Yo Peeps, GateMasterGreen here with a new story. As has been my habit with each new volume, I tend to start a new story. BCB for volume one, SSO for two, SWR for three, and this one for four. Pertaining to the kik code linked on my profile page, I will start releasing chapters there a day or two before I post them here. Also, the basic idea of this was shaped with the help of a few of my readers. For PR and PMR readers, pieces of the next chapters are written, so it's not like I haven't done nothing for them. All this said, story time.

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY...

Cinder stared at the metal cuffs resting on the ground, open. Looking up, her gold eye caught the attention of the pair of silver that stared back at her. Ruby Rose, her captor, healer, and... savior. Looking again at her past means of imprisonment, she sighed in relief. She was free, but something was wrong. She gave Ruby a concerned look, questioning what could be wrong.

"I shouldn't be letting you go, Cinder." Ruby frowned, poking at the ground with her foot. "This whole thing with Salem is over and now everyone is trying to regroup and with your use as a prisoner of war being over, there is little stopping them from trying to persecute you."

Cinder was unsure of what to say. Well, or try to imply with her expression. Looking at Ruby, she tried to convey her confusion. Gritting her teeth, she whispered in a hoarse voice, "Then why free me?"

Despite it all, Ruby smiled. "Is it so surprising I care about you?" The once young girl, had certainly matured before Cinder's eyes. Going from the short, hyperactive annoyance, to a respectable Huntress that genuinely cared for those she protected.

A thundering of footsteps broke through the quiet moment and Ruby frowned again. "They're here." Looking at Cinder, she opened her arms, as if asking for a hug. "Do you trust me?"

Cinder nodded and let herself be pulled into an embrace. She gasped as she was suddenly jerked along, Ruby zipping past the collection of guards and soldiers outside the tent. For Cinder, the world zipped by, the sensation dizzying. She closed her eye to enjoy the cool rush of air, but jolted in surprise when Ruby cursed.

They were being tailed by two or three of the guard detail, either extraordinary hunters physically, or similar speed semblance wielders. Ruby's face scrunched up into a grimace and she started to speed up. As the tempo of her run sped up, she noticed her grip on Cinder started becoming more difficult to maintain. The Fall Maiden was slipping.

It was a dilemma. She either slowed down to readjust her grip and get caught, drop Cinder possibly and get caught, or hope and pray that she could lose their pursuers before dropping Cinder or readjusting her grip. Time to pray, Ruby supposed. She kept up her speed, cursing under her breath as Cinder slipped further from her grasp, the woman's attempts to stay in her arms not helping. Suddenly, Ruby felt weightless and fell into a forward tumble, rolling and landing on her feet.

In a flurry of motion, she doubled back to try and collect Cinder. She only found a burnt patch of ground as she collapsed to her knees and wept. Cursing herself, she slammed her fist on the ground, tears streaming from her eyes. The pursuers caught up, only to see her in this state and decided to leave, telling their superiors that Cinder fall was dead.

But... was she?

XXXGMGXXX

Cinder's world flashed brightly before she found herself tumbling across the ground, what little remained of her aura, shielding her from the injury from hurtling across the hard ground. Once she slowed and finally stopped, she flopped onto her back, and let out a breathe. Letting her gaze wander, she jolted up when her eyes caught sight of the Beacon CCT Tower. That shouldn't be rebuilt.

Fishing out her scroll, she checked the time. A message telling her to wait for the scroll to sync with the towers gave her a moment to think. Ruby had gifted her a new scroll a few months into her captivity, though any communication capabilities were heavily monitored, meaning attempts to reach her comrades would've been impossible without getting her killed.

Not that she'd want to contact them.

A moment passed and her scroll chimed to let her know it was finished syncing. She blinked in surprise, the date and time were impossible. It was saying that she was in a place and time prior to the fall of Beacon. Looking again at the pristine tower, she had to acknowledge the possibility of the shown date being correct.

The sound of footsteps had her rolling to her feet and hiding hastily. Taking place behind one of the pillars of the structure that surrounded the front courtyard of Beacon, she caught sight of who was approaching. A bubbling in her chest caused her eyes to widen, a feeling she hadn't felt since she completed her collection of the Fall Maiden's powers.

Gazing at the approaching group, her eyes widened as she took in the familiar red fabric of her old dress. The Cinder that walked path had her long black hair flowing freely behind her. Behind her followed Mercury and Emerald, the sight of both confirming the time difference.

Her breath caught in her throat as the other Cinder stopped, turning to where she was hiding. Steeling herself, she stepped out and forward. Emerald's gasp was the first thing she heard, though the younger Cinder seemed unnerved at her appearance. Finally the younger spoke. "I take it that you are me?"

The Fall Maiden nodded.

"How?"

Cue a shrug. She really hadn't a clue.

"You and I are both aware that it's polite to deign questions with spoken responses." The younger Cinder said, frowning.

Motioning at her throat, she attempted to speak, but her voice cracked as it was wont to do.

Cinder's frowned deepened. "I see. Who did this to you? Us?"

Shaking her head, the elder refused to answer. She wouldn't betray her Ruby, the one who showed her what it meant to care for others. Seeing her younger counterpart growing angry, her own rage built. Flaring power, she closed the distance and leaned in to whisper. "You haven't yet completed your power. I am wiser, stronger, and I know all our tricks. You would best no cross me or my wish to protect the one who did this to us." Coughing, she calmed herself before continuing. "You will learn as I have."

"Oh!" A new voice cut in. "You're the students from before!"

Both Cinders turned to look at the interrupting voice, only to see the young Ruby Rose smiling cheerfully. The elder smiled in amusement, while her counterpart frowned in annoyance.

Well, this would certainly be interesting.

End of Chapter 1...

There we go.

FROM NOW ON: Autumn will be the name used for the elder Cinder, given her status as a Fall Maiden. This is to avoid confusion.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!