Chapter XVII: Mountain Glenn; Awakening Changes Part II
Mountain Glenn - Night Watch Revelations
The conversation between her teammates about their motivations as Huntresses drifted up to Ruby's watch position, but she found herself distracted by the increasingly intense sensations coursing through her body. The itching at her lower back had evolved into something more complex—a tingling that seemed to pulse in rhythm with her heartbeat, accompanied by what felt like pressure building beneath her skin.
More concerning were the changes in her sensory perception. She could hear every word of her teammates' intimate conversation with perfect clarity despite being positioned well away from their campsite. Their individual scents had become as distinct as their voices—Yang's familiar warmth now carried undertones of something almost volcanic, Blake's typically controlled aura held traces of anxiety and old fear, and Weiss carried the crystalline sharpness of barely contained stress.
But it was when Yang began discussing her motivations that Ruby felt a strange resonance, as if something deep within her was responding to her sister's emotional state.
"I'm not like Ruby," Yang was saying. "She's always wanted to be a Huntress. It's like she said, ever since she was a kid, she'd dreamt about being the heroes in the books."
Ruby touched the base of her spine unconsciously, the strange tingling intensifying as Yang spoke about her. What is happening to us? she wondered, because she could sense that whatever was affecting her was also affecting her sister. Yang's scent carried the same undertones of change, the same hint of something wild and powerful awakening.
When Yang took over watch duty and Ruby settled down to sleep, she found rest elusive. Every time she closed her eyes, she could feel air currents throughout the entire building, could sense the movement of small creatures in the ruins outside, could hear the heartbeats of her sleeping teammates. The sensory input was overwhelming, and the pressure at her lower back was becoming almost painful.
It was Zwei's sudden alertness that finally gave her an excuse to move. When the dog stood up abruptly, Ruby felt a corresponding spike in her own awareness—danger, somewhere nearby, though she couldn't identify the source.
"Huh? Zwei, it's late. Go back to bed," she whispered, but when the dog ran off, she had no choice but to follow.
Underground Capture - Ruby's Awakening
When Ruby fell through the compromised asphalt into the underground cavern system, the impact should have been devastating. Instead, she found herself landing with impossible grace, the air itself seeming to cushion her fall. As she hit the building's roof, a gust of wind spread outward from the impact point, scattering debris in perfect concentric circles.
That's not normal, she thought, staring at the pattern she'd unconsciously created.
But there was no time to analyze her enhanced abilities, because White Fang guards were already emerging from nearby buildings.
"Freeze!" one of them shouted.
As they approached, Ruby reached instinctively for Crescent Rose, only to realize she'd left it above ground. The panic that should have followed instead triggered something else entirely—a surge of energy that made the air around her shimmer with heat distortion.
"You're a long way from home, little girl," one guard taunted, grabbing her arm.
"Hey! Hands off!" Ruby jerked away, her movement accompanied by a sharp crack that sounded like thunder. The guard staggered backward, not just from her physical resistance but from what felt like a shock wave.
When she started throwing punches in desperation, each impact generated the same thunder-like sounds she'd been hearing all day, though the guards seemed too focused on subduing her to notice the acoustic anomalies.
The guard's retaliatory punch connected hard enough to knock her down, but as consciousness faded, Ruby's enhanced senses picked up something that chilled her: the scent of explosives, massive quantities of them, somewhere deeper in the underground facility.
Dust, she realized as darkness took her. They're planning something with Dust.
The Rescue Mission - Yang's Escalation
When Yang discovered Ruby's missing scythe at the edge of the sinkhole, the surge of protective fury that coursed through her was unlike anything she'd experienced before. Her Semblance activated automatically, but instead of her familiar golden glow, her hair ignited with flames that were distinctly white-hot at the roots, fading to molten orange at the tips.
"Ruby's scythe!" she announced, her voice carrying harmonics that made the air itself vibrate.
"Oh no," Blake said, but her response seemed distant to Yang, whose enhanced hearing was picking up sounds from deep within the underground complex—machinery, voices, and something that might have been Ruby's heartbeat, faint but distinct.
As Dr. Oobleck launched into his explanation about Mountain Glenn's underground tunnel system, Yang found herself growing increasingly agitated. The itching sensation at her lower back was becoming almost unbearable, and she could swear she felt something moving beneath her skin.
"My dear, we're not just looking for an underground crime network, we're looking for an UNDERGROUND crime network!" Oobleck concluded.
"They've been working in caves?" Blake asked.
But Yang was barely listening to the academic explanation. Her enhanced senses were painting a vivid picture of the underground facility—she could smell Ruby's fear-scent mixed with something else, something that suggested her sister was experiencing physical changes even more dramatic than her own.
"If Ruby is down there, we must find her," Oobleck concluded, deploying his weapon.
"Then let's go," Yang said, and as she spoke, small flames danced along her arms without any conscious activation of her Semblance.
Dr. Oobleck's Growing Suspicions
As they prepared to descend into the underground complex, Dr. Oobleck found himself increasingly fascinated by the behavioral and physiological changes he was observing in the Rose-Xiao Long sisters.
Yang's flames were exhibiting properties that defied standard Semblance theory. The temperature readings he was picking up through his equipment suggested heat levels that should have been impossible for a first-year student to generate. More intriguingly, her flame coloration was shifting toward the blue-white spectrum typically associated with much more advanced Huntsmen—or with entirely different phenomena.
And then there were the environmental anomalies. Throughout their mission, he'd documented several instances of localized weather disturbances that coincided with Ruby's emotional states. Wind patterns that defied the underground air currents, pressure changes that his instruments couldn't explain, and acoustic signatures that suggested sonic capabilities far beyond normal human ranges.
"Fascinating," he murmured to himself as Yang's hair flickered with uncontrolled flames. "The simultaneity of manifestation suggests a shared catalyst rather than coincidental development."
"Dr. Oobleck?" Blake asked, noticing his distracted observation of Yang.
"Hmm? Oh, nothing immediate concern, Miss Belladonna. Simply noting some... interesting physiological responses to stress."
But privately, Dr. Oobleck was forming a theory that he found both thrilling and terrifying. The combinations of enhanced sensory capabilities, environmental manipulation, temperature control beyond normal Semblance parameters, and the sisters' reported physical sensations were painting a picture that challenged everything he thought he understood about human development on Remnant.
If I'm correct, he thought as they began their descent into the underground tunnels, we may be witnessing the emergence of something unprecedented. Something that could change our understanding of what it means to be human in this world.
As Yang's flames cast dancing shadows on the tunnel walls, each flicker revealing heat signatures that his equipment registered as impossibly intense, Dr. Oobleck quietly activated his scroll's recording functions. Whatever was happening to Ruby and Yang Rose, he suspected that documenting it might prove crucial not just for their safety, but for the future of humanity itself.
The itching sensations both sisters were experiencing, the enhanced sensory capabilities, the environmental manipulation—all of it pointed toward a transformation that went beyond simple Semblance evolution.
