Rwby: Of Guts and Blood

by bankerrtx01

After a defeated battle with the godhand instead of feasting on his corpse the apostle were too terrified of guts and send him to a new universe where he believes he is making a difference but in reality he isn't. Of course Guts is always a struggler… M for Berserk (RubyXGutsXCasca) Rewrite in progress!

17. V4: long road travled

Rwby: of Guts and Blood: Chapter 17: Volume 4: on the Road long travled:

Hello and welcome to the next chapter enjoy.

Trigger warning Berserk this should not surprise you.

Key

Grimm-Apostle talk

Angry talk

Ozpin talk

{Text Chat/ phone call}

flashback

Chapter start:

An air horn sounds loudly. The black screen cuts to an offramp being lowered on the ship bearing Blake Belladonna and Sun Wukong to allow passengers to disembark. The town has many small buildings and homes set among dunes and palm trees. The town bell that has been ringing is shown in its belfry.

Sun and Blake make their way from the deck to the offramp. She proceeds without pause while Sun stops to look at the town.

Sun gasped "Huh. Wow!"

Several Faunus in summer wear meander casually at the dock, some waiting for friends or family among the new arrivals. The dock is also a commercial area, with mobile kiosks selling food and other wares. It is a relaxed atmosphere on a sunny day.

Sun is looking around while he and Blake disembark and walk through the market area together.

"I've never seen so many Faunus in one place!" Sun said

Blake walked around looking around "This is the one place everyone can feel safe, no matter who or what they are."

Sun ducked and weaved as people passed by him "Wow, sure is, uh, crowded, huh?"

Blake nodded "Yes. Yes, it is."

Sun dodged a Faunus carrying a box "Is it always so... cramped?"

Blake sighed "Well, when you try and take an entire species and put them on an island that's two-thirds desert, yeah, it tends to be cramped."

Sun was shocked "What! You guys have that much more space? Why waste it? A little desert never hurt anyone!"

Blake looked at him scoldingly "It's not like the desert in Vacuo, Sun. The wildlife here is more dangerous than most other regions."

Sun looked back "So, they give us a terrible island, in the corner of Remnant, to try and shut us up."

Blake nodded "That's a pretty good summary, yeah."

Sun shrugged "Huh. Jerks."

Blake kept walking "We try to make the best of things."

The two pause in their walk to look at the view of the town the road affords. The road they are on goes downhill and to the side, bordered by palm trees and homes that have either canvas or wood roofs. The vista of palm trees spreads out to the edge of mountainous dunes in the distance. Right in the middle of all this is a large house with an open courtyard that the road appears to lead directly to. The house is at least three stories and is the only building in the whole area with a sophisticated roof.

Sun's eyes lit up "Whoa…"

Blake smiled at her friends reactions "This, is Kuo Kuana."

Sun smiled "It's... beautiful. I take it all back. This place looks great! Why would anyone ever want to leave?" He said cheerfully

Blake again looked at him upset "That's not the point, Sun! We asked to be equal, to be treated just like everyone else! Instead, we were given an island and told to make do. So we did the best we could. We came together and we made a home where any Faunus could feel welcome. But this island, this town, will always be a reminder that we're still not equal. As she lowers her face. "That we're still second-class citizens."

Sun puts his hand on her shoulder "Well, hey, this guy's feeling pretty at home."

Blake sighed and nodded "Alright, time to go home."

Sun gets excited "Oh yeah?" moving his hand to her other shoulder and pulling her in "Which one's yours? Can you see it from here?"

Sun uses his free hand like a visor to help him peer at the houses.

"Kind of." Blake said meekly, keeping her eyes straight ahead.

"Is it that one?" pointing away from Blake "What about that tiny one down there?" pointing across Blake "I like the paintjob."

Blake taking Sun's intruding arm by the wrist and directing it toward the large "house" in the center of town more like a manor

"It's... that one." She said

Sun stares for a second before pointing his finger at her with a questioning expression. Blake nods meekly. Sun looks at her for a beat before taking his arm off her and stepping back. He covers the sides of his head and crouches a bit, staring wide-eyed at the house and making a comical, amazed noise.

Blake and Sun walk up the stone steps to the front door of the house. Blake hesitates when she moves to use the knocker.

Sun looked at her "What is it?"

Blake looks down "I um... it's just been a long time since I've seen my parents."

Sun smiled friendly. "Well, you came all this way."

Blake takes a quick breath for courage and bangs the door knocker. It makes a loud, heavy, resonating sound on the large door. Sun stares up, stepping back while Blake politely backs away from the door a few paces.

Sun pointed up at the door "Okay, if we're being honest, that's kind of intimidating."

Both Sun and Blake give a start at the sound of the door being opened. Kali Belladonna, a short, female cat Faunus is behind it, looking around at the visitors. Her ears perk and she moves the door out of the way so she can step forward when she recognizes her daughter.

Kali gasped almost in disbelief "Blake?"

Blake awkwardly lifted her arm in greeting. "Hi, mom."

Kali steps forward and hugs her daughter. "My baby girl."

Blake hesitates, uncertain for a moment, before her face gentles into a smile and she hugs her mother back.

They stand in front of open doorway. From inside the house, footsteps come closer and a shadow falls onto the carpeted entryway. Kali lets go of Blake and turns behind her at the sound of Ghira Belladonna's voice.

"Kali? Who is it?"

Ghira stands with his hands on his hips, waiting to greet the visitor. His quizzical expression changes to wide-eyed surprise, before his hands, shoulders, and face all fall in a clear, emotional reaction to the sight of his daughter coming home.

Sun sees this and grins, pleased at Blake's welcome as he turns to look at how she's taking it. Blake has her hands clasped in front of her, awaiting her father's reaction. Kali has not let go, with her hands supportively on Blake's shoulder and arm.

Ghira says nothing, but smiles, clearly happy. Blake smiles back, relieved. She and Sun exchange sideways glances.

Kali sets down her cup on the table. She, Ghira, Sun and Blake all sit on the floor at a square table.

Kali talked with them over lunch "We were horrified when we heard the news. The Kingdom of Vale isn't perfect, but it certainly didn't deserve what happened. Oh, we were both so worried."

Ghira smiled, nudging "Please, I knew she'd be fine!"

Kali scoffed "That isn't the slightest bit true. You should have seen him pacing."

Sun smiled "You guys have nothing to worry about. I've seen your daughter in action before! And trust me, she's got some moves!"

Blake, who was sipping from her cup while Sun spoke, abruptly lifts her head and swallows at his last choice of words. Ghira glares at the young man on his right.

Ghira looked ready to pounce if he made the wrong move said "And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?"

Sun freezes and slowly turns toward his host.

"I... uh, well, you see sir, it's just that, you know, that she's such a good fighter and all, uh, and as a fellow fighter, I have a lot of respect for her…"

Kali leaning in to ask Blake quietly "Why is he here again?"

Sun tried to dig out of the awkward situation with Ghira "...And her fighting. But also for her…"

Blake shrugged "He just kind of followed me home."

"...because of her fighting. Not her looks. I mean, not to say she's not good-looking. She is! Very! Or…" Sun continued

Kali nodded "I see."

"...slightly, I mean she's definitely above average. I mean, uh…" Sun said

Sun struggles for words as all three Belladonnas watch him and wait for him to either get out of the hole he just talked himself into or keep digging.

