AN: Hey everyone, I have the next chapter here. Thank you for all the support this series has gotten here and on Tv Tropes. This chapter is a nice recovery chapter after the battle that happened before. We also get some of my interpretation of some characters' backstories at the end. Hope you enjoy this chapter, leave a review with your comments and questions, and have a nice day.

Chapter 21 – Resting

Yang.

A few hours after the brawl, Yang found herself back in Asclepius' clinic. She was sitting in a wheelchair, balancing the wheels with her center of mass. "You know the worst part about a strong healing factor." She said to the necromancer, "It still hurts to get hit." The blond outlaw said before looking at her right hand, seeing the shattered knuckles repaired, "But, it's still quite the handy ability." Yang said with a smirk as she was still maintaining her balance with one arm on the left wheel.

"Gilgamesh and Kintoki are dealing with the city damage and turning in Beowulf to the authorities." Sisigou said with his arms crossed, "You have to be more careful in your fights going forward. I have a feeling that guy is not going to be the last bounty hunter we run into."

"Did they get any information out of him?" Yang asked as the back door opened with the dark surgeon walking in, "What did he say?"

"Well, that is kind of hard for Beowulf, since you shattered his jaw." Asclepius said he carried a small tray containing a syringe, alcoholic rages, and some conspicuous vials of medicine, "He doesn't have your healing, but he was far stronger than you." The dark surgeon said as he stuck started to take Yang's blood, causing the blond outlaw to settle her seat, "By my guess, you would have been killed three times in that confrontation if you were just relying on your aura."

"Heh, guess it's a good thing Avalon works so well with me," Yang said with a smile, but slight worry was in her eyes, "Still, three times?" She said, wonder how many lives she has left.

"You've had Avalon in your body for almost a year now." Sisigou said as Asclepius put Yang's blood in an analyzer, "It's likely now bonded with your soul as if it was your own noble phantasm." He said before having a serious gaze, "However, Avalon has its limits. It will not heal you if you are too exhausted or take too much damage quickly. Got it?"

"I got it, don't get intsakilled, piece of cake." Yang said with a reluctant sigh, "But hey, the more damage I take, the stronger I get. And if I heal it back this quickly, it takes my semblance to a new level."

"And how did that work out for you just now?" Sisigou responded.

"Hey, I still won." Yang responded with slight anger, "It may have been close, but-"

"But nothing!" Sisigou responded, "These bounty hunters are only going to get stronger." He said before looking to the dark surgeon, "Which is why you need a new trump card." The necromancer said as Asclepius combined Yang's blood with a few liquids.

"New trump card?" Yang responded, "I mean, I managed to find Thunderer in the rubble…somehow." She said before crossing her arms, "But, I could go for something with a little more bang for my bullets." She then looked over to Asclepius, "What are you thinking?"

"After analyzing your blood, I have found a way for you to unlock more power from Avalon." The dark surgeon said as he swirled the liquid in the vial, seeing it turn into a yellowish luminescent concoction.

"Wow, that was fast!" Yang said as Asclepius filled a different syringe with the concoction, "So, this will make my healing better?"

"Not what we meant," Asclepius said as moved to stand behind the blond outlaw.

"Remember, Avalon was said to hold Arturia's hopes and dreams of protecting people." Sisigou said as Yang looked to him, "It must be why you remain a good host for the sheath." He said with her smiling, causing him to grin, "Now, you need to Avalon to a new level that Arturia could not."

"In theory, Avalon can do more than just heal people." The dark surgeon added on, "While The Holy Sword could gather aura from around the world, Avalon would store part of it to heal the King of Knights in times of need. If we could unlock more of that excess aura inside the sheath, you could have the power that rival's Excalibur."

"And Mor said that sword could take out an entire Grimm army in a single swing," Yang said as she looked to Sisigou, who nodded. Suddenly, the blond outlaw smirked, "Well, let's give it a shot." She said before looking back to Asclepius, "Aren't you gonna put the needle in my arm."

"For the mixture to take full effect, it needs to be injected into your spinal fluid." The dark surgeon responded, "If you could hold your hair out of the way?" He said with Yang nodding, using her left hand to move her hair as Asclepius flicked the needle. He then injected the concoction into the back of Yang's neck, causing her to slightly grimace in irritation. Sisigou looked to Yang's eyes, seeing the lilac color change. However, they did not turn to red, but rather a golden yellow. This was only for a second before they changed back to lilac. Asclepius took out the empty syringe, "Now, all you have to do is wait and see." He said before tossing the used needle into biohazard container, "Just don't go getting yourself killed, I'd like to learn in the results of this new medical advancement."

