PATCH – MORNING

Ruby stretched her arms high above her head, letting out a loud, exaggerated yawn as she sat at the dining room table.

"Geez, Rubes," came Yang's groggy voice from the hallway.

Ruby turned to see her sister shuffling in, rubbing her eyes. Yang's hair was a chaotic mess, sticking out in every direction like she'd lost a battle with her pillow.

"If you yawn any louder, you're going to wake all of Patch," Yang said, dropping into the chair across from Ruby.

Ruby chuckled. "Might be fun to try one day."

Yang tilted her head back, cracking her neck, but winced and immediately grasped her head.

"Still hurting?" Ruby asked, her tone soft with concern.

"Yep," Yang muttered, pressing an ice-cold hand to her temple. "You might've hit me harder than I thought yesterday."

Ruby gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. I'll try to hold back next time."

Yang let out a dry laugh. "Yeah, let's pencil that in for tomorrow—oh wait, no, I'm still sore. Maybe next week."

Their banter was interrupted by the smell of eggs and bacon wafting through the air. Taiyang stood at the stove, expertly flipping the last of the eggs onto a plate.

"You two have been at it non-stop since you got back home," Taiyang said as he carried the plates to the table. "I think it's time for a break. No training today."

Setting down the plates, he joined his daughters at the table. They each started piling food onto their plates, the clinking of utensils filling the room.

"So," Ruby said between bites of bacon, "if we're not training, what should we do?"

"That's a good question," Yang added, spearing a piece of egg with her fork. "Not like there's a ton to do around Patch."

Taiyang smirked, pulling something from his pocket and sliding it onto the table—a colorful flyer.

"That's where you're wrong," he said, tapping the paper.

The bold title at the top read:"20th Annual Patch Parade: Celebrate 20 Years of Peaceful Equality with Family, Friends, and Neighbors You Trust."

Ruby's eyes lit up. "Oh, yeah! The parade! I completely forgot that was today." She smiled at Yang. "We should definitely go."

Yang's expression faltered, a trace of concern crossing her face. "Are you sure, Ruby?"

"It's fine, Yang," Ruby said softly, her tone steady. "I'm okay with going."

Taiyang looked between his daughters, confused. "Why the hesitation?"

Ruby and Yang exchanged a glance before Ruby sighed, her gaze lowering to the table. "Jupiter and I used to go every year," she admitted. "It was our thing... before she—"

Her voice trailed off, and Taiyang's expression softened in understanding. "Oh," he said quietly. "I didn't know that." He hesitated, then added, "Ruby, if it's too much—"

"No," Ruby interrupted, shaking her head. "I want to go. I need to. Maybe it'll help... you know, with everything."

Taiyang nodded. "Alright. We'll leave around noon. But remember, it's going to be chilly, so—"

"Don't say it," Yang groaned, already anticipating his next words.

"Bring your winter coat," Taiyang finished with a smirk.

Yang crossed her arms and pouted. "I look stupid in that thing."

"Yep," Taiyang said with a grin. "But you'll be warm."

Ruby giggled at the exchange, but her amusement quickly faded. She glanced at Taiyang, her expression turning serious.

"Dad?"

Taiyang looked up from his plate. "Yeah, Ruby?"

"There's... something I need to tell you," She said hesitantly. "After the parade. Is that okay?"

Taiyang studied her for a moment, then gave a reassuring nod. "Of course. But for now, let's finish breakfast before it gets cold."

Ruby nodded, and the family returned to their meal, the cheerful clinking of plates and utensils filling the room once more.

ARC HOUSEHOLD

"I saw him first!"

"No! I saw him first!"

"I'm the older sister! So, I get him!"

"Oh yeah? Over my dead body!"

The unmistakable sound of a brawl broke out in the hallway, followed by shrieks, thuds, and what sounded like a vase shattering.

Seconds later, Nora burst into Jaune's room like a tornado, dragging a dazed Ren behind her. His face was covered in lipstick marks, his usual calm demeanor replaced with an expression of pure confusion and mild terror. Nora slammed the door shut behind her, bracing it like a barricade against an invading army.

Ren groaned from the floor. "Nora… what just happened?"

"Jaune's sisters, that's what happened!" Nora growled. She glared at Ren's face, pointing at the lipstick marks. "Look at this! You're a walking art project!"

The bathroom door creaked open, and Jaune stepped out, towel draped around his shoulders. He froze mid-step, taking in the scene: Ren on the floor, Nora braced against the door, and muffled shouting coming from the other side.

"What… what's going on?" Jaune asked, his voice wary.

"You didn't tell us your sisters were feral!" Nora snapped. "They're out there fighting over Ren like he's the last cookie at a bake sale!"

Jaune scratched the back of his head, chuckling nervously. "Uh… yeah, they can get a little… excited sometimes."

"A little excited?!" Nora glared. "Jaune, hand me Magnhild. Now!"

Jaune glanced over at the bed, where her weapon was resting, and quickly tossed it to her. Nora caught it and cocked it with a dramatic flourish. The sharp metallic click reverberated in the air, and the banging on the door suddenly stopped.

Nora smirked triumphantly, crouching down beside Ren. She patted his cheek reassuringly and placed a kiss on his forehead. Then, with mock solemnity, she stood tall and pointed Magnhild toward the door.

"If I don't make it back," she said, her tone dripping with drama, "tell Ren he was the love of my life!"

Ren blinked, still dazed, as Nora threw open the door with a battle cry loud enough to shake the walls.

"FOR RENNNN!" she roared, charging down the hallway.

A cacophony of shrieks, crashes, and explosions erupted almost instantly.

Ren sat up slowly, rubbing his temples. "Jaune… what just happened?"

From down the hall, Nora's voice echoed over the chaos.

"NO ONE MESSES WITH MY REN!"

"Please! Show mercy!" one of the sisters cried out.

"Oh, I'll show you mercy! Mercy at maximum velocity!"

Ren's eyes widened as the sound of Magnhild firing reverberated through the house, followed by what sounded like someone tumbling down the stairs.

Jaune sighed, running a hand down his face. "I may have underestimated how… competitive my sisters can be around new people."

Another loud crash came from the kitchen, followed by someone screaming, "NORA, STOP! NOT THE FRUIT BOWL!"

