A silver bullet ripped through the brush of the Emerald Forest. Its tip gleaming in the moonlight. Rays of moonlight, that were allowed to cast due to the lack of trees in the clearing. The bullet kept soaring, blasting through the leaves and twigs. It soon reached its target.
The silver bullet, with moonlit gleam, was sliced in two. An almost invisible blade was the cause. The blade was hard to see, it being black as night. From what little light reflected off the blade revealed that it was a katana.
This was what Ruby Rose expected. Her scythe clashing with the katana. Sparks flying and lighting up her opponent's face. His navy blues eyes glowing as the sparks fizzled out.
Ruby pushed her scythe and threw Percy. He landed a few yards away. Percy quickly skid on his feet, coming to a slow halt. He flashed a quick grin. Ruby only knew this because of the blue lightning, which began racing around Percy's body, illuminated him.
"Damn Ruby," Percy said. A little stunned by how well she had been keeping up with him. "Where was this during our first match?" Percy slashed the air twice. "When'd you get this strong?"
Two arcs of lightning took off at Ruby. The young huntress in training easily sliced through them both as she rushed Percy. In a swirling tornado of rose petals, Ruby struck Percy across the face with her scythe.
Percy was knocked off his feet. He was able to spin in the air and land on the ground. He thrust his katana at Ruby. She parried the attack. Percy immediately counter attacked.
Using two fingers, Percy jabbed at Ruby. Lightning intensified on his fingers as he moved. Ruby ducked to the side. She guided Percy's arm away. Percy released the lightning blast, shooting a stream of raging lightning into the sky. A loud thunderclap sounded off from the attack too. The entire night was irradiated by the bright lightning.
Ruby knocked Percy back with her scythe. He flew through the forest. Percy slammed through multiple thin trees that lined the clearing they were in. Finally he hit the dirt and continued to tumble. It wasn't until Percy had traveled fifty yards from where he was struck, did he come to a stop.
"Oh you know," Ruby shouted. She ran to him. "Training here and there, I didn't want you to feel the need to hold back!" She said. Her scythe raised into the air and she slammed it down.
Percy grinned. His eyes flashed into their Gewitter state. Percy swiftly parried the attack. The two met each other's eyes. They both shot off.
Two streaks cut through the forest. It was quite the spectacle. The two streaks running, each trying to pull ahead of the over. When it was decided that neither could out race the other, they begun their fight again.
The two streaks struck each other. The sound of two blades striking echoed throughout the forest. Clang, clang, clang. It rang like the bells of a church. There was a certain tempo between the two. Like they were perfectly in synch. It was amazing to see two speedsters clash.
Alex watched with envy. He tried to keep up as best as he could. It was all he could do. He had come to train with them, but he just couldn't keep up. It was salivating to him, the idea of moving that fast. Unfortunately for Alex, he was just a fire Guardian. Nothing but fire, no speed or lightning. For now he had to be contempt watching the two.
The two streaks finally reached their finale. Their song of sword and scythe was coming to an end. The two streaks twisted into one, swirling, blur. A mixture of rose petals and lightning bolts were thrown from the tornado of speed.
What happened next was bewildering to Alex. As the twirling streak of blue and red, flew straight up into the air. Spitting out a storm of petals and thunderous lightning bolts. Alex had no idea what was happening. Had Ruby or Percy been the one to take this battle into the sky?
It didn't matter as, after a few final blows, the two separated. They were no longer streaks of blue and red. They both fell back down to the ground. Colliding with a loud thud, the two landed.
Alex watched them from afar. He ran to them with glee. Just watching the two made him giddy. Alex could compare the feeling to witnessing Ryden summon fire for the first time. Unlike Ryden's flames, Alex would never be able to copy such speed.
Alex soon came upon them. Both Percy and Ruby were laying in a panting mess in the dirt. He was glad to see that they weren't hurt by that fall.
"Ruby," Percy said. He chucked. "Where did you learn all that?" He asked.
Ruby shrugged. "I just sparred against Weiss and Yang a bit."
Percy slowly got onto his feet. "You're something else," He said.
Ruby felt her face brighten. "O-oh… thanks," She meekly replied.
Percy walked over to her and helped Ruby up. "But there's one thing that I noticed," He said.
"Which is?" She asked.
Percy snickered. "Where was the hand to hand? I'm a swordsman but even I can perform some kicks and punches," Percy said.
Ruby fell quiet. She looked at the ground. "I can't fight without my scythe."
"You're serious?" Percy bluntly asked. He looked at Alex as if to see if she was messing with him. "Like not at all?" Percy asked. "Has anyone taught you?"
"It's been a… hard time for anyone whose tried," Ruby replied. "But you saw how awesome I was! Some more training and I'll be unstoppable!" She cheered.
"But all that's worthless if I can just disarm you and you'll be powerless. Can you even kill a grimm without your scythe?" Percy asked.
"No," Ruby admitted. Shamefully looking back at the ground.
Percy sighed. "Maybe I could show you a couple things?" He suggested.
Ruby's head perked up. "I'd love that!" She said.
"Awesome," Percy replied. "Let's head on back."
