The Journey Continues

After a good night's sleep, the gang was having breakfast and Mythra was currently out. The blonde Aegis was in deep thought. She had forgotten it until yesterday, but there was a time a similar incident happened and she wanted to vaporize him. Sadly, Addam and Thauron wouldn't let her. Still now that she remembered a little more, she also remembered when Malos revealed he had destroyed Thauron. There were many times Mythra imagined herself being happy when that muscle head reverted to a Crystal, but strangely she wasn't at the time. Especially when Lora almost broke down at hearing about Thauron's death.

And according to the few memories Pyra had when Mythra first created her, Lora was trying to stay cheerful after everything that happened. But of course, Pyra had no idea why Lora would be depressed at the time.

"So, you don't know why she was so depressed either?" Pyra asked inside Mythra's head.

"Not really." Mythra said with a sigh, "Not that it matters now, I guess."

"What doesn't matter?" was the question that came from Rex.

"Nothing important," Mythra replied dismissively before looking to Dragunov who was sitting next to Yang. The draconic Blade still didn't seem to acknowledge what happened at the training grounds.

But it was clear that it worried everyone to varying degrees. Although some like Nora seemed like they refused to be put down by the incident.

"Hey, Yang," Dragunov then said, earning his Driver's attention.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think we have time to go outside the town to search for minerals?" Dragunov asked.

"Well I don't know, we're not sure when the ship will be fixed," Yang replied with a shrug.

"We might have to ask Mòrag if she has heard anything," Zeke spoke up as he had just about finished his breakfast, "Besides that, Mor Ardain is a big Titan, I doubt you get to any good spots fast enough."

This caused Tora to perk up. "Ahh! Tora forgot!" Tora let out almost frantically.

"What is it, Tora?" Dromarch asked.

"Yang follow Tora to Gyro's garage after breakfast," Tora said, waving his wings and arms in excitement.

Yang looked confused for a moment before brightening up at the only possibility Tora would want that, "Is Bumblebee ready?"

"Muehhehhee," Tora said with a mysterious look, "Yang have to wait and see."

It seemed like that made Yang hurry up and try to finish her breakfast alongside Dragunov. Although the fire Blade was much more…orderly about it.

Soon enough, Tora, Yang, Poppi and Dragunov found themselves at Gyro's garage after getting Gyro to let them in.

"Behold! Bumblee 2.0!" Tora said with grandeur as he presented Yang her bike. Of course, the rest of the gang followed. Except for Qrow who decided to stay behind in case Mòrag and Brighid showed up.

"…Uhh, no offense Tora, but I don't see anything different," Ruby said with a skeptical look.

"What?! How can Ruby not see what Tora done?" Tora complained, bouncing in place as he did.

As Tora was having a mini-tantrum, Yang had moved in to check on her bike. After a quick inspection, Yang had a question, "Hey Tora. What's this switch?"

That earned the Nopon inventor's attention," Mehhehhee. That the switch between Dust engine and modified Ether Furnace."

"What?!" Came out of the Alrestians.

"The same thing powering Poppi?" Rex let out, now earning a similar reaction from Remnans.

"You mean, this thing is as powerful now as Poppi?" Yang asked, getting some ideas on what Bumblebee can do now.

"Well, because of modifications so it could fit, the power smaller than Poppi's but less systems to run so still more than Dust Engine." Tora explained.

"…Okay, can I try it out?" Yang asked eagerly.

Tora responded by giving a thumbs up on his wing.

Fortunately, the gang was able to convince Yang to try somewhere where people can't get hurt. Which was outside Alba Cavanich right past Kedeigh Gate and the Medeigh Bridge connecting it to what is known as the Upper Area. The place was practically a desert with red rock formations all around. Still it was the best place for Yang to try out her new and improved Bumblebee. Although since this place is occasionally approached by monsters there were guards stationed there. Including an Archelon, a Titan Weapon which was quadrupedal walking titan approximately the size of an Atlesian Paladin. It was hulking, scaled and had ether lines across its body. On its sides were two large cannons that could be adjusted, while the top was covered in black armor which included a cockpit for an Ardainian soldier manning a machine gun. Which is why the gang was stopped briefly when a starry-eyed Ruby looked at the titan weapon before grabbing the nearest soldier and went on a tangent of questions about the titan weapon.

Fortunately, the poor soldier was saved when Roze decided that they needed to check that Yang didn't die in this experiment. It wasn't until he promised that they would check it out after they made sure Tora's modifications didn't kill Yang. Fortunately, the rest of the gang decided not to see and therefore not hear Roze's proposal. Because it seemed Ruby had to make a hard choice. To see a cool weapon, or make sure her sister stayed alive. Ultimately Ruby chose to make sure her sister didn't die even if it killed her inside a little, this was truly a lose-lose situation to her.

Anyway...

"This slider control the energy output and therefore maximum power of engine," Tora explained a slider right beneath the speed meter. It was currently on the lowest setting.

"Oh come on, can't I use maximum pow-" "No!" Tora shouted so firmly that Yang flinched in surprise. "Tora not yet sure how big of an output it give, so Yang take it slow."

"Didn't you test this before?" Yang asked in slight worry.

"This all an experiment with no prior data," Tora said now making Yang worry about one little thing.

"…Bumblebee won't explode right?" Yang had to ask.

"Of course not!" Tora said with an offended look, "Yang not trust Tora?"

"You're making that pretty hard right now," Yang said now regretting every life decision that led to this moment. Well maybe not every single one but the more recent ones she definitely regretted.

"Masterpon unrealiable, lazy, and irresponsible." Poppi, in her a form, then piped up.

"Poppi! That mean!"

"But when it comes to mechanical engineering, no one is better than masterpon," Poppi said with her fists on her hips.

"Why Poppi not just say that alone?" Tora asked with an annoyed look.

"...Okay I'll trust Poppi," Yang said with a sigh before fixing Tora with a stern red eyed glare, "But if I die I'm coming back to haunt you."

"No, you won't," Dragunov said causing Tora to look relieved at the fire Blade coming to his rescue. "Because the last seconds I will spend before reverting will be used to stomp him to death."

And then Tora started shivering with a shocked look.

"Get in line if that happens," Blake said with a half-joking glare.

"I'm trusting Yang's life to you," Ruby added in before taking out Crescent Rose, "But if she dies, I won't forgive you." It seems that she had forgotten the Archelon, for now.

Now poor Tora was sweating bullets at the death threats he was getting.

"Well, wish me luck," Yang said as she got on her bike and put on aviators. Fortunately, there was no sandstorm or anything going on so she should be good.

