Chapter 8: Alone Together

Late at night, inside of the guest bedrooms of the Tiri's household in Mistral, Weiss Schnee and Cinnabar Caliburn we're both sleeping, in two separate beds. Cin was struggling to sleep as he was having another nightmare. Cin suddenly woke up with shock, lifting himself from the pillow. Luckily, he looked to Weiss, who was still sleeping peacefully. Cin than took a deep breath of relief, mostly for that he and Weiss we're now with close friends and not in anymore danger. As Cin decided to step out of the bedroom, In his pajamas, and into the hallway... Only to Yang Xiao Long, to step outside, in her pajamas too. They we're both shocked to see each other awake this late at night.

The scene changes to Cin and Yang, now sitting on the floor of the training room, both looking out at the moon and starlight.

Yang: I should have known I'm not the only one dealing with nightmares from Beacon.

Cin: Wh- I don't know what do you mean? (denying it)

Yang: You do know what I mean, Cin... Weiss... She told me, Ruby, all of us about happened at the tower...

Cin was silent, lowered his head, tearfully sobbing, only for Yang to comfort him, holding onto him tightly.

Yang: I'm so sorry, that happen to you. (tears stream from her eyes) We all are.

Cin: Yang, It's not just that, I'm... (to chocked to finish his sentence) I'm...

Yang: Scared of facing Tick, right? (Cin looked to her, shocked to knew this) I know... It's okay to be, Cin, after what that monster did to your grandpa... It's... pretty much how I'm feeling about Adam. (showing Cin her robotic arm)

Cin: (he took a deep breath, calming himself) Seems we both have literal demons to face someday, huh.

Yang: (she does the same) Yeah, looks like it.

Cin: Yang? Do you think we could... both be able to help each other with... you know?

Yang looked surprised, and than gave a deep thought about facing Tick and/or Adam together, for a moment, before responding, with a small smile.

Yang: I think we can work out something like that, for now though... (Yang stood up from the floor, stretching herself) I think we should get back to bed now.

Cin: Okay, sound's good. (he follow suite, and both took one last look at the night sky) We don't enjoy the night sky like this that often, don't we?

Yang: Nope.

Cin: Think we'll ever know how the moon got to be the way it is?

Yang: Hmmm... Nope.

They've shared a little chuckle from that small talk, before Yang and Cinnabar started walking back to their bedrooms.


It was now early morning. Ruby Rose is seen lying on the ground on the patio outside of the training room. She watches a group of four birds flying together, before one of them flies away from the group. As she watches it fly, Ruby sees Yang and Cinnabar peek over their heads.

Yang: You're up early.

Ruby: (smiles) Hey sis, hey bro.

Yang: Boop.

Yang lets her hair down and uses it to tickle her little sister's nose. Ruby giggles affectionately at her older sister's action. Ruby then sits up as Yang and Cin sits down next to her.

Ruby: (sighs) What are you two doing up?

Yang: Can't fall back to sleep.

Ruby: Ah, me neither.

Cin: Me too, uh, (counted Ruby and Yang) three. (the two sisters laughed at that, as Yang pets his head)

Weiss: Well, fortunately, coffee exists.

Weiss Schnee carries a tray with three cups of coffee and one cup of hot chocolate and walks over to join her teammates. She lowers the tray down so Yang can grab a cup, and Cin happily takes his cup.

Ruby: No, please!

Weiss: Don't worry, I put in blasphemous amounts of cream and sugar, just for you. (she holds the cup out in front for Ruby)

Ruby: Oh yeah! Nice Weiss strikes again!

Suddenly, Weiss pulls the cup away just as Ruby was about to grab it.

Weiss: I will pour this on you and it will burn.

Cin snickers at what Weiss just said. She hands the cup to Ruby, who nervously giggles. Weiss sits down next her teammates and grabs her cup of coffee after placing the tray down next to her.

Yang: Can't believe we're actually in Mistral.

Cin: Yeah.

Ruby: That's what you can't believe?

Yang: Well, yeah! And all the other magic and stuff. But... Okay, you know what I mean!

