Destiny And Those Who Shape It

"I'm sorry, but you have left us no choice," Said Ironwood in team RWBY's dorm.

"But he attacked me!" Yang shouted back from her seat on Weiss' bed. It was the next day, and the news of Yang's unprovoked attack is the hot topic around.

"Video footage and millions of viewers say otherwise," Ironwood said.

This earned a glare from Nox who was standing next to Blake's bed where his Driver and Weiss were sitting on. "But what about Cinder disguising herself as a medic? Surely that must mean something." the dark Blade showed on his scroll.

Ironwood sighed at this. "Look, your loyalty to your Driver's team is admirable, but lying will not help them," the general said, causing Nox's pupil to shift into a cross.

"I do NOT lie!" Nox showed on his scroll while clenching his free hand into a fist.

"Your story makes no sense," Ironwood said, "Why would Cinder disguise herself and kidnap her own team mate? Especially when they are injured."

"You assume that he was actually hurt." Nox pointed out in his scroll, "I have done research. Atlas makes cybernetics that can be used to replace limbs. What makes you think Mercury did not-" "ENOUGH!" Ironwood snapped before smacking Nox's scroll away. "If Mercury had cybernetics, we would have noticed them. Besides, whether you are right or not doesn't matter, because they are gone now. What matters is that the public saw Yang's actions and have already drawn their own conclusions," the general said impassively, before returning his attention to Yang. "Which leaves me no choice, but to disqualify you," Ironwood then said.

"But he-" "That's enough!" Ironwood interrupted Yang, clearly not wanting to hear it, "That is all." With that, Ironwood left.

"…You guys believe me, right?" Yang almost pleaded her team.

"Duh! You would never do that," Ruby said from her sister's side.

"You're hotheaded, not ruthless," Weiss added in from her seat on Blake's bed.

"Even without Nox's findings I just can't believe you would just do something like that," Roze added in from where he was standing next to Ruby.

"It just doesn't make sense," Dahlia added her lien into the mix, "You responding to an attack alone would make more sense, than what the general said about the adrenaline creating hallucinations."

"It is not a question of belief. I know someone made you see what you did." Nox showed on his scroll. Although the last part contained comments about Ironwood being the worst general ever of all time, among other forms of slander which were starting to sound truthful.

"Blake?" Yang then said, their faunus team mate hadn't spoken yet.

"…Well I want to believe you both," Blake said, earning incredulous looks from her team mates and Blades, including Nox. The fact that her own partner doesn't believe her made tears pour out of Yang's eyes.

"How can you say that!?" Weiss shouted out.

"Yeah, Yang would never do that," Ruby added in, hugging her sister.

Blake sighed at that, "Look I want to believe Yang, but this isn't the first time something like this has happened. Someone…dear to me went through something similar, but it was gradual. First, they were accidents, then it was self-defense. At some point, even I believed he was right."

"My lady, Yang is not him." Nox pointed out on his scroll.

"I know, but…it's just…," Blake said before sighing, "Look, Yang, just look me in the eye and tell me you didn't mean to do it."

Yang wiped her tears before looking straight into Blake's eyes. "I saw him attack first, so I retaliated," the blonde said resolutely.

"…Okay, I believe you," Blake said, sighing in relief.

Yang also felt relief at Blake's words, before she looked down sadly, "I wonder if Dragunov does." This sentence came from the mere fact that Dragunov wasn't in the room. In fact, the last anyone saw him, the fire Blade was still in the Blade dorm.

"I'm sure he does, once he hears about Nox's findings," Roze said confidently.

After some more assuring from her team, Yang was left into the dorm as the others were now outside.

"This is a mess," Weiss said with a shake of a head.

"You are telling me." Nox showed on his scroll, "I believe that Ironwood is not looking for the truth but for someone to blame. And Yang is the easy target."

"Surely the general wouldn't do that right?" Ruby said, not wanting to believe that, "I mean…he's one of the good guys…right?" Before anyone could answer, Jaune came out of the JNPR dorm.

