Inside the shed, (Y/N), Krystal and Lena are fighting off the three so-called "Nezperdian" creatures. In a series of trading blows, dodging attacks and clashing weapons, almost wrecking the inside of the shed they are in.
Lena is fighting the one with a hand-blade. After series of trading blows, dodging attacks and clashing weapons....
Lena kicks the creature a few inches away. She then jumps and slice down her sword onto the creature, only for it to block her sword with his hand-blade then throws her to the side before Lena dashes back in. Lena was able to strike her sword twice on the creature's chest as it gushes out blood. The creature, unfazed while its chest heals, thrusts its hand-blade forward where Lena was barely able to block it, but manages to slide through Lena's sword, scratching her cheek.
She then slices its hand-blade off. Before she could lodge her sword onto it, the creature suddenly forms another blade from its still attached hand, as it strikes it down onto Lena. Lena jumps back away from the attack. As she lands back down, she menacingly watches the creature form a new hand-blade from the arm she sliced off, now bearing two hand-blades. She fixes her stance before dashing back to the creature to continue their fight.
Meanwhile, Krystal is fighting the creature with the sharp claws. The creature stretches its claws from its left hand to her. Krystal jumps up to dodge it then slams her hands down on its claws, freezing it into place...
As she lands on the creatures left side, the creature slashes her with its free hand, by twisting its whole body clockwise. Krystal was able to jump away, but barely dodges the attack as it scratched her jacket, almost exposing her stomach.
She clicks her tongue in irritation, upon noticing that part of her jacket was ripped off, after landing back on the ground as the creature breaks the ice before twisting its body back to its "normal" position in a contorted way. Krystal then gets serious as she spits out her unfinished lollipop before sliding to the creature, by making an ice-board with a sharp end.
The creature slams its claws to the ground, emerging giant spikes beneath Krystal. She manages to dodge and slide past all of it. Halfway from the creature, she then kicks her ice-board to it, stabbing through its chest before running towards it. Inches away from each other, the creature slices Krystal in half, only to find out that it was just Krystal's clone made of ice. Suddenly, the real Krystal slams down a giant icicle on top of the creature.
On (Y/N)'s end, he and the creature are still going at it, a series of fists and legs colliding while dashing from one place to another. After their fists collide for one last time, (Y/N) front kicks the creature on the stomach. He then jumps up then kicks the creature with a spin hook kick. The creature grabs (Y/N)'s foot. The creature then slams (Y/N) down on the ground before throwing him against the wall.
(Y/N) clears out the cloud of dusts away by letting out a small shockwave as his body is now amplified with electricity. He then quickly dashes to the creature with lightning speed, damaging the creature continuously...
After awhile of dashing around, nonstop, the creature suddenly adapts to (Y/N)'s speed as it dashes away with the same speed as (Y/N). (Y/N) stood surprised, unsuspectingly letting the creature grab his head from behind, slamming him down on the ground with incredible speed.
(Y/N) pushes its hand away then blasts the creature away with a lightning bolt, sending it up in the air. Before it could dash away, (Y/N) quickly dashes up with lightning speed to punch its gut with a charged fist, before throwing the creature on one of the shelves. (Y/N) quickly dashes down to the creature, stomping onto its face.
The creature quickly grabs (Y/N)'s foot once again as it slams (Y/N) back on the ground before stomping him on his stomach. The creature then heavily grabs (Y/N)'s face then throws him on on to a pile of fallen shelves. (Y/N) clears out the shelves by letting out a shockwave before he and the creature have a stare down.
(Y/N): Tough guy, huh.
He stated before he and the creature begins charging at each other for another clash.
================================================================================
Meanwhile, inside the well, team RWBY and Maria are running for their lives as they turn around and run, catching up with Maria. They see daylight coming from the well, but more of the Grimm appear and block their path. Another ear-piercing scream is heard, affecting the five women. Ruby notices another tunnel entrance next to her.
Ruby: This way!
Team RWBY and Maria run into the tunnel. They continue to run through the complex underground passages while avoiding more of the Grimm's kind along the way. They then make their way to an underground room. However, Team RWBY and Maria notice a much larger group of the Grimm at one end of the room.
They make a run toward the other way, but one of the Grimm lets out another scream, causing Team RWBY and Maria to collapse on all fours.
Yang: I can't... do this... I can't...
================================================================================
Back inside the shed, the three are still holding the creatures off. Lena is slammed against the wall before she dodges the creatures blade, by going out of the the shed, through the hole. She then dashes back in, slashing through the creature's side stomach as it gushes out blood but quickly heals.
Krystal is damaging the creature with series of ice kicks, shattering as it hits, and pushing the creature away with the last kick.
