All matches were put on hold. I was eventually told that Yang had been taken back to her dorm room. I got there just as General Ironwood was leaving.

He gave me an apologetic glance. "She's been disqualified," he said. "It was the best I could manage."

"Thank you, General," I replied.

He nodded and left. I took a deep breath before entering the room.

Yang was seated on one of the beds. I'd caught her say something about wanting to be alone. Her teammates were just getting up to leave.

Ruby gave me a hug as she left. She whispered to me. "She needs you right now."

Yang and I were left alone in the room. She wouldn't look me in the eye, so I approached her and knelt at her feet. I crossed my arms over her lap and leaned in close so I could look up into her gorgeous lilac-purple eyes. "Hi, Angel," I said with a silly smile on my face.

As I forced myself into her line of sight, she couldn't hold back her smile and a single laugh. Her eyes immediately became sad and started to well with tears. She threw her arms around my neck and began to cry.

This was a terrible position for me so I picked her up like the princess she was to me and took her place on the edge of the bed. I held her tight in my lap until her sobbing ceased. 

"It was self-defense," she whispered. "He attacked me first."

That wasn't what I saw, but I chose to believe her anyways. I kissed her head. "You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm just here for you."

"Hope I'm not interrupting." Yang and I looked up to see Qrow in the doorway.

"Hey, Qrow," Yang said as she set her head against my neck.

I only half listened to the conversation that followed until something came up about Yang's mom. I jerked out of my subconsciousness. 

"You saw her?!" Qrow asked in surprise. 

"Yeah, (F/n) was there too," Yang replied. "You saw her too right? That day on the train?"

I was stunned by her question. She'd never even brought this up before. I myself had simply chosen not to talk about it.

"Yes, I did," I said simply.

Qrow talked a little about his sister's habits and referenced some information he'd received. 

"Raven sees the world in a different light than most people. She's dangerous," Qrow said. "But if you ever want to find her, I think I might be able to help."

Yang sat silently in my lap for a moment before she answered. "I'll think about it."

Qrow nodded then turned his attention to me. "(F/n), I need to talk to you." I nodded in response. 

"I'll catch you later, kiddo," he said to Yang as he stepped out to wait for me in the hall.

My eyes met Yang's. "I need to go," I said. "The next match will be starting soon." She nodded. 

"Let me know what you decide," I continued. "Whatever you choose, I'll support you. I'll even go with you if you want me to."

She smiled. "Alright, I'll let you know."

We shared a tender kiss then she got off my lap. "Good luck tonight," she said as she hugged me.

"Thanks, Angel," I answered as I made my way out. I stopped at the doorway and looked back at her. "I love you, Yang," I said.

"I love you too."

Qrow was leaned up against the wall. He motioned for me to walk with him. We were headed toward the stadium.

"What did my sister say to you?" he asked.

"She said she left because she couldn't be the mother Yang needed," I responded.

"Anything else?" he pressed.

I shook my head. "Not really," I said. "Except..."

"Except what?"

"Well she... she gave me her blessing," I said, a little embarrassed. 

"Her blessing?" Qrow asked in surprise. "You planning to tie the knot?"

"Well... no but maybe in the future," I said. It was weird talking to Qrow about this.

"Hmm... Guess you really must be special if you got Raven's approval," he stated thoughtfully.

'Why have all of my recent conversations ended up on this subject?' 

We got to the airships. Qrow stopped. "This is where we part ways, kid," he said. "I have some stuff to take care of, but good luck tonight!"

Our conversation had confused me terribly, but I couldn't clarify because he was already gone.

I got on an airship and went to the stadium. 

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The next match-up was Pyrrha and Penny. 

When I got back to my seat, I noticed something was wrong. Ruby's seat was empty. I got DJ's attention. "Where's Ruby?" I asked.

"Not sure, dude," he replied. "She just up and took off a few minutes ago."

I looked around and saw Emerald on the other side of the stadium. 'What the hell is SHE doing here?!' 

I swore I'd seen her leave when the medics took Mercury away. 

Conclusions started forming in my mind. 'So this is how we're gonna play, huh? Alright, creeps. Let's play.'

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Mercury's POV

I had the little girl in the hood cornered. She tried to get past me, but I wasn't going to let her. She tried that super-speed thing but just ended up with my boot in her face.

