Hey everyone, apologies for not dropping this on the 15th as I promised. Turns out I was a lot busier than I thought I'd be. Anyway, it's here now!

IMPORTANT: So I'm an idiot. I've been saying the Dragons haven't been on Pandora in thousands of years... that's not correct. I kept saying that but in reality I've been just autopiloting the timeline in my head without double-checking. Allow me to clarify, It has been thousands of years since Pandora's inception with the Faunus race. That is true, but, I had done the math a while back and I had to redo the math.

Let me break down the math, so assuming that humanity had already reached the medieval era by the time Ozpin incarnated, this means that roughly 1000 years have passed on Remnant before Ozpin's reincarnation the first time. Then Ozpin's first life he spent with Salem caused humanity's first war. Now RWBY isn't very clear on exactly when the Faunus showed up on Remnant so my way of working things goes like this:

Humanity is reborn, evolve and go through primitive stages before learning tools and evolving to the medieval era, quicker than real-life evolution as they had access to dust etc. During this entire time, Pandora had been operating the same way, so they've been alive for roughly 1000 years.

Then Ozpin incarnates the first time and attempts to untie the Four Kingdoms causing the first war. Now according to the wiki this war was started eight years before the series but that doesn't exactly make sense given that Ozpin had been shown to live through several lifetimes after his first incarnation, nine of them before Ozpin. Assuming each died late into their lives and Ozpin took several years to reincarnate each time, this gives us roughly 100 years to play with assuming he didn't live with one body for only a few years.

During Ozpin's first incarnation war across Remnant, Pandora also experiences a civil war that splits the continent, causing the Faunus to escape from Pandora and spread out across the world. Then they get captured by the humans and forced into their war and turned into slaves.

Now based on some research Slavery lasted around 300 years at least for my region. The Faunus wouldn't have been slaves for that long, they would've begun to rebel after maybe 20 years give or take. The Faunus race war lasted about 5 years before they were given peace and thrown to Kuo Kuana. This all happened about sixty years before the events of RWBY.

Pooling all the math together, The Dragons haven't been on Pandora for about 120 years. At a minimum, it would've been 85 years but I'm accounting for more realistic timelines of how long Pandora's War lasted, how long the first war lasted if Faunus weren't immediately thrown into slavery but treated like refugees for a time before humans grew greedy. Lastly, I'm accounting for Ozma's time as Ozpin as well as any extra time he took between reincarnations and the total time of the fic up to this point.

TLDR: RWBY itself isn't clear about specific historical time periods, so I drew my own conclusions and adapted the timelines to my narrative. Dragons haven't been missing for thousands of years but more accurately 120 years. They existed more than 1000 years ago, but missing for 120. Yeah, I know, crazy jump. Going to have to fix it in the previous chapters.

Abusamadres-sama: I do plan on talking about a lot of lore stuff going forward because it's now that time, and as for Penny, yeah I've been neglecting her because honestly she served her purpose but I do have plans for her in the wars.

We finally reached the stage in the fic where I want to start incorporating some theme music to go along with certain scenes. The music I recommend is entirely a recommendation, I just think they fit well with the writing.

Also obligatory disclaimer: Just like I don't own RWBY, I also don't own any of the songs I recommend you listen to while reading this or when when I prompt you.

Chapter 90: We're Going to Need a Miracle

-Pandora, Luxalia-

The team was gathered the very next day for a meeting in the guild master's office with Strider and Sierra present, Strider was the only one needed but at his request, Sierra was invited. It seemed he relied on her a lot. The morbid look on Nova's and Ruby's faces was enough to tell the team that business was up.

The office was a neat wooden room with white tiled floors and a large desk that sat in front of a window that overlooked the city, reminiscent of a cozy version of Ironwood's office. Among the various things in the room, ranging from maps and charts to books and banners were trophies that lined the walls. Horns of beasts Nova had never seen before, different types of hides, it was quite the collection.

Oscar and Luna were the last to arrive with the former moving slightly clumsily and Luna helping him around. He favoured his back and walked with a slower pace, he assured them there was nothing but lingering pain, but it seemed the injury had thrown something out of place

"Oscar, how's your back?" Nova asked worriedly as he noticed the boy's movements.

He awkwardly sat down, being careful not to move his spine too much, "I… I've seen better days."

Elain pulled up a chair, "Kid's not looking so hot. That blast took out his Lumbar Vertebrae, meaning his sense of balance has completely been thrown off. I can treat him, but it'll take a few more days."

"Time that we don't have…" Nova said darkly, as he took a seat at the back of the table facing Strider and Sierra.

"I'll get to the point," he addressed everyone, "Our enemies know we're here," he paused looking for their reactions. To his approval, none of them seem surprised, in fact, he could already see the brows furrowing with questions and thoughts on how to move forward.

"And, based on a reliable source, we believe that they intend to strike tomorrow night, at the Princess's birthday party."

Strider this time was alarmed at the information, "What?! Who's your source?! What are their plans?!" he looked at them worriedly. Such a statement alone was warranted for much more than just a small team.

