Salty spray lapped up over the prow of the corvette. Its sleek metal hull hit the waves violently as she and her sisters escorted a flotilla of private cargo ships. The sun was creeping over the watery horizon with a dark crimson glow. Sailors on every ship were wary and uneasy as they old saying rang in their ears:

Red sky at night is a sailor's delight. Red sky in the morning is a sailor's warning.

"And with what's happened the past months this is a grave warning indeed."

"What was that captain?"

"Nothing. Stay vigilant sailor, we're one week out to sea."

The sailor swallowed hard, "Understood sir. Commencing sonar sweep."

He pressed the headset against his ears and listened intently. The sweeping sound of static broken by the ping of the sonar. The sound of his breathing and the beating of his heart was the only sound.

"All is silent, sir."

"Understood," the captain's heart skipped a beat, "Silent? You're certain it's silent. Nothing there is nothing. Not even a whale song."

The sailor dropped his equipment, "Y-y-yes sir. Complete silence."

"Sound the alarm! All ships prepare for –"

The ship rocked at as something massive struck at it from below. Alarms and horns rang out across the fleet. Red lights flashed in the halls. Sailors and crewmen rushed to battle stations.

Cannon and artillery fired at the unseen attacker. Fireballs erupted around the nearest cargo ship. The flames were haunted by the shadows of long slithering, eldritch snakes wrapping around the hull of the vessel. The snakes gripped the centre of the ship and pulled with all its might. The vessel cracked in half and was swallowed by the sea.

"Fire everything! Launch depth charges!"

Saw-like bones peeked over the surface and surged toward a nearby warship. It sliced through the hull like a hot knife through butter. Oil and fuel spewed out into the ocean. The bone blades leaped out of the waves and crashed into the side of the ship. Sparks burst and ignited the fuel. A massive fireball engulfed the ship. The captain watched horrified as the beast slipped away unharmed.

"Helmsman, take us away from the ships!"

"But captain, the convoy –"

"Is damned, every ship for herself. Oh dear God."

Massive tendrils wrapped around the ship. The crew fired small arms and stabbed at it with spears. A single swipe crushed their bodies and hurled them overboard.

"Red sky in the morning… a sailor's warning."

The screen turned to static. Ozpin set the datapad down on his large desk and leaned back into his seat.

The setting sun streamed in the large, crystal clear windows bathing Ozpin in shadows. His trusted cane leaned against the mahogany desk. A cup of coffee steamed impatiently.

Ozpin folded his hands and leaned forward, "My answer is, no."

"Need I remind who you are speaking to?"

Across from Ozpin sat a tall man who hid his physique beneath layers of fine clothing. His white silk suit and blue shirt, bought from the most prestigious tailor, shimmered in the sunlight. Black shoes from the finest artisan in Vale had been polished to such a sheen that Ozpin could see his own reflection. Golden cufflinks match the clip on his white tie. A silver pen poked out of his breast pocket. Snow white hair was styled and trimmed so that it always appeared to be swept by the wind. Eyes, cold as the starless night in winter, glared at Ozpin.

"I am fully aware, Mr. Schnee," said Ozpin, "And my answer remains the same. Hunters are not mercenaries to be hired on a whim to escort your merchandise."

"We are not asking you to escort ships. We are asking you to kill that beast beneath the waves. That is what hunters are for is it not? Finding and killing beasts? Or have you forgotten with all the time you've spent locked away in your ivory tower?"

"I have forgotten nothing, Nicholas," Ozpin picked up his cane, "But we hunters are undertaking something much greater. Perhaps you should consider a different route."

Nicholas Schnee gritted his teeth, "Do you think I am so stupid not to consider that?"

"I think many things of you, Nick, but stupid is not one. I am merely suggesting that it may have slipped your mind amid the catastrophic loss of life."

"And in order to save lives I need hunters."

"And I say, no. Perhaps the coast guards will provide assistance or even the navies. I am certain the governments of Vale, Mistral, Atlas, and Vacuo will be more than willing to augment your private army."

