Welcome back, everyone. I know it's been a while since I last posted, and I'm sorry. But I'm done being so lazy. I feel like I've put this off for far too long. It's high time I started writing again. So I'm going to. Let's see what happens.

RWBY © Rooster Teeth/Monty Oum (R.I.P)


*Just outside Haven Academy*

*Petey's P.O.V*


"Now that we have finally arrived at our destination, what is it you intend to do, Ruby?"

"We go in, and we find the bad guys, wherever they are, and we stop them. But we can't just go in like this. We need to blend in. We have to like ninjas, all sneaky and stuff. Anyone got cool black suits?"

"Wouldn't a more logical idea be to just steal a few Haven Academy uniforms? I believe that would make us appear less conspicuous than a sneaking suit."

"Oh yeah. That does sound like a better idea. Good thinking, Petey."

However, the question remains, where do we acquire Haven Academy uniforms? Where is it that they are kept? Perhaps if we can locate the school Laundromat. But where? This place isn't anything like Beacon.

"I say we split up. Jaune, Ren, Nora, you go look for some uniforms inside. Petey, you come with me."

I suppose that this is a fair idea. We are more likely to cover more ground if we separate. Plus, I finally get a moment alone with Ruby. Perhaps this is an ideal opportunity to receive answers to my questions regarding our supposed enemies.

"So Ruby, what is it that makes you so certain that Vale's assailants have arrived here?"

"My Uncle Qrow told me that the bad guy's trail led here. Plus, before the festival, I talked with Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury. They said that they were students from Mistral."

"That's another thing, how do you know for certain that those fellows are our adversaries? I mean, I am aware that your sister did a number on Mercury's leg and all, but still."

"Well, that's just it Petey, I don't think she did. Remember back when I talked with you, and I convinced you that Yang was innocent?"

"Yes, I recall."

Where could Ruby possibly be going with this? What could she mean?

"Well, right after that, I had a short talk with my friend Velvet. And after that, I went to watch the next match. Once I got there, I saw Emerald in the audience."

"Wait what? I was under the impression that their entire team returned here to Mistral following Yang's supposed assault."

"Yeah, I know. I heard that too, but it was her. And right after, I ran right into Mercury. And he was walking!"

"Are you serious, Ruby? It was truly him?"

How could he have been moving about so soon after supposedly having his leg broken? Prosthetics, perhaps? But then, why was he still in Vale? None of this adds up whatsoever.

"Yep, it was him alright. I tried to fight him, but I got my butt kicked. By the time I got away, I had just seen Penny… when she… *sob*"

"Calm yourself, Ruby. It's alright. It shall be alright. I promise."

"Th-thanks, Petey."

At least I'm able to provide comfort to my lovely young girlfriend. It truly breaks my heart, seeing her so distraught. We really must bring down the nefarious bastards that have terrorized everyone in Vale. However, there is one more question that I would like answered. Perhaps Ruby knows.

"One last thing, do you perhaps know what happened to the dragon-like Grimm that still resides on Beacon tower? I, personally, don't believe it to be dead. All I recall is a brilliant silver light emitting from the top of the tower toward the end of the battle."

"Actually, that was me."

"I'm sorry, but what?"

How could that possibly have been Ruby? I was under the impression that her semblance was speed. Not the ability to create shining lights or freeze Grimm in their tracks.

"Well, I was trying to get to the top of the tower and save my friend Pyrrha, who was fighting Cinder. But I was too late. All I saw was Pyrrha getting k-killed. *sniff* After that, I just remember a bright light, and then, poof. Nothing. Next thing I knew, I was at home."

"That doesn't quite answer my question, though."

"Well, here's how my Uncle Qrow explained it to me. He told me that silver eyes, like mine, are rare in Remnant. He told me that people with silver eyes are special, that we were meant to be warriors. He said that the Grimm are scared of people like us. Like me."

"So because of your silver eyes, you have extraordinary abilities. Abilities such as incapacitating an enormous Grimm with just one glance. Is that correct?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

Well, I suppose at this point, I'm willing to believe anything. Especially since that creature is currently frozen on top of Beacon Tower, and Ruby is currently right next to me, unharmed. Well, now I know that her eyes are much more than just lovely to look at. Perhaps that could prove useful in our future battles with the Grimm. Or perhaps even with our battles with creatures other than the Grimm.

