So, the site has been acting up lately. It hasn't been sending out notifications and it isn't updating the crossover page. In case this isn't fixed by next week, the next chapter will be uploaded before noon next Tuesday like normal.

My in depth review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2: I am Groot! OOPS! Spoilers... Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, stick around till the end of the credits. There are 5 post credit scenes this time around.

Another thing, this story has breached 200,000 words. Again, not counting it official until it says 210,000 because of Author's notes...and the horizontal lines that are apparently worth a few hundred words themselves for whatever reason...

Ruby stretched her back by Cerise' side. It turned out sleeping against her dragon's belly while on rock didn't agree with her body. Everything yelled at her at the same time. The past two nights were the first in a while when she didn't have something padded beneath her. It might be better to ask Cerise if she could sleep on one of her wings.

A bunch of words flashed in front of Ruby's right eye. They stopped swirling and said that she and Aaron had a meeting with the heads of the Varden soon. It wouldn't do her any good to keep them waiting, even though she wanted a little more sleep. Such was the life of a leader. Not a lot of sleep, and a lot of meetings, and likely paperwork when she got back to Remnant.

That last thought made Ruby freeze in her stretch. The Riders were an Alagaësian institution. Would it be a good idea for her and all the Riders to leave? Up until Galbatorix' betrayal, the Riders defended Alagaësia for centuries. The elves would certainly want to see the Riders back. They loved the dragons, and from the little time she spent among them, Ruby thought they followed the dragons like a cult at points.

The other races most likely wouldn't think so. Humans living in Alagaësia could go either way, and if the feeling around Tronjheim was any indication, the dwarves would prefer that the dragons didn't come back at all. Urgals…Ruby didn't know. She hadn't even seen any, and everything she heard about them was hateful. There had to be more to them than just raiding villages. But considering what Galbatorix did to them, they probably wouldn't be the most supportive of having more Riders around.

Ruby shook her head. This was not her concern at the moment. She had a government to topple without throwing the Empire into anarchy…That's a strange line of thinking, but it's true.

There is going to be a power vacuum after we kill the Traitor, Cerise agreed. We'll figure this out with the others.

You're probably right. Ruby patted her dragon's head, then peeked over to where Weiss and Saphira slept together. The hatchling sprawled out on her Rider's chest, with her small wings blanketing Weiss' sides. Her head nestled underneath her Rider's chin. Both of Weiss' hands rested on the hatchling's back. She had a content smile on her face as well. People wouldn't be able to tell she had a recent traumatic experience just by looking at her.

Cerise nudged and turned Ruby toward the cave exit. Come on, Ruby. We need to be somewhere else. She lifted her head and looked out to the Dragonhold. Vert, could you look over these two while we're gone?

Vert raised his head and hummed. Of course. It will be good practice for when our own eggs hatch.

"Don't use Saphira as a test dummy," Ruby scolded. "I don't think Weiss would appreciate that."

I won't. Vert took Cerise' spot at the mouth of the cave.

Ruby and Cerise met up with Aaron and Nalia in the center of Isidar Mithrim. "You ready for this Ruby?" Aaron asked.

"As ready as I can be. How do I look?"

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Like you? I'm not exactly the person to ask, and since when do you care about how you look."

"Considering I'm about to tell the leadership of the Varden we're doing things my way and that they follow along or get left behind, I'd like to look like I know what I'm doing. Normal happy go lucky me won't work."

"Oh. In that case," Aaron nodded at Ruby's right arm. "Lose the skin. It'll show you're battle hardened, and will leave quite the impression on King Hrothgar."

Ruby looked at her arm. She had to admit, this model still looked cool without the skin. It wasn't her Mk II or V with the built in Pauldron and emblem, but it was still painted all black with the red stripe. Back on Remnant, she would sometimes walk around without the skin on her arm. It always commanded attention from people on the street, but more importantly, respect from soldiers and other Huntsmen. It may very well have the same effect here.