"The navies of Vale, Mistral, and Atlas are all preoccupied with saving the ships of those without private security. And even they have been suffering staggering losses from this beast."

"And Vacuo?"

Nicholas Schnee took a seat, "The monster does not seem to have a taste for Vacuoan sailors. I cannot fathom why."

"Then they are the best option."

Nicholas scoffed, "Those imperial dogs will probably place a Faunus regiment on my ships. I may as well ask the White Fang to defend me if that were the case. No, I'd rather risk the tides on our own then let filthy animals walk free. Do not get me wrong. Vacuo has some very applaudable policies. Segregation seems to work swimmingly in the empire."

"Are you here to discuss domestic policy or this monster? I have time only for one."

"The monster then," Nicholas scowled, "Give me hunters."

"No," said Ozpin definitively, "And pestering me will not change my answer. And do not think of approaching them on your own. Only the king and I can authorize their deployment beyond our borders."

"The king is dead."

"And his only heir an infant. So it is only me."

"You and the Regency Council," Nicholas stood up and pounded his fist into the desk, "Of which I am a part. Now, must I order you?"

The phone on Ozpin's desk beeped.

"I apologize for the interruption, but General Ironwood has arrived to speak with you."

"I see," said Nicholas, "It would be unwise to keep Atlas' greatest general waiting. I shall take my leave, Ozpin. But consider my request carefully. Adieu."

"Farewell, Mr. Schnee. And please, next time enter my office unarmed," Ozpin pressed the button on his phone, "Please send the general in."

General Ironwood marched into Ozpin's office, locking eyes with Nicholas Schnee for an instant. The general was tall and broad, as expected of a hardened military man. The top of his short hair was black as night, but along the sides grey wings wrapped around his head. Wrinkles around his brown eyes and on his cheeks gave him years beyond his age but made his hard jawline more imposing. Two small golden bars with a star insignia were pinned to the tall neck of his long white coat. His red tie was snuggly kept in place by his tight silver buttoned doublet.

"Making enemies among the Regency Council, Ozpin?"

"I prefer to think of it as keeping them in line."

"I'd prefer if he managed to take the stick out of his ass."

"Said the pot to the kettle," Ozpin said under his breath.

"Pardon me, I missed that."

The phone beeped, "Pardon me, sir, but I have a message from Mr. Schnee. He says and I quote, 'I heard that'. Do you know what that means, sir?"

"Think nothing of it, Money Penny. Thank you."

"Surely you could have given him a handful of hunters," Ironwood picked up the datapad, "Whether we like it or not, we do need him."

"I have not forgotten his importance. But he seems to have forgotten that he has two hunters at his beck and call," Ozpin closed the blinds, "Now, what has brought you here, James?"

Ironwood flipped through the datapad, "It looks like the same as Mr. Schnee. Do you remember the siren?"

"Of course. I orchestrated its defeat. No pun intended," Ozpin scowled, "More unique grimm have appeared. That is why you are here."

"One that breathes fire in Mistral's desert. Another that can camouflage in its jungle. In Atlas a giant one that makes tremors is wandering on our border and breaking all of our expeditions. And there's another humanoid one too. It looks like a half-spider half-person. And those are the ones where people have survived to return," Ironwood threw the datapad aside, "And now a giant monster in the sea."

"And what of Vacuo?"

"Untouched. The grimm have seen it fit not to harass our old enemy. And while we try keeping our borders secure, Vacuo has been expanding. They've just established a mining operation in the Banshee Mountains. They are clearly conspiring –"

"Which is why I cannot spare hunters," Ozpin stood up, "I have scattered half of them across Vale to keep up appearances. The other half I sent to handle these unseen shadows."

"And what of these monsters? The amount of materiel being lost to these unique grimm will cripple us long before you dispel these shadows. We need to deal with this situation before it gets to that point."

