Beloved Nightmare Union, for figuring out the Castlevania reference. If any of you had watched the show, reread chapters 12 and 13.

Longest chapter of this story so far. This shall be entertaining, hopefully. Anyways, this chapter was a pain to right, mainly with making sure everything worked together in a timely fashion.

Chapter 14

March 31st, Patch

At the edge of Patch, situated on a hill, a tower, reaching over four hundred feet in the air, looked over the water. This was the Lighthouse of Patch (Lighthouse of Jeddah for reference). Before, it was used to help navigate ships. Now, the lighthouse was the base for Signal Academy. A couple of Signal's teachers were preparing their offices for the new year, as some students arrived at their dormitories early. At the edge of the academy were several dirt rings. Three people were at one of these rings.

Glynda was observing the children of Taiyang as they sparred. Ruby had wanted to speak more to Glynda, her adoration of Huntsmen being clear as day. From what Tai had told her, she was using her sister as an excuse to talk to her, saying, quote, 'With Yang going to Beacon soon, shouldn't she get to know one of her teachers?'. Luckily, those words made it easy to spin it into a training session. Well, less of a session, more like a beat down, for lack of a kinder term. Ruby couldn't land a single hit. This made sense, as Miss Xiao Long was a skilled boxer/martial artist, while Miss Rose has only just been getting the grasp on hand to hand. However, if what her sister has said, Ruby has made much more progress these past couple of months. It made sense, however. Before, it was only Miss Xiao Long training her sister on the side. Now, it was their father forcing the training.

After seeing Ruby go to the ground again, Glynda sighed. "Alright, that's enough. I have to say, your father's critics were accurate."

"Such as…?" Ruby groaned, rubbing her head.

"You, Miss Rose, certainly need to train up on your hand to hand combat."

"Yeah," a new voice exclaimed, "We've been working on that. She'll be starting that this year."

The three turned, seeing a man with a salt and pepper hair color, blue eyes, gills, a fin on his back, and a shark tail. He leaned against the training palisade.

"And I would hope that you do, Mr. Quint. If Miss Rose happens to lose her weapon, she'll be severely handicapped."

"Which is just a nice way of saying I'm useless."

"Do not discount yourself just yet, Miss Rose. Your father has said that you've come a long way. Besides, you, Miss Xiao Long, are not exempt from this as well. Your father said that you tend to fall into predictable strategies. I can see that he wasn't wrong. We'll be fixing that once you get to Beacon."

"Yeah, yeah." Yang waved off nonchalantly, to which Glynda wanted to scowl.

'If only you knew.'

"On a different note, future teacher, do you know anything about the Hound?"

Glynda raised an eyebrow, "Besides what the news has stated, very little. Why do you ask?"

"Well," Ruby answered, "You're an expert Huntress. No offense, Mr. Quint."

"None taken, Miss Rose. It is true, after all."

"As I've said, Miss Rose, I have just as little knowledge of the Grimm as you do."

'Please don't ask too much.'

"Well," Yang inquired, "What about the team? Who got sent?"

'Much easier.' "Well, your uncle is leading it."

"Well, then the mission is in the bag! I doubt there's a Grimm in the world that he couldn't take down."

"As for the two others, they are Atlesian Huntsmen Clover Ebi and Robyn Hill. Based on what General Ironwood has told us, they'll be instrumental in helping your uncle."

"Wait," Yang retorted, narrowing her eyes, "What about the fourth?"

Glynda's eyes widened slightly, "What?"

"There's four people. We saw a recording of the news. General Ironwood said that two Huntsmen from both Vale and Atlas would be sent. Who's the fourth?"

Glynda was caught in a trap. From what Qrow had mentioned, Yang's search for Raven was something that ate at her mind. Telling her that Raven was on the team might not be the best course of action.

"Um, Miss Goodwitch," Ruby inquired, "Can I ask a different question?"

'Thank you, Ruby Rose.' "You may."

Ruby got closer, motioning for Yang to come closer as well. Quint cocked his head, deciding to back away. His Faunus ears would be able to pick up the conversation, so he moved farther to not listen in.

"The Hound...Is it related to the prisoner?"

Glynda's eyes widened in shock.

"Ruby," Yang answered, "Where do you get that idea?"

'Wait, did Ruby tell Yang about the message.'

"Well, you have to admit, it does seem odd. I got a message from some prisoner. Some time later, a talking Grimm shows up. You can't say they couldn't be related."

"That's...a good point. Do you still have the texts from whoever it was?"

"No, but I did save the strange words they used."

'The backwards text!' Glynda had to restrain herself from looking nervous as a bead of sweat went down her cheek. They needed more time. They can't have Ruby and Yang figure it out now.

Ruby pulled out her Scroll, turning it on. "I have it here, somewhere."

It took all her training to not take the Scroll. If she did, it would be highly suspicious. But, if she did nothing, they may figure it out. What should she d~

"Hey," Quint called out, "Miss Goodwitch. Tell me you hear that."

That caught all their attention, giving a good 'out' for her.

"Hear what?" Glynda said, moving past the siblings, prompting Ruby to put her Scroll away, to which Glynda noticed.

'Thank the Gods. That was too close.'

"Quiet," Quint exclaimed, "Listen."

The four stood silent, attempting to try to hear what he could.

Glynda narrowed her eyes. "Is that...gunfire?"

Meanwhile, at the Xiao Long/Rose homestead, Tai crawled on the ground, Zwei under arm, as bullets tore through the kitchen, the living room, and other rooms on the ground floor. Zwei barked angrily at the people wrecking his doghouse.

'Seems Salem found out.' Tai thought. It was the only explanation. If this was a raid, they would've attacked the town. No, they are targeting his home. Which means they are looking for something, or someone.

'Even more of a good reason that my girls are with Glynda.'

Tai used his free hand to close Zwei's muzzle. He didn't want Zwei giving away their position. The bullets eventually stopped. The kitchen and living room were trashed, broken plates, a torn up couch, bullet holes in the stairs. And that was just the rooms he could see. Tai crawled on the ground, his hand now off of Zwei's muzzle. Zwei now understood that he couldn't bark, so he didn't. Tai got up, making sure to avoid the windows, and headed to the front door. He could see slight movement whenever someone passed a window, or one of the bullet holes in his house.

'No commands, no talking. Whoever they are, they're coordinated.'

The door opened, luckily opening to block him, so whoever comes in wouldn't see him. He could see the shadow of a second person coming in, just as the first was turning around. Tai decided to take the initiative and kicked the door, sending the second guy flying back outside. The first one quickly turned around, but Tai was upon him. He got a shot off before Tai grabbed the weapon and aimed it upward. He then spun one of his tonfas and put it against the man.