(Y/N) on the other hand is electrocuting his opponent before sending it away from him with a charged fist to the stomach.
Three now have their backs against each other while still facing their own opponent. The creatures dashes forward to them as they ready themselves. Suddenly, a loud scream was heard, making the three fighters collapse to their knees.
Krystal: *groans* What...?
Lena: Damn.... It...
The creatures suddenly stops and have all of their weapons an inch near to each of the group's faces. (Y/N) looks at his opponent with a questioning look. After awhile the creatures suddenly jump back to one place, beside each other as they stare at the three.
(Y/N): *pant* *pant* What... The hell?
Krystal: *groans* I told you... These things love a fair fight....
Lena: *pant* *pant* As much as killing.... and corrupting people, of course.... *pant* *pant*
Summer: (appearing in front of Y/N) Are you okay?!
(Y/N): What... happened?...
Summer: Those are the Apathy's screams. Like I said, it drains your will to live on.
(Y/N): I guess... that... explains this...
Krystal: Whoever you're talking too, they better have some useful info on what just happened...
(Y/N): You guys said you've done your research. Ever heard of the Grimm called "The Apathy"?
Lena and Krystal were both surprised by this.
Krystal: Shit... I didn't think, they'd be here...
Lena: Doesn't matter....
She feebly stands back up using her sword for her support. She then points her sword to the three creatures.
Lena: You think some pathetic screams is going to make me vulnerable? Think again! (dashing towards the creatures)
Krystal: Lena, wait!
The creature with the hand-blade dashes in. The two clash weapons for a short while, until Lena loses her balance, making her miss and leaving an opening for the creature to strike...
Before another slash of the creature's hand-blade connects, (Y/N) quickly dashes to Lena to block the attack. By his surprise, he unknowingly formed an electric blade with his hand as it blocks the creature's hand-blade.
(Y/N): What the?!
(Y/N) is still stunned and half-amazed by this, leaving an opening for him as the creature thrusts its other hand-blade through (Y/N)'s stomach.
(Y/N) pushes the hand-blade he was blocking, then chops the other one that is lodged through him with his electric blade. He kicks the creature back, pulls out the arm from his chest, then stabs his hand blade through its stomach, electrifying the creature.
Before (Y/N) kicks the creature back to its group while its chopped arm grows back.
(Y/N): Well... That's new...
Lena: Y-You saved me.... Again...
(Y/N): We'll get those wounds patched up lat--
(Y/N) stops and blushes after looking down at Lena's wound on the...
[Y/N's POV]:
(Y/N): [SHE'S WOUNDED, STOP IT!] H-How're you feeling? (looking away) Can you still fight?
Lena: (smiles) Hmph... How about you mind your own business?
(Y/N): *chuckles* Don't mention it. How're we doing back there, Krystal?
Krystal: *groans* Just give me a sec...
(Y/N) glances back at Krystal as something caught his sight of attention, making him blush deeper.
[Y/N's POV]:
(Y/N): [Ohh... Sweet Jesus!]
Lena smacks (Y/N)'s head with the handle from her sword.
Lena: Focus!
Krystal finally stands back up as she dashes back to the group.
Krystal: I guess they really want to have a real fight now. (Y/N), just bear with us. Things are about to get too serious, but you'll adapt to it even--
Before she could finish, (Y/N) suddenly powers up...
(Y/N):
Lena and Krystal both stare at (Y/N) with amazement.
(Y/N): I-It's a long story. I'll explain later.
Lena: *chuckles* Don't bother.
(Y/N): Huh?
Krystal: (smirks) I'm surprised, you've already broken your shell.
(Y/N): Shell?
Lena: That state you're in right now, we call it Sanity Break.
(Y/N): "Sanity Break"?
Krystal: Rifters unlock these from immense, emotional stress. That's why we call it Sanity Break.
(Y/N): But I got this from a mutation.
Krystal: We'll explain the rest some other time. Now...
From Krystal's end, a mist of snow starts to circle around her. Lena and Krystal both closes their eyes for awhile. As they open both of their eyes, they both start glowing.
Krystal: Time for a real fight.
================================================================================
Back inside the well, Maria gets back up, using her cane to support herself before collapsing again. On her fall, she feels a set of stairs in front of her.
Maria: An exit. An exit!
Ruby looks up and notices the stairs leading up to the cellar door. Ruby crawls forward to Weiss.
Ruby: Come on!
Ruby then hears a weapon drop behind her and notices Blake collapse to the ground, while the Grimm continue to inch toward her.
Ruby: Blake... get... up!
Blake: It's fine...