XXX XXX XXX
The air at the docks was stagnant. It felt uneasy, but Rook couldn't tell why. He moved quickly, unlocking the door to the warehouse with haste to not be spotted by anyone. His hopes of being stealthy were dashed by a blast of blue fire.
The flames struck next to him, clearly a warning shot, but still the heat alone made Rook draw back. He drew his warhammer and turned to his attacker.
Swish
Rook barely got a look at the attacker. The male was already in front of him. His large sword swinging upward. Rook stepped back, having the blade trim off a few strands of hair.
Rook finally clearly saw him. Through the trail of fire that followed his sword, Rook saw the male. It was Ryden, that kid from Beacon Autumn fought.
Rook twirled his hammer and slammed it into Ryden's side. Ryden was tossed, but landed with grace.
"You're making a mistake," Rook said.
"The only mistake is fighting us," Ryden said proudly.
Rook raised an eyebrow. "Us?" He questioned. His eyes widened and he spun around.
There she was. Yang Xiao Long. Ryden had opened Rook up for the perfect surprise attack. Yang knew this, it was her plan after all, she slammed a fist into Rook with all her might.
Rook skid several feet back. He quickly recovered. Rook looked more pissed off than hurt. He swung his hammer. Yang ducked. She felt a gentle gust of air as the hammer sailed over her. Rook spun it around and brought the hammer back down.
Yang rolled to the side and fired a shotgun shell from her gauntlet. It's red flare illuminating the area they both fought in as it soared toward Rook.
The ground shot up in front of Rook. A wall was formed. The shell slammed into the wall. The shell exploded into a bright red light. The wall began to crack. For a brief second Yang thought she had done it. It was only a brief second as the wall shattered. Shards of the wall were launched at Yang.
Yang smirked and stepped toward the salvo. She reduced Rook's rock shards to nothing more than dust with ease.
But when Yang looked back, Rook was upon her. He swung his mighty hammer down. Yang rocketed a fist into the hammer. Her shotgun sounded off and the noise rang out. But Yang was stuck in a clash. She desperately pushed against Rook.
Faltering down to one knee, Yang was forced to use her other arm. Now with both hands, Yang pushed against Rook. He slowly forced her closer to the ground. Yang grit her teeth. She pushed up and planted both feet back on the ground. Her golden hair flared out.
Yang mustered up all her strength and threw Rook. He staggered back. Rook looked between Yang and Ryden. He sighed and lowered his hammer. Rook opened his mouth to speak. He was interrupted before words could leave his lips.
The sound of a single clap resonated. It was followed by another. Soon an applause drew the attention of the three. It drew their attention to a man.
He stood on the roof of a warehouse. Silver streaks ran through the man's dapper coal black hair. The wind made his jade black coat sway. The coat's ends rocking around his ankles. Polished ink black dress shoes reflected the moon's rays.
The man was nothing special in appearance. Compared to Rook, a large and muscular man, this new foe was nothing. He was tall, but slender. Ominous, yet old. His wrinkled lips crafted a sinister smile.
"Now would you mind informing me of something?" He requested. The man turned and took a step into shadows. He vanished in them. His voice came back in the space between two warehouses. "Was that a second wind, Ms Xiao Long?" He paused. The man emerged from the shadows. But he was not rid of them. Shadows cast across his solemn face. "Or a dying gasp?"
Yang cautiously stepped back. It was unnerving to be near this guy. "How do you know me?" She asked.
The man scoffed, "How does one know the clouds in the sky or the stars in the night? They watch them."
"Have you been watching me?!" Yang demanded, stepping forward with rage.
The man shook his head. "I've watched you," he corrected. "Your semblance was an interest to me."
Yang clenched her fist. "Then what am I now?"
The man grinned and shrugged. "Pathetic."
"You've got some nerve!" She shouted. Yang began to storm over to the man. Ryden dashed in front of Yang. He held her back. "What are you doing?" Yang asked.
Ryden sighed, "It's clear he's baiting you. Calm down. We still have to beat Rook." Ryden turned to the man. "Who are you?" He spat.
"Verstand Blau," he answered.
Ryden did not say anymore. His eyes studied Verstand. Something was off about this unknown entity. He was the very definition of unnerving. A glance from Verstand was enough to make Ryden second guess attacking him. But it would take more than that to deter Ryden. He knew that Timo was around somewhere. These two were just distractions.
"I wouldn't," Verstand said.
Ryden tilted his head. "What?"
Verstand laughed. His wine purple eyes set on Ryden. His pupils were slits like that of a cat. "Run away of course. There's no point in it," Verstand explained. His amused smile turned in a maniacal one. "However fast you run, I'll catch you!"
Ryden clenched a fist. "Why would I run?"
Verstand activated his aura. It was a dark violet. The aura was different. It swirled around him, like a cloak. Tendrils of this aura stretched out, as if they were waking up.
Verstand's smile grew. "Come on then! I would suggest you fight with all you have. Especially if you want to beat me!" He ordered.
It was then that Rook stepped forward. He slammed his hammer down into the ground. "Verstand!" His voice bellowed. Verstand sighed and turned to Rook. "I will not have you stealing my battles. You and your twisted methods are not welcome here!"
