A/N: as Yang starts her training with Taiyang, Ruby and the others are forced to split up when something comes up.

You were sitting inside your ship next to Coco and Velvet with both Melanie and Miltia sitting across from you 3.

(Y/N): So what were you girls doing all the way out here?

Miltia: Well, as you could guess, our club was attacked on the same night beacon and vale were. 

Melanie: Me, Miltia and Junior had to fight our way through Grimm in order for us just to get out of the club. But when we got out, we soon lost sight of junior and those damn Grimm were everywhere. We had no choice but to evacuate like everyone else.

(Y/N): But why are you all the way out here then.

Milita: One of the drop ships were attacked by a Griffon and a few people were knocked off. Me and Melanie were the only ones to survive. We were only able to live off so few things that we had for several months. With our clothes barely making it through.

She said as she looked down at her and her sister's slightly torn up clothes.  

(Y/N): Oh, I see. Well, You girls can stay on the ship. We're currently still trying to find the location of Ruby and the others.

Melanie: Thank you, that would be great.

Coco: I just have one question: How do you know these two girls, (Y/N)?

(Y/N): 0_0

There was soon a long awkward silence.

Milita: well...........this is a little awkward.

She said while scratching the back of her head.

(Meanwhile).

Yang lifted up her head, arms as she readied for a fight. Taiyang took a swing at her with his left hand, but she easily blocked it with her robotic wrist, pushing his hand away from her. The interplay repeated with his right and her left, only this time Yang used the momentum to turn and come back at her father with a roundhouse kick. Taiyang bent backward to dodge it, his legs in a lunge. He gave his daughter a solid punch, pushing her back a few feet. Nearby, Zwei watched the two spar, panting happily. Beside him was a low stool with two white towels. His head changed angles, oscillating to the sounds of grunts and contact. Abruptly he held his head straight and made a noise of surprise. Taiyang stood alone and moved forward, doing his own roundhouse kick. Yang joined both hands atop each other to block Tai's landing foot. With a loud cry she pushed it up and back. Taiyang regained his footing in a flip while Yang waits for his landing. Using her robotic arm, she knocked him back with a single hit. Holding onto his right bicep, Tai slid through the dirt, his feet flat on the ground until he came to a stop.

Taiyang: Whoa, that thing packs a punch!

Yang: We've been at this for weeks. I get it, you wanna make sure I can still fight. I think I'm doing just fine.

Taiyang: You're close.

He stood upright, no longer nursing his arm. Walking around his daughter in a circle, he assessed her progress.

Yang: Oh, really?

Taiyang: You're still off balance.

Yang: What?! No I'm not!

Taiyang chuckled.

Yang: Honestly, I'm kind of surprised.

She lifted her robotic arm, looking down at it with a smile.

Yang: I thought it would be just this huge weight, but it feels... natural. They did a great job with this thing.

Taiyang came in, delivering a left hook right into her face. Yang's upper body reared back both from impact and surprise. She was ready to block his right hook, however, and used the turning momentum to deliver an elbow jab. Grinning the entire time, Tai blocked it and then dodged all the kicked she followed through with. Yang switched to punches, but Tai was too on point for her. While she used her left hand to block an elbow thrust, Tai had grasped her robotic arm and pulled it forward. The position put Yang in the position of having her balance rely on the weight of one leg.

Taiyang: I wasn't talking about your actual balance.

He swept her forward leg, sending her onto the ground on her back. He left her there and walked over to Zwei, who happily got the top towel for him.

Taiyang: Although, that could use some work too.

Taiyang took the towel and gave Zwei a rub on the top of his head. Zwei hummed happily. Arms spread on the ground, Yang took a breath before speaking.

Yang: Meaning?

Taiyang: I saw your tournament fights. During the Vytal Festival.

Yang: Let me guess. "I was sloppy."

Taiyang: No, no, you were predictable. And... stubborn. And... maybe a little boneheaded.

Yang sat up and spun to stare at her father.

Taiyang: Do you realize that you used your Semblance to win every fight after the qualifiers?

Yang: So what? How is me using my Semblance any different than someone else using theirs?

Tossing the towel on the ground, Taiyang moved toward Yang.

Taiyang: Because not everyone else's is basically a temper tantrum. 

He laughed and crouched by her side.

Taiyang: I'm serious! Once you take damage, you can dish it back twice as hard, but that doesn't make you invincible! It's great when you're in a bind, but what happens if you miss? What happens if they're stronger? What then? Now you're just weak and tired! You've always been one to burn brighter than everyone else, whether it was with your smile, or, well, I remember your first haircut.

He playfully tugged the hair on the back of her head. Smiling, Yang batted him away. He chuckled and got up, walking away a few paces with Zwei just behind him.

Taiyang: But you gotta keep your emotions in check. Keep a level head, and think before you act. Your Semblance is a great fallback, but you can't let yourself rely on it. It won't always save you.

He lowered his head, sadness creeping into his tone.

Taiyang: Obviously. You definitely have your mom's stubbornness.

