That Escalated Quickly

by Shogun121

The fanfic was started before Volume 5 aired and is essentially an alternate reality based on "what if" in Volume 3 during the Vytal Tournament. Therefore it continuity diverges as the story progresses, but the essence of the world is largely the same with a few extrapolations, inclusions, and exclusions. Enjoy.

4. No Rest for the Dutiful

Ch 4 No Rest for the Dutiful

The Changing of a Season

The night sky continued to darken as Jaune and Pyrrha raced out of the tower, panting and sweating. Pyrrha spoke first, voicing her unease. "I hope Ozpin is alright. That woman shot Amber in cold blood, with a smile. The energy that followed easily dwarfed either of ours." Jaune had been panting with his hands on his knees as he listened to Pyrrha. Now that he was no longer out of breathe he spoke, trying to comfort her. "I'm sure he'll be fine, he is the headmaster after all."

Unfortunately, no sooner had the words left his mouth did they hear several explosions. Mere seconds later a blazing light rushed to the top of the tower. Jaune's mind began racing as he tried frantically to think of something to say to console Pyrrha. His team mate was visibly perturbed, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't.

"This is a disaster." Pyrrha thought to herself. "First I was told I might be the next Fall Maiden. Then I was told that to assume the role, I had to risk loosing my identity because of the circumstances. Then I FINALLY felt like Jaune and were I getting somewhere, but I decide to take the chance anyway. And in the end, someone stole the powers from right underneath me…. Is there no end to the disappointment? Oh how the tables have turned." Pyrrha made eye contact with Jaune, who seemed more distraught at her distress, than the events in the tower.

"Now he's the one trying to be here for me as I struggle to figure out who I am, or will be or-" Pyrrha clenched her fists and looked up at the tower. She closed her eyes, as the welling tears nearly took her by surprise. "I just want to help people. As scared as I was, this was that chance, I was ready to risk everything for it. In those last seconds, I experienced some of her memories. I saw what Amber was capable of. There is so much good that could be done in this world with power like that."

"This is bad." Jaune thought in a panic as he looked at the light emanating from the tower casting a yellow hue, then back at Pyrrha, whose face was deep in thought. "Just like in all those movies where the hero decides to head off on their own to face their opponent. Following a moment of sol searching they resolve themselves to give their life if need be. Not Pyrrha…NOT Pyrrha." Jaune looked at his hands solemnly. "I'm not the fighter she is, but I can't let her go alone." He took a deep breath. "If she goes, then so will I." He stepped closer to her, ready ascend the tower.

"I can't let her win, I have to try and stop her." Pyrrha told herself while turning to Jaune. She wracked her mind, searching for a way to stop him from following her up the tower. She knew he would try. "Go Jaune, get to Vale and call for help". Pyrrha said shakily. "Huh? What are you gonna do?" Jaune replied confused.

Pyrrha looked up at the tower with a mix of resignation and determination on her face. Jaune followed her gaze and looked back at her. "No! No, Pyrrha you cant. You saw how powerful she is. I won't let you-" Jaune was interrupted as Pyrrha drew him into a kiss. He slowly placed his hands on her waist, as she moved closer. "The things that could have been." She thought sadly as she prepared to shove him into the rocket locker some distance behind him. Pulling away Pyrrha spoke somberly. "I'm sorry." With that, she used her semblance to hurl him backward, and pushed him for good measure. The plan was that the momentum would carry him into the locker. The door would shut from the force, and she could lock it while she entered a destination.

What she wasn't expecting was for him to latch on to the open side, as he tried to step out. The lid slammed down on his head and fingers eliciting a cry of pain. Pyrrha ran over to the locker and struggled with Jaune as she tried to close the lid, and use it to ferry him to safety. In a fit of desperation Pyrrha tried to coax him through her tears. "Please, Jaune… this is my fight, it doesn't have to be yours. Someone needs to tell people what happened."

Something snapped in Jaune. Thoughts surged into his mind. Every time someone had to step in and save him, the humiliation he suffered at Cardin's hand, and the horrible job he had done as a leader. Nothing was worse though, than the way he kept missing Pyrrha's advances. "I was so stupid!" He thought angrily as the woman he had come to love was trying to whisk him off while she committed suicide. "Chasing Weiss!….. Weiss! The ice queen was unattainable, the chase was what I was after, not her. And all that-" He began tearing up. "-time I was missing the signs right in front of me. No longer! Pyrrha believed in me….Still believes in me. I won't let her do this alone, even if it's the last thing I do."

With that, Jaune summoned all of his strength and dove out of the locker. In the process he tackled Pyrrha to the ground, who shouted in shock. She tried to stand, ready to try again. Pyrrha had no intention of dragging him down with her. However Jaune had her pinned down and squeezed her tightly. Tears streaming down her face in pain and frustration at the mess that this had become, Pyrrha made another plea. "Jaune, you-" She began. In her struggle to force him into the locker she hadn't noticed he was also crying. He looked up with hazy, blood shot eyes. Pyrrha immediately felt even worse.

"NO! I will NOT let you do this!" He almost screamed, causing her to flinch. "I won't let you do this alone, I refuse to watch you die." His voice became a whisper as he spoke, choking on the tears. "Pyrrha I lo-" He was interrupted by another kiss as she lifted him into a sitting position. "I...love you too." She replied warmly before sighing in exhaustion. The two hugged briefly. She smiled sincerely, but was unable to shake her ever growing worry. The whole point had been to spare Jaune's life. The thought of him dying was too much for her to handle, even thinking about it made her shiver.

He stood up abruptly, speaking adamantly. "We do this together or not at all." He said wiping the tears away from his eyes. Pyrrha smiled again, though this time laden with fatigue as she took a deep breath. "All right Jaune...together." With that she grabbed his hand and squeezed it briefly before letting go, as their eyes met. Both of them knew they may not come back from this. They walked back into the tower preparing to take a stand for what was right, come what may.

The ground around them was cracked and a few bodies lay scattered about. The tower was in bad shape, it was gouged on all sides from top to bottom. The spire's, once pristine and inviting atmosphere was replaced by a hanging aura of despair. The inside fared much better, though conflict was still evident as impressions had been made in the ground and walls.

As they reached the elevator the two paused briefly reliving the recent events down in the Vault. Pyrrha's breathing quickened as it all replayed in her head in an instant. "I…need to do this…. I-" her thoughts were scattered as she realized that Jaune was now holding her hand. He nodded nervously with a smile when she looked over at him as they entered. "My, how far he has come." She thought as she trained her semblance on the elevator. "From the first day I met him I knew he had potential." Her hands were covered in a black hue that pulsated as the elevator began shaking. "Jaune never gave up. He may have a long way to go, but I know he'll make it. I will make sure he does." She smiled as she closed her eyes shedding a single tear.

The elevator soared toward the top floor emitting a grinding noise. As they reached Ozpin's office, Pyrrha leaned over the elevator railing to catch her breath. "Pyrrha?" She heard Jaune ask in a concerned, yet understanding voice. "I'm fine." She replied. "But are you ready Jaune? We have a blind date with fate." She asked playfully. Jaune smiled back as he spoke while caressing her face. "With you, I'm ready for anything." She giggled quietly and blushed as she brushed his hand away. The door opened and the two of them stepped out to meet their fate, together.

The room was a mess. Once orderly and clean it was now dotted with books, massive cogs, and various other personal items that had no doubt been strewn about in all the structural damage. There, behind Ozpin's desk stood Cinder. She was facing the other direction staring out the window wall down upon the mayhem. Cinder was unaware of their presence, as she was lost in thought, and drank in the moment.

"The plan didn't go quite like I had hoped. What with the White Fang bowing out, and the criminal duo not following through." She muttered, more amused than frustrated. "It all worked out for the best though. I am now undeniably the Fall Maiden, Ozpin is...well, dead." Her smile widened. "The Grimm will flood these streets, spreading fear and bring this academy, and eventually Vale to its knees. Quite fascinating to watch, really. The Grimm are drawn to negative emotions. Create the emotion, the Grimm seek it out. As they appear, more negative sentiment is created, in turn this attracts more Grimm." Cinder cooed as she reveled in the pandemonium she had created.

Cinder was so enraptured she hadn't noticed the two students stepping out of the elevator. Nor did she notice them drawing closer as they looked at each other in contempt and horror as Cinder lay out her plans so nonchalantly. Their friends were dying and this woman saw all this as a game of chess. They made it about half way across the room before Cinder noticed their footsteps.

She turned gracefully, swaying gently as she did. She continued to speak softly, enticingly, as was her nature. "What have we here? The foolish knight and the runner up for Fall Maiden." "Have you come to join your headmaster in the afterlife?" She sneered. "I don't have time for this. The plan is nearing completion and requires my full attention." She readied her bow and fired flaming arrows at Jaune and Pyrrha without warning.

In unison they raised their shields to block the volleys. "You know, given our armament I would have thought she would have skipped the arrows." Jaune said with a wide grin. Pyrrha laughed but gave him a stern look. "I have an idea." Jaune said clearing his throat, noticing her cue. Jaune stood his shield vertically on the ground and knelt behind it. "Use this as cover while you shoot." Pyrrha nodded. She and Cinder took turns attacking each other. Cinder would shoot a few arrows while darting around the room trying to flank Jaune's bulwark. Jaune was quick on the draw, however, and would re-position. Pyrrha kept her head down and watched Cinder, waiting for an opening before attacking. When the moments presented themselves Pyrrha would stand up, using her shield to provide additional protection as she fired Milo through the notch.

This continued until Cinder grew annoyed. Jaune's left arm had been pierced while trying to move his shield, and Pyrrha had suffered a few glancing strikes. Cinder with her newfound powers was too fast to shoot in the small windows Pyrrha had. Her emotional fatigue wasn't doing her any favors either. Cinder decided that archery was pointless as she watched Jaune deflect three arrows in rapid succession.

Retiring her bow, she broke out the fireballs."I need that fool's shield out of my way." She thought as she began hurling them in his direction. "I've heard he isn't the most capable fighter, perhaps if I can force him to his feet and get him fighting I can take him out." Cinder conjured a large fireball and feinted a throw before lobbing it from the other side.

