A Grim Hero

by kyle115

One thousand years ago, Therist the Reaper started a massive grimm war against humans. Now his descendant Grim is being hunted down to perform a ritual to bring him back. Its up to Grim to try and fight the darkness, with the help of a proffesor named Ozpin and his school.

23. Grim changes

So just some notes. First I've been very busy with college god do I have to study so much more. Second Ive watched and caught up with RWBY, and man did some things hit me hard, I'm not going to spoil anything but bad things have happened for those of you not caught up, this of course made me conflicted on how to do the tournament in my own style, so I stuck with the mostly cannon route with my own little twists at Some important points. Hope you all enjoy and thank you yo my guests who always ask me to update that really kept me going. Also I apologize if my iPads auto correct has messed up spelling or punctuation or just outright deleted words. Enjoy!

The next day, As the first match of the second round started, Crowds were cheering in the stands, visitors from all over the world. In the field of volcanic earth and icy glaciers below, Ruby fires and swings her Scythe at her target as Blake trades blows with Reese chloris the blades of her gambol shroud colliding with the hover board of her opponent until she flips away, readies herself, and charges in again. Behind her, Weiss waves her sword,as the sound of her mystical power is heard, and finally Yang dodges the explosive force of Arslan Altan's fist before returning fire with her own Ember Celica.

High above the action, two familiar teachers are sitting at a sportscaster's desk, with a microphone between them and the holographic image of the four kingdoms' symbols united as one. Ozpin then spoke over the intercom, with ironwood, winter, Qrow and Glynda at his side.

,For those of you just now joining us, welcome to the Vytal Festival Tournament, broadcast live from the Amity Colosseum! Ozpin then waves his arm to gesture at the entire event from his place on the gigantic screen over the crowds.

The Coliseum is shown in its full glory, as shuttle craft transport people to and from the various floors while the entire structure hovers around the airspace of Beacon Academy. Explosions are seen throughout the battlefield, but the view shifts back to the announcers as they begin speaking again.

" If this is your first time watching, allow us to break down the rules.

Ironwood then holds up the appropriate number of fingers for each of his explanations as a hologram to his side illustrates the rules.

" The tournament is divided into three distinctive rounds; teams, doubles, and singles. Age and school year are irrelevant! In this tournament, your only attribute being tested... is skill.

Qrow nods as another hologram pops up to do the same thing.

"Correct! The winners of this battle will elect two of their members to represent them in the doubles round, followed by the winners of that round choosing one member to advance once again. The remaining combatants will then fight their way through the final bracket in the hope of achieving victory for their kingdom! the hologram disappears with the image of a victorious figure, sword raised and wearing a crown. Their televised broadcasts all around the kingdoms are then seen , from a row of holographs above the patrons in the Mistral Distillery to an Atlas home with a group of friends seeing it together, a bar in Vale where everyone turns to view the screen, and outside a mobile home in Vacuo being watched by a few Faunus on a projection.)

Ozpin then coughs and attention gets back to the fight.

" Now, let's get back to the match between Team RWBY of Beacon, and Team ABRN, of Haven.

The announcements cut back to the action, as Reese steers her board through the ice. She twirls herself until the board gets launched at Blake, but she's able to knock it away, only for Reese to direct it back at her opponent. Blake blocks it again, but the board rotates back to its wielder just in time to defend Reese as Blake delivers several slashes and kicks. Reese deflects each attack and spins her weapon around until she can flips way and ride it again, rushing towards a smirking Blake. She collides with the frozen shadow clone, and Blake uses his opportunity to slice the board in two, only for the halves to become dual katars that in turn fold up into bayonet-bladed revolvers. Reese manages to fire off a few green rounds before her tailbone collides painfully on the cold ground. Blake winces with sympathy.

Meanwhile, Yang lands mere feet away from Arslan, who backs away before being pounded by a flurry of punches and kicks until she delivers her own hits, ending with the two smashing fists and creating a shockwave of force from the impact. Yang and Arslan are both thrown back, but Yang reaches her and tries delivering more blows before Arslan uses her rope dart to tangle up her blonde adversary and land a kick of her own to send Yang skidding on the ground. While Yang tries to get her balance back on the slippery surface, Arslan rushes forward and knocks her back even further.

Nearby, Nadir Shiko tries aiming with his assault rifle at Yang before a sudden burst of frosty blue explodes behind him and leaves the whimpering gunner in a block of ice up to his thighs. Ruby then looks up from her sniper scope.

" I Got your back!

Bolin however appears behind her and speaks.

"But who's got yours? Ruby looks up behind her as Bolin twirls his staff, right when a black snowflake glyph appears to his left and Weiss kicks him through it into a rock.

Ruby smiles at this and responds with a grin.

" My BFF!

Weiss deadpans at this and runs off as she says one word.

"No. Ruby however, just pumps her fist, whispering to herself.

" Yes. Bolin crouches with his weapon as he sees a white glyph appear in front of him. A second later, Weiss dashes by and slashes at him, then leaps up and attempts an aerial attack, which he's able to block. She readies her sword while preparing a glyph behind her, and Ruby uses it to launch herself straight up and come down spinning on Bolin, who manages to block the curved blade. Ruby grimaces and blasts herself away to Weiss' side, and Bolin rushes at them, rolling away from the shards of ice that rain on him and jumping over Ruby's swing as he continues running. Bolin manages to reach an orange crystal deposit and slice off a shard, which he throws to Reese over in the icy half of the stadium. With Dust in hand, Reese fuses it with her board, turning the aqua lights to a crimson shade. She winks at Blake, then uses the board's heat to free Nadir from his icy snare.

She comes back to Blake and slams her board into her enemy's blade, but propels herself backwards and knocks Blake through a frozen pillar. Reese attempts to use her board to slam her foe into the ground, but when she dodges that, she spins around in a flaming arc that Blake narrowly misses thanks to her shadows. Changing tactics, Blake launches the pistol part of Gambol Shroud at a nearby glacier and launches herself behind it, as Reese follows her and sees Blake with her back turned to her under an arch. Reese grins before riding in to deliver a flaming spiral at the shadow clone, only to see the ribbon Blake is launching to trap her opponent a moment too late. She pulls tightly and causes Reese to slam body-first into the string, only to use a final kick to knock her out of the stage. Reese crashes into the wall of the stands before landing on the ground, defeated.

Ozpin then speaks, as Reese's Aura level drops in the team display until her image is crossed out and she angrily slams her fist on the ground.

" Ooh, a double whammy! Reese Chloris is eliminated by ringout and Aura level!

Qrow chuckles and grins.

"Oh, she really should've worn a helmet!

Back in the fight, Arslan uses her rope to swing around and avoid Yang right behind her, using shotgun blasts to propel herself forward. Nadir comes into the picture, aiming his rifle at Weiss as she summons another glyph and launches Bolin at him. The two teammates are helpless as Weiss creates a whirlwind from underneath them and slamming the two together until she forms a giant ice fist straight up from the ground to trap the two. It reforms itself into a ball that rolls around the field, and when Arslan sees her team in this state, she rolls her eyes, annoyed, before changing direction and sliding into the path of the ball. She readies her stance and drives her hand into the sphere, which cracks under her power and frees her allies. Weiss however turns and calls to yang.

" Yang! Yang then turns to look just as she creates a large frozen slide-like shape) NOW!

Knowing what to do, Yang blasts herself forward and skims over the wall of ice, catching Blake's pistol as her teammate uses Ruby as a launch pad to jump off of towards the remaining members of ABRN. The three only have a second to look horrified as Blake whips a screaming Yang around to land a devastating punch that sends the trio flying into their elimination. Yang grins as the buzzer sounds and Ruby cheers "YAAAAAY!" in the background.

" Yes!

Ozpin then speaks with pride in his voice.

" And that's the match! Team RWBY is victorious!

Weiss turns, looking around and sounding surprised.

" We... did it?

Ruby nods, (ooking at her sister for confirmation, she smiles and leaps into the air, screaming.

"WE DID IIIIII-is anyone else starving?

Blake nods, looking cool as ever, arms behind her head.

"I may have worked up an appetite. the growling of an angry beast from her stomach proves her statement , much to its owner embarrassment as Weiss is seen sarcastically shrugging her arms.

" Gee, if only there was somewhere on campus to get food around here, wait.

Ruby however cuts her off, taking Weiss' shoulder.

" It's okay, Weiss, I forget about the fairgrounds, too.

Weiss sighs, knocking Ruby's arm away.

" I was being facetious?

Ruby freaks out at this and steps back.

" Gah! Well if you were hungry, why didn't you say so!?

Yang: Come on! I know just the place.

Team RWBY starts to follow Yang, but Weiss suddenly stops as she hears a ringtone on her Scroll. Pulling it out, she sees the caller ID labeled "FATHER", and glares at the device, putting it back from where she got it, unanswered.

Emerald is then seen holding a red wallet filled with Lien.

" Hey! Might be hard to eat without this.

Ruby eyes widen as she frantically begins patting around her outfit, panicking.

" No, no, no, no!

Emerald: (laughs) Good to see you, Ruby.

Ruby: (takes the wallet back from her "friend" and puts it away) Oh! Thanks, Emerald! Oh. Guess I dropped it. Girl pockets are the worst! (slouches as she says this)

Yang: What's up, Em?

Emerald: Just left the stadium after your amazing fight! You guys were awesome!

Ruby: (blushing and mumbling) Oh, shut your stupid little face...

Blake: (over Ruby's incoherent gushing) I heard your team progressed to the next round too.

Weiss: You know, I feel that we haven't seen your other teammates.

Yang: How'd they do in the fight?

Emerald tilts her head up in thought, remembering how she blasted opponents with her revolvers, then slashed behind her as Mercury kicks out a shotgun blast with his boots. Cinder did the same with her own target, landing the poor soul at the feet of their teammate, a mysterious black-haired girl who leans over and stares down as the camera focuses on how her green eyes blink into a pair of pink and brown irises as she smirks while delivering a stomp on her victim's face into darkness.

Emerald smiles coming back to reality, nodding.

" Really well.

Ruby smiles and nods.

"Oh That's great. Uh. Why don't we all go and get a victory food together.

Emerald smiles and shakes her head in response.

" Oh, gosh, that's so nice of you, but my teammates are all kind of... Emerald pauses, looking back at Mercury as he sniffs the inside of a boot, looking perplexed after he does so.

" ...introverted. Really socially awkward.

Yang turns to look at Mercury before grimacing and nodding Ooh, yeah, I could see that.

Emerald chuckles and smiles in response.

" Oh yeah, looks like Merc and I are going to move on to the doubles round. What about you guys?

Ruby smiles looking pretty proud of herself.

"Well, as the leader of this team, I thought long and hard about this decision.

Weiss then coughs, popping in to remind her, straight-faced.

" We put it to a vote.

Ruby nods, as she nervously tries to backtrack.

" Yes, so, but I decided that we should put it to a vote.

Blake nods and smiles as she turns to her teammates.

" We voted for Weiss and Yang.

Weiss smiles curtsying.

" I will happily represent Team RWBY.

Yang nods at Weiss, pounding her fists together.

" Yeah, we're going to kick some butt!

Emerald laughs and smirks as she looks at them.

"Well, if Mercury and I see you down the line, don't think we'll go easy on ya.

Yang nods as she and Weiss return Emerald's confident smirk with their own.

" Wouldn't have it any other way.

Emerald nods as she turns and walks away from them as they do the same.

" Alright, well we're going to catch some more fights.

Ruby nods waving her arm.

" Have fun!

Emerald, is then seen cheerfully giving her own wave.

" See you later! She then immediately drops the act as she walks with Mercury and looks disgusted.

" So, how are the new friends?

Emerald growls at his words, while scowling.

"I hate them.

Mercury chuckles shrugging as he speaks.

"Orders are orders. Emerald growls, and mashes her fingers together angrily.

"I just... how can they be so happy all the time! Mercury chuckles at this an arches an eyebrow.

"Did you at least get what we want?

Emerald nods as she waves his question away.

" It's the heiress and the bimbo.

Mercury nods rubbing his head as he thinks.

" Hmm, alright. At least we know who we're working with. Later, At one of the unassuming huts set up in the fairgrounds stringed with paper lanterns with a sign overhead saying A Simple Wok, Team RWBY and grim sit at the stools outside, ready to order as yang goes first.

" I'll have a bowl of the regular, please. a large bowl of noodles slides in front of her as Ruby stares at Yang's meal.

" Oohhh... I'll take the same. a large bowl of noodles slides in front of her, as she clasps her hands in excitement. Weiss stares looking concerned.

" Do you have anything with a low-salt ...? a large bowl of regular noodles instantly slides in front of her instead. Um... okay...

Instead of saying anything, Blake merely gives a nod and smile to the Shopkeep, who returns the gesture as he rushes through one door of his shop and comes out the other to leave a large bowl of noodles topped with fish in front of her. Blake's eyes light up as she drools over her order. While Weiss looks strangely at her teammate, she gladly offers her Schnee Dust Company credit card to the Shopkeep. Which makes yang smile.

"Aw, Weiss! What's the occasion!?

Weiss smiles and looks at the team.

" Consider it thanks for sending me to the doubles round. her joy is ruined when the card is flung back at her, and the annoyed Shopkeep points to his register as it beeps "DECLINED")

" What?! How can my card be declined? I was barely into my monthly allowance!

Blake turns, looking around panicked, she attempts to slowly slide her bowl closer to herself before the Shopkeep disappears with her food, causing the poor girl to slump over in defeat.

" Nooo! Grim chuckled at this and held up his own wallet but before he could speak, Pyrrha cut him off.

"Maybe I could help? the girls of RWBY look up to see Team JNPR approach the stand.

Ruby smiles, and flings her arms wide in delight Pyrrha!

Yang smiles and shakes her head.

" Aw, you don't have to ...

Blake snaps up at this with a gleam in her eye.

" But she could!

Pyrrha smiles and shakes her head.

" Well, I think you all earned it after that battle. Grim coughs at this as he holds up his own wallet.

" please allow me I don't need money

Jaune smiles at this and tilts his head.

" Mind if we join you?

Later on, the bowls are empty, and each student is either content with their meal or holding their stomachs sickly.

Ren then to Pyrrha and tilts his head.

" Are you sure it's wise to have eaten before a fight?

Pyrrha nods as the Shopkeep quickly gathers the bowls and vanishes.

"Of course! It will give us energy!

Nora simply gives a hearty belch, while jaune is splaying himself over the counter, sickly saying.

" If I barf, I'm blaming you.

Nora grins evilly and laughs.

" Ooh! Aim at the enemy!

Ren rolls his eyes and frowns.

" Nora, that's disgusting. But if you feel the urge ...

Jaune smiles, giving a weak thumbs-up in response.

" Got it.

Pyrrha smiles, while standing up from her stool.

" Well, we should be off.

Ruby nods and smiles.

" So, you think you guys are ready?

Nora nods, and gestures to each of her teammates.

" Of course! We've got a world-renowned fighter on our team, one's basically ninja, I can bench five of me, Jaune, we trained all year, our weapons are awesome, Glynda barely yells at us anymore, and uh... Jaune!

Ren turns to Jaune and stares.

" Are you gonna take that?

Jaune chuckled and shook his head.

" she's not wrong.

Nora chuckled at this and shook her head.

" I'm kidding, he knows I'm kidding. She then begins talking quickly, the color slowly draining away as she gets more worried.

" Don't be so nervous! The worst that can happen is we lose, that is just a few more years of walking around school with everyone knowing we're failures, our friends will slowly abandon us to preserve their social status, we won't be able to show our faces in class, no one will sit with us in the cafeteria, Ren and I have no parents, we have no home left to go to, we'll be officially renamed Team Lose-iper! her mad laughter turns into sobs as she slams her head on the counter

Ren nods unperturbed as he speaks.

" So, yeah, we're feeling pretty good.

Pyrrha smiles at this and shakes her head.

"Don't fret. If anything, we should be looking forward to a fight with actual guidelines, and not, well, ...murderers.

Yang nods and smiles in agreement.

" Yeah, don't sweat it, we've all faced way worse before. Grim nods in response, while Blake counts off the threats on her fingers.

" Let's see. Grimm invasions, violent extremists, a destructive sociopath...

Ruby smiled and nodded in agreement as she hugged grim.

" And that's all while were still in training! Oh, imagine what it would be like to graduate!

Weiss sighs sarcastically, while mumbling to herself.

" Maybe then I'll be able to pay for a meal.

Ozpins voice then comes, crackling in over the intercom system.

"Would Team JNPR please report to the battlegrounds immediately!

Qrow then speaks, adding in to Ozpins order.

"Yes! Like they were scheduled to, several minutes ago!

Pyrrha smiles and nods to her teammates.

" Well, it looks like this is it.

Ruby turns to Team JNPR as they walk away, Nora still depressed and Jaune looking queasy.

" Go get 'em! Team RWBY and grim then enter the Coliseum through one of its tunnels and head to their seats as Emerald and Mercury are seen walking behind them to do the same. Down in the field below, the scorched ground and cold plains are no more, and only a layer of white mechanics is left, with a central stage on which the two teams found his seat with Emerald, Mercury is munching on a large tub of popcorn, and thinking about the battle.

"I wonder who's gonna win. Emerald smirked at this and chuckled.

"Tch. As if we didn't already know.

Cinder grins walking up behind them, showing off her new outfit of jeans, an orange jacket, and sarashi bandages over her chest as she takes an unpopped kernel from Mercury's bucket.

