Author's Note: This may be the last chapter but the tale isn't quite over. In the near future I'll be releasing a series of mini-fics detailing what happens to the characters after this main story ends.

Chapter 30

At first walking, as she approached Yang broke into a sprint, heading for her mother. Raven drew her blade and held it at the ready. Yang had spotted one weakness in Raven's fighting style. At very close range she could not use her sword effectively. Yang smacked her mother's initial strike aside and slipped inside her range. Raven tried to pull back but Yang grabbed her, holding her close. Raven attempted to bash Yang with her sword's pommel but Yang caught her arm and wrenched it hard. Yang could hear and feel snapping bone as her mother cried out and dropped her blade.

"Sorry mom." Yang said. Holding Raven at perfect distance with one hand she reared back and punched her as hard as she could straight in the face. Raven's head was knocked clean off and rolled across the ground. Both head and body became briefly and inexplicably blurry. When it resolved Yang was in for a shock. The body was no longer that of her mother. "It's a trick!" Yang announced to the others. "They're just normal Risen."

"Well shit." Mercury groaned. "I thought I'd get more mileage out of that little illusion." It was still no easier for the group as they battled enemies that carried their loved ones' faces.

The fire between Cinder and Weiss died down, leaving the two combatants staring at one another. "Can't you see that resistance is pointless?" Cinder asked. "Just accept the new world I'm bringing."

"You're offering nothing but hate and death." Weiss said. "You're evil, plain and simple, and you need to be stopped. I will stop you." Weiss charged forward, leading with her blade. Cinder counter charged with her own sword, both slashing at one another. Their swords met in a shower of sparks and both fell off balance, moving away from one another to avoid a potential counter attack.

"You're no match for me." Cinder said. "I'll kill you like I killed Pyrrha. No, I'll make it far more painful."

"Pyrrha's not dead yet." Weiss said. "I refuse to believe it. And if one of us is going to suffer it's you. I'm going to make you pay for what you did to my family, what you did to my friends!" With a flick of Weiss' wrist ice rose from the ground to engulf Cinder's legs. Weiss lunged forward. Cinder quickly drew her tome, blasted fire at the ice enough to weaken its hold, then broke free and spun out of the way. Weiss broke off her attack and returned to a safe distance once again.

"You're pathetic, you know that?" Cinder taunted. "You're weak. And you have the body of a 12 year old. What a joke."

"Well you look old!" Weiss countered.

"I'll make you pay for that." Cinder growled. "I'm going to cut out your…" Cinder stopped and her eyes went wide. She dropped to her knees with an arrow lodged in her back as Ruby flew over on a Pegasus with Nidhogg in hand. The Pegasus landed and Ruby dismounted, slowly approaching Cinder.

Around them everything stopped. Blake finished off the last of the Risen as everyone turned to face Cinder and Ruby. Emerald stifled a scream. Cinder coughed, blood spraying from her mouth and onto Ruby's armor. "Look at me." Ruby commanded.

Cinder looked her in the eyes with a scowl on her face. "I'll...kill you…" She struggled.

"I'm a good person." Ruby said. "A paragon of virtue." She drew an arrow out of her quiver. "But even a paragon is not entirely selfless, not entirely pure." She held the arrow to the bowstring. "A paragon is the embodiment of humanity, and humanity is not perfect." She drew the arrow back. "As much as humanity is beautiful and good, humanity is ugly, angry, hateful and vengeful." Ruby leveled the bow at Cinder's chest. "Today I take vengeance on an embodiment of humanity's evils." She relaxed her hand the the arrow leapt from her bow, puncturing Cinder's chest and piercing her heart.

Cinder mouthed something, trying to say one last insult, but her eyes rolled back and she fell over dead. "No!" Emerald screamed before covering her mouth with her hands and falling to her knees sobbing.

Mercury stood there in shock. Now he was unprotected. As a mage he would not last long in a straight-up fight. He turned to Yang, Blake, Ren and Nora, now all closing in on him. "Hey guys, I surrender." He said, lifting his hands into the air. "I was just doing what she told me to do. You understand. No hard feelings."

