Pyrrha sat quietly atop a rooftop in Vacuo, her ragged cloak wrapped tightly around her as the desert wind outside of the city brushed against her skin. The bustling, improvised maze of the city stretched out below her, a contrast to the structured elegance of Vale or the industrial precision of Atlas. Vacuo had a rawness to it, an unyielding resilience born from its harsh environment. It reminded her of the people she had come to know here — hardened, resourceful, and utterly determined to survive no matter what thrown to them.
The last four days had been a whirlwind. Pyrrha had pieced together bits of information, gathering what she could from overheard conversations, public broadcasts, and her own inquiries. And what she had learned had shaken her to her core.
Here, in this world, she was dead.
At least, that was the common belief. Pyrrha Nikos, the Invincible Girl, had perished in the Fall of Beacon. Her friends — Jaune, Nora, Ren, Ruby, Yang, Blake, and Weiss had continued to fight, becoming symbols of hope for a shattered world. They were somewhat famous now, famed in the hearts of those who clung to them as their last beacon of light.
But this wasn't her world. Somehow, through Autumn's Semblance, she had been sent here. To what end, Pyrrha didn't know. It wasn't just her displacement that unsettled her — it was the weight of everything else she'd uncovered. The Kingdoms had fallen one by one. Vale was the most recent to succumb to Salem's onslaught. The Grimm queen's forces now loomed over Vacuo, and the city's people were preparing for what many believed to be their last stand.
Pyrrha's chest tightened as she remembered the faces she had seen in the city. Hardened Huntsmen, battle-weary civilians, and desperate families clinging to scraps of hope.
The air was thick with a sense of impending doom, and yet, against all odds, the people of Vacuo pressed on.
Pyrrha couldn't help but admire their resilience. But still, a question nagged on her mind.
Why Vacuo? Is Menagerie gone too? If they are right, then these people came from Atlas. I understand that this city stands, but is it really alright to leave these people to a place like this?
And it wasn't just the people of Atlas who caught her attention and worry. She had seen her friends, her teammates and allies, but they weren't the same. Jaune, Nora, and Ren seemed distant, carrying burdens she couldn't yet fathom. Ruby looked as though she were recovering from some deep, personal loss, her once boundless energy tempered by something heavier. Yang and Blake had grown closer, their bond visible even from a distance. Weiss had a sharper edge to her, her eyes often lingering on Jaune when they fought Grimm outside the city. Grimm tend to regularly attack the City. Nonstop.
It was up to the Huntsmen still fighting to take care of them.
Pyrrha had watched them from the shadows, unwilling to reveal herself. She knew that her presence would only complicate things, adding to the weight they already carried. They were kinda like heroes in this world, fighting battles on behalf of the Kingdoms. What right did she have to intrude on that?
Instead, Pyrrha had focused on surviving, taking what she had learned in Menagerie to remain anonymous. She avoided using her own weapons, opting for a simple spear she had gotten from a market. It was crude compared to Milo, but it sufficed. She ate sparingly, relying on the food distributions organized by the SDC. Most of her days were spent on rooftops, observing the city and its people. Some had called her rude for her silence, but she didn't care. Speaking too much invited questions, and questions were the last thing she wanted.
Still, despite her resolve to stay hidden, loneliness gnawed at her. She missed her world, her friends, her home. She longed to return, to be with the people she knew — not these versions of them, burdened by a world that had grown so dark. But how? Autumn's Semblance had brought her here, and she had no idea how to reverse it.
What was she supposed to learn? Why was she here?
Pyrrha sighed, resting her head against the shaft of her spear. The uncertainty was unbearable. She didn't understand what purpose her presence served in this world, and the more she tried to rationalize it, the more lost she felt.
The sound of distant explosions snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned her gaze toward the horizon, her sharp eyes catching sight of fire and smoke rising in the distance. Ravager Grimm — twisted, flying monstrosities with jagged wings and glowing red eyes were descending on the city.
Her heart raced.
Another Grimm attack? That's the seventh time this day...
Pushing herself to her feet, Pyrrha adjusted her cloak, securing it tightly around her shoulders. She didn't hesitate. As much as she wished to remain hidden, she couldn't stand by and do nothing. The people here needed help, and she had the power to make a difference, even if only for a moment. It was not up for debate.
