"So do you think the cost of cybernetics is going to go up or down?" Rayner asked Vincent.

"Up definitely. You know how Schnee works," replied Vincent screwing on the barrel of his rifle, "I wonder how Siri and Weiss are doing."

"We are quite fine," said Siri, "Thank you for your concern."

Siri walked through the door in her brand new augment. The glow surrounded every part of her. A pair of black leather gloves gripped her hands tightly. Her eyes glittered with her digital glasses.

"So, did you get what you were looking for?" asked Ruby.

Rayner whistled, "So that's the new gear Sylph is rolling out eh? Looks good. How was the installation?"

"Painful."

"Have you tested it?"

"Only the scanning parameters," said Siri, "We should be able to detect whatever it is no matter what tricks it has."

"Excellent."

"We're set to go too," said Pyrrha, "Should we get a head start and fly to the atoll?"

"Yes, let's" said Ruby.

SLVR put the final touches to their weapons. A new chamber here, a magazine of dust ammunition there, and a bayonet for good measure. Linda put her spears in a cross behind her back and gave Pyrrha a pat on the back. Vincent cocked his rifle and turned the safety to off.

"Looking for a fight?" Ren asked Vincent.

"Can never be too careful. Let's move."

The three teams assembled on the large landing pads at the top of the military tower. Small helicopters were jumping on and off of the pads with android soldiers. Larger VTOLS were being loaded with supplies and materiel by lines of robots.

The flight crews were a little surprised when the novices walked on to the pads. After a few words with the team leaders the staff ran off to scrounge an aircraft for service. JNPR, RWBY, and SLVR hopped into a large VTOL. They strapped into seats along the walls. Cargo crates and other supplies were tied down under thick nets. The captain ran through the checks and radioed control to go ahead. The engines screamed to life and the aircraft rumbled and shook. A boom rattled the city as the craft flew off.

"Hey Jaune," Pyrrha shook him, "So what did they do to your sword?"

"Oh, uhh… not much actually," he showed her the modification, "We just added a tether and motor so I wouldn't lose it. Uhh… how about you?"

"My spear is very complex," said Pyrrha, "You can't really mod it. They did give me some different ammunition though."

"I still wouldn't shoot underwater though," said Vincent, "Guns are liable to explode if you shoot when wet."

"Then how will you fight?"

Vincent brandished his bayonet, "In an emergency. I've changed all the parts in my rifle. No combustion, no firing electronics, and any mechanical parts will not be affected by water. I'll be just fine. And same with the rest of us."

"Siri, are you alright?" asked Weiss.

"Yes, I'm just fine," said Siri, "Why?"

"The operation as just a few hours ago. Are you sure you're okay to go?"

"Yes quite. The suit and my body are working together within normal parameters."

"That's not what I meant. Your heart stopped and you weren't breathing. Doesn't that shake you even a little?"

"No. This was my fifth augmentation. I knew fully that that it was possible."

"Then why did you do it?"

"As my father would say, 'No opportunity passed," said Siri.

"But we could do this without taking that risk," said Weiss, "You didn't need to augment yourself."

"If you don't take risks you can't grow," said Siri, "That's true for companies and people. Do you think our fathers made their financial empires by playing it safe?"

"No. But my father is cold and hard. Nothing he undertakes fails."

Siri smirked, "If that were true we wouldn't be moving to protect his ships. But your father has taken the greatest risk of all. I'm surprised you don't see it."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"

"Shall I spell it out for you? You're –"

"Hey, Siri!" hollered Rayner, "What's that new augment of yours do anyway?"

"You'll have to wait and see," she smirked.

"Don't tease me like that. Will you let me tinker with it?"

"Absolutely not!" protested Linda.

"Boo. Well at least let me scan it. I want to see how it works."

"Okay, but nothing invasive. Otherwise I'll use this wonderful piece of engineering to rip you a new one."

"Don't bother Siri. I'll do it for you."

"Right, right, right. Take it easy girls. I get the picture."

The thousand lights of the shores of Atlas disappeared behind them. The hours passed monotonously as conversations slowly ground to a halt. As the silence overtook the hum of the engines, one by one they started to fall asleep.

"Wake up everyone!" shouted the captain over the intercom, "We're thirty seconds to destination."