"Then how about a show of military bravado? That is what you are known for… Among other things."

"You know that a show of that much force will upset the balance of power. We need hunters. How about those students of yours. The Breach clearly demonstrated their skills."

"They are still children."

"All children have to grow up."

Ozpin paced fully aware that General Ironwood would not back down. He will get what he wants. No matter how long it takes. No matter the cost.

"CFVY (Coffee) is in the region and they are close to graduation. I'll have them assist."

"A single team may not be enough. One more. That one with the red hooded girl, or the one with Pyrrha Nikos."

"RWBY (Ruby) and JNPR (Juniper) just recently finished their assignment and must now attend classes. Hmm… I have another team in mind."

Ironwood stood up, "I hope they're capable. Oh, and one more thing."

Ozpin pressed his fingers to his eyes, "What is it?"

"OCTA (orchestra) is missing."

A small section of the arena seats were filled with students. A digital scoreboard hung high above the battle space. Jaune's portrait faced off across Cardin's, with scores and bars beneath. The crowd was silent as it watched two men fight for their honor.

Jaune still bore cuts and bruises from the last excursion. His armour was dented, his shield scarred. The shining sword kept is keen edge. Violet eyes peered over the side of his shield and fixed on his foe.

Cardin Winchester was of the same height as Jaune, but broader and with a barrel chest. His armour was heavy and dull grey. A golden falcon was emblazoned on the breast plate. His short brown buzz cut hair kept out of his arrogant brown eyes. Metal greaves, boots, vambraces, and gauntlets clanked with every motion. He tapped his mace, with a flanged head as big as his own, menacingly against his hand.

"Had enough, Jaune-y boy?"

Cardin whirled his mace in an upward arc. Jaune blocked it with his shield. The force hurled him up into the air and back. He hit the ground with a big crash. Jaune gasped and rolled, narrowly avoiding Cardin's mace. Jaune jumped back on to his feet. Thoughts and tactics flashed through his mind.

"Come on, come on," he muttered, "What did you learn that could be of use?"

Cardin raised his mace again.

"Got it!"

Jaune raised his shield to block the falling mace. Cardin smirked as his mace was about to impact. Jaune shifted his feet and twisted his body. His shield became a slanted roof and the mace a hard rain, that slipped ran off the surface. Jaune followed the flow of energy. He spun on the ball of his foot and brought his sword swing around Cardin's back. The brute tried to block. Jaune brought the pommel of his sword smashing into his face. Cardin fell to a knee. Jaune's sword flashed.

"Oof!"

Cardin swung his trunk like arm and smashed Jaune's face. The novice fell to the ground in a daze. Cardin lumbered toward him and raised his mace with both hands.

"ROUND END!"

Cardin scoffed derisively and walked off. Jaune pushed himself upright and walked back to the seats, slightly worse for wear. Pyrrha, Ruby, and the others grinned and clapped for him.

Gylnda Goodwitch walked onto the battleground. Her braided blonde hair was kept neatly arranged. The deep violet of her flame-shaped cape seemed to blend with the black skirt. Lime green eyes glanced up from her datapad. Her puffy white shirt and sleeves gave her a sort of noble appearance.

She sighed, "Cardin has won the match –"

Cardin laughed, "I don't know why you keep putting me up against him. He'll never beat me. You might as well go home back to mommy. She might kiss those bruises of yours better."

"Jackass," muttered RWBY and JNPR under their breaths.

"Ahem. Cardin has won only by a small margin. You are over reliant on your brute force and physical strength. No tactical insight, strategy, or even any thought process other than instinct. If you hadn't managed to land that last hit it would have been Mr. Arc's match," Glynda shot a glance at Jaune, "As for you, your skills have improved markedly. Using your opponent's momentum against them is a rudimentary tactic, but it was effective. It seems that that hunter imparted some wisdom to you after all."

The bell chimed.

"And that concludes this class. Proceed. Chop, chop."

