What Changes, What Remains? End of Vol. 5

Haven Courtyard

Drake deflected another throwing knife as Exo appeared above him and slashed downwards. The panther Faunus managed to deflect the strike in time as he let out some of his mist, laced with fire dust. Exo tossed his sword at the last second, teleporting next to Drake with a horizontal strike. The two Faunus clashed blades a few more times before Exo slid his sword past his opponent's shoulder and dropped it behind his back.

But Drake was ready this time and kicked out right below the sword's handle, just as the wolf Faunus appeared. Exo let out a grunt of surprise as he stumbled back on the roof, while Drake lunged forward with both swords. His opponent, however, was crafty and teleported to another of his downed throwing knives. The two former comrades locked blades then.

"I'm glad to see you've still got that persistent attitude," Said Exo, "This would've been a bit boring if you'd lost your drive."

"You're the one who's lost," Said Drake as he broke their lock, causing the two of them to back away from each other, "Or haven't you noticed. All the remaining White Fang who haven't already surrendered are going down now, and I doubt your mercenary pay will get you very far in the slammer." Exo grit his teeth at that comment as he took a look around. He had noticed the arrival of the Faunus from Menagerie, and even more irritating, Blake Belladonna, that monkey boy Wukong, and the half breed himself, Aegis Ursario were also here.

That was when Exo noticed it, a red glint coming from one of the towers, flashing into his eye like a signal. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with you, Beller." Said Exo as he sheathed his sword and grabbed some of his throwing knives. "My pay won't do me any good in prison, but I have one job I can still accomplish today." Drake rushed forward, attempting to stop his former partner, only to hit thin air as the mercenary teleported out of sight.

'Blast!' Thought Drake with frustration, 'I forgot he always leaves one of his marks out of sight in case he needs to escape.' Taking a look back, however, Drake knew he had more pressing matters to attend to than chasing after Exo. Like making sure May was okay, and rounding up the remaining White Fang. With one last look at the spot Exo had been, Drake leapt down and into the fray in the courtyard.

Main Haven Building

The battle within the main structure was just as intense as the battle outside, more so considering the ones who were fighting. Ruby and Weiss traded blows with Mercury and Emerald while Ozpin had resumed fighting against Lionheart. Jaune watched over an exhausted Ren and Nora, both of whom had taken some heavy hits from Hazel. The same could be said of Qrow as he was now only able to use hit and run tactics against the large, dust infused man, lest he risk far more serious injury due to his low aura.

But the most brutal fight was at the center of the room where a rage infused Aegis was squaring off against Hazel as they swung blow after vicious blow. The half bear Faunus was currently swinging an electrified glass club as it made contact with Hazel's fists. Sparks and electricity flew as they impacted again and again. At one point, Hazel swung for Aegis's head, but he managed to duck under it and jab him in the side. Hazel retaliated with a quick cross which grazed Aegis's cheek.

The Beacon student managed to spin around with the force of the blow and deliver a strike of his own. Hazel blocked the blow with his arm and countered with a right hook which Aegis managed to stop with his left hand before swinging low with Ursus Cleaver. But his large opponent caught the weapon, spikes and all. Reacting quickly, Aegis discharged an electrical blast from the end of his weapon.

The blast forced Hazel back several steps, while also breaking up the constructed weapon. Aegis quickly moved to spin the cylinder for fire dust, but Hazel gave him no time as he rushed forward. Fortunately, Qrow took that moment to leap in and slash Hazel across the back, causing him to stumble a bit as he turned around to swing at the veteran huntsman. But Qrow leapt up and morphed into his bird form while Aegis formed a large flaming sword.

Hazel was quicker than he looked, though and turned around in time to block the blow with his massive arm. Aegis pushed the attack as he swung again and again, each time being intercepted by Hazel's arms. Changing up his strategy of attack, Aegis faked a low strike before jumping into the air. But once again, Hazel managed to stop his attack by catching his weapon, leaving Aegis to dangle in the air.

This allowed him another type of attack, however, as Aegis swung both of this feet up, kicking Hazel in the face. The surprised berserker reared back from the blow as he swung Aegis around, causing him to lose his grip on his weapon. Aegis landed on the floor, rolling a few feet away as his giant of an opponent stomped after him. Once again, Qrow used the opening to hit Hazel on his blindside. But he'd gotten wise to Qrow's hit and run tactics and used Aegis's own weapon to block the huntsman's attack.

It was then that a flaming stone launched from Lionheart hit Qrow in the back, blasting him away from Hazel. This sight enraged Aegis even more as he charged forward and slammed into Hazel's side, knocking his weapon out of the enemy's hand. He didn't give his opponent any time to recover as he delivered another few punches to his midsection, each one knocking him back a little more. Hazel roared in anger as he struck back in between one of Aegis's strikes, knocking him upside the head once, then twice.