"Uhh, Yang maybe you should reconsider," Zeke said, getting a little unsure of if this was a good idea.

"Yeah, we don't want to lose our monster bait," Nia snickered.

"Mehmehmeeeh!?"

"Can I stuff his body and have him as a pillow?"

"Nora!" Ren scolded loudly.

As Tora's life was flashing before his eyes, Yang decided to rev the engine and off she went.

Everyone watched as Yang began driving back and forth, doing a few twists and turns and then she started driving with highly dangerous speed.

"Ruby…did Bumblebee ever go that fast," Blake asked with a slightly concerned look.

"…I don't think so," Ruby said now thinking this looked cool. Until Yang started driving straight at them.

"Take cover!" Zeke shouted almost melodramatically before following his own advice and moved out of the way, but the Blades had other ideas.

Each and every Blade formed a barrier right in front of their Drivers in preparation for the impact that would come from Yang hitting them at full speed. Except at some point Yang started drifting towards them instead and kicking up a huge dust cloud which hit the barriers.

Once the dust settled Yang got off the bike before strutting towards Tora with a frown.

"Tora." Yang said in a dead-pan tone before taking out her aviators so that Tora could see her dead-pan look properly.

This made Tora sweat bullets again as he thought his life would end. Then, Yang grinned before picking the inventor up and gave him a bone crushing hug.

"I love you so much right now!" Yang said happily. "Bumblebee has never been able to go that fast before. Oh, I can just picture turning heaps of Grimm into roadkill."

Tora wasn't sure if he was suffering or in heaven. Suffering, because he couldn't breathe properly due to Yang crushing him. In heaven, because unlike with Penny, Tora's face was smushed against Yang's glorious mounds.

This of course earned varying reactions.

Ruby did not wish her sister's bone-crushers on anyone and hoped that Tora would survive.

Weiss looked irritated at Yang practically shoving Tora's face into her chest. She wasn't even entirely sure why she felt this way.

Blake's cheeks had a slight dusting.

Jaune's face wanted to turn red, while Ren looked away.

Rex and Oscar joined Jaune in their face color. With Pyra being replaced by Mythra who forced the salvager's head away from the view.

As for the Blades, most of them either dismissed it or thought this was highly inappropriate (namely Otohime).

"What a way to go," Zeke quipped, "Death by a smushy."

This earned him a glare from Weiss, Blake and Otohime. Dahlia covered her face with a beastial palm and Pandoria was looking at her Driver like she was ashamed of him.

Soon enough, Yang put Tora down and the Nopon started gasping for precious air he had been deprived of.

"I probably have the fastest bike in the history of Remnant thanks to you," Yang said, still grinning. Which made some of them wonder if she knew what she was doing and was her idea of a reward.

"With this, we could zip around Mor Ardain in search of minerals," Dragunov said with a very eager look.

"Oohh you can make us r-" Nora was cut off by Ren and Otohime covering the hyperactive girl's mouth.

And a good thing they did because Dragunov was glaring at Nora. Probably would have exploded if they had let Nora finish that sentence. With Nora silenced, Dragunov turned to Yang again, "As I was saying, I would love to find some minerals to experiment with."

"Hmm…" Yang hummed with a thoughtful look.

"I might even let you keep some of the products I make," Dragunov then said.

"You got a deal," Yang said with a grin.

"Your plan has a flaw," Dagas piped up, earning everyone's attention, "Neither Agate or Brighid are with us right now."

"What are you talking about," Ruby asked.

"Brighid and Agate are the mineralogists," Talos piped up. And now they remembered that nothing would come of this without either of them.

"There you are." Speak of the devils and they shall appear.

Turning towards the bridge that connects Alba Cavanich to the Mor Ardain's Upper Area, they saw Mòrag walking towards them with Brighid, Agate and Aegaeon. Alongside Qrow and Kasandra.

"I figured I would find you here," Mòrag said with a smile, "And it makes me glad to see you didn't test that thing in the streets."

"Yeah, some of us were worried that the engine might explode and level the city," Dragunov quipped.

"Excuse me?!" Mòrag and Brighid all but demanded.

"Dragunov, don't scare them," Yang scolded half-heartedly.

"Didn't Tora say it could do that," Dragunov asked with a small grin which informed everyone that he was trying to mess with Mòrag and Brighid.

"Tora never say that!" Tora said, sounding offended.

"But could it have happened?" Yang had to ask, just for the sake of her own peace of mind.

"No." Tora said firmly. Then he looked nervous when Yang was giving him a look she had used on Ruby when she tried to lie about stealing cookies. Of course, that was before the girl knew that stealing was a bad thing. "…Only the engine would have been ruined," Tora whimpered out.

Yang didn't like the sound of that, "And if that had happened?"

"…Tora fix it?" The questioning tone did not make Yang feel better, "But since the engine not ruined now, there no more chance of it happening."

Now that sounded more reassuring.

"…Okay, I believe you." Yang relented. Then the bombshell Driver turned to Mòrag, "Hey Mòrag, can I ask a favor?"

"I suppose you can." Mòrag had a quirked eyebrow as to what Yang might ask.

"Can I borrow Brighid and Agate for a few hours?" Yang asked as nicely as she possibly could.

"For what?" Mòrag wasn't sure why Yang would ask two of her Blades.

"Because Drag wants to see what kind of gems he can make from Mor Ardain's minerals," Yang said eagerly. Dragunov nodding his head rapidly behind his Driver in agreement.

Mòrag let out a chuckle at hearing that, "Funny you should ask that. I received the word that the ship would be ready to set sail again tonight at 8:30."

"So we have some time to kill," Rex piped up, "But what should we do in the meantime?"

"I'm glad you asked, Rex," Brighid said with a smile," You see there have been some reports of a rebel group movement."

"Rebel group?" Weiss asked, "We never knew about that?"

"I would be surprised if you did," Mòrag said, "But there are…some who aren't happy about how the empire is currently run."

"Would any of these complaints have the common root of, I refuse to accept a stupid brat as an emperor?" Aizen asked without a care in the world.

"Aizen!" Weiss was appalled at her Blade saying something like that so casually.

"It's alright Weiss," Mòrag said reassuringly.

"But-" "Aizen is not entirely wrong in his assessment." The Special Inquisitor cut Weiss off.

"How foolish," Dagas piped up, having sat down on his golden throne with red cushions, "The emperor has shown to be an adequate ruler."

"Agreed," Aizen replied, "Not to mention much more pleasant than Whitley."

"Who?" Zeke piped up.

"No one important," Weiss said while giving every one of her friends a look.

The message was clear, "No one talks about him."