Jaune fell for it and was struck. He flew backwards as his shield fell to the ground with a clank. "Jaune!" Pyrrha yelled. "This is bad." She thought, knowing the tides were definitely not in their favor now. Pyrrha decided that her best chance was to close the gap and engage Cinder in striking distance. Dodging a few attacks and nearly landing a shot she made her way to the Fall Maiden.

Cinder switched to her dual blades in anticipation, watching Pyrrha speed toward her. Her mischievous smile unnerved Pyrrha, but she shook the discomfort off. Jaune tried to stand, but keeled over from the pain as he realized the extent of his injury. With shock, he noticed that the whole of his left half from the neck down was badly burned. He attempted to think of how he and Pyrrha were going to win this fight, but succumbed to his injury.

Meanwhile, Cinder and Pyrrha proceeded to trade blows. Both landed a few strikes, dodging the occasional glancing blow. The fighting was intense as both of them began to sweat, and pant from exertion. The two stopped for a moment, eyeing each other with determination. The pair lunged forward throwing all of their weight into the next attack. In the moment of truth, with arms raised, they ultimately struck each other simultaneously.

The force threw them in opposite directions. Cinder landed with her back on Ozpin's desk with a groan, both of anger and pain. Pyrrha was slammed against the elevator door faring slightly better than Cinder thanks to her armor. No sooner had Pyrrha slid to the ground, did she see an opening. She summoned her strength, and focused on all of the gears strewn about the room. One at a time she sent them at Cinder. From every direction possible, Cinder was knocked about as spinning teeth tore at her. The Maiden suffered some blunt force trauma to her abdomen, and a gash from her right leg to the left side of her torso. Mild by most accounts, with the proper attention, but a blow none-the-less.

Pyrrha slumped to the ground in exhaustion, hoping that her extensive use of her semblance paid off. The encounter with the elevator left her dizzy and short of breath, before the draining use of her semblance. She realized she hasn't seen Jaune for a while and searched for him. He was propped against a pile of books as he fought the intense pain. Jaune's first priority was trying to remain conscious, as he groaned softly. "This isn't looking good." Pyrrha thought too herself as she tried to steady her breathing and keep tabs on Cinder. "I told him to go, and he wouldn't, now we might both very well die." she said aloud as she attempted to stand.

"The chances are greater than you think." Pyrrha hurried to her feet and scanned for Cinder. Pyrrha's eyes widened when she found her. There, standing over Jaune stood Cinder. "I will kill both of you. But I want you to know that you failed as a fighter, as an almost maiden and at your shot for redemption, first." Cinder gleefully conjured a fireball, the orange glow casting shadows on the darkened room, had a jarring surreal effect. As the warm glow resembled a campfire, and yet seemed to be an embodiment of Cinder's malice casting a frightening shadow over her face as well. To further intensify the ominous moment, Cinder stared unblinkingly at Pyrrha all the while.

Horrified Pyrrha staggered towards them firing Milo as best she could. Her vision betrayed her as she realized how inaccurate her shots were. Jaune once again regained consciousness and quickly noticed his predicament. "Jaune!" Pyrrha yelled, tears beginning to well at the thought of loosing him in what she still felt was her fight. "Pyrrha… I'm sorry" He choked, feeling the sting of ineptitude once again.

"Are you two done." Cinder teased, visibly touched by the display of affection and at the same time reveling in the melancholia she had inflicted. She raised her hand to hurl the fireball to finish Jaune. Before she could however, the tower shook. "Of all the timing." Cinder muttered annoyed. "No matter, we can make this quick." She continued, winding her arm back to fire. Pyrrha tried to run to Jaune but in her disorientation fell on her face. "This is it..." Jaune said dejectedly. "I wanted to save Pyrrha, to not be the happy idiot stuck in the tree while his friends fight for their lives. Yet, here we both are, at the complete and utter mercy of this woman." He readied the last of his strength as he prepared to curl into a ball in a futile attempt to protect himself.

As Cinder brought her arm forward he made his move. The tower it seemed, also decided to make its move and began crumbling. This caught Cinder off guard and her fireball struck Jaune's feet as he attempted to curl. She had aimed for his chest, and cursed at the timing. Cinder was winded as she fell on her back as the tower collapsed. Jaune attempted to put the fire out while screaming in pain. Pyrrha eventually made it to Jaune after taking a moment to thank their luck, and helped as best she could. In the end they were still alive but were arguably worse off now as the tower came crashing down.

"Pyrrha, in case I don't make it. There's something I want you to know." Jaune labored. "Shh, you'll be fine. We both will. We will make it through this and we will have quite the story to tell everyone. I will make sure everyone knows how heroic you are." She wiped a tear away as she spoke. "And we will BOTH tell everyone that we finally had our moment."

Jaune smiled through the pain. "Will we all live happily ever after?" He rasped. Pyrrha nodded as she spoke. "Someday, Somehow." She held him delicately in her arms as the tower neared the ground. "Pyrrha, I love you. I also want you to know, If I had the power of premonition, and could see this coming when you tried to send me away, I would do it again, without a second thought." He reached for her hand, and leaned up to kiss her. She smiled as she leaned in. "My hero..."

The tower violently collided with the ground sending out plumes of smoke. A shock-wave followed, knocking a few onlookers back, and then down. A throng of people made their way to the scene. Among them were Beacon defenders and some soldiers. Emerald and Mercury were off in the distance keeping tabs waiting for a chance to snatch Cinder. Shaking their heads as yet another plan went askew.

The three wounded combatants became visible as the dust settled. Cinder was lying on her back with the gash from earlier in addition to a few more. With her powers enhancing her aura, and her body's resilience, she fared better than she looked. Cinder suffered more from aura depletion than anything, but clearly still needed help soon.

Jaune lay underneath a precarious tepee of rebar, upon closer inspection the burns were not his only problem. A long segment lay through his abdomen. Pyrrha lay not far from him with a bad concussion, many lacerations, and a broken arm with a bookcase laying on it. Her armor seemed to have taken the brunt of the damage being dented, cracked, or missing in places. Silence fell as the witnesses lamented over the loss of the prestigious tower that had presided over Beacon. One question tugged at the minds of the onlookers. Where was Ozpin?

The Guardians' Arrive

"I still think letting those two roam freely was a bad idea." Ironwood protested as the Guardians raced toward Beacon Tower to rendezvous with Ozpin. "Protest as much as you like general, it won't make it any less real." Qrow retorted, growing sick of Ironwood's prattle. Ironwood stopped in his tracks as he addressed his companion. Glynda rolled her eyes as she looked at Qrow with disappointment. Qrow shrugged apathetically. "I am charged with safeguarding the students at Beacon academy." He replied indignantly. At that moment, the sky around Beacon Tower lit up. Glynda cut in for the sake of time after glancing in the tower's direction nervously. "James, you were in charge of safety, now is not the time to stroke your pride or levy prestige. Keep moving." With that she doubled her advance, Qrow close behind.

Eventually, Ironwood caught up, he had intended to apologize for the poor timing of his outburst when his scroll vibrated. Knowing he did not have the luxury of taking a call in private he answered it on the go. "Sir, the students have left The Reprieve, and are headed for the tower. We tried to stop them, but they said their friends were in danger and they would not stand by." Glynda and Qrow once again smiled at each other, while Ironwood appeared confused. "Well did you go after them?" He inquired angrily. "Affirmative sir, we are trailing them now." "Very good, keep them safe, we will need every Hunter in the coming days." "Roger wilco."

As he replaced his scroll he commented on the look Glynda and Qrow were giving each other. "Care to let me in? The students have abandoned the sanctuary of my ship and appear to have made for danger without a moment's notice." He stated, frustrated. Glynda gave their response. "What Qrow and I are keeping from you is that, regarding Vale in particular, we have no established military. Aside from the police, Hunters are the only form of sanctioned protection that can be relied upon."

The Atlesian seemed less confused than before, but clearly did not understand the full weight of her words. "That doesn't explain why they would leave without the aid of the soldiers though." "No, it explains it perfectly. Your precious protocols have their place Ironwood, but the time for overhead has passed. Those kids are learning what their future will be like. Relying on the person next to you to watch your back, and they, theirs. Just like I told you, and there's no time to learn like the present."

Ironwood shook his head, opposed to everything the two of them had just said. "Procedures are there for a reason, it take extenuating circumstances to break those, and even then, only enough to get by." He thought on this as they picked up the pace, seeing the light show intensify while parts of the tower began to fall. "No wonder I have the difficulty agreeing with Ozpin that I do. I can't make sense of methods."

No One Gets Left Behind

Ruby and Weiss left the docks in a hurry. Ruby was reloading Crescent Rose on the run when the last ship took off. They glanced over their shoulder as it steadily rose into the skies. Their attention was drawn in front of them as three beowolves stood in their way. "Mine!" Ruby called as she aimed her rifle and fired without stopping, landing one hit kills on them all, snickering as she put Crescent Rose away. The pair sped on as the journey continued. "Show off." Weiss said playfully with a smile.

The scene was almost eerie, not a single person could be seen, they had all perished or fled. All but the most determined of fires had long since burned out leaving a transformed landscape around them. It was with heavy hearts the duo gazed about as they passed through it. The occasional Grimm foolish enough to cross their path was quickly dispatched. Seeing the destruction brought by the Grimm filled them with anger and sadness. Everything they had come to know, that stood as a testament to the very things the students were training to protect lay in ruins around them. The pristine grounds of Beacon had been defiled in a matter of hours. Ruby fought the tears as they threatened to blur her vision.

She had wanted to be a huntress since before she could remember. To protect people, to lend a helping hand to those who couldn't help themselves. Ensuring everyone had the chance to live a good life. She never wavered in her ambition, but seeing all of this pierced deep, like a sharp knife. The path to being a huntress wasn't as clean as she had always thought it would be. From the trip to Mountain Glenn, to the attack on the school her resolve had been under constant attack. On top of that, the tournament's conclusion, and the resulting destruction. "Penny..." Ruby reminisced. She almost felt like a part of her was slowly dying. The struggle to keep it alive was harder than she ever could have imagined. This was still the life she wanted, she believed, knew, that she could overcome this with time. For the moment she determined to do her best. Ruby would save Jaune and Pyrrha, for her as much as for them, and theirs.