"We're not sure, but the source says that it will most likely be a recurrence of what happened back at the Atlas council election," Nova explained without his gaze moving an inch.

"And who exactly is our source?" Yang was confused, "As far as I know… we don't have anyone on the inside…"

At the mention of the person, Ruby felt a chill run through her as Nova quietly reached for her hand under the desk. Swallowing hard, the red leader spoke up, "That's… the one who told us this stuff is… mom…"

Yang's eyes went wide along with everyone in the room, "M-Mom?! As in Summer?! You spoke to her?!" her expression spoke volumes.

Ruby bit back the bitterness and tried to remain objective, "We met her last night, outside the city. She…" The pain was becoming more evident as the memories of that night began to resurface, was it regret of not having said more? Was it guilt for hesitating? Ruby only felt a swirling storm of emotion that boiled inside her. "She told us that Tyrian intends to attack, though how or exactly when she doesn't know."

Nova mentally sent word to her, "It's okay love, I'll take it from here."

Silently sending words of gratitude to him, Ruby gently entwined her fingers in his, but her grip was shaky. "Get your head in the game Ruby, we don't have time for this," she chastised herself.

"Easy there love, take your time and just lean on me for a little," Nova replied comfortingly, outwardly he spoke, "That brings us to our new objective," the prince looked to Strider, "Can you get us into the party?"

Strider took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair, "Backtrack for a moment. Her mother is working for the enemy? Exactly who is the enemy and what happened back at Atlas?"

Nova had to pause for a moment, he was so used to carrying things out without the approval of anyone else that he forgot what it was like to be in this situation. He had begun rolling the ball on the plan without considering those out of the loop.

"Ruby and Yang's mother, Summer Rose, it's a complicated story. Just know that she can be trusted…"

"Are you willing to bet everything on that?" Strider wanted to ask if they could also trust the girl named Ruby but seeing as how the prince was engaged to said girl, it wouldn't be wise to throw out accusations. Lest he makes an enemy out of people strong enough to tear down the city on a whim. He had no questions on the severity of the situation however since he knew their capabilities to an extent. He had just come to the conclusion that anything they considered a threat, was most definitely worthy of his full attention.

Nova's answer was short, resolved, and without a shred of hesitation, "Without a doubt in my heart."

"I see…" he did not dare question it, "What of the enemy?"

Nova brought out his scroll and pulled up a profile on Tyrian Callows, "This man, is an insane terrorist without any regard for life or morals. He exists for one purpose and that's to carry out the orders of his Queen."

"Salem, The Grimm Queen," Strider answered.

"Correct."

"And what happened at this Atlas? A city I presume?" Strider had come to his own conclusions about the team without them telling him. His first was that they were definitely not from the continent, and the second was that though they looked like Faunus, from his observations none of them had displayed the habits akin to one.

"During an election party, Tyrian caused a massacre, killing dozens of civilians and framing one of our friends, Penny Polendina. If things are going to happen like back then, Tyrian would most likely try to assassinate several people at the ball and frame it on either the royal family or someone important."

Strider thought hard, "So his goal is to cause civil unrest and sew discord… but why?"

"To divide us. Our enemies know that the only way to stop them is if we gather our forces against them and unite, so Salem wants to prevent as much cohesion as possible. She's stalling for something…" Weiss was the one to voice this as she unconsciously toyed with the Cryoseki in her hands.

Strider nodded, "So you want to get into the ball to be able to stop it, correct?"

Nova nodded in confirmation.

Running his hands through his hair and scratching his own ears, Strider sighed, "Well… I'll do the best I can but I don't think I can be able to get eleven invites. The best I might be able to do is two at least but not more than four."

The prince's brow furrowed as he began running through scenarios in his head, sharing them with Ruby for any input. After a minute he answered, "If you can manage two, then Ruby and I will attend physically. The others will be posted outside the castle and in the vicinity… if we get four then who's up to join us?"

Hex was the first to decline, "Count me out chief. I'm not good at fancy parties."

Yang saw her girlfriend and shot her a side smile, "Yeah I'll stick with her."

Nova thought for a few minutes, "Weiss? Luna?"

"I'll go, if we'll be attending a royal ball then I have to go, princess and all that," Luna shrugged.

Weiss agreed, "I'll go as well, stuffy parties are my specialty," she joked causing Neo to giggle silently.

"Right, and what about the rest of you?"

Hex hummed, "The party will have wait staff right?"

Strider nodded.

"Perfect! Yang, how about you, Oscar, and I sneak in as waiters or hired help."

Oscar groaned, "I'm not going to be wearing something ridiculous am I?"

Hex shrugged, "I'll just do some scouting, and see what we're working with."

"In the meantime, Sun and I can stake out the nearby buildings, Neo are you up to joining us?" Blake asked the ice cream-haired girl.

Neo made an 'X' with her arms and shook her head, 'I'll join them on the disguises, or have you forgotten my semblance?' she signed and Weiss translated.

Hex nodded vehemently, "Espionage squad! Man, I so miss going undercover!"

Nova glanced back at his mother, "What about you Mom?"

