A/N: Things have been slowing me down with my writing, especially since Dissidia Opera Omnia has closed. It's been putting me through a bit of a depression among a few other things.

While Team PASM are settling with their Second-Year Exam with suspicious new students, Akira struggles on her own, even if she is dead to the world.

Chapter 60: Between Life and Death


Akira stands before her mysterious opponent. The air is silent as the two of them do nothing but stare at each other.

Until Akira breaks that silence. "Who are you?"

"Why did you do it?" The figure says with an echoing voice.

This leaves Akira feeling confused. "What do you mean?"

"You risked your own life...for a human." The last part of the comment echoes eerily.

"Risked my life...What are...?" Suddenly, it hit her: Memories from the abandoned temple flashed at her and left just as fast. Facing Cinder and her henchmen, Patrick going berserk, Akira unleashes her Heaven's Blade attack, and the last one ends with everything turning white as the Grimm Patrick delivers a massive claw attack.

Akira falls on one knee as she suffers a major headache from that sudden memory.

"So, you do remember." The figure asks. Akira stands up, groaning in exhaustion. "The blow your human friend was about to make was meant for your other human friend."

"But I dove in at the last minute and took it instead." Akira says.

"Yes. And I ask you once again: Why did you do it?" The figure asks.

"Why did I do it?" Akira asks. "I...I don't know. Selena was my friend. I had to do something."

"But she was a human!" Hearing that has Akira alert. "You risked your own life for a human, such as the fate of a Faunus."

"What do you mean?" Akira asks.

"Have you forgotten in all the time you have spent in Beacon?" The figure asks. The figure takes out a long stick and smashes it to the ground. Suddenly, a gust of wind blows in full force. Akira stands her ground resisting the force of winds against her as it blows away the fog.

The winds last for a while until Akira arrives at a scenery. Akira looks to see she's at a torn-down village at sunset. There's an uproar going on. Akira looks to see that it's a group of Faunus protesting against Humans with Banners of the White Fang. Akira wondered what this event could be until she looked at the front of the Faunus crowd and is astonished.

She sees herself as a 7-year-old little foxgirl.

Young Akira is holding out a protest sign as she screams along with the crowd against the Human race. "You were a part of the White Fang: A Faunus Rights Revolution Organization that stood against the Human Race. For every rally event, you were a part of it, making a stand against humans."

Akira watches her young self among the crowd of Faunus. "I joined the White Fang to make a difference between humans and Faunus." Akira faces the Figure. "Humanity saw us all as lesser beings. Despite what we are, we are still living beings with thoughts and feelings."

"Indeed. And yet: They treated you all like slaves." The figure taps its staff on the ground once more, and the scenery takes both it and Akira to somewhere else. Akira passes by several images of past events, each of them showing times of how Faunus are being poorly treated by Humans.

The trail of past events ends at a certain event that Akira didn't want to remember: The Mission to recover the stolen blueprints of Penny. Akira was playing the role of Selena's loyal butler, but even that wasn't enough for her to come in. Until...

"It must wear a collar." Xever says as he takes out a slave collar.

Akira puts a hand on her throat thinking about that moment, she remembers all too well about when she was forced to wear that collar and how Patrick warned her against it. Even Selena tries to defend her suggesting it is unnecessary but Xever still refuses. Akira had no other choice but to go along with it, and it was one she soon regretted. Akira even realizes it as she watches her past self being shocked by the collar the second she puts it on, a 'Friendly reminder' to know her place.

The scenery fades away as Team PASM and Winter enter the mansion. "You have a strong will, Akira Rhysenshi. To you, this is probably nothing, but you have faced experiences that have actually broken you."

Akira and the Figure arrived at another scenery. One that takes place in the Beacon Kendo Club. Akira is practicing her swings along with the other members of the club. Everything was going well until Kasheer walked in and challenges Akira, and defeated her. After her defeat, Kasheer just sneers down at her. "Pathetic. You're nothing but a disgrace to the Kendo Club. Just like a Faunus."

Kasheer walks away and past Akira falls on her knees in shame. Several scenes pass that show moments of Akira training non-stop to the point where she hasn't been eating or sleeping. Even Patrick challenges Akira and beats her several times without any effort.

Akira just watches the event unfold, staring at her miserable state. "If this isn't enough to convince you, then surely you remember that other Faunus has suffered cruelly at the hands of humans." The Figure slams its staff and it and Akira are taken to another scenery.

