Jetstream Jaune: Revengeance

by Alfa21

Remnant and The United Continents. Two civilizations, separated by history with none knowing of the other. And Jaune was the first to have been to both, the only person from Remnant who saw a world destroyed by men and their war - all with no Grimm. Alone, he must adapt to survive, and face the truth of what fighting in a land of war truly that means. Cover by tsugeru

49. Tonight restart from this night

Alright! New chapter, sorry for the wait! As usual, thanks for everything!

Also, regarding the tone of the fic. Some of you have said that it's getting a bit too bleak and dark. Hm, now that you've all mentioned it, I could definitely see where you're coming from. So! I made sure to write this one in a way that's a little bit more hopeful/cheerful, even more in the second part of this chapter, leaning on tearful/hopeful on Jaune's scenes. Definitely light-hearted in the ending, though.

The songs w/context for this chapter, for Jaune's part is Tonight ~restart from this night~ from Yakuza Kiwami/Kiwami 2/6. For the final part of this chapter, (you'll know when to put it), is Igai na Shisa/Theory of Beauty, preferably combined, both from Yakuza 7 : Like a Dragon.

Without further ado, enjoy!

---

The Next Morning…

Qrow stared out of the window in Venom's room. The sun was rising, starting to cast its golden rays onto Beacon Academy.

He let out a breath. Good. He was wondering when this damn night would end anyway.

Venom was currently outside, overseeing the transport of Metal Gear RAY. And so, instead of housing him, he had lent the room to Qrow and Tai, the former sitting by the window with a scowl and the latter out cold on the bed after recent events.

And even so, with the light beginning to shine, it didn't help Tai stir one bit. His head was firmly in the clouds this morning.

Qrow felt his Scroll vibrate for a second, indicating a message that had just arrived. "Tch." He took it out and placed it away from him without a glance. It was probably Goodwitch again, asking him where he had been for the past couple of hours. No doubt she was running around trying to keep everyone on the same page.

Poor woman.

But he didn't feel the need to answer to anyone lately. He needed time to think.

Of course, after Tai brought him here, he still did his duties. He also checked on his niece's Team (though they seemed to be somewhat off when he met them), checked on the general health of the participants… but regarding this, he had to wait.

He had a couple of hours to think about that damned mission. Even more, he thought about how they should proceed, where the enemy might come from next, what measures they should abandon…

But try as he might, the truth still depended on Summer.

And only one person could somehow know her condition after all of this. A connection through a Semblance.

Qrow shook his head and went out the door. That was another topic he hadn't touched… but they had no other option now.

Before he closed the door, he sent one last look to Tai.

'Wake up soon, Tai. Time… is running short.'

---

The sounds of rapidly moving personnel echoed around Beacon's empty grounds, numerous Bullheads flying high in the sky and being directed by the troops below. But most important of all, it was bringing cargo that was tied to its hulls.

Each fleet of Bulkhead that approached Beacon carried a part of the now-destroyed Metal Gear RAY, each carrying a part that had been sliced up to smaller pieces by Raiden. Those Bullheads flew high in the sky, the sun shining behind them as they approached closer.

"Come on, over here! Over here!"

He could hear the sounds of instructors telling the Bullhead where to land, just like his men once did back in the day. Those parts were getting closer and closer…

Venom stood with his hands behind his back as he watched the first part of Metal Gear RAY reach its destination, and then unceremoniously dropped right in front of him.

Clang!

RAY's destroyed head looked right into his eye.

Venom shook his head and cast his gaze back into the skies. More and more parts of the Metal Gear arrived, dropped unceremoniously and quickly guarded by Atlesian personnel.

He watched as the procedures continued, people coming in to check and recover what they could of the RAY. Well, if something could be used to further the Kingdom's safety, then he supposed it wouldn't be that bad. But if the RAY was misused once more…

He didn't let that thought finish. They already had so many other things going wrong last night. Sure it may have been a victory in a sense, but they had also lost many others.

A not-small amount of Haven forces, collateral and morale damage, and most of all, Tai, who last he heard was only beginning to wake up.

And that wasn't all. There was also the fact that they needed to stick together, and it seemed the alliance as a whole was falling apart, though he had no doubt the same could be said about The Boss as well.

The Boss…

Even more reason they needed to see reason before action. Fighting for what you believe in was all well and dandy, but if others couldn't understand why you did what you did in the first place, how could fighting possibly end?

It was then that Venom heard footsteps approaching from behind him. He quickly addressed the person without even looking back.

"Winter." Venom said calmly. "How are you this morning?"

"I'm doing… relatively well, sir." Winter stopped next to Venom and followed his gaze. She spoke once again, "Things could be better, but I suppose it can't be helped."

"Mmm." Venom nodded. "And could the same be said about Ozpin and Ironwood?"

Winter's stance shifted ever so slightly. "Well… I don't think so."

Venom stayed silent, wordlessly asking for elaboration.

Winter sighed. "The fallout's still happening, even now. I don't think those two are going to cool down at a reasonable rate…"

"And what about your sister? Is she doing well?"

"I haven't seen her since last night's battle at the docks." Winter shook her head, "But from the glimpses I've seen, she seemed to be happy with her team. I- I think I'll leave her in their hands for now."

"I see." Venom gave a short nod and went back to watching the RAY being processed.

Winter herself gazed with wonder at what remained of the RAY. To think that Atlas had something such as this at their disposal, and the General had kept it a secret from them all, it was almost baffling. And then, because he had kept this such a secret, it had been easily misused against them all.

There had to be a lesson she could learn here, something to take away so she could improve as a Specialist. This was without a doubt one of Atlas' biggest failures, and on the eve of a Vytal Festival and on a foreign Kingdom's grounds no less.

The RAY was such a marvel that her head was barely wrapping around its mere existence. But she had a Metal Gear expert right here, didn't she?

After a while, Winter decided to speak again. "Sir, if I may ask…"

Venom gave a slight nod. "Go ahead."

"This… is this what the United Continents is capable of?" Winter asked with trepidation. Even though she knew this was Atlas tech, she was smart enough to connect the dots without Ironwood telling her. And the fact that the baseline for all of this came from the other side…

Venom hummed. "Yeah. It's been a clandestine project ever since around 60 years ago, with the first prototype being named the Shagohod."

"And 60 years ago, that weapon was a giant mech like this as well?"

"Oh no. It was actually more like a super-enhanced tank, paired with remarkable off-terrain capabilities, which was then culminated with the ability to fire a nuclear missile from any part of the world."

"Nuclear missile?"

Venom's expression turned grim. "For context, a single explosion would be enough to level downtown Vale. The resulting shockwave would then go on to damage what's left of the Kingdom, leaving barely anything left."

Beat.

Winter took a step back, her mind reeling with this information and quickly making several assumptions. If Atlas had designed something like that as well, and only the General knew… Well, having been brought up in the SDC, she knew that there was something as too much power.

"You're joking." Winter pleaded.

"No, I'm not." Venom shook his head, and he recalled what he knew and what Raiden had told him. "And that wasn't even the start of it, not really. The next models changed from a tank form to the bipedal, walking-based form you see today. There were many models built, all done in secret without the public ever knowing a thing. ST-84. TX-55. Metal Gear D. REX. And the one you're looking at right now… Metal Gear's Anti-Metal Gear… RAY."

"So this RAY… it could've destroyed us at any moment last night?"

"Fortunately for us, that wouldn't have been possible."

Winter breathed a giant sigh of relief.

Venom continued to elaborate, "At least according to Raiden, the RAY was never equipped with nuclear strike capabilities in the first place. It was designed to specialize in maritime operations and counter other Metal Gear prototypes, specifically REX-knockoffs that were being rapidly developed back then.."

"So General Ironwood hasn't - couldn't - create those nuclear weapons, then?"

"I doubt it."

"... I guess it's a good thing that we stopped this thing last night, then, wasn't it?" Winter said, gazing at RAY's remnants with newfound understanding. "Even if it was at the cost of Atlas."

"Is that what you think?"

"Hm?" Winter turned to look at Venom, and found his singular eye staring into her own.

"DId you think this was worth it?" Venom asked, "Was Ironwood in the wrong? Or was it Ozpin, who had kept secrets of his own and allowed the enemy to get close to this weapon in the first place?"

Winter cast her gaze away, unable to answer. Instead, she spoke of the condition they were in right now.

"Those two… they're still at it, even when we've got no time to waste right now." Winter said solemnly. "I think…"

Venom leaned in ever so slightly.

"I think what's important is that we cast aside our differences and work together, at least until Vale is saved." Winter answered. "Last night was proof of that. Raiden, Haven,RWBY… We can win even against a Metal Gear, but only if we work together."

"Go on."

"We all have a lot of differences that may or may not be radical, but even I could see that we can't work on exclusivity like Atlas usually prides itself on. Everyone brings something unique to the table that's simply too much to lose."

Venom nodded. "I couldn't have said it better myself. That's what she meant back then… fighting for what you believe in while respecting the will of others."

"..."

Venom continued, "So since you understand that, I'm going to ask you another question."

"Why do you think Ozpin and Ironwood are like this right now?" Venom asked.