Elain took out what seemed to be a badge made of platinum with a golden cross on it, "Certified doctor. They'll let me in on account of needing medical staff~" she said cheekily.

"As expected of the world's greatest doctor…" Nova felt his sweat drop.

"Now… we're going to need outfits," Weiss pointed out.

"I CAN HELP WITH THAT!" a muffled voice came from behind the door and Strider looked furious, his hand already pulling out a hidden blade from under the desk and aiming at the door.

"WHO DARES EAVESDROP ON…!"

Nova sighed and opened the door, knowing exactly who the voice was, "Slug, what a surprise…" he said dryly.

Slug who had been leaning against the door fell flat on his face, "Hehe, sorry to be dropping eaves but… I saw you guys heading upstairs when I walked in and…"

"Just get to the point before Strider blows a gasket…"

"Right! Well, I know a good tailor who can get you some good stuff and quickly! They're not cheap though…" Slug explained while hiding behind Nova's leg.

The dragon prince flicked him on the nose, "Alright, we'll trust you. We got some capital to spend anyway. Just… stop eavesdropping on people, it's not polite."

The raccoon man bowed awkwardly, "My apologies, your highness…"

Summer quietly watched from afar the team gathered in the guild office. Just a lone woman standing in the dark alleys of the city, unseen by wandering eyes and her presence hidden by her darkened clothing.

She was glad the guild master seemed to be taking them seriously, though her resistance to Salem's influence had gotten worse, she was able to at least gaze upon her children without the immediate instinct to tear them apart. She hated this curse, this form forced upon her and turning her into the very thing she swore to destroy.

Fighting the instinct was like fighting the desire to breathe, you could only hold your breath for so long before your body forces itself to drink in air.

Feeling satisfied that they had it under control… not that she could have helped anymore, she decided it best to leave before Salem got suspicious.

"Leaving so soon?" a mad cackle echoed in the vast darkness behind her, forcing her to stop dead in her tracks. A pair of yellow eyes glowing in the dark followed by the sound of a mechanical tail clicking against stone.

"Tyrian, how did you find me?" Summer's tone was even, refusing even to admit her surprise.

The man in question slinked through the shadows before jumping atop a nearby wooden crate, positioning himself on all fours like a dog sitting, "Pure coincidence actually. Imagine my surprise the night I arrived in Luxalia that you just happened to be sitting alone on the edge of the forest. Didn't our master give you other orders?"

Summer grit her teeth, "My reasons are none of your business," she responded harshly.

"Oh, but I think it is~" Tyrian smirked as his tail danced around in the air, "Especially when it concerns you meeting with our enemies!"

Her eyes went wide with fear, but only briefly as they quickly returned to normal, "I… simply wanted to see my daughter… before she…"

"Before she befalls the same fate as you?" Tyrian finished her sentence with a malevolent snicker, "Is that really all~? If that's true then I have nothing to be worried about," he said with a mock sigh of relief.

Summer didn't say anything as she tried to brush past him, but just as she was about to cross the crate, his tail shot out and blocked her path. Glaring at him she was about to toss him aside when her Grimm body began to move on its own. Her claws unsheathing and her arms twitching, every muscle inside her burned to turn around and kill anyone and anything in her way. She wasn't able to sweat anymore, and her heart no longer beat, but if she could, then her palpitations and perspiration would be sky-high.

"Of course~" Tyrian continued, "If you were giving out our plans to the enemy… oh, that wouldn't do very well. Especially if our dear Queen finds out about this betrayal." His grin was broad, teeth flashing in the shadows.

"M-Move!" Summer struggled but something was tugging at her mind like a fish on a line. Instinctively she knew, Salem was trying to force her to do something.

"Your loyalties have always been debatable, the one being our Queen could never fully control. I must say your willpower is to be admired~"

Summer swallowed the rising killing intent and spoke through clenched teeth, "What. Do. You. Want?!"

He prodded the scorpion stinger at the center of her chest where a black hole lay hidden beneath her clothing, "I want you to prove your loyalty… help me with this little assignment. Ensure it goes smoothly…"

"And why should I? Aren't you capable of doing it on your own?"

"Sure, that was… before you sold out our plans…" Tyrian replied darkly, his eyes narrowing, "The Queen will not forgive you a second time."

"T-Then…"

"Help me infiltrate the party. I will do what's necessary… you just need to stall for time." His body began to vibrate with growing laughter.

Summer felt a stone drop into the pit of her stomach, "No…"

Tyrian smiled venomously, "Oh yes~"

"B-But that will kill her!" Summer practically shouted in fear.

He just broadened his grin and hopped off the crate, "Isn't that the point?"

-Shade Academy ETA 30 Mins-

The entire academy was mobilized for the impending invasion. Doctor Polendina and his team at the lab managed to build a shielding device using leftover parts from the old Amity project. Utilizing a combination of supercharged Dust and anti-projectile shields from Hex's research, they pieced together a dome shield that encompassed the entire plateau.