"Right, right, everyone form up on the back door," said Ruby.

Yang smacked Jaune on the back, "I hope you've got a landing strategy."

"Y-y-yeah."

Pyrrha put her hand on his shoulder, "Hold on to me if you want."

The back door slowly opened. The orange rays of the setting sea sun soared into the cabin. A salty ocean wind swept out the stale air. The refreshing aerosol of sea water washed over them.

BTOOM!

The aircraft hit the ground hard. The door slammed against the ground. Vincent led the charge followed by Rayner. SLVR quickly secured the area around the VTOL while RWBY and JNPR were still getting their bearings.

A thick forest of palm trees and tropical shrubs surrounded a small clearing. Brightly coloured flowers bloomed in the shadows. The ocean winds and the winds of the engines created a swirl of sand. Three flashes blinked out of the tree line. Linda raised her spear and a squad of soldiers stepped out of the trees.

"Welcome to the atoll," said a soldier, "We'll be taking out leave. Everything is set and ready for you. Call the general as soon as possible. Hop aboard boys!"

The squad ran past the group and hopped aboard the aircraft. Before the door even closed the VTOL began its liftoff. Hot air blasted exposed skin. Ruby and Weiss skirts were thrown into chaos.

"So they're just leaving us behind?" Yang shouted over the engine.

"They're job is done. The base is set up and the area is secured," shouted Linda, "We can handle the rest."

"Let's get moving," said Jaune.

"Roger."

Three teams walked through the thick jungle. Vincent took the lead scanning every inch of shadow.

"Why so serious?" asked Nora, "You said they secured the area. Why are you all tensed up?"

"She makes a point," said Ruby, "Are you not telling us something?"

"Didn't you read the report?" said Vincent, "We're on the trail of something that is extremely hard to detect. We have to stay on guard."

"But it's a marine creature," said Blake, "No threat on land."

"That's what you think. We don't have any confirmation on that. For all we know it could be amphibious."

"If that were the case wouldn't the squad of troopers have been killed?"

"It could be waiting for us."

"I think you're paranoid."

"Vincent, you need to relax," Siri touched her glasses, "Rayner what do your eyes see?"

Rayner fiddled with his goggles, "All clear all around."

"Good the same with me. You can lower your guard, Vincent."

"Roger," Vincent lowered his gun.

A small outpost along the coast would be their home away from home. The company must have been waiting for a fair amount of time, or were very efficient. The area looked more like a beachside tourist trap rather than a military base. A wooden cabin standing on stilts was half on the beach and half in the tree line. It had working plumbing including a shower. Electricity was provided by solar panels with a generator as backup. There were enough supplies to last for several weeks. Horrible tasteless meals-ready-to-eat in a variety of bland undistinguishable flavours.

A detached building, disguised as changing rooms, had several lockers and chests. A set of diving suits and apparatuses. Personal propulsion jets hung on the wall beside glow sticks, scanners, and cameras.

The foaming waves lapped up against the pillars of the simple dock. A small boat bobbed up and down. Every wave sparkled like amber in the setting sun. Wind rustled the palm trees. Its eternal sound accented by the crashing of the waves. Not a single bird stained the sky nor a single shell defacing the white sands. Ruby took off her shoes and stepped on to the beach. The warm sand between her feet. The cool refreshing spray of the sea. She took a deep breath and got lost in the moment.

"Hey!" Yang smacked Ruby on the back, "Almost like a vacation spot, eh?"

"Just about. A beach all to ourselves."

"With the grimm lurking beneath the waves," said Linda, "Sorry to burst your bubble."

"It's fine. I can just lay on the beach and work on my tan," said Yang.

"You'd have a tough time during the night," said Rayner, "But I bet I could rig up some UV lights if you're desperate."

"I think I'll pass," said Yang, "So what's for supper?"

"Nothing tasty," said Ren, "But it'll do I suppose. I take it we're going to start early tomorrow."

Siri nodded, "Enjoy the beach while you can."

"I'll start a fire!" cheered Yang.

Yang piled wood and kindling in a small makeshift stone pit. She put her gauntlet to the pyre and released a burst of flame. In an instant the fire began roaring. Embers flew up into the air like small fireflies. Ren threw a couple of MREs near the fire to heat them up. It didn't help the flavour but a hot meal was nice in the cooling evening. The sun slipped beneath the waves of the horizon and the stars slowly began to start taking the stage.