I got a couple of good kicks in and sent her flying backward. She turned and bolted for the door. I took off after her. When I got outside, it was already done.

The hooded girl was on her knees in despair as she stared toward the ring. That android girl had been sliced in pieces, and Pyrrha Nikos was beside herself.

There was no need for me to stick around.

I turned and made my way back toward the maintenance corridor. When I got through the door, I saw a dark figure down at the far end of the hall. I recognized the leather jacket without really having to see the guy's face.

His voice made me freeze as terror itself seemed to grip my heart. The voice sounded through the hallway like a hiss from a snake. It was cold and malicious.

"Mercury, your leg seems to be doing much better. I'm glad," he said as he stepped into the light. He wore a cold smile on his face. "I'll enjoy this much more with you at full strength."

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Emerald's POV

My work was done. I got up to leave as soon as I heard Cinder's voice come over the speakers. Nobody was really paying attention, so I was able to slip away without needing to cast an illusion.

I got to the airship and made my way to the cockpit. "Alright, Mercury! Let's go!"

"Oh! I don't think he'll be coming for this trip, sweetheart," a voice came sarcastically. I looked toward the pilot's seat as the person in it stood up. I recognized his leather jacket before he turned to face me.

He tossed something to me which I caught. It was a boot. Mercury's boot.

Shock took over, and my body started to shake from rage and grief. "No... no..."

"He wasn't as much of a challenge as I'd hoped," the black-haired representative said cruelly. "And I get the feeling you won't be either."

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(F/n)'s POV

"WARNING! INCOMING GRIMM ATTACK!!"

The automatic alerts and sirens were all but lost in the chaotic noise from the crowd of panicking citizens.

I looked up and saw that a giant Nevermore had landed on top of the arena's force field. It was trying to break through. I finished wiping my hands and tossed the handkerchief, now covered in dark red spots, aside.

DJ and the others were already at ringside by the time I got there.

"PYRRHA! WE HAVE TO GO NOW!!!" DJ was screaming.

The redhead was still on her knees in the middle of the ring. Blind and deaf to everything around her as she stared at the scraps of metal that had once been Penny.

DJ and I bolted to her side as the Nevermore shattered the force field overhead and landed in the ring. We stopped between the demon bird and Pyrrha. I tossed one of my pistols to DJ, and we both took aim. Suddenly, I saw a flash of red, and Ruby was assaulting the Nevermore furiously.

"LEAVE THEM ALONE!!" she yelled as she wielded one of Penny's swords.

I cried out in panic when the Nevermore knocked Ruby aside and prepared to attack. "RUBY!!!!!!!!!"

Luckily, a series of lockers came out of the sky and planted themselves on the creature's back.

The other students quickly gathered their weapons from the lockers. The Nevermore then began to struggle but was quickly decapitated by Yatsuhashi and one of Sun's teammates.

We were then surrounded by a flock of griffins. I thought one of them was going to get Ruby, but it was blasted by Professor Port and Dr. Oobleck.

"Mr. (L/n)!" Oobleck called. "I think it best if you get these other students out of here!"

"Everybody, move out!" I yelled as I acted immediately. I was about to go too, but I realized I'd forgotten something. I ran up to Dr. Oobleck and shook his hand.

"Dr. Oobleck, thank you," I said. "For everything."

He shook his head and placed his hand on my shoulder. "No, (F/n). Thank YOU."

With that, I took off after the others, leaving the teachers to fight the griffins on their own.

When we made it outside, everything was in chaos. Grimm and White Fang were everywhere. It was a war zone.

I saw General Ironwood take down a Beowolf Alpha like a boss and approached him. "General! What do we do?" I asked.

He turned to me. "You have two choices. Fight to protect your school, or get yourselves to safety. No one will blame you if you leave."

He got on an airship and headed off to continue fighting.

"I don't know about you all, but I'm going to fight!" I waited and smiled as everyone stated their conviction to fight.

"Come on!" Sun called. "We can take an airship to the school!"

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It's hard to describe everything that happened after that.

Ruby jumped out soon after takeoff, and I had to hold Sun back from going after her. I was sure Ruby had her reasons. Plus, she could take care of herself.

When we got to the school, we jumped right into the fray of Grimm and White Fang grunts.

'So this is what they were planning all along!' It was worse than I'd ever imagined.

Eventually, it went even further downhill when the Atlesian droids suddenly turned on us. "Oh, great! One more thing to deal with!" I yelled in annoyance.

