Several hours had passed since the herb was slathered over Weiss' wounds. It was now dark outside, save for the flames and moonlight.

They were around the S.O.S signal to make use of the lighting. Blake was able to see in the pitch-black, but the sisters couldn't see in the darkness if they were in the fort. Which is why the group was outside on the clear night. They were also thankful that no signs of storms were brewing, allowing the night to be easier on them.

Yang dabbed Weiss' forehead with a piece of seaweed. "She's not sweating as much anymore. That's a good sign, right?"

Blake nodded. "Yes, and the color is coming back to her face, so-"

"It was the right herb?!" Ruby chirped.

"It had to have been," Blake said. "If it was the wrong one she would've died by now."

Yang gently grasped Weiss' limp hand. "Thank god…"

"Brrah!"

Ruby rubbed the sloth's head when she noticed her worried eyes never left the motionless girl. "She's okay, Nora. She'll wake up soon."

Blake's ears flicked. "How long has it been since she's had water?"

"Too long," Yang answered.

The blonde couldn't help but remember how she gave Weiss water last time. She technically kissed the girl, but it was for a good cause.

At least that's what she told herself.

"We should give her water then," Blake suggested.

"And food…" Yang mumbled.

Ruby tilted her head. "Hasn't she been nauseous?"

"Yeah," Yang answered. "But she only had one berry yesterday."

"Nauseous or not," Blake started. "She's eating when she wakes up, even if we have to shove something down her throat."

Ruby and Yang nodded in agreement.

Blake looked at the leaf-cups. "As for the water…"

Ruby grabbed a leaf-cup. "I'll do it," she propped Weiss up in her arms and tilted the cup to her lips.

Yang blushed, thinking about how she did mouth-to-mouth last time.

Ruby's attempt failed when Weiss' head lolled against her shoulder, causing her to miss the parched lips.

"Brrah!" the sloth around Ruby's neck worriedly squealed.

Ruby pet the sloth. "It's okay, Nora," she turned to her sister. "Yang."

Yang was too busy remembering what she did the last time Weiss needed water…

"Yang!"

"H-huh?"

Ruby held out the leaf-cup. "I think you should do the honors."

"Y-you mean like…"

Ruby and Blake nodded, confirming her thoughts.

Now with permission, Yang reached out and grabbed the leaf-cup. She scooted over next to Ruby as she gently coaxed Weiss in her own arms.

Ruby and Blake watched expectantly.

Yang sipped on the water and let it settle in her mouth. As she leaned down, she lifted Weiss' head. The blonde was careful as their lips met, making sure all the water was transferred.

Once she heard Weiss reflexively swallow, Yang attempted to pull away. However, she was surprised when the other pair of lips began kissing back with vigor.

Lilac eyes widened, but Yang wasn't about to complain. She leaned in more and kept her hand wrapped around the girl's head and pulled her closer, savoring the soft and passionate contact.

Ruby and Blake sat to the side, blushing madly.

The two broke apart, with lilac and azure orbs gazing lovingly into each other.

"W-what?" was all Yang could sputter.

D-does she like me too? Yang thought.

Weiss smirked. "I was awake the first time you did that too, brute."

No way! Yang gawked. No! She must hate me for taking advantage of her...

"O-oh, I'm sorry," the blonde apologized genuinely. "I-I just wanted you to get more water in your system, so-"

She was cut off when Weiss kissed her on the lips again. When she pulled away, Yang gazed down at her, disbelieving.

"I-It's alright," Weiss stammered. "As long as it's you…"

Yang was speechless and couldn't stop staring at the girl in her arms, thinking she was cute when she was flustered. "No way…"

S-she DOES like me?

"Honestly," Weiss huffed. "What kind of a confession was that?"

She heard me yell it to Blake yesterday? I'm such an idiot…! Or a brute as she puts it.

"Oh…" Yang mumbled. "You heard that?"

Ruby chimed in. "Who didn't?"

Yang lowered her head in shame. "I'm sorry. That was a pretty crappy way to find out I like you."

"It doesn't matter now," Weiss said. "I-I like you too."

Ruby and Blake broke into wide grins.

Yang's heart fluttered. "A-awesome."