Akira sees she is in the Beacon training grounds. She is battling against Earnest, the two of them train for a while then Akira sheathes her Katana. "You're a skilled fighter, Earnest."

Earnest speaks and Rayla translates for him. "'You are more skilled than I, Akira.' I agree as well, your swordsmanship is simply magnificent."

Akira smiles with a nod. "By the way, Earnest. I've been wondering. Why is it you can't speak? Were you born Mute?"

Earnest's expression hardest. "I'm curious about that as well, Master Earnest." Rayla says. Earnest shook his head, then speaks. "'It's not something I want to talk about.'"

"If it's too painful to talk about it, then I won't force it out of you. But just know you can talk to me about it, one Faunus to another." Akira says.

"I agree with Mistress Akira. I may be human but I am devoted to you, Faunus or not, as a Maid and a Teammate." Rayla tells him. Earnest hestiates, but put on a stern expression, he then explains. "'I was a Slave for a cruel human Organization. They abused us Faunus day after day. Finally, we stood against them.'"

"And you were successful?" Akira asks.

Earnest sadly shook his head. "'We've lost, and we were severely punished. For me...'" Earnest keeps speaking, but Rayla hesitates to translate. "Oh, my word."

Akira turns her attention to Rayla. "What is it? What did he say?"

Rayla takes a deep breath before she speaks. "'They removed my Vocal Cords.'"

Hear that astonished Akira. "They did that? That's just cruel."

"I agree, even I can't describe what terrible manners that taking such action it truly is." Earnest then speaks. "'It's tragic, one that I am always wishing that I can undo, but it's not a total loss. It's because of my muteness and learning sign language I was able to unlock my Semblance, and that is what gave me the capability to fight back and put an end to their reign.'"

"Well, at least some good came out of it." Akira says.

Akira just stands there watching the event before her as it slowly fades away into the darkness. The Figure stands behind her, waiting for her response. "It's true that there are humans out there who treated us Faunus poorly. I don't deny the actions of Kasheer and Xever have treated us." Akira turns to face the Figure. "But that doesn't mean all humans are bad. Patrick, Selena, and Marlene are humans but they are also my friends."

"Can you really say that after what Patrick took your life? A life that was only sacrificed for that human Selena." The Figure says.

Akira looks down, feeling the frustration building up inside her. "I'll admit, I have no idea what to think of Patrick after what has become on him, but I know there's still good in him. That was always his best quality. But Selena is loyal and reliable. I did what I had to do to save her, even if it meant at the cost of my own."

"Offering your life for a human. Just like a Faunus." The Figure says.

"I offered my life by my own choice! My own will!" Akira says. "There is no Faunus serving Humans relationship in there at all."

"You may believe that, but doesn't mean all Faunus feel the same way." The Figure once again slams its staff to the ground and it and Akira are sent to another scenery. One where it shows the White Fang going through drastic changes of a new leader standing up with a new way of thinking for the White Fang.

Meanwhile, the students of Beacon are settling down at their encampment. Professors Oobleck and Port are by the campfire with half a dozen students. Professor Port talks about his past Huntsman tales and Oobleck throws in his own comments about Port's story.

Team PASM are out in the woods gathering some firewood, and they went their separate ways doing it as well. Once Patrick and Selena gathered enough wood, they started making their way back to camp. Halfway there, Selena and Patrick meet up.

"Patrick. it's a surprise to see you here." Selena says.

"Likewise." Patrick looks over Selena to see nothing. "Where's Marlene?"

Selena looks astonished. "Wait, isn't she with you?"

Marlene is walking through the woods, picking up some firewood, only the amount she's holding is less then what Patrick and Selena have collected. Marlene lets out a sigh as she walks. "We're already second years and I'm still falling behind in terms of physical trials." Marlene bends down to pick another another big stick until something rustles in the bushes. Much to her curiosity, Marlene takes a peek, moving the branches and leaves out of the way, but she becomes astonished. Behind those bushes is a skunk. Marlene tries her best to contain her panic but it's too late, the Skunk has already noticed her. Marlene slowly, carefully, backs away. "Nice little skunk." Marlene whispers. "No need to be startled, but please don't..."

The Skunk then turns on Marlene, raises its tail, and starts spraying, which results in Marlene screaming.

Loud enough for Patrick and Selena to hear her. "Marlene?" The two of them head for the direction they heard the scream. When they arrive, they find Marlene standing in place, looking just fine. "Marlene? What happened? We heard-" as soon as they smile the air, they soon realize what is wrong, and they reacted disgustingly.

