GARO Saviors of Remnant
ESKK: Ok new chapter let's start this shit.
*Insert When it Falls RWBY OP 3
The song began with a slow piano score as from it a red rose petal began to fall from the sky where Remnant's moon could be seen. As it slowly but surely fell it landed on a blooming rose as it was peaceful but the night was not for the night the Horrors ruled.
-Maybe red's like roses?-
When the guitar hit an Ursa was seen as it ran across destroying the flower as it ran across the land with a Horror riding its back. With the Grimm and Horror was an army of them from creeps to even Beowolfs as they were all accompanied by Horrors.
-Maybe it's the pool of blood! The innocents will lay in When in the end you've failed to save them?-
The screen began to change between Team RWBY, GARO, SSSN, JNPR, CMEN, and KIBA as behind the teams with Makai Knights were the armors of said Knights before the screen focused on Nexus, Akane, and Cinder as their eyes were starting to glow to show their own power.
-Their dying eyes! Are wide and white like snow! And now they know the cost of trusting you is obliteration!-
The screen went back to the army of Grimm and Horrors as they entered Beacon as the Horrors stopped to either possess any stray humans or for a quick snack on said humans as soon the Grimm, Hybrids, Horrors were upon Beacon Tower itself.
-Mirrors will shatter! Crushed by the weight of the world!-
The screen showed the Grimm and Horrors were at the window itself where Ozpin and Glynda were looking at it. But as Ozpin looked to the mirror he saw the past, four Makai Knights clearly identified as Garo, Yaiba, Bolg in its silver form, and Lord as the Makai Priestess with them looked like Salem but in a human form as behind her with a hand on her shoulder like a father to his daughter was a fifth Knight known as Kiba. Then the Window like mirror shattered showing James with his Atlesian forces on his airship.
-The pillars collapse in shame-
The screen then showed Aron, Blake, and Weiss walking as the trio were in what looked like Forever Falls but as they walked they soon looked and saw Adam with the White Fang there before his form shattered to revealed Jacque Schnee there but his eyes were showing Horror Markings as behind him was the shadow of a large Horror glaring at them. The scene then shattered revealing Akane as she was sitting on a combo of the CEO desk for the SDC and the throne for the White Fang as on either side of her was the White Fang's symbol and the SDC symbol showing Akane controlled it all.
-There'll be no rest! There'll be no love! There'll be no hero in the end who will rise above-
The screen then showed the Beacon people as Team's GARO, RWBY, JNPR, and the Atlas Soldiers lead the charge against an army of Grimm and Horrors who were being led by Nexus and Team KIBA as Gold and Nexus glared at each other before sliding to a stop and trading a crimson red and shining gold punch at each other causing he scene to change.
The screen then began showing Team's RWBY and GARO going against Cinder, Mercury, Emerald, and Adam and Team KIBA as they were in a major battle. Raymond and Yang were fighting against Mercury and Blaze. Blake and Aron were talking on Adam and Ico as it was clear this was an intense battle. Then it came to Weiss and Ollette as they took on Akane and Emerald as Weiss was trying to desperately save her half-sister from the darkness she was in. Trying to show the human Faunus hybrid that there are those who care about her but Akane wasn't listening as it may be Akane was too far gone. Finally it was Gold, Ruby, and Jaune vs Nexus, Solomon, and Cinder
-And when it ends! The good will crawl! The shining light will sink in darkness victory for hate incarnate misery and pain for all!-
The scene then began showing Qrow and Winter as with them was Ruby and Weiss as they left as from Gold was Lockwood another Makai Knight who had a cigarette in his mouth as the one who taught Gold got between the two to split them up before a photo flew in. On the Photo was an image of Team STRQ as the image zoomed in on Qrow's weapon's gears as soon the scene changed.
-When it falls!-
The song began to come to an end as it showed Team GARO, RWBY, and JNPR holding hands while falling downward before they were forced to split apart as the teams were being divided. But Gold look downward as Ruby was worried as she then glared seeing Nexus, Cinder, and Solomon there as Jaune saw this as well as did the rest of Team GARO as with the evil trio was the rest of KIBA.
Gold then flew downward faster as he then summoned his armor becoming Garo as the same could be said for Ruby and Jaune becoming Yaiba and Gaia. Nexus, Solomon, and Cinder all saw this and returned the favor as they jumped upward as Nexus and Solomon summoned their own armors becoming Kiba and Bolg as the two went at Garo and Yaiba while Cinder went for Jaune as when their blades clashed there was a huge flash of light.
Soon the screen showed the Madou Rings, Amulets, Brooches, Bracelets, and a scroll with what may be Penny's head inside it. The screen then showed GARO and RWBY sitting in a circle as the image circled around them as it looked almost sad for some reason. Soon the song came to an end as the image of Garo and Kiba appeared glaring at each other as with it was Yaiba and Bolg doing the same as it was clear this was only the beginning of things.
"GARO SAVIORS OF REMNANT"
(Start Courtyard)
Weiss and Aron were both running to where the ship landed passing Gold as he had taken a stroll and saw Weiss running with Ruby behind her. "Weiss, what is the big deal? Who is it? Who is she?" Ruby asked as Gold followed the duo as they stopped just to sedate his curiosity.
"What's going on here?" Gold asked as Aron and Ruby saw him.
"Oh hey Gold yeah apparently I'm going to be meeting Weiss older sister... joy huh?" Aron asked as he may not show it he was nervous about a good first impression.
"Wait... Your sister?" Ruby asked as at the ship was an older woman that looked like an older Weiss with her hair in a bunch and an Atlesian military officer uniform as Sirius looked.
"So there's two of them." Eclipse said with a yawn as this would be tiresome for her she just knew it.
"Winter!" Weiss called catching her sisters attention. As the androids walked down the ramp.
Ruby and Weiss came running up while Aron lagged behind them all as Gold was even faster now as Weiss and Ruby came close enough to Winter, Weiss started to say, "Winter! I'm so happy to see you! Oh, your presence honors us." Weiss bow to her sister acting like a noble person would do bit it seems she had loosened up a bit.
Winter looked around for a moment before she said, "Beacon, it's been a long time. The air feels... different."
Gold and Aron stayed silent as they waited for their introduction, with Ruby started to say about to air as she says, "I mean it is fall so it's probably colder..."
Weiss looked to Ruby for a moment as she roll her eyes and look away as she punch Ruby in her arm giving a dead arm as it very much hurt, it's just hard to yell it out.
"So, what are you doing here?" Weiss said soon after she punch Ruby as Winter just looked around still and says, "Classified." Gold figured as much as Aron was glad he got Weiss to loosen up a bit. Guess it dealing with the military ship that are flying around and with the androids beside her, it a guess he took to think she is with Ironwood, but he didn't say anything not to be rude or piss someone off.
"Oh, right. Well, how long are you staying?" Weiss asked with Ruby recovering from her dead arm and Winter look to her sister and says, "Classified."
"Hey guess she doesn't know herself then." Gold joked as in turn Gold got bonked on the head hard but it was Weiss who cried out in pain from that as it was clear Gold was made of thicker stuff. "Well if we're lucky enough we'll see you often to watch Weiss here beat the Tournament." Gold said as Weiss glared at Gold for his improper tone as Aron agreed.
"Yeah but whose to doubt she'll lose." Aron said as he put an arm around Weiss as she blushed in response as she swore sometimes Aron was in over his head dating a Schnee with him being a Faunus which got a raised eyebrow from Winter at this gesture but chose not to act upon it... yet.
Ruby and Gold then saw the awkward setting in as Gold coughed into his hand a bit to clear it up but it was Ruby who spoke as she says, "Well. This is nice... I think."
AS Weiss put on a smile still happy to see her sister here as she said, "You're going to love it here!"
Weiss went on tell her sister things as she says, "I know you travel a lot but so much of Beacon is different from Atlas (Vale too)! The government and school are completely separated! Can you believe it! I'm-"
Winter cut off her sister as she says, "I'm more than familiar with how this kingdom handles its bureaucracy. That is not why I came."
"Right! I'm sorry" Weiss said apologizing to her sister as she gave small bow to her with Winter came to say, "Nor did I come here to watch my own blood fail so miserably in battle. But it appears I have no choice in the matter."
"But we won." Weiss defended as Aron glared a bit.
"Yeah I mean come on she beat the opposing team without losing much of her Aura or any teammates." Aron said as Winter glared as she sighed a bit.
"Only a novice would refer to that as a victory. I counted at least 3 strikes missed. In fact Team KIBA would have done better within Atlas with how they handled their battle." Winter said as it was clear Atlas lost such a promising team to Haven Academy before turning to the androids. "Leave us." She ordered as they stepped back. Winter then sighed as she looked to Weiss. "How have you been?" Winter asked as she looked to Weiss.
"Oh, splendid! Thank you for asking. I'm actually in the very top ranking of our sparring class. The rest of my studies are going wonderfully too. I'm-" Weiss was cut short by the fact Winter slapped Weiss on the side of the head, not hard though, "Silence, you boob! I don't recall asking about your ranking, I'm asking how you've been. Are you eating properly? Have you taken up any hobbies? Are you making new friends?" Winter corrected.
"Oh she's been making friends, she's even got a boy-" Ruby said just before Weiss and Aron both slapped their hands on Ruby's mouth.
Too late though, Winter raised an eyebrow at Weiss, "Weiss...?" Winter asked.
"I'm... dating someone." Weiss admitted as she was now blushing a bit.
Winter's eyebrow went up in surprise, "It's not some smooth talking philanderer is it?" Winter asked.
"Philander?" Ruby asked confused.
"Someone who flirts with dozens of women..." Eclipse silently explained as Winter began to put the pieces together with how Aron and Weiss were acting around each other.
"Oooh..." Ruby said, then Gold laughed a bit as Winter heard this and glared at him.
Winter's eye's narrowed at the hooligan here as he laughed. "And what is so funny sir?" Winter asked as Gold began to calm down.
"Sorry, I just can't see my teammate and best bro here Aron as a philanderer. A Smart ass with a cocky attitude yes but a flirt not unless he was free to date." Gold said as Aron saw this.
"Your teammate?" Winter asked as Gold then smirked and pointed at Aron.
"This guy right here." Gold said as Aron saw this.
"Sup." Aron greeted as he kept his cool and tried not to do his next line prediction thing to Winter while holding out his hand as Winter was shocked Weiss was dating a Faunus.
"He's..." Winter began as she wasn't discriminatory in any way she just didn't want this to turn out bad for Weiss and if this was true love then prevent it from turning out bad for both of them. Everyone seemed to tense up as they awaited Winter to start talking again. "He's actually dating you, of each of your own volition?" Winter asked as she didn't want anything bad to happen to her sister.
"That's right that's right no bribes, no blackmail... maybe a love letter or two though. Plus it was hell to win her over mind you I even put a consort for her." Aron said as Weiss then smiled.
"That was both sweet and surprising how you pulled it off." Weiss said as Aron shrugged a bit.
"I know a guy." Aron said as Gold grinned.
"I was able to nail some recordings of the whole thing." Gold said as he should thank Ollette for those camera's she set up.
"You don't care that he's a Faunus?" Weiss asked as she wanted Winter's approval of him at the very least.
"Not a bit." Winter admitted with a small laugh as she didn't see this coming. "I'm more surprised that he actually went this far for you regardless of how others would view him and that you accepted his feelings and in turn returned them." Winter said as it sounded like she approved of Aron while they walked away.
"Well greetings Aron I'm pleased that you had taken such a romantic interest in Weiss despite the bad history the Schnee and Faunus have." Winter said as Aron then grinned a bit.
"Hey what the other Faunus does is there problem just don't get me involves with the Fang to much they're right now just adding to the fire." Aron said as he held his fist for a fist bump as Winter looked at it.
"Well he's uncultured... but I Think you both would be good for each other in the long run." Winter said as she knew Aron could help Weiss loosen up and Aron could show that a Faunus and Schnee can get along.
"Oh, yes, of course! The Honor is in my... court." Ruby said as she had no idea what Weiss's family was like.
"I have business with the General and your headmaster. But seeing as I'm early, why don't you take me to your quarters?" Winter said smiling a little as Weiss got happy.
"Really?" Weiss asked happy to hear that.
"Yes, I wish to inspect them and make sure they're up to my personal standards." Winter said as Weiss looked.
"Of course. Just so you're aware, the bunk beds only look unstable." Weiss said as Winter looked.
"Bunk beds?" Winter said as if that word was completely foreign to her.
"Gold just stop." Zaruba said as he saw Gold was about to try his hand at prim and proper. "You'll only make a fool of yourself." Zaruba said as he knew Gold was the farthest thing from cultured as a human can be.
"Trust me Flower Girl it's not worth it." Eclipse said with a yawn as she wanted some more sleep. "Plus right now we have other stuff to worry about I smell Soul Metal." Eclipse said as she yawned.
"So do I, and one of them I'm very familiar with also picking up the scent of Alcohol and cigarettes." Zaruba said as Gold and Ruby looked at their Madou Rings.
"So we have other Knights here then." Gold said as he then realized something and gulped.
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked as she looked to Gold who was as pale as a ghost.
"If it's who I think it is... my luck just ran out." Gold said as now even Ruby was worried as she knew Gold had to learn his skills from somewhere and if Gold was afraid of this particular Knight... she wondered how Gold ended up the happy-go-lucky person he was since they met.
"This could get hairy." Ruby said as it was clear things were about to go south for them all.
"We have no idea," Gold said as he and Ruby went out to maybe find the two knights.
(Behind Winter, Weiss, and Aron)
AS someone was coming to the noble sister, the Faunus, and military Androids, as the two in the very back got ambushed and gotten taken apart that didn't went unnoticed by everyone, including the Schnee sisters and Aron.
The person who disables the android, Spoken up in a drunk tone and said, "Hey!"
Winter gave a dead eye look to the person who call out to her as the guy said, "Yeah, I'm talking to you ice queen." The person who was talking was no other than Qrow, the phantom knight Crow.
Tossing the headless android body to the side getting the attention he wanted. As the other military Android were about to advance on the drunk man as Winter calls, "Halt!" and the android halted their advance on Qrow.
Weiss came walking up to him and said, "Excuse me, do you have any idea who you're talking to?"
"Weiss don't," Aron said as he sees who the man is, but before he could do or say anything else Qrow was faster than him.
Qrow put a hand on Weiss head as he said, "SsssHhhh, not you." Qrow push her away as well being rude about it as Weiss said, "Hey."
Qrow came stumbling up to Winter but stop at least 30 feet away and just says, "You." A crow that was nearby felt the tension and it took off flying.