The tower approached quickly, the young huntresses were annoyed to see a small group of ursai baring their path. "We don't have time for this!" Weiss yelled with frustration. Just then the tower flashed violently and a few pieces began falling. Weiss gritted her teeth. Knowing the tower wouldn't last long she worked the problem in her mind. "Ruby, glyphs." She called as she steadied her breathing while she stuck Myrtenaster in the ground summoning a series of glyphs through the crowd toward the tower. A few of them were off of the ground in sequence to allow them to jump over their opponents. Her companion picked up on the plan and nodded. "You first Ruby, I'll follow."

Ruby took off running, picked up speed via the glyphs on the ground. The ursai shifted in anticipation, unaware of what was about to happen. Ruby used a glyph and jumped a lunging ursa before kicking off of its back and landing on another One glyph at a time Ruby sped through the crowd. She dodging a few strikes and even dismembering a few Grimm when the opportunity presented itself. In no time at all she landed on the other side of the crowd.

Weiss recharged the glyphs as Ruby passed over them. They flashed from white, to black, back to white. Weiss took a deep breath as the horde grew closer all the while. Taking the plunge she followed her trail, narrowly escaping claws and teeth on more than one occasion. A large ursa kept obstructing her path as she jumped, forcing her to pick a different path.

Ruby looked over her shoulder with concern as her friend was momentarily surrounded. Weiss waved her on with a guarded smile. Trying to push her worries aside Ruby went on ahead. "Weiss can take care of herself." She told herself shrugging it off as she sprinted toward the tower as the lights intensified.

Weiss cleared the crowd with a few more injuries than she would have liked but was still in one piece. None of her shallow cuts were pressing. "Sewing my garments will keep me busy when we make it back anyway." She thought humorously. Weiss was about to follow in Ruby's trail of petals when she struck upon an idea. Turning around Weiss saw the ursa horde was lumbering closer, and was still in close proximity to most of her now depleted glyphs. "Why not make the most of them?" She thought with content as she focused. The black glyphs turned a vibrant blue-white, beginning to hum, slowly at first, then loudly and violently before exploding into ice shards. The ursa horde emitted a clamor as they began dropping. Turning back to her objective with a satisfied smile Weiss wiped her her hands and resumed her brisk run.

Moments later the tower groaned once more. Weiss looked up in horror without stopping to see the tower begin to crumble. summoning all of her strength Weiss redoubled her effort, catching up to Ruby who stood a few hundred feet away as the tower slammed into the ground emitting a shock-wave that nearly knocked them off of their feet. They shielded their eyes as debris was thrown in every direction. Once everything had settled they were horrified to lay eyes upon the scene.

Noticing that Ruby was shaking next to her, Weiss pulled her in for a loose hug apprehensively. The pair tried to not break down into tears, despite being unable to look away. Looking up while still holding Ruby, Weiss thought she could see Ironwood, Qrow, and Glynda approach the grizzly scene in the distance.

"Ruby! Glynda is here. She could use her semblance to clear the rubble to help us search for Jaune and Pyrrha!" Ruby pulled away and managed a smile as she wiped away the streams beneath her eyes. "Come on Weiss, lets help them clear the rubble." Ruby spoke softly as they rushed over to help the other onlookers clear the remains of Beacon Tower. Everyone was hoping to find the two students still breathing.

The Guardians were in shock themselves when they beheld the ruined tower. Silence hung in the air before Ironwood spoke. "First the arena, then all out pandemonium, and now this. What will happen next-" He was interrupted by Ruby as she and Weiss reached them, though out of breath. "Glynda, Jaune and Pyrrha are still in the tower!"

Glynda's eyes shot open. "Are you sure? In all the chaos they could be anywhere, why, we don't even know where Ozpin is." She spoke flatly, but on the verge of loosing her composure. Glynda was taking Ozpin's absence hard, the two of them were close friends. Ruby was still catching her breathe when Weiss spoke. "Ren and Nora said that Pyrrha and Jaune followed Ozpin into Beacon Tower! They never caught up, Ren said Pyrrha had a sad look on her face and went to Ozpin without a word, Jaune followed and said they would meet up later." All three of the Guardians turned white. "You don't think Ozpin… amid the entropy… would?" Qrow began, reeling from the news. Ironwood sighed before speaking.

"I think that's exactly what happened. After he told me to use my army when Penny's death was broadcast he hung up and I never heard from him after that. The students landed close to Beacon Tower after we left the arena. It stands to reason Ozpin was determined to help out. He likely saw Pyrrha, and figured that then was as good a time as any."

Glynda placed a hand around the base of her chin, nodding to herself before speaking. "At any rate it would seem things did not go according to plan. Ozpin, Jaune, and Pyrrha are all unaccounted for. Additionally, the tower has collapsed, and the mysterious woman who shook everything up is nowhere to be seen. We can sort out all of the details later, but for the moment we need to look for them. As soon as affairs are set straight, we need to search the Vault to figure out what happened." As Glynda finished she hurried to the remains of Beacon Tower to begin her work with the four of them in tow.

Soon after, Pyrrha and Jaune were visible, in their battered and unconscious state. Ruby and Weiss made for the tower when Qrow stopped them, fighting to hold them back. "Girls, I know you just want to help your friends but the tower is still unstable, until we know its safe we can't risk you getting hurt trying to rescue them." He spoke softly. The two looked at their friends through blurry eyes as they slumped to the ground and resigned as they watched Glynda plug away in silence.

Mere seconds later Cinder was uncovered, laying on Ozpin's desk relatively unharmed, considering events. Soon after that Glynda staggered backwards with sweat beading her forehead. She tried to steady her breathing as she nods to the anxious pair. The Guardians group back up as Ruby and Weiss approach the stabilized tower.

"I don't like this." Ironwood stated. "Two unconscious Hunters and one unknown fighter with minimal injuries. The three of them are strewn about the collapsed office of a missing Headmaster. We need to search the Vault as soon as-" Ironwood was interrupted again, though this time by the commotion Ruby and Weiss were making. Turning to see what was wrong, Ironwood brought his hands to the sides of his face with a sharp breath. Emerald and Mercury had come into view, lunging for the unknown woman. The Guardians watched dumbfounded as the incoming duo snatched Cinder and left in a hurry. Emerald ran ahead of Mercury a ways, looking back to make sure he was still behind her. "Just don't stop running Mercury and we should be able to distance ourselves from them and the Grimm we saw on our way here." He chuckled as best he could while sprinting and carrying someone over his shoulder. "Don't have to tell me twice."

"I recognize those two." Ironwood said shakily as they disappeared. "If they are involved, this runs deeper than I thought." Balling his fist in anger he prepared to follow them when Qrow reflexively threw an arm in front of him. "Let them go Ironwood, we have bigger issues to deal with. If she stole Amber's power, there's no telling how strong she is right now." Fury building in his eyes Ironwood exploded swatting Qrow's arm away. "What do you mean?! Now is the perfect time!" Glynda stepped in.

"But we don't know how strong she is, and if I recall, those two are not push overs either. Besides, even if we could win the battle we already have enough on our plate as it is." Ironwood was still furious, but had no choice but to acquiesce. Taking a deep breathe Ironwood spoke, more calmly this time. "Alright, you win, but as soon as we can I want to take a look at the Vault to be 100% certain."

By now a few soldiers had arrived on the scene, and made eye contact with Ironwood. Qrow tried to offer an idea. "You, can't pursue them, but that isn't to say you couldn't spare a few scout parties to look for them." Ironwood nodded approvingly as he motioned to the soldiers across the way. At that moment however, a flurry of howls and growls filled the air catching everyone off guard.

Keep on Keeping On

Blake sat silently next to Yang as the shuttle made its way to the bastion of hope, The Reprieve. The ship shook slightly as pockets of turbulence were encountered. Blake and Yang were alone in the back of the evac shuttle. The chamber was small but cordoned off from the cabin where the pilot and medic sat. Faint voices could be heard from the cabin. Nothing distinct could be heard, but they seemed to be speaking about the state of the military.

With a deep breath Blake stopped trying to listen in as she looked back at Yang. She affectionately brushing a strand of hair off of her face. She looked so peaceful, laying there. "That placid smile is still there, what could she being thinking?" Blake thought aloud as she looked at Yang's face, while placing a hand on her shoulder. "You can beat this Yang, I'm right here next to you. When things blow over, Ruby and Weiss will come to visit. We are all here for you." She finished trying not to sob as she reached for Yang's hand. "I can't apologize enough." She said in her normal reserved voice trying to mask her pain. "You wouldn't be laying here if I were stronger. I couldn't live with myself if you died for me." She hung her head and wept silently while loosely gripping Yang's hand.

As Blake carried Yang to the docks, she passed in and out of consciousness catching glimpses of Blake's troubled face. Yang wanted to console Blake, to make sure she knew it wasn't her fault. However, she felt as though she were floating and couldn't tell if she was asleep or awake. As Yang was placed on the stretcher in the shuttle, her vision faded to black once more, though this time her mind went blank. Her last sight was of Blake looking at her grimly with a few tears rolling down her face. She wanted to reach out and comfort Blake but couldn't.

She awoke, or thought she did, in an empty space. A black void, like the vast emptiness of space engulfed her, there was no light whatsoever. She couldn't see her hands, hear her voice or feel her body. Yang wondered if she was actually alive. Intense fear gripped her at first, terrified of being dead, of never seeing her friends again. Of never having the chance to tell Blake how she felt. "Blake..." She thought. Thinking seemed to be the only thing that had any meaning at the moment. She thought of all the memories she had made at Beacon. Her team, her friends, their antics, it was alarming to imagine everything had came to an untimely end.

The space around her lit up, becoming brighter and brighter until she couldn't see. The light subsided and she was standing in their dorm room with the rest of team. She called out to them, but they didn't hear her. She recognized the scene, it was from the first day of class. She relived the experience as they decorated their room going through the motions. With sadness and joy she savored it all as it slowly faded. Weiss informed them they were going to be late and everyone stormed out of the room.

