Cinder dashed forward, molten blades materializing in her hands. Ozpin charged, swinging his cane and catching her blow. She smirked at him, wrenching her blades free before she swung at him. Ozpin parried, their speed inhumane as they slashed and jabbed at each other.

Ozpin ducked under one of her swords, slamming the end of his cane into her stomach. Cinder grunted as she was launched back. Cinder slid against the ground, jabbing her hand into the marble floor, fires springing from her hand, melting the stones around her. She rose up, chunks of molten marble rising with her. She launched them at him with a yell, burning a bright orange in the darkness.

Ozpin held his ground, swinging his cane, shattering the stones as they were launched at him, the fires washing over him. He glared at her as flames consumed her hands. She jabbed her hands forward, a vortex of fire springing from her hands and launching at him. He grit his teeth, and slammed his cane into the ground, a green bubble encasing him. The world around him turned orange as the flames washed over his barrier.

He gasped as the flames dissipated, Cinder smashing through his barrier, her orange eyes glowing as she swung her blades. He screamed as the first blade ripped through his aura, slicing into his chest. Cinder's smile grew as she swung her second sword at his neck.

Winter's body was stiff as she directed people towards the evac shuttles. Many of the people were injured, their wounds shoddily treated with makeshift first aid supplies. She saw Qrow motioning to the shuttles with his scythe.

"This is last call, folks! This is a mandatory evacuation!" Winter saw the distrust in people's eyes as they looked at her, at her Atlesian uniform.

"A safe zone has been established in Vale! Atlas personal will help you once you arrive! Please, listen to their instructions, and remain calm!" Winter almost flinched as a passing Faunus spat at her, his spittle splattering against her uniform. "The Atlas military will do all in its power to help you!" She said as the Faunus shuffled past her and into the ship. She ignored the dirty looks, she couldn't afford to let it get to her right now. She scanned the crowd of people. Where was Weiss?

Her head perked up, was that an airship? She broke her bearing and looked behind her, her breath hitching in her throat at the sight of her family crest on that familiar ship as it soared toward the safe zone.

i can't die here

Yang opened her eyes with a groan, her body freezing and clammy. She coughed and got to her knees, her breathing ragged. Her head was spinning as she grabbed the rifle and used it to help her get to her feet. She stumbled to the burning stall Violet's corpse was next to, falling over several times, blood from her stump dripping onto her as she forced herself back to her feet each time.

She stuck the butt of Violet's rifle into the fire, watching the end of it start to turn red. She was swaying as she pulled the rifle out, black spots appearing in her vision again.

This is gonna fucking suck. This is gonna fucking suck. This is so gonna fucking suck. She grit her teeth and jabbed the red hot metal against her stump. Her eyes shot open and she screamed in agony, the rifle butt searing her flesh, her blood sizzling against the hot metal.

She flung the gun away with a scream, clutching her stump, her flesh charred and blackened. She held onto her stump, her vision blurring as she stumbled away from the burning stall. Have to get out, have to get out, must be a way out.

She stumbled and fell, groaning, her vision dark. She struggled to raise her head, gasping for air. I can't. Her body went limp, her head hitting the grass. She closed her eyes, the fires crackling around her.

i'm sorry

She heard flapping and a bird caw. She would have cried if she could. Eaten by a bird? She never thought it would end like that. She felt something press against the top of her head, moving her head around, digging her face into the grass.

"You just gonna lay down and die?" Yang's eyes snapped open. She could hear the smirk on Raven's face as she spoke. "I guess I was wrong about you, Yang. You're as weak as your father." Yang forced her head up, gnashing her teeth together, a fire coursing through her viens. Raven's face was obscured by her mask, but there was no mistaking that sadistic glint in those red eyes.

Raven stepped off of her as Yang forced herself to stand, red replacing the black spots in her vision. She swayed as she stood, snarling at Raven.

"Fuck you," she said. Raven laughed, taking a step back.

"I thought you were going to kill me, Yang? Isn't that what you want?" Yang stumbled forward, swinging at Raven weakly.

"I am gonna kill you, you bitch." Raven began to walk backwards, holding her arms out, as if asking for Yang to punch her.

"Then do it." Fire coursed through her as she followed after Raven, swinging at her, stumbling as she went, her breathing ragged.

Weiss paced across the courtyard, rubbing her wrists. Where were Coco and Blake? Nora and Ren lay groaning on the ground as Neptune tended to their wounds. She saw Velvet cross her arms and look over the burning cafeteria. Velvet looked over at her.

"I'm going after them." Velvet said. Weiss nodded.

"Be safe," Weiss said. Velvet nodded, and motioned for Yatsuhashi to follow. They ran off, their weapons drawn. Weiss sighed, and rubbed her wrist.

Her head snapped over as she heard Sun yell, and gasped, her eyes going wide. Yang was stumbling towards them, swinging weakly, sweat coating her skin as she mumbled something over and over. Her right arm was missing, a small stub with the end blackened and charred was all that remained.

Weiss ran forward, catching Yang as she fell.

"I'm gonna kill you… I'm gonna kill you…" Yang was saying, her voice hoarse. Weiss lowered them both to the ground, her heart thumping in her chest. She laid Yang down, putting her hand to Yang's head, and yanking it back. Yang's body felt like it was burning, sweat running down her body. She looked over at Yang's stump to see red cracks in her flesh, something gross oozing from the cracks. Yang stopped swinging, looking at her, confusion on her face. "Where…? Where did mom go?" Weiss swallowed, her mind racing. She undid her sash and yanked it free of her pouch.

"It's going to be okay, Yang. I'm here." She said. She wrapped it around Yang's stump, causing Yang to hiss in pain as she tied it tight. The white cloth started to turn a sickening yellow brown. Yang blinked as she looked at Weiss, seeming less confused.