"Saw that gaudy ship of yours in town. I guess you're here too," Qrow said to Winter as she did not seem happy about his speak as she said, "I'm standing right before you."
Qrow lean forward and squinted to Winter and said, "So it would seem."
Aron thought something is weird until his nose picked up what smell like alcohol on the man's breath from where he is standing.
"You realize you just destroyed Atlas military property?" Winter pointed out to the androids that Qrow destroyed.
AS Qrow acted defensibly and said, "Ohhhh, I'm sorry. See, I mistook this for some sort of... sentient garbage."
"I don't have time for your immature games, Qrow," Winter said to him as Weiss walk up to her sister and said, "Wait, you two know each other?"
"Weiss please don't butt in this," Aron said in a low tone as he seems a bit afraid for some reason and didn't want to get involved in this matter right now.
"Jeez, you Atlas specialists think you're so special, don't you?" Qrow said as if the specialists were not so special.
"It's in the title," Winter pointed to the wording of it but I don't think she get what Qrow was getting at but he went on saying, "Well you know what you really are? A bunch of sellouts. Just like your boss. "
"I'm not sure what you think you're implying but I've heard enough," Winter just got mad at the man and wanted to walk away but Qrow keep on going saying, "Oh, I heard too. I heard ol' Ironwood finally turned his back on Ozpin."
Now Weiss started to question as she said, "Ozpin?" she wonder how he was related to this with Aron said, "Oh great."
"Weiss, it's time for you to go," Winter said as Aron pulled her away as Weiss said, "What?"
"Listen to big sister Weiss. She'll protect you," Qrow said being insulting about it as he went on saying, "Just like Atlas is gonna protect all of us, huh?"
Winter had reach her limit with Qrow as she said, "If you won't hold your tongue, then I will gladly remove it for you." Pulled out her Rapier weapon and pointed at Qrow in a threatening manner.
AS Qrow smile to that as that what he was going for it seems, "Alright then." Pushing his hair up, getting the few strands of hair out of his eyes, as well getting his game on as he says. "Come take it."
No one said a word, as everyone gotten worry of what's about to happen, "As Winter took off at great speed that even tripping Weiss on nothing but air, but on the other hand saw the swift movement and could tell Winter is probably very strong. How strong? He has no idea compare to a phantom knight.
As Winter was upon Qrow as she stabbed at his head only for Qrow to move it and dodging the blade with ease. She then slashed at him as Qrow then Qrow then bowed as he dodged clearly showing he was stronger than Winter to know how to avoid her attacks. Qrow then grabbed the weapon from his back as he pulled it out showing it to be a large sword with a gear system in the hilt showing. Winter then took a fencing pose as she saw Qrow had done something similar before he tapped her blade and the two began to sword fight.
They then were slashing at each other just as Ruby arrived to Weiss. "What's going on?!" Ruby asked as she ran over to Weiss followed by Gold as soon he saw crow he was a bit scared, as it not him he afraid of, but who would be following and catching up behind him.
"Some crazy guy just started attacking my sister!" Weiss called as she showed it to Ruby.
"Oh no! Who would do such a th-aaaaat is my uncle!" Ruby called shocked to see this.
"That's your whaaat?!" Gold and Aron said at the same time with Weiss was also shocked by this.
"Kick her butt, uncle Qrow!" Ruby called as she was cheering on her uncle.
"Uhh, teach him respect, Winter!" Weiss called as Eclipse saw this with Gold on the lookout for Wolfe.
From the crowd Mercury was walking by as he looked to the fight and went wide eyed seeing Qrow there before running off to inform Cinder, Blaze, and Nexus.
In the fight blades clashed as the two were battling each other. Qrow had more experience under his belt but in Atlas Winter was hailed as a prodigy so they fight could go either way. It was then that Winter was able to hit Qrow in the face causing him to smirk before he charged his aura and raised his sword. Winter saw what he was about to do quickly summoned a Glyph under her feet and jumped away as Qrow brought the sword down braking the ground into a crater/hole combo. Winter was in the air as she smirked at Qrow before she landed in the grass to which Qrow gave chase to her and cut down a light post but Winter jumped over Qrow and slashed at him before Qrow blocked the attack.
But when he slashed at Winter she jumped up again and landed on Qrow's sword before kicking him away. Winter landed on a lamp post where Qrow then transformed his gun into a shot gun and fired at Winter who dodged he attack. Winter soon stabbed into the wall of the architecture of Beacon and glared at Qrow who had then given chase just as Winter began to climb. Winter arrived at the top as Qrow began firing at Winter but his shots missed as Orva spoke.
"Crow your being reckless again." Orva tried to warn but Qrow would have none of it.
"Shut up." Qrow said as he fired at Winter. Qrow then jumped up the another part of Beacon where he can get a better shot as he then began firing at Winter again but soon the shot hit creating smoke or perhaps it was steam. Winter then came from the smoke and charged at Qrow with a roar as he smirked and took a battle stance.
Winter then turned her weapon into two as now she was duel wielding with the second sword she held within her weapon. She soon slashed at Qrow as Qrow blocked the attack before the architecture they were on broke and the two hit the ground making a crater. The two then continued their fight once out of the crater as Qrow was tempted to bust out his second sword as he was having fun. Winter was then able to knock Qrow back who used his sword to stop himself after a bit as his sword destroyed the walk way trying to stop him from flying.
Winter then created another Glyph as soon many small white Nevermores appeared as they flew around and surrounded Qrow as they attacked causing Winter to smirk. It was then that a slash wave was coming at Winter causing her to undue the Glyph and make the Nevermore's vanish as she then glared at Qrow summoning another Glyph ready to end this.
Qrow then smirked and pulled a switch as his weapon began to extend and curve into a scythe as the blade was forming first. It was then that Winter roared and charged at Qrow. It was then out of nowhere Wolfe jumped in and pulled out his soul metal sword and sheath blocking Winter's sword which was ready to stab Qrow in the neck as he used his sheath to block Winter's attack and his sword to block Qrow's attack.
"That's enough both of you." Wolfe said with a stick of tobacco in his mouth as he glared at them both.
"Crap." Gold cursed as he saw him.
"Who's that?" Ruby asked as Zaruba spoke.
"Wolfe the one who taught Gold everything he knows... plus Gold has a great fear of him due to his... method of training." Zaruba said as they saw this. "He holds the title of Wicked Bone Knight Giru and much like Qrow is among the shadow folks of the order." Zaruba said as he looked to the group as Wolfe then pushed the two away as Winter glared before trying again.
"After all I wanted first crack at it." Wolfe said as he spun his blade ready for some action but then James Ironwood was heard just as Winter was about to try again.
"Schnee!" James voice called as Winter looked and quickly stood straight up. "General Ironwood sir." Winter said as she stood before James as with him were Penny and a few Atlas soldiers.
"What in the world do you think you're doing?" James asked a he looked at Winter and walked torts her.
"He started the Altercation, sir." Winter said trying to cover her ass.
"That's actually not true, she attacked first." Qrow said as he put his hands behind his head.
"But you instigated it." Wolfe said as he blew out some smoke from his mouth from his cancer stick known as the Cigarette.
"Traitor." Qrow countered as he knew Wolfe would have done so as well.
"Is that right?" James asked as he noticed people were watching. "And you two." James began as Wolfe stood straight while Qrow pointed at himself confused. "What are you doing here?" He asked as he walked torts Qrow.
"I could be asking you the same thing." Qrow said as James looked.
"Considering we had to run damage control for your little pet project." Wolfe said as he knew about Project Nexus much like James did.
"I-." He began only for Ozpin to speak up.
"Now, now everyone." Ozpin began as he and Glynda walked in. "There is a sanctioned fight happening just around the corner at the coliseum. That I can assure you has better seats. And popcorn." Ozpin said being calm about this.
"Break it up everyone!" Glynda called breaking up the group who came to watch the fight. "We will take care of this mess." Glynda said as she glared at James.
"Let's go." James said after straightening up his tie and then walk off following Ozpin and Glynda. Penny turned around and waved at Ruby as Ruby and Weiss came to the front of the crowd.
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby called as she ran over to Qrow and jumped on his arm catching him off guard. "Hi." Ruby greeted as Qrow lifted up his arm where Ruby was hanging and looking at her. "Ahh it's so good to see you! Did you miss me? Did you miss me?" Ruby asked with a smile on her face.
"Nope." Qrow said with a smile on his face as he ruffled her hair.
Gold was trying to sneak away only to have the sheath thrown at his head with enough force to knock him down as Gold cried out. "Don't even think about running off brat once I'm done here you and I are going to have a nice long chat." Wolfe said as he drove the sheath deeper onto Gold's head as he was crying out for mercy.
"Qrow and Wolfe." Ozpin called as Qrow dropped Ruby to look to him. "A word please." Ozpin said as Glynda was fixing the damaged caused by the fight as Wolfe finished one cigarette and proceeded to put it out saving the others in case he may need it.
"I think I'm in trouble." Qrow whispered as Wolfe looked to him.
"What was your first clue Orva did try to warn you." Wolfe said as he seemed like the last person who could teach Gold anything.
"You did kind of tear up our courtyard." Ruby said as Qrow looked as Eclipse agreed.
"Yes you did." Eclipse agreed as Qrow saw Eclipse was with Ruby faithfully now.
"Yeah." He said as Gold was nursing his new bruise. "Catch ya later, kid." Qrow said fist bumping Ruby before leaving to follow Ozpin.
"And suddenly your recklessness make sense while yours, Gold, remains a mystery." Weiss said seeing how Ruby's teacher acted especially sense he taught her everything she knew while Gold was having a will set up just in case.
"You're just mad because he whooped butt." Ruby said smiling as she elbowed Weiss.
"That was a draw at best sense Sirius teacher stopped the fight." Weiss said as Aron looked to Weiss in agreement.
"She's not wrong." He said as he looked to Ruby.
"Whose side are you on anyway?" Ruby asked as she looked to Aron as he then pulled the Schnee crest out. "Never mind." Ruby said as she had to remember Aron and Weiss were dating after all.
(Scene Break later at Ozpins office)
Ironwood was leaning on the desk as Winter walk back and forth in the room waiting for the others to arrive as the elevator doors open showing Ozpin, Glynda, Qrow, and Wolfe.
Winter was the first one to talk as she said, "What were you thinking?" Looking to Qrow as Ironwood said, "If you were one of my men, I would have you shot."
"Heh if I was one of your men I'd shoot myself and Qrow better a mercy then your biggest screw up." Wolfe said as James looked to him as he pulled out another Cigarette just in case he needed it.
While Qrow pulled out a flask Glynda walk around to the desk as she said, "While I wouldn't condone his behavior, retaliating like you did certainly didn't help the situation."
"He was drunk!" Winter said as Glynda said, "He's always drunk!"
Everyone look to him as he drank out of the flask as Wolfe looked ready to light his cigarette either by lighter, match, or some other method. "Agh, why are you both here you two?" Ozpin said as he looked at the two Makai knights.
"You two have been out of contact for weeks, you can't just go dark like that in the field." James said as he had his arms crossed.
"I'm not one of your special operatives, Jimmy." Qrow said as Wolfe then sighed and slammed down a file to the desk.
"General." Winter growled as she walked torts Qrow a bit.
"I believe the term Project Nexus rings a bell to you?" Wolfe asked as he looked to James who was surprised they found out more. "While we were out gathering information we did more digging on Project Nexus and let me just say you may hold to Council positions but with these notes if released would put you in a slammer if you don't have a god damn good reason for it." Wolfe growled as James saw Wolfe found out a few more unsavory bits of information on Project Nexus.
"You sent us to get Intel on our enemy and I'm telling you, our enemy is here." Qrow said as James looked.
"We know." Ironwood said as he leaned on Ozpins desk.
"Oh you know good then let me ask you." Wolfe began as soon his cigarette produced a spark lighting it for him. "Did you know that your Project Nexus is here also as our enemy?" Wolfe asked as James glared.
"I've seen the reports." James said as Wolfe glared at him.
"Maybe if you didn't make him as he was we wouldn't be in this huge of a mess." Wolfe said as he clearly didn't approve of the methods used with Project Nexus.
"And what pray tell is this Project Nexus anyway?" Winter asked as she was out of the loop as Qrow looked.
"Seriously who invited her?" Qrow asked as James was confused about this something under the school.
"Schnee, we'll discuss this incident back on my ship." James said as Winter was shocked.
"But sir-" She began only for James to cut her off.
"Winter, leave." James said as Winter stood straight before him.
"Yes, sir." She said as she saluted him and left. Once Winter was gone as Ozpin knew they had to spill sooner or later.
"Now then let me list of the things you had tried and failed to use for Nexus. You needed him to bond with a handler, have a killing scent ready for him to hunt down his pray, and a shit tone of stuff that violates both human and Faunus rights. In fact you didn't just create a weapon you created a monster James and I saw some gruesome things but what Nexus does clearly tops it all off." Wolfe said as he showed the incidents aftermath to them.
"Not only did he manage to kill Snow and had his servant girl steal her power but he nearly killed Amber if Qrow didn't move in time." Wolfe said as it was clear Qrow was still remembering that wound Nexus gave him trying to kill Amber.
"I had the best intentions in mind Wolfe." James tried to defend as Wolfe then grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and shoved him to the wall nearby.
"Yeah best intentions that weapon of yours was just a confused kid and so far as it galls me to admit it only Raven came closest to setting him on the right path until she royally fucked it up. Salem Nexus wants to kill her and Salem is grooming him to do so and take her place" Wolfe said as they all heard this in shock. "I didn't know at first but the signs were clear James you in your greatest of wisdom basically gave Salem the perfect heir and let me just say you only saw a fraction of what he can do now." Wolfe said as he let James go while getting distance between them as he smoked his cigarette.
"In other words our little infiltrator isn't just another pawn they are responsible for Autumns condition and the loss of Snow. It take a very powerful and manipulative being to control a Maiden and since said being has a maiden serving under him no thanks to James mine you Nexus is on the loose and he won't stop until someone can manage to actually stop him for a time... or he wants to stop." Qrow said as all eyes were on James as he basically created an unstoppable killing machine that Salem wants to have as her heir.
"Despite what the world thinks, we're not just teachers or generals or headmasters. Four people in this room keeps the world safe from the evils that hide in the darkness and lurk in the shadows to devour the world, demon beast Horrors are an even bigger threat to humanity then the Grimm which is where Knights and priests come in to fight the fight no one else can win." Qrow said as James looked. "Your army out there is why we meet behind closed doors, why we meet in the shadows because if no one else battles the Horrors, then who will?" Qrow said as James looked.