" Oh, come now. Even if you know how the story ends, that doesn't make it any less fun to watch. her eyes glow with her fingertips and the kernel finally pops, which she enjoys while sitting down as Mercury and Emerald share a devious smirk

Ozpin is then heard, announcing over the cheering crowds.

"Team JNPR of Beacon versus Team BRNZ of Shade!

As each team readies their poses, a circle of holographic roulettes start spinning frantically through various symbols and colors before finally landing on a green pine tree and gray thunderstruck mountain. With these random selections, half of the field opens to reveal a tree-filled forest, while the other raises a small rocky outcropping to fill in the circle. Jaune narrows his eyes in concentration; Ruby "WHO-HOOOO"s loudly from her seat as the second match began.

Jaune then started it off by raising his sword.

" Come on guys! All four members of JNPR charge forward, but only three fighters from BRNZ do the same; the beanie-wearing May Zedong turns around and heads into the trees, cocking her weapon. In the center of the field, leader Brawnz Ni delivers a knee kick to Pyrrhas shield that sends her skidding back, right before she blocks the claws on his fists with her xiphos. She jerks her sword away and makes him leap back, just as the sniper jumps up into the branches of the forest with the bladed butt of her sniper rifle. Ren readies his StormFlower to attack Nolan Porfirio, who almost gets blindsided by Noras swing with Magnhild before he ducks under the attack and attempts to hit her with his cattle prod. The sniper girl finally takes aim from her spot and manages to fire off two rounds near Ren, destroying the rocks behind him. Jaune manages to block the buzzsaw gloves of Roy Stallion with his own shield before he notices the bullets flying and sees the glint of the gun in the leaves .jaune looks wide-eyed and is stumbling over his order as he speaks.

" R-R-Retreat! Ren glances back at his leader as a shot hits the ground by his feet. He and Nora start running back into the mountains as Jaune and Pyrrha cover their escape by blocking the bullets with their shields. The four leap over a rocky outcropping for cover. Pyrrha then turns to Jaune as projectiles keep coming overhead.

"What do we do? Jaune grimaces,looking over the edge to see the melee fighters closing in

" Spread out! Try to keep moving! his team nods and follows this order just as Brawnz lands a punch on Jaune's sheild. meanwhile May gets even higher in the tree and smiles from behind her scope as she looks at the fight below. back to the fight, Brawnz and Pyrrha continue to duke it out while Nolan slowly advances on Ren when he slides into his path. The prod-wielding warrior looks back at the trees and nods to his hidden ally, who shoots at Ren's feet again and makes him jump around trying to dodge them. Just as he lands, Nolan hits him upside the head with his weapon, and is able to miss the retaliatory kick with another blow to the knee and a final hit to the chest using the business end of his prod. Electricity shoots through Ren's body before he collapses to the ground beside his childhood friend.

"Ren! Scowling, Nora takes a swing at Nolan, who promptly dodges it and again unleashes his weapon's power into her corset, though this causes a quite different reaction from the grinning redhead. ozpin grins speaking from his spot on the giant hologram screen overhead with the others beside him. Looks like one of the students, Nora Valkyrie, is charging up to use her Semblance! Nolan freezes, looking up at the screen with a panicked look.

" What?winter nods and looks closely as she watchs the fight.

"Yes it seems, that Ms. Valkyrie's Semblance lets her produce, as well as channel, electrical energy straight to her muscles! This allows her to jump explosively into the air, while she wields her hammer, or in this case, absorb Nolan's attacks and send the man flying! Nolan frowns turning back to his opponent in shock.

"What?! Nolan finally takes his cattle prod away, but the damage is done: Nora flexes her arms as pink lightning is seen coursing through her body. Nolan attempts to lift his hands up in surrender, but thunder starts sparking from Nora's Aura as she rushes at him, the hammer hits head-on and Nolan bounces back across the field, crashing through a rock and staying there when he's stopped moving. Jaune looks back at the mountaintop on his team's side as a dark storm cloud appears over it, cackling with lightning. He looks over at his energized teammate.

"Nora! Get to the mountain. Nora nods saluting, as she hears him.

" You got it! she then sprints off to start her climb while juane turns to ren.

"Ren! Try and distract the sniper! Ren frowns as another shot nearly misses his head, he slouches, sarcastically while replying.

"Sure... Why not. The remaining three members of JNPR run forward as Nora hops up and rapidly ascends the mountain. Roy throws the saws from his gloves into Jaune's shield, which still manages to bend the metal and slam the leader's own defense in his face before the weapons return back to their master. Pyrrha gets up close to him, and he delivers a series of spinning swings with his arms into Akoúo̱ as Jaune shakes off his disorientation and charges into battle yet again. meanwhile in the stands team RWBY was cheering for their friends as Ruby shouted from her seat with the rest of Team RWBY to cheer on jaunes team.

" Yeah! Go get em', Jaune! Weiss smiles at rubys cheering and tilts her head.

"Well, he's certainly improved. Grim nodded in approval and smiled as he watched jaune.

" he certainly is determined to be good at this, he's pretty good as he is now. Yang nodded and smirked as she watched the fight.

"Yeah, but he ain't got nothing on Pyrrha! Back in the fight, Yang's statement is proven true with Pyrrha taking on both Brawnz and Roy, delivering a kick to one as she deftly dodges and blocks the discs of the other, throwing her javelin to distract the latter while she somersaults back to use both feet in landing a blow on Brawnz. May attempts to shoot Ren while he dashes his way toward her position, leaping out of the way of her shots, the flying saws, and even sliding under Pyrrha before he runs at Nolan, weapons blasting until he's close enough to start swinging his blades away. He ducks and deflects each of the cattle prod's attempted hits until he manages to hold it in the pistol's blades and double kicks his opponent, giving him the opportunity to catch Nolan's weapon in his own as the prod is forced behind Nolan's head and leaves him trapped. Ren hides behind the teammate of the sniper, who stops aiming at him and lifts her barrel up to another eyes narrow as he keeps the struggling Nolan still as he sees where the sniper is aiming.

"Nora! Jaune turns, as he catches Brawnz's claws with his blade while Nora lifts herself higher and higher to the top.

"Pyrrha! Up! Hearing him, His partner rushes towards him, dodge rolling to avoid a launched saw until she bounds over Brawnz and lands on Jaune's shield. He manages to throw her into the air with her own shield raised to block the kill-shot aimed at Nora. This gives the redhead just enough time reach the peak, and she lifts her hammer up as a bolt of lightning hits the weapon directly. She changes it back into grenade-launching form and pops the front off to reveal six explosives that shoot out over the field in a heart-shaped formation onto the sniper. The poor girl barely has time to gawk before she leaps over to a nearby tree just as the one she was in goes up in pink flames, leaving only a giant scorch mark billowing smoke to block out the coughing sniper's view. She jumps down from the branches just as her three teammates look up and behind them at Nora coming down on them like a meteor, slamming her hammer into the ground and sending the enemies back at the feet of their disoriented teammate. Jaune seeing this grinned and raised his sword before calling out.

" This is it, guys! Let's finish 'em with team attacks! Ren! Nora! Flower Power! Nora turns and stares at jaune in confusion.

"Wait, what? Jaune sighs lowing his blade as he looks back at his befuddled team.

" F-Flower Power. his lost friends shrug making him frown.

"That's your team attack name! Ren sweat drops at this and arches an eyebrow.

"Since when? Jaune groans and face palms as he speaks.

"Guys, we've been over this! Jaune then begins gesturing at his teammates, not noticing the other team getting up, ready to fight again.

" Flower Power is Ren and Nora! Ren brings a flower, Nora brings the power! Ren tilts his head, while rubbing the back of it with one of his guns.

" How do I bring a flower?Nora giggles at this and shakes her head.

" No, silly, not a flower!Flour, like in baking!Ren seems even more confused as he turns to her.

" Why would I bring that?Jaune groans at this and stammers.

" I- Uh- No, it's your symbol! Pyrrha however speaks up next as she turns to him.

" Sooo, what are we?Jaune sweat drops at this and turns to her in surprise.

" Pyrrha!Pyrrha smiles and rubs her head.

" Sorry! I just want to make sure it's clearly sighs, trying to be patient while Team BRNZ looks more confused than their opponents.

" Pyrrha, you and I are Arkos. It's that thing, where we take our shields? Remember?Pyrrha tilts her head at this as she responds.

" "Arkos"? Jaune nods and smiles.

" Yeah! It's our names put together! Pyrrha nods in agreement before going into thought.

"Right, no, I get it... Jaune frowns at this and tilts his head.

"What, you don't like it? Pyrrha shakes her hands to reject what Jaune said as she smiles.

" No, no! It's... good? Nora giggles at this and shakes her head.

"Mmm, I sense hesitation. Grim face palmed from the stands and groaned in response to the conversation before throwing a bag of popcorn at the two teams.

" Hey idiots get your heads in the game, you amateurs are really talking when you had the other team on the ropes. Brawnz snapped up at grims words, finally calling out to his teams opponents.

" Hey! What do you think you're doing!? Jaune turns and glares as if it's extremely obvious.

"Trying to have a team meeting, thank you very little! Nora nods and points at her ears.

"Yeah! Team ears only! Brawnz turns looks at his shrugging teammates before he goes back to yelling.

"WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIGHT! Jaune growls, turning back and screaming even louder.

"AND WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONVERSATION! WHAT DON'T YOU GET ABOUT THAT!? Pyrrha however coughs and speaks up to get jaunes attention.

" Um, Jaune?Jaune turns looking annoyed.

" Yes, Pyrrha? Pyrrha smile politely as she speaks.

" I think that he means that we're all in the middle of a fight. The sound of the crowds around them come back in full volume as Jaune remembers the real situation. Jaune then sighs, putting his sword up to his forehead in exasperation.

" Nora, just... hit them with the hammer. Nora nods and gives one more evil smirk as she speaks.

" Got it. Brawnz sweat drops at this and opens his mouth with shock.

"Wait, what?! Before anyone can react, Nora jumps over in front of Team BRNZ, then brings her hammer around to collide with all four screaming fighters as they soar straight into the forcefield surrounding the arena's rim, sliding down to the ground with arms and legs in bent positions they really shouldn't be. Grim shouted out in joy at the win after the match was finally over.

" oh my god thank you it's about time now if you excuse me Cardin owes me a lot of money! Grim then shadow traveled over to cardins seat as ozpin spoke over the intercom

"And with that, it appears Team JNPR wins by knockout, literally! ...Can someone go make sure they're okay? Ironwood smiled as he as he wipes the surface of a glass in his hands as he finished his drink Huh, those kids weren't half bad! Qrow snorts at this and let's out a "Meh" as he raises the beverage back to his lips.

" they were amateurs like Grim said they could have ended that fight much earlier. Ironwood and winter rolled their eyes at Qrows words, as an image of Team BRNZ at the moment they all felt the force of Nora's hammer played before ozpin spoke.

"Ah, well,Vacuo fans are sure to be hurting after that one, but this next one will have them on the edge of their seats! Qrow takes a drink at this, and then pushes a button displaying a picture of the four new challengers to his right.

"Team NDGO of Shade is certainly a crowd favorite, but these lovely ladies are going against some of the toughest, testosterone-filled teammates we've seen so far! I'm of course talking about... Team SSSN! Sun Wukong and his team are certainly a force to be reckoned with, and although he'll be representing the Mistral Academy of Haven, I'm sure his friends and family back in Vacuo will be cheering him along even if I'm not! Team SSSN then walks into the center of the field, waving to the cheering crowds as they do so. Weiss back in the stands is cupping her hands to sweetly call out to her boyfriend.

"Good luck,Neptune! Neptune seems to ignore her, as his waving continues until he spots his four beautiful opponents, which causes him to develop a confident attitude as he addresses them.

"Ladies. Weiss stares In shock at this simple word turns, shaking with rage until she angrily gets up and points into the arena.

"Break his stupid face, NDGO! Hearing Weiss' shout, grim turned around with a hand full of lien, and growled as he saw Neptune.

" coming right up. Grim then used his shadow powers to punch Neptune in the face, Neptune winces as he jerks back and rubs his face, before grinning again, as the crowds get ready and the teams stand on opposite sides from one another.

"Alright, girls, try and remember: hands above the waist. Scarlet glares at Neptune for this and punches him in the crotch as a result.

" your such a perverted idiot. Sun winces as he grabbed Neptune's arm and pulled him away from their female teammate as he apologizes.

" yeah Ignore him, for he... Yeah, he's dumb. Neptune simply whimpers, before wincing as he gives a sparkling wink to the disgusted females as the holographic roulette shows up again, landing on a yellow image of sunny dunes and stone formations until the real thing emerges from below. A small circular light even appears overhead, causing most of the crowd to don sunglasses. Nebula smiles laughing as she looks back at their selection.

"Alright! Home field advantage!Sun however smirks as he interrupts.

"Don't get too cocky! That's my turf, too! Scarlet sighs looking down at her attire as the roulette begins again on the other side. I hope I don't get sand in my shoes. Neptune sighs, leaning over and whispering in complaint.

" Be cool, ok none of that fashion stuff here. Dew is the next to grin, when the spinning images stop on a blue symbol of tidal waves.

"Hey! The ocean! Neptune then turns and sees the random pick for himself, eyes dilated at his goggles reflect the terrifying image, a slight whimper escaping him. Ruby turns to her teammates confused.

"Uhh, what's wrong with Neptune? Blake gasps,her face is in her hand, unable to look as the sandy beach and pirate ship wreck rises into the arena while Neptune stiffens up with fear, until she confides to a surprised Yang.

"Neptune's ... afraid of the water. After this was said the countdown commences

"3, 2, 1, BEGIN! As soon as the word is said, Neptune zooms through the enemy team and skids up the mountain behind them. Sage sighs and covers his mouth, calling out to the fleeing teammate.

"Neptune, what are you doing!? Neptune chuckles now standing on a ledge near the top of the formation, yelling down to his friends.

" Uh, you know, just gaining some higher ground! Sun stares exasperatedly at his teammate.

"On the enemy's side!? Neptune smiles and runs his head.

"They would never expect it! Dew chuckles turning to her allies.

"He's not wrong. Nebula grins, calling out her first order.

"Open fire! Team NDGO goes forward into their turf as Team SSSN follows them, Sage with hissword raised and Scarlet having ditched his coat. He comes up on Octavia Emberemerging out from a nearby arch and tries to slice her with his cutlass. She ducks under the swing and continues sliding away, past the middle of Dew and Sage getting ready to rumble. Sage hefts his giant blade overhead, only to get knocked back by Dew'sspear. He glances up in time to see the blonde wave her weapon over the sand to create three small twisters that kick up dust in Sage's face. He looks around as they surround him, but doesn't realize the danger until they coalesce into one big tornado that picks him up off the ground. With his weapon torn out of his grip and screaming in panic, he's totally helpless as the winds throw him and his blade out of the arena. Qrow then grins, as Sage slams the ground with fists upon seeing his image now crossed out on the holographic board.

"And NDGO gains the advantage! Octavia slides in front of Sun and Scarlet, who ready themselves to fight her just as she spins her swordaround and produces a wave of flame that kicks up dust in their faces. Sun manages to jump out of the cloud just in time to call for his replacement in fighting the redhead.

"Neptune!Seeing his leader run from the duel, Neptune leaps down from his position and cocks his gun. Octavia attempts to use another fire attack to blind Neptune, but he simply puts on his goggles and fires a bolt as his opponent, who blocks it with her blade right before seeing Sun leap out of nowhere to deliver a neck-snapping kick to her face. Now furious, Octavia brings her blade onto Sun's Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang in its staff form as he spins it all around his body while hitting several parts of hers. He ends it with a jab that knocks Octavia on her back in the sand. Ozpin then takes his turn announcing the knockout.

"Oh! And we're down to 3-on-3!Sun looks at Neptune fighting with Gwen as she circles him with her flying knives and Scarlet attempting to go weapon-to-weapon with Dew. She merely calls upon another sandy cyclone to lift Scarlet up, and she revolves around the spiral until it launches her over the shipwreck. It seems like she's about to be eliminated at well, but she extends her arms and manages to dive onto a part of the mast, almost losing her balance once the pole's under her feet. She eventually finds her balance right when Nebula closes in and launches an arrow with her crossbow at the mast, using it to jump right up to where Scarlet is. Scarlet folds up the sides of her weapon into a blade to cross swords with her opponent, the both of them ducking and missing or getting hit by the hilts until Nebula slams her metal over Scarlet's and forces her to lean back on the post. Luckily, she manages to get her sword back out from the trap and feign a swing at Nebula's feet before knocking into her with his elbow, causing the NDGO leader to fall into the sand below. From her position, Scarlet sees Gwen continue to throw her knives, and she smirks before whipping out her pistol and shooting the hilt guard as a grappling hook to get her by the ankle.

"Gotcha! She then uses the cord to lift Gwen into the air while she slowly comes down to the ground, only to land directly beneath her as she attempts to protect her modesty while knives start raining down from her dress. Scarlet quickly adopts a pose that somehow allows her to miss every single blade that comes crashing down into the sand at her feet, which she gives a sigh of relief to. Her luck doesn't hold when Dew leaps near Sun, causing the monkey Faunus to find his new improvised weapons in the form of two coconuts he knocks out the palm tree beside him, which he throws at his opponent only to get them knocked right back at him, now spontaneously catching fire as they travels. Sun narrowly misses them both, but Scarlet gets one straight to the face, and the other lands in a place that makes her squeal in unimaginable pain while dropping her Aura levels into elimination. Sun sighs, and looks from Scarlet to Dew as she summons a few water blue tornadoes that he tries to dodge around.

