Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by Monty Oum

Featured BGMs:

Snow in Summer-NieR OST

Go Fight! Show Your Energy!- Maple Story OST

Ingkells (Extended Version, YouTube it)-Vindictus OST

Ashes of Dreams (New)- NieR OST

Blu-Bird- NieR OST

Where the Wind and Feathers Return-Radiant Historia OST

All of you is all of me [EXTENDED]- No Game No Life OST

Honor For All- Dishonored OST

Uncontrollable- Xenoblade Chronicles OST

This Will Be the Day (Casey & Jeff Williams)- RWBY OST

Beauty of Destiny- Persona 4 The Animation OST

His Theme (Slow Build Up Loop) Extended- Undertale OST

Time To Say Goodbye (Casey & Jeff Williams)- RWBY OST

Prologue: Knights of Rose

-Vale-

BGM: Snow in Summer-NieR OST

A young woman of about eighteen years of age fell to her knees in exhaustion next to an older blonde man whom was lying flat on his back. They were currently on the remains of an old building and overlooked the devastated streets of the once prosperous city as hordes of Grimm meandered through it. She winced as her tattered red cloak billowed in the wind releasing rose petals that were once a vibrant red but now looked as though they were wilting.

"C-Come on Jaune, we need to get out of here." Ruby said weakly as the booming laughter of Salem could be heard from the remains of Beacon's tower. She shuddered as she thought of the sheer amount of power the woman had obtained.

"What's the point?" Jaune asked hopelessly. "We're going to die anyway." Jaune said as he place a hand over his eyes in a vain attempt to stop the tears which could still be seen escaping from under his palm. "I just want to get it over with."

"Jaune don't say that–"

"Say what? The truth!?" Jaune snapped as he sat up with a glare making her flinch slightly. "Look around you, Ruby. We lost. So bad, in fact, the fucking Grimm don't even want to eat us!"

"We can still fight back!" Ruby argued making him laugh humorlessly.

"How? Don't worry, I'll wait." Jaune said as he waited to hear what sort of plan she could possibly come up in this situation. "Ruby, you're a great leader but solid, well thought out strategy has not been one of your strong points. You improvise in the moment, so take it from someone who does use strategy. When I say we are fucked, I mean it!"

"Then maybe we just need to get out there, I can't see it now, but maybe once we are there in front of Salem I can come up with something–"

"–Ruby! This is not a story book. The good guy just can't up and win in the end out of nowhere. If you go out there, you will die. Like Pyrrha, like Yang, Blake, Weiss, Ozpin, Oscar, Qrow, Glynda, hell, probably even Ren and Nora at this point I sure as hell haven't heard from them in hours." Jaune stressed the last word. "Who did we think we were? How did we think we could stop this, stop her?"

"Because we can!" Ruby argued back with a glare of her own.

"Oh grow up. You're eighteen now, an adult. Act like it! The only silver lining in this is that Adam and Neo are burning in hell and I can't wait to see them." Jaune said as he stood up and threw Crocea Mors down.

"If growing up means giving up before the battle even starts, then I'll gladly remain a child." Ruby said angrily as he gestured once more to the destroyed city.

"Newsflash, not only did the battle start–it's already over. Why can't you see that?" Jaune asked in frustration. "You'd think with eyes as special as yours, you wouldn't be so blind. Maybe that's your problem, your eyes just can't see reality. That's going to get you killed just like your mom!" Jaune snapped before pausing as Ruby looked at him with a hurt expression. His eyes widened as he thought about what he said. "Ruby, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry but please, just stop. Maybe if we leave we can find somewhere remote and at least of the illusion of peace before we die."

"If you want to leave then fine," Ruby said as tears fell from her eyes while her determined expression never left her face. "I'll fight without you. I'd rather die fighting than live like a coward."

"Yeah, well at least I'll be alive." Jaune said sarcastically before sighing. "It doesn't matter anyway, it's not like I'm a factor, and even if I go with you the result is the same. I'm just not good enough."

"How can you say that? After making it this far? Living this long when 'greater' huntsmen were all killed? Why are you so blind to your own strength?" Ruby asked as she looked at the hopeless and wounded Jaune. Anyone looking at the scene would look upon Jaune and fine physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted young man with now air of power at all. Yet to Ruby, in her silver eyes, all she could see when she looked at him was a powerful Knight whose strength had barely any rival.

It's been like that since she first met him.

It's been like this since she was born. She never noticed it until recently but there were a select few people that when she looked at them she literally saw the best them they could be. It's why she had never looked down upon Jaune despite his failures, why she attempted to be Weiss' friend despite the heiress' initial dislike of her.

Why she even bothered to form a bond with someone as awkward as Penny despite her being a robot on top of it.

It's one of the reasons Ruby believed her eyes to be a curse because she could see things others couldn't. And because despite seeing all of these wonderful qualities when she looked in the mirror all she saw was a wannabe huntress with a semblance for speed that was too slow to save those that mattered to her.

It didn't stop at people either but sometimes even entire situations appeared differently to her. She could always see the silver lining no matter how bleak a scenario was.

It angered her. It enraged her, that someone as great as Jaune could dare claim to be worse than her and give up on top of it despite having so much power.

"Why can't you see what I see? Why can't anyone see what I see?" Ruby asked helplessly as if having a full blown breakdown as Jaune approached her in concern before holding her while she sobbed. "Why are you so blind?"

"Ruby–"

"No! I'm just, I'm just so sick of being the only one who can see good." Ruby said before stepping back and glaring into his eyes. "I would love to bask in misery with you, to give up hope like you but I physically can't. I don't want to fight anymore either but my body won't let me despite how weak it is." Ruby said as she gritted her teeth. "I wish, I wish, that for once you could see what I see when I look at you."

"Ruby…" Jaune trialed off his look of concern shifting into one of confusion as for the first time he saw his own reflection in her eyes and it startled him to no end just how different he appeared, how strong he appeared, despite him clearly being able to see the reality. "Holy shit." Jaune whispered in morbid fascination confusion Ruby greatly.

"Jaune?"

"You're being serious." Jaune said as he leaned in closer to get a better look at her eyes, confusing her even more. "I can literally see my reflection in your eyes and it looks nothing like me. Is…Is this what you've been seeing this whole time? Some sort of majestic shining knight?" Jaune asked incredulously as Ruby's eyes shimmered a bit. "I am a man in tattered rags right now, not whatever, whoever, that is."

"But why can't you be?" Ruby asked innocently and at that moment Jaune found himself actually frozen as his mind seemed to leave his body as he stared into her eyes while his body began to release a silver light.

BGM: END

BGM: Go Fight! Show Your Energy!- Maple Story OST

*Flash*

As he stared into her eyes he saw it. He saw every decision, every outcome, the entirety of his life's choices at once and eventually he found himself at a crossroads as a foreign feeling of hope surged through his chest.

On his left he saw the shining knight Ruby apparently saw whenever she looked at him. On his right, he saw the failure he sees whenever he looks in a mirror. Both were extending a hand towards him and he looked disgusted at the very sight of the image on his right.

"Who are you?" Jaune couldn't help but ask as he stared at his mirror image.

"You."

"That…that's not possible, you're nothing like me!" Jaune said making the knight laugh.

"I'm you in every way but one. I have the same amount of aura, the same skills, and I know everything you do. The only difference is our cognitions. I don't give up, I don't have self-doubt, I make the most of the resources given to me and use them to their maximum potential." The knight said with a laugh before placing a hand on Jaune's shoulder. "I'm everything you could be at this very moment if you take a step back and just change your perspective. If you don't give up."

"You make that sound so simple." Jaune said sarcastically. "I can't just do a mental 180. I'm like this for a reason, my experiences made me how I am."

"Indeed, and this experience could make you who you can be. Why? Because she deemed it so. You've followed her for how long? You've seen the hope she inspires, for once let her inspire you." The knight said as he rested his forehead on Jaune's. "Accept this, shift this cognition and live out your life as the man you could be." The Knight said making tears fall from Jaune's eyes.

"I…I accept…I want to change." Jaune said and before he could say anything else his mirror image transformed. Gone was the knight and in his place was a beautiful woman with long red and black hair that was staring at him with bright silver eyes filled with kindness and hope.

"Then so shall it be."

*Flash*

-Beacon-

"WHAT!?" Salem boomed in confusion as she glanced to the right to see a large white pillar of light. The very sight of it caused her and the Grimm physical pain.

-With Ruby-

Ruby shielded her eyes and when the light died down she gasped. She could finally see the tattered clothes he was wearing, gone was the majestic armor she could have sworn he just had on but at the same time his face was exactly how she recalled it.

Strong.

Confident.

Caring.

"Ruby." Jaune's warm voice said as grasped the side of her face and gave her a reassuring smile. "You're the most amazing person I've ever met." Jaune said before kicking up his sword and catching it effortlessly. "Giving up isn't an option, we have much to fight for and live for. I see that now, no, I feel that now."

"Jaune…" Ruby whispered before a bright smile illuminated her face. "…then let's fight! Let's show her what we can do!" Ruby said as she turned back to the destroyed city as hordes of Grimm charged in their direction. Suddenly, she yelped as she found herself slung effortlessly over his shoulder.

"That said we need to pick and choose our battles. Run and live to fight another day, that has to be a plan you can get behind." Jaune said making her pause before pouting a bit as she thought about his logic. Despite her drive, she knew the odds were completely against her. As long as they would return and not give up, she could concede to a tactical retreat.

"Yay, compromise!" Ruby cheered as Jaune bolted away from the upcoming battle at speeds that while nowhere near close to Ruby, completely blew away his previous capabilities or at the very least it was a speed he could have reached all along if he had tried. As they left with a renewed sense of purpose they knew that they would return and retake Beacon one day.

That day just wasn't today.

BGM: END

-1 week later-

"Okay, food is running low but luckily a village should be nearby." Jaune said as he and Ruby sat at a campfire. Ruby nodded her head but said nothing as she continued looking at Jaune suspiciously. She had been giving him the same odd look ever since they made their tactical retreat. "What?"

"Nothing it's just…you're really different." Ruby said finally. "I know I wanted you to be what I see, but it's really scary that you did it in an instant."

"Ruby, you literally dragged out the best in me. For the first time since I was seventeen I feel hope." Jaune said as he placed a hand over his chest. "You already know you're special, hate to break it you but you're the only one who can save us now. It's always been you, the guardian we need."

"So much for normal knees." Ruby muttered before shaking her head. "It's just, I didn't even know my eyes could do this."

"Well, all you have is hearsay to go off of when it comes to your eyes." Jaune said before shrugging. "The way I see it, everything known about them someone had to discover first. This is just you discovering something else and sometime down the road someone else will be able to add this onto the list of hearsay they have about their eyes." Jaune said before narrowing his eyes. "How about you tell me what's really eating you up?"

"It's just you were so ready, so determined, to give up and instantly I made you change. It's like I stole your choice away, manipulated you–you know? I feel dirty." Ruby said with a frown.

"If this is mind control, Ruby, it doesn't feel like it." Jaune said with a laugh.

"And that's just it! If it was something obvious like turning you into speechless zombie or something at least I could be like 'oh, I turned him into a zombie' and I can try to stop it. This however, it's so…so subtle. Believe it or not I made you continue to fight and looking back on it I feel dirty, really, really dirty." Ruby said as her eyes glistened. "How does this make me any different than Salem–"

"You are nothing like her!" Jaune snapped making her flinch before he sighed. "Look let's say you're right, you know what? I still don't care. I'd rather live my life enslaved by a wonderful person than die at the hands of that monster. I trust you, Ruby. Even before this, I've always trusted you. You're my best friend." Jaune said before giving her a sad smile. "My unofficial partner. If you did, somehow, turn me into your tool? Then just make sure you use me right. I'm not going anywhere and I don't want you to turn me back into who I was, I never want to feel that lack of hope again. Okay?"

"Okay." Ruby said quietly making him smile. "Now come on crater face, we still need to eat–where the hell is my food!?"