"Got it," Yang said before standing up from the wheelchair, looking at her arms, "I don't feel any different," She said before hitting her fist together, "But we'll see when we run into another bounty hunter."

Suddenly, Sisigou placed Billy's hat on Yang's head again, "If, not when." He said with her adjusting the hat, "We shouldn't go inviting unwanted attention, so keep that on." He then crossed his arms, "Now, we can stay here for the night to lay low." He said before turning to the dark surgeon, "Thanks again, we promise to leave in the morning."

"No problem," Asclepius responded, "Anything to help a friend." He said before Yang yawned, "In any case, you do need rest now."

"Yeah, you're right." Yang responded as the dark surgeon pointed to a back room with medical beds, "Not exactly four stars." She commented to herself before smirking, "But, I'll be asleep by the time he starts complaining." The blond outlaw said before opening the door and going to one of the beds.

Blake.

The night started to approach Vale. At the Hospital, most of the rooms remained quiet as the patients slept. However, Blake was still awake as she slowly opened the door. The black cat faunus made sure the coast was clear before sneaking out of the room and taking a few steps down the hallway.

However, she did not check well enough, "Going somewhere?" Blake heard a familiar female voice call from her right. She turned to discover Nightingale, her arms crossed and a slight scowl on her face, "You have not been released from the hospital yet."

"I feel fine," Blake responded with a fake smile, "I don't need to rest anymore." She said before taking a step back, "I need to go to the Beacon Library to confirm some new information."

"Yeah?" Nightingale responded as she reached into her own pocket, "Are you sure you don't want to head to The Club?" She said with Blake gasping as the steel nurse pulled out the black ribbon. The black cat faunus felt her neck, remembering it getting knocked off in the struggle, "When I was called to the scene, I found this." She said before crossing her arms, "You want to explain yourself?"

"I…" Blake said as a line of sweat ran down her face, but Nightingale remained focused, "I-I went there in the morning to talk with the bartender. He offered me a drink and well…" She said before letting out a small laugh, "I don't remember much after that. You know how it is, right?"

"You were drinking alcohol in the morning?" Nightingale said with a raised eyebrow.

"It's…been really hard dealing with Ilia's death," Blake responded, her expression changing to genuine sorrow, "And I feel worse that is was also my last time that bartender."

"I see," Nightingale responded, "What about your head injury?"

"It was later, during a training accident," Blake quickly responded, "I didn't realize my aura was that low before…well, it's hard to remember that too." She said with another giggle.

"Hm, I see." Nightingale said as she returned the ribbon, "You should be more careful, and you should get more rest."

"I told you, I'm-" Blake said before getting interrupted.

"Either you return to your bed," Nightingale responded with a light blue aura radiating off her body, "Or I will return the bed to you." She said with Blake having a look of slight fear at the steel nurse The black cat faunus then walked back towards the door to her room. As she placed her hand on the nod, the steel nurse spoke up again, "Also, don't think you can fool me." She said as Blake paused, "It didn't work now, and it didn't work back in the morgue." She said as Blake's eyes widen, a line of sweat running down her face. "One more time, is there something you wish to tell me?"

Blake turned to Nightingale, "No, I'm okay." She said with Nightingale remaining steadfast, "And please, believe me." She said before opening the door, turning back to her room, "I'll go rest now."

"Good," Nightingale responded, "I'll keep watch." She said as Blake hesitated in reentering her room. The black cat faunus gritted her teeth before closing the door with a slight slam. Nightingale waited on the outside, making sure Blake could not leave.

Qrow.

In the halls of Clockwork Academy, Ruby walked with a hum and smile. Suddenly, she looked to see her uncle running towards her, a look of panic in his eyes, "Huh, what's wrong Uncle Qrow?"

"Ruby, you have to get out of place!" Qrow said as Ruby tilted her head in confusion, "Listen to me, Sa-" Suddenly, the unlucky huntsman felt his heart clench. However, he did his best to speak through the pain, "Sa..lem…Is…HERE!"

Abruptly, the pain stopped. Qrow looked at his body, checking to see he was fine. A laugh and smile formed before he looked to Ruby. However, a look of dread filled his eyes. The red hooded girl coughed blood before falling back.