Pyrrha leapt across the rooftops, her movements fluid and purposeful. She navigated the uneven terrain with ease, her mind focused on the battle ahead. The sun bore down on her, its relentless heat searing her skin, but she pressed on, ignoring the discomfort.
As she approached the edge of the city, the sounds of battle grew louder. Screams, roars, and the clash of weapons filled the air. Pyrrha spotted a group of Huntsmen struggling to hold their ground against the onslaught of Grimm. The creatures moved like a tide, overwhelming everything in their path.
Without hesitation, Pyrrha descended into the fray.
Her spear spun in her hands, a blur of motion as she engaged the nearest Grimm. She ducked under a Ravager's claw swipe, driving her weapon upward into its chest. The creature screeched, its body dissolving into black smoke. Another Grimm lunged at her from behind, but Pyrrha sidestepped, using her semblance to guide her spear in a precise arc that severed its head.
The surrounding Huntsmen took notice, their eyes widening in surprise at her skill. She didn't stop to acknowledge them, her focus entirely on the battle. Grimm after Grimm fell under her relentless assault, her movements a perfect blend of strength and precision.
Despite the surrounding chaos, Pyrrha's mind was calm. This was what she was trained for, what she was meant to do. Unlike the Hounds she knew, they were easy prey.
Pyrrha found herself staring at the remnants of the fight, her chest rising and falling steadily as she regain her breath. The Huntsmen who had fought alongside her gave her curious glances. She paid them no attention, adjusting the hood of her ragged cloak to obscure her face further. The last thing she needed was someone recognizing her — not here, not now.
She slipped away silently as the Huntsmen regrouped, retreating to a quiet rooftop. From her perch, she could see the sprawling chaos of Vacuo stretching out beneath her. Smoke still rose from the edges of the city, the aftermath of the Grimm assault hanging heavy in the air. Pyrrha perched herself on the edge, resting her chin on her knees as she stared out at the horizon.
She sighed, leaning her forehead against the shaft of her spear. She didn't belong here — not in this version of the world where everything was so broken, where her friends were barely holding on, and where she herself was supposed to be dead. A pang of guilt stabbed at her chest.
Was it selfish to want to return to her world? To her version of them?
Could she really justify staying hidden, even now, as this city braced itself for annihilation?
The sound of wings beating the air drew her attention. Pyrrha looked up to see Winter Schnee soaring through the skies, her body encased in the burning glow of the Maiden's powers as she met the Grimm. The icy brilliance radiating from her was breathtaking and commanding. With a graceful motion, Winter summoned a rail of icicles, launching them with precision at the remaining Grimm. Each one struck its target, piercing through the creatures' bodies and turning them into plumes of black smoke.
The Huntsmen below cheered as Winter descended, her presence a beacon of strength and hope. Pyrrha, however, stayed back. She adjusted her hood and remained in the shadows.
The sun had dipped lower in the sky by the time she reached the rooftop where she mostly stayed. She leaned against the parapet, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. Her fingers traced the contours of Milo, the weapon wrapped in cloth to keep its identity hidden. She knew she couldn't keep fighting with non0huntsman tools if she wanted to survive here. But using her own weapons would risk exposing her.
Pyrrha hesitated before tossing the spear she'd been using aside. She pulled Milo from its wrappings, her hands gripping its hilt.
It's not right. I can't just watch and make it harder for myself.
Before she could make her way back into the heart of the city, her instincts screamed at her to duck. She crouched low, taking cover behind a vent as her sharp eyes scanned the area.
A shadow moved across the rooftop opposite her. The creature stepped into the fading light, and Pyrrha's breath caught. It was a Grimm like and unlike she had seen before.
The beast was massive, its tar-like body dripping with black liquid that sizzled as it hit the ground. Its short, wide snout revealed overlapping teeth that protruded grotesquely from its jaw, and quill-like spines jutted from its back. It lacked eyes, but its canine ears twitched as it listened intently to the noises below. A second pair of jaws, smaller but no less menacing, was set on the back of its neck.
