After everything that had happened so far, Yangs so called 'betrayal'. Or what I hope it is anyways, Trish's death, finding out that that Moya girl from Atlas was tricking me, and teaming up with John to find and destroy the ray sphere, I was definetly ready for it to be over. this shit-storm had gone on long enough.

I pulled myself up from my rest next to Trish's grave, not creepy at all, and waited for a conveniently timed phone call from someone, anyone, hell, even Kessler... but there was none at the moment.

Sighing, I decided to do what had become the norm for me during the past 21 days. I checked my aura levels, first all. Luckily, after all this shit, It was at a point where I would be able to safely use my semblance again. Next, I let instinct guide me to where I needed to go next.

After parkouring, and narrowly avoiding death along the way, I made it back to the wanner. I was on top of a building roughly in the middle of the wanner.

"It looks like Kesslers keeping the Ray Sphere in the old Examiner Building. Going to be a bitch getting to it, though. seventy eight seconds" John said through the scroll. How everyone was getting my scroll number was unknown, and it honestly made me nervous, but at this point, I'd been through worse. "So what's the plan" I asked. "I've got a canister of fentanyl rigged to the bottom of the chopper" John started. "remember you're speaking to a fifteen year old girl who paid more attention in combat class than anything else" I told him. "It'll put the people in there to sleep. only problem is, Kessler's got anti-air guns on the surrounding buildings, amd they'll tear me apart before I get into position. fifty seven seconds" John stated.

"So you want me to take out the guns, you gas the bastards, and we go in and get the sphere" I asked, 'and hopefully Yang as well'. "exactly" John confirmed, "we only get one shot at this. Get over there and destroy those guns". "gotcha" I said.

I slid along a power line and landed, then Moya called. "see those jets, Ruby. they're hitting targets all around the city, preparing for a ground invasion. I warned you that if I lost control, things would escalate quickly. You shouldn't have reneged our deal" Moya said. "You're not pinning this on me, Moya" I told her. "I already have" she said. "Fuck you" I scowled.

After zapping a few of the First Sons, I tried using my normal shots to destroy the nearby anti-aircraft gun, although it wasn't quite strong enough. Then I conjured up my power to call upon some lighting from above, Which was more than enough to destroy it, and fry a few of the First Sons nearby as well.

(smoll timeskip brought to you by Chibi Ruby charging up Chibi Nora)

"you know, I held that thing in my hands once. Kessler asked me to hold it while he adjusted some cables during a test. I could feel it pusling, like something was inside of it, trying to get out" John said, "It's not right". "and everyone wants it" I added. "that big lightning strike of yours should destroy it's protective container. Then we can blow the sphere sky high" John said.

Trish's crumbled body flashed through my head. I thought of Amy and Yang. And I hit that sphere with everything I had. But something went wrong. The Ray Sphere cracked open, creating a vortex of energy. John was pulled in... and it tore him apart. And I ran. John and the Ray Sphere were gone. reduced to ashes. Nothing had gone according to plan... but at least the Ray Sphere was gone.

"I'm dissapointed, Ruby. The Ray Sphere was the catalyst of your powers. And it could have strengthened you even more. But you rejected it. I, for one, wouldn't have done the same thing" Kessler said. "Yeah, well I'm not like you. I knew before, but this strengthened the belief that this isn't about me. As a huntress, It's not about what I want, It's about protecting others. To make this world a better place. That's why we're here. To fix the the shit-storms that people like you cause" I retorted, "And once you're dead, this world will have one less problem to deal with". Kessler just chuckled. "That remains to be seen. Meet me at the Staton Building" Kessler said, clearly challenging me to the final battle. and I, for one, was ready for this to be over.