"Things have been...Well, things have been pretty busy."

"What did you expect?" Ruben chuckled, his thumb brushing over the bandage across his nose. His fangs shining against the golden horizon as he smiled. He shook his head, his hands resting on the other's elbow. His shoulders bunched up and his knees pulled towards his chest. This was prime posture for scary movies and talking to gravestones.

"Me and Yin on a team? There was bound to be trouble...Seemed like a week ago this place was covered in tundra. Ya know? Buried in the snow." Ruben laughed, staring blankly at the grave stone before him. He could see them. Staring back at him with the same intensity he would have before a Grimm.

Her silver eyes almost reflecting off of them. Matching his awkward small talk with a smile and a warm glow. He would like to think she would have made for small talk as well. Always say something wrong and try to explain it. Only to mess it up once more.

"I remember the days I'd spend...just sweeping those layers of snow off the stone. Making sure that...that you didn't get buried..." Ruben sighed, going and depressing himself again.

"So, I messed up. Blair and Winter, you know them, are healing very well. Blair has been staying with us while Winter has been dealing with family issues. Yin's arm still feels numb. But he can punch. Dear Lord, can he still throw a punch." Ruben reached out and began to curve his finger around the inscription's on his mother's grave. Curving around the S's and the M's.

"I wanted to be strong. Be brave. Like you wanted. But I...I couldn't. I tried. But...I fell short..." Ruben heard his father clear his throat, calling for his attention. Ruben sat up, patting the grave stone with a smile. "I'll tell Yin you said Hi. Hope things start looking up. I'm talking to who's ever at Beacon today, see about getting us in that tournament."

He gazed out into the horizon. Smirking. Rolling his broad shoulders back.
"Cause things aren't exactly-"

"Fair? You say this isn't fair?" Glynda wasn't exactly pleased with the with this meeting. With Ozpin discussing things with Ironwood, this left Ruben to discuss his little proposition with Glynda. Her eyes staring daggers at her 'favorite' student. Her wand tapping against her desktop rather slowly. "Repeat. Now."

"All I'm asking for is a bit of leeway. RWBY has made some impressive improvements. Blair's meditating and leisure walks in our woods has been paying off. His burns are healed, give or take the dead layers he peels off during the night. That cream is a lifesaver. Winter is studying studiously, and visits us on the days off he has. Those tutoring sessions worked him out better than any physical therapy Yin was roped into. And he's perfectly fine to boot."

"Yin had rebar pieces sticking out of his arm. It was dead weight." She quickly reminded him. Granted, she didn't need to. He remembered seeing the blood and the iron. The smoke and the ashes. Ruben shook his head. Trying his best to not think of Yin battered and bloodied.

"Granted, It wasn't perfect." Ruben chuckled awkwardly, his eyes straining and his throating cleared with a 'hmmph.' He could recall the nights Yin awoke to screaming. Mostly because of the anesthesia being burnt by his natural energy and aura. The doses Yin were told to take would put under three men, it made him nauseous. Made him feel all the pain regardless.

"But Yin is back to his work out schedule. When he's not on dates or playing his games or watching his cartoons. Honing his boxing and Judo are generally good motivators to get him out of bed in the morning. He's back to throwing me out when I take too long in the shower. And he's starting to get feeling back into his hands. He swears he can feeling the nerves coming back everyday after a good session." Ruben could hear Yin working through the pain during the day, beating his bags or doing his pull ups. Working out that hurting arm.

"And you?" Glynda's eyes met Ruben's. That's when she could see it. She saw it, maybe before Ruben really felt it. She felt shock, and awe. She felt his anxiety almost irradiating off of him. She could feel his cold sweats from the nightmares. The dead stare he couldn't really fight to stop, just peering back into her own eyes. The same cold stare that those he fought in his nightmare held.

"I'm..." Scared. Ruben wanted to say scared. He wanted to tell her that he's been waking up from violent nightmares for the last couple or so months screaming for Sanctuary.

He wanted to tell her of those moments when he could see that explosion that he was inches away from. He could hear all the Grimm roaring in his ears every so often. He could smell the gunfire as if his nose was caught in a chamber.