In the awkward silence, Sun uses his tail to pick up the tea kettle and pour some more tea into his cup.

"This tea is really good." "Heh-uh."

Kali said not quite quietly enough for an aside "I like him."

Blake spun on her mother "Mom!"

The loud sound of the front door knocker resonates, catching everyone's attention.

Ghira clenched his fist "Darn it, I completely forgot about the meeting!"

Ghira hits his fist onto the table and Kali quickly covers it with her hand.

Kali spoke to calm him "Ghira…"

Ghira nods to her "Give me a moment."

He gets up and walks out.

Blake looks at her mother "Is everything okay?"

Kali sighed "Yes, dear, just poor timing. He can reschedule. It's just been hard dealing with them lately."

Blake looked interested "Dealing with who?"

Kali sipping her tea looks up "Hmm? The White Fang."

Sun & Blake rising to their feet "WHAT?!"

"Shit!" Sun hissed as he ran out to the front door.

"Sun! no wait!" Blake said as she ran after him

Blake and Sun rush to the door, where Ghira is speaking with two fox Faunus, Corsac Albain and Fennec Albain. The two visitors maintain respectful, formal postures, keeping their hands clasped before them.

"Mr. Belladonna stop!" Sun called

Blake "Sun no-Dad don't-huh?"

Ghira turned to Blake "Blake, what's wrong?"

Corsac bowed "Miss Belladonna."

Fennec bowed as well in greeting finishing the others sentence " We had no idea you'd returned."

Every time either one of the two Albain brothers speaks, they gesture with their hands and end with clasping their hands before their chests again.

Blake looked at the two. "Just got back actually but who are you?"

Ghira introduced them "This is Corsac and Fennec Albain. They represent the White Fang here in Menagerie now."

Sun sighed "Those psychos are here, too?!"

Blake turned on him "Sun, shut up you know nothing!" She turned back to Corsac and Fennec

"Where's Adam?"

Fennec stumbled "B-Brother Adam I-we don't know we haven't had any dealings with Adam Since his ousting from the white fang over the attack of Vale!" He said

Blake stepped forward "Bullshit! I've seen firsthand. He saved people!"

Ghira glaired at them "What is she talking about?"

Corsac bowed "Precisely what we came to discuss with you, Your Grace."

Kali approached from behind "Is everything alright?"

Sun looked around at the confusion "Wait, you guys seriously don't know?"

Ghira dangerously at them asked "Know what?"

"The White Fang was at the Fall of Beacon. They Started it yes but at the end of the Day Adam changed his ways redirected the attack away from the school sent the white fang into the city to rescued innocent civilians and they helped repeal the Grimm from the school beacon would have totally fallen if it wasn't for him." Blake said

There is a brief silence. Fennec makes an innocent, sideways glance at his brother. Ghira slowly turns to face the two White Fang representatives.

Ghira glaired at them "Is this true?"

Fennec bowed "Sadly, Your Grace, it-

"HALT!" A voice echoed outside

Everyone turned to see Adam Taraus standing in the middle of the city.

"B-brother Adam!" Fennec gasped as Adam stomped forward

"I told you not to speak to Ghera until I was ready, there were several things I needed to get ready before meeting for the conference!" Adam said angry

"But sir-if we didn't Ghira would get suspicious-." Corsac said

"I told you, I'm not supposed to be on this island. I had to drag my ass out here to cover for you because you jumped the gun! If the police start shooting the place up, the lives that are killed are on you!" Adam said pointing to both of them in the chest hard, making them stumble.

"Return to base now your on suspension of duty until further notice." Adam said

"But sir-!" Corsac argued

"Now!" Adam said finally

The two brothers bowed

"Yes Brother…" they said as they headed out.

Adam watched them go before he sighed "Damn it, I'm sorry for the political turmoil this will bring with my reveal being here." Adam said

Ghira glaired at Adam angrily "and why are you here?" He asked

Adam knelt before him "truefully…to beg for forgiveness." He said

Sun was shocked as was everyone else Ghira looked at Adam his face unreadable before saying "we will finish this inside."

Adam stood up and looked at Blake who nodded

Sun Glared at Adam but he ignored him as Adam looked at Blake

"I didn't expect you to be home so quickly, are you going to enjoy a vacation?" Adam asked

Blake nodded "I needed to see my family. " she said

Adams smiled "I think it to be a only a good thing " He said

Blake nodded

Sun popped up. "Ok can someone explain what is going on?" He asked

Adam looked over "once we are seated." He said

They found themselves seated at the table the atmosphere very different than before. With Ghira and Kali glaring at Adam. As Sun looked unnerved. Even Blake looked back and forth between parties. The only one not affected was Adam himself as he prepared his tea. Without a care in the world.

As he finished he took a soft blow and took a sip of his cup

"Gracious tea as Always Ghira…" He said

Ghira still stared angrily "…why are you here?" He asked

Adam sighed "may I take my mask off?" He asked

Sun shrugged still glaring at him "Well I'd consider it common courtesy." He said

Adam looked at him

"It's common courtesy I keep it on…" Adam said

Ghira nodded "you may."

Adam took his mask off revealing the Schnee brand in his eye. But not as red as before it was hidden by facial mask. The only evidence it was there was the red eye he had.

"Your brand! You've covered it!" Blake gasped

Adam nodded "a symbol of my repentance." Adam said

Ghira's anger faltered in shock seeing the honesty "really?" He asked

"I don't believe it after everything you've done, why? What changed?" Sun asked

"Sun!" Blake hissed

"He's right Blake! For all they know it could be a trick to get you to trust me so I can stab you in the back." Adam said but he looked at Ghira.

"That night…at the battle of Beacon. I had the honor to stand by the side of the Headmaster as he gave his life to not only defend me…but the school. And face the women who I didn't have enough strength to fight on my own and drove me to more destructive nature." Adam said

"He died and was there in his final moments and I asked him why and do you know what he said to me?" Adam asked

"He said to me that I was a weaker person than she was. Too strong to kill her alone. But after that he told me about the fact you had planned to have a peace treaty with the huntsman and the fanuas groups giving us a safe haven and protection for our rallies." Adam said

Blake gasped as did Kali and Sun. Ghira was shocked

"He…told you?" He asked

Adam nodded "He did…and I feel so stupid…had I know you were trying to go for that plan. Yes I would have been angry for a bit but I would've calmed down and accepted it as a more safer option for the future of the fang. Now though I can only blame the folly of myself and my own stubbornness for letting the White Fang fall so low as it has. In a few days I will head to Sennia Kahn to give me a sentence for my failure's to the cause. I just wanted to tell you how grateful I was for what you've done when you took me in all those years ago. And I wished I had been able to repay you more for what you've done for me…" Adam said as he stood up

Adam headed to the door when "wait!"

Adam turned around to see Ghira walking towards him.

"What was it I heard about you trying to get peace talks together?" Ghira asked

Adam looked over "I'd got Ozpin's promise because I helped save Vale that he would go and finish the treaty you wished for the White Fang for there safety. I was planning to meet with Sienna Khan for my sentencing and to secure the treaty." Adam said

"But that doesn't explain why you're here?" Sun said as Blake elbowed him.

Adam looked over.

"Well I had come to meet up with Ghira to apologize for my behavior and corrupting his dream. As well as wait for the envoy from the huntsman to bring them to the peace process." Adam said.

