A/N: STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY Y'ALL!

"MOMMY!" A child screamed.

Eyes snapped open to reveal light blue orbs. They frantically searched around for the source of the child's voice. However, the only thing she could see was the darkness of the void in front of her.

"IT HURTS! PLEASE MOMMY." Another child's voice screeched.

She tried move, but found that none of her limbs would budge. Looking to her wrists, she found that they were bound by rope. Similarly, her legs were also bound by rope as well. The woman found that she was tied to a cross.

"HELP US MOMMY! HELP US!" A third child cried.

Desperate to save her children, the woman struggled against her bindings with all her strength. But no matter how much she fought against them she couldn't break free. Each attempt to break free only sapped more of her strength. Eventually tiring out, her whole body slumped over. Sweat dripping off her fair face as she panted.

"I DON'T WANNA DIE. MOMMY! SAVE US!" A fourth child shouted.

"Please. Spare them. Don't do this. They didn't do anything." The woman begged. Tears streaming down her face. A pain more intense than anything that she could possibly fathom struck her heart. Snapping her head up, she shouted into the void. "JUST TAKE ME! TAKE EVERYTHING OUT ON ME! JUST SPARE THEM!"

The woman was met with the cold, deafening, silence of the void. Nothing, but black all around her. Just then, fire erupted around her. The woman screamed as the flames licked her skin. As the fire closed in, her pale skin turned red. Blisters and boils soon emerged. Puss and blood started oozing forth as they popped painfully all over her body. Once the fire latched onto her proper, her skin began to turn black. The flames worked fast as they already burned away the epidermis and dermis. Leaving the body's musculature exposed to the searing gas that surrounded her.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Salem awoke in a cold sweat. Leaning forward in her chair she placed a hand on her chest to calm her breathing. The fear and pain she felt was something that she hadn't truly experienced in so long. Well, except in her dreams. Composing herself, Salem breathed a sigh of relief. Leaning back into her chair, she stared up at the ceiling of the meeting room that she and her subordinates use. Then she noticed something. She felt something wet on her face. Reaching up with her hand, she wiped at the spot with a finger and stared at it. It was a tear. It always surprised her that she was still capable of such a thing. Even after going through hundreds of years of that nightmare. One would think that you would get numb to it.

Before her thoughts could wonder, a knock at the large stone door echoed.

Salem quickly wiped her face dry. She couldn't allow them to see this weakness. "Come." She said.

Salem raised a brow when she saw Hazel and some Faunus boy enter. Intrigued by this development, she leaned forward. Placing her elbows on the table she brought her hands together to prop her head up.

"I was not expecting you back so soon Hazel. I certainly wasn't expecting a guest."

Hazel bowed. "I know that you wanted me to be in Anima, but there has been...an interesting development."

Salem hummed. "And what is this development?"

Raising himself back up to look at his queen, he said. "There has been someone going around decimating White Fang camps and facilities. Someone extremely powerful. So powerful that they leave a cloud of negative emotions in their wake."

"Really now. Someone that strong?" Moving her eyes on Adam she said. "That doesn't explain why you brought this boy to me though." Just before Hazel could say anything, she held up her hand to silence him. "Tell me boy. Why did you come here?"

Adam gulped. It felt like there was a tight knot in his throat. This woman's gaze was enough to strike terror in him. Gathering up what little courage he had, the red-haired man stepped forward. "I was told that I could gain power by coming here. As I am now, I am no match for this person. Never have I seen so many people burned and ripped apart."

"Burned? I see." Salem thought. The Queen of the Grimm certainly had an idea of who this person they were both talking about. Now, she could tell them, but decided against it. Deciding it would be more fun for the boy to find out on his own.

"If it is power you want, then that is something I can offer, but tell me. Why is it that you oppose Humanity?"

Adam clenched his weapon tightly. All of the memories from his past came flooding back in all at once. Shaking his head, he cleared his mind of such things and looked Salem in the eyes. "They are a scourge. A plight on this world. They do nothing but walk all over the Faunus, even though we are clearly the superior species. Treating us like second class citizens. No. Closer to slaves. The things they have done to me are unforgivable! They need to be extinguished once and for all!"

The vitriol and hate that came from him resonated in Salem. She understood his anger. His thirst for revenge. His spite. The need for bloodshed. To achieve his goals, whatever the cost. An idea formed in her head. "Yes. I can use this. Show me how far you've come girl."

Standing up, Salem made her way over to Adam. She placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Come with me young man." She looked over to Hazel. "Tell Dr. Watts to meet me in his lab."

"As you wish." He bowed and went off to find his colleague.

Adam followed Salem down a series of long, dark stoned corridors. All of the windows decorated with large drapes of purples and blacks. To him, everything looked so corrupted. It seemed like any kind of Grimm could just form out of nowhere. Something was bothering him though. He didn't really understand why a woman as powerful as her didn't just go out into the world and take what she wanted instead of relying on mere goons to do her bidding. He would have asked her, but he didn't want to seem like he was stepping over some line.

They stopped in front of a metallic door. It slid open to reveal Arthur Watts setting up some kind of table with tubes that had needles on the ends of them. The tubes were connected to tanks of black liquid. The same kind of stuff that sat in pools outside of the castle.

Arthur noticed Salem and grinned gleefully. "Ah! Milady, everything is ready."

"Excellent Dr. Watts. Your efficiency is always appreciated."

Arthur Watts gave a small, courteous bow. "The only thing we need is him."