I then noticed Ozpin out of the corner of my eye. He was standing at the door of the administration tower. I knew what this meant. "PYRRHA!" I called.

She looked at me then saw Ozpin. We quickly made our way toward him. My team, as well as Jaune, was suddenly in our way. "Where are you going?!" Skyler demanded.

"SKYLER!!!" I roared. She was stunned at my tone. "Move," I ordered much more quietly. "Pyrrha and I have a job to do, and you all do as well."

DJ was in my face. "I'm not letting Pyrrha out of my sight!" he argued.

I didn't have time for this. "Fine. Follow Ozpin," I ordered. He and Pyrrha took off into the building while I turned to the others. "Jamie, you're in charge. Nothing hostile escapes this area! Understood?!" He nodded. I then approached Jaune and spoke softly. "Please... watch over Skyler for me."

He nodded curtly. "You have my word."

I turned and ran to catch up to Ozpin. He was waiting for me at the elevator. DJ and Pyrrha were already inside. We jumped in and rode it down to the vault. When the doors opened, we raced down the corridor.

"What the hell is this place?" DJ asked.

We kept running. "It's... a type of vault," Pyrrha said sadly.

We got to the lab. DJ stared in confusion as Ozpin went to the controls and ordered Pyrrha into the second pod. She obeyed.

"Gentlemen, stand guard!" Ozpin directed. I turned my back and trained my eyes down the hall.

I overheard Ozpin as he asked for Pyrrha's confirmation. "I'm ready," she said.

I heard the whir of machinery and then the screaming started.

"PYRRHA!" DJ cried as he turned and ran to the pod.

"DJ, no!" I yelled. I needed him to stay put and guard with me. In that instant, I sensed her presence. I turned just as Cinder stopped down the hall from me and loosed an arrow.

The world seemed to slow. The arrow was headed right for Amber. I threw myself into the air trying to intercept it. My heart wrenched as I came so close but watched it slip just past my fingers.

I hit the ground hard and sat up to see Amber take her last breath after the arrow pierced the glass and planted into her chest.

The machinery faltered and a flash of light leaped out of Amber's body and merged into Cinder. Her body began to glow and flames burst from her eyes as she began to float in the air.

DJ drew his weapon and opened fire, but Cinder blocked his shots with her bare hand.

"Mr. Willis, STOP!" Ozpin yelled. "(F/n), get these two to safety immediately!"

Pyrrha had gotten out of her pod and tried to argue. "No! We can help!"

"PYRRHA!" I shouted as I got my feet. Her eyes met mine. "Do as he says."

I stayed put as DJ and Pyrrha ran to the elevator.

"Go with them, (F/n)! You'll only get in the way!" Ozpin shouted.

"Well, I guess you'll just have to deal with it," I said bluntly as I set my eyes on Cinder. "I've got a few promises to keep regarding this witch."

"You're not ready! The powers you'll need are still dormant!" he argued.

"I won't need them to beat her!"

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Pyrrha's POV

DJ and I got outside the tower just as the ground shook from an explosion deep underneath.

There was a flash as something blasted up through the elevator shaft. It was Cinder.

"No...," DJ let out in despair. "(F/n)... and Ozpin..."

Determination filled my soul. "DJ, go get help!"

"What?!" he said in shock. "What about you?!"

I turned to stare up toward the top floor where I knew Cinder would be. A gigantic dragon-like Grimm appeared from the clouds and grabbed onto the side of the tower.

"No," DJ argued as he realized my intent. "This isn't happening. You're not going up there! I won't let-..."

I turned and kissed him deeply then pulled away. "I'm sorry," I said as used my semblance to bend a nearby lamppost down and around his waist, trapping him.

"NO!" he cried desperately as he tried to break free. "PYRRHA! PLEASE! NO!!!"

My tears fell as I ran back to the elevator. It was practically destroyed, but I could move it myself. I stepped inside and used my semblance to force the elevator up the shaft to the top floor.

It came to a stop. I stepped out to see Cinder standing in the middle of the office. The massive Grimm was peering into the window as she spoke soothingly to it.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skyler's POV

I was chasing an Ursa near the tower. I killed it just before I saw Pyrrha trapped DJ with a lamppost. He was screaming.

I ran to his side as Pyrrha took off back into the building. "DJ! What's going on?!" I shouted.

