Chapter 4: The Phantom Menace Part I

Pyrrha came into the locker room of the coliseum, where she walked over to her weapon's locker. Opening the door, inside she found Blake's weapon, Gambol Shroud hanging from the very back. Reaching in, she pulled Gambol shroud out from her locker. Holding it in her hands before her, Pyrrha's narrowed her eyes as she frowned. Her thoughts returned once more to Blake.

"I guess this is it... Qrow and I are leaving Lothadare. Maybe... for good." Pyrrha proclaimed, her eyes glancing to the side.

There was a moment's pause.

"I never thought that it was going to be this hard. I know it's for the best and all... It's just that..." She said, seemingly to no one else.

"Living here for so long...In a way... Lothadare feels a lot like home to me. But now that I may be leaving for good..."

Pyrrha paused for a moment. Feeling her heart sinking in her chest at the thought of leaving behind all the friends she had made here at the Academy. Auron. Hanako. Keith... Blake. It may have been only a short time together. But even still, her Teammates had felt as though they were family to her. And now she was about to leave it all behind. The same way she had left behind the family she had back in Arthamore.

Lifting her sullen gaze to Gambol shroud, her tears seeped from her eyes, running down sides of her face.

"But at the very least... I know you will always be by my side, Blake. No matter where I go." Pyrrha said.

There was nothing else that she had wished to take with her on the journey to Haven. None more so then the weapon of the friend she had made here in Lothadare. The one thing she had to remember her by. She may not have been able to save Blake. But she could still honor the memory of her friend.

By doing the one thing Blake has sought out to do. That being, bring justice and Equality to the Faunus people.

"I promise, Blake. I'll do whatever it takes to bring equality to your people." Pyrrha proclaimed to her.

With that, Pyrrha then placed Gambol shroud over her hip, strapping it to her belt. As if to fully commit herself to the promise she had made. The last thing Blake ever did was use Gambol Shroud to protect her from Adam. As such, she would use it to honor her friends by using her sword to bring the Faunus people the justice they so rightful deserve. As well as the Equality they have been denied for so long.

"Pyrrha?"

Pyrrha glanced back, where she saw Auron, Hanako and Keith walking into the locker room. She turned to face her teammates with a look of dismay. She knew this was a discussion that they were going to have. Having already bid goodbyes to Blake, she knew that she must do the same with Auron, Hanako and Keith. Knowing this would be the last time they would be together.

Auron, Hanako and Keith came up to her. Seemingly still worried about her sudden departure after the incident.

"Pyrrha, there you are. You alright?" Auron asked.

Pyrrha nodded her her.

"Uh, yes." she insisted to her.

"Yeah, you had us going back there." Keith insisted to her.

Pyrrha frowned.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry any of you." Pyrrha proclaimed to them.

"I... um..."

Pyrrha then paused.

"What's wrong?" Auron asked, squinting his eyes, curiously.

Hanako stepped forward. She then glanced down to Blake, weapon sheaved over her right hip. She had seen Pyrrha had kept it from the night they had lost Blake. but she had yet to ever see her use it in any of the training sessions. Though she suspected it was not he intention to ever do so. Which could only mean one thing. Something they all knew was coming.

"Your leaving, aren't you?" Hanako asked, curiously.

Auron and Keith glanced to Hanako in awe at the very the very suggestion.

"What...?!" Keith asked.

Auron turned back at Pyrrha, who narrowed her eyes, frowning.

"Yes..." she said.

Hearing Pyrrha utter that single word, both Auron and Keith were left shocked and dismayed. Like Hanako, they knew this day would come sooner or later. Though they never would have thought this would be that very day. Just as they had lost Blake, they were about to lose their forth and best teammate.

"You mean...? Auron asked, curiously.

Pyrrha looked up to them, nodding her head. Causing Auron to frown and narrow his eyes. All while Hanako bowed her head as Keith ran his hands through the thick dreadlocks of his hair.

"No way, man. This ain't happening." He said, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, guys. But... we have to leave." Pyrrha insisted to them.

"The Council may have already found out that we aren't citizens of Lothadare. And we must go to Haven to continue my training."