Salem turned Adam. The reds of her eyes glowed as they locked with his. "A warning young man. This is very dangerous. Most who have undergone this have not survived. They died a very painful death. Are you still certain that you wish to do this?"

Adam's gaze wandered to the equipment that was setup. As soon as doubt started to creep up in him, his face started to hurt. Gritting his teeth, he held the left side of his mask. The pain instantly destroyed that doubt. "If this is what must be done, then so be it. I will do whatever is necessary to achieve my goals."

He stepped forward and placed Wilt and Blush beside the table. He laid down. Arthur pressed a button and metal cuffs slid over his wrists and ankles. Adam turned his head to the doctor.

"For safety. Well, for my safety anyway." He reassured. Arthur rolled up Adam's sleeves. He then looked down at the control console. His finger hovered over a black key. The mad scientist looked over at the young Faunus and grinned. "Now for the interesting part." He pressed the key.

The machines made whirring sounds as the pumps came online. The black ooze quickly flowed down the length of the tubes. With the press of another key, the tubes moved automatically and hovered over Adam. The tips of the needles barely touching his skin. Another keystroke and the needles suddenly penetrated his arms. The black ooze began pumping into him.

Adam didn't even flinch. He felt much worse at the hands of those filthy humans. His mouth twitched as he felt a sudden chill fill his body. The skin on his arms turned ashen white. His veins appeared on his skin as black, pulsating webs. The bull Faunus grit his teeth as the pain from having his body corrupted exploded. Every single nerve crying out in protest of the foreign substance that was quickly filling up his veins.

"AHHHHHHHH!" Adam screamed in agony as the dark liquid finally hit his heart. This eruption of torment caused his entire body to involuntarily convulse on the table like a patient suffering from a seizure. He had never felt anything like this before. He thought he knew pain, but evidently he was wrong. All of the abuse and humiliation he suffered paled in comparison to this.

His scream was continuous. Never once stopping to breath. However, the sound of a tortured man was suddenly replaced by the sound of a beast. "RAAAAUUUUGHHHH!"

Salem smirked darkly at the sound. "Yes. Excellent." She said with a sinister kind of glee.

Adam opened the large, red doors. Inside were seven antas on that were on either side of the room. Each one having a sconce fixed onto them. The first, third and fifth stone beam that were connected to the respective anta, hanged the crimson banner of the White Fang. Behind the antas were three statues of robbed Faunus wielding polearms. A red carpet with fringe patterns on the edges sat in the middle of a stoned floor that led up to and surrounded a series of small steps with a simple red and gold throne on top. Two ornamental partisans crossed the back of it. The White Fang banner hanged behind the throne. It sat prominently between rectangular relief designs.

"High Chief! Where have you been? We were worried!" One of his soldiers said.

"I was out getting a new power. Power that will ensure our foes will be crushed!" He said as he walked past them. Once his foot hit the first step leading up to his throne, he turned to them. "I want you guys to have a large camp setup near Lake Matsu. When done, you will wait for my signal to move out to Haven."

The soldiers looked at each other with confused expressions, but they all shrugged and moved out to carry their orders. Who were they to question their High Chief?

Once Adam sat in his throne, he grinned. "Now then. Let's see what happens."

"I see. You're certain he will do his part?" Cinder asked.

"Yes. He will play his role. Adam was rather thankful for the gift I bestowed to him. Additionally, I will be placing some of my Grimm under your command. When the time is right, strike that little camp and apprehend the Maiden. Hazel will meet with you shortly to give you a powerful sedative." Salem said.

Cinder nodded, smiling with glee. "Very well. We will hold here until he comes and then move closer to the Branwen Tribe."

"Remember Cinder. Your objective is the Spring Maiden. Don't waste time on pointless killing." The Seer turned off. It floated a small distance away and hovered in place.

"I don't understand. Why take the Maiden alive and not just take her power and be done with it?" Emerald asked.

"It's called insurance Emerald. We don't want Raven to just come right at us. Having the Maiden will deter her." Mercury said.

"I guess that makes sense. Can't be too careful I guess."

Cinder grabbed her arm. A twinge of pain shot through it. "Yes. Can never be too careful." She said while rubbing it.

Emerald looked sorrowfully at the other woman. She walked up to her and asked. "Are you okay Cinder? Do you need anything." Worry evident in her voice.

Mercury rolled his eyes at the display. "She'll never learn."

"No. I'm fine. I'll manage." Ever since her defeat, Cinder's temper had calmed down significantly. Normally, she would have yelled at Emerald. Telling the girl that she didn't need her pity. Though, she still did not need nor did she want her pity or sympathy. The Fall Maiden just needed her to do her job.

"Ah!" Yang cried. Yet again she had failed at the training Owl had given her. Never could it have occurred to her that something so simple could be so infuriatingly difficult. She was certain that she could ask her mother or Owl for some advice, but that felt like cheating. Like she was taking a shortcut. No. Yang was content to figuring this out herself. The journey was far more important than the destination. For there were lessons to be learned in the journey. Still though, she had been at this for about two weeks now and she would lying if she said her patience wasn't wearing thin.

After filling the cup back up with water she stared blankly at it. "What am I missing?" She pondered.

Spreading her aura into the water was easy, but doing so evenly so that the water doesn't jump out was the hard part. She placed the cup down in front of her and folded her arms. There was no point in continuing if she could not understand her mistake. It would be the same as smashing your head against a wall and expecting it to move.

Yang hummed as she sat in silent thought. Suddenly, she was hit with a stroke of creativity.

"What if the problem is that I'm sending too much aura into a single point? What if I treat this like circuitry and instead of putting so much power through a singular point, I make multiple pathways to distribute power out evenly?"