Professors Port and Oobleck wait patiently for their firewood. "My, my, it sure is taking Mister Patrick and Misses Sherry and Marlene a long while."

"You don't think they ran into some trouble, did they?" Peter asks.

"I'm sure Master Patrick and Mistresses Sherry and Marlene are all right." Rayla says.

Just then, Patrick, Selena and Marlene returned to camp, only Marlene was further behind Patrick and Selena. The Professors see the three of them and make the approach. "Ah, Mister Patrick and Miss Sherry and Marlene, I see you have finally returned. Would you care to explain you-"

Professor Port then smells something. "Wait...I smell something...Something..." Port takes a deep whiff and then reacts with disgust. "Whoa! Something stinks real bad!"

Marlene lets out a disappointed sigh. "I know...I got skunked."

Oobleck moves everyone out of the way. "Let me see." Oobleck closes in on Marlene and sniffs her, then reacts disgusted. "Pee-yew! That is ripe." Oobleck says.

"Okay, we get it: Marlene stinks. Can we do something about this?" Patrick asks.

"Not to worry. I have the perfect solution." Professor Port rushes back to his tent and then comes out with arms full of cans of tomato juice. "Tomato Juice used to wash away the stink." Port hands the cans to Patrick, and then he faces Oobleck. "And you made fun of me for bringing 65 cans of Tomato Juice. Who's the fool now?"

"Still you, my mustached friend." Oobleck says. "But I suppose we should count our blessings Professor Port did come prepared in his own way. Miss Marlene, move out of sight near the camp and rub yourself real good with that tomato juice. Make sure you do it thoroughly. Mister Patrick and Miss Sherry, assist her."

Patrick and Marlene are both shocked. "Wait! What?! I/Patrick help her/me?" Patrick and Marlene say in unison.

"One of you to help out the young mistress with the scrubbing and the other to keep watch for any Grimm or peeping toms." Oobleck says.

Patrick and Selena immediately raise their arms, and Patrick shouts "I pick lookout." and Selena shouts "I'll help Marlene." in unison.

The three of them head outside of camp. Marlene strips off her clothes and sits in the middle of a small open area. She focuses on rubbing the tomato juice on the front while Selena helps her by rubbing the juice on her back. Patrick stands just outside of the area keeping a watchful eye for any Grimm attacks.

He lets out an annoyed sigh. "I'm glad I'm not getting involved with a naked Marlene, but this still feels uncomfortable." He looks up to the sky. "I wonder what you would think of this situation, Akira."

Akira watches her past self, about two years younger, standing against Sienna in the White Fang Throne Room. "High Leader Sienna. This is not how we do things!"

"The humans refuse to hear our voices, Akira Rhysenshi." Sienna says. "If they won't listen to reason, then they'll listen to action. High Leader Ghira Belladonna realizes this, which is why he stepped down and declared me the High Leader."

"What you are doing is making a bad name for the Faunus. We went from a species of equality to a terrorist group! There is no honor in this! Bringing harm to Humans. Innocent beings!" Akira says.

"Innocent?" Sienna stands from her throne. "When have Humans ever been innocent? Ever since the beginning of time, Humanity has treated us as nothing more then animals. Locked us away in cages. Turning us into slaves. Refusing to serve us! We are only taking back what is rightfully ours, and then, only then, will humans finally see us for what we really are."

Akira says nothing, but Sienna stands waiting for an answer. And Akira eventually delivers it. "If this is what the White Fang has become." Akira turns her back on Sienna. "Then I will have no part of it." Then walks right out of the room.

Akira watches her past self walk out into the darkness.

"You walked out on the White Fang, especially when they needed warriors such as yourself." The Figure says.

"The White Fang chose the path of darkness when Sienna took the position as High Leader." Akira tells the Figure. "My skills as a warrior are meant to fight for honor, to protect the weak and innocent. Not terrorize them."

The Figure chuckles. "You talk about Honor, but how much of it do you truly know?" The figure slams its staff and both it and Akira arrive at another scenery.

Akira finds herself back in her hometown. A Sensei stands before dozens of his students, most of them are younglings. One of his students, who Akira realizes is her past self, kneels before him as he offers a sword to her. The young Akira accepts the sword, she stands and puts a hand on her shoulder. "I, Akira Rhysenshi, vow to fight against those that oppose us with bravery, strength, and honor."

"Go forth, my young pupil, and make the Rhysenshi Clan proud." The sensei says.

And then they both bow.

