(Amy POV)

It was a cloudy day as me and the others were following a mossy stone tile path through the wilderness. Sonic stretched his arms.

Sonic: Welp... another day another adventure.

Jaune went to read the map as we walked.

Ruby: What's on the agenda today?

Jaune: Walking.

Amy: With a side of?

Ren: More walking.

Ruby sighed a bit.

Ruby: Haven is a lot farther away than I thought.

Excalibur: Miss Rose, how long did you think this journey was going to take?

Ruby: I don't know! I grew up in a small area; I've never been this far away from home!

Jaune: Right but... how long?

Ruby: Maybe like, uh... two weeks?

Jaune: What?!

Ruby: Okay, fine! Three or something! Look, whatever.

She looked up again after a beat and noticed something ahead.

Ruby: Hey, what's that?

Nora jumped onto a slightly fallen post of a fence to get a closer look at a wall and building ahead.

Jaune: That's... strange. I didn't think we'd be hitting another village for a few days.

Nora: Are those buildings... damaged?

Amy: We should search for survivors. Let's go!

Jaune dropped the map as we all ran to the village. As soon as we got there, we saw that it was already empty. We began our search for survivors.

Ruby: Anything?

Nora: Nothing over here!

Jaune: No one over here, either!

Sonic: Looks like the place was abandoned.

We continued to walk around before Nora spoke up.

Nora: Hey! I think I found something!

We all rushed to Nora's side. She seemed to have found a sign and had moved all the vines off of it to read what it says.

Nora: Oniyuri? Never heard of it.

Jaune: Me neither.

Ren: I have.

We all looked toward Ren a bit surprised.

Ren: You might think of it as Anima's Mountain Glenn, had it never been completed. Years ago, the richest members of Mistral were unhappy with how the Kingdom was being run. Frustrated with the council, they pooled their resources together to build their own city, with their own laws. They hoped that one day, it could maybe even become its own Kingdom. Many thought it would be the future.

He began to walk away.

Ren: I know my parents did.

Ruby: What happened?

He brushed some dirt off of the stone border of a low wall to reveal claw marks.

Ren: What always happens...

Jaune: The Grimm...

Ren clenched his fist.

Ren: Not just any, one.

We looked at each other and then back at him.

Amy: ... One?

Nora walked up to Ren to comfort him.

Jaune: Come on. Let's just get through here. This place gives me the creeps.

We all then walked away, though what Ren said left me... nervous...

(Weiss POV)

The spotlight was on me. I looked down at everyone waiting in the audience. Once the music played, I sang my melody.

https://youtu.be/TiWF_vmJyiI

I ended my performance with a bow as everyone applauded... everyone except for Father of course.

Moments later, we were at the ballroom. I was behind my father listening to his pointless conversation.

Jacques: That's precisely my point. We offer Faunus the exact same wages given to the rest of our mining staff. Their argument's completely invalid right out of the gate.

Businessman: Well, I think the bigger issue here...

Weiss: Ugh.

Businessman: ...is our society as a whole.

Jacques: Why, you mean Atlas?

As they converse, I looked over to the largest painting on the end of the ballroom, depicting Beacon Academy with its Cross Continental Transmit tower still standing.

Businessman: Atlas, Mantle... You can't deny the economic disparity between the two.

Businesswoman: I mean, what exactly are you suggesting?

I began to step away, only to have my forearm grabbed by my father, who doesn't even turn around. Startled, I stop in my tracks.

Businessman: I'm just saying I don't think it's necessarily an issue of compensation as much as it is one of opportunity...

Father pulled me back and turned to face me.

Jacques: Where are you going?

Weiss: I'm... just a little thirsty.

Jacques: Sweetheart, we have people for that.

He lets go of me and begins to raise his arm to call over a waiter. I stopped him by grabbing his forearm.

Weiss: What? No, I can get it. I'll be right back, I promise.

The two of us locked gazes as the conversation next to us continued.

Businesswoman: Look, no one asked them to move here.

Businessman: But companies like the SDC promised jobs.

Father decided to let me go and turned back to his companions.

Jacques: I'm sorry, I tuned out for a second, but sounds like I'm the good guy again?

The three of them shared a laugh as I moved across the room to look at the painting of Beacon Academy. Right before I could, however, someone else decided to approach me.

???: It's beautiful... You two match.

I stood with my arms crossed, already annoyed by his presence.

Weiss: Yes, it's a lovely painting.

???: So, that was my attempt at breaking the ice. How am I doing so far?

I let out a deep sigh. 

Weiss: You are leaving a lot to be desired.

In all honesty, this is worse than any of Jaune's attempts.

???: Well, I've always appreciated honesty. 

He offered me his hand.

???: Henry. Marigold.

Weiss: Weiss Schnee.

I lightly place my fingers across his in a very loose handshake.

Henry: I know, I saw your performance... Obviously.  You were wonderful. And I promise I'm not just saying that 'cause you're pretty.