Hold on, is that a laundry hamper? Now here is an ideal place to begin our search for uniforms.

"Ruby, look there. I believe that we shall locate the uniforms we seek in there."

"I think you're right, Petey. Let's go. Y'know, I hope whoever's uniforms we're stealing doesn't miss them."

"I wouldn't concern yourself if I were you, Ruby. It's likely that they make several spare uniforms in the event that one should go missing."

Now that we have our uniforms, what direction shall we be headed in? Perhaps heading inside would make a feasible starting point.

"Let's go inside and start there."

"Good idea, Petey."


*inside Haven, sometime later*

I can't believe it's been two days since we began our search for Cinder and her allies, and nothing has turned up. Then again, how could I be so foolish as to believe that this would be easy? There are still a great many places we haven't looked yet.

"Where should we head now, Ruby?"

"I dunno. I guess we just try another classroom."

Well, it's not like we have any better options at our disposal. I just hope no one discovers that we are not truly Haven students while we are here. Then again, I suppose that if Cinder and her fraction were able to do the same thing whilst infiltrating Beacon, there is no reason to doubt whether or not we can do the same. Wait, here's a classroom. Let us begin today's search here.

"Come on, Ruby, in here. With luck, our opponents are amongst these students. Let's make for the last row. Back there is where we are least likely to draw attention to ourselves."

"Good idea."

I wonder what exactly this class is. From the appearance of the room, I am quite certain that this is something resembling a combat training class. I doubt that our enemies would be here. I guess we attempt to locate them elsewhere, I guess.

*Bell ringing*

Damn. I suppose Ruby and I have no choice than remain here for the duration of the class. Lovely. Let's just hope that the time that this class takes is minimal at best.

"Welcome back, class. For today's class we will have one or two up close practice matches to demonstrate what you all have learned thus far. Today we will have… Ms. Atlan and… Ms. Piztachio."

This woman looks quite familiar. Who is she? Did my team face her in the Tournament earlier this year? No wait. Now I recall. This is the leader of the team Ruby faced in the initial rounds of the Tournament. If she and her team were not capable of besting team RWBY, then I highly doubt that she shall best… what did the teacher say her name was again? Piztachio? Indeed. Let us just see how it is this little spar plays out.

"Hey, that girl on the right seems kinda familiar."

"Does she, Ruby? I don't believe I've ever seen this 'Piztachio' woman before."

Now I'm especially interested to see how this plays out.

*afterwards*

My word. How is it possible that Ms. Atlan hasn't landed one single, solitary hit on Piztachio? I didn't know it was feasible for someone so small to move so swiftly and evade an opponent in such a fantastic manner. Where on Remnant did she receive such training?

Hold on… What the hell was that? Did… Did Piztachio's eyes just change from green to brown? No wait, pink. Brown and pink! How is she able to change her eye color at will? Something is not right about this girl. I must find our more.

"Very good, Ms. Piztachio. As usual, you were untouchable. Exactly what all of you should strive to be out in the field. Alright class, that is it for the day. Enjoy the rest of your day."

Thank Oum that it's over. Now, I must follow this Piztachio girl.

"What are we gonna do now, Petey?"

"You go on ahead, Ruby. Try to locate Cinder. There's…something that I wish to investigate. I'll catch up. Go on without me."

"… Alright, then. See you later."

Now to follow this 'Piztachio' woman. What is it about her that puts me so on edge? Think, Lucenay. Perhaps something Ruby said earlier will provide you with something resembling a clue. She did say that Piztachio looks familiar. Let's see, um…

"'Exquisite, exemplary presence'. Is that some sort of fancy gift you give someone at a wedding?"

No, not that!

"Do you have some sort of funny sounding hair condition like danufillia?"

No no no! Not that either!

"I don't think anyone can bond with their weapon unless they give it a cool name."

Ah, dammit! Why can't I find what I'm looking for? Wait, what is that smell? Good Oum, what kind of perfume is Piztachio wearing? It smells strongly of … chocolate and strawberry ice cream. What a peculiar choice for perfume. Hold on a second… Ice cream, ice cream. Hmm…

"I fought with Roman Torchwick and his dumb little ice cream servant."