Seeing as Weiss didn't seem comfortable with that, Rex decided to shift his attention back to Mòrag, "Uhh…What were you saying?" Weiss could almost hug Rex for changing the subject.

"Right," Mòrag replied, as she adjusted her cap, "Now we have managed to gather enough manpower to storm their base. However, we discovered that they have a back exit which they could use to escape. We would like to send an elite team through a tunnel to cut that exit."

"Would I be right in assuming that you would like us to be that elite team?" Nia asked while crossing her arms.

"Those of you that volunteer," Mòrag said, putting some emphasis on volunteer, "However, there is currently a miasma blocking that tunnel, which is why we have been unable to use that tunnel until now."

"Miasma?" Roc asked with a quirked eyebrow, "I can clear those."

"Yes, but reports say that this miasma is composed of Dark Ether," Brighid said, "We have already gathered Ardainian Drivers with dark Blades, but there is no guarantee that they can break through."

At that point Nox tapped Blake's shoulder, earning her attention, "What is it?"

"My lady, I possess mastery over Dark Ether. I should be able to help, if you command me." Nox showed on his scroll.

"Mòrag, Nox says he can help," Blake relayed this to Mòrag.

"That would be splendid," Mòrag said with a small smile before frowning, "But I must remind you all that as people outside of Mor Ardain, you have no obligation to help."

"What if we wanted to help," Rex asked, earning surprised looks, "I mean…if the rebels are causing problems for the people then I think we should help."

"I'm not too sure we should get involved," Aizen protested, "After all there is no benefit to this."

"Aizen!" Dahlia said in anger.

"Dahlia, let me handle this," Weiss said to the ice bunny before pulling Aizen aside and started talking to him quietly.

It didn't take long until Aizen looked mildly impressed before speaking, "Very well, that could be beneficial."

"I'm glad we agree," Weiss said with a small smile at her accomplishment before turning to Mòrag, "You can count us in, if our fearless leader agrees."

At the last part, Ruby smiled before nodding, "We can help."

"I appreciate your enthusiasm," Mòrag said before frowning, "But as I said, we need a small elite team to use that tunnel. So not all of you can go that way."

"So, what should we do?" Zeke asked.

"Well, Rex and Blake are the more obvious choices," Mòrag began listing, "Seeing as Roc and Nox will be vital for removing the miasma. And seeing as I brought this to you, I must be there to see this through."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down there," said Qrow, "At what point did you think I'm letting these kids solve your problems."

"Uncle Qrow," Ruby piped up with a slightly downcast look.

"Look, Ruby, I know you didn't exactly get much of a choice in regards to Salem but I don't want you fighting in any more wars than you have to, especially a war that you don't have any part in." Then Qrow shifted his attention to Yang, "That includes you, Yang."

At that moment Oscar gave control to Ozpin, "I'm afraid Qrow is right, I don't feel comfortable about letting you fight in a war that doesn't concern you."

"The rebels have been raiding some of our trade caravans," Brighid piped up, "Which has caused problems for our people as well as our military."

"I want to help the people this is hurting," Ruby said with a look of conviction.

"Besides," Weiss then added in, "If our two worlds ever are to sit on a negotiation table, it would be good to build friendly relations early on."

"…Besides," Blake said, "I already know how the Gormotti live in the slums, but neither them nor the Ardainians living there have a problem with each other. Besides what if, and I know this might be grasping at straws, these rebels are this world's version of the White Fang." Of course, Blake didn't feel the need to explain the roots being entirely different.

"Some of them may be fanatics, but I doubt all of them to be," Mòrag said reassuringly, "But one thing is for certain, we can't let this conflict last. Not with everything else going on."

"I say no." Qrow said firmly, "I'm not letting a single one of these kids go."

"Rex here is a kid too," Nia piped up, earning an offended, "Hey!" from the salvager, "Are you planning to stop him too?"

"Of course not, he's not-" "He's not what?" Nia cut the veteran off with a mocking look, "Your precious niece that you treat like a fragile little princess?"

"Shut it, brat!" Qrow snapped at Nia who didn't even flinch.

"Qrow, we're not little kids anymore," Yang said, now offended at the possibility of their uncle thinking so little of them.

"Besides, you can't tell us what to do," Jaune added in firmly.

"And I shall follow milord where ever he might go," Joana said resolutely.

"No, you kids are-" "Just give it up," Zeke interrupted Qrow this time, "Take it from someone who knows, once rebellious kids set their mind to it, nothing can stop them."

"Prince here is the prime example of that," Pandoria said while patting her Driver's bicep.

"Come on Pandy, they didn't need to know that," Zeke said with a slump.

"…Qrow, I'm afraid Zeke is right," Ozpin said with a sigh.

"Oz, you can't be serious," Qrow said with a disbelieving look.

"I don't like it any more than you do. But if we can't stop them, we might as well see to it that they make it out of this alive," Ozpin then said with a smile.

Qrow still looked like he wasn't happy about this, but he relented. He was just worried how the kids might react if they actually had to kill someone.

It wasn't long until the gang had split up into two teams. Since stealth was important being able to hide and move fast were the main factors. Which was why out of team RWBY Blake and Ruby were chosen. Not to mention Nox's Dark Mastery was vital for this job, alongside Roc's Miasma Dispersal. Which was why Rex was in the infiltration team. Qrow was also allowed to go with the infiltration team despite Dark Mastery not being one of Kasandra's abilities. But in case of discovery they also needed some heavy hitters, that's where Yang and Dragunov come in. Although Yang wasn't very excited for some reason.

Anyway, they also had several Ardainian soldiers with dark Blades, and to Yang's surprise Pierce was also with them. Though the only reason Yang could tell was because of Praxis. Apparently the "rookie" has proven himself a capable Driver which was why he was allowed to go in this team.

Soon enough the team was led down the elevators that led to the huge mining shaft.

"Whoa." Ruby let out in awe as she looked to the bottom, "What's that green stuff?"

Indeed at the bottom was a large pool of green liquid.

"That's an Ether Vein," Brighid explained, "A hole into Mor Ardain Titan's bloodstream if you will. We use the heat through that tower to harness the geothermal energy and use it to power Alba Cavanich."

Indeed, there was a large contraption that looked like some kind of tower in the middle of the pool. And from that tower, several pipes were leading out of it and into the rock below. Come to think of it, Electra looked over the Midorl bridge earlier and said she saw several large pipes going under it.

"That sounds cool," Ruby said in slight awe as they kept walking.

"They really are using the geothermal energy to its fullest here," Roze said with a small smile.

"Just out of curiosity," Yang piped up, "What happens if you fall in?"

