"What is that thing?!"

All Weiss could do was stand there and stare, awestruck. A creeping sense of danger overflowed her body as the black mass loomed in the dark sky. It looked like a grimm, but there was something different about it.

The relic hunters had encountered a sea dragon before, but not one like this. The monster was flying around like it owned the forest and tore an ear-shattering shriek.

Unintentionally, Weiss stepped back with her jaw agape.

This wasn't part of the plan! Was this a full-sized dragon!?

"How are we supposed to…"

Her words trailed off when her eyes couldn't pry away from the specimen. The dragon was at least the size of two semi-trucks. Thanks to the moonlight and burning temple, she could watch the monster in all its glory as it hovered above the ground.

The wings were red and bat-like, creating sonic booms that caused anyone around to stumble. The entire planet trembled from the flaps as the dragon let out a deafening shriek.

From the commanding presence, the rest of the grimm cowered in fear. The observation alone caused Weiss to gulp. All she could do was watch the monster, not sure of what to do. When the beast glided over to a nearby cliff, it ripped another daunting screech.

At least it wasn't targeting anyone. For now.

Now that the beast was still, Weiss took a moment to examine it for weak spots. Like grimm, it had rough black skin with white bone-like spines along its body. The white substance included an external skull, rib cage, and rows of dorsal spikes that were iron-like and seemingly indestructible. On top of the head were sharp horns like a bull.

Unlike grimm, the dragon adorned yellow eyes. The darkest yellow eyes. Somehow, yellow appeared more daunting than the most bloody of red.

"Wha- what do we do…?"

From her trance, Weiss didn't even realize that Yang had joined her side.

"That's a demon," Yang stated like she was impressed.

"That's a demon?" Weiss asked. Before she knew about the New World, she called regular grimm demons. Now that a real demon was present, she didn't know what to think. "A full demon?"

"Yeah," Yang confirmed, uneasiness in her tone. "Don't view it as a grimm. That thing is leagues smarter, stronger, and annoyinger."

"This isn't good," Weiss lightly huffed from the last comment. "It has the last piece of the relic."

"Yeah."

The red markings met in the middle of the external skill. In the center, there was a small glow of blackness. The shard was tainted and aided the beast's every move.

Without warning, the dragon hopped off the cliff and soared directly at them like a prowling predator.

"Hold on," the priestess said, urgent.

To get away, Weiss summoned two paths of glyphs for her and her girlfriend to glide across. They shot off like yellow and white rockets, leaving violent winds behind.

"Looks like its got its eyes on the prize," Yang said, despite her confident demeanor, there was a hint of fear in her voice.

The monster was faster than they originally thought. The big, red wings helped it catch up to the duo like the glyphs were nothing. They looked up and gasped when they noticed that the demon was rapidly advancing. The glyphs were no competition.

"It's too fast!" Yang yelped. "Woah!"

Next to the couple, flames erupted as fire shot out of the beast like it was spewing water.

The dragon can breathe fire?!

Like acrobats, the freezerburn pair flipped out of the way of the blaze while staying on the trail of glyphs.

"You good?!" Yang shouted.

"Yes, you?!"

"Peachy!"

Luckily, they escaped the inferno with just sweat on their skin. However, now there was another threat. The dragon dropped suddenly for a lethal swoop with its razor feet.

"Duck!" Weiss yelped.

"Goose!" Yang replied.

Together, the couple rammed into the frosty ground. Unfortunately, the beast was quicker. Fierce claws pierced their backs. After grunting in pain, they tumbled violently as the glyphs flickered away.

A resounding roar of triumph.

The freezerburn pair shook their heads in a daze.

"Agh, shit," Yang cursed under her breath as she rubbed her back. "He got us good."

"Let me see," Weiss said, grimacing from the harsh impact as they laid on the grass.

Quickly, Yang rolled on her side.

The back of her uniform was ripped and leaked blood, but not much. Carefully, Weiss grazed the wound and sighed in relief. "The cuts aren't deep."

"Lemme see yours," Yang said.

Sure enough, that was the same diagnosis for Weiss' injuries. Their backs stung a little, but it wasn't anything they couldn't handle. The cuts received were shallow and not enough to do serious damage.