"Aaaaah!" He said his Aura was damaged. The door was kicked open as two more came in. Outside, the other mercenaries were about to open fire, but one of them waved an arm to hold. Their comrades were too close to the target, and they couldn't risk hitting their own.

The second one tried to rifle butt him, but he caught it as he kicked the third one. His hand still on the gun of the first one, he tripped the man, causing him to flip onto the coffee table, breaking it as his Aura broke. He aimed a tonfa at the second man and fired, damaging his Aura. The third one was about to fire, but felt something bite his leg. In pain, he looked down to see a black and white corgi.

"What?!" Was all the man got before Tai punched him in the face with his spinning tonfa, then body slammed him to the ground, breaking his Aura. The man looked up, seeing a very angry corgi. Said corgi then headbutted the man, knocking him out.

Tai felt a bullet hit his back as he turned around to face the third attack. He had out a pistol and combat knife and swung at Tai. He riposted the attack, landing a blow to the man's gun hand, making it fall to the ground. The man kicked Tai, forcing the two into the kitchen. Tai dodged more attacks before wrapping a tonfa behind the man's head. He then slammed it into the counter. As the man recoiled back, Tai moved behind him, knelt down to toss him out the window and, as he did so, fired his tonfas in the man's back, sending him crashing outside.

As he got a look at the men, he noticed that the men were grabbed in black. Some of them had more military looking outfits, while others looked more like old cowboy outfits with dusters, but in black. The mercenaries outside opened fire upon the cabin, but Tai was able to respond with bullets of his own, knocking a couple to the ground. Though they got back up, Tai continued his attack, moving from room to room. As they got closer, Tai ran upstairs to his own room, moving to a window to get the drop on a few. Before he opened it, he looked up, only to see a merc holding a rocket launcher.

"Oh no." Tai said, turning back for the entrance.

The merc fired a rocket, impacting the room, and causing a huge explosion.

Glynda and the others jolted at the loud BOOM.

"W-What was that?" Ruby squeaked out.

They then saw smoke in the distance.

"That's the Xiao Long Homestead." Quint exclaimed.

"Dad!" Yang screeched as she ran for her motorcycle, Bumblebee.

"Yang Xiao Long, wait!" Glynda called out, but it was too late. Yang had jumped on her bike and sped off. "Damnit! Quint, how many teachers are here?"

"Just me and one other. We have a few Freelance Huntsmen in town, and we could get them in a couple minutes~"

"Miss Goodwitch." Ruby interjected.

"Miss Rose, we'll make sure your father is alright."

"No, that's not it. Look."

Glynda turned, seeing four Bullheads making their way to the city from the water.

"Mr. Quint, are you expecting any deliveries today?"

"No, and those Bullhead's aren't marked."

"Marked?" Ruby inquired.

"It means they don't belong to any one Kingdom or faction. Which means~" Glynda saw the mounted chainguns aiming at the town. "No."

At Beacon Academy, many second to fourth year students were milling about, preparing for the new school year. At the top, Ozpin sipped his coffee, wondering what to do next. With everything that's happened, it would be impossible to hide the truth from Summer's children. The only thing now would be how to present it to them.

'Well, Qrow and the others get to Terlot village, this will be over.'

His Scroll buzzed at the same time a flashing red light appeared on his desk. His desk had several different lights for different situations, such as someone about to enter his room, a meeting with the other Council members. Flashing red was a severe emergency. He picked up his Scroll as he pressed the red light. What he saw horrified him.

"Ozpin," Glynda's voice yelled out, "Get to Patch!"

"I see it, Glynda. Protect Summer's children. That's the only reason for this attack."

"I know Ozpin, but we have a problem. They're also attacking Tai at his home. Yang's already gone ahead, against my commands."

'They're dividing us.' "Protect Ruby. If Salem grabs her, she'll not only have a hostage, but another hybrid."

"What about Yang?"

"I'm on my way." Ozpin ended the call, before pressing a button on his desk. "Ozpin to Beacon Academy. Patch is under attack by unknown mercenaries. Any available teachers to the landing pads."

Ozpin grabbed his cane. Normally he'd be more subtle, but with so much at stake, he couldn't be subtle.

Down in Vale, a man with pale blond hair and orange eyes walked through the streets, a black cloak billowing behind him. As he passed by an electronics store, the TVs all changed at once. It showed Lisa Lavender, but the text below her caught his eyes.

PATCH UNDER ASSAULT

"This is Lisa Lavender of the Vale News Network. Breaking news today, as unknown Bullheads have attacked the city of Patch. Less than ten minutes ago, four unmarked Bullheads began an unprovoked attack upon the coastal town. Reports have indicated that Headmaster Ozpin of Beacon Academy is personally heading to defend Patch, and is requesting any available Huntsmen to assist. The reasons for the attack are currently~"

Whatever Lisa said afterwards, the man didn't hear as he began running towards the Airship Landing Zone, a small section of Vale used for airships.

Back in Patch, Glynda and Ruby were running through the streets as Bullheads fired upon the city. Dozens of men had jumped from the airships, and began firing indiscriminately.

'They don't even have a specific target!' Glynda thought. "Ruby, stay with me!"

"Got it, teacher!" Ruby said, slightly nervous at the attack. 'Why would people attack Patch?!'

Currently, their plan was to gather the other Huntsmen and get the people to Signal. From there, they would fight off the attackers. The two rounded a corner, seeing three bandits lying on the ground. Standing before them were two men, one brown haired with yellow eyes, the other with blue eyes. The yellow eyed one had a spiked club with blue electricity around it, while the other had a black and yellow rifle. Dee and Dudley, two Huntsmen that Ozpin hired to protect Patch. Though, to say they were Huntsmen would be insulting the Huntsmen. There was a strange thing with freelance Hunters. Either you were extremely skilled and well known, or you were neither of them. These two were the latter. And, if they hired too many well known Huntsmen, it would attract too much attention.

"Ma'am." Dee winked at Glynda, to which she groaned.

"You two, get the people to Signal. It's the most defensible place in Patch right now."

"Yes, Ma'am." Dudley exclaimed as the two ran off.

Above them, a Bullhead passed them, it's pilot continuing to open fire upon the civilians. He then noticed Glynda and Ruby.

"This is Bull 3, spotted one of the targets."

"You heard the boss. Try to isolate them so they can retrieve. Don't make it look like you're targeting them, though."

"Got it." The Bullhead turned, making a firing run towards Glynda and Ruby.

"Ruby, move!" Glynda called out as a strafe of bullets began approaching. The two ran to the side of the street, though a couple of civilians were gunned down. Ruby herself looked horrified at the dead bodies.

"W-Why are they doing this?!" Ruby yelled out.

'I'm sorry, Ruby, but I can't tell you.' "I don't know."