Ren blinked at Jaune, then shook his head. "You know what? I don't want to know. I really don't."

Jaune gave him a sheepish smile. "Welcome to the Arc household. Hope you survive the day."

But Jaune's smile fades away, upon the sounds of something crashing and the sound of crumbling.

BEACON

Weiss hummed a cheerful tune as she strolled down Beacon's hallway, a tray of breakfast balanced gracefully in her hands. The aroma of fresh coffee and pastries wafted from the tray, and she allowed herself a small smile. A little surprise for her team would surely brighten their morning.

Approaching Team RWBY's dorm room, Weiss carefully adjusted the tray in one hand, using the other to twist the doorknob. She paused, mindful that Blake might still be asleep, and slowly eased the door open, stepping inside.

The first thing Weiss's eyes landed on was Blake's bed. She stopped mid-step, raising an eyebrow as she took in the unexpected sight: Blake lying in bed, Sun curled up beside her, his arm draped around her shoulders.

Weiss let out a soft sigh and gave a resigned nod. Probably snuck in while I was at the mess hall, she thought, shaking her head slightly.

Still, Weiss didn't let the scene rattle her. She walked over to the dresser beside Blake's bed and gently set the tray down. The soft clink of the plates seemed to stir Blake, who groaned and stretched before her eyes fluttered open.

Blake turned her head to see the arm around her, then glanced at Sun's sleeping face. A small, fond smile crossed her lips—until she turned back and locked eyes with Weiss.

Blake's expression froze in sheer panic, her ears perking straight up as her body went stiff as a board.

Weiss crossed her arms, fixing Blake with a flat, knowing look. Then, with calm precision, she pointed at the tray of breakfast, motioned for Blake to stay quiet, and walked briskly to the door.

Before leaving, Weiss glanced back, her expression unreadable. Then, without a word, she slipped out and closed the door softly behind her.

Standing in the hallway, Weiss exhaled deeply and muttered to herself, "Well. That was… something."

She blinked, gave a small, awkward shrug, and continued walking down the hallway, her usual poised demeanor back in place—though her cheeks carried the faintest tint of pink.

PATCH

Yang stretched her arm, groaning as she worked out the soreness. Nearby, Taiyang was busy packing sandwiches into a travel bag, along with other essentials.

"Ruby!" Yang called, raising her voice. "We're leaving in ten minutes! Are you ready yet?"

"Almost!" Ruby yelled back from upstairs.

Suddenly, the sound of fabric ripping echoed through the house.

"Uh-oh!"

"What's wrong?" Yang asked, looking toward the stairs.

"I... I tore my blouse!" Ruby admitted sheepishly.

Yang let out a sigh. "Don't worry about it, Rubes. You have a backup, right?"

"Of course I do!" Ruby replied, her tone perking up. "That fabric I bought in Vale! I actually made something with it!"

Taiyang shook his head with a chuckle. "I sure hope it's something normal for once. I swear, you girls wear the same outfits every single day."

Yang turned to her father, raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong with my outfit?"

Taiyang hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's… it's a little, uh… exposed."

Yang blinked, confused at first, before looking down at her chest. Realizing what he meant, she let out a chuckle.

"Dad, I appreciate the concern, but trust me, no boy or man is coming anywhere near me. Not unless they want a good old-fashioned beatdown. Besides, this is way better for fighting. Makes me lighter."

"I get that," Taiyang said with a small nod. "But don't you think you'd want to try something a little different every once in a while?"

Yang shrugged, thinking about her Hunter outfit. "I have tried other stuff," she said, before pausing. "But… maybe you're right. Maybe I should go for something like a longer coat. This one is starting to feel a little snug."

"Exactly why you're wearing your winter coat," Taiyang reminded her.

Yang groaned in annoyance. "I'll wear it when we get there."

Before Taiyang could say more, Ruby's voice called out. "Okay, ready!"

Yang and Taiyang turned to see Ruby coming down the stairs wearing a different outfit.

Ruby's new outfit consisted of a white high-neck décolletage blouse and corset paired with her original red-and-black skirt. Thigh-high stockings featured a long-stemmed rose detail, and her red-soled black boots had four straps and buckles apiece. Her rose emblem now adorned her right shoulder.

"Well…" Ruby said, brushing her hands down her skirt. "What do you think?"

Both Yang and Taiyang blinked, momentarily speechless.

"Uh… Ruby?" Taiyang finally managed. "Don't you think it's a little…" He gestured vaguely, clearly searching for the right words.

Ruby's cheeks flushed. "Dad! Come on, I'm sixteen now. I'm not a kid anymore!" She crossed her arms but avoided making eye contact, a bit embarrassed.

"It looks great!" Yang chimed in quickly, grinning. "It's less gothic than your old outfit. Kinda refreshing, actually."

"Was it really that gothic?" Ruby asked, tilting her head. "Oh, well. Thanks! I think I might wear this from now on. Oh! I forgot my Scroll. Be right back!"

Ruby darted back upstairs, with Zwei happily bounding after her. Yang turned back to Taiyang, noticing the concerned look on his face.

"Look, Dad," Yang began, "I know what you're going to say. But don't worry. When we get back to Beacon, I'll make sure no boy gets near her."

"Every boy?" Taiyang asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well…" Yang hesitated. "There's Jaune, her best friend. And Lie Ren. From Team JNPR. But don't worry—those guys are harmless. They've got their eyes on other girls anyway, and Ruby only sees them as friends. She's not interested in finding someone right now."

"And you're sure about that?" Taiyang pressed.

"Positive. She hasn't shown interest in anyone since she started at Beacon."

Which wasn't entirely true, but Yang wasn't about to tell her dad about Ruby's old crush on Weiss or her past relationship with Jupiter. Not now, at least.

"...Alright," Taiyang said after a pause. "But I mean it—guard her with your life when you're back at school. Got it?"

Yang nodded firmly. "Don't worry. I will."

BEACON - FOUNTAIN

Weiss stood in front of Beacon's fountain, arms crossed as she stared intently at the statue of a Huntsman and Huntress standing atop it. Her gaze lingered on the sword the male statue held aloft, a nagging sense of familiarity tugging at the back of her mind.

"Why does that sword look so familiar?" she murmured, tilting her head.

"You've been wondering that too?" came a voice from behind her.