*munch*

Jaune and Ruby looked up in surprise to find Nora sitting in front of the campfire eating Jaune's food with a smile, completely oblivious to the world around her.

"Yo." Ren said nonchalantly sitting next to Ruby. Ruby and Jaune gaped at the two before their eyes began to water.

"R-ren…N-nora…you're…you're alive!" Jaune in shock and relief. "I thought I might have gotten you killed!"

"Hm? Impossible, the odds were in our favor." Ren said simply making the blonde gape at him.

"You were surrounded by an army!"

"I had a Nora." Ren said making Jaune pause. Now that he thought about it, Ren had a point.

"But…how?" Ruby asked after getting over her shock as Nora finished eating Jaune's fish before giving Ruby a manic grin.

"So there we were, surrounded by five hundred White Fang–"

"It was one hundred and fifty." Ren interrupted but was completely ignored.

"Ren was out of bullets–"

"–I had two magazines left."

"I had barely any strength left."

"You lifted Magnhild effortlessly with one hand and was able to choke slam a man twice your size into the ground with the other." Ren said as Jaune and Ruby turned between him and Nora as if watching a ping pong match.

"But the gods said, 'Not today' and by a stroke of luck a lightning bolt slammed into me thanks to the storm that was surrounding us. With my renewed vigor I was more than enough to take them out!" Nora shouted before slamming her hammer into the ground with enough force to make the ground tremble a bit. "And when I say I brought down the hammer, I brought down the hammer!"

"…"

"Ren?" Ruby asked making him shrug.

"That's…that's actually true." Ren said with a shrug. "As luck would have it, she was actually struck by lightning and proceeded to solo an army. I was there for emotional support."

"Nora…never change." Jaune said with a grin which she returned.

"So what did we walk in on? Sounded like a very heavy conversation." Ren said making Jaune and Ruby glance between each other nervously before they decided to recap everything that had transpired. "You made him change, you say? He looks a bit more confident but I don't see that much different…no offence."

"None taken." Jaune said as he waved his friend off.

"He's killed five Ursa majors, three packs of Beowolves, seven Nevermores, a Deathstalker, and two King Taijitus in the past week alone. As if he were on some sort of mission to not let me fight." Ruby said dryly making Jaune scratch the back of his head sheepishly while his teammates gaped at him. "He's become very protective of me which is another reason I regret doing what I did to him."

"Ruby, you didn't brainwash me. I'm just…grateful…that you did whatever it was you did to me. I mean if I can help you conserve your energy and not fight unnecessary fights, why shouldn't I?" Jaune said making her roll her eyes.

"So earlier when I got a splinter and you swore unholy vengeance on a damn tree I shouldn't be concerned?" Ruby questioned sarcastically making him pause.

"Seriously…?" Ren asked as he gave him a half-lidded stare.

"We're using it as firewood, right now." Ruby said as she gestured to the campfire, the chopped up pile of wood on the side, and the logs they were currently sitting on.

"It's the tree's fault." Jaune said as he crossed his arms.

"It was a tree!" Ruby said before pouting and rubbing the log she sat on. "I'm sorry tree, but your murder will go unavenged."

Ironically, some sap leaked from the log as if it were crying.

"Hmm…interesting…" Ren muttered. "But despite this overprotectiveness, is Jaune still Jaune?" Ren questioned making Ruby pause before slowly nodding.

"It's like he's literally become the best him he can be but he still has his mannerisms, he's still Jaune you know? Or at least acts like it." Ruby finally answered, making Jaune's eye twitch.

"Right here, you know." Jaune said dryly but was ultimately ignored.

"Interesting, it's him but stronger? This could prove to be an invaluable asset but we need more information." Ren said before nodding and turning to Ruby. "It's settled, you need to do it again."

"Excuse me!?" Ruby asked in alarm.

"Ooh~ Me next!" Nora said before she suddenly appeared before Ruby and stared into her eyes. "Wow! You have really pretty eyes.

"Uhh…thank you? Ren!?" Ruby asked as she turned to the resident ninja whom shrugged.

"Whatever it is you can do may just be humanity's last hope. This is war, Ruby, and we're losing. We have to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost. Nora is willingly risking her free will for you right now, please don't look down upon this sacrifice." Ren said with a surprising amount of conviction in his voice. Ruby slowly looked back into Nora's eyes and gasped as gone was the goofiness, In fact, no one had ever seen such a serious expression on Nora's face before.

Not even when she heard about Pyrrha's death.

"Ruby, if you can somehow make me stronger, I want you to do it. I don't care what happens, I don't want to lose anyone else. Not to that bitch." Nora said quietly as her firm gaze never left Ruby's eyes.

"I…I'll try but I have no idea what I did the first time." Ruby said before continuing to stare into Nora's eyes, moments passed but nothing was happening. "It's not working."

"Think, Ruby, try to recreate that feeling you had when it happened to me." Jaune said and Ruby frowned as she attempted to once again call upon that anger, that desperation, that frustration she felt. "Come on Ruby, You also said something what was it?"

"I…I wish…I wish…you could see what I see when I look at you." Ruby repeated as she stared at Nora whom laughed a bit.

"Ohh~ Romantic." Nora said making Ruby blush she was going to avert her eyes but Nora stopped her. "Wait, I see something." Nora said as she saw her reflection in Ruby's eyes shimmer a bit. "Oh no way, that can't be how you see me!" Nora gushed as Jaune smirked knowing it must have worked.

"You might feel a little nauseous Nora." Jaune warned just before Nora's face went blank. Nora's mind seemed to leave her body as she, Like Jaune, found herself at a crossroads. On the right she saw who she was now, but on the left she saw who she could be as every decision she ever made circled around her.

"Huh, cool." Nora said as she saw a heroic version of herself grin back at her. She looked like a literal goddess of battle as pink lightning coursed over her body. As one, the two Noras fist-bumped and for a split second, Nora saw a beautiful red and black haired woman with the most beautiful silver eyes she had ever seen.

*Flash*

*Rumble*

"Uh…is a storm supposed to form?" Ren asked cautiously as he stood up and stepped back while Ruby and Jaune slowly shook their heads, mimicking his actions.

*KRACKABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*

As one, they yelped as a large pink bolt of lightning slammed down into Nora with enough force to send them crashing back with enough force to cause Ren and Jaune's–the latter of which grabbed and covered Ruby–Auras to shatter as a loud laugh rung out.

"Wooo! I am the strongest! Ha ha ha!" Nora laughed with her hands on her hips while pink electricity crackled in her eyes. "Come on, where are our enemies? They are all about to catch the hammer!"

"Nora!" Ren called out making her pause as she turned to see her downed friend giving her an annoyed glance.

"Hehe, sorry Ren." Nora said apologetically as she scratched the back of her head before turning to find Ruby. "Whoa, now I see what Jaune is talking about, I have the weirdest urge to protect you from everything." Nora said as she approached Ruby with a smile as Jaune helped her up. Ruby gritted her teeth as she looked at Nora with tears in her eyes.

"So it happened to you too, see I don't want you to be so focused on me–"

*KRRAANNNNG!*

Ruby was cut off as she was forced to watch Jaune suddenly block a vicious lightning filled right hook from Nora with his shield. The sheer force of the blow made even Jaune's shield bend slightly in protest, but still it did not break

*Crack*

Jaune's arm, on the other hand, did.

"Nora…" Jaune muttered, ill-intent lacing his voice as his arm went limp. Great, now he was going to have to sleep with a broken arm.

"Sorry, Jaune~" Nora said as Ruby looked at her in shock no doubt wondering what would have happened to her face if Jaune hadn't blocked it. "It's an urge Ruby, but nothing we can't overcome. If I was truly mind controlled or something I wouldn't be able to attack you." Nora said with a grin. "We also got a glimpse at Jaune too, looks like he is prepared to go to war."

"Oh you have no idea." Jaune muttered, teammate or not, Aura or not, and broken arm or not, he was more than prepared to go a few rounds with Nora after that stunt.

"Chill Jauney, I had faith you would step in! I just wanted to stop her worrying. We have strong urges affecting how we act but nothing we can't over power." Nora said reassuringly, though she didn't mention that attempting what she did felt as though something were tearing her apart from the inside. Jaune's knowing glanced showed that he knew very well what she felt. "Still, I feel pretty much the same power-wise. It's just like I know how to make the most out of what I have, you know?" Nora said as she tried to explain what she felt.

She could still get much stronger with training, she could feel it, but now it was as if she had realized how she was previously using her strength was subpar. Like she had become a true master of the strength she already wielded.

"Well…that's a little comforting I guess…" Ruby muttered before yawning.

"And it appears as though whatever you did is draining to you." Ren pointed out as Ruby looked ready to pass out.

"Definitely once the adrenaline stopped after she turned me, she passed out over my shoulder." Jaune chuckled making Ruby's cheeks redden in embarrassment.

"I did not–" Ruby's protest was stopped as she suddenly passed out barely giving Jaune any time to catch her with his good arm.

"She's special." Nora said quietly as she gazed at Ruby while Jaune nodded.

"Yeah, she is." Jaune said with a fond smile as Nora turned to Ren and gave him a nod.

"R-Ren…we can do this, fight back…we can actually fight back." Nora said as she wiped her eyes while Ren embraced her tightly. Unknown to Ruby and Jaune, this has been the first time Nora had smiled since they were separated. She was in so much despair it was almost as if his perpetually happy friend was constantly grey. She had lost hope, so much that he never though he'd see her have the will to fight ever again.

But here she was.

Her spark had come back.

"Interesting." Ren said as he gazed at the unconscious form of Ruby. A change was coming, he just didn't know how or when yet.

-The Next Morning-

Slowly, Ruby eventually began to regain consciousness and she frowned to herself when she felt herself lying on something soft. Shifting a bit, her frown deepened when she found herself being held firmly and slowly opened her eyes to find herself on a bed wrapped tightly in Nora's arms as said woman snored loudly.

"Ah you're awake." Ren's voice got her attention as she turned to find the man sipping on whatever weird green concoction he decided to make for himself. She blinked owlishly as she looked around the room she was in and found Jaune sitting in a chair near the door, his head bowed slightly as he snored quietly and held Crocea Mors firmly in his hands.

"Ren, where are we?"

"Nearby village. We decided to continue onwards after you passed out. Jaune and Nora were oddly adamant about you not being forced to sleep outside for another night." Ren said as he sipped his drink. "I must say, this is really astounding. I've never seen Nora this protective of someone other than me."

"Yeah, well I wish she wasn't." Ruby said with a pout as she tried to force herself free to no avail as the powerful woman simply tightened her hold while mumbling to herself in her sleep.

"Is it really that bad?" Ren asked curiously. "To have people concerned with your well-being?"

"No, but it just…just doesn't feel right you know? I'm no different from them. They should be concerned with themselves not me, I don't want anyone putting me before them. It's just not right." Ruby tried to explain making him sigh.

"Though I understand your reasoning, I feel I must inform you that you are-in fact-special. You know this, Ruby." Ren said calmly. "You are the only one left that stands a chance against Salem. You may not wish to hear it, you may choose not to believe it, but the reality is that your life means more than anyone else's in this room if not the entirety of Remnant."

"But–"

"No buts, the sooner you accept this, the sooner we can try to figure out how to go about dealing with that witch." Ren said matter-of-factly making Ruby clench her fists tightly. "Tell me, do you believe in destiny?"

"What?" Ruby asked in confusion.

"Destiny, do you believe in it?" Ren repeated making her frown before slowly nodding. "Then surely you must realize you, of all people, have a destiny you must fulfill. The youngest huntress in our year, gifted being belief, with power nearly unrivaled. You have been at the center of every major event in Salem's rise to power surely you cannot think this is all coincidence. You are smarter than that Ruby."

"But…I…" Ruby began before sighing. "I know alright? But you all put me on this pedestal but you can't see just how weak I really am can you? My team is dead, what kind of hero can't save those closest to them? You want the truth? I'm scared, okay?" Ruby said as her voice trembled a bit. "Aren't I allowed to be scared?"

