Chapter #7: Aftermath on Patch & A Match Between Partners

Taiyang

Taiyang was the first one up the next morning, the morning after Yang had come into his room during the middle of the night after what was possibly the worst confession of all time, for her as well. Tai knew his oldest and now only daughter was more than your average looker and from what Ruby had told him she was hit on at least twice a week, sometimes more but never less. She had definitely heard better confessions.

In his trademark cargo shorts and tanned dress shirt with his feet bare, he moved slowly within the confines of his kitchen, making breakfast so they'd be able to eat and talk about what happened yesterday and perhaps more importantly, that night. He had already prepared for what could be a quick rejection from Yang's side, his mind had been made up ever since he confessed. But still, even with his mind being weighed down with what ifs, he made them both breakfast.

It had to be healthy even with what had occurred, he still wanted her on the track of recovery that she'd only just started back down. Oats and berries, chopped nuts and sliced chocolate were what he had in mind. Simple to make and good for you, minus the chocolate. But since he wanted to show her he had best in mind for her he did add the chocolate and not a moment too soon as he heard Yang's footsteps descending the stairs. Deep breaths Taiyang.

He flicked the jug on and made for the table with both bowls filling his hands. One in front of his seat and the other on the closest one to him. He looked up as the footsteps stopped and found Yang smiling while he wore a light red blush. She gave a similar expression in response as she rubbed just above her stump.

"Morning dad." Her voice was soft and there was something different about it.

"Good morning Yang… I trust you slept well?" He asked with a teasing smile that made the brawler's cheeks darken.

"I did… thank you." Was her response as she sat down where he'd set down her bowl. A portion big enough for what was to come, a day of training, and a conversation about them and their relationship.

"Would you like a hot drink with your breakfast?" A simple nod let him know her desire and he went about making her weak coffee. He splashed less than a teaspoon of sugar in there just to give her that boost. Sugar and chocolate… Oum if Ruby was getting these she'd be everywhere. Remembering some of her hyper days and the crashes that followed brought a smile to his face.

He came back to her side within moments and placed the cup of steaming liquid next to her bowl on the left side of her body. She went to grab it immediately but was frozen as from her side came something that was warm and on the corner of her mouth. His stumble tickled and scratched her cheek and jaw as Tai kissed her softly, making sure to include a little of her lips, just the corner.

He ruffled her hair as he backed off and made for his seat. Holy crap… that really was something. Sitting down and meeting her gaze it was almost like looking in a mirror. Blonde hair, hers more golden than his but as with Yang's, Tai's cheeks were burning too. It must have taken so much courage to do what she did. My, strong girl. He was of course referring to when she came into his room and began kissing him. Smiling softly as she forced her eyes away and shovelled some more food into her mouth.

Breakfast was silent for the most part, something that Tai had expected but had hoped to avoid. But since they were both nearly through their food and all they'd said were morning greetings, he had to take a stand, he was the man of the house, her father. Her father.

"Yang." He spoke up breaking the silence and getting Yang's attention within the second. Her lilac eyes found his as they locked eyes. "We said we'd talk about what happened. My confession and what followed after." His heart was racing, it was like he was back in the field fighting a large number of Grimm that threatened his life.

"What do you want to know then?" His daughter replied still sounding soft, scared perhaps. Taken back a little by her seemingly lack of interest Tai frowned.

"I want to know… what you're thinking." His eyes never faltered as he held her gaze even when she turned away. He was waiting for her to look back and he saw that her breath caught as their eyes met again. "What I said yesterday was the truth. I know it might not have been, acceptable. It isn't acceptable for a father to say that, to put that kind of pressure on his daughter." Still his eyes didn't move, still blue was locked on lilac.

"I want to know why you kissed me. I want to know if you want… more." His right hand moved slowly and to her left which he let it rest atop as he watched her look at their connection.

"More?" She asked trying to sound naïve.

"Don't even try it Yang. You're not…Ruby was the innocent one, not saying that you aren't either, but you most certainly know what I mean." Seeing his daughter smirk helped him to relax. Cheeky little shit.

"You want to know if I want more? What about you? You made the first move maybe you should tell me what you want." There was a touch of irritation in her voice that concerned Tai.