"Now tell us General were you planning on being discreet when you brought your army to Vale or did you just not give a damn?" Wolfe asked as he looked at James with a powerful glare to him.
"Discreet wasn't working." James said as he put his scroll on the desk as it downloaded the image of Vale currently and showed it in the center of the room. "I'm here because this was necessary." James as Qrow growled Wolfe had a retort.
"Yeah just like how Nexus was necessary and look where that got us." Wolfe said gesturing to the gruesome images of Nexus' creation and most of all his left over's from his path of destruction.
"You are here because Ozpin suggest it, to be a part of this gathering and revel a truth that lead to your memories wiped, but Ozpin stuck out for you, so you could be here to help keep this war in the dark but you shine a light on it so everyone can see it and panic making things worse," Qrow said as he wasn't in the mood for such things when a friend of Ozpin turn his back on him with Qrow following up with.
"He made you apart of this inner circle and opened your eyes to the real fight that's in front of us," Wolfe said as Ironwood said, "And I am grateful."
"Oh well, you've got a real funny way of showing it," Qrow said as Ironwood took it another way as he said, "The people of Vale needed someone to protect them, someone who would act."
"Yeah you're the last person to be saying that since you and Atlas helped with the creation of our little Project Nexus problem." Wolfe said as James was holding his ground.
"When the people look to the sky and see, my fleet, they will feel safe, and our enemies will feel our strength!" James countered as it was clear he didn't truly realize the extent of Nexus' power as Wolfe and Qrow began to laugh.
"You think that fleet will scare Nexus?" Wolfe laughed a bit as he looked. "The monster you created just needs to cut loose a bit and wave his hands and that fleet won't last five minutes." Wolfe said as he hated to admit it but it was true. Armies and entire military bases fell to Nexus alone and that was him holding back. "What's worse with her aid Nexus powers are constantly evolving that Semblance you gave him has evolved now he can create the Grimm from his own Aura much like how she can." Wolfe said as he saw Nexus do it or as he called himself Kiba. "Now tell me General how did you solve the problem of Project Nexus going rogue or AWOL and needing to be taken down?" Wolfe asked as it was clear Nexus was not one to anger.
"In fact I'm willing to wager that if Nexus got the relics he can just end it all with a snap of his fingers." Wolfe said as he glared at James who saw what Wolfe meant. Ironwood didn't say anything as Wolfe took the silent with no answer then he said, "Tell me General, with your forces in the skies, what are the people are going to feel when it's a time of peace, as well as the enemy? Would people feel safe with your forces here not knowing there is a threat out there or worse if your Project Nexus shows up and blows them all out of the sky? Let me tell you, it's not. It slowing creeping from within, they see it, feel it, it's in the air and you don't even know it. You know what I am feeling form you right now?"
Ironwood didn't answer as he felt like almost stepping back from Wolfe tension present before him, as Wolfe said, "Fear."
"And fear will bring the Grimm and the Horrors," Ozpin said getting Wolfe attention off of Ironwood to calm the air.
"A Guardian is a symbol of comfort," Ozpin went on saying making a point as he feel like he should make one more to put forth Wolfe's intentions as he said, "As an Army is a symbol of conflict."
"What Wolfe said is true, as there's an energy in the air now. A question in the back of everyone's minds. If this the size of our defenses, what is it we're expecting to fight?" Ozpin said as everyone look to Ironwood for his answer, soon he could not take it and sighed as he walks over to his scroll, picking it up from the desk without noticing there was a symbol on it to the sign of a virus.
"So then, what would you suggest we do?" James asked as he turned to the Makai group.
"I suggest we find our guardian."
(Meanwhile with Team KIBA, Cinder, and Mercury)
The two teams were in the same room as Mercury came in sitting on a chair reporting who he saw as Cinder is sitting on the bed with a calm and strong look on her face.
Nexus was sitting near Mercury, with Akane was rubbing Nexus shoulder a bit as the dark knight asked "And you're sure it was the same guy?"
"Bad hair, used a scythe and a long sword, and smelled like my dad after a long day. It was him." Mercury said as Ico said calmly, "The situation is now problematic."
"What do we do?" Emerald asked as she was worried.
"Nothing. This doesn't change anything, only now you four must lay low with this knight here, no doubt he isn't alone as well. We stay the course as they will have no idea who our team is as I know from reports this one, he might have seen your faces when he came to rescue the fall maiden," Nexus said to them as he held up his scroll as the symbol of the virus is shown.
"Also thank you Cinder and Blaze help with their little virus of a friend, from before, the heavy lifting, and complex stuff is already taken care of as we now have a new access point," Nexus said as Blaze ball his hand into a fist as Cinder keep quiet for the moment to make sure no to get on Nexus bad side again, as in truth, she was downright terrified of him, her dream are pledge with nightmare to what happen to her in Nexus inner world.
Nexus put his scroll away as he look to Emerald and Mercury and said, "And speaking of heavy lifting, you two should get going back to your dorms, your match as I believe it would be starting tomorrow so I'll make the needed preparations."
"Yes sir/Got it." Emerald and Mercury said as the two stood up and about to leave until Akane spoken up.
"Let's give the people a good fight as well, so we can enjoy it ourselves," Akane said as she use the virus to changed Mercury and Emeralds opponents to the representatives of team CVFY, as she just want to put that bitch Coco in place as she remember what that girl said to her when the two came face to face once.
(Flashback)
As Akane was using the little girls room, as she came up, the leader of team CVFY was at one of the sinks as Akane saw her and put on a warming smile as she walks up to her and said, "Hello, leader of team CVFY fight? I heard you're the strongest team here in vale."
Coco stop washing her hands as she turn off the water, as she turn around look to Akane and said, "I not one to boast but, we do make a good first impression, as much I can say about you and your team… mostly."
Akane look to Coco with a raise eyebrow and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"We'll… it maybe you and your team, but the way you dress up in that fight, it seem more… tacky, you and your team are skilled but the way you four dress, Ahh, I don't know what to say, boots are made for walking, but not making you look," Coco walk over to the paper towel dispenser and said, "Don't take it the wrong way if you could, you may fight well, but you have poor state of how you dress."
Coco soon left as Akane eye twitch to that as she said, "I dress… poorly?"
A small big of Akane maiden power came forth as some frost appears on some mirrors before cracking as it seem Akane is piss off by that commit.
(End flashback)
"Play around with them a bit, and as well… make. There. Leader. Suffer," Akane said as no one calls her dressing poorly and gets away from it as Emerald and Mercury nodded as they understood as they saw the look on Akane face, she means it.
"All over your fashion clearly a jealous one." Nexus smirked as Akane smiled at her beloved monster love. "That will be all Cinder." Nexus said waving her off as Blaze saw Cinder wasn't even arguing as she had become completely submissive to Nexus.
'Damn him.' Blaze thought as he knew Nexus had to be beaten somehow.
(Scene Break the next day)
"The randomization process is complete! Ladies and gentlemen, your doubles tournament line-up!" Peter called as everyone was cheering. Meanwhile Cinder smirked as she clapped a bit already knowing who was going to win this match.
(In the Stage)
The two teams faced each other as the field randomization began as Mercury and Emerald looked at their opponents calm and ready to wing. "Mercury and Emerald of Haven! Versus! Coco and Yatsuhashi of Beacon!" Peter called out as the randomization continued.
"Good luck you two!" Velvet called as the stages were soon set with four different biomes. The first looked like a grass land found in Vacuo as it had a single tree, next was building ruins as it looked like something from Mt. Glenn, next was geyser, finally was a forest area as unlike the first round teams will used for different combat areas.
"Hey. Love the outfit, kid." Coco said to Emerald smiled.
"I'll try not to get blood on it." Emerald said as Yatsuhashi finished meditating.
"I can't promise you'll leave without a scratch." Yatsuhashi said as Emerald stretched her joints a bit.
"I won't be the one bleeding." Emerald said as she was ready.
"Oh, I like her!" Coco said as the battle was about to commence.
"3…2…1, Began!" Peter said as Mercury and Emerald started to walk backward to the tall grass field before they were gone out of site.
The crowd cheers for Coco and Yatsuhashi, as they seem more of a fan to Coco as they were wearing her style hat and sunglasses.
Both teammate's nods to each other, before Coco pull out her mini gun as she took aim in the fields and fire.
Going back and forth to the field, she was literally cutting grass with her weapon, as a few shot went wild as they hit the force field protecting the people that was in that area.
Coco stops as she level the tall grass field to just grass field, and it show to be empty, as both teammate seem confuse about that, as Yatsuhashi raise his sword for anything.
With team RWBY and GARO to witness what they just saw, as they had a hard time figuring it out as Goruba said, "They must have use the tall grass to cover themselves from us seeing if they use a semblances or not. "
"I agree," Silva said as Blake looked around but saw the area empty of the two opposing team of Emerald and Mercury, to Blake thought if they are not down on the ground… she looks up as she said, "Look out!"
Down came Mercury as he was about to kick Coco, until Yatsuhashi cover her as he put his sword in front of him stopping Mercury from hurting his teammate, then push him off and back as the kicking teen skid on the ground with sparks flying from his shoes.
Coco fire at him as he ran fast and out run the mini-gun shots.
In the stands Sun was impressed. "He's good." Sun said as Scarlet looked around.
"Yeah, but where's the girl?" Scarlet asked as he looked around.
Mercury was fighting both Coco and Yatsuhashi at the same time as he kicked them and dodged any attacks they sent his way. Mercury then kicked Yatsuhashi as that gave Coco a clear shot to which she began firing at Mercury only for him to dodge and the force Coco to point her mini gun at Yatsuhashi. Coco then transformed her weapon into its melee mode and attempted to hit Mercury. But Mercury cartwheeled away and sent twin shots at them. Coco deflected one as Yatsuhashi sliced it, but the one that got deflected blew up not too far away.
That was when Coco and Yatsuhashi saw what Mercury was doing as he was spinning on his hands creating a tornado of shots before sending them at the two creating smoke blinding the two. Then Mercury appeared behind them as the battle was starting to turn south as Mercury was giving a smack down upon Coco and Yatsuhashi as Mercury then smirked to the woods.
Then a chain came out and wrapped round Coco's waist before it pulled her into the woods as Yatsuhashi was shocked. "COCO!" He called as she was dragged into the woods.
Mercury then took advantage of Yatsuhashi's distraction and attacked as he kicked him in the head only for Yatsuhashi to hit him with his arm after words. Yatsuhashi then threw Mercury to the geysers before jumping torts him to slash at him, but Mercury used his boots to block the attack creating an earthquake as causing steam to shoot out from the cracks. The two then continued their fight after Mercury pushed him off but it soon got to the point that Mercury kicked the ground shooting up rocks before h kicked them at Yatsuhashi. He blocked it but Mercury was relentless as he kept forcing the samurai on the defensive before knocking him torts a geyser.
When Yatsuhashi noticed it was too late as it shot out steam at Yatsuhashi screamed in pain as he was blinded for a bit. Once he regained his sight it was too late as Mercury kicked him knocking him down.
(With Coco)
Coco was dragged into the forest until she hit a tree as she then noticed something. She felt her eyes and saw her sun glasses were missing before looking to where they are and saw they were broken. "I take it back... I don't like her." The fashion queen said sense her sun glasses were sashed and looked around for Emerald. It was then gun fire was heard as Coco quickly cartwheeled away avoiding gunfire from Emerald. Coco then transformed her weapon into its mini-gun mode and began firing at Emerald. But Emerald dodged and fired for a bit before swinging from tree to tree as Coco followed.
But when Emerald didn't show up passed a tree Coco saw she had lost her as she cursed. "Damn." Coco cursed before she heard a familiar voice.
"Coco." Yatsuhashi called as he walked torts Coco.
"Watch out- she's in the trees!" Coco said before a buzzer was heard.
"Oh, and with that final blow, Yatsuhashi is eliminated!" Peter called as the jumbo-Tron played a replay of the moment.
"What?!" Coco asked shocked to see this.
In the stands Gold saw this as he looked to Zaruba. "Anything?" He asked as he looked to his Madou Ring.
"Yes that girls semblance is illusions, messes with the senses to make the target think and feel what isn't really happening you might need to bring someone with her to fight her so you can avoid the hallucinations and keep her on her toes." Zaruba said as Gold nodded to that.
Coco turned around and saw Yatsuhashi wasn't there as now she was shocked to see this. Coco began to tremble as she looked around for Emerald. "Damn." Coco cursed as she looked around for Emerald unaware that she was right behind her with weapon raised. But when Coco noticed it was too late as she was sent flying as when she landed she landed next to Yatsuhashi as the crowd cheered.
(Announcer booth)
"And with an amazing upset, Emerald and Mercury are victorious!" Oobleck said as people were cheering and booing at the same time.
(Stands)
"Coco?" Velvet asked as she was shocked to see this. Fox put his hand on Velvet's shoulder while Ruby looked to her before looking back to the stage. Behind them Cinder stood up and walked away seeing everything going according to plan. Nearby Nexus was applauding this as he smirked himself while Akane was patting herself on the back for having such obedient fighters.
(Meanwhile with Weiss, Aron, and Winter)
Weiss was in a beautiful setting as she sat with her sister Winter as the three were enjoying a drink and a snack together as Aron was just being himself and wolfing it down. "You're... leaving?" She asked shocked to hear this.
"Yes. I was merely needed to oversee the transport of additional units to Vale. Our last shipment was lost to an ambush. I believe you had a run in with its cargo, actually. Its fortunate those Paladins were still in the prototype stage. Otherwise, your team would not have fared so well." Winter said causing Weiss to look down sadly. "Weiss." Winter began as she put her hand on Weiss's.
"Meh we had it covered." Aron said as he then kept eating as Winter found this quiet amusing.
"You've done... well. Out here on your own. You should be proud." Winter praised as that caused Weiss to smile. "I'll be honest, it was quite amusing seeing father's face the day you left for Beacon." Winter said with a smile as Weiss smiled as well. "Plus your romantic partner despite his vulgarity and brutish nature at time is an honorable man you gave him a deadline and he met it." Winter said as it was clear Aron thought outside the norm of such things and had also noticed how Weiss had begun to ease up.
"I can't wait to show him what I've learned." Weiss said happily as she crossed her arms with pride.
"Oh? And what do you think you've learned?" Winter asked her Sister, Weiss seem to take it wrong and said, "What do you mean? I'm getting better and better with my glyphs. I've even started time dilation."
"And what of your summoning?" Winter asked as she gotten Weiss there as she started to hesitate for a moment as she said, "I… have made improvements... but only during situations of extreme duress."