Students now turned into soldiers were amassing in the auditorium where they would begin a short briefing on the plan. Team GRVE sat in the front row alongside other high-priority combatants like the students trained under team ASHNRWBYJNPR.

The energy in the air was tangible, buzzing through the atmosphere and resonating across the student body. The high tension and anxiety-stricken faces of those unready for real combat of this scale and the excited faces of those battle maniacs eager to test their skills built a mosaic of mixed emotions.

Citrine, Qrow, Randolf, Olwen, and the Polendina family were already on stage as the last of the students filed in. The Calavera sisters, tiny in comparison, were hobbling along with their walking sticks.

Regis was unconsciously thumbing the hilt of his sword in anxiety, he'd taken a brief look at the army that was brimming on the horizon and he felt it in his very core, this was the real deal.

"This is fucking insane…" Regis muttered as his nervous tick got worse the more he thought about it.

Gawain sitting beside him planted a firm hand on his shoulder, "Easy Reg, get a grip, the battle hasn't even started yet and you're already this nervous?"

Ether shook beside him, her usually calm demeanor was easily seen to begin cracking as she sipped on a cup of herbal tea, "Are we even ready?"

Violet seemed the most relaxed as she sat cross-legged on her chair, "We got this. Ruby-sensei trained us for this, didn't she? There's no way in hell a bunch of low-class Grimm is going to be anywhere near the strength of our teachers."

Citrine had a terrible expression on her face as she took the microphone, "Students, I'm going to be brief," she looked them all dead in the eye, "This is it, the time for you to show us your strengths, the talents we've been helping you nurture all these years. I hate to play this card, but it's time you follow through on your ambitions of becoming Huntsmen and Huntresses."

She closed her eyes briefly preparing her words, "I'm not sugarcoating it when I say we're thoroughly fucked. Outside, banging on our doors is an army of Grimm the likes the world has never seen before. Bigger than the one that invaded Vale, larger than the one at Atlas. This is going to be the biggest test of your skills you'll face in your entire lives."

The reaction of the student body intensified with the excited ones becoming more excited and the terrified ones feeling imminent fear.

"I know how you must feel. You're just students, but… just this is going to be your trial by fire. This is now an act of war, we cannot protect you out there. You are responsible for yourselves. You can try to run and hide but I'm not sure how far you'll get. If Shade falls, then so does the last standing stronghold of Humanity and Faunus kind."

Swallowing the lump building in her throat she began, "Our drones have determined that there are thousands Grimm out there. And that's not including the Death Worms that have awakened. Of those, we've counted fifteen. Variants include the Avian Fighter class Grimm that resemble Nevermores and at least two hundred Goliaths. No Leviathan Class Grimm were detected but that can change."

All of a sudden, the excited students felt the strength leave their bodies at the mention of the number of forces. Citrine pitied them, she had purposely lied about the numbers to keep their morale, but she hadn't sugar-coated it enough.

"We've designated the combat area into three zones." She brought up a diagram of the school and its vicinity. Three circles appeared, the smallest one encompassed the plateau and its immediate ground. "This will be area 1, Students strong in long-range abilities and weaponry are to be stationed atop the plateau. You will be our artillery support, firing from this zone."

She then highlighted zone three, a diameter of about 1000 kilometers from the center of the academy.

"Shield specialists and heavy hitters to the front lines, the rest of you will sit in the middle ground to support." The middle zone was highlighted as Zone 2 about halfway between Zone 1 and Zone 3.

"We don't have much in terms of aerial support, but thankfully neither does the enemy."

Someone yelled up in the back, "What's our army count compared to theirs?"

Citrine swallowed the bitterness, "We're heavily outnumbered… but we make up for it in skill and power."

She could see the students losing morale very quickly. She chose her next words carefully.

"We cannot promise you all grand rewards, but after this battle, each and every one of you will be issued official Huntsmen licenses. There is no greater test of skill than this. And I swear to you…" her eyes glowed bright yellow with the power of the Summer Maiden as tendrils of magic crackled against the floor, "I swear to you, as your headmaster and the Summer Maiden, that this Academy will not fall. We will emerge victorious."

Silently cursing she tried to borrow some lines from Nova, trying to imagine what he would say, "Salem has been tormenting us for too long. We swore back then that we would become strong enough to defeat her and her forces. Our prince and his team have gone to fight her directly, so while they're doing their job, we should do ours. The time has come to prove ourselves in the face of adversity, to prove to the world once and for all that we are meant to survive!"

The students felt some of their morale return, whether it was false confidence or not was left to be determined.

"We will not fall here! GO FORTH AND BRING VICTORY!" she threw her fist in the air and the students cheered. As everyone left to find their positions.

Qrow clenched his fists as he glared at Citrine, "You didn't tell them that the Grimm out there used to be people, they could be killing their families and friends…"

The headmaster couldn't look at him, "And what good would that do Qrow? Have them hesitate to pull the trigger? We no longer have the luxury to spare the enemy. It's kill or be killed."

Qrow wanted to fight back but he knew she was right. They had to choose the lesser of two evils, if Shade fell, then it was all over.

"You also lied to them about the enemy count. What're we really looking at?" Randolf grimaced.