Eager to put her hypothesis to the test, Yang grabbed the cup and walked to her small desk. She pulled out a tape measure and marker then went to work on putting her electrical engineering chops to the task. After finishing, the exterior of the cup looked more like a round circuit board than, well, a cup. Yang put down her tape measure and marker and went straight into putting her idea into practice.

Staring intently at the pathways she put on, Yang imagined those pathways were marked on the water instead of the cup and started pushing her aura through. The blonde's eyes widening for every minute that passed.

"I did it. It worked!" Yang excitedly cheered. She heard the water began to slush around and immediately put all of her focus back the task at hand. "Not this time asshole. I got you figured out!"

"You haven't told her have you?" Owl said as he watered a small bonsai tree in a light brown clay pot.

"I'm sorry, but you'll have to more specific." Raven said as she carefully and methodically trimmed one of the other bonsai.

"I mean you haven't told Yang that we are of blood." Owl said. His eye still glued to his precious plant.

Raven paused for a moment and then continued with her task. "Ah. I'm...sorry. I hadn't actually thought about that since I've been so busy." She said in a rather uncharacteristic sheepish tone.

He sighed. "Raven, my granddaughter. Has anyone ever told you that you work far too hard? It's okay to pass some of the responsibilities to some other people. We're all a family. It's okay to rely on others to help manage the tribe."

Raven put down the bonsai clippers and let out a tired sigh. "I know grandfather. It's not that."

The older man hummed as he place his watering can down. He turned to his grandchild. "What bothers you then Raven?"

"It's just that the Tribe is growing. And while I'm happy that our numbers are raising and we are prospering, it brings some very real problems." Raven turned to face Owl with a strained look on her. "Sooner or later we will be forced to settle. The nomadic way of life is slowly coming to an end after thousands of years of it. It won't be too long before we are not able to sustain our selves through raiding. We will have to do trade, agriculture, and various other kinds of things. However, no one will want to trade with us. We did pillage many of their towns and villages after all."

"I see. That is quite the problem. But you know what happens if we settle."

"I know. The Grimm will find us and come after us. There is also another problem."

"And what would that be?" Owl said with a raised brow.

"How do you get people to accept such a change when it has been apart of our culture for so long? Many of our people will not be happy about that. There will be push back. Many will not wish to change our ways and yet we must."

"Raven, we did use to be a country. It has been our goal to take back our home continent and well, build a home."

"I know grandfather, but those events were thousands of years ago. No one is immune to the effects of time. People's minds and hearts change. I'm sure some will accept that, but what of the ones who are so steeped in our current ways? Then, of course, there is Salem. I have been thinking of turning us into more of a band of mercenaries to help towns and villages in exchange for certain goods, but that only delays the inevitable. We need a more permanent solution." Raven said as she started rubbing her forehead.

"My, dear. I'm afraid there is no simple answer to this quandary of yours. The only thing you can do is your best. Our people love you. They will follow you where ever you take them. That counts for something I think." He said as he stroked his beard.

"I certainly hope so." Raven said somberly.

"OWL!" Yang yelled as she burst through the tent flaps. "I did it! I finally did it!"

The old man grinned. "Oh? Show me then."

Yang noticed her mother and she waved. "Hi Mom!"

A small smirk tugged at her mouth. "Hello, Yang." She said as she shook her head.

Yang gave silly grin as she turned her attention back to the elderly Faunus. "Very well. Watch!"

Owl watched as she began concentrating hard. He watched as she began pouring her aura into the water. The old Faunus was amazed. The water was perfectly still. Not a single ripple was to be seen. "My word little bird. You have done it. Color me impressed. I didn't think you would get it this soon. Excellent work!"

"Yahoo!" Yang jumped up with a fist held in the air.

Owl laughed. Truly, he felt her energy was infectious. "Well, do you know what the next step is?"

Yang stopped and nodded. "Yup. Now I gotta do it until it feels natural. Then do it without the visual aids."

"I've been meaning to ask you. What are those markings? I've never seen them before."

Yang blinked a few times before looking at the cup. "Oh! This? These are just pathways you would find on a circuit board. Helps me appropriately distribute my aura correctly. That's all." The young woman turned around and made her way to the entrance. "I'll see you guys later. I got work to do." She said before she leaves the tent.

"Hahahaha. A more modern solution to a very old problem. Still though. I didn't expect her to get in just two weeks. It took me several months before I made it passed the first step."

Raven held a proud smile. "She's a quick study. A young woman who is very talented, but is also talented at working hard. With that in mind, I'm not surprised she picked it up so fast."

Owl nodded. "The best kind of student." His features soured as he turned to Raven.

"Yes?" She asked with a raised brow.

"How come you never let me see her when she just but a wee hatchling?" He complained with a pout.

The question was so out of left field that it caused Raven to slightly stumble. "W-what?"

"You and your brother were so adorable when you were just wee little things. I remember holding the both of you in my arms." The older man gushed. He then turned to his granddaughter and pointed at her with an accusing finger. "How come I didn't get that with Yang? I want baby pictures Raven. I bet she looked a lot like you."

"Where is all this coming from? Seriously, this is all very sudden." Raven said in confused tone.

"What do you mean? Is it not natural for a great grandfather to want to see how his great granddaughter looked when she was just born or as a toddler?" He asked.

"W-well, I...mean no, but...uh." Raven started to uncharacteristically stumble over her words.

"That's right. The least you could do is give me those pictures since I wasn't able to hold her when she was little." Owl demanded.

