The Dreamer Gate

by Malignent

Thousands of Uruk-Hai are drawn to Remnant after a ritual gone wrong, and are more than capable of bringing their own taste of war to this new world. Now the people of Remnant must deal with this new and numerous threat. As the Tournament draws near, and the actions of the Uruk Leaders grows ever bolder, can peace truly be maintained?

19. Chapter 19: The Storm Part 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of The Rings, the Middle-Earth universe, Shadow of War/Mordor or RWBY.

This work will contain moments of intense violence, dark and dirty humor, and MANY canonical divergences.

---

The Storm
Part 1

Roman Torchwick liked to believe that he was a man of style. No matter what he did, he liked to think he did it while looking good. The weeks he'd spent in that Atlesian holding cell had not contributed well to this, his hair was atrocious and he hadn't been able to change into a fresh outfit at all. He'd been given strict orders to utilize the very ship he'd been held captive on, turning it against its owners and crippling the Atlesian fleet over Vale. With Neo on the job, it was less a matter of if and more of when. And when he was finally able to blast over a dozen Atlesian military vehicles out of the air, he liked to believe he was getting back at them for their horrible hospitality.

Every split end would be another unfortunate soldier coming down with a severe case of explosions.

"Wish we had this kinda firepower back during that train debacle, right Neo?" he asked while tapping inquisitively at the Capital Ship's controls, he didn't wait for a response "I mean I know it was underground and everything, but you'd think Cinder's whole league of ultimate villainy or whatever would be able to pass a guy some real weapons."

Neo passed by, raising an eyebrow at him that made him roll his eyes.

"No, those Paladins don't count as Firepower," he groaned before pressing another series of buttons to try and figure out what did what "I was impressed with them at first, and lord knows the mutts in the White Fang were ecstatic, but up against actual Huntsmen? Those damn machines crumpled like paper!"

It was a sore spot for him, overestimating the abilities of the Paladin had ended up leaving him at the mercy of that gaggle of students who always seemed to show up whenever he was trying to get anything done. He liked to think he made getting blasted out of a mech look cool, but if Neo hadn't been there they would've been severely behind schedule. And really, owing Neo anything was something he learned ages ago was a bad idea. Even without speaking, she seemed capable of reminding him of every time she'd had to pull his ass out of the fire. And that... was not stylish at all.

"If we had a couple of cannons on that train, the ones like this thing has, I'm positive I could've-!"

A sudden tapping sound brought his attention to Neo, who leaned the tip of her umbrella on the side of a control panel and tossed him a scroll. He caught it, only looking at the screen for a moment before recognizing the image on it.

"Right right, rambling I know." he sighed before sticking the scroll into the console and watching as it did its magic. The displays around them went tinged with red as the virus worked through its systems, soon enough every android down there should be re-configuring their targeting parameters. The kind of control they could exercise over Atlesian systems was one of the many things that Roman knew better than to question. Just another reason to keep dancing to Cinder's tune, as it pretty much convinced him that no prison on Remnant would be capable of protecting him from her.

Roman gave a sigh at that, but paused when Neo nudged him. She gave a nod towards the window, and Roman followed her gesture towards their target. Right, Amity Colosseum. They were gonna bring the whole thing down. He knew for a fact that this wasn't part of the original plan and, according to some messages from Cinder, was added in by Adam Taurus himself. Something about keeping the students and Huntsmen there from responding to the attack on Beacon. Roman and the Faunus had never met in person, but he'd be lying if the guy didn't have some nifty ideas.

That being said, Amity was an eyesore that he'd take no problem in blasting out of the skies anyway. With Neo applauding him, he once more tried to angle the ship's weapons towards the Colosseum, unaware of the glow that appeared above the ship. Neo did however, and found her attention drawn out the window again as two figures fell towards the ship.

Outside, Krosh landed and rolled forward, eyes darting around before he glanced behind him. Krosh leaned forward and took note of where the ship was facing, "Looks like we made it just in time, Oggs!" he gave a whistle as Ogthrak landed beside him "Looks like they're readying up for another attack. So how do we-?"

He was cut off just as Ogthrak's hand clenched around his throat and lifted him up. Ogthrak reared back whilst using his other hand to point towards the Control Center "That's your target... stop 'em."

"Right to the action, eh?" Krosh grinned while grabbing at Ogthrak's arm "Always enjoyed your whole 'straight-forward' approach, pal."

Ogthrak launched him through the air towards the control center before taking aim as the rifles under his shields extended.

"Ah!" Roman eyed a certain set of buttons "Think I've figured this thing out Neo, if we use both of-"

A hole formed in the window before him, sending a flash of glass towards him right before a half dozen more appeared. Roman ducked under the glass as Neo tilted her head at the circle the holes were forming on the window, with Krosh sailing through moments later with the blades on his bracers already swinging. Roman leaped back out of the way as Krosh landed on the controls and hopped towards him. Neo slid between them and caught Krosh's foot with the handle of her umbrella, sending him spinning over Roman. Krosh rolled upon contact with the floor, spinning around and smirking, "Oh?"

Neo and Roman exchanged a glance as Krosh stood and tapped the tips of his bracer blades to the floor, "Look, I get it. Big ship, big guns. Unfortunately for both of you guys, that Colosseum's off limits."

"How... how did you even get here?" Roman couldn't help but ask while taking aim with his cane

"How did any of us get here?" Krosh shrugged before crossing his blades in front of him "A mystery about half of us are taking to their grave no doubt."

Roman narrowed his eyes, "Half?"

Neo spun around and opened her umbrella just as a dust round came flying at Torchwick. It exploded against her Umbrella, which she lifted out of the way as Ogthrak finished pulling himself through the hole in the window.

Roman sighed as he looked back to Krosh, who was hopping from one foot to another in enthusiasm. Adjusting his hat, Roman nudged Neo while taking aim with his cane "Nothing's ever easy, huh?"

---

Amity Colosseum

Pugrish pulled the top portion of his cloak off and let it fall to the ground behind him as he rubbed at his shoulder with his free hand.

"Ah," he sighed while rubbing out some kinks in his neck "gonna want to be... limber for this."

He grinned, the horrific Mask he wore stretching along with his mouth. The Mask of Memories was still just as grotesque as Hork remembered it, a grisly assembly of different parts of faces from all kinds of creatures ranging from Ologs, Uruks and Tarks alike. The Shaman's white pupils swam in oceans of blue, which seemed to glow due to the darkness given by the Mask. The eye holes were nothing more than Uruk mouths, and the space around the Shaman's mouth was made of the eyelids of a Graug. The Grand Shaman's ratty hair stuck out of eye holes, noses and mouths all over his head.

Preserved through techniques known by the Feral Tribe, that damned mask had grown across more and more of Pugrish's head with every challenger he added to it. Similarly preserved leather straps crisscrossed across his bare chest and arms, the various dust crystals which were embedded in the straps looked far more regal than they had any right to be. The only actual armor he wore were the gauntlets, inscribed with markings similar to that of the Dreamer Gate they'd just been taken by, along with the armored trousers he wore. Those were mostly covered up by the bottom half of the cloak he still wore, which covered up most of his lower half. But at the very bottom, his bare feet occasionally poked out, sporting similar straps as the rest of his body.

Despite all of this, the only thing Hork could think about at that moment was how small he was. While nowhere near short enough to be considered small by most Uruks, when placed next to someone as big as Hork the Grand Shaman could never hope to compare. Hork wanted to break that body for the stunt he'd just pulled, for tricking him. But despite the liquid rage coursing through Hork's veins, his more rational thoughts forced him to hold back. These were the thoughts that continued to remind him of just how dangerous the Uruk before him was, size or not.

Pugrish raised an eyebrow at this, giving a pleased little smile at him whilst tapping the tip of his staff against the floor of the Arena, "Still holding back that rage, Gatekeeper?" he sighed whilst looking away "A shame... I remember you being far more... passionate in your heydays."

"You didn't answer me, Stormbringer." Hork snarled "What have you done?! That Portal... it was supposed to take us home! To acquire reinforcements! Without them, Atlas will-!"

"Atlas?" Maku laughed while leaning forward "Atlas is in just as much trouble as your band of loyalists are!"

"True..." Pugrish noted while tapping a finger to his chin "Depending on when the Folly awakens, they'll probably get caught up in its rampage as well."

"The... the what?" Hork leaned forward with a questioning glare

"Bruma's Folly, the Grimm responsible for tearing apart that Tower's kingdom in the first place." Pugrish explained casually "I was sure to instruct my students to awaken it in a timely fashion... so who knows how long they'll be able to actually wage that little battle before it kills them all."

Hork was silent, breathing growing more erratic the more he listened. Ishga stepped forward, pointing towards Skak and himself, "We ordered our boys to get everyone out of there before we went after you, Shaman! If this was supposed to wipe out the Tower Uruks then it's already failed!"

"You think that any of his lackeys will listen to yours?" Ratlug gave a humored sigh "You're even stupider than I thought, Blood-Storm. You should've just had your boys flee, those fossils at the Tower are lost causes."

"But if you know..." Pugrish turned his attention to Tugog "I suppose that means you did attempt retaliation. I was worried you would allow my ploy to proceed unimpeded, even after cluing you in, but this-"

"Is all on them, Pugrish." Tugog interrupted, swallowing nervously as he forced himself to maintain eye contact "I gave them no orders, merely let them proceed on their-"

"You... knew?"

All eyes went to Hork, who stared at Tugog with wide-eyes before his gaze narrowed, "Your visions... the dreams... you said-"

"I said what I had to to keep you from getting yourself killed." Tugog explained as Hork started advancing on him "By the time I'd figured him out they already had us, Hork! If I told you then they'd have woken the beast any-!"

Hork's fist collided with his face and sent him reeling onto his back, Hork reached for one of his swords, "So instead you just let him play me for a fool!? Leave my soldiers at his mercy!?"

"You would've retaliated! If they woke up the beast early then it would've slaughtered us all!" Tugog explained whilst rubbing at his face, pulling himself back as Hork loomed over him "Now though, with the Atlesians there to keep it distracted a-and with Ishga's boys warning them, they have a chance! A chance to escape that wouldn't have been there if I'd left it in your hands!"

Maku scoffed at the display, "No matter the intent, you's all done for." he gestured to the Storm soldiers, only for the Grand Shaman to raise his staff in front of him before he could give an order, "B-Boss?"

Pugrish didn't respond, instead keeping his eyes locked to the altercation before him with rapt attention.

"You had no right, no right!" Hork bellowed

"We couldn't beat them that way, Hork!" Tugog defended himself

"Sir..." Ishga spoke up without taking his eyes off the Stormbringer "Your visions are not guaranteed and have never been."

"I looked for alternatives! But none involved us surviving!" Tugog defended.

"Blood-Axe says ya should've at least tried." Skak chipped in while massaging his side "I mean, how is this better than any o' them other things ya seen?"

"Because I know exactly what to do to get us out of here." The Dreamer declared, trying to sound firm despite Hork's palpable fury, the two stared each other down for a moment as Tugog continued pulling himself away "I know him, Hork. I know why he's doing this, and that same desire won't let him kill us unless he has to."

Hork raised an eyebrow at that, though his grip remained tight on the hilt of his sword. He glanced to Pugrish, who continued watching patiently with a smile, "What... what would that be?"

"Why else would he personally screw over two armies at the same time?" Tugog began to stand, "If it were an Uruk like Ratlug pullin' the strings I could just chock it up to tactical exploitation. But Pugrish isn't the type to care about stuff like that. This isn't even really about defeating us. "

"What?"

"That's why you're here, right?" Tugog glared at the Stormbringer "This is Vale, right?"

"We're in Vale?!" Hork practically choked on his own malice

"Usually a lovely city..." Pugrish recalled "though it is enshrouded in quite a bit of chaos at the moment."

"You had a hand in that as well, I take it?" Tugog offered

"Well... when you said the place would be stricken by some horrid event, I couldn't resist with a clear conscious." Pugrish twirled his staff before leaning against it "I may have introduced more parties to the conflict, many of whom shall become my enemies by sunrise."

"But that's foolish!" Hork growled out "We've got loyalties to fulfill, and you have been impeding those duties time and time again for what?! All this mystic subterfuge and treachery! Out with it, Stormbringer! I refuse to believe all this was for nothing other than to satisfy your disgusting lust for entertainment."

"What? Oh no... not at all." Pugrish rubbed the edge of one of the mouths on his mask "All this is to satisfy my disgusting lust for suitable challengers."

Tilting his staff to the side, he ran the jagged edge of his gauntlet-encased finger along it "Stagnant for so long, inciting battles between others could only draw my passion for so long. But the Challengers grew too wise to stand against me, and my lack of enthusiasm took hold. But here... in this realm, so many possibilities are open. So many things to try, enemies to face. I tried seeking them out on my own, but..."

Looking back to them, he began counting off with his free hand, "The Dark Beasts are only monsters... creatures of power, but without any claim to become true Challengers. The Huntsmen vary in quality, the many I managed to find and slay unworthy to be considered Challengers. The machines, criminals, other Uruks? All of whom dissapointed... I've come to understand that I must force the suitable challengers into the open, lest I waste more time."

He tightened his grip on his staff before raising one hand and pointing to the floor beneath him, "Starting tonight, right here... I begin staking my claim. From this facility, to the city, to the continent, to the next and the next. The Challengers will have no choice but to face me, lest they be consumed during our conquest."

"Should've known sitting on top of all that strength for so long and never using it would drive ya mad." Hork scowled as he began drawing his sword "And all the stuff we've been gathering for the Gate to Mordor: the dust... the herbs..."

"All of it will support the war-efforts..." Pugrish tapped his staff against the ground before turning his grin towards the sky "Once we complete my Spawn pits, the freshspawn will require all of it and more for my conquest."

"So you never stopped working on them, eh?" Hork shook his head before snarling "We've no time for your battlefield fantasies. The Dark Lord-"

"Is a Challenger for another time." Pugrish interrupted before drumming his fingers on his lips "Once this entire realm falls to us and I have had my fill of its challengers... we shall utilize the Gates to move to another, and continue our conquest."

Pugrish paused to give a wistful look to the sky "Perhaps one day I'll have what's necessary to face the Dark Lord on his own terms, but until then I prefer passion in my conflict."

"We should've had you strung up the moment you started snooping around." Hork reached for his other sword "The last thing we need right now's a rogue claimant going wild. Guess I just wanted to believe you'd grown out of such foolish ideals. Ended up giving you far more leeway than you ever deserved."

Tugog glanced to him, "Hork, don't do it."

"But since you went through the trouble of dragging me from my soldiers and givin' us such a good arena, I'll be making up for that mistake right here and now!" Hork shouted whilst drawing his other sword.

"Oh?" Pugrish raised his staff and gestured towards him with it "My dearest Warchief... are you offering to challenge me?"

Ratlug found himself less and less interested in the brewing battle approaching, already figuring out how it would go. Of course he did, he was of a superior intellect to the majority of the imbeciles currently standing in this Arena. Yet despite that blatant superiority, he had no idea what these pieces of metal were that were scattered around everywhere. Most of the Uruks were so busy with the Warchief/Shaman stare down going on, but Ratlug knew better than to waste brain cells on something he could already predict.

And so, while Tugog tried talking Hork down, Ratlug busied himself with examining the pieces. It was funny, if you looked at some of them in a certain way they almost looked like a tark. But that was ridiculous, why would they have a metal tark in the middle of their arena? As loathe as he was to admit it, he already knew that to find the answer he'd have to ask the Warmonger they had hiding aboard this facility: his son. He hadn't been able to watch the Tournament's proceedings, had to keep up appearances in front of the Warchiefs after all. But his errant spawn should've been able to see everything that had occurred prior to their arrival.

Standing behind Ratlug watching the ordeal go down were his two Researchers, Druk and Drul. Drul kept pulling the crank on the device he had strapped to him, ready just in case their Master needed them to act. Druk on the other hand, was once again trying to light a cigarette, barely managing to get it lit in between all his coughing. He took a drag while keeping his other hand on one of his firearms, with Drul immediately growling at the smoke drifting towards him.

He waved a hand in front of his face, pausing before taking a whiff of something, "You smell that?"

"I ain't stopping." Druk stated whilst taking another puff

"No... it smells like... Tark."

"This place was full o' Tark a while ago." Druk rolled his eyes

"No no, this is," Drul took a deep whiff "this is a fresh scent."

Somewhere in the stands, that specific Tark was crouched down behind several chairs, trying to make her way towards the nearest hall as quietly as possible. She didn't know why those Uruks were here or what they were doing, what she did know was that a good number of them were serious bad news. The Warchiefs were bad enough just showing up in the midst of all this chaos, but that Shaman guy and his lackeys were just icing on the cake.

She needed to get away carefully, as she knew from experience that some Uruks had absolutely insane senses. She just needed to get away and warn Weiss not to try and meet her inside the Arena. They'd figure something else out, anything else out, anything was preferable to having to face these types of opponents, let alone all at once.

Luckily for Ruby, the major threats she was thinking of were preoccupied at the moment.

"I know that he'll let us walk, Hork! You don't have to do this!" Tugog tried to explain

"Even if he did, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself for letting this gross betrayal go unpunished!" Hork declared before glancing at him out of the corner of his eye "Besides, what makes you think that after everything he's done, ALL OF THIS, that he'd just let us go prancing off unhindered?!"

"Because he's already won!" Tugog gestured around them "Look around! He played his hand and we got caught up in it. He's just trying to get you to retaliate!"

"So certain you seem of these words." Pugrish noted before tilting his head in curiosity "Have you seen such things in your dreams, perhaps?"

"I don't need knowledge of the future to understand you," Tugog spat at him "and what I'm certain of is that if you think you'll get a better fight out of it, you wouldn't hesitate to let all of us walk away right this instant. And trust me when I say that, given time, I know for a fact that we can muster up enough forces to destroy this entire conquest of yours."

Pugrish narrowed his eyes, but his smile remained the same, "Are you trying to tempt me, Dreamer?"

"The fact that you call it that means that its appealing to you, am I right?"

"That remains to be seen, but do go on." Pugrish encouraged him

"I don't care what kind of sick games you two are trying to pull, and frankly it wouldn't matter if I did." Hork shook his head and stepped forward before pointing his sword towards Pugrish "Stormbringer, ignore the coward. I challenge you to a duel, right here!"

"Hork no!" Tugog shouted, only to feel himself getting held back. He looked back at Ishga, who only shook his head.

"Just like Clockwork," Ratlug spoke out loud while kicking another bit of metal out of the way and glancing back at them "if that's truly how this is meant to play out, I suppose I'll leave you to it, Boss."

Picking up one of the bigger bits of metal, Ratlug began walking off "I needn't remind you that I've gotta get the Mark-II in on that mess down below, we're still on a schedule after all."

As he walked off he gestured to other Storm members in attendance, "I'll send back some boys to help you guys take this place. Make sure its not in pieces when they get here."

Druk and Drul barely noticed their superior leaving, they were caught up in scanning the surrounding seats carefully.

"I'm tellin' ya," Druk coughed out a groan "I don't see no Tarks!"

Right outside the Arena, Blake pressed herself to the side of the facility, trying to get a better grip on her weapon. She couldn't recall how long she'd been climbing, or how long it had been since Torchwick had opened fire on the Arena. All she remembered was instinct, which was probably why she hadn't been sent falling to her death after the impact had sent her flying from the floating facility.

All she knew was that she had to get back up to the docking area before she got exhausted by the climb, and the painful kink in her leg was not helping. She hadn't been able to catch what Ruby's plan was, but she would be good with anything that meant getting back at Torchwick. That was, of course, if she could manage to climb up quick enough. Her scroll had rung several times during her ascent, but Blake wasn't sure if she had the grip strength to keep from falling if she used one hand to answer them. She could only hope that it meant her friends were okay and just worrying about her.

Though she hoped for that, the thought still made her sigh.

She wasn't given long to revel in her woes, however, as what sounded like a massive fissure being pulled open brought her attention to the side. Something far past the city was moving, she could see a huge plume of dust rising near Mountain Glenn. She squinted her eyes, momentarily transfixed before they went wide at the sight which tore through the clouds.

An absolutely massive Grimm Dragon was sailing towards the city, roaring and spewing inky black clumps of liquid from its body. Blake watched in growing horror as the beast flew over Vale, dotting many of the already war-torn streets with the inky substance as it drew closer. It sailed by the Arena, clipping the side of a Bullhead that was passing by. The Bullhead flew over Blake and crashed somewhere in the docking area above. Blake had to press herself to the wall as some more debris fell past her. Looking up, Blake narrowed her eyes at the Dragon as it sailed nearby, dropping more of its disgusting ooze over the City below. Steeling herself, Blake resumed scaling Amity Colosseum.

The Dragon flew over the Arena, momentarily darkening it. Tugog looked up just as the shadow of the enormous figure passed, trying to figure out what he just saw.

"Dreamer!" the Shaman's shout drew Tugog's gaze back to him just in time to see the sealed tube getting tossed to him.

"I do hope you intend on bringing quite the battle with you," Pugrish laughed while patting his side, where his journal was secured to his belt "the next time we meet."

Tugog looked down at the tube, tipping it to the side to find a rolled up parchment with the runes of a Dreamer Gate inscribed on it.

"Master?! You can't be serious!" Maku shouted out as he watched the Red-themed Uruks begin backing away "We have them right where we want them!"

"If you wish to pursue them on your own... then by all means." Pugrish gave a shrug before undoing the binds on his journal and opening it "As for me, I believe that the Gatekeeper wishes to have words."

His remaining underlings watched as he began reading something in Black Speech, but they all began backing away towards the seats.

"You know he'll let ya go too, he wants you to swear vengeance against him." Tugog said as he approached Hork "I know that out of all of us, you could recover from whatever ploy he made and regroup even stronger than before! But if you challenge him here then he-"

"Go flee to someone who cares Dreamer." Hork said without taking his eyes off of Pugrish "Once I'm done putting down this traitor, I'll slay you as well for withholding knowledge of his betrayal."

Tugog stepped back, eyes narrowing momentarily before he sighed and turned away, "Ishga, Skak, come."

The two other Blood-themed Uruks watched Pugrish and Hork for a moment more before following their master.

As he watched Tugog pull out the set the Gate up, Ishga felt his mouth twitch in irritation, "Master, please tell me that you have a plan."

"So far I'd been focused only on getting us through this night without dying but..." he turned back and looked at the Duel that was about to commence "but without Hork, my dreams-"

"Something without your dreams!" Ishga shouted as the portal began opening "No visions, no foresight, none of it! Because so far, all your dreams seem to say that there isn't anything we can do! And if your powers show you no future to aim for, then I don't think it'd be wise to serve you any longer."

Skak gave an impressed whistle at that, "Seriously?" he looked to his weapon "Yeah yeah, I thinks Ishga means goin' Chief-less, pal!"

Tugog stared at Ishga for a moment as the portal opened, he then stood with its light illuminating him whilst staring into its swirling colors, "If that's how you feel, then I suppose I do have one last piece of information for you. If you truly seek to be free from my oversight, then you'll need it."

Hork didn't turn around throughout the entire conversation, nor did he flinch when he heard the sound of the portal closing behind Tugog and his underlings. He merely kept his blade leveled at Pugrish, who kept reading from his journal in Black Speech until all other Uruks had climbed from the Arena into the stands. Once they were clear, Pugrish closed the journal, which gave a small pulse of energy. It was his Aura, radiating a faint blue hue momentarily before he slid the journal into its binds and locked it to his hip once more.

"You know you won't be able to beat me without everything at your disposal." Pugrish said whilst pointing his staff towards Hork "If you hold back even a smidgen... I will spread your innards across this Arena with fervor."

Maku and the Storm Soldiers had moved into the stands, watching the two stare each other down with anticipation. Thankfully, they were on the other side of the Arena from Ruby, who found the situation growing less dire by the second. Tugog and Ratlug were both gone, and it even looked like Hork and the Shaman were aiming to fight each other. She wasn't exactly sure why the Shaman was waving around that odd-looking pogo stick, but at that moment all she could really focus on was the outcropping which jutted from the seats that led to a hallfway. She was almost there, she could practically taste the freedom.

A light was shown down upon her when she was mere meters away. She covered her eyes and looked up to see an Uruk standing atop the outcropping and patting the device on his torso. That bright light was coming from his eyes, which were like spotlights shining down upon her.

"Knew I smelt Tark," Drul snickered "what do I win?"

"Another practice run."

Ruby turned and raised Crescent Rose to deflect a kick which sent her rolling over two seats and against a rail. Druk stood upon one of the seats and watched her extend Crescent Rose to its full form.

"How long ya think she was here?" he asked with several coughs

"Who cares?" Drul asked as he worked the machine strapped to him "Last time we were lucky enough to get one of them to ourselves, our research rocketed unimaginably!"

He turned the crank on the machine whilst aiming it at Ruby, only for a strip of film to be ejected from the side of it.

"Besides," Drul pulled up the film and began looking at it, closing one eye as the other glowed "just look at the shots she's giving me."

Ruby's eyes darted between the two Researchers and the hallway, she watched as Druk's hands went for the two weapons at his side before using her semblance to speed for it. He whipped out two oddly circular handguns with blades on their bottom portions before opening fire. His bullets pased rose petals, and soon she reformed and began running into the hallway before-

Ruby found herself standing before the two Researchers once again, her back to the rail and a look of confusion marring her features.

"Idiot," Druk growled as he leveled his guns at her again "she almost got out of range because you were busy with those damn pictures."

"I have to admire them at least a little bit," Drul sighed as he lowered the film in his hands, the strip was smoking from a tiny, Ruby-sized hole in it. "at least until they're sacrificed."

Ruby didn't have time to articulate her confusion before Druk lunged at her, and she quickly darted to the side and twirled Crescent Rose as he fired at her. She swung her scythe and blasted herself towards him when-

Ruby found herself standing against the rail again, looking up at Drul just as he lowered the film strip again. There was a second smoking hole in a different piece of the strip, and he shifted it to the side with one hand while the other continued turning the crank on his machine. The machine continued spewing out the film strip, which he grabbed at as Ruby shook off her daze once again.

She glanced to the side just as Druk spun around to fire upon her again, with Ruby backing away in the opposite direction to keep both of them in her line of sight. She fired on Druk, who ducked and swerved around her rounds with fluid movements despite the occasional coughs he gave. But despite his approach, Ruby's eyes kept going towards Drul. With a decent view this time, she watched as he closed one eye and held another strip of film over his open eye just as it began glowing. The light brightened before a hole instantaneously appeared in the strip.

Suddenly Druk wasn't swiping at her from below, he was mid-lunge in the same position as he was before. Ruby brought up Crescent Rose and threw him back this time, only for Drul to pull up some more film strip and rapidly form holes with his glowing eye.

Every time a hole formed, Druk would appear in a different place, his aura would flash, and in the literal blink of an eye he was somewhere else. Ruby had a hard time concentrating on him, and with a grunt fired Crescent Rose and used the momentum to swing the scythe around her wildly, eventually catching Druk and swiping him out of the air.

"No more flash photos!" Druk groaned as he glared at Drul, "Mix it up! Mix it-!"

Their fight was interrupted by the feeling of the entire Arena shaking, all three of them fought to catch their footing when the sound of an earthquake made them all turn towards the center of the Arena.

It looked as if a mountain was being yanked up through the floor, but Ruby recognized it immediately as the mountainous section used for the Team Battles. The entire section had just been torn up through the Arena's center.

Standing atop the rising mountain as chunks of the floor fell away around it was Hork, whose aura was bleeding down into it. Watching from a lower portion of the small mountain was Pugrish, who held his free hand over his eyes as he watched with a grin, "To be able to feel it beneath the very floor... just how far is your Semblance's reach?"