"So that's it... Team Eagans breaking up?!" Keith said, glancing to Hanako and Auron.

"I'm afraid so...I'm sorry." Pyrrha said, narrowing her head.

Auron glanced up to her her before she came up to Pyrrha. He placed his hand firmly atop her left shoulder. She raised her gaze to meet his. Only for her look of sadness to be met with that of understanding on the part of Auron. He shook his head to her.

"No way... We may not see each other again. But we will always be teammates." Auron insisted to her.

"No matter what happens, Team Eagan will always be together. No matter where we go or how far apart we are."

They then glanced back at Hanako and Keith, who nodded their head in agreement. Though Keith's tearful gaze earned a slight chuckle from Pyrrha. She would no doubt miss Keith as well. Just as much as she would Auron and Hanako. Auron turned back to her.

"Thanks, Pyrrha. For everything." Auron said, nodding his head to him.

"I hope you and Qrow make it to Haven."

Hanako bowed her head to her.

"It has been an honor to fight along side you." She said.

Pyrrha in turned smiled back, nodding her head in appreciation.

"Thank you. You are all wonderful friends." Pyrrha said.

It was at that mention of being friends that had caused Keith to break down into tears.

"Oh, I can't take it anymore. Come here, you guys!" Keith exclaimed.

Keith then embraced them all into his arms. Much to the amusement of both Pyrrha and Auron. As well as the sternness of Hanako. Though she was quick to change her outlook for the sake of her teammate. After but a moment, Keith then released his three teammates from his hold. Pyrrha smiled, chuckling a bit.

"I should probably get going. I am suppose to meet Qrow and Reuban at the station." Pyrrha proclaimed to them.

Auron then turned back to Pyrrha.

"We'll go with you." Auron said.

Pyrrha smiled to them, nodding her head.

Qrow pulled up his motorbike along the sidewalk before the staieway down to the Transport station. Overhead, he saw the recent transport beginning it's decent over one of the landing pads. No doubt having come from the station near the palace. Which meant that Reuban and Leandra had to be aboard and with the lamp no less. Their only ticket out of Lothadare. He had to admit, he was surprised that he was able to get it out of the vault. Despite the King's refusal to such a request.

Of course, he had his suspicions of the headmaster's methods. No doubt having pulled something to have gotten the lamp out from the Royal Fault without anyone having known about it. Especially not the King or the Royal council. Despite his age, Headmaster Rueben has proven to be quite cunning in the past. Which only appended to his worry. When the Council soon to discovers the truth about Pyrrha, they would also find out that they had stolen from the Kingdom.

Further convicting them with the crimes they had commit against Lothadare. Although they may not be the only ones that would face justice if they learn Rueben and Lothadare had a hand in this. Qrow paused, uttering a sigh.

"I got a bad feeling about this." He said before glancing back toward the direction of the Academy.

"Come on, Red. Hurry up."

Qrow got off his bike, which down the stand. He then turned and made his way down the stairway to me Rueben and Leandra.

As the gangway set down over the platform below, the many Passengers made their way down like a herd of Falanas. Headmaster Rueben and Leandra were the last ones to depart from the ship. Staggering down the gangway to the platform below with Leandra following suit. Over the walkway below, they saw Qrow waiting for them below. Much to their relief.

"Ah, Qrow is here. Thank the Gods." Headmaster Reuben said.

Though the absence of Pyrrha was also a concerning notice.

"But where is Pyrrha?" Leandra asked, curiously.

"I'm sure she is coming. Come, we must hurry." The Headmaster proclaimed.

Continuing on their way down the gangway, it was unannounced to the two of the cloaked figure that stood at the very top. Narrowing their concealed gaze to the platform below. It was there they noticed the elderly Headmaster and captain of the royal guard, having come down from the gangway. Making their way across the walkway. They the shifted their gaze to the very end of the walkway, they saw a familiar figure standing there. One they had seen before in the past.

A sly grin formed over their face. They then glanced back at two others, who came up behind them.

"Is everything in place?" They asked, curiously.

"Yes." A man's voice said.

The Figure turned forward, grinning with much anticipation.