The two enemies roared like beasts as they both threw their next punches simultaneously. Aegis felt the electrified dust course through his body as their fists collided, but his rage mode kept him on his feet as they collided fists several times. Hazel attempted to surprise him then as he charged forward with an elbow strike, but Aegis was prepared. Quickly sidestepping to the left, the half bear Faunus slipped behind his enemy, grabbing him by the waist in the best bear hug he could.

Hazel gave a distorted roar as Aegis used all his strength to lift the large man off of his feet and slam him down with a suplex move. The force of the impact cracked the ground as Hazel rolled away from him. Aegis stood breathing heavily, knowing that the battle was taking a toll on his aura and body. Fortunately, Qrow still had one last trick to help him out as he managed to prop himself up against one of the columns.

"Aegis, cleaving crescent!" Called his former teacher as he tossed his weapon, Harbinger, to him. Aegis caught it and smiled as he charged forward with the sword held above his head. Hazel blocked the first strike with both arms before pushing the blade away. But Aegis was one step ahead as he pulled the weapon's switch, turning it into a scythe blade to block his opponent's next attack before firing the twin barrels at the base of the blade. The shot staggered his opponent as Aegis switched the weapon to full scythe mode and twirled it for his next attack.

Hazel brought his hands up, but it was a mistake this time as Aegis slashed across his arms, destroying the dust crystals on them before slashing across his chest, causing him to stumble back. The Beacon student then demonstrated one more technique as he ran forward, catching the blade on his enemy's midsection and yanking with all of his might. Hazel was actually pulled of his feet and sent flying into the side of the main stair case by the attack. Aegis finished the form by taking a traditional scythe stance similar to Ruby's.

At nearly the same time, Emerald and Mercury were pushed back by a combination attack from Ruby, Weiss and a recently arrived Blake, who'd managed to chase Adam away with Sun's help. Lionheart tried aiming his weapon at the students but was stopped by a shot to his shoulder from Ruby. As everyone moved in to corner their foes, Hazel, annoyingly, managed to get back up and walk forward, albeit more slowly than before. 'The battle has finally gotten to him,' thought Oscar/Ozpin as he used his cane to support his exhausted body, 'We're lucky help arrived when it did.'

"It's over," Said Ruby as she leveled Crescent Rose in its rifle form at them, "Just stop already." Lionheart took this as his cue to run for the nearest door, exiting the battlefield and leaving his other three allies to fend for themselves.

"Oh you cannot be serious," Seethed Mercury as he held his left arm where he'd taken a hit.

"Nothing's over!" Exclaimed Emerald as she brandished her weapons, "Cinder's coming back with the relic! And she's gonna make all of you pay! She's not gonna let us down."

"She let you down a long time ago," Said a voice from the vault entrance suddenly. Everyone turned around as the platform rose up from the tunnel. On it stood Yang and Wayne, and in Yang's hand was the lantern-shaped relic of knowledge. Wayne quickly stepped off of the platform while Yang rose the rest of the way up until the platform stopped at the top of the stairs.

"Yang, Wayne," Whispered Ruby, happily as she saw that her sister and friend were both okay. Relief crossed the rest of team RWBY and RNJR's faces as well as Yang held up the relic for all to see. One face that wasn't showing relief, however, was Emeralds.

"It's, it's not true," seethed Emerald under her breath before raising her voice, "It's not true!" The green-haired girl moved forward as she angrily pointed her pistols at Wayne. "Where's Cinder, how did you get away from her?!" Wayne didn't respond immediately as he stepped forward a couple of feet. If everyone was being perfectly honest, Wayne looked like $$ . His coat, pants, and even his boots were slashed in more than a dozen places and had so many scorch marks that it was almost impossible to tell if his coat was more blue or black now.

He also had a number of cuts and burns which, while basically healed, were still noticeable, especially a rather bloody spot on his side. His walk was also noticeably more shaky than usual. Despite all of this, Wayne still marched forward and spoke with hardly a waiver in his voice. "The last I saw of Cinder Fall, she was plummeting to the bottom of a black abyss as a frozen statue," He said.

"LIAR!" Yelled Emerald as she closed the remaining distance between them and pressed her right weapon to the area where Wayne's heart would be on his chest. "Cinder was able to bring Ozpin low, there's no way you could've possibly beaten her!" Wayne responded by grabbing her weapon with his left hand.

"Two things," Wayne said as he moved her weapon up to his forehead, "If you're gonna shoot me, you'll have a much better chance of killing me if you shoot me here. You got my heart already. And secondly, you're right, 'I' didn't beat Cinder, got some good hits in but that's all. I'm afraid the one who got the honor of striking the final blow was Raven Branwen. Seems the two of them planned on betraying each other from the start, and now it's just a mess down there."

"And Cinder is-," Emerald couldn't complete the sentence as tears welled up in her eyes and her arm began to waiver.

