Rinko staggered slightly as he walked through the courtyard, his body protesting every step after the brutal fight he had endured. His breathing was labored, and his vision was blurred—his blood mixing with sweat and trailing into one eye—but he pressed on, determined to find refuge and regroup.Above, perched atop the dormitory building, a man with steely resolve held a pair of binoculars to his eyes, tracking Rinko's every move. Adam Taurus stood there, his presence commanding and cold. Beside him, one of his lieutenants shifted nervously, awaiting orders."That's Rinko Schnee, sir!" the lieutenant reported urgently. "The other squad engaged him earlier when he started rallying the students. We had no choice but to retreat—he's proven himself a threat to the White Fang."Adam lowered the binoculars, his crimson eyes burning with disdain behind his White Fang mask. "A Schnee," he said coldly, his tone laced with venom. "He's already a problem. And if he grows stronger, he'll be a bigger thorn in our side. His ideals reek of Jacques Schnee—oppressive, arrogant, and disdainful of Faunus kind."With a swift motion, Adam drew his crimson blade, Wilt, the metal catching the faint light. "And I'd be a fool to let him live long enough to become a greater threat."Without hesitation, Adam leaped from the building, landing with a resounding crack as the stone courtyard fractured beneath his boots. The sound echoed like a war drum, shaking the air and sending a clear signal of his intent.Rinko froze, his pulse quickening at the sudden noise. He turned, squinting through his bloodied and blurred vision. His heart sank as he glimpsed a figure stepping forward—a man with fiery red hair, clad in the unmistakable garb of the White Fang.The blood-red blade in Adam's hand glinted menacingly, and for a moment, Rinko was reminded of the tales of Raven Branwen—a warrior of unparalleled skill. This man's aura, however, was darker, more sinister.Rinko tensed, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as adrenaline surged through his veins. 'This guy isn't just any White Fang member. He's dangerous.'Adam tilted his head slightly, the faintest smirk curling beneath his mask. "So, you're the infamous Schnee," he said, his voice low and dripping with malice. "I've heard enough about you to know one thing—you're just like your father. And that's reason enough to end you."Rinko clenched his fists, his body screaming in protest but his resolve unshaken. "If you think I'm anything like him, you're sorely mistaken," he shot back, his voice steady despite the tremor in his legs.Adam's smirk widened as he raised Wilt, the blade's red surface seeming to pulsate with life. "We'll see," he said, his tone as cold and sharp as the weapon he wielded.The tension in the air thickened like a storm about to break, the courtyard silent save for the faint whistle of the wind. Rinko knew he was running on fumes, his body screaming for rest, but retreat was a luxury he couldn't afford.He knew, that this individual in front of him could outrun him with Rinko's current state, so he needed to make sure he wouldn't be able to follow him.Summoning every ounce of energy left in him, Rinko activated his second semblance, White Lightning. His right hand sparked to life with crackling arcs of electricity, while a glyph shield materialized in his left hand, its shimmering surface glowing faintly in the moonlight.The clash began in earnest.Under the pale light of the fractured moon, the two figures moved like phantoms. Adam's strikes were precise and unrelenting, each swing of Wilt aimed to end the battle swiftly. Rinko countered with desperate ingenuity, his lightning-charged attacks crackling through the air and his glyph shield deflecting the lethal blade by fractions of an inch.Their dance was both elegant and brutal—two warriors testing the limits of their skill.Rinko wove through Adam's strikes, his footwork nimble despite the ache in his legs. He found moments to counter, each strike of his electrified hand forcing Adam to pivot defensively. But as the fight dragged on, Rinko's exhaustion became apparent. His movements slowed, his breath came in ragged gasps, and his vision blurred further.Just as Rinko prepared to evade another strike, a sudden wave of dizziness overtook him. His balance faltered for a split second—just long enough for Adam to capitalize.With a sharp, calculated swing, Adam's blade struck Rinko's aura. The energy field shattered around him with a burst of light, the impact sending Rinko stumbling backward. He