The scene changed, this time to the Emerald Forest when her and Blake found each other after she had killed the ursa and taunted the second one "What? You want some too?" She mouthed glumly. Yang had been surprised when the ursa went stiff, and then fell. Standing behind it had been Blake, calm and collected flashing a quick smile. Yang felt a sharp pain in her chest as she recited her line. "I could have taken him." As she did, this scene too, began to fade, only much more slowly. "Blake." She thought again with a heavy heart, extending her hand out in vain. She closed her eyes as she was about to cry, or thought she was, she wasn't sure of anything right now.

Yang felt the scene change yet again. She noticed a breeze, and a pleasant garden scent, but was too busy being frustrated for it to register. That is, until a hand touched hers. She opened her eyes in shock. She sat now, on a bench in a botanical garden somewhere. It was summertime, the trees and flowers were in bloom. Butterflies fluttered around the lush grass trimmed with some small edged flowers. Yang was startled as she heard buzzing next to her head. A few bees whizzed past her on their way to the flowers across from the bench she was sitting on. Birds were chirping quietly in the surrounding trees.

Then she remembered the hand, it had to belong to someone, but no words had been said. No further movements had been made. She checked again to make sure she wasn't imaging the hand in the first place, but there it lay, on top of hers. She studied it briefly as she looked up the arm to the person it belonged to.

She blinked a few times as the face of Blake smiled at her, laughing even, at Yang's skeptical expression. "What are you doing, Yang?" She said giggling, she spoke lightly, almost uncharacteristically so. Yang was still confused, this scene was foreign. "Blake, what is this place? Where are we? What is going on? I don't know what's happening to me!" Yang said feeling the sadness take hold once more. She looking down at their hands, and felt that this surreal scene began to feel like a mockery of her current predicament.

Another hand gently caressed her face. The touch shattered her thoughts as it felt almost unnaturally comforting. Yang was directed back to Blake's face. She wasn't sure how, but even her smile seemed soothing. "Yang, breathe." Blake instructed gently. Yang found this advice irritating considering what had been happening to her, though she tried to heed it. Finally she managed to still her mind. "I knew you could do it. Just like I know you'll pull through this." Blake said supportively while reaching out and bringing Yang closer to her. Blake laid Yang's head on her chest, hugging her tightly. "What happened to me Blake?" Yang asked, feeling even more at peace.

Blake struggled with words. "You, were injured Yang. Don't you remember? I was fighting Grimm in Beacon, I was loosing, and you came to save me. Unfortunately...you were gravely injured, I carried you to the docks while unexpected help gave us the chance to escape." Yang took all this in as Blake tried her best to soothe her. "You are...unconscious right now, on a transport bound for an Atlesian medical ship. I'm right by your side, I won't leave you. Just stay with me while the time is ours." She finished tenderly, resting her head on Yang's. The ambient noise level seemed to increase, though Yang could not determine why. All she knew, is that she had forgotten her troubles.

Yang wasn't sure what to make of all of this. She began to remember fragments of what happened, and the void she was standing in moments ago. She was left with many questions. "Then how are we here?" She asked pulling away from Blake, more calm now. Blake took a deep breath. "We are in your mind." She said at last.

"You conjured me up, though you may not know it. You made this place, the scene. This is a manifestation of your wants, and your hope. Perhaps, even your mind trying to give you something to cling too because it doesn't want you to give up. Your mind doesn't want to die, but can't survive without your spirit." She finished hoping Yang wouldn't slip into panic again as she reached for her hand.

Blake frowned as Yang denied her. This was heavy, steadying her breathing Yang let everything set in, before she spoke. "None of this is real?" Blake shook her head with sadness in her eyes as her cat ears dropped. "Perhaps it can be, if you can pull through this, there's no reason you can't make it real." She said placing a hand on Yang's face again. "You can tell me how you feel, I think you'll find I may feel the same. I know this all seems confusing what with, me, not really being me. But all that matters right now is that you find some reason to keep living.

If for no other reason right now then to find this moment in real life, and to live it out with the other people you love and would miss, too. Your family, your team, and friends they would all miss you, and you, them." The scene slowly started to fade again as Yang tried to take it all in. She noticed with horror as the serene sounds began to distort, the color of objects started bleeding away.

"Blake! Don't leave me!" Yang said through tears as she threw her arms around her could-be lover. Blake smiled sadly as she hugged Yang back, "My dear, I'm not going anywhere. I am not the one leaving." She spoke as the scene continued to disappear, much to Yang's displeasure. Blake pulled away and placed a hand on Yang's face directing her gaze up to hers one final time. "Keep your hope alive and someday this will be real. Hold on to this, to me, it will see you through your struggles." With that Blake brought Yang in for a tender, but brief kiss as Yang closed her eyes trying to make each fleeting second permanent while the garden, and her lover slipped away. Yang could hear Blake's voice echo in her head as she was alone once more. "Don't give up, she will love you back! Steel yourself for the road ahead. Your love for her and your friends and family will see you through. Your resolve is greater than you know."

Yang opened her eyes again, in a void just like before. She wanted to fall to her knees, but knew that wouldn't help her. So, she did the only thing she could, she wiped away the tears and started walking. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew that wherever she went, as long as she kept her love close to her heart, and her flame burning bright, wherever she went she would be home.

She walked for what felt like hours, seeing nothing. Then, the scene flashed again, this time she was back in her room after the bout with Mercury, when Qrow had visited her. The scene played out to the letter. Her being upset, Qrow telling her not to worry, and then mentioning that he knew how to find her mother.

Changing once more, though, Yang wasn't passively observing, she was an apparition watching her vision self. "What would I be doing here?" She though. Observing her actions, she noticed a figure at the bar as she walked through the crowd of drunkards. "Qrow?" She said still slightly confused. Her mind's self called out to him. He turned with a smile. "Where do we start?" He said with enthusiasm in his voice. Yang laid a map out on the bar counter she had been carrying under her arm.

"Good, you brought the map." Qrow said pleased. He took a swig of his drink then began pointing to it. "Raven said she was here. She never stays in one spot for very long, staying on the outskirts of settlements. Which means she should be heading to these locations. With haste, and a little luck we can head her off at one."

Both Yangs were ecstatic at this news. To be able to find their mother, how Yang dreamed of this. They began talking of provisions they would need, routes they would take, and dangers they might encounter. The talk went on for a few minutes, Yang was so engrossed by the conversation between her duplicate and Qrow that she hadn't noticed the bar had faded away. Only her duplicate and Qrow were left, hovering in the air. "Just be ready Yang, your mother doesn't want to be found. Remaining hidden is one of her strengths. I don't know what she'll do while we track her, or what will happen if we catch her."

"Why?" Yang called out in frustration as she was once again left in blackness. She sighed, as she started walking again. She wasn't walking long this time when she noticed a new scene coming into focus.

First, the petals on the ground from trees, then the dirt and sparse grass of a forest's floor. She looked closer and recognized the petals. "Forever Fall?" She wondered as the trees began materializing in front of her. She heard voices, though, she didn't recognize them. She hid behind a nearby tree out of instinct. The voices grew closer, there were three of them, and as they neared, Yang could make out their forms.

Yang's eyes widened as the scene fully came into view. "The White Fang!" She whispered to herself. The figures walked past her, she decided to follow them, curious to see what the White Fang was doing in Forever Fall. They set a brisk pace, turning here and there through a trodden but hidden path. They made small talk about recent events at Beacon, how Adam was right to pull support for Cinder's plan, and how they were curious to see what he planned to do with his former lover.

"Blake, here?" Yang thought horrified. They neared a clearing, and as they approached Yang could make out a makeshift camp. Complete with sentries, tents, and provisions, it was probably a staging ground for future activity. Yang was caught up in everything happening and hid behind a rock as the soldiers reported in.

Adam stood in front of a large tent as he listened to the report, nodding occasionally. Seemingly pleased with the report he smirked. "While the humans and their sympathizers struggle to recover from the Grimm and Cinder's plan we will strike. We shall attack from all sides before they know what hit them. We will leave at dawn two days from now, tomorrow I will hold a demonstration, inform everyone." With a nod his orders were carried out. Adam chuckled as he turned and walked into his tent. Yang followed him.

What she saw horrified her, Blake was in a cylindrical cage at the back of the tent with her wrists tied in front her as she sat in her clothes. Judging by the tearing and thin injuries, a whip had been used repeatedly. Blake had a defiant but exhausted expression on her face. The tent was mostly bare, it sported a bed next to the cage, and a table with a map of Vale across the way by the entrance with strategies drawn in red ink.

Adam stood in front of Blake with a sadistic grin. "Why so unhappy love? You are home. You ran out on me once, but I am giving you a chance to make amends. Just play your part tomorrow and all will be forgiven. This can still be our battle. We can do this together, or I will make sure you witness the destruction of everything you hold dear, starting tomorrow."

Blake opened her mouth, but closed it again, angrily spitting at his feet. "Something you want to say, love?" Adam laughed. "How about this, we are alone, why not have some fun?" He made his way over to a chest located beneath the table and briefly rummaged through it. Blake's eyes widened and she struggled against her restraints. Yang was beginning to worry, she wanted to help Blake, but she faded through everything except the floor that she touched. She was nothing more than a bystander.

Adam closed the chest with a thud and stepped in front of Blake brandishing a whip. "NO" Yang screamed as she ran at Adam trying to punch him, but passed through instead. He stopped briefly as she phased through him, shivering for a moment. "What… was that?" He shrugged it off and proceeded to strike Blake a few times. Yang was helpless as she watched her lover suffer his brutality. She walked up to the cage with tears running down her face as she reached for Blake's shoulder. Blake shuddered immediately, but was too busy to give it much thought, Yang noticed it too, though.

Adam eventually grew tired and put his whip away, making a few derogatory remarks before laying down to sleep. Yang sat by Blake all night, wishing she could free her. She was curious as she sat with her back against the cage.

"Adam and Blake almost seemed to know I was there." Yang mused, as she turned around to look at Blake, who was sitting knees to face in the direction of the tent's opening. "Maybe I just imagined it." Yang said, feeling frustration wash over her as she thumbed through everything that had occurred in her mind. She wasn't sure how long it had been since she had begun jumping through scenes. Nor could she remember how long she had been in this one. Time seemed non-existent here. Yang didn't know what to do except keep on, hoping it would lead her somewhere.