"Uh, Neptune? Could use some help, buddy! Neptune frowns as he panics,calling back to his leader with his excuses).

"Uh, you know, uh, it would probably be better if you came over here! Yeah, I can guard this... sector! We're in lockdown mode! Sun looks around infuriated as Nebula manages to shoot the cord holding Gwen up in the background.

"What are you talking about? There's nothing to lock down! Neptune smiles and nods.

" Lockdown! Right! You got it!Sun growls, jumping out from Dew's attempt to pierce him with her spear as he calls out to Neptune.

" Dude, I know you're afraid of water, but you gotta- he stops yelling when a blue shot knocks an attacking Dew out of midair and into the water.

" There! I helped! Are you happy now!? Also, I am not afraid of water, and I have no idea what you are talking about! Dew manages to get back up as Nebula and Gwen join their comrade, lifting their weapons and ready to fight once more. Sun rolls his eyes at this and yells in anger.

"NEPTUNE! Neptune sighs at this and frowns.

"Okay, fine! Just get out of the water! Neptune jumps over to a spot near the coastal line next to Sun, and he unfolds his weapon into its trident form before tip-toeing forwards and, eyes closed, plunges the sparking prongs into the water. The energy surges through the deep until the remaining members of NDGO are electrocuted and kneel in the water, smoking and defeated with the sound of the buzzer. winter then speaks while Sun and Neptune chest bump each other in celebration.

"And with that, Team SSSN moves on to the doubles round! You know what I call that victory?

Qrow grins and arches an eye brow as he sips his flask.

" Shocking? winter scowled at Qrow and rolled her eyes.

" No, well earned. What you said is stupid.

Qrow turns away, frowning, while

ironwood smiled at the screen with pride on his face at what happened.

" Now that was a match, granted the execution could have been better

Qrow takes a drink at this, as his words start to have a light slur.

"Heh, that was a mess! Ruby leans back in her seat and sighs

"Aw, that was so close! Yang smiles and rolls her eyes.

"Looks like the dorks made it to the next round! Blake looks down in the arena where Sun and Neptune are dancing like fools before the fellow Faunus gives her a special double-gun gesture, eliciting a blush from his target.

" yeah Emphasis on "dork". Ozpin coughs over the sound system to gain attention before speaking. That concludes the matches for today. Please leave the Coliseum now as the judges take a break and discuss what we have seen. Yang winces, after She stops flinching from the unexpected volume change.

" Come on, let's go congratulate 'em. The four girls get up from their seats and start to head out just as the five judges passes through the Colosseum, causing Weiss to stop in her tracks and Ruby to bounce into her. .

"Uh, what are you doing?Weiss turns, looking up at the Screen with a strange expression and strain in her voice.

"She's on break I must see her! The Schnee heiress' face displays a mix of joy and anxiety as they leave while grim stuck behind, and watched cinder as she stood up.

" what are you planning cinder and how can we stop you? As grim spoke to himself, cinder noticed him staring at her and winked at him before leaving the coliseum.

Later at dusk, Weiss and Ruby are running up the main avenue towards the cafeteria.

"Weiss! What is the big deal!? Who is it? Who is she!? Weiss pants as she stops and smiles at the sight of her sister.

"Winter- my sister. Then in front of Ruby and Weiss, passes Winter Schnee, escorted by crimson-colored Atlas Soldiers and Atlesian Knight-200's as she heads towards the cafeteria. Ruby stares in surprise at this and gasps.

"Wait... She's Your sister? Weiss cups mouth her mouth and calls to her sister before the two run up to her.

"Winter, Winter! I'm so happy to see you! Oh... Weiss then pauses, and suddenly curtsies before speaking again.

"Your presence honors us. Winter looks around as she looks between them and the scenery.

" Beacon... It's been a long time. The air feels... different. Ruby chuckles and Tilts her head as she speaks.

"I mean it is fall, so, eh, it's probably colder. Weiss punches Ruby in the shoulder, causing her to gasp in pain before turning back to her sibling.

"So, what are you doing here? Winters face remains a stone as she speaks, only saying one word.

" Classified. Weiss nods and then hesitates before speaking.

"Oh, right. Well, how long are you staying? Winter responds with the same face and word.

"Classified. Weiss nods and smiles in understanding.

"Of course. Ruby looks pensively around in the silence.

"Well... this is nice... I think. Weiss smiles excitedly and nods as she speaks.

"You're going to love it here! I know you travel a lot, but so much of Beacon is different from atlas! (discretely whispers)Vale, too. The government and school are completely separate! Can you believe it!? I- Winter however cuts her off as she speaks.

"I'm more than familiar with how this kingdom handles its...bureaucracy. That is not why I came. Weiss nods and smiles.

" uh Right! I'm sorry! Winter then narrows her eyes as she looks at Weiss.

" Nor did I come here to watch my own blood fail so miserably in battle. But it appears that I have no choice in the matter. Weiss turns puzzled and argues.

"But, we won! Winter grimaces as she turns her head.

" Only a novice would refer to that as a victory. I counted at least three strikes missed. Leave us. The AK-200s obey, walking two steps backwards into formation as she sighs and smiles a little more warmly at Weiss.

"How have you been? Weiss smiles and nods.

"Oh, splendid! Thank you for asking. I'm actually in the very top ranking of our sparring class! And the rest of my studies are going wonderfully, too! I'm- Winter however slaps Weiss up side the head stopping her from speaking.

"Silence, you boob! I don't recall asking about your ranking, I'm asking how you've been. Are you eating properly? Have you taken up any hobbies? Are you making new friends? Weiss nods and shyly smiles.

"Well, there's giggles as she pushes the lump back into Weiss' head.

"Heh, boob. Winter nods and keeps a solid face.

" I see. So this is the leader you wrote of. How appropriately... tilts her head and smiles.

" oh Uh... Thank you! Winter then smiles and greets ruby properly.

"Greetings, Ruby Rose. I wish to thank you for taking an interest in my sister. Ruby nods and smiles.

"Oh! Uh, yes, of course! attempts to salute and curtsy The honor is in my... court! Ruby then scrambles, nearly losing her balance with this gesture, waving her arms until she can get back up. Winter holds in a chuckle at this before speaking.

"I have business other then being a judge with the General and your Headmaster. But, seeing as I'm early, why don't you take me to your quarters? Weiss smiles at this and seems excited.

"Really? Winter nods as she and Weiss begin walking towards the Academy, followed by the androids.

"Yes. I wish to inspect them and make sure that they are up to my personal standards. Weiss nods and smiles.

"Of course. Just so you're aware, the bunk beds only look unstable. Winter arches an eyebrow at this and smiles.

"Bunk beds? Ruby turns, waving goodbye behind them.

" I'll catch up- I mean, I will... reconvene with you both... at a later... she pauses with her hand on her head, wracking her brain for the right word juncture! she raises her finger, before stepping out of sight to the left.

"At a juncture. Yeah. Some time later, Weiss, Winter and the androids walking towards the courtyard,where a certain someone dizzily sneaks up behind the AK-200s and promptly decapitates one, before kicking its head towards the group.

"Hey! Yeah, I'm talking to you, Ice Queen! Qrow then tosses the decapitated machine aside. Winter frowns as one of her automated soldiers advances, rifle raised.

"Halt! Weiss angrily walks up to Qrows face.

" Excuse me! Do you have any idea who you are talking to!? Qrow sighs, and places hand on Weiss' face.

"Sssshhh. Not you. Qrow then pushes her out of his way as he moves forward. Qrow then looks at the irritated Winter as he clarifies.

"You and I have something to talk about. Winter smirks and gestures to herself as she speaks.

"I'm standing right before you. Qrow squints through his hazy state of mind and glares.

"So it would seem. Winter scowls and turns to the destroyed bot.

"You realize you just destroyed Atlas Military property. Qrow nods and sarcastically apologizes.

"Oh, oh I'm sorry. See, I mistook this for some sort of... sentient garbage. Winter sighs and rubs her forehead.

"I don't have time for your immature games, Qrow. Weiss turns to her sister surprised that she knows the man.

"Wait, you two know each other? Qrow frowns and shakes his head.

"Geez, you Atlas Specialists think you're so special, don't you? Winter smirks and nods.

"It's in the title.

Qrow chuckles at this and smirks.

"Well, you know what you really are? A bunch of sellouts. Just like your boss. Winter glares at this and points at Qrow.

"I'm not sure what you think you're implying, but I've heard enough. Qrow grinned and kept speaking hoping to piss winter off.

"Oh I heard, too. I heard ol' Ironwood finally turned his back on Ozpin. Weiss seemed surprised at this and spoke up.

"Ozpin? Winter however shoves Weiss aside.

" Weiss, it's time for you to go. Weiss went to interject but was cut off as Qrow spoke up.

"Listen to big sister, Weiss. She'll protect you. Just like Atlas is going to protect all of us, huh? Winter growls at this as she draws her sword.

"If you won't hold your tongue, then I will gladly remove it for you! Qrow grins as he slicks back his hair.

" Alright then... Come take it. The square clears before Winter charges at Qrow, starting a fight. During the fight, the camera cuts to the two spinning and trading blows as Ruby enters the crowd next to her teammate.

"What's going on!? Weiss turns surprised and explains her point of view.

"Some crazy guy just started attacking my sister! Ruby gasps and turns to watch.

"Oh no! Who would do such a th- That is my uncle! Weiss turns surprised and face palms.

"What?! Ruby however is cheering on the fight as she yells loudly.

"Kick her butt, Uncle Qrow! Weiss hesitates but then, decides to shout her own encouragement.

"Teach him respect, Winter! Mercury is seen walking in the crowd when he witnesses the two fighting.

" Huh? Mercury then runs off from the impromptu duel, as the two continue their battle The fight comes to a close, with Winter propeling herself forward, screaming in rage and preparing a thrust towards Qrow, just before a commanding voice is loudly heard in the courtyard, stopping her blade's point mere inches away from Qrow's neck.

"SCHNEE! Winter looks behind her to see General Ironwood standing behind her, with Penny behind him. Winter lowers her blades as she addresses Ironwood at about face.

"General Ironwood, sir! Ironwood approaches Winter with Penny by his side.

"What in the world do you think you're doing? Winter stared and answered.

"He started the altercation, sir! Qrow puts his hands behind his head in a relaxed stance.

"That's actually not true. She Attacked first. Ironwood turns to winter and stares.

"Is that right? Winter searches for words, only to realize Qrow is right,She looks down in shame, as ironwood turns to qrow.

"And you. Qrow points to himself in mock confusion as ironwood glares at him.

"What are you doing ? Qrow smirks and raises an eyebrow.

" I could be asking you the same thing. Ironwood went to respond but was cut off as Ozpin interrupted.

"Now, now, everyone. There is a sanctioned fight going to be happening just around the corner at the Colosseum, that we should be judging, I could assure you that there's is better seats... and popcorn. Glynda nods in agreement and speaks as well.

"Break it up, everyone! We will take care of this mess. Ironwood nods and turns to penny and winter.

"Let's go. As Ironwood and Winter leave, Penny notices Ruby and quietly waves to her, while Ruby waves back. Ruby then leaps giddily onto Qrow's arm, shaking her legs in delight.

" Uncle Qrow! Hi. It's so good to see you! Did you miss me? Did you miss me!? Qrow and ruby share a grin as he pats his niece's head.

" nope! Before anything more could be said, Ozpin speaks up.

"Qrow! the Huntsman turns to look at the headmaster as Ruby gets dropped.

"A word, please. Glynda then then repairs the courtyard using her telekinesis as Qrow turns to Ruby, discreetly.

"I think I'm in trouble. Ruby nods and smiles.

" well yeah, You did kinda tear up our courtyard. Qrow winks and gives her a fist bump. Yeah I guess I did.

"Catch ya later, kid. he then walks off to join the others As Weiss walks up beside Ruby, arms crossed.

"And suddenly, your recklessness makes sense. Ruby grins and nudges Weiss' shoulder.

"You're just mad because he whooped butt. Weiss scoffed and crossed her arms.

"That was a draw, at best! Ruby's grin says otherwise. Later at Ozpin's office late at night. Ironwood is waiting with his arms crossed while Winter is impatiently pacing about. Suddenly, a smirking Qrow, accompanied by Goodwitch and Ozpin, and nocturne , arrive in the elevator.

"What were you thinking!? Ironwood agreed with winter and said some words of his own.

" If you were one of my men, I would have you shot! Nocturne growled at this and ironwood took a step back after this with a frown, while Qrow pulls out flask at the four enter the room.

" If I was one of your men, I'd shoot glares at both Qrow and winter.

"While I wouldn'tcondone his behavior, retaliating like you did certainly didn't help the situation. Winter frowns at this and glares at Qrow.

"He was drunk! Goodwitch glares at this and nods in agreement as she rolled her eyes.

" He's always drunk! the four then turn to Qrow to see him drinking from a flask. His eyes widen when he notices them staring, and he holds the flask out to the side, looking at it awkwardly before grimacing. Ozpin however sighs and sits down before speaking as he walks into the room.

" Qrow, why are you here?Ironwood nods and glares.

" You've been out of contact for weeks! You can't just go dark like that in the field, not to mention you some how made yourself a judge! Qrow growled at this and glared at ironwood.

"I'm not one of your special operatives, Jimmy and in my defense I like to watch people fight.! Nocturne chuckled at that while winter glared at the two.

" General. Qrow rolls his eyes at this and keeps his glare on ironwood.

"Whatever. You sent me to get intel on our enemy, and I'm telling you, our enemy is here. Ironwood leans against Ozpin's desk and nods.

"We know. Qrow grins at this and throws his hands up in the air.

"Oh! Oh, you know! Well, thank goodness I'm out there risking my life to keep you all informed! Ironwood frowns and goes to speak, but Qrow cuts him off.

"Communication's a two-way street, pal. You see this? Qrow then pulls out his Scroll and points to it.

"That's the SEND button. Winter glares at this and turns her head.

"They had reason to assume you'd been compromised

Qrow raises an eyebrow at this and smirks.

"And I have reason to assume you don't need to be , who invited her. Ironwood grimaces after a moment of silence, without looking at her.

"Schnee, we'll discuss this incident after the tournament. Winter turns to ironwood and looks surprised.

"But sir! Ironwood however stays firm as he speaks again.

"Winter. Leave. Winter nods, and salutes Ironwood before speaking.

"Yes sir. She then turns on her heel and gives the winking Qrow a dirty look as she exits via the elevator. Ironwood then gestures to Qrow.

"Go on. Qrow nods in response and then keeps talking.

"Your little infiltrator isn't just another pawn. They're the one responsible for Autumn's condition. Qrow then takes a drink from his flask once more as Glynda turns to him in surprise.

"What? Qrow grimaces and drinks from his flask again before speaking.

"Despite what the world thinks, we're not just teachers, or generals, or headmasters. The people in this room, the leaders of the other two academies, we're the ones that keep the world safe from the evils no one even knows about! Qrow then turns, getting up in Ironwood's face as he speaks again.

"It's why we meet behind closed doors, why we work in the shadows. So you tell me, James, when you brought your army to Vale, did you think you were being discreet, or did you just not give a damn!? Ironwood stares down at Qrow as he places his Scroll on Ozpin's desk.

"Discreet wasn't working. the center of the room projects a hologram of Vale, Beacon Academy, the Amity Colosseum and Ironwood's fleet of Atlesian Airships, which he gestures to.

" I'm here because this is what was necessary. Qrow scoffs and shakes his head.

"You're here because Ozpin wanted you here! He made you a part of this inner circle and opened your eyes to the real fight that's in front of us! Ironwood nods and smiles.

"And I am grateful. Qrow shakes his head at this and rolls his eyes.

" Oh, well, you've got a real funny way of showing it. Ironwood glared at Qrows words as he spoke in his own defense.

"The people of Vale needed someone to protect them; someone who would act. When they look to the sky and see my fleet, they feel safe, and our enemies will feel our strength. Qrow pauses, and then starts laughing at this.

"You... You think they're scared of your little ships? I've been out there and I've seen the things she's made, and let me tell you - they are fear. Nocturne nodded and added in his own words as well.

" not to mention that they are working for Therist which will create more fear. Ozpin nods grimacing before, standing up.

"And fear will bring the Grimm. A Guardian is a symbol of comfort. But an army is a symbol of conflict. There's an energy in the air now, a question in the back of everyone's minds... Ozpin then gestures to the display before speaking again.

"If this is the size of our defenses, then what is it we're expecting to fight?" Ironwood glares at them before sighing and walking forward, picking up his Scroll just as it flashes with the image of a Black Queen.

"So then, what would you suggest we do? Ozpin simply smiled and tilted his head.

" I suggest we find our guardian. Later in a dorm room, where Mercury is sitting in a chair, reporting on the fight he saw earlier, while Cinder walks back and forth, interrogating him with Emerald resting on a bed nearby.

" And you're sure? Mercury nodded and frowned.

"Bad hair, used a scythe, and smelled like my dad after a long day. It was him. Emerald frowned and turned to cinder in worry.

"What do we do? Cinder smiled and shook her head.

"Nothing. We stay the course. They have no idea who we are, so we have no reason to worry. Besides, the last of the heavy lifting is being taken care of thanks to our clever little friend. Cinder then picks up her Scroll as it too flashes with the Black Queen.

