Glynda, Tai and the children were now riding with the VTOL. Unlike normally, the doors were open since Glynda was using the sky to search for the ambushers. In the mean time, Yang and Ruby continue to chat about the kidnappers in an attempt to make it seem even more realistic. However Twilight knew that Glynda probably already figured out that, something just doesn't make sense.

For starters, Ruby and Twilight said that the students had light injuries and were knock out. Tai mentioned that they just happened to be in the area... which in itself is really suspicious. Like nobody would just randomly walk near a nest of Nevermores. You would be stupid to hang out there. Then the Mayor only made things worse, by telling an obvious lie.

If Glynda really worked with students, really was a professor. And a huntress no less. It was extremely unlikely, that she hadn't caught on. What didn't help, was the small glances she made towards herself and Ruby. She knew something was up. She didn't have all the pieces yet to combine it into a proper statement. But enough to atleast shroud herself in doubt.

Wanting to appear stupid, Twilight assisted Glynda in searching the sky for suspicious people. Of course there was no such thing around, well besides the Grimm, but that didn't stop her from continuing. As such, besides that chatter coming from Yang and Ruby. It was quiet. The sound of the engines were the only thing that continued until they made it back to their home.

As soon as the VTOL began landing. Everyone stepped out of the VTOL. Glynda looks at Twilight expectantly but Twilight simply shook her head, "I am afraid I didn't see anyone with the matching profile we gave before. During the flight back home."

Glynda nodded smiling, "I understand. Thank you for helping anyways."

"I'm happy to help. That being said... Is something the matter? You keep glancing at me and Ruby."

Glynda looked away for a moment. "I just wonder why you two were near that nest to begin with."

Twilight nodded, "That is a curious case indeed." Twilight held a poker face as she spoke about the suspicion.

Glynda probed her for a reaction. When she got nothing, she smiled. "I see. And perhaps you don't want to share it?"

Twilight gave Glynda a small smile, "Perhaps another time. But not right now."

Twilight and Glynda stare at each other for a moment. A tension was hanging low in the garden as Twilight maintained her poker face. Glynda finally looked away after a while, "Very well. I hope you have a good explanation."

Tai and the others looked at the exchange, slightly confused. "Uhm. Can we go lunch now? We will be late at this rate." Ruby whined.

Twilight nodded at their direction as Glynda and Twilight both walk into the house. And while Twilight casually walk up to the dinner table to take a seat. Glynda took a moment to look around. The house was much cleaner, but also has the distinct smell of being used... a lot. That said, she also saw no sign of Tai's usual liquor. Which was very good.

"For a moment there, I thought you were lying." Glynda admitted to Tai. She watched as Tai placed the special lunch on the dinner table as she herself also took a bite. It was far more healthy than she expected the lunch to be. Though nobody appeared to complain about it.

Tai sighed, "I understand. My buddies want me to go to the bar with them. But I always refuse, much to their annoyance." he said in between bites.

"They also believe...?"

Tai nodded, "I believe so. Regardless, ever since we adopted Twilight. It feels as if our world opened up with new potentials. Our training schedule, our diet, our progress. Its amazing." he admitted.

Glynda blinked, "Don't tell me, you got stronger?" she said worried.

"Don't worry, professor Goodwitch." Yang chimed in, "If any, Twilight is keeping him from become to overpowered."

Twilight shook her head, "That is false. I am actually making him stronger."

Ruby, Yang and Glynda looked surprised at that. "How?" Glynda asked before anyone else.

"Twilight is a obstacle for true power." Tai said suddenly, "She is capable in ways most aren't. She is not only incredibly smart, and young." He added, "But her ability to flex her speed and aggression is out of this world."

Glynda nearly mouth gaped at that, "Compared to some huntresses, how strong?"

"She is like those ancient martial artists you see in history books." Ruby admitted, "Her knowledge of martial arts. Combined with amazing speed and deadly accuracy, makes her a deadly weapon. And that is ignoring her special ability during combat."

"Am I allowed to know what that is?" Glynda hoped, Twilight saw a sparkle of excitement in Glynda's eyes. Causing her to smile.

"The ability to both analyze my enemy during combat no matter what they are doing. And the ability to swap martial arts and style mid-punch." Twilight admitted.

This time Glynda couldn't stop herself from mouth gaping. "I... What?!"