Weiss: I honestly wasn't sure if I'd ever see you two again.

Cin: Same here.

Yang: Well, here's to defying expectations.

Yang, Cin, and Weiss clink cups together, while Ruby gulps her cup down in one go, opening one eye to glance at the others' cups.

Ruby: I just wish Blake could be here with us.

Cin: Yeah, than we would be Team RWBYC again.

Yang: Yeah, well, she made her choice.

Cin: Wha?

Weiss: What's that supposed to mean?

Yang: (showing bitterness) I mean she could've been here if she just stuck around. It's no big deal though. We'll be fine.

Ruby and Weiss have concerned expressions on their faces.

Ruby: Don't you want her here?

Yang: Why would I want her here?

Ruby: Are you still mad at her for leaving?

Yang: (scoffs) Oh, whatever gave you that idea, Ruby? No, I'm totally fine. I'm great.

Weiss: Okay, calm down.

Yang: (her eyes turn red) Don't tell me to calm down!

Ruby, Cinnabar, and Weiss gain startled expressions.

Ruby: Whoa, Yang.

Cin: Are you okay?

Yang realizes what she did, and her eyes turn back to normal. Her hand shakes while holding her cup.

Yang: Whatever.

She gets up and leaves. Ruby, Cinnabar, and Weiss watch her go before exchanging concerned looks with each other.


Back in Menagerie, Blake Belladonna and Serene Khan we're leaning against the railing on the balcony of the Belladonna Family Home. They we're looking up into the night sky as a voice calls out for them from inside Blake's home.

Sun: Hey Blake! Serene! You ready to go?

Blake: We'll be right there!

Blake feels a note taped to the wooden railing of the balcony. She grabs it and she and Serene reads the message written down:

"B

Things going too far.
Not sure what to do.
Find a quiet spot,
I'll find you.
Come with just Serene. Please.

-I"

Blake and Serene looks around a bit, than at each other concerned, before hearing the sliding door open. She quickly places the note in her coat.

Sun: We going recruiting or what? We've got the entire nocturnal section to hit up!

Blake doesn't say anything, still having a concerned expression on their faces. Sun notices this.

Sun: You two okay?

Blake: Yeah, we'll meet you there. I need to take care of something first.

As they walks away, there is a quiet sound of rustling in the trees behind her.


Back to Mistral, Oscar Pine and Ruby are training hand to hand combat whilst Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Ricochet Tiri, Cinnabar, and Lie Ren are looking on.

Jaune: Man, Oz wasn't kidding. Oscar's picking up on this stuff fast.

Cin: Yeah.

Rico: Sure is, alright.

Oscar hits Ruby straight in her face. Ruby recoils from the blow and looks visibly angry.

Oscar: Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!

Ruby hits Oscar back and he lands a few feet away on the ground as Jaune, Nora, Cin, and Rico wince at the sight.

Ruby: Ha! Yes! I did it! (her brief moment of cheering is replaced with concern as she looks back) Oscar?

Ozpin: (mentally) You forgot to engage your Aura, again.

Oscar: Why didn't you tell me?

Ozpin: (mentally) Because this method makes you less likely to forget.

Oscar groans and gets to his feet.

Ozpin: (mentally) Mind if I give it a shot?

Oscar stiffens briefly while his eyes glow in a yellow light.

Ozpin: Not bad, Miss Rose. But Oscar doesn't have the years of training that you do. Or I do.

Oscar's body shimmers green as Ozpin engages their Aura. Jaune, Rico, and Nora realize what Ruby is in for.

Cin: Wait, wha...?

Oscar determinedly approaches Ruby.

Ruby: (nervously) Oh, ha, well, maybe we should uh... take a break.

Ozpin attacks Ruby with a few punches aimed at her head, forcing her onto the defensive until he lands a blow to her face which knocks her back several feet. Ozpin closes the gap with a leap and kicks her in the face. Ruby leaps at Ozpin to throw a left cross which Ozpin evades by ducking and retaliates with a headbutt from below.

