AN: It's a new year, and it's been nine months since the last update. I hope you enjoy this chapter, we've been working on it for the past week. Also, chapter 17 has been edited. I suggest you got read that. Quite a bit has been changed since the original chapter.

Ruby looked like hell as she stared in the bathroom mirror. Dark circles took residence around her eyes, giving her the likeness of a raccoon. Her normally messy hairstyle was even more untidy; if that were even possible, and her complexion, let's just say she'd give Weiss a run for her money in that department, but most of all, those silver eyes of hers that were known for their certain luster no longer glimmered like polished jewellery. Dull grey like an old piece of antique cutlery was all that remained these days.

As if losing the shine of her youthful face wasn't enough, she'd also lost weight during the past weeks. Her normally plump cheeks were sunken in, nearly hollow if you would. Her torso was the same story, just a bit worse. If not for her corset, and turtleneck, all those who laid eyes on her would be subject to the image of her ribcage printing against the thinning skin, along with her collarbone becoming far more prominent. Beneath all that covering, Ruby found herself unpleasing to the sight.

'Anymore, and I'll be a humanoid version of a Grimm.' The joke might've been in poor taste, and she realised that she'd been having a lot of lame jokes lately, but it was the only way she found some form of acceptance in her ever reoccurring flaws.

Her frame visibly shook as she exhaled. 'I'm a disgrace to all huntsmen, and huntresses around.' Plucking a comb from the shelf beside her, Ruby made a fickle attempt at grooming her hair. When finished, she inspected her half-hearted effort at actually trying to do something girly for once. She sneered at the outcome. 'Maybe I should get Weiss to do it… but then she'd notice my appearance.' Ruby carelessly tossed the comb into the sink, listening as it 'clinked' against the cold granite. "Can't have that happening, not now…"

"Ruby? You still in there?" Yang's muffled voice asked. "We'll be late for Professor Port's class if you don't hurry. And, I know you don't wanna miss a chance to show off against some Grimm."

"That's right, I forgot. We're duelling Beowolves today." Her response to Yang died on her lips when a painful tremor shook her entire body. A burning throb that pulsated in the frontal lobe of her brain. She gripped the basin with one hand as support, the other clutching her head. Needles laced with acid was all she could compare the intense discomfort too.

'Wouldn't you say now's a good time to let me take over? I mean, look at you, you can barely stand let alone fight Grimm in combat.'

It was back. It was that thing again. The current bane of her very existence. It always sounded so similar to her with a slight hiss at the end of its words.

With great willpower, Ruby forced herself to look in the mirror, her eyes struggling to stay open, to stay focused.

Mirthful gold stared at her crumpled form, the trail of maliciousness in those eyes a constant companion.

"Can't… can't you just leave me alone?"

'Sorry, afraid I'm not the benign entity you wish I were.' Shadow Ruby scrutinised her weaker half, liquid gold sliding over her body. 'My, my, aren't we looking worse for wear? What's the matter? Not getting any sleep.' The entity feigned naiveté, laughter bubbling up in its throat.

"How can I when all I see is your irritating face whenever I close my eyes. Despite what you believe, you're not as attractive as you think." Somehow, Ruby still had enough tolerance to bare the pain and insult the shadow. Her efforts were rewarded as its smile vanished, lips curling in anger at the insult. Goal achieved.

'Why you pathetic, little…' Shadow Ruby cut her heated outburst short, inhaling deeply to recovering her composure. 'Still, have enough will to fight left I see. I don't see the point, though. Look at you.' She motioned to Ruby's feeble body. 'You're a shell of the girl you once were, a result which I gladly take the blame for. What cause have you to live? Even you said it yourself. You're a disgrace to all huntsmen and huntresses alike. Just give up, and stop fighting.'

"I… won't. I refuse to let you win."

'Hate to tell you this, but I've already won. All that's needed is for me to collect my reward.' Shadow Ruby extended a hand, her index finger pressing against the glass. 'Your body as my vessel.' And, suddenly, the glass cracked as she applied pressure to the fragile surface, startling Ruby. 'See you soon.'

Ruby watched with tired, yet petrified nervousness as her copy disappeared, and with her disappearance, the pain in her head subsided, leaving her to stare at the image of herself in the broken glass.

She remained quiet for two heartbeats more, processing all that had just happened. She'd basically been told by her darker side that she was fighting a losing battle. Any attempt to retaliate would be futile. Ruby slowly sunk to the bathroom, no longer able to support herself.

'I'm in deep, and I don't think there's any saving me this time…'

Upon arrival to Port's class, team RWBY filed into their usual seats. Class proceeded as per usual, with the minor exception of Ruby being abnormally quiet, her hood covering her head. It was Weiss who noted this strange peculiarity. 'Odd.'

Meanwhile, said girl fought her hardest to remain wide awake, a task that was proving to be daunting. She looked at the clock in the classroom. '10:00, if I can just get through the remaining thirty minutes, I should be okay… I hope.'

After the routine mumbo jumbo from good ol' Port, he guided their attention to a tall cage, where inside a captured Beowolf lurked.

"Please, don't pick me, not now," Ruby whispered to herself, clutching the two cross-shaped pins fastened onto her cape.