"'Awesome?'" Weiss quoted. "That's what you say when someone confesses to you?"

"W-well this is a lot to take in," Yang admitted. "But I'm glad the feeling is mutual," she smiled.

"Hey, Weiss," Blake interjected. "How's the arm?"

Weiss didn't move it, out of fear she'd feel immense pain. At the moment, the throbbing had dulled and the medicine had cooled it off from feeling like it was on fire. It was in much better condition than a few hours ago, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

"Much better," Weiss confirmed. "Sorry, I'd rather not move it."

"Completely understandable," the faunus assured. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Thanks for saving my life. All of you," Weiss said. "You did several times, I can't thank you enough."

Ruby giddily smiled. "You can thank us by getting better!"

"Which reminds me," Yang steadily propped Weiss up and had her lean against her side. Weiss' limp weight leaned completely on the blonde for support. "You are going to eat."

The feeling of nausea had been present since the night day they had to cauterize her wounds. It was an annoying, nagging feeling that refused to go away.

Weiss grimaced at the mere thought. "I don't think I can…"

The response was all Ruby needed to shove a berry in Weiss' mouth, earning a yank back and sputtering of the fruit.

"Wh-what was that for, you dolt?!" Weiss spit out more pieces of the berry. "Are you trying to kill me?!"

"The exact opposite," Ruby informed as she picked up another berry. "Now open wide," her tone lowered. "Or I'll make you."

Weiss felt a bit threatened from the response, so she looked for support from the other two.

"Reprimand your sister, brute," Weiss looked to Yang.

"Sorry princess," Yang apologized. "You need to eat."

Weiss felt betrayed and stared at Blake, but the faunus simply shook her head and shyly looked away.

Three against one? Weiss thought.

"Come on," Ruby said soothingly and held out some berries. "Just a few more."

Weiss realized that they were doing this out of their concern for her well being and decided to obey.

While sighing, Weiss reluctantly agreed. "Fine…"

Ruby popped another berry in the girl's mouth, happy she didn't protest.

Weiss slowly chewed the fruit, not knowing if it would make her stomach upset.

"Try to focus on the flavor instead of how it feels," Yang advised. "Hopefully the nausea won't bother you as much."

Once she swallowed, Ruby handed her another fruit. "You doing okay?"

Surprisingly, the feeling settled in her stomach calmly. Now that she thought about it, she was actually really hungry.

"Yes," Weiss nodded. "The feeling passed."

After eating dozens of berries, the group decided to go back in the shelter to be safe for the night. Before doing so, Ruby threw more sticks in the fire to keep it ignited as long as possible, hoping someone would see the signal.

Weiss attempted to stand to walk to the fort, but Yang wrapped her arms around her before she did so.

"W-what're you doing?" Weiss asked.

Yang heaved the girl in her arms bridal style and hugged her tightly, careful to avoid the injury. "I'm so glad you're okay…."

Weiss couldn't help but smile and wrapped her good arm around her to return the embrace. "Thanks to you."

Yang grinned and the group headed back in the shelter. Ruby and Blake instantly collapsed since the long day had been exhausting. They laid on the sand and stretched their arms, ready to get some much needed sleep.

"This'll be the best night of sleep ever!" Ruby beamed. "I'm exhausted."

Yang walked over and gently laid Weiss down. Once she was safely on the sand, Yang took a seat next to Blake and Weiss.

The blonde fell on the sand in a heap and breathed a sigh. "I'm beat."

"Aw," Weiss pouted. "I'm wide awake."

The three glared daggers.

"What? I rested all day."

Yang laid on her side as she gazed at Weiss, who was on her back to avoid hurting the injury. "Cuddle with Nora until you fall asleep."

"Not a bad idea," Weiss smiled.

"… And then me."

"F-fine," Weiss blushed.

She wasn't exactly used to physical contact, but things were different when it came to Yang.

Ruby heard the comment and unwrapped the sloth from her neck, carefully handing the animal to Weiss. "Here ya go!"

"Brrah!"

Weiss reached over with her good arm. The sloth slowly clung to it with a smile. "Brrah!"

"Yep!" Yang beamed. "She's getting better!"

"Brrah!"