She sighed as she looked over at Blake again. This time, however, she swore Blake was looking at her. "I don't know who you are, but, please, help me!" Blake pleaded quietly. Yang was even more confused now. "I-I don't know how!" Yang replied, eliciting no response as Blake looked at the ground and began to sob. "She could see me!" Yang thought. "But only for a moment." rubbing her face slowly Yang thought she would spend the night trying to figure out why she could briefly interact with this surreal visage. The night passed uneventfully with the occasional nocturnal noise as Yang thought long and hard.

Morning came. Yang was awoke by the cheer outside the tent. She sat up with a start, the cage was gone, and so was Adam. Yang was becoming increasingly frantic as her mind began concocting terrible fates that Blake might have met. She shook them off and ran out of the tent searching for Blake. She found her, still in the cage but sitting amid a crowd of White Fang members, next to Adam. She walked through the crowd with fear in her mind and desperation in her heart. Standing but a few feet from Adam and Blake she decided to listen to what Adam would say.

Raising a hand to the air Adam drummed up fervor. Lowering his hand the crowd went quiet. "Like a well trained dog." Yang thought sadly, shaking her head. Blake had told her on a few occasions of what the White Fang used to be like, a vessel for equality, captained by patience, and manned by perseverance, sailing in a sea of pain and suffering. What she saw was a spurned individual, self-righteously visiting his revenge upon the world for the mistreatment of the Faunus.

"Fellow sufferers and vagabonds, long have we endured the disdain and distrust of humanity. Forcing us to kneel in dejection, and despair as they extort us. NO LONGER! From shadows we will descend upon the world and take back what they stole." His speech, though brief, did exactly what he wanted it too. It brought all of the grievances against humanity to the mind of every Faunus present as cheers filled the air, speckled with nasty jeers aimed at the whole of humanity.

Adam quieted the crowd again. "But, if we are to be victorious, we must be resolute, and to be resolute we cannot brook any threat. The biggest threat to our ascension to power and dominance, is the enemy within. Steel yourself, for the battle ahead, and do not hesitate to dispose of your would be comrades that refuse to make this commitment. These are dark times and thus demand a tempered resolve. Any who cannot do this, are too weak to make the climb with us, and must be exterminated, though it may pain us so."

With this he stepped back and looked at Blake. Yang was stricken with fear like she had never known as Adam moved to open her cage. "MONSTER!" She screamed. Just like the night before, she seemed to have a presence. This time, both Adam and Blake noticed. Blake's eyes spoke of soul splitting desperation, Adam's of anger. He dismissed it as he removed the key to her shackles from a string hung around his neck. It was all starting to make sense to Yang now.

Every time she had successfully made her presence known, it had been a moment of intense emotion and desire. She heard a voice ring through her head, almost as though in approval, prodding her to keep going. "Yes, YES, you can beat this, don't give up, keep moving forward!"

By now Adam had removed Blake from the cage. He picked the empty cage up and hurled it over the crowd with ease. He stood Blake in the center of the throng and tossed her weapon at her. "This woman you see before you is a relic! A reminder of a past age for our movement, when we fought with words, instead of fists. She is capable, and for that she was given a chance to christen the new age of our organization." This elicited many shouts of joy as they began stomping the ground to set the tone for her death.

Blake summoned courage and dared to interject Adam's speech, kicking her weapon to the side. "We were peaceful once because we believed in a cause borne not out of resentment, but one meant to forgive the ignorance, and arrogance of mankind. Hatred will bring nothing but more hatred, we resolved to move past it, to take our collective suffering and sow the seeds of equality and understanding. With the hope that future generations do not have to bear the burden we did. So our children don't bear the same scars we do. It isn't too late, we can still redeem the White Fang, show the humans that not all Faunus are -" Adam knocked Blake to the ground, seething with rage.

The crowd seemed to waver, unsure of which ideology to support. Adam looked out in disbelief, as Blake staggered to her feet. He turned back to Blake and struck her across the face with his hand.

With a groan of pain Blake landed on the ground once more. Adam removed his sword clearly annoyed that she had disrupted his display. "Even you, love, you are an obstacle, we….I cannot afford to let lay." Blake tried to reason with him, as was her temperate nature. "You were peaceful once Adam! You used to stand for everything you now condemn, there's more to this world than hate and spite."

"Times change...love. I changed, I gave you a change to do the same." He raised his sword preparing to decapitate his former lover, seeming to hesitate as he wrestled with himself. "Get up Blake! You can beat him." Yang yelled through the confusion spreading through the crowd. "Don't let him win. FIGHT" She screamed. "FIGHT! Stand by her side." Yang was startled as the voice echoed in her head again. Yang looked at Blake. "FIGHT!" The voice called again.

Yang wasted no time in readying Ember Selica dashing in to stop Adam. Landing just in front of Blake, she crossed her arms and caught his blade. He scowled as he drew it back. Yang thrust her fist forward into his chest and fired. He shook briefly as Yang succeeded in punching a hole clean through his torso. Adam began to fall, as he did, the scene began fading, just like the rest. Yang heard no voice, but felt a wave of warmth wash over her, like she were being congratulated. She turned back to Blake. Who was standing, not as she had been in the camp, but free of injury and fatigue. "You did it! She said." Yang was confused, but thought she had figured it all out. The sequence of scenes was her mind's occupation during her recovery. Her journey, her battle to stay alive, to find the will to stay alive, to find something to fight for.

Blake stepped closer to Yang as the scene disappeared around them. "Remember this moment Yang. You conquered your fears, you found strength you didn't know you had. Face your fears, chase your dreams, and you'll find that no matter where you go, you'll always find your way home." With that Blake disappeared with a smile as she placed a hand on Yang's shoulder.

Feeling herself stirring, she opened her eyes, overcome with a flurry of emotions. Blake was sitting next to her, holding her hand starring off into space with concern on her face. Yang had so much to say but wanted to take in the scene around her. She was in a bed, on a ship, and could hear the chaos of the battle though it had grown dim. She looked at Blake with longing. "After what I've been through I don't intend to leave anything unsaid. I'm going to tell Blake how I feel, whether she feels the same or not. I'm going to find Ruby and Weiss…everyone, and live each day as though its the last. I'm armed and ready to face whatever obstacles stand in my way."

Follow the Leader

The shuttles carrying the students, and soldiers landed near the largest of the medships, The Reprieve. The soldiers were disinterested in the sight having witnessed this ship many times over. The students, however, were in utter awe. Splendid in design and enormous in scale, this ship was constructed using cutting edge technology. The vessel also served as Ironwood's R&D center while he was away from Atlas. The throng swelled as the weary fighters disembarked. The soldiers, lacking the amazement of the gawkers, trickled through the mass to report in, chuckling as they passed. Stationed along the perimeter of the craft stood dozens of soldiers, and a few paladins remaining ever vigilant.

As the mystique subsided, the crowd regained their composure and followed the soldiers into the ship. Once inside those wounded from the fighting were led by staff toward the infirmary for proper inspection and treatment. The able bodies were led to the mess hall to eat and enjoy a moment of respite while they had the time. The mood had certainly improved as people rejoiced that their friend had survived. However, many like Ren and Nora were still gloomy. Not everyone had been accounted for, and the possibility that they were no longer breathing felt all to real.

No word had come in of Jaune and Pyrrha. Or of Ruby and Weiss, that had gone to rescue them when the shuttles could wait no longer. The pair sat alone at a table longing for their other half. "Mind if we join you?" Came the bubbly voice of Velvet, splitting their despair with sheer enthusiasm. Ren and Nora looked up with sunken eyes to see all four members of team CFVY standing before them with smiles on their faces. Feeling a little too dejected to make conversation, but not wanting to turn friends away Ren answered cordially. "Please."

"We wanted to pay our respects. RWBY and JNPR are held in high regard around Beacon." Coco said breaking the ice before getting down to business. "Even the students from the other kingdoms seem to revere the Beacon Eight. Unfortunately, to date, the two teams have had some of the biggest hurdles to jump." She tried to maintain her energy as she spoke but felt it ebbing.

Nora and Ren were starting to worry. "Jaune and Pyrrha are missing, but Ruby and Weiss should find them, no problem." Nora said slightly confused by Coco's tone. "There's that." She said with a nod and a drawn out exhale. "But there's more. Yang and Blake ran into trouble of their own. Blake made it out okay, but Yang is still unconscious."

Ren spewed the tea he had been drinking into the crook of his arm. "What?!" He said trying to remain calm. "Where are they?" Yatsu whispered quietly to Fox with admiration. "How considerate." Fox offered a brief smile, not wanting to draw any attention as he affirmed in his head. "Quite."

Coco rubbed her neck uncomfortably as she spoke. "Yang is in critical care on-board this ship. Do not worry though, the doctors here appear to be masters in the field. Blake has kept her company, tending to every need that her doctors overlook." Coco nearly let Blake's obsessive behavior slip in her explanation. Whether it be guilt or compassion, Blake refused to leave Yang's side. Causing more alarm, her appetite was adversely effected. Coco had visited earlier and contemplated committing Blake to her own room.

Ren and Nora looked at each other, then back at team CFVY. "We need to see them!" Nora said adamantly. Velvet nodded and motioned for them to follow. As the six began their journey Coco filled them in on a few details, minus Blake's behavior. "We overheard the guards talking about the emergency evac shuttle that left the docks in a hurry. The descriptions they gave fit Blake and Yang." They turned a corner and headed toward the elevator. Velvet picked up where Coco left off as she set the infirmary as their destination. "The story as far as we understand is that Blake and Weiss had split when they saw a Grimm jumping on rooftops. Blake went after it as Weiss continued to the docks where she met up with the rest of us."

The door had opened and everyone stepped inside. With a slight tug, the elevator began the ascent. Coco spoke next. "Blake was doing alright at first, but was surrounded. Yang arrived in time to help Blake ward off the Grimm. Long story short, a piece of rebar pierced Yang's abdomen during the fight with a death stalker. Blake then carried her to the docks while Roman and Neo covered their escape."

"Aren't they supposed to be evil?" Nora asked, her worry momentarily overtaken by her confusion. Coco nodded as she sighed. "That was the way everyone understood it. Who knows, maybe Ironwood will have some answers when he returns." The elevator reached it's destination with a muffled thud. As the door opened Ren and Nora were led through the labyrinth of hallways to critical care. As they approached Yang's room Coco stopped them.

