This starts near the end of the last episode for Volume 3. It may seem a little 'off' as I was trying to tether a few things that were left for the most part 'open' from the episode. The first part is Pyrrha/Jaune and the rest is Weiss/Jaune.

Anyhow, thanks for reading! :3

The great battle had been fought, and they were all slowly being defeated.

It wasn't as if the students had died, or were all simultaneously rendered unconscious- but they were no match for the devastation that had been brought down on their school. No amount of preparation could have made them ready for this day. They weren't being callous, arrogant or trying to show off to their superiors when given the notion of 'fight' or 'flight' by the General and being advised to leave, but resolving to stay. All of them weren't without their own personal fears of dying and losing the coming battle, but what was death compared to saving the lives of many innocents along the way? Being a Hunter or a Huntress meant that they would have to be ready at a moments notice to lay down their life, and fight to the very last breath they drew in.

This notion of being a warrior, and self-sacrifice for the many who could benefit from it held true for Pyrrha.

Fighting a battle that you knew you couldn't win was the ultimate of self-sacrifice. Perhaps she thought she could have stood a chance against Cinder, or maybe delay her enough to give some sort of reprieve to her fellow students. Kissing Jaune wasn't something to make him feel terrible about, she just wanted to let him know how she had felt. That though he may not have thought of her in the same light, Pyrrha was always guided by him and all of his pure-hearted intentions. His peculiar and clumsy mannerisms, the way he could trip over himself in many spots just during one sentence, the passion and drive to be a Hunter, and make something of himself because he felt that he had something to prove, due to generations of greatness. He may not have known it, but he had the heart of a warrior- and he gave her back a piece of herself that had long felt missing.

Perhaps it was a part of herself that Pyrrha resolved to lock away, to prevent a part of 'weakness' that wouldn't be welcomed by others. Many looked up to her as some sort of grand warrior/celebrity which made her nothing but unapproachable in their eyes. Even Weiss Schnee had regarded her as such- but Jaune looked at her not as some person out of his reach and completely on a different level, he treated her as an equal. Without Jaune she never would have been able to do the things that she had within the school year. Making friends with Ren, Nora, the RWBY team and meeting all the people she had. Learning that she could open up to someone and leave herself vulnerable to him, because he was just that special.

Little by little, he made chips in her armor.

He was her reason to take on this fight- to let Cinder know that she couldn't just do anything she wanted. Somewhere along the line, murderers had to know that recompense was to come their way. If nothing else, Pyrrha had to try and do something, and she'd do it for him. Her life was forfeit not just for Jaune, but Ren, Nora, Weiss, Ruby, Blake, Yang and the many other people she'd come to know as friends. So, maybe it wouldn't just be for 'him', she'd also do it for them. If this battle was to absolutely be her last, then she'd put on the performance of her life. Just because she can and may end up the loser in this fight didn't mean that Cinder would get her without Pyrrha giving it her all. Fighting not over for the one that she loved, but her friends and those that she held dear, Pyrrha didn't for a moment regret her decision.

After what felt like an eternity in her struggle with the new Fall Maiden, Pyrrha fell to her power. It wasn't that she was outmatched in skill, but Cinder's newfound powers were too much. So much that it caused her aura to shatter. Going for her shield, she saw the coupe de grace Cinder had lined up. Using every last ounce of strength she had left, she wound back her arm and tossed her shield right at the woman. Her shield destroyed the arrow, and Pyrrha felt a sense of reprieve. That is, until it materialized once more and struck her ankle. The searing, stinging pain shot through her whole body, as she tried to struggle. But it was all for naught, her fight was over.

As her killer made Pyrrha look up, she asked Cinder the question Jaune had answered previously. "Do..you...believe...in destiny?"

"I do." Cinder nodded, smiling serenely down at her defeated opponent. "It's unfortunate you were promised a power that was never truly yours. But take comfort in knowing that I will use it in ways you would never have imagined."

Pyrrha didn't speak, she waited for her end. Seeing Cinder pull back the string of her bow didn't phase Pyrrha at all, she was ready for death. Blinking for one final time before she was struck in the heart, Pyrrha allowed herself to feel every last sensation life offered to her. Her ankle no longer hurt, and the puncture wound that the arrow had given her no longer felt like anything. Instead, she felt this...warmth. Was this what peace was supposed to be like?