Ghira was shocked "Adam you make it sound like your willing to give your life up for this plan to succeed." He said

Adam nodded "if I need to…the death of Ozpin has at least taught me the meaning of believing in a cause greater than one self." Adam said

Ghira stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder "Adam when I took you in I did so not because I took pity on you. Or because you needed a home as an outcast. I took you in because you reminded me so much of myself.

And overtime you only grew up just like me. Even the darkness which I thought we had lost you to…and then you came back." He said before he stood to his full height

"I will gladly follow you to the meeting with Sienna Kahn and on the behalf of the treaty." Ghira said

Adam nodded with a smile "thank you…" he said before he looked to his feet

It's unfortunate that I have to leave here now word of my presence on the island puts our people in danger of harboring me as a fugitive…" he said

"No… they don't." Ghira said again "you are a friend of this family Adam and we protect our family as our own. Just like the fang." Ghira said

T-thank you…" Adam said a tear falling "for giving me this protection I don't deserve." He said

"This protection and family ties are not deserved they are earned…and you've earned your back brother." Ghira said finality.

Adam nodded

"Ok sooo that's cool and all but where is this meeting being held?!" Sun asked interrupting the moment

Blake again elbowed him but his damage has been done

"There is still a few things to put in place first. The key of all of this is an envoy from the Huntsman Association that's capable of ratifying the peace talks." Ghira said

"That's actually not so hard in fact they are here now." Blake said

"Huh?" Everyone asked as Blake stepped forward

"Ozpin lives…" she said

"Wait whaaa?" Sun asked confused as both Ghira and Kali looked as if they saw Blake in a new light.

Adam's eyes shot open "truly?" Interesting. I expected something to help level peace talks but they chose you well. If there's any better choice I can't think of it." He said

"Blake. Do you mean?" Kali asked sadly

Blake shook her head "no…no of course not mother I did come to see you. I really did it's just I also came with a mission." She said

Ghira put an arm on her shoulder to cut off her rambling "and we're proud of you for that my daughter." He said

Adam smiled "yes like I said I didn't want to reveal myself early but because of the Albion brothers I had no choice. I will send word of there punishment Ghira may a use your coop?" Adam asked

Ghira nodded "of course." He said as they walked deeper into the manner

"Coop?" Sun asked

"The island is out of rant of any CCT even then most of the islanders are too poor to afford Scrolls so we use a more primitive message system to talk to the outside world." Only my family. Have a mini CCT: for the island it's the tower you see in the house but it only accompanied the house and yard and we don't like to show off." Blake explained.

"Huh must feel good being rich." Sun said Blake turned to sun

"We're not rich. We use almost all our money to pay for the town." Blake said

"Actually the island has gotten quiet a boon in fishing. And we've started to export some to Anima as the island is making its own money we have gotten quiet a bit richer. We even have upgraded the CCT to include the town to the coast. The signal is choppy though so we still use birds." Kali explained.

Blake nodded

Adam came back "before the stack of Beacon I had a few agents sent here I had previously sent to destabilize the island. But upon my arrival I canceled those orders. There were a few naysayers but many took my orders well. One of them was Sister Illa Blake." Adam said

"Ilia?" Blake asked

Adam nodded "she's very anxious to see you." He said

Blake smiled

Sun again popped in "soooo when is the meeting?" He asked

Blake rolled her eyes and pushed him away "not for a while I told you Sun I want to spend some time with my family first." She said

"Your friend is right though Blake this is kinda a urgent matter…" Adam said

Sun looked shocked "I am?…I mean I am!" He said as he got his courage.

Adam looked at Blake "but family is important to. We can take a week and relax here for the time. Then next week we can begin and make our way to where the summit will be held." He said

Blake nodded as Adam walked away.

"Adam." Blake called

Adam turned "yes Blake?"

"I also was asked to come here to judge if you were honest about your motivations for doing this…I'm glad to see that it was." Blake said

Adam bowed "truely. I feel a much better person now as well…Blake… I know what we had…what happened…we won't be able to go back the way we were before…I still want you to know I care about you…as a friend. So no matter what, be careful when dealing with Sienna… she's changed since she became high leader." He said

Blake nodded "thank you and I will."

"It's not quiet Night yet but it seems dark enough and not many people are not out so it should be safe for me to return to the White Fang. I'm only just giving the brothers there punishment then coming back with llia." Adam said

Blake smiled "good luck." She said

Adam nodded as he put on his mask and headed out the door into the night.

Back at Patch Tai had shown Guts off. As he had taken an airship to anima. Going on Yangs bike to her location and then backtracking to find Ruby.

It is a cloudy day, and the Team is following a mossy stone tile path through the wilderness. While walking, Nora Valkyrie stretches her arms up wide.

"Another day, another adventure!" She said cheerfully

Beside her, Jaune Arc reads a map while Ruby Rose Pyrrha Nikos and Lie Ren continue alongside them.

Ruby smiled "What's on the agenda today?"

Jaune sucked breath in "Walking!"

Nora skipped "With a side of...?"

Ren spoke deadpanned "Walking."

Ruby sighed "Haven is a lot farther away than I thought."

Ren walked up to her "Ruby? How long did you think this journey was going to take?"

Ruby shrugged "I don't know! I grew up in a small area; I've never been this far away from home!"

Jaune was looking at the map as he asked "Right but... how long?"

Ruby shrugged "Maybe like, uh... two weeks?"

Jaune looked up from the map to glare at her "What?!"

Ruby sighed "Okay, fine! Three or something!" She didn't not make eye contact "Look, whatever."

Ruby looks up again after a beat and notices something ahead.

"Hey, what's that?" Pyrrha asked

Nora jumps onto a slightly fallen post of a fence to get a closer look at a wall and building ahead.

Jaune tilted his head "That's... strange." He checked his map "I didn't think we'd be hitting another village for a few days."

Nora looked in "Are those buildings... damaged?"

Jaune looked over "We should search for survivors!" He said

Jaune drops the map and all four go running into the village Pyrrha stayed behind to pick up the map, with Nora leaping onto the wall and to a rooftop from there. They discover the town to be empty. Ruby lifts a fallen plank of wood to find only plant outgrowth underneath.

Ruby looks back "Anything?"

Nora shook her head "Nothing over here!"

Jaune stopped running "No one over here, either."

Ren stood around looking "It almost seems like... the town was abandoned."

Ruby looks around while the others go offscreen, feeling unease in the wind.

Nora called to everyone "Hey, I think I found something!"

Ruby turns and rushes over. Nora, Jaune and Ren are looking at a town sign. Nora moves the ivy growing over it to the side to read what it says.

"Oniyuri? Never heard of it."

Jaune shrugged "Me neither."

Ren nodded sadly "I have."

The other three look at him, surprise on Nora and Ruby's faces.

Ren looked completely cool as he spoke "You might think of it as Anima's Mountain Glenn, had it never been completed. Years ago, the richest members of Mistral were unhappy with how the Kingdom was being run."

As Ren speaks, they look around seeing the various unfinished buildings, disrepair and neglect of the village.

"…Frustrated with the council, they pooled their resources together to build their own city, with their own laws. They hoped that one day, it could maybe even become its own Kingdom. Many thought it would be the future."

Ren walks away from the other three.

Ren sighed "I know my parents did."

Ruby sighed sadly "What happened?"

He brushes some dirt off of the stone border of a low wall to reveal claw marks.