Raven was practically beside herself. The woman never thought that, in her entire life, that she would be having this kind of conversation. That these sequence of events would ever occur. Quite frankly, it confused the hell out her.

She had to think though. Her grandfather would not stop until she gave him what he wanted. That's when she remembered something.

"Well, I have an old box filled with pictures of her as a child that Summer would sometimes leave on a window-sill for me. She was...always so thoughtful." Raven admitted.

"Clearly! Now then. Run along and bring them to me. I must see them."

Raven let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine. If it will get you to leave me alone about this."

"Also, before you leave. Don't forget to tell her that I'm her great grandfather."

"Why don't you do it?"

"Because I'm old and I want to nap. Also, you're around her more." He stated like a petulant, pouty child as he climbed in his bed roll.

"Seriously? You're impossible old man." Raven said with a chuckle.

Robin could feel the warmth of the sun rolling over her shoulders as the light started bleeding over the horizon. The grass swayed when the gentle breeze of the wind came through. Only the sounds of birds waking and tree branches swaying could be heard. Sounds that the Spring Maiden adored. The sounds and feelings of spring. Ironic that she, the Spring Maiden , favored this season over the others.

"Robin?" A voice called.

She turned at the sound of her name being called to find Yang walking up to her.

"Yang! What are you doing here?" Robin asked with a smile. Genuinely happy to see her friend.

Yang chuckled. "To train. What else?" She looked the younger girl over. Appraising her form. Reaching out with a hand, she gently grabbed one of Robin's arms. She grinned. "You have a bit more muscle on you. You've been working hard out here. No wonder I haven't seen you for a while."

"Y-you think so? I look stronger?" She asked. A hint a nervousness creeping in voice despite her best efforts to repress it.

Yang was certainly able to pick up on it though. Her finely honed big sister instincts made sure of that. So, she put on a cheery smile and pulled her into a single armed hug.

"Uh-huh! Not just look, but you feel stronger." She praised.

"Well, it's thanks to your mother. She really helped me."

"Ah. Figured she had something to do with it." Yang let go of the younger girl and backed away a few paces. "Hmm. The fact that my mother wanted me out today at the same time as you means that she probably intends for us to train against each other."

"That would be correct Yang."

"Eep!" The blonde shrieked. She swiftly turned around to face her mother with a pout. "Why do you keep doing that me?"

"Learn to be more mindful and it won't happen." Raven said as she gave her daughter a smug smirk. She wouldn't deny it. The older took a certain kind pleasure surprising her child.

Yang stuck out her tongue. The act was rewarded with the older woman ruffling her hair.

"On to business now. I brought both of you out here for very specific reasons. Yang." She said looking toward her daughter. "It would be good for you to have some experience in fighting a Maiden. In case you have to fight Cinder or some other one." Looking toward Robin she said. "Because your style of combat is similar to Yang's bread and butter, I thought it would be useful for you to learn a few things from her." Raven walked in front of them and placed her hands on their shoulders. "Lastly, this would also build your bond with one another. Not in terms of friendship, but as warriors. So you can work better together. Should the need arise."

"Heh. I don't mind. I've always been a little curious what she could do. Sounds like a fun time to me!" Yang said as she punched her fists together with a wild grin plastered on her face.

"I'm not gonna go easy you Yang. I'm coming at you with everything I got." Robin warned. It was evident that she wanted to win.

"I wouldn't have it any other way!" Yang cheered.

"I appreciate the enthusiasm from both of, but both you need to be careful. Especially, you, Yang."

"Huh? What do ya mean?"

"Robin doesn't have the luxury of having your regenerative abilities. A broken bone or some other form of serious injury will potentially put her down for months. So, be mindful." Raven cautioned. Looking to Robin she said. "As for you, it would be prudent if you didn't use the full of extent of your Maiden abilities. You're suppose to be a secret. Don't want to alert anyone to your location."

"Alright. I get it. I'll be careful." Yang said.

"Very well Chief. I'll be sure not to go overboard." Robin agreed.

"Good." Raven turned around and leaned against a tree. "The both of you can start whenever you want."

Yang and Robin jumped a few paces away from each other. Robin released her blade from her gauntlet and fell into a wide stance. Yang had opted for her traditional unarmed stance. She would go pure hand to hand. Fire sword didn't seem like a safe option to use against the younger girl.

They began circling each other in a clockwise fashion. Yang moving her left leg to the side first with other following soon after. Her opponent did the same, but in reverse. Both girls making sure not to cross their legs.

She had to be careful. There was no telling what kind of attack Robin would go for. Yang would just have to play it safe for the time being until she figured our the girl's patterns and tendencies.

Deciding that she would make the first move, Yang began darting toward her in a zigzag pattern with her fists up and close to her face. Robin responded by shooting water from her hand at the dirt. Turning it to soft mud underneath Yang's feet. The change in stability of the ground caused the blonde to stumble slightly as her right foot got somewhat stuck in the mud. Robin took this opportunity to quickly dart into melee range.

Yang quickly lifted her left leg and with a twist in her waist, she kicked across her body. The tip of her boot hitting the flat of Robin's blade. The force of the motion not only deflected her opponent's attack, but also made herself twirl out of the mud and put her directly beside the younger girl's left arm. The blonde quickly ducked under another attack. She was a little surprised the Robin had recovered so fast.