"You know, you're right. Cerise?" Her dragon knelt while Ruby turned off the power to the skin. Unlike earlier models, she could just pull everything off like a glove. It sure saved time, and a lot of frustration. Ruby folded up the fake skin and stored it in one of Cerise' saddlebags. She rolled up her right sleeve to just above the connection to show that there is a difference. "This'll turn some heads. Now to figure out how to sound as confident as Ironwood or Ozpin."

Here's a tip, Cerise started, don't doubt. Doubt is obvious to any person in a leadership position. Go in with what you know and stick to it. I'm sure you've noticed this by now.

"Yes, I have." Ruby nodded. "Let's get down there. I don't think King Hrothgar appreciates tardiness."

That's a general rule for the dwarves. Nalia lay on her belly and Aaron climbed up.

"Learn that the hard way?" Ruby asked as she rose to Cerise' back.

No, but Saphira told us stories of her and Brom being late. Nalia blinked and looked to where the hatchling slept. That is going to get confusing fast.

Hopefully Brom is understanding. Cerise raised her head and her wings. Follow me. She jumped up and out of the Dragonhold without flapping her wings. From there, she glided down around the mountain city. So, if Ruby is the leader of the Riders, does that make me leader of the dragons?

Nalia's surprise and slight disappointment filtered off her. Yes. I suppose it does.

Ruby felt her dragon's back raise beneath her. Nalia, I believe you need to redo your agility training. It has been too long.

I'd like to see you make me, whelp. Nalia mentally and physically growled.

Is that insubordination I hear? Cerise sounded a little too pleased with herself.

Why don't we settle this the way the wild dragons did: on the battlefield. Whoever wins gets to be leader of the dragons.

This time, Cerise' back contracted between Ruby's legs. Upon further evaluation, your agility training is up to date. I will cross it off your schedule.

That's what I thought.

Ruby had to fight back a laugh. Aaron, you hear all that?

Yeah. Aaron laughed mentally as well. Sometimes our dragons show their age.

We heard that! Both Cerise and Nalia yelled at the same time.

Their Riders laughed out loud, but not very long. They were only a few dozen feet off the ground at that point. Ruby took a few deep breaths. Okay guys, time to get serious. We can make fun of each other after we explain to the Varden exactly what we're going to do.

Ruby and Aaron dismounted their dragons and entered the base of the mountain city. This time, the floor was packed with human and dwarf warriors and civilians wandering around. The humans gave their normal respect to the Riders, that is until they saw Ruby's metal arm. Then they just stared. Even the dwarves looked at the bionic limb. Ruby couldn't judge their faces as well as the humans, but it looked like they were impressed by the machinery.

Before, Ruby ignored most of the attention by having conversations with Cerise to get her mind off it. Others she tried to hide her head between her shoulders. Now, she held her head high and walked with purpose. The crowd parted like water as the Riders walked by. This was probably like the respect General Ironwood was shown in Atlas…Maybe the other way was better for day to day encounters. If normal people did this in Vale, Ruby would feel like she did something incredibly wrong.

Ruby led the way through the large tunnels to Deynor's office. As they approached, less and less people walked around, and they all carried some sort of weapons. The large doors to Deynor's office weren't that grand, but they were large enough to let Master Glaedr in with room to spare. Probably a leftover from the old Order.

The doors opened, letting the Riders and dragons into the office. Bookshelves lined the walls and were filled to the brim. Brom, Deynor, Lord Däthedr, and King Hrothgar stood around a table near the rear of the room. They all turned to the newcomers, but said nothing until the Riders reached the table.

"Now that you are here, we may begin," Deynor said.

"How fares the egg?" Däthedr asked.

Ruby allowed herself a small smile. "Hatched, healthy, and happy."

Däthedr and Brom straightened. "Is that so?" the elf asked.

"Who is the dragon's Rider?" Brom asked.

Ruby let her smile fall off and looked to Aaron. "This one you won't like," he said. "She hatched for Weiss Schnee."

Everyone at the table stiffened. "The one who only escaped captivity because one of her captors could hear everything she heard?" King Hrothgar demanded. His eyes briefly flicked to Ruby's metal arm.