"Weiss?" Yang asked.

"Nora, take care of him." Weiss commanded with a stern look.

"Oh Gods…" Mercury started before Nora's hammer slammed into his face, knocking him flat on his back. He was probably already dead, but Nora hit him again and again, crushing him into a bloody pulp that no longer resembled anything vaguely human.

"That's enough Nora." Ren said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Nora stopped and stood there breathing heavily for a few seconds. "Join your harem!" Nora screamed, delivering one last blow to what was now more puddle than man.

Blake looked at Emerald. "What should we do with her?" The group surrounded her, Nora's hammer still dripping with gore.

"Oh gods, please don't kill me!" Emerald cried, curling up on the ground and hyperventilating. "I only followed Cinder because I had nothing else. She took me from nothing and gave me everything and only asked for loyalty in return. I didn't want to kill! I just wanted to survive! She was the only person who ever showed me kindness. I didn't know she was evil, not until it was too late. Please don't kill me! Oh gods, not like that!"

Weiss walked to Emerald and crouched down beside her. "Calm yourself." Weiss said. "We will not execute a repentant prisoner. Particularly one who did not take part in the fight against us." Emerald still cowered, seemingly unconvinced of Weiss' sincerity. "Yang, I'm placing her in your charge."

"Are you sure about that?" Yang asked.

"You did well with Neo." Weiss replied. "See that she is calmed and secured." Weiss stood and started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Yang asked.

"To check on Pyrrha with the others." Weiss answered. "Meet us at the base of the altar." She rushed down the stairs with the others.

Yang gently but firmly tied Emerald's wrists together, then helped her to her feet. "How did you change so much since the last time you were our prisoner?" Yang asked Emerald who was finally beginning to compose herself.

"It's a long story." Emerald said.

"Well, we've got a long trip ahead of us." Yang said. "I'd like to hear it."

The group rushed down the steps to where they had left Pyrrha. Her Pegasus had already made the flight and stood beside her. She lay there, eyes closed, a small smile on her face. "Pyrrha?" Ruby said fearfully as she approached.

"You did it." Pyrrha said. She opened her eyes and looked at the approaching group. "I knew you did. I could feel it."

"Oh Pyrrha!" Ruby exclaimed. She rushed to her lover's side and they embraced. They cried tears of joy in each other's arms.

"That's a relief." Weiss sighed. "I was afraid we were too late. When Mercury...never mind."

"When he what?" Ruby asked.

"Before you got there he summoned...how should I put this?" Weiss struggled.

"He summoned Risen, but they were disguised as our deceased loved ones." Ren helpfully explained. "Pyrrha was among them."

"He claimed to be a necromancer, so we had to believe Pyrrha was dead." Blake said. "But it turns out it was all a trick." Blake shook her head. "I still feel like he got off easy."

"Nora reduced him to paste." Weiss observed.

"Yeah, but the first blow probably killed him." Blake said. "It definitely knocked him out. He probably didn't feel anything."

"I hit him so hard he'll feel it in the afterlife." Nora said cheerfully.

"So, who did it?" Pyrrha asked. "Who killed Cinder?"

"I did." Ruby replied.

Pyrrha thought for a moment. "Wait, but you've never killed anyone." She said. "You've never been willing to kill anyone."

"And if I'm so blessed by the gods, I'll never have to kill again." Ruby said. "I killed the most vile, evil creature to live in this world. I killed to save you."

"Well, Ruby, thank you." Pyrrha said, not really sure what else she should say. "That just leaves her other retainer."

"We took her prisoner." Weiss said. "She refused to fight against us and begged us for mercy afterwards. Yang is bringing her here."

With perfect timing Yang arrived with Emerald in tow. "Oh thank the gods you're alive." Yang said. "If you died I'd have you resurrected just so I could kill you for hurting Ruby."

"It's nice to see you too Yang." Pyrrha said.