"Weiss?" Weiss nodded her head, grasping Yang's hand and giving it a squeeze.

"I'm here, Yang. It's going to be okay." Yang pulled her hand free, and rested it against Weiss' face, her glove ripped and her hand rough to the touch.

"I…" Yang's hand slipped from Weiss' face, her head rolling to the side as her eyes closed. Weiss grabbed Yang's hand, shaking it, panicking.

"Yang?! Yang, wake up!" Yang didn't stir, her breathing steady.

Weiss heard footsteps behind her and looked back. Ruby stood behind her, her silver eyes wide and her mouth agape as she stared at her sister. Ruby shook her head, falling to her knees. She hiccupped, tears welling.

"Yang…"

Weiss looked up as a voice blared from a speaker.

"This is a mandatory evacuation! We have transportation on the docks! All Beacon students and staff are required to leave!" Weiss bit her lip as she grasped Yang's hand, tears running down Ruby's face.

Sun walked over to them, his face sullen as he rubbed his arm.

"Guys, if we leave, we can get Yang some help. She isn't looking too good." Weiss looked over at Nora as she grunted in pain, struggling to her feet, her grenade launcher in hand. Nora gasped, and grasped her chest.

"Jaune, Pyrrha, Coco, Fox, and Blake are still missing, we aren't leaving without them." Neptune forced Nora back down, shaking his head.

"Velvet and Yatsuhashi are getting their team mates and Blake." Ren tried to stand, crying out in pain as he fell back to the ground.

"We can't… leave Jaune and Pyrrha behind," he said. Sun scowled, pointing over at Beacon.

"The Grimm are swarming through the school, that huge ass monster is going after the tower! We have to get out of here while we still can! For fucks sake, even the White Fang are pulling out!" Weiss' eyes darted over to the burning cafeteria, her heart aching. Blake was safe, right? She heard Ruby get to her feet, and looked over at her.

Ruby wiped at her face with her sleeve, sniffling. Ruby lowered her arm, her voice thick with emotion as she spoke.

"I'll find them. I'll find Jaune and Pyrrha and bring them back." Weiss sprang to her feet, flailing her arms as she stood in front of Ruby.

"Are you out of your mind, Ruby? That's suicide! If you go back there, you-" The words died on her tongue as Ruby embraced her, burying her face in her shoulder. Weiss wrapped her arms around Ruby as she felt Ruby start to tremble. Ruby laughed, and shook her head, her voice muffled by Weiss' shoulder.

"I'm sorry I wasn't a better leader, Weiss." Weiss blinked in confusion as Ruby spoke. "Blake and Yang… they're really going to need you after this. A dependable leader, like you." Weiss pulled Ruby away from her shoulder, grasping Ruby's shoulders. Ruby smiled sadly at her.

"Ruby, what are you saying?"

"Take care of Yang for me," Ruby said. Weiss' eyes widened as Ruby broke free of her grasp and sprinted off, leaving a trail of rose petals behind her as she used her semblance. Weiss held her hand in the air as Ruby became a red speck, feeling tears slide down her cheeks.

"Please, come back."

Velvet vaulted through the flaming window of the cafeteria, coughing as she hit the ground. Smoke filled most of the room, the flames crackling all around her. She moved forward slowly, a hand over her mouth. She heard Yatsu leap in after her.

"Coco! Fox!" She coughed, glancing around as she sidestepped burning tables, the heat excruciating. "Blake!" She stopped, staring at the floor. Blake's sword was on the ground, was that blood on the blade?

Velvet looked from Blake's sword to the-

No.

Velvet dashed forward, falling to her knees. No, no, no! NO!

Coco's glasses were shattered, her brown eyes glazed over, dried blood on her lips and chin. There was a hole in her chest, her sweater soaked in her blood. She lifted Coco up, cradling her as she started to cry. She looked behind her as she heard Yatsu whimper. He was cradling Fox in his arms; a large slash through Fox's chest, his arm missing. Velvet looked away, rocking back and forth as she cradled Coco. She could see a headless body off to the side, its features obscured by the smoke.

"I'm getting them out," Yatsu said. Velvet nodded, hearing him stand up and grunt as he lifted Fox over his shoulder. Velvet stood up, straining to lift Coco's body, her heart aching as Coco's head rolled limply with the movement.

Jaune ran down the steps, Pyrrha running in front of him. Pyrrha slowed to a stop, and turned, looking back at the CCT. Jaune came to a stop, noticing Pyrrha balling her hands into fists as she looked at the tower. He pulled his scroll out, hastily scrolling through his contacts.

"I think I have Glynda's number, we can call her, and she can come here, and-" He stopped as he felt a rumble. He looked back, a fiery glow shooting up the tower. He felt his arm fall as he watched the glow reach the top of the tower. "Ozpin…" Pyrrha frowned, and turned to him, grabbing his shoulders.

"Get to Vale, and bring help." Jaune stared at her in confusion.

"And what are you going to do?" Pyrrha said nothing, her eyes darting over to the tower. His eyes widened and he shook his head, shoving her hands off his shoulders. "Pyrrha, no! That women is too powerful! If Ozpin couldn't beat her, what makes you think you can?"

"Jaune? Do you believe in destiny?" Pyrrha asked. He frowned. "I told you that I always thought I was destined to protect Remnant." She smiled at him, fear in her eyes. "What kind of a person would I be if I didn't face my destiny?"

Jaune grabbed her shoulders, standing on his toes as he placed his lips against hers. Pyrrha wrapped her arms around him, closing her eyes, her tongue sliding into his mouth. He broke the kiss after a moment, his lips tingling. Pyrrha opened her eyes, resting her forehead on his. He wrapped his arms around her, trying to keep his voice even as he spoke.