Instead of Mòrag or Brighid, it was one of the soldiers with a male Common Blade who answered, "You'll die, missy."

"More specifically," Another soldier with a Common Animal Blade said, "You're disintegrated." The soldier sounded like he was holding back a snicker.

"Ahhem!" Mòrag let out as they reached a set of ladders, and the soldiers immediately stiffened. "This is the pipe we will use, now we all move up." Mòrag explained before taking the lead on climbing them. "Aegaon, you are coming next, then Agate and Brighid."

"Actually, Lady Mòrag, I would prefer coming last alongside Ruby," Brighid said politely.

This earned a small look from her Driver, "But why would…Oh. I understand." With that, Mòrag continued climbing.

"Ladies first," Pierce said to Praxis once Aegaeon and Agate followed their Driver.

"Don't mind if I do," Praxis said with a grin as she got on the ladder.

Then Pierce turned to Yang, "That includes you, Yang."

"Why thank you," Yang thanked with a small smile.

"Me next!" Ruby let out with an eager grin.

"No, Ruby, you're coming last with Brighid," Yang said firmly as she got on the ladder.

"What?" Ruby said with a pouty look, "But why do you and Mòrag get to go first?"

"Because we're wearing pants." Yang said without looking back. Which caused Dragunov to snicker, which he soon tried to mask with coughing.

Blake rolled her eyes before going up next, soon followed by Nox.

"What's that supposed to…oh," Ruby almost complained before realizing the problem.

Then one of the soldiers approached Ruby, "If you don't mind me asking, why do you wear a dress into battle?"

Ruby looked highly offended, "It's a combat skirt!"

The soldier flinched before glancing at Roze with a questioning look while Pierce was soon following Yang. Not that anyone could tell due to the helmet.

The reaper Blade gave a shrug as he didn't understand the concept himself. Even after living with his Driver for many months.

As this was happening, Rex was looking at Pyra awkwardly, "Uhh…Do you want to go first or should I go first?"

"I can go first, Rex," Pyra said with a smile

Before Rex could even utter anything else, the red-haired Aegis was already climbing. With the salvager now contemplating what he should do.

"You can go Rex," Azurda said reassuringly from his usual spot in Rex's helmet, "Just don't look up or down."

"...Okay, gramps," Rex said and went to the ladder when Pyra had made a few ways up. While Pyra wasn't wearing a skirt and had thigh high boots, there was still a gap between those and the short shorts Pyra wore. Unfortunately for the poor hormonal 15-year-old salvager boy, that didn't stop a treacherous mental image of the possible view from entering his mind. Which was why his cheeks tried to become redder than Pyra's hair.

Roc shook his head at his Driver before rising on his wings to get to the large pipe these ladders led to.

As the last of the male portion of the team was climbing the ladder, although Dragunov and Wulfric needed some assurance that the ladder can handle their weight, Brighid moved next to the still pouting Ruby. "It's alright, I have to go last too on occasion," the blue haired voluptous Blade in a dress said with a smile.

"I just don't understand why anyone would want to look under my skirt," Ruby muttered, earning a quirked eyebrow from Brighid.

Which was soon followed by a chuckle, "If you can't understand that, then I'm not sure I should explain it."

Ruby grumbled incoherently at that before deciding to ask something else, "Would you go last in any situation?"

"Well, if it was a life or death situation, I would like to think that people would have bigger things to worry about than looking up skirts," Brighid said with a small chuckle, before turning to the ladder that could be taken once again, "Now, I believe we should go."

With those words, Brighid and Ruby got up the ladder and reached the huge pipe. Which the infiltration team was soon taking walking down. Until they reached a gathering of swirling dark energy.

"This is it," Mòrag said before turning back to the group she was leading, "Roc, see if you can do something."

"On it," Roc said as he inspected the miasma, "Hmm... I can disperse it, but since there is a large concentration of dark Ether I will indeed need help from Blades with Dark Mastery for help. Otherwise the dark Ether might disperse in the form of an explosion."

"Okay, that does not sound good," Yang commented.

"It isn't, "Roc said before addressing all the dark Blades they had, "I will need all of you to extract as much dark Ether as you can to at least minimize the damage the explosion could cause.

"Understood!" The male and animal Common Blade said in unison, while Nox merely nodded.

"Well then, begin," Mòrag said, "The main force should be ready to distract them any second."

With that, the male Common Blade pointed his hands to the miasma and started concentrating, the Animal Blade dipped its head in similar manner.

But Nox was performing a set of hand seals Blake had read about in some books about ninjas. Then, the ninja Blade kept his left hand in a particular hand seal while pointing his right palm at the dark swirling energy.

Soon enough, the color of the swirling energy changed to more of brownish gray. But there were still swirls of dark Ether in it.

"Good, this should do," Roc said before taking out his Dual Scythes. Nox still found it mildly insulting that this oversized feather duster had the same weapons as him. Except the Blades were glowing blue. Roc then seemed to concentrate for a moment before swinging his weapons at the swirling mass. After the last one, the miasma dispersed as a gust of wind, and all the dark Blades stopped what they were doing.

"Well done, now proceed with caution," Mòrag then said, "We don't want the enemy to know about us before the main force strikes."

But that was soon taken out of their hands when they heard a muffled explosion.

"It seems they are there now," Brighid commented.

"Let's go, everyone," Mòrag said preparing her Whipswords just in case. Everyone else took out their various weapons, but Yang only deployed Ember Celica.

"Yang, we shoul-" "No." Yang said firmly, "We're doing this my way."

"Fine." Dragunov grumbled, while Ruby gave her sister a concerned look. But she didn't have time to wonder because everyone was moving to the end of the pipe. Soon enough, they found themselves at what looked like a relatively large, easily defendable valley with only one narrow entrance. Where all the rebel soldiers that wore Ardainian armor were now flocking to. They had rifles, and several Archelons. Even a few flying armored Titan weapons. Ruby would be gushing if they didn't have to fight these people.

"Remember, stealth is vital," Mòrag spoke up.

"Guess it's my time to shine," Blake said as she took out Nox's Scythes, "Stay close to me, Nox."

"Understood, my lady." Nox showed on his scroll and the two moved out when no one was looking here. The thing that made this convenient was that the tunnel that was supposed to be the rebel's back up exit was practically right next to them. Except there was a bit of drop between them, but it was nothing Blake couldn't handle with Gambol's Kama form and ribbon, or Nox by wrapping a bandage around one scythe. The two looked towards the soldiers that were gathering to the fron entrance where they assume the main force was engaging them. Well, Blake's job was to cut off their exit, which was why she carrying explosive to take out the tunnel alongside Nox. So that is what she would do as she snuck the wall to the tunnel with two guards in front of it.