The two continued their way through the town, directing civilians to the academy. Coming across several bandits with an assortment of weapons, as well as dead civilians. When they aimed their weapons at more civilians hiding behind a storefront, Ruby eyes widened in anger. She shifted Crescent Rose to scythe mode, and used her Semblance to speed towards them, yelling as she did so. The bandits turned and opened fire, but Ruby was already past them, slashing at one of them and sending him flying into a wall, their Aura breaking. The bandits turned again, trying to fire at her, but she used her Semblance to dodge to the side again and again.

Completely forgetting about Glynda, the bandits didn't notice as she pressed a small button on Disciplinarian, causing the bottom to open up. She placed a small ice Dust crystal in it, and closed it. While her Semblance was a form of telekinesis, if she used her weapon, she could amplify it with Dust. Such as now, as she fired several blasts at the bandits' legs, causing them to be encased with ice. Shocked at the sudden lack of movement, a couple even accidentally dropped their weapons.

"Now, Miss Rose!"

Ruby sped through the bandits, attacking some of them so fast that the ice broke, sending them flying. Nevertheless, all of the bandits' Auras were down, and they were unconscious. Ruby turned to the people in the storefront.

"Are you alright?"

Almost all of the bandits.

One bandit, lying on the ground, grabbed his shotgun and aimed it at Ruby, whose back was turned. Glynda saw this.

"Ruby!" Glynda yelled, even as she raised Disciplinarian. However, the man got a shot off, hitting Ruby in the back. Not expecting it, she fell to the ground. Glynda narrowed her eyes as she shot telekinetic blasts at the man, sending him flying into a building that was burning. The ceiling of said building then collapsed onto him, killing him. Glynda eyes widened before running to Ruby. "Ruby? Ruby?!"

Ruby sat up, rubbing her back. "Ow. My Aura protected me, Miss Goodwitch. It only shocked me."

'Right. Should've remembered that you're a Huntress in training.'

Ruby then noticed a lack of an attacker. "Where's the guy that shot me?"

Glynda merely turned to the burning building. Ruby widened her eyes.

"Y-You killed him?" She said meekly.

Glynda sighed. Dealing with children wasn't her specialty, as she often forgets how innocent their minds could be.

"Ruby, some people just won't listen to reason, no matter how hard you try. I didn't intend to kill him, but it happened. Now focus."

Ruby shook her head, but her eyes were still wide. "Right, sorry."

Meanwhile, Yang drove her bike through town, dodging any incoming civilians. 'Why the fuck are people attacking Patch?! Why attack dad?! What's going on?!'

One of the Bullheads turned, strafing down the street. Yang swerved, dodging the bullets. However, when the Bullhead passed her, it turned around to chase her. Yang veered into an alleyway, slamming the brakes when she saw the other side was blocked off.

As she turned around, the Bullhead stopped at the exit to the alley, dropping off four bandits before flying off.

"It's her!" One of them exclaimed, "Grab her!"

'Me?! Why are they here for me?!'

Yang hit the gas, driving forward as the bandits opened fire. Some of the bullets ricocheted off her bike as she did a drive by punch on one of them, knocking them out. She turned around, one of the bullets grazing her head. Charging at them, the biggest of the group placed a hand forward, and attempted to slow down the bike. She rammed him, and the two skidded for a couple dozen feet before the bike started slowing down. Luckily, the man was at his limit as he fell back, the bike running him over. There wasn't enough space for her to get adequate speed. She jumped off, deploying Ember Celica as she landed.

She fired her gauntlets, launching her at the bandits, who tried to open fire. Delivering a series of blows into one, she then quickly took out the other one. With the four down, she went to the one still conscious, and grabbed his collar.

"Why are you attacking Patch?! What do you want with me?!"

The man cough, "Wasn't hired to ta~"

Yang had enough. If he wasn't talking, then he didn't need him. She punched him, knocking him out. Yang retrieved her bike and was about to drive off. However, seeing the Bullheads in the sky, opening fire upon her neighbors.

'Dad,' Yang looked in the direction of home, 'I hope you understand.'

Yang got on her bike and began skirting the outskirts of Patch.

Half an hour later, Signal was beginning to barricade itself. There were still plenty of people in Patch trying to make their way, though. While the barricade protected the civilians, it also meant painting a target for the bandits to shoot at. Glynda began directing the other Huntsmen when Dee came running.

"Ma'am, we have trouble!"

"That much was obvious!"

"No, I mean Grimm!"

Glynda gasped as she looked to the outskirts. Packs of Grimm were converging upon Patch. The local Huntsmen were usually enough to make sure Grimm didn't accidentally wander nearby, but all the negative emotions drew them like blood draws sharks.

"Damnit. Quint, you hold the line, have the other Huntsmen continue to gather the people. Dee was it? You're with me!"

"What about me?" Ruby asked.

"Stay here." She answered sternly. Ruby nodded as Glynda along with Dee ran towards the incoming Grimm.

One of the Huntsmen came running to Quint. "We have a house burning, with civilians still inside!"

"I'm on it!" Dudley replied.

"I can help, too!" Ruby exclaimed.

Quint looked concerned, "Ruby, you're only a teenager."

"And this is our home!"

"Look," Dudley exclaimed, "I'll keep an eye on her."

Quint darted his eyes back and forth. On one hand, he didn't want to have Ruby disobeying Goodwitch's command. On the other hand, they couldn't discuss this, as it was time wasted.

"Fine! Stay by him, Miss Rose."

Ruby nodded, "You got it, teacher."

With that, the two ran down the hill into town. Nearby, a girl with black hair and green eyes saw them. She smirked, and began running after them.

At the Xiao Long/Rose homestead, Tai lifted a log off himself. The rocket collapsed an entire section of the house. The fires were beginning to spread, so he decided to move. Luckily, the log didn't damage his Aura, so his Semblance was still in effect.

"Did you find them?!" One of the mercs called out.

"Not yet, Sir!"

Tai moved from the entrance to his now nonexistent room to Ruby's. Peeking out the window, he could see several mercs. Getting a better look, he noticed a patch on their left shoulder. A black bird outlined in red flames. The Black Phoenix Mercenaries. A group of hired guns consisting of Huntsmen dropouts. While not as dangerous as full Huntsmen, they knew how to fight Huntsmen.

"Well, keep at it!" Another merc, this one's sigil having gold outline instead of red, yelled out.

"Have you heard from the others?" One merc said.

"The attack on Patch has begun. They say that one of the girls is in town. Haven't spotted the second one, though. The local Huntsmen are trying to fortify Signal Academy~"

"Silent," the leader exclaimed, "You know what our employer said. No talking about the targets."

"Sorry, boss." Both exclaimed.

Tai gripped his tonfas tightly. He was right. They were here for Ruby and Yang. Worse, it seems they are attacking Patch as a diversion. The leader briefly glanced at the window Tai was looking out.

