Marty and Alex walked through the streets of Mistral. They didn't realize, but Velvet and Frost had been separated from the group. Marty soon did realize that his girlfriend was no longer beside him. He soon began frantically looking for her. Alex realized Frost wasn't with them either and also began searching.
They finally found their faunus friends, but they were being harassed by a group of seven guys.
"Dirty Faunus!" one yelled.
The group had Velvet and Frost corned against a wall.
"This level is a little high for your kind," another said.
Frost had Velvet behind him. One of the guys began throwing stuff at the pair. The others soon joined in. Frost was running out of patience. He finally snapped when one of the guys threw a rock at Velvet. Frost pulled out his staff and pointed it at the group.
The guys started to back off. Frost flipped the blades out of the staff and the guys ran away. Frost put his staff away and went to check on Velvet. She was holding a section of her forehead with her hand. Frost went to move her hand and she winced in pain.
Frost gently removed her hand and examined her forehead. Velvet had a inch long cut right above her eyebrow. Frost was furious once he saw the cut. He grabbed some bandages from his backpack. He gently placed a bandage on Velvet's wound.
"Thanks Frost," Velvet smiled at Frost.
Frost smiled back and looked around. Marty and Alex ran up to the pair.
"Velvet, are you okay," Marty's face was full of worry.
"Of course, just a scratch," She giggled.
"Come on Marty, I think I've seen enough of Mistral," Frost walked off.
"Yeah, Qrow should be waiting for us at Haven," Alex walked off with Frost.
Marty grabbed Velvet's hand and the two walked off together.
XXX XXX XXX
Ryden, Midnight and Canary walked through the forest. Midnight lead the trio. He was the only one who knew where the Branwen tribe was. The Trio soon came upon a wooden wall, it was made out of large wood stakes. The sky was cloudy and suddenly there was a strong gust of wind. Midnight looked at Ryden.
"Maiden," Midnight whispered.
Ryden nodded and ran over to the wall. He pressed himself up against it. The other two also ran over to the wall and pressed themselves against it. The trio snuck around to the gate. The guards had already been taken out. Ryden pulled out Crimson Inferno.
The trio nodded to each other and busted into the campsite. Standing before them was bad news for the trio. Stood in front of them was Raven, the maiden, Cinder, Watts, Emerald, Mercury, Autumn and Rook. Ryden noticed Cinder looked like she had gotten out of a battle, the girl had dirt covering her face, minor bruises all over her body and she looked exhausted.
Everyone in the campsite looked over to the trio. Everyone drew their weapons, except for Watts. Rook waved his hands and created a wall of rock that blocked the entrance.
"Ryden, get spring, Canary and I can take these fools," Midnight transformed his swords into his bow form.
Ryden warped over to Vernal. He quickly incapacitated her, by chopping her neck. Ryden grabbed Vernal and threw her over his shoulder, Ryden went to warp, but Rook fired a rock spear at him. Ryden dropped Vernal and dodged the attack by ducking.
Ryden shot a fireball at Rook. The Earth Elder raised his hands and a wall of rock rose from the ground. The white ball of fire hit the wall and exploded. Rook then transformed the wall into a wall of spears and sent them sliding toward Ryden.
Ryden formed a fist and fire punched the wall exploding it. He looked over to Midnight.
Midnight was fighting Emerald and Mercury. Emerald charged him and slashed at Midnight violently. Midnight transformed his bow back into swords. He blocked Emeralds attacks and kicked her back.
Mercury flew through the air toward Midnight. He brought his blades up over his head and blocked Mercury's attack. Mercury's boot landed right on Midnight's swords. Midnight threw Mercury into the air and unleashed a flurry of blows and knocked Mercury to the ground. Mercury's aura was depleted and he laid on the ground motionless.
Emerald threw her chain at Midnight. He spun around and stabbed the chain into the ground with one oh his blades. Emerald used her remaining gun to shoot at Midnight. He easily blocked the bullets. Midnight leapt at Emerald and his blade connected him her head, or so he thought. Emerald disappeared and Midnight saw only blackness.
"What's the matter? Isn't your semblance illusions?" Emerald taunted from the shadows.