Nora and Cin: Ouch.

Rico: Good headbutt, though.

Ozpin: The next time you want to throw a left cross, remember to push off with the appropriate foot. And as always, do be aware of any openings.

Ruby: (strained as she sits up) Gooooot it.

Ozpin relinquishes his control and Oscar falls to the ground, panting.

Ruby: Oh! Hey. Are you okay?

Oscar: How is this so exhausting?

Ren: Your body isn't used to this kind of training, not to mention generating a defensive Aura on your own. It takes intense concentration at first, but in time it will become second nature, allowing you to deflect attacks and gradually heal your wounds. After that, you can begin focusing on your Semblance, whatever that may be.

Oscar: Semblance?

Nora: You know! Like your very own superpower! Everybody's got one. It's just a matter of finding it and mastering it. Ruby moves super fast, Electricity makes me stronger, Ren can mask emotions, Cin can create armor by the dust he uses, Rico's immunity to poison, and Jaune... can, uh, um. Hmm.

Jaune: I can't do anyth—

Ruby: Jaune's like you!

Ruby takes Oscar by the hand and leads him over to Jaune.

Ruby: He hasn't found his Semblance yet, but we all know he will. And you will, too. We all just have to try and help each other get stronger.

Oscar: Cool.

Cin: Yeah, she's right.

Ren: A common philosophy is that a warrior's Semblance is a part of who they are. Some say your personality and character can define your Semblance while some claim that it is the other way around. Of course, there are still many who don't see a connection at all.

Nora: It's hard to know when you know sometimes. Ren's Semblance was unlocked from intense stress.

Ruby: And mine kicked in during training one day.

Oscar: (to Nora) And what about you, Cin, and Rico?

Nora: Oh. Struck by lightning. Didn't die. Craaaazy Thursday.

Cin: Sparring with a fake Petra Gigas made by Grandpa, for training, he was very happy the day, I've got mine.

Ruby: I'm sure he was, Cinnabar.

Rico: I've got mine defending my baby brother from some poisonous long tongues.

Nora: Ew, gross! Hate those Grimms!

Rico: Could also mostly be due to me being part mongoose. (showing everyone her fluffy tail) But yeah, my semblance basically gives me immunity to poison, That Tyrian may caught us off guard last time, but now I'll soon be ready for him next time.

Jaune: I just don't understand what's wrong with me. I train. I meditate.

Oscar's eyes glow momentarily as Ozpin takes control of his body again.

Ozpin: Don't worry, Mr. Arc. Your journey is far from over. And the same might be said for all of you. Unlocking your Semblance isn't the end. It can still grow and evolve. Providing you're willing to put in the work, who knows what could happen.

Ruby: (smiling) Then let's get back to it.


Yang sits alone on a bed looking at the "New Friends!" photo of Team RWBY. She hears a knock on the door and quickly puts the photo away.

Yang: Yeah?

The door opens but Yang doesn't look up to see who entered.

Yang: Look Ruby, I really don't want to talk about it, okay? Can you just leave me alone for a bit?

Yang looks up, and is surprised that it was not Ruby, but Weiss who is at the doorway.

Yang: Oh. Hey Weiss. Did you two need something?

Weiss says nothing. She closes the door behind her and Cin and sits on the bed opposite to Yang.

Yang: (sigh) I know she's our teammate, but I'm not just going to change my mind. I'm sorry, I just... I don't think you know what it's like to be left. You have a giant family, recitals to perform at, dinners to attend. I didn't have any of that. My mom left me. Ruby's mom left too. Tai was always busy with school and Ruby couldn't even talk yet. I had to pick up the pieces. I had to keep things together. Alone. (pause) Weiss, if you have something to say, then say it.

Weiss remains silent for a moment, before responding.

Weiss: When I was ten, my dad finally admitted to my mom that the only reason he married her was for the family name. (sighs) It was actually on my birthday. He missed the big dinner, she got mad, he finally snapped. I think she already knew. Looking back, I think I knew too. But hearing him say it finally pushed her over the edge.

