Okay, I have some explaining to do.

I know it's almost been a year since my last update, and I'm terribly sorry for the long wait. But there's been a lot of problems in my family lately, so you can imagine that updating was not exactly the first thing on my mind. Still, I hope that the situation will calm down in the future and allow me to update more regularly again.

Again, I'm really sorry for the wait. I hope you guys understand and don't hate me too much. Anyway, things are about to get serious, but I don't think that I'll expand the fight for more than 2-3 chapters. Maybe one more, but I'll see about it.

BTW: Is anyone else hyped that season 7 of RWBY was actually pretty good? I don't know why, but season 6 just wasn't good, mediocre at best. But it seems RT has found their way again. I absolutely LOVED the fight between team RWBY and the Ace-Ops, not to mention that the song is kickass. And the voice acting, too, has become better IMO.

Anyway, leave a comment or favorite if you liked this chapter; and hope I'll see you guys for the next chapter.

Chapter 39 — Beginning

"Legends are slippery little things.

For the glory that coats them hides the pain,

suffering and death that spun them."

— Unknown

The air was thick with anticipation and excitement. The grand meeting room was filled to the brim with members, each sporting their Grimm masks. Hushed whispers flitted around, nervous energy spreading more and more.

Raven casually surveyed the other members as she stood atop the podium, hands clasped behind her back in an attentive yet relaxed posture. A small number of other high-ranking members were next to her, among them the bull Faunus. He, too, stood relaxed, yet she noticed an underlying rigidness. It was visible in the way his hand brushed past the handle of Wilt & Blush ever so often.

The sound of heavy, deliberate footsteps slowly silenced the room, and everyone watched as their leader ascended the stairs to the small podium, the human woman right on his heels. Her face was plastered with a self-satisfied look, and Raven couldn't help but sneer at her. Adjusting the microphone, Desde took a long, deep breath, the room's excitement growing with each passing second.

"Gentlemen and Ladies, it is finally time."

This sentence alone made the gathered members erupt in loud cheering, some raising their weapons as if in approval of the statement.

"It has been a long time but our moment has finally come. Today, we shall take the first step in making this our world. No longer will Faunus be viewed as second-class citizens, mere animals to be ignored and discarded. We will take our rightful place in this world. And the Humans will fall!"

Another deafening chorus of cheers greeted the shouted words.

"We have prepared for so long. And now, we even have the renowned Grimm Tamer on our side! There is nothing that can stop us! WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS!" he concluded, raising his fist in salute, the others reciprocating the gesture while chanting at the top of their lungs.

The alarm blared through the hall, the sound sending a chill down her back as Raven made her way to one of the Bullheads. Others were streaming past her, eager to get to the battlefield. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Adam made his own way towards one of the aircrafts. Suddenly, he faltered in his steps, almost tripping over his own feet.

Surprised by this sudden behavior, the spiky haired woman turned in the direction he was looking, only to almost trip herself.

She had never seen nor met the girl that had saved her colleague's life. But what she witnessed in that moment made her heart crack.

The girl was brought out of her cell for this special day. Dragged behind two men who each had a hold on her shoulder, she barely managed to walk by herself. Her clothes, torn and soiled to a point that the shirt was no longer white but a dusty brown, hung around her frail frame. Her hair was dirty and clumped together, partially obstructing her bruised face. Shaky hands clutched unto the chain that hung from her bony wrists.

Glancing over, she noticed just how murderous Adam seemed. She was sure; had he not been surrounded by dozens of White Fang members, he would have torn the men dragging her to pieces.

Alas, she was not sure he wouldn't make a move even if there were so many people around. She watched with bated breath as his hand rested on Wilt & Blush, firmly grasping the handle. But he refrained from pulling the weapon free. Instead, he seemed to deflate for a moment before heading in the direction of the Bullhead the girl was being pulled towards.

Choosing to remain close to him, Raven followed. Ascending the ramp, she spotted the girl towards the back of the large bay, shackles fastened on the wall by her head, the two men on either side of her. Raven almost scoffed at the picture — as if she were in any condition to do anything, even if she weren't shackled.

Adam had taken up a seat across from her, and Raven took the one a little further to the left of the girl, eyes on both the Faunus opposite her and the human next to her. When everyone was finally aboard the fleet of ships, they took off. The ceiling groaned and creaked as it opened up, the platform slowly moving them closer and closer to the exit. In perfect harmony, each Bullhead took off towards Beacon Academy, members grinning and ready to fight.

Ruby felt her heart accelerate the moment the swarm of ships came into view. Gulping nervously, she looked to her side. Weiss was next to her, along with Blake and Yang, each equipped in their own gear, weapons at the ready. Reaching behind her back, the silver-eyed girl pulled out Crescent Rose, the scythe unfolding at her side.

Weiss briefly caught her eye, and, although the two of them had had their fair share of difficulties in the past, the snow-haired girl sent her a small smile. The other members of her team did the same when they noticed their leader looking at them. Ruby returned the smile, hoping it gave them just as much courage as theirs had given her.

Looking out over the city behind them, she could spot the last people heading off to the shelters constructed to protect civilians in case of a Grimm attack. At least the city was empty should they fail to hold the front. Sliding her eyes back to the front, she suppressed a small giggle as she spotted Ozpin at the very front, coffee mug in hand. Even amidst all this panic, the man still had hold of his mug, Glynda Goodwitch at his side.

Despite his casual appearance, everyone could tell that Professor Ozpin was just as ready to fight. His cane was at his other side, held loosely in a hand while his grey eyes scanned the now landing Bullheads. Taking a final sip, he handed his mug off to Miss Goodwitch, the woman stacking it only the Maidens know where.

The sound of many footsteps echoed in the empty courtyard as the army of Faunus approached. Just like them, they had their weapons out, some looking particularly eager to fight. At the front were a male and a woman, along with another pair of teens.