If it wasn't for their fast reflexes, it could've- should've- been way worse.

Instead of finishing them off, the dragon continued to glide over them to where its master was located. Where red and dark yellow clashed, and inferno was gushed to aid Cinder against the clever Goodwitch.

No yelps ensued, so Glynda was probably fine and holding her own.

While the monster was preoccupied, the freezerburn couple stood with the help of each other. Yang unintentionally let out a muffled grunt.

"Yang?" Weiss said worriedly. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah…" Yang's face was furrowed, her eyes squeezed shut. "I'm good."

When she cracked open an eye, there was red radiating in it. It was swirling, but Yang was obviously trying to suppress her emotions.

"Your eyes are red," Weiss observed, perturbed. "Tell me?"

Yang sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. "My semblance is ready to go. I don't think I can keep it in check any longer."

For Yang, her semblance was like tea. It was boiling, ready to spill over. After the brawler was roughed up by Mercury, Cinder, and the beast's claws just now, she felt raw power overflowing her form. It was only a matter of time before it burst like a volcano.

Another deafening roar. Trees trembled from the shockwaves and caused the Earth to shake.

The couple looked up at the sky, only to see the beast coming back for them for another round. Perhaps Cinder had temporarily gained the upper hand and the dragon saw its chance to finish off the couple.

"I hope Glyn's okay," Yang said, her eyes crimson as she stared at the daunting beast.

The demon breathed more fire, which caused innocent shrubbery to ignite. It wasn't just the temple burning anymore. Virtually nothing was spared.

"Should I purify it?" Weiss asked, hesitant.

"No," Yang instantly replied, knowing that her girlfriend already knew the answer to that risky question. "The curse was just re-sealed. It can't strengthen again or what Oz did will be for nothing."

There was no way she'd let her girlfriend die. That was a risk no one was willing to take. If she purified a monster of that size while still affected by the curse, it would overpower her this time.

"Then what do you propose we do?" Weiss asked, hoping she had at least an idea.

Yang whispered a plan in her ear.

The priestess looked taken aback by that. "You're insane."

"Do it quick," Yang urged. "I'm gonna need my semblance for this."

"Please don't make this a habit," Weiss said softly.

"It's a little too late for that."

With that, Yang slammed her yellow brass knuckles together. This caused yellow sparks to fly and there was a suffocating rush of heat. Simultaneously, her blonde mane caught on fire, which caused a shockwave so powerful that it made Weiss stumble back.

From the sudden inferno, the monster wasn't deterred. In fact, it was compelled to sail faster to reach its targets.

Not caring about the looming threat, Weiss took in her girlfriend's mesmerizing blazing form. Yang's whole body was on fire and roared under the moonlight. For being an inferno, Yang wasn't hot. She was warm. Pleasantly so.

Weiss was worried for her because of the upcoming plan, but that signature grin told her there was nothing to fear. That smile was the brightest. Not the flames.

The priestess found herself entranced as she cupped her cheek.

"Hey," Weiss said, determination sparked in those blue eyes. "I love you."

Yang grinned and leaned in, ensnaring their lips. The calm flow of embers wrapped them in a blanket as they kissed. Normally, Yang's semblance form was violent and rough. But right now, she was gentle.

The couple separated too soon.

"We got this," Yang said softly, yet sternly. "Have faith."

"I do."

"Good. Now let's do this!"

As the monster dove in with a screech, Yang hopped into a black glyph. Weiss aimed her rapier at the dragon that was rapidly approaching. The beast was soaring faster than ever, determined to kill.

"Shoot!" Yang yelped, thinking the beast was close enough.

"Not yet!" Weiss retorted, narrowing her eyes for the perfect opportunity.

Yang readed her fists, not sure why her girlfriend was hesitating. "Do it!"

"Wait!" Weiss yelled.

"What're you waiting for?!" Yang's voice cracked in confusion.

If they were going to do this, they had to do it now-

The moment the dragon opened its mouth to blast a scorching flamethrower, Weiss released.

"Now!"

Like a blazing supernova, Yang flew off. Before the beast could burn them alive, Yang sailed into the mouth. The comforting inferno was eaten like a snack and she forcefully shot down the throat.