"She doing okay?" The leader of JNPR asked with the rest of his team looking worried. Even their Blades look worried to varying levels, with the exception of Joana. The knightess was the only one who believed that Yang simply revealed her "true nature". Needless to say, that comment didn't earn her any favors.

"She's doing what she can," Blake said awkwardly.

"If there's anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask," Ren spoke up, which was followed by a firm nod from Otohime, signifying that she was with her Driver on this.

With that, Ruby looked down for a moment before looking at Pyrrha who had taken a seat on her bed. "Pyrrha," Ruby said, earning the redhead's attention, "Be sure to win one for Beacon okay." The little red reaper managed to sound cheerful.

"It's what Yang would've wanted," Weiss said managing a sad smile.

"…I'll do my best," Pyrrha said, managing a smile before she felt a metallic hand on her shoulder.

"I know you will," Talos said as he gave his Driver a supporting look. Or that's what Pyrrha was assuming he did, it was hard to tell when the only thing you see of Talos is his glowing blue eyes.

"I'll be sure to watch tonight in case you get picked," Ruby said, managing a cheer.

"I think I've had enough fighting for one year," Blake said, not feeling like watching anymore.

"Ditto," Weiss agreed, "Coffee?" Weiss then offered.

"Tea." Blake replied with a weak smile.

"I suppose I could have some too," Dahlia said with a sigh as she glanced at the door to RWBY dorm with a sad sigh.

With that, Weiss, Blake, and their Blades moved out. Along with Ruby, except the girl stopped when she realized that Roze wasn't following her, "Roze?"

The reaper Blade was looking at the other way of the hallway, where their dorm would be at. "…I'll talk to Dragunov," the rose reaper then said resolutely, "I'll see you later."

Ruby nodded with a small smile, "See you later." With that, Ruby too left as Roze moved to his and the other three Blades' dorm.

With that, Jaune shut the door to team JNPR's dorm. Pyrrha still looking unsure, much to Talos' worry. Until…

"You heard the lady!" Nora shouted out to Pyrrha with a savage grin, startling the champion, "No more moping around." Then the carrot topped hammerer moved back, having changed into a fitness trainer's outfit during that pep talk…somehow. Though with, Nora, insanity is kind of a given. "We gotta get your butt in shape for the big fight," Nora said with an overly enthusiastic look. "It could be today." Nora jogged in place, "It could be tomorrow" Then she did push-ups, "It could be the most important fight of your ENTIRE LIFE!" Nora then lifted a huge weight she had pulled out of…somewhere…again. Anyway, Nora made the mistake of leaning back with the weight and it pulled her down backwards.

"Nora! You okay," Electra asked in concern, while a metallic clang sounded out from next to Pyrrha.

"…I'm too used to this," Talos grumbled, as he slid his palm down his helmet. All the while Pyrrha could only let out an unsure sound.

"Nora's right," Ren chimed in, earning everyone's attention. The black-haired boy had put on a pink apron with the text "Please do nothing to the cook" at the front. Something that made Otohime cover her mouth with her hand to hide her amusement. "You can't let your concern for Yang hold you back," Ren said calmly, "You need to focus. You'll be defending the honor of Beacon Academy."

"Of course, I-" "This blend of herbs and vegetables is filled with nutrients vital to your body," Ren interrupted the champion as he brought a glass in front of her. The said glass was filled with green, bubbling, and HIGHLY suspicious liquid.

A sentiment Talos whole heartedly agreed with, "How do we know it doesn't-" "Please, there's no need to thank me," Ren interrupted the armored Blade.

"Thank you?" Nora added in, agreeing with Talos, "Urgh, that looks like slime from lake bed."

"Algae contains numerous spectacular properties. See for yourself," Ren said, before forcing some of the green ooze into Nora's mouth. Which made the hammerer's face turn green before she was at a trashcan, emptying the contents of her stomach.