Hork didn't respond, instead driving both of his swords into the mountain as formations began growing from it.

"No no... you're right." Pugrish raised his staff as two columns of stone formed from the mountain and plunged towards him. "Let us discover together."

Right before the columns connected with him, a quick swing of his staff sent the tops of both blasting off into the seats, forcing Ruby and the Researchers to dodge more debris. Pugrish leaped atop one of the columns and took off along it just as a large wall was erected before him and immediately blasted apart towards him. The Shaman darted in between the chunks of stone as they peppered the column, smashing any that came too close with the handlebars of his staff. As the dust settled, he saw yet another wall had been erected between them, this one made entirely of stone spikes.

No sooner did he see this new obstacle before it began tilting towards him, the giant wall of spikes approaching fast. Pugrish hopped onto the footrests of his staff as the very bottom of it depressed. Hork had to flinch back as the Shaman was sent carving up through his wall of spikes, tearing the entire thing in half with his staff as he sailed into the air. Hork moved quick to free his blades from the rock as Pugrish began descending towards him, spinning with his staff extended.

Hork managed to cross his blades just as the staff made contact with them, the force pushing him back onto a platform that had been growing from the rear of the mountain. His feet still dug into this platform from having to hold back the Shaman's attack, but he managed to turn and whip Pugrish away from him. The Shaman caught himself on his staff, perching atop it whilst examining Hork with yet another grin.

"Delightfully powerful." Pugrish said, he reached up to press a finger to his lips in thought before asking "But is it enough to help you beat me? Let's find out."

.{{{{{+-+}}}}}.

Weiss had been having just as little luck finding her teammates as Ruby and Blake had. In addition to there still being several Grimm wandering around the Docking Areas, a Bullhead had nearly crashed into her while she was clearing them out. Luckily, the thing didn't explode but one of its doors was torn open by two Boarbatusks that she had to take down. Only now was she making her way to a hall that led deeper into Amity.

She kept trying to call Blake to no avail, but made sure to keep Myrtenaster at the ready. There were no telling how many Grimm were still running amok, and she wasn't going to take any chances. At least, that was the idea when she started down the hall. But not far into it, she heard a cheerful voice talking... a voice she remembered all too well.

"-and then he just kept insistin' that me big bro would be here, and he ain't one for lying about stuff like that. So despite bein' all types of confused, I just had to check it out all on me own!"

Sure enough, Weiss was able to make out the massive form of Krimp down the hall from her. He was looking away from her, gesturing to the side while speaking to nobody apparently. Despite his large size, she could say for certain that there wasn't anybody else in the hall with them. That didn't stop Krimp from talking up a storm, "Didn't think I'd be able to find this place, really. I mean I know its up in the sky an' all but-"

He paused, glancing behind him and smiling at the sight of Weiss, "Hey there, buddy! I thought all o' you took off once them sirens started blaring."

"I'd ask what you're doing here, but I really don't have the time for that, Krimp." Weiss sighed as she walked past him "If you haven't noticed, Vale's kind of in trouble. I gotta meet with Ruby and-"

"Woah woah woah!" Krimp walked in front of her whilst waving his hands before jerking a thumb behind him, "Ya mean down that way?"

Weiss glared at him, "Obviously, now if you'd just move-"

"No can do, Weissy!" Krimp shook his head "From what I hear, my big Bro's over there doin' some major important negotiatin' and whatnot. If he saw you in the midst o' that, he'll be livid! Not to mention he'd prolly kill ya."

Weiss looked at Krimp, trying to discern how much of what he said was truth or fiction. She'd already figured him to be a serial liar, but she knew better than to just write off everything he spoke as falsehood. He'd given them plenty of useful information in the past, but why would his brother be here of all places? For negotiations? That didn't make any sense. But if he was telling the truth...

"Krimp, Ruby told me to meet her in there. If your brother-"

A wrapped up sword came swinging down at her before she could even finish, a quick glyph at her feet was the only thing which helped her pull herself out of the way. She looked up to see that the wrapped up sword had been wedged into the floor, which had torn open upon impact.

"Now lookie lookie, pal." Krimp said whilst yanking the sword out and leaning it on his shoulder, "I already went and did this whole gig with Blakey a while back, you lot got this thing for helpin' ya team even when I say I can't let ya do it."

"Krimp, don't do this..." Weiss said carefully while raising Myrtenaster

"I'll do ya the same pleasure and make ya go to sleep real easy-like." Krimp noted whilst holding out the sword "And look! I got's to give this sword to me bro soon, he'll probably like it twice as much if I tell him I was beatin' on ya with it! Don't worry, I'll leave the sharp bits all wrapped up so ya don't get nuttin' permanent. From what I hear you's a real looker for a tark, I'd hate to take that away from ya!"

And even while threatening her, he was still spewing compliments, Weiss rolled her eyes, "I'm not going to leave my partner behind." she said while readying a Glyph.

"Sorry ta say this, buddy. But I can't really let ya have a choice in the matter." Krimp shrugged before charging forward, his unnatural speed catching Weiss so off guard that she almost missed her chance to use her Glyph. Krimp swung the wrapped up sword over his heard, tearing a gash in the ceiling as Weiss activated the glyph and darted underneath one of his legs. She slashed at his heel as she passed, readying another glyph when her momentum halted altogether. She glanced back to see Krimp holding on to her ankle with his free hand.

"Now now buddy," Krimp said with a giggle as he yanked her through the air "where ya think you's goin', silly?"

Krimp spun with Weiss in his grasp before swinging her over his head and slamming her into the floor. Her Aura flared violently as her lungs fought for air, but the sight of Krimp raising his leg made Weiss instead summon another glyph to help her slip out of place right before his foot came down and crushed the floor where she'd been. She waved Myrtenaster, using Glyphs to erect a wall of Ice between them only for Krimp to break right though it head-first with his sword already swinging. Weiss only barely got Myrtenaster up in time to block the oncoming attack. Despite this, the force of the impact sent her flying against one of the nearby walls, just barely managing to jump off it before Krimp crashed into the wall.

"Wowee Weissy!" Krimp said as Weiss struggled to get back to her feet. She looked up to see that he'd rammed nearly half of his body into the wall in his efforts to reach her, but seemed just as joyful as ever.

"You're pretty good at dodging, no wonder Ruby looks up to you so much!"

Weiss refused to let the compliments catch her off guard, and glanced down the hallway as Krimp turned his attention to the wall half of him was currently stuck in.

"But to be as fair and unbiased as I can be~!"

Weiss darted past him, using Glyphs to speed up just as Krimp tore himself from the wall, ripping an entire chunk of it out in the process. She had a head start, and actually managed to pull away a bit when Krimp sent one of his spinning blades sailing into her side and knocking her off course. She couldn't even try to orientate herself before the wrapped up sword slammed into her gut and smashed her against the wall again.

"It still ain't as quick as Blakey was." he finished saying as he pulled the wrapped up sword away and let Weiss's twitching form fall into his other hand.

"K-Krimp..." Weiss coughed out whilst trying to steady her breathing, the extreme blunt force trauma leaving her Aura fizzling to hold up "Wait... you can't-"

Krimp's forehead rammed into the bridge of her nose before she could finish, immediately making her go limp his grasp. He sat her against the wall, making sure she was nice and comfy before noticing something that made his smile waver.

Uh oh, it seems that when he knocked her unconscious, he'd broken her nose! And he did specifically say that he would make sure not to mess up her Tark looks. Krimp pouted whilst setting the sword aside, then kneeled down to pat her on the head with one hand while shifting her broken nose back into place with the other.

He gave her a thumbs up before moving to stand up, but he just couldn't help himself. He reached down to wipe off some of the blood that was leaking from her broken nose. He made sure to wipe that blood on the sword, now his big bro would like it three times as much!

Weiss barely even noticed, as her entire world was fading into darkness. The only thing she could recognize was the sound of Krimp starting up his one-sided conversation again as he joyfully wandered off.

"Don't gotta make a big deal about it, laddie, was just doing what I thought I needed to do! You could- Oh?" he paused in his speech momentarily before snickering "Ya sure? If Pugsy really is over there then I'm sure he'd love a chat. Always did seem to likes ya!"

Krimp waved his free hand, "No, no I get it. Don't let me keeps ya."

"Catch ya later, Gundzie!"

.{{{{{+-+}}}}}.

Ruby was quickly finding herself growing tired of that guy with the glowing eyes. Every few seconds he'd use those film strips to teleport her somewhere different. She didn't know if it was a semblance or Uruk mysticism, all she really knew was that she hated randomly getting moved around whilst trying to fight off Druk. He suffered the same fate as well, getting teleported around by his partner to help him avoid her attacks or start up new ones. The difference between the two of them was that he was far more used to getting teleported around than she was.

But despite that, Ruby was slowly starting to figure it out. The photographer needed the film strips he kept making, meaning there was a lull in between each teleportation where he'd need to crank out more. He'd keep dragging her back into the fight whenever she tried to take off, often putting her right in front of Druk. Slowly she'd shifted her attention from fighting off Druk to getting to Drul, as she was sure she could escape if she could take him out.

But then there was the fact that she kept having to dodge massive chunks of stone which kept crashing down all around them.

Once more she found herself blasting herself out of the way as a broken chunk of stairs crashed in between Druk and her, spinning Crescent Rose as he hopped atop the debris and lunged for her again. The moment their weapons clashed, Ruby found herself standing in a different part of the stands with her weapon raised. She looked up just as another chunk of broken mountain descended towards her.

Darting out of the way with her semblance, she looked up to see Drul had relocated to a different part of the stands, cranking out some more film strips. She sped towards him, hopping atop different seats as she rushed to get to him before he could raise the strip in front of his eye. He paused and looked up before he stumbled to the side as yet another piece of stone fell towards them.

Ruby took note and darted in the opposite direction before a thin piece of wall collided with the stands. The wall fell onto the odd amalgam of broken stone structures that were being formed, broken and reformed out of the mountain. Drul wasted no time in hopping on this fallen wall and backpedaling along it as he aimed his device at Ruby again. She gave pursuit, only for Druk to dart in from the side and force to her to ward off his assault once again.

The source of all this debris was the continuing assault Hork was subjecting the Shaman to. Leaping from a mound of rock, he brought down both of his swords as the Shaman twirled his staff in one hand before catching the attack. Pugrish didn't flinch as he held back both of the blades with his staff, but the ground right behind him cracked open from the impact.

"More!" he ordered before shoving Hork back and spinning, Hork deflected the handlebars of the staff several times before lunging back and swinging forward with his sword, a spear of stone forming from the mound beside them. Pugrish once again deflected the sword, but the spear of stone slipped right past his weapon before shattering against his chest and crumbling.

"More!" he demanded again as Hork stepped back, raising his staff and using it to bounce into the air again. Gritting his teeth, Hork plunged his swords into the stone around him and gave a snarl of effort as the rock began forming into a dome of stone around them. Pugrish cooed in interest as he turned around in the air while the rock grew around him. Suddenly jagged rocks began firing at him repeatedly from these newly formed walls. Pugrish spun, his staff breaking the rocks apart before they could reach him. He continued spinning until he landed, immediately taking off towards Hork keeping just ahead of the jagged stones.

He darted side to side to evade the stones, leaping over several sections of the ground that reached up towards him and sliding under a spike before rearing back with his staff. Hork freed one blade and raised it to defend himself when the Shaman sped forward and planted the base of his staff against Hork's collar.

Horks eyes widened as he and Pugrish stared at each other for half a second. Pugrish's lips spread into a little grin right before the base of his staff shot forward and shoved Hork back. His massive legs dug into the ground to find purchase as he looked up, catching sight of Pugrish once more using his staff to rocket into the air above him. Regaining his footing, Hork threw himself backwards as Pugrish impacted with the ground and sent up another wave of broken rock.

Hork crossed his swords in front of him as Pugrish sped through the falling rocks and swung his staff at him again. The force of the impact sent Hork sailing through another stone wall, which tilted and careened to the side as Pugrish gave pursuit. The wall fell and broke a platform that Drul just so happened to have been standing on. Feeling the rock beneath him give way, Drul leaped off the side and fell to the Arena floor below it. The Floor was covered in debris and battle scars from the conflict, but Drul managed to find himself a proper area to land.

He stepped out of the way of some more falling pieces of stone before turning around. A battle cry was the only warning he got before Ruby sailed past some nearby falling rocks and swung Crescent Rose into his device.

"No!" he shouted while he fumbled to crank out some more film, but the scythe came swinging towards him again.

Druk slid in between them and caught the blade between the blades on his guns. He had to take a step back to ground himself. But Ruby fired the scythe which sent it breaking through his guard and forced him back as Ruby prepared to lunge for Drul. Before she could reach him, something sailed through a piece of stone above and crashed into the ground between them.

Both Ruby and the Uruks covered their eyes as dust and some black fluids sprayed on them from the impact, with Ruby immediately recognizing the slimy substance as Uruk Blood.

Looking down, she gasped at the sight of Hork.

Or what was left of him.

Surrounded by streaks of his own blood left behind from the impact, the Warchief was missing his left leg and right arm, along with a section of his jaw and the flesh around his right eye. He released a howl of rage whilst trying to roll over, his one good arm gripping his remaining sword tightly as he tried pushing himself up from the ground.

"Would you young ones mind... moving?"

Ruby and the Researchers turned and watched Pugrish emerge from a cloud of dust, casually twirling his staff as he gestured for them to move, "This matter concerns you little."

The sight of the Warchief in such a state had Ruby frozen in a mix of confusion, surprise, and terror. But she soon found herself teleported away again by Drul, who nudged an almost equally surprised Druk. The two nodded to each other and pursued Ruby once more, leaving Hork to the mercy of the approaching Shaman.

"You hit hard, Gatekeeper... I'm impressed with just how far you've come." Pugrish slid his staff into the crook of his arm so he could give a small applause "Unfortunately, you started far too late to withstand what I have become."

Hork didn't say anything, his eyes twitching wildly as his remaining teeth clenched with pain. He used his remaining sword to prop himself up on one knee, with Pugrish leaning forward to look him over with a smile, "But I appreciate you challenging me... despite how lukewarm this turned out."

Standing tall, he pointed his staff towards him, "Usually I reserve spots on the mask for those who come close to killing me... but I'd hate to forget the potential you had."

Rearing back, Pugrish darted forward only for a flash of metal to halt his staff in mid-air.

"Oh?" Pugrish looked up, finding his staff locked between between a pair of hook blades "Ah, Krimp... perfect timing as always."

Standing between Hork and Pugrish was Krimp, who gave the Shaman his usual smile before nodding towards him.

"Awe, don't need to try butterin' me up Pugsy!" Krimp snickered before stepping back and looking behind him "Lookie lookie, Big Bro! I made it~!"

Pugrish twirled his staff and planted it in the ground beside him, "My apologies for tearing him up so much... we came to some... disagreements."

Hork tried to speak, but his ruined jaw left his words garbled and sloppy, Krimp glanced back at him, "Don't gotta say nothin' big bro! Ya know I'm always ready to help you of all folks."

"Stop!"

Krimp turned around just as Maku faded into sight right in front of Pugrish with his Spear drawn, "This Duel is between him and our Master! You shall not interfere, you wretch!"

Two Storm Soldiers leaped down from the nearby seats to back him up.

"Hold up there buddies, if its a duel you's doing then I'm pretty sure Pugsy won." Krimp slipped his hook-blades back in the straps on his back before drawing the wrapped-up sword "And I can't really let ya kill my bro, even if we're friends. He's a bestie! And Besties get the good treatment!"

"Bailed out by your own failure," Pugrish cooed as his eyes traveled to Hork, "a fitting solution... all things considered."

Hork's eyes went blood shot for a moment as he threw himself forward, pushing off of Krimp and swinging his sword forward. Krimp lunged forward and held Hork back before he could even get close to Pugrish, tightening his grip as Hork shouted out a garbled, "Stor- inger!"

Krimp hefted Hork off his one leg whilst aiming his wrapped-up sword towards the Stormbringer, "Come on Pugsy, I don't wanna have to lose this many friends in one day!"

"Silence!" Maku shouted "This match doesn't conclude unless he dies!"

"How's about we just put it on hold then?" Krimp offered

Maku opened his mouth again, halting only when he heard a snickering coming from behind him. Glancing back, Maku found Pugrish holding one hand to his mouth to hold back some laughter.

"Oh Krimp... I simply can't imagine a world without your specific brand of lunacy." Pugrish turned away "When I finally do complete this match and slay him... I will anticipate your avenging fury with hunger. I just know the challenge you'll provide will be... more than memorable enough."

With that he turned and walked away, "If the rest of you feel as though you can even get to the Gatekeeper with him there, I permit your attempts."

A bead of sweat dripped down the side of Maku's head at that. Turning around, he and the two other Storm soldiers watched as Krimp unwrapped the sword and used the wrappings to secure Hork's now limp form to him.

"Ah, so its a chase ya want?" Krimp offered, grinning as he swept the sword through the air "That's great, I'm really good at those!"

.{{{{{+-+}}}}}.

After what felt like an eternity, Blake finally pulled herself onto the docking area of Amity. She rolled onto her back with a deep breath of relief, staring to the side into the sky. Several Grimm were flying through the air, but most seemed to be following that Dragon that was sailing over the City. With the threat of falling off no longer present, she sat up and went for her scroll to check on what she'd missed.

She found numerous voice calls from Weiss, sighing in relief as she played through a few and heard that her friends made it out of the bombardment okay. Looking up from her scroll, she glanced behind her and spotted that Bullhead that she'd seen crash earlier. It actually didn't look too bad, one wing looked banged up a bit but Blake was convinced it was still flyable. The pilot was gone, the window to the pilot seat was broken in places with no body in sight. Blake could only assume that Grimm got to them. Sighing, she got to her feet and looked back to her scroll.

The very last message said that Weiss and Ruby would be meeting up inside the Arena to discuss how to proceed. Blake glanced to the Bullhead, wondering if they could utilize it. At the very least, she was pretty sure she could fly it if Ruby's plan fell through.

Entering the nearest hall, Blake was surprised to see Weiss so soon. The Heiress was crouched down in the middle of the hall, fiddling with Myrtenaster. For some odd reason, she'd taken off her signature high heels and set them to the side. Blake was about to greet her when she noticed the droplets of blood that surrounded her. Weiss was clutching at her face with one hand, the other turning Myrtenaster over and over as she grunted.

"Weiss!" Blake approached and knelt down beside her "Are you okay?"

Weiss froze as Blake put her her hand on her back, but eventually gestured down the hall with Myrtenaster, "It was Krimp." she grunted "He thinks his brother's in there and wasn't exactly keen on letting me in."

Blake's eyes went wide as she stood up and tightened her grip on Gambol Shroud, "He's here? How long ago was this?"

She stepped in front of Weiss, eyes darting around the hall. She remembered how much of a problem Krimp was back at Hork's Tower, she wasn't sure if she could evade him and cover for Weiss at the same time. But what about Ruby, wasn't she in there already? Blake cursed under her breath, this wasn't what they needed right about now.

"It was..." Weiss paused as she stood up, grip tightening on Myrtenaster "I think it was a few minutes ago."

At the very end, Weiss' voice dipped into a sudden growl. Blake turned only for the tip of Myrtenaster to stab at her and send her skidding away. She covered herself and looked up just as Weiss darted towards her, and suddenly found herself dipping and dodging as the Heiress swiped at her. Blake gritted her teeth before ducking under the rapier and lunging back.

"Weiss?!" she called out as she landed and readied her weapon, flinching a bit as her knee bent awkwardly.

"Oh come on!" Weiss groaned as she turned around, voice fluctuating "It just had to be you again!"

Blake's eyes widened as Weiss lifted her head up, immediately recognizing the pools of inky blackness that had taken over the Heiress's usually icy blue pupils, "Gundza?!"

Slapping his hand against his head, Gundza pulled at the white ponytail in irritation, "I just knew lucking into that big oaf would bring some kind of karmic retribution. It was just too much of an easy break!"

He tore at Weiss's ponytail, pulling it out whilst stabbing Myrtenaster into the floor, "But yet again I find a particularly annoying hybrid standing in my way, even with my mark quite literally in my clutches!"

Weiss's hair fell down along his shoulders as he tossed the ponytail away. Things had been going so good up until that very moment. He'd been able to listen in on Ogthrak's calls, found Krimp mere moments before the beast subdued the target he'd been seeking for ages, making taking her over little more than child's play. It had been divine, certainly a step up from dealing with the Looter's bull-headed nonsense. Sure, getting used to a female tark's body had taken a while, and those stupid shoes of hers hadn't made things easy, but things were still going so well!

And then this happened.

Blake, the Faunus who somehow had worked her way into becoming the bane of his very existence, stood before him once again. He remembered clearly, she had foiled so many of his plans before that it was actually maddening. From Mitch to the Tower to the Train, she was constantly finding ways to set back his progress immensely. So of course the moment he finally catches the Heiress, she would have to appear.

He watched as her eyes narrowed with realization, her body taking up a fighting stance. But he noticed something immediately: her footing was off. Her stance was too tight, a far cry from the usual form she'd taken in her last battles. Thinking back to them enlightened him as to the cause for her garbage stance. Ah yes, the wounds she suffered when facing Ratlug had been easy to overlook at the time. But now, they brought a smile to Gundza's face as he began tossing Myrtenaster from one hand to the other.

"But actually, perhaps my fortune hasn't run dry." He cooed, smiling as he finally took hold of the Rapier's hilt "Perhaps I'll instead add your corpse to my list of victories today."

Blake winced, hearing that dry voice coming from Weiss's mouth was unnatural. The aggressive way he held Myrtenaster was a far cry from the grace with which the Heiress often handled it. And his malicious mannerisms were nothing like the uptight Ice Queen that they all knew and loved. She should've noticed sooner, but she wasn't about to let that distract her.

"Don't think I don't know how to fix this!" Blake called out to him whilst taking aim with Gambol Shroud "I've fought you enough to know how this goes, I just have to break your Aura and then beat you out of her! I know Weiss, she's too stubborn to let you do what you want without a fight!"

"Try not to have too much fun striking down this pissant Schnee, Hybrid." Gundza laughed to himself before waving Myrtenaster.

Blake caught sight of a Glyph appearing beside her, then rolled forward as a shower of icicles shot out of it. The moment she came up, she had to swing up Gambol Shroud to deflect another stab from Myrtenaster before spinning and ramming her elbow into Gundza's stomach. The Rapier came around again and whipped across the side of her face, sending her stumbling away as Gundza gripped his stomach and let out a breath of effort. He wasn't still for long, however, as soon Blake had to roll out of the way of another Glyph as a larger Icicle shot out of it.

With a twist of his wrist, Myrtenaster was soon covered in a sheen of red dust. Blake knew better than to try clashing blades with that, and soon fell back to dodging and diving under the way of the Red Rapier as Gundza slashed at her with it. He growled as Blake managed to evaded his swings, tightening his grip as she ducked under another one, only for his hand to suddenly change directions and smash the hilt of Myrtenaster against her head and send her to the ground.

Blake shook the stars from her eyes and rolled out of the way just as Myrtenaster plunged into the floor beside her. She jumped on the wall nearby and used it to leap at Gundza with both Gambol Shroud and its sheathe swinging. He took note of the incoming assault and placed a glyph beneath him that helped him slide back out of her range. But Blake wasn't slowing down, shifting her weapon to its scythe form before throwing it.

The moment Gundza caught sight of it, Blake was already using its ribbon to swing it into his side, sending him stumbling back again. Gundza fell to one knee as his free hand went to his head. Blake was about to capitalize on it, but paused upon seeing the blackness momentarily drain from his eyes. They refilled quickly, but Gundza slapped his hand against his head before shouting, "Quiet!"

"That's it Weiss, keep him distracted!" Blake shouted while shifting Gambol Shroud back to its Katana form.

He looked up at that, grip tightening on Myrtenaster as he stood back up, "No... not again! I'd rather have to drag her corpse halfway across the kingdom than lose this soft-skinned cur again!"

As he spoke, Gundza raised Myrtenaster. Blake readied herself for another glyph before her eyes went wide upon seeing him turn the rapier on himself. She reached out shouting, "Don't-!"

Gundza plunged Myrtenaster through his gut, skewering Weiss's body on it and letting a fresh splotch of blood decorate the floor as the Heiress's eyes emptied of blackness once more. Weiss's mouth opened and closed in a silent scream as her hands trembled around the hilt of the blade, sending her to her knees as a wail of pain began creeping out of her throat.

"Weiss!" Blake shouted as she ran towards her "Hold on, just-!"

The blackness seeped back into Weiss's eyes as her shaking hands lunged for Myrtenaster with purpose, sliding the rapier out of her body in a spray of blood which caught Blake in the eyes. She wasn't able to rub it away before the back of a hand slammed into her face and spun her towards the nearby wall.

"She's a small Tark, Hybrid." Gundza stated as Blake turned to glare at him "Only so much blood she's got to spill."

As he spoke, he spun Myrtenaster to flick some of Weiss's blood off of it, "Defeat me if you wish," he growled "but I ALWAYS get my mark!"

He raised Myrtenaster again, but Blake darted in to slash it out of the way again. A glyph formed under her feet, and she was barely able to get out of the way as a column of flame erupted and singed her heels. She fired back at Gundza, who deflected her bullets out of the air with Myrtenaster.

"Time's ticking Blake!" Gundza shouted before bending down to bite a chunk out of Weiss's hand. Blake lunged forward and rammed into him, only for both of them to land on another glyph. Blake grabbed hold of Gundza and rolled with him to pull both of them out of the way of another large icicle before he could impale either of them. He rammed his head into hers, causing both of them to stumble.

"Soft-skulled little wretch!" he barked before his hand went back to clutching at his head "Just stay quiet and and die already!"

He looked up in time to spin out of the way of another of Blake's attacks, leaving a trail of Weiss's blood as he raised Myrtenaster and made its cylinder spin. Blake darted in again, eyes going wide as she recognized the red hue which was spreading along Myrtenaster. She was already mid-attack, and unable to pull Gambol Shroud away before it collided with Myrtenaster. The resulting blast sent Blake sailing onto her back, and she rolled over just in time to see Gundza bury Myrtenaster in Weiss's left leg.

"No!" she shouted again as she scrambled to stop him, only for a series of glyphs to appear all over the hallway.

"That's it!" Gundza wheezed through clenched teeth "Two for one!"

Blake found herself dodging through a hail of dust based attacks which spawned from the glyphs, making her way towards Gundza, whose eyes went wide upon seeing the distance between them rapidly diminishing.

Sliding between three different Glyphs, Blake readied Gambol Shroud just as a wall of ice began rising in between them. She swung the scythe into the top of the wall and used it to yank herself over it before it could cut them off, Gundza stood on shaky legs as he watched Blake sail over him, "No!"

Landing, Blake shifted Gambol Shroud into its katana form before darting at Gundza, who just managed to raise Myrtenaster before the next strike of Gambol Shroud sent him sailing out of Weiss's battered body. The shadow slammed into the wall of ice and broke through it, the entire thing shattering as Weiss took a single step forward. Her hands went to the wounds all over her body before her eyes fluttered and she fell forward.

"Weiss!" Blake rushed to catch her teammate before she could collide with the floor, immediately trying to find some way to staunch the blood-flow of her more serious wounds, "Don't pass out on me Weiss, please!"