"Did you say something, Ruby?" Weiss asked, averting her eyes from the floor where their professor spoke.

"W-What?" The sudden interference of Weiss' voice shook Ruby from her soft pleads. Peeking from under her hood, she saw her partner staring at her with expectant eyes and a hiked brow. "O-Oh no, I didn't say anything. Probably… someone in the back I guess."

Weiss pondered her options. Call Ruby out on her blatant lie, or let it be for now. She chose the latter, but not before taking in her friend's sickly appearance. Pale skin, and sunken eyes. 'Has… Has Ruby lost weight?' She also noted that the girl was sweating profusely. 'Something's not right here. Is it a bug? Is she sick? Maybe she's on some kind of crash course sugar-free diet.' The heiress puckered her lips, bothered a fair amount by her partner's worrisome state. "Okay, I'll take your word for it." 'I'm definitely getting you alone when we're done here, Ruby Rose.'

Focused back on the matter at hand, both girls watched as Port chose Blake to face off against the Grimm. Ruby sighed in relief, thankful to not have been selected to fight a beast for the first time in her life.

Everyone observed as Blake squared up, Gambol Shroud in its katana form. Without warning, Professor Port opened up the cage, and the Beowolf shot out before the barred doors could be fully unlatched, knocking its head on the underside of the steel beams in the process. The self-inflicted blow sent the creature falling to the floor.

Murmurs of laughter were heard from where the students sat as they found amusement in the monster's clumsiness. Somehow, it was as though the Beowolf knew they were laughing at it, and that only fueled its rage more. It leapt up from the floor, releasing an angered roar before rushing at Blake.

With the beast in its infuriated state, it was simple for Blake to counter its charge. She switched Gambol Shroud from katana mode to its gun form, firing a single well-placed shot at the wolf's forehead. The white armour on its head offered little protection as the bullet left it disoriented, though it persisted in its charge at Blake.

Opting to switch out from Gambol Shroud's gun mode, Blake equipped its sheath instead. Once the dizzied monster was in range, she brought her hand down and cleaved the creature directly on its head where her bullet originally struck.

The Grimm let out a howl of pain as it slammed into the ground, the force of the blow too great to counter.

Blake quickly switched to katana mode and drove the blade down onto the area where the armour was now significantly weakened, easily slicing the monster's head in two. She sheathed her blade, staring as black dust rose from the fallen corpse; a sign it was dead. 'Well, that was anticlimactic.'

"Excellent, Ms. Belladonna!" Professor Port applauded. "An excellent show of skill, though I wished the fight were a bit longer. Why I remember in my time-" The trill of the bell rang, signifying the end of class, and the beginning of break, and saving the students from another long tale. "Hm, it seems our time is over. Until next time, my young huntsmen, and huntresses!"

Everyone filed out row by row, chattering among one another, while some rubbed the sleep out their eyes.

"Don't go anywhere." Weiss leant over and whispered into Ruby's ear, her warm breath on the girl's neck causing her to jump, a slight flush on her cheeks.

Yang stood, and placed her hands on her lower back, pushing her pelvis outwards, a pleasant crack sounding afterwards. "Thank Dust that's over. The only thing that livened up this class was Blake's fight against that Beowolf. Nice job by the way, though it could've been longer."

Blake snorted. "Why draw out a battle that could be ended with a few blows." She didn't wait around for Yang's answer, easing down the bench until she stopped in front of Ruby. "You ready?"

"Um, go on ahead, I'll catch up." Ruby quietly said.

Blake rose a brow at the reply. "If you're sure." 'She sounds pretty exhausted. Is she still having issues sleeping?' She bent over, placing a kiss on Ruby's cloaked head.

'Control, control, control.' Yang chanted as her partner got a little affectionate with her sister. "What about you, Ice Queen?"

"Go on, there are a few things I'd like to discuss with Professor Port."

"Eh, suit yourself." Yang practically threw herself on Blake's back, smiling ever so cheerfully. "Let's go, Blakey, Yang Mama needs some food for her tummy."

"Please, don't ever call yourself that again." Blake and Yang's voices trailed off as they left the classroom until they became distant murmurs.

"Come with me." Weiss grabbed Ruby's wrist, pulling her up from her seat.

"W-Wait, where are we going?" Ruby asked as she was tugged out the room, and through the halls. It was really hard to keep when your body was lacking a severe amount of sleep, even more so when you were being pulled along.

"Just walk," was all Weiss offered.

Weiss escorted Ruby to the gardens, thinking the fresh air would help ease the obviously jittery girl. 'I don't understand how those two didn't notice this.' Weiss thought over her mental statement, quickly realising her mistake. 'How Yang didn't notice is what I should say. Blake probably already knows and is trying to let Ruby come to her of her own free will. Good luck with that.' She sat Ruby down on one of the benches, looming above her with her crossed arms, and a furrowed brow. "Alright, I think you've been cooped in the dorm for far too long. Try breathing in some fresh air, maybe it'll calm you down from whatever has you bothered. Then, after we'll get you something to eat, you look like death."

"If that's all I needed, then we wouldn't be here right now." Ruby snarkily replied, glaring at the ground.