"I'm very sorry for what Cinder did to you." Emerald said. "For what she did to all of you. If I'd seen she was a monster sooner maybe…"

"We can talk about it later." Weiss said. "Ren, is Pyrrha safe to touch now?"

"Cinder is dead and the curse is broken, so yes." Ren replied.

"You should heal her properly then." Weiss suggested. "The wounds she suffered at Cinder's hands must be mended."

"Any volunteers?" Ren asked.

"Me of course." Ruby said, raising her hand.

Ren looked to Yang. "Just do it." Yang said. "I hope you're ready Ruby because it hurts, a lot."

"Anything for Pyrrha." Ruby said.

"I'm very sorry." Ren said. He grabbed Ruby by the throat and the pair of them began to glow. Ruby squealed in pain and squirmed. The glow around Ruby faded and Ren laid a hand on Pyrrha. She began to glow as the glow around Ren faded. "All done. You'll obviously need more treatment. The curse likely caused complications, so your injuries will be harder than usual to heal."

"I'll be fine for now." Pyrrha said. "After I rest I can use a staff to heal myself."

"So, can we leave this godsforsaken island already?" Yang asked. "I've had enough of this place."

"As have I." Weiss agreed. "Let's go home."

The journey back to the mainland would take two days at least, as the winds that had previously propelled the group now fought against them. There was plenty of time to rest, recharge and revel in the fact that the fighting was finally over. Pyrrha was getting stronger by the hour. Emerald, still bound at the wrists, stood on deck, staring at the sea. She knew that while she still lived, the life she had known was over. Things would never be close to the same. Her patron, her protector, the only person who ever cared about her, was dead, and now she was trapped among her killers. She knew they were justified in what they had done, but being around them was sickening all the same.

"Emerald, you said you had a long story." Yang said as she approached. "Sailing is boring and I'd like to hear it if you don't mind."

"As would I." Weiss said, stepping up behind Yang. "If that's not a problem."

"No, it's not a problem." Emerald sighed.

"Well, go ahead." Yang encouraged. "What's your story?"

"I guess I should start from before I met Cinder." Emerald said. "My parents died when I was a kid. In battle I think? No one ever told me for sure. We were poor anyway, and the poor are treated worse than slaves in Plegia. I was basically thrown out on the street. Some of the other homeless people looked after me, made sure I didn't die. Well, one day when I was 8 I saw some rich lady walking down the street. I could tell she was rich just by the way she walked. I was starving, so I picked her pocket. She didn't notice but a nearby soldier did. He grabbed me, took me to her. I figured she would have me killed. It was well within her rights to do so. I begged for her to spare me, that I was just starving and needed to steal to live. I don't know why, but she took pity on me. Instead of having me killed she took me in. That was Cinder."

"Really?!" Yang gasped. "Are we talking about the same person here?"

"Yes." Emerald confirmed. "All she asked for was unquestioning loyalty. In return I would be housed and fed. I went from having nothing to living in luxury. She trained me to be a warrior and I did her bidding. Even when I served her no one else gave a damn about me. But she always cared. It went on like that for years. She did some...questionable things, and she made me do some too. But it was either that or go back to starving on the streets. Then...things changed. She became queen. I had helped her gain the influence she needed to position herself, and done some terrible things to do that. I thought once she was queen that would be it."

"But it wasn't." Weiss said.

"Of course not." Emerald continued. "First she cursed the Exalt. I...knew he wasn't a bad person but...he was our enemy in war...so I kind of accepted it. Then we traveled to Valm and I saw what she did to your family and...I started to have second thoughts. The things she did to Pyrrha though, that's what made me realize how twisted and evil she was. There was no denying it anymore. On the altar...I...I just couldn't fight for her anymore, even if it meant my death. It was like the loving mentor who had taken me in off the streets was gone, replaced by some monster. Maybe she was never the person I thought she was. Maybe she was using me the whole time. She probably was. But it was still a terrible shock...and so painful."