Ren girt his teeth "What always happens."

Jaune bowed his head "The Grimm."

Ren tightens his hands into fists.

Ren "Not just any, one."

Ruby briefly faces Nora in confusion, but Nora doesn't move her concerned gaze away from Ren. Ruby turns back to him.

Ruby asked "One?"

Several small black birds take off from a tree outside Oniyuri's wall. They fly over the village and the four travelers.

Jaune suddenly got uneasy "Come on. Let's just get through here. This place gives me the creeps."

He turns and leaves, soon followed by Nora. Ren lingers for a moment for a few moments, seemingly in thought, then follows. Ruby is the last to move as she looks over the empty village. Leaves blow through behind her after she follows her friends. As Pyrrha catches up with them.

(Atlas)

Up In atlas Weiss was singing at the concert. Singing her heart out. As her father and brother sat in the upper balcony watching after she finished they moved onto the afterparty

A waiter carrying martini glasses on a tray opens up a door and enters the ballroom where people mill about to soft piano notes. He holds the tray next to a young man, who takes a glass before walking off. A blonde woman in a dark green halter dress stops to look at the waiter before moving on. Background conversation is audible.

Second Waiter came around to the guests "Need anything else?"

Blonde Woman shakes her head "No."

The blonde walks up to a man. And started up a conversation

The party venue was packed a number of dressed up people as the waiter moves across the room. On the far opposite end of the room is a display area with three large paintings and two abstract statues. To one side Jacques is conversing with a man in glasses and a gray-haired woman in a green dress. They are laughing. Weiss is behind her father, looking at the floor with her hands held primly behind her back. Whitley stands similar further behind their father, only his gaze is directly on him.

Jacques smiles "That's precisely my point. We offer Faunus the exact same wages given to the rest of our mining staff. Their argument's completely invalid right out of the gate."

The Businessman Jacques was talking with argued argued "Well, I think the bigger issue here…"

Weiss rolled her eyes and groaned to herself "Ugh."

The Businessman spoke "...is our society as a whole."

Jacques scoffed "Why, you mean Atlas?"

As they converse, Weiss looks over to the largest painting on the end of the ballroom, depicting Beacon Academy with its Cross Continental Transmit tower still standing.

Businessman shook his head "Atlas, Mantle... You can't deny the economic disparity between the two."

Businesswoman looked at him "I mean, what exactly are you suggesting?"

Weiss starts to step away, only to have her forearm grabbed by her father, who doesn't even turn around. Weiss halts, startled.

"I'm just saying I don't think it's necessarily an issue of compensation as much as it is one of opportunity…"

Jacques stealthily pulling Weiss back and turning to face her "Where are you going?"

Weiss looked with a meek expression "I'm... just a little thirsty."

Jacques sighed "Sweetheart, we have people for that."

He lets go of Weiss and begins to raise his arm to call over a waiter. Weiss stops him by grabbing his forearm, prompting a sideways glance from Whitley.

"What? No, I can get it. I'll be right back, I promise."

The two lock gazes as the conversation next to them continues.

Businesswoman shook her head "Look, no one asked them to move here."

Businessman argued "But companies like the SDC promised jobs."

Jacques decides to let Weiss go and turns back to his companions.

Jacques looked back "I'm sorry, I tuned out for a second, but sounds like I'm the good guy again?"

Jacques and the businesswoman share a laugh. Weiss moves across the room to look at the painting of Beacon Academy. She has barely reached it when Henry Marigold speaks to her.

Henry smiled "It's beautiful…You two match."

Weiss stands with her arms crossed, maintaining a cold expression throughout most of the conversation.

Weiss tried to ignore his attempt at flirting "Yes, it's a lovely painting."

Henry sighed "So, that was my attempt at breaking the ice. How am I doing so far?"

Weiss sighed "You are leaving a lot to be desired."

Henry nodded "Well, I've always appreciated honesty. He offered his hand "Henry. Marigold."

Weiss turns her head to look at him.

"Weiss Schnee." She said

She lightly places her fingers across his in a very loose handshake.

Henry smiled Arrogantly "I know, I saw your performance." He cringes at himself "Obviously." He clears his throat "You were wonderful. And I promise I'm not just saying that 'cause you're pretty."

Weiss turns her attention back to the painting, and there is brief silence between the two.

Henry smiled "Honesty, remember? So, are you thinking about buying it?"

Henry begins to rattle the railing as he speaks.

Weiss shook her head "No. I don't think so."

Henry nodded "Yeah, kinda pricey for a painting."

Weiss spoke with annoyance in her voice "It's to raise money."

Henry looked over shocked "Oh really? For what?"

Weiss glared at him "For what?" throwing him a disgusted look

Henry laughed "Heheh, I'll admit, I only come to these things for the food and drinks. I also don't focus on global politics."

He reaches out and takes a champagne flute as a waiter walks by.

Henry smiled again "And the extraordinary company. Of course."

As he sips his drink, Weiss shifts her stance to face him.

Henry sighed "So what, is it another Mantle fundraiser or something?"

Weiss snapped at him "Get. Out."

Henry chuckled with a slight laugh a bit drunk "What?"

Weiss wasn't having it "Get out, or I will have security escort you out."

Henry knowing she is serious "But I haven't done any-"

Weiss turned to him "Leave!"

Weiss takes on a more aggressive stance as she raises her voice. He stares at her in disbelief before obeying.

Henry sighed "ok Pfft, whatever."

She watches him walk away, and once he is gone, she turns back to the painting, crosses her arms and closes her eyes.

An Angry Businessman began ranting"No, no, no! I asked for a double sundae! This is completely…" she is drowned out by chatter

The Waiter apologized "I'm so sorry. Sir."

Weiss looked at the Beacon Academy painting, then the sign in front of the display, which reads:

"SHOW THE WORLD WE CARE: All proceeds go to the Kingdom of Vale".

Weiss' eyes are open again as if she had just been observing the painting, and she once again closes her eyes. The chatter of the party guests grows louder, but one voice stands out among the rest.

As a Trophy Wife scoffed "But really, does it come as any surprise, what happened to Vale?"

Weiss opens her eyes and turns slightly, peering over her shoulder at the woman.

The Trophy Wife scoffed "It was a long time coming if you ask me."

Her Husband walks overs "Honey…"

The Trophy Wife's Husband places his hand on her shoulder, trying to shush her, but she shakes it off, leaving him to glance around the room with a forced, nervous grin.

Trophy Wife scoffed at him "What?" She laughed "You said the same thing last night. If they're so arrogant to think they can get by without proper kingdom defense, then I say good riddance."

While she talks, her Husband drops the act and heaves a silent sigh. The Trophy Wife's rant is cut off by a voice shouting angrily across the room at her.

Weiss walks forward "Shut up!"

The room falls silent, and all of the party goers turn to look at her.

Jacques looked at his daughter making a scene "Weiss?"

Her voice still raised, Weiss angrily gestures to the guests while she speaks.

"You don't have a clue! None of you do!"

Trophy Wife looked at her angry "Excuse me?"

Weiss kept ranting "You're all just standing around talking about nothing! Worrying about your hair, your money, your stupid problems that don't mean anything!"

Her father quickly approaches her while Whitley looks on with a faint smile on his face.

"Weiss, that's enough."

He grabs her wrist, and she immediately begins struggling to pull away.

"Let go of me! You ass!"