With the two guards, they were tense. "Dammit, I thought those idiots didn't have manpower to spare for an assault," one of them complained while trying to see to the fight. There was some heavy machinery in the way that blocked the view here for the most part. Which could also be used as a cover thankfully.

"Maybe that brat pulled some of the troops that patrol the area to get enough?"

"And leave our borders defenseless? Of course that arrogant brat wouldn't consider the Urayans taking advantage of this!"

"Doesn't matter, we still got this back exit. If things go south, all we have to do is fall back through here and blow it up as we leave."

"Yeah, besides it's wide enough for…Who the heck are you?!" The second guard shouted when he turned to look at the tunnel to see a black haired Gormotti with what he can only assume is her Blade setting up strange contraptions to the walls of the escape tunnel.

Then the two trained their guns on the girl. "Hands in the air!"

The Gormotti did as told and got off the wall she had just managed to place an explosive to.

"What? Where did that Blade go?" The first guard questioned as the Blade had disappeared when he took a look at the intruder briefly.

This made the two nervous, "You got two second to call your Blade out of hiding or we'll shoot!"

The girl didn't respond, just allowed her eyes to dart every which way.

"2... 1!" And they opened fire in unison. And the girl collapsed in the tunnel, but then her body disintegrated.

"What the f-!" Was as far as the first rebel soldier got before he registered movement from above. The last thing he saw before everything went black was a sandal clad foot fast approaching his face.

The second guard saw something dark moving fast towards his partner and when he turned to see what it was, his partner was already on the ground with the Blade's foot having slammed into his face. Worse, yet, his partner was motionless, so either the Blade hit him with enough force to knock him out or...

"You bastard!" The second rebel shouted before training his rifle on the Blade and opened fire, but the Blade jumped to avoid the shot before sending its scythe at the rebel which had black cloth attached to it. The second soldier ducked under the swipe before aiming at the opponent again, but his rifle was quickly swiped away by the other one.

"Dammit!" The rebel exclaimed as he realized he had been disarmed he quickly took out a small walkie-talkie and brought it near his face "The ba-!" Was as far as the rebel got before feeling something hitting his throat with great force, which made him unable to speak for an instant. The rebel barely had time to see that it was the Blade's fist which had been angled to barely bypass the plate that was meant to prevent just that, before he felt an extra set of hands opening the straps of his helmet faster than should be possible. Then the helmet left his head before he felt a pain in his head before everything went black.

As the second guard collapsed into unconsciousness, Blake discarded the helmet she had used as a makeshift blunt weapon to knock the guy out. "Good job, Nox," Blake congratulated her Blade who nodded in acknowledgement. Although the faunus Driver did see that there was a happy twinkle in his eye.

Then the ninja Blade took out his scroll, "My lady, it may not be my place to question, but what if I had not knocked the first one out?"

Blake only smiled, "I knew you would." But then she took a more serious expression, "Okay, we managed to get the explosive, let's leave and blow it up before anyone else gets here."

But then came a sound that made Blake freeze in terror. A sound that she had thought would not be heard here. Dogs barking.

Turning to the source, Blake saw one of her worst nightmares that somehow were made more terrifying. Dogs, large dogs clad in metal armor around their upper body, head and the sides of their legs. But the worst part was, the dogs had armored under jaws to what Blake can only guess is make their bites even worse. Blake didn't know this, but these are Ardainian Rotts. And some ways away from them were their masters that sicced them at her.

Without a second thought, Blake took out Gambol and used the pistol to start shooting at the approaching mutts with a look of terror on her face. The Dust bullets seemed to make dents into the monsters' armor, but they didn't seem to be able to pierce them. And then they started not doing anything at all.

Of course, if Blake was in more lucid state of mind, she would have realized that it was because the clip ran out. Fortunately, before the monstrous mutts could get too close, she was grabbed before being carried off and away from the beasts.

Nox wasted no time vaulting over the first cliff, which brought them closer to the pipe before throwing one scythe right into the pipe where it was caught. And with it, he soon felt a yank that pulled him and Blake in there.

"Blake, you okay?" Yang immediately asked from her deathly pale partner.

"…Dogs…Huge…bloodthirsty rabid dogs," Blake muttered as she looked like she was having a major case of PTSD. Speaking of which, Roc looked out and saw that the dogs that were chasing them were now running along the pathways that lead up there.

"We got an incoming Rott problem," Roc said preparing for a fight.

"That doesn't matter anymore," Mòrag said before taking out the detonator that would set the charges off, "Our mission is a success, "Now all that needs to be done is…Aurgh!" Mòrag was interrupted by something shattering the detonator and piercing her hand.

"Mòrag!" Rex said in concern.

"Darn it, sniper!" Brighid said before pulling Mòrag further in and everyone else followed that example just as a second shot was fired, thankfully not hitting anyone.

Further in the rebel base was a look-out tower with two snipers, one aiming at the pipe.

"Did you get them?" Another rebel asked as he was shooting at the incoming Archelon's of the empire.

"No, they retreated further," the sniper said, "But I got what looked like a detonator."

"Good enough I guess. Just keep them pinned down," The second rebel said as he took a shot at an Archelon pilot, but the Titan weapon happened to move at that moment so all he got was a dent in the back armor.

"Okay, now I got my eyes on a little red-Gragh!" The sniper cried out when his sniper rifle was shot out of his hands. "Crap! She's a sniper!"

Not too far away, an Animal Blade was surveying the battle with a look of hate on its animalistic features. "Dammit, divert forces to take out whoever came through that pipe!" the Animal Blade commanded and as said, a portion of their troops started moving towards the infiltration team. "And start retreating to the tunnel!" With those words, the Blade was already running to the tunnels. If their troops used the heavy machinery around as cover, then they should be able to retreat safely.

Soon enough, the order was given and the rebels started retreating to the tunnel while still firing at the Ardainian troops that were playing mostly on defense.

Back in the pipe, everyone else saw the diverted troops coming their way. "This isn't good," Mòrag said even as Dragunov snapped the neck from the last of the Rotts that were sent to chase them. "Without the detonator, someone will have to go and detonate them manually." The Special inquisitor was gritting her teeth at the thought of sacrificing someone.

"I can get near the tunnel and give a good shot at the explosives," Ruby suggested.

"But that would leave you down there and I doubt those rebels will be happy about it," Roze said in worry.

"And we wouldn't be able to get to you fast enough if that happened," Yang also said, not wanting Ruby to go down there.

"But there's no other way to blow up that tunnel," Ruby argued back.

