The Being floated into the room, having frozen time he observed both sides of combat, not interested in the lifeforms that were born on this planet.

He was certainly feeling excitement for the upcoming fight. Summoning a chair, he floated into the air and summoned some popcorn, unfreezing time.

Vader charged Tank, who blocked his initial strike with his long broadsword, Their blades clashing together, Vader toying with the large Grimm knight as he effortlessly danced through his attacks.

Tank became aggravated and tried shield bashing him, but Vader responded with an incredible force push launching the Grimm back into the wall. He recovered surprisingly quickly, he aimed his shield at Vader, who responded with confusion.

Vader then watched as the shield began glowing red, Vader motioned with his hand, the shield turned to the left firing the beam in a completely wrong direction, disintegrating one of Slicer's hands.

Maul charged forward, immediately going on the offensive not wanting to leave Oscar alone with that burly man. Maul span, stabbing at the Grimm, every time one of his red blades was deflected back, Slicer would find another one moving towards him with incredible speed.

This was Maul's advantage... speed, and power. The Knight had obviously had never fought an opponent with a double-bladed weapon. Slicer was eventually able to parry one of his attacks, making Maul backflip backward.

Maul extended his lightsaber in a taunting pose, the Knight obviously understanding. Slicer lept up to stab at him, Maul saw Vader move the shield laser towards him. Using this to his advantage, he dodged backward making the beam hit Slicer.

Due to his speed, he was able to dodge most of the blast, one of his sword's hands was incinerated. He roared in pain looking at his cauterized wrist.

Lancer dashed forward, aiming to puncture Ahsoka. She deflected the attack with her second saber, making him off balance. She spun in a circle, holding her lightsabers underhand she tried stabbing into the Grimm's side but it moved its blade to deflect.

Ahsoka continued to deflect, occasionally attacking to learn her opponent's fighting style, he seemed to primarily focus on the reach of his weapon, if she could get in close he would have difficulty deflecting.

Ahsoka did just that, dodging a swipe, she slashed outwards sparks flying off the lightsaber resistant blade. Ahsoka deflected a stab aimed at her head and tripped him with the force, using this to her advantage she was able to partially stab the knight before he rolled to the side.

Din charged his jet pack and launched forward with incredible speed, Geist shot at his helmet and was surprised when the bullet simply bounced off. Since he was distracted, Din was able to tackle him and they went crashing into the next room.

Geist tossed Din off him, who used his jet pack to stabilize himself, before getting into a defensive stance. Geist shifting his sniper to spear form.

Geist:

Din: You speak... you're friends don't speak.

Geist:

Geist charged forward, extending his spear to full length, Din deflected the spear away and sliced at the Grimm, who simply shifted and let the blade pass through him.

Geist shifted back and kicked Din in the Ribs, sending him flying back into the wall, He dodged the thrown spear, and tried attacking Geist again, only for him to phase straight through and grab his spear.

Geist:

Geist's head flew back, a smoking hole seen on his mask, Din stood there with his blaster smoking, landing a few more shots on him.

Geist:

Din: You got cocky.

Din and Geist continued fighting, each warrior having the advantage at a time before losing it. Geist continued trying to shoot through Din's armor, still finding it useless as the bullets pinged off his armor.

Maul deflected Slicer's only sword and roundhouse kicked his face, knocking him to the ground. Maul stabbed downwards, Slicer countered and stood back up. But Maul predicted this, spinning his saber, he sliced off his other hand.

Retracting one of his blades, he slashed off the legs of the Grimm making him fall then slashed his body in two, effectively killing the Grimm.

Maul heard a scream and saw the burly man electrocuting Nora, she tossed him over her soldier but he landed on his feet. Trying to charge Oscar again, Hazel found a metal leg colliding with his jaw sending him spinning.

Emerald and Mercury looked in surprise as a red-horned man stood between them and their opponents. Emerald tried shooting at Maul only for him to deflect the bullets.

Mercury: Great, another laser sword-wielding maniac.