"Well, given that I told you about how I was struggling and how I'd… I have come to see you. A woman, not longer simply my daughter for which you will always be but, an attractive and strong woman. Smart and kind, stubborn too but you get that from your mother not me." This got Yang's attention, the mention of her mother, her biological mother anyway always seemed to rub her the wrong way as not much had been said about the mysterious Raven figure.

Tai knew he'd messed up a little by including her mother in his words but was rapidly trying to think of a way to explain what he meant. He was failing miserably as now Yang was the one holding a firm gaze, as if validating his claim on her stubborn nature.

"Yang, given what I told you I thought it was clear that I wanted more than… than what we currently have. I know its unfair of me, your father to ask this of you, his own daughter but…"

"Then here's what I think." Yang growled, thumping the table enough to get his attention and halt his sentence. "I freaked out, who wouldn't freak out when their dad of all freaking people said…. All of that." Her eyes wavered with tears and Tai wanted to take her hand again but only clenched his into a fist as he held his gaze.

She's not wrong, I'd expected her to react a lot worse. Yang had indeed taken it rather well considering. But her time before and after kissing him during the early hours of the morning had given her time to think, even if it wasn't clearly or long enough.

"More, you want more ok, but I can do the same thing dad. Don't you know the answer by my own actions. Who was the one that made the first physical move? Who was the one who… who…" Her eyes fell to his lips and Tai knew it. A small smile crossed his face as he offered his hand to her, holding it open with his palm up.

"You're right again Yang. You've always spoken much louder with your actions and somehow I still missed you meaning." Red puffed out cheeks made him chuckle as Yang glared at him. She did however slowly surrender her hand to him and together they gave the other a small squeeze.

"So more… You want what from us? Kissing, company, sex I'm assuming?" Yang's cheeks might have gone redder, but Tai's jaw dropped and sweat ran down his spin as she brought up the one subject he wasn't going to approach at this point in time even though he had thought about it. He figured he could wait to see how their new relationship proceeded before approaching the more carnal desires.

"Yang, sweetie. I don't think we should discuss, that particular experience yet." He said trying to rein in where her mind was going.

"Well its going to come up if we do go further, or are you embarrassed because you've already thought about…" Yang stopped speaking as her own embarrassment got too much for her to handle. "You have, haven't you?!" She yelled at him. Oum she's like her mother in so many ways… good and bad, mostly good.

"Honestly, yes. I'm not going to lie to you Yang but I'd much rather we take this slow. We've already gone further than any parent and child should, and our relationship is already changing for better or for worse."

Yang and Tai shared small glances as they took turns meeting the other's gaze and turning away. To Tai it almost felt like a game, a game that was still helping them deal with their fledgling ideas of what this relationship would entail.

"We'll take it slow then. No sex until we're ready…" Stop talking about it please darling. "… and if I have any questions you have to answer them honestly." It wasn't an option and he knew that.

"Same goes for you answering me questions too, and if at any point you aren't feeling right, what we're doing is too much then I want you to tell me. Ending it might hurt but it's better than enduring a pain you know you can end, ok my Sunny Little Dragon?"

Feeling a tightening grip on his hand he smiled as Yang seemed to be feeling a lot better. There wasn't anything said as the two just sat there looking at one another, holding the other's hand and taking some time to absorb what had been said. They both wanted more and had misunderstood or simply missed the other telling, showing what they intended.

It was Tai that moved first, standing up and taking his bowl and Yang's to the bench where he'd later wash them. He returned to his girl who was slowly getting to her feet. He took the cup she offered him but held his hand over it, their fingers touching as his other hand went to her cheek and brushed some hair from it using his thumb.

The redness returned to both of their cheeks as he moved closer to his daughter. Their eyes once more locking as if they were testing the other to see if they'd really go through with what they thought was already established. Yang opened her mouth slightly and Tai took it as a sign. He leaned down, not far since Yang was only a couple of inches shorter than him, but taller than Raven.

Their faces became closer until their lips grazed one another. Tai felt Yang shudder through his hands but continued forwards, their lips connecting slowly but fully. Soft and warm, wet and tasting a little like coffee he deepened the kiss he was sharing with his daughter. Her lips were quaking at the connection much like their first kisses last night save for the fact that Yang had been in charge, but here Tai was initiating it, showing his daughter that despite their new relationship being taboo and having many restrictions, he wanted it, wanted more than what they previously had.