Blake starts get her dazed look from before. More Grimm emerge from the entrance Team RWBY and Maria came from. Ruby looks on in horror and in her desperation, crawls and attempts to reach out towards Blake, who is still lying down emotionless. The Grimm reach their hands down to Blake....
Ruby: BLAAAAAKE!!!
Blake gasps and snaps out of her trance. Ruby helps her up while Weiss, Yang and Maria also get back up.
Ruby: I've got her!
Maria: What just happened?
Weiss runs up the stairs and tries to get the doors open, but they do not budge.
Weiss: They're locked!
Yang: Out of my way!
Yang runs up the stairs. The Grimm recover from their incapacitation, and another scream is let out. Team RWBY and Maria collapse once again.
Yang: (reaching for the cellar door) No... No...!
As the Grimm inch closer, Maria crawls toward Ruby, only able to see the world in shades of cyan.
Maria: Ruby... what color are your eyes?
Ruby: They're... silver...
Maria lets out a gasp of excitement.
Maria: You have a family? Friends?
Ruby: What?
Ruby looks up to see the Grimm getting closer, but Maria lays her head down and covers her ears. From Ruby's perspective, Maria's next words sound slightly muffled.
Maria: Don't think about them. Think about the people who love you. Focus on the thought of them, the way they make you feel. Focus!
Taking Maria's advice, Ruby closes her eyes and concentrates. While Maria speaks, Weiss tries to budge the doors open, and Yang reaches out in desperation before falling under a trance, her eyes even more blank than before.
Maria: Life... is beautiful. It is precious. And it must... be protected.
After focusing, Ruby opens her eyes, the silver gleaming. She sits up and her eyes glow brightly once more, driving the Grimm back and disintegrating them all. Maria and Ruby stare in awe while Weiss, Blake and Yang recover.
Yang crawls up the stairs and punches the doors open with her prosthetic arm while firing from its gun. Team RWBY and Maria run out and find themselves in the basement that Ruby and Weiss discovered the day before.
Blake: We're back in the house?
Team RWBY then look at the bar and see Qrow leaning on the counter, passed out.
Ruby: (runs over and shakes her uncle) Uncle Qrow, get up!
Qrow: (slurring his words) Hey! Get off me! What are you doing here?
Maria: We're leaving, you idiot! Come on!
Maria runs out of the room, with Blake and Yang following her. Weiss looks back towards the basement entrance.
Weiss: Not yet...
================================================================================
Outside, Oscar has replaced the tire for the trailer and is filling it up with air. The noise from the air machine muffles the sound of people crying out his name.
Yang: Oscar! Oscar!
Maria: Oscar!
Oscar looks behind him to see Yang, Blake and Maria run out of the house.
Yang: Oscar! We have to go, now!
Oscar: Thank goodness, you're here!
Blake: Where's (Y/N)?!
Oscar: T-They're inside that shed! They need help!
Maria: Teenagers and they're meddling personalities....
Yang: *groans* Come on, we have to--
A Nezperdian gets launched up in the air from the shed as it lands down in front of the group. The see the creature stand back up in a freakishly contorted way as the group tremble in fear.
Blake: W-What is that thing?
The creature turns to them as they slightly jump back, until a voice is heard from the distance...
Krystal: Don't try to help!
Causing it to turn back and face its opponent, who is calmly approaching.
Krystal:
Krystal: This one's mine.
She stated as she quickly dashes to the creature, impaling its chest with her ice claws while they slide to the other house together, crashing inside it.
Yang: Was that--
Another creature emerged out of the shed, clashing weapons with Lena, who's eyes are glowing bright red, as they slice their surroundings during their bout.
Blake: That's Lena!
Lena impales thrusts her sword between the creature's eyes. As she pulls back, she then slices the creature's head as she kicks it away. Oddly enough, the creature's body is still moving as it grabs Lena's leg then slams her down.
Meanwhile, Ruby and Weiss are now outside with the others as they see Lena getting slammed on the ground repeatedly. By this, Yang fires her gauntlets at the creature to make it stop. It did hit the creature's headless body, but did little to no effect.
Weiss: W-What is that thing?!
The creature dashes to the group. Lena quickly dashes to them to block the creatures hand-blade.
Lena: Don't come any closer!
Weiss: What?!
Lena: (pushes the creature away) Just leave now if you have to!
She stated as they continue clashing their weapons, pushing the creature back from the group.
Maria: What're you all waiting for?! Let's go!
Ruby: We're not leaving without them!
Ruby takes out Crescent Rose, the same goes for Weiss as she takes out Myrtenaster, joining the fight alongside Lena afterwards.
