Tipping Point.

It is a cloudy day, and the team is following a mossy stone tile path through the wilderness. While walking, Nora stretches her arms up wide.

"Another day, another adventure!" She said.

Beside her, Jaune reads a map while Lucina, Ruby and Ren continue alongside them.

"What's on the agenda today?" Ruby asked.

"Walking!" Jaune answered.

"With a side of...?" Nora asked, hoping for more.

"Walking" Ren answered simply.

"And followed by more walking. That's pretty much all we'll be doing for a while" Lucina added.

Ruby sighs at that "Haven is a lot farther away than I thought".

Ren looks at her "Ruby? How long did you think this journey was going to take?".

"I don't know! I grew up in a small area; I've never been this far away from home!" Ruby said defensively.

"Right but... how long?" Jaune asked.

"Maybe like, uh... two weeks?" Ruby answered uncertainly.

Jaune looks up from the map to glare at her "What?!".

"Okay, fine! Three or something! Look, whatever" Ruby looks up again after a beat and notices something ahead "Hey, what's that?".

Nora jumps onto a slightly fallen post of a fence to get a closer look at a wall and building ahead.

"That's... strange" Jaune said while checking his map "I didn't think we'd be hitting another village for a few days".

"Either that village was build very recently. Or our map is very outdated" Lucina guessed.

"Are those buildings... damaged?" Nora asked, sounding worried.

"We should search for survivors!" Jaune drops the map and all five go running into the village, with Nora leaping onto the wall and to a rooftop from there. They discover the town to be empty.

Ruby lifts a fallen plank of wood to find only plant outgrowth underneath "Anything?".

"Nothing over here!" Nora answered.

"No one over here, either!" Jaune added.

"No trace of anyone!" Lucina said.

"It almost seems like... the town was abandoned" Ren said.

"Abandoned? I don't like this one bit. There is never a good reason to abandon a town" Lucina said as she looks around.

Ruby looks around as well, feeling unease in the wind. Something bad was going to happen... She could feel it... But she had no idea what it could be. She was brought out of her thoughts when Nora suddenly shouted to them.

"Hey, I think I found something!" Ruby turns and rushes over. Nora, Jaune, Lucina and Ren are looking at a town sign. Nora moves the ivy growing over it to the side to read what it says "Oniyuri? Never heard of it".

"Me neither" Jaune said.

"I have" Ren said. The other three look at him, surprise on Nora and Ruby's faces "You might think of it as Anima's Mountain Glenn, had it never been completed. Years ago, the richest members of Mistral were unhappy with how the Kingdom was being run. Frustrated with the council, they pooled their resources together to build their own city, with their own laws. They hoped that one day, it could maybe even become its own Kingdom. Many thought it would be the future" Ren walks away from the other three "I know my parents did".

"What happened?" Ruby hesitantly asked.

Ren brushes some dirt off of the stone border of a low wall to reveal claw marks "What always happens".

"The Grimm" Jaune said silently.

Ren tightens his hands into fists "Not just any, one".

Ruby briefly faces Nora in confusion, but Nora doesn't move her concerned gaze away from Ren. Ruby turns back to him "One?".

Several small black birds take off from a tree outside Oniyuri's wall. They fly over the village and the five travelers. This really felt like a ghost town. Even the animals didn't stick around for long.

"Come on. Let's just get through here. This place gives me the creeps" Jaune said as turns and leaves, soon followed by Nora. Ren lingers for a moment for a few moments, seemingly in thought, then follows.

Ruby is the last to move as she looks over the empty village. Lucina put a hand on her shoulder, silently reminding her they need to move. Leaves blow through behind them after they follows their friends... Little did they know, something far more dangerous than most grimm was closing in on them.


The broken moon shines brightly to the sound of Weiss singing. She stands alone on a large, empty stage, singing a wordless aria, her arms outstretched. She is perfectly positioned below the center of the painted emblem of Atlas that dominates the stage.

The song changes to emphatic lyrics.