Jacques snarled "You're embarrassing the family!"

Weiss pulled harder "I said let go!"

Weiss breaks free her father's grasp with a harsh tug, but in the process, she loses her balance and collapses to the floor. Suddenly, a glyph manifests next to Weiss, and a Boarbatusk is summoned. She looks at it with wide eyes, her jaw dropping. The Boarbatusk Summon charges toward the Trophy Wife.

Trophy Wife begged for her life "Please, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just leave me alone."

It leaps toward her and her Husband, jaws wide open, but it is shot down by James Ironwood before it can reach her.

Trophy Wife now embarrassed about her crushed dignity "Arrest her! What are you waiting for? She's insane, she should be locked up."

Ironwood glaired at her "She's the only one making sense around here. Thanks for the party, Jacques.

The general winked at Weiss before casually makes his exit. Still on the floor, Weiss looks up to see her father turn to glare at her.

(Ruby)

As the five members of the party continue out of Oniyuri, Ren suddenly senses something. He puts out his hand to stop the other three, eyes closing as he focuses. Somewhere close by Tyrian Callows can be seen running. Ren draws his weapon. Ruby, Nora and Jaune immediately follow suit. Tyrian soon leaps high over the wall to engage them in combat.

He immediately takes out his weapons in a seamless motion and, laughing eagerly, moves to attack Ruby. Ren intervenes, StormFlower clashing with Tyrian's claw blades. Ren attempts to both kick and shoot Tyrian, but he dodges. The two have a couple more attack and parries until Tyrian kicks Ren several feet away.

Tyrian turns to go after Ruby again, who rushed forward with Crescent Rose to meet him. Tyrian uses his blades to block the scythe and kicks Ruby backward. She easily remains upright and they clash again. Tyrian manages to land a strike on Ruby's right arm, causing her to cry out at the pain and him to laugh. She's doesn't break stride however and leaps back to take a swing at him with her scythe. He dodges and then lands a moving blow against the body of Crescent Rose, causing a red shimmer to cross her Aura in the area of the strike.

Jaune steps in at that moment and Tyrian climbs onto his shield and grins at him. Nora rushes in with Magnhild, but Tyrian just leaps from Jaune's shield to her hammer and up through the top story of a narrow, rectangular building. Holding himself up with his feet on wooden frames to either side of him, Tyrian looks down at Team RNJR. And Pyrrha

Jaune grit his teeth "We're not looking for a fight!"

"Who are you?" Ren asked

Pyrrha said nothing as she leveled her rifle at Tyrian.

Tyrian leans forward, drops from the tower, does a front flip, and lands on his feet in front of them.

Pyrrha kept her rifle pointed at him and took a step back as he came forward.

Tyrian "Who I am matters not to you." points to Ren "Or you." points to Nora. Or— he cuts himself off and pauses. "Well... you two do interest me." pointing to Jaune and Pyrrha

Jaune gasps nervously. As Pyrrha dropped a bit lower ready to attack at a moment's notice.

Tyrian laughed "No! I only matter to you."

He points to Ruby, and the rest of them turn to look at her. She tilts her head in confusion.

"Me?"

Tyrian breaks down into laughter "You, you haven't the slightest clue, do you? Oh, how exciting this must be."

Ruby sighed her ploy worked now to finish the job "What do you want?"

Tyrian begins acting dramatically in response to her tone of voice.

"Oh, the rose has thorns! My little flower, I'm here to whisk you away with me!"

Nora stepped forward "Well, what if she doesn't want to go with you?"

He stares for a moment with his lips scrunched up before answering.

"Well, I'll take her." He said

Jaune and Pyrrha walked over and stood between Tryian and Ruby, his shield held in front of him. Pyrrha nearby

"We're not going to let you do that." He said Pyrrha just shook her head.

Tyrian closes his eyes and inhales through his teeth. His eyes slowly open, and he happily growls a single word with a dark grin.

"Good." He said as he vanished.

Delighted that they're willing to fight, Tyrian moves fast to attack Jaune from behind.

Ren noticed the attack and called out "Jaune!" He warned

Ren deliberately shoots Jaune's shield so that the ricochet hits Tyrian. Tyrian covers his eyes with his arm and then cartwheels onto Jaune's shield, using his claw blades to spin in the air against it. Ruby steps in to face Tyrian on his descent, but he just kicks her to the side. She regains her ground by using Crescent Rose to steady herself. Jaune takes a swing with his sword at Tyrian, but he simply dodges and kicks him away as well

Pyrrha jumps back and tried to shoot at him But Tryian just dodged the bullets or took it letting his aura absorb the rounds.

His next move is to run toward Nora. From across the way, Ruby grins and shoots Nora with lightning Dust. It passes just over Tyrian's left shoulder, and he turns as he senses it. Nora gets knocked down when the bolt makes contact, dropping Magnhild in the process.

Mistaking the move for an error on Ruby's part, Tyrian gives Nora a baffled stare and laughs while Ren, Jaune and Ruby simply watch and wait.

Tyrian laughed "Well, if that isn't ironic."

He senses something is up and loses his mirth. With a determined, satisfied grin, a now upright and supercharged Nora rushes Tyrian from behind, moving over his right shoulder and coming before him just in time to hit him with Magnhild. The blast from the contact has the other three covering their eyes from the backwash of dust and air, Jaune actually taking cover behind his shield.

The air clears to reveal a perfectly fine Tyrian in a crouch, using his now unveiled scorpion tail to block Magnhild. He giggles and curls his fingers at Nora. "Surprise."

He kicks Nora twice in the face before leaping backwards and upward onto a roof, leaving his coat behind.

Ren gasped "He's... a Faunus."

Ruby stomped forward "What is this about? The White Fang? Roman Torchwick?"

Tyrian laughed "Plastic soldiers and your new pawns. My heart and body belong only to our goddess!"

Ruby growled "Cinder…"

Tyrian scoffed "Hmph, only in her late wildest dreams." He

Tyrian leaps back into the fray. He uses his tail to knock Crescent Rose down. Though surprised, Ruby doesn't lose her grip on it. The two both attack each other and miss until Tyrian kicks Ruby backwards again.

Tyrian uses his tail to go after Ren before finally kicking him away and attacking Jaune next.

However Pyrrha ran in to intercept him which caused him to laugh and fight Pyrrha one on one.

A crow flies determinedly toward the fray while Tyrian kicks Jaune back and then Nora, and then Ren returns for more only to leap away again. Without missing a beat, Tyrian lets Ren be and goes after Ruby again. In quick succession, he delivers a right hook to her face and a left blow to her torso, causing red shimmers on her Aura on her head and chest respectively. He turns and swings his tail to knock her back into the air. She flies back several feet and he rushes forward to meet her before she lands. While Ruby's still midair, he kicks her right in the abdomen, causing a large red shimmer over her abdomen and hips.

The incoming crow turns into Qrow Branwen who keeps running forward after landing.

(Play Fade to black: Metallica)

Up above them on a tall rooftop a metal boot lands on the roof Guts was overlooking the city feeling the darkness in it. His semblance drawing him towards it. He poised iconically with him holding dragonslayer crouched as he looked over the town as he looked down he saw Tryian and Ruby fighting he jumped.