"Speaking of which... it appears we have a new access point. Ironwood is shown on the Scroll as an icon, along with a curling "W" in the other corner Emerald turns after hearing this, looking at cinder with interest.

"Anywhere good? Cinder nods and smiles.

"You could say that. Go to your rooms. I'll prepare everything for nods with emerald and the two agree.

"Got it. As Mercury and emerald left, Therist entered the room.

" you called for me cinder? Cinder nodded and tossed Therist the Scroll reveals the roster of the Vytal FestivalTournament doubles round, which includes CRDL's Russel Thrush and Sky Lark, SSSN'sSun Wukong and Neptune Vasilias, and Penny Polendina and Penny's Teammate. "Let's give the crowd a good fight master . Therist laughs as he scrolls down each pair until he selects Mercury and Emerald to face off against Coco Adel and Yatsuhashi Daichi in the doubles round.

" this is going to be amusing now come cinder let us rest we have a big day tomorrow after all.

The next morning, the crowd sees the rigged matchups on the screen at the Amity Colliseum. Ozpin then speaks over the announcement system as the match is about to start.

"The randomization process is complete! Ladies and gentlemen, your doubles tournament fight!

As the announcement is heard, RWBY cheers with arms raised, JNPR is seen providing applause, andSSSN is shown sitting in front row seats. Bolin Hori and Nolan Porfirio are seen talking to each other behind RWBY, and Dove Bronze wing is sitting behind JNPR. Cinder and Therist however, are now watching their teammates in the seats as they menacingly clap with devious smirks. Qrow then continues where Ozpin left off as he spoke over the broadcaster speakers.

"Emerald and Mercury of Haven, versus Coco and Yatsuhashi of Beacon! Velvet calls from up in the stands alongside Fox and Ruby.

"Good luck, you two! The Colosseum chooses four fields to rise up from below in quarter sections: A patch of tall grassy plains, a single tree and some rocks; the ruins of a city, complete with buildings holding shattered windows and rubble among the pavement; a hot spring containing geyser spots along a small river and some blue Dust crystal growths; and a familiar section of dense forest. Coco lowers her sunglasses as she eyes her opponents.

"Hey! Love the outfit, kid! Emerald grins and nods.

"I'll try not to get blood on smiles, getting up as he removes his sword from his back.

" I can't promise you'll leave without a scratch. Emerald smirks stretching out her arm.

"I won't be the one Grins and nods in appreciation.

"Ooh, I like her! Ozpin then speaks, as the countdown behind the combatants.

"Three, two, one, begin! Instead of charging forward, Mercury and Emerald slowly walk back into the tall grass and disappear behind the leaves. Coco and Yatsuhashi smile at each other before the leader pops out herGatling gun and begins mowing down the field as the crowds of sunglasses-wearing fans roar their approval, even when bullets nearly hit them from the other side of the forcefield. Coco lets up as she and Yatsuhashi realize the two opponents aren't in the plains section anymore.

"Huh? Blake shouts out, as she and the rest of team RWBY look in shock.

"Look out! Mercury drops from the sky, aiming for Coco, but Yatsuhashi pushes her out of the way and blocks the boots with his blade, pushing him back. Coco opens fire at him again, though Mercury is able to outrun each shot. Sun gasps, also in the bleachers with SSSN.

"He's good! Scarlet nods but narrows her eyes.

"Yeah, but where's the girl? Mercury reaches the two and kicks away Coco's weapon while dodging Yatsuhashi's blade, then delivering a double blow to the giant warrior before jumping over Coco's continued barrage of bullets. He lands on the barrels and kicks her in the face, leaping over another of Yatsuhashi's swings, only to let himself be hit so he can get behind Coco and force her to press the muzzle up to her own teammate. Everyone stands still until Coco compresses her weapon back into its handbag form and tries to hit Mercury with Yatsuhashi, but he deftly jumps back and launches two blasts from his boots that the members of CFVY is unfazed by the one shot, but looks surprised at the dozens of them now spiraling around the handstand-spinning Mercury until he sends all of them at his enemies, a barrage of light and smoke surrounding them that provides the perfect cover for Mercury to appear behind the two. He grabs the both of them by their arms and delivers a flurry of kicks that knocks them back, looking back as a chain comes out from the forest trees to wrap around Coco and pulls her back. Yatsuhashi turns, reaching out to her in vain.

"Coco! Despite his cry, Coco disappears into the trees, and he has to endure a blow from Mercury before being able to grab and throw him into the hot spring area. He jumps high in the air as Mercury's still sliding back, but his blade only comes down on his opponent's boots, the shockwave from this clash causing the water to fly back, the earth to crack underneath, and multiple geysers to form around them. Mercury fires his boots and gets out of the hold, aiming a swipe at Yatsuhashi's feet that misses, then ducking around each of his sword's swings. One of his kicks lets loose some stones from the ground, which Mercury kicks into Yatsuhashi and leaves him at the mercy of another foot-happy assault. This leaves his head in a small super-heated geyser, erupting and causing him to scream in pain as he frantically gets up, opening his eyes just in time to see Mercury coming at him. Meanwhile, Coco is still being dragged back into the forest until the chain makes her collide with the trunk of a tree. She shakes it off until she realizes her sunglasses are lying shattered on the ground. Coco turns glaring angrily as she looks around.

"I take it back; Idon't like her. Just as she says this, a green shot rapidly comes at Coco, which she barely manages to jump back from as more come down on her from Emerald's position up in a tree above her. Coco unleashes her Gatling gun again and shoots high in the branches, but Emerald jumps around, using her ownrevolvers to fire back and change them to sickle form so she can swing from each tree until she suddenly vanishes behind one of them. Coco growls,looking around for her lost opponent.

"Damn! Yatsuhashi then is seen coming up from behind her, hand on his sword's hilt.

"Coco! Coco grimaces, calling back to him as she continues to glance around.

"Watch out, she's in the trees! Ozpin then comes over the intercom, as a buzzer sounds around the arena, Coco looking up to see the footage of his coverage.

"Oh, and with that final blow, Yatsuhashi is eliminated! Coco turns her eyes widening in shock.

"What!?She looks behind her, only to see no one there. Her hand is shaking on the handle of her gun, and she doesn't even see the blur between the trees moving in for the kill.

"Damn!Little does she know that Emerald is rising up from behind her, blades raised, turning around a second too late. The weapon descends with a ringing gunshot, and Coco is seen flying out of the forest, landing all the way in the center of the stadium next to Yatsuhashi, also knocked unconscious. Emerald swings her sickles by their chains as Mercury looks over their defeated opponents. Qrow whistles in the announcer's spot with Ozpin.

"And with an amazing upset, Emerald and Mercury are victorious! Velvet gasps in worry with her hand over her mouth as Fox shakes his head.

"Coco? Fox places a reassuring hand on Velvet's shoulder as Ruby looks into the stadium at her "friends", no one other then grim noticing the smiling Cinder behind them, getting up from her seat and walking away amid the combined cheers and boos from the crowds. Grim however followed after cinder, and cornered her in the hallway, before she could reach Mercury or emerald, by pinning her up against the walls.

" ooh now this is a surprise what are you doing here grim. Grim growled at cinders tone of voice and let her go as he backed away.

" I'm giving a warning that's all, if anyone at this tournament dies your going to pay for it dearly. Cinder smiled at this and blew grim a kiss which he grimaced at before disappearing.

Meanwhile, In an elegant twilit pavilionarea of ivy-covered pillars, rounded archways, and lion-decorated fountains, Weiss Schnee and her elder sisterWinter are sitting at a simple table with a plate full of croissants and strawberries. Winter is sipping from her teacup as Weiss repeats the news she was just told.

" You're... leaving. Winter nods setting her cup down.

"Yes. I am a judge in this competition after all we shall speak again when this is over. As Weiss sighs and looks down dejectedly, winter grabs her sister's hand reassuringly.

"Weiss, you've done... well, out here, on your own. You should be proud. I'll be honest, it was quite amusing seeing Father's face the day you left for Beacon! Weiss nods, straightening up and smiling now, arms crossed

" I Can't wait to show him what I learned!Winter raises an eyebrow at this and smirks

"Oh? Then what do you think you've learned? Weiss turns, not directly looking at her sister.

"What do you mean? I'm getting better and better with my glyphs! I've even started Time Dilation! Winter stays firm, staring intently at her sibling.

"And what of yourSummoning? Weiss sighs and looks away.

"You know I can' rolls her eyes and scoffs at her.

"Don't be ridiculous. Every Schnee has the ability to summon. We have for generations. Weiss grimaces, splaying her hands as she exasperatedly cries.

"I've tried! It's just... it's theone thing I've been having trouble with! Winter smiles and lays a hand on Weiss.

" We Schnees are unique. Unlike many, ourSemblance is hereditary. But that doesn't mean it will come easily. Winter then lifts her hand to summon a small, elaborate glyph over her palm.

" Your Semblance is like a muscle. The more you practice with it, the stronger it will become. But if you only focus on one aspect of it... the glyph expands suddenly in a bright flash, causing Weiss to turn away before looking back up in awe at the white-and-blue Beowolf now at her sister's side.

"If you fail to test the limits of what you think is possible, then you'll never truly grow. Weiss smiles at this display of power she hopes to achieve, while meanwhile, Ruby,Grim,And yang cheer as red action lines appear behind Ruby with oriental battle music playing.

"You'll never beat me, old man! Qrow appears with similar blue lines behind him.

"You're nothing but talk, kid! Yang grins, calling out her support as purple lines follow her.

"You can do it, Ruby! The group is then revealed to be in team RWBY's dorm room at Beacon Academy, and the screen of the video game Ruby and Qrow are playing is shown just as one of the pixelated ninjas decapitates the other, with the announcer saying "SOARING NINJA WINS! TOTAL ANNIHILATION!" Qrow grins at his victory as Ruby lowers her head in shame. Grim chuckles at this and hugs Ruby.

" don't worry we'll heal that burn with some of weiss' ice dust. Yang chuckles whispering in fake pain.

"Ouch. Qrow then smirks as he adds in.

"And by the way, don't ever call me turns, pushing her sibling out of her spot as she grabs the spinning controller from the air.

"My turn! Qrow grins, while the game begins again with "NEW CHALLENGER APPROACHES!".

"Now, where was I?Ruby suddenly appears, popping up from behind the two players excitedly.

"You were telling us about your last mission! Qrow nods and smiles before speaking.

"Right, right... I'd come across a small village in the swamps west of Mistral. Right off the bat, I knew something wasn't right. Ruby grins and claps her hands together ready to hear more.

"What were you doing there?Qrow smiled and kept talking as he played.

"I needed information. Tired from battling Grimm Along the way, I decided to start my search at the town's inn. The place was crawling with lowlifes and thugs, even a few Huntsmen that I could only assume had been hired by less-than reputable people for less-than respectable jobs. And that's when it happened. Yang turns as the story Qrow looks at something in the shady inn, wide-eyed at what he sees.

"What happened? Qrow kneels in his flashback under a spotlight.

" I was defeated... by the mere sight... Qrow then pauses, as he suddenly grins at what he saw is revealed.

"the sight innkeeper's skirt length! The vision of pink hearts, a beautiful maid with slightly-skimpy clothing, and the very happy Qrow is interrupted by a thrown dog-head pillow, which Qrow deftly catches much to Yang's ire (not helped by the game announcer calling out once more "SOARING NINJA WINS! TOTAL ANNIHILATION!"). Grim laughs at this, before stoping as a pillow hits him.

" You are the worst uncle, Grim don't encourage him! Qrow and Ruby laugh at Yang's anger before Qrow speaks again.

"Best two out of three? Ruby chuckles as she seats herself on Weiss' bed.

"So, Uncle Qrow, did you get in trouble with Ozpin? Qrow chuckles waving the question off.

" Nah, me and Oz go way back. We're cool. Yang turns scoffing.

"Cool for an old growls looking mad now.

"Not funny. Ruby chuckles before speaking again.

"So, what are you doing here anyway? I thought Dad said that you would be on a mission, for like... ever. Qrow shrugs and smiles, getting back into the game at the sound of "READY? FIGHT!".

"Well, a professional Huntsman like myself is expected to get results, as soon as possible. Ruby nods and laughs.

"Yeeeeaaaah, I get that. We're pretty much pros, too. Qrow arches an eyebrow at this and smirks.

"Oh, really?'Yang nodded with a smile.

"Psch, yeah! Read the news sometime. We totally saved Vale while you were gone. Qrow scoffs at that and shakes his head.

"Funny, because I heard Vale suffered a Grimm attack after you almost managed to stop a train. Qrow then smirks before leaning over to rub it in his niece's face as she scowls at the repeated "SOARING NINJA WINS! TOTAL ANNIHILATION!"

"But they don't give out medals foralmost. Ruby shakes her head at this and raises an arm.

"They do, and it's called silver! Grim coughed at this and smiled sincerely.

" actually the Grimm were held off by me at least until therists General attacked me. Qrow arched an eyebrow before turning to his nieces.

" so grim here killed more Grimm then you and was closer to stopping them huh? Yang scoffed at this and crossed her arms.

"Well, we helped take down Roman Torchwick! He's locked up in Ironwood'sship and crime's been down ever since! That's basically a bounty mission! Qrow scoffed at this and took a drink from his flask.

"Sure, you may be acting like Huntresses, but you're not thinking like one. You really think four girls and their friends can end all crime in the Kingdom? Ruby chuckled, tapping her fingers together in embarrassment.

"I mean, I did until you said that... Qrow growled sounding more serious now.

"Violence hasn't dropped since Roman got nabbed; it's stopped,completely. No White Fang activity around the city. You cut off the head of the King Taijitu, but now the second head 's calling the shots. That's what Ironwood can't get through that thick metal head of his. Yang frowns, exchanging a look with Ruby.

"You... know the General? Qrow chuckles, back to his usual joking demeanor.

"Hey, I know everybody to some extent. Remember, you're talking to a member of the coolest team that graduated Beacon! (reaches behind him into one of his pockets and pulls out a photo lined with stains and age of four figures - himself,Raven Branwen, Taiyang Xiao Long, and Summer Rose - as Yang's eyes widen and he sighs in remembrance) Hah, Team QRST... That's where I met your parents. We were pretty well known back in the day, So was grims mom and dad now they made our little team pretty well known. Ruby smirks and makes a joke of their looks.

"Well known for crummy fashion sense! Qrow frowns and shakes his head.

"Hey, we looked good! And I have a number of inappropriate stories to back that up! Qrow then wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, but notices grim and Yang continuing to stare at the picture and puts it away.

" But, I'll save those for when you're older. Ruby frowns and recoils in disgust.

"Oh, gross! Qrow then slowly begins getting up, before walking out.

" Anyways, I'm too old to be hanging out with a bunch of kids. You're gonna cramp my style. Qrow pauses in the doorway and sighs before addressing his family, Ruby and Yang looking up to him and Zwei sleeping on Blake's bed.

"Look, just remember that you've still got a long way to go... Qrow then quickly turns around holding a finger up to express his seriousness.

"And don't think for a second that graduating means you're done. Qrow then hitches a thumb over his shoulder.

"Every day out there is worth a week in this place. Your teams here, you're gonna go far. But only if you keep learning, and only if you never stop moving forward. Grim sighed at these words as he stood up and stretched.

" he's right you know after the tournament I'm taking all of us beacon teams on a training trip. Qrow laughed and then turned as he exits down the hall.

" your alright kid keep it up. Back in the pavilion, a caterpillar is slowly inching around on the edge of a fountain at Weiss points herMyrtenaster at the ground, creating a rotating glyph made of blade symbols with Winter behind her, appraising the effort.

"Excellent form! Now think to your fallen foes! The ones who forced you to push past where you were, and become who you are now. as the glyph flickers in and out of existence and Weiss grimaces in concentration as winter speaks.

" Think of them, and watch as they come to your side. Weiss concentrates, doing her hardest to make the wobbling circle follow her will, but eventually dismisses it and stomps the ground angrily.

"I can't! Winter scowls, and her hand immediately comes down on Weiss' head in a slap.

"Stop doubting yourself! Weiss frowns turning around to face her sister.

"I'm trying! Winter sighs and runs a hand over her eyes.

" If this is what you call trying, then you have no hope of winning the tournament, let alone succeeding as a Huntress! Winter then pauses, and suddenly begins smiling as if an idea has occurred to her.

"Why don't you just move back home? I'm sure Father would give you a nice job as a receptionist! Weiss growls, looking away.

"I don't need his charity! Winter chuckles leaning in as she speaks.

"But you do need his money, don't you? Weiss turns to her sister surprised.

" What!? How did you know about that!? Winter smiles straightening back up.

"Lucky guess. I may have been in a similar situation when I joined the military. So what have you done this time? Weiss frowns as Winter circles around her.

"Well, that's the thing: I'm really not sure! I went to pay for lunch the other day, but the card didn't work! Winter chuckles and rolls her eyes.

"How embarrassing. Weiss nods in agreement before she speaks.

" I know, it was! Why would he cut me off like that? Winter sighs and narrows her eyes.

"Perhaps so that you'd stop avoiding him and call home. Instead of answering, Weiss attempts once more to create a summoning glyph, gritting her teeth until Winter places a consoling hand on her shoulder.

" Emotions can grant you strength. But you must never let them overpower you. the attempted glyph flickers and fades once more, though neither of them pay it any attention as winter keeps speaking.

