A/N: Still need to get around to revise Chapters 1-3 (Writes Note on Palm of Hand) but in all seriousness guys, those chapters sucked wind and I need to fix a brighter note, however, I finally finished Chapter 8 (Hence why this is up right now) and so far I have chapter 9 halfway done and 10, and 11 somewhat halfway fleshed out. AND on another note I have another story up called A Very Beacon Christmas, that I will be working on in honor of the upcoming holidays.

Yep, very, very long chapter. The longest I've written so far. Which, is probably good, I think. P

NOW:

Not gonna lie, the finale of V.2 Disappointed me, but I'm not going into a rant.

INSTEAD (INSERT OPTIMISTIC QUOTE): The good things. Totally ace.

-Team CFYV bloody dominated the ring.

-That village is somehow important to Ren? IDK, but this actually intrigued me a bit.

-Zwei is as awesome as ever.

-Jaune's ringtone is the best and if it comes on Itunes I am buying it for MY ringtone.

-Glynda's "I am so done with this shit" look on her face while fixing up the streets.

-And last, but not least, ADAM TAURUS PEOPLE.

Review Time, Then?

Simpledinosaur: Thank you for the kind review!

Ragglefrazzle97: Thanks for the supportive and nice review!

Ikasury: Yay. An Avatar fan! And yes, I suppose showing/writing Pyrrha in that sort of light was a bit weird, but I did draw inspiration from Toph (You'll definitely see the resemblance in this chapter) And about Pyrrha's headpiece, I'll explain that in this chapter as well. And yes, tournaments are a great way to introduce the badass-sery nature of characters. And about the hammer-wielding sugar-high Nora? Well, don't worry. She'll be added soon, but not for some chapters. I just have to find the right time and role...

TigerRaiken: Yeah, I always wanted to see Ren and Jaune's relationship in the show, especially since they're the only male characters on Team JNPR and RWBY, and I'm actually hoping to see their friendship in Volume 3. I also came up with multiple names for countries like Mistralian, which I will show you later on. Glad you enjoyed the AH references, as I plan to add much more in coming up chapters. And length. Length has always been the key for good stories (for me).

And yes, yes Jaune is a dolt. A big dolt that will soon pay even more for his stupidity and capriciousness.

ShaunyRedComet: Sorry. No booty-tapping for quite some time. And yes, Pyrrha's childhood will be explored more this chapter.

Sky Air: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you've been enjoying the story so far!

And with that done: Onto the Chapter! (And Read the A/N At the end as I need help with something)

Chapter 8: The Invincible Thief Part 3

Mirror, tell me something. Tell me, who's the loneliest of all? Mirror, what's inside me? Tell me, can a heart be turned to stone?

He's alive.

That was the one and only thought racing through a certain thief's mind as she placed her feet on the cave's geyser and shot up into the inky darkness.

Jaune was alive. Alive and a total, total dolt.

But did it matter?

He's alive, and he remembered me, Pyrrha scowled and tightened the grip on her shield as she prepared to enter the bright day of Mistral. Feeling the rush of steam under her body, she let herself try and relax as she practically flew through the air.

Key word: Try. There it was. That nagging sensation. That stupid nagging sensation that had been bugging her since meeting Jaune once again. She had first felt the annoying tingle when spotting the blond haired haired boy on the streets of Mistral. He was talking to a magenta eyed servant, whose name she wasn't able to hear in the midst of her everlasting chaos. After barely being caught by the two dunderheads, she had immediately went underground to the city of Inferus, her refuge, and waited.

Waited. Pyrrha frowned again and let her mind concentrate on why she had waited. Why she had waited for that Valean Prince to come after her? She hated stories of the princess always being the one being rescued. Why did she had that feeling of having to wait for "Prince Charming"? Why didn't she just sell the dust and be on her way?
It was driving her crazy. That feeling of not having answers. Of not being able to answer the most simple of questions.

Why did she wait? And most importantly, why was he even there? In Inferus of all the places! Pyrrha closed her emerald eyes as the blinding light of Mistral entered the vertical tunnel, and she redhead positioned herself in a regular stance. Suddenly, her whole body was jerked upwards and she felt the familiar rise of steam and water from under her boots disappear, replaced by the tickling sensation of soft grass on her ankles and the nostalgic aroma of petrichor. Opening her eyes, she faintly smiled as her vision was filled with the rolling hills of her country and the sweet sight of ash trees. This was Mistral, and this was where, hopefully, she could find some tranquility.

However, peace would have to wait for a very, very long time. The thief attached the spear to her belt, right next to the container of the ominous dust crystal, and sighed.

He's an idiot, a dolt, a complete and utter hopeless case, Pyrrha repeated these degrading thoughts as she ran down the Mistral streets, cloak long gone thanks to her having to leave Inferus earlier than expected. Her brass shoes clapping against the cobblestone road, she passed numerous stands and townsfolk minding their own business of peasantry and living in fear.

He's just a-crap, Pyrrha skidded to a halt and let out a concealed curse as she spotted a certain black haired general's guards patrolling the area, I thought I taught them a lesson earlier. But, then again, Nyx does enjoy trying to catch me...well, the other me. Pyrrha smoothed back her hair and sprinted towards a nearby ladder before using the device to hop onto a village house and continue her journey to her home.

Thank Remnant these houses are sturdier than they look, She glanced down and gulped as the foundation seemed to shake the more she ran. Jumping over the edge of another house, and winced as her ankle twisted a little and paused to take off her boot.

Goddamn it, Pyrrha, even after eight years, still wasn't used to the way her ankle joint seemed to protrude out of her leg like a stray branch on a tree or a piece of metal on a prototype sword that needed to be smelted away. Looking down, the crimson haired girl's conciseness seemed to slip back into her past, to the night that she had fallen down that galling ravine...

Somewhere in Mistral

8 Years Ago

WHOOSH!

An arrow ripped through Pyrrha's ponytail and lodged itself into a nearby tree, making the young girl gasp in fear at the sight of her garnet hair dangling off some bark. Cracks of lightning blinded her vision and she barely managed to keep herself from stumbling onto the wet, soggy earth.

"Jaune!" She cried, eyes scanning the torrential downpour. Why did it have to rain in Mistral so much? Terror seized Pyrrha as she realized that she had lost her friend in the chaos that White Serfs had caused. The notorious group had run across the two nine years old, and, of course, because Jaune was Jaune, he had spilled that he was a prince, thus, leading to the getting chased like nobody's business and possibly about to meet a horrible demise.

I'm going to kill him if we get out of this alive, Pyrrha thought darkly as she sprinted further into the seemingly never ending forest. Stupid Jaune for saying to split up. Stupid rain for making her soaked and soggy.

Stupid life.

"Jaune?! Jau-" Her gut clenched up as the feeling of falling took over. Screaming, Pyrrha felt her feet touch nothingness and her whole body collapse down into a pitch black abyss. Pain emitted in her ankle as she finally found ground to land on.

Only...not so gracefully.

Craaaack! Pyrrha felt the wind get knocked out of her as she fell onto the bottom of the ravine, and the sound of bone splitting caused her blood to turn to ice. A burning, searing sensation crawled up her leg like a spider and she let out a shriek of pain shortly followed by streaming tears and abrupt sobs. Choking on her own despair, Pyrrha's gasps seemed to echo throughout the place she had unfortunately landed, and the redhead closed her eyes.

Keep breathing, she forced herself to remain calm, and squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that it would help stop the agonizing torment.

"Pyrrha!" An angelic voice called out, and she gazed up to see a blurry, blond haired boy staring down, a look of anxiety etched in his features, "Oh, Remnant this isn't good." A plethora of vibrant colors blinded Pyrrha's vision and she blinked several times to try and get them to scatter and her mind to reform. Her breathing shallow, she could barely force her lungs to work, "J-Jaune..."

"Oh, g-g-god, this isn't good," She could hear her prince friend say nervously, "I'm coming down!"

"N-no!" Pyrrha shouted, or more like whispered, "T-too far."

"I'm not leaving you here," And with that Pyrrha watched as Janue valiantly stabbed his dagger into the crack of the stone prison and placed his foot on one of the ledges.

"I can do this," He muttered, "I can do this." Lightning flashed across the ravine, sending the tree branches' shadows across the wall like splattered blood after someone had just been killed. Determined to stop her friend from falling to his doom, Pyrrha weakly pushed chest up and-

"Ah!" Through grit teeth she ignored the flames of agony dancing in her ankle. It was a miracle no other bones had been seriously injured.

"Pyrrha, just stay still!" Jaune cried, and grasped another protruded, rocky ledge. He then shakily lowered himself down a bit and tried to place his foot on any leverage, "I'm coming just...just hold on."

"I s-should be t-telling y-you t-that," Pyrrha mumbled, and couldn't help but let out a tiny giggle. Setting her body back down on the earthy ground she then positioned her head to be able to see Jaune's progress. He was halfway to the ravine's floor, and brushed a nearby hanging vine out his face. Stabbing the dagger into the stone once more, he cautiously continued his journey downwards.

"A-almost t-there," Pyrrha said, her tone filled with relief and hope.

"Told you I could do it," Jaune gave a cocky grin, which made the girl laugh, "I'll always be there for-"

Suddenly, the weapon slid out of the hole with a scrape sound and the prince found himself tumbling towards Pyrrha. A silent scream came out his mouth and Pyrrha quickly scanned the area for anything that could help his fall.

"No!" Pyrrha yelled, "T-the v-vine, Jaune!" Without another moments hesitation the blond snatched the dangling leafy rope and slid to a stop just as his feet touched the ravine's floor.

"That...was too close," He said, stating the obvious, "Now, ignoring the fact I almost became black pudding-"

"D-don't j-joke about a b-bloody meal," Pyrrha said through sobs, still shaken over the fact that she had almost witnessed her friend die.

"Alright, alright," Jaune ran over to her side and leaned forwards, "Okay, let's see if we can try and get you into a better-" He lifted Pyrrha's ankle up, making the girl to scream, "Oh, boy. Well, we can get rid of that idea." Pyrrha quietly cried into her arms.

"I c-can't m-move," She whispered softly.

"I know, I know," Jaune said hopelessly, "I'm trying. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps could be heard.

"I saw them over here!" A gruff voice shouted

"Get the other Cambions!" Another one said.

Cambions. Pyrrha immediately stopped crying and felt her heart get stuck in her throat as she realized that the White Serfs were still on their tails, "Just do it."

"Huh?" Jaune said, slightly shocked that Pyrrha didn't stutter at all in her words.

"I s-said," She took a deep breath, "J-just do it. Lift me up and g-get us out of here!" Jaune gulped and obeyed the girl, but instead of placing his hands under her leg he went under her armpits and bent his knees.

"This is going to hurt," He warned.

"I know," Pyrrha shut her eyes closed and bit her lip as Jaune hastily brought the girl up. Mentally ordering herself to ignore the suffering, as well as the blood now flowing off her chin, she could only remain silent as the prince slowly trekked towards the safer part of the ravine. Soon, the pain dimmed down to a pounding throb and the pitter-patter of the calming storm raging on up above died down as she and Jaune entered a very small overhead of earth.

"I think we'll stop here," Jaune finally said, much to Pyrrha's relief and gratitude, "I'm going to lean you in a sitting position."

"S-sounds w-wonderful."

"Get ready," Jaune pushed Pyrrha's back against the wall and smiled, "There we go." He frowned, "You're bleeding." Pyrrha put her fingers to her lip felt the sticky sensation of blood.

"Oh," She said.

1

2

3-

"I can't do this anymore!" Pyrrha wailed, and like a dam, broke, every emotion she had been keeping locked bursting out. Jaune was quick to console the hysterically sobbing girl, his neck being the pillow her head rested on, and she couldn't stop shaking no matter how hard she tried.

"What do I do?" She wept, an overwhelming feeling of saudade enveloping her mind like the blankets her father used to cover her up with before bedtime.

'"P-Pyrrha I-I just need you to calm down-" Jaune stammered.

"I-it h-h-hurts," Pyrrha sobbed while clutching Jaune's palm.

"I-I know, I know," Jaune said, "But we have to stay calm, alright?" Jaune's voice shook, "We...we have to keep hope." Jaune put his hand on Pyrrha's broken ankle, causing her to flinch away.

"W-what are y-you doing?" She asked.