I'm sorry, Jaune.

Her last thoughts, as the girl faded away from existence. Unable to hear the cries of Ruby, at the sight of her defeated friend.

Physically exhausted from defeating the relentless hoard, Weiss didn't know what to do. Without a partner by her side, this was becoming quite the chore. Her breathing was getting increasingly erratic, and many of the Grim were targeting the heiress. Taking on the most brazen of the monsters, she made short work of her opponent.

"Look out!"

Weiss peered through the corner of her eye, and barely saw the grim about to hit her. The best that she could do was try to work through the pain as it struck her. Though it may have been an utterly stupid decision on her part, she shut her eyes for what was to come. Hearing the clash of metal on its flesh, Weiss felt confused by the fact that it hadn't connected with her. Opening her eyes, she saw a male standing in front of her. He grunted and used his shield to deflect the creatures arm, so he could land a coupe de grace.

"Jaune?" Weiss asked, had he sprinted all the way over here?

"Weiss! What are you doing out here all alone!?" Jaune asked, it was clear that he was filled with worry. First Pyrrha had gone off on a suicide mission, and now Weiss was trying to hold her own against an army of Grim.

"I- someone had to stay behind." Weiss explained, "Ruby scaled the side of the tower with my glyphs if anyone could make it to Pyrrha in time, it would be her." she didn't have the speed of her leader, and Weiss wanted to give them 'breathing room'. Grim on top of the woman on the tower wouldn't help anything.

"Is she...did she make it?" Jaune asked, looking up the tower, not seeing Ruby anywhere.

"She made it to the top." Weiss said, "I don't know..." she admitted, "If she..." her sentence trailed off, as she dared not to finish it.

"She had to have!" Jaune didn't mean to, but he yelled it out of desperation, causing Weiss to flinch lightly. His hand holding the shield tightened its grip, glancing away from her, he didn't know what was happening. Pyrrha had kissed him, thrown him into a locker and sent him away. If anything, it seemed more of a 'goodbye' than a promise to meet again, and he admittedly felt frustrated. "I'm sorry." he made eye contact with Weiss, trying to calm himself down. It was just due to the fact that Pyrrha was a friend, and he'd never seen her in that light, before. "Pyrrha and Ruby have to be okay...they have to be..."

"It's okay." Weiss didn't dare try to decline his apology. After the days events she could understand that doubt and need to see to it everyone was okay. After what happened to Blake and Yang, she didn't want to lose anyone else. "They're alright." she agreed, placing a hand on his shoulder, and giving him a smile. "But right now, we have to take care of the enemy."

"You're right." Jaune nodded, Weiss and he stood back to back, "How do we go about this?"

"You're the leader- you tell me." Weiss may not have liked it when Ruby was given that position, but it seemed like being a follower was better suited for her.

"You take the hundred on the left- and I'll take the right." Jaune didn't like their odds. Truth be told, it may end up that they were defeated, but if...when Pyrrha and Ruby rejoined them, then surely they could turn the tide.

"Right." Weiss nodded, "Good luck in your fight."

"Be safe." Jaune chided her, both preparing to fight the inching ever closer Grim. Momentarily distracted by something appearing beneath his feet, he turned and glanced at Weiss for a moment, "What-" he didn't get to finish his sentence before she shushed him.

"For luck." Weiss explained, "Not that you need it. You've been improving." belittling Jaune right now wouldn't be the most opportune of times. And truth be told he was doing very well since Pyrrha took it upon herself to teach him. Her glyph would give him temporary speed, an edge that Jaune should be able to capitalize off of.

"Thanks." Jaune nodded, "Ready?"

"I think so." Weiss honestly didn't have much stamina left, but Jaune and she would have each others backs if the need were to arise. Having a partner to depend on was a very fortuitous thing. The pair split up and began their assault on the creatures, Weiss saw Jaune swiftly slay a few. Winter had said that letting emotions overtake you on the battle field could be a double edged sword; it made you brash, and reckless- but it also gave you the strength and drive to accomplish what others may call the impossible.