I turned my attention back to the painting as there was a brief silence between us.

Henry: Honesty, remember? So, you thinking about buying it?

Weiss: No. I don't think so.

Henry: Yeah, kinda pricey for a painting.

Weiss: It's to raise money.

Henry: Oh really? For what?

Weiss: For what?

Henry: Heheh, I'll admit, I only come to these things for the food and drinks.

As he said that, he grabbed some champagne from a waiter.

Henry: And the extraordinary company. Of course.

I looked at him annoyed as he drank his drink.

Henry: So what, is it another Mantle fundraiser or something?

Weiss: Get. Out.

Henry: What?

Weiss: Get out, or I will have security escort you out.

Henry: But I haven't done any-

???: Hey!

Suddenly, a girl placed her hand on Henry's shoulder.

???: Did you not hear the kid? She asked you to leave.

He looked at her and then back at me before finally obeying.

Henry: Pffft... whatever.

Once he left, I let out another shy before looking at the girl.

Weiss: Thank you.

I immediately realized she didn't look like she fit into the crowd. She was wearing a long, black coat over her clothes, and the three claw marks on her eye as well as her missing arm gave me the impression that she was a huntress. Still, what stood out to me the most was her long, red hair and her silver eyes.

???: No problem. The name's Karma Akage. 

Weiss: Right. I'm-

Karma: Weiss Schnee? Yeah, I know. I wanted to thank you but that prick was in the way.

Weiss: Thank me?

Karma: My little brother went to Beacon. I was too busy with work. Next thing you know, Beacon is attacked and he comes to me saying he was saved by a Schnee. In all honesty, I didn't believe it until just now.

Weiss: What's that supposed to mean?

Karma: Your eyes are different than the others. They look more like the eyes of your sister, Winter.

Weiss: ... You know my sister?

Karma: We fought a lot. But unlike her, you look more like a powerless tiger trapped in a cage. Tell you what, if you ever want to be freed from this cage... just have someone you trust to give me a call.

She gave me her card and gave me a wink. She then walked away with a smile on her face. 

I turned back to the painting and closed my eyes, thinking about what she just said. As I was trying to think, I could hear everyone's conversations behind me. But one, in particular, caught my attention.

Trophy Wife: But really, does it come as any surprise, what happened to Vale?

I opened my eyes and turned slightly, peering over my shoulder at the woman.

Trophy Wife: It was a long time coming if you ask me.

Husband: Honey...

Trophy Wife: What? You said the same thing last night. If they're so arrogant to think they can get by without proper kingdom defense, then I say good riddance.

I finally snapped and interrupted her conversation.

Weiss: Shut up!

The room fell silent, and all of the partygoers turn to look at me.

Jacques: Weiss?

Weiss: You don't have a clue! None of you do!

Trophy Wife: Excuse me?

Weiss: You're all just standing around talking about nothing! Worrying about your hair, your money, your stupid problems that don't mean anything!

Jacques: Weiss that's enough!

Father approached me quickly and grabbed me by the wrist. I struggled to pull away.

Weiss: Let go of me!

Jacques: You're embarrassing the family!

Weiss: I said let go!

I broke from his grasp and fell from the floor... accidentally summoning a Boarbatusk... ah crud...

The Boarbatusk immediately charged at the Trophy Wife.

Trophy Wife: Please, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, just leave me alone.

It leaped toward her and her husband, jaws wide open, but it got shot down by James Ironwood before it could reach her.

Trophy Wife: Arrest her! What are you waiting for? She's insane, she should be locked up.

Ironwood: She's the only one making sense around here. Thanks for the party, Jacques.

The general left as I look up at my father who looked furious.

Well... I'm in trouble...

(Sonic POV)

We were all continuing our way out of Oniyuri, following behind Ren. As we were heading out though, Ren suddenly stopped. He held his hand up signaling us to stop as well. Ren closed his eyes to focus as the rest of us looked at our surroundings.

Excalibur: Master Sonic...

Sonic: Yeah... I feel it too...

Amy and I nodded at each other as we pulled out our weapons. Ren and the others did as well. As we kept looking around us, we started to hear laughter in the distance. We looked up to see some crazy guy jumping from atop a building and landing in front of us as another girl landed behind us. They both immediately went after Ruby, and while Ren managed to block the blow from the crazy guy, I managed to block the attack from the girl, getting a good look at her face.

Sonic: Ruby?!

Metal Rose: Affermative.

Amy went to dash at the Ruby look-a-like and swung her hammer. Metal Ruby's weapon then turned into a hammer of her own and clashed with Amy. Amy kept swinging her hammer and the girl was dodging her attacks with ease. As that was going on, Ren and the crazy guy were parrying each other's attacks before the guy kicked Ren several feet away. 

