As Winter Schnee walked through the main hall with Sun Wukong by her side, she appeared unusually at ease. The sharpness she typically carried in her stance softened a little as they approached the meeting room where the others waited.

Opening the door, Winter led Sun inside. The room was functional, with a large table in the center and chairs scattered around it. Qrow Branwen sat at the head, nursing a drink as usual. His face, though marked by experience, seemed more focused than when he usually indulged in a flask. Sage Ayana sat nearby, leaning back in his chair, with Neptune Vasilias casually sprawled out next to him. Scarlet David stood off to the side, not paying much attention as he cleaned his dagger.

Winter stepped forward, motioning to Sun. "Everyone, this is Sun Wukong. He's the one who went toe-to-toe with Tyrian Callows and lived to tell the tale."

Neptune grinned, leaning back against the table. "Well, well, Tyrian, huh? Guess you got your initiation by fire, man."

Sun rubbed the back of his head with a grin. "Yeah, more like initiation by getting thrown around like a ragdoll, but... yeah, I survived."

Qrow looked Sun over, his red eyes narrowing just slightly as he measured the younger fighter. "Survived Tyrian? That's no small feat. That bastard doesn't die easy." He paused, then added, "You didn't see him fall, did you?"

Sun shook his head. "No, I didn't. After I landed a hit, he cut his own throat and threw himself into the river. We didn't recover a body, so… I can't say for sure if he's dead."

Winter nodded gravely. "We're treating Tyrian as a loose end for now."

There was a moment of quiet respect in the room before Neptune broke the silence with a mischievous smile. "So, new guy, there's something else you should know while you're here." He leaned in, grinning. "Scarlet over there… he's into the guys."

Sun's tail twitched slightly as he glanced over at Scarlet, who gave him a sly wink without missing a beat.

"Uh…" Sun laughed nervously. "Good to know. But, uh, just to be clear, I'm into the ladies, no offense."

Scarlet chuckled, sheathing his dagger. "None taken. I'm just here to make sure you pull your weight."

"Speaking of which," Winter said, a touch of amusement in her voice as she looked at Scarlet, "since you're the one usually in charge of meals, how about you take Sun with you to the kitchen? We could all use something to eat."

Scarlet gave a mock salute. "As you wish, Commander." He turned to Sun. "Come on, Wukong. Looks like you're on kitchen duty."

Sun blinked. "Wait, what? I didn't sign up for this…"

Scarlet grinned as he headed for the door. "Hey, every new guy's gotta start somewhere. Don't worry, I won't make you cook anything too complicated. Just chop some vegetables."

Sun, still feeling the strangeness of the situation, followed Scarlet out of the room, muttering to himself, "I didn't think my next mission would involve becoming a chef..."

Once they were gone, Qrow leaned back in his chair and let out a slow breath. "So… Ruby's still out there?"

Winter's expression grew a little more serious as she sat across from him. "She's fine, Qrow. They're on a mission, but you know Ruby—she's capable. She's grown stronger."

Qrow sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I know she's tough. But I still worry. Especially with all that's going on in Vacuo… the things we saw out there." His voice trailed off, concern thick in his tone.

Winter softened her expression, her voice steady but comforting. "I understand. I've been keeping an eye on their progress. I promise, if anything seems off, you'll be the first to know."

Qrow nodded, though his eyes didn't lose that hint of worry. "I just don't want to see her get hurt… or worse."

Winter gave him a reassuring look. "Ruby's smart. She's not alone either. They're all more than capable."

Qrow huffed, a hint of a smile returning to his face. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Just… let me know if anything comes up."

"Of course," Winter agreed. Then, leaning closer "Now that we have a moment, I wanted to discuss Vacuo with you. What you saw out there… I need a full debrief."

Qrow's demeanor shifted, his tone becoming more serious. "Yeah, I figured you'd want to talk about that. We've got a lot to cover."

Winter nodded. "We'll talk in my office. But for now, let's give the others a break." She stood, leading Qrow out of the room.

(…)

In the base's modest kitchen, the scent of sizzling vegetables filled the air as Scarlet David expertly maneuvered a knife over a chopping board. Sun Wukong, now roped into helping, was trying to keep up with the task, slicing onions at a somewhat slower pace. The room was small and utilitarian, with shelves stocked with basic supplies and a heavy iron stove in the corner radiating warmth. There was an odd serenity to the moment, considering the nature of Silver Hunt and their usual activities.