Now Winter was surprised by this as she didn't think Weiss made improvements but during duress was not a wise way to learn. "Winter... recently in Vale... I think I may have learned one of mothers... secrets." Weiss said as Winter had to listen now. "Winter... besides myself and Whitely what are the chances of us having another sibling out there?" Weiss asked as Winter looked confused and perplexed at such a question. "A sibling... with Faunus traits." Weiss said as now Winter needed details.
"And what Faunus claimed to be a Schnee?" Winter asked as it was almost unheard of for their father to be unfaithful.
"I met her by chance she was wearing a mask but... she had our family's Glyph's." Weiss confessed as Winter was soon wide eyed as she met a similar person during a transport back in Atlas and needless to say she was lucky to get out alive.
"Weiss... I had tried asking our mother a similar question after an incident in Atlas she did not talk and chose to keep it a secret but I saw the way she acted either it was her greatest of regrets or shame so there may be credence that... our mother may have been unfaithful." Winter said as Weiss looked down as if she did have a half-sister out there... Weiss saw she was suffering alone in a world that despised her simply because of her mixed heritage one she could not help.
Winter took a breath as she said, "We Schnee are unique. Unlike many, our semblance is hereditary. But that doesn't mean that it will come easily." Winter and Weiss knew this and if this unknown had their semblance then she was a Schnee herself which meant if anything she had more of a claim to the Schnee fortune being older then Weiss if she wasn't considered a bastard child. "The fact she has our Glyphs though dyed red is more than enough proof she is of the Schnee family." Winter said as they all knew they had to either save her from herself... or take her down.
"Well she sure has a funny way of showing family bonds." Aron said as he remembered how she tried to kill them before.
"Winter... I need help so far I can only summon half way what do I need to do." Weiss said as she needed all the advantages she can get seeing as she was facing a self-taught Glyph user.
As Winter started to explain how it works as she held up a hand with a glyph as it started out low with a small hum as winter said, "Your semblance is like a muscle. The more you practice with it, the stronger it will become."
The glyph started to grow bigger a bit and hum became a little louder as winter started to say, "But if you only focus on one aspect of it... If you fail to test the limits of what you think is possible..." The glyph grow faster at the last moment as it flash before Weiss eyes as she force to cover them, and after a moment, to see beside her sister was a Beowolf that was white as snow.
Weiss look down to her sister and said, "Then you'll never truly grow." Winter put a hand on her summon as it purr to her. With Weiss smile to her sister who was concerned that their mother's choice on their possible half-sister may have ruined the girl before she had a chance.
"Totally true. Training and stuff will help you grow both physically and mentally." Aron confirmed as he smiled to his girlfriend.
(Scene break)
Ruby was shouting out with an 8 bit song playing in the back ground as she said, "You'll never beat me old man!"
Qrow look to his side to see Ruby getting into whatever it is they are doing as he said, "Heh, you're nothing' but talk, kid."
"You can do it Ruby!" Yang cheer on her sister to beat their uncle.
"She's going to lose!" Orva called out as she saw what was coming.
"How tiresome she's going to lose regardless." Eclipse said as she knew how Qrow worked most of the time.
Soon the scene change to the 5 of them in the room playing a fighting game with Ruby character get its head chop off and fall down dead.
* "Soaring Ninja wins! Total annihilation!"
Ruby looked down as she held her scroll showing she had lost. "Ruby you should know by now never to call Crow Old." Orva said as she chuckled a bit. "Finally I don't have to say quiet around you girls anymore so I will try and soak up every minute of it." Orva said as Yang pushed Ruby out of the way and took the scroll.
"My turn." Yang said as Eclipse yawned.
"This is becoming tiresome." Eclipse said as she yawned.
"New challenger approaches." The game announced as Qrow chuckled.
"Now, where was I?" Qrow asked as Ruby got back up with a smile.
"You were telling us about your last mission!" Ruby called smiling.
"Right, right." Qrow said as he smiled.
(Story)
"I come across a small village in the swamps west of Mistral. Right off the bat I knew something wasn't right."
The story showed Qrow in the village as he walked for a bit.
"We sensed a mass of Inga there so assumed a Horror was there." Orva said as the story showed Orva sensing around.
"What were you doing there?" Ruby asked as she listened.
"I needed information and with the Horror roaming about I had to cut it down as quickly as possible. Tired from battling Grimm and Horrors on the way, I decided to start my search at the town's Inn."
The story showed Qrow entering an Inn where he went to find a table.
"The place was crawling with low-life and thugs, even a few Huntsman I could only assume had been hired by less the reputable people for less than respectful jobs"
The story showed Qrow walking in.
"And that's when it happened." Qrow said as was curios.
"What happened?" Yang asked as the story showed Qrow was wide eyed.
"I was nearly defeated by the inn keepers skirt length, nearly." Qrow said as Yang threw a pillow at him ending the story.
(Story end)
"You are the worst." Yang said as she lost the fight because of Qrow perverted antic in his story.
"That wasn't all Yang we soon found out the Inn Keeper was the Horror that was drawing in men to devour them in their rooms and had to cut her down and luckily she had a worker so luckily the Inn didn't lose profit." Orva said before Qrow and Ruby began to laugh.
"Best two out of three?" Qrow asked as he looked to the duo.
"Hey where is Gold by the way?" Ruby asked noting how Gold was missing.
(Meanwhile with Gold and Wolfe)
Gold was running for his life as Wolfe was chasing him down with what looked to be a large Madou Tool as Gold was running for it. "Come on brat this refresher should be nothing!" Wolfe called out as he no doubt heard of all of Gold's recent escapades and was no doubt displeased as Glynda saw the whole thing.
"My word." Glynda said as she could see why Gold acted out the way he did.
"Come on give me 50 more Gold then we can get to the rest of training!" Wolfe called as Gold was heard crying his eyes out as he was no doubt trying to get the hell away from his psycho instructor.
(Back with the group)
"Meh I bet he's fine." Yang said unaware Gold was suffering right now.
"So what are you doing here, dad said you would be on a mission for like... ever." Ruby said as Qrow chuckled.
"Sense I am also a professional Huntsman I am expected to get results as soon as possible." Qrow said as Ruby smiled to her uncle.
"Yeah I get that. We're pretty much pros too." Ruby said as Qrow looked as Ruby was being a bit cocky.
"Oh really from what people have been telling me you've only cut down a few Horrors without someone guiding you along wouldn't call that a pro." Qrow said as Yang looked as Ruby was still a novice among them.
"Pssh read the news sometimes we totally saved Vale." Yang said as Eclipse yawned.
"Barely we, couldn't stop the train and a lot of people got hurt, plus our last three confrontations with Kiba and the third involving his allies left us with more people hurt then saving Vale." Eclipse said as Yang then gulped a bit at that as Ruby scratched her head a bit as she still had the scar to prove it just as Yang lost the game.
"But they don't give out medals for almost." Qrow said as he looked to the two members of team RWBY with a smirk.
"They do, and they're called silver!" Ruby called out as Eclipse cleared her throat there.
"In school events maybe in real life or death events not a chance." Eclipse said as Ruby glared at her Madou Ring wondering why she even keeps her around these days.
"Well, we helped take down Roman Torchwick. He's locked up in Ironwoods ship and crime's been down ever since." Yang said unaware that Nexus or Kiba was banking on Roman getting captured. "That's basically a bounty mission."
"Sure you may be acting like Huntresses and Makai Knights, but you aren't thinking like ones." Qrow said with a small scolding tone as it was clear he saw the bigger picture here. "You really think all it takes to stop all crime in Vale is 3 girls, four Makai Knights, a Priestess, and their friends." Qrow said as Ruby looked down as she saw she messed up.
"Well I did, until you mentioned it." Ruby said as Qrow looked.
"Crime hasn't went down after what you did, it's stopped altogether but meanwhile Horror counts have been on the rise at an alarming rate." Qrow said as Orva looked to them before speaking.
"There has been no White Fang Activity anywhere in the city as well." Orva said as it was becoming clear for them all.
"You cut off the head of a King Taijitu, but now the second Head is calling the shots." Orva said as Qrow agreed with his partner and her assumption.
"That's what Ironwood can't get through that thick, metal head of his." Qrow said as he began to put the game down.
"You know the general?" Yang asked as Orva laughed a bit.
"Qrow knows everyone to an extent." Orva said with a chuckle as she looked to Yang. "Remember he was a member of the coolest team ever to graduate from Beacon." Orva said as soon Qrow pulled out the picture of Team STRQ as on it was Summer who had Eclipse on her left Middle Finger much like Ruby did but with a white hood, Tai-Yang, Raven, and of course Qrow himself with Orva.
Qrow then sighed as he remembered his old team. "Team STRQ." Eclipse said as she remembered them well. "Summer and I made quiet the team back then... even if she was unable to claim Yaiba or in this case chose not to claim it." Eclipse said as she had honestly thought Summer was the one who would inherit the armor but it was Ruby who ended up inheriting it.
"Wait mom was supposed to be Yaiba?" Ruby asked as Eclipse nodded as best she could.
"Yes... she said she chose her path and followed it through and I respected her for it... I still remember her last words to me involving the armor and that she knew it her heart... the armor was for you Ruby not her." Eclipse said as the tone she used it seemed she and Summer had a close nit bond.
"Ruby you should learn this as I have many times over while informing those who had held me. A day out in the field is worth a week in Beacon Alone Horror Hunts are no exception to that rule." Eclipse said as Qrow nodded to this.
"Yeah she's right." Qrow said as he began to stop playing the game. "In fact you two are probably going to go far as long as you keep doing what you do and learn." Qrow said as he then began to get up.
"Anyway I'd tell you how STRQ and I were involving with many inappropriate stories but I'll wait for you all to get older for that one." Qrow said as he began to get up with Ruby gagging at the thought of said stories with Qrow at the door before he turn to address them. "Anyways, I'm too old to be hanging out with a bunch of kids. You're gonna cramp my style." He pauses in the doorway and sighs before addressing his family, Ruby and Yang looking up to him and Zwei sleeping on Blake's bed and then looks at Eclipse.
"Look, just remember that you've still got a long way to go… And don't think for a second that graduating means you're done. Every day out there is worth a week in this place. You two, you're gonna go far like I said. But only if you keep learning, and only if you never stop moving forward." Qrow said as with these immortal words of wisdom, Qrow exits down the hall.
(With Winter, Weiss, and Aron)
Back in the pavilion, a caterpillar is slowly inching around on the edge of a fountain at Weiss points her Myrtenaster at the ground, creating a rotating glyph made of blade symbols with Winter and Shadow behind her, appraising the effort.
Winter smiled. "Excellent form! Now think to your fallen foes! The ones who forced you to push past where you were, and become who you are now." As the glyph flickers in and out of existence and Weiss grimaces in concentration. "Think of them, and watch as they come to your side." Winter ordered as Weiss kept trying.
"Come on Weiss just remember what you felt when we faced Frost the other night!" Aron called out as he looked to Weiss.
Weiss then focused on that and then roared out drawing as much of her Aura as she could which in turn formed to their shock the upper half of the suit of armor as it stood there leaving an impressed Winter. "Well clearly you've made improvements." Winter said as Weiss was exhausted from it.
"Good job babe." Aron praised helping her up as Winter inspected both the couple and the, summon.
"Well this may be an improvement but sadly not up to par." Winter said as Aron heard this.
"Hey at least I got something brought out!" Weiss countered as Winter sighed.
"Yes involving this Frost woman... but let me tell you this I faced her, myself a while back when she stole a prototype combat mech and... I didn't stand a chance." Winter confessed as Weiss gasped at this. "If Frost truly is a Schnee then the only one who would know who she is would be mother." Winter said as Aron heard this.
"If you faced Frost you are sure to loose and at your current state you have no hope of winning the tournament, let alone succeeding as a Huntress!" Winter scolded and then suddenly smiling as if an idea has occurred to her. "Why don't you just move back home? I'm sure Father would give you a nice job as a receptionist!" Winter said as Weiss didn't like that but Aron saw through them both.
Weiss looked away. "I don't need his charity!" Weiss argued as she knew how her father will respond to her dating a Faunus like Aron.
Winter leaned in. "But you do need his money, don't you?" Winter asked as Weiss then glared at her.
Weiss was flabbergasted but more angry then shocked... "No especially if he is going to try and use it against me to get rid of Aron!?" Weiss argued as she may have been cut off but she wasn't going to let her father try to control her. Like Aron always said it was her life... but if she was to learn more about Frost or any illegitimate Schnee Children she would need to contact her mother as she knew her Father will expect a call from her. "How did you know about that anyway?" Weiss asked as she looked to Winter who smiled amusingly at Weiss previous response.
Winter straightened back up. "Lucky guess. I may have been in a similar situation when I joined the military. So what have you done this time?" Winter asked as Weiss looked to her.
"Nothing... yet." Weiss said as she showed to Winter from her scroll pictures she and Aron took together on their prior dates as Winter smirked a bit.
"You evil genius." Winter said as this was a sure fire way to stick it sideways to their father.
"Yeah and best part it was Weiss idea." Aron said as he smiled to them. "I just smiled and nodded." Aron said as clearly he couldn't be involved but he never said he wouldn't help. "Besides I'm guessing he cut you off to force you to call home no doubt to get you to either come back or have you plea your case for more money." Aron said as he then snapped his fingers.
"Does, sound like him." Weiss agreed as she rather stick a sword up her father's ass after all he's done.
"Emotions can grant you strength. But you must never let them overpower you." The attempted glyph flickers and fades once more, though neither of them pay it any attention. "It sounds to me like you have two choices in front of you. You can either call him, beg for his money back and explain once more why you would want to study at, Beacon over Atlas or you could continue to explore Remnant, discovering more about the world and honestly, more about yourself." She allows Weiss a moment to absorb this information until revealing. "It's time for me to go." Winter gives her sister a hug, which is returned.
Weiss broke the embrace. "It was really good to see you, Winter." Weiss said as she smiled to her sister.
Winter smiled sadly. "Until next time, sister. Aron, please look after and continue helping her grow and treat her well." Winter urged as she knew Aron was clearly the one for Weiss if he was able to help her loosen up.
"I will I'm on the case for that." Aron stated looking at her with a smile on his face.
The two Schnees walk out of the pavilion and go in opposite directions, neither of them noticing the caterpillar coming across a miniature, brightened version of a familiar-looking broadsword before disappearing into icy sparkles. Later at night, Weiss and Shadow is in the school courtyard, Weiss waving goodbye at the airship carrying her sister. She stops just as her Scroll starts vibrating with an incoming call from "FATHER", and her finger hovers over the screen in uncertainty until she glances at the Silver Knight whose eyes said: "It's your choice" and closes her eyes and forces herself to press it. Suddenly smiling at the sight of her closed Scroll and the setting of a new path in life, she puts it away and walks with Aron back inside.
