As the lights streamed in through the holes in the flesh ceiling, Ruby knew that the battle was over. She could hear the airships landing off in the distance, ready to take the students back to Beacon. In less than a minute, the entire structure vanished with no sign that it had existed in the first place.

"Ruby!" someone shouted. Ruby saw Jaune running towards her, relief written across his face. He ran up and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"I'm so glad you're okay. Where'd you go?"

"I got in a fight, but it's fine now."

It was then that Jaune noticed the body at Ruby's feet, a hole in his chest and blood staining his coat.

"Ruby, isn't that Roman Torchwick? Did you-"

"Yeah, I did," Ruby interrupted.

"Are you okay?"

"I don't know. This is all new to me. What do we do with him? Bury him?"

Jaune shook his head. "There's no time."

Jaune plucked the Pixie out of his hair.

"Can you burn this body for me?" he asked her.

"Anything for you, master," Pixie answered. She shot a ball of fire out of her hands and instantly Roman's body was engulfed in flames. Soon there was nothing left but a pile of ash that was blown away in the wind.

Ruby felt her eyes burn. She wiped at them, fighting back the urge to start crying.

Jaune placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Come on, let's go and join everyone else."

Ruby and Jaune traveled through the forest until they found Pyrrha, Ren and Nora. The group all exchanged hugs and expressions of relief. All of them had come back alive.

Nora was the first person to vocalize what everyone was thinking.

"So, what do we do now? The White Fang are gone, but we still need to gather the rest of the artifacts."

Ren looked deep in thought. "There's still the matter of the final sector, not to mention-"

Jaune cut Ren off. "Later for that. Right now, I'm just glad we all made it."

Ruby looked around and saw Glynda taking tally of the students and ensuring that they safely boarded the bullheads that would take them back to the school.

Glynda noticed Ruby, noticed the change in her demeanor and smiled. There was a palpable sadness behind that smile, but at the same time, Glynda almost looked proud.

No words were needed between the two. They both knew what had happened, and what it meant.

But then Ruby felt something, something wrong. It crept upon her, a thick miasma that clung to her skin, invaded her nostrils and burned her eyes. She knew what it was before she even saw it. Still, she pushed through the trees until she found what it was.

Yang and Weiss were standing in a clearing face to face. Yang's red eyes seemed to burn holes in Weiss, while Weiss was completely indifferent.

When Weiss spoke, it was with an otherworldly voice. It seemed to pierce directly into the brain.

"How unsightly you've become, Yang."

Yang ground her teeth. "Shut up. I hate the sound of your voice. It's like a needle in my head. But man, you turned into an ugly bitch. I guess you let that angel's sweet talk get to you after all. I thought you were smarter than that."

Weiss didn't react to Yang's barbs. "I know you have one of the artifacts. If you relinquish it peacefully, we may avoid a needless conflict. Though you have become a demon, I still consider you a friend."

Yang broke out into a toothy grin. "You want it, you're gonna have to take it. I've been wanting to tear you apart for a long time."

The air crackled with energy. The two were perfectly still, neither one wanting to make the first move.

Ruby couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her sister, and her best friend, both of them turned into monsters. But, there was one thing that Ruby noticed immediately.

"Yang, why aren't you wearing a shirt?" she blurted.

Yang turned towards the sound of Ruby's voice. She smiled, completely forgetting her spat with Weiss.

Yang was practically unrecognizable in her new form. Her body was covered in strange markings that glowed with her powers, her hands and feet ended in sharp looking claws, the ends of her hair were aflame, and her mouth was filled with sharp, pointed teeth. The only thing familiar about her were her bright, blood red eyes.

Yang leaned uncomfortably close to Ruby. "You look different."

She closed her eyes and sniffed at the air. "You smell like blood. Finally got your first kill in, huh. Not bad, but I doubt you've got as many as me."

Ruby stepped back, fighting the urge to start gagging. Yang reeked of blood, like she had bathed in it.

"Yang, what happened? I haven't seen you in weeks and now you look like this."