Verstand cackled. "Ever so noble! You want to protect these children?" He said. Verstand kept his laughter. "What would Timo think of this?"
"Enough!" Ryden shouted. He glared at Rook and Verstand. "It doesn't matter which one of you I battle. You're both the same."
Verstand stopped his laughter abruptly. He slowly cocked his head at Ryden. The smile on his face faded. It was replaced with a grin.
"Is that so?" Verstand asked. He walked in Ryden's direction. "Rook, take a walk. Forget all those noble thoughts, unless you want to be devoured!" Verstand barked.
Rook grunted his displeasure. He picked up his hammer and stormed off, a brief sadness in his eyes as he left. Rook walked back to the warehouse and slammed the doors shut.
Verstand locked his eyes on Ryden. His violet intensifying around him. "Give it your all!" He chuckled.
Before Ryden could attack, three security guards ran up to him and Verstand.
"What do you people think you're doing?" One shouted.
It was clear that all the chaos Rook, Yang and Ryden had caused, created some attention.
"You're coming with us," Another said, stepping toward Verstand.
Verstand sighed and waved his hand. The guards all recoiled back. Violet energy cloaked them. Their eyes bulged and they were brought to their knees. They wailed in agony. Verstand snapped his fingers, silencing the cries. The wails of pain were replaced with bodies hitting the ground, then silence.
It was the fear that kicked in first. Yang was frozen in place. She couldn't believe how twisted one man could be. How evil his presence was. Who was he? How could she hope to match such power?
Ryden was thinking different thoughts. He took a step to Verstand. "I don't quake easily. My apologies," he sneered.
"You'll be a great energy source!" Verstand declared. He lunged at Ryden.
Two tendrils formed on each arm. Verstand lashed them out at Ryden. The tendrils were quick. Both sped past Ryden's defense. They struck him in the chest, wrapping around him.
Ryden felt it. The burning pain. It was like someone took two white hot nails and stuck them in his sides. Ryden felt the tendrils tighten their grip on him. All the while he struggled to stand.
Verstand watched with joy. He cackled and grinned. Slowly, he forced Ryden to his knees.
"Such bravado!" Verstand called. His enjoyment ended and Verstand glared at Ryden. "You're nothing."
"Don't count me out!" Ryden shouted. He pushed against Verstand's tendrils. It was as if they weighed tons. The pain made it agonizing. Aura couldn't help him as Verstand struck him before Ryden could activate it.
Verstand snickered. "Do something more than bark, show me some bite!" He tightened the tendrils.
Yang watched as the tendrils squeezed Ryden's rib cage. She was still paralyzed with fear. But something had begun to kindle in her. It was watching Ryden collapse back onto the ground. Watching him howl in pain as the tendrils began to burn his skin.
"I thought as much," Verstand said. Boredom in his words. He looked at Ryden with uninterest. He was done toying around with his prey. Verstand withdrew a tendril. He raised it up. "It's over!" He slammed the tendril down. Something caught it.
A golden, flaming, and pissed, Yang stood before Verstand. She clutched the tendril in her hand. Her golden aura shimmering underneath it, shielding her. She yanked it. Verstand was pulled along.
He came flying right into Yang's right hook. Her fist slamming into his jaw and lighting up the night with the muzzle flash of her weapon.
The tendrils faded. Verstand was thrown. He sailed through the air. Only landing once he was about fifteen yards away. Hitting the ground and rolling onto his feet. His eyes stared at Yang.
"Am I still pathetic?" Yang asked. She gave the man a cocky grin.
Verstand stood up. He swatted the dirt and dust off his coat. With a quick tug, Verstand straightened it. He snickered ominously. "You certainly are doing better than expected." He spoke with an amused tone.
Yang clenched her fists. "Is this all just a game to you?!" She screamed.
Verstand threw his head back and laughed. He looked at Yang. Stared into her crimson eyes. "A game would imply that I am having fun." Verstand clapped his hands together and his purple aura flared out. "This is more of a chore than anything."
The air began to bend. The shadow of night itself almost seemed to wrap itself around Verstand. The lights around the dock that offered little light, popped and shattered. Darkness spread like a plague. A cloud covered the docks. It was a fog of shadows and darkness. It all seemed to center around Verstand as he became cloaked in it. He stepped into the shadows and vanished.
Yang clenched her fists tighter. Not with rage, but terror. She frantically scanned around. Her crimson eyes flickering back and forth, her head swiveling around, and her body spinning her around.
What kind of power did Verstand have? This ability to almost disappear into darkness differed greatly from his abilities before. It couldn't be a semblance, could it?
The air was dead. The only movement was Yang and the unseen Verstand. Ryden was still trying to recover, still with pain. But Yang knew Verstand was moving. She could feel his presence.
She heard it. The sound that summoned her tense body to move. A footstep to her right. Yang spun and fired at it. The flare round illuminated the dark docks. It exploded against the wall of a warehouse, but did not hit anything else.
Yang's eyes widened. She anxiously scanned around. Slowly, Yang began to step back. She was still lit with her semblance. Yang's flaming golden hair glew bright. She was a candle in the night. Or a target at a range.