She gets up and sits down next to Yang on the other bed.

Weiss: First it was separate lunches and dinners, opposite balconies at my recitals, a glass of wine here, a glass of wine there. Then, it was no dinners, no recitals, a bottle of wine here and... well, you get the idea.

Yang: I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have assumed.

Weiss: You're right though. I don't know loneliness like you do. I have my own version. And, I'll bet Blake has her own version too.

Yang: She doesn't have to be alone though. I was here for her. We all were! She chose to leave us.

Weiss: Why do you think she did that?

Yang: Hm?

Weiss: The entire time Blake was at Beacon, she was afraid to open up to people. She tried to keep her past separated from us. She tried to protect us. Eventually, those walls she put up came down. And the moment they did, the one thing she was afraid of actually happened. The universe proved her right.

Yang: No one blamed her for anything! If she had just talked to us, she would've known that! How could I be there for her if she doesn't let me? What if I needed her here for me?

Yang buries her face in her hands and starts sobbing quietly. Weiss puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Weiss: I know it's not easy. I wish she hadn't left too. The only thing we can do now is be there for her when she's ready. When she comes back.

Yang lowers her hands from her face.

Yang: If she comes back.

Weiss: She will. Yang... You, Ruby, and even Blake are more like family to me and Cinnabar than my brother or even my own father. We would do anything for you three, and I'm willing to bet Blake feels the same way. So, when she's ready, We'll be there for her. And I know we're not as close, but... I'm here for you too.

Weiss smiles and Yang calms down. They hear a knock at the door, which opens up and reveals Ruby and Cinnabar.

Ruby: Is, uh... everything okay?

Yang: (smiling) Yeah, it is.

Ruby and Cinnabar sighs in relief.


Back in Menagerie, Blake and Serene approaches a darkened alleyway.

Blake: Ilia?

Ilia: I'm here.

Blake draws Gambol Shroud. Serene draws Orthrus whip. Ilia walks out from the shadows with her hands up and drops her black camouflage.

Blake: Ilia, I know you're scared, but you don't have to be. My family and I, we can keep you safe, just we have for Serene.

Ilia: I'm sorry.

Blake: You can make it up to me by helping us stop Corsac and Fennec.

Ilia: No. (her tone turns hostile) I'm sorry.

Ilia's right hand curls up into a fist. Footsteps can be heard running on the rooftop next to them. Blake and Serene looks up and sees Yuma fly down and land on both their backs, forcing them to the ground. Blake and Serene drops Gambol Shroud and Orthrus whip. which both lands at Ilia's feet. Blake and Serene gasps, regaining their breath and struggles to get up as Yuma presses his feet against their back. He gets off them as two more Faunus join him. Blake and Serene gets back up on her feet.

Blake: Wait-

Suddenly, Blake and Serene gets wrapped in spiderweb silk. One of the Faunus grabs the silk strand holding Blake and Serene from her hand.

Trifa: I've got them.

Yuma: Well done, Sister Trifa - and to you, Ilia.

Yuma tosses Ilia Lightning Lash.

Blake: Ilia! What are you doing?!

Serene: Let us go! Now!

Ilia: I tried to warn you, Blake. I'm sorry.

Blake: Don't tell me you're sorry!

Ilia: But I am. I am sorry it has to be this way, but you and your family, even Serene here are holding the Faunus back!

Blake: Because we're trying to protect people?! In what world do you live in where attacking the innocent is the right thing to do?!

Ilia: The same one as you! There's no such thing as innocent! There's no right thing to do! Only what's best for us! There's the humans that still hate the Faunus, and there's the others who stand by and let the hate happen! But you know what snuffs out hate? Fear. I don't like hurting people. But I'll tell you this... (she points her weapon at Blake) ...it's gotten us results.

Blake: Yeah, look where it's gotten you.

Ilia's eyes widen and she briefly ponders Blake's retort, but she just shrugs it off.

Ilia: We all have to make sacrifices for the greater good, no matter how much it hurts.

Blake: And you think killing us is really for the greater good?

