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Chapter Text

The shining light will sink in darkness,
Victory for hate incarnate,
Misery and pain
For all...

When...
...It...
...Falls.
🍁

The camera flicks on, as a stout man with a thick gray mustache grins onward, "...Welcome, people of Remnant, to your live coverage of the Vytal Festival Tournament. All broadcasted live from the Amity Colosseum, and hosted in the lovely city of Vale!"

The speaker's co-host, a lanky man with green hair and incredibly thick spectacles nods in agreement as he takes a massive sip of coffee from a thermos, "That's right, Peter, and we are most excited to be your commentators this year! However for those of you with us here in person today, are you excited for the tournament to begin?" He calls out, leaning forward as he holds his ear out to the crowd that begins to roar with the cheers of likely thousands and thousands of attendees.

The stout gray haired man twirls his moustache, "I'm Professor Peter Port, and this is my good friend Professor Oobleck-"

"Doctor." Dr.Oobleck corrects as Professor Port chuckles.

"-And we are the grateful representatives of Beacon Academy, the hosts of this courageous event!" Professor Port finishes as Dr.Oobleck nods, adjusting his spectacles.

"Throughout this event, we'll also be joined by several professors from the other Academies to commentate on this convivial contest!" Dr.Oobleck says with a grin, "Ah, but for now, without further ado the first matchup of the Vytal Festival Tournament will be- as directed on the preset Qualifiers round lineup-"

"-Team CRAL of Beacon, versus Team JSPR of Atlas!" Professor Port finishes, both teams faces appearing on holographic billboards hanging above the crowds, "Everyone, give it up for your first contenders!" Port eagerly calls out, chuckling and resting his arm on the commentator table, "What luck that we have a team from Atlas up first, seeing as what some of you might not have heard- Atlas' council sending the Atlas Military, including General Ironwood himself to personal sponsor the event and beef up the defenses this year! Likely considering some of the unfortunate events that have taken place these last few months." He says as he nervously twirls his moustache. 

Dr.Oobleck takes a sip from his thermos, "Right Peter! But, let's leave that for now, and take our eyes to the ground as our first pair of teams officially make their way onto the arena grounds!"

The crowd roars loudly as both teams find themselves only a stone's throw apart from each other in the center of the arena stage which begins to lift itself into the air while the backdrops of the center stage fall away, the environment randomizers appearing and cycling with one behind each team. Finally, both lock in at the same time: Behind JSPR, a waterfall and matching pools of water in a rocky environment while behind team CRAL a desert with several sand dunes.

Jasper chuckles as he pulls his hammer off of his back, "With all that we've been through this year, this is gonna be an absolute piece of cake." He says with a grin.

Percy scoffs, his curls whipping in the artificial wind while he grips his umbrella, "Don't underestimate our opponents before the match even starts."

Across the arena, the taller dark skinned effeminate member of their team nods, "I'd listen to your teammate. We've seen our own fair share of combat. I do hope you heard about the recent Grimm attack in the center of Vale..." They say as they crack their knuckles while Jasper thinks for a moment, remembering coming back from their mission south of Vale and hearing about a Grimm hoard breaking through the center of a Vale city block from below the ground.

Ashe stifles a laugh, her ponytail whipping around her, "Uh... Yeah, we've fought harder battles than just some loose Grimm."

The buff, armor clad boy on their team laughs heartily, "Ah, very good... Seasoned fighters? I am most excited to see you lot measure up." He says as he punches his clawed fists together, two halves of a golden shield strapped to both arms.

Dr.Oobleck clears his throat aggressively, "If both teams are ready....?"

Professor Port chuckles, "3...2....1.... BEGIN!"

Immediately, the smaller white haired member of their team grins widely, stepping forward as their hair whips around their face in the wind.

"SLEEP." They call out with a surprisingly quiet voice, but the echoes shoot out with a disturbing intensity. Jasper bursts out of the way with his Semblance, tackling Ashe out of the way and Rowan uses his blades to pull himself away. Percy tries to jump out of the way, but doesn't get far enough as the energy hits him and knocks him down to the ground. 

Percy struggles to stand as he wipes his eyes, bags forming underneath them, "What...?" He says, his body feeling drained as he feels like he just pulled an all-nighter.

The Team CRAL leader chuckles, "Good job Aspen. You go take care of the one you got. Lionel," He starts as the boy with claws and leather armor turns to the leader, "Go take out their leader and the silver haired one, should be easy pickings." He then grins at Rowan, "I've got the buff boy." He says holding up a golden crossbow and giving Rowan an odd mixed look of interest and ferocity. "And River-" He starts as the black haired one just nods and hold up their hand.

"Get to the water." River finishes and bolts forward, racing towards and Percy and the water behind him as the white haired Aspen follows suit. Lionel dives for Ashe and Jasper while the leader rolls his eyes and charges towards Rowan with a wide smirk.

Jasper readies his hammer as Ashe bolts forward, tossing off her jacket as she raises her sword to slash at Lionel, which gets blocked by half a shield as her body is deflected away while he barrels forward and knocks both Ashe and Jas into the water. Jasper grumbles, climbing to his feet and sputtering water out of his mouth as Lionel knocks him down again. Lionel pulls his fist back, the half shield on that arm glowing light blue before he bashes Jasper in the gut with the edge of the shield. Lionel dives back as Jasper gets frozen in place by a chunk of ice.

Lionel climbs back to his feet, brushing his wet hair back with his hands before turning back to Ashe with an intense ferocity in his eyes. 

Across the arena, Aspen kneels in front of Percy as he's still struggling to get onto his feet. Aspen pats his head, holding some kind of pity in their eyes before they sigh and stand upright, "Alright, you've suffered enough."

Aspen takes a breath, "Sle-" They're cutoff halfway as Percy's umbrella flies behind them, bashing them in the head as they stumble forward. Percy chuckles, managing to climb back to his feet as he feels the Semblance lose some of it's grip on him, feeling more awake. His eyes are glowing purple as the umbrella whips back around to float above the handle in his hand.

"Nice try. Even if I can't move my body, I can still use my Semblance just fine." He says, grinning as he waves his umbrella at them.

Aspen clutches their head, gritting their teeth as they punch forward, their wooly fist flying on a spring and punching Percy in the face. Percy falls back to the ground for a moment, his black Aura crackling as he holds himself up with his umbrella as he turns to look at Aspen as their fist springs back to their arm with a chuckle, "Yeah, I've got a few cheap shots in me, too." They say tiredly, as he punches both fists forward as they fly towards Percy.

Just as Percy barely manages to dodge the flying wooly fists, Rowan struggles to block strike after strike from a bladed crossbow as the CRAL leader chuckles, "Hey, so like if you ever wanna meet up sometime, the name's Cupid." He says with a wink as Rowan blushes, Cupid grinning as he catches him off guard to kick him in the gut, sending Rowan tumbling back as he lands right into a sand dune, clouds of sand bursting around him as he sputters and spits sand out of his mouth.

"Yeah... That's one thing I don't miss about Vacuo, getting all that sand in your mouth... Eugh." Rowan says, brushing the sand off of him as he looks around before hearing Cupid click an arrow into his crossbow as he smirks and kicks himself off the ground, backwards into the air as he turns and punches Cupid right in the gut.

Cupid grumbles in pain, aiming his crossbow down at Rowan before firing. Rowan dodges, but as the crossbow bolt lodges into the sand, it glows before bursting into wind causing a miniature sandstorm flying around.

Rowan coughs a little, waving the sand away as he looks around. He walks backwards towards the center of the arena before bumping into someone as he turns with his blades at the ready aiming at a hammerless Jasper, "Wha- Where did you come from?" Jasper asks in confusion as Rowan just raises an eyebrow before lowering his fists.

"Me?" Rowan starts, "What about you, weren't you fighting with Ashe on the other side of the arena?" He asks as Jasper scoffs in annoyance.

"That armored guy, Lionel I think? He knocked me over here..." Jasper says, grumbling as he rubs his arm wincing in pain, "Without my hammer too, which is lovely. Have any luck with that Cupid guy?"

Rowan narrows his eyes, "Yeah. I did." He says before punching Jasper in the gut as he stumbles onto a sand dune, disappearing in a burst of pink hearts before revealing to actually be Cupid as he rubs his head.

Dr.Oobleck winces, "Oooh, that's gotta hurt."

Professor Port chuckles, "For anyone missing what just happened, one of my more curious students Cupid Valentine's Semblance, along with several other things, allows him to disguise himself as whoever your heart desires for!" He says with a hearty chuckle before sighing, ".... Or so I'm told. Unfortunately for all you snoops out there, it only affects who he's using it on! Wonder who he made Mr.Everstone see?" Port says with a mischievous chuckle.

"What gave it away...?" Cupid asks with a groan, unable to lift himself up, "Usually when I do that, people are too enamored to notice anything."

Rowan scoffs with an eye roll, "Jasper never even heard your name. Besides, you don't really talk like him." He says before lifting Cupid up by his shirt and using a hefty amount of strength, tosses him across the arena into the out of bounds zone as a large beep is heard.

Professor Port chuckles, "Turns out Cupid Valentine bit off more than he could chew with that one! Knocked right out of bounds, disqualifying him from the rest of the round."

Rowan brushes himself off one more time before looking up to see Cupid turn into Jasper again, resting a hand on his hip and giving Rowan one more wink. Rowan glares and blushes furiously before running off, Cupid chuckling to himself.

Jasper struggles against the ice, helplessly watching as Ashe and Lionel slash at each other over and over. Ashe keeps trying to slash back with her sword, but no matter what direction she slashes in it's blocked by one half of a shield. And Lionel keeps trying to bash Ashe with the edges of his shields, but it keeps getting redirected by the finesse of Ashe and her sword and knife.

Jasper grips onto his hammer, surprised as he manages to make it cycle through his dust, but only once. Jasper realizes something he could do if Ashe manages to get the upper hand, but it's gonna hurt a lot. Mainly himself. A lot. Jasper thinks about it for a moment, then remembers he's a sitting duck either way, and manages to cycle his dust one more time with another ton of straining.

Ashe keeps slashing again and again, only using her sword as Lionel keeps blocking and blocking, until finally Ashe finds a moment of surprise to whip out her knife again and slash his side- Only for the attack to bounce off. Ashe stumbles back, clutching her hand as she looks forward, seeing as Lionel chuckles while gold starts enveloping his body starting with where she tried to strike.

Lionel sighs happily, "Well, I must say you lasted quite well against me for a time... But you're done now. Nothing, and I mean nothing can break through my Golden Hide."

Ashe gasps, her eyes widen as she grins. She slashes her sword through the air, the embedded fire dust bursting out flames as they quickly crawl up her arm as she breathes it in, unleashing her Semblance with horns, claws, fangs and all. "I'll be glad to test that." She says with a fierce grin, punching him with all her might as he gets knocked back several feet.

Lionel chuckles, wiping off his face, "Very well then..." 

Percy leaps around again and again, barely managing to dodge high speed wool punches as Aspen sighs before letting out a large yawn, "This is getting really annoying now..." They say with a grumble, grabbing both their gauntlets together and starting to spin in a circle, their fists shooting out like a wrecking ball as it bashes Percy in his gut. Percy flies across the center stage, no longer tired but now struggling to breathe after having the air knocked out of him.

Aspen winds up for another punch with a grin before getting knocked in the head by a chunk of sandstone. Percy stares in surprise, before feeling a pat on his shoulder as he looks up at Rowan grinning at him.

"You looked like you needed backup, so-" Rowan starts before Percy cuts him off, using Rowan's hand to help pull himself back to his feet.

"Shut up." Percy says before grumbling out a mumbled 'Thanks'. He then sighs, running a hand across his curls, "They can hit us from a distance, and have power up close. What do we do?"

Rowan thinks for a moment as Aspen struggles back to their feet, "Sandsurge?" He suggests as Percy glares, recognizing their team attack name. Percy opens his mouth to argue, before groaning with a steep glare as Aspen readies their fists, their eyes wide open, awake and furious.

Aspen watches Percy from a distance, noticing out of the corner of their eye Rowan sprinting as they narrow their eyes at Percy. Just as Rowan reels up to punch, Aspen turns to punch back as Rowan ducks under as Aspen gasps. Rowan instead turns on his heels, punching towards Percy as his blades shoot out and wrap around Percy's ankle and tugging him forward.

Rowan takes the temporary surprise to run back beside Aspen, using the tightened wire to trip them as Percy untangles the blade from his ankle just in time to stop on Aspen's gut right as Rowan punches the same spot with his other fist.

Aspen chokes, just like Percy they feel the air get knocked out of them as a loud buzzer is heard.

"My, oh my!" Professor Port calls out, "Looks like together Rowan Everstone and Percy Cliff took down Aspen Somnus! I- Wait! What's that!" He yells as Percy and Rowan try to turn around but are slammed by a tidal wave.

River sighs, floating up on a massive swirl of water, "I can't believe you actually managed to take down Aspen and Cupid. Oh well, it's all the better because now I get to participate. I have the strength to strike, and Lionel has an unstoppable defense..." She says, looking down at the two boys as they struggle to breath after getting surprise slammed by a wave. They then flow the water back up to themselves, carrying an icy chunk of Jasper, "I also have your team leader. You're done." She says with a very small smirk as Rowan grumbles, still slightly choking on water.

"I don't think I have enough lightning dust to strike them from here... " Rowan says, taking a breath as he climbs back up, "And she'll just bash me away before I can get close. Not to mention-"

"You'll hit Jasper." Percy says with a huff, shaking his damp hair, "And my aura is probably low enough already. Although I might have the energy to boost-" Percy's cut off by a giant hand of water grabbing him and tossing him out of the arena with a loud buzzer as he slams against the invisible barrier just before the viewing stands.

"Oooh, that looked like it hurt." Dr.Oobleck says, "Looks like one of our most powerful students, River Achillon, is already making headway despite losing half their team!" He calls as Rowan dives out of the way, several whips of water trying to either slash or wrap around one of his limbs.

Lionel chuckles, crossing his arms as Ashe punches him again and again, the echoes of the metallic slams sounding out across the arena, "You'd best just give up, fiery one." Lionel says as Ashe steps back for a moment. He then slams his chest a few times with his fist as more metallic booms echo out, "Like I said, nothing can break through my Golden Hide." He says as Ashe's eyes dart over to Jasper as she watches him cycle through his dust one last time.

Ashe grins widely, a glare in her eyes, "Didn't need to break through. Actually, fun fact, did you know gold and water have a fun thing in common?" She says as Lionel raises an eyebrow at her, "They're both fantastically conductive." She says as his eyes widen, and thanks to all the gold weighing him down he's not able to move out of the way fast enough before Ashe's fist bursts in flame before bashing him in the chest, knocking him back far into the water, a stones throw from Jasper and River.

River looks down in confusion, receding her attack on Rowan as they hear the click of Jasper's hammer as electricity surges out across the water. River, Lionel and Jasper all cry out in pain as they're zapped strongly with power before three buzzes are heard.

Dr.Oobleck stammers, "W-Well oh my goodness, it looks like we have a triple knockout on our hands! Jasper Quartz gave a self sacrificial blow and knocked himself out alongside the rest of CRAL!" He exclaims with great energy, the crowd roaring.

Jasper gives a weak thumbs up from the water, "Whoo.... We did it....." He mumbles out as Ashe and Rowan chuckles.

"Team JSPR wins their first round, ascending to the next stage of the tournament!" Professor Port calls out, as Dr.Fontaine smirks and flicks off her TV.

"Mmm... What a good showing from Atlas for the Qualifiers." Dr.Fontaine says as Nadia chuckles from behind her, setting down a couple of crates as she rests an armored hand on her hip.

"I'm guessing... All according to plan?" Nadia says with a sly grin, resting her hand on her hip, "I doubt Team JSPR went up in the very first round without some... intervention."

Dr.Fontaine adjusts her glasses, standing up and booping Nadia's nose, "A clever one, as always, dear. Speaking of... Are these the rest of the materials from my lab?"

Nadia nods, her glowing green eyes staring down the doctor from behind the bronze mask, "All sent, just as Her Grace said. Speaking of...." The Jade Serpent clears her throat and tucks her hands behind her back, "Permission to speak freely, ma'am?"

Dr.Fontaine laughs loudly, "How darling! My little lovely...." She says, cupping Nadia's cheek, "I think we are far too close to be asking permission to speak, my dear." Dr.Fontaine says with a chuckle.

Nadia leans into the touch a bit before sighing and grabbing Dr.Fontaine's hand, "Is... Everything alright? You've been acting.... Off... Since your last meeting with Her Grace, just before Roman Torchwick got captured. Did.... Did something happen?" She asks, concern in her eyes.

Dr.Fontaine retracts her hand, taking a few steps back and leaning back against the table she was working atop and avoiding Nadia's eyes, "I...." Dr.Fontaine's mind wanders back to that day.

🍁// A Short Time Ago

"...Do you understand what needs to be done, Doctor?"

Dr.Fontaine nods slowly, avoiding eye contact. While she serves Salem ever so loyally, she still to this day sustains a decent amount of fear of Her. Few things frighten the Doctor, but Her Grace is such a powerful and incalculable variable, she still can't help but be slightly uneased.

Dr.Fontaine stands up straight, clearing her throat and adjusting her glasses, "Er, of course, your Grace. Dr.Watts already sent everything I should need to manage the virus, and once all the pieces are in place I'll infiltrate the CCT and set everything up for Cinder to make the final play."

Salem nods from the other end of the Seer, lying back lazily in her throne before leaning forward and holding her chin against her hands, "And you, Cinder... You know what needs to be done?"

Cinder nods, holding a hand against her chest, "Of course, your Grace. Without you... I am nothing."

Salem smirks before taking a breath and sitting up, "Very good. I hope to speak with you again, once our victory is complete. Now, if you'd please leave, I have some private words I must have with the Doctor." She says as a chill runs through the Doctor, as Cinder says nothing but stands up, nods, and quickly leaves the room... Leaving Dr.Fontaine alone.

"Doctor... Stand up." Salem says as Dr.Fontaine quickly complies, hands behind her back but still avoiding eye contact, "Your little... 'subject'... She continues to be successful?"

Dr.Fontaine nods, "Y-Yes, your Grace. Completely loyal to us, and completely veiled with her alternate identity."

Salem nods, "Which is an ever useful identity as well... While we're on the subject, once you have your materials, you'll be able to complete the other serum as well?"

"Yes. And once it's complete, the Serpent will take the target directly to me for immediate application." Dr.Fontaine says as Salem tucks her arms behind her back.

"...And... You're certain that it will work?"

Dr.Fontaine takes a deep breath, "I've ran the calculations again and again. Having a more advanced subject right by my side makes the route to finding the answer much clearer. If I had to provide a number, I'd say 90... No, 95% success rate."

Salem narrows her eyes, before taking a breath, "Well, better than nothing. And speaking of the subject... The Quartz siblings. Any developments?"

"Several, in fact. Jasper appears to have none inherited none of the power of the Maiden, at least from my readings, even despite your reported history of witnessing power pass genetically. Amethyst, while a small calculation, does seem to wield at least enough for us to make some use of...."

Salem nods, "And, once again, you're certain all the pieces will come together once you use your... 'Serum'?"

Dr.Fontaine grins, "Oh... Your Grace... I have no doubts that everything will work according to plan. And trust that I have plenty of backup plans in case anything deviates from expectations." She then bows, "Nothing will stop our success. You will have what you seek, my Queen."

Salem nods, "Very good. I trust Cinder, and even more her thirst for power, but you have more world experience than she does. If she decides to act any form of impetuous.... I give you full permission to reign her in."

Dr.Fontaine smiles, "Of course, your Grace."

"...But just know that means this all rides on you now. While it means I hold a great deal of confidence in you, I hold just as much expectations in you as well." The seer then lifts up one of it's tentacles, brushing against Dr.Fontaine's cheek who shudders but doesn't dare budge or even blink.

"Do. Not. Fail."

🍁

Jasper stretch, sighing happily, "...Yeah, I know we're awesome."

Amethyst scoffs, raising an eyebrow, "Oooo-kay, don't get a big head now. It was the first round. Something something.... Wheat from the chaff."

Ashe chuckles, "Meaning... We're the wheat, and they're the chaff." She says as Lily giggles.

Percy rolls his eyes, "I'm with Amethyst, we can't be getting ahead of ourselves. We're far from having won the tournament."

Rowan shrugs, taking a breath, "I think some congrats are in order, though. We've had a.... Pretty rough first year."

Zephyr stops, looking around in confusion, "Wait... Where are we even going?"

Jas go to speak, but then I pause, "Uh... Actually a good question. Amethyst, you said had something for us to see...?"

Amethyst chuckles, "Not something per se, but someone." She says as my eyes widen with realization.

Jas groan, "Amethyst, don't tell me we're going to see-"

"Erm, pardon?" A new voice replies as everyone turns to see a woman dressed in a tight black pantsuit. Her tan skin practically shines gold in the Vale sun, her black hair tied back into a bun, and small glasses sit atop her sharp nose covering a pair of emerald green eyes. She purses her lips, covered with a glossy black lipstick as she readjusts her glasses, "Amethyst, there you are. It took you long enough."

Amethyst looks around in confusion, "Nadia?! Wh- Where's dad at? He was supposed to be handing us some gift bags he bought for us."

Nadia sighs, crossing her arms, "Unfortunately, Mr.Quartz had some important CCC business to attend to. There may be a festival, but business never sleeps... Especially when your main competitor is Jacques Schnee."

Ashe shakes her head, "Wait, I'm confused. This is....?"

Amethyst grumbles, "Everyone, meet Nadia Jade, my Dad's personal assistant, slash receptionist, slash workplace confidant."

Nadia smiles warmly, "Pleasure to meet you all! Amethyst and Jasper have always been little prodigy's in their studies, both physical and mental, so I'm unsurprised that they've managed to attract such competent allies."

Percy smirks with a stifled laugh, checking where nails would be on his metal hands, "I have been told many times I'm incredibly competent."

Nadia chuckles, covering her mouth as she laughs, "Just as colorful as Wynn mentioned from his letters with Amethyst, as well." She then side steps, waving her hand at a table covered in color coded bags, "...Here you all are, courtesy of Mr.Wynn Quartz. He'd be here himself, but as previously implied, this time of year is big for Dust business."

As everyone grabs their bag, Amethyst can't help but side eye Nadia. She takes her hand and pulls her a few steps away from the group, "Seriously, Nadia? Again?"

Nadia scoffs, "What? It's true. Your father did very much so want to be here, and I'm entirely certain that he's spending his time at his temporary desk loathing every moment. He was incredibly eager to meet his children's friends, he went so far as to buy them all gifts after all."

"I told him how much I needed to talk him. I've got a lot going on right now, and wanted some reassurance from my Dad. Not my Dad's assistant." Amethyst says with a glare as Nadia sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

"Amethyst- What more can I say? He wanted to be here, but life stopped him. Sorry to say, but sometimes life gets in the way of the little moments. It's not like it's going to stop him from ever seeing you, or your little friends, ever again." Nadia's eyes widen as her Scroll begins to ring. She pulls it out of her pocket and checks the caller as her eyes grow even wider.

Nadia clears her throat, "It was, as stated, a pleasure to meet you all! Unfortunately as busy as Mr.Quartz gets, I always happen to be nearly as much." She waves her Scroll, "So I hope you'll all take my deepest apologies as I head off. Until we meet again!" She says with a wave before answering her Scroll and walking off, her heels clicking against the pavement.

Bloom walks over, a red bag in her hand as she pats Amethyst's shoulder, "I... Couldn't help but feel your anger from the table. Are you... Doing okay?"

Amethyst just sighs, rubbing her forehead as she watches Nadia walk off, "It's always been like that. Well.. Not always always... But a lot of the time I want to talk to my Dad, he gets busy with work and I get stuck talking to Nadia. And she's very... Pre-programmed PR robot."

Bloom shrugs, "At least she seems to be trying. Your Dad too... Sorry if I'm not helping, I don't really..." Amethyst cuts her off as she playfully bumps Bloom with her elbow.

"Hey..." Amethyst says, "I get it." Amethyst takes a deep breath and sighs, "I just... I can never shake this... This feeling about her." Amethyst says, watching Nadia talk on her Scroll from afar, walking off.

"Yes...." Nadia says in the distance, "Of course. I handled it, just like he would have wanted." She says and listens to her Scroll. "Yes... Yes.... Again, yes, Amethyst is just like expected. It would've been better if you just-..." Nadia turns for a moment, her eyes locking with Amethyst in the distance before turning forward once more as her eyes shimmer for a moment, her pupils shifting more serpentine as furrows her brow angrily, "I'm sorry Doctor, but it's true. You should've handled her...."

Nadia listens once more as she raises an eyebrow, "Do I- Of course I remember the redhead. I still practically feel the headache. You know I could've just slipped some of my venom into her gift and...." She pauses, "...No. Of course not, you know I-.... Right. You know best. I have to get back to Wynn, I'll call you back when it's all settled. Keep me posted on the serum."

She takes a deep breath and grins, her eyes going back to normal but flickering back for a single moment, all as she places her Scroll back into her skirt pocket, "Whatever Dr.Fontaine wants... I'll gladly provide."

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HEAD TO jsprcatburger.carrd.co, OPEN THE SERIES TAB, AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO SEE WHAT ROLES ARE AVAILABLE AS WELL AS HOW TO AUDITION!

🍁// BONUS 1 OF 2: Chapter 2 Sneak Peek

🍁// THORNE
// A LONG TIME AGO...

I take a sip of water from the water fountain in the waiting room, my nervousness taking over. What could Professor Ozpin want? He had a talk with Azalea, and she's been acting different. He had a talk with Summer's team, and now they've all been acting different. What could he have possibly told them? I pull back from the fountain, shaking slightly as I use my left hand to clutch my right wrist, exhaling deeply.

I'm taken aback as I turn, hearing the beep of the elevator as it immediately slides open. My hands start shaking again as I quickly step into the elevator.

"So, Miss Rose...." Ozpin starts before lifting his mug and taking a sip, "...May I call you Thorne?"

I gulp and quickly nod, "O-of course, Professor!"

Ozpin smiles warmly, adjusting his spectacles, "...Thorne... I'm going to go out on a limb, and assume you've taken notice of your sisters and their friends acting... Different, as of late."

I slowly nod, "Yes, Professor. They all had talks with you, and now they're all acting... Strange- Professor, what is going on? I'm... Really worried. Especially about Azalea. I've never seen her on edge, but now it seems like something constantly has her anxious. What... What in the world could you have possibly said to them?" I ask as Ozpin grips his cane, standing up and turning to face the window.

"Thorne... How well are you familiar with fairy tales?"

BONUS 2: Team CRAL Rough Concepts and Nadia Concept

Chapter Text

🍁// JASPER

I yawn, hopping up and rubbing my eyes as I hop out of my bed and make it back up before stretching and heading towards the dorm room's kitchen. I didn't use to nap so much, but ever since we've got to Vale, I've been napping so often. Amethyst or Lily would probably make a joke about cat napping or something, but I'm still too tired to even think about them doing that and put up with it. 

As I step out of the bedroom I see Ashe lounging about on the couch staring at her Scroll. I wave as her eyes dart to me with a smile as she closes her Scroll, "He finally wakes up, huh?"

I roll my eyes, "We had a big fight, alright? I wanna be ready for when you and I head to the doubles round." I look around and put a hand on my hip, "Speaking of which, where's Percy and Rowan? Doubt they're off training... Well, maybe Percy is, but-"

Ashe holds up her hand, "Yeah, no. Percy is off to meet up with some 'Penny' girl and Rowan is-...." She pauses as her face scrunches with thought, "Actually, I don't really know what he's up to. Probably headed down to the fairgrounds to hang out with BAZL, if I had to guess."

I pull out my Scroll and use it to turn on the TV, "Actually now that I think about it," I start, "Speaking of the tournament, why aren't you watching? We could be learning something valuable about future opponents, you know." I say as Ashe scoffs.

"Coming from the guy who was just face down in a pillow for the last two hours."

"....Touché." I say with a shrug as I look over at the TV to see the current highlights of Team JNPR of Beacon vs. Team ABRN of Haven. I scan my eyes across the team member names as my eye catches onto a particular one. "'Pyrrha Nikos'. Sounds familiar..." I think as Ashe turns to me with an eyebrow raised.

"Seriously? The child of, at least in Atlas, a famous Huntress and Huntsman duo as well as having been taught by top grade tutors and combat instructors... Has never heard of Pyrrha Nikos? I spent most of my childhood in a child prison, and the rest training and hunting for food, and I've still heard more about her than you somehow?" Ashe says intensely as I just shrug back.

"I've been a bit busy, you know." I say as I cross my arms, "Anyway, who even is she?"

Ashe sighs in annoyance, "Still taken aback a bit.... Pyrrha Nikos trained at Sanctum Academy in Argus, won pretty much every championship for training Huntsman in Mistral, top of her classes in every way..." She then waves her hand at the screen as Pyrrha uses her own physical strength, despite being heavily weighed down by her armor, to launch herself into the air and use her shield to stop a sniper shot from hitting her teammate. 

"Yeah, okay, I think I get the hint." I say as I start making my way to the kitchen, "Still, seems like a bit of a show off-"

"Jasper! Wait." Ashe says as I groan loudly.

"Look, I'm sorry I didn't know who she was alright-"

"No, not that..." Ashe says before sighing, "...Are you.... Okay?" She asks as I raise an eyebrow at her.

"What do you mean? Are you still worried about my little... Well, 'incident' at Atlas? Because trust me I'm a bit further than that now, and-"

"Not that either. I meant...." Ashe turns off the tv and turns to me, "Jasper, all that stuff with your mom, and that scientist Dr.Fontaine, and your sister... You've got a lot going on. I'm not gonna act like your a fragile little porcelain doll, but I still want to check up on my teammate. My friend. Because from what you told me, all that stuff seemed so intense. And ever since then, you and Amethyst have been so... I don't know, 'tight-lipped' about the whole thing."

I just think for a minute, gripping my hand against the wall of the walkway.

Mom... Dr.Fontaine... Amethyst....

It all floods back to me as I remember the day we got attacked right here in Vale. Dr.Fontaine was hunting down Amethyst about some 'Maiden power'. That's what she called Mom's eyes. 'The Maiden Power'.

We finally have a lead. We know at least what it's called... 'Maiden power'. Ozpin is also gonna give us some kind of 'explanation'... After the Vytal Festival, of course. Because what could be less convenient?

"So...?" Ashe asks, knocking me out of my thoughts, "...are you okay?"

🍁// THORNE
// A LONG TIME AGO...

I take a sip of water from the water fountain in the waiting room, my nervousness taking over. What could Professor Ozpin want? He had a talk with Azalea, and she's been acting different. He had a talk with Summer's team, and now they've all been acting different. What could he have possibly told them? I pull back from the fountain, shaking slightly as I use my left hand to clutch my right wrist, exhaling deeply.