"I won't let you die, Pyrrha. If… if you really think it's your destiny to stop her, then I'm going with you. And you can't stop me." Pyrrha cupped her hands around his face, almost smiling.

"Okay."

Pyrrha let go of him, turning and staring at the tower. Her shield slid into place, and she looked over at him, her expression hard.

"Don't be reckless, and follow my lead." Jaune nodded. They ran up the steps of the CCT, running through the wrecked entrance. Pyrrha stopped in front of the elevator, a black glow enveloping the doors. She swung her arms to the side with a grunt, the doors ripping off. There was a hole in the roof and ceiling of the elevator, the ends of the metal singed, the smell of burnt metal wafting out. Pyrrha stepped into the elevator, and Jaune followed, grabbing a hold of the railing on the wall. Pyrrha held out her arms, the elevator glowing black. She grit her teeth, a strained expression on her face. She swung her arms down, and Jaune stumbled, his stomach doing flips as the elevator was launched upward.

Qrow watched the crowd of people, looking for any sign of Ruby or Yang or their friends. He saw a familiar blonde and ivory in the crowd, and sighed in relief. His relief dissipated as they drew near, his jaw dropping as Weiss struggled to walk, Yang leaning against her, practically being dragged along by Weiss. Yang's right arm was gone; shoddy bandaging over her stump.

Qrow ran from his post and to them, sheathing his scythe, and taking Yang's arm from Weiss. Weiss walked alongside him as he went to the shuttle.

"What happened?" he asked. Weiss shook her head, out of breath.

"I don't know. She passed out after wandering into the courtyard like that." She said. He grunted, shoving past a man as he entered the shuttle. He set Yang into an empty seat, and Weiss took the seat next to Yang. Yang leaned onto Weiss, and Weiss grabbed her hand, holding it, closing her eyes, looking exhausted. Qrow looked out of the shuttle, and frowned.

"Where's Ruby?" Weiss didn't answer right away and he looked at her, his frown deepening. He saw Weiss' mouth open and close several times before she spoke.

"She went back into Beacon to try and save Jaune and Pyrrha."

Qrow bolted, shoving people out of the way as he ran. He wasn't going to lose her too.

The elevator dinged as Pyrrha ripped the doors open, hurling her spear, and charging out with her shield raised. Jaune ran beside her, his sword and shield raised.

The Red Woman stood in the center of Ozpin's office, her arms crossed, smiling smugly. Pyrrha's spear was embedded in in the glass behind the Woman. Pyrrha grasped it with her semblance, pulling it to her side. She raised her shield, her spear aimed at the Woman.

The Woman swung her arm, fire spewing forth. Pyrrha rolled out of the way, the heat from the flames washing over her. She sprung to her feet, and spun to the side as Pyrrha as a vortex of fire shot past her. She grit her teeth, watching Jaune dodging fire out of the corner of her eye. The Woman cocked an eyebrow at Jaune and raised her hands up, flames materializing. Jaune grimaced, raising his shield, and shouted

"Arkos!" Pyrrha dashed in front of him as he took a knee, throwing his shield in front of him at an angle. Pyrrha leapt onto his shield, curling herself behind her own as the fire vortex shot at them. She sprung from Jaune's shield, Akoúo̱ uncomfortably hot as the flames washed over her.

She slammed into the Woman, hearing her grunt. She landed on her feet, jabbing forward with her spear. She gasped in shock as the Woman grabbed a hold of the spear tip. The Woman smirked and yanked on her spear before punching Pyrrha in the face. Pyrrha yelled as she was thrown back, slamming against the wall, her head swimming, and her weapons being flung from her grasp. She slid down, and shook her head, gnashing her teeth. Jaune charged at the Woman, slashing at her with his sword. The Woman looked amused as she danced around his blade.

The Woman kicked Jaune away, and turned to Pyrrha, launching herself at her, his fist aflame and her eyes glowing orange. Pyrrha growled and dodged the Woman's punch, locking her arms around her body and tossing her over her shoulder. The Woman landed nimbly, and swung her leg in a roundhouse kick, fire spewing forth.

Pyrrha ducked under the flames, pulling her spear and shield to her side and charging at the Woman, noting Jaune as he scrambled to his feet. The Woman merely smirked as Pyrrha hacked and jabbed at her with her spear, Jaune slashing at her with his sword. The Woman danced around their weapons, her speed inhuman as she maneuvered around their attacks. The Woman grunted in annoyance as Jaune's sword slashed against her arm. She kicked him in the gut, launching him away.

Pyrrha pounced, tackling the Woman to the ground, wrestling against her as she managed to wrap her spear staff under her throat. She jerked the Woman to her feet, snarling, jerking up on her spear, hearing the Woman gag as she was choked. The Woman grabbed at her spear, grasping the staff.

"Jaune!" She shouted. Jaune got to his feet and ran at them with a yell, his sword raised. Pyrrha's head jerked to the side as she heard a rumble, her eyes shooting wide as the Beast peered into the room, its orange eyes glowing bright.

Pyrrha gasped as her spear staff shattered, shards of metal flying into the air. She grunted as the Woman slammed her elbow into her gut, launching her back and slamming against the wall. The glass in the office shattered, spraying into the room. The Beast roared, and the roof was ripped off, the Beast soaring off as it dropped the roof. She heard Jaune scream as he was kicked into a pile of rubble by the Woman. He collapsed onto the ground, unmoving.

Pyrrha staggered to her feet, her shield cracked. The Woman smirked, flames consuming her hands as she strode toward her. Pyrrha's eyes darted over to Ozpin's metal desk. She grabbed it with her semblance and hurled it at the Woman with a yell. The Woman was thrown off her feet, and growled as she melted the desk, snarling at Pyrrha.