"GAH!" A merc screamed out. The three mercs turned, weapons raised, seeing a fourth hop around the corner, Zwei's mouth angrily attached to the man's leg. They lowered their weapons, a couple even laughing.

"Ow, ow, OW! You fucking mutt! Would you guys give me a hand here!?"

The leader rolled his eyes as he approached him. The merc shook his leg, dislodging Zwei from his leg.

The leader raised his rifle, but the window above him smashed open as Tai jumped out. However, as he did so, the leader instantly turned around, firing at him. Tai crossed his arms, his tonfas blocking some of the bullets as he fell. The leader then kicked him as he reached him, sending him a meter or two.

"North side! North side!"

Tai charged at the leader, one of the other mercs blocked him. He punched him several times, his attacks getting stronger with each punch. Another merc opened fire, but Tai swerved the body to block the bullets.

"Ow, watch it!"

"Move!"

Tai kicked the man in the head, breaking his Aura. The leader opened fire, but Tai was already running to another merc. He punched the man several times, breaking his Aura. He noticed a grenade on his hip, as well as several more mercs coming around the corner. He grabbed the man's shirt, pulled the grenade pin, and threw him at his companions rounding the corner.

"Nonono," the merc cried out as he was caught by his companions, "Guys, GET AWAY FROM ME!"

An explosion engulfed them, killing the merc and sending his allies flying back. Only two of the six of them got up and began firing, though it was clear their Aura's were damaged. From the other corner, three more came around. Tai was starting to get swarmed, but his Semblance was now charged up enough that every punch was as strong as a Goliath. He only needed to not get hit.

He charged at the two recovering mercs, either dodging the bullets or using his tonfas to block them. He kicked the first one, sending him flying, unconscious. Leaping at the second one, he dive kicked him, creating a crater on the ground. A small trail of blood came from the man's mouth as he laid there, unconscious or dead, he didn't care. Running to the leader, the man put the rifle away, and gripped something on his back. Tai saw that there was a greatsword, and he dodged just as the leader swung down at him. He bypassed the leader, focusing on the last three mercs.

"Fucking hell!" One of them yelled out, "What is this man!?"

Tai drop kicked said man, sending him flying so hard into a tree it bent. He then elbowed the second one in the neck, her Aura breaking with a snapping sound as she fell to the ground. At this point, the third one tried to land a blow on Tai's head, but he ducked, and slugged him, sending him into the house's wall. As he turned back to the leader, he dodged a bullet aimed for his head.

"I see," the leader exclaimed, pistol in hand, "You're Semblance makes you stronger the longer you fight. But, take any damage, and you're back at the start."

"Not necessarily," Tai replied, spinning his tonfas, "Now it's just you and me."

"Yes, I can clearly see that. If any of them are alive, I'll have to step up on their training."

Now that there was a moment of calm, Tai got a better look at the man's face. He had flowing dark blue hair and piercing purple eyes, as well as a claw scar down the side of his neck. Russo Vardovin. Once a fourth year student of Vacuo, he was expelled when he involved civilians during the hunt for a mass murderer, using them as bait, resulting in 13 deaths. He later went to form the Black Phoenix mercenaries. Twenty years have not done much for his complexion, though.

Tai readied his tonfas, while Russo gripped his greatsword. While the members of Black Phoenix may be Huntsmen dropouts, Russo was almost a fully fledged Huntsmen, and had years to train himself. Needless to say, he was the closest to a proper Huntsman.

A burning log from the house fell between them. As Tai backed up, he saw only flames...then Russo jumping through the flames, greatsword swinging for his head. Not expecting it, Tai took the full force, sending him back and resetting his Semblance. Tai counter attacked, landing several blows to Russo's midriff, but he kicked him away. Russo slammed the sword down, Tai dodging at the last second. Tai fired his tonfas, but Russo used the greatsword as a shield. The two continued their battle, Tai having flexibility, while Russo had the range.

Russo grunted as he used his greatsword to block another attack. He then extended an open hand to the burning house and clenched it. The flames reacted to it, pulling towards him. He then punched forward, sending the flames shooting towards Tai. He dodged the flames, running around them to reengage Russo.

Tai got into a weapon grip with him, grinding his tonfas against the greatsword. Russo then smirked, which sent alarm bells ringing. He twisted the greatsword so that the crossguard was pointing at him. Then the crossguard opened up, revealing a gun barrel. Before Tai could react, Russo fired straight into Tai's face, sending him back. Before he could react, Russo swung the sword at his stomach, sending him past a fallen log on fire and to the ground. Tai shook his head, looking up to see Russo walk over the log, using his Semblance to dampen the flames to embers. His tonfas were knocked away from him during the hit.

"Sorry," Russo shrugged, "Just the job."

Russo gripped his sword, raising it above him to bring it down, when Zwei jumped in, biting Russo's arm.

"GU! Stupid~" Russo shook his arm while Tai reached for his tonfas. Russo shook Zwei off his arm and, before Zwei hit the ground, swung his greatsword at him, sending him flying to a tree. Zwei hit the tree, whimpering as he fell to the ground.

Russo raised his sword, knowing that Tai now had an opening, but it was too late. Tai had grabbed his tonfas and unleashed a barrage upon Russo. One of the punches knocked the sword away, leaving Russo without a melee weapon. He tried to put up some defence, but Tai wasn't letting up. With each punch, Russo's Aura was breaking. Tai then did a suplex, followed by a punch to the head hard enough to crater the ground. When Tai took a second to breath, he saw Russo lift his head slightly before collapsing back, unconscious as a black shimmer broke upon him.

Tai looked over to where Zwei landed. The dog was huffing, but otherwise okay thanks to his Aura. Tai spent a couple minutes rounding up the still living mercenaries and tying them up to a tree. Of the fifteen that attacked him, only eight were alive, Russo included. Tai looked back at the house, now covered in flames. Decades of memories. Memories of his classmates, of team STRQ, of his children. Precious years that were irreplaceable.

Now in flames.

Zwei moved to Tai's leg, rubbing his leg as the dog held his head in sadness.

"Come on, Zwei. The girls need us."

Zwei barked angrily, agreeing with him. The two ran down the dirt road towards Patch.

Meanwhile, Glynda and Dee were currently attempting to protect several civilians from Grimm while they made a run for Signal. They were only Beowolves, Boarbatusks and Ursas, but the sheer number was beginning to overwhelm the two Huntsmen. Glynda used Telekinesis to lift some debris from a collapsed building and throw it at several Grimm. A Beowolf swiped at her, but she ducked, flip kicking it away before she used a telekinetic blast to send it flying. Dee smashed the head of a Ursa with his weapon, now spinning with electricity, before charging at a Beowolf. However, a Boarbatusk rammed into him, pinning him to the wall. Dee jabbed the mace into its head, letting the spinning motion drill itself into the Grimm's skull. The Grimm soon died, freeing him.