"It's because…" Winter felt herself being led on by Venom, but found that his current logic made a lot of sense. "It's because they haven't been in the field for a long time, isn't it?"

"Exactly." Venom nodded. He opened his hands and motioned them towards Metal Gear RAY.

"A nation's Metal Gear is the personification of their strength; it marks their ability to fend off and strike back against any attack on their land - the truest embodiment of the Deterrence Theory."

"And yet Deterrence Theory doesn't work, not here and certainly not back home. It never had a chance to succeed in the first place. A false theory that has been proven wrong time and time again." Venom sighed. "Metal Gear is a mechanical form of power - soulless, cold, calculating, and merciless - an attempt to remove the soldier from the battlefield, and from that, bringing the illusion we call 'peace'."

"Through it, we see the world from a different lens. Other nations, other kingdoms, other people, are merely bugs to be squashed under the foot of REX, RAY, or even something more the times will surely bring. But do you know the one thing that has defeated Metal Gears over and over, Winter?"

"Big Boss. Myself. Solid Snake. Raiden. In the end, it is the soldier."

"A soldier brings with him to battle his heart - his love, his conviction, his sorrow, his fury, his fear, his pain, and his joy - and through it could understand more than a Metal Gear ever could. And through those very same emotions and understanding he could plant in his heart something a Metal Gear would never have."

"A reason to fight."

"That is why the human aspect is the most important aspect of battle. Soldiers… they are the ones who risk everything, to fulfill a dream they sympathize with but often never truly their own. And what's more…"

"When they see their enemies, they realize that in the end they had many things in common. Even if they killed each other on respective sides, those dark days would make us see the value of what little light we have. And that light we see is the same, no matter the side. We all see 'peace' in the far edge of the future."

"From that commonality, a desire for peace is born. They see that while we fight for ideals with our actions, labored over them, cried and bled to make them a reality… and while we may be the strongest in the land, in the nation, in the continent, or even in the world…"

"Peace can not be won through wars. Peace is not brought to this world by merciless conquest and unlimited suppression of so-called evil."

"Peace is brought here by words, and by using the mutual understanding that we could only see shine through in the darkest days of a war."

"The Grimm have clouded their judgment." Venom said simply. "A lifetime of being threatened on all sides have made them, us, lose sight of what we have right here and right now. And that's exactly what Salem wants, isn't it? Devide et impera."

"...How can you be so sure?" Winter stepped closer to Venom's side and looked him in the eye. "That Ozpin and Ironwood really have something like that between them?"

"Because I've seen it before. They want the same thing, right? Humanity's survival." Venom said simply. He met Winter's gaze with his own. "Perhaps if they could just come to understand the other side's point of view, then a divide never would've happened. Perhaps… had they had the chance to reconcile before their end, the world would not have been brought to the brink of collapse."

"..."

"..."

"You sound like you're talking from personal experience." Winter pointed out.

Venom cast his gaze away, onto the endless scenery and then onto nothing in particular.

Perhaps if Big Boss and Zero had just one final meeting together, even if it was just one night, one minute, one glance…

But at least now, their enemy was tangible. And he was here. A remnant of times past, a witness and actor of history. He won't let it repeat itself. Even with the hardships they face right now, they had to stand firm on their beliefs and stick together, rallying for a better tomorrow together.

A world that was 'one'.

Venom looked at Winter again. "I've seen firsthand what actions without understanding could lead to." He said firmly. "With that said… Do you agree with me, Winter?"

A moment of silence, and then… "...I do."

"Then help me find Ozpin and Ironwood." Venom asked her. "We must pull through… at least until Vale is safe."

"And we can only do that if we bind ourselves together with understanding."

---

In Ozpin's Tower…

"What you've done has jeopardized all of us!" Ozpin shouted over his table.

Ironwood clenched his teeth.

"Why didn't you tell us about this- this weapon you had?!" Ozpin continued, "With the events of last night, not even I am sure that the Vytal Festival could continue!"

"We didn't expect Project RAY to have been stolen!" Ironwood shouted back hotly. "Communications with the Black Site proceeded as it usually did, even after the RAY was defeated! How were we supposed to know that it had all been a ruse?!"

Glynda watched from the sidelines with bated breath. Damn it, if Qrow had only answered her calls, then maybe this would've been over by now.

But as it stands, she felt that both of them had a point. And as such, she didn't know which side she should take…

"Maybe if you had told us we could've taken preventive measures!"

"Measures which would have tipped the enemy off!" Ironwood defended himself. "We still don't know precisely the scale of espionage Salem has. Project RAY could have tipped the scales in our favor, but only if it was done quickly and urgently. Something that, if I were to share it with others, could never have been achieved!"

"And yet it would've been more secure! More robust! More refined in its use!" Ozpin shouted. "You forget that people will be questioning this, questioning us! Vale's positivity rate is at an all-time low, still in a state of emergency, drawing Grimm closer to our borders! I can't fend off the questions forever!"

Ironwood growled. As if he didn't know that himself!

Glynda pinched her temples. Damn it…!

"More than that, the Vytal Festival must continue, General Ironwood!" Ozpin insisted. "Do you know what happens if it is canceled, or even worse, abolished? Then Salem will know that her plan worked, and that we are scrambling in our own ranks! The Kingdoms will see that a symbol of peace has fallen, and with it, a decreasing amount of hope in all four of what's left of Humanity! I don't have to tell you what happens next!"

"Every Hunter, young and old, looks towards the Festival as a sign that their lives had not been wasted and unity is in their grasp. Even if it is a festival, it is also one of the cornerstones of what we have today! So, if it was suddenly canceled with no clear reason? It would mean that they have spent their lives chasing a fruitless dream!"

"The Vytal Festival is the culmination every Hunter and Huntress strives for, a symbol of the peak of our unity. For it to be in jeopardy by what you've done-!"

"Had I left RAY to its own devices back then, or even informed others, then I have no doubt the Grimm would have adapted prematurely, making the entire endeavor more than useless!" Ironwood shot back. "And you know that Hunters aren't an infinite source anyway! We need to move on to better, more efficient things, and RAY was the pioneer!"

"Face it, Oz!" Ironwood shouted, "We're only this far because I kept the RAY a secret!"

"We're only in this predicament because you kept it a secret in the first place!"

"Like you're one to talk!"

Both Ironwood and Ozpin ground their teeth as they stared at each other, each unwilling to back down.

Glynda let out a breath and spoke out her first words. "Gentlemen."

Both heads turned to her.

"I think we should consider the intent of both parties and the condition that we are in." Hearing no one speaking up, Glynda continued. "RAY was a truly incredible piece of Atlas engineering. However, that didn't stop us from being attacked by the enemy. Let us face the truth; that the enemy had outsmarted us and successfully planted spies within Beacon."

"And it wouldn't have been lost had Ozpin-!"

"Ironwood. Enough." Glynda lifted her hand and Ironwood clammed his mouth shut. That had shut him up.

"However, it might have also been better had we been more thorough." Glynda turned her gaze to Ozpin. Silent, half accusatory and half pleading. "Headmaster. Was there truly nothing we could have done to prevent this…?"

Ozpin was silent. How could he break this…

Ding!

It was then that they heard the doors to the elevator open. The trio immediately shot their gazes towards that point and watched as Winter and Venom stepped out.

"Specialist." Ironwood ground out, "I thought I told you to watch over RAY's transport. What are you doing off post-!"

"She's with me." Venom raised a hand and put it to block Winter from Ironwood's wrath. "For now, at least."

Ironwood growled. Venom motioned for Winter to stay by the elevator and then took a step forwards.

"General. Headmaster. Deputy Headmistress." Venom nodded to them all. "I understand that last night's events have proven to be quite a handful." And that was putting it lightly, "However, we mustn't forget why we're here in the first place. To stop Salem and keep the citizens of Vale safe."

"That's true, so we can't stand back and stay defensive anymore." Ironwood answered. "Strike hard and fast. Overwhelm them with power, Mr. Venom-!"

"No." Venom answered sternly. "That path only leads to further destruction and hollow victories."

Ironwood clenched his teeth. "Then what're you saying-?!"

"Your very same desire for a quick end allowed Salem to exploit your weakness, creating last night's events." Venom said, "What we need to do now is to stick together and fortify. Only, and only once we understand what we have, would an attack have a chance to be successful.

"So you're saying we should defend, then?" Ozpin asked, raising an eyebrow. Perhaps Venom would be the one to understand his point of view…?

"Yes, though with more trust than you've shown to anyone else." Venom was quick to point out.

Ozpin tilted his head. "What do you mean, Mr. Venom-?"

Meanwhile, Glynda sucked in a breath. She knew it. Ozpin had been hiding something after all!

"Don't you dare play dumb." For just a moment, anger burst forth from Venom's features. It left just as quick as it came, once more falling under the mask of Venom's calm. But still, he managed to force out the words.

"Operation Grimm Eater, Ozpin. Do you remember?"

Silence, a cold chill engulfing the room, as if they could hear four signature drum beats.

"Operation Grimm Eater…?" Glynda breathed out. She had been by Ozpin's side since- since almost before Team STRQ's graduation. And this, this was the first time she had heard of such a thing.

The way a shadow hid Ozpin's eyes, the way hate radiated from Venom's singular gaze…

Just what had she missed out on?

