CHAPTER 4 - The Meeting

ONE YEAR EARLIER - ARGUS

"You know, sis. You don't have to teach me. I've known how to use this for years."

The person wielding the bow and arrow, the one with the dirty blonde hair and blue eyes, aims at a target on a tree.

"Hold up, Saph."

Saphron sighs and looks at her sister, who bears the same hair and eye color. "What, Violet?"

Violet chuckles. "You're just like Juane, sis. Please be patient."

Saphron and Violet, two of Jaune's 7 sisters, are the ones at a park, practicing archery. Nearby, a woman with dark brown hair and eyes, and wearing red glasses is playing with her son, moving a toy airplane around and making airplane noises. She then stands up and looks at the sisters. "Hey, hon?"

Saphron, who was aiming her bow, looks at her.

"You want mayonnaise on your sandwich?"

"Yes, please." Terra answers. "Thanks, hon."

Violet just smiles and nods. "I can see why you married her."

Saphron sighs and immediately fires an arrow, which hits the center of the target. Violet raises her eyebrows in surprise.

"Wow." Violet said. "Even after 3 years-"

"I've still got it." Saphron said. "I haven't forgotten my training. Now, then. Head to the picnic table. We'll be eating shortly."

Saphron walks to the tree with the target and pulls out the arrow. "What do you want on your sandwich, by the way?"

As she turns to see her sister, Saphron notices that Violet isn't there. Where the latter was standing, dust is falling to the ground. Confused, she looks around?

"Violet?"

No response.

"Sis?"

Starting to get worried, she begins to turn to Terra. "Honey. Have you seen Violet?"

But Terra wasn't at the picnic table. Nor was Adrian. All there was is the table and dust floating around. Now very worried and suspicious, Terra begins to run to the table.

"Babe?"

Again, she gets no response.

"Adrian?"

Normally, she would hear Adrian's yell in happiness. But she doesn't hear her son at all.

"VIOLET? TERRA? ANYONE?"

PRESENT DAY - CLIFFSIDE

Sitting at the cliffside, where 4 graves stand on the ground, Yang sadly looks at the graves of the family, she once had. Summer. Qrow. Taiyang. And...and Ruby.

"I almost did it, guys." Yang said, her face over her eyes. "I almost ended my life, tonight. Well...I almost let someone do it. I was close to joining you guys. Would've been for the best."

Yang lowers her hand and looks at Ruby's grave.

"But I guess I'm stuck here a little longer. And that's okay."

She rubs her eyes as she keeps on going.

"I'm just going to lie down for a minute. Rest my eyes."

Yang then looks up, staring at the sky.

"When I dream tonight...I'm going to think about you guys. As I have before. Gods, I miss you guys. I really do."

Yang then proceeds to grab a blanket that she brought, and slowly lies down onto the grass, as she planned on sleeping there. As she slowly drifts off to sleep, she keeps staring at Ruby's grave, before her eyes eventually close.

After a minute, someone approaches the sleeping Yang. As she crouches down, Neo looks at the graves and has a sad look on her face.

It only took maybe 10 minutes. But Neo managed to carry Yang back to her house and into her bedroom without waking up the blonde. Neo places Yang on the latter's bed and puts the blanket over her. Neo sadly stares at Yang for a few seconds, before walking out the room, letting the latter sleep with the moonlight shining though the window and letting the bed shine in the light.

GYMNASIUM

"I never wanted to tell anyone this, you know. Any of you here, today."

Inside a small building, in a gymnasium, where the posters and trophies are in display, a group of people are sitting around in a circle. The support group, with 2 or 3 empty chairs, are either sadly staring at the ground, or are looking at the guy who is speaking. The man, maybe around 30, his leg shaking and grasping his hands tightly, is hesitant to speak. But he eventually does.

"Today...I cried this morning. More than I had ever did, since...since the man I love, just vanished...right before my own eyes. Um...we were celebrating our 1 year anniversary, eating at his favorite sushi restaurant." He chuckles. "I never liked sushi. But he did." His smile turns back to sad. "Today would've been out 2nd year that we were together." A tear falls down his face. "I think about him. Every day. I think about all the great times that we've had together. And those memories are what drives me to keep going."

"That's a good thing to do."

The man and the others see who was speaking. Weiss, who has her arms crossed, is sitting on a white chair. One for her, the one responsible to assembling the support group.

"Keeping the most happy memories, often help with grief." Weiss said. "To forget all of that...just makes you feel more depressed and want to...makes you want to end it all." She adjusts herself to sit straight. "When I saw Ruby die in front of me, most of me wanted to be done. Run my blade down my wrists and slowly bleed out. Even jumping off a building. That way, I'd probably be with her again. But it wasn't just the memories that kept me going. My sister. She helped me. Guided me through a long process of grief and support. And because of her...and the girl I'm with now...I'm still here. And if you have people who care about you...you'll be fine."