While Lena and the creature are still clashing weapons, Ruby and Weiss gets in, breaking their bout. Weiss swipes upward as Ruby swipes downward with their weapons at the creature, whereas the creature dodge both of the attacks before kicking them away. The creature then dash back to Lena to continue their fight.
Lena: Idiots! I said leave!
Ruby: We want to help!
Lena: Don't bother! These things only after strong opponents!
Blake: That's insulting...
Yang: Is that really Lena?
Another creature emerge out of the shed, as it receives a barrage of amplified fists from (Y/N), without a moments notice...
(Y/N): What's the matter?! Am I being too fast for ya?!
The creature once again adapts to (Y/N)'s speed as it catches one of (Y/N)'s fists then throws him to the burning house, behind team RWBY and the rest.
Weiss: (Y/N)!
Blake: That's not good...
The creature starts charging towards the group as Weiss and Ruby dashes back to the group as they all ready their weapons. The creature run passed them as it proceeds inside the house as everyone watches with questioning look.
Maria: Soooo, that happened...
Meanwhile, Lena was able to slice the creature's legs off. She kicks the creature down on the ground before impaling it with her sword continuously...
Inside the house, (Y/N) and the creature stare at each other for awhile. As they ready themselves for another fight, the screams of the Apathy is heard, by this (Y/N) collapse to his knees as he reverts back to his normal form while the creature is still standing.
(Y/N) turns back around to see a group of tall, burning Grimms, slowly approaching. (Y/N) dash to the creature, sending both of them back outside with a spear. The creature kicks (Y/N) away as he rolls to the ground, unable to stand up.
(Y/N): *groans* Shit...
As the the creature slowly approaches.
Ruby: (Y/N)! .... Wait!
Ruby quickly dashes to (Y/N)'s side with her semblance.
Yang: Ruby, wait!
Ruby gets beside (Y/N) as the creature stops, waiting for Ruby to get out of the way.
(Y/N): What are you... Doing here...?
Ruby: Be quiet.
(Y/N): What?
Ruby: Sshhhh... Just relax... Close your eyes.
(Y/N): Ruby, what're you--
Ruby: Just close them...
Taking her advice, (Y/N) slowly closes them as Ruby lays her head down and covers her ears.
Maria: ...
Ruby: Think about the people who love you. Focus on the thought of them, the way they make you feel. Focus! Life... is beautiful. It is precious. And it must... be protected.
After she stated those what Maria told her, in (Y/N)'s perspective a woman's voice whispers inside his head.
???: How much are you willing to sacrifice?
Suddenly, (Y/N) slowly stands back up as he lets out a huge wave of energy, knocking everyone back as Lena catches Ruby in her arms.
Lena: What did you do?!
Ruby: You'll see.
Meanwhile, Krystal emerges out of one of the houses with her opponent, who is frozen as she kicks it, shattering into pieces before she reverts to her normal form.
Krystal: *sighs* (unwrapping lollipop) What'd I miss?
Everyone watches in amazement towards (Y/N) as he finally opens his eyes.
Maria: Silver-eyes?
(Y/N) suddenly dashes to the creature, faster than the human eye can see, then sends the creature back with just a one inch punch. (Y/N) then appears above the creature as he slams him down on the ground, before punching the creature down continuously with lightning speed.
Krystal: (dashes to Lena) Would you look at that....
Lena: Krystal.... Does that mean the it's....
Krystal: Yeah.... It's real... He's real....
Lena: Honestly... He's full of surprises.
After the last punch, he then kicks the creature as it slides back away. The creature stands back up with it limbs all bending backwards now as (Y/N) charges his lightning bolt from his palm. Everything seems fine, until suddenly, (Y/N) collapses to his knees, now catching his breath as his eyes return to normal. Making everyone gasp in shock.
(Y/N): *pant* *pant* Can't....*pant**pant**pant* Breathe....
(Y/N) then collapses to the ground where the seizure starts to attack him.
Ruby: (Y/N)!
(Y/N): FFfffffuuuuckkk.....*groans*
The creature then dashes to (Y/N), who is still suffering from his seizure.
RWBY: (Y/N)!
Suddenly, Lena's eyes glow brighter as she dashes to the creature, slicing the creature into tiny bits...
The creature's body then drops to the ground into tiny bits of cubes. Ruby then dashes to (Y/N).
Ruby: (Y/N), just hang in there!
(Y/N): *groans* I'm okay... I'm okay...
Ruby: Can you walk?
(Y/N): I think so...
The Apple from (Y/N)'s bag slides out, as it starts glowing, disintegration the chunks of the creature's flesh caused by Lena. Lena watches the flesh disintegrate before looking back at (Y/N) with a shocked expression.