Tyrian approaches Ruby on the ground and raises his stinger, his eyes turning dark purple. Nora, who is comforting a fallen Ren, and Jaune both look on in horror. Laughing, Tyrian is about to strike with his scorpion tail when Qrow bursts through a building

But Qrow was too slow but someone wasn't as Dragonslayer imbedded itself in the ground. And Guts landed In front of Ruby.

She looked up to see him and he smiled "hello love…" he looked over to Qrow who nodded to Guts in thanks.

Oscar Pine sits on his bed in his room, reading a book by the light of a lantern.

Oscar's Aunt yelled at him from another room "Oscar, supper's almost ready!"

Oscar flipped the page of his book "What're we having?"

Oscar's Aunt yells back "Doesn't matter! You're eating it!"

Oscar called jokingly "I never agreed to these terms!"

Oscar's Aunt calls back "It's part of the "living under my roof" contract! Read the fine print, then come wash up!"

Oscar closes his book and stands up. He is walking toward the door when a voice resounds, causing him to pause.

Ozpin sighed "We have to leave."

Oscar continues forward trying to ingnore the voice.

Ozpin kept up "Oscar. Oscar!"

Oscar is about to grasp the door handle, but holds back.

Oscar sighed and began talking to himself "I've decided you're not real, so you might as well give up."

Ozpin sighed "I understand how you're feeling. I went through the same panic and confusion."

Oscar turns around and looks at an open book on the floor. He bends down and shuts it, talking aloud as he puts it and the one next to it away on a shelf.

Oscar muttered "It's not real. It's not real. It's not real."

Oscar stands up and his reflection is visible in the window.

"I can assure you, you are perfectly sane." Ozpin said

Oscar growled "I'm talking to a voice in my head."

Ozpin countered "I didn't say you were normal. I said you were sane."

Oscar starts to leave his room again.

"There's quite a significant difference between-"

Oscar spun around "Shut up! You think this is funny? It's not."

Ozpin spoke seriously "We are in complete agreement on that matter, I promise you. Believe me, I wish this weren't the case. But as I've told you, our Aura, our souls are combined."

Oscar looks up at the ceiling without really focusing on anything but clearly showing his disgust.

Oscar growled "I'm done listening to you."

Ozpin out of the blue asked "Have you ever been to Haven?"

Oscar sighed "I told you I'm not going, and I told you I'm done listening."

Ozpin kept up "Do you think you could describe the Headmaster's office?"

Oscar sighed "No. Why would I know that? I've never seen-."

"Try. Right now."

Oscar sighed as he closed his eyes "It's probably... It's…"

His eyes widen and his face slackens. as he continues to speak.

"It's autumn-colored... with a large mahogany desk. There's a small table with chairs in a corner for guests, with a tea set that... I... I gave him."

When Oscar refers to himself in the first person. He puts his hand to his head, disconcerted.

"Why did I say that? Why did I know that? Why did I say that."

Oscar becomes increasingly bothered and he starts backing up, dropping his hand.

"Because I helped build that school, and the tea set was a gift to the man running it now."

Oscar sits on his bed and holds his head, groaning.

"If you don't believe me, you can look it up. If I recall, your aunt has several books on Mistral downstairs. I'm certain you could find a picture in one of them."

Oscar straightened up and lowering his hands "That... that's right, I must've seen it in a picture." He sighed

"Oscar…"

Oscar stands upright, tightening his fists at his sides and shouts.

"Stop talking to me!"

Ozpin however didn't "I have a grave responsibility to uphold. We both do."

Oscar fell to his knees "I never agreed to anything."

Ozpin "No, you didn't. And neither did I, at first. But you do have an opportunity."

Oscar looked up "For what?"

Ozpin answered "Greatness, hopefully. Greatness in knowing that, when the world needed help, you were the one to reach out your hand. It won't come without hardship, without sacrifice, but I know you don't want to live the rest of your life working as a farmhand in Mistral."

Oscar put his hands on his head again, eyes wide "So you just decided to read my thoughts?"

Ozpin stopped knowing he went to far "I... well. They're our thoughts, now."

Oscar groaned "Get out of my head!"

Oscar's Aunt called up again "Oscar! Supper time! I better see clean hands!"

Oscar looks toward the door, but remains silently on the floor.

Back at atlas things are a different matter entirely

Weiss Schnee sits on her bed in her room with her head bowed and her hands folded in her lap. Jacques Schnee paces in front of her.

"Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable."

Jacques suddenly stops, then turns and points at her.

"Do you have any idea what your stunt cost us?"

Weiss stuttered "I—"

Jacques cuts her off "And don't think I'm just talking about Lien here! Our reputation! Our... our…"

Jacques sighs angrily and holds his head, unable to come up with the words to finish expressing the gravity of her mistake. Weiss waits for a moment before speaking. But knowing his response she secretly begins a voice recording

Weiss takes a deep breath "I want to leave."

Jacques looked at her "I beg your pardon?"

Weiss again spoke "I said I want to leave. I don't want to stay here anymore. I don't want to stay in Atlas anymore!"

Jacques "Young lady, I don't give a damn about what you want! This isn't about you. This is about the Schnee family name and your apparent insistence on dragging it through the mud!"

Weiss Stands up from the bed "I have done nothing but fight to uphold the honor of my family name, a name that you married into!"

Jacques slaps Weiss hard on her left cheek, sending her head to the side as she gasps in reaction. She puts her hand on her cheek and turns to face her father, looking at him a little incredulously as she lowers her hand. He looks right back at her, unrepentant. When he begins speaking again, his voice suddenly sounds calm yet intimidating.

Jacques sighed "This behavior of yours is incredibly disappointing. You couldn't possibly understand the lengths I've gone to in order to keep this family where it is. You think running off like your sister is going to make the Schnee name stronger? You're wrong. Siding with her only divides us."

Weiss growled "I'm not siding with anyone. I'm doing what I feel is right, and that does not include wasting my time up here…"

Jacques walks away, rolling his eyes as his daughter finishes her rant.

"...with these clueless people in Atlas. The Schnee family legacy isn't yours to leave. It's mine, and I'll do it as a Huntress as well as what you've done with the slaves you keep as workers and by he time it's mine there won't be anything left?!"

Jacques stops and slowly turns to face her again. As he speaks, he moves to stand in front of his daughter, peering down upon her.

Jacques "No... there won't. You're not leaving Atlas. You're not to leave the manor grounds unless I specifically allow it. You are going to remain here, out of sight and out of trouble, until you and I come to an agreement on your future."

Weiss scoffed "What?!"

Jacques sighed "Your presupposition that you can simply have whatever it is you want is a clear sign of our failure as parents. But from now on, I'll be giving you the full attention you require, starting by keeping you where I can see you."

With that, Jacques turns once more and walks away.

Weiss "You can't just keep me from leaving!"

Again, he stops and turns to look at her.

Jacques smiled wickedly "I can, and the staff here will make sure of it."

Weiss growled "So now I'm just your prisoner?!"

Jacques turned to her "You are my daughter. You're a child, and children are grounded when they misbehave."

He walks away, and this time, he continues walking even while his daughter speaks.

Weiss laughed "This is only going to make things worse, Father. People will ask questions! They'll want to know why the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company is suddenly nowhere to be found!"

Her father stops in front of the door and faces her.

Jacques smiled "Which is why you are no longer the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company."

Weiss takes a step back, stunned.

Weiss gasped "Excuse me?"