Sun glanced at Scarlet, who worked with a quiet efficiency, as though he had done this a thousand times before. Breaking the silence, Sun decided to strike up some conversation. "So… you're the team's chef, huh? I didn't see that coming."

Scarlet smiled faintly but didn't look up from his work. "I wouldn't call myself a chef. I just cook because someone has to, and I'm decent at it. Keeps everyone from getting too cranky."

Sun nodded, trying to peel an onion without making a mess. "I hear that. But I've gotta admit, it's not what I pictured when I thought of Silver Hunt. You know, the whole cooking thing."

Scarlet chuckled softly. "Well, you'd be surprised. We're not all just killers. Even warriors need to eat."

There was a brief pause as Sun took that in, the clatter of knives and cutting boards the only sound between them. Then, after a moment, Sun spoke again, his voice a little more hesitant. "Hey, Neptune kinda threw that whole... thing at me back there, about you liking guys. I hope you don't think I was weirded out or anything."

Scarlet shrugged, giving him a sidelong glance with a calm expression. "People make a bigger deal out of it than I do. It's who I am. Silver Hunt doesn't care, as long as I get the job done."

Sun nodded, cutting through the awkwardness with a more relaxed smile. "Fair enough. So… I guess that means the guys you're into are tough, badass types like the ones around here?"

Scarlet let out a small, bitter laugh. "Something like that. It wasn't always this way, though."

Sun glanced over, sensing that there was more beneath the surface. Scarlet's tone had changed—a hint of something darker creeping into his voice.

"I didn't grow up in a place like this," Scarlet began, setting his knife down for a moment. His eyes grew distant, as though he was looking at something far away, something buried in his past. "I was born in a small village, far from the big cities. It was quiet, peaceful even... until it wasn't."

Sun set his own knife aside, leaning against the counter, listening intently.

"My family was targeted by a group of mercenaries.. They came for us in the middle of the night—burned our home down, killed my parents right in front of me." Scarlet's voice remained steady, but there was a tension in it, something Sun recognized as deep pain that had long since been buried.

"I was just a kid," Scarlet continued, "but I managed to escape. I lived on the streets after that, fending for myself. It's amazing how quickly you learn when your survival depends on it. I learned to kill… because there was no other choice. It was either them or me."

Sun felt a pang of sympathy, though he knew better than to interrupt. Scarlet's story was his to tell, and Sun knew well enough that he could only listen.

"And as for liking men…" Scarlet smirked slightly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "That came later. When you're stripped of everything—your family, your home—you learn who you really are. I didn't have the luxury of thinking about it when I was young, but over time… I figured it out. I loved a man once, but he didn't love me. After that, I learned to keep my heart closed off. It's easier that way."

Sun swallowed hard, the weight of Scarlet's story hitting him more deeply than he had expected. "That's… that's rough, man. I'm sorry you went through all that."

Scarlet's expression softened a little as he shook his head. "Don't be. It's shaped who I am now. I've found a new family in Silver Hunt. People who respect me for who I am, and that's enough. I don't need anything more."

Sun gave a nod of understanding. "Sounds like you've found your place here, at least."

Scarlet finally turned to face Sun fully, a hint of warmth in his eyes now. "Yeah. I have. And now you're part of it too, whether you like it or not. So get used to chopping vegetables." He smirked, tossing a few peppers Sun's way.

Sun laughed, catching one in the air and shaking his head. "Alright, alright, I get it. Just don't expect me to become a master chef overnight."

Scarlet chuckled softly, turning back to his work. "Don't worry. We'll start with the basics."

As they continued preparing the meal, there was a strange sense of camaraderie between them. Though the pain of the past lingered, the present brought a certain comfort, a sense of belonging that, for both of them, seemed to fill the gaps left by their former lives.

And for now, that was enough.

(…)

Jaune Arc wandered aimlessly through the crowded streets of the capital, overwhelmed by the sheer size and complexity of the city. Everything seemed so polished, so immaculate, with grand buildings that loomed over him like silent giants. The streets were filled with people, all in a rush to get somewhere, and none of them gave Jaune so much as a second glance. Dressed in simple clothes, he felt utterly out of place. It was as if the city itself rejected him.