Weiss spun around, startled, to find Coco Adel approaching with her usual confident stride. Trailing a few steps behind was Velvet Scarlatina, looking half-asleep as she yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"I've been asking myself the same thing every day since the semester started," Coco said, stopping beside Weiss. She adjusted her sunglasses as she examined the statue. "And no matter how hard I try, I can't figure it out."

"How long have you been trying to figure this out?" Weiss asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Since you and your team showed up at Beacon," Coco replied casually.

Weiss shifted her attention back to the fountain. "So…what brings you out here, then?"

"Velvet likes to take early-morning walks around the campus. Says it helps her clear her head," Coco explained, nodding toward her partner. "I figured I'd tag along so she wouldn't be out here alone."

Velvet blushed faintly; her bunny ears twitching as she looked down at the ground. "It's not a big deal…"

Weiss smirked. "Really? That sounds like something more than just a teammate would do." She gave Velvet a pointed look. "You two aren't… together, are you?"

Velvet's head shot up, her face a deep shade of crimson. "No! We're not! Why does everyone keep asking that?"

"She's not the first one to wonder, Velvs," Coco teased, a mischievous grin on her face. "But no, Weiss. We're not a couple. Velv here is like a little sister to me. Got to look out for her, you know?"

Velvet groaned and buried her face in her hands. "Could you not make it sound so weird?"

Weiss chuckled softly. "Fair enough."

Coco shifted her weight and leaned slightly toward Weiss, smirking. "Alright, Ice Queen, your turn. What's got you out here? Did your dorm room get too warm for your royal self?"

Weiss narrowed her eyes. "Hey! That's not funny."

"It's a little funny," Coco replied, chuckling.

Weiss rolled her eyes. "If you must know, I was going to relax in my dorm room. But when I walked in…" She hesitated, crossing her arms. "I found Blake being… occupied."

"Occupied?" Coco repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"She was cuddling with Monkey Boy on her bed," Weiss explained bluntly, her voice tinged with irritation. "You know, Sun Wukong."

Velvet's ears perked up as she looked at Weiss in surprise. "Sun? Really?"

Weiss nodded. "It's not like he's the worst person in the world, but still, sneaking into our dorm room like that? He's so… annoying."

Coco smirked. "Annoying, huh? But not that bad?"

Weiss huffed. "Fine. He's nice when he's not being obnoxious."

"That's not what Velv's worried about," Coco said, a sly grin spreading across her face.

Weiss tilted her head, confused. "Then what are you talking about?"

Coco raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You're telling me you don't know about Yang's crush on Bla—"

"Coco!" Velvet exclaimed, clapping a hand over Coco's mouth. "She wasn't supposed to know that!"

Weiss's eyes widened as the realization hit her. "What?!"

Velvet sighed in defeat, releasing Coco. "Yang likes Blake. A lot. But now that Blake's with Sun…well, Yang's probably feeling really sad. Or angry. Or both. Which is why Coco wasn't supposed to go blabbing about it!"

Coco held up her hands innocently. "Hey, it just slipped out!"

Velvet groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Let's just go before you cause any more damage." She grabbed Coco's arm and started dragging her away.

As they left, Weiss stood frozen in place, the new information swirling in her head. Slowly, she sank onto the edge of the fountain, staring into the rippling water.

"Oh boy," she muttered.

Coco called out over her shoulder, "For what it's worth, Weiss, that sword does look familiar. Let me know if you figure it out!"

Weiss barely acknowledged her, too deep in thought to respond.

VALE - ARC FAMILY HOME

"WHY?!" Jaune Arc's anguished cry echoed through the house as he stared at the gaping hole in the living room wall. His hands clutched his hair in disbelief, his eyes twitching.

Ren, standing nearby, calmly surveyed the destruction. "It's a… bold new feature," he said dryly. "Open-concept living room?"

Outside, the chaos continued. Nora Valkyrie, wielding her massive Magnhild, charged across the front yard in hot pursuit of a group of blonde-haired women.

"GET BACK HERE!" Nora bellowed, swinging Magnhild with one hand as she pointed accusingly with the other. "I'M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU YET!"

The women scattered, shrieking as they darted around trees and bushes, some trying to hide while others just sprinted for safety.

Ren turned back to Jaune, who remained frozen in place, his mouth agape and eyes wide. "Shouldn't we… you know, calm her down before this gets worse?"

Jaune blinked a few times, his gaze shifting from the hole in the wall to the chaos outside. Finally, his legs gave out, and he collapsed onto his back, his limbs sprawled awkwardly.

"My parents…" Jaune muttered, his voice hollow. "My parents are going to kill me."

Ren sighed, leaning down to push Jaune's flailing legs aside. "I'll take care of this." He adjusted his sleeves, stepped through the debris, and walked outside through the new "door."

PATCH

Ruby, Yang, and Taiyang strolled down the familiar road, the sun warm on their faces as they passed cozy houses adorned with decorations for the annual Unity Parade. Cars rolled by, their passengers waving and smiling.

"Seems like everyone's heading to town early for the parade," Yang remarked, watching a small convoy of vehicles rumble past.

"Well," Taiyang began, his tone light but meaningful, "the Unity Parade is a Patch tradition. As proud residents of this fine island, it is our solemn duty to attend. It reminds us of the day humans and Faunus chose to live in harmony. You two are lucky, you know—born after the treaty was signed."

Ruby tilted her head curiously. "What was it like… before?"

Taiyang's expression darkened slightly, and he sighed. "It was… very bad, Ruby. I was just a kid, but even then, I saw the worst of it. Humans and Faunus fighting each other, sometimes over petty things, sometimes over nothing at all. It was just the way things were back then."

Yang, always the inquisitive one, leaned closer. "What changed? What made everyone finally agree to stop fighting?"

Taiyang slowed his pace as the memories washed over him. "The Grimm," he said simply. "All that hatred and negativity—well, it attracted a massive horde. It was unlike anything Patch had ever seen. For days, we fought tooth and nail to keep them at bay. But it became clear we couldn't hold out alone. So, we turned to the Faunus fighters who were defending their parts of the island. When we finally stood together… what had seemed impossible took only hours. That's when people realized enough was enough. And now, here we are—celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Patch Unity Treaty."

Yang snorted. "That's a mouthful."