However, even though Robin's swing wasn't over committed, Yang didn't allow her anytime to get the blade back on her. She swiftly rose up and grabbed the girl's right arm. With a twist in her hips and heels, Yang yanked on the arm and Robin soon found herself being flung over her opponent's shoulder. Yang felt her hair stand on end and she immediately let go of the girl. Which sent her flying in front of her. As Robin went through the air, Yang could see sparks of electricity around the arm she was just holding. She was intending to just slam Robin into the ground and then quickly perform a full mount on her, but her body told her to let go. It was a good thing she listened to it.

Robin righted herself and landed on her feet. She surged forward with greater speed than before. Becoming more of a blur.

Yang smirked. "Warm ups are over now huh?"

Yang jumped out of the way, but was surprised when Robin shot out a stream of water from her left hand. This quickly redirected Robin and allowed her to slam her elbow into Yang's chest. Pain exploded in her chest as she felt electrical currents enter her body. She grit her teeth and bit back the pain as she skid backwards. Arcs of of electricity still coming off of her as her back hit a tree with a thud. Looking up, Robin was already on top of her. However, Yang also had some tricks up her sleeve. She feinted a right cross. Robin had shot water from her left hand again. This was the desired effect she wanted. The blonde pulled her right hand back quickly and let loose an instantaneous left straight right into the other girl's face.

This caused Robin to stumble back. Yang gave her no mercy as she quickly followed up with a few jabs to the head to further disorientate her and then delivered a viscous right hook to the side of the head. In a desperate attempt to escape getting beaten down, Robin shot more water from her left hand, but Yang already had her figured out. The blonde spun to her left with her right leg extended. The other girl had sought reprieve from her, but was only meet with a heel connecting to her jaw. The attack forced Robin back over to her left and twirling onto the ground.

Before Robin could pick herself back up, she felt her right arm twisting harshly behind her and a weight on her lower back. She turned her head up to see Yang on top of her.

"That's enough!" Raven yelled.

Yang got off the younger girl and extended her hand to her. After Robin got done rubbing her arm she took the hand and was pulled up.

"Damn you hit hard!" Robin said as she rubbed her jaw.

"Heh. Sorry about that. I didn't injure you did I?" Asking out of real concern. The older girl would feel terrible if she actually hurt her friend.

"Don't apologize. You did what you were suppose to do. Also, those were some really good hits. I was trying to use more of my Maiden powers, but they took too long to bring out."

"You're getting better Robin, but you still make yourself too obvious. She was able to figure out how and when you try to move out of the way. As for your powers, you need to be able to just bring them out faster. You won't have time to think in a real fight. These are things that can be worked on." Turning to Yang. "You're still getting too caught up in the moment. You should have been able to dodge that elbow. That was rather sloppy Yang. Had it been a blade or some other weapon, you would have been impaled." She critiqued.

Yang rubbed the back of her head. "Heh. Guess I was having too much fun huh?"

Noticing how disappointed Robin looked at getting bested so quickly, Raven put a hand on her shoulder. "There is no reason for you to feel disappointed. Reaching higher levels takes time and effort. So, instead of feeling disappointed in yourself, use that energy to learn from your mistakes. That's why were here."

Robin felt her spirits lifted from her leader's words of encouragement. She also noticed Yang grinning at her while giving two thumbs up. There were many times that, to her, Yang felt a lot like an older sister. She briefly wondered if this was what it was like to have an older sibling. Regardless, Robin returned Yang's gesture with a smile of her own.

"Now then. Let's go again." Just as Raven turned, she remembered something. Turning back she faced her daughter. "Yang. Owl is your great grandfather." The older woman bluntly blurted out with no tact at all.

Yang just stood there. Looking as she hadn't heard her mother correctly. "W-what?"

"Mr. Arc. That is not how you use a sword and shield. You want to hide you sword arm behind the shield. Not extend past it. Also, there is no reason to move you shield so far out of the way when you attack as well." Ozpin's voice echoed in Jaune's mind.

"I don't see what the problem is. It's been working for me so far." Jaune replied coldly.

"It has been working because you have been fighting beasts. Not trained and experienced people. Every time you extend your hand past your shield, you expose it to someone who could snipe and wound your hand. And every time you move shield away from your body so far, you open yourself up to a counter. You have to work around the shield Mr. Arc, but you must never move it too far away from your body." Ozpin advised.

This had been going on for about a week after Ozpin had made his presence known. He was going to tell everybody the truth, but Qrow had told him he already did that. Jaune noticed that Tai was not very pleased about Ozpin being around and honestly, he felt the same. He also didn't like when Ozpin assumed control. It felt...wrong and weird.

Ozpin had set everything up so that he would train Jaune himself and Weiss when she needed help with her Maiden abilities.

Jaune swung his blade while keeping his hand behind his shield and was surprised to find that it felt right.

"You can also use the shield to hide your weapon. Your enemy won't know where the attack will be coming from. You can press forward with your shield out and then move it up slightly to come in with a surprise thrust. A shield comes with many advantages, but it has two main weaknesses." Ozpin said.

Jaune frowned. "What would those be?" His tone still very cold and business like.

"Well, the first being that it can obscure your vision. The other is lack of freedom of movement since you have to constantly work around it." If Ozpin was uncomfortable or offended by the young man's tone, he certainly wasn't showing it.

"You seem to know an awful lot about this."

Ozpin chuckled. "Well, I did use to be a professor at a premiere school for Hunters."

Jaune stopped. Fatigue forced him to sit down and place his equipment on the ground. "Well, it sounds like you know it because you lived it." He said as he wiped a towel over his face.

"Well, yes. I'm very old Jaune. I have seen and experienced many things." Ozpin paused. A wave of regret passed through him. "But I have also made a lot of mistakes."