He had been trying for hours to find the bank that Lady Marian Marygold had mentioned, the one where she had opened an account in his name as a reward for saving her from Silver Hunt's assassination attempt. But no matter who he asked, people either ignored him or dismissed him with a curt shake of the head, too busy or too indifferent to help a mere outsider like him.

Jaune sighed, feeling the weight of the day settle on his shoulders. Eventually, he gave up and slumped down next to a lamppost, resting his head against the cold metal. Maybe it had been too much to hope that people would be more welcoming here. The capital was nothing like his village. Here, he was nobody.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Jaune looked up, startled by the voice. Standing before him was a young woman with bright orange hair cut short, framing her face in an unruly but endearing way. She wore a dark green military uniform with a band on her shoulder indicating she belonged to the capital's security force. Her expression was warm and curious as she studied him.

"Uh, yeah," Jaune said, pushing himself up a little straighter. "I'm fine. Just… tired, I guess."

The girl smiled and held out her hand. "I'm Nora Valkyrie. Nice to meet you."

"Jaune Arc," he replied, shaking her hand and standing up.

Nora looked him up and down with a friendly but scrutinizing eye. "You look like you've had a rough day. You lost or something?"

Jaune sighed and nodded. "Yeah, kind of. I'm trying to find a bank—Lady Marygold set up an account for me, but I've never been to the capital before. No one seems interested in helping me out."

Nora's eyes widened at the mention of Lady Marygold. "You helped Councilwoman Marygold?" She sounded impressed. "Not everyone gets to meet someone like her."

"Well, I didn't really plan on it," Jaune said with a small chuckle. "I just happened to be there when Silver Hunt tried to assassinate her during a tournament."

Nora's expression changed, her friendly demeanor hardening slightly at the mention of Silver Hunt. "Silver Hunt?" She shook her head in disbelief, but there was admiration in her eyes. "That's… That's impressive, Jaune. Most people wouldn't stand a chance against them."

Jaune shrugged modestly. "I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time."

"Still," Nora said, crossing her arms, "Silver Hunt isn't a bunch of amateurs. They're dangerous criminals, and you protected someone important from them. That's something to be proud of."

Jaune couldn't help but smile at her praise. "Thanks. But, uh… do you know where the bank is? I've been walking around all day, and I'm starting to think I might never find it."

Nora laughed, her earlier seriousness fading back into her usual upbeat tone. "Lucky for you, I know exactly where it is. I'll take you there."

Relieved, Jaune smiled back at her. "That'd be great. Thank you, Nora."

They set off together, making their way through the bustling streets. As they walked, the conversation flowed easily between them.

"So," Nora said, glancing over at him, "you don't exactly look like the typical capital hero."

Jaune chuckled. "Yeah, I guess not. I come from a small village—never really expected to get involved in something like this. I was just trying to do the right thing."

Nora nodded thoughtfully. "Doing the right thing… That's important. Especially in a place like this. You never know who you can trust."

Jaune noticed the shift in her tone and glanced at her curiously. "Sounds like you have some personal experience with that."

Nora's expression darkened, her usually cheerful demeanor dimming as memories resurfaced. "Yeah… I do. My parents were in the military, serving under Winter Schnee. They were killed during a mission because of her."

Jaune frowned, taken aback by the bitterness in her voice. "I'm sorry, Nora."

Nora shook her head, her jaw tightening. "Winter Schnee and Silver Hunt… they're the problem. They cause chaos and destruction and leave people like me to pick up the pieces. I've hated them ever since. Silver Hunt claims they're fighting for something noble, but they're nothing more than murderers."

Jaune could hear the anger simmering beneath her words, the pain of her loss still fresh even after all this time. "That's… awful. I'm really sorry."

Nora offered a sad, but grateful smile. "It's alright. I joined the capital's security force to stop things like that from happening again. I can't bring my parents back, but I can make sure other families don't go through what I did."

"You're strong," Jaune said quietly. "I admire that."

"Thanks," Nora replied, her voice softening. "But we all have our battles, Jaune. We just have to fight them the best way we can."

As they approached the bank, its large marble structure gleaming in the sunlight, Nora stopped and turned to him with a grin. "Well, here you are. The bank you've been searching for."

Jaune smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "Thank you, Nora. I don't know what I would've done without your help."

"Anytime," Nora said with a playful wink. "Just try not to get lost again, okay?"