She set down Gambol Shroud and immediately pulled her ribbon out. Remembering what Weiss had done for her on the train, she did her best to wrap up that gut wound. But halfway through, a battle cry immediately made her reach for Gambol Shroud. Gundza leaped atop the remnants of the Ice Wall with a throwing knife in hand, he and Blake took aim at the same time.

The first bullet hit Gundza just as he threw the knife, his swing going wide and sending it into the wall beside them as Blake fired again. Gundza stumbled back as five more rounds tore through him, falling off the ice wall onto his back where he began roaring and writhing.

Blake's heart was going a mile a minute, her finger pulling the trigger over and over again for some time until she realized that she'd used up the entire clip. Upon realizing this, her arm lowered.

"Blake!" Gundza called out as he tried and failed to roll onto his stomach "Blake you filthy bitch! Get over here and finish it damn you!"

Listening to his roars, Blake leaned up a bit only for Weiss to flinch in her grasp. Looking back to her, Blake realized that Weiss was still bleeding all over both of them. Gundza's shouts were drowned out by her mind trying to focus, her ribbon wasn't going to cut it by a long shot. Weiss needed actual medical aid or else she'd bleed out. Medical supplies? Where would she get such a thing on short notice?

She thought hard, eventually her mind wandered back to the crashed Bullhead. Didn't those have emergency supplies in case of crashes? Her memories from her time with the White Fang weren't coming to her clearly given the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, but she was almost certain that it was her best bet.

"You better give me a warrior's death you filthy mongrel! Ya ruined everything!" Gundza dragged himself to a wall and used it to lean his back against as his twitching eyes went to Blake "If you don't-!"

He coughed gruesomely as he watched Blake pick up both Weiss and Myrtenaster, turning and stepping around the broken ice wall as she tried to keep Weiss conscious.

"I'll figure out what to do, Weiss. Don't close your eyes, okay? Just keep looking at me!" Blake said as she walked as fast as she dared "I-I can fix this-!"

"Don't you walk away from me, Blake!" Gundza shouted after her, reaching out with one hand only to fall over "You get back over here and finish this or else! Else-! For the rest of my goddamned days I'll make you regret this! Blake? Come back here! I'll make you rue everything you've ever done! You've got nothing! Nobody! Not your teammates, not your family, not even the hybrid terrorists!"

Blake slowed down, eyes widening as Gundza shouted.

"That's right! Don't think I didn't pick anything up from that tiny little tark's head!" Gundza's breath was wild at this point "You think... you think you can just destroy every chance I've had and walk away!? Well ya can't! And I'll make you see that! Even if it takes the rest of my days on this Forsaken rock!"

Blake's grip on Gambol Shroud tightened, and she almost turned around "You-!"

Weiss flinched violently in her grasp from the movement. Blake blinked as she shook herself from her thoughts and walked off with greater haste.

"Blake!? Blake!" Gundza called out, collapsing a few times as his rage filled gasps filled the hall. He reached out after her until he could see her no longer, at that point he merely continued repeating her name over and over as he dragged himself back to the wall again. Once there, he did what he could to steady his breath. Instead of gasping out Blake's name over and over again, he snarled it out as the realization that she'd yet again ruined everything sank into his very core and reignited his fury.

He couldn't die here, not until he had her suffer for these transgressions. Not until everything she could ever love suffered for her transgressions. Not until the entire world suffered for her transgressions.

As his vengeful thoughts raged throughout his mind, he heard a pounding sound begin approaching from deeper in the Colosseum. He shifted his head to the side, hatred for Blake momentarily fading as he made out a large form drawing closer.

"Krimp?" he grunted out before reaching for the oncoming figure, "Wait! Krimp!"

But Krimp didn't slow down, the smile on his face as wide as always as he leaped over the remains of the Ice wall. Gundza was about to call out to him again, to see if he could hitch a ride, but his words died in his throat as he recognized what Krimp was carrying. One of his arms was wrapped around the form of Hork who was slung over one shoulder and strapped to his brother via some wrappings. Hork was in terrible shape, missing limbs with barely any signs of life. Gundza lowered his hand at the sight, barely even noticing the Storm soldiers that leaped over the wall in pursuit of them.

Krimp raised an eyebrow as he heard dust rounds being fired at them, spinning around momentarily to deflect them with his sword before spinning forward again. Despite the speed of the Storm soldiers, keeping up with Krimp proved daunting even with the weight of his brother slowing him down.

He emerged onto the docking area just as the space in front of him shimmered a bit. Maku faded into view with two spears drawn, "Gotcha!" he shouted before lunging at Krimp. The Friendly Uruk grinned as he spun forward, his sword swiping and deflecting one of the spears as Maku flipped over him. The moment Maku landed, he faded out of view again.

Krimp planted the tip of the sword into the ground and held his free hand up to his ear for only a second before lunging forward and snatching his hand around an unseen shape. He raised his hand up just as Maku faded into view, trapped by the throat.

"And I got you, buddy~!" Krimp sang before spinning with Maku and sending the Warmonger sailing into the other pursuing Storm soldiers. The group scrambled to get up, with some taking potshots at Krimp, who pulled out the sword to deflect the rounds as he backed up towards the Docking Area's edge.

"Now for this next trick I'mma need ya to trust me, alright brother o' mine?" Krimp asked Hork, who was completely unresponsive at that point "Great! Then here we go!"

Krimp turned and leaped off the edge of Amity, squealing in delight as he disappeared into the clouds below. Maku and the Storm Soldiers approached the edge, with Maku snarling.

"H-He just jumped off, "one of the soldiers said "that loon just went and killed himself!"

"Clearly don't know that monster if ya think that's it for 'em." Maku sighed as he walked away "That bastard's survived more certain death than any Uruk has any right to."

He slid his spears back onto his back before folding his arms, "Can't believe he's still that capable, though. I thought so much time on the back-burner would've left him rusty."

With the soldiers regrouping, none of them paid much attention to the crashed bullhead nearby. And that was mainly due to Blake pressing a hand over Weiss's mouth as she tried to treat her wounds. Her Faunus ears helping her stay more than aware of the Uruks nearby.

"Think the Master'll be mad?" one of the soldiers asked

"Nah," Maku waved him off "Just means he'll get another 'Challenge' down the line. Come on, we check in with him then get back to work clearin' this place out."

.{{{{{+-+}}}}}.

When your days can stretch on as long as Pugrish's do, having a variety of varied and engaging hobbies becomes mandatory. He'd had so much free time on his hands back in Mordor that it was only natural for him to seek out new ways to keep himself busy, especially once the Challengers had started becoming few and far between. One of these hobbies had been watching other Uruks fight each other. Usually the combatants posed no threat to him, but watching them fight each other was far more enjoyable than wasting his time stomping them out could ever be.

There was just something about watching a promising Uruk fighting his way through numerous different opponents that was amusing to him, even if the young upstart ended up getting himself killed. This hobby was probably the reason behind his uncanny ability at sensing potential. He could just tell when there was capability in an Uruk, and this little sense of his had allowed the ranks of Uruks under him to swell with talent both raw and trained. He had no doubt that if he ever did feel the need to rise up to the position of Overlord, he would have absolutely no problem putting the most capable of Warchiefs in power.

Ever since coming to Remnant, he'd been able to see far more battles take place. The new rules of this realm had left him entertained far more easily than back home, and the locals seemed ever so ready to impress. Huntsmen, criminals, Grimm, so many different types of fighters all ready to tear each other apart. Their feuds had been oh so welcoming to a third party, and the fights that had spawn from these collisions had just been so... so very fun.

Like the one he was viewing right at this moment, where that red-hooded tark went up against two of Ratlug's finest underlings. Pugrish perched himself on a seat nearby and watched with interest as she darted between the two, trying her hardest to destroy Drul's little picture machine.

Pugrish could remember her clearly, she had been involved with several fights he'd viewed with rapt interest. There was the fight at the Arena, where she and some of her friends contended with the Shadow and the Diseased. They'd ran into each other again at Hork's tower, though Pugrish had been far more interested in locating his trusty journal. And then there was that fine performance that they'd taken part in with Ratlug on that Train.

And here she was again, entertaining him to no end as she brawled with a few Uruks.

Pugrish smirked before hopping off the chair and grabbing his staff. He walked between the chairs for a moment before setting his staff in front of him and putting his foot on one of the footrests.

Down below, Drul reared back as Crescent Rose broke through his machine and scattered bits of it to the floor. He stumbled back while holding up his hands as Ruby spun around and swung her weapon at him. Before it could make contact, Druk swiped at her from the side and reloaded his handguns.

"My machine!" Drul cried out as he bent down and grabbed at the pieces

"It's what ya get for relying solely on a semblance." Druk growled before tossing one of his weapons at him "Make the next one better."

Drul caught the handgun and sighed before taking position at Druk's side.

Ruby cocked Crescent Rose as her eyes darted between them, then to the side for a moment before darting away.

Druk and Drul opened fire on Ruby as she formed into a trail of rose petals and flew for the nearest hall in the stands. She swerved out of the way of their dust rounds, reforming as she raced for the hall just as Pugrish hopped down in front of her. Ruby gasped before instinctively swinging Crescent Rose forward. The Shaman tilted his staff to the side with Crescent Rose stopping immediately upon contact with it.

Ruby jerked from the impact, looking up at Pugrish as he looked her over. This close up, the wretched appearance of his mask made her force down a gag as she pulled the trigger on Crescent Rose. The Scythe clacked against his staff again, unable to move it a centimeter. Pugrish raised his other hand, the runes on the gauntlet lighting up as Ruby tried pulling back. Pugrish released his staff, his hand shooting forward and snatching Ruby by the throat as he raked the gauntlet through the air beside him. A Dreamer Gate formed where his gauntlet touched, and he wasted no time in sending Ruby flying through it weapon and all before the gate sealed shut.

Druk and Drul leaped to the stands to find the Stormbringer picking up his staff and looking to them with a smile. Druk lowered his gun and groaned, "We're sorry sir, we would've gotten her if this shrahk hadn't been drooling over his stupid toys the entire time."

Drul handed him the handgun with a roll of his eyes, "A glob such as yourself wouldn't understand the art I'm making here." he turned to Pugrish "But you understand, right Sir? My research is technically all about Aura."

Pugrish nodded before turning and walking down the hall, "Indeed... it is."

Behind him, Drul laughed before turning on his partner, "See? Now if that isn't a seal of approval then I don't know what is!"

"My new Arena is now your top concern." Pugrish called back to them, "Unless the Doctor says otherwise."

Druk looked back over the stands before shrugging, "You got it boss, and you'll be-?"

"Where the fun is, of course." Pugrish called back whilst twirling his staff.

Yes, the recruitment of the Doctor was due to yet another one of his hobbies. As he walked, Pugrish glanced over to his staff. He'd developed a bit of a fascination with trinkets. Ratlug called them machines, but most Uruks from the Machine tribe used that label. Pugrish's fascination went beyond mere machines, as he considered most kinds of interesting tools to be trinkets in a way. The Feral tribe had useful trinkets to tame and manage their beasts, the Slaughterers had trinkets to make cooking and butchery simple, even the Outlaw Tribe cobbled together their trinkets out of things taken from other tribes.

They were just so intriguing, things constructed to solve problems. Trinkets were the physical manifestations of ingenuity, and his desire to see all kinds of them factored greatly into why he considered Ratlug to be one of his greatest assets. The sheer number of trinkets the good Doctor provided were innumerable, from weapons to war machines to simple aesthetics. Ratlug's old Master had cast him out for bedding a Tark in the name of some kind of research. Pugrish had honestly never been able to understand why that alone was enough to exile someone of such skill. Sure it was something other Uruks could mock him over, but Ratlug had been an invaluable source of entertainment.

Even since before they'd come to Remnant, Ratlug had aimed to extend his expertise to flesh and bone. Though his ability to fix an Uruk was far more debatable than his ability to fix a machine, he demanded a claim to the title of Sawbones. Things hadn't changed much since they came to Remnant in that regard, as Ratlug had quickly demanded the title of Doctor. Pugrish had given it to him without hesitation, Ratlug was just far too helpful not to.

Pugrish's staff was probably one of his personal favorite trinkets that he'd gotten the good Doctor to make for him. It was done on a whim of course, a joke at first. Watching the news, he'd caught sight of a young tark utilizing an interesting toy that hopped as he rode it. Having a confused Ogthrak go out of his way to procure it for him had been good for a chuckle, but Pugrish was more than willing to see it through.

The look on Ratlug's face when told that he'd have to make a child's toy into a deadly weapon had been priceless.

The entire thing was unnecessary, and Pugrish was well aware of it. Even without Ratlug's additions, anything that made its way into the Shaman's hands was lethal on its own. Sure, he trusted that he could slay most of his opponents with his bare hands, but having such an odd weapon just made things more fun. Oh, and what fun he'd had with this treat. He'd even gone out of his way to name it something snazzy: Drumenvok. He tapped it against the ground, enjoying the small bounces it made as he approached the Docking Area.

"Sir! There you are!"

Pugrish glanced to the side as Maku ran over, "Krimp got away with the Gatekeeper, we could try tracking them down but-"

"No... you have a couple of pets to feed, don't you?" Pugrish said whilst standing at the edge of the facility and staring at Beacon in the distance.

"Last time I checked, they were all suited up and ready." Maku walked to his side "Thought you was saving that for-"

Maku's words faltered as he spotted something huge flying through the air, with both him and the Stormbringer watching as that massive Grimm Dragon circled through the skies again.

"Is that... a Dragon?!" Maku gasped out as Pugrish took Drumenvok in both hands.

"This realm never ceases to amaze." the Stormbringer said before leaping off the facility.

"Sir!" Maku called from above as Pugrish twisted in the air.

He gave a few hums as the air roared around him, turning his gaze to a griffon flying by. The Grimm was raking its glowing red eyes over the city below, unaware of the incoming projectile until it was too late. Drumenvok buried itself in the creatures hide bottom-first, with the Griffon only able to jerk in the air for a moment before Pugrish landed on it.

Taking hold of his weapon, he hopped on its footrests and scanned the skies as the Griffon struggled to stay in the air. He zeroed in on a Nevermore and grinned moments before his staff launched from the Griffon, splitting its body in half in the process. Maku watched as Pugrish sailed into the Nevermore, which began struggling as well as Pugrish rammed Drumenvok into its neck and began forcing it to alter its course.

Maku sighed before turning his attention to Beacon, his eyes narrowing for a few moments before gunfire brought his attention to the side. He watched as a Bullhead flew by, spotting several Storm Soldiers firing after it as it took off.

Blake twisted the ship out of the way as best as she could, trying to keep the Dust Rounds from hitting the propulsion systems. Only when the sound of gunfire faded in the distance did she chance a breath of relief. She'd managed to get Weiss out of there, but Blake still glanced back.

She'd strapped Weiss to one of the seats in back, the Heiress's breathing still noticeably ragged.

She'd done what she could on the fly, but Blake needed to find a better place to treat her. Surrounded by enemies was not the kind of scenario for first aid. Blake looked ahead of them, her faunus ears falling flat at the sight of Vale. Fires had already broken out, and even from as far up as they were she could tell that the streets were crawling with Grimm.

She tried looking for anywhere that didn't seem consumed by battle, but her search was interrupted by the ringing of her scroll. She fumbled for it a bit, only for her eyes to widen at the caller, "Ruby?"

.{{{{{+-+}}}}}.

Ruby had to hold back a cheer upon hearing her teammate's voice, "Blake! You don't know how long Weiss and I-!" Ruby caught herself and took a breath "You have to call Weiss and tell her not to go deeper into the Arena!"

"She's with me, I got a hold of a Bullhead and- and-" Blake sighed "Ruby, she's not looking good. Somehow Gundza got into her and I had to... had... I got him out of her and got us a ride, where are you?"

Ruby frowned before looking behind her.

"That Shaman guy threw me through a portal." she sighed "I'm on highway sixty-seven."

"You're in Vale?"

"Yeah and its... its about as bad as you think."

Bad was an understatement, Ruby couldn't look in any direction without the signs of violence sprouting up. Whether it be gunfire, the roars of Grimm, or even just the flames rising into the sky, the City of Vale had been completely transformed in what felt like only half an hour. Behind her were the bodies of several Beowolves that were disappearing, they didn't even seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the mess she was facing.

"Ruby... I need to find somewhere safe to treat her quickly." Blake spoke up "Are there any safe zones getting set up?"

"None that I can see, but... maybe somewhere in the Industrial district? Ever since Jaune and them busted that Scarves operation, that place has been even quieter than usual."

"Okay, I'll check. You think you can meet us there?"

"Its on the other side of the city, but I'll try. You check in with Yang? I haven't been able to reach her."

"Damn, I'll get on that. Keep me posted!"

"Same," Ruby closed her scroll and hefted Crescent Rose. There was almost definitely a massive number of Grimm in between her and the Industrial District, but if she used her semblance she could probably make it.

As she thought that, Ruby suddenly became aware of an engine approaching fast. She glanced to the side quick enough to leap out of the way as an all-terrain truck sped by. She landed, but not before hearing a voice call out.

"Stop! Hold it!"

Ruby's head snapped up as she recognized that voice.

The truck slid to a stop, with the driver slapping at the wheel angrily as he leaned out of the window and glared back. Even from there, Ruby could see several guns stuffed into the passenger seat. In the rear of the truck was a larger figure who looked like his scalp and shoulders were on fire, but neither of them drew Ruby's eyes more than the Uruk in front of the big guy.

"Darling!" Bubol called out as he walked along the bed of the truck and leaned forward to gesture to her "As true as any other Love, Fate has reunited us at the very peak o' my desire!"

Ruby almost couldn't believe it was him, her mind reeling from his sudden appearance. Instead of the bow he'd wielded before he'd been locked away, Bubol carried a stolen Atlesian sidearm, clips for it were wrapped up in wires that he'd strapped around his waist.

She stammered "Y-you're supposed to be in-"

"Right by your side!" Bubol interrupted "And so here I am. Its been oh so long since I've seen that horrified look!"

He reached up to wipe at his eyes with his boil covered hand "I almost... almost feel a bit teary!"

Kruk slapped him on the back, "No time for tears! War awaits all around!" he gestured with the broken shaft of a street sign he'd torn out of the ground, jammed into the top of the shaft was a combat knife, "I glad for you, yes, but save lust for after war maybe?"

"Ya don't get it Kruk, my little doll here's great at smacking my arse around!" Bubol snickered "Never seen a more delicious little fighter in this entire realm!"

That made Kruk look at her again, "Oh? Little Tark brings War?"

"Who cares!?" Mitch shouted from the front seat as he slammed his fists against the roof of the truck "We got wheels! We can go fast! Screw her! Let's run over more slowpokes!"

Bubol scratched the side of his head, "I dunno, pal. My girlie's quite a fast little treat, herself." he noted before giving a shrug "Might even be faster than you, Mitchie boy!"

Mitch's eyelids twitched, "Say what?!"

"But if ya wanna go drivin' around runnin' over beasties and tarks again then-"

Bubol jerked as the truck suddenly sped forward, with Kruk having to steady him as Mitch spun them around. The sudden oncoming grill of the truck made Ruby blast herself to the side, but Kruk leaped off of the truck as it passed with his makeshift spear aimed at her. Ruby darted under the swing of his weapon and sliced at his back, only for a dust round to slam into the side of Crescent Rose and throw her off mark.

Her eyes shot to Bubol, who waved his sidearm in front of his glowing green eyes as the truck sped towards her again. Kruk swiped back, making Ruby jump back and speed out of the way of the truck. This time, Bubol leaped from atop it, forcing her to spin Crescent Rose to deflect the bullets he rained down on her as he sailed overhead.

She slammed the back of Crescent Rose into him before he could land, sending him flying into the highway barrier.

She rolled forward as Kruk slashed at her back, spinning with Crescent Rose only for him to block her strike with her spear. Using her semblance, she darted around him and leaped at his back only for a dust round to slam into her and throw her to the side. Her head snapped toward Bubol, who gave her a wave right before the roar of an engine made her dart out of the way as Mitch drove by again.

"Sick one right!" Kruk laughed as he hopped in the back of the truck and waved his makeshift spear in the air "This one burns good!"

"That's the spirit, boys!" Bubol sheered them on as he ran to them while reloading his sidearm.

Ruby groaned, she didn't have time to fight off all of them even if she could take them all at once. Right before Bubol hopped in, Ruby sped away using her semblance, forming into rose petals as she dove over the highway barrier and reformed in a street below. Almost immediately a Beowolf lunged at her, forcing her to use the speed she'd built up to swing Crescent Rose through its neck and send its head flying.

A roar behind her made her spin around and take aim at an Ursa that was charging up the road at her. But before she could take the shot, Mitch plowed the truck through the highway barrier, whooping and hollering as they sailed down towards her. Ruby didn't wait to see them crush the Ursa with their wheels, instead turning and running as the trio pursued in a chorus of laughter and engine roars.

---

Beacon Academy

Yang's night had gone through a series of dramatic changes over the course of the last hour. First she was spending time laughing it up with a bunch of other students in Beacon's Cafeteria. Arm wrestling with Arslan, cracking puns with Coco, and even comparing gauntlet design with Roy. It was a good day, with some good fun that she was relieved to indulge in. Sure she wondered occasionally if the rest of her team was enjoying the Festival. Even checking in occasionally until a singing competition with Octavia had her distracted up until the sirens started.

Sure there was panic and confusion, but Yang and Coco did their best to try and round everyone up to figure out what was happening. Next thing she knows, she's checking the news feeds and a whole wave of chaos gets dumped on her at once. First Penny's dead, then the Grimm are suddenly everywhere, somehow some Uruks got mixed into everything, and right when she gets to worriedly calling her teammates the White Fang show up at their doorstep with even more Grimm stuffed in their ships. Yang hadn't been able to try making a call for who knows how long, she felt as though she'd been fighting since the ships showed up.

She was outside now, near the entrance to the Library blasting an Ursa into Coco's minigun fire. But even as that Grimm was getting mulched, two Griffons flew overhead and suddenly they're following them to one of Beacon's courtyards, where half of Team NDGO were being attacked by AK-Units of all things. Yang didn't waste much time in blasting herself into the middle of the androids and promptly tearing into them while Coco fended off the Griffons. Their hides managed to withstand her chain gun fire, but with a quick nod, Coco had Yatsuhashi charging in front of her and slashing through one as Fox darted in to attack the other.

It was like this all over Beacon, teachers and students keeping the Grimm from breaking in with the White Fang dropping off more just when they thought they'd catch a break. Those first few AK-Units were like a gateway, as soon entire Paladins were showing up ready to rumble. Yang's scroll had rung multiple times, but the numerous roars, gunfire and the occasional explosion kept her more than distracted enough for her to miss them. The enemies never seemed to stop, and soon White Fang grunts began showing up as well. They seemed to steer clear of the Grimm, but that just meant there were more angles for the defenders to cover.

But Yang didn't have the luxury of time to spend thinking about just how things had gotten so heated so quickly. Instead she just raced for her nearest target, one of the White Fang grunts who turned too late to keep Yang from ramming her fist into his gut and sending him into the air before spinning and breaking his nose with her elbow as he fell to the ground. Not a second after she sent him spinning away did an AK-Unit grab her from behind and try restraining her. They spun for a moment, with Yang keenly aware of another White Fang grunt taking aim at her with a rifle. Before she could pull the trigger, Velvet sailed in from the side and spin kicked her to the ground.

Managing to wiggle an arm out of the android's grasp, Yang swung her fist back into its face plate, damaging it enough to get the rest of its grip to loosen. She took hold of the AK-Unit and sent it sailing into two more, who shoved it off only for Reese to skate by and spin on her hoverboard, slicing both of their heads off. Reese landed and swerved throughout the numerous fights, glancing to the side just as a Death Stalker reared up and thrust its tail at her.

A spear connected with the very tip of that tail as Dew Gayl leaped at it. Reese looked up just as the rest of Team NDGO charged the monster. Nebula nodded to her before firing her crossbow into one of the Death Stalker's eyes.

Yang was trying to keep track of where everyone was. There were so many teams fighting around and inside Beacon proper that keeping track of them all was becoming more and more of a challenge, especially with how much fighting was going on. She was pretty sure that Team CRDL was somewhere near the docks, and last she saw of any of the rest of Reese's team they were fighting off some rogue AK-Units near that big statue at the front of Beacon.

"Yang! Watch out!"

A yell from Fox made Yang snap her gaze to the side just as a Paladin crashed through a nearby column and swung its fist at her. Yang used Ember Celica to blast herself out of the way right before it cracked the stone path below. Yang was just about to blast herself back at the mech when the sound of metal rending preceded it stumbling forward. Yang looked up to see Sage gripping the handle of his sword, which he'd plunged into the top of the mech. As it stumbled from the impact, blasts of ice dust peppered it and locked up its limbs with ice formations.

"Now Nora!" Yang heard Jaune call out right before Nora charged in towards the Mech's legs and spun her hammer into one of its joints, causing it to tip over and collapse. Turning around, Yang watched the rest of both teams SSSN and JNPR rushing to the aid of those already fighting. Ren and Sun used an opening provided by Team NDGO to rush in and blind the rest of the Death Stalker's eyes. Elsewhere Pyrrha was already decimating a group of White Fang Grunts, racing amongst them with Milo and Akouo tossing the extremists to the ground.

Jaune himself stumbled to Yang's side, panting heavily as he bent over to take a breath, "Crashed ship... fought Goliath!" he paused for a moment before leaning his head up "Arslan said... you might've needed help back here."

Yang clapped him on the back, "You showed up just in time, Jaune!" she said "It's been pretty non stop around here."

"Yeah, we can see that." Sun called as he jogged over, "Where're the Teachers?"

"Most of them are organizing an evacuation at the docks." Yang glanced around "Some teams are helping cover civvies, we're technically covering for them too, but I'd say keeping all o' these guys away from the CCT Tower is pretty high on our priorities."

"So just beat everything back?" Sun waved it off "No problem, right Jaune?"

"Yeah..." Jaune sighed out before standing up and looking to Yang, "You check in with your team yet? We kinda got separated from them at Amity, so-"

"Wait you're right!" Yang gasped as she turned away and went for her scroll "I haven't been able to-"

She paused, as far in the distance she watched a blue circle form in the air. It hovered over one of the walkways that led to Beacon's airship docks, and from it emerged an Uruk who sipped grog from a mug as he looked around him.

Maku gave a hum as he downed some grog, eyes running over the battlefield that Beacon's grounds had been turned into. He could scarcely believe his luck, finding such a good position on his first try. After that freak had ruined their chances of actually being rid of that Gatekeeper, he'd been in need of a lucky break. He drained the mug completely before tossing it behind him into the Dreamer Gate, which closed several seconds later. Drawing his spears, he turned back and took note of Yang, who had been staring him down since his arrival.

It was because she recognized him even from such a distance. Even if she didn't, the colors he sported only brought one name to mind: The Storm.

Sun walked to her side and readied his staff with a groan, "Oh great, they're gonna start jumping in on this too?"

The Warmonger was in no rush to engage them, merely walking towards the conflict with the tips of his spears dragging along the ground. Partway through the approach, he seemed to fade out of view. Yang gritted her teeth as she watched the grin he sported just disappear along with the rest of his visage. Not long after he vanished, over half a dozen other large Dreamer Gates split open above.

Numerous other students and Atlesian Soldiers who were fighting now took note of them as large forms plummeted from these gates and crashed into the ground.

Jaune leaped back as one landed near them and immediately began writhing. As they backed away, it became more and more clear to them that they were looking at an Ursa. Instead of lunging for them immediately, the Ursa bit and gnawed at large plates of metal which seemed to have been bolted into its flesh all over.