"If you're going to give me an attitude—believe I know all about attitude—this conversation is going to end right here." Weiss kept her features schooled, despite being slightly unprepared for the sharp reply. 'Something is definitely off.'

"I-I'm sorry. I'm just… I'm just really stressed." Ruby apologised, shaking her head.

"So I've come to realise, but that's why we're here, Ruby." Weiss sat next to her teammate, leaning forward enough to get a glimpse of her face beneath the hood. "We're your teammates, we're here to help you whenever you feel troubled by something. And, it's your duty to make sure whenever you feel uncomfortable about something that you come to us right away, so we can help you." She rested a hand on Ruby's thigh. "And, we're even more inclined to help you since you're our junior."

Ruby said nothing to that, merely bowing her head further, and letting out a sigh.

Next to her, Weiss bit her lip before turning her attention to her pocket. Through the corner of eyes, Ruby saw Weiss fidgeting around.

As if out nowhere, something red blurred behind Weiss. She rubbed her eyes, thinking it was just the lack of sleep that was making her see things. Clearing her vision, she focused back to where she saw the blur. Her heart rate sped up by at least a mile when her eyes landed on that thing.

Weiss, oblivious to Ruby's quivering body, continued to search her pocket.

Golden eyes stared at her, sharp teeth curled in a sly smirk. 'Hello, again.' Shadow Ruby directed her gaze to the heiress in front of her. 'My, my, I knew she was beautiful looking through your eyes, but she's breathtaking when seen in person. I can see why you're having conflicted feelings.' It chuckled low in its throat, playing with a lock of alabaster hair.

'Get your filthy hands away from her!' It took all she had to restrain herself from leaping at the malicious entity, but doing that would be useless, and possibly lead to a terrifying outcome. The only thing she could do was grip the edge of the bench, knuckles snow white.

'I'm just appreciating beauty where I see it.' It said, running a hand along Weiss' shoulder. The action served to taunt Ruby further. 'You see, I'm in a great mood today, and it's all because of you. You're slipping, Ruby, drifting away from everyone. Just like I said you would. Confusing reality with what's not really there.' Shadow Ruby crossed her legs, resting her elbow on the back of the bench as she used her folded hand as a prop for her head. 'Loneliness will be the next step, and you know what the best part about this whole shin-ding is? You're doing this of your own accord.'

'What?'

'By constantly refusing to go to others for help, you're making the situation that much more burdensome for yourself. Soon, and very soon, your body's going to completely break down, leaving you vulnerable, and that's when I'm going to make my move.' Dark Ruby resumed her invasive exploration of Weiss' body, going as far as to run her fingers down her back, before sliding them around her waist and making them dip just below the waistband of her skirt.

'Stop it!'

'What? You don't like me touching your precious heiress?' The repulsive creature pouted mockingly. 'Get use to it. This is only a sample of everything imaginable I'll be doing to her.' It brought its hand back up her body, groping one of her breasts. 'You know she likes you quite a bit.'

'Why is it that all you can do is lie?' Weiss? Liking her? Impossible, it had to be another lie.

'A lie? Why I would never.' Shadow Ruby acted affronted before grinning. 'I'm serious this time, this girl fancies you, adores every possible thing about you. She'd do anything to protect you. You've become very important in her eyes.' Grey hands moved to cover the majority of Weiss' slender neck. 'Imagine the pleasure I'll feel when I squeeze the life out of her. The best part being the look of terror, and hurt that'll be in her pretty blue eyes as your hands end her life.' She relinquished her hold on Weiss, now standing up. 'Of course, I'll toy with her first before ending it.'

'You monster!' Ruby's muscles spasmed, having to use everything in her to hold herself back.

'Guilty as charged.'

Her sudden twitch caught Weiss' attention, causing her to put her focus back on Ruby. Silver eyes were glaring at her in a mixture of aggravation, and distress. "Is something wrong?"

The heiress' light question caused the frenzied look in Ruby's eyes to dissolve. "N-No! Nothing's wrong."

"You're sure?"

"Y-Yes…"

At this angle, Weiss could clearly see how much Ruby had fallen away. Malnutrition was an obvious aspect, as well was the lack of exposure to the sun given her lifeless complexion, and under her eyes, she had bags that held weeks of missed slumber.

"My word, when was the last time you had a proper meal or any rest?" Weiss said. "You've also been missing our morning team workout." She sighed. "We have a lot to do."

'She's right. Your current state is abhorrent, and I can't have you like that. We need you in your tip top form. A weak, sickly body will be of no use to me once I take control.' Her shadow self-shoved its way back into the conversation, thoughtfully tapping her chin.

Truth be told, Ruby had been encountering some problems whenever it came to eating. The food would get past her mouth, but it would never go any further than her throat before it came rushing back up. She gave up after some time, resorting to drinking juices when it appeared that would be the sole object her stomach would allow.

'Tell you what. I'm feeling a little generous today. I'll leave you alone for a while so you can get some very much needed sleep. After that, however, it's back to the cutting board.'

'I really don't like you.'

'You can hate me till the Boarbatusks come home, nothing's going to change.'

"Damn! I can't believe I forgot it." Weiss swore. "Did you bring your scroll with you?"

"Uh, no. It's somewhere in the dorm."