The Woman punched forward, flames launching from her hands. Pyrrha rolled to the side, throwing up her shield as a wall of fire shot over her. She got to her feet, gritting her teeth as the Woman threw her hands up, a wall of flames encircling her. She leapt threw the flames, tossing her shield at her. The Woman knocked it to the side, snarling at her. Pyrrha ducked out of the way as fire was shot at her, grabbing the multitude of giant gears with her semblance. She spun on her heel, dodging a blast of fire, and faced the Woman. The Woman frowned before her eyes widened in shock as she noticed the giant gears hovering above her.

Pyrrha pulled her arms down, the gears slamming into the Woman, grinding against each other, the metal groaning as they crumpled against each other. Flames shot from the open spaces in the gears, and she heard a yell as the gears were thrown back with an explosion. Pyrrha's eyes shot open as a gear shot at her. She threw up her arms, grunting as it slammed into her, her aura breaking as she was thrown backwards.

She screamed in pain when she hit the wall, pieces of metal impaling themselves in her shoulder, stomach, and heel. Blood soaked the metal, and dripped down her body. Her breathing was strained as she tried to grab the metal with her semblance. A black glow enveloped them for a moment before flickering and dissipating. Her eye's widened in horror as she heard clapping. She looked over to see the Woman striding over to her, smirking while she clapped.

"It is truly unfortunate you were promised such a power, Pyrrha." She stopped clapping, and Pyrrha cried out in pain when she tried to struggle against the metal, feeling it cut into her body. "You were never meant to wield such power," she said. The Woman stopped in front of her, and reached out, her touch gentle as she rested her hand on her chin. Pyrrha swallowed as the Woman raised her chin, looking into her eyes. The Woman raised her other hand, black glass encasing it, her finger appearing like a Grimm claw. The Woman smiled. "I want you to take comfort in the fact that I will use this power to do things that are far beyond your imagination."

Ruby ran through the courtyard, Crescent Rose in hand. Nevermore's and Griffons soared through the skies above her, their screeches and roars filling the air. The Grimm dragon roared, the ground shaking, Ruby's ear's left ringing as the Beast flew overhead. It landed on the Tower, roaring again as its claws dug into the concrete, dust and stones flying into the air as the Beast started to climb up the tower. Oily black goo fell from the dragon, Ursa's and Beowolves crawling from the goo, roaring and growling.

Ruby grit her teeth, ducking to the ground as a Nevermore swooped down, trying to snatch her into the air with its razor sharp talons. Ruby sprang to her feet, sprinting forward, leaping out of the way as a pair of wolves lunged at her. She landed with a tumble, spinning around and swinging her scythe, slicing the heads off the two wolves as they leapt at her.

She looked up at the tower with a grimace; someone had attacked it before, and that giant Grimm was heading for the top. Jaune and Pyrrha must be up there.

She started to run, gasping as an Ursa charged at her. She dashed toward the Ursa, sliding between its legs, her scythe ripping its leg off, and sprung to her feet on the other side. Sweat coated her brow, her hair damp and sticking to her face as she ran. She couldn't stop. There were too many Grimm, she had to keep going. She had to reach the top and save them.

Crescent Rose took its rifle form and she fired at the wolves on the steps of the tower, their heads exploding, their blood and brains painting the steps as she ran past. She ran through the torn apart entrance, and to the staircase. She sprinted up the steps, her breaths coming out in ragged gasps. Have to keep going. Have to save them.

Ruby tripped, crying out as she fell, her chin slamming against the stairs. She groaned in pain, forcing herself to stand, her head spinning. She gagged, and bent over, vomiting onto the stairs. Her body shook, her head pounding, white spots popping up in her vision. She shook her head, Crescent Rose taking its scythe form. She embedded it in the ground, using it to help herself stand, gasping for air, and the taste of bile in her mouth. She started to run up the steps, her legs like gelatin as she ran, her muscles burning.

Have to keep going. Have to save them.

Jaune groaned, lifting his head up, his vision blurred. Pyrrha was impaled on several twisted pieces of metal, the Woman in front of her, a finger raised, black glass encasing it. The Woman grabbed a hold of Pyrrha's face, and stabbed her finger into Pyrrha's face. Pyrrha screamed, the Woman trailing her finger down, blood gushing down Pyrrha's face as it was slashed open.

Jaune grabbed his sword, charging at the Woman with a yell. The Woman let Pyrrha go, spinning around and catching his blade as he swung at her. She smirked, yanking his sword out of his grip.

"Jaune! Run!" Pyrrha screamed. Jaune raised his fists, struggling to keep his hands from shaking. The Woman chuckled, and beckoned to him. He charged at the Woman, yelling, hearing Pyrrha screaming at him. He swung at her; she smiled as she caught his fist. She jerked his arm, his aura breaking, his arm snapping, his radius jutting out of his skin. Jaune screamed, blood running down his arm. The Woman grabbed a hold of his forearm, and he was flung off his feet and into the remaining wall. Stars erupted in his vision as his head slammed against the wall.

The Woman materialized in front of him, grabbing him by his jacket and hurling him into one of the gears. He screamed as he heard a sickening crunch as his leg smashed against the metal. He felt blood running down his jeans, crying out as he tried to stand, his leg twisted and broken. The Woman sauntered over, enjoying his pain.

He leaned against the leaned against the cog, unable to stand, his broken arm going numb. The Woman stopped in front of him, and he swung a fist at her weakly. She stepped out of the way of his punch, and slammed her fist onto his head, hurling him to the ground. Blood spurted from his nose as he hit the floor, his nose breaking.

He groaned as he felt the Woman grab his hood and lift him up; Pyrrha was screaming, tears and blood running down her face. He couldn't hear her. The Woman took up his vision, a devilish smile on her face. She grabbed his neck, her fingers tightening around his throat. He gasped for air as she lifted him into the air, holding him above her head. The Woman looked back at Pyrrha, saying something. He saw Pyrrha's eyes widened as she stared up at him. His eyes locked with hers. He tried to say something, unable to move his mouth, his cheek bone broken.

