Hello again! Thanks for coming back. I'm trying to cut down on these A/N's but I actually have an announcement to make here this time. Those who have read my other story and enjoyed it should be happy to hear that for my submission to the "9 Days of Lancaster" event coming, I will be submitting the story that was actually voted as the next installment to that AU, "Double Date". I'm extremely happy for your votes, as this is what I wanted to work on next.

The Exiled Darkness – FIRST OF ALL, I love Watts! I tried to do him justice as best I could. Yeah, I wanted Tyrian to get a few more jabs in on Cinder as well. I enjoyed that the first time we saw them. As for Neo, guess you'll have to see. I don't do spoilers, haha. Thank you, I was hesitant at first, but I need to establish them in my story, so this focuses on them individually.

Drago lord Syed 101 – Welcome back! There's a name I recognize. Thank you, hope you continue to enjoy it. It's a vast contrast compared to my last work.

Seem14 – Yeah, I figured the prologue might turn a few people off, but I imagined he was already separated and in Mantle to see the carnage better than most. As for the hair gel, that's a good grab. I might have to use that. As a man of gel, I can picture that struggle.

OKAY! As always, please be aware of the rating system. This story is rated M for Mature (which I am not). Also, this has been oved to the Lancaster community on , "To the Socially Awkward", which I was graciously given a role in. Please read and if you see fit, leave a review at the end. Thanks again!

- GodRealm

Italicized – Thoughts and Emphasis

Bold – Author Notations/Grimm howls & attacks

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Arc I: Receptum

Chapter II: On the Move

Lie Ren cursed his stamina. While he had trained from his early days at Beacon to try and build up what little endurance he had, little had translated to improvement. None the less he continued running as fast and as far as his tired legs would take him. The crash had separated him from the others and the attack from the invading Grimm had not made things any easier. He was left disoriented and forced to fight without much recourse. With that being said, he knew from experience when it was time to withdrawal his efforts.

While separated, he still heard the attacks of his comrades in their feeble attempt to ward off the onslaught they were undergoing. The Grimm had been relentless in chasing them all down. This was undoubtedly due to the arrival of Salem. Whether they were ordered to or be it their own will, it didn't take the group long to know they were unmatched.

Ren's thoughts lingered on his teammates currently as he ducked under a low branch and continued his sprint forward. He had not seen or heard from either Jaune or Nora after their descent much to chagrin. Even over the howls and screeches of their enemies he was still able to make out most of Team RWBY communicating amongst each other which made him less tense, but not being able to hear theirvoices unsettled him. But he couldn't think of such things currently. He needed to survive now so that he could find them… find her.

He checked behind himself as he ran to see if he had lost his pursuers, to which he was disappointed. While the numbers had dwindled to what seemed to only be two Beowulf, the depletion of Ren's aura was cause for concern. He had fought long enough and taken enough damage to break it and without a chance to rest, there wasn't much chance of him regenerating it. Even with him putting much distance between himself and the impact site, he was still stuck in the middle of the dark forest with the only illumination being the fire that ignited from the crash behind him.

He coughed as the strong odor and taste of the smoke still loitered within his pharynx, only adding to his exhaustion. Meanwhile, he could hear the growls of his enemies becoming louder. It was becoming more apparent by the moment that he would not be outrunning them or masking himself with his aura. As he leaped over another bushel of greenery and snow, he reached for his weapons from his waist. His Stormflower had seen much actin tonight and if he wanted to see daybreak, he would need them again.

As the growls closed in from behind him, Ren took the initiative to dive to the right after passing a great oak tree in time to miss a swipe from a claw. He began firing his duel pistols at the attacking Grimm, stunning it in the process as it howled in pain. His attack was short-lived however, as another pursuing Beowulf leaped at him from behind. Hearing it approach him, he rolled backwards as the assailant landed on the spot he was previous. Wasting no time as the creature turned to face him, Ren made a quick slash with the dagger ends of his weapons slicing its eyes. The screech that emanated from the pain was near deafening as it shook in an attempt to self-soothe.

Taking advantage of the creature's blindness, Ren shoved both pistols into its mouth, wedging them beyond the monster's teeth. As it began to tug wildly to try and break away, Ren began firing as much ammo as possible down its throat. Ren let out a warrior's yell as the creature began to be ripped apart from the inside. As he felt its resistance stop, Ren un-wedged the weapons and leaped onto a tree branch as the body of the one-enemy fell to the ground, lifeless.

He caught his breath momentarily as the third Beowulf came into view. Almost on cue, the new attacker charged the tree Ren had taken asylum on, causing a loss in balance.

"Shit." Ren wheezed.