Ironwood watched from the sidelines. He too was confused on what this 'operation' was. He had never heard Ozpin consult him for any military-style deployment, so such a seemingly clandestine operation coming to light right now… Why hadn't he known about it before?

"So you know…" Ozpin said above a whisper.

"Your pawn sacrifice." Venom said, and all eyes were now on Ozpin. Venom took a step forward. "Don't think for a second that I don't know what we all mean to you. I know that better than anyone in this room. But remember this, Ozpin. Vale will not survive because of one man's efforts, because of some 'master planner'. It will only survive if we band together and put our trust in each other properly."

And in one move, Venom had brought the entire room to focus on what this 'operation' was.

The thought of last night's events were now far from anyone else's minds

"Grimm Eater…?" Ironwood said with confusion, turning to look at Ozpin. It seemed he wasn't the only one with secrets still kept hidden. "Oz, what's this about?"

"Headmaster…" Glynda trailed off. She wasn't concerned with the contents of the mission. But rather, what filled her with dread was who had taken said mission. Because it was obvious that it must've cost the participants something major. "Headmaster… just who did you send?"

And yet despite all the burning gazes, Ozpin remained silent, his hands clenching his table even tighter.

This was exactly why no one was supposed to know, he thought. Because if anyone else knows, then Negativity will return. Summer's sacrifice would then be for nothing.

Her sacrifice was necessary. That was what he truly believed. But as he found all eyes on him, it became harder and harder to keep this secret.

Winter shot a glance to Venom, a worried expression overcoming his features. This was new, this so-called 'operation' was nothing she had heard about. Where was Venom going with this…?

"Whether or not you will be the one to tell all of us the truth, Ozpin, it will come out sooner or later." Venom said matter-of-factly. "So the choice on this secret is yours. However, if you want us to survive, then cooperation is the only way to go."

Ozpin stayed silent.

Seeing that the Headmaster wasn't going to budge any time soon, and with everything he wanted to say already done, Venom turned around and approached the elevator.

"Remember what I said." Venom stressed. "We'll reconvene later to plan our next move. The only way we can only survive is if we stick together."

Venom made his way to the elevator. With a final step and another ding, the escalator door opened.

Everyone was silent, each lost in their own thoughts as they quickly made their own assumptions-!

"Mr. Venom." Ozpin suddenly called out.

Venom stopped in his steps.

"Headmaster Xiao-Long…" Ozpin asked. "Does he know? Is that the reason why he isn't here right now?"

Several seconds passed, everyone waiting with bated breath.

After it all, Venom turned around and gave Ozpin a short nod.

Ozpin sighed. Another name, added to his list of people who knew.

They wouldn't understand, they would never understand. That mission was the only reason they could even fight today.

And yet, Venom told them they needed to stick together? On equal grounds?

He hardly believed that that was the right move. Fighting against Salem required something more than that. It wasn't as if he hadn't tried that before!

Vale had to survive, the Hunters had to continue, and the Vytal Festival must always stand tall in the face of the Grimm! No matter the cost.

But now at this stage… what exactly could he spend without losing them all?

Venom turned his head back and headed for the elevator. With a ding, the doors opened once more and Venom stepped in.

With utmost silence, Venom turned around, gave Winter one final nod, and then stared at the two remaining people in the room just as the elevator door closed on him.

Ironwood turned back to Ozpin, who was still rummaging around his thoughts with a shadow covering his eyes. "Hey, Oz, what did he mean? You had some kind of operation going on?"

Glynda stayed silent. She knew he wasn't about to crack. So then, it was up to her to find out herself…? Did that mean going behind Ozpin's back? If so, why had she trusted him all this time?

Ozpin stayed silent.

Ironwood grew more and more worried. Ozpin yelling back at him, he could deal with and understand, but complete silence? And with those unreadable eyes? "Who exactly did you tell, Oz? What's this mission all about? We might need to know it if we want to save Vale and beat Salem!"

Glynda kept to the sidelines. She resolved to find it herself, and then maybe, just maybe…

First and foremost, she was an educator to her students. To train them to survive until their old age. The student's safety was her main priority… So what did this operation mean for the safety of Beacon?

Ozpin silently shook his head. No, that truth must never come out. If it did, then he would lose the only chance he had to beat Salem.

No matter the cost… they had to defeat Salem.

"I'll tell you everything about RAY if it means we can safely secure Vale and beat Salem. Just- tell us, won't you!"

"..."

Confusion grew within Winter, and she couldn't help but feel the desire to follow Venom grow more and more.

At least with Venom, he was honest with his men.

---

In Beacon's Training Room…

"HAH!"

SLAM!

The Atlesian droid before him burst to a thousand pieces from his punch. Tai withdrew his smoking fist and let out a breath.

Then he collapsed to his knees on the floor.

"Grk! Hah… Hah…"

Tai clenched his fist and grit his teeth.

It had been around eight hours since the disaster last night and he had been unconscious for six of those hours. And then, the first thing he did as soon as he had woken up was go to Beacon's training room and start up the droids.

This was helped by the fact that he was put to rest in Venom's room and no one else was there when he had woken up. So with none the wiser, he had immediately thrown himself back into the fray. Back to training to regain what he lost.

He started Beacon's training protocols by himself for the first time in what felt like decades. He immediately went to the settings that they had always used, a long time ago…

And yet Tai still felt something was missing. He was nowhere near his prime self.

"Tch…! Dammit…" Tai growled as he felt around his reserves. Even after six hours, he had barely gone back up to thirty percent. On top of that, his body and stamina were still well and truly spent. What rest he got, while it was nice, only served to barrage him with dreams of what could have been.

Which fueled his will to fight again even greater.

He knew she was still out there, simply for the fact that he could now never believe otherwise. But the problem was…

"Grk…! Come on…!" He really was starting to feel past his prime.

His reflexes, even with Haven, the Grimm village, the docks, the submarine, were still nowhere near his glory days. His muscle memory was still somewhat lacking.

Tai felt deep within himself. And his Semblance was still mere embers beginning to leak out.

But he couldn't, wouldn't stop now. He wasn't useless. He still had a fighting chance, no matter what the truth may be!

Tai groaned and pushed himself back to his feet, Aura still low and muscles all aching. His vision was nowhere near perfect, but nonetheless he recognized more drones coming in and circled him in their formation.

His stance was shaky and yet he still put his fists up. "Come on." Tai growled. "Come at me!"

The droid's visors went red. They lifted their rifles and Tai heard them heating up to attack. Come on now, he was ready for anything-!

Beep!

And then all at once, the droids slumped and shut down. Their visors went dark and their weapons aimed down to the floor.

"-! Hah!" Tai let out a breath, his adrenaline slightly fading. What had happened? He was just about to-

"This isn't good for you, Tai."

Tai whirled his head to the side and watched as his friend stood by the arena, hand pressing on the droids' deactivate button.

"Q-Qrow…"

"You need to rest, dammit." Qrow stepped into the room proper and stood before Tai. "I know you want to get back to the fight as soon as possible, but take a second to see the conditions, won't you?"

"S-she's still out there…" Tai bit out. Against his will, he felt himself fall to a knee. "I've got to take her back, Qrow… The girls need her."

"The girls need you too, Tai. I need you too. I can't-" '-let the last part of Team STRQ die.' went unsaid. Qrow took a deep breath. "What about your students? They're still wondering where their Headmaster is. Are you planning on leaving them behind?"

"No!" Tai shouted. "I'm not doing that! It's just-."

Qrow raised an eyebrow.

"You know what she went through…" Tai cast his gaze away and spoke above a whisper. "She's always been there for us… isn't it time we paid back the favor, Qrow?"

"I'm not saying we should leave her behind, Tai." Qrow corrected. "But look at how things are now. You've got responsibilities now, people who're looking up to you. It's not like when we were young. We have people who're waiting for us to come back."

"I…" Tai sighed. He got back to his feet, immediately being slung over Qrow's shoulder without another word. He slowly brought them down from the arena and towards the exit. "I'll notify the students… check up on Haven and on their council."

"Good." Qrow gave a nod. "We'll continue your training later. Summer's always been the best of us, but you're the one that has the best chance of bringing her back."

"I've failed over and over, though…" Tai shook his head. At this point, he was beginning to doubt everything he had. His position as a Headmaster, as a Hunter, as a family man, on whether or not Summer was still alive or not…

"Don't worry, Tai." Qrow said. "We can help you. Summer's still alive. That's a fact."

Tai looked into Qrow's eyes, searching for hope. "H-How can you be so sure?"

A new voice entered the room. "Because I can still feel my connection with her."

Tai's eyes shot to the entrance of the combat room. He growled.

"Raven…"

"She's still alive." Raven said plainly.

And there she stood. Wearing what remained of her gear back from Haven, her limbs now replaced with the weakest of cybernetic substitutes. Just mere metal frameworks.

"So you're awake, huh…?" Tai but out. "What is it? Come back for more? Looking for a way to stab us in the back again?!"

Raven stared at him neutrally and Tai met her gaze back with irritation. As if they didn't have enough problems already, now this- this coward had come back to bite them in the ass! And who the hell gave her a way to walk-?!