"Tell you what. Dad, do you mind if we take a break from our usual stamina training to show our guest my ability and your progress?" Twilight asked.

Tai smiled, "I was just thinking the same thing. Sure thing, but tomorrow you will have to do double."

"That is fine. I have been wanting to push my stamina training further anyways." Twilight admitted.

Ruby and Yang sweat dropped at that. Twilight was already struggling with, what she had on her plate. This wasn't helping. Even with atleast two weeks of training, Twilight was still struggling with stamina. Unlike Ruby who has so much stamina that it would never run out. But despite that, Twilight seemed to continue to push herself far beyond anyone should.

Tai smiled as he saw Twilight determination to push herself. "Alright. To make it fair, I will have to join you on the same amount of training. But enough of that, lets head to the sparring ring. Ruby and Yang, you aren't exempt from your training. Get going." he said as he saw Ruby and Yang complete their lunch. Twilight was finished a long time ago.

Ruby and Yang nodded as the walk off into the distance. Twilight meanwhile took a stand on one side of the ring, her fists in position as if she was about to start performing karate. On the other side, Tai stood with his usual aggressive stance. They stared each other down for a moment. "This match will end when either of us are out of the ring. Or we are knock out cold." Twilight announced.

Glynda raised her eyebrow, "Not if the aura is broken?" she asked.

"If we did that, then this match would be over in two seconds." Tai admitted. "With my aura breaking first."

Glynda blinked as she nodded in understanding, if a bit confused. Regardless she inspects both fighters. Tai was showing his usual stance, meaning Glynda was unsure about the changes to this combat style. On the other side stood Twilight, her stance was extremely offensive like Tai said earlier. But despite that, she saw no holes in her defenses. Which was odd, until Glynda realized, this was no karate stance. This was an ancient warrior stance know as, "Light Guard." An offensive, defensive combat style that is extremely intense. Glynda knew a little bit about it, as she trained it a bit herself.

Twilight's was obviously way more advanced however. So advanced in fact, that Glynda doubted whether or not Twilight really wasn't an huntress. Something that neither Tai or Twilight missed. But now their focus and concentration has shifted entirely on each other. As the match was about to begin.

"Begin!" Twilight announced. After that, deadly silence. Tai made no first move, neither did Twilight. Twilight could tell that Tai actually stopped himself from performing the first move, something that is far smarter than what it might have seem. Since Twilight's martial arts are self-defense first, direct combat second. Being the first to make a move is bad for Tai.

Glynda watched in surprise as Tai made no move to start. Instead she saw Twilight taking a low predatory stance, as she got ready to start giving Tai an overwhelmingly fast attack. But instead of letting Twilight continue that motion, Tai immediately jumped Twilight before she could finish. A small twinkle in Twilight's eye, suggested that she was awaiting it.

As Tai extended his arm to punch, Twilight got ready to throw it over her shoulder. Only to miss grabbing his arm, as he pulls it back at the last moment, to use his less dominant hand to punch Twilight had extremely close range. Something that struck Twilight, Twilight then used the momentum of the strike to roll over in the sky. She used some athletic landing motions to reduce the damage done to her body. Reducing the damage by fifty percent.

Twilight then gave Tai no chance to follow that move up, by instantly switching into a Cobra stance. As she appeared next to Tai in less than a second, and struck Tai's weak points in less than one second. Fifteen strikes in less than a second, hit Tai as he was pushed back by the sheer overwhelming forces of the barrage of punches. If Glynda wasn't a fully trained huntress, there would be no way for her to have seen them. But she did, and boy were these strikes accurate.

It was then that Tai showed his new and improved self to Glynda. Instead of firing up from it, he took the strikes like a tank. And proceeded to calmly appear next to Twilight instead. Catching her slightly off-guard. He then gave Twilight a simply punch to the belly, which alone held enough strength to push Twilight almost out of the ring and into the forest behind. Twilight managed to barely recover from it. But her stamina had taken a massive dip from that.

Twilight was now slightly tired, whereas Tai showed no sign of stamina drain. Twilight realized that Tai wasn't just sparring, he was trying to show everything he had. Since he sometimes tend to weaken his punching strength to match Twilight's punching strength. But now, Twilight was quickly being overwhelmed due to lack of stamina alone. Glynda and Tai didn't miss a small look of sadness coming through Twilight's eyes as the thought passed through her.