He then ran after Ruby and swung his blades but I got between them and blocked his strike. Ruby then swung her scythe and he dodged it before going for another strike which Ruby blocked. I then swung Excalibur at him and he blocked it with his blades. I glanced back at Amy who was swinging her hammer rapidly at the other Ruby, who was casually dodging her strikes before kicking her away and dashing toward me. I quickly pushed the crazy guy away as the girl turned her hammer into a sword and we both clashed blades. 

Ruby then aimed her scythe at the crazy guy and fired but e quickly dodged it as Nora went to try and swing her hammer from behind him. He jumped up to dodge it before landing on her hammer. Amy saw this and swung her hammer at him, but he dodged that too before landing on Jaune's shield. He grinned at him before Ren shot at the guy. The man dodged Ren's shots by jumping up and landing on a small building. 

Jaune: We're not looking for a fight!

Ren: Who are you?

The Ruby copy continued to clash swords with me but I managed to kick her towards the building the guy stood on top of. He jumped off and landed beside her. We all gathered to face them.

Tyrian: Who we are matters not to you *points at Ren*... or you *points at Nora*... or you *points at Amy*... or-... well... you do interest me...

He pointed at Jaune with a smile.

Tyrian: No... at this moment we only matter... to you...

He pointed at Ruby, who tilted her head in confusion.

Ruby: Me?

The guy broke into laughter.

Tyrian: You, you haven't the slightest clue, do you? Oh, how exciting this must be.

Ruby: What do you want?

His voice started to get more dramatic.

Tyrian: Oh, the rose has thorns! My little flower, we're here to whisk you away with us!

Nora: Well, what if she doesn't want to go with you?

The Grimm girl stood up straight.

Metal Rose: ... Then we'll take her.

Jaune: We're not going to let you do that.

Metal Rose stretched as if she had just been warming up. Meanwhile, Tyrian inhaled through his teeth and spoke one word with a dark grin on his face.

Tyrian: Good.

Metal Rose suddenly disappeared and reappeared behind Jaune, already ready to strike.

Ren: Jaune!

Ren quickly shot at Jaune's shield so the bullets could ricochet off his shield and hit Metal Rose. The girl blocked them and kicked Jaune away as Tyrian dashed at him and went to stab him. Jaune blocked his strike with his shield and Tyrian spun on top of it. Ruby went to try and strike him as he spun but he kicked her away. Jaune went to swing his sword but Tyrian dodged it and kicked him away as well. Metal Rose then dashed towards Jaune and he swung his sword at her. She casually dodged his strikes but before she could go for a strike of her own, Amy caught her off guard and swung her hammer, launching Metal Rose into a building. 

Meanwhile Tyrian decided to run after Nora. Ruby grinned and fired a lightning bullet, firing past Tyrian and hitting Nora, knocking her back. Tyrian gave her a baffled stare and then burst out laughing as the rest of us just sat back and waited with a smile.

Tyrian: Well, if that isn't ironic.

His smile faded a bit as he realized something was wrong. Nora stood back up stronger thanks to the electric boost and as soon as Tyrian turned around, she dashed at him and swung her hammer. The impact caused a huge shockwave, and as soon as the dust settled... we saw Tyrian was perfectly fine as he had blocked her strike with his scorpion tail. He let out a small giggle.

Tyrian: Suprise!

He kicked Nora away before leaping backward and upward onto the building Metal Rose was knocked into. Taking off his coat and revealing his tail further.

Amy: He's... a Faunus?

Ruby: What is this about? The White Fang? Eggman? Roman Torchwick?

Tyrian: Plastic soldiers and pawns. My heart and body belong only to our goddess!

Ruby: ...Cinder...

You can see Metal Rose's red eyes glow from inside the building.

Metal Rose: Only in her wildest dreams!

She dashed at Ruby and swung her scythe, knocking Ruby off balance for a bit. But Ruby kept her grip as they both swung their scythes and clashed before Metal Rose kicked Ruby away. I was about to go after her, but Tyrian quickly jumped in front of me and swung his blades. I jumped back as Ren went to strike him from behind, but Tyrian went to strike him with his tail. Ren blocked and Tyrian kicked him away.

While we were dealing with him, Metal Rose was firing missiles at Ruby from under her cape.  Ruby was dodging them and dashed back at her, swinging her scythe. Metal Rose dodged it and her scythe turned into a whip, grabbing Ruby by the leg and slamming her into the ground. I went to try and help her but Tyrian held me back. 

Meanwhile, Metal Rose turned the whip into a sword. Ruby quickly recovered and swung her scythe, but Metal Rose dodged it and kicked her in the gut, breaking her Aura. As Ruby fell to the ground, Metal Rose dashed at her.

Sonic: Ruby!

As soon as Metal Rose swung her sword, Qrow came out of nowhere and blocked her blade facing Ruby with a smile. Metal Rose jumped back as Tyrian joined her with a smile and Ruby turned to see her uncle.

Qrow: ... Hey.

To Be Continued