"Trying to see I can feel where the bone broke."

"O-oh," Pyrrha suddenly gasped as an epiphany took over, "W-why don't y-you j-just use aura?"

"Huh?"

Why don't you just use your aura? These seven words boomed through Pyrrha's thoughts as she journeyed forwards past the poverty-stricken town. God, why couldn't I just have died right then? Making one final jump, she landed on the dirt ground and turned a small corner before stopping. After several minutes of running, the thief had finally reached her home.

Well...her sort of home. The thief bent down one knee and put hands on the currently closed entrance to her secret way of getting in to her castle. Unhinging the circular shaped door, she flipped it up and entered the slimy sewage tunnel...

"I'll see you again," Jaune embraced Pyrrha tightly and gave a faint grin, "Princess Pyrrha."

Pyrrha blushed and ducked her head, still embarrassed about being a royal. Never, in her wildest dreams, could she imagine her life changing so drastically, "You too, Prince Jaune."

The Valean Prince winked and turned around to enter the golden carriage arranged to take him back to Vale.

"Goodbye," He called before the door shut and the horses began to gallop away.

"Goodbye," Pyrrha whispered softly, afraid that if she spoke any louder she might cry. A gentle hand touched her shoulder and she glanced up to her new mother, Queen Eleanor.

"I suppose now's the time to properly show you around," The Queen said kindly, and Pyrrha nodded numbly. Her mother took her palm and they walked towards the castle entrance, "I think you'll like it here very much."

Hopefully, Pyrrha thought, and her jaw nearly became unhinged from her head as the doors opened and the grand palace was revealed. Towering columns of illuminated bronze and ivory streaked across the quartz floor, making the entire area seem to sparkle like one whole jewel. The roof was sky-high, with arcs going across the empty space and a shining chandelier carefully hanged down.

"This is amazing..." Was all Pyrrha could choke out as she stared at the marvelous sight.

"Well, I'm glad you like it," Eleanor chuckled, her laugh sounding like tinkling bells on Christmas Day, "Why don't I show you your room?"

"My room?"

"Mmhm," The queen led her daughter up a golden set of stairs, and the two walked down a narrow hallway past portraits of past rulers and kings, before halting at a ruby colored door.

"Here it is," Eleanor declared, and Pyrrha opened the door.

The walls were a floral design of garnet leaves and lotuses, which, Eleanor explained later, symbolized Mistral's placement between Vale and Haven, and the claret carpet was as soft as sheep's wool and Pyrrha felt like she could sleep on the floor itself. A large, deluxe sized bed contained several velvet pillows, all laced, and snowy sheets that felt like they were made from clouds.

This is what being a princess is like, Pyrrha thought after taking the room's décor in.

"Pyrrha," Eleanor said, snapping Pyrrha out of her dream-like daze, "I would like to give you this," The queen pulled out a candle glow colored box and set it on the bed dresser, "You are nine, correct?"

"Um..." Pyrrha considered her mother's question. Was she nine? She remembered her father talking about her birthday every once in awhile, but they were never truly celebrated or kept recorded because of the lack of clocks or sundials available, "I think so..."

"Well, this is something that has been passed down in my family ever since the Great War," Eleanor stated, and brought out the inner object, "It belonged to the princess of a kingdom back then. One that sacrificed her own happiness to protect her people from the dark that threatened to kill all of them." Eleanor held up a sparkling headpiece, with golden chains connecting the side and an intricate design carved into the item's exterior, "And ever since then this has been passed from daughter to daughter when they reach an appropriate age."

Pyrrha suddenly understood what Eleanor was saying, and took a step away, "N-no."

"No?" Eleanor asked, not angry, but confused.

"I-I'll b-break it. O-or do s-something w-wrong," Fear encased the crimson-haired and she began to breath heavily.

"Pyrrha, Pyrrha!" Eleanor said firmly, and grabbed her daughter's shoulder's, "Listen to me. You are not going to do anything wrong. You're going to be an amazing princess, an amazing daughter, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"R-really?" Pyrrha sniffled.

"Of course," Eleanor assured, "You are a miracle, Pyrrha. Someone destined to do great things. I can feel it."

Pyrrha steadied her breaths and managed to relax a little, if not all, and smiled warmly. She was a princess now, no matter what, and there was no going back from becoming one. She was a Nikos now, and, although a bit hesitant before, she realized that it probably wouldn't be a bad thing. And if her mother believed she could do 'great things', then how could she not?

"I am honored to have you as part of this family," Eleanor daintily placed the headpiece on Pyrrha's head, only for it to fall directly on her shoulders.

"It's a little big," Pyrrha giggled, and wiped away her tears.

"I'm sure you'll grow into it," Eleanor chuckled, and Pyrrha adjusted the crown so that it fit on her hair in a very lopsided way.

"There we go," Pyrrha stated proudly, and put her palms to her hips to show off her new, fitting look.

"You are spectacular," Eleanor leaned down to her daughter's height and hugged her, "A true princess."

Pyrrha trudged through the filthy muck she was currently stationed in, a feeling of nostalgia flooding her mind and threatening to unleash a wave of tears. Her fingers subconsciously traced where her headpiece was supposed to be located. Where the only remnant of her mother was now gone.

Goddamn it! Pyrrha pounded the underground wall's with her fist, causing the stone to slightly crumble. The crown was gone, never to be seen again, and, what made it worse was that Jaune, the dunderhead he was, probably had lost the oh-so precious object.

You can't think of that now, A small, seemingly innocent voice whispered in her mind, and Pyrrha knew it was right. What mattered now was getting back to her castle without anyone figuring out she had left in the first place.

However, that was easier said than done. Another wave of the foul smelling sewers attacked the girl's senses, causing her nose to crinkle and the tiny bits of substance in her stomach to crawl up her throat, "Remnant, I hate this place."

The Mistral Region was a particularly advanced area, if not troubled, and one of the main inventions recently introduced was the underground sewer system, which was, currently, only available to the royal family. Which, now that Pyrrha thought about it, was probably a good thing considering the fact another whole underground Society was thriving underneath the city of Megara. Remnant, the construction builders would have a meltdown when they discovered that.

However, the sewage system allowed Pyrrha the capability of sneaking into her home without having to get past pesky guards or soldiers. Her castle, which lied a fair good away from the regular villages, was currently located on a slightly steep hill. Kin Nikos, her 'father' had installed the tunnels in hopes of getting rid of the trash faster than before.

Yes. Trash. The sewage systems...were for waste. A fact she took into consideration before her first dive into moldy tunnels.

Human...waste.

Let's just say Pyrrha had to make sure to take a nice, long shower before confronting anybody. Surprisingly, though, it wasn't that dark, and she didn't get lost easily thanks to her polarity. Her rare semblance allowed her to properly search for her castle, as her whole home was made of valuable metals. For such a small system, the whole lot was actually quite big, with the more petite tunnels, like the one she was currently going through, being able to connect to much more vast and rounded ones, which led to all over the place.

Ah, here we are, Pyrrha slowly lifted up her hands and pushed on the metal circle above, causing it to slide the side. This certain exit led to a small area of her castle garden, where, hopefully, the gardener was not stationed at. Moving the metal over, she then hoisted herself up onto the soft dirt of the garden bed.

Okay, now I have to get to the showers, avoid dad, and-

"LEAVE US ALONE!" A familiar voice cried.

No way in hell was that-

Pyrrha ran over to where the noise came from.

Jaune?

Earlier

Jaune gulped and could only stare as Ren opened up the latch and pulled it open, causing the smell of rotting trash and waste to fill his nose. He clamped his hand on his mouth and hurried his way over to the bush.

"Ren-BLEHGH," Jaune bent over, "Is-this-really-necessary?" Stumbling over to his friend, the blond haired prince leaned up against the green hill and fell down.

"There were too many guards patrolling the outer walls," Ren stated, "But thanks to this newly found sewage system we can get in without running into any trouble."

"Are you insane!?"

"...no."

"Ah, that reply makes me feel so much better."

"Well, what do you suggest we do then?"

"I..." Jaune gave up, "Grrr..fine. Lets go in the stupid sewage tunnels."

"Thank you."

Jaune covered his nose, "I really, really disagree with this idea, Ren."

"I know you do, Prince Jaune," Ren entered the tunnel and sighed, "So, c'mon."

Jaune muttered an incoherent curse and reluctantly followed his friend into the stinky sewers.

The water was pretty clear, which was a miracle considering the fact it was a sewage system, and Jaune didn't have to hold his nose as much as he thought he would.

Closing the latch behind them, the area went silent, minus the heavy breathing of Jaune and the dripping drops of water coming from the tops of the round roof.

"These tunnels should lead us to somewhere inside the Mistral Palace," Ren said, "So, all we have to do is find the right one."

"I am seriously doubting the logic of this plan," Jaune grumbled.

"I know, Prince Jaune," Ren fingered the tunnel walls, "Try and find different exits." Jaune followed Ren's movements and tried not to gag as his fingers caressed the mucus covered roof. Suddenly, the metal became dented and rigid.

"I think I found an exit," Jaune said, and shoved against the tunnel. The sound of metal shifting echoed through the sewers, and, before Jaune could question it, his arms gave way and he ended up throwing up the latch with a loud bang.

"Hmm, nice job-AH!" Ren's sentence was rudely cut off as a burly hand reached down and grabbed his shirt before tossing him up.

"Re-GAH!" Another arm came down and did the same action as before. Jaune felt his chin get scraped as he was thrown onto the rough, stone ground, "What the-"

"Look who we have here," A menacing voice laughed, and Jaue felt his gut get kicked. Trying to stand up, he was promptly shoved again.

"Hey, what gives?!" The usually polite prince said.

"You're tresspasing on the Nikos castle," A guard stated.

"Uh, yeah, we actually were-OOF" Jaune coughed as another soldier landed a good hit to his bruised chest, "Hey, leave us alone! We were just trying to-"

TWACK! Stars danced in his vision and the blond fell forwards.

"STOP!" A raging voice cried out. Jaune groaned and lifted his head to see a blur of crimson go past him.

"What the-"

"What in the name of Remnant do you bumbling fools think you're doing?!" The same voice demanded to know, "We do not treat people like this."

"P-princess P-Pyrrha," One of the soldiers stammered, "I-I...w-was...what are you wear-?"

"You what? What was going on in that small primitive brain of yours that caused you to do such drastic things?" As Jaune's eyesight cleared, he could make out a graceful figure in a bronze armor suit standing in front of him, crimson hair falling down to the ground.

"I-I'm v-very sorry, your highness."

"All of you, leave!" Her voice shook with anger, "Now!" Without a moment's hesitation Jaune saw the guards quickly scatter like mice, their faces full of terror. He blinked and tried to stand up, but the girl suddenly pushed him down.

"And you!" She said, though her tone was much softer, "What the bloody hell were you thinking trying to sneak into a highly defensed and guarded castle?"

"I-I, w-well, y-you s-see-" Jaune stopped as he saw Ren stand up and walk towards them, "We we're-"

"Never mind," The girl raised her hand to silence him, "It doesn't matter now, anyways." She flicked a strand of hair out of her eyes, "Pyrrha Nikos. Or the Princess of Mistral, as you know-" Jaune gulped, "But call me that and I pin you to a wall again." She grabbed the spear out of Jaune's hand and smiled, "And I believe this belongs to me."

"And you have something that belongs to us," Ren scowled, not caring if she was royalty.

"Yeah, I sort of got my ass kicked over that. Sooooo…" Jaune gave a sheepish grin, "Can we get that back since I brought back your beloved spear?"

"Hmm…" Pyrrha considered his offer, "Fine. But not until you stay here for a little bit."

"Huh?"

"I know you want to see my father. Why else would you be here?"

"What, you don't believe in the goodness of my heart?" Jaune said, acting offended. Pyrrha made a disbelieving face, "…okay. Yes, we're here to see the king."

"Well, it's a good thing you didn't beat me in the match, isn't it?" Pyrrha's eyes seemed to twinkle, "But, be warned, I don't take defeat lightly."

"Heh, heh. I sort of figured that out when you pinned me to the wall," Jaune said, slowly inching away from Pyrrha. He sniffed, "Hey, what smells like-"

"Don't. Question. It," Pyrrha growled.

"O-okay then."