"I'm not your pet, not another thing you own.
I was not born guilty of your crimes.
Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore.
I won't be possessed,
burdened by your royal test.
I will not surrender.
This life is mine."

Weiss concludes her song and bows while the audience applauds. She looks up to the balcony above stage left where her father and brother are watching. Jacques remains seated, not applauding, while Whitley is standing giving a slower paced, sarcastic clap. Weiss looks back at the audience, all clapping still in their seats. She turns and walks backstage, her feigned smile replaced with a frown.

In another balcony, Bernadetta was sitting alongside her father and Yuri. She smiled from the song, Weiss had a beautiful voice... But there was sadness behind her smile as she knew Weiss hated being back in Atlas just as much as she did... They were forced back here against their will, and now both were once again caged.


A waiter carrying martini glasses on a tray opens up a door and enters the ballroom where people mill about to soft piano notes. He holds the tray next to a young man, who takes a glass before walking off. A blonde woman in a dark green halter dress stops to look at the waiter before moving on.

Jacques is conversing with a man in glasses and a gray-haired woman in a green dress. They are laughing. Weiss is behind her father, looking at the floor with her hands held primly behind her back. Whitley stands similar further behind their father, only his gaze is directly on him.

"That's precisely my point. We offer Faunus the exact same wages given to the rest of our mining staff. Their argument's completely invalid right out of the gate" Jacques said.

"Well, I think the bigger issue here... is our society as a whole" The Business man said.

Jacques scoffs "Why, you mean Atlas?".

As they converse, Weiss looks over to the largest painting on the end of the ballroom, depicting Beacon Academy with its Cross Continental Transmit tower still standing. Weiss starts to step away, only to have her forearm grabbed by her father, who doesn't even turn around. Weiss halts, startled.

Jacques pulls Weiss back and turning to face her "Where are you going?".

Weiss looked at him with a meek expression "I'm... just a little thirsty".

"Sweetheart, we have people for that" Jaxques said as he lets go of Weiss and begins to raise his arm to call over a waiter.

Weiss stops him by grabbing his forearm, prompting a sideways glance from Whitley "What? No, I can get it. I'll be right back, I promise".

The two lock gazes as the conversation next to them continues. Jacques decides to let Weiss go and turns back to his companions.

"I'm sorry, I tuned out for a second, but sounds like I'm the good guy again?" Jacques and the businesswoman share a laugh.

Weiss moves across the room to look at the painting of Beacon Academy. She looks at it for a moment until a familiar voice was heard next to her.

"Hello Weiss" She looks and her expression softens when she saw who it was.

"Bernie. Thank goodness you are here" Weiss said as she and Bernadetta shared a quick hug "I haven't seen you since we came back to Atlas".

"Yeah, sorry... Being back... has been difficult" Bernadetta admitted.

Weiss nods in agreement "Trust me, I know the feeling... Returning to Atlas is not a choice I would make on my own".

"Same here... I miss my team so much... Lucina... Severa... Lyre..." Bernadetta said sadly.

Weiss got a pained expression at the mention of Lyre. While she hadn't spoken openly about it, truth is she was thinking about Lyre a lot... There was a time she never thought she would get along with a Faunus, due to her family's history with The White Fang... And yet she fell in love with Lyre and being forced to leave her left a gaping wound on her heart.

"Yeah... I miss my team too... I miss everyone..." Weiss said.

They stood in silence, looking at the painting of Beacon Academy until a guy with blue hair walked up to them "It's beautiful. You two match".

Weiss stands with her arms crossed, maintaining a cold expression throughout most of the conversation "Yes, it's a lovely painting".

"So, that was my attempt at breaking the ice. How am I doing so far?" He asked.

Weiss sighs "You are leaving a lot to be desired. And also, I have a girlfriend, so you are wasting your time".

"Girlfriend? Well, I've always appreciated honesty. So where is she" The guy asked before looking at Bernadetta "Oh, is it you?".

"No..." Bernadetta said.