Everyone began shuffling out of the room and into the narrow hallway. Students in plaid skirts and pants scurried around each other. Text books and weapons were snug in their arms. Rocket propelled lockers, and the terrible idea that conceived them, lined the walls. Jaune was taken by the tide and separated from his friends. It wasn't really of any consequence. He could always catch up later.

"Hey!"

Cardin shoved Jaune into the lockers and grabbed the scruff of his neck. Jaune hit his head pretty hard, the world was a haze of colours for a few moments. And Cardin's speech was a slurred soup.

"Hey are you listening to me?" Cardin shook Jaune, "How did you get a lesson from a professional hunter while I got stuck on guard duty at some godforsaken backwater?!"

"Call it luck of the draw," said Jaune nervously, "Honestly it kind of sprung up on us."

"Luck of the draw my ass!" Cardin bashed Jaune against the locker, "What do these people see in you? You're a weak pathetic wuss! You can barely swing your sword!"

Jaune pushed back, "That's enough! Back off. I don't know why they sent us, but they did. So deal with it."

"You little –"

"My, my, my, when did my halls of learning become an arena?"

Ozpin strolled up to them, can tapping menacingly on the ground. He put the tip of his cane against Cardin's chest and pushed him away gently.

"Now what is this about?"

"Just some good old fashioned rough housing between friends," said Cardin, "We were just discussing his little assignment with a hunter actually."

"I see," said Ozpin blankly, "About those assignments, it is time for CRDL (cardinal) to undertake theirs. This datapad outlines everything you need to know."

"Great," Cardin snatched the datapad, "So which great hunter are we paired up with?"

"I believe that CRDL has a strong leader at the head of a strong team. As such you are more than capable of taking this task on your own," said Ozpin, "But if you feel that assistance is needed, I can have it arranged."

"No way," said Cardin arrogantly, "We can take it on, no problem."

"Then I suggest you assemble your team and head off to class. You're flight leaves in two days."

Cardin pushed Jaune and walked off to find his comrades.

"Thanks professor."

"What for? I was merely giving him an assignment," Ozpin began to walk away.

The remaining classes involved a long droning lecture of an unrelated topic by Professor Port, a high paced unintelligible history lesson from Professor Oobleck, and an overly complicated lesson on herbs and nature from Professor Peach. When all was done the students wandered back to their dorms with no more knowledge then they had started with.

"AAAAAHHHHHHH," Ruby sighed as she plopped on to her bed, "Another day is finally done."

RWBY tossed their jackets on their jury rigged bunk beds. They threw open the window and let the cool air in. Zwei, the little dog, came running out of the closet and jumped into Yang's chest. After a few licks and pets the team fell into various states of relaxation. Weiss poured over her study notes while Yang unsuccessfully tried to steal a few answers. Ruby sipped from a cup of coffee that had been oversaturated with sugar. And Blake just opened and book and started to read.

"Yang, get your own answers," said Weiss pulling her paper away.

Yang reached over Weiss, "Oh come on, we're a team and team members help each other out."

"No, Yang, no!"

Yang started to chase Weiss around the room. The small ruckus got them a few bashes on the wall from their dorm mates. Ruby was almost finished her coffee when she glanced at Blake. The black haired woman was still on the exact same page, on the exact same line.

"Penny for your thoughts, Blake," said Ruby.

"Huh? Oh. I was just thinking that it's been quiet these past couple of months. No White Fang, no Roman, nothing. It's strange."

"And we're still no closer to finding out what they're after," Ruby sighed, "Well at least they didn't get that siren song back in the mountains."

"Through no intervention by us," said Blake, "But I guess it is a small consolation."

"Don't worry something will pop up sooner or later," Yang snapped her fingers, "I know, why don't you say 'And now we finally have time to relax'."

"What are you talking about?" said Weiss.

"It always works in the movies, why not here?"

"Because it's real life."

"Doesn't hurt to try."

Ruby whispered into Blake's ear, "Might as well humor her. What's the worst that can happen?"