Weiss slowly lifted her injured arm to pet the sloth, relieved that it wasn't throbbing, but rather a dull ache. "Sorry to make you worry, Nora."

"Brrah!"

"Make her shut up," Blake groaned. "Some of us want sleep."

Weiss stifled a laugh and kissed the top of the creature's head. "Be a good girl and be quiet," she said soothingly. "You can be as loud as you want tomorrow."

Nora stared at her with the usual grin. "Brrah."

"Good girl," Weiss whispered and put her uninjured arm over her stomach, where the sloth slept peacefully. Her injured left arm was firmly on top of fresh seaweed, avoiding anything that might hurt or dirty it.

Yang snickered at the pep talk and carefully wrapped a protective arm around Weiss' waist, cautious not to graze the injury or the sloth. "Goodnight, princess."

Weiss slowly shut her eyes and savored the comforting warmth. "Goodnight, brute."

Blake smiled at the sight and pulled Ruby in close, wrapping her arms around her torso. "Goodnight, Ruby…" her eyelids grew heavy as she nodded off.

Ruby was astonished that Blake initiated physical contact. She knew that the faunus and everyone had a particularly rough day with one of their own almost dying, so she was willing to provide solace for Blake, if only for a night. She wouldn't let this go to waste and wrapped her in the embrace, loving every second.

Ruby gazed yearningly at Blake's sleeping face. "Nighty night, Blake," she slowly closed her eyes.

After the ordeal, they slept peacefully that night with good conscience. They knew that the worst was over, but somewhat feared what the next day would bring...

The sun's rays beamed through the cracks in the vine-ceiling. The steady light carefully hit the sand, illuminating the shelter.

It was well into the day when Blake heard the ocean tides rocking on shore. Her cat ear twitched and eyes slowly opened. She felt a foreign feeling, the feeling of being refreshed after a good night's sleep.

She almost sat up, but something across her waist held her down. She glanced to the side and saw a sleeping Ruby, lightly breathing. Another noise lingered in her ears, only to make her annoyed. It was obviously Yang's snoring.

Blake blushed as she stared at Ruby for a little longer. Her heart was fluttering and she got butterflies in her stomach, unbelieving of the position they were in.

Reluctantly, she scooted closer to her face and imagined the puppy dog eyes that Ruby usually sported. The faunus was in cuteness overload and, unable to hold back, quickly pecked Ruby's small nose.

The action caused Ruby to slowly open her eyes. She wasn't awake to know what Blake did, but was glad the faunus was the first thing she saw that morning.

"Good morning, Blake," Ruby softly whispered, enjoying the fact that their faces were mere inches apart.

Blake smiled. "Morning, Ruby. Did you sleep well?"

The brunette covered her mouth and yawned. "Yes, I feel so much better. You?"

"Same," the faunus replied. "Can you make your sister shut up?"

Ruby giggled and sat up, only to realize her arm was around Blake's body. "O-oh, sorry."

Blake rolled her eyes. "You're fine. I-I liked it."

Ruby beamed a smile. "Good, because I did too," she laughed.

Ruby got up and nudged Yang, which didn't bother her since she continued snoring in her sleep. The faunus covered her ears when she knew what Ruby was about to do.

The brunette took a deep breath and stuck her finger in her mouth. She wished she had her actual whistle, but that was back home, so this would do for now. She blew with all her might, making a high-pitched 'FWEEEEE' sound.

"Ah!" Yang was snapped out of her stupor and shot up to see a giggling Ruby.

"Brrah!" the sloth squealed, caught off guard.

Yang frowned. "Rubes, what the hell?!"

"You're annoying when you sleep Yang," Ruby flicked some sand on her.

The blonde flicked some back. "Well excuuuuuse me for trying to get some rest!"

Weiss' irritated voice chimed. "You scared Nora!"

"Brrah!"

"Oh god forbid we wake the sloth," Ruby said sarcastically.

Weiss sat up and pet Nora's head. "She didn't mean that," she brought the animal to her face and nuzzled the side of its head. "Nooooo."

The faunus flicked her ears. "How's the arm?"

Weiss carefully lifted the injured left arm. "Just a dull ache right now."