Krystal: The Apple?!
Lena: You possess it's power... That explains it... The rumors are true...
(Y/N): *pant* *pant* What rumors?
The Apathy are now on the porch of the burning house as everyone notice the group of Grimms slowly approaching them.
Yang: It's now or never! Get in!
Everyone everyone sits in the flatbed trailer while Yang starts up her motorcycle. She wastes no time driving away from the now burning house.
(Y/N): Shit!
(Y/N) noticed that he left the Apple as he jumps out of the flatbed.
Weiss: (Y/N), get back here!
(Y/N): I'll catch up!
He then dashes back to the Apple before getting back to the others with lightning speed. The screams from the Grimm were heard as (Y/N) trips down before he could reach the flatbed. Luckily enough, he caught Lena's scabbard as she pulls back inside.
Lena: You okay?
(Y/N): (smiles) Hmph... How about you mind your own business?
Lena: *chuckles* Don't mention it. (sheathing her sword back)
Suddenly, Weiss hugs him tightly.
Weiss: Don't ever do that again!
She stated as Blake and Ruby, joins in.
Yang: Hey! No fair!
Blake: Keep driving!
While the three have their fun Krystal and Lena whisper at each other.
Krystal: He's full of surprises.
Lena: Y-Yeah... (looks down while blushing) He even saved me twice...
Krystal is staring at Lena.
Lena: (slightly panicking) W-W-W-What is it?!
Krystal: (smiles) Nothing... [Y/N.... You're so unpredictable...]
================================================================================
Back at the train station at Mistral. Jeff is walking towards the ticket booth until he notices a group of people making a fuss near one of the train tracks. Apparently, it's a station headed to Argus Limited, where security forces are preventing people from getting in.
Security 1: The board to Argus Limited is closed until further investigation!
Security 2: Please come back another time!
Civilian 1: Are you kidding me?!
Civilian 2: I just bought this ticket like a week ago!
Businessman: Come on! I have a meeting there at ten!
Jeff: Well, that's unfortunate....
A group family walks pass him as they call their attention.
Jeff: Excuse me, is there any other way to Argus?
Wife: No, sorry. This is the only way you can go to Argus.
Jeff: As expected...
Husband: Well, if you're going on foot, then yeah. I believe there's a way.
Wife: Honey!
Husband: *chuckles* I'm just kidding. But, it's true though...
Jeff: ...
================================================================================
Jeff is now walking on the trail of snow, all by himself with his hood up.
Jeff: *sighs* All alone again... Well, at least I'm not wanted criminal anymore. Still...
Jeff pulls out his spiral knife to inspect it.
Jeff: This is a weird looking knife... Still it packs some good thrust... Well balanced... What the hell did he do to it?
Jeff stops walking as he throws his spiral on to a nearby tree as it stabs into it.
Jeff: Huh...
Jeff shakes his hand for a bit.
Jeff: It's light as well...
As he opens his hand the knife quickly flies back to his open hand as he catches it.
Jeff: What the hell?
Afterwards he hears a twig snapping near him.
Jeff: *sighs* Here we go...
A gunshot is heard as he deflects it from behind. A couple of bandits then starts to surround him as they laugh.
Jeff: So, what's the occasion?
Bandit leader: You.
Jeff: Me?
The bandit leader then emerges out of the group, who is bearing creepy clown makeup.
Jeff: Thanks, but it's not my birthday. Although, I won't mind you making a balloon animal.
Bandit Leader: Funny type, are we?
Jeff notices the spiderweb tattoo on all of the bandits.
Jeff: I guess I made your mother angry?
Bandit Leader: You come to our restaurant with such disrespect to our boss. So she sent us to kill you. Don't worry, will make this painless as ever... And of course... (smiling at Jeff with his clown makeup) Never forget to smile.
All of them laughs. After awhile Jeff starts to join their laughter as their laughter slowly dies down as Jeff is now the only one laughing among them, loudly.
Bandit Leader: You're a real killjoy, kid.
Jeff: *laughs* Sorry... It's just that (wipes tears) Never forget to smile, right? *laughs* Seriously, where'd you get that?
Bandit Leader: Are you trying to mock me?
Jeff: No, seriously.
Bandit Leader: *chuckles* I made this smile, so that I could smile all day.
Jeff: *chuckles* With makeup? That's cute.
Bandit Leader: Oh? And why's that?
Jeff quickly dashes to the man's face with incredible speed. As they all back away in fear, the bandit leader trips and lands on his back as he glance back at Jeff.
Jeff: B e c a u s e I c a r v e d m i n e !
The bandits are all stunned by this as Jeff glance back at them.