"This is getting a little crowded here!" Dee exclaimed.

"I know, Huntsman! But we have to hold them off as long as we can."

"On your right!"

Glynda turned, seeing an Ursa about to descend upon her. Just as it lunged, heavy caliber bullets hit it, sending it flying back. Glynda turned, seeing a dozen Bullheads approaching. On each of their doors were the sigils of Beacon Academy or Vale.

Glynda took a deep breath, "Finally."

The Bullheads started scattering around Patch, some of them going after the bandit Bullheads, others heading to Signal, others going to the perimeter to fight the Grimm. One hovered above.

"TALLY HO!" The door opened, revealing a man with light gray hair, brown eyes, wearing a double-breasted burgundy suit. He jumped out, pulling out a blunderbuss with a set of axe blades at the end. He slammed the axe down, bisecting a Beowolf. Peter Port, a teacher at Beacon Acadamy.

"Ah, Glynda! Good to see you!" He ducked under an Ursa swiping at him. The blades folded, compacting into the gun. The man then shot straight into the Ursa's head, blowing it off. "How was your vacation?"

"Peter," Glynda answered, "Who else is here?"

"Well, almost every Huntsman in Vale! What dastardly foes would attack such an innocent town?! Why, I should~"

A yellow bike came screeching to a stop.

"Is everything okay here?" Yang exclaimed.

"Ah, yes, youngster! We will take it from here."

"Okay. I need to make sure my dad is fine."

"Yang, wait wait wait!" Glynda tried to call out, but Yang was already gone, "Urgh! Just as bullheaded as Raven! Peter, can you handle things here?"

"Why, of course, Glynda! Go ahead! I'll deal with these beasts!"

Glynda then nodded, running after Yang. With Ruby at Signal, and reinforcements arriving, she could afford to go after Yang. In Patch, Dudley and Ruby came across the burning building, several civilians were outside, calling out to people inside the building. Two Bullheads passed by them, one of them marked with a sigil of Vale and chasing the unmarked one.

"Hold on a second." Dudley told as he raised his rifle, aiming at the bandit Bullhead. His left eye glowed yellow as his vision sharpened. He fired, the bullet going through the bandit Bullhead's cockpit window, and hitting the pilot's head. While the pilot wasn't killed due to his Aura, it caused him to swerve, knocking him off balance. This allowed the Vale Bullhead to fire the chaingun at their engines, causing it to fall out of the sky.

"Good thing reinforcements finally came. Now, let's save these people!"

The two ran to the group of civilians.

"How many?"

"I think there's three or four people on the second floor," one of the civilians exclaimed, "While people say they hear yelling coming from the third floor."

"At least five...some on the top floor…"

"I can get the people on top." Ruby exclaimed.

"No, too dangerous." Dudley countered.

"My Semblance makes me go fast. I could probably search the entire floor by the time you get everyone else out."

Dudley sighed, "Alright, kid. Go!" The two then sprinted into the building, Ruby leaving red flower petals behind as she bursted forward. Ruby flew up to the third floor, seeing fire and smoke.

"Heeeellp! HEEEELP!"

Ruby followed the screams, staying low to avoid the smoke. She came to a room, partially burning, with a knocked over bookshelf blocking a door.

"HELP!"

"I'm here!" Ruby called out.

"The door won't open!"

"Okay, okay!" Ruby went and tried to push the bookshelf, but it was moving slowly. A piece of the ceiling fell nearby.

"Please, hurry!"

"Okay, new plan." Ruby pushed the shelf slightly away from the door. Ruby then deployed Crescent Rose in scythe form. Placing the blade between the shelf and the door, she called out. "Stay away from the le~no, right side of the room!"

"Got it!"

Ruby fired, causing the recoil to quickly shove the bookshelf away from the door.

"Okay, you're good!"

The door knob could he heard turning, but it wouldn't open. The man behind it soon started slamming the door.

"It's not working!"

"Okay! Plan B! Stand back!"

Ruby stabbed the scythe into the door, just above the handle, and fired. The recoil broke the door open, allowing the man to escape.

"Thank's, Ruby."

"Quickly, let's go!"

"Wait, wait! There's a kid up here. I think it's Zak's boy!"

"Head downstairs. I'll look for him."

The man nodded, quickly running out of the room. Ruby started searching, but found nothing. However, she soon heard crying through the flames. Heading for the noises, she came upon a room, and could see movement beneath a bed. Crouching down, a young boy, barely eight years old, panicked when he saw her.

"Hey, Jacky."

"Ruby, what's going on?"

"I don't know, but we need to get you to safety," Ruby outstretched her hand, "Can you do that for me?"

"O-Okay." Jacky crawled out of the bed, taking her hand. However, as the two got up, a piece of the ceiling collapsed, blocking their way out. Jacky screamed in terror, while Ruby scanned the area. She then turned to the window. Walking to it, Jacky clutching her hand, she pushed it opened, looking down to see Dudley along with the other civilians.

"Huntsman!" She called out. Dudley turned to see them.

"Kid! Did you get everyone?!"

"Just one more!" Ruby then turned to Jacky, "Okay, Jacky, you know how some of the big kids would jump off diving boards at pools?"

Jacky nodded, tears in his eyes.

"Well, that's what we're going to do. We need to jump out. A Huntsman will be ready to catch you. Can you do that?"

Jacky nodded, heading to the window, only to panic when seeing how high up they were.

"Jacky, I promise, the Huntsman will catch you."

Jacky hesitantly stood on the window stool, looking down. Dudley slung his rifle over his back and opened his arms.

"Okay, Jacky. On three. One. Two. Three!"

Jacky jumped from the window, screaming as he fell into Dudley's arms.

"Alright," Dudley exclaimed, putting the boy down, "You next, kid!"

Ruby got ready to run out, but, as she turned around, she saw the shadow of a person running past the hallway.

"Wait!" Ruby called out, poking her head out the window, "There's someone still in here!"

"Well, hurry, kid!"

Ruby, using her Semblance, sped under the burning rubble, now searching for the last person. Try as she might, she couldn't find them.

"If there's anyone here, call out!"

No response.

'I know I saw someone!' Ruby though, coughing at the smoke.

Ruby then saw movement through the smoke entering a room. Charging through, she ran into it, only to find no one.

"Where did~" Ruby mumbled, only to hear a slam behind her. Turning, she saw the same girl that she bumped into days earlier. She had closed the door behind them.

"Miss, we need to get out of here!"

The girl said nothing, but only smirked. Warning bells were going off on Ruby.

"Miss?"