"Yes, and the same one this council unanimously wanted to use to find a way into Urû'baen." Ruby paused to let that sink in. "Either way could prove disastrous, if she was a traitor."

"You do not believe this is the case?" Deynor asked.

Ruby shook her head. "Absolutely not. She will do whatever it takes to keep information out of the Traitor's hands...even if it means taking her own life. I experienced that first hand. Unless her memories have been altered by Galbatorix or one of the Forsworn, she is not willingly working for the Traitors." Her head dipped. "But there's still the possibility of one of them knowing her True Name, which we won't know until it's used against her. Her only problem right now now is that she still isn't sure if this is real or if she's still in one of Galbatorix' or Formora's manipulated dreams. That is completely up to her."

Again, silence reigned at the table. "How long until they can fight?" Deynor asked.

Nalia growled. If you are thinking of sending Saphira into combat, she will not be 'ready' for several months. She will not be able to hold her own against normal human warriors, much less larger dragons or Riders.

"Saphira?" Brom stared at Nalia, not moving a muscle. He looked like he'd seen a Geist.

Cerise lowered her head and fixed her eyes of Brom. It's the name the hatchling chose.

"Name or not," Ruby continued, "Weiss is a Rider now, which puts her solely under my command. I will not send her out into a situation she isn't capable of performing."

"So she will not lead us into Urû'baen?" Deynor gripped the table.

"I didn't say that. Weiss said she will help in any way she can. But we're doing this my way. After what she's been through and how she's acted, I believe it's safe to say we share the same mental condition. I know not to push her. It could take longer than just diving into her memories, but it will be more effective."

Deynor nodded at Ruby, but his eyes were narrowed. He evidently didn't like Ruby's resistance. Then again, he was being told what was going to happen by someone who was almost half his age. He was not going to like Ruby's plan.

"With that out of the way," King Hrothgar began, "I believe we should discuss our next moves against the Empire." Ruby didn't quite tune out this next part of the conversation, but she didn't pay attention either. Her idea could very well change all other plans. The Riders, JNPR, and Blake would be going through with Ruby's plan, with Varden and elf support, or none.

After an acceptable amount of time, and not hearing one crucial piece of information, Ruby rested her hands on the table. "Where is the army located?"

Eyes turned to the only elf in the room. "It is being mustered in Gil'ead. Ten-thousand men. More than the Varden can face now. It is believed their destination is Urû'baen."

I wouldn't be so sure. "How long would it take to reach there?"

The elf hesitated. "At fastest, I believe two weeks."

Ruby allowed herself a small smirk. "Perfect."

All other leaders stared at the head Rider. "What do you have planned?" Brom asked.

"We're going to cut off the head of the snake." The blank looks Ruby received didn't surprise her. The expression most likely exist in Alagaësia. "Look, we can raid supply caravans, ambush patrols, and maybe even liberate a few cities, but it won't matter. If army commanders here are anything like the ones Remnant used to have, those actions would hurt civilians more than the soldiers. At this point, they're going to fortify a few key positions and expect us to throw ourselves against the walls until we run out of bodies. When the army reaches Urû'baen, the city is going to be much harder to crack.

"If what Aaron told us back on Remnant and if everything I've heard here is true, most of the soldiers were forcefully conscripted. Another chunk is fighting for their home, their Kingdom. Very few believe what Galbatorix is doing is right. Only those soldiers are our enemies, none of the others. I'm sure many of them would drop their weapons and run if their commanders are killed."

"What are you planning?" Deynor asked.

"What I'm about to say is unprecedented in Alagaësia. Instead of going city by city and risking civilian lives, we go for the capital and take out their leadership."

"Assassination?" Däthedr crossed his arms.

Ruby scoffed. "We all know that might as well be impossible. It will be more like a targeted battle. I'm sure everyone here knows the true nature of our Bullheads by now. We can carry ten people in each, not counting pilot and copilot. Us Riders can focus on the Forsworn and Galbatorix, everyone else can focus on whatever defensive forces the city has."