"Back here," A voice whispered.
Yang spun around. She saw a shadowy figure. The figure slammed his palm into her arm. Yang felt a burning sensation. A black mark slowly carved its way into her skin. The figure ducked behind her.
Yang spun around and threw a quick jab. It was then the shadows cleared for her. Yang's illuminating aura shed some light onto the figure she was attacking. Yang looked at her face. It was Ruby!
Yang saw her too late. Her fist made contact. The blast of her shotgun almost drove her to tears. Yang knocked her sister to the ground.
"Ruby!" She quickly shrieked. Yang rushed to her sister's side. "Ruby, are you-" her words became stuck in her throat. The Ruby in front of her began to bubble and churn. Quickly melting away. Yang's eyes grew and she collapsed back.
"Nothing worse than seeing a loved one die," Verstand said. He approached Yang.
Yang looked at him with tears in her eyes. She slammed both fists into the ground. Her gauntlets shot her forward. Yang swung at Verstand. He simply side stepped.
"What did you do to me?!" She demanded.
Verstand dodged another swing. "I got into your mind. I doubt you can fight like this."
"I can still bludgeon you to a pulp!" Yang declared.
"Perhaps," Verstand said. He stepped aside. "But you'll have to fight my summon first."
Behind Verstand knelt a monster. It was cloaked in flames and fire. His skin was a glowing red. This beast carried a sword, the length longer than its body.
"I'll kill you both!" Yang shouted. She charged the monster.
It looked up at Yang and tried to get up. The beast was too slow. Yang slammed into it. She carried the thing off and slammed it into a wall. Yang began savagely beating the fire monster. All of her worry, anger, and terror, was set upon this one thing.
Yang held nothing back. She pounded this thing until it stopped howling in pain or moving. It wasn't much of a fight, more of a slaughter. That's when the thing collapsed down to Yang's feet.
But when Yang looked down, she came to a horrifying realisation. There was no monster. No beast that was set ablaze. The thing she just beat until it couldn't move? It was Ryden. His injuries stopped him from getting out of the way or fighting back at all. Ryden didn't even have time to try and snap Yang out of it. Especially with her fist in his face.
Yang backed away. More tears welled in her eyes. The darkness seemed to close in on her. She looked down at the marking on her arm. Thoughts of amputating came to her mind. As the darkness closed in, those thoughts become stronger and stronger. Yang knew Verstand was going to drive her mad, unless she did something.
Yang drew a fist back. She looked down at her arm. This was it. She was going to do it. Yang shut her eyes and threw the punch. She felt the air part as her fist flew toward her auraless right arm.
Yang was stopped. A force held her fist back. When Yang looked, it was engulfed in a purple aura. Yang looked up. A light split the night. Its beam forcing the shadows away. The light was accompanied by a boy.
His golden hair was the easiest thing to see in the darkness. A true savior had come. He was going to finish his brother's business. Emerald green eyes stared back at Yang. A dim ball of green aura in his hand.
Marty Goodwitch walked up to her. He looked around at the fog of shadows. "Yang, what is this? I came to the docks like you asked, but it was covered in this… fog."
Yang hugged her friend. Flashes of the past hallucinations filled her mind. She shoved him aside and assumed a stance. Yang studied the confused boy.
"How do I know you're Marty?" Yang asked.
Marty sighed. "The password to your scroll is 'Ryden'sFlame', that good?"
Yang blushed and stood astonished. She laughed and ran to her friend. Yang tightly hugged him. "And after you saw me enter it, I said I'd kill you if you told anyone!" She joyously said. "Marty, I'm so happy you're here. He's pure evil. I thought I would go mad in this darkness!" Yang cried.
Marty gently returned the hug. "I can tell you're pretty shaken up, huh?" He didn't need to ask. In the short time Yang had been gone, she looked exhausted. Dark circles formed under her eyes and her hair was a mess, that was a massive red flag. Yang didn't let anyone touch her hair, much less let it look bad. It was clear something bad was lurking in the shadows.
Marty and Yang separated. Marty looked around and grinned. "Let's see what I can do about all this." Marty gestured around to the black void around them.
"It's pointless, Marty. Let's get Ryden and go," Yang pleaded.
Marty scoffed. "That's not the Yang Xiao Long I know," he said. Marty smirked and clapped his hands together. "Just you watch. I can chase away the darkness better than any flame!"
Marty's emerald green aura flared across his body. It was like the roar of a lion. Like a lion, he could find this predator that had Yang spooked. It was clear that mystic forces were at play.
Magic, something Marty was familiar with. Being Percy's brother and Glynda's son, Marty heard numerous tales of magic of the past… and present. The only magic he was told existed today was the dark kind. Black magic was how Glynda referred to it.
There was a select few that defy the gods and goddesses. They seek these dark arts and learn to wield ultimate power. This was clearly one of those users.
Marty swung his arms out. Purple aura shock waved out from his body. It commanded the shadows and darkness. Marty had punched a hole in the void. From it, Yang looked up and saw the night stars and the moon.
