With their team spiraling out of control, Nina and Leon were in Vale, discussing their next course of action over a cup of coffee.

Nina: So Leon, we got one teammate that refuses to talk to us, and another who's more concerned with listening to her insane dad than us, any ideas?

Leon: I guess for now we worry about the tournament... that's the top priority.

Nina: *takes a sip of coffee* I suppose you're right, The single matches are next, which one of us should go in? I mean, Kayla's probably busy, and Isaac would get all upset, and even if he agreed, we can't risk him trying to destroy the arena again.

Leon: I gotta agree on that one... Nina... be honest... How do you think you are in a one on one fight?

Nina: Probably not very well, guess that leaves you.

Leon: Guess so... *rubs his shoulder and winces* No big deal.

Nina: You sure, you look like you're in pain.

Leon: It's no big deal, honest.

Nina: Don't be rash, I don't want you to get hurt.

Leon: it's fine, honest, nothing I haven't dealt with before.

Nina: Leon, you nearly overexerted yourself just getting here, I shudder to think what would happen to you in battle.

Leon: Psh, I'm fine.

Nina: *looks away* alright, I hope you know what you're doing.

Leon: Nina...

Nina: L-Leon...

Leon: Nina, you really don't need to worry....

Nina: I-I'm your team leader, worrying is my job.

Leon: You know I'm capable of a one on one, you've seen me take on two highly trained guards with an arm tied behind my back, I can beat one guy without breaking a sweat.

Nina: I-I know.

Leon: *puts a hand on Nina's shoulder* I'll be fine, I swear.

Nina: J-just promise me to be careful, alright?

Leon: I won't play with my food in the one on one fight, ok Nin?

Nina: *blushes and smiles* Okay, Lee.

Leon chuckles and makes a goofy smile. Then out of nowhere, Axel shows up.

Axel: Nina, there you are, the next match is gonna... Did I interrupt something?

Leon: Nah, just talking to my leader. So, next matches are kicking off?

Axel: Yeah, now hurry up, snacks are on me today.

Nina: Thanks bro, ready Lee?

Axel: Oh silly nicknames, that's cute *rolls his eyes*

Leon: For free food, always.

Axel, Leon, and Nina all leave for the arena.

Axel: You dudes find a seat, I'll be right back *leaves*

Leon: Your brother's not half bad...

Nina: His is, more a father to me than my actual father.

Leon: Something go down with your father?

Nina: Well you see, way back when I was a little girl, Axel dared me to take my dad's bike for a spin, but I didn't learn how to ride back then and I crashed it. When dad learned about it, he lectured me for hours and swore to never ride again.

Leon: pretty strict old man...

Nina: Heh, what is it with our team and strict fathers, or lack of fathers.

Axel: *returns with popcorn and drinks* Hey, I'm back and, what's with the downward moods?

Leon: Just down cuz we weren't rolled first. *points to the names on the fighters roullete*

The fighters roulettes, at that moment selects Yang and Mercury.

Leon: At least it'll be a good fight.

Nina: The master of kicks vs the blonde boxer, I so want to see this.

Axel: Well let's pick a seat why don't we?

Leon: Sounds like a plan.

They all sit down as the field turns into a large, flat field.

Port: Three, two, one, Fight!

Things kick off right away, as the two combatants match each other's attacks, causing a shockwave felt around the arena.

Axel: Aw man sis, you weren't kidding when you said she was brutal.

Leon: You should see what happens when she gets angry.

Mercury leaps back and Yang counters with a flurry of gauntlet blasts, Mercury darts across the arena and throws a flying windmill kick, which Yang blocks.

Axel: Didn't this guy surrender last time you saw him fight?

Nina: He did, but there's no surrender this time.

Mercury delivered a kick strong enough to shatter the ground. Yang dodges but staggers back, but quickly recovers and punches Mercury in the face before knocking him over.

Axel: Ha, no surrender? Maybe he should reconsider.

Leon: Heh, ya know Axe, I like your style.

Mercury tries to get up, but Yang throws more gauntlet blasts his way, he almost rings out, but jumps back in using his boots and unleashes a flurry of kicks, sending Yang on the defensive.

Nina: He didn't do anything like that in the other matches.

Leon: Hmm... guess he was judging his competition... Smart...

Mercury started spraying blasts everywhere, kicks Yang to the curb, and brings all of those blasts down on top of her. Mercury stands up and starts dusting off as the crowd cheers.

Axel: Never mind, not surrendering actually payed off for him.

Leon: *chuckles darkly* Don't count her out yet... She's taken worse beatings than that...