Of course! This could very well be the henchwoman of Torchwick's that Ruby mentioned earlier. I must find out for sure. Well, here goes nothing.

"Excuse me, Miss … Piztachio, is it? I just wished to say, that was a marvelous battle back there. You did quite well against Ms. Atlan."

"…"

"You're not very much of a talker, now are you?"

"…"

Focus, Petey. Get to speaking about Torchwick.

"That's quite alright. Although, if there were one individual that I wish were mute, it would be that dastardly criminal, Roman Torchwick."

Aha! She cannot hide that shocked look from me! She must not enjoy it when someone speaks ill of her deceased boss in front of her. Well then, I suppose it's time to piss her off.

"Yes, every time I heard him speak, it sounded similar to a Beowolf's claws on a chalkboard. It was atrocious. I'm truly quite happy that he is no longer amongst the living."

"?!"

She doesn't seem to be aware of Torchwick's demise. Odd. No matter, I shall take great pleasure in informing her of his death.

"Indeed. I heard from a reliable source that he was devoured whole by a Grimm some months ago. I can't imagine that Torchwick had a very pleasant taste on him. Probably gave the poor Grimm a terrible case of indigestion. Possibly diarrhea as well."

"*muted growl*"

"And don't even get me started on how he looked. His appearance was just as dreadful as his voice and taste. I mean, what kind of man wears eyeliner? What a freak! Hahahahahahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

*Piztachio angrily kicks Petey out a window*

OUCH! Alright, that was actually quite painful. At least my suspicions are now confirmed. She IS Torchwick's servant!


*third person P.O.V*

Once they were both outside, Piztachio shed her disguise, revealing herself to be none other than the silent killer, Neopolitan.

"So, this is your true form, is it? Not very flattering, if I do say so myself." Petey said.

Neo drew her parasol and Petey did the same to his flail as the two prepared to fight. Petey made the first move, running toward Neo and swinging his flail at her. She gracefully jumped over him and kicked him in the back before landing.

Petey got up and continued their fight. He swung his flail several times, but Neo jumped out of the way each time, until she kicked him in the face and did a backflip, landing on the grass and taking a seat.

When Petey regained his senses, he saw Neo just sitting on the ground, waiting for him. He looked at her, as if waiting for her to do something.

"Well, come on! Come at me, ice cream bitch!" He shouted.

When she didn't move, Petey growled at her, then turned his flail around and shot at her. When his bullet hit her, she simply shattered like she was made of glass. The byproduct of Neo's semblance. The real Neo was nowhere to be seen.

This left Petey extremely confused. How could his enemy have just disappeared like that? He looked around for any sign of her. He couldn't see her. But then, Petey's sensitive dog ears caught what sounded like a small sword being removed from its sheath. He then heard a 'woosh', before immediately jumping away from where he was.

When he looked back, he saw Neo standing at the spot he was just in, with her parasol, pointed blade and all, jammed into the ground. She removed her parasol and went on attacking Petey. She ran toward him and sent several kicks and punches his way. Petey did his best to dodge them, but she still got a few solid hits in. She ended her blows with a backflip kick to his chest, sending him back several feet.

Once Petey got up, all he saw was Neo standing a few feet in front of him, with a smirk on her face and a wink. Petey was furious at this point. He was not able to land one hit on his opponent, and that infuriated him greatly. He angrily ran toward her and started swinging his flail wildly in her direction as she continued to dodge.

"Hold. Still. You. Stupid. Ugly. Little. Bitch!" He said in between swings of the flail.

Neo gracefully avoided every swing of Petey's flail. Then she jumped behind him and grabbed hold of his flail from behind his back. She held the flail's staff in place right at Petey's neck, effectively chocking him. As he was gasping for air, he tried getting her to let go of him and his weapon, but to no avail. Eventually, she did a backflip, making Petey land flat on his face, with Neo standing right next to him.

Petey didn't have very much aura left in him, much less energy. Neo drew her blade from her parasol and prepared to finish him off. Petey tried to get up, but only saw Neo prepare her blade for a strike. He prepared for the worst.

"Go ahead and do it, already. At least my demise will be significantly less painful than Torchwick's was." Petey said.