"You are, but despite your fear you are always the first to act." Ren pointed out making her pause. "You have a courage you fail to recognize that is apparently mixed with a crippling modesty. To use your own words against you–"

"–we wish you could see what we do when we look at you." Nora said quietly making Ruby look up in surprise to see the orange haired woman look down at her with a grin before winking at her.

"When you turned us, we were given a choice to be what you see or remain who we are." Jaune said as he stood up and strode towards them. "And when we accepted, we were able to see a glimpse of who you can be, who you will be if I have anything to say about it."

"It's tragically ironic, really. That your powers can't work on yourself." Ren said as he tilted his head curiously. "But I suppose that's where everything comes full circle."

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked in confusion.

"We were talking about it." Nora said in a tone that screamed 'we know something you don't know' "And what Ren and Jaune came up with was that you make us better and the purpose of our loyalty is so that we can return the favor."

"When you say you're weak, you're only half right Ruby. Compared to other huntsmen you're pretty strong and gifted." Jaune began as his smile faded. "But compared to who you could be, yes, you are weak. Only because you haven't come close to your own limits."

"We know as much about your powers as you do and that's only because you told us. You have nothing to go off of and any possible records are nowhere near for our use. Still, between the three of us I think we can stumble along and help you find the right path." Ren said sagely.

"Three?" Ruby repeated with a frown as he extended his hand.

"Well, if you're willing to let me help as well." Ren said making her eyes widen in understanding. However, before she could respond a loud roar echoed out into the distance. It was a roar they all knew too well. "No…"

"It was a matter of time before Salem started spreading to the rest of the world. But to think she'd send one of those things to a village this small." Jaune said with a glare as he looked out of the window of the inn and saw a dragon-like Grimm approaching from the distance as many of the villagers began to scream.

"Then let's go. I can stop it." Ruby said making Jaune shake his head.

"No, Ruby."

"Jaune you can't stop me from fighting!" Ruby said angrily before looking at Nora whom held her reassuringly.

"Relax, that's not what he meant." Nora said knowingly making Jaune nod.

"I mean that you're not going to stop it. We're going to kill it." Jaune corrected making Ruby look at him in surprise. "But to do that we're going to need a plan…well?" Jaune asked as he turned to Ruby with the rest of his old team. Said young woman was more than a little caught off guard at suddenly being put on the spot but as the screams seemed to get louder her eyes narrowed in determination.

"…I have a plan." Ruby said eventually making them smirk.

-Later-

BGM: Ingkells (Extended Version, YouTube it)-Vindictus OST

*ROOOOOOAAARRRRRRR*

["On second thought, this might get you killed. You're still not fully healed."] Ruby's concerned voice said from over the scroll as Jaune walked forward towards the incoming Grimm as the citizens ran past him in terror. Jaune chuckled a bit as his shield opened up on top of his arm as he drew his blade.

"Don't worry about me, just focus on evacuating the people so you can rejoin me later." Jaune said as a red blur sped through the town, snatching people up and dropping them off in the outskirts. Jaune flashed his aura to get the airborne Grimm's attention. "Come on there is a nice tasty meal right here!" Jaune taunted loudly making it roar before it dive-bombed towards him as it released black droplets that spawned various types of Grimm.

*FLASH!*

*BOOOM!*

*RIINNNGGGG!*

The ground around Jaune exploded from the might of the Grimm, but to his satisfaction he didn't budge as his body and shield were coated with his aura. Digging both of his heels to the ground, Jaune gritted his teeth as he pushed back the Grimm's massive head little by little. Flipping his blade in his right hand, Jaune stabbed the Grimm in one of its eyes making it howl in pain before its head was knocked quickly to the side courtesy of a powerful shield bash from Jaune.

*BANG!*

"Smash!" Nora shouted with a laugh as she flipped in the air before delivering a powerful over-head swing with her hammer which was crackling with pink electricity. The sheer strength of the blow created pink shockwaves which shattered the nearby windows before the Grimm's head instantly slammed into the ground with a sickening crunch.

*RATATATATATATATA*

Ren dashed forward and slid over the massive Grimm as he shot both it and the nearby Grimm it spawned.

["Keep up the crowd control, Ren!"] Ruby said as a red spiraling blur bounce from rooftop to roof top until it stopped, revealing Ruby whom slammed down her scythe and took aim at the large Grimm through her scope.

*Bang!*

*Bang!*

*Bang!*

The Grimm screeched after it found itself blinded after Ruby shot its eyes on the right side of its head before hopping over it and landing on the roof top across from her where she repeated the process.

"Nice." Jaune complimented as the Grimm began thrashing wildly. Quickly raising his shield, Jaune blocked a vicious swipe from the Grimm's claws before hopping up and spinning around before cleaving off its left arm with a mighty swing.

*Thooom*

The ground shook slightly after the massive limb landed onto the streets. The enraged Grimm attempted to fly up but after the first mighty flap of its wings, Nora descended upon it and mercilessly crushed its right with a mighty swing of her hammer. Pink lightning bolts erupted from the ground and slammed into her hammer, reinforcing it as the giant Grimm found itself electrocuted. Jaune was forced to use his shield to prevent himself from becoming part of the collateral damage.

"Amazing." Ren muttered, more than a little awed by the newfound strength of his friends–especially when he considered that Jaune wasn't even completely recovered.

"Well we're hurting it at least." Jaune muttered as Nora sprung off of the Grimm and landed beside him. "Ruby, exactly what part of this plan actually involved killing it?" Jaune questioned before frowning when he got no response. "Ruby?" Jaune asked cautiously, feeling as though Ruby may have kept something from him that he wouldn't approve of.

"Uh…If this works, promise me you and Nora won't get mad." Ruby said cautiously making both Jaune and Nora frown as the giant Grimm turned towards her and released a powerful roar that blew back both Ruby's hair and her cloak. Placing her scythe behind her, she narrowed her eyes when she saw her opportunity before releasing a shot from her weapon which sent her flying directly into the Grimm's mouth where it swallowed her whole.

Jaune, Nora, and Ren were all left speechless at the sight.

"Oh you reckless red–!" Jaune's following list of profanities were drowned out by the pained screeches of the Grimm as it suddenly felt itself being torn apart from the inside.

-With Ruby-

Ruby cut and shot everything within reach as she made her way through the Grimm. She couldn't make out a thing and felt herself slowly losing consciousness as the lack of air. Her legs burned horribly as she found herself knee deep in whatever it was that the Grimm were made out of. The sinister substance was eating away at her aura and things were looking bleak. Still, eventually she could feel the Grimm's movements come to a stop and slowly her bright eyes closed as she fell down knowing she managed to save at least some people from the monster.

A powerful pulling sensation was the last thing she felt before losing consciousness.

BGM: END

-Later-

Ruby blinked tiredly as she regained consciousness to once more find herself wrapped firmly in Nora's arms. Looking around, she noticed that they must have made it back to their room somehow.

"–Of all the unmitigated gall!" Jaune snapped as he continued to pace and stared at his scroll.

"Ooh~ that's a new one." Nora piped up.

"Had to search for new words." Jaune said as he showed her the dictionary App he had opened on his scrolls. "Need a whole new vocabulary to express my anger right now."

"Just do what I do, when she wakes up I'll break her legs!" Nora said happily making Ruby pale before she quickly attempted to pretend to still be sleeping.

"Hmm, that opportunity may be now seeing as she appears to have awaken." Ren pointed out making Ruby tense.

"I hate you Ren…" Ruby thought in despair.

"But…that may be a bit drastic and counter-productive in the long run." Ren added making Ruby relax.

"Thank you Ren–"

"How about we just settle for hiding away any sweets we come across in the foreseeable future?" Ren suggested making them smirk.

"Fuck you Ren." Ruby thought as she opened her eyes and gave him a weak glare as he gave a small smirk.

"Ruby! Are you okay?" Jaune questioned in concern as he rushed to her side, all anger forgotten.

"A little sore, but I'll live." Ruby said making him nod with a relieved smile. Suddenly, that smile vanished as his glare came back full force.

"Then what the hell were you thinking!?" Jaune asked incredulously.

"Well it's just; the Grimm had so much armor. Yeah we could take out its limbs but the important parts were too protected. It would have just lived and drew more Grimm to it and I didn't want to lose another town." Ruby explained as she looked up at the blond. "I found a way to get to its soft parts and went for it. Seeing how we're alive I guess it worked."

"Well…she's not wrong." Nora pointed out with a thoughtful frown.

"Yes but if she didn't pull her out, she would have died long before a Grimm that big finished evaporating." Jaune countered making Nora pause before nodding to herself and giving Ruby a firm knock to the top of her head.

"Ouch!"

"Bad Ruby." Nora said as Ruby held the top of her head in pain.

"Wait-if who didn't pull me out?" Ruby asked in confusion before looking towards the door when she heard someone knocking.

"Come in." Jaune called out before the door opened to reveal…

"…Professor Goodwitch?" Ruby said breathlessly as perpetually stoic woman walked in with a small smile.

"Hello Ms. Rose, still up to your usual antics I see." Glynda said calmly. "Though I suppose you can stop calling me professor, I haven't been your teacher for quite some time."

"Glynda has been lying low in this town for the past year, when the fight broke out she came to help. She made it just in time to see you swan dive into one of the most dangerous Grimm known to man." Jaune explained as Glynda fixed her glasses.

"If Beacon had never fallen we would have hopefully broken you out of your reckless habit. Still…You're alive somehow." Glynda said before glancing around the room. "You childr-no-you men and women have performed excellently. I applaud you all for surviving this long when so many have fallen. Ozpin would be proud." Glynda said as she approached the window and folded her arms behind her back. "You all have become quite the local heroes; it took hours for the townsfolk to stop cheering for you. However, it's time to depart."

"What?" Ruby asked with a frown. She had spent most of the time in the village fighting or unconscious, she wanted to at least see how the people were getting by.

"Salem now knows your location. Should you stay here you would simply bring ruin upon this village. We must depart, stay moving and fight her on our terms or else this war will never go in our favor." Glynda explained calmly as their eyes widened.

"Wait, we?" Jaune repeated making her smile slightly.

"I believe I have rested long enough. I will personally take it upon myself to make sure you all finish your curriculum. And as we travel you all can tell me just how Mr. Arc and Ms. Valkyrie have become so adept." Glynda said as she turned to face them.

"Legacy of a misspent youth?" Jaune suggested.

*Crack!*

"Ouch!" Jaune yelped as he held his forehead in pain after Glynda used her crop to smack him.

"Now, I do believe we have stayed here long enough." Glynda said as she walked towards the door. "You all know how to fight, but allow me to teach you how to hunt." Glynda said as Ruby and her friends glanced towards each other cautiously.

*Flash*

BGM: Ashes of Dreams (New)- NieR OST

And so the seasons came and went as the four continued their training under Glynda. Eventually both Ren and Glynda would later find themselves joining the ranks of Jaune and Nora due to Ruby's gift. With everyone but the prodigy quickly reaching their maximum potential, they all focused their attention on training the youngest huntress. And thanks to their efforts, Ruby grew at a rate that was unprecedented.

Ruby discovered more about her gift as well, she could only change those whom had a strong bond with her. Anyone else she was merely only able to grant the will to fight and live on…but still that in itself was quite frankly invaluable. As they traveled they aided any that they could, stopped as many Grimm as they could and as a result news of them spread like wild fire. Though they kept Salem's reign at bay they knew that they would need more than themselves to end this conflict. The question was, how?

It was three years later when they finally got an answer for you see they had gained quite the reputation due to their strength, chivalry, and the protective nature Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Glynda had for their youngest member. They were seen as Knights, in no small part thanks to Jaune whom was the most dedicated to Ruby of them all.

Which was really saying something.

Still they were the Knights and Ruby…

…Ruby was their Queen as the rumor went.

Of course Ruby herself detested these rumors with a passion but Glynda…no, Glynda had an epiphany. For if they wanted to stop Salem and her army, they would need a kingdom of their own.