I'm taken aback as I turn, hearing the beep of the elevator as it immediately slides open. My hands start shaking again as I quickly step into the elevator.

"So, Miss Rose...." Ozpin starts before lifting his mug and taking a sip, "...May I call you Thorne?"

I gulp and quickly nod, "O-of course, Professor!"

Ozpin smiles warmly, adjusting his spectacles, "...Thorne... I'm going to go out on a limb, and assume you've taken notice of your sisters and their friends acting... Different, as of late."

I slowly nod, "Yes, Professor. They all had talks with you, and now they're all acting... Strange- Professor, what is going on? I'm... Really worried. Especially about Azalea. I've never seen her on edge, but now it seems like something constantly has her anxious. What... What in the world could you have possibly said to them?" I ask as Ozpin grips his cane, standing up and turning to face the window.

"Thorne... How well are you familiar with fairy tales?" Ozpin asks, leaving me speechless.

"I-.... You.... Pardon?"

Ozpin turns to face me with a look of curiosity, and maybe a hint of sadness, in his eyes, "Fairy tales. According to your sisters, your parents did tell you some as children. They didn't have a very vast knowledge of them, but when you three were growing up, you were something of a child genius. 'Couldn't stop her from reading if you tried', I believe Summer said." He says as I cross my arms.

"I... Yes, that's right. I grew out of them eventually, but I did read quite a few fairy tales in my spare time." I say as Ozpin raises an eyebrow.

"Such as?"

I think for a moment, still taken aback by the sheer lack of relevance of this conversation, "...Well.... Name it, and I know it. The Faunus Princess, the Infinite Man, the more childish rendition of the Vowist story..." I trail off as Ozpin nods.

"...What about the story of the seasons? Did you ever read that one?" He asks as I nod.

"Yes, er... Well, my parents read it to me at least. They loved that one for some reason..."

He leans against his cane, "Do you think you could retell it to me?" He asks as I just give him a tired look and raise an eyebrow as he chuckles nervously, "Or at least summarize... Just humor me."

I sigh, "Four sister, one by one, find themselves meeting up on their journey at the decrepit home of an old hermit. They each do him a kindness, and finally when the last sister, Fall, arrives, the hermit asks why they helped him." I say, crossing my arms and pausing for a moment, forgetting the ending before just as quickly remembering it, "...They explain that's just what they do, and before they go he gives them a gift. He reveals he's a wizard, and gifts the girls with each a piece of his power, to spread their gifts around the world. They thank him and leave, but not before reassuring him they'll come back every year. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. The four maidens."

Ozpin smiles warmly, "You seemed to hesitate for a moment."

I shrug, "I said I know a story if you name it. Like, the general gist. It took me a second to remember the whole thing since it's, y'know, been years and I'm currently cramming with knowledge for school." I say in annoyance before I freeze up, remembering who exactly I'm talking to: My headmaster.

Ozpin chuckles, "Not exactly one to beat around the bush, hm?"

I gulp and blush in embarrassment, "I mean, er, well...." I just sigh, "Look, Professor, can you just tell me what's going on? Why did you want me to tell you the story of the seasons so badly?"

Ozpin's smile fades, "Do you know how old that story is?"

I think for a moment, "I... I don't know, probably at least a few centuries if I had to guess-"

"Think older." Ozpin says, his glasses hard to see through as he slowly turns away from me, "It was hard for you to recall?... It's been harder for me to recall as well. After all, it did happen quite a few centuries ago."

I raise an eyebrow and stifle a laugh, "Uh... Professor? You talk like... Like you were-"

"There?" He says, slowly turning around to me as his eyes intensely lock onto mine. "I was. Magic, currently being wielded by four extraordinary women across our world? Much more real, and closer to you, than you might imagine."

I bolt up out of my chair, clenching my fists as I shake my head, "Professor... I didn't know you liked joking around, but this? Isn't funny. You're freaking me out, if I'm gonna be completely honest." I say, offput by how serious he's speaking.

Ozpin sighs, "So did your sisters when I told them." He says as I freeze up again, my eyes going wide.

Summer and Azalea.... They've... Been acting so odd lately. They hate any mention of the weather, like it's some bad reminder to them.

"No... No way... You're... You're serious? Magic?" I ask as Ozpin just nods, slowly getting back into his seat and grasping his hands together.

"Yes. Across our world, four women exist with the very same powers of legend. Four maidens: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall."

"And... My sisters... Are they-"

"Just one of them. Azalea. Before you get upset, this is something she herself only recently discovered. The maidens, like the seasons... They change. When one passes, it's power transfers to the next host. I can go into detail later, but-"

"-But Azalea was that next host." I say, stunned, as my mind still struggles to wrap around it all. My head and body feel light, like if I were to slip I wouldn't fall down, but I'd just float up. "Is that why you're telling me? Because Azalea is my sister? Am I going to be one of these- These maidens? Why-"

Ozpin holds up his hand, "This will... Take a long time to explain everything. But for now, let's focus on the smaller details. Yes, I informed you because you're Azalea's sister... At least, that's part of the reason." 

"Part of-?" Ozpin holds up his hand to cut me off again.

"...And, for at least as for the foreseeable moment, no you will not be a Maiden."

"Then why tell me about all this?"

Ozpin sighs and shakes his head, "With such intense power in the world, you can imagine there are... Equally unimaginable dangers."

I quickly realize what he's talking about, since what he's talking about now makes more sense, "....The Maidens and their powers are valuable, and someone wants them."

Ozpin nods, "I can tell you more later, but for now just know that a very... Wicked foe wants them. A witch, named... Salem."

"....You're talking more like the maidens were just your walkway to tell me about Salem." I notice as Ozpin nods.

"...Salem is the reason I'm telling you. She's... Dangerous. Sneaky, cunning, and will use anything and anyone at her disposal to get her hands on one of these maidens. Your sisters informed me that, even outside of your classes, your prowess both intellectually and physically is most often only matched by the two of them."

I nod slowly, "Now I see where this is going...."

"This fight against Salem, it's one that has spanned generations. The previous one is passing on their mantles, and I need newer, fresher faces to defend all of Mankind against her."

I stand up out of my chair and rub my face, "So, just to recap the endless insanity you just presented me with: Magic is real, four women across Remnant represent the four seasons with magic, fairy tales are real, my sister has magic, some evil lady wants that magic and my sister, and you need a 20 year old girl's help because all your old friends are getting a little too old. Does that pretty much sum up the last few minutes, or should I be getting checked into a psych ward, or both?"

Ozpin sighs and shakes his head, "Miss Rose-"

"Thorne." I say sternly as Ozpin nods.

"Thorne," He corrects, "I understand that this is... Well, a lot. But..." He sighs, "I've seen countless faces be exposed to this truth. If you need a walk, or a week, or a month, I understand. But-"

"-But you already did what you needed. You exposed me to the truth, and now you're just waiting with all the time in the world for my answer."

Ozpin says nothing, all he does is give a pleading stare...

I'm knocked out of my memories by the sound of my Scroll pinging. I sit up on the couch, rubbing my head as I scoop my Scroll off the coffee table and open it up to see a text from Qrow.

'Back in town. Gonna give Ice Queen a little heat, meet up after.'

I roll my eyes and toss my Scroll away before getting up with a stretch, lightly recalling my time with Oz. So many years... I wonder what would've happened, if Azalea never received those Spring Maiden powers. She'd probably still be alive... Her kids wouldn't be in danger, either. 

Then I remember why all these memories were coming back to me: Ozpin has the next candidate for Amber's power. Supposedly they are... 'Strong, wise and resourceful'. I sigh as I lie down on the couch, pop open my bottle of painkillers, downing one before throwing my head back.

Hope he doesn't steal her life like he stole mine.

🍁// JASPER

"So...? Are you okay?" Ashe asks as I sigh, turning back into the room and throwing myself onto the couch next to her.

"I... Don't really know, okay?" I take a breath, "I spent so long thinking about my mom, this has been one of the few times in my life I haven't spent most of my time blaming myself for her death. And then, conveniently, right afterwards we get hunted down by some madwoman- Who, by the way, I'm pretty sure has the same voice as the lady on the phone directing my mom's killer- that just so happens to want to now kidnap my sister because she has part of whatever 'Maiden' power mom had. And Amethyst- Gods, that's a whole can of worms on it's own."

Ashe pats my shoulder, moving her fringe out of the way of her face, "You know it's okay to not be okay, right? And we're all here for you, Percy, Rowan and I."

I nod, "I know, it's just..." I sigh, "Do you mind if I just...Vent a little bit.....? Maybe a lot?"

Ashe smirks, "Whatever helps me not have to go into your brain again." She says as I smirk back before my smile fades.

"...Amethyst... I just..." I sigh, crossing my arms, "I spent the first part of my childhood loving my mom, and she adored me. My dad adored Amethyst, and that's fine.. I mean, I had my mom. But then... I lost my mom, and to the rest of my family I was just the third wheel." I chuckle, "You know, we play this game of 'Who will inherit the company'? When we all know it's gonna be her. My dad barely notices me, and for most of my life, the only reason Amethyst would notice me is when I was doing worse for wear... She always treated me like this fragile thing, something she had to constantly go out of her way to fret over and stop from breaking."

Ashe nods, "And then Atlas Academy happened..."

"Right!" I exclaim, "And all it did was prove Amethyst right in her mind. I was, in fact, that broken doll. All of my own problem, of course- Nothing to do with that she never gave me any real help. Never really reassured me that she was actually there for me. No, instead I got: 'Mom is gone, but we're still here, so get over it'." I throw my head into my hands as Ashe throws an arm over my shoulder for comfort. "And the worst part.... Deep down, this... 'less than good' part of me? Wants to not even care she's in danger. She's spent so long acting like I was her problem to deal with, so why doesn't she just deal with her own...."

Ashe pats my shoulder, "It's okay to feel that way. Obviously, I mean, you should care, but- Those parts of us, deep down? When people are wronged, that kind of stuff... Never really goes away. We can't just pretend they don't exist, we just can't let them control us. I mean... With Echo? Gods, I'm like a mess. On one hand, she was the closest thing I ever had to family again after Vacuo. She was- Gods, so important to me. It had me messed up for a long time too... And then..." She trails off.

"...Then she came back." I finish for her as she nods.

"With her, it's kind of the opposite for me. This little part of me wants to just find her and forgive her. But... The rest of me can't take it. She tried to kill all my..." She pauses before turning to me with a smile, "...I hope I'm not being too forward, but.... My new family."

I just smile back, giving her a tight hug, "Trust me, you're not. Being forward, I mean. I can't help but feel so strongly about you guys too... I honestly feel leagues closer to all of you, even Percy, than I've ever felt to my dad or even Amethyst." I sigh throwing my hands in the air, "I mean we're actually talking about our problems. Amethyst would've just swept it under the rug and said something about me, her and dad."

After a moment of silence I take a breath and clap my hands together, "Alright! Trauma venting time is over let's get back to the fights." I say as I dig my Scroll out and turn the TV back on, coming back to an in-progress match between Team RWBY of Beacon and Team FNKI of Atlas.

Ashe chuckles, "Speaking of family..." She says, gesturing towards the TV as Yang shoots at Neon Katt. I laugh, actually feeling pretty light... I don't think I've ever had this much weight pulled off of me before.

"Yeah, I'm not rooting for anybody this round. I'm just gonna wait for us to get on and worry about the rest later." I say as Ashe just nods back with a smile.

🍁// YOUNG THORNE ROSE CONCEPT ART

Chapter Text

🍁

Bloom nervously shuffles on the locker room benches, clutching her Scroll nervously as Zephyr adjusts his sleeve before turning over to her.

"Uh..." Zephyr starts, "Are you, uh... Good....?" He asks, brushing a hand through his messy black hair.

Bloom shakes her head, biting her lip and lightly adjusting her glasses with her eyes glued onto her Scroll, "Nervous. I mean... What if we're called on next?!" She exclaims as Zephyr just chuckels with a devilish grin.

"We'll absolutely annihilate them..." Zephyr says, his red eyes filled with a wicked excitement. "Like we did in the Qualifiers-" He says before pausing and thinking for a moment. "Honestly... We pummeled those chumps so hard, I don't even really remember their faces." He pauses for another moment before shrugging and tightening his scarf, "Chumps."

Bloom just sighs and shakes her head, looking back to her Scroll.

"...And that's the last of our post-fight review for Team RWBY of Beacon and Team FNKI of Atlas!" Professor Port says as Dr.Oobleck nods, taking a sip from his thermos.

"Good timing, as I'm now receiving word that all the possible contestants for randomization have arrived in their select lock rooms!" Dr.Oobleck says, pausing for another sip. "Meaning it's no better time than now to welcome our first pair of co-commentators! Everyone please welcome, graciously flying down from Atlas, Professors Aurora Borealis and Reuben Desmond!" He says with a light clap, as the crowd cheers while Professor Borealis and Professor Desmond step out, the former looking greatly excited and lightly embarrassed as the former looks just as disinterested and critical as usual.

Professor Borealis chuckles nervously, "Oh, gosh, I've never been on TV before, hi..." She says anxiously as Professor Desmond just rolls his eyes and pats her shoulder.

"It's not that big of a deal, Aurora." Desmond says as Borealis playfully punches his arm.

Professor Port chuckles loudly, "What a lively pair you make! Might I hopefully not be the first to say: Welcome to Vale!"

Dr.Oobleck adjusts his glasses, "Er, Peter, we may want to resume the battles before the crowd gets rowdy."

Port nods, "Right, right! Professor Borealis, would you like to do the honors?"

Professor Borealis claps, "Why, of course!" She then clears her throat, "Let's start up the randomizer, and see who will be up next in the arena!" She says as Professor Desmond says nothing, just nodding.

Bloom gulps, "Oh gods, it's starting..." She says, nervously tapping her foot as Zephyr rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, giving her a light pat on the shoulder first.

DING!

"Firstly: Maya and Royale of Haven!" Professor Borealis says eagerly as Zephyrs sighs and pats Bloom's shoulder again.

"See? Nothing to-"

DING!

"...versus Meadow and Zephyr of Atlas." Professor Desmond says in an unenthused voice.

"Huh." Zephyr says before shrugging and pulling his scythe out of a locker, twirling it around a bit, "Well, we'll still wipe the floor with them." He says as Bloom bites her lip, the pair making their way out to the main arena.

Bloom shakily grips her sickles as Zephyr's eyes dart over to her, causing him to groan. "Bloom, seriously? Is it because of that fight you had in Vale? Because honestly, it was probably just because you were fighting alongside some of those JSPR losers-"

"JSPR, you say?" A voice calls out from the other side of the arena. Bloom quickly recognizes her from the story Jasper told BAZL about their time outside of Vale: Maya Lupo, a very strong fighter from Haven Academy who they helped save her team from possible death. Maya scoffs as she crosses her arms, "They are most certainly not losers. Dare I say... They're some of the most courageous fighters I've seen yet."

Her teammate, who Bloom can only assume is Royale as announced, nods, "They saved me when I started to fear the worst. They may be a tad younger than me, but I have no doubt they're likely on the same level as us- If not better."

Zephyr grows a wicked grin, as a furious glint shines in his eyes as he stabs his eyes in the arena floor, "Better than JSPR? Just say you're basically cardboard."

Bloom clears her throat, "Er- Zephyr...Maybe we shouldn't-"

Zephyr holds his palm up to her, "You're one of the few people I care to listen to, Bloom. But if these two think Jasper and his team can hold a candle to anyone, or especially me..." His grin turns into a grimace as he spits onto the floor, "...They're getting knocked into the pavement."

Maya smirks as she readies her fists, "I'm very curious to see how you fight, loudmouth."

Behind both teams, four different environment randomizers cycle as the backdrops fall away. Finally they lock into four different zones: a damaged city, a glacier, a field, and lava pits.

Maya nods to Bloom and Zephyr, "Despite the attitude, I wish you luck in this-"

"-Keep it. You're gonna need it." Zephyr says as he tugs his scythe blade out of the floor.

Up in the announcer stand, Professor Desmond sighs, "Alright students... 3... 2... 1.... Commence!" He calls out with a rare amount of energy. Although fitting, considering he does teach in miniature arena combat.

Immediately after the match starts, Zephyr fades into his own shadow as everyone in the arena, Bloom included, is caught off guard. Maya's eyes widen as she looks behind her just in time to watch Zephyr hop out of her own shadow and kick her in the back with all his might.

Maya is launched across the arena into a decrepit building behind bloom as Zephyr sighs, spinning his scythe, "Bloom, you've got this loser." He says tilting his head towards Royale, "I've got the bleeding heart." Zephyr says before diving back into his own shadow again.

Royale and Bloom lock eyes as Bloom chuckles nervously before tossing her sickles into one other as they combine and form a pistol that she quickly grabs and fires at Royale.

Above them in the building, Zephyr appears out of a shadow cast by the walls, looking around and grumbling. Damnit... Just because I can move in shadows, doesn't mean I can see in this damn mess, he thinks to himself, brushing his bangs out of his eyes.

In the darkness, Maya huffs and taps her headphones as they glow white as a beat begins to play, her eyes glowing to match as she runs up to Zephyr and hits him perfect precision, dodging a punch with just as perfect precision.

Maya hits him again and again with laser-like accuracy, hitting him in the gut, face and chest again and again before he angrily groans and manages to just barely swipe his foot under her, knocking her off balance as he slams his scythe into her back and bashing her through a wall.

Maya stands upright out of the rubble, popping her knuckles as she huffs, "Well, it wasn't gonna be easy...." She says to herself before bursting forward, Zephyr raising his scythe to slice as she slides perfectly around the blade and grabs the staff before kicking him in the gut.

Zephyr's aura crackles, but he doesn't move an inch as he glares at Maya with his teeth grit before bouncing up, jumping off the wall behind him and headbutting her in the face as she's knocked back far and right through a wall too.

Maya climbs back to her feet, shoving debris off of her, "Okay...." She then taps her headphones again, the beat changing and the color shifting to purple as her eyes match. She then zooms out of view with speeds Zephyr can't even lock onto. Her narrows his eyes, spinning around just in time to get thrown a dozen punches per second.

Zephyr grips his scythe, pulling the trigger as it blasts out a shotgun shot from the tip as they're both knocked back. Zephyr stands upright, spinning his scythe around in preparation for another high speed attack as Maya narrows her eyes again. She zooms forward at unbelievable speeds, sliding underneath his scythe and grabbing his ankle as she slides. Maya jumps back upright and tosses Zephyr off the building after having dragged him several feet.

Maya huffs, running a finger through her silver hair and turning her eyes over to Royale and Bloom, watching as the two are locked in fairly close combat with neither one with any particular advantage. She takes a step to head that way when she cries out in pained surprise, looking over her shoulder to see Zephyr still flying up out of her shadow, blade turned to slice across her back. She stumbles forward, her aura crackling as she clenches her fists, "Damn... He's good." She then stands upright, "Guess I've gotta hit him with everything I've got." She then taps her headphones again, this time it glows a bright rainbow swirl of colors, her eyes shining to match as an intense high speed beat starts playing.

Before Zephyr could even think to move, Maya runs forward at high speed and bursts off a partially broken wall, kicking him back in the gut and using the force to propel herself into the air. Zephyr groans as he lies there, before looking up as his eyes narrow at Maya flying down with her fist aimed right at him.

Just as Maya hits his stomach with the punch, Zephyr is launched into his own shadow and is immediately ejected out of Maya's shadow and uses the height to kick her in the back as she tumbles across the floor. However she's not down long, hopping back up and running forward to punch him with a hit he misses by just a hair.

Zephyr fails to dodge a few more strikes, grumbling as he dissolves into his own shadow again, catching his breath on another floor in the building as the scoreboard catches his eye as he watches Maya's aura lower on it's own.

Zephyr grins wide, stepping into the light again and whistling to grab Maya's attention before diving off the side of the building, urging her to follow.

Royale grumbles, barely managing to dodge Bloom's gunshots but she does manage to stretch forward and slash Bloom's side with her cat claws, Bloom crying out in pain as her gold aura crackles before being kicked in the gut and tumbling back as her crimson curls coil around her face messily as she tumbles into the wheat field.

Bloom climbs to her feet, pulling her gun apart to her two sickles again, slicing around and clearing the immediate area around her of all the wheat. She tidies her hair again, adjusting her glasses as she shoves her way through the wheat, "Gah, stupid wheat field... Why is this even one of the arena biomes...?"

Suddenly Bloom is grabbed from behind, yelping as she looks to see Zephyr shushing her, "Ay! Shut up!" He harshly whispers at her, "Are you seriously having trouble with the- Whatever her name is?" Zephyr asks with an eyebrow raised at her as she glares at him.

"Don't you get snippy with me, Mister." Bloom harshly whispers at him, "You're the one who just charged off without even thinking of a plan, or telling me it." She says as Zephyr shrugs.

"I don't know, beating the pulp out of my enemies sounded like a good plan at the time." Zephyr says as Bloom groans and face palms.

"Okay, okay..." Bloom starts, adjusting her glasses, "We can figure this out, maybe if we-" Bloom then cries out as she's suddenly launched forward, all the way out of the wheat field as a loud buzzer is heard.

Zephyr just barely grips Maya's fists in time as she tries to punch him by surprise too. She tries to pick him up and launch him, but he dives into her shadow and dives out of Royale's shadow, angrily gripping his scythe and slicing her from behind as hard as he can muster, launching her several feet as he blasts her with a shotgun shot. Her aura crackles but doesn't break as another buzzer sounds, "Oooh, and just like that Royale Burlón is knocked out by aura level!"

Maya storms her way out of the wheat field, punching her fists together, "You're gonna pay for that!" She calls out as Zephyr chuckles and raises his scythe at her.

"Uh... Probably not." Zephyr says with a wide grin as he fires a single shot at her, one that she blocks directly with her fists as her aura crackles.

"Did you really think that would-" Maya is cut off, looking back up to see Zephyr is gone as she turns around just in time to be bashed by a scythe, tumbling across the arena as another buzzer is heard.

"And just like that, Maya Lupo joins her teammate as Zephyr Garnet and Meadow Bloom of Atlas take the win!" Professor Port eagerly exclaims as the crowd roars, while Zephyr just glares down at the groaning Maya on the ground.

Zephyr scoffs, "Told you that you'd need that luck. Now look where it got you."

...

Qrow stumbles into a bar with a grumble, brushing his messy hair back before making his way to the bar counter and tossing some Lien cards on the counter. He hops onto a stool before lazily pointing at a bottle of bourbon on the shelf. The bartender rolls his eyes, grabbing the bottle before grabbing a glass and starting to pour.

"Bourbon, huh?" Someone says from behind Qrow, as he turns to see Thorne with her left hand on her hip. "Ay, barkeep!" She calls out with a snap of her fingers, causing him to look over mid pour as Thorne sets several more Lien cards onto the counter.

"Make that two... And keep the change." Thorne says with a wink of her pink eyes, as the bartender graciously nods and grabs a second matching glass. Thorne hops onto a barstool sitting next to Qrow as the glasses slide over to the pair, both of them caught with ease as Thorne lifts and eyes her glass, "Now, like I was saying... You must've had quite the day if you're busting out the bourbon." She then takes a sip, "The question is... Good day, or bad day?"

Qrow grumbles with a shrug, "Call it a mixed bag." He then takes a sip before sighing, "Pissed off a Schnee, then got pissed off by the metal general." He says before taking another sip as Thorne rolls her eyes with a huff.

"Oh... Lovely. You and James being just as annoying as usual?" Thorne asks with a sip as Qrow stifled laugh.

"Yeah... Like you're one to talk. I've heard about you and Jimmy's little back and forth lately." Qrow says as he plays with the rings on his hand.

Thorne talks a sip before glaring at Qrow, "Right... 'Back and forth'. If that's what you call threatening my niece and nephew, then... Heh, sure."

Qrow chuckles, which slowly devolves into a hearty laugh as Thorne glares at him, "Yeah... Not exactly what I'd call a great joke, Qrow."

Qrow just takes a breath and sighs, shaking his head, "Sorry... I just can't help but laugh that you actually believe the General has the... 'Tins down under'," He says, fondling the air to emphasis the point, "...To follow through with a threat like that." He says before downing the rest of his glass before putting more Lien on the counter as the bartender quickly pours another glass and quickly goes back to anxiously polishing a glass. "I mean like, heh, come on... James is annoying, and even ballsy at times and can be stubborn beyond belief... But he's not some ruthless kid killer. The hell is he gonna do, sneak into their dorm room and smother 'em?"

Thorne just shakes her head, leaning forward as her hair covers her face, "So... What? He just wanted to set me off or something?"

Qrow shakes his head, "That parts obvious. What you gotta be asking is why he wanted to. Maybe it's because somebody gets a little ruthless when they're pissed off." He says, casting a strong side eye at her as she groans. "So... Lemme ask.... Did his pushing get anything good?"

Thorne takes a breath before tossing an insane amount of Lien cards onto the counter, "Hey, you wouldn't mind grabbing me the best, top shelf shit you've got in the back?" The bartender nervously nods before sprint walking his way out the door to the back of the bar.

Thorne sighs, opening her Scroll and sliding it across the bar to Qrow, "I dunno... Tell me what you think..." She says as Qrow slides his finger across the Scroll as his eyes grow wide.

"Damn... I mean... that would make a lot of sense but-"

"It's all true, Qrow. Trust me... I double- No, I triple checked. And not just about Her main infiltrators... I also managed to dig up details on James' latest problem." Thorne says, downing the rest of her glass, "So... Do you think this is good enough to get his attention?"

Qrow closes her Scroll and tosses it back to her, "Thorne... If you're thinking about shaking his cage-"

Thorne tosses extra Lien on the counter and hops off her stool as her cloak billows around her, "Thanks for the chat, Qrow. Enjoy the bottle." She says just as the bartender comes back with a very fancy looking gold bottle as Qrow just shakes his head and holds up her empty glass.

Qrow sighs, "Fill 'er up. I'm gonna definitely need that whole bottle."

...

Zephyr sighs, tossing his scythe into his locker as Bloom hurries over to him, "Zephyr-

"Can't talk," Zephyr starts, his scarf flowing behind him as he walks away, "I've got somewhere to be." He says as Bloom huffs and raises an eyebrow at him, hurrying to keep up with him.

"Uh- Shouldn't you be heading back to the dorm? To, you know... Rest? Exactly what else could be so important?" Bloom asks as she adjusts her glasses.

Zephyr glares at her over his shoulder, his red eyes burning at her like fire, "...Why not just read my mind and find out?" He grumbles as Bloom sighs, gripping his shoulder and stopping him.

"Because I wouldn't do that. I know I didn't tell you guys about my Semblance at first, but I would never listen to anyone's thoughts without asking. Especially not you or the rest of our team, Zeph'." Bloom says as Zephyr's face heats up.

Zephyr crosses his arms with a huff, "If you really wanna know..." He sighs, "My... Guardian... Wants to talk to me." He says and resumes walking as Bloom walks alongside him, holding her hand against her chest.

"You.... Don't sound very excited."

Zephyr scoffs, "Very astute observation, Dr.Bloom." He says half-heartedly, stuffing his hands into his jeans pockets.

"Well... I won't pry. I wanted to talk about something else anyway." Bloom says, twirling a curl in her finger as he raises an eyebrow at Bloom.

"And..." Zephyr starts, "...What you actually meant was....?"

Bloom crosses her arms again with a sigh, "You..." She eyes him up with her golden eyes full of concern, "...You talk about our friends in a very... Interesting manner."

Zephyr grumbles, "Your friends." He corrects as Bloom sighs.

"Zephyr, we are on a team. And Team JSPR, they're our friends-"

"YOUR friends. Not mine." Zephyr scoffs and stops in his tracks, whipping around to stare Bloom in the eyes, "You think I have any pity for a pair of pampered Atlesian brats? They're all 'boo hoo' because they lost their mom. Guess what? I never had that- I never had someone I'd actually call a mom." Zephyr clutches his scarf, "All I was left with as an infant was this cloth. This was what I was wrapped in." 

Zephyr's lip quivers, "I never got a Mom. I never got a cushioned lifestyle in Atlas! You know what I got? I got a practically militant childhood." Zephyr clenches his fist onto his scarf as he glares at Bloom, "I'm supposed to what- Feel bad that Jasper and Amethyst had some- Some happy life? Some pampering up in the clouds?! Well, they got a Heaven and I got a Hell. So- So tell me, why exactly am I supposed to care?"

Bloom stays quiet, stepping back a few feet and clutching her chest as Zephyr sighs, "I'm... I'm sorry, I know you don't like yelling. I shouldn't have-"

"No," Bloom says, holding up her palm, "No you shouldn't feel bad for speaking your mind. I shouldn't force you to be their friend just because they're my friends. But..." Bloom sighs, stepping forward and patting his shoulder with a smile, "...Opening up to them, moving past this? Could be more helpful than hatred, you know." 

Zephyr pauses to think, but before he could even muster a reply Bloom takes a breath and steps back, brushing her curls back, "I... I need to use the bathroom. If you want to talk about this, you just need to wait for me." She says, flashing him a smile before heading to the restrooms.

Zephyr rests against a wall. He wants more than anything to tell Bloom everything... Dr.Fontaine, Salem, his whole shitty life, but he knows that would bring her in and put a target on her back. He could either be alone by choice, or tell her and end up alone anyway.

"Didn't expect to see that little show out there." Zephyr hears someone say, as he turns and his eyes go wide as he recognizes Echo's tanned skin, light blue eyes, and short black hair from several talks she's had with Dr.Fontaine directly. She smirks, her lip and cheek scarred with claw marks years ago from Ashe Sparks. "I wonder what Dr.Fontaine has to say about that. Was pretty over the top, y'know." She says as Zephyr glares at her, gritting his teeth as she just smirks at him.

"So... Mind a little chat?"

Chapter Text

🍁// ZEPHYR

I pull the brat around the corner, pinning her against the wall by her shoulders as I glare into her eyes, "What in the hell are you doing here? Are you trying to get me caught?!" I harshly whisper at Echo as she just smirks.

"Uh, first of all-" Echo says, wiping off her face, "Say it don't spray it. Secondly-" She then knees me in the gut, spinning me around and instead pinning me against the wall for a moment before backing up and wiping her hands off, "...Do. NOT. Put your hands on me again. And third... What was that little... Show you put on, out there?"

I glare at her, looking around for any prying eyes, "...I'm doing my damn job, runt. What's your excuse?" I say as she smirks at me with a wink, crossing her arms.

"Oh... Just taking in the view, the scenery... Those beneath me..." Echo says as I clench my fists, "Oh, tsk, tsk... Wouldn't wanna upset your 'Guardian', now, would we? And, might I remind you, any insult to me would be invoking Ms.Piper herself. A lovely target your guardian would not want on her back."

"What. Do. You. Want?" I furiously ask through my teeth as Echo just grins with a bright smile.