A small whimper came from Yang as she started kissing back, her fingers locked gently around the empty cup in her hand and under her father's fingers. His lips massaging hers as her eyes closed, she gave herself over to his advance and embraced the change in their relationship. No longer would the kisses be innocent from father to daughter, but from man to woman.

Feeling him pull away Yang let out a small groan that vibrated through to his lips and felt beyond great. Their lips parted much to Yang's disapproval and Tai's surprise Yang pulled her hand from his and placed the cup on the table before grabbing his elbow and pulling his arm.

What's she trying to do. Wait. Smiling and shacking his head he moved his arm where he thought she wanted it. Wrapping it around and across the small of her back and onto her hip. This brought Yang hard against him, so much so that her breasts presses against his torso. The feeling was something Tai remember from his years with Raven and Summer, and now his own daughter recalling those feelings from dep within.

"You wanted to be closer didn't you my Sunny Little Dragon."

"Shut up… Tai." Her voice was barely even a whisper as he caught wind of it. His eye twitched as he'd never been called by name from her before and being in the situation they were his heart missed a beat. My real name for a real relationship. He thought as his other hand slid over her shoulder and to the middle of her upper back.

Snapping her bra strap and causing her bra to become loose would have been too easy, and against what Tai was trying to achieve. He felt a hand on him, the only hand he'd be feeling on him from Yang unless he somehow convinced her accept a prosthetic. Another discussing that would likely end up in an argument, something for another day.

This time their lips mashed together in a more passionate kiss, the shaking was mostly gone and what was there quickly faded as the two showed the other that they meant what they'd agreed upon, more.

Tai's upper hand drifted to the back of Yang's neck where he gave a slight squeeze through her golden locks. His reward was twofold. The hand on his back balled into a fist, tugging on his shirt while the second part was definitely the cutest, no, sexiest little groan he'd ever heard from Yang.

Their kiss was more heated than he thought it would have been but there was nothing he would change. He'd laid their relationship on the line yesterday and Yang had responded beyond his wildest dreams. I need to stop this. Now. With great pain Tai broke their kiss and opened his eyes to see Yang's glassy eyes staring back at his. His reaction was immediate, more blood began to flow south and put him in danger of being yelled at.

"Go on you. I'll wash up and get ready to train you ok. If you're lucky, maybe I'll give your sore muscles a massage after." Yang just laughed.

"Oh is that why you're offering? Not just wanting to put your hands on me are you?" There was a smirk on her blushing face, a smirk that made Tai swallow. Oh I'd like to do more than put my hands on you Yang.

"Upstairs now young lady. I want you fighting ready within ten minutes." He watched her disappear up the stairs without another word, his eyes flicking to her ass as she powered her way up. One day maybe.

It would be less than ten minutes before Tai was outside and stretching, a few seconds after his requested ten minutes Yang would too appear. Lycra shorts and a tank top with sneakers on. Tai couldn't help but stare which made Yang blush.

"Ok, first I'm going to need you to stop staring at me like that." She smiled as she started her own stretches, knowing that even with her request her father would still be stealing glimpses. And stealing many he was. She'd lost a little of her muscle and size being inactive for a month, but she was still the most beautiful girl, woman on remnant. His little girl, turning into his woman.

After a little stretching and some warm up exercises Tai stopped her to explain what today's plan was and what they'd be doing everyday from then on. As he spoke he could see both the anxiousness and excitement building inside Yang. That desperate look, the fear of falling back into the abyss wasn't there at all. Her eyes seemed brighter and as he stood close to her it was almost like she was radiating heat. Ruby always did saw Yang was the best person for cuddles.

He didn't know if it was because of her determination or she was feeling off. Either way the determined look in her eyes screamed desire, desire to start what he'd proposed. They took their positions a few meters from one another and upon Tai's signal, their fight began. A sparring match where Yang was to go all out, if she needed or wanted to use her semblance then she was allowed. Tai needed to gauge where she was in terms of skill and power with only one arm.