Taiyang faced one of the trees, not looking at Yang. Between the two of them, Zwei moved his head back and forth as each spoke.

Yang: Oh, so now we can talk about her?

Taiyang: Well, as I have been informed, you're an adult now, remember?

Yang: Well, sorry I remind you of her.

Taiyang: Don't be. Raven was great in so many ways - her strength, her ambition, her dedication to whatever cause she thought was worth fighting for.

He turned around.

Taiyang: I'm proud of how much of her I see in you. But, I'm glad I don't see all of her in you.

Yang: Why?

Taiyang: Your mother was... a complicated woman. Like everybody, she had her faults, but those faults are what tore our team apart. And, it did a real number on our family. You both act like the easiest way to tackle an obstacle is through it. 

He pointed at Zwei.

Taiyang: That strength is all that matters in a fight. But if you just take a second look, then maybe you see... 

He walked toward her.

Taiyang: There's a way around as well. (extends hand) Come on - one more before dinner.

Yang took his hand and he helped her up. They circle each other, arms at the ready. Taiyang made the first move with a left hook, followed immediately by a right cross and a kick. Yang blocked and dodged, continuing to avoid being hit even when Taiyang fliped in the air. She cartwheeled, avoiding him and he landed across from her. They faced off again, Taiying doing a single punch and kick. Veering to avoid it, Yang rolled a few feet away before turning and rushing at him. They met in the middle, each with their left hand on the other's right elbow, pushing against each other.

Taiyang: Heh. See? Alright! Now you're using your head instead of your.......

Yang kicked his leg out from underneath him, but catched him as he fell back. They paused in that pose, grasping hands and smiling together. 

(Back With Weiss).

In the makeshift practice area of her room, Weiss held Myrtenaster at the ready. She stepped back, twirled, a stream of blue-white light coming from the tip of her sword. On the close of her twirl, Weiss held it aloft before striking the tip to the floor. A Summoning glyph appeared, the Arma Gigas' sword slowly but surely began to emerge. Weiss' eyes were shut as she concentrated, the power of her Summoning caused a small wind to blow the hair around her face. A voice interrupted.

Whitley Schnee: Hello, sister.

He was propped up against the frame of her open door. The sword shattered and disappeared, the glyph fading away after.

Weiss: Ugh, leave.

Whitley: How hurtful. And here I am, about to offer you a favor. Father's taking me to town to introduce me to some of his business partners. I'd thought I'd see if you wanted me to pick up anything, since you're ... well, stuck here.

(Go back to your shit father so you can just keep sucking up to him like the bitch you are, Whitley).

Weiss: Are you jealous? Is that it?

Whitley: Whatever do you mean?

Weiss: Is that why you hate me? Are you jealous of my abilities? Of Winter's?

Whitley stepped away from the door frame. 

Whitley: Hmm... no, not really. Honestly, I find it barbaric. It's beneath people like me. Like Father. What can a single Huntsman possibly do that an army cannot? That's why we have one, even if it is run by a fool.

(That is why you are weak).

Weiss: I said, leave.

Whitley: Fine, fine. I've got better things to do. 

He was to leave before speaking again.

Whitley: Enjoy your... training, however pointless it is.

At the door Whitley turned around, on hand on the jamb.

Whitley: What is your plan, anyway? What do you hope to accomplish while trapped in your own bedroom?

A black glyph appeared on the open door, promptly swinging it shut on Whitley's briefly surprised face. Weiss lowered Myrtenaster with a sigh and resumed her Summoning position. The glyph appeared and this time Weiss looked at the portrait of the Arma Gigas on the wall. She repeated the same twirl and stabbed. The glyph glowed brightly and spun faster. The books shook in the bookcase on the wall. One particular tome, decorated with floral relief, fell off the shelf and opened on the floor. The window bursted outward as the room was consumed in a bright white light. The light abated to reveal Weiss covering her eyes with her arm. The door to her room was pushed open by an urgent Klein.

Klein: Miss Schnee! Are you alright?!

The butler's eyes widened and he leaned backward, looking amazed. Weiss smiled at him and turned to face the Arma Gigas she successfully Summoned.

Weiss: Yes.

The Arma Gigas went down to one knee and bowed at Weiss, who looked out the broken window.

Weiss: Klein, I need a favor.

Klein nodded determinedly.

(Back with Blake).

Blake and the masked White Fang member lept from tree to tree, Blake in pursuit of the other Faunus. They both paused for a moment, gripping different trees. A noise above the spy mad her gasp and Sun appeared, dropping down.

Sun: Gotcha!

She leapt on, out of his path. Blake pursued while Sun landed on a branch.

Sun: Hey, wait up!

Blake: Don't let her out of your sight!

The spy emerged from the trees and onto a roof. She continued to run across the buildings, Blake right behind her. Sliding under some arching pipes, she finally turned and stopped. Using her weapon in whip form, she sliced the pipe, releasing steam to block Blake. It doesn't work; Blake moved right under the pipes through the steam.

Blake: Why are you watching me?

The girl smiled and lowered her weapon. Sun landed on the roof behind her, causing her to turn around.