Dr. Oobleck adjusted his glasses and smiled grimly. This rescue mission was about to become much more significant than any of them had anticipated. And somewhere in the darkness ahead, Ruby Rose was about to discover just how dramatically her world was changing.
Mountain Glenn Mission - Awakening Changes (Continuation)
Dr. Oobleck's Hidden Knowledge
As the team descended deeper into the underground tunnels, Dr. Oobleck's mind raced with connections that his students couldn't possibly understand. The physiological changes he was documenting in Yang and Ruby weren't random—they followed patterns he'd seen only once before, in ancient texts describing bloodline awakenings among the most powerful Faunus lineages.
Yang's intimate bond with Max, he thought grimly, watching as her flames unconsciously shifted to that distinctive blue-white intensity. The Holy Dragon King's essence would naturally catalyze any dormant draconic heritage. But Ruby...
Ruby's case was far more complex. Her connection to Koga, the Poison Balrog Lord, should have triggered entirely different manifestations—darkness, toxicity, shadow manipulation. Instead, she was exhibiting storm-based abilities that suggested something unprecedented: a hybrid awakening that was creating entirely new capabilities.
"Professor," Weiss called softly, "Yang's temperature readings are off the charts again."
Oobleck nodded grimly. Yang's transformation was accelerating, her dragon blood responding to the stress of Ruby's capture. Soon, the physical changes would become impossible to hide.
Ruby's Underground Revelation
In the White Fang holding cell, Ruby huddled against the cold stone wall, fighting waves of sensation that threatened to overwhelm her enhanced senses. The itching at her lower back had evolved into something that felt like her very bones were reshaping themselves, and she could swear she felt something pressing against her skin from the inside.
What's happening to me? she wondered, unconsciously running her hand along her spine. The pressure there had localized into two distinct points, right where her shoulder blades met her back.
When footsteps echoed in the corridor outside her cell, Ruby's enhanced hearing picked up more than just the guards' approach. She could detect their individual heartrates, their stress levels, even the subtle chemical changes in their body odor that indicated fear and anticipation.
"The boss wants to see her," one guard muttered to another.
"About time. This whole operation has me on edge."
As they approached her cell, Ruby felt something building within her—not just adrenaline, but a storm-like energy that seemed to respond to her emotional state. The air in the small space began to move in subtle patterns, dust swirling in miniature cyclones around her feet.
Storm Dragon Princess, whispered a voice in her mind that sounded like her own thoughts but felt foreign. The blood awakens.
Ruby's eyes widened. She'd never heard that term before, but somehow it resonated with something deep in her genetic memory.
Yang's Escalating Transformation
Above ground, Yang's search for her sister was becoming increasingly desperate—and increasingly difficult to hide. Each emotional spike triggered more dramatic displays of her enhanced abilities.
"Yang, you need to control your Semblance," Blake warned as another wave of superheated air rippled outward from Yang's position.
"I'm trying!" Yang shot back, but even as she spoke, she could feel scales beginning to form along her arms—tiny, almost imperceptible, but definitely there. When she flexed her fingers, her nails seemed sharper, stronger.
Max, she thought involuntarily. What did you do to me?
But even as the thought crossed her mind, Yang realized it wasn't accurate. Max hadn't done anything to her—he'd awakened something that was already there. Something that had been dormant in her bloodline, waiting for the right catalyst.
Dr. Oobleck appeared at her side, his keen eyes taking in details that her teammates missed.
"Miss Xiao Long," he said quietly, "I believe it's time we discussed your... heritage."
Yang's golden eyes flashed—literally flashed, with an inner fire that had nothing to do with her Semblance.
"What are you talking about?"
"Your connection to Max Dragonblade has awakened something in you," Oobleck explained carefully. "Something that was always part of who you are. Dragon Faunus bloodlines can remain dormant for generations, only manifesting when triggered by... intimate contact with another of draconic heritage."
Yang stared at him, pieces clicking into place. "You're saying I'm becoming a Faunus?"
"A Dragon Faunus, specifically. And if my theories are correct, Ruby is undergoing a similar but far more complex transformation."
The Storm Dragon's Emergence
Deep underground, Ruby was discovering exactly what Dr. Oobleck suspected. As the White Fang guards led her through the facility's corridors, her enhanced senses were painting an increasingly detailed picture of the operation around her.
But more importantly, she was beginning to understand the changes in her own body.
The pressure points on her back weren't random—they were where wings were trying to emerge. The enhanced hearing, the ability to sense air currents, the storm-like energy that responded to her emotions—all of it pointed to a transformation that went far beyond normal human capabilities.
Storm Dragon, the inner voice whispered again. Born of lightning and wind, child of the tempest.
When they brought her before the facility's commander, Ruby felt the full weight of her awakening heritage. The man's scent carried undertones of fear and ambition, but also something else—recognition.
"Interesting," the commander mused, studying Ruby with calculating eyes. "You're not entirely human anymore, are you?"
Ruby's silver eyes flashed with inner lightning. "What are you talking about?"
"The storm that follows you, child. The way the very air responds to your presence. You're awakening to something powerful—something we could use."
As he spoke, Ruby felt her growing abilities responding to the threat he represented. Wind began to swirl around her feet, and the sound of distant thunder echoed through the underground chamber despite the clear night above.
Convergence
Above ground, Yang suddenly stopped moving, her head tilted as if listening to something her teammates couldn't hear.
"Ruby," she whispered, and her flames flared with protective fury.
"What is it?" Weiss asked.
"She's in trouble. Real trouble." Yang's voice carried harmonics that made the air itself vibrate. "And she's... she's changing. Just like me."
Dr. Oobleck nodded gravely. "The Rose-Xiao Long bloodline carries traces of ancient Faunus heritage that most families have forgotten. Your connections to Max and Koga have awakened those dormant genes."
"Then we get to her now," Yang declared, her flames shifting to that distinctive dragon-fire blue.
As the team prepared for their descent into the underground facility, neither Yang nor Ruby fully understood what they were becoming. But deep in the tunnels below, the Storm Dragon Princess was about to discover the true extent of her awakening powers—and high above, the emerging Dragon Faunus was ready to burn down the world to protect her sister.
The blood of ancient dragons was awakening in both Rose sisters, and Mountain Glenn would never be the same.
Team MKKH - Sensing the Awakening
Back at Beacon Academy, Max Dragonblade suddenly stiffened in the middle of combat training, his pristine white scales shimmering along his arms as an overwhelming sensation washed over him.
"Yang," he whispered, his golden draconic eyes flashing with concern and something deeper—recognition.
Kazuma Ayakashi, the Reaper Dragon King, paused mid-strike against his sparring partner, his black scales rippling as dark energy coiled around him. "Something's wrong. I can feel... awakening. Powerful awakening."