"Oh, well I'm sure she is a great girl to win over an girl like this" He offers his hand "Henry. Marigold".

Weiss turns her head to look at him "Weiss Schnee".

She lightly places her fingers across his in a very loose handshake.

"I know, I saw your performance" Henry said before he cringes at himself "Obviously. You were wonderful. And I promise I'm not just saying that 'cause you're pretty" Weiss turns her attention back to the painting, and there is brief silence between them "Honesty, remember? So, you thinking about buying it?".

"No. I don't think so" Weiss answered, wishing he would buzz of.

"Yeah, kinda pricey for a painting" Henry admitted.

Weiss' annoyance grew more and more "It's to raise money".

"Oh really? For what?" Henry asked.

"For what?" Weiss repeated throwing him a disgusted look.

"Heheh, I'll admit, I only come to these things for the food and drinks" Henry said as reaches out and takes a champagne flute as a waiter walks by "And the extraordinary company. Of course" As he sips his drink, Weiss shifts her stance to face him "So what, is it another Mantle fundraiser or something?".

"Get. Out" Weiss said, having gone from annoyed to angry.

"What?" Henry said with a slight laugh.

"Get out, or I will have security escort you out" Weiss warned.

Henry looked confused "But I haven't done any-".

"Leave!" Weiss takes on a more aggressive stance as she raises her voice.

Henry stares at her in disbelief before obeying "Pfft, whatever".

She watches him walk away, and once he is gone, she turns back to the painting, crosses her arms and closes her eyes. Bernadetta looked a little nervous after seeing Weiss snap like that.

"Are you... Ok?" She dared to ask.

Weiss sighed as she calmed down "Yes... Sorry you had to see that... He just really rubbed me the wrong way".

"He did sound like a jerk" Bernadetta admitted.

Weiss' eyes are open again as if she had just been observing the painting, and she once again closes her eyes. The chatter of the party guests grows louder, but one voice stands out among the rest.

"But really, does it come as any surprise, what happened to Vale?" Weiss opens her eyes and turns slightly, peering over her shoulder at the woman, Bernadetta looked at her as well "It was a long time coming if you ask me".

"Honey..." The Trophy Wife's Husband places his hand on her shoulder, trying to shush her, but she shakes it off, leaving him to glance around the room with a forced, nervous grin.

"What? You said the same thing last night. If they're so arrogant to think they can get by without proper kingdom defense, then I say good riddance" While she talks, her Husband drops the act and heaves a silent sigh.

Bernadetta looked utterly horrified by the woman's horrible comments. How could anyone say something like that about a horrible tragedy? The Trophy Wife's rant is cut off by a voice shouting angrily across the room at her.

"Shut up!" Weiss said and The room falls silent, and all of the party goers turn to look at her.

Jacques looked at her "Weiss?".

Her voice still raised, Weiss angrily gestures to the guests while she speaks "You don't have a clue! None of you do!

"Excuse me?" The Wife said, sounding offended.

Weiss glares angrily at her "You're all just standing around talking about nothing! Worrying about your hair, your money, your stupid problems that don't mean anything!".

Her father quickly approaches her while Whitley looks on with a faint smile on his face "Weiss, that's enough".

He grabs her wrist, and she immediately begins struggling to pull away "Let go of me!".

Jacques held his grip on her arm "You're embarrassing the family!".

"I said let go!" Weiss breaks free her father's grasp with a harsh tug, but in the process, she loses her balance and collapses to the floor. Suddenly, a glyph manifests next to Weiss, and a Boarbatusk is summoned. She looks at it with wide eyes, her jaw dropping.

The Boarbatusk Summon charges toward the Trophy Wife "Please, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just leave me alone".

It leaps toward her and her Husband, jaws wide open, but it is shot down by Ironwood before it can reach her.

"Arrest her! What are you waiting for? She's insane, she should be locked up" The Wife demanded.

"She's the only one making sense around here. Thanks for the party, Jacques" The general casually makes his exit. Still on the floor, Weiss looks up to see her father turn to glare at her.