"No, no, absolutely not!" Ruby refused adamantly making Glynda sigh. Currently they were in the middle of a snow filled forest sitting around a campfire.

"Ruby, the people need a guardian. A kingdom. A united stand against evil, you have to be the one who leads it." Glynda said calmly making Ruby grit her teeth. "There is no darkness without light, no good without evil, it's about time a being existed to counter Salem. She's fear and you can be hope."

"I've been fighting this war on the frontlines since I was fifteen! I belong on the battlefield, not cooped up on some chair while people fight my battles for me!" Ruby protested.

"But it's not just your battle, its all of ours. In fact, the simple fact that you can so easily take the world's burdens upon your shoulders and claim them as your own only reinforces that you need to be the one to lead." Ren said simply getting her attention.

"Vale, Vacuo, Mistral, Atlas…all of those Kingdoms didn't just pop up one day out of thin air." Jaune began as he turned to face Ruby. "They came from pivotal moments, moments like these, where someone decides whether or not to stand up and do what needs to be done. You're that someone, Ruby. We can keep doing what we're doing; helping others to feel good but deep down you know we are just prolonging the inevitable. Or we can try something new, crazy…reckless." Jaune said with a small smirk. "People and dust, that's what we need to bring down Salem. The dust is easy, more than enough abandoned mines and factories lying around…but the people? To get them we need hope."

"And that's where you come in!" Nora said with a bright smile as she ate a roasted fish. "Everyone will see you and be like oooh~ ahhh~ Queen Rose, she's so cool let's fight for her!"

"Well…that's the gist of it." Ren said with a sweat-drop.

"People are already willing to follow you while others still think you are but a rumor. We need to do something that will solidify your presence. Make it known that you're here and that you want to change things." Jaune said making Ruby bow her head before looking back up at him in askance.

"But what can I do?" Ruby asked helplessly. "For something that monumental, we'd need one hell of a major victory to make me into this...this beacon…of….hope…." Ruby trailed of as her eyes widened suddenly.

"Ren, she has that look!" Nora said with a grin. "Our girl's got a plan!"

"Ruby?" Jaune asked with a small frown.

"Beacon…" Ruby repeated as she looked at her companions. "We need to reclaim Beacon."

"Surely you jest." Glynda said with wide-eyes, her composure completely blown for the first time in a while.

"Well, that's definitely a major victory Ruby but it's a bit more…end-gamey? Wouldn't you think? I mean Salem sees that win as one of her most precious trophies, it's heavily guarded." Jaune pointed out making Ruby nod as her eyes shone with determination.

"Exactly which is why if we take it, we'll get one hell of a morale boost while severely damaging the morale of her forces." Ruby said before nodding to herself. "She's arrogant, cocky, she wouldn't even expect it. By the time news reaches her about the attack it'll be too late."

"But how would we get in?" Glynda asked curiously.

*Flash*

"The underground tunnels from the outskirts of Vale, outside of the wall." Ruby said as she stood over a table and relayed the plan to her friends and those they managed to recruit to aid them. "Glynda can remove the debris for us and clear us a path to lead right to the steps of Beacon. After that it is one straight run to the tower."

*Flash*

"I will protect as many of you as I can with my semblance but make no mistake after a certain point I will be forced to leave you behind, the priority is that Ruby and Glynda get to the top of that tower." Jaune said to the gathered forces in front of the tunnels. "The closer we get, Ren and Nora will fall back and stay with you to keep as many of you alive as possible. Without my shield you will be forced to go on the offensive." Jaune warned.

"There are twenty-eight of you, over half of you are civilians with no formal training. I will not fault you if you leave now. I will be honest, most if not all of you will not come back to your loved ones," Ruby said as she stood before them. It was a bitter sweet moment for her that not a single person budged. "I have personally memorized your names, should we succeed you will go down in the pages of history. Never forgotten." Ruby promised.

"Look we're all scared beyond belief." A young man said from the crowd. "But I think I speak for everyone when I say, what happens if we don't try is much scarier." The man continued making a few of those gathered nod their heads. "Just make sure you make it to that tower ma'am."

"I…see…then let's go." Ruby said feeling slightly humbled as she turned around, the wind blowing her cloak making it wave like a tattered flag as bright red rose petals floated over the gathered soldiers as she entered the tunnels.

BGM: END

-Beacon-

BGM: Blu-Bird- NieR OST

A large Ursa roamed the school grounds aimlessly before stopping as it smelled something suddenly.

*BOOOOOM!*

*SHING!*

The Grimm didn't even get a chance to make a sound as the ground exploded in front of it before Jaune leapt up and beheaded it with a powerful swing. As one, all of the hundreds of Grimm turned to the source of the disturbance while the fighters poured onto the school grounds.

"To the tower!" Ruby ordered before they all ran forward while an ethereal barrier surrounded them courtesy of Jaune. It fended off the attacking Grimm easily but it was obvious that covering so many people was weakening it substantially.

"We're slowing them down, those with me stop and fight!" Nora shouted as she suddenly spun around and charged from under the barrier with half of the soldiers behind her. "Come on, highest body count wins!" Nora said with a laugh as she began launching grenades at the Grimm as the soldiers fought for their lives.

Ren narrowed his eyes as he noticed the barrier get stronger as they were able to pick up the pace and clear the stairs.

"Good enough, my group let's go." Ren ordered calmly as he and the remaining soldiers peeled off while Jaune, Ruby, and Glynda continued forward. Screams of agony echoed throughout the air bringing tears to Ruby's eyes but she refrained from looking back.

"Too slow." Jaune thought in dismay as he realized that even though they would succeed going their normal pace, they would still be too slow to save anyone. The only way to get out of this with as many lives as possible would require Ruby to use her Semblance. Ruby's eyes widened in confusion as she felt a hand on her back as the barrier vanished while Glynda levitated and took to the skies, flying towards the top of the destroyed tower.

"Jaune?" Ruby asked in confusion as they ran before gasping as she found herself encased in his protective aura. "Jaune…no…"

"Go." Jaune said as he left himself unprotected. "I'm holding you back, you need to get up there."

"Jaune, you can't expect me to just leave you!" Ruby said angrily making him give her a grim smile as they ran before he glanced back to see hordes of Grimm charging him from behind. Glancing around, Jaune noticed that they had just ran into the last area he had ever saw Pyrrha.

"Do you believe in destiny?" Jaune asked Ruby making her eyes widen in horror before Jaune grabbed her arm and spun her around, building momentum, before practically launching her at the tower. "Go Ruby!"

"Jaune!" Ruby shouted as tears filled her eyes when she heard a massive roar behind her. Not looking back, Ruby blasted forward adding her own speed with the momentum Jaune had provided her. Grimm attempted to attack her, but they found themselves being knocked back by Jaune's aura. Ruby leapt high and landed with her feet on the side of the tower. Wasting no time, Ruby began to run up the tower going faster than she ever had before knowing she didn't have the luxury of Weiss' glyphs to help her this time.

"Alright, who's first!?" Jaune asked as he was surrounded by hordes of Beowolves, Creepers, and Ursas. The ground trembled as another massive dragon-like Grimm slammed into the ground behind him making him chuckle as he turned around to face it. "Oh-ho, you're first?" Jaune asked before smiling as he combined his sword and shield into his great sword. "Well alright!" Jaune said as he charged it.

On the tower, Ruby had blasted past Glynda almost instantly as she raced up the tower. Realizing that she would only waste time by trying to meet Ruby up at the top, Glynda stopped and used her powers to begin building the top of the tower.

-With Ruby-

Jumping and spinning to the top in a vortex of red, Ruby landed as the top of the tower formed around her. Collapsing to her knees in exhaustion, Ruby held her burning chest tightly as her eyes began shining brightly as she wept in sorrow at the fact she had left Jaune alone without even his aura to protect him.

And who knows what happened to the others.

They all laid down their lives for her, she couldn't let their sacrifices go in vain. She swore she'd take back Beacon.

She'd take back everything!

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Ruby screamed as everything went white.

-With Glynda-

Glynda was forced to make a shield around herself as the tower was once more illuminated. However, instead of the emerald light she had become accustomed to back in the day, it was now releasing a silver light of unparalleled intensity. The sheer strength of it shattered her shield and sent her crashing back as a silver shockwave shot across Beacon and extended far into the city of Vale before continuing onwards towards the very edges of the destroyed Kingdom.

*FLASH!*

BGM: END

-Beacon Academy: Medical Wing-

"Amazing! And the light is still being released?" Ren's voice asked as Ruby found herself returning to the realm of consciousness.

"Yes and it doesn't appear that it will die down any time soon. Not only that but there are no signs of Grimm in the Kingdom, in fact, The Grimm surrounding us seem almost scared to enter the Kingdom." Glynda answered as Ruby opened her eyes to find herself being held protectively by an unconscious Nora whom was covered in bandages.

"I'm not surprised, the Grimm thrive on negative emotions but you can feel it can't you Glynda? The hope? The happiness? All these positive emotions being projected from that light. People are even being drawn to the Kingdom." Ren said before turning as he noticed Ruby opening her eyes. "Ruby, welcome back."

"R-Ren…Where's J-Jaune?" Ruby asked tiredly as she gently pried herself free of Nora's grip. Ren smile and gestured to a bed next to her's where an unconscious Jaune was lying. "Is…Is he?"

"Yes…" Ren said making her eyes widen in horror. "I mean he's alive." Ren corrected hastily. "Apologies, I thought you were asking if he were alive."

"This is why you let people finish their questions, Ren." Nora said sleepily as she opened her eyes and Ren had the decency to look embarrassed.

"Thank you…thank you." Ruby repeated quietly as she cried tears of joy. Her friends made it out alive…but what about the others? "And the people who came with us?"

"Only eleven remain." Ren said quietly making her close her eyes in sorrow. "But they are alive because of you. You steeled your emotions and did what needs to be done. You've turned not just Beacon but Vale as a whole into a safe haven. As we speak individuals are coming to Vale for protection. There is a crowd that is only growing in number every day outside waiting to hear about your status." Ren said before placing a hand on her shoulder. "You did good."

"Indeed, she has." Another voice spoke up making Glynda, Ren, and Nora, all grit their teeth as Ruby looked up to see Ironwood standing in the room. "And now I can make sure we win this battle. I can guide us to victory–"

"You're the main reason we fell in the first place!" Nora snapped and it chilled Ruby as she had never heard Nora remotely this angry before, there was so much…malice in her words that is felt completely unnatural to hear them from her friend.

"I made a mistake–"

"You made countless mistakes, James." Glynda said coolly as her eyes narrowed. "You are the last person who needs to be attempting to make a power grab."

"Then who would you have lead? These…these children?" James asked angrily.

"These children have done more good than you have your entire career!" Glynda snapped making him flinch slightly before she released a tired sigh. "There comes a point when every generation has to sit back and let the next one handle things. It's no longer our world, it's theirs and we screwed it up for them. Let them fix it and hopefully be generous enough to give us a part in it."

"Glynda you sound just like him." James said as he shook his head. "Who will lead out of them?"

"Me." Ruby said quietly but firmly gaining both of their attention. James looked at her skeptically but Glynda had a small look of pride.

"You? You're nowhere near ready for that much responsibility. Do you understand just how much it would take, girl?' James asked with a frown making Ruby glare at him.

Now she knew why Qrow didn't really like this man.

"I may be a young woman but I'll still beat you if you want to sit here and have a contest measuring di–"

"Ms. Rose! Please…" Glynda interrupted the angered Ruby's tirade though everyone could clearly see the amusement in Glynda's eyes. "Unfortunately, James is right. You aren't ready." Glynda said making Ruby look at her hurt as James smirked. "Yet." Glynda added wiping the smirk form James' face. "One year, give us one year and we will make an Empress out of this huntress."

