A Sword and Shield of Crimson

Mercury and Emerald watch with shock and horror as a large group of Grimm crawl out from black pools of slime. A sight befitting this dark and desolate landscape. They were sure glad to be in far away from that. A snap of fingers drew their attention. Both when to Cinder's side, who sat on a table made from crystal. Cinder's hair was much shorter and now wears an eye patch on the left side of her face. The left sleeve of her new red dress was very long. Covering her entire left arm. Sitting across from Cinder is a man with a mustache named Arthur Watts who's going over is Scroll. "Yes, yes, keep your posse in check." he said getting a rise from Mercury who wants to give him a piece of his mind. But Emerald held Mercury back.

"You hear that? Silence." Watts asked a large, muscular, bearded man named Hazel Rainart. But Hazel just looked at him with an unimpressed side glance. "I've half a mind to thank the little girl that bested you." the exquisitely dressed man said with a grin.

Cinder tries to say something back, but her voice only came out in a raspy whisper. Realizing the state of her voice, motion Emerald to come closer so she can talk with her.

Watts just shook his head at this "Pathetic. Why did you even-" the sounds of heavy metal doors opening quickly stop whatever Watts was going to say. Entering the room was Salem with Caius and White walking with her. Her presence made everyone stand. She seems to glide across the floor, however sounds of footsteps can be heard. Caius and White walk close by her side. They stop in front of a candle and crystal display. Hazel noticed that Caius and White have similar air to them.

"Watts." Salem said causing the man to straighten up. "Do you find such malignance necessary?" she asked him as she gestures every to sit back down.

"I apologize, ma'am. I'm not particularly fond of failure." Watts said nervously.

Salem sat down on her throne and she stretches out an arm, allowing White to sit on her lap. Who was more than happy to accept her offer. "Then I see no reason for your cruelty towards young Cinder." Salem began while running her fingers through White's hair. "She's become our Fall Maiden, destroyed Beacon Tower, and most importantly, killed dear Ozpin. So I'm curious, to what failures are you referring?" she asked holding White closely. If White had a tail, it would be wagging. Caius stood next to Salem and was a bit embarrassed by White's action.

"Well, the girl with the Silver Eyes." Watts said. Trying to make Cinder look bad. Something he does a lot.

"Yes. We've dealt with their kind before. How is it a novice was able to best one of us?" Hazel asked with a gravelly voice.

Watts agrees "My thoughts exactly. Even without her new power, it should have been effortless."

Salem chuckled at this "It is because of the Maiden's power. Make no mistake, Cinder, you hold the key to our victory. But your newfound strength brings with it a crippling weakness. Which is why you will remain by my side as we continue your treatment." Cinder was not too pleased hearing this. But Salem paid no mind to this and gave out some orders. "Dr. Watts, you are to take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral."

"Very good." Watts bows his head.

Salem then turns her attention to her dear bloodthirsty wolf Faunus in her arms. "White my dear, continue your hunt for the Spring Maiden."

White did a cold, unnerving laugh "As you wish, my master." the clone said enthusiastically.

"And Hazel, I'm sending you to the leader of the White Fang. Adam Taurus has arranged the meeting. The boy continues to prove loyal. Ensure that Sienna Khan feels the same." Salem ordered, still scratching a favourite part of White's ear.

"As you wish." Hazel nodded.

Cinder lifted a finger to get Emerald's attention, but it took a moment for her to notice. She leans in and Cinder whispers in Emerald's ear. When she was done, Emerald straighten up.

"Speak, child." Caius said coldly. His arms folded across his massive chest.

"She wants to know… What about the girl?" Emerald said with some hesitation.

Watts scoffs at this "What about her? Seems to me that this is Cinder's problem, not ours." Cinder was angered by this and slams her fist on the table. Shooting a glare at him, but Watts just grins.

Salem gave the situation some thought and came up with an idea. "White?"

"Yes?" White said in a cutesy voice that made everyone (except Salem) uncomfortable. Especially Caius.

Salem chuckles "Leave Spring for now. Go find the girl with silver eyes."

White's eyes widen in excitement. "Wait, does this mean?"

Salem smiles "Just bring the girl to me. I don't care what you do to the others." this was music to White's ears. She can't wait to fight Black in this body. But first, she needs to visit a 'friend'.