Weiss rubbed her eyes, reluctant to leave, but she had no other way to contact the others if something out of hand were to happen. "Will you be fine on your own? Just for ten minutes?"

"Yeah… I'll… I'll be fine…" Such a stuttered reply proved otherwise, heightening the white haired heiress' reluctance to leave.

"Ten minutes, I swear." Ruby nodded and stared as her partner ran back in the building.

'Looks like the little heiress is gone. Do you want me to keep you company?' Her shadow self-slung an arm around her shoulder.

"Leave me alone." She scoffed, shrugging off the unwanted touch.

'You know full well I won't be doing that. Hm?" Rustling leaves on the far side of the garden gained her notice. She let out an amused chuckle before she spoke. 'Oh, this could get interesting.' Then, she poofed.

That didn't sound too good.

Ruby, now fully alone, drew knees to her chest and hugged them. The constant thumping of footsteps hitting the ground filled the air. They were coming from every direction.

Snarls and growls resonated around her. She gasped as an Ursa appeared out of the foliage, a Boarbatusk accompanying it. More Grimm started to emerge from the woods in the gardens, and by the end, she was surrounded. The horde of Grimm snarled, and snapped, and barked, closing in on her.

Ruby knew there wasn't any hope of escaping her grave situation, nor was she in any condition to fight; body too weak to even produce enough aura to activate her semblance.

She resigned to her fate. If she were to die here, then so be it. Perhaps, in death, she would find the peace she sought.

Ruby closed her eyes, saying one final goodbye to those she loved in her head.

After a few seconds of no claws piercing her flesh or fangs ripping her limb from limb, she cracked an eye in confusion.

"V-Violet?!" Ruby exclaimed, not expecting to see her colour opposite back so soon, but she looked the farthest thing from pleased as she ripped her sword out of an Ursa's chest.

'Oh, great. The purple nuisance back.' Inside, Shadow Ruby scoffed.

"You silly girl!" Was the first thing Violet barked as her reunion greeting, eyes blazing. "You almost got yourself killed!"

She gazed upon the fallen corpses of the Grimm, which dissolved into black dust. Ruby buried her face in her hands, shoulder slumped inward. "I know… b-but there wasn't anything I could do to avoid it. Things haven't been so good while you were away. I'm low on aura, practically an insomniac these days, and I haven't been able to eat anything for weeks."

"You're in a sad state. Have you really let that thing get to you?"

"Wait… you knew?" She croaked vision back on Violet.

'Surprise!' Shadow Ruby cackled, reappearing. 'Did you really think she wouldn't? Come on! We both come from the origins. Inside that dense little brain of yours."

"Of course, we both share the same origins." Violet put her blade in its sheath, taking hasty steps over to Ruby.

"And, what, you didn't think it would've been a good idea to tell me this!?" Ruby jumped up off the bench, standing face to face to Violet.

"So you could do what? Try and confront it on your own, where you would most likely end up dead?!"

'Damn, she's going to be a pain in my ass.'

'Shut up!'

Violet squinted as Ruby kept looking to her side every once in a while, expression chagrined. She drew her weapon, its tip aimed dead centre at the entity's forehead. "Leave us!"

'She can see me? No… that's not it. Whatever, it doesn't matter. I'll leave you to your little chat, but this changes nothing.' It snorted before clearing out.

"Can you see that thing?" A hesitant nod. "What the hell happened when I was gone? And, I expect you to tell me everything that led up to this point."

Ruby exhaled, she just wanted to be left alone, some peace for herself. She took a gander at Violet, bloody red steeled with conviction. No way of out this she guessed. wet her lips. "Might wanna sit down for this story."

Violet listened with rapt focus as Ruby recounted the events that happened while she was away. From the point where she and Blake had to be sneaking around with their relationship to the point where said relationship had been revealed, causing strife and estrangement among the team. Ruby then brought up the latest event, where she had been sent on an errand by Professor Goodwitch, except that the mission turned out to be an ambush.

"I was able to best them, but nearing the end, a lone White Fang shot me with something sharp. It's lodged in my back still. After that, it's like the shadow became stronger somehow, being able to appear outside my mind, and going as far as to give itself a solid form."

"Damn it! I knew it'd try something once I was gone!" Violet frowned. "Hold on, you said you'd been shot with something, and it's still in your back?"

"Yeah."

"Turn around, unbutton your blazer, and hold your cape to the side." Came the firm order.

"Wai-"

"Just do it!"

Ruby flinched, but did as told, unbuttoning the three gold studs, and shrugging off her blazer. Next, she held her cape to the side, exposing the back of her white shirt. She yelped when Violet untucked the shirt, uncovering her back.

"My gods…" Violet instinctively shuddered when she saw Ruby's body. She would need a month's supply of food if she pulled through this, but that wasn't her main problem right now. The area where Ruby'd been shot was an unhealthy shade of grey, previously thin veins now metastasised into thick, bulging lines covering most of the lower left side of her back. Violet dared to touch it, jerking away when it pulsed under her touch. "Please tell me you saw a doctor."

