Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.

Roman has never had such a level of anger towards someone as he does now towards Adam Taurus, who did a terrible slaughter in Beacon and because of this the whole operation ruined.

- Something you don't like, Torchwick? - Adam took a few steps towards Roman, holding the scabbard of his katana, which contained his sword.

- I'd be damned curious about a few things, *sshole! – Roman gripped Melodic Cludgel tightly and Neo also nervously gripped Hush too, waiting for Roman to signal to her or for Adam to make some threatening move. - You acted like a mad beast! You ruined everything!

- Why do you think so? - Adam, unlike Roman, was completely calm and because of his mask, it wasn't possible to read his eyes.

- Cinder disappeared, you went crazy, I was attacked and the flagship was crashed down but even before that, I heard and saw what you did! You ruined everything, you damn beast! There was a plan, then you... I don't know what got into you but you've lost your mind! – Roman's inner alarm kept going on near Adam, so he signaled Neo to get in the car. - This place is no longer safe. Me and Neo are getting out of here and you better come with us.

- You don't go anywhere from here. – Adam was still deadly calm but as soon as Neo would have opened the car door, he immediately slammed it.

- Do you want order us, beast?! – Roman just lost his patience and pointed Melodic Cludgel on Adam. - It's your fault that we're in such a mess! – Adam still didn't pull Wilt out and didn't get angry at all.

- What's wrong with you? – He asked in a completely monotone voice.

- What's wrong with me?! – Roman got nervous and lowered Melodic Cludgel. - I'll tell you what's wrong with me! Because, I have big fucking trouble! A mad beast like you… you slaughtered your own too!

- What are you talking about?

- About the massacre you did at the academy! The girl whose arm you chopped off! Do you remember?! - It was the first time Adam had shown any emotion as he clenched the scabbard of his sword in anger.

- Blake… - He murmured. – they stood in my way, they were my enemies and my own were accidentally caught in the crossfire. Collateral damage for eliminating a larger target.

- That's it?! If I had known you were like this, I wouldn't have worked with you! Damn beast! – Adam just stared at Roman for a while, then his grip on Blush loosened.

- If you call me a beast again, I'll kill you both. – That's all he answered, then he stared menacingly at Roman and Neo.

- What did you say? - Roman squeezed Melodic Cludgel and Neo did with Hush again. - I didn't understand clearly. Would you repeat it

- I said, - Adam pushed Wilt forward a bit from Blush with his right hand so that his red blade could be seen a bit. – if you call me a beast again, - He removed his mask with his left hand revealing the upper part of his face, his right eye was light blue, but his left eye and forehead had a huge SDC burned into his skin, with a line above and below still burned into his skin, the white of his left eye was red and the iris was brown. - I'll kill you both.

Roman pointed Melodic Cludgel at Adam again and prepared to fire at any time, Neo got behind the faunus boy, pressed the button at the end of Hush and the pointed blade at the end of the parasol came out. Adam had a firm grip on Wilt's grip, ready to drew it out at any moment.

The wind blew ominously around them, as if every element of the environment was focused on the upcoming battle that would unfold at any moment.

- What good life is going on here?! – The fight was started by the voice of Emerald, who had just arrived in the village. Mercury came behind her, carrying the passed-out Cinder on his back.

- Do you really care what's going on here?! – Roman blurted out, still pointing his cane at Adam. – The thing is, because of Cinder and Adam, the whole action was ruined!

- Wait, it's not Cinder's fault! – Emerald immediately came to her defense.

- Bullshit, Cinder wasn't there and didn't support the White Fang as we discussed!

- This is not true! - Emerald still objected.

- Go to hell, you little b*tch! If Cinder had done her part, we could have taken Beacon! Everything is Cinder. - He pointed at Adam. - and his fault!

- Really? – Mercury put Cinder down and leaned her against a fallen tree. - If you can criticize so well, then what happened to you and the flagship? If I'm guessing correctly, it was Ruby Rose who gave you and your little girlfriend a good beat!