"RUBY!" Qrow screamed as he caught his niece from falling. Her body was cooled as her skin turned pale. Her eyes closed as blood still dripped from the corners of her mouth, "W-what have I done!?" Qrow said in a panic as tears formed in his eyes. Suddenly, the hallway turned into a black void as Qrow cried with his dead niece in his arms.

You should have listened to me.

As Salem's voice was heard, Qrow looked around in panic. Suddenly, his heart began to race as Ruby started to move. He looked down to see the red hooded girl's eyes shot open. However, her silver eyes were gone. Now. Ruby looked at her uncle with the eyes of a Grimm, a wide smile on her face.

You should find the Woman in Black.

Salem's words came out of Ruby's mouth as Qrow's face was drenched in sweat and terror.

Now, wake up!

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Qrow screamed as his eyes shot open. Through his sporadic breathing, he discovered himself in the Clockwork Academy Library, seated at a lone table. The unlucky huntsman placed his right hand on his chest, feeling his heart race as he closed his eyes, "Oh, thank goodness." He said as he leaned back in his chair, "It was only a nightmare." He then opened his eyes, but a look a worry remained, "I hope that was only a nightmare."

In front of him to see piles of dozens of books. Qrow then picked up one of the books entitled, A Brief History of Apocrypha. "Whoever this Woman in Black is, she has to be from this Kingdom." He thought as he opened the book, "Nobody from the other Kingdom's history matched that description. Well, except her…." The unlucky huntsman pinched the bridge of his nose as he read, trying to avoid imaging the Queen of Grimm, "But, it's not like she gave me a very specific description." He then held his head as skimmed through the pages, "And even if I found something, it means this other woman is just as scary as Sal-"

"Who are you talking to?" A female voice called to Qrow from behind. He turned around; the unlucky huntsman's eyes widened at the sight of a woman in black. However, this was Scathach in a black casual outfit. The long-heeled boats matched her stockings. Her thin business coat forming a skirt, making her still ready for combat. With all the dark colors, it looked like she was a walking shadow herself, "You should be quieter in the library." Scathach she said before walking over to the pile of books.

"Sorry, I thought I was the only one in here." Qrow responded as the shadow lancer picked up one of the books, "Despite being the teacher, I feel like I'm the only one doing some cramming in this school." He said with a slight giggle.

"You're researching Apocrypha history and terminology," She said as she examined the book and others in the pile, "Shouldn't you have already done this before entering the Academy?"

"I kind of skimmed through the brochure." Qrow responded, "But considering I know next to nothing about your kingdom, I thought I would start taking an interest."

"I see," Scathach said before crossing her arms, "And this has nothing to do with your humiliating defeat to Bazett?"

"…It wasn't humiliating," Qrow responded, "I got a hit in." he said before sighing, "I just got a little overwhelmed, that's all."

"Hm," Scathach responded, causing Qrow to slightly glare.

"Okay, fine then." Qrow said before smirking, "Maybe you can help me improve my knowledge." He said as he turned picked up another textbook, "Like, maybe you can tell me which one of these books talks about Aura, Semblances, or Dust?"

"None." Scathach responded, taking a see next to him, causing Qrow to lower the book, "We don't use terms like those in Apocrypha. To put it simply, what the other four kingdoms call it, we have our own word for. Aura is Mana, Semblances are a mix of Traits and Status, and Dust is Runes." She said before sighing, "Granted, if you were to repeat that statement to me, I would tell you it is still wrong. Just not as wrong as you were before. The difference in our powers and abilities is not so easily interchangeable with a few words."

"…Ok." Qrow said, more confused than before, "So what your saying is, in your kingdom. You have a semblance, but don't call it a semblance, and it is technically not a semblance like the other kingdom's semblances because of what your semblances are."

"Yes," Scathach said.

"Yep, still doesn't make sense to me." Qrow responded, with her sighing "For the sake of argument, what is your 'semblance'? Or let's just say, what is the special power that only you have?"

Scathach waited a second before responded, "…I cannot die." She said a with Qrow having a look of confusion, "In your interpretation, think of it as a semblance of immortality."

"What!? That's insane!" Qrow responded, "How can that be a semblance."

"As I said, the terminology is not always linked." Scathach responded, "And as another Lancer professors told one of Beacon's Students last year, you are limiting yourself to the possibilities of the world." She said before tilting her head to the left, "However, you seemed more shocked about the semblance angle than the immortality trait." She said with Qrow slightly gasping at his misstep, "It's as if you have already met someone with immortality before."

