The train had been steadily cutting through the varied landscapes of Anima, transitioning from sunlit grassy fields to dense forests, then extreme mountain ranges with towering cliffs, and now, the icy, frigid lands nearing Argus. Frost clung to the windows, painting them with delicate patterns as the train barreled forward. It had been running for nearly a full day, and the passengers had begun to settle into their respective spaces.
Team RWBY and Team JNPR had retreated to their cabins to rest and regroup, while Selene, Rinko, and Oscar occupied their own quarters, likely poring over strategies or catching some much-needed sleep. In the bar section of the train, however, Qrow Branwen sat nursing his drink, the familiar burn of alcohol keeping him company as he stared out into the snowy expanse beyond the window.
The bar was quiet, save for the occasional clink of glass and the distant hum of the train's engine. Qrow was used to the solitude that drinking brought—until an unexpected presence broke through it.
"Mind if I sit here, young lad?" a voice called out, raspy but firm.
Qrow turned his head and nearly dropped his flask. Sitting down next to him was an elderly woman with a presence that felt far too sharp for her age. Her white hair was tied back, her half-moon glasses reflecting the dim light of the bar. Her confident, no-nonsense demeanor reminded him of someone who had seen too much of the world and still had the nerve to keep going.
His eyes widened in disbelief. It was Maria Calavera.
They'd never met in person, but her name—and her reputation—were well-known to him. She had trained Ruby in Mistral, teaching her to master her Silver Eyes. Yang had sent him pictures during Ruby's training sessions, so he was familiar with her appearance, even if she wouldn't know him.
Maria didn't seem to notice his reaction. She simply flagged down the bartender. "A drink, please. Something strong," she said with a tone that brooked no argument.
Qrow stared for a moment before managing to find his voice. "You're... Maria Calavera?" he asked, his tone laced with both shock and curiosity.
Maria turned her head to him, raising an eyebrow. "Who's asking?" she replied bluntly.
"Oh, uh—" Qrow scratched the back of his neck, trying to recover from his initial awkwardness. "I'm Qrow. Qrow Branwen. Ruby's uncle, y'know, the kid you trained back in Mistral?"
Maria's sharp gaze softened with recognition. "Ah," she said, her tone shifting slightly. "So you're the infamous Uncle Qrow Ruby wouldn't stop yammering about."
Qrow blinked, surprised. "She talks about me?"
Maria smirked, her sharp eyes gleaming with amusement. "More like complains about you. Something about your drinking habits, your pessimism, and how you somehow still manage to be her favorite uncle despite all that."
Qrow chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Heh, yeah... sounds about right."
Maria leaned back in her chair, her drink now in hand. She studied Qrow for a moment before taking a sip. "You're not quite what I imagined. I thought you'd be... taller."
Qrow gave a half-smile, raising his flask in mock toast. "I get that a lot."
There was a brief pause, the two of them sharing a companionable silence as the train rocked gently. Then Maria spoke again. "You know, your niece is something special," she said, her tone more serious now. "Silver Eyes are rare enough, but the way she's picked it up... she's got potential."
Qrow's expression softened. "Yeah... she does. Ruby's always been special, even before knowing how to use her Silver Eyes. She's got a way of bringing people together, making them believe in something bigger. It's... something I don't think I've ever had."
Maria raised an eyebrow. "That's where you're wrong, young man. I can see it in you—you've got that spark, too. Might be buried under a pile of booze and bad decisions, but it's there."
Qrow snorted. "Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, I guess."
Maria's lips twitched into a smirk.
The two sat in silence for a moment, the tension from their initial meeting now dissipating. The soft hum of the train accompanied the occasional clink of glasses from the bartender, filling the space with a quiet rhythm.
Qrow shifted in his seat, fidgeting with his flask before finally breaking the silence. "I know I'm not really in a place to ask this, but..." He hesitated, his crimson eyes glancing at Maria before darting back down to his drink. "Where were you? You disappeared completely. I mean... I based my fighting style on you. You were basically my idol when I was young."