"Listen, things are still up in the air right now, If I were you I would make this visit count. No one, not even Ironwood knows when the fighting will start again." Ren and Nora nodded as they glanced in the room to see Yang lying unconscious in a gown with Blake at her side. "Thank you for the news." Ren said bowing. Team CFVY offered a weak smile as consolation before departing. Nora inhaled sharply as she grabbed Ren's hand instinctively. "Let's go!" Ren was stunned, but dismissed the gesture as stress relief. "Ready when you are." He replied, allowing his mind to draw conclusions with a smile.

Blake stood up, having been distracted. "Ren, Nora!" She replied, her happiness breaking through the veil of exhaustion. Nora hugged her as she bridged the distance. "Are...you alright Blake?" She asked, uncertain of how to approach the situation. Blake chuckled. "I'm fine… But Yang..." She said with melancholia turning back to look at her team mate. "I'm sure Yang will pull through Blake, she's a tough woman." Ren said endearingly, before placing a hand on Blake's shoulder with a bright smile.

"I want to believe that, Ren. I just can't bring myself to accept it, though. She wouldn't be lying here… like this if she hadn't come to-" Blake felt the pang of guilt flare up again, and turned away as she tried to hide her sadness. Ren spoke in his reticent manner. "You mustn't blame yourself Blake. Yang wouldn't want that, she intervened because she cares a great deal about you."

Blake stopped for a moment and remembered the passing comments that Yang had made while in her arms. "He's right." She thought. "I can't undo what has happened, but I can be here for her when she wakes up. We can sort this all out, it's the best thing I can do for her right now." Blake walked back to her chair and sat down, grabbing Yang's hand. As Blake closed her eyes, the guests slipped her mind.

Ren and Nora shared a look as they figured that was their cue. "Blake, if you need anything, just ask us, alright?" Nora said tenderly. "Anything at all." Ren added. Blake smiled in thanks. "I appreciate it, I'll let you know the moment she wakes up." With that, Ren and Nora left the room. Blake fixed her eyes on Yang once more. "You will wake up Yang, you are too strong to lay here. We need you, I… need you." Blake kissed Yang's hand before loosing herself in thought once more.

As Ren and Nora stepped out they discussed what to do next. "Think someone around here would know where our room is?" Came Nora's drowsy voice through a yawn. "It can't hurt to ask." Ren said with a grin as he watched Nora struggle to walk in a straight line as she approached a nurse that happened to be nearby. Before Nora could ask the question, however, a series of crashing noises filled their ears.

Scrambling to a nearby window, the duo say the source of the commotion. Beacon tower was lighting up, and was beginning to fall apart. "Jaune! Pyrrha!" Nora spoke softly before grabbing Ren's arm finding her second wind. "Let's go Ren!" They dashed through the labyrinth to an elevator. While the lift began its descent they looked over their weapons. "Should we wait for everyone else?" Nora asked, trying to remain calm. "Not a chance, they likely saw it too and will head out shortly." Ren said. "I won't wait for them, our friends don't have the time."

Nora stood next to him, feeling a little warm. She had always admired his sense of duty, but his sense of loyalty, and resolve, those she found titillating. Nora blushed as her breath caught in her throat. She shook the thoughts with a tinge of longing as the elevator door opened. The pair barreled down the main hall. As they sprinted, a few onlookers raced to the walls, afraid of being trampled.

In the mess hall, everyone was horrified as they watched the unknown battle atop Beacon Tower intensify. Team CFVY was in the best condition among the fighters present. Able though they were, the four of them could not hope to accomplish the task alone. Despite that, no time was wasted as they nearly flipped their table. "Hey, wait up!" Called Sun's voice. Coco turned around to see Sun, Cole, Neon, and a few dozen soldiers. "More will meet up with us once we arrive Ma'am." A soldier spoke quickly. "Alright, let's hit the road, time's a wasting!" She replied before leading the pack. As their feet touched the ground two forms could be seen ahead of them. "Last one there pays the tab!" Coco shouted, slowly gaining on Ren and Nora.

Blake was startled as the commotion reached her ears. Duty-bound though she was, Blake was no use in her current condition. She wasn't physically wounded, but her emotional guilt, and mental fatigue were more than she could handle. "Forgive me JNPR, I wish you well." She whispered with a sigh as her hands trembled with shame. "...B..lake..." came a raspy voice. Blake's head shot up as her hand was squeezed. Yang's eyes had opened halfway, to Blake she seemed half-asleep. "Yang! I'm here Yang. I'm so glad you're okay." Blake said ecstatically through the tears now rolling down her face as she kissed Yang's forehead.

"Blake!" She said with much more strength pulling her in for a hug. "Blake you have to be careful. I had a vision, the White Fang returned, and Adam captured you. He-" Yang's voice was lost as she tried to block the images out. Blake wrapped Yang in a gentle embrace. "Shh, I'm fine Yang. You've been under a great deal of stress. Rest easy." She said soothingly. Yang took a few deep breaths before speaking again. "I'm serious Blake I had visions of the pain he inflicted on people, on.. you. I couldn't bear to loose you." Blake could feel her heart racing. Discussing their feelings while their friends bled off in the distance felt wrong. However, as could often be said, people do not pick the time, the time picks them. "Yang,… when I was carrying you to the docks, you said some… very personal things. I know you might have been delirious. But, I need to know if you meant what you said, even if the circumstance was wrong." She said slowly, finding her words. Now, Yang was flushed with feeling as she recalled the hazy experience.

Blake's frantic pace as she visibly taxed herself, panting heavily. The tender words of comfort she found the energy for. Through it all, Yang remembered, the words she uttered were earnest. Yang took a deep breath before putting herself on the spot. "I-I… meant every word I said Blake. All this time we've spent as partners, and together as team RWBY. I noticed that I've become attracted to you." She was looking into Blake's eyes until the end, worried she would be spurned.

Yang was not expecting the delicate placement of a hand on the side of her face. It lifted her gaze to meet Blake's. What Yang saw wasn't disgust, rejection, or even confusion. What she saw was...joy. "I can't explain how happy I am to hear that." Blake said with a hint of arousal as she drank in Yang's superseding smile. "Blake..." Yang began before deciding to skip the small talk, pulling Blake in for a brief but passionate kiss. "Unfortunately, we have our work cut out for us, Blake. But when that is over I hope you are ready for some one on one time." Yang said teasingly. Blake smiled "You don't even know."

Yang recalled her visions briefly. Her time with Blake in the garden, She and Qrow making plans to find her mother, and of course the dreaded cruelty of the White Fang commander, Adam Taurus. "I certainly have much to sort out." She thought to herself as she and Blake enjoyed each others company. "For now, though, this is perfect."

Then the tower let out one final groan as it came tumbling down with cascading crashes. Yang was brought back to the scene. "Blake what is going on out there?" She asked, now extremely concerned. "If what I've heard people talk about is true, Jaune and Pyrrha are unaccounted for. The two were last seen heading into Beacon Tower." Blake began. "The tower has been flashing colors for a while, and parts of it have continued to fall. Ruby and Weiss went to rescue them, and haven't returned. Recently, a host of able bodies including the rest of Team JNPR bolted out to lend their aid."

As Blake told the story Yang felt a knot form in her stomach. She couldn't do anything but lay there as people continued to fight and die. "I know you're frustrated Yang, but please, you need to rest. You won't be any good to anyone if you burden yourself with responsibilities you can't shoulder." The words stung, but Yang knew Blake was right. She nodded and tried to relax as her friends risked their lives around her. "They will be alright, they will be okay. They will..."

After the Fall of Beacon Tower

The abrupt howls from the Grimm distracted even Ironwood as he searched for the source. "No more interference!" Ironwood screamed in his mind. "Someone will look for those three." He muttered as he brandished his revolver, watching the horde approach. "Ruby, Weiss. Find someplace safe for Jaune and Pyrrha until they can be evacuated." Glynda commanded as she and Qrow stepped forward to support Ironwood.

With a nod, Ruby and Weiss did as they were told. The pair spotted a small patch of trees nearby to lean their wounded friends against while standing guard. Weiss was beginning to feel jittery as her nerves overtook her. Feeling more like her usual self, Ruby offered words of encouragement. "Don't worry Weiss, if you slay half as many Grimm here as you did with Velvet this battle is in the bag." Weiss smiled in amusement. "Ever the optimist."

Ironwood called to the soldiers that were in earshot as the pace quickened. "Guard the wounded and contact an evac shuttle!" With a salute the soldiers rush over to Jaune and Pyrrha. Ruby and Weiss thanked them before joining the conflict with one less worry.

Ruby, Weiss and the Guardians were holding their own in the early stages. However, in their zeal the group had managed to surround themselves. Their individual skills were impressive, but could not measure up to the horde of massing Grimm. Inch by inch they were forced back, albeit trading a body count for ground. The five combatants found themselves pressed into a loose ring despite the initial wave of soldiers that had helped them.

At the final moment help arrived. Once the general's location became common knowledge, soldiers began pouring in from every direction. In their mind, their mighty general was worth hundreds of soldiers in tactics alone. The expanding force bought the group some time.

Ironwood decided to press his luck and issued a charge. All seemed well until the sheer number of Grimm seemed to negate their firepower. Once again the endless horde of Grimm began pushing inward as the soldiers were forced to retreat once more. The less seasoned even routed, to which Ironwood bitterly took note.

Even Ruby, the sunshine soldier, questioned if she would live to see dawn. Until, she heard the unmistakable laughter belonging to none other than Nora. Looking for the source of the boisterous voice, Ruby saw Magnhild pulverize a large boarbatusk. As the creature uttered its death knell Nora's hammer sheared the now dissipating remains. With strength befitting her, Nora fractured the ground beneath its feet. The resulting concussive force sent several nearby Grimm flying, howling in terror. Nora then blasted herself skyward and began shooting grenades at the timid crowd. She attempted to cut a swathe through the Grimm as she momentarily defied gravity, one blast at a time. Ren was having much less luck on the ground. Having to rely on acute accuracy and lightning reflexes when a creature dared step to close. Despite the lack of flair is his attacks, he created enough of a distraction to give Nora breathing room.