He didn't go on the full offensive, but he did counter with punches, kicks, grapple techniques. He needed to see what she was capable of with one hand and together they'd plan ways for her to train. Reassess techniques and adapt what they could into only having to use one arm. If Tai could do it one armed then so could Yang, or so was his thinking. It was the start of a long and challenging process for the newly formed, unofficial couple.

Pyrrha

It had been a few days since Yang had left from Vale and things had almost returned to normal for team JNPR, or as close to normal as they could be since the fall. Ren and Nora had once more gone to the front lines to offer their assistance in dealing with any Grimm that might attack or cause a threat.

It was a standby station where they were provided food and shelter while waiting to be called out. Most days they'd be called out at least twice, on the first few days though they were out there for hours upon hours only returning when tired or aura level were nearly depleted. Or so that's what Jaune had told Pyrrha as the four of them spoke before the match.

Velvet wasn't taking any chances and made the rules. No semblances to be used and the first one to fifty percent of their aura was declared the loser or if the other person acknowledged defeat. It meant that Pyrrha wouldn't need to exert herself if Jaune provided more of a challenge than Velvet though he would. Sure, he was a huntsman in training, but he was arguably the weakest in single combat.

Ok first fight, first sparring match since Beacon, since that woman nearly… Pyrrha shuddered thinking about it, the solid shaft that had pierced her, passed right through with the tip sticking out her back. Velvet noticed Pyrrha's change of mood and took her hand.

"Pyrrha. You don't have to do this if you don't want to. It's just a friendly match and even if you lose we all understand why." Her ears were up and her mouth was shaped into a smile. Pyrrha squeezed her hand and nodded.

"Ok… it's ok, I want to do this, I need to do this. Besides, Jaune wants to put on a show for the girl." Both he and Velvet looked down to Jaune's end where he was suiting up with the help of the girl from the café. "Camilla right?"

"Yup. Jaune seems rather smitten."

They'd caught Jaune having breakfast at the café the day Yang was returning to Patch, it was just after someone had whistled at their public display of affection. They carried on walking until Pyrrha's eye caught sight of Jaune talking and laughing with a girl, the girl that was now probably giving him some pep talk.

Ever since then Jaune and Camilla were nearly inseparable. It's just like Vel and I. Pyrrha was glad Jaune had found someone, even if from what he'd told her was an odd start. Sleeping together with him forgetting her name the following morning for a while. But still, Jaune was happy and Camilla was smiling.

"Hmmm sounds like me with my large eared friend." Pyrrha teased getting a blushed and anxious look from Velvet.

"I have big ears?" She sounded so hurt that it threw Pyrrha's mind from the match.

"No no, I meant your pretty rabbit ears Vel." She reached forwards to comfort her girlfriend when there was a rush. Pyrrha didn't see it coming at all but found herself looking up at the sky with an angry rabbit looking down at her.

"You're not focusing. You're concerned with little me while your opponent is preparing to end you. Are you going to just let Jaune whoop you? I thought you'd be much more focused than you are." Velvet didn't look happy and her words did sting a little.

"Sorry. You just looked so hurt I wanted…"

"You're still not focusing!" Velvet leaned down and flicked her forehead leaving a little red mark there. Pyrrha just looked up stunned, Velvet's switch into coach mode was still throwing her off.

"I'll focus." She answered, holding her hand up for an assist. Being pulled up to her feet with a blush she saw both Jaune and Camilla looking at her.

"You ok Partner?" Jaune yelled.

"Don't let yourself be thrown around Miss Nikos." Camilla added. Pyrrha just looked to Velvet and chuckled.

"Can't help it. She's too strong." The champion answered making the rabbit blush.

Velvet instructed Pyrrha to take it easy, to focus on her breathing and her form and not to go all out. She was there to test herself on her former student, to see if she could still beat even the likes of Jaune. I know he's improved, he's improved a lot from since we met. Pyrrha was afraid she'd actually lose, the invincible girl losing to someone like Jaune would cause a shock to her system she might not recover from.

Feeling something wrapping around her wrist she looked down to see Velvet strapping on what looked like a watch, she was confused but she let Velvet do it, maybe it was to measure something. Catching her staring Velvet backed away giving Pyrrha the chance to look at it properly.