Maria's sharp mechanical eyes shifted to him, narrowing slightly. Her expression was unreadable, a mixture of pride and something more somber. She leaned back in her chair, letting out a low, almost tired chuckle. "Hmph... Idol, huh? That's a first," she said, swirling the remnants of her drink in its glass. "Can't say I've ever thought of myself as anything worth looking up to."
Qrow frowned, his brows furrowing. "What are you talking about? You were the Grim Reaper. The legendary huntress who could take down hordes of Grimm without breaking a sweat. Stories about you were everywhere. You're the reason I picked up a scythe in the first place."
Maria set her glass down with a faint clink and turned fully toward Qrow. Her voice was quiet but firm. "And where did all those stories get me, Branwen? They don't tell you how many friends you lose along the way. How many scars you collect, inside and out. Or how one bad day can strip you of everything you've ever worked for."
Qrow tilted his head, his gaze lingered on her mechanical eyes. "You mean your.."
Maria nodded slowly, her hand instinctively brushing the edge of her visor. "That's right. I wasn't always like this, you know—an old lady stuck on a train with a permanent case of bad eyesight. Back then, I was at the top of my game. The Grim Reaper of legends. Until one day, I wasn't." Her voice hardened slightly. "Some punk ass assassin with something to prove—took my eyes right out of my skull. I survived, but I wasn't me anymore. Not the me people like you looked up to."
Qrow leaned forward, his expression grim. "So you just... gave up? Is that it?"
Maria's lips curled into a wry smirk. "Gave up? No. I got smart. There's a difference." She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms. "Do you know what happens to people like us, Branwen? The ones who fight and fight, pretending we're invincible? Sooner or later, we break. I just realized it sooner than most."
Qrow opened his mouth to reply, but Maria held up a hand to stop him. "Don't get me wrong. I'm proud of what I accomplished back then. But I'm not that person anymore. I don't need to be. I've done my part. It's up to you—and your niece—to carry the torch now."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, heavy and raw. Qrow sat back, taking a long swig from his flask as he let it all sink in. "Guess I never thought of it that way," he admitted quietly. "You make it sound like I'm on the same path."
Maria gave him a pointed look. "Aren't you?"
That question hit harder than Qrow expected. He looked down at his flask, the liquid inside sloshing with each tilt of his hand. The truth was, he had been running himself into the ground. Always drinking, always fighting, always blaming himself for every little thing that went wrong. Was he really so different from Maria, or was he just a few steps behind her?
Maria softened slightly, sensing his inner turmoil. "Look, kid. It's not too late for you to figure things out. You've got people who care about you—your team, your nieces. Don't let them see you burn out the way I did."
Qrow let out a dry chuckle, his voice tinged with self-deprecation. "Easier said than done, old-timer."
Maria smirked as he rose from her seat, patting him on the shoulder as she passed. "You've got potential, Branwen. Just don't waste it chasing ghosts." She paused at the door to the bar, glancing back at him. "And keep an eye on Ruby. She's got something special. Don't let her make the same mistakes we did."
Qrow watched her leave, the door sliding shut behind her. He sighed, tipping his flask back for one last sip before setting it down on the counter. For once, the burn didn't feel as satisfying as it usually did.
"Chasing ghosts..." he muttered to himself, staring at his reflection in the glass. Maybe Maria was right. Maybe it was time to stop living in the shadow of his own mistakes.
The train rattled on, carrying them closer to Argus—and to whatever awaited them there.
Team RWBY's Room
The room inside the train car was small but cozy, with bunk beds built into the walls and a single window overlooking the snowy landscape of Argus. The faint hum of the train was ever-present, along with the occasional rattle as it hit a rough patch of track. Team RWBY was scattered across the room, each member occupying themselves in their own way.
Ruby was sitting cross-legged on one of the lower bunks, her notebook open on her lap. She tapped her pen against her cheek as she tried to sketch out a new design for Crescent Rose, though her focus kept wandering. "Ugh, I can't decide if I want to make the blade lighter or keep it the same weight," she groaned, tossing her pen onto the notebook. "Yang, what do you think?"