"Nora!" Electra cried out again in concern as she moved to stroke her Driver's back.

"What is wrong with you!?" Nora cried out once she was done.

"Me? You're the one who wasted perfectly good juice," Ren said as if nothing was wrong. While this was happening, Otohime dipped one of her tendrils into Ren's glass before bringing it to her mouth to have a taste. The black haired, kimono wearing beauty shrugged non-commitally at the taste, earning an incredulous sight from Talos, Pyrrha and Jaune. As well as from Nora who saw what happened.

"Curious," Joana commented, having shifted her forehead guard into her helmet, "From nutritional value standpoint, this substance seems to be the epitome of healthy food."

"You three are insane!" Nora screamed, as Pyrrha was holding a laughter at everyone's antics. "We're supposed to help Pyrrha, not poison her," Nora said as if she was talking to someone mentally challenged.

"There was nothing wrong with that," Ren argued back.

At that moment Electra had made the mistake of glancing into the trash can where Nora regurgitated. "If it looks the same going up when going down, then there has to be something wrong," the little girl with puffy hairbuns said with a look of disgust.

Jaune glanced at Pyrrha and decided to break up the fight, "Guys, why don't we all get some fresh air?"

"It would help Pyrrha clear her head," Talos agreed, but Pyrrha didn't take note of that. The Champion of Mistral merely gave Jaune a grateful smile.


As JNPR was having their moment, Roze had entered RWBY Blade dorm. Sure enough, Dragunov was still here, sighing heavily while sitting on the floor with his back against the wall, one leg hooked and an arm over it.

"Hey, Dragunov," Roze greeted the Blade of his Driver's sister.

"Roze," Dragunov barely acknowledged with a sigh.

"…You thinking about Yang?" the wind Blade asked as he approached the fire Blade.

"Gee, what gave that away?" was the weak joke as Roze reached him.

The reaper took a seat next to his fellow Blade, "She's innocent, you know."

"Is she?" Dragunov asked while clenching his hand into a fist, "The fight was over, and she still broke his leg. She had no reason to do that."

"…Do you think she attacked out of malice," Roze asked carefully, knowing that he was stepping on a mine field now.

"That's the problem, I don't know," Dragunov growled, "I saw what she did, she broke that boy's leg. I mean, he was annoying, but still…Urgh! That's not important! What's important…" Dragunov trailed off as the cracks in his body glowed for an instant, "…is that she broke someone's leg even when there was no reason to do it! I know this in my head, but…every other fiber of my being is screaming that what I saw was wrong!" At that part, Dragunov slammed his fist against the wall he was leaning against, causing cracks along it. "What does that say about me?" Dragunov asked as he let out a long exhale.

"It says that you realize what kind of person Yang is even without the evidence to support her innocence," Roze said with a small smile.

"What do you mean?" Dragunov asked as he turned his head towards Ruby's Blade.

"Nox told us that he saw Cinder, disguised as a medic, taking Mercury away on a ship," Roze replied, finally telling about Nox's findings.

This made the fire Blade's eyes widen, "How does this prove Yang's innocence? Maybe she's a part time medic?"

Roze raised an eyebrow, "And somehow got into the clothing as soon as her team mate was hurt? I don't know about you but I would think a hurt team mate would take priority over one's clothing." Then the reaper went for the punchline, "Besides, why did she attack Nox if she had nothing to hide, with glass weapons no less?"

Dragunov's eyes widened at that mention. Glass weapons were what that infiltrator used against Roze and Ruby. "…That still doesn't answer why Yang hit Mercury's leg," Dragunov then said, thought judging by his expression, he was pleading for the answer that wasn't the current popular belief about Yang.

"Atlas has made prosthetics that can replace limbs for combat use," Roze explained, "Maybe someone made Yang see what she saw and Mercury was just acting to be hurt."