"And you!" Pyrrha pointed her spear accusingly at Ren, "I also don't take hits to the ankle lightly."

Ren remained passive and shrugged her menacing glare off, "Fine by me. I'm Ren, by the way."

"Listen, Pyrrha," Jaune said, "How...how have you been in the past years?"

"I've...managed," Her voice was flat, defeated, and emotionless, "But...that's for another time. We must hurry to my father if you wish to speak to him."

"Oh," Jaune was a bit disappointed that his old best friend just waved his comment off like that, "Okay, then." Pyrrha gestured towards her castle and the three began to walk towards the entrance. Scanning the area, Jaune couldn't believe how prestique and polished everything seemed to be. A vast, white marble fountain spewed crystal clear water out in hypnotic motions, like the one in Inferus, and the palace grounds were teeming with a variety of plants like fig trees and magnolias. Even the palace itself was a sight to behold, with strong bronze pillars overlooking the place, and a wide set of quartz stairs leading up to the onyx black doors.

"Remnant, this place looks a lot more different than when I was last here," Jaune whistled.

"It's not that great when you're trapped inside," Pyrrha muttered.

"What?" Jaune said.

"Nothing," Pyrrha dismissed him, and signaled the soldiers stationed at the doors to open them up, "Thank you." Jaune felt the ground elevate a little as he stepped onto a burgundy plush carpet, and glanced up at the enormous roof that housed a sparkling chandelier with flickering candles. The main palace room had thick stone walls, and at the end, like in his old castle, there were three golden thrones, two smaller than the first, and Jaune recognized King Aeetes. He had aged, obviously, and his hair was not a thinning gray.

However, then there was the other woman. The hairs on Jaune's neck fizzed up as the lady's narrowed purple eyes met his gaze, and he forced himself to look away as she continued to glower. Her hair was pinned up in a dull brown bun, her royal violet clothing trailed along the cracks of the floor, and her obvious pregnant stomach bulging out.

In other words: She was a biiiiiiitttttt creepy.

She's not...Queen Eleanor, Jaune thought, and furrowed his brow, So that must mean-

"Father," Pyrrha said, bringing Jaune back to reality, "This is Prince Jaune and his servant, Ren."

Aeetes stood up and sauntered towards the blond, "It is a pleasure to meet you again, Prince Jaune." However, his face showed the tiniest hint of anger and annoyance.

"You too, Your Majesty," Janue squeaked.

"They have traveled all the way from Vale in hopes of talking to you," Jaune noticed how Pyrrha kept her chin up and manners...nicer as she spoke to her dad.

"Yes, uh, I-" Jaune stumbled over his words, "I-I-" He looked at Pyrrha who had buried her head in her hand out of sheer frustration, "I-"

"We are here to ask for you assistance," Ren took a step forwards.

"Ah, I see," The king said, "Well, it is a bit late, and dinner is about to begin, so why not discuss this visit over some food."

Right on cue, Jaune's stomach grumbled, and he remembered that he hadn't had a decent meal in a while, "Uh, I would actually really enjoy that."

Aeetes clapped his hands, "Well, shall we then? Pyrrha, do you mind showing Jaune where the dining room is while I tend to some business?"

"It would be my pleasure," Pyrrha said sweetly, but as her father turned around she made a death glare in the purple woman's direction, "C'mon, Jaune. The dining room is this way."

"What's bugging her?" Jaune asked Ren, only to receive a 'maybe-it-has-to-do-something-with-woman' look, "Eh, maybe you're right." The two followed the princess into a smaller space with an ebony table with glass dining wear perfectly placed on.

"Well, I'll be in the kitchen if anyone needs me," Ren said.

"Wait!" Jaune stopped his friend, "I can't talk to these guys alone!"

"It's okay, Prince Jaune," Ren said, "I'll just be out here," He gave his friend a 'don't mess this up' look, with a hint of support, and went into the kitchen.

"Don't call me that!" Jaune scowled.

"Prince Jaune, sit down already," He heard Pyrrha say.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be right there...and don't call me 'prince' either, please," Jaune said , and sat down in the seat across from the redhead. A few minutes later, the king and the other lady waltzed in and took their seats. Several servants came in and began to serve the first meal.

"So, Prince Jaune," Aeetes finally said, "I'm afraid that I haven't introduced Queen Umbra yet," He gestured towards the purple clad woman, who gave Jaune a thin smile.

"A pleasure," She said shortly, and rubbed her stomach.

"Umbra is about to have a baby," King Aeetes said, a hint of pride in his tone, and Jaune saw Pyrrha's discomfort at this statement.

"Congratulations, then," Jaune said, "Your family must be very lucky."

"Yes, I suppose," Umbra gave a disdainful glance at her 'daughter', and the latter promptly gave an equally cold look.

However, Aeetes, whether ignoring or unknowing or his family members' continued on with his conversation, "So, would you care to elaborate on the reason why you are here?" Aeetes asked gently.

"Uh, of course," Jaune said, and felt beads of sweat starting to form. Mentally ordering himself to calm down, he began, "King William and his wife, Hannah, came to the Arc Castle for the upcoming ball, along with their daughter, Princess Weiss. However, on the night of the ball, the White Serfs attacked and kidnapped Weiss. Ren and I barely managed to get away ourselves."

"That's a miracle," Aeetes said, "But, how exactly did you manage to evade getting captured?"

Jaune gulped, feeling the king's eyes bore into his skull, "I...I just had luck on my side."

Well, it was technically the truth. But telling a king that a Was-White-Serf Half Demon, as well as a magical dust crystal that could control plants helped him get away wasn't really an option.

Not a reasonable one, that is.

"So," Umbra said, "Are you enjoying Mistral so far?"

Jaune saw Pyrrha freeze at this question.

"Um...you could say that," Jaune said, "But I'm afraid your general, Nyx, wasn't very...friendly."

"Nyx is one of my most loyal and trustworthy advisers," Umbra said, causing Pyrrha to cover her mouth to stifle a laugh, "But he can be a bit rude at times, so don't take it personally."

That's good to know, Jaune said, but he felt a twinge of suspicion at Umbra's words. He just couldn't shake off the feeling that this woman was hiding something. Something important.

"Before coming here, did you do any sightseeing?" Aeetes asked.

"Not much," Jaune admitted truthfully, "But I did get caught up in a nasty fight." Ignoring the glare he was receiving from a certain emerald eyed girl, he continued, "My opponent was being a bit...crass, you see. But she had a very rare and gifted talent in-rmgoednfsinjsk." Jaune bit into his lip as spikes of pain shot up his leg, and he hastily looked under the table to see a fork embedded deeply into his leather boot. Scowling, he raised his head and glowered at Pyrrha.

"Um...Prince Jaune?" Aeetus said worriedly, "Are you alright?"

"Never better," Jaune said in a false cherry tone, and Pyrrha merely continued to casually eat her Giouvetsi, or baked meat dish with rice.

Jaune swore he saw a cheeky grin take over her mouth.

"Getting back the topic," Jaune said, "This opponent."

"She was a girl?" Aeetes inquired, causing Jaune to nod, "That seems a bit unlikely."

"Oh, but it was," Jaune said, reaching for his spoon, "Unfortunately I couldn't get a look at her face, only her red colored-mnprhsf-" He, once again, abruptly stopped as the utensil he was reaching for whacked him in the hand, hard. Nails embedding deep into his palms, he squeezed his eyes shut and steadied his breathing.

"Prince Jaune?" Pyrrha asked innocently, "Are you alright?"

I am going to-"Yes. Just a bit upset bringing up the painful memory."

Oh, I'm sure you are, Pyrrha's face seemed to radiate.

"Well, I can assure you that my men will try and catch this criminal," King Aeetes declared.

"She was probably a rift-raft just hoping to rob a poor man of his money," Umbra suggested, "Peasants are like that, sadly. If it were up to me I would make sure each and everyone would pay for their unjust rebellions and troublesome lack of tax paying."

"I'm sure you would," Jaune heard Pyrrha mutter softly, followed by an uncomfortable silence.

"But," Aeetes nearly shouted the word, "I was wondering how you think we might be able to deal with the fall of Vale and the kidnapping of Weiss Schnee."

"Well, Ren and I sort of...oh god," Jaune rubbed his neck sheepishly, wishing more than ever that his friend was there to help in talking, "We were wondering maybe you could help in relocating Princess Weiss by sending out soldiers or something..."

Surprisingly, though, it was wasn't Aeetes who argued this.

"You must be joking," Pyrrha scowled, "That you thought of a plan like that."

"Pyrrha!" Her father exclaimed, but the crimson haired girl continued her rant.

"You, Prince Jaune, come all the way here just to ask for help?" She shot up, "To give us a plan so vague and useless that we have to put mens' lives at risk? Princess Weiss may be of importance, but you can't just suspect waltzing right in here and asking to send soldiers out, to fight against a notorious terrorist group, will work! You come here, with all that time you had, and give us a strategy of 'sending out soldiers?'"

Jaune shrunk in his seat, cheeks burning from Pyrrha's harsh logic.

"You are unbelievable! And I actually thought that you had changed after all these years," Pyrrha's jaw clenched, "But I guess I was wrong. You're still an idiotic imbecile with no brain or talents whatsoever. A person that still doesn't consider others or the ones that they love. A rescue mission maybe needed, may help Remnant, but until you come up with a better idea, a better way of solving this plan without using causing complete mayhem and trouble. If YOU JUST THINK ABOUT PEOPLE FOR ONE DAMN MOMENT-"

"What are you-!"

"Pyrrha!" Umbra shouted, cutting Jaune off, and Pyrrha ceased her yelling, "Go to your room. NOW!" Pyrrha didn't reply, only stiffly bowed and stormed out, making sure that the door splintered as it hit the door-frame.

"You must excuse her," Aeetes said to Jaune, "She has been quite rude ever since her mother died."

"Which, might I say, happened over seven years ago," Umbra remarked.

Jaune felt his stomach churn at the discovered fact that Pyrrha lost her new mother only a year after gaining her. He scooted his chair back a bit in order to get his attention off the sickening aroma of his plate's food.

"What happened?" Jaune asked, "If you don't mind telling."

"A horrific thing," Umbra decreed, but Jaune could tell that she wasn't really all the gloomy about the deceased queen's death, "She caught an illness, probably from all the peasants she was surrounded by, and died only months later."

"I'm sorry," Jaune said.

"No, it's alright," Aeetes said kindly, and took a sip from his goblet, "What happened, happened, and only the Lady of Fate knows why. We must not dwell on our past, but on our future."

Is everyone in Mistral a sage? Jaune thought, thinking back to Nyx's seemingly wise saying before, Nah, probably just a one-time occurrence.

"So, about this request, Prince Jaune," Aeetes said, "I know that Princess Weiss Schnee is, after all, a royal, but aren't her parents still in charge of Atlas? For surely-"

"I'm afraid that I do not know if the King and Queen of Atlas survived the attack," Jaune gulped, gripping his chair's arms in order to keep going, "Mine didn't."

Aeetes didn't respond for a minute, "...I'm sorry that happened."

"Yeah, me too..." Jaune said in a dead tone.

"Well, if that is the case," Umbra said, "Then we must make sure that Vale will not fall into ruin. Unlike that neighboring Haven."

Jaune swore he heard something crash from inside the kitchen.

"-and we must also make sure those insufferable White Serfs pay for their crimes," Umbra finished.

"I shall send out some soldiers towards Vale to try and find any reports on how the country is fairing," Aeetes said.

"Thank you, sir," Jaune said politely.

"But...Prince Jaune?"

"Yes?"

"Has it dawned on to you that...well, you're king?"

Jaune paled and took a deep breath, "U-uh. W-well, you s-see."

"Because if your parents are truly dead, that leaves you as the heir to the Vale throne"

"Ah. Oh, boy," Jaune fidgeted nervously, "Okay, then. I guess it has crossed my mind...once...or twice."

"Once or twice?" Umbra scowled, making the prince cower under her malicious gaze.

"Uh, er. It kinda left my mind, uh, as I've been trying to not die for the past week."

"No matter," Aeetes waved his palm, "As for now, your title is the only hope Vale has for a leader, but, unfortunately, it will be the only hope unless we drive those White Serfs out of your land."

"Yeah, um, can you stop referring everything as 'mine,' Jaune squeaked, not enjoying the brought up fact that he was technically the ruler of Vale. He pushed his chair back and stood up.