"16…"

"What?" he didn't catch the last part. "1600?" he pronounced it as sixteen-hundred.

"16.2 million." As she said it their faces turned pale, "That's the total count of the Grimm out there. Approximately 60% of the population of Vacuo"

Qrow let out a hollow laugh, running his hands through his hair, "This… is fucking impossible…"

"Impossible?" Citrine took a deep breath and pulled out her sunglasses, "We have a Maiden and some of the strongest people on the planet, and dear Penny over here has had several upgrades, Right Penny?"

Penny pumped both of her fists together as her eyes glowed, "I'm combat-ready!"

Doctor Polendina watched his daughter with worry but he knew his feelings couldn't get in the way of this.

"We'll pull off a fucking miracle." And with that, she headed for her personal armoury.

-Pandora Kingdom Luxalia-

The night of the ball, Team ASHNRWBY, and friends had spent the day making the relevant preparations. Hex had managed to scope out the staff entering and leaving the palace, securing the relevant disguises. Sun and Blake found a tall building within the immediate foreground of the castle for them to stake out.

Strider managed to get them five invites. Four for the team and one for him, but seeing as he would prefer to be at the guild in case of emergency, he forfeited his invitation to young Oscar.

The team entering the castle were Nova, Ruby, Weiss, Luna, and Oscar as guests, Hex, Neo, and Yang disguised as staff, Elain was a doctor so she got a free pass. Blake and Sun staked out on the roof of a nearby building. The plan was set, now it was time to execute.

Nova was in his room tightening his cufflinks. He debated whether to go as a girl or a guy but considering the situation… he'd rather not cause unnecessary confusion. Instead of a lavish dress, he wore a white suit with orange embroidery lining the jacket seams. The buttons were gold and much to his displeasure his shoulders had gilded pads equipped with orange tassels. Under it was a white shirt with a high collar. The collar acted as a neckpiece, sporting a black-lined design with golden dragons encircling it. A pair of white dress pants and black shoes completed the look. The Flareheart symbol was pinned to his left breast pocket above his heart.

"Damn this is one flashy ass outfit…" he grumbled, "At least it's not stiff." Despite its looks, the material was soft and flexible, there weren't any heating problems as the complete suit was surprisingly breathable.

The sound of the bathroom door clicking open alerted him, turning his head he was graced with the most beautiful sight.

Ruby was wearing a brilliant red dress that matched her cloak. The design was such that the sleeves were more like loosely fitted decorations, translucent and frilly that dangled just over her upper arm, under her shoulder. The dress itself ran all the way down to her upper thigh but the back of the dress ran down to her ankles before belling out. It sparkled in the moonlight and accompanying it was a pair of black heels. Dangling from her neck was the Silver Heart and her promise ring neatly sitting on her left ring finger. It seemed Weiss lent her some make-up as she had silver highlights above her eyes. Her hair was also done differently with the right side dangling further down while the left side was pinned back with a silver rose symbol hairpin.

The dragon could only stare in awe as he basked in her beauty, his mouth slightly agape.

Ruby blushed, "I-Is it too much? Did I do the makeup right?"

Finally finding his breath which had subsequently left him for a moment spoke, "I really am the luckiest person in the world…"

"S-Shut up, sweet-talking dork," she wondered how the hell after three years and being almost married he still made her blush at the slightest compliment. "I could say the same about you. I might have to fight the other guests."

It was Nova's turn to blush in embarrassment, "Feels like déjà vu." He recalled their dance a Beacon.

"It really does," she felt herself getting lost in his mismatched eyes. She certainly would have if their scrolls didn't beep loudly with the alarm.

"Shit, guess that's our queue," Nova turned off the alarm. "Ready?" he extended his hand for her to take.

Smiling warmly but regaining her resolve she took a deep breath and wrapped her arms around his.

The two arrived downstairs to find the team already waiting on them.

Luna was wearing a cyan blue dress similar to Ruby's but hers went all the way down to her ankles on both sides. She had a black ribbon tied around her hair so it was held up like a princess, also showing off a pair of silver and sapphire-embedded diamond-shaped earrings. Dangling from her neck was the sapphire necklace Nova gave her for her birthday but the earrings were new.

Weiss was wearing an icy blue dress that gradually transitioned to white as it got to the skirt that ran down to her knees. Her dress was strapless as she sported a pair of elbow-length blue gloves that turned white at her hands.

Oscar seemed to clean up as well, wearing a grey suit and forest green undershirt. At first, he wore a black one but finding that he looked too much like Ozpin, he swapped the colours. The immortal in question did ask if he hated the look that much to which Oscar replied "I need some individuality. I'm not you."

"Took you guys long enough," Luna huffed, placing her hands on her hips. Then she spied Ruby, "Oh my god, Ruby you look gorgeous! As expected of my future sister-in-law!" she said proudly.

Nova feigned hurt, "And your brother doesn't look good? Oh, my heart… it's breaking!"

She shot him a flat look, "You'll get over it."

"Say, Luna…" Nova hummed, "Those earrings are new."