Idle chatter bounced between JNPR and RWBY. Linda and Rayner would occasionally jump in, but for no more than a sentence or two. Vincent cleaned and stripped his rifle continuously while occasionally glancing at his comrades. Siri was busy examining every program and augment in her new suit. Her glasses flashed and opened windows rapidly.

"Well, I'm going to hit the old hay stack," said Nora stretching out.

"Not a bad idea," said Yang, "But I think I'll take advantage of the plumbing and have a bath."

"I'll take first watch," said Vincent.

"Against what?" asked Rayner, "It's been clear since we got here."

"Better to be prepared."

"Take a rest, Vincent," said Linda, "You're augments need to recharge."

"I'll be fine."

"That wasn't a suggestion," Linda put her hand on his shoulder, "You need to clear your head."

Vincent nodded and reluctantly agreed. He threw his gun over his shoulder and walked into the cabin. Linda followed shortly after, then Rayner.

Blake looked off into the jungle, "I'm going for a walk."

Jaune shot Pyrrha a look.

Jaune stood up, "I'll go with."

"No. I'll be fine alone."

Blake walked off into the shadows and waved off any other word. Siri glanced over her shoulder and scanned the area with her keen eyes. She nodded as if to signal Blake would be fine. The night was quiet, except for the soothing sounds of the sea. And the bushes had not shook since they landed.

"I still don't like her going it alone," said Jaune.

"I'll handle it," said Ren following her.

"Okay," Jaune ruffled his hair, "I need a drink."

"Olivia rubbed off on you huh?" said Pyrrha, "I'll join you."

"No alcohol here," said Siri.

"I wasn't actually going to drink," said Jaune.

"Come on," said Pyrrha pulling Jaune to the cabin.

Weiss fidgeted and stared into the fire. Ruby sat across from her, trying to meet eyes.

"If it has no use, get rid of it," Weiss brought her knees in and whispered, "That's why you sent me to Beacon. Is that why I'm here?"

"Penny for your thoughts," said Ruby.

"It's nothing," said Weiss, "Don't worry about it."

"When someone says it's nothing it's usually something. Come on, you can tell me about it."

"It should be obvious, Ruby," said Siri examining her hand, "You were there."

"Oh… the protest."

"The fiasco," said Weiss burying her head in her knees.

"Whatever it was it's in the past. It will do us no good to dwell on it. Stand strong and carry on."

"Easy for you to say," said Weiss shutting her eyes.

Ruby put a hand on Weiss, "Hey, you did your best right? There's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Not in his eyes. To him the only thing that matters is success."

"Ha! Do you think your father never experienced failure?"

"Of course he did," said Weiss, "And when he did… it wasn't pretty."

"And he came out of it stronger and more powerful," said Siri, "Just like you can."

"Stronger, more powerful… Colder, harder, unbending, and relentless."

Siri sighed, "I can see my words are wasted here. I'm going to test these new augments. I'll return soon."

Siri's frills took on a sea green tone. Small flakes and droplets flowed behind her. The huntress slipped into the shadows of the jungle and disappeared. Ruby was left alone with Weiss, who was drifting further and further into her self-loathing. Weiss' icy eyes were buried into her arms. The fire was slowly dying. Embers slowly smoldering into black charcoal.

Ruby leaned back, "You know it's not so bad that you're the way you are with your father. I mean… think about it. You could have ended up just like him."

"He would have preferred that," said Weiss into her knees.

Ruby shook her head, "I wouldn't. If you were like your dad you wouldn't have become friends with Blake or have gone looking for her when she ran away. You and Yang would probably be at each other's throats. And you definitely wouldn't have tolerated me and my…"

"Far too chipper personality. Your fumbling. Your overconfidence. Your –"

"Yeah, yeah I get it."

"Your kindness," Weiss cracked a small smile.

Ruby grinned back, "That's a little out of character isn't it?"

"Shut up."

Ruby got a little closer, "That's better. Back to your old self?"

Weiss looked up at Ruby, "Almost. But I might need a little more help."

Ruby looked into her eyes, "Anything you need."