If Winter were here, she likely would have pointed out the many flaws that were used by Weiss and Jaune in their battles. If her big sister had been here, then perhaps things would have turned out so much more differently. Winter would likely have summoned a large creature to take on the majority of this hoard. But comparing herself to someone else wouldn't help a thing. Winter and she were two different people, with skills that obviously had to differ.

All at once, the Grim slowed to stop. Jaune and Weiss looked at each other in disbelief, before hearing Ruby's screams.

"Ruby!" both couldn't help but to call at the same time. A blinding white light appeared from the top of the tower, that froze the largest creature perched atop. All of the smaller, lesser creatures were destroyed by the blast, leaving both in total awe. What could have done such a thing?

"Did you...?" Jaune trailed off.

Weiss nodded, "I did. I don't know what that was." she admitted.

"We need to get up there." Jaune didn't hesitate, "Ruby screamed- and we have to go."

"Stay out of the way. I'll go." Qrow surprised both at once. He stoically stared at the building, judging from its current state, he'd have to scale it.

Not wanting to argue, Weiss nodded. Summoning glyphs up the side just like she had done before for Ruby, she waited for him to go.

"Thanks, kid." Qrow smiled a bit, ruffling her hair. Bolting at a speed only Ruby herself could try to match, he made short work of the building.

"I thought you didn't like that man." Jaune stated, surprised at Weiss' decision to help out Qrow.

"I didn't like the treatment he gave to my sister- but it isn't my rivalry or grudge to hold onto." Weiss explained, "Ruby and Pyrrha are, or were in trouble. Now isn't the time to argue. And if anyone could help them it would be him." Qrow was very strong, just like Ruby had boasted about. Intoxicated he proved to be a challenge for Winter, and Weiss had to respect him for that fact. But she'd still disagree with Ruby on the fact of who 'won' the match, as it had been a draw. Ozpin intervened and forced them to finish.

"Should we follow?" Jaune asked, taking a step toward the tower. He wanted to make sure that Pyrrha and Ruby were alright, and it made him antsy to just idly stand by while someone else went to save the day.

"We should wait here." Weiss shook her head, "We don't want to get in the way."

"Maybe you're right..." Jaune had to agree with her on that one. After what felt like forever, the two saw Qrow with Ruby in his arms. He scaled down the side of the building and stared at the anxious teens.

"Is she...?" Weiss didn't want to finish her sentence. Ruby didn't look too good. Part of her felt guilty, seeing her in that condition.

"She's fine." Qrow nodded, "Just needs a little rest." he could see that Weiss felt some form of relief from his words. Though the young Schnee may have acted indifferent to Ruby at times, she most certainly did come to care for and cherish her as a friend- even if she wasn't willing to admit to it. That sentiment made him want to smile and had he not seen the aftermath of what occurred on top of the tower, he likely would have.

"What about Pyrrha?" Jaune asked anxiously. Seeing Ruby's condition and hearing that she would be okay had him partly at ease. Just because Qrow wasn't physically holding Pyrrha and she hadn't come down on her own didn't mean the worst had happened. Maybe she'd gotten hurt and was okay, save for the injury.

"Sorry, kid." Qrow shook his head, taking on a very serious demeanor. "She...didn't make it."

"You're lying." Jaune didn't want to believe it. How was it possible that the Pyrrha had been defeated in battle, let alone killed? Qrow had to be lying, there was no other explanation.

"I'm not." Qrow knew that Jaune may have been experiencing some form of shock. It wasn't uncommon for those who lost a comrade to have a hard time accepting reality. But Pyrrha Nikos wasn't the only one to have fallen on this day, Ozpin himself was also missing- or worse. If he had been killed, the official story would more than likely list him as 'missing'. Hysteria and fear would sink in at hearing the Headmaster of a school had been defeated.

"You're lying!" Jaune shouted, feeling bitter tears sting his eyes.

"Jaune." Weiss had never seen him like this. But he was bound to do something reckless, like attack Qrow. He was no Winter, and it wouldn't change a thing.

"Watch over him." Qrow instructed, taking off with Ruby.

"Why did she have to die!?" Jaune asked, tears rolling down his face as he stared at Weiss. "Why?" he demanded.