Blake shut her book, sighed, and rolled her eyes, "And now we have time to relax."

THUD!

A fair sized stone flew through the window. A small bouquet of flowers concealed a rolled up note. The small bell flowers had white petals with small red spots. Yang picked up the bouquet pulled out the note.

"Who's got a secret admirer?" she teased waving the note, "I thought he'd bring more fragrant flowers though."

Weiss snatched the flowers from Yang and took a whiff.

"Wow, you're right these don't really have a smell."

"Well forget about the flowers, what does the…"

"Purr… Purr… Purr…"

Every eye fixed on Blake. The Faunus girl's gaze was fixed on the plant in Weiss' hand. The ears hidden, beneath her black bow, twitched and fluttered anxiously. If she had a tail it would have been wagging. Weiss gently tossed her the flowers. Blake snatched it out of the air and began inhaling its intoxicating perfume. Blake suddenly realized what she was doing and hid the flowers behind her back.

"What?" she asked nonchalantly.

"Well, that means this note is for you," said Yang with a grin, "Remember to be home by midnight and no funny business."

"Yes, mom," Blake opened the note.

"So what's it say?" asked Ruby.

"More importantly, who's it from?" asked Yang.

"No name. Just a number and the address to a cheap motel. And a line saying to come alone."

"We're coming with you!" the three girls piped up at once.

"No shit."

RWBY wandered into the older parts of the city. The streets were littered with bits and pieces of garbage. Men and women lurked in the shadows. Embers flickered at the ends of their cigarettes and reflected off their faces. The motel was a rundown bungalow with a rusted roof, half pained walls, and creaky doors. A flickering neon sign did not improve its image. Without bothering with the front desk, RWBY marched up to the room and knocked on the door.

The door crept open. The room was pitch black and stank of piss and vinegar.

"I told you to come alone," said a deep voice.

"To a place as shady as this? Like hell we'd let her go alone," challenged Yang.

"This wasn't part of the deal."

"The deal?"

"Cut the crap, Sun," said Blake rolling her eyes, "What did you need me for?"

The lights came on. The room was quite neat considering the outer appearance. The bed had plain, but clean linens. The wooden night tables were dusted and the bathroom was spotless. Red shag carpet matched the drapes. And for one reason or another there was a large cork board facing the wall.

"How did you know it was me?" asked Sun Wukong.

Blake pointed to her golden cat eyes.

"Right."

Sun Wukong was a young man, roughly the age of Blake, who refused to button up his white shirt. He had a devilish smirk as he peacocked with his washboard abs. Orderly, scruffy short blonde hair covered his dark eyes. A long monkey tail snaked to and fro behind him. Like Yang his sported a pair of gauntlets, though his extended into vambraces and were painted rust red. The end of his light blue jeans were folded up so they wouldn't get stepped on by his black and yellow shoes.

"So, for why I asked you here. It's because of this."

Sun turned the cork board around. Pictures from across the kingdom with familiar and strange faces were pinned onto the cork along with articles, notes, and other various scribblings. Various colours of string created a web connecting the various pieces to each other in logical and illogical patterns.

"Torchwick, White Fang, dust robberies, Schnee Dust Company, General Ironwood?" Blake examined the board, "Sun, what is this?"

"Remember when I said we joined up with a hunter for a junior investigation? Well after than I put the skills I learned to use," Sun pointed to the pictures, "Here's what I've been able to piece together. Torchwick was behind most of the dust robberies here in Vale. However he was very particular about his targets. All the small shops he picked on carried dust exclusively supplied by Schnee."

"That's not surprising considering he works with those terrorists," said Weiss.

"True, but he also started targeting trains and truck conveys also. And all of these shipments were destined for an Atlas military base. Which is under the jurisdiction of General Ironwood."

"Dust ammunition isn't something new, Sun" said Weiss, "Of course the military has to resupply every so often."