Yang was lying on the top bunk across from Ruby, her hands tucked behind her head and her legs swinging lazily over the edge. "I think Crescent Rose is already pretty much perfect," she replied with a grin. "But if you're really set on making changes, why not add a flamethrower or something? That'd be awesome!"
Ruby's eyes lit up for a moment before Weiss interjected sharply from the small desk in the corner. "Absolutely not. You'll end up blowing yourself—and everyone else—off the battlefield," Weiss said, glancing up from the map of Argus she had been studying. Her voice carried the usual tone of exasperation, but there was a small, amused smile tugging at her lips. "Honestly, I don't know how you've managed to keep that thing in one piece as long as you have."
Ruby pouted and slumped back against the wall. "You're no fun, Weiss."
Weiss raised an eyebrow but didn't respond, instead refocusing on the map. "We'll be arriving in Argus by tomorrow morning, assuming we don't run into any more delays," she said, tracing a route with her finger. "It'll be colder than usual this time of year, so we need to be prepared."
Blake, who had been sitting quietly by the window with a book in her lap, finally spoke up. "We've been through worse before. I'm sure we'll manage." Her voice was calm, but her eyes remained fixed on the frosted glass, where the snow-covered mountains blurred past.
The train rocked gently as it continued its journey, and for a moment, the worries of the outside world seemed distant.
As the silence settled for a moment, Blake broke it.
"So.. Yang.. Before you got together with Rinko, how long have you liked him?" Her voice laced with lighter tone of curiosity.
Yang coughed, "Say what?"
"How long have you liked him?"
"Well.. Uh.." She hesitated, uncharacteristically embarrassed. Yang crossed her arms and turned slightly, avoiding everyone's gaze.
Blake raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Oh, come on. It's just us. You don't have to act so tough about it."
Ruby perked up, her curiosity piqued. "Yeah, when did it start, Yang? Was it love at first sight back in Beacon?"
Yang groaned, running a hand through her hair. "It wasn't like that, okay? I mean..." She sighed, her cheeks taking on a faint red hue. "Fine. If you must know, it was... around the time we were staying at Maria's house, during Ruby's training."
Weiss and Ruby exchanged glances, they remember the time she hugged Rinko.
"OOHHHH! THAT?!" Ruby spoke.
"What exactly happened?" Blake asked.
"Well, my brother and Yang hugged. It wasn't a normal hug, it was.. More intimate. They talked about something, not really sure what it was about but she ended up hugging him." Weiss answered Blake's confusion.
Yang groaned, leaning back against the wall and covering her face with one hand. "Geez, Weiss, just blurt it out, why don't you?"
Blake smirked slightly, clearly enjoying Yang's discomfort. "A hug? There's gotta be more to it than that."
Yang rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Yeah..." She paused, her voice softer now. "We... talked about some things. Things I hadn't told anyone before."
Blake's curiosity sharpened. "Things like what?"
Yang hesitated, her usual confidence faltering. "It's about what I used to see myself as; broken.." she said quietly, glancing down at her mechanical limb. "My fear of not being strong enough anymore. Of not being... me."
The room fell silent, the lighthearted teasing replaced by a quiet understanding.
"Rinko was the first person I really opened up to about it," Yang continued, her voice steadying as she spoke. "He didn't say anything to brush it off or make me feel like I was overthinking. He didn't just listen. He understood. He just... let me feel what I needed to feel. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I wasn't alone."
Blake tilted her head. "That... does sound like Rinko."
Yang gave a small, wry smile. "Yeah, it does.."
Weiss crossed her arms, her expression softening. "And that's when you realized you liked him?"
Yang chuckled nervously. "More like when I realized I couldn't stop thinking about him. After that, every time we sparred or talked, it just... hit me harder."
Ruby clapped her hands together, her grin wide. "Aww! That's so sweet! Rinko gave you a pep talk, and you fell for him!"
"Ruby!" Yang shot her a playful glare, though her cheeks turned pink.