Jeff: What's the matter?! A r e n ' t I b e a u t i f u l ?!
Bandit Leader: K-Kill him! KILL HIM!
The bandits starts shooting Jeff as he starts to move with incredible speed. He disarms the two bandits with the only guns before stabbing both of their shins with his spiral knife. One bandit is charging at him with her machete but quickly stops as Jeff turns his gaze towards her as she slowly backs away in fear.
Jeff: Why so scared?
Jeff quickly gets behind as he hits her head with the back handle from his knife. Another is charging at him with a spear. Jeff breaks the spear in half before stabbing the bandit's underarm. He catches the other half other spear as he throws it to the last bandit with a gun, impaling its neck.
He parries the sword behind him before stabbing the bandit's shoulder. He then throws the bandit to the other, who's coming from behind him as well. He then throws his knife to the bandit behind him, landing on his head as the bandit collapse on the ground with blood gushing out of his forehead.
By this, Jeff quickly reverts back to his normal self as he gestures his knife back to his hand, slightly annoyed.
Jeff: Tch... Shit...
Jeff then slowly approaches the trembling bandit leader with an irritated look.
Jeff: Now look at what you made me do.
The bandit leader starts firing his gun at Jeff as he casually deflects the bullets away until the leader's gun is finally empty. The bandit leader throws his gun away as he takes a glance at his fallen comrades.
Jeff: Don't bother saving them. They'll bleed out before you could even stitch their wounds back. Now if I were you, I'd start running.
The bandit does so without any second thought.
Jeff: And tell her to fuck off! Pfft... Smile my ass...
A dark red portal appears in front of the bandit, blocking his way.
Jeff: Shit...
The man who resurrected emerges from the portal as he looks at Jeff with a disappointed look. He then lightly taps the poor bandit's forehead as the bandit kneels down, trembling while staring up at the sky as tears of blood begin to drop from his eyes and blood coming out of his mouth while chanting.
Bandit Leader: He҉ i̶s th̕e̴ ̸on҉e̸ wit̀h͜o̷ut ͢e͢y̷e̸s. He̕ ̶i͞s̢ the ̛o͢n̴e wi̧t̨hou̶t s͠h͘a̶p͠e͝. He ͝wi̸ll ̶be̸ ͢t̡he̛ ͜on̷e wh͘o ̴l̴i̢es͟. H͢e͠ w̸ill bè t͘he ̵on̡ę wh͘o wi͝ll ra̷p̢e. T̀hroug͏h ̵t͡his̴ s҉ha͏tt̸e͏red w͜or͢l͝d̨.....
The man gestures the poor bandit to get inside the portal as he walks closer to Jeff.
???: What happened to you, Woods? I thought you take no witnesses.
Jeff: Is that some of your business.
???: (smiles) No... No, I guess not... Sorry if tried to pry into your personal life. Now, I don't care if you're trying to be reunited with your friends, but...(walking back to the portal) Don't forget your mission, Woods! I'm counting on ya!
After the man finally gets inside his portal, Jeff proceeds to walk on the snowy trail as the portal closes behind him.
Jeff: I will put you to sleep, you cocky prick. Remember that.
================================================================================
Back with the group.
Maria: But I wasn't... I went into hiding soon after.
The now elderly Maria is seen finishing her story to Team RWBY, Qrow Branwen, and Oscar Pine, who all have wide-eyed expressions. Krystal and Lena seems to have already know the story, leaving (Y/N) with the only whom doesn't know what is going on.
Qrow: (astounded) I can't believe it. You... You're the Grimm Reaper, you were a legend! And then you disappeared...
Oscar: How exactly does a legend just disappear?
Qrow: You never used your name, never showed your face. Lots of us thought you were just layin' low. Eventually, we just came to accept that you were probably dead. But the stories about you, I based my weapon off of yours. I wanted to be as good as the Grimm Reaper.
Maria: Well, I'm nothing but a disappointment, so you're well on your way.
Blake: How can you say that?
Maria: Child, a Huntress is supposed to protect others to the bitter end. But after I lost my eyes, I only ever looked after myself. Even after my surgery, I was too afraid to fight. Afraid someone would find me again, finish what the others started. You shouldn't aspire to be like me, especially when some of you are clearly stronger already.
Upon hearing this, Yang looks down sadly.
Maria: It's funny, really. Knowing that the same thing happened to Azazel.
Everyone turns their gaze onto (Y/N).
Maria: You're his son, aren't you?
(Y/N): Y-Yeah...
Maria: Figured as much. Seeing the way you fight, is just like him. Always finding a way, unbreakable will, and strong commitment.
Krystal: Hmph...