"It sounds to me like you have two choices in front of you. You can either call him, beg for his money back, and explain once more why you would want to study at Beacon overAtlas, or you could continue to explore Remnant, discovering more about the world and honestly, more about yourself. she allows Weiss a moment to absorb this information until revealing.

" It's time for me to go. she gives her sister a hug, which is returned until, Weiss sighs, breaking off from the embrace.

"It was really good to see you, Winter. Winter nods, smiling sadly.

"Until next time, sister. The two Schnees walk out of the pavilion and go in opposite directions, neither of them noticing the caterpillar coming across a miniature, brightened version of a familiar-looking broadsword before disappearing into icy at night, Weiss is in the school courtyard, waving goodbye at the airshipcarrying her sister. She stops just as her Scroll starts vibrating with an incoming call from "FATHER", and her finger hovers over the screen in uncertainty until she closes her eyes and forces herself to press it. Suddenly smiling at the sight of her closed Scroll and the setting of a new path in life, she puts it away and walks back inside. A few hours later, and the Colosseum's mountain biome was seen being bombarded by several explosions all around the area. Russel,daggers in hand, is running from the mayhem before spinning around, ready to face his opponents, who turns out to be the familiar face of Penny and her beret-wearing teammate. With an ever-present smile and simple arm movements, she summons six floatingswords from behind her and rears them back before launching them in a ring at Russel, who barely manages to duck behind a rock to protect no time, Penny does the same thing with another group of blades, homing in on the other CRDL teammateSky Lark until he uses his own halberd to vault over another stone for defense. The two exchange a worried look at the sight of their rocks still pierced with multiple blades, and Penny grins in combat-ready fierceness as she looks to her partner, who simply taps her watch as if hurrying Penny up. Wasting no time, Penny raises her hands like a puppetmaster and uses the near-invisible strings attached to each hilt to lift the giant rocks up in the air, with the screaming Russel and Sky still hanging on. Bringing her arms down to her sides, the stones come crashing to the ground as well, leaving Penny's opponents in the grass. Her swords come back to her pack as the buzzer rings and ironwood speaks.

"And victory goes to Penny and Ciel of Atlas! Penny nods, placing a fist in her palm and bowing in respect to her fallen foes, still smiling.

"Thank you for a wonderful time. The two victors turn to leave the stadium as Russel feebly reaches out, only to get hit in the head by an errant stone. Watching from the stands,Ruby sees them start to walk away and excitedly gets up form her seat with the rest of her team, with grim following Ruby to meet them at one of the exits. Ruby succeeds in her attempt, catching up and spreading her arms as she calls out.

" Penny!Penny grins at this, lifting up her own arms, she tackles her friend,into a hug that leaves them both of them on the ground. Ruby grunts, then groans weakly.

" Why... Grim chuckles at this and leans against the wall as, Penny gets up energetically and waves to grim, before she gestures to the other girl.

"Ruby,grim, this is my teammate. Ciel bows and nods as she speaks.

"Ciel Soleil. Ruby smiles and raises her hand in greeting as she speaks.

"Hi! I'm Ru- Ciel however cuts her off as she speaks for her.

"Ruby Rose. 15. Hails from Patch. Leader of Team RWBY. Status: Questionable, and the one next to you is Grim Reaper. Hails from unknown. Special agent. Status: dangerous. Grim and Ruby stayed silent for a few seconds, before Ruby turned to penny.

"Sooo... Penny! You two were incredible out there. How do you keep control of all those swords? It's so cool! Ciel however coughs before penny could speak, and looks at her watch as she gestures at it.

" penny?I believe it is best if we move on to our next location. Penny frowns, and exchanges a look with Ruby and grim, before turning to Ceil.

" Could we have just a minute to talk? In response, Ciel checks the time, then takes a step back and nods, starting the countdown as Ruby speaks again.

"So is she... your friend or... Penny pauses to think before shrugging.

" Well, in a way. She's like Blake, but if Blake was ordered to spend time with you. Ruby nodded her eyes lighting up as she chuckled.

"Oh. So, Weiss. Penny nods with a smile as a confirmation before she speaks.

"Precisely.

Grim chuckled at this as he leaned forward, away from the wall and listened to the two talk in a hushed tone.

"Does she know about... y'know... beep boop bop, does not compute? Ruby then moves her body abruptly as if imitating a robot, leaving her arm to hang with a noticeable squeaking sound making Penny giggle and shake her head.

"Oh no. General Ironwood doesn't really want anyone to know. There was an incident with a magnet, but I was able to play it off. Flashback to the Vytal Festival grounds with Ciel and Penny, who's wearing a large sun hat. The wind picks up and lifts the hat from her hair, revealing the aforementioned magnet on her skull, and Penny quickly shoves the headgear back on before Ciel turns back around. The story causes Ruby, Grim,and Penny to laugh about it in the present for several seconds. Pennys laugh finally calms down, as she is still smiling, but is quickly getting serious.

" Ruby, grim, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. Penny then glances over at Ciel before leaning in and whispering to Ruby and grim.

" I want to stay at Beacon.

Ruby frowns, looking troubled by the news.

"Penny, they'll never let you do that. Penny frowns, but then grins with mischief as she nods making grim raise an eyebrow at her as she spoke.

"I know, but I have a plan. Ciel then stops anymore conversation, stepping back up to Penny's side and pointing to her watch.

" It's been precisely one minute, ma'am. Grim scoffed at this at this but gave a nod of farewell to penny as she said her goodbye.

"I'll talk to you more soon Ruby, you to grim. the two Atlesians then leave, but Penny turns to give a wave of farewell to Ruby and grim, who do the same. Ozpin was then heard,coming back over the stadium speakers to announce.

"Our next match will begin in two minutes! Ruby then suddenly appears to be looking really excited as she clasps her hands together.

"Oh my gosh, that's right! It's time for- grim however cut Ruby off as he shadow traveled them back to the stands.

" yangs and Weiss, match is starting right, helps to be here at the start of it. Ruby nodded at this and smiled as Yang stepped into the center of the field with Weiss Schnee at her side, stretching out her arms.

"Well, now it's our turn! Weiss nods and smiles.

"Just remember to keep proper form. Yang chuckles and nods as she agrees.

" Alright. You're from Atlas. What could we expect? Weiss smiles listing off the facts as Yang loosens up her legs as well.

"Well, seeing as their Kingdom, academy and armed forces are all merged as one, I think we can expect strict, militant fighters with advanced technology and carefully rehearsed strategies. At that very moment, a rainbow zooms past the two surprised Huntresses-in-training, coming to a stop opposite them, revealing a pigtailed Faunus girl with roller blades and a cat tail swishing around her weaponnext to a young man wearing a fedora and sunglasses, holding a trumpet in one hand. Weiss frowns, recovering from her shock faster than the open-mouthed Yang.

" ... Or whatever they are.

"Hey! Weiss looks over to him as he gestures at her, smiling.

"You Weiss Schnee, right? The heiress. Weiss nods bowing her head, smiling at the recognition.

" I am. Flynt raises an eyebrow at this.

" I take it you're pretty good with Dust, then? Weiss nods shrugging humbly

" I do my best. Flynt smiles and nods.

"Yeah, my dad was good too. Owned a little Dust shop of his own. His eyes seem calm, as they are hidden behind his shades, until his smile turns into a scowl, tone turning hostile.

" Till your father's company ran him out of business. Weiss frowns and looks ashamed.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Flynt looks away sarcastically and chuckles.

"Sure you are. Yang growls and raises her finger to argue.

"Hey! Why don't you- Neon however cuts her off as she imitates yang.

"Hey! Why don't you? Neon then drops her unflattering imitation as she points at Yang, smiling.

"That's what you sound like! Yang tilts her knowing how to react.

"Uh... Neon however, cuts her off as she speaks.

" Hey! Where'd you get your hair extensions? Yang stares shocked for a second before getting angry as she responds.

"This is just my normal hair. Neon raises an eyebrow at this and smirks.

"Ooh, really? Yang is getting annoyed now and glares as she speaks.

"Yeah! Is that a prob- Neon however raises a hand, cutting her off.

"You should try rollerblading sometime! It's super fun! Neon then starts spinning in place as she continues rapidly.

"It'd probably take you a while, though, since you're so... you know, top-heavy. Yang looks down at herself as the holographic roulette begins and growls as she gets angry.

"Excuse me!? Ruby sighs rolling her eyes from the stands.

"Oh, here we go. Grim groans as well as he looks between Nora and neon.

" dear god there's two of them, only the second ones a sassy bitch, that aside she's going to die. The field opens around the four combatants, and up rises the volcanic area, sandy desert, steaming geysers, and ruined buildings. Ozpin then speaks, as both teams prepare themselves for battle.

"Three! Two! One! Begin!Right as it starts, Flynt raises the instrument to his lips and blows, issuing forth a sound wave that blows both Weiss and Yang back from the force. Weiss is able to create a glyph under her to stop sliding back, but doesn't see Neon spinning into the attack and useing it to push herself forward so she can charge at Yang in a rainbow burst of speed and push her into the city portion. Flynt stops blowing as Weiss readies her Myrtenaster, a second passing until the musician starts playing again. This time, Weiss uses darker glyphs to move her forward through the cone of waves, making another one to get closer and closer so she can land a blow. Suddenly, however, Flynt stops playing, and Weiss is forced to move forward, earning a kick to the back as she slides past. She crashes through a red Dust crystal, and Flynt grins when he sees her lying in the area now spouting pillars of fire. Back in the ruined city, Neon manages to roll ahead of every blast from Ember Celica, skating on the railings and making faces at an irritated Yang. She continues to flip and slide over any terrain in her way, all the while repeating a mantra to herself.

"Never miss a beat! Never miss a beat! Never miss a beat! Never miss a beat She eventually comes down to the ground and charges at Yang, becoming a rainbow blue while hitting the blonde multiple times. Yang grits her teeth, unloading the spent shells in her gauntlets, as Neon smirks and cracks her glow sticks, turning them blue. She comes forward again, dashing past Yang before she even realizes that her right leg is now encased in ice.

" Hm-hmm! Look! Now you're bottom-heavy, too!Getting quite irate now, Yang slams her foot down and frees her entire leg, but is unable to stop Neon from freezing her left arm now. She sees Neon rollerblading on rails and through archways, gaining distance until she speeds forth and kicks Yang back into a wall, cracking it behind her.

"You should cool off!Get it? Because you're angry. Not appreciating the pun one bit, Yang smashes her arm against the wall, once again shattering the ice and the structure , Weiss and Flynt are facing each other in the burning section, Weiss gesturing all around her with the blade and spinning wildly to summon four glyphs that shoot out an equal number of large ice chunks headed straight for her enemy. Flynt looks down and smiles, leaping forward onto his knees and blowing his horn just as a column of flame erupts right in front of him, diverting the fire to melt each of Weiss' frozen projectiles. Flynt quickly is seen getting back up as he twirls his trumpet as he speaks.

"Too bad all that money can't buy you skill. Weiss grimaces at him before revolving her hilt to use a white type of Dust. She aims a stream of wind at Flynt, who matches her power with his own blowing, creating a standstill until Weiss uses a mere gesture to form several more glyphs around the field. She quickly bounces off each one, striking Flynt with each attack, until she puts his foot down and starts playing once more. Weiss is still propelling herself around, but nothing prepares her for a second Flynt appearing next to the first, and then another, and another after that, each color-coordinated musician joining their waves of noise together to send Weiss flying back. Jaune is amazed from his spot watching the fight.

"Whoa! Ironwood turned to ozpin and they both looked at each other with interest, before ironwood spoke.

"What's this? It appears young Flynt has just activated hisSemblance! And quite a remarkable one at that. Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on Flynt Coal's Killer Quartet! The Flynts flip their hats around to the audience, then look up at the scoreboard to see Weiss and Yang down to half their Aura levels, but still in the game. He steps forward, absorbing each of his duplicates as he prepares to finish this. His teammate is still giving trouble to Yang, using a ramp to outrun her now red-eyed stares in awe, slowing down to admire the change.

"Ooh! Flashy eyes! Y'know, you're actually kinda pretty when you're angry. Yang hesitates, shaking her head, eyes going back down to purple, before She propels herself forward using her shotgun blasts.

"Shut up, shut up,SHUT UP! Weiss meanwhile, is getting back up and sees her sword, reaching out to it only for Flynt to step on the blade. She looks up at him before their attention is drawn to their partners.

" Get back here! Neon however, is rolling around Yang in a lazy circle.

" I wasn't trying to say that you should go on a diet, I was saying you really need to go on a diet! Yang growls at this and her eyes change once again as she shouts.

"THAT'S IT! Neon laughs and repeats herself, as one more quick clarification for good measure.

"You're fat. Flynt looks back at Weiss before deciding to focus his attention on Yang, once more becoming four fighters and ready to blow her away. Weiss looks through the clones and sees Yang completely distracted, as well as a pool of lava bubbling away right in front of him/them. Without pause, Weiss jumps up and knocks the original into the magma just as it erupts several feet in the air. Yang gasps noticing what just happened.

" What? Ruby and Blake gasp at this simultaneously panicked.

"Weiss! Grim growls and clenches his fist in anger but stops himself from interfering as Ozpin sips his drink before reacting.

" It appears we have a double knockout on our hands! Qrow grins seeing the stats.

"In fact, it looks as though Miss Schnee's Aura has been completely depleted! She sacrificed herself to take out Flynt! Wait a minute. What's this!? This turns out to be Flynt, wobbly and almost at his limit, but standing back up from the smoke as ozpin declares his presence

"Ladies and gentlemen, Flynt Coal remains standing! Flynt begins walking toward Yang, a look of pure anger on his face. Neon grins skating back over to her leader as he marches forward.

"You did it, Flynt! Don't worry about her, she's easy! But kind of annoying. Qrow grins as Yang finally reaches her breaking point, fists clenching and ground trembling.

"Ooh, looks like Yang's angry! And you wouldn't like her when she's... upset take it from scream of rage combining with the group of lava bursts from the rocks, she punches out several shots at the two opponents, who manage to dodge the blasts.

" Yo, Neon, go! Flynt then blows again and helps Neon rush forward, and Yang meets her in the waves of sound, using her shots to keep her from being pushed away as she attempts to get a hit on the girl. Failing that, she leaps out of the noise and blasts the ground where Neon is, then launching herself back to create some space. Her blasts almost gets Flynt, who's forced to change the direction of his tune and direct Neon elsewhere, still avoiding the blasts and even rolling on the debris being formed, though with a noticeably more shaky stance than usual. She rolls up on a ramp made from the debris into the geyser biome. Yang lands on the ground away from her and runs right at Flynt, rocketing forward even as he uses his Semblance once more to deliver a fourfold attack. Shooting behind her, however, provides the necessary boost to finally get close and clap her hands over the mouth of the trumpet. Less than a second of silence is broken by the musical backfire right in Flynt's face, becoming one person for the final time as he's knocked on his back and the buzzer rings. Qrow chuckles at that and grins.

" Oh, sour note for Flynt! Yang slides back from the blast, searching for her remaining opponent as Neon tries avoiding the geyser spouts.

"Never miss a beat! Never miss a beat! Never miss a...at that moment, her front wheels catch on a crack in the ground, losing her balance and causing her to shed a few quick tears.

" ...beat? Time catches up as she pitches forward, trying to roll up in a ball only to get caught in the blast of a geyser. She's helpless to do anything as Yang smirks, fires off a single shot, and hits her screaming target in an explosion of sparks and smoke, as well as a third buzzing continues to look enraged until she blinks her eyes back to purple and realizes something.

"Weiss!. Yang then runs back into the fire section and kneels next to her ash-covered teammate .

"Weiss! Are you okay?Weiss sighs and gets up and coughs some smoke before weakly responding.

" I may not be singing for a while. Yang looks both worried and relieved until she breaks out into a joking smile.

" You know, I'm not sure that was proper form. Weiss rolls her eyes at this.

"Oh, ha ha. As Weiss suffers another coughing fit neon gets up.

"WHAT!? We lost? We lost? Yangs and Weiss' attention are drawn to her, now devoid of color, as she freaks out.

" Team FNKI lost? That was... that was... color returns to the suddenly-overjoyed redhead as her eyes turn into rainbow sparkles for a moment.

"... amazing! Oh my gosh, you guys were super crazy awesome! We should definitely party together sometime, right Flynt? Flynt nods getting back to his feet.

"That was a gutsy move, Schnee I dig it. Yang and Weiss smile at the good losers and see the rest of their team coming to the injured heiress's side. Grim chuckles and pats Weiss on the head , healing her up.

" there you go all better, oh and word to the wise team FNKI it's best that you don't insult my friends, or you'll have to deal with ME. The two members of team FNKI paled at grims words and took a step back as grim smiled.

" great to know we understand each other. While grim was talking to the other team, Blake and Ruby were congratulating Weiss and yang.

" Good job, you two! Ruby nodded in agreement and grabbed them all in a group hug.

"Yeah!The team stays like that, cradling Weiss in their arms and soaking in the cheers of the crowd. Later on that evening in a certain Beacon dorm room,Cinder is sitting on her bed looking through files on her Scroll while Therist meditates. Emerald is lying on the floor also playing with her own device, and Mercury is doing push-ups beside her. Cinder turns, with her eyes widening in surprise, followed by a smile.

"Oh master come and look at this. Therist hearing the interest in cinders voice, shadow traveled over to her to look at her scroll.

" Oh that's fantastic hmmm save this information for later we don't need her here. Emerald tilts her head, looking over with Mercury.