His throat began to burn, an orange glow coming from the Woman's hand.

Ruby burst through the door, gasping for air. Her breath hitched in her throat, her headache becoming unbearable, eyes shooting wide at what she saw.

Pyrrha sobbing.

Cinder smirking.

Jaune burning.

Ruby screamed.

She opened her eyes, blinking in confusion at the white ceiling looking back at her. Her head was throbbing, and she could hear a beeping from somewhere. She turned her head, her vision starting to clear up.

Her Uncle Qrow was sitting in a chair, his head resting on chest as he slept. She looked from him to the small white desk next to her bed. There was a bouquet of black roses, and she recognized her father's handwriting on the card next to it.

She sat up, groaning slightly, her body sore and aching. Qrow's eyes fluttered open and he lifted his head. He smiled at her, getting out of his chair.

"Hey there, kiddo. How ya feelin?" He asked.

"I kinda hurt all over," She said. She sat up a bit more. "What happened?"

"I brought you down from the tower, and brought you and the others here. You've been in a coma for almost a week." Ruby rested a hand against her head, struggling to remember what had happened. Weiss hunched over Yang, her ribbon tied around Yang's-

Ruby's eyes widened and she looked over at her Uncle.

"Yang! Is… is she okay?" Qrow sighed, looking down at the floor.

"Hard to say. She's a fighter, and I know nothing can hold her down but… what happened to her would break most people. It's going to take some time for her to recover from that."

"What about the school? And the city? Did they clear the Grimm out?" Qrow nodded.

"Vale's doing as well as you'd expect. We Hunters have been busy clearing out the last of the Grimm and driving them back past the Wall. Beacon though? That place is fucked pretty hard." He seemed to reach for his flask before stopping, his hand falling back to his side. "You did a number on that Beast but you didn't kill it. It's frozen at the top of Beacon's tower, and all the nearby Grimm are drawn to it. Getting Beacon to its former glory is gonna be next to impossible until that thing is dead." Ruby cocked her head to the side, confused.

"I did what now?" Ruby asked. Qrow cocked an eyebrow.

"Hm?"

"You said I did a number on it. What did you mean? Did I fight that thing?" Qrow took his seat, leaning forward, his hands held together.

"What's the last thing that you remember?" Ruby looked down at her sheets as she thought.

"I ran up the tower, and I threw open the door and-" Flames, screams, and tears. She clutched the sheets, her knuckles turning white. No. No, he couldn't be. She looked over at her Uncle. His face was solemn. "Jaune. Please tell me he's okay." Qrow shook his head, his voice low.

"He's gone." Ruby's eyes watered, letting go of the sheets to wipe at her eyes as the tears ran down her cheeks.

"I got to the top and there was that woman and Pyrrha and Jaune and then everything went white."

"Anything else?" She nodded, sniffling.

"My head was really hurting, like a really bad migraine."

"Do you remember what Ozpin said to you the first time you met him?" Ruby gave her uncle an odd look as she tried to think back to so many months ago. She shook her head.

"I don't really remember. I think it was something about my-"

"Silver Eyes." Qrow leaned back in his chair, propping a leg up. "That's an extremely rare trait, did you know that?" Ruby shook her head.

"So? What's this have to do with anything?"

"It's because you're special, Ruby. Not in the 'daddy loves his special angel' sort of way either. You're special in the same way your mom was." Qrow leaned forward, his red eyes bearing into her. "You're the last Silver Eyed Warrior." Ruby blinked, fidgeting under her uncle's gaze.

"I'm a what?"

"Remnant's full of stories, Ruby. Most of 'em are made up. But some of them… some of them are true. And one of the oldest is the story of the Silver Eyed Warriors. Back before Kingdoms, before Hunters, when Remnant was still new, there were the Silver Eyed Warriors. Noble warriors who led humanity in their wars against the Grimm. They were the best of the best, and it was said that a single look from them could strike a dozen Grimm down. As time passed and Remnant turned into what it is today, the Silver Eyes became more and more rare, until disappearing from history completely. Outside of one ancient family; the Rose's."

"And… and you think I'm…? That mom was a Warrior like that?" Qrow chuckled.

"There's a giant dragon frozen on Beacon tower after going against you, and here you are, safe in your hospital bed. I think that speaks for itself." Qrow got up from his chair, and went to the window, slipping his hands into his pockets as he looked out it. Ruby looked over at him, noticing it was early morning. Ruby frowned.

"Wait. How did you know what Professor Ozpin said to me?"

"You know all those missions I go on, Ruby? How I'm always away in some far off place? I'm out working for Oz. There have been forces working in the shadows for quite some time, and this was only the beginning of what they have planned. With Oz dead, I'm going to have to take over in his place."

"What can I do then?" Ruby asked. Qrow looked over at her, cocking an eyebrow. "I mean, if I'm this special warrior like you say I am, then I can help stop whoever did this, right?" Qrow shook his head.

"You're in no shape to do anything right now. If you really want to help, you can get some rest, and leave this mess to the adults. I'm not working alone, Ruby, so don't worry about helping out." Her uncle sighed, and went to the door. He looked back at her with a smile. "I'm glad you and Yang are safe. Just try and get some rest, okay kiddo?" He opened the door and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

Ruby leaned back, her head resting against her pillow as she stared up at the ceiling. She sighed before getting out of bed.

Yang stared out the window, her breakfast uneaten as it sat next to the sunflowers Dad had brought for her. She rubbed the end of her stump, feeling like her right arm was still there. She heard the door to her room creak open.

"Yang?" Yang turned away, trying to keep Ruby from seeing her like this. She heard Ruby turn to leave, and sighed, closing her eyes.