The woman raised her umbrella, which Ruby now noticed, and a blade came out of the tip. The girl lunged at her. Ruby swerved her weapon, now in sniper form, and fired, but the girl swiped the gun upward. Ruby shifted to scythe form and started spinning the weapon, trying to get some distance by forcing the girl back. However, she simply limbo ducked under it and stabbed her several times. The girl smirked as Ruby opened fire several times, but she simply blocked it by opening her umbrella.

Outside, Dudley, ushering some of the civilians away from the building, heard the gunshots.

"Kid?!"

Dudley unslung his rifle and took a step towards the building, when he noticed one of the bandit Bullheads making a turn in their direction.

"Oh no, everyone, off the street!"

Dudley and the civilians started running to an alleyway as the Bullhead opened fire, Dudley returning fire to draw its attention as he ran in a different direction.

Back inside the building, Ruby was now attempting to run from the girl. She may have hand to hand training, but this girl was an expert at close range. However, the girl didn't let up. Ruby did a horizontal slash, causing the girl to smash to pieces. For a split second, Ruby looked concerned she actually killed someone. Then an umbrella smashed into the back of her head, causing her to lunge forward into a wall. Turning around, she saw a woman with pink and brown hair, matching eyes, and wearing a white jacket and dark brown pants. She was wielding the same umbrella that the previous girl was using.

'It must be her Semblance.' "Why are you doing this?"

The girl cocked her head, as if curious.

"Why are you attacking us? The people of Patch haven't done anything!"

The girl realigned her head, eyes widened, before politely covering her mouth and shaking her head. It looked like she was laughing, but no sound came out. She removed the hand and waggled a finger at her.

'Wait, they aren't here for Patch?' "Then, what are you here for?!"

She pointed straight at Ruby.

"Me?" Ruby briefly looked down. 'Why would they want me?' When she looked back up, the umbrella's pointed blade was almost at her head. She ducked to the side, the blade sinking into the wall. The girl then spin kicked Ruby, forcing her against a window. The girl then tornado roundhouse kicked Ruby in the head, sending her flying out the window, glass shattering as she soared. Ruby hit a lamppost on the opposite end of the street, hard enough to bend it. She crumpled to the ground, rubbing her head. She noticed that she was on the opposite side of the building, meaning that the Huntsman was on the opposite street. As she lifted her head up to call out, the glass block covering the light came loose, smashing against her head and knocking her out. With Ruby unconscious, her Aura turned off as well.

Neo smirked, descending from the building, using her umbrella to slow herself down. Landing, she walked to Ruby's body. Neo reached out to grab her~

FHFHFHFH

Neo turned, seeing a flying sword spinning it's way towards her. Using her umbrella, she blocked the blade, the impact sending her flying a couple feet. Frowning, Neo looked up, seeing the sword was actually floating. The sword attacked her, but Neo was able to deftly block them. The blade then flew back, a tall man now standing next to Ruby. He had pale blonde hair and orange eyes, high collar coat, a black cloak, and an ornate tower shield. The man gave Neo a look of fire in his eyes.

"I will not allow you to take this girl." The man politely said. From behind him, Dudley came running, his rifle aiming at her.

Neo narrowed her eyes. These new guys may be a problem, but all she had to do was~

TAP

A sound came from an alleyway, to which the two turned. Neo did a soundless gasp as she saw Ozpin, standing there with his can. If the new man's eyes had a fiery anger, Ozpin's eyes had a dark coldness. Neo alternated between looking at the three. She couldn't fight all of them, especially Ozpin.

With blinding speed, Ozpin lunged across the street, gunning for Neo. As Ozpin thrusted his cane at her, Neo shattered. Quickly scanning revealed Neo running into an alleyway. Ozpin sighed.

'At least Miss Rose is now safe.' He thought. "I must thank you, Mr…?"

"Adrian Torpas."

"Mr. Torpas. I can only guess why a criminal like Neopolitan would want a child like Ruby Rose, but none of them are good. Can I trust you two to take her to Signal?"

"You got it, Headmaster Ozpin." Dudley replied, slugging his rifle over his shoulder. Adrian's sword then floated to him, placing itself into a black scabbard. Dudley picked up Ruby while Adrian picked up Crescent Rose. The two began running towards Beacon. As much as he wanted to personally take her, he had to see to the defences. With only a few bandits remaining, it should be quick work.

With Yang, she drove down the dirt road, heading for home. She could see the smoke tower in the distance. That much smoke, she feared if there was anything left of her home. As she drove, in the distance, a woman, clad in a black skin tight bodysuit, walked from the treeline. She stood in the center of the road, facing her.

'I don't have time for this!' Yang turned the bike, intending to go around her. However, as she neared, the woman pulled a weapon from her bac~

Yang saw the weapon. A curved sword. As Yang passed her, she skidded her bike sideways, stopping. When she turned back to the woman, she had turned around, her arm holding the sword outstretched. Sweat started coming off of Yang's face as she looked at the blade. Steel blade with bronze, part of the blade going past the crossguard to the handle. The girl pulled out another one, identical. Yang's eyes widened in shock.

"Mom," a young Yang pouted, "Do you really have to go?"

Summer smiled sadly, "Yes, sunny dragon. This job I'm doing is very important."

"But," a young Ruby also pouted, "Do you have to be the one to do it?"

Summer smiled, ruffling the hairs of her daughters. "Yes, little petal. I'm the best woman for it. Don't worry. I'll be back soon."

Summer turned, Yang getting a good look at her swords, Horizon's Edge. With that, Summer left the house.

And never returned.

Yang's eyes were shaking. The woman in front had her mom's weapons. But she was too short to be her.

She wasn't Summer, but she had Summer's weapons.

"Where did you get those swords?" Yang yelled. The woman only cocked her head. Yang got the distinct impression that she was smirking. Yang's eyes turned red.

"HOW DID YOU GET THOSE SWORDS!?" Yang charged the bike at her, and the woman fled into the forest. Yang was able to easily catch up, but she jumped onto a tree branch. Before continuing to run. Yang fired one of her gauntlets at her, but she jumped to another tree. Every time Yang almost caught up to her, she'd jump away.

The woman flipped into the air using a branch, and combined the blades. She turned, firing three arrows at Yang. While a couple missed, one pierced into the axle of the front wheel, causing the bike to lurch forward, sending her flying. After tumbling, Yang quickly got up, uncaring about her bike. All that mattered was that this woman had her mom's weapons. Which means that this woman either knows what happened to Summer, or knows the person who knows.

Yang chased after the woman, eventually coming to a cliffside. The woman stood near a gravestone. They never found Summer's body, so they erected a stone slab on her favorite spot in Patch. The woman walked across the gravestone, dragging a blade across it. Yang's teeth clenched in fury. For this woman to do that, it meant that she knew who Summer Rose was. This woman is mocking both her, Yang, Ruby, and everyone Summer was friends with.