There was an audible gulp from the beast as it reacted violently. Harshly, it crashed on its side, leaving a split-open path in its wake.

The demon would have splatted right on top of Weiss.

If Blake hadn't gotten there in time.

Fortunately, Blake swooped in and knocked Weiss out of the way. When the dragon heaved from the new parasite that was ravaging its insides, it coughed puffs of smoke.

"Blake, what're-"

"Hang on."

While the beast was busy succumbing to pain, Blake took that as her chance to hurriedly rush Weiss over to where Ozpin and Emerald were located. The moment they were a safe distance away, Blake set her down and let her have it.

"Weiss!" Blake chided, almost in a scream. "What the hell?!"

"She's done it before!" Weiss tried to justify. "Yang's semblance is at full power. She was ready to do some damage," she explained calmly. "I wouldn't agree to the plan if I didn't think she'd be able to survive, Blake."

"I can't believe this," the faunus sounded like she was done with everything. "She's such an idiot!"

"At least she has experience with being inside grimm," Weiss said, unbelieving of what she had said. "Did I really just say that?"

"A nevermore and a sea dragon's bodies are different from a demon's," Blake said with bite in her tone.

Confidently, Weiss stared up at the demon. "We have to believe in her."

Blake heavily sighed. "Not like we have a choice."

On the ground, the beast was gaining its bearings as it whipped its skull head. When there was a resounding flame in the distance, it hopped up. Probably one of Cinder's calls that couldn't be ignored.

When the demon was a safe distance away, the faunus allowed herself to tear her gaze away. Worried, she looked down at the unconscious Emerald.

"Is she okay?"

"She will be," Ozpin answered breathlessly.

To confirm, Emerald's chest was rising and falling rhythmically. Her chest once gushed blood from the blade, but now the blood was drying. Her skin was stitched back together. Her shirt was only torn. The headmaster looked exhausted from exerting so much aura not only from healing multiple people, but from fighting.

Before anyone could think, a fireball was thrown their way. The only reason why Blake detected it quick enough was because a cat ear subconsciously flinched.

To protect Emerald, Blake threw herself in front of her, shielding her.

"Agh!"

Before Blake could collapse, Weiss was there to keep her upright. "Hey, are you okay?!"

Reluctantly, Blake looked up at her with a grimace. "I'm... fine. We have to... get Emerald out of here."

Obviously, this spot wasn't safe.

"Blake," Weiss called, stern.

Blake forced herself to stand upright. Smoke rose from her back as she took a few deep breaths. At least the searing heat provided a seal for some of her cuts she'd received earlier.

"Really, I'm okay," the faunus reassured as she stepped out of her friend's grip. "Emerald..."

Ozpin nodded at her. "Right."

Rushedly, Ozpin carried Emerald and moved away. Weiss helped Blake wobble over, keeping a hand around her waist.

When Emerald was shielded behind a tree, Ozpin examined the group. Weiss seemed to be fine, just tired. Blake was beading with sweat and was scoured in cuts. Not to mention she suffered the burn just now.

Ozpin offered. "I can heal you-"

"No," Blake refused. "You need to save your aura. It's not bad, really. Just stings."

Before anyone could speak, the tree that'd been guarding them rattled. It looked like Cinder was making her move. Above her, the demon loomed. This meant Glynda couldn't hold her off any longer. Not with a tag-team like that. It was admirable for how long she lasted.

Forcibly, Goodwitch was jolted by a shockwave created by the demon. As a result, Glynda dropped to the ground while Wanda skidded to a halt.

Before Cinder could land another blow, Weiss was there to block a fireball with her rapier. The heat seared metal as smoke lingered. Despite the force, Weiss didn't budge an inch.

In response, Cinder leered at the priestess.

"Get up, Glyn," Weiss encouraged, not harshly. "We don't have time to lay around."

Glynda struggled to sit up as her forehead beaded with sweat. "Says you."

That earned a faint smirk.

A gunshot.

Thank god. Ruby was back.

Before the bullet could touch Cinder, her pet dragon plopped on the ground to block the path. Due to its thick skin, it was like nothing hit it.