"You should probably get some rest," Aeetes suggested, "As it looks like you've had it rough for the past few days. One of my servants will be happy to guide you to a spare guest room."

Jaune nodded numbly, and, without waiting to be dismissed, he bolted for the kitchen door and entered the room to find Ren picking up some shattered glass.

"So, how did it-" Jaune cut off his friend by grabbing Ren's arm and dragging him to a place where they couldn't be heard, "Not good, huh?" Jaune refused to answer the raven-haired boy until he found an empty room and locked the door.

"I'm king," Jaune whispered, and slid down the wall.

"Um...you're just realizing this?" Ren said.

"No. I am not bloody joking about this, Ren. I am seriously going to be the King of Vale if Nikos helps."

"So, that's a bad thing?"

"Yes!" Jaune nearly screamed, "A very, very bad thing! I mean, sure it'll be better than having a bunch of White Serfs terrorizing Vale, but I'll be a bloody king! I can't be a king!"

"Prince Jaune!" Ren slapped his friend, sending a stinging sensation across Jaune's cheek.

"Er...thanks."

"You're welcome," Ren smirked, "Now. I want you to calm the hell down."

"Right, right," Jaune sighed, rubbing his now hurting face, "O-okay. King Nikos said that he would send soldiers to Vale to spy on the White Serfs' whereabouts. And hopefully after that we can formulate a plan to take back the country."

"Sounds good," Ren said.

"Yeah, well, Pyrrha kind of went berserk on me and stormed off out of the Dining Room."

"...why?"

"She got really, really ticked off with me," Jaune said, "And then she stabbed me with a fork! A fork, Ren!"

"Sounds painful," Ren said flatly.

"It was!" Jaune shouted, "Dammit, why is she so upset with me!? I saved her life when we were little! And then she flicked my wrist with a spoon. Add to that she started to yell at me and saying that I don't give a crap about others, and I just really wanted her to stop making me feel guilty-"

Click.

"-and then Umbra got all 'Go to your room Pyrrha' and Remnant, that lady gives me the goosebumps. And then-"

"Ahem," A clear, crisp voice echoed, and Jaune fell down backwards as the guest room door opened up. Blinking lazily, he made suddenly found himself staring into emerald eyes.

"PLEASEDONTHURTME," Jaune yelled, and nearly pushed Pyrrha into the hallway floor as he jumped up and scrambled away.

"Relax, idiot," Pyrrha laughed, and kicked the door shut as she entered the room, "Truce, alright?"

"You impaled my leg with a fork, hit my hand with a spoon, screamed bloody murder at me, and you expect me to call it a truce?"

A look of consideration flashed across Pyrrha's face, "Yes."

"Are you out of your loving mind!?" Jaune exclaimed, causing her to laugh even more, "Ren, please tell me that I'm dreaming."

Ren punched Jaune in the solar plexus, and the latter fell to the ground in pain, "Nope, you're not dreaming."

"I hate you," Jaune moaned as his wounds from Pyrrha's earlier beat-down started hurt. He turned his attention to the Spartan-like girl, "How did you even get in here?"

Pyrrha rolled her eyes and pointed to the door's lock, "Polarity, Prince Jaune."

"Oh...right," Jaune grabbed onto the bed's desk drawer and hoisted himself up, "You're not here to kill me, are you?"

"What do you think?" Pyrrha asked, eyebrows raised.

"Uh, well, you kind of seemed like you wanted to murder me before..." Jaune decided not to finish this observation.

"I was just a bit pissed off, alright?" Pyrrha said, "So, I went out and unleashed my anger a bit so I could calm down enough to come talk to you."

"Thanks, I guess," Jaune gulped.

"So, my father decided to aid you in your noble quest?" Pyrrha inquired.

"Yeah. He agreed to send some soldiers to Vale to spy on the White Serfs and plan a course of action from there," Jaune answered.

"Not the best plan, I might say, but a plan nevertheless," The crimson-haired girl gave a grim smile, "And besides, he's just helping you because he needs you to leave as quickly as possible."

"I suppose you could do better?" Jaune said dryly.

"Yes," Pyrrha retorted, "But it's not in my power to give any advice in matters like these."

"Aren't you his daughter?" Jaune asked, and a flash of sadness took over Pyrrha's face.

"Yes...I suppose. But...things aren't always what they seem."

"Okay...then," Jaune decided to just let the discussion go.

"It's fine, but now, I suppose, it doesn't matter anyways. In order for my father to accomplish something like this it is mandatory that he gets the support and vote from the main Mistral Council."

"Well, what's wrong with that?"

"The Mistral Council is a group of arrogant bastards that have my father wrapped around their fingers," Pyrrha scowled.

"Ohhhhh..."

"Yeah," Pyrrha grumbled, "They're comprised of Generals, like Nyx, as well as other advisers that supposedly 'help' my father, but all they do is twist up the government and keep him oblivious to the suffering that his people are going through."

"That doesn't sound very nice."

"Ya think?" Pyrrha said, "But...talking about my country's government isn't why I came."

"Huh?"

"I wanted to talk about...everything. I wasn' able to before because of my father."

"Oh..." Jaune said, and glanced at Ren, who merely shrugged.

"Fine by me," His friend said.

"Where do you want to talk?" Jaune asked.

Pyrrha smiled, "I had a good idea."

Jaune let the rays of the sun melt on his skin. Let the cool breeze of the sunset air caress his cheek and send shivers down his spine as he sat still as a stone on top of the golden roof. The distant howl of a silver wolf echoed in his ears, and he gulped as the sound of footsteps came closer.

"Said goodnight to my father, so he shouldn't be coming to my room anytime soon," Pyrrha said, and took a seat next to the blond prince. Letting her legs dangle from the side of the top, she leaned back and sighed, "So, where do you want me to start?"

"I would've thought that you would be reprimanding me or threatening to pin me to the castle walls by now," Jaune nervously chuckled, and scooted an inch away from the redhead. They were on the top of the castle, literally, and had to climb up and tower and through a window to reach the top of the golden roof.

"Nah. Not in the mood," Pyrrha winked, but Jaune could tell that she was still debating on the matter, "And besides, it's too late for that."

"O-okay," Jaune said, "Back to the conversation now, I guess...I guess I want just really want to know why you're so upset."

"I'm not bringing that up," Pyrrha said, not sounding angry or mad, but tired, "Not now."

Jaune bit his lip, "Well, how have you been for the past years?"

"Good...I suppose," Pyrrha wouldn't meet his soft blue gaze, "You?"

"Fine. Not counting the fact that I just got kicked out of my own country," Jaune tried to hide his sadness, "So...yeah."

"I'm sorry about your parents."

"I'm sorry about your mother."

Pyrrha didn't even bother to try and hold in her tears as she gazed forlornly at her resting mother. The sky was stormy and a darkening gray, and cast the Queen's room into a depressing light. The young princess reluctantly grasped her mother's hand and gripped it tightly, hoping to every known power that the warmth of her love and palm would heal Eleanor.

It wasn't an assassination. It wasn't an accident. In fact, no one, not even Ozpin, the seemingly famous sage and healer, could figure out what had caused Queen Eleanor's health to deteriorate so fast. Pyrrha had heard every word the wizard said to her father, every bit and piece of hopelessness encased in the old man's voice as he admitted there was nothing he could do.

But there had to be, right? Her mom always told her to never lose hope, never lose trust that everything would be okay. Sobbing quietly, as to not wake the sleeping person next to her, Pyrrha buried her head into the wet sheets, the pulse of a soon-to-be-dead queen thumping against her wrist in a haunting manner.

But she can't die, Pyrrha thought. Without Eleanor, who would tuck her in at night? Who would dance with her at royal balls when no one else would because they deemed the redhead too young? Who would be the one that always told her 'I Love You' and make sure to never let her go?

No one, anymore. That was the cold, hard answer that seemed to paint the walls of Pyrrha's mind, that seemed to poison her heart and seep through her veins. Taunting her that she was helpless against the own venom killing her mother.

Pyrrha hated feeling helpless.

She hated losing the people that said they would always be with her.

"It wasn't your fault," Was all Pyrrha said.

"Umbra told me that she got sick."

"She did," Pyrrha whispered, "Contracted an illness that no one could figure out. She didn't even last a few months."

"I'm sorry," Jaune repeated.

"Again, you had no control over that," Pyrrha said, "But...I do miss her."

"So...do you like being a royal?" Jaune inquired, hoping to change from mournful subject.

"It has it's good and bad times," Pyrrha muttered, "I guess both yes and no."

"How's your father been?"

"Stressed. Manipulated," Pyrrha clenched her fists but didn't move, "Overprotective."

"Huh?"

"My father..." Pyrrha inhaled deeply, "Is a very protective man. He's...he's one of the reasons why I found Inferus."

"...huh?"

Pyrrha sighed, "He never gave me my weapons, never really let me venture out past the castle walls. In fact, that's why my castle seemed different than the last time you were here, as he added that damn wall after you left."

"I never expected your father to be so protective."

"I suppose it was because he loved me so much, but, at times, I felt like he just wanted to make my life miserable. And what made it worse was that my mother died. After that, he became paranoid about my safety. Believed that I had to stay inside because if I went out someone or something would try to hurt me. He increased the guard number, tried to keep me locked up tight in my room all the time except during things like eating or going to the bathroom. But-"

"He couldn't keep you locked up?"

Pyrrha nodded, "Yes, he couldn't keep my locked up. For about three years, two after my mother died, I didn't really defy his orders, as I knew he was still grieving and was very stressed on leading Mistral, but, one day, I just HAD to escape. My polarity had grown quite strong during this brief period, as being stuck in my room gave me more than enough time to hone my abilities, and I soon formulated a plan..."

Pyrrha gulped and tried to steady her breathing as she pulled up on the window. A soft click emitted in the air and the glass slid up with little ease. Smiling, the redhead cautiously put her leg out onto the castle roof and fumbled around a bit to make sure she was positioned in a safe place. Putting her other leg into the outside, she swung her body all the way into the crisp night air, and let out a sigh of relief as she realized that she had not made any noticeable noise. The once shining gold of her palace now seemed dull and lifeless, and she walked along the rooftop in silence. The broken moon hung up in the black sky, casting a eerie glow onto her face.

It's very peaceful out here, She thought to herself, and stopped as she reached the spot where the castle's columns were supposed to be. Glancing over the edge of her the roof, she flipped her head upside down and found that no guard was in sight.

"Excellent," She muttered, and tightened the bracelets around her wrists before channeling her semblance into them. Shaking her arms she let them grow loose and wild before preparing to jump. A small hint of doubt formed in the back of her mind, but it was now or never.

Now or never. Pyrrha ran over the edge of the yellow roof and nearly screamed as the wind flew through her hair and the feeling of being weightless punched her stomach like a fist. Suddenly, her wrists were sent backwards, and Pyrrha's vision grew cloudy as she knocked into the golden pillar. Looking up, she could make out the fuzzy image of her metallic bracelets attached to the large column.

I did it, she realized, and contained a shout of joy. Wrapping her legs around the column, she then let go of her semblance and gracefully fell onto the marble ground before racing off. No soldiers were to be seen, which was a surprise, as her father was very strict about security. Pyrrha halted at the heavy, nearly unmovable metal gates that blocked her from living her life. She couldn't back down. Not after making it so far. Lifting her palms, she watched as they lit up in a dark red hue and the soft creaks of the doors opening up send shivers down her spine. Her fingers tightened. Sweat slipped past her eyes and onto the ground. Finally, she jerked her arms apart and the metallic barricade opened up by a few inches.

All that work for so little. Pyrrha made a metal note to practice her semblance more often, and straightened out her body so that she could slink past the tiny exit she had conjured.

"I escaped one night," Pyrrha said, "Opened the doors will my polarity and just ran."

Just ran, Jaune thought, "Weren't you worried?"

"No," Pyrrha said, "Not really."

Pyrrha ran down the cobblestone streets in pure joy. Mistral truly was a spectacular place when you could sightsee it all. However, the darkness of the town, Megara, sort of blocked the whole view. The princess had been strolling throughout the village, hoping to find some friends or a townsperson to talk to, but everyone was shut up in their houses hoping to avoid any midnight trouble.