"I know what you mean." Weiss said. "I felt the same way when my father tried to have me killed. He was never a loving parent, but I never suspected he was capable of something so evil. It hurt. It still does."

"Cinder was at fault for that too." Emerald sighed. "I'm sorry." She looked back out to sea. "So, what will you do with me now? Put me on trial? Throw me in prison?"

"I have a better idea." Weiss said. "How about we see if you can live an honest life? We'll see if you can really turn over a new leaf."

"What do you mean?" Emerald asked.

"My household is always in need of servants." Weiss replied. "It's difficult work, but it's honest work. You'll never go hungry, and I'll never ask you to do anything untoward."

"You would do that for me?" Emerald gasped. "Why?"

"Everyone deserves a second chance." Yang said. "Weiss, we should probably put her in with Neo and Torchwick so we can keep an eye on all three."

"Agreed." Weiss said. "We'll bring them to the capital and once everything settles down we can work out the details."

"You're like an angel." Emerald said.

"I'm nothing of the sort." Weiss said. "If you take advantage of my generosity, the consequences will be dire."

"Oh, I won't." Emerald promised. "I won't waste the chance you're giving me."

"Good." Weiss said with a smile. "I think I made the right choice in sparing you."

The ship neared shore. As the port came into sight it was clearly filled with soldiers, Imperial Soldiers. The fate of the Plegians was unknown but at least the port was now safe and in friendly hands. The group docked the ship according to Pyrrha's instructions, clumsily as it turned out, but successfully. When they disembarked a pair of soldiers were waiting. "Dad?!" Ruby exclaimed. She ran forward and embraced her father.

"Gods, I thought you were dead." Yang gasped. She held one end of Pyrrha's stretcher and so could not join Ruby.

"When I got here Taiyang and three of his knights had about one hundred Plegian soldiers disarmed and captive." Qrow said, shaking his head.

"After you guys left they surrendered." Taiyang laughed. "I guess I was just that intimidating."

"Or they decided it was pointless to keep fighting once their mission had failed." Qrow said. "It's good to see you all alive and...maybe not well but alive."

"It's good to see you too, Your Majesty." Pyrrha said. "I would again like to renounce my lordship over Nikopolis."

"And now that the war is over I grant your request." Qrow said. "Go be with Ruby."

"Thanks uncle Qrow." Ruby said. She released her father and hugged Qrow. "I...I killed Cinder."

"You killed someone?" Qrow gasped. "I never thought I'd see the day. It only took coming face to face with the most evil person on the planet."

"And a desire to save my life." Pyrrha added.

"I'm glad you did it all the same." Qrow said.

"So, is it really over?" Taiyang asked. "You stopped her from summoning that dragon?"

"We did." Weiss said. "Now we can all get back to our lives in peace."

Back in the capital, a little over a week later, it was finally time for the coronation and royal wedding. The Temple of Naga was decorated with splendid tapestries depicting famous scenes of triumph from the empire's history. Nobles and monarchs from around the world were assembled to witness the event, filling the venue to bursting, with a large crowd spilling outside. Dressed in a long white gown trimmed with purple, Weiss stood at the altar before a Priest of Naga. The priest anointed her with sacred oil and took a step back. It was time for Weiss to turn to the crowd and do her part.

"I hereby swear to govern the great Empire of Valm according to its established laws and customs, enforcing and promoting justice in all things." Weiss said. "I swear to respect the rights of the people, noble and common. I swear to defend the Empire against enemies, internal and external." With the official oath complete, it was her chance to make a statement of her own. "My reign shall be one of peace, justice and prosperity, this I promise." Weiss turned and knelt before the Priest of Naga.

"I crown you Emperor of Valm." The priest declared, placing the crown on Weiss' head. "May Naga bless you." There was a great cheer from the assembled masses.