"Stop! I don't want to hear it." There was a crack in his voice. Just the mere insinuation of that event was almost enough to bring him to tears.

Both remained silent. Stewing in regret, but for very different reasons. For Jaune, it was the regret that he had been too damn stupid to notice Pyrrha's feelings and not realizing his own for her sooner. For Ozpin, it was all of the mistakes from his past. Each and every single one of them haunted him. Made him wish he could go back and change what he had done.

"Well, you should come out to teach Weiss how to use her powers more." Jaune said. Being the first to break the silence.

"Very well." He said nothing more. The man didn't want to say anything that would make his vessel feel worse.

"Now, Ms. Schnee. You must concentrate. Imagine your home, Atlas. Recall the frigid temperatures. The harsh coolness of the snow. Recall those feelings and grab onto them as if they were real, physical objects." Ozpin said in a patient tone. He really liked being a professor. If there wasn't the threat of the world being overrun with Grimm, then he would have gladly taken a teaching position for the rest of his life.

Weiss followed the advice of the older man. It was still very weird to have Ozpin's voice coming out of Jaune's mouth, but she would deal with it.

Remembering the harsh cold of her home, she envisioned herself cupping her hands around it. And then she felt it. The frigid feeling of ice formed around her fingers. Harsh wind began swirling around the inside of the space between her hands. Weiss was straining to keep the magic out. The amount of mental effort required to just bring this out and hold it was incredibly taxing.

"Relax your body. Let the magic run freely through it."

Every muscle in her body was completely tensed up. She could definitely feel her body was fighting against the power. As soon as she tried to relax, the power immediately disappeared. Weiss immediately lurched forward and started panting. Sweat dripping from her face.

"This is much harder than I thought it would be." The former heiress looked up at Jaune/Ozpin. "How come it came so easily back then."

"Because it came out subconsciously. There was no resistance provided. It's difficult at first because your body is not use to feeling such a thing surge inside of it, but trust me. It will get easier. And before you know it, it'll be as natural to you as breathing. It just takes time." The former headmaster said.

"Do all Maidens have difficulty at the start?" Asking she stood up and dusting off her clothes.

"Yes. The beginning is always the most difficult. However, the more your body gets use to the power, the easier it will be to conjure it. The ones who have the easiest times with it are children who inherit the power. Their tiny bodies offer very little resistance and they are more prone to having subconscious outbursts. This lets their bodies have more chances to get use to power than someone who is older."

"I guess that makes sense." Weiss noticed the somber expression on his face as he looked upon her. "Is...there something wrong Professor Ozpin?"

Ozpin shook his head. "I just want to apologize to you."

This caught Weiss' attention. "For what? You didn't do anything to me."

Ozpin sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "No. It is because of me that you carry a massive burden and responsibility. It is because of me that you will most likely never have a normal life ever again. It is my fault that you now have a target painted on your back."

"Well, I mean, maybe. But I think it wouldn't be good to be thinking like that. It is what is now. We should just make the best of the situation at hand." Weiss comforted as she patted his shoulder.

Ozpin smiled. A wave of nostalgia hit him hard. He recognized these words. The words of the original Winter Maiden. He missed those young women.

"Yes. I suppose you are right Ms. Schnee. Can't be feeling sorry for ourselves all the time. We have to keep moving forward." He felt an extreme wave of fatigue hit him. It appeared his time limit was up. "Well, looks like it's time for me to give Mr. Arc his body back. Just keep trying to bring out the magic. It will get easier the more you do it."

Weiss nodded and watched as Jaune's eyes flashed. Signaling that they switched consciousnesses.

"Ugh. I swear, every time that happens I feel like I'm going to vomit." Jaune said as he leaned over with hands on his knees to keep himself from falling.

"You mean just like you did before you came to Beacon?" Weiss snidely said with a knowing grin.

Jaune looked horrified. "Oh, come on! Did they really tell you about that?"

"Sure did Vomitboy." Laughing as she went back inside.

"Aw, come on. I swear you guys are the worst." He said following her. The blond smiled upon hearing Weiss giggle from his comment.

Blake was horrified at the sight before her. She had never seen so many corpses in her entire life. Some burnt to a crisp, others dismembered or shot. There were even a few that looked like someone had come by personally and beat to death. Who or whatever did this left behind a strong feeling of anger and hate. It was perfect for attracting Grimm.

"Looks like someone isn't a fan of the White Fang." Sienna said. She wasn't surprised to see this. Adam was bound to attract some new enemies.

"This is horrible." Blake blurted. A sick feeling settled in her stomach.

Sienna shrugged her shoulders. "It's what they deserved. They shouldn't have sided with Adam. He was bound to piss off the wrong person or people sooner or later."

Blake was appalled by the older woman. "How can you say that? All of these deaths? All of these grotesque injuries? This is not something that should be just shrugged off Sienna. This is exactly the type of barbarity that Adam would do! This was done in hate and nothing else!"

The older woman rolled her eyes. "Oh, please Blake. These are our enemies. They would not hesitate to do the same to us. Also, this not what Adam would have done." She knelt down to inspect one of the many corpses. "All of these wounds led to quick deaths. Adam would have made them suffer through a slow and agonizing death."

"The fact that they would do this to us gives even more reason to not do it. There is no need to stoop to this level."

Sienna ignored Blake and motioned for her people. "Try to find anything that's left. Doesn't matter what it is. We will make it useful." The tiger Faunus passed by Blake, but paused when she was a few feet in front of her. She turned to face the younger woman. "What is it that your scared of Blake huh? Could it be that your just too much of a coward to kill? Is the constitution of you mind really so fragile? Or is it something a little deeper?"