Attempting to regain his footing was useless as the power of the Beowulf was enough to up-root the tree completely, sending it to the ground. Ren was forced to tuck and roll before taking off again in an uncertain direction, with the Beowulf still hot on his trail. As he continued his dash, he took the time to reload his weapons after using most of his ammunition previously on the last enemy. After his chambers were reset, he was ready to begin another assault.

Before he could strategize another on-the-fly plan, he found himself clearing the last grouping of trees for the forest and reaching what appeared to be a frozen lake. Hearing the approaching enemy gaining on him, he didn't have time to ponder a next move and began taking off onto the ice without another thought. Not a moment later, the Beowulf leaped from the woods and landing on the ice as well, causing its weight to create cracks beneath it.

Ren took note of this as he turned around to face his opponent. A short stare-down ensued as both the Beowulf and Ren panted.

"Come and get me." Ren barked as the creature took off in his direction. Ren did the same, running to meet his opponent head on. As the gap closed, Ren began firing a few shots beneath him before the creature made a leap for him. As the creature began its descent, Ren ducked under the attack and slid under the back end of the Beowulf completely. As a result, the Beowulf's full weight crashed down on the area Ren had fired on, before it turned around and howled at him.

Ren, now smiling, only watched as the cracks grew larger from where the enemy was standing before the ice completely gave way and the creature plummeted into the icy water below its feet. It attempted without hope to claw its way up back onto the ice, but the surrounding ice also gave way and the weight of the Beowulf worked against itself. It descended into the lake soon after, bubbles seizing subsequently.

Once again, Ren's break was cut short as the original attacking Beowulf made its way onto the icy battlefield from behind him, after recovering from being stunned earlier. Ren heard it and sighed deeply as he readied himself for another round. The distance would hopefully prove to be in his favor as he raised his weapons at the last of the enemies. The Beowulf took off towards him just as the previous one had. Ren began firing in its direction to slow the monster's pace, but it had learned from the previous encounter, dodging the shots and keeping mobile. The Beowulf pushed closer as it began circling Ren, exhausting his ammunition in the process.

Ren's frustration was growing as he tried to down the beast without getting to close, but his balance on the ice partnered with the agility of his enemy were proving to be a great challenge. As the beast continued its circular path, Ren heard his guns 'click', signifying the end of his clip of dust. His eyes widened in horror as he went to reach for more. The Beowulf's strategy had worked, as it made a direct charge for Ren, capitalizing on the opportunity. Ren was unable to refill his weapons at this time as he gritted his teeth in response. He had been outplayed.

Readying his weapons in a defensive stance, daggers out, he awaited the beast to lunge, and lunge it did. Ren was taking a chance, but there wasn't much option as it was. Using a similar strategy as with the last Beowulf, he slid under his attacker, but this tie reached up with both hands and dug the daggers into the creature's underbelly. The assailant howled as it attempted to shake Ren off. Ren was slammed multiple times into the unkind ice beneath him, but would not relent. Instead, he used his own weight to his advantage and dragged the daggers further down the Beowulf's abdomen before dislodging at the creatures lower half.

Ren lay on the ground for a moment, his head pounding from the impact. He would be lucky to not have a concussion at this point. He peeked through one eye as he panted once more, trying to see his opponent. The Beowulf turned towards him, weakly, as it struggled to keep its balance. Ren grunted in frustration as it remained on its feet after that attack. Slowly, the sharp-toothed beast limped in his direction. Ren rolled to his stomach slowly, exhausted from the ongoing assault. Sluggishly, he was able to move himself to one knee, coughing up ash while doing so. He raised both arms defiantly, readying himself for possible death from the claws or being devoured.

Before he could think any further on an impending doom, the red from the Beowulf's eyes faded and it slumped over on the ice motionless. Ren kept his arms raised and weapons drawn for a few moments in his opponent's direction in disbelief before dropping them completely. He collapsed down to both knees as he looked up to the night's sky, breathing at a tachyepnic rate. The sweat dripped from his forehead as he kneeled there after a lengthy, vexing battle for his own life. If he made it out of this alive, pancakes were definitely on his menu for next meal.

He took a moment to regain what composure he could. The bruises that were forming on the posterior portion of his body were not going to heal until his aura returned. What he would give to have Jaune's aura amplification to help with the pain. The ice did little to reduce the swelling he was undoubtedly experiencing already. He needed to get out of this icy hell and make it somewhere safer for now though.

As he eased himself to his feet, Ren examined the former battlefield around him. The chaos had somehow not attracted more enemies, but he wasn't complaining in the east bit. With a heavy sigh, he began moving himself to the other side of the ice closest to him. What happened next was most unexpected.

Even with surveying the ground, Ren couldn't have expected another attack. This time it was coming from below the ice. The shattering of the ground behind him made Ren turn and meet the eyes of the Beowulf he had just trapped under the ice moments earlier.

Oh no. He thought to himself in disbelief.