Taiyang chuckled. "It is. Even I hate saying it. But it's something we all had to embrace, no matter how tough it was. I just wish Daisy was here to see it."

Ruby blinked in confusion. "Daisy?"

Taiyang smiled wistfully. "She was my best friend before I left for Beacon. She moved to Vale during the conflicts. Gave up fighting, started running a flower shop in the city."

Yang raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Best friend, huh? Or was it… something more?"

Taiyang sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wish. But back then, it was… dangerous. A human and a Faunus dating? It wasn't exactly safe."

Ruby's eyes widened. "She was a Faunus?"

Taiyang nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Like you wouldn't believe. But not being able to date her, well… I guess it set everything in motion. Led me to meet your mom, and, well, you two came along."

Yang grimaced, holding up a hand. "Please don't get into the details of how we were conceived. Like, ever."

Taiyang laughed. "Don't worry, I won't."

Ruby tilted her head, her curiosity undeterred. "So… you still think about her?"

"Occasionally," Taiyang admitted. "We talk now and then. Mostly, I remember the good times we had. But, man… she was terrible at hiding. You can't exactly go unnoticed with a pair of rabbit ears poking out."

Ruby and Yang suddenly froze mid-step, exchanging wide-eyed glances. Taiyang noticed and frowned. "What? What's with the looks?"

Ruby hesitated. "Uh… by any chance, does Daisy have a daughter? Brown hair… bunny ears, like her?"

Taiyang blinked, clearly taken aback. "Yeah, she does. Why? Do you know her?"

Yang let out a low whistle. "Wow," she said, glancing at Ruby with a mischievous grin. "Imagine if Velvet had been his daughter instead of us."

Ruby snorted. "Or if we'd had another half-sister. You know, if Dad and Daisy had—"

"What are you two whispering about?" Taiyang interrupted, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Nothing!" Ruby and Yang blurted in unison, their voices just a little too high-pitched.

Taiyang sighed, shaking his head. "Let's just keep walking. This is starting to get awkward."

"Agreed," Ruby muttered, falling into step beside him.

As the trio continued down the road, their laughter and chatter fading into the distance, they remained oblivious to the raven-haired woman standing in the shadows. Hidden behind a tree, her sharp, crimson eyes followed them intently, glowing faintly in the dappled sunlight.

THE DAY BEFORE - CAVE

The air was thick with tension in the dimly lit cavern as the door creaked open, its metallic sound echoing against the stone walls. The group of villains, gathered around a rough-hewn stone table, stood in unison. The room felt unnervingly still, the only noise the faint dripping of water from the ceiling.

Cinder Fall stepped forward, her tall frame radiating authority as she moved past her subordinates. She waved her hand dismissively, gesturing for the others to sit. They did so without protest, their expressions dark and wary.

"It's been far too long since we've had a proper meeting," Cinder began, her voice cool, cutting through the silence. "And this is where we've been hiding, yes. A fitting location for our... less-than-legal operations."

Torchwick, leaning back in his chair with a lit cigar dangling from his lips, blew out a thick plume of smoke. "Not exactly the five-star accommodations I'd prefer, but I suppose it'll do." He shot a side glance at the others. "Where's the boss lady, anyway? Thought she'd be here to make things interesting."

Cinder's lips curled into a thin, controlled smile, but there was no mistaking the underlying tension in her posture. She crossed her arms, her tone growing colder. "Salem is... unavailable for the time being. Due to the nature of our current situation, she's in... hibernation."

A murmur ran through the group, all eyes on Cinder. She let the weight of her words settle in before continuing, her voice a low, almost grim whisper.

"Her power has become... too volatile. After everything that's happened, we can't risk waking her. She needs time to stabilize. Until we figure out how to bring her back, we're on our own."

Adam Taurus, his face twisted in frustration, clenched his fists on the table. "So, what are we supposed to do now? Wait around like sitting ducks while we get picked off one by one?"

"Patience," Cinder replied coolly, locking eyes with Adam. "We have a plan. And that plan starts with you, Taurus."

Adam's eyes narrowed, his posture brimming with irritation. "I didn't sign up to be anyone's errand boy."

Cinder raised a single, commanding eyebrow. "You'll want to reconsider that stance. We've been playing defense long enough. It's time to go on the offensive."

She stood up, her heel clicking sharply against the stone as she paced around the room. The others stayed silent, waiting for her to explain further.

"Intel suggests that a certain 'Savior of Remnant' is hiding in Patch," she continued. "The one causing problem for us, the one who's become too much of a threat to ignore. And I've decided that it's time to remove him from the equation.

"Taurus, you're the one who's not tied to Ironwood's forces. We need someone who can slip under the radar, someone who's off the grid."

"Fine," Adam muttered, crossing his arms, still displeased. "But what's the catch? You don't send me in alone, do you?"

Cinder's eyes flicked toward the doorway, where a familiar figure stood silently. "And I'll be accompanying you. I know the island well, and besides, it just so happens that I was planning a trip to Patch herself. We'll take care of this. Together."

Adam scoffed, his impatience growing. "I don't need babysitting."

Cinder remained unfazed, her voice firm. "You'll have to deal with it. We can't afford failure this time." She paused, her gaze darkening. "And you'll need my help to get to the target."

"Target?" Torchwick raised an eyebrow from his seat. "Who's the lucky bastard?"

"The 'Savior' of Remnant, the one they call Salvator," Cinder answered. "Sources say he's stationed in Patch. We need him dead. No more distractions."

Adam growled, pushing back from the table. "I'll handle it."

"Good," Cinder replied, her voice filled with authority. "Let's not waste any more time on this."

She turned her attention to Emerald and Mercury, who had been sitting quietly in the back of the room, their eyes wary but attentive. "Roman," she addressed Torchwick again, her tone shifting slightly. "You and the others will stay here. Keep an eye on the White Fang. We can't risk anyone getting suspicious while we deal with this."

Torchwick shrugged, flicking ash from his cigar. "Fine. I've had worse assignments."

Adam and Cinder turned toward the exit, preparing to leave the room. The tension in the air had not dissipated, but there was a sense of urgency now. They had no time to waste.

Before the door closed behind them, Cinder's voice echoed back into the room, low and dangerous.

"And Roman," she said, her tone deliberates, "disregard my earlier orders. I have something else in mind for you. Something... more personal."