Pyrrha froze, her eyes narrowing as she tracked the creature's movements. It wasn't like the Hounds she had fought in Menagerie. This one didn't have the crystal growths that had marked the others, nor did it seem to exhibit any intelligence. But its sturdy frame and predatory stance made it clear that it was just as dangerous, if not more so.
The Hound growled low in its throat, its head tilting toward the street below. Pyrrha followed its gaze and saw a group of refugees huddled together, oblivious to the danger above them. The Hound crouched, tar-like muscles coiling as it prepared to pounce.
Pyrrha didn't hesitate. Let's think about this later. I'm done observing!
Milo left her hand in an instant, the spear flying true and embedding itself in the creature's neck. The Hound let out a guttural roar, stumbling back as Pyrrha propelled herself forward, using her semblance. She reached the creature in seconds, driving her foot into Milo to push the weapon deeper.
The Grimm thrashed, trying to dislodge the spear. Pyrrha leapt back, drawing Akuou from her back and hurling it with deadly accuracy. The shield struck the Hound's side, forcing it to stagger. Pyrrha moved like lightning, using a nearby wall to launch herself back at the creature. She retrieved Akuou mid-air and bashed it against the Grimm, sending it reeling.
With a powerful slash, Pyrrha freed Milo from the beast's neck and landed a series of continuous strikes across its torso. The Hound roared, swiping at her with claws the size of daggers. She ducked under the attack, her movements fluid and calculated.
But the creature wasn't done. A tail sprouted from its back, lashing out at Pyrrha. She flipped sideways, avoiding the attack by a hair's breadth. With a retaliatory swing of Milo, she struck the tail, but the Hound absorbed the blow and countered with another swipe. Pyrrha raised Akuou just in time, the force of the impact forcing her back a step.
The Hound turned and bolted, its powerful legs carrying it toward the street below. Pyrrha gritted her teeth and gave chase, her cloak billowing behind her as she leapt from rooftop to rooftop.
She sprinted across the rooftop, her boots pounding against the sunbaked tiles as the Grimm leapt from one building to the next with monstrous agility.
It moved like a shadow, fast, silent, and unnerving. The tar-like liquid dripping from its body left a slick trail in its wake against the rooftop tiles and marking its path. Pyrrha didn't hesitate, vaulting over a low pipe and closing the distance with powerful strides.
The Hound snarled, its canine ears twitching as it sensed her pursuit. It turned its head, revealing its grotesque secondary jaw snapping and drooling black liquid. With a guttural growl, it kicked off the roof with immense force, landing on the next building with a resounding thud that sent debris tumbling to the streets below.
Pyrrha wasn't far behind. She leapt, landing gracefully and rolling to absorb the impact. Her cloak billowed as she rose to her feet, adjusting her grip on Milo and Akuou. The spear gleamed in the fading sunlight, and the shield rested firmly on her arm.
The Hound didn't slow. It barreled forward, its claws tearing into the rooftops to maintain its speed. Pyrrha pushed herself harder, her legs burning as she sprinted after the creature. The gap between them narrowed with every stride.
The rooftops of Vacuo were a labyrinth of improvised structures and precarious walkways. Wooden planks connected buildings like bridges, while clotheslines and hanging signs created a maze of obstacles. Pyrrha navigated it all with agility, her years of training making her movements fluid and efficient.
She slid under a low-hanging beam, her body skimming the ground as the Hound vaulted over the same obstacle. Pyrrha used the momentum to propel herself forward, gaining on the creature. It snarled in frustration, turning its head to glare at her with its sightless face.
The chase led them to a row of interconnected rooftops. The Hound leapt onto a narrow wooden plank, bridging two buildings. Pyrrha followed without hesitation, her boots skimming the plank's surface as she maintained her balance. The Hound reached the other side and swiped at the plank with its claws, shattering it and sending splinters flying.
Pyrrha reacted instantly. She jumped, twisting her body mid-air to avoid the debris, and landed on the rooftop's edge with a sharp exhale. The Hound growled, clearly displeased that she had evaded its trap.
It lashed its tail in anger, slamming it into a nearby chimney and sending bricks tumbling toward Pyrrha. She sidestepped the falling debris, spinning to deflect a particularly large chunk with Akuou. The shield rang out with a metallic clang, the force of the impact jarring her arm but not slowing her down.