A farm boy named Oscar Pine woke up bright and early to do morning chores. "OSCAR!" the sounds of White's voice caused him to drop the bucket filled with water.

"W-W-White. What are you doing here?!" he stammered backing away but was quickly stopped in his tracks by White's arm around his neck.

"I got this important mission to do, so I won't be seeing you anymore." she said with fake sadness. Something Oscar picked up easily. The arm around his neck suddenly tightens, cutting off air from his lungs. "You haven't told anyone what you saw, right?" she asks in a murderous tone.

"No!" he said gasping for air.

"Good." White said smiling and releasing his neck. Oscar instantly fell to his knees. White watched with glee as he regains the ability to breathe. "I have this visit short as I have a plane to catch and a sister to meet."

Rubbing his neck, Oscar watched White leave with a casual wave. He hopes this sister of hers is not like her.

Sounds of gunfire rang throughout a green forest. Nora and Ren were talking about their team name. A conversation they have been having since the morning.

"I'm just sayin'." Nora said. "There's more members of JNPR in this team than RWBY. It just makes sense to go with that one."

"But juniors isn't a color." Ren pointed out.

Nora groans "How can I be more clear? They are three of use and one of her."

"But we're helping Ruby with her objective." Ren reminded her why they are here on the road in the first place. Behind him, Jaune, Noel (who wore his Battle Attire.) and Black waiting behind a rock. Ren was going to say something but was cut off by Lightning's yawn.

"You all right, pal?" Noel asked his childhood friend. "You look exhausted. Still feeling the effects of Super Charge?"

Black shakes her head.

"Then why you look so tired?" Nora asked.

Black lets out another yawn. "Ruby didn't let me get a wink of sleep last night. She's trying to break Weiss and Rock's record of thirteen times. break thirteen she yells, BREAK THIRTEEN!" Black yells.

"How did you find the time? We're on the road." Ren asked.

"Ruby finds a way." Black said dramatically. There was an awkward silence that was thankfully cut by Nora.

"Guys check this out!" Everyone ran to Nora's voice. What she found was looks like a destroyed building. It was hard to tell that it is as little remains. Just pillars and knocked down walls that are being absorbed by the forest. At the middle was a crimson sword worn out by time. Stabbed into a raised platform. It looks so brittle that just touching it could break it apart. That didn't stop Nora and tries to pull the sword out.

To everyone's shock, Nora can't. She used all her strength, but the sword will not budge. Due to being close, it saw something on the hilt that caught her eye. "Isn't that your symbol Summer?"

Black went up to the sword and her eyes widen upon seeing it. "How?" she said looking down on her chest than on the sword. Sure enough, they matched. Nora moved out of the way so Black can have a shot of pulling the sword out. Right when her hands grip the handle a bolt of red lightning hit it, and the sword was now brand new.

The Wolf Faunus slowly pulls the sword out of the platform. When she turns the blade of the sword up, red sparks shot out from it and hit her left arm. A large crimson shield forms on her arm. Before anyone could say a thing felt a rubble. "No better time to test them out." Jaune said rushing towards the where Ruby is along with with the rest of the team.

Ruby jump from tree to tree, firing at the Grimm with a body made of boulders. The trees didn't stop it from chasing Ruby. One of the tree branches she lands on broke, causing her to fall. "Bad…landing strategy!" she said as she fell. Her Faunus lover caught her in midair. She was happy to see Black and wrapped her arms around the Faunus' neck. The sword on her back caught her eye. But she'll save the question for later.

A Grimm is needs slaying.

The rest of the Team saw the couple trying to getting away. Ruby still fired some shots at the Grimm. "Let's get that thing off her." Jaune said as Ren and Noel leap up to a tree.

"Don't forget me!" Nora said following them.

The giant Grimm cuts her off with a swing of its stone fist but was knocked back by Nora's Magnhild. Taking advantage of its staggered state Ren and Noel jumped at it for a surprise attack. But blocked their blades with its other arm. It went for a follow-up strike with double arm strike. However, Nora intercepts with a powerful swing with her hammer. Effectively destroying both its arms.

The remains it's once rock made arms flew in many directions. Ren, Nora, and Noel manage to evade it while Ruby hid behind Black used her new shield to block the incoming rocks. Jaune was not so lucky as one of them hits him in the family jewels. Noel rush to his side to help Jaune up "You might need this." Noel said giving Jaune one of his blades.