Yang shrugged. "I turned into a demon, who cares? I was never human to begin with, remember? Anyway, if Adam didn't have the other artifact, then someone else did. You wouldn't happen to know where it is, would you?"

Weiss took a single step forward, instantly closing the several foot gap between her and Yang. She grabbed Yang's shoulder and pulled her away from Ruby.

"Enough, Yang," Weiss said.

Yang struck out at Weiss. "Don't touch me!"

Weiss ignored yang's outburst and looked to her friend. "Hello, Ruby. It is good to see you well. I see that God's blessing shines upon even one such as you."

Ruby was surprised at how normal Weiss looked. Her trademark ponytail had come undone, leaving her hair to hang freely down past her waist. She was just as pale as always, and she had those same ice blue eyes. The only thing that changed was her outfit, now just a plain white robe.

Ruby reached out and touched Weiss' face. "Weiss. I, I wanted to see you so badly. What happened to you that night?"

"I fought, and I lost. Although I did not lose my life, I realized that I had reached the limit of my power. There is only so much that a human can accomplish, but as an angel, I can create the ideal world the Lord desires."

"But what are you doing here?" Ruby asked.

"I had a personal matter that needed settling. But, I realized that I was granted this power to bring more into the Lord's embrace. Even now, there are sinners who need His guidance. Come, let me show you."

Weiss glided along the ground with Ruby and Yang close behind her. They reached another part of the forest, where they could hear the low murmur of conversation. When they reached their destination, Ruby gasped and clamped a hand over her mouth, while Yang ground her teeth hard enough to break them.

Ruby wondered what happened to the rest of the White Fang, and here they were. Their masks and weapons were long discarded, and they were on the ground sobbing and begging God for forgiveness. It was strange, seeing these people like this. These were terrorists, hardened killers and the like, but whatever Weiss had done had broken them completely.

Ruby looked toward Weiss. "Weiss, what did you do?"

"I showed them the error of their ways. They wish to repent for their sins. That is my duty, to guide those that have strayed back onto the proper path. They have much to atone for, but God forgives all who surrender to His mercy."

Flames surrounded Yang's body. The grass around her feet withered and died.

She raised her hand and let out a blast of fire that engulfed all of the people in front of her. When the flames subsided, there was nothing left, not even bones.

Weiss sighed. "There was no need for that."

"What, they just sing kumbayah for a bit and it's like nothing ever happened? Fuck that, they all die," Yang said.

"Your rage is a stone around your neck, Yang. One day, it will drag you down to your doom. It pains me to see you so bound by it."

"Save the sermon for someone who gives a shit. We've got more important things to talk about, don't we?"

"Loath as I am to admit it, you are correct. We are at a crossroads. Each of us has our own vision for the future, and soon we will have no choice but to battle. I do not wish to kill you, or Ruby. If possible, I would like to resolve this peacefully."

Ruby frowned. "Come on, Weiss. If you know what the artifacts do then you know I can't let you have them. I'll do what I have to to stop you, no matter what it takes."

Yang laughed. "Now you're talking my language."

Yang leaned forward, presenting her neck to Ruby.

"Go ahead, give it a shot."

"Now's not the time for joke's Yang," Ruby chided.

"Suit yourself. You'll never get a chance as good as this."

It was strange. Ruby thought that she'd freak out or break down, but this was just like normal. Weiss was her usual uptight, stuffy self, and Yang couldn't take anything seriously if you paid her. It was just like it was at the beginning. But Ruby reminded herself that this was the point of no return. After today, the three of them would be mortal enemies.

Ruby's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the other students. JNPR and Sun all looked shocked at the sight of the three girls. They each could feel the storm of clashing powers that tore through the air.

Jaune stepped forward. "Weiss, Yang, what happened to you?"

Yang rolled her eyes. "Come on, do I really have to explain this a second time? Use your eyes."

Yang's eyes went to Sun. "Hey, Sun! I haven't seen you in a while. You look good."

Sun scratched the back of his head. "You too, I guess. You kill Adam?"

Yang grinned. "Hell yeah I did."

"Thanks."

Yang stretched out and yawned. "Man, I'm tired. I'd love to catch up with you guys but I should get going. Sun, you come with me."