Echo stifles a laugh, "Exactly what I said. Ms.Piper has no claim in your little 'war', but she's sent me her to be her eyes and ears, taking in all I can get... To watch Salem's little plot unfold." She says, stopping for a moment to check her nails, "Although... A little birdie told me some of the more extraneous details. And I gotta say..." She chuckes before leaning forward and whispering in my ear, "You're an even more pathetic man than I ever could've expected if you're going along with the plan they have in mind."

"I...." I start, at a complete loss for words, as Bloom rounds the corner as Echo leans back with a more earnest smile.

"-And then you went all ZOOM and kept bashing that Maya-" Echo pretends to say as Bloom eyes us up.

"Oh, uh.... Zeph? What's uh..." Bloom studies the two of us as we both just stare back at her, "What's happening?"

I was trying to think of something to say as Echo immediately backs up with an apologetic look, rubbing the back of her neck with an innocent smile, "Oh, sorry! Just kind of a fangirl. I was on my way to the bathroom when I ran into this absolute powerhouse who rocked that round! He was being so kind as to listen to me babbling on." She says, throwing a smirk to me.

"Oh, thank you!" Bloom says with a nervous smile, adjusting her glasses, "Although I must agree, most of our victory probably goes to Zephyr..." She says before shaking her head with a sigh, "Even if he's a bit of a sour sport at times." She says as I roll my eyes.

Echo chuckles, "Oh trust me, I totally get that. I've got a few... Friends... A bit similar." She then turns to me with a mischievous smirk and a wink, "Good luck, tough guy."

Echo skips off with a hum as I hold back from glaring in her direction as Bloom walks up to me with a smile, "Well she seemed nice." She says before taking a breath, "So... About that talk-"

"Yeah...." I trail off, pulling out my Scroll and seeing several more messages from Dr.Fontaine, "Oh for f...." I put my Scroll away, "I'm late enough, sorry. See you later." I say as I stride off, leaving Bloom far behind and hoping my confused emotions would stay with her.

🍁// ROWAN

"Okay, so- I just... I gotta ask..." I start, clapping my hands together, "...Do they ever use their Semblance outside of fights?" I ask, everyone looking over at Aspen of Team CRAL snoozing away on the table.

Cupid, their team leader, snickers, "Literally all the time. Okay so like- We're second years, right? There's this one first year, Cardin Winchester- Total prick. Whenever he tries messing with us, Aspen would just knock him out with their Semblance. It's totally hilarious watching him topple in that heavy full body armor he wears." He says with another chuckle.

River nods, her black hair waving across her face, "I'm not much of one for humor, but..." They smirk, "I must admit it would put a smile on my face watching him fall onto his own face."

Lionel grumbles, shaking the table angrily, "I just always want to pummel him! The dishonorable bastard!" He shakes the table some more until Aspen grumbles and peeps an eye open.

"I'm trying to nap. You keep shaking the table, Lionel, and you're going to sleep for the next week." Aspen says irritably as Lionel grumbles quietly and crosses his arms with a pout.

Lily chuckles, "Hey, you want someone to pummel? I'd gladly spar with you, anytime... Mr.Invincible Skin." She says with a wide grin, twirling a finger around her hair strips.

Bloom chuckles nervously, adjusting her glasses, "I, uh- I don't think you wanna start that fight, Lily." She says Lionel grins widely before pounding a fist against his armored chest.

"You might want to listen to your red compatriot. Your friends got lucky, and I've learned from that mistake they graciously taught me." He beats against his chest again, "The DeNemea name is a long legacy of great Vacuo warriors. I one day wish to defend the innocent with my strength and Semblance the way my ancestors pushed Atlas out of our Kingdom..." He raises an eyebrow at her, "A fight we could recreate, Atlas student."

Lily smirks with a glare, "Actually, my family is from Vacuo too, smart guy. But- If you do wanna have a little test right about now...." She says, slamming her arm on the table, "We could always wrestle with those flabby biceps you got there."

Lionel's eye twitches furiously, "FLABBY?!" He then growls and slams his arm on the table, grasping her hand. Before they could start, though, Aspen grumbles as Lily and Lionel immediately bolt out of their chairs and several feet away from the table in fear.... Which causes everyone to laugh.

As my laugh fades, I catch sight of Zephyr in the distance out of the corner of my eye. His eyes lock onto mine for a moment before he rolls his eyes and walks off. Out of the other corner of my eye I can spy Bloom staring at him with concern and worry.

I can't help but feel bad for him. He always leaves himself out of everything. Kinda reminds me of somebody else.... I think, my thoughts quickly drifting to Percy like they usually do.

Lily bumps my shoulder, "Hey... What's the sad look for?" She asks while getting back into her seat as I shrug with a sigh.

"It's nothing, just..." I sigh, "Percy being Percy." I say as she looks down sadly, as this isn't the first time a conversation like this has happened.

"Percy..." River says to themselves, "Your... teammate with the purple bangs, correct?" She finishes as I nod.

"He's kinda reclusive. Well... Not 'reclusive' more like... Like withdrawn. I thought he was getting better, but..." I trail off, waving my hands around to emphasize how he's not here. Jasper and Amethyst aren't here either, but they wanted to visit their cousins which I can't blame them.

Cupid's eyes dart over to River with an odd look of concern. River, after a moment of silence, finally sighs and crosses their arms, "I... Used to be rather similar with my own team. I always thought about how I've done everything alone, handled it all alone, and that I thought it was easier alone."

I raise an eyebrow at them, "But...?"

River sighs, tossing her hair flowing across her shoulders back behind her, "It... Took me awhile, but... Well, teams are a unique situation. You spend so much time with a group of people, practically most of your time every day. It doesn't matter if your introverted, extroverted, or something in between." They sigh and clasp their hands together, "A team is a... A very unique bond. Friends doesn't quite fit it, and even family can't grasp it. That kind of trust you place in one another, relying on one another to defend each other, attack together...."

Cupid leans forward, resting his arms on the table, "You can't keep those barriers up forever." He finishes, "One way or another, those walls will break down and he'll open himself up to you guys."

River nods with a sigh, "Sometimes it takes a lot to realize it. Sometimes..." She trails off as Cupid pats their shoulder. River turns to him and nods, causing him to take a deep breath.

"During the last half of our first year, River got word from their hometown that her sisters passed away in a Grimm attack. For awhile, she was even more withdrawn than normal. For awhile, well...." Cupid trails off, struggling to find the words as Aspen sighs.

"We were worried they were gonna drop out." Aspen says, eyes still shut but their eyebrows are pulled together into a sad look. Lionel says nothing, looking away with a dark look in his eyes.

Cupid takes a breath, "But.... Eventually... She cracked, and confided in us. We managed to grow past that, and we've never been stronger since." He says with a smile as he wraps his arm around River's shoulder and pulls them into a half hug.

I shake my head and cross my arms, "We... Already had that moment. We know what's wrong, and I thought we moved past that. I thought we were better, but..."

River shrugs, "Maybe you should just give it time? Maybe-"

"Perhaps," Lionel starts,"...Perhaps it's just a matter of waiting for that final wall to break down, and to be there with him when he needs it."

I sigh, grabbing my cup and downing my punch...Hopefully he'll let us be there for him if that time ever comes...

🍁// JASPER

"I just still can't believe you guys didn't get a single teammate knocked out in that match!" I exclaim with a smirk as Amethyst nods in agreement.

Yang scoffs playfully, lounging back in a desk chair as her long golden locks drape all around her. "Uh, of course we did it! We're the best." Yang says with a wide grin as Blake chuckles next to her. Weiss stifles a laugh, casually lounging on her dorm bed.

"Normally, I'd say we shouldn't exaggerate," Weiss starts, tucking some of her hair behind her ear, "But... We really did do well, didn't we?" She says proudly with a smirk.

Ruby zooms around the room in a burst of rose petals, "Of course we did! Weiss was all like- BOOM! Ice slide! And then Blake used her ribbon to like toss Yang, and then Yang went all like ZOOM! Oh, oh, and then-!"

Blake clears her throat, "Uh... Ruby? They watched it. And we lived it. We all remember."

Amethyst crosses her arms, "Man... You guys have this like- Super connected energy about you. I'll never understand how the Academies always manage to pair teams up so well- And at mostly random no less."

Weiss smiles with a light blush, crossing her legs along the edge of her bunk, "I'll admit it took me some time-"

Yang coughs loudly, "A-super-long-time-"

Weiss glares, "Some time..." She then sighs, "...But I must admit I think this team is truly coming together." She says as Blake and Yang nod as Ruby chuckles with glee.

"Does that mean you'll let me get us all matching BFF bracelets-?" Ruby asks while hopping up and down.

"Don't you even think about it." Weiss says, side eyeing Ruby with an ice cold glare as Yang laughs.

Yang finally sighs as her laugh dies down, "So, what about you guys? Jasper, how did you manage to electrocute yourself in the water and, like-"

"Not die?" Blake finishes Yang's sentence with a smirk.

I chuckle nervously as I rub my neck, "Well, my Aura was low but still there just enough. Besides, I'm not exactly like your friend Nora you told me about, but I can still handle a decent shock. I mean- I can't get struck by lightning and live, probably, but a decent amount..." I trail off as Yang raises an inquisitive eyebrow.

"So if I were to say, have you put a finger on my Scroll charging port and another finger in a wall socket-" Yang says as I glare at her.

"Never going to happen." I say as I groan, "Besides, she already beat you to that idea." I finish, nodding my head towards Amethyst.

"What? It's for science." Amethyst says as I groan and shake my head with a facepalm as Yang laughs loudly.

Ruby takes a breath before stepping forward with a serious look, "Not to ruin the mood, but... Well... I was gonna ask... You remember how I mentioned us fighting Roman Torchwick a few times?" She asks and I nod.

"Yeah, I think I remember that." I say as Amethyst nods in silent agreement. I look around and see Blake and Yang exchanging worried looks as Weiss crosses her arms, looking away.

"Well..." Ruby starts, "I was gonna ask... I heard something similar happened to you guys?" She says and I look over at Amethyst, who's clenching her fists nervously. She hasn't really had a chance to really come to terms with what happened yet. I told her about Mom, and everything else that's happened, but she.... Still hasn't really handled it well yet. To give her some credit, it's a lot to process especially after we got attacked in Vale.

"I...I don't know if I should-" I say, cut off as Amethyst holds up her hand.

"It's fine." Amethyst says with a sigh, playing with some of her ponytail curls, "Yeah, we had a pretty... Similar experience, I guess you could say."

Weiss stares at her, "Really...? What happened?"

Amethyst takes a breath, "There was this woman. She was called 'Dr.Fontaine' by this other one attacking us. She's apparently after some...." She stops herself, remembering Ozpin telling us to keep all of this to a minimum. We trusted my team with this information, but we're still trying to keep things close to the chest for now.

Amethyst sighs, "Well, we're not entirely sure what it is she's after," She says, which isn't entirely a lie, "But with everything we're finding out? It really seems like she's just the tip of the iceberg."

Ruby crosses her arms, "Hey... Did she by any chance have some kind of fire powers and a red dress?" She says as Amethyst and I both freeze up on the spot.

I turn around and shut their dorm door and turn back, "What do you mean....?" I timidly ask as Ruby rubs her arm.

"Before I met Ozpin and got accepted to Beacon early, I ran into Roman Torchwick robbing this Dust shop I was shopping at." Ruby says, sitting down on Weiss' bunk next to her, "When he was escaping, he got help from this woman in a red dress and these fire powers. She was able to just like- Stop my bullets with just the fire. Her eyes kind of glowed in the dark too... Like a flame, but a really dim one." She says as Amethyst and I lock eyes.

Amethyst bites her lip, "Jasper... Is that-"

I nod, "Exactly like I remember. Sounds weaker, but-"

Yang stands up, "Hold up, you guys have seen this before?"

Amethyst looks at me as I sigh, "Once. It's... A long story." I say as Ruby steps forward.

"Jasper, you've got to tell us more, this is super important." Ruby says as Amethyst steps in front of me.

"I wish we could, but we were kinda ordered not to talk about it? Not to mention this stuff is super dangerous." Amethyst says, as I clench my fists.

Blake shakes her head, "Like we haven't been in danger before."

Weiss sighs, "Everyone just calm down-"

Yang shakes her head, "No, Weiss, you remember Mountain Glenn? Who knows what might be next. We don't know if they're done, and-"

Amethyst shakes her head, "Sorry, but-"

"Look," I start, cutting Amethyst off, "Ruby. I'll tell you, but-" I look around, "You guys'll have to keep quiet about it for now, because we could get into a lot of trouble with our headmaster if I get caught telling you-"

Amethyst turns to me, "Jasper-!" She says as I hold up my hand.

"But," I say, "You're gonna tell me everything you guys know too. And there's one thing I can't tell you about for safety..." I say, knowing that whatever Ozpin and Dr.Fontaine mentioned about the 'Maiden power' is a dangerous thing to know about. "...For now, okay?" Ruby slowly nods as Amethyst grabs my shoulder.

"Jasper." Amethyst says sternly as she stares me in the eyes, "Professor Ozpin himself, and General Ironwood both told us-"

I glare at her and brush her hand off, "Good thing I've never been good at listening to authority, unlike you."

"Guys..." Yang says as Amethyst just shakes her head giving me an offended look.

"Fine. But anything that happens next? Not my fault." Amethyst says, holding up her hands and leaving the room.

"What was....?" Yang trails off as I shake my head.

"Don't worry about it." I say with a sigh, turning back to Team RWBY, "So, Ruby, Yang, how much do you guys remember about my Mom?"

🍁// ZEPHYR

I stand at attention, my arms tucked behind my back as my eyes dart beside me, Nadia standing there in her dress skirt disguise as she bites her lip with an anxious look in her eyes as she stares back at me.

We both look forward as we see Dr.Fontaine turned away from us as she leans forward clutching her desk covered in work supplies and various chemicals.

Nadia clears her throat, "Er... Doctor-" She says as Dr.Fontaine holds up her hand to silence her as she quickly complies.

Finally, Dr.Fontaine side eyes me from over her shoulder, "Zephyr..." She says as I shudder in fear, my hands remaining tucked behind my back, "...Do you mind... Telling me... What you were doing in that arena?"

I gulp, "Y-You told me to make sure I won that round and secured my spot in the Singles-"

Dr.Fontaine whips around, holding up her gloved palm, a Dust empowered glove equipped overtop her normal glove as a hand made of hard light Dust flies out and slams me against the wall.

"Doctor!" Nadia calls out, "Don't you think this is a bit too much?"

Dr.Fontaine side eyes Nadia, "We know they're already starting to work towards sniffing us out. It is THINGS-" She says, emphasizing with a slam of her hard light hand, "LIKE. THAT. Which would get us uncovered. You went far too hard, not to mention you unveiled your Semblance which we were trying to keep under wraps may I remind you! Are you trying to get us discovered?" Dr.Fontaine leans forward, "Is that what you want, hm? You want your little friends, that little Team of yours to scoop you up, have the Huntsman and Huntresses come and save you?" She slams the palm again, "They are children. And the Professors? Ozpin, Ironwood, even Winter Schnee, you think any of them can save you? You know as well as I that you either on board with us, or you are on the chopping block."

Dr.Fontaine leans forward to whisper in my ear, "If you pull a stunt that could get us discovered again, not only will you NOT be getting the reward as promised, I will take it out on that little team... Starting with the timid redhead leader. Do you understand me?"

I quickly nod, and Dr.Fontaine clenches her fist as the hard light fades away and I tumble to the floor, weak and afraid as Nadia helps pull me to my feet.

"Nadia, you are to escort Zephyr from afar to his dormitory." Dr.Fontaine says, not turning to look at us as Nadia steps in front of me.

"Doctor... This course of action-"

"I am merely handling it how I know he would want it handled. And unfortunately, until the serum is complete, that is the best that can be done." Dr.Fontaine says, taking a breath as she leans against her table, "Not to mention, this all falls on my shoulders... If a single thing falls out of place... I shudder to think of what Salem might do. Now go.... Please."

Nadia takes a breath before leading me out the door and quickly shutting the door behind us.

Chapter Text

🍁

DING!

"....Jasper Quartz and Ashe Sparks of Atlas! Versus....."

DING!

"Rubrum Roma and Flavus Roma of Shade!"

Rowan chuckles as he waves everyone goodbye. Bloom shakes her cup, "I'm going to finish this extremely delicious milkshake then catch up." She says as Rowan nods with a laugh before waving one more time and sticking his hands in his pockets and heading towards the airship transit to the Colosseum. "Ashe and Jas have always been a power duo... This fight is gonna be so-!" He then yelps as he bumps directly into someone as they both tumble to the ground.

He looks down after climbing back to his feet and seeing the team leader of CRAL, Cupid Valentine, rubbing his puffy hair as Rowan holds out his hand to help him up, "My bad! I should've been focused on watching where I was walking."

Cupid pulls his golden laurel back into place as he takes Rowan's hand with a mischievous smirk, "Big strong guy giving me a hand? Lucky day."

Rowan blushes, rubbing his neck with his free hand, "Hey uh, sorry, I-"

Cupid sighs and nods, "Like somebody else, I know. Jasper, right? I'll give you merit he is a good looker-"

Rowan blushes far more intensely as he pulls Cupid around a stall corner, "Hey! Don't be so loud! And- Wait, how did you even know about that?!" I ask as Cupid crosses his arms.

"My Semblance, duh." Cupid says matter-of-factly, "Did you not watch the post fight review-? Never mind. I can sense emotional bonds. I can also manipulate them, too-"

Rowan glares and crosses his arms, "NO, don't you even think about suggesting-"

Cupid scoffs, "Uh, the part of my Semblance everybody judges me for? Oh yes, I would totally suggest using it in the most messed up way possible, thanks." He says before shaking his head with a sigh, "You're lucky, having one so much less.... Assumably manipulative."

"How did you-" Rowan asks before raising an eyebrow, "Lemme guess: Your Semblance again?"

Cupid rolls his eyes and holds up his closed Scroll, "Uh, no. You can thank Professor Port and Dr.Oobleck for their post match commentaries.

Rowan sighs and shakes his head, "Alright, look, can you just- Not tell anybody? Please?"

Cupid stifles a laugh, "I wasn't planning on it. But while we're on the subject, you're just gonna... What, hide your feelings until the end of time?" He asks as Rowan groans and rubs his face.

"Not this again...." Rowan says as his tail flicks angrily behind him as he shoves past Cupid, "None of your business. I've got a fight to catch."

Cupid follows along, Rowan annoyed the entire time as the two ride up to Amity Colosseum. Meanwhile Jasper and Ashe stand in the center of the arena, readying and gripping their weapons as they eye up their opponents: A pair of nearly identical boys dressed in robes and sandals rather than typical combat gear. Tanned skin, tight and clean black curls, and piercing blue eyes. With how organized and orderly they are, both Ashe and Jasper are surprised they're students from Vacuo's local Academy, Shade.

Jasper eyes up their golden swords and scoffs, "Are those swords pure gold? Isn't that kind of a weak metal for combat?" He says as the twin with the red cloth wrapped around him scoffs.

"How typical of an Atlas student to underestimate Vacuo weaponry. What do you think, Flavus?" The dressed with a red cloth wrapped around him says as the one wrapped with a yellow cloth, probably Flavus, nods.

"You're right, Rubrum. But of course we shouldn't correct them... Keeping them off their guard works in our favor, you know." Flavus says, whipping his sword through the air.

Ashe just scoffs, "Okay, I'm getting tired of fighting full of themselves Vacuo boys." She says, stretching with her jacket already taken off in preparation for the match as the environment randomizers begin cycling. The backdrops of the arena falls away, as in floats four different environments as the randomizers lock in: A gravity zone of floating blocks, a geyser pit, a stormy mountain and a frozen glacier.

"3....2....1....Begin!" Professor Port calls out as Rubrum swipes through the air with his sword as it glows red, creating a burst of flame. Flavus follows suit, swiping through the air as his sword glows even more gold, shooting out a burst of lightning that charges the fire towards Ashe and Jasper and explodes on impact, knocking them both away.

"Flavus, handle the leader," Rubrum says as Flavus nods, both of them running towards their selected opponents in unison. Jasper yelps and dives out of the way just as a flaming blade was about to slash through him, as he uses his Semblance to boost himself into the air as he kicks Flavus in the chin who grumbles as he stumbles backwards while watching as Jasper lands down slowly as he twirls his hammer.

"Fire sword comes at me, and you send windy after Ashe? Clever. Guess you guys watched our previous match." Jasper says as Flavus nods, steadying his sword towards his enemy.

"Indeed. And although my brother is the leader of our team, I am just as strategically capable. So, if you're hoping to outmaneuver me..." Flavus' grip tightens on his blade as a small flame flickers around it, "....It won't be easy. I wouldn't let my guard down like your previous opponents."

Jasper chuckles, storying his hammer onto his back, "Outmaneuver? Heh, no. Out power?"  He says punching his fists together as miniature storms with lightning crackles form around his punch, "Oh, definitely." He then bursts forward going to punch as Flavus dodges again and again. Finally Jasper gets tired of it, gripping the blade and chuckling as he urges the storm to fly through it as the lightning shocks the blade while Flavus stands there unamused before kicking Jasper in the gut. He tumbles across the arena next to the glacier zone, "What...? How-"

"Nice try," Flavus starts whipping his blade through the air as it gets coated in fire, "Rubber wrapped handle. Did you think we'd have gold weapons and not prepare for that? Although...." He holds up his blade as lightning crackles through the flames, "I must thank you for the extra firepower." He says as Jasper grumbles and climbs to his feet.

"Alright then...." Jasper says to himself as he bursts forward to strike while across the arena in the geyser zone, Ashe and Rubrum's swords strike one other, sparks flying out.

"Hm." Rubrum says calmly, "Your fighting style is... Unique. Self-taught?"

Ashe scoffs, "We are not having a conversation." She says, her ponytail whipping around from the bursts of wind by the geysers as Rubrum shrugs before bashing her wrist with his handle as she yelps and drops her sword. Ashe tries to reach for it but stumbles back in defense as Rubrum kicks it back towards the center stage.

"Wasn't a question to reply, more of rhetorical observation." Rubrum says, his robes whipping around him as another geyser shoots off, "You lack the defensive maneuvers of a professionally taught swordsman... At least one taught to fight other people." He says before diving and slashing at Ashe's thigh before she could run, yelping before getting kicked in the back and tumbling to the ground. Rubrum scoffs, "You trained yourself to fight Grimm, to survive in the wild. Admirable ability in that regard. But when it comes to fighting another person, especially a professionally trained swordsman, you're simply outmatched."

Ashe grumbles as she punches the rocky ground, "Fine, then..." She tries to reach for her inner fire and activate her Semblance, but just as she shuts her eyes Rubrum slashes her back with his blade as she's struck by lightning surging from it. All Ashe can do is crawl away and whip out her knife in defense.

"Nice try," Rubrum starts, gripping his blade tighter, "You're not going to use any of those tricks against me. At least not that easily." He says as Ashe grumbles, grabbing her knife and slashing at him as he dodges out of the way.

Rowan finally makes his way to the field just in time to see Ashe get shocked again by Rubrum as he frowns, worrying about his teammates. He looks around the Atlas Academy stands and luckily just barely manages to spot Percy sitting down close to the arena wall. Rowan's about to hurry down to him when he hears Cupid stifle a laugh behind him as he huffs and turns around.

"So..." Cupid starts, "The answer is 'Yes'?" He says as Rowan glares intensely at him, his tail whipping furiously behind him. "It was a rhetorical question by the way, I can see inside your heart I know you will." Cupid says as he crosses his arms with a raised eyebrow.

Rowan rubs his face, "Alright, look, I don't why you're going out of your way for this, but I'm pretty tired of it and I just want to go hang out with my friend."

Cupid waves his hands around, "This is just- What I do. My mom always has, now I do too. Like at my Academy there's this blonde kid and moody black haired girl with a bow-"

"Okay-" Rowan starts, rubbing the bridge of his nose in annoyance, "I. Did. NOT. Ask. For. Your. Help!"

Cupid huffs, "Yeah, because you never would. You'd never ask for help, or tell him how you feel, because your so intent on making others happy that you'll make yourself suffer for their sakes." Cupid says as Rowan turns back towards Percy, "And I'm not just talking about your little 'romantic interest' either, and you know it."

Rowan doesn't even turn back as he slowly starts walking towards Percy, "Look- Cupid? I don't wanna talk about my problems. I don't wanna worry about fixing my terrible problems. I just want to zone out, and cheer for my friends. If you actually care like you must think you do then just... Stop." He says before making his way all the way down to Percy and sitting down next to his teammate.

Cupid sighs as he looks down at his feet, "I'm not nearly as good at this as you are, Mom... I always just watch people suffer, and you actually managed to help them." Cupid says to himself as he crosses his arms and heads back towards the airship docks. He walks past a corner where Echo stands there, unmasked with a smile on her scarred face.

"Ooo that one is juicy. I don't know how she'd use it, but that's not really my problem...." Echo pulls out her Scroll, dialing someone before sighing. "Hey. I-.... Yeah, I know. No, I don't care that you're busy because I've been busy digging up secrets one by one about your least favorite team at Atlas Academy." She says, studying her nails while listening to a reply, "Oh trust me. I've been listening around, and I've got some goodies on all of 'em... I mean-...No, if I'm being honest I don't know how you'll make use of them, but that's not my problem is it?"

Echo waits, before her face twists into a wicked smile with her blue eyes alight in the shadows of the corner, "Oh.... I think we can negotiate a very fair and fun price for everyone involved." She says, peeking around the corner as she peers down at Ashe and Jasper, still fighting their way through the round.

Jasper takes a breath, barely managing to dodge another blast of fire as his eyes catch onto Ashe getting shocked again and again in the distance, both pairs having returned to the center stage. Jasper's eyes widen as he sees Ashe struggle against Rubrum, her sword knocked far away from her. Without it, she can't easily activate her Semblance... Plus she's not used to fighting with only her knife, she's at a disadvantage.

"Enough of this..." Jasper says to himself, grabbing his hammer off his back again and cycling his dust before slamming the ground just as Flavus goes to slash at him again. Both of them get knocked away by the blast of wind, as Jasper wills his Semblance to harness the wind and burst forward. As he shoots across the arena, he manages to grab Ashe on his way with a yelp as the two are blasted by wind and just barely getting caught in the range of one of the floating gravity blocks, slowly getting lifted into the air upside down but also right side up- Ashe tries not to think about it, but Jasper is quickly getting confused.

As they finally touch down on the surface of the block, Jasper drops to his knees and rubs his head while breathing heavily. Ashe pats his back, "Man that was real fast.... Are you good?"

"Struggling," Jasper says between a breath, adjusting his beanie, "What about you?"

"Eh, kinda the same." Ashe says, holding out her hand and lifting Jasper back up onto his feet, "So, what's the plan?"

Jasper stands up right and watches the two eyeing them up from below, "We can't just not fight, and we also can't just fight them normally. Even if the fire sword guy fought you, and the wind guy fought me-"

"Something tells you they'll still manage to beat us. So like I said: What's the plan?"

Jasper thinks for a moment before grinning and turning to her, "Hellstorm?" He says as she grins.

"Oh hell yeah." She says just as they spot the twins hopping up on one of the nearby gravity blocks. Jasper wills just enough of the wind to lift them onto the side of the gravity block, pulling themselves up top to stare down their opponents.

"You can run, but you can't win." Rubrum says as Flavus nods, both of them with their swords at the ready. Jasper leaps up the wall on a nearby gravity block, as it pulls him with the gravity dust until he's standing atop the highest peak in the arena as Rubrum sighs, "...Although I'll admit, the running is tedious."

Ashe chuckles, "Oh, him? He's not running. And you both are going down."

Flavus glares at her, aiming his sword, "I'd advise you don't try using your Semblance again... Unless you'd like another bolt coursing through your body. It won't take you out, but- Look, just give up, you're just wasting everyone's time at this point."

"Sure about that?" Ashe says as Jasper dives off the block, avoiding all the gravity blocks and letting the wind fly around him as he falls.

"What is he...." Rubrum says in confusion as his eyes widen. Jasper aims his fists directly at Ashe, punching forward with all his might as every drop of wind he can muster blows directly at her, as she zooms right towards the pair, grabbing both of them in a bear hug, striking her as they fly but it's no use. All three of them keep zooming across the arena and finally bash themselves directly into the invisible crowd barrier as three buzzers sound.

Professor Port chuckles, "Well, look at that! Looks like even against uncertain odds, team JSPR manages to figure their way out of it."

Dr.Oobleck nods, "Jasper's Semblance allows him to channel wind itself, and by falling he managed to propel the air circling his falling body to instead push Ashe with enough force to send all three of them out of the arena!"

Jasper slowly climbs back to his feet, groaning in pain as he looks up at the scoreboard to see he has just barely enough aura left to stay in the round as he grins wide.

"Looks like Jasper Quartz and Ashe Sparks of Atlas take the win!"

Nadia closes her Scroll with a smirk on her face, "...Just as planned." Just as she goes to put her Scroll away and check on Wynn, it begins to ring with a very important caller: 'The Lovely Doctor'

She quickly swipes it back open, answering the call with a smirk, "Yes, Doctor?"

"It's ready. Grab him."

Nadia grins widely, "Can do." She then hangs up, tossing her Scroll away before stretching and reaching into her purse. She pulls out the bronze mask, clasping it onto her face before tearing her bun apart. She then rips off her coat and top, wearing a thick sports bra underneath as she tears apart her pants to just her leggings, throwing off her heels as well. Once she's finally freed from her dress suit, she closes her eyes and concentrates.

When her eyes open again, their glowing green as her irises slit to a more serpentine look... That specific detail an addition she requested from Dr.Fontaine for an added effect. She stretches her arms outward, her bones crackling as her veins flow for a moment with a green glow, her muscles stretching and expanding as her height increases by several feet.

When it's over, she exhales deeply and licks her lips. Her eyes dart towards Wynn's temporary office. She stomps over and kicks the door open as Wynn almost stumbles to floor in fright and surprise.

"What in- Who- What-!?" He asks before Nadia moves almost as fast a blur, her serpent Faunus fangs outstretched and just above his neck.

"Stay. Silent. Or... You die. Understand?" Nadia asks as he slowly nods, making sure to not get any closer to the fangs. Her fangs retract as she stands back upright, "Good." She then kneels down, grabbing the purse she dropped on her way in, and pulling out a bundle of rope, "Now let's get you ready, Mr.Quartz... You've got an appointment to make."

🍁// BONUS: Rubrum and Flavus Roma Concept Art

Chapter Text

🍁

Winter takes a deep breath, slowly exhaling as she runs a hand across her frosty white hair. She then holds up her hand and knocking on the large metallic door. As Winter stands aboard the main Atlas' air fleet ship, she can't help but notice how standing on the ship feels so different from on top of Amity Colosseum. Less.... Stable. She feels like she could just fall out of the air at any moment... Something that could likely be attributed to the anxiety she's feeling right now. 