"It's Cinder! Pyrrha's going to fight her, but she won't be able to win! Please! We have to save her!" He was scared senseless.

I pulled out my scroll and called the first number. It turned out to be Weiss.

"Sky! Where are you?!"

"Weiss! Bring help to the admin tower quick! Pyrrha's in trouble!"

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Pyrrha's POV

I had her beaten. My attacks had her on the defensive. I could win this fight.

Then that giant Grimm came crashing through the windows, annihilating the entire top floor of the building.  

Luckily, I wasn't thrown off the building, but Cinder was already back on her feet. I fought back as best I could, but she had suddenly taken the advantage. I tried everything I could think of. I threw my shield, my spear, and even giant scraps of metal, but it was all useless. With one shot, she put an arrow through my leg. The searing pain brought me to my knees. I was certain she had severed my Achilles' tendon.

Cinder sauntered over until she stood in front of me. I felt fear creep into my chest. I knew this was the end.

"It's such a shame," she said in her soft seductive tone. "You were so close to gaining power that was never truly yours, but don't worry. I'll use it in ways you could never imagine."

Her bow materialized in her hand with a single arrow drawn. She pointed it straight at my chest.

I closed my eyes as I sensed my coming death. 'DJ... forgive me, Darling.'

I heard the spring of the release and the sickening thunk as it punctured flesh.

But I felt nothing.

I opened my eyes only see short blonde hair with red streaks blocking my view.

My jaw dropped in despair as Skyler fell backward into my lap, the arrow planted deep in her chest.

"No..." The word escaped my lips more like a breath of air.

Skyler looked up at me with a smile. "I didn't fight to keep you and DJ together just to let you break his heart again by dying," she joked. Her voice was weak.

Tears fell from my eyes. "Oh, Skyler..." I said in agony.

"Don't cry," she said as she coughed up blood. "Just take care of him. Love him enough for both of us."

With that, her eyes closed, and she was gone.

"SKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Ruby's despairing scream filled my ears, and the world went white.

I couldn't move. I couldn't see. Anything I heard sounded distant.

"Pyrrha!" I heard DJ's voice but couldn't answer. "Pyrrha! Oh my god! Sky! Skyler, no!!! Please! SKYLER!!!!!!!"

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(F/n)'s POV

"(F/n)!... (F/n)!... (F/N)!!!!! Wake up, Son!!"

It was dark. I groaned in pain as I opened my eyes. My dad knelt over me shaking my shoulders. "Ugh... Dad?"

He sighed in relief. "Oh! Thank God!" he exclaimed. "Come on, Son! We have to get out of here!"

He helped me up from the cold stone floor and slung my arm over his shoulder. My mind began to clear as I remembered where I was.

"Wait! Where's Cinder?! OZPIN!! Where's Professor Ozpin?! Is he ok?!"

"I don't know, Son! I'm just concerned with getting you out of this vault!" Dad shouted.

We made it out and started toward the front courtyard of the school.

"Has anyone seen Yang? Is she alright?" I asked worriedly.

My father's face was covered with sadness. "She's safe, Son," he said. "Whether or not she's ok has yet to be determined."

I was confused until we got to the courtyard, and I saw her. My beautiful Yang lay on the ground unconscious. She was beat to hell, and her right arm... was gone.

Blake lay next to her with a wounded side. She stared at Yang, her face pained with guilt.

I stumbled over to see my angel more closely. She was breathing... barely.

"I'm so sorry, (F/n)," Blake whispered. "This is all my fault."

I ignored her apology. This was NOT her fault. This was Cinder's fault. SHE was to blame.

I felt my anger rising. I craved vengeance. I saw Cinder's face in my mind's eye, and my hand itched to crush her throat. A fire within me yearned for her blood.

Then came the trigger; the final straw; the last disaster that sent me over the edge and awakened my hidden powers.

Jamie showed up with DJ, Weiss, and Qrow. The world stood still. I felt nothing - empty - hollow.

DJ and Weiss supported Pyrrha. Qrow carried Ruby on his back. I almost didn't notice though.

All I saw was what was in Jamie's arms.

'Sky...'

Jamie brought her to me with an arrow planted in her chest. He placed her in my arms with grief in his eyes. "I'm sorry, (F/n)."

She felt so cold. I collapsed to my knees as I held her in my arms. That arrow... I'd seen one just like it. 'Cinder.'