"Of course," Dragunov said softly before standing up, "Of course! Of course! There's no way Yang would do that unless it was a life or death situation!" Then it sounded like the fire Blade was beating himself, "Stupid! Moron! Ashbucket for brains!" These words were followed by a smack against the side of his head. Right before he sighed as he calmed down, "Where is Yang now?"

"Still in her dorm, last I saw her." Roze had barely said that when Dragunov had already gotten out of the door that wasn't designed for someone of his stature.

"…That was easier than I thought," Roze commented, not that he was complaining. Yang needs every bit of support she can get, and Dragunov's may very well be the most vital of them at the moment.


Speaking of Yang, she was looking out the window, seeing team JNPR and their Blades walking.

"Hey there, firecracker." were the words that then caught Yang's attention.

There, next to the door, was Qrow, leaning against the wall. "Hey, Qrow," Yang greeted back.

"So, why'd you do it," Qrow then asked.

"You know why," Yang said with a hard look, which she turned away from her uncle.

"All I know is that you attacked a defenseless kid. So, either you're lying or you're crazy," Qrow said neutrally.

"I saw him attack me," Yang said, not letting up, "And Nox even proved it."

Qrow shook his head, "It's admirable of him, but we can't just believe that someone made you see what you did." Despite his words, Qrow felt that Nox's story made a lot more sense than Yang lying or being crazy.

"WHY DOES EVERYONE WANT ME TO BE GUILTY!" Yang snapped, surprising her uncle.

"The general, Blake…and I bet even Dragunov…It's like they want me to be the monster that everyone else seems to think I am," Yang said, letting out tears as she let it all out.

"I don't," were the words that made both Yang and Qrow to turn towards the now open door, which allowed Dragunov entry. The fire Blade entered the dorm with some difficulty while closing the door behind him. "Roze told me about Nox's findings. I…I want to say sorry, but first," Dragunov trailed off as he slowly walked towards Yang, lowering himself to her level. "Yang, I need you to tell me that you saw Mercury attacking you," the draconic Blade said to his Driver.

"Well, why don't you just-" "Yang!" Dragunov interrupted, taking both of her hands into his own. "…Please." The pleading tone in the mighty Blade's voice, as well as the look that practically begged Yang was something the blonde didn't believe he was capable of.

"…I saw Mercury attacking me, so I retaliated," Yang told her Blade with even more resolution than she did with Blake.

The fire Blade visibly relaxed as he exhaled, "Thank you." With that, he let go of Yang' hands.

"…Should I give you the speech?" Qrow asked with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" Dragunov asked the dusty old crow with a suspicious look as he rose back to his feet.

"The talk about, 'If you do anything to my niece, I will end you'," Qrow clarified half-jokingly. Emphasis on "half".

"What are you talking about, you damn scarecrow," Dragunov asked, not liking where this was going.

But Yang did as her face lit up red for an instant, which was followed by her eyes shortly after. "We are NOT like that, you old perv," Yang shouted out, and it was at that moment Dragunov also figured out what Qrow was talking about, judging by his mouth opening and closing in a perfect imitation of a fish out of water.

"…Let's make a deal, we all pretend that you never said that, and in exchange I will let you keep that birds nest you call hair," Dragunov said to Qrow, making a large flame appear in his palm for emphasis.

"Got it," Qrow said, putting his hands up in the universal sign of surrender.

As Yang calmed down, she thought about something before glancing at Dragunov, "…Hey, Drag."

"Yeah?" The draconic Blade acknowledged.

"…Did you see her too," Yang asked carefully.

"Who?" Dragunov asked, not sure what his Driver was talking about.

"That woman clad in red and a sword," Yang clarified, causing Qrow to stiffen a little.

"Yeah…I did," Dragunov said before realizing what his Driver must be thinking, "If that was your mother, then I let that pipsqueak get away for nothing." At this realization, Dragunov clenched his hands into fists.

"You two saw Raven?" Qrow said, with a sigh, "Let me guess, she didn't say anything to either of you."