" What? Cinder grins as she accesses a document regarding the blueprints of "P.E.N.N.Y."

"Oh nothing. We're just going to be making a slight, hmm...alternation in the plan. Therist nodded and clapped his hands with evil glee.

" oh this is going to be so much easier. Mercury frowns as he and Emerald share a somewhat concerned look.

" What does that mean?Cinders smile gets larger, while continuing to look at the familiar image of a robotic redhead.

"It means that this will be even easier than we thought. Within the headmaster's office at twilight, professor ozpin is facing the window, his back to the elevators when the doors open and Qrow steps inside, approaching his desk with coffee mug in hand.

" You know, he's making you look like a fool. Ozpin chuckles and shakes his head.

"His heart is in the right place. He's just... misguided. Qrow frowns and shakes his head.

" Sometimes, I'm not even sure he has a heart. Qrow then takes a drink from his cup and shifts his weight before asking a question.

" So, have you chosen your guardian yet?Ozpin nods swirling his chair around to face Qrow.

" yes but Maidens choose themselves. I simply believe I've found the right candidate. Ever since the day I met her, I had the feeling she would be the one. She's strong, intelligent, caring... but most importantly, she's he lists these qualities off,Pyrrha is seen entering the elevator of the Cross Continental Transmit tower. In the headmaster's office of Professor Ozpin, who is seated behind his desk across from Pyrrha , the last rays of twilight come through the clock-decorated windows as a conversation is about to start.

"Well, it comes as no surprise that they've chosen you to move on to the final round of the Tournament. Your performance was exemplary. Pyrrha nods humbly with a smile before speaking.

"Thank you, Professor Ozpin, but I would have never made it this far without my teammates. Qrow coughs from his spot leaning against a column in the back of the room, arms crossed as he speaks.

"Personally, I think it's the other way around. Pyrrha turns around and gets up from her chair, trying to be formal.

" I'm sorry, but I don't believe we've been introduced. Qrow rolls his eyes,still rather hostile as he speaks.

"Name's Qrow. Ozpin sighs at his friends attitude and gestures to Qrow.

"Qrow is a trusted colleague of mine. Pyrrha looks at Qrow for another moment before addressing her teacher again.

"Professor, if you don't mind me asking, why have you called me here? Ozpin still smiling gestures to a Seat.

"Please, take a seat. when she does so, he puts his fingers up to his lips, leaning back casually.

"What is your favorite fairy tale? Pyrrha stares confused, and hesitates.

"I'm... sorry?Ozpin smiles and repeats what he said.

" Fairy tales, stories from your childhood. Surely you must remember some of them. Pyrrha thinks,put off by the question, but answers with nostalgia.

"Well, there's The Tale of The Two Brothers,The Shallow Sea, The Girl in the Tower... Ozpin nods leaning back forward.

"What about The Story of the Seasons? Pyrrha nods with a smile as she remembers the story.

" Well, of course! Pyrrha then looks away in remembrance, narrating the story.

"A callous old man, who refuses to leave his home, is visited by four travelling sisters. The first understands his reclusive nature and urges him to use his time in solitude to reflect and meditate. The second brings him fruits and flowers, tending to his crops and revitalizing his garden. The third warms the man's heart, convincing him to step outside and embrace the world around him. And the fourth and final sister begs him to look at all that he has, and be thankful. (a golden light emanates from the old man until it surrounds the four girls, who go on their way with the glow still around them) In return for their kindness, the man grants the maidens incredible powers, so that they may continue to help others all over the world. They graciously accept, and promise to share their gifts with the people of Remnant 'til the end of days. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall; the four maidens. My mother loves that story. Ozpin smiles warmly at this and nods.

"Would you believe me if I told you that one's been around since I was a boy?Pyrrha nods laughing.

"You're not that old, Professor. Ozpin nods and stays silent for a moment, before turning from playful to deadly serious in a millisecond.

"Well, would you believe me if I told you it was true? Pyrrha stays silent for a moment, then gives an uneasy chuckle.

" I beg your pardon? Ozpin continues seriously as he speaks.

" What if I told you that there were four maidens existing in this world, and one other bloodline, that could wield such tremendous power, without Dust? Pyrrha frowns, trying to make sense of this development.

" You mean... like a Semblance. Ozpin shakes his head,giving a small smile as he delivers his secret.

" Like Magic. Pyrrha hesitates, and looks down.

" I...Qrow nods cutting her off as he speaks.

"Yeah. First time hearing this, it's pretty turns her gaze from Qrow back to Ozpin again, amazed as she speaks.

"You're serious? Ozpin nods straight-faced as he speaks."Do I look like I'm joking? Pyrrha frowns and hesitates to speak.

" ... No. (struggles for the right words) Why... why are you telling me this? Ozpin glances at Qrow, who nods his approval, before looking into Pyrrha's eyes as he speaks.

"We are telling you this, Pyrrha Nikos, because we believe you are next in line to receive the Fall Maiden's powers. Pyrrhas eyes grow wider and wider until she realizes that ozpin meant plural.

"We"?At that moment, the elevator doors open, and she sees Nocturne, Glynda Goodwitch and General James Ironwoodstep out. Nocturne stretches, while Ironwood smiles as he straightens his tie, and Glynda fixes her glasses.

" Sorry we're late. Pyrrha stares looking overwhelmed, narrowing her eyes at Ozpin.

"Wait, what is this? Who are you? As Pyrrha asked this question, Glynda came forward with Ironwood,nocturne,and Qrow, To try and calm down Pyrrha down but before she could speak, grims voice entered the room.

" You know who they are. Though they hide things they are still the same teachers and Headmasters you met when you arrived at Beacon. Qrow chuckled at grims voice and nodded.

" he's right, but we've got a little part-time nodded and glared at where he heard grims voice.

" yes, We are the protectors of the world and as for You grim you shouldn't be down here,can't you control your son nocturne. Both nocturne and grim growled at ironwood as they stepped forward but, before they could do anything Ozpin held up a hand.

" please do not start fighting down here, now then Pyrrha we need your is shocked into silence as everyone in the room looks to her. A few minutes later, and Pyrrha, is looking nervous, in the elevator with the group of "protectors". She looks at Ozpin and Glynda as if seeing them for the first time while a steady beeping signals each floor passed.

"Where are we going?Ozpin just looked at her and responded quickly.

"The vault. Under the school. The elevator continues downward through the vertical tunnel of dark green lights until it opens its doors and their passengers step out, with Pyrrha being the last to leave as she absorbs the sight of the large, sparsely-lit hallway she is now being lead through. Glynda waits up for her behind the others.

"I'm sure you must have questions. Pyrrha nods still taking it all in.

"Maybe one, or two... I still don't understand. You said I was next in line to receive the Maiden's power. What do you mean by that? Glynda walked in front of Pyrrha and smiled as she explained.

"The Maidens have existed for thousands of years. But much like in nature, the seasons change. No two summers are alike. When a Maiden dies, her power leaves her body and seeks out a new host, ensuring that the seasons are never lost, and that no individual can hold on to that power forever. Pyrrha nodded at this as she looked at them all.

"So, how does the power choose? Qrow looked over his shoulder and chuckled as he spoke.

" Through a series of stupid and convoluted glared at man and rolled her eyes as she called his name.

"Qrow. Qrow shrugged and rolled his eyes at Glyndas reaction.

" Hey, don't get mad 'cause I'm right. Nocturne chuckled at Qrows response and patted him on the back.

" I missed your sense of humor Qrow it's good to be back with you. Glynda rolled her eyes at the two friends before turning back to Pyrrha, explaining it all carefully.

"At first, the only thing that was certain was that the powers were specifically passed on to young women. But as time went on, it was discovered that the selection process was much more... pauses and looks concerned as she hears this.

"Intimate? Glynda nods as she begins to explain the process.

" As we understand it now, when a Maiden dies, the one who is in her final thoughts is the first candidate to inherit her power. Qrow snorted at this as he added in as well.

"Unless it's a dude or some old hag. Then the power goes to someone random, and our job gets a lot eyes widen as she looks at them all.

"Why tell me all of this now? Why not wait until I've graduated? Grim sighed at this and leaned against the wall.

"You'll regret asking that you nodded and drank from his flask before speaking." Honestly, we've run out of time. I don't know if you've not noticed, but things are getting a lot scarier out in the world. Tensions are high. Grimm are growing stronger, more prevalent. And it's not going to be long before the peace we've been enjoying for so long goes out the window. Pyrrhas eyes widened in shock and she brought a hand up to her mouth as she spoke.

"You're not... talking about a war?Ironwood shook his head no and replied calmly to Pyrrhas question.

" Not a war between nations. Nocturne nodded at ironwood and took off his mask.

" another war with the Grimm is coming with the worst evil mankind has ever known at the head of frowned and held up a hand.

"We can fill you on the details once we know that you're with us. For now, all you need to know is that one of the Maidens has been attacked. And for the first time in history, part of her power was stolen.A humming of electricity is heard as the group comes to their destination at the end of the hallway: A large machine with lit screens hooked up to two rectangular pods, one of which is upright to show through the glass window a young girl dressed in minimal clothing with a burn scar over her left eye and across her gasps stepping forward hesitantly before speaking.

"Is that...Ozpin nods and sighs heavily.

"The current Fall Maiden, Amber. Pyrrha frowns holding herself.

"She's... still alive. Ironwood nods and smiles.

"For now. We're using state of the art Atlas technology to keep her stable. But there is a lot about this situation that is... unprecedented. Pyrrha tilts her head at his words looking confused.

"What do you mean? Ironwood sighs, eyes closed making Pyrrha hesitate at the situation, thinking.

"Won't... her power... just transfer to the next host? Qrow chuckles at this and tilts his head.

"Look who's been listening! (whispering to Ozpin) She is smart. Ironwood rolled his eyes at Qrow before turning back to Pyrrha.

"Under normal circumstances, yes. But this is a delicate situation. It's not uncommon for the last thoughts of the slain to be of their attacker. (glances at Amber) And to make matters worse, no one's seen the power split like this before. For all we know, it will seek out its other half. Pyrrha frowns connecting the pieces together.

" ... Her assailant. Grim nodded and growled as he rubbed his chest.

" probably the same one who took me. Ozpin nodded with a frown before turning to Pyrrha.

"And that would not bode well for any of us. Pyrrha lowers her head in thought, then suddenly comes forward and places a hand on the glass of Amber's pod. Pyrrha then turns suddenly sounding angry, as she raises her voice to the teachers and gesturing wildly.

"If all of this is true, why keep it secret!? If this girl is so important... if we're truly on the brink of war, why not tell everyone? Glynda frowned and looked down before speaking,coming forward to explain.

"From what we understand, it used to be common knowledge. Pyrrha not expecting that answer backed up in shock.

" Excuse me? Qrow chuckles, as its now his turn to elaborate as he pulls out the familiar flask.

"How do you think legends and fairy tales get started? Even the craziest ones come from somewhere. Qrow then gets the lid off and takes a swig while Glynda keeps a simple smile as she speaks.

"Our group was founded in order to protect both mankind and the Maidens. Those hungry for power hunted them with the hope of inheriting their sighs finishing his drink, before he speaks.

"And as you can imagine, the ones that succeeded weren't exactly the ones you'd want to have unimaginable power. Ironwood nodded and rubbed his hands.

"And so our brotherhood chose to remove the Maidens from the public eye, allowing their existence to fade away into legend. Glynda nods with a grim expression.

"The things we're telling you go against hundreds of years of human history and religion. Ironwood nodded and furrowed his eyebrows.

" No one would want to believe us. It would cause an uproar. Grim snorted at this and conjured some shadows into his hand.

" kinda to late for that one therist made his presence very well known when he tortured me those who know of his legend know he's real most will just assume he's some terrorist with vast power but none the less fear is growing sighed at grims words and nodded.

"Despite what has already happened, bringing this to light, It would cause panic. And we all know what that would bring to clawing at our Kingdom's walls. Which is why we would like to... Pyrrha however cuts him off as she speaks.

"I'll do it. Ozpin looks up, surprised, as she stares at the ground, before she continues speaking.

"If you believe that this will help humanity... ... then I will become your Fall Maiden That's what you wanted, isn't it? Ozpin nodded stepping towards her.

"It is, but I'm afraid it's not that simple. Given Amber's condition, you won't be able to inherit her power naturally. However, General Ironwood believes he has a solution. Ironwood nodded and smiled.

"For the past few years, Atlas has been studying Aura from a more scientific standpoint; how it works, what's it made of, how it can be used. We've made... significant strides. And we believe we've found a way to capture it. Qrow frowned with distaste and turned to Pyrrha as he spoke.

" Capture it and cram it into something else. Qrow then gestures to Pyrrha as she takes a second to realize what that means.

"Or in your case ...Pyrrha in response turned to Ironwood with a frown and began to speak.

"That's... However she was cut off as Ironwood replied quickly.

"Classified. As ironwood said this, grims fist went into his face sending ironwood sliding across the vault floor.

" enough of your classified shit, I've been hiding my thoughts on this matter since I met penny but I know what she is ironwood. All of the rooms occupants stared at grim in shock but didn't say anything as he lifted ironwood up with shadows.

" so tell me general, what is penny to you a weapon to be used, perhaps maybe just a robot meant to follow orders hmm, tell me now!

Ironwood gasped as grim choked him with his shadows and, Struggled to speak.

" she-was dying it- was the only to save her- her father begged us to- do it. Grim sneered at this and threw ironwood into the wall before speaking again.

" so that makes it right to make her into a weapon? To. Make sure she never has any real friends? To hide her from society's view. Ironwood coughed as he dragged more air into his lungs before speaking.

" people wouldn't- understand her they would fear her. Grim snorted at this and threw ironwood aside before walking to the elevator.

" I am no longer needed here. As grim left nocturne went over and helped ironwood up as Pyrrha watched.

"Grim is right that is ... wrong! Glynda nodded while glaring at Ironwood.

"The feeling is mutual. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Ironwood coughed as he steadied himself before speaking.

"- And these are indeed desperate times. We can't transfer Amber's power to you, but we can give you what those powers are bound stayed silent for a moment as she thought.

"-Her nodded and looked at her calmly.

"Her life would become intertwined with yours. The question is... Qrow then raised an eyebrow as he added in.

"What's that going to do to you? as Pyrrha fully understands the dangers she might face, Ozpin speaks.

"You have an important decision before you, Miss Nikos. There's no guarantee this transfer will work. And there's no telling if you will be the same person if it does. I advise you to take time on this matter. But understand that before theVytal Festival is over, we will need your doesn't respond, instead placing her hand on the glass separating the maiden from her potential replacement, seeing her scared expression reflected on the scarred face of the dying girl, before turning away from this expected destiny as Ozpin gives one final warning.

"The assailant that attacked the Fall Maiden has made their first move. And there's no telling when their next move will doesn't respond, instead placing her hand on the glass separating the maiden from her potential replacement, seeing her scared expression reflected on the scarred face of the dying girl, before turning away from this expected destiny as Ozpin gives one final warning.

"The assailant that attacked the Fall Maiden has made their first move. And there's no telling when their next move will be. half an hour later, and a smirking Cinder and therist are seen as they both sit in one of the Amity Colosseum's seats along with the rest of the cheering crowd, their screams being drowned out by the announcements soon to come as ozpin and the others resurfaced from the elevator.

" greetings again everyone now then let the selections for the next match commence! the wheel then began to spin randomly until it slowed and almost stopped on mecury and yang until, shadows wrapped around the pictures and changed them as ironwood spoke up.

" And it looks like our two fighters will be Cinder, and Grim Reaper. grim grinned from his seat at cinder and phazed into the feild as cinder turned to therist.

" master hes changed our plan what do we do. therist rubbed his chin as he looked down at the smirking grim.

" fight him, if you have to go all out in the fight then do so and our attack shall start afterwords. cinder bowed to therist and jumped down from the stands and into the arena.

" you have no idea what your getting into reaper. grim arched an eye brow at cinders words and popped an aura pill into his mouth.

" oh hmm hm hm, on the contrary fire bird, i know exactly what i am getting into. after grim said this, his aura exploded around him, glowing white as he used his shadows to call his scythe to his hands. not wanting to seem scared, cinder reached into her dress and pulled out two swords.

"very well then you have sealed your fate. cinder then dashed at grim only for grim to fade into the shadows as she ran at him.

" if you want to fight me you have to catch me first that is of course if you can attack me before i attack you. cinder scowled at grims words and spinned her swords around as she watched the shadows. Therist meanwhile smirked in the stands as he knew exactly where grim was.

" clever saying your going to hide in the shadows when your really not. as therist said this, grim came out from a pond in the coliseum and snuck towards cinder until he was right behind her.

" Don't you know not to listen to the enemy? grim then slashed cinder, knocking her to the ground and causing her to bounce as she was knocked away. grim then grinned as cinder pulled her self up and straightned her hair.

" Not so nice not being able to fight back is it, but don't worry I won't torture you i'll make this quick. cinder sneered in response to grims words as her clothes lit up with dust.

" I will be the one who ends this quickly burn! cinder then activated fire glyphs under grims feet and caused a pillar of fire to erupt. grim however stood still and took it, without cringing, causing the crowd to gasp in horror. however the crowd had nothing to worry about, as when the fire rose, it slowly turned black as grim emerged from the fire surronded by his white glowing aura and shadow fire.

" w-what how did you-? grims face couldn't be seen from both his shadow armor and his mask, but a smirk was on his face as he trudged forward. cinder in response growled and launched more fire balls at grim who, only faded in and out from the shadows causing the fire balls to miss. after a few seconds, grim was right in front of cinder and raised a hand to point in her face.