"I… I didn't…"

"You really are a silly girl. Do you know how bad this is? It's like you have those big roots of a tree growing on your back. And, I can't even tell what the hell you were shot with." Violet prodded the bulge where the bullet was buried. "Your skin's already healed over." She splayed her fingers across the nauseating sight. "But, I have a feeling whatever's in there is linked to that thing becoming stronger. Just great."

"I still don't understand why you didn't try and stop it if you already knew." Ruby tided herself after Violet released her, forgoing putting on her blazer.

"What did you think I did?! It's practically my duty to keep that thing at bay whenever you enter that dream!" Violet boomed, roughly stabbing Ruby in the forehead. "Until some idiot decides to use a Dust crystal she knows nothing about, yanking me out of my realm into yours!" Violet calmed herself, exhaling. "I was hoping dating Blake would clear your mind of any troubles, make you significantly happier than you portray yourself to be. In the process, it would've driven that creature back into its hole of despair, trapping it for however long."

Ruby wet her lips, slowly taking in Violet's explanation. "How long… has that thing been inside my head?"

"Too long."

"That doesn't give me an exact time frame!"

Violet let out an annoyed sigh. "At least eight years… it manifested ever since mother died, the same day I did."

"E-Eight years?" Ruby gaped softly. "I've had this monster in me since I was seven?"

"What am I going to do?" Violet muttered to herself, ignoring the girl's oncoming panic. "Maybe it's time I brought those incompetent teammates of hers into the story. No, they might make matters worse." She grumbled, massaging her eyes. "First, and foremost, I need to get Ruby back inside."

"Eight years… I can't believe it..." Ruby weakly repeated.

"Ruby, I'm… back…" Weiss wavered on return after fetching her scroll. When she said she'd be back in ten minutes, she meant ten minutes and not a second later. The visual of Ruby's battered frame as she stepped into their room constant played in her mind as of late. That was not a picture she wished to see again. It had scared, and infuriated Weiss simultaneously, knowing someone had purposely inflicted pain on her partner.

"Hm? Oh, it's the slightly less intolerable Schnee. Greetings." Violet sardonically said.

"Violet? I thought you left on some journey to explore the world." Weiss crossed her arms, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"I did, but things," crimson eyes shifted to her former host, "brought me back quicker than I'd hope."

"Interesting." Weiss' lips stretched thin, tightening.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Oh, no reason, it's just odd that you're back here now of all times."

"You say that as though you're accusing me of something." Violet countered lowly.

"Did I?" Weiss started doing that thing where she would slowly pace back and forth, waving one hand lazily, her tone suggesting she was indeed blaming her partner's purple friend. "You see, Ruby was assaulted recently, and I'm ruling out every possible suspect. You're no exception, sorry."

"Someone hurt you?" Violet whipped around to Ruby. 'It's become so strong.'

"Eh…" Ruby chose to cover her head with her hood, seemingly hiding from the world.

"..." Violet stared, face blank. "Believe we'll be having a chat."

"I know…"

"Right." The purple clone stood, and clapped her hands. "How about we take this conversation inside, instead of throwing bizarre accusations around. You've already put Ruby at risk by bringing her out here."

"Excuse me?" Weiss halted her pacing. "I put her at risk?!"

"Yes, you did, you useless lesbian!"

"Violet!"

"U-U-Useless?!" Funny how she balked at the 'useless' part but said nothing about the 'lesbian' part.

"Useless! You're supposed to be her teammate, but I was the one who had to save her!"

"Save her?" That knocked Weiss out of her state of shock.

"A dog could have sensed the depression rolling off Ruby in waves, yet you brought her out here, open wide to attack!"

"I brought her out here in hopes the fresh air would help clear her head! I've seen how she's been for the past weeks, hidden away in our dorm, not coming outside. She's hardly training, she isn't eating anything, and she's a frickin' zombie with the amount of sleep she hasn't been getting!" Weiss breathed heavily after working herself up. She let out a puff of air, squatting to hug her knees. "I just wanted to see her smiling again. Doing the doltish things she always does."

Weiss' sudden admission threw both girls for a loop.

'Weiss cares about me that much?' Ruby tilted her head an inch, enough that her eyes were visible.

'Eh, Ice Queen accepted her feelings far quicker than I thought she would.' Violet let out a drawn out groan out, body leaning to the side comically. "While I get that your intentions were pure and wholesome, you almost got her killed. The Grimm took to her like moths to a flame."

"What… Grimm got into Beacon? That shouldn't be possible!" Weiss bounded up, hands flaring out to the side.

"It shouldn't, but they did. And, dear old Ruby here, is a mess of all negative emotions. She's, quite frankly, overflowing with depression, guilt, sadness, idiocy-"

"Okay, I get it! I'm a walking ball of pessimism! Move on!"

"Touchy…" Violet mumbled. "But, yeah, you get what I'm saying. If she'd died, you'd be held partially accountable.

"Partially?" Weiss asked.

"Yeah, the other part of the responsibility goes to the idiot over there."

"Vio-" Ruby started before she was barked at.

"Shut up, you! It is your fault as well." Effectively silencing her ward, she inspected the area. "We should get inside before any more Grimm come, but I have to take Ruby to the infirmary first. Would you be so kind as to inform your teammates of her whereabouts? Don't tell them what took place here, however."