Weiss momentarily lowers her head, in order to take a deep breath She then notices someone standing nearby, standing next to the exit door. Weiss smiles and waves at Velvet, who starts to walk towards the circle.

"Guys. This is the person, I've been telling you about." Velvet circles around the group, until she is standing behind Weiss. "Her name's Velvet. She and I have been together for quite some time." She holds Velvet's hand. "We both were affected from the Tragedy. Very hard. We both were there for each other. Comforted one another, when one of us had a breakdown. She makes me happy. And I do the same for her. I still think about Ruby and every one of my friends that I lost that day. But with Velvet, I learned to be happy again. And you can too. By believing in yourself and not giving up."

The group smile and nod in approval.

"We got to move on. We have to. Not just for those we lost. But for those, who support and care about us. Otherwise...we might as well be shadows of our former selves."

YANG'S HOUSE

Upstairs in Yang's house, in her room, lying on her bed, the blonde is asleep. And watching her from the doorway, Neo stands there, her arms crossed. After the incident last night, where Yang tried to have her kill the latter, Neo helped the blonde upstairs. And she sits by Yang's side and waits until the latter goes to sleep.

Neo notices that Yang starts to move a little, and a small little groan is heard from her mouth. Neo then proceeds to head downstairs, as Yang begins to wake up. She slowly rises and sits on the side of her bed, staring at the ground. Thinking about last night, she begins to shake upon realizing that she wanted to die then. Yang slowly places her hand onto her neck, where she placed Neo's blade on, resulting in some blood. She winces at the touch, but feels the bandage around her neck.

"I was sleeping near the graves. How did I get back...Neo?" Yang whispers.

That's when the scent of coffee reaches her nostrils.

Downstairs, in the kitchen, Neo is pouring in a fresh batch of coffee into a white mug. As she does this, Zwei is watching her. Neo turns to look at Zwei, raising an eyebrow. The sounds of footsteps from upstairs are starting to be heard. Neo then places the cup of coffee onto a tray, with a plate of eggs and toast. She carries the tray to the dining table. The footsteps get louder as Yang walks downstairs. Laying the tray down, Neo then awkwardly puts her hands behind her back and just stands there.

She then finally sees Yang, who turns to see the former waiting in the kitchen. Yang, surprised to see the ice-cream girl, slowly walks into the kitchen and sees the tray with breakfast and coffee on the dining table.

"You...you cook?" She asked.

All Neo does is smile and nods, before she sits down and take a second plate of food that was already there. Yang follows suit and sits down opposite of the girl. She takes a fork and proceeds to take some of the eggs and eating it. She then nods as the eggs were...delicious. Yang grabs the cup of coffee and slowly takes a sip, also nodding at the taste.

"This is...it's excellent." She said, before looking at Neo. "Thank you."

Yang also notices that Neo's plate is already empty, with the Neo just watching the former eat.

"You should probably stop staring, before it gets creepy."

Neo rests her elbows onto the table, and her hands under her head. Yang awkwardly eats as Neo keeps on staring. After a couple minutes, Yang sets her fork down the now-empty plate and lays back onto her chair.

"Thank you again, Neo." Yang said.

Neo nods and proceeds to load the plates onto the tray and take them to the sink. She is about to reach the sponge, when Yang talks.

"You don't have to do that. Really. You don't. I got it."

Yang stands up and walks to Neo, grabbing her shoulder. "Come on. We should talk."

LAKE

At a lake, where many people are either fishing, playing sports or playing their kids, one lone person sits at the edge. Jaune stares at the water, looking at his reflection.

"Hey, Arc."

Jaune slowly turns his head and is surprised to see Emerald standing next to him.

"Mind if I sit with you?"

Jaune just stares at Emerald for a few seconds, before nodding. Emerald then proceeds to sit next to Jaune, the two of them staring at the lake.

"So...you come here too?" Emerald asked. "Trying to get your mind off things."

"Yeah." Jaune said. "A lot has happened, these past few days. And it's...it's been very stressful." He turns to Emerald. "I'm jealous, you have it easy."

"...Easy?" Emerald said. "I'm only allowed to be either at home, the garden or here. It's kinda boring."

"Maybe. But I would still prefer your way."

Jaune and Emerald continue to keep staring at the lake for minutes, before Jaune stands up.

"Nice talking to you, Em." He said. "But I got a big day, today. And I need to get ready."

"How big?" Emerald asked.

"...Ozpin."

YANG'S HOUSE

As Zwei happily runs downstairs and onto his little bed in the little room, he watches as Yang and Neo sit across from one another. A couple minutes go by, before Yang eventually speaks.

"Neo." She said. "...Why...why didn't you do it?"

Neo tilts her head and has a confused look on her face.

Yang grabs her shaking hand and she controls her breathing, before she speaks. "...Why didn't you kill me? You had your blade on my throat. You had the perfect opportunity to end my life. But you didn't. Why?"