The wounds were now covered in a dry green paste from the medicine. Skin continued to peel off from the cauterization process, meaning it was on the way to recovery.

Blake smiled. "I'm glad."

"Brrah!"

"We should wrap it in seaweed," Ruby suggested. "So you don't move it often, at least until it's much better."

"Good idea, sis," Yang chirped.

"Anyone hungry?" Weiss asked the three. "I'm starving."

They broke into wide grins, happy that her appetite was back.

"We can eat fish and get the bandage while we're at it," Ruby suggested and stood. "Let's go!"

Blake got up and followed, not protesting. Yang groaned at the thought of getting up so soon, but stood anyways. She knew they had to get their day started sooner or later. She bent down and offered Weiss her hand.

Weiss smiled and happily took the hand that helped her stand. The blonde was careful not to disturb the animal that was wrapped around the girl's good arm.

Yang was happy to see Weiss firmly on her feet. "You feeling okay?" she asked, debating if she should help hold her up.

Weiss walked to the exit. "I'm feeling much better, Yang. Don't worry so much."

Yang sighed in relief. "Good, because if you weren't, I'd scoop you up in my arms in a heartbeat," she sent a wink.

Weiss blushed and mumbled. "Brute…" fondly in a term of endearment.

The two joined Ruby and Blake and sat next to them in front of the fire that was roaring with life. Ruby cooked the fish while Blake got some extra seaweed from the ocean, making sure saltwater was on it.

The faunus held up the seaweed and Weiss held out her injured arm, silently preparing herself.

"This will hurt," Blake warned. "But not as much as the other times."

"Let's get this over with," Weiss permitted.

Blake nodded and wrapped the pieces around the injury, making sure to be as gentle as possible. Yang watched the process out of concern. The contact made Weiss grimace a bit, but it was something she could handle. This time it was more of a slight stinging feeling, a far cry from what she had previously endured.

"Almost done," the faunus said as she wrapped another piece around the forearm.

Weiss nodded and looked to Yang, who was obviously worried. "I'm okay, Yang," she reassured.

"Right. Sorry, I don't like seeing you in pain," Yang admitted.

Blake tied the last seaweed that almost reached Weiss' shoulder. "Done."

The throbbing was officially gone and was replaced with a slight sting feeling, but that was now dulling. Weiss knew that she'd have to keep the seaweed on and wasn't about to complain since it felt much better than it had been in the last few days.

Weiss barely moved it to test the waters, and was glad the makeshift bandage was tight enough to prevent her from doing so. "Thank you, Blake."

The faunus smiled. "No problem."

When they were about to walk over to the fire, Blake remembered something. "About cauterizing you, I'm sor-"

"It's okay," Weiss cut her off. "You did what you had to do."

The two faintly grinned at each other briefly.

"Who wants food?!" Ruby chirped.

"Me," the three said in unison.

"Woah, hold your smelly horses," Ruby said and handed them sticks. "Dig in!"

The girls happily munched on the well-cooked meal, careful not to drop the fish in the sand.

"Brrah!"

"Oh, right," Weiss handed Nora some leaves that were next to the fire. "You should eat, too."

The sloth eagerly wrapped her tongue around the leaf and pulled it in her mouth, chewing it greedily.

After Ruby swallowed a bite, she asked. "What's the plan for today?"

"I'd rather not go in the jungle to be honest…" Weiss trailed off.

"Don't worry," Yang assured. "We won't for a while. At least until we desperately need baths."

Ruby pinched her nose in disgust. "Eeeeeewww."

"We just gonna laze around all day?" Yang asked.

"I don't see why not," Blake smirked after she took a bite of the fish. "We could use it."

"Alright!" Ruby beamed. "Who wants to… uh…"

"Swing on vines?" Blake suggested.

"Nah," Ruby waved off. "We need to include Weiss somehow!"

"Don't worry about me, dolt," Weiss said. "Go have fun if you want."

"OH!" Ruby had an epiphany. "We can build a sand castle!"

Blake held her chin in thought. "That shouldn't be too stressful on your arm."

"You guys are incorrigible," Weiss sighed. "Fine."

"Yes!" Yang pumped her fist in the air. "This'll be the best sand castle ever!"