King Hrothgar's laugh boomed off the bookcases. "You expect twenty men to hold off a city's defenders? I have every confidence in mine men, but it is impossible for so few to hold a city."

Aaron leaned forward. "Do you have bows that can fire over six hundred arrows per minute?" Silence filled the room. "We have that times six over the two Bullheads, eight counting Vert's guns. The Bullheads would only need to hold the courtyard in front of the Citadel. The soldiers would be mad to run into that kind of firepower."

Deynor sighed and lowered his head. "You sound like you have this figured out. What is stopping you from acting on this?"

"The power vacuum," Aaron said. "After Galbatorix is dead, the Empire will be without a King. Various Lords would scramble for power. Aroughs would most likely join Surda, but other cities would withdraw into themselves, or attack others for resources. It's happened in Remnant's history, this is one thing I believe can happen here too."

"We take Urû'baen, we take out our biggest threats. From there, you can focus on the other cities and bring them into the fold, hopefully without them splintering apart." Ruby looked to Lord Däthedr. "We'll also get the last two eggs in the Traitor's hands. They will be exposed to the elves first."

Däthedr stood still for a moment, then gave Ruby a bow. "My people thank you, Silverhand."

Deynor placed his hands flat on the table. "You said you can focus on the other cities. Do you mean you will not assist?"

Ruby shrugged. "That depends. Like I said, our enemies aren't the rank and file soldier. With Galbatorix and the Forsworn dead, us Riders are without clear enemies. We don't care who's in charge of the cities as long as they treat the people there with respect. I do not doubt that anyone in this room is capable of that."

"And if the cities resist?"

"One of us can help in negotiations. Having neutral parties facilitate these things has helped Remnant in the past. We can help both sides benefit from any agreement." Ruby crossed her arms. "Would that satisfy the Varden?"

Deynor stared at Ruby and stayed silent for a few seconds. He sighed. "Very well."

"You were right, Shadeslayer," Hrothgar said. "I have never heard of a plan like yours, for I believe such a plan would never have worked among the knurlan, nor the old Kingdom." A wicked smile formed on the King's face. "I know not if this plan will succeed, but it will be one our enemy will not see coming. Songs will be sung about it for generations."

Deynor locked his eyes with Ruby. "You appear to have convinced everyone else. Convince me on why the Varden should lend aid."

"The first step to any successful Remmartian operation is intelligence gathering. Here's how we can do that…"

"How'd I do?" Ruby asked Aaron, with her back a little hunched.

Aaron rested a hand on the other Rider's shoulder. "Don't worry. You did fine."

"I didn't sound too demanding, did I? I mean, I haven't even been here a year, but I'm telling the experts what to do. I don't want to-"

"Remember what we said about doubt? It's not a good quality in a leader."

"But it is good for a leader to listen to those they're leading, and their allies. I'm not sure I gave enough room for that."

"You did enough." Aaron squeezed Ruby's shoulder. "We got the support we're looking for. We'll be at Urû'baen before the army arrives." Ruby nodded, but stayed silent. Why did she always doubt herself? She had a knack for battle plans that was far beyond her age, and could change them on the fly if needed. Ruby was one of the better fighters on the team too. She had nothing to worry about.

I'm more worried about how Weiss and Saphira will fare, Cerise said. I don't doubt that Velvet and Vert will keep them good company, but I'm not sure if being separated from the rest of us will help her mind.

"You have a point." Ruby brought a hand up to her chin. "Instead of just sending who's needed to Du Weldenvarden, why not split us evenly? Yang and Halcyon can join them, along with Jaune and Pyrrha. Blake's flying the Bullhead, so she's going by default."

That's a few more people up north if something happens here, Nalia commented, but it works.

"Either way, we're in defensible positions." Ruby shrugged. "It would be nice to all be in one area, but we need someone to look after the Bullhead."

"But we decided to send Vert up there because he can keep up with the Bullhead with his jets," Aaron pointed out. "Halcyon's wings can't be that rested from the flight here. Even if they were, he'd get there two days after the Bullhead."