Neo then proceeds to take out her Scroll and begins typing away. After a couple minutes, she stops, stands up, sits next to Yang and gives her the Scroll. Yang begins reading Neo's message:

Originally, the goal was to kill your sister. I didn't know she was one of the fallen. But after what you told me, I switched my kill to you. But when I saw you on your knees, begging to die...when you forced that blade onto your neck...I didn't know what to do. But the reason, why I didn't kill you...was because you were in pain. You lost people. Your sister. Who you loved the most, more than anything in the world. I didn't kill you, because I know what it is like to have lost someone you loved.

Yang then sees Neo stand up and walks to a nearby window, staring outside, before continuing to read.

Roman was my world. I was an orphan, eating nothing but scraps to survive. When I was 15, he found me one day, crying and alone. He took me in. Taught me how to fight. Taught me everything that I needed to survive. I had been his loyal companion for 5 years, before...before the attack on Beacon. I desperately called for hours and hours, in order to contact him. But he never answered. Never found me. I was alone again...and I wanted to just end it all.

...But I didn't. I kept on going. And no matter what, I wouldn't let my grief overcome me, and I would keep on moving forward. But after last night, when I saw you, it just brought back those thoughts again. The pain. The sadness. Everything I felt, when Roman died.

Yang places the Scroll onto the couch and and stands up, walking towards Neo, who is still looking outside.

"Hey."

Yang places her hand on Neo's shoulder, slowly making the latter turn to her. She would then see the tears falling down Neo's face. Yang would then wrap her arms around the shorter girl, giving her a hug, while the latter wraps her arms back, sniffling. Yang slowly strokes the girl's hair.

"It's okay, Neo. It's okay."

Yang would spend the next 5 minutes comforting the sobbing Neo, whose face is pressed hard on the former's shoulder. The moment of comfort is interrupted by the sounds of knocking. Yang separates herself from Neo and walks to the door and opening it. She is surprised to see Goodwitch, standing outside.

"Good morning, Miss Xiao Long." Goodwitch said.

"Same to you." Yang said. "What are you doing here?"

"I am here in Patch, on business." Goodwitch answered. "And it happened that your home was along the way to my destination. So I wanted to relay a message from Ozpin, myself."

"...Ozpin." Yang said, slight anger in her voice. "The meeting's today. Isn't it?"

"Actually, I'm afraid not."

Yang looks at Goodwitch with confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"Unfortunately, due to a last minute matter, the Headmaster will not be in Beacon or Vale for a few days. And given that your meeting with him will be delayed until further notice. I have already informed Mr. Arc, given he was to join you in the meeting. I just wanted-"

Goodwitch would be interrupted as Yang angrily slams the door, startling the professor. Goodwitch sighs before she walks away. Inside, Neo is showing worry, upon seeing Yang resting one hand onto the door, while the other hand is shaking and clenching. Yang begins to get angry and is her breathing is heavy. And it would've been a moment of rage involving smashing everything. But it would never happen.

Yang feels someone's hand softly holding her fist, making her calm a bit. She turns to see Neo, who smiles softly. Tears fall down Yang's face, before she lowers her head.

NOON - OFFICE

Weiss sits alone in her office, ruffling through some papers. As she sits there, her eyes closed in thought, she opens them upon hearing the sounds of footsteps. Weiss smiles lightly upon seeing Blake, sit across from Weiss.

"Sorry I didn't attend your sessions, earlier." Blake said. "I was held up at a meeting with the mayor and his associates."

"It's fine." Weiss said. "I just hope you'll attend next week's meeting."

"I'll try." Blake answered. "I noticed Velvet isn't working today. Where is she?"

"I gave her the day off." Weiss answers. "She was still exhausted from last night. It's just the two of us here."

"...Good." Blake said, before turning her head to Weiss. "Look. I'm going to be very honest here. And I'm asking you, please, not to react to it badly."

"How bad can it be?"

"...You keep having those sessions. With people you barely know. Talking for an hour or 2 a week, telling every single one of them to let out what they want to say. You keep telling them that they should move on. And to find peace in their lives. They do. They eventually move on...but not us."

Weiss tilts her eyes down in sadness.

"Weiss...we can't move on. No matter how much we try...we're still going to feel the pain. I...I still feel the pain...the sorrow...the grief...I still feel it all. Yang still feels it. Jaune...you. We all do."

"...I'm trying." Weiss said. "I'm trying so hard to move on, Blake. I want to, so badly. Not just for me...but for Velvet. The first few months were the hardest for me. Kept going and going until one day...I tried to end it all."

Blake looks surprised and shocked. "What?"

"Velvet saved me. She's the reason why I'm still here. Why I'm still helping those who are grieving, to heal. All this...I'm doing it all for her. And I don't intend to fail."

Weiss then proceeds to take out a small box. Opening it up, she then shows the object to the more surprised Blake. Inside the box, contains a golden ring, with a diamond on top.

"Really?" Blake asked. "When?"

Weiss closes the box. "Whenever I feel like it's the right time."

"...Well...I wish you luck. And I'm...I'm sorry for what I just said."