"Yes there is," Mythra said with a deep frown, "I can detonate them from here." No one noticed a single Animal Blade entering the Tunnel as Mythra explained that.

"But Mythra, how would you- Of course!" Rex said with a small cheer as he realized what Mythra must be planning, "If you can do that then go for it."

"Rex, what if I use too much power," Mythra then said in worry, but then felt her hand being grabbed by her Driver.

"Mythra…I trust you," Rex said with a smile, which made Mythra flustered for an instant before yanking her hand back.

"Alright, fine…stand back everyone," Mythra then said as she looked towards the tunnel and her tiara started glowing. They didn't have to wait long since from the sky, a beam of light was fired at an angle straight into the tunnel the aim was true since a set of explosions followed the blast which made the tunnel collapse.

"That was great Mythra! Now they can't escape," Rex cheered.

"…Thanks," Mythra thanked with tiniest of smiles.

"Uhh…guys," Ruby said in slight worry, "We got baddies!"

Sure enough, not only was an Archelon coming their way, but several rebel soldiers with Ardainian Rotts. Even a Fighter was joining them, a small flying titan weapon with a winch at the front and a machine gun beneath, with a pilot at the top.

"I will crush them," Dragunov growled as he bumped his fists together with Yang looking at him in concern.

"Well his cracks aren't even glowing," Yang thought in worry.

"Hey." came the voice of Pierce who was now wielding Praxis' Megalance, "Why aren't you wielding your Blade's weapons."

"I just don't feel like it right now," Yang said firmly as she prepared herself.

"Let's go, Roze," Ruby said cheerfully, still wielding Crescent Rose.

"For Mor Ardain!" One of the Ardainian Drivers said as he wielded the Twin Rings.

"Let's go!" Mòrag said as they all faced the incoming troops.

Meanwhile in the Main Fighting Force, the destruction of the escape tunnel was heard.

"Alright! Now the real assault begins!" A high-ranking Ardainian soldier said from behind the first line. And with that said, they saw a cackling orange head flying above them, straight at an Archelon.

"Nora Smash!" Nora called out as she came down and smashed Electra's hammer on the Titan Weapon's head. It should probably be worth mentioning that Electra herself was attached to Nora's back. This momentarily ceased all action as the Titan Weapon collapsed with a dent in its armor-clad head.

"By the Architect, Nora!" Came the shrill voice of Otohime as she and the rest of team JNR alongside Penny appeared with their Blades. It was agreed that Oscar would stay out of this, much to the farmhand's chagrin.

"Shoot her!" someone in the rebels shouted and they immediately began firing at the carrot top who deployed the shield function and blocked the shots coming at her. Soon enough the Ardainian army returned fire alongside Ren and Penny.

"Nora, maybe we should fall back." Electra said from Nora's back.

"Come on Electra, once the firing stops we can- What the?!" Nora exclaimed as she saw something that has never happened before. The Archelon she smashed got back up and shook its head. Nothing had survived Nora smashing its head until now. "Electra, why didn't you zap me before I hit it?!" the orange headed Driver demanded from her Blade.

"But I did!"

That did not sit well with Nora who couldn't exactly attack until the shooting paused.

"Blossom Burst!" Came out and then a group of rebels were sent flying by an explosive blast of water Ether.

"Super laser!" Penny decided to add her art into the mix. As the name indicated, she charged the Ether cannon for a moment before firing a laser from it at the Archelon that got back up, aiming for the machine gun on top of it. The mounted weapon didn't stand a chance as it was blasted off.

Then Talos came out and aimed his Megalance right at the Titan Weapon's neck. The weapon writhed in pain, but the metallic Flesh Eater knew that it didn't pierce deep enough. Even with the Core Chip he was given.

As Jaune joined Talos alongside Joana, an Ardainian Fighter was coming and aiming its machine gun at the blonde knight.

"Hi there." Came from behind the pilot who quickly turned around to see a black haired red eyed man with a greatsword crouching on the flying Titan Weapon's back.

"What the-" Was as far as the guy got before Qrow stabbed at the controls and jumped ship, turning into a crow before flying off as the Fighter was now falling down without controls.

Then another fighter was shot down by an Ether arrow in the wing.

"How was that," Weiss asked Aizen who's weapon she was wielding.

"Adequate." Was the dispassionate comment which made the Schnee Driver frown but she had bigger things to worry about than her Blade not praising her. Namely more enemies at the front.

She decided to hold by the strategy and use Aizen's Twin Swords to thin out the aerial forces. She would be using Dahlia's bitball but they were staying out of the range she can launch it. Unlike Aizen's arrows that can be shot for longer ranges and deal more damage even when compared to Weiss launching the bitball with her glyphs. Weiss didn't realize it herself, but during her training with Aizen, the nobleman Blade was also unlocking his potential little by little.

"On the left," Aizen then said simply and Weiss turned to that direction before moving to the side to avoid several shots aimed at her. And before she could respond, Dahlia threw the bitball at the enemies.

"Thanks Dahlia," Weiss said as she took aim with Aizen's weapon again.

Dahlia smiled before returning to her task of keeping her Driver safe. All the while Tora and Zeke were doing their part. The Nopon Driver proving once again that he's no pushover and Zeke... Well some of the rebels screamed in terror at the sight of Thunderbolt Zeke.

Back with the infiltration team.

"Get Pierced!" Pierce called out as he sent a powerful jab at a Rott that pierced its armor and right through its Chest.

Praxis groaned at her Driver for coming up with such a name for an Art. "I hate you." The bubble Blade grumbled.

"No you don't," Pierce said with a laugh as he beat up a rebel soldier next.

Praxis chose not to comment because she knew that Pierce was right. She doesn't hate him. Despite his best efforts.

With Dragunov, he was shot at by Archelon's cannons, but the mighty fire Blade actually caught the cannon balls with a very evil grin.

"Hey, Wulfric! Wanna play ball?" Dragunov called to the beastly Blade.

Wulfric looked between the caught cannonballs and the Titan Weapon that shot them before letting out a low rumble. "Yes."

With that Dragunov passed one cannonball to him before taking a page out of a bitball users book and threw the cannonball at one cannon with enough force to break it. Wulfric did the same to the other one.

With Yang, she was seriously getting pissed. Without Dragunov's talons she had to work twice as hard. The soldiers weren't a problem, but among them were a few Drivers. And thanks to their Blades they were able to keep up with her. If she did have her Blade's weapons equipped, she would've beaten them a long time ago.

But one of the rebel Drivers had their eyes on Pierce before firing their Ether Cannon at him.

"Pierce! Look out!" Ruby cried out, seeing the attack coming.