"Point." Ruby bit her lip. "I just don't Weiss to be up there without someone to lean onto. I mean, she has Velvet and Vert, but…" Ruby sighed. "I'm sure you've heard by now that Yang and I have adopted Weiss as a sister. I'm sure Velvet would do what she could, but I don't think it would be enough."

"I'm sure Yang would go alone if you asked nicely." Aaron said as he climbed his dragon's side. As he strapped his legs into the saddle, he saw some commotion near one of the entry tunnels into Farthen Dûr. A horseman rode at full gallop toward the mountain city, or more specifically, at the Riders. Aaron and Nalia exchanged a glance. Cerise walked in front of Nalia to intercept the horseman.

"Shadeslayer!" the horseman called as he urged his horse to stop. "We have received a message from the Empire."

Ruby stiffened on Cerise' back. "What is it?"

"I am not sure. I can't read."

"If you can't read the message," Aaron started, "what is your hurry?"

"It was dropped by a cyan dragon, Argetlam."

Aaron and Ruby locked eyes. Whatever this was couldn't be good. Ruby turned back to the horseman. "Carry your message to Deynor. We'll take a closer look at this message."

Nalia ran forward then jumped into the air. She flew low and fast across the distance. Cerise followed a few tail lengths behind. You know the Forsworn better than we do, Ruby called. What can we expect?

A threat is most likely. With Pruma and her dragon, I have no idea what it could be. I heard that she went insane after the attack on Vroengard. Whatever it is, it can't be good.

As they approached, Aaron saw a carefully crafted wooden box surrounded by five warriors. From the distance, he couldn't read the red writing on it. Nalia landed nearby and Aaron freed his legs. He slid off the saddle and the warriors parted to allow him access.

The crate was made with only two pieces of wood, a seam separating the top and bottom. It had to be sung out of a tree recently. A version of the Empire's banner was carved out of the side. The writing on top raised the most flags. Red ink didn't exist in Alagaësia. Aaron ran a finger across it and brought it to his nose. He sniffed it, and was met with the scent of blood.

"Well this is different," Ruby said from behind Aaron. He looked over his shoulder to see the other Rider walking over. "And that's not Vytalian."

"No it's not." Aaron grimaced. "I don't like it. 'Riders' eyes only.'"

"This is such a trap." Ruby pulled Máni Bláto from her belt and extended it to its scythe form. The warriors around the crate gasped and took a step back. "I've got the longest reach. I'll open this thing up."

Aaron faced the warriors. "You heard her. Clear the area!" The warriors scattered, leaving Aaron and Ruby alone. "Want an extra level of protection?"

Ruby shrugged. "Might as well. Don't want this thing to explode in my face." Aaron nodded and pointed his right hand and the space between Ruby and the crate. With a little drain on his Aura, a translucent green barrier appeared between the two. While it wouldn't protect from any magic, it would most likely protect Ruby from any physical trap embedded in the wood.

The Riders' leader moved Máni Bláto into and through the Aura shield. "You ever figure out how our weapons can do that?" Aaron asked.

"Maybe." Ruby shook her head. "I think I was way too tired when we cast that spell. It's all recorded on my eye though. I can figure it out. Get clear, I'm opening this thing."

Aaron retreated to the dragons' side. He and Nalia were a little nervous, but didn't show it. Cerise, on the other hand, shifted on her paws. Ruby stuck the point of Máni Bláto into the seam and rested the back on the ground, creating a pivot. She grabbed the very end of her weapon and pulled down. The top of the crate popped loose and moved a few inches toward the Rider.

Ruby recoiled and covered her mouth and nose with a hand. Aaron saw her clench her eyes as well. One word came to his mind: gas. The dwarves had cyanide, who was to say that the Empire didn't have some kind of gas?

Nalia growled and sniffed the air. She fell silent and her wings drooped. That's not gas.