Luna leaned her ear forward and showed them off, "Like them? Oscar saw them and got me the pair!" she eagerly wrapped her arms around Oscar who began to sputter from embarrassment.

Blake and Sun had already left to set up their positions. Elain, Hex, Yang, and Neo came down a moment later dressed in the most bizarre looks for them.

Hex was wearing the standard butler dress pants and white shirt with a black tailcoat… but Yang and Neo on the other hand...

"Why in the living hell do I have to wear this!" Yang exclaimed as she tugged at her outfit.

Neo giggled silently as she skipped out and landed next to Weiss before doing a bow.

Yes, Neo and Yang were indeed wearing the classic maid outfit set up of a black frilly dress and white apron.

"Kill me now…" Yang groaned as she tugged at her skirt. She never wore skirts. Ever.

Hex just grabbed her and planted a kiss on her cheek, "You look, adorable sweetheart."

"I don't want to be adorable. I want to be badass!" Yang fumed.

Weiss looked at Neo, "This is your doing isn't it."

Neo signed, 'Guilty as charged'.

Rolling her eyes, Weiss smiled, "Of course. You look really nice in that by the way. It suits you."

The ice-cream-haired girl simply wrapped her arms around Weiss' neck and kissed her cheek before signing 'Thank you~' and winking.

Weiss felt her brain short circuit as all coherent thoughts evacuated her headspace.

Nova clapped his hands together, "Alright team. Let's head out…"

"Hold it right there," Strider emerged from the staircase with his hands on his hips, "You're not intending on walking there are you?"

Nova blanked, "Uh… how else are we supposed to get there?"

Strider sighed and snapped his fingers, the sound of horse hooves against the cobblestone was heard outside, "I got you guys a carriage. I knew this would happen."

"Isn't this… a bit much?" Nova opened the door to reveal a lavish black, a gothic-styled carriage with golden patterns across it that mimicked flames. A regally dressed wolf Faunus sat in the driver's seat holding onto the reigns of a pair of black stallions.

"You are the prince and princess of the Faunus kingdom. Whether you like it or not, this is your debut to not just the royal family but to everyone there."

Nova understood his intentions, "And first impressions are the most important when it comes to royalty," Ruby and Nova answered simultaneously.

As they gathered to leave Strider shot them a look, "Don't fail."

Nova held a serious gaze, "We won't."

-Vacuo ETA 5 Minutes-

(A/N: Listen to Draugr by Peyton Parrish with this)

Everyone was in place. Team GRVE was split with Violet taking to the plateau because of her artillery capabilities while the other three were consigned to Zone 2. In truth, this was the biggest lineup of huntsmen and huntresses the world had ever seen. Sixteen thousand students and teachers combined against the largest Grimm army known to man.

Armed to the teeth and brimming with anticipation, an army of Huntsmen and Huntresses, ready for the oncoming storm. This was it, the biggest moment of their lives.

The sun had long set over the horizon as they bled into the deep night, the sweltering desert atmosphere had flipped on its head and now they stood shivering, some out of fear, and some out of the biting cold, against an unfathomable enemy.

Many began having second thoughts as the Grimm crested the horizon, the monsters tirelessly rampaging across the sand while the students awaited them with ready arms, but none dared to move. They were ready, they had to be.

Gawain was at the front of the group in zone 2, his team right behind him. "Get ready..." Gawain issued his words without looking back.

Regis tightly gripped the hilt of his sword, "Now or never..."

Citrine was at the forefront of Zone 1, being the headmaster, she had to be the one to lead the charge. The atmosphere was brimming with tension, the very air felt electric, and not a soul dared to make a sound. Breathing stopped, the sands shifted, and a cold gust blew through the air. It was time.

The quiet ground began to rumble, the vibrations shaking the earth to its core as the stomping feet of the beasts that were once men stormed down the hill. The thunder of war had come.

"GET READY!" Citrine bellowed, raising her sword high in the air. It was the first time anyone had seen her weapons, a pair of heavy hand cannons strapped to her waist and hoisted in her right hand was a blade that barely resembled a sword. Its entire body length was sharp on one side, while a single handle served as the only grip piece. Not a very flashy weapon compared to her finely crafted guns, but the size and shape made it look artistic.

"TONIGHT WE FIGHT! NOT FOR GLORY OR FAME, BUT TO PROTECT NOT JUST OURSELVES BUT HUMMANITY AND FAUNUSKIND. THIS IS WHERE WE MAKE OUR STAND, DO NOT FALTER FOR WE ARE STRONG. WE ARE THE HUNTSMEN AND HUNTRESSES OF REMNANT AND WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS!"

The monsters trampled across the arid sands like an oncoming tidal wave. The bellowing roars like a resonating battle cry erupted from the monsters, their stampede like the beats of a war drum.

"HOLD!" Citrine bellowed as she waited for the beasts to get within range. "HOLD!" they inched closer. The moment they were within blade reach, "NOW!"