"How did you know?" Yang asked with suspicion.

"My sister doesn't really talk, but she does try to keep in touch. Whenever it suits her," Qrow said, adding the latter part as an afterthought. "She also told me to give you a message," Qrow then said earning a scowl from both Yang and Dragunov.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Yang asked, feeling just a little betrayed.

"I was waiting for the right time, and this sure ain't it," Qrow said as he walked past Dragunov to look out the window with his hands on his hips. Then he turned back towards Yang, "But I guess you deserve to know." Then the man gave questioning look towards Dragunov.

The blonde Driver glanced at her Blade in thought, before deciding, "You can say anything with Dragunov here." Yang didn't notice, but the corners of the said Blade's mouth quirked upwards.

"Alright," Qrow nodded in acceptance, "Your mom asked me to tell you that she used her one save on you regardless of the outcome and that you shouldn't expect that kindness again."

"That arrogant…," Dragunov growled holding his tongue on the words he no doubt wanted to use. Because this is his Driver's mother they were talking about.

"Dragunov saved me, not her," Yang protested in annoyance.

"Like that's gonna make much of a difference to her," Qrow sighed in disappointment at Raven, before deciding to explain, "Raven has a particular view of the world that I don't exactly agree with. She's also dangerous."

"Dangerous?" Yang questioned, while Dragunov listened with rapt ears.

"Well she is very strong. But she did leave me some info that helped me on my last mission. She also let some info slip up. If you ever want to track her down, I might be able to help," Qrow offered with a grin.

During this exchange, Dragunov was also wondering about some things. He wondered if he should share what he found out about his past. Well, that could wait for now.


Outside, as the evening was creeping around the corner, Pyrrha was sitting on the ground outside of Beacon cafeteria. She still had a lot on her mind. Then she noticed a single leaf falling to the ground. A clear sign of Autumn, which made her think back on Amber who was on the verge of death for an instant. She just didn't know what to do, especially when she was told not tell anyone. Not her friends, not her team, not event Talos. Speaking of the metal Blade, Pyrrha had asked to be alone and he had respected her wish.

"Hey." Jaune's greeting towards Pyrrha cut off the girl's thoughts. Looking up, Pyrrha saw Jaune holding a stick of cotton candy in one hand. "It's not green goop, but I thought it might do you some good," Jaune offered as his partner accepted the sugary treat, before the blonde aspiring knight sat next to her. "Pyrrha, you're the first person to really believe in me," Jaune started talking, "Even my parents…When I was accepted at Beacon, they told me not to worry if I had to move back home…How depressing is that."

"Jaune, I-" Pyrrha froze as she felt something wrap itself around her right hand. It was Jaune's hand. Dropping the cotton-candy she had in her left one in the process.

"You were always there for me," Jaune continued, "Always encouraging me to improve. I guess, what I'm trying to say is, I can tell you have things in your mind. So, I want you to know that I'm there for you if you need any help."

"You already are," Pyrrha said as she rested her head on Jaune's shoulder. What the champion didn't know, was that not too far away, Joana was doing a mental happy dance as she dared to steal a glance from behind the pillar Jaune had ordered her to stay at. Yes, actually ordered, because Jaune felt like this was the one thing he needed to do on his own. Joana obliged, and was content on watching her lord finally realizing that Pyrrha was the only woman good enough for him.

Back to the Arkos pair, Jaune allowed Pyrrha to use his shoulder as a pillow. "…Jaune," Pyrrha then said, once again earning the blonde's attention, "Do you believe in destiny?" the champion asked.

The question surprised Jaune a little, but he still answered unsurely, "I guess…that depends on how you look at it."

With that, Pyrrha lifted her head off of Jaune, before explaining, "When I think of destiny, I don't think about a predetermined fate you cannot escape from. I believe, destiny is a longtime goal you work your whole life to achieve."

