November has Come

The morning after Halloween, Lake woke up in a cold sweat. He shot up like a bullet, gasping for air. From the top-bunk of their bed, he looked down at Roxo, who was sprawled out like a starfish, and snoring like a pig. Rain fell down in a thin mist outside, letting cold gray light into the room.

Teal didn't stir, even with all the creaking Lake was making as he descended down the makeshift bunk ladder. He fell asleep with a pair of shades where the lenses were shaped into "18" on both eyes.

God knows where he found that, Lake thought, drifting across the cold wood floors towards the bathroom. He groaned and stepped into the shower, humming quietly to himself, content with being alone while everyone still slept.

"Morning, sleeping beauty." Magnolia said as she passed through the hallway, steaming coffee in her hand. She was already…dressed, but apparently decided to shake it up today.

Lake leaned in the doorway, wearing only a towel around his waist. He sized her up and down, almost grimacing at her outfit.

"Deciding to change it up?" He asked.

"What, you don't like it?" Magnolia crossed her arms, flaunting a maroon pea coat, and the pink shirt underneath. Her matching pink skirt hung above her knees in thin ruffles, and white fishnet tights led into her boots.

Lake's cheeks turned as pink as her shirt, "Yes. I think it looks fine on you."

"Don't get any bright ideas, boy," she scolded, heading downstairs into the common room. Lake got dressed as well—the jeans, motorcycle jacket, and same sneakers he always wore—and followed her down.

"What are you doing up so early anyways? It's our off week." Lake questioned.

"I was…out." Magnolia stated creeping into the kitchen.

In the moment of silence, the T.V suddenly whirred to life. The news immediately displayed numerous amounts of grimm in parts of Vale. Huntsman and Huntresses, however, kept them at bay.

"Halloween tricks, games, and supposedly harmless pranks have put neighborhoods and rural areas susceptible to grimm attacks." The anchor explained, "To all huntsman and huntresses in the area, we need your help."

Lake looked over at Magnolia. She lit up her knuckles, and activated the gears in her boots. He turned the safety off of the Skyfall's Flame and cocked the gun, and summoned a blade of ice to fill the hilt.

"Looks like we've got people to save." Lake said, just as Roxo and Teal came clambering down the stairs. Roxo was stumbling down the last steps to get pants on, while Teal accidentally sent a lightning bolt into Lake in a sudden fit.

"Teal!" Lake grunted, almost collapsing to the floor.

"Sorry Lake." Teal took a deep breath, making sure Lake could get up safely.

[Line Break]

The city streets were empty, but as they continued farther into the outskirts of Vale—towards the walls—the mist started to settle in. Lake took a deep breath. Atlas soldiers lined the walls, knocking out nearby Beowolves. A row of Goliaths lined up across the field, intently stampeding towards the city. People inside buildings looked out from their windows in horror, feeding the Grimm with their fear.

"Huntsman?" One of the soldier's asked.

Teal nodded, and everyone readied their weapons.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

Teal glanced over at his team, "Yeah?"

Lake stomped forward, "Yeah!"

Teal chased after Lake, zipping through the blades of grass and the Beowolves as effortlessly as cake. Meanwhile, Roxo captured the attention of two Goliaths, growling at him decisively. Out of nowhere, Magnolia sprinted up Roxo's back and leapt off of his shoulders, socking the monster in its faceplate, leaving behind black scorch marks from fire dust. The second Goliath wasted no time hurling itself towards Roxo.

"Watch out!" Magnolia shouted, reaching for him. Roxo gasped, and his scythe got caught in between the tusks of the Grimm, causing the creature to shake its head profusely.

Lake looked back for a second, "Roxo!"

Roxo panted, falling back to the ground quickly. He flipped his scythe around, slicing the Grimm in half in a messy spin. He hit the ground, landing hard on his knees. Teal and Lake both rushed to his side.

Teal grabbed him by the shoulder, "Are you alright?"