"Thanks." he said with pain smile.

The Grimm grew a pair of black clawed arms out of red glowing circles with that looks like an eye in the middle. It shoves its arms into a pair of trees. "His arm is a tree!" Jaune shouted.

"Kind of a downgrade if you ask me." Noel whispers to Jaune who agrees with him.

"Big mistake!" Ruby said with a smile. She loads a fire Dust magazine into Crescent Rose. Then took aim at the Grimm.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Black said worryingly.

"It will be fine." Ruby reassured and pulls the trigger. The bullet hits its mark but sets one of the Grimm's arm on fire. Then it sets its sights on Jaune.

"Big mistake!" Jaune shouts running away. Even with a weapon is not sure he can deal with a giant flaming arm swing at him. Jaune wished he had his shield.

Black was about to make a remark but Ruby placed a finger on her lips "Don't...say...anything."

Jaune proved to be the perfect distraction for Ren and Noel. So they made another surprise attack. This one is more successful than the last. As they manage to slash out the eyes. Effectively blinding it and knocking it down.

Jaune took this opportunity to come up with a plan. From what he gathers, the Grimm's body is tough and gains new limbs whenever its old ones are destroyed. His mind thinks back to when Ren and Noel attacked it the first and second time. The way it defended its face from the first assault then how it feels on the second. It was then an idea pops into his head. "I figured it out!"

"You found out how to kill it?" Ren asks.

Jaune nods "We just need to hit really, really hard!"

It took a sec but Ruby and Black caught on. "You want us to take out the limps." Ruby began.

"Then go after its weak point, the face." Black finished what Ruby had to say. Changing to Yang's Hunter outfit. Thanks to her powers can change outfits that fit the situation in battle. To her and others surprise the shield turned into Ember Celica. They remember leaving it in the hotel. But Black has to be careful as she has no Aura protection.

So Jaune plans accordingly. He hands Noel his sword back and said "Ruby, Ren, and Noel, you go after its limbs while Black and Nora charge up for their team attack."

Ruby took point and ran ahead with Ren and Noel behind her. Quickly loading an Ice Dust rounds fired at the Grimm's burning arm. She then made arm motions to Ren and Noel who knew what it meant. With a nod, Noel combines is swords to make a spear then throws it at the Grimm's frozen arm. The spear easily smashes through its arms. Ren follows up by slashing up the other arm. Since it's made out of a tree, his blades can cut through it. Using her speed, Ruby ran between its legs and slash at its ankles. The Grimm fell forewords.

During that attack, Nora and Black crisscross their weapons behind them. Since the upgrade. Nora can electricity charge her hammer, and since Black's sword is touching it the charge when to Black. Powering her up then it goes back to Nora and back again until both are emitting large pink and red sparks. This actually got Black's Aura back, but only temporary.

Once the Grimm fell the charged up girls. Nora smashed the ground below her to launch forward. Black did the same but fired a shot from Yang's gauntlet. Both smash and slashed its body apart. With nobody to attack with them, it tries to fly away, but the ghostly didn't get too far because Black fired a shot for Ember Celica. "Victory for Team JNNRRS!" Jaune shouted happily. He raised his first then lowers it. "You're on to something Ren, it doesn't sound that great anymore."

"Well, there are some people who call us, The RNNJRS." Noel chimes in.

"Okay, that sounds cool." Jaune said with a twinkle in his eye.

They return to town and the Mayor was very pleased with their efforts. "We truly can't thank you enough." he said smiling.

"Just doing our job, sir." Ruby said modestly.

"That Geist had been plaguing our village for weeks. We were beginning to wonder if we'd have to relocate." The Mayor said.

"Well, we are on our way to Mistral. You could always come along with us if you don't feel safe." Ruby suggested.

The Mayor chuckles "I take it you're not from these parts. Anima is a large continent. I'm afraid our people would never survive the long trek to Mistral. It may be safer in the Kingdoms, but we prefer our way of life. I just wish we could pay you more."

"Our previous arrangement is more than sufficient." Red said

Team RNNJRS bows respectfully then makes their way to the blacksmith. It was then the Mayor saw the sword on Black's back and the shield on her arm. "That's Crimson Blitz and Night Lotus!" his outburst caused them to stop.

"You know this?" Black asks showing the Mayor the sword and shield.