Blake gulped. She choose to say nothing as she looked away.

"Humph. Whatever it is, I suggest you solve that problem quickly. Because when the real fight starts, there will be no room for that weakness. Adam will eat you alive." Sienna said. She turned away and moved towards the interior of the destroyed camp.

Later that evening, she had returned to their camp. Blake stopped at a medical tent as she heard the sounds of screaming. Her ears immediately flattened against her head. She could hear the doctors inside talking about needing to amputate due to extreme necrosis. It dawned on her that they probably didn't have any sedatives. Blake figured that this was probably another one of Adam's victims.

"Hey, Blake."

She blinked. Turning, she found Ilia was standing behind her.

"Oh! Ilia. Hey. Is there something you want?"

"I just wanted to talk, but maybe we should do that away from here."

Another scream prompted both girls to snap their heads to the tent.

"Yeah. Maybe we should." Blake said.

Blake and Ilia found a secluded spot in the corner of the camp. The only company they had were the songs of crickets looking for mates. The night spring breeze whooshed by as the blades of grass danced because of it.

"You wanted to talk Ilia?" Blake asked.

"Yes. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I had no idea about the horrible things Adam was actually doing. And." She chocked out a sob. "And I was going to give you to that monster." Tears cascading down her cheeks. The pain of what she had nearly done being to great to contain. She nearly given Blake to a monster that would have inflicted ungodly amounts of torture to her. What did that say about her though? That she was so ready to go through with it. The pain of those terrible implications of her character were too much to bare.

Blake stepped forward to the shorter girl and hugged her with all her might. Resting her chin on her shoulder. "It's okay Ilia. I don't hold it against you." She said softly into her ear.

Ilia broke down fully. Burying her head into Blake's chest as she wrapped her arms around her. As she let loose a torrent of cries. She lost the strength to stand as her legs turned to jelly. If it wasn't for Blake already holding her, she would of fallen to the ground.

"Shhhhh. It's okay Ilia. Just let it all out." Blake cooed gently as she rubbed small circles into Ilia's back. Seeing her so hurt reminded Blake yet again of what her habit of running away does to people who really care about her. It's in this that she is reminded of the hurt she has probably put Yang through. No, not probably. She is very certain that she has caused great harm to her partner. A partner that had confided many of her personal secrets that she didn't even tell her own sister. Blake had a lot of making up to do.

Ilia had started to quiet down. Her tears finally stopped. Rolling her head so that her cheek was laying on Blake's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry on you."

"It's fine Ilia. If anything I should be the one apologizing. Running away caused all of this. If I hadn't-"

Ilia pulled back abruptly and looked up into Blake's amber eyes. "No! Don't you say that. You aren't responsible for what he's done. He made those choices himself. You were right to run. That man is an abusive monster. Not just to you, but to practically everyone around him."

"It really doesn't feel like that. Feels like I caused a lot of suffering."

"But it's not your fault. It's his."

Blake smiled. "You're right, but I still have to make it up to someone."

"Who is this someone?"

"My partner from Beacon. She saved me from him." An image of Adam cutting off Yang's arm flashed in her mind. It caused her to blink. She shook her head to rid herself of the memory. "Unfortunately, it was at the sacrifice of her arm. Then...then I did the only thing I knew how to do well, I ran. Tried to convince myself that I did it to protect her, but I soon realized that wasn't true. Then I tried to rationalize with myself that I did it because I wanted to see my parents. That was only half true."

Blake shook her head. "The truth is I was just a coward. Things got hard and I ran instead of helping to take care of the young, brave, strong woman who saved my life. I ran because I was so afraid of not only Adam, but also dealing with the fact that my stupidity got her horribly maimed. And being constantly reminded of it."

"Blake, You can't blame yourself for everything he does. I'm sure she would agree." Ilia said. Though, she couldn't help but feel a twang of pain. The way she talked about this woman. The softness and fondness of her tone. To Ilia, it was obvious Blake held that woman in a special place in her heart. A place that she wished to be.

That cat Faunus gave a sad smile. "I know. I think that's what makes it worse. The amount of kindness that she gave so freely to me was incredible. And I repaid that kindness by being absent. Once this whole thing is over I'm going to go back to Patch and I'm going to do everything I can to make it better."

"Well, I'm sure she'll be happy to see you again" Ilia said with a smile.

"Heh. Here I thought I was supposed to be the one comforting you. Not the other way around."

The smaller Faunus pulled away from Blake. "Well, I think we all need a little bit of comforting. Especially now. Thanks Blake. Thanks for being here." She walked away towards the tent that she was bunking at.

Once Ilia was out of her sight, Blake cast her eyes upwards to the stars and destroyed moon. "No. Thank you Ilia." She whispered.

"You wanted to talk to me Qrow." Ozpin said as he folded his hands together on his lap.

"Yeah. We got a problem."

"Really now. Enlighten me on this problem."

"A couple of days ago I went to visit Leo to discuss how we should get the Spring Maiden. We both agreed to gather a large group of Huntsmen and Huntresses. I would go out into the city and he would pull some strings with the council."

"I assume you've hit a snag with that." Ozpin deduced.

"Yeah, I did. I can't find a single Huntsman or Huntress around. It's like they just either disappeared or died." Qrow sat back in his seat and crossed his left leg over his right. "I don't like this Oz. This is very strange. Something very wrong is happening here."