"I...don't know why." Weiss admitted, and though she was initially hesitant, she gave him a hug. She was never good at these comfort moments. Feeling him tense up at the physical contact, and his slight sobbing, Weiss felt tears sting her eyes. If Ruby and she had just been a little bit faster, if Pyrrha could have just waited for someone to come and help her...why didn't she ask for help?

"I never got to properly say 'thank you' for all that she'd done." Jaune choked out, instantly vocalizing his regrets. "After everything that she'd done for me- I didn't pay her back in any way, at all."

"That's not true." Weiss disagreed with him, "You gave her friendship, Jaune. Your friendship. And I've seen and learned that there's nothing like it in this world."

"Is that all I can do?" Jaune asked, "Why couldn't it have just been me? I'm useless, and I can't do anything- if all that people remember about me is the fact that I'm a good friend, then why am I still here? Why do I deserve to stand here, while Pyrrha's gone?" if he'd actually been paying attention, then he could have stopped Cinder from killing the maiden. Pyrrha would have gotten her powers, and likely defeated that woman. She'd still be here. It was his fault that she had died, and it wasn't fair.

"You give others the strength and courage to do things that they normally wouldn't think themselves capable of." Weiss didn't know what else to say. Maybe this wasn't the best prime example, but she still had to bring it up anyway. "Like telling Neptune to take me to the dance. You showing up in a dress to dance with Pyrrha. Rushing to save us, in the battle for the city when the Grim overwhelmed our time. You're willing to sacrifice things of importance to yourself and always putting the needs of others before your own. It's not hard to see why anyone would do what Pyrrha did."

"But it's not fair!" Jaune pulled out of their hug, and looked down at the shorter girl. "Why did she have to die? Ruby was right there! You were right here! I was on the way!" dropping his weapons on the ground, Jaune still let out bitter tears.

"I don't know why." Weiss admitted, "But you're right- it's not fair. Pyrrha shouldn't have died, Yang shouldn't have gotten her arm cut off, Blake shouldn't have been impaled through the stomach, Penny shouldn't have been destroyed- none of this should have happened. Being Hunters or Huntresses we're supposed to be prepared for this kind of thing, to on the fly rush into battle and protect our teammates and friends, to strike fear into the hearts of Grim but at the end of the day, things like this happen...and it...it just...makes it all so real." seeing him cry was enough for Weiss to continue her own. They were nothing but children who got in the way, just like Qrow had said. A beloved friend of theirs had died, because all of them had gone their separate ways.

As bad as things were, and the situation that they were in- Jaune couldn't stand the sight of Weiss crying. Although he was still confused by Pyrrha's kiss and filled with nothing but mixed feelings, he closed the little distance between himself and Weiss. Part of him wanted to say something, but when she stared up at him, he had nothing to say.

"I'm...sorry." Jaune finally decided to speak, "If I made you feel guilty..." he placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to offer comfort. He knew that Weiss didn't like nor care for physical contact of any kind, so he did his best to refrain from it.

"Don't apologize." Weiss shook her head, "You didn't make me feel guilty. But if Ruby and I had just been a little bit faster, maybe then things would have been different."

"You can't blame yourself." Jaune was trying to pull himself together. Ren and Nora would have to know what happened here, and the others would need help. There was bound to be plenty of wounded scattered about the school grounds. Jaune didn't want to think of anymore students being defeated in battle.

"That goes for you, too." Weiss knew on some level that Jaune definitely felt guilty.

"You're right." Jaune nodded, "I may not have been able to save Pyrrha- but at least you're okay." he paused for a moment, not wanting to sound as if he was simply brushing off Pyrrha. What happened on this day would be seen as nothing other than a tragedy. "I'd rather not lose anymore people that are important to me." he did his best to produce a smile while wiping away Weiss' tears.

He was still doing favors for others, when all he had was inner turmoil.

Weiss nodded, "Should we go find the others?" she asked.

"Do you want to rest for a moment? You're still tired, aren't you?" Jaune could see that Weiss needed a good moment or two of rest.

"I...think we should go." Weiss said, though he was absolutely right.

Turning away from Weiss, Jaune collected his sword and shield, kneeling in front of her, he placed his arms behind his back. "Hop on."