"They're Armored Ursai!" Coco called out from nearby before opening fire.

Though some still nipped at the metal that had been forced onto them, the Ursa beside them got to its feet and lunged with a roar.

Just like that, the battle kicked off yet again as the Armored Ursai joined in the chaos. Their extra durability allowing them to charge through rounds that would put down larger Grimm, forcing students to focus more firepower on them or aim for weak points.

Coco kept her aim steady as one of the Armored Ursai tried bull rushing through it, the force of her minigun slowing it down enough for Fox to dart in and slice at its leg, a bit of armored plating loosening just enough for Velvet to lunge at it with a copy of Crescent Rose. Though resilient, these Grimm were nowhere near as powerful as the Armored Alpha they'd fought at the Uruk Slave Tournament, the problem stemmed from the fact that other Portals kept opening up and dropping more of them into the fray.

As her teammates finished the crippled beast, Coco's eyes scanned her surroundings and caught sight of Reese trying to sneak up on one of the Ursai that Nora was busy wailing on. Before she could use her hoverboard to slash at it, she was suddenly struck from her board to the ground. The source of the attack was nowhere in sight.

Coco shook her head for a moment before looking again, watching Reese try to get back up only to be forced onto her back by the unseen assailant. There was a brief flicker, and Coco quickly turned her Minigun towards her before opening fire.

Maku flickered into view as several rounds peppered his Aura, he spun and began using his spears to deflect the numerous rounds before rolling away and vanishing again. Invisibility, it had to be some form of invisibility. Coco couldn't spend too much time figuring out whether he was using a semblance or not, instead she scanned the area. Having an invisible opponent darting around attacking people while they were busy with other enemies could be devastating, Coco leaned back to call out to her teammates when the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching made her spin around.

She raised the barrel of her Minigun up just as a pair of spears struck at her. She stumbled back as Maku leaped up and went invisible again. She heard the sound of him landing behind her and turned, only for Fox to charge in from the side and slash at the air, Maku stumbling into view before leaping back as an Armored Ursai lunged forward with its claws swinging. Maku jumped up over the Ursai as it swiped at Coco and Fox, fading out of sight once more as he perched on the beast's back.

If the Ursa noticed the weight on its back, it didn't show it. Instead, it plunged its claws into the ground as Coco rained minigun fire on it. Maku leaned back atop it, allowing the beast to soak up the gunfire. This was his chance to shine, the part of the plan that was all about him and no one else. He just needed to make sure these beasts continued attacking in the right direction until the others were ready, then he could bask in the praise of the Master.

Ogthrak and Krosh were supposed to be helping with this, but Maku wouldn't be weeping over their absence any time soon.

---

Ironwood's Flagship

This tiny tark was quickly becoming the bane of Ogthrak's existence.

Once more he tried aiming the rifle in his shield at Roman, only for the little harlot to jump off of the side of it and send his round wide. He spun with the momentum and swung back at her, only for her to shatter upon contact. He cursed and watched as Krosh darted around blasts from Roman's cane before leaping at him. Roman spun, revealing Neo behind him. She darted under Krosh's blades and used her cane to fling him off balance and make him roll away.

This battle had been going on for far longer than Ogthrak's patience would allow. How long had it been since they'd rushed over to stop these two from tearing apart their Master's Arena? Since they'd arrived, they'd found themselves locked in a stalemate with these two tarks that neither of them had really warranted. Neo was unable to do much damage to either of them due to Ogthrak's defenses and Krosh's evasion, but her own evasive abilities allowed to her avoid taking injury for the majority of their battle. What's worst was that she was covering for Roman, who either of them could've put down ages ago on their own. Though his cane produced impressively destructive blasts, he was nowhere near mobile or resilient enough on his own to pose a threat.

The agitating thing was that both of them were more than well trained in covering for the other. Their unrivaled synergy had been the prime candidate for why things were taking so long, but Ogthrak would be remiss not to take into account the second contributor for why they hadn't crushed these two yet: Krosh.

Now Ogthrak wasn't one to bring up the bastard's obvious issues with his origins, what with his father being who he was and all, but he obviously had some kind of preference for fighting strong females. It had been apparent to anyone who even looked at his history of captives, though he would deny it vehemently. Ogthrak didn't know if it had something to do with actually being born from one, and frankly, he couldn't bring himself to care.

But throughout the entirety of their battle, he'd been not so subtly gunning for the harlot the entire time. He'd occasionally target Roman, often at Ogthrak's insistence, but he'd undoubtedly aim for her over and over again. It was further infuriating because Neo played right into it and would keep taunting him with gestures and winks. It was obvious that getting rid of Roman first was the ideal approach to take, but would Krosh put aside his odd obsession for it? Apparently not!

Unknown to Ogthrak, Roman was having very similar thoughts about his own partner. The main difference being that he knew not to press her on it. Neo had a certain way of fighting that involved a lot of non-verbal mudslinging, and it was a method that Roman had come to accept over time. Even so, he internally winced whenever she blatantly gave up an advantage just to poke and prod at their opponents. They still had a job to do, yet here she was having far more fun with that job than should be allowed.

Despite this, Roman couldn't help but appreciate how stylish her taunting was. It was an odd mixture of annoyance and pride that Neo was a master at inciting in him.

This stalemate would've probably continued if not for the mighty roar which suddenly filled their surroundings. The Grimm Dragon emerged from a nearby cloud and nearly hit the flagship as it sailed over them. It shrouded them in darkness momentarily as it passed, the beat of its massive wings sending gusts of wind which made all four of them stagger.

Roman had to use his cane to steady himself as Neo twirled her folded up umbrella and walked to his side. Krosh hopped back next to Ogthrak, who merely tightened his stance until the wind subsided. He took a brief moment to glance back at the Grimm Dragon, growing a confused expression upon realizing that this beast was thrashing. Its movements were manic, chaotic even. It struggled to fly straight for a moment, roaring out loud and even biting at itself before pulling up and disappearing into the clouds above.

Krosh gave a low whistle, "Good to know we're not the only guys having a hard time tonight, eh?"

Ogthrak shot him a glare, "We wouldn't be having this much trouble if you'd just-!"

A black form fell onto the ship in between the two duos before he could finish. It dented the hull upon landing, but stood whilst dripping an inky black liquid that began evaporating. As more of it evaporated, familiar features became recognizable to Ogthrak, who immediately dropped to one knee as the Stormbringer rose with a sigh.

Pugrish had taken up hunting as one of his many hobbies, the challenge of tracking massive beasts had seemed immensely appealing after having spent too many years putting down weaklings who seemed to constantly underestimate him. The new beasts that Remnant had offered had brought this passion back with a force, but only until he'd begun to learn of this realm and developed power beyond anything that most of them could contend with.

Admittedly, he had perhaps gotten a little too excited upon seeing that massive Dragon soaring through the air. His old hunting passion had lit up once again, but he'd gone in too eagerly. Now he'd ruined whatever challenge or fun he could've gotten out of it. Was it any surprise that he'd looked upon that single ship just floating in the sky with nothing but curiosity?

"Ah... so this is where you two have been." Pugrish noted as he approached his Warmongers with the Grimm blood still evaporating off of him "I had wondered where you'd gone off to."

Krosh glanced to Ogthrak, who was still kneeling, before rolling his eyes and shrugging as his Master approached "Couldn't help it, boss man." he gestured forward "These two were trying to blow up your new stage."

"Something we just couldn't have allowed." Ogthrak insisted while looking up at him.

"Oh?" Pugrish turned around and looked over Roman and Neo, both sharing a look as he turned to face them.

"My apologies... it would seem that my underlings may have given you some trouble." he noted whilst leaning against Drumenvok.

"What? No." Roman waved it off before pointing to him with the tip of his cane "They were absolutely charming. But if you could just take them with you and let us get to our work, that'd be really appreciated."

"But that's simply impossible," Pugrish shook his head while tapping a finger against his chin, "I can't very well allow you to destroy my possessions."

Roman sighed, so much for lucking into a quick end to their battle, he gave a glance to Neo, "Well in that case-"

"Actually," Pugrish interrupted while examining the ship "I like how this thing looks... And you say its got enough firepower to destroy my new stage?"

"Certainly enough to knock it out of the sky." Krosh crossed his arms over his chest.

Pugrish nodded before smiling at Roman, "Then its mine now... I'll ask you only once to remove yourselves from my property."

Roman sighed, trying not to think too much about the blatant flesh-mask this new guy was wearing "Okay I see where you're going with this. The whole 'try and stop me routine.'"

He tilted his hat up and massaged his forehead, "Look pal, I would just love to stay stuck out here fighting you and your goons over there till this thing runs out of dust, shuts down and kills us all in the crash. But I've got some really big fish with a number of boots on my throat, and every one of them want that thing gone. See where the problem is?"

Pugrish's eyes widened before he strode forward, "Oh really, now?" he said, enthusiasm evident in his tone "Well now I want you as well... Seeing as you gave my Warmongers a run for their money, you might even be able to provide a modicum of a challenge... Although you weren't able to slay either of them."

Pugrish thought for a moment with a hum. Ogthrak looked up to him before asking, "Sir, did... did you already activate the Shackle?"

"Right before Hork and I had a tussle." Pugrish stated as he stepped forward and tossed Drumenvok in the air. He caught it by its base, now wielding it like a sword "But I've not used it on a single soul yet."

"Oh brother," Roman sighed before nudging Neo "Neo, hon, ya know I appreciate you're dedication to style, but there's three of them now. Maybe focus a little less on the teasing and..."

Roman trailed off, Neo wasn't even looking at him. She was staring off at something in the distance behind the Uruks. Her mouth was agape with a look of surprise Roman didn't often see from her. He tried following her gaze, looking into the clouds until he noticed a large form descending from one.

Neither Ogthrak or Krosh seemed to take note of it, as they were both hashing things out with their Master.

"I don't want it falling out of the sky... so figure out how to lower it." Pugrish ordered

"You want us to figure out how to land this thing? Seriously?" Krosh asked before Ogthrak clapped an arm on his shoulder.

"Right away, Sir." He stated whilst squeezing Krosh to silence him "Will you be alright on your own?"

"If they can't kill you... then there's no need for concern," the Stormbringer assured them before gesturing for them to move "now run along now."

Ogthrak shoved Krosh ahead, with the shorter Warmonger growling before glancing to the side, "Oh hey, Boss's been busy it seems."

As they continued making for the Flagship's command center, Pugrish spun around and gestured with Drumenvok, "Now then... are you two ready for a game?"

Neither Roman or Neo answered, both of them still staring behind the Shaman as the Grimm Dragon fell from the clouds with a massive hole where half of its neck used to be. The immense beast was motionless besides its body flapping in the wind as it fell. Already parts of its limbs were evaporating, leaving a massive trail of the black smoke in the air as the corpse descended.

Pugrish didn't stop, tapping his finger against Drumenvok as he explained, "You will attempt to impress me with something... anything really, I'm not exactly particular. I shall not take possession of you if you do this."

"What... what did you-?" Roman's eyes finally lowered to Pugrish just as the Stormbringer held out his left hand towards them "There's no way you did that, right?"

"But you both look a bit exhausted, and I'd hate for this to be too one-sided." Pugrish stated with a grin, completely ignoring Roman's words. His left arm suddenly snapped backwards at the elbow, the sound of his bone breaking was audible even where they were standing. Pugrish didn't even flinch, merely lowered his now-broken arm as he crouched down, swung Drumenvok over his head, then leaned it along his back.

"I'll give you until this heals to show me something impressive." Pugrish said as he began casually strolling towards them "Good luck."

With that he accelerated rapidly, going from stroll to sprint in milliseconds. Pugrish practically devoured the distance between them before Roman could even start to say anything. Neo hopped to the side as the Shaman swept Drumenvok towards them. Though Roman raised his cane to intercept, just blocking the strike was enough to send him flying back. He almost rolled off the side of the ship, but managed to catch himself.

His eyes shot back to see Pugrish jogging towards him with his weapon raised. The Shaman suddenly stopped and bent forward a bit just as Neo sailed over him. Immediately upon landing she turned and thrust her umbrella back, only for Pugrish to swing Drumenvok around to catch the tip of her blade.

He shoved her back and swung Drumenvok down at her, only for her to skip back out of the way as its handle dug into the hull of the ship. Neo wasted no time in hopping on the weapon and leaping at Pugrish with her leg extended. He simply ducked low, tearing his weapon from the hull and swinging it up into her, only for Neo to shatter apart upon contact.

"Oh, now that is interesting." he noted as he watched the shards of her fall to the ground and disappear "But is it truly Impressive?"

He gave a hum of thought before ducking as Roman fired his cane point blank at the back of his head. While the round sailed over him, Pugrish jumped back and rammed the back of his head into Roman's chest, sending him stumbling back. Pugrish stood and whipped Drumenvok behind him to deflect a swing of Neo's blade, humming a little tune as he deflected strikes from both the cane and umbrella simultaneously.

At one point he pressed the base of Drumenvok against Roman's chest whilst dodging, the bottom suddenly extended and threw him away. At that point Neo leaped at his back with her umbrella. Pugrish swung Drumenvok back into her, with Neo shattering upon contact again.

But Pugrish wasted no time in closing his eyes and holding Drumenvok in front of him. The space between the handlebars seemed to slide open, producing a few sparks before Pugrish flung the entire thing behind him. The space in Drumenvok clamped around Neo's wrist the moment she appeared, a stunned expression crossing her eyes before Pugrish turned back and snapped his fingers.

Neo jerked as Drumenvok sent electricity coursing along her Aura, with her falling back to one knee as Pugrish clenched his hand into a fist. Drumenvok floated back to him as he gave a hum, "Not used to getting hit much?" he asked as Neo got back up a little shakier.

"Neo!" Roman shouted, "You okay?"

When she responded with an annoyed glare, Pugrish tapped Drumenvok against the hull of the ship again, the space between the handles snapping open and closed several times like a small pair of jaws, "Well I apologize... but no matter how many tricks you employ... your Aura cannot lie to me."

Watching them from the window of the Command Center, Krosh shook his head, "Think the Master's gonna end up breaking this thing before we can even figure it out?"

"Be quiet and get over here." Ogthrak called from one section of control panels, his foot shoving a dead Atlesian soldier away as he tried examining the buttons before him "Its not our place to question the Master's idea of fun. You know that."

"Yeah yeah, I'll get right on that whole 'Learn to land a damn Airship' thing that we're totally gonna figure out right now." Krosh waved his hands dramatically as he approached "The hell did you even accept that order for?"

"He wished for us to-"

"Its not exactly something we have time for tonight, ya know?" Krosh asked as he leaned against a nearby wall "You really gotta start pointing things like that out to him. I mean I do it, my old man does it."

"That's because you inherited his complete lack of respect." Ogthrak grumbled before turning towards him "The Master says he needs something done, I do it no matter how impossible it should be. That's loyalty."

"You taught the guys how to use scrolls, Oggie." Krosh pointed out "There's a big difference between handheld devices and a fucking military airship. How exactly do you propose we figure that out?"

Ogthrak stared at him for a moment, more than long enough for Krosh's eyes to widen in realization, "No..."

Pulling out his scroll, Ogthrak went through his contacts as Krosh closed the distance between them and reached for the device.

"You aren't calling him!" Krosh shouted

"Oh come on, Ratlug's semblance literally let's him learn about stuff." Ogthrak growled "You aren't gonna stand here and lecture me about my hangups then turn around and throw a fit because of your daddy issues!"

"I was assured that I wouldn't have to talk with him all night. It was just gonna be a good clean take-over. Nab the Arena and the Academy. That was it! He was supposed to spend all night messing shit up in the city with that new machine of his." Krosh explained before folding his arms "By now he should be knee deep in that mess down there."

Ogthrak rolled his eyes and looked away, "Oh don't be a baby, if anyone could have free time in the middle of a bloodbath it'd be your father."

---

The City of Vale

Qrow knew for a fact that they shouldn't be here.

He and Glynda had been sent by Ozpin to help Atlas deal with the mayhem in the city. Ever since arriving, they'd been going from street to street trying to cut through everything from Grimm to those Arceus Inmates who had somehow started appearing all over Vale. The Grimm were one thing, their never ending numbers keeping most of the military personnel suitably occupied, but the Inmates were a whole other problem. They'd started tearing apart cars, signs, basically anything they could make into weapons. If it wasn't a Goliath charging through buildings, it was Uruks setting fire to everything they saw.

From Qrow's point of view, trying to hold them back at this point was pointless. They should be back at Beacon, protecting the Maiden, but he trusted Ozpin. So he cut through Beowolf after Beowolf, slashed Nevermores and Griffons out of the air, carved through any Uruk who stood in his way and sped towards the next threat as quickly as possible.

Then James's toys started firing at them.

After a while spent having to cut them down, he couldn't help but bring up his concerns with Glynda.

"What are you even talking about?" Glynda shot back, waving her riding crop, the Disciplinarian, to force back an Alpha Beowolf.

"I'm saying we should focus on where we're really needed!" Qrow stated as he darted in from the side and changed his sword into its scythe form, with a spin he severed the Alpha's head. Upon landing, he found himself under fire from several Corrupted AK-Units and changed Harbinger to its sword form to deflect them, "Keeping this place secure means nothing if they get to the Maiden and you know it!"

Glynda waved the Disciplinarian, stopping a number of the androids' rounds before they could reach Qrow and giving him an opportunity to speed towards them with his Scythe, "If Ozpin feels we're needed here then it means we're needed here, Qrow." she stated before turning and raising her crop in time to halt the claw of an approaching Ursa "I figured you of all people would know that."

After rending the the AK-Units to scrap, Qrow glanced back just as Glynda sent the Ursa flying towards him. Shifting Harbinger back to its scythe form, he cut it in half before it reached the ground, "I'm just saying that as time goes on this place is looking more and more like a lost cause. I trust Oz more than anyone, but I figured having James pull his men back to the Academy to regroup should probably be higher on the list of priorities."

Glynda sighed before tilting her head to the side and pulling her scroll out, "Speaking of whom..."

Qrow approached and leaned over to see James' contact icon appearing on her screen. The moment she accepted the call, Qrow stepped in before either of them could talk, "Hey James, your robots are giving us some trouble over here, you close to shuttin' 'em down?"

Glynda glared at him, but Qrow only shrugged.

"Glynda, is that Qrow with you? Good." Ironwood said with a grunt "This day seems to be getting worst by the second, even overlooking everything crawling out of the woodwork here, we've completely lost contact with the fleet in Vacuo."

There was a brief pause as the General sighed, "We've tracked the virus that's afflicting them to my Capital Ship, my transport went down after the Units on board went rogue so I'm trying to find another way up to it."

"Where are you?" Glynda asked "We could help-"

"No." Ironwood interrupted "As much as I'd love a hand with this, I need you two to look into something else. Our efforts to clean up the city have been getting interrupted by some kind of machine."

"What kind of machine are we talking about here?" Qrow asked as he leaned Harbinger on one shoulder.

"Descriptions are varied, but its big, fast and packing extreme firepower. Its been interrupting fights my soldiers have been having. Whether it was against the Grimm or the Uruks, just when they think they're gaining ground it shows up and starts blasting. Its been making it hard to make any progress." Ironwood explained, "We've traced the pattern its making and we've found that it's nearing your position soon. I need you two to head west and intercept it, if it's not stopped then we won't be able to establish a hard foothold."

"Fighting a surprising number of robots tonight." Qrow shrugged "Really shaking things up."

Glynda rolled her eyes before looking down at her scroll, "We're on it, just focus on getting a handle on your droids and we'll handle this machine."

"Agreed." Ironwood stated before ending the call.

Pocketing her scroll, Glynda raised the Disciplinarian just as a Creep lunged for them. As she sent it sailing through a nearby window, Qrow changed Harbinger to its scythe form.

They climbed to the rooftops and began making their way west as Ironwood indicated. As they leaped from rooftop to rooftop, Glynda spoke up.

"We find a roof and keep an eye on the roads, from James's description it should be obvious when it shows up." she said whilst running along another building and pausing to look around.

Qrow landed next to her and walked forward with Harbinger at the ready, "From his description it doesn't sound like one of his." he noted before joining her in scanning their surroundings "Figured it was the Fang dropping Paladins, but what would-?"

An explosion nearby interrupted him, and both looked down the street to watch as several Arceus inmates ran from a burning building. One of them reared back with something before lobbing it at another building, which immediately caught flame. The other Uruks began whooping and hollering as a larger one walked over to a nearby car and punched through its window. Yanking the door open, he began breaking it off of the vehicle.

Qrow shook his head before turning to Glynda, "Think we'll miss this mystery machine if we go shut those guys down?"

"Focus," Glynda sighed "once we put that machine out of business we can-"

"A new flame!"

Both spun around to a nearby building, upon which stood one of the inmates with his arms spread wide as two more rushed to his side and started shouting at them.

"Let it burn me, let it burn you, let it burn us all!" the Fire-starter shouted as he waved a burning metal rod and pointed it towards them.

Glynda scoffed as the inmates leaped to their rooftop and began rushing towards them. Qrow shrugged before rearing back with Harbinger. The yells of the approaching Uruks masked the sound of spinning blades and explosions until Qrow was right about to clash with the fire-starter.

Something massive sped down the street beside them, the wind it kicked up throwing Qrow forward as the Fire-Starter stumbled. Qrow spun with the momentum and slashed the fire-starter off the roof as the other two inmates regained their footing.

"Qrow!" Glynda raced past him and used her Semblance to toss the other two back against a nearby air conditioner unit "Its getting away, we have to-"

The mystery machine landed atop the building across from them, caving the roof in as it reared up. It stood upon a single heavily reinforced leg with a huge multi-directional wheel. On top of the leg was a massive disk that served as the body, its rim had numerous blades spinning and whirring along its edge. Underneath the disk were a mass of mechanisms and shielding surrounding clumps of gravity dust circling the upper base of the leg. Atop the disk were a series of armaments built around a massive glass sphere in the center.

"Well well! I knew I recognized that scruffy appearance!" A slightly garbled voice spoke out from the machine "I do believe I wailed on your nieces once upon a time."

Glynda glanced to Qrow, who kept Harbinger at the ready despite his confusion, "You talking about me?"

"Oh this is just delicious!" the speaker called out as the sphere on top pulled back.

The machine's disk tilted forward as the cockpit popped open and an Uruk leaned forward and laid an arm across his knee, "Yes yes mate, they went and busted up the first version of this dainty little number you see before ya."

He patted the rim of the cockpit, "Almost forgot how infuriated I was, but its all coming back to me now."

"First version?" Qrow thought for a moment before Glynda spoke up.

"Ratlug," she stated whilst fixing her glasses "I should've known. From the reports given you'd be the only Uruk capable of constructing something like this."

Ratlug clapped his hands together and took a deep breath before smirking, "You're damn right I am." he held his hand out in front of him, "After those petulant little ladies had the nerve to break my creation, I went on a bit of a binge figuring out how many pests on this planet shared their blood so I could start making a tidy little vengeance list."

"Lot of folks on that list wouldn't exactly be easy to take down, pal. Myself included." Qrow stated before leaning towards Glynda "I'm a bit out of the loop on this, mind helping out?"

"When Team RWBY went to rescue Yang, Ratlug was one of the Uruks that intercepted them during their escape."

"Ah," Qrow looked back up at him and thought for a moment before his frown tightened, "Then that means you're the one who messed up Yang and put her friend in the hospital."

"And to repay them for all the wonderful memories they've gifted me, I'll be sure to gift them your head with a nifty bow framin' it." Ratlug said with a wink before leaning one foot back to the controls of the Mark-II, which immediately leaped towards another rooftop as the cockpit sealed again.

Below, numerous Arceus inmates cheered as they began climbing or otherwise ascending towards Qrow and Glynda.

Ratlug sat back whilst tilting his lens-less glasses, hands already swimming amongst the sea of buttons and levers around him. As much as getting stuck on this product had become an absolute bore, Ratlug couldn't help but delight as the mech leaped out of the way of Qrow's gunfire.

Before Qrow could continue, he and Glynda had to turn their attention to the oncoming inmates.

Ratlug leaned back in his seat and reached up with his legs, piloting his mech with his feet as he reached over to a bottle of water beside his seat.

He hummed a little tune to himself as his toes worked the buttons, a twist of a lever here or a tilt of a wheel there. As he raised the bottle to his lips he bumped something that fell nearby. Ratlug swapped the bottle to another hand, reaching down to pick up what had fallen before his grin returned upon seeing the prototype handgun.

Oh how far things had come. From firearms to war machines, Ratlug had managed to add this realm's range of armaments to his wealth of knowledge almost seamlessly. He took a moment to give himself a metaphorical pat on the back. Sometimes it was hard being the smartest Uruk to ever live, too many idiots running around who couldn't understand his gifts. So many times those walking insults stood in the way of progress just because they wanted to cling to the imbecilic idea that their flawed viewpoints had any right to exist.

Ratlug snickered to himself, already thinking about after they'd conquered this waste of a realm and dragged its armaments to Mordor. There were quite a number of Uruks he'd absolutely love to reduce to smears, a bunch of their possessions he'd have scorched to ashes before their very eyes, maybe a pet or two slain for funsies.

He took another sip of water. Yes, there'd be much gloating to be had once they'd wrapped things up in this world. He'd give it about a year? Maybe two before they'd taken over the planet, rendered the populace to cattle as it should be and stomped out the last pockets of resistance, then they could move on to bigger game.

The mech jerked violently suddenly, making Ratlug groan as he was shaken from his fantasies of domination. Leaning up, he set aside the prototype handgun and started actually paying attention to the battle going on around him. One as intelligent as him shouldn't have to waste his many, many brain cells on an inferior species. His Mark-II was packing so much firepower that it made the first version look like a pitiful little tinker-toy. Despite that and his masterful piloting, it would seem that these two tarks couldn't even die right.

Qrow and Glynda had been dodging missile barrages and chain gun fire while occasionally taking down inmates who also had to manuever around the Mark-II's attacks. The sight of it made Ratlug lean forward and smirk. Aw, the simpletons thought he was on their side, what disgusting camaraderie are they trying to inflict upon him?

He found the source of the problem quickly, it seemed Glynda had started using her semblance to tear chunks out of nearby buildings and was sending them flying into his machine.

Ratlug swerved his mech out of the way of a girder which crashed into a nearby window, sighing as he reached forward and returned his hands to the controls.

"Very well," he took hold of two levers and pulled them "if ya want my full attention, then ya got it!"

---

Ironwood's Flagship

Roman took a moment to look up at the sky and ask himself how he got to where he was now. He used to be a hustler, doing crime and evading the time. It wasn't exactly honest work, but it was fun. And he had more than enough fun during his numerous crime sprees to recognize and reaffirm the many decisions that had led him down that path. But now here he was, fighting some kind of demon in an Uruk's body, who- well... fighting was a really strong word right now. It felt more like they were flailing against whatever the hell this guy was.

Roman sat up, watching as Neo unsuccessfully tried getting through his guard again. Even with one arm dangling uselessly at his side, Pugrish proved more than capable of keeping up with Neo's rapid movements, the speed at which he swung that over-sized Pogo-stick of his wasn't natural. One moment it was aiming in one direction, the next it was swiping Neo out of the air before her attack could even hope to land.

Frowning, Roman reached up to adjust his hat as he stood.

The Stormbringer backed up as Neo swiped at him, the blade at the tip of her Umbrella coming close to his eyes several times before he ducked under her swing and tore Drumenvok through her body which shattered. He glanced to the side as she dove at him again, twirling out of her way before swiping his weapon at her again. This time Neo back flipped out of the way, with Pugrish raising an eyebrow at her sudden retreat when he felt something press against Drumenvok.