The Hound used the distraction to dart around a corner, disappearing from sight. Pyrrha cursed under her breath and quickened her pace, vaulting over a low wall and sliding down a sloped rooftop. She landed in an alleyway, her boots skidding against the gravel as she scanned the area for any sign of the Grimm.
A growl to her left was her only warning. The Hound lunged from the shadows, its claws raking through the air. Pyrrha reacted on instinct, raising Akuou just in time to block the attack. The force sent her stumbling back, her boots scraping against the ground as she fought to maintain her balance.
The Hound didn't let up. It swiped again, its claws sparking against her shield as she braced herself against the assault. With a grunt, Pyrrha shoved the creature back and countered with a thrust of Milo. The javelin struck the Hound's shoulder, drawing a guttural snarl as black liquid oozed from the wound.
The Grimm retaliated with a swipe of its tail, forcing Pyrrha to duck and roll to the side. She came up on one knee, throwing Akuou like a discus. The shield spun through the air, striking the Hound's side with enough force to send it skidding across the ground.
Pyrrha used the opening to close the distance, retrieving Akuou with her Semblance and slamming it against the creature's face. The Hound roared, its secondary jaw snapping in anger as it lashed out with its claws. Pyrrha backflipped out of range, landing gracefully and raising her weapons in a defensive stance.
The Hound snarled, its body crouched low as it prepared to pounce. Pyrrha narrowed her eyes, her muscles coiled like a spring as she anticipated its next move.
With a burst of speed, the Grimm lunged. Pyrrha sidestepped, spinning on her heel and slashing at its side with Milo. The blade cut deep, and the Hound howled in pain, its tar-like blood splattering the ground.
But it was far from defeated. It pivoted on its hind legs, swinging its tail at Pyrrha with deadly force. She raised Akuou just in time, the impact sending vibrations through her arm. She gritted her teeth and pushed back, using the shield's edge to shove the tail away.
The Hound snarled, its body radiating pure malice as it circled her. Pyrrha matched its movements, her spear and shield at the ready. The rooftop they had ended up on was wide and open, the perfect stage for a deadly duel.
For a moment, neither of them moved. They stared each other down, the tension between them heavy. Pyrrha's green eyes locked onto the Hound's blank face, her mind racing as she analyzed its movements and prepared her next move.
The wind picked up, rustling her cloak and carrying the faint sounds of chaos from the city below. Pyrrha tightened her grip on Milo, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for the creature to make its move.
The Hound growled low, its body coiled like a spring, ready to strike. Pyrrha held her ground, her breathing steady as she prepared to meet the attack head-on.
Pyrrha adjusted her grip on Akuou, her shield steady in her left hand, as the Hound growled low and predatory. Its tar-like body rippled with unnatural energy, black liquid dripping from its claws and spines. It paced back and forth on the rooftop, its movements deliberate and dangerous, as if testing her resolve.
Her green eyes narrowed, every fiber of her being focused on the creature. Conserve your energy for now. Rely on your shield. Fight smart. She repeated the mantra in her mind, letting the countless lessons and battles from Menagerie resurface. Her time there had shaped her into a more practical fighter — gone were the days of flourish and showmanship. She can leave that kind of fighting in the tourneys. She was here to kill this Grimm.
The Hound lunged. Pyrrha sidestepped swiftly, her feet barely brushing the ground as she pivoted to avoid the swipe of its massive claws. As the Grimm recovered, she thrust Akuou forward, her shield striking the side of its head with a metallic clang that reverberated across the rooftop.
It snarled, its secondary jaws snapping wildly as it swung its tail at her legs. Pyrrha bent her knees and jumped back, the tail missing her by mere inches. With a quick adjustment, she planted her feet firmly and jabbed her Milo forward, the tip glinting as it pierced the creature's shoulder.
The Hound howled, black ooze bubbling from the wound. Pyrrha kept her movements minimal, retracting her spear swiftly and raising her shield to block the retaliatory strike.
The impact was heavy, forcing her to slide a step back, but she remained steady. Akuou rang with the force of the blow, but her arm didn't waver. She used the moment to thrust her spear again, this time targeting its leg.