"Oh which reminds me." Aron said as he almost forgot. "I figured since we've been dating for a while I might as well get you a gift." Aron said as Weiss smiled to him.
"You don't have to." Weiss said as Aron smiled back.
"I don't have to but I want to." Aron said as he then gave Weiss a credit card much like the one she had for the SDC. "I added you to my bank account thing not much but with this you can get anything you want or need on me." Aron said as he offered Weiss the card.
"Aron..." Weiss said as Aron stopped her.
"No take it I don't use it much save for rent, food, and bills beyond that just minor stuff." Aron said as Weiss smiled as she took it happy Aron trusted her with this.
"I won't spend too much." Weiss smiled as Aron waved it off telling her to go nuts if she wants.
(With Ruby)
Ruby soon got a message on her scroll as she looked at it as she saw it.
"Meet me at the following coordinates bring your gear as well, let's talk- Kiba."
This of course made Ruby go wide eyed at this as she didn't think Kiba would message her like this as she looked to Eclipse. "It's your call." Eclipse said as this may be a trap.
"Ok... let's go." Ruby said as she grabbed her gear to go meet with Kiba as she knew Kiba was up to something.
(Scene Break Vale under Bridge)
Crescent Thorn II arrived at the destination as Ruby saw this and got off as she looked around for Kiba as she was ready for anything. She then looked to her scroll expecting him to either be early or on time as soon she saw shadows move about with crimson eyes which all began to form Kiba. "I'm glad you accepted my invitation." Kiba said as he looked to Ruby who glared at him.
"What do you want!?" Ruby demanded as she glared at Kiba ready to draw her weapon as Kiba clearly had his as well.
"Like I said I just wanted to talk." Kiba said as using the CCT was how he got Ruby's phone number.
"Fine then talk." Ruby said as she glared at Kiba who smirked.
"Tell me Ruby what was your favorite fairy tale growing up?" Kiba began as Ruby was surprised.
"What?" Ruby asked as Kiba chuckled to this.
"Just humor me." Kiba said as Ruby was on edge.
"Well the four seasonal maidens, um... the tale of the Golden Knight and the Dark Knight, The twin Deity brothers, and um well one about the five heroes." Ruby said as Kiba chuckled.
"The five heroes now that one I know well." Kiba said as he couldn't help it. "Well that and the tale of the two knights." Kiba said as he began to walk to the side. "If memory serves, the five heroes were a group of Knights who held mystical abilities who had traveled Remnant saving it from the demons who hide in the shadows." Kiba said as Ruby heard this. "The five heroes wanted to make Remnant a better place but their duty and unity was poisoned and destroyed by a tragedy among them." Kiba said as he walked to Ruby who was on edge.
"The Dragoness and her husband the silver wolf had begun their steps into a family but the tragedy of losing their young drove them to insanity forcing the other three to step in to stop them at the lands of destiny the Graveyard of Makai blades." Kiba said as he walked over to Ruby. "The story though didn't end with a happy ending as you may think, the vengeful pair who lost their child acted violently taking the child of the scythe wielder warrior and in turn caused a blood feud to form as the remaining three went to stop their old allies... but alas they failed the Golden Knight lost his life that day as did the Silver Eyed one, leaving the wizard warrior as the sole survivor with the foes escaping to parts unknown." Kiba said as Ruby heard this as she then saw Kiba was behind her.
"As you can probably tell... the tales are true." Kiba said as he began to slither his arms around Ruby as she blushed at the gentle touch Kiba was using but she knew he was the enemy and got him off. "Now no need to be cautious you are among friends here." Kiba said as Ruby glared at him.
"We are NOT friends!" Ruby growled as she glared at Kiba.
"Make no mistake Ruby our goals are alike I wish to create a better world but at a larger scale and I need your help." Kiba said as he decided to play upon Ruby's own weakness... her human heart. "I've seen the darkness and as a Huntress you cannot do enough even with the aid of every hunter in Remnant you cannot save them all... but what if you could." Kiba said as Ruby heard this.
"What?" Ruby asked as she was confused by this.
"What if you could save them all, my goal is to make a better world so no child would ever lose a parent again thought not a perfect utopia humanity will in fact truly be united as one." Kiba said as he looked to Ruby as she heard this.
"United against what?" Ruby asked as Kiba then spread his arms about.
"Me." Kiba said as Ruby heard this. "If Remnant had foe beyond the Grimm that they can only defeat as one... then the world would truly become better for it." Kiba said as Ruby was shocked by what Kiba was saying. "If I must damn myself as the villain of the world to save the world, so be it I shall endure such an exile." Kiba said as he was clearly one to inspire loyalty. "So you see Ruby Rose I do the evil acts I do for the greater good of all because if Remnant is united against a true monster the Grimm wouldn't be able to stand against the greatest feet of power with a united Remnant." Kiba said as he looked to Ruby.
'Ruby be careful.' Eclipse urged as Ruby heard this.
'Why is he lying?' Ruby responded with the mental link.
'I can't tell if he is then he is very skilled to even hide it from me.' Eclipse responded as Ruby was worried.
"Now Ruby you see my side of the story for in a way I am the unsung hero of this tale." Kiba said as Ruby glared at him. "I see you require more proof very well." Kiba said as he then got on one knee to Ruby bowing to her as Ruby saw this. "Then to prove myself I humbly asked you Scorching Heat Knight to accompany me on a small excursion against a powerful Hybrid that requires two and two alone to locate and defeat." Kiba said as Ruby heard this as she looked to Kiba who was asking for her help.
"Why me though? If anything you'd do the deed yourself." Ruby asked as she glared at Kiba.
"The task required two no more no less because the path itself demands that two be there even my abilities has weaknesses after all." Kiba said as that was a total lie with truth mixed in Nexus knew that his powers were completely unbeatable he has yet to find a weakness for them but he knew he had a weakness just needed to find it.
"Eclipse?" Ruby asked as Eclipse heard this.
"Like I said It's your call Ruby." Eclipse said as she knew if what Kiba says is true then as a protector then it was Ruby's duty to stop this creature.
"What do you get out of this?" Ruby asked as Kiba then stood up and smiled to Ruby from under his mask.
"I simply get a chance to test myself is all?" Kiba said as for him this was but training.
Ruby looked down for a moment as she thought it through. If what Kiba was saying is true in anyway then Ruby had a duty to take down this Hybrid before it can get out and cause havoc. But if Kiba was lying then Ruby was going to be in the fight of her life again knowing that Kiba is a formidable foe even with her strength as it was.
"What... what do I need to do?" Ruby asked as Kiba smiled to her as he looked.
"Follow." Kiba said as he saw she took the bait now he needs to antis her and give her a taste of what he has to offer her the power she could wield if she joins him. After all humans and Faunus were the same give them a taste of power and when they have it and have enjoyed it they will lust for more. For Nexus the pieces were falling into place as for Ruby this will end in three ways for her, she joins him, he consumes her, or... she becomes a source of genetic material for him.
(Back with Gold and Wolfe)
"Hey brat focus!" Wolfe called out as Gold was in a fist fight with Wolfe as he avoided his attacks with ease while smoking a cigarette. "Your attacking wildly it's a miracle in itself the two you were helping train haven't gotten themselves killed yet!" Wolfe called as Gold swung his fists as Wolfe wasn't one to exactly approve of Gold's method of fighting but to each their own in many aspects.
Gold roared out as he sent a punch at Wolfe who then pulled out his sheathed Makai Ken and blocked to attack before using his free hand to release the smoke from his mouth. "Idiot." Wolfe said as Wolfe then pushed Gold off and in turn kicked him away as Gold cried out and then hit a tree hard as he fell from it.
"Idiot... Kaze would have countered that attack without breaking a sweat." Wolfe said as he still remembered his old friend Kaze and to think Gold was his successor was a joke to many who saw him and his antics in and off battle.
"Your right he would." Gold said as he began to get back up cracking his neck a bit. "But not me!" Gold called out as he sent an attack at Wolfe as Wolfe saw it coming only for Gold to do a fake out as he pulled his punch which hit air before dropping down and giving his mentor an uppercut and in turn a roundhouse kick sending him hurdling away.
Wolfe got his feet back under him only for Gold to come at him with another set of punches as Wolfe being caught off guard was avoiding them as best he could as he didn't think Gold could capitalize on this moment of weakness. Gold then sent a fist to his mentor's face sending him down as he began to get back up as he grabbed his face to see if his jaw was still there. "I ain't Kaze but I'm me." Gold said as he looked to Wolfe as he began to get up and smirked at him.
"You sure are brat." Wolfe said before igniting his semblance causing Gold to jump back from the flames as he saw this only to be knocked down by Wolfe hard. "But you still got a long way to go." Wolfe said as he looked to Gold as he hadn't been blindsided like that in a long while. No doubt Gold had improved a great deal since he's been enrolled into Beacon for this assignment.
"Well that was impressive." Qrow was heard as Gold looked and saw him.
"Qrow now I know who to blame for the loss." Wolfe said as Qrow rolled his eyes to him.
"Yeah don't blame me this time if anything Good Luck Charm here would have probably counter it without even knowing it." Qrow said as he pointed his thumb to Gold.
"Yeah sure." Wolfe said pulling out another cigarette as he began to smoke it.
"You know..." Gold began before stopping himself and sighing. "Nevermind." Gold said as he knew it wouldn't work on Wolfe because it would only cause him to up the tor-err-training. "Anyway what brings you here?" Gold asked as Qrow threw a letter torts Gold who caught it.
"Something came up, we got a seal breaking nearby so we need to take out the prisoner inside said seal before it can cause damage." Qrow said as Gold saw this.
"So hybrid then?" Gold asked as Qrow smirked.
"You got it... plus Ruby seems to have gone missing don't know why but got a call from Eclipse something is wrong." Qrow said as Orva agreed.
"If we don't find her Ruby may find herself in more trouble then she thought." Orva said as Gold nodded.
"That girl can't sit still for long can, she?" Zaruba agreed as it was a given when Ruby was involved.
"Well let's go find her before she bites off more than she can chew." Gold said as Qrow agreed.
"I'll catch up just give me a bit." Wolfe said as that was agreeable for now.
"Good this will give me plenty of time to talk to you about her new 'wolf transformation,' she has going on." Qrow said as he knew he may be able to help her use it better than just changing at will and to use it in combat when needed.
(With Ruby and Kiba Sealing Grounds)
"Is this the place?" Ruby asked as she and Kiba disembarked into the place after they had called there Bikes over from whatever location they awaited at as Ruby saw it.
"Yes." Kiba said as he and Ruby walked to the sealed door but saw it was shut tight as she tapped it with her hand.
"Well its sealed shut I doubt we could get through." Ruby said as Kiba smirked under his mask and looked to Ruby.
"It takes two to open it no more no less it was designed that way that not even my power can do so." Kiba said as a second Kiba appeared from his shadows before returning. "This is a method only a true Dark Knight would know how to do a master... and his or her apprentice." Kiba said as Ruby looked at the door.
"Well too bad we don't have that now do we." Ruby almost taunted as Kiba chuckled to her.
"No, no we do not but we have the next best thing, our Aura." Kiba said as he focused his Aura to a hand seal on one side which began to glow. "Aura if properly mastered can become a gateway to a wide assortment of abilities beyond that of our semblance." Kiba said as he removed his hand and in turn the glow ended. "Now you do the same and lift the first stone." Kiba explained as he looked to Ruby expecting her to perform this task.
Ruby saw this and did the same and focused her Aura as well but all she got was a glow and a drain of it as Ruby was already struggling before she was forced to cut it off. "I can't it's too much." Ruby said as Kiba then sighed to her being calm and patient with her.
"Ruby your emotions are a wellspring of power use it, use the emotion that draws out the most strength and try again." Kiba said as Ruby looked down as she can think of one emotion as of late she had gained a lot of strength from... but the last time she had used it, she had gone to a very scary place she didn't want to go back to.
"But what if." Ruby began as this emotion easily could attract the Grimm but Kiba was calm.
"Ruby your emotions your passions give you strength and with that strength you gain power and through that power you will attain victory so in turn you must break your chains now try again." Kiba said using a tone showing he couldn't do this without her.
Ruby then nodded as she figured she might as well and tried again as Eclipse saw this and saw the emotions Ruby was drawing out. She knew the dangers they brought if not careful especially to a budding Knight like Ruby and kept a close eye in case Ruby goes to deep in. The hand symbol glowed with Ruby's aura as she growled and gritted her teeth as soon the door began to open as Kiba saw this.
"Yes... good you that power Ruby." Kiba said as inside the door was a red glow as once it was opened high enough Kiba placed his hand on the next panel and charged his Aura in opening the path as the sealing grounds took his Aura and allowed the second path to open while also setting up clamps to the first part that were set on a timer to close automatically once cut off from the Aura. "Ruby here now!" Kiba called out as Ruby then vanished in a flurry of rose pedals and appeared next to Kiba before the door could close behind her as she then placed her hand on the next symbol and creating another link.
The duo began a small matter with one opening the path while the other held the previous one open as it wasn't long till they were through as Ruby then gasped as she fell down to her knees from it. "Holy cow that was tough." Ruby said as Kiba then kneeled down to her.
"Ruby if you do not take risks there will always be limits to your abilities. Do what must be done to seize the knowledge and power you seek and to seize the goal you strive for." Kiba said as Ruby looked down as for a moment as the duo began to walk in.
"Hey Kiba." Ruby said as Kiba walked ahead.
"Do you have any other name that doesn't associate with your armor?" Ruby asked as she was getting bored of calling Kiba the same name over and over again armor or no armor.
"Hmm... I do have a true name but I only reveal it to my closest friends, allies, and loved ones." Kiba began as that was the truth on his part during missions like the one Salem sent his team on.
"But... you may call me Barago if you so wish." The now identified Barago said as she looked to Ruby as Ruby nodded and smiled a bit.
"Barago… I like it." Ruby said as she began to follow Barago deeper into the sealed grounds.
(With Gold and Qrow)
The duo arrived on Gold's bike as Gold got off and was shocked at what he saw as was Qrow as they saw two familiar bikes were here as Qrow saw this. "This cannot be good." Gold said as Zaruba saw this.
"What's the kid doing here?" Qrow asked as he saw it seemed Ruby and Kiba had arrived at the same time but now battle had occurred. In fact judging by the movement of it all it seemed like they were working together here.
"Zaruba?" Gold asked as he looked to Zaruba.
"I can't catch a trace of them the Inga here is great that they blend in, further more it seems Kiba may have went out of his way to hide his scent here as well." Zaruba said as Gold cursed as Qrow saw this.