The frontline tankers charged forward, shields of all sizes raised to meet the oncoming storm. Citrine was the first to make an attack, the moment they were stalled she flew into the air, her eyes glowing with the radiant power of the Summer Maiden, her hands extended to her sword toward the sky as a yellow bolt of lightning shot out, within seconds dozens of lightning bolts struck the earth. Sand exploded as Grimm flew in all directions, decimating chunks of their forces.

The students were momentarily in awe at the destructive power but couldn't wonder for long as the seemingly infinite army barrelled down on them once more.

"ARTILLERY FIRE!" Citrine shouted through the radio. The rim of the plateau lit up with dozens of different coloured projectiles. The night sky was ablaze with the storm of bullets, missiles, and explosives, raining down on the enemy, blowing even more holes in their lines but their numbers were relentless.

The fire rained in explosive mass, smashing into the Grimm, like meteors of the apocalypse.

"PENNY! ENGAGE THE BALLISTAS!" Citrine ordered through their communications.

Zone 2 Combatants watched in awe as the coordinated attack went off without a hitch. Massive javelins of energy decimated the enemy's frontlines paving way for the Zone 1 team to engage. If things proceeded like this... then maybe...

As the students cut down the Grimm, the disfigured amalgamations were quickly swarmed by more not giving students a moment to look at the bodies... something Citrine was thankful for. How long it would last, was anyone's guess. She knew they would eventually notice amidst the chaos that the Grimm were turning into corpses of humans... but they would cross that bridge when they got there.

The earth shifted once more. As the battle waged on, students and teachers in Zone 1 were cast aside like ragdolls as the very sand beneath their feet began to rise, a giant mound exploding out of the coarse earth in a violent burst as both Grimm and people were tossed aside. "MRROOOAAAAARRRR!" The Death Worms had risen from the sand, at least six as far as they eye could see sprouted from the ground.

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" The frontline students screamed as the worms thrashed about, tossing dozens of students aside, the Grimm quickly moving to overwhelm them.

Citrine saw the breach in their defenses, "NOT SO FAST!" surging with the power of the Summer Maiden she willed the earth to move, tremors shook as rocky slabs erupted out of the sand like spikes impaling three worms across the battlefield. She quickly fell to the ground behind the students, gasping for air. It had been years since she used her powers, "Fuck, maybe I am getting old..." she muttered, swapping to a gun in one hand and her sword in the other, "Time to do this the old fashioned way..."

Zone 2 wasn't seeing much action at first, not a single Grimm was making it through the front lines... but the moment the Death Worms appeared the formation broke as Grimm began to bleed into the second zone.

Gawain looked at his team and readied his blade, "ARE YOU GUYS READY?! TO ARMS!"

Regis crouched into a drawing stance, Ether pulled out her desert eagles, "Ready!"

The students around them got the memo and entered their own stances, "HERE THEY COME!" Gawain shouted. "CHARGE!"

The two forces clashed in the second zone, the Grimm that bled through were being forcibly held back by the students but now the battle formation had merged into one giant zone. The sheer number of Grimm had forced a complete collapse of Zone 1's formation despite the fact that only a handful of students had died.

With the fight bleeding into Zone 2, Team GRVE took to arms, Gawain's sword engulfed in light as he carved his way through the Grimm. His mighty blows would have decimated dozens of normal Grimm but they were only able to pierce the dense hide of the mutants.

Regis dashed through the numerous monsters, blue lightning spreading from his Katana as he stabbed through a particularly large mutant Grimm, dancing over its head and tossing the sword into a group, then teleporting to it with his semblance and exploding them with an aftershock of lightning.

Ether was like a monster herself, nimbly dodging strikes and standing at the center of a massive swarm, finding herself surrounded she flipped two switches on her gun handles, "These chambers hold more than just six bullets..." she muttered before spinning in a circle and firing off at inhuman speeds, decimating the horde.

Unfortunately... the action was less dense in Zone 2, which meant the students got a full view of what they were killing. As Gawain sliced down the Grimm in front of him, it snarled viciously as it spazzed out on the floor. When the blackened outer layer of the Grimm vanished and its mask dissipated to reveal the unmoving corpse of an old man, Gawain dropped his sword.

"W-What...?" he mouthed in horror as he looked down at the man, "N-no... t-that..."

"WATCH OUT!" Regis cried as he blitzed by, stabbing a Grimm that was about to tear Gawain's head off and knocking it aside, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!". Regis reached down and shook Gawain furiously, but he was only met with empty eyes.

"..." Gawain spoke but Regis didn't hear as he was too busy carving down another Grimm.

"What did you say?!"

"These Grimm... are people..." Gawain couldn't tear his eyes away from the man lying on the ground. He did that... he killed a person...

Regis spun around and looked at the piling corpses, "Oh... god..." Almost immediately he threw up on the ground.

Ether seemed to have noticed as well, but it was her that kept them in line, smacking each of them in the head with the butt of her guns, "GET A HOLD OF YOURSELVES!" she snarled bitterly. It was enough to make the two boys snap out of their trance. Ether was the most soft-spoken, mild-mannered girl. Even if she did have her scary moments, she never raised her voice, ever.