Midnight looked around and tried to conquer the illusion, but he failed. Ryden noticed Midnight wasn't doing well and warped over to Emerald. He kicked her legs out and brought his blade down on her while she laid on the ground. Her aura was instantly drained.
Canary blitzed toward Cinder. Canary summoned an ice sword and slashed at her chest. Cinder summoned a fire sword and blocked the attack. Steam rose as the swords pressed into each other. Canary summoned water dust and blasted Cinder back with a blast of water. Canary reloaded his gauntlet with more lightning dust.
Canary blitzed around Cinder. He blitzed toward Cinder and knocked her off her feet with a punch to the face. Canary blitzed back around and kicked her upwards. Canary stopped blitzing and loaded his gauntlet with gravity dust. Canary kicked off the ground and flew toward Cinder. He knocked her to the ground.
Cinder collided with the ground and slowly stood up. She was about to shot Canary from the sky, but Watts stopped her.
"Enough!" he commanded.
Midnight and Ryden looked over to the man.
"I'm sure we can be civil, why don't we strike a deal?" He looked to Cinder than to Midnight.
Midnight sheathed his blades and began walking over to Watts. Ryden stabbed his blade into the ground and leaned on it. Canary slowly floated back down and landed next to Midnight. Watts walked up to the pair.
Vernal had woken up at this point and was conversing with Raven about what they should do.
"Why did you come here?" Watts asked.
"Simple we came here to ask Raven to use her semblance to take us to Qrow, we want a certain red hooded silver eyed girl dead," Midnight lied.
"Well, I like these boys already," Cinder walked up.
"Watch it lady, I just want to hurt Frost," Midnight replied.
"Oh, is dear Frost no longer with you?" Cinder sneered.
"None of your concern," Canary growled.
"I'd keep your pet in check," Cinder snarled.
"Pet?" Canary launched forward, but Midnight stopped him with his arm.
"Why did you come here? Please answer truthfully," Midnight sighed.
"We came to get the spring maiden," Cinder answered.
"Yes indeed, how about you three? We are going to attack Haven and retrieve a relic, I'm sure that silver eyed girl will be there," Watts added.
"Sounds like you got yourselves three helpers," Midnight stuck his hand out.
"Good," Watts shook Midnight's hand.
Midnight broke the handshake and turned to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Watts called after him.
"To converse the plan with my partner," Midnight walked toward Ryden.
Canary walked next to Midnight.
"You know, one should never make deals with the devil," Canary said.
"I know, they however didn't," Midnight smiled deviously.
XXX XXX XXX
Currant slowly opened his eyes. He noticed the airship wasn't moving. He broke away from Weiss's cuddle. Currant stood up and walked to the cockpit, no one was there. Currant looked outside the airship and noticed it was surrounded by police.
Standing in the crowd of police and pointing at the airship was the pilot. Currant made fists and snapped. He threw a bolt of red lightning out of the windshield of the airship and struck the pilot, killing him.
The police drew their guns and opened fired. Currant leapt back into the cargo bay. Weiss has started to wake up. She sat up and groggily rubbed her eyes. Currant was thinking of what to do.
"Release the heiress," A voice bullhorn boomed from outside.
"What's going on?" Weiss panically asked.
"We are being surrounded by the police," Currant replied.
"You dunce," Weiss stood up.
"Weiss piggy back," Currant turned around and offered his back.
"Why?" Weiss skeptically looked at Currant.
"Just do it," He rolled his eyes.
Weiss walked over and climbed onto Currant. Currant opened the door and blitzed out of the airship. The police attempted to shoot him, but stopped once they realized he had Weiss with him.
Currant shot away from the hanager. Weiss could barely see anything, due to the wind hitting her face. Currant ran far and he soon realized they were in the city of Mistral.
Currant ran to Haven. He quickly searched the school grounds. Once he was done he blitzed away. Currant stopped when he accidently bumped into someone. Currant turned around to apologize to the person, but was left speechless. Yang stood in front of him, she was in awe by the sight in front of her.
Yang quickly recovered and her eyes turned a crimson red. Currant gently let Weiss off of his back.
"What're you doing here?" Yang growled.
"I was giving the heiress a lift," Currant shrugged.