"Princess Pyrrha. Fancy seeing you here," A voice cut through the air.

Almost everyone.

Pyrrha spun around, "Ozpin?" She gasped, remembering the name of the aged wizard who had visited when her mother was dying. She began to shakily back up, "P-please don't t-tell m-my-"

"Why would I do that?" Ozpin leaned on his cane.

"U-uh..." Pyrrha fumbled for something to say, "I-I j-just-"

"Wanted to get away from your family?" Ozpin asked.

"...maybe," Pyrrha softly muttered, "And she's not my family."

"You mean Umbra?" Ozpin said, "Strange woman, I know. But what I do not know is why you are here, in the middle of an impoverished town with almost nothing to protect yourself with."

"E-excuse me?" Pyrrha said.

"The night is a dangerous place," Ozpin explained, "I cannot control how you live your life, but I can help to ensure that you live it safely," The sage extended his palm and faintly smiled, "Would you like me to show you what I mean?"

"Um..." Pyrrha gulped. She didn't necessarily not trust the kind, old man, but she also didn't fully know him.

"I would make a decision if I were you. Time is a luxury that everyone runs out of eventually."

"Yes," Pyrrha firmly agreed, and Ozpin waved his cane, causing gray smoke to fill the emerald eyed girl's vision. She coughed loudly and blinked.

"Here we are," Ozpin shook Pyrrha's shoulders, and as the dust cleared she could finally see what he meant. Lo and behold, the two were standing in a massive cavern full of different people and shops.

"W-where...where a-are we?" Pyrrha said in awe.

"If I tell you, will you promise to keep this place a secret on pain of death?" Ozpin asked seriously.

"I...I promise," Pyrrha said, and almost lifted up her pinky-finger before mentally scolding her childish nature, "No, I swear."

"Hmm," Ozpin mused, "Well, alright then. This is Inferus, a newly created city that people who wish to not be under the rule of others come."
"What's wrong with the other places?" Pyrrha questioned as she and Ozpin strolled the street.

"Nothing, Pyrrha," Ozpin replied, "Not all rules are bad, but some just wish to rule themselves the way they want to."

"Oh..." Pyrrha didn't really understand Ozpin's words, but wanted to learn more about the city, "So, why did you bring me here?"

"You seem to be in need of some way to defend yourself."

"Well, I have my polarity, or whatever my semblance is," Pyrha stated, "Does that count?"

"Afraid not," Ozpin said, "But that's why I am here," He led the girl to a nearby stall, "This is a Blacksmith shop, where you can hopefully find some useful weapons.'

"But...I don't really want to hurt anyone," Pyrrha shuddered as she remembered how her semblance had gone out of control and completely murdered the bandits on the road.

"Pyrrha, let me ask you something," Ozpin said, "Do you like hurting people?"

"Well...no, but-"

"But do people like hurting you?"

Pyrrha closed her mouth and let Ozpin's words soak in. Did people like hurting other people? Yes. The image of the bandit getting on top of her made Pyrrha want to scream sometimes. Of how someone could be so vile and...and evil.

"Pyrrha?"

"Yes, I suppose people like hurting others," Pyrrha answered.

"That is why I am a wizard," Ozpin said, "To protect those who cannot protect themselves."

Pyrrha thought of Jaune, and how he did everything in his power to keep her safe.

"-But I am also a wizard to make sure to teach these lessons to others. To make sure that this world does not succumb to fear."

Succumb to fear. How many times had Pyrrha done that? Frozen. Remained still as the people she loved disappeared.

Too many times.

"I am not saying you must kill people," Ozpin added, "But it may come up sooner or later than you expect."

"I'm twelve," Pyrrha pouted, "I'm old enough to understand that."

Ozpin merely nodded, "I know."

"What can I get you folks?" A voice interrupted, and Pyrrha saw a man with disheveled black hair and gray eyes staring at her and Ozpin.

"We were wishing to acquire some weaponry for the young miss here," Ozpin explained, and tossed some coin lien on the counter, "What kind of weapon do you think suits you?"

"Um," Pyrrha shrugged, "Don't really know, except that it should be with metal."

"Hmm, that would be nice," Ozpin said, "Very well, then. May we please purchase a metallic sword and spear?"

"Coming right up," The man said, "And, what colors would you prefer?'

"Goldish bronze and red," Pyrrha said quickly, "Like, like my hair!"

The man chuckled, "Kay then. I'll make sure to add that." He walked back to his furnaces and began to grab some supplies. Pyrrha sat on the counter and watched in wonder as the man took down an already made sword and paint the object with brilliant colors.

"What kind of shield would you like?" He asked, and Pyrrha pointed to a round one, "Good pick." He splattered golden paint on the circle. After a few more layers of color, he finally put down the brush and looked at Ozpin, "It should dry soon, but you might want to occupy your time for a while."

"That we will," Ozpin said, "C'mon, Pyrrha, I would like to show you more of Inferus."

"Okay," Pyrrha said, and skipped towards the wise sage, "I think I'm starting to like Inferus."

"You may like this part, but there are other parts to this underground city too."

"Like what?" Pyrrha inquired.

"Like what I'm about to show you," The two walked in silence until the sound of clashing metal and sailor cursing caused Pyrrha to cover her ears. Turning the corner, she could make out a large stage in the middle of the room with surrounding seats full of rough and tough looking people.

"They don't look very nice!" She yelled, not being able to hear her own voice volume.

"This is the Northern part of Inferus, and a place I don't want you to come to until you have mastered your weapons," Ozpin said sternly.

"Why?" Pyrrha asked.

"It is a very violent place, not somewhere someone your age should be. However, when you learn to hone your skills and craft new abilities, then I suppose you will be mature enough to come here."

"Oh..." Truth be told, Pyrrha didn't really like the idea of getting thrown into another bloody and gory fight with someone, but she knew that Ozpin had his reasons for bringing her to the Northern part.

"Now, let's go back and see if we can spy more interesting things to see," Ozpin gestured towards the arena's exit.

"Why are you aiding me?" Pyrrha inquired, "In all of this?"

"I am helping you because I know that you are destined for great things."

Pyrrha's face grew stormy, "That's what my mother said before she died. That's what the orac-" She closed her mouth.

"Excuse me?" Ozpin said.

"N-nothing," Pyrrha stammered.

"Hmm..." But Ozpin didn't question her odd behavior any further, "Well, I suppose I'm helping you because I've met people like you before. People that have so much potential, but, so many people in their way."

"My father," Pyrrha scowled.

"Cares for you immensely," Ozpin said, "He loves you with all his heart, but finds it difficult to say, so, instead, he expresses it through actions instead of words."

"No kidding," Pyrrha grumbled.

"I'm not saying I agree with his choices on your protection, but it is not my place to advise him on those matters. However, I am capable of helping you find your place in this world, and that is what I am hopefully accomplishing right now."

Pyrrha didn't say anything for a little while as she mulled over Ozpin's words. Was he right? Did her father truly love her?

"I know you are in the midst of conflict," Ozpin leaned down and pushed his glasses up, "And that is why I am helping you now, so you are prepared for the future. Ever since the Great War, our world has been in an incredible time of peace, but that time is coming to an end, and you in the middle of a generation that will shape the coming future."

"But, how can I when I'm stuck in my palace all the time? When I'm with a horrid witch that wants me dead?"

"You'll find a way, Pyrrha," Ozpin turned away, "You'll find a way."

"A man," Pyrrha said, "Took me to Inferus and helped me get started on my career.

"Nice guy," Jaune said, and thought struck his mind, "Okay, so I have a question."

"Can't be about our past," Pyrrha reminded.

"Yeah, yeah," Jaune said, "But, in all seriousness, what's with you and Umbra? I know that she's extremely creepy and makes the room temperature drop whenever she comes in," Pyrrha gave an almost inaudible laugh, "But, is she really that...bad?"

Face turning dark, Pyrrha scowled, "Horrible. It's not a 'step-mom' sort of thing, as she truly is a vile woman. She twists everything my father does and thinks, and basically runs Mistral and the Mistral Council."

"Oh...the corrupt people."

"Yeah," She scoffed, "The 'Corrupt People'.

"How did she get into your life, anyways?"

"She just...appeared one day in Mistral," Pyrrha furrowed her brow, "Like magic. Just wandered up to the palace grounds pretending to be lost. My father took in him and after that they got together."

Jaune remained silent.

"I'll never understand why he married her."

"You seemed upset at the dinner table when your father mentioned having a baby," Jaune said.

"Jaune," Pyrrha stared him in his sea blue pupils, "I have been blessed with many things in my life. I have defied death and have made bonds in my life that will carry with me throughout my days. I've been giving a mother that loved me and promised that I would be great...but...not all good things can last forever. Umbra knows I am not related to my father through blood, but, rather, but adoption, and she is determined to make sure I am not his successor to the throne."

"W-what?" Jaune sputtered, "O-of course you are! You're the king's daughter!"

"I know," Pyrrha cried, "But not by blood, an utmost important and crucial fact that must be taken into consideration if I am to truly rule Mistral one day. My country is one of tradition and royal blood, and no one but my father, my mother, and Umbra knows that I am technically not supposed to become Queen. But, what my father doesn't know is that Umbra is scheming to use her baby," Her jaw tightened, "Her blood, to rule Mistral. She's a witch, Jaune. A witch that needs to get rid of me if she wants her own power."

"Are you sure she would do something that extreme?"

"I'm certain," Pyrrha louringly said.

"So, why not just tell your dad about Umbra's secrets."

"Because, Jaune. Things aren't as simple as that. Umbra knows I'm smart, she knows that my father and I are very, very close. She makes sure to keep me confined, to keep me away from my father at all costs. But she also makes sure to let me know that she is in charge, and if I tell my father anything, than she will destroy him and this kingdom."

"Can't you just pull him over and have a chat?"

"Dammit!" Pyrrha yelled, "Jaune. I am not allowed whatever luxuries you've had with your family. Umbra is a sadistic, manipulative woman that twists everything that happens in Mistral. But she can also bring the whole place down with just a drop of the hat. She has the capability to enact a full-proof plan that I am merely just a bystander in," Pyrrha sighed, "That I have no control over. But it's not just her that controls my life. Sure, I can leave through my hidden tunnels of muck, but what about my father? What about the fact that Umbra's own son or daughter will rule over Mistral if I am not here to ascend to the title? And then there's the fact that-" She immediately stopped, a somber look appearing in her emerald eyes, "Nothing. Forgot that last part."

"No, what were you about to say," Jaune asked, a bit unnerved at Pyrrha's sudden change of mood.

"It's nothing, Prince Jaune," Pyrrha said firmly, "Now, drop the subject before I kick you off of this roof."

Jaune shut up.

"Good," Pyrrha said, "So, there you have it. My life story from after you left."

"That didn't seem like a nice life story," Jaune mumbled, "Surely, you have to have some nice events from your childhood?"

"You could say a few reappear in my mind every once in a while," Pyrrha shrugged, "But Umbra's rule over my life sort of hindered the happiness I had."

Jaune frowned a feeling of guilt making its way towards his heart. Did he really cause so much pain for Pyrrha? Would it have been better for her to not have been taken in by the Nikoses?

Maybe, but he would never know.

"We should head back now," Pyrrha stated, and stood up to leave.

The two walked in a desolate silence that seemed to thicken the atmosphere by the second. Reaching the window, Pyrrha raised her palm, which began to glow with a garnet red, and prepared to reenter her bed chamber-

BOOM! BOOM! Jaune felt his feet slip out from under him as the floor started to violently shake, and his face planted into the roof "Ooof"

"What in the Remnant?" Pyrrha reflexively stabbed her spear into the tower's cracks and steadied herself.

"Uh, guys..." A voice said, and Jaune saw Ren poking his head out of the tower's window, "We have a slight problem. I was about to get you guys."

"What!?" Jaune shouted.

BOOM! BOOM!

"What kind of problem?" Pyrrha yelled.

"Well, you know when you mentioned Umbra and council having your father 'wrapped around their fingers'?" Ren asked.

"Um, yeah."

"We actually just had a conversation about that. It was kind of-"

"JAUNE!" Pyrrha and Ren both shouted.

"I think that they were planning more than just a 'corrupt Mistral's Government and destroy you' sort of thing," Ren continued.