"Ruby." She opened her eyes and looked over at her sister. Ruby's eyes went to her stump before Ruby ran forward, throwing her arms around her, burying her face in her hair.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Yang." Yang snorted.

"I'm not okay, Ruby." Ruby pulled back, her eyes darting to her stump again. "Everything is gone. The school. Penny. Jaune." She motioned to herself, looking away from Ruby as she felt the tears welling. "Everything's so messed up right now." Ruby took a step back, playing with her hands.

"Yang? Where are Weiss and Blake?"

Weiss kept her eyes closed, hearing people hurry onto the shuttle. Her body felt like lead, Yang's hand rough and slick with sweat. She heard the shuttle door close and her stomach did flips as the shuttle took off. She tightened her grip on Yang's hand when she heard her moan her name.

The ship jolted as it came to a stop, and the door swung open. Atlas troops stood waiting for them, motioning for them to get out.

"Those needing medical assistance follow me." One of the soldiers said. Weiss got up, pulling Yang to her feet, leaning Yang against her and walking down the ramp. Several other injured people were with her as she followed after the soldier.

The safe zone was bustling with activity; Hunters and soldiers barking out orders, a multitude of tents having been set up. A makeshift airdock had been set up as evac shuttles continuously landed and took off.

Yang continued to moan her name, her feet dragging against the ground as Weiss pulled her along. They reached a group of large white tents marked with a red plus. The soldier directed them to a tent, and Weiss hurried in, laying Yang down on one of the medical beds.

Weiss crouched next to Yang, grasping her hand, running her thumb over Yang's torn up glove. Yang's eyes opened, and she stared at Weiss, glancing down at their held hands.

"Weiss? Where am I? What's happening?" Weiss placed her other hand onto Yang's, trying to smile at Yang, to keep her calm.

"You… you took a really bad hit. We're in Vale now, and you're going to get help. Everything's going to be okay." She smiled. Yang groaned in pain, and coughed, her body trembling.

"You're… you're not gonna leave me, right?" Weiss shook her head, holding Yang's hand tight.

"I won't leave you." Weiss heard someone enter the tent and she looked back at the entrance, glad the doctor had arriv-

Her eyes widened in horror, her blood turning to ice, her mouth falling open. No, no, he couldn't be here, that was impossible.

Her father stood in the entrance of the tent. His piercing blue eyes lingered on Yang before darting to her. He straightened his tie before speaking, his voice sharp and cutting through her.

"Time to come home, Weiss." Weiss shook her head, her body trembling. She felt Yang tighten her grip around her hand. Her father narrowed his eyes at her, and strode over, snatching her wrist with his skeletal hand. "That wasn't a request." He jerked her to her feet, and she cried out in pain. He pulled her forward, Yang's grip on her other hand a vice.

"Weiss!" Yang cried. Weiss struggled against her father's grip, looking at Yang, pleading with her eyes. Her father grunted and yanked her arm again, yanking her free of Yang's grasp. Weiss reached out, her finger's so close to Yang's as Yang reached out.

"Yang!" She cried. Yang fell from the bed, groaning in pain. Her father yanked on her arm, and she was out of the tent.

Weiss struggled against his grip, trying to break free as he tugged her along.

"Let me go!" she said.

"You'll thank me for this, Weiss. Vale is too dangerous for you." Weiss grit her teeth, trying to tug her hand free. Her head snapped back as an explosion cut through the air. Her eyes widened in horror as the top of the tower at Beacon crumbled, the dragon roar's loud even from where she stood. Her stomach dropped. Ruby…

She felt herself being dragged along, her body going numb. Ruby was okay, right? She didn't go to the tower, did she? Dread shot through her as she saw her father's airship. The dread turned to confusion at who she saw standing in front of the ship.

Winter stood in front of the airship, her uniform torn and ripped, her hair bun undone, Grimm blood staining her clothes and body. Her father stopped, keeping a tight hold of her wrist. Winter glowered at their father.

"Winter, step aside." Winter said nothing, drawing her sword, a white glyph materializing beneath her. Her father snarled.

"Release my sister, now." Winter growled.

"You dare raise your blade to me!" Her father shouted. Winter smirked, aiming the tip of the blade at him.

"I dare much more, father." A snow white wolf materialized behind Winter, growling at their father. Her father grimaced.

"Captain Schnee!" Winter's confidence dissipated, and she saw her father smile. Weiss looked back to see General Ironwood running up to them, scowling. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Your Captain is keeping me from taking my daughter back home with me," her father said. Winter snarled at him, her wolf's growl deepening.

"Weiss does not want to go back with you, you bastard!" Winter yelled. Ironwood looked at her, and Weiss pleaded for help with her eyes.

"Do you want to leave with him, Weiss?" She hesitated before shaking her head. She yelped in pain as her father yanked on her arm.

"I will not let the Heir to my company stay in this warzone." Her father turned to Ironwood, looking smug. "And I need not remind you, James, who is keeping your military funded." Ironwood looked away from her father and then to her before closing his eyes, sighing.

"Captain Schnee. Stand down." Weiss' lip trembled, her body ice cold. She looked at her sister, mouthing 'please' to her. Winter's face was twisted with emotion; rage, hatred, indecision. Winter swallowed, and sheathed her sword, her wolf disintegrating in a flurry of snowflakes. Winter stepped aside, her head hung low.

Her father pulled her along, the hatch to the ship opening. Her father looked over at Winter as they walked past her.

"Consider yourself official disowned from this family. Goodbye, Captain." Winter said nothing, balling her hand into a fist as they entered the ship.

Her father shoved her into a seat next to the window as he took his seat, the pilot starting the engine. Weiss looked at the window, her body shaking. Her reflection smirked at her, a mischievous glint in its eyes.

"I've missed you, Weiss. I can't wait to talk to you again."