"What do you want me to do?" Weiss asked, confused.

"You've never had a piggyback?" Jaune asked, looking back at the heiress in awe.

"No." Weiss admitted, "Is that bad?"

"Not really." Jaune shook his head, "Do you want me to carry you, or do you want a ride?" he asked. He didn't care what her choice would be, so long as Weiss was happy with the outcome.

"I-" her initial response was to protest. But due to the circumstances, she felt like it was Jaune's way of staying busy and distracting himself from Pyrrha. They could both use one, and to get away from the tower. "-whichever you prefer."

"Got it." Jaune nodded, "Place your legs through the 'holes' my arms made." he did his best to explain to her what to do.

"Okay..." Weiss still wasn't sure but she made sure her sword was secure before doing as he told her. It absolutely felt odd. Jaune had stood up and kept a firm grip on her that wasn't entirely uncomfortable. But as he stood she nearly fell off. Instinctively, her first move was to wrap her arms around his neck and hold on for dear life.

"Too...tight." Jaune choked out.

"Sorry!" Weiss loosened her grip.

"It's okay." Jaune was grateful that she had done so.

"Jaune."

"Huh?"

"If-" and Weiss couldn't believe she was going to say this, because it was more of an insult to herself than anything, but even so she had to think more of others. "If I get to be too heavy, you let me know, okay?"

"You're not heavy. I can manage it." Jaune promised.

"Okay." Weiss felt so tired, and it was honestly nice to be off her feet. A piggyback wasn't such a bad thing, decidedly. Looking at their surroundings, she almost instantly regretted it. Some staff members had been killed, others had been mangled, and she wasn't sure if any students had been murdered. Shutting her eyes, she didn't want to look at the disaster.

"Are you okay?" Jaune could feel her tensing up.

"There's just...so many people..." Weiss explained.

"I know. It's terrible." Jaune could understand why she felt uneasy. Being around so much death wasn't something they were used to. Many of the day-to-day people had been killed. Soldiers, robots, students, faculty, Grim, many had fallen on Beacon's grounds. "Try not to look."

"Right." Weiss agreed, sighing a bit. How could she just close her eyes, and disrespect the fallen? These people gave up their lives, and she couldn't even bare to look at the aftermath of it all.

Jaune and Weiss continued on in silence, stepping over debris and miscellaneous people along the way, he saw the others in the distance. "Weiss."

"Yes?"

"I'm not saying you have to- but do you want to walk?" Jaune asked, "The others are right there- and I'm not sure if you want to be seen like this."

"Sure, let me down." Weiss honestly didn't care about status and stupid things like that, right now. Walking was just more than likely in her best interest. She wondered if the others had heard about Pyrrha's demise, and if not- then would they be forced to deliver the message? When Jaune once more knelt, she carefully slid off his back. "Thank you, Jaune."

"No problem." Jaune stood up, finding himself a bit surprised when Weiss slid her hand into his.

"Now's not the time to let foolish things like 'status' get in the way. We've been through too much in the past day to worry about tedious things." Weiss pointed out.

"But Neptune's over there." Jaune didn't know why he was fighting the situation, even if his argument was weak, at best.

"I don't care." Weiss said sternly, "It's not like we're together, anyway." Neptune hit on any girl with a pulse, and Weiss wasn't into that kind of behavior. Before, she'd most definitely been wrong about Jaune's intentions when it came to her. He didn't want her money, or to be associated with the Schnee name, he didn't even know what that had meant when they first met. He was just a good guy with a big heart of gold. Ideally a person better suited to herself.

"You're not?" Jaune knew that this conversation couldn't go on forever, and they'd have to let everyone know about Pyrrha- but he wanted to have the distraction from that pressing issue.

"No, we're not." Weiss shook her head. "Where's Blake?" she asked, confused as they arrived and only saw Yang.

"She's...gone." Yang said, frowning and sounding hurt. Her wound was hurting beyond measure, "She...she left me."

"Go talk to your team." Weiss told Jaune, letting go of his hand and going over to Yang. "Are you sure she just up and left? Because when Ruby and I went off-" she didn't even get to finish her sentence before Yang angrily interrupted her.