"I'm back! Mercury's A-okay!" Ruby reported as she helped Goodwitch stand. She glanced over her shoulder to notice that Ozpin and Blake were crowded around Emerald, who was still unconscious. "Hey, where's Yang?"

"She's- um," Weiss stammered, trying to find the words. "In front of us?"

It took Ruby a few moments before it clicked.

"She's where?!"

"She should be fine," Weiss said calmly. "She was confident."

"Have you not met Yang?!" Ruby yelped in exasperation. "She's always confident!"

"Eheh," was all Weiss could reply.

"Blake!" Ruby whined. "Were you not supervising?!"

"Don't make it sound like we're children who need adult supervision!" Weiss complained.

From the ruckus, Blake joined her friends and stood next to them while the headmaster protected Emerald.

Blake smirked from how flustered her girlfriend and friend were acting. "Our little sun dragon is taking on a demon dragon."

Like a worried sibling, Ruby asked. "How long has she been in there, anyways?" she asked, now a little calmer.

"A few minutes," the priestess answered.

"She could be dissolved by now!" Ruby fretted. "If she gets out of there I swear-"

A fireball zipped in the middle of the red, white, and black trio. The heat grazed their forms as the ball of light seeped into a tree trunk behind them.

"Relax," Ruby said, meeting Cinder's furious gaze. "We didn't forget about you."

The casualness in her tone sent Cinder on edge. She was about to lunge at the three, but stopped in her tracks when her demon pet began coughing smoke again. The ferocious beast was reduced to a worm writhing under the heat of the sun.

"Kevin?" Cinder asked, puzzled. "What ails you?"

"Kevin?" Blake repeated the name, suppressing a laugh.

What a normal name for such a wild beast. Cinder had odd tastes.

To answer his master, Kevin would have roared but his insides were being ravaged.

"Yeah!" Ruby cheered, pumping her fist in the air. "Give him hell, Yang!"

Like Yang had heard her sister, the stomach rumbled intensely. It was like a pool of piranhas were inside, trying to tear the way out.

To avoid endangering his master, the dragon darted away while audibly choking. Dense armor ripped several trees out of the roots before the beast tried to fly away and hopped once, giving the ground a shake.

"Kevin!" Cinder roared. "You will do as I say and stay here!"

Despite its master's orders, the beast ignored her. Puffs of smoke spewed from the snout and gagging noises lingered. The claws barely hovered over the ground, but the wings were spasming. It was clearly a struggle to fly.

Since the demon looked like it was about to burst, Weiss summoned glyphs to get her friends out of the vicinity and near Ozpin and Emerald, who were protected several yards away.

"Wha-what's happening?!" Ruby asked.

Blake smiled as she took in the sight of the dragon struggling. "Yang's coming."

Cinder kept yelling at the massive, intimidating beast like she was lecturing a child that wasn't listening. "Get down from there right now! Finish them off!"

At last, the clogged throat erupted like a volcano that hadn't blown in centuries. A trail of blaze ensued, and there was a harsh tint of yellow on the front of the streak that was screaming. The screams didn't sound pained, more like determined.

"Yang," Weiss said, relieved.

Behind Yang, there were vicious flames that scorched any shrubbery in her path. It was like she was the leader of the inferno as her eyes pierced red.

Swiftly, Weiss encompassed her girlfriend in a glyph as planned. With her rapier, she controlled the blaze and veered her girlfriend in the direction right where she wanted her.

Yang had been waiting for that, and got into a diver's position. Brass knuckles were pointed outward as she grit her teeth as the searing flames consuming her.

"I got her!" Ruby yelped.

To help, Ruby darted over to Cinder. The glyph beneath the half-demon's feet was fading, so Ruby wanted to make sure that Cinder would stay perfectly still and trapped in place.

"Let go of me!" Cinder hissed.

Luckily, Cinder was exhausted and Ruby had just enough strength to keep her there.

"Never!"

To brace herself, Ruby engulfed herself with what aura she had left. Friendly red enshrouded her form as a shield from what was to come. Panting heavily, Ruby locked Cinder's hands behind her back so she couldn't protect herself.

"Agh!" Cinder strained to wiggle out of her grasp. "You wretched little red-"

Darkness.


Stay dandy,

~Toto