dropped to one knee, panting heavily, his limbs trembling from overexertion.Adam straightened, his expression darkly amused as he advanced slowly toward Rinko. The red blade of Wilt glinted malevolently in the moonlight, and his footsteps echoed ominously across the courtyard."You fought well for a Schnee," Adam said mockingly, a sinister grin cutting across his face. "But in the end, you're just like the rest—weak, broken, and unworthy."Rinko's teeth clenched, his body trembling from exhaustion, but his resolve burned fiercely. He refused to bow to Adam's words.With a sudden motion, Rinko thrust his palm forward. A glyph appeared beneath Adam's feet, glowing with a crackling energy that pulsed ominously. The activation was so swift that Adam didn't have time to react before arcs of electricity surged upward, enveloping him."ARHHH!" Adam roared, his body convulsing violently as the electricity coursed through him.Rinko didn't waste a second. He turned and bolted in the opposite direction, every step fueled by sheer determination. His breaths came in sharp gasps, his muscles screaming in protest, but he didn't dare look back.Behind him, Adam gritted his teeth, his fury growing as he fought against the pain. With a snarl, he drove Wilt into the center of the glyph. The energy crackling through the glyph was drawn into the blade, the crimson steel glowing brighter and brighter as it absorbed the electricity.The glyph shattered beneath Adam's strike, its remnants dissipating into the night air.Adam straightened, the faint tremor in his limbs quickly subsiding as he held his now supercharged blade. A dark smile crept onto his face, his eyes locking onto the retreating Schnee."Impressive, Schnee," he muttered under his breath, his voice low and menacing. "But you can't run forever."With a sharp swing, Adam slashed the air, testing the enhanced weight and energy of his weapon. The blade hummed with a menacing red glow, pulsing with the power it had absorbed.Adam began his pursuit, his steps measured but deliberate. The courtyard echoed with the sound of his boots striking the stone, a relentless predator closing in on his prey.Rinko's legs burned with every step, his chest heaving as he pushed forward. The oppressive presence of Adam closing in behind him was like a shadow, an inevitable force of nature. His mind scrambled for solutions, but his body was reaching its limit.Desperately, Rinko raised his hand, summoning another glyph. Yet, the moment it began to form, the strain overwhelmed him. The glyph shattered instantly, its fragments fading into the air. His Semblance was drained; he had nothing left but his will to keep running.Adam's footsteps grew louder, the hunter closing the gap. Rinko glanced over his shoulder and saw the glint of the glowing blade. Adam's expression was predatory, his scarred face twisted into a grin as he prepared to strike.But just as Adam raised his blade for a decisive slash, a hand shot out from nowhere, gripping his wrist with unyielding force."What—?" Adam's smug grin vanished, replaced by confusion and anger.Standing before him, her golden hair blazing like the sun, was Yang Xiao Long. Her Ember Celica hummed softly at her sides, but it was her grip on his wrist that drew his attention."You're not laying another finger on him," Yang growled, her voice low and threatening.Before Adam could respond, Yang's grip tightened, and with a powerful swing, she hurled him into the stone wall of a nearby building.BOOM.The impact left a visible crater in the wall as Adam crumpled to the ground, momentarily stunned.Rinko skidded to a stop, his breath catching in his throat. He turned back, wide-eyed, to see his friends—Yang and Blake—standing between him and Adam. Relief washed over him like a tidal wave.Blake was already speaking into her Scroll, her voice calm but urgent. "We've found Rinko. He's alive, but he's hurt. Send backup." A moment later, she ended the call, pocketing the Scroll as she turned to face Rinko.Rinko's voice was barely above a whisper as he rasped, "Yang... Blake..." His legs gave out, and he fell to one knee, his body trembling with exhaustion.Yang immediately crouched beside him, her arm wrapping around his shoulders to steady him. Her violet eyes softened as she spoke, her voice filled with concern. "Hey, take it easy. We've got you now. Just hang in there, okay?"Blake's gaze shifted from Rinko to the figure emerging from the rubble. Adam Taurus pushed himself upright, his blade catching the moonlight as he stepped forward, his presence as