Ilia: No, but getting rid of Serene and your family is.

Blake's and Serene's expression turns shocked and fearful. Especially when Ivory Tusk finally steps out of the shadows.

Serene: Ilia, Please no!

Blake: You wouldn't! You can't! I won't let you!

Ilia: I know. That's why you're being sent to Mistral. To Adam.

Ivory: (looks to Serene) While you're being sent to the bottom of the sea... (revealing to be holding onto Cerberus Whip) and be reunited with your sister.

Blake's and Serene's expression grows more afraid, almost on the verge of tears. While Serene's tears of grief had return, now knowing that her sister Sienna Khan was truly gone.

Blake: (struggling to get the webs off her) Ilia, please! You don't have to do this. This isn't you!

Ilia: Yes. It. Is! But I guess back then you were just too busy falling for Adam to notice.

Blake's expression turns confused.

Ilia: I was always jealous of the way you looked at him. (her spots turn pink) I wanted you to look at me that way. (she closes her eyes, and when she opens them, they are suddenly pink) But we can't always get what we want! (Her eyes then turn back to normal) Yuma, with me. You two, get her to the docks.

Ilia, Ivory, and Yuma leave while the other two Faunus prepare to bring Blake and Serene with them.

Trifa: Let's go, traitors.

Trifa tugs on the silk holding Blake and Serene, but Blake remains stationary.

Blake: Now!

Trifa: Huh?

Suddenly, Sun and Bloo Girjalee jumps out of nowhere and knocks down the Faunus next to Trifa.

Trifa: What?

Trifa draws her knife and engages in a brief duel with Sun. He blocks her attacks with the staff form of Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang before disarming her. Blake, now free from her bonds, then grabs Trifa's shoulder and punches her square in the face, knocking her out.

Blake: Thanks for the backup.

Sun: Thanks for the invitation. You okay?

Blake picks up Gambol Shroud and places it on her back, and cut Serene's webs freeing her, as Serene takes a deep breath, as she has no more to grieve for Sienna, as her new family is now in danger.

Blake: No. You heard Ilia, our family is in danger. Call the police and let's go!

Sun and Bloo: Right!

The four exit the alleyway and begin running toward the Belladonna's home. They've took out their Scrolls out to call their respective contacts.

Blake: (worried) Come on, mom, pick up!


Later at night, Oscar Pine is in the training room while wielding The Long Memory. As he pants from exhaustion, he hears a voice enter the room.

Ruby: You're really getting better, huh? (Ruby and Cinnabar is seen walking down the stairs into the room) Are you hungry? It's almost dinnertime.

Oscar: Uh, yeah. That sounds good. I was about to call it a night anyway.

Ruby: So, you've never fought before?

Cinnabar: Aside from today?

Oscar: Just the occasional small Grimm. Nothing like this, though.

Ruby: Wow. (giggles) You look like a natural.

Oscar: It's strange, I have only had this cane for a few days, but... I feel like I've had it for a lifetime. Longer, even. (pause) I sound like a crazy person.

Ruby: I mean, uh, yeah just a little. But at this pace, you'll be combat ready in no time!

Suddenly, Ruby frowns upon mentioning her last phrase. Oscar and Cinnabar notices this and tries to ask a question before Ruby interrupts him.

Oscar: Uh...

Ruby: Well, We'll see you upstairs.

Oscar: How do you handle all of this?

Ruby: What do you mean?

Oscar: I'm... scared. (his voice starts to crack) I'm more scared than I've ever been in my life, than I ever thought was possible. (he walks over to a weapon rack) I always knew that I wanted to be more than a farmhand, but this? (he places the cane in the rack) Who would ask for this?

He glances down at the floor as a tear drips from his eye. He sniffles before kneeling to the floor to reach his backpack. He grabs the cane off the rack and pulls the lever on the handle to compact it before putting it in his backpack.

Ruby: We all went to Beacon because we wanted to help people. But, you're right. None of us asked for this either. We just have to press on and-

Oscar: How can you be so confident?! People have tried to kill you! Both of you! The world's about to go to war all over again! How are you all okay with any of this?!