Normally the newly crowned monarch would process out and the event would end, but today there was more to be done. The great doors at the entrance of the temple opened to reveal Blake, clad in a white gown trimmed with gold. A white patch of cloth, emblazoned with the dragon of Chon'sin, covered the scarred half of her face. Flanked by Ruby and Yang she walked down the aisle, joining Weiss at the altar. The priest went through the same process of blessing and anointing her. She gave an oath identical to Weiss' save for replacing Empire of Valm with Kingdom of Chon'sin. Then she turned and knelt before Weiss and the priest.

"I crown you Queen of Chon'sin." Weiss and the priest said in unison, placing the crown on her head. "May Naga bless you." Another thunderous cheer met them, but still the event was not over. Now Weiss and Blake would be married.

Yang and Ruby had taken their seats in the front row, Nora, Ren and Pyrrha - who still required crutches to walk - lined up beside them. The ceremony had already gone on for quite some time and the marriage portion was just getting started. Yang found it terribly boring. Ruby noticed her discomfort. "Yang, are you alright?" Ruby asked. "This must be hard for you to watch."

Yang smiled. "The world isn't perfect." She sighed. "In a perfect world I'd be up there, I could be with them, but this is how it has to be. I accept it." Yang shrugged. "Besides, it's pretty sexy being the secret mistress of two royals."

"That's a little too much information." Ruby said with unease. "But I'm happy for you. I just wish I could call Weiss and Blake my sisters too."

"They're my wives in all but law." Yang said. "They're your sisters, regardless of what the world thinks."

Vows and rings were exchanged, then Weiss and Blake kissed. The Priest of Naga blessed the pair and declared them married, and then it was over. They processed out down the aisle, followed by the great and good of the Empire, and once outside climbed into an ornately decorated carriage of red and gold pulled by a pair of horses made to look like Pegasi. They would have a little time to themselves, then put on less impractical attire and attend the celebratory feast that night.

The outdoor feast went on for hours. As day turned to night the area was lit by magic and bonfires. Exotic food had been consumed, expensive wines drunk, and fun had by all in attendance. But now the party was winding down and the crowd began to break up. Weiss, Blake and Yang managed to find a quiet place away from the rest of the revelers where they could talk in peace. "Great party you two." Yang said. "Almost makes up for all those hours I had to sit in the temple listening to you and that priest drone on."

"Sometimes formalities must be observed." Weiss said.

"It was almost unbearable." Blake admitted. "If everything about being a queen is that boring I'm going to have second thoughts."

"It couldn't have been harder for anyone than Yang." Weiss observed. "I'm sorry you couldn't join us."

"It's not that big a deal." Yang said. "Whatever the official line I know the reality. That's what really matters."

"That's surprisingly mature of you." Blake said.

"Funny, I had the same conversation with Ruby during the ceremony." Yang laughed.

"Where is Ruby?" Weiss asked.

"She was pretty drunk." Blake replied. "So were the others. They wandered off to somewhere. Any idea where Yang?"

"I have no…" Yang started.

A chorus of gasps distracted her. "Woohoo!" Ruby exclaimed as she flew overhead astride Pyrrha's Pegasus.

"That solves that." Blake said.

"Is she naked?" Weiss sighed.

"She sure is." Yang said.

There was another commotion among the crowd, this the gasps accompanied by cheers and whistles. "Did Ruby fly over here?" Nora asked, rushing up to the trio. From the way she wobbled to the slurring of her speech, it was clear she was drunk.

"Why are you naked?!" Weiss gasped.

"We were all skinny dipping." Nora replied. "Ruby ran off with Pyrrha's clothes and took off on the Pegasus. Pyrrha can't run so she sent me after her."

"That doesn't explain why you're naked!" Weiss shouted.

Nora looked down at herself. "Huh, I knew I forgot something." Nora shrugged, seemingly unconcerned by her very public nudity.

"Ruby went that way." Yang said, pointing. Nora rushed off, continuing the chase.

"I can't believe I made her my retainer." Weiss groaned. "And I gave Ruby a duchy."

"Look on the bright side." Yang said. "This party just got a heck of a lot more exciting."

THE END