He could taste the violence fresh like blood in his mouth. Just at the tip of his tongue at every waking moment. He knew he was-
"Fine. Just...Fine."

"Ruben, I can't actually just keep you from participating. On the grounds that...things aren't exactly ideal right now. With the way things are now, you aren't in any 'trouble.' RWBY's grades are perfectly fine, and your recklessness has earned you a spot in the minds and hearts of your peers and advisors. Especially Ozpin and Ironwood. As idiotic as it sounds." Glynda peered over her student, eyes looking for a crack in his shield. Something to keep him from participating. Maybe a detention unserved or a parent's notice explaining that he can't participate.

"With that in mind, you're already in the brackets, facing a team from Haven. But I implore you to not. Do not do it. I don't think it's good for your health."

"I think what would be good for my health is getting my team back together and kicking some tail." Ruben smirked, clapping his hands together as he let loose a sinister chuckle. A noise that made Glynda cringe. "So, let's get the boys on the line. Let's bring them home."

"Fist swinging, face mashing! No need for the caption! And you better not interrupt! When the titans are clashing!" Yin's voice was booming through the room, his jabs and hooks beating against the bodybag with precision and speed. The sound of glove on leather was almost music to his ears.

His wounded arm healing rather decently, his bandages and stitches all but decoration at this point. His hair hung low against his shoulders, his teeth barred as he hammered into the bag. Beating out all of his frustration and anger.

The past few months have been grueling. Feeling sick from the medicine, unable to properly eat for weeks with his busted up arm. Only recently being able to actually curl it into a fist. Which he immediately took to like fish to water.

Finding himself before his speedbag and punching bag before that day was over. He was back into fighting form, more or less. He could barely feel his hand, but he could still break bricks with the best of them. He reeled his arm back, the leather taking a form of orange and a string of smoke blowing in the airless room.

"Here we go!"
A punch to Roman's cheek. For Ruben.
"Let the poppers pop shots!"
One to that strawberry girl's stomach. For himself.
"The breakers break jaws!"
A hook to The White Fang. For Blair and Winter.
"They don't box, they brawl!"
A bodyshot to the Grimm. For Vale.
"They don't make beats, they make war!"
Then an elbow for his mom. For talking to him like he was a problem for her.
"Got kicks and snares for you!"
Then grabbed the sides of the bag and sent a series of knees for his mama. For leaving him feeling like he had gotten the devil beaten out of him twice that day.
"So you can dance around! You won't last a round!"
A headbutt for his madre. For pretending like she could just waltz back into his life while at his lowest.

"That one hurt!" Yin thought of the way she stood there, her eyes meeting his in that hospital hallway.

He stared into her eyes, just as he imagined he would for as long as he could remember.

He always thought he would meet her at the edge of a city, on a dock somewhere. She would wear a jacket and large brimmed hat, keeping her identity hidden from all those who would wish her harm. She would start by asking him about himself, cryptically of course. If he was followed, if he was safe, if he had eaten anything. If he wondered where she went and why. After a heartfelt exchange of words, they would embrace like the prodigal son and his worried mother. Together, at long last.

But there she stood, hand resting on the hilt of her sword and her eyes narrowed. Her free hand had it's fingers curled in her mask's eye holes. She looked over him, with almost disappointed air to her gaze. As if he had just been waiting all day in the Principal's office and she just heard he beat several kids for making fun of Ruben's graying hair. As if he had ruined her day by daring to be himself.

It was instinct what Yin did when he saw her.

It was one gesture.

It was one quick movement.

He spat to the floor, averted his gaze and walked past her.

Yin pulled his arm back, imagining her smug face as he grimaced. He roared, smashing his knuckles into the leather. Feeling shocks up his arm.

"Don't expect me to be save you next time..."
The last thing he heard her say to him before disappearing once again. Falling into the dark portals she seems to summon. Leaving without much reason, just like last time.

Yin let out a huff, staring into the bag, mouthing the last thing he said to his mother, who he has been searching for endlessly for his whole life. He shut his eyes, barring his teeth as he whispered his silent curse.
"Don't expect me to thank you."