Torchwick raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "Really now? Care to share?"

Cinder smiled, but it was not a pleasant expression. "Let's just say it involves someone who's become a problem for us. Ruby Rose."

Torchwick's interest piqued, and he nodded. "Now that's something I can get behind."

The door slammed shut behind them as they departed, the cave falling into an uneasy silence. The next steps had been set into motion.

PRESENT DAY - PATCH

The vibrant sounds of the Unity Parade echoed through the streets of Patch, but there was a clear tension in the air as Yang groaned dramatically, adjusting her bulky winter coat.

"I... look... stupid!" she exclaimed, tugging at the edges of the fluffy garment, her eyes narrowed in irritation. The coat was everything she hated: puffy, cumbersome, and—by her standards—completely unflattering.

Ruby, standing nearby, grinned and tried to reassure her. "It's not that bad, Yang."

"It makes me look fat!" Yang pouted, crossing her arms tightly. The pink of her cheeks only seemed to emphasize the disapproval she felt for her outfit.

Ruby laughed softly, trying to hide her amusement. "Oh, come on, Firecracker! It's not like that."

Before Yang could argue further, a familiar voice chimed in from behind them.

"Not that bad, huh?" Qrow said, his tone full of that signature dry humor as he swaggered up to them, flask in hand, taking a quick swig before putting it away. "At least it'll keep you warm, that's the most important thing."

"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby's face lit up with a big smile as she threw her arms around him, giving him a big, tight hug. "It's good to see you again! Where've you been these past few days?"

Qrow chuckled and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Eh, here and there. Helping Oz with a few easy tasks. Shame you two left when I was at Beacon. Missed all the fun."

As they shared the moment, Taiyang appeared, his arms crossed, an unreadable expression on his face as he walked toward them.

"Tai," Qrow greeted, his tone shifting from lighthearted to a bit more serious.

"Qrow," Taiyang responded, his voice firm but not unkind. "What brings you here?"

Qrow smirked, a playful glint in his eye. "Come on, you know me. Wouldn't miss an event like this, especially after you introduced me to it." He took another glance at the crowd before giving Taiyang a knowing look. "Besides, you know I can't resist the women."

Yang leaned toward Ruby, whispering, "He's mainly here for the women."

Ruby giggled, nodding. "Probably."

Qrow caught the tail end of their exchange, his smile widening, but then his expression hardened slightly. "Hey, Tai, can we talk? It's important."

Taiyang looked at the girls, who had already started to drift toward the crowds. "Go ahead, enjoy the parade. We'll catch up later," he called after them, his tone casual, but there was a subtle undercurrent of concern.

"Come on, Yang," Ruby said, grabbing her sister's arm. "The parade's starting in five minutes!"

The two ran off toward the gathering crowd, leaving Taiyang and Qrow standing alone. Taiyang's expression shifted, more serious now as he turned to face Qrow. "Alright. What did you need to talk to me about?"

Qrow exhaled sharply, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a more somber tone. "We've got a problem. This comes straight from Oz himself."

"Oz?" Taiyang raised an eyebrow. "What about him?"

"Yeah," Qrow replied, his gaze narrowing. "He believes that Cinder Fall's going to make her move during the parade. And she won't be alone. She'll have an accomplice."

Taiyang's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Well… that's not good."

"Yeah," Qrow said, leaning in slightly, his voice lowering. "Oz wants us to keep our eyes peeled, especially for Cinder. If we see anything suspicious, we need to take action, immediately."

Taiyang clenched his jaw, running a hand through his hair. "Damn. If Oz thinks that, then I'll be ready. I'll keep an eye out. Where will you be?"

Qrow smirked, a glint of mischief returning to his eyes. "Don't worry about me, Tai. I'll be hanging around." He gave a knowing wink, then turned toward a nearby alley, melting into the crowd.

Taiyang watched him go, feeling the weight of the situation settle over him. He glanced toward the parade, where the floats and performers were starting to assemble, and his gaze sharpened. There was no time for distractions—not with the threat of Fall lurking nearby.

With a final sigh, he turned and made his way toward the parade, determined to keep his wits about him and stay vigilant.

MISTRAL - CLIFF-SIDE

The soft breeze blew gently across the cliff-side, rustling the tall grass and sending wisps of Pyrrha's hair dancing in the wind. Alone, she sat near the edge of the cliff, gazing out over the vast expanse of Mistral's landscape. The distant city below shimmered under the setting sun, but Pyrrha seemed far removed from the bustling life below. This was her time to be still, to reflect, and—most of all—escape from the constant responsibilities that weighed on her.

Her peaceful solitude, however, was interrupted by a familiar sound.

Ring.

Pyrrha sighed, reluctantly reaching for her Scroll. The screen lit up, and she saw a message from Jaune. A picture attachment followed immediately, one that made her smile despite herself.

It was a photo of the Arc Family Home, but it was far from a typical photo. There was a large hole in the wall of the house, and in front of it stood Jaune, his hand pressed to his forehead in exasperation, his face a perfect picture of utter defeat.

The accompanying message was short, but no less dramatic:
"Help me!"

Pyrrha chuckled under her breath, shaking her head. She could practically hear Jaune's voice in her mind, whining about whatever situation had caused that hole. His "help me" was always dramatic, always urgent, but rarely an actual emergency.

"Sorry, Jaune," she said to herself, her tone light with amusement. "You're on your own this time."

She let out a soft laugh, feeling a warmth in her chest. It had been a while since she'd heard from him, and it reminded her of the simpler days at Beacon, when things felt less complicated. But now, with everything that had happened, she had to take care of herself too.

With a quiet sigh, Pyrrha slid her Scroll back into her bag and stretched out on the soft grass, the coolness of the earth grounding her. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the calming breeze fill her lungs as she reclined fully. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped lower, and for a moment, everything felt at peace.

"This is my vacation time," Pyrrha murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. She was finally taking a break, even if it was brief.

As the evening wore on, she let the world fade away, embracing the serenity of the moment, if only for a little while.

VALE - ARC FAMILY HOME

Jaune stood in the doorway, staring in disbelief at the damage in the living room. His eyes flickered from the hole in the wall to the two people seated in front of him. His frustration bubbled over.

"Unbelievable!" he yelled, throwing his hands up in the air.