Jacques sighed "Clearly, the trauma you endured at the fall of Beacon was too much for you. Which is why you've generously revoked your claim to the company and its earnings and passed it on to your brother Whitley."

Weiss stares at Jacques, breathing heavily as she digests the news.

Jacques shook his head "It's time to wake up and face reality."

Jacques turns and leaves. As Whitley entered, "It's foolish not to do as Father asks." He said

"That's where you're wrong…both of you." Weiss said, making the two pause.

Weiss was wiggling her scroll in her hand smugly still recording.

"What the- how long has that been recording for?!" Jacques asked

"Long enough practically the entire conversation it definitely heard that slap you gave you which is assault. And clearly the unjustified punishment of taking my title away and keeping me locked up. And oh look at this I just happen to have a contact right her to James Ironwood's number…but not just any number… his own priority, one urgent number." Weiss said

Both men stood frozen they looked at each other ashen they fucked up…

"I promised myself the day you came back to get me that if you did anything to sabotage my happiness again or my status in the family while slathering it yourself I'd call this number. The General himself has the idea to launch a full investigation into the family workings as it is. After all Winter told him about the abuse she suffered under your wrath… and he was ready to declare war on you then… andI've suffered 10 times worse!" She snapped

"Weiss…" Jacques said slowly stepping forward trying to act calmly to get close enough to grab and snap the device but Weiss was too quick.

Weiss got a determined look in her eyes. As she pushed off her bed sending it flying back revealing a long white box marked with the Schnee snowflake symbol rests on her vanity. She opens the box reveals Myrtenaster and Dust vials inside. She lifts her weapon and poses with the blade held vertically in front of her face. And back at her father

"Don't try it old man….and just for assurance purposes…" she said as she clicked the device and sent the message.

On the deck of James Ironwood there was a ring five seconds later a gloved and picked up the phone "hello…" the recorder message played

After it finished he slammed the scroll down "SCHNEE GET A TEAM READY! YOUR GOING HOME NOW!"

(Ruby)

Tyrian Callows pulls his tail back. Guts turns around, swinging his weapon and holding it at the ready by his side. As Qrow skids over next to Ruby

Tyrian gasps "Holy shit, as I live and breathe The legendary Blackswordsmen, as well as Qrow Branwen." He gave a mock bow "A set of true warrior's have entered the fray!"

Ruby gets up and sets Crescent Rose on its end. Guts glances back at her. 'So he knows is but not you?' His face said

Ruby shook his head to Guts "I don't know, this guy's weird."

Qrow faced Tyrian "Look, pal, I'm not sure who you are, but you need to leave my niece alone."

"And that doubles for my girlfriend." Guts said

Tryian gasped "girlfriend?!" Before he chortles. And announces himself

"Why, friends, my name is Tyrian. And I'm afraid that is not possible." He places his hands together before gesturing at Ruby "My assignment from Her Grace was to retrieve this young girl. So, that is what I must do." placed a hand on his chest "One does not upset the Queen."

"Queen?" Ruby asked

"Salem!" Qrow growled

"Aw fuck he's one of her loonies?" Ruby asked rolling her eyes

"Hey I'll have you know-!" Tryian started but was cut off by a shot fired at Crescent rose at him

"Shut up bucko we don't give a flying fuck what your slut of a mistress thinks and we think less of you cause clearly she wears the pants!" Ruby ranted

"Ouch!" Qrow said

"Why you?" Tryian growled as he fell lower.

Qrow smiled "Ah finally the fun's about to-."

Tryian lunges with a shout which startles Qrow but Guts was more prepared as he blocked him with the flat end of Dragonslayer by holding it out making him headbutt it. He groaned as he landed on his ass.

"Sorry buddy but you're going to have to try a lot better than that to get past me." Guts said

While that was going on Qrow ran around to look at Ruby

"Are you alright?!" He said

Ruby nodded "I'm fine but uncle why is he here?" She asked

Qrow looked back to see the fight.

Tryian jumped up to kick Guts twice in the head but Guts raised his metal arm and blocked both making Tryian land and spun around growing angry at the impenetrable wall in front of him.

Qrow looked back at Ruby

"It's because of this." Qrow pointed at her

"My what?" Ruby asked confused

Qrow pointed her his eyes which Ruby got and nodded

"We need to help Guts." Ruby said

"No, you need to get out of here, my semblance Is misfortune. Guts is able to deal with it but I fear he might be able to snatch you if you stay for too long, We will keep him occupied, you keep going we will catch up." Qrow said as he stood up tying to face Tryian

"Go!" He said nudging Ruby

Ruby nodded as did the other 4 as they made a break for the other end of the city.

Guts stood over Tryian as he watched as Ruby and the others were getting away.

He lunged at Ruby trying to catch her unaware.

However Qrow came in bird form flapping in front of his face

"Ah Ah ahh arghh!" Tryian said as he swatted at the bird, sending it high in the air where Qrow changed back into a human and fell like a stone as he went to impale Tryian with it.

Tryian jumped back just in time as Qrow landed he looked back "Go!"

Ruby and the others nodded as Tryian had to watch them go he growled.

"Sorry pal but that's not happening this time." Qrow said

Guts and Qrow stood next to each other.

"Together then?" Guts asked

"Don't see why not." Qrow said as they rushed Tryian at the same time. He opened up his wrist blades and swung at both of them as they came at him from different sides and angles

Tryian was able to block there two different attacks albeit parrying Qrow's first the. Using that leverage to Parry Guts.

As he jumped away Guts however followed through on the attack. As he tossed several throwing knifes which flew in the air and kept circling in the air.

Qrow took a step away from the fight clearly Guts had this handled.

Tryian Tried to parry away the knives but they just kept flying.

However Tyrian didn't expect Guts to fight dirty as he stepped into the knife circle and raised a knee to Tryan's chest making him bend in pain

"Ghaw!" He groaned, Guts leveled his metal fist and punched down with all his might shattering Tryians aura and nearly his jaw.

Qrow was appalled with the brutality of Guts and went to stop him "hey man I get it I really do but you don't need to be so violent." He said as he tried to put an arm on Guts shoulder but he grabbed it and glaired at him

"You say that next time your dragging in a mass murderer and he nearly kills the one you love?." Guts said with a growl.

"Wait mass murder?" Qrow asked

Tryian however used the argument as an excuse to try to attack them again, as he lunged,

Guts parried with Dragonslayer, as Qrow rolled away, tryian activated his guns on his weapons and started to fire, Qrow started to block the bullets but Guts just took it as he strode forward.

Unnerved at the fact Guts wasn't dodging his bullets he stopped focusing in Qrow and aimed both hands at Guts, meanwhile Guts was still talking.

"The guys sick and clearly enjoyed the pain he brought to others…I can tell I went down some very dark paths while looking for Griffith myself…" Guts said

"Oh…so your the man that Black beak is talking about?" Tryian said as he lunged as Guts trying to kick him in the head Guts leveled Dragonslayer making tryian Kick the blade of the sword making him cut his tendon, making him fall

"Gah!" He hissed as he looked up

"Black beak?" Qrow asked

Tryian tried one last time to cause damage to the two as he thrusted his tail at Qrow. He jumped back in time, as He looked to see Guts and he thrusted at lighting speed. From his blind side on his closed eye.