He turned back just as Roman fired his cane point blank into the side of Drumenvok, finally having enough force to shift it. At that moment, Neo dove at him again with her umbrella as Roman followed up with a swing of his cane. Finally, they'd gotten him off-balance if only a little bit. But with just that opening, with both of them attacking at once he'd only have enough time to block one-

Both of their weapons halted against something. Drumenvok had been twisted in the way of Roman's Cane, holding it back with one hand. And Neo's Umbrella had been caught mere moments before it had reached Pugrish's eye. The Stormbringer had locked his hand around it.

Using the arm that he'd broken earlier.

"Looks like times up." he sighed before spinning and sending them flying in different directions from him. They both landed with him in the center as Pugrish flexed his healed arm.

"You know what, fine!" Roman slammed a fist against the hull of the ship "Just take the damn thing! I know when to fold, and taking down Dragon-Slaying, flesh-wearing lunatics was nowhere in the job description."

Neo glared at him from the other side of the Shaman, but Roman just held up a hand "Look, I'm sorry Neo but I don't know what makes you think we can take him! Let's just bail now and say-"

"No." Pugrish stated simply as he took Drumenvok in both hands "I said it before, if you failed to show me something interesting before I healed then I'd take possession of you."

"Fine whatever," Roman waved him off as he stood "once you've worked for one Evil Overlord you've worked for 'em all right?"

"As true as that may seem," Pugrish closed his eyes and smiled "that's not the kind of taking I'm speaking of."

As he spoke, the runes on his gauntlets began to start lighting up. Something similar was happening to the dust crystals he had weaved into the numerous straps all over his body. They began glowing as he opened his hands and let Drumenvok levitate from his grasp and hover in front of him.

"The kind I speak of... requires that I slay you." Pugrish stated as his Aura became visible for a moment, with Drumenvok soon adopting the same glowing blue sheen. Drumenvok sparked with electricity, the currents growing more and more violent as Dust began travelling along Pugrish's arms to his gauntlets.

Drumenvok shot up into the air as it took on the same glowing energy as the Stormbringer's Aura, the blue glow countered by the arcs of electricity which sparked along it. Pugrish crossed his hands across himself, gauntlets writhing with dust which settled into them. They stopped glowing at that point, although the runes remained alight. Drumenvok lowered before flying around Pugrish and pointing towards Roman, the space between its handlebars snapping open and closed several times.

Roman stared as Pugrish stood tall, "Yeah no," his eyes shot to Neo "Neo, if you wou-"

Pugrish raced towards Neo as Drumenvok shot towards Roman, whose eyes went wide as he raised his cane. He deflected Drumenvok, with the weapon giving more crackles of electricity as it spun in the air before flying at him again. Roman found himself dueling the floating weapon as Pugrish closed the distance between him and Neo, who smirked and twirled her umbrella as he approached.

Pugrish leaped into the air whilst raking his gauntlets through the air before him, vanishing in a flash of red and blue. Neo's smirk was replaced with an irritated pout before a flash brought her attention above her as Pugrish descended from a similar flash of red and blue. She rolled forward as he plunged the jagged tips of his gauntlets into the hull below. She swung back at him, with him ramming his head into her stomach and her shattering around him.

He spun as she appeared and ran for him, raising one of his gauntlets and swiping it through the air. Immediately, five claw shaped red forms tore through the air above Neo and slashed her towards him, where Pugrish plucked her out of the air. His gauntlet glowed red before he blasted her out of his grasp and leaped backwards, swiping his gauntlets through the air and vanishing in another flash of red and blue.

Neo shook her head, eyes going wide as her Aura flickered, she looked up just as Drumenvok was knocked past her by Roman.

"Come on, Neo!" He shouted "Know when to cash out!"

Neo glanced back as Pugrish appeared in another flash of red and blue, grabbing Drumenvok out of the air and raising it up. Drumenvok shook violently with electricity as the Shaman raised it higher. He turned his attention to them and grinned as arcs of electricity started generating from Drumenvok. He slammed it down with Drumenvok bouncing into the air and halting as it shook with energy. Pugrish clapped his hands together before hopping back and swiping his gauntlets through the air, vanishing into another flash of red and blue mere moments before Drumenvok seemed to come alive with active coils of high powered electricity spreading from it.

It was like seeing a star take form with how much light radiated from Drumenvok, wild arcs of electricity trailing through the air and running along the hull before them. Roman almost found himself transfixed by the sight until Drumenvok started floating forward.

"Move move!" Roman shouted to Neo who leaped over one of the arcs. Roman glanced around before taking his cane in both hands and looking for an opening through the approaching arcs of electricity. Before he could. Pugrish leaped through two arcs and swiped at him with his gauntlets. Roman blocked them, only for Pugrish to land behind him and kick him towards Drumenvok. Roman rolled as he landed, managing to get through Drumenvok's electrical laser light show.

As Roman got up, he looked up as Pugrish jumped up and kicked Drumenvok, sending it floating back the way it came. He hopped in between the arcing electricity again, flexing his gauntlets as he walked to keep ahead of his own weapon. Before Roman could get up, Neo leaped over him and charged Pugrish again.

Of course he slid through her attack and slashed through her, with him reaching behind him as she shattered to pieces. He was ready for the surprise kick coming, and snatched Neo's leg before it could make contact and launched her past Roman, who charged forward swinging his cane only for Pugrish to roll out of the way and slap Roman on the back nearly sending him into Drumenvok's electricity.

As Roman struggled to catch himself, Pugrish turned and swiped a gauntlet through the air. Claws of flame forming above Neo and forcing her to dodge as they swiped at her. Pugrish continued swiping, each movement of his gauntlets leading to claws of ice or flame momentarily appearing that Neo had to evade. While she was leaping another swipe, Pugrish clenched his other hand into a flaming fist. The fire launched from his hand, maintaining its fist-shape as it connected with Neo and exploded upon contact.

Pugrish raised his claw to swipe at her while she was down, only for Roman to interrupt him by slamming his cane against his wrist.

Neo leaned up as Roman was sent sailing over her and collapsed in a heap as his Aura struggled to stay up, flickering dangerously. Her eyes widened as she watched Roman struggle to get up. She bit her lip as she looked back to see Pugrish gesture to Drumenvok, which stopped producing electrical arcs and fell into his grasp easily.

"You seeing the problem here, Neo?" Roman asked as he looked up.

Neo and him shared a look for a while before she nodded and ran to the edge of the ship. Roman stood and followed after her as Pugrish tilted his head and darted forward. Neo pointed her folded umbrella towards the sky, which was darkening even more above, and held out her hand to Roman as he ran to catch up.

Before he could reach her, Drumenvok was sent sailing under Roman's arm and struck Neo, bouncing off her as it sent her off the edge of the ship before slamming back into Roman. Neo managed to get her umbrella open as Roman spun from the impact. A hand gripped his shoulder and he looked up into the eyes of Pugrish, who gave him a pat on the shoulder before his other hand went straight through his chest and emerged from his back.

Pugrish watched as Neo sailed away with a look of abject of disbelief forming on her face. Using one hand, he continued rubbing Roman's shoulder as he went limp in his arms. Right as he fell, Roman's body jerked as his aura flared up violently. But just as quickly as it appeared, the light of his aura seemed to fade away until he collapsed.

"And just like that... you are mine." Pugrish stated as he leaned against Drumenvok while raising his blood-stained hand and shaking it.

He stepped past Roman's body towards the edge of the ship, trying to spot the smaller tark. He thought he caught sight of a pink umbrella somewhere below, but he didn't move to pursue. After all, she had proven at least somewhat interesting, and he'd never go back on the rules of a fight.

Turning back to Torchwick's body, Pugrish stared for a moment before strolling towards the Ship's command center.

Out of all the hobbies he'd gotten into since coming to Remnant, Aura had to be right there at the top. It was just so... amazing. Something about being here made souls far more tangible than ever before, allowing them to manifest in such an endlessly amusing way. Pugrish had spent the vast majority of his time studying this, trying to figure it out. At first he'd asked Ratlug, but the good Doctor was never really in touch with his spiritual side. Pugrish, on the other hand, had quickly seen the near limitless potential that Aura provided them.

It had taken up so much of his time that he'd completely ignored even trying to discover his semblance. Why even bother? The sheer amount of things he could do through mixing Aura with some good old Uruk Mysticism was downright astonishing. It was the key to breaching limits that the Uruks of Old could never even realize they had. But Pugrish would admit that, despite the potential for power it held, his appreciation for Aura stemmed from far deeper than a simple power-grab; with the Shackle being the ultimate culmination of that appreciation.

"Ogthrak!" he called up to the large hole in the Command Center's window, calling several more times until Ogthrak poked his head out "How goes... landing my ship?"

"Sir I-" Ogthrak caught himself, thinking for a moment before saying "We're trying to get in contact with Ratlug, but he's not answering."

"I told you!" Krosh's voice called out from somewhere behind Ogthrak "He's a self-obsessed prick!"

"Quiet!" Ogthrak snapped behind him before turning back "Did run a check with Maku, turns out there were more Students at Beacon than we expected."

"What?" Pugrish tilted his head before tapping a finger to his chin "I was so certain they'd move to defend the city..."

He turned to look at Beacon in the distance as Ogthrak continued, "Don't worry! He's getting the boys to drop in more of the Armored Ursai, by the time we jump in it won't matter how many there are."

When his master didn't respond, Ogthrak swallowed nervosly, "Sir?"

"This... could be fun..." the Stormbringer shrugged before walking towards the edge of the ship

"Sir, what about the ship?" Ogthrak called out

"I trust the Doctor to put it to good use." Pugrish turned back to say, though he continued walking backwards to the edge of the ship "Please... continue trying to acquire him."

With that he hopped on Drumenvok and launched himself off the side of the ship.

Ogthrak sighed before trying to call Ratlug again.

---

The Streets of Vale

"Ruby? I found a perfect place!" Blake's voice called out from the scroll "You know the water treatment plant? I had to clear out some creeps wandering around but its more or less empty. I'm trying to help Weiss as best as I can, but see if you can make it over here. Its pretty far from the highway I know, but with your semblance it shouldn't be a problem... Ruby?"

Ruby reached out and fumbled with the scroll before picking it up, breaths of exhaustion escaping as she crawled over to the window of the office she'd wound up hiding in. There was a giant hole in it, probably from some kind of Grimm breaking in, but it was still more than suited for hiding from her pursuers.

"Sorry Blake," she paused to take a breath "might not be able to link up with you guys."

"What's wrong?" Blake asked

Ruby peaked through the broken window to the road below, where Bubol and the fire guy were.

"Darling? Darling!" Bubol called out before pausing and turning to blow the brains out of a Beowolf that had tried leaping at him, he returned to calling out "Don't make me beg, sweetness! I've been waitin' far too long to feel ya again!"

Half a block down the road, the Fire guy was hacking away at a creep with his makeshift spear. Right when the Grimm stopped moving the roar of a Charging Ursa had caught his attention, so he tore his weapon out and rushed towards it with glee.

"Bubol," Ruby said with a small groan "he's here and he's got friends."

"What," Blake sounded incredulous "how would he even-?"

"I don't know and it doesn't matter now. What does matter is that he's with that Hijacker guy you fought and someone who's got some kind of fire semblance. They've been on me since the Highway, and if I lead them to you and Weiss then- wait, hold up."

Ruby trailed off, peaking through the window again as a larger group of Beowolves gathered around her pursuers. Kruk was hesitant to charge blindly into that many beasts at once, but still taunted the creatures as they closed in. Bubol still seemed occupied with trying to sniff her out. Finally, he sighed and turned his handgun on the approaching Grimm.

Before he even needed to fire, the wall of the building next to them exploded as Mitch's truck crashed through it and slammed into four of the Beowolves.

"I own the roads!" Mitch hollered as he sped off with several of the Grimm stuck on his hood. Kruk took the opportunity and lunged at one of the remaining beasts as Bubol put a dust round in the eye of the one next to it.

Mitch sped down the road before swerving, sending one of the creatures through a nearby shop's window as he sped back to his cohorts. Reaching behind his seat, Mitch grabbed one of the guns in the backseat and leaned out the window to start unloading on the Grimm still clinging to his vehicle. As he drew closer to Kruk, he hit the brakes and swerved again, sending one of the Beowolves sailing over Kruk and into a Creep that had been trying to sneak up on Bubol.

The Creep found itself pinned under the dying Beowolf's body, managing to poke its head out from under it just as the barrel of Bubol's gun pressed to its eye. After filling its skull with bullets, Bubol sighed as he tore a fresh clip from his belt and reloaded.

"I just don't get it, lads." he approached the truck whilst kicking a nearby piece of debris "Could've sworn she went down this way."

"Do not fret," Kruk offered while climbing into the bed of the truck and turning back to look at him "much war to enjoy! We run into Red Tark again surely."

"I know, I'm betting on it even." Bubol leaned against the truck whilst looking around "I guess I was just really eager for you guys to see her. I can't help wantin' to show off such a delicious little piece, ya know?"

Kruk nodded before crouching and patting Bubol on the shoulder, "I once was stuck in Ghul pit, surrounded on all sides alone. Had to fashion weapon out of bones, fought for hours!" he explained with a smile "Was grand battle! Wanted to tell all boys of it. But then I think, 'If share story, maybe not so special?' Understand?"

Bubol thought for a moment before smirking, "I guess I don't have to share everything." he said with a shrug before looking up at him "Dedicating ya whole life to fightin's given ya quite a spot of wisdom there, eh? Why'd we stop hangin' out again?"

Kruk's smile disappeared for a moment as he pointed to himself, "You got me arrested."

"Ah..." Bubol nodded for a moment before hopping into the back of the truck and calling out, "Forward boys! More war and more road!"

The trio sped off, whooping and howling with laughter. Ruby watched until they turned a corner and disappeared down another road with several more Grimm giving chase.

Several moments passed before a trail of rose petals cut through the air. Ruby landed atop the roof of a nearby coffee shop. Her eyes immediately started darting across the skyline, "The Water Treatment Plant, right?"

"Yes, if you can't make it then maybe I can pick you up when I'm done with Weiss here." Blake offered "If you can get to a good roof-"

"No, don't risk it." Ruby warned as she began running across rooftops "If I can't make it then just get to Beacon and help out there."

"If you're certain... got it." Blake responded before the call ended.

Ruby sighed as she leaped to the top of a nearby roof before using her semblance to dart across the street. Scaling another building, Ruby ran to the edge and began scanning the city from above. The chaos still engulfing the buildings nearly made her sick, but she forced that down. She needed to try and link up with the rest of her team, that meant she had to focus.

From what Blake said, things down in the Industrial District were comparatively calm, so getting there would be the biggest problem. She couldn't get caught up in fights, which meant she needed to keep time spent on the roads to a minimum.

Her eyes immediately snapped towards a mall in the distance, if she cut across its parking lot she wouldn't have to risk weaving through the streets anymore. Nodding to herself, Ruby hopped off the edge of the roof and blasted herself forwards with Crescent Rose. A series of explosions made her halt atop an air-conditioning unit as she turned to look for the source of them. She couldn't see much from there, she could just make out the blasts in the distance.

She was about to turn back to continue moving forward when a honking noise erupted from nearby. Ruby spun, the disbelief marring her features as she saw something driving along a nearby rooftop. Of course, it was Bubol and his pals.

How had they even gotten up here!?

"Sweetness!" Bubol cheered before hammering the top of the truck's cab.

"Speedbump thinks she can get away from these wheels?!" Mitch roared as he spun the wheel "You ain't gettin' outta this race, damn it!"

As he swerved, the side of the truck hit the edge of the building and launched into the air. Ruby turned and darted forward as the truck crashed behind her, tearing up the roofing before taking off after her. Using her semblance, she managed to keep ahead of the truck as it gave pursuit The edge of the building was coming fast, and the roaring engine of the truck was gaining ground, so she quickly made a sharp turn and sped off the roof in a cloud of rose petals. She stumbled atop an overturned bus, pausing to catch her breath before her eyes snapped behind her as the truck landed and began turning towards her.

Bubol stood and patted the side of his head as his eye glowed green. Ruby used her semblance to leap off the bus right before the first of Bubol's rounds could reach her. He kept firing as the cloud of rose petals zigzagged through the air, each dust round passing through the cloud until he heard a click. Ruby reformed and continued running as Bubol tore a clip from his waste and reloaded.

"Keep on her, lads!" He called out as the truck sped after her again "Love waits for no one!"

As the chase persisted through the streets, several blocks over a young couple were being subjected to a different kind of pursuit. Behind them were a small pack of Creeps that leaped across walls and roads alike to get to them. Despite how long they'd been moving, the young Faunus and his wife kept running.

"Keep going!" he called back to her "We're almost there!"

Their heavy breaths were overshadowed by the heavy pounding of Grimm limbs clawing into the ground as they tore after them, cars being crushed under their weight and the sirens still roaring in the air. Their roars joined in the cacophony of sound as the couple passed under an arc in between two shops. A large figure turned a corner ahead of them, giving a groan before calling out to them.

"To the ground, damn it!" it called out while raising something in front of it "Now!"

The loud tone made them stumble, and soon the Faunus's wife was dragging him to the ground right before a booming voice wiped away the cacophony. Following the sound was a wave of force which slammed into the creeps and sent them sailing backwards. One tore right through the arc and brought it crashing down behind the couple, who cowered as dust and debris passed over them.

Once it was over, they shakily arose as the figure approached while twirling a microphone cane in one hand, "Come on, come on." it called to them "Motherfuckers ain't got time to tremble, ya know?"

Standing above them was none other than the clown-themed rapper, Banz.

"D-Did we make it?" the faunus asked as the rapper rolled his eyes and gestured behind him.

"Not yet, get yo asses movin' before some big ole black bird comes snappin' you up."

Following behind the rapper, the couple found one of the few strongholds of hope in the entire city: Pug-Bringer Studios.

The streets around the studio were full of Masqueraders, the bodyguards fighting off the occasional Grimm that would attack. But they weren't enough, as the three approached, the Mirror Twin Frozen landed atop an overturned bike and shot Banz a glare.

"What the hell did you wander off for?!" she shouted before leaping off the vehicle and approaching "If one of the big ones show up we kinda need you here, unless you want all those adoring fans in there shredded."

"Relax Baby," Banz waved off her concerns before gesturing to the couple behind him "Thought I heard some o' them sneaky assholes tryin' to go around, but look what I find instead."

Frozen looked as if she wanted to argue, but a roar from down the street made her shake her head instead, "You two get inside, " she ordered the couple before looking to Banz "You, back on top of the car."

The rapper shrugged before walking by, "Whatever you say, babe."

As the Couple approached the studio, Banz hauled himself on top of a car.

An Ursa charged through some debris down the road, bellowing roars at it tore towards the studio.

Banz held up the Microphone and grinned before yelling into it just as the Grimm lunged towards him, the force of his amplified shout throwing it onto its back where several Masqueraders immediately lunged on top of it and began attacking with their own clubs and knives.

Behind the car, Frozen prepared to join in when a voice called out to her.

"Hey Mel!"

Melanie's eyes shot up towards the roof of the Studio, where Militia looked down at her with her own Mirror Twin mask pulled up, "What?"

"How long do you think we'll be doing this?" Militia called out as several Masqueraders fought off a Beowolf behind her.

"I don't know!" Melanie bit "Bigsby said Rolo and Banz were briefed so they've probably got a plan."

"But we've been doing this all night!" Militia whined

"Stop complaining and get back to work, damn it!" Melanie shouted before turning and darting forwards.

Militia sighed and pulled her mask back down before turning back to the fight behind her.

The Beowolf tossed one of the Masqueraders to the roof and was about to swipe at their downed form when Militia darted in and deflected the strike with her claws. The Beowolf stumbled back as two other Masqueraders opened fire on it with pistols, giving Militia just the right opportunity to lunge forward and slice its head off.

Inside the Studio, Bebe almost couldn't believe the number of people that were packed inside. Usually the old Dance Floor was used by Banz, Rolo, the Twins or the Masqueraders; so she'd been doubtful that the hundreds of civilians who sought refuge from the battle outside could fit. As she walked around the edge of the dance floor, she saw people of all kinds huddling together, with some flinching at the occasional sound of battle outside. Even with all these people, there were still more being ushered in. Right at that moment, Grimm Bunny was showing a couple in through the main hall and pointing towards the dance floor.

Not everyone went to the Dance Floor, many had to be taken to the bar, which had been converted to a first aid station thanks to several doctors who had offered to treat the wounded. Dust Kitten was wandering between the injured, carrying supplies for the many volunteers who were doing their best. She'd fetch things from store rooms when asked, even helping hold patients if ordered with a smile. The only time she'd stop was when Rolo was using the PA system to calm down the people inside.

Yet despite all of this, Bebe kept asking herself one question: Why?

Why were they doing this? Why were they being so... helpful? Once the Sirens had started Rolo had immediately had the numerous stations that Pug-Bringer Studio had control over start broadcasting an offer of assistance. In the span of thirty minutes they had the crummy Studio converted into a safe-house, offering safety to anyone who could get to them. It was an offer that hundreds of people were keen on taking.

Yet Bebe knew this couldn't be all of it, Ogthrak had a plan and she was convinced that this was only the first step. All of these people were in danger, yet Bebe couldn't figure out what he was planning on using them for. With Rolo making announcements that they were working on a plan to escape the city, Bebe found herself making her way to Ogthrak's office.

Outside of said office were two civilians talking to Bigsby's secretary, who hadn't moved from her desk despite the literal war going on outside.

"We just want to know how he plans to get everyone out of here." one of the civilians said.

"My employer's working on it," the Secretary replied blandly "he's currently out with the rest of our staff trying to procure our delivery trucks."

"We get that," the other Civilian said "but what route are you planning to take? The streets are all torn up and-"

"I don't know," the secretary lifted her mask a bit to massage her eyes "I'm sure he's out plotting that too, maybe ask him when he gets back."

The two civilians looked at one another before turning away, Bebe stepped to the side as they passed. She continued to the secretary, who finished massaging her eyes and shifted her mask back into place before looking up at her with an annoyed expression.

Bebe swallowed nervously before nodding to the door, "Can I-?"

"Do I have to deal with everyone's shit?" the Secretary groaned before gesturing behind her "You work here, so go. Just- fuck."

Bebe gave her a wide berth as she entered the office, the only person inside was Borgu who was staring out of the office window to the Dance Floor below.

"Hn?" Borgu smirked at her "The hybrid comes to me? Seeking what, I wonder?"

"What are you guys doing?" Bebe asked as she closed the door behind her "You guys have been talking about saving people and protecting them, but-"

"Save our fans?" Borgu tilted his head and gestured to the window "Why wouldn't we? They keep us makin' money. Can't go letting our income get slaughtered now can we?"

Bebe narrowed her eyes as she approached, "But you guys helped make all this happen!"

Borgu gasped, "Throwing slander upon my good name!"

"I don't know what Ogthrak's playing at here, but if you guys are going to hurt all of those people out there then-!"

"No no," Borgu approached and clapped her on her shoulder "we gotta help 'em. All our staff and our stuff's gettin' loaded up, then we moving shop."

Bebe shook her head, "What? If you guys just wanted to move everything then you wouldn't need to take them with you."

Stepping away from her, Borgu walked back to the window while grabbing a part of his disguise from a nearby seat and putting it on, "How else are we gonna be heroes?

"You what?" Bebe stepped forwards, sure she'd misheard him.

"Ya wanna know what the plan is, well we gotta become heroes." Borgu snickered "Next step is to become heroes, all of us here."

"But why would you-?"

"Better get ready Hybrid, you'll finally get to be a real hero for the people!"

---

In another part of the City, Qrow darted over a rooftop garden, his legs pumping as he cleared the end of it. He glanced back to confirm Glynda was behind him, and not far behind her were a series of approaching explosions.

"Scatter!" Qrow shouted, with both of them darting in opposite directions as the Mark-II barreled down the nearby street raining artillery across the rooftops. Ratlug's damned machine had already reduced a majority of the surrounding neighborhood to burning rubble during his pursuit. The thing had to be chock-full of ammunition, as the moment its most recent missile barrage ended chain guns immediately pointed towards Qrow. Quickly switching between Harbinger's Scythe and Sword forms, Qrow used Harbinger to vault towards a nearby repair shop's sign and run along it as the stream of heavy gunfire mulched the building behind him.

"Move faster you mongrels!" Ratlug's garbled voice called out with glee "Surely you can handle this!"

Running out of sign, Qrow altered his course and leaped to a crashed van in the street. He hopped off of it to another building just as the chain gun fire caused the van to explode. Ratlug's stream of bullets got closer until a flying chunk of debris slammed into the side of the Mark-II and caused Ratlug to scoff as he turned his machine's weapons back on Glynda. She was waving the Disciplinarian towards the burning wreckage of the van below, which began to rise at her command.

Before Ratlug could open fire, movement out of the corner of his gaze made him glance up as Qrow leaped from a nearby rooftop towards the Mark-II. Ratlug just smirked before reaching across his seat and strapping himself in with some belts. The moment Qrow cleared the buzzing blades on its rim and landed atop the massive disk that made up the Mark-II's body, it began to spin. Qrow had to bury Harbinger into the machine to keep from getting dislodged as it continued spinning faster and faster.

Ratlug's laughter mixed in with the whirring of the hydraulics as the machine spun and and shot towards the nearest building. Glancing behind him, Qrow ripped out Harbinger and let the built up momentum fling him towards the building. He landed against the side of it then launched himself off moments before the Mark-II's massive blades rammed into the side of the building and carved into it. Riding the debris for a moment, Qrow sped forwards towards the cockpit and stabbed the tip of Harbinger into it.

Qrow cursed as he realized the cockpit's glass was far more resilient than he'd anticipated, and he could even see the shape of Ratlug inside look up at him before his garbled voice came from the machine again, "So close, but yet so far."

The sound of metal on metal brought Qrow's attention to a turret nearby which slid up and took aim at him. He flung himself back away from the cockpit as the turret opened fire, darting back until the Mark-II's body spun again and flung him away.

With Qrow out of the way, Glynda took aim with the Disciplinarian. The burning carcass of the van pointed towards the Mark-II, only for a sudden blast of fire to slam into her back and throw her forward against the roof of the building. She groaned before getting up and looking back.

"The Flame consumes all Warriors!" the Fire-Starter shouted as he finished pulling himself onto the roof and pointed towards her with a flaming makeshift club "We all burn!"

Several other Uruk Inmates climbed the building as well, Glynda's frown deepening as they began charging her. She quickly glanced over the edge of the building to a car that was lying on its side below. Quickly rising and waving the Disciplinarian, the car floated up as she spun and held her weapon in front of her. The Fire-Starter was thrown back by the force of her semblance. Several of the Inmates shifted out of the way as he sailed past them, landing in a bitter heap before looking up just as she sent the entire car flying towards them.

Some Inmates moved out of the way as the car slammed into others, but the Fire-Starter gritted his teeth and leaped over the vehicle and lunged for her again. Glynda ducked under a swing of his club before pressing the tip of the Disciplinarian against his chest and blasting him away. As he landed, the tiles of the roof began ripping off of the building and floating up. Glynda used her semblance to fend off the inmates with the flying tiles, but found herself distracted as a massive shadow passed over them.

Glancing to the side, she found Qrow trying to get atop the Mark-II again. Dodging missiles, mines, and chain gun fire, he traversed the rooftops whilst occasionally firing back with Harbinger. Glynda narrowed her eyes, Ratlug seemed notably distracted by him. Now was the perfect chance to strike.