"I'll do my best," Jaune chuckled. "But if I do, at least I know who to ask for directions."

"Good answer," Nora replied with a laugh. She gave him a light pat on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Jaune. And hey, if you ever need help again, you know where to find me."

Jaune nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. And… Nora?"

"Yeah?"

"For what it's worth," Jaune said sincerely, "I think your parents would be proud of you."

Nora's smile softened, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks, Jaune. I hope so."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Jaune standing outside the bank with a lighter heart than he had felt in days.

(…)

Sun Wukong crouched low in the shadows of a crumbling building, just outside the capital's outskirts. The night was cool, the air carrying a slight chill, but his senses were alert. Beside him were Neptune and Sage, his new comrades. Their mission tonight was straightforward: eliminate a trafficker who had been exploiting Faunus for months, hiding in the outskirts. It was a job that didn't require much effort for skilled people like them, but the importance of stamping out such vile operations was clear.

"How long do you think this is going to take?" Neptune asked quietly, adjusting his trident as his sharp blue eyes scanned the area ahead. His tone was casual, like he was asking about a sparring match rather than a takedown.

Sun smirked. "Hopefully not long. Guy doesn't seem like much of a threat. I'm guessing he's more of a coward than anything else."

Sage grunted in agreement. "Most of these types are. They hide behind their goons and dirty money, thinking they're untouchable. Makes them soft."

Sun shifted his weight, resting his staff lightly against his shoulder. "You'd know a thing or two about that, huh, Sage?"

Sage shot him a sidelong glance but smirked. "Yeah, I would. People like him are a dime a dozen in Vacuo. You either rob them or they rob you first."

Neptune chuckled under his breath. "And here I thought you'd turned over a new leaf. But it's good to know old habits die hard."

"Only with the scum that deserves it," Sage replied, his voice edged with grit but lighthearted. "People like him remind me why I changed sides in the first place. Easier to just take out the trash now."

Sun shook his head, half-amused. "It's still wild to me that Qrow took you in after you tried robbing him."

Sage grinned, his green eyes gleaming with humor. "Guess he saw some potential. Or maybe he just liked the fight I put up. I sure as hell didn't make it easy for him."

Neptune snorted. "If Qrow didn't put you in your place, someone else would've. Probably someone less forgiving."

Sage laughed quietly. "Fair enough. But look at me now."

Neptune expression had darkened slightly as the conversation continued. Sun noticed the shift and gave him a curious look.

"You good, man?" Sun asked, trying to ease the tension.

Neptune took a deep breath, his grip tightening on his trident. "Yeah… just thinking about this place." His voice was quieter than usual. "The capital, I mean. It brings back a lot of memories."

Sage glanced at him, his expression more serious now. "Marygold?"

Neptune nodded stiffly. "Yeah. This whole place reeks of them—their influence, their power. I can't stand it sometimes. They ruined my family. We had a future… I had a future." His eyes darkened, and Sun could feel the anger bubbling beneath Neptune's usually calm surface. "All gone because of their greed and political games."

Sage placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Neptune, we're not them. You know that. And as long as we keep doing what we do, they don't win."

Neptune sighed, the tension in his body easing slightly at Sage's words. "I know. It just… it's hard to let go. Seeing their name everywhere, knowing what they did to me… to my parents. And then seeing Henry, parading around like he owns the place because of who his mother is." Neptune's jaw clenched. "I hate that guy."

Sun nodded in understanding. He had heard the story over lunch time, how Neptune's family had once been nobles like the Marygolds, but they'd been systematically destroyed by Marian's political maneuvering. Neptune had been left orphaned and disgraced, and Henry Marygold, the son of Marian had taken pleasure in tormenting him for it. The two families had always been at odds, but with Marian's rise to power, Neptune's family had been crushed completely.

"At least you've still got Silver Hunt," Sun said, trying to lighten the mood.

That got a chuckle out of Neptune, a small break in his brooding. "Thanks, Sun. You know how to lift the mood."

Sage smirked. "I'd take you over any stuck-up noble any day, Neptune."

Before they could continue, a figure appeared in the distance—sleek and hunched, moving cautiously under the cover of darkness. The trafficker. He wasn't alone, with two burly-looking guards flanking him, clearly on edge. Sun's eyes narrowed, quickly assessing the situation.

"Well, there's our target," Sun muttered.