Regardless, Twilight recovered relatively quickly. Realizing that she now had limited stamina, she decided to give it her all, or lose the fight. Since she simply didn't have enough stamina to take another punch like that. She would lose if she took another hit. She closed her eyes as she focused all her attention on ensuring a win, over playing it like a spar. To her, this was no longer a spar, this was a proper fight. Because its likely that she would lose in a real fight if this continued to be a problem.

Twilight's stance went into a unique stance. One that only she held. She called this stance, "The Dragon stance." Or also known as "Overwhelming Might." One she only used if she felt cornered. It was her ultimate combat style. And Twilight got ready to everything she got. Instead of crouching down to appear weak, she did the opposite. She widened her combat stance and appeared intimidating. Her focus shifting entirely from the spar to a serious fight.

Tai meanwhile noticed the shift in combat style and appeared shocked. Twilight had never used this style before, let alone in a match. But that wasn't the entire reason why he was shocked. This combat style is passed down among generations within the Xiao Long family line. It's an ancient martial arts from which most of the combat styles had been lost to time. In fact, Tai couldn't even understand how Twilight knew this combat style.

Glynda on the other hand appeared more confused. She had never seen this combat styles before. Let alone one that had Tai on edge. Tai was so worried in fact, that Glynda could feel some fear coming from Tai. This was concerning since Tai is a fully grown hunter, whereas Twilight is a mere child, not even a student. Glynda than decided to study Twilight's stance to get to know it better.

Then, in an explosive action. Twilight jumped into the sky like Tai had done a moment ago. But instead of punching Tai, she used her legs and feet to strike at his face and shoulder respectively. Instead of the barrage of strikes, these were singular strikes with an incredible amount of power behind it. She power struck Tai twice, both strikes were powerful enough to push Tai almost out of the ring himself. And enough force that small shock waves appeared after each strike was successful. The sound that came from these strikes were loud enough that Glynda had to close her ears to protect them.

Tai finally realized why Twilight went into full combat mode. He had punched Twilight too hard, which resulted in making her lose too much stamina after the first few seconds in combat. He could tell, because despite Twilight hitting him, she was losing stamina rapidly. Almost as if, this stance is a last resort. In case failure is almost guaranteed, it would be her only way to try and turn the fight around. But Tai also knew that if this fight continued, Twilight would be in seem deep trouble.

Glynda realized the same thing. Twilight was using her ordinary stamina before. But now she was also depleting her reserves. And at the rate it was going, it became far too unhealthy. She glanced at Tai, while Tai glanced back. They nod at each other. Tai has to end this match right here and now, or face far worse scenarios.

Tai then dug into his memory for a perfect counter his mother taught him, before she left this planet. he found one, just as Twilight performed another strike. Tai cancelled the strike with perfect accuracy. Then struck Twilight with enough force to knock her out cold instantly. She had no time to react to cancel the strike. As she went down, losing the fight. When Twilight was knock out cold, her senses went dark. Which resulted in Ruby and Yang appearing out of the woods confused as to why she went dark.

They then probed the situation for a bit. Before deciding to go back to their training. Glynda looked confused at them as the left, but decided not to comment on it. Tai meanwhile decided to princess carry Twilight back inside the house and lay her down on the couch for now. Tai then turned to Glynda scratching the back of his head embarrassed.

"That... wasn't the best spar." Tai admitted, "We usually talk over each other as we spar. While also joke around. But this was a whole different experience. Something that I ruined myself."

"Ruined how?" Glynda asked slightly confused.

"Well. Despite Twilight best efforts. She isn't a combatant or warrior yet. Unlike Yang and Ruby, which are born in a warrior family, Twilight is an outsider. The pressure she feels to not fall behind is overwhelming." Tai explained.

"In order to stay next to Ruby, Twilight attempts to act like the mature one of the children. She is smart and very mature. But... that is also hurting her relationship with Yang and myself. She... actively push us away in an attempt to seem equal to us. She doesn't want to be seen as weak." Tai added.

"But she is. Right?" Glynda offered, Tai shook his head in response.