"I asked her, Tai." Qrow said calmly. "She was the only one who could know for certain."

"You what-?!"

"Rae… she said she could still feel the bond between her and Summer." Qrow said. "That's how I confirmed it."

"How do you know she's not lying?!" Tai shouted. "This- this coward - she damn near cost us everything!"

Wordlessly, Raven stepped inside the room and got closer to them. From where she was, she inspected the ruined droids that Tai had left behind. Her sharp eyes scanned their conditions.

"Those limbs she's using… they're tripled as Aura suppressants and geolocators." Qrow tried to calm Tai down. "Semblance access is completely removed. Even if she tries to run or use her magic… we'll know. She doesn't have anywhere to run."

But it seemed none of it had sunk into Tai's head. He kept his sharp eyes on her, analyzing her actions. What was she doing here…?

And then, after several moments of inspecting the droids, Raven opened her mouth. "You're sloppy, Tai."

That ticked Tai off. "You've got some nerve-!"

"Summer always overwhelmed sloppy opponents. More so if they're slow and brutes." Raven said simply. "Her dual swords complemented that. She also liked to control her range and her opponent's rage. She went in and out as she pleased, not letting the opponent get their bearings."

Tai growled and Raven continued.

"One trick to get to her is to get her to a pattern. The other is to disrupt her momentum. Take that control by any means necessary." Raven said. She walked closer to them, then past them, then into the droid control panels.

Raven hummed as she inspected the settings Tai had chosen. These were STRQ's old settings… but not Summer's old settings.

Beep beep beep beep….

Silently, she began changing the settings back to her old partner's preference.

Tai nudged Qrow to turn him around. Once he did, Tai spoke to Raven again. "How would you know?" He spat out.

Beep…

Raven paused in her changes and answered Tai. "You may have been her husband, Tai… but throughout Beacon, I was her partner." She said simply. "I've sparred with her more times than I could count. Compared to me, you only sparred with her on occasion."

Tai growled, and Raven went back to changing the settings.

It was obvious he wasn't going to change his mind anyways.

Beep beep beep beep….

"She's still there. I could still feel it…" Raven said. "But it's being corroded. Bit by bit. By the parasite, that's my best bet." Raven said. "So… you've got one more chance. One more. Either she comes back, or she becomes swallowed by the parasite whole."

"..." Tai let out a breath, eyes going wide and hope blooming in his chest ever so slightly.

So it was true, then?! He still had a chance?!

Damn it, but this was Raven they were talking about…

The bandit paid them no mind and went back to editing. "Training starts in around three hours. I'll have the changes ready by then." Raven said simply. She tilted her head to the exit, as if motioning them to get out. "Go on. Do your duties and whatnot. I'll make sure everything here's ready by then."

Tai grit his teeth as Qrow began pulling him away. He put a hand on Qrow's chest to stop him just before they left the room. Without turning around. Tai asked one more question.

Tai said his question with grit teeth and no affection at all. "Raven… why're you doing this?"

Beep beep beep beep…

Beep…

Raven paused. She didn't flinch, didn't show any signs of emotion, of any remorse or regret or pity or happiness.

And yet…

"Because it makes me feel better." Raven said simply. "Let's just leave it at that."

Beep beep beep beep….

Raven continued her changes as Qrow dragged both Tai and himself out for some rest.

Monotone beeps resonated in the combat room, Raven alone in the room with her thoughts being the only thing other she could hear other than the beeps.

---

Beep… Beep… Beep…

That sound was constant, irritating even, and yet it was the only thing that mattered in this room.

Jaune sighed as he sat patiently on a chair near Pyrrha's bedside. On the window to his left, the sun was beginning to rise and shine. Its golden rays effortlessly burst through the thin curtains, casting their light on his partner's face. And on her bedside nightstand, a photo of their Team together a long time ago, before everything went wrong.

He didn't know what he was doing here anymore, other than waiting for something to change. For how many hours he didn't know, his gaze kept switching between two things; his partner's face and that photo.

Beep… Beep… Beep…

On any other day of the week, she would've woken up and started her rigorous training regimen. Especially with the light shining down on her face…

But here and now, her expression was so peaceful and showed no sign of her waking up. She was relaxed, her thoughts in an endless and boundless dream.

All the while he was still stuck here, in a reality without her by his side. And he didn't know when, or if, she would ever wake up. Judging by his colleagues' track record of comas… no, he shouldn't even go there.

Jaune's left hand, the only hand he had after his fight, slowly crept to Pyrrha's own. He shifted his fingers as he reached her, and then clasped his hand around hers tight.

He made sure to hold on tight, savoring its warmth, the beats of a pulse on its veins, the mere fact of her still being here.

And yet, no matter how gently or how strongly he held her hand, she never held it back.

Jaune sighed. Was this his fault? Just when they were getting back together? Should he never have let her fight in the first place, and that giving her this one chance was never the right idea?

Unconsciously, he began to hum a song that he once heard back in the United Continents, one that he truly felt at this moment.

His Team… he wanted them so badly to survive. No matter the cost. But he can't help but wonder…

What was he supposed to do?

~My trance was broken by false justice…~

Just then, he heard the doors to the infirmary open, accompanied by two pairs of footsteps fast approaching.

Jaune's lips twitched ever so slightly as they came ever so closer. He recognized these, and he was glad they were here to accompany his thoughts. It wouldn't do to keep holding Pyrrha's hand alone.

But still, he can't help but wonder why they would even want anything to do with him, after failing to protect their leader… the one whose hand he held and didn't feel anything back…

~I thought I was holding your hand, but before I knew it, it was gone…~

Ren and Nora dragged seats over and sat down beside either side of him.

Jaune didn't let his gaze shake from Pyrrha's face, but he did give them a slight and silent nod. "Hey guys."

"Hiya, Fearless Leader!" Nora said with cheer. She huffed and placed her almost-oversized hammer on the floor next to her, almost shaking the entire floor they were on.

"Did you know Atlas had a giant mecha in their disposal? I could barely believe the pictures!" Nora continued, "Caught RWBY in a surprise, that's for sure!"

Jaune shook his head silently, gaze unwavering.

"Well, it's all broken now, at least. General Ironwood's bringing it here, actually, but who knows how people will react." Nora shrugged, still trying to lighten the mood. "Still, we managed to send the baddies running, at least! That's gotta count for something, right, Jaune-Jaune?"

"Mmm."

~Seasons change, time ticks away…~

Nora visibly deflated, her attempts failed, and Ren instinctually took over.

"Jaune." Ren said. "It's over now. We can relax a bit."

Jaune shook his head. No, he knew better. "No, Ren. They'll be back."

"You're sure?"

"More than anything."

Ren wasn't going to open that can of worms, so he decided to just take his word for it. "If that's so… then what should we do?"

Jaune didn't give an answer. Because how could he? He wasn't their leader, not anymore.

~Two people lost their way…~

"Jaune, look at me." Ren put a hand to Jaune's only shoulder and forced his friend to look him in the eye.

~So tonight, and tonight…~

"We can't give up now, not when we have something to fight for." Ren said sternly. His eyes shot to Pyrrha for less than a second, before focusing back on Jaune. He hoped that brief action made his intentions clear.

"We can't let ourselves be split up ever again, don't you agree?" Re urged, "I don't doubt that you want to keep JNPR together. But we can't do that if you keep shutting us out!"

~Again tonight, breathe a sigh…~

"You say that… but what's the right answer to- to all of this?" Jaune cast his gaze back to Pyrrha. "I shut you out and you fight back. I let you all fight and Pyrrha falls into a coma. I just can't figure any of this out…"

"Life's adversaries will keep coming, Jaune." Ren said, tightening his grip on Jaune's shoulder. "The only thing we can do is to just keep going, never letting go of our principals."

"This isn't like the old days, Ren." Jaune said sadly. "Words and actions are different."

~While I'm all alone, these memories can't be changed…!~

"But aren't words the basis of our actions?" Ren asked. "If you can't say what you're doing clearly, then how can you expect others to understand?"

Jaune closed his eyes, memories flooding in from their time at Beacon together. To a degree, that was true, but then, with the stakes so high…?

There was only one way to find out if his Team was truly ready now. If they were willing to go the distance… he had to do it now. He won't have another one of his friends fall like Pyrrha did.

In an action that seemed to be heavier than moving a thousand worlds, Jaune pulled his hand away from Pyrrha's and reached to something leaning against his chair.

Ren and Nora's eyes followed Jaune's hand as he moved to pick the object near his chair up.

But then, both Ren and Nora's eyes widened as they realized what it was. Ren especially.

'What the-! How did-?! That's-!'

~Ah tonight, I'll wait…~

"If you really believe what you say… then you have to promise me that you'll be able to do what's necessary." Jaune said sternly. And now, in his hand and presenting it to Ren, was his father's bow.

Ren felt shock overcome his senses. That bow… the one his father had brought to fend that Nuckleavee all those years ago. Leaving behind both him and Nora as orphans, and yet his sacrifice was what ensured that his and Nora's lives would continue…

He thought- he thought that that bow had been lost to time! How did Jaune of all people get to Kuroyuri-?! What about the Nuckleavee-?!