Weiss took Ruby's hand. Their fingers intertwined. Weiss cheeks turned red as Ruby's hood. She looked away. Weiss' silver hair sparkled in the moonlight.

"So you two going to kiss or what?"

Weiss and Ruby snapped away from each other, cheeks burning red. Vincent marched onto the beach and took a seat at the fire across from the pair. He ran his hands through his pockets.

"Vincent, what are you doing back here?"

"I need a smoke," Vincent pulled out a lighter and a cigarette, "You want one?"

They shook their heads.

"Suit yourself," Vincent took a deep drag, "I'm going to be out here for a while. Rooms upstairs are empty. Got a lock too."

Weiss stood up, "And what's that mean?"

"Don't stress over it, Weiss," Ruby yawned, "I could use the rest anyway."

Ruby took Weiss by the wrist and pulled her back to the cabin. Vincent took another drag and blew a stream of smoke up into the night sky. The burning end of his cigarette glowed brighter than the last embers of the fire. Silver stars peeked through the fading smoke. Vincent peered out across the sea. The little lights reflected off the black waves in a predictable pattern. Three flashes then black, three flashes then black, three flashes then black.

"What the hell is that?"

Jaune groaned as the morning sun touched his face. He rolled over and pulled the covers over him. A delightful little dream was far more important than anything the day could bring.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

"Five more minutes," Jaune said into his pillow.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

"Jaune get up! We have work to do!"

"Nooo…"

CRASH! SLAM!

The door broke open. Jaune tumbled out of the covers and hit the floor. A horrid beast stomped toward the bed. It had massive bulging grey bug eyes and a gaping maw with rows of teeth. Two tendrils ran from the back of its neck into its cheeks. It was the size of a man with its slimy, black skin pulled taught. It grabbed Jaune by the neck of his shirt.

"No! No! No!" Jaune kicked and thrashed.

"Awake now!?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"Good! Now get ready!" it dropped him.

"Geez, Vincent," sighed Linda, "You could have been a little gentler."

The teams had gathered outside Jaune's door. Their standard attire had disappeared beneath tight diving suits. A breathing mask, with bulging eyes, a grated mouth, and breathing tubes from the neck to the cheeks. Those with armour wore it over the tight suit and threw a way the ballasts.

"We'll wait outside," said Pyrrha taking a quick glance.

"Don't take too long," winked Yang.

Jaune put on the skin tight suit. The rubbery material rearranged certain parts into positions that were not natural. Jaune wrestled with his suit then slapped on the mask and tubes. When he opened the door a large double scuba tank waited for him.

When he managed to finally get everything in position the three teams were assembled on the beach. Vincent sat a few meters out to sea in a the boat. Siri was still dressed in her new suit.

"Everybody ready?" asked Ruby.

"Okay," Siri brought up a hologram from her suit's sleeves, "We'll be sweeping these sections here as deep as we can go. We'll rotate time in a boat in pairs to rest."

Jaune examined the map, "Wouldn't it be more efficient if we split up? We'll cover more ground and take up less time."

"That wouldn't be the best idea," said Linda, "If we do that we'll probably end up in pretty bad shape."

"Hmm?"

"Jaune, we don't know exactly what we're up against. Splitting up leaves us more vulnerable to whatever it is," said Weiss.

"Right, right, forgot about that."

Weiss chopped Jaune's head. They waded into the water and climbed into the boat. Vincent revved the engine and took them out to sea. Salty spray splashed over the prow. The teams secured their weapons and put on their masks.

"Can everyone hear me?" said Siri.

"Loud and clear."

"Radio if you need us," said Vincent, "Rayner and I will jump in right away."

Ten novices threw themselves over the side with a big splash. The world was bathed in blues and greens. Small towers of red coral surrounded formations of purple and green masses. Aquatic plants blew in the currents. Fish, big and small, darted around the reefs. The seabed was teeming with life and light. Jaune felt a tap on his shoulder. Pyrrha waved and pointed toward the edge of the reef. Jaune flicked the switch on his propulsion and reformed with the group.

Siri was in the lead with Weiss beside her. The frills and cuff of her suit were glowing purple. She seemed to glide through the water. The currents were strangely stronger behind her, and colder than the surrounding sea.