"Can… Can I walk with her to the infirmary before I go to Yang and Blake?"

"Don't trust me to get her there in one piece?"

"A precautionary method," was the swift reply.

Violet grunted. "Fine, if it stops your fussing." She said before moseying on.

Leading the way, Violet peeped over her shoulder. Weiss and Ruby were walking hand in hand, fingers loosely interlocked. Ever so often, their shoulders would bump together, their expressions abashed. 'Ugh, they're so sickening.'

"You'll be okay with her, right?" Weiss asked softly, fingers still locked with Ruby's as they stood outside the infirmary.

"Um, she's right here, ya know." Violet's remark was tossed to the wind as Weiss kept her eyes trained on her frail teammate.

"Weiss, stop worrying, everything will be okay." Ruby smiled what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

The heiress' gaze hardened, unwilling to leave, but she had a task of her own to deal with. Eventually, her eyes softened, relenting her hold on Ruby's hand. "Fine, but you come straight to us when you're done."

"Mhm." Crimson tipped locks bounced as Ruby nodded. Stepping around her, Weiss went onward to find the others, ponytail swishing from side to side with each step.

"Ugh, thank Dust, I thought you too would never stop making goo-goo eyes." Violet gagged, ushering Ruby inside the medical room.

"Goo-goo eyes?"

"She can't be that blind, I refuse to believe it…" Violet spoke under her breath. "Forget it, just go to the doctor."

"Good day, ladies. I'm Doctor Raya, how might I be of assistance?" The formal address was tender, and welcoming as the doctor greeted them. His tousled dark brown hair, which was thick and shiny had been done up in a mohawk. His sleepy eyes were a lively shade of peach, doing well to complement his sun-kissed skin. Raya's face had a soft, gentle look to it; dark brows sloping downwards, giving him a constantly tired expression.

"I've brought you a very stubborn patient today, Doc." Violet glared sharply at Ruby, snatching her hood off her head. "She hasn't been eating, not getting any sleep either, and it's reached the point the where she can't even defend herself."

"Oh, my," Raya said, examining the girl's appearance. She looked… gaunt. That was the best way he could put it. "Can you tell me your name, my dear?"

"Ruby Rose," she croaked, sounding as drained as she appeared.

"Wait, before you do any test on her, I want you to see something," Violet spoke to her other half. "Show him."

Unlike before, Ruby offered no questions, simply shifting her cloak to the side, and turning to back the doctor, unbuttoning her top as she removed one sleeve, and let the shirt drop to the right half of her back.

"Dear gods," Raya gasped at the growth, "I can't recall ever seeing something as serious as this." He got out his seat, carefully approaching the backing girl. Raya knelt on one knee, face to face with the veiny blemish. He held up a hand, running his index finger along a vein, marvelling at the warmth it emitted. "There seems to be a fluid inside, but I won't know for certain until I examine her." Raya stood up straight, fixing his lab coat. "If you would follow me, Miss Rose."

"Could Violet come with me? I'd… I'd feel a bit better if she did."

"I don't see any problem with that." Raya smiled.

Shockingly, Violet merely rolled her eyes and held Ruby's hand as they escorted her to the examination room.

Inside, the doctor performed a series of test on Ruby, weighing the girl first of all. An x-ray of the damaged area came after. Raya checked her heart rate, noting it was relatively slower than a regular heart rate. Then, he checked her blood pressure, which was rather low. Next, her breathing; shallow, and rapid. He finished up the physical by checking her reflexes. Slow, sloppy; far below the normal standards.

"From I've been able to see so far, Ruby is very weak. She's undernourished to the point where she's developed a serious case of anaemia. Not only that, but she's shown symptoms of insomnia. Has she been irritable lately, depressed or anxious?"

"Yes, to all three," Violet answered.

"Hm, I feared as much. I'd like to perform one last test before I prescribe anything. Ruby, could you take off your shirt, and lay on your stomach?" Raya directed, searching through his cabinets as she did as asked. He came out with a small vial and a scalpel in his hands. "I'll need a sample of the fluid running through the veins of the growth. This might sting a little, so bare with me." Raya sterilised the scalpel with some medical alcohol before moving to the prostrate girl.

Ruby flinched as cold latex gloves gently pressed against the heated area, crying out slightly when the cool metal of the scalpel sliced through her skin as Doctor Raya made a tiny incision. She could feel warm liquid sliding down her side, staining the paper she laid on.

"Hand me the cautery pen, please," she heard him say to Violet. She winced as the burning sting of the cautery pen closed the wound.

Weiss was able to locate Yang and Blake, the two girls lounging about in the courtyard.

"Weiss!" Yang bellowed, wildly waving her over. Blake kept her eyes on her book, grunting in acknowledgement as she reached them. "Where's Ruby?"

"In the infirmary-" Any further explanation was halted when Yang leapt up.

"What?! Why?!"

Blake closed her book one time, liquid amber staring dead at Weiss.

"-resting." Weiss deadpanned, unimpressed by Yang's reaction. "She's in the medical bay resting. She wasn't feeling well after our walk in the gardens."

"Why didn't you stay with her! Someone should be in there with her!" Yang prepared to make a dash for the infirmary until Weiss calmly stepped in front of her.