Qrow was standing at the end of the walkway, his arms folded against his chest. Seeing Headmaster Rueben and Leandra walking up to him, he notice the Lamp, hanging down from the cane of the Headmaster. Much to Qrow's surprise. He turned to the Headmaster, squinting his eyes to him.

"I don't believe it. You actually got it." Qrow said, gesturing down to the lamp.

The Headmaster nodded his head to him.

"Indeed." He said.

"How did you do it?" Qrow asked, curiously.

"Now is not the time to say. You both must go on your way!" The Headmaster proclaimed to him.

"The council may have already concluded their meeting. You must leave Lothadare as soon as possible. Where is Pyrrha?"

Qrow cocked his head, looking back the way he came. Pyrrha had said that she needed to get something from her locker at the coliseum. She should be on here way by now. Hopefully before the arrival of the authorities.

"She'll be here. Don't worry." Qrow reassured him.

Taking it off from the cane of the headmaster, the lamp suddenly began to pulse once more. Qrow glanced down at the relic, curiously.

"Akara...?" He said.

"It's been glowing for a while now." Leandra proclaimed to him.

"It would seem that Akara is trying to reach out to her prodigy. Perhaps of your quest to Haven." The Headmaster proclaimed.

Qrow thought back to that night in the colosseum. The last time that Pyrrha had entered into the lamp. She had said that they would have to embark on a great journey for the part part of Pyrrha's training. Though as to what that would be was left unsaid. Perhaps Akara is trying to reveal to them just what the next part of that training had entailed.

Though regardless, it would have to wait. They needed to find Pyrrha and get out of Lothadare before the authorities arrive.

"Well, Akara gonna have to wait a little longer." Qrow proclaimed.

Right now we need to focus on getting out of Lothadare before-"

A fire explosion suddenly erupted from the deck of the transport. Causing then to turned back in a startled awe at the transport to see a massive clous fiery blaze. Any nearby bystanders to erupt in gasps of shock and dismay, turning back to the transport. Suddenly, it erupted into another massive explosion.

"Watch out!" The Headmaster exclaimed.

Raising his cane into the air, the Headmaster casted a shield spell upon them. Blocking the impact of the explosion and the flames that swept over them.

Pyrrha and her teammate suddenly paused at the sound of an explosion from afar. Turning ahead, they saw saw a fierily blaze coming from overhead.

"That don't look good!" Keith said, pointing ahead.

"What's going on?" Pyrrha asked, curiously.

Auron shook his head to her.

"I don't know. It's coming from the transport station!" He proclaimed to her.

Pyrrha turned forward, squinting her eyes. Slowly the realization came to her. Qrow was there at the transport station along with Headmaster Rueben and Leandra. They must be in danger. Pyrrha then gasped.

"Oh no... Qrow!" she proclaimed before racing ahead toward the stations.

Auron, Hanako and Keith quickly rushed after her.

Pyrrha came up over the top of the stairway. She then paused. From below, she saw the burning debris of one of the transport. The smoke from the fire concealing much of the landing platforms below. Emerging from the smoke, the survivors made their way toward the stairway. Many of them appearing burned or injured by the sudden explosion of the transport.

Pyrrha cupped her hands over her mouth in shock and awe of the sight. It was then Auron, Hanako and Keith came up from behind. Only to then pause upon seeing the sight of what could only be another attack by the White Fang.

"Oh my god!" Auron said.

"What happened here?!" Hanako asked, turning to them.

"White Fang?" Auron guessed.

Pyrrha made their way down the stairway. Much to the dismay of her teammates. Auron then turned back to Hanako and Keith.

"Stay Sharp!" Auron said, drawing his blaster from behind his back.

The three then followed after Pyrrha, drawing their weapons as they made their way down the stairway. Pyrrha came down over the walkway below, making her way through the smoke and the people walking the other way from the sight of the transport wreckage.

"Qrow?!" She called out.

"Headmaster Rueben!"

Pyrrha let out a cough, breathing in the thick black smoke. The burning sensation of her eyes caused her to shut her eyes. Tears seeping from her tightly shut eye lids as they ran the sides of her face. Though despite that, she continued on to find where ever her mentor may be. Hoping that they were safe and alright. Though with each person she passed, whether burned or injured from the transport explosion, seeing the looks of fear and brought a look of horror and dismay.