- You really shouldn't bite back, Neo and I stuck to the plan but Cinder just left us in the sh*t!

- What are you trying to get at with this?! - Emerald stood next to Mercury. - That she betray you?

- I didn't say that, - Roman's voice was a little calmer and more suspicious. – only that if she hadn't left us there, then Adam's upset wouldn't have hindered the plan so badly.

- If she hadn't left you there?! - Emerald repeated indignantly. - If you stupid *ssholes, - She looked at Roman and Neo, who really didn't like how this teenage girl dared to speak them like that. - wouldn't have...

- Don't you dare call us stupid *ssholes! - Roman shouted as he swung his can at her, which she easily dodged.

- THEN IDIOTS! You let a little girl beat you like this and destroy the flagship and you dare to blame Cinder for the plan going wrong?! Are you two the big pros?!

- What happened to her? – Adam put an end to the argument when he looked at Cinder who was still unconscious but covered in burns, her left arm was missing, her left eye was badly damaged and part of her hair was burnt.

- I don't know, - Emerald turned to him. – she managed to get the power of the Fall Maiden, she killed Ozpin, that girl Pyrrha but Ruby did something that almost killed her.

- Oh, so Little Red did a good job kicking her ass? – Roman smiled smugly, seeing that she wasn't the only one who was defeated by that girl. - Now, who's the idiot?

- Hey, don't come with that! - Emerald shot back.

- Anyway, - Mercury took out his Scroll. - Watts sent word that Salem orders us to retreat.

- Is she your boss? – Roman was interested. - Salem?

- Yes, - Emerald answered. - we haven't met her yet but Cinder works for her, so do we.

- Good, then I'll have some words for her. - Roman opened the door of his car.

- Are you two coming with us? - Mercury asked as he picked Cinder up and put her in the back seat.

- Hell yeah! – Roman sat in the driver's seat, Neo in the front seat, while Emerald and Mercury sat in the back and Cinder was between them. - I wonder what kind of person is this Salem.

- Adam, are you coming? - Emerald looked out the window.

- After the way Torchwick and Neo treated me? - Adam just smiled. – I came here and Roman pointed a gun at me, called me a beast and threatened to kill me. I'm going back to Mistral, - He handed a piece of paper to Emerald. – but I'd love to do it all over again. - He smiled sinisterly and full of pleasure. - It was very good. - With that, he turned and headed towards his plane. Roman and Neo were already well aware of the ominous feeling that Adam gave them but Emerald and Mercury also experienced how little Adam valued the life, even the lives of his own companions and would kill them without hesitation if he felt like it. Also, a sadistic lunatic who enjoys torturing and breaking others.

- Now you understand why I was so upset with him? – Roman started the car and they set off. – So, where?

The last thing Lance remembered was his teammates turning against each other, Mandy betrayed them and she was a spy for the White Fang all along. Mike was hurt and had no idea what had happened to Lynda. His eyes popped out quickly, he was in a bed, wearing a white t-shirt and black boxers.

He was in his room, the setting fall sun was shining into the room and radiating a painful passing atmosphere, as if from now on everything would change radically.

- I see you woke up. - It was a familiar male voice. He turned his head in her direction and saw his father staring at him with his usual stern face. - Do you think my heart could handle losing you, son?

- Dad... - Lance tried to stand up, but he was still weak. - what happened?! Mike, Lynda and Mandy… What happened to my friends?! And with Ruby…

- Calm down, son, they're fine! – His father said, rather kindly. - That Hunter, Qrow, - His father took out a remote control. – luckily, he turned on the blocker in time before you did more damage. - Lance remembered being so angry when he found out Mandy had turned against them that his Semblance had been activated.

- Oh my god, did I hurt someone?! And what is that remote control?!

- This, - His father twirled the device in his hand. – turns on the chip I planted in your head when we discovered your Semblance and knocks you out so you don't harm others.