"This place doesn't match any sealing ground I know about." Qrow said as Gold saw it before Zaruba spoke.
"Because this sealing ground is special it contains two beings here one of course being the hybrid and the other no doubt being Kiba's main prize." Zaruba said as Gold saw this.
"His main prize?" Gold asked as Zaruba nodded to him.
"Yes the item that is a match made in Hell for Kiba, the only Dark Madou Ring in existence Zarathos named after the former Mantel King Zarathos Uroboros Del Mantel." Zaruba explained as the duo were wide eyed at this.
"So you tell us this now!?" Gold asked in shock as Zaruba sighed a bit.
"I honestly did not think this new Kiba would come looking for it, but if he is allowed to claim this Madou Ring and reinstate the contract between them he will become even more difficult to defeat in combat." Zaruba explained as Orva then spoke.
"Then we better get to Zarathos before Kiba does." Orva said as Qrow nodded.
"My thoughts exactly." Qrow said as he knew they had to hurry before Ruby does something she will regret.
(With Ruby and Barago)
"Hey Barago I don't think a Hybrid is sealed here." Ruby said as Barago looked to her.
"No it's sealed in another part of the grounds this part holds a being that can lead us to it and in turn aid us in slaying it as well as tracking down others like it." Barago said as he looked to Ruby while they continued their path.
"Ok what is it?" Ruby asked as Eclipse knew what Barago was talking about.
"A Madou Ring sealed here to act as aid in keeping this Hybrid at bay." Eclipse said as she knew that was only part of the story but what was the rest of the, tale.
"You're joking." Ruby said as she didn't think Barago would have need for it.
"Why not ask it yourself." Barago said as he stopped and pointed his hand to their prize as Ruby saw it and was wide eyed when she saw the Madou Tool Barago spoke of. It was in fact a Madou Ring as it was surrounded by a demonic crimson energy as the only thing noticeable from it was the shadow of a ring with demonic horns and nothing else
"How do we get to it?" Ruby asked as she looked down the abyss as Barago saw it.
"Few ways, having the courage to risk oblivion or a secret only few know." Barago said walking to a nearby wall and removing the dust which revealed Makai Script.
"Only the true heir to Kiba and his Apprentice may proceed to claim his birth right without trial the rest must stand trial or perish." Barago said as Ruby saw this as she glared at Barago.
"I'm not you're." Ruby said as Barago stopped her.
"I know but for now just say that you are so we may proceed." Barago said as Ruby looked down in fear.
"But how do we know you're the one true heir?" Ruby asked as Barago chuckled and to Ruby's shock he began to take a step forward. "No stop!" Ruby called but then to her shock platforms floating in the air came up and went to where Barago's foot would have landed. Barago continued as Ruby saw Barago make his way to the altar and it wasn't long till he was there. "Wow." Ruby said as she then felt a chill go up her spine like something inside her told her Barago shouldn't be allowed anywhere near that Madou Ring.
Barago meanwhile made his way forward as he looked upon the Madou Ring before crimson red eyes inside it shined upon Barago who smirked back. "So... at last you appear before me again my master." The Ring said as its voice echoed across the area as Barago looked to the Madou Ring.
"Zarathos the Dark Madou Ring that the Kiba of old forged in the darkest of images." Barago said as he walked to the sphere.
"It seems you have done your homework... tell me what may be your name?" Zarathos asked as Barago smiled to him as he then went to the sphere.
"My name call me Nexus." Nexus said removing his mask enough so Zarathos may see his face as Nexus smirked to the Dark Madou Ring.
"Very well." Zarathos said as Nexus then reached into the sphere as it all but burned his hand to ashes only for it to regenerate instantly as it continued the process as Zarathos saw this. Soon Nexus pulled the ring out with a roar and in turn saw the ring in his hand as it was similar to Zaruba but more of a demonic parody of Zaruba. "I see your worth holds truth as does your lineage my master, shall we form the contract once more?" Zarathos said as his deep yet demonic voice looked to his one true master at long last.
"Yes we shall any specific terms?" Nexus asked as Zarathos nodded to him.
"You shall feed to me the life and blood of the innocent for every month of mine upon the night of new moon as has always been." Zarathos said as Nexus retook his Barago persona while putting the Dark Madou Ring on.
"Those terms are acceptable." Barago said as Zarathos nodded.
"Very well but be warned my master you asked for this." Zarathos said as Barago then felt the pulse go through his body.
(With Ruby and Eclipse)
"Flower Girl I truly believe this may be a grave error in judgement." Eclipse said as she looked to Ruby.
"What how come?" Ruby asked as Eclipse looked.
"Yes I can sense the seal is in fact on the verge of breaking but this particular Madou Ring was sealed away here for good reason it's not like any other in the world. I must urge you when this is over take that Madou Ring to be sealed away again we cannot allow it to roam freely in Kiba's hands." Eclipse said as Ruby saw this and nodded.
"Ok I'll try." Ruby said but she won't deny Barago was one great teacher since he's already showing her ways to exceed her own strength without hurting others as soon Barago returned to them.
"Come." Barago said as he and Ruby went back to the door as Ruby sighed.
"Do we have to do this again?" Ruby asked as Barago smirked to her.
"Not at all you, will find that this particular Madou Ring has a few advantages in places like this." Barago said as his new Dark Madou Ring was on his left Middle Finger as he inserted it into the wall next to the door before turning it like a key. Soon the doors began to open as on the other side was the outside but with them was Gold and Qrow as Ruby was wide eyed at this as was Gold as this looked very bad for Ruby as it looked like she was conspiring with the enemy.
"We're too late." Zaruba said as he saw it Zarathos was released.
"Zaruba… is that you? It's been quite some time." Zarathos said as he hadn't seen Zaruba in centuries.
"Huh what, fun." Barago said as he walked over to them as Ruby kept ahead of Barago. "What delightful fun enemies, all gathered here all after the same prize." Barago said as he smirked at them.
"Ruby get away from him now!" Qrow ordered as it was clear this was a bad situation.
"Wait Uncle Qrow, Barago he's after the hybrid like we are!" Ruby defended as Gold was surprised by this as Barago or Kiba as they had known him until now.
"Well considering he helped trashed Vale 4 times already I highly doubt that." Gold said as Barago laughed a bit as he saw the mistrust was well placed from Gold.
"Now gentleman let's not jump the gun here right now you and I all share the same target." Barago said as Gold glared at him instead.
"Considering what you did twice already I don't think so." Qrow said as Gold was cracking his knuckles as soon the Madou's all sensed it.
"I suppose actions will speak louder than words." Barago said before charging forward with Void Gear Dark Drawn and in turn cut down three Horrors before they could attack as they all saw it as Barago just saved them from a sneak attack.
"What are Horrors doing here?" Ruby asked as Barago sighed as he sheathed his weapon.
"The Seal is on the verge of breaking re-energizing it is no longer a viable option we must make our way to the seal and cut down the Horror there." Barago explained as Gold glared at him as Qrow looked ready to attack.
"He's right." Eclipse said as everyone heard her. "A temporary truce would be used at least until the Hybrid is slayed and with Barago's power we may be able to stand a fighting chance." Eclipse explained as she looked to the gathered group.
"She is right those Horrors are only the first of many to come if we do not hurry more will come Grimm included and of a stronger variety." Barago said as he was basically giving them an ultimatum. "As it stands the Hybrid is a danger to my plans thus it must be dealt with posthaste." Barago said as it was clear they had the same target and for Barago Dark Madou Ring Zarathos was just a bonus for him.
"Fine... you know the way then?" Qrow asked as Barago smiled to him.
"Happy to see a veteran is able to understand reason." Barago praised and taunted at the same time as Qrow glared at him as he was really holding himself back from attacking after what this guy did to Amber and Snow. "I know the way and at the highest point of the sealing grounds is the actual seal itself connect Zarathos to it with the Silver Eyed Girls aura normally would reenergize the seal instantly but as it stands that will not be an option but at that point the where the seal will break we have a short amount of time to cut it down if we do not slay it within that time table it will go about wreaking havoc upon Vale." Barago explained as he looked to the trio.
"Then lead the way." Qrow growled as Orva had one thought.
"This is a bad idea you know." Orva said as Qrow already knew this.
"Yeah... I know but it's the best we got." Qrow said as he followed after Barago who began to walk down the path there bikes could not go.
(With Blaze)
Blaze was observing the whole thing as he had binoculars which recorded everything he saw. He had gone off alone leaving Cinder in Emerald's care until his return. But as he saw this he saw what Nexus had claimed and growled knowing Nexus had gained another power. The Dark Madou Ring was a forbidden one to the order as it wasn't like Zaruba or Eclipse as for Kiba it was a match made in hell.
"Salem won't like this." Blaze said as he knew if Nexus was truly turning on them Salem needed to know with all the evidence with it especially with how Nexus was basically training the Silver Eyed girl. If this goes wrong Salem will no doubt hold both Cinder and Nexus accountable for this as he knew Nexus was taking a great risk trying to turn the Silver Eyed Girl to their cause. "Let's see what you're planning." Blaze said as he continued his scouting no doubt to try and find a weakness in Nexus impenetrable armor of power.
(Back with the group)
The group arrived at the obelisk as Barago lead them to what appeared to be a dead end as Qrow saw this.
"Well now what?" Qrow asked as Barago then smirked and placed his hand on the obelisk causing a platform to lower to them and in turn revealing a path for them upward.
"Wow." Ruby said as she and Barago then began to get on the ancient elevator as Qrow tried to follow after them but Barago stopped him.
"Only two no more no less." Barago warned as Qrow glared at the masked monster before him.
"Well these two come as a set." Qrow said as he then bushed Barago off the platform and took his place no doubt to keep whatever corruption Barago may try to put on Ruby as far away as possible. "You ok riding with him Gold?" Qrow asked as Gold shrugged a bit.
"I'll manage." Gold said as Barago smirked a bit.
"We shall see." Barago said as he knew he had to play along for now.
(On the Elevator with Ruby and Qrow)
"Kid listen to me that guy he's using you." Qrow started quickly as Ruby looked to him.
"Are you sure I mean he's been showing me all this awesome things I could do." Ruby said as Qrow looked to his niece.
"Ruby he's not normal by any standards." Qrow argued as Ruby growled a bit.
"Can't you trust me to think on my own?!" Ruby argued back as Qrow glared at his niece for that one.
"I do trust you to follow your instincts." Qrow said as he did honestly trust Ruby but this was over the line here.
"Well by the looks of it even if Barago is the enemy he clearly sees what can become." Ruby defended as it was clear she was given a taste and she had no idea that with that smallest of tastes she wanted more.
"He'll say anything to get what he wants." Qrow argued as they arrived at the top.
"Look out!" Eclipse cried out as they soon saw another Horror come at them and this time with a hybrid as both roared and screeched at them as the two dodged the attack and drew their weapons.
"This isn't good," Qrow said as he feel like his buzz is going away and facing Hybrid isn't the easiest thing to do, even when do you to have someone back you up or the other way around, even one that took on the body of a Beringel.
Beringel hybrid roar out as he bang on its chest as it charge at the two scythe wielders as they scattered, as Qrow pull out his huntsmen weapon and have it in shotgun mode as eh quickly loaded it up with some Makai shells, and fire off a few.
The shot hits but hardly did any damage, as the hybrid leap into the air as with his fist raised as Qrow leap forward in a roll ad he dodge the incoming body slam as he quickly got to his feet pull out his Makai knight sword and slash across the hybrids back as it cry out before back handing Qrow back as Ruby came in with her speed and slash her scythe down at it only for it to back away enough and have tis bone armor hit.
Ruby was suddenly grab by her leg and throw across the dark halls as she skip a bit on the ground as Qrow saw this and got piss a bit as he had both gun and sword out as he fire out to catch the hybrids attention, as it turn to him and try to smack him until he leaps over and slash across its being as he cut into the hybrids flesh before sticking his shotgun at the wound and fire, as a burst of flame came forth at it as the beast cry out before swing its arm back as Qrow jump back to avoid it.
As Ruby recover and join back in as she stab her scythe into the ground and loaded up a mag of some high power madou bullets and fired, pierce the skin and bone of the beast as it cry out as it ran around and avoid ruby shots, before leaping up to the ceiling, and broke off a spiked rock before throwing it at her as she dodge it before it could hit her as she vanish into rose petals.
The Hybrid roared out as its mouth split open in its roar as it then slammed Ruby away knocking her to the edge before she could make a proper attack where she ended up hanging on the edge. "Ruby!" Qrow called out as he transformed into his Crow form and flew at the Hybrid's face distracting it as Ruby with her Semblance burst upward and attacked as she turned into her wolf form making sure to be careful in her attack as it seems her claws and fangs were like soul metal in this form.
Qrow returned to his human form as he saw Ruby turned into the crimson red wolf as he didn't realize Ruby could do that and meant it. the Hybrid then went for the attack as Ruby reverted to her human form in turn to attack but the creature then vanished much like Blake's Semblance and was about to attack Ruby from behind only for two new voices to be heard.
"Ruby!" Barago called out as Gold followed
"Hold on!" Gold called as soon Gold and Barago cut away the Hybrid with ease in a cross slash ending its life with ease. Barago walked over to Ruby and helped her to her feet as Gold smiled at their victory. "Talk about lucky! We made it just in time." Gold said as Barago heard what Gold said as he had an idea in turn while Gold helped Qrow to his feet.
"Well that was unexpected." Qrow said as they saw the remains of the Hybrid vanished.
"Yes it was a miscalculation on my part it seems by removing Zarathos from his seal we reduced the time we had by a great margin." Barago said as Zarathos agreed.
"Yes the peons of your order used me as conduit to syphon the dark energies of the sealed one here to hold the seal strong." Zarathos said as Zaruba scoffed a bit.
"If you didn't openly aid the Dark Knight in his machination instead of keeping the power contained we would not have had to do so." Zaruba argued as Zarathos purpose was keep the darkness of Kiba at bay by being his Madou Ring which became a very poor error in judgement for many involved.
"Despite these arguments we will need to divide and conquer to avoid being boxed in if we are attacked on both sides. It is the most logical choice of strategy." Barago said as Qrow glared at Barago.
"And let me guess Ruby goes with you. I don't think so." Qrow said as Barago knew this would happen.
"As I said it is the logical choice plus with the conflicting forces of your Bad Luck Charm and Gold's Good Luck Charm in theory it should allow you both to counter act each other when Semblances are involved." Barago said as Orva heard this as she saw Barago was right and so did Qrow.
"You know you're really starting to get on my nerves with that know it all stuff you have there." Qrow glared as Barago looked as Ruby then stepped in.