Koga looked up from where he'd been meditating, his poison-green eyes now glowing with Balrog fire. The connection he shared with Ruby was sending waves of information through their bond—fear, confusion, and most importantly, the emergence of storm-dragon heritage that shouldn't have been possible.
"Ruby's changing," he announced, rising to his feet as toxic energy swirled around him. "Her bloodline... it's awakening faster than it should. The stress is accelerating everything."
Hon'oh Glacius Tokyoheim, the Sea Dragon Empress, felt the disturbance through the elemental networks that connected all dragon-blooded Faunus. Her ice-blue scales reflected the light as she turned toward the direction of Mountain Glenn.
"Two awakenings simultaneously," she said, her voice carrying the weight of ancient knowledge. "This is unprecedented. The Rose bloodline must carry more draconic heritage than anyone suspected."
Max clenched his fists, white-hot dragon fire erupting around his hands. "I have to get to her. Yang doesn't understand what's happening to her body."
"None of them do," Koga added grimly, Balrog poison beginning to seep from his pores in response to his emotional state. "Ruby's awakening as something I've never encountered before. Storm Dragon Princess... the combination of our bond and her latent bloodline is creating something new."
Team MTGSY - Recognition of Heritage
In the advanced combat arena, Team MTGSY felt the resonance of awakening dragon blood like a thunderclap through their enhanced senses.
Mist Dragonblade, Max's sister, staggered as her crimson scales flared along her neck and arms. Her fuchsia hair began to glow with inner dragon fire as she felt the connection to her brother's mate activating.
"Yang's transformation is reaching critical mass," she announced, her golden eyes reflecting ancient knowledge. "Brother's essence has fully catalyzed her dormant heritage."
Toshiro Torugaiya, the Steel Dragon King, felt his metallic scales harden in response to the spiritual pressure emanating from Mountain Glenn. "The awakening is violent. Uncontrolled. They need guidance before they lose themselves to the transformation."
Gweynne Gorman, Shadow Dragon Empress, melted partially into shadow-form as dark energy responded to her emotional state. "My sister Leathe mentioned unusual readings from Mountain Glenn. This isn't coincidence—something is deliberately triggering these awakenings."
Shoryu Glacius Tokyoheim, Hon'oh's elder brother, created frost patterns in the air as his concern manifested through his Frost Dragon abilities. "Two Rose sisters awakening simultaneously... the bloodline must be incredibly pure. More pure than most ancient dragon families."
Yukikaze Ayakashi, Kazuma's sister and Thunder Dragon Empress, felt electricity crackling along her purple scales as lightning responded to her agitation. "Ruby's storm manifestations... they're similar to my thunder dragon abilities but more primal. More raw."
Team SKTE - Deeper Connections
In the specialized training facility reserved for the most advanced students, Team SKTE felt the awakening through bonds that ran deeper than simple friendship.
Skye Dragonblade, cousin to the Dragonblade siblings, suddenly doubled over as storm energy erupted around her. As a Storm Balrog Empress, she had the closest connection to Ruby's emerging abilities.
"The little rose is awakening as my storm-kin," she gasped, her silver hair whipping around her as miniature tornadoes formed in the room. "But it's wrong—too fast, too violent. She needs guidance or she'll tear herself apart."
Kagura Torugaiya, despite being human, had spent enough time around dragon Faunus to recognize the signs. Her samurai training allowed her to sense the spiritual disturbance across vast distances.
"The energy signatures are massive," she reported, hand moving instinctively to her katana. "Whatever's happening at Mountain Glenn, it's affecting the entire dragon-blood network."
Tadashi Aldairhon, her Frost Balrog Lord boyfriend, felt ice crystals forming around his feet as his concern manifested. "Koga's bond with the younger Rose is pulling at him. I can feel it through our Balrog connection—he wants to go to her."
Emeryll Valharen, trained by both Goddesses Athena and Pallas, felt the cosmic significance of what was occurring. Her connection to divine powers gave her insight that even the dragon Faunus lacked.
"This awakening is destiny," she announced, her azure robes glowing with sacred power. "The Rose sisters were always meant to join the dragon-blooded families. Their human heritage was merely dormant draconic bloodline waiting for the right catalysts."
The Collective Response
As all three teams processed the magnitude of what was occurring, Max stepped forward, his dragon fire flaring with protective fury.
"We're going to Mountain Glenn. Now."
"The mission parameters won't allow for outside interference," Hon'oh pointed out logically.
"Then we ignore the parameters," Koga snarled, poison energy swirling around him like a living thing. "Ruby needs guidance through her transformation. Without it, she could lose herself entirely."
Mist nodded, her crimson scales glowing. "Yang's awakening is equally dangerous. Brother's draconic essence is potent—if she can't control the transformation, she could burn herself out."
Emeryll raised her hand, sacred power flowing around her. "I can create a concealment field using Athena's blessing. We can reach Mountain Glenn without alerting the Academy to our unauthorized departure."
Skye's storm powers responded to her determination. "Then we move as one. The Rose sisters are family now—dragon-blood protects dragon-blood."
As the three teams prepared for immediate departure, each member felt the urgency of awakening bloodlines calling across the distance. Yang and Ruby were transforming into something unprecedented, but they were doing it alone and afraid.
That was about to change.
The dragon families were coming, and Mountain Glenn was about to become the site of the most significant draconic awakening in centuries.
Seeking Elder Guidance
Having just returned from their own classified missions in the outer territories, Teams MKKH, MTGSY, and SKTE made their way through Beacon's faculty quarters to the private wing reserved for Faunus instructors. The urgency of Yang and Ruby's awakening left no time for proper protocol.
Max led the group, his white scales still shimmering with residual dragon fire from sensing Yang's distress. Behind him, Koga's poison energy leaked in wisps of green vapor, betraying his barely controlled concern for Ruby's unprecedented transformation.
They found Derek Dragonblade in his office, reviewing mission reports with his mate Katsura. The elder Holy Dragon King looked up as his son burst through the door, immediately sensing the spiritual disturbance radiating from the younger generation.
"Father," Max said without preamble, "Yang and Ruby Rose are undergoing awakening transformations at Mountain Glenn. Yang's becoming a Dragon Faunus through our bond, and Ruby..." He paused, struggling to explain. "Ruby's awakening as something we've never seen before."
Derek's ancient golden eyes narrowed as he processed this information. His mate Katsura, a Dragon Empress of equal power, rose from her chair with fluid grace.
"Show me," Derek commanded, extending his hand.
Max clasped his father's hand, allowing the elder dragon to sense the connection he shared with Yang. Derek's expression grew increasingly grave as he felt the violent, uncontrolled nature of her transformation.
"This is accelerated beyond normal parameters," Derek observed. "The awakening should take weeks, not hours. Something is forcing the change."
Koga stepped forward, his Balrog heritage making the air shimmer with toxic heat. "Ruby's transformation is even more concerning. My bond with her is triggering Storm Dragon abilities that shouldn't exist in her bloodline."