The arena edge is suddenly engulfed in fire, and a rage charged Yang emerges from the impact point.

Axel: Wow, is this that rage state you warned me about?

Leon: It is, now sit back and learn one of life's greatest lessons, you don't make Yang upset.

Yang delivers a jolt haymaker to Mercury, he manages to block it, but Yang unleashes a flurry of blazing punches and knocks Mercury over to the sound of a buzzer.

Port: What a way to kick off the finals!

Oobleck: Yang Xiao Long wins!

Axel: Now I know why everyone's afraid of her.

Nina: *get's Leon's attention* Hey Lee, you should get ready, your match might be next.

Leon: *Stands up* Good idea Nin. *glances over his shoulder* Thought that would be over quicker honestly...

The crowd suddenly starts acting hysterical.

Axel: *taps Nina's shoulder* Um, sis?

Nina: *looks at Axel* What's up bro?

Axel: You never mentioned she does things like that! *points up at the screen*

What was on the screen was a truly horrific sight, showing Yang brutally knocking Mercury to the ground with a vicious crack.

Nina: No, no, that didn't happen.

Leon: What.. in the world... That's... not like Yang... D-d'you think she's like... still enraged or something..?

Axel: She's clearly in her right mind, I can picture her trial now, they lock her up permanently or even execute her.

Leon: I doubt it goes like that... Maybe expulsion... they'd blame Beacon more than her...

A platoon of Atleasian troopers suddenly swarm the field, intent on arresting Yang.

Axel: Yeah right, she'll be under lock and key by tomorrow.

Leon: Ozpin won't allow that...

Back in Beacon, Isaac was still sitting with Mabel, watching a romantic comedy. Mabel was resting her head on Isaac's shoulder while he had his arms wrapped around her waist.

Isaac: Ya know, I live for precious moments like this.

Mabel: *looks at Isaac* so do I sweetie.

Mabel leans in to kiss Isaac, but the tv statics out.

Isaac: Wait, what's up with the tv?

The tv cuts to a news channel.

TV: We interrupt this program to bring you an important news flash.

Isaac: Aw man, I hate it when it does this.

TV: Tragedy at the tournament tonight when the first singles match shocked people across Remnant, after claiming her victory, competitor Yang Xiao Long unlawfully attacked her opponent, breaking his leg. People have since been calling for--

Isaac: *turns the tv off* That, that couldn't be real.

Mabel: You still believe your friend's innocence?

Isaac: Of course.

Mabel: Well prove those news geeks wrong, show them how incorrect their broadcast is.

Isaac: But how do I do that?

Mabel: The only way you can, by looking for clues.

Isaac: Right, *looks back at the depowered tv* hang in there Yang, I got this.

Isaac hurried off the the arena, still in chaos over the recent event, after making his way through the crowd, Isaac found his way to the tournament ready rooms.

Isaac: Alright, let's see what this yields.

Isaac enters one of the ready rooms, he doesn't find anything notable, except a discarded video log in one of the lockers.

Isaac: And what do we have here?

Isaac hits the play button on the video log, unaware that someone is watching him from the shadows. The logs played back massage then starts, showing Ironwood and Mercury sitting at a table.

Ironwood: Is phase one of the plan complete yet?

Mercury: Cool your jets General, everyone is dead set against the blonde and demanding her imprisonment and all that.

Ironwood: Excellent, now, ready your forces like I told you.

Mercury: Yeah, yeah I get it, you just wait General. Stick with me, and Vale will be your's by the end of the week.

Isaac: *turns the video log off* I, it can't be true, Atlas wants to take over Vale? No no, I must be seeing things.

Isaac leaves the ready room and heads to the outside of the arena while trying to decide where to go next. But while in thought, he overheard two Atlesian troopers disclosing information.

Trooper 1: So, are squads Epsilon and Lambda in place?

Trooper 2: Yes, squads Theta and Omega are also standing by.

Trooper 1: Good, await further instructions, phase two will begin shortly, and when it does, our takeover of Vale is all but complete.

Isaac: Then, then it's true, Atlas is gonna take over Vale, I got to tell someone.

Mabel: *approches* And who exactly is gonna buy it?

Isaac didn't know how to answer.

Mabel: That's what I thought, Isaac you got to do something.

Isaac: But, I can't challenge Atlas's army.

Mabel: You're right, which is why you need to go right for the throat.

Isaac: You mean Ironwood?

Mabel: Yes, you remove Ironwood from the equation, then Vale will be saved, and you will be a hero.

Isaac: Alright, but how do I find him?

Mabel: *points to an Atlesian battleship in the distance* He'll be there, so we need to sneak you on board.

