it might give them ideas."

Yang frowned. Still very new to her condition, she had clearly forgotten to take into account the advanced senses of their kind. "I'm sorry," she said.

Weiss' smirk increased. It wasn't much, but the white-haired queen knew it was all she was getting from the blonde. Besides, she could afford to give Yang a little slack, given their . . . "relationship." "Thank you, very much, my dear. As you know, our bonding is set to occur in four months' time."

Yang nodded. She probably couldn't say anything that wouldn't require punishment.

Weiss continued. "You've proven yourself to be an outstanding member of our coven over the past thirteen—no, forgive me, fourteen months. Rarely has a fledgling adapted to the change as quickly as you have, and you've distinguished yourself on the battlefield a number of times." Weiss paused to stroke her pet's hair. "As to be expected from such a prodigious Huntress-in-training." Her keen ears could hear Yang's quiet growl, but she knew none of the others were close enough to do so, so she let it slide. Idly, she wondered if the growl was brought on by her comment or her action.

"Unfortunately, you haven't fully adjusted to our ways. You've displayed amazing control over your instincts; I don't think a single one of your comrades has reported you attempting to kill or sire a mortal without permission. Awe inspiring for one so young."

"Thank you," Yang said. Giving that reply seemed more painful than pulling teeth; Weiss acted as though she hadn't said anything.

"Sadly, it seems some of your brethren do not understand this. They've begun to whisper among themselves that you are too compassionate, 'weak,' in their minds. Why, a few have even dared to insinuate as much in my very presence." She paused and ruffled the russet hair in her lap once more. "Or Ruby's presence, but then, that's practically the same thing isn't it?"

Yang's growl was louder this time, but the blonde was able to disguise the target of her fury. "Aren't your orders to refrain from unnecessary killing and siring, Mistress?"

"But of course, dear Yang!" Weiss said, smiling widely now, like a teacher when her prized student figured something out before the rest of the class. "As I said, these are the opinions of others, those who are jealous of your power, and my favor, my little sun dragon. I could not be prouder of you."

Yang clenched her fists, but didn't reply to Weiss' comment or the use of her name's translation as an affectionate. "If any of them thinks I'm weak, they can tell me themselves. I'll show them who's weak."

Weiss tsk-ed her. "Please, dear Yang, you must become more adept at politics if you are to become my bride. Being challenged in this way undermines your authority. No matter how many you defeat, more will come. You must learn to defuse such rumors before they have a chance to inspire rebellion in the hearts of those beneath you. All of which leads us to another, related issue. You've yet to take a slave for yourself."

"I don't need one," Yang said. Immediately.

"It's not a matter of need, Yang," Weiss said. "It's a matter of status. Not having a slave makes you stand out amongst your fellows. True, you're younger than them, but you are a mature Vampiress. You're like a Huntress without a weapon, and, until you get one, you won't be respected by your peers."

Yang scowled. "Is that an order, Mistress?"

"Yes," Weiss said. "I expect you to acquire a slave—human or faunus, I don't care—before our wedding. Sooner would be better, of course, but I don't expect you to rush into a new relationship over me. Your slave will reflect on you, so he or she must be of the highest quality. Besides," the icy queen smiled sweetly. "I'm sure you'd only want the best to be Ruby's new sister; someone to keep her company while we're otherwise occupied."

Yang looked as though she was going to scream. Her eyes turned red, and her flaming aura flared, filling the room. It blazed like a miniature sun, and, for a moment, Weiss feared she'd pushed the blond too far. Then, Ruby raised her head and looked her sister in the eye. Weiss could practically feel the girl's smile: warmer than Yang's aura, yet nowhere near as hot.

Seeing it, Yang's aura retreated into her; her eyes returned to their usual lavender. "All right," she said. "I'll do it, for Ruby."

"Not for me?" Weiss asked, with fake hurt. For emphasis, she placed her hand on her (unbeating) heart.

"And for you." Yang gritted he teeth. "My love."

"Then I've kept you from your duties long enough. Go, dearest Yang, and know that we both await your return with baited breath."

Yang nodded. Then smiled at Ruby, giving her sister a little wave before leaving. Really, she should have bowed, but again, Weiss knew she had to take what she could get with the blond. Besides, it wasn't like Vampire hearing was keen enough to detect the difference between a nod and a bow, so—as there was no one present to see Yang's lack of respect—it didn't really matter.

After a few moments, when she was certain Yang was too far to hear them, Ruby rose from her position beside Weiss' throne. "My knees hurt," she whined, before seating herself in her mistress' lap.