"It's fine. I already knew we can't move on. But I'm going to try, Blake. And you have to as well. Yang, too. We all have to."

Blake nods and stands up. She then goes to Weiss and holds he hand out. Weiss takes it and shakes it.

"I'll be sure to attend next week." Blake said. "Promise"

EVENING - YANG'S HOUSE

Jaune stares outside Yang's house for a while, before sighing, knowing their chance to speak to Ozpin was delayed. And he wanted to check on her. He walks towards the house, seeing the lights on at the living room. As he is about to knock on her door, he is surprised to hear laughter happening from inside. Slightly smiling, but confused as to who else was inside the house, he then knocks. Juane hears footsteps get closer and closer, before the door is opened. Jaune notices from Yang as she appears, is that she is smiling.

"Hey." Yang said. "What's up?"

"...Um...I came to check up on you?" Jaune said.

Yang looks confused. "Why would you need to...oh. Right."

"Yeah. But it looks like you're doing well. You're smiling again. And I'm talking about a happy smile. What's going on?"

Yang starts to act a bit nervous. "Well...yeah...um..."

"Yang?" Jaune asked, a bit concerned. "What's going on?"

The sounds of clattering is heard from the kitchen, drawing the two's attention. Yang sighs as she pinches the bridge of her nose and Jaune looking a bit on alert.

"Just come in." Yang said, allowing Jaune to enter the house before closing the door. "And please don't freak out." She closes the curtains on her windows."

"Why?"

As Jaune asks Yang, the latter sees Neo peaking her head out from the kitchen doorway, looking a bit nervous. Jaune quickly turns to the doorway and raises his eyebrows.

"Yang. What is she doing here?"'

Jaune begins to walk towards Neo, who starts to back away.

"Don't."

Jaune hears that word and turns to look at Yang, who then stops in between the two.

"Please." She said. "Don't."

Jaune begins to look confused. "Yang. That's Neo. The girl who tried to kill you on the train."

"I know." Yang said. "I know."

Jaune then begins to notice the bandage around Yang's neck and looks a little shocked. He looks at Neo, with anger rising.

"Did you do this to her?" He exclaims. "DID YOU?"

Jaune tries to move Yang away to get to Neo, but Yang grabs Jaune by his arms. Jaune growls as he struggles to free himself. But he would then feel Yang's arms wrap around her, and her head resting on his chest.

"No." Yang said, her voice cracking. "Please. I'm begging you, Jaune. Let me explain."

Jaune, his anger still showing, lowers his head and taps Yang's back, prompting the latter to release. Yang gestures Jaune to the couch and they, along with Neo, sit down.

"Okay." Jaune said. "Yang. Why is she here?"

Yang is shaking her leg as she answers. "Jaune. You need to understand what happened last night. After you left and I came back here. And please don't be upset. Okay?"

"...I'll try."

Yang then touches the bandages on her neck. "Last night...Neo was here to kill...kill Ruby. She didn't know that...that Ruby was gone. So she aimed her goal towards me. She would've succeeded, too. But...Jaune...I be-" Her voice trembles for a bit, before speaking again. "I begged her to kill me."

Jaune is shocked upon hearing what Yang had said.

"I forced the blade onto my neck. And I begged and begged and begged." Tears fall down. "I wanted it to all be over. So I can stop suffering. But Neo...she hesitated."

Jaune looks at Neo, who lowers her head down.

"Neo didn't kill me last night...obviously. Because she knows how I feel."

"Really?" Jaune asked.

"Yeah. Torchwick was her only family. And he was taken from her. And like me, she's still grieving. She's trying to move on...like the rest of us, Jaune. But she can't. And further proves that we can't either. No matter what we do, we'll never be able to move on past what we've experienced."

Jaune clenches his fists hard.

"Jaune. What we have to do...the only thing that we can do...is to be there for those who are suffering like us. Like how Velvet was there for Weiss. And like you with Nora. We have to take care of each other. We got to. And Neo here..."

Juane then notices Yang lifting her hand to grasp onto Neo's.

"I'm going to be there for her...despite her past. I just hope...I just hope you and the others will accept my decision."

Jaune is silent as he looks at the two of them while tapping his fingers. After a couple minutes, he then proceeds to stand up. Yang looks with worry while Neo slowly goes behind her.

"...I'll give her a chance." Jaune said, hearing a relived sigh from Neo. " But...if anything happens to you, because of her...I'm hunting her down, Yang."

"I promise you, Jaune. That won't happen."

Jaune nods. "Fine. I should go. You know my sisters. I...I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

"We'll see." Yang answered.

Jaune nods again, before he proceeds to exit the house. Yang would then feel Neo's arms wraps around her, and her head resting on her back. The blonde would then smile. And she would then notice her heart is beating fast. And the last time she felt this way was-

Oh man. She thought.