Blake leaned back on her bed, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You know, it makes sense. Rinko's always been a little rough around the edges, but he has this way of connecting with people when it matters most."
Yang nodded slowly. "Yeah. And it wasn't just that one talk. It was how he treated me after. Like nothing had changed. He didn't pity me, and he didn't try to coddle me. He just... respected me. And that meant everything."
Ruby leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. "You guys are cute together. Rinko really brings out a different side of you."
Yang smirked, regaining a bit of her usual confidence. "Don't get used to me getting all mushy like this, okay?"
Weiss rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. It's not like this side of you is a bad thing. In fact, I think it's a little overdue."
The four girls chuckled, they sat in a moment of easiness, the gentle clatter of the train tracks underscoring their quiet camaraderie. Even as the weight of their mission loomed over them, the bond they shared as teammates—and as friends—remained a bright spot in the darkness.
She turned to Ruby and Weiss. "And for the record, Rinko and I are doing just fine, so no meddling, got it?"
Ruby pouted. "Aw, but I'm your sister! It's, like, my job to meddle."
Weiss rolled her eyes but smirked. "Don't worry, Yang. I'll keep Ruby in line—for now."
Mountain Ranges, Adam
Adam revved the stolen motorcycle, its engine roaring as he sped across the uneven terrain. The train thundered ahead, the distance between them narrowing as he leaned forward, his crimson hair whipping behind him. His amber eyes gleamed with cold determination as he spotted his target.
As the train snaked along the cliffs, Adam veered off the road, skidding to a stop at the precipice. Wilt rested against his shoulder, the crimson blade catching the sunlight. He took a moment to glance at the speeding train below, calculating its trajectory.
Without hesitation, Adam stepped off the edge of the cliff.
The cold wind howled around him as he descended from the snowy terrain, the train rushing closer with every passing second. Twisting midair, Adam landed with precision on the roof of the rearmost car, the metal creaking beneath his boots. His cloak billowed as he crouched low, gripping Wilt's hilt.
With fluid movements, he yanked the metal shaft and closed it upon entering.
The first guard barely had time to react. His startled shout died on his lips as Adam dropped through the opening, landing in a predatory crouch. Wilt moved in a blur, carving a merciless line through the guard's torso. Blood sprayed against the walls as the man crumpled, his weapon clattering uselessly to the ground.
Adam straightened, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. His gaze swept over the dimly lit interior—crates stacked along the walls, faintly glowing with Dust energy. The low hum of machinery blended with the rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels, a backdrop to the distant cries of Grimm.
Through the window, the silhouette of a flock of Manticores loomed in the darkening sky, their wings slicing through the mountain air as they angled toward the train.
Adam adjusted his grip on Wilt and moved silently through the cart, his steps purposeful.
Train Lobby
Team JNPR huddled around a table in the lobby section, engrossed in a card game.
"HAH! I WIN!" Nora's triumphant shout echoed, earning groans from Jaune.
"Aughh... Since when did you get good at cards, Nora?" Jaune slumped back in his chair.
Pyrrha chuckled, laying her cards down. Ren gave Nora a small thumbs-up, his expression amused.
"Eh," Nora shrugged, smirking. "Ren's been giving me lessons."
"Seriously..? Mann, I thought I had this one," Jaune lamented, running a hand through his hair.
Before anyone could reply, an alarm blared, cutting through their lighthearted banter. Civilians in the cart froze, their faces pale as panic set in.
Team JNPR immediately tensed, their focus shifting.
The cart door slid open with a hiss, and Cardin stepped inside, his mace gripped tightly.
"Everyone, stay calm!" Cardin's voice was steady. "Multiple Manticores have been spotted heading toward us, but don't worry—the automated turrets are active."
The civilians began to relax, reassured by Cardin's words.
But the train shuddered violently. A screeching sound tore through the air as a Manticore burst through the roof, its massive frame landing heavily in the center of the cart.
Screams erupted as the passengers scrambled for safety, rushing to the next cart.
Team JNPR froze for a split second. Their weapons were in the rear storage cart—they were at a disadvantage.