Ren endeavored to raise his weapons again, still without ammunition in the aftermath of the last fight, but the Beowulf was too fast. Within a few seconds, the beast powered into Ren, sending him flying across the ice to the edge of the tree line he was heading for. He cursed himself again as he doubled over in pain. He clutched at his chest, the source of the impact he had just taken full force. He didn't have time to concentrate on that though, as the returning attacker began its assault in his direction. Ren searched around for his weapons that had flown from his person and were nowhere to be found.

He looked back at the Beowulf who was within striking range now and he was without his weapons to defend himself. The time felt slower as he awaited the end. He didn't know whether to close his eyes or not for this final attack. His mind traveled back to the last few years. His acceptance to Beacon, meeting his team, the loss of Pyrrha, the return to Kuroyuri, and his first kiss with her. His mind stayed there longest as he reveled in it, thinking it to be the last time as the Beowulf launched itself airborne at Ren, just as they all had before. He raised his right hand to feel his cold lips as he did his best to be strong.

"Nora," He spoke. "I'm sorry."

As the beast came crashing down on him, Ren saw a glint of something fly from his left side and pierce itself into the Beowulf, causing it's directional path and momentum to miss Ren, landing slightly behind him on the ground. Ren turned haphazardly to look at the beast that was now motionless in the snow-ridden greenery feet behind him. He had been saved, but by who? He stared at the sharp object that pierced the beast and recognized it immediately.

Gambol Shroud? He thought.

Before he could think further, the blade was dislodged from the Beowulf and sent flying back in the direction it had come from. Ren turned his head slowly to his left and watched it retract back towards the person, or rather, Faunus, who was holding the weapon. A smile overcame him as she made her way towards his disheveled figure.

"Ren!" Blake yelled as she arrived at his sloped over body against a tree. "Thank Oum, I found you."

He continued his smile as her voice was a welcomes surprise, especially after saving him from a careless mistake.

"Yeah, not a moment too soon I'd say." He replied weakly before coughing away from Blake's direction.

She looked him over from top to bottom as her ears drooped shortly from her head, a frown following after. He was not in good shape. The damage was visible all over his body and she suspected internal injuries as well. It was only by some miracle she had escaped her assailants and saw him from across the icy lake as the Beowulf emerged from the ice.

She had been separated shortly after the crash from everyone and was forced to fight her way throughout the forest. Luckily, her aura had remained intact and had less wear and tear from her previous fights as compared to the soft-spoken man before her.

"Blake, have you seen anyone else?" Ren asked after his coughing fit.

She took a moment to think, still distracted by Ren's appearance and recollecting her thoughts from the crash until now.

"No." She replied blankly. "After the crash, I heard voices, but I couldn't tell whose they were. The Grimm were too distracting. I'm sorry."

Ren closed his eyes and sighed heavily once more as he had been. Arching his back against of the tree he was now against, he remained silent for a few moments. The awkwardness was a lot for Blake at the time. She knew he was worried for Jaune and Nora just like she was worried for the rest of her team. She gripped her weapon tightly as her thoughts consumed her with her face reflecting this. Why did they all have to be separated? Why had Salem shown herself in person? What was that thing?

She was once again dragged from her thoughts as she heard Ren cough, swearing she saw blood drip from his mouth this time. They needed to-

"Blake," Ren began. "We need to get out of here. It isn't safe."

"My thoughts exactly." She replied.

Blake knelt down closely to Ren and lifted his left arm over her shoulder. He readied himself for the oncoming pain as she lifted him to his feet, bearing most of his weight on her figure. This was the only way he was going to get anywhere and they both knew it. Once he was stabilized, he let out more gasping breaths much to both of their displeasure. She looked at him, and he to her before he gave the 'go ahead' nod that he was ready to move. As they moved, Ren noticed his weapons on the ground beside the presumed deceased Beowulf that Blake had saved him from. Without any words, she dropped him down to retrieve his property.

After grabbing them from the snow, Ren was proactive in reloading the dust cartridges in the weapons before they advanced further. Without any words again, Ren took the time to turn from their course and unload a few rounds into the skull of the now confirmed deceased Grimm. Blake looked at him inquisitively before he returned her glance with a raised eyebrow of his own.

"Just… double checking."

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Jaune couldn't be happier right now. Well, he could, but this worked too. After continuing their trek through the wooded area of their own, He had reached a quaint, but decrypted, cabin before him and Ruby. She was still on his back, even after his rude comment some time ago. He had refused to let her attempt to walk until they knew that they were safe and without any enemies attacking them as of recent, along with this new discovery, maybe things were starting to look up.

He advanced on the cabin before him, feeling his own tiredness continuing to overtake him with each step. Before he knew it, he was stepping on the creaking wood of the porch before the doorway. Ruby roused from her sleep as she heard the noise.