Sun: Give it up! I'm not above hitting a girl, you........

He got cut off when the spy's whip came at him in an attack, which he fell back to avoid. Blake took advantage of the distraction to kick the Scroll out of the spy's hand. The girl was surprised, avoided Blake's next attack, responded with a kick of her own and attempted to retrieve the Scroll. Sun tackled her instead.

Sun: Grab the Scroll! Seems someone thinks it's important!

???: Get off!

She headbutted Sun, cracking off the part of the mask covering her left eye, and tried to race Blake to the Scroll. Instead first one and then a total of four clones tackled her. Sun was holding his pose to control his Semblance and Blake paused.

Sun: Quit staring and grab it!

Blake listened, and Sun finally released his Semblance, which he had been struggling to maintain, and fell to his knees. The clones disappeared from atop the girl. She rose and aimed her weapon at Blake.

Sun: Blake, watch out!

Blake turned, rising with the Scroll in her hand. She saw the broken Grimm mask crumble from the spy's face.

Blake: Ilia.

Sun: Wait, you know her?! But she doesn't even look like a f.......

He got cut off when the color changing Ilia striked an electric hit near his shoulder with her weapon. Sun cried out in pain and fell.

Blake: Sun!

Ilia: Give it to me.

Blake: No.

Ilia changed color again.

Ilia: You shouldn't have come back.

She used her weapon to create a rush of dust, which allowed her to escape. Blake briefly acknowledged that Ilia had disappeared before rushing over to Sun.

Blake: Sun! Sun!

Sun was lying on his back, bleeding from the wound Ilia caused. Blake covered the wound with her hands.

Blake: No, no, no, not again, please! Help! Somebody! Hold on, Sun, just hold on.

Back with Ruby and the others, Ruby was breathing heavily from so much walking while carrying Qrow.

Ruby: Just hold on, Uncle Qrow.

Ruby and Jaune carried  Qrow on a makeshift stretcher. Ren was before them on the path, leading the way while Nora brought up the rear. Qrow was groaning in pain and was a touch delirious.

Qrow: Tai. She's not... coming... Tai.

Qrow coughed repeatedly.

Jaune: He's getting worse.

Ruby: How much farther?

Nora: We've gotta be close.

Ren: Without the map, there's no way of knowing. But I feel like we're close to something.

Ren holstered StormFlower.

Ruby: What is it?

Directly ahead was a fork in the road with a signpost. They were coming from the direction of Higanbana. Kuchinashi and Mistral were to the right, where the land was mountainous. To the left is Kuroyuri, its name crossed out. The path that way remained low ground.

Nora: Hey, hey! Mistral! We're on the right path! Oh...

Ruby: Does it say how close?!

Ren: No. And it looks like the path takes us up the mountains.

Jaune and Ruby set Qrow down.

Jaune: Guys, I don't know if all of us can make that climb.

Ruby looked at Qrow, concerned, before rushing forward to the sign post.

Ruby: Okay. Well, what about this place?

She pointed.

Ruby: Kuro... Kuroyuri? Can we get help there?

Jaune approached.

Ren: That village was destroyed years ago.

Jaune: But if it takes us around the mountains, it's the best bet we've got.

Ren: It will take too long.

Ruby: The town would have had a doctor, right? Maybe we could scavenge for medicine!

Jaune: Right!

Ren closed his eyes, lowering his head and shaking it.

Ren: We're not going to find anything! We just have to press on!

There was just a brief moment of silence as Ruby watched him, clutching her hands before her chest.

Jaune: Ren, why are you acting.......

Nora cut Jaune off and came up beside Ren.

Nora: We can split up.

Ruby: Huh?

Nora put her hand on Ren's shoulder.

 Nora: Ren and I can cut through the mountains while you and Ruby take Qrow around through the village.

Jaune: No, we're supposed to stick together! We keep each other safe!

Nora: We don't have time for safe! If we make it to Mistral, we'll bring back help! If we don't, at least we'll have a better view of the land! Up there, we can see if there's somewhere else we can go!

Ren turned and looked at Nora. They exchanged small, affectionate smiles. Still holding his gaze, Nora dropped her hand from his shoulder. All four remained silent, feeling the weight of the choice before them. Qrow coughed, making them all turn in concern and giving the motive to continue. Jaune looked at Ruby before turning to Nora and Ren.

Jaune: OK.

Jaune stepped forward and he and Ren hugged each other.

Jaune: Just take care of each other.

Nora: We always have.

On the path to Kuroyuri, Jaune and Ruby lift Qrow. They turned to Nora and Ren, who were on the path through the mountains to Mistral. They nodded and Nora waved. Ren started to turn, looked back one more time, and then ran. Nora followed behind. Jaune and Ruby continued on their way.

Ruby: They're gonna be fine, Jaune.

Jaune: You don't know that.

Ruby turned forward, her expression saddened. Moving forward, her stepped left an imprint on the ground, shortly after overlapped by Jaune's own. Their footsteps were treading over another, larger mark. The same one discovered in Shion.

A/N: and then the horror starts.