1 WEEK LATER

Outside, quietly crouching and tending to the sunflowers in the front, Yang smiles as she places another seed into the soil. Faint footsteps are heard nearby. Yang turns and she sees Neo, who is throwing a stick, allowing Zwei to go fetch it. Yang smiles more upon seeing this and stands up. She wipes the sweat from he forehead and walks to the smaller girl.

"Man, that dog never stops." Yang said. "How long has it been?"

Neo types on her Scroll and shows the screen to the blonde. "40 minutes."

Yang raises her eyebrows. "Whoa. That's a new record." She checks her watch and looks surprised. "Alright. Time for lunch. Zwei! Come on!"

Normally, she would hear the sounds of a happy bark from the corgi. But Yang's smile fades when she hears nothing. Silence.

"Zwei?"

Again. Nothing. Neo looks at Yang with worry, as the blonde's breathing increases.

Yang then begins to move forward, trying to see if she could find her dog.

"Zwei! Stop messing around, boy! I'm not kidding!"

Yang frantically moves around and all she hears is silence. Then after a few seconds, she hears the familiar happy bark. Yang turns and looks to see Zwei running to her. She has a relieved sigh and grabs the corgi.

"Don't scare me like that!" She exclaims. "Okay?"

All Zwei does is bark, prompting the blonde to smile.

"What took you so long, anyways? Where'd you go?"

Yang then notices Neo next to her, but the smaller girl is looking another way with a surprised look. Yang turns to where she is looking and her eyes go wide in shock.

About 10 feet away, standing and holding his waist, which has bandages wrapped around...the Faunus with the tail looks in surprise.

"S...Sun?" Yang asked.

Sun Wukong, thought to have been a victim in the Tragedy a year ago...is standing a few feet from Yang, alive and well.

"Hey, Yang." Sun said. "Long time no see...I guess."

Yang sets Zwei down and watches Sun approach her.

"Neo." She said. "Stay behind me."

Neo grabs Zwei and goes behind Yang as Sun stops a couple feet away.

"Bit of a shock, huh?" Sun asked.

"...How...how are you alive?"

"...I don't know." Sun answered. "One minute I was turning to dust. Next thing I know...I'm back."

"Wh...when?" Yang asked.

"...A week ago. After we defeated Salem. Remember?"

Yang looks at Sun with confusion. "Is that how long you think it's been?"

"...Yeah? Why?"

Yang, though shaking from this, answers. "Sun...it's been a year, since Salem was killed."

VALE - STREET

"I'm still suspicious about Ozpin."

"I know, Weiss. You've already said it 3 times"

"Have I?"

Weiss looks at Velvet with a slight surprise as they sit at an ice cream parlor. Velvet is eating plain vanilla, while Weiss is having coffee-flavored.

"Yes." Velvet answered. "You have."

Weiss sighs. "Sorry. It's just...I don't know what Ozpin's up to. But I'm going to find out."

Velvet just smiles. "You will. But for now...let's just enjoy this moment."

Weiss watches Velvet eat her ice cream and just smiles.

Minutes later, the two of them are walking down a street, holding each other's hand.

"I alway loved that ice cream place." Velvet said. "Been going there since I was a little girl."

"Well I'm glad you enjoyed lunch." Weiss said. "That's all that matters. Making you happy."

Velvet smiles widely. "You know what else makes me happy even more?"

That's when Velvet suddenly grabs Weiss, dragging her to a nearby alleyway, before pinning her to the wall. Velvet wiggles her eyebrows before pressing her lips onto Weiss', who accepts. As the two of them make out as the people of Vale pass by the alleyway, the sounds of cluttering is heard in the shadows. Velvet and Weiss break away in order to see where the noise came from.

"Well, well."

The sounds of clapping is then heard, prompting Weiss to move in front of Velvet. That's when feet appear from the shadows. Then legs. Then a pair of clapping hands.

"How happy for the two of you. Especially for you...Schnee."

Weiss' eyes then go wide upon recognizing that voice. Velvet notices that her girlfriend is shaking.

"Do I sense fear? Good. That make killing you even more..."

The woman's hand is suddenly surrounded by fire, causing Weiss to slowly back away, bumping into Velvet. The woman then begins to walk forward, more of her coming out of the shadows until her face, with her left eye covered, is revealed, smiling evilly. Cinder Fall slowly walk towards the two of them.

"...Satisfying."

The sound of Velvet yelling is heard, making Weiss turn around and express shock. Velvet is looking down at her waist, which has a blade piercing through. Weiss sees someone wearing a mask with a skull design on it, having stabbed Velvet from behind. The man retracts the blade, causing Velvet to fall on her knees. Weiss quickly crouches down to hold Velvet as the man walks past her and stands next to Cinder.

"I made sure not to hit any vital organs, as you asked." The man said.

"Very good." Cinder said. "And now...I guess we'll just finish up here. Shall we?"

"Yes, ma'am".