"In the combat sense, absolutely. But in the intelligent sense, she is the strongest. But the lack of accepting help is what actually makes her weaker. Both physically and mentally. She needs help, she knows this. We all know this. But she keeps pushing us away, which prevents us from helping her. She is strong, a really strong child. But that strength bring with it a weakness. Her own mind, is her own weakness." Tai explained.

"I see." Glynda looked away, she understood this feeling better than most. "The feeling to be strong like everyone else. Only to realize you are weaker than you think you are. I... understand Twilight's... feelings." she admitted hesitantly.

Tai smiled at Glynda. "I know. That is why I felt that it was fine to tell you this. Twilight... needs help. But we can't get close to her. She closed herself off from the world. Feeling as if she is alone. But she isn't. I just wish I could help her. But I can't. Truth is, its already really hard to maintain Yang and Ruby. Twilight isn't making it easy on us."

Glynda looked at Tai, but Tai continued without realizing it. "Yang's desire for vigilante behavior is making her... difficult sometimes. Ruby's overwhelming desire to get stronger, causes Ruby to burn herself out sometimes. Which results in mental breakdowns. And then you have Twilight. Twilight is the most difficult of the three. Her desire to stand next to Ruby and Yang as equal, causes her to fight the hardest and train the hardest. But..."

"As a result. Twilight wants to take the world on, alone. She closes herself off, but is allowing her emotions to bottle up." Glynda finished. "Which result in catastrophic consequences."

Tai nodded saddened, "It... already exploded twice. But instead of going into a fit of rage. She either falls over and is stuck in a coma like state or she falls sick. Both of which can happen at the worst possible time. This results in both my other children to be struck by it. Reinforcing their already bad behavior."

"And then there is Tai." Glynda said serious.

Tai nodded, "My mental stability is really good at the moment. I left alcoholic drinks behind entirely. But... when my children either falls sick, or does something stupid. My ability to help them is reduced. I am a solo father of three children. I can barely maintain them. Food is fine, exercise is fine, help with the mind isn't fine."

"You need help. But you are alone. With Raven taking care of her clan and Summer missing. You are stuck." Glynda confirmed. Tai nodded in agreement.

"Exactly."

Glynda sighed as she grabs her forehead in exhaustion. "I see. So although everything appears fine. It actually isn't fine. Is that so?"

Tai merely nodded, having said everything he wanted to say. Which had an unbeknownst side effect, Twilight was able to hear Tai speak, even while asleep. Her dream realm took every bit of information and transfer it all to her conscious state.

Twilight was sad, very sad at her own blind mistakes. But she too, was stuck. She couldn't imagine a world where she didn't stand next to Ruby. But at same time, she shouldn't be pushing others away that are just trying to help. It actually made her cry in her dreamworld. Lost and sad. She could see bubbles of her own memories, the good and bad ones. Every time a bubble appear that showed her pushing those around her away. The more she felt guilty, the more she felt alone and sad.

These aren't thoughts of a four year old, but due to Twilight's sheer intelligent nature. Her age matters little. Her understanding of the world and those around her, hurt her as much as it helps her. She is simply too smart. She has acted far too mature in last few week. She was unsure if those around her would even let her in, after she pushed them away. She... was alone. She saw both worlds, a world where she was alone and one where she has Ruby, Yang, Tai, her own family as well. As her mind started waver, she was starting to drain herself of good feelings, her ability to proactively interact with it, was losing the fight too.

After the conversation and adding one night to the time she was asleep. Twilight woke up, but she wasn't herself. She felt lost. Her eyes were grayish purple, as she was in some sort of trance. Her ability to communicate had been reduced, her senses dulled. She was now in a state called "Lost" which resulted in her doing everything on automatic pilot. This was akin to depression, an early stage of it.

Ruby, Yang and Tai instantly noticed Twilight's state. Yang has seen that state before, she had felt it as well at one point. Ruby too, has felt it once upon a time. Tai had seen both Yang, Ruby and Summer in that state before. It suggested that something has caused serious harm to once's mental state. To be at borderline depression. Yang and Tai were stumped at what they need to do, to fix this. But Ruby immediately felt like she needed to hug Twilight. Something she did without thinking.

Twilight then weakly attempted to push Ruby off her. Something she had never done to a hug, but Ruby wouldn't let go. It was then that Yang decided to follow Ruby's advice and hugged both of them. Again Twilight began struggling a little, they noticed small tears appear besides Twilight's eyes. It was then, that Tai finally put one and two together.