Finally, the light above the door flicks green for a moment as she taps on the keypad, watching the door slide open. Winter steps inside, saluting General Ironwood and holding up until he salutes back as he smiles warmly, tapping his Scroll as the door shuts behind her. "Winter, I'm glad you wanted to talk. I was hoping that our only major conversation on this trip wouldn't be discussing the whole Qrow incident."

Winter nods, her arms tucked behind her back, "Of course not, sir." She starts, "Although... Unfortunately.... There is another similar individual I was hoping you and I could discuss."

"Thorne Rose?" Ironwood guesses, walking over to the window of the room, staring down below at Beacon, "Yes, I was also hoping you and I could talk about her."

Winter bites her lip, "I was... wondering... Was everything that happened, I mean... Suspending her license.... Was all of it-"

"A manipulation?" Ironwood finishes for her as he sighs sadly, "I'm embarrassed to admit, but yes. And before you say it, Thorne, no I do not just toy with you for the very sake of it." He says as Winter's eyes widen, her eyes darting behind her to the corner of the room where Thorne appears in a flash of white.

"Hmph." Thorne grunts, holding up a white slip of note paper with purple streaks, "Good senses on you, James," She says with a particular amount of venom, "Guess I shouldn't have even bothered snagging this from my niece's dorm room."

Winter holds up her hands, "General, I-" She starts as Ironwood holds up his hand, not turning back.

"Don't blame yourself, Winter." Ironwood says before lowering his hand. I expected something like this was gonna happen... Thorne does like pulling stunts like this."

Thorne scoffs, tossing the paper away as it burns away, "A... Stunt?! I'm oh so sorry if I'm just trying to figure out what the hell you're doing, James!" She says, stepping a few feet forward and resting a hand on her hip angrily, "I don't particularly enjoy you treating my niece and nephew's lives as little pawns you can threaten, like it's all just some game for you." Thorne says as Winter turns to eye up the General, having already been told about what he said to Thorne in Ozpin's office.

Ironwood just sighs and shakes his head, "Did you honestly think I'd trust you again, willingly? Even after the stunt you pulled in Atlas?" He says as Thorne clenches her fist.

"Don't you dare-"

Ironwood punches the glass before turning on his heels to glare at her, "No, don't you dare pretend that your 'problems' with your sisters was you putting your goals above everything else, including their happiness, and they retaliated against it." He says as Thorne's eyes widen.

"That's right," Ironwood starts, crossing his arms, "Azalea and I had many talks over her years of service. Sometimes those talks would devolve into extreme vents about you. That's right. Not Summer, not Oz, not even Raven or Qrow. You. It was always 'the cause above all else'. In many cases, I'd respect that. But you?" Ironwood scoffs and glares at her, "You go too far. When you found out Azalea was moving to Atlas, you argued because you didn't want her to be too far. When you found out Azalea wanted to be with Wynn, you argued because he wasn't good enough. When you found out Azalea and Wynn were to have children..." Ironwood sighs in disappointment, "You snapped. You fought her. Then, when it didn't go your way, you abandoned her for years." He says, as Winter turns to look at Thorne, surprised and taken aback. Winter thought she knew enough about Thorne, but... Hell, she didn't even know half this much about Qrow.

Thorne winces, her eyes wide as she shakes while clutching her right shoulder. "But that just wasn't good enough for you, no..." Ironwood continues as Thorne shakes her head.

"...Stop it...." Thorne says, tears welling up in her eyes.

"You came back," Ironwood says, "And asked me if you'd be permitted to watch over her. We both knew how important she was, so I let you. You overheard her say something about you over the comms, a small offhand comment to young Jasper who was with her for a simple scouting mission-"

"Stop." Thorne begs, her knees buckling as tears begin to stream down her face.

"-And then you ran off...-" Ironwood continues, his face growing more stoic.

"STOP!" Thorne cries out as she clutches her head with one arm.

"AND THAT LED TO HER DYING IN FRONT OF HER OWN CHILD!" Ironwood yells at her, which was the final straw. Thorne runs forward, her fist raised as she goes to punch him as she grabs her fist.

Winter stands there, stunned and unable to react, standing on the sidelines as she watches Ironwood release Thorne's fist as she stumbles backwards before falling to her knees crying as she struggles to hold herself up. Ironwood tucks his arms behind his back, staring down at Thorne with pity, perhaps even a touch of heartbreak- Either for the remembrance of his passed friend, or the one kneeling before him broken by shame and anguish.

Ironwood sighs as he grips the bridge of his nose, "I... Truly didn't want it to come to this. I did not enjoy bringing that up, but..." He shakes his head, "I just can't help you anymore. I can't work with you anymore. I know the only way to motivate you is your emotions. So yes, I used your emotions against you. But I doubt it bore no fruit..." He says as Thorne punches the ground, climbing back to her feet as she glares at him.

Thorne stands there, staring at him as tears stream down her face, "To hell with you, General." Throne says with extra venom in her voice, "If you think I don't, at every moment of every day, regret everything that happened, every mistake I've made, everyone that's been hurt because of me...." She shakes her head, "There are times I went too far. And yes, my emotions overrule my actions. But not once have I ever forgotten why I made those choices. Exactly what I was fighting for. Back then, it was my sisters. Then my friends. Now? I fight for my family, my nieces and nephew." Thorne storms forward, standing right before Ironwood and not bothering to wipe the tears off her face, "Why do you think I'm here, trying my best to protect Amethyst and Jasper every moment I can? Why I asked Qrow to watch over Ruby and Yang?" She shakes her head.

Ironwood raises an eyebrow, "Well you've done a fine job, haven't you? After all, it was Her followers that attacked them in Vale. Where was dear old Aunt Thorne then?" He says as Thorne grits her teeth and slaps him across the face, and he doesn't flinch or move other than turning his face with the slap.

Thorne reaches under her cloak and whips out a data drive, "This what you wanted, I guess? Enjoy it. Enjoy remembering exactly how you treat people to get what you want, James. I learned from my mistakes... I'm giving you the chance to learn from yours." She says tossing the data drive across the room as it lands just at Winter's feet.

Thorne then turns on her heels, her cloak billowing around her as she storms out of the room. Winter stands there even more stunned than before, but managing to kneel down and grip the data drive and holding it up to the General who sighs and graciously takes it as he sighs.

"Thank you, Winter. I'm..." Ironwood reaches up to cup his slapped cheek, "...Sorry you had to see that. I... Hope you don't think less of me for that."

Winter finally manages to speak, "....I...." She shakes her head, "If I'm being completely honest, sir, I have no idea how to react. To... Any of that."

Ironwood sighs, stepping past her and turning on his large computer screen, "Probably not the best time for this, then but no time like the present." He says as he connects the drive to his system, "I.... Have a lot of history with Thorne.... Like you probably overheard. I could never have trusted her to collect this information for me willingly. Without your help, it likely couldn't have been done." He says turning and giving her an apologetic frown, "Thank you, and... I'm sorry, for roping you into this mess of mine."

Winter shakes her head, "Don't apologize sir... It's like you said, 'The cause over all'.... At least by reasonable means." She says as Ironwood nods with a thankful smile.

Ironwood turns back to the screen, tapping on the keyboard and sorting through the messy data files and notes, "Hm.... It seems she wasn't able to gather exact identities about anyone involved, but she did manage to collect some peculiar instances that help us in the right direction."

"Such as....?" Winter says, taking a calming breath and tucking her hands behind her back again.

"It seems..." Ironwood says, typing through the system some more, "There were some odd discrepancies about file changes at the Haven Academy registry... Just a week before the tournament."

"You think one of the Haven teams are the possible attackers?" Winter asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Seems more likely than not. Then again, it could just be another game... One think you'll find out about this as time goes on Winter is you can never be too sure whether what you've found is the truth or another game."

"And..." Winter timidly starts, afraid of the answer, "The Serpent? Anything there?"

"Barely anything. All I can find is that the activity in Atlas hasn't just slowed down... It's stopped completely."

"Which would corroborate the students' story about being attacked by her, and not some fake."

Ironwood scratches his chin, "This could be bad, Winter." He says, turning the screen off, "Sudden files from Mistral, a serial killer jumping from Atlas to Vale at the drop of a hat...."

"Not to mention the suspicious activities around the reported incidents of the Vytal Dance..." Winter connects, before taking a breath and sighing, "Sir... Should we... cancel the tournament?"

"Unfortunately for us, that'd play right into their hands." Ironwood says, waving his hands in the air, "With our airships all around it'd make for a great deal of anxiety if the tournament was still cancelled despite it with the wonder of what could've caused it.... And then the angry viewers who want to watch the tournament- All we'd do is likely incite a Grimm attack heavy enough to charge into Vale.... Which is likely exactly what they're after."

"So what do we do?" Winter asks.

Ironwood sighs, "...We stay the course. And hope Ozpin knows what he's doing." He says with a concerning level of grim tone. Ironwood stares out the window again, walking over with his arms tucked behind his back.

And hopefully the candidate he has in mind.... Well, let's hope she can keep that power out of their hands.

...

Bloom walks down the dorm hall, her hand clutching her wrist as her head is clouded with thoughts. She rounds the corner, just in time to bump heads with Amethyst. Bloom's head hurts as she stumbles, about to fall to her feet as Amethyst grips her wrist and reels her back to her feet, "Woah! Gods, sorry about that Bloom. I should've been paying more attention, that's my bad." Amethyst apologizes profusely.

Bloom graciously shakes her head, "No, no, it's my fault, I have-" She sighs, her thoughts floating back to Rowan, "...A lot on my mind."

Amethyst nods as she crosses her arms, "Yeah, me too... Wanna talk about?" She suggests as Bloom rubs her neck.

"I mean- The thing I have on mind, I can't..." Bloom takes a breath as she shakes her head, "I can't really talk about it. What about you?" She asks as Amethyst waves her hands.

"Oh- No, I couldn't bother-" Amethyst starts before Bloom holds up her palm to stop her.

"Amethyst, I-...." Bloom pauses, taking another shaky breath, "....I was there, for that fight, you might recall. I know what you heard, what was gonna happen.... But I wasn't there when you got called up to Professor Ozpin's office." Bloom pats Amethyst's shoulder, "I don't know what happened up there, but... You know you can talk to me, right? I'm your team leader, I wanna be there for my teammates."

Amethyst thinks about it for a moment, looking around to ensure that they're alone before she grumbles to herself, sliding down the wall, "It's just... After that fight, Jasper dropped so much on me that Professor Ozpin basically confirmed." Amethyst pulls her knees in and wraps her arms around them, "You probably remember the basic gist: Mom was something called a 'Maiden', and I guess she had Jasper and me before she gave birth, and- I guess that means she gave me some piece of her 'Maiden'-ness or whatever, and now some group is hunting me down for it."

Amethyst then scoffs, "I mean, and- And like that's just part of it, the part that's like directly connected to what happened in that alley. Apparently it's also why my Mom died, not to mention that all of this is tied in with some group of child kidnappers in Vacuo that kidnapped not just Ashe but Rowan's sister too- I-" Amethyst slams her head into her knees, "It's so damn much to take in, I feel like my head's gonna pop."

Bloom kneels down, patting Amethyst's head as Amethyst lifts her head up with a slight sniffle, "Sorry for venting. I- Don't really like doing that..."

Bloom shakes her head, "Don't feel bad. We can't hold everything in, especially stuff so close to us, like family...." Bloom says, trailing off as Amethyst stares at Bloom in concern.

"Something to do with your past?" Amethyst questions before her eyes go wide and looking away, "Sorry, if you don't really wanna talk about it-"

"No," Bloom starts before sighing, "I probably shouldn't keep that in either. I don't recall if I mentioned it, but I am from Mistral. And not just anywhere, one of the many villages dotting their continent, but the main city..." She then takes off her glasses before taking a breath, "One of the higher levels, too. Almost near the top. When I was little, I'd be able to hear the Haven students training on some of their more loud days." Bloom says with a chuckle, leaning her head against the wall and staring up at the ceiling.

"I don't really remember much about my childhood, or who my parents were, but I remember my mom well enough...." Bloom trails off, clutching her chest, "I can just barely recall her face... With her beautiful golden hair, and her lovely, regal stare with eyes like a perfectly cut jade. Whenever we'd go into her garden, she'd always have this smile- A smile so warm, that you couldn't help but feel happy too."

Amethyst smiles, before that smile quickly fades, "I know enough Huntsman and Huntresses, in training or not- Myself included- That this doesn't end well."

Bloom sighs and shakes her head, "I... Honestly don't recall much. I couldn't really even tell you what happened, just one day she was there and the next... Poof." Bloom says before putting her glasses back on, "I know, one way or another, she died. And what I also recall is the orphanage I was in.... And let me tell you, Mistral does not have good laws or checks for childcare, and most especially orphanages."

Amethyst nods, "Makes sense... The Mistral Council is probably too busy dealing with all the bandits and the notorious variety in the black markets on the lower levels." She says as Bloom shrugs.

"Whatever the case...." Bloom clutches her arms together, "The man that adopted me cared for me well.... For a time. When I got old enough, he taught me to read and write- Not for my own well being, of course, but to help tend this small inn he ran."

Amethyst clenches her fists, "Forcing kids to work for you.... What a prick." She says as Bloom shrugs.

"I know many places in Mistral were much harsher with the work. I think my case was one of the better ones. Even still, I had to deal with some very...." Bloom shudders, "Terrible customers. I had to put up with so much, I spent practically every day having to lie for this customer or the next."

"Right," Amethyst starts, "I remember, it made it hard for you to lie when we met."

Bloom shakes her head, "And that was only the tip of the ice berg. You see, I wasn't the only one- I also worked alongside these three other girls..." Bloom held up a hand with only three fingers raised, "One older than me, one about my age, and one a few years younger than all of us. Willow, Rosemary and Poppy. I think all of us were adopted, but I couldn't tell you for sure. He treated us all about the same, had us work similar amounts and learn the same studies."

Bloom then raises her hand to her face, trailing a finger from one eye, across the bridge of her nose, and ending over her other eye, "The man had this slash mark across his face, like an injury from an old fight. The eldest girl, Willow, asked about it once and.... Well, everything changed for us."

"What happened?" Amethyst says with a worried tone.

"We found out his story." Bloom starts, "He was a thief, and some time ago this woman showed up and stole his 'family'. Beat him in a fight, cut out his eyes but set him up with enough cash to never bother her again. He started training us to fight, cheat, lie, and worst- Steal. He wanted us to be as good as the woman who took his throne- No, better." Amethyst pats Bloom's shoulder as Bloom places her palm atop her hand.

"And... One day, I just had enough." Bloom says as she clenches her free fist, "I'd spent my life always doing what I was told with a smile on my face, programmed to be a servant. Even after I discovered my Semblance, I was forced to use it for the Mistral Council to keep our cover." Bloom shakes her head, "Like I said, eventually I was over it. I used my Semblance on all of them, my sisters and our father. It took almost all my strength at the time to do something like that, but it was enough. I took as much money from our register, and I ran. I bought the first ticket out of Mistral- A one way flight to Atlas... And I've never looked back since."

"Bloom..." Amethyst says as Bloom just laughs tiredly.

"That name- I was trying to be clever." Bloom says in exasperation, clutching her head as tears well up in her eyes, "I wanted something other than the name he gave me, but that's just my last name, not even the one I was born with! I'm always just what he's wanted.... One of his Blooms."

Amethyst quickly pulls bloom into a hug, "It doesn't matter what someone else wants for you. You carve your own destiny, don't ever forget that." She pulls back, cupping Bloom's cheek, "Meadow, Bloom, or someone else... It doesn't matter."

Bloom squeezes the hug tighter for a moment before pulling away, "When I first met all of you, I think I wanted you all to call me Bloom because... Because while I didn't want to remember, a part of me did.... Remember what I did because of him, remember my sisters....." Bloom shakes her head and stands up, "I'm not comfortable telling all our friends that story yet, or by going by 'Meadow'.... But I'm not opposed to you calling me that for now, if you'd like. Get me warmed up to the name again." She says before holding out her palm to Amethyst who smiles and takes her hand, climbing back to her feet.

"How about Miss Meadow? Heh, remember that?' Amethyst says with a wink as Bloom blushes in embarrassment with a facepalm.

"Gods, yet another embarrassing quirk I gained...." Bloom says as Amethyst bumps shoulders with her.

"Hey, I thought it was sweet. And very polite, too!" Amethyst says before throwing her arm over Bloom's shoulder, "I think we should head to bed now, I think we both need it after tonight..." She says with a chuckle as the two start walking.

"Agreed..." Bloom starts with a gracious nod, "Also.... Do you still feel badly about your Father not contacting you?"

Amethyst pauses walking with a breath, "I...." She resumes walking, "I think I was so eager to confide in the only person I had in my life for a while. I mean- Jasper was there, but- Well I'm sure you remember how he used to get sometimes." Amethyst glares for a moment, "Still sometimes...." She then smiles at Bloom who quickly smiles back, "But I know I should rely on my friends more. Besides, he says he's busy and I shouldn't bug him about this right now."

...

Wynn slowly blinks away after having been knocked unconscious as he snaps around in confusion. His eyes slowly lock onto a middle aged woman with deep purple eyes, practically glowing with malicious intent. Dr.Fontaine chuckles, "Mhmhmhm.... Why hello, Mr.Quartz. How are you feeling? I must apologize for any rough treatment my dear must have given you, she can be quite abrasive at times."

Wynn struggles against the bindings holding his arms in the chair, "L-Look... Whatever you want, you can have it okay? I have kids I can't-"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk.... Oh, don't be afraid, Mr.Quartz..." Dr.Fontaine starts, adjusting her glasses, "You aren't going to die. And you're not being robbed either. Just stay perfectly still, and you'll make it out of this perfectly fine." She says before turning to Nadia and nodding, as Nadia nods back, holding up a syringe of a glowing iridescent violet liquid as he yelps as he's injected in the neck.

Wynn clutches the chair as he pants, groaning in pain as Nadia steps back, watching in concern, "Doctor, I don't mean to doubt, but-"

Dr.Fontaine holds up her palm, "It'll work. I'm certain."

Wynn's eyes widen as they glow for a moment, his veins flashing the same glow for a moment before he passes out, lowering his head in the chair as Nadia's hands shake nervously.

"Doctor..." Nadia timidly says as Vanya waves her palm ever so slightly.

"Wait."

They both pause as Wynn gasps loudly, his head still lowered as he chuckles darkly, and deeply, his veins glowing purple for a moment as his hair turns from mostly white with a violet strip to mostly violet with a white stripe. He slowly lifts his head, his eyes staring down Dr.Fontaine and Nadia as Fontaine raises an eyebrow at him, "Finally...."

"Wynn.... How do you feel?" Dr.Fontaine gingerly questions.

Wynn grumbles, before taking another breath, "....Like I was just hit by a train. Vanya, you can't make the serum's effects any less painful? Now one of you unstrap me, I'm tired of waking up tied to chairs."

JSPR WILL RETURN IN ONE WEEK FROM TODAY
🍁// BONUS: Volume 3, Chapter 7: 'Burning the Board' SYNOPSIS:

Explore the story of how Wynn Quartz met Dr.Vanya Fontaine, and his origins greeting him in the present as he readjusts back to the world at large; Ashe prepares for her fight in the singles round, set up to be a monumental match.

Chapter Text

🍁

A boy takes a breath, his white hair tied back into a bun as he steps forward towards a lanky, tan woman typing away at a desk. "But.... Mother, I-" The woman then slams her hand on the desk as the boy winces, stepping back a few feet.

"For the last Gods damned time, Wynn, NO!" The woman then points a finger down at Wynn, "You were born with a damn illusion Semblance for a bloody reason! The Crystal Cat Company must hold itself to the standards of Atlas to survive, and do you know what Atlas hates, boy?" She asks as Wynn looks back at his fluffy white cat tail as it swishes behind him.

"Faunus..." Wynn answers, his tail glowing white as it fades away. The woman nods before leaning back in her chair.

"Good," The woman starts, lighting a cigarette before using her free hand to shoo him away, "Now go play with your father, I've got business to deal with." The boy walks most of the way out of the room, starting to shut the door behind him as the woman huffs, "Mother thought this was so easy... She didn't have to deal with a whiny runt."

...

The woman hangs up her phone with an annoyed sigh, brushing her hand through her bunned silver hair before resting her head back. She takes a breath and shakes her head, sitting back upright and rolling her chair over to her computer as she starts to tap away, pausing for a mere moment as a knock on her door is heard. She sighs, "Come in, Wynn." 

The boy walks in the room, revealing he has grown into a stocky teenager, "Mother, can I-"

The woman slams her fist on her desk, "Wynn, if this is about your damned tail one more bloody time-!"

"No!" Wynn interrupts, "N-no, of course not. I know the rules. I was just wondering if I could take a trip." He asks as the woman raises an eyebrow at him.

"A....Trip?" The woman cautiously and curiously echoes, "....Whatever for?" She says, taking the opportunity to light a cigarette and start puffing it.

Wynn shrugs with his hands still tucked behind his back, "Well, you've been saying how I'll be training to inherit the company soon and-" The boy takes a breath, his nose crinkling from disgust the smoke smell, "Well, I wanted to go see the world some. I've heard Argus is particularly lovely this time of year."

The woman scratches her chin as she wheels her chair around to face the window behind her desk, "Well.... Argus isn't too far... If I needed you back home for an emergency, it wouldn't be too lengthy...." She pauses in thought before sighing in defeat, "Fine, go on your little trip. I'll add the extra funds to your card."

The boy bows, "Thank you, mother." He says, his hands still behind him as he clenches a pamphlet.

Interested in changing your life? Come visit Fontaine Industries, proudly homed in the lovely port city of Argus!

...

A short, skinny girl with black hair sighs, playing with a white streak in her hair as the lazily taps her free hand on her desk before she hears a beep- One she hasn't heard in a while. She scoots her chair over and gasps as she watches the proximity sensor beep, the camera's lighting up with the visage of a dark-skinned boy with white hair knocking on the door.

The girl begins to grin widely as she brushes herself off, activating the fans to help blow away some of the dust as she coughs, waving it out of her face as she runs down the hall. She climbs over the front desk, standing upright in front of it as she brushes herself off one last time and adjusts her hair.

The girl takes one final breath, then pulls out her Scroll and taps a button as the massive front metal doors slide open just as the boy raises his hand to knock. The girl waves excitedly, "Hi there!" She then clears her throat, "You, er- Looking for this place, right? Didn't take a wrong turn and just want directions?"

Wynn nervously nods and holds up his pamphlet, "Yeah, this is, uh- Fontaine Industries, right?" He says before nervously patting his sides and seeing no one else around.

"Yes it is!" The girl says with a chuckle, "Fontaine Industries, here to help anyone change their life for the better!" She then runs forward and eagerly shakes Wynn's hand, "Hiya, Dr.Vanya Fontaine- Or, rather, the doctorate is still in the works, but I still got the masters degree and I'm just about there anyway!" She says with a nervous chuckle as Wynn nods slowly.

"Right..." Wynn then clears his throat, "Well, uh, the pamphlet said you could help me change my life?"

Vanya eagerly nods, "Oh, yes yes! Well, uh, take a seat!" She says and before he could ask where she claps her hands as the floor drops out pulling the front desk with it and replacing it with an ornate wooden table with two chairs on opposite ends. Vanya hurries over as Wynn pulls her chair out for her as she chuckles with a blush, "Oh my, what a gentleman...." She says, doing a cliche fanning of her face with her hand as Wynn hurriedly sits on the other end.

Vanya clasps her hands together and rests her hands overtop, "Now... Tell me: What exactly is it you're wishing to change? I must know what I'm working with darling." She says as Wynn sighs and runs a hand through his hair.

"Well, I-"

"-Am tired of your life as the future CEO of the Crystal Cat Company in Atlas, so you're hoping to do something to escape it?" Vanya says as Wynn stares at her stunned. Vanya chuckles nervously, twirling a chunk of hair with her finger, "Yeah... I'm very wary of people that seek me out, so I always research those people before I let them even get close. Fun fact, you're one of the few to make the cut!"

Wynn shakes his head, "Well, then I'm guessing you already know about how I also don't want to entirely disappoint my mother either? I have generations of family history to uphold. But... I can't help but want to escape that, see the world...." He says wistfully with a distant look in his eyes.

Vanya taps her chin, "I suppose there might have been some details I couldn't sniff out..." She then claps her hands together, "But it's nothing I can't handle! I'm assuming you don't want a life behind the desk, but also have to for a sense of duty?" She asks as he nods.

"It's my family lineage, I can't just abandon it." Wynn says.

Vanya grins widely, a wicked glint in her eye, "I think I have just the thing...." She whips out her Scroll, tapping it a few times as a hologram appears above it, displaying a vial with a multicolored liquid inside.

"You see, I'm a woman of many talents, but primarily a biologist. I'm obsessed with understanding the human- Or Faunus, in your case," Vanya says with a wink, "Biology. How every piece of our bodies click together to form one whole creature. But that study took a much accelerated turn when I discovered the interesting effects that Dust can have on it... Especially when taking into account the different forms of matter Dust can take altering said effects slightly, and even more so when you involve chemicals into the mix."

Wynn stares at her in confusion, "...Meaning...?"

"I've been working on a certain... Serum in particular." Vanya stands, striding over to Wynn and grasping his shoulders, "What if I could give you... Everything you want? Being able to explore the world, all while being able to sit happily and be the worthy little heir Mommy wants? Do it all, and all of it happily...?"

Wynn shakes his head, looking over his shoulder at her, "But... How?"

Vanya waves her hand at the hologram, "This serum? It would create a second persona in your mind, one entirely under your grip. You'd be able to exist as yourself, but whenever you'd want to take a break, you could let go and let this alternate you take control. It would know none the wiser, and exist solely to be the perfect boy your mother wants to run her company." She then snaps her fingers, "And whenever it's done with it's duties, you take back over. You'll remember all of it, but- Well I'm sure you'd prefer remembering work rather than doing it."

Wynn stands, "I... I don't know how I feel about that."

Vanya chuckles, "It's perfectly safe, if that's what you're worried about. I mean, I've only tested it on... Lesser life forms... But in every trial, as long as it's administered properly-" Vanya notices Wynn's concerned looks growing and she sighs. She walks forward, tapping her Scroll as the hologram disappears.

"But, I can tell you're not ready." Vanya says with a sigh, "Of course, I've got something else in mind for you. Ever heard of the White Fang, sheltered boy?" She asks as Wynn shrugs.

"I mean... A little. Why?"

Vanya pulls a card out of her lab coat with a smirk, handing it to him, "I think they're what you could use right about now. I like keeping tabs on... 'loose ends'. This is the location to someone who could help you more than I can at the moment. Her name is 'Sienna Khan', and if she asks how you know that- Don't tell you heard from me, ha!" Wynn stares down at the card as he furrows his brow. Vanya sighs as she tucks a curl behind her ear, "It's not the same, and I'm sure you'll have issues with Mommy Dearest," She pats his shoulder, "But... If it ever falls apart... Don't forget you've got a friend here who can help."

Wynn nods, pocketing the card and shaking Vanya's hand before heading out the door. Vanya closes it behind him as her Scroll begins to ring. She answers with a huff, "What?"

"...." Vanya listens before scoffing, "I am allowed to do as I please. Unless Her Grace herself requests me, I don't-.... I can assure you that I-.... Well, you tell me: How important does a future Atlas CEO sound to you?" Vanya chuckles, "...That's what I thought. No, not yet... He needs time. Trust me when I say: I have it all under control, darling."

Vanya hangs up, dialing a new number before clasping her nose and practicing a nasally voice, "Oh hi! I was told to call you. Yeah... Well you tell her that I have important information about her son. Mmm, that's what I thought. Yes... I'll hold." She says with a wide smile.

...

The doors open again as Wynn huffs, clutching a bruised arm as he walks into the lab with a fairly worn White Fang uniform as Vanya hurriedly hops over the front desk again.

"Wynn you're back and-" Vanya's gaze softens as she pauses, "....Looking worse for wear." She says, walking forward slowly to check his arm.

"Do it." Wynn says as Vanya's eyes widen and her hand pulls back. She knew he'd come back, but she hadn't expected him to be so abrupt with the serum.

"I.... Wynn-.... You-"

"I said 'I'll do it'. You said you could, that it would work if administered properly, Vanya. Can you?" Wynn asks as Vanya blinks, her mind struggling to catch up as she slowly nods.

"I- Yes... Yes! Yes, of course! As long as every step is performed to perfection, it should all go perfectly letting you leave here with a perfectly controlled-....." Vanya pauses as she steps back and looks over his injured body again, "Wynn... What happened-"

Wynn growls, his cat tail standing straight as he angrily glares down at her, "I don't want to talk about it. Can you do it, or not?"

Vanya gulps and steps back, clapping her hands again as a door on the back wall opens as Vanya waves her hand, "We'll have to get you medically treated first. Right this way, Mr.Quartz."

Wynn strides past her, "Call me Wynn." He says without turning as she nods with a light smile and follows behind him.

...

Vanya grumbles, marching into her personal study as she knocks over several empty vials groaning loudly, "Damnit, damnit, damnit! I should've known that damned wretch Sienna would've sent the cavalry, but I didn't she'd come herself... Or bring a damn Huntress with her!" She cries out knocking down a cabinet as she grumbles to herself. She takes a calming breath and taps on her computer, zooming through surveillance footage and stopping onto the intruders. She taps on the second intruder and reading the name of the scanned face.

"Azalea Rose.... Of course, it'd be a Rose getting in the way of my plans. Summer Rose bothering Salem, Thorne Rose being an all around nuisance to all, and now an Azalea Rose getting directly in my way." Vanya slams her fist onto her desk.

Vanya rubs her forehead, "But... All might not be lost..." She grabs her Scroll, opening it as she opens the last recorded mental and vital signs from Wynn. Just before they went out of range, they were still normal. At least as normal as can be expected.

"There's still a shot... I'll just have to figure it out. Not only did I promise Salem an opening in Atlas... I promised him I'd help him..." She says, feeling her heart skip a beat, "...This is what I feared when I took the company from my parents... That I'd fail, just like they expected me too...."

She slams her fist again, "No..." She eyes the screen again, zooming on the frame of Azalea and Sienna carrying Wynn together.

"I promised I'd help you Wynn.... And I will uphold that. No matter what."

🍁// Present Day

Nadia steps forward, unstrapping Wynn from the chair as he lets out a deep groan. He slowly but surely climbs to his feet, struggling to feel at home in his own body, "I don't want to be a pest, but if one of you ladies could help this old bastard stand...?" He says as Nadia rushes forward, supporting Wynn from his shoulder as he eyes up Dr.Fontaine.

"Vanya.... Your face has quite a few more wrinkles than when we last spoke." He then lets out a small cough, "How long has it been since the last time you administered one of your 'counteracting' serums?"

Vanya avoids eye contact, crossing her arms as she steps back, "Our last attempt... Well, the sequencing wasn't correct. Ever since I've been struggling to get the proper chemical compound, not to mention Her Grace's orders taking up some more of my time, and-"

Wynn furiously punches the wall, leaving a large crater in it, "How. Long." He demands as Vanya turns away from him.