Sun shrugged. "Why not?"

Yang sliced open a hole in the air. "See you around, guys. And Ruby, I'll be sure to kill you next time."

Yang, Sun, and Cardin disappeared through the portal. The others stood in total silence.

Weiss sighed. "This was a waste of time. I must be off as well."

She turned to Ruby. "Ruby, I think of you as my own sister. The thought of having to kill you pains me greatly. But if that is what I have to do to bring God's kingdom to fruition, then I will do it."

Ruby couldn't help but smile. "I had no idea you felt that way. I wish you could have told me that sooner."

Weiss began to float in the air and surrounded herself in a pillar of light. She closed her eyes and prepared to take off.

"Wait!" a voice shouted.

Weiss opened her eyes and looked down at Pyrrha staring back at her. The redhead's eyes shone with determination.

"Let me come with you," Pyrrha said.

"What!" Jaune shouted. "Pyrrha, you can't be serious."

"You know what those angels are doing, don't you?" Nora said.

Pyrrha nodded. "Of course I do, but don't you see? This is the only way to save Remnant. I've been thinking about this for a long time, about what I can do, what I should do. If joining Weiss is the way to save the world, then I don't really have a choice."

Jaune took Pyrrha's hand. "Pyrrha, please don't do this. I need you, we all need you."

For a moment, Pyrrha reconsidered. She wanted to stay with Jaune more than anything else. But this was her destiny, and she was in no position to refuse.

Pyrrha gently kissed Jaune. "I love you. Goodbye, Jaune."

Pyrrha went to join Weiss. She gave her friends one last wave goodbye before disappearing into the light.

The rest of the day was a blur. Ruby and Jaune went back to Beacon, their mission successful.

With all the pieces in place, there was nothing left but to wait for the end.

XxX

Weiss and Pyrrha emerged from the pillar of light. Weiss took a step forward before falling to her knees. Pyrrha knelt beside her to help her up.

"Are you okay?"

Weiss pushed her away. "I'm fine, I just used too much power. I must rest."

"If you insist. So, what do we do now?"

Weiss sat on her throne. "There are many things that must be done. I have many out to spread God's will, and soon many more will join our ranks. But you, Pyrrha, will fulfill a different role."

"What will you have me do?"

"You will become my sword, Pyrrha, and exact my judgment. This world is rife with filth, and filth must be cleansed. I will grant you the power to fulfill your destiny, all I ask is that you swear fealty to the Lord, and to me."

Pyrrha knelt before Weiss. "I swear upon my spear, I will not fail you."

"Very good. Tomorrow, I shall bestow the power upon you. For now, I must rest."

XxX

Yang yawned and stretched out as she felt the burning sand beneath her feet. She had heard rumors of Vacuo, but seeing it in person was something else. No matter how far she looked all she saw was sand. Sand, sand, and more sand with the occasional palm tree or pile of rocks.

Yang frowned. "Wow, this place sucks. Why didn't I decide to take over Mistral?"

"You told us on the way here, remember?" Sun replied. "You said that Vacuo was the only human stronghold other than Vale, and you wanted to deal with them first."

Cardin wiped sweat off of his forehead. "This heat sucks. How the hell did you stand living here, monkey?"

Sun shrugged. "You get used to it after a while."

Yang scanned the area. "Alright, which one looks like they're in charge?"

Her eyes widened when she saw a large, burly man wielding an axe. It was clear from the way he was directing the other people around him that he was in a position of authority. Yang ran up to him and waved.

"Hi. You're in charge here, right?"

The man gripped his axe. "Yeah, and if you know what's good for you you'll get lost, demon."

Yang smiled. "If you want me gone you're gonna have to make me leave, big guy."

The man swung downward with his axe. Before the blade even touched Yang's skin, she darted forward and tore the man's head from his shoulders. The people ran screaming from the headless body spraying blood all over the sand.

Yang looked around at the other terrified humans.

"Anyone else wanna lodge a complaint?"

The total silence answered her question.

"Good. From now on, this dump is my new kingdom. It'll do for now, but I won't stop until I take all of Remnant."