Another sucker punch for-

That's when the Scroll rang. Stopping him a mere inch from the tanned leather and sand. He froze, making sure the medicine wasn't playing with his sense once again. As he once found himself chasing after a tiger's roar, only to be told there a Zoo just a few hundred miles to hold such an animal.

Yin's ears perked at the sound. Hearing it buzz once again. He smirked, turning towards the noise without hesitation. He quickly read it, hopping in his spot from the giddiness.

Yin, get Blair. I'm calling Winter.

He ran to fetch Blair without a hitch. Grabbing up his vest on the way out the door. He had a spring in his step. He was smiling.

Blair sat beneath the old oak tree, his fingers holding his latest novel in hand as he rested against the tree trunk. His trimmed beard scratching rough against his scarf.
The crimson fabric had gotten kicked up by the sudden breeze, caught by his forefinger and thumb before being hastily wrapped around his neck once again.

His ram horns healing up rather fine, finally curved back into place after a series of seriously risky staples.

His back healing up just swell, give or take the dead layers he's found peppering his bed or the oak wood floors of his new home.

Those cold baths and restful days have been kind to him. Almost too kind, he had forgot what laying against the forest floor felt like for a day or so.

Needless to say, when he was told that Ruben and Yin's step mother and father would personally make sure that Blair was properly taken care of, it sort of scared him. The thought of being under someone's care wasn't a pleasant thought.

Someone going out of their way to make sure Blair was fed? Sleeping well? Had clothes? He would have to become an outstanding child and be sure to follow his every instruction. Be a positive choice, not an inconvenience. To be a joy, not a mistake.

The fear was so nerve racking, if he wasn't so worried about the White Fang, trying to fit in with the family would be first on his list. He could see making one mistake, and kicked out of the house.

He found the Friday movie nights with the family to be relaxing, endless amount of tea was delicious, the calming forests were a joy to stroll through and the small library they had was almost intoxicating. He never found himself so keen on the idea of having a home to go to every night.

Having an nice, soft bed to rest his head. Having two boys, two friends wake him up to a stack of pancakes and cup of tea. Laughing at Yin's stupid jokes or hearing about their father's latest mission. Their mother's home cooking making him regret ever thinking rations were the highlight of cuisine.

Morning walks by the woodland edges with Ruben, to afternoon sparring and wrestling with Yin. Watching the countless movies and shows Yin had stockpiled in his room some nights, discussing history and ethics as Ruben worked on his scythes till the early morning.

"Blair!" Blair's eyes shifted towards the row between the trees, seeing a yellow pip bouncing down the path. "Blair! Get ready! We are going back!"

Blair, with a soft smile, made a bookmark with a fallen autumn leaf and rose to join his friend. It was time to go back. Back to the grind of battle and study. To be honest, Blair craved the sounds of gunfire that weren't field test with Ruben.

Fights that didn't end with a noogie from Yin. Blair could feel the chain starting to get heavy, something he never thought he would have to struggle with most days.

Blair kicked up a jog, meeting Yin half way.

Winter scribbled a drawing of his older sister, Sara, with a smirk. Drawing her with a gnarly set of teeth and a talk bubble that read, 'Feed me more!' as dollar bills fell from the sky like hail. He heard the tutor's pointer stick smack against the white board, making his eyes jump from his artistic masterpiece, to the board. The study today?

"Divisions in Remnant."

"Winter, are you even-"

"No, please." Winter leaned back in his seat, his gaze falling lazily onto his tutor. "Explain why I need to know about Geography when I wasn't clearly taught it in third grade?"

"Because it's-"

That's when the Scroll rang. Winter raised a finger to silence the man as he took the call. Maybe it was Courtney? Maybe Sara or Kale? Or perhaps his father? Or maybe even-

"Winter." Ruben tapped on the screen, making sure he was being heard. His leather finger blackening the screen for a moment before Winter caught a glimpse of his fearless leader. The man in red who's Grimm bodycount exceeded the dozens.