Nora, sitting on the couch, stared at the ground, looking guilty. Ren stood nearby, arms crossed, his expression stoic but a hint of concern in his eyes. Jaune took a deep breath, trying to control his growing anger.

"What's the one thing I said to you, Nora?" Jaune asked, his voice tense.

Nora looked up, eyes sheepish. "Not to break anything?" she said, almost too quietly.

"Correct. And what did you do?" Jaune snapped, pacing in front of them. "Not only did you break something, but you put a hole in the wall! And you broke Auburn's arm, as well as Jamie's!"

Nora winced at the mention of the injuries. She had been caught up in the chaos, her hammer swinging a little too wildly. Ren shot her a glance, but there was no judgment in his eyes—only a calm, steady understanding.

Nora's voice trembled slightly as she looked up, meeting Jaune's gaze. "I'm sorry."

Jaune's face softened for a moment, but then he shook his head. "Oh, don't apologize to me, young lady. You'll be apologizing to my parents when they get home. If you think they were easy-going before... just wait until you see them angry." He let out a long sigh, rubbing his forehead. "And as punishment from me, you'll be without your hammer for the remainder of Winter break."

Nora's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! That's not fair!"

"Sorry, Nora," Jaune said with a firm tone. "But as team leader, I have to hold you accountable. No hammer for the rest of the break. End of story." He paused, his expression softening just a little. "Now, I need to take Auburn and Jamie to the hospital. You stay here. Ren will be keeping an eye on you."

Without another word, Jaune ducked through the hole in the wall and disappeared.

Nora dropped her head back into her hands, feeling a mixture of frustration and guilt. She crossed her arms tightly, staring at the floor, barely noticing the heavy silence around her. Ren walked around the couch and stood behind her. His presence was calm, steady—comforting, even.

"Are you mad at me?" Nora's voice was barely a whisper, her words directed at the floor.

But there was no response. Just the sound of her own breathing.

Then, Ren spoke. "It may have been a little extreme, Nora."

Nora raised her head slightly, surprised by the lack of anger in his voice. Her eyes met his as he stood in front of her, and she saw a faint smile on his lips.

"But... I suppose, I'll let this slide." His smile widened just a little.

Nora blinked, her surprise growing. "Huh?"

Ren's smile softened, and he knelt down beside her. "I heard what you said to Jaune, upstairs." His voice was quiet, yet warm.

Nora's eyes widened in shock, and her face turned bright red as she quickly lowered her head to hide her embarrassment. She felt an arm wrap around her shoulders, and Ren's voice came soft and close to her ear.

"You never cease to surprise me, Nora."

Her heart raced as she slowly turned to face him, only to feel a soft kiss press against her cheek. She froze, her entire body going still in shock. Ren stood and took a step back, leaving her there in a whirlwind of emotions.

"And another thing..." Jaune's voice suddenly called from the doorway. Nora's eyes snapped open, her heart still racing, her cheeks flushed.

"Huh?" Jaune, now back in the room, stopped in his tracks when he saw Nora sitting completely still, staring ahead with wide, unblinking eyes.

"Uh... you okay, Nora?" Jaune asked, a little hesitant now, sensing something was off.

Nora didn't respond right away. Her brain was still trying to catch up with everything that had just happened. Finally, she let out a small, happy squeal, her arms flailing in excitement.

Jaune blinked in confusion, then stepped back, looking alarmed. "What—what's going on?!"

Nora didn't answer. She was too busy grinning from ear to ear, still in shock from Ren's unexpected kiss. Jaune, clearly unnerved, slowly backed out of the room.

"Okay, uh, I'll just—" He trailed off, walking out quickly, leaving Nora there, completely frozen with happiness.

PATCH – UNITY PARADE

The streets of Patch were alive with color and energy. Floats adorned with ribbons and flowers floated by, each one a brilliant display of creativity. Music filled the air, blending with the laughter and chatter of the parade-goers. The warm glow of the afternoon sunbathed the city in a golden hue as the Unity Parade continued on, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate their shared peace and hope.

Ruby stood with Yang and Taiyang, her eyes wide with wonder as the floats passed by. Her face lit up with a smile that could only be found in moments of pure joy. It was one of those rare times when she felt completely at peace, the weight of the world momentarily forgotten.

"I swear, this event gets better every year!" Ruby exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of her feet as she pointed toward a float that resembled a giant mechanical bird. Children cheered, waving their hands as the float passed by.

Yang grinned at her enthusiasm. "You're right about that, Rubes. It's hard to top this kind of fun."

Taiyang, standing beside them, chuckled and nodded in agreement. "You got that right. There's something special about seeing the whole town come together like this."

Ruby closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the peace around her. She watched as people lined the streets, laughing, chatting, and taking photos. The world felt... right.

But then, just as quickly as the peaceful feeling settled, a memory crept into her mind. She thought of her old team—of her time with Jupiter. The warmth, the camaraderie, the unbreakable bond they had shared. It had all seemed so simple, so full of hope. But now, with the passing of time, Ruby couldn't help but feel the sting of loss.

She quickly blinked away the memory, trying to focus on the present. "I guess... there's nothing wrong with remembering the good things, right?" Ruby thought to herself, her eyes following the parade as it unfolded.

Suddenly, the peaceful moment was broken by the shrill sound of a ring—Ruby's Scroll buzzed in her pocket. She immediately pulled it out, expecting a call, but was greeted by a strange silence.

Ring.

Taiyang looked at his Scroll, frowning. "That's odd," he muttered. "No one's calling. No messages."

Ring.

Ruby's brows furrowed in confusion. "There it is again... but no one's reaching out to us. And look, no one else seems to hear it."

Yang, sensing something off, looked to her left and her eyes widened. "Ruby, Dad…"

Ruby and Taiyang turned to see Yang eyeing something on the ground—a briefcase tucked against the curb, its red light blinking erratically.

"That's not normal," Yang said, her voice tight with concern.

Taiyang stepped closer. "What is that?"

Yang's eyes narrowed. "I don't know, but it's not good. The blinking's speeding up..."

The briefcase emitted a sudden series of rapid beeps. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Before they could react, the sound stopped, and a shrill, deafening screech pierced the air. People screamed, clutching their ears as the noise seemed to reverberate through the very ground. Ruby winced, her hands pressed tightly against her head as she staggered back.