Yang launched a flurry of attacks, but the woman was able to deftly dodge or block them. Again and again she'd try to attack her, but not one could land a hit. The woman kicked her in the head, sending her flying several meters. Yang stood up, hair now steaming.

'This woman has my mom's weapons! Mocks her grave! Either she took her, or she paraded her weapons like they were a trophy! She's going down NOW!'

All the damage she took during the attack, from both bandits and this woman, she was going to unleash it all on her. She punched her fists together, causing her hair to be engulfed in flames. With a roar, she launched herself at the woman, raising a right hook.

The woman dodged to the side, causing Yang to fire the bullet straight at Summer's grave. The resulting explosion destroyed the gravestone, leaving nothing left. Yang's eyes shifted back to lilac as she realized what she did.

'Dad was trying to tell me this,' Yang thought as she stared in horror at the crater where the gravestone once was, 'And I didn't listen.'

She then felt a sharp pain as the woman slashed her in the stomach hard, sending her flying into a tree. Landing on the ground, Yang's Aura flickered before shattering. The woman began walking towards her, likely to give her the same fate she gave to Summer. However, as the woman neared her, rushed footsteps could be heard. The two turned just as Tai jumped up to slam a tonfa down upon her. The woman barely had time to dodge the attack. Tai stood between her and the woman, tonfas spinning. Zwei stood next to Yang, growling at the woman.

"Dad!" Yang exclaims.

"Don't worry, Yang," Tai replied, "I'm here now."

"Dad, she has mom's swords!"

'What?' Tai thought, looking at the woman. As Yang said, she had Horizon's Edge. He narrowed his eyes as he prepared to fight the woman. He had to get Yang out of here, though. "Yang~"

Before he could get another word in, the woman charged at him. Tai barely had time to block the attack. He could feel he was low on his Aura. He needed to get Yang out of here fast, or end the fight just as fast. As much as getting Summer's swords back was important, Yang was a bigger priority. The woman, however, wouldn't let up. She kept trying to make a break for Yang, forcing Tai to hold her back. He soon started to get the upper hand. While this woman may not be Summer, she fought similar to her, if only more aggressive. He eventually started pushing back. He got her blades locked with his tonfas. Pushing down, the woman started to kneel. He could barely see her eyes, the goggles making it impossible to determine what color they were.

Then the eyes burst into flames. At once, all the progress he made was gone as she shoved him back using the blades. Tai looked up, seeing the goggles glowing, the sides of the masked helmet looking heated, but not burning. They must be resistant. However, the real concern was the implication.

"Maiden." Tai gasped. This must be the woman who attacked Amber. Who has part of the Fall Maiden's power. The woman pointed a sword to Yang, and a glowing ring appeared beneath her.

"No!" Tai screamed, sprinting to Yang. At the last second, he pushed both her and Zwei away, but took the full force as the ring exploded, sending him flying. When he landed, a dark yellow shimmer then shattered, as his Aura broke.

'Dad...lost?' Yang thought, 'Because of me. If I had only listened, this wouldn't have happened!'

The flames around the woman's eyes dissipated as she began to walk towards Yang. Yang tried to get up, but the woman swung the sword, sending a fireball at her. Hitting her, Yang was sent flying into another tree. Zwei ran to her, snarling at the woman. Tai got up, even though his Aura is gone, hoping he could distract the woman. She dodged the tonfa...and sliced Tai's left lower arm off.

"Aaaaah!" Tai screamed. He turned, just in time to see the woman swing the blades at him, now blazing in fire. He raised his remaining arm, attempting to block it, but the tonfa was smashed, sending him flying to the ground, scorch marks on Tai's right arm.

Yang's eyes widened in fear as his dad recoiled in pain. He looked at her, mouthing the word 'Run'. The woman knelt down to him.

"I wonder how she'll react," she whispered, "When she finds out it was her swords that killed her?" The woman then stood up, aiming the swords for Tai's heart.

'Dad's about to die because of me! It's all my fault!' "Dad, no. Dad!"

The sound of tree roots uprooting caught their attention. As the woman turned, a tree batted her, sending her flying off the cliff, dropping the swords in the process. Looking, Yang saw Glynda, using her Semblance to levitate the tree. Glynda ran, looking over the cliffside. The woman landed on the ground, skidding several dozen yards before stopping on her feet. Looking up, she realized one of the goggles had broken, revealing her eye. She covered it, though Glynda saw that it was amber colored. The woman stared up, no doubt scowling at Glynda's interruption. However, she soon ran away. Glynda sighed, releasing her Semblance, causing the tree to fall with a resounding THUD as she began panting. Her body shimmered purple as her Aura was near its limit.

"Tai~" Glynda began.

"I'm good." Tai groaned, pushing himself up. Glynda went over to Yang, pulling her up. Before she could scold her, Yang pushed past her, hugging her father.

"I'm sorry," She mumbled to Tai, "I thought I was going to lose you."

Tai simply smiled softly, looking at Glynda. Both could understand Yang's recklessness. To them, as far as Yang knew, Tai and Qrow were the only constant family still around. Hopefully, that will change soon.

"It's okay, Yang. I'm just glad you're safe. I couldn't bear to lose you or Ruby. Wait, where's Ruby?!"

"Don't worry, Tai. Ruby should be safe at Signal. With Ozpin and other Huntsmen from Vale now here, this attack is over."

Yang's eyes widened, releasing her hug on her father. She quickly moved past Glynda, grabbing Horizon's Edge.

"Dad," Yang said, turning around, "These...these were the same people that took mom. They were here for us."

"Like I said, Yang Xiao Long," Glynda began a soft scolding, "You are too predictable. They started the attack on your father's house, which would force you to try to help him. But, we can discuss this later, right now, we need to get your father to safety!"

Tai nodded, "When we get there, I suggest sending some people over to my house. I've tied several of my attackers to a tree."

Glynda nodded again. The three began to run towards Patch, Yang clutching Horizon's Dawn to her chest tightly while Tai had his still whole arm around Glynda's shoulder.

Some time later, Ozpin stood at Signal Academy, looking over the damages from a window. Dozens dead and hundreds wounded. They captured eight of the bandits, but they weren't giving them any information. The rest were killed in the ensuing conflict. What they did discover by looking them up was that they each came from various mercenary or gang groups across Vale. It seemed as though they were all hired anonymously, which gave more evidence to Ozpin that it was Salem's forces that orchestrated the attack. Which means their goal was clear.

"Ow." Ruby rubbed her head, prompting Ozpin to turn to face her. The glass block did no damage aside from a headache, luckily.

"Ruby Rose." Ozpin said.

"Oh, hi." Ruby looked perplexed.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Your Professor Ozpin. The Headmaster of Beacon Academy."

"Mmmhm. I understand that you are training to be a Huntress."

"Yes?"

"So you wish to slay monsters?"