"I guess I can get behind that," Jaune said, finding Pyrrha's belief almost inspiring.

"Well, what would you do if something came along that you never expected. Something that could potentially stand between you and your destiny," Pyrrha asked, pulling her hand away from Jaune's as she did.

"Well, that-" "Or what if you find out you could suddenly fulfill your destiny!?" Pyrrha interrupted Jaune, sounding more distressed, "But at the cost of who you are!"

"Pyrrha, you're not making any sense," Jaune said, getting a little worried now.

"None of it makes sense!" Pyrrha shouted as she stood up, walking a few steps forward while hugging herself, "This isn't how things are supposed to be!"

Jaune also got up, "I'm sorry…I…I'm just trying to understand." The blonde boy had never seen Pyrrha this distressed, ever. And that alone was worrisome.

Pyrrha seemed to calm down, before talking again, "I've always felt that my destiny was to become a huntress. And now it's become increasingly clear that my feelings were right." The redheaded huntress then turned to face Jaune, "But…I just don't know if I can do it."

"Of course you can," Jaune said supportively, "The Pyrrha Nikos I know would never back down from a challenge. And if you truly believe it's your destiny, you can't let anything stand in your way." Jaune said with a small smile.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the answer Pyrrha wanted, which was made clear when she covered her mouth to hide her sobs. But it was useless, "…stop." Pyrrha said with a small voice.

"Pyrrha? Did I say something wrong?" Jaune asked more confused than ever.

"STOP!" Pyrrha shouted as she used her semblance to slam Jaune into the wall, hard.

"MILORD!" Joana cried out, coming out of her hiding spot to the scene she never thought she would witness.

And it was at that moment that Pyrrha also realized what she just did, releasing Jaune in horror. The blonde boy dropping down as he looked at Pyrrha, not even angry or scared, just…confused.

"Jaune…I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry!" Pyrrha apologized as she ran away in tears.

"Pyrrha wait!" Jaune called after her, but the redhead wouldn't stop. "…What did I say?" Jaune asked himself as Joana moved to his side to help him up.

"I do not know, milord. I truly do not know," the knightess Blade said as she looked to where Pyrrha had ran to in tears.

Pyrrha wasn't sure how long she had run, but she didn't stop until she reached Beacon patio. "I hurt Jaune," Pyrrha said in tears as she fell on her knees. "I hurt Jaune," She repeated as her sobs renewed.

"That you did." Was the voice that startled Pyrrha. turning towards the source, she saw Talos. "But what I don't understand is why," the metal Blade said as he approached his Driver with heavy footsteps. Pyrrha only turned her eyes away from her Blade. "Pyrrha, what is it?" Talos asked as he placed a hand over her back.

"You wouldn't understand," Pyrrha said, not wanting hear the same thing she heard from Jaune.

"Pyrrha, let me try," Talos said resolutely.

"NO!" Pyrrha shouted as she used her semblance to throw Talos to who knows where. "You just…can't…," Pyrrha whispered to herself as her gaze fell back to the ground.

Only, for a loud thump and a small shockwave to interrupt her increasingly dark thoughts. "Nice try Pyrrha, but you can't get rid of me that easily," Talos said as he stepped away from the small crater he created when he leaped back to Pyrrha.

"Just leave me alone!" Pyrrha cried out.

"NO!" Talos shouted resolutely as he stomped the ground once, actually shutting Pyrrha down. "Whatever is going on is clearly causing you misery. I cannot leave you alone," Talos said firmly before using a softer tone, "Please. Let me try to help, as your Blade."

Pyrrha hesitated for the moment, before telling her Blade the same thing she told Jaune. Throughout her explanation, Talos only nodded for her to continue. Until she got to the part where she didn't know if she could pay the price for fulfilling her destiny.

"…What is the price?" Talos finally asked.

"I told you, the price is who I am," Pyrrha said sadly.

"That's quite vague, what is it you treasure about yourself that you can't bring yourself to give up," Talos asked again.