Just as she'd suspected it was something to measure her, monitor her exertion, this was a heart rate monitor and by the looks of it a good one. She's… going to make sure I don't blow up. It was a terrible thought to imagine one's own heart exploding but now she was a little reassured.

"If it goes over one fifty I'm calling it quits. I don't want you exerting yourself. Take the hits if you need to, its your first match back Pyrrha." Velvet rubbed her hand and tilted her head. Pyrrha blushed knowing what she was asking for and leaned down giving the rabbit a kiss. "Good luck Pyrrha." She whispered before the Champion rounded on her opponent.

Shield in his left, sword in his right and his feet in a fighting stance Pyrrha recognised all to well. He's using what I taught him! There was a brief moment of joy as she saw her own teachings, and then a realisation that she'd be fighting her partner who wouldn't hold back.

"Jaune! Don't hold back on her!" Velvet how could you!

"Got it. Testing her to the best of my ability right?"

"Get her Jaune!" Camilla called in support of her man.

Great, everyone's against me. Her thought preoccupied her mind that she nearly took a heavy blow to the head before ducking and putting her shield up as Jaune pushed at her with his and forced her back. Pyrrha spun to the side with light feet, blocking the blow with her shield and slapping Jaune's back with the flat of her blade before hiding behind her shield with now a spear in her hand, propped on one of the crescent pieces designed in it allowing her to rest it there easily.

Jaune had paused, stepping around in a circular motion trying to examine a weakness. Pyrrha followed his motions while breathing hard. She could hear the beeping of the heart rate monitor and feel her heart pumping all from only a few seconds of mock fighting.

"Come on Jaune!" It was Camilla again urging Jaune to show her what he was capable of. It worked as he moved forwards, striking out Pyrrha who bashed his sword away and spun down to one knee, dragging her spear in a wide arc that threatened to come into contact with Jaune's lower leg and trip him.

Pyrrha was smiling, it was a move she'd shown Jaune since it could be used in close range with a sword if you were fast enough. Her smile didn't last long as the sound of it hitting a metallic substance made her check. No way! He blocked it? Jaune was down one knee also with his shield digging into the dirt which guarded his leg.

"Come on partner, you've got to try harder than that." He taunted, trapping her spear for a second before pushing forwards. Pyrrha turned it back into a sword and stepped back just managing to avoid a horizontal slash before clashing with Jaune as they bashed their shields together, both trying to knock the other back and get an advantage. There was a cheer from the spectators, a girl for each participant.

"You're doing so well Jaune." Pyrrha whispered as they moved into a show of strength as they tried to move to other back.

"All thanks to your tutorship." Was his response, a response Pyrrha used to step back and bring Jaune forwards and off balance. He fell for it and Pyrrha swiftly moved around and struck his back with the edge of her blade damaging his aura. Jaune had tried to turn but he was still slower.

She followed up with a combo of strikes. Overhead, horizontal, return horizontal, thrust, short upper slash, shield bash. It was the bash that got him as well as her stomping on his food and causing him to fall backwards onto the ground. Pyrrha knew it was over and expected him to stay down, but when he rolled and tried to get back to her feet she moved, the tip of her blade pressing against his aura protected throat as she puffed heavily.

Jaune looked back wide eyed, he wasn't panting as much and looked like her could go for another round. I got it… I won… I won! Dropping her sword away from Jaune's throat she started giggling, laughing celebrating. Applause came from both Velvet and Camilla who were witnesses to Pyrrha's return to combat.

"Velvet I…"

"You're going again Pyrrha. Get ready for round two." The rabbit cheered, her ears bobbing as she nodded her head happily. Pyrrha's blood drained from her face as she looked at Jaune. She was tired, her heart was still racing. She hadn't gone all out and Jaune had manage to withstand a lessened flurry from her blade for a time.

"But what if…"

"I'll stop it if you get to worked up." Velvet assured her. Pyrrha didn't smile at all but a hand grabbed her shoulder.

"Come on partner. I know you had heart surgery, but that's not going to hold back Pyrrha Nikos is it?" His smiled was honest and warm, tears threatened to form before she stepped back.