"Surely you're joking–"

"Not at all. I have personally watched Ruby grow from an adventurous girl to an excellent woman that has earned my respect. In fact, my respect for her even succeeds the amount I had for Summer." Glynda said making Ruby and her friends' eyes widen, not knowing Glynda was capable of giving out that much praise. "It will not be easy, it will not be fun, but I believe Ruby can become who we need, who she was meant to be. You just need to have a little faith." Glynda said making James close his eyes as he clenched his fists.

"One year. That's all she gets." James said as he shook his head. "In the meantime, you and I can deal with getting some order amongst the people."

"Agreed." Glynda said as James left the room.

…

…

…

"What a dick." Ren, Nora, Ruby, Glynda, and surprisingly now awake Jaune all said in unison before chuckling as they heard each other.

"So a year, huh?" Ruby asked as she turned to Glynda. "You can train me to lead, keep an eye on Iron Wood, and basically run a country at the same time?"

"I'm very good a multi-tasking." Glynda said as she adjusted her glasses. "But it's not leading I'm teaching you. You already have the important skills of being a good ruler down."

"What?" Ruby asked with a frown. "Then why do I need a year–"

"Your image is the problem." Glynda interrupted making Ruby pause as she looked down at herself before looking back up at Glynda. "Skill and image go hand in hand in nobility, Ruby. Why else do you think someone like James can get as far as he had with his average at best leading skills? He looked the part and carries himself in a way that demands respect." Glynda explained. "You can walk the walk, but now you need to learn how to talk the talk."

…

…

…

"This is going to involve heels, isn't it?" Ruby asked with a pout making Glynda nod solemnly. "We're doomed."

*Flash*

"Okay you need to learn how to operate in a social setting. Mr. Arc here will teach you how to dance, Ms. Valkyrie will teach you how to start a conversation, and Mr. Lie will teach you how to keep up said conversation." Glynda said as they stood in the old Ballroom of Beacon.

"Looks like your days hanging with me at the punch bowl are over." Jaune joked making Ruby roll her eyes good-naturedly. "Now let's start. One, two three-ouch!" Jaune winced as Ruby practically speared his foot with her heel.

"Sorry!" Ruby said looking horrified.

"It-its fine-ow-just-ouch-one step-ouch, okay that was a toe." Jaune muttered as Ruby's face went as red as her cloak. "Good thing I heal so well."

This was going to take a while.

*Flash*

Ruby found herself going green as she stared at one of Ren's infamous juice concoctions as he wore an apron that said, 'Please do nothing to the chef'.

"You must be able to eat or drinking anything with revulsion so that you don't run the risk of offending someone. Even if it tastes horrible, you must consume it with a smile." Glynda said as Ren leant down next to Ruby.

"Don't worry, I added extra algae, should taste great–don't tell Glynda." Ren whispered conspiratorially Ruby went greener. With a trembling hand, Ruby picked up the glass and took a sip before Nora knowingly rushed over with a waste bin as Ruby threw it right back up.

"Come on Vomit-girl, you can do it!" Jaune said with a laugh.

"Why does it look the same coming out!?" Ruby asked in horror.

*Flash!*

"Still you aren't just an Empress, you're a huntress, a symbol of power so you cannot lack in your training." Glynda said as Nora wore her pink training gear, complete with a headband, and stretched before picking up her weapon. "From the crack of dawn till noon you will train with Ms. Valkyrie. You may eat and rest between noon and the evening unless something urgent happens and during the last two hours of this period your general education will be handled by Mr. Lie. Then from the evening till dawn you will perform your duties, listen to complaints, write laws etc., and for now continue your image training with us."

"Hold up, write laws!?" Ruby asked in confusion as Glynda dropped three empty thick books on the ground before her.

"Behold an enemy viler than the Grimm, paperwork. New Kingdom, new laws, no one seems to have realized it yet but there is nothing they can currently do that will have them punished. If laws aren't put in place soon we may have total anarchy on our hands." Glynda said making Ruby pale. "No pressure."

*Flash!*

BGM: Where the Wind and Feathers Return-Radiant Historia OST

"Every day will be like this and no weekend breaks!?" Ruby exclaimed as she faced Jaune. Taking pity on her, Jaune managed to kidnap her from Glynda when the older woman wasn't looking and currently they were resting on the roof. "Why the hell do little girls want to do this when they grow up!? I…I can't do this, Jaune. I'm not cut out for this, Ironwood is right. I should just let him lead. I'm a failure."

"Hmm…nope." Jaune said simply making her gape at him.

"Oh don't you dare, not on me you ass. Stop it."

"Nope." Jaune repeated with a smirk as she shut her eyes tightly. "You're an Empress now Ruby, you're not allowed to be a failure."

"I hate you so much."

"Nope." Jaune said with a chuckle. "You weren't a failure when we met, you haven't been a failure watching my back all of these years, so don't start thinking you are one now, not when we need you most. Know why?"

"Because it's not just about me." Ruby groaned making him nod.

"You have a nation now, Ruby. Countless people placing their hope in you…hope that you can make this world a better place. I'm with you every step of the way, always have been always will be." Jaune said making her smile a bit. "These people deserve a great leader Ruby, and I think–no I know that's you." Jaune said quietly as he stared into her bright eyes. "I wish that that when you look in to my eyes that you could see what I see when I look at you."

"I may not be able to see that, Jaune, but I do see something in your eyes." Ruby said quietly surprising him.

"Oh? What's that?"

"A future." Ruby whispered before she gently pressed her lips to his as he wrapped his strong arms around her and returned the kiss passionately. It was at that moment, under the light of the broken moon that Ruby had an epiphany.

She could do this.

For she truly understood now that she wasn't alone.

BGM: END

-One Year Later: Coronation Day-

BGM: All of you is all of me [EXTENDED]- No Game No Life OST

So once more the four seasons came and they passed as they always did while the people grew anxious as laws and regulations were being passed and enforced by an unknown Empress and various people she had appointed to carryout protecting the citizens of this still unnamed Kingdom.

But one day everything changed.

Flags began to spring up around the country. Pitch black flags with a crimson rose shaped emblem embroidered on to them. Bells echoed throughout the former city of Vale as in the distance Beacon Academy opened its doors for the first time in over a year.

People attempted to pour in but luckily they were regulated by the guard, amongst the citizens was Ironwood, he was a bit awed at the interior of the old school. It had been completely transformed from an academy and in to a castle. At the end of the main room was a magnificent chair that left no question about whether or not it was throne it truly was.

*Flash*

"An Empress must be elegant." Glynda said as she zipped up the back of a white gown that had an embroidered rose on its left breast. Releasing the long black and red hair she had in her hand, Glynda let the silky hair fall to the middle of Ruby's back.

*Flash*

"And they gotta be strong!" Nora said with a grin as she strapped the folded Crescent Rose to Ruby's back.

*Flash*

"Must never forget where they came from." Ren said as he handed Ruby her signature cloak. Her lips curled into a small smile when she saw that Ren had flawlessly patched it up.

*Flash*

"And needs a crown." Jaune said quietly getting their attention. Nora gasped as Ruby placed a hand over mouth as tears slid down her cheeks. Jaune simply raised the gold circlet that he had fashioned to look like Pyrrha's in his hands and gently placed it on her head as Glynda closed her eyes in sorrow. "She would have appreciated this." Jaune said before giving Ruby a said smile. "And she would have told you…"

*Flash*

Ironwood's eyes widened when a tall blonde man garbed in a suit of blinding white armor entered and stood on the right side of the throne. One of his armor clad hands, resting on the hilt of his sheathed blade as if waiting for a reason to draw it. His chest plate had a rose emblem on it.

"Do you see him!? That's her shield! The Captain of the Knights. Always ready to protect those she cares about! Told you it wasn't a rumor." Someone said as the crowd whispered excitedly. The noise only increased with an orange haired woman entered. She had a bright smile, completely contrasting with the cold and calculating look on the man's face. Her orange hair was tied in to a pony tail. She had on considerably less armor, opting to settle for a chest plate with a heart shaped opening and armored plates cover her arms and legs and a single pauldron over her right shoulder that had a rose emblem.

"It's her hammer!"

"What? You mean Valkyrie exists!? Scary!"

"I heard she took out one hundred Alpha Beowolves with one swing!"

"Wait! Look up there! Rose's shadow!"

Resting on a windowsill above and behind the throne was Ren. He had on even less armor than Nora deciding to wear a sleeveless green hooded top that had a single armored plate on his chest over his heart that bore the rose emblem. He now wore black slacks with matching shoes and fingerless gloves as well. His hood shadowed his face, but his piercing eyes easily shone through the darkness.

"Everyone, please settle down." Glynda commanded as she strode into the room and stood next to the throne while she faced the crowd. "Now I told you all that I was only in charge temporarily until a proper leader could be found. Well the wait is over, though, judging by the conversations you all seem to have a pretty good idea,

"Is it her? Is it Ruby? The one who reclaimed Beacon?" A voice questioned as many began to whisper excitedly. Due to not going out to face the public after the battle, those who heard about the battle were left to their own devices about how the battle went down.

Safe to say some of the theories tended to get pretty out there even for huntsmen's standards.

Still, Glynda didn't bother to clarify either. This was how myths and legends got started and Glynda knew that the overly heroic situations the people came up with on their own could only help Ruby and her cause. Granted the battle was not easy by any means and technically Ruby did vanquish hundreds of Grimm at once–

–Okay maybe looking back at it, that battle might have been the stuff of legends.

"Now there are some of you who would prefer that someone older be given this position, more experienced…but I am here to tell you that despite not even being in her mid-twenties, this woman is more than adequate for the role." Glynda said firmly, conviction lacing her every word. So much so that even Ironwood had to pause. "I have personally watched this woman fight on in the face of certain destruction since she was a girl. Those of us up here have fought alongside her and are willing to lay down our lives for her at her command."

Glynda's eyes narrowed as she zeroed in on Ironwood.

"She's fought this war long before many even knew there was a war going on. While my former colleagues and I foolishly tried to hide its existence from the public, she took it upon herself to fight on the frontlines." Glynda said as Ironwood averted his eyes. "She's lost her entire family to this battle and some of her dearest friends so please even if you doubt her, never doubt her conviction."

"Where is she?" Someone questioned as others began to murmur in agreement as they too wanted to know where Ruby was. It was at that moment a loud clacking could be heard echoing from a nearby corridor.

[And she would have told you…that you need to be confident.]

Ruby strode into the room calmly in confidently. Her expression was gentle but her eyes held a powerful resolve that the crowd just couldn't figure out. Those whom had seen her in her earlier travels or at least saw her in the Vytal festival all those years ago had trouble reconciling the image of that girl and the woman that was presented before them.

Even Ironwood could stop his jaw from going slightly slack.

Gone was the girl, the huntress-in-training, the explorer, and in her place was a woman, a full-fledged huntress, and an Empress. Ruby placed her cloak over the armrest of her throne and removed her weapon, leaning it on the side of the throne before she herself finally sat on it and looked out at the gathered individuals warmly.

"Thank you all for gathering here, it makes me very happy to see that so many individuals wish to see me. I appreciate your time and I hope I do not waste it." Ruby said with a radiant smile no trace of awkwardness could be found despite her talking to such a large group or as her voice was being projected throughout the kingdom. "Let's get down to business, shall we? As you can tell this building has been redesigned…but it has not been repurposed." Ruby said confusing many of them. "Though myself and my…Knights…will live here in our private quarters, this is still a school. As of today I am officially reopening Beacon Academy."

Now THAT was completely unexpected.

"Look at their faces." Nora said with a chuckle as Jaune smiled a bit to himself as he gazed out at the shocked crowd. Immediately, people began asking questions but Ruby managed to silence them after a raising a hand, showing that she wished to speak.

"Tell me, do you believe in destiny?" Ruby asked as she glanced out at the crowd. "I don't. Not entirely. I believe we make our own. Our enemy, Salem, believes mankind's destiny is to be consumed by the Grimm. Yet…here we are…and here we will continue to be so long as we never lose hope. So long as we stand together and not be divided by what old kingdom we once hailed from, our social class, or even our species we will never fall."

The room was silent.

"Today I will personally interview with any former Huntsmen who would like to become faculty. As for students we will have as many students as we have free rooms and once those are filled up, we will begin planning the location for more schools across the Kingdom. Those of you who enroll, know this, you are our last line of defense. I will not lie to you, the second you sign up you will be considered a soldier." Ruby said honestly. "I wish I could ease you into this, but this is war and we cannot afford to hold your hands."

Ruby then chuckled at that moment.

"A wise man once that one day out there in the real world was worth more than a week learning within these walls and he was right. Now, however, it is my goal to reverse that. It won't be easy, it will not be pleasant, but believe me when I say you will be able to survive when everything is said and done." Ruby said as her eyes shone a bit as they narrowed slightly as her expression hardened ever so slightly. "I'd rather you be alive and hate me than dead respecting me. After our enemies fall we can discuss toning it down a bit. Now on to other potential concerns–"

"Will you be creating a council?" Ironwood questioned suddenly.

"No. I have a more than adequate advisor." Ruby said as she gestured towards Glynda before gesturing to her friends. "And I have my Knights. They will give me support and different inputs and perspectives, but I answer to no one. The council system is one of the reasons the former kingdoms fell in the first place."

"But what system will limit you power? How can we trust you with so much?" Ironwood challenged.

"This is a monarchy not a dictatorship." Ruby said patiently.

"Is there really a difference?"

"Yes, I won't have synthetic soldiers hunting down people I swore to protect. I won't be stupid enough to have my entire army in one spot to be wiped out. I can be subtle whereas a dictator has to show off their power to people who don't care just to sleep better at night." Ruby said calmly though each word came out of her mouth like steel and made the former General flinch especially people began to murmur and glare at him. "And I have enough respect for my people to listen to children whom say something is amiss. No matter how absurd it is, I will at least look it over. Is that all, Ironwood?"

For once, James Ironwood had nothing left to say.

"Now…any questions?" Ruby asked politely to the crowd whom immediately got loud as they all attempted to speak at the same time.

-That Night: Beacon: Courtyard-

"One hectic day down, countless more to go." Ruby said as she and Jaune strolled through the courtyard. "I'm still a little overwhelmed…but…it seems possible now. Looking back on it, now that I am here, I wonder why I was so scared."

"Well you're different now Ruby. It's only been a year but who you are now and who you were then is as different as night and day." Jaune said as he gave her a kind smile. "And who you are now will be different than who you will be later. You're still growing as a person, we all are, even Glynda. I don't believe you ever actually stop. That alone is a cause for excitement. Do not be anxious of the future, anticipate it. Look forward to seeing just who you become."

"That was…very profound, Jaune." Ruby said making him chuckle.

"Like I said, still growing. I'll be growing right alongside you-every step of the way, your highness." Jaune said with a wink before laughing a bit when Ruby gave him a playful shove.

"Don't you dare, in front of the citizens is one thing but not when we're alone." Ruby said as she stopped and looked up at him as she placed a hand on his chest plate. "I don't care what happens, you will always be my vomit-boy understood?"

"Your will is my command, Empress Crater-Face." Jaune said with a grin as she pouted. "Come on, Ruby. We have an exciting future ahead of us." Jaune continued as he wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close while she rested her head on his side.

And exciting it was.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years as the Kingdom of Rose not only survived…but thrived. Under Ruby's rule it expanded far outside its boundaries as mankind finally went on the offensive and took back what was theirs. One by one the fallen Kingdoms were reclaimed as their forces grew.

Vacuo

Atlas

The Menagerie

And hell even Mantle

All had been reclaimed by Ruby and her forces as they pushed back the Grimm and the traitorous Faunus whom still could not see the light. In the end, Ruby had forced Salem to take refuge in Mistral and with nowhere left for her to run it was obvious that the final battle was soon upon them.

BGM: END

-With Salem-

"Over and over…and over and over I had constantly warned you about humanity and yet you…you let this happen." Salem snarled before suddenly grabbing Cinder tightly around her throat and lifting her up effortlessly into the air. "I should kill you now like you should have done her." Salem said as Cinder thrashed in her grip. "Your arrogance cost me everything. And it haunts you doesn't it? She plagues your every thought. Killing you in the end would just give her more power!" Salem said before viciously throwing Cinder into the ground with enough force to make it crack as Emerald and Mercury knelt before her with their heads bowed.

"M-Ma'am, what should we do?" Emerald asked hesitantly, not wanting to draw the sinister woman's ire to herself.

"This Empress has become a Beacon of hope for her people, I will snuff it out personally." Salem said with a sneer as she strode past them. "She thinks she's safe in that castle, but she's not, use the information you have gathered to take out that tower. Once it's gone, I will strike her down myself and decimate that academy once and for all!" Salem boomed as Cinder held her throat and struggled to stand up.

-Meanwhile: Beacon-

"And you're positive she will fall for it?" Ruby asked as she and her comrades stood around a war table.

"They have been pushed into a corner and the tower is the most obvious target." Jaune explained before glancing towards Ren. "Ren says he's spotted Emerald lurking around."

"Indeed, and rather than deal with her, I felt as though she could be used for our advantage. I've had my men take on a rather…predictable schedule when guarding the tower. Emerald will use what she believes to be a gap in their patrol to take down the tower." Ren explained as Ruby looked at him with a frown.

"And we let her?"

"Exactly, Ruby. We need that bitch as confident as possible, as arrogant as possible, to deal with her. She has no idea just how strong you are now. Salem will come at you personally and you will face her. This is the battle you've been waiting for your whole life and Glynda will be there with you." Jaune said with a nod. "Ren will deal with Emerald, he's the best counter we have against her with his stealth and Nora will take on Mercury."

"I'll break his legs!" Nora said with a vicious grin making Ruby chuckle.

"Please do, then break the rest of him." Ruby ordered making Nora nod, grin widening. "What about you Jaune?"

"I will be acquiring you even more power." Jaune said confusing her. "I will take on Cinder and I'll make sure her power goes to you when she falls. You, her power, and Glynda there is no reason for you to lose this battle."

"And you are positive you have enough strength to face her?" Ruby asked calmly though one could see the concern in her silver eyes.

"I've been training for years for this very moment. Honing my defense to take whatever she could possibly dish out. I will not lie to you, Ruby, my motive is revenge." Jaune admitted as he tightened his grip around the hilt of his sheathed weapon. "No one gets away with hurting my team."

"Jaune…" Ruby said quietly before her eyes hardened. "Make that bitch pay. I want her to scream, Jaune."

"Oh she will." Jaune said as he tapped the side of his weapon. "There is a reason this thing is called Crocea Mors, you know."

"Get some rest, Ruby." Glynda said as she turned to the Empress. "Everything ends tomorrow, for better or for worse."

This was it.

After all of these years.

The final battle was among them.

-The Next Morning: Beacon: Tower-

BGM: Honor For All- Dishonored OST

Emerald quietly moved through out the top of the tower, placing small explosives on the gears as she tried to shield her eyes from the blinding light being released. Finally after what felt like forever, she stepped back and held up a small detonator.

"This will signal the attack." Emerald muttered as placed her thumb on the button. Her hand trembled a bit as she contemplated truly going through with it. The Kingdom was beautiful, the people she saw were truly happy. She had done many things she was not proud of but could she truly do this? Forsake her entire species for own selfish needs? The hope she felt the closer she got to the light made her pause and truly evaluate her life.

Was it worth it in the end?

"…This kingdom has no place for me. Not after what I've done." Emerald rationalized as she forced herself to press the button.

*BOOOOOM!*

She closed her eyes tightly when the light shone even brighter than ever before it quickly died down as the large gears fell down around her. Releasing a long breath, she shook her head as she began to walk away.

"…You made the wrong choice." Ren's voice echoed from all around her making her pause as her crimson eyes widened suddenly. "

"What, who's there!?" Emerald shouted as she drew her weapons and looked around her.

"Did you think we weren't on to you? Extinguishing the light did not just signal your army, it signaled ours as well." Ren continued as a bead of sweat slid down her face as her blood chilled.

"A trap." Emerald realized as her hands trembled a bit.

"You're a predictable one, but then again that's why you're not the thinker isn't it?" Ren continued to taunt as explosions and war cries rung out in the distance as human, Faunus, and Grimm all found their selves locked in mortal combat. "The world has not been a kind one to you…and now I see why." Ren said making Emerald gasp as his voice sounded eerily close.

Emerald paled.

For standing behind her was Ren with his back to her.

"You know what's going to happen to you, right?" Ren questioned as he stood with his hands in his pockets while glanced back at her with magenta eyes that lacked any sort of mercy.

"Y-yes…"

"Will you fight back?" Ren questioned curiously.

"Yes!" Emerald shouted as she spun around only to find him missing, paling she spun around just in time to see a green blade rising towards her.

*SHING!*

She barely managed to dodge as the blade of his right StormFlower cut through her aura and grazed her cheek as she jumped back glared at him as he simply turned to face her.

"You've already lost." Ren said matter-of-factly as she stared into his eyes.

She barely managed to dodge as the blade of his right StormFlower cut through her aura and grazed her cheek as she jumped back glared at him as he simply turned to face her.

"You've already lost." Ren said matter-of-factly as she stared into his eyes.

"Like hell!" Emerald shouted as she cast an illusion on him before charging forward. However, once she got close enough a storm of bullets slammed into her back sending her crashing through his image. "H-how?" Emerald gasped out as she turned around only to freeze when she saw dozens of copies of the man surrounding her as the scenery distorted.

"Do you like it? It's my own special recipe. A unique poison I've concocted and tried to perfect over the years." Ren said calmly. "Potent enough to eat through aura and once it enters the bloodstream it immediately begins to get to work. Stage one is hallucinations, you simply see things that aren't."

"No…" Emerald whispered as she felt her body begin to get cold and stiffen up.

"After that is paralysis. It starts at your hands and feet and slowly makes its way through the rest of your body." Ren continued before frowning slightly. "The last stage is where I have trouble for you see, it's far too inhumane. You will begin to feel as though your skin is on fire as the hallucinations become much more…nightmarish." Ren's voice seemed to darken to Emerald as his image faded while her surroundings shifted until she found herself back in her hometown, on the streets, forced to watch her terrible childhood. "You'll want to scream, to cry, but at this point your throat as swollen shut…but you won't suffocate, no, your heart will be what goes first." Ren said as she was forced to watch her most painful memories come to life.

BGM: END

-A bit Earlier: In the Capital City-

"Hmm, she succeeded." Cinder mused as she ran forward with Mercury and dozens of Faunus.

"Good, this should be easy then–"

*FLASH!*

*KRACKABOOOOOOOOM!*

BGM: Uncontrollable- Xenoblade Chronicles OST

Mercury was cut off when a pink lightning bolt slammed into the ground and released a shockwave that sent him and Cinder skidding back as their men were blown backwards. When the resulting smoke died down they could see Jaune and Nora standing before them as their soldiers stormed into the area.

"Jaune?" Nora asked curiously as his eyes zeroed in on the scowling Cinder.

"No survivors." Jaune ordered making her nod as her weapon shifted into its hammer form.

"Gotcha, but what's the plan–?"

"Nora…just use the damn hammer." Jaune drawled as he strolled forward making her blink before a vicious grin split her face as her eyes filled with electricity when she turned to face Mercury.

"Got it." Nora said before charging forward at Mercury like a woman possessed.

"Wait, what!?" Mercury asked in confusion as Nora leapt in the air while gathering power in her hammer.

"I'm going to break your legs!" Nora declared loudly as she descended upon him. Thinking fast, Mercury jumped back just as the weapon made contact with the ground he was previously occupying.

*KABOOOOOOOOOOM!*

"Fuck! It was a trap!" Mercury thought angrily as he noticed how prepared the Kingdom was for their invasion.

The ground shock as a powerful shockwave decimated the streets. Cinder sneered as she flew back while soldiers from both sides retreated a bit to avoid being caught in the battle.

*KRANNG!*

Cinder's eyes widened slightly when instead of retreating, Jaune raised his shield and stormed through the shockwave and charged at her.

"You're not getting out of this alive." Jaune swore as he leapt up towards her. Instantly, Cinder released a stream of fire at him as both of her eyes ignited with power. To her dismay, Jaune simply blocked the attack with his shield before he was knocked back onto a nearby roof. His cape billowed behind him as his entire body seemed to emit a white light before he once more jumped at her.

"That boy…" Cinder thought angrily as she vaguely recalled Jaune in his youth having trouble reconciling the weakling with the armored man before her.

-Meanwhile: Beacon-

Ruby slept quietly on her throne, legs propped over her arm rest, as the main doors slowly opened as Salem strolled into the throne room with a cloaked figure.

"Sleeping as her nation crumbles, such arrogance." Salem muttered as her hand was covered by a sinister black energy for a second before a pitch black spike shot from her palm and raised towards the sleeping Ruby. However, when the spike was a mere centimeter from Ruby's chest, the Empress vanished in a swirl of rose petals. "What!?" Salem explained as the tell-tale sound of a weapon shifting echoed behind her making her glance back just in time to see Ruby descending upon her mid-swing with Crescent Rose.

*Bang!*

*BOOOM!*

After using the recoil to increase the speed of her strike, Ruby narrowed her silver eyes slightly with Salem managed to block the blade of her weapon with her palm. Salem's cloaked companion turned around instantly but before they could do anything they found themselves being flung out of the battlefield and through a wall which sent them crashing outside of the Academy.

"Your battle is with me." Glynda said simply as she strode towards the hole. "Do be careful, Empress."

"Of course," Ruby said before releasing a shot from her weapon which sent her blasting back away from Salem. "It's time we settled this." Ruby said as her eyes were engulfed with blinding white lights while Salem glared at her, her crimson irises burning brightly.

"Indeed."

-Tower-

Ren was racing back to the Academy when he saw some of his subordinates attempting to shoot down a dragon-like Grimm that was headed towards Beacon. Frowning to himself, Ren leapt off of the side of the tower up towards the large Grimm.

*RATATATATATATATATA!*

The Dragon screeched when he managed to shoot out two of its eyes before flipping and landing on its back. Wasting no time, Ren began running across the back of the large Grimm slicing it rapidly with the blades of his StormFlower.

"Really hope the others are having an easier time than me." Ren thought before he found himself skydiving off of the tail of the Dragon.

-With Mercury-

"This is not good!" Mercury thought as he attempted to land a drop-kick on Nora only for her to block his leg with the handle of Magnhild. Thinking quickly, Mercury released a shot and shot back in time to avoid a lightning covered fist to the face. A bead of sweat slid down his face as he could still feel the wind from the blow despite being meters away.

*BOOM!*

Using the recoil from her hammer, Nora shot towards him and attempted to once more slam her hammer into him only for him to duck as it hit the side of a building.

*FABOOOOOOOM!*

Mercury felt a chill go down his spine as Nora causally wiped the building behind him out of existence. It would be one thing if she had been a slow fighter while packing that much power. Her Semblence, however, gave her a speed which made her second only to Ruby herself, allowing her to not only match Mercury but in some instances even surpass him. Realizing he'd need to be even faster to avoid ending up a stain on the streets, he pushed his legs to their absolute limits. Nora's eyes widened a bit when she saw his sudden increase in speed before smirking as she rose to the challenged and absorbed even more electricity from the ground and into her muscles.

"Let's see how long you can keep up!" Nora challenged, electricity coursing over her body, before blasting forward at him.

-With Jaune-

*Rumble*

A literal storm surrounded him and Cinder before he was forced to dive to the ground and roll forward to avoid being struck down by lightning. Cinder suddenly formed a bow out of glass before releasing three arrows at Jaune whom quickly raised his shield to block the arrows. Cinder narrowed her eyes as the arrows shattered on top of his shield. The shards flew past him before reforming and slamming into his sides.

*FABOOOOOM!*

"Hmph, ironic. Fell for the same thing your partner did." Cinder muttered as she stared at the smoke cloud.

*RIIIINGGGGG!*

"What!?" Cinder asked in confusion as the concussive force of the explosion was somehow redirected at her while Jaune charge out of the cloud not only unscathed but looking even healthier than before. "You dare!?" Cinder asked angrily once she recovered before releasing a storm of arrows at him, all of which were reflected back at her making her grit her teeth angrily. "I am practically a god…" Cinder began as she flew up above him while the storm intensified. "And you, nothing more than a man with a sword and shield, think you can stand up to me!?"

"Wouldn't be here if I didn't." Jaune said as he raised his shield in anticipation for her next move.

BGM: END

-With Ruby-

This Will Be the Day (Casey & Jeff Williams)- RWBY OST

*Clang!*

*Clang!*

*BOOOOM!*

*CLANG!*

*SHING!*

"Hmm…" Salem muttered as she used her powers to block attacks that no mortal eyes could ever hope to track. Raising her hand, she knocked back Ruby's attack, making the Empress land and slide back with so much force that her heels tore up the ground.

*Pop*

*Pop*

At that moment the very back of her heels popped off, revealing two very sharp blades. Appearing before Salem instantly, Ruby raised her right leg and delivered a countless number of kicks into Salem's body, her leg leaving nothing but after images in its wake.

"GNH!" Salem grunted as she was knocked back from the assault. "So…like that fool Ozpin, you too practice in time dilation?" Salem wondered before smirking as she raised her hands, causing a large crimson eye-shaped seal to appear on the ground. "There, that should prevent–"

*BANG!*

Salem was cut off when Ruby shot her in the face before reappearing behind her in a swirl of rose petals. Without warning, Ruby performed a gruesome combination of attacks with her scythe on the wicked woman. The sheer number of attacks could not even hope to be counted as they were delivered at a speed which was quite frankly humbling.

"I-impossible…" Salem gasped out in pain before she was sent slamming into a wall on her back. A black and red-blood like substance shot from her mouth as she slowly slid down the wall. "U-unless…it's not time-dilation…h-how…how are you THAT fast!?" Salem questioned angrily making Ruby smirk before the evil woman exploded in power. "I will not be made a fool of by a child!"

"I'm twenty-eight. How is that a child?" Ruby asked sounding a bit annoyed as she gripped her scythe tightly.

-With Glynda-

The blonde was having a hard time dealing with her opponent whom managed to slip away from each of her attacks at the last minute. Gritting her teeth, Glynda whipped her riding crop in front of her swiftly causing the ground to break apart and slam into the cloaked figure, whom winced in pain after finally being hit as their cloak was completely shredded.

"How?" Glynda whispered as the ground trembled from the growing intensity of the battle between Ruby and Salem. Standing before Glynda was a shorter pink and brown haired woman with mismatched irises. "I thought you were dead." Glynda muttered as the short woman said nothing. Slowly she stood up, holding a black and red dagger that had an eye shaped emblem on its blade. Whipping her crop downwards, Glynda tore off a large chunk of the building and slammed it into her opponent only for her to suddenly shatter like glass making Glynda pale. "Oh no." Glynda whispered before rushing back into the academy.

-With Ruby-

"This is not a story that will have a happy ending. You will fall, and mankind will go with you!" Salem shouted making Ruby glare but before she could respond…

*SCHTICK*

BGM: END

"*GAK!* W-hat *cough*." Ruby painfully forced out when a blade and red blade stabbed through her back and pierced her heart causing blood to spill from her lips while the light in her eyes flickered. Glynda barely made it in before falling to her knees as a surge of pain ripped through her.

"No…Ruby…" Glynda whispered as she looked up at the horrible sight.

Weakly, Ruby glanced back to find the smirking woman twist the blade roughly sending a wave of pain through her body as she dropped her weapon.

"N-Neo….how…" Ruby gasped out.

"Shame, you were a surprisingly skilled opponent." Salem mused as she glided towards the trembling Ruby. "But no one can survive a destroyed heart, no matter how skilled or how powerful. Perhaps if you had enough Aura you could maybe fight on…but alas you are but a mortal at the end of the day. Silver eyes or not." Salem said as Ruby fell to her knees while Glynda's eyes widened suddenly.

*Flashback*

"Look, I won't take no for an answer. This is an order." Ruby said as she gazed at her frowning knights. "I want you safe, you all will take a little to ensure your safety."

"Ruby you need every bit of your aura for that battle." Jaune argued making Ruby raise a hand to silence him.

"I have aura to spare and besides the faster you all finish your battles, the faster you can give me a hand." Ruby reasoned making Jaune's frown deepen.

*Flashback: End*

Gritting her teeth, Glynda held her sides as her glasses shattered when a white light was released from her now silver eyes.

BGM: Beauty of Destiny- Persona 4 The Animation OST

"What!?" Salem questioned angrily as Glynda was engulfed with a white aura. Suddenly, it all poured out from her body and formed an ethereal form of Ruby above her. Before anyone could do a thing, the glowing image of Ruby slammed into the Empress' body as Glynda's eyes returned to normal as she found herself completely drained. Ruby's eyes regained their determination as she suddenly gripped her weapon and spun around, dagger still inside her causing a red light to be emitted from her chest.

-Ruby's Mindscape-

"Come on honey…not yet, just hold on a little longer Ruby." A heavenly voice pleaded as Ruby opened her eyes to find herself being cradled by her mother as they were surrounded by various silver-eyed huntsmen.

"It hurts." Ruby whispered as tears filled her eyes.

"I know baby, but just a longer, you can't rest just yet. You need to end this cycle of hate." Summer said quietly as Ruby shut her eyes.

-Beacon-

*SHING!*

Before anyone could register what happened, Neo suddenly found her body ripped in two courtesy of the powerful swing from Ruby.

"I will save my people...this story will have a happy ending or at least one without you…bet on that!" Ruby roared as she charged forward, her cloak suddenly turning bright white, and continued her battle with the shocked Salem while white rose petals blew around the room.

"How…how are you this strong even on death's doorstep!?" Salem questioned angrily as she found herself once more locked in combat with Ruby. "You're going to die anyway and you're still fighting!?"

"I have nothing left to lose!" Ruby shouted stunning Salem who realized Ruby was right. Ruby was going to die anyway, no longer would she have to fear taking damage, if anything the Empress could fight even more reckless than before.

-With Nora-

Nora had suddenly frozen when a surge of pain ripped through her body. Seeing this, Mercury decided to capitalize on this moment and charged forward to deliver a powerful round house kick to Nora who's right hand was clutching her hammer so tightly, that blood began to seep from her hand.

*CRASH!*

"W-what did she bait me!?" Mercury thought in confusion as Nora used her left hand to tear through his legs. His eyes widened in confusion as Nora's now livid face had twin trails of tears cascading down her face.

*BOOOM!*

Using the recoil of her hammer, Nora spun around and slammed her weapon into the bottom of Mercury's chin as large amounts of electricity from her body and their surroundings gathered onto her hammer. Mercury's aura had completely shattered the moment the hammer made contact.

*KRACKA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*

Mercury's eardrum exploded from the sheer sound of the explosion as Nora released and anguished scream before his body was sent rocketing into the air. Mercury's body flipped uncontrollably as he shot through the clouds with enough force to part them. Eventually Mercury slammed into something hard that stopped his ascent. Mercury could only watch in confusion as his final sight was that of the entirety of Remnant surrounded by a black void while his body was embedded on the moon.

Back on Remnant, Nora gritted her teeth as she forced her body to keep moving back towards Beacon while she forced Ruby's aura from her body and back to its rightful owner. Soldiers, friend and foe alike, backed away from her in fear after the awe-inspiring display of pure power and rage.

-Earlier: With Ren-

Ren's eyes widened in alarm at the burning sensation in his chest before gritting his teeth as he suddenly spun and dove into the dragon's mouth, his body glowing bright white as his eyes went silver. Ren tore apart the monstrous Grimm from the inside out before ripping free from its stomach. Landing on a rooftop, Ren didn't even look back at the falling Grimm as he released whatever he had left of Ruby's aura causing his magenta eyes to return.