As the Manticore strikes, Cardin stepped forward, raising his mace as the Manticore lunged. With a resounding crack, he slammed its stinger to the floor, forcing the Grimm back.
"You won't touch anyone!" Cardin roared, swinging upward and striking the creature's jaw. The force sent the Manticore tumbling back, where it disintegrated into ash.
The cart fell silent. All eyes were on Cardin—not as the bully they remembered, but as a protector.
Cardin turned to Team JNPR, his expression firm. "Let's get your weapons. Follow me—"
Before he could finish, another Manticore crashed through the wall, slamming into him and pinning him against the cart with a sickening thud.
"Cardin!" Pyrrha shouted.
Ren darted forward, his palms glowing with Aura as he intercepted the stinger aimed at Cardin, deflecting it with a calculated strike.
Pyrrha's gaze locked onto a loose metal pole. Using her Semblance, she yanked it free and hurled it with all her strength. The makeshift spear pierced the Manticore's skull, and the Grimm dissolved into ash.
Jaune stepped to the edge of the hole in the cart's wall, peering out. His face paled.
"Uh, guys?" He pointed outside. "There's more of them."
The others turned to look. The sky swarmed with Manticores.
"This can't be happening," Jaune muttered. "The turrets should've taken them out. Why aren't they firing?"
Nora leapt through the hole in the ceiling, her voice ringing out. "Uh... Cardin? The turrets are wrecked!"
"What?" Cardin groaned, climbing after her. His eyes widened at the sight—the battered remains of the automated defenses.
"The Grimm did this... They're coordinating," Cardin said grimly as their minds racing.
"What?!" Nora gasped. "Since when do they think?"
Rinko
Rinko, Selene and Oscar tensed up when they heard an alarm blaring within the cart. Rinko turned to Selene, "Protect the Relic and Oscar, I'll check what this is."
Selene nodded, "Of course, Master Rinko."Rinko gave a brief nod to Oscar and Selene as he heads out.
"Rinko!" Yang exhaled in relief at the sight of him.
"What's happening?" Ruby asked, her voice tense.
Rinko glanced out the window. The distant shapes of the Manticores grew larger with each passing second.
"Grimm attack," he confirmed.
"We need to get our weapons—now!" Ruby said urgently. "They're in the storage cart!"
"Let's move," Rinko commanded, leading the way. They maneuvered through the panicked civilians, helping where they could as they pushed toward the rear of the train.
They entered the next cart—and froze.
Blood painted the walls. Bodies lay scattered across the floor. And standing amidst the carnage, his sword dripping red, was Adam Taurus.
"Adam...!" Blake whispered, her voice trembling.
Adam turned to them slowly, his gaze locking onto Blake. He raised Wilt, pointing it directly at her.
"Blake," he said, his tone cold. "I'm here to end this."
Blake's hands balled into fists. "Adam... What have you done?"
"What I had to," Adam replied, his voice steady. "Justice will be served, Blake. For Faunus kind."
"You're insane," Yang growled, stepping forward.
Adam flicked his blade, blood splattering to the side. "If I'm going to rebuild the White Fang, I need to eliminate the problem. And that problem is you."
The team froze. They had no weapons—and Adam's skill with Wilt was unmatched.
But Rinko stepped forward, his calm demeanor masking the tension in the air.
"You guys, head to the roof," he ordered. "Dodge the Grimm, get to the storage cart, and retrieve your weapons."
"But—what about you?" Weiss asked, her voice sharp with concern.
"I'll handle him." Rinko's tone left no room for argument. He offered a small, reassuring smile.
The team hesitated but ultimately nodded, trusting him. One by one, they exited to the roof.
As Blake stepped through the door, Adam dashed toward her, his blade aimed to strike.
CLANG!
Rinko's Glyph shield materialized, intercepting the attack. The sound echoed through the cart.
Adam snarled, his red eyes blazing.
"You'll have to go through me," Rinko said, his voice calm but unyielding.
Adam tightened his grip on Wilt, his voice a low growl. "Gladly."
[End]