"I uh, just didn't fully grasp what you said at first?" Qrow responded, "Like, what you mean by you can't die?"

"Simple as that, I cannot die." Scathach responded, "Even if Grimm fully took over the world, turning the land into nothing but death, I don't know if that would even kill me." She then glared at Qrow with focus, "However, I do not wish for that reality to pass. Nor do I wish to give up while I can still fight." She then sighed as she closed her eyes, "I'll keep going, and if there is someone that could kill me for good. Then, when that time comes, I can finally rest in peace."

"Damn…" Qrow said as he looked at Scathach, "I… don't know what say?"

"Then let's go back to your questions about the Kingdom." Scathach responded, "What else would you like me to clarify."

"Oh, right!" Qrow said as he frantically searched through the pile of books, taking out a pink one entitled, Supplying of Mana. "I found this one, but it doesn't seem real to me. Is it true that-"

"Yes," Scathach interrupted, "That was Medb's thesis statement before applying to be a Professor at Chaldea." She said with the unlucky huntsman having a dumbfounded expression, "If you are interested, I suppose we could test her hypothesis."

"…Eh?" Qrow said as his face turned red, "Y-you mean we-"

"On second thought, maybe that would not be the best idea." Scathach interrupted, causing Qrow's expression to pause, "We should remain focused on answering more pressing questions, right?"

"R-right…" Qrow forced himself to say. The Unlucky Huntsman then remained silent, resting his forehead on the table. As the Shadow Lancer looked down at the him, a slight smile formed on her face.

Roman.

In an abandon Vale dock, Roman typed on a computer, a new bowler hat on his head. He looked over to see Kiritsugu in front of a large table. Laid out on the table was an assortment of guns of every caliber. The magus specialist had a cold stare as he picked up a submachine gun, checking the sights and clips. He put down that weapon before picking up a rocket launcher, examining it in the same detail. The orange-haired criminal sighed before noticing Kiritsugu's Contender at the upper right corner, "You know, I think the only weapon that stopped the Headless Hunter was that thing?" Roman said as Kiritsugu focused on his weapon checking, "What type of dust that uses?"

"None, or at least not the dust you are thinking of." Kiritsugu said, not looking at Roman, but examining a pistol's hammer and frame, "The Origin Bullets that Contender fires were made of my ribcage."

"Oh…Ouch?" Roman responded, "How many of those Rib Rounds did you make?"

"Origin Bullets," Kiritsugu corrected as he readied a pump-action shotgun, "From four ribs, I had sixty-six rounds. I have since used thirty-seven with only three shots not effectively killing an enemy."

"Well, I already saw one." Roman thought before speaking up, "What type Grimm do you save those bullets for?"

Kiritsugu adjusted the sights of a sniper rifle, "I don't save those bullets for Grimm." He said before glancing at Roman, "They are for much more elusive targets."

"Oh, I see now." Roman said before turning back to the computer, "Not afraid to take a life."

"If sacrificing one can save many," Kiritsugu said while examining the sharpness of a throwing knife, "Then you have to do what needs to be done." He said as he held the knife, his mind going to an event almost two decades ago. A younger Kiritsugu found himself in a destroyed town, a look of horror on his face. "…As well, if many are lost in a struggle," His current self said as his past self-searched the rubble, discovering a small boy with red hair under a rock, "If at least one can be saved, it can make all your efforts have some semblance of meaning." Kiritsugu said as his past self, who smiled with tears in his eyes. The magus specialist sighed before putting down the knife, "To somebody like you, this doesn't make sense."

"No, I understand." Roman said as he typed, "It's having like one thing you can care about in this cruel world." The orange-haired criminal said as his mind remembered an event from over a dozen years ago.

As a young grunt, Roman followed a man in a black trench coat and fedora. While the Boss entered dust shopped, he pointed to Roman to stand guard outside. The young orange-haired criminal nodded as his boss went side but pouted as he was left with this duty, baking in the hot sun.

However, he heard faint coughing from the nearby alleyway. In walking over, he saw a small girl with white hair and ragged clothes. She coughed while placing her hands over her mouth, She then looked up at Roman, a look of pain filling her white eyes, but they were too dry for her to shed anymore tears. Her cheeks were indented as if she hadn't eaten in over a week. To the young orange-haired criminal, this girl's time on this planet was about to end. He then examined the area, looking for a parent, but nobody was there. The girl then looked away from the Roman, rather focusing on the ice cream store across the street. He looked back to see her transfixed on the store, her mouth salivating as she breathed. Roman turned back to his post. However, he stopped as the girl coughed again in agony.