"2....Almost 3 years." Vanya says, leaning against a wall as Wynn's violet eyes glow in anger as he slams the wall again before falling to his knees.

"This.... None of this would be a problem if Sienna hadn't gotten involved, bringing a damn Huntress with her, no less.... That damned Azalea...."

Nadia pats his back, "Wynn, take it easy, it's been so long since you've been pulled from out under, who knows how bad the backlash could be this time."

Vanya sighs and turns back towards the pair, uncrossing her arms and resting them on her hips, "If it helps... I've gotten ahead of the curve in the last year. I should have several doses of the next counter serums ready far ahead of schedule, and..." She pauses as Wynn holds up his palm.

"You shouldn't blame yourself." Wynn starts, shaking his head, "Neither of you should...." He says, patting Nadia's hand, "You know how deeply I feel for the both of you."

Wynn slowly climbs to his feet, brushing himself off, "Tell me... Speaking of Azalea..." He says, with a great deal of distaste, "Have we followed the plan? How are those brats, Amethyst and Jasper?"

Vanya sighs, "I finally finished my prototype to scan them, after extensive testing with Cinder. Unexpected as it may be, it seems Her Grace was wrong about the power passing almost undeniably through genetics. Only Amethyst was detected with a fraction. Although... Never mind."

Wynn raises an eyebrow, "...What is it?"

"The Maiden Power is tied to the soul of the Maiden. And, given a momentary test with Salem... It seems magic in general ties itself to the soul. Because of that connection, every scan always detects a small signal from pretty much everyone. But... Jasper..." Vanya sighs, "...He didn't give off any signal. At all."

Wynn raises an eyebrow, "What does that mean?"

Nadia steps forward, "Yeah... And why didn't you mention that sooner?"

Vanya takes a breath, "I had to double check to be sure it wasn't some mistake. Not to mention, who knows what that could mean. Maybe his soul isn't as strong as other souls. Maybe Azalea's power interfered with how his soul works, and it doesn't read the same as others. I'm not some Atlas scientist, I don't know much about the soul. I barely could piece the detector together with help from Dr.Watts."

Wynn nods, "So... At the end of the day, Amethyst needs to be our focus. And while we're talking about little brats, where is Zephyr? Did everything follow the plan we had in mind?"

Nadia holds up a TV remote, "As soon as the next round is ready he'll be up in the tournament. Wanna watch?" She clicks a button as the screen comes up, just in time for the randomizers to finish.

"....Ashe Sparks of Atlas! Versus...."

Dr.Fontaine steps forward, her grin curved devilishly as she rests a palm on both Nadia and Wynn, "Assuming Cinder did everything according to plan...."

".....Zephyr Garnet of Atlas! Looks like we have our first inner Kingdom conflict of the Singles Round!"

...

Pyrrha walks her way back to her dorm, her arms clutched together as her mind desperately tries to wrap around everything she was just told and witnessed.

Maidens... Magic... And then, that girl.... Amber.... Pyrrha thinks to herself, a flash of the young woman's unconscious body strapped into that life support machine. Her thoughts were likely about to devolve further, but she was snapped out of it by a blur of brown landing in front of her, her eyes adjusting as she recognizes one of the group from the Vault who explained everything to her, Thorne.

Pyrrha slowly unwraps her arms, "I... H-hello again...?" She says timidly, her crimson ponytail whipping in the wind as Thorne sighs, her cloak billowing around her as she looks at Pyrrha with a slight sadness in her eyes.

"Hey. I'd uh..." Thorne sighs, rubbing her neck as she avoids eye contact with Pyrrha, "I'd appreciate if you didn't tell any of the others you saw down there I came to talk to you." She sighs and rests her hand on her hip, "We're supposed to be leaving you alone, but... Well, I've been in your spot before- Or, well, a similar enough spot at least. The maidens are..." Thorne shakes her head with a sigh, "A tough enough story to grasp. Then with... Well, that...." She trails off, alluding to Amber as Pyrrha looks down at the stone walkway.

Finally, Pyrrha's eyes catch onto a crisp, autumn leaf flying through the air as she sighs, "...Difficult. It's all very.... Very... Difficult." Pyrrha says as Thorne nods.

"Right. I... Well, I did want to ask- What do you make of it?" Thorne starts as Pyrrha raises an eyebrow at her. "Magic, the maidens, Amber? Without any of the kissing up to your elders bull. I want the real deal." She says as Pyrrha pauses to think for a moment.

What do I make of it all? Pyrrha thinks to herself, that being yet another puzzle in and of itself. "I...." She finally starts, "It's just... All so hard to view the full story when it's clear a lot is being left unsaid."

Thorne shrugs, "Eh, the full picture really isn't everything it's cracked up to be." She says before taking a breath, "But it's not all bad. I know that stuff about Amber and her assailants sounded bad, but when you think about it it's not all bad- I mean- Magic." She chuckles to herself, rubbing her neck and ruffling her messy brown hair, "You know, I imagined what that was like, being a Maiden, once upon a time... After all, I've known some very closely over the years."

Pyrrha takes a breath, "Did you ever know her? The girl in the chamber... Amber."

Thorne slowly nods, "Not very personally. But we had met before... You know." She says before taking a breath, "She was a little like you, in a way. Without the global fame that is... A powerful warrior, with great skill. It doesn't surprise me in the least her assailant was some lousy cheater, ganging up on her with allies to take her down."

Pyrrha purses her lips, "But... If she was so powerful, and equipped with magic-"

Thorne holds up her hand, "As good as she was, she was still relatively new to her powers. Not like- Fresh off the vine or anything, but enough to not fully control her powers perfectly. She could only do so much... Doesn't surprise me they'd go after her, rather than one of the others first. With every day, she'd only grow more accustomed to her powers."

Thorne points at Pyrrha with a finger gun and a wink, "Ergo why I think Oz chose you as his candidate. You ask me? I don't think you'd even need magic to keep some of our foes on their toes. I'd take it as a compliment, it means he thinks your capable enough to defend yourself without it and be infinitely more capable with it."

Pyrrha takes a breath before smiling thankfully, "Thank you, although I do still think I have plenty of room to improve." 

Thorne shrugs with a smirk, "Trust me when I say graduation doesn't make that feeling go away. Yes or no, I have faith you'll do great things, kid." Thorne jumps as she hears her Scroll beep, as she opens it up before sighing. "I've gotta head out. Just- Remember what I said. It's not all bad." She says before leaping onto the roof of the building they were standing beside before running out of view as Pyrrha smiles. She takes a breath, feeling better about everything as she resumes her walk as another fall leaf flies by.

"Pyrrha?" She hears her name called from behind as she turns to see her team leader, Jaune Arc. His messy blonde hair whips in the wind, "Who was that you were talking to?"

Pyrrha doesn't want to lie, but she knows she can't just tell him... At least not yet, "It was no one, just one of the professors from Haven Academy asking about me. She was disappointed I didn't enroll in Haven, like many others." She says with a light chuckle, "Was there something you wanted to talk about, Jaune?"

Jaune rubs his neck, "I heard that Professor Ozpin wanted to talk to you and I guess I just- I dunno, I wanted to make sure you were okay. What did he want?"

Pyrrha clutches her wrist as she bites her lip, "It was nothing, I- Well, you know all the mess Team RWBY has found themselves in lately, he just wanted to ask me about what happened in Vale at the end of the semester."

Jaune nods, sticking one hand in his jean pockets before pointing his thumb behind him, "Well I was glad to spot you, Nora and Ren went up to the Colosseum to watch the next match. Wanna come along?" He says with an earnest smile as Pyrrha chuckles nervously.

"I... Think I need some time to breath, actually. Thank you, Jaune." She says as Jaune nods.

"No problem. Give me a call if you need anything, okay?" Jaune asks as Pyrrha graciously nods before he waves at her while running off to catch up with their teammates.

Pyrrha looks up at the sky, the sun setting just enough to catch some of the stars beginning to dot the sky, "Destiny...." She says to herself before taking a breath and continuing her walk to the dorms. Although more settled than before, she still has quite a lot on her mind.

Thorne eyes her just out of view before sighing to herself, "It's not all bad... But it's not all good either. And we really do need your help...." She says to herself as she whips her Scroll back up eyeing the notification she received as one of her old Huntsman buddies tipped her off just as she requested. She smirks, opening a direct message to Winter Schnee and attaching the picture she received with it.

Oi, I may hate your boss but not you... You still seem like you've got a good head on your shoulders. Tell me: You still wanna get revenge for the blonde in Atlas?

Thorne then puts her Scroll away, awaiting the reply she knows is coming. The Jade Serpent... An Atlas serial killer suddenly in Vale for the Vytal Festival. She's working with Salem... Meaning her reach does go as far as Atlas. Who knows how far it goes? The Academy? If we've got spies from Haven, who knows where else?

Thorne pulls her Scroll back out, looking at the list of remaining contenders from Haven. The aren't even any interesting ones still left in the tournament, just two teams of shrimpy first years, definitely not Salem's infiltrators. Could they be one of the eliminated teams? One of them is fairly close to JSPR and BAZL... BRMN, I think? They seem strong, but they talk too goody two-shoes to be aligned with Salem. There's also that kid that fought Yang....

Suddenly, that fear begins to set in again. Salem always manages to find her way in everywhere. Her followers could be anyone, anywhere, any time. Shocking her out of her thoughts, she looks down at her Scroll again to see a new message from Winter.

Left something out of that drive....?

Thorne smirks, No. But something did happen after I collected that. Can I trust you not to backstab me like your boss?

Winter spends a few moments typing, then erasing and retyping before finally settling, Yes.

Meet me at the Beacon cafeteria. I'll fill you in when we're more secure.

...

Ashe unbuttons her jacket, tossing it aside onto one of the locker room benches as she takes a deep breath, running her hands across her silver hair before brushing her palm along her fringe her hand hovering over the red dye that she started doing after what she did at Ms.Piper's 'School'.... Most importantly because of what she thought she did to Echo.

Thankfully her thoughts don't get to linger on Echo for long, as she hears someone running up. She turns, thinking it might be one of her teammates, as she stares in surprise as Lily runs up to her with a very excitedly wagging fox tail trailing behind.

"Lily?" Ashe says in confusion as Lily throws a hug around her, "What- Shouldn't you be with your team? I mean, Zephyr got called up against me." She says as Lily shrugs.

"Zeph' might be my teammate, but I am your girlfriend." Lily says confidently before her eyes go wide as her face goes beet red, immediately stepping back while rubbing her neck, "I-I mean, I assume I am, we've never really talked about labels, or-"

Ashe scoops Lily into another, closer hug with a smirk, "No, I think you're pretty spot on." She says as Lily giggles in excitement before Lily sighs and brushes a hand through her hair.

"Something else was- Well, me and Zeph? We've never been very... 'Partner-ly'. I mean Rowan and Percy get along alright, you and Jasper are pretty close, and Bloom and Amethyst are always studying together and hanging out even outside of team stuff." Lily huffs and shakes her head, "I've never gotten that 'partner' experience you guys get." 

Ashe shrugs, "Who knows, maybe one day you guys will end up being closer than you think." She says as Lily purses her lips in thought.

"Hm.... I mean, I guess never say never? Oh! But also-" They both look up at the sound of an intercom coming on.

"Ashe Sparks, please report to the arena." Professor Port says through the mic before the intercom clicks off.

Ashe sighs, "Guess we're a bit late." She says as Lily takes a breath.

"I... I wanted a bit more time, but I guess this'll do." Lily says quickly, pulling Ashe in closer into a kiss. Ashe's eyes widen for a moment, but then they close as she leans into the kiss and helps hold Lily up to Ashe's height.

They pull away as they hear the intercom click again, "Er- Ladies," Dr.Oobleck starts, "Although not being broadcast to the crowd, I should remind you that there are cameras right in the walkway out of the locker room. Exactly where you're standing." He says as both girls blush brightly and step away.

Lily is beet red again as she steps back, stumbling a bit, "I- Uh, you- Er- G-Good luck!" She says before sprinting off as Ashe smiles at her before taking a calming breath, trying to slow her hyperactive heart.

Ashe walks down the hall, starting to be blinded by light before finding herself almost all alone on the massive arena grounds being captured in one of many spotlights as the massive crowd roars all around. Ashe's nerves harden like steel, This is going to be broadcast worldwide. Ms.Piper, Echo.... All of them are gonna know not to mess with me.

Ashe clutches her fists, punching them together before cracking her joints, "Well, time to give 'em a show I guess." She says to herself as she sees Zephyr across the arena, clutching his scythe tightly as both make their way to the center of the main stage. Once they get close enough to one another, Ashe can actually see a whirlwind of emotions cycling in Zephyr's eyes. But the moment he locks onto Ashe, his eyes harden and narrow at her as he spins his scythe around before resting the staff along his shoulders.

Instead of the environment randomizers spinning around, the two are lifted up on the center stage into the area. Ashe did get a chance to see the last Vytal Tournament on TV, and she recognizes this as the 1v1 arena: No environments, just a small ground and the hope of one knocking the other off or lowering their Aura enough in the process.

Ashe pulls her sword and knife out of her belt, "You know I'm gonna hold back on you just 'cause we're sort of friends. Team JSPR is winning this tournament, Zephyr."

Zephyr just stifles a laugh, "Yeah, we'll see.... 'Friend'." He says spinning around his scythe before resting it alongside him, as he looks beside him in thought, as if some part of him conflicted.

"Alright if both parties ready...." Port calls out, "3! 2! 1! Begin!"

Ashe immediately charges forward, raising her sword to slice at Zephyr who stabs his scythe blade into the ground, using it as a pole as he spins around the staff and bashing her in the back just as she got close enough.

Ashe skids back but doesn't lose her balance, grumbling as she just barely stops herself from skidding off the edge. Ashe glares at him, as he just smirks and holds up his hand and gestures for her to attack him. Ashe scoffs, "Fine, then. All the stops." She then stabs her sword down as flames surge around her. When the flames finally disappear, she's already activated her Semblance as she sheathes her sword and runs forward with a knife in one hand and claws at the ready in the other.

Zephyr steadies himself and blocks the slice, dodging another that he can't deflect with his scythe as he grips his scythe to slice at her at just the right moment. She manages to barely block it with her claws as the two repeat this same tactic again and again until finally Ashe manages to catch Zephyr off guard with a swipe under his feet. He tumbles to the ground as Ashe raises her clawed hand to strike but Zephyr grips his scythe again, the shotgun in the staff blasting as it blasts him out of the slash while he climbs back to his feet.

Zephyr takes a breath, "Even with your Semblance, you're still kinda slow. I figured you'd be faster." Zephyr says, egging her on as Ashe grumbles, a burst of flame shooting out of her nose. "You don't even normally use your blades when you fight with your Semblance, do you? Heh, does that mean you're practicing because I'm weak enough, or going all out because I'm strong?" He questions as Ashe shakes her head.

"Shut up and fight!" Ashe says, bursting forward and blocking a defensive strike from Zephyr's scythe with her quickly unsheathed sword and throwing her knife at him. It clashes against his Aura, bouncing off him and skidding off the edge of the arena.

Zephyr grins, "Tsk, tsk, kinda stupid, not gonna lie." He says as Ashe groans loudly.

"That's it!" Ashe says as she tosses her sword at him that he deflects with his scythe, and she takes the opportunity to grab his scythe staff and using it as a pole like he did to jump in the air and kick him in the face as he skids across the arena without his scythe.

"Game over, Zephyr." Ashe says before tossing his scythe over the edge of the arena, "We're in the same training class. There is no way you can beat me without your weapon. Forfeit." She demands as Zephyr stands back upright with a grumble.

"You may be used to fighting my scythe, but you aren't used to all my tricks." Zephyr says, dissolving into his own shadow as the crowd roars. Ashe remembers his Semblance from Bloom's 2v2 round match, spinning around and slicing behind herself with her claws as she swipes nothing but air.

"Huh?" Ashe says as she yelps in pain and surprise, stumbling forward as her Aura crackles, turning to see Zephyr grinning from behind her with her own sword.

"You must've forgotten you tossed your sword. Which, might I add: Also casts a shadow." Ashe tries to climb back to her feet as he kicks her back down, stomping on her stomach as he points her own sword at her, "Now who's gonna forfeit, you fiery brat?"

Ashe smirks, "Not me, because I actually learned a new trick recently." She says, raising hand to block an oncoming strike as she jumps back to her feet, rocking Zephyr back as he stumbles before raising the blade again. She runs forward, holding up her clawed hand as he raises his hand to block before she clenches her unraised fist and punches Zephyr's wrist gripping the sword.

Ashe, now with the upper hand, kicks Zephyr in the gut as he stumbles backward before Ashe grips his scarf and using his body as a springboard as she leaps off his gut before falling back down and kicking him in the face with all her might as his Aura finally breaks. Ashe takes a breath, smiling happily before her smile is wiped away, her eyes widening as he tumbles off the edge of the platform with no Aura.

Ashe can't bring herself to look over the edge and see what happened, but she can hear the crowd roaring in dismay. "Oh my..." Dr.Oobleck calls out, "Well... Ashe Sparks wins, but- It appears we're going to need more medics to the arena! Zephyr appears to have injured himself."

Ashe looks down at her hands, "I... Didn't hit him that hard... Did I...?" She thinks out loud, her hands shaking as she can feel the fire swirling inside her. He should have been able to take that tumble, right? Why did he- Why would he just let himself fall of the edge....?

The arena floats back down to the ground as she gasps, seeing Zephyr writhing in pain on the ground. His Aura was broken. He'd have taken that fall 100% on his own....

Ashe watches as medics rush out with a stretcher, as the crowd mumbles around them, "Well, uh.... Let's all take the time to calmly head out of the arena and await tomorrow's matches!" Professor Port nervously exclaims. Ashe watches as BAZL and her own team run out onto the field, Bloom, Amethyst and Lily running over to Zephyr as Jasper, Rowan and Percy run up to Ashe to check on her, but she can't even hear them. Just a faint ringing in her ears as she watches Zephyr get lifted onto the stretcher.

🍁// BONUS: Pyrrha Nikos Concept Art

Chapter Text

🍁

Ashe clutches her chest, watching Zephyr's writhing body get wheeled into an emergency medical room in the colosseum. She can't really move, she can't really even think, she's just lost and fixated on what she did. Or, did she? That's where she's unsure. She looks down at her hands, wondering if she really has control of her Semblance, or that possibility of going out of control again is still there, taking a hold of her so subtly she can't even tell.

Lily rushes forward, taking Ashe's hands in her own, "Hey, don't beat yourself up about it." She says, releasing one of her hands to pat her cheek, "He took that tumble way harder than he should have. It wasn't your fault."

Ashe pulls away from Lily, "I'm not so sure... I thought I had control over it now, but I did lose control with my Semblance at least once. I killed dozens of people, and I scarred someone close to me permanently. I...." Her eyes dart down to her ever so slightly shaking hands, "...What if it's taking control of me again, but doing it so well I can't even notice now? What if it hit him harder than I meant to?" 

Lily frowns, "Ashe..."

Jasper shakes his head, crossing his arms, "I don't think anyone believes that Ashe. And even if that were true, he still should've been able to stop himself from tumbling." He says, pulling one of his hands up to tap his chin, "You didn't knock him unconscious, so is anyone else wondering why he took that tumble so hard? He's rocked himself out of worse, I mean Maya was going crazy on him in the doubles round and he didn't falter for a second."

Amethyst hums in thought, "That is a good question... But we won't really know anything until he's out of the intensive care. Which raises another question: The Vytal Tournament rarely gets injuries like this, and now two in the same tournament?" She questions aloud as everyone of both teams turns to look at her.

Percy raises an eyebrow at her, "What are you thinking?"

Amethyst shrugs, "Honestly, I don't even know! We've got options, and that in and of itself freaks me out. Echo? Dr.Fontaine? Team RWBY's fire lady? Roman Torchwick? That Neopolitan girl? The Jade-" Amethyst is cut off as the medical door opens and to everyone's surprise Nadia steps out with her bun pulled neat and tight as she pulls down a raised sleeve before look up to see the crowd all staring at her.

"Ah.... Hello....? Again...?" Nadia says as Jasper and Amethyst step forward, "What are you all doing here?" She asks as Amethyst sighs.

"Did you see our friend getting wheeled in there?" Amethyst asks, "Black hair, red eyes, long red scarf... Thing?" She describes as Nadia thinks for a very brief moment before her eyes light up with a nod.

"Oh, yes!" Nadia starts happily before her expression turns more sour, "He... Did not look good. What kind of beating did he take...?" She asks aloud as Ashe steps back, clutching her arms together as Lily sadly pats her shoulder with her fox tail drooping sadly.

Jasper steps in front of Ashe, "That's besides the point. What were you doing in there?" He asks as Nadia scoffs with a hand on her chest.

"I have medical problems, thank you very much! Ones I do not have to inform you of." Nadia says offended as Jasper rolls his eyes.

"Look," Jasper starts, "Did the doctors say if he was okay? Or...." Jasper trails off as Nadia pulls out her Scroll.

"Hmm...." Nadia thinks to herself for a moment, "I'm not entirely sure.... I wasn't exactly trying to eavesdrop on other medical patients. Although it wasn't terribly hard to accidentally overhear a little bit. They said he took some possible spine damage, but luckily nothing permanent as far as they can tell." She says as the crowd lets out a sigh of relief, except for Ashe as anguish etches itself onto her face as she reaches up to clutch her chest.

Jasper spies Ashe's pain as he steps forward and grabs her free hand with a smile, "Hey... How about we head down to the fairgrounds, forget about all this for now?" He suggests as Ashe locks eyes with him for a moment. Her anguish softens as she gives a weak smile and an even weaker nod.

Lily calmly nods and pats Ashe's shoulder again, "I'll come with too." She says in a voice oddly calm for her, trying to not overwhelm Ashe in her sensitive state. 

Percy crosses his arms, "I'll come down in a bit," He starts, brushing his bangs out of his eyes, "I wanna stay up here in the arena in case my...." He pauses, unsure of how to properly label his connection to Penny, "Well, in case someone I know gets called on for the next match. I'll head right down after the match if she's called up." Percy says before giving Ashe an oddly warm smile for himself.

Rowan pats Percy's shoulder, "I'll stick with Percy... Never know when those weirdos are gonna try attacking us again. Better for none of us to be alone." He says, tossing Ashe a quick thumbs up, "But like he said, we'll be down ASAP." He says smiling as Ashe nods.

Amethyst bumps her side against Rowan's, "I'll stick with these two, especially 'cause Rowan's got a point. But just like they both said: ASAP." 

Bloom rubs her neck with a smile, "I'll join you lot heading down to the fair early, I think I've had my tournament fill." She says as a polite chuckle passes across the crowd before they all turn at the sound of annoyed cough.

Nadia looks up at them with a smile, "Oh, lovely, so lovely, now are we uh- Are we all done? Can I go, yet? You lot are kind of blocking the way out." She says as several people sigh and roll eyes and quickly make a path out of the room for her as they watch her stride out.

...

"Be sure to win one for Beacon, okay?" 

Ruby's words still echo in Pyrrha's mind. She had responded, but she honestly couldn't recall what she specifically said. It was all a haze, not to mention the chaos with her teammates after.

Pyrrha sighs as she stands before her own locker, her shield and rifle stored safely inside. She reaches forward, placing her gloved palm against the metal as she sighs. Several different imageries flicker through her mind, most notable being accidentally throwing Jaune into a wall with her Semblance, Ozpin's stern face as he told her about magic being real, and worst of all.... Amber's barely preserved body, slowly dying in a metal case.

Pyrrha looks down at her hands, Is this the destiny I wanted? Is this what I was looking for? She questions to herself, slowly walking across the locker room and grazing her hands across the metal as she feels her Semblance weakly flicker as the black aura spreads across her hand as the lockers creak slightly from the pull. Heroes and Monsters.... Reality and Myth.... History and Fairy Tales.... When spoken so strongly, they sound so different. But they're all one in the same. Heroes can be monsters. Some monsters are heroes without a choice. Reality and myth are one and the same, and history is littered with fairy tales.

Pyrrha's thoughts flicker to her family, in Argus. Her time at Sanctum Academy, winning tournament after tournament. Surely she'll win here, for not just herself or some title. But for her friends. But....What about after that? If I take Professor Ozpin up on his offer, there is the possibility I'll merge with someone else. Forever changed. Would I be able to be around my friends? Would they still be my friends? Jaune, Nora, Ren, Ruby, Weiss, Yang..... Not to mention those I'm still friends with even if not as close, like Sun and Neptune or Team CFVY.

And what if I don't take him up on his offer, and something bad happens. Something I can't stop. Should I have taken those powers, accept the danger and the possible changes? What if the changes are so severe, I lose who I am now entirely?

Pyrrha clenches her fist against the edge of a locker, And what about the other girl? They said there was no hope, but.... If I say yes, she's gone. Would there be a beyond for her, some happy ending in an afterlife, if her soul merges with mine? 

Pyrrha's eyes dart around the locker room stuffed to the brim with weaponry. She can sense them, nearly every single weapon, with her Polarity. All these weapons... All these people... Every single one of them a warrior in their own right. Each of them with their own flavor of destiny, their own hopes and wants.

Hopes and Wants.... Pyrrha thinks to herself, What do I hope for? What do I want?

"Alright, it's now time to begin the randomization process for our next fight!" Dr.Oobleck excitedly exclaims.

Professor Port eagerly resumes, "It looks like our first contender is...." A loud beep can be heard, "Penny Polendina from Atlas! And her opponent will be...." Another loud beep can be heard, "Pyrrha Nikos from Beacon!"

Pyrrha takes a deep breath, holding up her hand as her palm glows black with her Semblance as her locker clicks open and her weapons fly out into her hands. My Hopes and Wants don't matter. For now, the fight is what matters. She thinks to herself, walking forward before pausing with a frown as she feels a tinge of pain surge through her heart before she sighs and casts it aside, resuming her stride.

...

Nadia walks calmly off the airship, thanking the pilot before finally stepping out into the main Beacon Academy walkway, smirking as one straggling pair make it onto the airship and discuss the next randomized fight. 'Randomized'... Oh, that's some delectable humor.

Nadia takes a deep breath, enjoying the crisp Fall air as she pulls out her Scroll. She swipes across the Scroll with her nails clicking against the screen while her heels click down the stone walkway. Everything is so quiet, so serene. To some, it might be the perfect night.

But Nadia knows better.

She closes her Scroll and immediately rolls out of the way into the grass just in time to dodge a sword slash from Winter Schnee. She grumbles to herself, kicking off her heels and glaring at Winter as her feet chill against the cold grass, "How lovely. Someone dropped the ball...." She says to herself as Winter Scoffs with a glare.

"That someone? Was you." Winter says with a smirk as her hair lightly whips in the wind, "Thorne Rose keeps a constant eye on Wynn Quartz, not just her nieces and nephew. You think she wouldn't notice him going missing? And imagine her surprise when she spotted his own assistant escorting him off... And with just the right frame and build as well as the mask matching that of one 'Jade Serpent'.... Atlesian serial killer." She says with a grin as Nadia angrily clenches her fists. She goes to speak, but then her eyes go wide with realization. She tries to dive away from the grass, but it's too late as the grass begins to slowly wrap around her body. She manages to slowly tilt her head and see Thorne Rose walking up from behind with her hand raised as she used her Semblance to continue wrapping the grass around Nadia.

Winter points her blade towards Nadia angrily, "It's. OVER. Nadia Esmeralda-Chen, you are under arrest for crimes against the Atlas and Vale councils." She continues holding up her sword with one hand as her free hand grabs an advanced Atlas handcuff as she starts walking forward, "Your crimes include serialized murder, conspiracy-" Nadia quickly grips the Scroll still in her hand, pressing a specially added button as her heels blast out a shockwave of energy that knocks everyone down, Nadia included.

Luckily, Nadia is the quickest to hop back to her feet, tapping in a number on her Scroll as a locker lands down. It creaks open with a blast of steam, revealing Nadia's weapons and mask. She calmly strolls over, equipping the mask and the gauntlets before chuckling, "I must say... Getting the jump on me? Now that is an impressive feat. Congratulations, Schnee, you must be honored that you are- Or well, were doing well on your friends death..." 

Thorne manages to climb to her feet, running over to Winter and helping her up as Nadia concentrates, her body growing and contorting as her veins flash green for a moment as her muscles expand and her fancy suit rips and tears while a streak of green dashes itself through her hair. Finally she stretches with a sigh of relief, looking over at the two women with a look of confidence as she holds up her fists, the blades shooting out of both of them, "...But did you really think it was gonna be that easy?"

Winter finally gets up to her feet and grips her sword again while Thorne reaches into her bow pocket, pulling out a handful of seeds and tossing them into the grass as she grows of a sword of roots and grass as Thorne scoffs, "Didn't expect you to let us re-equip ourselves."

Nadia grins with a hearty laugh, "Honestly? I doubt you both could beat me, and to be honest I've been wanting a good fight ever since I helped clobber your little niece and nephew." She says as Thorne glares furiously, jumping onto the grass and using it to launch herself while Winter uses glyphs to do the same as Nadia sighs before grabbing both of the women's swords and using them to throw both women into each other and punching both of them back.

Thorne quickly climbs to her feet, holding up her blade to defend from Nadia's attack when Nadia just.... Doesn't. Winter grumbles to herself, launching forward again as Nadia dodges the slice and elbows Winter in the gut, knocking her to the ground.

Winter pulls her second sword out of her main sword, using both to slash at Nadia, "Damnit, Thorne, aren't you going to help!? If you're mad at me about what happened with the General-"

"She isn't fighting back!" Thorne calls out, shaking her head, "She's supposed to be a serial killer who's taken down dozens, both civilians and even some Huntsmen and Huntresses. Why wouldn't she take a fight with the two of us seriously?"

Nadia scoffs with a shrug, "I mean, you're both trash, so-" Winter glares at her, swiftly kicking her in the gut as Nadia stumbles back. Suddenly Thorne's eyes widen.

"She's toying with us," Thorne realizes, "Distracting us. She wanted me to catch her on purpose, to keep us from something." She says as Nadia's eyes narrow. She turns to strike Thorne but Winter slows her with a glyph before slashing her back with a blade as Nadia cries out in pain and quickly scrambles to the other side of the walkway. 

Winter holds her weapon steady, standing next to Thorne who pulls out her Scroll, still open to the feed of the Vytal Tournament.

"....Penny Polendina from Atlas! And her opponent will be... Pyrrha Nikos from Beacon!"

"Pyrrha...." Thorne echoes, knowing that she's Ozpin's candidate to become the next Fall Maiden.

"Penny...." Winter echoes, knowing that Penny is secretly a synthetically created girl, and if that was revealed to the world....

Nadia chuckles, her eyes glowing lightly, "Finally.... Now the real game begins."