Isaac: Sounds like a plan. Beware Ironwood, I'm coming for you.

Leon rolls his shoulder, growling through the pain as he preps himself for the fight. With sword and shield being his prefered use of his weapons in his current state he knew he'd need to rely on physical ability over his semblance. He tightens his grip on the hilt of his sword before taking a deep breath.

Leon: This'll only take a few moments... a few good hits and they'll be down for the count, easy peasy... if only...

He stops rolling his shoulder, looking over it instead as he hears the door open. Not many people were cheering, still upset by what had occurred.

Leon strides to the center of the arena, sword and shield at the ready.

Oobleck: Once more we see one of Beacon's most capable combatants! Leon Orchid! With his strength and short range teleportation semblance he's capable of unblockable attacks and miraculous finishes! However... His opponent may show some difficult qualities! Hailing from Haven Academy! The impossible leader of team NOXX! Nemesis Kuro! With the ability to see the world with nothing but her semblance Nemera finds great ease in reading and anticipating the attacks of her foes! This will be a battle to remember!

Across the Arena Nemera stood calmly, bandages wrapped around her face to conceal her eyes, long black hair falls down her back as she slips into a fighting stance. Four rings rest on the fingers of her hands. Streams of dust flow to each ring from a back on her back.

Nemera: Your aura... is strange... full of hubris... This battle will be swift!

Leon: *Growls* Look girly, you've got a nice act, but you can't get cocky yet.

Oobleck: After our upset last match this one should be much calmer in reality!

Port: I'm looking forward to a jolly good match!

The timer starts above the arena.

Leon: *grips the hilt of his sword* Alright. Let's get this over with!

the moment the battle begins Leon blinks forward, once, twice, after the third he brings his blade around at Nemera's neck, whom blocks it with a stone coated hand, the other coated in fire as she brings it towards his stomach. Leon, of course, expected as much, slamming his shield into the side of her head, sending her reeling. Nemera catches herself, skidding across the arena, dangerously close to the edge before launching herself at leaning, sprinting towards him.

Leon: *blinks behind her, wincing softly as pain shoots up his arm before connecting a solid kick to his opponent's back* Take that! *He blinks ahead of her, slamming his shield into her, hissing in pain before blinking above her, switching his weapons into hammer mode, swinging it full force down at Nemera*

Nemera: *whips around, kicking the head of the hammer, ripping it from Leon's hands*

Leon: *Blinks, picks up his weapon and turns to Nemera* Impressive... *He pants softly, gripping the shaft of his hammer tight as pain courses through his body* I've got one shot at this *He blinks beside her, swinging the hammer straight into her outstretched hands. The force sends pain powering through his body as his aura suddenly depletes itself. A scream ripping from his lips as he crumples, gripping his shoulder tight*

Nemera: Your aura.... it devours itself... you live a dangerous life my friend.

Oobleck: In an unbelievable turn of events Leon's aura is completely drained, leaving him immobile! How could this have happened, emergency medics have been sent to retrieve him!

Port: What a truly disappointing day for Beacon. Two of their best competitors losing without truly losing. What ever could be happening in those halls.

Oobleck: You know good and well what's happening, you're one of the professors at Beacon.

Port: So you're right!

Meanwhile, Isaac was running through the streets of Vale like his life depended on it. Trying to think of a way to board Ironwood's battleship.

Isaac: Hijack a cargo ship, no they'll suspect that. Challenge him here, no he won't take it seriously.

Isaac reaches the outside of Atlas's landing zone and spots a large banner on the fence.

Isaac: That's it, I'll use my semblance, combined with that banner I can fly up there like a reverse parachute.

Isaac sneaks up to the side of the fence and carefully removes the banner from the fence without anyone seeing it.

Isaac: *finishes tying the banner around his belt* time for this coon to earn his wings, and his heroes badge!

Isaac starts focusing. The wind starts fluttering the banner, and eventually, the banner catches a drift and throws Isaac into the air toward Ironwood's battleship. Where the general was discussing recent events with Winter and other high ranked officers.

Officer 1: I'm telling you sir the White Fang is here.

Ironwood: We can't be sure of that Charlston.

Officer 2: There's been no sign of the White Fang since they were defeated before tournament day, and we got one of their biggest names locked up right here on the ship.

One of the Officers sees Isaac flying towards the window.

Officer 3: Um sir.

Winter: They wouldn't dare attack under that circumstance.

Officer 3: Sir.

Ironwood: Regardless we need to be on high alert, we may never--

Officer 3: SIR!!!

Ironwood: What!?