unnerving as ever.For a brief moment, Blake's breath caught in her throat. Memories she thought she'd buried began to surface—his words, his actions, the pain of leaving him behind. But she forced them down, her face remaining calm, her grip on Gambol Shroud tightening.Adam's red eyes locked onto Blake, a twisted smile curling his lips as he tilted his head. "Ah, Blake... my beloved. I knew we'd meet again."Blake's amber eyes narrowed, her voice cold and steady. "Adam."He took a step closer, ignoring Yang and Rinko entirely as if they didn't exist. His gaze was fixed solely on Blake, his tone dripping with condescension. "You always had a knack for showing up when you shouldn't. And now you're protecting him? A Schnee?" He scoffed, his grip on his blade tightening. "You're more pathetic than I thought."Yang shot to her feet, stepping protectively in front of Rinko. Her fists clenched, Ember Celica primed and ready. "You talk too much," she snapped, her tone laced with fury. "Why don't you try picking on someone who can actually fight back?"Adam smirked, his scarred face twisting in amusement. "Oh, don't worry, Goldy. You'll get your turn. But first..." His eyes flicked back to Blake, his voice dropping into something more sinister. "I need to remind Blake what happens to traitors."Blake shifted into a defensive stance, Gambol Shroud gleaming in the moonlight. Her voice was steady, but her words carried the weight of finality. "You don't scare me anymore, Adam. Whatever you think you're going to prove, it ends here."The tension in the air thickened as Adam raised his blade, his stance poised for combat. "Then let's see if your resolve is stronger than your guilt, my beloved."Blake's eyes hardened, her reply sharp and resolute. "I'm not yours, Adam. Not anymore."With that, the battle began.Adam surged forward with a powerful slash aimed directly at Blake. She moved with practiced agility, activating her Semblance and leaving behind a shadowy clone that absorbed the blow. Using the momentum, she vaulted into the air, spinning mid-flight as she aimed her pistols at him.Adam's sword moved like a crimson blur, deflecting her shots with sharp, metallic clangs. His expression didn't waver as he followed her movements, already anticipating her landing.The instant her feet touched the ground, Blake dashed toward him, her blade seeking an opening. Adam met her with equal precision, their weapons colliding in a flurry of sparks. Each strike was deliberate, a deadly dance of attack and counter.From the corner of his eye, Adam noticed Yang charging into the fray."Trying to overwhelm me, are we?" he sneered.Blake feinted to one side, her blade arcing low, as Yang closed the distance, Ember Celica glowing ominously. Adam blocked Blake's sword with a one-handed grip on his katana and caught Yang's punch with his free hand. The impact sent a small shockwave through the courtyard, the stone beneath them cracking slightly."You two are persistent," Adam said through gritted teeth, his tone mocking but strained."Shut up!" Yang roared, her fiery eyes glowing red as she yanked her arm back and unleashed a rapid-fire punch with Ember Celica.Blake wasn't far behind. As Yang pressed forward with relentless strikes, Blake pulled her blade back and aimed another precise slash, forcing Adam to divide his attention.Adam's smirk faltered as the combined assault pushed him back. His blade moved in a blur, blocking Yang's explosive punches and Blake's nimble strikes, but it was clear that the pressure was mounting."You're just as reckless as ever, Blake!" Adam hissed, narrowly deflecting another blow. "And you—Goldy—nothing but an impulsive brute!"Blake's expression remained calm, her movements calculated. "Maybe. But at least we fight for something real. Not your delusions."Yang smirked, landing a solid punch that knocked Adam off balance. "Yeah, Adam. How's it feel knowing you're the one who's weak now?"Adam stumbled but quickly recovered, his scarlet blade igniting with a sinister energy as he prepared to unleash a devastating counterattack. "We'll see who's weak," he snarled, his voice dripping with venom.The two dashed toward him, their movements coordinated as they pressed the attack. But Adam was ready. With a fiery red explosion of energy, he slammed his blade into the ground, sending a shockwave that threw both Blake and Yang violently into a nearby wall.Blake groaned as she pulled herself up, her body aching from the impact. Her eyes widened in alarm as she recognized the technique Adam was preparing. His blade