"Like I said," Replied Wayne as he pulled out the blue-feathered decoration that Cinder had worn on her hip, "Plummeting down the abyss, and in case you have trouble believing me, remember, it was you who called me a bad liar once upon a time." Emerald couldn't bear it anymore then as she accepted the memento, dropping her weapons in the process. She then sank to her knees as she clutched the only remaining item of her mistress to her chest, while tears streamed freely down her face.

Wayne took that moment to back up, averting his gaze from his sobbing enemy. "Emerald," Said Mercury as he and Hazel backed up, "We need to get out of here." The green-haired girl didn't respond so he tried again. "We need to leave Emerald. You have to get up." The pained girl finally lifted her head as she took in her surroundings.

They were surrounded and she knew it. What was more, she knew, even if she didn't want to believe it, that Wayne was telling the truth. Cinder was gone, and there was only one person left who'd know what to do, assuming she let any of them live after this failure. That was her greatest fear then, a fear that was quickly consuming her. "AAAAAAAARGH!" Emerald let out a deafening shriek as a sudden, inky black shadow appeared in the center of the room. Everyone pointed their weapons at the shadow as the very light in the room seemed to dim at the newcomer's arrival.

A large figure in a black, robe-like dress rose out of the misty shadows then, towering more than a dozen feet above them. A pair of arms with sickly pale skin with red veins contorted into existence next. Finally, the figure's head turned towards them, displaying a bundled mass of white hair with a woman's face. Two black and red eyes opened and looked upon them as the figure finished forming. The next thing they knew, the monstrous woman let out an ear splitting wail as she flew towards them, and then, there was only blackness.

Office of Leonardo Lionheart

'It's all over,' thought Lionheart frantically as he burst into his office and rushed for his desk. 'They have the relic, the attack has been thwarted and Cinder is gone. My only chance is to run and then-.' The Headmaster's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar clicking noise, one that sounded similar to the noise a lizard would make. Even more fear filled Lionheart as he looked up to see the orb shaped Grimm known as a Seer floating in his doorway with its red, pointed tentacles dangling underneath it.

"Going somewhere Leonardo," Spoke Salem's voice from the floating Grimm.

"Your eminence," Said a surprised Lionheart, trying desperately to think of what to say, "I was trying to find something that would prove useful."

"And why would you be doing that?" Questioned Salem, "More importantly, where is my relic?" Lionheart's voice caught in his throat as he looked for an excuse, any excuse that might help him.

"It wasn't my fault," Said Lionheart, pleadingly, "Cinder changed the plan when she found out the silver-eyed girl was here. But she wasn't alone. Qrow and several students were here with her and a mass of Faunus arrived as well. The White Fang attack's failed and the relic is out of reach of your subordinates at this time." Salem didn't answer as the Seer continued to float in place, making its same ominous croaking noise.

"But I can still provide you with assistance," Said Lionheart, even more desperately, "That's why I was going to leave, to avoid the authorities. I could come to you, I-I'll do whatever you need me to!"But Salem remained silent to his pleas, and that alone spoke volumes. She had already decided his fate. Lionheart made the only decision he could then and went to raise his weapon towards the Seer.

But a figure he hadn't noticed in his haste to leave dropped down from the ceiling, grabbing his weapon in the process. He then felt a sharp pain as his assailant slashed his arm where his weapon was strapped. Lionheart managed to pull away from him, but his weapon was ripped off his arm in the process. It was then that the headmaster got a good look at his attacker. It was a wolf Faunus with dark hair wearing black light armor and a coat, wielding a strange type of throwing knife with runes on it.

"So this is what passes for a headmaster in Haven," Said his assailant as he tossed Leo's weapon behind him. "Disgraceful, and to think I was kicked out of a Huntsman academy for being too vicious." Lionheart didn't know how strong this new enemy was, but he knew his odds were slim without his weapon and practically no aura. So he did the only thing he knew he could do, he ran for the door.

But his attacker somehow teleported to a sword which had been propped against the door. Leo was too surprised to react in time as the wolf Faunus quickly grabbed the weapon and slashed his right leg open with the black blade. The panicked headmaster cried out in pain as he fell to the floor. "Thank you Exo," Said Salem through the Seer as it launched one of its tendrils to wrap around Leo's unwounded leg, "That will be all for the moment, you'll receive your payment shortly after your return."

"Wait, I can still help you!" Pleaded Lionheart as the Seer drew him closer with more of its tendrils, "I'll do whatever you ask!" Exo simply scoffed at this as he turned to leave.

"I'd say try to die like a man," Said the mercenary as he stopped at the doorway, "But it seems you were hardly one to begin with. The world can do with one less coward in it." With that, Exo walked out of the door as the sound of Lionheart's screams were cut off by several sharp barbs ending his life. Exo teleported away after that, personally feeling that the headmaster's death was actually doing Haven a favor, ironically enough.