At the mention of her boss's name, however, Neo froze. She just stood there picturing Roman's demise as Petey had described it earlier.

Petey took advantage of the distraction and swung at Neo's feet, knocking her to the ground and her parasol flying out of her hand. He got up and grabbed his weapon and prepared to continue the fight, only this time, he went with a different strategy.

"Yeah, I can only possibly imagine the torment he must have endured in the belly of the beast. Though, again, it was likely harder on the Grimm than it was him. It was likely agony attempting to digest such a foul man." Petey said.

Neo's expression turned angry as she charged at Petey. He barely managed to evade her attack as he continued taunting her dead boss.

"I will say this for him, though. He always did have quite a sense of fashion on him. But do tell, did he ever buy his jacket in a men's size? And did he ever style his hair like he wasn't an emo teenage girl, desperate for attention?"

This last statement got Neo really angry, and she began lunging at him. He managed to evade all her attacks and even got a few good hits in himself.

"Why did you even care for him at all? He struck me as the kind of person who didn't care for anyone but himself and his money. He likely never cared for anything else or anyone else. Least of all a stupid little ice cream girl such as yourself." Petey taunted.

By now, Neo had tears in the corners of her eyes, and she was gritting her teeth. She ran at Petey again and attacked him again. She punched him squarely in the jaw then kicked him in the chest, which knocked him to the ground. Luckily, Petey rolled out of the way and got up before she could land another attack. She tried throwing a few punches his way, but they were, surprisingly, poorly executed, thus Petey managed to dodge them all.

"So, she becomes more predictable and less coordinated the angrier she gets, does she? Well then, I suppose it's time to play my trump card." Petey thought.

"What exactly was your relationship with that deplorable man, anyway? Was he possibly your father? Is that it? Sad to have lost your daddy? Or is it possible that you… dare I say it, loved him?"

Neo started tearing up even more at that last statement, and that was all Petey needed.

"Oh my Oum, you did! That is just fantastic! It makes it all the more humorous for me. Do you really think, are you truly naïve enough, to believe that he could have possibly returned any sort of affection you had for him? I've seen his type before. He likely only saw you as hired help, and nothing more. Just someone to keep around until your usefulness wore out, then he would have cast you aside without a second thought. Besides, how could anyone, least of all a criminal such as Torchwick himself, possibly love a small, little, mute, bitchy, and annoying child, like yourself?"

"SHUT UP!" Neo suddenly shouted at the top of her lungs. She then recklessly charged at him, tears burning in her eyes. Fortunately, Petey anticipated her aimless attack and sidestepped out of the way.

Neo then landed flat on her face, and Petey decided to end the fight. He grabbed her, and then leapt into the air as high as his semblance would allow. Once they were high in the air, Petey threw her downward with as much force as possible. She fell to the ground like a meteor, while Petey landed without a problem.

Once Petey landed, he saw Neo in a crater, unconscious, and deprived of any aura, but still alive. At that moment, Petey noticed that there was a large crowd of Haven students that were watching the fight. Once the staff showed up as well, several of the students explained what they saw, and Neo was taken away. Petey then went off to find Ruby (and some medical care).


*the next day, Haven mess hall*

*Ruby's P.O.V*

"Wow, I can't believe you beat her, Petey! I thought she was untouchable!"

"I thought that at first as well, Ruby. However, it turns out she is just as susceptible to mistakes as anyone else. You need only find out how to provoke them into making said mistakes. Everybody has a weakness, and it is always possible to exploit it, once you discover what it is."

I guess I never thought of it like that. Is it really true that everyone has a weakness that you can take advantage of? I really wish I'd known that when I fought with Mercury back at the colosseum. Do I have a weakness? Well, I am kinda helpless without my Crescent Rose. Maybe I should work on that. Does Cinder have a weakness? What is it? Where is she, anyway? I really hope we can find her.

*Petey's scroll goes off*

Huh? Is that my scroll or Petey's? Oh, it's Petey's.

"What is it, Petey?"

"Nothing you need concern yourself with, Ruby. It's merely a message from Ren stating… he found Mercury. Perhaps you actually should concern yourself with this."

WHAT?! They found Mercury?! I can't believe it! Maybe we can finally end this. Take down the bad guys. I wanna get him so bad! And this time, I won't be so helpless.