(Y/N): You know my dad?
Maria: Well, not personally.
(Y/N): Oh...
Maria: It's... comforting, seeing that your generation seems up to the task of inheriting this world. I'm just sorry I didn't do more to leave it in better shape.
Ruby: Well, maybe you can do something now. Teach me and (Y/N) to use our powers the way you did.
As Maria looks back at Ruby, a Scroll's ringtone can be heard. Ruby pulls her Scroll out and gasps in excitement.
Ruby: It's Jaune!
Yang stops her bike, looking back in surprise.
Everyone: Huh?
Weiss: How?
Ruby: (answering her Scroll) Uh, hello?
Jaune: (voiceover from the Scroll) Ruby! Oh, thank you! I've been checking my Scroll for your signal since we made it to the city!
Ruby: The city? Wait...
She looks at the little signal symbol under Jaune's portrait, watching it get better as she points her Scroll toward the road ahead. The group sees a hill where the snow ends. Yang proceeds forward to drive the up the hill.
Blake: (to Lena) Those are very painful.
Lena: H-Huh?
Blake: Your wounds. Are you gonna be okay?
Lena: I-I'll be fine, I've taken bigger hits before. Thank you for asking.
Everyone is staring at her with a weird expression, apart from (Y/N) and Krystal.
Lena: *blush* U-Umm... Y-Yes?
Weiss: Well... Back there... You weren't really exactly... Yourself...
Yang: Yeah. What happened back there?
Lena: I-It happens whenever I use my sword. Whenever I remove it from its scabbard I become this scary type of person. That's why I only use it whenever I'm in a tight spot. This lock can only be unlocked once it knows that danger is coming.
Ruby: That's a weird trait...
(Y/N): And a weird flex.
Krystal: But okay.
Lena: *chuckles* I-I understand.
(Y/N): No, it's okay, really.
Lena: Huh?
(Y/N): Even if you do become that kind of person, you're still you, right?
Lena: *blush* (Y/N)...
Weiss: Geez... Do you seriously have to flirt with every girl you see?
(Y/N): What?
Weiss: Hmph!
(Y/N) turns to Blake and Ruby as they turn their gaze away from (Y/N) whilst pouting.
(Y/N): W-What? What did I do?
While Lena is still fidgeting, Krystal smiles as she stares into the distance. As they finally get on top of the hill, the group sees a walled city in the distance along the ocean.
Yang: (smiling) Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived in Argus.
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At the entrance to the city of Argus, Yang inputs a code, "4-5-8", to lock Bumblebee and the trailer in a garage. Team RWBY, Qrow, Oscar, Krystal, (Y/N), Lena and Maria take the time to admire their surroundings.
Krystal: Well, I guess this is where we part ways.
Yang: You're going somewhere?
Krystal: Me and Lena are here to meet someone, but we gotta get Lena here to hospital first.
Ruby: You guys take care!
Blake: T'ill our paths cross again.
Through the crowd, a certain bubbly ginger-haired girl in pink zooms in.
Nora: Cute! Boy! OZ!!! (points her finger to the group)
Oscar looks over in confusion, only to get tackle hugged by Nora.
Nora: Oh, come here!
Jaune and Lie Ren also arrive.
Ren: Are you all okay? (hugs Yang)
Jaune: We were so worried! (hugs Blake)
Yang: It's been kind of a crazy trip.
Weiss: That's an understatement.
Nora: (noticing Maria) Wait, who's the old lady?
Back to (Y/N), Lena and Krystal.
Krystal: Looks like you guys have some catching up to do.
(Y/N): Seems like it.
Lena: I don't think they're going to like the news though...
(Y/N): I'm actually worried about that too. I don't know how they're going to take this.
Krystal: Well that's your problem then.
(Y/N): *chuckles* Gee, thanks!
The three of them laughs.
Krystal: Well, we'd better be off. Don't wanna keep you away from your friends.
(Y/N): See you around, guys!
Lena: Bye!
As they turn away from each other, Krystal calls (Y/N).
Krystal: Hey, (Y/N)!
(Y/N): Yeah?
Krystal: My offer still stands. What we're facing is bigger than Salem, (Y/N).
Lena: You'd be a big help to us.
(Y/N): You guys know my answer.
Krystal: Well, I hope you guys do find a way to defeat her. See you around, (Y/N)!
After Krystal and Lena say their goodbyes, (Y/N) watches them walk away for a moment before returning to the others.
Later on, the group is seen travelling through the city on a trolley train.
Yang: It's a lot bigger than I thought it'd be.
Ren: It's actually one of the largest non-capital cities in all of Remnant.
Ruby: *gasps* No way!