They came across a steep drop off. The sea creatures refused to approach the edge. Beneath them was a strange darkness. Light seemed to be sucked away by the water. Sand, silt, and filth swirled around the undertow. Shadows swam in the green water, disappearing and melding into each other. Siri's glasses flashed.

"A few grimm are directly below. Looks like coprions," said Siri.

"Mind the teeth I suppose," said Yang.

Ruby drew her scythe, "Mind my blade more like. They look about the size of an ursa. Should be no problem."

"I like your confidence, but remember those aren't the only threat down there," said Linda, "And we're not here for a fight."

"She makes a point," said Siri, "We can thin the numbers."

"Leave it to me!"

Nora planted herself at the edge of the drop. She dug her feet into the ground. The might hammer transformed into her grenade launcher. The barrel was longer. The single cylinder had become two. The rear cylinder was clear, its partner cylinder held massive violet projectiles crackling with power. She squeezed the trigger. The grenades swam through the water with amazing speed into the depths of the sea. Amid the murky water the projectiles exploded in a storm of hard ice. The sharp shards swam like angry piranhas in every direction. The shadows darted to avoid the attack. Black lines followed the shadows like wisps of smoke.

"Looks like I got a big one," smiled Nora.

"Hey boss, we heard shooting. Everything alright?"

"We're good, Vincent. Just fishing with dynamite," said Linda.

"Oh! You're testing that modification?" Rayner said gleefully, "How'd it do."

Siri peered over the edge to scan the seabed. She recoiled as a massive shade, roughly fifteen foot long, rushed toward the surface. A pair of similar size followed quickly after.

"It seems to have made them angry," said Siri.

The grim snarled at the novices. Their sleek, rough black skin was shredded by Nora's attack. Grey and black ash seeped out of the horrible cuts. The typical bone armour formed around the nose, eyes, fins, and midsection. Its armoured edges were sharpened to a lethal edge. Its crescent tails challenged Crescent Rose. Red light glowed from its eyes and gills but the colour was off, tainted by hints of dark blue. Three sharks circled the group of lost mammals.

"Oh shark, what big teeth you have," said Ruby.

The beast had rows upon rows upon rows of dagger teeth were arranged in whorls like a circular saw. Blood and flesh sullied the ivory white enamel. Its jaw slowly rotated the teeth as they picked their prey.

"Only three? This should be easy," said Yang, "Blake? Ruby?"

"Ready!"

Nora switched to her hammer, "I'm joining in too."

Jaune drew his sword and braced his shield, "Pyrrha."

Pyrrha locked shields and pointed her spear, "Got it."

"Easy fellows," said Weis, "Fighting underwater isn't easy. And make sure your tanks and masks don't get punctured."

"Roger dodger."

Ruby aimed her rifle.

"No don't!"

Ruby pulled the trigger. Her high caliber rifle fired sending a thundering boom through the waves. The pressure from the shot kicked them in the chest with a powerful force that made their hearts skip a beat. The grimm sharks scattered and began their attack. Ruby's bullet harmlessly tore itself apart barely two meters from the barrel.

The first shark struck crashing its sharp fin into Jaune's shield. Jaune flew back losing his grip on his weapons. Pyrrha turned to grab him. The shark whipped its tail and forced her to a knee. The tip of her spear glanced off the armoured side.

The second shark snarled its buzz saw jaw at Blake. Blake fired one pistol and raised her sword. The pistol fired. Another force kicked her in the chest. The bullet was long and sleek darting through the water in a perfect trajectory. It stabbed through a gap in the armour but the shark kept going. Blake swung her sword. Her eyes widened as her attack slowed. Her sword was barely halfway through the swing when the shark opened its mouth.

Thunder erupted beneath the sea. A massive heavy head smacked into the shark's side. Nora's giggle cackled through the radio. The grimm shark tumbled away from Blake and hit the ground throwing up a cloud of sand. Ren fired his machine pistols. Little darts skewered the fleshy parts of the fin and tail for little effect.

"Thanks," said Blake.