"Unless," Katsura said thoughtfully, "the Rose bloodline carries heritage from multiple draconic sources. Ancient bloodlines that have been dormant for generations."
Consulting the Tokyoheim Elders
The group moved quickly to Reynar and Yin Lan Tokyoheim's chambers, where the elder Sea Dragon King and Ice Dragon Empress were already waiting. As masters of elemental dragon magic, they had felt the disturbance across Vale's spiritual networks.
"The storm signatures are unprecedented," Reynar announced as they entered. His deep blue scales rippled with contained ocean power. "The girl is manifesting abilities that combine multiple elemental sources."
Yin Lan, her ice-blue hair flowing like winter wind, gestured toward a crystal display showing energy readings from across the kingdom. "The spiritual pressure from Mountain Glenn is affecting weather patterns in a fifty-kilometer radius. Localized storms, temperature fluctuations, and electromagnetic disturbances."
Hon'oh stepped forward respectfully. "Honored parents, Ruby Rose is bonded to Koga, but her awakening suggests Storm Dragon heritage. How is this possible?"
"Mixed bloodlines," Yin Lan replied, her ancient eyes reflecting centuries of knowledge. "The Rose family must carry genes from multiple dragon houses. The Xiao Long heritage adds fire dragon aspects to Yang, while Ruby's bond with a Balrog Lord is awakening storm abilities that were always present but suppressed."
Shoryu nodded grimly. "The combination could be lethal if not properly guided. Storm Dragons require careful training to avoid self-destruction."
The Collective Decision
Derek Dragonblade stood, his massive frame radiating the authority of an ancient Holy Dragon King. "The situation requires immediate intervention. These awakenings could destabilize not just the girls, but the entire regional spiritual balance."
"The Academy's mission parameters—" Emeryll began.
"Are irrelevant," Katsura interrupted, her Dragon Empress authority brooking no argument. "When dragon blood awakens, the community responds. This is law older than kingdoms."
Reynar moved to an ancient communication crystal, its surface beginning to glow with deep ocean light. "I'm contacting the other elder houses. If two Rose sisters are undergoing simultaneous awakening, every dragon-blooded family needs to be aware."
"The girls need guidance circles," Yin Lan added, ice crystals forming around her as she accessed ancient knowledge. "Awakening dragons require the presence of their elemental kin to properly channel emerging abilities."
Koga's poison energy flared with barely contained urgency. "How long do we have?"
Derek's expression was grave. "Based on the spiritual resonance your father is showing me, hours at most. After that, the transformations will either stabilize or consume them entirely."
Mist stepped forward, her crimson scales glowing with determination. "Then we go now. All of us."
"Not all," Derek corrected. "The elders will prepare emergency stabilization protocols here. The younger generation will provide on-site guidance." He turned to his son. "Max, Yang is your responsibility. Your draconic essence triggered her awakening—you're the only one who can help her control it."
Koga nodded grimly. "And Ruby is mine. Whatever she's becoming, our bond makes me her anchor."
Skye's storm powers crackled around her. "I'll support Ruby's storm awakening. As a Storm Balrog Empress, I have the closest elemental compatibility."
Derek raised his hand, and all conversation ceased. "This mission is no longer about the Academy's objectives. This is about preventing two unprecedented awakenings from destroying the girls we've come to consider family."
"The dragon houses move as one," the elders declared in unison, their combined spiritual pressure making the air itself thrum with power.
As the younger teams prepared for immediate departure, the elder dragons began preparing emergency protocols that hadn't been used in centuries. The Rose sisters' awakenings were about to become a defining moment for the entire dragon-blooded community.
Mountain Glenn awaited, and with it, the most critical draconic intervention in modern history.
Beacon Academy - Emergency Mobilization
Derek Dragonblade stood in the center of Beacon's command room, his ancient authority radiating through the space as emergency protocols activated around them. The elder Holy Dragon King's scales shimmered with barely contained power as communication crystals flared to life.
"All dragon houses, this is Derek Dragonblade," his voice carried across mystical networks spanning the kingdom. "We have a Code Crimson awakening situation at Mountain Glenn. Two Rose sisters undergoing simultaneous transformation. All available dragon-blood assets converge immediately."
Katsura moved to the tactical displays, her Dragon Empress abilities allowing her to track the spiritual disturbances across Vale in real-time. "The energy signatures are destabilizing. If we don't reach them within the hour, the transformations will become irreversible—and potentially lethal."
Max paced like a caged dragon, white flames unconsciously flickering around his clenched fists. "Yang's in pain. I can feel it through our bond. Every second we delay—"
"Is a second we use to ensure we can actually help them," Derek interrupted firmly. "Rushing in without proper preparation will only make things worse."
Reynar Tokyoheim's deep voice echoed from the communication crystal as he coordinated from across the academy. "Weather satellites confirm massive storm activity centered on Mountain Glenn. Lightning strikes, tornadic activity, and temperature fluctuations that defy natural explanation."
"Ruby's awakening," Koga said grimly, poison energy swirling around him in response to his emotional state. "She's losing control of the storm powers."
Mountain Glenn Underground - Ruby's Accelerating Change
Deep in the White Fang facility, Ruby huddled in her cell as waves of transformation wracked her body. The itching sensation at her lower back had evolved into sharp, stabbing pains that felt like something was trying to break through her skin.
What's happening to me? she thought desperately, reaching back to touch the increasingly sensitive area between her shoulder blades. Through her enhanced senses, she could hear Roman's voice echoing through the facility's speaker system, but the words seemed distant compared to the storm building within her.
The air in the small cell had begun to move in impossible patterns. Dust particles swirled in perfect spirals around her feet, and she could swear she heard the distant rumble of thunder despite being deep underground.
When the White Fang guards came for her, Ruby felt something primal respond to the threat they represented. As Roman grabbed her and threw her across the floor, calling her "much more manageable without that oversized gardening tool," the storm energy inside her flared with protective fury.
"Wow! You are much more manageable without that oversized gardening tool of yours," Roman laughed, completely unaware of the dangerous changes occurring in his captive.
Ruby charged at him, but her movements felt different—faster, more fluid, accompanied by subtle wind currents that had nothing to do with her normal speed. When Roman sidestepped her attack, sending her stumbling, she felt the air itself try to catch and steady her.
This isn't normal, she realized, even as Roman continued his taunting. Something's really wrong with me.
Beacon Academy - The Dragon Families Depart
"Transport arrays are active," Emeryll announced, her azure robes glowing with divine power as she prepared the concealment spells. "Athena's blessing will hide our departure from Academy sensors."
The three teams stood ready for immediate deployment, their draconic heritage making the air itself thrum with contained power. Max's white dragon fire, Koga's poison energy, Skye's storm manifestations—all of it building toward a single purpose.
"Remember," Derek commanded, his ancient eyes reflecting centuries of wisdom, "these girls don't understand what's happening to them. They'll be scared, confused, and potentially dangerous to themselves and others."