Yang stared up at the tent ceiling; her whole body felt like it was on fire, sweat drenching her body, her right arm feeling like it was burning. She reached over to it, her hand hitting open air. Her lip trembled and she put her hand over her face, choking back a sob. The doctor had gotten her back into the bed, she couldn't even get to her feet and stop that bastard from taking her.

Why did this happen? She was a good person, wasn't she? All she wanted to do was help people.

She lowered her hand when she heard someone stop next to her bed.

General Ironwood stood next to her, his uniform torn apart. Her eyes widened as she looked at the right side of his body; he… he had robotic prosthetics?

"How are you feeling?" He asked. Yang rubbed the end of her stump.

"Where's Weiss?" she asked. Ironwood sighed.

"She's returning to Atlas with her family. Vale's not safe at the moment."

"She'd be safer here then back with them." Ironwood said nothing.

Ironwood moved his right arm, a whirring noise audible as the mechanical arm moved.

"How did it happen?" He asked. Yang's gaze fell, the end of her stump itching.

"An Ursa." She finally managed. Ironwood nodded. He hesitated before motioning if he could feel it. Yang hesitantly nodded. He grasped it, his mechanical fingers cold against her Weiss' ribbon.

"Prosthetics like mine are rather expensive, Yang, and hard to make." He placed his other hand on her stump, deep in thought as he glanced at her remaining arm. "I will try and see what I can do for you. I know what it's like to be in your situation." He pulled his hands back, seeming satisfied. "You fought well. Now get some rest; the doctors need to treat that infection." Ironwood left.

Yang rolled onto her side, the fire turning to a numbing cold. Her eyelids felt heavy, her vision blurred with tears. She had fought well. She snorted, unable to shake her head. She had fought so well, she had let all of her friends die. She had let Weiss get taken back to her own hell. She had fought so well she had no idea where her sister or partner were. She felt the tears slide down her face, unable to sob, her body growing colder as her right arm burned.

you were right mom, i am weak

Blake slumped against the alley wall, clutching her stomach. She pulled her hand from her stomach, grimacing at the blood staining her hand. Fuck, the stitches must have broken again. She sat down, taking her shirt off with a pained gasp. Blood ran from the stab wound, several of her stitches undone. She rummaged through the first aid kit she had stolen, rolling her eyes when she found an aura booster. Of course she'd find it now. She set it aside and grabbed her shirt, biting down on it as she ripped the remaining stitches free.

She jabbed the needle into her stomach, grimacing in pain as she pushed the medicine in. She yanked it free and tossed it aside, gnashing her teeth together as she saw a purple glow around her body, and felt the flesh painfully knit itself together, a pink scar being left on her belly. She slid her shirt back on, leaning against the wall, her stomach aching. Her ears twitched as she heard another evacuation shuttle fly overhead.

Adam would know to look for her in the safe zone; one of his agents was no doubt there looking for her. She rested her hand against the stolen pistol on her thigh, the feel of it comforting. He wasn't going to find her. She wouldn't go back to that hell.

With a sigh she stood up, clutching her stomach as she started to walk. She just had to stay ahead of him.

Ruby watched her sister as Yang stared down at her sheets. Yang's voice was monotone, almost emotionless as she spoke.

"Weiss' father… he took her. I couldn't stop him, Ruby. She's going back to Atlas." Ruby's heart dropped, the image of Weiss' scar covered arms flashing through her mind. She swallowed.

"Why? Why would he come now?" She asked.

"Before the Tower fell, all that people could see was Atlas' robots attacking people and Grimm destroying everything. No one outside of Vale knows the truth. Everyone's scared and we don't know who to trust. Weiss' father took her back to that hell he calls a home because he thinks she'll be safer in Atlas." She snorted. Ruby rubbed her arm, her heart sinking further.

"And Blake?" Yang was quiet for a moment.

"She's dead." Ruby stared at her sister in disbelief.

"Blake… Blake can't be…" She frowned. "How are you sure, she could be-"

"She wasn't at the safe zone, and no one found her at Beacon. She's gone." Ruby shook her head. Blake couldn't be dead, she wouldn't accept it.

"S-She could be-!"

"She's dead, Ruby!" Yang screamed. Ruby shrunk back; Yang was snarling at her, her chest heaving. "She's dead! Just like Penny! Just like Jaune! They're all dead! This isn't one of your stupid fairy tales where everything comes out okay! Sometimes horrible things just happen, Ruby! And there is nothing we can do to stop it!" Tears ran down Yang's face as she shoved a finger at her bandaged stump. "Do you see this, Ruby? This is what the real world looks like! You try and you try and your try, and you know what you get back? Huh! Do you?! You get fucked over by a giant demon bear because that's how this fucking hellhole works, Ruby!"

"Yang, I…" Ruby looked down at her feet. Yang turned away, holding the end of her stump, her back to Ruby.

"Just leave me alone," Yang said.

Ruby held out her hand, opening and closing her mouth before nodding. She went to the door, opening it. She looked back at her sister, biting her lip before saying

"I love you." Yang said nothing, and Ruby closed the door. She wrapped her arms around her body as she stood in the hospital hallway, nurses bustling past her.

Her head jerked up as she heard Yang scream and then the sound of a vase shattering. Ruby reached for the door, hesitating when she heard Yang start sobbing. Ruby pulled her arm back, letting it rest at her side as she left.

The bandaging over her face was itchy, the beeping from her monitor annoying her as she lay in bed. Pyrrha's body was sore, every part of her body aching, the pain medication barely doing anything to numb her pain. She stared at the empty chair against the wall, her fingers twitching as her mind wandered.

Her eyes opened, an unfamiliar white ceiling staring back at her. She blinked, half of her vision obscured by darkness. She raised her hand, feeling a bandage covering the side of her face. She hissed in pain as she ran her hand over the gash on her face.