Officer 3: Look! *points at the window*

Isaac crashes through the window and turbulent wind fills the bridge. One of the officers presses a button, sealing the broken windows.

Ironwood: *draws his desert eagle* What's the meaning of this attack!?

Isaac: *draws his blade staff* don't play victim with me general, I'm onto you!

Ironwood: Clear the room!

Winter: But general--

Ironwood: That's an order!

Winter and all the other officers leave.

Ironwood: I'm gonna ask you again, what is the meaning of this attack?!

Isaac: And I'm gonna tell you again, I'm onto you. Your plans for conquest of Vale stop here!

Isaac leaps off the ground and attempts to deliver a dropkick to Ironwood's head, who grabs Isaac's foot and whips him back around, intent on throwing him back out the window, but Isaac increases his air resistance so his impact doesn't break the window.

Ironwood: What are you talking about?!

Isaac: Stop with the innocent act!!

Ironwood fires a few shots at Isaac, Isaac dashes behind a console before striking at Ironwood's legs, causing him to stumble back, Isaac capitalizes by kicking Ironwood in the chest, sending him to the ground. Isaac then aims another strike at Ironwood, who raises his mechanical arm to block.

Isaac: *pushes down harder* Ready to surrender yet?

Ironwood: Never learned the meaning of the word.

Isaac: *smirks* that makes two of us!

Isaac tries to strike Ironwood again, but he grabs Isaac by the collar and starts standing up.

Ironwood: *puts desert eagle to Isaac's head* Now you're gonna tell me why you're here, and why you would attack me, now!

Isaac: I'm the only huntsman whose figured it all out, you brought your army to Vale so you can take it over, well not on my watch!

Isaac pushes Ironwood away with a large gust and flees into the air vents.

Ironwood: You can run you so called huntsman, but you can't hide!

Ironwood aims up at the ceiling and starts shooting, but doesn't seem to hit anything. Everything in the bridge is silent, until Isaac drops from another vent, and knocks Ironwood's desert eagle from his hands. Ironwood punches Isaac into a nearby wall, just as Isaac's scroll starts ringing.

Nina: Isaac, get down here quick, Leon's in a coma!

Isaac: Not now, I'm saving Vale.

Nina: Isaac you idiot! Banging Mabel isn't going to help Vale in any way! GET DOWN HERE!

Isaac: Sorry, you seem to be breaking up. *dodges another one of Ironwood's punches*

Nina: ISAAC, IF YOU-- *Isaac hangs up*

Ironwood: Isaac hmm? The hunter from Vale? The one that nearly destroyed the entire arena! *take another swing at Isaac*

Isaac: *leaps over Ironwood and lands next to a certain console* when I'm done here, that will be the least of your problems. *hits the self destruct button*

Ship's PDA: Warning, warning, this ship will self destruct in 3 minutes!

Isaac: Game over James, both you and this ship are going down in flames, so long! *jumps out another window*

Isaac flies through the air before landing back in Vale.

Isaac: Yes, yes. *pulls out his scroll and calls Mabel* Mabel, Mabel I did it, Ironwood's history, and Vale is saved!

Mabel: Well done Isaac! Now hurry on back here so we can "celebrate".

Isaac: Will do. *puts scroll away*

The battleship then explodes above Isaac, and crashes outside of Vale. Isaac then yells triumphantly, but a bullet flies from another alleyway.

Isaac: No, that's impossible!

But Isaac isn't so lucky, and he turns to the alleyway to see Ironwood, whose uniform was burned off during the crash. Isaac lets out a massive gust, but it doesn't stop him, Isaac keeps blowing until he runs out of breath.

Ironwood: *starts walking towards Isaac with fury in his eyes* property damage, resisting arrest, killing and assaulting Atlesian officials, murder in various degrees! *grabs Isaac by the neck and holds him up* You've committed more crimes in a few minutes than the entire White Fang could commit in a whole month! *tightens his grip on Isaac's neck* I'm sure they'ed be very proud of you.

Ironwood puts his desert eagle to Isaac's head again, but before he can shoot, his body was engulfed in electricity, causing him to fall over and drop Isaac. Gareth then jumps from cover and lands next to Isaac.

Gareth: Brother, I knew you'ed get yourself in trouble one day.

Isaac: *coughs a few times* G-Gareth?

Gareth: Yes brother, it's me, now hang on, I'm getting you out of here.

Gareth raises a hand to the sky, and with a bright flash, both he and Isaac vanish, appearing back in Beacon.

Isaac: *catches his breath* two questions, first of all, why are you in Vale? And second, why did you force me to run? I had it under control.