Aaron cast a sideways glance at his dragon, the cut the flow of Aura to the barrier. He approached the crate just as Ruby turned back to face it. Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open. She mouthed "Oh no."

The smell finally hit Aaron. Rotting flesh. Something was dead inside. Aaron reached the crate and pushed the top off. He regretted it immediately.

Inside rested dead bodies, or what used to be bodies. Nothing was attached to a torso. Fingers and toes were scattered throughout the crate. Arms and legs were scarred and bloody. Various insides wrapped around free space. Not even Creeps were this messy with their food.

"Why?" Ruby asked with her mouth still covered. Her eyes watered. "Are those…bite marks?"

"I think so." Aaron's eyes flicked to where the lid fell. More writing lie on the inside of the lid. 'I heard you were looking for workers. I hope these prove satisfactory.' "They're slaves."

"What?" Ruby breathed. She recoiled like she'd been shot.

"Something tells me they weren't given a quick death either." More movement caught his eye. Deynor and Brom were riding in on horses. They dismounted on the other side of the dragons and closed the distance. "If this isn't provocation, I don't know what is."

Both men looked into the crate with a scowl. "I knew Pruma was insane," Brom started, "but I had no idea the extent."

"Evidently enough to eat people." Ruby clenched her fists are bared her teeth.

"We were told there was a written message." Deynor faced Ruby. "What was it?"

"That this mess was for Rider's eyes only, and that these people were once enslaved." Ruby shook her head and looked back into the crate. "Hopefully they're in a better place."

"Does this change anything?"

"Only that we might attack sooner." Venom filled Ruby's voice and fire took over her eyes. "They're trying to bait us into attacking Dras-Leona. These monsters need to be put in the ground. They've had their reign of terror for too long. It's time the light shown through the darkness." She whipped around and stormed to Cerise side. Aaron, fill the others in. I need to find something to break. Cerise flew off without another word from either side. If she was worried about being a bad leader, that's exactly what she shouldn't do.

Nalia stepped forward. All of you may want to step back, she addressed everyone in the area. It's about to get hot. Everyone backed up from the crate. Your lives were taken before your time. May you fly among the stars forever. Nalia opened her mouth and released an inferno at the crate. It was engulfed in seconds. The warriors and Varden leaders dispersed, leaving Aaron and his dragon alone. Nalia kept up the flames until the crate and those within were nothing but ashes.

Aaron sighed. "This could have gone better."

That's an understatement. Nalia laid down and Aaron climbed her back. I'd follow Ruby, but I don't think there's anything for me to break that the dwarves aren't attached to.

"We better let the others know what's going on." Aaron leaned forward in the saddle as Nalia pushed off the ground. Nalia rose directly to the Dragonhold, not circling the mountain like normal. It saved time, and while timing wasn't critical now, it would be better for the others to hear what happened from the source.

Nalia crested the Dragonhold and descended to the Star Sapphire. Vert and Halcyon lay on opposite sides. Weiss and Saphira sat near a wall of a cave. As soon as Nalia touched down though, Saphira sprinted away from Weiss to Nalia. She rubbed her side against the larger dragon's front right leg, purring all the way.

"Saphira, please don't run off like that." Weiss stood up from the wall and walked toward her dragon. "You can't get excited by every new thing." Saphira left Nalia's side and sprinted back to her Rider. She jumped from the ground to Weiss' shoulder.

"Then don't read her Mortenson!" Yang called from Halcyon's side. "That's boring as all heck."

"I am making sure she is cultured! I didn't criticize how you raised Halcyon, don't tell me how to raise Saphira." The blue hatchling purred and nuzzled her Rider's face.

Vert and Velvet walked over from their cave. Where are Ruby and Cerise? Vert asked. I thought they were with you.

"They're off finding something for Ruby to break." Aaron ignored the confused looks as he dismounted Nalia. He looked to Velvet. "Everyone else in the main cave?"

Velvet nodded. "What's going on?"

"I'm only going to say it once," Ruby called from above. Aaron looked up and saw Cerise flying into the Dragonhold. She landed hard and Ruby jumped off. "We've got a mission, and I want us all prepared so we can set out tomorrow."