Nadia then grabs Winter's arm at crazy speed before slamming her into the ground. Thorne uses her Semblance to pull her sword apart into a shield. Nadia pulls her fists back, and just before she could punch Thorne she's suddenly boxed in by black Schnee Glyphs, the punch merely bouncing back at herself. "Funny, the students-" Winter strains loudly as she lies on the ground, shakily holding her sword at Nadia and her eyes glaring with an intense gaze, "...are the ones that taught me this trick... Hopefully it works better for us than Jasper...." Nadia grumbles and strains against the glyphs.

"Thorne! Ngh.... Run! Stop the match! I can't... Hold her... For long!" Winter says as Thorne dives onto the grass and uses her Semblance, urging the grass to propel her forward.

"I have to get there.... Before it's too late." She says to herself, just barely climbing on top of a rising airship as she hears Nadia roar furiously.

Chapter Text

// CONTENT WARNING //

This chapter contains themes that may be distressing for some readers. 
Mention/Depiction of Death, Dismemberment, Blood

Readers discretion is advised.

🍁

Jasper takes a breath, looking up at the shattered moon. The wind breezes by, and it gives him a sense of comfort. Even before he unlocked his Semblance, he always felt more alive outside in the various weather rain or shine.

"Jasper?" A voice calls out from behind as he turns to see Bloom standing there with her hands clasped together, "The next match is about to start. Is everything alright?"

Jasper nods, "Yeah... Just kinda... Thinking." 

"If I may... About what, exactly?" Bloom asks, walking up and standing beside him as he looks up at the moon again.

"Hard to explain. Kind of a lot all at once, and also kinda nothing. Probably sounds stupid." Jasper says as Bloom shares his stare up above.

"No, I believe I understand. I've had a few similar moments, especially as of late." Bloom admits, "It's a lot on my mind as well. I had a very... Different view of Academy than what we've actually experienced. Not to mention a few deadly interactions on top of that..." She says before rubbing her forehead, remembering the strain of using her Semblance on Dr.Fontaine, the Jade Serpent and Neopolitan.

"It's all that, and now... Gods, so much more." Jasper says, crossing his arms as the wind picks up slightly, "I don't wanna talk about it with too many people, but I can say that... Well, I've learned some things about my Mom. And apparently it's now also affecting Amethyst and me. Which is..." Jasper shakes his head and sighs, "I can't help but wonder. What if Dr.Fontaine isn't all we have to worry about?"

"What do you mean?" Bloom questions as Jasper bites his lip.

"I also talked to my cousins, Ruby and Yang, and their team. They've been handling similar stuff since they got to Beacon. Not to mention the admittance age is 17 and Ruby is only 15, and according to them Ruby was just all of a sudden allowed to move up by Professor Ozpin himself. I...." The wind picks up even more, "I can't help but wonder if we're in over our heads. If we might find ourselves in too deep, and then..."

Bloom holds Jasper's shoulder, "Hey... It's gonna be okay. We're almost through with the year, and then-"

"What if we don't even make it that far?" Jasper says, still turned away as Bloom quickly goes silent. "Dark, I know, but...." He takes a breath and shakes his head while shrugging her hand off his shoulder, "We've already gotten close so many times. Amethyst almost got taken by Dr.Fontaine, we got attacked by a serial killer and a hardened criminal, Ashe and I got blindsided by some psycho in a club, and not to mention there's some massive organization that Echo girl is connected to- Who also wants to kill us, by the way."

Bloom takes a breath, "I... I can't say that I know what might happen. Honestly, when I came here- Or, Atlas rather- I was just some innocent girl who knew nothing of the world beyond servitude and theft." Bloom steps forward, "You, alongside all the rest of our friends, even Zephyr, have helped to teach me what it's like to live more... Normal. And you're right, there is no guarantee it might end well. Honestly, if you look at history, it's more likely than not we'll just keep dealing with these problems all our lives." Bloom then takes Jasper's hand in her own, "But that's just it- We will deal with them. Together. We have each other to lean on." She says with an earnest smile as Jasper smiles back before giving her a hug.

"You say you're innocent, but you're really good at advice." Jasper says as Bloom nervously chuckles.

"That? Is from being a very well read young lady. You'd be surprised how many of those old stories could apply their lessons to our story." Bloom says as the two take a breath and finally untangle from one another, "Now, ready to head back?" Bloom asks as Jasper nods.

"Yeah. It doesn't matter what happens, because we'll all be together." Jasper says with a smile as the two hurry and sprint back to the rest of the group.

...

Thorne Rose climbs onto the roof of an ascending airship. She notices the pilot starting to descend, concerned for safety as she slides forward and slams her fist on the windshield, "I am a Huntress! This is a matter of life and death, keep going!" She yells as the pilot nervously nods and resumes the ascent. Thorne climbs back on top, getting her balance as she looks down at where Winter and Nadia were and not being able to see much. Which isn't good, considering Winter's glyphs glow.

Thorne leans off the edge, but is immediately punch in the chin from below by a leaping Nadia. Thorne stumbles back, reaching into her bow and taking half of her remaining seeds and fusing them together and urging them to grow as the manage to barely form a thin saber of roots.

Nadia climbs aboard the ship, her eyes glowing with fury as her serpent Faunus fangs down, "I.... Have had... ENOUGH of you.... Thorne Rose...." She says before wiping the tips of her fangs along her gauntlet blades as they get covered in a disturbing green liquid. "And you....? Are going to die. Here.... And now...." She says before clenching her fists as her fangs retract.

Thorne takes a calming breath, holding up her saber, "....We'll see." She says before diving forward to slash at Nadia, who runs forward to do the same.

Back in the arena, Pyrrha and Penny exchange slice for slice, beam for gunshot, a blockade of blades for a defending shield. They go at it again and again, the two of them in their own strange battling ballroom dance, both Penny and Pyrrha exhibiting beautiful prowess in their weaponry, and an equally elegant agility. Dr.Fontaine watches it all on her Scroll, momentarily captivated before she takes a breath and refocuses her mind back onto the task at hand as she cracks her knuckles. "Alright, Dr.Watts... Let's see how good your instructions are." She says to herself before pausing to gag slightly, waving her hand in front of her face as she turns in annoyance to the bloodied bodies behind her, "You know, your blood could stink less. What do you Vale people eat? Good Gods...." She turns back to her computer screen, "Disgusting...." She mutters one final time to herself before tapping her earpiece with a sigh, "Nadia, dear, how are we coming along?"

"I've got some problems!" Nadia replies, barely dodging a slice from Thorne who gasps before glaring at her surprisingly agile opponent. Thorne raises an eyebrow at Nadia before herself rolling out of the way of another slice.

"Let me guess..." Thorne starts, slightly panting, "Dr.Fontaine?" Thorne asks as Nadia glares and slashes back angrily.

"...And not just any problem," Nadia says grumbling as she fails to strike Thorne again and again, "A...Thorne...problem...." Nadia then growls, roaring as she stomps her foot down on the airship, denting the roof, "One big thorn in the side of my-"

"Ugh," Dr.Fontaine groans loudly with a roll of her eyes, "Just- HANDLE it dear!" Dr.Fontaine says with a roll of her eyes, clicking away at the keyboard, "I have to hope I remember to code just enough to activate Dr.Watts' virus in the CCT systems without any alerts or any hope of cleansing it out of the system." Dr.Fontaine pauses for a moment to stretch before sighing deeply, "Ensure that she does not interfere with the match!" 

Nadia grumbles, kicking Thorne in the gut who tumbles from the lack of balance onto the roof of the ship, her right arm covering her chest as Nadia pins down Thorne and using her increased body weight to keep her down while she grins wickedly close to Thorne's face, "Ready to die?"

Thorne just spits at Nadia's mask, "Piss off." She says as Nadia stifles a laugh.

"Lovely," Nadia starts, raising her bladed fist, "You won't be missed." She says before stabbing downward. Unfortunately, she meant to aim for Thorne's heart but it was blocked by Thorne's right arm. "Hmph. Pity. I was aiming for heart. Ah, well, I suppose a slow death is more entertaining than a quick one. Did I mention Dr.Fontaine has tinkered with my venom? It's incurable, in case you had any hope of surviving." Nadia says with a grin as Thorne summons all her strength to buck Nadia off of her, who tumbles away and rips and tugs Thorne's right arm with it.

Nadia eyes it up in confusion, pulling away the torn cloak and making a realization as she feels the plastic in her arms, "This... This is just a mannequin arm?!" She cries out looking as Thorne stands tall with only one arm and a steep grimace, the shattered moon illuminating her from behind. Thorne was always worried someone would figure out her secret, given she never used her right arm, but thankfully it stayed secret just long enough to take Nadia by surprise.

"I can thank Azalea for one thing, I suppose." Thorne says, raising her right shoulder, "She stopped you from killing me." Thorne says, before taking Nadia's surprise to her advantage and leaping atop her shoulders and using Nadia to propel herself just enough into the air before holding up her saber and thinning it out and extending it enough to grip the edge of Amity's dock.

Thorne pulls herself up with a huff, "I've... Gotta end it..." She says, barely managing to climb herself over the edge and panting as she slowly climbs to her feet. After one final breath, she finally digs out her Scroll and types in Dr.Oobleck's number as the call immediately fails. She tries again with Port as it still fails. "What....? How...."

"Thorne..." Nadia snarls out as Thorne yelps and turns on her heels to keep running, peeking back as she stills nothing behind her. Then the airship rises up just enough for Nadia to leap up, roaring with rage as she stabs her gauntlets into the side of the dock and climb up as she glares at Thorne with a very intense fury and her mouth grit into an intensely upset grimace.

In the arena, Pyrrha's weapons get knocked away by Penny. Pyrrha tries to pull her sword again, but it's once again knocked away by Penny just as Pyrrha gets a strange headache. Her eyes open and immediately widen as she's greeted by Penny wielding dozens- No, hundreds of swords.

"I have to make it... I have to...." Thorne repeats to herself as she continues running. Panting, her eyes catching onto the light of the arena ahead and the loud stomping of Nadia behind her. "Come on.... Come on...." Thorne repeats, praying to whatever deities may exist that she makes it in time.

Pyrrha grits her teeth, summoning all of her strength just as Thorne bursts out into the stands. She cries out for the battle to stop, but no one could possibly hear her over the roar of the crowd. And not just that, but she is far too late. Pyrrha's Semblance surges out in a black wave, throwing back the launched swords as the hundreds disappear from Pyrrha's eyes, who begin widening as the blade strings wrap around Penny's arms and waist with a gasp as Pyrrha can just stare stunned and wide-eyed.

All around the entire world, the dread can be felt like a thick, choking fog as piece by piece Penny's body is torn apart with electrical zaps and splatters of green blood. Thorne's eyes widen as she props herself against the wall, "No...." She says to herself, unable to bring herself to say anything else. Nadia catches up to her just in time to watch Thorne's hope be ripped apart.

Nadia backs away into the shadows, quickly tapping her comm piece, "Doctor... Are you ready?"

Dr.Fontaine chuckles, her eyes alight with malicious intent, "Why, my dear.... Always." She then presses one final key on her keyboard as throughout the Kingdom and quickly the entire world has the broadcast hijacked with an ominous red tinted view of Penny Polendina's disembodied robotic shell strewn across the battlefield, with Pyrrha Nikos staring on in horror, all of it overlayed with a single black queen chess piece.

"This... Is not a tragedy." Cinder says, her voice echoing across the world as every person in every home can hear. "This.... Was not an accident."

Back in the arena, Ironwood grips the railing of the stage intensely, a flurry of emotions coursing through him... Primarily shame, and fury. "This is what happens when you hand over your trust," Cinder continues, "Your safety, your children... To men who claim to be our guardians. But are, in reality.... Nothing more than men."

Ironwood storms off from the arena, not wanting to hear a single second more but with the sound being broadcast all around, he can't help but listen as he's ridiculed, "Our Academies headmasters wield more power than most armies... And one was audacious enough to control both. They cling to this power in the name of peace, and yet... What do we have here?" Ironwood can't help but side eye the arena, his eyes locking onto an image he'll likely hold onto for years to come: Penny Polendina's mangled body. "One nation's attempt at a synthetic army, mercilessly torn apart by another star pupil. What need would Atlas have for a soldier disguised as an innocent little girl? I don't think the Grimm can tell the difference." Ironwood just huffs, hastily fidgeting with his tie as he digs out his Scroll to make some urgent calls.

Down in the fairgrounds, Jasper, Ashe, Lily and Bloom watch the screens in horror, unable to turn away from the horrible sight. "And what, I ask you..." Cinder says, "...Is Ozpin teaching his students? First a dismemberment, now this? Huntsman and Huntresses should carry themselves with honor and mercy..." Ashe's eyes grow wide as she clutches her chest, unable to control the tears welling up, "...Yet I have witnessed neither."

"Perhaps Ozpin felt as though defeating Atlas in the tournament would help people forget his colossal failure to protect Vale when the Grimm invaded it's streets."

"Or perhaps.... this was his message to the tyrannical dictator that has occupied an unsuspecting Kingdom with armed forces."

"Honestly?" Cinder resumes, "I haven't the slightest clue as to who is right and who is wrong. But I know that the existence of peace is fragile... and the leaders of our Kingdoms conduct their business with iron gloves."

"As someone who hails from Mistral, I can assure you... The situation there is... Equally undesirable." 

"Our Kingdoms are at the brink of war, yet we, the citizens, are left in the dark. So I ask you: When the first shots are fired...."

"...Who do you think you can trust?"

🍁// JASPER

I clasp my hand over my mouth as the broadcast fizzles out. There's a silence all around, and it's somehow deafening. Ashe stumbles backward crying as Lily runs forward to help her up and comfort her. I want to help, but I'm just.... Stunned. Terrified. Completely lost on what to say or how to react. Someone.... Someone just died on live broadcast. That girl, that was Percy's friend wasn't it...? She was some kind of robot? Was Dr.Fontaine behind this too? I.... I didn't think.... This stuff is so much bigger than I could've-

I'm knocked aside, tumbling across the ground as I struggle to pull myself up, looking up practically defenseless as a Gryphon snarls at me. It's beak opens to bite at me, when Lily punches it away as it yelps. She reaches into her coat and pulls out a fire Dust crystal, "I may not have my weapon, but I can still fight!" She cries out, crushing the Dust as the flames surge around her fist like my Semblance summons a mini storm cloud. She punches at the Grimm's side, knocking it down before prying the beak open and shoving her fist inside. She must've let the Dust loose, as shortly after it's head pops and the body begins to dissolve into smoke.

Lily pulls me aside as another Gryphon follows suit, more Gryphons and Nevermore flying around us as Lily, Bloom, Ashe and I hide behind the stall counter with the vender.

"What are all of these Grimm doing here?!" Bloom cries out, "How did they get this far?"

I shake my head as I slowly ease back into reality, "They're... It's the fear. The fear, confusion.... An Atlas robot that looks like a little girl just got ripped apart on live TV. How would you feel?" I say, climbing to my feet as I dig my Scroll out of my hoodie pocket, typing in the code for my locker as it slams into the ground a stone's throw away. Unfortunately a Gryphon hops on top of it, screeching at us. "Wonderful..." I grumble to myself, hopping onto the counter and summoning my Semblance around my fists forming the small dark clouds crackling with lightning as I run forward. I raise my fist, ready to punch as it's beak opens, ready to snap, when we're both surprised as another locker lands right on top of it's head as it dissolves.

The second locker hisses open to reveal Ashe's sword and knife. I turn around to see Ashe running forward and grabbing her weapons as my eyes widen, "Ashe...-"

"Save it," Ashe says sternly, holding both weapons up courageously as the tears on her cheeks dry up, "We can't let our emotions get the better of us now. Right now, if ever, is when we need to use our training. Do our jobs." She says as I sternly nod.

A sudden explosion grabs our attention as we yelp and look up, watching as one of the Atlas military airships begins blasting the others. Jasper sighs as narrows his eyes.

"Well guys... Hurry and gear up. We've got a long night ahead."

🍁// BONUS: 3-Part Finale Synopses and Release Dates

VOLUME 3, CHAPTER 10: 'What is...' SYNOPSIS:
After the horrors of Pyrrha vs. Penny were broadcast across the world, Team JSPR and Team BAZL are split up and spread out across Beacon as Grimm and White Fang invade the school.
RELEASES 5/26

VOLUME 3, CHAPTER 11: '...Your Favorite...' SYNOPSIS:
Team JSPR reunites, but begrudgingly splits up yet again to find Zephyr, who loses his patience and closes in to claim his prize; Pyrrha struggles against the new Fall Maiden, Cinder, when she gets some unexpected aid.
RELEASES 5/27

VOLUME 3, CHAPTER 11: '...Fairy Tale?' SYNOPSIS:
You're NEVER alone. If you're loved... You're home.
RELEASES 5/28

Chapter Text

🍁// JASPER

I dive out of the way of a chomping Gryphon, just in time to spin around and smack it in the head with my hammer so hard the neck cracks as it collapses to the ground. Just when I pause to take a breath, looking around to see fire, smell smoke, and hear nothing but screams of fear and agony as waves of Grimm descend onto helpless civilians.

"How are we gonna possibly handle all of this...?" I question aloud before rolling out of the way of yet another Gryphon that gets sliced up by Ashe, her face tough and stoic.

"We worry about that later. For now, we just focus on our job. Just-" Ashe pauses, cut off by the ground rocking. We hear a loud roar as we turn to see a Megoliath running right towards us. Lily, Bloom, Ashe and I all dive in different directions, hiding behind various debris, but of course by some wonderful dose of luck, it uses it's tusks to knock away the debris defending me. Of course.

"Jasper!" Ashe calls out, and I hold up my hammer to block, but I close my eyes and wait only for nothing to happen. I open my eyes to see a Glyph holding back the tusks. I turn around to see Weiss Schnee holding up her rapier along with another smaller Glyph, as her teammate Blake Belladonna runs forward and slashes the trunk away with her blade before holding out her hand to help me up as I quickly take it.

Weiss is suddenly bashed back as Blake gasps, "Weiss!" She calls out, turning towards her teammate as I clutch my hammer and get into a fighting stance as I stare down the massive Grimm. But, before either of us could make a move, it's knocked to the ground as several lockers blast into it.

"Ahem!" I hear someone call out from behind as I turn and see Team CRAL staring at me, with Rubrum and Flavus Roma of Team RFLE from the doubles round. Cupid smirks and winks at me, "You really thought you guys were gonna get all the glory? This is CRAL's home after all. We're not letting it go without a fight."

Rubrum and Flavus nod, "...And we will do whatever we can to aid." Rubrum says as Flavus gasps.

"Maybe we can do all of that after we slay the Megoliath!" Flavus yells out as I gasp and roll to the side just in time to dodge a massive Megoliath trunk. 

The beast roars as Cupid just scoffs, "River, do you mind...?"

River Achillon nods, concentrating as they lift up a large water dispenser that quickly bursts, the water flying forward as it clamps around the beasts snout like a muzzle as well as cramping the end of the trunk inside the muzzle. River shudders, "Hurry and retrieve your weapons everyone, I cannot hold the beast for long!" They say as everyone immediately runs forward, climbing the Grimm as it tries to buck them all off. Rubrum and Flavus stab into the Megoliath's neck while Lionel slashes along it's sides with the edges of his shields.

"Yes!" Lionel cries out with bloodthirsty glee, "We shall slay this beast as one!"

I narrow my eyes and bolt forward, boosting myself into the air with wind before swirling my hammer around and stabbing into the Megoliath's forehead with the sharp end of my hammer. It cries out one last time before collapsing and beginning to dissolve.

I sigh, slowly climbing back to my feet and lazily resting against my hammer, "Man, I really don't get to use the sharp end of this thing often enough." I turn to everyone having regrouped, Weiss and Blake joining up as Weiss limps ever so slightly. I take a breath and rest my hammer onto my shoulder, "Okay, if we can finally breath, what's-"

"Jasper, look out!" Blake calls out with her eyes wide and I turn just in time to see a Gryphon open it's beak to scoop me up.

🍁// ROWAN

I try to help Percy stand as he just lies on the ground almost limp. He's not crying or whimpering, he's just stunned absolutely silent. It hurts so much to see him like this, but I don't know what else to do and the shields above the arena are gonna cut out soon from all the Gryphon trying to fly in, so I have to get him out of here one way or another.

"Percy we- ngh, we gotta go!" I call out as Percy bolts back up to his feet and wipes off his face. He continues saying nothing but he does clench down hard onto the railing, staring down at the arena right at Penny's body.

Just as I reach over to pat his shoulder, I hear voices calling out, "Percy, Rowan!" I hear and turn to see Amethyst running up to us, alongside Maya and Royale from Team BRMN.

"You guys okay?" Amethyst asks as Maya gasps.

"You're crying! Are you hurt-?" Maya asks as Percy turns away and clenches his fists and wipes his face off again.

"I'm fine." Percy definitely lies, "And the barrier above the arena just broke, we'd better leave while the Nevermore is distracted." Percy says as I look over and see a Nevermore screeching at someone down on the ground.

Amethyst kneels down and picks something up before tossing it to us, and I quickly recognize it as my Dust Gauntlets and Percy's parasol. "I mean.... We can't just leave..." Amethyst starts, as Percy gingerly grips his weapon, wiping his hand alongside it as I shake my head, "So... What should we do?" I say, not bothering to question how Amethyst got our weapons from our lockers.

"Well..." Maya says, leaning over the edge and squinting her eyes to try and see far, "...From what I can tell I think the others down there got that Nevermore handled..." She says, pointing over at a group of students standing on top of the Grimm and equipping their weapons, "So, it's probably best that we head down to the fairgrounds and the school to try and help evacuate civilians- And, you know, get out ourselves. That too."

"But what about Jasper?" Amethyst suggests as I nod.

"Hey, if anyone can take care of himself, it's him." I say as Amethyst raises an eyebrow at me with a smirk as I just glare back which takes her by surprise. I clench my fists, "Not to mention, he's got Amethyst, Lily and Bloom with him. They can handle anything until we get down there ourselves."

"Although," A new voice starts, one I unfortunately recognize as I slowly turn with an even more intense glare at Echo, "...No guarantees you'll actually make it down there..." She says with a light chuckle. She doesn't even bother equipping her mask this time as I just smirk at her.

"Oh, no mask? I'm guessing we did a good job breaking that for you." I say as Echo glares back.

"Wretched little... Tch, you'll have plenty to handle soon enough. After all..." Echo says as she holds up two knives with some reflective material like mirrors. "I've got plans for you all, and your little friends down there... I won't rest until Ashe is all alone, which means you're all a problem I gotta cut out."

We all ready our weapons as I glare at her, "Try me. We beat you once, and I'm sure as hell we can do it again."

🍁// JASPER

I try to raise my weapon fast enough to strike back at the Gryphon about to scoop me up, but luckily the Grimm is shot down before it could close around me. I turn to see a platoon of Atlesian Knight 200's charging into the fairgrounds and taking on the scores of Grimm above and on the ground. Following swiftly behind them is Professor Borealis and Desmond, Professor Borealis with her ice wand raised and Professor Desmond spinning a large staff. "Oh my goodness, students!" Borealis calls out as she probably realizes who we are, "Oh, it's so good to see you all!" I don't say it out loud, but I feel glad to see them too. I feel way too in over my head, and I still don't even know where half my team is.

Professor Desmond nods, "Glad to see my teachings weren't completely lost on you." He then eyes up the Gryphon dissolving next to me, "Well... Not entirely perhaps." He says as Borealis playfully bumps his arm.

"What are you guys doing all the way out here?" Lily asks as Desmond slams his staff into the ground.

"We're hunting around the rest of Beacon, along with the traveling Professors who came from the other Academies, and looking for the rest of the survivors.... Or what's left of them." Desmond says grimly, his red eyes shining in the dark as an aura of tension surrounds the group.

Borealis steps forward with a clap, "But! We're here to inform you all that Beacon is indeed evacuating. Glynda Goodwitch and the rest of the Beacon staff are leading the efforts for a safe haven in Vale for the survivors, as well as going out and getting the local airship transport companies to aid in the evac effort, alongside working on getting all the guests back to their home Kingdoms."

Desmond rolls his eyes, "What Professor Borealis is trying to say is you lot are going. Now."

I sputter, "But, we can help you guys-"

"No buts." Desmond interrupts, his intense gaze softening, "...You all have done plenty already, securing this area. You all are still in school, and frankly would just get in the way of the professionals."

Borealis grips Desmond's shoulder, "Not to mention.... We may just be your professors, but we do care. We'd very much prefer not to see your names on an obituary. So please... Head to the Beacon Docks, and get out of here."

I lose my words for a moment before I shake my head, "We can't. Our teammates are still out there."

Cupid hurries forward, "Hey, hi there!" He says waving and grabbing my attention, "If your friends didn't leave the colosseum before all this started, I have a pretty good idea of a safe spot for the airship to land them down. It's not at the docks, but it's the closest they'd be able to make it without being gnawed on by Grimm, assuming they didn't just bail out to the safe zone in Vale."

I step forward and grip my hammer, "They wouldn't just leave. Lead the way."

Borealis shakes her head, "You kids really should just-"

Desmond steps forward, "Fine," He starts as Borealis stares at him with concern, "Get them, and then get the hell out of here... Please." He says as I nod and turn to Cupid Valentine.

"Lead the way." I repeat to Cupid as he nods and the rest of the group follows along. I look back one last time to see Professor Borealis wiping a tear as Desmond pats her back before the two continue running, and I'm left wondering if I'm even making the right choice. I then shake my head, No, I can't be doubting myself right now. I'm doing the best I can, and that's all that matters.

🍁

Winter slides forward atop Glyphs, slashing off Beowulf head after Beowulf head, holding her weapon at her side and gesturing her free hand towards the Beacon Docks, "Everyone! Head to the Docks, there's ships ready to escort you all to a safe zone in Vale! I-" Winter gasps as she realizes just in time an Ursa is running right towards her. She whips around to slice but stops when Thorne instead bursts forward, slashing at the beast with an axe made of hardened wood.

Thorne sighs, "None of this would be happening if I hadn't failed-"

"Hey!" Winter snaps, "We have no time for self doubt or wallowing in pity. We need to focus on the mission. Can you do that?" She asks as Thorne nods, surprised by Winter's kindness before setting her axe down beside her leg and pulling out her Scroll, "Who are you trying to contact?"

"My nieces and nephew. I didn't see them on my way back down, and I can't help but be worried.... The CCT is down, but I'm hoping they might be close enough to reach them with close range comms...." Her Scroll beeps as the call fails as she grumbles and tosses it aside, "So much for that..."

Winter scoffs, "This was a disturbingly well planned attack.... Doing so much as taking down the CCT? Gods...."

Thorne hums in thought, "Maybe.... Hey, do you think we might have a chance to reactivate the CCT if we reach the tower?"

Winter looks around, seeing most of the civilians in range of Huntsmen and Huntresses by the docks, "Our job here is done... So it's certainly worth a shot. Even still... Whoever took down the CCT must have had quite the prowess in order to take out all the staff and guards. Not to mention our priority should be evacuating the school."

"Ugh.... I hate when you're sensible." Thorne says as Winter rolls her eyes and runs over to help some of the civilians as Thorne looks up at the shattered moon.

Amethyst, Jasper.... Ruby, Yang... Wherever you kids are, I hope you're all alright....

...

Sparks flying occasionally all around, as flies begin to buzz towards the blood strewn across the CCT core room. Dr.Fontaine grumbles to herself, looking bored as she lazily taps away at the desk, "Oh, for the love of- Come on Torchwick! It's so simple, I could do it in my sleep! Just connect the damn Scroll to the airship already...." Suddenly, her Scroll begins to ring as she lifts it up to spy Zephyr. She rolls her eyes, "Mmm, hello darling! You might want to hurry, I'll be fully deleting the entire CCT's core code as soon as Torchwick learns how to plug in a Scroll, so our backup Scroll connection isn't going to last long."

"Where. Is. He." Zephyr demands as Fontaine dramatically throws her head down and grumbles, lifting her head back up with an eye roll.

"Zephyr, sweetest dear darling... That is your problem to figure out. We've trained you well enough to track him down yourself! Sniff it out, my little bloodhound, because I-" Dr.Fontaine pauses for a moment, as she eyes up a new connection from Ironwood's airship, "Got to go, little one, now have fun tracking your prey!" 

Zephyr tries to snark back, but Dr.Fontaine hangs up before he can as she grumbles to herself before shaking her head and taking a calming breath- And then immediately gagging slightly and fanning her face, "I don't know how Nadia can stand this smell...." She types on the computer for a few seconds before hitting the 'Enter' key as she activates the final segment of Dr.Watts' program. The black queen chess piece appears on the screen before the whole screen fades to black. Dr.Fontaine then stands up, summoning her hard light hands and gripping the computer's core, lifting it into the air and crushing it before swiftly throwing it out the window and wiping off her hands.

"And that is one CPU deleted. Rather archaically, but I think it works. And now...." She takes a deep breath and brushes off her coat and tightens her bun, "And now, it's time to go help an overly aggressive boy find one of his two nervous redheads."

...

The group hurries their way across the Beacon campus as they round a corner and run into a group of civilians being herded by some AK-200's. Jasper steps forward and rests his hammer on his shoulder, "Where are you taking these civilians?"

The closest bot chirps for a moment as it lowers it's energy rifle, "These evacuees are being led to the currently designated safe zone at-at-at-at-at-" It then lowers it's head as it's visor grows dark.

Lily coughs, "Uh, that's bad right?"

The evacuees anxiously shuffle and mumble to themselves before the Knight's rise their heads again, as their visors glow red, "Targets identified. Suppressing." They then raise their guns at us when we all duck for cover as the squad of bots begin firing at us, the crowd of evacuees screaming and diving for cover as Jasper grumbles, "What are they doing?!"

Cupid scoffs loudly, "Did you seriously just ask that question? They're hacked, duh." He shakes his head before muttering to himself, "Seriously, what does he even see in...." He then grips his crossbow as Lily holds up his hand to stop him, as he throws her a very bewildered- or maybe pissed off- look.

Lily hops up, grabbing one of her many fire Dust crystals, and tosses it towards the group of bots as one catches it with ease. She then smirks and snaps her fingers, a swish of her tail flicking as the Dust pops with enough energy to disable the bots, but leave the nearby civilians unharmed as everyone begins climbing back to their feet. Lily chuckles, "See? That was-" She stops as a gunshot fires past her, as everyone turns to see another AK-200 falling to the ground with a cracked visor- shot clean through. Everyone turns towards the direction it came from and all stare stunned at General Ironwood. His clothes are torn up and he seems slightly hurt, but he seems to be acting about the same as any other time.

He stares across the crowd, his eyes studying each of them with concern, "Are you all alright?" He asks as both the students and civilians nod. He holsters his pistol as everyone still stares stunned.

Jasper gulps, "I- Uh... G-General Ironwood....?"

Ironwood gives him a quick salute, "Quartz, Bloom, where are the rest of your teammates?"