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine," Roxo staggered. Amidst their distraught, pack of Beowolves surrounded the four of them. Magnolia clenched her fists, and dropped her heel into one of them with a fiery flick of her heel. It whimpered and slumped to the ground, dissipating into ash. From another side of the city, the wall collapsed, letting a large Taijitu unravel itself in the streets.

"Teal!" Lake shouted, rushing over to deal with the problem.

"Right!" Teal followed after him, "Magnolia! Roxo! Take care of this side, Lake and I will be over there!"

She nodded, standing behind Roxo as Grimm surrounded them. She hurled punches back and forth, too quick for the human eye to comprehend, while Roxo lured the monsters into his scythe, ripping them to pieces group by group.

Lake ran, cutlass in hand aside Teal, cutting off a pair of Taijitu at a street corner. Three figures on a rooftop watched them experimentally, one wearing a short red dress, the other in a white coat with a cigar and cane in hand, and a girl with emerald green hair. Teal didn't seem to notice them, so Lake paid no attention to it.

The Taijitu hissed in front of him, bearing its fangs. Teal was busy with the other serpent, leaving Lake to his own devices. He aimed hi sword at it, firing crystal blue bullets at it. He ducked when it lunged for him, dragging his icy blade across its stomach.

"Let's hope this works." Lake said, and stood on top of the creature, focusing his energy on his jacket. The seams glowed blue from Dust lining his clothing. The reel on the back that loaded his sword flashed, and a circle of glyphs appeared around him. With a flick of his wrist, a jet of water speared through the head of the Taijitu, making it fade into ash before it could even fall to the ground.

Lake cheered, and watched as Teal ran around the creature in circles, tying it into a knot. He swung his guitar-axe down the center, chopping into pitch-black pieces. He swung the weapon over his shoulders, flashing a toothy grin at his partner. Lake rolled his eyes, and suddenly rushed over to assist an elderly couple hiding behind a street corner.

"Teal!" He shouted, helping the man sit down. He was breathing heavily, as if traumatized by the monstrous Grimm. His wife didn't speak English (or whatever the language is on Remnant), but luckily, Lake could understand. She spoke rapid Korean, leaving only tiny bits and pieces for Lake to understand.

"Jinjeonghae." He muttered, repeating it slowly until the woman took a deep breath. She apologized, and started over. Teal got off his scroll, and rushed over to Lake.

"What happened?" He asked.

"I was awesome at Korean that's what." He said, "We have to get this couple to their condo down the street."

"Oh my god you speak Korean? I love K-Pop!" Teal squealed, helping the old man back on his feet. Lake shuddered, suddenly regretting saying anything about his native language.

"Let's just focus on what we have to do first, Teal." He said, feeling heat rise under his nose and in his cheeks.

Magnolia and Roxo were almost out of breath. They anticipated the next—hopefully final—wave of Grimm. Roxo's clothes were tattered, his bowtie undone, his shirt untucked, and his shoes scuffed with dirt. Magnolia heaved deep breaths, and had to tie her hair in a huge, messy ponytail.

"I'll take it from here, kiddos." An older, raspy voice relaxed behind them.

"Qrow!" Roxo cheered. He was so battle-weary he didn't even realize the man was behind them.

"You know him?" Magnolia chided.

"What's up flower girl? Didn't think I'd see you like this." Qrow took his sword out from behind him stepping aside the two.

"Didn't think you'd be drinking still, but look where we are."

Qrow chuckled, "Good one. She's a keeper, Roxo."

Roxo flushed red, "I'm already…no."

Magnolia sighed, "Oh…"

Qrow drank, and gestured the kids to leave, "What are you kids waiting for? Your friends need you!"

Magnolia and Roxo immediately ran into the city, finding Lake and Teal accompanied by Team LTVS, as well as headmistress Glynda.

"It's about time you showed up!" Lilac shouted, as she plowed through a group of Ursa. Magnolia smiled dryly at her, as Roxo joined in the battle.