"We should split up at least I mean he hasn't lead us astray this far." Ruby said as even though she had her doubts about Barago and her mistrust of him he doesn't seem so bad once you get to know him better. "Trust me I'll be careful." Ruby said as Gold then heard this.
"That's what scares me." Gold said as he wondered if Barago had planned around that when it comes to Ruby.
Qrow hen sighed as he agreed no doubt with much mental debate as Qrow gave a small nod. "Excellent, excellent you will find another lift on the far side of the structure we will meet on the next terrace." Barago said as he and Ruby went to the next lift. Once it was activated Qrow looked up until Gold walked by looking as happy as ever not even bothered Ruby was hanging around his greatest enemy thus far.
"She'll be fine." Gold said as Qrow looked to him.
"How can you be so sure your right?" Qrow asked as he looked to Gold who then smiled.
"Honestly I don't but I am sure we all had a hand in teaching her how to be a Knight and a protector." Gold said as he believed in the lessons his teammates and teachers taught Ruby and believed that Qrow taught Ruby well enough to know what was right and what was wrong.
Qrow of course smiled as he then followed Gold to where the other lift was as he had a thought. "So know where I can get one of those bikes?" Qrow asked as he won't lie he always wanted a motorcycle like that but Raven and Tai always found a reason for him not to get one.
(With Ruby and Barago)
"Ruby, our enemies particularly my cohorts, instructors, and masters fight without mercy without remorse of any kind to serve a greater goal even if our goals don't fully align. If you wish to stand victorious you must find the same strength inside yourself." Barago said as he looked to Ruby as he was very charismatic to manipulate others to do his dirty work or to see his way of thinking.
"But Gold, Aron, Raymond, Ollette, and Uncle Qrow all told me fighting other people like that should be a last resort if it risks killing not a first choice." Ruby said as she remembered what they all taught her when she trained under them.
"Which is why many who followed that line of thinking had met a gruesome end. Seeing the best in people will show you many times that there is no light inside their souls." Zarathos said as Eclipse scoffed at the ancient Dark Madou Ring.
"Yes but that line of thinking has saved many more then killing the threat could." Eclipse argued as Barago then cleared his throat on this.
"Ruby you were given your gifts for one reason, to use them for whatever you deem them to be used for." Barago said as he then put his hand on her shoulder. "Can I count on you to do what needs to be done to help create that better world?" Barago asked as he looked to Ruby as he could see that his words were affecting Ruby and his manipulation was beginning to show some results as Ruby looked to him and nodded in response as they arrived at the top.
As they walked thought they soon saw what looked like White Fang Controlled Drones as Barago and Ruby began shooting at them with their guns as they saw they were not alone here as they moved up the steps to where the seal alter was located. Ruby then felt something off and side stepped and shot at a white Fang Hunter behind them as said Fang avoided it with a shield weapon and smirked at her with a laugh.
"Man Adam and the others will love to see this." The White Fang member said as it was clear he was spying on Barago.
"Flower Girl be careful he isn't a Horror." Eclipse warned as Ruby nodded. The two then charged at the Hunter ready to do battle with him.
(With Gold and Qrow)
The duo were on the lift when they had heard the commotion going on as they looked to each other. "That doesn't sound good." Qrow said as Zaruba and Orva saw something.
"Look out!" They both called as they soon looked and saw Zex and Neo appear as they tried to attack them and in turn the two avoided their attacks in response.
"You take one I got the other!" Gold called out as he went for Zex and Qrow went for Neo.
"My friend, the fates are cruel. There are no dreams, no honor remain. The arrow has left the bow of the goddess." Zex recited as he did battle with Gold. "My soul, corrupted by vengeance. Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey in my own salvation and your eternal slumber." He kept up as Gold went for a punch which Zex blocked with his shield. "Legend shall speak of sacrifice at world's end." Zex kept up as Gold then pushed back as Zex sighed a bit before continuing. "The wind sails over the water's surface quietly, but surely." He finished as Gold heard this.
"Dude you really are to obsess with that series." Gold said as this is the second time they meet and the second time he recited an act from that Loveless Poem.
(Back with Ruby and Barago)
Ruby and Barago were facing the White Fang Member as Ruby vanished in quick bursts of burning rose pedals as she made her attacks fast and hard as the White Fang Hunter was being pushed to his limit. "That's it Ruby use that anger and rage, use your pain and suffering, and let it fuel and empower you." Barago guided as Eclipse was starting to see what Barago was doing to Ruby the longer they fought alongside each other.
Ruby then roared out as she then pinned the White Fang Member to the wall with the blade inches from his neck as she saw the member of the murderous group who had caused a whole lot of people to get hurt ever since Sienna Kahn took control of the White Fang. "No! Please no!" The White Fang Murderer begged as he saw it in Ruby's silver eyes the darkness and that killer instinct being brought out by Barago as he saw what may happen.
"Strike him down, Ruby! You must end this finish him!" Barago ordered as he looked to Ruby as she looked ready to end this once and for all.
"Ruby don't do this you know this isn't you." Eclipse said as she had to make sure Ruby stayed true to herself and her path otherwise she would have failed Summer and Sakuya. And it seems Eclipse words struck true as Ruby hesitated as the darkness inside vanished back to its recesses as she pulled back letting the White Fang Member fall to his knees.
"I can't." Ruby said as she wasn't a murderer and she knew this and if she had killed that Faunus she would have made an enemy of the entire Makai Order.
The White Fang Member smirked at what he saw as he then reached for his weapon to end Ruby with her back turned. Barago then roared out and stabbed the White Fang Member through the chest and sliced him open causing his blood to fly out and land on Ruby's face a bit. He then reached his hand out as the eye designed runic symbol began to glow in response and in turn Ruby saw what Barago did to him.
"Now let's find out who sent you." Barago said as he then began to consume the Faunus as he screamed in pain and horror as he felt like he was being ripped apart. Soon Ruby saw his hands and body began to shrivel up before it went completely limp as Barago let go and sighed as if he just had some meal. "I see so that's what's going on." Barago said as Ruby to her shock saw the Faunus was basically now just skin and bones as when she touched him his body broke apart without his soul vanishing to dust like that of a Grimm.
"Ruby head my warning the next time you hesitated like that... it may cost you your life or the lives of your loved ones." Barago warned her as the White Fang tried to kill her while her back was turned.
"You killed him." Ruby said as she was shocked at what she saw as she saw Barago then wipe the blood of her face.
"I did if I had not you would be dead instead." Barago said as in that moment it was either Ruby or the White Fang Member. "And thanks to this I now know certain parties among my allies have started plans for a... coup against me." Barago said as soon they heard what was going on nearby as they heard Gold and Qrow facing Zex and Neo. "We must hurry I fear our companions may be in grave danger." Barago said as he and Ruby began to climb the steps.
"You made the right choice Ruby you are no killer remember that." Eclipse said as she had to make sure Ruby doesn't fall to the darkness and its whispers of false promises.
The two soon arrived at the top to see Qrow and Gold facing off against Zex and Neo as it was two on two down there. "It seems my cohorts aren't keen on obeying orders." Barago said as he looked to those down below. "Listen you will face the Hybrid we must not allow it to be freed I shall take care of this situation and meet back with you at the seal." Barago said as Ruby saw this and nodded to him.
"I'll meet you at the top." Ruby said as she then made her way to the seal to hopefully stall the powerful Horror Grimm Hybrid or at the very least take it down.
But once Ruby was out of hearing Range Zarathos spoke out. "She is powerful I can see why you would think her powers are wasted among Ozpin's forces at best and at worse wasted in her possession." Zarathos said as Barago smirked.
"Don't worry if you think I'm being reckless I always cover my investments." Barago said as he had plans for every possible scenario where his plans went horribly wrong. Barago then drew his weapon and turned it to its Halberd form and went to aid Gold and Qrow.
He then swung the Halberd like a fishing rod and in turn the four had to avoid the axe blade and saw Barago reeling himself in as he then smashed down upon the ground with his fist knocking all four of them back. "And why or why must you spy on my Zex." Barago glared as Zex heard this as Neo looked shocked as she looked to Barago.
"Leave both of you, the creature sealed here is a threat to the long term plans so be gone or suffer for it." Barago threatened them as Neo silently nodded and in turn before Zex could argue was grabbed by Neo as soon Barago shot at them seeing them both shatter like glass. Barago scoffed as he began to look to where the Alter is as he knew the pieces were starting to fall into place as there was one thing he didn't mention to everyone about the Hybrid sealed here.
"Ok where's Ruby?" Qrow asked as he glared at Barago as he then smirked a bit with a small chuckle.
"Ruby? Oh you mean my new apprentice Yaiba?" Barago said as they were all shocked at this and were even more shocked when Barago went for Qrow only to be blocked by Gold's gauntlet. "I see you didn't trust me from the beginning did you Gold?" Barago taunted as he smirked at Gold.
"Yeah Barago Kiba whatever your still that asshole who I want to kick the ass of." Gold said as he pushed Barago back as the Two Knights glared at Barago.
"Well you should have acted sooner than Gold my apprentice will soon be facing her true self her inner darkness, a test if you will to see if she will be among those to become a True Dark Knight. The Hybrid was sealed here because it merged with a Geist and in turn takes the form of whatever the foe that its facing that is the strongest." Barago boasted as he glared at his foes. "And when she returns the darkness will be all she is the fires of the Scorching Heat and the light of the silver eyes will be replaced by flames of ebony dark and the grey of tainted silver." Barago said as Gold glared at him.
"Not happening." Gold said as he glared at Barago who played with Ruby's emotions so casually like that.
(With Ruby)
Ruby arrived at the seal and saw the crimson energy flow around it showing it was about to break at any moment as Eclipse sensed it. "Ruby be carful the darkness here is powerful." Eclipse warned as Ruby nodded and walked forward carefully. But when she did a shadow began to form up as it rose and looked to Ruby with demonic red eyes.
"Who comes forth?" The Hybrid asked surprising Ruby that it spoke like that.
"The Scorching Heat Knight Yaiba!" Ruby countered as the Hybrid chuckled at this.
"And tell me what do you seek Makai Knight?" The Hybrid asked possible stalling for a chance at freedom.
"I came here to cut away your Inga!" Ruby roared out as the Hybrid then chuckled from its seal as shadows began to seep out.
"I see so you seek victory but with victory there is always POWER!" The Hybrid roared out as soon the seal burst out as the barrier formed around the alter area no doubt as a final layer of defense to keep the Horror sealed inside.
Ruby had shielded herself from the burst as she looked and saw the Hybrid began to take shape before to her shop she saw herself in the Hybrid's place as the Horror laughed a bit. "I see so much darkness hidden away, so much power locked away as well." The Hybrid laughed using a parody of Ruby's voice as she laughed a bit. "Jealousy for those who still have what you lost due to your weakness, rage against those who underestimated you and had lied to you for so long when you believed them to be friends, Greed for more power and knowledge, a hidden pride for your prodigy like ability to enter Beacon Early, a hunger to accompany that pride for more power for more knowledge, and most of all a lust for certain individuals who are well beyond your reach." The Hybrid laughed as it had looked into the darkness Ruby had hidden away unknowingly.
"I can taste it all and see it all and thus I become what you truly are." The Horror said as it was like Ruby but the colors scheme on her was reversed as the skin was a pale white with black veins on it, her eyes once silver were red as the white of her eyes had become pitch black. But most of all her scythe was a demonic parody of her own as Eclipse saw this.
"Ruby this was a trap." Eclipse said as she saw this. "This Hybrid it takes the form of the darkness of the strongest foe its facing and right now it's you! This means this Hybrid was formed from a Horror possessing a Geist which would explain why it was sealed away here to begin with." Eclipse detailed as she knew Horrors from Grimm like Geist's were difficult to face in battle.
"Great." Ruby cursed as she drew her scythe while her double did the same.
"Come on lets slaughter!" The Hybrid laughed as she wanted to face Ruby. "You will die Silver eyed warrior!" The Horror roared before the two charged at each other to do battle.
(With Gold, Barago, and Qrow)
They all saw the seal break activating the last line of defense as Barago smirked at this. "How does it feel Brawnen?" Barago asked as Gold roared with Garoken drawn as Barago blocked the attack. Then Qrow came for the attack until shadows formed and from it to Qrow's shock Snow the former Winter Maiden jumped out attacking Qrow instead as he had to jump back while Barago jumped away while he summoned another familiar who made itself look like Ruby. "That these lovely young maidens are beyond the reach of both of you." Barago said as Gold glared at them.
"Snow is mine to toy and play with as I see fit. And soon Ruby will be mine to mold into my image and you both lack the power needed to stop me." Barago taunted as Snow and the Fake Ruby rubbed up to their master as Gold glared at him before roaring out. Gold then charged forward and went at Barago and began attacking him as he took out the Familiars as the fake Ruby was gone now but Snow escaped back into Barago's shadows.
"Qrow go get Rubes now!" Gold called out as he pushed Barago back. "He's mine!" Gold roared out as Qrow nodded and ran off to go help Ruby.
The two foes glared at each other as Barago smirked as he saw his foe. "You know I can easily go after him... but where would the fun be in that?" Barago asked as he looked to Gold.
"Oh how so?" Gold asked as the two glared at each other.
"You both alone and with those allies of yours have a tendency to push me back hard yet every confrontation you always play a major role in it against me." Barago said as he then smirked under his mask. "Never have I met a foe who can push me so hard that makes me hold back on killing him enough that I would call him my rival." Barago said as he looked to Gold before pointing his blade at Gold.
"Well happy that I don't disappoint." Gold said as Barago laughed a bit in response.
"Yes you should be it makes me almost regret that I have to end your life one day soon... almost." Barago said before he and Gold charged at each other and clashed blades against each other.
"Yeah don't bet on it." Gold said before he kicked Barago as they then glared at each other.
"Well let's dispense with the foreplay." Barago said as the two then got ready as they were ready to summon their armors. Golf swung the Garoken out as Barago blew upon his amulet before they both cut open portal which in turn released their armors becoming Garo and Kiba as the two glared at each other with their veins glowing with the violet and gold energy as they then charged forth once more to begin another battle against each other.
(With Ruby and the Hybrid)
The two Ruby's went at each other clashing their Scythe's left and right as it was clear they had every bit of skill as each other. They even went Wolf form and attacked like two animals but it seems they were equals in almost every way. Ruby went for an attack but the faker blocked it with her arms and own scythe as she smirked at Ruby. "I haven't eaten a silver eyed warrior in a very long time. I wonder how you taste." The Hybrid said as she licked the shaft of her scythe as Ruby then moved and kicked the Hybrid in the head as she was knocked back by the attack.