Mist stepped forward, her crimson scales glowing with determination. "How do we approach them without triggering defensive responses?"
"Carefully," Yin Lan replied, ice crystals forming around her as she accessed ancient knowledge. "Awakening dragons respond to dominance displays from their elemental kin. Yang will recognize Max's draconic authority. Ruby..." she paused, troubled. "Ruby's case is unprecedented. A Storm Dragon Princess awakening through a Balrog bond—we have no historical precedent."
Koga's poison energy flared with barely contained urgency. "She trusts me. That has to be enough."
Mountain Glenn Surface - Yang's Explosive Rescue
Above ground, Yang's search for Ruby had become increasingly desperate—and increasingly impossible to hide. Each explosion she generated to clear their path sent superheated air rippling outward in patterns that defied normal Semblance physics.
"Yang, your flames—they're different," Blake observed as another White Fang position was reduced to molten slag.
"I know!" Yang snapped, her golden eyes literally glowing with inner fire. "Everything feels different! Stronger, hotter, more—" She stopped, staring at her hands where tiny scales had begun to form along her knuckles. "What is happening to me?"
Dr. Oobleck watched with growing fascination and concern as Yang's transformation accelerated under stress. Her hair was flickering between its normal golden color and something that resembled molten metal, and her flame temperature readings were approaching levels that should have been physically impossible.
"Fascinating," he murmured, making mental notes. "The stress of combat is catalyzing the awakening process at an exponential rate."
When they finally breached the underground facility and Yang saw Ruby being held by Roman, the protective fury that erupted from her was unlike anything she'd experienced before. Her Semblance didn't just activate—it exploded outward in a wave of dragon fire that turned the air itself incandescent.
"Ruby!" she called out, her voice carrying harmonics that made the stone walls vibrate.
Beacon Academy - Sensing the Crisis Point
Back at Beacon, the communication crystals flared with urgent energy as Derek received real-time updates from his mystical network.
"The awakening has entered critical phase," he announced grimly. "Yang's protective instincts have triggered full dragon-fire manifestation. Ruby's storm powers are destabilizing weather patterns across a fifty-kilometer radius."
Katsura's expression was grave as she monitored the spiritual pressure readings. "If they don't receive guidance within the next thirty minutes, the transformations will either complete successfully or destroy them entirely."
Max's dragon fire erupted around him in response to the urgency. "Then we leave now. Immediately."
"Agreed," Derek nodded, his ancient authority filling the command room. "All teams, emergency deployment. Code Crimson protocols are in effect."
As the dragon families prepared for immediate departure, emergency alarms began sounding throughout Beacon Academy. The Rose sisters' awakenings were no longer a private crisis—they were becoming a threat to regional stability that could no longer be contained or hidden.
Mountain Glenn Underground - The Train Chase Begins
As Ruby and her teammates discovered Roman's plan with the weapon-laden train, her enhanced senses were painting an increasingly detailed picture of the threat they faced. She could smell the explosives, hear the mechanical heartbeats of the androids and mechs, even sense the electromagnetic signatures of the weapon systems.
But more concerning was the way her abilities were responding to the crisis. When she used her Semblance to escape Roman's grappling hook, the rose petals that marked her passage were accompanied by miniature lightning strikes that left scorch marks on the tunnel walls.
"I can't get through!" she announced after trying to call for backup, but even as she spoke, Ruby could feel storm energy building in the air around them. The signal interference wasn't just from being underground—her awakening powers were generating electromagnetic disturbances that disrupted all electronic communications.
"We're stopping that train!" she declared, unaware that her words were accompanied by a low rumble of thunder that seemed to come from the tunnel walls themselves.
As Team RWBY prepared to board the moving train, Ruby felt the storm within her responding to the urgency of their mission. Lightning flickered in her silver eyes, and the wind that should have made jumping onto the train difficult instead seemed to lift and carry her with supernatural ease.
Whatever's happening to me, she thought as they landed on the train cars, I hope it's enough to stop whatever Roman is planning.
The train rushed toward Vale, carrying not just weapons and explosives, but two awakening dragons whose transformations were about to collide with a crisis that would determine the fate of the entire city.
Behind them, racing through the night sky, the combined dragon families of Vale approached Mountain Glenn with the desperate hope that they could reach the Rose sisters before the awakenings destroyed everything they were trying to protect.
Beacon Academy - Unexpected Volunteers
As the dragon families prepared their emergency deployment, the spiritual disturbance from Mountain Glenn had begun affecting sensitive individuals throughout Beacon Academy. The awakening of two dragon bloodlines was creating ripples that extended far beyond the immediate crisis.
In the dormitory halls, Cardin Winchester suddenly sat up in his bed, his hand moving instinctively to his chest where he felt an odd resonance. The sensation was foreign yet familiar, as if something deep in his own bloodline was responding to distant power.
"What the hell?" he muttered, swinging his legs out of bed. His teammates—Russell Thrush, Dove Bronzewing, and Sky Lark—were equally restless, all of them sensing something significant occurring in the spiritual atmosphere around them.
In Team SSSN's room, Sun Wukong's Faunus heritage made him acutely aware of the massive disturbance emanating from Mountain Glenn. His golden tail twitched with agitation as he paced their small room.
"Something big is happening," he announced to Neptune Vasilias, who was trying unsuccessfully to sleep. "And it involves the dragon families."
Neptune sat up, his normally styled hair disheveled. "Dragon families? What are you talking about?"
"The spiritual pressure, the way the air itself feels charged," Sun explained, his monkey Faunus instincts painting a clear picture. "Hon'oh and her family are mobilizing for something serious."
Meanwhile, Team JNPR was experiencing their own disturbances. Jaune had been dreaming of waffles when an overwhelming sense of urgency jolted him awake—not from Ruby's call, but from something much more primal and immediate.
"Something's wrong," he announced to his team, though he couldn't explain how he knew. "Really wrong."
Pyrrha felt it too, her enhanced senses picking up the spiritual disturbance that was affecting Faunus and sensitive humans throughout the academy. "The dragon families are mobilizing. I can sense their combined power signatures moving toward the outer territories."
The Convergence of Support
As Teams MKKH, MTGSY, and SKTE prepared to depart, they were surprised to find other students gathering in the assembly area. Mist Dragonblade looked up in shock as Cardin Winchester approached their group, his expression unusually serious.
"Winchester?" she asked, her golden eyes widening with surprise and something deeper—hope.
"I don't know what's happening," Cardin said honestly, "but every instinct I have is telling me you need backup. Whatever this crisis is, it's bigger than just your families."
Mist's crimson scales began to glow with barely contained emotion. Her relationship with Cardin had been developing slowly, carefully, as she navigated the complex dynamics between dragon Faunus and humans. To see him volunteering for what was clearly a dangerous mission...
"Cardin," she whispered, stepping closer to him. "This isn't your fight. The Rose sisters are undergoing dragon awakening transformations. It's going to be dangerous."