"Fire Redeem me!"

Her eyes snapped back towards the Inmates, only to immediately widen as she spotted the Fire-Starter standing atop the crashed car. He slammed his flaming club against his chest, his clothing immediately catching fire as he tossed it away and began charging towards her. Even as the floating tiles cut into him, he didn't slow down, the flames spreading towards the vials of flammable liquid on his chest.

Glynda saw the shadow of the Mark-II passing by again, and thought quickly. Spinning with the Disciplinarian, she pointed it forwards and took hold of the Fire-Starter with her semblance. Raising the burning inmate up, she flung him towards the Mark-II's cockpit, which was engulfed in flames as the fire-starter's flasks broke.

"What the-?" Ratlug's voice called out before groaning "Useless filth!"

Qrow darted for the mech, only for the Mark-II to leap down the road. It began spinning, trying to clear the flames away, the Fire-Starter's burning form was sent rolling into its spinning blades and was quickly shredded. As his pieces fell to the ground, Qrow prepared to race for the machine.

"Qrow!"

Hearing Glynda's voice, he looked down to the roof of the building across the street. Glynda was aiming with the Disciplinarian, the wrecked car floating in between them. Realizing her intent, Qrow nodded before leaping atop the car and taking hold.

Ratlug slowed down the machine as the flames cleared, glancing up only to see the car sailing towards him. He pressed himself back into his seat and tried tilting the Mark-II as far as it could. Despite his quick reaction, the car managed to pass over the Mark-II's blades and tear off the top of the cockpit's glass dome as it passed. Ratlug undid his belt and took hold of the broken glass, inspecting the damage with a frown until the sound of something landing made him glance back to Qrow.

"Ugh, fine..." Ratlug sighed and bent down to grab some stuff from the cockpit, specifically a clearly labeled medical kit and a water bottle, "Let's do it the simple way, Tarks got no eye for ingenuity."

The rest of the glass dome opened, with Ratlug stepping out and popping open the medical kit, which contained nothing more than a few towels.

Qrow ran for him, raising Harbinger as the distance between them shrank. Ratlug dipped his foot back into the cockpit and tilted a joystick to the side, the entire Mark-II immediately rammed into the side of a nearby building, with Qrow stumbling and looking up as bits of debris began falling towards them.

Ratlug stuffed two of the towels into his lab coat and took a deep drink from his bottle as he lunged out of the way of the fallen bits of building. He thoroughly soaked the last towel he pulled from the kit before capping the bottle and slipping it into his coat, he pulled out his dagger and twirled his towel over his head.

"Come on then." Ratlug said as the Mark-II finished carving along the building and passed into an intersection.

Qrow narrowed his eyes, flexing his grip on Harbinger a bit as he stared down Ratlug. After a few moments, the two sprinted forward and clashed as the Mark-II continued cutting and slamming against nearby buildings.

Following it was Glynda, who kept ahead of the pursuing Inmates whilst trying to take aim at the machine now that it's operator was busy with Qrow. Hopping up to a taller building, she waved her weapon towards a nearby fire escape, which began tearing free when a knife sailed towards her from behind and carved along the side of her aura as her eyes snapped back.

An Inmate in an apron pulled himself up and shouted, "Eyes on me, meat sack!"

Glynda glowered at him before raising the Disciplinarian and catching the next few thrown blades with her semblance, letting them fall to the ground, slipped out of the way as he stabbed at her before sending him slamming against a nearby wall. She raised her weapon towards him as he rolled to his feet, only for her eye to catch sight of movement nearby. Another Firestarter was leading two other inmates atop the rooftops to her side, going around her.

Recognizing the attempt to flank her, Glynda backed up as the Inmate with the Apron got back up and lunged for her again only to slam into a barrier and get forced back again. Before he could try to charge again, something sailed up from behind him and landed on the roof beside him: it was the torn off door of a pick up truck.

A heavy hand took hold of the edge of the building, and an inmate in make-shift armor hauled himself up before glancing to the Caterer beside him, "Cook boy runnin' in with no armor." he snickered before glaring at Glynda as he reached for the torn off door "Lady Tark got no metal, so show her ya mettle."

The Caterer snarled as the Crewmate stood, wielding the ripped off door as a shield before stomping towards Glynda. She raised an eyebrow at him before pointing the Disciplinarian at him. He was shoved back, his ramshackle boots scraping along the roof, but he stood and resumed stomping forward with a cackle the moment she stopped pushing with her semblance.

Eyes narrowing, she took a step back before raising him up, but before she could fling him away movement to her side brought her attention to the Caterer, who scooped up some of his fallen knives and threw one at her. She slipped out of the way, keeping the Crewmate suspended in air as she raised her hand and deflected the Caterer's strikes with her semblance, eventually blasting him away. But she was given no time before she noticed the burning flask sailing towards her. She tossed aside the Crewmate and raised both hands to redirect the flask with her semblance only for it to ignite. As the fire fell in front of her feet, she looked up to the Fire-Starter, who stood atop a larger building nearby as he tossed another flask up in the air several times.

"So much heat for us wanderin' oils." he cooed as two more inmates hopped past him and began rushing towards her.

With enemies on both sides, Glynda took a breath before preparing her semblance. Before any of them could attack, the Mark-II slammed into the side of the building the Fire-Starter stood upon. On top of the Machine, Ratlug lunged out of the way as Qrow swiped Harbinger at him over and over, both of them dodging pieces of debris as the Mark-II's blades tore into the building and even cut into one of the inmates that had just jumped down. The Fire-Starter stumbled as the building began to crumble, leaping down before moving to keep ahead of the spinning blades.

He and the other inmate ran for Glynda, who was backing away as well as the Mark-II continued carving into the building they all stood upon. But before she could lay into them, a shadow fell over her. She turned back as the Crewmate raised the broken door over his head, then slid out of the way as he slammed it against the roof. He continued swinging the door at her, eventually being halted against one of her barriers and getting flung back in-between the Fire-Starter and the other Inmate.

As he landed, he shook his head before looking back to see the rapidly approaching blades of the Mark-II. His makeshift door shield lay closer to the blades, so he instead turned his attention to Glynda, who was still contesting with the other three inmates.

Whipping around the Disciplinarian to block the three different blades coming at her, Glynda finally stepped back and crossed her arms before sending the trio flying away from her. She then aimed her weapon towards the fire-escape before tearing it from the building with her semblance and sending it crashing into the Mark-II.

The machine spun away from the building, the impact making Qrow bury Harbinger into the Mark-II to keep from stumbling. Ratlug fell against the broken dome of his machine's cockpit with a sigh of annoyance.

"That's it!" he called out while reaching down into the cockpit "Everyone dies!"

He slammed his fist against a large button that made whirring sounds emanate from within the Mark-II. Qrow stepped to the side as panels nearby started sliding open. His eyes going wide as the machine turned all of its weaponry upwards.

"What the-?" Qrow had to dodge a swipe of Ratlug's dagger, using Harbinger to block the blade before being kicked back. When Ratlug approached again, Qrow switched Harbinger into its Scythe form and twirled it to sweep Ratlug's feet out from under him. Ratlug rolled to the side upon landing, ducking down and whipping his towel towards Qrow as the Mark-II started firing all of its armaments into the air.

As Glynda flung both the Crewmate and the Fire-Starter away, she looked up at the series lights travelling upwards. But then she saw those trails arc as they began their descent.

Rushing to the edge of the building, she leaped to the next as explosions rained down all around, covering the entire cityscape around them in fresh devastation. With the inmates caught up in the numerous blasts as well, she was finally able to focus on the Mark-II.

Slipping out of the way of Harbinger, Ratlug rammed his shoulder into Qrow and forced him back. Before they could clash again, an explosion rocked the Mark-II. They both turned to see Glynda using her semblance to redirect several of the Machine's armaments back at it. Several more explosions caused bother Ratlug and Qrow to stumble, only for a piece of its machinery to ignite nearby.

The Mark-II jerked dangerously, its form rocked with internal blasts as Ratlug groaned. He took the chance to leap from the machine, with Qrow following suit as the entire thing looked to be heating up.

"Gonna pop!" one of the inmates shouted as they took cover, with both them and Glynda scattering right before the street was filled with an immense explosion.

So large was it that it was visible from across the entire city and momentarily deafened those unfortunate enough to be close by. Despite this, few were able to catch sight of it due to the chaos occupying the majority of people's attention.

.{{{{{+-+}}}}}.

Oddly enough, one of the few to take note of the explosion was none other than Mercury Black, who glanced to the side to give a whistle at the size of it.

"Man, they're really tearing things up down there." he commented before being nudged by Emerald.

"Focus!" she ordered before gesturing forward.

"I'm not missing anything, relax." he assured her while nodding to the scroll in his hands.

They stood atop one of Beacon's Dormitories, standing at Cinder's sides as they took in the battle below. Mercury was broadcasting the battle from his scroll, occasionally switching focus on Cinder's command. Those commands were far and few between, however, as she'd mostly been scanning the buildings around them, looking for something. Her silence was getting to Emerald, who found herself gripping the handles of her weapons tighter the longer the fighting went on.

Down below, Beacon's defenders were somehow still holding up despite the plethora of enemies. The Grimm and White Fang still popped of everywhere, Atlesian Paladins and AK-Units were attacking everyone in their sight. That wasn't even considering the portals which kept appearing and dropping Armored Ursai into the mix, the metal-covered beasts immediately drawing full teams over to deal with them as quickly as possible.

Noticing something, Mercury nudged Emerald with his elbow before pointing with a grin, "Check it, he's going at it again."

Though agitated by this move, Emerald still followed his finger to a different portion of the battle, where Arslan was sinking her fist into the head of a Griffon, forcing the beast back. She ran towards it as it shook off its daze, but something swept her legs out from under her. Unseen feet planted themselves next to her as she tried getting up.

But before her assailant couldn't take advantage of her downed state, Fox leaped in from the side and kicked him back. Maku appeared as he caught himself, scowling as Fox turned back, "Over here!"

Immediately Velvet joined him in pursuing the Uruk as Coco turned her Minigun on the Griffon, forcing it back as Yatsuhashi brought his immense blade down upon it.

Team CFVY seemed to make it their mission to pursue the invisible Uruk, as they'd been working to undermine his subterfuge since he and those Armored Ursai appeared. Despite their best efforts, his evasiveness had them running across the entire battlefield in their attempt to counter him.

Mercury wanted to focus more on that, as it seemed way more fun than Student A knocks down Android 66, but he had his orders. Cinder was adamant that he focus the broadcast on the haywire Atlesian tech, and he could see why. With the CCT on the fritz due to the virus, the only thing people outside this dopey little city would see is androids going crazy and Grimm all over the place.

Despite knowing the score, he allowed himself to keep track of that particular fight out of the corner of his eyes.

But Emerald found herself keeping track of him for an entirely different reason, as she had been wondering where the rest of the Uruks were this entire time. Adam had brought up the threat they could pose to their plan for weeks now and, as much as Emerald wanted to believe in Cinder, she could see where he was coming from. Now the day was upon them, Beacon was under siege, and the City was gripped in the heat of battle. But Emerald could tell something was wrong, she'd felt it since the end of the fight at the Colosseum.

When they were making the trip to Beacon on one of the Airbuses, she'd been the first to notice that the the city already had several large fires starting. The Grimm had just attacked, but the timing of the Robot girl's destruction and the attack didn't sync up with the fire. It was only after they reached Beacon that they learned of the Inmates attacking Vale directly, the Virus on Ironwood's Scroll giving them access to the numerous channels utilized by the Atlas Military stationed in the city.

It hadn't been enough to warrant her concern though, as they still had to oversee the assault on Beacon. Things had come to a standstill due primarily to the large amount of Students that were already there and ready to defend the Academy's grounds. Emerald knew that get-together Team CFVY had been setting up would come back to bite them, not to mention the reinforcements that arrived from Amity. Apparently Roman hadn't gotten the Memo, as not only had he not shot down the Colosseum, but they'd lost contact with him and Neo entirely.

Cinder had explained that their only true goal was the Maiden and the Relic, and that these inconveniences could be all but ignored as long as the White Fang did their job. The Grimm and the infected androids were all they truly needed, and Emerald believed her. That didn't stop things from feeling wrong to her. Perhaps it had been all the concerns Adam had been bringing up lately, or perhaps it had been the shock of Flynt's sudden assault on Ciel, but Emerald had been hyper aware of the single Uruk's arrival.

As soon as he showed up those Armored Grimm began appearing, an event that even Cinder had raised an eyebrow at.

Emerald had known from listening in on her classmates that the Storm Uruks had been armoring up Grimm, but even now she couldn't really believe it. Nobody besides Cinder's master could truly claim to control the Grimm. The beasts saw nearly everyone as a target to decimate. Even now she noted that it was only Maku's evasiveness and invisibility that kept him from being caught up in the Armored creatures' attacks.

Though nobody had mentioned it, these Armored Ursai had worked to offset the absence of the Grimm Dragon. Emerald had been watching the skies, and had noticed not too long ago that the massive beast hadn't flown by in a while. Their attention had been on Beacon, but the giant Grimm had simply disappeared after flying into the clouds above. That had to have been one of the greatest sources of Emerald's concern, as the Dragon had been a source of reassurance when Cinder revealed it.

The fact that only one Uruk had shown up to the fight for Beacon confused her. Though she hadn't engaged with the otherworldly monsters personally, everything she'd heard from the students and the White Fang led her to believe that they were opponents that fought in groups most of the time. There had to be more somewhere, she just didn't know where. With how quiet Cinder had been, Emerald had been left to her own merciless worries.

"Looks like he's finally making his move."

Cinder's sudden speech made both Mercury and Emerald turn to her as she stepped forward, a small smile forming on her lips as her eyes locked on something. Emerald squinted to follow her gaze, finally settling on the unmistakable visage of Professor Ozpin. He was just standing in the doorway of Beacon tower, staring out over the battle before him. Emerald almost thought he was going to join in until she found who he was looking at. Standing up from several destroyed AK-Units was Pyrrha Nikos, who locked eyes with Ozpin mere moments before walking towards him. The rest of her team were busy helping Team BRNZ take down a Paladin which spun its torso around to toss several of them away. As Roy and Nolan got up and charged back at the machine, Jaune picked himself up and caught sight of Pyrrha just as she entered the tower behind Ozpin.

He called something back to his teammates, who were peppering the Paladin with gunfire and explosions, then turned and ran for the tower's entrance as well.

Cinder stepped to the edge of the rooftop before tilting her head back, "Try and keep your heads down until I get back." she said with a smirk before hopping off the roof.

"Dramatic as ever," Mercury snickered as he focused his scroll's camera on another section of the battle "right Em?"

When he received nothing in response he glanced over to Emerald, who merely stared down after Cinder with the look of worry on her face intensifying.

---

The Arceus

It was odd being the top dog for once.

Uthug had heard many an Uruk spout off about how they'd climb the ranks and have a legion of soldiers under their command, but had never expected to have reached a position such as the one he had now. With Bubol and Kruk gone, he was technically the deadliest Uruk on the entire ship. Even beat to crap like he was, he was quick to throw this weight around. The inmates who hadn't joined in on the attack on Vale had calmed down and were still celebrating, but Uthug had made sure to get things situated.

Task number one: Get that damn Arrowhead out of his shoulder before he ended up braining someone.

Thankfully one of the remaining inmates knew enough about patching globs up that he could get the damn thing out with only a few cuts around it. He claimed that he'd gotten it out with minimal damage, but Uthug had no way to prove that. Frankly, he didn't really give a damn, he just wanted the thing out of him. It was around here that he realized just how much sway his word had over the remaining inmates. Whether they were members of Bubol's Crew, former Caterers, or even the few independents, not many seemed willing to step to him.

So when he saw one of them waving around a very familiar musket, Uthug was more than willing to abuse this newfound status.

This particular Crewmate was taunting a number of captured Arceus staff, only about five in total, the rest having either been butchered or tossed overboard during the prison break. The taunting inmates had been threatening and joking about tossing them overboard with their limbs restrained, some taking bets on which would drown first.

Uthug had stepped in immediately, recognizing the opportunity that was about to go to waste. He'd only been aiming for the Musket, but they needed at least some of the tarks alive if they were going to figure out how to work the ship. He hadn't even needed to explain this to the inmates before they were acquiescing to his demands, apparently his wounds weren't enough to convince them they could reasonably defeat him. At that point, staring down the glob with the musket until he handed the gun over was child's play.

Which led to task number two: Figure out if they actually had any tarks that could pilot this damn thing.

Uthug had a few inmates drag their captives up to the Arceus's control center, not so subtly marveling over his musket the entire time. He hadn't seen the weapon since he'd been captured, and the idea that his rightfully stolen possession had just been upstairs the entire time was mildly infuriating. So by the time the last tark was sat down before him, he was already in a bad mood.

"I'll make this quick for all of us then." he said while aiming the musket around, "Any o' you tarks know how to get this thing moving?"

They didn't answer at first, two of them looking at each other until one scooted forward, "Hey uh- Uthug, right?"

The tip of the musket's bayonet was suddenly pointing directly towards him, "Is that a Yes?"

"No! B-but I-" one of the Atlesians jabbed him with her shoulder

"Rhine what the hell are you doing?"

"I happen to know," he nodded down to the woman beside him "that Tansen here is trained to handle most operations to some capacity in the event that a Soldier's unable to man a station."

"Really now?" Uthug narrowed his gaze.

Tansen gritted her teeth as she hissed up at Rhine, "I repeat: What the Fuck are you doing?!"

"Keeping them from killing us all." He snapped back before nodding to the others "And luckily these two worked up here while that guy over there does maintenance."

He tried flashing Uthug his best grin, a grin which disappeared as the bayonet laid against his neck.

"And what about you, huh? Not saying much about yourself, Tark." Uthug noted "Almost like you're tryin' to take my attention off ya."

"You hate things being difficult, right?!" Rhine said quickly before poking his chin to himself "I-I do surveillance, I've seen you all doing your things down there and I'm just trying to make this easier, you know?"

"Gutless traitor." Tansen sighed

"You haven't been keeping watch on the cameras, Tan!" Rhine shouted "You didn't keep track of how many ways these guys can torture someone. I have, and I ain't about any of that shit!"

Uthug lowered the musket, already tuning them out, "I'll take it." he gestured to the Uruks "Get these tarks chained to their stations."

"Chained?" Rhine looked up at that as several Inmates began picking them up

"Wouldn't want any of ya getting any ideas." Uthug said as he walked off "But you wouldn't go making things difficult for yourselves, now would you?"

Standing on the walkway outside of the control center, Uthug pondered task number three.

He couldn't really think of a third task. Where exactly was he supposed to go from here? He'd liberated the inmates, dealt with the captives, was even reunited with his musket. He was by all intents and purposes the top dog, and he couldn't really figure out what he wanted next. Usually either Bubol or Gundza would give him a goal, but without the diseased lunatic or the vengeful shadow all he had left were his own ambitions. Yet despite the opportunities laid out before him, he couldn't really enjoy the idea of leading some kind of sea-based scourge of stealing and pillaging.

Well he wanted the looting and pillaging thing, it was the leading part that bugged him.

"The Black-Cloth has claimed us!"

A yell from below brought his attention down to three Uruks who were looking up at him, the one in the center raising his arms up as he spoke. Uthug raised an eyebrow before narrowing his eyes, as all three were wearing near perfect replicas of his black-stained attire from before. While the stolen jumpsuit he wore now was suitably marred by battle and blood, he had never been able to recreate the appearance of the one that Kruk had burnt during their first fight.

Yet here were three that looked infuriatingly similar to that very set up.

Hopping down, he immediately approached them "Where did you get those?!"

"He speaks to us!" the one on the right shouted with glee "I can smell the blood all over him~!"

"Calm down," the center one said before looking to Uthug "what are you speaking of, Black-Cloth?"

"The get ups!" Uthug shouted as he waved his hand towards their outfits "Where the Shrahk did you get 'em?!"

"Ah, we crafted these in your image, Black Cloth." the Uruk patted his chest "Painstakingly drenched and treated with the leftovers of your carnage."

Uthug wanted to be angry that these three had managed to do what he'd been trying to do for days, but really he just wanted his old look back. Despite how much he wanted to just ask them to make him a blood-soaked outfit like theirs, a remnant of Gundza's cautious words reverberated in the back of his head.

"Why... are you lot dressing like me?" Uthug asked, taking note that the third of the group had cloth wrapped around where his lower jaw should've been.

"Who wouldn't want to emulate the Black-Cloth himself!" the one on the right threw several punches in the air before laughing "Especially now that you's bout to own the seas! Leading us all on a great campaign o' bloodshed, I just know it!"

Before Uthug could even reply, the center Uruk began speaking again, "Meat and Metal and fire and blood, I'm positive an Uruk like you could bring us all and more no matter where you lead us."

There was that word again: Lead. Uthug couldn't help but grit his teeth at the idea of having to look after other Uruks, he'd already had more than enough experience to know that they always needed you to do stuff for 'em. Whether it was Tuka and his damned plans or the Garrison throwing their weight around all damn day. And that wasn't even counting the numerous annoyances he'd encountered while on the Arceus.

That's right, he'd never given much credit to Gundza's complaining about chief-less globs until he actually started getting a reputation, but these sort were far rowdier than even the smugglers back at the tower. If it wasn't Kruk and his fire-crazed cult then it was the innumerable cannibals that had made up the majority of the Caterer population. It was no wonder so many had joined Bubol for his exodus from the Warchiefs, they lived for that kind of mayhem.

Were the ones he had left even a little bit better?

Uthug cast his gaze around the deck of the Arceus, trying to find an example of an Uruk that wouldn't end up infuriating him eventually. There were two caterers getting chummy with one of Bubol's crew over some cooked tark. Oh yes, and when they ran out of tark meat they'd probably try eating the only sods on the ship who knew how to make it move. He could definitely try and stop them, but they'd just finished the whole internal conflict thing! Uthug wasn't much for preemptive planning, and he couldn't just kill them now without a good enough reason... that was what Ashgarn did. He would see all the world burn to ash before he started comparing himself to that dead tub of lard.

What about these three in their imitation get-ups? Uthug had known he'd garnered one hell of a reputation amongst the inmate population, but he didn't know lads were straight up dressing like him now. They seemed obedient enough, willing to do just about anything for him if he so wished. The eagerness in their eyes was almost disgusting to him, and he knew why. It was because the first thought which came to mind when thinking of nigh-fanatical underlings were Kruk's posse of fire-starters, all of which were volatile warmongers who seemed to see his teachings as an excuse to act like suicidal ingrates.

Uthug didn't even realize he was glaring at the trio, who seemed nonplussed at the growing rage of their idol.

Really, how long would it be before these three started taking the whole 'Black-Cloth' shtick too far and started sacrificing important tarks to him? He'd heard of it before, pretty sure it was a reputation like that which led the original leader of the Blood-Storm to his death: Everyone thinking he was too old and wizened to fall. Look where it got him! Slain by an idiot who talks to his own weapon.

In fact, what did getting to lead Uruks even get you in the end? Uthug had specifically been wiping out leader after leader of various types of Uruks his entire time on this blasted ship; having a gang didn't seem to stop him from ripping any of them apart. In fact, with the Caterer leaders especially, they'd been little more than a hindrance. Hadn't he used the weapons of Kruk's Fire-Starters to break that damned flame-spitter in the first place? What about Felgrat, who had a literal army just stand by and watch him get torn to shreds?

So that's what Uthug had to expect?

He clutched at his head, momentarily using the musket to balance himself as he tried to stomp down the furious thoughts which came spilling into his mind.

"Look look!" the Uruk on the right cooed "He's gonna do it!"

The Uruk in the center called back to the other Inmates enjoying their meal "Oi! Someone bring the boss a Tark to cut into, he's doing his thing."

"No!"Uthug snapped, pointing a finger to them that trembled with rage "I ain't nobody's boss! You lot aren't gonna trap me like all them other fools!"

The right Uruk cooed, "He's gonna bleed us, haha!"

"Sir... with all due respect" the Center Uruk gestured around them "Who else but you could lay claim to the Uruks left on this vessel? "

"Bubol obviously!" Uthug stepped away, digging his nails into his own head "When he gets back from-"

"What if he doesn't come back? What if none of them do?" the Uruk continued "What if they enjoy their freedom too much or are even slain during their attack? I'm afraid there aren't many Uruks with their kind of expertise. Would you really trust any of the rabble here with all of this?"

Uthug's eyes snapped open at that, he was absolutely correct. Any of these idiots would crash the Arceus into an island where they'd all end up eating each other to survive. There was no way Uthug was about to let all of this go to waste. But if neither Bubol or Kruk came to whip all of these sods into shape, then he'd have to take the reins no matter what!

Uthug fell to his knees and punched the deck below, forming a hole as he thought of any other candidates. He just wanted the goods, he didn't have the patience for getting a crew together or making them get to work. Sure he could yell orders and the like, but Gundza had always told him that there was more to leadership than-

Uthug's head snapped up, his fist uncurling as he stood and began walking off.

"Oi boss!" the more hyper of his followers called out, "Where ya going?!"

"I'm gonna drag a bony arsehole back onto this ship whether he likes it or not!" he barked without turning around "If he thinks he's gonna leave me all this work and go prancing off for some Warchief, he's got another thing coming!"

---

The City of Vale- Water Treatment Plant

There were a number of rivers which ran through Vale, most of which joined right in between the Residential and Industrial districts. As the city developed, it was only natural for a water treatment plant to be set up along this large river, filtering and cleaning water which may have been tainted on its way through the city and eventually passing it to the ocean beyond. Over time this treatment plant had grown into a multi-level complex of purification chambers and filtering tanks, as it had grown to accommodate the city's rising need for clean water. Several companies had even pitched in, as they'd sought to sell the Plant's water beyond the City limits.

It handled not only the river's water, but running water for a large section of the city, and stood out even among other large factories in the industrial district. The river which came in one end and passed through the complex's levels was like a massive artery which pumped fluid throughout the facility. And compared to the rest of the city right now, the Treatment Plant had gone relatively untouched by the destruction all around it.

Blake had thought it odd at first, despite the few Grimm passing through to other parts of the city, the Water Treatment Plant was nigh untouched. There were unsightly splatters of blood and torn uniforms here and there, but despite the signs of several unfortunate workers meeting their ends here, the complex looked the same as any other day. The Inmates weren't near it, the AK-Units stationed nearby were gone.

And it was quiet... even for one with ears like hers. Besides the sound of water flowing and the sounds of anarchy in the distance, there was nothing.

The benefit being that she could focus on her teammate after touching down at the lowest level of the complex. Once the Bullhead was in place, she brought up every bit of first aid experience she'd picked up in both the White Fang and as a student in Beacon to make sure Weiss didn't bleed out. That was basically all she could do with what she had, wrap her up and put pressure on the numerous lacerations Gundza had given her. There was no telling what kind of internal damage his actions left her with, so all Blake could do was hope that her friend's Aura was strong enough to deal with that until they met up with Ruby and got her to an actual professional.

Blake had tried keeping up with Ruby as much as possible through her scroll, but from what she'd heard Ruby was dealing with her own mess right now. Blake wanted nothing more than to fly the Bullhead over the city and pick her up, but Ruby had reminded her that putting Weiss in danger in her condition was not an option. Ruby had gone so far as to say that it was okay for them to head to Beacon if she took too long, but Blake wasn't sure if she'd be able to do it. Leaving Ruby to face Bubol all on her own.