After a brief but arduous struggle Nora and Ren had succeeded in clearing a path for the five to escape through. The now fatigued fighters looked on with relief as they made for the opening to catch their breath. Until their allies escaped, Ren and Nora ran interference. Once the seven stood together, however, Ren and Nora prepared to charge in once more. But before the next wave of Grimm gnashing could begin, they were startled by approaching gunfire from behind.

"Wait for us this time!" Coco shouted angrily, mowing down countless beowolves with her mini gun. The crew turned to see the rest of the Hunters, and more soldiers. With that, the Hunters, Guardians, and soldiers, including the routed lying in wait for redemption, swiftly advanced. The battle was touch and go as bodies collided yelling fervently. The tide of Grimm truly seemed endless, as they continued to appear from nowhere.

Ruby and Weiss were delighted when they saw the evac shuttle touching down. The sight of Jaune and Pyrrha being carried into it rekindled their hope. Ren and Nora ran over to see their comrades before they were whisked away. The pair found themselves flushed with horror and pride as they noticed the extent of the injuries. "They fought well, against a dangerous opponent and survived a collapsing tower." Ren said endearingly as the shuttle lifted off. "So much suffering." Nora said, still in shock as she gazed at the unfolding scene. Attempting to recover from this somber state she spoke again before Ren could open his mouth. "They will be okay, they made it this far. Jaune is resilient, and Pyrrha is a championship fighter." Feeling more like herself she quickly turned to Ren, and poked his nose. "Boop!"

Ren chuckled as he waved her finger away playfully, winning a cathartic laugh from his team mate. "Come on Nora." Ren said with renewed vigor, despite the battle fatigue. "After we triumph over the Grimm we can go visit them. Maybe some pancakes would cheer them up." Nora smiled in response as she readied Magnhild "I will try not to eat them all. The two joined the struggle feeling much better.

Ruby and Weiss, being among the first to the scene were busily dispatching every Grimm they could find. Their fighting prowess belied their age, as every strike, every placement was meticulously calculated. A group of soldiers stopped fighting as they observed. The pair appeared in complete control of their emotions. Beneath the surface, however, their sorrow and fury roiled. The two seemed to be finding some measure of catharsis in the this battle. Fatigue and stress compounded their already turbulent feelings. None would know how close the pure desire to safeguard was to metamorphosing into misguided blood-lust. Though knowing that Jaune and Pyrrha were no longer in imminent danger went a long way toward shoring their self-restraint.

Ruby and Weiss stood side by side as they took note of the continuing conflict. Three hulking armored ursai lumbered into sight. Weiss noticed them first and told Ruby of a plan she had while handing her partner a custom ammo clip. Ruby smiled mischievously as she reloaded Crescent Rose. Weiss, true to her combat form, steadied her breathing as she concentrated on her part of the plan. With one last exhale the plan was set in motion as glyphs lit up Ruby's path.

The first would lead her into the air. From there they were angled every which way giving Ruby some leeway. As Ruby brandished her rifle she jumped between the plethora of glyphs. Ruby pelted the ursa with rotating elemental rounds all the while. Bursts of fire, lightning, ice, and wind brought the massive creatures down permanently with ground shaking thuds.

Ruby landed with a gleeful yell. "Weiss! That was awesome, did you see me? I was all like pow-pow-pow, whoop you missed me, pow pow pow." Weiss was trying to contain her laughter as she watched Ruby make a fool of herself. "You did great Ruby, how was the ammunition I gave you?" Ruby's eyes lit up as she recalled her surprise. "It performed wonderfully. What did you do to the dust, Weiss? How did you blend all of them elements? How long did it take you? But most importantly, how much more do you have?" Weiss warmly placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder before replying. "All in due time." Weiss thought Ruby brought out the best in her as she watched the hyperactive weapon freak explode with excitement.

Team CFVY was having a good time as they led the late comers. Coco was continuing to obliterate the smaller Grimm unfortunate enough to stray into her line of fire. Fox guarded her back with a smile as he listened to his team leader enjoy herself. Yatsuhashi was mercilessly notching waves of Grimm that mistook him for easy prey. Velvet ran interference on the stragglers that broker from formation and made for her team.

Sun, Neon, and Cole fought separately at first not wanting to let CFVY show them up. Throughout the course of the battle however, the trio had been backed together. "I'll see if I can't give you guys some breathing room." Sun said before inducing a trance-like state.

His whole body emitted waves of fierce yellow light. As he gazed upon the sea of Grimm with vibrant yellow eyes, he summoned as many clones as he thought he could control. With no small amount of effort he succeeded in widening the space between them and the now cautious Grimm. His clones were not as skilled at fighting as he was, but could be instructed to perform the same moves with similar results. Sun's breathing hastened, and sweat began dripping down his body as he focused.

Neon and Cole nodded in approval before playing their hands. Neon skated with incredible speed and disoriented the Grimm, using her nun-chucks to grapple. Cole proceeded to blast the stunned Grimm with sound waves. Deciding that nothing but one hundred percent would suffice they used their semblances. Cole's quartet stood ready to blast baddies with potent waves as rich as the colors Team FNKI bore. On a few occasions, he and his mirrors trained their waves on enemies pursuing Neon from afar.

Doing her part Neon kept racing around leaving a trail of dazzling rainbows behind her, crashing through countless Grimm. Sun's skin turned an angry red as he used the last of his energy. As clones were defeated, he was able to focus more attention on the survivors. He had met his limit however, and dropped to his knees as he caught his breath. In the process his clones disappeared. He mused to himself as he fought the fatigue induced disorientation. "Huh. I didn't know...I could do that. Cool."

The soldiers were next, not wanting to be completely out-shined by the Hunters. The troops fell in to ranks as they marched forward in a loose block formation. Line by line the commander gave the order to fire. Volley by volley, droves of smaller Grimm were instantly downed. The larger ones that were hindered met sword and shield.

"Now!" The field commander yelled. A handful of soldiers bearing sword and shield, glaive, and great sword lunged forward, downing the remaining maimed Grimm. While the riflemen reloaded, the melee guards charged hacking and slashing. On the signal they retreated and knelt once more. Ironwood watched the display with pride. The general was pleased to see the Knight officer he rescued was issuing orders.

The Guardians stood amid the scene taking note of the ruined tower, the Grimm, and the battle unfolding around them as Glynda worked. "This doesn't bode well, Oz is still unaccounted for." Qrow said in his gravely voice. "No, it doesn't." Glynda replied flatly. "Until he is found I am acting headmistress, you and I will need to have a talk about how to handle this farce, James." She said, gazing at him.

Glynda proceeded to step forward and crush small Grimm with pieces of Beacon Tower. Qrow and Ironwood jumped back a step as she began. "OH!...that's just brutal." Ironwood said, almost breaking his reserved demeanor. Qrow nodded as he turned into a bird and took off to fight some Grimm of his own. Ironwood was left standing there, surrounded by a disaster. He vowed to fix this, and redeem the Atlesian military as he pulled out his revolver and slew a pack of speeding beowolves.

The battle continued for what seemed a few hours. Grimm would appear en masse, and attack in large waves much to the dislike of Beacon's defenders. However, one wave at a time they fought the tide. On occasion, more allies would arrive. Several hours later there were close to three dozen Hunters, though a few were out of commission due to sustained injuries. The group slowly pressed outward and the Grimm began retreating as the negative sentiment was replaced by hope, albeit, impure hope reeking of desperation.

As the fighting died down, Ironwood wasted no time. He grabbing the first soldier he could. "Radio for reinforcements ASAP! Call in everything but the Atlesian Core, and make sure Winter is on one of those ships." "Yes sir." came the startled response as the soldier hurried away.

Ironwood was determined to scrape some semblance of order together. He addressed another nearby soldier. "You! Contact The Reprieve and tell them to organize scouting parties to look for that trio." He surveyed the battlefield yet again.

There were many soldiers dotting the war torn courtyard amid the broken ground. He noticed a few Huntsman that weren't moving. There lying in a pool of blood, were Dove, and Sky from team CRDL. Ironwood narrowed his eyes and saw another pool of blood a few feet to the side with a figure kneeling over another. One was clearly on the brink of death as the gurgling gasps could be heard over the trailing conflict. With a pained sigh Ironwood gestured to a nearby medic to accompany him.

As they neared he recognized the two, Russel Thrush, was the one on the ground. Cardin Winchester kneeled at his side grasping Russel's outstretched hand as he sobbed quietly. "Russel, you're gonna be fine man!" He said through a badly cracking voice. Ironwood's eyes widened as he gazed upon the fading Huntsman, a deep set of claw marks marked him waist to shoulder. He rubbed his chin with a frown, as he signaled the medic.

Ironwood placed an open hand on Cardin's shoulder, causing him to start. Cardin immediately discerned who had tried to comfort him. "You! You're Ironwood, you have doctors that can help him." Cardin said clinging to desperate hope. He turned to his companion. "Russel! You see whose here?" Russel's bleeding had slowed when the medic began her work. His face was a few shades lighter, and his breathing was labored and sharp as he faded in and out of consciousness.

"Russel, stay with me, help is here!." Cardin pleaded through tears. Ironwood removed his hand, presuming Cardin to be inconsolable. Instead, he began running through strategies as he set out to recover what he could of his army to distant cries of Cardin as Russel breathed his last. Ironwood had soldiers transport Russel's body to The Reprieve as a mute Card followed the procession.

Ironwood spent some time in The Reprieve listening to and reading as many reports as he could obtain. He planned on touring all of the fronts to ensure the best chance of survival. "Status report." He spoke calmly, stepping onto the bridge.

"Sir. We are reaching out to all the troops we can. We have told them to meet at these coordinates if possible, or the nearest ship if not. The battle went poorly by most accounts. Three quarters of our warm blooded soldiers are dead, though the mech soldiers and constructs fared better. We have IDs on forty-five percent of them." The soldier replied sheepishly.

Ironwood brought his fist down on a nearby console he was next to while he paced to the report. "Establish a perimeter. As of now, this is Central, organize a force for each cardinal direction and distribute the Huntsman among them." With that, he left to take stock of other resources. Shortly after he departed, the Huntsman and Huntresses made their way to Ironwood's temporary HQ.