"Yes! She left me! I tried to save her from that psycho who cut my arm off, and she just up an runs!? What's with that!?" Yang's eyes took on their familiar red hue as her anger came forth.

"I don't know." Weiss admitted, "What if...she felt like she had to?"

"It doesn't excuse the fact that she abandoned me! Abandoned us!" Yang didn't understand why Weiss wasn't getting with her on the anger.

"It's just that she...when we left, she stayed by your side."

Yang paused for a moment, her features had softened a bit as if contemplating what Weiss had to say. But she shook her head, and her hand balled into a fist. "We were never really friends, were we?" she asked almost coldly. "She didn't believe me when I said the thing with Mercury was an accident, and now the thing with her and that guy...no." Yang exhaled in annoyance, "I'm glad you came back, Weiss. I'm leaving. Uncle Qrow came by with Ruby, and he's waiting for me. I said I'd wait until you came back, and now that you are, I have to go."

"Okay." Weiss nodded, "Take care of yourself, Yang, okay? You and Ruby...try to feel better."

"...thanks." Yang managed a small smile, "You're a good friend, Weiss." as she walked past the girl, Yang's smile faded. What was there to smile for, after what had happened?

Looking over at Jaune, Ren and Nora, she could see Nora and Ren's reactions to the news. It had been just like she and Jaune previously. About to go over to them and try to offer some comfort, she saw a large ship approaching. Her eyes widened in realization; her father had come. Weiss knew that at this point, there would be no refusing him. He would take her back home, where he thought things would be so much safer, and she didn't feel like anywhere could be safe. Not after what had happened at Beacon.

"Jaune!" Weiss called to him, trying to gain his attention.

Instantly looking over, he made his way to Weiss. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" he asked, showing an abundance of concern.

"I'm leaving." Weiss said, gauging his reaction.

"You are? Where are you going?" Jaune asked, confused.

"I just found out that my father is here. And I don't want to go- but I know he'll make me." Weiss avoided eye contact with him for a moment. "So, before I go- I wanted to give you something."

"He can't make you go, can he?" Jaune asked, "And what did you want to give me?"

"He can do what he wants. He's my father, and the reason I could even go to Beacon in the first place." Weiss paused for a moment, looking up at him. "I'm sorry that I never really gave you a chance, when it came to dating me. I never entertained the idea, and I've honestly regretted it since that dance and finding out how far you were willing to go for such things. I don't know when or if I will see you again, Jaune, so for now-" Weiss stood on her toes and kissed him. It wasn't necessarily a kiss of gratitude, though that was one of the many feelings behind it. She also wanted to let him know, that she honestly didn't feel like he was beneath her, anymore. That if he was still up for it, she'd take him up on his offer.

Jaune tensed up, once more having mixed feelings. When Pyrrha had kissed him, it was an entirely different feeling. Weiss felt like an experience that he didn't want to end. For so long he'd sought her out, and never really thought she'd give him a chance, and now she did something like this, on the same day that Pyrrha revealed her feelings. It honestly made him feel a tad bit guilty. Almost reflexively, his arms wrapped around her. He didn't know nor care about who watched what happened between the two of them. Weiss pulled out of the gesture and smiled up at him. "This...it doesn't mean 'goodbye', does it?" he asked, hopeful that it wasn't like with Pyrrha.

"No, it doesn't." Weiss shook her head, "For now- I do have to say goodbye. But when I see you again, how about those date ideas?"

"Count on it." Jaune nodded.

Weiss smiled, "See you around, Jaune." turning to face the soldiers that accompanied her displeased looking father, she didn't say a word. Bowing her head, Weiss followed him without a struggle. Glancing back at Jaune for a moment, she wondered if she would see him again. Her father would likely confiscate her only means of contacting him or anyone from Beacon, so it didn't seem likely. Climbing into the ship, her father didn't say a word. That was how she knew that she was in trouble, or he was absolutely furious about something. But pressing him on the matter wouldn't do anything. It would just make him angrier.

Jaune had watched her go, and felt even more sad now that she was gone. The one person who learned at the same time as him that Pyrrha had not only been defeated, but slain in combat. Bowing his head, he turned back toward his teammates. Shuffling as he made his way back to Ren and Nora, he was trying to figure out what to do.