"What do we have here?" Verstand asked. He emerged from what was left of his void.
Marty turned to the man. "You're the caster? What am I saying? Of course you are."
Verstand studied the boy. His eyes squinting as he thought. Verstand opened his mouth and gave his reply, "Who are you?" he asked.
Marty tilted his head. "What does it matter?"
Verstand shrugged. "I find curious how I missed someone like you." Verstand stepped toward the boy. It was bewildering. Verstand knew everyone of interest to him. He was well traveled and educated in the different regions. How could he miss this one boy? Especially if the boy had Glynda's semblance.
It struck him. The hair, the eyes, the semblance. This must be Glynda's child. Verstand's mind raced. He had an… interesting relationship with the woman. It would make sense for her to hide her offspring. Only she had the means to keep a secret from him.
Verstand's wrinkled lips curved and smirked. A million different scenarios and fates ran through his head. Verstand pondered on what to do. Of course he could kill the boy, but where's the fun in that? Verstand saw the opportunity given to him.
Goodwitch, a clan of amazing huntsmen. Their hereditary semblance ranked high on Verstand's list of interests. Many semblances did. Magic was something Verstand tamed a long time ago, but a semblance? Nothing could be done to replicate those. Verstand hungered for different techniques and knowledge.
This hunger led him to discover a technique that few knew about. Something that could grant his wish. Verstand had used it many a time. Hundreds of huntsmen and huntresses had fallen to it. And hundreds of times was Verstand's hunger satisfied.
This all looped back to Marty. In a few rare cases, Verstand's hunger was denied. Glynda Goodwitch was the case of one of these cases. Now here was her son. It was as if the gods were smiling on Verstand.
Yang grabbed Marty's shoulder and spun him around. She stared into his eyes. "You can't beat him!" she said. "I couldn't beat him! Neither could Ryden," Yang explained. She gestured to the badly wounded Flame Guardian.
Marty shook his head and gently pushed her away. "Let me show you."
Marty raised his hands. The metal at his hip shot in front of him. Marty quickly formed it into a spear and shot it at Verstand.
Verstand clapped his hands together and they became a lit with violet aura. It was like a flame covered each of his hands as he watched the spear near. Verstand held out a single hand.
Marty's spear struck that hand. It split in two! The two halves shooting passed Verstand. Verstand stared back at Marty with excitement. Marty had showed him. Showed Verstand how easy it would be to carry out his will.
Verstand clapped his hands once more. He stepped back into the shadowy fog and vanished. Verstand emerged behind Marty. He quickly slammed both his palms into Marty's arms.
The violet aura spread onto Marty. It carved into Marty's skin. Markings and various symbols were burned on them.
"Gah!" Marty recoiled in pain. He lurched forward. Marty leapt away. He created about twenty yards of distance between him and Verstand.
The pain was just one problem. The other was what Verstand actually did. Like with the mark he placed on Yang, Marty's mark also did something terrible.
Marty could no longer feel his arms. Nor could he even move them. It was a bad situation for any fighter, but the end for Marty. No longer could he use his semblance! It relied heavily on his arms to cast the different incantations. It was lucky that Marty wasn't fighting alone.
Yang took some pressure and attention off her friend with some quick jabs. The punches were all dodged by Verstand and did nothing more than force him a few steps back.
Verstand's grin grew as he looked between Marty and Yang. "I'm surprised you had the courage to continue to fight, Yang. Especially with all those visions."
"I suppose it wasn't a dying gasp," She retorted.
"Clearly you've never heard one," Verstand begun. He took several steps in Yang's direction. This alone made her draw back a bit. His fierce violet eyes locked with hers. "I, on the other hand, can personally speak on how long one lasts."
Verstand snapped an arm up. He aimed it at Marty. A tiny violet cube of aura formed in Verstand's palm. Aura swarmed around the hand with the cube. Verstand looked at Yang as he aimed his attack.
"Neither of you have seen this. I believe your sister has… and that Percy Brewner. I got a great deal of essence from him. If I end up letting you live may you deliver my gratitude?" Verstand asked.
Yang's eyes widened. Ruby had told her about the mysterious cube they found. About the bodies that laid in it. The town it had destroyed.
"That was you?" Yang asked. Her legs trembled at the thought.
Verstand looked at her with insane pleasure. "You've heard of it?" he giddly asked. "Oh what am I saying? Of course you did. After all, it did almost kill Brewner. Imagine what it'll do to Goodwitch!" he said.
Yang's eyes bulged. She snapped to Marty and frantically shouted, "Move!"
Her words were too late. Verstand let the cube loose. It soar from his hand and expanded in size as it traveled. The cube was at the size of a car as it was yards from Marty.
Marty was powerless to stop it. He didn't even move. Marty knew it would hit him. His arms were useless and so was he. Not that it mattered, how could he even beat Verstand when he could barely use his semblance?
It was then that a woman leapt in front of Marty. She snapped her riding crop down. An arc of amethyst purple energy was shot from the crop. This arc split the cube in two.
Glynda adjusted her glasses and set her eyes on the cube. She brought her hands together and pulled them apart. The cube reacted immediately, being torn apart and fading into nothingness.