She'd been waiting far longer than she should, and she knew it. This Bullhead could probably be put to use by the defenders at Beacon, shuttling wounded and the like. Thoughts like that kept making her turn towards the vehicles controls, the doubt seeping in like an old friend. The only break from her thoughts were the occasional Grimm which wandered nearby, thankfully few in number. Whatever negative emotions they smelled from her were nothing compared to the feast all around them.

It was while she was putting down two wandering Creeps that she heard a groan coming from inside the Bullhead. Almost immediately she sheathed Gambol Shroud and hopped into the Bullhead, leaning down next to Weiss, who was slowly dragging her hand along the floor beside her.

"Weiss!" Blake leaned down, her hands halting before they could even get close to her "Are you...?"

"Mfm-" Weiss's eyes were barely opened, yet Blake could see her irises struggling to take in the area around them "Mert-"

Blake leaned down, "What?"

"Myrten..." she eventually got out.

Blake followed her hand with her eyes, which was reaching for Myrtenaster. The Rapier was leaned against the side of the Bullhead's copilot seat.

Looking back down to Weiss, Blake tilted her head "Are you sure?"

"...yes." Weiss managed to get out.

Blake stood and retrieved the weapon before placing it in Weiss's hand as gently as possible, but Weiss was quick to tighten her grip on it.

"This... has left my grip... far too much lately."

Blake couldn't help but smile at the pout that Weiss gave as she tried to lean up, "Hold on, we don't want you tearing anything."

"Blake, look at me..." Weiss glanced to her with an agitated sigh "what part of me... isn't torn up already?"

"If Yang were here she'd probably have a funnier reply to that." Blake noted before leaning forward and staring at the floor of the Bullhead.

"Speaking of... Yang," Weiss tilted her head to the side to look out of the open doors of the Bullhead "why aren't we at Beacon already?"

"Ruby... she's trying to get here but she's having trouble. Bubol's chasing her."

"Of..." Weiss leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling of the Bullhead "Of course he is."

"Weiss," Blake turned to her teammate "she's saying to leave her behind if she can't get here."

"I'll give her... four minutes." Weiss managed to get out.

"But what if she doesn't make it in time?" Blake's head shot up as she asked

"I trust her... besides," Weiss closed her eyes, wincing as she pulled Myrtenaster closer "not exactly... fond of lying here."

"I know, and I'm sorry I couldn't do better but-"

"What Gundza said..." Weiss breathed heavy for a moment "You're thinking about that... right?"

Blake froze at that, "You heard him?"

"Trust me... I was... conscious then."

Blake backed up, "I-"

All of a sudden, her Faunus ears stood tall and she glanced to the side. Her sudden silence was enough to make Weiss glance at her, "What... is it?"

Blake narrowed her eyes as she listened closely for a moment, "An engine?"

Leaping atop the roof of a storage facility, Ruby stumbled forward while trying to catch her breath. This was getting her nowhere, no matter how she maneuvered or how fast she pushed herself, Mitch and that truck of his always found a way to catch up. She needed to go faster, but the only way to do that would be to push her semblance further.

A screech from behind made her turn around and curse, a Nevermore had caught sight of their chase and was now in pursuit of her. But even its screeches couldn't cover up the sound of Mitch's engine drawing closer at a break neck pace.

Turning to look forward, Ruby bent low and set her knees as she took several deep breaths. The laughter of Bubol was now audible along with the engine and the Nevermore, but Ruby instead focused on the time she spent training with Weiss for this very thing. She knew her semblance, knew she just had to tense up and-

Mitch's truck launched off a nearby rooftop and sailed down towards Ruby, whose head shot up mere moments before she disappeared into a cloud of rose petals which sped out from beneath the vehicle before it landed. Mitch swerved a bit before speeding after the cloud, which darted through the street and over obstacles while just barely keeping ahead of the trio.

"Oh, so now its a race, you bitch!?" Mitch sneered as he floored the gas pedal "Just shifting gears ain't going to cut it!"

Bubol leaned forward on the truck's cab while shaking his head as the wind rushed past them, "Oh my dearest Rose, she just ain't gettin' the picture." he sighed before snickering and yelling "My love ain't something any tark can outrun!"

Though he slammed a hand on the roof of the truck to get Mitch to speed up, a nudge from the side made him glance to Kruk, who was pointing behind them, "Beast wants our prey."

Bubol glared back at the Nevermore, eyes narrowing before he turned back to the roof of the truck and called out, "Oi Driver! A little birdie's trying to bully my treat, pass one o' them guns back here!"

Mitch's frantic eyes were locked on the cloud of red petals he was pursuing, but he wordlessly reached behind him to the cramped backseat of the truck. There were about half a dozen stolen guns just haphazardly left strewn back there that they'd collected over the course of their wild ride. Mitch just grabbed one at random before rolling down the window and passing it back to Bubol.

Looking over the new gun with curiosity, Bubol rubbed it all over with his hands, stumbling a bit as Mitch swerved to keep up with Ruby.

"Now how does this one-?" finding the trigger, Bubol smirked before turning on the Nevermore and taking aim as his eye flashed bright green again "She's mine, you hear me?! Mine and no other's!"

The Nevermore screeched as Bubol opened fire, numerous dust rounds peppering its head. When one punctured its right eye, the Nevermore pulled back and raised its wings high.

Bubol laughed as he caressed this new gun, but Kruk narrowed his eyes at the Nevermore mere moments before it stretched its wings forward and flung a number of massive feathers at them.

"Move!" Kruk shouted before yanking Bubol out of the way as one feather punctured the roof of the truck, the impact was enough to make Mitch take his eyes off the cloud of Rose Petals.

"What the-?" he managed to get out before the tip of another arrow punctured the roof above him, narrowly missed his head and jammed into the dashboard, pinning the wheel "No!"

Before them was the highest level loading bay of the Water Treatment Plant, and while the cloud of rose petals managed to manuever around the bay and over a set of stairs built along the side of the building, the truck carrying all three passengers careened through the gate of the bay and broke through a set of large double doors leading into the facility.

Passing over the stairs, Ruby finally reformed from the cloud of rose petals, collapsing on her knees atop the roof and taking heavy breaths as sweat dripped from her face. She wasn't given long to rest, however, as not a moment after reforming did the screech of the Nevermore bring her attention back to the Creature as it continued sailing towards her. Ruby ran forward, leaping from one part of the facility to a large tank of water before darting towards another one. The Nevermore continued to gain ground on her, but only when there was a certain distance between them did Ruby whip Crescent Rose around mid-jump.

She planted her feet on the back of her scythe and fired it forward, using the force of the recoil to spin back towards the Nevermore. She spun Crescent Rose with her as she approached the screeching Nevermore's head, carving along it before continuing to cut along the Grimm's back and finally passing behind it as the now-bisected monster lost altitude and began dissipating mere moments before crashing into one of the facility's buildings.

Ruby landed on a platform and immediately sagged with a heavy sigh, leaning against the nearest surface, which just so happened to be the heavy-duty railing at the edge of the platform. She finally had a chance to take in the area around her, and leaned over the railing to look over the complex she'd been driven into the middle of. Beyond the rail was a steep fall, this section of the facility was situated over the river it had been built around. Even now, directly below her water was flowing out from from several spouts and forming a constant flow to a slanted pathway below, an artificial waterfall that eventually led to the sea. Ruby's eyes traveled along the current, eventually settling on a form below which seemed familiar to her.

When that form raised a hand and called out to her, Ruby's eyes snapped open.

"Ruby!" Blake called out from below, her voice echoing on the walls of the complex "You made it!"

Ruby grabbed the rails, "Blake, is Weiss okay?!"

"She's-" Blake hesitated for a moment before saying "She's stable. Just get over here, already!"

Ruby smiled and stepped back with Crescent Rose before the sound of something crashing made her turn around. It was coming from the building behind her, which linked to the platform she was on. Things were getting knocked over and broken as the source of the sound drew closer, but Ruby could already hear the muffled sound of the engine underneath all of it. Leaning back against the rail, she called back to Blake.

"Get the Bullhead in the air!" she yelled before glancing behind her for a moment, "They're here, I'll hold them off and link up with you guys once you're uready!"

Blake's eyes widened as Ruby stepped away from the rail and out of her sight, "Wait, Ruby you don't-!"

Cursing to herself, Blake rushed back to the Bullhead and picked up Weiss as carefully as she could.

All the while, Ruby turned the barrel of Crescent Rose towards the building before her as the sound of the engine drew closer. Finger on the trigger, she was more than ready when the truck barreled through a metal gate.

"There she is!" Mitch laughed upon spotting her as the truck picked up speed, the Nevermore feather having been removed from the wheel. Ruby fired several rounds at the grill of the truck before whipping Crescent Rose behind her and firing, using the recoil to spin out of the way of the oncoming vehicle and slice along its side as it passed. She had to lean out of the way of Kruk's spear, before taking aim at them, pausing as she spotted only Kruk in the back of the vehicle as it swerved around.

Bubol was nowhere to be seen.

Almost immediately her head whipped around as a dust round sped past her, forcing her to immediately begin spinning Crescent Rose to deflect the rest.

"Loving these maneuvers sweetness!" Bubol called out as he strolled from the hole in the gate, firing with one hand as the other scratched at his boils "Show me some more!"

The moment his handgun clicked empty, Ruby took off after him in a cloud of rose petals. Bubol tore another clip from his waist before rolling out of the way of the scythe, leaping back out of the way of another swing as he reloaded. He took aim only for the tip of Crescent Rose to slash his hand to the side, making him fire his round into the platform below. Ruby wasn't going to let up, but the roar of an engine from the side forced her to dodge out of the way of Mitch again. She just barely managed to bring the handle of Crescent Rose up to deflect a swipe of Kruk's spear as they passed, but was able to catch sight of Bubol taking aim once they drove by.

His eye glowed as he leveled the barrel of the handgun at her with a grin. Ruby took off up into the air with her semblance as Bubol unleashed another series of dust rounds at her, each one passing through the cloud of Rose petals as it zigzagged towards him. She reappeared and slammed both of her feet in Bubol's chest, forcing him back as she landed. Even while trying to catch himself, Bubol fired off another two rounds at her as she rushed towards him. She weaved past them right before his handgun clicked empty again.

Just as his hand shot towards one of the last two clips dangling from his waist, Ruby slashed the handgun up out of his grasp before swinging her weapon back around and knocking him off his feet.

Twirling the scythe around her, she buried its blade into the ground between them just as Bubol looked up to find himself looking down the barrel of her weapon. Even if there were about three yards between them, Ruby had a clear shot at his head. The handgun landed on the floor in between them.

"Boss!?" Kruk called out from the back of Mitch's truck as they slowed to a stop

"Oh oh oh!" Bubol cooed while licking his boil-lips "Now this is what I call a good stompin' darling!"

His eyes went down to the handgun.

"Don't!" Ruby warned as she caught her breath, "Just stand down and I'll-"

"Stand down?" Bubol gave a confused tilt of the head "What kind'a lover would I be if I ain't givin' you my all?"

"I don't want to have to kill you, Bubol!" Ruby shouted before shaking her head "Even with everything, I-it just wouldn't feel right!"

"You... what?" Bubol raised an eyebrow at her before grinning "Awe, ya hear that lads? My darling don't want to be no killer! Ain't she just a treat?!"

Kruk slapped the roof of Mitch's truck, the engine roaring immediately after as Bubol's hand went to the clips on his waist.

Ruby fired, with Bubol rolling forward under the round as his eye lit up again. Ruby leaned back and took aim with Crescent Rose as Bubol tore a clip from his waist. But instead of going for the handgun, he came up and threw the clip at her. Eyes going wide with surprise, Ruby raised Crescent Rose up, only for the clip to slip past it and nail her in the eye.

Ruby stumbled back as Bubol scooped up the handgun, her Aura preventing serious injury but the impact still making her vision swim as Bubol caught the falling clip out of the air, "You precious morsel, never change!"

Even with her vision swimming, Ruby caught the sound of the engine coming closer and instinctively used Crescent Rose to blast her out of the way as Mitch and Kruk sped by. Just as everything was coming back into focus and she was able to raise Crescent Rose again, Bubol leaped atop the head of her weapon and forced it against the ground with his weight. Ruby jerked forward as Bubol raised his handgun and pointed it directly at her head with a laugh.

Ruby's head twisted to the side as he fired, the sheer proximity of the blast made her ears ring as the round slipped right passed her. She ducked under the next round before she reached down to Crescent Rose's trigger and fired the scythe, they both swung around with weapon , but Bubol maintained his position. He fired again, with Ruby having to quickly move her upper body each time she saw him pull the trigger. She fired Crescent Rose again, this time spinning with the weapon as she pulled the trigger two more times in quick secession, building up enough momentum to fling Bubol off her scythe before rushing forward and slashing him out of the air before he could land.

She leaped back out of the way of Mitch's truck, only for Kruk's spear to slash at her shoulder as they passed. Her Aura flickered dangerously, with Ruby darting back and firing upon the truck as they spun and came at her again.

Down below, Blake finished securing Weiss in a seat beside the Bullhead's side door.

"Is that... dolt here yet?" Weiss mumbled with the occasional wince as Blake made sure she was secure.

"She's near," Blake said as she slipped into the pilot's seat and began flipping several switches, "just try not to move too-"

A loud blast interrupted her, Blake immediately turned in her seat and stared out of the Bullhead's side door towards the platform Ruby was on, only for her eyes to widen at the sight of Ruby dangling off the edge of a truck that had crashed through the platform's railing.

Mitch had wedged the entire thing through the sturdy rails in his effort to run her over. Sticking up from the hood was Crescent Rose, its blade buried deeply into the front of the truck with its barrel now pointed towards the driver's seat. Hanging from Crescent Rose was Ruby, who was trying her best to reach up with her other hand towards her weapon while keeping her grip tight. The impact had jostled Kruk and Mitch, the latter of which was slumped against the steering wheel until he leaned up and took note of the scythe now buried into his vehicle. He slammed his foot on the gas in rage, only to find the engine unresponsive.

His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, "What did you do!?" He shouted before slamming his fist on the dashboard, the force enough to tip the entire truck forward. Both Kruk and Ruby had to hold to keep from falling as more of the truck slipped over the edge until the entire vehicle was danging only by the rear wheels, which were caught on the remains of the railing. Below was the artificial waterfall made by the numerous spouts which led towards the river, Ruby felt her feet dip into some of the falling water as she fought to maintain her grip on Crescent Rose.

Looking up, she saw that Mitch was angrily grasping behind him for one of the guns in the truck's rear seats, but she also saw that the barrel of Crescent Rose was pointed directly at him. With Kruk struggling to maintain his footing by pressing himself against the bed of the truck, Ruby saw her chance and began climbing up along the handle of Crescent Rose, aiming for the trigger of her weapon.

She and Mitch both drew closer to their goals, with Ruby's Finger's practically brushing against the trigger when an empty clip of ammunition fell past her.

Kruk had seen it too, looking back just as Bubol hopped down and planted his feet on the back of the truck's cab. The entire thing shifted with his weight, but he seemed nonplussed as he glanced over the cab and eyed Ruby with a smile.

Without saying anything, he just grinned and loaded in his last clip as Ruby reached for the trigger again. Bubol's eye lit up before he tilted his handgun down and fired a dust round directly into the barrel of Crescent Rose, the entire weapon being torn apart from the inside and sending Ruby flailing into the rushing water below with the handle still clutched in her grasp.

Ruby fell into the water and was quick to flail for the surface. At this portion of the facility, it had already been mostly filtered, but the landing and pull of the water made it difficult to orient herself. When her head finally did manage to emerge from the flow gasping for breath, the muffled sound of Bubol laughing made her blink some water from her eyes and look up. Immediately she turned and swam forward as quickly as possible just before the truck slammed into the water behind her.

Ruby dragged herself to the edge of the water, a slope led up to a walkway which ran along it. Dragging herself from the water, she spat some water onto the concrete while glancing to the remains of her weapon still clenched in her hand. Before she could bemoan the loss of her cherished weapon too much, loud yelling made her look back to see the truck floating along the current as Mitch slammed his hands on the wheel to no avail.

The moment Kruk reached up and took hold of the truck, Ruby turned and dragged herself up the slope onto the walkway.

"The Flame cannot be extinguished so simply, tark!" he called out as the wheels of the truck brushed against the slope.

Pulling herself to her feet, Ruby looked along the walkway, which turned at another drop that the water traveled down.

"Where is it?"

Kruk looked back to see Bubol wading up the slope on his hands and knees looking through the flowing water "Where the shrak is the gun?!"

His head snapped up towards Ruby, who picked up speed right before all of their voices were drowned out by the Bullhead which lowered near the edge of the walkway.

Ruby felt a smile spreading across her face at the sight of Blake in the pilot seat, energy returning to her tired limbs as she hurried towards the bullhead.

That smile disappeared at the sound of another engine starting up again.

Both Kruk and Bubol turned towards the front of the struck as Mitch laughed wildly and shifted gears, "My ride knows better than to fail me!"

Bubol grinned and hopped on the side as Kruk hauled himself back into the bed of the truck.

Ruby picked up speed, her hands reaching the railing at the end of the walkway which she began climbing up as she reached for the open door of the Bullhead.

As the truck swerved a bit while leaving the water, Bubol whispered something to Kruk, who grinned before passing him his spear and taking a knee while shouting to Mitch, "Ready to launch, tark?"

Ruby rolled into the Bullhead with heavy breathing, her eyes noting the high heels nearby and looking up to Weiss, whose head drooped to the side with the movement of the vehicle. But the two could share no words, as the roar of the oncoming engine drew both of their gazes to the truck which sped along the walkway towards them. Kruk had climbed atop the truck's cab, the vehicle picking up speed as Mitch opened the door and leaped out of the side. Clinging to Kruk's back was Bubol, who had removed the combat knife from the spear and gripped it tightly as they drew closer.

Blake had started pulling away the moment she was sure Ruby was on board, but the sight of the oncoming truck made her jerk the bullhead to the side as it crashed through the railing and sailed towards them. The truck lost altitude quickly and passed under them, but was more than close enough for Kruk to lunge from its cab and reach both hands towards the Bullhead's door.

Horror had etched itself into Ruby's face the moment she realized what they were doing, and she instinctively scooted back along the floor of the bullhead as the Uruks sailed towards them. Kruk just barely managed to latch onto the open door of the Bullhead, with Bubol rolling forward off of him and throwing himself towards Ruby. Despite her best efforts, Bubol's hand latched around her ankle and dragged her closer to him.

"Goin' somewhere sweetness?" he cooed as he pinned her under his knee, only to snarl as Ruby swung the broken handle of Crescent Rose to defend herself.

Blake glanced back into the rear of the aircraft and tilted the Bullhead, momentarily causing Bubol to struggle to maintain his place as Ruby writhed underneath him. The sudden lurch of the vehicle also managed to keep Kruk from pulling himself the rest of the way in, as he was left dangling out of the side of the Bullhead. Seeing the both of them off balance, Blake reached for the side of her seat where Gambol Shroud was, hand just brushing along it when a dust round tore through the window of the Bullhead's cockpit and made her head shoot up.

Standing on the walkway was Mitch, who had grabbed hold of one of the guns in the back of the truck before bailing.

"Get back on the track like a real driver, damn it!" he shouted before firing a wild volley of dust rounds at the Bullhead's cockpit, forcing Blake to duck down as she fought to maintain the vehicle and grab for her weapon at the same time.

Back in the rear of the Bullhead, Ruby fought to shove Bubol off of her with all she had. With his knee pressing hard on her abdomen and squeezing the air out of her, it was nigh impossible. Bubol knew this too, managing to slap the broken handle of Crescent Rose out of her grasp and rear back with the knife. Ruby instinctively raised her hands up in front of her, only to release a scream as the blade pierced both of her hands in a flash of horrid pain.

"There it is!" Bubol cooed as Ruby fought in a more panicked manner, pressing down with both of his hands to force more of the blade through hers. The pain triggered a spike of adrenaline which coursed through Ruby's veins as she struggled. The tip of the knife poised over her eyes and grew closer with every moment.

"Almost there, my sweet!" Bubol cheered as he reared back with a fist and slammed it atop the knife's handle, forcing it even closer to Ruby's eyes. She cried out in a mix of panic and pain as he reared back again.

But before he could bring his fist down a second time, the very tip of Myrtenaster pierced the side of his face. Both froze more out of surprise than anything else, both sets of eyes going to Weiss, who breathed heavily as she reached forward with her weapon and tore it through the front of Bubol's face. Ruby looked away as the strike spread his blood along the walls of the Bullhead, the Uruk leaning back as one hand pulled from the knife and went to the large gash Weiss had carved into the side of his head.

"Interrupting!?" he shouted as his eyes darted to Weiss. He tore the blade out of Ruby's hands as he moved to lunge for her, but he had pulled his knee back just enough for Ruby to wiggle her foot in between them and slam it against his chest. The force of the impact mixed with the tilting of the Aircraft made him stumble back towards Kruk, who looked up right before Bubol slammed into him and sent both of them tumbling from the Bullhead.

Mitch continued firing upon the vessel as its doors closed, yelling obscenities which grew more and more mumbled as the Bullhead flew off.

Blake couldn't tell if her breathing was slowing or quickening once they put the water treatment plant behind them, but managed to swallow whatever panic that close-call had inspired to call back, "Ruby? Ruby please tell me you're okay!"

Ruby pressed herself to the wall of the vessel, her shaky gaze focusing on the gashes on both of her hands. With the threat of death fading, the adrenaline gave way and released a tidal wave of pain and exhaustion which flowed through her bloodstream like acid.

Just flexing her hands caused her to wince as she leaned her head back, "I... I'll live."

She could hear Blake release a breath of relief, but her eyes instead went to Weiss, whose gaze was locked on her even as her heavy breathing evened out.

"Weiss... you saved me." Ruby said, smiling despite the pain as she reached out to her partner.

Weiss's fingers tightened on Myrtenaster, but she raised her other hand slowly and signaled for Ruby to stop, "Wrap... yourself up." she said with some effort before pointing to the wounds on Ruby's hands, "I spread that... infected pervert's blood across some... of the walls."

It was at that point noticed a few trails of black fluid leaking down one of the Bullhead's walls.

"You dying of sickness at this point," Weiss paused to breathe before giving a weak smirk "would be kinda insulting."

As the Bullhead flew towards Beacon, they passed by plenty of carnage below. Wrecked buildings and fires seemed to be everywhere, which was why one specific piece of wreckage my not have stood out to them.

The smoking remains of Ratlug's Mark-II Mech was on its side, the stalled blades of the saw which lined its circumference now kept it suspended in between the buildings of a side street. Sparks occasionally flickered from its hull to the street below, one particularly loud flash of broken machinery was what finally roused Qrow. He was lying on his side behind a car which had only narrowly avoided being crushed by the fallen machine. Upon feeling the reassuring form of Harbinger's handle in his grasp, Qrow reached up to the door of the car and pulled himself up with a slight groan.

He wasn't given long to contemplate just how much of the blast he'd managed to actually avoid compared to how much his aura had soaked up, as a voice called out soon after he rose.

"Ah, you're still around."

Recognizing it, Qrow stood and glared at the Mark-II. Hanging out of the cockpit was Ratlug, who was pulling wires and chords from broken panels of his machine and looking them over. One of his feet hung out of the cockpit, and dangling from it was a wet towel. His gaze momentarily went to Qrow before he scoffed and returned to his work.

"You're rather stubborn now ain't ya?" Ratlug sneered with a shake of his head as he started twisting several wires together "At least most of your worthless lil' species knows how to die easily."

"Sorry to disappoint," Qrow said as his eyes went to Harbinger "but going on a rampage through a city isn't exactly something I can let happen."

Ratlug paused in his work to look down at Qrow before cracking a grin. He hooked up a chord to one of the panels, with several more sparks from broken equipment occurring as he kicked the wet towel back into his grasp and hopped down from the mech. Landing, he whipped out his dagger and twirled it in his hands.

"Assuming a Tark could 'allow' a genius like me to do anything is quite an insult." he shrugged while gesturing forward with his dagger "Rampage or not, that right there's gonna come back to bite ya."

Qrow hopped atop the car and stretched his neck a bit before adopting a stance, "I'm gonna enjoy proving you wrong on that."

The two shared a smirk for a moment before Qrow leaped off the car, with Ratlug slipping back as Harbinger stabbed into the asphalt. Qrow looked up and tore Harbinger from the ground as Ratlug stabbed at him, deflecting the strike only for Ratlug to twist around and bring his elbow down on top of Qrow's head. Though he fell, he caught himself and swept Ratlug's feet out from under him, swinging Harbinger around only for the Uruk roll out of the way and hopping off another nearby car to lunge back at him.

As the two clashed blades, the Mark-II sparked several times before several lights in its cockpit turned on.

Ratlug managed to wrap the end of his towel around Qrow's forearm, dragging him close as he lunged forward with his dagger quickly, Qrow shifted Harbinger, its blade curving as he twisted his hand to deflect the dagger. The two struggled against one another for a moment as Ratlug eyed Harbinger.

"Toy's got more tricks now, eh?" he asked, almost immediately afterward a loud crash from the side brought both of their attention to the Mark-II. Its blades began whirring again, carving into the asphalt and even into some of the buildings lining the edge of the small street.

"Haha!" Ratlug cheered "I knew I could fix it!"

Qrow saw his opportunity and slammed his forehead into Ratlug's nose, forcing the engineer back before his eyes went to the Mark-II "But we blew that damn thing to pieces!"

"Pfft," Ratlug massaged his nose as he raised his towel "underestimating my capabilities is the equivalent of suicide, tark!"

Several of the gravity crystals flickered as the machine whirred to life, many of its functions critically damaged. Despite that, it began moving forward, the failing suspension pushing it up the street towards both Ratlug and Qrow. Seeing that it was approaching, Qrow turned to one of the nearby buildings and leaped towards it. The end of Ratlug's towel coiled around his ankle and dragged him out of the air, slamming him against the asphalt behind the car he'd awoken on.

Grunting, Qrow turned Harbinger on Ratlug and fired as the Uruk leaped atop a nearby car. Ratlug slashed the rounds out of the air with his dagger, laughing until the blades of the Mark-II reached the car he stood atop and made the entire thing jerk as its blades began shredding it. Ratlug didn't hesitate, leaping from the vehicle as the blades cut into it and eventually led to it exploding. Qrow stepped back as Ratlug sailed towards, outlined in flames, before raising Harbinger and catching the dagger on it, using Ratlug's own momentum to throw him into the side of a nearby van.

Ratlug stood only to immediately duck as Harbinger carved into the side of the van, ramming his head into Qrow's stomach and forcing him towards the approaching blades. Qrow caught himself and darted away from the Mark-II before catching sight of Ratlug scaling the side of the van. He fired two rounds at him as he rushed to keep up, but Ratlug disappeared over the other side of the vehicle.

Hearing the oncoming blades, Qrow gave pursuit and hopped atop the van only to go wide eyed at the sight of a gas truck at the end of the road stalled beside a parking complex. At the rate the Mark-II was going, it was only a matter of time before it reached it. His eyes darted down to the street on the other side of the van, finding no sign of Ratlug. He raised an eyebrow before the van shifted, his eyes darted to the side moments before Ratlug rammed into him from the side and sent both of them flying off of the van right before the Mark-II's blades cut into it.

Ratlug rolled atop Qrow and brought down his dagger, only for Qrow's free hand to catch his wrist. Ratlug frowned before swinging his head down into Qrow's before a swing of Harbinger sent him skidding away. He turned as Qrow stood and shifted Harbinger into its scythe form, using its recoil to lunge for Ratlug.