'She must have overheard my conversation with Glynda!' He thought with widen eyes. Tai then looked hesitant at the group hug. He realize that there was nothing but a good hug could improve the situation. He joined the hug as well. Twilight's eyes looked at her family. Glancing over Ruby, Tai, Yang. She finally stopped struggling. Instead she devolved into small sobs as her bottle finally broke, causing her to lose control over herself.

She proceeds to bear hug each member of Xiao Long family, including Ruby. Her sobs loud and tears flowing madly. Ruby and Yang joined the cry party. Whereas Tai merely patted everyone. Tai had small tears in his eyes, but kept himself from crying. He saw Glynda enter the room, stare at Twilight. Then leaving the room. Seemingly uninterested in talking.

After what seemed like hours, Twilight's finally woke up from her trance. She was fully aware of what is going on, but was unable to fully control herself. Instead she saw the scene before her as a movie, but a massive part of the weight had been shared with her adoptive family. Now that she had control once more, she realized that with the current state of the family, further training was impossible. Yang needs to learn when to help the cops, and when she did, with permission. Ruby needs to learn some self-control. Tai needs to learn to be a bit more honest. And Twilight needs to learn to accept help.

Twilight took a deep breath, her eyes purple once more. She looks at the current mental state of everyone. Tai looks fine, Ruby also looks fine, if a bit sad still. Yang still had some tears, but appear to properly recover. And Glynda, who she sensed, outside the room appeared to be in a less fine state. She was still crying. Twilight's desire for physical contact, must have woken up some old memory inside of Glynda. She was out of the count for now. Which is good, it will allow her some privacy.

"I... think we need to talk." Twilight finally admitted.

"Yes." Tai admitted, he felt Twilight's staring daggers into him. "I suppose I promised to be honest, right?"

Twilight nodded, "But lets skip that for now. Simply put, we need to change the way we do things."

Ruby and Yang nodded slightly confused. "So you see. I happen to have overheard Tai speak some truth into himself using Glynda. But to put things simple. Ruby you need to learn self-control. Yang, please try to help the police instead of going around Patch as a vigilante. Tai... just be more honest. And..." she added.

"You need to start accepting our help." Tai finished for Twilight.

"Yes. But I think the best way to help me and Ruby. Is by changing the way we train." Twilight admitted. "Instead of building our training session in general terms. I think we should change the way we do things, by following the slowest or weakest within the family. Instead of following time, we follow effort."

Tai's eyes widen, "I see. This will force some self-control onto Ruby. And force you to ask for help when things get tough. But how will we force you to ask for help?" he wondered.

"We need to give each other advice." Yang offered, "Test our knowledge of both physical matters and mental matters during motion. Books is good and all, but they offer little in the way of real life experience. Something that will be far more useful in the world, than plain old knowledge."

"And it forces me to slow down. Meeting your speed, and finishing our training together. Correct?" Ruby asked.

"Yes. The closer we are during training, the less likely I have problems somewhere down the line. You can only learn so much alone." Twilight admitted.

"What about sparring?" Yang asked.

"We could just do it like this. one vs one. Switch out the loser. By spectating the match, we could learn things we might not have, if we both spar at the same time. Again this forces me to ask for help if I fail to understand the importance of an action." Twilight offered.

Ruby, Yang and Tai widen their eyes, "I think that is perfect. It will help us get used to people spectating our match." Tai admitted. Ruby and Yang nodded in agreement. Suddenly Yang jumps up.

"I totally forgot to show you guys this. I saw that a tournament in Mistral is searching for random people to join their tournament as wild cards. They feel that their line up is getting boring, and want to offer some variety. I thought that we might be able to join such an event. It could be great practice." Yang suddenly admitted. As she showed everyone the flyer.

Ruby smiled at the suggestion. "It could be good. Another way to get used to fighting other people."

Tai and Twilight looked over the flyer. "A minimum of two fighters each entry. Both fighters will fight in solo match up at each end of the bracket. And also later on as duos." Tai said out loud.

Twilight looked at the small letters below the flyer, "Hunters aren't allowed. Hunters in training across small time schools aren't allowed. Hunters that are part of big academies aren't allowed. Ordinary folk without aura is allowed. Everyone that joins regardless if they win or not, will receive five thousand Lien. Wild cards will receive five thousand Lien if they join and continue passed preliminary." She said out loud.