"It's strange," Ruby said. "We've been stranded here all this time, and we never thought to do regular beach things."

"Surviving comes first," Blake ate more fish. "We didn't have time for that until now."

Before the four could get started on the castle, Blake's cat ear flicked when she heard a sound farther in the distance. It was different from any animal she had heard. After being on the island all this time she pretty much memorized the natural sounds of the jungle.

With her curiosity peaked, she honed in on that one, single noise and ignored her friends that were talking. It was a completely foreign sound to what the group had heard so far, and she thought she was imagining things when it seemed to be nearing their destination.

The sound waves reverberated in the air. It was like the sound of blades beating gravity into submission. That's when she had the epiphany.

"Guys!"

"What?!" the three asked in unison, surprised from Blake's outburst.

The faunus leapt to her feet as quickly as possible. "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Yang asked.

"That sound! I think it's…" Blake suddenly gasped and was now certain of the origin of the sound. "I think it's a helicopter!"

"What?!" Ruby asked.

"A helicopter is nearby!" Blake exclaimed as she threw more sticks in the flames. "Hurry! Make the signal as bright as you can!"

The three went wide-eyed and wasted no time. They grabbed the wood and tossed in as many sticks as the flames would allow.

"It's getting closer!" Blake exclaimed.

Now the three could hear the sound properly since it was nearby.

"Oh my gosh!" Ruby jumped up and down giddily. "Does this mean we'll be rescued?!"

An object in the sky flew out from behind the side of the island passed a particularly tall tree. It was about to pass the desolate place, but swiftly turned around in their direction.

"I-it sees us!" Yang cheered with glee.

Ruby started crying tears of joy while they waved their hands in the air to attract more attention to the aircraft.

The helicopter hovered over the island as the sand was swept up in a mini tornado.

The four girls backed away from the helicopter while covering their faces from the sand that was whipping passed them. It felt like tiny prickles grazing their skin, slowly stinging their bodies.

"Brrah!"

Weiss subconsciously used her good arm to block her face from the storm. She grit her teeth and felt awful when she accidentally used the sloth as a shield. Instead, she hid both arms behind her since both couldn't be hurt, making sure Nora was behind her at all times. Now unable to use neither arm, she faced the other way towards the jungle.

Yang noticed this and protectively shielded her from the oncoming sand cloud by hugging her from behind, careful not to graze the sloth or injury.

The helicopter finally landed on shore, its blades winding down.

Ruby almost darted to the aircraft, but Blake grabbed her by the shoulder. "Hold on."

Ruby nodded and focused her attention back to the helicopter.

The four girls stood there, eyes firmly on the aircraft, not sure if the people inside were friendly.

Once the door slid open, they were surprised to see...

"MS. GOODWITCH?!" Ruby, Blake, and Yang yelled in unison.

Glynda pushed up her glasses. "I'm glad to see everyone is alive."

Ruby and Blake ran over to her, happy to see someone they knew after all this time. Meanwhile, Yang took it slow with Weiss and the sloth, not wanting to hurt the injury more.

Another person stepped outside the helicopter.

"Headmaster Ozpin?!" Ruby yelped. "What're you doing here? What're you both doing here?!"

"H-how?!" Blake was amazed. "Why?"

"We're here to bring you home, Ms. Belladonna, Ms. Rose," Ozpin nodded. "You too Ms. Xiao Long, and Ms. Schnee."

How does he know my name? Weiss asked herself.

Yang and Weiss caught up to join the conversation. Before Yang could speak, Weiss asked her. "Who's that?"

"That's Ms. Goodwitch," Yang pointed. "And that's Headmaster Ozpin."

So that's the woman who cleans up their messes… Weiss thought.

"So uh,' Yang started. "How'd you know? That we were here?"

"We got a tip saying the yacht, Never More, hit the side of a cliff," Glynda informed. "And several reports saying four people were missing. Your classmates are worried sick."

"So… we… we're saved?" Ruby asked. "Is it true?"

Glynda smiled and put a comforting hand on her back. "Yes, Ms. Rose. This ordeal is over. We're bringing you home," her eyes landed on Weiss' wrapped wounds. "But the hospital is first. You all need to be patched up."