Haven Main Building Entrance

Wayne blinked his eyes a few times as they readjusted to the light. Looking around, he saw that he was still in the main Haven building, and better yet, so were his brother and all their friends. Hazel, Mercury, and Emerald, however, were gone. "What, in the world was that thing?" Questioned Blake, her voice shaking a bit.

"Fortunately, only an illusion," Said Oscar/Ozpin, "But it was an accurate portrayal. That being we just witnessed, was Salem." 'Some being,' thought Wayne as he and everyone else let out a collective sigh of relief, 'It's gonna be one tough fight when we meet the real thing.' He was pulled from his thoughts then as his brother walked up to him, tossing Qrow his weapon along the way while picking up his own.

"Good gosh Wayne," Said Aegis as he got a good look at his older brother's tattered state, "And you got on to me about getting into trouble when I was by myself. Now here you are looking like you got put through a flaming blender."

"It felt like a flaming blender, with a serious attitude problem," Said Wayne with a smile as he grasped his brother's hand and gave him the usual 'bro' hug. A decision he quickly regretted due to still being very sore. "Okay, ow, too tight."

"Sorry, it's just good to see that you're, well, alive at the very least," Said Aegis as he released his brother, "How exactly did this even happen to ya?" Wayne was about to answer when Weiss suddenly flung her arms around his neck.

"Thank goodness you're okay!" Said Weiss with a huge amount of relief in her voice, "When Jaune told me you jumped down there alone I just, I don't even wanna think about what could've happened." Wayne had to loosen the heiresses hold around his neck a little before he could respond.

"You were worried about me," Said Wayne, "The last I saw of you before jumping down into that hole, you had a bloody wound in your side. How'd you get it to heal so fast anyway?"

"Jaune finally activated his semblance," Explained Weiss, "It amplifies aura, including its ability to heal wounds. Better yet, I was able to use an even more powerful summon."

"Remind me to thank him the next time I get a chance," Said Wayne with a smile.

"Uh, what the $ % is this," Asked Aegis, "I know we all missed each other but what's with all the hugging going on here?"

"I'm sorry Aegis," Said Weiss as she finally released her hold on Wayne and turned to her bear-eared acquaintance. "It's good to see that you're doing alright as well. If you and Blake hadn't shown up with all those Faunus we likely would've been dead by now. So thank you." Aegis was lost for words for several moments before finally speaking.

"Uh, Wayne," Said Aegis, "We'd best check to see if Emerald is still around because I think I just heard Weiss apologize."

"Don't get used to it," Said Weiss as she crossed her arms, "It's only right that I apologize for not acknowledging someone I haven't seen in a while."

"There's the Weiss I know and relatively put up with," Said Aegis before he was suddenly tackled by Yang.

"AEGIS!" Exclaimed Yang as she bear hugged the large half Faunus before putting him in a head lock. "It's been so weird just having your brother here without you. I mean it's like having a sandwich without bread."

"Good….to see….you too…..Yang," Said Aegis as he tapped Yang's arm, "Air please."

"Whoops, sorry about that," Said Yang as she released her friend, who took in a large breath of air. "I'm still getting used to the new arm, sometimes I accidently squeeze things too hard."

"You'll have to tell me all about it," Said Aegis as he massaged his throat a bit, "But first, I think there's someone you should see." Yang looked at where Aegis was pointing and froze for a second. Blake was walking towards them, her eyes averted a bit but she didn't look like she was going to make a run for it. "Go on," Said Aegis as he patted his blond friend's shoulder reassuringly, "We can both catch up in a bit."

"Thanks Aegis," Said Yang with a quick smile thrown in his direction before she walked over to Blake.

"You go with her," Wayne said to Weiss as he noticed Ruby collapsing on the floor, "Your team needs you too." Weiss looked unsure for a moment until she also noticed that her team leader could barely stand. With a final nod towards Wayne, Weiss headed over to her team.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do bro," Said Aegis as he turned to his brother.

"Yeah, but later," Said Wayne as both he and Aegis collapsed onto the floor, "Right now, I vote we just be happy that it's over."

"I second that," Said Aegis, "Though I do got one question. What did wind up happening to Raven Branwen? I heard she was down there too."

"She flew away," Replied Wayne, "Where she's gonna land next is anyone's guess."

Edge of Mistral Territory: Unknown Location

The howl of several Grimm as well as the sound of clashing fists and gunfire filled the air. At the sight of the battle, Jen Ursario smashed in the face of a Beringel Grimm, sending it flying several feet away. Her husband Tobias leapt over her as another one came charging in, cutting into its neck with his tomahawks. Then, using his momentum, the huntsman swung around, slicing through the gorilla Grimm's neck until its head was separated from its body.

Two more charged from behind them, but Jen managed to stop both of their fists with one arm each. "Try this," Said the huntress as she activated her semblance, Paralysis Paw. Not the best name, but then again anyone who made fun of the name was usually the next to feel it. Both Beringel roared in pain as an electrical surge ran through their bodies, effectively stopping their movement.