"WHAT!?" Pyrrha exclaimed, worry etched on her face, and Jaune suddenly turned around and stared at the Nikos castle walls.

"Uh...Pyrrha! I think you want to see this!"

"Jaune, I swear, so help me to God that if this is..." Pyrrha's sentence faltered and she gasped loudly as her eyes trailed to the scene Jaune had just witnessed.

Dozens of black clad soldiers, some holding blazing torches or regular weapons, were storming the Nikos castle in vast masses. Cries of war and violence seemed to shake the air, and the once peaceful and serene setting of the area shattered like broken glass.

"What the hell is happening?" Jaune exploded, only to be shoved into Ren by Pyrrha.

"We have to get to safety, now!" Pyrrha said.

"No, we have to get out of here. Period!" Ren argued, "If soldiers are invading their own king's palace what the Remnant do you think that means?"

"We can't just leave!" Pyrrha scowled, "We can't just abandon my castle and, not to mention, my own father!"

"Wait a sec, are you saying that Nikos's soldiers are launching a takeover?" Jaune asked.

"YES!" Both Ren and Pyrrha barked, causing the blond to shrink back.

"Just asking..." Jaune muttered, "Listen, as much as I would love to stay here and watch you two fight like bastards, we have a slight problem on our plate that requires us to GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE BEFORE WE GET MURDERED!" Jaune stormed into the tower and made his way down the stairs, tired of both of his companions' arguing, "Now, if you excuse me-"

WHOOSH! A stone-tipped arrow suddenly skimmed across Jaune's nose, and the prince instantly flew back up, "Crap."

"Move out of my way," Pyrrha seethed, and put up her shield, "I'm finding my father, getting him somewhere safe, and then, going to slit Umbra's throat open for this act of mutiny. She has NO right to take over my father's own country. To storm into his palace and assume command over an entire country that does not belong to her! I am going to make sure she pays for this dearly."

"That doesn't sound very-" Jaune shut his mouth as Pyrrha gave him a death glare.

"You two-" A traitor soldier suddenly burst into the princess's private space, and Pyrrha thrust her spear directly into his chest before shoving the man down to the now blood-stained stone, "Get out of here and seek refuge somewhere."

"No," Ren said, "You're the Princess of Mistral, which means that you're important in reclaiming the throne once all of this is over. If you get hurt, than your county will have no ruler except one of Umbra's, which is exactly what she wants."

"You don't understand!" Pyrrha yelled, "My father-"

"Would want you to think of your people before him first," Ren said flatly, "And I know that sounds insensitive but it's the truth. You are the last remaining hope for Mistral if this overtake is successful, and I for one can't allow you to toss your life away for someone that may already be dead."

Pyrrha stood still for three seconds, conflicted.

"And, if it helps," Ren sighed, "I do understand." A look, which Jaune could not make out, passed between the two figures standing besides him, and Pyrrha let out an exasperated noise.

"Fine," She huffed.

"Great!" Jaune ran out of the room, "Now, that you two are done, shall we leave?"

Pyrrha shook her head, "We can't go that way. In just a matter of moments there will be guards swarming the palace grounds. We must find a different solution to this predicament."

"How about finding a way to get out of the area surroudning the castle first," Ren suggested, "Are there any ways of exiting this area without having to pass the walls?"

"Not really," Pyrrha furrowed her brow, "Unless you count going over like a bir-" She halted, "Actually, there might be a way of going under the walls."

"Hah, that's funny," Jaune tried to fake a laugh, "It's almost like you're suggesting-"

"Going through the sewers," Pyrrha said lightly, causing the prince to gulp, "That's right, Prince Jaune."

"Aw, crap," Jaune could already feel his stomach churning, and Pyrrha smirked.

"Just don't puke on my outfit," She joked dryly.

"Are there any entrances to the tunnels that will allow us to traverse without getting caught easily?" Ren questioned.

"Well..." Pyrrha, for the first time, grimaced, "I do know one way..."

"There is no way bloody way you two are making me do this," Jaune pinched his nose as he glanced down into the scummy waters of the bathroom hole, "God why do holes hate me so much?"

"Pardon me?" Pyrrha said.

"It's a long story," Ren sighed, and locked the bathroom door, "Okay, Pyrrha, do your thing."

Pyrrha's palms lit up a familiar red, and she aimed her hands at the bathroom hole. The tunnels underneath, which contained metal in their mixture, could be easily controlled, and the princess planned to open up the bathroom hole more using the power of friction and force. A loud, grinding sound emancipated in Jaune's ears, and he watched as the hole's perimeter broken apart, creating a bigger entrance. The sloshing sound of water splashing everywhere was enough to make Jaune's eyes burn.

"Good work," Ren complimented, "You guys ready?"

"NO!" Jaune said, "I am SO not-"

"Jaune, I do this almost every day," Pyrrha said, "So, man up for one goddamn second, even humor me if you have to, and GET DOWN THIS HOLE." She shot the stubborn prince an intense glare.

"Ugh, you owe me for this," Jaune took a deep breath.

"Actually, considering everything this makes us somewhat even," Pyrrha mumured.

"What did you-AH!" Jaune's cheeks puffed out as Pyrrha pushed the prince down the hole, a feeling of dejavu in his mind, and the cold rush of water encased his body. A split second later, Ren and Pyrrha jumped down, and Jaune could see that the water wasn't up the much, only coming to a little below their calves, unlike the water level when they had first entered the tunnels.

However, that didn't make the situation any less...gross. Jaune's musceles tightened as chunks of waste and the smell of rather...unholy material invaded his sense, "Can we please go?"

"Pyrrha, you know the sewage system. Which way should we head?" Ren asked.

"This way," Pyrrha pointed left, "We'll have to pass a few intersections, but nothing I can't handle." The trio reluctantly began to trudge through the water, and the distant sound of screaming and things breaking erupted from above their heads. Each section of noise seemed to send a wave of anger on Pyrrha's face, and soon, her cheeks were a fiery red and the metal of the tunnel began to vibrate.

"Hey, Pyrrha," Jaune was a bit apprehensive of confronting the redhead, but he knew she was struggling with just leaving the place she lived in for so long, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Pyrrha said quickly, "Just...let me be for a bit until my talents are needed."

The metal still shook.

"Are you sure?" Jaune asked again.

"Yes."

"Absolutely positive?"

"Do you want me to stab you?"

Jaune gave up, and continued to mutter scrambled words of how the disgusting muck he was in.

BOOM! BOOM! Ren held up his hand to signal for the other two to cease walking, "I think we're at a cross-section. Pyrrha?"

"On it," She muttered, and trekked up in front of Ren.

"How do you find your way around here, anyways?" Jaune questioned.

"When I feel the metal, I can also feel the metal in my castle, and this helps me visualize a map," Pyrha explained, "Now, shh, I'm trying to do something...got it! We go this way," She began to lead her two companions around a sharp corner.

"How far are we until getting out?" Jaune inquired.

"Patience, Jaune," Ren joked.

"Hey, I can be a very patient person when I want to be," Jaune replied.

"Which is, like, never," Ren deadpanned.

"He was actually a pretty patient boy when we first met-" Pyrrha stated.

"Yeah, listen to Pyrrha!" Jaune exclaimed happily, glad to see his past friend was joining the conversation, despite her lack of enthusiasm and emotion in her sentences.

"-if not annoying-"

"Hey! At least I didn't stutter all the time!"

Did Pyrrha flinch? Nah, it didn't matter anyways, as Jaune didn't truly mean it.

"Well, at least I didn't almost get myself killed by letting go of a cliff rock," Pyrrha scowled at last.

"Technically you fell down the cliff."

"Because you told us to separate!"

"It was a good plan!" Okay, now this girl was getting on Jaune's nerves.

"Guys..." Ren said.

"We could've gotten killed!"

"Yeah, but we didn't!"

"And what about with the bandits? You couldn't even fend off yourself!"

"Guys..." Ren said.

"I was nine, Pyrrha! What did you want from me?" Jaune scowled.

"Nothing" Pyrrha suddenly turned around, "I didn't want ANYTHING, except for someone who would be my friend. But you couldn't even accomplish this one task!"

"GUYS!" Ren nearly broke Jaune's ear as he screamed the word, "I can hear someone."

"You what now?" Jaune said in a worrying tone.

"Shhhh!" His raven-haired friend ordered, and the three ceased their talk.

Slosh. Slosh. Slosh. The sound of water moving around was faint, but definitely real. Jaune felt his heart get stuck in his throat, and he licked his lips in anxiousness, waiting to see what would perspire next.

"No one comes down here except me," Pyrrha said suspiciously.

"Well, I guess someone does now," Jaune said.

"Yeah, I see that, Prince Obvious," Pyrrha glowered

Slosh. Slosh. Slosh. The sound grew closer.

Closer.

Closer.

Closer.

"We need a plan," Ren whispered.

"I know, I know," Pyrrha said, "How about we try to turn back and go a different way?"

"Or we can confront the guy," Jaune said.

"He might have a weapon though," Pyrrha said.

"Ugh," Jaune groaned, "How do we know if it's even a person? Maybe it's just an animal that strayed into the tunnels?"

Slosh. Slosh.

"Animals aren't stupid enough to venture here," Pyrrha whispered, "I vote we turn back around or, if this person proves a threat, than I shoot my spear at them."

"Is violence the answer for everything with you?!" Jaune blurted.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Pyrrha snapped.

"I'm just saying. You used to be nice. And that's why I liked you, because you were different than all the other kids I knew. You didn't judge me on my title or treat me oddly because of it. You made me not feel like a royal."

"Jaune, I-"

"No. Just listen, please. Every child I knew treated me strangely, whether through hate or praise, because of what I was, not who I was. When we first met, you saved me despite the fact we had just met. Your heart was gold, and your morals were more kind and noble then those all those other bastards."

"Gee, thanks," Ren grumbled sarcastically.

"Sorry, Ren," Jaune said.

"Jaune..." Pyrrha let out a sigh, "Listen..."

Slosh. Slosh. Click.

Click?

Oh-

"Get down!" Pyrrha commanded, and Jaune felt her hand push him down towards the sewer ground. Closing his mouth and eyes just in time, the prince heard a faint whoosh pass where his neck was just standing, and he could hear the dim cries of shouts and curses. Lifting his head out of the water, he inhaled a deep breath and tried to figure out what had just happened.

It wasn't going well, something which was made very clear as soon as the arrow attempted to impale his skin. Pyrrha was blindly dueling an unknown figure, whose crossbow kept firing random projectiles that threatened to skewer anyone in their way. A soft pink emitted Ren , and he ran towards Pyrrha, arms outstretched, to give her some light to see.

Gotta do something, gotta do something, Jaune thought, and sprinted towards his two companions before blocking his chest from an arrow. Pyrrha, now being able to properly see, aimed her spear at the shrouded man's leg and jabbed his knee, causing him to fall down in pain. She wrapped her palm around his neck and closed it.

Tight. The man sputtered and coughed before Pyrrha finally let go and he collapsed.

"Why are you here?" She asked icily.

"Umbra," The man wheezed.

"Are there other guards?" Pyrrha questioned.

"N-not telli-" Pyrrha positioned the tip of her spear at his forehead, "Alright, alright! I'll bloody tell ya. There are soldiers all over the sewers, lookin' for ya. Umbra sent us to kill anyone we found."

"Wonderful," Jaune said.

"Thank you for your cooperation," Pyrrha said darkly, and prepared to slice his chest.

"Wait!" Jaune exclaimed, and grabbed her wrist, "We can't just kill him."

"What do you mean we just 'can't kill him?'" Pyrrha said.

"This isn't the Pyrrha I know," Jaune said sternly.

"The Pyrrha you knew, which you should've have already realized by now, is different," Pyrrha shook off Jaune and lifted her weapon again.

"Well," Jaune mumbled, "I know she's still in there."

Pyrrha froze.

Jaune closed his eyes.

TWACK!

"C'mon, dunderhead, let's get out of here," Jaune heard Pyrrha say, and opened up to see a man, not bloody or beaten, leaning up against the sewer walls.

Knocked out. Smiling, the prince hurried after his friend.

"Knew it," He whispered in her ear.

Slosh. Slosh. Slosh.

"We have more company coming," Ren stated, his aura still allowing the tunnels to be seen.

"Turn off your aura," Pyrrha ordered, "We mustn't let them see us before we formulate a plan of attack."