Through the remnants of violet aura of the cube, Glynda and Verstand stared each other down. Verstand grinned at her. Glynda glared back with eyes that could cut through a man.
"Mom?" Marty asked. "What're you doing here?"
Glynda did not turn to her son. She kept her gaze on Verstand. After a brief moment she felt he deserved a reply. "Go get Ryden!" She barked.
Marty silently nodded and ran off to help his teammate. He picked Ryden up, using his semblance to help carry him, and ran over to Yang.
Verstand watched Marty hurry around. He waited until Marty had reached Yang. He saw they were about to leave. Verstand clapped his hands together and raised one.
A wall of violet aura shot up around the clearing. It boxed all four in.
"I can't have my audience leave, the fight is only just beginning," Verstand said. Verstand turned to Glynda and snickered menacingly. "Impressive that you destroyed my cube with your semblance. How about this one?" Verstand raised his hand.
Glynda assumed a stance. Her crop ready, hand clenching it tighter and tighter. It drove Glynda mad thinking about what, of his many, attack he would send her way. The answer was not to her liking.
A black ball fired out. It was bigger than Verstand. The sphere moved at an incredible rate. Rocketing at Glynda and reaching her in seconds.
Glynda flicked her crop. Markings made from her purple energy appeared in front of her. They formed into a shield. The sphere crashed into Glynda's shield. It pushed her and the shield back. Cracks began to form in the energy. Glynda rolled out of the way just as it shattered.
Verstand clapped his hands together again. He raised his hand and formed another black sphere. But Glynda flicked her crop and forced Verstand's arm up. The sphere was fired into the sky.
"Nice trick," Verstand said. He went to clap his hands together.
Glynda took control over the air in between his hands. She made a shield that stopped Verstand's hands from connecting. Verstand looked up at Glynda in bewilderment.
"I'm no fool. I've learned a lot since our last encounter," Glynda explained. "Enough games!" She thrust her crop. A purple beam shot out and split into seven different lasers.
The blasts arched around and surrounded Verstand as they rocketed to him. Verstand smirked and clapped his hands quickly. Verstand held both hands. A volley of fireballs shot out. He blasted the attacks from the sky. Verstand then turned his aim onto Glynda. Fifteen balls of fire were launched at her.
Glynda raised a shield and stood ready. The first fourteen all slammed into the shield and dispersed, but the fifteenth shattered it. Glynda was blast into the air. She flew back and hit the ground. Glynda quickly rolled back onto her feet.
"Shame that you can't attack me and keep my hands from touching," Verstand gloated. His evil grin grew. "I think you'll find fighting me harder than you think."
Glynda pulled something from her pocket. "I think you'll find that a huntress always comes prepared for a fight!" She held up her shard of gravity dust. Glynda's emerald aura activated the dust. She flicked out her crop and shot two beams. The dust infused into those beams.
Verstand went to clap his hands together. He was going to summon some magic to help him. Verstand's hands were inches from each other when Glynda's beams struck them.
Two seals were inscribed on each hand with the black gravity dust. Once the seals were set, they repealed Verstand's hands from each other. Verstand looked down at his hands in awe.
"That dust will stop you from using any of your magic. No more spells or curses," Glynda explained. She brought a single finger up and pushed her glasses back into their correct spot. "I admit… this next part will be enjoyable for me," she said.
Glynda whipped Verstand with a blast of energy. She rushed him. Verstand tried to use hand to hand, but Glynda dodged his punches. Furiously, she slashed him with cracks from her whip and telekinetic blasts.
Verstand was sent skidding by one blast. He looked back at Glynda in time to see her aim her crop at him. Purple energy gathered on the tip. Like a machine gun, Glynda unleashed a savlo of intense blasts directly into Verstand.
The man crossed his arms and summoned a shield of aura. The blasts forced him back. They shattered his shielding and threw him all the way into his wall of violet energy.
Verstand hit the ground with a loud thud. He got up and looked at Glynda.
"Heh," Verstand chuckled. "While annoying, you forget about my abilities," he explained. Verstand clenched his hands into fists. "If I can't use my magic, I'll use my semblances!"
But before Verstand could make a move. Twelve bullets slammed into him. They all exploded upon impact and knocked him to the ground. Verstand quickly recovered onto his feet. He glared at his attacker.
The man who shot him neared. His cigar smoke clouding his face. The man slowly waved it away.
"Clay Feuer," Verstand growled.
Clay chuckled. "Remember me? Guess you would, after I kicked your ass so bad you had to leave the country."
Verstand got onto his feet. "That was Fifty years ago!" He shrieked. Verstand recomposed himself and smiled. "I can see that age has set in on you."
"Heh, you too buster," Clay replied with a smirk.
Verstand grinned. "Not for long."
Clay's smirk faded. His face grew solemn. "The hell does that mean?"
"It means that I will end you!" Verstand declared. He looked back at Glynda. Then at Clay. Both were closing in on him. Verstand scoffed, "Guess it's my time to leave."
"Oh come on," Clay said. "I waited for that barrier of your's to drop. Why not fight a little?"