Bernadetta stood silent before she finally couldn't take it anymore "SHE'S RIGHT! All of you! Each and everyone of you! You know NOTHING about hardship! You know nothing about suffering! You only care about yourselves and your useless issues! You are all horrible people! You have the money and resources to help thousands of people! But you waste it all on yourselves! You are all USELESS!".

The room fell silent as Bernadetta was breathing hard with tears running down her face. Yuri walked up and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Lady Bernadetta... I think it's time we left..." He said quietly. It was a good thing Bernadetta's father had to leave early for a meeting, which left Yuri to keep and eye on her.

Bernadetta said nothing as she followed Yuri... Who was worried what would happen once Bernadetta's father learns about what happened.


As the Team continue out of Oniyuri, Ren suddenly senses something. He puts out his hand to stop the other three, eyes closing as he focuses. Somewhere close by Tyrian can be seen running. Ren draws his weapon. Lucina, Ruby, Nora and Jaune immediately follow suit. Tyrian soon leaps high over the wall to engage them in combat.

He immediately takes out his weapons in a seamless motion and, laughing eagerly, moves to attack Ruby. Ren intervenes, StormFlower clashing with Tyrian's claw blades. Ren attempts to both kick and shoot Tyrian, but he dodges. The two have a couple more attack and parries until Tyrian kicks Ren several feet away.

Tyrian turns to go after Ruby again, who rushed forward with Crescent Rose to meet him. Tyrian uses his blades to block the scythe and kicks Ruby backward. She easily remains upright and they clash again. Tyrian manages to land a strike on Ruby's right arm, causing her to cry out at the pain and him to laugh. She's doesn't break stride however and leaps back to take a swing at him with her scythe. He dodges and then lands a moving blow against the body of Crescent Rose, causing a red shimmer to cross her Aura in the area of the strike.

Lucina quickly rushed in with her sword. Clashing with Tyrian's claw blades a few times before they entered a blade lock... Tyrian began overpowering her while grinning insanely at her. Lucina grits her teeth as she is forced down on a knee before she managed to barely force him of and rolls away to avoid his next attack which lead to his claw blade to strike ther ground.

Jaune steps in at that moment and Tyrian climbs onto his shield and grins at him. Nora rushes in with Magnhild, but Tyrian just leaps from Jaune's shield to her hammer and up through the top story of a narrow, rectangular building. Holding himself up with his feet on wooden frames to either side of him, Tyrian looks down at the Team.

"We're not looking for a fight!" Jaune called out.

"Who are you?" Ren demanded.

Tyrian leans forward, drops from the tower, does a front flip, and lands on his feet in front of them "Who I am matters not to you. Or you. Or— He cuts himself off and pauses before pointing to Jaune "Well... you do interest me".

Jaune gasps nervously.

"No, I only matter to you two" He points to Ruby and Lucina, and the rest of the team turn to look at the.

Ruby tilts her head in confusion "Us?".

Tyrian breaks down into laughter "You, you haven't the slightest clue, do you? Oh, how exciting this must be".

Ruby glares "What do you want?".

Tyrian begins acting dramatically in response to her tone of voice "Oh, the rose has thorns! My little flower, I'm here to whisk you both away with me!".

Nora steps between her friends and the crazy man "Well, what if they don't want to go with you?".

Tyrian stares for a moment with his lips scrunched up like he had been asked the most obvious question in the world before answering "Well, I'll take them".

Jaune walks over and stands between him and his friends, his shield held in front of him "We're not going to let you do that".

Tyrian closes his eyes and inhales through his teeth. His eyes slowly open, and he happily growls a single word with a dark grin "Good".

Delighted that they're willing to fight, Tyrian moves fast to attack Jaune from behind.

"Jaune!" Ren deliberately shoots Jaune's shield so that the ricochet hits Tyrian.