"I took a look into the mutual defense laws. The amount of dust that is allowed to be shipped and received by foreign forces is limited, severely. This was far above the restriction. Which means, Torchwood has to be starving Ironwood for some reason," Sun pointed to a blank page that connected Ironwood, Torchwick, and the White Fang, "And it's this. I just don't know what."

"Could it be that lady I fought during prom?" Ruby scribbled on a new page, "She's connected to Beacon Academy based on her attempted robbery, which means by proxy she's connected to Ironwood."

Sun connected the two with a white string, "But what's the connection other than a robbery? What was she after?"

Ruby shook her head.

"How about the siren?" suggested Weiss, "In the Banshee Mountains the White Fang were conducting experiments on its song."

"Which means Torchwick had a stake in it too," said Sun connecting the three with a red thread, "But how is that connected to dust, Schnee, and Ironwood?"

Ruby opened the door and stepped out, "I'm grabbing coffee. It's going to be a long night."

Salty spray mixed in the wind. The cool water was refreshing against the skin. It was midday. The convoy was more heavily armed than the last. Surrounding the cargo ships were not only destroyers and corvettes, but also a small aircraft carrier. Aircraft circled overhead with small cannons pointed at the sea. The snowflake emblem of Schnee Dust Company were emblazoned on the cargo containers. The ships bore the crests of Atlas and Mistral. Soldiers and civilians walked across the decks. The burden and fears of voyages past were alleviated for hunters watched over them.

"Blizzard 1 to CRDL, Blizzard 1 to CRDL, do you read me?"

Cardin pressed the button on his radio, "Yeah, yeah, I got you. There's nothing around we're fine."

"With respect hunters, we aren't fine until we've made land fall. Blizzard 1 will be scouting ahead with Blizzard 2. Blizzard 1 out."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, over and out."

"Got a problem, boss?" asked the green Mohawk haired Russel.

"The sailors are just jumpy. The only problem we have is that a Faunus is watching over us."

"We're a week and a half out to sea," said Dove the blonde, "Most ships were sunk by now. Think it found a different target?"

"Ha! It probably got out scent and realized CRDL was too much to handle," said Sky, "We just got an easy A."

CRDL gathered in the centre of the deck and continued to shoot the shit, completely losing track of their surroundings. The crew of the ship, which had welcomed the hunters, began to lose confidence as their discipline began to wane. Two pairs of eyes scanned the fleet from a pair of aircraft.

"I pity the ship they're on," said Coco Adel in her signature sunglasses and black beret, "Hey Fox, pass me one of those beers."

"We have to protect them too," said Velvet, the rabbit girl, from the other craft, "They are our support whether we like it or not. Sector seven is all clear up here."

"Yeah, yeah, doesn't mean I have to like it. Sector five is clear up here too," said Coco, "Why did Ozpin set us up with these schmucks anyway. They're barely out of first year."

"As the Vacuoan soldiers say: 'ours is not to reason why'" said Fox said the dark skinned, "Why are we up here? Did they forget Yatsu and I are swordsmen? He and I should be down there on the ships."

"Ours is not to reason why," said Yatsuhashi the broad, "And don't shorten my name."

"CRDL, anything on sonar?" asked Velvet.

"How would we know? We're on the deck?"

"Then you better go to the bridge and check it out," she softly ordered, "Now."

"Fine, filthy Faunus."

"I heard that."

"Good."

"Bastard," she said under her breath.

"Support or not, I'm letting them get swept under," said Coco.

"Hey!" shouted Cardin over the radio, "Bridge says sonar is silent."

"Recall Blizzard 1 and 2!" ordered Coco.

Alarms immediately began blaring across the fleet. Ships put full power to engines and surged across the surface. Depth charges launched from the decks and plunged into the sea. Explosions made towers of water. Crewmen scattered across the decks with rifles and spears. CRDL, in their arrogance, walked up to the sailors and gave them a pat on the back.

"Relax, you've got us this time."