I snapped.

A scream of pain and rage filled the air. I didn't notice as the earth began to shake and the ground crunched beneath me. My aura glowed a brilliant blue.

I would end Cinder. I would end everything associated with her. She would pay for this. For ALL of this!

Then I felt something strike my head, and I blacked out.

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Five days later, I was on the island of Patch. I'd been unconscious for 48 hours following the fall of Beacon. My dad had knocked me out for everyone's protection. He'd explained everything when I woke up.

I approached the little house before me and knocked on the door.

A tall gentleman with golden blonde hair answered. "Can I help you?" he asked.

"My name is (F/n) (L/n)," I stated. "I'm here to see Yang."

The blonde man, who I assumed was Taiyang Xiao Long - Yang's father, jerked back in surprise. "Oh! You must be the boyfriend I've been hearing about," he concluded.

I nodded respectfully. "I am, sir. Is Yang alright?"

"She'll be fine," he responded. "It's just that she's going to need some time."

"I'm sure," I said understandingly. "May I see her?"

He motioned for me to enter the house and invited me to sit on the couch. "I'll check to see if she's ok with it. Just wait here a moment."

"Of course," I agreed.

I watched him go up the stairs.

He was gone for just a minute before coming back down. "She really doesn't want to see anyone right now," he explained apologetically.

"Would you mind if I tried to talk to her anyways?" I pressed.

He thought for a moment then shrugged his shoulders. "I don't mind personally, but I'm not sure you'll get anywhere with her. You're welcome to try though."

I nodded and made my way up the stairs.

It wasn't hard to find Yang's room. She was sitting up in her bed staring out the window. Her face was dreary, but just as beautiful as ever. I noticed that what remained of her right arm was covered in bandages.

It was sad to see her like this, but that didn't stop me. I leaned against the door frame and took in her beauty for a moment or two.

"Hey, Angel," I said quietly.

She looked at me solemnly. "Hey," she said.

"I see you got my gift," I observed, referring to the arrangement of sunflowers on her nightstand. 

"Yeah," she said softly as she looked again out the window. "Thanks."

I approached her and sat on the edge of her bed. It was silent for a moment.

"What are you doing here?" she asked without looking at me.

"I wanted to make sure you were ok," I responded.

"Well, I'm not," she said sharply.

"Yang," I said.

She cut me off, looking at me with red eyes. "No! Don't you get it?! Everything is gone! Ozpin! The school! Now my arm!" She paused and continued her vigil at the window. "I don't understand why YOU'RE still around. Just leave me alone."

I sighed and stood up. "No."

She looked at me in surprise. "What?"

I turned to face her openly. "Yang Xiao Long, every time I let you out of my sight, you get into trouble, and I am left to worry and drive myself crazy because I can't protect you."

My voice began to rise in volume. "Well guess what, Yang! I'M DONE!" I paused. "I'm sick of worrying! I'm sick of feeling like my ability to keep you safe is being torn away! That's why I've decided I'm not going to live that way anymore!"

She stared at me. It looked like her heart was slowly breaking.

I reached into my pocket and pulled something out. It was the thing my father gave me that day I visited home - a small box.

I got down on one knee. "Yang Xiao Long, I've decided that I am never going to let you out of my sight again. I'm not going anywhere."

I opened the box and revealed my mother's diamond ring. It was the ring my father gave her. It was a single diamond set on a silver band. On either side of the diamond, a small symbol was engraved in red - the symbol of the Summer Maiden. "I love you, Yang, and I refuse to leave you. Will you marry me?"

Tears filled her eyes as she smiled and nodded. I jumped onto the bed shamelessly and wrapped her in my arms.

I knew everything was going to be alright. We stayed like that for a long time.

-------------------------------------------------

Yang was staring at the ring on her finger, perfectly content.

"(F/n)?" she said.

I was nestled in next to her, my cheek resting on her head. "Hmm?"

"I want you to leave," she said bluntly.

I was shocked. "What?"

She adjusted so she could look me in the eye. "You have a job to do, and I won't marry you until you do it." Her voice was firm.

I was lost. "What are you talking about?"

"Cinder," she said curtly.

It finally clicked. My face became serious. "Are you sure?"

"That witch killed your sister. That means she also killed MY sister," she said. "She won't get away with that. We're going to bring her down. Together."

I smiled and nodded. "As you wish."