Weiss stood back to back with Siri. She drew runes and glyphs with her sword as the third shark circled overhead. Frost crept across the sea floor. The darkened sea was filled with a bright white light which grew with the glyphs. The shark opened its maw and charged. Weiss thrust her sword. A bold of ice flew out of the blade. Her glyphs erupted like geysers throwing cold water toward the surface. The shark weaved through the geysers with ease. Frost barely licked the edges of its fins. Weiss' icy shard slowed to a crawl and melted in the tropic waters.

"Fine, it'll be the hard way."

Weiss jumped forward with the sword straight. The sharp point aimed for the red beating eye. The shark bucked its armoured head and knocked the sword away. The buzz saw jaw threatened to slice her in half. A heavy current swirled around the pair throwing them and whipping them in a whirlpool. Weiss stabbed her rapier into the ground to keep her from being sucked away into the depths. The shark struggled to regain its balance.

"I got it."

Siri darted across the water. Her suit shone brightly with reds and blues and whites. A long blade extended out of her sleeves. Her trousers were surrounded by a white aura. A strong current emanated from her feet. Calculations and targets flashed across her glasses. She lowered one sword and brought the other across her chest. Two slices and the shark's fins had been completely cut and cauterized. Siri drove her sword into the shark's head to finish it off. It shook and thrashed and bucked as its life rapidly faded away. The shark crashed into the seabed in a dense cloud of dirt.

"Linda, the other two."

"Already on it!"

Linda lunged at the shark that attacked Jaune. The tip of her spear narrowly slipped past the armour plate and skewered the belly. The grimm bolted toward the surface threatening to take Linda with him. Linda stabbed the ground and tried to hold back.

"I got you."

Pyrrha wrapped her arm around Linda's waist and planted her spear into the ground. The added weight kept them on the ground but just barely. Linda wrapped the cord around her arm and heaved like reeling in a massive fish.

"Jaune, your motor!"

"R-right."

Jaune slowly made his way to the girls. Luckily the third shark was preoccupied with Blake and the others. Siri sped toward Blake while Weiss prepared another area of glyphs. Jaune hastily wrapped the cord through the mechanisms and hurled his sword as far as he could. Linda slapped the mechanism. The shark was slowly reeled in with the combined might of three and the machine.

"Linda, are you ready?" asked Pyrrha gripping her spear.

"Yes. Heave-ho!"

Three novices gave it one pull with all the might they could summon. The grimm shark came tumbling toward them. The sharp edges of the armoured fins whirled as it rolled. Jaune raised his shield and braced against the impact. The shark opened its mouth. Its teeth spun wildly spewing spit and mucus into the water.

"Go!" said Jaune pushing into the monster.

Pyrrha and Linda released the line and grabbed their spears. The shark pulled and swept Jaune off his feet. Two spears thrust over his shoulders and into the beast's mouth. The shark thrashed its head jerking and straining their arms. The shaft of Linda's spear activated and the edge of her blade began to crackle. Pyrrha recoiled from a heavy shock. The tip of her spear was stained in grimm blood. The shark twitched and spasmed. Its evil eyes turned blue then violet. The straight veins of unholy red across the body turned jagged and crude. Linda stabbed her second spear with the same power. It went stiff as a board. The eyes and veins turned white. Linda withdrew her blades and the shark went belly up.

"Done here."

"Busy here," said Nora, "We could use a hand."

Nora swung her hammer slowly. The shark skipped over the heavy head and rolled. Blake lost her grip and went swirling to the side. The shark whipped its tail. The sharp edge made a shallow cut across her leg. The shark turned on a dime and snarled. Blake drifted helplessly as it charged. She pulled the trigger. Desperate bullets scattered in the water turning into harmless sinking fragments.

"Nora, Ren, open fire."

Without a single thought they desperately shot everything they had. Little darts buzzed around the shark and pricked its skin. Nora's grenades flew to the shark. The beast darted upward to escape the blast.

BTHOOM! BTHOOM! BTHOOM!

The grenades exploded hurling shrapnel and flechettes all around. The water burst with a massive shockwave throwing everything into chaos. Nora and Ren were pushed into the ground. Blake plunged further and further out over the cliff. The grimm flailed to set itself right.

"Yahoo!"

Yang jumped into the collapsing bubble and flew toward the grimm. She clenched her fist. The gears and mechanisms in her gauntlet pushed the shells into place. Yang grinned behind her mask and swung her fist into the maw.