Sage cracked his knuckles, his voice low and menacing. "Looks like he brought some friends. Too bad for them."

Neptune gripped his trident, his usual playfulness gone as he switched into combat mode. "Let's make this quick."

Sun nodded. "I'll handle the guards. You two focus on the trafficker."

With a quick exchange of nods, they moved into position. Sun leapt forward first, using his nimble movements to dart between shadows. As he approached the guards, his staff shot out, striking one in the side with a quick, powerful blow. The man let out a grunt of pain before collapsing to the ground.

The second guard barely had time to react before Sun was on him. With a swift spin of his staff, Sun disarmed him, sending his weapon clattering to the ground before delivering a quick blow to his chest. The guard crumpled.

Meanwhile, Neptune and Sage closed in on the trafficker, who was now desperately trying to escape. Neptune threw his trident with precision, pinning the trafficker's coat to a wall, effectively trapping him.

The man struggled, panic in his eyes as Sage calmly walked up to him, drawing his weapon—a massive sword with Vacuoan designs etched into the blade.

"Don't even think about running," Sage warned, his voice low and threatening.

The trafficker's eyes darted around, but with nowhere to go and no guards to help him, he slumped in defeat. "Please," he whimpered, "I'll give you anything. Just let me go."

Neptune stepped forward, his expression cold. "You've been trafficking Faunus, exploiting them, ruining lives. You're not getting out of this."

The trafficker's fear deepened, but Sage raised his sword, and with a swift motion, ended the man's miserable existence.

There was a brief silence as they stood over the body. The mission was over.

"Job done," Sage said quietly, sheathing his sword. "Another piece of scum off the streets."

Sun exhaled, wiping a bit of dirt off his hands. "Yeah… wasn't too bad. But still, I wish this didn't have to happen so often."

Neptune looked down at the trafficker's body, his expression unreadable. "It's never going to stop, is it? As long as people like the Marygolds are in power…"

Sun placed a hand on Neptune's shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. "We'll keep fighting. For Faunus, for the people who need us. We're making a difference, right?"

Sage nodded in agreement. "We may not be able to change everything, but every scumbag we take down is one less in the world."

Neptune looked at his friends, a small smile finally breaking through his serious expression. "Thanks, guys. I needed that."

Sun grinned. "Anytime. Now, let's get back to base. Scarlet's probably already making something for dinner"

"Yeah, last time Neptune and me got stuck with cold leftovers," Sage added with a smirk.

The three of them started back towards the capital, the night behind them growing darker.. They knew the fight wouldn't end here—there would always be another mission, another enemy.

(…)

Weiss Schnee and Yang Xiao Long moved swiftly through the shadowed streets of Atlas, their pace brisk as they made their way toward the provisional hideout Silver Hunt had set up in the capital. The mission had taken longer than expected, and now that it was done, all they wanted was to lie low. They had separated from Blake and Ruby earlier to avoid drawing too much attention, hoping that splitting up would make them less conspicuous. The looming buildings around them seemed colder than ever, the towering structures casting long, eerie shadows in the moonlight. Despite the late hour, they remained alert. In Atlas, there was always the risk of being recognized, and as members of Silver Hunt, that would mean trouble.

"Almost there," Weiss murmured, her eyes scanning their surroundings. She pulled her jacket tighter around her, the bite of the night's chill sinking into her bones.

Yang, walking beside her, nodded but didn't speak. She was exhausted, her blonde hair slightly disheveled from the long mission, but she kept her guard up. Her eyes darted around, ready for anything.

However, what they weren't ready for was the figure that stepped out from behind one of the trees in the park they were cutting through. The park was one of the few green spaces in the capital, a small cluster of trees surrounded by benches and pathways. In the dead of night, it was a serene place—until now.

Weiss and Yang halted immediately when they saw the figure blocking their path. It was a young woman in a military uniform, a hammer strapped to her back, her orange hair glowing faintly in the moonlight. The insignia of the capital's security forces was clearly visible on her shoulder, but it was the look in her eyes that sent a chill down Weiss's spine. Hatred. Pure, unmistakable hatred.

The woman stepped forward, her gaze locked onto Weiss with an intensity that made it impossible to ignore.

"You're Weiss Schnee," the woman said coldly, her voice laced with disdain.