"I already gave you a pillow," Weiss replied, her arms wrapping themselves around the girl's waist. Ruby used hers to gently encircle Weiss' neck. This brought her face close to Weiss', and she leaned forward to rub her cheek against the Vampiress.

"Maybe I should attend meetings like this from now on," Ruby suggested.

"You dunce, what would my subjects think of that?" Weiss asked. Vampires didn't blush, but Weiss still felt her face heat up as it tried to.

"They'd think 'Wow, that Weiss is a lucky girl."

"Dolt; I'm Master Vampire, not a girl."

"We both know better than that, Princess." Weiss chose not to respond to that one, causing Ruby's smile to widen for an instant. Then it fell. She pulled back to look Weiss in the eye. "Weiss," she asked "did you have to be so hard on her?"

"You know I did, Ruby," Weiss replied, gently. They were alone; no one could see her or judge her. See this moment of tenderness. Judge Ruby to be her weakness. "Only the strong and hard can survive in this den of wolves. Yang is strong, but she must become harder, much harder."

Ruby sighed, looking down. "Yeah, I just wish she didn't have to be. I wish I could be your bride, Weiss."

One of Weiss's hands rose to cup Ruby's chin, gently raising the girl's face. "Ruby Rose, there is nothing that would please me more than to be your wife. But we both know, you're even less-suited to life as a Vampire than Yang is." Ruby sighed again, but nodded. They'd had this conversation before. Weiss smiled at her. "Know this, though, Ruby: while the others may see me pledge myself to Yang, in my heart, I'll be saying those words to you."

Ruby's smile returned full force at this, accompanied by a scarlet blush. They both made Weiss's frozen heart melt. Then, the girl made it soar as she leaned forward and kissed Weiss. The two remained like that for brief eternity. Too brief.

Ruby felt her lungs begin to cry for air and—reluctantly—pulled back. Her smile dimmed slightly, the most it could after a moment like that, and she spoke again. "I hope Yang finds someone to love."

"It's not very common for Vampires to love their slaves," Weiss reminded her, as delicately as she could.

"You love me," Ruby reminded her.

"That I do."

"Coco and Fox love Velvet and Yatsuhashi."

"Coco and Fox care for them, but I'm not certain they love them."

"Do you have to be so dark?"

"It comes with the territory. I'm a creature of the night, Ruby, but that's why I love you; you bring the sunshine into my life."

"Not literally, I hope." Ruby frowned. "That would be bad."

Weiss laughed, for a moment, not caring if anyone heard. "Indeed, it would. Now come, my slave," she said, scooping Ruby up and re-positioning the girl so she was being carried bridal-style, rather difficult given their current position, but Weiss had had a lot of practice. "We have better places to be."

"Bed?" Ruby asked, blushing heavily now. More than two years with Weiss, and yet she was still embarrassed to admit to being intimate with her.

"No," Weiss replied. "The gym; it should be abandoned right now." The Queen of Vale's Northern Night's smile increased as she saw her slave's grin, brighter than any star in the dark skies outside their compound. To keep that smile on her face, Weiss prayed that Yang would find someone who would make the blond smile, too. "Then, bed."

Lexicon: Vampire Covens & Masters

Vampires are urban predators; in modern nights, they live almost exclusively in the four main city-states of the Four Kingdoms. Being social creatures, Vampires tend to band together in groups called "covens." Being ambitious, predatory creatures, these groups tend to excerise exclusive control over large swathes of territory, banning unaligned Vampires from their spheres of influence. Covens are ruled by a Master (male or female), the most powerful Vampire in the coven. The Master's word is law.

Hunters

Mortals trained in the arts of armed and Aura-based combat to do battle with the many dangers of Remnant: Creatures of Grimm, Aura-using criminals, and Vrykolakae. Their creed is "We hunt those who hunt us." Prospective Huntsmen and Huntresses begin intense training at an early age, attending various academies set up and funded by the ruling councils of the Kingdoms to train their future protectors. By the time they graduate (assuming they do), young Hunters are among the deadliest and most respected warriors on the planet. Hunters are often regarded as real-life super heroes, and feature heavily in the art and stories of Remnant.

Author's Note: Hey, all! Like it? I hope I didn't make you hate Weiss, although as this story is expected to spend a lot of time in Yang's POV, that might be unavoidable. Weiss is definitely playing a shifty game with her subjects and . . . someone. Who? I'm not gonna tell you in a Footnote to Chapter1! Just take comfort in the fact that she's not pure evil or a Puppetmaster Dumbledore-style character. Those are the last things I want to make her. That said, this story is gonna get kind of dark by necessity. You are warned.