"Then you definitely need all the help you can get," Cardin replied firmly. Behind him, Russell, Dove, and Sky nodded their agreement. "Team CRDL is in."
Sun Wukong bounded over to Hon'oh, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine concern. "Hon'oh! Whatever's happening at Mountain Glenn, SSSN wants to help."
The Sea Dragon Empress turned toward him, her ice-blue scales reflecting the emergency lighting as she processed his offer. Sun had been one of her most persistent suitors, his warm personality a fascinating contrast to her cool, controlled nature.
"Sun, this involves dragon blood awakenings," she said carefully. "The spiritual pressure alone could be dangerous for non-dragon Faunus."
"I'm tougher than I look," Sun insisted, though his tail betrayed his nervousness with its agitated twitching. "Besides, you might need someone who can think outside dragon family traditions."
Neptune stepped forward, his attention split between Hon'oh and Emeryll. "If Sun's going, I'm going. And..." he looked toward Emeryll, who was preparing divine blessing spells, "someone should watch the priestess's back while she's casting."
Emeryll glanced up from her preparations, surprise flickering across her features. Neptune's interest in her had been obvious for weeks, but she hadn't expected him to volunteer for a potentially lethal mission on her behalf.
"The blessings will provide some protection," she said carefully, "but this isn't a standard combat mission. We're dealing with forces that most humans have never encountered."
"Then it's a good thing we're not most humans," Neptune replied with more confidence than he felt.
Team JNPR's Commitment
Jaune Arc approached the assembled dragon families with Team JNPR close behind. His conversation with Pyrrha during their walk had convinced him that whatever was happening at Mountain Glenn was connected to larger forces at work.
"We want to help," he announced simply. "Ruby and Yang are our friends, and if they're in trouble..."
"This isn't the same as your typical Grimm mission, Jaune," Max warned, his white dragon fire flickering with barely contained urgency. "Yang and Ruby are transforming into something that could be dangerous to anyone around them."
"Then they need their friends there," Pyrrha said firmly, her champion's instincts recognizing the moral imperative of the situation. "People who care about them as individuals, not just as awakening dragons."
Nora bounced on her feet, her usual enthusiasm tempered by genuine concern. "Plus, Ruby's like, super tiny! She's gonna need lots of people looking out for her during whatever scary dragon thing is happening!"
Ren nodded quietly. "The spiritual disturbance is affecting the entire academy. This crisis extends beyond just dragon family concerns."
Derek's Strategic Assessment
Derek Dragonblade surveyed the unexpected volunteers with ancient eyes that had seen centuries of conflict and crisis. The tactical advantages of additional support were obvious, but so were the risks.
"You understand," he said solemnly, "that awakening dragons can be extremely dangerous. Their abilities are uncontrolled, their emotions heightened. Ruby and Yang might not recognize you as friends during their transformations."
"Then we'll remind them," Jaune said with quiet determination. "That's what teams do."
Mist moved closer to Cardin, her scales glowing with warmth as she realized the depth of his commitment to her. "If you're coming with us, you stay close to me. Dragon fire can provide protection against uncontrolled awakening energies."
Cardin nodded, his usual arrogance replaced by genuine respect for the magnitude of what they were facing. "Whatever you need."
Hon'oh looked between Sun and Neptune, her ice-blue eyes calculating the tactical implications of their involvement. "Your Semblances might actually be advantageous. Sun's light manipulation could help stabilize Ruby's storm energies, and Neptune's water abilities might provide cooling support for Yang's enhanced flames."
"See?" Sun grinned, though the expression didn't quite hide his nervousness. "We're practically essential!"
Emergency Deployment - Expanded
As the expanded rescue force prepared for immediate departure, Derek made rapid adjustments to their tactical approach. The additional volunteers meant they could split into multiple support teams rather than risking everything on a single approach.
"Team assignments," he commanded with ancient authority. "Max leads the primary team to Yang. Your bond makes you essential for her stabilization. Mist, Cardin, and Team CRDL will provide tactical support and perimeter security."
"Koga leads Ruby's team," he continued. "Your bond with her is the key to reaching her during transformation. Skye, Sun, Neptune, and Emeryll will provide elemental support and divine protection."
"Teams JNPR will coordinate with Dr. Oobleck and handle evacuation protocols for any civilians caught in the awakening zones. Your experience with Ruby and Yang makes you ideal for damage control."
As the expanded force prepared for deployment, the spiritual pressure from Mountain Glenn continued to build. The Rose sisters' transformations were accelerating, and now an unprecedented coalition of dragon families, human supporters, and determined friends was racing toward a crisis that would test every bond they had forged.
"Remember," Derek's voice carried the weight of centuries, "we're not just rescuing two girls. We're preventing a catastrophe that could destabilize the spiritual balance of the entire kingdom. Everyone stays together, everyone comes home."
The combined force departed Beacon in a blaze of dragon fire and determination, leaving behind an academy that hummed with residual magical energy and the prayers of those who understood that the next few hours would determine far more than just the fate of Ruby and Yang Rose.
Mountain Glenn Train Chase - Ruby's Breaking Point
As Team RWBY fought their way across the speeding train cars, Ruby's transformation was reaching a critical threshold. Each bomb that detached and exploded behind them sent shockwaves through her awakening nervous system, and the proximity to so much destructive energy was accelerating her Storm Dragon abilities beyond safe parameters.
"Ruby!" Yang called out as her sister staggered, lightning literally crackling in her silver eyes. "What's happening to you?"
"I don't know!" Ruby shouted back, her voice carrying harmonics that made the train cars vibrate. Above them, storm clouds were forming despite the clear night sky, responding to her emotional distress with supernatural speed.
When Dr. Oobleck ordered the team to split up—Yang, Weiss, and Blake going below to stop the bombs while he and Ruby pushed toward the front—Ruby felt a moment of panic that triggered something unprecedented. The air around her exploded outward in a pressure wave that knocked several White Fang guards clean off the train.
"Fascinating!" Dr. Oobleck observed, even as he fought off attacking Paladins. "The stress response is triggering atmospheric manipulation on a scale I've never documented!"
But Ruby barely heard him. The itching sensation at her lower back had become a burning pain, and she could swear she felt something trying to tear through her skin. When she looked down at her hands, she noticed that her fingernails were becoming sharper, more claw-like, and there was a faint iridescent quality to her skin that hadn't been there before.
Storm Dragon Princess, the voice in her mind whispered again, stronger now. The blood awakens. The sky calls.
Yang's Underground Confrontation - Dragon Fire Unleashed
In the train cars below, Yang's fight with Neo was pushing her dragon awakening to its absolute limits. Each time the illusion-wielding assassin struck her, Yang's protective instincts flared, and with them, her transforming abilities.
"You think you can just toy with me?" Yang snarled, her hair now flickering between golden blonde and molten platinum. When she threw her next punch, the flames that erupted weren't just hot—they were white-hot plasma that melted Neo's umbrella on contact.