- What?! - Lance was shocked and outraged at the same time. - Do I have a chip in my head? And a remote to activate it?! Why didn't you tell me?! - His father spoke after a little hesitation.

- I was hoping it wouldn't be necessary. - He smiled a little. - I talk like that fool Ozpin.

- And if there's a remote that can stop me in Berserker mode, why didn't you say anything about it?! - Lance demanded the answer.

- Because it's dangerous! - Chad shot back. – If you use it too often or for too long, it can even cause brain damage! Fortunately, Qrow knew when to stop. - Lance was interested in one more thing.

- Why did Qrow use it? Why not you? - Lance's father wasn't prepared for this question.

- I wasn't around. I had to help the other Hunters drive out the Grimm.

- You mean, on the battlefield? Father... - A horrified realization came over Lance. - your heart…

- I just had a mild seizure. Luckily, I survived.

- You almost died because of me. - Lance felt guilty.

- Yes. - His father didn't even try to deny it. - I've told you a thousand times how careful you need to be with your ability. What made you so angry that you couldn't control yourself? - Lance clenched his fists angrily.

- Mandy…

- Who?

- One of my teammates… Mandy, betrayed us and was a White Fang man. She almost killed my other two teammates and if I hadn't used my Semblance they would have died.

- I understand why you did it but I still don't agree with it.

- The battle… we won, didn't we?

- If we had lost, we wouldn't be talking now. We beat back the White Fang, arrested many of them and now we interrogate them. We've successfully driven the Grimm out of town and we're back in control. – Although Lance was happy about this, his father didn't share his joy.

- That's… good, isn't it?

- Unfortunately, this victory came at a heavy price. Ozpin's gone, many people are dead, the CCT-tower is destroyed and there is no communication with the other three kingdoms and even Beacon can't be approached. Not incidentally, people saw what you did on the news.

- What?! - Lance was shocked.

- In berserker mode. They've seen the destruction you've done, they think you're some kind of monster and they accuse me of being part of the attack.

- But that's not true!

- Unfortunately, people are stupid and believe almost anything. - He walked to the window and looked out at the city. - With Ozpin gone, I'd be the one to lead Vale… but people won't trust me after that.

- What will happen in Vale now?

- They will demand that I resign and be replaced by another Hunter.

- And Beacon? You said it was unapproachable. What do you mean?

- That giant Wyvern that landed there, one of the kids, I think her name is Ruby Rose, used some supernatural power to… freeze it… or turn it into stone. It's not dead but it can't move either and the whole school is full of its offspring that came from its body. After Atlas withdrew their army, Vale didn't have enough power left to clear the academy, so they just closed it down.

- But what did Ruby do to it?

- Qrow said she used the Silver Eye.

- The what?

- Just a dumb legend or so I thought but now I know it's true. Those born with this ability are known as amazing warriors and Grimm Hunters. The exact opposite of your Berserker form.

- What do you mean?

- Do you have the story of Two Brothers?

- Yes?

- Silver Eyes are a gift from the god of light and life. In contrast, your Berserker form…

- A curse of the god of death and darkness. - Lance finished. - I think I understand.

- I think, - His father turned and headed towards the door of the room. – I should let you rest. When you feel strong enough, you'd better take part in the commemoration.

- In commemoration?

- Yes, we pay our respects to those who died and gave their lives to save Vale. - He left the room with that.

Lance laid back and thought about how many had died and which of his friends were still alive.

He remembered to see if his teammates were still alive, so he grabbed his Scroll. Although the CCT-tower was destroyed, the Scrolls still functioned within the city, only they can't establish contact with the one who left the city.

There were three names he immediately searched for, Lynda, Mandy and Mike. Unfortunately, the two faunus girls weren't available at all. He understood that Mandy mustn't have stayed in town after betraying them but Lynda, he had no idea why she left. Mike was the only available one, so he started the call right away.

- Lance, is that you?! - His voice was worried.

