Corrected her last name. Sorry for the mistake in the previous version, but that happens when you change them mid-story.

Chapter 33: Goodbye

Today was the day. The day that she would finally beat him. The day that she would be going back into her old lifestyle and he into his. The day that they would both part ways and probably never see each other again.

Today was the day Serena Caldron would be left alone again with only the Grimm to keep her company.

Today was the day Adam Taurus would return to the White Fang and resume killing for their cause.

They both knew that the day would have had to come eventually, but neither of them greeted the idea of leaving the other. They had grown used to each other over time and had developed feelings for the other. Feelings of not only respect, but of care and trust. The gloomy aura hung around both of them and it was almost tangible. They were unusually quiet when eating their breakfast, and neither of them ate much. They didn't have much of an appetite.

Serena washed the dishes while Adam took his sword and her staff, walking outside the cave. Both had slept in later than usual and it was now past eleven. Drying her hands on a towel, she walked outside and immediately caught the weapon that was thrown at her. Looking at her hand, she saw that she was holding her staff and, looking up at Adam, saw that he was holding his sword.

"Time for our sparring match."

His voice was different from usual, somewhat dead and flat. She doubted that her voice sounded any different. Nodding, they both went to their places, him standing at the far off right while she was standing at the far off left. Glancing at her weapon, she saw him unsheathe his sword, taking his position while she took hers.

"To make things more exciting, we're going to use our weapons this time," he explained, seeing her puzzled look.

"Isn't that a bit too dangerous?"

"It will be okay. We're not trying to kill each other after all. But I still won't go easy on you," he answered, a smirk on his lips in anticipation of the coming fight. She nodded before taking her stance, legs bend and ready to jump into action, arms raised near her body while she held her staff in her right hand by her side.

"Don't go easy on me. I won't on you."

With these words Adam moved with lightning speed and was suddenly in front of the girl, lashing out with his sword, intent on getting her on the stomach. The girl had become accustomed to his movements and speed however, and quickly jumped backwards, the blade of the sword barely missing her stomach before lashing out with her own weapon.

Metal met metal and they were locked in a contest of force for a short while, her trying to push him back and him trying to do the same. Winning, Adam threw Serena back and immediately followed by aiming a kick at her side. Serena saw this and used the momentum of the throw to skid back a little before throwing her stick into the air behind her. Distracted, Adam looked up at her weapon, wondering what she was going to do if it was in midair and did not notice her do a back spring on her hands. Landing nimbly, she jumped up and caught the weapon skillfully before coming down on him, the end of the staff pointed at his chest.

Adam thanked his reflexes and jumped to the side, rolling over once before jumping back on his feet, narrowly dodging another attack that was aimed at his head. He slightly glared at her but was only met with a smirk that made his own grow. Crouching low, he aimed a kick at her legs, intending to bring her down like he did the first time.

But Serena would have none of it.

Jumping up, she threw her body backwards on the spot, turning around herself, one leg following after the other in a circle before connecting with Adam's jaw. He hadn't anticipated that move and the force of it hit him full on, making him loose his grip on his sword. Stumbling backwards, he caught his balance only to be hit by the blunt end of her stick in the stomach. Doubling over, he clenched at his stomach before she swept his feet from under him, resulting in him falling and landing with a dump thud.

Serena immediately positioned her stick on his chest, preventing him from getting back up. He looked at her with surprise in his eyes, only now completely realizing that he had lost, but the surprise soon left his eyes and he smiled up at her. It was the first time he had ever smiled at her; it was warm and bright, and she longed to see him smile like that more often. Retreating her staff, Adam grabbed the hand that she offered him and got back up, stomach still slightly sore from the sudden attack.

"Good move there, caught me by surprise," he praised her, going over to his sword and sheathing it again. "Congratulations; you're the first human to have ever beaten me."

She smiled in thanks, but it wasn't a real smile. He noticed and told her that they still had time until evening and asked how she wanted to spend it. She brightened up at this and the day passed with them riding on Aeolus once again, though this time Adam was more comfortable with it, and her introducing him to Napoleon and the other Grimm. They had a lot of fun.

It was when it was starting to get dark when the air around them turned somber again and they had walked to the border of the forest, just a little distance away from Vale. Neither really knew what to say to the other because, no matter what they said, it would not help make this any more enjoyable.

"So, I guess this is goodbye then," Adam said, looking down at the girl that was looking at the ground. She only nodded meekly, not looking at him for fear he would see how much she would actually miss him.

"I guess so," she mumbled.

"Hey, don't worry; you'll be fine alone. I taught you everything I can and you still have Ajax and the others with you, so you won't be all alone." He knew that it was impossible to compare the company of a human to that of a Grimm. She could talk to them, but would never receive an answer. It just wasn't the same.

"Yeah. It's just… I'll miss you," she almost whispered the last part and it was only because he stood so close to her that he had heard it.

"I'll miss you too," he said, honestly meaning it. He would really miss this human girl. "But I'll come over and visit some time, okay?"

"Really?"

She looked at him hopefully, eyes glistening from the tears that had been there before. He nodded and gave her his trademark smirk. Serena didn't know what came over her, but she suddenly lunged forward and hugged him, standing on her toes, arms going around his neck and head resting against his chest. She felt him stiffen for a moment before he returned the gesture, arms snaking around the small of her back and pressing her a little more against him.

"Thank you," she mumbled against him, tightening her hold a little and pulling him down a little more, planting a small kiss on his cheek. They both pulled away, him smiling at her and she returning it.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you. You saved my life and yet I never thanked you for it, so; thanks, for looking after me. I'm in your debt."

"You don't owe me anything, just visit me from time to time."

"I promise. I'll visit whenever I can. Until then, stay save, 'kay?"

"You too, take care of yourself and try not to get almost killed again," she said, a slightly mocking grin on her face.

"I won't," he replied, the same grin on his face.

With those words, he put on his mask and began to descend the small path while she watched after him, waiting until he had completely disappeared behind the corner of a building. Sighing, she looked at the city a little longer before going back to her home. Entering the cave, she found it inexplicably empty, like something was missing although it looked the same as always. Going to her bed, she lay down and stared at the rock ceiling, unable to fall asleep, thoughts swirling through her head.

I'll be fine, she thought, trying to encourage herself, but she knew that she would need some time.

A/N: I do not own RWBY or its characters. I do, however, own my OC Serena and any other OCs that appear in this story.

I'm sad to tell you that my current Beta-reader, Recycler, has resigned his job. Apparently, my writing has become good enough so that I won't be needing him/her anymore. But I still want to thank Recycler for always helping and supporting me in my work and look forward to working together with him/her again on some other story perhaps.

They parted ways! From here on it won't be so long before my version of Cinder's diabolic plan will be revealed, so please stick till the end.

Oh, and the move that Serena performed to knock Adam down is called a back aerial. Just google it, my description of it isn't exactly the best.

Review if you liked it, I'm always happy about feedback.