Jasper and Bloom stiffen at the mention of their names as they struggle not to embarrass themselves in front of the General- and their Headmaster, "Uh..." Jasper stupidly starts, "W-We aren't sure, sir. We think they're still up in Amity, so we're heading to the close safe landing zone from Amity."

Ironwood grasps his chin, "I didn't see them with the rest of the group of students heading out on the last airship. If they didn't have one then...." Ironwood then nods and turns towards the group, "Quartz," He starts as Jasper hastily salutes, "You, along with Verne, Bloom and Sparks are going to head right beneath Amity Colosseum to retrieve your teammates." Ashe, Lily, Bloom and Jasper look at one another in confusion.

Jasper, still saluting, stares at the General stunned, "Uh, but sir-"

"Valentine," Ironwood continues, unfazed, "You and the rest of your team, along with the two from RFLE will head with me and take these civilians down to the evac point." He then turns towards Weiss and Blake, "Schnee, Belladonna, your teammates were with the group I saw heading out of Amity. They're likely heading directly to the safe zone and skipping the safe landing zone. Knowing the students, they should make it back just fine, so you'll be heading straight there to find them. You all have your orders." He says before giving another salute and turning towards the civilians and calmly greeting them.

"That was... Something." Ashe says as Aspen Somnus nods tiredly while Jasper nervously drops his salute.

"I don't know if I have enough energy to handle someone that... commanding." Aspen says before yawning, rubbing their snow white hair as Weiss steps forward and gives a quick smile to Jasper.

"Good luck with finding your teammates." Weiss says as Blake nods, Jasper smirking and nodding back.

"You too." Jasper replies, as the duo runs off before taking a breath. He runs a hand through his curls, "Now to head to Amity and figure out why the General wants us directly below...."

Lily claps her hands together, "Right! Well, you guys have fun with that, I'm gonna head back to the evac and see if I can't convince a pilot to come scoop you guys up!" I say as Ashe steps forward.

"Lily, you can't just run off, it's way too dangerous out here by yourself. The Grimm, the Knights-" Ashe says firmly as Jasper nods.

"It's better if we all stick together on the General's path-" Jasper starts as Lily holds up her hand.

"I'll be fine." Lily reassures, "Besides, you guys in one massive group across the school? The smaller the better, less chance for emotions to call on Grimm and it's easier to sneak past the bots alone. Trust me, you guys are gonna be glad when I manage to convince someone to grab you all." 

Jasper and Lily stare at each other silently for a moment. Bloom grabs Jasper's shoulder as he looks at Bloom's pleading eyes and sighs, "Just be safe." He says as Lily winks.

"No promises!" Lily says with a smirk as Ashe squeezes her hand for a moment before the two separate, Lily running off.

As she sprints out of view, Jasper grumbles anxiously as Bloom pats his shoulder again, "She'll be fine, she's very clever." She says as Jasper takes a breath and nods.

"You're right. Besides, she's your teammate, you know her better." He says before motioning the group onward, "Now let's go get the rest of our friends."

As Lily runs off, the rest of the group pauses for a moment before continuing their trip towards Amity to try and figure out what Ironwood was trying to tell them while unbeknownst to them a pair of eyes watches them from the shadows. He clutches the red cloth wrapped around his neck for comfort. "I'm gonna get you, Jasper... Mark my words." Zephyr says before dissolving into the shadows of a nearby wall.

Chapter Text

// CONTENT WARNING //

This chapter contains themes that may be distressing for some readers.
Violent Injury, Depiction of Blood,
Depiction of Penny

Readers discretion is advised.

🍁

Lily runs across the warzone that was once Beacon Academy, huffing as exhaustion starts to grip her as she swiftly hides behind a pile of rubble and getting a breather. She spies Beacon Tower next to her, with the CCT right nearby, "I've gotta be getting close, right? The docks can't be too far now... Maybe-" She cries out as she's scooped up in the beak of a Gryphon as her Aura crackles. She slashes at the beak, "Let- Go- Of- Me!" She cries out, but it's unfazed by her slashing as she cries out from another chomp, her Aura crackling again. She reaches into her pockets, gripping her Dust pack and pulling it out as she holds up a fire Dust crystal. But before she could do anything, her eyes widen as she spots a weapons locker flying right into her. 

All that Lily can hear is the ringing as the explosion knocks her unconscious.

Jaune kicks his locker door open, brushing off his bruises as he looks around at his surroundings. He looks up, seeing the tower not far as he expected, thankfully. Maybe... Maybe I could get to Pyrrha in time? Maybe- His thoughts are cut off as he stares down at the motionless body beneath him, surrounded by a dissipating Grimm, "Woah, woah, woah, hey! Are you okay?" Jaune calls out, kneeling down and gingerly lifting the girl's body as he leans close and catches a very faint breath as he sighs in relief and helps the girl sit up to breathe better. Her lightly tanned skin covered in burns, long brown hair and matching fox tail... He can't put his finger on it, but he does vaguely recognize this girl from some time during the Vytal tournament. His eyes dart back at Beacon tower, then back at the girl again.

I... Can't let Pyrrha fight alone, but I can't just leave this girl here to die....

Jaune reaches into his pocket to grab his Scroll, but groans in frustration when he sees his Scroll is damaged from the explosion rocking his locker out of the air. He starts to lift the body right as he spots a Beowulf charging towards him from across the plaza. Before he could even try to fight it, several sharp shards of ice embed themselves in the Grimm's skull as it falls over. Jaune looks as the body falls and he sees two Professors running up to him, and like the girl he recognizes them from the tournament, but luckily more than her: Professor Borealis and Professor Desmond from Atlas Academy.

"Are you alright?" Professor Borealis starts, "Who is-" She then gasps as her violet eyes widen with realization, "Ms.Verne! Is... Is she...?"

Jaune shakes his head as his messy mop of blonde hair shakes with him, "She's still breathing, but she probably needs a doctor as soon as possible." Professor Desmond rushes forward and gingerly takes Lily from Jaune.

"Follow us, we'll take you back to the docks. Everyone else is starting to pull out." Professor Desmond states as Jaune shakes his head again, clutching his sword tightly.

"I can't, one of my teammates is still nearby and she needs my help." Jaune says as the professors nod.

"I'd stay and help," Professor Borealis says, "But he won't be able to carry her and defend himself. Are you going to be alright on your own?" She asks as Jaune nods and unsheathes his sword from his holster, watching as Professor Desmond and Professor Borealis say nothing but give Jaune a quick wave as they run off with Lily towards the docks. Jaune then takes a breath and turns towards Beacon tower. He starts running, but before he gets very far he pauses and turns back towards his locker as an idea forms.

...

Jasper takes a deep breath as he ducks behind a broken wall, "Gods...." Jasper croaks out, panting heavily, "They really made a lot of these AK-200s, didn't they? They really hit hard...."

"They may hit harder...." Ashe says, running and slicing one clean through as it falls down i ntwo pieces, "....But they break all the same." She says, preparing to slice another one when she's shot in the back by yet another behind her.

"Yes," Bloom starts as she hastily helps Ashe back to her feet, "But that doesn't help when there are dozens of them all around the campus."

Jasper clenches his hammer as his eyes dart up towards Amity Colosseum while his thoughts wonder to Percy and Rowan, Hopefully they're doing better than we are....

Right while Jasper wonders, Rowan is kicked right in the face as he stumbles back, his Aura crackling as he clenches his fists, "Echo, stop. You're heavily outnumbered, what are you even going to do?" He says, Maya punching a fist into her palm.

"She is going to take a beating, that's what." Maya says as she glares at Echo, "She hurt my team, my friends. She's gonna-" Rowan pats her shoulder as her glare softens.

"As much as I'd like that..." Rowan starts, glaring at Echo, "She needs to pay for what she's done the right way." Rowan then punches his fist down, his blades readying themselves, "....Starting with telling me what she knows about my sister. Right. Now." He says as Echo smirks, resting a hand on her hip.

"Glad to see you haven't forgotten about her..." Echo says, twirling a knife in the air, "...Maybe you are better than other men, Rowan Everstone." She says as Rowan huffs.

"Seriously, Echo, give up. You're outnumbered 5 to 1." He says as Echo chuckles.

"Seriously, Rowan? Give up? In a place like Amity Colosseum.... I'm never outnumbered." Echo says as she snaps her fingers, a spectral Ruby Rose and Penny Polendina appearing at her sides.

Percy gasps, shuddering as he stumbles backwards. His face then quickly turns to a furious rage, gripping his umbrella and running forward. Rowan watches as he gasps, "Percy-!" He calls out, but it's too late as Percy raises his arm to bash Echo before he's knocked to the ground by another echo, some dark-skinned girl in a beret. Rowan recalls seeing her earlier in the tournament alongside Penny, he thinks named Ciel Soleil. The echo of Ciel pins Percy against the wall, as the echoes of Ruby and Penny hold up their fists while Echo grips her knife. Maya and Royale run forward to help Percy when an Echo of a Gryphon flies down and roars at the pair before knocking into Amethyst as she flies backwards, tumbling across the stands.

Rowan grumbles, punching his fists forward at Echo to launch his blades as Echo knocks them away with ease, "You know Rowan, it's funny how easy it is to practice a Semblance like mine near an Academy. So many strong emotions to echo, so many warriors and Grimm too. You really don't stand a chance against me now. You may have gotten the upper hand last time, with Jasper and Ashe's Semblances, but- Oh, you don't have them here, do you?" She says before her face stretches to a wide, wicked grin.

Royale and Maya get knocked back, Maya grumbling and punching the Gryphon away. Royale sighs, "Maya, you know what I'm going to say-"

"Right, right..." Maya starts, "It just sucks how exhausted I get..." Maya replies before taking a deep breath and brushing her hands against both headphones as a rainbow colored flash shines. And rather than shining in Maya's eyes, it shines in Percy, Rowan, and Royale's eyes instead. Percy and Rowan feel a surprising surge of energy as Percy manages to break free from the echoed Ciel's grip and bash her away into a wall and shattering, while Rowan bashes the echoes of Ruby and Penny backwards as they stumble.

Echo clutches her head, grumbling as Royale runs forward, kicking with intense speed and strength at the Gryphon's beak so hard it breaks off, the echo dissipating. "What are you- Another Semblance trick?!"

Maya winces before weakly smirking at Echo, "I would have used this against you last time, but you already had my Aura pretty low pretty quick. Not to mention my new friends managed to pick up the slack for me. Speaking of..." Maya trails off as Rowan, Percy and Royale close in around Echo.

Echo just grumbles, "It's always some crazy Semblance...." She says while gripping a vial of shattered glass.

Rowan grumbles, "Not again!" He runs forward to stop her, but he runs right into an echo of Thorne Rose bolting forward and slamming right into him as she disappears, knocking him onto his backside as Echo tosses the vial behind her as it shatters and forms a portal made of swirling broken glass.

"Don't worry, this won't be the last time we meet Rowan. But just know: You're gonna lose a lot today. I won't rest until Ashe is left all alone.... Like I was...." Echo says, her voice dripping with malice before stepping back through the portal and disappearing along with it.

Amethyst climbs to her feet, straining as she rubs her arm, "Uh.. What just happened?"

"Maya has a few stages to her Semblance," Royale starts as she walks over and helps Maya stand, "She can affect her agility, strength, and a few other attributes by channeling the beat, tempo, and sound of the music in her headphones. And, when in a bind surrounded by friends, she can send that out and use it to boost her allies instead...." Royale strains as she holds Maya up, "...At the cost of extra energy and Aura."

Amethyst clears her throat, "Uh... I mostly meant the angry crazy girl who just absolutely wiped me?"

Rowan sighs, "Her name's Echo. She's who we fought at the end of the semester."

Amethyst whistles, "Well I can see why you guys struggled last time."

Royale nods and clutches her side, "We managed to push her back this time, and Team JSPR did last time. But even still, we can't underestimate her... An extraordinarily powerful foe, that one."

Rowan rushes forward, "Well, we can talk about it later, for now we-" He quickly stops as the group follows behind to see why he stopped.

"There's.... No airships left." Amethyst says, crestfallen.

Maya pulls out her Scroll, starting to stand on her own again as she shakes her head, "And the CCT is down, meaning we cannot call for help."

Royale shrugs, "I mean... I doubt any of us could have piloted it anyway."

Rowan shakes his head, "Percy could- Wait, Percy?" He looks around, not seeing Percy as he looks back to see his partner staring over the edge of the railing. Rowan runs back to see Percy's eyes hopelessly fixated on Penny's lifeless body, cut into pieces and strewn across the arena joined by splashes of green liquid, like robotic blood.

"Percy...." Rowan timidly starts, patting Percy's shoulder as he's quickly shrugged off.

Amethyst gasps behind the pair as Rowan turns, "Percy.... Wait, we might be able to get out of here still!"

Royale and Maya raise an eyebrow at her as Rowan steps forward, "How?"

Amethyst holds up her notepad full of Semblances, "My charms! Just like Percy can control an airship using his Semblance, we can control the wind using Jasper's! We could just- float down!"

Rowan holds up his hand, "Hangon- None of us have ever used someone else's Semblance like that before. The last time you had me use one of those, all we had to do was touch Jasper- And that was for Bloom's already pretty easy to activate Semblance. Jasper's Semblance seems a bit more complicated than that."

"That's where Bloom comes in!" Amethyst exclaims, holding up a piece of orange paper splattered with red, "I can use her Semblance to connect all our minds together, and direct you guys on using Jasper's Semblance! I've done it before, so doing it for you guys shouldn't be hard."

Maya clears her throat, "Have you ever.... Perhaps... Practiced.... doing that before?"

Amethyst blushes in embarrassment as she lowers the paper, "Well, I, uh-"

"I can do it." Percy says as everyone turns to him.

"Percy-" Rowan starts as Percy turns and strides towards Amethyst and scoops the paper out of her hand.

"My Semblance is basically telepathy but for electronics." Percy explains, "I'd have a better chance doing it right my first time than Amethyst."

Maya and Royale turn at each other, "I.... Suppose that makes the most sense." Maya agrees as Rowan shakes his head.

"Percy, are you sure you're going to be okay?" Rowan asks as Percy quickly avoids eye contact with Rowan.

"Amethyst," Percy says, "Assuming this all works normally, I'm going to connect your minds to the others, and hopefully that'll direct them well enough on controlling the wind to get down to the ground safely."

Royale shakes her head as she rubs her face, "Aaand I'm back to worrying again. Is this seriously our best plan....?"

Amethyst gives her a weak grin, "It's.... Kinda our only plan....?"

Rowan takes a breath, "Well.... If you think you can do it, then I believe in you." He says to Percy, who crosses his arms and sheepishly nods. The group walks towards the dock as Rowan looks back down sadly one last time at Penny's body.

He didn't talk much about Penny, but what little he did..... She meant a lot to him. Can he even come back from a loss like this?

...

Cinder dodges slashes again and again from Pyrrha, who angrily tries over and over to strike the Maiden. Finally Cinder rolls her eyes with a groan and flies forward, kneeing Pyrrha in the gut and launching her back as her black Aura crackles.

Cinder chuckles, "''The Invincible Girl'. You know that's what they call you, right? How exhaustingly pretentious." Cinder says while Pyrrha groans and slowly struggles back to her feet, "The moment I knew that, I knew that you were the one they chose. That you were going to be their Maiden. But now...." Cinder licks her lips, her eyes bursting with fire as flames flicker across her body while she floats into the air, "....How does it feel? Knowing that what was once meant to be yours... Is now mine." She says with a harsh venom in her voice as Pyrrha yells and tosses her shield at Cinder who bashes it away with ease- Not noticing the levitating chunks of metal all around her.

Pyrrha clenches her fist, the metal all flying towards Cinder and dogpiling her beneath the metallic rubble. Just as Pyrrha rearms herself, a fiery explosion flies out and launches the chunks of metal all over, with one particularly large chunk slamming right into Pyrrha as she crashes right into a broken pillar back first, falling to the floor as her Aura shatters.

Cinder brushes herself off and takes a deep breath, "You know, normally I'd get this over with as fast as possible. But there's.... Something about you. I'm still not even sure what it is." Cinder slowly starts walking towards Pyrrha, her glass heels clicking against the floor with a unique, hollow sound with every step, "...Maybe it's the fact your life has been full of praise and admiration, while I've struggled, suffered and survived. Maybe....." Cinder kneels down, lifting Pyrrha's chin, "....Maybe it's just the little voice in the back of my mind, telling me.... 'Savor this moment.'" Cinder's eyes burn with a bright amber flame.

Cinder lifts up Pyrrha by her neck, summoning a flame with her spare hand before a boom beside the both of them grabs their attention as Jaune cries out, running forward and body slamming Cinder with his shield. She's launched back, flying into a chunk of metal as she cries out in pain, her orange Aura crackling.

Jaune helps Pyrrha to her feet while she struggles to find the words, lightly rubbing her sore neck, "I... You- Jaune! You're not supposed to-"

"Pyrrha." Jaune firmly stops her, holding up her shield and rifle as she gingerly takes the weapons, saying nothing more than a nod in reply as the two hold up their weapons as they stare down a roaring Cinder, her mouth firing furious flames.

Cinder opens both her palms to the air as she summons two blades of solid fire, "You worthless- ARGH!" Cinder cries out and flies forward, while Pyrrha and Jaune dive in different directions to dodge the attack.

...

Jasper cries out as he slams his hammer down against the metallic skull of the last AK-200, panting heavily as he looks over at Bloom, "Hey... So... Can you use your Semblance, see if there's anything left....?"

Bloom holsters her sickles and taps her forehead with one hand, "Hm.... It's... Hard to say. Human minds are easy to find, Grimm are hard, and robots even harder, but.... I think so...? I'd still be on guard just in case." She says as Jasper and Ashe sighs in relief, holstering their weapons as she huffs, "I said stay on guard."

Jasper brushes himself off, "Alright, so.... What now? Ironwood wanted us directly below Amity, so.... I don't know, is something supposed to happen?"

Ashe pauses to think as she rubs her chin, "I mean, Ironwood wouldn't have called us here for no reason. He's the general of an entire militaristic government, surely there's.... Something. Bloom, do you sense anything?"

Bloom rolls her eyes and taps her forehead again, "....No, still just-" She pauses as her brow tightens, lifting her other hand to tap her forehead, "Wait..... I think..... It feels like there's some minds nearby, slightly faint. It feels.... It's hard to explain, almost like they're-"

"Right above us." Ashe finishes as Jasper turns, Ashe pointing up as he looks to see a handful of colorful specs slowly drifting down from Amity, each one dotted with flashes of orange.

Jasper slaps his face, "Duh! They have Amethyst with them, so if they had no airship to pilot down, they'd just use my Semblance to float down."

Bloom winces, "Tss.... Uh.... Guys- They all just got really upset- All at once."

Ashe gasps, "Because they're falling! Jasper, do something!"

Jasper groans as he brushes his hand through his hair, "Leave it to Amethyst to mess up using my Semblance again..." He takes a deep breath and concentrates, slowly raising his clenched hands into the air as wind starts steadily blowing upwards.

Unfortunately, it was only barely good enough, as the group slams down onto the grass as they all groan in pain with a couple flickers of Aura. Rowan coughs as he slowly lifts up his head, "Okay...." He coughs, "We are.... NEVER... Trying that again."

Maya coughs a little as she climbs to her feet, groaning as she falls back down to her knees as her Aura shatters, "Come now Rowan..... Have some-" She pauses to cough again, "....Some sense of adventure, friend!"

Jasper grins wide as he runs forward, tackling Percy and Rowan who cry out in pain, "You guys are alright!" He calls out as the two groan as he gingerly climbs off of them while Ashe walks up with a smile as Jasper nervously blushes, "Uh... Sorry about that."

Amethyst scoffs as she brushes herself off as her purple curls fray messily from the fall, "I'm fine too, in case you were worried. At all." She says sarcastically, running her hand through her hair to try and fix it as Jasper rolls his eyes.

"Of course you were fine, you have a whole notepad full of other people's Semblances- That you still manage to mess up somehow. And at the worst time too- Midair." Jasper smarmily replies as Amethyst gasps in offense.

"It-! It was a lot more complicated than that!" Amethyst cries out while her cheeks flush in embarrassment, crossing her arms.

Bloom clears her throat and adjusts her glasses, "Er, if we're done with the reunions, we should all probably get going to the evacuation zone before they possibly leave us here?"

Percy groans as he stands back up, "Seconded, I want nothing to do with this place ever again." He says while gingerly brushing off his vest.

Jasper takes a deep breath and sighs, "Alright, I'll be the one to say it:....We can't leave yet." Everyone turns to him in confusion as he facepalms, "I can't believe I'm saying this but- We should at least check the school on our way out to make sure Zephyr isn't still out here."

Bloom taps her chin, "Uh, Jasper? I don't know how to tell you this, but I believe Zephyr can handle the Grimm and the Knights on his own."

Jasper rolls his eyes, "That's the problem! The whole semester he's been such a bloodthirsty brat- He's probably having the time of his life out here and we need to go." 

Ashe nods in agreement, "I agree, we should still check. We.... We shouldn't leave anyone behind." She says, nervously rubbing her arm as she remembers how badly she messed up before with Echo. 

Rowan looks down at the ground with a frown as his tail droops, remembering Roana, "As much as I don't wanna say it.... I think we should too."

Maya steps forward as she rubs her arm, "As much as I'd love to help, I'm pretty much out. I used up all my strength already, and I won't be any use until I rest up." She says, straining herself as she tries to summon her Aura only to manage a slight crackle of Aura for a moment as it quickly fades again.

Royale nods as she pats Maya's shoulder, "And she'll need my help escorting her back to the evac zone."

Amethyst nods as she steps over to join Royale and Maya, "I'll come with you guys and make sure everyone else made it to the evac." She turns to Jasper, "I'll call you guys when you get in close enough range and let you know of the situation. With any luck, Zephyr is already there and you guys can stop searching and head over."

Percy rubs his arm as he walks over towards Amethyst, Maya and Royale, "I'll join you. I.... I think I've had enough fighting for one night." He shudders for a moment, clutching one hand onto his other wrist before taking a deep breath, "...Besides, you'll likely need my assistance calling if the CCT is down."

Jasper nods as he turns towards Bloom, "Which leaves Bloom. I'm guessing....?"

Bloom nods, "Zephyr is my teammate. As team leader, that makes me responsible. I should make sure he's alright." Bloom says as Jasper nods with a smirk.

"Alright...." Jasper starts, "Amethyst, Percy, you guys help Royale keep Maya safe as you guys make it back to the evac, and while you're there try to find Lily, she said she'd try to get there ahead of us... We'll try and get there as soon as possible."

Percy mumbles something that no one can make out, but Amethyst can almost swear she heard him say, 'You better.'

...

Dr.Fontaine frantically taps on her Scroll, the tracker she placed on Zephyr's Scroll blinking as she gets closer and closer. She strolls a turn right into an alley, pausing as she hears a whoosh of metal behind her. She calmly eyes over her shoulder to spot Zephyr, holding his scythe up to her as she smirks with a stifled laugh, "....Adorable. Another tantrum, little one?"

Zephyr grumbles, "I know you know how to find Jasper. Stop wasting my time and find him before he bails on this Grimm-infested mess." He says, keeping one hand clutched onto his scarf as Dr.Fontaine just chuckles.

"Zephyr, sweetheart, darling...." Dr.Fontaine uses one pointer finger to lightly move Zephyr's scythe away from her, "First of all: You're not going to hurt me, and we both know as much so don't bluff. Secondly, I can't just track someone unless I've implanted some means of tracking them."

Zephyr raises an eyebrow in annoyance, "Like my Scroll?" He says as she sighs with an eye roll.

"You know," Dr.Fontaine starts, her lab coat flicking in the wind, "I was wondering how long it would take you to find that. At first it was merely a joke, but then you took so long I figured you'd never find it. Honestly, I thought I've taught you better than that...." She says shaking her head in disappointment.

Zephyr glares as he grits his teeth, "You weren't the one who taught me that. Nadia was."

"Ah, but you forget: Who chose Nadia to teach you, darling?" Dr.Fontaine says as she places a palm on her chest with a smirk, "It's called 'leadership', and it's a quality you've never either had nor likely ever will. After all, even Atlas saw that despite your incredible combat abilities, even a meek little girl with half your training was better for the position!" She says, laughing as Zephyr growls, slashing his scythe towards her, as she summons a hard light fist and blocks the attack with ease, forcing the scythe downward as the blade embeds into the ground while a wicked glint shines in Dr.Fontaine's eye.

"Ah.... there it is." Dr.Fontaine says with a smirk, "I was also wondering how long it'd take you to fully reveal that as well...." She says as Zephyr just glares harder, shaking his head.

"What are you even talking about?" Zephyr demands, as the doctor just laughs heartily.

"Oh, you sweet thing...." Dr.Fontaine says, stepping forward and patting his cheek, "That reaction? That was the same way that Nadia and Wynn would defend me when anyone would insult me."  She says as Zephyr's eyes widen, "I mean.... Come now, I've seen most of your coy little tête-à-tête's with your ever so thoughtful team leader. And your little dance together at that little party.... That reaction on your face wasn't saying 'She's just a friend'...."

Zephyr blushes as he shoves her away, "Stop it, I don't-! You can't-! Aargh!" He cries out, turning and punching the wall, cracking it.

Dr.Fontaine laughs again, stepping forward and patting his head, "....Most adorable...."

"Zephyr!" Jasper calls out, as Dr.Fontaine perks up with a smirk as she turns to spot Jasper along with Bloom, Rowan and Ashe. Jasper holds up his hammer angrily, glaring at the doctor, "Get away from him!"

Dr.Fontaine turns to Zephyr as she uses her hard light hand to pull her scythe out of the ground, "....Mmm, you might want to pick up your scythe little one.... Assuming you won't let your emotions get in the way of what you want?"

Zephyr pauses for a moment, but slowly scoops up his scythe with one hand, the other reaching back up and clutching the scarf around his neck again. Jasper's eyes widen as he turns to bloom, "Can you stop her from controlling him? She has a Semblance like yours, doesn't she?"

Bloom nods, "I think I can, if I just..." She steps forward, raising her hands to her forehead as Dr.Fontaine chuckles.

"Oh, me? I'm most certainly not controlling him. You can try reaching in there, though... He might let you in his mind." Dr.Fontaine says with a wicked giggle, covering her mouth with her gloved hand as she laughs as Zephyr tilts his head to glare at her.

"Shut. Up." Zephyr maliciously calls out to Dr.Fontaine as Jasper turns to face Bloom again.

"Bloom, anytime now....?"

Bloom shakes her head, "I.... I don't sense her mind doing anything. He's.... He's not being controlled." She says bewildered before gasping as her eyes widen, her glasses drooping almost off of her face, "Jasper he's.... He's...."

Zephyr sighs as he shakes his head, "You didn't figure it out yet? I was always with her." He says, a harsh glare directed right at Jasper who's eyes widen. Bloom stumbles back, while Ashe and Rowan step forward with their weapons raised.

Dr.Fontaine mockingly pouts, "Oooohh, Zephyr darling, I do not think she enjoyed hearing that very much."

"Shut up!" Jasper and Zephyr yell at her in unison as the two glare at each other as Dr.Fontaine giggles.

Jasper shakes his head, "I.... I just don't get it. Sure you're obnoxious sometimes, and kind of rude, but I never would've pinned you to ally with... Someone like her."

Zephyr glare softens as he raises an eyebrow mockingly, "Oh? Ohohoh, like she's the problem. Sure, she's bad-"

"Rude." Dr.Fontaine cuts in.

"-And annoying.... But you? Hahaha.... YOU?!" Zephyr shakes his head, "You're the reason that I nothing. Never will have anything. And you, heh, you get everything. Big fancy house, pampered life, a father who doesn't beat you- A sister that cares. And you had...." Zephyr clutches his scarf harder as he shakes his head, "....And all you've done is whined. You've cried. You've moaned on and on, 'Oh, look how terrible my life is-' GROW UP!" Zephyr yells as Jasper steps forward with a scoff.

"Seriously? You're- You're mad because you feel like my life was better than yours? So sorry we were born different, but I can't help that. And I'm just, what- Entitled to never be upset about anything at all in front of you? If anyone needs to 'grow up' Zephyr, it's you."

Zephyr opens his mouth to speak, but he bites back, "...No. You don't even deserve the explanation. All that you deserve is me running this blade-" He lifts up his scythe as he stares Jasper down, "-Through your whiny little chest. That's what I've been doing all this for: Putting an end to your pathetic little story."

Jasper grits his teeth back at Zephyr, but he softens as he feels a hand on his shoulder. He looks back to see Bloom's pleading eyes. Jasper moves out of the way, Bloom stepping forward with a hand on her chest, "Zephyr, I..... I-I don't know how you feel. I don't know what you've been through, but- But you can just.... Just put the scythe down. You haven't done anything that you can't come back from. I'm sure everyone here is tense, but- But Dr.Fontaine can't make you do anything." She says, as Dr.Fontaine chuckles as she taps her fingers along the goggles strapped around her neck.

"Oh, I most certainly can! But I'm not making him do anything at the moment." Dr.Fontaine says as Bloom takes a breath and holds out her hand, Zephyr eyeing it nervously.

"Zephyr, please, you can... You can just stop. Whatever happens, we can get through this together. Just... Please.... Take my hand." She says as Zephyr's eyes continue to linger on her hand.

Finally, a tear drips down his face as he lets go from holding his scarf, "I'm sorry, Bloom..... Maybe someday, when you know the truth.... You can forgive me."

Rowan huffs, forcibly moving Bloom aside, "He's made his choice. We can worry about 'helping him' when he's down." Rowan bursts forward, raising his fist to punch Zephyr when he dissolves into his own shadow and flies out of the shadow along the wall beside Rowan. He raises his scythe, the blade tipped with some of the shadow as he slashes down as Rowan screams in pain, cutting clean through his Aura and slicing along his back.

Jasper watches in horror as Rowan falls to the ground unconscious while Ashe summons her Semblance form. She rushes to strike Zephyr, who disappears into the shadow again. She turns to slash behind her, where she expected him to appear, but he instead pops back out of the same shadow and slicing her side. Most of the cut is blocked by Aura, but a good amount still cuts through her skin. She falls to her knees, clutching her side as her Aura shatters.

Bloom cries out, stumbling back as she clutches over her mouth. Zephyr shudders at the sound, but still stands upright to glare at Jasper nonetheless. Jasper drops his hammer, completely stunned as it falls through it's own shadow and pops up to Zephyr. He tosses it onto the ground in front of him and smashes the scythe and leaves Jasper weaponless.

Zephyr watches painfully as Bloom runs forward, sickle raised at him while she helps Ashe stand. Zephyr does nothing but watches, while the two weakly help each other carry Rowan and walk away, Ashe reaching for Jasper but just as they step outside of the boundary of the alleyway Dr.Fontaine tosses her hard light gauntlet as it forms a barrier and blocks them out.