Ruby stocked as she recognized the woman. She was the one she had been fighting in the communication tower the night of the party! Taking a closer look, Ruby also recognized the two teens behind the golden-eyed woman — they had been present at the dance, as well as helped when the Grimm had attacked Vale. Glancing at her teammates, she saw that they, too, recognized the pair.

But, despite the dire situation, Ruby cared little about those three. Her silver eyes scanned the crowd, scanning for a head of black hair and a pair of turquoise eyes. But no luck — the crowd was too thick and Ruby too short to look over the front row of mostly male Faunus, all at least a head taller than her.

"Members of the White Fang," Professor Ozpin's clear voice disrupted the eery silence. "There is no need to fight. If you surrender now, no harm will come to you and we will treat this as a minor offense. Should you, however, choose to attack us, then be warned. We will do whatever it takes to protect this city and kingdom."

The students and teachers shifted at this foreboding proclamation. The Faunus did the same, some ready to attack if only given the command.

"Brave words for a man who intends to stop us with, what? A bunch of children?" the buffalo Faunus and apparent leader of the organization taunted. Behind him, a rumble of chuckles sounded.

"I would watch your words if I were you. These are more than mere children."

Each student present felt pride swell in their chest as their Headmaster defended them. It gave them the confidence they'd lacked until just a moment ago.

"Be that as it is, they still won't be enough to stop us. For, you see, we have our own trump card. I'm sure you all have heard of the infamous Grimm Tamer," the leader announced.

Serena… Ruby thought with worry. So, she really was here. Concerned glances and faint whispers filtered through their side, some becoming unsettled at the name.

"I'm certain all of you have heard of this… unusual human. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but she will be fighting on our side!"

Now there was outright fear amongst not until the students, but also the teachers. The whispers turned into murmurs, growing in volume as everyone looked for this superhuman being. With a snap of the fingers, the front of the White Fang parted and the murmurs grew quiet. Dragged behind two bulky Faunus, the girl everyone had come to know as Grimm Tamer was paraded like a trophy to the assembled fighters.

Ruby felt tears prick at her eyes as she took in the form of her friend. Anger welled within her as she spotted the many bruises marring her pale skin, some almost black. Serena could barely stand as she was jerked to a halt next to the leader and woman.

"As promised, the Grimm Tamer. I know she doesn't look like much…"

At this, Ruby could swear she saw something in Serena shift, her face morphing from apathetic and beaten into irritated. This gave Ruby hope — they hadn't broken her entirely.

"… But I promise you, she will be more than enough to take the lot of you out. And, after, the council of Vale and all of Remnant."

Turning to face the girl, the buffalo Faunus gave a signal and the two men, who had been supporting Serena, retreated back into the crowd. Cautious eyes watched as she swayed on the spot, barely managing to keep her balance without support. Her head was bowed, dirty hair obstructing view of her face. But Ruby could feel that there was still some fight left in her friend.

"Now then. Do it, girl. Summon the Grimm and destroy these fools!"

The command was followed by dead silence as all eyes focused on the still form of the girl. Taking a step forward, everyone held their breath as the raven-head approached, one slow step at a time. When she had placed herself in the middle, between the White Fang and Beacon, Serena finally lifted her head.

Ruby sucked in a breath as their eyes connected and she saw the pure anger in those turquoise orbs. Serena was pissed off. Before she could do anything, Serena's lips lifted in a small, almost imperceptible smile. It was almost as if she wanted to say: Don't worry. I'm not beaten yet.

"I'm sorry to disappoint…" Her voice was quiet yet loud as she turned to face the man responsible for all her pain and torture. "…But I have no intention of fighting for you. And neither do the Grimm."

"Insolent girl! I order you to summon the Grimm! DO IT! NOW!"

"I REFUSE!" Serena yelled, voice strong despite her weak appearance. "You have tormented and humiliated me in every way possible, thinking I would break and obey you. But you miscalculated. I may only be human, but I am stronger than you think. There will be no Grimm."

Face red with anger, the leader balled his fists, one grabbing hold of the war hammer strapped to his back. His eyes had changed from cool and calculating to crazed. Taking a breath — probably to calm himself, though it helped little — he gave a shake of the head, as though disappointed with her, before addressing Serena.

"Then you are of no use to me. Cinder!" The woman at his side stepped forward, her heels clicking softly on the pavement. "Get rid of her."

The command was given in a casual tone, accompanied with a wave of the hand. The woman, Cinder, let loose a sadistic smile as she purred, "My pleasure." Gathering what appeared to be a ball of fire in her hands, the woman gave a final self-satisfied look before hurling the attack at the defenseless form of Serena.

Time seemed to slow down as the attack raced toward her friend. Ready to use her semblance and intercept the ball of fire, Ruby screamed her friend's name, urging her to get out of the way. But it seemed she was too weak, and all Serena could do was lift her hands to protect her face as her own wide eyes watched the attack grow ever closer.

As it was only mere feet away, a blur of black and red zoomed through the crowd of White Fang members, blurring past Faunus. Her eyes could barely follow as the figure of a tall male skidded to a halt in front of Serena, sword drawn and suddenly absorbing the attack meant to kill her friend. Ruby stared, not comprehending what just happened.

Serena, it seemed, was quicker to react to the unexpected intervention. Lowering her arms, Ruby was shocked to see how her entire body relaxed as she gazed at the man in front of her. A sense of relief seemed to wash over her as he sheathed his weapon, back to the assembled students and teachers as he addressed the White Fang, but, more specifically, the leader and Cinder.

"I don't think so, Spike."

EDITED 23/02/2020

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or any of its characters. All I do own are my OC and the idea and plot of the non-canon parts of the story.