"WE DON'T HAVE THE FUCKING LUXURY TO THINK ABOUT IT. THIS IS WAR. IT'S KILL OR BE KILLED!" She even cursed. As she shot down several more Grimm, wincing in the process she grabbed Gawain by the collar and hoisted him onto his feet, "Look at me. Do you think I like this? I don't want this any more than either of you but right now we need you to be Huntsmen!"

Gawain tried to find his words as the chaos raged around them, "Huntsmen protect people! This isn't right!"

She slapped him. Hard. "And Huntsmen kill Grimm! If they take down Shade then who's protecting the people there?! SO DO YOUR JOB AND KILL GRIMM TO SAVE THE PEOPLE. JUST BECAUSE THE GRIMM ALSO HAPPENS TO BE PEOPLE DOESN'T FUCKING CHANGE THAT! BE A LEADER, NOT A COWARD!"

Gawain felt her logic sink in and mentally slapped himself a few times.

"She's right... fuck I hate that she's right..." Regis muttered as he knelt down, picked up Gawain's sword, and handed it to him, "Here... there are people we need to save right now..."

Gawain took the blade by the handle and gazed around at the chaos. Students were struggling, the Grimm numbers were overwhelming and the battle had only begun. "To arms."

"TO ARMS!"

-Somewhere in the East of Pandora Jungle-

Gauge was exhausted, how long had he been running? Hours? Days? It was so hard to tell in the dark jungle. At first, the light peeling through the canopy was small but manageable, but now it felt like the jungle was actively trying to fight him. No longer were beams of light trickling down through the dense trees, now the jungle was eternally dark. He didn't think such a thing was naturally possible, but he knew nothing of this continent and how it worked.

He didn't have a moment to even stop to rest, every time he did the sounds of the skittering legs echoed almost nipping at his heels. There were far too many, and they were far too fast. Those Grimm, whatever they were, they were relentless and powerful, he alone was not enough to deal with that many.

"FUCK LEAVE ME ALONE!" He yelled as he willed his legs to go forward. His body ached, and his muscles were beyond sore. He hadn't eaten or had water in what felt like forever.

His movements were slower now... his exhaustion had reached the breaking point. Struggling to move, he grunted through the pain, but there was only so much willpower could do before the body could no longer keep up. Just like that, without warning, his legs stopped moving on their own, his knees buckled and forced him to the floor, crashing him over a large tree root and barrelling into the dirt with a loud crash.

"No... no!" he cried, trying to move his legs but he couldn't even feel them anymore. "MOVE! MOVE DAMNIT!" he screamed, pounding his fist against the dead limbs as if trying to jumpstart a heart.

The Centipede Grimm were on him already, he knew it. The sound of the skittering had stopped and the jungle had become deadly quiet. They were preparing to strike, the overly cautious beasts were assessing the situation before engaging, they were smart, but not too smart. Their cautious nature made them stall, if they were smarter they'd have noticed his exhaustion and wasted no time to strike... but Gauge was being given time.

He had to think of something, his eyes darting around, "Come on... something... anything?"

Time was up, the Grimm appeared out of the ground and hovered over him, several more sprouting up and surrounding him, "Shit..."

Was this it? Was he to die here?

"This isn't my fate!" He roared, his legs couldn't move but his arms could, slashing out wildly with his bladed Tonfas, but the Grimm merely stood out of reach and watched his pathetic attempt at flailing. "I WILL NOT DIE HERE!"

"Good! I was waiting to see if you would accept death, but you show promise!" An elderly woman's voice cackled in the background, coming from the trees.

"W-What...?" Gauge was shocked.

A small figure jumped down with the dexterity of a grasshopper, landing square in the middle between Gauge and the Grimm. She carried a torch in her hand and Gauge saw an old woman with sagging skin and a messy head of hair that could be mistaken for a patch of moss. She wore a green rag for a dress and walked around on a hunched back.

"Lady get back! Those monsters are dangerous!" Gauge shouted, but then he realized the Grimm were not attacking.

She chuckled heartily, "Oh dear, these aren't monsters, they're my pets!" she reached up and the Grimm Centipede bowed its head, letting her pet it.

Gauge blinked rapidly, "What...?! Wait... YOU SET THESE THINGS ON ME?!"

The old lady guffawed, "Well, I saw you enter my forest, you smelled like a mutt and you resemble the dragons, but you aren't a Faunus. Suspicious creature," she addressed Gauge, "I didn't know what you were so I put you to a test to see if you were a threat."

Gauge was flabbergasted, "Huh?! Wait, how do you know the dragons?"

The old lady smirked, "I'll tell you that story later. You passed my test and showed incredible tenacity, let's get you cleaned up," she tapped her torch on the ground and the darkened canopy opened out to reveal the bright sunshine and open air.

Gauge could only watch in awe as the wilderness seemed to bend to her will as one of the Grimm picked him up and onto its back, escorting him.

That's the end of this chapter. Sorry there wasn't anything on what Nitro's doing, it felt out of place to talk about his mundane life in the Oceanis Kingdom when so much craziness was happening everywhere else.