Weiss's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure. "Do I know you?" she asked cautiously, already sensing that this was not a friendly encounter.

The woman glared at her. "Nora Valkyrie," she said, her voice sharp. "And you should know exactly who I am."

Yang glanced at Weiss, unsure of how to respond. "We've never met," Weiss said carefully. "What do you want?"

Nora's eyes narrowed, and she took a step closer, her fists clenched. "My parents died because of you. Because of your sister, Winter Schnee. She sent them on a mission, and they never came back."

Weiss blinked, shock flickering across her face. "What...? That... that can't be right."

"Don't play dumb with me," Nora snapped, her voice rising with anger. She pulled a crumpled wanted poster from her pocket and threw it on the ground in front of Weiss and Yang. It was Weiss's face, staring back at them, labeled with bold letters: WANTED.

Nora took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. "My parents were good people. Loyal soldiers to Atlas. And Winter sent them on a suicide mission, just before your parents, the king and queen were killed. Funny timing, don't you think?"

Weiss's chest tightened. She had heard of soldiers who died during risky operations, soldiers Winter had sent out... but this? This was personal. And yet... it couldn't be true. Could it?

"We didn't have anything to do with that," Weiss said, her voice steady but softer now. "My sister would never send people to die on purpose. There must be some mistake."

"Mistake?" Nora's voice cracked, her emotions slipping through. "The only mistake was trusting your sister in the first place. My parents believed in Atlas, believed in protecting this kingdom. And they were betrayed by Winter."

Yang stepped forward, her tone firm but calm. "Look, Nora Valkyrie, we didn't have anything to do with what happened to your parents. And Winter—she's not what you think. She wouldn't just sacrifice people like that."

Nora's eyes blazed with fury. "Silver Hunt, Winter's group of murderers and traitors... you expect me to believe you're innocent? You've been killing people, taking down anyone in your way."

Weiss shook her head, her voice strained. "Silver Hunt is fighting for a better Atlas. We're not the villains you think we are."

"Better Atlas?" Nora scoffed, her face contorting in disgust. "You're nothing but criminals. Hiding behind noble words while you kill and steal to get what you want. You're no better than the ones you claim to be fighting against."

Weiss's mind raced. She understood Nora's pain—she had seen it before, in people who had lost everything. But this wasn't the truth. She couldn't let Nora believe this lie.

"We didn't kill your parents," Weiss said again, her voice more insistent now. "Winter didn't do what you think she did. She's not like that."

Nora's grip tightened on the handle of her hammer. "You're liars, all of you. And I'm not going to let you walk away from this."

Yang's eyes flared with determination, stepping protectively in front of Weiss. "We don't want to fight, but we will if we have to."

Nora's face twisted with grief and rage, the weight of her loss pulling at her. "I'm going to make sure you pay for what you've done. You're not getting away with this."

Nora smiled after taking a deep breath. "I got lucky. I spotted you by chance during my night patrol. For a moment, I thought I was imagining things, but to think it was actually you, Schnee. And you," she added, turning her gaze to the blonde, staring intently. "I've seen your wanted poster. Yang Xiaolong, right? The disgraced daughter of General Raven Branwen. To think I have the chance to take down two important members of Silver Hunt... it really is a good day."

Weiss decided to make one last attempt. "If you keep pushing forward with this, I warn you—you'll die here."

Nora's smile vanished, replaced by an expression of pure hatred and disgust. "My life is irrelevant. For my beloved parents, and for the safety of Atlas, I will make sure to deliver justice to terrible criminals like you. You deserve no forgiveness."

The moment was charged with tension as Nora wasted no time. She lunged forward, her hammer already crackling with electricity, aiming straight for Yang, her target clear. The force of her movement made the ground beneath her crack, and before Yang could react, the hammer swung in a wide arc towards her midsection.

Yang barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as Nora's hammer smashed into the ground, sending debris and electricity sparking everywhere. The sheer power of the blow rattled Yang's bones, and it was clear that Nora wasn't holding anything back.

"Weiss, stay back!" Yang shouted, her fists igniting with a blaze of orange energy as her semblance flared to life. She sprinted forward, aiming to get in close before Nora could recover. Yang unleashed a flurry of punches, her Ember Celica roaring with fiery blasts. Each punch was met with Nora's hammer, which seemed to move effortlessly in her hands as she blocked and parried each strike with precision.