Jaune stayed silent, and yet his eyes bore into Ren's and told more than words ever could. Ren's eyes shifted from Jaune and looked at his father's bow.

It was restored to look like it was brand-new and even more. There were numerous upgrades on its frame, as well as a Dust-feeding mechanism… no doubt to increase the chances of victory in a fight.

"Look me in the eye and say we can hold on to our convictions, even in a time like this, Ren." Jaune commanded. "Otherwise… I don't see why you should come close to me. Because I won't let this fact stand… that my friends could die at any moment because of me."

A shadow was then cast over Ren's eyes as he stayed silent.

Much longer than Jaune had expected.

With a sigh, he lowered the bow and cast his gaze back to Pyrrha's face.

~Yeah tonight, at our usual place…~

That was it. Their differences were simply too great

Ren and Nora… maybe it was best that they never did cross that line. That was his original target, wasn't it?

As for him, there was no other choice… he'll disappear from their lives after this. He can't tell them not to fight, but he can't accompany their fight here either.

The only way… the only way was for him to separate himself and walk this path without JNPR, without the past he loved so much.

This will be their farewell. And Pyrrha… he'll be alright as long as she was happy. As it always should've been.

"…I failed you, Ren, Nora." Jaune said bluntly, opening his eyes once more. "I was supposed to protect her… and now, you guys don't have a leader."

"That's nonsense, Jaune-Jaune."

That single, earnest statement forced Jaune to take a quick look at the other female member of JNPR. He had thought- "Nora…?"

Nora's burning determination-filled eyes met his uncertain own. "What you said was wrong. You didn't fail us… and our leader's right here."

~On a night like this, it feels like I'll meet you…~

"She's right." Ren said, and Jaune's gaze shot to Ren again.

And then, in a flash, Ren grabbed the bow, still in Jaune's grip, and pulled both it and Jaune's hand to him. He made sure to grip them both tight, the shadow over his eyes long gone and giving Jaune a firm promise.

"Ozpin chose you for a reason, fraud or not. And so, killer or not, you'll always be our leader."

"Y-you guys…"

"I thought you said strangers are just friends you haven't met yet, Jaune." Nora smiled, "If that's so, then what does that make friends who've just met again?"

Jaune let out a breath. Without realizing it, a single tear streamed down from his eyes.

They- they're really going to stick with him? Ren, Nora, Pyrrha, all those who he thought for the longest time would despise him for what he was?

He was prepared to leave them all.

But- but if they really want him here, after all of this…

"I don't deserve you all…" Jaune whispered, breaths going short and more tears threatening to go out. "What did I do to deserve people like you?"

~The old heartbreaks, the tears on our cheeks…~

"It isn't about deserving or anything, Jaune." Nora smiled at his friend, "You're our friend, and more than that, our leader, Jaune. That's more than enough."

"Don't go on too fast for us now… Leader!" Ren smirked and placed a hand on Jaune's shoulder. He made sure to grip it tight, to make sure that Jaune would never let go. "Hold on to what you believe in…! And someday… if the day comes that we have to cross our lines… then we'll do it for sure - together. So until then…"

Ren and Nora smiled at him.

Jaune felt his vision began to blur. Those smiles…

It took him more than two years to see them. Oh how he missed those times…

"G-Guys…" Jaune, for the first time in a long time, broke out into a different kind of smile.

Nora and Ren practically beamed when they saw it return.

It wasn't the smirking, condescending and overconfident type they usually saw with his Jetstream persona, but rather, it was the old, goofy and dumb kind of smile they often saw a long time ago.

The smile of Jaune Arc, leader of Team JNPR.

They stayed like that for some time, no one making the first move…

Until…

"Ngh… guys?"

~I'll show you how to turn them into funny smiles~

'Hey! She's-!'

They all shot their gazes to the bed, hearing someone else other than the three of them speak.

~Tonight, for sure, I'm sure you'll come…!~

Pyrrha rubbed her eyes awake with her free hand and looked at the three figures around her. "Why's everyone so sad-!"

Grab!

As fast as he ever could, Jaune bolted forward and engulfed Pyrrha in a bone-crushing hug.

"Oh!" Pyrrha's cheeks flushed red, silently noticing that Jaune only had one arm to hold her with. Slowly, she started to return his hug-!

~And tonight, if we could walk together again (walk together again)…~

"GROUP HUG!"

But before she could even finish that thought, she felt two extra pairs of arms wrap around her.

She silently noticed the tears flowing down Jaune's cheeks and onto her clothes, his quiet sobs audible only to her.

But she paid him no mind and sunk herself into her team's hug, returning them with all her heart.

This was nice.

They could be like this, together…

And maybe, just maybe, with everything the way it was, even with all that life had to throw at them…

~I'll hold your hand and never let go~

They could stick close, together, right until the end.

The sunlight shifted as the sun rose higher and higher, shining the nightstand beside Pyrrha's bed and then right onto the photo of Team JNPR right after Initiation, with every member having their shoulders around each other.

~And once again… restart from this night~

---

Team RWBY silently mulled their thoughts. They sat around in the library, making sure that no one could overhear them.

They were all in different states of mind. Ruby was silent, eyebrows knitted together in concentration. Blake was apprehensive of the situation and silently analyzed her own knowledge. Weiss was patiently waiting for Ruby's order, ready to support her partner in any way shape or form. And Yang? Once she had woken up, she had an almost unshakable smile on her face.

After all, she had just punched a giant crack in a mega robot's chest! How was that not awesome?! If that's the chance they stand, then she didn't mind going back to fight. In fact, this is the best she's felt in a long time!

After several moments, it was Weiss that spoke first.

"So…" Weiss began, "What're we supposed to do now?"

Save Beacon, that was clear. But that was about it. They knew Cinder and her Team had betrayed them, and that Salem was behind all the attacks on Vale, but how deep did this rabbit hole exactly go? And what should they do, to keep winning like last night?

"Um…" Ruby searched for the words, "I think… we should do some digging around. Look around Vale, maybe someone knows more than what they're letting on."

"Ahhh…. That sounds kinda fun!" Yang leaned back on her chair. "Some good ol' detective work, right sis?"

"Yeah." Ruby gave a short nod. After she found that file last night, she made sure to zip back to Beacon and hide it where no one in her Team could find it.

Was she pulled by that operation's title? By that mission's sole participant? Yes.

But she also knew that things were fragile right now, with even the Vytal Festival's state in the balance. More than that, she was also fragile right now. She knew that if she opened it now she might never be able to recover. And more than that, opening that file meant creating assumptions that she couldn't find out the truth about just yet.

And what about Yang? About Weiss? About Blake?

Her Team needed a leader. No, she decided. She won't jump the gun and risk what she has right now. Besides, things were bound to get better.

"And why's that?" Weiss asked her partner. "Don't you think we should act now?"

Ruby silently shook her head.

The others leaned in to listen, intrigued by Ruby's sudden change.

So she'd bide their time.

"Guys… there's still a lot of things that we don't know." Ruby said simply. "We've been consciously in this fight for probably less than a week. We're still brand new to knowing everything about this conspiracy… so I don't think we should jump the gun."

The others nodded, eyes shining with understanding, and as such Ruby continued.

"There's still a lot that we don't know. Pieces we don't have. So until then, we'll stick to what we have and protect what's here." Ruby said. Her eyes hardened with determination. "Once we find out everything we need to know… then we'll decide. And we'll do it together."

Weiss smiled. "Well put, Ruby. I couldn't agree more."

Yang gave her a thumbs up. "With you all the way, sis!"

Blake's lips quirked upwards. "Nice."

Ruby smiled. Once they had all the cards, and she could think with a cool head… she'd led her Team to victory. The battle's not over just yet.

And she was sure that things would look up. She believed so!

After several seconds of comfortable silence, Blake was the one who spoke out next. "If that's what you're wondering… I think I know someone who could help."

All eyes turned to her.

Blake coughed to her hand. "The afternoon before the RAY attack, Sun and I met someone who needed some help. Turns out he had his own Team as well, and I think they'd be happy to help us in return."

"Really? That's great!" Ruby smiled, brightening the room's mood immediately. Then, it dimmed just a bit. "But… do they know about-."

"We can tell them. They're trustworthy." Blake said firmly. "Thing is… contacting them's kinda hard. They like to stay off-the-grid, so…"

"We'll have to split up." Weiss concluded. "Half to fetch Blake's friends, and the other to search around the city for clues."

"Aw yeah! Just like old times, eh?" Yang pounded her fists together. "Going straight to the action!"

Everyone collectively rolled their eyes, though they did let out small smiles. This was par for the course for Yang. Especially since she both used her Semblance to its fullest extent last night, and they had just defeated a massive enemy. This was the byproduct. She was hyper for another chance to improve; still running off the high of their victory.

This had happened only a couple of times in the years they spent together. But once it did, there really was no stopping her.

Her fiery eyes, her burning spirit, her hunger for that fighting rush, it would burn bright for days on end.

And now, that attribute seemed to be what they needed.

After all, they really did win against that mecha last night, didn't they?

Not everyone could stand up against a Metal Gear, you know!

"So then how are we going to split this up, Ruby?" Weiss asked her partner with a small smile. "You're the leader, after all."