Many were too wounded to be of any use at that moment. The military had come together quicker than expected, however. They began organizing and heading out to secure the territory. Glynda, the new Headmistress grappled with the mantle of leadership and the loss of her friend. Glynda stood a safe distance away from Ironwood's ship to give herself some space to think. Though, she picked this particular spot because it afforded her visibility of foot traffic in and out of the large vessel.

"Ironwood believes he can command the Hunters as though they are subordinates in his military." She muttered aloud, overhearing his plan as soldiers kept crossing her path, oblivious to her presence. "There's a reason the two were kept separate years ago. To prevent any one person from having too much power. The outrage! If they are to be deployed to the front then I shall be there every step of the way to make sure they aren't used as cannon fodder for one of his crazy schemes."

She fumed for a moment before regaining her composure. "No matter, the three of us will be grouping up to investigate The Vault any time now. I shall simply confront him then." She thought to herself, nodding in affirmation. Not long after her thoughts concluded did Qrow and Ironwood slowly step down the ramp, conversing with each other, quietly. Pushing the bridge of her glasses up Glynda strode over to join them.

Certainty

"Greetings gentlemen, are you both ready to get underway?" She asked flatly, looking from one to the other. They nodded in unison as Ironwood motioned for Glynda to take point. The party set a brisk pace, wishing to conclude matters as quickly as possible. Little was said as they walked, busying themselves glancing around at the storm's aftermath. The dreary scene further tarnished their mood as the destruction seemed unabating.

"Quite the rebuilding effort you two will have when this is all over." Ironwood said with a hint of sympathy. He broke the silence as the Guardians walked down the main path to what was formally Beacon Tower. Glynda shrugged her shoulders in response. She was preoccupied, searching for the chance to discuss the Hunters, and his plan for them.

The difficulty was finding time where Qrow was out of earshot. After all, it didn't directly concern him, and he would likely inflame the debate even if it did. Qrow still wasn't fond of Ironwood, but applauded his sincerity in coordinating the firefight, though he would probably never say it. Qrow avoided speaking to the Mantle General and Atlesian Headmaster, whenever possible. However, when Glynda did not answer, Qrow took it upon himself to speak on behalf of Beacon, and Vale.

"There's certainly nothing stopping you from helping in that regard. It's not as though you or your vaunted army prevented the massacre from taking place." His words were flat, but hinted of annoyance. Qrow was particularly bitter, as Ironwood's proposition had been unanimously opposed. Ironwood shot Qrow a look, narrowing his eyes. The topic was a bit of a sore spot for him, as well. Ironwood himself was disappointed by the lag in response time on his army's part.

On top of that, he was now indebted to one of the last people he wanted anything to do with, Roman Torchwick. The criminal had a chance to undermine Ironwood's ability to fight the Grimm. In the process, Mantle's reputation would have suffered immensely as the news of the rogue artificial intelligence spread. But the frustration didn't stop there. After the intense struggle, the famous general still had not come up with a concrete plan.

"Alright you two, I can feel the tension. Can you keep it under wraps until we do what we came to do?" Glynda rebuked. The Huntress lifted a few chunks of rubble out of their way before stepping into the ruins. Qrow leaned toward Ironwood, as they both stood embarrassed. "Ever feel like she thinks she is a mother settling squabbles between two children?" He whispered in hopes she wouldn't overhear. Ironwood broke character for a moment chuckling softly. To their dismay however, it appeared she had. Turning around just in front of the elevator she had been inspecting, she retorted. "It warms my heart to know one of the few things you two can bond over is your admonishment. Now come along children, we have work to do."

With her piece spoken, Glynda cobbled the elevator together using her semblance. Showing no sign of fatigue, she forced the doors open and motioned for them to step inside. A smile crept across her face as the pair complied with their heads hung. "If they spent half as much time cooperating in combat as they did bickering they would accomplish so much more." She thought, amused. Once they were all inside, Glynda used her semblance once more. This time, to force the elevator downward to the vault.

The Huntress was in a hurry. In her haste, the elevator zipped along its course, making many scraping and screeching noises. Qrow and Ironwood were a little jarred as it tossed them around. The makeshift vessel was nearly sundered by the rough landing as it slammed against the shaft floor. No sooner had the doors opened did they fall apart. A reverberating echo emanated from the dense metal as it struck the chamber floor. The ominous atmosphere was further amplified by the lack of sound. Through the emergency lighting, the company could see that the Vault was structurally intact.

"Fortunate for us that this is so far beneath the surface." Qrow said, pleased. The trio walked through the chamber. Glynda had taken point again, but slowed to try and speak with Ironwood. He saw her signal, and matched her speed. Qrow, had busied himself taking sips from his hip flash and sighing loudly. Not knowing, or choosing not to care he glanced around while the pair whispered behind him. "Blissful ignorance." He chuckled to himself while tuning them out entirely.

"I need to talk to you about something." Glynda said quietly. "Are you going to tell me I have bad posture? My father always said, 'good soldiers have good posture.'" He teased. Glynda was not amused, jabbing his ribs with her ridding crop. "We need to discuss the bounds of your authority, James." She responded frankly. "Is this about my plan to deploy the Hunters?" He inquired. Ironwood had safely presumed this was going to be a point of contention in the future.

"Very much so. You know full well, you don't command the Hunters in Vale." Ironwood frowned. "I control the Hunters in Mantle, though." He stated. Glynda narrowed her eyes, as she looked ahead, knowing she didn't have time to debate national politics right now. "Look Ironwood, you know that your dual control over the military and the Hunters is distasteful to many. If we were in Mantle I wouldn't be able to say much about it." To make her point she grabbed his arm firmly. Glynda eyed the visiting general with scrutiny. Ironwood for his part, offered a look of annoyance as he glanced down at his arm. Glynda had invaded his personal space, and unapologetically forced him to stand still. Qrow continued toward the pods, unaware of the Vale-Mantle stand off happening behind him.

"But we aren't in Mantle, you aren't our general, or our headmaster. Our general died despite the fleet you claimed we couldn't do without. I do not possess Ozpin's patience nor his easy going attitude. I am the headmistress of Beacon Academy now, and as such I command the Hunters. Therefore, if you need them you will forward all requests for troop and resource requisition to me for my analysis and potential approval. If you cannot abide by that, than leave. Return to Mantle and tell your king that the mighty Atlesian army failed to prevent a massive Grimm invasion that cost Beacon its Headmaster. Not to mention that Ozpin was a different breed of headmaster entirely, as you well know."

Ironwood could feel the gears in his head grinding as he was backed into a corner. "Glynda, we definitely don't have the luxury of debating who gets to play chess at present." He managed to say with substantial concentration. She let go of his arm, speaking before continuing ahead of him. "You're right, so don't. If you have a plan, run it by me." Ironwood's jaw went slack as her words echoed in his ears. She had him. The general couldn't leave and explain this calamity while defending his decision to retreat.

The invasion would consume Beacon, Vale, then spread to the other kingdoms. If it was to be stopped it had to be here, and now. Regaining his composure he caught up to Glynda as they neared the pods. "Alright Glynda, when we are done here, and immediate concerns elsewhere have been addressed I would appreciate you taking some time to look over a battle plan I have. It would behoove us both if you appointed a few Hunters to the operation." He spoke in a superfluous manner to highlight his irritation. Glynda nodded with an amused grin instead of replying.

By this point Qrow had already inspected the scene thoroughly and had turned to see what was taking the two of them so long. "Glynda, Ironwood, the news is not good." He called, growing anxious. Hurrying the rest of the way, they joined him as he pointed at Amber's pod. Ironwood lay his face in his hands for a moment as Qrow gave him the rundown. "Amber is dead, the lid to the other pod is on the ground over there, and system log shows it was used recently. That, coupled with a missing headmaster, and a woman that seemed to possess unnatural resilience when nearly crushed by a building, and I think we can presume what happened." He finished with a dejected expression on his face. Glynda frowned as Qrow seemed to find solace in his liquor.

Glynda spoke next. "Indeed, Ozpin encountered Pyrrha on his way out, and decided to expedite his plan. Jaune seems rather taken with Pyrrha, and undoubtedly tagged along as Ozpin led her here." Glynda walked over to Amber, closing the former Maiden's eyes before continuing. "The arrow in her chest when added to the emergency lighting leads me to believe the process began and was interrupted when that woman killed Amber with a bow. At that point, stealing what was left of the Maiden's power. It stands to reason that Amber's original assailant returned to claim the rest of the power she sought."

Qrow shuddered as he remembered the amalgamation that Cinder used to siphon Amber's life force, along with her power. Her screams of agony still occasionally surfaced in his dreams. Glynda's voiced shook the memories from his head. He was more than grateful as he took another swig.

"Ozpin would have stalled to allow the two to escape and inform us of events. Pyrrha, the duty-bound individual she was, likely felt pressured to confront the woman. Jaune, in his loyalty probably refused to leave her side. In the ensuing conflict the two lost, the tower fell, and the culprit escaped." Ironwood attempted to insert himself as he raised his head from his hands. "I tried-" Glynda shut him down. "Can it. That isn't the point." Ironwood muttered to himself before brushing the dismissal off.

"Qrow, did the woman those two carried off resemble Amber's assailant that day?" Qrow thought for a moment, closing his eyes and nodding. "Yeah...I reckon that was her alright. Make sure those scout parties are careful Ironwood, her rescuers are likely the same two that helped her corner Amber back then too." Ironwood nodded. Silence hung as the Guardians took a moment to grieve for Ozpin and Amber, and lament at the terrible chain of events that they now understand more clearly. The trio turned, heading for the elevator. Glynda spoke once more "We have most of the story, but it wouldn't hurt to speak with Jaune and Pyrrha to fill in the minor details." Qrow and Ironwood nodded as they stepped into the elevator.

As the Guardians approached The Reprieve to rest after their revelation, Qrow spoke. "Do we know where the other three Maidens are, Ironwood?" Shaking his head Ironwood responded. "No, unfortunately, we don't. Once Winter arrives, I plan on returning to Atlas to tend to a few matters. Searching for the Maidens is near the top of that list, I assure you. Which reminds me Glynda. After we discuss a few ideas, I will have to turn over command of the army to Winter. As I will be too far away to keep tabs." Glynda nodded in irritation. "All that means is a second argument with someone almost as headstrong as you."