"Brrah!"

Everyone's eyes lingered to the sloth.

"It's wise to leave the animal here," Glynda said. "In it's natural habitat."

From that statement, the four felt their hearts shatter. Weiss knew better than anyone that civilization was no place for a relaxed sloth like Nora.

No, I don't want to leave her here! But… she should be happy in the wild...

Weiss held up her arm and gazed at Nora. "I'm… I'm going to miss you…"

"Brrah!" Nora was saddened.

"No!" Yang yelled. "She's coming with us," she pet the sloth's head.

Ruby sniffled a bit. "I-I don't want to leave her here!" tears threatened to spill over. "She-she's been with us since the beginning! When we first wrecked here!"

Blake frowned. "No matter how much I don't want to admit it, Ms. Goodwitch is right. Nora belongs here. In the wild…" her voice cackled a bit.

Yang's eyes started to water and turn red. "Y-you're right…"

"Brrah!"

Weiss tried to unwrap the sloth from her arm, but she wouldn't budge. Her wounds didn't allow her to use the strength required.

"Brrah!" the sloth was clearly frustrated, not wanting to leave her favorite human.

"Stop being stubborn, Nora…" Weiss whispered with a crack in her voice. "We-we have to go…"

Yang held out Weiss' arm and more or less pried Nora off, eliciting a high-pitched. "Brrah!"

The blonde held the sloth close. "I'm sorry…"

The animal started wiggling in her arms, not liking the situation.

Ruby walked over to join the two and whispered. "We'll miss you…"

Blake could no longer hold back her tears and sobbed. "We love you!"

"Brrah!" tears streamed down the creature's furry cheeks.

After Blake started to cry, it didn't take long for the other three to bawl as well. They each hugged Nora in an embrace. The teachers smiled at the sight and realized just how deep their bonds ran.

"Ladies," Ozpin called.

The four couldn't hear him over their sobbing and Nora's high-pitched squeals of sadness.

"Ladies!" he called again.

The embrace continued without any of them hearing him.

"LADIES!" Glynda shouted.

The four stopped their crying, and looked to the teachers. Ozpin nodded at Glynda, thankful she caught their attention.

Ruby sniffled a bit and wiped her eyes. "Yeah?"

Ozpin smiled. "There can be adjustments made so the sl-... Nora, can come with us."

Ozpin knew that almost every hour spent on this island, the sloth was with the girls. She was their beacon of hope, and one of the few good memories the girls could look back on with genuine smiles. Seeing the sloth actually cry tears and display frustration hit a pang in his heart.

Weiss held the sloth up and sniffled. "Do... do you want to come with?"

The sloth broke into a wide grin. "Brrrrrah!" she even shook her head eagerly.

"Woah," Yang chirped. "I've never seen you this energetic."

"It's settled," Ruby stated. "Nora is coming back home with us."

"Brrah!"

Weiss held out her good arm, and Yang immediately set Nora back on it. The sloth clung to her as usual with the widest grin on her face.

"Let's go, ladies," Glynda said.

Ruby looked back at the island one last time. "Goodbye!"

Blake smiled when she saw the shelter they were leaving behind. "I'm actually going to miss our creation."

Yang shrugged. "Some animal can have it now. Bye, batcave!"

The two nodded in agreement while Weiss rolled her eyes playfully from the comment.

Ms. Goodwitch hopped in the helicopter. The four girls had their arms wrapped around each other's backs as they got in the aircraft together. Ozpin followed behind them to make sure everyone was secure. Once they were clear to leave, he shut the door and Glynda started the engine.

"How do you know how to fly a helicopter anyways?" Yang asked.

"That's a story for a different time," Glynda said. "Buckle up, it's a long ride."

Weiss leaned on Yang's shoulder with a sigh. "It's over…" her injured arm was gently placed on the sloth's back.

Yang set her cheek against Weiss' head and she held her hand. "We did it," she stroked Nora's fur with her thumb.

"Brrah!"

The rescued girls and sloth rode back home with smiles on their faces; happy to get off the island they had been stranded on.

This isn't the end. A few more chapters to go! There's still many unresolved conflicts.