"I see," Verstand said. He looked around and saw the walls he produced had faded. "Why would I fight a wrinkled bag like yourself, you're clearly passed the expiration date. Why are you still out fighting?"
"I'm only seventy! You bastard," Clay said. "Besides, you must be older than I am."
"I'm eternal, you fool," Verstand snapped. "I guess I didn't get to show off my abilities. We barely got into the magic or semblances. Well here's one for free!"
Verstand became cloaked in a blue energy. He shot back faster than anything Clay had ever seen. Verstand became engulfed in the fog of shadows. Clay fired a couple of bullets, but Verstand was gone.
XXX XXX XXX
Clay escorted the group back to Beacon. Ryden's wounds were tended to, and Yang shared the encounter with the rest of her friends. Two days had passed since that night and the teams went on with their normal school lives.
"That's all for today, class," Glynda announced. She looked down at her scroll and sighed. "The dance is this weekend, but please don't forget you all have a mission on monday. Class dismissed!"
Yang practically leapt out of her seat. With team CFVY still out on their mission, Weiss and her were in charge of planning the dance. Which meant she was unfortunately pressed for time. Yang wasted no time. She looked over and saw her target.
A tall, black haired boy stood up on the other side of the classroom. His cold red eyes looking around at the many students that rushed past him. The boy's team talked amongst each other, something he did not join in.
"I'll catch up with you guys later," Yang said to her teammates. She looked back and the boy was still there. Yang hurriedly ran off.
Ryden sighed as his teammates talked. He did not bother getting involved with them. His mind was set on a certain girl. It enraged him that she dominated his mind. Autumn was all he could think about.
Ryden thought back to their battle. How he failed against her, then Verstand. He sighed and rocked back in his chair. If he wished to prove himself, he needed to be able to beat Autumn before anyone else.
"What do you think, Ryden?" Alex asked.
His brother's words interrupted Ryden's thought process. He had no clue what they were discussing.
Ryden shrugged. "I don't really care," he grunted.
Alex frowned, but left his brother alone. Alex returned talking with Percy and Marty. The team was waiting for the massive crowd of students to disperse. A couple other teams did the same.
Ryden got up and walked off. He wanted to get out and train. That's all that mattered to him right now. Getting stronger had always been his goal in life. It wasn't noble or selfish. But it would always be what Ryden desired the most.
"Ryden!" A cheery voice called.
Ryden sighed and turned around. He expected that Alex had followed him. His brother was annoying like that. Much to his surprise, it wasn't Alex.
A blonde brawler stood before Ryden. Yang smiled at her friend. She held her hands behind her back. A slight shade of scarlet on her face.
"I was wondering if I could ask you something," Yang explained.
By this point both of their teams had gotten up to leave. They all watched silently. RWBY was happy to their teammate finally admit her feelings. PARM just knew how Ryden would react.
"Would you like to come to the dance with me?" Yang asked.
Ryden sighed. "What's the point?" he replied. "I could spend that whole night training or something else than that," Ryden sneered.
Ryden turned to leave, but he remembered everything Yang had done for him. It was a kindness he wasn't used to. Perhaps he could waste one night if it meant returning some of that kindness.
Ryden turned to the gloomy girl. She too had walked off, going back to her team. Ryden rolled his eyes.
"Hey!" he called. Yang spun around. Ryden looked away, avoiding eye contact. "I guess I could spare some time. How much could I even get done in a single night?" Ryden said.
Yang slowly approached Ryden. "Are you saying you'll go?" she quietly asked.
Ryden huffed. "Yes," he replied.
Yang smiled gently. "I'll see you there."
XXX XXX XXX
Team RWBY had returned to their dorms shortly after. They all piled into the room. Ruby was the last in and closed the door behind her. She was confronted by the grinning faces of her three teammates.
Ruby gave a puzzled look. "What?"
"Are you gonna ask him?" Yang excitedly asked. Ruby looked even more confused. Yang playfully rolled her eyes. "Percy," she clarified.
Ruby blushed. "I'm not going to," she meekly said.
"Why not?" Yang asked. "You clearly like him and he… isn't taken."
"Aren't you inspiring," Weiss said. Sarcasm in her words. Weiss sighed and looked at Ruby. "You really should ask him, though."
"Ugh, I don't want to make it awkward between us!" Ruby cried.
"Ruby, you fight multiple grimm, terrorist organizations, and people who can control the elements themselves," Blake begun. "And you're scared of 'making it awkward'?"
Ruby nodded. "I like him a lot, but I don't want to mess it up," she quietly replied. Ruby sighed. "But when you put it like that, I guess I really am just being silly."
Blake smiled at her leader. "Go for it."
Ruby nodded. "I will."
XXX XXX XXX
Percy sat alone in his dorm. Ryden had left, taking Alex and Marty with him. Ryden had gone to train some more. Percy huffed and looked around his dorm. Seeing that he was alone, Percy had an idea.
He got up and looked under his bed. Percy pulled out his Elder weapon, Thundercloud. It's royal blue sheath was stainless. The golden accents on the tip and edges almost sparkled. Percy gently placed the blade down on his bed.