Mercury kicked at Maul only for him to dodge with ease, Maul began toying with him, obviously the better fighter he responded with his own powerful kicks knocking him back. Emerald tried stabbing him with her daggers, he force-pushed her into the wall, Mercury watched in horror as Maul charged forward, his head colliding with her body leaving cut marks and destroying her Aura.

Cinder saw this and growled, she saw Maul was distracted and summoned a spear, throwing it, Maul twirled in the air missing him entirely. It instead impaled through Weiss's side... making her gasp in pain.

Jaune/Ruby: No!

Cinder: Raven... Bring your fall maiden, we have a vault to open.

Vader locked blades with Tank again, he had incredible power behind his swings, probably due to his strength. Vader thought.

Dodging another strike from the Grimm, Vader went to swing at Tank, he saw this and raised his shield to counter. To Tank's surprise, the lightsaber cut straight through.

Vader: You made your weapon lightsaber resistant... But not your shield... Pitiful.

Tank tried attacking Vader again, only for Vader to easily slice his wrist off and sending the sword flying. Twirling, he stabbed straight through the chest of the Grimm, he roared in pain as Vader sliced upwards, killing the Grimm.

Vader's head turned when he heard a scream, running into the main room, he saw Weiss laying on the floor with Jaune kneeling over her. He was about to rush over to heal her when a white glow surrounded Jaune moving to Weiss, he could swear he saw Pyrrha standing next to him, but he shook his head and focused on the missing elevator, no doubt leading to the relic.

Slicer and Ahsoka were dueling outside, having moved out there during their fight. Both of them failed to notice the bombs being placed by the whitefang

Slicer continued using his speed, trying to puncture Ahsoka from a distance. But found it difficult when she would get close with her two sabers forcing him to retreat after being wounded. He clutched his side angrily pounding it to make the pain go away.

Ahsoka: Your vision is flawed, you cannot win.

Ahsoka let loose a massive force push, launching him through the wall and into the main room. Slicer fell through wincing in pain, as Mercury watched, Ahsoka came flying through the same hole, holding one of her white lightsabers with both hands.

Ahsoka fell towards Slicer, he was unable to dodge as Ahsoka plunged the white blade through his chest, Slicer letting out a roar of pain before going limp, his body disintegrating.

Ahsoka stood and countered an attack from Mercury by force pushing him into the wall next to Emerald, she extended her hand, her other white saber cutting through the wall and flying towards her hand.

Din was having slight difficulty, but was thankful for the practice sessions from Vader, after his fight with Tyrian, he was a fast learner and was able to effortlessly duel with Ahsoka...As long as she didn't use the force.

Din used his arm braces to block another stab from Geist, he slashed at the spear, it absorbed the attack but dropped it to the ground, he tried punching Geist only for him to phase. Din fell forward off balance, Geist used this and pushed him making him stumble forward.

Din grabbed his blaster and tried shooting Geist, his shots only going straight through him. Geist ran forward and kicked the blaster out of his hand, Din prepared one of his gauntlet weapons, Geist shifting in response.

Geist didn't expect a plume of flames to fly from his wrist, he yelled in pain as he lit on fire, his geist form only protecting him from physical attacks, not elemental attacks.

Geist:

Geist ran into the wall, trying to smother the growing flames on his body, he didn't see Din raise his dark saber. With a slash, his body separated into two pieces, falling to the ground still on fire.

Din gasped and fell forward exhausted, the fight against the Grimm knights leader was exhausting and he had to be trying his hardest at all times the only reason he won was that his opponent underestimated him.

Din grabbed his blaster and holstered it, using his jet pack he flew back into the other room, landing next to Ahsoka, several scratch marks on his armor, he activated the dark saber again facing Hazel, Mercury, and Emerald.

Vader jumped into the elevator shaft using the force to slow his fall, he heard fighting, apparently Raven had come to her sense since their last fight.

Vader landed, seeing Cinder and Raven fighting while using their maiden powers, Cinder gained the slight upper hand but was distracted when she saw Vader enter the room, Raven looked as well, both of their faces pailing with fear, as he strode forward lightsaber in hand.