"You got it, Rubes." Yang gave Ruby a small salute and led the way to the cave that turned into the Remmartian's designated meeting place.

Aaron joined Ruby by her side. "I thought you were going to break something."

"I was, but Cerise convinced me otherwise. That's not something Ozpin or Ironwood would do. I shouldn't either."

"I'm pretty sure there are plenty of things you have already done that they haven't."

Ruby's eyes regained some of their normal light. "Thanks, but now's not the time for jokes." She entered the cave and looked at those assembled. The leader of the Riders stepped in front of Aaron. "Listen up! Tomorrow we start our campaign against Urû'baen. The Empire's army will arrive in two weeks. We need to hit it and take it before then.

"Before we do that, we need to know where to hit the city. A recon team will head north tomorrow. That will consist of Velvet, Vert, Jaune, Pyrrha, Weiss, Yang, Blake and her Bullhead."

Yang cocked her head at her sister. "No Halcyon?"

"That's not possible." Ruby shook her head. "Halcyon couldn't keep up with Vert and the Bullhead."

Yang continued to stare, then her eyes flicked to Weiss. "Got it." She smirked up at her dragon's face. "Can you survive without me?"

I'll manage. Halcyon snorted in his Rider's face.

Ruby faced Weiss. "I'm sure you know your part in this," she said in a much softer tone.

Weiss hugged Saphira and her dragon returned the favor. "I'll…do what I can."

"Blake, Velvet, Yang," Ruby returned to her first tone, "I don't care which of you is with her. If she gets bad, get her out.

"Until we get the information on the city, we can't do much else. When we do, we'll jump on it. Everyone will converge on the city with warrior and spellcaster support from both the Varden and the elves. The Bullheads and all non-Riders will fortify a position either outside or just inside the citadel and dig in. Depending on how many Forsworn are in the city proper, one pair might stay outside as well."

Ruby's shoulders slumped and she lost some of her authoritative air. "This is going to be our most dangerous mission yet. I don't want anyone here to feel like they're not being heard or that they're walking into a death trap. If anyone has anything to say, or if you wish to back out, now is the time to speak up."

Everyone looked at each other, waiting for someone to speak up. Blake broke the silence. "After we take Urû'baen, how long until we hit Dras-Leona?"

"As soon as possible." Ruby growled. "We just got a box full of dismembered and partially eaten slaves."

All grown dragons growled, and a similar reaction came from most of the people. Weiss covered her mouth with a hand, and Saphira watched the other dragons and tried to imitate them.

Aaron put a hand on Ruby's shoulder and squeezed. "Recon team, get ready. You're leaving at first light." He gently pulled on Ruby's shoulder, guiding her out of the cave. Cerise also assisted. "You need to calm down, Ruby."

"I know. It's just…" Ruby clenched her fists, then released all the tension in her body at the same time. "Those people are dead because of us. They would still be alive if we weren't here."

"I remember you telling me years ago not worrying about these things that are beyond our control." Aaron turned Ruby around and stared into her silver eyes. "We didn't kill them, and had no influence on that. If Pruma does this now, I bet she would be doing the same if we weren't here."

"Which is why we need to take them down." Ruby nodded, then gave a halfhearted chuckle. "Well, this is in complete reverse from that rooftop."

"Hopefully this is the last time any conversation like this is needed." Aaron hesitated, then pulled Ruby in for a hug. "You did well today."

Ruby instantly wrapped her own arms around Aaron. "All that was…intimidating to say the least."

"Don't worry. You have all our support."

"Just promise me that if I ever come up with a plan that would blatantly kill one of us, you'll call me out on it."

"Of course. You can count on me."

I have an announcement to make. I came up with an idea for a RWBY one-shot and I'll be uploading that this Sunday. It has NOTHING to do with anything I've uploaded so far. Also a completely different type of feels that the normal here.

Also, to those of you joining me in the Finals Week grind this week or in the coming weeks, may the Force be with you.