Her spearhead punctured the tar-like flesh, eliciting another guttural roar from the beast. It swiped at her, but Pyrrha spun to the side, her cloak billowing as she moved.
The fight was a careful dance of patience and precision. Pyrrha didn't waste energy on unnecessary strikes or elaborate movements. Instead, she relied on her shield and her technique to control the flow of the battle.
The Hound snarled and lunged again, its claws slashing in a flurry of heavy attacks. Pyrrha deflected each strike with Akuou, the vibrations rattling her arm, but not her resolve. She sidestepped another swipe and retaliated with a quick jab to its ribcage, her spear glowing faintly as she infused it with Aura.
The Grimm reeled back, its body shifting and regenerating as the tar-like substance closed its wounds. Pyrrha's lips pressed into a thin line. The creature was durable, but she could sense its growing frustration.
It snarled and charged, its jaws wide open. Pyrrha raised Akuou just in time, bracing her shield against the attack. The force pushed her back several feet, her boots skidding across the rooftop tiles.
Stay steady. Don't overextend. It doesn't die as easily.
The Hound reared back for another strike, but Pyrrha used the opening to bash its face with her shield. The blow staggered it, giving her enough time to jab her spear into its hind leg. The beast roared in pain, stumbling as it tried to recover.
She pressed her advantage, circling the creature and targeting its limbs. Each thrust of her spear was precise, aimed to cripple and slow it down. Her movements were calculated and efficient, conserving her energy for the long fight ahead.
The Hound, enraged, swiped at her with both claws. Pyrrha ducked low, rolling under the attack and coming up on the other side. She slammed Akuou against its side, forcing it back toward the center of the rooftop.
Keep it contained. Don't let it escape.
The Grimm growled, its body rippling as it tried to lash out again. Pyrrha blocked each strike with her shield, the metallic clangs echoing through the air. She responded with quick, shallow thrusts of her spear, targeting its shoulders and legs to limit its mobility.
The rooftop tiles cracked under the weight of the battle, but Pyrrha held her ground. She was in control, her newly refined technique honed from countless battles in Menagerie keeping the Hound at bay.
But then, the creature roared. Its tar-like body began to shift and morph, the quill-like spines on its back extending and glowing faintly. Two large, bat-like wings sprouted from its shoulders, unfurling with an unsettling, wet sound.
Pyrrha's eyes widened as the Hound crouched low, preparing to take flight.
"No, you don't," she muttered, charging forward.
She slammed Akuou against its side, trying to force it back down. The creature snarled, flapping its wings and kicking off the ground. Pyrrha gritted her teeth, thrusting her spear into its shoulder to anchor it, but the force of its takeoff ripped the weapon from her hands.
The Hound soared into the air, its wings beating heavily as it rose above the rooftops. Pyrrha didn't hesitate. She sprinted to the edge of the rooftop and leapt, her cloak trailing behind her as she grabbed onto the edge of a nearby ledge.
With practiced agility, she climbed onto the new rooftop and gave chase. The Hound flew low, weaving between buildings as it tried to shake her off. Pyrrha sprinted after it, vaulting over gaps and sliding under low-hanging beams.
Her heart pounded as she moved, her focus entirely on the creature. She spotted her spear still lodged in its shoulder, the weapon swaying with each beat of its wings.
I need to ground it.
Pyrrha adjusted her trajectory, cutting across the rooftop to intercept the Hound. It swooped down toward a narrow alley, its claws grazing the walls as it passed. Pyrrha leapt onto a nearby awning, using it to propel herself onto a higher ledge.
She spotted an opening and jumped, landing on the Hound's back. The creature roared in anger, thrashing wildly as it tried to shake her off. Pyrrha grabbed onto the base of one of its wings with one hand, using the other to retrieve her spear.
With a grunt, she yanked Milo free and stabbed it into the base of the wing. The Hound screeched, its flight faltering as it veered off course. Pyrrha held on tightly, her legs gripping its back as it crashed onto a nearby rooftop.
The impact sent her rolling, but she quickly recovered, rising to her feet with her weapons at the ready. The Hound snarled, its wings tattered and bleeding as it faced her once more.
They were back where they started — on a rooftop, circling each other again.