Kuoooh Puhhr

Kuoooh Puhhr

Vader: Die...(ignites lightsaber)

Vader dashed forward Cinder barely able to move her sword in time to deflect, Vader attacked with incredible rage, Cinder tried retreating but Vader was too fast. Raven began relaxing when she saw Vader didn't care about her at the moment, Vader and Cinder's blades locking.

Vader: Raven...(Her face paled again at the mechanical voice) I am not concerned with killing you at the moment. Help me and I will reconsider it.

Cinder: Or...(struggling with Vader's strength) Help me... and have Salem's favor.

Cinder unleashed a blast of fire, Vader didn't care... he stood there letting the flames wash over his suit. Cinder stopped the flames and stared in terror after seeing the flames do nothing to him.

While Cinder was caught off guard, Raven rushed forward and stabbed straight through Cinder's gut, the same place where she impaled Weiss, Cinder's sword falling to the ground.

Using her Maiden power, she froze Cinder, letting her fall, Vader grabbed several boulders with the force and launched them after her, hoping they would crush Cinder when she landed.

Vader: Rest easy Pyrrha, Penny, and everyone who died at Beacon...

Vader turned towards Raven she looked at him with obvious fear in her eyes. He retracted his lightsaber

Raven: I-I helped you.

Vader: Open the Vault.

Vader turned and walked to the Vault, Raven slowly walking behind him, she knew better than try to attack him while his back was turned.

Raven looked at a dead Vernal on the ground, her life-force absorbed by Cinder, she kneeled down and closed her eyes.

Vader: I am sorry about the death of your friend.

Raven: (noticing Vader's voice had changed, signifying that he had calmed down) She fought well.

Raven placed her palm on the door, Vader backed up in surprise as the door began glowing. It opened to reveal a door that looked like it led to another world, through the door Vader could see some sort of dessert with the relic floating.

Vader looked to the ground, seeing some sand had landed on his boot, He hated sand.

Raven began walking towards the door, Vader grabbing her arm.

Vader: Stop. You are not taking the relic.

Raven was about to reply when their attention was drawn to the elevator. Looking over, they saw Yang exit the elevator, she finally spoke as Yang inched closer.

Raven: I warned you, Yang. I gave you every opportunity to walk away from Qrow and Oz. So you can believe me when I say this wasn't personal.

Yang: You opened the Vault.

Raven: I didn't have much choice in the matter.

Raven said glancing at Vader, whose arms were crossed, his mere presence caused fear within her.

Raven: But you're my daughter, I knew you could handle it.

Yang: Qrow and Oz told me how Maiden powers are transferred. The girl you found... she would've had to have trusted you if you were in her final thoughts, cared about you a lot.

Raven: I'm sure they told you plenty, and you just sat and obeyed.

Yang: No. I'm starting to ask questions as you said. So tell me, what happened to the last Spring Maiden? Did she die in battle? Was it sickness?

Raven: What does it matter to you?

Vader: She...

Yang's eyes widened upon realization.

Yang: I can already see the answer. It's all over your face. How could you?!

Raven: She was scared when we found her! Weak. No matter how much training I put her through, she never learned!

Vader: That does not give you the right to decide for her.

Raven: She wasn't cut out for the world! And with those powers, she would've been hunted her entire life. What I did -

Yang: - wasn't personal.

Raven: It was mercy!

Yang: Which is it, mom? Are you merciful, or are you a survivor? Did you let me walk into that trap because you knew I could handle it, or because it meant you could get what you wanted?

Raven: It's not that simple. You don't know me, you don't know what I've been through, the choices I've had to make!

Yang: You're right. I don't know you. I only know the Raven dad told me about. She was troubled, and complicated, but she fought for what she believed in, whether it was her team or her tribe! Did you kill her too?

Raven: I've stared death in the face over and over again! (glances at Vader) And every time I've spat in that face and survived because I'm strong enough to do what others won't!

Yang: Oh, shut up! You don't know the first thing about strength! You turn your back on people, you run away when things get too hard, you put others in harm's way instead of yourself!

Vader: You give up on your humanity, Raven...

Yang's hand forms into a fist as she continues.

Yang: You might be powerful, but that doesn't make you strong.