"Ok then, round two it is. Don't hold back Jaune."

"Wouldn't dream of it against you partner." With a smirk on his face Jaune was the first to open up and attack again, this time he showed more speed from the get go, speed that Pyrrha matched and surpassed, but something was different about the four-time champion from Mistral.

Her movements weren't as smooth, she was reacting quickly but, in a panic, to avoid the attacks altogether she'd dodge, and it that wasn't possible she'd catch it with her shield. She won the second round with leg sweep and a spear aimed at Jaune's throat.

She won the third round as she knelt blocking an overhead slash from Jaune, her own blade coming up and zapping more of his aura ending that round.

She won the fourth round by the skin of her teeth, a late flurry from Jaune took her by surprise and she lost her weapon amidst the changing of its form. She had to fight back only holding her shield with Jaune blocking the way to her sword like a pro. Pyrrha ended up catching him in an arm drag after Jaune near thrust his blade into her face.

She slammed him into the ground and pressed her knee to his throat where she'd been taught to apply pressure as to knock someone out. He tapped out s it became hard for him to breath, his right arm, his sword arm still held, trapped in a wrist lock.

The fifth round last all of about thirty seconds before Jaune started getting hits in. The damage was minimal but Pyrrha's heart rate was climbing quickly. The flashes of steel, the sharp edges of his sword nearing her chest time and again. No… no…no no no no no. The sparking of her aura and the relentlessness Jaune showed, she had asked him not to hold back, she thought she could take it.

"Jaune stop!" Came Velvet's voice as Pyrrha fell to her knees clutching her chest, her nails digging into her aura as she screamed quietly. It was more like a high-pitched groan and her skin turned even whiter than normal.

"Pyrrha!" Jaune yelled, dropping his weapons and falling to her side and helping to hold her up. His fingers went to check her pulse as Velvet crashed to her other side and whispered that everything would be fine.

Pyrrha's mind was far away, back when she fought the Fall Maiden and lost. It wasn't the fire of the strange powers, it was the sharp point, the shaft she physically felt inside her chest. The beeping of the heart rate monitor increased as she reach over one hundred and ninety beats per minute.

"Pyrrha calm down. Pyrrha, Pyrrha please!" The bunny begged from her side, squeezing the other hand as it too tried to reach for her chest.

"Pyrrha, you're fine. Nothing's happened, you're here with us, friends and family right." Jaune said, their bond was close as were hers and Velvets. She didn't know Camilla at all but one looked at her and she saw the concern in her eyes. Its not real… its not happening now… Oum I'm…

"Sorry… I'm so sorry." Tears began to run as she leaned forwards. Jaune moved a little so that Velvet could have Pyrrha leaning on her figuring it wasn't his place to be Pyrrha's rock, that had passed to Velvet.

"It's ok. You're safe Pyrr." Velvet reassured the terrorised champion. Her hands rubbing her back as Pyrrha pushed herself harder against Velvet, the hand Velvet had been hold extending to wrap and grip onto the bunny's top.

"Don't make me…"

"You're not fighting again today… or this week Pyrrha. You don't have to fight until you're ready." Velvet insisted, deciding never to make Pyrrha fight again. "I'll get you back into doing exercise and that's it."

"Pyrrha I… I won't make you fight. But I'll never stop encouraging you, you did the same for me at Beacon and I'll be damned if my partner…" He fell silent from the combination of Velvet's glare and Camilla's hand in his. "You're strong. Stronger than any of us Pyrrha."

Pyrrha didn't agree with that claim, she was weak and frightened, terrified of getting injured, of losing her life as she very nearly did. I'm sorry Jaune... I'm sorry I'm not who I was. Pyrrha continued to cry and Velvet just remained there as her pillar of strength and comfort, moving only for Pyrrha to rest her head on her lap, the Faunus stroking her hair as her crying subsided and she drifted off to an uneasy sleep.

When Pyrrha awoke she found herself staring up as the person she was resting on talked to someone. She didn't have to ask who as she heard Jaune's voice, Velvet's, even Camilla's as they all spoke. About what? Mostly about her, their concern for her and her health, not just physical but psychological too.