" whats the matter heh you look like you've seen the reaper, oh but you're going to have a bad time don'tcha know? cinders face filled with shock and she took a step back but was unprepared, as shadows blasted into her body sending her into the wall of the coliseum. grim grinned as he then raised his hand up and caused his shadows into the ceiling before, bringing his hand down and slamming her into the floor.

" come now i expected more fight out of you. cinder glared at grim as he said this and flipped her hair back over her head as she became angry.

" You want more then fine i'll give you more i'll give you all of it. cinder then spread her arms and shouted as fire erupted out of her clothes burning the shadows away from her. now that she was free, cinder tapped into her power over shadows that therist had helped transfer to her, and faded into the black. grim looked down and smirked underneath his mask, and then span around to block cinders attack as her two swords met grims scythe.

" you realise by that using both of those powers you've exposed yourself. cinder smirked at grims words and nodded before speaking.

" oh yes i know but i have a back up plan,. After cinder said this shadows erupted between them and therist stepped out with his full glory. Grim quickly backed away from the grinning Therist, while nocturne narrowed his eyes and disappeared into the shadows with Raven and appearing before Qrow before disappearing again with him as therist spoke.

" greetings citizens of vale I imagine most of you must be wondering who I am, well I wouldn't expect you to know since your leaders, and head masters have hidden much information from you like the encroaching threat of war and not only that but my existence as well, I am Therist Reaper Or as my title goes the Reaper for those of you that don't know I was the one who started the first Grimm war a pleasure to be back by the way.. The crowd gasped at this, and penny jumped up before firing her laser at Therist, who merely raised his hand and swatted the beam away destroying the barrier the coliseum created. Therist grinned at this result, before stretching out his shadows,grabbing penny by the head and bringing her to him.

" ah and here we have a prime example of what is wrong with your kingdoms, this is Ironwoods secret weapon, this is an android created to be a super weapon, perhaps ironwood brought her to show off the strength of Atlas or to perhaps bring Ozpin under his control, none the less, Atlas and Vales government and schools have shown they can not be trusted, both and all governments are covering up the rise of grimm numbers, and Atlas has shown it has no respect for the other kingdoms by bringing their armies where ever they want, now I shall show you all why Atlas has no power. Therist then wrapped shadows around penny's arms and legs and pulled, until they came off causing penny to cry out in pain. As this happened multiple things happened at once, Ozpin tried to cut the feed from the commentators booth but to no avail, all the citizens of the kingdoms now doubted their governments, an army of Grimm amassed and charged towards vale, shadow portals opened, and airships flew over vale, as scar was seen at the helm unleashing his new Grimm and Grimm forces into the city, and Grim tried to attack Therist only to be blocked by cinder as therist spoke once again.

" now your kingdoms shall fall apart one by one if any of you humans or Faunus want to join me turn to the shadow and call the name of THERIST THE REAPER oh and one more thing, Order HK 66 activate. after therist said these words, the visors of the robot guards turned from blue to orange as cinders virus activated, causing the robots to attack people in the stadium. grims eyes widened in shock and, he gasped as he saw this happen.

" you monster, why target those who can't fight back!? cinder laughed at grims words as she pushed harder against his scythe.

" Because its fun you'll see that for your self soon enough. Therist laughed at cinders words and disappeared into the shadows while grims eyes narrowed as he watched the hunters and huntresses began to fight the robots in the backround, he then tripped cinder and pushed her away from himself, before he first wrapped penny in shadows.

" God look at you penny, What has he done to you d-don't worry I'll-I'll fix you. Grim then transported her away to some where safe, before wrapping the watching crowd in shadows and transported them Into beacon. this process however, took some time and alot of grims aura causing his shadow armor to disapate leaving him open for attack, and this is exactly what cinder did as she ran forward, preparing to stab the weakened grim. however to the surprise of the two of them, was the fact that the attack was blocked. Ruby stood in the way of cinder, her scythe blocking cinders attack.

" you- will never take him away from me again! Ruby then flipped her scythe and slashed her bayonett across cinders face, leaving a cut as cinders defenses went down for a moment. cinders eyes narrowed as she wiped the blood off of her cheek, she then charged up her aura, causing an evil orange glow to cover her body.

" your going to burn for that you stupid little girl! ruby smirked at cinders words and tilted her head at the fire user.

" how can you burn what you can't catch. grim chuckled at rubys words and grabbed his scythe before disapearing into the shadows.

" i'll leave this one to you dear i should check on the others. rubys nodded as grim swallowed an aura pill before he left, and put her hood up as she glared at cinder causing her eyes to glow. meanwhile, mercury and emerald were hardly being stationary, as they ran towards where roman was being held knowing that neo was taking care of the guards .

" man i can't believe how easy this was what chumps. emerald rolled her eyes at mercurys statement as they entered the building.

" look i know this was easy but don't get cocky who knows what they have here defending him. mercury scoffed at this and chuckled as they entered the cell room to find neo standing over the knocked out guards with a smirk.

" well lookie here no one is guarding our little prison rat their all nocked out neo did her job,see i told you this was easy. laughter followed mercurys sentence making him, neo, and emerald to freeze up, as nocturne came out of the shadows.

" now i wouldn't say that. emerald and mercury paled at the sight of nocturne and stepped back as neo stepped forward to protect them causing roman to laugh.

" hey you shut those two stupid brats up pretty quick i like you. nocturne opened his mouth to speak but as he did, the door creaked open and therist stepped into the room.

" now Mr. torchwick don't encourage nocturnes spunky attitude, he will never surrender if he thinks we fear or like him, now then children be good and free roman while nocturne and i have a nice little chat. nocturnes eyes narrowed at therists words, but none the less he let the three free torchwick and leave with him, as he drew his sword.

" your a fool to use so much just to free one man. therist laughed at nocturnes words and shook his head before speaking.

" you really think all of this was to free one man? are you stupid! this was to show that i have returned with full power to all of the kingdoms you fool, to make them doubt their governments, and I succeeded their fear has attracted my army. nocturne smirked at this, and took off his cloak and threw it to the side as he circled therist.

" oh yes im sure that this will work out for you,not like you were crying about daddy issues or anything earlier. therist stood still for a moment, not saying or doing anything, until he sudenly tackled nocturne out of the towers window. as the two free fell, they span each other around,both wanting the other to take the brunt of the damage. as they were about to hit the ground, nocturne pulled back, and grew shadow wings, so that he could catch him self and push therist into the ground at full force. therist however didn't stay down long, as he to flew into the air.

" you little bastard im going to kill you slowly. nocturne smirked at therist and stuck his tongue out at therist before flying away. therist stared after nocturne for a second in anger, before realizing what just happened and screaming in rage.

" Argh come back here you coward! therist then flew after nocturne and into the forest hoping to catch him. after a few minutes, nocturne landed in a clearing and waited for therist. when therist landed he looked around in curiosity.

" why did you bring me here ? nocturne tilted his head and grinned as a red portal opened behind him, as three people stepped out.

" a little bit of good old revenge of course my friends have a bone to pick with you. therist narrowed his eyes at the remainder of Qrows team and drew his sword.

" very well then i will finish what i started. while the fight with therist was about to begin, the fight at the coliseum continued, the teams of the schools combined did a good job of fighting the robots and destroying them. ironwood however was panicking while fighting.

" who could of done this who hacked my soldiers and how did Therist know about penny. Glynda sighed at ironwood and destroyed a group of the robots with her glyphs and then using their remains of shrapnel to destroy others.

" I believe that woman fighting ruby is the cause of all this other then Therist himself. ozpin nodded as he sipped his drink and knocked whatever came at him away with his cane.

" yes i do believe ruby has it under control unlike the army that you brought here James. winter scowled as she summoned beowolves to serve her and looked around for Qrow.

" where'd the bird fly off to? Ozpin chuckled at winters words and shrugged.

" i do beleive he said something about avenging his sister so he probably went to find therist.

winter groaned at this and rubbed her temples.

" ugh that stupid drunk is going to get him self killed. ozpin chuckled at this and shook his head as he looked outside the coliseum.

" I think he will be fine we should worry about ourselves right now. Inside of beacon, grim dropped out of the shadows to land inside of his room to see penny on his bed, with ranma at her side whining.

" don't worry youngling I can fix her. Grim then set about getting together her arms and legs and re-wiring them as he put them back onto her body. After this was done, grim carefully used his shadows to straighten her body, and to add some energy to penny's soul, before turning her back on. As penny opened her eyes, grim sighed in relief and hugged her.

" oh thank god your alright penny I thought that he may have killed you, you scared me. Penny smiled at grims concern and hugged him back before looking around.

" thank you for saving me grim where are we? Grim smiled as he sat back and petted ranma.

" we're in my room in beacon,I just had to get you out of there. Penny nodded and looked around the room before looking outside.

" Grimm are coming I can sense them we should go-. As Penny stood up however, grim blocked her path.

" no you don't if Therist sees your still operational he'll destroy you for good you are staying here until the fight is done. Penny pouted at this punishment but nodded and sat down on grims bed as he started to shadow travel.

" be good and keep ranma company he eats my pillows when he's worried. Grim then appeared outside of the coliseum where, things seemed to be normal but grim knew better, he could feel the grimm coming they were attracted to the feelings of hatred and betrayl.

" hmm seems like I'm dealing with this by my self quite a challenge. grim stumbled for a moment but stopped as a pair of arms wrapped around him. when grim looked up, he was surprised to see Adam there, with the remainder of the white fang behind him.

" A-adam? what are you doing here the peace treaty hasn't even been signed yet?adam chuckled at grim and nodded as he helped grim stand.

" true but my friend was in danger, so I felt now was appropriate for myself and the others to come to your aid. grim smiled at Adams words but grimaced as he looked out over the walls of the kingdom.

" hell is coming onto our doorstep Adam. Adam nodded and grimaced along with grim.

" i know my friend what do you suggest we do? grim rubbed his chin thinking for a moment before coming up with an idea.

" bring me a paladin and set your troops up on the roof and at the wall closest to where a goliath could breach the wall. adam nodded at grims words and jumped away to get his orders done. grim sighed and preared him self to use his powers once again as a paladin was brought to him.

" alright lets get busy then. grim then stretched out his hand and began to build and changed the paladin into something else, something that looked like a mech of grim only with a RwBY themed blade on the arm with a cannon attached to it.

" and its done, adam come in. It a few minutes, but adam soon answered grim.

" whats wrong grim? grim chuckled as he entered his new creation and sighed as he looked into the forest over the wall.

" the grimm are approaching fast, I'm going out there now, there's only one chance to stop them from entering the city launch the attack now. Adam agreed but hesitated to shut off his scroll making grim curious.

" what is it Adam? Adam sighed and said what he was thinking quickly.

" what did you need the paladin for. grim chuckled as a goliaths call could be heard and began walking towards the wall.

" isnt it obvious im going to hold back a goliath now then charge! grim then broke into a full on sprint towards the wall and jumped over it. as grim landed on the other side he quickly noticted that the hundreds of on rushing grimm getting ambushed as te white fang shot at them from the trees.

" well that seems to be working out fine mhp now wheres the goliat- oh crap baskests. as grim turned to the south he noticted an above average goliath that was white with a red mask on its body.

" well didn't see that coming but this is my duty, For The Kingdoms! after shouting his battle cry grim ran straight for the goliath, who in turn after noticing him, the goliath ran towards grim. grim however didnt slow down instead, he merely put his arm with the blade down in front of himself and ran faster. grim neared the goliath and connected with its tusks however, since the goliath was bigger then him it pushed grim back. grims paladins feet dragged into the ground from the impact and he groaned as his body felt it as well.

" mother fucker grrr fine then take this. grim then forward again and swung his arm with the blade on it towards the golaith. the golaith however dodged his swing at the last moment and caught the blade in its tusks and twisted, ripping the mechs arm right off. grim roared in pain as the system hooked to his nerves activated, sending the pain into his body.

" Fuuuuuck! damn it you son of a bitch ill kill you fuuck! grim then grabbed a nearby tree and smashed it into the goliaths face knocking it away from grim as he created a shadow arm. as grims shadow arm grew, he picked up his fallen arm and used it as a weapon as he fired the cannon at the goliath. the goliaths mask weakened with every shot that connected and as the mask got weaker, the goliath charged at grim in rage but as it did this grim flipped his old arm and rammned it into the goliaths mask killing it. grim sighed after this, and collapsed out of the mech and layed down in mild exhaustion.

" damn that took alot of me i wonder whats going on. after grim said this a loud screech could be heard and grim looked up to see a man riding a nevermore and stabbing it causing it to crash into coliseum.

grim groaned at the, crashed bird and slowly got up.

" great annoying fucking atrail and his super entrances better go stop that dumbass from destroying anything. as grim went to walk forward, several more goliaths could be heard making grim groan.

" oh fuck one was bad enough now theres seven. grim wrapped himself in shadows and stood up to the goliaths but as he did, adam and a few other white fang, members joined him with paladin mechs.

" dont worry we are here for you. grim smiled and joined the others as they charged toward the goliaths. meanwhile, atrail had jumped off of the dead nevermore and chuckled as he looked around.

"man that was easy hmm now wheres yang at? as atrail looked for Yang , he noticed that hunters and huntress were fighting robots everywhere.

"Damn looks like I missed the start of the party I'm such a busy bee. As Atrail said this, a swirling white portal was opened behind him and a woman cloaked in white with a mask stepped through.

"Atrail what have I said about making puns. Atrail flinched at the sound of her voice and chuckled.

" to never do them in your presence or I would be punished with chores. The woman nodded and sighed as she looked around.

" never mind,understand for now we don't have time for your nonsense go save yang while I go help some one. The woman then jumped into the arena to help Ruby as Atrail shuddered.

" jeez that rose has thorns. Now that his boss was gone, atrail turned around and scanned the coliseum until he found team RwBY.

"Whelp better make an entrance to look cool. Atrail then pulled out his axe, and threw it forward to impale one of the robots shooting at team RWBY before, atrail ran forward after his weapon. The robot solders didn't expect atrails arrival and thus, turned on him when he attacked leaving Team RWBY safe but, having atrail be the center of their Point of attack. Atrail however didn't dodge or slow down as he swung his death-stalker tail forward to block the dust rounds. Seeing that the robots were distracted yang, Blake, and Weiss all ran forward and attacked the droids from behind destroying three each before atrail arrived and grabbed his axe again.

" I must say grim has trained you all well you girls are pretty strong. As atrail spoke, he absent mindlessly swatted some of the droids away with his tail as they tried to charge at him. Yang chuckled at atrails response and raised an eyebrow at him.

" well Grim never said you'd be so much fun and as an added bonus you've got a pretty strong sting. Weiss and Blake groaned at yang spun but, atrail only grinned in response.

" why thank you,I have also been told I have a very nice bite as well. Both Weiss and Blake sweat dropped at the pun that atrail made in return, while yang laughed and grinned.

" we are going to get along just fine I can already see that, hope your sticking around for the fun. As atrail opened his mouth to speak, Weiss interrupted him with a shout.

" Hey will you idiots shut up with the puns we're under attack here! And where's ruby I haven't seen her since the fighting began. Atrail sighed at this and shook his head as he balanced his axe on his shoulder.

" you really are an ice queen still I suppose your better then your sister, and much better then your father,as for your energetic red cloaked leader she's in the arena with my boss fighting that psycho yandere bitch who's obsessed with grim. Weiss's eye brows twitched as she glared at atrail, before she growled under breathe.

" I don't know wether to thank you or hit you for what you said but we have better things to do don't we? Atrail nodded and hummed in thought as he looked around before looking outside.

" such a shame that your sister brought them back up isn't it, but no matter these defective tin cans will be recycled soon enough, what we should be worrying about is the hole in the wall the grim are about to make. The rest of team RWBY nodded but Blake hesitated as she looked around the coliseum.

" what about our friends their still fighting. Weiss eyes opened in shock and she too looked around in worry until she saw Neptune and sun fighting together making her sigh in relief, which made atrail chuckle.

" Don't worry I'm sure they'll be fine after all if they know you then their used to fighting, a couple of tin cans won't take them down. The team nodded as one at this point and accepted atrails reasoning as they raced outside. However as the battles took place inside and out, the one between ruby and cinder was about to end. Though the two opponents may have differed vastly in skill at the dance, grims training had now however made them equal, and as such the fight was much more of a stalemate by the time the woman in white arrived. Before the woman arrived both cinder and ruby exchanged blows and shots at each other, but Rubys new speed allowed her to react much better to cinders attacks and allowed her to block cinders slashes or dodge her fire attacks. Cinder growled as she got annoyed and began to speak to Ruby.

" how did you get so much better in just a month. Ruby smirked at cinder and stayed silent as she zoomed forward. Cinder not expecting this, raised her swords to block but was to slow as rubys scythe connected with her chest sending her careening into the arenas environment chooser. After this happened the machine glowed orange and chose a fire environment as the ground turned volcanic. Cinder grinned as she was now in her element and covered herself in flames as she grinned at Ruby.

" now what shall you do little girl your outmatched here. Ruby scoffed at this as she ejected her current dust mag and pulled out a modified dust mag and put it into crescent rose.

" please I may be weaker then you but I am just as skilled as you are. Cinder smirked at this and threw a fire ball at Ruby. Ruby smirked and fired at the fireball, causing it to freeze from the ice dust rounds as it shattered in front of Ruby. Cinder glared at Rubys expression and used her fire to fly into the air towards Ruby.