Ozpin hummed. He sat back and stared up at the ceiling. "Yes, very strange indeed." He didn't like this one bit either. Questions raced through his mind. Why were there no classes being held? Why was every professional Huntsman and Huntress either missing or dead. None of it added up. And then it hit him. A dark epiphany suddenly came to mind. "Qrow. As much as it pains me to say it, but." Ozpin looked back at the other man with a strained expression. "Leonardo has probably betrayed us."

Qrow's eyes widened. He put his hand to his face and rubbed it side to side. "You mean he's working with Salem now."

"Yes. I'm not one hundred percent certain, but with Haven being empty and no Huntsmen or Huntresses around, it's the only conclusion I can come up with that makes sense."

Qrow slammed his fist down on the arm of the chair. "Fuck! Oh, fucking god dammit! That means I screwed up big Oz. Real fucking big."

Ozpin's frowned. "Elaborate please?"

Qrow stood up and went to the backside of the chair he was sitting in. "I found out where the damn Spring Maiden is. Raven had her this whole time." He put both of his hands in his hair and started to pull harshly. "I gave that information to Leo! Which means now Salem fucking knows too!" He stared down at the chair for a few moments. He then kicked across the room. Miraculously, nothing broke. "God dammit!"

"Qrow. Please. Calm down."

"Calm down!? Oz. I just gave Salem the keys to the fucking relic!" He yelled.

"Look. I know. This is bad. But we can't give way to panic. We may still have a chance. Salem herself will not be coming. She will have others come to take the relic. Raven is powerful and commands a powerful society of warriors. It will not be easy for them to take the Maiden. Then, of course, there is Ms. Xiao Long." Ozpin said in an attempt to calm his friend.

Qrow looked at him when he mentioned his niece. "So, you know?"

Ozpin shook his head. "Yes. I have seen everything Mr. Arc has witnessed on his journey. I just hadn't recovered enough power to make myself known until now."

Qrow started taking deep breathes to calm himself. Once he was able to compose himself he picked up his chair and placed it back in its original spot. "So, where do we go from here Oz?" He said as he sat back in his chair.

"We continue to train our younger companions and act normal. We must never let Leonardo know that we have figured out his secret."

"Alright, but what about Raven and the Maiden?"

"We will figure that out once we have regained control of Haven. Right now, Leonardo is our primary concern."

"Fine. We'll deal with Leo first then Raven. Right. Makes sense to me." Qrow said as he stood up and started heading for the stairs.

Ozpin stood up from his seat. "Qrow?"

The scythe wielder stopped with his right foot on the bottom step. "Yeah?" He asked as he turned to his old friend.

"Leonardo doesn't know that I'm here does he?"

Qrow shook his head. "No. He doesn't even know Weiss is the Winter Maiden. We thought it best to keep it secret. The less people who know, the less likely Salem will know."

Ozpin breathed a sigh of relief. "I see. Good. Well, I bid you a good night my friend."

"Yeah. Thanks. You get some rest too Oz." Qrow said with a smile.

A/N: Hey guys! Back with another one. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Anyway, y'all didn't come here to be reminded of that asshole virus, you came here for a story. I was kinda surprised that Ozpin and Qrow didn't figure out that Leo was working for Salem. Like, seriously, it wasn't hard to figure out. You wouldn't even need to have been shown it. It was pretty obvious. At least to me it was. So, I fixed it. Now I know some might be a little disappointed that they didn't see more from Robin and what she can do, but I'm saving it. Also, really wouldn't make sense for her to go all out. Would kinda make it hard to keep her a secret. Even though you, the audience already know Qrow and Salem know. Don't worry. You'll see her flexing her stuffs. Also, fun little fact. Her weapon is called Vernal. I couldn't bring the character in so I thought naming her weapon after her would be a nice little nod. After all, her name does mean spring or something related to spring.

During our time in quarantine, I have been playing Fire Emblem: Three Houses. I have become total Edelyth trash. Fem Byleth x Edelgard is my poison in that game. Seriously, they're so damn cute. Gotta say though. I think I'm a sucker for stories where Edelgard takes care of Byleth after she wakes up. The kind of story where Edelgard isn't shy and is very confident in post-time skip and takes care of an emotionally vulnerable Byleth since we never get to see her be like that except maybe once...Also, I definitely headcanon Edelgard as an absolute top with Byleth being the sub bottom...I know. I have no shame. Another thing. Black Eagles route ruined the game for me, but in a good way. Really can't go down any other route now. Lol

Also, I played the shit out of FF7 Remake and loved the fuck out it. I won't say anything much because I don't want to get people spoiled. That being said, if you have played it, please don't talk about any spoilers. Let's be respectful to others who haven't had the chance yet. My final words on that are this. The Honey Bee Inn is THE best part of the game and FUCK JULES! If you've played the game, then you know why I said that about Jules.

CrazyGorilla: I'm disappointed that CRWBY didn't go with that instead of it being Ozpin's magic. Missed opportunity if you ask me. But it is what it is right? Just so you know, I made Yang the MC not just because she's my fav, but also because I didn't like the way they handled her character. Thanks for taking time out of your day to read my story!

TampaBayMike95: I updated! :)

The Griim Reqper: I'm a huge fan of Darth Vader. Easily the coolest character in the franchise.

kyrogue23: I have plans for Jaune and Ozpin when we finally get to volume 6 stuff. So, that's proably where you will see the real conflict between them. Also, Watts will get what's coming to him eventually.

dudebladex: When the fight in the Vault takes place you will probably guess what I have planned for Blake. It'll just take some time to get there.

Well, until next you guys. Peace!