Ruby is taken aback by Oscar's question. She frowns as she says her response.

Ruby: When Beacon fell, We've lost two of our friends: Penny Polendina and Pyrrha Nikos. We didn't know them for very long, but that doesn't change the fact that they were two of the most kind-hearted people we've have ever met. But that didn't save them. Pyrrha thought that if there was even the smallest chance of helping someone, then it was a chance worth taking. And because of that, she died fighting a battle she knew she couldn't win. And Penny... was killed... just to make a statement.

Cin: It's true, they we're pretty good friends, I miss them too, Ruby.

Oscar: I'm... sorry.

Ruby: I am scared, but not just for me. What happened at Beacon shows that Salem doesn't care if you're standing against her or not. She'll kill anybody, and that scares me most of all. Pyrrha... Penny... Even your Grandfather. (Cin lowered his head, and nodded his head, agreeing with Ruby) I'd be lying if I said that it didn't hurt, that I didn't think about them every day since I lost them, that I didn't wish we've had spent more time with them. If it had been me or Cin instead, I know they would have kept fighting too, no matter how dangerous it was. So that's what I choose to do - to keep moving forward.

Oscar and Cinnabar walks up next to Ruby, and the three both share a smile. Ruby wipes tears coming from her eyes with her arm.

Ruby: (putting a hand on Oscar's shoulder) C'mon, if we don't hurry, Nora's gonna eat everything. It wouldn't be the first time.

Cin: (he gasps to this) Nora!

Ruby and Oscar share a good laugh, just after Cin bolted towards the stairs.

Ruby begins to leave the room as Oscar lingers for a bit.

Ruby: Hey, Oscar? This isn't gonna be easy, but the fact that you're even trying says a lot about you. You're braver than you think.

Ruby proceeds up the stairs while Oscar watches.

Ozpin: (mentally) She really is remarkable, isn't she?

Oscar: Yeah. She must've been one of the best Huntresses at Beacon, huh?

Ozpin: (chuckles) In some ways, yes. But in many others... no. She has her quirks, her faults, just like everyone else. But she also possesses something unquantifiable: a spark, that can inspire others even in the darkest of times.

Oscar: This must be really hard on her too.

Ozpin: It most assuredly is.


Back at the Belladonna's home, a scroll is seen vibrating on the table with Blake's portrait and the text "BLAKE CALLING" on the screen. Gunfire can be heard. Suddenly, the table is knocked to its side as Kali and a Menagerie Guard take cover.

Guard: Get down!

The guard gets up to fire back at two White Fang soldiers. He manages to shoot one of them down, but he gets shot down by the other. With the guard incapacitated, Kali takes his pistol and starts firing back.

Kali: Get out of my house! Ghira!

As she calls out to her husband, Kali is forced to take cover again from the gunfire. Meanwhile, Ghira and a couple of other Menagerie guards fend off some White Fang troops in the entry hall. One of them tries to kick Ghira, but he grabs his foot and slams him into the wall. Ghira dodges a sword slash from another White Fang trooper. A guard manages to knock out another trooper after a brief scuffle, and Ghira knocks out the troop that attacked him by punching him in the diaphragm and slamming his head into the ground.

Ghira: Go find my wife!

Another White Fang troop approaches Ghira with his fist drawn back, but Ghira grabs his wrist and knife hands him in the neck, and then tosses him aside. Another guard gets shot while protecting Ghira and goes limp. Ghira catches the guard's body and drops it to the ground, with Ghira wincing at his fallen comrade. He then growls as he turns his attention to the Albains, who have their weapons out.

Corsac: I believe it's time our dear chieftain stepped down, brother.

Fennec: Yes brother, I'm afraid I'm inclined to agree.

Ghira lets his claws out and rips his coat off. He bares his fangs and makes a feral growl at the two brothers, before letting out a mighty roar.


End of Chapter 8


Author Notes

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Major thanks to the Transcripts and Battle Pages written on RWBY Wiki