The scenery fades away into the darkness. "You swore that you would bring honor to your clan, your family." Akira doesn't say anything, but the Figure isn't expecting one. "Well...then deliver it."

Hearing that alerts Akira, but by then it's too late. The Figure slams its staff and a powerful force of wind and fog blows. Akira does her best to resist, but it soon becomes overwhelming and she gets blown away.

Akira then falls into the endless void of darkness. Falling and falling until she hits the ground. Akira takes a moment to gather her strength and energy. Once she does, she gets a bearing over her surroundings: She finds herself back in the White Fang Throne Room. Only the place is in ruins. Pillers crippled. Banners torn. Parts of the walls shattered. Above all, the sight of it horrifies her, corpses everywhere. Corpses of what are not only Faunus but other students of the Rhysenshi Clan.

"Well, now, it seems you have finally arrived." Akira feels a chill running down her spine as she hears that voice. She then slowly turns and sees it: Sitting on the throne, full of pride and dominance, is the very being that she calls a partner.

A friend.

A Teammate.

A Leader.

"Hello, Akira." Patrick says.

Akira stands before Patrick, who stands on the throne of the White Fang with the hall filled with corpses. Even though she's seeing it with her own eyes, she still can't believe it.

"Patrick? ...What's going on?" Akira asks.

"Isn't it obvious? Look around." Patrick says. Akira once more looks around at all the corpses that surround the throne room. "The White Fang are finished!"

Akira turns her attention to Patrick with a serious expression. "Why, Patrick? Why did you do this?"

"For humanity." Patrick says. "For years, the Faunus have rebelled against the humans thinking they are the superior beings. The White Fang even stood against us. So I did what anybody would have done and eradicated them!" Patrick draws out a sword and points it at Akira. "All that is left...is you!"

Akira doesn't say anything. She instead looks down, her hands quivering with building rage. The figure stands beside her. "He destroyed everyone that mattered to you: Your family. Your race. The White Fang. Go on. Fight for your honor!"

Akira puts on a serious face as she draws out her Katana. She positions herself readying for an attack to come at her. In an instant, Patrick dashes at incredible speed and strikes. Akira blocks the incoming attack. She then repels Patrick with all her strength. Patrick then slides back from the attack and then charges in to deliver another one.

Patrick and Akira fight on, delivering blows and either dodging or blocking them. Patrick then leaps back onto the throne. He shifts his weapon into a bow and starts shooting arrows. Akira uses her Katana to deflect the arrows. Patrick then switches to using Dust-Loaded Arrows and Akira starts resort dodging the arrows instead. Anything the arrows land that either explodes or freezes in ice.

While she runs, Akira loads her Katana with Earth dust. She changes her direction towards Patrick, dodging the arrows with intense focus as she draws her sword back. "Third Sword Form: Shatter." Akira slams her Katana to the ground, sending waves of earth spikes towards Patrick. Patrick braces himself by loading the Leg Bracers with Combust Dust. Just as the wave reaches him, he stomps his feet and unleashed an explosion that shattered the spikes.

The whole room is filled with dust and smoke. Patrick and Akira are blind in this battle. Well, mostly Akira. "You can't hide from me in this smoke, Faunus." Patrick then activates his Heat Vision. He scopes around the room searching for his target, armed and ready to strike. Soon, he sees her body heat. "Got you!" Patrick then dashes towards Akira through the smoke.

Akira senses his coming and braces herself. She blocks Patrick's charge with her Katana, resulting in both him and her being slid back for a couple of feet. Akira struggles to hold him back. She groans as she summons all of her strength.

In her struggle, Akira closes her eyes and focuses her energy. Her Aura starts to glow and transfers some of her Chi onto her sword. With her newfound strike, Akira pushes Patrick back with a strong swing that unleashes a slash made out of Chi Energy. The blast knocks Patrick back, losing both of his swords in the process, and crashes right onto the throne.

Akira gathers her strength, positioning her for another attack. Patrick groans as he starts to get up. "Oh...You're gonna wish you haven't done that, Faunus." Once Patrick lifts his head, looking straight at Akira, his eyes are revealed: The Eyes of the Grimm. Burning read. As Patrick steps towards Akira, his body transforms. Skin turning pale, hair turning white and growing longer, teeth turning razor sharp, fingers extending into claws. Once in full Grimm Mode, Patrick let's out an earth-shattering roar.

Akira can do nothing but stand there, frozen in fear, as memories of her previous encounter with this horrifying state flash before her eyes. The event of her own death.