Tyrian covers his eyes with his arm and then cartwheels onto Jaune's shield, using his claw blades to spin in the air against it. Ruby steps in to face Tyrian on his descent, but he just kicks her to the side. She regains her ground by using Crescent Rose to steady herself. Jaune takes a swing with his sword at Tyrian, but he simply dodges and kicks him away as well. Lucina quickly swings her sword at him, but he quickly leans backward, allowing the blade to pass right above his face, before delivering and upward kick which sent Lucina back, forcing her to perform a back flip to make sure she landed on her feet.

His next move is to run toward Nora. From across the way, Ruby grins loading some lightning Dust and fires. It passes just over Tyrian's left shoulder, and he turns as he senses it. Nora gets knocked down when the bolt hits her dead on, dropping Magnhild in the process.

Mistaking the move for an error on Ruby's part, Tyrian gives Nora a baffled stare and laughs while Ren, Jaune and Ruby simply watch and wait "Well, if that isn't ironic".

He senses something is up and loses his mirth. With a determined, satisfied grin, a now upright and supercharged Nora rushes Tyrian from behind, moving over his right shoulder and coming before him just in time to hit him with Magnhild. The blast from the contact has the other three covering their eyes from the backwash of dust and air, Jaune actually taking cover behind his shield.

The air clears to reveal a perfectly fine Tyrian in a crouch, using his now unveiled scorpion tail to block Magnhild. He giggles and curls his fingers at Nora.

"Surprise" He kicks Nora twice in the face before leaping backwards and upward onto a roof, leaving his coat behind.

"He's... a Faunus" Ren said in surprise.

"What is this about? The White Fang? Roman Torchwick?" Ruby asked.

"Plastic soldiers and pawns. My heart and body belong only to our goddess!" Tyrian said, full of pation.

Ruby narrowed her eyes "Cinder...".

Lucina got a little nervous at that. If Cinder was the one who sent him, then this just became a lot scarier.

"Hmph, only in her wildest dreams" Tyrian leaps back into the fray. He uses his tail to knock Crescent Rose down. Though surprised, Ruby doesn't lose her grip on it. The two both attack each other and miss until Tyrian kicks Ruby backwards again.

Lucina clashed blades with him again only to move her head to the side to avoid the stinger on his tail. She tries to kick him, but her grabbed her legs and pulled her closer before delivering a hard strike with his arm blades to her chest. Her aura saved her from any serious injuries, but it did cause her aura to shimmer. She tried to counter with a stab, which Tyrian avoids before striking her side with his blade and delivered a spinning kick to her face, causing her to tumble across the ground.

Lucina looks up, a drop of blood running from her mouth as she glares at Tyrian who only smirks down at her, before his tail blocked a sniper shot from Ruby, reminding him the others were still there. Tyrian uses his tail to go after Ren before finally kicking him away and attacking Jaune next.

A crow flies determinedly toward the fray while Tyrian kicks Jaune back and then Nora, and then Ren returns for more only to leap away again. Without missing a beat, Tyrian lets Ren be and goes after Ruby again. In quick succession, he delivers a right hook to her face and a left blow to her torso, causing red shimmers on her Aura on her head and chest respectively. He turns and swings his tail to knock her back into the air. She flies back several feet and he rushes forward to meet her before she lands. While Ruby's still midair, he kicks her right in the abdomen, causing a large red shimmer over her abdomen and hips.

The incoming crow turns into Qrow who keeps running forward after landing.

Tyrian approaches Ruby on the ground and raises his stinger, his eyes turning dark purple. Nora, who is comforting a fallen Ren, and Jaune both look on in horror.

"NO! LEAVE HER ALONE!" Lucina screamed as she desperately reached out her hand in hopeless attempt to stop him.

Laughing, Tyrian is about to strike with his scorpion tail when Qrow bursts through a building and inserts himself between them, holding his weapon behind his back. There's a metallic noise as Tyrian's stinger hits against Qrow's weapon and clips into the blade. He lets out a nervous giggle of surprise while Ruby and Qrow make eye contact and smile at each other.

"Hey" Was all the cool uncle said.

.

Tell me what you think.