How it was more her mental state that ended the last bout, that had seen her reduced to not much more than a mess on the ground that had then passed out. She blushed hearing what they thought, Velvet being sweet and understanding, never going to push her to do more than she wanted and wouldn't bring up the need for her to fight again unless it was on her terms.

Jaune was much the opposite along with some aspects of Velvet's. He wouldn't force her to fight again, but he he'd encourage her to get back on the horse and remind her of what she was. It was those words that stirred her from her false sleep giving the rabbit a start.

"Pyrrha is more than just some fighter. She's someone that people know, someone that kids and even adults look up to. Sure they idolise her maybe a bit too much and she even told me that she doesn't like being on that pedestal, however, there is a reason she's there and it isn't just her talent for fighting. Its her humility, her willingness to teach others and assist her friends. She stood against the woman who even bested Ozpin… that takes courage, and no one I know has more of it than her. If nothing else can be said about her then I can simplify it in one word for everyone to understand."

Pyrrha swallowed in her apparent sleep as she waited with baited breath for this one word that Jaune said could sum up all that she was. She felt Velvet move too, and for a few moments could only hear the soft chirping of the birds in the trees nearby.

"Hero… That's what Pyrrha is to me, and not just to me. I'm willing to bet that all her young fans see her that way too." Jaune… "The invincible girl, the four-time champion of Mistral. A hero." The conviction in his voice was easy to pick up on.

"He's not wrong, my little brother is a huge fan. Watched all of her tournaments, rewatches them too. He doesn't have an aura or a semblance like me but… He already wants to join the Vale military in order to help protect people… like his hero."

It was then that Pyrrha opened her eyes and looked towards Jaune and Camilla, both looking one another in the eyes and smiling. Pyrrha let her tears sting her eyes for only a moment before closing them and yawning.

"Oh?! You waking up Pyrrha?" Her rabbit asked quietly. Pyrrha just rolled over and pressed her face into Velvet's stomach.

"I'm awake" She mumbled, tickling Velvet's tummy in the process. She used Velvet's shirt to make sure there were not tears in the corners of her eyes before pushing herself up, her legs withdrawing beneath her, so she was sitting on the she rubbed her eyes and found her girlfriend's eyes.

She turned to see Camilla looking relieved and Jaune looking both guilty and concerned. Looking down at the sheathed sword she smiled, something so small and common had sent her over the edge because it got too close to her. I still have my aura too, and my semblance. Pyrrha shook her head and bit her bottom lip.

"Sorry for scaring you, all of you. My mind is just… Mending."

"Pyrr its ok, just take it easy for a while and when you're ready well go at it again."

"Jaune! We just finished talking about how Pyrrha's not going to fight again." The Faunus growled, her ears half flopping as Pyrrha swore she heard a growl come from the cute girl. She took Velvet's hand and held it gently.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea Jaune. Once I'm able to whoop your butt like I used to, I know I'll be ready to fight this rabbit…" She looked back at Velvet. ".. and then the world."

The Faunus' eyes wavered as tears began to rise to the surface. Awww! You're so adorable Vel. Pyrrha brought her in close and just as Velvet buried her face in Pyrrha's shoulder the slightest squeak could be heard as she started to gently weep. Jaune on the other hand celebrated his partner's answer with a loud joyous yell.

"Awesome! I need to show Camilla I can hang with the champ at her best!." Jaune winked at her while Camilla just scoffed.

"As if. But at least now I can brag to my brother that I've met the great Pyrrha Nikos." Pyrrha blushed hearing this. I'm not that great, I can't even fight like I used to. "I was wondering Miss Nikos… Pyrrha could I maybe ask a simple, two simple but kind of embarrassing things of you?"

Pyrrha looked to Camilla as did Jaune, Velvet too with teary eyes, all wondering the exact same thing. What simple things could Camilla possibly be asking.

"You see… My brother is a big fan, I was maybe hoping I could get and autograph from for you for him, at some stage? And… one for me too." With rosy cheeks Jaune's girlfriend blushed where Pyrrha just laughed.

"Of course you can. Make sure you have him select something that will make it doubly special, same for you Camilla." Pyrrha answered to Camilla's delight.