However Guts had fast enough reactions and caught the stinger, with his hand, before a mighty twist broke the stinger and ripped it off of him

"ARGH!" He roared as Guts stood over him radiating anger,

"Spill what do you Know of Griffith!" He said through clenched teeth

Tryian laughed "oh ho ho ho!" My goddess was angry at Cinders death apparently that didn't go as it was for told too. And apparently Your interference caused it to happen I only heard from the door and only so much so I wasn't caught." Tryian said as he laughed insanely through the pain and his sickness.

'BANG!'

Tryian looked down to see a massive hole in his chest as Guts held his arms straight out Gun smoking

"Argh!" Tryian sighed as his head rolled back and he died.

"What the fuck that was a lot of information?!" Qrow yelled

"If we tried to interrogate him he'd use it to get the upper hand and escape. Besides in case you've forgotten your mission was to find Ozpin and protect Ruby." Guts glared at him

"No I didn't." Qrow argued

"Really?! Then why are we still here instead of running to catch up with her?" Guts asked.

The two paused and both caught there breaths

"Sorry I'm just really on edge. And now with verifiable proof the Godhand are working with Salem… it's a fucking mess." Guts said

"Yeah tell me about it…alright let's get going what are we going to do with him anyways-?" Qrow asked as he started to walk away only to turn back to see Guts Drop Dragonslayer on the corpse flattening him like a pancake insuring nothing could be used

Qrow cringed at the brutality as Guts cleaned the sword

"Sorry I thought you turned away, I didn't expect you to turn back. I'll warn you next time." Guts said

Qrow shrugged "it's fine I should have been use to it…there have been several times I should have killed a bastard but let them live. I'm just glad your able to do something about it." Qrow said as he took a swing from his flask.

Guts strode forward "shall we?" Guts asked

Qrow nodded as the two headed out. They found the group just outside of town catching their breath.

Ruby was the first to notice them

"Guts!" Ruby said

They waved and approached but they grabbed there weapons

Both Guts and Qrow looked at each other before they slowly raised their hands.

Ruby stepped forward glaring

"Guts if you really are him tell me something only he would know." Ruby said

"The night of the dance was the first time we…" Guts said

Ruby cut him off "ok ok ok your my. Boytoy I mean boyfriend!" Ruby said blushing red as a tomato. Making the others chuckle

Ruby turned to Qrow "same for you tell me only a thing my uncle knows." Ruby said

"What? doesn't the fact Guts trust me enough?" Qrow asked

Guts shook his head "no in fact I agree with them. So spill if you can convince me, I'll convince the others."

"I shot you… twice." Qrow said lowly

Guts turned to them "it's him."

"YOU SHOT MY BOYFRIEND TWICE?!" Ruby ranted

"Well that convinced me that's Ruby." Guts said

Qrow raised his arms "hey in all fairness you weren't dating the first time and two I didn't know he didn't have his aura unlocked, and if I didn't he was going to kill me." Qrow said

"THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT BETTER!" Ruby yelled

Ren rolled his eyes "I highly doubt that was actually going to happen." He said

"Ren, this is a guy who can break Yang and Nora with one hand in the same fight. And was able to send Pyrrha around like it was nothing…" Jaune said "and he didn't use his aura that match either I could tell." Jaune said looking at Guts with a glare

Ren was silent after that point

Guts just Shrugged "if I used my aura it would have been overkill." He said

"Overkill!?" The rest of the group said, Jaune. Ruby and Qrow stayed silent.

"Let's get moving. I'm sensing a darkness in that town that's slowly attracting the Grimm and I don't like it. Let's get a bit down the road before we set camp." Guts said

They set camp and they sat around the fire and ate their dinner.

"So Qrow, Guts…who was that guy?" Ruby asked

Qrow sighed "well you see it's…complicated he-

Guts cut him off "his name was Tryian Callows." Guts said

"Was?" Ren asked

Qrow groaned

Guts looked at Qrow "look if you keep babying them there only going to resent you." Guts said

"What do you mean?" Pyrrha asked

"He's dead." Guts said as he took another sip of his soup.

To be fare the only person in the party that looked like they were going to be sick from the news was Pyrrha.

Qrow scoffed "didn't expect such a legendary warrior to have such a weak stomach." He said Guts glared at him

"Calling the kettle black." He said

Qrow rolled his eyes as he took a swig "I got better…" he said

"Plus I've revoked my title the only legendary Huntress here is Ruby."

Ruby blushed and hid under her cloak.

"So…what do we do now?" Jaune asked as he rubbed Pyrrha's back,

"We make our way to Mistral as fast as Possible, Qrow you keep hunting for Ozpin, when we get to mistral and make "contact" with Leo." Guts said with air quotes.

"You make it seem like we can't trust him?" Jaune said

"The people who made the attempt at the vytal festival were posing as students from mistral, we have to believe they had a hand in it." Guts said

Jaune clenched his fist,

"What about this Queen Tryian was spouting about?" Ren asked

"He was talking about Salem, it's still the same person, the only difference is that we have to be a more careful, we have no idea when she will know of Tyrian's death, or be able to replenish her followers and with who." Guts said

"Also we have verifiable proof that the Godhand are working with her," Qrow said

Everyone paled at the point,

"If…if that's true then…what are they planning. You said "you didn't think they would work together seeing as they have different goals." Ruby said

Guts nodded "I did and that's what confusing me, I don't understand what would cause them to actually ally themselves with Salem…" Guts said

"We can figure that out later," for right now we need to get some sleep, it's dark out, I'll take the first watch." Qrow said

"Ok do so in bird form, but be very vigilant, this is the first time I've camped out here, so I expect demons will be trying to hunt me." Guts said

"Demons?" Pyrrha asked

"They're drawn to my brand like moths to a flame, if it gets too severe. I'll camp separately away from you." Guts said

Ruby held her eyes closed for a second. Her love could barely get any sleep because of the brand,

Everyone nodded and went to bed, as Ruby went to move her Bag next to Guts he tried to persuade her not to.

"Ruby…I…I don't think it's safe to…in the city or towns maybe, but out here, I'd feel safer if your more by the campfire," Guts said

Ruby sighed she understood what Guts was saying, but at the same time she missed him, very much so.

"Fine but your making it up to me later, I've had to deal with a party full of horndogs, Jaume with Pyrrha and Nora with Ren, even if they don't say they're dating they are definitely friends with benefits. And not to mention Yang." She said

Guts nodded

"Where is Yang anyways I didn't see her, I just let bumblebee go when I got to the continent and it flew off on the rocket pod," he said

She went to follow up on a bandit attack after Shion." Ruby said

"What?" Qrow asked after hearing of the news "and you let her go?!" He asked

Ruby glaired at him, "I knew she's still looking for her mother, you knew this too, don't think I didn't pay attention to your thumb on the portrait." Ruby said

Qrow hissed "damn it Ruby stop being so observant!" He hissed

"Then stop hiding things from us. Unlike what everyone thinks she's not going to go to bring Her mother back home, as she said herself, "she's crossed a line she's went to serve justices." Ruby said

"That's even worse Raven far outclasses her!" Qrow hissed,

"Enough! We will deal with this in the morning, Grimm are more deadly at night we all know this, keep us a safe watch, Qrow, I'll have the watch after you." Guts said as they turned in.

(Eoc)

Here we go more of Arc 2 and the Haven Arc I'm going to try to keep the Arc's self contained this time I know there was some overlap before I'll make sure that doesn't happen this time with that said Keep reading. Bankerrtx01