Zephyr drags his scythe forward, the weapon feeling a thousand times heavier, as he inches closer and closer to Jasper while the blade scrapes and sparks along the stone. Finally, he stands right in front of Jasper as he raises the scythe into the air, and just as quickly brings it down.

But, before he could cut, Jasper cries out angrily and punches his fist forward, grabbing the blade. His Aura sparks against it, crackles of orange tinted lightning sparking out as Zephyr feels the blade get even heavier. He's forced to drop it when he feels his hands begin to freeze, and he looks down stunned as most of the scythe is now coated in ice. As Zephyr looks back up, he's stunned as Jasper is staring him down with a very light glow in his eyes, some of the same orange tinted sparks crackling out of his eyes. His Semblance is different than this, summoning normal flashes of lightning- that definitely don't create ice. This? Is different. Almost like....

"No..." Zephyr calls out stunned as Dr.Fontaine looks down at the sound of a device beeping in her pocket. She holds it up, stunned as she steadies her tracker from the Vytal dance. 

"Curious.... It detected a small amount of constant power before from Amethyst, but this... So sudden and powerful, and on a completely different wavelength of signal, waning in and out like it could disappear...." Dr.Fontaine mutters to herself before she grins wide.

"You can't..... You couldn't...." Zephyr calls out to Jasper as Dr.Fontaine steps forward, patting Zephyr's shoulder.

"Mmm, change of plans, darling. You and Echo might want to slay your prize, but this...." Dr.Fontaine starts and watches as Jasper coughs, his orange Aura crackling out of nowhere as a light trickle of blood drips out of his nose while his vision blurs for a moment. "...This requires far more research and study. So, if you don't mind, don't kill him. But... Continue this little duel. I think it could yield incredible amounts of data...."

"You can't...." Zephyr just repeats again, staring down Jasper who does the same, both of them raising their fists as they prepare to finish what was started.

🍁// BONUS: Volume 3, Chapter 12: '...Fairy Tale?' SYNOPSIS

Zephyr finally gets his fight with Jasper, but unfortunately more fair than he wanted, as Jasper uses a power he didn't know he had- But it drains him fast and leaves him weak just as quick- Who will win, and what will happen because of it? Meanwhile Jaune and Pyrrha struggle against the Fall Maiden, and Pyrrha can't help but worry what Jaune interfering could lead to.

One way or another, both fights end here and now.

One way or another... Their time in Vale is up.

Chapter Text

// CONTENT WARNING //

This chapter contains themes that may be distressing for some readers.
Violent Injury, Blood, Mention/Depiction of Death

Readers discretion is advised.

🍁

Ashe winces, clutching the wound on her side as both her and Bloom struggle to carry Rowan's unconscious body together. His back bleeds heavily, while both of them finally get close enough to the evacuation zone for some of the medics to spot them as they hurry over with a stretcher as they all together lift Rowan on top as he's wheeled over to the nearby medical supply tent while one stays behind to check Ashe's wound and hurriedly wrap it.

Bloom walks over, patting Ashe's shoulder, "I'm gonna head back to help Jasper, but I think you should stay here with Rowan. I wouldn't want to see you get any worse...." Bloom says, as Ashe clenches her fists.

"I'm fine... Zephyr just got a lucky shot, that's all." Ashe lies, avoiding eye contact as Bloom winces at the mention of Zephyr's name. They both turn at the sound of a scoff, looking to see a woman with a lightly torn brown cloak and similarly colored messy hair.

"That's good," The woman starts, "Because I'm gonna need all the help I can get if Jasper is still out there in trouble." She says as Bloom steps between her and Ashe with a glare.

"And who are you? And how do you know Jasper?" Bloom demands as the woman stifles a laugh.

"Spunky. I like you. I'm Thorne Rose, Jasper's aunt. And if I remember, you're Bloom- the telepath, right? If you don't believe me, you can just read my mind... But I'd be careful rooting around in there." Thorne warns, her cape billowing in the wind as Bloom notices a gap where her right arm would be.

Ashe sighs as she finishes getting her emergency wrapping and starts to clutch her sword, "You can help us with Jasper? He's being attacked by our f... By Zephyr, someone we knew, along with Dr.Fontaine watching."

Thorne's eyes widen, "Fontaine- Here, in the open?" Thorne reaches into her bow and tosses some seeds onto the ground as they burrow in between the cracks of stone. A small bush grows into a long wooden sword, adorned with roses and thorns, "If that's true, then this might be our best shot at stopping her. Her Serpent ran, so she'd be defenseless enough for us to take her down together. But Zephyr...." Thorne stops to think, "Could he.... No..... He couldn't....." Thorne shakes her head with a breath, "Look, I'm going. Are you coming or staying?"

Bloom steps forward as she equips her sickles, "I'm coming. I can't hesitate again." She says as Thorne nods, both of them turning to Ashe.

"Look kid, your friend had a point." Thorne starts, "That wound did look nasty... But if you want to come, I won't stop you." 

Ashe raises her sword, "Then I'm going. But first, I need to see if someone made it here first."

"Guys? Guys!" The trio turns to see Amethyst running up as she stops to stare at Thorne, "I.... Aunt Thorne...?" Amethyst shakes her head, "Okay, crazy, but no time. Guys: When we got here, things were.... Look, we found Lily but-"

"Is she alright?" Ashe asks as Amethyst bites her lip and turns to point at a girl on a stretcher, covered in burns and already hooked up to some pretty intense medical equipment, likely the best of what they have out here and not in a hospital.

Ashe and Bloom stare in horror as they realize they're looking at the very mangled, barely living body of Lily Verne.

...

Jasper punches again, surprised as another zap of orange lightning charges out of his fist, flying forward and zapping the ground as another chunk of ice forms. The weirdest part isn't the ice, but how it feels. It feels nothing like his Semblance. Usually he starts feeling drained, but this... It feels like he's practically pouring Aura out of him. His stomach churns and his nose keeps running with blood but he can't stop. Not while Zephyr is still standing.

Dr.Fontaine giggles excitedly, taking notes on her Scroll, "Most curious.... Jasper, darling, if you feel the need to perhaps say how you're feeling out loud, this could do wonders for Aura research."

"You can't...." Zephyr is still repeating as Jasper grits his teeth.

"Shut up!" Jasper yells, scooping up the staff of his now shattered hammer and swinging it, a larger bolt of orange lightning flying out and zapping Zephyr in the chest as he falls to the ground, panting heavily and wheezing slightly as a chunk of ice forms on him that he quickly rips off with a hiss of pain, his Aura starting to crackle.

Dr.Fontaine lowers her Scroll, lifting up her detector as she picks up the usual Aura signal from Zephyr and a faint signal in the distance from likely Amethyst, but the signal she's picking up from Jasper.... It's like his Aura is swapping in and out with the power, with one getting stronger as the other gets weaker. This is nothing like the readings I got from Cinder's 'half-Maiden' power. And the blood along with him growing visibly weaker while his Aura began to break all on it's own.... Exactly what is this power doing to him.... And why?

"Hm..... Zephyr, if you'd please actually fight back I'd love to figure out exactly what he's doing. So... Chop chop!" Dr.Fontaine calls out as Zephyr angrily rolls his eyes and flies forward to punch Jasper in the face. Jasper dodges, rushing forward and kneeing Zephyr in the gut and bashing him in the head with his own.

Zephyr stumbles back, stunned as he stares up at Jasper with an unbridled rage, "So that's how you wanna play it? Fine." Zephyr falls back into his own shadow as Jasper pauses for a moment before rolling out of the way and punching his fist forward as another orange spark flies out. This time Zephyr dodges, a chunk of ice forming alongside the wall.

"We were your friends, and you betrayed us!" Jasper cries out, his fist flying forward to punch Zephyr in the face as he grabs the fist, raising a fist covered in shadow as he punches Jasper in the gut so hard it lifts him into the air before he slams back down on the ground.

Zephyr slams his boot down on Jasper's back, "No, you were the one who betrayed Azalea by being a stupid brat." He stomps on Jasper's back again, "You were the one who betrayed your friends by forcing them to deal with your bullshit." And he stomps yet again, "And you were the one who betrayed me by ruining my life by being BORN!" Before Zephyr can stomp again, Jasper slams his fists against the ground as chunks of ice form around him, freezing Zephyr's leg midair.

...

Back atop Beacon Tower, Cinder angrily swipes her arm outward as a surge of flames blast away some of the rubble, "This is between us, mongrel! GET LOST!" Cinder cries out, holding out her open palm as a ball of fire fires at Jaune as Pyrrha dives forward and blocks it with her own shield, the both of them falling back a few feet.

"Pyrrha... Whether you like it or not, I'm here now. And we're doing this together." Jaune says as Pyrrha takes a deep breath, before turning back to him and nodding. Jaune's eyes widen as he grabs Pyrrha and rolls out of the way of another blast while Cinder roars furiously.

"This isn't some game, and I was not asking. This is between... US!" Cinder yells out, flying forward and scooping up Jaune by the throat as he claws at her hands as she just rolls her eyes and tosses him off the edge of the tower.

Pyrrha's eyes widen, "Jaune!" She cries out, using her Semblance to help lift him as best she can but then loses the grip as she's knocked back by Cinder, who flings her across the tower. Pyrrha climbs back up to her feet running forward to Jaune as Cinder summons a bow of solid flame and notches an arrow. Pyrrha notices, tossing her shield to try and block the blow. Cinder smirks, releasing the arrow as it hits the shield perfectly- Until the arrow breaks itself apart and reforms itself on the other side. It continues flying until it hits Pyrrha in the hip, causing her to stumble and fall. Pyrrha cries out, gripping the air and trying to pull it out as it shatters like glass, breaking apart in her side.

Cinder takes a deep breath, recomposing herself as she slowly walks towards Pyrrha, "You know, it's a shame... They promised you a power that wasn't ever, nor could ever, be yours." She then kneels down, lifting Pyrrha's chin as her eyes light up with the fire of a Maiden. "But... Perhaps you could take comfort in knowing that I will use it in ways you could never have imagined."

Pyrrha winces, "Do you...." Pyrrha pauses, taking a breath as her ponytail whips around her face in the wind, "....Do you believe in destiny?"

Cinder pauses, thinking for just a moment, "....Yes."

Cinder then stands back upright, using her powers to forge her bow again as she notches an arrow aimed at Pyrrha's heart.

Right at that moment, Ruby Rose climbs atop the side of the tower as her eyes widen at the scene with a gasp. Cinder lets the arrow fly, as the clink of metal echoes across the tower. Pyrrha opens her eyes, only to realize in horror that Jaune is lying in front of her, the arrow meant for her embedded in his own chest. It begins to glow, as a sizzling can be heard. Jaune gasps for air, reaching up to Pyrrha's face and touching her cheek for a mere moment before he dissolves into sparks like a dying flame.

Cinder stands there, completely stunned as she let herself become lost in the moment, "How...."

Ruby, on the edge of the tower, just stares as tears start dripping from her eyes. She then shuts her eyes tight, more tears pouring out, before opening her eyes like spotlights of pure, white light, as she cries out one word: "JAUNE!"

Pyrrha quickly covers her eyes from the light, while Cinder just turns stunned and taken aback, "WHAT?!"

The whole tower is engulfed in the light as the last thing that can be heard is the screeching roar of the Wyvern.

...

Jasper climbs back up, wipes his bleeding nose and scoffs, "You keep saying that, that I ruined your life. What does that even mean, or are you just looking for someone to blame for your problems?" He asks, panting as his vision blurs again, a little longer this time but it does still fade.

Zephyr chuckles frantically, almost with a touch of insanity as he breaks his foot out of the ice, "Like I said, I don't care to explain it to you. But I do find it funny that everyone in your life hates you so much, they've still never told you the truth." Zephyr runs forward and punches Jasper in the face, and Jasper is so exhausted he can't dodge as he's knocked to the ground.

Dr.Fontaine chuckles, "Ah this is a surprisingly entertaining little game you two are playing. I should have made snacks!" She then chuckles again and dodges out of the way of a sword slash, turning to spot Ashe, Bloom and Thorne, the latter steadying her sword for another slice.

"Bit far from Argus, aren't you, Vanya?" Thorne calls out as Dr.Fontaine chuckles.

"Oh, that old place? I have a much better lab now, thank you... No thanks to the damage your sister caused." Dr.Fontaine raises one fist as it gets wrapped in a large hard light hand, "Honestly, you really should keep those Maidens of yours on a better leash, darling! Although, mhmhm... I suppose that doesn't matter much now, does it?"

Thorne snarls and runs forward, slashing at Dr.Fontaine who manages to dip and dodge every strike, "Oh, sweet thing, you've gotten slower in your age, haven't you? It's funny, I believe I may have actually gotten faster." She narrows her eyes at Bloom, "Although I do have to applaud your audacity at employing children. Honestly, Ozpin really struck through finding you- You and him share many methods, I see."

Thorne scoffs and darts her eyes to Zephyr for a moment, "And you're so much better?"

Dr.Fontaine laughs, "Oh, him? He's more of a disobedient child. I'm sure you know as much, having fought him at the Vytal Dance." She says as Thorne's eyes widen.

"No... He was...." Thorne shakes her head and turns back to Ashe and Bloom, "You two have to help Jasper, now. That kid had me on the ropes, and I'm a licensed Huntress."

Dr.Fontaine chuckles, "Honestly, they really should have you retake that at some point. I do believe your license was suspended recently, was it not? Did General Ironwood ever follow through and fully reinstate it? You might be as bad a criminal as me right now, Ms.Rose...."

Thorne huffs and runs forward to strike again as Dr.Fontaine just stares her down, her purple eyes shining in the light as Thorne clutches her head, Ashe doing the same as Bloom watches in fright. Dr.Fontaine stares down Bloom, "Hm.... Seems you've got a bit of a natural resistance to my mental attacks. By the way, thank you for the inspiration of it! I would've never came up with it until I met you, sweet darling."

Bloom raises her sickles, "S-Stop it! And call Zephyr off!"

Dr.Fontaine chuckles, "Weren't you listening? I don't tell him what to do, not one bit. He's a bit of a problem child, you see... Or, well, stepchild. Adopted? It's a bit of a messy explanation in that regard, but you probably get the idea."

Bloom turns her attention to Zephyr, who is slowly making his way towards Jasper, "Then maybe I'll just stop him myself."

Dr.Fontaine grins, "Then perhaps I'll have to retaliate..." She says, slowly kneeling down and reaching towards Thorne before a flash of light flies out. Cinder looks up, seeing the light coming from Beacon Tower, the Grimm Wyvern turning to stone with a final weak cry. A crow flies upwards to the tower as Dr.Fontaine grimaces, "...No, Cinder what did you do!"

Ashe gasps, shaking her head as Thorne grumbles, starting to climb back to her feet as Dr.Fontaine shudders, "Zephyr, darling, I'm leaving and you'd be wise to do the same!" She cries out as she stares down Thorne who collapses and immediately barrels forward, knocking Bloom and Ashe out of her way as she runs.

Zephyr turns angrily, "What?!" He wants to yell at her, but he's stunned as he's punched in the face by Jasper as he slams against the wall. Zephyr huffs, gripping his scythe tighter, "I... Might not be allowed to kill you...." Zephyr says, trailing off as he disappears into shadow. Jasper pulls himself upright, panting before gasping from a sharp pain in his gut. He shakily looks down to see the tip of Zephyr's scythe poking through his body. Zephyr leans forward out of the shadow and whispers in Jasper's ear, "....But I can make sure you always remember who won...." 

Zephyr tugs the scythe back and disappears into the shadows again as Jasper stumbles to the ground, his vision growing blurry as his blood soaks into his hoodie. He gasps desperately for air, hearing a shattering sound as his last droplet of Aura disappears.

He sees his friends saying something, but he can't make out what they're saying as his ears start ringing and his vision fades to black.

🍁// JASPER

I groan in pain, my eyes slowly fluttering open as I sit upright. I clutch my stomach, looking down to see my hoodie gone and my lower torso wrapped in bandages. I look around to see my bedroom.... Back in Atlas as I see Bloom on her phone in the corner with Rowan lying down on my legs snoring away with his hand wrapped around mine.

"Wh..... Huh......?" I barely manage to get out, still really disoriented, "What's going on....?" I finally manage to mumble out as Bloom turns around in an instant in surprise.

"Jasper?!" Bloom calls out as she runs over to me, shaking Rowan who yawns and slowly blinks awake.

"Huh- What- Jasper!" Rowan yells as he sits upright and clenches my hand tight.

"Uh..." I mumble, "....Y-yeah? That's my name, isn't it? What's with you guys- What-"

Bloom heaves a loud sigh in relief, "Oh thank gods.... I mean the doctors did say you should be able to fully wake up any day now! I'm sure Amethyst and your dad is going to be relieved..." She says as I just shake my head in confusion.

"Huh.... What? Guys, what's going on, where is-" My eyes widen as I gasp, bolting forward and clutching my gut in pain wincing a little, "Vale! B-Beacon! What happened? Did everyone get out?"

Rowan leans forward, pushing me back down lying against the pillow, "Yeah, everyone made it out okay, but you need rest. You took a heavy hit, it's a lucky you're alive."

"Me? What about you? You're back was bleeding, and Ashe-" I gasp as my eyes widen, I try to bolt up again but Rowan holds me down as I sigh in annoyance, "Ashe, Percy, where are they? What about Lily and-" My eyes widen as I angrily clutch my blanket, "Zephyr...."

Rowan and Bloom share eye contact for a moment before Rowan looks back down at me, "Ashe and Percy? They're fine. Lily and...." Rowan takes a breath, "Zephyr is gone and Lily is in... Well, she's stabilized now, but the doctors are still concerned about her condition. She was in a pretty bad explosion, and well...." Rowan takes a breath, "I mean Percy pulled through when he was a little kid, so I'm not worried myself. And because of that, Ashe is heading down to Menagerie to visit her family and tell them the news. As for Percy, well...." Rowan trails off as Bloom walks forward, patting his shoulder.

"Percy took what happened in the tournament pretty badly. He's...." She shakes her head, "He ran off. We think he's still hiding out somewhere here in Atlas, but we couldn't know for sure, or where he is if so."

I freeze up, stopping to just think before taking a small, shaky breath, "So... It's just us, then." I then start sitting up, pushing Rowan's hand away as I finally manage to sit upright. I clutch my side, a dull ache slowly turning into a sharp one. 

I turn, aiming my legs off the side of my bed. "Jasper-" Rowan starts concerned but I ignore him and stand up, stumbling for a moment as my side shocks me with an intense pain- But just for a moment, fading the longer I stand.

I take a deep breath, one hand clutching my side as one hand runs through my curls, "See? I'll be fine.... I've always been quick at recovering...."

"Even still," Bloom starts, walking over to my and placing a very gentle touch on my shoulder, "You need rest. What are you even trying to do?"

"Get back in gear, figure out a plan, try to stop whatever Dr.Fontaine and Zephyr might be trying to pull next." I say limping over to my wardrobe, opening it as I can feel Rowan and Bloom's stares boring into the back of my head as I angrily clench my hand against the side of the wardrobe. "...I can feel you guys starting at me."

"It's just.... Well..." Bloom starts, as Rowan stands up.

"You really need to take the time to get well. You're hurt, and it's not like Dr.Fontaine is just gonna disappear if you don't stop her right this second-"

"You think it's just about me?" I say, tears welling up in my eyes as I clench the wardrobe harder. I stop clutching my wound as I lay my free hand at my side and clench my fist. "Lily is..... Percy and Ashe are gone. Zephyr betrayed us. And that's just us. Who knows what might've happened to everyone else. My cousins, their team, their friends, everyone else we met in Vale." 

I wipe my face, "And that's just Vale. What if they try to pull something like that again? What if they try it in Vacuo, Mistral, even here? So many people got hurt, and we're supposed to be Huntsmen and Huntresses. We're supposed to protect the innocent, so I'm just gonna rest easy at home comfy in bed knowing something like this could happen again?"

Bloom and Rowan stay silent, and just as I move to open the wardrobe for my combat gear I hear my bedroom door open. I look over to see Amethyst standing in the doorway. "Jasper! You're- Standing...?"

"If you've got something to say, say it fast, I'm trying to get geared up."

Amethyst scoffs, crossing her arms, "And for what exactly?"

"To stop Dr.Fontaine? Track her down, try to stop what happened to Beacon, to Vale, from happening again? You know, what we've been training all year to do?"

Amethyst pauses for a moment before breaking down in a laugh, "Excuse me, what? Heh, you're just- Gonna- What? Limp out of your bedroom, across Atlas, onto an airship and go Gods know where and-" Her breath hitches for a moment before she crosses her arms, "Jasper, look, Dad is- He's real worried about us."

"Us, huh?" I sarcastically call out, "Beacon must have really freaked him out if we're both having him worried."

"Not this again.... Jasper, look, Dad made it very clear: You and I are not leaving home anytime soon. Got it?"

I slam my wardrobe door shut and dart my head in her direction, "You know what I've got, Amethyst?" I call out, storming over to her ignoring the throbbing pain in my side, "What I've got is no patience left to deal with you micromanaging me, treating me like your broken little kitten you've gotta fix. And I especially have no patience left for Dad's empty words about caring about me."

"Jasper-"

"NO, Amethyst, this isn't some joke, or some game. You can pretend we had some happy childhood after Mom died, but the truth is after mom died you and dad have treated me like some third wheel. Heh, imagine that! A third wheel to my own family! You and dad going out, having laughs and fun, meanwhile I'm stuck here all alone." I rub my face as I frantically shake my head and laugh, "Haha, and that, heh, that's not even the best part! You'd come home- you'd ask me what's wrong! After you and Dad once again left me all by myself, again and again! Heh, you know why I extended my trip last year, Amethyst? It's because I wanted to be away from both of you! I actually had fun and felt alive for the first time in years! And then I came home, and it felt like exactly what I was worried it was going to: Exactly the same. Dad didn't even talk to me in person for two days after I got home- Did you know that? Did you even care to know?" Amethyst opens her mouth to speak as I hold up my hand, "But all of that- I'm done. I've got actual friends who actually care about me, so you can either start treating me with some actual respect, or you can just buzz off."

Amethyst opens her mouth to speak again, but she just shakes her head and walks off as I clench my fists and take a calming breath.

"Jas...." Rowan says gently as I turn to them.

"I'm sorry you guys saw that, I...." I rub my face again, "That was... A long time coming and...." I shake my head, "Look. Bottom line: I'm leaving Atlas, one way or another. Are you guys coming with me?"

Rowan nods, "I'd follow you to the end of Remnant and back." He says, his tail giving an excited little flick.

Bloom steps forward, rubbing her arm, "I... Don't really have anyone left. I came to Atlas to try and begin again... And, well, Zephyr betrayed me, Lily is possibly irreparably hurt, and Amethyst is....." She waves her hand towards my door before exhaling, "So, yes, Jasper, I'll follow you. After all, it's quite like you said: I, too, have actual friends now. And I'm not going to let you down when you need me."

I smile, "Thanks, guys."

...

I pause for a moment, a single moment as the breeze whips by, before pulling my beanie off and feeling the wind whipping around in my hair and for the first time in a long time my ears too. I look onward, seeing Rowan and Bloom waiting at the edge of the airship ramp for me all dressed up in their new combat gear.

Bloom clears her throat, "Are you sure about revealing your ears? If I recall, I thought you said you're not supposed to.... You know."

I just shrug, "That was one of my Dad's rules. And I'm breaking one rule, so why not one more? Besides, he's spent my entire life drilling me to hate what I am.... I need to try and accept this, not hide it away.

Rowan chuckles and rubs his neck, "Well I think you look great!" He says throwing a thumbs up my way with a wide grin as his tail wags. I smile at them and start walking up the ramp, but I pause as I reach into the bag strapped to my belt, pulling out a hair tie and a bandana and quickly typing my hair up and back. I then take a breath and pause as I turn back one more time to look at Atlas. 

"Uh, Jasper?" Bloom timidly asks, "Is... Everything alright?"

"Yeah..." I finally reply, "I think I just needed to see it... Just one more time." I say before turning towards my friends and stepping inside the darkness of the airship as the door closes behind me.

(Easy read version of Azalea's Letter at the end)

🍁// Thanks and More (One Final Scene Afterwards)

And, with that, JSPR: Volume 3 finally comes to a close.

JSPR is, as a whole unreleased and all, one of my favorite works I've ever made. Which is surprising, considering I've worked on all my other characters and stuff for about a decade.

So, before you start getting worried, I'll start with this: JSPR is NOT ending here. Not only is the series still hopefully on it's way to full production, JSPR: Volume 4 is also decently on the horizon as well. With this finally wrapped up, it gives me an opportunity to look back on the story I've made so far and realize just how much JSPR has helped me grow both as an artist and a writer.

And the fact it was a trial by fire did not help. Volume 1 was made mostly to get the characters I had stuck in the back of my head while watching RWBY for years out there, and it gave me a chance to breakaway from my original stuff and explore something some more, in an easier format: Using an already built world and lore. And then, as JSPR got further and further along, it just etched it's way deeper and deeper into my heart and soul. JSPR will always be in my heart.

And now for the big stuff: Is JSPR: Volume 4 coming?

The quick answer: Yes, just not here.

If you've been around for a bit, you'll have noticed that there was a big gap between Volume 2 and 3. Lots of stuff piled on that: Working on getting the groundworks of my original book done, working on casting JSPR: The Series, and working on stuff for JSPR: The Series outside of the main season all while trying to write and draw for Volume 3.

Originally, I planned to put full stop on Volume 4 and just work on the series, but while I'm struggling to cast the last few roles, I recently had an idea for a new way to make content that utilizes the methods I've been using to work on the series and channel it into the next step of JSPR:

A Comic.

That's right, JSPR: Volume 4 and likely all future JSPR content will come in the form of comics, and it'll all be found on the JSPR site(jsprcatburger.carrd.co) in order to stay concise and easy to find.

Unfortunately to all the diehard AO3 people, I would prefer posting only on the site given the hosting I use allows me to do a few special things: Bigger sized gifs, and the best part of all: AUDIO. Meaning for scenes in Volume 4 onward that have all the VA's from the Series, I can add edited audio readings with SFX and more! 

And why, you might be asking, is moving to a comic such a better move? Well, to be perfectly honest: The detailed writing is easily the hardest part. Making sure I've described a scene decently enough to be supplemented with art, or make sure all the dialogue isn't getting too stale and just running on without a good motion or emotion thrown in alongside it, and doing all of that does take extra work. Cutting out the most difficult and if I'm being frank weakest part of my writing, and focusing more heavily on visuals that I feel I can more comfortably rely on? It only makes sense, especially given it can be made faster.

And now, to add a touch of transparency, how long will it probably take to do this?

Well, for starters, I'll need a break in between, given I'm desperately hoping I can get my original book out sometime before the end of June, and maybe working on the reusable assets I'd use for the comics during that time, and then focusing on the rough writing, dialogue, environment design, final touches of visuals, and getting a good looking comic format to go over it all.... I'd say a good few months, probably about as big a gap between V2 and V3 I'd reckon but we'll see.

In the meantime I'm hopefully going to be able to do a nice detailed Beacon Arc recap, maybe some more JSPR: The Series shorts/teasers, original works that you can find out more about the first one at tomeofmidnight.carrd.co, and maybe a good side story or two to go in between V3 and V4. And, if you want to stay up to date on any JSPR news going forward, the very best thing to do would be following @TeamJSPR on Twitter, as that's where I post ANYTHING outside of the actual releases.

Anyway, to recap: JSPR: Volume 4 will be a comic instead of an illustrated novel format, it'll release on the official JSPR site, and it'll likely be a bit(but hopefully not too) far off.

And so, finally: Thank you.

To my Catburger Productions crew.
To my friends.
To everyone reading this.
To everyone who loves RWBY just as much as I do.
To Monty Oum, and the rest of CRWBY who inspired me when I started writing, and continue inspiring me even now and far into the future.

Thank you all oh so much.

🍁

Zephyr angrily taps his Scroll, with no signal, as he mutters and grumbles, "Dr.Fontaine, I know you can hear me! I swear to the dead Gods, if you left me in Vale by myself with no way back, I'm gonna-!"

"You're gonna what, boy?" A fierce voice calls out from behind as Zephyr's eyes go wide and his heart freezes. It feels like his blood turns to ice, as his hands start to shake. He drops the Scroll and slowly turn around to see Wynn Quartz, and not just any version of Wynn- The true Wynn, the one Dr.Fontaine released yet again. Wynn cracks his knuckles, "You know, it truly must have been a long time if you have begun to act so insolent, young one. I suppose the lack of my influence must have allowed to grow a spine. Well done. But you forgot...." Wynn kneels down and stares down Zephyr with an intense glare as his violet eyes glow slightly in the moonlight, "....You don't dare wish harm upon us. Understand?" 

Zephyr eagerly nods, "Y-yes sir. It won't happen again, sir." Wynn leans close to Zephyr's face, giving him an eerie stare before his gaze melts to a soft smile.

"Very good. Now...." Zephyr winces as Wynn pats his head, "How have you been... son?"

🍁// And before the final Bonus stuff, here's an extended synopsis for Volume 4!

Jasper, Rowan and Bloom together forming JRM have finished their first mission- Helping the city of Argus with a difficult Grimm situation. In return, they were given a first class trip straight to Mistral! But with Jasper's dwindling funds, Bloom's worries about their plan, and Rowan struggling to hold the team together, JRM is going to have a rocky time. And, of course, on top of it all: Haven's Headmaster refuses to see them. At the very least, they have quite a few friendly faces to run into. Corals, Reindeer and Mysterious Old Men- Oh my!

Across the sea, Ashe rides to Menagerie to inform Lily's family of her condition. Along the way she runs into a couple of fairly familiar faces from Beacon, but she's too busy wallowing in her own struggles of heart and mind to even care. When she gets to Menagerie, however, she quickly realizes her predicament of being a Human on an island crammed full of people who have been nothing but tormented by Humans- Some angrier ones closer than she expects.

Back home in Atlas, Percy wants to stop at nothing to hunt down those responsible for Penny's death, while Amethyst struggles to maintain the Crystal Cat Company after Wynn Quartz faces an out-of-the-blue medical complication. The Atlas Council struggles to bring back some of the peace of mind to the citizens again and again, and they keep dumping her with the responsibility of it all. And with all of her friends and family either gone or unable to help, Amethyst has to turn to the few people left in the world she can reach... All while Percy is spiraling out of control, and there's only so much Winter can do to keep him from being taken down.

All the while, Dr.Fontaine begins a unique project, one that will change all of their lives forever. And Zephyr has to stand by and watch, helpless and alone, as his wicked stepmother crafts the worst weapon that they'll ever encounter.

🌸JSPR: Volume 4 🌸

"Your heartbeat... I can see it. It's beating so fast. Are you scared, little one?...
...GOOD . You should be."

🍁// BONUS: Team JRM Concepts, Azalea's Letter(Easy Read Version)

And if you're still here, here's some proof I've already started working on Volume 4: