Blake crawled backwards, unable to prevent herself from shaking and panting, as she moved further away from the man standing over her, a blood-red blade in hand. Her partner, Adam Taurus, slowly advanced on the cowering faunus as a creeping smile etched on his face.

Adam: “I hoped to find you here Blake, I must admit, I was hurt when you left us.” Blake froze as he kneeled down, tilting his head to one side. “I see you’re still hiding yourself behind that bow.” He reached to remove it but Blake finally snapped out of her paralysis and slapped his hand away.

Blake: “Don’t you touch me.” She growled, her anger beginning to work against her fear.

Adam hung his head as he stood up and sauntered away a short distance, looking out the window to admire the destruction of Beacon. Blake looked for her weapon and saw the discarded blade to her left, having lost it in a short duel with Adam, slowly beginning to reach for it. Her old partner however turned to see her reaching for the weapon and frowned.

Adam: “You’re already beaten, we both know that.” Blake dived for the weapon only for Adam to already be standing on top of it. “Or maybe you don’t, traitor.”

A swift kick to the face sent Blake into a wall, eliciting a grunt of pain, before Adam pointed his blade towards her. There was no reluctance in his movements, and his words were full of conviction. Blake had always known him as a man of principle, unfortunately his were those of skewed morality.

It was at this point Blake became aware of her name being yelled as she saw Yang run past a window outside, both the girl’s eyes widening as they saw one another. Yang’s gauntlets clicked into place, as her eyes went red in a rage.

Adam: “There was a time you would have lived for a moment like this. At what point did you turn from the light of our mission?” He laughed slightly. “Truthfully, it doesn’t matter. You know what happens to traitors. I hope you have made your peace.”

Yang: “NOOO!”

Blake: “WAIT!”

Time seemed to freeze as Yang went sailing past Adam, twisting as she did so, her right arm having been cut clean off by the faunus. Adam turned to look at the pair as Blake held Yang close, looking at her old partner with a renewed fear. That did put a smile onto his face as he held the blade up again.

Adam: “Well… that was pointless.”

He brought his blade down again, the remaining red energy slicing through where Blake kneeled. However, rather than slicing through skin and bone, he found that it was just a black smoke as the two disappeared. Adam reeled back and whipped around looking for the pair but saw nothing, the rage he felt welling up as Blake slipped through his retribution again. This negativity drew in several Grimm, only for him to tear through them all with ease as he let his anger loose.

Elsewhere, deep in the heart of Beacon Academy, within the hidden vault of the Fall Maiden, Ozpin led Pyrrha and Jaune towards the Maiden Power transfer station. A sense of urgency in their step as they ran towards the device. Ozpin inputted a code and the right hand station opened up as Pyrrha set aside her weapons, resting them next to the pod.

Jaune: “What is this place? What’s going on?!”

Ozpin: “It’s unimportant. All that’s important is that Pyrrha makes her choice, and ensures it’s the right one.” He said as he looked towards the redhead, his gaze making her look towards Jaune worried.

Jaune: “Whatever it is- Whatever this is! Is this what you want?” He asked, meeting the gaze of his partner.

Pyrrha: “It is what destiny has ordained for me. And it’s the only choice we have to stop Cinder.” She nodded. “I choose to accept my destiny.”

Pyrrha and Jaune shared a nod, before the former looked to Ozpin with a determined look. With a nod of respect Ozpin gestured to the pod, helping Pyrrha to lie back into it. He then returned to the console and began his work.

Jaune: “How can I help?”

Ozpin: “Stand guard, we will need all the time we can get.”

Jaune nodded and raised his shield in a protective stance Pyrrha had once shown him, causing the redhead to smile slightly as the glass casing slid over the top of her. Ozpin inputted a few more commands and then looked to Pyrrha.

Ozpin: “This won’t be pleasant. Good luck, Pyrrha Nikos.”

With one last button press the machine whirred to life. A sun-like glow began to build on Amber as she was forced awake, the orange energy travelling through tubed piping up and around into the other chamber. Amber’s screams were soon joined by Pyrrha, now also wrapped in the same brilliant glow. Jaune struggled to maintain his guard, only stealing a single glance to his partner, knowing he had to protect her.

That’s when Ozpin and Jaune heard the distinct clanging crash of metal, and the smashing of concrete. Both stood ready as dust poured from the elevator entrance, a pair of glowing amber eyes illuminated in the fog as heels clicking filled the hall. For a moment the clicking stopped and the eyes stayed fixed in one spot, almost judging the two standing there. Then in a single motion the dust was separated as Cinder was revealed, letting loose a volley of three arrows towards the group.

Jaune immediately realised not a single one was aimed for him, instead going for the three priority targets. So, with reflexes he was not aware he had, he found himself jumping, shield braced into the path of an arrow aimed directly for Pyrrha. All while Pyrrha screamed.

The first arrow hit true, Amber’s pod and chest was pierced as the last of her life left her, the remaining glow of the Fall Maiden’s power leaving her body and flying towards Cinder in a stream of swirling autumn leaves burnt a glorious orange.

The second arrow, aimed for Ozpin, was deflected by the man, his cane seemingly more sturdy than it seemed. His teeth grit as he watched the magic flow to its new owner, the reality of the loss becoming concrete. They had lost.

The last arrow had been intercepted by Jaune as he was thrown backwards, crashing into Pyrrha’s pod as it shattered. The blonde landed atop his partner, shield still raised in defence as he grunted.

Pyrrha:” Jaune?! Jaune?! Are you okay?!” She asked, laying her partner down next to her.

Jaune: “I saved you… I’m glad…” He smiled weakly, his words pained.

With shaky hands Pyrrha pulled the shield away, revealing the snapped arrow had pierced the metal shield and gone straight through his Aura, into his heart. Pyrrha then heard his sword clatter to the ground, the metal ringing out in the silence of the hall. She couldn’t scream anymore, merely cry. Holding her partner to her chest as tears streamed from Pyrrha’s face.
Ozpin looked at the two, regret filling his eyes as he moved towards them, kneeling down next to the girl. Silently, he pulled Pyrrha away, guiding her to her weapons.

Ozpin: “He sacrificed himself so you may live, do not waste the life lost here. Run.”

Pyrrha shakily got to her feet, looking tearfully at her lost friend one more time, before turning and running away. Rushing past Cinder who was enjoying her victory too much to care about the failed Maiden escaping.

Stepping atop the broken metal, she used her magnesis to form a platform and push herself upwards, leaving the two remaining occupants to duel for the fate of Beacon.

You arrived at the evacuation zone of Beacon, grunting and swearing the entire way, and immediately set about finding your friends. You hadn’t encountered any Grimm, Atlesian Knights, or White Fang on your trek over having stayed away from most of the combat zones.

(Y/N): “Be okay, be okay, be okay…” You muttered in a continuous whisper finally grinning when you spotted a familiar ginger-haired girl standing next to a white haired heiress. “Guys!”

You ran over as Nora and Weiss spun to look at you, eyes widening with surprise but there was sadness in them as you noticed both had been crying. As you ran over Weiss even pulled you into a hug, more so to hide her own face as you looked down towards what had upset the pair.

Laid out on two gurneys was Yang and Blake, the two unconscious with bloodied bandages covering the latter's abdomen and the former's missing arm. The sight of them made you return Weiss hug as you felt your own tears begin to well up, alongside a growing, uncontrollable, burning, anger for the cause of this entire event.

(Y/N): “Cinder will die for this.” You promised. “And for everything else she has done.”

You looked to your left and saw Nora hugging Ren, in much the same way you and Weiss were, but saw no sign of the rest of your team. That was when Weiss finally pulled back, rubbing the tears from her eyes.

Weiss: “Where’s Ruby?” She asked, more tears threatening to burst.

(Y/N): “She was on the flagship with me, I was knocked off but she must’ve brought it down.” You answered, hanging your head. “I don’t know if she’s okay.” Weiss choked a little. “What about Pyrrha and Jaune?”

Nora: “They went after Ozpin into Beacon Academy, they didn’t say why.” She answered, pulling away from Ren to look at you. “We’ll go after them.”

Ren: “None of us are in a state to go back there.”

(Y/N): “I’ll go.” This earned several looks of worry. “It’s not a risk for me. I’ll find them and bring them back.” You took a few steps forward before feeling a tug on your coat.

Weiss: “Just be safe.” She pleaded up at you.

(Y/N): “Never.”

With a sly smirk you began walking back towards Beacon Academy, but as you stared up at the large dragon Grimm flying closer to the tower your smirk dropped into one of stoicism.

You soon arrived at the gates of the Academy, the doors having long been ripped off their hinges and the walls crumbling. Most of the Grimm had moved to other areas filled with more victims, those that remained here simply prowled for any survivors that might have escaped their notice in the initial outbreak. It was hard to keep negativity out of your mind as you snuck through the corpses of your fellow students, some of which you recognised upon second glance. You had to take care not to step on any discarded weapons, lest the sound give you away. Honestly, it was surprising that any Grimm remained at all, that means there was still a presence of negativity and for once you hoped your friends were the ones that were sad, at least it meant they were alive.

Quickly you slipped past the main courtyard and made your way inside, looking to head for the elevators of Ozpin’s office. You weren’t fully sure why Ozpin would have taken the two, but if he had it was likely they were in there. But as you approached the elevators you noticed both torn metal and scorch marks around the doors, and faintly you heard crying coming from a little ways down the hall. Following the sound you found a slightly ajar closet door and a crying Pyrrha huddled in a ball, the tears having long since smeared her appearance alongside dirt and dust.

(Y/N): “Pyrrha?” You asked moving to kneel next to her. She jumped slightly before looking at you sorrowfully and whimpering.

Pyrrha: “Jaune’s… dead…” The news hit you like a gut punch. “He saved me…” You both heard a whoosh of air and fire, as well as a wave of heat, as something flew up through the elevator shaft. “From her.”

You were trembling as you stood, almost hurting yourself by holding your weapon tight in your one good hand. Murder and bloodlust filled your mind, as it had only once before, and the image of Cinder became etched there alongside the burning desire to kill. You took one step towards the elevator before feeling a hand around your left arm.

Pyrrha: “You can’t beat her.” She was crying again. “Ozpin couldn’t, how do you stand a better chance?!”

(Y/N): “I never said I was going to beat her.” You yanked your arm away. “I said I’m going to kill her.”

Pyrrha stumbled to the floor as she looked up at you, panic and fear evident across her face as she realised there would be no convincing you otherwise. She shook her head lightly before forcing herself to her feet, the weapons she had left in the closet flying out to her hands.

Pyrrha: “Then let’s do it together.”

The two of you moved to stand atop a single sheet of metal as Pyrrha lifted you both upwards, towards the top of Beacon tower. Towards Cinder.

Cinder stood in the centre of the clocktower office, the click of each cog pleasing her as she played with a single glowing leaf. Letting it drift between her fingers and hands, the symbol of her newfound power was a delightful plaything. She was debating whether she was now satisfied, had her search for power ended with this victory?

Cinder: “Perhaps I can kill another Maiden? Claim their power as well… all four even.” She mused to herself, deciding at once that that would be her next goal, after claiming the relic of Beacon of course.

Before she could ponder any further, she heard the ear-piercing screeching of metal grinding in the elevator shaft. Almost laughing at the idea of who was on their way up, Cinder turned on her heel to look at the opening as Pyrrha appeared, her weapons in hand as she ran forward alone.

Cinder: "Oh, so now you decide to fight?" She smirked, forming a bladed weapon from her new power, using it to block a strike from Pyrrha.

Pyrrha: "You will pay for what you did!"

Cinder wordlessly parried away Pyrrha’s next attack, the prodigy getting forced onto the defensive as Cinder followed up with a thrust. A shield met the tip of the blade but Pyrrha was still forced backwards, her feet sliding across the ground.

Pyrrha threw her shield arm wide, knocking Cinder's sword backwards, and thrust forward with her own sword aiming for her heart. The new Maiden used a burst of fire from one foot to flip over the attack, landing to Pyrrha’s right, and bringing her sword down on Pyrrha again. Pyrrha rolled backwards and threw her shield at Cinder, quickly followed by a transformed spear, both of which were blocked by Cinder's left hand, now glowing with magic.

Cinder: "Cute attempt-" She was cut off by the shield smacking her around the head, as it returned to Pyrrha's hand.

Cinder with a growl caught the spear as it also began to fly back to its master, the weapon beginning to glow around the grip as it was superheated. Pyrrha jumped forward and tackled Cinder, the weapons in either hand falling to the ground. Pyrrha went to slam her shield into the Maidens face, only for it to get caught and superheated as well.

Sweat dripped from Pyrrha as she tried to force the shield further down, drops of liquid metal getting close to touching Cinder as she did. With a grunt the Maiden shot a blast of fire into Pyrrha's chest, throwing her across the office into the desk. In a rage Cinder threw the shield at the prodigy, small slivers of metal flying off the shield as it was rapidly cooled. It ended up embedded right next to Pyrrha’s head.

Cinder: "You're more trouble than I thought… Let's see what this power truly lets me do. Shall we?" She asked, her eyes beginning to glow as a fire erupted from her feet.

The now hovering Cinder swiped her arm twice in an X-pattern causing two arcing fire beams to erupt forth. Pyrrha threw herself behind the desk, pulling her shield along with her. The desk was destroyed by the first blast and the second collided with Pyrrha's shield, the resulting explosion throwing her into the glass that cracked from the pressure.

Cinder: "Honestly, what did you hope to achieve with this?" She questioned mockingly, an expanding fireball held in her left hand.

Pyrrha looked up at the Fall Maiden, her aura flickering a crimson red as she pulled her energy together once more. Sweat from the heat and fighting was evaporating just from  proximity, however Pyrrha managed a smile.

Pyrrha: "Distraction."

Before her sentence even finished the click of a revolver rang out, a single bullet fired from your gun as you stepped out from the elevator. Before Cinder could react an ice dust bullet collided with the fireball she held, the resulting explosion bringing the roof down on all three of them.

The dust and debris finally settled in the ruins of the once pristine office. Intricate metal cogs now lay as hunks of debris, several of the large pieces falling from the tower with a resounding thud that shook the grounds. You were the first to bring yourself from the rubble, pushing only a small pile of rocks off of yourself. Running over to where Pyrrha had been you found she was pinned down by a concrete wall, one you tried in vain to lift as she came too.

Pyrrha: "See, I can come up with plans too."

(Y/N): "Maybe next time one that involves less explosions?"

Pyrrha: "Agreed-"

Your conversation was interrupted as another fiery burst came from the centre of the rubble. It appears as if the Maiden had also survived the attack, though not unschathed. Stood in front of you was a dishevelled Cinder, her face contorted in rage and pain, as she held her left arm. What shocked you most was seeing black liquid was seeping from the cuts along her face and arm.

(Y/N): "I always thought you were a monster… but that's just Grimm…"

Cinder grit her teeth as she tried to reactivate her aura, but the orange shielding just sputtered uselessly.

(Y/N): "Welcome to the land of the powerless, sucks doesn't it?"

Cinder: "I still have more than enough power to deal with you!" She yelled in rage, her Maiden power flaring to life as she raised her right arm.

(Y/N): "Well then… one last dance." You said clicking your scroll, chucking it to Pyrrha. A song beginning to play from your coat as you grinned.

There's a day when all hearts will be broken
When a shadow will cast out the light
And our eyes cry a million tears
Help won't arrive

Rolling to the left, you narrowly avoided a firebolt sear past you melting rock as it did. Engaging your weapons blade mode you began rushing forward, as quick as your injuries allowed. Cinder sent blast after blast after you, with several burning at your arm or coat.

There's a day when all courage collapses
And our friends turn and leave us behind
Creatures of darkness will triumph
The sun won't rise
When we've lost all hope
And succumb to fear
And the skies rain blood
And the end draws near

You closed the gap between yourself and Cinder, letting loose a slash to her right that she blocked with her hand, a small flash of orange light signifying it being some form of Maiden power. Spinning around, you went for her legs next only to have her kick the sword with the same blast of light, reflecting the attack.

I may fall
But not like this: it won't be by
Your hand
I may fall
Not this place: not today
I may fall
Bring it all: it's not enough to take me down
I may fall

Cinder raised her hand and another burning sword of twisted proportions formed, she brought the weapon down towards your head with an unnatural speed. You barely had time to move and block, only able to force the weapon into your left shoulder, catching it before it could cleave through. As you pulled back the weapon burned you, immediately cauterising the wound. She wanted to kill you herself, not blood loss.

There's a place where we'll stand outnumbered
Where the wolves and the soulless will rise
In the time of our final moments
Every dream dies

You were forced on the defensive as she swiped and slashed with the weapon, her hovering abilities giving a significant advantage. Rolling and blocking the attacks you were managing to avoid the sword, but the rage was building in Cinder as her eyes grew brighter and the barbed weapon began to spark and glow a fiery red.

There's a place where our shields will lay shattered
And the fear's all that's left in our hearts
Our strength and our courage have run out
We fall apart

You were sent flying into a concrete wall as the clash of your blades resulted in a shockwave, you had briefly considered more ice dust but the explosion radius would hit Pyrrha. You looked up to see Cinder approaching, her weapon readied to strike at you again. With a quick duck the strike only singed your hair and cut through the wall like butter.

When we lose our faith
And forsake our friends
When the moon is gone
And we've reached our ends
I may fall

As you saw Cinder swing her weapon over her head, you silently awaited the finishing strike. Only to watch as a gold blur blocked the strike, knocking Cinder's defence wide as she was sent reeling. Pyrrha's shield clattered to the ground as the black aura around it faded and Pyrrha's energy was fully spent.

Taking advantage, you lept from where you sat, sword outstretched in a thrust. Cinder's eyes widened as she held her injured left arm out to her side in an attempt to blast herself away, the fire igniting and beginning to push her. With the target of her heart gone, you settled for getting one back for Yang, as you changed from a thrust to a slice.

Cinder's scream echoed as her arm came clean off and you hit the floor, weapon clattering away from you. You went to stand only for your head to be stepped on by a heel, slamming you back into the stone.

There's a moment that changes a life when
We do something that no one else can
And the path that we've taken will lead us
One final stand
There's a moment we'll make a decision
Not to cower and crash on the ground
The moment we face our worst demons
Our courage found
When we stand with friends
And we won't retreat
As we stare down death
Then the taste is sweet

You felt a burning hand wrap around your throat as you were pulled upwards into a kneeling position, meeting the amber eyes of Cinder as her grip tightened. You could just about see more Grimm liquid leak from where you had severed her arm, a few drops landing on you as well as the surrounding floor, staining it in black.

The burning sensation stopped as she landed and stepped back, her eyes never leaving yours. You heard the now familiar sound of her weapon forming, before a piercing sensation could be felt in your chest. There was no burning this time, just the cold glass blade and the warmth of your dripping blood staining the floor red next to the black.

I may fall
But not like this: it won't be by your hand
I may fall
Not this place: not today
I may fall
Bring it all: it's not enough to take me down
I may fall
I may fall
I may fall
I may, I may fall

Cinder scoffed and pulled the coat off of you as the song ended, the words ringing hollow in the truth of the situation.

Cinder: "You fall. Here. Now. My hand." She kneeled down next to you. "No retort? No clever comeback? No threats? What happened to the relentless unstoppable immortal you pretend you are?" She gloated, grabbing your head and burning it, but you just muttered something. Almost inaudible. "Speak up."

(Y/N): "I still have my ultimate weapon." You breathed through your burnt throat, the Maiden raised an eyebrow and looked to see your weapon some distance away.

Cinder: "And what, pray tell, is that?"

(Y/N): "Spork." You muttered.

Cinder seemed confused until, with your remaining strength, you thrust your Spork forward into her left eye. The utensil managing to pierce her eyeball and making it bleed black. She ripped it out, eyeball included, and threw it away before incinerating it with a blast of fire.

You smirked up at her as she yelled and screamed clutching her left eye hole. Meeting gaze with her remaining eye she pulled her arm down and grabbed your head, as her eye began to glow with power so did you.

The power coursed through you as you burned, the energy of ancient magic ripping you asunder. It felt different. As if it was attacking your very spirit as well, burning that alongside your body. The last thing you were aware of was the beginning embers of silver light as you slipped away once more to die.