burned brighter, the crimson energy crackling ominously."He's going to use it," she muttered, dread creeping into her voice.Adam smirked, his eyes locking onto Yang as he raised his sword. "You're so dead, Goldy," he sneered before slicing the air in a wide arc.A massive red energy slash tore through the courtyard, heading straight for Yang at blinding speed."YANG!" Blake screamed, scrambling to her feet, but her legs felt like lead. She could only watch as the attack barreled toward her friend.Yang, still disoriented from the explosion, opened her eyes just in time to see the deadly wave of energy closing in. Time seemed to slow as the realization hit her. She couldn't move fast enough.Pain erupted through her body, a sharp and burning sensation in her right arm. Time froze for a split second as she gasped, unable to fully comprehend what had just happened."YANG!" Blake's voice cracked as she reached for her partner.Rinko's eyes widened in shock.The energy slash struck its target with an ear-splitting explosion. Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring the scene.When the smoke cleared, Yang was slumped against the wall, her right arm was sliced off and limp. Blake staggered to her side, her hands shaking as she gripped Yang's shoulder."Yang! Stay with me!" Blake pleaded, her voice quivering with fear as she cradled her injured partner.Adam stood amidst the destruction, his crimson blade still glowing with ominous power. His smirk widened, cold and triumphant, as he pointed the blade toward the fallen Huntresses."You should've known better," he sneered, his tone cutting. "This is what happens when you stand in my way."Blake's hands trembled as she tightened her grip on Gambol Shroud. She stepped protectively in front of Yang, her amber eyes blazing with unyielding fury. "I won't let you hurt her again," she growled, her voice firm despite the fear in her heart.From behind, Rinko staggered to his feet, his entire body trembling. Every part of him screamed to stay down, but the sight of Yang's state, the pain etched across her face, ignited a fire in him.He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, summoning every last shred of strength."I won't let you harm them," Rinko growled, his voice low and venomous. Sparks crackled around him as his aura flared dimly, flickering like a dying flame.With a sudden surge of power, Rinko formed his twin glyph maces, arcs of electricity dancing along the leashes that connected them.He lunged forward, hurling both maces with all his might. The electric leashes extended, their glowing arcs slicing through the air like whips.Adam barely had time to react. His eyes widened as the first mace struck him squarely in the chest, sending him hurtling into the air."ARGHHH!" Rinko roared, pouring every ounce of energy he had into his assault.While Adam was still airborne, the maces shot out again, slamming into him from multiple angles in a relentless barrage. Each hit crackled with electricity, the raw energy lighting up the night as Adam's body twisted and contorted from the impact.Rinko's breath came in ragged gasps, but he wasn't done yet. With a final, desperate cry, he yanked the maces back and swung them downward with all his might."Take this!"BOOM!The twin maces crashed into Adam, slamming him into the ground with a thunderous impact. Dust and smoke erupted from the point of collision, shrouding the battlefield in an opaque veil.Rinko fell to his knees, panting heavily as the strain took its toll. His vision blurred, and his legs trembled, but he kept his eyes locked on the dissipating smoke, his heart pounding in his chest.Blake, still shielding Yang with her own body, cast a brief, astonished glance at Rinko. The shock in her eyes softened into gratitude, though her voice trembled. "Rinko..." she whispered, the weight of his sacrifice heavy in her words.The dust began to settle, and through the haze, a faint outline of Adam emerged, his aura flickering weakly, the mask on his face cracked and broken. His movements were sluggish, but his rage was palpable."Rghh!" Adam grunted, his teeth bared, his focus solely on the two Huntresses before him.Rinko, barely able to stay upright, took one final glance at Blake, a weary but resolute smile pulling at his lips. His weapons disintegrated into shimmering particles of light, the last remnants of his strength fading away as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious from exhaustion."Rinko!" Blake shouted, her voice tinged with panic. She would have rushed to him, but she