Then again, I should finish this food first. I can't fight on an empty tummy. Maybe that's another one of my weaknesses, food. Especially these strawberry cookies we got for dessert.

"You go on ahead, Petey. I'll catch up."

"Are you certain, Ruby?"

"C'mon, this is me we're talking about. You think I can't catch up just because you got a little head start?"

"You make a valid point, Ruby. Very well, just please do not take too long, alright?"

"Ok, Petey."

It would be such a shame to let these cookies go to waste. Yummy. I always could go through food pretty fast. Well, I gotta go catch up with Petey and get Mercury.

Wait, who is that there? She looks so familiar. She looks like… like… CINDER!

It's Cinder! She really is here! I can't believe that she's actually here! What is she doing? Is she going outside? I gotta follow her. What is she planning? What will she do? Hopefully nothing, if I can stop her, all I need to do is sneak up behind her aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand…

*Cinder strikes Ruby*

"So, red, you actually managed to find me. I'm impressed. But don't worry, you won't live to tell the tale. I'll send your ashes beck to Vale, though."

If she thinks I'm gonna go down that easy, she's crazy. Let's see how she reacts when she gets to personally say hi to my precious Crescent Rose. Let's do this!

*Ruby deflects an arrow shot by Cinder, then charges at her, only to be knocked back*

Ouch, that really hurt. Why did I go down that easy? She's a lot stronger than I thought. Maybe I should have called for help. Ooooowwwwww!

"Pathetic. Is that really all you got? I hope you die knowing that everything you love has either been destroyed, or will be destroyed very shortly."

Oh, man. This is it! She got me. I'm going to miss all of you! Yang, Weiss, Blake, Petey. How did it come to this? I'm going to die, now!

*Bang*

"I haven't been destroyed yet, you bow wielding bitch!"

Wait, that blast. That voice. C-could it really be…? How did she get all the way out here?!

"Y-Yang? Is that you?"

*Yang hugs Ruby*

"Oh Ruby, thank Monty you're alright. I'm so sorry for the way I acted. I never meant to drive you away. Are you hurt? Do you need help?"

It's been so long since I got one of my sister's bear hugs. I never thought that I would miss them so much. But it feels so nice to have my sister's arms around me again. Wait, 'arms'? Since when did Yang have 2 arms again? And where did she get that scar?

"Yang, your, your arm. H-how did you…?"

"Oh, right. I got it all patched up. It's a long story. I'll tell you later."

Well, OK, I guess! It's just so good to see Yang again! And she got her arm back! Yay! She won't be sad anymore!

"Well, isn't this nice? Now you two can die together, and fully armed as well."

How dare Cinder say something like that! It's time for one of our Super Ultimate Awesome Sister Attacks of Doom! Yang and I haven't done that since before she left Signal.


*third person P.O.V*

Yang immediately started shooting at Cinder. While Yang was shooting, Ruby activated her semblance and got behind Cinder. She then started shooting a few rounds at Cinder. Due to her power, however, they failed to kill Cinder, but still got her attention. The Fall Maiden sent 2 balls of flames at both sisters, who barely managed to jump out of the way.

Cinder shot several more bursts of flame at Yang and Ruby, who continued to dodge. Once they were together, Cinder made two walls of flame trapping the sisters.

"I had hoped for more of a fight, oh well, at least you have proven to be entertaining."

With that, Cinder called down a lightning strike, and aimed it at Yang and Ruby. The sisters grabbed each other, preparing for death by electrocution.

But before the lightning could hit them, a glyph appeared between the sisters and the lightning bolt. Another glyph came and summoned a large sword, knocking Cinder to the ground. That could only mean one thing.

"Weiss, is that you?" Ruby asked.

"Please, do you really think I would miss this? Of course not, you dolt!" Weiss said.

Yang then said "Alright, princess, glad you could make it. But how did you get out of Atlas?"

"Come on, Yang. You should know that there isn't a place in Remnant that can hold a Schnee for long."

Cinder then got up again and prepared to attack.

"Well, well. The child, the heiress, and the bimbo. All that's left is your emo cat friend and your failure is complete."