"You have three seconds to run before I clock you," Yang threatened.
"Sure thing," Currant turned around and planted a passionate kiss on Weiss's lips.
Weiss accepted the kiss and the two didn't break away until air became a necessity. Weiss's sapphire eyes pleaded with Currant's sky blue ones, her eyes begged him to stay. Currant hugged Weiss and than he blitzed away, leaving Weiss alone with Yang.
Yang ran up and hugged Weiss. The two then conversed and caught up. They then headed for Qrow and Ruby.
XXX XXX XXX
Marty opened the door to the home and was shocked by what he saw. Weiss and Yang were hugging Ruby. Alex and Velvet walked in and gasped in surprise. Frost just smiled at the two.
"Hey guys," Yang waved.
"Hey," Alex stuttered.
"Well don't just stand there you dunces, come join in," Weiss smiled.
Marty and Velvet walked over and joined the group hug. Alex was about to, but he noticed Frost wasn't moving. Alex turned around and looked at Frost strangely. Alex shrugged and walked over to join in the hug.
"We missed you guys, so much," Velvet had tears in her eyes.
"So did we," Yang smiled.
Frost slightly smiled at the sight, but it quickly faded. He was trying to be his own person, he couldn't let Pat's feelings and memories get in the way of that.
"Marty, could I talk to you privately please?" Yang broke away from the hug.
"Sure," Marty also broke away from the hug and walked with Yang over to a corner.
"Currant is here," Her voice was solemn.
"What? Imposible," Marty replied.
"No, I saw him and he might have a weakness," Yang looked back to the group.
"What?" Marty inquired.
"Weiss," Yang quietly said.
"You're kidding," Marty looked at Yang in confusion.
"He was kissing her when I came across him," Yang said.
"Alright, I'll think on that," Marty turned to walk away.
Marty strolled back to the group. Yang glared at Frost, who was just hovering by the door. Frost saw Yang's expression and he looked at the ground. Frot felt like he didn't belong with the group.
"Come on let's get dinner ready," Marty marched into the kitchen.
Frost turned around and put his hand on the door. He was about to turn the handle, but he felt a soft hand tap his shoulder. He turned around and looked down at Ruby's smiling face.
"Hey little red, I mean Ruby, sorry," Frost rubbed his neck nervously.
"Where do you think you're going?" She grinned.
"Oh sorry I was.." Frost was interrupted by the young girl.
"No, you should come eat with us," She beamed at Frost.
"Uh sure," Frost said uncertain.
"Great," Ruby grabbed Frost's hand and dragged him to the kitchen area.
Ren, Marty and Velvet were preparing a meal for the group. They smiled and laughed as they cooked. Ruby dragged Frost to the dinner table. She sat down and patted the seat next to her. Frost sat down next down to the girl. Alex walked over and sat next to Frost.
"Dinner is ready," Ren came over with a pot of food.
Marty and Velvet carried bowls and forks over. The group served themselves and began conversing. Weiss recountered her adventures. The group looked over to Ruby and Alex.
"So how did the two of you defeat Tyrian?" Jaune asked.
"Oh I didn't, Alex did," Ruby pointed to Alex.
Marty heard this and almost choked on his food. He gasped for air. Once he was fine and not choking, Marty stared at Alex in awe.
"Alex, how did you manage that?" Marty was leaning onto the table.
"I well, I had some help from a ghost I think we all know very well," Alex looked around the table at everyone's faces.
"Pat?" Frost finally spoke up.
"Yeah, he appeared to me and gave me the ability to use lightning," Alex looked down at his hand, yellow lightning raced around it.
"So Weiss, how's smooching with a clone?" Nora slyly asked.
Weiss blushed heavily when she heard Nora's words.
"It was fine," She quickly.
"Oh yeah? Nothing more?" Nora grinned at Weiss.
"I so did not miss you people," Weiss looked down at her food.
Frost stood up and began to walk away. Alex stood up and followed him. Frost approached the exit of the kitchen, he turned around and faced the group.
"Ruby, is there an area for training?" Frost asked.
Ruby nodded her head and pointed to a staircase. Frost waved and left, Alex followed. Frost walked down the stair and ended up in the backyard of the house. Alex continued to follow. Frost pulled out his staff and transformed it into a short sword.