remained rooted to her position, not wanting to leave Yang's side.Adam's fury boiled over as he prepared to charge at the fallen Schnee, but before he could move, he was suddenly slammed sideways by a massive force."NOT ON MY WATCH, BITCH!" Nora's voice rang out, fierce and unrelenting. Her strength sent Adam crashing into the courtyard, his body skidding across the ground before he rolled to a stop.The backup had arrived.Ruby, Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha rushed into the scene, their eyes quickly scanning the battlefield. Ruby's gaze landed first on Yang, then shifted to Rinko's unconscious form. Her heart sank as she rushed to her sister's side, her breath catching in her throat when she saw the extent of Yang's injuries."Y-Yang!" Ruby gasped, falling to her knees beside her sister, her voice cracking with panic.She looked down at the gruesome sight of Yang's right arm, nearly severed from her torso, with only a small amount of her aura holding it in place."YANG!" Ruby cried, her hands trembling as she reached out, not knowing what to do.Blake, already working to staunch the bleeding, tore off a piece of fabric from her clothes, pressing it down on the wound as hard as she could. Yang's breathing was shallow, but her aura began to glow faintly as Blake worked to keep her alive."R-Ruby..." Yang's voice was weak, her eyelids fluttering as she tried to focus on her sister."YANG, STAY WITH ME!" Ruby's voice broke with desperation as she clutched Yang's uninjured hand, her heart racing.Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren exchanged somber glances. They had arrived too late to prevent the chaos, too late to save Rinko and Yang from their injuries.Pyrrha, taking charge, turned to Ren and Nora. "Go help Rinko," she commanded, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. "I'll handle this."Without a word, Pyrrha's focus sharpened. Her grip tightened on her spear, and with a fluid motion, she positioned herself between Adam and her vulnerable teammates, her stance unwavering. She wasn't going to let him harm them any further—not while she had the strength to stop him.Adam snarled, his crimson blade gleaming in the dim light. "You think you can stop me, Pyrrha?" he growled, his voice filled with malice as he prepared for the impending fight.Pyrrha didn't respond. Instead, she surged forward, her movements swift and precise. In an instant, she hurled her shield toward Adam with deadly accuracy, using it as a projectile.Adam swung his sword with a quick, forceful motion, cutting through the air with a loud clang as he deflected the shield. The weapon ricocheted off his blade, flying back at Pyrrha, but she was already a step ahead. With a flick of her polarity, she drew it back to her, the shield returning to her grasp as if it had never left.Before Adam could fully react, Pyrrha closed the distance between them, her spear a blur of deadly precision. Each thrust was an extension of her will, a flurry of strikes designed to break through his defenses. Adam, ever skilled, blocked and parried with practiced ease, but Pyrrha's relentless pace left him no room to breathe.With a fluid shift of her weight, she swept her foot across the ground, catching Adam's legs and sending him tumbling. His body slammed into the concrete with a sickening thud, the impact echoing through the courtyard."AH!" Adam grunted, the force of the fall knocking the wind out of him as his head collided with the unforgiving stone floor.Pyrrha moved without hesitation, standing tall over him, her spear poised to strike. Her gaze was unyielding, cold with the focus of someone determined to see this fight through to its bitter end.In a desperate move, Adam rolled away just as Pyrrha thrust her spear toward him, the tip missing his head by inches. He scrambled to his feet, trying to create distance, but Pyrrha was already on him. With one swift motion, she launched herself forward, her knee connecting with his chest with a resounding BAM!Adam staggered back, disoriented, but before he could regain his footing, Pyrrha's shield came crashing into his jaw, the force sending his head snapping to the side. Before he could recover, her spear darted forward, the tip piercing through the last of his aura with a violent crack.Without giving Adam a chance to recover, Pyrrha's roundhouse kick landed squarely on his side, sending him hurtling across the courtyard like a ragdoll. He crashed into the stone wall with a deafening crash, the force of the blow reverberating through the ground.Pyrrha stood tall, unwavering, her grip tightening around the shaft of her spear, prepared for whatever came next.Adam slowly emerged from the rubble, his movements sluggish and labored. Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead, his aura flickering weakly. He glared at Pyrrha, "Damn.." curse slipping from his lips as he realized he was outmatched.There was no way he could defeat her—not in this state. He had no choice.With a grunt, he turned and sprinted toward the exit of the courtyard, desperation fueling his movements.Pyrrha reacted instantly, her eyes narrowing as she dashed after him, determined to end this once and for all. Her every step was calculated, swift—she wouldn't let him escape.Just as Adam neared the open air, a ship descended from the sky above him, its engines roaring. Adam didn't hesitate. He jumped, his hands gripping the edge of the ship's lowered hatch.Pyrrha's eyes narrowed, her spear already raised. With a swift motion, she hurled it through the air like a javelin, the weapon slicing through the night with deadly precision. But before the spear could reach its target, the ship ascended at an unexpected speed, the tip of Pyrrha's spear narrowly missing the fleeing Adam."He escaped," Pyrrha muttered under her breath, her shoulders sagging as she let out a frustrated sigh. She scanned the night sky where the ship had vanished, the last remnants of Adam's escape disappearing into the darkness. For a moment, the weight of the battle settled on her shoulders. It felt like a loss, even though they had managed to strike a blow.Blake, still kneeling beside Yang, looked up with urgency in her amber eyes. "We need to bring them back for medical attention!" she shouted, her voice sharp, but tinged with worry.Ren and Nora, who had been preparing to check on their fallen comrades, immediately nodded in unison. They knew the importance of getting their teammates to safety.Without hesitation, Ren moved to Rinko's side, carefully lifting the unconscious boy with the utmost care, his expression grave. "I've got him," he said, his voice steady. Rinko had pushed himself to the brink, and the strain on his body was evident.Nora, with a strength that contrasted her concern, moved toward Yang. Her heart sank as she saw the extent of the damage. Yang's right arm—completely severed at the shoulder—lay twisted and bloodied against the cold ground. The stump was a gruesome sight, but Yang's aura was still active, though flickering weakly. The sight of her teammate in such a state cut deep into Blake's resolve.Yang was conscious, though her breathing was shallow, her face pale from shock. Her head rested against the stone as she weakly opened her eyes. Her voice was weak, tinged with pain, but it carried through. "Ruby... Blake..." she murmured, her words struggling to form. "Don't... don't worry about me..."Nora knelt down, her face hardened with concern but masked by determination. "Yang, no time for that," she said softly, carefully lifting the injured Huntress onto her back. "Y-yang.." Ruby cried.She supported Yang's torso with one hand, but her other hand moved gently to stabilize the severed arm. "I've got you," Nora assured, though the tremor in her voice revealed the weight of what they were facing.Blake leaned over Yang, pressing fabric from her torn clothes to the stump of her arm, trying to staunch the bleeding. Her voice cracked as she spoke, desperation creeping into her tone. "We'll get you to safety, Yang. Just hang on. Please."Yang winced as Blake applied pressure, her face tightening in pain. "Just make sure... Rinko's alright... he... he needs you too..." Yang's words trailed off, her head resting against Nora as her eyes fluttered closed again, exhausted from the pain.Blake looked at her sister, her heart aching, but nodded firmly. "I will. We'll all get through this." She straightened, glancing at Ren and Nora.Nora gave a firm nod, her resolve stronger than ever. "We'll get them both help. Let's move out! No more waiting."With Yang secured on Nora's back and Rinko carefully carried by Ren, the group began their trek toward safety. The gravity of their situation hadn't left them—it was a heavy weight on each of their shoulders—but their focus was on getting their friends to medical help, to patch them up and keep them alive.The night was cold, and the quiet of the courtyard weighed heavily on them. Adam had escaped, but for now, all that mattered was their team, their family. They would fight another day, but today, they had to get their people to safety.[End]