But even still, Pyrrha continued searching for them. Calling out for her mentor with the hope to hear even the faintest sound of his voice.

"Qrow...!" She continued to call out.

"Qrow!"

There was a sudden small pulse of bright blue light pulsing through the thick black smoke. Seeming to be coming from overhead. Pyrrha paused, staring ahead at the strange blue light which looked familiar to the young prodigy. The light was glowing brighter. As if it was becoming closer. Pyrrha squinted her eyes. It was there she noticed a figure in the cover of the smoke, making their way toward her.

And then suddenly, she heard a voice calling out to her.

"Red!"

Emerging from the smoke, she saw Qrow walking up to her with the Lamp in hand. Pyrrha gasped

"Qrow" she exclaimed, rushing up to him.

Qrow staggered, covering his mouth with his arm. Pyrrha rushed up to him.

"Are you alright?" Pyrrha asked, curiously.

Qrow nodded his head.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm alright. Thanks, Red!" He coughed.

Pyrrha then glance up, where she saw Headmaster Rueben and Leandra emerging from smoke behind him. The Headmaster covering his mouth with the handkerchief from his suit breast pocket. All the while, Leandra was covering her mouth with her arm as she came out of the smoke. Uttering a sigh of relief at the moment she came to breath fresh air again.

"Headmaster Rueben!" Pyrrha exclaimed.

It was at that moment, Auron, Hanako and Keith had caught up to Pyrrha, coming up to them. Auron wasted no time rushing to her mother's aid.

"Mother!" He said, placing his hand over her shoulder.

"I'm fine, my son." Leandra said before shifting her gaze back at the burning wreckage.

"What happened here?!" Pyrrha asked, curiously.

Leandra shook his head.

"I'm not sure. But this was no accident." Leandra proclaimed to them.

Pyrrha shared a glanced to her teammates before looking back to Leandra.

"You think it was the White Fang?" Auron asked, curiously.

Headmaster Rueben then shifted his inquisitive gaze back to the burning wreckage of the transport. All but concealed by the cloud of smoke from which they had emerged. Sharing the same suspision of Leandra over the causes behind such a supposed incident. He knew as well as she did that this was no incident. Rather it did indeed seem like an attack by the White Fang themselves.

However, there was something which did not indite the White fang as the ones responsible for this. Rather, the Headmaster sense a presence. One he hadn't for the many years he had endured. One of sorcery.

Of Dark Magic.

Pyrrha glanced to the Headmaster, curiously.

"Headmaster Rueben?" she asked.

Professor Rueben did not reply. But rather continued to peer ahead at the cloud of smoke. Readying his cane within his hand. It was at that point Qrow had shifted his glance to the headmaster.

"What is it?" He asked, curiously.

Rueben then broke the silence.

"I sense a presence." The Headmaster proclaimed to them.

Pyrrha and Qrow each exchanged a curious look to one another. So too were Auron, Hanako and Keith left questioned by the Headmaster's words. Though Leandra was the first to draw her weapon. Taking them as the warning of impending danger.

Headmaster Rueben suddenly drew his cane as if he was ready to cast a spell.

"There is dark Magic here!" He proclaimed to them.

There was suddenly a bright flash of light from the cloud of smoke. Like the fire spewing from a dragon's jaws. The blazing light revealing the shadow of a strange cloaked figure, appearing to be wielding a sword as they were stepping toward them. Qrow suddenly turned back as he stared in utter shock and contempt. The very memories that haunted him of that very day came flooding back to him.

Pyrrha glanced up to him, seeing the fear and contempt in his eyes.

"Qrow...?" She asked.

Qrow then shook his head.

"No... It can't be..." He uttered under his breath.

The figure suddenly emerged from the smoke, coming to reveal a women much older then Pyrrha and her teammates. She was wearing a dark cloak over black, crimson armor, holding a sword which appeared to burning with fiery magic. The figure lifted their gaze to them, directing it mainly to both Pyrrha and Qrow. A sly grin slowly formed over her face.

"After so long... I finally found you." She said.