Tobias flew in then as he slashed the stomach of the Beringel on his wife's right side, using his own semblance. The Grimm backed up as it grabbed its side which had caught on fire, with blue flames. The Grimm tried to put them out only for the flames to spread to its hands. Tobias slashed it several more times until the Beringel was engulfed in blue flames before it finally collapsed into a pile of ash. Tobias smirked a bit, always finding an odd enjoyment in using his semblance, Cerulean Blaze, to burn up Grimm.

While he'd been busy dealing with that Beringel, Jen turned around, grabbing the gorilla Grimm's arm in the process. Using the proper amount of strength and leverage, Jen flipped the monster over her shoulder before activating the wind and fire dust crystals on her steel fists. A cyclone of wind and flame swirled around her hand as she punched the Beringel's head in, obliterating it while also cratering the ground from the air pressure behind the punch.

"Do you think that was all of them," Asked Tobias as he and Jen regrouped.

"We'd be so lucky," Said Jen as she sniffed the air a bit, "There's one more, and it smells particularly foul." No sooner had she said this then the sound of hooves hitting the ground drew their attention. What came into view was a rather nasty looking Grimm whose lower body was literally a snorting, angry horse with glowing eyes. It's upper body was that of a humanoid figure with long, lanky clawed arms and a head covered in a skeletal Grimm mask with horns, rows of sharp teeth and two orangeish-red glowing eyes.

"Fantastic, even a Nuckelavee Grimm has wondered down this way," Said Tobias as he switched his tomahawks to revolver mode.

"Just stick to the approaches we've come up with," Said Jen. The nuckelavee didn't give them anymore chance to talk as it let out an ear splitting, inhuman shriek before lashing out with its arms. The two fighters leapt in different directions to avoid the stretching arms.

"Let's try this," Tobias thought aloud as he used his semblance to coat his bullets flame. Blue flames also peeked out of the bullet chambers as well as the barrels themselves as the huntsman took aim and fired. The Grimm ducked its upper body down as the head of the horse blocked the shots. A mistake as it turned out, given that Cerulean Blaze created flames that could stick to just about anything for an extended period of time, or if Tobias himself put them out.

The Grimm shrieked in annoyance as it swung both arms at Tobias. The veteran huntsman jumped and dodged around the extending arms. Then, when the Nuckelavee whipped another arm around, Jen caught it with both hands, using all of her strength to hold it. The Grimm responded by trying to pull her off of her feet, only to feel a painful electrical surge which stopped its movements. As the Grimm cried in pain, Tobias slid in, switching his weapons to tomahawk form and coating them in blue flame.

With a quick swing of both weapons, Tobias severed the arm of the Nuckelavee, leaving its wound covered in cerulean fire. Even despite being slowed by its wound, the Nuckelavee was still able to lash out at Tobias with its other hand. He only had time to raise his weapons to block as the arm came racing towards him. But, at the last second Jen stepped in with wind and fire dust alight on her fist as she obliterated the large hand aimed at her husband.

"Thanks for the save," Said Tobias as he relit his weapons, "That one might've hurt."

"I'd hoped I wouldn't have to save your ## so much after we graduated," Said Jen as she lit more dust on her steel fist weapons.

"It's half the reason I've even reached this far after graduation to begin with," Replied Tobias. As they spoke, the Nuckelavee had stopped thrashing from its injuries as it charged forward with its still flaming horse head lowered.

"Well we're also not at retirement age yet," Said Jen as they both charged, "And we're gonna prove it!" Tobias smiled in response as the two of them jumped up and hit the Grimm's upper body with a combination of their weapons, completely destroying it and causing the rest of the Grimm to dissolve. Taking in their surroundings, the couple determined that there were no other Grimm in the area. They took the rest of their time to catch their breaths before finally heading back to their temporary camp site.

A Little While Later

"It's gonna be good to get home," Said Tobias as he took a bite out of some of the provisional food they brought, "Who would've thought Mistral would be such a Grimm hot spot right now."

"I just want to know if any more letters or communications have come in," Said Jen as she took her turn stoking the fire.

"The last one from the boys was kind of strange," Said Tobias as he finished his meal, "A message from Haven academy sent by a panther Faunus and a sniper girl. I guess our boys are still making friends."

"It's best that they do," Said Jen as she noticed a bird landing in the woods a short distance away, "The world's getting dangerous again."

"And stranger," Added Tobias, "I never in my wildest dreams thought Beacon could fall."

"Strange times indeed," Said Jen as she sniffed the air suddenly, "Wouldn't you agree, Rave." The sound of moving foliage prompted Tobias to draw one of his revolvers as he pointed in the direction of the newcomer.

"Still fast as ever I see, Tobias" Said Raven Branwen as she stepped out of the shadows and into the light of the fire. "And I see that the years have only sharpened your senses Jen."