- Mike, are you okay?

- Yeah. How are you?

- I'm fine, my father told me everything. Beacon is lost, the CCT-tower has gone and many dead people.

- Pyrrha too.

- What?! Pyrrha's dead?! How?!

- That woman, from Mistral, Cinder killed her, at least according to Ruby.

- She and the others are they good?

- Supposedly yes but me and the rest of team JNPR are going to visit Ruby and Yang. We should visit them after what happened them.

- I see. I'll be there soon.

- All right.

As soon as Lance put down the Scroll, he wasted no time, immediately putting on his black boots, blue jeans, red t-shirt, and black hoodie. He left his armor and weapons at home because he won't need them wherever he goes.

As soon as he stepped out of the mansion, he felt that the city had changed radically and not only because of the many ruins and damaged buildings, but also the atmosphere was different. Fear that was what people exuded.

They were afraid, because they were suddenly pulled out of their usual lives and in the blink of an eye they were condemned to a life-and-death fight, not to mention the Atlasian robots turning sides and his rampage. He was part the cause of the fear that filled the hearts of the people.

Fortunately, he wasn't recognized much on the street, so he was able to easily get on a subway that took him to Signal, from there to Patch and after a short walk, he found Ruby and Yang's home, a small house tucked away in the woods with a dirt road leading to it.

The others had already gathered in front of the house, Mike, Jaune, Nora and Ren were there too.

- Well, you've arrived. – Jaune greeted them.

- How are you? – Lance worriedly looked at the 3 surviving members of the JNPR team, they were all broken.

- Pyrrha's death... - Jaune was at his best and could hardly hold back his tears.

- It's really hard to him. – Nora spoke for him.

- I'm really sorry. How's Ruby and her team?

- We just got here too. - Ren said. - We didn't know, should we knock or wait?

It was Lance who had the courage to knock. It didn't take long for Ruby to open the door. She was wearing dark gray pajamas.

- Oh, it's you? - Ruby's joy was boundless when she saw her friends and immediately hugged Lance.

- Hey, Ruby. - Lance hugged her back. - How are you and Yang?

- I'm fine but Yang… - Ruby was very worried about her sister.

- We heard what happened. - Jaune spoke up. - Terrible.

- Can we come in and visit her? - Mike asked.

- I'm sure she would appreciate some visitors. – Ruby invited the team in.

The visiting group carefully and politely entered the hall, through the living room to a room where Ruby led them.

- Hey Yang, visitors have come. - Ruby tried to look a little happy but they could tell that even she was shaken.

The gang walked in and saw Yang lying on the bed but it was completely different, like she'd been replaced and it wasn't just that her right arm was replaced with a mangled stump. Her hair, once a bright yellow, now looked duller and grayer, like some kind of mood indicator. She was clearly very beneath herself.

- I see, most of you remained. – Lance tried to joke but the grave silence and a few piercing glances suggested that the situation wasn't suitable for joking. - Sorry.

- Are you okay, Yang? - Jaune asked.

- I'm alive, but... - Yang didn't even know what to say. - I don't know.

- In many robotics stores, you can get artificial limbs, which are made specifically for Hunters and Huntresses injured in battle.

- Yes! – Nora also tried to cheer her up. - As soon as you put one on, you'll be like before!

- Nothing will be like before. - Unfortunately, they couldn't boost Yang's mood, she was still sad.

- Maybe, - Ren was the only one who noticed that Yang was in no mood to deal with visitors. - it would be better if we let her rest.

Although Yang didn't say anything, she just stared out the window at the sea of falling leaves and it was as if she wasn't even there.

- Know that you can count on. - Jaune said goodbye.

- I hope you'll be alright. – Nora too.

- I'm glad you didn't have any more serious damage. – Mike too.

- We are all worried about you. – Lance too.

- I love you. - And Ruby.

Disappointedly, the team went out into the living room, JNPR, that is, now the JNR team, sat down on the sofa, Ruby in the armchair, Lance and Mike each brought a chair from the kitchen and sat down.