Ruby's spirits seemed to be visibly lifted. With Yang's positive attitude, and with the possibility of getting even more help… She hummed to herself as she thought things over.

"Hmm… I think I should go with Blake since I'm the leader. I think it'd be polite to meet this guy's Team before asking them for too much."

"That sounds solid." Weiss gave a nod. "So then, I'll be going with Yang?"

Ruby gave a nod. "That's right."

"Aw~ You got a problem with that, Ice Queen?" Yang wrapped an arm around her teammate's shoulder. "Come on, let loose a little! We just beat a Metal Gear!"

"Heh, yes… I suppose that's true." Weiss smiled, as did everyone else.

Maybe they really could pull this off after all…

Ruby clapped her hands. "All right then! It's settled. I'll be with Blake, and Weiss and Yang will search the city for any loose ends. Make sure to keep your Scrolls on, okay?"

"You've got it, Ruby."

"Oh! And make sure not to cause too much of a ruckus!"

"C'mon, Rubes. We're not that bad!" Yang laughed. "And besides, you really think anyone's gonna pose a problem?"

"Yeah, well…" Ruby chuckled anyway. "Just keep safe! A-and maybe…"

Maybe they could pull together.

Yang laughed. As soon as she was finished, she put her fist out.

The others noticed it and did the same. They bumped their fists against each other. Red, White, Black, and Yellow.

"Go RWBY!"

---

Soon after splitting up…

With the Team distributions settled, Blake had decided that she and Ruby should first head to the CCT Tower.

As they finally reached the tall tower, its shadow casting darkness over them, Ruby decided to speak up.

"Um… why exactly are we here again, Blake?" Ruby asked her teammate. "I thought your friends liked to be under-the-radar. That's the entire reason we decided to split up, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's true." Blake nodded. "But since it's been a full day since I last met them, so I think they might be at another place right now. If we went there right now there's a good chance we'll just be wasting our time."

"Ohhhhhh." Ruby nodded her head. "So… did they give you some kinda way to contact them?"

"Yeah. But to do that, I'm going to need the CCT Tower." Blake said. "You know the radio function on your Scroll, right? The frequency responder?"

At that, Ruby made a face. "Yeah, but that's ancient technology though. No one uses it anymore since Scroll calls are just betterall around."

Blake chuckled. "That's exactly why they chose to use that method. Though, it's a bit more than that, they've also used some encryption methods as well…" Blake trailed off. "But to get to their frequency specifically my Scroll needs to be boosted. That's why I have to use the CCT."

Ruby nodded vigorously in understanding. "Ah, okay, okay!"

Blake gave an affirmative noise at that, paired with a smile. The two continued on, walking in silence as they entered the CCT Tower together.

Along the way, Ruby decided to breach another subject with Blake. "Hey, Blake…"

"Mm? What is it?" Blake asked as she kept leading them down the tower.

"Do you… you've seen how Yang is right now, right?"

Blake hummed. "Hyped for another fight? Yeah. That's kind of a given, isn't it? At least it's pulling everyone's spirit up…"

"Heh. Yeah…" Ruby muttered. "It's just, I'm worried about her, you know?"

Blake raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"She's been eager after using a Semblance before, but it's reaching new heights now." Ruby said. "I mean I get that it was a Metal Gear, but still! I'm just…"

"Just what?"

"Afraid that she might purposely get herself to a fight that she couldn't handle." Ruby sighed. "She's already been pretty down on fighting before, so these mood swings…"

Blake put a hand on her teammate's shoulder. "Relax, Ruby. I think that, for all of Yang's rashness and eagerness to fight… that she's a good person deep in her heart. I'm sure that would shine through in her actions."

"But what if-."

"Last night, we made sure to try our best, right? And what did you know- we won! And Yang has always been the strongest out of all of us. So have a little faith in the future, Ruby." Blake smiled and she felt her cat ears wiggle. "It's what RWBY taught me, after all."

"Heh… I guess you're right." Ruby gave Blake a smile back. "Thanks, Blake."

"Anytime."

Blake smiled and went back to leading the way, talking to the receptionist and asking for the radio room. The receptionist, used to people merely asking for the normal inter-Kingdom call and then directing them to one of the higher floors, felt confused. Though, when Blake kept pressing her, she eventually relented as she didn't see any problem with it. With a smile, the receptionist complied and led them to said room several rooms down the hallway.

Blake and Ruby entered the room, leaving the receptionist holding the door open for them.

Ruby took a good look around her. The room wasn't barren per se, but it was clear that it hadn't been used in a long time. Specks of dust were starting to collect, the air was kind of stale, and the lights were slightly dim.

Just as she had expected for an outdated piece of tech… not that that was anything in the first place!

Blake turned around to the receptionist. "What's the hourly rate?"

"Um…" The receptionist put a finger to her chin. "To be honest, no one's used this room in a long time… I'll have to check, but if I remember right then it's just an independent fee you have to pay up at the end of the session."

Blake nodded. "Alright. We'll make sure to remember."

"Okay!" The receptionist smiled and closed the door, leaving them in an air-tight and soundproof room. "Have a nice time!"

Click!

"This room's pretty old…" Ruby muttered. "No wonder, I guess…"

"All the more reason to do this quickly." Blake said. She shuddered. "I don't like isolated spaces."

Ruby shook her head. "Me neither…"

With that, Blake hastily moved towards the terminal and connected her Scroll. Several systems blared to life around them, as well as dust kicking up at several spots around the room. And not the fun and colorful type either.

Some of them flew to Ruby's face and she waved them off while coughing. "Ack! Gross!"

Blake put her Scroll beside the radio terminal and began scrolling through the frequencies.

Her hands went to work immediately, falling back to old habits. A long time ago, back when she was still a part of the White Fang, they had frequently used this method of communication in order to avoid detection yet still keep in touch with vital intelligence. It also helped that this method was cheap to maintain since it was so rudimentary, and because of that it had barely any tech left to monitor it.

Atlas had focused so much on future tech that they pretty much left anything pre-Color War behind. But of course, since this was also once an important part of technology, each CCT had one of them installed in the case of emergencies.

Emergencies like now, Blake supposed…

Bleep!

"Good. Up and running…" Blake muttered. She fished a note out of her pocket and looked at its handwritten text.

44-141-2388-12.

"Alright…" Blake heard Ruby walk and stand beside her as she inputted the frequency.

"Call." Blake pressed a button and they both waited patiently for the other end to pick up.

Beep beep… Beep beep… Beep beep…

NO ANSWER

"Ah, dammit. Of all the times to go offline…" Blake shook her head. She went back to the note from her pocket and tried the next frequency.

44-141-2410-06.

Beep beep… Beep beep… Beep beep…

The other side picked up almost immediately.

"Who is this?" A pseudo-mechanical voice said from the other end. Ruby felt her eyebrows shoot up in surprise. What kind of person was this? Who had that kind of voice? He sounded so interesting!

Blake coughed into her fist and spoke to the other side. "Bladewolf, it's me. Blake."

'BLADEWOLF?!' Ruby's eyes went wide with wonder. Such a cool nickname!

"Blake." Bladewolf repeated. "What is it? Did something happen?"

Blake shook her head, not that her fellow Faunus could see it. "No, I'm fine. Actually, I wanted to meet you today. There's something we need to discuss."

"...That can be arranged." Bladewolf spoke after a moment of silence. "But on what occasion?"

"I'm looking to introduce my Team to the others." Blake said simply. "We're actively involved in- in last night's conflict, and we'd like your help in figuring everything out."

"So you know about RAY then." Bladewolf said monotonically.

Blake nodded. "Correct."

"...I suppose we owe you for helping us on setting up." Bladewolf said simply. "Very well. I will inform the others. However…" Bladewolf trailed off.

"What is it?" Blake asked.

"The others are currently out." Bladewolf said. "We could gather at a moment's notice for sure… but I don't think that would happen right now."

"Oh, that's fine!" Ruby chirped up from beside Blake. "We can wait for as long as you need!"

Pause.

"I was not aware that there was someone else beside you."

Ruby laughed sheepishly when Blake shot a glare at her. The youngest shrugged and spoke up nervously. "U-um, my name's Ruby, Mr. Bladewolf. I'm the leader of Blake's team. U-um… it's nice to meet you!"

"... It is nice to meet you too. My name is Bladewolf, part of the Agent Expedition Team."

Blake coughed to her fist and redirected everyone's attention to her. "Can I ask, Bladewolf… what's everyone doing right now?"

"We've split up to cover more ground. Since security around the Kingdom has been increased due to last night, our leader has determined that it is safe to go outside."

'Ah, so that's why…' Blake thought to herself. She prepared herself to ask the big question…

"Is that why Kiryu didn't pick up?" Blake asked.

Ruby perked up at the mention of another name. "Kiryu?"

"I figured I should call him first, but he didn't respond…" Blake trailed off.

"He might be busy with his own search. He has his own priorities, as you recall." Bladewolf reminded her.

"Hm, hm…" Blake nodded. "But still…"

Ruby decided to speak up beside Blake. "Is he your partner, Mr. Bladewolf?"

"To a degree, yes." Bladewolf said. "It was he who found Blake and Sun first. Back then, they had decided to help him with… whatever it was that he asked, and then he forwarded them both to us and then helped us set up a place to settle down in Vale. For that, we owe Blake and Sun, and by extension your Team, our gratitude."