Ren cut off his flow of aura, "What's the plan."

"We only have to travel a little bit more until we reach the outskirts of the castle area. However, thanks to my pesky stem-mom, we're going to encounter a few...deterrents in along the way. I suggest just all-out battling the soldiers, as it's not like we have any other choice. If we head back now, Umbra will more likely be waiting for us on the surface, along with her henchmen, so that leaves just hoping to the best and fighting."

"Okay, then," Ren took out his daggers, "Shall we?"

"Do we have a choice?" Jaune sighed.

"Nope."

"Lovely."

Surviving a castle siege led by a group of terrorists? No problem...sort of.

Battling a trio of odd criminals after being tied up and robbed? Easy.

Fighting a bunch of highly trained soldiers whilst having to get through thick waters full of slimy dirt and human poop?

How hard could it be?

...Don't answer that.

"AW, BLOODY HELL!"

Please.

"Jaune, drop down!" Pyrrha tossed her shield at a guard's helmet, causing it to rattle and the man to falter in his attack. Ren then hit the person's neck with the blunt end of his dagger, and the latter fell down. An arrow came flying at Pyrrha's head, but Jaune hastily got up and protected her by raising his own defense, "Thanks."

"No problem," Jaune said, "Aw, crap. Ren!" Ren's eyes widened as a man came charging at him, and he dodged an incoming sword swing by moving to the right. However, the confinements of the tunnel did little to help. Using his aura, a blast of magenta hit the attacker squarely in the chest, and the soldier crashed into the sewers's walls.

"Nice work," Jaune said, and Ren merely nodded in thanks.

"C'mon, we must hurry!" Pyrrha gestured forwards, and the three continued to run down the dirty tunnel. It had been only three minutes since their first encounter with one of Umbra's soldiers, and Jaune knew that the creepy queen was just waiting to kill Pyrrha. The sound of guards seemed to swarm the sewers.

"Crap, she's sending more of her lackies down into the system," Pyrrha scowled, "We have to pick up our pace. The exit should be around a few more bends."

"I hear them this way!" A booming voice cried, and Ren activated his aura to allow a bit of light. The stretched out shadows of soldiers appeared down the tunnel, and the trio readied themselves.

"They're a lot of them," Jaune said.

"On my mark," Pyrrha said quietly, "One. Two-"

"There they are!"

"THREE!" Pyrrha launched her spear at a lightning fast rate, and impaled the nearest man she could find, causing him to be pushed back into a few other soldiers. Ren's fists pounded the sewer walls, and a powerful eruption of aura zoomed into the cracks and made the leftover guards stumble and tumble into the filthy waters. Jaune then ran past Pyrrha and swung his sword wildly at any person he could find, making sure not to severely injure them, but rather just immobilize them to the point where they were no longer a threat.

"If we keep this up, we should be able to reach the exit in less than a minute," Pyrrha said, "After that, we'll head down to the village of Megara and ask for assistance."

"That sounds nice," Jaune mumbled.

"Good, now let's keep-"

"Well, what do we have here?" A smooth, icy voice interuppted, and Jaune froze in place, "Some lost sewer rats?" He turned around to see a purple eyed woman with a dozen or more guards behind her. A mixture of horror, anger, rage, disgust, and sadness flashed across Pyrrha's face.

"You son of a-"

"Now, now, Pyrrha," Umbra silenced, "That is no way to treat your mother."

"You are not my mother, you witch," Pyrrha exclaimed, and brought up her spear, "And you are never going to be the ruler of Mistral, not as long as I'm alive."

"Tsk, tsk," Umbra shook her head, "You never learn, dearie, don't you? I am the ruler of Mistral." She gave a cruel smile, "Now that the poor King Nikos has been unfortunately killed, along with his not-so-blood-related daughter in a castle siege."

Jaune gripped Pyrrha' ankle as soon as the princess tried to run and skewer her step-mom, "Don't, Pyrrha. It's what she wants."

"I can take her, Jaune," Pyrrha seethed.

"I know you're a good fighter, but she's surrounded by soldiers. Even if you were to kill her you would be easiyl defeated by her goons."

"I have to!" Pyrrha struggled to escape Jaune's grasp.

"Poor Princess Pyrrha," Umbra cooed, "All alone and never to see her precious father again. Oh, well, you'll soon meet them in death."

"Leave her be," Jaune growled.

"And, you, Prince Jaune," Umbra said, "A misfit royal with a clueless head."

She's toying with you, Jaune, Jaune thought, "I am not clueless."

"Well, I would love to argue with you both," Umbra's hand lit up a bloody red, "I'm very sorry to say that I can't allow you all to get away."

The blast of garnet fired.

"Pyrrha!" Without thinking, Jaune swung his sword in front of her chest, right where the attack would've hit. Body illuminating in a heavenly white, Jaune felt a familiar feeling of power rush through his veins and into his weapon. The magic that Umbra had shot instantly absorbed into his sword's material, sending a wave of searing heat onto his skin.

"Move!" Ren roared, and Jaune saw Pyrrha reach for his shoulder out of the corner of his eye before he was pushed down. Vibrant swirls of light green filled the air and water, and the sound of metal being destroyed and broken apart seemed to pound his ears.

"Run!" Eyes closed, Jaune felt Pyrrha grab his palm and sprint away from the chaos. Wiping the mucky water out of his face, Jaune looked back to see Ren holding a green crystal.

"Completely forgot I had that thing," Pyrrha muttered as the tunnel began to cave in, "Hurry up, Ren!"

"What the hell is he doing?" Jaune screamed.

"Turn!" Pyrrha commanded, and let of of the Valean prince, "The exit is right ahead! Just go and make sure to hold open the sewer latch!"

"What about you!?"

"GO!"

Jaune mentally cursed and followed Pyrrha'a orders. More flashes of green and pink streaked across the sewage walls like splattered paint as he trudged through the thick water and banged against the exit latch. Water poured out as he opened it all the way, and his tumbled into the now damp grass.

BOOM! Crap! Jaune stared into the dark sewage tunnel with fear.

1 second.

2 seconds.

3 seconds.

4 seconds.

5-

"We're coming!" Pyrrha shouted at the top of her lungs, and soon, she and Ren sprinted towards the blond, "Get ready to close the latch!" Jaune positioned himself, "NOW!" She jumped into the open air, along with Ren, and the two exited the sewage in a rather dramatic pose. Jaune slammed the metal latch shut.

"What the bloody hell did you guys do?" He asked.

"Got-dust-crystal-thing-when-Umbra-you-guys-busy," Ren panted in irregular intervals.

THUD! The raven-haired boy fell in a dark green heap.

On the Outskirts of Megara

Clickety-clack, clickety-clack, clickety-clack. The sound of the cart wheels filled the air.

"You can't even accomplish this one task!"

Jaune absentmindedly fingered his sword as the vehicle bumped up and down along the rocky road. A slight breeze blew across his cheek and he let out a breath of relief. After escaping the sewers, Pyrrha had bribed a local farmer to 'lend' an old, near-broken cart that could (hopefully) take them a good distance away from Megara. Apparantly, Ren had used the dust crystal, and Pyrrha used her polarity, to destroy some parts of the tunnels so Umbra couldn't follow.

That didn't mean the wicked queen was dead, though. She had managed to escape, as said by Pyrrha, and that was why the princess couldn't return home.

"Hey," A voice said, and Ren took a seat next to the prince, "You alright?"

Jaune didn't answer.

"I'll take that as a no, then," Ren said.

Jaune stayed silent.

"You know, our conversations usually work the other way around."

"I think I know why Pyrrha's so angry at me," Jaune said softly. The realization had smacked Jaune right in the cheek as he replayed Pyrrha's anger back in the tunnels, as he relived the conversation they had on the roof.

He had failed her.

"Really?" Ren said.

"Yeah. I...I just don't know how to talk to her about it."

"Is it really that bad?"

"Depends on how you look at it."

"So...bad."

"Yeah. I mean...I sort of promised her something and completely broke that promise."

"Oh."

"I mean..I didn't want to break the promise, but I sort of..." He trailed off.

"Sort of what?" Ren asked.

"Forgot. I totalyl forgot about her and I don't know how. I mean, our encounter changed my life! How could I just forget about something like that! Am...am I really that idiotic?"

"No," Ren adamantly said, "Just forgetful. Jaune, everyone, even I, forget the most important things. Add to the fact that you had to resume your life as a royal and was tossed into the old, but confusing, life you had."

"But still...Ren, she changed me. She gave me confidence and the ability to believe in myself again. I promised that I would see her again-"

"And, you did," Pyrrha's voice cut in from behind, causing Jaune to turn around in shock. Pyrrha stood there, an almost unoticable smile etched on her face, "You were just a bit late. Ren, could you...give us a minute?"

"Of course," Ren said politely, and stood up to walk away. Pyrrha slowly sat down next to Jaune.

"Listen Pyrrha-"

"Bu, bu, bu!" Pyrrha put her finger to his lips and shushed him, "Shh. Relax, your highness. Just enjoy the fact that I haven't injured you yet for your stupidity."

"Uh...okay," Jaune tore his eyes away from the girl and stared at the broken moon in the midnight sky.

"I guess...I shouldn't be mad at you," Pyrrha finally said.

"Huh?"

"About you breaking your promise. You didn't really break it, I suppose, because you're here now."

"Pyrrha, I am so sorry I didn't visit sooner. I don't know why. I even reminded my father that I had to but he always dismissed me and-"

"Hey," She said, "What did I say?"

"Relax?"

"Correct," Pyrrha said, "Anyways, you were right about how stressful being a royal is. You have duties, expectations, a code to follow-"

"Rules."

"So many damn rules," Pyrrha complained, and Jaune laughed a little, "I swear my father invented some just to spite me. Then Umbra came along..."

"Don't think about her," Jaune said coldly, "She isn't worth your time."

"That's...very nice of you to say."

"Hey, I'm a nice guy."

"You're also a dolt."

"Hey!"

"A good one, though."

"Y'know, just because you add a compliment after an insult does not balance out the insult."

"I know, but it's fun to say."

"Grrr..."

"Kidding, kidding," Pyrrha leaned back and let her body rest on the wooden cart, "But, in all seriousness, Jaune...I even forgot about you sometimes when I was doing royally duties. My mother tried to help ease the stress, but my father was a bit fanatic about having a daughter, and basically planned everything I had missed."

"Let me guess: Balls, royal dinners, horseback riding, sword-fighting, archery, calligraphy, studies, tutors, classes, semblance lessons-"

"And so much more," Pyrrha admitted, "So, so much more."

"It drains your energy, doesn't it?"

"Hell yeah."

"So...do you, like, forgive me?" Jaune braced for an attack.

Silence.

"I...suppose I can forgive you this time, considering the fact that you saved my life back in the sewers."

"And all the other times before," Jaune pointed out, "Y'know. In the rivine, with the flying arrow, and with the wolf-"

"One of which was caused when you so smartly suggested to split," Pyrrha countered, but Jaune could tell she wasn't that serious.

"So, just to be clear, we're okay now?" Jaune asked.

"Yes. Your absence from my life wasn't entirely your fault."

"I just wish that I was able to visit you," Jaune said sadly, "Give you some royal tips on being a princess."

"Yeah," Pyrrha said, "Hey...do you think that there's such a thing as fate?"

"U-uh, what?" The question caught Jaune off guard.

"I mean, do you believe in destiny...like seers and such."

Hmm. Jaune considered this. Did he believe that everything happened for a reason? That there was fate? A reason behind even the smallest occurrences?

"Yes," He finally said, "I do believe there is fate, as well as destiny. We were all put into this world to do something, Pyrrha, and I you're know exception."

He looked at his friend, expecting a smile or thanks, but her face was downcast and stormy.

"Thanks, Jaune. That's all I wanted to hear," Pyrrha sat up and walked away, leaving a confused prince.

Mistral

8 Years Ago

"Sir, are you alright?" A servant asked as his king nearly trampled him.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," King Nikos said in a manner more rudely than he would have wanted it to come out, "Just in a hurry." Running down the temple hallways, he ignored the concerns of his other workers, his mind set on one person and one person only.

Pyrrha Avair. Now Pyrrha Nikos. His newly christened daughter. She was sweet, innocent, and very, very talented, as shown by her ability to use such a powerful and deadly semblance. His wife seemed very fond of the girl, which was a plus.