Neo's eyes widened in genuine fear as she realized that Yang's abilities had evolved far beyond normal Semblance parameters. The heat radiating from the blonde was approaching levels that could melt steel, and her golden eyes were beginning to show the vertical pupils characteristic of draconic heritage.
When Neo prepared to deliver her killing blow with her hidden blade, Yang's dragon instincts finally fully manifested. She didn't just dodge—she moved with inhuman speed and grace, accompanied by a roar that sounded nothing like a human voice.
It was at that moment that Raven Branwen arrived, her portal opening just as Yang's transformation reached its most dangerous point. The mysterious swordswoman took one look at her daughter's glowing scales and blazing eyes and knew immediately what was happening.
She's awakening, Raven realized with shock and something approaching fear. How is this possible? The Rose bloodline was supposed to be dormant.
The Dragon Families' Arrival
High above Mountain Glenn, the combined dragon families approached the crisis zone with supernatural speed. Max's white dragon fire left contrails in the night sky as he pushed his flight abilities to their limits, sensing Yang's transformation through their bond with increasing urgency.
"She's in immediate danger," he announced through their communication network. "The awakening is entering final phase without proper guidance. If we don't reach her in the next few minutes—"
"I can see the train," Koga interrupted, his Balrog abilities allowing him to track Ruby's storm signature from miles away. "Ruby's power is affecting weather patterns across the entire region. She's creating an artificial storm system."
Below them, the train carrying Team RWBY was racing toward Vale, surrounded by supernatural lightning strikes and wind patterns that defied natural explanation. The entire area around Mountain Glenn was becoming a localized meteorological disaster zone.
"Tactical deployment," Derek commanded through their network. "Max, you take Yang's team directly to the train. Koga, Ruby's storm signature suggests she's at the front of the train—that's your primary objective."
"What about the civilians in Vale?" Hon'oh asked, her Sea Dragon Empress abilities detecting the massive population center that the train was approaching.
"Evacuation protocols," Derek replied grimly. "If these awakenings aren't stabilized before the train reaches the city, we're looking at a catastrophic scenario."
Weiss and Blake - Recognizing the Impossible
As Weiss fought the White Fang Lieutenant and Blake confronted Roman, both young Huntresses were becoming aware that something fundamental had changed about their teammates. Through their bonds as partners and friends, they could sense the raw power building in both Rose sisters.
"Blake," Weiss gasped as they regrouped after escaping their respective fights, "did you feel that? When Yang was fighting above us, the temperature in the entire car spiked by at least fifty degrees."
Blake nodded grimly, her Faunus senses painting a picture that defied everything she thought she knew about their friends. "Ruby's scent is changing too. There's something wild about it now, something that reminds me of the storm before a hurricane."
As they made their way through the train cars, both girls were processing the implications of what they were witnessing. Their friends weren't just getting stronger—they were becoming something entirely different.
Ruby's Final Confrontation
When Ruby finally reached the front of the train and saw Roman preparing to crash into Vale, her awakening Storm Dragon abilities responded to the threat with overwhelming force. She didn't just attack—she commanded the very air around her to strike.
"You're not hurting anyone else," she declared, her voice carrying harmonics that made the train itself vibrate. Lightning began to arc between her fingers, and the wind around her formed into visible, swirling patterns.
Roman turned to face her, his usual smugness faltering as he saw what Ruby had become. Her silver eyes were literally glowing with inner storm-light, and the air around her shimmered with electrical energy.
"What the hell are you?" he whispered, genuine fear creeping into his voice for the first time.
"I'm a Huntress," Ruby replied, though even as she spoke, she could feel the truth was more complicated than that now. "And I'm not letting you destroy my city."
The storm energy that erupted from her as she launched her attack was visible from orbit—a pillar of lightning and wind that punched through the clouds and illuminated the entire Mountain Glenn region like daylight.
The Train Crash - Convergence Point
As the train crashed into Vale's outer barriers, multiple crisis points converged simultaneously. Ruby and Yang's transformations reached critical mass just as the combined dragon families arrived overhead, just as the Grimm began pouring through the breach, just as Teams JNPR, CRDL, and SSSN approached from the city.
The explosion that resulted wasn't just from the train's impact—it was from two awakening dragons releasing uncontrolled power in the same moment, creating a spiritual shockwave that could be felt across the entire kingdom.
Yang stood amid the wreckage, her hair now flickering with actual flames rather than just glowing, her golden eyes showing the vertical pupils of her dragon heritage. Around her, the debris was melting from the heat she was unconsciously generating.
Ruby emerged from her own impact crater, storm winds swirling around her in perfect spirals, lightning dancing along her arms. Where her feet touched the ground, the stone cracked in patterns that resembled lightning bolts.
Above them, Max and Koga dove toward their respective partners with desperate urgency, knowing that the next few seconds would determine whether the Rose sisters would successfully complete their transformations—or be consumed by them.
"Yang!" Max called out, his white dragon fire blazing as he prepared to provide the draconic resonance she needed to stabilize.
"Ruby!" Koga's voice carried all the Balrog authority he possessed as he raced toward his storm-dragon bonded.
The fate of Vale, and of the awakening Rose sisters, balanced on a knife's edge as dragon fire met dragon storm in the heart of a city under siege.
The Stabilization - Desperate Measures
As Max dove toward Yang's position, her dragon fire was reaching temperatures that were beginning to melt the very ground beneath her feet. Her transformation was accelerating beyond safe parameters, her newly manifested scales glowing white-hot as her body struggled to contain the awakening power.
"Yang!" he called out, landing hard beside her as she staggered, her golden eyes now fully draconic and unfocused with pain and confusion.
"Max?" she gasped, her voice distorted by the harmonics of emerging dragon speech. "I can't... I can't control it. Everything's burning..."
Max knew from his father's teachings that there was only one way to stabilize a violent dragon awakening—complete draconic resonance through the deepest possible connection. The method had embarrassed him terribly when Derek had explained it after the dance, but now, with Yang's life hanging in the balance, embarrassment was irrelevant.
Without hesitation, Max pulled Yang into his arms and kissed her with desperate intensity, allowing his own draconic essence to flow through their bond. His white dragon fire merged with her chaotic golden flames, providing the harmonic resonance her awakening bloodline needed to find stability.
Yang's transformation immediately began to calm, her wild flames settling into controlled patterns as Max's mature dragon essence guided her awakening through its final stages. Her scales, no longer white-hot, settled into a beautiful golden pattern along her arms and neck that complemented her natural coloring.
Ruby's Storm - The Balrog's Anchor
Fifty yards away, Ruby was in even more immediate danger. Her storm powers were creating a localized hurricane around her position, with lightning strikes hitting the ground every few seconds. The awakening Storm Dragon Princess was losing herself to the tempest within.
"Ruby!" Koga called out, his Balrog heritage allowing him to push through the supernatural winds. "You have to let me help you!"