"Had to," Replied Jen, "It comes with occasionally needing to track down two sons. What about you Rave, still able to handle that sword of yours?" Raven smiled sadly at that statement.

"It's been years since anyone's called me that," Said Raven, "Even my own brother just calls me Raven nowadays."

"Well you and him have been at odds for a few years now," Said Tobias as he holstered his weapon, "And I certainly can't say I agree with a number of the choices you've made. But it's always good to see an old acquaintance, care to sit down for a bit."

"Assuming it's okay with Jen," Said Raven, "I understand if I'm no longer welcome around your family."

"It's fine," Said Jen as she motioned for her old friend to sit down, "We just finished up a fight of our own, so we're not looking to get into another. And, as my husband just stated, it's good to see an old acquaintance."

"Thank you," Said Raven as she took a seat on a log by the fire, "I have to admit, I haven't been getting a lot of warm welcomes lately."

"You knew what was in store for you when you went back to your tribe," Said Jen. "We should both be thankful we haven't met each other in combat over the years."

"I most certainly am," Said Raven, "I regret that it's taken me this long to realize that I may have made a decision based more on fear than logic."

"The fact that anything scares you now, or even back then seems amazing to me," Said Tobias. "As long as I knew you, you were one of the scariest fighters at Beacon."

"It never seemed to be enough to permanently frighten you Tobias," Replied Raven, "I tried to scare you away so many times, but you always came back. It was a quality I almost came to admire over time."

"There were a lot of 'almosts' back in the academy," Said Tobias with a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "It's a shame our sons have never met you. Between our two teams it was anyone's guess who was going to wind up with who back then. It still surprises me sometimes when I think about it." Raven sighed as a sad look crossed her face.

"I have met your sons," Said Raven, "They're every bit as brave and strong as you two were back then. And they care far more greatly for their friends then I've ever been able to."

"What, when," Said Jen as she shot up from her seat, "Where are they. Are they okay?"

"They're alright for the time being," Said Raven, "They helped stop another attack by the White Fang and Cinder that was aimed at Haven academy." Raven pointed to the new burn scar on her neck, "A battle which I was on the wrong side of."

"That's a fresh scar," Said Tobias, "Are you saying you got it from Cinder during the attack?"

"No," Said Raven, "Your eldest son, Wayne, gave it to me while using the aura shadow."

"He's using it in combat then," Said Tobias as he clenched his fists, "I told him only to use it as a last resort. If things were really that bad at Haven."

"The better question is, why did he turn it on you," Asked Jen, "You're the mother of one of his close friends. Even if you are a bandit leader, Wayne would never openly attack someone related to his friends without good reason."

"He had more than enough reasons," Replied Raven, "Looking back on it, this scar is the least of what I deserve."

"Well we're not going anywhere for the next several hours," Said Tobias, "So why don't you tell us what you've been up to in the last few weeks." Raven sighed but nodded her head in agreement as she began her explanation of the events leading up to the battle of Haven. Jen and Tobias listened fairly intently, their expressions shifting every now and then when Raven got to the explanation about the part she played in the attack on Haven. By the time she was finished, the parents of the Ursario brothers did not look terribly happy.

"You've made bad decisions before," Said Jen, "But siding with the enemy to get what you want, that's just-."

"That's crossing a line," Said Tobias, "Even in dire situations, there are very few reasons that you betray your own family."

"Yes, I've come to realize how wrong I was about the decision I made," Said Raven. "I don't expect either of you to forgive me for what I did, putting members of both my family and yours in danger just to get what I wanted. I let fear control me but passed it off as being logical, and even though I bested Cinder in the end there were far better ways I could've approached the situation. And I know it won't mean much coming from me now, but I'm sorry for, so many of the things I've put you two through over the years."

Tobias and Jen didn't answer for a moment as both seemed to be lost in thought. Finally, Tobias spoke up. "You made some poor decisions alright," Said Tobias, "Some of the poorest I've heard of in a while. But you prevented our son from getting himself killed, you stopped this sacred relic from falling into the hands of a mad woman, and in the end you realized enough of your mistakes that you didn't take the relic for yourself. So while I'm not going to forgive you for your part in the battle of Haven, I won't become your enemy just yet."

"That's the best I can hope for I suppose," Said Raven as she turned to Jen, "And you, Jennifer?" The bear Faunus woman thought for another moment before answering.

"I should deck you right now for even considering siding with Cinder in the first place," Said Jen, "The only reason I don't is the same as my husband's, and because you and I were once good friends."

"I suppose the addition of a fist mark would complement the scar on my neck well," Said Raven. "You should be proud of your sons, even if Cinder was arrogantly holding back, Wayne held his own against a maiden and still had enough fight in him to give me this. And when Aegis showed up with all those Faunus from Menagerie, he went toe to toe with Adam Taurus and then a very durable man named Hazel."