"Mister Thorn!" Winter sounded jolly, a huge smile gracing his face as he winked towards his tutor. "School matters, please give me a moment, won't you? What is it, Mister Ruben?"

"Cut it quick, Princess. We are back in Beacon, and we are in the Tournament."

"Tournament? After we 'saved' Beacon from the terrors just a few months ago?" Winter asked, the train's explosion still fresh in his mind. He could still hear it, most nights.

"Apparently, that doesn't get you banned from the fun stuff. Speaking...of...fun...Sent a text to Yin. He's going to fetch Blair as we speak."

"I'm sending a Bird to get them immediately. I'll be on my way to Beacon in just a few hours, so, save me a seat." Winter glanced up at his Tutor, pointing to the screen and then turning his attention back to Ruben.

He minimized Ruben's screen, sending a message to his father's assistant to send a Helibird to Ruben and Yin's lovely little shack as soon as they can. His message was responded to with a, 'Can do.'

"You in Beacon?"

"Just discussed the guidelines with Ms. Glynda. No fiascos like last time. She wants to see the school not almost get destroyed." Winter could hear Ruben's eyes roll to the back of his head.

"Can't promise much." Winter opened Ruben's screen back up, standing up from his seat. Taking up his drawing, walking over and handing it to his instructor all whilst staring at the pad. "I'm on my way now, I'll speak to you as soon as I can." Ruben hung up, the scroll rolling into itself.

"Mr. Frost-"

"Hand that to my sister, it's vital she receives this as soon as she can. be sure to understands the importance of my sudden departure. Grave matters require immediate response. I'll be in touch." Winter made his way out of the room, the Tutor left with the paper. A scribble of the Heiress' natural charm and beauty.

"It's just a drawing?"

"Vital, Sir! It's absolutely vital." Winter shouted, echoing down his home's halls. First stop, helipad. Next stop, Beacon.

"Welcome! To the Vytal Festival Tournament!"

Those words echoed through the stadium like a rifle round in the early morning, followed by a symphony of cheers and applause. The screaming of the fans made Ruben queasy.

Ruben sat on the locker room bench, popping the collar on his red duster as he tried to rub down his curling whiskers along his cheek. The makeover Yin gave him updated his look, giving him a button up black shirt and pants as well as a heavy coat and pair of new boots. But Ruben cared less for his looks, as long as he got his brief case resting in his lap.
His eyes staring into the letter etched onto the parchment. He picked it up before he left for Beacon, a smile on his face as he read it.

"Goodluck, kid." -Q

Ruben glanced over at his team, watching RWBY quietly prepare for their first tournament bout against team ABRN.

W was checking his mug in the body mirror, making sure his white vest and black linen button up faired well with his black shades and white flat cap. Embroidered snowflake atop his head as always. His holster resting against his thigh, his weapon held firmly in the tanned leather.

Winter winked, stuck his tongue, raking his fingers through his thick locks. Bent his knee a bit as he held onto the ends of his hair. Bit his lip softly, winking once more. As if he was being attacked by paparazzi. Ruben shook his head, feeling sick for a different reason now.

B was crosslegged on the bench along side Ruben, his forearms resting along his knees. Palms facing the ceiling, his eyes shut in silent meditation. Ruben could feel as if he was there, sitting besides that waterfall with Blair.

The whispers and murmurs of nature beating against him, followed by the chilling sound of the rushing water. Blair kept his heartbeat slow, the rhythm of the steady beat now pulsing in his ears.

Blair's look was updated, matching Ruben's in the, 'Yin made me' department. Except for the wrapped up chain around his arm, his red scarf, and that pair of ram horns, his look was changed.

His heavy overcoat now changed with a light jacket, something Yin probably picked out. It's black and dark gray patten was broken by a pair of light gray streaks ran like lightning up the back of his sleeves, meeting in the middle of his back. His combat boots just as clean as ever, with a pair of baggy dark jeans to accompany them.

Y...was...Y? Yin was shadowing boxing, letting out a short puff of breath per hit. His headphones blasting the theme song to his favorite show in his ears, the bubblegum toon almost exhausting to hear after the third time in a row, and now Yin was now on minute fifteen of a twenty minute extended version of a thirty second song.