Alex gasped in awe, gaining the attention of Frost. Alex walked toward the weapon and examined it.
"Want to spar?" Frost grinned down at Alex.
"Yes," Alex smiled.
Back upstairs Ozpin had called everyone, expect for Frost and Alex, to a meeting. He was answering everyone's questions. Once that was over with, Ruby wanted to spend time with Frost. She knew he wasn't Pat, but Frost reminded her of him so she didn't care.
She walked down the stairs and into the backyard. She gasped at what she saw, but soon began to smile.
Alex was on the ground panting and Frost stood above him. The yard was a mess, with craters everywhere and scorch marks covered the ground. Frost was also panting and pointed his staff down at Alex.
Frost smiled and brought his staff up. He offered Alex a hand, which Alex smiled and accepted. Frost pull Alex to his feet and laughed at how dirty Alex had gotten. Alex attempted to brush off the dirt. Pat's green jacket had taken a beating.
"Frost," Ruby giggled and ran over to the pair.
Frost waved to her. Ruby tackled Frost into a hug. The two fell to the ground, both were laughing. Ruby laid on top of Frost. She smiled down at him. Ruby quickly lost her smile.
Ruby was conflicted, she wanted to love Frost, but she knew deep down that it wouldn't be the same. Frost also felt the same, he wanted to love Ruby, but he knew that he wasn't Pat and it would always be different.
The two seperated and stood up, both of them were blushing. Alex coughed and broke the silence. He looked at Frost.
Frost looked at Alex and even though Alex was sixteen, he still saw the face of the fifteen year old. Frost smiled and messed up Alex's hair. Frost turned to walk inside, the sun was setting. Yang and Marty watched from the window of the house. They glared at Frost and looked at him with disgust. Frost didn't notice them and just kept walking. Ruby and Alex walked next to him and the trio walked and laughed together.
Ruby entered the house and went to her room. She entered and got changed into her pajamas. Ruby walked into the bathroom and brushed her teeth, once that was done she walked back to her room.
Ruby flopped onto the bed and quickly fell asleep.
XXX XXX XXX
Ruby stood in a forest. She looked around and saw a small light in the distance. She walked toward it and gasped. Pat sat around a small fire, he was holding a pair of tweezers. Ruby noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt and he had an open wound in his side.
Pat took the tweezers and attempted to extract the bullet. He winced in pain as he grabbed the round and pulled it out. Once that was done he took out a spare knife and stuck it in the fire.
Pat took his garnet red jacket and bit the sleeve. Pat took the red hot knife out of the fire and placed the blade against his wound. He scream was muffled by the sleeve in his mouth.
Pat took the blade of his skin and looked at the wound, it was clotted. He sighed in relief. Pat's eyes quickly darted to where Ruby was, the young girl yelped. Pat couldn't see nor hear her, but he knew someone was watching. Pat grabbed his katana and threw it at Ruby.
XXX XXX XXX
Ruby awakened and shot up. She screamed and was panting. Her bed was soaked in sweat. Yang busted into the room. She looked around and finally looked at her sister. The room was dark and the stars outside provided poor lighting.
"Are you okay?" Yang worriedly asked.
"Yeah, just a nightmare," Ruby laid back down.
Yang gave Ruby an odd look and shut the door. Ruby started laughing at the dream.
"Pat's dead, it was just a dream," She quickly fell back asleep.
XXX XXX XXX
Pat watched the area he threw his sword. He sighed in relief as he no longer felt summon was watching him. His relief was shattered when he heard footsteps and twigs snapping. He grabbed his jacket and covered the fire, it quickly went out.
He looked toward the sound. Pat scanned the forest and saw Rook stomping around. He grabbed his remaining gear and ducked behind a fallen tree. He gazed over the tree and saw Autumn was investigating his old campsite. She poked the fire a bit and grinned.
"Rook, he's some around here," She called over to her partner.
Pat knew he would have to play this smart. He began digging holes.
XXX XXX XXX
So next chapter is the volume's finale.
Fact: Autumn likes Timo
Bonus fact: when and Elder Guardian uses their powers, the goddesses are actually lending them part of their power.