"Hope you're hungry," Yang pounded the buzz saw, "The hell?"

Yang's gauntlet let out a disappointing click. Harmless bubbles squirted out.

"Shit."

The shark clamped down on her hand. Yang thrashed and flailed as the shark tried to tear out her arm. Its terrible teeth began to whirl crushing and shredding through the metal brace. Yang pounded desperately with her other hand. Its vice grip bite got tighter and tighter getting dangerously close to ripping flesh.

An orange vane shot between Yang and her foe. The shark recoiled. Ashy blood spilled out of its mouth. Yang pulled her arm in. Her gauntlet all but reduced to scrap metal. The strange weapon quickly dissolved and faded away. Siri's suit let out steam.

"I got you."

Ruby swam through the water with her amazing speed. She swept up Yang and laid her on the soft sand.

"Jaune, can you take care of her?"

He nodded. Ruby surged ahead with scythe by her side. Red eyes flared. Dense smoke drooled from its mouth. It swam to meet its assailant. Ruby slashed. The toothless shark rolled and met her scythe with its edged fin. Bone armour scraped against steel. The shark spun and bashed its head into Ruby's side. She hastily slashed back. The blade went wide. She kicked off the shark and sped away for another pass. The two warriors clashed with joust after joust. Blade met splintering bone. The distance between each charge grew smaller and smaller, with Ruby on the losing end. On the final pass the shark clamped what was left of its jaw down on the shaft of Crescent Rose. It thrashed and yanked ripping the weapon from Ruby's grip. Crescent Rose sank to the bottom of the sea.

"Okay, not good."

"Linda! Weiss!"

"Right!"

Siri let out a blast from the cuffs. The force knocked Ruby away and entrapped the shark in a whirlpool. Weiss waved her sword. A pillar office shot up and froze the beast. Linda hurled her spear. The blade and shaft rode Siri's current and drover straight through the fleshy side. Linda wrapped the cord around her hand and planted the other spear into the earth. Lighting arced down the black cord in the blink of an eye. The shark began to smoke and smolder as its innards were cooked by the electrical fury. Its eyes burst in a rain of sparks. The body went limp.

"All clear," said Linda.

Siri shook her wrists, "That drew more power than I thought. I won't be able to stay in combat for long."

"Yang!" Blake dropped beside her, "Are you alright?"

Yang grabbed her wrist. She moved the fingers of the attacked arm. She ripped off the ruins of the gauntlet. Her suit beneath had been torn. A small shallow cut ran across her wrist where the gauntlet camped on the tendon. Wisps of blood rose and faded into the water.

"You're bleeding."

"Just a scratch," Yang cursed, "Why didn't it work."

"Weren't you able to mod it?" asked Weiss.

"No. It's overly engineered," said Yang, "Or that's what they said anyway."

"He must've given you some different dust ammunition though," said Weiss, "I can't use fire under here, but ice, wind, and lightning work just fine. You swapped it out right?"

"No… I kind of… forgot?"

"Rayner, can you do a quick fix?" asked Siri.

"Depends on the fix. I'll have to see it. You want Vincent to come down and replace whoever's coming up?"

"We'll be fine," said Siri, "Yang, head back to the boat. Rayner might be able to do something."

"No way I'm missing out on the fun."

"I have to agree," said Jaune, "No offense, but you're really one good for fighting."

"And flirting," said Nora, "Oh! Oh! She can distract the grimm with her big –"

"Fine, fine," Yang threw up her hands, "I'll get going."

"Sorry," said Ruby.

"Meh, don't worry about it. It happens," Yang jumped off and headed back.

Pyrrha stepped to the edge, "Everyone ready to take the plunge?"

"As we'll ever be," said Ren.

Jaune nodded, "Stick close everyone. I don't want to go fighting another pack of those down there."

Ruby laughed nervously, "No kidding. Not to mention the big one that lurks below."

"I wish you didn't mention that," said Jaune, "I had almost forgot about it."

"I can see through just fine," said Siri, "Stick close to me. I'll be glowing like an anglerfish so I'll be easy to spot."

Nora smiled and laughed. She pulled the trigger of her hammer and launched herself into the abyss.

"Last one in's a slimy eel! Yahoo!"