"What is that?!" Ruby shouted, struggling to keep her footing.

The sound, a painful screech, drowned out all else. Nearby, people were panicking and scattering, their once jubilant faces now twisted in fear. Yang, protecting Ruby from the chaos, scanned the rooftops, her instincts telling her something wasn't right.

From a distant rooftop, Qrow cursed as the screeching assaulted his senses. He gripped his sword tightly, scanning the surroundings. And then, just across from him, a figure in a dark hood caught his eye—someone watching from above.

Qrow grinned, pulling his weapon from its sheath. "Well, well... what have we here?" he muttered, preparing to take action.

In an instant, the figure on the rooftop leaped into the air, and with incredible speed, their blades collided with Qrow's in a flash of steel.

The hooded figure quickly removed their cloak to reveal a grin that sent a chill down Qrow's spine.

It was Adam Taurus.

His sharp eyes glinted with malice as he met Qrow's stare. "Hello, Qrow," Adam said, his voice low and taunting. With a swift motion, he kicked Qrow across the rooftop, sending him crashing into one of the parade floats below.

Back on the ground, Yang's blood ran cold as she locked eyes on Adam. "Who is that guy?" she growled.

Taiyang's face hardened as recognition hit him. "That's Adam Taurus. He's the leader of the White Fang here in Vale. He's dangerous, Yang—really dangerous."

Yang's fists clenched, a surge of anger rising in her chest. She glanced at the back of Adam's coat and saw the rose symbol emblazoned there, her heart skipping a beat.

"Blake..." Yang whispered to herself. Memories of Blake, the quiet moments they had shared, rushed through her mind. Her thoughts stumbled for a second.

Adam turned, as though sensing her gaze, and slowly made eye contact with Yang. The air grew tense as he raised his blade, pointing it directly at her.

Yang's eyes flashed red, her Aura flaring to life as she ignited Ember Celica with a snarl. "You."

Adam smiled wickedly. "So... you know Blake, huh?"

Without responding, Yang shot forward in a burst of speed, fists blazing with fire. She swung at Adam, but he easily dodged, sidestepping her powerful punch. The force of her strike cracked the pavement beneath her feet.

"You're quicker than I thought," Adam mocked, pulling out a pistol and firing into the air.

BOOM!

The shot rang out, and the chaos in the street escalated. People screamed, running in all directions as the once peaceful celebration turned into a stampede of fear.

Yang didn't flinch. "I don't care who you are," she spat. "You're not ruining today."

Adam's grin grew wider. "Maybe I will. And when I'm done here, maybe I'll go find Blake and—"

Yang roared in fury, charging at him again, this time with a devastating punch. Adam stepped aside with ease, but before he could retaliate, a voice rang out from the side.

"Look, pal."

Adam turned to see Qrow standing tall, sword ready, his eyes filled with amusement.

"I don't know why you decided to ruin a perfectly good Unity Parade," Qrow continued, his tone casual but lethal. "But I suggest you leave now. It's obvious we outnumber you."

Adam sneered, unbothered. "Two against one? Hardly."

Qrow didn't flinch. "No, it isn't."

Just as Adam prepared to strike, a figure appeared out of nowhere, a pair of axes in hand. With a confident stride, the masked savior of Remnant stepped forward, standing beside Qrow and Yang.

"Three against one," the figure said, his voice cold and composed. "Now, that's outnumbered."

The masked figure, known as Salvator, gave a sharp nod toward his allies. "I was enjoying this day of peace, but it looks like we'll have to deal with you instead."

The tension in the air was palpable as Adam's eyes flickered from one opponent to the next. He was outnumbered but not outmatched. The fight was about to begin.

"Let's see how long you last, then," Adam sneered, readying his sword.

And so, the battle for Patch's peace began.

ROOFTOP – PATCH

Ruby stood on the rooftop, her eyes fixed on the battle below. The chaos of the street, the flashes of violence between Yang, Salvator, and Qrow against Adam, felt distant, like a faint echo to Ruby's focus. Her grip tightened around Crescent Rose as she prepared to join the fight. This was it. She couldn't just stand by while her friends fought. She had to help. She had to be there.

But before she could leap into action, a sharp whistle pierced the air, freezing her in place.

"Well, well. Look who finally decided to show up."

Ruby's blood ran cold. She spun around, her heart dropping as she saw the all-too-familiar figure of Cinder Fall standing on a nearby rooftop. Her silhouette was framed by the smoldering remnants of the city, a dark presence in the chaos of the moment.

"Miss me, Ruby?" Cinder's voice was dripping with venom, her smirk unrelenting. "I've been wondering, how's that burn mark on your neck? Does it still sting? Or is it a reminder of your helplessness?"

Ruby's fingers tightened around Crescent Rose, her knuckles white. The scar on her neck, the memory of their last fight, burned fresh in her mind. But it wasn't the scar that hurt—it was what Cinder had done to her. To her friends. To everyone she cared about.

Ruby's voice came out low and dangerous. "I'll make you regret those words."

Cinder chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Ruby, you've always been the eager one. But tell me, what happens when you're stripped of your Semblance? When you're not the hero you think you are? You're nothing."

Ruby's chest tightened. She could feel the weight of Cinder's words, but she refused to let them break her. She had come this far without her Semblance, and she wasn't going to stop now. "I'm not weak."

With a surge of anger, Ruby leapt into the air, Crescent Rose spinning in her hands as she swung it down toward Cinder. But Cinder was ready. She raised a hand, summoning a wave of flames, but Ruby was faster than she expected.

Ruby dodged the fire with ease, but as she landed on the rooftop, Crescent Rose's weight felt heavier than usual. The burst of strength from her new Semblance surged through her, and as her weapon hit the stone, the rooftop cracked beneath the impact. The stone shattered in all directions, surprising Cinder, who took a step back.

"What the—?" Cinder stared in disbelief as Ruby swung again, this time aiming for Cinder herself. Crescent Rose collided with the wall beside Cinder, sending a deep crack through the brickwork. A chunk of the wall crumbled to the ground, startling Cinder even more. "What are you...?"

Ruby didn't respond. She was too focused. Crescent Rose felt different now stronger, but also more... unstable. She could feel the power coursing through her, but with every hit, Crescent Rose seemed to give way under the force. The cracks on the rooftop continued to spread, and with every strike, the blade felt a little more fragile.