Cinder then launched another lightning bolt at the three of them. It was blocked by another glyph, and then Ruby shouted,

"Freezerburn!"

Weiss used some earth dust to make a large rock, and Yang punched it toward Cinder. Cinder used her own powers to destroy the rock, but was still hit by several large fragments. Yang then jumped up and attempted to punch Cinder, but she simply knocked Yang down with a burst of her powers, sending the blonde girl into a crater.

Unfortunately, Cinder did not know that she had only made Yang stronger. Ruby then came up with another plan.

"Weiss, distract her!"

Weiss did as she was told, shooting several rounds of dust at Cinder and turning her attention away from the sisters. Once Yang pulled herself out of the crater, Ruby shouted,

"Sunflower!"

Yang then picked up Ruby and threw her toward Cinder with all the strength she could muster. Once the scythe wielder was close, she swung Crescent Rose at Cinder, making a sizeable cut into her back. Cinder grunted in pain as Ruby landed gracefully on he feet.

"Enough of these childish games!" Cinder shouted. She mustered up a great deal of her maiden power and pooled it into a large arrow aimed at the three girls.

"Farewell, you annoying pests, I would say it's been a pleasure, but that would be a lie."

Before Cinder's hand let go of the bow string, a katana swiped at her legs, causing her grip to falter, and the arrow to go above the heads of Ruby, Weiss, and Yang. The three girls looked at what it was that struck Cinder, and they saw a black haired girl with a bow atop her head.

"Blake? Is that you?"

"I had heard of a possible lead at Haven Academy, but I didn't expect to see anyone I knew here." Blake said.

"Alright! Team RWBY is back together again!" Ruby shouted excitedly.

"Perhaps, but you won't be together for long." Cinder said.

With that, Cinder shot several arrows at all 4 girls, who instantly dodged. Ruby then came up with another plan.

"Checkmate!"

Blake and Weiss ran forward, and Weiss handed Blake a new dust clip. Weiss used her glyphs as stepping stones in order to strike Cinder from multiple angles. The Fall Maiden was having a hard time keeping up with the heiress. At the same time, Blake used her ninja skills to strike Cinder, and after each strike, used her semblance to get back on the ground and strike again. Every time Cinder tried to strike Blake, it was just a shadow clone made of dust, which exploded, causing more damage to her, making Cinder fall to the ground.

"Ladybug!"

Blake and Ruby locked arms, and they ran forward as fast as Ruby's semblance would allow. Once they were right next to Cinder, they both swung their respective weapons at her. When Cinder tried to strike them back, they simply vanished. Shadow clones. The 2 girls' semblances combined proved to be a devastating combination. Ruby and Blake repeated the process several times until Cinder fell to her knees.

"I… will not… allow myself… to lose… to a bunch… of worthless brats!" Cinder screamed as she got back on her feet. It was at this point Ruby decided to play her ultimate trump card.

"Alright girls, let's do this. Pollination!"

Cinder put up a fight to the best of her ability, but all 4 girls were attacking her from multiple angles, and Cinder had already lost a great deal of aura. It all ended when Ruby swung her scythe at Cinder's face, leaving an ugly scar and depleting the last of her aura.

"Alright! We did it girls! We beat her!" Yang exclaimed.


*Ruby's P.O.V*

I can't believe we did it! Cinder's beaten! We beat the bad guys! Who knows what other terrible things they would have done if it weren't for us?

"Yes, good job Yang. And you too, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake."

Wait, is that Yang's boyfriend? It is. I can't believe he's here, too. And Jaune, Ren, and Nora are here, too. But wait, where's my boyfriend? Where's Petey?

"Hey Jaune? Where's Petey?"

"Huh, I don't know. He was here just a moment ago."

What? How could he have just fallen behind like that? Is he alright? What could have happened to him?!

Oh, there he is. Thank goodness. I guess I was worrying over nothing. What took him so long?

"Petey! There you are! Where were you?"

"You needn't fret, Ruby. I was merely having a word with some soldiers of Vacuo's military that just so happen to be here. They were apprehending Mercury and his associate, Emerald. I had to make sure they also retrieved their little ice cream themed accomplice that I defeated yesterday. Evidently, her name is 'Neo', or at least, that is what Mercury said before he was silenced by the soldiers. Never mind me, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to follow me in apprehending Mercury and Emerald."