"What?" Pierce was barely able to say before the shot hit him square in the face.

"Pierce!" Praxis called out in concern.

"Gah! Dammit!" Pierce exclaimed as he fumbled with his helmet before managing to get it off. For the Ardainian Driver's relief, all the shot did was destroy the face mask and crack the goggles. Which was why he had to remove them alongside his helmet. Which revealed his dirty blonde hair. The same color as Gyro's, and the same eyes. The only real difference appearance-wise was that he also sported a goatee. "Okay, that wasn't nice." Pierce said while glaring at the one who shot at him.

"Screw you!" The rebel Driver shot back before firing more shots.

Pierce quickly moved to the side before throwing the Megalance to Praxis. The bubble themed Blade had a grin one would imagine on an Aligo before dashing at her target. "Foam Blast!" Praxis called out as she sent several large bubbles at her target. But the rebel's Blade came in and blocked some of the bubbles. But not all of them.

"Dammit!" The rebel complained as he still took heavy damage from that.

Mòrag meanwhile had switched to Agate's Greataxe and was able to parry an attack from enemy Driver with the same weapon. "Admiral Waltz!" and then she followed it up with two empowered slashes, taking down that Driver.

"Lady Mòrag, above!" Aegaeon shouted and the Special Inquisitor looked above to see an Ardainian Fighter falling towards her without a pilot. Acting fast, Mòrag and Agate moved out of the way of the crashing Titan Weapon before it impacted the ground.

"Sorry, Mòrag!" Ruby called out from Roc's arms. The Avian Blade had caught her and the pilot Ruby had extracted from the fighter, and was now decending from the sky.

"How did she even get up there?" Mòrag thought for an instant before switching to Aegaeon and engaging more soldiers. If she had more time to look, she would have noticed Roze using his cape as a makeshift parachute along with his Wind Mastery to make a safe landing.

As the number of troops from the rebels was decreasing Yang took a look at Dragunov who's cracks were glowing with gold, but the dragon heads weren't awake yet.

"Come on! Is that the best any of you can do?!" Dragunov roared as he smacked away another group of soldiers. "Where are the strong ones!? Where?! Where!?" Dragunov sounded like he was getting angry at the lack of challenge now. And that was making Yang worried, because this state reminded her too much of the time she awakened him.

"What in the Architect's name is with this guy?" one of the Ardainian Drivers asked unsurely.

With Rex, both Azurda and Pyra looked worried.

"Rex, Mythra said that Dragunov is on the verge of going on rampage," Pyra then said in worry.

"What? But…why?" Rex asked, not understanding why Dragunov was so angry.

None of them noticed, but Azurda was looking very worried. "Rex, we need to get to Yang, now." The tiny Titan said firmly.

"Gramps? What's going-" "Do as I say, Rex." the tiny Titan said in a tone Rex hasn't heard since he was a little boy. That of a very stern parent.

"Okay," Rex said and with that, he was running to Yang who seemed frozen at the sight of Dragunov's anger. "Yang." Rex called out to Yang who didn't react. "Yang!"

"Wh-whuh?" Yang snapped out of it as she saw Rex and Pyra with Roc already flying back to his Driver.

Then Azurda came out of Rex's helmet and fluttered right in front of Yang's face, "Yang you need to stop Dragunov."

"How am I supposed to stop that?!" Yang demanded while pointing at Dragunov who managed to get under the last Archelon and throw it on its back, crushing the pilot in the cockpit that was on the Titan Weapon's back.

"Thauron could do it," Azurda said, crossing his tiny arms, "And he didn't have the safety of the Aura you have. Or are you perhaps saying that you're not as good as he was?"

Yang's eyes turned red with anger for what the white fuzzy creature was saying, but what made her angrier was… "I've read Thauron's journal, one time it took combined efforts of Aegaeon and Haze to calm him down."

"And the other times?" Azurda asked with a head tilt, "Did he have Aegaeon and Haze stop Dragunov every single time he got angry?"

Yang was about to argue, but Azurda seemed to realize it when he cut her off, "Think before replying, young lady."

Yang had half a mind to pummel Azurda to paste, but then she began remembering a few parts she read. Many times, when Dragunov got angry for whatever reason, Thauron was able to calm him down with reason. Although right now the draconic Blade seemed to be in no mood to listen to reason. Still, if Thauron could stop Dragunov, then so could she.

With that thought, Yang steeled herself and stomped to Dragunov who had gotten on the Archelon's exposed belly and was pummeling away at it in frustrated anger.

"Why?!" Dragunov roared as he raised both fists high with a ball of golden flames between them, "Why isn't this enough!?" And then unleashed a weaker version of Burning Rage right into the Archelon's belly, causing geysers of golden flames to burst out all over its body, killing it from the inside.

"Dragunov!" Was the shout that gained the fire Blade's attention, "Stop it, we're running out of enemies very soon."

"Shut up, blondie!" Dragunov roared, earning an appalled look from Yang.

"You did NOT just say that!"

"Yes I did. And what are you gonna do? Cry?!"

Yang cleched her fists and felt increasingly angry at what her Blade was saying after everything they had gone through together. "Well why don't you just finish what you started back when we first met, or were all those times you said you would stick to your decision just lies?!" Yang wasn't even sure if she was taunting Dragunov or genuinely asking that.

Still it seemed to give Dragunov a pause as he now looked confused. Dragunov then stared at Yang for few seconds before taking a deep breath through his nose. Then he exhaled through his mouth with the air distorting with the heat of his breath. Then he repeated the action and this time the glow of his cracks shifted from gold to orange. Then as he repeated the process the third time the glow shifted to red. And with the fourth one, the cracks stopped glowing.

"…I'm sorry…I don't know what came over me," Dragunov then said, surprising his Driver.

"You…remember now?"

"Why wouldn't I remember?" Dragunov asked.

"You…nevermind." Yang decided not to question it too much this time. Right now she was just happy that Dragunov calmed down.

After that, the battle didn't last long as the rebels' numbers dwindled enough that the rest of them surrendered. Those that surrendered were put in jail to wait for their trial. And while Mòrag assured that they would get a fair trial, Weiss knew that these rebels would be charged with treason which is a pretty serious crime. She wasn't sure what would happen to them. Qrow on the other hand was convinced that they would all get executed, but they made their choice when they took up arms against their nation.

With that, it was close to the time the ship would sail again. However, before that, the gang decided to say goodbye to Gyro. And thank him for helping with Bumblebee. Although Mòrag went to the emperor to give her full report. And possibly say goodbye. Although before they left the rebel base, Agate and Brighid pointed out that there were a few good spots for minerals that the rebels didn't notice. So Dragunov was able to get some Mor Ardainian minerals for him to experiment on when they had more time.