(Y/N): *whistles* Hello, New York City.
Ren: What?
(Y/N): Nothing.
Ruby: But wait, wouldn't it be harder to settle something this big away from the main Kingdom?
Jaune: Well, it was, until Mantle showed up. Early settlement attempts by Mistral didn't go well. But colonists from Mantle were able to help them brave the cold climate and return for goods that Solitas couldn't provide.
Ren: The two nations worked together to create a hybrid city. While it falls under Mistral domain, Atlas keeps a military presence here to help keep the people safe and keep trade between the two nations steady.
Nora: Well, until recently...
The trolley makes a stop and everyone hops off.
Blake: We should probably start looking for a ship.
Oscar: (to Jaune) So, where have you guys been staying?
Jaune: Uh... (chuckles nervously)
Saphron: There you are!
As the trolley leaves, a blonde woman, Saphron Cotta-Arc, with her baby son, Adrian, in her arm is seen on the other side of the street waving to Jaune.
(Y/N): *chuckles* Is that...?
Jaune: Hey, Saph. (smiles and waves back)
Ruby then zooms in, all starry eyed. She looks back and forth between Jaune and Saphron, and gasps upon realizing who the woman is.
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The group later reconvenes in a living room at a home.
Ruby: I can't believe I'm meeting your sister! I have so many questions.
Nora: Oh, I can give you the rundown later!
Jaune: Will you guys knock it off?
Saphron: What? I love telling stories about my baby brother. (squeezes Jaune's cheek)
Jaune: (groaning while also flailing his arms at his elder sister) I am not a baby! That is a baby.
Jaune points at Adrian, who huffs back at him. Yang and Weiss get all wide-eyed as they fuss over Adrian. Both of them make baby talk at him.
Blake: So Saphron, you're the only Arc living here?
(Y/N) walks over to a picture on the bookshelf of the Arc siblings all together can be seen, with the young Jaune at the center with pigtails and a deadpan expression while holding a sign that says "HELP" on it while his sisters do various crazy things around him.
(Y/N) smiles for a bit at the picture as his smile slowly turns into a frown.
Saphron: Yep! Moved the second I could. Jaune and I are the only two living away from home. (in a teasing voice) I guess he just wanted to be like his big sis.
Jaune: I, uh... *groans*
Saphron: Aw, you didn't deny it!
The two siblings play fight with each other by pulling each other's cheeks. Then, a door is heard opening. A dark-haired woman with glasses is seen walking in with bags of groceries.
Saphron: Everyone, this is my wife, Terra Cotta.
Everyone greets Terra.
Ruby: Hello!
Nora: Hey there!
Blake: Nice to meet you
(Y/N): Hi! [As expected...]
Terra: *chuckles* Why, hello there! Wow, quite a party, you weren't kidding. Hun, can I get some help please?
Saphron quickly runs over to help Terra in the kitchen. Later on, Jaune, Ren and Nora are seen preparing sandwiches for everyone.
Weiss: And you're sure it's alright if we stay with you?
Saphron: Of course, we're happy to house Huntsmen and Huntresses.
Terra: You all risk so much to keep people like us safe. It's the least we can do. (turning to Qrow) Especially for such an elite Huntsman like yourself. Although, I will say I was surprised to learn you had students helping you. Is that even... legal?
Qrow, not paying attention, gets his arm bumped by his niece.
Qrow: Uh, of course. Think of it as an extended training mission. Trust me, I was a professor. Even went to the same academy as them. Let me tell ya, these kids are way better than we were at their age.
Jaune, Ren and Nora walk back into the room with plates full of sandwiches. Ruby gasps happily upon seeing them.
Qrow: Well, not better than me specifically, but a lot of students--
Ruby: Shut up, there's food!
Everyone heartily eats the sandwiches. Saphron and Terra share a look with each other, before the latter's Scroll is heard buzzing.
Terra: *sighs* Excuse me, I'll be right back. (answers her Scroll and walks out of the room) Hello?
(Y/N): Everything alright?
Saphron: Oh, yeah, it will be. Terra's a technician for the town's relay tower. Unfortunately, the military's radar system is also housed there. (making baby talk at Adrian) Guess what's been on the fritz lately and who's getting falsely blamed.
Terra: (peeking back into the room) Me.
Saphron: So, what's your plan for tomorrow?
Ruby: (mouth stuffed) Well... (takes a gulp) We're trying to make our way to Atlas. We'll probably start with the military base.
Nora and Ren share concerned looks.
Jaune: (nervously) So, we kind of already tried that, and... it didn't go... super great.
(Y/N): Well, it couldn't be that bad...
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(Y/N): Fuck my life...