The masked mad then proceeds to take out two swords that he had on him, while Cinder has her own swords out. As the two of them walk towards the couple, they don't notice the Glyph behind them. Weiss is helping Velvet to a nearby wall, the rabbit girl's back on it and nearly passed out. Weiss then slowly turns her head. She is not showing fear. Her eyes are wide and tears are falling. But instead, anger is shown. Cinder's smile fades to confusion.

"I'll kill you." Weiss growled out as she stands.

That's when Cinder and the guy then turn around to see it. A giant glowing suit of armor has its arms raised towards them.

"I'LL KILL YOU BOTH!"

The armor then proceeds to strike the ground, causing Cinder and her partner to dodge the attack. As the man dodges other attacks, while striking it, Cinder quickly turns around and notices that the their assailants are nowhere near, making her growl.

Carrying the wounded Velvet bridal style, Weiss does her best to run down the street.

"OUT OF THE WAY!" She screams, making people move as she ran past them.

And explosion is then heard nearby, causing the people of Vale to scream and run away. Weiss sees a car now on fire, having been blown up. Her eyes go wide upon seeing Cinder in the air, before the evil Maiden throws another fireball. Another car explodes nearby, making the people flee. Weiss summons Glyphs to make her go faster while still holding Velvet. Cinder yells as she keeps throwing more fire. They keep at this, before she throws one that causes the two to be blown back. Weiss quickly gets up and stands in front of Velvet. Cinder lands onto the street, with the masked man behind her.

"Running away is certainly not going to help you." Cinder said. "Best that you stay right where you are."

Weiss, anger still shown on her face, then has some Glyphs on the street, getting ready for a fight. As Cinder approaches the two, having turn her swords to a bow, her face suddenly turns to surprise as she looks at another direction. Weiss turns her head to see where she was looking. Someone is approaching down the street towards them, the fire obscuring their face. Cinder growls and fires an arrow at the. But the person was fast enough to dodge and grab it. As the arrow is dropped to the ground, the flames die out, revealing who she it.

Her head shoulder-length and a scar on her right cheek, Winter Schnee stands there, with her sword out and ready. Velvet and Weiss look in surprise to see her there. Cinder then suddenly turns her head to meet a flying pair of feet that strike her and sends her crashing into a building. Weiss watches as the Spring Maiden, Raven Branwen, presses a button on a device worn on her wrist. And the section where Cinder crashed into explodes in flames. The man tries to attack, but doesn't see the third person slide next to him. Next thing he knows, he screams as he is impaled by two blades from sickles. Emerald pulls them out and kicks the guy away.

Emerald quickly turns and sees Cinder leaping and about to strike. But Winter blocks the attack with her own sword. Together, she and Emerald dodge Cinder's attacks while applying their own towards the Maiden. They keep fighting until Cinder is kicked again by Raven. Cinder back towards the man as the trio walk towards them.

"You traitor." Cinder said. "After everything I did for you, Emerald."

"We don't want to kill you." Emerald said. "But we could try."

Cinder just looks at the three of them with anger. "You won't get that chance."

Cinder then yells as she summons a wall of fire, forcing the three to back away. She then takes the opportunity to fly away. Raven tries to follow, but is stopped.

"Don't." Winter said. "Remember what happened last time."

Raven growls before noticing Weiss applying pressure to Velvet's wound. She, Emerald and Winter walk towards the two. Weiss helps Velvet up as they see the three.

"She needs medical attention." Raven said, turning to Winter. "And don't bring up your stupid rules, Schnee. Just do it."

Winter looks at Weiss, who has a pleading look on her face. She then sighs. "Put her on the ship. We'll heal her there."

YANG'S HOUSE

Sun, Yang and Neo sit in Yang's living room in total silence. Sun, in complete shock, stands up and walks around.

"So...let me get this straight." Sun said, his voice shaking. "Salem actually did it?"

"Almost." Yang said. "She had all but one relic. So she only managed to kill a quarter of Remnant. A lot of people died that day, Sun. Including your team. Velvet's. Ironwood. Ren. R...Ruby."

Sun's breathing is shaking as she looks at Yang, who has her head lowered down.

"I'm...I'm so sorry, Yang."

Yang lifts her head, in near tears.

"...I used to have a happy life. I had a caring dad. I had a loving sister. And I had friends who loved me. I would fight with my life for them. And even though...they're gone...I'm trying to be better. I gotta be better."

Sun is about to speak when a loud sound fades in and gets louder. Yang stands up and looks out her window. She sees a small airship landing 10 feet from her house. The back of the airship opens. Yang is surprised to see Winter exiting and has a bit of a shocked expression upon seeing Raven, who stays next to the airship. Knocking is then heard from the front door, prompting Yang to open it.

"Miss Xiao Long." Winter said.

"Miss Schnee." Yang said. "Any reason why you landed that thing in my property."

"I do apologize for the sudden arrival. But I need you and Mr. Wukong to come with me immediately."

Sun appears next to Yang. "How did you-"

"Everything will be explained once we land in Vale." Winter answered.