"It's…It's…," Pyrrha couldn't bring herself to say.

"Your feelings for Jaune," Talos concluded, earning a shocked look from his Driver.

"What!? How did you know!?" Pyrrha asked in fear.

"Because after asking about this from Jaune, you slammed him against a wall. I was watching you," Talos explained as he crossed his arms, "But I couldn't hear what you two were talking about."

"You…You were spying on me!?" Pyrrha accused.

"I was worried about you," Talos responded easily, before the glow of his eyes intensified, "Ever since you returned from Ozpin's office something was bothering you, I was planning to wait for you to tell me, but clearly that was a mistake." At the end of that, Talos approached Pyrrha who had stood up. And then something happened that Pyrrha never thought would happen, Talos embraced her lightly. "Whatever it is, clearly Ozpin told you not to tell anyone else. But if it causes you this much pain, you should at least tell me. After all, I am your Blade, and you, Pyrrha Nikos, are my Driver." Talos explained softly.

Pyrrha's emotions were haywire. Talos was always harsh about her feelings for Jaune, he wanted her to train in ways she didn't want to because she wanted to be known for her strength and not semblance. He even upped Jaune's training in what Pyrrha assumed was to break him. There were too many times she thought that Talos was just like everyone else, wanting to mold her into whatever image everyone had of her. But now…she wasn't so sure. And maybe it was because of that uncertainty, or a desperate need to find an answer to her problem, but Pyrrha cracked. She told Talos everything. About Ozpin's brotherhood, about the maidens and about Amber. And most importantly, what they wanted of her and the risks it would involve.

"…So that's it," Talos said as the two had sat down and leaning against the low wall of the patio. Then the metal Blade closed his eyes as he thought about the problem. "I used to think that your feelings for Jaune would be your undoing," Talos then said, earning a betrayed look from his Driver. "But, as he improved, I'm beginning to see that by the time you graduate, he might be a man worthy of you. He may still be a weakness, but one that cannot be used against you," The metal Blade explained as Pyrrha's face lit up with hope. "So here is what I believe, you should refuse this power," Talos concluded.

"…But…what about the one with half of the power, if she gets the other half-" "We will destroy her," Talos interrupted Pyrrha, "If what Ozpin and his brotherhood said is true, then the maidens are powerful, but not invincible. Besides, I doubt they have ever gone against a Driver and a Blade."

Pyrrha saw Talos' point, if the maidens had been actively hunted once upon a time then that meant they must have been defeated. Also, Blades are a new weapon, so maybe she would stand a better chance against the assailant if she ever came across her. "But…if we do…kill her then what if the power is transferred to me then," Pyrrha asked, remembering that possibility.

"If it does, then it does," Talos said simply, "At least then, you will still be you." And that sounded like it was more important to Talos. "Also…I probably don't have to say this, but if Jaune had known the full extent of the price, I doubt he would have told you what he did." Of course, Pyrrha had also told her Blade what happened with Jaune.

Regardless, Pyrrha couldn't help hugging Talos. "Thank you," Pyrrha let out one last sob at her Blade's words.

"Anytime," Talos said as he lightly patted Pyrrha's head. Which honestly reminded her a little of her father. "We'll tell Ozpin your answer together, but for now. I believe the next round is about to start soon," Talos then said with a slightly more eager tone.

Which reminded Pyrrha about the tournament round that would happen soon enough. "Oh, that's right, we should hurry," Pyrrha said as she got up and started running towards the airpads that would take her to the Coliseum, with Talos stomping behind her. The metal Blade was smiling through his eyes at his accomplishment.

"Your destiny may very well be becoming a huntress, but it should be on your terms," Talos thought. Because as much as he has disapproved of Jaune, he knows that he can never truly decide what Pyrrha should feel. But he didn't have the heart to tell Pyrrha that the four years at Beacon may not be enough to make Jaune as worthy as he would like, but he would just have to step up the regime to ensure that the blonde idiot will be. But for now, Pyrrha and him had a match to attend to, and there was a chance that his Driver would need him for this.