"Not gonna happen!" Ruby yelled as she glared at the Hybrid as she was cracking her neck.
"Impressive... this just makes things far more interesting!" The Hybrid roared out as she charged at Ruby as the two continued their battle for a moment before knocking the other back. Soon the two were knocked to the far walls as Ruby then charged forward summoning her armor becoming Yaiba as the Hybrid's form then changed to an ebony black version of Yaiba as they glared at each other with Yaiba's silver veins shining while the Hybrid's veins released a crimson red aura before there battle once more continued.
(With Garo vs Kiba)
Garo and Kiba were running down the Pyramid like structure as they clashed there blades on the way swinging it left and right at each other creating sparks and small bursts with each clash. Once they reached the bottom the charged outward as they slashed at each other while all but flying before they got their feet under them and glared at each other. Kiba smirked as he pulled down his helm allowing the crimson veins to glow with a demonic red aura as Garo glared while his own veins began glowing as well but with the violet aura instead.
The two roared out as they began hacking and slashing at each other as Kiba then spun around but with his halberd only for Garo to block the attack with his arm before twisting the halberd under his arm where he held it by its shaft before using it to fling Kiba away. Garo then threw the Halberd at Kiba where it spun torts him as Kiba saw this and charged in before using his sword to block it and as it spun in the air he grabbed it before taking a battle stance with both weapons. Kiba then began to duel wield as he spun both halberd and sword at Garo who tried to block and deflect the strikes to the best of his abilities but Kiba was proving to be a powerful foe.
Garo then ended up with both weapons pushing down on him with enough force to create a crater as Garo blocked both to the best of his abilities. "Come on Golden Knight show me the power of your blade show me the upper limits of your resolve!" Kiba called out as then Garo roared out as he began to push back against Kiba as Kiba saw this and in turn had his weapons flung out of his hands.
Garo then went for an attack with his Garoken but Kiba was ready as in turn Kiba blocked the sword with his hands crossing over each other before kicking Garo and proceeding to disarm him as the three weapons landed nearby stabbed into the ground as the two Knights glared at each other in response. The two then began a fist fight as they punched and kicked at each other as Garo was more of a brawler but Kiba was more precise with martial arts and hand to hand combat as the two were proving to be powerful adversaries to each other.
The two then began sending punch after punch at each other as it began to look similar to a video game when the player button mashes it as they both roared out as with every few punches they are able to get a blow in against each other mainly to the face as it was clear Kiba was being pushed so he pushed back hard and Garo responded with the same. It was as if these two brought out the best in each other in battle alone as soon they stopped and send a powerful punch to each other where there arms then grinded against each other during the punch creating sparks from the armor before nailing each other in the face hard. The two were then pushed back from the attack hard as they weren't done as Garo went for a powerful kick but Kiba blocked it and sent out his own punch but Garo saw this and dragged Kiba torts him for a head-butt which knocked Kiba back.
Garo taking his chance began to advance and send punch after punch at Kiba till Kiba saw a familiar trio of weapons as he smirked in response. When Kiba was pushed torts the three weapons he leaned back and grabbed the Garoken and his own Honooken and began swinging the blades at Garo duel wielding them with ease. Garo tried his best to block and avoid it but he was soon pinned on both sides by the two swords as Garo was now trapped. As Kiba pushed down on Garo there aura's flared out creating a crater as Garo in turn roared out in his struggle before the Garoken flashed and became heavy in Kiba's hand before Garo took back the Garoken and slashed against Kiba as he cried out in pain from it and jumped back a bit from the attack and saw the blood on his hand while his injury was already healing.
"How was that?!" Garo taunted as Kiba then laughed at this as he clenched his hand into a fist as he looked to Garo.
"Having the time of my life!" Kiba roared as he charged back at Garo as the two began there sword fight once more as this battle can clearly go either way for them as they continued this duel.
(Back with Yaiba)
Yaiba sent her scarves rings at the Hybrid taking her form as the Hybrid found itself trapped in them before Yaiba began running down the scarves before she slashed at it but she only nicked it when it turned into an armored wolf and escaped from its entrapment by Ruby. The Hybrid then returned to her copy form as she laughed at Ruby as they continued to battle. "You should see how your 'friends and teammates,' truly thing of you!" The Hybrid roared as she then wrapped her legs around Yaiba and flung her to the ground as Yaiba was caught off guard only to vanish in a flurry of flaming Rose Petals before attacking only for the Hybrid to spin her scythe around blocking the attack with the shaft of her weapon.
"Weiss Schnee all she sees in you is a child unfit to even be a Huntress let alone a Beacon student or a Makai Knight!" The faker laughed as Ruby heard this insider her armor only for the Hybrid to kick Yaiba in the face. "Blake Belladonna now that's a laugh not once did she even bother to tell you the truth of herself she doesn't trust you Ruby in fact what other secrets is she hiding I wonder." The Hybrid continued its taunt clearly showing she was trying to mess with Ruby's Head. "And Yang dear big sister Yang she doesn't even think you can fight on your own without her protecting you in the end in her eyes your still just a weak child who needs bigger people to protect her!" The hybrid taunted as Yaiba heard this and was then flung to a nearby obelisk that shattered when Yaiba hit it.
"And don't even get me started on Team's GARO and JNPR." The Hybrid taunted as it was clear her words were affecting Ruby as she began to note in certain aspects they were true. Was that truly the limit of her friendship did they truly believe she was unworthy and weak like that? No it had to be wrong but Weiss always lectures her about her reckless behavior, Yang is always going straight for the punch when it comes to those who are mean to her, and Blake she was a Faunus of the White Fang what else is she hiding about her past she omitted on purpose? "I see my words are sinking in then Scorching Heat Knight Yaiba." The hybrid taunted as Yaiba began to get back up to her feet to continue the battle.
As they did this the dark Yaiba grabbed the genuine article and threw her to the side as she then threw her across the floor as her armor skidded across the ground creating sparks till she hit the barrier which zapped her in response as it weakened more. "It hurts doesn't it? The weakness the pain and the what if's that plagues your mind." The Hybrid said with a dark chuckle. "What if I was there when she died, what if I went back to tell the others what I found, and what if I booked it when the ground began to cave in below me. All those what ifs that constantly remind you of how weak, you are." The faker said as she smirked at Ruby. "Maybe if you were stronger you could have saved dear mommy from her gruesome fate." the hybrid taunted as Ruby inside her armor then heard this and growled at this.
"Shut up!" Yaiba roared out as she then charged at the hybrid who in turn blocked her attack with ease as Yaiba was then nailed in the face by a well-placed punch as Yaiba then roared out at the fake.
"Yes that's right get angry let all that rage and grief come to surface!" Hybrid roared as it began an onslaught of attacks against Yaiba as she tried her best to block the attacks but it only proved to be her downfall as soon the Hybrid grabbed Yaiba's face and slammed her down hard. Yaiba was now helpless as the Hybrid scoffed at her foe as she looked to her. "I'm going to enjoy what comes next." The Hybrid said as it was going to either kill Ruby, eat her alive, or kill her then eat her.
The Hybrid then raised her scythe and swung down as to Yaiba it seems time was slowing down. "RUBY!" Eclipse called out as her voice echoed but as Yaiba saw this she felt a pull inside her as she as if someone or something was calling for her.
(Mindscape)
Ruby found herself in the mindscape as she was confused before she looked around finding herself in this place again. "A blade wields no strength if it's not held with courage." Came a familiar voice as Ruby looked and saw Yaiba there as she was wide eyed. "A wise old rose told me that recently... Ruby." Yaiba said as she looked to Ruby who was shocked.
"Yaiba or Sakuya..." Ruby said as Yaiba then chuckled as she looked to Ruby.
"I may appear to be Sakuya… but I am not my little rose bud." Yaiba said as soon her armor vanished revealing to Ruby's shock Summer Rose herself.
"It's been too long... Ruby." Summer said as Ruby saw her mother was here and well.
"Mom..." Ruby said as she then ran to Summer trying to hug her only for Summer to step back in response.
"No... Not yet Ruby." Summer said as she looked around. "I'm figuring that your here because the armor sees the darkness inside you the one that lives in all of us is growing and the only way to stop it is to face the one who originally planted it though unintentionally." Summer said as Ruby knew what she was talking about and that was when Summer had died long ago.
"But..." Ruby said as Summer chuckled to her daughter.
"You did splendidly Ruby making it this far and you have your friends those closest to you to thank for that. So why are you second guessing yourself now?" Summer asked a she looked to her daughter. "Yaiba has a mystical power much like Garo's I cannot tell it what it is exactly but I do know it's a power that is born from the bonds with those closest to you making them your power." Summer said as she looked to her daughter who looked down.
"But she's too strong." Ruby said as she looked down feeling she can never measure up to her own mother.
"Facing the unexpected is when your true power can be drawn out." Summer said as Ruby heard this. "After all you did so before as well." Summer said as Ruby remembered as she did so against Drasil, Kiba, and Edal as Ruby saw where this was going when she saw Qrow's scythe in her hand.
"So... for my life lesson to you from mother to daughter." Summer said as she and Ruby began taking a battle stance as they got ready as the shafts of the scythes were held before their faces. Soon there silver eyes snapped open ready for what was next as they got ready. "Expect the unexpected!" Summer called out as they both too there battle stances ready for what was next.
The two then charged at each other as when they did there blades met against each other.
(Yaiba vs Hybrid)
Yaiba was able to get her feet under her and clash her blade against the Hybrid much in the same way Ruby and Summer did as it was clear Yaiba may be fighting out here but inside Ruby was training with Summer.
As the two did battle one could also see Ruby battling against Summer it seemed to switch between the two constantly as it was as if Ruby was accepting something in an odd way while it seems her foe was getting weaker. Ruby rolled out of the way from an attack by Summer as Yaiba did the exact same from an attack by the Hybrid before the two counter attacked with an upward slash as it was clear Yaiba was fighting a completely different battle here. The Hybrid jumped up bringing an attack down on Yaiba who then blocked it the same way Ruby blocked it against Summer as this was like combat art. It even paid credence of how dancing and fighting were a lot alike but only to the eyes of the beholder. Soon the Hybrid was able to knock down Yaiba separating her from her weapon as Yaiba saw it and was about to reach for it only to find the Hybrid pointing her blade at Ruby.
(Ruby and Summer)
Ruby saw the blade pointed at her as Summer smiled at Ruby as she saw her mother won this one. "You've fought well." Summer said as outside the armor and mindscape Yaiba was in the exact same position against the dark parody of herself. "But even though you lost this fight here you're not alone in the fight outside." Summer said as Ruby then realized what her mother meant as she knew help was on the way and it was now here.
(Yaiba)
The Hybrid was soon stabbed with a blade revealing it to be the Phantom Knight Crow as he then pulled out as Yaiba saw him and knew who it was instantly. "Uncle Qrow!" Yaiba called out as Crow stood next to Yaiba as she grabbed her Scythe.
"Less talking more fighting kid!" Crow said as he was already aware of what Barago had tried to do.
"Got it!" Yaiba called out as she then drew her Madou Lighter and lit her scythe to flames as she then began spinning the scythe about creating a stronger flame before getting ready as she then slashed the Hybrid away and charged at it.
(Ruby and Summer)
But as her attack was about to meet the scene once more changed to that of Ruby and Summer as Ruby stopped her attack short as Summer smiled to her daughter. "You did good Ruby." Summer said as she smiled to her daughter. "My only regret was that I couldn't see you grow up into the Huntress I knew you'd be... but looks like you didn't you exceeded what I had expected." Summer said with a smile to Ruby who saw this as the world around them began to vanish.
"Goodbye... mom." Ruby said as she began to tear up at this as Summer smiled as she faded as well.
"Goodbye Ruby don't ever doubt yourself and be strong my little rose bud." Summer said as soon the world vanished around them.
(Yaiba)
Yaiba sliced through the Hybrid as it roared in pain before Yaiba swung around and finished it off by cutting it in half as it soon burst into flames from its defeat while turning to dust. "DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU TO HELL!" It roared as soon its body become nothing but ashes and dust where it was sealed into Yaiba's weapon as its body vanish and with it the seal.
"You did it... flower girl." Eclipse praised as she was surprised by this but didn't show it.
"Yeah we did." Ruby said after reverting from her armor as she didn't do it alone and she knew it. "But Gold needs our help." Ruby said as that was agreeable for now.
(Garo vs Kiba)
The two were still going at it when they felt a burst go off and looked to see the Seal was no longer glowing as Zarathos sensed it as did Zaruba. "The Hybrid has been cut down." Zarathos had confirmed as he sensed it.
"And soon my apprentice will come the conquering warrior." Kiba said as Zaruba chuckled a bit.
"Not in your life... it seems she still holds true to her path." Zaruba said as he sensed it Ruby's light shined stronger than ever.
Soon Kiba heard a Wolfs snarl and a Crow cawing as he looked and saw a red wolf attack him with a crow helping before they changed and became Yaiba and Crow. Kiba saw this as he had blocked there attacks as he saw this as Yaiba glared at Kiba.
"You lied to me!" Yaiba roared out as Kiba saw this.
"I did and I did not I simply showed you another path and yes my goals are what I say but not in the way you perceive them." Kiba said as he then saw what to do next. "But in the end... you've now had a taste soon you will want more of it the power and with that it will only be a matter of time before you seek me out." Kiba said as he began to vanish into smoke as Garo then roared and charged at Kiba only to hit air as Kiba was now gone from a burst of dark winds.
"Dammit!" Garo roared out as they were so close to getting him this time.
"We'll get him nest time don't worry." Yaiba said as she reverted to Ruby.
"Yeah but the longer he's out there the more people get hurt." Garo said as he reverted to Gold.
'Kid... you have no idea.' Qrow thought as he knew that thing was a killing machine and knew Atlas really screwed up approving its creation.
(Scene Break KIBA Dorm Room)
Nexus was glaring down on Blaze as he glared at Nexus. "Mind telling me why you were helping them!?" Blaze demanded as Nexus smirked at him.
"I already told you a common foe that would have ruined our plans. Plus I'm not angry you were spying on me or interfered... in fact you aided me." Nexus praised as he looked to Blaze. "The plan is simple to make the girl my apprentice that way even the Golden Knight would be powerless to stop us." Nexus said as the form room of team KIBA with Team CEMN saw this as Blaze glared at him.
"So now what?" Mercury asked as Nexus smirked to his allies.
"Simple really we get ready for the final act." Nexus said as he smiled a bit in response.
"I can't wait." Akane said as she sat with Nexus all but high on the climax to come.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well that's all folks be sure to review as you leave and as I always say here ja-ne.