Timing his punches to every pip and drop in the song's beat. Never missing a beat.

His vest and white undershirt were exposed, as well as his raging biceps and forearms. His eyes hidden behind a pair of gold shaded lenses. His yellow sweats and black sneakers only added to the bright look Yin was going for.

"Teams RWBY and ABRN, please approach the area!"

"Showtime, boys.' Ruben uttered, his smile twisting to a smirk as he popped open his briefcase. He breathed in the fresh powder and ran his fingers over the heatvents. It was time to show their chops to the whole world.

Team ABRN was...interesting to say the least. Haven dressed rather, casual? Was casual a word to describe their attire? Ruben could not tell.

The young dark skinned monk with blonde hair was gesturing her hands in slow, thoughtful movements. Her bright yellow and soothing gold robe almost blinding Yin. Her black shoes and red sash complementing her attire. Yin was dumbfounded. He couldn't take his eyes off of her rather impressive pair of eyes. For they were a green. The kind of green that Yin could take a stroll through any old day. Arsian made up A.
The flowing hair with the staff was checking out Winter's attire, tongue in cheek. Bolin didn't care for the clashes of ivory and ebony. He preferred his gold sash and deep sea blue shirt. Winter rested a hand on his grip, his eyes squinted and ready to shoot that stick right out of his hands. Bolin was B.
The girl in the purple hoodie held a hover board in her hand, chewing a piece of gum whilst eying Blair. Her arms and legs covered in protective pads. She dragged her forefingers against her cheeks, leaving black marks in their place. Reese made up R.
The man with pink hair undercut pulled the chamber bolt back on his rifle staring at Ruben almost obsessively. His eyes scanning for any sort of weakness in his stature. He wore a cream colored jacket with black shirt underneath. Ruben rested his hands on the handles of his weapons, his lips curling to a smirk. Nadir made up N.

Yin looked around the crowd, cracking his knuckles as he looked over at ABRN. He spread his feet shoulder length apart, and despite being a few feet away, decided it was best to shout his thoughts to them.

"Hey! No hard feelings ok?! We know you tried very, very hard!" Yin shouted, cupping his hands around his mouth before laughing. The holograms began to spin several colors, deciding the landscape for this little bout. "We won't try to embarrass you too bad, in front of your friends-"

"Yin?" Winter piped in, feeling the ground shake.

"Family-"

"Yin?" Blair mumbled, feeling a rise of heat come from behind him.

"Your school-"

"Yin!?" Ruben roared, watching snowflake being taken away by the breeze.

"And countless millions across the worlds, yes Ruben?" Yin turned to his brother, only to hear the booming noise come from the intercoms. The stage was set, and the combatants were ready.

"Three!" Winter unholstered his weapon, cracking his neck.

"Ohhhhh!" Yin's mouth was ajar, nodding his head as he pulled his fists up into stance.

"Two!" Blair swung his weapon into his hand, his thumb rubbing against the cheek of his axe.

"One!" Ruben breathed in a breath of fresh air, just as he pulled his weapons into his hands. Ruben extended his arms, his weapons extending behind his back. The crimson shaded weapons locking into their places, the blades of his scythe just a few inches above his shoulders. His fingers curling around the handles of Gren and Han 2.0.

"Don't blink." Ruben uttered, hearing the buzzer go off. Bolin decided to blink, and felt two of Ruben's blades curve into his chest. Ruben, with a smile on his face, pivoted and sent Bolin rocketing towards a cooling lava rock. Ruben fired off shots, chasing after Bolin at an intense speed. His cackles would be echoing had it not be for the gunfire to follow.

Winter quickly drew his revolver and sent several shots into Nadir's center mass, each shot followed by a quick backstep from Winter. Nadir rolled out of the way, each off the shots crashing against the rocks behind him.

Yin didn't hesitate to quickly rush behind Arsian and hooking her arms behind her head. A quick push into his legs and she found herself parallel to the sky for a brief moment before being suplexed into the floor. Yin spring boarded back up onto his feet and sending a rather hard kick into her side. Sending her off against the ice and snow.