"We're simply happy to hear that they're alive and well," Said Tobias, "Though if we're talking about pride in our children, you should be proud of your daughter. It takes a lot for a child to stand up to their parent and tell them they're doing something wrong." Raven sighed but nodded her head as well.

"She's never really had a clear goal for becoming a huntress, other than thrill-seeking," Said Raven. "But she's standing firm by her friends, even in the face of absolute terror. It's made me realize that other than becoming more powerful, I had no clear goals of my own other than evading or defeating the ones I feared."

"So I guess that means you've come by for more than just telling us recent events and reminiscing." Said Jen, "Is there something we can help with?" Raven thought about how best to answer that question before simply deciding to say it plainly.

"For the first time in ages, I need someone's advice," Said Raven, "And you two were some of the only experienced hunters, and parents, that I knew of who wouldn't try to attack me on sight."

"That's a sad state of affairs," Said Tobias, "But, since you came all this way, and because we haven't seen you in ages, why not. Assuming you're okay with it Jen."

"You're going to owe us one," Said Jen, "Consider it our punishment for endangering our sons."

"That's more than fair," Said Raven, "So I guess I'll cut right to it. I want to walk a better path, maybe reconnect with some of my old roots. I suppose what I really want, is to be more like the old me again, standing up for what I believe in. Any idea where I should start?" Raven's former friends mulled their answers over in their heads for nearly a minute before finally answering.

"You're not gonna like this," Said Jen, "But I think you should go see Tai."

"I was afraid you were going to say that," Said Raven, "I've barely communicated with my husband in years. I doubt he'll be jumping for joy to see me of all people."

"More than likely," Said Tobias, "But if there's anyone who remembers best how you used to be, it'd be Tai. Plus, I think it'd be best if you caught up on everything your husband and daughter have been up to over the years."

"I suppose I shouldn't have expected something like this to be easy," Said Raven.

"Changing one's self is never easy," Said Jen, "That's old wisdom that Beacon taught us a long time ago. But I'd like to believe that if you're willing to do this, then you've already taken a step in the right direction."

"I can only hope," Said Raven as she stood up to leave. "Thank you both, it's been, good seeing you two again." In one swift motion, Raven drew her sword and cut open a portal. "And one more thing before I leave. On my way out I overheard where your sons would be headed next."

Haven Academy: Music Room: About a Day Later

'Atlas,' thought Wayne as he searched through his large travel bag he'd brought over from the Haven apartment, 'It had to be Atlas. I'm starting to think Ozpin's planning for these relics may have been a little too good, considering it'll be hard for 'anyone' to get in there right now.' After another moment of searching, Wayne found what he was looking for. 'But they warned us over and over again that being a huntsman was basically one of the most, if not the most, dangerous professions in the world.'

Wayne took a moment to check over the item in his hands, his old helmet, which now had an updated paint job to match the greyish blue coloring of his coat. In this case a new one he'd kept in reserve which didn't have a large number of stitches in it, or wasn't totally burned and shredded. 'I didn't think I'd be donning this thing again so soon,' thought Wayne. He'd turned it over in his head again and again. They'd won, with a good bit of luck and a large amount of unexpected help yes, but in the end they'd won.

All of the White Fang who'd attacked Haven had been captured except for Adam Taurus, who'd run from the battle after being overwhelmed by Blake and Sun. None of the Fang would support a leader who abandons them, so in order to keep the rest of the organization from fighting amongst themselves, Ghira Belladonna had taken the reins. With luck, the White Fang would become a positive force for change once again. As for Haven academy, it was currently in search of a new headmaster.

Lionheart had been found stabbed to death in his office by something with several barbs. Qrow believed that it was likely Salem's doing, seems the centuries old monster was, unsurprisingly, not fond of failure. For the time being the assistant headmaster had been called in to manage the school. As for Haven itself, that was a slightly different matter. With Lionheart's absence, the Mistral council divided up the traitorous headmaster's duties among themselves, again until a new headmaster could be found.

Another matter that needed attention was Haven's defense, now that most of its current huntsman were dead. Ghira, Kali, Ilia and the rest of the Faunus from Menagerie offered to help with that until more huntsman could be brought in from around the kingdom. Not a perfect solution but it was the best they had for the moment. As for Wayne, Aegis and the rest of their friends, Ozpin had given them a message, get the lantern to Atlas.

Now here Wayne was, getting his travel bag together for yet another long journey to another continent. Though he was fairly certain getting into Atlas this time was gonna be a whole heck of a lot harder than the first time. But that was a problem for when they got there. Right now, Wayne had a few other plans as he set his helmet on a nearby shelf, relaxing. He then took that moment to pull out a trumpet from one of the storage closets.

'Haven't played one of these in a bit,' thought Wayne, 'Wonder if I still got it.' With a quick adjustment to the valves, and wiping off the mouthpiece, the instrument was ready to play. But, just as Wayne was about to test it out, someone else walked in.