"We?" Yang asked. "I'm not going anywhere. Not with her in there."

Yang points at Raven, is walks inside the airship."

Winter sighs. "Miss Xiao Long. I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter. A threat is here in Vale. And she's targeting all of you. Including Weiss."

"Who?" Sun asked.

"...Cinder Fall."

Yang's eyes go wide upon hearing this, making her grabs her shaking hand.

"We were tasked in bringing you and your friends to a safe location until the threat is over. It is your decision, Miss Xiao Long."

Yang turns around and looks at Neo, who was peaking from the kitchen, with a scared look on her face.

"...Okay." Yang said. "I'll go. Just give me a minute."

Yang closes the door and walks to Neo.

"Think you can watch Zwei for me, while I'm gone?"

Neo turns and looks at Zwei, who is sleeping in his bed. Neo gives Yang a thumbs up. Yang just smiles. "I don't know when I'll be back. So be patient."

Yang the proceeds to head back to the door, opening it. "Okay. Let's go."

AIRSHIP

Inside the airship, Velvet is trying to withhold screaming as a laser goes across her open wound, slowly closing it.

"Just a few more seconds." Emerald said, holding the laser above the wound. "It won't heal instantly. She'll need a couple hours of rest."

Weiss, who is tightly holding Velvet's hand, nods. She lowers her head and rests it on Velvet's as the latter lets out a small yelp of pain.

Emerald turns the laser off and sets it aside, before putting a bandage on top of the now-closed wound.

"Help her up."

Weiss grabs Velvet's head and back, slowly lifting her girlfriends up until Velvet's head rests on the wall behind her. Emerald then proceeds to wrap gauze around Velvet's waist.

The door to the room opens, making everyone inside turn to it. Weiss sees Yang entering. The blonde has shock on her face upon seeing the wounded Velvet being treated.

"What happened?"

Weiss lowers her head. "...Cinder happened."

Yang also then notices Emerald, who had finished wrapping the gauze. "And what are you doing here?"

Emerald looks at Yang. "Ensuring no one dies in this airship."

"You should be at your home. How long before Vale authorities find out-"

"They won't." Emerald said. "In fact, they released me...a month ago."

"What?"

"It'll be explained once we land."

"Land where?" Weiss asked, as she helps Velvet lie down.

"...I can't tell you. I'm under orders not to."

"What are you talking about?" Yang exclaims. "Under orders? Whose orders?"

"Yang!" Weiss exclaims. "Please. Not here."

Weiss gives Velvet a kiss on her forehead, before standing up, her head lowered and walking past Yang. The blonde angrily looks at Emerald before following Weiss into a small bathroom. There she sees Weiss shakily washing her hands to get rid of the blood that was on her. Yang looks with worry, hearing Weiss' breathing trembling.

"Are you hurt?"

Weiss slightly turns her head to Yang, before nodding. "No. No. I'm fine."

"...You're not."

Those words would then cause Weiss to slam her hands downs, scaring Yang. Weiss turns around and looks at Yang, anger in her face. She walks towards the door and exits, with Yang once again following her.

In the cockpit of the ship, Emerald is pinching the bridge of her nose as she listens to both Winter and Raven arguing.

"Our orders were simple! We only bring Yang with us! "

"The Faunus girl was wounded, Schnee!"

"Then take her to a hospital! We had orders!"

"Screw his orders! They're all bound to find out eventually!"

"Found out what?"

Raven and Winter both stop arguing upon hearing a the voice. They turn to see and angry Weiss standing near them. Raven then proceeds to see a Yang, who is both angry and surprised.

"Oh, shit." Emerald said, putting on a pair of headphones.

"Who exactly are you working for?" Weiss said, anger still in her voice. "Huh?"

"Weiss-" Winter said, trying to explain, before being interrupted.

"Don't 'Weiss' me! I'm asking a question. And I want answers, right now!"

"Everything will be explained once we land."

Weiss scoffs. "Yeah, yeah. That's what Emerald said as well. But the problem here: we don't even know where we're landing. Mainly because none of you wanna tell us what the hell is going on around here."

Winter turns to look at a direction, before turning away. "Oh, great. More people in here."

Weiss quickly turns and is shocked to see Sun, standing there.

"Hey, Weiss." He said.

"...Sun?"

"Yeah. I'm alive." Sun answered.

Weiss looks in disbelief. "H...how?"

"It's like I said!" Winter yells out. "Everything will be explained once we land!"

Winter then proceeds to sit down and rests her hands on her face. Raven looks at the three.

"It's very complicated." She said.

Yang then walks towards her mother, anger still showing. Raven doesn't move as her daughter stops a a few feet.

"Where have you been, Mom?"

"...Everywhere." Raven said. "Vacuo. Mistral. The smaller villages and cities all over Remnant."

"Doing what, exactly?"

"This and that. Mainly helping people. Killing Grimm. Anything to clear my head."

"...I see." Yang said. "That's why you left me again, huh? Just to clear your head? Whatever."