"You really think you can stop me?" Nora snarled, her voice dripping with anger. "You're both evil!"

Nora pushed forward, swinging her hammer overhead and bringing it down with the force of a freight train. Yang raised her arms to block, but the impact was too much. The sheer force of the blow sent her skidding backward, her aura flickering as the shock traveled through her body. She gasped in pain, realizing her aura had already taken a significant hit from the battle.

Weiss, from a distance, had no time to waste. She summoned glyphs beneath her feet and propelled herself high into the air, aiming to flank Nora from above. With Myrtenaster infused with ice Dust, she slashed downward, sending sharp, icy projectiles toward Nora.

Nora sensed the incoming attack and, with a growl, swung her hammer in a wide arc, sending a shockwave of electricity outward. The wave collided with the ice projectiles, shattering them in midair. Weiss landed gracefully, but the exhaustion from her previous mission was starting to take its toll. She breathed heavily, sweat trickling down her forehead.

"That all you've got, Schnee?" Nora spat, her eyes filled with fury.

Before Weiss could react, Nora charged again. This time, the hammer came in low, sweeping toward Weiss's legs. Weiss leaped back, barely avoiding the crushing blow, but the aftershock still knocked her off balance. She tumbled to the ground, rolling to her feet just in time to see Nora redirect her attention to Yang.

Yang, gritting her teeth, charged at Nora once more, her left fist glowing bright as she threw a punch aimed at Nora's midsection. The hit connected, sending a wave of energy rippling through Nora's aura, but Nora barely flinched. With a savage grin, she swung her hammer sideways, too fast for Yang to block.

The hammer connected with Yang's right arm with a sickening crunch.

Yang screamed as her arm was crushed under the force of Nora's blow. The bones shattered instantly, leaving her arm mangled and useless. She stumbled back, her vision blurred from the pain, and collapsed onto her knees, clutching her destroyed arm. Blood began to seep through her aura, the pain overwhelming.

Weiss's eyes widened in horror. "Yang!"

But Nora wasn't done. She raised her hammer again, ready to finish Yang off. "This is for Atlas!" she screamed, bringing the hammer down with deadly intent.

Weiss reacted instinctively, summoning a massive glyph beneath Nora's feet. Ice spread rapidly from the ground up, freezing Nora's legs in place just as she was about to land the killing blow. Nora's hammer stopped inches from Yang's head, the electricity crackling ominously in the air.

"Not… yet," Weiss muttered, summoning the last of her strength. She dashed forward, her rapier glowing with ice Dust. Her target was clear. If they didn't end this now, they wouldn't survive.

Nora, realizing the danger, roared and tried to free herself from the ice, but the glyph held her in place just long enough. Weiss slashed with Myrtenaster, her blade imbued with a shard of ice so sharp it gleamed in the dim light of the park.

Nora tried to dodge, twisting her body to avoid the full force of the strike, but she wasn't fast enough. The ice blade tore into her left leg just below the knee. Blood sprayed from the wound as the blade sliced clean through flesh and bone.

Nora let out a guttural scream of agony as her leg gave out beneath her, her body crumpling to the ground. Her hammer clattered beside her, the electrical charge fading from its surface as Nora tried to crawl, her eyes still blazing with fury and pain.

Weiss stumbled back, her breath ragged, her body trembling from the exertion. Yang, barely conscious, dragged herself to her feet, her right arm hanging limply at her side. She could barely stand, but the fight was over.

Nora, clutching the bleeding stump where her leg had been, glared at them with pure hatred. "You… won't get away with this…" she spat, her voice hoarse from the pain.

"We already have," Weiss said coldly, turning to Yang. "Come on, we need to move."

Yang, gritting her teeth through the pain, nodded. "I… I can still fight," she muttered, though it was clear she could barely stand.

"No, you can't," Weiss snapped. She grabbed Yang's left arm, pulling her up. "We're leaving. Now."

Sirens wailed in the distance. Reinforcements were on their way, and they had no time to waste. Weiss cast one last glance at Nora, who was still lying in the blood-soaked grass, her body trembling in pain but her gaze unwavering. She was beaten, but her spirit was unbroken.

Without another word, Weiss and Yang disappeared into the shadows, their battered bodies barely holding together as they fled the scene.

They had survived—but the cost had been high.