Anyway here the gang was at Anangham Port where the ship was making final preparations.

"Everyone ready?" Qrow decided to ask from the assembled gang, minus Mórag.

"Bumblebee's locked and loaded," Yang said with a slightly forced smile. Dragunov's behavior was still weighing her a little. Her Blade's genuine regret didn't completely erase her worries about him. Still, he calmed down when she pointed out his own vows, so maybe things could still be worse.

"Ahh, there's Mòrag." Zeke then pointed out to the approaching Special Inquisitor. But to their surprise, she had Gyro and Pierce with her. Pierce was out of Ardainian soldier gear and was now wearing a simple leather jacket with blue slightly torn pants and boots.

"Hi there." Pierce greeted everyone with Praxis waving too.

Gyro also waved at the gang while Theory just had her usual disinterested look.

"Gyro? Pierce? What're you guys doing here?" Rex asked the twins.

"You didn't think we would let you go without saying goodbye, did you?" Pierce said with a small grin.

"Also, I felt like seeing you guys again," Gyro added in, before nudging his brother's side, "Besides, Pierce here got a promotion."

"You did? That's great." Rex cheered.

"It's only to sergeant," Mòrag said with an amused look, "Quite low rank, given his goals."

"Yeah, but it's a first step," Pierce said proudly, "I'm gonna reach colonel like Azure one day…maybe go beyond it."

"That's gonna be hard, considering Azure was one of, if not the most brilliant tactician," Gyro jabbed with a grin.

"No one asked you!" Pierce apparently didn't appreciate it.

"Where is your brother now?" Weiss then asked, before wincing when feeling a hard elbow to her side. Courtesy of Nia. "What was that for?" Weiss asked in annoyance, while everyone else noticed that the twins looked a little down from that.

"…Azure is dead," Pierce said with a frown.

"Died in the line of duty," Gyro added in with a small sigh. All the while Praxis looked away with a sad look while Theory looked confused. But then the engineer of the brothers turned to Rex, "I still feel we can't thank you guys enough for bringing those guys to justice."

"It was the right thing to do, don't worry," Rex said with a smile.

"Besides, they attacked us first," Nia added in with her arms crossed, "Since they did that, we thought we might as well deal with them."

"We're still glad Azure was avenged... even if it wasn't by either of us," Pierce said with a slightly somber look.

"I... I'm sorry," Weiss said, "I didn't realize." Now the white-haired girl felt bad for being insensitive.

"It's fine, we've already dealt with it for the most part," Gyro said dismissively, "I mean, sure we miss him, but we can't just stop living."

"Yeah, Azure would scold us if we did," Pierce said with a chuckle.

"Anyway, I guess…good luck with getting to Elysium," Gyro said with a small chuckle.

"Thanks, and I hope you guys do well," Rex wished back.

Then Gyro turned to Tora, "Hey Tora, I know that as an engineer, I'm far beneath you, but I will catch up. Just you wait and see."

"Tora like to see that." the Nopon inventor said with his tiny hands on his hips and a smug look.

"See you later I guess," Nia shrugged.

"Do live well you two," Dromarch added in.

"Thanks again for help with Bumblebee," Yang decided to add in with a thumbs up.

"Nah, It was mostly Tora."

Then Pyra turned to Praxis and Theory, "You two take care of your Drivers, okay?"

"Yup." Praxis said with an enthusiastic grin.

"It's my job anyway." Theory added in monotone, earning a mock offended look from Gyro.

"So? Shall we go?" Zeke then asked, "The ship won't wait for us forever."

It was true, the crew was ushering the passengers inside and only the Remnans and the Aegis team were left.

With that, everyone said their goodbyes to Gyro and Pierce before they boarded the ship and the journey to Indol continued.


In the Torna ship, Malos was emitting a black and purple aura as he dashed out and gave Salem a good punch in the face. The Grimm Witch flew some ways away before floating with a slightly annoyed look.

The fight between her and the Aegis had been going on for a while now, but it seemed like there was no clear victor in sight.

Then again, Salem had yet to use her full power when she found out that they were in a submarine. On Remnant these things were briefly used to try and explore deeper waters. But they were soon decommissioned when deep sea Grimm picked them off. And while she had second thoughts about her other servants' usefulness, she knew that she still needed Watts. So with that, Salem made a decision.

"Stop. Let's talk this out like adults." The Grimm Witch said while waving one hand in a pacifying manner as she floated back down.

Torna did stop with questioning looks directed at their opponent.

"What?" Malos was the first one to say but he didn't drop his guard.

"I underestimated all of you." Salem then said with a smile, "You are all fairly capable in a fight."

"As much as I appreciate the compliment, that's not gonna get you anywhere with us," Mikhail said with a small smirk with large fans in hand. These fans had glowing blue feathers at the tip of handles.

Jin had his katana ready and Akhos was wielding a blue scythe, while Patroka was watching Watts with a large single edged spear in hand.

"Perhaps, but seeing as I'm…new to these lands, how about you act as my guides and I in return grant you what you want most." Salem said, giving them all a pleasant smile.

Malos actually laughed at Salem's offer and Akhos joined in. "First off, you have no idea what we want. And second, what we want isn't something you can possibly give. Third, give us one good reason why we shouldn't finish you off right here." Malos asked with a smirk.

"You may be right about the first one, but as for the second one, do let me try," Salem then said as she took small steps towards them.

"Before we agree to anything," Jin butted in, "I want to ask you just one question, and I expect an honest answer."

Salem resisted a smirk as she felt that now she had an upper hand. "As you wish. What would you like to know?"

"How did you get on this ship, while we are 5000 Titan Peds deep," Jin asked the question.

Salem let out a chuckle, "Oh, is that it? Very well." The Grimm Witch raised her hand to the side and to the shock of Torna, especially Malos and Jin, a breach opened. "This is how." Salem took some delight in their shocked looks.

"Are you telling us that you were the one opening these breaches for the past 500 years?" Malos all but demanded.

Salem's smile fell at hearing that, "Excuse me, did you say 500 years?"

"Yes I did, now answer me!" Malos demanded, now feeling angry at finding out that this woman was the one to interrupt their operation.

"…I only gained this power less than a year ago." Salem said with a skeptical look.

"What?! But the breaches have been opening in Alrest for the past 500 years." Malos said now more demandingly.

This caused Salem to look curious, "It seems we have a lot more to discuss than I thought."


AN: Whelp, here we go. Yang not wielding Dragunov does not stop him from being enraged. Pierce got a promotion, and Salem and Torna are now talking.