Raven: Who do you think you are, lecturing me?! Standing there, shaking like a scared little girl! And you, I won' take advice from talking tin can!

Vader took a step forward toward Raven, her face paling when she realized what she said.

Yang: Yeah, I'm scared. But I'm still standing here! I'm not like you, I won't run. Which is why you're going to give me that relic.

Raven: And why would I -

Vader: Because you are afraid of Salem, I can sense your fear. You think that relic will help you become more powerful, but you are wrong. It will only place a target on your back, making Salem become unrelenting towards your little bandit camp.

Vader: You say you stared death in the face and survived. I've beaten death time and time again, and I am still standing. Tell me, bandit... Who do you think has a better chance of standing up against Salem?

Raven listened to Vader's rant, before turning back to Yang.

Raven: You don't want to do this, Yang

Yang: Nope, but I'm gonna do it anyway.

Yang pushed past her mother and entered the Vault, Vader close behind. A single tear falls to the ground as Raven had her head hung low seemingly in shame.

Raven: I...I'm sorry...

Yang: ...Yeah. Me too.

The sound of flapping wings are heard, Vader and Yang turned to see a single feather slowly falling onto the ground.

Vader: (Raven...)

Vader turned his head, focusing on the blonde once again.

Vader: Are you alright?

Yang: Yeah...

Yang sighed and wiped away a tear, she turned and strode into the vault, Vader stared at the sand before following her.

Yang grabbed the relic and collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face. Vader kneeled next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, comforting her with the force.

Vader: Your mother... loves you. She just has an odd way of showing it.

Yang nodded, slowly sighing as Vader helped her stand up. They turned and walked back towards the elevator.

Upstairs, Maul delivered one last kick to Hazel's jaw sending him flying next to a wounded emerald and an exhausted Mercury. Who slammed his fists into the ground in anger.

Ahsoka: Surrender! You are beaten!

Ruby: Yeah! What she said!

Emerald: You're all wrong! Cinder's going to come back up that elevator with the relic and kill you all!

On queue, they heard the Elevator rising to the top level. Emerald watched in shock as she saw Yang and Vader on the elevator.

Emerald: C-Cinder?

Vader threw a sword into the ground, Emerald stared in terror seeing that it was one of Cinder's maiden weapons.

Emerald screamed, her semblance activating. A large black cloud appeared in the middle of the room, a pale woman stood from the cloud her mouth agape.

Din: What is that?!

They covered their ears as the Salem illusion charged forward, they all braced themselves for an attack that never came. When they opened their eyes they saw the three of them gone, Emerald using the illusion to mask their escape.

Ruby: What was that?

Ozpin: An illusion, but an accurate one...

Vader: That was Salem.

Vader then turned and enhanced his speed with the force, bursting through the headmaster's office. Seeing Lionheart being impaled by a Jellyfish, Vader ignited his lightsaber.

Lionheart: P-Please! Argh!

Lionheart exclaimed as another tentacle impaled him, Vader retracted his lightsaber and watched, knowing Lionheart was responsible and a coward. He hated cowards, there were far too many in the Empire.

The jellyfish removed its tentacles from a dead Lionheart, before turning to face Vader.

Salem: Ah... Vader. A pleasure to see you again -

Salem didn't get to finish as Vader crushed the Jellyfish with the force before turning to leave.

Vader slowly walked back to the main hall, he notices that Team RWBY are all engaged in a hug. He smiled while removing his helmet, happy to see Blake again. He moved his way over to Qrow and the rest of Team VAMD.

Vader: Lionheart is dead, killed by Salem.

Qrow: That's a shame... the coward deserved it though.

Blake walked over, happy to see Vader.

Blake: It's good to see you again, Vader. Who are you two?

She said pointing at Maul and Ahsoka.

Maul: I am Maul.

Ahsoka: My name is Ahsoka Tano.

Blake: Wait...

Ahsoka: (smiling) Yes... The sister of Vader.

As they introduced themselves, Qrow tapped Vader's shoulder.

Qrow: Ozpin did give us a message though. We have to get the lamp to Atlas.

Vader was silent at the mention of the floating city, where he was captured and experimented on.