The Mark-II carved a path along the street, leaving immense gashes along some buildings and causing others to crumble completely, three more cars ended up being mulched or blown up by the spinning blades as it drew closer and closer to the gas truck.

But Qrow and Ratlug were busy with each other, Qrow darting over another one of Ratlug's lunges and kicking him back. As Ratlug fell he threw his dagger, which Qrow spun Harbinger to deflect. Ratlug landed and raced towards Qrow as he whipped his towel. Qrow readied himself, but the end of Ratlug's towel instead wrapped around the handle of his falling dagger. Ratlug spun and whipped his towel around sending the dagger flying back towards Qrow, who deflected it again only for Ratlug to catch it with his towel and whip it back again.

Qrow realized he was speeding up, and had to whip Harbinger around faster and faster each time to deflect the flying dagger. Ratlug drew closer each time, a sneer still embedded in his face as he continued his onslaught. Finally Qrow swiped the dagger in the air, with Ratlug leaping over him to catch it. Shifting Harbinger again, Qrow tracked Ratlug and fired at him as he fell, a dust round grazing him and sending him sailing over the Gas truck, which their fighting had brought them closer to.

Qrow took note of the rapidly approaching Mark-II and was about to leap away when the end of a towel swung out from underneath the gas truck and wrapped around his ankle. Qrow didn't have long to react before it dragged him underneath the truck. Ratlug hauled him out from under the vehicle before throwing him against the wall of the parking complex.

Qrow managed to shake off the daze in time to lean out of the way as Ratlug brought down his dagger and carved a long seam into the wall. Qrow rammed his elbow into the side of Ratlug's head, but even while stumbling away Ratlug managed to whip his towel around Qrow's waist and drag them both together. Their blades clashed again, with both of them grunting until the sound of rending metal brought both of their attention back to the Mark-II.

It had just reached the gas truck.

For the second time that day, that particular section of Vale was subjected to another massive explosion. Though nowhere near as large as the first, it succeeded in bringing down a good section of the parking complex down on top of the machine which proceeded to wedge itself into the rubble.

Luckily for Qrow, the blast had thrown him through an opening of the building before the Mark-II crashed into it. As he groaned and pushed himself up, he found that the only thing which had kept him from being crushed by the rubble had been the now-burning remains of the Mark-II, which finally ceased to function after being trapped by the collapsing chunks of building. Qrow didn't move at first, instead staring up at the burning Machine, seeing just how stable it was before standing up and reaching for his side. He'd landed poorly, the force practically throwing him against the hard floor of the complex.

He didn't have time to silently thank his Aura, as footsteps ahead made him narrow his gaze as Ratlug emerged from the shadows.

"Still alive, eh?" Ratlug asked before shaking his head and massaging his shoulder "Honestly, ya kinda gettin' on my nerves now."

"Only now?" Qrow asked before taking a breath and adopting a stance "I've been there for a while, Rat-Man."

Ratlug grinned at that and gave a small snort before rushing forward. Qrow lunged to the side as Ratlug slashed at him, shifting Harbinger to its scythe form as he went. Before he could fire, Ratlug's towel wrapped around his leg and dragged him to the side before he darted in with his dagger. Qrow bobbed and weaved under his slashes before spinning and ramming the handle of Harbinger into the Uruk's gut and forcing him back.

Ratlug fell to one knee but rolled to the side to avoid another swipe. As he came up, he glanced up and grinned. As Qrow approached, Ratlug stood and threw his dagger up towards the Mark-II, slashing open a panel and causing a chunk of machinery to fall. Qrow noticed and diverted his course, leaping out of the way as one of the Mech's turrets crashed into the floor.

Ratlug reached up and took hold of a dangling chord as Qrow switched Harbinger to its scythe form and opened fire on him. The Uruk weaved through the rounds before jamming the chord into the fallen turret and taking hold of it. Qrow went wide-eyed before running to the side as Ratlug unleashed a hail of rounds at him. Leaping over bits of building and broken mech, Qrow slid over a car before firing Harbinger and using its recoil to blast himself over the gunfire towards Ratlug. Scowling, Ratlug ducked under him, but Qrow managed to cut the chord leading to the turret, which almost immediately lost functionality.

Qrow landed on one knee, looking up as a shadow rose above him. He lunged to the side as Ratlug hefted the broken turrt over his head and slammed it against the ground, giving Qrow just the opportunity to slash him across his chest. Dropping the gun as he leaped back, Ratlug's Aura flickered a bit as he looked up. Qrow was already mid-swing, but Ratlug lunged into the attack.

He caught Qrow's wrist, using his dagger to hold back Harbinger as his head surged forward. Qrow was quick to try pulling his weapon back, but found Ratlug had locked them in place. But to his surprise, instead of capitalizing on the sudden shift in advantage, Ratlug instead leaned forward and pressed his chin against Harbinger.

"Time for a crash-course!" Ratlug said with a grin.

But before Qrow could pull Harbinger's trigger, both his weapon and Ratlug's head seemed to flash bright white for a moment and temporarily disoriented him.

Both of them stumbled away from each other, with Qrow quickly rubbing at his eyes as Ratlug stared down with a look of amusement.

"So that's how it is... really?" Ratlug shook his head with a grin "I'm almost too dissapointed."

He looked up just as Qrow lunged for him, ducking under the strike and swinging his towel back. Qrow slipped out of the way while shifting Harbinger, only to find his weapon jerking awkwardly. Qrow glanced down, eyes widening as he realized that Ratlug wasn't aiming for him at all.

The wet towel had gotten caught in Harbinger's gears, the weapon struggling to change as its moist threads clogged up its innards. Ratlug released the towel and kicked Qrow back as he pulled another towel from his coat.

As he landed, Qrow immediately tore at the towel, trying to wrench it out of his weapon. It was no good, Harbinger was stuck mid-way in its transformation. Qrow looked up with a glare, watching as Ratlug soaked his new towel with the rest of his water.

"Be as strong as ya want, Tark!" he cooed before tossing the bottle away and whipping the new towel around "I'll always be smarter!"

Ratlug lunged for him, but Qrow still swung Harbinger up to block his attacks. Even stuck in its semi-transformed state, it could still function as a sword. Qrow just wasn't used to wielding it this way, and they both knew it. Ratlug was able to evade his attacks far more often, cackling the entire time while he put Qrow on the defensive. Though he had shifted the battle in his favor, Qrow was still able to twist Harbinger's handle in his grasp and swing it back up faster than the Uruk had anticipated.

Cutting through Ratlug's Aura, Harbinger slashed his Dagger out of his grasp and sent the Uruk rolling away. Ratlug gave a snarl as he flexed his lacerated hand, looking up just as Qrow raced toward him. To Qrow's surprise, Ratlug raised the towel in between them instead of moving to evade. It almost looked as if he was trying to use it to defend himself, but Qrow wasn't about to pass up his sudden lack of judgement. He raised Harbinger and moved to bring it down on the Uruk.

But that was when the bullet tore through the towel and into Qrow's arm.

He didn't even have the time to look surprised when a second and third bullet tore through the towel and punctured his abdomen, forcing him back. Qrow caught himself using Harbinger. Looking up at Ratlug, he watched as the Uruk lowered the towel to reveal the prototype handgun he had drawn with his wounded hand.

"I didn't stutter, did I?" Ratlug asked as he raised his prototype pistol, flicking the towel over one shoulder and adjusting his lens-less glasses.

Qrow gritted his teeth, the bullet wounds searing, but they weren't enough to keep him from charging Ratlug. Unfortunately, his wounds had made his movements far too predictable, with Ratlug merely having to whip his towel around Qrow's hand and tear Harbinger up out of his grasp. The butt of the pistol slammed into his head next and sent him to the ground, landing painfully on one of the wounds before he looked up.

"Congratulations," Ratlug sneered as he tossed his pistol away and caught Harbinger out of the air.

He approached Qrow while wiping at his forehead with the towel, "been a while since I've seen my own blood."

Ratlug raised his hand up to his mouth and lapped at his wound, tracing the blood along his teeth as he narrowed his gaze into a glare "The question comes down to your reward now don't it?"

---

Beacon Academy

Maku slammed into the side of a destroyed Paladin, a snarl working its way out of his throat as his aura flickered dangerously.

"He's almost done!" Coco called out as she turned her minigun on a Nevermore passing overhead "Give him hell, guys!"

Fox and Velvet rushed towards him as he stood, a growl working its way out as he crossed his spears in front of him. He ducked under Fox's swing and vanished again just as two nearby AK-Units opened fire on them. Velvet moved to intercept them, but Fox got raced past her while yelling, "On your left!"

She blinked for a moment before the sound of footsteps made her step back as one of Maku's spears appeared briefly. It vanished not long after it first appeared, but Velvet lunged forward and kicked the invisible foe before he could move out of the way. He flickered into view for a moment and crossed his spears to block her next kick, spinning and jabbing his elbow into her gut. But before he could continue his assault, Yatsuhashi stepped in between them and swung his massive sword into the Uruk's side.

He skidded along the ground a bit before catching himself, watching the two of them approaching with a glare before a blue light from above caught their attention. A Dreamer Gate opened right above him, and Maku smirked as the Armored Ursa began falling from it. He turned invisible right before the Grimm landed and let out a bestial roar which had Velvet stepping behind Yatsuhashi.

The Ursa looked ready to lunge at them when minigun rounds peppered it.

"I got it steady, Yats!" Coco called out, giving the large boy a wink.

Nodding, Yatsuhashi hefted his blade and charged the Armored Ursa, who reared back as it used its metal-covered claws to defend itself from the onslaught. But just before he could reach it, Maku flickered into view atop the Grimm. Rearing back with one of his spears that pulsed with electricity, he rammed it into the side of the Ursa's head. Another roar tore out of the Ursa's maw as it began swinging wildly, pushing through the hail of Bullets and forcing Yatsuhashi to raise his sword to defend himself as a swipe sent him sliding back. Catching himself, Yatsuhashi lifted his blade towards the Ursa only for Maku to land in front of him and drive his remaining spear into Yatsuhashi's gut. Though his Aura held, the pulse of electricity made him stumble back.

Maku followed, stabbing at him several times until Velvet charged into him from the side. He spun around and used his spear to throw off her following kick, throwing her back as only his arms were seemed to disappear this time. Velvet's eyes went wide as he kicked at her, and she stepped out of the way only for his unseen spear to slam into the side of her head and send her spinning away. She caught herself as he approached, but Fox's fist slammed into the side of his head before he could attack.

His arms faded back into view as he looked to them, eyes going from Fox and Velvet to Coco and Yatsuhashi, who were busy trying to take down the Armored Ursa. Grinning, he darted towards them, slipping underneath Fox's legs and leaping past Velvet. Fox saw what he was doing and raised a hand to call it out, only for Maku's spear to appear mid-flight and force him to leap out of the way.

"He's heading your way!" Velvet yelled out, causing Coco to look back just as the Ursa gave a jerk of its head.

Maku appeared atop it once more, hands gripping on the spear in its head before sending another wave of electricity that sent the beast charging forward. Coco barely managed to raise her weapon to deflect a swing of its claw which sent her falling onto her back. Yatsuhashi managed to slow the beast's charge with his massive blade, but Maku merely leaped from atop it and rammed his spear into his back before lunging at Coco. Managing to change her weapon to its compact form, Coco managed to roll out of the way of the spear and deflect his next strike. But then he kicked her knee out and was about to follow up when a roar from the side brought his attention to the Armored Ursa.

After swatting Yatsuhashi away, the Grimm had turned its eyes on them. Both Coco and Maku leaped away as the Ursa brought down its reinforced claws, with Maku actually leaping over them to slam his foot into the side of Coco's head. Immediately after, he had to roll out of the way of another one of the Ursa's strikes before lunging at Coco again. This time, Yatsuhashi stepped in and blocked with his blade, sending Maku leaping back before turning the blade on the Ursa.

The moment Maku landed, the side of Coco's handbag slammed into his face. He couldn't bring his spear up in time to deflect the second swing which sent him flying towards Fox and Velvet. Though Fox attacked, Maku managed to deflect his blades while flying through the air. What he couldn't block was Velvet, who had seen his trajectory and readied herself before leaping and driving both of her feet into his back.

Maku slammed against the ground as his aura fizzled out, looking up at them with a glare before throwing his spear on the ground, turning around and disappearing as he broke into a run.

"He's retreating." Fox said with a heavy breath, turning to Velvet, the two shared a smile before another roar brought their attention to Coco, who had just managed to break through the Armored Ursa's chest piece. As Yatsuhashi drove his sword into the creature, Coco gave a sigh before turning and flashing the rest of her team a smirk.

"Good moves out there guys," she said whilst hefting her weapon "bringing that Team CFVY style no matter the situation, eh?"

Yatsuhashi pulled his sword from the disappearing Ursa, "Is he trying to circle around us?"

"No," Fox shook his head "Given his direction, he's trying to escape to Forever Fall."

A screech brought their attention to a Nevermore passing by overhead as Atlesian Soldiers opened fire on it.

"Duty ever beckons," Coco pulled off her sunglasses to wipe some sweat from her brow before nodding to Fox, "We'll keep an eye out for him, come on!"

Yatsuhashi and Fox immediately took off after the flying Grimm, but Coco noticed Velvet moving a bit slower.

"You see?" Coco turned to her while whipping her Sunglasses on "All good, right?"

Velvet looked up for a moment before nodding with a smile, "Right!"

As they took off for the battle, Maku made it his mission to put as much distance between him and the fighting as possible. Where were Krosh and Ogthrak? Those two were supposed to have been backing him up over here! He could understand Krosh being late, that half-blood couldn't be expected to keep his word on anything. But Ogthrak? The only way that an Uruk like him would go against orders would be if the Shaman himself had directed him elsewhere. Everybody knew better than to go against his wishes.

But to leave Maku to spearhead the Armored Ursai attack on his own, the Stormbringer must've had an immense amount of faith in him. And yet that team of young wretches had worked to invalidate that faith.

Maku stumbled to his knees as he reached the cliff, deactivating his semblance and becoming visible once again as he clutched at the ground with gritted teeth. A few flying Grimm flew by overhead, eager to join in the battle at Beacon, but Maku ignored them. Instead his mind went to the explanation he would give for this failure. He was supposed to hold out until the rest of the boys were ready, and he couldn't even do that right!

It was the Elder's blood, it had to have been.

Mogg... his father and a wretch who had poisoned the potential of all Uruks who spawned from him. It was a curse, a plague of failure that he had spread amongst them all ever since he had the nerve to die at the hands of the Blood-Axe.

Despite managing to rise to become one of the Shaman's personal Warmongers, Maku still couldn't free himself of the Elder's curse. It was maddening, infuriating, and his dimwit brother still clung to that bastard's legacy instead of working to bury it.

Maku spat on the ground as he turned his gaze to the side, in the distance he could see Beacon's Air Docks. Ships still arriving and leaving to facilitate the evacuation. Scowling, Maku pulled out his scroll. He didn't know what was taking the others so long, but he'd be damned if he let is attack go entirely to waste.

Before he could make the call, something practically flew up the side of the cliff beside him and caused him to raise his arms in front of his eyes as it sailed over him. Maku was already partially turning invisible when he recognized the figure that stood up before him.

Leaning against his odd weapon with journal in hand was none other than Pugrish the Stormbringer, whose eyes read from the pages before looking up at Beacon before him. Pugrish gave a tilt of his head, the numerous faces on his mask stretching as he tapped the jagged fingers of his gauntlet along Drumenvok.

Maku hadn't been prepared for his Master's sudden arrival, and had to keep from tripping over words as he quickly kneeled before him, "Master! When did-?" he shook his head with a curse before keeping his head bowed "How did you get here?"

Hearing him speak, the Stormbringer turned around and raised an eyebrow at him under his mask before grinning, "I jumped." he said simply before looking back at Beacon "Tell me... how have your beasts fared so far?"

"They aren't as strong as the Alpha, but surpass most of their mindless brethren." Maku said without looking up, wide eyes still staring at the ground below as the Shaman flipped through his journal.

"Then why aren't you with them?" Pugrish asked, causing Maku's hands to tighten.

"I-I..." Maku shook his head "A group of tarks managed to break my Aura sir, I couldn't depend on the beasts to provide enough of a buffer."

Pugrish's hand halted in the middle of turning a page, his head tilting back as he said, "Really now?"

"If you will it," Maku's head shot up "I shall not hesitate to jump back in-!"

"No need," the Stormbringer waved him off, "Given the setbacks, I'm impressed you lasted this long against so many opponents."

Maku bit his lip at that, but said nothing as the Stormbringer stepped in front of him.

"My apologies... I've had Ogthrak and Krosh working on something else for the time being." he said before turning back toward Beacon "Hearing someone managed to best one of my Warmongers... it often excites me."

Maku grinned at that, recognizing when his master takes interest in something, "Then-"

"But not now." Pugrish said, causing Maku's smile to vanish.

"Sir," his eyes went from the Stormbringer to his journal "is the Shackle-?"

"Taken care of," Pugrish said before jabbing the base of Drumanvok into the ground and flipping through his journal "in fact... that's what's brought my attention to... this."

His eyes went up to Beacon once more as Maku got to his feet.

"What sir?"

Pugrish turned back to him with a smile, "Listen closely, Maku... I've kept everyone waiting long enough." he tore his weapon from the ground and twisted it as he began approaching the Academy "Go tell the boys that their time approaches quickly."

With that he turned and returned his gaze to the Journal in his grasp, strolling directly into the battle Maku had just fled. Soon the sounds of fighting were all around him. Pieces of AK-Units, dust rounds and blasts flew all around him as he kept his goal right before him. He kept checking his journal, but eventually found the path which led directly to the CCT tower. Between it and him were a horde of Students, Soldiers, Grimm, robots and terrorists all tearing each other apart.

Truly, whenever he looked up from his Journal his eyes would wander to one fight or another. But he didn't have time to spend enjoying himself right now, there was something far more important that needed looking into. Lifting Drumenvok, he deflected any stray rounds which got too close to him while keeping his gaze on his journal.

Most were too busy fighting to immediately take notice of the odd figure casually walking through the chaos. But eventually a pair of green eyes locked onto him. Having just finished helping Team NDGO take down a Paladin, Reese had once more used her hoverboard to skate throughout the Battlefield taking down foes or aiding the others where she could. Right in the midst of going to link back up with her team near the path to the air docks, she'd spotted the unfamiliar figure and immediately recognized his colors as similar to those of that invisible Uruk that had attacked her. As she rode closer the horrifying visage of his mask became more and more apparent.

Hearing the sound of the hover board, Pugrish looked up just as Reese leaped towards him with her hover board spinning. Pugrish tilted Drumenvok in-between them, catching her hover board and causing her momentum to send her flailing past him as her board snapped against his weapon and formed into pistols upon contact.

Pugrish gave a hum of thought as he watched her immediately lunge for one of her pistols.

"Reese!" Arslan called out from nearby as she and Bolin rushed to help.

Pugrish closed his journal, casting his gaze to Beacon Tower as he chained it to his waist again.

Deflecting Reese's rounds, he slipped out of the way of Arslan's fist before swiping Bolin off his feet.

"No time for games right now," Pugrish said before cracking a small smile "but show me something fun anyway, why don't you?"

---

Amity Colosseum

Gundza didn't know when he passed out. He remembered dragging himself through the halls of Amity, fueled by nothing but his own anger and spite. Apparently neither of those could actually counter the affects of blood loss, because one moment he was pulling himself along the floor and the next he was waking up right before falling against the ground in one of the Arena's maintenance halls.

As he struggled to figure out where he was, he heard a muffled voice grumble out several curses.

"You... come back to finish it, Hybrid?" he snarled before turning over and growing confused at the sight of Uthug jamming a door with a piece of metal "Huh?"

Uthug turned on him with a frown, "Oh look whose up. Tired from all the abandoning you've been up to lately?"

"Wha-?" he tried saying when Uthug pointed his musket at him.

"Leave me to clean up after everyone then run off to get ya'self killed?!" he spat before jabbing a thumb at himself "But I ain't having none of it!"

Gundza shakily brought a hand up to his eyes, "What are you talking about? How the shrahk did you even get here?"

Uthug kicked a nearby wall, "I followed you, obviously!" he shouted "All of you left me behind to deal with running that ship on my own! Pouring into the portals instead of getting everyone to work!"

"They left too?" Gundza tried standing, but found himself falling on his knee again "But why... why wouldn't you-"

"Because I ain't short-sighted like all the rest o' them!" Uthug bit before turning and grabbing at his head as he paced angrily "Leading and managing, all that work goin' into keeping them Chief-less from ruining everything I worked towards! I ain't lettin' any o' you off the hook!"

Despite the wounds, Gundza looked up at Uthug with confusion as he continued raving.

"Now there's a few of them globs straight up worshiping me! Can't wait to see how that goes wrong!" Uthug stabbed his musket at the ground "Trade in one loony cult for another one! I had to hold back, almost couldn't handle the thought of clearing that up without-!"

"Are you even listening to yourself!?" Gundza interrupted Uthug's rant while clutching at the bullet wounds marking his flesh "Never in my life have I heard such absolute drivel."

Uthug grabbed his hand and yanked him forward, causing Gundza to stumble a bit, "Drivel or not you're coming back and fixing this!"

He paused as the Shadow fell to his knees again, cursing as he pawed at his wounds, "Damn fool, I'm not exactly spilling all this blood for no reason."

Uthug looked down to the black smears of blood that Gundza was leaving behind him and cursed before puling him up, "Then hop in already, you ain't got time to die!"

Gundza rolled his eyes before fading into Uthug, who wiped some of the blood off of his wrists before listening.

After nothing for several seconds he stood and asked, "Well?"

Excuse me for taking some time to get acclimated, between the blood-loss and your mad ravings its not exactly easy to adapt now is it?

"Mad Ravings?!" Uthug threw his hands up before turning and walking down the maintenance hall.

What else am I supposed to see it as? You come out of nowhere screaming and hollering about how all of your competition just left you with the one thing we were all fighting to acquire. And the moment you've got it all to yourself to control however you wish, you demand I return with you to do it for ya'!

"Managing other globs requires patience I can't muster." Uthug groaned "All of them just gonna wind up makin' me deal with their shrahk?!"

"What was that?!"

Uthug had just turned a corner, finding the Dreamer Gate he'd entered on a nearby wall. The voice had come from the other side of the hall, where Druk emerged before turning to him with a raised eyebrow, "What? How did one o' you get up here?"

He reached for his weapons while giving several coughs, but Uthug was already racing for the gate and leaping through before the first bullets were fired. He landed back in one of the halls of the Arceus, giving a curse as Gundza shouted.

Close it! Close it!

Turning back around, Uthug raised his hands to the edges of the Dreamer Gate and sealed it behind him with a grunt of annoyance. With that taken care of, he stepped back and rubbed at his neck, "Damned Storm boys, gotta make everything difficult."

You made this difficult, Looter, nobody else but you.

"Shut it." Uthug bit before turning and making his way towards the upper deck.

That wasn't an insult, it was a warning. You've been embracing your Berserker rage extensively throughout our stay on this forsaken vessel. Yet even with all your goals accomplished you're still depending on it.

"What exactly are you saying, Shadow?"

I'm saying that you've acclimated to the point where you feel you need to maintain your own anger.

"What?" Uthug waved it off "That's ridiculous."

What's ridiculous is your excuses, but they start to make a little more sense when I think about all the ways you could complain about them in the future. I've known a few Berserkers in the past who couldn't see through their own rage, but I've never seen one go out of their way to fabricate more sources of it in spite of themselves.

Uthug rolled his eyes, unsure of what play the Shadow was trying to make with such wild assumptions. Even if such a thing were possible, what Uthug was doing was being cautious. How exactly could that be considered self-sabotage? Rubbish, utter rubbish and nothing more.

"He's returned!"

The chipper voice tore at his patience as one of his Black-Clothed fans approached with glee. Holding up a hand in front of him, Uthug pointed past the other Uruk, "Get me someone who knows who to patch globs up, gotta lad in need of some help.

"Oh! Went and got messy, eh!" the follower chirped before turning and running off "Need to clean em off before playing again!"

Uthug didn't deign those words with a response, merely taking a breath before looking to the sky and saying, "Should be here any time, I know there was one of them old Sawbones fellows hanging around the portals before I went lookin' for you."

Uthug-

"I said-!"

Its a trap Uthug.

At those words, Uthug paused and looked down, "Excuse me?"

If you're so inclined to seek out problems for yourself, then here's something that actually matters. The portals, the arrival of the Warmonger, half of our fellow Prisoners being given an ideal raiding target. Its all a trap.

"By who?"

Who else, you dunce? The damned Storm! Shaman's got everyone fighting it out in Vale right now, and once they've all worn each other out he's gonna waltz in with his boys and butcher everyone left!

Uthug looked up at that, "But... I need some o' those globs to help run things here!"

Now you see the problem. Well, a portion of it at least. Storm's been accumulating an army that they just can't wait to sic on a bunch of weakened foes, and if what I heard that Warmonger say was true then we could lose everyone who walked through those Portals unless we warn them.

Ahead, Uthug watched as the fan from earlier approached with another Uruk in tow. At that moment Gundza slipped out of him and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Angry lads like you need orders to keep ya sane, so here's one." Gundza took a breath before staring Uthug down, "Round whoever's left up and get word over there, call as many of em back as you can."

"Because if ya want to have an easy go of any of this, not losing over half our boys in a massive back-stab is a great place to start!"

---

AN: I severely underestimated just how long this one would be.

As I've been building up to this for the entirety of this story's running, I had most of the events of the The Storm chapter planned out. It was all organized and tidy, yet even with all that forethought I have to split the chapter in two because of just how much there is. I'm convinced that if I didn't do that, this chapter would be twice as long, which I can't do with a clear conscious. So since this is a pretty big deal in the story, I've figured it would actually make sense to treat it as a sort of fancy two-part thing. So The Storm's chapter's gonna wind up being two chapters. The best part of that being that I can ship this out earlier than most of my chapters.

But enough about that, time to talk about the Storm itself. Now I could probably fill a small chapter with things about the Storm, but instead I think I'll follow the pattern of focusing on singular Uruks to keep this Author's Note concise. And since this Chapter is named after the titular Storm, there's really only one Uruk who could claim the spotlight...

Ratlug

Ratlug's case is an extreme version of Ogthrak's, every time I would beat him a nearly identical Ratlug would show up with an entirely different skill set. The difference between him and Ogthrak was that Ratlug just kept on doing it over and over again until he could manage to outplay me. He's still in one of my save files and, unlike Ogthrak, I know for a fact that this one is some kind of bug, because back in Shadow of Mordor they didn't have Uruks changing titles like that. He started off as a condescending tactician, but after killing him he'd come back as a condescending trainer and so on and so on. Eventually his taunting and self-praise mixed with his arrogance and eventual mastery over combat gave me a clear cut image of a backstory, especially since he shared a number of facial features with Krosh.

That backstory was confirmed when I eventually got him into SOW. He was always an Egomaniac who was assured that he could always adapt and out think anyone he saw fit, considers his intelligence as a mark of superiority, and would bow to nobody as his own sheer ego couldn't be bent. Well... nobody except Pugrish of course, but I suppose we'll save that talk for next time.

So here is, Ratlug, the arrogant intellect with the expertise and capabilities to back it up.

Anyway, hope you enjoy, any and all criticisms positive or negative are welcomed in full so leave a review if you are so inclined to do. Like it? Hate it? Any ways you feel I could improve? Expectations for the next chapter? Follow or Favorite at your leisure and I will see you all in the next installment of The Dreamer Gate.

Next Chapter: The Storm Part 2