"There's no need, Violet's with her."

"Violet's back?" Blake asked while her hardheaded partner visibly settled. "So soon?"

"Yes, and I have a feeling everything will be revealed shortly."

"Thank you for your patience, Ruby." Raya said to the clothed girl.

"Well, what's the final analysis, Doc?" Violet impatiently tapped her fingers on the marble table, her index finger and thumb supporting her head.

"My previous analysis still stands, however, after inspecting the x-rays, it appears whatever Miss Rose was shot with is beginning to merge with her spine." The good doctor held up the x-ray, displaying an internal view of Ruby's back. Right there, near the base of her spine, an almost cylindrical object with sharp tips on both ends was partially sinking in between the vertebrae of her spine. "I can say for certain that it's the reason for the growth on Miss Rose's lower back, but I'm afraid I won't be able to surgically remove it."

"So what do I then? D-Do I have to live with this object forever?" Ruby panicked, clutching Violet's sleeve.

"Absolutely not. While Vale is not equipped with the technology to safely perform the surgery to remove it, Atlas is." Doctor Raya quickly cleared the air of any hysteria. "I'll send word to my colleagues involving the operation. Meanwhile, I'll send the sample I collected to the lab for testing."

"Is there anything you'd be able to give her to help in any way?" Violet inquired.

"It would be unwise of me to do so. Seeing as I have no knowledge of the object buried in her back, I can't give her any medicine. Who knows how it'll react to chemicals in the medication. I can put her on a liquid based diet, however, since she told me she isn't able to keep down solid foods." Raya said, scribbling in in his notebook. "I'm also putting on leave from her classes until she's reasonably better."

"But, how will I keep with my studies?"

"Trust me, you will, that white haired friend of yours will make sure of it." Violet snorted. "Thanks for your time, Doc." She gave a two finger salute before ushering Ruby out of the infirmary.

"There you have it. A liquid based diet and an exemption from classes." Violet said, facing Ruby. "Listen, I'm heading back to Atlas."

"You're leaving again!? Now?!" Ruby yelled, jumping a few students as they passed.

"I'll be back. I have a little trinket I think may be able to help you in this situation, though it'll take some time for me to get it." Violet bit her nail, thinking about the heavy security she'd be going up against.

"But, what will I do when that thing comes back?" She was afraid. There was no shame in saying it. There was a creature inside her who found joy in her suffering as it bided its time until she gave in completely.

"Then you fight back, not physically, don't even risk doing that. Ignore what it says to provoke you, it only wants a reaction." Violet put her hands on sunken cheeks. "Remember, you're not alone in this fight." With that said, Violet playfully pulled her cloaked over her head and ruffled her hair before leaving.

"Right, I can do this. I'm not alone."

It was evening when Ruby realised she couldn't do this. It had only taken a couple of hours of Violet's absence before the whispers in her head started, laughing and screaming at her. Such distorted noise gave her a searing headache as she struggled to walk back to the dorm.

"Almost… there." Ruby painfully breathed, using the wall as support. Up ahead, she could see bright green hair and a blob of grey next to it. "Emerald… Mercury."

"Hey, ain't that Cinder's new toy?" Mercury said, placing a hand above his eyes as he squinted. "She doesn't look too well."

"And?" Emerald drawled. Mercury knew the amount of disdain she harboured for the tiny runt, yet he triggered her every time by purposely mentioning Cinder's newest fascination. "Her health is none of my concern."

"Yeah, I know that, but didn't Cinder tell us to watch out for her?" Mercury smirked. "You don't wanna disappoint your fantasy lover, do you?"

Emerald whirled on her irksome cohort, face hot. "Shut up, you prick!" She roughly chucked him to the side, growling when he laughed harder. "Fine, we'll check on the brat."

"Emerald... Mer-cury..." Ruby's vision was beginning to blur as she propped up on the wall.

"Ruby, are you alright?" Emerald fake gasped, phoney concern etched on her face. "You don't look too well." Behind her, Mercury almost laughed, hiding it with a cough.

"I'll… be fine… Could you… help m-" Suddenly, Ruby let out a loud scream, sinking to the ground as she grabbed her head.

Emerald reversed, sticking close to Mercury as the girl writhed on the floor.

Ruby slammed her head on the ground, the pain from that far less severe from the one she was currently experiencing. She grinded her teeth together, thrashing about on the cold ground. She slammed her palm on the floor, repeatedly as the pain slithered to the back of her eyes. Ruby could feel them bulging in their sockets, and she was sure they'd fall out if this kept up. All of a sudden, the pain stopped, and she panted hard; breathing shallow and forced. 'Is-Is it ove-!'

A white light flashed before her eyes, and she fell limp on the ground.

Emerald stared at Mercury who in turn stared at before staring at the girl on the ground.

"Go check on her." She shoved the lazy boy forward.

"Why me?"

"Because you made me come over here, now go!"

Mercury grumbled, cautiously approaching the girl. "Hey, kid, you dead?"

"No, but you might be."

"Huh?"

"Boo!" Mercury backpedalled instantly as Ruby's shot up from the floor. She started chuckling as she rose, then it was full blown manic laughter as she stood at full height. "Got you good, didn't I?"