He looks over them, nodding "Is your last name Farron by any chance?"

"It is. Why do you want to know?" Black asked.

"Only those with the blood of a Farron can pull Crimson Blitz out from the pedestal. When I saw your rose coloured hair, I didn't want to assume." the Mayor said. "It fills my heart with hope to know a member of Farron's Legion still lives." his eyes lit up as if he remembered something. "There is something I can give you for saving our Village."

The group follows the Mayor to the town hall. When they reached his room, he pressed a hidden switch on a wolf bust. Which made a wall turn revealing an old, brittle looking armour that was on a manikin in an airtight glass case. "This once belongs to the leader of the Legion. It's called Equilibrium." he said admiring it.

"Where did you get this?" Ren asks.

"When the leader fell in battle her armour was sent to this very village for safekeeping." the Mayor said.

"Why here and not at one of the Kingdoms? Is it safer there?" Nora asks.

"As you can see, time hasn't been kind to this armour. Just one touch, it will fall apart." he then let out a sigh "The fact it belongs to a Faunus decreased its value. Not even the White Fang wants this."

This surprise Team RNNJRS. "Why not? Isn't Farron's Legion super popular with the Faunus?" Ruby asks.

"Indeed they are, but not with the White Fang as the Legion has human in their ranks." the Mayor said sadly and looks at a hole in the stomach region of the breastplate. "They say because of that, the Legion fell."

Black walks up to the case and places her hand at the hole. Her eyes went to the symbol that was over the heart. It was odd seeing her symbol look broken and worn out. A faint light began to emanate from it. The sounds of a fierce battle reach her wolf ears followed by two voices.

"Why?! Why won't you made me your successor?! I have what it takes to lead the Legion!"

"No. You don't. It takes more than just charisma and strength to be a leader. I told you before."

Equilibrium began to glow very bright, causing everyone to cover their eyes and a voice spoke up, but this time, everybody heard it.

"You are my true successor."

Once the light fades everyone in the room was stun to see Black wear Equilibrium and it looks new. "Wow, it fits you like a glove." Nora said checking Blackout.

"It didn't restore me Aura." Black said looking for herself.

"Equilibrium may not look like it, but that armour is very sturdy." the Mayor said but Black looks unconvinced. She thinks back to the hole it once had. The Mayor noticed this and said "The one who struck down the leader used a special sword to pierced that armour." an idea sparks into his mind "Why don't start the Legion again."

"R-Really?" Black stammered.

"Of course! You have the weapons and armour of the previous leader. You even got her blessing." the Mayor said with joy. "At times like these, the return of Farron's Legion would bring hope back to the people."

Black looks back at her teammates who all nodded in approval. "We're in!" they all said at once.

"Guess that settles it." Black said with a smile. They bow to the Mayor one more time and made their way to the blacksmith. Along the way, a lot of people came up to them to show their gratitude. And when they saw Black in her new armour, cheered that the Legion has returned. They have a lot to live up to as Farron's Legion helped a lot of people. Slay many powerful Grimm and stopped countless villains.

Entering the blacksmith's shop, he had pieces of armour on the counter. "There you go, son. It's going to be heavier than what you're used to, but you'll thank me the next time you go up against a set of claws." the Faunus blacksmith said, proud of his work.

"Wow. That-eh. I don't know what to say." Jaune said looking at the pieces of armour. It filled his heart with happiness. This is the first time he got something new. Most of the time its always hand me downs. Leftovers of things people don't want or need. He wished to see the look on his family's faces when they found out he's a member of Farron's Legion.

"Don't gotta say anything! Just put it on! I'll go get the rest." the Faunus blacksmith went to the back of the store to get a few things. Much like the others, he was happy to see Black in that armour.

"So, what are you waiting for?" Nora asks.

Jaune: "Oh, uh, right!" Jaune said jumping a bit. He takes off his breastplate and looks at it one more time. "Guess I was going to grow out of it eventually." he sighs.

"A sign of progress." Ren said trying to make his friend feel better.

"Progress." Jaune said with a smile. As he turns around, Black remembers what was underneath because there was that one time he need help with his armour. So changed to her BRS outfit with the jacket open. Ruby's eyes lit up and snuggles on her. Black's reaction was like the last time. She tried her best not to laugh. Ruby wonders what's so funny, but Black stops her from looking.