"No. I," Ruby looked out over her home, smoke pillars rising. "Something like this shouldn't have happened. These people, they didn't do anything wrong. I wish to protect people. So things like this never happen."

Ozpin sighed. He wanted an excuse to put Ruby into Beacon, so he could watch over both of Summer's children. If he knew this would be the cost, a town attacked, people dead, he would never have had those thoughts. However, nothing could be done now.

"I agree. Something like this shouldn't have happened. But it did. All we can do is work harder to make sure it doesn't happen again. And, if we can't do that, make sure we're better prepared when it does. Which brings me to you."

Ruby looked back up, eyebrows raised.

"Well, I've reviewed testimonies from several Huntsmen and other civilians, Miss Rose. Your actions exceed most students your age. With your permission, I'd like to bump you up two years."

Ruby's eyes widened. Out of all the horrible stuff that happened today, going to Beacon was the last thing on her mind. However, she smiled softly. She was one big step closer to becoming a Huntress.

"Thank you, Professor Ozpin."

Ozpin smiled. "Well, I say we should head out. Don't you think?"

With a nod, Ruby followed Ozpin down the tower, heading outside. Outside was Professor Port and Oobleck, another teacher at Beacon.

"Ah, Headmaster," Oobleck exclaimed, "Good to see you. Ah, and you must be Taiyang Xiao Long's daughter, Ruby Rose, correct?"

"Uuuh, yes."

"Anything new to report?" Ozpin interjected.

"Only that a Valian Bullhead just left, carrying the mercenaries we took prisoner."

To Ruby, Oobleck talked so fast the words seemed to blur together, though Ozpin easily understood him.

"I must ask," Peter declared, "Why would such people attack an innocent town? They didn't seem to have an objective."

"Yes, Peter," Oobleck replied, "It does seem strange. Normal banditry activity would be simple. Get in, get out. However, even when the tide turned, they stayed. Most peculiar. Clearly, they were searching for something, but what?"

Ruby then narrowed her eyes in thought. "Me?"

"Pardon?"

Ruby squeaked, not realizing she said it out loud. "Um, one of the bandits cornered me in a building. She didn't say much. I think she's a mute. But, she pretty much told me that the whole point of the attack was to get me."

"Are you certain of this, child?" Peter exclaimed. Though the word 'child' sounded condescending, coming from the man it sounded like he was more comforting.

"She seemed pretty sure of it."

"It might be that~"

"Ruby!" a new voice called out. The group turned, seeing Glynda, Tai, and Yang. the latter running to them...and her father missing an arm. What was in its place was a stump, wrapped together with a large strip of shirt that was stained red. She could also see his other arm had burn marks.

"Dad!" Ruby replied, running past Yang to hug her father. "What happened?!"

"Let's just," Tai said, clearly exhausted, "...say things...got out of hand."

Glynda groaned as Peter and Oobleck came over to take over.

"Dad," Yang scowled, "As much as I like puns, not the time."

"Yeah, yeah. Just...couldn't think of anything...else to lighten the mood."

"Professor," Glynda said stoically as Ruby released the hug, "There are several bandits tied up near Taiyang's homestead."

"I'll call in a Bullhead," Oobleck said, "Peter, can you call a medical ship. We need to get Taiyang to Vale soon."

"What if they try to grab dad while he's there?" Ruby exclaimed.

"Miss Rose, as I was about to say before we got Tai's condition, the bandit may have been attempting to unnerve you, throwing you off your balance. There's no evidence proving that you were the focus of the attack."

"You're wrong." Yang retorted solemnly. Everyone turned to her, Yang's hair covering her eyes.

"Oh," Peter exclaimed.

"Me, Ruby, Dad. We were the focus of the entire attack. It was meant to distract you so no one would notice we were taken."

Oobleck narrowed his eyes before his eyebrow shot upward.

"And what proof do you have of this, child."

"Peter," Oobleck gasped, tilting his glasses so others could see his eyes, "Look at the weapons Miss Xiao Long is carrying."

Peter turned, looking at the weapons. His eyebrows shot up, revealing his dark brown eyes.

"Those swords are…I can't believe it."

"What?" Ruby exclaimed. Why does everyone else recognize them but her? It was infuriating, because it was right at the tip of her tongue. Where had she seen them?

"Ruby," Yang said, coming closer to her, "Their mom's."

Ruby's eyes widened. She remembered them now. Horizon's Edge. Twin swords that combined into a bow. Summer Rose's swords. Ruby inched towards Yang, now opening her arms, handed the swords to Ruby. Ruby gripped the handles, her hands shaking. To their knowledge, it was the first sign of Summer Rose in over twelve years.

"Their leader had them. She used them as bait to draw me in.'

Ruby's head shot up, "W-were they~"

"No, she was too short to be mom," a tear trail went down her cheek, "Ruby, she paraded them like it was a trophy. Not only that, but she drew me to mom's gravestone. She knew exactly who they belonged to. The same people who to~...who took mom. They came for us."

Ruby didn't realise she was now crying until she heard water hit her foot. Both siblings hugged each tightly, Ruby making sure to not let go of her mother's swords.

Tai, Glynda, and Ozpin all gave each other glances. The others may think that this was the last piece of Summer Rose, but they knew better. A piece of Summer Rose had been returned.

Now all they need is to get the woman herself back.

Terlot Village

The mine system near Terlot stretched on for many miles, going in every direction. Most of these were blocked off due to various reasons, but it wasn't impossible to find them.

Such as one exit, several miles away. The exit was blocked off with rubble, but several rocks exploded outward, a Grimm fist coming forth. Another hand appeared, the two pushing boulders out of the way. Summer clawed out of the rubble, but she slumped her way out. Parts of her liquid skin began falling off, a sign of extreme damage.

"Have...too keep...going…"

Summer then passed out, falling down the rubble. Chunks of her skin flew off as she rolled. Landing on the ground, her skin felt more liquid than solid as it began to pool around her. Part of the skin slid off, revealing black hair tipped in red.

One of the chunks of skin that flew off began to twitch.

Author's Notes: Yeah, plenty of things to talk about. The battle for Patch has ended with a victory, if costly. Yang herself kinda had a wake up call that her way of fighting isn't a good one. Ruby's been bumped up to Beacon Academy for a much less controversial reason. Yang and Ruby have their mother's blades back. Hopefully they'll get Summer back soon, but she's clearly in a bad shape.

The difficult part of writing this chapter was balancing between multiple perspectives. I actually rewrote and added several scenes so that some characters wouldn't get bloated this chapter.

Anyways, we're reaching the endgame for this part of the story. Be prepared for what comes next. As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.

UPDATE: Looking over the chapter, I realized I didn't really have an impact of loss upon Yang. This rewrite of that should make it much more impactful. And add a bit of irony to it as well.