Ruby grinned at this and fired rapidly at cinder, starting to cause her fire armor to flicker as it struggled to stay together. As cinder reached Ruby, Ruby dodged to the side, and spun to slash at cinder. Cinder however wasn't slow at all as she to turned and attacked Ruby with her swords. Cinders fire flared up as she and Ruby stood in a stalemate and her orange eyes glowed as she stared into Rubys ready to kill her if given the chance. Ruby however had no intentions of losing as she lowered her scythe to the ground and fired freezing cinders feet to the ground as Ruby jumped away. Ruby then emptied her clip into cinder actually managing to freeze her, However she didn't stay that way long as the hot environment allowed her to break the ice, this however caused a piece of ice to hit the environment button again, and changed the environment to a rainy one. As cinder stared at Ruby with hate steam pooled off of her, right around when the woman in white arrived,Ruby and cinder both we're surprised, cinder however caught on much more then ruby did.

" you! You should be dead! Why are you here. The woman in white opened her mouth under her mask to speak, but ruby interrupted her as she stepped forward.

" who are you and why are you here, this fight is mine she hurt the one I love and she has to pay. The woman in white chuckled at rubys words and turned to her for a second to speak.

" ruby, she has threatened some one I care for as well so why don't we fight her together? Ruby hesitated for a moment but nodded as the woman in white brought out a black scythe as she spoke.

" alright let's fight her together then miss. Cinder gasped at this and glared at the woman in white before backing into the shadows and fading away but not before sending a message to therist.

" the rose has bloomed again. The woman in white growled at the retreating cinder and sighed as she put her scythe away before turning to ruby.

" are you alright Ruby? Ruby nodded and put her scythe away as she sighed.

" yeah I'm fine just mad she got away. The woman in white chuckled at rubys words, and put her own scythe away.

" you can't catch them all Ruby trust me I know stay safe. As the woman turned to leave Ruby called out to her.

" wait who are you how do you know me? The woman in white tilted her head towards Ruby and hesitated to speak.

" _ some one who loves you. The woman in white then disappeared into a portal, leaving a confused and conflicted Ruby alone, at least until she heard the sounds of battle going on.

" Girls! Grim! Hold on I'm coming. Ruby then bolted away to help the others as the battle raged on. Meanwhile, the fight between therist and Qrows team continued, though it was four on one, therists sword skills, and his own power of shadows allowed him to block or dodge some attacks. Though since it was four against one, therist was having a hard time trying to beat even one of them. However this soon all changed as therist got the message from cinder just as a white portal opened up behind him as, a black scythe went into his shoulder.

" agh motherfucker who dares hurt me- you - your dead. The woman in white sneered at therist under her mask and scoffed.

" do I look dead to you old man. Therist growled as he ripped the scythe out of his shoulder and backed away from the group.

" you bitch your going to pay for that your all going to die. Though the members of Qrows team along with nocturne, recognized the woman's voice, they couldn't speak out about it, as therist unleashed his shadow tentacles to try and over whelp them. Nocturne growled at the Tentacles that attacked his friends and used his own shadow powers to hold them back.

" attack him now I'll hold his shadow powers back. Therist growled at nocturnes words and raised his sword up in defense.

" very well then come at me then if you wish to die. Those words set the fight off once again, as Four of them jumped at the opportunity to attack therist, however he was ready as he first tripped, taiyang and kicked him away. He then blocked all of the attacks of the woman,Raven, and qrow before pushing them back. Qrow grunted as he slid back and caught himself with his scythe before turning to Raven.

" I think we need to do a combo attack sis. Raven nodded at qrow before helping taiyang up.

" I'm ready if you are qrow, what about you tai ready to work together again. Taiyang chuckled and wiped the blood off his face as he nodded.

" only if you promise to stick around this time. Raven chuckled at taiyang a response and nodded as she Opened up four portals.

" I'll think about it if you don't make any puns now come on Crimson wave. Raven and taiyang then jumped into their portals and appeared on opposite sides of therist. Taiyang uppercut end therist, while at the same time, Raven drove her sword into therists back, causing him to roar in pain as they retreated. However the combo attack wasn't done as qrow and the woman in white both followed up with catching therist in the chest with their scythes as they came from their portals. Therist growled as his blood pooled at his feet and drew back his shadows into himself, before unleashing them knocking all of them to the ground, as therist stood up and picked up his sword.

" none of you are a threat to me but you nocturne you are the guardian you are their hope if I kill you I kill their spirit so now would you kindly die! Therist then darted forward through the shadows ready to impale nocturne, when something zoomed in front of him and stopped his attack.

" your not killing anymore people today you monster you have lost. The woman in white stood in therists way making him laugh.

" lost you think I have lost no-no you have lost! Therist then shot shadow lightning out of his finger tips and electrocuted the woman in white sending her to the ground, and knocking her unconscious. Therist huffed after his spending of energy and sighed as he healed his wounds.

" hmm I have used to much energy here but my message has been made and my solider retrieved my mission for today is done, farewell nocturne the next time we meet in battle you will die for now though a parting then whistled shrilly, causing the five of them to wince in pain from the sound. Meanwhile the nearby mountain shook, as something woke up inside of it, which caused it to shatter as a massive avian Grimm broke out of the inside causing sparks of lightning to fill the sky as it sprouted it gigantic wings into the air and screeched. Therist grinned at the sight of the bird and turned to the five remaining warriors before bowing to all five of the, as the bird landed in front of them.

" Say hello to the thunder bird she's beautiful isn't she I remember when I hatched her my perfect pet, now then I shall bid you all good day. Therist then jumped onto the thunder bird and squeezed one of the spines on its forehead causing it to take off into the air. As the thunderbird flew, Therist gave it commands in growls, causing it to shoot lighting into random places, or create other Grimm in others. At one point, before the thunderbird disappeared into the horizon, it shot a bolt of lightning into all five of the Warriors knocking them out as Therist, and the thunderbird faded into the horizon. Meanwhile, the fight continued inside now as the Grimm and new Grimm had managed to breach the wall , however this did not mean that they didn't have to deal with any hunters or huntresses. Most of the teams from the tournament, we're now either finishing off what droids were left, or were helping fight the Grimm and new Grimm . Team Jnpr was one such team, Jaune giving even more direct orders this time as they charged into battle.

" pyrrha stay back to back with me if we get surrounded, do whatever you have to, Ren you Try and help save any straggling civilians and try and cripple the bigger grimms, and Nora you smash. Nora shrieked in approval of jaunes orders and quickly ran towards the biggest grim she could fin while laughing madly. Jaune sweat dropped at this before shaking it off and gesturing to Pyrrha.

" let's do this. Jaune then ran forward with Pyrrha at his side as a group of Grimm charged at them. Pyrrha was the one to gain first blood, as she speared a Beowolf in the throat before, swatting it to the side and slashing an ursa in half. Jaune was next to attack as Pyrrha put her shield above herself, he jumped off of her and stabbed a king taijitu in between its eyes in its white head. As the head fell, Jaune used the momentum to rip out his sword, flip and slice the other head in half. Pyrrha then once again attacked as she dashed forward and swatted a creep away from Jaune as it tried to bite him Pyrrha then threw her spear forward and impaled three beowolfs that were charging at her before using her semblence to pull her spear back to her. Meanwhile, Nora had some how found herself riding a nevermore and was using it to take out other Grimm as she fired her grenade launcher from her mount.

" boom, boom, whoohooo! I love explosions. Ren looked up from the ground and sighed as he shot at Any Grimm that tried to sneak behind Pyrrha and Jaune.

" Nora focus no messing around. Nora giggled at this and nodded as she smashed the nevermores head sending it crashing down into a horde of Grimm. In the distance atrail whistled In appreciation and clapped as he cut through an ursa.

" I like that girls style. Nora Shouted out a thank you in response before following ren and helping him kill any Grimm that charged at them while the fight continued. Atrail meanwhile ducked as a Beowolf tried to behead him, and allowed yang to punch it, sending it flying back over the wall.

" thanks for the save yang. Yang smiled at him and nodded as the fight continued. Weiss meanwhile stood back a bit and concentrated hard, until. The knight was summoned before her.

" I did it I summoned something. Yes! Weiss then turned to the knight as it raised its sword and pointed at the charging Grimm.

"kill them all. The knight pounded a fist to its chest before,Swinging its sword around in a circle and charging. Blake , meanwhile was right along side the others, hacking and slashing through any Grimm that neared her, when suddenly sun was at her side.

" sun what are you doing here shouldn't you be helping Neptune and your team? Sun shrugged at this as he smacked aside some charging beowolves before speaking.

" Neptunes trying to get oil out of his clothes hehe so the others said I should come help you. Blake smiled at this and nodded before looking around.

" seems we're winning this battle. Sun nodded as he and Blake took down an Ursa Major and opened his mouth to speak only to be interrupted as a nevermore tried to grab both of them but before it could, Ruby ran by and slashed its head off, causing its body to roll and crush other Grimm.

" hey am I late for the fun?

Back with grim the situation seemed to be becoming under control as a large tide of Grimm had been cut down, causing a large stream of dust to fill the air as the battle outside the wall seemed to calm down.

" damn I'm tired Adam. Adam chuckled from inside his paladin and nodded as picked grim up.

" you have had enough for one day you need rest. Grim chuckled as he looked out over the battle field and sighed at some of the strewn bodies lying in the grass.

" I wish we could have saved more of them. Adam stayed silent for a moment as he carried grim and sighed.

" this is war now grim therist made that clear when he betrayed me, people are bond to die you can't save everyone. Grim sighed at this and nodded as was set down.

" I suppose without you more people would of died so thank you Adam what are you going to do now? Adam sighed as he shutdown his paladin and stepped out of it.

" I am going to one of the vaults the white fang have, ask Blake if you want to come visit she knows the vault I speak of. Grim nodded and began to walk away as he spoke.

" stay safe Adam may the light be with you. Grim then walked towards ozpins tower as Adam left. A few hours later, and everyone was healed and gathered inside of beacon as Ozpin was about to make a speech.

" Today our strength was tested today we were attacked both by Grimm and machine and yet all of our schools, combined held the power to push back our foes and to cause them to retreat, though it wasn't with out aid or a cost, though some have died this day they will be remembered and justice will be brought by the end of this- now then, I know no one wants to hear this but we are in fact at war now and it is only together that we will make it through this, that is why I am proud to announce that two guardians have been elected to help us through our times of crisis, Grim reaper and Pyrrha nikos. Grim was ready for his name to be called but, he was caught off guard as Pyrrha stepped forward and opened her eyes showing that now, one was orange and one was green. This however didn't stop grim from staying silent as the claps of the students and staff filled the room. Sometime later after the speech grim was In front of Ozpin and the others being debriefed.

" so Adam and I fought off the Grimm with the white fang and we won why was I needed to be debriefed? Nocturne sighed at this and took the flask that Qrow offered him as he drank, while Raven stepped forward and took off her mask before speaking.

" a woman that sounded like summer rose showed up and helped not only Ruby with cinder but us with therist as well, however all of us were knocked unconscious by an attack that therists Thunder bird threw at us when we woke up she was gone. Grims eyes widened at this and he turned to look at his father with sympathy before leaning back against the wall and sighing.

" I'm sorry but I never saw the woman but i did see Therist and that bird if I was at full strength I would have taken it down, but that aside,why not ask atrail she is his boss. Ozpin sighed and rubbed his temples as he looked outside.

" it appears he disappeared just as fast as the woman did after the battle but, according to most of team RWBY he helped them fight and as I'm told flirted with yang a lot. Grim rolled his eyes after hearing that and shook his head.

" atrail and this woman aside what the FUCK happened out there. Ozpin looked at grim in shock and held up a hand.

" stay calm grim I'm sure there's an explanation. Grim snorted at this and turned to ironwood who was frowning.

" so general still think your mighty army scares our enemies. Ironwood opened his mouth to speak but then shut it as Qrow started laughing.

" ha he got you there jimmy so much for the might of atlas. Ironwood glared at Qrow as winter slapped him this made ironwood smile for a moment, before he sighed as he put a hand to his face.

" I had no idea this would happen. I'm- sorry I truly am. Grim sighed at this and frowned as he took his mask off.

" we all make mistakes general, what about penny is she alright? Ironwood nodded and took a drink from Qrows flask as well.

" she's undergoing a diagnosis right now, we will find out soon. Grim nodded at this before turning to Ozpin.

" We need to alert the other kingdoms right now. Ozpin nodded at this and turned to Glynda who showed her scroll as she spoke.

" the kingdoms are all on high alert now, and all those who came here for the tournament will be heading back to their kingdoms tomorrow. Grim nodded at this before suddenly remembering something.

" who did the process to Pyrrha I thought we were going to investigate its effects more first? Ozpin sighed as he rubbed his temples and sipped his coffee.

" we were until therist attacked now that we know cinder fall has half of ambers power we had to transfer the rest of ambers aura into Pyrrhas it seems to have worked out. Grim sighed as he pulled the flask over to himself and drank from it making Qrow frown.

" hey I'm all up for sharing my drink but save some for me. Winter slapped him for saying that and glared.

" you need to lay off of it as it is you drunk. Qrow snorted at this and rolled his eyes.

" I seemed to fight you pretty well drunk. Winter scowled as Qrow said this and crossed her arms as grim spoke again.

" so what's the plan now then straight forward attack or sit and wait. Ozpin sighed and walked over to grim before speaking.

" this attack was unsettling we were unready for it and yet, we did better then therist expected meaning he has changed his plans, the fact that he freed the thunderbird, means he can travel easier now, and without fear, it seems for now we should sit and prepare. Grim nodded and tossed Qrow his flask before walking towards the elevator.

" well now that this was all talked about I'm going to go check on my friends goodnight to you all. Glynda watched grim leave with worry in her eyes before turning to Ozpin.

" why'd you not tell him that ambers body was stolen soon after we did the transfer. Ozpin Sipped his coffee and turned around before speaking.

" he's been through enough for one week let him have some rest, all the things he's been through could drive a normal man insane. A few minutes later, and grim found himself in the cafeteria surrounded by the different teams all asking him questions.

" alright everyone settle down, before you all ask me questions I got some first with team RWBY what happened with you. Ruby smiled at grim and nodded as she spoke first.

" well after the woman in white and I chased away cinder, I went to help the rest of the team and found them outside with atrail fighting Grimm so naturally I joined in and we kicked butt. Grim shrugged at this and smiled at the team.

" good enough for me, yang did atrail say anything important to you? Yang shook her head and grinned before shrugging.

" well no other then that I should be ready for our date tomorrow. Grim rolled his eyes at this and sighed.

" of course he did typical Atrail always clamoring for the attention he never got as a child well then, what about you sun what happened to your team. Sun shrugged at this and turned to look at a frowning Neptune.

" not much other then the crybaby getting oil in his hair we pretty much fought the same baddies as everyone else. Grim nodded at this and sighed as he rubbed his temples.

" alright I'll take questions now. Meanwhile. Therist sat back in his throne, polishing his sword.

" to think that humanity could produce such capable fighters hahahahaha I haven't had this much fun in a long time, and Grim what a delight he is, when he is by my side nothing shall stop me, I may have had set backs today but I will return, Cinder! Hearing her masters call, Cinder teleported to Therists throne room and bowed to him.

" how may I serve you my lord? Therist grinned at cinder and set his sword down before rubbing her head.

" you have served me well this day my princess, is our spy in place for our first invasion? Cinder nodded as she stood up and showed the projection of the insides of an airship as it flew towards Atlas.

" yes my lord neither the general nor herself know that she is infected. Cinder then proved her point by shifting the image to reveal penny sitting next to ironwood as he spoke.

" don't worry penny your destiny will come soon. Penny nodded at ironwood and her eyes flashed a fiery orange before turning back to green as she grinned at ironwood.

" oh I can't wait to be of use I'm excited. Therist grinned at these images and tapped his hands together in joy.

" good very good have her plant the virus in Atlas and have Order HK66 on standby. Cinder bowed at Therists words and nodded before leaving Therist alone in the throne room. As therist sat alone, his brother shimmered into existence before him.

" I spared that day for a reason I imprisoned you so that you would have a new life when a thousand years passed a better one. Therist chuckled at his brothers words and glared at him from his throne.

" a better life? How would I have had a better life what am I to the humans but a monster. Ying-yang glared at Therist and raised his voice as he spoke.

" and who's fault was it that you were seen as a monster mine, fathers, mother? We all loved you damn it we were your family I was creating peace. Therist laughed at ying-yangs words and shook his head as he spat out his next words in anger.

"Peace?! Peace is a lie in this world it's kill or be killed your the only one who hasn't seen that yet. Ying-yang laughed at this making Therist growl as he spoke.

" am I really? Grim has spared every adversary other then any Grimm he has faced he believes in second chances. Therist laughed loudly after ying-yang said these words and coughed.

" you think he will spare me after all the pain I've caused after all the death I have brought really? Your an Idiot if you think so. Ying-yang snorted at this and crossed his arms as he began to fade away.

" we shall see brother farewell once again. Therist growled as his brother disappeared and sat back down into his throne to think about what has just occurred.

" grim is my opposite he is what I could have been one of is bound to destroy the other that ca- no it will end that way-from dust we were born to dust we return.

So little authors note at the end here order HK66 stands for hunter killer protocol and yes it is based on order sixty six from Star Wars, still HK66 has a ring to it doesn't it.