"Oh come on Summer, you saw this before." Jaune sighs.

"I still can't believe you have a Pumpkin Pete hoodie. Remind me what you did to get that?" Black asks while holding back a laugh.

"I send fifty boxes." Jaune said meekly.

It took awhile, but Noel recognized the hoodie "Hey Summer don't you have that same hoodie?"

"Yeah, but I only sent one box on a whim." Jaune's jaw hit the floor when Black said that. He worked so hard to get that hoodie, and Black get it so easily. Thankfully the blacksmith came back so Jaune can have to think of this anymore.

"Can't have a Huntsman without his weapon." he said placing Jaune's reforged sword on the countertop. "Made all the modifications you asked for." he then made the sheath fold into a shield. "That was some fine metal you brought me. Accents the white nicely. Where'd you get it from?"

The camera pans to show the gold accents on the shield, the design on the bottom reminiscent of Pyrrha Nikos' circlet.

"From a friend." Jaune said looking at the bottom which looks like Pyrrha's circlet. "Is the other thing ready?"

"I was about to go get it." he returns to the back of the store.

"What other thing?" Black asks letting go of Ruby. Her question was quickly answered when the blacksmith returns and placed very familiar pieces of armour and weapons next to Jaune's.

Black's eyes widen "Jaune!? Is this!?"

"She was your shield sister right? I'm sure she would want you to have them." Jaune said with a small smile.

"I'll help you put them on." Nora offers.

"Alright, you and I will carry on her spirit." Black said to Jaune who nodes with determination.

Ruby, Ren, and Noel waits outside for awhile. Jaune was the first to come out wearing his new armour. Parts of the armour looks like Pyrrha's. "He cleans up alright, don't you think?" the blacksmith said.

"He certainly does." Ren said smiling.

Soon after, Nora arrived with Black who now wore a replica of Pyrrha's armour and weapons that was on her back. Tucked under her arms was Yang's clothes as she can only have three outfits at a time. She hands it to Ruby who hesitates for a bit then takes it, and puts it Black's backpack that she was holding for her.

"You look great." Jaune said placing a hand on Black's shoulder.

"Farron's Legion, let's move out!" Black said.

"Hope that put an end to Ren and Nora's argument on what we're called." Noel said.

"It doesn't matter what we're called. As long as we're together." everyone agrees with that Jaune said. As one, there's nothing they can't do.

"You kids sure you won't stick around? You've been really good to this town." the blacksmith asks.

Ruby shook her head "Sorry, but we've got another mission."

"Make it to Haven Academy, no matter what." Nora added pumping her fist.

"We've heard the next village over has a working Airship." Ren said

The blacksmith thinks on that Ren said for a bit "no way to know for sure. Scroll signals were weak enough out here back when Beacon Tower was still up. Haven't heard from Shion Village in a while."

"Well, there's only one way to find out." Rub said

The newly formed Farron's Legion waves to the blacksmith who waves back. As the left ran an innovatory check. When Nora thanked the Schnee Dust Company for the ammo, Ruby thinks back to the partner who she misses dearly. As well her other teammates. Even Yang. And wonders if they can be like how there were back then. To see Yang as a sister instead of a rival for Black's heart.

"Got the map?" Jaune asks.

"Ren's got it." Nora said pointing at him.

"No, I don't. You have it." Ren said pointing back.

"Wait, what?" Nora said baffled. She looked everywhere in her backpack but can't find it.

"Guys, please tell me you're joking." Jaune asks. Getting a little bit nervous. He then let out a sigh of relief when Noel is waving the map in his hands. "Noel, you're a lifesaver!"

"It's a good thing I was the tracker back at Summer's, Pyrrha's and my village." Noel informs.

Over at Atlas, Weiss was in her room with her two bodyguards Rock and Dead who had their arms behind them. All three of them watch airships fly by. The bodyguards want to take Weiss out of this prison, but they are just as trapped in here as her. They turn as a knock on the door. "Yes?" Weiss asks taking a sip of tea Dead Master made her.

Coming out of the door was a short butler named Klein "Pardon the interruption, Miss Schnee, but your father wishes to speak to you." he said in a polite manner.

"Thank you, Klein." Weiss said with a sigh. She gets up from her throne-like chair made her way to her father, with Rock and Dead following behind her. Ready to protect her from anyone who will do her harm.