The ship rocked as something massive raked it from below. The crew grabbed on to anything firm. Cannons turned to the centre of the formation, ready to fire at a moment's notice.

"Eyes open, CFVY! The show's starting."

Coco deployed her weapon from a small brown briefcase. A massive Gatling gun extended out of the box. Its golden barrels began to spin with a high hum. Fox grabbed on to her shoulder to keep her stable.

"Velvet, you ready?"

"No, but there's no choice. CRDL's walking around like nothing is the matter."

"Well, that's their fault. As I said, if they get swept in, I'm letting them drown."

"We can't do that, Coco."

"You can't."

Black beast tentacles drove out of the sea and began attacking the ships. The ships opened fire with their massive cannons. Shot and shell rarely hit the waving tentacles. It was more common that the artillery would strike their own ships, or so near that the convoy had to break apart. The fire intensified but as the volume increased the damage to their own followed suit.

"Idiots!" said Cardin brandishing his mace, "Cease fire you morons! Small arms only!"

"Small arms don't do shit!"

"All ships, all ships," radioed Velvet, "Cease fire with main cannons. Use depth charges only. We'll handle the tentacles. CRDL you better be good to go."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, filthy Faunus."

The ships went silent and began launching bombs into the sea.

"Coco, you've got the green light."

"Alright!"

Coco's gun unleashed an unending stream of large bullets. The orange river of falling stars ripped into the flesh of the beast. Its tentacles retracted beneath the waves as the wounds became more grievous. Smaller tentacles wrapped around the hull of the ship. A small blast from Cardin's mace irked it away. A slash from his allies' swords and spears drove it into the sea.

"This is easy!"

A large tentacle swept across the deck and hurled sailors into the sea. Small grimm sharks smelled blood and dragged them under as a meal. The great beast rocked the ship but turned its eyes to a different target. Saw scales popped out of the waves and sliced through the hull of three corvettes. Fuel spilled into the sea and it struck again, making sparks.

"Three ships afire," said Yatsu, "They're abandoning ship."

"CRDL any chance of rescue?"

"Not a chance. Sharks are on them and the big one's dragging each of them down."

Tentacles wrapped around the cargo ships and dragged them under. Coco's firepower was underwhelming against something so massive.

"Carriers break away from the fleet and retreat. All ships scatter," ordered Velvet.

"That's it we're running? That's what we get for having a Faunus in command."

"Go fuck yourself, Cardin."

"I'd rather –"

CRDL's ship rocked violently as the scales rammed into its hull. Men fell overboard from the force. The ship rocked again, nearly jumping out of the waves as tentacles wrapped around it. The hull began to buckle. Water rushed through the cracks.

"All hands, abandon ship! I repeat, ABANDON SHIP!"

Sailors rushed to the life boats. Tentacles smashed their only life line. CRDL frantically fought against the tentacles. Small arms and swords did little against the ever growing enemies.

"Oh shit."

Five large tentacles rose up from the waves and focused their attention on Cardin. Their black forms were like monsters from beyond the abyss. Cardin struck at them with his mace for naught. One grabbed his arm the others slithered around him.

Five silver spears fell around him, pinning the tentacles to the deck. The long shafts glowed brightly with dust. Lightning arced from one spear to the other, the electricity coursed through the tentacle. Ice froze it still. Fire tore it apart while earth hardened the spears from shattering.

A VTOL descended from above. Velvet Scarletina, the Faunus, leaned out of the open door with her weapon at her hip. A massive glowing lance, coursing with dust and power. Smaller lances floated around Velvet, obeying her slightest whim. Yatsu jumped out of the VTOL and began dragging CRDL into the aircraft.

"Let's go, Cardin," ordered Velvet, "Move!"

Cardin gritted his teeth and got on the craft.

"Filthy Faunus," he muttered under his breath.

"Should've left him behind," said Coco.

"That would make me no better than him," said Velvet, "Everyone retreat to the rendezvous."

"I'll file this one, Velvet," said Coco.