"Fore!" Yin hollered, chasing after her as his bracers just formed into his gauntlets. He jumped, expecting to crash up on opponent like a wild animal.

Blair swung his axe into Reese, the blade digging into her board before she shot up and send both of her heels into his chest. Propelling him back against the metal floors beneath him. Blair rolled back onto his feet, loosening the chain around his arm and gripping the chain.

He began spinning it above his head like a propeller, before quickly whipping the axe's blades against her. Reese raised her hoverboard to shield herself from the barrage, each crash of his axe nearly knocking the board out of her hand.

The last hit however, dug deep into the metal, and she found the board swinging back into Blair's side of the field when he pulled back. Blair raised up his free hand, catching the board with ease. With a spin, and a loud 'oof' he quickly threw it back to her like a discus. She caught it in her stomach, catching the cheek of Blair's axe to her face when she was dazed. She fell, leaving time for Blair to start popping shots at Nadir. Blair's gunfire was met with a loud buzzer.

Yin landed with ferocity, his feet sinking into Arsian's chest and denting the floor. Arsian's eyes bulged for a moment, feeling all of Yin's weight just crash into her frame.

"Sorry for the landing," Yin stepped off, turning heel and raising his dukes. "Always been bit of a big boy." Arsian rose to her feet, shooting a straight towards Yin's face, as he side stepped out of the way.

She followed it with a backhanded fist, which he caught and quickly retaliated with. He sent a kick into her knee, spinning and slamming her body back into the floor with a flip. Arsian grabbed up Yin's ankles, pulling him up off his feet. She rose to her feet, bringing her heel down like an executioner's axe into Yin's stomach.

Yin took the hit hard, sending his right palm into her knee, the hit forcing her to retreat for a few steps. Yin jumped up onto his feet, knocking his fists together.

"Alright, darling." Yin's armor extended to his shoulders, as he cracked his neck. He shook out his hands, raising them for another bout. "Your move."

Ruben skidded to a halt besides Bolin, swinging his blades back and slamming them into Bolin's chest. The impact raked him against the lava rock, as Bolin felt a few ribs crack. Ruben threw up his weapons, grabbing the very ends of his grips and swinging them in a windmill motion. The scythes' blades caught Bolin's body, and tossed him up into the air.

Ruben swung his blades back, the scythe's sliding back and the heatvents rising from beneath the mechanisms. Ruben stood underneath the boy, quickly jabbing the barrels were pressed into Bolin's pecs. With a quick trigger pull, Ruben sent him blasting him out of sight and towards the crowd. The buzzer went off without a hitch, signaling Bolin's elimination.

Yin reeled back from a haymaker that Arsian gave to his chest, which was being followed by a roundhouse kick. Yin raised his right arm to block it, feeling her shin slam hard against his forearm. He reeled back his right arm, and with tremendous strength, smashed into her stomach and sent her flying. The buzzer went off, leaving Yin without a friend to play with.

Blair approached Nadir, swinging his axe out before him. The blade dug into Nadir's gunbarrel, Nadir planting his feet and gripping his weapon firmly. Nadir went to flash a cocky smile to Blair, only to find Blair flying towards him as he pulled himself towards Nadir using his chain. The bottom of Blair's boots smashed into Nadir's chest, before being pushed off and rocketing him off towards Winter.

Winter pivoted his right foot, flipping his revolver into his dagger, and smashed the pummel of his blade into Nadir's stomach. Winter threw his left foot back, catching Nadir's chin with his heel. The hit threw Nadir onto his back. Blair jumped up, going to drop his massive frame atop of Nadir. Nadir emptied his magazine into the oncoming Faunus.

Each bullet caught Blair's chest, propelling him up into the air. Nadir heard the clicks of his empty magazine, hearing Winter's heels clacking against the floor. Winter raised his revolver, shutting his left eye and lining his bead to the middle of Nadir's eyebrows.

Before Nadir could even begin reaching for his spare mag, Winter pulled the trigger.

A shot rang out, the buzzer followed. Then there was the roar of applause.

"Team RWBY has scored their first victory in the tournament!"