*SCREECH*

Already running on patience, Ren felt the last of his self-control dissipate into a violent rage. He had let his emotions take control of him, something he would never usually do. He was furious at this creature that had killed his family, that was trying to kill his friends. He was also sad. A deep sadness engulfed him in a way that he had hoped never to feel again. All of the pain and sorrow of losing his parents swelled inside him again like fuel for the raging fire inside of him. He had so many emotions swirling around inside.

He ran up the tree behind him for a better shot and began firing wildly, desperate to draw the horned devil away from his fallen friends. He was running on pure adrenaline, thinking of nothing more than his desire to protect his new family and to avenge his old. He should have known better. Before he could register what had happened, he found himself slammed into a wall, pinned between the Nuckalevee's monstrous claws. As he saw the beast prepare its fatal blow he couldn't help but cover his face and think about everyone he was leaving behind, Jaune, Ruby… Nora. He thought back to how they first met and how they grew together and it comforted him, though he knew deep down that he would be dead within a matter of seconds.

Seconds passed. He was not dead. He uncovered his eyes, slowly, unsure of what to expect. The beast had made his lunge, but did not hit him. But who..? He heard one of Nora's adorable sounds and looked up slightly. There she was, hanging by her hammer. She was struggling to stay up but she was unharmed. He smiled as she got a better grip. He couldn't help but look up her long slender legs and her powerful thighs, easily capable of killing a man and he smirked slightly at the sight of her simple white panties. She may have thought they blended right in but-

"Stop looking!" Nora shouted, crossing her legs in embarrassment. Ren startled at being caught and covered his eyes as per her request. He, of course, could not see the wry grin of teasing joy on her face at his guilt.

Sadly the cute moment could not last. They seemed to forget that they were suspended by the claws of the beast that killed hundreds of people, including Ren's family. Ren looked in horror as the beast hurled Nora off to the side like a beetle, depleting her aura completely. His rage grew even hotter and he began to fight to break free, stabbing and shooting at the only thing holding him up. With a helpful distraction from Jaune, the creature dropped Ren. He was done with holding back. This monster had killed his family, destroyed his home, hurt his friends and almost killed his Nora. It was going to pay, no matter what the cost.

Ren ran towards it, guns blazing and eyes wide. There was almost a look of insanity creeping in as he rushed in. This was unlike him, Nora was always the berserk emotional fighter. The monster knocked him back but that did not stop him. He ran forward again.

"Ren, knock it off!" he heard Jaune yell.

He didn't care. Ren would be damned before he let this monster kill another person that he cared about. He didn't want to stop and think that he might fail. The beast grabbed him and flung him, knocking his weapons from his hands. He hit the ground hard and felt the last of his aura leave him. That didn't matter. The adrenaline was still there. He got back up. The monster prepared to charge, kicking the dust behind it. Ren prepared to lunge when suddenly he saw a pink streak out of the corner of his eye. *Oof* It was a heavy pink streak. He couldn't believe she was doing this to him. He looked out from under the building and saw Jaune holding the monster back. He tried to run out and help his friends, but Nora stopped him. She gripped his hand tightly and wouldn't let go.

"Nora, let go. Nora! They're going to get hurt if we don't-" *Smack*

Ren stopped, shocked. She had hit him, but why?

"No. I won't let you kill yourself like this," Nora said, keeping her face down, "After everything we've been through… I won't let it end." She looked up at him.

Ren looked at her and all he could see was that little girl from so long ago. How she had been scared, hungry, dirty and shivering in fear right under that very building. He had lost his family that night but she had lost hers so long before. He let his vengeance and anger overtake him so much that he never stopped to think of what would happen if he did die. He was all that she had left from that time. They were each others only family for so long. It would have broken her heart. The adrenaline started to fade and he began thinking more clearly. He still wanted to defeat this beast, but not just for him anymore. He reached down and pulled out his father's knife then looked at Nora his eyes full of doubt. She wrapped his hand around the hilt.

"We can do this." Her eyes shone with determination and confidence, just some of the qualities that he loved so much about her.

They stepped out from under the building with a new drive to take out this creature. Ruby took charge and told everyone where they needed to go.

"Ren, Jaune and I will take care of it's arms."

"I'll take care of the horse."

"And I'll take care the rest."

Ren ran over to Jaune to begin their part of the plan. Jaune clapped him on the back and smiled knowingly at his dear friend and brother in arms.

"I'm glad to see that Nora talked some sense into you."

"More like knocked it into me." Ren corrected, feeling a little more at ease.

"Ha, that's our Nora." Jaune chuckled. It was nice that they could have this moment of camaraderie before risking their lives. Jaune passed Ren his shield and nodded to him.

"You know what to do."