Roman sighed before he had an idea. Knowing she could not walk, the young orange-haired criminal picked up the girl. She tried to struggle with a look of fear in her eyes but lacked the strength to fight back. However, she had a look of confusion as they walked towards the ice cream store.

Upon entering, he placed the girl down as she marveled at all the favors behind the counter. After some time, Roman looked to see the girl narrowed her gaze to three flavors; chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. She tried to speak her decision, but only coughing came out. Roman then sighed before he spoke to the seller, giving him a bit of money for the treat. The girl then watched the ice cream man take out a scope, filling a cone with all three of the flavors. He then handed the serving to Roman, who then knelt to hand it the girl. She looked at the combination of cold cream in her hands in wonder. As she slowly licked, tasting the three flavors at the same time, some in her awakening. Her eyes gleamed in amazement; her right changed to brown as her left to a pink. Roman and the ice cream shop owner looked in shock as the girl's hair suddenly became the same two-color combination. Still, some of the white returned to her pink hair.

Suddenly, a new customer entered the parlor. Roman turned to see his boss at the door, a displeased look on his face, which now showed a scar on the left cheek. The young orange-haired criminal gritted his teeth as the shop owner ducked behind the counter. The Boss walked over to his grunt, but then noticed the girl eating ice cream. As she looked up at him, her colors swapped after a single blink. The Boss then turned to Roman, who had a weak smile on his face. In response, the Boss hit him over the head with his cane. As the young orange-haired criminal recoiled in slight pain but had a look of confusion as his boss smirked.

The girl watched as Roman and his boss talked. While too young to understand, she knew the conversation was about her. She continued to eat her ice cream until noticing the two men reach an agreement. And at the end, the Boss turned around as Roman bowed to his leader. The young orange-haired criminal then knelt in front of the girl, offering her his right hand with a smile. The girl looked at the gesture, looking at the man like a candle in the dark. She accepted his hand, wanting to speak her joy. However, her throat was still strained as could not articulate. In response, Roman placed his left hand on her head, slightly tussling her hair with a smile. The girl then had a look of joy in her eyes, letting out a single giggle.

In the present time, Roman finished reflecting on that encounter, a smile returning to his face. Suddenly, a message popped up on his on the screen, "Oh, look at that." He said as Kiritsugu adjusted the sight on his assault rifle, "I've got a lead on where the Headmaster might have gone." The orange-haired criminal said before standing up, "He was last seen taking an airship that leads to some old ruins the school uses for training."

"Okay," Kiritsugu responded as he put down the weapon, "Anything else of note?"

"Nothing." Roman responded with a shrug, "I mean, the guy said he saw the Headmaster with a hot lady in an odd black outfit." He then started to giggle, "Maybe our missing man was on a date that went wrong." The orange-haired criminal said as Kiritsugu packed his weapons, "Wait, can we stay here until morning? You know, when it is a lot easier to see Grimm if they're going to jump us. The forest is crawling with those things."

"Waiting could lead to missing critical information." Kiritsugu responded, "Besides, we've already spent long enough searching inside this kingdom for Ozpin." He said before walking away.

Roman sighed, "Okay, but I swear if I get eaten Grimm out there." He said as he followed the magus specialist, "I'm gonna be upset."

AN: There you go, nice little end to the day for this section of the story. Yang gets a little injection for power, but will it work the way she wants? I also get a little bit of insight on how Avalon and Excalibur work here. Nightingale is on to Blake's mission, but will she be a friend or foe to the faunus? Qrow and Scathach have a little bonding moment, as well as Roman and Kiritsugu. I also give my own interpretation of the Neo/Roman backstory. Couple things of note, I am writing these chapters weeks and sometimes a month in advance to posting them. So, if the show does give the backstory between the two in the current volume, take this as just the backstory for the purpose of Lost to Dust's storyline. I wanted to do this because Neo is my favorite character in that series, and Roman is a character I wish was had more development in the show. In my head cannon, this is how I think their meeting went down. And to clarify the ending, Roman's Boss let them keep Neo because Roman made the argument about her having a semblance and that they could train her as a bodyguard. Overall, it would have been something I could have done for a one shot, but I wanted to include it for this series. As well, you will see a lot more of Neo in the coming chapters. That is all for now, thanks for reading, and hope to see you in the next chapter.