Around that time, Ruby was also on her way to the Coliseum. Until she caught sight of Velvet taking pictures of Sun who was passing by.

Deciding that she would have time to greet the rabbit faunus, Ruby moved out of the short line. "Velvet, hi!" Ruby greeted with a happy wave as she skipped towards the rabbit.

"Oh, Ruby!" Velvet greeted back.

"What'cha doing?" Ruby asked out of curiosity.

"Just working on my photography, wanna see?" Velvet asked eagerly.

"Sure," Ruby accepted, and Velvet showed the latest picture she had of Sun. It only showed his torso with one of his gunchuks dangling over his shoulder. "Uhh…It's great," Ruby said unsurely.

"Isn't it," Velvet said, either not realizing or caring about the younger girl's hesitation. Then the bunny girl's demeanor soured a little, "I'm sorry about your sister."

"Thanks," Ruby said, feeling grateful for Velvet's concern.

"I mean, it's just awful what some people say about her," Velvet added in, "I mean, most people don't know what it's like to be in battle. Stress induced hallucination can apparently happen to veterans. I mean, if it happened to Coco, then why not Yang?"

"Coco?" Ruby questioned.

"Yeah, she claimed to have seen Yatsuhashi in the forest during their fight with Emerald and Mercury, but Yatsu never made it out of the geysir fields," Velvet explained.

"Interesting." Said a new voice that made Ruby jump a little and turn around to see Roze standing behind her.

"Roze! When did you get here!?"

"Just now," Roze replied, before returning his attention to Velvet," Have you told anyone else about this?"

"Well…Nox asked me about the fight earlier," Velvet said, trying to remember who she had talked to outside of her team.

"I see," Roze said with a thoughtful look. A look that was shared by Ruby.

"Okay, nice talking to you Velvet," Ruby then said as she waved to the rabbit, "Keep working on your photography!"

"Thanks, I will," Velvet replied cheerfully before returning to taking pictures.


Shortly after, Ruby and Roze had made it to the audience seats of the arena, surveying the surroundings idly as they waited for the next match to start. Then Ruby felt a tap on her shoulder. The red reaper turned her eyes to Roze who was pointing towards a particular direction in the audience, which made the silver eyed girl squint the said eyes to see what her Blade was pointing at.

"Emerald?" Ruby was surprised at the sight of the girl.

"Why is she here?" Roze added in with narrowed eyes.

"Come on, Roze," Ruby said as she got off her seat to walk towards the door to the maintenance entrance, with Roze right behind her.

As the two walked the hallway, they heard Izuna announcing the randomization beginning for the next match. As this happened, a certain someone showed up from a side entrance.

"Mercury." Ruby said with a look of dread.

The gray-haired teen stood in front of the Driver and Blade with a cocky smirk, just as they heard who the combatants will be.

"And the match is, Pyrrha Nikos vs Penny Polendina," Port's voice echoed from the outside.

"No." Ruby said as she realized how this match could end up.

"Wohhooo, polarity vs metal. That could be bad," Mercury said with a grin as he took a fighting stance.

Ruby reached for Crescent Rose, but then she remembered that it was still in her locker back at Beacon.

However, Roze brought out his own scythe. The students are told to keep their weapons in their lockers, but since Blades can summon their own weapons whenever they want telling them to do the same would be pointless. "Nox was right," Roze said as he glared at Mercury with his empty white eyes, "You were never hurt."


AN: And here we go. Ironwood decided to be an idiot and not believe Nox, even when they knew who the culprits for Amber's condition are. Dragunov is still with Yang. And Talos has fixed the damage Jaune had caused by accident.

But will Ruby's and Roze's combined presence be enough to save Penny. Or will the Blades of the Invincible Girl and the Mechanical Maiden be the deciding factor?