However, there was one thing concerning Aeetes Nikos. One thing that he couldn't stop thinking about no matter how hard he tried, and that was why he there. In the Megara Priestess Temple, a place where his country's famous oracle , the Oracle of Delphi, lived and made her prophecies. She was a mysterious and very odd woman, one with powers beyond his control, and sights of the future that could scare even the most brave of men, including Nikos himself.

But, they were never wrong, an even more frightening fact. Oracles were rare in the world, and even more rarer to find. Wizards, Sages, and even sorcerers, could not properly predict the future wihout the cost of something or someone, but oracles were capable of giving out visions of peoples' impending fates.

Their destinies.

Their life.

Which was why Nikos was going to Mistral's. He was concerned over his daughter's wellbeing. About the fact that she was not his blood. He had managed to keep his council stay quiet about this small detail, but he didn't know if someone would harm his new daughter.

Approaching the thick, wooden doors that led to Delphi's room, Nikos was halted at once by two of her servants, woman with white veils and olive branches in one hand while the other held a flask of water. They spoke in unison.

"Who dares to enter the Oracle's Room?" They asked in haunting voices.

"Tell The Oracle, Delphi, that King Nikos of Mistral is here to ask for a vision," Nikos said in a strong tone, as, he wouldn't ever admit it, but the priestesses gave him chills whenever they talked. One of the women nodded, and went inside Delphi's room to give his message. She returned a moments notice later.

"Delphi is willing to take your request, King Nikos. I bid you farewell," She bowed.

"As to you as well," Nikos said politely, and entered the room.

It was a strange sight to behold, and a sight that Nikos never truly took in whenever he went in. The floor didn't even look like a floor, with a thick layer of gray mist shrouding the tile, and columns of white quartz and smoke lined up near the walls. Two laurel trees grew from the unseen ground, their leaves a dead green and barely kept alive. The bark a dull auburn and touching the beige, striped walls.

"Do not speak, King Nikos," A ragged voice boomed, and Nikos felt the hairs on his neck stand up an inch. In the middle of the ground, surrounded by bowls of water, olive oil, spells, and potions, was the Oracle, Delphi, sitting on a thee legged stool. Her face covered by a white blanket of lace and silk, her bony hands holding up near melted candles, a dress of musty material with layers of dust decorating the front, and a snake wrapped around her arm, "I know why you are here."

Nikos, having been to the oracle more than once, knew that he would receive this greeting, but nevertheless said, "You do?"

"Yes," She answered, "You wish to receive the future of your kingdom. The future of your adopted daughter, Pyrrha. A flame-headed one."

"Yes," Nikos said, "I have come to find out if Mistral shall be under her rule one day. If they shall have a rightous ruler who will lead my people with great power and a sense of Noblesse Oblige."

"You have come and asked for many things," Delphi stated, "But, unforutenly, you shall not be granted any answers."

Confusion swelled up in Nikos's mind, "Pardon me?"

"For the questions you ask, no answer shall me given. Fate is a very delicate process the Lady of Fate must weave. She must put balance, must put both good and bad into. Destiny is somewhat the same, but more story-like and contains more exuberance and is harder to create. I am merely a speaker of her designs, the one that tells what she invents. And, because of this, I cannot give you what you want."

"What can you give me then?" Nikos asked, determined not to leave without some sort of knowledge.

"Unfortunately, you will not like what I have left to offer."

"What do you mean?"

"You daughter's destiny...it has been through a number of changes ever since the Great War."

"You mean to tell me that my daughter's destiny and fate have been in action since the Great War?" Nikos asked in awe.

"Along with seven other souls. You should be lucky, as not everyone is granted this luxury of their life being so considered."

"But, why? Why my new daughter, why these other people?" Nikos walked closer to the Delphi.

"Again, you will not like what answer you seek," The oracle said, "For what lies is not what seems."

"Please, I must know what happens to my daughter!"

"You cannot change fate," Delphi said sternly, "No one can except for the lady herself. But...if you truly want to know."

"I do!" Nikos exclaimed.

The oracle put down her objects and clasped her palms together, the serpent hissing and sticking out his tongue.

"Για αυτό σε παρόδω ότι θα προφέρουν για εκδίκηση, για πλούτο, για την εξουσία. Είμαστε απλώς στίγματα της σκόνης σε ένα κόσμο τόσο μεγάλη και εκδικητικός. Ένας κόσμος τόσο σκληρή και κουραστική. Όμως, κυρία της Μοίρας, ικετεύω σου να μιλήσω από τα χείλη μου. Για να δώσει τα λόγια του wisome και το πεπρωμένο," Her language of ancient times, her words of forgotten runes, echoed throughout the empty vastness of the room, causing the candles to flicker and the snake to freeze in place. She lifted her veil, revealing a wrinkled, ragged face full of old age and past struggles. Her snake regained movement, and crawled up into the air to pick a single laurel leaf off of the tree, to which he gave to his master, who began to chew. More mist poured out of the bowls, and the smell of dust cause Nikos to gag.

Finally. After she ceased her cryptic chatter, Delphi put back her veil and gave Nikos his answer.

"Eight spokes on one wheel. Round and round they clatter and clang. Through sunset and sunrise they do not stop to rest, nor heel, as the fate of all they know is on their shoulders, on their almost broken backs. For it is told, from light and dark, from dark to light, foretold it is that evil will come. Now, your statues are worthless, your towers of gold about to crash and break. Innocent blood spilled on darkened rocks, and innocent souls slaughtered by the day. Take heed, I warn you, for it is told, that life will cease, will stop, in short-beings time."

Nikos gulped.

"You wish for prosperity, for peace in a time where there shall be none. Brother against brother, blood against blood. Lies and lies swirl round and round like a storm showing no mercy. Remnant shall be shattered into pieces the remains no more. Castles crumble, kingdoms succumb to fear. Shields broken as they lay useless on the now dead Earth."

"No," Nikos gasped, "There must be a way to stop this from happening."

"Foretold, it is, that the brightest lights shall be snuffed. Like a burning candle so easily subdued. Alas, however, for not all remnants of the moon will be broken forever. Simple souls, some not as simpler as some, will bring back the disappearing light once burning."

"My daughter, she is one of these souls, isn't she?" Nikos said, his voice fearful.

"Yes. She is one. Among eight she will either be one of Remnant's saviors, or destroyers. To demise, or to a better future.

Eight Simple Souls, all moving in Fate

In strife they will defy hate, anger, and injustice

Some born of love, some born of hell

Some born of royal blood, some born of innocence

Eight objects they will define. Eight objects they will control

Eight objects, a savior to man. Eight objects ending in chaos

Across ice, fire, earth, air, storm, war, darkness, and light.

Across fragile ground, across fragile peace.

Eight chances to die

Eight chances to escape

Two paths to choose, one life to lead

One choice to make of blood and fire

One choice to make of revenge and forgiveness

One choice to make of defiance or deceit

One choice to make of light and of dark

And one choice to make, whether to live

Or to die."

Nikos didn't respond for several moments, shock settling into his mind. To live or to die? Seven saviors of Remnant? "Oracle, what does this have to do with my daughter?"

"I have already given too much," Delphi said, "You must leave."

"No!" Nikos yelled, "Please, I am begging, tell me what this must do with my daughter. Please!"

"Your daughter will die!" Delphi nearly shouted, "She is fated to die unless a power not yet discovered can save her. A battle, it is foretold, in which she shall be killed. She will gain victory, but also death. She is the one destined to die out of the seven spokes!"

Nikos fell to his knees and his nails seemed to dig deeper into his flesh. His daughter die? Impossible! "I won't allow it to happen."

"You cannot escape fate, King Nikos," The oracle warned.

"I will!" Nikos yelled, and flung open the doors, "I will if it's the last thing I do!"

"Eighteen is how many years she shall be when this happens," The oracle said, "Eighteen years to fix what damage you will cause if you try to defy what the Lady of Fate has foretold. Do not waste these years in vein. Do not waste your time trying to change something destined to happen."

"I will..." Nikos stormed off, slamming the doors behind him, "I will!

The oracle could only watch in sadness as Nikos ran, "No...you won't."

"He is foolish," She heard her snake whisper, "Foolish to defy fate."

"It is what mortals do, dearie," She said in a grave tone.

"A power not year discovered," The snake mused, "What does that mean?"

"I am merely a mesenger," Delphi reminded, "Not one that can fully understands the words I only give."

"A power not yet discovered," The snake continued, "How strange indeed..."

"Daddy, what's wrong?" Pyrrha asked as her father ran past her, worry etched on his features.

"Nothing, dear," He replied quickly, and entered his bedroom where Eleanor was waiting. Pyrrha put her ear against the door and could make out out the muffled conversation happening.

"What did the oracle tell you?" She heard her mother ask. Oracle? What in the Remnant was an oracle?

"Pyrrha is in grave danger," Nikos answered, causing the redhead to gasp. She was in danger? From what?

"Aeetes, please calm down!" Her mother exclaimed, "We mustn't panick. What did Delphi tell you?"

"Our daughter is one of eight saviors that could bring doom or hope to Remnant, and she is fated to die while in battle."

Pyrrha felt herself slide down the door a little in shock. She was going to die?

"When!?" Eleanor asked, "When is this going to happen?"

"When she is eighteen years old," Aeetes nearly screamed, "Eleanor, we must protect our daughter!"

"W-what can we do?"

"We must keep her from knowing this, for one thing," Aeetes planned, "And we must make sure she does not go out into the dangers of the world. We have to keep her here, in the castle, and away from harm."

"Aeetes, are you sure about this?"

"And away from everyone who means harm, which means that Valean prince."

Jaune? Pyrrha bit her lip. How could she stay away from Jaune? He was her only friend!

"Are you sure this is wise?" Eleanor said, "Our daughter-"

"Will be killed in senseless war if we do not concoct a solution to this madness!" Aeetes said, "We cannot allow her life to be cut so short, we MUST keep her away from the outside world and make sure that she is kept safe and secure in these palace grounds!"

"I...I suppose you make a good point," Eleanor said at last, "But, if we truly are carrying out this plan, we must ensure that Pyrrha will still have a normal childhood, that she'll still be able to enjoy her life as a kid and as an older girl as well."

"We can't let her go near anyone that will pose a threat in the future, or will question or secrecy so much," Aeetes reasoned, "I am afraid to say this means her friend as well."

"I know," Eleanor said grimly, "I know...just, just promise me, Aeetes, that you will still be her father, that if I am not here anymore you will not let yourself be blinded by grief and grow even more paranoid about Pyrrha."

"I'll never let that happen, Eleanor," Nikos promised, "I swear on my life."

Pyrrha couldn't stop shaking, a feeling of dread encasing her body and threatening to overcome her mind. She was going to die, as in not coming back and being gone from everyone she loved forever. Would this really happen? Would her parents make sure that she wouldn't be killed?

She didn't know.

She hated not knowing.

A/N: And this concludes the last chapter in the Invincible Thief Arc. I had to write this like 3 times, as I was having trouble with the ending and all that jazz. Did you like how I made the prophecy? As I worked hard to make it not too confusing but still alluring at the same time. And as the story continues, you guys will definitely see the meaning of the prophecy's lines. I'm currently in the middle of chapter 9, and I'll release the next chapter for A Very Beacon Christmas after Thanksgiving, as that chapter is still in the works.

Okay: Here's the thing. If your available, I would like if you could rip apart my first three chapters (and maybe fourth) and just PM, I repeat, PM, me every single thing you find wrong. I NEED to fix those first three chapters. Like, I cringe when I go over and try to figure out how to rewrite them. I just can't figure out how to completely fix them without changing the whole entire damn thing! So, if you guys have time, just please PM me every little detail you find annoying or wrong (mainly grammar and story-wise) and hopefully I'll be able to properly rewrite those three (or four) chapters by the time I upload maybe Chapter 10 or 11. Thanks for all the support and I appreciate you reading this!

I was also wondering if you guys know any beta readers, or if you're willing to beta read my stories as well. I prefer the latter, as I want someone that's already familiar with my story and is currently up to date with it. If anyone of you guys are interested, or know any good BR, then PM me please!

Edit: It's 8 people. Not 7. I am such a doofus :P