"Finally awake?" A voice asked. Pyrrha turned her head; a woman was sitting in the chair by her bedside. She was middle aged, her blonde hair streaked with gray and pulled into a bun. She had an eyepatch, her other eye a familiar shade of blue. Large claw marks scarred her pale face. The woman uncrossed her arms, and stood up. She wore blue jeans and a soft yellow sweater, bits of armor adorning her body. "Pyrrha Nikos, correct?" The woman asked. Pyrrha nodded weakly. "My name is Dijon Arc. I'm Jaune Arc's older sister."

Pyrrha's eyes widened, her fight with the Red Woman replaying in her mind. She sprang forward, and Dijon looked away.

"Jaune! Tell me he's okay! Tell me he's… tell me it was all in my head." Dijon wouldn't look her in the eye as she spoke.

"I've been working in Vale for a while. When my family told me Joa-Jaune had run away from home, I knew he would have gone to Beacon. He had always idolized me and wanted to be a Hunter like me." Dijon balled a hand into a fist, her eyes downcast. "I knew I should have went to Beacon and talked some sense into him. I knew letting him stay there was a risk." Dijon looked up, finally meeting her gaze. Tears were in her eye. "Did my brother die for a reason, Pyrrha?"

Pyrrha hiccupped, grabbing a hold of the bedsheets. She nodded her head.

"He… he saved my life." Dijon was silent.

"Then… I'll let my family know he died a hero." Dijon sighed, and wiped the tears away. "Due to the CCT in Vale falling, I haven't been able to send word to my family about what has happened; if Jaune and I are safe." She straightened her sweater out, not looking at Pyrrha. "I'll be taking his remains and Crocea Mors back with me to the Arc estate. I… I wanted to give you some closure. You were his partner."

were

Dijon sighed, and went to the door. Dijon looked back at her for a brief moment, like she wanted to say more, before looking away and opening the door. She closed it behind her as she left.

Pyrrha looked away from the chair as she heard the door open. Ruby stood in the doorway, her brow knitted in concern as stared. Pyrrha shifted in her bed, sitting up.

"Ruby, I…" She didn't know what to say. Ruby approached her bed, not saying anything. She stopped at her bedside before lunging forward, wrapping her arms around her, trembling as she spoke.

"I'm so happy you're okay. I-I'm sorry I-I couldn't-" Pyrrha patted Ruby on the back as she hugged her, closing her eyes.

"Ruby?" Pyrrha felt Ruby nod. "Why am I alive?" Ruby stiffened, and she pulled away from Pyrrha, her silver eyes wide in shock.

"Pyrrha?" Pyrrha looked away, clutching her sheets.

"It was my idea to go after that woman. I was the one who got seriously hurt. Not him." She shook her head before she looked over at Ruby. "It should have been me, Ruby. I should have died instead of him."

"Pyrrha…" Ruby trailed off. Pyrrha let go of her blankets, and raised one of her knees up, resting her arm on it, and resting her chin on her arm. She felt Ruby hug her again, her hair tickling her as Ruby nuzzled against her. "I'm sorry," Ruby said. Pyrrha said nothing as she stared at her bed.

The winds were sharp and icy as she stood at the edge of the cliff. She raised her hood as the winter winds bit at her face. She shifted in front of the grave, the backpack heavy on her shoulders. She waved at the grave before sighing.

"Hey mom," she began. "A lot has happened since the last time I visited." Her arm fell back to her side. She paused as she struggled to think of how to word it, chewing on her lip as she felt the warm tears start running.

"I don't really know much about our family; Dad said you were an only child and he's never told me about any grandparents. There's so much I don't know about you mom, and I don't know if you would even care about me if you knew how I turned out. But it's so hard not having you here. Beacon was destroyed, mom. Vale was almost destroyed. Penny, and Jaune, the friends I brought with me that one time. They're…" she sniffed, her tears warm against her chilly skin. "They were murdered. And Yang lost her arm to a Grimm and she won't even speak to me anymore, she's too depressed and angry to talk me or dad." She sat down, the snow enveloping her stocking covered legs.

"I lost teachers and school friends, mom. Did that ever happen while you were a Huntress?" The wind blew around her, snowflakes falling all around her. She sniffed again, her tears dripping onto the snow. "Blake is missing, and Weiss got taken back to Atlas by her dad." She hiccupped, wrapping her arms around her body. "I'm such a horrible leader, mom. This is all my fault. I couldn't stop that woman. If I had been faster I could have saved Penny; I could have saved Jaune. I- I could have-"

Ruby started to sob, unable to speak as the cries wracked her body. The wind blew around her, snow falling onto her and chilling her. She sniffled, feeling like someone was hugging her. She lifted her head, and looked at her mother's grave. She got to her feet, wiping at her eyes.

"I won't be able to visit you for a while, mom. I don't know when I'll be back. I'm going to Mistral. I'm going to find out why that woman did this, and I'm going to stop her before she can hurt anyone else." She turned away from the grave and began to walk towards the tree line, the dead black trees menacing. She gave one last look at her mother's grave, and smiled at it sadly. "I love you, mom. I'll try and make you proud."

She walked into the forest, the winds stifled by the trees. She found Nora, Pyrrha, and Ren waiting for her a little into the forest, leaning against a large tree.

"Are you guys sure you want to come with me? Haven's really far away." She asked. They nodded.

"The journey will be perilous, and whether or not we will find the answers we seek is uncertain." Ren said. Nora flashed a smile.

"But we have to give it a shot! And we can't let you head out there all on your own either!" Pyrrha's face was solemn as she started to walk away, her green eyes dead.

"I'm going to stop that woman, Ruby." She said. Ruby glanced at Ren and Nora before chasing after Pyrrha. Ren and Nora took her side as they marched through the snow.