"Not just that." Raven answered. "...You weren't the only one, hurting as bad as you. You lost your family. I lost mine. Most of my tribe. And the survivors just abandoned me. People I took care of for many years...gone. And like you...I shut down. Just like your dad."

All Yang does is lower her head.

"You have every right to hate me, Yang. But don't think, I was affected by what Salem did."

Raven then proceeds to walk away, exiting the cockpit.

"Geez." Sun said.

Yang then turns to Winter. "Why was she here? You working together now? Emerald too?"

"Pretty much, yes." Emerald said, having taken her headphones off a minute ago. "But I'm only needed when I am needed."

Winter takes out her Scroll and types on it. "We're a minute away from our destination." She stands up. "And I promise that all your questions will be answered when we land. Weiss still has her anger when she leaves."

VALE - DOCKS

Sitting on a bench at the boating docks in Vale, Jaune is watching the ocean waves go back and forth from the winds. He sighs before standing up, walking down the docks with his hands in his pocket.

"Jaune?"

Jaune turns to see who was asking for his name. He sees Blake and Ilia walking towards him. "Oh, hey."

"What are you doing here?" Blake asked.

"What am I doing here? I was told to be here? What about you guys?"

"...Same thing." Ilia answered.

Jaune starts to look confused. "So...we've all been asked to be here. Who exactly asked you?"

"Goodwitch."

"Really? She asked me, too. What is going on?"

Ilia taps Blake's arm, making her and Jaune look at the direction. They see the same airship slowly approaching. They back away in order to make room for it to land. After a minute of waiting the backdoor of the ship opens. Jaune, Blake and Ilia watch as Yang, Weiss, and the others walk out of the ship, with one person wearing a black cloak and a mask.

They look surprised to see Winter, Raven and Emerald with the group.

"Who this guy?" Blake asked, pointing at the cloaked man.

"You questions will be asked in a few minutes." Winter answered. "But for now-"

"You will no longer need to wait any longer."

Everyone in the group all turn to hear who was just speaking. Walking towards the whole group, Oscar holds a smile, while using the cane to help with his leg, which is now limping.

"I do apologize for the inconvenience." Oscar said. "But Professor Ozpin needed to speak to you, urgently."

Oscar then notices that Yang is walking away from the group, in order to sit on the ground. He sighs before continuing.

"I'll be letting Oz take over, now. I'll see you guys in a few minutes."

Oscar's eyes the have a brief glow of light green, before his face shifts to one of seriousness.

"Thank you all for being here." Ozpin said. "I have summoned you all here, due a crucial moment that has happened this past week. One that has, so far, been a good change."

"What do you mean, a good change?" Weiss said. "How's anything good right now? Velvet's lying in that ship right now, recovering from Cinder's attack."

"Wait. What?" Jaune asked with anger in his voice.

"What are you talking about?" Blake said. "Answer us, Ozpin!"

Ozpin waits a few seconds before speaking. "It's true. Cinder Fall has been confirmed to have survived her fall in Haven. As well as surviving the Tragedy. Still a stupid name for such a tragic event. And just today, Miss Schnee and Miss Scarlatina were attacked by Fall and an associate. Winter, Miss Branwen and Miss Sustrai came to their aid. But Fall got away, while her associate died of his injuries. So any way of gathering information is lost for now. But we will find her and bring her to justice. But now...that wasn't the main reason why I brought you all here."

Ozpin then turns to the masked man. "You can take off the mask now. And to those who don't know...prepare for shock."

Everyone watches as the cloak is taken off first. Blake sees the familiar tail that causes her to go eyes-wide in shock and fear. Sun the proceeds to take off his mask and turns to her. "Hey, Blake."

Blake, shaking from the shock, falls and lands hard onto the ground, still staring at Sun, who she thought was dead.

"Sun?" Jaune said, shocked as well. "Is that you, man?"

Sun shakes his head. "Yeah. I'm back."

"But how?"

Sun turns to Blake, who is holding her waist and shaking back and forth, tears falling down her face.

"How? I watch you...in the forest...how?"

Ilia, worried, crouches down and holds Blake tightly, trying to comfort her. Yang shows worry upon seeing Blake, but doesn't move.

"I believe...I can answer your question, Miss Belladonna." Ozpin said. "I can actually answer all your questions. But bear with me. You will want to prepare yourselves for what I'm about to say." He turns to Yang. "Especially you...Miss Xiao Long."

Yang slowly stands up, anger showing. "Why?"

"...I tried. I really tried."

"Tried what?" Ilia asked.

"...I tried to bring them back."

THE END

Thanks for reading, guys. And as you see...I used elements of Avengers: Endgame for the story. And yes, I'll be using more from the movie to make the rest of this story. And no...there will be no time travel...okay, maybe a little bit. But I'll decide when the time comes.

And also...there will be another time skip like the one in the beginning of this story. Next chapter is coming soon. I don't know when...but it'll be here. Thanks. And have a good day or night.