Gareth: Being strangled with a gun to your head, totally under your control. Second, the White Fang's still here, and they're playing for keeps this time, not only that, but the invading force will be lead by "him".

Isaac: No, you don't mean.

Gareth: I do, Adam Taurus is coming to Vale.

Isaac: This, this is, I got to tell someone!

Nina: *slams through a door* Isaac, you got a lot of explaining to do, you go missing, Leon's in a coma and you'd rather be banging Mabel, what's wrong with you!?!

Isaac: Nina, calm down, this had nothing to do with Mabel.

Nina: And what was the whole thing with that battleship being blown up!?!

Isaac: It's like I said, I was saving Vale.

Nina: BY DROPPING AN ATLESIAN BATTLESHIP ON IT!? DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY GRIM THAT'LL ATTRACT!?

Isaac: *An intense breeze fills the room as Isaac get's in Nina's face* I SAVED YOU FROM BEING ENSLAVED BY ATLAS, I THINK I DESERVE PRAISE FOR THAT!!!

Nina: *knocks Isaac into next week* All you've done... *her breathing becomes ragged* Is put extra stress on your team... cause widespread damages... countless injuries... and worst of all... If you hadn't been off on your little goose chase... LEON WOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO FIGHT!

Gareth: *shoot's lightning at Nina* you threaten my brother *draws dueling saber* you threaten me.

Nina: *glares at Gareth* You have no right to speak to me...

Nina snares Gareth's neck with her chain and slams him into a nearby wall. In response, Gareth channels every volt of electricity his semblance can muster into Nina's chain. Nina drops her chain and unloads every last one of her rounds into Gareth's chest before sprinting forward, aiming a knee strike against his chest. Gareth whips around and pins Nina to the ground.

Nina: But, how?

Gareth: I'm gonna fight a huntress without bullet proof armor, what kind of fool do you take me for? *grab's Nina's head* now let's see if I can make you a human battery!

Suddenly what appears to be a ursa's claw wraps around Gareth's throat.

Leon: Put. The girl. Down.

Gareth: You again!? Not this time you won't.

Gareth engulfs the whole room in electric charges, stunning both Nina and Leon, he then drags himself over to Isaac's still unconscious body.

Gareth: May the White Fang take you both!

Leon tries to attack Gareth, but Gareth raises his hand to the sky, and both he and Isaac vanish.

Leon: *growls* I thought I could trust you Coonie.... Nina... You ok?

Nina: L-Lee? What are you?

Leon: It's... a long story.... Right now we need to get gone. Grim will be flooding vale soon... There's so much negative emotion flooding this city... Get your brother and the rest of your gang, we need to go. NOW!

Nina: That guy, who was he, and what did he mean the White Fang will take us?

Leon: I don't know. I don't care. Right now, we need to worry about ourselves we- He's here... Get your brother and your gang and get gone! I've got some unfinished business to tend to.

Nina's scroll starts staticing out.

Nina: *pulls her scroll out* What now?

Her scroll shows an image of Pyrrha in the arena, and Penny on the ground in pieces.

Nina: I-is that?

An anonymous voice starts speaking through Nina's scroll.

???: " This is not a tragedy, this was not an accident. This is what happens when you hand over your trust, your safety, your children. To men who claim to be our guardians. But are... In reality nothing more than men. Our academy's head masters wield more power than most armies and one was audacious enough to control both. They cling to this power they name peace and yet what do we have here? One nation's attempt at a synthetic army torn apart by another star pupil. What need would Atlas for a soldier disguised as a innocent little girl? I don't think the Grimm can tell the difference. And what I ask you? Is Ozpin teaching his students, first a dismemberment now this? Huntsman and Huntress should carry themselves with honor and mercy. Yet I have witnessed neither. Perhaps Ozpin felt as though defeating Atlas in the tournament would help people forget his colossal failure to protect Vale when the Grimm invaded at streets. Or perhaps this was his messaged to the tyrannical dictator that has occupied an unsuspecting kingdom with armed forces. Honestly I haven't the slightest clue on who is right or who is wrong. But I know the existence of peace is fragile and the leaders of our kingdoms conduct business with iron gloves. As someone who hails from Mistral, I can assure you the situation there is equally desirable. Our kingdoms are at the brink of war. Yet we the citizens are left in the dark. So I ask you when the first shots are fired, who do you think you can trust?"

The image disappears.

Nina: Wait, wait, what does any of that mean?!?

Leon: I don't know... but the unrest is spreading quickly... and the Grim are coming.

End of part 14, form here we're gonna follow each member of team NIKL and what they do during the battle of Vale.