"Who the hell are you?" Mercury slid into his fighting stance, unnerved by the girl's golden eyes; one eye surrounded by a sea of black. Emerald slyly retrieved her scroll while… whatever that was focused on Mercury. She captured a picture of the girl. Cinder needed to see this.

"A messenger." 'Ruby' said, expression deathly serious now. Bipolar much. "Normally, I would never do a deed as kind as this for Ruby, but I gave her slight reprieve, so I'm going to say this once, and only once. Leave this girl out of whatever twisted plans you have cooked up."

"You talk big, think you can back it up."

"Why don't you come try me?"

"It'd be my pleasure." Mercury launched himself into an attack, sticking close to the tiles. He braced one hand on the floor, using it as a turning force to spin his body so that his leg was outstretched, aiming directly for 'Ruby's' ankles. He was going to enjoy shattering her bones.

Imagine his shock when his attack had been cancelled by 'Ruby' slamming her foot down on his extended leg, and glomming onto his face like a parasite.

"Tsk!" Mercury grunted he would not be stopped so easily. He brought his free leg into play, bending and extending it swiftly after as he aimed for her head. The attack hit its mark, snapping her head to the side. He smirked which rapidly became a frown as her hand latched around her other foot.

"Take that shot while you're lucky, it won't happen again." 'Ruby' shifted her head to face her trapped attacker, showing her bruised cheek. "Move another foot, and I rip his leg off… starting at the hip."

Emerald had been about to join the scuffle when she was caught. Having figured out that this person wasn't as naive as the brat she hated, she held her peace, staying where she stood. Merc was a pain in her ass, yes, but that didn't mean she was going to let him suffer.

"We good?" Two nods. "Good. Listen closely, this girl's body is mine to do as I please. Not yours, not anyone else's, not your pretty master's, it's mine. Take heed when I say stay away from her, I won't have you damaging my vessel with whatever harebrained scheme you thought up. I let you off with this warning since your master played a key role in my existence with that little item of hers." Without notice, she applied pressure to the leg in her hand. "Disobey, and you'll lose what matters most."

'Ruby' loosened her lock on Mercury, allowing the boy to go free. "Tell dear Cinder I said thank you."

Mercury swallowed, feeling faintly afraid for the first time in years. Whatever he had just went up against was nothing if short of sinister. The aura rolling off it had a dark atmosphere to it. He peeked at Emerald, noting that she was also a touch fearful. This would be a matter for Cinder to resolve. "We should go."

"R-Right."

'Ruby' laughed as the mercenaries rushed back to their leader more than likely. "At least that's one obstacle out of my way." She grunted as the minor bout took its toll on the weakened body of Ruby. Unwillingly she gave up possession of the body, having no other choice. Fighting with a sick body wasn't the wisest of choices, especially with a body as weak as this. "Soon." And, she was gone, giving control back to the original owner.

"Ugh… what happened?" Ruby groaned and shook her head. Pain flared in her right cheek, recoiling as she tenderly touched the area. "Why's my cheek hurting so much? Felt like I got hit by a tree."

" I need to find the others." Ruby braced on the wall, teetering while rubbing her cheek as she continued to her dorm.

Unbeknownst to her, a golden gleam ran across her silver eyes.

Cinder perched herself on her bed, scroll in hand as she read a message from Roman. "I don't have time for your foolish requests, Roman." She tossed the device on the bed beside her, resting back on her hands, and rotating her neck.

Cinder lazily let her head fall to the side as the door opened, Emerald and Mercury entering. "You're back already. Why?"

"Cinder, there's… there's something you need to see." Emerald hesitantly said, presenting her scroll to the woman.

"Hm?" Cinder's glowing orbs studied the picture on the screen. "My little jewel, what a crazed expression she has." Her eyes narrowed, noting the gold eyes, and how one was encased in black. "Speak."

Emerald piped up right away, telling Cinder everything that happened a short while ago.

"She says 'thank you'." Mercury threw in.

"What should we do, ma'am?" Emerald asked.

Cinder continued to study the image. Her little Rose had such a wonderful expression, crazed suited her well, but not with those ghastly eyes. She much preferred her silver ones. "We fall back."

"Fall back? We can take her, Cinder, I know we can." Mercury argued.

"No, we can't, Mercury." Burning fires met his grey ones. "You're only focused on getting even with her because she showed you up. And, from what you've told me, she knows far more than she should." She thought back to the small tidbit referring to her aid in that thing's development. "With that Dust shard stuck in her back, whatever it is that has a hold on her grows stronger day by day. I won't risk our plans being exposed, Mercury, so you can exact some petty revenge. We stand back. This is no longer our problem, those fools out there will deal with it."

"What does this mean?"

"It means, my sweet, Emerald," Cinder traced a finger along the infatuated girl's jawline, and down her neck. She could feel the goosebumps rising under her touch, "that the experiment was a failure." She parted as quick as she came, sauntering to the window.

"I may not have won this round, but fret not my gem, you will be mine when this is over." Cinder whispered, a half-smile twisting her lips as wildfires burned brighter.

AN: Don't expect another chapter anytime soon. We decided to start editing some chapters before continue on with the story.