-Earlier: With Jaune-

Jaune gritted his teeth as he was forced to block a massive beam of pure energy from the enraged Cinder while the building below him was about to collapse. It was at that moment, however, that an unmistakable pain shot through his heart.

"No…not again." Jaune muttered, his eyes flashing silver for a bit as he found the strength to spring to his feet.

*RIIIINGG!*

"WHAT!?" Cinder questioned angrily as she was suddenly overpowered when her attack was redirected back at her effortlessly. Her aura vanished completely when she took the full brunt of her attack. Her badly burned body fell to the rooftop as Jaune strolled towards her. Cinder tried to crawl away but was stopped when Jaune stood before her and aimed his sword down at her.

"Do you believe in irony?" Jaune questioned calmly making her glare at him. "That was for my partner, and this is for Ruby." Jaune said making her eyes widened a bit as she thought of the silver-eyed woman that had been plaguing her thoughts.

It was at that moment, Jaune took off her head.

Jaune forced Ruby's aura from his body while Cinder's maiden powers left hers. He watched in satisfaction as both energies departed in the same direction.

"Hold on, Ruby, I'm coming." Jaune muttered before dashing off towards Beacon despite his exhaustion.

BGM: END

-With Ruby-

His Theme (Slow Build Up Loop) Extended- Undertale OST

"No…no…this isn't possible!" Salem shrieked as Ruby tore through and over powered her attacks while her aura returned to her. However, soon after the last bit of it returned, Ruby felt a foreign surge of strength as she felt a brand burn itself into her back. Salem actually trembled as the white light being released from the Empress' eyes gained an orange flaming outline as Ruby dropped her weapon and simply floated up as the pressure of her power forced Salem down to her knees. "This…this isn't fair… it's not fair! Why do you get to have all that power!?"

"You think this is power?" Ruby asked quietly, almost sadly as she floated down in front of Salem. "Of course you do, then again you are someone who's never truly faced death."

"What nonsense are you talking about!?"

"It's only when facing death that you honestly understand things. You, who have run away from it, cannot possibly understand. Death is like the ultimate hindsight and it is only now…now that I understand what power is." Ruby said as she placed a hand on Salem's head as she smiled down at the evil woman. "Using this strength to kill you isn't power, using it to save you-however-is."

"What-"

*FLASH!*

Salem gasped as her vision went completely white just as she heard the sounds of Beacon's doors being blown open while people shouted the Empress' name. Salem felt the bindings in her hair break off as her very body felt as though it were on fire.

"Ruby?...RUBY!"

That was the last thing Salem heard before losing consciousness.

-Later-

Weakly, Salem opened her eyes and found herself lying on the cold unforgiving floor of Beacon naked as Nora, Ren, and Glynda stood sadly over the dying form of Ruby who was being cradled in Jaune's arms.

"Is…is it over?" Ruby asked tiredly, dark rings surrounding her eyes as Jaune nodded his head.

"Yeah…it is. You did it Crater Face." Jaune said with a smile which she tried to return before coughing up blood.

"Did everyone survive…?"

"There were a few casualties, I won't lie to you–I never would, not even now, but the vast majority came out of this. Not only that, but the Grimm are gone Ruby, all of them." Jaune said as Ren held a sobbing Nora quietly.

"But people still fell…I knew I wasn't cut out for this…" Ruby said making him frown.

"Ruby, do you not understand? If anyone else attempted what you had, by taking charge, no one would have survived. You are the best ruler our people have ever witnessed." Jaune said as tears slid down his cheeks. "Don't belittle yourself Ruby, for once, just see what we see whenever we look at you."

"You're so kind…all of you are…but for once I wish…I wish you could see the world that I do, a world where I am better, where I wasn't late, where I managed to save everyone." Ruby said quietly as she cried. "But you can't see that world, I was too weak to show you–"

"Ruby." Jaune said as he wiped her tears away while the light died in her eyes. "Ruby, stay with me, please don't go Ruby. Ruby!" Jaune shouted as Glynda quietly placed a comforting hand on his shoulder as he bowed his head.

*Crack*

Jaune's head snapped up suddenly when Ruby's body began to crack and breakdown as a silver liquid slid out from the corner of her eyes.

"What?" Ren asked in confusion as the liquid began to glow as Ruby's body began to break down and dissolved into the bright silver pool.

"Jaune, step back." Glynda warned as she quickly pulled Jaune away from Ruby's body. "What on earth is going on?"

"Her last wish." Salem answered as she weakly stood up getting their attention as she bowed her head, her hair shadowing her face.

"You–!" Jaune began angrily as he unsheathed his blade while she weakly raised a hand in front of her. His companions all readied their weapons, prepared to take her out once and for all.

"Please, wait. I know I have no right to ask, but give me one minute to explain. I understand you wish to strike me down, I honestly wish you would to be honest." Salem said quietly as she held her side.

"What?" Glynda asked with a frown.

"I…I wanted power, but I lost myself to it. That woman…that woman freed me when she could have easily struck me down, she showed me what real power was…let me at least pay it forward before I die." Salem said quietly as she raised her hands showing that she wasn't going to attempt anything. "Look into the pool, what do you see?" Salem asked as they looked at her suspiciously before glancing down at the liquid…their eyes collectively widened when they images of their youth flashing in the pool.

"W-what?" Jaune asked quietly.

"Her last wish. She wanted you to see a world where she was better. What that resulted in was a portal…a portal back before things reached this point, how far back I do not know. Take this opportunity, go back and save her. Please." Salem said quietly as her body shook with sobs while she held herself tight. "Not just her, as many people as you can from my destruction…you have to hurry before the pool dries up."

"And how, exactly, do you know all this?" Glynda asked suspiciously making Salem tense before slowly raising her head making them gasp in the process.

"Let's just say I have my ways." Salem said as she stared back at them with bright silver eyes. "You all must go back and stop me."

"Wait, if what you claim is true. Why not come with us and stop your plans?" Ren asked with a frown making her shake her head.

"Taking that portal will send you back into whatever body you have at that time. Going back even a mere hour will send me back into that Grimm corrupted body and change me. You'd have to deal with not only that horrible version of myself, but a version that knows the future as well." Salem explained making them shudder. "I know you don't trust me, you have every reason not to…so please…kill me and then go. That way you won't have to worry about me doing anything as soon as you leave."

"Jaune?" Nora asked their leader whom frowned in thought before walking towards Salem.

"Should you be misleading us, I will see you in Hell…but if you are telling the truth…I will make your death quick before we go back." Jaune said making her smile a bit.

"That's all I can ask." Salem said before glancing at his sword. "Crocea Mors? That thing is still around after all of these years…how fitting. A relic slain by a relic." Salem said as a tear slid down from her eye before Jaune rammed his sword through her chest and twisted it. "Thank…you...n-now s-save her." Salem pleaded as Jaune ripped the blade free before turning around and rushing towards the pool.

"Jaune?" Ren asked in confusion.

"If there is even a one percent chance she spoke the truth we need to take it as a guarantee, she needs us!" Jaune said before jumping head first into the pool which was beginning to dry up.

*SPLASH!*

"Of all the reckless…" Glynda muttered before shaking her head and following after him. Ren and Nora looked at each other before holding each other's hands.

"Nora…" Ren began making his friend nod.

"I know. If we actually do go back, we have years of dates to catch up on!" Nora said with a nervous grin before they both jumped into the pool which vanished nearly immediately after they departed.

"Godspeed." Salem gasped out, blood pouring from the corner of her mouth as reality itself began to breakdown around her. "Godspeed." Salem repeated before she vanished along with the rest of the timeline.

-?-

BGM: Time To Say Goodbye (Casey & Jeff Williams)- RWBY OST

"How far back are we going!?" Nora exclaimed as they fell, various images from their memories floating around them and passing them up.

"No idea, but it doesn't matter. Whenever it is we have to be alive or else we'd have no bodies to return to." Jaune explained as he glanced back at them. "As far as I'm concerned the further back, the better."

"Indeed." Ren said as he nodded his head. "However, what are we going to do we see Ruby again? Depending on how far back we go, she will have no recollection of this. Her powers do not have a history of working efficiently on herself."

"Look, the one thing that's for certain is that she and the Kingdom need to rise to power. How we will go about that depends on where and when we end up and how long it'll take before we can contact each other. Once we regroup, we can figure out just what on Remnant we are going to do." Glynda said making Jaune nod.

"Exactly." Jaune said before frowning as a blinding light began to engulf them. "Our stop is coming up. Guys no matter what happens, just know it's been an honor."

"Right back at ya Jauney!"

"Indeed."

"You all have been the best students I ever had." Glynda said with a small smile.

"Speaking of that, if we end up back at the old Beacon, you better pass us on every assignment on sheer principle alone!" Nora said making Glynda chuckle.

"Should that be the case, I will remember to do so." Glynda said sincerely.

"Alright, here we go!" Jaune said before they were forced to shield their eyes.

*FLASH!*

-Over Remnant-

The four shot towards the planet like falling stars, their bodies made of pure energy the same color as their respective auras.

"Till we meet again!" Jaune called out making them nod before they separated and shot towards various areas across Remnant.

…

…

…

…

-With Glynda-

Slowly, Glynda opened her eyes and frowned when she was forced to turn off her alarm on her scroll. Sitting up, she stretched a bit before her eyes widened at how pain free her body was. Blinking, she stood up as she approached a mirror in her room at Beacon and marveled at her reflection. She was once again much younger.

"If I am in this room, it must be before Beacon fell." Glynda muttered before spotting a piece of paper on her mirror. It was a reminder to go buy Dust in Vale later and Glynda's eyes widened when she saw the date.

It was one year before Ruby and her friends would attend Beacon.

"Well I'll be." Glynda said her lips curved slightly.

-With Ren & Nora-

"Uh...hey Ren." Nora began nervously not sure if what she had experienced was reality or the most convoluted dream ever.

"Nora." Ren greeted his friend with a nod.

"I had the weirdest dream…"

"So did I." Ren said making her eyes widen a bit as he smiled slightly before she could begin to respond he silenced her by pressing his lips to hers.

"That was…" Nora began after they broke apart. "…better than pancakes."

"Agreed." Ren said with a short laugh.

-With Jaune-

Jaune was shocked awake by the loud noise of his sisters arguing while his mother could be heard trying to break it up. The fact that he could hear their voice, that they were alive was more than enough to force him to cover his eyes as he broke down quietly.

"Hey Jaune! Not much longer before you head to Beacon, I've been thinking-wanna spar with your old man? For old-time's sake?" Jaune's father asked as he suddenly barged into the room with a grin. The grin fell, however, when he saw the state Jaune was in. "Jaune are you okay?"

"Me? I'm fine." Jaune said as he wiped his eyes with a grin. "And dad? Nothing would make me happier." Jaune said as he rose to his feet. "Come on old man, let me show you how to use the family sword."

"Oh think you can beat your old man?" Jaune's father asked as his grin returned. "And you teach me how to use Crocea? I thought you were dismayed about being stuck with that old hunk of junk."

"Junk? Dad, come on, don't you know? You can never beat the classics." Jaune said with a laugh. "Believe me, that is one damn good weapon. I mean it blocks and cuts and it's still useable after over eighty years, obviously something is right with that thing." Jaune said making his father releasing a booming laugh as he wrapped and arm around his neck and gave Jaune a nuggie.

"That's my boy!"

Yeah, Jaune realized, things were going to be much different this time around.

-Later: With Ruby-

Ruby hummed to herself as she worked on her weapon. She woke up that morning feeling exhausted as if waking from a nightmare she couldn't remember. She was going to ask Yang about it but her sister had already left to hang out with some of her friends.

She didn't know at the moment, but that day the future of Remnant would change forever. Honestly, no one knew, except for four individuals scattered across the Kingdoms.

Her friends.

Her protectors.

Her champions.

The Knights of Rose.

BGM: END

To be continued?

[Yes]

No?

You decide!