"Koga!" Ruby's voice carried on the wind, barely audible over the thunder she was unconsciously generating. "I can't stop it! The storm won't listen to me!"
Koga knew that Ruby's unprecedented Storm Dragon awakening required an equally unprecedented stabilization technique. His bond with her through their growing relationship was the key, but it needed to be reinforced with the deepest possible connection between their souls.
Forgive me for not asking first, he thought as he reached her position.
"Ruby," he called out, his voice carrying Balrog authority that cut through the chaos. "Trust me."
Before she could respond, Koga pulled her into his arms and kissed her with all the intensity of his Balrog heritage. The connection between them flared to life—not just romantic, but spiritual, as his Balrog essence provided an anchor for her storm-dragon power to ground itself against.
The hurricane around them immediately began to dissipate as Ruby's wild storm energy found focus and direction through their bond. The lightning that had been striking randomly now formed beautiful, controlled patterns in the air around them, and the winds settled into gentle spirals that caressed rather than destroyed.
When they broke apart, Ruby's silver eyes were glowing with controlled storm-light, and delicate iridescent scales had formed along her temples and the backs of her hands—the mark of a successfully awakened Storm Dragon Princess.
The Aftermath - Grimm Cleanup
With both Rose sisters' transformations successfully stabilized, the combined dragon families and their unexpected allies made quick work of the Grimm invasion. Yang's controlled dragon fire incinerated entire packs of Grimm with precision rather than wild destruction, while Ruby's mastered storm abilities created wind barriers that kept the creatures contained while the others eliminated them.
Team JNPR, CRDL, and SSSN proved invaluable in coordinating evacuation efforts and managing civilian safety, while the dragon families demonstrated why they were considered the kingdom's most powerful protectors.
Cardin fought beside Mist with a dedication that left no doubt about his feelings for her, earning respectful nods from the other dragon-blooded warriors. Sun and Neptune worked in perfect coordination to support Hon'oh and Emeryll, their teamwork impressive enough that even Derek acknowledged their tactical value.
"Well," Yang said as the last of the Grimm fell to her precisely controlled flames, "that was definitely not covered in Combat School."
Ruby laughed, small sparkles of lightning dancing harmlessly around her fingers. "I think we're going to need some serious training in our new abilities."
"That," Max said, his arm still around Yang's waist, "is definitely going to be arranged."
Raven's Appearance - A Mother's Reckoning
As the immediate crisis passed and the combined forces began regrouping, a familiar red portal opened in the settling dust. Raven Branwen stepped through, her crimson sword sheathed but her expression unreadable as she surveyed the aftermath of her daughter's transformation.
Yang's newly awakened dragon senses picked up her mother's presence immediately, and she turned with eyes that now held depths Raven had never seen before.
"Hello, Yang," Raven said quietly, her usual confident demeanor tempered by obvious uncertainty.
"Mom." The word carried layers of meaning—hurt, anger, hope, and now, newfound power that changed the dynamic between them entirely.
Max started to step back, recognizing that this was a family moment, but Yang's hand on his arm stopped him. "Stay," she said firmly. "If she wants to talk to me, she can talk to both of us."
Raven's eyes narrowed slightly as she assessed Max, her experienced warrior instincts immediately recognizing his draconic heritage and the bond he shared with Yang. "So. You're the one whose essence awakened her dormant bloodline."
"I'm the one who loves her," Max replied simply, his white dragon fire flickering protectively around Yang. "And I'm the one who helped her survive her awakening when you weren't here."
The barb hit its mark, and Raven flinched. "Yang, I—"
"You left," Yang interrupted, her golden draconic eyes meeting her mother's without flinching. "For seventeen years, you left. And now I've just discovered that I carry dragon blood that I never knew about, and you show up to... what? Explain?"
Ruby moved closer to her sister, her storm-light eyes showing solidarity despite her own exhaustion from the transformation. Koga flanked her other side, his Balrog heritage making it clear that he would protect both Rose sisters if necessary.
"The dragon blood in your family line has been dormant for generations," Raven said carefully. "I didn't know it could still awaken. Your father and I... we thought it was just a legend in Summer's family tree."
"Summer?" Ruby spoke up, her voice carrying harmonic undertones of controlled storm energy. "My mom had dragon heritage?"
Raven nodded reluctantly. "Ancient Storm Dragon lineage. It's why you awakened as a Storm Dragon Princess instead of inheriting Yang's fire aspects. The blood recognizes its true heritage."
Yang's flames flared slightly with anger. "And you never thought to mention this? Never thought it might be important for us to know what we might become?"
"I thought the bloodline was dead," Raven said defensively. "It's been centuries since anyone from Summer's line awakened. I had no way of knowing that intimate contact with active dragon Faunus would catalyze dormant genes."
Max stepped forward, his protective instincts engaged. "That doesn't excuse abandoning them. Dragon awakenings are dangerous—potentially lethal without proper guidance. If we hadn't arrived when we did—"
"But you did," Raven interrupted, her eyes showing something that might have been gratitude. "And you saved them both."
A New Understanding
As the tension between mother and daughter hung in the air, Derek Dragonblade approached the group, his ancient authority bringing a different perspective to the confrontation.
"Raven Branwen," he said formally, "your daughters have successfully completed dragon awakenings that may be unprecedented in recorded history. Yang as a Fire Dragon Princess, and Ruby as a Storm Dragon Princess with Balrog bonding. They are now under the protection of the dragon families."
Raven straightened, recognizing the formal declaration for what it was. "And what does that mean for their futures?"
"It means," Koga said quietly, his arm still around Ruby's shoulders, "that they're not alone anymore. Ruby especially will need intensive training to master her Storm Dragon abilities safely."
"And Yang will need to learn proper fire control before she accidentally melts something important," Max added, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "But we'll be there for every step."
Yang looked at her mother with eyes that held centuries of dragon wisdom despite her youth. "I spent years wanting answers from you. Now I have powers I never imagined, a boyfriend who risked everything to save me, and friends who chose to stand with us despite the danger." She paused, her golden flames settling into a warm, controlled glow. "So here's your chance, Mom. Are you going to be part of our lives, or are you going to disappear through another portal?"
Raven was quiet for a long moment, studying her daughter's transformed appearance and the powerful allies who had chosen to stand with her. When she finally spoke, her voice carried a vulnerability that Yang had never heard before.
"I don't know how to be a mother to a dragon princess," she admitted.
Yang's expression softened slightly. "Then maybe you should start by just being a mother. The dragon princess part... we'll figure out together."
As the sun began to rise over Vale, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson that matched Yang's dragon fire, the Rose sisters stood surrounded by their chosen family—dragon-blooded and human alike. Their awakening was complete, their city was safe, and for the first time in years, Yang was looking at her mother without anger in her newly draconic eyes.
The transformation was finished, but their real journey was just beginning.
To be continued in Chapter 18: Aftermath