"There you are," Said Weiss, "We've been looking for you. Dinner's about ready."

"Oh uh, hey Weiss," Said Wayne as he quickly lowered the trumpet, "And what do you mean 'we'?"

"Yang and Aegis," Replied Weiss, "They were the only other ones who weren't totally exhausted from all of this. Blake and Sun are helping getting the other Faunus organized, May and Drake are off trying to find out which way the remaining ne'er do-wells went and everyone else is resting. Which if I recall you were supposed to be doing as well."

"I got restless I guess," Said Wayne, "The aura shadow healed basically ninety percent of all the wounds I got in the fight by amplifying my own aura. Once it recharged, the rest of my wounds were healed, plus a few hours of bed rest and here I am."

"But you still need to take it slow," Said Weiss, "You did fight a maiden after all, so don't get hasty and try to do too much at once. As for packing, that can wait just a bit longer, though it seems you're practically done already."

"I thought I'd get a head start," Said Wayne, "Like I said, restless."

"And the trumpet," Asked Weiss as she pointed at the instrument.

"Well boredom mostly," Replied Wayne as he rubbed the back of his head, "Since everyone else was telling me to take it easy I thought I'd find something to do."

"I'd almost forgotten you played the trumpet as a hobby," Said Weiss as she took a seat near Wayne, "Tell me, have you ever accompanied someone with it before."

"Only my brother on his guitar, and a little band back in my home town," Replied Wayne. "Why do you ask?"

"Do you think you could play along with someone singing," Asked Weiss, "It's been a little while and the last time I sang it was for a benefit which my father made me sing for. Not my fondest performance ever."

"Well if that's the case," Said Wayne as he readied the trumpet, "I'll just need a quick warm up. Hope you don't mind if I don't sound stellar."

"I'll decide whether or not it's stellar," Said Weiss. "But first, tell me, have you ever played the tune known as 'Joyous Winter' before?"

"It's a favorite of my home town actually," Replied Wayne as he blew a few tuning notes on the trumpet, "They made me play it so often back home that I don't even need the sheet music anymore."

"Then follow my lead," Said Weiss as she took a deep breath and made sure her voice was in tune. Then she began to sing. Wayne played the instrumental part soon after as the room was filled with a surprisingly pleasant sounding tune. It wasn't a furiously fast tune but it wasn't slow either.

The difference in their musical ability was obvious as Weiss seemed to effortlessly shift from high to low notes while maintaining the same quality of sound for each. While Wayne, on the other hand, had to struggle to keep up with her. In between it all, however, a rather playful tune emerged that gave off the feeling one would get playing in the snow. Adding to that, Weiss had the song perfectly memorized, never once missing a word, at least not that Wayne heard.

The tune itself lasted only a couple of minutes, but it was some of the most fun they'd had since their reunion with team RNJR. Which made what happened next a little more annoying than it probably would've been. "There you two are," said Yang as she poked her head in the door, "Helloooo!"

"Oh uh, hey Yang," Said Weiss as she and Wayne stood up, with the latter hiding the trumpet behind his back, "We were just about to come find you."

"Weren't the two of us supposed to be finding Wayne?" Questioned Yang as she walked in the room.

"I thought Aegis was helping you look too," Said Wayne, curious what could've happened to his brother.

"About that," Said Yang as she held up her scroll, "Some of the Mistral Faunus brought out honey to serve for dinner and well." Yang switched the scroll speaker.

"AAAAAAAARGH, HE'S ON A RAMPAGE!" Exclaimed what sounded like some of the Mistral police force. "Get the stun batons down here already!" A number of other voices came over the transmission, all of which sounded terrified.

"Ah not again," Said Wayne as he put a hand to his head, "We'd best get over there."

"And just when I started relaxing too," Said Weiss as she and Yang headed out the door.

"Oh come on Weiss, it'll be fun! Replied Yang with a smile Wayne hadn't seen in some time. Weiss of course argued back what could possibly be fun about it. As for him, he took one last glance at the helmet he'd taken out of his bag. 'Hope I'm worthy to wear you again,' he thought, 'we'll soon find out at the next battle.' With one final glance, Wayne chased after Yang and Weiss, enjoying the time to engage in a few antics with his friends again. Time he intended not to waste.

End of Volume 5

The battles in Haven have ended, and this time the tide has favored the students of Beacon and their mentors. Now with the relic in hand, they must venture forth to a border locked Atlas in order to take the next step in combating Salem. But what awaits them in the frigid kingdom may be more than just the machinations of the Grimm's master.

Which is something I can't wait to find out myself. But most of all I'd like to say thank you all, my readers, followers, and reviewers for reading the newest part of this story. And as always, feel free to leave a review or critique about what I could do to make this story better. Now the bad news, this story is gonna be on hold for a bit until the next volume comes out. Author's choice. But soon enough, Wayne and Aegis will be back, and this time they'll be making a mess of Atlas. Hope to see y'all then.