"It was nothing, Bladewolf." Blake said. "Anyone would've done the same thing."

"Statistics show otherwise, Blake." Bladewolf said. "Even more, you have managed to calm Kiryu down. I would bet that one of the major reasons he did was because you and Sun managed to communicate with him in Japanese…"

"Japanese…?" Ruby trailed off, tone rising in thought.

"Mistralian." Blake waved her off. "Same difference, anyone who's been in Menagerie knows it." Blake sighed. They were getting off topic… besides it wasn't like what she did was extraordinary anyways.

But Ruby wasn't done. She raised a finger with a snicker. "Heh, w-was it because of your manga-."

Blake's cheeks turned red. "Those are fine literature, Ruby!"

Ruby laughed, her hands in her gut as she stumbled to the floor.. "Pssht… Hahahaha! Keep telling that to yourself, Blake!"

Blake, still embarrassed, shook her head. She had to focus! "A-Anyways, since he's searching for his own clues… any idea where he might be, Bladewolf?" She asked. "It'd be good to be aware, after all."

"His last communication indicated that he was heading to the seedier parts of Vale." Bladewolf answered. "As expected of his nature, of course."

Blake grimaced. That was true, his posture and visage had practically screamed that he was once a member of the seedier parts of where he must've come from. But what's more…

She didn't like where this was going, particularly because she felt that kind of place was exactly where Yang and Weiss would probably be heading now as well.

And with Yang practically begging for another fight…

Blake shook her head and soldiered on "And that would mean…?"

"My biggest guess would be that he is currently in Junior's Club. It is after all and as my online searches have concluded, asemi-underground information brokerage. He would most likely try his hand there."

Blake gasped. Her eyes went wide as she felt her blood turn to ice.

Oh no…

"Blake?" Ruby asked, standing up and looking at her with eyes visibly worried and her tone visibly concerned. "Blake, what's wrong?"

Yang and Kiryu…

"Oh, shit." Blake whispered.

---

Junior's Club…

The loud sounds of blaring techno music echoed throughout his club. People were mingling about, having a good time, and the cops haven't been on this place's ass lately.

Behind his counter, Junior breathed a sigh of relief.

It had taken him a considerable amount of his fortune to keep his club up and running, even more so now throughout the Vytal Festival. What with the Fang rampaging around, the fights in the streets, last night's incident at the Docks…

However, these stressful times did mean he had an increase of clientele going past the doors, both civilian and… less than honest people. His muscle was getting hired more and more, his network was being used and being grown, mostly for and by some up-and-comers. With the chaos, some people had also decided it was their big break.

Junior didn't particularly care. As long as he was still the informant, safe in his spot, he was fine.

He even managed to hire a new muscle, someone who was… different. And what's more, this muscle's payment was unique as well. He didn't want money or fame or women. What he wanted was simple information.

Like he said before, he was happy to give something out as long as it meant keeping everything running smoothly.

And besides, he felt that this muscle had real strength. In every sense of the word.

Junior's eyes shot to the far end of the bar table. His new muscle was sitting there, alone, patiently as a discreet bouncer. He silently played around with a shot glass, filled with water and ice.

Junior sighed. Let's just hope it was worth it-!

BOOM!

Junior's thoughts were interrupted when he heard that loud boom sound out. He quickly looked at the source and saw his club's doors blow open. Blown open!

Dust flew from the site, screams of terror following not long after.

"B-Boss!" One of his older subordinates cried out as he stumbled past the now totally broken door. He barely made it out of the smoke, "I-It's her!"

Junior felt his blood turn to ice. No, not now when everything was going so well-!

"Boss! We couldn't stop her- AHHHH!"

BANG!

The subordinate flew across the club and landed face first on the dance floor.

CRASH!

The civilian crowd had quickly gone to the edges of the club, whispers breaking out as they wondered what was happening.

Junior narrowed his eyes as his gang quickly went out of the shadows and prepped for a fight. He could hear some more sounds of fighting from within the smoke. His gang remained ready, he himself inching for his club beneath his table.

Junior's new muscle stayed silent.

The smoke began to clear…

Junior growled, and the bane of his business immediately burst from the smokes!

Fwoosh!

A yellow figure leapt high into the sky of the club, almost reaching its ceiling, and then landing hard smack dab in the middle of the dance floor.

SMASH!

"I'M BACK, BITCHES!" Yang shouted. She smashed her fists together, audibly creating a loud clang sound. "Now, who's up for round three?!"

The civilian crowd's murmurs broke out even more. They were clearly wondering if their chosen place of recreation tonight was right. Was a fight breaking out? Were the police going to get involved? Were they in any danger…?

Overall, a threat to his damn business!

Junior leapt over the counter and angrily strode over to Yang. "You've got some nerve!" He grit out. "You know how much this shit costs?!"

As Junior approached, from the corner of her vision, Yang noticed Weiss stepping through the door while grumbling about all the damage they had done. Yang smirked. Aw, she didn't understand. 'Round these parts, this was how you get things done!

"Hey!" Junior shouted. "You listening to me, blondie?!"

"Oh? What was that?" Yang shifted her vision back to Junior and taunted him with a smirk. "Couldn't hear you over the sound of you quivering in your boots, Junior!"

Junior growled. "Damn it… for once, would you just come in like a normal person?! This shit cost me an entire fortune!"

"And now you're gonna spend some more of that fortune if you don't tell me what I want to know!" Yang smiled menacingly. "I've got some questions that need answerin'... and you better tell me what those are!"

"First off, that's no way to do business; Second of all, why the fuck should I give you anything? You've done nothing but disrupt my business the second you barged in here!" Junior denied her. "Why should I sacrifice what I have for you?"

Yang ominously cracked her knuckles with a smile. "Junior, junior… we're doing this 'cause of the recent attacks, y'know? And we think you might know something about it."

"The docks?" Junior raised an eyebrow. "If that's what you're on about then I'm as much in the dark as you are. Besides, you were the one who was there. What good would my info be?"

"Oh, but it's much more than that now." Yang said. "We wanna know all the dirt you have, on everyone. Even people like the councilmen and Ozpin."

Junior grit his teeth. Dammit, that was his entire livelihood! And for this girl as well-?!

"What's that? You don't wanna fess up?" Yang smirked. To be honest, she was looking for another fight anyways. Time to blow off some more steam, and get that adrenaline rush back! "C'mon, Junior… you really wanna be the reason Vale falls?"

That had gotten a reaction out of Junior.

His face turned stone cold.

"Get out." Junior said simply.

Yang raised an eyebrow as her smirk widened.

"I SAID GET OUT!" Junior yelled. The civilians promptly followed, even though it was meant for Yang. He growled when Yang didn't move an inch, and then growled even more when he saw the ice bitch settle to a corner of the club with her arms crossed.

When Yang didn't move, Junior spoke again. "Shit… you really want me to give everything I have to you, blondie?"

"That's the plan~!"

"Then you can just give up on that right now." Junior said coldly.

"Awww… Not even for the safety of Vale?"

"I'm not giving away anything, much less everything… I've got a life here too, blondie." Junior scowled. "And you're welcome to try and take it from me."

Junior stepped back and put his hands behind his back. He stood there patiently, as if knowing what was about to happen.

Yang scoffed. Looks like she just had to do it the hard way, then. As usual with Junior!

The air in the club visibly changed.

From the corner of the club, Weiss' eyes immediately shot to a singular man that hadn't left the establishment like everyone else. 'T-this guy-! He's-!'

Yang withdrew her fist and rushed forwards. "Don't say I didn't warn you, Junior!"

Yang rushed forwards to punch Junior right in the face. "HAHHHH-!"

SLAM!

.

.

Grab!

.

.

"G-grk!"

Yang felt her punch being grabbed mid-way by- by someone. She struggled against the grip, trying to break free, and then…

Yang slowly felt her fist being pushed down.

'W-what is this?!' Yang's eyes immediately shot to see what was in front of her. 'There's someone blocking me!'

In an instant, someone was standing between her and Junior. Someone who wasn't even there before!

It was this very person who had caught her fist, displaying strength that so casually rivaled even hers.

"N-ngh…" Yang looked at the man holding her in place. The first thing she saw were his eyes.

Narrow. Jet-black. Silent. Fierce. Passionate. Purposeful.

Strong.

Yang tried to pull again. "Let go-!"

"ORA!"

With ease, the man pushed her back and sent her skidding against the dance floor. Yang forced herself to a stop and immediately entered her stance. In the distance, Weiss felt herself being worried.

Even though she knew Yang would want to finish this fight by herself now…

She opted to just come in later, if Yang needed her. But until then, she'll remain here.

"Grrr…" Yang grit her teeth as she looked once more at the man opposite her.

He didn't seem much older than her, but he clearly was older. There was an air around him, one that she noticed almost immediately. Charismatic, determined, and overwhelming. The same strength she had felt before was rolling off of him in spades.

The man lowered his hand, the one that had pushed Yang away, and she took notice of his attire.

A simple gray suit-and-pants, paired with a red dress shirt. His eyes and hair were both jet black, hair slicked back as if a sign of the wind blowing past his face.