- Sorry but there are no snacks at home. - Ruby snarled.

- Come on, - Nora reassured. - Don't bother. It's okay.

- What happened to Weiss and Blake? - Lance asked the question.

- Weiss was taken home by her father and Blake disappeared after the battle. - Ruby replied.

- What do you mean, she disappeared? - Jaune shook his head. - Why?

- I don't know, Yang just told me. What about Lynda and Mandy? - Ruby looked at Lance and Mike.

- Lynda said - Mike replied. - she has to go home to her little brother, Menagerie, so she boarded the ship.

- And Mandy… - Lance clenched his fists. - she betrayed us.

- Betrayed?! - Ruby was completely shocked. - How?! Why?!

- We don't know why, - Mike said. – but she also took part in the attack on the side of the White Fang.

- She was our friend and she betrayed us. - Lance lowered his head.

- I'm really sorry. - Ruby couldn't imagine how horrible it would feel to be betrayed by one of her teammates.

- So, what do we do now? - Jaune asked the question.

- Honestly, what can we do? - Mike asked. - Those who did this have disappeared and we don't know where they are.

- Then, should we just sit here and count our losses?! - Jaune snapped. - We have to do something! Those bastards killed Pyrrha and Ozpin! They ruined our lives and caused the death of many people! We have to fight back somehow! Who is with me?!

- We are but where should we look for them? - Lance didn't know what to do either.

- Maybe... - Ruby spoke timidly as everyone turned their attention to her. - in Mistral.

- Mistral?! - Everyone was surprised at the same time.

- Why Mistral? - Lance asked the question.

- Cinder and her team came from Mistral. - Ruby replied. – It's possible that we can find information about her at Haven Academy. – The team looked at each other and it was clear that this was the best clue they had.

- Ruby, - Jaune began. – do you think it's worth going to Mistral?

- Yes. - Ruby was firm. - I'll definitely go.

- Then we'll go to Mistral too. - Jaune backed her up.

- Are you coming with me? - Ruby was surprised.

- Of course! – Nora joined.

- We owe Pyrrha that much. - So is Ren.

- If I can help you by my life or death, my sword is yours, Ruby. - Lance was in too.

- I would also like to accompany you but I have to ask my mother first. - Mike wasn't so sure.

- Then, we will take care of what needs to be done at home, we will tell the family and we will meet here when the time has come. - Lance stood up. - Ruby, when the time comes, tell us.

Days, weeks and months passed, until winter arrived and the autumn leaves were covered with white snow, Ruby called her friends for this expedition and those who could came.

Jaune, Nora, Ren and Lance came to Ruby's aid. Unfortunately, Mike wasn't allowed by his mother, so he has to stay at home.

- Hey guys, - Ruby greeted them happily at least those people who came. - it's a long way to Haven.

- We know. - Jaune replied. - But that's the only clue we have.

- Are you sure you want to come? - Ruby wanted to make sure the others wanted to come too.

- The journey will be long and dangerous, - Ren began. – and it's not even certain that we will get answers at the end.

- But we wouldn't be here if we didn't trust you enough. - Nora continued.

- We believe in you, Ruby, just lead us. - Lance finished.

- Then let's go.

The group set off into the snowy forest with full determination and confidence but Ruby still wanted to stop and take a detour. She went up a path that led to a hill with a wonderful view of the snowy landscape but at the top of the hill was a grave.

- I just wanted to say goodbye to her too. - Ruby replied and walked over to the grave that had "Summer Rose" written on it and the same rose symbol engraved on Ruby's belt.

- Your mom? - Lance asked.

- Yes. - She answered. - I miss her so much. I wanted to make her proud.

- She'd definitely be for you. - He put his hand on her shoulder and Ruby smiled.

- Thank you, Lance. Let's go.

The team continued on their way and headed straight for Mistral.

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The Volume 3 has ended.