"Oh, well, I kinda ran into Cinder and started to fight her. Them my sister and my old team showed up and we took her down. Now we just have to lock her up, too. You said there were Vacuo soldiers here?"

"Now we just have to call them again so the ringleader here can be arrested."

Uhh, yeah. What Yang's boyfriend just said. Wait, how did he know that there were soldiers here? Was he listening in on our conversation? Or was he talking to Yang?

"Ringleader? You think I'm the leader?"

Wait, Cinder's not the one in charge? Then who is? Mercury? That Neo girl? Maybe that Adam guy Petey mentioned earlier?

"Oh no, I am not the one in charge. The real 'ringleader' is much worse. You will never beat her. LONG LIVE… *incoherent babbling*"

Whoa! Where did Yang's boyfriend get a taser?

"What? Why are you all looking at me like that? So what if I tased her? She was getting on my nerves."

Really? He couldn't have at least waited until she told us who the big bad guy is? C'mon, dude.

"Personally, I believe Mr. Vremeni did the right thing."

Hold on, is that…? Where did he come from? How did Professor Ozpin get here? Oh well, I guess this means we'll be going back to Beacon soon. It's about time.


*Later, outside a rebuilt Beacon Academy*

Phew. I'm glad to have the school back. Things can finally go back to the way they were. The way they should be. I hope we never have to do something like this again.

"It's gonna be nice to have things back to the way they were, huh Petey?"

"That is where you are incorrect, Ruby. Things will never truly go back to the way they were. We are no longer the optimistic youths who thought we could take on the world. We all received a harsh lesson about how unforgiving the real world truly can be. From here on out, it's only going to get harder."

Oh, well, I guess he's right. It's going to be a long time before we're ready to take on what really lies ahead of us. We still have a lot to learn.

"Well, as long as I have my team, my friends, and my you, Petey, I'm sure we can find a way to beat whatever the unforgiving world wants to throw at us."

"Indeed Ruby. As long as we stand united, the forces of darkness in this world shall never overtake us. And there's no one I'd rather face it with than you."

"I feel the same way Petey. I hope you and I stay close for a long time."

*hugs Petey*

"I'm quite certain we will, Ruby. You truly are one of the most exquisite creatures on this planet. Very kind, very smart, and very beautiful, as well. What I mean to say is, well… I believe that I am in love with you, Ruby."

WHAT?! Is he serious? He is! Well, he is kinda my boyfriend. But how do I feel? How do I feel? I feel… I feel really good. What is this feeling?

Is… is this really…?

"I… uhh… I think… I think I love you too, Petey."

"Then, you would not mind if I were to do this?"

*Petey kisses Ruby*

"Nope."

*they resume kissing*


And it's done! It's finally done! At long, long last, I'm done with this chapter!

I'm really sorry that it took so long for me to get up. Truly I am. I really have no excuse as to why it took so long. All I can say is, I hope all my future chapters don't take as long. But don't hold your breath.

In regard to the fight with Neo, I know there are probably some of you that are wondering why (or more likely, are upset that) she lost. Well, this is my story and I'll do what I want! Besides, despite what many of you might think, Neo's not perfect. She is capable of being caught by surprise, and she is capable of feeling fear. Therefore, it stands to reason that she can also feel sadness or anger. Ultimately, that was her downfall here. Angry fighters aren't usually smart fighters. Just look what happened when an angry Yang went up against Adam. But fret not, Neo fans. She shall make another appearance in a later chapter of this story. And I plan on making her a significantly tougher opponent that time around.

Also, with the fight of RWBY vs Cinder, I kinda copied it from my other story. I didn't know what else to do. I didn't want this chapter to be focused solely on Neo and Petey. I believe I once said there would be some crossovers between this story and my other one, but not like this. Rest assured, I won't do it again. Any and all cross references between my two stories in the future will be small. Also, sorry if the ending was kinda sappy. I'll try to keep the sappiness to a minimum from now on.

All that aside, how was this chapter? I would appreciate some feedback. But please be nice. I WILL NOT tolerate flames. Any and all flames WILL be extinguished.

Until I decide to post the next chapter, which hopefully will take less than a month and a half this time, see ya around. Aloha!