Pyrrha adjusted her stance, her breathing steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Pyrrha then placed Akuou on her back, tightening the strap so it wouldn't slip during the fight. This wasn't a moment for defense anymore. If the Hound was anything like the others she had encountered, then there was something or someone at its core. She needed to strike true, pierce the heart, and end this Grimm before it escaped or did any more harm.
Her hands gripped Milo tightly in its spear form, holding it in both hands. Pyrrha's green eyes narrowed, her breaths measured as she moved forward, her steps calculated but swift. The Hound mirrored her, its glowing red eyes locked on her, every muscle in its malformed body tensing with anticipation.
It made the first move, lunging at her with feral speed.
Pyrrha twisted her body, sidestepping the attack. Her spear lashed out in response, slashing across its tar-like flesh and forcing it to stumble back. She didn't let up. Twirling Milo, she struck at its side, her movements fluid and unrelenting.
The Hound tried to retaliate, claws slashing wildly, but Pyrrha was already gone, weaving and dodging with time for precision. She lunged forward, extending Milo's reach, the recoil from the weapon's transformation adding strength to her thrust.
The Hound dodged, but just barely. Pyrrha anticipated its movement, using the recoil to spin and deflect its counterattack with the shaft of her spear. The force of the block propelled her into another strike, Milo stabbing deep into the Grimm's side, black ooze spilling from the wound.
The creature roared, its body twisting unnaturally as it tried to swipe at her again. Pyrrha ducked, her body moving with grace, her focus unshakable. She was relentless, keeping the Hound on the defensive.
It couldn't even find an opening to attack.
Pyrrha twirled her spear once more, the edge slashing across its shoulder. She dodged a hair's breadth away from its claws, lancing Milo forward and extending it again, the weapon recoiling as she landed another deep strike.
The Hound growled in frustration, its red eyes narrowing. It assumed she was limited to melee combat, a mistake it wouldn't live long enough to correct.
Mid-dodge, Pyrrha transformed Milo into a rifle, leveling it with precise aim. She fired.
The dust bullet struck its kneecap with a sickening crunch, forcing the Hound to kneel. It howled in pain, clawing at the ground as it struggled to regain its footing.
Pyrrha saw the fear flicker in its glowing red eyes.
It turned, trying to leap away, but Pyrrha was faster. She transformed Milo back into a sword, slashing across its back as it tried to retreat. Black ichor splattered across the rooftop as the Grimm stumbled, its movements becoming more erratic.
It attempted to take off again, new ragged wings flaring wide, but Pyrrha pounced mid-air, her spear stabbing into its back. She twisted the weapon, driving it deeper, her strength unyielding as black liquid poured from the wound.
The Hound collapsed, crashing onto the cobblestone square below with a heavy thud. Pyrrha landed on its back, planting her boot firmly on its neck. Milo remained embedded in its body, her grip steady as she dragged the dying Grimm across the square, leaving a trail of black ooze in its wake.
The square was eerily silent, the scattered crowd of civilians having fled moments before. Pyrrha's focus remained on the Grimm beneath her. She could feel its movements weakening, the creature's resistance fading with each passing second.
It was dead, but there was no time to dwell on it.
A gust of wind blew through the square, catching the edge of her ragged cloak. Pyrrha reached up instinctively, trying to pull the hood over her face, but the wind was faster. It yanked the cloak away, revealing her red hair, green eyes, and face to the open square.
The sound of footsteps broke the silence, and then came voices. Familiar voices.
"Nora, Ren, get the civilians out of here! Everyone, please stay away-"
"What the?"
"No way..."
Pyrrha froze, her heart pounding as she turned her gaze toward the source of the noise that suddenly died down.
Standing at the edge of the square were Team RWBY and Team JNPR.
Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Jaune, Nora, and Ren.
They stood rooted in place, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Pyrrha could see the mixture of emotions on their faces — shock, confusion, hope, and pain. It was as if they were staring at a ghost. They might as well. Pyrrha thought of something. She tried to opened her mouth to speak, to say something, anything, but the words wouldn't come. The weight of their gazes held her in place, her mind racing as she tried to process what to do next.
None of them moved.
None of them spoke.
They simply stared.