And he had the meanest scowl on his face, eyes narrowed at her in annoyance.

Yang immediately snapped to attention.

This guy-!

"Kiryu-san."

Yang registered that name. 'Kiryu…?'

Kiryu turned his head from the woman who had assaulted the club and looked at his employer for the night. "Hei-san. Daijoubu ka?" / "Hei. You alright?"

From the edge of the club, Weiss narrowed her eyes and tried her best to understand them, with what little she remembered from childhood classes. 'They're speaking Mistralian…?'

Meanwhile, Yang watched the exchange with confusion. What exactly were they saying…?

"Aa. Genki desu. Demo…" / "Yeah, I'm fine. But…"Junior shot a look at Yang. And then, he turned back to Kiryu. "Yudan suru na yo, Kiryu-san. Onegaishimasu" / "Don't let your guard down, Kiryu. Please."

"Honto ka?" / "Really?"Kiryu's tone raised at the end of the sentence. "Doshita? Sono onna…" / "Why? This woman…"

Junior nodded. "Yabai zo. Kanojo no namae wa Yang Xiao-Long desu. Kanban wa「Hareta no Chisana Ryu」ni naru." / "She's dangerous. Her name's Yang Xiao-Long, and her title's become Sunny's Little Dragon."

"Hareta no Chisana Ryu?" / "Sunny Little Dragon?"

"Aa. Beacon no teppen Huntress." / "Yeah. Beacon's Top Huntress."

"Sou ka…" / "That so…"Kiryu turned back to Yang, though he still kept talking to Junior.

"Ryu wa ippiki de ii…" / "There can only be one dragon…" Kiryu muttered.

Junior spoke again, "Tsuyoi onna desu. Iroirona teki o tatakae… soshite sono onna wa makerarenai. Zen zen ne." / "She's a strong gal. She fights a lot of enemies… and she doesn't lose. Ever."

"Tch." Kiryu grit his teeth. Just another upstart punk in his eyes, bloodthirsty as ever. But that title, and that name…

Could there, perhaps, be something more?

In Kiryu's eyes, that remains to be seen. "Wakatta." / "I understand."

"Ima-" / "Now-"

"Nigero, Hei-san. Kono bashou o mamoru." / "Run, Hei. I'll protect this place."Kiryu said solemnly. "Ore wa… Kakugo ga dekimasu." / "I'm ready… for whatever happens here."

Junior nodded. "Arigatou, Kiryu-san." / "Thanks, Kiryu"

But Kiryu wasn't done.

"Danga…" / "However…"Kiryu stopped Junior in his tracks right as he was about to leave. "Oretachi no yakusoku o oboe yo." / "Remember our promise."

"Anshinsero. Mochiron desu." / "Relax. Of course I'll remember."Junior turned back around, his men following him as they exited through the back door.

"Do your best, Kiryu."

Kiryu gave a silent nod.

Yang growled and stood back up. She eagerly banged her fist together, a loud smash echoing across the room. "So, Junior's got himself a new lackey, eh?" Yang bounced in her step as she rolled her neck. "Fair warning, pal. You're gonna have a hell of a bad time!"

"Tch. Chinpira ne…" / "Tch. Just a thug…" Kiryu rolled his own neck and walked to the side, circling the dance floor.

The lights around them lit up, as if signaling the start of the main event. The dance floor beneath them burst into a frenzy of color, totally randomized and frantic for the fight to come.

Yang walked around Kiryu as well, each of them circling the other. Like prey and predator, they both circled each other, burning and eager amber eyes clashing against calm and collected jet-black.

"Dunno why someone would willingly work for Junior, but hey, I've been itching for another chance to let loose." Yang deployed her shotgun-gloves and brought her fists up. "You seem kinda strong, man… But sorry, we don't really have the option to lose! So you better prove me right and not fall like those other lackeys!"

"Tch." Kiryu scoffed as he analyzed his opponent's habits. Bounce in her steps, both arms raised at an equal level, fast and equal footing.

Her fighting cues reminded him of Kuze, The Tojo Clan's Fierce Beast.

"Omae wa… tatakaitai ka?" / "You… so you wanna fight, huh?" Kiryu asked. "Nande omae wa koko ni? Wakarimasen ka? Omae no shitakoto!" Kiryu shouted. / "Why are you here? Don't you understand what you've done?!"

Yang smirked. "What was that? Couldn't understand you! All I knowwww~" Yang pumped her fists. "Is that if I'm gonna get to Junior and hear my answers, then I'll have to plow right through your sorry butt!"

.

.

.

Kiryu's lips quirked upwards.

.

.

.

Despite himself, he couldn't help but smirk. It seemed communication was impossible. But even so…

He doubted she would've listened in the first place.

She was that kind of woman, it seemed.

"Hmph. Naruhodo." / "I understand."Kiryu said. In sync, they both stopped their walks and entered their stances. "Nara… omae wa koko made da. Ore wa omae ni koko de taosu." / "Then… your journey ends here. I... am going to stop you here and now."

Yang didn't need a different language to understand.

"Heheh, Just try me, big guy!" Yang slammed her fists again. "You won't know what hit you!"

Yang entered her stance. Even footing, arms raised at an even level around her middle area, her back ever so slightly hunched over. She made sure to keep her fists balled and her steps bouncing in place.

Kiryu entered his stance as well. He stopped in place and slightly bent his knees, taking one step forward. Even weight distribution and tensed muscles. One fist high, near his chest, the other low, just above his knees.

They stopped, each staring into the other's eyes. One bouncing in place and hyped up, the other calm and planted in place like a wall.

Kiryu balled his fist and shouted, his Aura ever so-subtly flashing with various colors. And then, in a flash, it settled on Blue. Brawler. But he wasn't done.

"Oi. Omae." / "Hey. You."

"Hm?" Yang smacked her fist together and danced in place, pumped up even more by Kiryu's sudden call. "What is it? Wanna back down now~?"

But instead of that, Kiryu smirked. "Omae… Tekagen wa shinei." / "You… Don't you dare hold back."

Yang didn't need to understand that either. She understood that message loud and clear. "Oh don't you worry… I don't plan on pulling any punches!"

Yang rushed forwards. "HAHHHH!"

Kiryu roared, voice echoing as loud as a Grimm dragon. "Shinitai yatsu dake… / "If you want to die...

...KAKATTE KOI!" / … then COME AT ME!"

"HAHHH!"

Yang Xiao-Long

Little Sunny Dragon, Beacon Academy's Top Huntress-In-Training

vs

Kiryu Kazuma

Dragon of Dojima, 4th Chairman of the Tojo Clan

Jump!

"HYAH!"

"OOORAAA!"

Clash!

---

And he's here, and already getting a damn random encounter in the form of Yang. The legend himself, Judgement Kazzy-kun.

That's a wrap! Thoughts and everything, leave it in the reviews, no matter what they are! Always appreciated ;)

Thanks for reading, and see you all next time!

Review Responses:

To Renashi-RE012, he has one more chance of doing it right. And he'll do it at the top of the world, in the best condition he has ever been in. As for the song, yeah, my bad! Should've put in the origin first. And now Ruby's trying to pull her team together, which has been going well so far. Thanks for reading! Also, yeah, MGS DELTAAA!

To Spyash2, pretty much. But still, there's gonna be some differences, at least I hope.

To TheJSmooth, the clock's a tickin.

To Gwynx, oh they'll be fighting on top of something alright (teehee). Also yeah, I guess Venom is a bit different here, but can't take it back now. I also like to think that he's more free since he's acting on his own now, so he doesn't have that pressure of living up to the legend anymore since he's both the legend and also himself. Thanks for reading!

To Skeletalrepublic, like I said before, I hear you loud and clear. I'm going to try to inject a little bit more lightheartedness, at least in this chapter and the next, so as to make it more bearable. I really don't want to make a story that's 'Too Bleak Stopped Caring', as per TV Tropes' article. Thanks for the review!

To Kabuto S. Inferno, maybe it is a bit too on the nose, lol. Regardless, we still have around two (?) phases more to go with Summer, so she's not done just yet. As for Ozpin and the details of Operation Grimm Eater, I'd like to think that yes, he is in hot water, but the others also realize that they don't have much of a choice if they want to pull out of this condition alive. But after that, they can freely interrogate on what he's been doing wrong this whole time. Unless of course, the details of that operation are vital to their victory (still figuring that out). And he's here! The legend himself! Thanks for reading, as always!

To aaafirefly123, definitely not. But still, I do get where you're coming from…

To SolSparda369, better yet, she's actually researching before jumping to conclusions. And so are the others; they recognize that it's more important to stay alive than to focus on grudges that can be brought up later.

To CriticaofRandomness, glad you liked it, even if it's a bit sad! And now, Beacon's trying to tie itself together, at least until Vale is safe. After that, who knows… thanks for reading!

To Webb360, I will wholeheartedly admit that that chapter is one of my weaker points. Just… kinda a creative slump in that department. Sorry!

To 0GeNoX0, like I said, I understand where you're coming from, which is why I'll try my best to make the following chapters more lighthearted. Thanks for the input!

To Sneaking Box, or before Zero for the Hunters, maybe? Thanks for reading!