"You're too slow, Ruby," Cinder taunted, her confidence growing as she sidestepped Ruby's next attack. "You've always been fast, but now? You're just reckless."

Ruby's teeth clenched. "I'm not holding back!" She charged forward, Crescent Rose swinging in a wild arc. She slammed it against the edge of the rooftop, and the building groaned under the pressure. Another crack split the surface. The impact sent debris flying, and Ruby could feel the weapon shudder in her hands.

But Cinder wasn't done yet. With a flick of her wrist, flames shot toward Ruby, forcing her to leap backward. Ruby stumbled but quickly regained her footing. She was breathing heavily now, the weight of her strikes beginning to take a toll on her. But she couldn't stop. Not yet. She wouldn't stop.

"You don't have the control, Ruby," Cinder sneered. "Without your Semblance, you're just a child playing at being a hero."

Ruby snarled, her grip tightening on Crescent Rose once more. "I'm not playing!"

She swung again, but this time the strike wasn't aimed at Cinder. She slammed Crescent Rose into the rooftop, sending a shockwave through the stone. The impact split the ground open, sending cracks running in every direction. The noise was deafening. The stone beneath Ruby's feet shattered completely, sending her stumbling back.

But as Ruby regained her balance, she felt it. The crack. The one that went all the way through Crescent Rose. She could feel it in her hands. She looked down to see the shaft splintering, the weapon's structure weakening from the repeated blows.

"No..." Ruby gasped, her heart sinking. She swung once more, her determination blinding her to the damage she was causing. Crescent Rose struck the rooftop again with a bone-rattling crack. The blade snapped clean in half, sending the broken pieces skidding across the roof.

Ruby froze.

Her eyes widened in shock.

"What... what did I—?"

Her breath caught in her throat as the reality hit her like a physical blow. Crescent Rose, her weapon, the one thing that had always been with her, the symbol of her strength—was broken. She had broken it. And the worst part was, she hadn't even noticed how much damage she'd caused.

Cinder, meanwhile, stood a few paces away, watching with a sly smile. "I told you. You can't win. You never could."

Ruby's knees buckled. She collapsed to the ground, her fingers trembling as they reached out for the broken pieces of Crescent Rose. Her vision blurred, and the weight of her anger, her grief, and her failures came crashing down on her all at once.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry," Ruby whispered, her voice barely a breath.

Tears welled in her eyes as she cradled the broken weapon in her hands. She had lost control. She had let her anger drive her, and now she had nothing to show for it.

And in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but hear Cinder's cruel voice echoing in her ears, reminding her of everything she had lost.

"You're nothing without your Semblance, Ruby. Nothing."

Ruby's shoulders shook as the tears began to fall, her heart breaking under the weight of her failure.

ROOFTOP – PATCH

The chaos of battle continued to rage across the rooftop. Adam Taurus swung his sword with deadly precision, his movements fluid, but cold—calculating. He danced around Salvator, his own blade flashing with each strike, his eyes never leaving his target. Yang, fiercely determined, threw punches with the strength of a hurricane, her fists blazing with power, while Qrow used his agility to stay one step ahead of Adam, blocking and striking with calculated precision.

But there was a moment—a split second—when the fight seemed to pause.

Yang turned her eyes toward the other rooftop, her heart sinking as she saw Ruby kneeling, Crescent Rose broken in her hands, shards scattered across the rooftop. Cinder, standing just behind Ruby, raised her glowing blades high, preparing to strike.

Before Yang could react, her body was already in motion. She launched herself into the air, propelled by Ember Celica, crashing into Cinder and sending them both tumbling off the rooftop. The two hit the ground below with a violent crash, but Yang barely noticed. Her focus was solely on Ruby.

From below, Taiyang managed to climb onto the roof, rushing to Ruby's side. He knelt beside her, but Ruby barely seemed to notice his presence. Her eyes were fixed on the broken pieces of Crescent Rose, her body trembling in the aftermath of everything that had happened. Taiyang tried to comfort her, but Ruby appeared lost—helpless.

The ground beneath them began to tremble, a deep rumble shaking the rooftop. Cracks spread out from under their feet, and before anyone could react, the surface gave way. Taiyang, gripping Ruby tightly, shielded her from the fall, but it was inevitable.

They fell—fast and hard—crashing to the ground below. Dust billowed into the air as the impact rattled their bodies, and Ruby struggled to push herself up. But as she stood, her eyes locked onto Yang, who was still locked in a brutal battle with Adam.

Cinder and Yang continued their fight on the street below. Cinder was swift and relentless, her blades glowing with malicious intent. Yang, her Aura barely flickering, took a punch and then another, barely able to defend herself from Cinder's relentless assault.

But there was no stopping Yang. Rage burned behind her eyes, an inferno that refused to be quenched. Her body trembled with exhaustion, her movements sluggish, but still, she fought on. She couldn't stop. Not now.

And then, in the midst of the chaos, Cinder taunted her, her voice mocking, cruel.

"You think you can protect her, Yang? Your sister's weakness is why we're all here. You're just as weak as she is."

Yang's chest heaved as she gritted her teeth, the words cutting deep. But there was no time to dwell on them. Cinder slashed with one of her blades, breaking through what little was left of Yang's Aura. Yang gasped, her knees buckling as the protection that had been shielding her body shattered. She had nothing left. No Aura. No defense.

Cinder watches as Yang collapsed to the ground, defeated but not broken. Yang struggled to stand, her body aching, bruised from the battle, but her resolve remained. Smirking at her victory, she turns and walks away.

And then—Adam was there.

The man she hated. He was standing over her now, smirking down at her with that cold, cruel smile. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword, his eyes locked on hers.

Yang's hand clenched into a fist, her vision blurry, but she still saw him. She still saw him and she refused to back down.

"You think you can stop me, Yang?" Adam sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Yang's breath hitched, and with a roar, she charged at him, every last bit of her strength focused on one final strike. Her fist was an explosion of fury, aimed directly at Adam.

Ruby's eyes widened in horror. She reached out, a scream building in her chest.

And Adam, with a single movement, glowed—his entire body exuding a terrifying energy. He raised his sword, swinging it once in a calculated arc.

Slash.

And Yang screamed.