Percy sat down on the bed. He sat opposite from the blade. He crossed his legs and rested his hands on his knees. Percy shut his eyes and slowly inhaled. He felt the air around him, exhaling just as slow.
His sense of concentration was broken by a knock on the door. Percy opened a single eye. Who could it be? He didn't talk much to anyone outside of PARM and RWBY.
Another knock willed Percy onto his feet. Another knock came as he approached the door. Percy placed his hand on the hilt. He slowly opened it. A female was revealed. A young teenage girl stood on the other side.
Her silver hair was up in a ponytail. A white streak bolted through the side. She wore the uniform of a different academy. The Vytal Festival was coming up soon. It was the first year that Hope Reich was allowed to send students in. That's what she wore, Hope Reich's uniform.
It was a simple uniform. Percy remembered it vaguely. Girls wore a brown skirt and vest with a white dress shirt underneath.
"Hello, Percy," she said.
Percy studied her. He held the door halfway open, blocking the opening with his body. "Hello, Liz."
"What's that greeting? We are friends after all." Liz pushed Percy aside and entered the dorm.
"Sure, come on in," Percy said with an eye roll. He shut the door.
Unbeknownst to Percy was that he was being watched. By Ruby Rose of all people. She saw Liz enter Percy's dorm. Of course she had little context, but it was enough to dash her hopes of asking him. Instead, she gloomily returned to her own dorm.
Back in the dorm, Liz was getting comfortable. She plopped herself down on Percy's bed. She examined Thundercloud.
Percy rushed over and took his blade back. He looked Liz up and down. Percy shot her a scold. "Don't you know not to touch that?"
"Percy, I'm not here on a social visit," Liz said, her tone shifting to solemn, "I won't ignore you anymore." Liz stood up. She stared into Percy's blue eyes. Her cloud grey eyes flashing with electricity. "Come home with me," she pleaded.
It was desperate. Liz spoke like Percy was the secret to her life. Her words reflected that opinion.
Percy stared at the floor. "I can't. Why would you even want me to come back?"
"Because you're my friend," Liz cried. She placed a hand on Percy's arm. Just friends. Something that secretly bothered her, but she'd never admit it. "Why not?" she asked.
Percy remained silent. He stared at the floor. Perhaps he was searching for an answer? Or remembering his sins committed in Hope Reich. Liz didn't know or care.
She grabbed his chin and jerked so he looked at her. "Why not?" she repeated.
Percy pushed her off. He shook his head. "You don't understand! How can I face the people who I let down?" Percy snapped.
Liz gingerly grabbed Percy's shoulder. "You didn't let us down. You were forced to leave by Clay and-"
"No, I wasn't!" Percy screamed. He looked at Liz, tears forming in his eyes. "I ran away!"
Liz had no words. She stood in front of Percy, silent, shocked, angry. Finally she mustered up the control to not scream. "What?" she quietly asked.
Percy stumbled over to his bed and flopped down. "I ran away. You don't get it. I took Thundercloud and ran."
"But you're the Hero!" Liz said. "I was told it was foreseen that you'd save all of Remnant from a great evil!" Liz ranted. She fell silent. "I need to leave," Liz whispered. She rushed out the door.
Liz slammed it shut and left Percy alone, to revel in his thoughts. Thoughts and memories of a long time ago. Thoughts that were interrupted with a meek knock at the door.
Percy stood up and walked to the door. He opened it, not expecting who was on the other side. It was Ruby Rose. Her face with a slight shade of scarlett.
"I heard the shouting," Ruby said.
"Oh," Percy muttered, "how much did you hear?"
"Enough," Ruby answered, "don't listen to her, you're the bravest person I know."
"I'm not," he replied.
Ruby smiled half-heartedly. "Why don't I come in and you can tell me what happened?"
Percy nodded and took a step back. Ruby quickly stepped into his dorm. She shut the door behind her. Ruby followed Percy as he walked back to the bed. They both sat down on it.
Percy looked at the ground. Anywhere that wasn't Ruby's face. He sighed and began telling Ruby his story. He told her about his mother. Susan Brewner was her name, she was a beauty.
It had been seven years since her death. Since she was murdered by Timo. He did terrible things that night. All because he sought some destiny of ruling the world.
Percy learned of his mother's death and broke many laws. A voice called to him, he went to a sacred temple. In this temple was Thundercloud. Percy used his newly awoken semblance that night to steal the blade.
Percy was confronted by Timo. There was no battle, no fight or grand duel. It was just Percy fleeing. He had been running ever since. It made him feel worthless, the thought of running like that.
Percy soon finished telling Ruby all of it. She sat there, stunned and in silence. How would anyone else react to that?
"I'm sorry," Ruby managed to finally say.
Percy shook his head. "It's not your fault. But thanks for listening." Percy looked over at his desk. He checked the time. "You should be heading back to your dorm. Wouldn't want to get in trouble."
Ruby nodded and got up. She walked to the door and opened. Ruby held it and sighed. She turned to Percy.
"W-would you like to go to the dance?" Ruby asked.
Percy smiled. "Yeah, that'd be great."
XXX XXX XXX