"Aw!" Yang said disappointed.

"Well I suppose Ruby and I could join." Twilight offered.

"Did it have an age restriction?" Tai asked as he looks over the flyer again.

"Must be older than three years of age. Says the flyer." Twilight added.

"Did they get anyone at the age of Twilight?" Ruby questioned.

"Yes." Glynda said as she suddenly walked in. "Miss Pyrrha was four years old when she joined. She is considered the best tournament fighter in all of Mistral. But she has yet to be crowned champion."

"Hmm. When is it?" Ruby asked.

"If my calculations are in check." Twilight said, she looked at Tai for help, "In fifty days?"

Tai nodded in confirmation. "Fifty and one actually. But fifty is more reasonable."

"Do you... think my stamina is able to maintain myself in tournament?" Twilight questioned herself.

"As you are now?" Glynda asked.

Twilight nodded, as she glanced over everyone.

"No." Tai, Glynda, Ruby and Yang said at the same time.

This caused Twilight to droop ashamed of herself. "I see..." she said unsure. "Then I don't know if we are able to perform at the tournament."

Yang gave Twilight another quick hug, stunning Twilight in the process. "Don't worry little sis. I am sure that with some good stamina training, we could get you ready in time."

Glynda nodded, "Yes. If you could tell me the truth behind the incident at the entrance the Nevermore hive. Then I will use my expertise as teacher to assist you in stamina training."

Twilight sighed, "Well, guess. Clearly Ruby and I were nearby. The student were returned to the hospital knock out cold. Guess what happened."

Glynda's eyes widen, "Uh..." She said as it clicked in her brain.

"Yeah. We wiped the floor with them." Ruby admitted.

"I... See..." Glynda sighed as her headache was returning. "I guess they weren't ready. Thank you for stopping them from going to their deaths."

"That wasn't the real reason we stopped them." Ruby added.

Glynda blinked, "It wasn't?"

"Twilight had a vision." Tai chimed in, "That the destruction of the Nevermore Nest would lead to the destruction of Patch."

Glynda's eyes widen, "Really?!" she said shocked. She looked at Twilight, Twilight merely nodded in response. Causing her to sigh, "I see. Well thank you for also stopping an impending invasion at the same time then."

"You believe it just like that?" Twilight asked surprised at Glynda's willingness.

"Sir Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon. Always said, "Those with a vision are usually far closer to the truth. Rather then to expect nothing to happen at all." His many visions proved that fact." Glynda admitted, "I doubt that your vision was fake. I rather doubt it if nothing happened at all."

Twilight smiled, "I see. That makes sense. You should believe that every action holds a reaction. Instead of expecting nothing to happen at all."

Glynda nodded, "Exactly. Now... I need to question whether or not. Ozpin needs to hear of this."

"May I give you my honest opinion?" Twilight asked.

"Go ahead."

"Tell him that they need to test their skills deeper. That a test to check their readiness might be in order. And tell him about the disaster that had awaited them." Twilight offered.

Glynda put her hand on her chin as she thought about it. "No mention who did them in?"

"Instead of punishing them over it. Use it as a tool to improve themselves. Tell them and the class about the mistakes of looking at person without seeing what is below their cover. They are lucky, we weren't ready to kill. Even though we had permission to use lethal force. They got lucky, but if you need to rely on luck. Then you have already lost the fight." Twilight explained.

Glynda's eyes widen, "That is an excellent suggestion. I can see why Tai called you incredibly smart. Even if that can also cause problems."

Twilight sighed as she got stabbed by Glynda's statement. "Yeah." She weakly admitted.

"Alright. After breakfast. Let me show you what real spartan stamina training is like." Glynda stated with an evil smile. Causing everyone to gulp. As everyone has to participate. Much to their worry.

Author's Note

Man. This chapter just writes itself. That is the third chapter with over five thousand words. And I even left the chapter with an "unintentional" cliffhanger. I am a bit sad that this book isn't getting the same amount of views as my Fairy Tail story, but that is fine. I got plenty of other stories people might enjoy. That said, I am still procrastinating on working on "The Chef's cafe" because I am enjoying writing this book more. That said, I will working on that one... I promise...