"Oh, so that's why you got close to me huh? Knew I was friends with Pyrrha Nikos." Jaune teased, cupping Camilla's chin and kissing her right in front of his partner and Velvet. Jaune! She wanted to scream at him but they both didn't seem to mind. Looking down at Velvet she smiled, the slow beeping on her heart rate monitor showing that she'd calmed down to a safe, normal level, her resting heart rate a little over sixty.

"Let's get you back to your apartment so you can shower up and I'll cook you a yummy dinner." Pyrrha smiled as Velvet offered to look after her yet again.

"That sounds really nice… but I was thinking a bubble bath." Velvet giggled and they both got to their feet, followed quickly by Jaune and Camilla who were holding hands.

"Pyrrha, I'm heading back out with Ren and Nora tomorrow. Might be busy for a few days so you better get onto honing your skills." Camilla pinched him.

"Quiet you. Take as long as you need Pyrrha, I'll make sure this one doesn't bother you too much." Jaune looked like a kicked puppy as he was scolded.

"I appreciate that, I'll take good care of your partner Jaune." Velvet's ears perked straight up as she smiled, clinging to the champions arm. So much energy and support.

"Be safe Jaune. See you around Camilla." Pyrrha said before they went their separate ways. Pyrrha and Velvet leaning slightly onto one another as they made the walk back to Pyrrha's.

Her heart was still beating, and her mind had been made up. She may have overreacted, but she'd need to get over that fear in order to become who she was, to grow and become better than who she was as it wasn't enough.

Her near-death encounter with the woman, the maiden who killed Ozpin and then nearly killed her. The screaming, laughing, coughing, the struggling for breath and the fading of her vision. The strange, sickening sensation of the arrow that had been imbedded into and through her chest. That voice right near the end, the angel that had come to save her and the devil that had replaced her.

It wasn't until a few days after regaining her consciousness and piecing things together very painfully that Pyrrha discovered the identity of her angel. Ruby. You could have stayed safe, stayed alive if you'd just… not interfered, let Cinder finish what was to come. Staring at herself in the mirror it wasn't her nudity she was looking at, but the scar the arrow and the following surgery had left behind. Raised and ugly she wondered if Velvet minded that her body was marred.

"I don't hear any water running in there Pyrrha. Is everything ok?" Came Velvet's quiet, concerned voice from the other side of the door. Pyrrha didn't jump, she barely reacted at all.

"Velvet… I've decided something." She felt her heart speed up a little and smiled at herself, her fingertips tracing the length of the scar back and forward while only silence remained, Velvet was undoubtably waiting on the other side of the door listening intently. "I'm going to get better and keep being people's hero."

The intense swelling of pride and joy was overflowing as Pyrrha saw the fire in her eyes. She knew it in her bones that it wouldn't be an easy thing to return to her old form and surpass it, but to honour all the support she's had and was currently receiving, particularly from Velvet. To repay Ruby's action by saving her life and to fulfil Ruby's aspiration to help people. She'd never forget her little friend, two years her younger but energetic and kind, a bit odd but a person who was innocent and good. I'll fight with you in mind Ruby, I'll make sure I find those responsible.

"So you heard Jaune and Camilla… I thought you were still sleeping." There was giggling from Velvet and footsteps growing distant. "Start running that bath Miss Hero!" She commanded, and Pyrrha being the good underclassman, listened to her trainer, friend and girlfriend.

With Pyrrha getting back onto the path she felt was right, there was a new drive that was developing, a muddied plan was forming as the water filled, clear and bubbly. I'm going to need help, help and time but I will keep fighting Ruby. For both of us. She might not haven't known who killed Ruby, but her money was on Cinder, sure there had been the brief moment where Ruby had spoken to her clearly, but Cinder was probably just dazed, there was no way Ruby could have defeated Cinder when both she and even Ozpin had failed.

Hey all, hope you're enjoying the story so far, did a bit more on Pyrrha than I thought I would this chapter.

If anyone would like to help me check over my work for this story let me know. I proof read a couple of times but someone else's eyes usually seems to pick things up that the author simply doesn't. I want to to make sense as much as possible.

I've shaken up where I was going to take this story and am looking forward to writing future chapters that I think will be very interesting. Hope you all enjoyed, and any support you leave is always greatly appreciate and motivational :)