"Is that a cabin?" She asked.

"Sure is." Jaune commented. "It looks empty too. It might be the perfect place to finally take our time to rest."

"Do you think there are cookies in there?"

"I wouldn't hold my breath on that."

He could hear the audible groan emanating from the girl on his back at the quick response he offered her. Jaune pushed the door open after twisting the knob, showing it to be unlocked. As it squeaked open slowly, the darkness of the inside became slightly clearer with the moonlight helping the pair's vision. Without much hesitation, Jaune took a step into the cabin and looked around.

It was a small, one room space with what appeared to be a fireplace that had been unused for some time. Nearby was a couch with a blanket drooped over it. In the far corner appeared to be a small kitchenette with a stove and some cabinets along with a tiny refrigerator. Aside from that, adjacent was a wooden tablet and four older wooden chairs. Ruby pictured it much to the size of her once dorm, but with the style of a studio apartment. On the other side of the room was a door that both presumed to be the restroom as there wasn't much left to the imagination with this place. In any case, it was somewhere safe that beat being out in the cold.

"Ruby," Jaune spoke, garnering her attention. "I'm going to put you down over on the couch."

"Sounds good, Jaune." She replied with a smile.

Jaune then made his way over to the couch as quickly as possible. He circled to the front of it before he bent forward so that Ruby could plop onto the cushions. Once he felt the weight from his back fall, he stood erect once more.

Ruby sighed as she felt the comfortable sensation under her and moved herself to the left side of the couch to lean on the arm rest. It wasn't much but it would do for now. She sighed in relief before looking over at the knight. He was stretching and rubbing his shoulders next to her. She narrowed her eyes at him as he turned to face her.

"Sorry for being so heavy." She pouted, puffing her cheeks and crossing her arms.

Jaune chuckled to himself as he finished stretching out and plopped himself on the other side of the small of the couch.

"Stop being a brat." He continued laughing to himself.

The sound of Crescent Rose being unsheathed and opening in all of its glory was the next sound he heard as his eyes bulged open in response.

"Who's a brat?"

"Did I say brat? I meant awesome!" He tried feebly, waving his hands in front of his face.

Ruby left her narrowed eyes on him as she replaced Crescent Rose on the side of the couch and coughed to herself. Jaune closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief at her response.

Don't comment on a woman's weight. Got it. He thought to himself.

Jaune looked over to Ruby who was staring at the fireplace without much expression. He looked over as well and saw the firewood next to it as he got an idea. He stood quickly and made his way to the firewood and grabbed a few pieces as she watched him. He placed them all in opening within the fireplace with a satisfied look on his face.

"What are you doing, Jaune?" Ruby inquired.

He looked back at her with a smile and a thumb up. "Starting a fire." He replied before turning back to the task at hand.

"You have something to start it with?" She asked.

Jaune stopped himself for a moment as he finished placing the wood where he thought was appropriate. The expression on his face said it all. He felt like an idiot as his face paled slightly and he felt a nervous sweat. He looked back at Ruby with flushed cheeks and laughed slightly as he rubbed the back of his head.

She giggled in response before lifting Crescent Rose again towards the direction of the fireplace, much to Jaune's confusion.

"Watch out real quick." Ruby commented as she cocked the barrel to her weapon.

"You're not going to-"

Before he could finish his comment, Ruby fired a shot into the fireplace, causing a small explosion in the process. Jaune looked back at her amused face after doing that only to see that the fire had started. Her plan worked. It was careless, but efficient.

Jaune sighed as Ruby raised her hands and hummed to herself after a job well done in her books. He smiled at her response before strolling back towards the couch and sitting once again. The fire was strong and the warm embrace was enough to help him relax as he leaned back on the soft cushion against his spine.

He could feel sleep coming soon. He needed to rest before they could form any kind of strategy and think of a way to meet up with their respective teams. His eyes weighed heavy as he began to shut them slowly, becoming more comfortable by the second.

"Hey, Jaune." Ruby stated, causing his eyes to open again before finding her.

"Yeah, Rubes?" He asked.

"I'm hungry." She replied with a smile.

Jaune sighed once more before he dropped his head downward, staring at his lap. "Of course you are." He replied, defeated.

Sleep would have to wait a little longer for now.

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Okay, so ends chapter two. I tried my best to incorporate a fight scene so I hope that goes over well. I'm not confident in my writing, but I am definitely not confident in action sequences. I hope I at least provided a decent picture, followed by a cozy cabin scene at the end. I'm off to a slow start with this story and just kind of putting the pieces together. I know where I want to go; it's just forming the bridge to get there. Next time we'll see what some of the other characters are up to. Please let me know what you think and any suggestions or questions you might have. Thanks!

Next time: On the Move II

- GodRealm