(…)

Raven Branwen's presence was undeniable as she walked through the castle's corridors, her long coat sweeping behind her like a shadow. Her attire, meticulously designed, bore striking resemblance to a military uniform, but with an elegance and darkness that suited her ruthless nature. A high-collared, tailored coat hugged her form, jet-black in color, accentuated with silver clasps and details that glimmered faintly under the dim lighting. The coat's sharp lines and epaulets on her shoulders gave her an air of command, while the slim, knee-high boots and sleek gloves emphasized her readiness for battle. A dark officer's cap, set at a slight angle atop her head, added to the imposing figure she cut, like a warlord commanding her forces with an unspoken threat in every step.

Beside her, Carl Winchester looked every bit the man he was—an eccentric yet terrifying figure. His red beard, wild and unkempt, clashed against his otherwise polished appearance. He wore an extravagant set of robes, almost ritualistic in nature, deep reds and purples flowing with gold accents that gave him the appearance of a cult leader, an air of authority that wasn't to be questioned. His bald head, gleaming under the light, created a stark contrast to the rest of his ornate garb, which was adorned with strange symbols and patterns. Each part of his outfit was carefully crafted, as if to show the world that he saw himself as something more than just a politician—he was a man of influence, control, and dark power. His robes trailed behind him like the vestments of an elder of some forgotten order, emphasizing his almost sinister authority in the halls of Atlas' upper echelons. The medallion he wore around his neck, a grotesque symbol of his house, gleamed with an unsettling intensity, cementing his appearance as someone who not only sought power but reveled in the suffering that came with it.

"Like always, doing whatever you please, eh, High Councilman Winchester?" Raven's voice cut through the stillness, her words laced with sharp amusement as her eyes flicked toward the man at her side.

Winchester chuckled, his laugh rich and deep, yet somehow unsettling. "Indeed, my friend. The benefits of absolute political power," he said, gesturing with a flourish of his ringed fingers. "You must understand how intoxicating it can be, being possibly the strongest person in Atlas. It's a feeling that wraps around you, pulling tighter with each victory."

Raven's gaze narrowed, though a smirk played at her lips. "Strength and political power are two very different things," she replied coolly. "But I won't deny it has its uses. Still, I'd rather crush someone in battle than with a signature on paper."

"Perhaps." Winchester tilted his head slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "But crushing someone politically is an art form all its own. I thought you'd appreciate that."

Raven let out a low chuckle. "Maybe. But I haven't faced General Soleil yet. A shame, really. A serious fight would've been far more satisfying" Her voice lowered, her tone darker. "A sparring match wouldn't cut it."

"Ah, yes," Winchester murmured, stroking his beard. "The eternal hunger for a worthy opponent. It's what drives us, isn't it? Strength, true strength, is never satisfied with half-measures."

"I had Marian organize that tournament," Raven continued, ignoring his musings. "I needed new blood, talent that won't break easily. She managed to find two, as I understand. I assume you've gathered the rest of my new team?"

Winchester smiled, and it wasn't a pleasant expression. "I took the liberty of securing those with semblances. People with potential... and with the right motivations." His eyes glinted with malicious glee. "Of course, the two Marian found also fall into that category. But given all the trouble I've gone through, I trust I can count on you to handle a few extra nuisances."

Raven gave him a sidelong glance. "Nuisances?" she asked, her voice cold, though the amusement in her tone hadn't entirely faded. "How many?"

"Enough to keep things interesting," Winchester replied smoothly, his smile widening. "Some still believe they can stand against the High Council's power. Some of the nobles are becoming... restless, forgetful of their place beneath us."

Raven's expression hardened slightly. "Fools." She flexed her fingers, feeling the familiar weight of her sword at her side, itching for a reason to draw it.

"Exactly," Winchester agreed, a glint of wicked excitement in his eyes. "Some of the nobles forget that to us, they're almost as much trash as the scum from the Mantle district." He paused, his voice growing darker. "But we both know... the ones who truly defy us must be dealt with."

Raven's smile was sharp, dangerous. "Then let's deal with them."

The two continued down the corridor, their footsteps echoing ominously in the vast, empty halls. Power, ambition, and cruelty were shared between them, two monsters of Atlas plotting their next moves in the deadly game they played. And for those who stood in their way, there would be no mercy.

You may notice that some characters will be stronger or weaker here than in the original canon, just a little warning, greetings.